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      I won Eurovision – now I have a ‘normal job’ and even worked in Tesco after song contest fame

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      EUROVISION fans would expect that winning the competition sets you up as a singer for life, but the reality can be very different. One vocal legend who clinched a win for Ireland has since spoken about how she went on to live a normal life after the song contest, even working in her local grocery chain.Niamh Kavanagh won Eurovision in 1993Credit: ReutersShe has gone on to work regular jobs since the crowning momentCredit: PAHer winning song for Ireland was In Your EyesCredit: EPANiamh Kavanagh, 56, shared that Eurovision used to be branded ‘the kiss of death’ for singers.She won for her performance of In Your Eyes in 1993. While Niamh was delighted to represent her country in the competition, she has told of how she used to get quizzed about her lack of success afterwards.The singer shared: “I think sometimes we look back on Eurovision with rose coloured glasses because obviously we often talk about the glory years in the ’90s when we were winning, yet my first question from nearly every journalist at the time was ‘how do you feel about the kiss of death Eurovision is?read more in music”At one time, a journalist asked me about how I dealt with the lack of success in my career despite the fact that I have been very successful in my life, in my whole life.”And I went, really, is that just because I have Eurovision on my CV?”Niamh, who emphasized that she has ‘wonderful memories’ from that time in her life, stayed humble despite the big win.The champion even went to work at her local Tesco – at the same time as her son.Most read in MusicIn an exclusive interview with the Irish Sun, she joked: “My youngest boy and I got the same kind of job so we were in the same induction day in Tesco which was hilarious.”You know a 17-year-old and his 52-year-old mother, even if you think they’re great you’re sitting there thinking, ‘Oh god it’s so morto’.80s Eurovision icon Johnny Logan has ‘aged like a fine wine’ since competition win 44 years ago “It’s lucky because I’m known as Niamh Kavanagh and he’s known as Megahey, my married name.”For a little while, people didn’t know he was my son. He wasn’t for telling them.”Eurovision Song Contest entries 2024Here are all of the acts taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
      In 1999, a rule change allowed the United Kingdom, along with France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, to automatically qualify for the final, as they bring in the most revenue for the Song Contest.
      They are joined in an automatic place in the final by the 2023 winning country, Sweden.
      All the acts completing in Eurovision are:

      Albania – Besa – Zemrën N’dorë
      Armenia – LADANVIA – JakoAustralia
      Australia – Electric Fields – One Mikali (One Blood)
      Austria – Kaleen – We Will Rave
      Azerbaijan – FAHREE ft. Ilkin Dolatov – Özünlə Apar
      Belgium – Mustii – Before The Party’s Over
      Croatia – Baby Lasagna – Rim Tim Tagi Dim
      Cyprus – Silia Kapsis – Liar
      Czech Republic – Aiko – Pedestal
      Denmark – SABA – Sand
      Estonia – 5miinust & Puuluup – (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi
      Finland – Windows95man – No Rules!
      France – Slimane – mon-amour
      Georgia – Nutsa Buzaladze – Firefighter
      Germany – Isaak – Always On The Run
      Greece – Marina Satti – ZARI
      Iceland – Hera Björk – Scared of Heights
      Ireland – Bambi Thug – Doomsday Blue
      Israel – Eden Golan – Hurricane
      Italy – Angelina Mango – La Noia
      Latvia – Dons – Hollow
      Lithuania – Sllvester Belt – Luktelk
      Luxembourg – TALI – Fighte
      Malta – Sarah Bonnici – Loop
      Moldova – Natalia Barbu – In The Middle
      Netherlands – Joost Klein – Europapa
      Norway – Gäte – Ulveham
      Poland – LUNA – The Tower
      Portugal – iolanda – Grito
      San Marino – Megara – 11:11
      Serbia – Teya Dora – RAMONDA
      Slovenia – Raiven – Veronika
      Spain – Nebulossa – ZORRA
      Sweden – Marcus & Martinus – Unforgettable
      Switzerland – Nemo – The Code
      Ukraine – Aloyna Aloyna & Jerry Heil – Teresa & Maria
      United Kingdom – Olly Alexander – Dizzy More

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      Noughties singer songwriter, 42, has barely aged a day 18 years after number one smash hit

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      IN 2006, this singer was wishing she was a punk rocker with flowers in her hair. And 18 years later, Sandi Thom hasn’t aged a day – and is becoming the revolutionary she spoke about in her hit song. Sandi stormed to stardom in 2006 with I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker with Flowers in My HairCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdNearly 18 years on Sandi is still creating music as an independent artistCredit: @sandi_thom/instagramThe Scottish songstress stormed the charts in the mid 2000s with her catchy bop, reaching number one with I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker in the UK. Starting life streaming from MySpace and gigging from her London flat, Sandi was signed to RCA Records and soon stormed the charts. It even knocked off Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy from the top spot on the UK Top 40. I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker gained international attention, even becoming the biggest selling single of 2006 in Australia. READ MORE THROWBACKSShe followed up the success with her debut album, Smile… It Confuses People, which also reached number one, and sold over a million copies across the globe. However, after Sandi’s second album, The Pink And The Lily, was rushed out in 2008, she was subsequently dropped from RCA Records after the record’s poor performance. Sandi later explained she felt too rushed with producing her second record. In the years that followed, Sandi struggled to get her songs played – culminating in a heartbreaking video in which the weeping songstress said radio broadcasters weren’t putting her song Earthquake on their playlist. Most read in ShowbizShe said in part in the clip, which was later deleted: “Honest to God I’m f**king sick to death of the bulls**t this industry pulls on people like me and I’ve had it. Enough. I’m done.” Despite this setback, Sandi has continued to produce and create albums as an independent artist – with four more albums now under her belt.Scots popstar Sandi Thom saves stray dog after finding it wandering aloneShe has been sharing her songs on TikTok, including covers of Abba hits and the iconic What’s Up by 4 Non Blondes, and asking fans for advice on what will make her latest release. In March this year, she released her latest single, folk track Revolution Anthem (Song For The Oppressed), which hits on geopolitical issues including Brexit, and taking aim at world leaders and MPs including Boris Johnson, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.Speaking of I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker, which she remixed and re-released last year, she told PA: “It doesn’t feel like that long ago, it pretty much feels like yesterday to me.”I think because the legacy of the song lives on in perpetuity, it’s always alive for me and for the people that love it.”Sandi has been teasing a new release on TikTokCredit: @sandi_thom/instagramThe singer performs covers online as well as her classic hitCredit: @sandi_thom/instagramSandi’s first album reached number one but her second caused her label to drop herCredit: Getty More

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      80s pop icons spark reunion rumours as they meet in New York 25 years after Brit awards and controversial festival show

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      ERASURE have reunited in New York City – prompting rumours they could be making new music together. The iconic 80s band, responsible for hit A Little Respect, shared a photo from their time together in Manhattan. Andy Bell and Vince Clarke teased potential new music with a reunion in New YorkCredit: Instagram / @erasureinfoThe band were megastars in the 80s and 90s with their synth-pop soundCredit: RexAndy Bell and Vince Clarke got peoples’ interests by suggestively writing the date (Sunday, 5 May) alongside the caption “plotting and planning”. The news thrilled fans on X (formerly Twitter), who immediately started speculating what they had up their sleeves. “Let’s GO! Gotta see Erasure again live soon, it’s been way too long!” wrote one fan. “So thrilled you two are still working together all these years later,” said a second, while a third noted: “New album? Would kill for a follow up to Erasure” READ MORE 80SErasure released their debut album Wonderland in 1985, and in the following year they broke into the UK charts with their single, Sometimes. Since that time, they have released a staggering 19 albums, with their last being 2022’s Day-Glo (based on a true story). They won Best British Group at the 1989 Brit Awards, with other hit tracks including A Little Respect, Always, Chains of Love and Breath of Life. Andy Bell has also had a successful solo career, while Vince Clarke became a founding member of two more iconic bands, Depeche Mode and Yazoo. Most read in ShowbizHowever, Bell caused controversy in August last year after he was panned due to a festival performance that caused the show bosses to apologise for the show. Performing at Rewind South Festival in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, fans accused Bell – who arrived on stage in gold sparkly hotpants over red leggings – of singing out of tune.Music video for A Little Respect by ErasureAt one point he even dropped his microphone as he performed Erasure hits on stage, resulting in a mass walk out. The festival was not made aware of any situation that would lead to this below par performance in advance of the show.”The artists and their management are responsible for delivery of their set and at no point were we notified that there was going to be any problem, so were not in a position to assess this before it was too late,” the festival’s statement read in part. Erasure’s Biggest Hits Erasure was one of the most successful bands of the 80s – with five number one albums and 17 UK Top 10 Singles. These include…

      Sometimes (1986) – peaked at number 2 
      Victims Of Love (1987) – peaked at number 7
      A Little Respect (1988) – peaked at number 4 
      Drama (1989) – peaked at number 4 
      Love to Hate You (1991) – peaked at number 4
      Blue Savannah (1989) – peaked at number 3
      Breath of Life (1992) – peaked at number 8 
      Always (1994) – peaked at number 4 
      Run To The Sun (1994) – peaked at number 6 

      They also reached number one with an EP of ABBA covers, called ABBA-Esque.

      “Once the show was underway, we felt that it would be better to allow it to continue in the hope that this would be an improving situation – this clearly wasn’t the case.” However it seems Andy is now ready to carry on, with fans waiting with bated breath to hear news about any upcoming performances. But 2024 got off to a heartbreaking start for the band, with Vince’s wife Tracy, a filmmaker, publicist and museum curator, dying from stomach cancer. Tracy and Vince lived in Manhattan, and share their 18-year-old son, Oscar. The band have released 19 albums over the past 40 yearsCredit: ReutersThe iconic band were responsible for tracks including Sometimes and A Little RespectCredit: Getty More

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      West end musical Choir Man is a rip-roaring riot of a night that will have you dancing like you just don’t care

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      NINE MEN in a pub, singing their hearts out.And that, in its simplest form, is the premise of Choir of Man, playing at the Arts Theatre, London.It is a feel good musical for the whole pubCredit: © Richard DavenportAudience members, be they lucky or unlucky, can get pulled up on stage during the showCredit: © Richard DavenportThe clues in the title, obviously, but considering all of them play an astonishing range of instruments as well, it feels more like a wonderful bar concert than a West End musical. We’re told this is a proper pub, that’s stood the test of time.A place to get together, where good folk sing about their lives, with no judgement, and everybody knows your name. Like Cheers on steroids, basically.And the audience are the customers for the night – you can even order a pint on the stage – and several are handed out throughout the performance, as well as crisps catapulted into the crowd.READ MORE REVIEWSThere’s the hard man, the romantic, the landlord, and the joker amongst the crew.And whatever mood you’ve arrived in to watch the show, I guarantee you’ll leave with the biggest smile on your face. A bit like a trip down your local pub, in fact.This isn’t some complicated, serious stage show punctuated by songs.This is pure, unadulterated fun. There isn’t even much of a story line – basically blokes having a nice chat and a sing.Most read in ShowbizAs long as you’re prepared for that, you can just sit back, relax, sip a pint, and take pleasure in their pure, joyful voices and happy smiling faces, which actually look genuine.  And, if you’re lucky enough (or unlucky – depending on your self-confidence), you could even get plucked out the crowd and pulled on stage for a pint, a special serenade, a dance, or just to build towers out of bar mats.A new cast has just taken over – which may account for the sheer enthusiasm every song is tackled with.But they looked pretty convincing – especially when you learn a little about each character, and it turns out we’re hearing the actual backstories of the real men up there.  Throughout we’re treated to an incredible array of songs – from Avicii to Adele, Bon Jovi and Guns and Roses, to 500 miles and the pina colada song.And there’s some beautiful choral arrangements in there too, as a special treat.It’s 90 minutes straight through, no interval – and there’s some lovely lessons to learn along the way. So in short, go see Choir of Man – it may sound weird on paper, but in the flesh it’s a rip-roaring riot of a night that will have you dancing, smiling and waving your hands in the air like you just don’t care.Choir of Man★★★★★A new cast has just taken over – which may account for the sheer enthusiasm every song is tackled withCredit: © Richard Davenport More

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      George Michael pop ballad voted nation’s favourite song for sixth year in row

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      GEORGE Michael’s Careless Whisper has been voted as the nation’s favourite song — for a sixth year in a row. The track — written by the late singer and Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley — topped Smooth Radio’s annual All Time Top 500.George Michael’s Careless Whisper has been voted as the nation’s favourite song — for a sixth year in a rowCredit: GettyIt was chosen in a vote by more than 60,000 listeners and was its seventh time at the top.Released in 1984, it featured on album Make It Big. The song has also had more than one billion views on YouTube.George, who died aged 53 in 2016, was also voted the station’s favourite ­artist last year. read more on george michaelIn December, his hit Last Christmas was No1 for the first time, 39 years after its release.George Michael Entertainment said of Careless Whisper’s win: “We are delighted that Smooth Radio listeners and George’s loyal fans have, once again, for the sixth consecutive year, voted for George Michael’s Careless Whisper as their number one song in Smooth’s All Time Top 500 for 2024.“In this year, the 40th anniversary of its release, this is an incredible achievement, as Careless Whisper has now topped Smooth’s chart for a total of seven years.“We know that George would be proud and truly grateful, just as we are, for the continued support of Smooth Radio, its listeners and his loyal fans around the world. Most read in Music”Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”Royal Mint unveil brand new collectable coin honouring music icon George Michael More

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      Olly Alexander reveals secret ‘super power’ which drove him to success as he prepares to represent the UK at Eurovision

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      YEARS & YEARS’ Olly Alexander is the UK’s most high-profile Eurovision entry in more than a decade.He has had five Top Ten hits, Bafta and Brit nominations and even his own waxwork at Madame Tussauds.Olly Alexander is the UK’s most high-profile Eurovision entry in more than a decadeCredit: PAOlly had five Top Ten singles, Bafta and Brit nominations and even his own waxwork at Madame TussaudsCredit: SplashOlly rehearsing Dizzy at the Second Rehearsal of the Grand Final at Malmo Arena in SwedenCredit: PANow Olly will be competing in the most-watched contest in the world this weekend in Malmo, Sweden, with his song Dizzy.But the road to the final has been a rocky one.The singer has admitted he was driven to perform by relentless bullying as a child — and now wants to inspire other youngsters with his performance, which will be watched by more than 160million people worldwide.Olly said: “At school I was picked on and I just felt like something was wrong with me, like I was just different from other people in a way that was really bad.Read More on Showbiz“People would make fun of me and call me gay even before I had any idea of my sexuality.“But music and performing and drama, like, the weirder you were, the more unique you were. It kind of worked in your favour.“If you stood out, people remembered you, and I’m actually really good at something. I have this secret power. So I really just followed that feeling and I haven’t stopped.”Olly, 33, will deliver a boxing-themed dystopian performance which he promises will be “really gay” in a bid to promote equality on Saturday.Most read in CelebrityDespite already being straight through to the final, you can see him showcase Dizzy in tonight’s first semi-final show, which is broadcast on BBC One at 8pm.And although Olly will only be on stage for three minutes, he started rehearsals on a slanted stage two months ago with his team of four dancers.Olly Alexander teases new EuroVision entry song The song was created with top producer Danny L Harle, 34, who recently co-wrote much of Dua Lipa’s new album.And although Olly will only be on stage for three minutes, he started rehearsals on a slanted stage two months ago with his team of four dancers.He said: “The power that has — the TV going out into living rooms across the world — feels really big.“You know, for a lot of people, it’s not safe for them to be themselves, not safe for them to express their sexuality. I’m really lucky that I can, and I can do that in this really big, bold way.”UK commentator Graham Norton thinks that will do wonders for his chances, although Baby Lasagna for Croatia is the favourite to win.Graham said: “Having a bona fide pop star representing the UK this year is a great start.“Olly has already done all the things that it’s impossible to prepare someone for.“He has played to huge crowds, he can relate to the cameras and he is used to high-pressure situations.“Add to that the fact the song is a massive bop, and I think we could do really well this year.”But despite it being an occasion of bonkers, brilliant and beautiful pop, this year’s contest has run into geopolitical controversy due to Israel taking part.Many fans have called for their entry to be disqualified because of the conflict in Gaza, maintaining they should suffer the same fate as Russia, which has been excluded since 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine.But the acts themselves are now facing abuse for not withdrawing from the contest in solidarity with Palestine, with campaigners even picketing a performance from Olly in London last month.Eurovision bit
      DESPITE it being 50 years since ABBA won with Waterloo, when the contest was staged in Brighton, the four members won’t be reuniting on stage at the final.
      But the contest’s scriptwriter Edward af Sillen has teased there will be a treat for fans.
      He told the official Eurovision podcast: “We have a surprise coming up for the final, which I can’t get into now.
      “If you know Sweden and you know ABBA, you know you can’t get the four of them together again.”

      In a new BBC documentary, Olly Alexander’s Road To Eurovision, the singer cried as he explained: “A lot of the contestants and myself have been having a lot of comments that are like, ‘You are complicit in a genocide by taking part in Eurovision’. Which is quite extreme . . . it’s very extreme. I understand where that sentiment is coming from but I think it’s not correct.“It’s an incredibly complicated political situation, one that I’m not qualified to speak on.“The backdrop to this is actual immense suffering. It’s like a humanitarian crisis, a war, you know? And it just so happens there’s a song contest going on at the same time, that I’m a part of.“Eurovision is meant to be an apolitical contest but that’s like a fantasy.”As a left-wing, gay pop star, the woke generation would usually support Olly, but many of them have even turned on him.He added: “I deleted all my social media because the comments are just so insane. There’s a lot of love and support but there’s a lot of . . . they are brutal.”More than 20,000 protesters are expected to picket events in the lead-up to the final this week in Malmo, and Olly has been given a private security team as a precaution.The Israeli act, Eden Golan, 20, has been warned not to leave her hotel room other than for her performance.‘Brutal comments’And the terror threat is now so high that Swedish police have asked for help from neighbouring countries Denmark and Norway.All bags of any size have been banned from Malmo Arena and drone-mounted cameras will be used to monitor crowds.But Olly is keeping his head down and powering on, as he has done throughout his time in the spotlight. He formed his band Years & Years in 2010 with mates Mikey Goldsworthy and Emre Turkmen.They had huge hits such as Shine and King on their 2015 debut album, Communion.The Israeli act, Eden Golan has been warned not to leave her hotel room other than for her performanceCredit: AFPThe terror threat is now so high that Swedish police have asked for help from neighbouring countries Denmark and NorwayCredit: EPABut the trio faced creative differences making their 2018 follow-up Palo Santo and in 2021 it was announced his bandmates had quit and he was continuing the band as a solo project.Olly then went on to acting, playing Ritchie Tozer in 2021’s Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin.The heart-wrenching series, following a group of gay men during the HIV/AIDS crisis in London, was critically acclaimed.However, fearing any subsequent role could not live up to the plaudits, Olly returned to music. He released one more album, 2022’s Night Call under the name Years & Years before moving to performing under his own name.And, having not entered the Top Ten in six years, despite collaborations with Kylie Minogue and Sir Elton John, a lot is riding on this Eurovision performance.It is fair to say the UK does not have a great track record at the contest, finishing bottom in 2019 and 2021, then ending up 25th out of 26 last year.Last chance saloonBut in 2022 there was the whirlwind success story of Sam Ryder, who placed second with his song Space Man — our best result in 24 years.Bookmakers Coral are currently saying the UK is 50-1 to win, with odds of 8-1 to finish last and 16-1 to score the dreaded nul points.And Olly doesn’t sound too confident either.He said: “I’m probably not going to win.“The performance is challenging so success will be not falling over and managing to hit the high note.”But it does risk being something of a last-chance saloon for Olly, because an embarrassment at the contest can make you a pariah in the industry.People would make fun of me and call me gay even before I had any idea of my sexuality. But music and performing and drama, whatever, like, the weirder you were, the more unique you were. It kind of worked in your favourOlly AlexanderIn 2022, his European tour was cancelled amid underwhelming ticket sales and he has admitted he needs some new life pumped into his career.On why he is taking part, he said: “I’m ten years into my music career and I haven’t had a big hit for a while. I’m not Dua Lipa — I’m not streaming crazy amounts. This is a route to lots of people hearing your song. I think that’s really helpful.”There have been moments of self-doubt, too, but he is trying to put those thoughts to the back of his head.He said: “I still feel though sometimes, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t do it, it’s all going to go terribly wrong.“‘I’m just the wrong person to be here, like oh my God’, you know what I mean?“But I actually can do it and I get this amazing platform so I’m just going to make sure I get out there and do a really good job.”It is almost show time. Do us proud, Olly.Eurovision bit
      REIGNING champion Loreen will return to the stage at the grand final to give a special performance.
      The singer, who is the only woman to have won the contest twice, said: “I’m elated to grace the Eurovision final stage in Malmo this year. It’s bound to be a deeply emotional journey.
      “Your unwavering support always leaves me spellbound.
      “This performance is my sincere tribute to the cherished community and fans who shower me with love. Consider it my heartfelt gift to you all.”

      7 acts to watchCROATIA: Baby Lasagna – Rim Tim Tagi Dim. Odds: 13/8 favouriteRIDICULOUSLY catchy. All about leaving your small hometown as he sings: “I’m a big boy now, I’m going away and I sold my cow.” Italian singer Angelina Mango poses on the turquoise carpet before the opening ceremony for the 68th EurovisionCredit: AFPBesa from Albania attends the event ub styleCredit: GettyBambie Thug from Ireland was also pictured on the turquoise carpetCredit: GettyBaby Lasagna is the solo project of Croatian singer Marko PurisicCredit: SplashAlthough it is inspired by folk music in Croatia, Baby Lasagna, whose real name is Marko Purisic, sings the track in front of a backdrop of neon dancing cats.IRELAND: Bambie Thug – Doomsday Blue. Odds: 8/1WACKY enough to win over new fans. Bambie claims to be a witch and sings about casting spells in the track, which veers from screamo rock to soft and soothing vocals in the chorus alone.On stage, Bambie is surrounded by a ring of candles and dances with a man dressed as a dark devil.FINLAND: Windows 95 Man – No Rules! Odds: 100/1AN outsider for the crown but will definitely bring a smile. Despite the name, the act is actually a duo. Frontman Teemu Keisteri, known for his trademark denim hotpants, will be dancing and singing with fireworks strapped to him. Keen not to be upstaged, his bandmate emerges from a gigantic denim egg, naturally.ALBANIA: Besa – Titan. Odds: 200/1A BEAUTIFUL mid-tempo number but as the second act to perform on Thursday, she has a fight on her hands.It is famously unlucky to be one of the first to sing, but hopefully people won’t have forgotten about her by the time it comes to the voting.ITALY: Angelina Mango – La Noia. Odds: 5/1AT 23, she is one of the youngest participants but her song is a crowd pleaser which will get the whole arena dancing.She sings in Italian but it is inspired by Latin American folk music and also raps on the track.FRANCE: Slimane – Mon Amour. Odds: 12/1THE inevitable heartfelt ballad – and it is a really good one. READ MORE SUN STORIESExpected to be the favourite among the music juries but might get lost in the public vote due to simple staging singing alone on a smoky platform.NETHERLANDS: Joost Klein – Europapa. Odds: 12/1HAPPY hardcore tune has been a smash hit in the Netherlands.Visually, it will stick in viewers’ minds too, thanks to Joost’s gigantic shoulder pads, and his best mate on stage who is dressed as an enormous blue bird.How it works
      AS one of the “Big Five” contributors to the European Broadcasting Union, the UK has already qualified for the final alongside acts for France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
      As last year’s winners, Sweden is also automatically through.
      But the remaining 31 nations will battle it out in semi-finals for 20 places in Saturday’s show.
      The first semi will be broadcast live on BBC One at 8pm tonight, with the second on Thursday, also on BBC One at 8pm.
      But viewers will still get a chance to see Olly’s performance before Saturday, as he will showcase his song Dizzy during tonight’s show. More

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      British pop superstar’s brother following in her footsteps by launching music career

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      DUA LIPA is flying high as one of Britain’s leading music acts – and her brother could soon follow suit.I’ve learned Gjin, 18, pictured below in 2019, is cutting his teeth as a music producer after forging a friendship with rapper AJ Tracey.Dua Lipa’s younger brother Gjin, (pictured in 2019 with Dua and parents Dukagjin and Anesa) is embarking on a music careerCredit: AlamyDua’s is currently on course to top the charts with her third album, Radical Optimism, which came out on FridayCredit: GettyThey met three and a half years ago while doing cameos in Dua’s live-streamed lockdown concert, Studio 2054, and are now working together.A music insider said: “Gjin really knows his stuff when it comes to hip-hop and grime. “During lockdown he got really into music production and now he is making tentative steps to work in that field.“Being mates with AJ has been really inspiring for him too. read more on dua lipa”His music is totally different from what his big sister does and will be more behind the scenes as a producer.”Dua’s third album, Radical Optimism, came out on Friday and is on course to top the charts, toppling Taylor Swift.Last week we revealed that Dua is in talks with legend Cyndi Lauper to come out as a special guest during her Glastonbury headlining set.A source said: “Dua is raring to go for Glastonbury and she can’t wait for people to hear her new music.Most read in Celebrity“She knows the record will strike a chord with her fans but for the old school muso’s at the Farm, she wants a touch of nostalgia.“Kevin Parker from Tame Impala, who worked on Radical Optimism with Dua is another.Move over the Momager – siblings have become the new movers and shakers in the careers of many A-list celebrities“She wants this set to go down in history.” More

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      Lily Allen admits she resented ‘mean’ Elton John after writing emotional letter – which she forgot to send

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      Lily Allen spent years hating on Sir Elton John after thinking he blanked an emotional letter she sent him.The Smile singer was managed by a company he owned for a few years, and they would regularly talk.Lily Allen spent years hating on Sir Elton John after thinking he blanked an emotional letter she sent himCredit: GettyLily later admitted she had forgotten to send the letter to Sir EltonCredit: GettyElton even offered her his home in the South of France to stay in during a tricky period.She poured her heart out in a note to him when she left his management company and was devastated when he didn’t respond.Lily explained: “Over the next few years as my life began to spiral out of control, I held much resentment for the fact that I’d made myself very vulnerable in this letter and told him all about my sobriety.“He’s a sober person so I thought he would have responded to this letter.READ MORE ON LILY ALLEN“I was quite cross with him for a few years. I thought it was mean of him.”But she added on her Miss Me? podcast: “Then, when I moved here to America, I was unpacking and I found the letter.“I hadn’t sent it. I’d been harbouring all of this Elton resentment.”Awkward.Most read in BizarreCheek out BeyBeyonce racked up more than a million likes when she shared pics of herself in this pair of chapsCredit: InstagramThe singer didn’t even seem to have a reason for getting all dressed up, as she posted the images without a captionCredit: InstagramThe bottom line is Beyonce racked up more than a million likes when she shared pics of herself in this pair of cheeky chaps.She put the photos of the grey cowboy outfit on Instagram.Beyonce steals Super Bowl spotlight by abruptly dropping two singles and announcing new album after Halftime ShowThe Texas Hold ’Em singer didn’t even seem to have a reason for getting all dressed up, as she posted the images without a caption.Fresh from the success of her latest album Cowboy Carter, fans are poised for her to announce another tour, following on from 2023’s sell-out Renaissance dates.But given those were so popular, getting tickets for her next tour will likely be even harder.Boot it like BeckhamsCruz Beckham is wearing a surgical boot just like his mum VictoriaCredit: Click News and MediaVictoria Beckham been wearing a surgical boot since February when she fractured her footCredit: Click News and MediaCruz Beckham is a fan of the bootiful game – just like his mum Victoria.Posh has been wearing a surgical boot since February when she fractured her foot.Now her lad is sporting one too.He was out and about in London at the weekend but seemed to be able to move without crutches – so it doesn’t look like anything too serious.Have the Beckhams got uneven floors in their house or something?Drake in Ken feud fake talesKendrick Lamar and Drake’s feud is rumbling on for another day, with the latter dropping an extra track badmouthing his rap rival.The Heart Part 6 was released in the early hours of yesterday, and in it, Drake claims to have secretly fed fake stories to Kendrick for his diss tracks, such as the claim the Canadian star has a secret daughter.In the song, Drake raps: “We plotted for a week and then we fed you the information, a daughter that’s 11 years old, I bet he takes it.”He also slams Kendrick for referring to him as a “paedophile” on his song Not Like Us at the weekend.Drake, above, replies: “I’ve never been with no one under age, but now I understand why this the angle that you really mess with.“Just for clarity, I feel disgusted. I’m too respected. If I was f***ing young girls, I promise I’d have been arrested.”At least that’s cleared up.Rita’s got some Y-frontSinger Rita Ora wore this checked coat over a top and pants as she left her hotel for a clothes fitting in New YorkCredit: SplashRita Ora hadn’t even made it to the Met Gala red carpet . . . But 24 hours before fashion’s biggest night, she was already making sure that all eyes were on her.The R.I.P. singer wore this checked coat over a top and pants as she left her hotel for a clothes fitting in New York.Loads of celebrities jetted into the Big Apple ahead of the annual fashion bonanza, which was due to get under way in the early hours of this morning.I’ll bring you all the gossip tomorrow.Win gig ticketsThere are a pair of gig tickets for Nicki Minaj, above, Eagles, Pearl Jam, Doja Cat, and Moby up for grabsCredit: GettyThanks to our friends at Live Nation, we have some amazing tickets to give away to celebrate Concert Week.There are a pair of tickets for Nicki Minaj, Eagles, Pearl Jam, Doja Cat, and Moby up for grabs – and it couldn’t be easier to enter. Head to thesun.co.uk/concertweek and fill in your details. You could see Pearl Jam in Manchester or London, Eagles in Manchester or Moby in London. Nicki is in Glasgow, Birmingham, London, and Manchester. If you prefer Doja, catch her in Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle, or London.Live Nation’s Concert Week is offering fans more than 40,000 tickets from £25 for some of the biggest shows this year, from pop superstars to legendary rock bands, so keep an eye out for promotions. Good luck all!Rebel Wilson says she did not originally use weight loss drug Ozempic to shift 35kg.But she told the Diary of a CEO podcast: “I wish I had known about it in 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If I’d known about it, I would have tried it, 100 per cent.”She took it after having her daughter in 2022 and added: “I was very worried that the weight would come back on.” More