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      Britain’s Got Talent winner left on brink of bankruptcy and living back with his parents after show success

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      ONE man knows better than most that success on Britain’s Got Talent isn’t a golden ticket to “happy ever after”.Singer Jai McDowell found himself on the brink of bankruptcy a few years after taking home the £100k prize in 2011.Jai McDowell found himself on the brink of bankruptcy a few years after winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2011Credit: RexAn audience of 13 million people watched Jai take home the £100k prize moneyCredit: RexHe wowed audiences with his voice when 13million watched him get crowned champion.But for the first time, he has spoken in detail about how the dazzling high was followed by years of lows.With the latest series of BGT in full swing, Jai, said in an exclusive chat: “My experience of BGT was great.“Afterwards, for the first year, obviously you get all the work and all the good things. read more on bgt”And that’s when it starts to go south.“I had about eight months and then Sony didn’t renew my one album deal and it’s still quite a difficult thing to deal with.“I went from a normal guy who wasn’t in the industry, to then being on the telly.“People know your name before you know theirs and it’s such a mindf*** that it’s so hard to deal with.Most read in Celebrity“It created such a tumultuous time for me that I didn’t deal with it very well.” Jai said he erred on the side of caution after his win, choosing to have early nights to protect his voice instead of wild evenings out. Britain’s Got Talent fix scandal after it’s revealed bosses secretly created acts from scratch for show including fan favouriteBut it wasn’t enough.He added: “I’ve done OK. Twelve years on I’m still working.“But there was definitely a period where it took a dramatic drop.“Finances, work, all of that stuff took a very big dive to a point where I did actually think about bankruptcy.“I didn’t do it because, thankfully, I’ve got a brilliant support network.”But I did get to a point where I was like, ‘Is this it, is this over?’.”He added: “I signed with a few people in Scotland and made some bad choices, spent loads of money.“It came to a point where, on paper, you’re asset rich. “But I was cash poor. That was pretty much me.“I moved in with my parents at the time. “I did have property but I had no money.“That took a long time and a lot of grit and determination for me to get back out of that.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is now flying high again and has joined operatic quartet G4, who released their new album, called 20, last month, and are currently on tour across the UK.It’s a tough old industry but good on him for sticking with it.Jai has since become a member of operatic quartet G4Credit: Rex 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

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      Madonna performs for 1.6MILLION fans in Brazil as she closes out Celebration Tour

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      MADONNA keeps her crown as the Queen of Pop — as an incredible 1.6million people turn up to her show in Brazil.The 65-year-old performed a free set on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.Madonna puts on her last gig on her Celebration Tour as she performs for a whopping 1.6million fansCredit: APThousands gathered on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, BrazilCredit: EPAHer 26 songs included hits such as Like A Prayer and Vogue — with giant screens erected to allow more people to see.Fire crews sprayed the crowd with water as temperatures topped 30C.The concert was the final date of Madonna’s Celebration Tour.A source said prior to the show: “Madonna is unstoppable and she wants to mark her historic tour with a truly special ending.READ MORE ON MADONNA“Fans from all over the world are expected to travel to see her perform in what is expected to be an extravaganza.“Her Celebration Tour has already sealed itself as the pop concert of the decade.“But this concert will be the cherry on the cake.”Meanwhile the city’s official tourism office, Visit Rio, told fans to brace themselves for the big show.Most read in MusicA post advertising the concert read: “It’s time to get ready! On May 4, the Queen of Pop arrives in Rio de Janeiro for a free and historic show at Copacabana Beach.“Madonna closes The Celebration Tour here in Wonder City, marking her 40-year career with a show that promises to be her biggest yet.”Madge embraces and kisses a dancer during the showCredit: Splash NewsMadonna and Kylie stun fans as legendary pop icons appear on stage together for the first time ever More

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      Sir Paul McCartney sits below portraits of his Beatles bandmates as he launches photo exhibition in New York

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      SIR Paul McCartney and The Beatles Come Together again as he launches an exhibition of his photos in New York.The rocker, 81, sat below portraits of himself and John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.Sir Paul McCartney launched an exhibition of his photos in New YorkCredit: GettyPictures of Paul, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr were hung at the Brooklyn MuseumCredit: AlamyPaul was at Brooklyn Museum as it showcased his Photographs 1963 -64: Eyes of the Storm, which is open until August.Of his pics, he said: “Millions of eyes were on us.”In 1953, Paul passed the 11-plus exam for the local grammar school.It was at Liverpool Institute High School for Boys that he met bandmate George Harrison, and the pair quickly became friends.READ MORE ON THE BEATLESIt wasn’t until 1957 that he met John Lennon at a church fete.He joined Lennon’s band the Quarrymen, and Harrison became lead guitarist in 1958.With Stuart Sutcliffe on bass they rebranded as the Beatles in August 1960.The following year Sutcliffe left and Ringo Starr replaced drummer Pete Best in 1962 – resulting in the Fab Four.Most read in MusicThe Beatles have had 18 No1 singles in the UK – including Now And Then in November 2023, 53 years after they splitThey also 16 No1 albums.The Beatles Let it Be trailer More

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      Sydney Sweeney doubles up on denim with two outfits on same day

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      SYDNEY Sweeney doubles up on the double denim with two outfits in the same day.The Euphoria and White Lotus star, 26, was pictured in a strapless top and low-slung jeans in New York on Saturday morning.Sydney Sweeney was spotted in NYC sporting denimCredit: GettySyd wore another denim outfit in the eveningCredit: GettyShe wore another denim outfit in the evening — heading for dinner in a mini-dress and matching shorts.Sydney is in the Big Apple ahead of tonight’s prestigious Met Gala.The biggest night in the fashion calendar is expected to attract stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya in extravagant outfits.Breakout star Sydney has starred in a number of hit films and television series over the past few years.READ MORE ON SYDNEY SWEENEYIn 2018, she appeared as recurring character Eden in The Handmaid’s Tale.Her character was dramatically killed off within a few episodes.A year later, she snagged a role in Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 dramedy, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.She went on to play Cassie Howard in the cult HBO drama Euphoria.Most read in CelebrityIn 2021, she had a leading role in another HBO series, black comedy The White Lotus.She also recently hit the headlines after sparking romance rumours with co-star Glen Powell due to their sizzling chemistry – rumours both dismissed – and is in a long-term relationship with fiancé Jonathan Davino.Sydney Sweeney fans concerned for star as she appears in ‘weird’ ad with ‘uncomfortable’ messageSweeney is in the Big Apple ahead of the prestigious Met GalaCredit: Getty More

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      Cara Delevingne wows as she poses naked and models giant bag for Stella McCartney’s new ad campaign

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      MODEL Cara Delevingne bags herself a big role in a new ad campaign.She posed with a giant version of Stella McCartney’s vegan Falabella handbag, with the normal size ones costing up to £1,800.Cara Delevingne posed with a giant version of Stella McCartney’s vegan Falabella handbagCredit: Stella McCartneyThe model has been starring in musical Cabaret in the West EndCredit: Stella McCartneyCara, 31, has been starring in musical Cabaret in the West End and wants to take it to New York. She said: “Broadway would be a dream. I’ve caught the theatre bug.“I’ve had some personal things happen in my life but I go on stage and forget about all of it.”Tragically Cara’s £5million mansion burnt down in a catastrophic fire while she was across the ocean in London.READ MORE IN SHOWBIZThe actress’ mum said Cara was devastated after “her whole life” was destroyed in the blaze.The heartbroken star shared a sweet picture of her two cats, writing that her heart was “broken” and telling fans to “cherish what you have” when she thought they had perished.She later shared an adorable picture of the pair, writing: “THEY ARE ALIVE!! THANK YOU TO THE FIREFIGHTERS.” Cara Delevingne steals the show as she attends premiere for new TV series Carnival Row alongside Orlando Bloom and singer Katy Perry More

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      Liam Gallagher rents £17k-a-month mansion with meditation room after vowing to live ‘like monk’ after years hellraising

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      HELL-raising rocker Liam Gallagher is sticking to his vow to live “like a monk” — by renting a country mansion with a meditation room.The ex-Oasis star and his fiancée Debbie Gwyther moved to the £16,950 a month Victorian pile in the Cotswolds last month.Liam Gallagher goes for a stroll with his hood up and goggles on in the CotswoldsCredit: ANDREW LLOYDOur exclusive pictures show Liam out for a stroll wearing a black anorak with the hood up and goggles attachedCredit: ANDREW LLOYDAn onlooker said: ‘It looked as though Liam was doing his best to not be recognised’Credit: ANDREW LLOYDLiam was spotted enjoying walks with his rescue dog, ButtonsCredit: InstagramOur exclusive pictures show Liam, 51, out for a stroll in the area wearing a black anorak with the hood up and goggles attached. He has also been spotted enjoying walks with his rescue dog, Buttons.An onlooker said: “It looked as though Liam was doing his best to not be recognised.“Locals have been shocked to see him in the area and it’s the talk of the town.”Read More on ShowbizLiam’s stunning Grade II-listed gothic manor house is sprawled over 16,000 sq ft and has 11 bedrooms, with 2.5 acres of garden space.As well as the meditation room, it has a ballroom, gym and sauna.Liam, now a solo artist, begins his 12-date Definitely Maybe tour next month — marking 30 years since the release of Oasis’s debut album of the same name.A fan on X/Twitter recently asked Liam if he will be watching his beloved Manchester City take on rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final later this month.Most read in CelebrityHe replied: “I’m not as I’ll be banging rehearsals for DM so I’ll be living like a monk and looking like a sp**k.”Two years ago, the singer was seen viewing a £3.5million 15th century townhouse, also in the Cotswolds. The dad of three also owns a £4million mock Tudor mansion in Highgate, North London.Liam Gallagher and John Squire perform new single Just Another RainbowBut his move to the Cotswolds will tickle former chart rivals Blur, who sang about a man who lives in “a very big house in the country”.The song, Country House, was released in August 1995 — on the same day as Oasis’s Roll With It. It was dubbed the Battle of Britpop — with Blur taking the number one spot.Liam’s luxury mansion in the CotswoldsCredit: ANDREW LLOYDLiam begins his 12-date Definitely Maybe tour next monthCredit: Getty More