Sophie Ellis-Bextor is set to dazzle audiences this New Year’s Eve with a star-studded concert broadcast on BBC One. Pre-recorded in London, the show will feature guest appearances by musical luminaries Jessie Ware and Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters, promising a night of vibrant pop performances. Ellis-Bextor, known for her disco-infused hits, will duet with Ware, a kindred spirit in the genre. She will also team up with Shears for two dynamic collaborations, including a rendition of the Scissor Sisters’ "Filthy/Gorgeous" and "Take Your Mama," featuring Emily Roberts of The Last Dinner Party on guitar. The concert comes ahead of the Scissor Sisters’ highly anticipated 2025 reunion tour, celebrating the 21st anniversary of their debut album. Ellis-Bextor, known for her love of festive celebrations, has promised a night of sparkle, singing, and dancing, perfectly encapsulating the New Year’s Eve spirit.
The BBC One New Year’s Eve concert has become an annual tradition, featuring a different headliner each year. Previous performers have included Rick Astley, who shared the stage with Sharleen Spiteri and Rylan Clark. Ellis-Bextor’s concert promises to be a highlight of the festive season, offering a vibrant and energetic start to 2025. The inclusion of Ware and Shears adds an extra layer of excitement, promising a diverse and memorable musical experience. With a blend of disco classics and contemporary pop, the concert is sure to appeal to a broad audience, ensuring a celebratory atmosphere for viewers across the nation.
Meanwhile, Robbie Williams is vying for his first Oscar nomination, having been shortlisted in both the Original Song and Visual Effects categories for his upcoming biopic, "Better Man." The film, set for release on Boxing Day, features a new track penned by Williams himself, titled "Forbidden Road." This song is among the 15 contenders for the Original Song award, alongside other notable entries such as "Beyond" from "Moana 2" and Selena Gomez’s "Mi Camino" from "Emilia Perez." The Irish band Kneecap has also received recognition, being shortlisted in both the Original Song and International Feature categories. The final nominations for the March 2nd awards ceremony will be announced on January 17th, narrowing the field down to five contenders in each category.
Meghan Trainor, fresh off a successful US tour, has expressed her desire to embark on a Christmas tour in the near future. Dressed as Mrs. Claus for a recent Jingle Ball performance in Washington, Trainor hinted at her festive ambitions during her "Workin’ On Tour" podcast. Having released a Christmas album, "A Very Trainor Christmas," in 2020, she feels confident in her ability to deliver a captivating holiday-themed show. While a Christmas tour isn’t on the cards for this December, Trainor expressed hope for a future festive tour, envisioning elaborate costumes and a joyful celebration of the season.
Ariana Grande, currently immersed in her acting career, has informed fans not to expect new music or concerts in the immediate future. Speaking in Los Angeles, the singer, who stars in the upcoming film adaptation of "Wicked," expressed her current focus on acting. While acknowledging that music and stage performances will always be part of her life, she emphasized her current passion for acting, describing it as "feeling like home right now." Grande expressed gratitude for the journey she has shared with fans, particularly through her involvement with "Wicked." While music remains a constant in her life, her primary focus for the next few years will be exploring different artistic avenues, with acting taking center stage.
Rihanna, a self-proclaimed Mariah Carey fan, had a memorable encounter with the iconic singer during a recent concert in New York. Attending Carey’s performance, Rihanna excitedly requested an autograph, hilariously asking Carey to "sign my t**t." The exchange, captured on camera by fans, shows Rihanna pulling down her top as Carey obliges with the signature. The lighthearted interaction highlights Rihanna’s admiration for Carey, whose festive hit "All I Want For Christmas Is You" is expected to climb the charts. Finally, DJ Joel Corry, after an extended US tour, is planning a last-minute Christmas celebration with his family. Landing back in the UK on Christmas Eve, Corry will receive his online-ordered gifts the same day. He intends to make the holiday special for his mother, with whom he hasn’t spent much time this year, by renting a cottage in the Cotswolds and possibly hiring a chef for Christmas dinner, though he insists his mother’s roast potatoes are irreplaceable.
