Pete Doherty, the former Libertines frontman renowned for his tumultuous lifestyle and integral role in the UK’s Noughties music scene, is embarking on an unexpected career turn: lecturer. Having dropped out of university 26 years ago, Doherty has accepted a position at a French university to lecture on fame and social media, a topic he admits feeling ill-equipped to handle. Despite this, the commitment, cemented by a cashed cheque, compels him to prepare four 45-minute essays over the next year and a half. This new venture has also sparked renewed interest in academics, with Doherty expressing a desire to pursue a degree in the future, though current touring commitments prevent immediate enrollment. His brief stint studying English Literature as a teenager serves as a foundation for his potential return to academia.
Doherty’s journey juxtaposes sharply with the glitz and glamour of Brazilian pop sensation Anitta. The singer, currently in a relationship with Sheffield United footballer Vinicius Souza, recently dazzled in a diamond-encrusted performance outfit complete with wings and chaps. Her immense popularity, evidenced by a massive Instagram following rivaling that of Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodríguez, has solidified her status as a global icon. Anitta’s collaborations with music luminaries like Madonna and Rita Ora, coupled with her high-profile appearances such as supporting Kylie Minogue at BST Hyde Park, further cement her position in the entertainment world.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell, a proponent of sobriety after her own struggles with addiction, is encouraging her friends to embrace a clean lifestyle. Having entered rehab in 1999, Campbell has consistently championed sobriety, recently sharing multiple quotes on social media emphasizing its benefits. This comes as her friend Kate Moss prepares to celebrate her 51st birthday, an event reportedly set to be filled with alcohol. Moss, reportedly looking to unwind after her split from Count Nikolai Von Bismarck, will likely be met with Campbell’s steadfast commitment to sobriety. This contrast highlights the complex dynamics of personal choices and social influence within celebrity circles.
Controversy is brewing around Malta’s potential Eurovision 2025 entry. Singer Miriana Conte’s song, titled “Kant,” meaning “sing” in Maltese, features a chorus where the pronunciation of “serving Kant” sounds strikingly similar to a vulgar English phrase. While the song’s double entendre may be intentional, it’s anticipated to raise concerns with the BBC, particularly if it qualifies for the competition in Switzerland. This potential clash between artistic expression and broadcast standards highlights the challenges of navigating cultural sensitivities on an international stage.
On the music front, Franz Ferdinand, fresh off their latest album release, are set to perform a livestreamed concert for Amazon Music City Sessions. The gig, taking place at Aviva Studios in Manchester, will be broadcast on Prime Video and Amazon Music UK’s Twitch channel. This showcases the band’s engagement with contemporary media platforms, adapting their reach to connect with a wider audience in the digital age.
Meanwhile, Dani Dyer, former Love Island winner, faces a wedding dilemma. Her fiancé, West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, has vetoed plans to televise their nuptials, preferring a private ceremony. While Dyer has expressed disappointment, she plans to appease fans with a video blog documenting the lead-up to the wedding. This reflects the delicate balance between public and private life in the age of social media, with celebrities constantly navigating the desire to share personal moments while respecting boundaries. Dyer’s situation also underscores the common stressors of wedding planning, adding a relatable dimension to her public persona.
Finally, Ariana Grande has announced her decision to prioritize acting over touring this year. While not ruling out future performances, the singer-actress is currently focusing on her film commitments, particularly her role in the upcoming “Wicked” adaptation. This decision signals a shift in her career priorities, prioritizing her burgeoning acting aspirations. This highlights the fluidity of careers in the entertainment industry, with artists often exploring different facets of their talents and adapting to evolving opportunities.