Showbiz

Diva Mariah Carey confirms long standing rumours that she prefers being photographed on one side, and it all stems from a scary record company incident at the start of her career.23:34, 25 Jul 2025Mariah Carey’s right side is best(Image: INSTAGRAM)FOR years people feared angering Mariah Carey by photographing her ‘wrong side’, but the diva was scared herself.Asked about whether she has a ‘good side’ for snaps she explained a scary woman but that fear into her.“It is a rumour – that’s true,” spilled Mariah whose right side is usually pictured.“When I first went to my first record company Sony the woman who worked in the art department said, ‘this is your good side, never take a picture on the other side’. She made me really fear the other side. I stuck with it because I realised they were right.”Back with new song Sugar Sweet, Mariah loves leaning into her diva reputation: “You have to be born a diva.“If you can’t have somebody doing the wind machine for you what do you do?”Nobody does diva like Mariah Carey(Image: GC Images)A new album Here For It All, her first in seven years, will follow soon. Asked why it’s taken so long Mariah responded: “It was just getting it together. I would make like four songs, then think ‘oh we can make an album’ and then would never do it. I got up to ten songs and I was basically ready.”Mariah famously doesn’t believe in time and refuses to have any clocks around the home but it’s got nothing to do with trying to stay young.She revealed: “When i was 18 I didn’t get a record deal right away and I was very sad so i said I don’t want any more birthdays, I don’t want to do this again and that’s what I did.”Meanwhile another pop diva, J.Lo celebrated a birthday this week with a new song.J.Lo turns 56(Image: INSTAGRAM)The star turned 56 and unleashed apptly titled track, Birthday as she sliced into her giant tiered cake while on tour.“Name on top of the cake, it’s my birthday/I’ma make this famous ass shake, it’s my birthday,” she hollers in the song.“Throwin’ all this money in they face, it’s my birthday/Everyday is my birthday, b*tch!”Article continues belowLopez goes make-up free on her birthday(Image: INSTAGRAM)Doubt Stevie Wonder will be too worried about losing out on any royalties! More

After 50 years the original Alice Cooper band are back with a new album. They believe their shock rock set the scene for Bowie, Kiss and others to succeed and reveal how their late guitarist managed to collaborate on the new music.23:07, 25 Jul 2025School’s in for Alice Cooper(Image: Jenny Risher)THE original Alice Cooper band are back and ready to claim their flowers for opening the doors for Bowie, KISS and Frank Zappa.Out now, after a 50 year wait, The Revenge Of Alice Cooper heralds the return of their brand of theatrical rock that gave the world anthems School’s Out and Elected.Frontman Alice AKA Vince Furnier back in the day, is proud of what they achieved: “We never once listened to what’s going on on Top 40 and said, ‘Oh, we gotta do that’. We made our hit records on our own terms. That was really unique, because it opened the doors for Bowie, KISS.“You couldn’t be a theatrical band and have hit records. That just never happened. Frakz Zappa never had a hit record with the ‘Mothers. And so we were the first band that outraged everybody and still had hit records right down the middle.”Indeed Alice Cooper wasn’t just rock music, it was a melting pot of many influences.Alice agreed: “If you go back to the roots of Alice Cooper, it’s gonna be the Yardbirds, The Who, James Bond, some West Side Story. We let all of that stuff come into the music.”Original Alice Cooper band back together(Image: PR Supplied)As well as all four surviving members the new album also boasts an appearance from later guitarist Glen Buxton. Bassist Dennis Dunaway spilled: “The one concern that we would have, that that missing element of the chemistry wouldn’t be there, but we’ve all learned his humour so much that we kind of fill in for that.A tape of him playing was found and transformed into the song What Happened to You.Dennis explained: “I told (producer) Bob Ezrin about this (tape), he said, ‘Well, send it to me’. And he had the ability to surgically add Glen to the song, and it’s actually one of the greatest songs on the album.“He’d probably say, ‘The ain’t too shabby, except it’s missing me’.”School’s in for Alice Cooper(Image: Jenny Risher)Article continues belowAlice Cooper, the singer, adopted the band name when he went solo but he’s aware that rejoining his pals delivers a different sound: “Everybody says what I sing with this band, I sing entirely different than I sing with the other band. They said it’s heavier. because the band plays heavier.”And he’s convinced it’s up there with their finest work: “It is exactly what you think it’s going to be. It’s an Alice Cooper album. It doesn’t go straight down the middle. It goes left, right, up, down, and in the end, you will love it. It will absolutely change your life. And your underwear.” More

Bonnie Blue was seen with Naked Attraction host Anna Richardson in a tight-fitting dress at her premiere to celebrate her TV show which is set to air on on Channel 4 on Tuesday22:55, 25 Jul 2025The doc is set to chart her rise to fame(Image: Edward Ed Gleave)Adult performer Bonnie Blue hosted a glittering premiere for her new documentary which is set to air on Channel 4 on Tuesday July 29.To celebrate the star’s new TV show, More

This Is Spinal Tap II will see the two knights of the realm make shock appearances in the comedy sequel after trailer gave a clue to roles in the movieJames Desborough22:28, 25 Jul 2025Updated 22:33, 25 Jul 2025Elton will be a guest star(Image: AFP via Getty Images)Music legends Paul McCartney and Elton John are surprise guest stars in the long-awaited sequel to rock spoof documentary This Is Spinal Tap.The two knights of the realm make shock appearances in the comedy sequel called Spinal Tap II: The End. Macca and Elton’s involvement was revealed in a new trailer which tells the story of the English 80s rock act’s decision to play a reunion show in New Orleans.Macca is seen as a talking head discussing the lyrical value of the act’s old single Pink Torpedo. With a straight face Macca reflects on the lyrics of the raunchy tune: “Pink Torpedo – it is literature really.”The legends make shock appearances(Image: Getty Images for EJAF)He speaks with Rob Reiner, who plays documentarian Marty Dibergi, hunting down the rockers after four decades in oblivion.Elton pops up on stage performing at the farewell gig joining the group in the anthem Stonehenge. The trailer also features other comical moments.In the clip, Di Bergi questions bassist Derek Smalls about the location for Spinal Tap’s reunion show. “Why New Orleans?” he asks.“There was a cancellation,” says Smalls. Who was supposed to be there? An evening with Stormy Daniels.”Macca and Elton’s involvement was revealed in a new trailer(Image: Getty Images)A PR synopsis of the film states: “Forty-one years after the release of the groundbreaking mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, the now estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls (Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer) are forced to reunite for one final concert.“Spinal Tap II: The End Continues also marks the resurrection of documentarian Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner), who once again tries to capture his favourite metal gods as they contemplate mortality – and the hope that their 12th drummer doesn’t join them in The Great Beyond.”Spinal Tap II: The End Continues will arrive in cinemas on September 25.Sir Elton John slams X Factor as ‘worst thing that can happen’ in brutal swipSir Elton John has brutally blasted The X Factor in a scathing interview on today’s music. British music legend Sir Elton, 78, has become more outspoken in the past few months – slamming Tesla boss Elon Musk as an “a******” in a recent interview. He also has opened up on his health struggles, with fans and pals close to the I’m Still Standing star believing he may be going blind.But despite his health woes, Sir Elton has hit out at today’s music industry and described talent shows such as The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent as “the worst thing that can happen” to a musician. He also offered some stern advice to those hoping to crack the music industry – through some old-fashioned means.Speaking to Rolling Stone UK, the Step Into Christmas star admitted that many musicians have forgotten how to play live for crowds. He then went on to urge artists to head to their nearest pub to play a gig and get their name out into the public sphere.Article continues belowLooking back at his own experience of playing in small bars, the music icon said: “That experience stood me in great stead for when I became Elton John because I had backbone. And backbone is so important, because the worst thing that can happen to you in the industry are things like X Factor and instant fame on television where you have no experience of playing live.”He added that the likes of American Idol and other TV talent shows are detrimental to learning how to become an artist. After this, he gave his advice: “Take risks; go and play in a pub.”Sir Elton has always had a noted disdain for talent shows including The X Factor. However, despite this, he himself has performed on the show, playing alongside then-judge Gary Barlow in 2013. More

ABBA fans were left raging after fun sponges kept telling them not to dance from their seats at a £30-per-ticket tribute act to the band19:18, 25 Jul 2025″Dancing Queen” is widely considered ABBA’s most iconic and popular song(Image: AFP via Getty Images)ABBA fans were left fuming after fun sponges ordered them not to boogie from their seats at a tribute concert to the band.Sara Symons and four pals – along with other crowd members – were told by jobsworths to stop dancing at the gig.They were met by “no dancing” signs when they arrived at Bournemouth Pavilion, Dorset, for the £30-per-ticket Waterloo: A Tribute To ABBA show.Sara said when revellers started to dance to the music ushers would “storm” over and tell them to knock off their grooving.The crowd took to dancing when the “fun police” had their backs turned on the crowd.Fans were met by “no dancing” signs(Image: Waterloo: A Tribute To ABBA)Sara, 44, from Wareham, fumed: “At an ABBA tribute concert – were they having a laugh?“What did they think all of these people were here for – sitting and humming quietly while remaining absolutely still and unmoved by a tribute act of a group known for upbeat and excessively joyous 70’s pop classics?“One of their most famous songs is called Dancing Queen!“And now, dancing in your seat, the one you paid good money to enjoy yourself in, was not allowed by order of the management.“The behaviour of the fun police was interrupting the flow of the set and the audience enjoyment of the concert.The touring show’s website declares spectators should get set to “dance the night away”(Image: Waterloo: A Tribute To ABBA)“Every couple of minutes they were storming over to one seat or another to rectify disobedience by ageing wannabe dancers.“The more rebellious of the older generation even started trying to dance when the ushers backs were turned much to the delight of the other people in the audience.“Murmurs of quiet laughter at their tenacity rippled across the room at points.“It was a farce. We came out feeling a little affronted because, despite the fact that the concert had been so good and the performers so talented, the way that grown, and paying, adults had been treated like naughty children was patronising and disgusting.”The touring show’s website declares spectators should get set to “dance the night away” to “five decades of nostalgic hits including Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Voulez-Vous and Dancing Queen”. More

Billy Barratt takes on the role of Andy in the new horror film Bring Her Back19:10, 25 Jul 2025Bring Her Back hits cinemas tomorrow(Image: A24)The much-anticipated horror flick from the Philippou brothers, Bring Her Back, is set to hit UK cinemas tomorrow (July 26), following their critically acclaimed debut film Talk To Me two years ago.Bring Her Back tells a chilling tale of two siblings, Piper and Andy, who enter foster care after their father’s sudden death. Their new guardian, Laura (played by Sally Hawkins), still mourning her own daughter’s loss, begins to behave strangely following the children’s arrival at her home.The cast features up-and-coming Australian talents Jonah Wren Phillips (Sweet Tooth) and Sora Wong, alongside British actor Billy Barratt.Billy, portraying Andy in the film, may be a familiar face to some due to his extensive acting portfolio, which includes roles in Kraven the Hunter, Sharknado 5, and Invasion.Not everything is as it first appears at Laura’s house(Image: A24)He made history as the youngest actor to clinch an International Emmy Award for Best Actor at just 13, thanks to his performance in the BBC drama, Responsible Child.Article continues belowHowever, what might surprise fans is Billy’s connection to Welsh music legend Shakin’ Stevens (real name Michael Barratt). The young star’s grandfather is known for hits like Merry Christmas Everyone, Because I Love You, and Give Me Your Heart Tonight, reports the Mirror.And the family fame doesn’t stop there. Billy’s father, Dean James Barratt, is a highly sought-after mix engineer who has worked across film and TV, collaborating with big-name music acts such as Jess Glynne and Craig David. Shaky, as he’s affectionately known by fans, is Dean’s father.Billy is related to a music icon(Image: A24)Meanwhile, Billy’s mum is also a well-known personality. Carolyn Owlett is a model, TV and radio presenter, and a singer in The 411, as well as taking on the role of manager for her son Billy.Before the UK release of Bring Her Back, Billy opened up about his preparation for the role of Andy. Speaking to Deadline, he disclosed: “There were moments where Danny [Philippou] would basically lock me in a room by myself, and he goes, ‘Just try and get in character.'”He shut the door, I’m not allowed to leave. I ended up just sitting there with no phone, no nothing – which is great, by the way. I just sat there for ages, and then when I came back outside of that door, back into the scene… you just feel like you are there are in it.”Article continues belowHe acknowledged that this method significantly improved his acting skills, stating: “Seeing the effect it had actually helped me so much, not just in the script but in future projects as well. So thank you, Danny.”Bring Her Back releases in UK cinemas July 26 More

Top Boy star Micheal Ward has been charged with raping a woman twice and sexually assaulting her. The award-winning actor, who plays Jamie in the popular Netflix show has also featured in movies Blue Story and The Old Guard. The Jamaican-born English actor has been accused of two counts of rape and three of sexual […] More

Slade legend Noddy Holder was told he had just six months to live in 2018 after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. But he made a good recovery and his outlook is still positiveJames Caven16:21, 25 Jul 2025Noddy Holder has spoken out about his health(Image: Getty Images)Pop king Noddy Holder was resigned to dying after he was diagnosed with cancer but reckons his positive mentality has seen him through.The Slade star, 79, was told he had just six months to live back in 2018 after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. He left his wife Suzan to tell their grown-up children because he was making inappropriate jokes about his imminent demise.But he made a good recovery, partly due to his “mental approach”, with his outlook still positive seven years on. He said that, even though their kids were “all grown up” when he found out, he “had to let Suzan break the news to them”.Noddy performing on Top of the Pops back in Slade’s heyday(Image: Getty Images)The Cum on Feel the Noize singer said: “They’d only given me six months to live and I knew I’d start cracking jokes, which probably wasn’t the best way to handle it: ‘Don’t bother getting me a birthday card this year!’“I’m not good at taking things too seriously. I started the chemo but figured that if my number was up, there wasn’t much I could do about it.”He added: “With cancer you never get the ‘all clear’ I still see my consultant every few months – but a year or so after the diagnosis things seemed to be going well, and here we are seven years down the road. I’ve been told my mental approach was a big part of that. I don’t get too depressed, try to keep calm and carry on as normal.“But it was Suzan who helped me do that. Although privately she went to hell and back, she was always at my side, fighting, keeping me positive. I might be a cocky f***er, but I’m glad I had her with me.”Article continues belowThe rocker previously revealed his brush with cancer has inspired him to live in a different way. He said: “It’s certainly changed me as a performer, my breathing’s not so solid as it used to be back in the day, because of the type of cancer that I had.”The hitmaker was given a revolutionary new drug which helped him fight cancer and it took him a while to get back an “even keel” after undergoing the gruelling experimental treatment.He said: “It was touch and go. I lost all my hair. My weight was down to about eight stone – so every cloud. I’ve just had a scan last week and everything’s on an even keel at the moment, so I hope it carries on that way. I’m fit, fit, fit … but I’m fit for nothing.” More