Judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan and Maya Jama were left stunned and surprised before host Joel Dommett announced she would return to the stage. She then took off her headpiece and revealed herself as Macy Gray to the applause and delight of the audience and judges.

Though she received high praise from Jama as an “idol and an icon”, and “amazing” by Davina, she still seemed quite reserved and unimpressed, giving one-word answers to the compliments and questions.

A source for the Sun has suggested that the ‘I Try’ songstress was “blindsided” by her early elimination, saying that she felt “gutted to be out so early because she really enjoyed being on the American version – when obviously she did brilliantly – so was totally blindsided.”

The insider added: “It was the shock of it for her as well as the upset and in that moment, she had a very raw, human reaction and wanted out. For a professional performer to reach that point shows how badly she felt.”

She’s previously appeared on the Australian version of The Masked Singer in 2021, as the character Atlantis, and in the American version in 2023 as Sea Queen.

The panel had suggested earlier in the show that Gray was the musician behind the mask, after singing a rendition of Boney M’s ‘Sunny’. Mo Gilligan also suspected that it might be American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman beneath the Toad costume.

Since the walkout, judge Maya Jama has shared a clip of Gray’s exit on Instagram, jokingly writing that it’s “Me at any minor inconvenience”.

Host Joel Dommett also commented on the incident during an interview on BBC Radio 2 with Paddy McGuiness, offering a more optimistic take on the singers exit: “If you’re a great singer and you make it through then that’s absolutely wonderful, but sometimes, like the case with Macy Gray, she has such a recognisable voice and she’s a legend so you immediately know who it is.”

“So it’s kind of one of those where we all know who it is, she might as well go and then the other person can go through as we don’t quite know who they are. So the guessing game continues.”

Dommett added: “The funny thing is, I think it’s a win-win scenario on that game – whether you go through to the final it’s a win as you’re winning it. But also if you go home early it’s a win because you get to go early and you get the same money.”

The show’s latest series premiered last Saturday (January 4), with six contestants in the running. Two other celebrities have been revealed as masked vocalists so far – Spag Bol was identified as Good Morning Britain‘s Kate Garraway after performing Geri Halliwell‘s ‘Look At Me’. Pegasus was also revealed to be Great British Bake Off‘s Prue Leith, who sang ‘Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin” from the musical Oklahoma!

The Masked singer airs on ITV and ITVX – you can watch all previous episodes here.

During the final, Jen & Liv showcased their vocal abilities with renditions of Whitney Houston’s ‘I’m Every Woman’ and Beyonce’s ‘Break My Soul,’ alongside Will.i.am, leaving a lasting impression on the audience and judges. The grand finale aired on December 30 and saw the duo surpass competitors Hope Winter, from Greenwich, Jolie Stevens, from Cardiff, and Callum Doignie, from Telford, to become the first group ever to win The Voice UK.

In the aftermath of their win, Jen & Liv took to Instagram to share their appreciation, stating, “Man…we are feeling beyond grateful for our time on @thevoiceuk. We have grown so much from this experience, as musicians and as women.”

From their humble beginnings as buskers to national acclaim, the win is a testament to the growing music scene of the North East. Speaking with the Northern Echo, Liv said, “The North East is definitely one for rallying behind its local artists. That’s something we have really felt since we started busking. Everyone is so supportive. The North East is just amazing. We can’t wait to get out there and make our music.”

Jenna expressed her sentiments in an interview with ITV Tyne Tees, emphasising the North East’s unwavering support for local artists, declaring, “There’s so much creative talent in the North East, and I think everyone always thinks it’s in London, so I think we all really need to rally together and get as much out there as possible.”

After concluding the filming of the finale in April, Jen & Liv have continued to busk in well-known spots across the North East, ensuring the secrecy of their victory until the episode aired. In addition, they have been working together diligently in the studio on their highly anticipated upcoming single, which is set to be released soon. Meanwhile, their current winning single ‘I’m Every Woman‘ is now available to stream and download on all major streaming platforms.

Merky FC was inspired by the lack of leadership positions held by those with Black Heritage. The partnership currently “creates a multi-year career programme, and opportunities for those who do not currently have fair access and representation within the industry.”

Amidst the launch of their second season on the programme (beginning October 2023), Stormzy and Adidas have released a report that highlights the importance of allyship within the football industry.

In a recent report published by Merky FC, the partnership announced their expansion, as they increase the number of football industry positions they recruit for from 15 to 50. Both Stormzy and Adidas are calling on their allies to form part of a career programme, which will commence in January 2024.

#Merky FC is back, but this year, we’ve got to go bigger.

Share one of the 50 #MerkyFC roles with a friend now to change the game. https://t.co/pllMjqO5zv@adidasfootballpic.twitter.com/qXSodEy07V

— Stormzy (@stormzy) October 5, 2023

All roles will include placements with leading brands, that will offer work experience in an effort to change the game for Black and Black Heritage youth. The Merky FC partners offering placements in this season of the programme are:

Adidas
Arsenal FC
EA
Football Co (GOAL)
Fulham FC
Guild
Hill & Knowlton Strategies
Homeground
IMG
ITV
JOE
KSS
LADbible
Manchester United
#Merky FC
Scottish FA
SI Games
Sky Sports
Soccerbible
TEAM
The Midnight Club
Transferroom
Twelfth Man
Veo
Wasserman
Women In Football

According to the report, 56 per cent of young Black and mixed-Black heritage people aspire to work in the industry, yet only 6.7 per cent of senior roles in football are occupied by someone from this community, and this partnership aims to break through these barriers to entry and provide more representation within football.

A press release states “adidas and Stormzy understand that allyship alone cannot tackle the disparities within the industry, however by using the #Merky FC approach – referring candidates, mentorship programmes and establishing role models, believe this can be replicated across the industry to help boost representation. “

Those interested in registering their interest in the roles Merky FC are offering can do so by clicking here. The deadline for registering interest is October 19th.

Minogue will perform a selection of her greatest hits as well as tracks from her upcoming album, Tension, coming out on 22nd September.

In a press statement, Minogue shared, “I’m so excited to announce that I am teaming up with ITV for An Audience with at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall! I’ll be performing some of my favourite tracks from throughout my career and no doubt answering some surprising questions from the audience. I can’t wait to share this moment with you all.”

The performance will take place on 1st December, with ITV confirming that the show will be aired later this year. The air date has not yet been specified.

ITV shared the news on Twitter, writing, “It’s been hard to keep this one a secret… Get ready for an unforgettable evening, hosted by global icon and pop superstar Kylie Minogue!“

It’s been hard to keep this one a secret… Get ready for an unforgettable evening, hosted by global icon and pop superstar, @kylieminogue!

An Audience With Kylie, coming later this year to ITV1 and @ITVX pic.twitter.com/OCOUZ4mNiz

— ITV (@ITV) August 29, 2023

Minogue shared her excitement via Twitter too, writing, “I am thrilled to announce, in partnership with ITV, ‘An Audience With’  <Me/Kylie/Moi/Yours Truly>.“  

I am thrilled to announce, in partnership with @ITV, ‘An Audience With’ <Me/Kylie/Moi/Yours Truly>, live from London’s iconic @RoyalAlbertHall. Pre order my new album Tension from the official store to get access to the exclusive fan pre sale on September 6th!… pic.twitter.com/D0OLlHFsu7 — Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) August 30, 2023

Priority booking for Friends & Patrons opens 10am BST on 6th September, whilst general sale goes live at 10am BST on 10th September. Tickets are available to purchase here.

Minogue released her titular single “Tension” from her newest album today.

This single follows the release of her track “Padam Padam” which became her first UK Top 10 track in 12 years.

Speaking on her upcoming album, Minogue shared, “I started this album with an open mind and a blank page. Unlike my last two albums there wasn’t a ‘theme,’ it was about finding the heart or the fun or the fantasy of that moment and always trying to service the song. I wanted to celebrate each song’s individuality and to dive into that freedom. I would say it’s a blend of personal reflection, club abandon and melancholic high.”

In this year’s BRIT Awards, he is a current nominee for another ‘Song Of The Year Award for “Forget Me”. To this day, he has 5 top-ten singles plus 4 number-ones including Someone You Loved, being the UK’s all-time most-streamed song and finally, the biggest-selling UK album since 2019 and 2020.

Capaldi expressed his thoughts on being the final performer for the 2023 BRIT Awards, “Last Time I performed at THE BRIT Awards, I was so scared that I had a panic attack before I went on, and then got hammered afterwards. Looking forward to more of the same this year x.”

Completing The BRITs 2023 performer line-up – @LewisCapaldi

On 12th January 2023, the 2023 nominations were revealed via a live stream which was hosted by Vick Hope.  Major artists who are nominated for multiple awards are Aitch, Arctic Monkeys, Beyonce, Cat Burns, Dave, Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, Nova Twins and so many more artists. More information about all the nominations will be here.

The main host for the BRIT Awards will be stand-up comedian, Mo Gilligan. Secondary hosts on the red carpet will be TV and radio presenters Clara Amfo, Maya Jama and radio host, Roman Kemp. All the hosts shared their thoughts about their role as hosts.

Clara said, “I’m so excited to hit the BRITs red carpet to capture all the excitement from this year’s nominees, performers and future winners for everyone watching at home! Anything can happen on what is set to be another memorable night in the music and TV calendar!” Maya said, “I’m really excited to be co-hosting THE BRITs Red Carpet show again this year, and I was just happy to be asked back! Last year was such a great experience, so I’m looking forward to working alongside Clara and Roman on it this time around. It’s gonna be a good one.

Roman added, ” I am so excited to be joining my friends Clara and Maya in presenting this year’s BRIT Awards Red Carpet show and being part of the celebrations for this year’s BRIT Awards in its first-ever Saturday night slot! I love seeing so many of my favourite names in music come together for such an amazing night.”

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/lewis-capaldi-to-be-the-final-performer-at-brit-awards-2023/feed/ 0 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/fundraising-event-concert-for-ukraine-confirmed-to-take-place-29th-march-2022/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/fundraising-event-concert-for-ukraine-confirmed-to-take-place-29th-march-2022/#comments Fri, 18 Mar 2022 21:29:14 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=54090 It has been confirmed that a fundraising event will be held in support of the current crisis in Ukraine. Concert For Ukraine is set to take place on Tuesday 29th March 2022. The two-hour event has been organised in aid of the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and will be broadcasted across ITV, STV, ITV hub and STV player.

ITV and STV to stage Concert for Ukraine

Live two-hour spectacular to raise funds for humanitarian appeal – Tuesday 29th March.
Details – https://t.co/yfd11HTMqK pic.twitter.com/r8Ga1BkOvc

— ITV Press Centre (@itvpresscentre) March 16, 2022

A press release for Concert For Ukraine provides the following statement, “Concert for Ukraine will bring together names from the world of music for a unique event spreading a message of hope and support, and most importantly, raising funds for the ongoing DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal…The broadcast will combine emotive music performances with short films recognising the ongoing relief efforts and the plight faced by people affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Viewers will be able to donate money to the cause throughout the evening.”

Head Of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, Katie Rawcliffe has also spoken on the forthcoming show, “Music is a very powerful tool when it comes to showing support and solidarity, and at ITV we are proud and privileged to be working with Livewire Pictures, Global, M&S and the DEC on such an important and necessary fundraising event.”

Along with proceeds raised throughout the benefit show, revenue generated by sponsorships and advertising from the broadcast will also be donated to the DEC fund. The donation will be made by ITV and has been estimated to reach over £ 3 million.  Working alongside ITV to produce the event are Live wire Pictures, Global, one of Europe’s largest entertainment groups, the show will also be sponsored by Marks & Spencer.

Chief executive of the DEC, Saleh Saeed has supplied the following statement for the benefit’s press release, “It is heart-breaking to see the deepening crisis unfolding in Ukraine as more refugees cross the borders each day with nothing more than what they can carry. The situation for those inside the country is becoming increasingly precarious. But there is something we can all do to bring hope. Funds raised by this concert will make a real difference to those affected by the conflict, sending a strong message of love and enabling DEC charities to help now with urgent aid as well as helping to rebuild lives in the months and years ahead. We are grateful to ITV, Livewire Pictures, Global and M&S for their support to this appeal, our special thanks to ITV who have supported DEC with emergency appeals over many decades and just recently for Afghanistan.”

The DEC is a global organisation that joins together fifteen of the UK’s leading aid charities to raise money and support during times of crisis.  A statement on the DEC’s website outlines their actions, “Pooling our resources to work as one, we are pivotal in co-ordinating the UK public’s response to overseas disasters. In collaboration with our Rapid Response Network of national media and corporate partners, we raise the alarm to the UK public and set up easy ways to donate.”

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

A post shared by DEC (@disastersemergencycommittee)

Due to the current crisis overseas, the DEC set up the Ukraine Humanitarian appeal in support of those fleeing the conflict. The organisation aims to provide much-needed supplies such as water, shelter, food, healthcare, and protection. The appeal’s most recent triumph was announced on 17th March 2022, the DEC confirmed that £200 million has been raised since the appeal’s launch two weeks ago.

Further details concerning the concert’s line-up have yet to be announced, the organisers promise two hours of presenters and various artists. Click here to learn more and donate.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/fundraising-event-concert-for-ukraine-confirmed-to-take-place-29th-march-2022/feed/ 0 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/gary-barlow-announces-an-itv-special-performance-at-natural-history-museum/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/gary-barlow-announces-an-itv-special-performance-at-natural-history-museum/#comments Wed, 11 Nov 2020 10:01:14 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=26209 Gary Barlow is going to be showcasing his new music with a live orchestra for an ITV special performance at the Natural History Museum in London. The show will preview songs from his upcoming album, ‘Played By Humans,’ as well as some of his greatest hits. He will be joined by celebrity guests throughout the evening, including Michel Bublé who features on his latest album.

As reported in The Metro, Gary said, “I am so excited to host this music special. During a tumultuous time for the whole country, it feels amazing to be able to put on a proper night of entertainment at one of the most exciting locations in London and featuring some amazing guests and musicians. It’s going to be a very special evening and even though we are staying inside at the moment, let’s get our glad rags on and make believe we’re heading out for the night.”

This will be the first time that Gary has starred and hosted his own show on Television. Gary began his primetime TV career on ‘The X Factor’ where he was a head judge for 3 years. He then started his own talent show on BBC1, ‘Let It Shine,’ where Gary and his band members of Take That were on a quest to find a cast for their West End Musical in 2017.

Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s Head of Entertainment Commissioning commented in an ITV press release, “We are thrilled to be working alongside the super talented Gary Barlow on what will be a wonderfully unique and exciting event giving ITV viewers the chance to sit back and enjoy some brilliant music from some of the biggest stars.”

During Lockdown, Gary previously recorded ‘The Crooner Sessions’ on his social media accounts to keep us entertained. They included duets with other talented artists such as Becky Hill, Paloma Faith, Chris Martin and former bandmate Robbie Williams. Gary always has a project or something new and innovative that he is working on.

The List Magazine noted Gary to of said, “I’m a nightmare husband. I’m just so … driven.  I always need to be doing something, planning something, putting ‘just one more project’ in the diary. I don’t stop. I can laugh about it now, but I’m also a dreadful person to be in a band with.”

He continued by speaking about his relationship to his wife Dawn who he married in the year 2000 and said “In fact, you really don’t want to be near me at all. I’m a dreadful pain…I’m difficult. Dawn is extremely laid back, whereas I’m not at all. She has zero interest in a celebrity lifestyle, going out, having her photo taken. She would absolutely hate to do what I do, and we’ve definitely had our ups and downs, but the simple fact of why we are together is because we love each other.”

Although ITV have yet to confirm the date for his performance, this is going to be a one off music special at a magnificent London venue of dinosaur fossils and relics, with everyone having their own front row seat to the event.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/gary-barlow-announces-an-itv-special-performance-at-natural-history-museum/feed/ 0 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/mcfly-to-share-their-story-in-itv-documentary/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/mcfly-to-share-their-story-in-itv-documentary/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2020 16:31:53 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=25297 McFly will be staring in a one-off ITV documentary about the band called, McFly: All About Us. The one-hour special, which will air in November, will feature band members Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd talking openly in interviews about the origin of the band and the near split of the band in 2015.

The documentary will feature never before seen footage from key moments throughout the band’s career. In a press release from ITV, it has been revealed that viewers will see their; “rise as teenage pop stars to achieving seven number ones, appearing in a Hollywood movie and winning a Brit Award, selling over 10 million records worldwide through to unexpectedly taking a break.” 

We will also get a look into the current state of the band’s relationship following group therapy, an amazing reunion gig at the O2 and the release of their first album in 10 years, Young Dumb Thrills, which will be out on the 13th of November. The documentary will also feature an exclusive gig, filmed at the Union Chapel in London with their families in the audience, who have been their “constant support through the years.”

View this post on Instagram

What’s your favourite track from YDT thus far? #YoungDumbThrills

A post shared by McFly (@mcflymusic) on Oct 23, 2020 at 10:08am PDT

McFly have also made a comment in the press release saying; “This is the true and open story of our band and our friendship, the challenges we’ve faced as well as highs we could never have dreamt of and why we’re stronger now than ever.”

McFly have released three singles from their upcoming album, Happiness, Tonight is the Night and Growing Up, which also features Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus. The album is set to explore McFly’s new style of writing, which includes all member’s input, rather than one person writing and bringing it to the band.

Tom Fletcher, who would have written a lot of songs for the band, spoke to the BBC about their new method saying; “That really puts pressure on you as the writers, to come up with a hit that all your fans will love, but will also reunite you as a band and repair your relationships. We needed to get all of that out of the way first and come at it completely fresh.” Danny Jones added; “It’s the first time I feel like we’ve all been part of it. We were all involved, split down the middle, and it was just such a collaborative, energetic process.”

View this post on Instagram

To everyone who came to the show tonight, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. That was one of the best shows of our entire career. YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!!!!! @steviekyle

A post shared by McFly (@mcflymusic) on Nov 20, 2019 at 3:45pm PST

The air date for the documentary is yet to be confirmed, but it will be in November, presumably to coincide with Young Dumb Thrills, which will be released on the 13th of November.

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