Roisin O'Connor

The Grand Tour producer Andy Wilman has urged sceptical fans to give new presenters James Engelsman, Thomas Holland and Francis Bourgeois a chance after Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May stepped down as regular hosts. Clarkson welcomes the trio at his Cotswolds farm and praises their work, while the original presenters will make guest appearances. The new series will feature trips to California, Malaysia and Angola, including tests of high-performance muscle and track cars, and is scheduled to air on Prime Video from 4 September.

Ariana Grande’s eighth studio album, Petal, is presented as a disappointing and lethargic record despite her vocal ability and flashes of strong songwriting. The review argues that hazy, reverb-heavy production frequently buries her voice and lyrics, making the album feel bland and disengaged even though it supposedly emerged from anger over media scrutiny, online abuse, body discourse and personal turmoil. “Hate That I Made U Love Me” and “Oh Well” are singled out as compelling exceptions, while much of the remaining album is characterized as filler. The record’s darker moments suggest Grande resisting public expectations, but they do not consistently translate into convincing music.

Lily Allen’s West End Girl, a critically acclaimed album about infidelity, non-monogamy, betrayal and the collapse of a marriage, has been left off the 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist. The omission is portrayed as a major failure by judges who have increasingly favored safer, more commercial choices, despite the album’s chart success, cultural impact and Brit Awards recognition. The snub is especially frustrating because Allen’s intensely personal record represented a significant artistic evolution and emotional risk.

Irish musician and actor Glen Hansard is reported to have died aged 56 in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in west Dublin. Best known for the film Once and its Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly,” Hansard was also a member of The Frames and The Swell Season and collaborated with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder and Bob Dylan. Tributes highlight his influence on Irish music, live performance, charitable work and support for homeless people. He is survived by his wife, poet Maire Saaritsa, and their three-year-old son.

Irish musician and actor Glen Hansard is reported to have died aged 56 in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in west Dublin. Best known for winning the 2008 Academy Award for “Falling Slowly,” written and performed with Markéta Irglová for Once, Hansard also performed with The Frames and The Swell Season and collaborated with Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder and Bob Dylan. Tributes highlight his generosity, live performances and charitable work, including support for homeless people and Ukraine. He is survived by his wife, poet Maire Saaritsa, and their three-year-old son.

Charli XCX’s seventh album grew out of creative exhaustion following Brat and was recorded with AG Cook during Paris Fashion Week as a celebration of music, fashion and film. The record features excellent, textured production and several striking tracks, particularly “Camera,” “Card Declined” and “I’m Afraid,” but its rock framing, self-aware humor and philosophical themes often pull in contradictory directions. The review concludes that the album captures Charli working through questions about artistic identity rather than presenting a fully polished artistic statement, leaving many ideas intriguing but half-formed.

Ariana Grande’s 10 London shows at The O2, running from 15 August to 1 September, will require attendees to bring only one untinted, unprinted clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag. Cameras and recording devices are prohibited, while phones and certain medical, accessibility and childcare bags are allowed subject to inspection. The strict measures follow the security environment established after the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. The shows coincide with Grande’s upcoming album Petal and follow the launch of her Brighter Days Ahead Foundation, which supports LGBTQ+ rights, mental healthcare, reproductive justice and emergency relief.

Miquita Oliver expressed remorse for disparaging comments she made about Fearne Cotton in 2005, explaining that media pressure and self-image issues influenced her behavior. Cotton later reached out after hearing Oliver discuss the harsh treatment women in television received, noting she had similar experiences. The exchange led Oliver to reflect on the toxic environment that contributed to tensions between female presenters. Cotton has since moved away from live broadcasting due to anxiety, focusing on books and her Happy Place podcast, while Oliver continues podcasting and appearing on BBC programmes.

The 60th Montreux Jazz Festival delivers a diverse, high‑energy programme against its scenic Swiss backdrop, featuring standout performances from Joy Crookes, Ezra Collective, The Roots, Agnes Obel, Zara Larsson, Paris Paloma, Deep Purple and Lewis Capaldi. Established artists and rising stars showcase a range of styles from soul and jazz to pop and hip‑hop, while surprise sets such as Leon Bridges’s intimate appearance reinforce the festival’s reputation as a magnet for musicians. The atmosphere, natural beauty and long‑standing musical heritage underscore why artists and fans continue to return year after year.

Montreux Jazz Festival’s CEO highlights the festival’s commitment to bridging musical generations and fostering artist creativity as it marks its 60th edition. Ezra Collective, stepping in after a last‑minute cancellation, credit the festival with helping launch their career and deliver a celebrated performance. Special sets from artists including RAYE and The Roots underscore the festival’s emphasis on unique collaborations and support for emerging talent while maintaining its jazz heritage. The festival continues through 18 July.

Joy Crookes delivered a dynamic, well‑received performance at the renovated Stravinski Auditorium during the 60th Montreux Jazz Festival, featuring songs from her albums Skin and Juniper, two new tracks, and a dedication to Palestine. John Legend followed with a storytelling‑driven set. Festival CEO Mathieu Jaton highlighted efforts to blend tradition with emerging artists, praising performers such as RAYE and Zara Larsson. The festival continues with a broad lineup across paid and free stages, concluding with performances by James Taylor and Van Morrison.

Greg James shared behind-the-scenes details from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s large celebrity-filled wedding at Madison Square Garden, describing the secrecy around his invitation, brief conversations with the couple, and the lively atmosphere of the reception. He recounted efforts to keep the invitation hidden, interactions with other high-profile guests, and humorous moments such as taking chair doilies as souvenirs. James avoided revealing specifics about Swift’s wedding attire, noting only that she and Kelce looked outstanding.

Mel C recounts the discomfort she felt after Geri Halliwell described Margaret Thatcher as the “first Spice Girl,” noting that the political sentiment contrasted sharply with her own background and views. She reflects on how individual political comments were often perceived as representative of the entire group, creating tension when returning home to Liverpool. She previously described the interview as misguided, attributing it to external pressures on the group. Despite past controversies, the former Spice Girls remain close and continue to discuss the possibility of a reunion, while Mel C recently released her solo album Sweat.

Fans noticed that Gracie Abrams included a still from The Favourite featuring Joe Alwyn and Emma Stone in an Instagram photo carousel that also highlighted her outfit for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding. The inclusion sparked mixed reactions, with some fans criticizing the choice and others defending it as humorous. The piece recounts Abrams’ relationship with Swift, their past collaborations, and details from the high-profile wedding attended by more than a thousand guests.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce held a highly anticipated wedding at Madison Square Garden with strict privacy and a star‑studded guest list. Their relationship, widely followed since 2023, was celebrated with performances by Paul McCartney and other major artists. The ceremony was officiated by Adam Sandler, with Swift’s brother serving as her man of honour and Kelce’s brother as best man. Both wore custom Christian Dior Haute Couture looks, and guests shared limited details due to NDAs. The event featured personal touches, including embroidered keepsakes and references to Swift’s music.

Kaleb Cooper married his partner Taya in a Cotswolds ceremony attended by Jeremy Clarkson and fellow Clarkson’s Farm cast members. Clarkson contributed drinks from his Hawkstone brewery and appeared despite recently revealed prostate cancer treatment challenges. Cooper shared celebratory posts online, while also updating fans on Clarkson’s condition and urging people to seek early medical checks.

Kirk Schwabe, Taylor Swift’s former teacher and one-time security guard, died of cancer on the same day as the singer’s wedding to Travis Kelce. Known for his protective and supportive relationship with Swift, Schwabe had worked as a Chicago police officer before teaching criminal justice at her high school and later joining her security team at her father’s request. In a recent interview given shortly before his death, he reflected on his time supporting Swift both as a student and an emerging star. He is survived by his wife and daughters.

Paul McCartney performed the Beatles’ 1964 hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand” at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding at Madison Square Garden, joining other musical guests including Stevie Nicks. The event featured high-profile attendees, personalized wedding favors, and custom Christian Dior Haute Couture looks for the bride and groom, with Adam Sandler officiating and close family members serving as attendants.

The Rolling Stones pay tribute to Amy Winehouse as they prepare to release their new album Foreign Tongues, which includes a cover of her song “You Know I’m No Good.” Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards recall performing with her at the 2007 Isle of Wight Festival and express sadness over her early death. Band members signal interest in returning to touring in 2027 despite uncertainty, noting the unusual break from their typical schedule. The Stones remain a major live draw, with recent tours generating substantial revenue.

Harry Styles closed his record-setting 12‑night Wembley Stadium residency with an emotional tribute to his former One Direction bandmates and a surprise speech from his sister Gemma. He thanked Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and the late Liam Payne for shaping his career, while Gemma celebrated his achievements and the community around him. Styles became the first artist to perform 12 shows at Wembley on a single tour, surpassing previous records held by Taylor Swift and Coldplay. His Together, Together tour continues internationally through December.

RAYE opened the 60th Montreux Jazz Festival with a custom one-night performance featuring surprise appearances from Mark Ronson and Alicia Keys. The show included collaborative renditions of signature songs and tributes to legendary artists tied to the festival’s history. RAYE revisited her previous appearances at Montreux, highlighting personal significance and artistic evolution. The festival’s milestone edition will feature performances from a diverse lineup of major artists over the following two weeks.

Blake Lively’s absence from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s large New York City wedding celebration prompted speculation after she and Swift appeared distant following the release of unsealed text messages during Lively’s legal battle with Justin Baldoni. The messages reflected tension in their friendship as Lively faced an extended court fight, which later concluded with a settlement and a ruling entitling her to legal fees. Despite many high-profile attendees at the wedding events, Lively and Ryan Reynolds were not seen, while Swift remained publicly uninvolved in the legal dispute apart from clarifying her limited connection to Lively’s film project.

A Harvard professor and Taylor Swift scholar predicts Swift and Travis Kelce’s early July wedding will be large and lively, with Madison Square Garden chosen for its strong security and logistical advantages. The expert rejects claims that marriage will hinder Swift’s songwriting, emphasizing her creativity and history of producing strong work while in love. Concerns over the event’s impact on New York City are noted, but the venue is defended as practical and environmentally considerate. The analysis highlights recurring themes in Swift’s work about embracing romance without losing one’s identity.

Preparations intensified around Madison Square Garden for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding events, including a rehearsal dinner for 100 guests on 2 July and a ceremony followed by a large reception on 3 July. Coverage highlights details of the engagement, expected attendees, legal insights surrounding the couple’s prenuptial agreement, and security considerations for the large-scale celebration. Multiple celebrities and sports figures are anticipated, while reports confirm permits and substantial logistical activity at the venue.

Rumored plans for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding point to a 4 July celebration in New York City, supported by a permit filing indicating a large event at Madison Square Garden. Swift’s long-standing attachment to Independence Day and her history of hosting elaborate 4 July parties contribute to speculation that the holiday is a meaningful choice for the couple. Past celebrations at her Rhode Island home featured high-profile guests and shaped her public image before she stepped back from such events amid personal and political tensions. A recent permit from Winick Productions for a major gathering at the venue suggests a significant upcoming event as Swift and Kelce prepare for their reported wedding.

Paul Flack, brother of the late TV presenter Caroline Flack, died in Norwich shortly after his 55th birthday, with an inquest scheduled for October to determine the circumstances. Tributes highlighted his involvement in the local community and his continued grief over his sister’s death. The article revisits Caroline Flack’s career, her highly scrutinized legal case, and the subsequent focus on mental health and media pressure, noting changes to ITV’s welfare policies following multiple suicides connected to Love Island.

Lionel Richie is set to return to touring after a recent onstage dizzy spell led to a precautionary hospital visit and the postponement of two shows. His ex-wife Brenda Harvey reassured fans that he is doing well and will resume performing in Pittsburgh. The singer had halted a Minnesota concert due to dehydration, according to Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris. Richie’s tour will continue through mid‑August, following schedule adjustments prompted by his health scare.

Adele made a rare public appearance at Bad Bunny’s sold‑out London concert, where she was seen singing, dancing and wearing a fan’s pava hat. The outing comes nearly two years after announcing a long hiatus from music following nonstop touring. Bad Bunny continues a landmark year, with his latest album becoming the first Spanish‑language Grammy Album of the Year winner and his Super Bowl performance earning further acclaim. Other celebrities, including Maya Jama and Novak Djokovic, were also in attendance.