Pressparty: Newsdesk

Simon Cowell 'harrassed' Robson Green's mother

Pressparty — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:54:19 +0100

Simon Cowell may have given Robson Green a hit single in the '90's but the actor is no fan of his former label boss' love of cosmetic surgery nor how he pestered his mother.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Green said:

"When I caught my first groper fish on 'Extreme Fishing', it reminded me of Simon. With all the cosmetic surgery he’s had, he is looking more like a groper fish. He looks as if he’s been shot out of a cannon."

Robson Green joined forces with his 'Soldier Soldier' acting pal, Jerome Flynn, on a cover version of 'Unchained Melody' which Green didn't want to sing. He said:

"I didn’t want to sing. I was already being paid a fortune for what I was doing but Simon wouldn’t let it go. He was pestering my mother all the time, wanting me to sing that bloody song with Jerome.

"I got a lawyer to stop him ringing her, then I called him myself and told him, “If you do it again I will take this to court. This is harassment.

"Then Simon said, 'Can I just say, I will give you THIS amount of money if you record the song.' The amount was in seven figures . . . of course I said 'yes'."

Watch the official video to Robson and Jerome's 'Unchained Melody' below:

'ABBA's Gold: Greatest Hits' overtakes The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'

Pressparty — Sun, 19 May 2013 09:40:39 +0100

'ABBA’s Gold: Greatest Hits' has overtaken sales of The Beatles’ 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' to become the UK’s second biggest selling album to date, according to the Official Charts Company.

The Swedish band’s 1992 Best Of collection has inched ahead of The Beatles’ 1967 album by nearly 15,000 copies with both albums selling over 5.1 million copies in the UK.

The announcement coincides with this year’s Eurovision Song Contest being held in the group’s homeland; ABBA famously won Eurovision in 1974 with Waterloo, which became their first ever Number 1 single on the UK’s Official Singles Chart.

ABBA founder / songwriter Björn Ulvaeus told OfficialCharts.com "It’s feels unreal - outselling the greatest record of all time!"

An estimated one in five British households owns a copy of either 'Gold' or 'Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band'.

'Gold' features all nine of the Swedish band’s Official Singles Chart Number 1s – including 'Waterloo', 'Mamma Mia', 'Fernando', 'Dancing Queen', 'Knowing Me Knowing You', 'The Name Of The Game', 'Take A Chance On Me', 'The Winner Takes It All', and 'Super Trouper' – and has spent a total of eight weeks at No.1 on the Official Albums Chart.

Former-ABBA blonde Agnetha Faltskog may have her highest charting solo album of her career later today (May 19). Faltskog's new album, 'A', could go Top 10 when the new Official Albums Chart Top 100 is announced.

Watch the video to Faltskog's favourite ABBA song, 'Winner Takes It All' below:

Britney Spears confirms 'Smurfs 2' song 'Ooh La La' release date

Pressparty — Sun, 19 May 2013 09:32:01 +0100

Britney Spears has confirmed June 16 as the release for her new song 'Ooh La La'.

The superstar posted: "I heard an early demo of #OohLaLa smurfed its way onto the internet today :( The real version will be at radio and iTunes June 16th :)"

"I have always loved the Smurfs as a kid and now my boys are the biggest Smurfs fans ever."

"I wanted to surprise them with a song in the movie. I know they'll think it's Smurftastic!"

'The Smurfs 2', which is released in the US and the UK on July 31, will follow the Smurfs on a mission with the help of their human friends to find Smurfette, after she is taken by their archrival Gargamel.

The track is taken from the upcoming 'Smurfs 2' movie, and was leaked in full on May 17. However, Spears has admitted that the leaked version is simply an "early demo".

Listen to Britney Spears' new track 'Ooh La La Smurf 2 (New Song 2013)) Official', below:

NKOTB's Joey McIntyre safe after crossing Boston Marathon line minutes before blasts

Pressparty — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:41:50 +0100

New Kids on the Block singer Joey McIntyre had passed the finish line at the Boston Marathon just “minutes” before the horrific explosions that left at least two dead and more than 100 injured.

One of the dead has reported to be an eight-year-old boy. At the time of writing, doctors at three nearby hospitals have carried out 10 amputations between them and are pulling out ball bearings from wounds. Seventeen people are in a critical condition, and approximately 130 injured.

The 40-year-old pop star had been among the estimated 27,000 runners to participate in the marquee marathon Monday.

But two massive blasts occurred about 15 seconds apart near the finish line at Boston’s Copley Square around 2:45pm.

In the aftermath of the early news reports, NKOTB bandmate Donnie Wahlberg took to Twitter to frantically ask for information on his friend’s whereabouts.

Wahlberg tweeted: "“Please reach out if you hear that @joeymcintyre is ok!!!!! Please say a prayer for everyone in Boston!"

McIntyre responded after the blast to let family, friends and family know he was safe.

“There was an explosion by the finish line about 5 minutes after I finished- I'm ok but I'm sure there are many hurt,” McIntyre tweeted.

McIntyre was running in the marathon to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association and in memory of his mother who suffers from the disease. He tweeted a photo once he crossed the finishing line (see below).

Elsewhere in Twitter artists, bands and their fans have all expressed their shock on hearing about the bombings. Ed Sheeran, One Direction's Zayn Malik, Rob Kardashian and Stooshe tweeted out the hashtag #PrayForBoston

Cheryl Cole tweeted: "Sickened and saddened!! Thoughts go to everyone affected in Boston !! Stop this world. I want off #PrayforBoston".

The Wanted tweeted: "Our hearts go out to all those who are affected by this senseless tragedy #prayforboston".

Google has activated its Person Finder service in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon explosions.

Empire of the Sun are 'Alive'

Pressparty — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:44:11 +0100

Empire of the Sun have unveiled their comeback single, 'Alive' on SoundCloud today (April 15).

'Alive' will be available to download from tomorrow (April 16) on iTunes. Empire of the Sun are Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore.

The track features an uplifting group chorus and is taken from their upcoming album, 'Ice on the Dune' which is scheduled for release on June 14.

Empire of the Sun made a big splash in the pop world with their debut album, 'Walking on a Dream', in 2008 which sold over a million copies.

At the height of that album's success, the duo took a break from each other whilst Littlemore concentrated on his side project, Pnau. Pnau collaborated extensively with Elton John, and covered one of his hits, 'Good Morning to the Night'.

Empire Of The Sun - Alive by Empire Of The Sun

The band played last weekend's Coachella Festival (see photo above), watch the full set below:

Daft Punk release new album trailer at Coachella

Pressparty — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 19:15:13 +0100

French electro duo Daft Punk have unveiled yet another teaser for their forthcoming album ‘Random Access Memories’.

Despite not being on the bill to play this year’s Coachella music festival, Daft Punk chose the event to air new footage which reveals further details surrounding their long awaited fourth album. The short clip shows the robot-headed dance group playing new song ‘Get Lucky’ accompanied by Nile Rodgers on guitar and Pharrell Williams providing vocals. The song features the lyrics, “She's up all night 'til the sun / I'm up all night to get some / She's up all night for good fun / I'm up all night to get lucky.”

The film also reveals a number of other high profile names who will feature on ‘Random Access Memories’ including Animal Collective’s Panda Bear, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Todd Edwards, DJ Falcon, Chilly Gonzales, Giorgio Moroder and Paul Williams.

This preview is the latest instalment in the mysterious promotional campaign for Daft Punk’s first release in eight years. In February the band announced via Facebook that they had signed with Columbia Records. A month later posters featuring Daft Punk’s new logo appeared in major cities across the globe. Then in March short television adverts promoting ‘Random Access Memories’ were premiered on US television during ‘Saturday Night Live.’

Ahead of the album’s release in May it is believed that the record will be launched and played in full at the Wee Waa Show, an annual event that takes place in New South Wales, Australia.

You can watch Daft Punk’s latest album trailer below:

Union J reveal 'Carry You' single artwork

Pressparty — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:58:57 +0100

Union J have revealed the artwork for their debut single, 'Carry You' which will be released on June 2.

The X Factor 2012 contestants signed a contract with Sony's RCA in the aftermath of the X Factor and have also secured a book deal with Penguin and Michael Joseph to publish their memoirs.

The group were eliminated from the show at the semi-final stage, with James Arthur ultimately winning the series. They were the fourth on the programme behind the other runners-up, Christopher Maloney and Jahmene Douglas.

Union J are one of five artists from last year's season of the hit show to have secured a record contract. Lucy Spraggan, Ella Henderson, Jahmene Douglas and James Arthur have all signed up to leading record companies, with plans to release new music later in 2013.

Watch a recent video with Union J on last month's Red Nose Day 2013, below:

Sharon Osbourne's spokesperson dismisses marriage crisis report

Pressparty — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:20:05 +0100

A spokesperson for Sharon Osbourne has confirmed that Sharon and Ozzy are not having marriage difficulties as reported by The Sun today (April 14).

The spokesperson confirmed that, although Sharon Osbourne is living in a hotel, this is solely for "work" purposes, rather than due to a dispute between the pair.

Meanwhile Ozzy Osbourne is busy with the newly reformed Black Sabbath:

"They've both got huge work commitments. She is at the hotel for work and he is starting his Black Sabbath tour. Of course they row but they are still together.

"Sharon and Ozzy have spent long periods of time apart before when she was working in the U.K. The marriage is not on the rocks."

The Sun had printed a story stating that a source had cited that The Osbournes were living in separate houses in L.A. two miles apart from each other.

Watch Black Sabbath perform 'Paranoid' below:

'Britain's Got Talent' hammers rival 'The Voice' in last night’s ratings

Pressparty — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:58:04 +0100

'Britain's Got Talent' made a triumphant return to ITV yesterday (April 13), beating their rival, 'The Voice UK' in ratings.

BGT returned for a new series with judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, David Walliams and Amanda Holden.

The first episode of the seventh series averaged 9.35m viewers (36.9%) from 7:00pm, its joint highest launch ratings ever. A further 1.26m (3.5%) watched on ITV+1. Including +1, the show peaked on a massive 13.03m.

Simon Cowell even reduced a contestant to tears in the first episode of the new series of BGT by being nice to her.

In comparison, 'The Voice' only scored 6.67m (26.8%), reaching 7.7m.

However, BBC sources still congratulated ITV on a strong night, adding that they are delighted that 'The Voice' keeps growing regardless.

Watch a recent interview with Simon Cowell, below:

Sharon Osbourne will testify in the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial

Pressparty — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 08:13:40 +0100

Sharon Osbourne will testify in the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial as she said the concert promoters, AEG Live: " knew he was not well and they didn't care."

The 60-year-old star has been called up as a witness and said she has information which will help the Thriller singer's family's case against AEG Live.

The promoter has been accused of ignoring health concerns over Michael and hiring physician Dr. Conrad Murray - who was convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of the star following his passing in 2009 - and now Osbourne has revealed on The Talk that she has evidence which could help.

Osbourne said: "Whether he performed or not, they'd still make money. I had conversations with people who said exactly that. I will tell people who said it."

The Jackson estate are seeking over $40 billion in damages from AEG Live.

Watch Sharon Osbourne on The Talk below:

PJ & Duncan's 'Let's Get Ready To Rhumble' is the UK's No.1 single

Pressparty — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:59:28 +0100

PJ & Duncan's 'Let's Get Ready To Rhumble' has topped the UK Official Singles Chart this Easter.

Ant McPartlin told The Official Charts hostess, Jameela Jamil, that both he and Declan Donnelly were "still a bit shell shocked from the week we've just had," and that they had "not even a slight suspicion" that the single would be back in the charts.

Jamil admitted 'Let's Get Ready To Rhumble' was the first single she ever bought, and that it will be the first track she'll play when she's out DJ-ing tonight. She also revealed that she thought the track could be the new 'Gangham Style' with kids all over the country learning the dance routine. McPartlin said that he and Donnelly will leave the original video as is, he said:

"We have no plans to re-do the video ... it just takes you back to 1994."

The song made it to No.1 after the duo performed the track on their ITV1 show Saturday Night Takeaway last weekend, prompting fans to download it.

The pair had several hits in the 1990s as PJ and Duncan, the names of their characters in TV drama Byker Grove.

The original 'Let's Get Ready to Rhumble' single got to number nine in 1994. All money raised from sales will be donated to ChildLine, a charity that Ant and Dec are both patrons for.

Watch Michael Bublé and Simon Cowell sing along to 'Let's Get Ready To Rhumble' on Ant and Dec's 'Saturday Night Takeaway', and the original video below:

Tom Odell prefers playing piano to socialising

Pressparty — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:00:36 +0000

Tom Odell has told today's Observer that he doesn't have a lot of friends, he said:

"It sounds weird, creepy but I don't love hanging out. I don't really have loads of friends – three or four who are close. The thing that I love the most is playing with my band, and with everything else I feel kind of uncomfortable. I don't think I'm socially awkward. I just prefer being behind a piano."

The 22-year-old also revealed that he doesn't think he'll ever be able to grow a beard due to his youthful appearance.

The Chichester lad also isn't very good with romantic relationships, he said: "I'm bad at them. There's always a part of my brain saying: 'Stop getting comfortable. Don't relax.' Because I find it difficult to write when I'm happy. I have to go out there and get battered up and bruised to write anything. I have to feel something."

Watch Tom Odell performing 'Sense' below:

Thieves ransack Bernie Nolan's home as she returns to die

Pressparty — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:24:49 +0000

Steve Doneathy, Bernie Nolan's husband, has spoken in today's Sunday Mirror about how thieves ransacked their home whilst he was looking after his wife in a hospice.

Doneathy was planning to bring her back home from the hospice for her final days when he rang his friend to help organise their house to be adapted for her return, he said:

"I called my friend to see if he would pop round to the house. We needed to get things fitted to help Bernie get up and down the stairs. But he called me back and said, 'Steve, you've been broken into'.

"We have a little box in the front room that has a padlock on it. It's where we keep photographs of our first daughter Kate (who was stillborn in 1997)... They'd smashed the padlock off that and tipped it all over the floor, just in case it was full of jewellery."

"Getting Bernie back was brilliant. It's being alive, these tiny little things that make up your days and your life and you don't even realise. We didn't have any of that in the hospice.

"Now we're home it doesn't feel so much like we're just waiting. Obviously we know Bernie is going to be very poorly again. But in the meantime we want to lead as normal a life as we possibly can. We think we can cope. I can do everything she needs. I'm giving her her medication. Bernie can walk a little bit, sit up and eat. So for now, it's OK.

"The idea of curing it or treating it, or making it smaller isn't there now. She could have gone to hospice until the end, but she wanted to come home. We have no idea how long that might be. Bernie is a strong girl with a will of steel and a big heart. She's still got some fire in her belly. If anyone can keep on going, it's Bernie. She's amazing."

Nolan revealed that her breast cancer had returned last October (2012) and will be buried alongside their late daughter, Kate.

Watch The Nolans speak on The Alan Titchmarsh show, and vintage footage of them performing 'I'm In The Mood For Dancing' below:

Little Mix's biggest goal is 'to play Madison Square Garden'

Pressparty — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 11:36:36 +0000

Little Mix took time out to be interviewed on the infamous orange carpet at last night's Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and revealed that, along with a world tour, Little Mix have also one big hope:

"We always say four years from now we'd like to do Madison Square Garden, that is the big goal".

Madison Garden is the legendary venue in New York's Manhattan with a concert capacity of 20,000.

The band would love to become big stars in America and have been 'overwhelmed' by the welcome they've received from the US fans so far.

Perrie Edwards said that they weren't expecting so much support whilst in the States.

The band are really excited to show their US fans 'the real us', their 'crazy side', how they are 'like sisters', and 'that they are genuinely best friends."

The girls can't wait to meet Missy Elliot to thank her for their recent collaboration. Having seen the final edit of the video recently they are really excited but have yet to meet the rapper.

They would also love to collaborate with Boyz II Men or Diana Ross, and "felt like Mariah Carey in Glitter" when they heard 'Wings' on the US radio.

When asked about their favourite fashion trends for Spring, the band admitted, that they don't really keep up with fashion but just "wear what we want to wear".

Watch Little Mix be interviewed on the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2013 orange carpet below:

Gwyneth Paltrow reveals secret miscarriage

Pressparty — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 09:48:36 +0000

Chris Martin's wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, has revealed that she almost died during her third pregnancy which ended with a miscarriage.

The 40-year-old actress was expecting a third child with husband Chris Martin, after having children Apple, eight and Moses, six, but revealed she lost the baby and her own life was in danger as a result of complications.

She revealed in today's The Mail On Sunday's You Magazine: ''My children ask me to have a baby all the time. And you never know, I could squeeze one more in. I am missing my third. I'm thinking about it.

''I had a really bad experience when I was pregnant with my third. It didn't work out and I nearly died. So I am like, 'Are we good here or should we go back and try again?'''

Paltrow also praised her Coldplay frontman husband's parenting skills and revealed they rely on each other for support:

''To know that you had kids with such a good man is a real weight off you. We are committed co-parents, we make all the decisions together and lean on each other for support.''

Watch Coldplay's performance at last year's Paralympics, and Gwyneth Paltrow performing with Cee Lo Green at the 2011's Grammys below: