Sugababes' Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy join fellow singer Macy Gray at Usher's star-studded final tour show at the O2
The King of R&B, - whose full name is Usher Terry Raymond IV - finally completed his staggering tour, after wowing crowds with his hits like Yeah, Burn, U Remind Me and OMG since August.
The singer is set to bring the globetrotting tour to Down Under next, with four shows each in Melbourne and Sydney.
And Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy were among the VIPs putting on edgy displays at the concert, before celebrating with Usher at his European tour wrap party at The Yeah Man.
Keisha, 40, appeared to have not aged a day since shooting to fame in the girl group over two decades ago, in an effortlessly stylish all-black ensemble.
She put on a leggy display in a tiny miniskirt teamed with a leather jacket and matching knee-high heeled boots.
The King of R&B, - whose full name is Usher Terry Raymond IV - finally completed his staggering tour, after wowing crowds with his hits like Yeah, Burn, U Remind Me and OMG since August (pictured)
Her long raven hair was styled sleek and straight, while she accentuated her ageless beauty with a light palette of radiant makeup.
Keisha posed alongside bandmate Mutya, 39, who cut a typically glamorous figure in a daringly short fluffy miniskirt and bejewelled boots.
Leaving little to the imagination, she paired her skirt with a sheer sparkly shirt with a plunging neckline, putting her ample cleavage on full display.
Meanwhile, Siobhán, 40, opted for a more understated outfit, looking on trend in a pair of black leather trousers with silver studded details.
She added a fashionable green bomber jacket over the top and trainers, while pulling her fiery red locks up into a chic updo.
R&B songstress Macy, 57, looked to be having a ball at the gig and afterparty, keeping comfy in a grey hoodie and brown oversized trousers.
While Girls Aloud star Kimberley, 43, opted for effortless sophistication in a chocolate brown blazer over a matching lowcut top.
The mother-of-three added simple blue jeans and trainers underneath, while giving her look some added glamour with gold earrings and a radiant face of makeup.
R&B songstress Macy, 57, looked to be having a ball at the gig and afterparty, keeping comfy in a grey hoodie and brown oversized trousers
The Sugababes' appearance at the show comes after they embarked on a 'new chapter' and released their first single in two years.
In March, the trio revealed their new track Jungle marking their return, after parting ways with their record label BMG to go independent.
Sharing their elation at the new song, they said in a statement: 'We are so excited to release 'Jungle' and cement this new chapter for us, after what has been an incredible 3 years on the road.
'As soon as it was written, it felt like the perfect thing for people to hear first. A song about escaping the 9-5 grind, we hope everyone can let their inner animal out when they hear this!'
The single - produced by Jon Shave (the man behind Charli XCX's Grammy winning BRAT album) - mixes the girls' unmistakable harmonies with a blend of 2 step, garage and alt-pop.
Meanwhile, the group have been writing new material with none other that Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, now simply known as JADE.
The Round Round hitmakers revealed that they've so far recorded a verse and a chorus on the track for the singer, but the project has yet to be completed.
Speaking to NME about about presenting JADE with her BRIT Award for Best Pop Act recently, Keisha shared: 'It was lovely, and we actually had a writing session with her a couple of weeks ago, which was cool.
On writing with JADE, Siobhán added: 'The whole thing was very relaxed: a no pressure situation. You [Keisha] were putting on your makeup to go out and JADE was putting on her makeup to go out, and we were all just writing. It felt exciting.'
Meanwhile, the girls have set their sights on taking to the coveted Pyramid stage at Glastonbury, noting how it is 'definitely on out wish list'.
However, Keisha notes that she'd like the girls to have some new hits under their belts first so that they don't appear to just be another nostalgic act.
She added that she wants their set to feel 'fresh and new' and for them to be 'relevant', adding that the girls hate the word 'reunion' as it's not 'where they're at'.
Meanwhile, the band have been on the road for their biggest ever UK and European tour since last month, kicking off on April 8 in Leeds, before they are set to wrap up in Milan this month.
Keisha, Mutya and Siobhan formed the iconic girl band in 1998, but the lineup then went through several shake-ups after Siobhan left in 2001.
She was replaced by Heidi Range - with Mutya and Keisha eventually being replaced in the mid-2000s by Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen, respectively.
The trio won back the rights to their name in 2019 and have since gone on to huge success with a plethora of sold out shows in both in the UK and internationally.
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The Sun
26 minutes ago
- The Sun
Dad helplessly watched as seaside fair ride derailed leaving his 3 kids – including son, 4 – trapped & injured onboard
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BBC News
26 minutes ago
- BBC News
Kate Moss and Beth Ditto to present new programmes on BBC Radio 6 Music as autumn schedule revealed
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Kate says: 'David Bowie was a very special person. Someone who was much more than a friend - he was an enigma. So, when the chance came to dive into this extraordinary five-year chapter of Bowie's life for 6 Music and BBC Sounds, hearing from those who joined him on his creative journey and those he continues to inspire, I was excited to help share the story of such an incredible transformation. This podcast is a real celebration of my friend, a true British icon." Available on BBC Sounds from 6am on Wednesday 10 September and broadcast on 6 Music on Monday 22 September (12-2am), the podcast features rare and unheard archive interviews with Bowie – including an exclusive interview from 2001 with podcast creator Des Shaw, and recently unearthed audio from the BBC Archive. It also includes new interviews with those who knew Bowie, and who continue to be inspired by his legacy, including Boy George, Chrissie Hynde, Dave Gahan, Edward Enninful, Elton John, Goldie, Iggy Pop, Harris Reed, Robbie Williams and Twiggy, with archive interviews from Lady Gaga, Sinéad O'Connor, Lou Reed, Tracey Emin and more. Episodes explore David's early performances with The Hype, his fascination with Andy Warhol, the creation of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars and the legacy of his iconic Ziggy Stardust image, the famous Hammersmith Odeon show - which Bowie announced on stage would be the final Ziggy Stardust performance - his 'The 1980 Floor Show' at London's Marquee Club in 1973, the recording of Diamond Dogs and his creation of The Thin White Duke. The series comes as BBC partners, the V&A, launch the David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse. The David Bowie Centre is a new working archive for the world's largest collection dedicated to Bowie's life and works, with free rotating displays of highlights from the collection. What Would Beth Ditto Do? What Would Beth Ditto Do? Beth Ditto joins Nick Grimshaw on the 6 Music Breakfast Show (weekdays 7-10am) every Tuesday from 16 September. The singer, songwriter and Gossip frontwoman will share her take on life's small dilemmas, responding to listeners' quandaries with her signature wit, wisdom and unique honesty. What Would Beth Ditto Do? will also be available in vision each week on 6 Music's YouTube channel. Beth says: 'I'm so excited to be joining 6 Music and to get to work with Nick every week is just the cherry on top. I've always been a huge fan of the station, so honestly… I'm so excited, I'm speechless. Which should work out great for radio!' In November, Beth will also host a new series, Indie Forever Disco with Beth Ditto (20 x 120') for BBC Sounds, in which she'll celebrate the biggest and best indie hits for the dance floor - from classic tracks to the hits of tomorrow. Grounding (12 x 120'), a series which celebrates the unique perspectives and creativity of neurodivergent artists, will be broadcast Monday – Thursday, 11pm-1am from 15 September – 2nd October. Emma-Jean Thackray (15 – 17 September), Gary Numan (18 and 22 – 23 September), Blindboyboatclub (24 – 25 and 29 September) and AFRODEUTSCHE (30 September and 1 – 2 October) each present three, two-hour episodes. Across the series, they share their stories, explore how their neurodivergence shapes their relationship with music and highlight the songs that hold personal significance. The following quotes are presented in full to preserve the integrity and context of each artist's experience. 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It's often difficult, challenging, even frightening at times, but I see my neurodivergence as a gift, not a disorder. It gives me so much more than it takes. I hope people take away from the shows this one simple truth; we are not damaged, not broken, we are just different.' Blindboyboatclub says: 'I've worked in TV for years and have gone through great lengths to come across as 'normal'. I've always wanted to share my love and passion for music on the radio, but have never been given the opportunity because of a fear that I'd be perceived as being too strange or eccentric for such a mainstream platform. It was a pleasure to make these Grounding episodes, because I got to be my authentic autistic self.' AFRODEUTSCHE says: 'When I was asked to put music together for these Grounding shows, I'll admit - I felt a bit overwhelmed, then I realised it was a rare chance to let people in on the quieter, more personal moments of my life. (That's what I love about radio) I can share stories through music, without being right in the spotlight. I really don't like being in the front, or being seen… (Some might find surprising). This is my journey - from before my diagnosis to now - with songs I've written and music that's touched my heart. Some of it no one's ever heard before. Stories of love, understanding love, relationships to music/art/light/colour, and parts of my private life I've often kept hidden… It's not easy sharing the deeper parts of myself, I tend not to, but I'm taking a brave stand and opening up! I'm taking some of my own advice 'If it scares you Henrietta and a voice says that you can't do this, you're no good…. DO IT'. So here I am, I'm opening up and sharing the hidden corners of my life that music makes a little less lonely and fills me up with connection and joy.' Episodes delve into themes that shape the host's world: AFRODEUTSCHE will share how being neurodivergent informs her experience of love, privacy and relationships; Blindboyboatclub explores his identity as an autistic adult, with programmes centring on creativity, escape and solitude; Emma-Jean, an autistic artist with ADHD and OCD, discusses intrusive thoughts, sleep and solitude. Gary reflects on being autistic, focusing on themes of obsession, emotion and misunderstanding. Grounding Grounding is produced by Granny Eats Wolf, working with The Donaldson Trust, The National Body for Neurodiversity, which delivers services and improves access and opportunity for neurodivergent people. Louise Storie, Head of Connect at The Donaldson Trust says: 'Our work with individuals and organisations is all about shifting the focus from 'deficit' to 'difference.' We help them understand and harness the incredible talents and creativity of neurodivergent individuals. Working with the Grounding project is a perfect example of this, where we supported the team in creating a neuro-affirming context for their work, including helping them to prepare for interviews with neurodivergent artists, advising on neuro-inclusive terminology, language, and approach. Ultimately, this new series is a wonderful celebration of some of the most brilliant and creative minds in the industry and highlights the importance of embracing neurodiversity.' Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music says: 'There's so much to look forward to on 6 Music this autumn. It's a joy to welcome Kate Moss to celebrate an artist close to her heart and ours - David Bowie. I'm proud to be working with four incredible neurodivergent artists, Emma-Jean Thackray, Gary Numan, Blindboyboatclub and our very own AFRODEUTSCHE, who will lead conversations exploring music, identity and creativity in our new series, Grounding. And then there's Beth Ditto, who will be doing all of that and more with Nick Grimshaw on our Breakfast Show, and later this year with Indie Forever Disco.' Will Wilkin, Commissioning Executive, BBC Music for David Bowie: Changeling says: 'David Bowie and Kate Moss both transcend fashion, music, and art - true creative forces constantly reshaping culture. This podcast offers a personal look at Bowie's transformation, revealing his impact and legacy nearly a decade on. With Kate's narration, the Bowie archive at V&A East Storehouse, 6 Music's connection to his sound, and Zinc Media's award-winning production, David Bowie: Changeling gathers the voices of those he inspired. As Bowie said, 'I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring' - this is Kate Moss on that constant reinvention that made him an icon.' Contributors featuring in Music Uncovered, David Bowie: Changeling Contributors providing new interviews for the podcast are: Anya Wilson, Boy George, Brian Eno, Cherry Vanilla, Chris Duffy, Christine and the Queens, Chrissie Hynde, Dana Gillespie, Dave Gahan, Edward Enninful, Elton John, Ezra Furman, George Underwood, Goldie, Harris Reed, Iggy Pop, John Cambridge, John Mendelssohn, Jules Fisher, Ken Scott, Mark Ravitz, Mike Garson, Nick Knight, Paul Smith, Peter Frampton, Rick Owens, Robbie Williams, St. Vincent, Toni Basil, Tony Defries, Tony Visconti, Tony Zanetta, Twiggy, and Wendy Kirby. Archive interviews come from: Florence Welch, Gene Simmons, Geoff MacCormack, Ian Hunter, Joe Dallesandro, Lady Gaga, Leee Black Childers, Lindsay Kemp, Lou Reed, Lulu, Marianne Faithfull, Mick Rock, Mick Ronson, Rick Wakeman, Sinéad O'Connor, Suzi Ronson, Tracey Emin, Trevor Bolder and Woody Woodmansey. SH/SVDG Follow for more
The Guardian
26 minutes ago
- The Guardian
‘I have to believe I deserve to be here': ‘Tesco TikToker' Hannah Lowther on her path to West End stardom
If you're on TikTok, you'll probably recognise Hannah Lowther. Known affectionately as the 'Tesco TikToker', she found viral fame during lockdown by filming herself singing and dancing in the aisles of the supermarket during her shifts there. 'I got 10,000 views on a video and I thought: OK, that's it, I'm famous, and I just never let it go,' the 27-year-old laughs. Since then, Lowther has built an audience of 1.2 million followers and leveraged her social media presence into a starry stage career, landing roles in West End musicals including Heathers and Six. 'At the back of my mind, I was thinking: You know what? Maybe this could help me one day.' Her career is the stuff of many young performers' dreams. Using social media, Lowther took her career into her own hands, built an army of fans, and catapulted herself to the spotlight. Now, she stands at the forefront of a growing and debated shift in the industry: one that sees performers with big online followings take centre stage. Lowther always knew she wanted to work in the theatre. Growing up in Basingstoke, she went to dance classes, but it was when she was cast as Brigitta Von Trapp in the West End production of The Sound of Music in 2008 that something clicked. 'I remember going into the theatre and asking [the adult actors] what their jobs were,' she says. 'Then I realised this was an option for me.' Her teenage years were consumed by musical theatre. 'I put the blinkers on. I thought: I'm going to do this and nothing else.' At 16, she took a three-year course at the drama school Italia Conti then, at 19, went on to the London School of Musical Theatre. 'I graduated in 2019, did a panto at Christmas, and then in 2020, coronavirus happened,' Lowther says. 'I got put on pause. The whole world did.' Except Lowther didn't stop. She took a job at Tesco and, 'out of pure boredom', made her first TikTok video. Her early posts saw her belting out musical theatre hits to products on the shelves and high-kicking in front of the tills. 'I was feeling like my musical theatre spark was diminishing,' she says. 'I just thought surely someone else must feel the same.' She was right. Her TikToks reached thousands and were picked up by BBC and ITV news. 'It was crazy: people came to interview me, people came into the store … I'm just that theatre kid who loves attention, so it was my dream,' Lowther says. Even now, she shakes her head in disbelief. 'TikTok really helped me, and I say that with pride.' Her unconventional route to the stage hasn't been without its critics. Despite training at two of the UK's top drama schools, Lowther is often met with scepticism from people who attribute her success to her social media clout than talent. 'People are always going to be a little bit apprehensive about [social media],' Lowther says. Strangers have often formed an opinion of her before they've even met. 'Often when I meet them, they'll be like: 'You know what? You're actually quite nice,'' she laughs. It is true that in person, Lowther is different from the version seen online. On TikTok, she's all jazz hands and musical theatre fizz. Today, she is more reserved: still warm and funny, but with a vulnerability that doesn't always make it into the frame. Lowther tells me about how she turned her phone off for a week after a video surfaced of her making a mistake during an early performance of Six. 'My first thought was: I'm going to get ripped to shreds online, and that's exactly what happened.' Because of her trajectory, Lowther faces a far greater level of scrutiny than most performers. Dealing with online criticism has become a part of her life. Underneath her videos, she often finds 'nasty comments' about her voice, career and, most prominently, suggestions that she's used social media to cheat her way to success. 'I've tried to teach myself to rise above it, and think that is more a reflection of the person than me, but it is easier said than done,' she says. To an extent, the torrent of abuse has begun to feel normal. 'I forget that, for lots of people, it is not a daily struggle.' Perhaps this is why Lowther occasionally doubts herself. 'Impostor syndrome is a real thing. This explosion happened so fast, sometimes I do sit there thinking: What am I doing at this audition?' She's the first to say her road to theatre has been far from normal. The first West End show she was cast in, Heathers, came about because someone she met at a social media event was friends with one of the producers, and got her an audition. 'It's hard when I'm faced with people saying: 'Why would she get this part?' I've worked hard. I have to stick to my guns and believe I deserve to be in certain spaces.' Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Lowther believes more musical theatre hopefuls will turn to social media. In June, it was announced that TikTok star Maddie Grace Jepson, who has 1.9 million followers, will make her West End debut in Back to the Future: The Musical, while Love Island winner Amber Davies (1.2 million followers on Instagram) has since starred in countless shows, including the current run of The Great Gatsby. This is a marked change from the more traditional path actors usually take: many will spend years working their way up through off-West End roles, understudying and attending endless auditions before getting a big break. Today, casting directors and producers increasingly see a strong online following as part of a performer's value: their fans, it is assumed, are a ready-made audience. For some, this is a welcome levelling of the playing field that helps regional or working-class performers who lack industry connections. But there are concerns. If you're expected to perform in an eight-show week, proper training and stamina are essential – and not always something guaranteed by social media popularity. And this all arguably creates a hierarchy of another kind. Actors have spoken out against being asked about their follower count in the smallest non-speaking roles. In 2019, a casting call for a commercial asked actors to have 'more than 5,000 followers on Instagram' went viral, leading to broader criticism in the industry. Everybody's Talking About Jamie star Hayley Tamaddon said she was asked, at the end of a West End audition, about the number of followers she had on X (the role went to someone with 20,000 more followers). Despite her time at drama school, it is clear that it's TikTok that has opened doors for Lowther. She now hosts a theatre podcast, How Very Hannah (the podcast's own TikTok account has more than 52,800 followers) which is going on a UK tour this autumn. 'We play silly games, I give advice to people who send in questions, I chat with guests and try to remove any snootiness around theatre,' she says. That personal audience gives Lowther something many other young actors don't have: leverage. She doesn't have to wait to be cast to engage an audience, promote her work or generate income; she has built her own stage. It's a powerful position. Does creating a public-facing brand ever get in the way of being taken seriously as a stage actor? 'By trade, I am an actress,' she says cautiously, but she reveals that some people in the industry have initially turned up their noses at her influencer life. Why does Lowther think people are so keen to follow her life? She pauses. 'It's a weird one. As cheesy as it is to say, I try to be as authentic as possible … I try to show the lows, the highs and all the bits in between.' Lowther's appeal does seem to be rooted in her honesty. She posts videos of her crying after failed auditions, hosts chats from her dressing room, and answers questions about how much actors really get paid. Part of the draw is that she isn't too flashy or aloof. Her relatability offers other young performers a sense of hope: maybe, if they throw themselves into social media, they could have a career like hers too. Of course, out of the many people who post on TikTok, only a few will end up in the spotlight. Lowther is more than aware of this, and is determined not to fall behind. She still posts regularly on TikTok and feels a responsibility to make content that's honest, joyful and rooted in her love of musical theatre. She has big dreams of being in a movie musical – 'something like the Wicked movie' – but, ultimately, the theatre has her heart. 'I really love being on stage. I feel like it is where I'm meant to be.' How Very Hannah Live! tours the UK to 29 November; tour starts Edinburgh.
