Latest news with #BohemianRhapsody
Leader Live
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Readers' messages for Wrexham's Olly Pearson after BGT final
Also known as 'Guitar Olly', he performed renditions of Wings' Live and Let Die, and Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, at last night's (May 31) final. But he lost out to magic act Harry Moulding, who won the £250,000 prize and a spot at the Royal Variety show. Posting on Facebook, Abermorddu Community Primary School, where Olly is a pupil, celebrated his success, saying: 'What a performance Olly put on in the Britain's Got Talent finals! 'We are all so immensely proud of how far Olly went in his BGT journey, and it has been a privilege to follow him on it!' Leader readers have also praised Olly's performance, both in the final and previously on the show, having earned golden buzzers at both his audition and his semi-final appearance. Katy Wilson said he had 'done Wrexham and the rest of Wales proud', while Margaret Potter said he 'will go a long way with his talent'. Angela Miller added: 'To be that young, that talented, and to be in front of the whole of Britain and play live… well, that's something. He has done himself and his family proud.' Sue Evans also told Olly he 'did Wrexham proud' and is 'already a star', while Sian Harrod added: 'Keep up the good work; you will go far and wide.' Julie Jones added that Olly 'should be very proud' of himself and has an 'amazing future' ahead of him. Lottie Faye said she voted for Olly, adding: 'You've got such an amazing talent and without a doubt a very bright future ahead of you with your talent. Your whole family must be so proud.' Paula Simons also voted for him, and said: 'Fourth place is still fantastic. I'm hoping Simon (Cowell) offers you a record deal, as you deserve every success.' MOST READ Clare Harries told Olly he is an 'amazing young man' who 'made us all proud', while John Barnard called him a 'star' who 'will have a fantastic musical career'. Olly's final performance earned him standing ovations from all four judges, meanwhile. Bruno Tonioli called him 'a little Brian May', while Alesha Dixon said his talent is 'ridiculous'. Simon Cowell told Olly he is 'technically brilliant' and 'gutsy', and Amanda Holden added: 'You did yourself proud.'
Leader Live
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Llangollen: Wales Comic Con guests confirmed so far
Earlier this month, it was announced that the event had found itself a new home at Llangollen Pavilion. The popular event has traditionally been held annually at Wrexham University. Formed in 2009, down the years it has proven to be one of Wrexham's most well-attended events on the calendar. But, this year, the comic con team has found themselves a new nearby location to host the event. They have announced that Llangollen Pavilion will play host to the 2025 Wales Comic Con on September 20 and 21. And some recognisable faces have already been confirmed to attend. Breaking Bad star Dean Norris was the first to be announced and he was followed by Joseph Mazzello, who has starred in the likes of Jurassic Park and Bohemian Rhapsody. TOP STORIES Also confirmed so far are; Tickets to the event are available to buy now from here. Click the image above for more local events (Image: Newsquest) Guests are advised to keep an eye on the Wales Comic Con social media channels for the latest updates. In a statement, the organisers said that they have signed a 'multi-year deal' to host the event at the pavilion. They added: "Join us for the first edition at this new venue on September 20-21 – it's going to be a weekend to remember. With more space than ever before, we'll be packing the site with our biggest line-up of displays yet, plus a UK-first unique panel experience that we can't wait to reveal."
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Olly Pearson performs at Britain's Got Talent final
'Guitar Olly', who reached the final after earning a Golden Buzzer in both his audition and semi-final, performed renditions of Wings' Live and Let Die, and Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. He received a standing ovation from all four judges for his performance, and said afterwards: "That just felt like I was on top of the world. I don't know how to explain it." MORE: Wrexham's 'Guitar Olly' in Britain's Got Talent 2025 final Bruno Tonioli said: "We all love a rock 'n' roll star, and you're one of them. You're a little Brian May." Alesha Dixon told him: "What a way to close the show. You're such a little superstar; you are so talented, it's ridiculous." Simon Cowell added: "You're absolutely technically brilliant. When we talk to you backstage, you're really, really shy, and then you get on stage with that guitar, and you're a completely different person. "Forget about your age; you're just a brilliant, brilliant musician, and you're gutsy." Amanda Holden said: "That was unbelievable. We forget that you're a kid. That was super professional and massively entertaining… once again, you did yourself proud." Olly, who was the last of the 11 finalists to perform tonight, is competing for the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Show, and to win a £250,000 cash prize. Among his competitors are vocalists and fellow North Walians Han & Fran, from Llandudno, who kicked off tonight's final with an ABBA medley. Prior to his final performance, Olly received a "good luck" message from Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, and performed at his school, Abermorddu County Primary School, in front of his fellow pupils. He'll find out if he's won shortly before 9.45pm tonight.
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Roger Taylor and Brian May ‘so proud' as they pick up Queen's Polar Music Prize
The King of Sweden presented the award to rock band Queen, US jazz musician Herbie Hancock and Canadian conductor Barbara Hannigan during a gala ceremony held in Stockholm on Tuesday. Founded by Abba publisher, lyricist and manager Stig 'Stikkan' Anderson, the gong celebrates the power and importance of music, and is awarded to individuals, groups or institutions for excellence in the world of music. On receiving the award, Taylor, 75, said: 'When we started our band… we had ambitions, but never dreamed of the journey that was to follow. 'We were fortunate in the fact that our four wildly different personalities came together to achieve a wonderful chemistry. 'The Polar Music Prize is exceptional in the fact that unlike other awards it recognises the entirety of an artiste's career. 'What an honour to be included in the glittering cavalcade of previous laureates. True Olympian company indeed. We are so proud to be the recipients of this incredibly prestigious award.' Sir Brian, 77, added: 'In this special moment, I contemplate how that younger Brian May in 1974 would have felt if he knew that we would be living this kind of dream 50 years in the future.' Hannigan, 54, said she was 'deeply thankful for all the collaborations which have nurtured me', adding: 'I am humbled to be among these Laureates of 'musical royalty', and to share the honours tonight with the legends who are Herbie Hancock and Queen.' Hancock, 85, said: 'What an incredible honour to be with you here tonight, to receive the prestigious Polar Music Prize. I'm deeply humbled. 'I accept this award not just for myself, but on behalf of all the musicians, and dreamers who dare to believe that creativity and human connection can change the world. 'I truly believe that music and the arts can illuminate the path towards a more peaceful and compassionate world, and it is vital that we, the artists, give back and share our knowledge and experiences with the younger generations, our leaders of tomorrow.' This year's ceremony took place at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm, presented by mezzo-soprano and journalist, Boel Adler. The evening featured live music from artists including and rock band Ghost, who performed a rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody with Opeth guitarist Fredrik Akesson, and Queen frontman Adam Lambert who performed the hits Who Wants To Live Forever and Another One Bites The Dust. Guitarist Sir Brian, drummer Taylor, late frontman Freddie Mercury and bassist John Deacon scored numerous number ones during Queen's heyday, as the band became one of the best live touring acts in the world. They were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by Nirvana's Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins in 2001 and had all four members inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 2003. Mercury died aged just 45 in 1991. Previous winners of the Polar Music Prize have included Beatles star Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and Stooges singer Iggy Pop. The Polar Music Prize is awarded by an independent, 11-member board who select the winners from nominations from the public and the International Music Council.
South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Roger Taylor and Brian May ‘so proud' as they pick up Queen's Polar Music Prize
The King of Sweden presented the award to rock band Queen, US jazz musician Herbie Hancock and Canadian conductor Barbara Hannigan during a gala ceremony held in Stockholm on Tuesday. Founded by Abba publisher, lyricist and manager Stig 'Stikkan' Anderson, the gong celebrates the power and importance of music, and is awarded to individuals, groups or institutions for excellence in the world of music. On receiving the award, Taylor, 75, said: 'When we started our band… we had ambitions, but never dreamed of the journey that was to follow. 'We were fortunate in the fact that our four wildly different personalities came together to achieve a wonderful chemistry. 'The Polar Music Prize is exceptional in the fact that unlike other awards it recognises the entirety of an artiste's career. 'What an honour to be included in the glittering cavalcade of previous laureates. True Olympian company indeed. We are so proud to be the recipients of this incredibly prestigious award.' Sir Brian, 77, added: 'In this special moment, I contemplate how that younger Brian May in 1974 would have felt if he knew that we would be living this kind of dream 50 years in the future.' Hannigan, 54, said she was 'deeply thankful for all the collaborations which have nurtured me', adding: 'I am humbled to be among these Laureates of 'musical royalty', and to share the honours tonight with the legends who are Herbie Hancock and Queen.' Hancock, 85, said: 'What an incredible honour to be with you here tonight, to receive the prestigious Polar Music Prize. I'm deeply humbled. 'I accept this award not just for myself, but on behalf of all the musicians, and dreamers who dare to believe that creativity and human connection can change the world. 'I truly believe that music and the arts can illuminate the path towards a more peaceful and compassionate world, and it is vital that we, the artists, give back and share our knowledge and experiences with the younger generations, our leaders of tomorrow.' This year's ceremony took place at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm, presented by mezzo-soprano and journalist, Boel Adler. The evening featured live music from artists including and rock band Ghost, who performed a rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody with Opeth guitarist Fredrik Akesson, and Queen frontman Adam Lambert who performed the hits Who Wants To Live Forever and Another One Bites The Dust. Guitarist Sir Brian, drummer Taylor, late frontman Freddie Mercury and bassist John Deacon scored numerous number ones during Queen's heyday, as the band became one of the best live touring acts in the world. They were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by Nirvana's Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins in 2001 and had all four members inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 2003. Mercury died aged just 45 in 1991. Previous winners of the Polar Music Prize have included Beatles star Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and Stooges singer Iggy Pop. The Polar Music Prize is awarded by an independent, 11-member board who select the winners from nominations from the public and the International Music Council.
