Latest news with #IWillAlwaysLoveYou
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Scottish band reveal how Dolly Parton became the key to their success ahead of Glastonbury gig
'We really do have Dolly to thank for us being there at all." SAVED US FROM A 9-5 Scottish band reveal how Dolly Parton became the key to their success ahead of Glastonbury gig THE Bluebells will play Glastonbury for the first time this summer — and insist it's all down to Dolly Parton. Lead singer Bobby Bluebell — real name Robert Hodgens — and the McCluskey brothers will take to the festival's Acoustic Stage at the end of next month. Advertisement 5 The Bluebells thank Dolly Parton for their success However, Bobby reveals their incredible resurgence wouldn't have been possible if the country and western legend Dolly hadn't priced herself out of doing a TV car advert in the 90's. Her original version of I Will Always Love You was first choice to be used in a Volkswagen commercial. However, after Whitney Houston's cover from the Bodyguard movie topped charts around the world it was deemed too expensive to use. So the Scots indie band's 80s track Young At Heart was chosen instead - before giving the trio their first-ever No1 when the song topped the charts for four weeks in 1993. Advertisement Bobby explains: 'Clare Grogan's sister Kate was working at this advertising agency in London at the time. 'They had already made the Volkswagen advert with Dolly Parton singing her version of I Will Always Love You. 5 Dolly Parton attends Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs In Symphony World Premiere 'But in 1992 it became this huge hit for Whitney Houston, so the money for the use of Dolly's song suddenly went through the roof. 'The agency was scrambling around as they were just about to launch and they needed a replacement and fast. Advertisement 'Kate then says, 'I think Young At Heart will fit the bill' as it had the same vibe as Dolly's song. "So because Dolly became too expensive and I had known Kate from school before her sister was in Altered Images, The Bluebells got their first No1.' Music icon Dolly Parton appears on The One Show and viewers can't believe her 'real age' Govan-born Bobby had written a piece about Ken and David McCluskey's teenage band for his music fanzine, then joined it in 1981. He recalls: 'I was finding groups to write about and at that time there were only about 10 bands in Glasgow — so they were going to get written about at some point. 'David was probably 14 at the time and I just thought he was an incredible drummer — he was like Keith Moon.' Advertisement But Bobby soon moved to London to live with girlfriend Siobhan Fahey from the trio Bananarama. He says: 'I had a duffle coat and NHS specs, but fortunately for me at that point the geeky look was coming in.' Together Bobby and Siobhan co-wrote Young At Heart as a Bananarama album track. But The Bluebells then reached the top 10 themselves with the track in 1984 before the band split two years later. 5 Dolly Parton attends "Dolly: An Original Musical" fireside chat and press conference at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts Advertisement Bobby went on to be a club DJ, David worked a music tutor with additional-needs adults for charity SenseScotland, while Ken became a college lecturer. However, they were all thrown back together again when Dolly said no and Volkswagen called. Their longevity and continued popularity will now see their debut album Sisters re-released on June 27 — the day before they take to the Glasto stage. But it's not all been a bed of roses for the track that keeps them ticking. 5 Dolly Parton attends the opening of Country Music Hall of Fame (Photo by) Advertisement Session musician Bobby Valentino — who gave the jaunty violin performance on the track — sued for £100,000 worth of royalties in 2002 after only being paid £75 to play on the song. The US musician even gave a violin solo in court to help convince the judge to rule in his favour. Bobby recalls: 'I had a drink in the pub with Valentino afterwards and he said to me, 'I'm sorry Robert, I needed the money and was just chancing my arm really'.' The track has followed them all around the world, even when they played behind the Iron Curtain in the mid-80s. Dad-of-two Bobby says: 'We were travelling to East Berlin and stopped at a service station. Advertisement "Although you can hardly call it a service station. It had about one sandwich and bowls of gruel. 'Suddenly Young At Heart started playing over the sound system and even to this day I'm convinced that it was too much of a coincidence. 'What I actually think happened was that the Stasi were following us and they had put it on, just to remind us that we were being watched by the East German Secret Police.' 5 Bobby Bluebell shared how Dolly Parton helped the band He adds: 'I used to find it strange to hear it played at funerals. But I'm kind of getting used to that now. Advertisement 'I never thought of it as being a funeral song but yeah, I think it does fit quite well.' Dolly herself played the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in 2014 and now The Bluebells will get to follow in her footsteps at Worthy Farm in Somerset. But for someone who is now more likely to be found in a golf clubhouse than in a nightclub, Bobby is just glad that their Glasto slot is an early one. The 65-year-old, who used to play golf with a 12 handicap, says: 'My favourite festival is actually Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick, because it's surrounded by all those lovely golf courses. 'I have been to Glastonbury before with Texas when they were on the main stage and they were brilliant. Advertisement 'But it's not the sort of thing I would normally do. Standing in a field for four days queuing for an autobank or the toilet isn't really my thing. "So I was delighted when I was told we would be on stage at half five. 'That means we can get out of there and be in a hotel by 10pm — perfect.' He adds: 'We really do have Dolly to thank for us being there at all. 'But life is full of all these little Sliding Doors moments that can take you to some incredible places.'
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Pop Idol star Rik Waller unrecognisable with brand-new career 24 years later
Rik Waller was one of the breakout stars of the first series of Pop Idol in 2001, but his singing career came to a standstill after he left the show and he is now unrecognisable Pop Idol, one of the early noughties' biggest telly sensations, only ran for two series but launched the careers of Gareth Gates and Will Young as well as Michelle McManus. It also catapulted Kent-born crooner Rik Waller to fame, who was a hot favourite to win the inaugural series of the reality singing competition. Back in 2001, a then 20 year old Rik wowed judges Simon Cowell, Pete Waterman, Nicki Chapman and Neil Fox with his stellar vocal prowess, securing a spot in the final ten. However, the singer's journey was cut short due to a bout of laryngitis. Despite his premature exit, he did enjoy some chart success with his rendition of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You, which climbed to number six in the UK singles chart. He signed a record deal with EMI, rumoured to be worth around £400,000, and went on to release a cover of Something Inside (So Strong). Now 44, Rik bagged roles on various UK reality shows, including a stint on Celebrity Fit Club. Around this time, he was dropped by his record label, EMI and formed a band that signed with Red Admiral Records. However, after disappointing ticket sales, they scrapped a planned tour and split up. The last time Rik graced our screens was in February 2007, with an appearance on Never Mind The Buzzcocks. It was rumoured that the singer had lost his ability to belt out tunes after damaging his voice, leading him to confide in 2007: "I'm getting tired of singing and I can't rely on it for 100 per cent of my income. I've got two people to think about now, and talent doesn't always pay the bills." Amidst a whirlwind romance, he found love with a Pagan woman and the pair were reportedly sketching out plans for a Pagan wedding ceremony. But their union came to an end amid whispers she had influenced Rik's decision to step away from the limelight. In 2019 he went on to say he was 'gutted' that his fellow Pop Idol contestant, Michelle McManus, was married, writing on Facebook: "Gutted that Michelle McManus is married, but she looked gorgeous and wishing her all the best." In a candid 2013 chat with the Daily Mail, Rik laid bare the harsh reality of job-seeking as he recounted: "The most demoralising thing I've ever had to do was queue up at the Job Centre and have people look at me saying, 'What a failure'. "When you've lost the ability to do the job you've always done, it's an incredible stab in the back to find people are actually laughing at you." Rik bared his soul as he continued: "It's why I don't make a lot of effort to talk to the press these days - it can be more trouble than it's worth." He admitted, finding solace in simpler joys: "If you've got a roof over your head and food on the table I don't know how anyone can be truly unhappy." By 2014, the chart-topping days were a distant memory as Rik returned to his roots, moving back in with the folks. There, he secured a gig as a secondary school exam invigilator under his birth name, Richard, while also dabbling in the disco beats of his Dad's mobile karaoke and disco venture. According to his Facebook page, the former singer is still an exam invigilator and lives in Leicester.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus Reunite With Help From Country Legend Dolly Parton
Miley Cyrus has been at odds with dad Billy Ray Cyrus for a long while, but insiders now reveal the 'Flowers' songbird is offering an olive branch to her father, hoping to pull their fractured family together — and she has country godmother Dolly Parton to thank. Sources say that the 79-year-old 'I Will Always Love You' singer has been urging the 32-year-old singer to chuck her grudges, and Miley's answered the call — reuniting with Billy Ray to celebrate her brother Braison's 31st birthday May 9. 'My dad and I have had our challenges over the years. Now, in my thirties, family is my priority above all else,' the 'Wrecking Ball' singer says. 'I'm at peace knowing bridges have been built and time has done a lot of healing.' According to a insider, Miley's words were sweet music to Dolly's ears. 'Dolly is Miley's godmother and they've been close since Miley was so young,' says an insider. 'But Dolly is also close with Billy Ray and the family feud was breaking her heart.' The 'Jolene' singer reportedly advised Miley that the only way Billy Ray can snap out of what seems to be a midlife crisis is if his family is unified and focused on helping him. As GLOBE revealed, the family disapproved of the 'Achy Breaky Heart' crooner's marriage to 28-years-younger Aussie singer Firerose that ended in a bitter divorce after just seven months. Last January, Dolly, fans and family grew concerned after Billy Ray's bizarre performance at President Donald Trump's inauguration where he appeared confused by a bunch of technical difficulties and at one point asked the audience: 'Y'all want me to sing more, or you want me to just get the hell off the stage?' Now Billy Ray's been trying to find a way back into the hearts of his family, saying how proud he is of daughters Noah Cyrus and Miley on social media. 'Dolly believes he's embarrassed by his massive misfire with Firerose and his efforts to mend bridges with his kids and his ex Tish Cyrus are sincere,' notes the insider. While she's skeptical over Billy Ray's new romance with Austin Powers beauty Elizabeth Hurley, sources say she believes the British siren is a major upgrade. 'Dolly's been urging Miley to give her dad another chance and you can imagine how thrilled she is that Miley's followed her advice,' adds the source.
South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
BBC The Power of Parker series one ending explained
Starring Conleth Hill as Martin Parker, the sitcom, set in Stockport in 1990, tells the story of the titular businessman trying to juggle his debts, his wife, and his mistress. The series aired weekly on BBC One starting in July 2023. It is now set to return for its second series on Friday, May 30. Here is all you need to know ahead of the show's return. The first series of the BBC show introduced us to Martin Parker, a businessman living in Stockport. He is in the middle of his life and everything appears perfect, with a top job, nice car, stunning house and loving wife and children. But he also has a mistress, Kath Pennington, played by Sian Gibson, which causes plenty of problems. It is this revelation that eventually leads to Kath Pennington and Martin's wife Diane, played by Rosie Cavaliero, teaming up to bring him down. Throughout the series, various situations arise, one of which sees the pair, who are revealed to be sisters, working to steal a file. A post shared by BBC Press Office (@bbcpressoffice) This is after speaking to Martin's accountant, Alan, and learning that they had been shareholders in his company and were able to take it over. He later finds the pair in the bank, signing the papers to take over Parker's Electricals. Diane also demanded a divorce, leaving Martin not only broke, but without a family. Martin's shop is later broken into by the Slater Brothers, who had been demanding money from him. It is also set alight by Martin himself to get the insurance money for his family. What will await Diane, Martin and Kath in series 2 of The Power of Parker? (Image: BBC/Boffola Pictures) A three-month time jump then shows that Diane is now the new owner, hiring her family. Kath is watching the advert for the firm on TV, when the doorbell rings and it is revealed to be Martin. She hugs him and then they go off together. But what will be awaiting Martin and the rest of the characters in series 2? Series 2 of The Power of Parker is coming this week and is set two years on from the first series. A tease for the second series shared by Radio Times reads: "It's 1992, the Queen is in the midst of her annus horribilis, John Major is the new PM, and Whitney's I Will Always Love You is stuck at number one. "Up in Stockport, Kath (Sian Gibson), Martin (Conleth Hill) and Diane (Rosie Cavaliero) are just trying their best to get along. "Martin Parker has hit rock bottom and is desperate to get his reputation back, Diane is adjusting to single life and running a business, while Kath is getting her happily ever after with her man by her side and is working on rekindling a relationship with her sister. Recommended reading: "She's on a mission to sort things out for her sister and her man, but her interfering does the opposite and jeopardises everything. "They will need to depend on each other now more than ever, but who do they trust?" The Power of Parker returns to BBC One on Friday, May 30, at 9.30pm.
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BGT finalist rushed to hospital for 'life-changing surgery' before live semi-final
BGT finalist rushed to hospital for 'life-changing surgery' before live semi-final Britain's Got Talent finalist CJ Emmons was left fighting for his life just days before the final BGT: CJ Emmons says he was 'fighting for his life' in hospital Britain's Got Talent finalist CJ Emmons shared details about his emergency trip to the hospital for 'life-changing surgery' just a few days before the final performance. In the episode aired on May 24 of the much-loved ITV show, it marked the end of the semi-finals with eight acts showcasing their talents live in hopes of progressing to the grand finale. The evening kicked off with a spectacular performance from the cast of the new musical 'Here and Now', accompanied by the iconic pop group Steps. CJ, who had previously stunned the audience in his audition with his rendition of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You, delivered another sensational performance on Saturday, belting out This Is A Man's World that left judges and viewers alike in awe. He was met with roaring applause and calls for KSI to hit the golden buzzer on his behalf. CJ once again impressing the judges and viewers with his rendition of This Is A Man's World on Saturday night (Image: ITV ) Despite the praise, KSI chose not to use his golden buzzer, reserving it for another act. Following his impressive performance, presenters Ant and Dec engaged CJ, asking how he felt. Article continues below It was then that CJ shared the challenging circumstances he faced leading up to the semi-final, reports Belfast Live. With the hosts by his side, he revealed: "Can I tell you something, I'm fighting for this. Two weeks ago I was in the hospital having life-changing surgery. I am fighting for this, I want this so bad." He continued, expressing his deep desire to return to the stage next week: "I really want to be here next week, this is something that I've been fighting for. I mean literally two weeks ago I was in a hospital bed for five days fighting, and I am fighting for this." Following his initial audition, CJ returned to California to gear up for the semi-finals, but his health unexpectedly deteriorated. He found himself in hospital after experiencing intense abdominal pain and collapsing at the nurse's station. CJ Emmons opens up on recent hospital dash (Image: ITV ) After undergoing tests, he was informed that he required emergency surgery as his life was at risk. However, in a recent interview, CJ confessed that he continues to experience discomfort following his gallbladder operation, but this isn't deterring him from striving for a spot in the final. Article continues below Despite being in the recovery phase, CJ told The Mirror: "I won't let it stop me from my dream and goal. They cut into my abdominal wall and every time after that, it's been hurting to sing." He continued: "But my doctor's like, 'keep singing, strengthen it, strengthen it, and it's going to get better. ' So there's still a bit of pain. But I can tell it's getting stronger and stronger." Britain's Got Talent will air on Saturday night at 7pm on ITV and ITVX
