Latest news with #OnHowLifeIs
Metro
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Macy Gray remembers her debut album - and her Glastonbury streakers
It's been 25 years since Macy Gray's gravelly, one-of-a-kind voice first broke through the noise of pop music with her debut album On How Life Is. In 1999, her enormous hit track I Try was already glinting with the gold of an all-time classic, even as it continued to dominate charts all over the world and propel her album to number one. The 31-year-old single mother of three from Canton, Ohio, earned a Grammy for the song, and the sky seemed to be the limit from there. But in the following quarter-century, despite continued success with her second and third albums, Gray earned a complex reputation, once famously forgetting the words to the Star-Spangled Banner and other similar mishaps. It began to look like she was standing in her own way. Among journalists, her name became synonymous with diva tendencies and uncooperative interviews. As a result, the prospect of speaking with Gray as she prepares to celebrate the milestone anniversary of On How Life Is was more than a little daunting – especially given that she just this year stormed off reality show The Masked Singer, once again displaying a fiery temper to fans. But when Gray sits down with Metro to discuss her upcoming new album, the legacy of her debut, and her past regrets, she's unexpectedly softspoken and attentive – if not overly forthcoming at first. 'I was listening to it the other day,' Gray says of her breakout hit, I Try. 'That song is on autopilot in my brain. It's like walking and talking – you don't even think about it anymore.' While many artists grow weary of their most well-known work, Gray remains deeply connected to the record that changed her life: 'People ask me if I'm tired of it, or if I'm over it… but I'm just not. I love that album, it helped change my life, and I still love performing it.' For Gray, On How Life Is captures the essence of a transitional time, personally and universally. 'It was that moment everybody has where you're trying to grow up,' she recalls. 'You're in your twenties, your mom and society are pressuring you, but you're still figuring it out. You're supposed to be the sh*t, but you're not quite there yet.' That honesty, paired with Gray's signature voice and genre-bending style, has allowed the album to endure the test of time. Contrary to her reputation, she seems more than willing to acknowledge her past mistakes, and one can't help but wonder if her notoriety is entirely earned – or just the product of a sensitive, artistic spirit being thrust suddenly into a brutal spotlight. When asked what advice she'd give her younger self, she sighs and admits: 'I don't know what I would tell me, because I know I was at a point in my life where you could have given me the best advice ever, and I probably wouldn't have listened, you know?' As for regrets about the last 25 years, Gray says there are 'a million things' she'd go back and change, and, when prompted to expand, she admits: 'There's always somebody that got away. Of course, you want to do smarter things with your money. I probably would have moved. I don't think I would have stayed in Los Angeles. I probably… I had so many opportunities to live overseas and I blew them off. I probably would have moved, that's one thing, somewhere else.' She even seems willing to discuss her disastrous reality TV career, revealing light-heartedly that she turned down a stint on Celebrity Big Brother because: 'They told me they only had one bathroom. I didn't know if I could have made it through that.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video But not one to dwell unnecessarily, Gray is quick to assure that 'her whole life has been a highlight,' and for now, she's looking towards the future. 'I want to make more good records. I want to be a better singer, better on stage. I'm just focused on getting better, really,' she says with real conviction. That dedication is the heart of the advice she'd pass on to rising artists: 'Keep practicing. Keep getting better. Don't forget how you got there.' Her upcoming album will feature new collaborations, though she's keeping names under wraps for now. She lights up at the mention of newer artists like Lola Young and Doechii, and it's evident that Gray remains as passionate about her craft as ever, even if she sometimes finds it challenging to navigate the public relations side of things. 'Doechii's awesome – refreshing. I hadn't thought about it, but yeah, I should reach out to her,' she says of a possible collaboration with the Anxiety hitmaker. 23 June: London, Union Chapel 24 June: Manchester, New Century Hall 27 June: Glasgow, Old Fruitmarket 28 June: Birmingham, Town Hall Buy tickets here. As she kicks off her UK anniversary tour, the 57-year-old is well aware that entertainment offers people vital relief in today's world. Or as she puts it, people are 'just dying for an excuse to party.' And she's prepared to give it to them. Her shows promise a full-throttle celebration: 'We got the best music, and we're gonna have fun—dancing, singing, screaming. It's a good night out, a great show.' The UK, Gray says, has always held a special place in her heart. 'Every country, every city has its own personality, but the UK… they're ready to celebrate. Almost on the edge of their seats, like just waiting for you to do something so they can just get up and go, you know?' Her Glastonbury performance is still one of her most vivid career memories, and she's quick to say she wouldn't rule out an eventual return to Worthy Farm. 'When we got to I Try, it was like this sea of people singing every word. You can't get that feeling anywhere else.' The traces of weary disinterest displayed through parts of the interview dissipate when she's reminded of the time a naked couple streaked across the stage at her Glastonbury performance. One can't help but think we're getting a brief glimpse of the real Macy as she belly laughs at the memory. 'So I was singing, and all of a sudden this – and they were older – like they were, like, skinny, you know, little bit wrinkly, and they just ran across the stage, butt naked, and they waved at me, and then they ran off,' she says animatedly through laughter. 'And that was it. I can see it, like, second by second. I don't remember what I did. I was so stuck on them, I don't remember if I stopped.' When Gray really gets talking, her famous voice, with all its quirks, is on full display. Unkindly described in the past as 'a cross between Minnie Mouse and Marge Simpson,' it's not surprising that it's been a source of insecurity for the singer, given how much the media commented on it at the beginning of her career. 'It's true I used to be really quiet in public because people would laugh or have comments,' she says of her voice. 'That's gone away a lot since I've gotten older, but sometimes I still kind of think twice before I say something.' Her perspective on fame has also evolved. She notes how different the industry is now, especially with the rise of platforms like TikTok. 'You can make a song and put it out the next day. That's new. It's great for the fans, but it's a different world. I'm adjusting.' More Trending Gray's soulful, timeless music remains as relevant today as ever, but many of her inspirations and mentors have passed away, leaving her to navigate her evolution as an artist on her own. 'I don't think I would be making the music that I make had I not listened to everything Prince put out, you know.' But the late legend was more than a source of musical inspiration to her: 'We used to talk, and he was always giving me really good advice, you know, he always answered the phone, which I thought was super cool. But there's a ton of influences. I'm a big Donna Summer fan. I got to spend some time with her, and I learned a lot from her.' Despite all the changes, Gray sees music and entertainment as a unifying force, even as the world grows more fractured. 'You go to a festival, and you're not thinking about who voted for who. Everybody's singing the same song, dancing together. Entertainment is essential right now.' At 25 years since her debut, Macy Gray isn't slowing down or apologising unnecessarily for the times she's stumbled. She's still experimenting, still growing, still trying her best to weather a harsh industry with a sensitive disposition and a wide-open heart. That may not always be pretty, but for Macy Gray, you can be certain that it will always be authentic. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Glastonbury headliner takes swipe at Elon Musk with savage lyrics in new song MORE: Spice Girls rumoured to reunite – but there's a major catch MORE: Oscar-winning actor confirmed for 2025 Capital Summertime Ball in most insane line-up
Perth Now
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Macy Gray plans to release first album in seven years in September
Macy Gray has teased her first solo album in seven years. The 'I Try' hitmaker has revealed she is currently hard at work on a follow-up to 2018's 'Ruby' and aims to drop it in September. Speaking to The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column, she said: 'We're probably going to drop a record when we're in the UK. 'We're in the middle of it and we want to drop some songs to see what everybody thinks. 'Then I will probably be able to put out an album by September. 'I like raw music with less production to show my voice, so everything's kind of stripped down. It's really cool. I'm having fun.' The Grammy winner is bringing her 'On How Life Is 25th Anniversary Tour' - which launched in Australia and New Zealand in 2024 - to the UK, Europe and North America. The UK and Europe leg kicks off on May 5 in Cheltenham, followed by stops in London, Amsterdam, Milan, Paris and more, before wrapping in Zagreb, Croatia, on June 20. The Us leg begins on July 10 at House of Blues in Anaheim, California, with further dates in Portland, Vancouver, Denver, Chicago, Houston and more, before concluding on August 16 in Los Angeles. Macy, 57, rose to fame with her hit single 'I Try', from her multi-platinum debut album 'On How Life Is'. Away from music, she has appeared in the films 'Training Day' and 'Spider-Man', while the R'n'B-soul legend has appeared on several versions of 'The Masked Singer', including the UK, US, and Australian editions.
Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic singer reveals first solo album in seven years – and she could celebrate with surprise Glastonbury appearance
The star is embarking on a tour to celebrate 25 years since her debut album BACK WITH A BANGER Iconic singer reveals first solo album in seven years – and she could celebrate with surprise Glastonbury appearance Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH stints on The Masked Singer in the UK, US and Australia, Macy Gray hasn't strayed far from a microphone. But in more good news for fans, she is ditching the costumes and covers for her first solo album in seven years. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 Singer Macy Gray has revealed her first solo album in seven years Credit: Getty 8 Macy appeared on The Masked Singer Credit: ITV And she may well celebrate by making a surprise appearance at Glastonbury this summer. In an exclusive interview, Macy — who has been juggling studio sessions with rehearsals for her imminent tour — said: 'We're probably going to drop a record when we're in the UK. 'We're in the middle of it and we want to drop some songs to see what everybody thinks. 'Then I will probably be able to put out an album by September. READ MORE ON CELEBS VINYL ANSWER Test your knowledge of biggest selling vinyl from the past decade 'I like raw music with less production to show my voice, so everything's kind of stripped down. It's really cool. I'm having fun.' The I Try singer is embarking on a tour to celebrate 25 years since her debut album, On How Life Is. And she will play a trio of shows at London's Ronnie Scott's next month. Then she returns to the capital on June 23 for a show at Union Chapel. That will be followed by gigs at Manchester's New Century Hall, Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket and, finally, Birmingham's Town Hall on June 28. And when I told her that is the Saturday of Glastonbury — and the day before her pal Rod Stewart, who she has previously written for, performs in the Legends slot — she said she is hoping to get down to Worthy Farm. Watch bizarre moment Macy Gray throws herself on the floor as she's unmasked on The Masked Singer US She added: 'I would love to go out there. I love that festival. Maybe I'll run up there.' Macy has played the Pyramid Stage twice, most recently in 2003, and I can see why it's stuck in her head. She explained: 'That was my first, like, huge festival and I had never seen anything like that. 'People were walking around naked. This couple jumped on stage naked and ran across the stage while I was up there. 'It's wild. I'd just never seen anything like that. 'Of course, it was raining a little bit, but then, you know, hundreds of thousands of people singing your song, that's just the best, best thing that could ever happen to you.' Recreating that moment this summer would be a fab way to top off the tour. Up and coming RISING singer-songwriter Nell Mescal has been snapped up by major label Atlantic Records and could soon rival the acclaim of her Gladiator star brother Paul. The Irish star has just inked the deal, which means she is on the same roster as Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and Charli XCX. 8 Nell Mescal has been snapped up by major label Atlantic Records, pictured with actor brother Paul Credit: Getty Yesterday Nell dropped her first track with the label, called Thin, which is about body image and self-worth. Nell said: 'I'm beyond excited for what's to come. I have lots of new music that I'm currently working on, which will be out soon.' Coleen's Waitrose workout WHO needs to hit the gym when you're doing the weekly shop for a growing family of six? Certainly not Coleen Rooney, who was spotted using some elbow grease as she lugged around four bulging bags of Waitrose groceries on Tuesday. 8 Coleen Rooney was spotted lugging around four bulging bags of Waitrose groceries on Tuesday Credit: MCPIX LTD The I'm A Celeb star struggled to lug her supplies as she left a branch in Cheshire. I'm sure there's plenty of things she doesn't miss about being in the TV jungle. But despite the tiny portion sizes on the show, at least when she was Down Under she didn't have to schlep to the supermarket to carry home the family's favourite snacks. J-Lo put AMA into amazing JENNIFER LOPEZ is dripping in glamour as she poses in a tasselled dress while preparing to host the American Music Awards. The Waiting For Tonight singer posed with one of the bash's coveted trophies as nominations were announced yesterday for the event, which she will host in Las Vegas on May 26. 8 Jennifer Lopez sparkled as she prepared to host the American Music Awards Kendrick Lamar looks set for glory on the night as he leads the charge with ten nods, followed by Post Malone with eight. BIllie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Shaboozey have seven each, while the AMA's most awarded artist, Taylor Swift, drew with Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen and SZA with six apiece. But if this snap is anything to go by, I imagine all eyes will be on J-Lo and her magnificent wardrobe on the night. Florence a sheer delight YOU could see right through Florence Pugh in this sheer outfit at an after-party following the London premiere of her Marvel blockbuster Thunderbolts. She wore a black dress, left, to the red carpet launch but switched to the nude get-up for the bash afterwards, which was also attended by Peaky Blinders actor Finn Cole. 8 Florence Pugh wore this sheer outfit at an after-party following the London premiere of her Marvel blockbuster Credit: Splash I first revealed last September how Florence was dating Finn, and it looks like things are still going strong with them. She will be back on screen from next Thursday in the movie, in which she returns as assassin Yelena Belova, who she first played in 2021's Black Widow. And she has one stunt in the movie which is so extreme, it had never been attempted before. As a result, Florence said: 'My double, the female co-ordinator and I are all now Guinness World Record holders!' Bandit set for club banger FOR more than a decade, their fusion of pop and classical instruments has been a hit-making formula. But British trio Clean Bandit are now returning with a fresh sound and will drop a trance banger called Tell Me Where U Go tomorrow. 8 Clean Bandit are returning with a fresh sound Credit: Supplied I got an early first listen to the euphoric track, which blends a hardcore electro chorus with strings and vocals from German pop star Leony and a helping hand from Tiesto. It's in a similar vein to Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding's 2023 hit Miracle so I'm sure it will be a summer club fave across Europe. Despite being a feel-good tune, Jack Patterson says it was actually inspired by a counselling session. He said: 'My therapist said I dissociate sometimes. She said, 'Tell me where you go'. 'After the session, we made this song.' SABBATH WORK UP A SWEAT OZZY OSBOURNE has got his sweatbands on and is working out to prepare for Black Sabbath's mammoth final show at Villa Park on July 5. Speaking in the US, he said: 'It really is like starting from scratch. It's endurance training. 'The first thing to go when you're laid up is your stamina, so believe it or not I'm doing walks and weight training. I'm waking up in my body – I've been lying on my back recovering from umpteen surgeries.' It's worth the wait, Amy AMY MACDONALD is back with her new album, Is This What You've Been Waiting For?, after a five-year break. And as she pops into Bizarre's office following a show in Switzerland, the Scottish singer tells me that she can't wait to get back out there playing her new songs, including the album's punchy title track – and my favourite – Can You Hear Me?, live. 8 Amy MacDonald is back with her new album Credit: Supplied 'Getting that first gig under my belt was important,' Amy explains. 'We played four new songs and they got an amazing reaction. It's cool to be able to finally share these songs with people.' Amy will take her new album, which is out on July 11, on the road this summer. She has a string of massive dates lined up in Europe, before she plays 13 shows across the UK and Ireland, starting at London's Eventim Apollo on November 20. 'My last record came out when Covid hit and it was a pain in the are because we couldn't go out on tour,' Amy says. 'It feels so nice to put a record out and then play it live.' Is This What You've Been Waiting For? feels like her most honest and raw album to date, with We Survive sounding like the next chapter of her 2007 runaway hit, This Is The Life. Amy says: 'We Survive was originally inspired by two of my closest friends who are absolute party animals, and me going, 'How do they still do that?'. 'It's also about the darker side. Scotland's not got a great relationship with party culture. But people look forward to a party because everything else is a bit s*t for us. That's our escape. We Survive is like a dark version of This Is The Life.' That song has become an enduring hit for Amy, who wrote it aged just 16, and has had a new lease of life on social media thanks to sports stars – and US actor Ryan Reynolds. 'I started getting loads of comments on my videos in Arabic,' Amy explains. 'Then I saw This Is The Life was used in compilations of Cristiano Ronaldo scoring goals for his team there. They never had charts in Saudi, but then they introduced it and This Is The Life was one of the first songs to go to No1. 'My stepson absolutely buzzes when my songs are used in videos. 'He'll tell me Ryan Reynolds used one of my songs in a TikTok, then there was F1's Fernando Alonso. 'He thinks it's brilliant.'
The Irish Sun
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Iconic singer reveals first solo album in seven years – and she could celebrate with surprise Glastonbury appearance
WITH stints on The Masked Singer in the UK, US and Australia, Macy Gray hasn't strayed far from a microphone. But in more good news for fans, she is ditching the costumes and covers for her first solo album in seven years. 8 Singer Macy Gray has revealed her first solo album in seven years Credit: Getty 8 Macy appeared on The Masked Singer Credit: ITV And she may well celebrate by making a surprise appearance at Glastonbury this summer. In an exclusive interview, 'We're in the middle of it and we want to drop some songs to see what everybody thinks. 'Then I will probably be able to put out an album by September. READ MORE ON CELEBS 'I like raw music with less production to show my voice, so everything's kind of stripped down. It's really cool. I'm having fun.' The I Try singer is embarking on a tour to celebrate 25 years since her debut album, On How Life Is. And she will play a trio of shows at London's Ronnie Scott's next month. Then she returns to the capital on June 23 for a show at Union Chapel. Most read in Bizarre That will be followed by gigs at Manchester's New Century Hall, Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket and, finally, Birmingham's Town Hall on June 28. And when I told her that is the Saturday of Glastonbury — and the day before her pal Rod Stewart, who she has previously written for, performs in the Legends slot — she said she is hoping to get down to Worthy Farm. Watch bizarre moment Macy Gray throws herself on the floor as she's unmasked on The Masked Singer US She added: 'I would love to go out there. I love that festival. Maybe I'll run up there.' Macy has played the Pyramid Stage twice, most recently in 2003, and I can see why it's stuck in her head. She explained: 'That was my first, like, huge festival and I had never seen anything like that. 'People were walking around naked. This couple jumped on stage naked and ran across the stage while I was up there. 'It's wild. I'd just never seen anything like that. 'Of course, it was raining a little bit, but then, you know, hundreds of thousands of people singing your song, that's just the best, best thing that could ever happen to you.' Recreating that moment this summer would be a fab way to top off the tour. Up and coming RISING singer-songwriter Nell Mescal has been snapped up by major label Atlantic Records and could soon rival the acclaim of her Gladiator star brother Paul. The Irish star has just inked the deal, which means she is on the same roster as 8 Nell Mescal has been snapped up by major label Atlantic Records, pictured with actor brother Paul Credit: Getty Yesterday Nell dropped her first track with the label, called Thin, which is about body image and self-worth. Nell said: 'I'm beyond excited for what's to come. I have lots of new music that I'm currently working on, which will be out soon.' Coleen's Waitrose workout WHO needs to hit the gym when you're doing the weekly shop for a growing family of six? Certainly not 8 Coleen Rooney was spotted lugging around four bulging bags of Waitrose groceries on Tuesday Credit: MCPIX LTD The I'm A Celeb star struggled to lug her supplies as she left a branch in Cheshire. I'm sure there's plenty of things she doesn't miss about being in the TV jungle. But despite the tiny portion sizes on the show, at least when she was Down Under she didn't have to schlep to the supermarket to carry home the family's favourite snacks. J-Lo put AMA into amazing The Waiting For Tonight singer posed with one of the bash's coveted trophies as nominations were announced yesterday for the event, which she will host in Las Vegas on May 26. 8 Jennifer Lopez sparkled as she prepared to host the American Music Awards Kendrick Lamar looks set for glory on the night as he leads the charge with ten nods, followed by But if this snap is anything to go by, I imagine all eyes will be on J-Lo and her magnificent wardrobe on the night. Florence a sheer delight YOU could see right through She wore a black dress, left, to the red carpet launch but switched to the nude get-up for the bash afterwards, which was also attended by Peaky Blinders actor 8 Florence Pugh wore this sheer outfit at an after-party following the London premiere of her Marvel blockbuster Credit: Splash I first revealed last September how Florence was dating Finn, and it looks like things are still going strong with them. She will be back on screen from next Thursday in the movie, in which she returns as assassin Yelena Belova, who she first played in 2021's Black Widow. And she has one stunt in the movie which is so extreme, it had never been attempted before. As a result, Florence said: 'My double, the female co-ordinator and I are all now Guinness World Record holders!' Bandit set for club banger FOR more than a decade, their fusion of pop and classical instruments has been a hit-making formula. But British trio 8 Clean Bandit are returning with a fresh sound Credit: Supplied I got an early first listen to the euphoric track, which blends a hardcore electro chorus with strings and vocals from German pop star Leony and a helping hand from Tiesto. It's in a similar vein to Despite being a feel-good tune, Jack Patterson says it was actually inspired by a counselling session. He said: 'My therapist said I dissociate sometimes. She said, 'Tell me where you go'. 'After the session, we made this song.' SABBATH WORK UP A SWEAT OZZY OSBOURNE has got his sweatbands on and is working out to prepare for Black Sabbath's mammoth final show at Villa Park on July 5. Speaking in the US, he said: 'It really is like starting from scratch. It's endurance training. 'The first thing to go when you're laid up is your stamina, so believe it or not I'm doing walks and weight training. I'm waking up in my body – I've been lying on my back recovering from umpteen surgeries.' It's worth the wait, Amy And as she pops into Bizarre's office following a show in Switzerland, the Scottish singer tells me that she can't wait to get back out there playing her new songs, including the album's punchy title track – and my favourite – Can You Hear Me?, live. 8 Amy MacDonald is back with her new album Credit: Supplied 'Getting that first gig under my belt was important,' Amy explains. 'We played four new songs and they got an amazing reaction. It's cool to be able to finally share these songs with people.' Amy will take her new album, which is out on July 11, on the road this summer. She has a string of massive dates lined up in Europe, before she plays 13 shows across the UK and Ireland, starting at London's Eventim Apollo on November 20. 'My last record came out when Covid hit and it was a pain in the are because we couldn't go out on tour,' Amy says. 'It feels so nice to put a record out and then play it live.' Is This What You've Been Waiting For? feels like her most honest and raw album to date, with We Survive sounding like the next chapter of her 2007 runaway hit, This Is The Life. Amy says: 'We Survive was originally inspired by two of my closest friends who are absolute party animals, and me going, 'How do they still do that?'. 'It's also about the darker side. Scotland's not got a great relationship with party culture. But people look forward to a party because everything else is a bit s*t for us. That's our escape. We Survive is like a dark version of This Is The Life.' That song has become an enduring hit for Amy, who wrote it aged just 16, and has had a new lease of life on social media thanks to sports stars – and US actor Ryan Reynolds. 'I started getting loads of comments on my videos in Arabic,' Amy explains. 'Then I saw This Is The Life was used in compilations of 'My stepson absolutely buzzes when my songs are used in videos. 'He'll tell me Ryan Reynolds used one of my songs in a TikTok, then there was F1's 'He thinks it's brilliant.' LOLA LEADS NOVELLO NOMS LOLA YOUNG will be popping the champagne after leading the nominations at the Ivor Novello Awards. The Messy singer has landed three nominations, including for Best Album and Best Song: Musically and Lyrically, as well as a nod in the Rising Star category. The ceremony, in association with Amazon Music, takes place on May 22 at London's Grosvenor House. Raye, Ghetts and Conor Dickinson all received two nominations. Jade Thirlwall also has reason to celebrate, as her debut single Angel Of My Dreams, has landed her a nod for Best Contemporary Song. And Harry Styles is still dominating, with his 2022 song As It Was in the running for the PRS for Music Most Performed Work.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Iconic singer reveals first solo album in seven years – and she could celebrate with surprise Glastonbury appearance
WITH stints on The Masked Singer in the UK, US and Australia, Macy Gray hasn't strayed far from a microphone. But in more good news for fans, she is ditching the costumes and covers for her first solo album in seven years. 8 8 And she may well celebrate by making a surprise appearance at Glastonbury this summer. In an exclusive interview, Macy — who has been juggling studio sessions with rehearsals for her imminent tour — said: 'We're probably going to drop a record when we're in the UK. 'We're in the middle of it and we want to drop some songs to see what everybody thinks. 'Then I will probably be able to put out an album by September. 'I like raw music with less production to show my voice, so everything's kind of stripped down. It's really cool. I'm having fun.' The I Try singer is embarking on a tour to celebrate 25 years since her debut album, On How Life Is. And she will play a trio of shows at London's Ronnie Scott's next month. Then she returns to the capital on June 23 for a show at Union Chapel. That will be followed by gigs at Manchester's New Century Hall, Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket and, finally, Birmingham's Town Hall on June 28. And when I told her that is the Saturday of Glastonbury — and the day before her pal Rod Stewart, who she has previously written for, performs in the Legends slot — she said she is hoping to get down to Worthy Farm. Watch bizarre moment Macy Gray throws herself on the floor as she's unmasked on The Masked Singer US She added: 'I would love to go out there. I love that festival. Maybe I'll run up there.' Macy has played the Pyramid Stage twice, most recently in 2003, and I can see why it's stuck in her head. She explained: 'That was my first, like, huge festival and I had never seen anything like that. 'People were walking around naked. This couple jumped on stage naked and ran across the stage while I was up there. 'It's wild. I'd just never seen anything like that. 'Of course, it was raining a little bit, but then, you know, hundreds of thousands of people singing your song, that's just the best, best thing that could ever happen to you.' Recreating that moment this summer would be a fab way to top off the tour. Up and coming RISING singer-songwriter Nell Mescal has been snapped up by major label Atlantic Records and could soon rival the acclaim of her Gladiator star brother Paul. The Irish star has just inked the deal, which means she is on the same roster as Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and Charli XCX. 8 Yesterday Nell dropped her first track with the label, called Thin, which is about body image and self-worth. Nell said: 'I'm beyond excited for what's to come. I have lots of new music that I'm currently working on, which will be out soon.' Coleen's Waitrose workout WHO needs to hit the gym when you're doing the weekly shop for a growing family of six? Certainly not Coleen Rooney, who was spotted using some elbow grease as she lugged around four bulging bags of Waitrose groceries on Tuesday. The I'm A Celeb star struggled to lug her supplies as she left a branch in Cheshire. I'm sure there's plenty of things she doesn't miss about being in the TV jungle. But despite the tiny portion sizes on the show, at least when she was Down Under she didn't have to schlep to the supermarket to carry home the family's favourite snacks. J-Lo put AMA into amazing JENNIFER LOPEZ is dripping in glamour as she poses in a tasselled dress while preparing to host the American Music Awards. The Waiting For Tonight singer posed with one of the bash's coveted trophies as nominations were announced yesterday for the event, which she will host in Las Vegas on May 26. 8 Kendrick Lamar looks set for glory on the night as he leads the charge with ten nods, followed by Post Malone with eight. BIllie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Shaboozey have seven each, while the AMA's most awarded artist, Taylor Swift, drew with Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen and SZA with six apiece. But if this snap is anything to go by, I imagine all eyes will be on J-Lo and her magnificent wardrobe on the night. Florence a sheer delight YOU could see right through Florence Pugh in this sheer outfit at an after-party following the London premiere of her Marvel blockbuster Thunderbolts. She wore a black dress, left, to the red carpet launch but switched to the nude get-up for the bash afterwards, which was also attended by Peaky Blinders actor Finn Cole. 8 I first revealed last September how Florence was dating Finn, and it looks like things are still going strong with them. She will be back on screen from next Thursday in the movie, in which she returns as assassin Yelena Belova, who she first played in 2021's Black Widow. And she has one stunt in the movie which is so extreme, it had never been attempted before. As a result, Florence said: 'My double, the female co-ordinator and I are all now Guinness World Record holders!' Bandit set for club banger FOR more than a decade, their fusion of pop and classical instruments has been a hit-making formula. But British trio Clean Bandit are now returning with a fresh sound and will drop a trance banger called Tell Me Where U Go tomorrow. I got an early first listen to the euphoric track, which blends a hardcore electro chorus with strings and vocals from German pop star Leony and a helping hand from Tiesto. It's in a similar vein to Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding's 2023 hit Miracle so I'm sure it will be a summer club fave across Europe. Despite being a feel-good tune, Jack Patterson says it was actually inspired by a counselling session. He said: 'My therapist said I dissociate sometimes. She said, 'Tell me where you go'. 'After the session, we made this song.' SABBATH WORK UP A SWEAT OZZY OSBOURNE has got his sweatbands on and is working out to prepare for Black Sabbath's mammoth final show at Villa Park on July 5. Speaking in the US, he said: 'It really is like starting from scratch. It's endurance training. 'The first thing to go when you're laid up is your stamina, so believe it or not I'm doing walks and weight training. I'm waking up in my body – I've been lying on my back recovering from umpteen surgeries.' It's worth the wait, Amy AMY MACDONALD is back with her new album, Is This What You've Been Waiting For?, after a five-year break. And as she pops into Bizarre's office following a show in Switzerland, the Scottish singer tells me that she can't wait to get back out there playing her new songs, including the album's punchy title track – and my favourite – Can You Hear Me?, live. 'Getting that first gig under my belt was important,' Amy explains. 'We played four new songs and they got an amazing reaction. It's cool to be able to finally share these songs with people.' Amy will take her new album, which is out on July 11, on the road this summer. She has a string of massive dates lined up in Europe, before she plays 13 shows across the UK and Ireland, starting at London's Eventim Apollo on November 20. 'My last record came out when Covid hit and it was a pain in the are because we couldn't go out on tour,' Amy says. 'It feels so nice to put a record out and then play it live.' Is This What You've Been Waiting For? feels like her most honest and raw album to date, with We Survive sounding like the next chapter of her 2007 runaway hit, This Is The Life. Amy says: 'We Survive was originally inspired by two of my closest friends who are absolute party animals, and me going, 'How do they still do that?'. 'It's also about the darker side. Scotland's not got a great relationship with party culture. But people look forward to a party because everything else is a bit s*t for us. That's our escape. We Survive is like a dark version of This Is The Life.' That song has become an enduring hit for Amy, who wrote it aged just 16, and has had a new lease of life on social media thanks to sports stars – and US actor Ryan Reynolds. 'I started getting loads of comments on my videos in Arabic,' Amy explains. 'Then I saw This Is The Life was used in compilations of Cristiano Ronaldo scoring goals for his team there. They never had charts in Saudi, but then they introduced it and This Is The Life was one of the first songs to go to No1. 'My stepson absolutely buzzes when my songs are used in videos. 'He'll tell me Ryan Reynolds used one of my songs in a TikTok, then there was F1's Fernando Alonso. 'He thinks it's brilliant.' LOLA LEADS NOVELLO NOMS LOLA YOUNG will be popping the champagne after leading the nominations at the Ivor Novello Awards. The Messy singer has landed three nominations, including for Best Album and Best Song: Musically and Lyrically, as well as a nod in the Rising Star category. The ceremony, in association with Amazon Music, takes place on May 22 at London's Grosvenor House. Raye, Ghetts and Conor Dickinson all received two nominations. Jade Thirlwall also has reason to celebrate, as her debut single Angel Of My Dreams, has landed her a nod for Best Contemporary Song. And Harry Styles is still dominating, with his 2022 song As It Was in the running for the PRS for Music Most Performed Work.
