Evening Echo » Entertainment

Geri: Spice Girls musical ‘not s**t’

Echo Reporter — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:38:35 +0000

Geri Halliwell doesn't "regret" the Spice Girls musical 'Viva Forever!'.

The singer went to watch the production - which was created by Judy Cramer and Jennifer Saunders and contained the band's songs - in London last night for the final time before she heads Down Under to be a judge on 'Australia's Got Talent'.

Even though the show - which opened in November 2012 - is ending on June 29, months ahead of its' proposed closing date of February 2014, Geri still thinks it was "good entertainment" and was unfairly criticised.

Writing in a blog post, she said: "It had a bumpy start but the cast and director worked really hard, made great changes, and I can hand on heart tell it's not s**t! - It's good entertainment! I went back again and again.

"I could say maybe because of this, or that, blah, blah, blah, but for whatever reason good or bad - it didn't work. I've learnt in life that sometimes things just don't work out, at least not how we hoped.

"But honestly for many reasons, I don't regret it. I got to meet and work with the fabulous Judy Craymer, the producer whom I hope to be a friend for life (sic)."

The 40-year-old star is sad to see the show come to a close but is grateful to all the people who put their "heart and soul" into the musical.

She added: "This[the post] is to say thank you to all the people who tried for the Spice Girls, who had the guts to put their heart and soul into Viva. Even if something doesn't work, I admire anyone who tries, because a lot of people are afraid to.

"Thanks to all the cast of Viva, the musicians, Judy, Jennifer, the Spices and to all the fans and theatre-goers who came. (sic)"

Geri - who is joined in the band by Victoria Beckham, Mel B, Emma Bunton and Mel C - admits she was "cocky" the show would be a runaway West End success but now it's over she just wants to put all energy into her judging role on 'Australia's Got Talent'

She said: " We managed to get one of the most successful Theatre producers to do our show! A great writer, our Spice music... I felt confidant - almost cocky it was going to be a huge success. It's hard to say goodbye, but sometimes we just have to ... So as I leave for Australia for new adventure to be a judge on Australia's Got Talent - I hope it will go well; I'm going to really try my best to find a star and have a blast. (sic)"

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Former ‘X Factor’ contestant lauds ‘genius idea’ to get Sharon back

Echo Reporter — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:11:19 +0000

Amelia Lily thinks it's a "genius idea" to get Sharon Osbourne back on 'The X Factor'.

The 18-year-old singer - who finished third on the programme in 2011 - admits she would have loved to have had the 60-year-old star, who was judge from 2004 to 2007, as her mentor because she's a "hero" and knows the ins and outs of the show.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, Amelia said: "I think it's going to be quite strange obviously having Sharon Osbourne back but I also think it's a genius idea because it's the 10th series. So I think it's going to be interesting to see her back because she knows how the show works.

"I would have liked to have had her as my mentor. She's a hero."

The 'You Bring Me Joy' hitmaker believes 'X Factor' viewing figures have slumped in recent years because the public are bombarded by a string of similar shows, but she is confident Sharon's return can boost ratings.

She explained: "I think there are so many TV shows going on nowadays and there's so much choice to pick from like what to watch so I literally think it's people's opinions.

"There's a chance that it could improve with Sharon being on it this year. It'll be interesting to see but it's entirely up to the public."

Amelia claims 2011 'X Factor' winners Little Mix - who are made up of Jesy Nelson, Jade Thirwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards - were born to be stars and knew the girl band would be a big hit after the show.

She said: "I'm not at all surprised that Little Mix went on to do so well. I always knew they'd go on to be really successful. They're four great girls and they deserve absolutely everything."

Amelia is working with Lil-Lets to launch 'Becoming A Teen' - a campaign that aims to help reassure and educate young girls on the issues they face when going into and throughout the teenage years.

For more information and advice please visit becomingateenuk.

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Lennon artefacts given to the UK

Echo Reporter — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:24:28 +0000

Handwritten John Lennon lyrics to songs such as Strawberry Fields Forever, as well as letters from the former Beatles star, have been given to the UK.

The manuscripts and documents - some of them unseen in public - have been donated to the British Library by the Fab Four's biographer Hunter Davies who wanted to ensure his collection was kept intact.

The lyrics to She Said She Said and In My Life are also among the items handed over today as the British Library became the first place to benefit from the new "cultural gifts scheme".

Hunter Davies, the acclaimed Beatles biographer and current owner of the documents, had loaned some of the items to the British Library in the past and they were displayed in the "treasures gallery".

Author Davies, 77, befriended the members of The Beatles in the 1960s.

He is now handing them over permanently under the scheme which allows people to donate items during their lifetime in exchange for a reduction in their tax liability. Davies's gift will reduce his tax by £319,500 (€376,871).

He said: "I want my Beatles collection to be kept together, in one place, and on public display, and the British Library is the perfect home for it.

"I have always been pleased to see them in the treasures gallery, next to the Magna Carta, and works by Shakespeare and Beethoven, because that's where I honestly think they belong.

"Working on a new book about the Beatles' lyrics made me determined that the British Library should have the world's best public collection of Beatles manuscripts - I'm really pleased the cultural gifts scheme has helped me make this a reality."

The Government has been keen to encourage philanthropy as a way of financing culture and the arts.

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said: "It's fantastic that the first treasures to be donated to the nation through the Cultural Gifts Scheme include the handwritten lyrics to some of the world's best known songs, by one of the world's most loved artists.

"Incredibly generous donations like these are testament to the strong culture of philanthropy that exists in Britain today, and I look forward to seeing what other treasures may soon find a home in our national collections as a result of this scheme."

British Library chief executive Roly Keating said: "We're delighted to receive these iconic items on behalf of the nation. The case devoted to The Beatles is one of the most popular in our Treasures Gallery; visitors from all over the world are thrilled to see such legendary lyrics in their very earliest draft form."

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One D: Trick to breaking the US is be yourself

Echo Reporter — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:44:51 +0000

One Direction have advised Little Mix to "be themselves" while breaking the US.

The 'Little Things' hitmakers are close to the 'Wings' group having both sprung from 'The X Factor' and members Zayn Malik and Perrie Edwards being in a relationship, and the boys - also formed of Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan - have passed on words of wisdom to the girls to help their success overseas.

Member Leigh-Anne Pinnock told US magazine Seventeen: "I asked the boys from One Direction how to make it in America and they basically said, 'Be yourself and you can't go wrong'.

"People know when you're trying to be someone you're not. Just be true to who you are. So that's what we've been doing!"

The group were also lucky enough to be given tips from former Spice Girls singer Emma Bunton, who shared how important friendship is within the group when it comes to connecting with their new fan base.
Jade Thirlwall added: "When we met the Spice Girls, Emma Bunton told us to keep being friends because that's the connection fans love you for."

Little Mix are set to release their debut album 'DNA' in the US on May 28 but have already gained the attention of American rapper Missy Elliot, who features on their latest single 'How Ya Doin'?', and the group were thrilled when she agreed to collaborate with them.

Member Jesy Nelson previously said: "We honestly can't believe that Missy is on our song! She's been one of our biggest idols for ever - it's incredible.

"As soon as we thought there might be a chance she'd appear on the track we did literally everything we could to make sure it happened."

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Franco: I’ll use ‘ugly’ shots to make film better

Echo Reporter — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:41:16 +0000

James Franco didn't cut his "ugly" scenes from 'As I Lay Dying'.

The actor-and-director found himself both in front of and behind the camera for the new adaptation of William Faulkner's 1930 novel - which held its world premiere at Cannes Film Festival yesterday - and he says he fought the temptation to cut scenes in which scenes he looked "bad or ugly" because they might enhance the story.

Speaking at Cannes yesterday, he said: "If I look bad or ugly but it's helping to tell the story in a better way, that's what I'll use."

To prepare for his dual role, Franco revealed he studied past interviews with fellow actor-directors Ben Affleck and Warren Beatty, who found it difficult to give their performances their all in their own films.

The star admits he'd often rush through his acting scenes so he could get back behind the camera, but learned to give his acting performance as much attention as his co-stars.

He said: "You don't give your performance as much time and care as the other. But you need to think about the overall movie, which you're hopefully making because you care about it. Give your performance the same kind of attention as everything else."

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Director reveals new Hangover is all about Alan

Echo Reporter — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:40:09 +0000

'The Hangover Part III' is "Alan's story".

Director Todd Phillips has revealed that the final installment in the buddy comedy series will centre largely on Zach Galifianakis' oddball character as he evolves and becomes less reliant on his friends Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Doug (Justin Bartha).

He explained to ComingSoon.net: "To me, the key to this movie was that we wanted to tell Alan's story. It really felt like Alan's story was the loose end that needed to be tied up.

"That was the one person that we didn't know was going to be OK until we realise that he has met somebody who shares his own left-footed way that he lives. We realise that he's going to be alright and that's why it's the end. He is that loose thread."

As the franchise comes to an end, Phillips is sad to say goodbye to the trilogy but is still great friends with the cast, particularly Bradley Cooper.

He added: "I mean, Bradley is one of my best friends in the world now. I didn't know him before the first 'Hangover'. We've all traveled the world together, doing press and, of course, going to Bangkok [for 'Hangover Part II']. We've spent so much time together.

"I've laughed more in the last five years than most people do in a lifetime because of these movies. I just feel so incredibly blessed that I get to laugh all day every day and be around Zach and these guys."

'The Hangover Part III' is in cinemas on May 24.

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Sharon’s back as ‘X Factor’ judging panel confirmed

Echo Reporter — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:12:48 +0000

Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger, Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh have been confirmed as this year's 'X Factor' judges.

ITV have finally ended speculation surrounding who will make up the panel on the 10th series of the show by revealing the 60-year-old star - who was a judge from 2004 to 2007 - will be back, and she can't wait to start her second stint on the programme.

She said: "I couldn't be happier about coming back for the 10th anniversary of 'X Factor'. I can't wait to give Gary Barlow a big hug, sit next to the gorgeous Nicole, and of course throw water on dear Louis. Yay!"

Show boss Simon Cowell said: "Three words I never thought I'd say …. Welcome back Sharon!"

Dermot O'Leary will also return to host the show, which will see wannabes having to tackle two sets of auditions in front of the judges for the first time ever.

At first they will require at least three yeses from the four panellists in an intimate audition room and then have to impress them all over again in an arena to prove they can perform in front of an audience.

There had been speculation Nicole - who mentored James Arthur to victory in last year's series - might not be back on the show due to her music commitments, but she has juggled her schedule around and is excited about returning to the panel.

She said: "I had so much fun and such a great experience on the show last year - it far exceeded all my expectations! I always give 110 per cent to all I do and I put everything else on hold to focus on 'X Factor' and supporting my Scherzy boys.

"This year, now that I've worked out doing my new music and the show together, I am so excited to get back to the UK, my second home, and get stuck into 'X Factor' 2013!"

Gary added: "It's great to be back for the 10-year anniversary of 'X Factor' and my third year with the show. This year is looking to be our best yet!

"To have a winner like James Arthur last year was a big game changer; I really hope that his authenticity and credibility will attract acts of a similar talent this series and I'm very excited about that."

Louis will celebrate a record 10th year on the panel and he can't wait to team up with Sharon again.

He said: "I'm back with a vengeance! 10 years on and I'm just as thrilled to be involved in the best show on TV and even more delighted to be re-united with original judge Sharon Osbourne. Let the fun and games commence!"

The judges' auditions will start on June 4th in Glasgow before visiting Birmingham, Manchester, London and Cardiff. This will be followed by the second stage of judges' arena auditions in July.

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Sharon’s back as ‘X Factor’ judging panel confirmed

Echo Reporter — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:12:48 +0000

The post Sharon’s back as ‘X Factor’ judging panel confirmed appeared first on Evening Echo.

Kanye and Will ‘messing around’ in studio

Echo Reporter — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:50:53 +0000

Kanye West wants Will Smith to record new music.

The 35-year-old rapper is encouraging the 'After Earth' star - who released his last album 'Lost & Found' in 2005 - to get back into the recording studio.

The 44-year-old actor told HipHollywood.com: "I've been messing around with Kanye. We went in the studio a couple times, so I might get the bug. I'm not going to do it unless I'm truly inspired, but Ye's been pushing me a little bit."

Will gave an impromptu performance of his hit 'Summertime' on the 'Late Show With David Letterman' on Monday night.

The rapper turned actor revealed on the show that he isn't good at everything and he can't swim.

He said: "I can't swim. In inner City Philadelphia [where he grew up], there's not a lot of swimming pools and I never actually learnt how to swim and I'm embarrassed about it.

"I'm not scared [of the water]. I get in the water but as long as my feet can touch the bottom, I'm good because I go in, jump up and get some air."

The 'Men in Black 3' actor - who has son, Jaden, 14, and daughter Willow, 12, with wife Jada Pinkett Smith - claims he always ends up red-faced when he watches his kids in the pool, but insists being able to swim isn't a necessity of life.

He explained: "They [Jaden and Willow] can swim because it was important to their mother that they learnt how to swim but you can get through life without that."

The post Kanye and Will ‘messing around’ in studio appeared first on Evening Echo.

Kanye and Will ‘messing around’ in studio

Echo Reporter — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:50:53 +0000

The post Kanye and Will ‘messing around’ in studio appeared first on Evening Echo.