Month: November 2023

 

The singer’s love life has long been the topic of rumors and speculation, but her journey hasn’t been without its share of challenges.

Do we know if Susan Boyle tied the knot? Is she in a relationship? Where does she call home at the moment?

As one ages, it’s only natural to take stock of one’s life thus far, and Susan Boyle has certainly lived an extraordinary one.

In 2008, the former charity worker, who now lives alone with her cat, Pebbles, decided to try her luck in show business after becoming unemployed.

 

The 47-year-old’s unexpected success can be attributed to his performance of I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables for Simon Cowell and the other judges on Britain’s Got Talent.

The wild underdog audition shot her to international stardom. Her story continues to motivate countless people even now.

 

“I used to be a kind of spectator looking outward at the world,” Boyle said following her breakthrough, “But now I’m a part of that world, and though frightening, I’m going to embrace it.”

The first year of her superstardom brought in $6.8 million in earnings.

Susan Boyle gives a sneak peek inside her renovated childhood home.

The publication of her second studio album propelled her to the top of the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States, making her only the third artist to accomplish this feat.

This timid, unassuming Scotsman, then 47 years old, shot to fame and fortune overnight.

Not many people are able to say that they’ve met one of their idols. Some of us get that golden ticket backstage, or manage to work through the crowd for a handshake and a picture; these are truly special moments to fans. One fan, however, managed to do what countless fans dream of: share a stage with Michael Bublé in a packed arena.

That’s exactly what sixth-grade teacher Mrs. Diana Fairbanks did during Michael Bublé’s arena show at Oakland’s Oracle Arena in 2019. During this touching moment, Fairbanks seems unphased by the crowds surrounding her as Bublé accepts her request for a duet. They then go on to sing Disney’s “A Whole New World” together in a gorgeous melodic duet.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDsAMMuCKOM

 

At first, Bublé seems to think that Fairbanks – who is holding a sign in the air – is simply trying to get his attention and show her affection (as most fans would certainly do if they were that close to Bublé). He was then astounded to discover the other side of the sign, requesting an on-stage duet with the legendary Canadian singer. Little did the audience know that they were about to witness a truly stunning moment.

The crowd roared with praise as he accepted her offer, and Fairbanks demonstrated her angelic voice from the offset. Despite his legendary status, Bublé shows us in this clip that he’s just like everybody else at his core as he stumbles on his words during the duet. This doesn’t stop him from providing excellent harmonic support to Fairbanks, who managed to pitch match Bublé by the end of the song. They even gaze into each other’s eyes for reassurance as they discover the right pitch together.

 

 

Michael Bublé is known the world over as an American vocal icon. His extensive original discography is impressive enough on its own, but one aspect of Bublé’s magic is his ability to revive overlooked songs of the past and put his own spin on them. One of the most popular covers that he brought back to life is Nina Simone’s classic “Feeling Good”, which 15-year-old fan Sam Hollyman got the chance to perform with Bublé during his show at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena.

Reba McEntire deeply appreciates the magnitude of loss and the depths of suffering. 1991 marked a turning point in history because it was the year the superstar of country music experienced an unfathomable tragedy. Tragically, an aircraft disaster during one of her performances claimed the lives of her trusted tour manager and seven beloved band members.

The heartbreaking tragedy happened on March 16, 1991, following a spellbinding performance by Reba McEntire and her band at a prestigious event in San Diego.

For their next concert, arrangements were made for the band members to take a flight from Brown Field Municipal Airport to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

As luck would have it, Reba, her then-husband and manager Narvel Blackstock, and her stylist Sandi Spika were left in San Diego for the night when the band and tour manager boarded the first plane.

Reba McEntire summoned the courage to describe what happened in a moving interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012. The second plane took off without a hitch and arrived at its destination safely.

Tragically, only ten miles east of the airport, the first plane carrying the dearly loved people Reba held dear crashed, irrevocably affecting the lives of those left behind.

Reba somberly revealed to Oprah that “the plane’s wing struck a boulder on the edge of Otay Mountain, taking the lives of everyone on board.” When we got the news, Narvel approached our pilot and told him what had happened.

Narvel returned to the hotel room where Reba was waiting for news late at night, about two or three in the morning. As Reba looked for explanations, the tragedy weighed hard on the atmosphere. “One of the planes crashed,” Narvel said.

Reba asked how their pals were doing and felt a glimmer of hope. “Are they alright?” She was disappointed when Narvel’s reply dashed her hopes. He said, “I don’t think so,” causing a cloud of doubt to shroud them both.

Reba revealed their eagerness to learn all the specifics of the tragedy that had befallen their loved ones and captivated them. Her voice trembling with genuine emotion, she said, “Narvel traversed from one room to another, clutching a phone, desperately seeking answers.” “It’s been 20 years, but the sorrow never really goes away”, she apologized. “However, I can picture that situation. Narvel was pacing endlessly while engulfed in agony.

Reba McEntire took comfort in her close friends’ unflinching support during this intense sadness, including Vince Gill and Dolly Parton. In the wake of the tragedy, these kind hearts offered their bands the chance to finish the tour. Reba politely declined their kind offers, though.

Instead, she started a personal recovery journey and put all her heart and soul into her subsequent album, “For My Broken Heart.” The record was a heartfelt remembrance of the bandmates she had lost, displaying her unwavering love and paying tribute to their memory.

Interestingly, “For My Broken Heart” reached the heights of success, debuting at No. 1 on the prestigious Billboard Top Country Albums chart and selling an astounding four million copies.

Reba McEntire faithfully remembers those who died on the sad anniversary of the tragic incident every year. She uses social media to make sure their memory lives on. She created a touching memorial for her hordes of followers on Instagram in 2014 to commemorate the crash’s anniversary.

Then, in 2016, on the sad 25th anniversary of the tragedy, Reba set out on a tragic pilgrimage to San Diego, a city that would always hold a special place in her heart. She kindly shared this momentous journey through various social media channels with her devoted followers, giving them a window into her recovery.

Reba herself penned a heartfelt note in which she stated: “Today is the 25th anniversary of the plane crash. I returned to San Diego in November and took a helicopter to the scene of the tragic collision. I was overcome by the overpowering impression that people who have passed on know how much we miss them. My condolences and prayers are overflowing for all the families and friends affected by this tragedy.”

What comes to mind when you hear the words ‘Piano Man’? Billy Joel, you say. Well, get ready to have your mind changed. That’s right, it’s time to hang it up, Billy. Move along Stevie. Hit the road, Elton, because there is a new ivory tickler in town and his name is Gould.

In a clip posted by Mashable from 2015, a long-haired man sits at a piano in the Florida streets. He tears through an electrifying cover of prog-rock power ballad ‘Come Sail Away’ – much to the amazement of passers-by.

 

 

As he continues to play, one spectator repeats “Do you know how hard that is to play?!” – fascinated by the skill on display.
The song being played by the disheveled gent, once a multi-platinum hit for stadium-rockers Styx, shows talent rarely seen outside of the concert hall.

It was the above-mentioned clip – now with a staggering 45 million views – that proved to be a saving grace, going viral shortly after it was uploaded and opening a world of possibility for the former Marine Corp musician.

Shortly after becoming the talk of the internet, a GoFundMe campaign was set up in his name, raising $40,0000. This allowed Gould to attend rehabilitation and get the second chance he needed. Check out the transformation in the video below.

 

 

 

Since this life-altering chain of events, Gould, among many other things, has played in front of a packed stadium– performing the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ at the season-opening game for the San Francisco 49ers.

Reflecting on this accomplishment he told ABC 7 “I couldn’t look, I had to focus, I got 80,000 people. I got a performance all of a sudden.”

Although he still struggles with issues relating to his time on the streets, Donald’s life remains filled with positivity – releasing the album Walk on Water in 2017 and showcasing his unique talents around the world. Walk on Water is out now through Triple Pop Records.

Known as the People’s Princess because of her nurturing and compassionate nature, as well as love for the ordinary citizens, Lady Di will forever be remembered as the woman who changed Britain and the Monarchy.

This incredible Princess rose to prominence upon her engagement to Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest son and heir apparent to the British throne. Ever since the world learned of her, she was under the spotlight. The paparazzi followed her every move, and according to many, pushed her to her death.

 

he following photos show a different side of Diana and remind us once again why we all loved her so much.

A ski trip with her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

 

Unlike the rest of the engagement rings of the British royals, which are custom made, Diana’s 12-carat sapphire ring surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold was ordered from a Garrard jewelry collection catalog. Upon her passing, the ring went to Kate Middleton after William proposed to her with it.

On her wedding day, Diana was so excited and even confused that she called her future husband Philip Charles Arthur George instead of just Charles Philip.

According to her brother Charles Spencer, Diana had a hard time wearing the tiara at the beginning because it caused her headaches.

“In the evening we all went to a sort of semi-private party and she was there and I just remember she had a cracking headache also since she wasn’t used to wearing a tiara all morning,” he said in an interview.

As much as it was very special, Diana’s wedding dress caused her some trouble as the designers of the 25-foot train failed to take into an account how challenging it would be to walk in. When she entered the carriage, Lady Di’s dress slightly crushed and appeared wrinkled as a result.

 

When asked whether they were in love with each other shortly after their engagement, Charles replied, “Whatever ‘in love’ means,” to Diana’s “Of course.”

Diana is shown the sketches of her gown which were later torn apart in case someone wanted to get a peek.

The wedding gifts Charles and Diana received were perfectly unique. The Reagans, for one, gifted them a handcrafted porcelain centerpiece and an engraved Steuben glass bowl. They also received gloves made of 100-year-old silk and a timepiece set with diamonds and sapphires, among the rest.

Once the wedding took place, it was exposed with the public that Charles and Diana shared a common ancestor in Henry VII of the Tudors. They were 16th cousins once removed.

Charles and Diana are photographed on their honeymoon. A lip reader said at the time that during their conversation, the newlyweds said, “The honeymoon was the ideal time to catch up on sleep…”

This photograph was taken in 1980, before Diana became a Princess.

Diana on her trip to Angola in 1997 where she visited landmine victims.

With her son Harry, wearing matching outfits as he points out his tongue to the crowd.

Princess Diana pictured with her stepmother whom the media dubbed “wicked stepmother” because of her turbulent relationship with Diana.

Diana enjoys a holiday with her partner Dodi Rayed. She died mere days after this photo was taken.

The Princess is having a blast at the beach while wearing an animal print bathing suit.

She was dubbed “The People’s Princess” because of her love for her people, her generosity, and her big heart.

Diana is pictured in Australia’s Northern Territory, at Alice Springs.

Accompanied by her husband, Princess Diana leaves the hospital after giving birth to her first son, William.

One of the most famous photos of Prince Charles and Princess Diana taken at Buckingham Palace right after they announced their engagement on Sunday, February 24, 1981.

Charles and Diana first greet the crowds as a married couple.

Their first kiss as a married couple.

Family portrait taken on October 6, 1984, at Kensington Palace.

Family time!

Prince William’s christening.

The princess addresses a supporter.

Photo of the happy couple and their son William.

When this photo found its way to the media, everyone agreed that Princess Diana was breathtakingly beautiful. So claim this is one of the most beautiful photos of her ever taken.

Late Princess Diana was truly one of a kind. She will forever be missed.

On talent shows such as Australia’s The Voice, there is both a wealth of talent and, most importantly, entertainment. This entertainment mostly comes from the unexpected stars that audition on the show, and blow us away with their personality, talents, or both. Sometimes, however, the entertainment comes from drama, and the British pop star Boy George provided that with aplomb in this particular episode.

Daniel Shaw’s audition was supposed to be like all the rest: he would introduce himself, perform, and be judged. If he was deemed worthy of being in the competition, he would eventually be under the guidance of one of the four judges, one of which being Boy George. Sadly, a comment from Shaw about nobody wanting him to play the guitar was taken the wrong way, resulting in Boy George swiftly exiting the stage. Watch the drama unfold below:

 

 

Before his audition, we learn a lot about Daniel Shaw. His approach to life is more in the here-and-now and less about social media or the digital world. He is fully tuned in to the immediate, and this has seemingly come from his tendency to busk. Busking is in his very nature, and he has performed on the street for over 10 years and gathered a following in the process.

Despite his enjoyment of busking, he mentions his desire to get off of the streets and perform in venues for crowds and make something more of himself. He also notes that his audition for The Voice was the first time he had ever performed for a crowd of that size, which is more than enough to make a seemingly simple performance seem terrifying to comprehend beginning.

 

As it happens, Daniel Shaw is an incredible vocalist and musician. His audition, performing Labrinth’s touching piano ballad “Beneath Your Beautiful”, is an astounding hit with both the audience and the judges, with each judge pressing their buzzers indicating their wish to work with him. All seemed to be going well for Shaw, but one innocent comment taken the wrong way was about to create a storm of drama.

After his performance, the judges have nothing but praise for this talented musician and are bewildered that he hadn’t already been turned into a superstar. When asked about other instruments he plays, he mentions: “I can play guitar, but nobody really cares if I play guitar.” Boy George takes this as a negative remark on music and promptly storms off-stage.

Unless you’ve been gathering moss living under a rock, you’ll know that the Rolling Stones have a new album out. You would also have heard that it is 18 years since A Bigger Bang, the Stones last album of original music, and that the new album, Hackney Diamonds is the Stones’ best album in 40 years. When A Bigger Bang (2005) came out I contacted my friend Hilton, the most committed Rolling Stones fan I know, to ask if he’d listened to the album. He said he had, but he found it sad and stale.

When Blue & Lonesome (2016) came out, it received decent reviews. It was an album of blues covers. I listened to it a couple of times, then filed it away. I wasn’t taken by Jagger’s singing. I found it contrived. This time is different and the Stones know it. They have a dynamic, engrossing, and powerful album on their hands. An album that taps into the essence of the Stones but also sounds contemporary. This is an LP they can get behind and promote. Our first video is from the NYC launch party:

 

 

In an interview with Sky News, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood said that the collaboration with Lady Gaga was a result of Lady Gaga recording in the same studio complex. Gaga happened to have sung with the Stones once before. On the Stones 50 and Counting tour, Lady Gaga sang Gimme Shelter with the band on 14 December 2012. On that tours’ 5 shows, different female singers joined Jagger on the song (Mary J. Blige and Florence Welch also had turns).

A collection of edited pictures that got exposed online

 

INGREDIENTS
FOR THE TOMATO SAUCE
▢2 tablespoons butter
▢1/2 cup onion finely chopped
▢1 teaspoon garlic minced
▢28 ounce can crushed tomatoes do not drain
▢15 ounce can tomato sauce
▢salt and pepper to taste
▢2 tablespoons brown sugar
▢1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
FOR THE CABBAGE ROLLS
▢1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
▢1 cup cooked rice
▢1/2 cup onion finely chopped
▢1 teaspoon garlic minced
▢1 teaspoon salt
▢1/2 teaspoon pepper
▢1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves chopped, divided use
▢1 egg
▢1 head cabbage
▢cooking spray

 

INSTRUCTIONS

For the tomato sauce: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes or until translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt and pepper to the pot.
Stir in the brown sugar and red wine vinegar. Bring to a simmer.

Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the sauce is simmering, assemble the cabbage rolls. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Immerse the cabbage head in the boiling water. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until cabbage leaves are pliable. Peel 12 large leaves off the cabbage.
Place the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of parsley and egg in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce to the bowl. Stir to combine.

Lay each cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Use a small knife to cut a V-shaped notch to remove the thick part of the cabbage rib.
Shape 1/3 of a cup of the meat mixture into a log shape and place in the center of a cabbage leaf. Roll the cabbage leaf around the meat mixture. Repeat with remaining meat and cabbage leaves.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Coat a 9″x13″ pan with cooking spray. Place 1/2 of the tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls, seam side down, in the dish. Top with remaining sauce.
Cover with foil. Bake for 60-90 minutes or until cabbage is tender and meat is cooked through.
Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley, then serve.

Nola Carpenter, 81, had been working at a Walmart for a long time, something that caught the eye of her co-worker, Devan, 19. “I feel good, and I’m thankful for Devan,” the woman said. Nola Carpenter, 81, had been working at a Walmart for a long time, something that caught the attention of her co-worker, Devan Bonagura, 19.

 

“I feel good, and I’m thankful for Devan,” the woman said. There are few people who are capable of making a great effort to give a positive gesture and lend a hand to those people who need it most.

And it is that not everyone has the time or energy to put aside their daily tasks and help․ One of those genuinely supportive people is Devan Bonagura, a 19-year-old from New Jersey, United States, who made a deep impression on the hearts of Americans.

 

 This is Nola Carpenter, an old woman whose story was made known in social networks by Devan. “Life shouldn’t be so hard,” she wrote in a post showing the woman sitting in the break room during her shift at the grocery store.

The boy got together with the old woman and told her that now she could pay her mortgage. The woman was so grateful that she recorded a video for the people who helped her. “I feel good, and I am grateful to Devan for what he has done or none of this would have been possible.

 

That’s why he was working at Walmart, to pay for my house,” she said. Now Nola will be able to retire next year and she will have her well-deserved rest after years of effort in the workplace.