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Country singer dies aged 79

<p>Country singer Kinky Friedman has passed away aged 79. </p> <p>A post shared on his social media account confirmed the news that he was surrounded by family and friends before his death. </p> <p>“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family and friends,” the post read. </p> <p>“Kinkster endured tremendous pain and unthinkable loss in recent years but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit. Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.”</p> <p>The musician, whose real name is Richard Samet Friedman, developed a cult following for his unique and quirky approach to country and Western music. </p> <p>His first album <em>Sold American</em> was released in 1973, and he also toured with Bob Dylan on his Rolling Thunder Revue. </p> <p>Outside of his music career, Friedman was also a writer, penning detective novels and a working as a columnist for Texas Monthly.</p> <p>He published his first book <em>Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola: A Novel </em>in 1994 and ten years later published his second one, <em>Kinky Friedman’s Guide to Texas Etiquette: Or How to Get to Heaven or Hell Without Going Through Dallas-Fort Worth</em>.</p> <p>In 2006 he dabbled in politics, running for the Governor of Texas and received 12.6 per cent of the votes among six candidates. </p> <p>He also helped run the Echo Hill Gold Star Camp for children, with his sister Marcie. </p> <p>Kent Perkins, a longtime friend of Friedman, paid tribute to the musician on social media. </p> <p>“Somewhere in heaven,” he wrote, “I’m sure there’s a quiet corner with a big easy chair, a bright floor lamp, a big stack of biographical books, and a few old dogs wagging their tails to the faint smell of cigar smoke.”</p> <p><em>Image: Rick Diamond/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

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70s singer finally marries fiancé after almost 50 years together

<p>Denise Nolan, 72, has finally tied the knot with her long-term partner Tom Anderson, aged 77.</p> <p>The couple who have been together for 47 years and engaged for around three decades got married in a ceremony in their hometown of Blackpool. </p> <p>"I had a fabulous day," she revealed to <em>OK magazine</em>. </p> <p>Despite being together for so long, the couple revealed that they never felt the need to rush into their marriage. </p> <p>"We've been together now for 47 years and we love each other. We got engaged about 30 years ago, but we didn't think we needed the piece of paper to say that," she continued.</p> <p>"He's asked me to marry him a few times but usually when he's had a drink and is feeling sentimental! Then I mention it to him the next day and he runs a mile."</p> <p>Denise, who was one part of the popular Irish family band <em>The Nolans </em>said that the decision to finally tie the knot was partially prompted by Tom's Parkinson's diagnosis in 2018. </p> <p>She explained that they "didn't want to wait until further down the line where he might be a lot worse and it could be hard work".</p> <p>For the big day, the pair sat next to each other at the alter of The Wedding Chapel on Blackpool Promenade. </p> <p>"Everybody was crying, even Tom was sobbing," Denise said.</p> <p>"I also picked Frank Sinatra's Love And Marriage because I thought, 'I have to have a comic song in there,' and we're all Sinatra addicts in our family. As we walked back down the aisle we had Tom singing Love Will Keep Us Together. To be able to choose all out own music was really special for us."</p> <p>In her speech during the reception, Denise said:  "Meeting you was fate, becoming your partner was a choice, but falling in love with you was beyond my control."</p> <p>The couple first met while Denise was in her band and Tom was working as a resident drummer at the London Rooms in London's West End.</p> <p>They have been inseparable since and now live in Blackpool with some family nearby. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Singer Kamahl faces stalking charges

<p>Singer Kamahl is facing stalking charges, after a woman 50 years his junior said she was stalked and harassed by the entertainer. </p> <p>The woman who has not been named, has applied for an apprehended violence order (AVO) against the 89-year-old singer.</p> <p>The accusations include one count of stalking with intent to cause fear, with the matter set to be heard at Sutherland Court in Sydney next month.</p> <p>The accusations stem back to May 2023, when Kamahl was invited to the woman's house to discuss business funding. </p> <p>As a result of their meeting, Kamahl deposited $2,000 into her account, and the woman allegedly agreed to repay this amount in $5 weekly instalments.</p> <p>The dispute arose when the woman began labelling her online banking transactions as "to the molester", despite Kamahl denying any inappropriate misconduct. </p> <p>Following the transaction, a series of text messages were sent between the pair, where the woman claims she was threatened by Kamahl. </p> <p>In one of the texts, the woman warned Kamahl about his behaviour being unacceptable, suggesting would go to the police if it were to continue.</p> <p>“I just wanted you to know that your behaviour is unacceptable and you’re lucky I haven’t gone to the authorities,” a text from the woman to Kamahl read.</p> <p>“You are a liar, and a failure, and most of all an ungrateful b****. The best is yet to come!” Kamahl responded.</p> <p>Kamahl has denied any misconduct, blaming his furious response on not taking his medication and said his actions were a response to provocation rather than unkindness.</p> <p>“I’m an 89-year-old man... I was not being unkind I was responding to a situation without all of my faculties,” Kamahl told <em>9News</em>.</p> <p>“I’m not worried, meaning that it is what it is, any publicity is better than no publicity, I’m sure about that.”</p> <p>Despite the allegations and upcoming court date, Kamahl seemed unfazed about the public issue.</p> <p>“Any publicity is better than no publicity,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine News</em></p>

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"Not my problem": Blondie singer speaks out on Anzac Day concert

<p>Debbie Harry has spoken out on the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/anzac-day-is-not-for-sale-veterans-slam-anzac-day-rock-festival" target="_blank" rel="noopener">outrage</a> over the rock festival she's performing at on Anzac Day in Sydney. </p> <p>Debbie, who is the lead singer of rock band <em>Blondie</em>, was set to headline Pandemonium 2024, alongside Alice Cooper, Placebo and Deep Purple. </p> <p>The concert at Sydney's Domain has reportedly been cancelled following uproar by veteran groups, but event organiser Andrew McManus has told <em>Today</em> that he is in final talks to move the concert to Cathy Freeman Park. </p> <p>There is still anger over the concert being held on Anzac Day, but Debbie has said that the drama doesn't really concern her. </p> <p>"You know, it's not my problem, really," she told <em>Today</em> hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo.</p> <p>"It's my problem to do the show, but it's not really my problem to figure out where to put the show."</p> <p>Debbie also revealed that she is still in love with performing, with a five-decade career that shows no sign of stopping. </p> <p>"I love it, I love it, I think it's fantastic, the audiences are superb" she said.</p> <p>"They're having so much fun and they're free, you're outside, you're not forced to be seated and can walk around and it's a great atmosphere."</p> <p><em>Images: Today Show</em></p>

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Iconic Aussie singer returns Order of Australia Medal after Voice result

<p>Legendary Australian singer-songwriter Shane Howard has made headlines by returning his Order of Australia medal, a gesture that speaks volumes about his deep sense of sadness and disappointment following the Voice to Parliament referendum.</p> <p>Howard, the renowned frontman of the iconic band Goanna, first captured the hearts of music enthusiasts 41 years ago with the anthemic hit "Solid Rock," a song that passionately decried the colonisation and Indigenous dispossession of Australia.</p> <p>In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Australian Governor-General, Howard openly expresses his profound sorrow in the wake of the rejected referendum vote.</p> <p>He wrote: "At this point in history, I can't be proud of my nation and feel honour-bound to return my Order of Australia medal."</p> <p>This poignant decision resonates with the deep-seated desire Howard had when he penned "Solid Rock, Sacred Ground" four decades ago. “When I wrote the song, 'Solid Rock, Sacred Ground', 40 years ago, I wanted us to address the fundamental lie at the heart of our national story," he continued in the letter. "I dreamt of a country respectful of our ancient history and honest about our modern history. I wanted to be proud of my country.”</p> <p>Howard, whose great-grandfather was famously arrested at the Eureka Stockade, was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2016, honouring his significant contributions to the Australian music landscape. However, he now believes that the democratic principles his family fought for generations ago are facing an imminent threat.</p> <p>In a recent interview with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-18/goanna-shane-howard-returns-oam-referendum-result/102989978" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC Victorian Mornings</a>, Howard discussed the motivations behind his decision to return his medal. He emphasised that he felt compelled to make his voice heard in a world rife with disinformation and divisive politics. In his own words, "What else can I do, I'm an artist."</p> <p>Howard went on to share the distressing experiences he faced, noting that he encountered an alarming amount of abuse and racism on social media. "I copped an enormous amount of abuse that was very intimidating and at times, some stuff that was very, very racist through social media.</p> <p>"I would say it’s the first time we saw the Brexit or Trump style politics at play in the Australian political landscape."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyapVUCS0xd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyapVUCS0xd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Shane Howard (@goannafella)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Howard's heartfelt letter to the Governor-General underscores his respect for the democratic process that led to the referendum's outcome. However, he is deeply concerned that Australians may have missed "an important historical moment of destiny."</p> <p>His letter states that while he respects the democratic result, he fears Australians have missed "an important historical moment of destiny".</p> <p>"I love my birth country deeply but until we lose our colonial shackles, engage in Treaty-making with our First Peoples, commit to truth-telling about our history and embrace a post-colonial republic, I cannot be proud of my nation,” he said.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Beloved Aussie opera singer passes away

<p>Award-winning opera singer and music theatre singer Jacqueline Dark has passed away at 55. </p> <p>According to <em>ABC</em>, Dark passed away in a Sydney hospital on Tuesday night following a long battle with cancer. </p> <p>Australian tenor Kanen Breen, who she shares a son with, paid an emotional tribute on Facebook and shared the heartbreaking details of her final hours. </p> <p>“The love of her life was our boy Xander and, from the moment he existed, she did it all for him,“ Breen said in a statement. </p> <p>“It (her heart) was standing next to her, in the shape of our boy, and we literally watched as she gave the last of her life to make him happy one last time,” he added. </p> <p>“She took her last heroic breaths surrounded by profound peace and profound love.”</p> <p>Dark performed in various operas across Australia and internationally, including with Opera Australia, Victorian Opera, Pinchgut Opera, and Opera Hong Kong.</p> <p>She won multiple awards including two Green Room Awards and a Helpmann Award, among others. </p> <p>Tributes from the Australian music community have started pouring in on social media. </p> <p>"Her irrepressible humour and life and energy and musicality made her one of the greatest of Australian mezzos," wrote Erin Helyard, Artistic Director of Pinchgut Opera.</p> <p>"Jacqui's magnificent voice and magnetic stage presence entrenched her place in Australia's musical history; her indefatigably upbeat personality will be long remembered," added her  agent Patrick Togher. </p> <p>"Whenever she came into ABC Classic for an interview, we always ended up laughing so much. And as an artist, she was brave — just as happy singing cabaret or with electronic musicians as she was tackling Wagner," said <em>ABC Classic Drive </em>presenter Russell Torrance.</p> <p>Dark was born in Ballarat, Victoria, and spent 10 years as a maths and physics teacher before pursuing her career as a singer, according to <em>The Australian</em>.</p> <p>She also appeared on <em>So You Think You Can Dance </em>and was a guest panellist on the popular music quiz show <em>Spicks and Specks</em>.</p> <p><em>Image: ABC Classic</em></p>

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Shaynna Blaze revealed on The Masked Singer

<p>The mysterious Bluebottle on <em>The Masked Singer</em> has finally been revealed and it's none other than interior design expert and <em>The Block</em> judge, Shaynna Blaze.</p> <p>After an epic performance of Blondie’s <em>Call Me</em> and her showdown with Tiny where they rocked their take on Elvis Presley’s classic <em>A Little Less Conversation, </em>the star's Masked singer journey officially came to an end. </p> <p>The judges decided to unveil the Bluebottle, after weeks of guessing. </p> <p>In week one, Chrissie Swan almost got it right, when she hinted at Shaynna being behind the mask, but <em>The Block</em> judge had a few tricks up her sleeve and led the panel of judges astray with her hints. </p> <p>The judges had a range of guesses from Cyndi Lauper to Emma Bunton and even past participant, Dannii Minogue. </p> <p>Following the reveal, there was a light-hearted exchange between Shaynna and Chrissie. </p> <p>“I texted you and you said you couldn’t get here even if you wanted to!” Chrissie exclaimed. </p> <p>“I was busy!” Shaynna cheekily replied. </p> <p>She then went on to share her hectic travel schedule, before revealing the reason why she decided to join the show on her rival network. </p> <p>“[Singing] was something I squashed for a long time, but now it’s time to bring the vocal chords back out again I think,” she said. </p> <p><em>Images: Channel 10</em></p>

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"What have I done?!" Sandra Sully opens up on her big Masked Singer reveal

<p>Beloved TV personality Sandra Sully <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/television/sandra-sully-reveals-how-she-broke-down-with-anxiety-on-the-masked-singer-australia/news-story/6b2aa31a7eab6c3c567005803937fa6d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently shared her candid experience</a> of battling anxiety while participating in <em>The Masked Singer Australia – </em>one of the most anticipated and highly publicised reveals in the history of the show.</p> <p>According to the Daily Mail, the 10 News presenter found herself regretting her decision to join the reality show, and contemplated ways to back out. “I literally broke down in tears after a singing lesson, thinking ‘what have I done?’,” she told the publication.</p> <p>Then, in the midst of all this turmoil and anxiety, Sully had a pivotal moment after a singing lesson. Overwhelmed by self-doubt, she broke down in tears, questioning the wisdom of her choice to be on the show at all.</p> <p>She repeatedly voiced her concerns to her husband, Symon Brewis-Weston, saying, "What have I done? I can't do it, I can't do it – what am I going to do?"</p> <p>It was Brewis-Weston who provided her with the much-needed encouragement. He had initially convinced her to participate after years of declining offers from producers. He sternly advised her to stop spiralling into negativity, reminding her of the reasons she had said yes to the show and encouraging her to embrace the experience with a sense of fun. He told her, "Just have a bit of fun. No one's going to die, including you."</p> <p>Sully took his advice to heart, realising that her anxiety was getting the best of her. She had a moment of self-reflection and decided to stop doubting herself.</p> <p>Sully's big reveal as the Fawn character, designed by Tim Chappel, was a shock to the show's panellists  Mel B, Abbie Chatfield, Dave Hughes and Chrissie Swan, who had not heard her sing during her more than 30-year career in news presentation.</p> <p>Sully's lack of singing experience surprised not only the viewers but also her husband and friends, as she never sang in the shower and only had experience as a drummer in her primary school band. She humorously admitted, "I don't sing along in the car – I probably can now because I've shown Australia I can't sing. So we can all laugh out loud together as I also laugh at myself."</p> <p>Relieved that her <em>Masked Singer</em> journey is over, Sully faced additional challenges beyond anxiety, including the need to constantly tell fibs to friends and colleagues in order to conceal her identity. She also grappled with claustrophobia, particularly once the heavy mask was placed on her head.</p> <p>Describing the experience, she said, "Your whole head is ensconced like in a balaclava, and then you have to put this mask on and it's done up under your chin, and then tightened like a bike helmet underneath it so it all fits your head." The show forced her to confront various personal fears beyond performing and singing.</p> <p>Although Sully is open to pushing her boundaries and venturing outside her comfort zone, she has firmly declined offers to appear on Ten's <em>I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here</em>, citing her severe claustrophobia and fear of snakes as insurmountable obstacles.</p> <p>She is grateful for choosing <em>The Masked Singer</em> as her reality show adventure, where she had the opportunity to have fun despite the challenges.</p> <p><em>Images: Network Ten</em></p>

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“How good is love”: Riptide singer ties the knot

<p dir="ltr">Australian musician Vance Joy, whose real name is James Keogh, officially tied the knot with his longtime partner, Selen Us on June 12.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair got married in a beautiful waterfront ceremony by the Marmara sea in Istanbul, Turkey.</p> <p dir="ltr">Vance and a few guests took to Instagram to share photos of the big day.</p> <p dir="ltr">In one photo fans get a glimpse into an intimate moment between the pair standing on a balcony overlooking the water. In another photo, we see the happy newlyweds share their first kiss.</p> <p dir="ltr">The bride donned a sleek backless white gown, while the groom opted for a more classic look in a black suit paired with a bowtie.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair dated for over three years, and got engaged last November, after enduring a long-distance relationship during Covid.</p> <p dir="ltr">Friends and fans took to the comments to congratulate the couple.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Wow! Congratulations mate. Beautiful photographs.,” wrote Australian creative portrait and music photographer, Max Fairclough.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Guess I don’t have a chance anymore. Congrats!!!! 😂,” quipped a fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations!! Fire and the Flood was my wedding song. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness x,” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“How good is love,” commented a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">“CONGRATS!!! I’m so happy for the two of yous 🥳,” wrote another.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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The Girl from Ipanema singer dies at age 83

<p dir="ltr">Brazilian bossa nova singer, Astrud Gilberto, known for her rendition of <em>The Girl from Ipanema</em>, has died aged 83.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her granddaughter, Sofia Gilberto, took to Instagram to announce the news.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm here to bring you the sad news that my grandmother became a star today, and is next to my grandfather João Gilberto," she wrote in the caption, which was originally written in Portuguese.</p> <p dir="ltr">"She was a pioneer and the best. At the age of 22, she gave voice to the English version of Girl from Ipanema and gained international fame."</p> <p dir="ltr">Astrud helped popularise bossa nova worldwide, after her version of <em>The Girl from Ipanema</em> sold over 5 million copies.</p> <p dir="ltr">New York-based guitarist, Paul Ricci who collaborated with Astrud, also confirmed the sad news on Facebook.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I just got word from her son Marcelo that we have lost Astrud Gilberto. He asked for this to be posted: She was an important part of ALL that is Brazilian music in the world and she changed many lives with her energy. RIP from 'the chief', as she called me,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans have paid tribute to the star on social media.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She was the defining cool voice of Bossa Nova which remains intoxicating to this day no matter how often you have heard it and made us dream of Rio,” wrote one fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I feel like one part of my childhood suddenly disappeared. RIP Astrud. Much love to all your family,” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My condolences to the entire family,” wrote a third.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Aussie singer weds Netflix star in secret ceremony

<p dir="ltr">Aussie rapper G-Flip has said “I do” in a secret ceremony with reality Netflix star Chrishell Stause after one year of dating.</p> <p dir="ltr">The ‘announcement’ came at the end of a montage shared to social media, where <em>Selling Sunset</em>'s Stause had posted footage from various moments over the course of their relationship, with the final clip showcasing a moment from what appears to be their wedding.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Love doesn’t always go as planned,” Stause captioned the reel. “Sometimes it’s immeasurably better.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The video itself began with the text “how it started”, cycling through content as it transitioned to “how it’s going”, with G-Flip’s new track 'Be Your Man' playing throughout.</p> <p dir="ltr">The news came as quite the surprise to fans of the couple, especially when it was later confirmed by <em>PEOPLE</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They found love together in an unexpected place but nothing has ever felt more real to them," a source told the publication. </p> <p dir="ltr">And despite their shock, friends and supporters were quick to flood Stause’s comments with their congratulations and delight - with a few even suggesting that they might have been in on the secret.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsFXTCmpVdE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsFXTCmpVdE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chrishell (@chrishell.stause)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I’M DYING!!!!!! I’ve been waiting for this post all day!!! Covered in goosebumps since the moment I watched!” one friend gushed. “Watching your love is like watching the best love story in the world! I love you both to the 🌙 &amp; back!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You guys are too cute,” another said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I am SO excited for this!! You and G are the most inspiring couple and the affection between you both is so pure. I love you two tons and am so lucky to have you both in my life,” came one heartfelt congratulations.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Waaaait?!?” one fan wrote. “So was I right?!? Did you guys get married?!?”</p> <p dir="ltr">Some did question whether or not the clip was actually from a music video for the song, but were quickly informed by fellow commenters that it had been a real wedding. </p> <p dir="ltr">And while others remained doubtful, the congratulations continued, with one supporter writing “did you guys get married?! I never heard. Congratulations if so! Wishing you all the happiness in the world.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“You two are the sweetest,” said another, before they went on to thank the happy couple for sharing their love with the world, and the wonders it was doing for representation around the world when they added “being this proud of your love and sharing it with the world is helping so many people on their own journeys.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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“Rest easy ma’am”: Tributes flow for singer Loretta Lynn

<p>Loretta Lynn, the country singer behind <em>Coal Miner’s Daughter</em> and <em>You Ain’t Woman Enough</em> and a leading feminist in the country music scene, has passed away aged 90.</p> <p>Her family broke the news in a statement on Twitter on Tuesday.</p> <p>“Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep at home in her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills,” the statement read.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Loretta Lynn ♥️ A pioneering daughter that changed music and the world forever for all the daughters that followed. We’ll miss you but your spirit lives on! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thepill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thepill</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/forher?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#forher</a> <a href="https://t.co/9XTPwLkVru">pic.twitter.com/9XTPwLkVru</a></p> <p>— The Chicks (@thechicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/thechicks/status/1577421929673543681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>With a career spanning six decades, Lynn built her reputation as a feminist voice in the male-dominated world of country music, tackling issues including the freedom provided by birth control and the inequities of heterosexual relationships.</p> <p>Her choice of subject matter was controversial for country music in the 1960s and ‘70s, with Lynn telling one interviewer that 14 of her songs had been banned by radio stations.</p> <p>“I wasn’t the first woman in country music,” she said in a 2007 interview with <em>Esquire </em>magazine.</p> <p>“I was just the first one to stand up there and say what I thought, what life was about. The rest were afraid to.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Loretta Lynn and Sissy Spacek after the 53rd Academy Awards (March 31, 1981).</p> <p>Spacek, who was personally selected by Lynn to portray her in the biographical musical film 'Coal Miner's Daughter,' earned the Best Actress Oscar for her performance as the country music icon. <a href="https://t.co/mbFnBhY1Ic">pic.twitter.com/mbFnBhY1Ic</a></p> <p>— The Academy (@TheAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAcademy/status/1577424584709705728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Even so, Lynn became an icon of the genre with more than 50 top 10 hits according to her website.</p> <p dir="ltr">Lynn went on to become the first woman to win the Country Music Association’s ‘Entertainer of the Year’ award in 1972, as well as seven other CMA awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, and three Grammy Awards as an artist.</p> <p dir="ltr">She won an additional two Grammys in 2004 for her work on the album <em>Van Lear Rose</em> in collaboration with White Stripes frontman Jack White, where she either wrote or co-wrote every song.</p> <p dir="ltr">The singer also received a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement in 2010.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 1988, she was voted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and in 2013 she was presented with a Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-president Barack Obama, who <a href="https://twitter.com/ObamaFoundation/status/1577428821590282242" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noted</a> that she “opened doors for women not only by winning tremendous achievements, but also by raising issues few dared to discuss”.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d90b7fc5-7fff-0de4-1cad-b78e3987bb9e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Since the news of her passing broke, tributes have begun to flow for Lynn from fans, fellow singers and friends.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">My heart is broken with the news of my sweet friend Loretta Lynn passing. I will remember all the sweet visits and laughs we shared. RIP sweet Angel. <a href="https://t.co/X5IqiD63an">pic.twitter.com/X5IqiD63an</a></p> <p>— Stella Parton (@StellaParton) <a href="https://twitter.com/StellaParton/status/1577314224078217217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Stella Parton penned an emotional tribute to her “sweet friend” and “angel”, accompanied by a photo of the pair together.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My heart is broken with the news of my sweet friend Loretta Lynn passing. I will remember all the sweet visits and laughs we shared. RIP sweet Angel,” Parton wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6759ed07-7fff-3668-31d6-09c08f584b8e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“She was an inspiration. R.I.P. Loretta Lynn ❤️‍,” Carole King tweeted.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">She was an inspiration. <br />R.I.P. Loretta Lynn ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/VqwmkcOAqy">pic.twitter.com/VqwmkcOAqy</a></p> <p>— Carole King (@Carole_King) <a href="https://twitter.com/Carole_King/status/1577318037912330240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Joyous. Fierce. One of a kind. I loved meeting and working with Loretta Lynn ❤️‍🕊️🙏,” singer k.d. Lang <a href="https://twitter.com/kdlang/status/1577381590736388096" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-fadb031b-7fff-50fc-027c-01011cd9263e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Loretta Lynn gave me this ring of hers many moons ago and I’ve cherished it ever since. Rest in peace. We will all miss you so dearly ❤️‍,” actress Brooke Shields said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Loretta Lynn gave me this ring of hers many moons ago and I’ve cherished it ever since. Rest in peace. We will all miss you so dearly ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/KdgmIiXhXP">pic.twitter.com/KdgmIiXhXP</a></p> <p>— Brooke Shields (@BrookeShields) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrookeShields/status/1577371993611059232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">American band The Oak Ridge Boys tweeted: “Loretta Lynn has gone home… Great Britain lost their Queen … now we have lost ours … Rest easy ma’am. You were loved by all … 😢”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ken Burns, the documentarian behind Country Music, the 2019 miniseries that Lynn took part in, <a href="https://twitter.com/KenBurns/status/1577397952569643009" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>: “Loretta Lynn turned life into song, providing a voice to the experiences of American women. </p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ef6ceebc-7fff-6fb8-a768-0e86d3fc59d3"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“She will always be celebrated as a central part of the history of country music.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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“Goodbye Little Darlin’”: Johnny Cash fan snaps up singer’s former home

<p dir="ltr">After just two months on the market, the sprawling ranch Johnny Cash built in the hills of California has been snagged by a generous local fan.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/walk-the-rooms-inside-the-house-that-johnny-cash-built" target="_blank" rel="noopener">With an asking price of $US 1.795 million</a> ($AU 2.77 million), the home’s new owner paid an extra $55,000 ($AU 84,000) for the keys to the six-acre ranch.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Ring of Fire singer reportedly built the ‘60s style compound in Ventura, California, in 1961 as an escape from Los Angeles and a place where he and his wife, Vivian, could raise their two daughters.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unlike other celebrity neighbours, it seems that Cash was on friendly terms with the locals, with residents from the nearby village of Casitas Springs recalling Cash setting up speakers on the hillside outside his home and playing concerts for the people living below, per <em><a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/johnny-cash-fan-buys-the-singers-former-ranch-in-ventura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">realtor.com</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 1966, the couple divorced, with Cash marrying June Carter two years later and relocating to Nashville.</p> <p dir="ltr">Vivian later offloaded the five-bedroom home in the 1970s.</p> <p dir="ltr">Even after all these years, the property still features details from when Cash called it home, including a wall-mounted timetable and painted ceilings “imbued with glitter”, according to <a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/8736-Nye-Rd_Ventura_CA_93001_M13740-10847" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the listing</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">His wood-panelled studio has also been preserved. Built with high windows, the studio was designed so the six-foot singer could look out without others being able to see in.</p> <p dir="ltr">The panelled walls, wagon wheel chandeliers and curved brick fireplace in the living room also add to the rustic feel of the home’s interior.</p> <p dir="ltr">Outside, you’ll find cypresses and oak trees, a large pool and spa, and a hillside barbecue area where Cash taught his daughters to shoot - with spent shells still being found there sometimes.</p> <p dir="ltr">With the property being zoned for livestock and plenty of fields ready for planting, it’ll be up to the new owner to decide on the fate of the iconic home.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8af7ee9c-7fff-2727-11fc-3aff09f13210"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Realtor.com / Getty Images</em></p>

Real Estate

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Stranded opera singer busks to earn cash after cancelled flights

<p dir="ltr">After her flight home was cancelled, one Jestar passenger said she was forced to busk for money until she could get home.</p> <p dir="ltr">Edit Pali had travelled to a remote resort in Phuket with her husband Tibor to celebrate her 50th birthday when a cancelled flight saw their stay extend for another five days.</p> <p dir="ltr">Having spent a large portion of their savings on their trip, the couple were faced with the problem of paying for their additional days in the resort.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Pali told <em><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/stranded-aussie-jetstar-passengers-speak-out/04c064ba-f60c-43dd-8ba8-640595f8ddc9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a></em> that the airline had offered them $30 for meals and $150 for accommodation each day in compensation - but the money failed to arrive.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m a tough chook but I cried, I really cried,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Taking advantage of her skills as an opera singer, Ms Pali decided to sing for her supper at breakfast, lunch and dinner while they waited for the funds to come through.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We're just average people, we don't make a lot of money, so for us to go away to Thailand for a week to a luxury resort, that was a big enough chunk into our savings,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">A Jetstar spokesperson said they were aware of Ms Pali’s situation and were doing “everything we can”.</p> <p dir="ltr">But Ms Pali isn’t the only person affected by a cancelled flight, as six out of 11 of Jetstar’s 787 planes were grounded earlier this month.</p> <p dir="ltr">At least 4,000 passengers travelling on popular winter routes, including to Bali, Thailand, and Japan, have been affected by delays and cancellations, with the airline blaming lightning, bird strikes and parts shortages.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Our teams work around the clock to get passengers on their way as soon as possible and we provide a range of support, including help to cover accommodation and meals costs as well as other reasonable expenses," the airline said.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement, Jetstar said Ms Pali and her husband were due to have their expense claim paid by September 27.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-7af19fb0-7fff-5101-99ed-b86b59c0167c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: A Current Affair</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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“There’s no way”: Masked Singer finale causes chaos

<p><em><strong>Warning! Spoilers ahead.</strong></em></p> <p>The fourth season of <em>The Masked Singer Australia</em> has drawn to a dramatic close, with the results of the finale causing a stir online.</p> <p>Mirrorball, Rooster and Snapdragon were the three contestants still left in the competition, with Mirrorball taking out the win. </p> <p>However, as the masks came off, fans were suspicious as to how the famously clueless Dave Hughes managed to pull a surprisingly niche and accurate guess out of the bag at the last minute. </p> <p>Mirrorball's identity was unveiled, revealing former Pussycat Dolls member Melody Thornton as the winner.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Chzej4qrHou/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Chzej4qrHou/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Melody Thornton (@melodythornton)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 37-year-old singer was pegged as the star inside the Mirrorball costume before the season even began, as die-hard Pussycat Dolls fans could pick her voice from the teaser advertisements. </p> <p>But her name never came up among the judges all season, with Mel B instead frequently guessing she was her former PCD bandmate Nicole Scherzinger.</p> <p>Nicole was always PCD’ lead singer, with the other members (including strong vocalist Melody) barely having any solo lines.</p> <p>Which made judge Dave Hughes’ sudden guess of Thornton after her final performance come as a shock – particularly given his habit of making outlandish guesses throughout the season. </p> <p>Some viewers questioned how Hughes would suddenly pick the winner after a season of clangingly wrong guesses, asking whether Hughes was perhaps fed the guess so viewers wouldn’t ask “who?” when Thornton was unmasked. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Absolutely ridiculous. So obvious they’ve told Hughesy to say Melody Thornton. They’ve built it up for him to finally get one right <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaskedSingerAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaskedSingerAU</a></p> <p>— 𝒥𝒥 (@AcousticAri) <a href="https://twitter.com/AcousticAri/status/1563833058171957248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">There’s no way Dave would know who melody Thornton is. Hell, if it wasn’t for her upstaging Nicole shersawerser, I don’t think I’d know her either and I was in peak pussycat dolls demographic. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaskedSingerAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaskedSingerAU</a></p> <p>— Georgia Duncan (@_georgiarae) <a href="https://twitter.com/_georgiarae/status/1563833332558794757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The producers definitely would’ve told Dave Hughes to guess Melody Thornton because:</p> <p>a) They want him to finally get one right<br />b) It would be kind of sad if no one guessed her all season (and instead guessed Nicole)<br />c) As if Hughesy listened to Don’t Cha<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaskedSingerAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaskedSingerAU</a></p> <p>— Lachlan Guertin (@LachlanGuertin) <a href="https://twitter.com/LachlanGuertin/status/1563833575870713856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Coming in second, the Snapdragon was unmasked as Sheldon Riley: the distinctively-voiced former <em>The Voice</em> and <em>The X Factor contestant</em> and Eurovision entrant. </p> <p>Third place went to the Rooster, who was unmasked as singer and actor Hugh Sheridan.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Channel Ten</em></p>

TV

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Beloved UK actor and singer found dead at 41

<p dir="ltr">British actor, singer and reality TV star Darius Campbell Danesh has died at the age of 41. </p> <p dir="ltr">The young celebrity first found fame when he came third on Pop Idol back in 2002. </p> <p dir="ltr">Later that year, Darius released his first single Colourblind which soared straight to number one, while his album Dive In reached the top 10.</p> <p dir="ltr">He also appeared in popular musicals like Chicago, Guys and Dolls and Gone With The Wind. </p> <p dir="ltr">His heartbroken family announced the devastating news on Tuesday, saying Darius was found dead in his US apartment on August 11. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh,” the statement read. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Darius was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the local medical examiners’ office.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We ask that you kindly respect our wishes for privacy at this time while we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

News

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Readers respond: If you could resurrect one dead singer for a farewell tour, who would it be?

<p>Most people have fond memories of seeing their favourite artists live in concert, but there are some musicians who passed too soon before they could be appreciated on stage.</p> <p>We asked our readers who they would resurrect for one final farewell tour, and the responses were overwhelming.</p> <p>Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Gina Colbert</strong> - Omg could only ever be Elvis, God bless.</p> <p><strong>Suzanne Stovel</strong> - So many to choose from, John Lennon, George Harrison, Freddy Mercury, Gord Downey, Johnny Cash, John Denver, Helen Reddy, Patsy Cline, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin. I would go to any one of their concerts. So many great singers have passed.</p> <p><strong>Therese Mcdonnell</strong> - John Lennon. He deserves sometime with his family.</p> <p><strong>Robyn Burton</strong> - Roy Orbison. </p> <p><strong>Dawn Dominick</strong> - Freddie Mercury and George Michael.</p> <p><strong>Donna Zwerus</strong> - Quite a few singers sadly gone too soon, probably Elvis, others that have already been mentioned. Bobby Darrin, Eva Cassidy, John Denver David Bowie to add to the list. All fabulous singers.</p> <p><strong>Gail Catchlove</strong> - John Lennon and Freddie Mercury. Can’t just leave it at one.</p> <p><strong>Wendy Sartori</strong> - Gene Pitney, Luciano Pavarotti and Billy Thorpe.</p> <p><strong>Sukirti Gupta</strong> - Chester Bennington in a heartbeat.</p> <p><strong>Lynette Bentley</strong> - John Denver. Loved his work.</p> <p><strong>Nola Clarke</strong> - Michael Jackson.</p> <p><strong>John Davies</strong> - George Harrison in a heartbeat.</p> <p><strong>Pauline Whitling</strong> - Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, George Michael, and Aretha Franklin.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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Singer’s fiancée dies on wedding day

<p dir="ltr">Tom Mann, a former contestant on The X Factor in the UK has been left heartbroken after his fiancée and mother of his child died on the morning of their wedding. </p> <p dir="ltr">The singer shared the tragic news to his Instagram on Monday revealing that “the love of my life” Danielle Hampson died on June 18. </p> <p dir="ltr">The touching post was accompanied with a black-and-white selfie of Dani holding the couple’s son, Bowie. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I can’t believe I am writing these words but my darling Dani - my best friend, my everything and more, the love of my life - passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, 18th June,” the post began. </p> <p dir="ltr">“On what was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives ended in irreversible heartbreak. I feel like I have cried an ocean. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We never made it to the alter; or got to say our vows, or dance our first dance, but I know you know that you were my entire world and the best thing that has ever happened to me, Danielle.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Tom said he will continue wearing the ring she gave him to show his “unconditional love” toward her saying that he is lost but will do everything he can to raise their son. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCO8xPj1mH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCO8xPj1mH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tom Mann (@tommanninsta)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I will wear this ring that I was always supposed to wear as a sign of my unconditional love to you.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am completely broken trying to process this and I honestly don’t know where to go from here, but I do know I need to use any strength I can muster for our little boy. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I will not be a mark on the parent that you had already become but I promise I will do my everything to raise Bowie just the way we always wanted. I promise you he will know how amazing his mummy was. I promise to make you so so proud.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The most beautiful person inside and out. The most incredible soul. We have lost such a special person and I am sure we are about to see an abundant outpouring of love that reflects that. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I will try to find peace in your messages and comments, but right now I am grieving and I will be for a very, very long time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My darling Dani, the brightest light in any room, my world is nothing but darkness without you. I will miss you forever.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Danielle’s cause of death is still unknown. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Human Nature singer reveals his secret to a successful marriage

<p dir="ltr">The singer of Aussie band <em>Human Nature</em> has opened up about his 23 year marriage. </p> <p dir="ltr">Andrew Tierney has been married to his wife Heather for 23 years, admitting that the success of his marriage stems from forgiveness. </p> <p dir="ltr">He said the inspiration came from seeing elderly couples who remain together after several years of marriage.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's not all going to be great times," he told <a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/andrew-tierney-human-nature-childrens-book/6821ab0d-f15f-426c-b25f-0c1e9f3a2eff" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Honey</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I remember reading something about, if you ever see an elderly couple and they are still in love, your first thought should be what have they forgiven each other for. That's the secret, forgiving, and to keep loving.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Andrew confessed that it wasn’t smooth-sailing from when the pair tied the knot, with Heather fearing he would put his music career ahead of the marriage. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Nobody's perfect, we all make mistakes. There was one time when Heather thought I would chose my career over her, there have been so many things, but we have chosen to love each other through it all and forgive each other.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You've got to be there for each other. When you say your wedding vows you say 'for better or for worse' and it's getting though the 'worse' that actually keeps people together."</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair wed in 1999 and share a daughter Violette Faith, who was born in November 2016.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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George Michael documentary narrated by the late singer

<p dir="ltr">A new documentary detailing the extraordinary life and career of George Michael is set to hit theatres in June. </p> <p dir="ltr">The documentary, titled <em>George Michael: Freedom Uncut</em>, is described as the artist’s last work, with the late musician being credited as a co-creator on the project.</p> <p dir="ltr">George Michael was heavily involved in the making of the movie prior to his death in 2016, as he also narrates the film, which will offer new insight into his music career and private life. </p> <p dir="ltr">Freedom Uncut chronicles the tumultuous — yet creatively fruitful — period of Michael’s life and career following the release of his 1987 solo debut, <em>Faith</em>, then through the creation and release of his 1990 follow-up <em>Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1.</em> </p> <p dir="ltr">Along with documenting his creative efforts during this period, the doco will also explore his relationship with Anselmo Feleppa — who died from AIDS-related complications — as well as the death of Michael’s mother. </p> <p dir="ltr">The film will feature an array of archived footage, including photos from Michael’s private collection, as well as never-before-seen footage from the<em> Freedom! ’90</em> video, directed by David Fincher.</p> <p dir="ltr">The documentary also includes interviews with Michael’s peers and friends, including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson, Ricky Gervais, Mary J. Blige, Liam Gallagher, and Tony Bennett, as they recall some of their favourite memories with their late friend who changed the face of music. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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