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Olivia Rodrigo Closes Glastonbury 2025 with a Spellbinding Headline Performance At just 22, Olivia Rodrigo became the third-youngest headliner in Glastonbury’s history, and she closed the Pyramid Stage on a euphoric high. Following in the footsteps of icons like Billie Eilish and Ash, Rodrigo transformed the final night of the UK’s biggest music festival into a celebration of youth, vulnerability, and rockstar defiance. Emerging in a white lace corset and knee-high boots, she opened with punchy, punk-infused anthems Obsessed and Diary of a Homeschooled Girl, igniting the crowd with fierce energy and gleaming confidence. The pop-rock prodigy owned the stage from the first note, revealing why she’s become one of the most compelling voices of her generation. Between songs, Rodrigo’s genuine affection for British culture came through. "I’ve had three sticky toffee puddings since arriving, and I’m obsessed with Colin the Caterpillar from M&S!" she laughed, winning over the crowd with her honesty. “I love English boys,” she added cheekily, to wild cheers. But the emotional heartbeat of the set came with Drivers License, the ballad that launched her career and broke streaming records. As she sang, the sea of fans echoed every word, creating a powerful collective moment of reflection and release. Rodrigo’s musical maturity also shone in her carefully chosen duet with Robert Smith of The Cure. Eschewing modern pop stars, she paid homage to her 80s inspirations, joining Smith for soul-stirring renditions of Friday I’m in Love and Just Like Heaven. Her respectful harmonies and beaming expressions showed a young artist still in awe of the legends she now shares a stage with. “Robert’s the nicest, most wonderful man ever,” she told the crowd. “I’m so honored to play with him tonight.” The set stayed true to Olivia’s core – a mix of fierce feminist energy, intimate storytelling, and pure musical joy. Tracks like Enough for You, So American, and her riotous encore of Brutal, All-American Bitch, Good 4 U, and Get Him Back showcased both her emotional range and her command of the stage. There were no backup dancers, no flashy gimmicks – just Rodrigo, her all-female band, and a deep connection with the audience. She didn’t need spectacle. Her voice, vision, and vulnerability were more than enough. As fireworks lit up the Glastonbury sky and inflatable balls bounced through the cheering crowd, Rodrigo exited to thunderous applause. It was a moment of triumph, intimacy, and youthful rebellion – one of the
The Indie Sleaze Revival: Why Gen Z Is Nostalgic for a Time They Never Lived In The fashion trend that shaped the late 2000s and early 2010s dubbed “indie sleaze” is making a comeback. From its roots in smoky clubs, ripped tights, and suede wedge sneakers, the trend has become an unexpected obsession for Gen Z. At its core? An appreciation for an era that celebrated grit, individuality, and an effortlessly cool sense of style. Back in 2011, French designer Isabel Marant captured the era’s essence when she introduced the iconic “Bekett” sneaker wedge. The suede, lace‑up high‑top quickly became a cult favorite after it was spotted on supermodel Kate Moss. It went on to dominate fashion moments for stars like Beyoncé and Eva Mendes. Today, 14 years later, Marant has reintroduced the silhouette in collaboration with Converse and she’s chosen a new face for the campaign: Lila Moss, Kate’s daughter. The younger Moss personifies the next wave of indie sleaze, capturing its mix of vintage charm and grungy rebellion. “People kept asking for us to bring the shoes back,” Marant said from her Paris studio. “Why not? When something is well-achieved and good, it remains good forever. Kate is forever.” But the phenomenon goes far beyond a single shoe. The term “indie sleaze” itself emerged in 2022 thanks to trend forecaster Mandy Lee’s popularization of the trend on TikTok. What began as a grainy digital snapshot of club-goers captured by party photographers like Mark Hunter, also known as The Cobrasnake evolved into a nostalgic rallying point for younger generations. Today, Gen Z embraces the torn tights, super-skinny jeans, messy hair, and smoky make‑up of an era long gone, finding beauty in its imperfections. “On the one hand, you’re nostalgic for a time you lived in,” Isabel Marant said. “But really, the stronger form of that feeling is being nostalgic for a time you didn’t live in.” Originally called “hipster style” or “Tumblr style” long before “indie sleaze” became its name, this fashion trend combined motorcycle boots, tight pants, and slouchy tops. It was an anti‑fashion statement inspired by music festivals, underground clubs, and a carefree approach to self‑expression. Today, it’s a trend reshaping fashion. New York design student Chloe Plasse describes it as “such a cool time to be alive,” one that she embraces through Isabel Marant pieces that meld glamour and grit, making even a routine university lecture feel like a runway moment. With its revival, indie sl
Indie Revival: How 2000s Guitar Heroes Are Winning Over a New Generation Getty Images Composite image showing Luke Pritchard of The Kooks and Richard Archer of Hard-Fi performing on stage in the early 2000s The Kooks and Hard-Fi were among a wave of guitar bands who sold millions of records in the 2000s I'm pretty sure we hung out in Brixton. Hopefully I didn't embarrass myself. Luke Pritchard, the eternally youthful lead singer of The Kooks, is reintroducing himself to fellow indie survivor and Hard-Fi frontman, Richard Archer. Both admit the 2000s, when they each sold millions of records, are a bit of a blur. But I think I'd remember if you'd done something odd, reassures Archer, all chiselled good looks and friendly bonhomie. It's weird, because we were all part of the same scene but, when you're on tour, everyone's like planets, orbiting around but missing each other. The Kooks and The 'Fi were at the epicentre of the last great indie boom – a scene that kicked off in 2002 when The Libertines jolted British guitar music out of its post-Britpop slump. Over the next half-decade, they joined acts like Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs and Razorlight as they surfed a wave to the top of the charts. Angular riffs, clever-clever lyrics and big, hooky choruses were the order of the day. By 2006, seven of the UK's 10 best-selling new albums were by guitar bands, including the Arctic Monkeys' incendiary debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, and The Kooks' Inside In/Inside Out. But the party couldn't last forever. In 2008, The Word magazine coined the phrase indie landfill to describe a seemingly endless parade of identikit bloke-bands cluttering the airwaves. Where were they all coming from? Why couldn't you tell them apart? Why were they all called The Something? Almost overnight, radio stations ditched indie for a new generation of forward-thinking pop (Lady Gaga, Florence + The Machine) and club-centric hip-hop (Black Eyed Peas, Dizzee Rascal). It did suddenly seem that four boys in a band became very un-hip, says Archer. The opportunities dried up in England, agrees Pritchard. We were playing smaller venues and the vibe just wasn't exciting any more. It got to a point where we were just exhausted, Archer continues. It felt like we were screaming into the void. So we stopped and tried other things. Hard-Fi in 2004 (left-right): Ross Phillips, Steve Kemp, Richard Archer and Kai Stephens In the 2010s, Hard-Fi's guitarist Ross Phillips retrained as a tiler, while Archer formed the short-lived blues band
Oscars 2025 Predictions: Unusual Trends and History-Making Moments The 2025 Oscars are set to bring a mix of surprises, record-breaking moments, and intense competition among Hollywood’s finest. With nominations spanning various genres and performances, this year’s Academy Awards promise to be one of the most memorable in recent history.One of the biggest talking points is the emergence of new talent, as several first-time nominees are making waves across major categories. At the same time, seasoned actors and directors continue to dominate, with some breaking records for most nominations or wins. The industry is also witnessing greater diversity in nominations, showcasing a broader range of stories and voices.In the Best Picture category, a mix of blockbuster hits and independent gems are vying for the top prize. Biopics and historical dramas continue to be strong contenders, while some unexpected genre films have also made an impact. The Best Actor and Actress races are equally exciting, featuring both rising stars and Hollywood legends competing for the coveted golden statuette.One of the quirks of this year’s awards is the unpredictable nature of the winners. While some categories have clear frontrunners, there have been surprises throughout the awards season, making predictions difficult. Additionally, technical categories like Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects are featuring innovative films that push the boundaries of filmmaking.As the Oscars 2025 approach, anticipation continues to grow over which films and artists will make history. Whether through groundbreaking achievements or shocking upsets, this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema.
Oscar Nominations Preview 2025: Blockbusters, Comeback Queens, and Succession Stars The upcoming Oscar nominations have sparked much excitement, as this year there’s no clear frontrunner for best picture, making the race unpredictable. Several categories are filled with interesting comeback stories, rising stars, and seasoned veterans. Comeback Queens:Demi Moore leads the charge with The Substance, where she portrays a woman who swaps her body for a younger version of herself.Pamela Anderson has received recognition for The Last Showgirl, where she plays an aging Las Vegas performer.Marianne Jean-Baptiste could see a nomination for Hard Truths, marking a return to the awards circuit nearly three decades after her previous nomination.Angelina Jolie also fits the comeback narrative with her role as opera singer Maria Callas in The Substance.A Double Dose of Sebastian Stan:Stan could land two nominations for his roles: one as a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice and another for A Different Man, where he plays an actor who undergoes a radical transformation.Pop Princesses:Ariana Grande is a strong contender in the best supporting actress category for her performance in Wicked.Selena Gomez might also be nominated for her role in Emilia Pérez, where she plays a drug lord's wife who changes gender.Succession Stars:Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong from Succession are strong contenders for best supporting actor, with both having standout performances in A Real Pain and The Apprentice respectively.Competitive Categories:In the best actress category, newcomers like Mikey Madison from Anora and Karla Sofía Gascón from Emilia Pérez (who would make history as the first trans person nominated in this category) are gaining momentum.Blockbusters and Big Films:Films like Wicked, Dune: Part Two, and Inside Out 2 are likely to earn nominations in their respective categories, while Gladiator II is expected to miss out.Best Picture:This year’s race for best picture is wide open, with The Brutalist, Emilia Pérez, Conclave, and Anora all competing for the top spot, but no clear winner emerging yet.The Oscar nominations will be streamed live at 13:30 GMT, with the event being scaled down due to the LA wildfires. Expect the usual mix of surprises and expected picks!
Chappell Roan: Breaking Barriers and Redefining Pop Stardom At just 26 years old, Chappell Roan is taking the music industry by storm. Recently named BBC Radio 1's "Sound of 2025," Roan’s journey to stardom is a story of resilience, authenticity, and unwavering determination. With her flame-colored hair and captivatingly raw pop songs, she has become a cultural phenomenon, proving that staying true to oneself can lead to extraordinary success.Her debut album, which quietly launched in 2023, has now skyrocketed to the top of the UK charts for the second time. With six Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist, and a legion of devoted fans, Roan’s ascent is nothing short of revolutionary.Overcoming Industry DoubtsRoan’s triumph is especially sweet considering the skepticism she faced early in her career. Her former record label refused to release many of the songs that would later define her signature style. “They told me, ‘This is not going to work. We don’t get it,’” Roan revealed in an interview with BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders.However, these setbacks only fueled her determination. Songs like Pink Pony Club, inspired by her experiences in a drag bar, propelled her into a new realm of pop artistry, even as her label hesitated. Eventually, the song became a turning point in her career, earning her recognition as an artist who defies convention.The First Openly Queer Female Pop StarChappell Roan is rewriting the rules of pop stardom. As the first female pop artist to achieve mainstream success while openly identifying as queer, she’s shattered the mold of artists who only reveal their identity post-fame. This authenticity resonates deeply with fans, offering representation and inspiration for marginalized communities.On a personal note, fame has brought her the financial security to buy her own home and adopt a rescue cat named Cherub Lou. Despite these joys, Roan is candid about the challenges that come with success, including harassment from fans and invasive media coverage.Fighting Back Against Industry ExpectationsRoan has never shied away from speaking her mind, even when it’s cost her. Last September, she made headlines for calling out an abusive photographer at the MTV Awards. Critics labeled her reaction a “tantrum,” but Roan remains unapologetic.“I think I’d be more successful if I wore a muzzle,” she quips. “Musicians are trained to be obedient. Rejecting convention and standing up for yourself comes at a cost, but I’m okay with that.”Her decision to prioritize her
Wedding Guests Unaware of Traitor Among Them: Inside the Drama of The Traitors Season 3 At the wedding of The Traitors contestant Alex Oleksy last year, no one had any inkling that they were celebrating alongside a “traitor.” Alex, who appeared as a Scottish “faithful” in the third season of the hit show The Traitors, had to devise an elaborate cover story to keep his role in the gripping game a secret until the show aired in January.Filmed at the atmospheric Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, The Traitors pits contestants—dubbed “faithfuls”—against a select few “traitors” hiding among them. The traitors work covertly to “eliminate” other players while avoiding detection. The result? Intense psychological gameplay and suspenseful moments.The Elaborate Backstory Behind Alex’s WeddingWhile battling suspicion within the castle, Alex, 30, faced an entirely different challenge in real life. Shortly after filming, he got married, inviting two of his fellow contestants—opera singer Linda and Anglican priest Lisa—as guests. To maintain the secrecy of his participation in the show, Alex and his guests invented a fictional backstory about how they met.“We came up with this big story about them holidaying in Scotland,” Alex shared on the Traitors Uncloaked podcast. “But in the end, no one even asked.”Originally from North Berwick, Alex now lives in Whitby, where he works as a care home manager. His journey in The Traitors came to an end in episode eight when the group turned on him during a heated round table discussion.Inside the Castle: Alex’s Experience as a “Faithful”Reflecting on his time at Ardross Castle, Alex described the game as “intense.” He said he began suspecting his days were numbered around episode six.“As soon as your name comes up at the round table, you go into survival mode. It’s no longer about the game—it’s about making it to the next episode,” he shared.His downfall came during a seemingly ordinary kitchen scene, where a slip of the tongue cost him dearly. “I was analyzing the traitors’ voting patterns and said, ‘From what we know, the traitors haven’t voted for another traitor.’ Then Joe turned it on me, saying, ‘Only a traitor would know that.’ That was it. Game over.”The Hidden Faces of the TraitorsAlex admitted he was shocked to discover the identities of the traitors after leaving the game. “It’s bizarre. I was with Minah and Linda every single day, but seeing how much they enjoyed a murder... sneaky,” he remarked.He revealed that his insti
Bafta Nominations Announced Amid an Unpredictable Awards Race The anticipation is building as the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) prepares to announce the nominees for the 2025 Bafta Film Awards. Set to take place on February 16 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, the awards ceremony follows an unpredictable awards season full of surprises, with strong contenders emerging across various categories. The Bafta nominations are often seen as a significant indicator for the Oscars, and this year, the race is as open as ever, with multiple films vying for top honors.Oscars Preview and Best Picture PredictionsLast year, the Bafta and Oscar winners in the top six categories matched perfectly, making the Bafta nominations a reliable predictor of potential Oscar winners. This year, however, there is no clear consensus on which film will take home the coveted Best Picture award, which will be announced at the Oscars on March 2. Titles such as The Brutalist, Emilia Pérez, Anora, Conclave, Wicked, and A Complete Unknown have all been touted as potential winners, with each film having its own path to victory.Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical about a former Mexican cartel leader transitioning to life as a trans woman, leads the pack after receiving the most mentions on the Bafta longlist. Following closely behind are Conclave, which delves into the political scheming of cardinals electing a new Pope, and A Complete Unknown, which chronicles Bob Dylan's rise to fame in the 1960s. Other notable contenders include The Brutalist, The Substance, Wicked, Dune: Part Two, Anora, and Gladiator II.Frontrunners and Possible Surprises in Acting CategoriesWhile some categories appear to have frontrunners, the acting races remain wide open, with strong contenders and potential surprises on the horizon. In the Best Actress category, Demi Moore’s performance in The Substance as a fading TV aerobics instructor and Karla Sofía Gascón’s portrayal of a newly transitioned woman in Emilia Pérez are seen as strong bets. Cynthia Erivo, playing Elphaba in Wicked, and Mikey Madison, portraying a New York stripper in Anora, are also likely nominees.Other names to watch include Marianne Jean-Baptiste for Hard Truths, Saoirse Ronan in The Outrun, and a potential nomination for Marisa Abela for her role as Amy Winehouse in Back to Black. Meanwhile, the Best Actor category could see Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) and Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) lead the charge. Other possible nominees include Colman Domingo (Sing Sing