With Reba McEntire one of the biggest female stars in country music, she found herself nurturing an unusual friendship with popstar Gwen Stefani. As both coached on The Voice and even competed against each other, the pair formed a close bond. It also helped that Stefani married country singer Blake Shelton. Welcomed into country music, Stefani even recorded a few duets with her husband. And recently, Reba decided to send a special gift to Stefani that perfectly showcased the bond between country and pop.

Posting a picture on Instagram, Stefani shared a new pair of cowboy boots that Reba sent to her. And knowing her love for funky colors, the country singer made sure to add in some snakeskin that reflected when the light hit it just right. Stefani captioned the post, writing, “My queen Reba sent me the most magical boots. This means so much to me!! Now, where should I wear them first??”

Although the singers shared the stage on The Voice, Reba admitted she would love to get in the studio with Stefani in the future. When walking a red carpet event, the country star said, “It’d be fun.” She added, “Ask her when she comes over here.” The reporter did just that when Stefani made her way down. And when asked, Stefani jumped at the chance, noting she would do anything with Reba.

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Online, fans discussed the idea of a Reba/Stefani collab, insisting, “A duet with Gwen would be amazing. Please make it happen.”

While only just a discussion for now, the idea of Reba and Stefani finding their way to the studio could happen in the future given their love for country music. But for now, it remained only a dream to many fans of both stars.

As for Reba, she looked to escape the spotlight for a few moments. Knowing how hard privacy can be when you are a country music star, the singer revealed that the bathroom was her safe haven. She told Glamour, “My favorite place to just be by myself is on the toilet. I’ll get my phone, my glasses, just go lock the door and sit on the toilet because it’s the quiet place.”

Using the bathroom to get away more than once, Reba declared, “Nobody can reach you, nobody’s going to bother you. But it works every time.”

Just one day after his dramatic departure from 60 Minutes, longtime correspondent Scott Pelley launched an extraordinary attack on CBS leadership, accusing executives of pressuring journalists, undermining editorial standards, and steering one of America’s most respected news programs away from its core principles.

The accusations have intensified an already growing crisis surrounding the future of 60 Minutes, a broadcast that for decades has been considered one of the most influential institutions in television journalism.

“I Refused to Do It”

In a lengthy public statement following his exit, Pelley claimed network management attempted to influence coverage of politically sensitive stories by pushing information he believed had not been properly verified.

According to the veteran journalist, he repeatedly rejected those requests and refused to include material he could not independently confirm.

Without identifying specific stories, Pelley suggested that newsroom decisions were increasingly being driven by forces outside traditional journalistic standards.

The allegations immediately sparked concern among media observers, who viewed the comments as one of the strongest public criticisms ever made by a former 60 Minutes correspondent.

Claims of Political Influence

Pelley also alleged that political figures were being granted unusual influence over editorial decisions.

He argued that elected officials and powerful figures should never have a role in determining who conducts interviews or how stories are produced.

While he stopped short of naming individuals directly, his remarks appeared to reference growing internal disputes surrounding recent high-profile interviews aired by CBS News.

The comments added fuel to an already heated debate over whether the network is undergoing a fundamental shift in how its journalism is produced.

A Newsroom in Turmoil

The controversy comes amid one of the biggest shakeups in 60 Minutes history.

In recent weeks, several senior producers, correspondents, and longtime newsroom leaders have departed the program as CBS News undergoes a major restructuring effort.

Among the most notable exits were veteran figures who had spent years helping shape the identity of the broadcast.

Pelley described the departures as a devastating blow to the program, arguing that the show’s leadership and culture had been fundamentally altered.

According to him, the changes have left many longtime journalists questioning the direction of the organization.

Public Clash With New Leadership

Tensions reportedly reached a breaking point during a contentious staff meeting earlier this week.

Multiple reports suggest Pelley openly challenged newly appointed 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton and criticized the network’s broader leadership strategy.

The confrontation quickly became one of the most talked-about media stories in the country.

Within days, Pelley was gone.

His departure immediately fueled speculation that the dispute reflected a larger power struggle taking place behind the scenes at CBS News.

The Fight Over the Future of ‘60 Minutes’

At the center of the conflict is a fundamental question:

What should 60 Minutes be in its next chapter?

Network executives argue that changes are necessary to modernize operations and prepare the program for a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Critics fear those changes could weaken the editorial independence that made the broadcast a journalistic powerhouse for more than half a century.

Pelley clearly falls into the second camp.

In his statement, he warned that the values he once associated with 60 Minutes are disappearing and claimed the program is becoming increasingly unrecognizable.

An Emotional Goodbye

Despite his blistering criticism, Pelley ended his message on a personal note.

Rather than focusing on executives, he thanked the producers, reporters, editors, and staff members he worked alongside during nearly four decades at CBS News.

After 37 years with the network, his final words reflected gratitude for colleagues he described as the foundation of his career.

But the questions raised by his departure remain unresolved.

As CBS News faces mounting scrutiny and 60 Minutes enters one of the most turbulent periods in its history, the fallout from Scott Pelley’s explosive accusations may be only beginning.

In February 2020, the air over Sydney’s ANZ Stadium wasn’t just thick with summer heat—it was charged with the weight of history and the urgency of compassion. Australia was reeling from one of the most devastating bushfire seasons on record. And on that night, for the Fire Fight Australia benefit concert, Queen + Adam Lambert decided to do something no one thought possible, or perhaps even advisable: they would attempt to **resurrect a ghost, note for sacred note.**

They didn’t just play Queen songs. They embarked on a meticulous, emotional pilgrimage, recreating **Freddie Mercury’s entire 22-minute Live Aid set in its exact 1985 sequence.** From the opening a cappella lines of “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the final, frantic drum salvo of “We Will Rock You”/”We Are the Champions,” it was a stunning act of historical reverence. Adam Lambert, with immense intelligence and respect, did not impersonate Freddie; he became a **channeler**, honoring the vocal blueprints while making space for the spirit of the original.

Then came the moment that folded time.

As the iconic call-and-response “Ay-Oh” chant began, the giant screens flickered. Suddenly, in gleaming, visceral clarity, **Freddie Mercury was there.** Not as a faded archival clip, but as the Live Aid icon in his white vest and jeans, his fist in the air, his face a masterpiece of charismatic command. The virtual Freddie led the chant, his “Ay!” answered by a roaring “Oh!” from 75,000 voices in 2020—a stadium echoing a stadium from 35 years prior.

The fusion was alchemical. Lambert graciously stepped back, becoming the audience’s lead witness, as Brian May and Roger Taylor locked eyes with the screen, their expressions a storm of joy, sorrow, and disbelief. The boundary between 1985 and 2020 dissolved completely. They were, for that chant, a band of four again.

After the final chord rang out, a visibly moved Brian May approached the microphone, his voice thick with emotion. **”I don’t think I’ve felt quite like that since Live Aid,”** he confessed, a statement that served as both the highest praise for the present and the deepest homage to the past.

The triumph was twofold. Artistically, it was a breathtaking demonstration of legacy as a living, breathing force. But its true power was humanitarian. This sacred piece of rock history was not exhumed for nostalgia’s sake, but **redeployed as an engine of mercy.** The performance became the emotional core of a concert that raised over **$11 million** for bushfire relief, proving that the anthems of one generation’s triumph could become the lifeline for another’s tragedy.

That night, Queen didn’t just play a setlist. They performed a **miracle of memory**, using the past to heal the present, and leaving no doubt that the most powerful anthems are those that can both raise the roof and raise the fallen.

She keeps a low profile most of the time, having risen to phenomenal fame on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.

But Susan Boyle turned heads on Tuesday as she was spotted out and about in London.

The 59-year-old chanteuse was seen stepping out in the West End with pals, looking jazzy in a fur coat, a golden silk blouse and jeans.

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Jaunty: Susan Boyle looked jazzy in a fur coat, silk blouse and beret as she made a rare appearance in London ahead of filming the BGT Christmas special

Susan added a light grey beret to the jaunty look and simple oval spectacles.

Her blouse featured a pussy-bow detailing at the neck and she wore a silver necklace around her neck.

Susan wore a soft palette of make-up, including a touch of rouge to her cheeks.

She was seen disappearing into a posh hotel with her companions, the doorman opening the entryway for her as she made her way inside.

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Rare appearance: She keeps a low profile most of the time, having risen to phenomenal fame on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009

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There she is: Susan turned heads on Tuesday as she was spotted out and about in London

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Glamour-puss: The 59-year-old chanteuse was seen stepping out in the West End with pals

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Chic: Her blouse featured a pussy-bow detailing at the neck and she wore a silver necklace around her neck

Susan is in town to perform at the Christmas special for BGT, which was set to begin filming on Tuesday.

But the production has had to shut down for the time being, after a COVID-19 outbreak on set.

Bosses have postponed production for the festive special as ‘a number of crew members’ are ordered to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines, with pictures of the site on Monday showing the measures in place.

The outbreak has also forced judges Alesha Dixon, Ashley Banjo and David Walliams into self-isolation, as they wait for their own test results, having come into direct contact with one of the infected crew members.

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Wrapped up warm: Susan added a light grey beret to the jaunty look and simple oval spectacles

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Arrival: Susan wore a soft palette of make-up, including a touch of rouge to her cheeks

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Making an entrance: She was seen disappearing into a posh hotel with her companions

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Offloading: The doorman was seen opening the entryway for her as she made her way inside

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BGT on ice! BGT’s Christmas Special has been halted a day before filming is set to start as crew members contract COVID-19… forcing Alesha Dixon, Ashley Banjo and David Walliams into self-isolation

A source told The Sun: ‘[The judges] will have to take a test before they can stop quarantining. The likelihood is they’ll come back negative, but they are taking no chances and can’t be too safe right now.

‘It’s the last thing BGT bosses would have wanted on the first day of the new production.’

Fourth judge, Amanda Holden, was said to also be at home, but it’s understood she did not come into contact with the crew member like the others.

A representative for BGT told MailOnline: ‘As a result of a positive Covid-19 result received yesterday we have implemented our protocols and a number of crew members are self-isolating at home.

‘As a result, we are unable to continue filming our BGT Christmas Special today and have taken the decision to postpone.

‘The safety of all those involved in the show is our number one priority and we follow extensive Covid-19 related procedures to adhere to all Government guidelines.’

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Standing by: Bosses have postponed production for the festive special as ‘a number of crew members’ are ordered to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines, with pictures of the site on Monday showing the measures in place

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She’s fine: Fourth judge, Amanda Holden, was said to also be at home, but it’s understood she did not come into contact with the crew member like the others

It had been reported that the Christmas Special was due to begin filming on Tuesday ahead of its broadcast over the festive period.

A source told The Sun: ‘It’s the last thing Britain’s Got Talent bosses would have wanted on day one of the new production.

‘Everything was ready to go so they’re gutted it’s immediately ground to a halt. Everyone was told to stay away and those involved now must self-isolate.

‘They can take no chances, particularly with some of the returning winners potentially vulnerable.’

Susan Boyle made a surprise appearance during the Britain’s Got Talent final but  announced she suffered a minor stroke last April.

The Britain’s Got Talent legend, 62, who found fame on the programme in 2009, was left doubting whether she could perform after her health deteriorated.

She returned to the stage singing her original audition song I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables with the cast of the West End production.

Susan also joined the cast in performing a rendition of Do You Hear The People Sing?

After the performance, she said: ‘It feels great (to be here). It’s extra special for me, last April I suffered a minor stroke and I fought to be back on stage and I have done it.’

Judge Simon said: ‘Susan, we owe you so much, I knew you weren’t well but if anyone was going to come back, you were going to come back, it wouldn’t be the same without you.’

Susan shocked fans back in 2009 with a shiver-worthy Britain’s Got Talent audition, catapulting to fame on the talent show and raking in a net-worth of over £20M.

Since bagging second place in Simon Cowell’s long-running talent show, she released the UK’s best-selling record of all time and has even made TV cameos.

Susan has lived in the same council house for the last 60 years, growing up in the West Lothian semi-detached home.

Not the usualy flashy display that often come from celebrities, the simple abode does hold a lot of sentimental value.

She wasn’t keen to swap it for a more lavish residence either upon achieving fame and fortune after Britain’s Got Talent, instead extending it.

Speaking on her decision previously, she told OK! magazine: ‘It’s to do with the memories of your house and your upbringing, you need to take stock of things and maybe see where you come from and where your roots lie.’

‘It’s best to be grounded and with your roots. It keeps you grounded and prevents you from saying things maybe you shouldn’t say.’

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Scary: The Britain’s Got Talent legend, 62, who found fame on the programme in 2009, was left doubting whether she could perform after her health deteriorated

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Talented: She returned to the stage singing her original audition song I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables with the cast of the West End production (pictured with Lucie Jones)

Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn was crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2023 on Sunday evening.

Dancer Lilliana Clifton, 13, and 14-year-old magician Cillian O’Connor placed in second and third respectively – but missed out on the title.

Viggo scooped the £250,000 prize and a spot on the bill at the Royal Variety Performance.

However, audience members appeared to boo Viggo, while social media erupted as viewers claimed the talent show was fixed.

After technical issues and a series of switch-offs during Saturday evening’s Britain’s Got Talent semi-final, ITV could be forgiven for crossing fingers and toes as the grand final of their long-running flagship kicked off on Sunday evening.

After a tense semi-final singer Amy Lou was joined by magician Cillian O’Connor, acrobats Duo Odyssey, dance troupe Ghetto Kids, dancers Lillianna Clifton and Musa Motha, opera singer Malakai Bayoh, singers Olivia Lynes and Travis George and comedians Tonikaku and Viggo Venn.

33-year-old Viggo not only donned his now-iconic hi-vis vest but forced head judge Simon Cowell into wearing a matching one as rose petals were thrown over the pair

Judge Alesha Dixon told him: ‘You’ve captivated the nation, they love you.’

Bruno Tonioli added: ‘I think your physical comedy is world-class, you have created one of the most memorable characters since Mr Bean.’

And Simon was full of praise for the funnyman, telling him: ‘At least you didn’t make me look stupid tonight. I have never ever met an act like you in my life, I will admit it, I really really love you now.’

Viggo called back to his original audition at the end of his performance, stripping off his jacket to Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’ to reveal another hi-vis vest.

And when asked why he has so many of the jackets, he told co-host Declan Donnelly: ‘I wear so many high-vis because it’s really cold in Norway.’

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Winner: Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn has been crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2023

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One more time: Viggo scooped the £250,000 prize and a spot on the bill at the Royal Variety Performance

While many took to social media to praise Viggo for his win, some criticised him online, with one penning: ‘Nothing irritates me more than when complete JOKE ACT wins a competition’

Before the show aired, Simon explained how he hoped the programme would help the contestants build better lives for themselves.

He said: ‘I think you’ve got two things, you want to make a show which people hopefully will enjoy watching. And secondly, you want to give whoever it is that opportunity, hopefully, for things to get better in their lives after they’ve auditioned. I think where things have changed a lot from where we first started is it always used to be about the end prize.’

While many took to social media to praise Viggo for his win, some criticised him online, with one penning: ‘Nothing irritates me more than when complete JOKE ACT wins a competition’

Another wrote: ‘This man wore a hi-vis on a talent show and came away with £250k. Fair play’

A third added: ‘Audience are rightfully booing. Viggo Venn has zero talent. I hate the British public’

Susan Boyle has revealed she plans to retire next year after recording her final album, four years after a stroke left her unable to sing.

The singer, 65, recently launched her return to the spotlight with new campaigns for Irn-Bru and Cornetto, and has now shared she wants to disappear from public life when she completes her new record, and a biopic about her journey.

Susan became a global star when she auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, but has since shared she struggled with her mental health during her time on the show.

The star also opened up on her health struggles after suffering a stroke which impacted her voice and singing ability.

After her own struggles with fame post-BGT, Susan called for better support for reality TV contestants.

She said: ‘Back then, I had no support. It was extremely hard.’

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Susan Boyle has revealed she plans to retire next year after recording her final album, four years after a stroke left her unable to sing

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Susan also spoke to The Sun about her 2022 stroke which left her unable to speak or sing, sharing she had to undergo speech therapy to regain her voice.

She said: ‘I never thought I would be able to come this far. I’ve had a lot of encouragement and the public have been so loving to me.

‘I have had a lot of speech therapy. It was difficult at first, but after the first few weeks, my voice slowly started to come back. I have been having a lot of vocal lessons, too, for my singing.

‘It still needs some work, but I am sure my singing voice will come back. I am taking wee baby steps. If you go too fast, too soon, you go down a hole. It took a while for my confidence to come back with my music. But I am getting there. Slowly.’

BGT judge Simon Cowell recently reflected on Susan’s viral audition, and the moment when he appeared to laugh at her before hearing her incredible vocals.

At the time he told Extra: ‘Susan is a real character, and I think at the corner of my eye, I must have seen her messing around in the wings or something because I thought she was a comedian, a standup comedian.

‘And, yeah, there is that famous awful look between me and Piers. And that’s what we were like on the day.’

He also told the Tales From The Celebrity Trenches podcast: ‘I think of all the looks I’ve ever remembered, that might be the worst. And I was just as bad. We all were.

‘And then, you know, thank God for her, it all worked out well. And, of course, I had the ability to cut all that stuff out, but it was a bit of a wake-up call. Which is, you can’t judge a book by its cover.’

In response to Simon’s comments, Susan added to The Daily Star: ‘I’m in a very happy place in my life. I’ve healed a lot over the years.

‘I know what people thought about me back then. It was a lesson he learned from, maybe everyone has learned that leading with kindness, no matter what, is the way forward?’

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The singer became a global star when she auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, but has spent several years undergoing speech therapy after suffering a stroke

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Susan recently launched her return to the spotlight with new campaigns for Irn-Bru and Cornetto (pictured)

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After her own struggles with fame post-BGt, Susan also called for better support for reality TV contestants

Susan has been hailed as a national treasure ever since she delivered a history-making performance of I Dreamed A Dream on Britain’s Got Talent back in 2009.

And she appears to be in the middle of a rebrand as she continues to build up her social media status.

Part of her unexpected transformation has included a dazzling new makeover which she unveiled on her 65th birthday, showcasing new blonde locks.

Nowadays, the BGT icon enjoys plush lunches with her friends and attends plenty of star-studded events when she isn’t busy singing.

Susan is regularly seen rubbing shoulders with celebrities including Ant McPartlin, Lewis Capaldi and Sam Fender and flaunting their encounters online.

The singer-turned-influencer is an avid user on Instagram, posting snippets of her lavish lifestyle to her 176,000 followers.

As a thank you to her fans for supporting her over the last 17 years, Susan released her very own merchandise this week, selling branded clothing and accessories.

It means Susan may be able to earn a killing, with her products priced between £13 and £50.

‘I’ve got a little birthday surprise for you all,’ she told her loyal followers. ‘As I celebrate my 65th birthday today, I’m so happy to finally share my very first official merchandise range with you. I’ve loved putting this together and I hope you’ll find something you like.

‘It’s available to order now for UK delivery, and EU shipping will be opening in the next few days, with the US following in the next few weeks, and the rest of the world shortly after.

‘There are also more exciting items on the way, so do keep an eye on the shop over the coming days.

‘Thank you for all the love you’ve shown me today and over the years. It truly means everything to me, and this felt like a lovely way to celebrate together. Have a wee look here at my official shop: susanboylemusic.com.’

She has already been given the ultimate seal of approval from Liam Gallagher after he dedicated the song Stand By Me to her at an Oasis gig last year.

Before the song began, the Mancunian singer announced into the mic: ‘This one’s for Susan Boyle.’

Susan shared a message to thank the band for the dedication on Instagram following the moment.

She penned: ‘Thanks so much for the dedication @liamgallagher. You’ve made this old girl’s day. Hope to see you and the rest of @Oasis at Wembley in September for a wee bit of poznan. Big love to you all.’

Alison Hammond was compared to a Bond girl as she made a glamorous appearance on Friday’s episode of This Morning.

The presenter, 51, looked incredible in a slinky leopard print dress that she paired with black flats and gold bangles, while her hair was styled in tight curls.

While opening the show she remarked her co-host Dermot O’Leary looked ‘absolutely lovely’ in his grey cardigan and jeans.

In response, Dermot, 53, was quick to return the compliment, pointing at Alison’s slinky leopard print dress and remarking: ‘I feel underdressed next to you!

‘You look like a Bond girl.’

Alison has lost 11 stone over the past five years, prompted by the discovery that she was pre-diabetic – a situation she has reversed with healthier food choices and workouts.

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Alison Hammond shows off her 11 stone weight loss in a slinky leopard print dress on Friday’s This Morning as her co-host Dermot O’Leary gushed she ‘looks like a Bond girl’

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The presenter, 51, looked incredible in a slinky leopard print dress that she paired with black flats and gold bangles, while her hair was styled in tight curls

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Alison previously revealed how she managed to lose the pounds without the assistance of weight-loss jabs, giving an insight into her exercise plan with her personal trainer, which sees her fit in workouts in the early morning.

The TV personality, who weighed 28 stone at her heaviest, told Heat: ‘I’ve got a personal trainer – she’s amazing, she trains me when I can train. If I’m working, I don’t train, I’ll go for a walk.’

Alison added: ‘But when I’m at home, I’ll go and have a session with her in the morning, just an hour. It might be four days a week.’

Back in March, Alison showed off her incredible weight loss as she worked up a sweat during a gruelling boxing session in a video shared to Instagram.

Alison also revealed she has started Reformer Pilates and circuit classes in a bid to keep the weight off after revealing why she won’t touch weight loss jabs.

As she works to maintain her figure after making lifestyle changes, Alison gave an insight into the measures she has taken.

Alison revealed that she has started Reformer Pilates because she is as ‘stiff as a board’.

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Alison has lost 11 stone over five years, prompted by the discovery that she was pre-diabetic – a situation she has reversed with healthier food choices and workouts (right, in 2018)

She added: ‘You feel absolutely incredible after it. I really need a good stretch – so Reformer Pilates has been brilliant for me.

‘I also do this early-morning circuit class from the brilliant Steve Hensel at Blue Zone. I’ll go at 6.30am and do a full hour, it’s a proper old-school gym.’

Alison said that she leaves the gym feeling ‘amazing’ after working hard, but while she is keen to try things, there is one wellness practice she won’t adopt.

She continued in an interview with Closer Magazine: ‘I did try one of those cold plunge pools once – and absolutely not! It lasted about a minute. I was like, “Why am I literally trying to kill myself?”‘

Brian May and Adam Lambert rocked out onstage in Glasgow on Thursday – just two days before their headline performance at the Queen‘s star-studded Platinum Jubilee concert.

The dynamic duo – performing with Roger Taylor as Queen + Adam Lambert – looked in great spirits as they performed at the Scottish city’s OVO Hydro.

Lead singer Adam, 40, donned a top hat and a stylish sequin suit as he sang the Queen classics, while Brian, 74, donned a silver shirt and dapper black slacks.

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Wow: Brian May and Adam Lambert rocked out onstage in Glasgow on Thursday – just two days before their headline performance at the Queen’s star-studded Platinum Jubilee concert

The duo were in their element as they performed to the crowds, days before huge open-air concert, Party At The Palace.

They are due to open the concert – joining an array of star performers at the extravaganza, among them Sir Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Ella Eyre, indie rockers Elbow, Sir Elton John and Diana Ross

Sam Ryder‘s ascent continued on Thursday as the increasingly popular singer attended an early morning rehearsal ahead of his performance at the celebrations.

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Gig: The dynamic duo – performing with Roger Taylor as Queen + Adam Lambert – looked in great spirits as they performed at the Scottish city’s OVO Hydro

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Rock icon: Brian looked incredible as he showed off his guitar skills to the crowds

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Rock on: The pair looked delighted to be performing ahead of the palace gig

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Showman: Brian looked in his element as he rocked out on stage

The former Essex café owner, 32, has become a household name after ending years of British mediocrity at the Eurovision Song Contest in May, where he finished in an impressive second place behind eventual winners Ukraine.

His unlikely triumph has since assured him a place onstage at Buckingham Palace on Saturday, when thousands will gather on the Mall and millions across the country will honour The Queen’s 70th year as head of the British monarchy.

The ponytailed singer was seen preparing for his live performance alongside the iconic Queen Victoria Memorial, which sits adjacent to the palace gates and serves as a commemoration of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901.

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Getting ready: Sam Ryder ‘s ascent continued on Thursday as the increasingly popular singer attended an early morning rehearsal ahead of his performance at the celebrations

Ryder recently admitted he was still ‘speechless’ over his success after being invited to perform at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Party.

Joining This Morning co-hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield at the Palace in May, the singer was visibly emotional as he attempted to describe the ‘unreal’ opportunity.

He said: ‘I’m so happy and so grateful for the opportunity, I’m a bit speechless, it’s just wicked to experience something like that and be invited I couldn’t be happier.’

Speaking of his experience on Eurovision, he added: ‘I’ve been singing a long time and most of that time has been to empty rooms but it never affected the joy that singing the music brought me, I was already fulfilled.

‘Eurovision is about solidarity and shining a light into darkness, countless times when we have been in turmoil, music is the first thing we turn to.’

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Stewart’s on stage: Sir Rod Stewart rehearsed on the purpose built outdoor Buckingham Palace stage on Wednesday

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Flying the flag: As the proud son of Scottish parents Rod donned a navy and red plaid blazer for the sound check as his image was projected onto huge television screens

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Getting ready: Singer Ella Eyre was also seen in the midst of preparations for the star-studded Jubilee show

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Legends: Singer Guy Garvey of indie band Elbow was seen rehearsing with a small orchestra outside Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon

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Proud Penny: Sir Rod’s gorgeous wife Penny, 51, shared a snap to her Instagram stories as they posed in front of the palace’s icon iron gates

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He wears it well: The singer was seen fixing his famous spiky hairstyle during rehearsals on Wednesday afternoon

On Wednesday Sir Rod Stewart was busy in rehearsals s he belted out some of his famous tunes on one of the impressive stages that been erected outside the Queen’s London residence.

In tribute to his Scottish father,  the singer donned a navy and red plaid blazer for the sound check as his image was projected onto huge television screens.

He layered the jacket over a crisp white shirt and skinny jeans completing the look with a stylish beige cravat as he perfected his moves for Saturday’s show.

Rod’s gorgeous wife Penny, 51, later shared a snap to her Instagram stories as they posed in front of the palace’s icon iron gates.

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Here we go: A small crowd gathered as he rehearsed alongside the iconic Queen Victoria Memorial, which sits adjacent to the palace gates and serves as a commemoration of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901

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Getting involved: Ryder will join an array of star performers at the extravaganza, among them Sir Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Ella Eyre and indie rockers Elbow. Pop veteran Sir Elton John will also entertain fans with a pre-recorded performance

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Delighted: Ryder recently admitted he was still ‘speechless’ over his success after being invited to perform at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Party

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Well done:  The former Essex café owner, 32, has become a household name after ending years of British mediocrity at the Eurovision Song Contest in May, where he finished in an impressive second place behind eventual winners Ukraine

A frail looking Elton John, 75, was previously spotted using a wheelchair ahead of his pre-recorded performance, to be transmitted during Saturday’s show.

The singer was sporting one of his trademark Gucci tracksuits and wore a face mask when arrived at Leipzig Airport in a wheelchair on Friday, before heading home to Nice in the south of France.

Queen and Adam Lambert will open the BBC‘s Platinum Party At The Palace concert on Saturday evening, 20 years after guitarist Brian May performed God Save The Queen on the Buckingham Palace roof during the 2002 Golden Jubilee.

Brian said: ‘Twenty years after playing the Queen’s glorious Golden Jubilee we’re very happy to be invited again. Then there was a moment when I wondered.. after Buckingham Palace roof where can you go? Well… you will see!’

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All stars: The line-up will also include Diana Ross, Queen and Andrea Bocelli (Queen Elizabeth II pictured at her Official Platinum Jubilee Celebration this month)

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Helping hand: This comes after a frail looking Elton John was spotted using a wheelchair ahead of his pre-recorded performance that will be transmitted during Saturday’s show

A large stage with 15 high-tech spotlights has been build in front of the famous marble and bronze Victoria memorial monument ahead of the forthcoming show.

The line-up will also include musical performances from Duran Duran, Bond composer Hans Zimmer, Craig David, Mabel and George Ezra, while Sir David Attenborough, Emma Raducanu, David Beckham, Stephen Fry, Dame Julie Andrews, The Royal Ballet and Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds will all make appearances.

The event will conclude with a performance by soul legend Diana Ross – her first UK live performance in 15 years.

She said: ‘I have had the honour of meeting the Queen many times throughout my life, including when I was with my family.

‘Her Majesty has and continues to be such an incredible inspiration to so many across the world and I was absolutely delighted to receive an invitation to perform on such a momentous and historic occasion.’

The Auburn University student who mysteriously vanished in Japan has been found dead, his grieving family revealed Saturday.

James “Weston” Higginbotham’s body was discovered “in a mountainous area outside of Kyoto” by a volunteer search-and-rescue team, his heartbroken mother announced on Facebook.

“We are forever grateful for the time we had with our sweet, precious Weston, but cannot begin to understand what life without him will be like,” wrote Nancy Higginbotham.

“The grief we feel is impossible to put into words. … We will always love you, Weston.”

Higginbotham’s cause of death was not immediately clear.

The 20-year-old student, who was in Japan on a family vacation, went missing on May 29 after traveling to Kyoto’s Yamashina Ward in the eastern part of the city.

Higginbotham left his parents and brother to explore the area after butting heads with his mother over her use of ChatGPT to navigate their trip, according to CNN.

“It’s not unusual for Weston to blow off steam, go into the woods and just explore.,” Nancy told the outlet.

“That’s his happy place. But it was unusual that he turned off his location.”

Hours before HIgginbotham’s body was located, the gief-stricken mom stressed that the family knew he was “out in these woods somewhere,” describing the environment as “very dense and the terrain is steep.”

Following the horrrific discovery, the family thanked those who had shared their story and aided in the search.

“The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives,” the family wrote.

“Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. We will need them now more than ever.”

Courtesy of a GRAMMYs-presented event, the stars aligned to salute one of music history’s most eccentric divas: Cyndi Lauper.

Filmed over two nights in Los Angeles as Lauper wrapped up her year-long ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour,’ the special – ‘A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper: Live From the Hollywood Bowl‘ – premiered on CBS on Sunday night (October 5) and saw the Pop legend bring out a who’s who to help wail her greatest hits.

And while big names like Joni Mitchell, Cher, Mickey Guyton, and Trombone Shorty graced the stage with awesome renditions of some of Cyndi’s greatest hits, two standout performances came courtesy of GRAMMY winners SZA and John Legend who tackled ‘True Colors’ and ‘Time After Time’ respectively.

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