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Sometimes all you need is a song — but a little support from Oprah Winfrey and Adam Lambert doesn’t hurt, either. Cynthia Erivo opened the 2025 Tony Awards on Sunday night (June 8) with a show-stopping number featuring epic cameos from both the talk show legend and American Idol alum.

Just before taking the stage in a glittering red gown, the Wicked star — who made her hosting debut at this year’s ceremony — ran into Winfrey, who gave her some sage advice. “The only thing you need to do is just be yourself,” the mogul said before offering up her pointer finger to Erivo, who then hilariously grasped it as a tribute to her viral 2024 “holding space” meme with Ariana Grande.

Erivo then embarked on a vocally stunning musical performance of an original song to start the show, during which she shouted out many of the night’s honorees and repeated the phrase, “Sometimes all you need is a song.” Toward the end of the number, she stepped out into the audience at New York City’s Radio Music Hall and prompted some of the ceremony’s all-star guests to sing the same line. Kristin Chenoweth and Aaron Tveit both gave pitch-perfect on-the-spot deliveries as Erivo held out her microphone to them, but the most memorable was definitely Lambert, who blew the crowd away with spontaneous, dexterous riffs.

The Pinocchio actress ended the number back on stage with a full gospel choir backing her up, earning a standing ovation from the crowd. Then it was off to the races, with Erivo helming the program as Darren Criss, Nicole Scherzinger, Cole Escola, Sarah Snook and more all took home statuettes for their performances in various Broadway shows. Maybe Happy Ending won best musical, while the Scherzinger-led Sunset Blvd. won best revival of a musical and Purpose won best play.

Erivo’s hosting debut comes just one week after she appeared on the cover of Billboard, and two days after she dropped her long-awaited studio album, I Forgive You. In August, she’ll play the titular role in a three-night production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, appearing alongside Lambert, who will portray Judas.

Watch Erivo’s opening number at the 2025 Tony Awards below.

On a memorable evening in Newcastle, England, Susan Boyle received a rousing standing ovation at the premiere of a musical inspired by her incredible journey. The production told the story of the Scottish woman who shot to fame in her late 50s after a jaw-dropping performance on a radio talent show in 2009.

While Susan didn’t take on the role of herself in the show, she made a special appearance at the end, performing two songs, including her iconic hit, “I Dreamed a Dream.” Dressed elegantly in a red ensemble and sporting a polished new look, Susan captivated the audience, who responded with heartfelt cheers of, “Susan, we love you.”

 

 

 

Below is the full version of the song:

Few songs capture Susan Boyle’s story of overcoming odds like “I Dreamed a Dream.” This powerful ballad from Les Misérables, the famous musical based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, tells the tale of Fantine, a young mother facing hardship. She sings the song after losing her job, reflecting on lost dreams and the harsh realities of life.

With emotional lyrics about stolen youth and shattered hopes, the song resonates deeply. Written by Claude-Michel Schönberg, with French lyrics by Alain Boublil and an English version by Herbert Kretzmer, it begins with Fantine recalling a time when love was thrilling and life was full of promise—before everything went wrong.

Watch Queen and Adam Lambert cover opera anthem Nessun Dorma in Italy

Adam Lambert, the iconic American singer, known for his powerful voice and dynamic performances, has captured the hearts of millions around the world. But behind the glitz and glamour of his career, there’s a story that speaks volumes about his character and generosity. This story, however, isn’t about his chart-topping hits or electrifying concerts. It’s about his humble roots and a diner that shaped a part of his life and how, years later, he chose to give back in a way that would touch the lives of many others.

As a young man in college, Adam faced many of the same struggles that countless others do balancing academics, work, and a deep passion for music. During this time, there was one place he often turned to for comfort and support: Elena’s diner. It wasn’t just any diner; it was a small, family-owned restaurant run by a kind Mexican woman named Elena. She had a heart of gold and treated everyone who walked through the door with kindness, regardless of their situation.

For Adam, Elena’s diner became a safe haven a place where he could enjoy a warm meal and have a break from the stresses of his daily life. During those early years, money was tight, and Adam didn’t always have enough to pay for his meals. But Elena understood and, without hesitation, allowed him to keep a tab. For two years, Adam would come in, sit at the counter, and enjoy a meal, always knowing he could pay when he had the means to do so. It was a small act of kindness, but for Adam, it meant the world.
Elena’s generosity and compassion stayed with Adam long after he left college and began pursuing his music career. As he rose to fame and became a household пате, he never forgot the woman who had offered him food without judgment or expectation. The memories of those days at Elena’s diner remained vivid in his mind, a reminder of a time when someone cared enough to help him when he was struggling.
Years passed, and Adam’s career soared. Yet, something always nagged at him the thought of Elena and the diner that had meant so much to him. One day, he decided to track down Elena, hoping to reconnect and thank her for everything she had done for him. When he finally located her, he discovered that the diner was closing its doors for good. Elena, now older and ready to retire, was shutting down the business she had poured her heart and soul into for so mаnу years.

Adam was devastated. The thought of the diner closing was heartbreaking, not just because it held so many memories for him, but because it had been a beacon of hope for so many people in the community. The diner had always been a place of refuge, where people could come together, share a meal, and experience the warmth of Elena’s hospitality.
Determined to make sure Elena’s legacy lived on, Adam did something that по опе expected he quietly bought the diner. But rather than reopening it for business as usual, Adam had a different vision in mind. He asked Elena to return and cook for him once more, but this time, the meals would be for a different purpose. Instead of serving paying customers, Adam and Elena would serve free lunch to 120 homeless people every day.
Elena, who had always been passionate about feeding those in need, was deeply moved by Adam’s request. Together, they reopened the diner, but this time, it wasn’t just about business; it was about giving back to the community that had supported them both. Every day, they served 120 free meals to homeless individuals who otherwise might have gone without. The diner, once a place of comfort for Adam, had now become a beacon of hope for those who needed it most.

For Adam, the act of buying the diner and repurposing it for such a noble cause wasn’t just a gesture of gratitude; it was a way of giving back to the world that had given him so much. He had the means to make a real difference, and he chose to use his success not for personal gain, but to help those who were less fortunate. Through this act of kindness, Adam showed the world that true generosity isn’t about fame or wealth – it’s about using your resources to lift others up.
The diner quickly became a symbol of compassion, where people didn’t just come to eat; they came to experience the kindness that had defined Adam and Elena’s relationship all those years ago. It wasn’t just about food; it was about restoring dignity and offering hope to those who felt forgotten.
In the end, the diner served as a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, reaching far beyond the people directly involved. Adam’s decision to give back, to help those in need, and to honor Elena’s legacy, touched countless lives and reminded us all of the power of compassion. The love and generosity that had been shown to Adam when he was just starting out had come full circle, and now, he was passing it on a beautiful testament to the fact that no good deed, no matter how small, ever goes υππoticed.

In and around Meridian, we are basking in the giant achievement of singer and educator – Jamal Roberts in claiming the American Idol title, after a long and trying journey. As local signs attest, he is indeed a hometown hero.   The wonderful recent parade through downtown streets and the crowd of 20,000 covering the lawn in front of City Hall generated goodwill and national TV images that will serve as a fresh high point in marketing our city.

The historic Threefoot Hotel and music-loving area residents are suddenly gaining more national attention. Newsletter sign up WIDGET Email newsletter signup Sign up for our daily email newsletter   “To be a role model for my girls, my city, and anybody out there chasing something bigger, this means everything,” Roberts, 27, an elementary physical education teacher, proclaimed in a social media post soon after his victory on Sunday.

One of my Meridian friends, enjoying the moment, texted: “Guessing we will be getting another mural downtown.”   Visit Meridian already had a “follow the music to Meridian” campaign in play, and the organization’s executive director, Laura Carmichael, this week said that work is underway to link Roberts to past legendary music figures from the city. “We’re working on the creative and the message,” she said. It’s a unique opportunity.   But the American Idol status for our church-bred, P.E. teacher and father of three young girls, one of them a newborn, also leaves me a bit queasy. I wonder what personal sacrifices Jamal and his family will have to make as he chases his professional singing and recording dreams.

What will he have to agree to? How much will he travel? Will his service in public education end? Will he leave Meridian?   Will he find, as they say, that all things that glitter aren’t gold?   Now that Jamal has reached stardom, I find myself wondering whom he will listen to and trust, who will be his gatekeeper, what entertainment deals he may agree to, and how quickly. Will he partner with those who have his best iinterestsin focus, or those who simply want to profit from his brilliant voice, sincerity, and engaging stage presence?   We can only hope for the best. That’s what he deserves.   I’m not alone in my concern about what the entertainment business may bring for this talented young man. Meridian show producer and radio personality Ken Rainey, who has worked with aspiring performers for more than six decades, said his first suggestion to an emerging star would be to find a reputable music industry attorney who can review and insist on changes to any deal offered, be it from a recording studio, potential agent or performance venue.   “I just hate to see people get burned,” he said.

The problem with driven young performers, Rainey said, is that in their eagerness to succeed, they sometimes quickly sign on to agreements they don’t fully understand, documents that don’t protect their interests. Recalling past country artists he has advised, Rainey said, “When I sent them to Nashville, I got them an attorney-a – music attorney–first.”   A longtime associate of Meridian’s Temple Theatre, Rainey longs to see Jamal Roberts play in this traditional venue, to take advantage of its fine acoustics before a local crowd. But even before that happens, the financial arrangements should face scrutiny, he said.   I, for one, hope that Jamal can hit the pause button, recover from the exhausting recent months, and consult with those he can trust. The road ahead is exciting, but risky too.

Read more at: https://meridianstar.com/2025/05/24/jamals-big-win-opens-a-new-testing-period/

 

 

In one of the most moving moments of American Idol Season 23, contestant Jamal Roberts stepped onto the stage during the Top 7 episode and delivered a breathtaking rendition of Sam Cooke’s civil rights anthem, “A Change Is Gonna Come.” But this wasn’t just another performance — it was a deeply personal tribute that struck a chord with millions watching.

Roberts revealed before the performance that the song held a special meaning for him — it was one of his late stepmother’s favorites. Singing it without her in the audience was both painful and healing, and every word he sang was drenched in heartfelt emotion.

 A Son’s Tribute in Song

As the lights dimmed and the first note echoed through the room, Roberts’ voice trembled not from nerves, but from grief, love, and remembrance. He sang with the kind of vulnerability that can’t be taught — the kind that comes from living the story behind the song.

With every lyric, he invited the audience into his pain, his gratitude, and his hope. The result was not just a standout performance — it was a spiritual moment.

Judges and Fans Left in Tears

The judges were visibly emotional, with Luke Bryan wiping his eyes and Carrie Underwood calling it “one of the most honest performances we’ve seen this season.” Lionel Richie added, “This is why music matters.”

Fans flooded social media with praise:

  • “Jamal just gave us the performance of the season. I’m crying.”

  • “This wasn’t just a song. It was a farewell. A prayer. A promise.”

  • “He sang from his soul tonight. That’s what greatness looks like.”

 More Than Talent — A Testament to Heart

Watch the video down below and don’t forget to share this beautiful song with your friends and family…

In a season full of incredible voices, Jamal Roberts reminded everyone that the most unforgettable performances come from the heart. His tribute to his stepmother wasn’t just a vocal showcase — it was a story of love, loss, and legacy told through song.

Whether or not he takes home the American Idol crown, one thing is certain: Jamal Roberts has already won the hearts of millions.

On Wednesday, Bruce Springsteen took the stage in Manchester, England for his British tour. While looking to entertain the thousands of fans who packed the arena, The Boss took a moment to discuss the current tensions in America surrounding the White House Administration and President Donald Trump. With a video of Springsteen’s speech circulating social media, the President fired back at the singer, causing The American Federation of Musicians to release a statement defending the singer and even Taylor Swift.

Springsteen 'influenced' arena's acoustic design

Standing by his statements made during the concert, Springsteen made sure to share the full speech on both YouTube and his official website. During the speech, he declared, “In my home, the America I love, the America I’ve written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration. Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experiment to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring!”

Not stopping there, Springsteen considered the “richest men” to be taking pleasure in the pain of the American people. “In my country, they’re taking sadistic pleasure in the pain they inflict on loyal American workers. They’re rolling back historic civil rights legislation that has led to a more just and plural society. They are abandoning our great allies and siding with dictators against those struggling for their freedom.”

The American Federation Of Musicians Stand Up For Bruce Springsteen And Taylor Swift

Not staying silent, President Trump lashed out at Springsteen on his social media platform, declaring, “I see that Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen goes to a Foreign Country to speak badly about the President of the United States. Never liked him, never liked his music, or his Radical Left Politics and, importantly, he’s not a talented guy — Just a pushy, obnoxious JERK, who fervently supported Crooked Joe Biden, a mentally incompetent FOOL, and our WORST EVER President, who came close to destroying our Country.”

Defending the rights of both Springsteen and Swift, Gagliardi concluded, “Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all over members.”

Outside of his comments on Springsteen, Trump once took aim at Swift during the 2024 Presidential election. He wrote, “Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she’s no longer ‘HOT?’”

Although his take, Swift and Springsteen produced mesmerizing careers that spanned decades and included countless awards. And if that wasn’t enough, combined, the singers sold over 400 million albums.

In 2025, beneath violet lights and swirling fog, Adam Lambert stepped onto the stage—calm, glowing, quietly electric. Then came the first note of “Who Wants to Live Forever”… and suddenly, everything stopped.

The Adam Lambert Connection 💚 on X: "RT @4Gelly: Pro photos of  @adamlambert 's performance at Polar Music Prize Awards Ceremony! plus a  beautiful guest's photo 🖤🖤 https://t.co…" / X

He didn’t try to be Freddie Mercury—he didn’t need to. Instead, he honored him with something deeper: raw, trembling emotion. Lambert’s voice rose—towering, aching, full of grief and grace—turning the song into something more than a ballad. It became a cry about love, mortality, and the weight of carrying legends.

The Adam Lambert Connection 💚 on X: "RT @Angel_nDisguise: After  @adamlambert performed "Who Wants To Live Forever" at the Polar Music Prize  awards ceremony in Stockholm to hono…" / X

At the peak of the song, light shattered across the stage and caught tears in the crowd—old-school Queen fans and Gen Z newcomers all standing in stunned silence. It wasn’t just a performance. It was a passing of the torch, a moment that said: great music doesn’t die—it transforms.

Adam Lambert Calendar 🥰💚 (@AL_Calendar) / X

As the final note hung in the air, Adam pressed a hand to his heart while a faint image of Freddie shimmered behind him. One voice. One song. One unforgettable tribute.

The stadium lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the crowd as Keith Urban walked to the edge of the stage, guitar in hand. The summer air buzzed with energy, the kind only a live concert can create. But all of it—the noise, the lights, the cheering—faded the moment Keith saw the sign.

It was simple. Black marker on white cardboard. Held high by a boy no older than ten.

“I HAD CANCER BUT YOUR VOICE SAVED ME.”

Keith paused mid-step.

The music behind him faltered just slightly as the band waited for his cue. He turned toward the boy. The spotlight followed.

In that moment, it wasn’t about the hit songs or the sold-out tour. It was about that kid—eyes wide, trembling hands gripping the sign—and a message that had somehow sliced through the noise and found its way straight to Keith’s heart.

Without a word, Keith knelt at the edge of the stage, his guitar still strapped over his shoulder. The boy’s parents gently lifted their son over the barrier, and with the help of security, he was brought onstage.

The boy’s name was Eli.

As he stepped beside Keith, the crowd erupted—but he didn’t flinch. Eli looked up, his small frame fragile, but his eyes told another story. A story of survival.

Keith leaned in. “Is this true?” he asked softly, pointing to the sign.

Eli nodded. “I had leukemia. I listened to your music every day in the hospital. Especially Blue Ain’t Your Color. It made me feel… okay. Like I could keep going.”

Keith swallowed hard.

Then he did something no one expected.

He unclipped his signature Fender acoustic guitar and handed it—right then, right there—to Eli.

“This guitar’s been with me for years,” he said, voice thick with emotion. “But I think it was always meant to be yours.”

The crowd lost it.

Keith Urban At: Guitar Center

But before Keith could say another word, Eli reached into his pocket and pulled something out: a worn-out cassette tape. Labeled in childlike handwriting: MOM’S SONG.

Keith tilted his head. “What’s that?”

Eli explained: “My mom passed away two years ago, just before my diagnosis. She used to sing. This tape is her. My dad told me she always wanted someone like you to hear her voice.”

The crowd was silent now. Some held their breath. Some wiped tears.

Keith took the tape in his hand, stunned. He turned to his sound crew and within minutes, they had a cassette player rigged to the system.

When the tape played, it crackled at first. Then a voice—soft, soulful, haunting—drifted through the speakers. Eli’s mom.

The entire stadium seemed to inhale.

Keith stood motionless. He listened, eyes closed, as the voice wrapped around the night air. Halfway through the second verse, he grabbed another guitar and began strumming softly along, layering his music with hers.

It was breathtaking.

When the song ended, Keith turned to the audience.

“I’ve played with legends,” he said. “But tonight, I just played with someone’s mom who left behind a piece of heaven. And this boy—he’s the living harmony to that melody.”

What no one knew—not even Keith—was that someone in the audience recognized the voice on that tape.

In the front row, a woman clutched her chest. She turned to her friend, eyes wide. “That’s Ava… Ava Monroe.”

She wasn’t just anyone. Ava Monroe had been a rising star in Nashville, just starting to break through before she disappeared from the scene. Her demos had once landed in the hands of producers. One of them was in the arena that night. In fact, Keith had unknowingly been offered one of Ava’s songs nearly a decade ago but passed on it due to timing.

Now here she was—her voice alive again—woven into a spontaneous duet on the biggest stage in town.

The ripple spread fast backstage. One of Keith’s longtime team members pulled him aside after the show. “That tape,” he said, “it’s not just a memory. That woman… she was meant to be heard.”

By morning, Keith had the audio digitized and shared a clip on social media, captioning it:
“Last night I played a song with someone I never met… and I’ll never forget her.”

Within hours, the moment went viral. Fans demanded the full duet. Keith promised he’d release a special version—with all proceeds going toward pediatric cancer research and single mothers in need.

But he didn’t stop there.

Two weeks later, Keith Urban invited Eli back onstage. This time, it was for a recorded performance. A new track had been created—Keith’s vocals and guitar, layered with Ava Monroe’s voice and the soft harmony of Eli himself whispering the final line:
“Thank you, Mom.”

When the track dropped, it charted globally within a week.

Eli, the boy who had cancer and carried a sign, wasn’t just a fan anymore.

He was part of something immortal.

And Keith? He didn’t just give away a guitar that night.

He passed on a legacy.

In a moment that caught even the most seasoned royal watchers off guard, the Royal Charity Gala became the stage for an emotional collision of stardom and royalty. Country music icon Keith Urban and Catherine, Princess of Wales, stunned a crowd of 5,000 with an achingly beautiful duet of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” — a performance already being called historic.

The lights dimmed. A piano began to play softly, soon joined by the warm pulse of an acoustic guitar. Keith Urban stepped from the shadows, voice low and soulful. But midway through the song, a second voice emerged — quiet, steady, and unmistakably noble.

Princess Kate appeared beneath the spotlight in a deep midnight-blue gown, composed and graceful. She wasn’t there to dazzle — she was there to speak through song.

And she did.

 

Though not a trained singer, her voice carried emotion that needed no polish. Delicate but resolute, every note she sang shimmered with honesty. Keith backed her with subtle harmonies, his presence grounding hers. Together, their voices did more than blend — they bridged the gap between genres, classes, and expectations.

In the final chorus, Keith faded back, his guitar falling silent. Kate held the last note alone — a moment so powerful, the crowd rose to its feet in stunned applause. All eyes turned to Prince William. His expression said everything: a single tear slipped down his cheek as he watched his wife take center stage, raw and radiant.

In the front row, Nicole Kidman sat with tears streaming down her face, deeply moved by the courage and authenticity unfolding before her — both from her husband and from the princess beside him.

“It wasn’t just a performance,” one guest shared. “It was a moment of truth. You could feel the love, the pain, and the unity.”

Social media lit up instantly:

“Kate’s voice wasn’t perfect — but it was real. That’s what made it unforgettable.”
“Keith and Kate gave more than a duet. They gave us something we didn’t know we needed.”
“William. Nicole. The tears. It wasn’t a show — it was a reckoning.”

Their song choice wasn’t random. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” was a direct nod to their shared commitment to mental health awareness. The performance wasn’t staged for applause — it was a message of solidarity:
“No matter your status, your scars, or your silence — you are never truly alone.”

Whispers from backstage suggest the duet may have been recorded privately after rehearsal, with talk of a possible release to support youth mental health charities.

This wasn’t about royalty or celebrity. This was about two people using their voices to make something bigger than either of them. A woman reclaiming her space. A husband visibly overcome with admiration. A global star offering harmony, not spotlight.

In a world addicted to noise, Keith and Kate found stillness. And in that stillness, they gave us something rare: truth wrapped in melody.