http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DineB4cxTH0endofvid [starttext] By Georgina Littlejohn
Spellbinding: Olivia Archibald leaves the judges in awe after her flawless performance of Sarah McLachlan's In The Arms Of The Angels
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Only three weeks into the show and she has been tipped as one of the favourites to win.
And after her performance on Britain's Got Talent tonight that wowed all three judges, 14-year-old Olivia Archibald has winner written all over her.
The teenager was a bundle of nerves as she stepped out onto the stage at the Manchester Opera House in front of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden.
Speaking quietly into her microphone, she introduced herself and told the panel she was there to sing Sarah McLachlan's In The Arms Of The Angels, as Simon leaned into Amanda and whispered: 'This is a hard song to sing.'
But he needn't have been worried after Olivia launched into a flawless, note-perfect version of the song, which got judges and the audience on their feet to give her a standing ovation - and earned a 'wow' from Simon.
Earlier she had told the show: 'I walk downstairs singing, maybe sometimes daydream whilst in maths class. I wonder if in 5 years time I could be an actual star singing in front of millions of people.'
Lost in music: Putting her nerves aside, Olivia proved her worth as she put her heart and soul into her performance
Delighted: Olivia is thrilled at the judges' comments as she is voted through to the next round
And she got one step further to her dream after all three judges unanimously voted her through to the next round.
Simon told her: 'You sang that so well, you really made that song your own. I am so so impressed with you, Olivia, that I can't even tell you.'
Amanda added: 'Spellbinding. Such a lovely, professional and quality performance.' And Piers added: 'I don't think you know just how good you are.'
Here come the girls: Dance troupe AKA got three yeses from the panel after their routine to Proud Mary
Olivia was one of the few successes on last night's show, which saw auditions held in Manchester and Newcastle.
Another act that impressed the judges was the first audition in Newcastle by all-girl dance troupe AKA - even though Simon had trouble with their accents.
As the 19 girls trotted on to the stage in their matching sequinned gold outfits, they introduced themselves as 'AKA' - which he misunderstood as 'EKE'.
Get ourselves Connected: The teenage boy band wannabes went through to the next round
Language barrier aside, they launched into a routine to Tina Turner's Proud Mary, as their families watched backstage. [endtext]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzYkTe2ca08endofvid [starttext] Not too long ago, girl group f(x) released the music video teaser for their comeback title track NU ABO. Now we get a glimpse at the upcoming mini-album’s track list!
Tracklist: 01. NU 예삐오 (NU ABO) 02. Mr. Boogie 03. 아이스크림 04. ME+U 05. Surprise Party 06. Sorry (Dear. Daddy)
With a brand new look and another brand new sound, f(x) is not conforming to the social standard of k-pop. Their comeback is just around the corner but we’ve still got just a little more waiting to do. And just in case you missed it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRv0FsCTjosendofvid [starttext] It’s no secret that the girls of Secret are extremely talented!
This week on Music Core, the girls returned with their catchy dance song Magic after several weeks of postponement due to the naval ship tragedy. With their body-shaking moves and new sexy look, do you think the girls are getting the attention they deserve? Watch their “Magic Show” and tell us what you think! [endtext]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnHxo4L16BYendofvid [starttext] Time sure flies as it seemed like only yesterday when 2AM made a comeback into the music scene with Can’t Let You Go Even If I Die and I Did Wrong.
Wrapping up their promotional activities this week, 2AM performed I Did Wrong for the last time on Music Core.
Although fans are sure to be sad about this news, you still catch them on their special goodbye performance on Inkigayo this week. In addition, We Got Married will air a special episode of leader Jo Kwon and Ga-In tomorrow and Seulong will continue to appear in Personal Taste. [endtext]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xD0_VZtJ-sendofvid [starttext] It’s been a crazy month for the variety programs, including music programs in the three main broadcast companies; MBC, SBS and KBS in the month of April.
MBC’s Music Core had a few canceled episodes throughout this month due to the naval ship tragedy and the MBC labor union strike. From delaying artists’ comebacks to having their promotional period lengthening, these unfortunate events affected many music artists.
And that included the boys of 2PM, who could have had their comeback stage last week on Music Core. Unfortunately, Music Core did not broadcast last week so the boys performed their comeback stage today! Check out their terrific performances of Without U and Don’t Stop Can’t Stop below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtBgvB-z-sMendofvid [starttext] With plagiarism accusations on hand, it appears that After School is not letting anything hinder them!
This week on Music Core, After School put on a strong performance of their upbeat song Bang! Whether its their determination to keep strong through all the controversies surrounding their dance, there’s no doubt that these girls are feminine yet fierce. [endtext]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6q5RDOHbFcendofvid [starttext] The queen Lee Hyori took a break last week from Music Core due to the show being canceled. She returned promptly to the stage today to make her official comeback with her hit songs Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Bring it Back.
Though she may be smoking hot and though her songs are very catchy, the queen has been struggling in the battle between her and the king, Rain. Just yesterday, Miss Hyori failed to nab the top position from the likes of Bi, but as one can see from today’s performances, the disappointment is surely not getting to her. With every stage, kpop’s hottest diva is coming back stronger and better than ever!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4_nvO4f9wMendofvid [starttext] By Mail Foreign Service
Fireworks illuminate the sky during the opening ceremony of the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai
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Shanghai celebrated the opening of the 2010 World Expo today with a lavish display of fireworks, fountains and laser lights.
Like the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the event showcased China's growing economic and geopolitical sway.
In a toast at a gala dinner for dignitaries invited to watch the ceremony, President Hu Jintao said he was confident the world would 'witness a successful, splendid and unforgettable World Expo.'
World leaders gathered in Shanghai as the city kicked off the World Expo with a star-studded opening ceremony that ended with skies over the city set ablaze in a massive fireworks show
The star-studded indoor festivities included action star Jackie Chan, Japanese singer Shinji Tanimura, concert pianist Lang Lang and opera star Andrea Bocelli among the 2,300 performers.
Afterward, guests moved outside for a lights, music and fireworks jubilee that lit up the banks of the Huangpu river with 1,200 searchlights, powerful lasers and mobile fountains.
The waters glowed with 6,000 rosy-hued LED balls and lights from a parade of flag boats representing nations participating in the Expo.
The Expo, which opens to the public tomorrow, is expected to draw 70 million people over six months to pavilions from almost 200 nations designed to reflect the urban sustainability theme of 'Better City, Better Life.'
From the United States to North Korea, a total of 189 countries will have exhibitions at the six-month event that is expected to attract up to 100 million visitors
The star-studded indoor festivities included action star Jackie Chan, Japanese singer Shinji Tanimura, concert pianist Lang Lang and opera star Andrea Bocelli, among 2,300 performers
China is spending $4.2billion on the Expo itself, and much more on other improvements for Shanghai.
It is the most expensive and largest Expo to date, and local media have reported the true cost is closer to $58 billion, including infrastructure.
'This is a very important moment. We have made preparations for years,' Hong Hao, Deputy General for the Expo, said.
Freshly painted buildings, new highways, subway lines and airport terminals all proclaim the country's newfound status as a modern, increasingly affluent industrial giant.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy (left), his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Chinese President Hu Jintao in Shanghai and his wife Liu Yongqing pose during the opening ceremony
Action star Jackie Chan and Chinese singer Song Zhuying perform while accompanied by a group of dancers
Zheng Yongnian, director of the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, said: 'The government will spend whatever money it takes. For the leadership, it's worthwhile.'
The Expo completes a trio of landmark events that began with the Olympics and was followed by the elaborate military parades for the 2009 celebration of the 60th anniversary of Communist Party rule.
All have involved massive security crackdowns, although commercial-minded Shanghai has kept measures relatively low-key compared to the lockdown imposed for the Beijing Olympics.
Colourfully dressed dancers hold up stuffed toys as they perform a dance at the Expo opening
The opening ceremony was a feast of lights, colour, fireworks and dancing
'Of more concern would be bird flu or H1N1. If that breaks out on site, how will they manage to prevent it spreading and how will they attempt to quarantine such a large number of people?' said Greg Hallahan, regional director at business risk consultancy PSA Group in Shanghai.
Still, local authorities, determined to prevent crimes or disturbances that could affect the Expo, have tightened their enforcement of a ban on protests or public criticism of the ruling Communist Party.
Prominent dissident Feng Zhenghu said police confiscated computers from his home after he announced a new manifesto on human rights, a critique of Shanghai's legal system, to coincide with the Expo.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong-based Chinese Human Rights Defenders said at least six people who protested having their homes demolished to make way for the Expo were sent to labour camps.
Chinese pianist Lang Lang performs at the opening ceremony. n a toast at a gala dinner for dignitaries invited to watch the ceremony, President Hu Jintao said he was confident the world would 'witness a successful, splendid and unforgettable World Expo.'
Legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli was just one of the 2,300 performers who made the opening ceremony of the Expo such a success
The Shanghai Expo, the first held in a developing country, is a source of pride for many city residents, though they already are complaining about crowds, traffic jams and other disruptions.
The already tight security in the city was increased today as authorities closed the sprawling riverside Expo site to all but a few workers, journalists, and VIPs.
As the evening performance began, police went from door-to-door in some buildings near the Expo site, trying to force visitors to leave as outraged residents argued back.
'We have been bothered many times recently. They even don't allow us to invite our relatives or friends to come see the fireworks. How can such a good thing turn out to be so be miserable?' complained one apartment owner.
Fireworks are launched during the opening. The Shanghai Expo, the first held in a developing country, is a source of pride for many city residents, though they already are complaining about crowds, traffic jams and other disruptions
Expo organisers had insisted on keeping details of their plans for the evening performances hush-hush, saying they did not want to spoil the surprise
Shanghai residents had crowded into areas near the river from the early afternoon, hoping to get a glimpse of the evening celebrations attended by Hu and other leaders.
China's relations with the outside world have been strained of late, with issues like the value of the yuan currency, a fight over censorship with Google and the trial of four Rio Tinto executives casting a pall over the country's efforts to present itself as a respected international player.
Leaders including French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso were at the opening ceremony today.
Representing... growth? Visitors to the Spanish pavilion are greeted by a gigantic animated baby
And from the outside: Could the Spanish pavilion represent a pregnant woman lying on her back?
Smaller countries, such as Israel, are also making efforts to engage China through the Expo, despite the shadow cast by the financial crisis.
Yaffa Ben-Ari, deputy commissioner general of Israel for the Shanghai World Expo, said the Jewish state aimed to boost cooperation through the event.
Giant Rubik's Cube: The Serbian pavilion
Technology: The South Korean pavilion looks like the inside of a computer
It was the first time, he said, that Israel had built its own pavilion, with the government allocating a budget of $12 million for the project.
Expo organizers had insisted on keeping details of their plans for the evening performances hush-hush, saying they did not want to spoil the surprise.
Not so strange now: Britain's £25million Seed Cathedral
Display of bunny: The Macau pavilion, which appears to resemble a Trojan Bunny
The elaborate outdoor performances, focused on the themes Welcome to China, Harmonious Gathering and Celebration were centered on what organizers said is the world's largest LED screen, at 920ft long and 108ft high, and a fountain shooting water 262ft high.
David Atkins, the executive producer of the outdoor performance, said: 'This show couldn't be done anywhere but in China.'
Performers demonstrate a futuristic electric car seat that changes angles with the speed of the vehicle, part of the World Expo
The project has not been without its detractors. Rights groups have complained about evictions of residents to make way for the two spectacular main Expo sites on either side of the murky Huangpu River.
Some Chinese have also wondered why the country, with its growing rich-poor gap, severe environmental and other problems is spending so much on an event which lacks an Olympics' cachet.
'Our living costs are five times yours but our salaries are one fifth of yours. Yet we survived and we are still joyfully and happily welcoming friends from all around the world,' wrote popular Shanghai blogger Han Han, with a strong sense of irony.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtOuDF4r5Y0endofvid [starttext] By Daily Mail Reporter
Gabriella Cilmi
Two years after she was catapulted from obscurity into the charts with breakthrough pop hit Sweet About Me, Gabriella Cilmi is channelling a more mature look for her new album.
Having turned 18, Cilmi has put her teen pop days behind her for a sexy new style.
Promoting her second album and latest single Hearts Don't Lie, Cilmi strikes a sultry pose in a skimpy yellow swimsuit.
Despite her sexier image and recent photoshoot for FHM magazine, Cilmi insists she won't be a regular in men's magazines.
She said: 'I look at them and I laugh at them, because I know that they're not very representative of me, and who I am as a person, and what my music's about.
'I thought Pink's done it, Beyoncé's done it, all these people have done it, and I'm like, 'You only live once, why not give it a shot?
'Would I do it again? I don't think so. I guess you learn not to get caught up in the same stuff, you learn for next time. I don't regret it, but I wouldn't do it again.'
As part of her new disco diva image for her new album Ten, Cilmi shows off her dancing skills in variety of colourful dresses in the fast-paced video for Heart's Don't Lie.
In a recent interview, Cilmi admitted her dresses are so tight, she fears she may collapse.
Winning formula: Cilmi's new single sees her reteam with pop production house Xenomania
She said: 'I love the whole disco fever thing - but sometimes my dresses are so tight, I feel like my lungs are going to collapse.'
Hearts Don't Lie sees Cilmi re-team with English pop production house Xenomania, who have been responsible for most of Girls Aloud's biggest hits.
It's the second release from her new album Ten, which Cilmi describes as 'lots of uptempo funk and disco-inspired numbers designed to make people groove'.
Now based in England, the Melbourne-raised star admitted she's got a crush on young royal Prince Harry.
She told the Mail On Sunday's Live magazine: 'It's Harry's freckles that do it for me. They're so cute. In the very unlikely event that he asked me to marry him I'd have to decline.
'I'd never fit in at Buckingham Palace. If you'd ever seen me eat at the dinner table you'd understand. I attack my food. I need to wear bibs. My family have learnt to sit at a distance because my food flies everywhere. I don't think the Queen would approve.'
• Cilmi's new album Ten is on sale now. Her new single Hearts Don't Lie is out on June 7. [endtext]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYOsWWKHZVwendofvid [starttext] By Chris Beanland
Life-cycle: The £6m ad for John Lewis shows infancy, a birthday party, a clumsy kiss in a university corridor, marriage, parenthood and the path into old age
Sometimes we forget just how short and precious our time on this planet really is. It's for this reason that John Lewis's new television ad seems to have struck an uncharacteristic chord.
You won't find many people admitting to crying over the usual flood of formulaic adverts on our screens - yet this 'moving' ad has got Britain talking - and sobbing into their breakfast bowls.
At 91 seconds long, and costing £6million, the ad has been watched an incredible 100,000 times in the single week that it has been available on YouTube. Scroll down to see the video
The premise is simple - the life cycle of a woman from birth to old-age. But like all classic ads - and this is surely destined to become one - this simplicity is where its strength lies.
The ad shows infancy, a girl's birthday party, a clumsy kiss in a university corridor, marriage, pregnancy, parenthood and the path into old age.
It is similar to the stunning 'life-cycle' sequence in the animated Pixar film Up, which moved many to tears.
Hit: At 91 seconds long, and costing £6million, the ad has been watched an incredible 100,000 times in the single week that it has been available on YouTube
Marketing technique: The prop department only used products available to buy in store at John Lewis
Its score is a reinterpretation of Billy Joel's Always A Woman, performed by Fyfe Dangerfield, of the band Guillemots.
Dangerfield now plans to release the track on May 3 and it could be destined for the top of the charts.
Although some viewers may find it too sentimental, it's actually a pretty modern picture of Britain. There are matriarchal figures, multi-ethnic relationships and children among the expensive patio sets.
Its message is 'treasure life and your family'. But as one wag pointed out: why is the entire advert - which must span 70 years - set in a single era?
Treasure life: The entire advert which must span 70 years is however set in a single era
Production: The advert was made using nine actresses to play the woman from infancy to old age
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAP7cpb_cKEendofvid [starttext] By Paul Revoir
Passionate: The Doctor is caught off-guard as his companion Amy Pond grabs him for a kiss
Her revealing outfits have left fans in no doubt she is the most sexiest Doctor Who companion in the history of the hit science fiction drama.
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Now Amy Pond is to appear in one of the most risque scenes the BBC show has ever seen as she forces herself on the Time Lord in her bedroom.
Viewers will be shocked to see Karen Gillan's character kissing the doctor played by Matt Smith as he is backed up against the side of his Tardis.
She even tells the 907-year-old Time Lord she doesn't mind if it is a just a one-night-stand - despite the fact he has already spurned her advances on a bed.
Wearing the trademark mini skirt, Amy even tries to undress the Doctor who briefly reciprocates when she kisses him before pushing her away in tonight's episode.
Quite how the more traditional Doctor Who fans will react to the scenes, which will air at tea-time, remains to be seen.
In a first for the show, Amy even jokes about how long it is since the Time Lord last had sex, makes suggestive innuendoes and provocatively lies down on the bed in front of him.
Heated: The Doctor responds and kisses Amy back but then pushes her away
It is unclear if she is acting out of character as part of a wider plot. When Billie Piper's assistant Rose Tyler lunged at the Doctor and kissed him in 2006 it was revealed that her body had been taken over by villain Cassandra.
The heated moment occurs when the attractive red-head takes the Doctor back home - when the Tardis touches down once again on the night before her wedding.
She then produces the wedding ring that she planned to don before she fled with the Time Lord.
And it becomes clear that Amy - who had been working as a kissogram - wants to do more than just talk as she begins flirting with him.
Scared: The Doctor looks horrified as Amy forces herself on him
Amy declares that fighting off the evil Weeping Angels, which feature in tonight's episode, has made her think about her life.
The flirty companion tells the show's hero that she has been thinking: 'About what I want. About who I want. You know what I mean.'
After he fails to get the hint, she then tells him 'Doctor in a word. In one very simple word even you can understand...' before she jumps on top of him on the bed. He yells at her: 'You're getting married in the morning.'
Come here, sexy: Amy makes a pass at the Doctor after they land in her bedroom after fighting off the evil Weeping Angels
Geroff me! The Doctor spurns Amy and runs off the bed to the Tardis
Now in full seductress mode, Amy replies: 'Well, the morning is a long time away. What are you going to do about that?'
The stunned Doctor makes his escape to the other side of the room where the Tardis is parked, telling her: 'Amy listen to me I am 907 years old do you understand what that means?'
Amy: 'It's been a while.'
When he tells her the relationship could never work, she replies: 'You are sweet doctor, but I really wasn't suggesting anything quite so long term.' She then give him passionate kiss.
No escape: Amy is determined to get her Time Lord in bed
Then as if he has come to some revelation he says: 'I don't know why, I have no idea, but quite possibly the single most important thing in the history of the universe is that I get you sorted out right now?'
In a clear innuendo she replies: 'That's what I have been trying to tell you.'
The scenes are far cry from the more staid and stuffy days of William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton. But it is unclear how the modern family audience of the show will respond.
Actress Miss Gillan, 22, told Graham Norton about the scenes when she was interviewed for Monday's edition of his BBC1 chatshow. She told him that her long term boyfriend was 'cool' about the kissing.
You're getting married! The Doctor tries to push Amy away on the eve of her wedding day
She also said she was amused about being called the sexiest Doctor Who assistant ever.
Miss Gillan drew attention recently after she was spotted changing her outfit three times in a day.
Last week's episode of Doctor Who sparked outrage among 5,000 fervent fans - after ruining the cliffhanger ending with a trailer for a TV talent show.
The Corporation was forced to apologise to viewers after an animated cartoon of Graham Norton and an on-screen caption for entertainment show Over The Rainbow popped up during the gripping climax of the sci-fi television hit.
Not the first time: The previous Doctor, played by David Tennant, is kissed by companion Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper, after she is possessed by the last human, the villainous Cassandra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5p_5K79_sgendofvid [starttext] By Paul Revoir
Voice of an angel: 14-year-old Olivia wowed the Britain's Got Talent judges with her performance at the Manchester auditions of the talent show
A 14-year-old girl singer who 'daydreams' of being a star is being hailed as one of the favourites to win Britain's Got Talent.
Olivia, who appeared at one of the Manchester auditions, is regarded as being among the best singers on this year's show after performing Sarah McLachlan's In The Arms Of An Angel.
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She will appear on tomorrow night's show after wowing judges with her voice as she took on the difficult song
On the programme she says: 'I walk downstairs singing, maybe sometimes daydream whilst in maths class. I wonder if in 5 years time I could be an actual star singing in front of millions of people.'
Also on Saturday's show are a stripping forklift truck driver with a nose problem and a young boyband.
Thrilled: Olivia is happy to hear high praise from judges Piers Morgan, Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden
Jeff, who has a bandage around his nose, tells Simon Cowell and the other judges he wants to leave his forklift truck driver day job to perform. He tells them: 'I'm Jeff, I'm 41-years-old, I'm here to sing and if this works out for me I won't be working in a warehouse again!'
Jeff explains to Piers Morgan about the bandage: 'I had an operation on it last week to sort it out because I was snoring a lot at home.'
His act sees him stripping and using a skipping rope to Nelly the Elephant music.
Stripping and skipping: Contestant Jeff Derbyshire, a 41-year-old forklift truck driver, gets ready to do his act
Best friends: Ruth and Chantelle, aka Different Dreams perform their version of Barbara Dickson and Elaine Paige's I Know Him So Well
Teen boyband Connected tell the panel they are 'called Connected because we are all like family, we're brothers, twins and friends.'
The group is made up of 13-year-old twins Conor and Miles, Matt, 12, Harry, 13, and Max, 15.
After singing Backstreet Boys hit song, I Want It That Way, Amanda tells them their performance gave her goosebumps.
Husband and wife Claire and Clive, also known as Flute Magic, combine flute playing and performing magic.
Goose bumps: Boy band Connected gave Amanda Holden a spine-tingling moment after performing the Backstreet Boys song I Want It That Way
All that glitters: Girl dance troupe AKA dazzle in gold as they perform to a Tina Turner song
Clive says: 'I think Claire playing the flute and me doing the magic is that little bit of extra something that will make the judges sit up and say, 'yes this is what we need"'
Best pals Ruth and Chantelle, whose act is called Different Dreams also appear.
The pair, who first met at a bus stop, rehears at Chantelle's house. She tells the judges her mum is deaf so she doesn't get bothered by the noise. They perform their version of Barbara Dickson and Elaine Paige's I Know Him So Well.
Girl dance group AKA - aged between 10 and 20 - perform to a Tina Turner track.
Musical magic: Husband and wife duo Claire and Clive, also known as Flute Magic, combine flute playing and performing magic
Wings of a dove: Flute Magic's Clive shows off his magical skills
Spellbinding: Olivia Archibald leaves the judges in awe after her flawless performance of Sarah McLachlan's In The Arms Of The Angels
Lost in music: Putting her nerves aside, Olivia proved her worth as she put her heart and soul into her performance
Delighted: Olivia is thrilled at the judges' comments as she is voted through to the next round
Here come the girls: Dance troupe AKA got three yeses from the panel after their routine to Proud Mary
Get ourselves Connected: The teenage boy band wannabes went through to the next round
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