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The creation of the soundtrack for the film 'Mother Mary' was a collaborative effort between director David Lowery, actress Anne Hathaway, musician FKA twigs, and producers Charli xcx and Jack Antonoff. The film, which explores the story of a fictional pop star, required a soundtrack that captured the essence of 21st-century pop music.Lowery spent time studying the music of the last 25 years, including artists like Taylor Swift, Lorde, and FKA twigs, who appears in the film as a medium named Imogene. As the film's story emerged, Lowery's musical influences shifted towards artists like James Blake and Aldous Harding, who better captured the emotional tone of the film.Anne Hathaway, who plays Mother Mary, had a background in theater and had won an Oscar for her performance in the musical Les Misérables. However, the recording process for 'Mother Mary: Greatest Hits' was a new experience for her. She spent time with Jack Antonoff to record the soundtrack, exploring her vocal range and learning about production. She even changed minor lyrics to better fit her character.FKA twigs contributed to the soundtrack with her song 'My Mouth Is Lonely for You', which was not included in the final film but showcased her ability to create shimmeringly erotic and captivating music. Her other contribution, an ethereal song, was used in a scene featuring the dress Mother Mary requires from her former friend and designer, Sam.The soundtrack, 'Mother Mary: Greatest Hits', paints a uniform portrait of a 21st-century pop star with a cult-like following and avant-garde fashion sense. The music and performance footage have been acclaimed, with Hathaway and twigs delivering standout performances.Hathaway describes Mother Mary as a pop star who embodies a type of stardom that is neat, perfect, and huge, with a mass appeal that is slightly glossier than what twigs and xcx have experienced. The film implies that Mother Mary's fandom is attracted to her ecstasy and vulnerability, with fans feeling safe around her and seeking a motherly figure.

The latest film from director David Lowery, 'Mother Mary', is a visually stunning yet narratively flawed exploration of the pop star world. Anne Hathaway stars as Mother Mary, a former music A-lister attempting a comeback after a mysterious event has left her haunted and struggling to find her fashion sense.Mother Mary seeks out the help of fashion designer Sam Anselm, played by Michaela Coel, who is both distantly glacial and imperious in her interactions with the pop star. Despite their complicated past, Sam agrees to create a new stage costume for Mother Mary, leading to a series of surreal and stylish moments.The film features stunning visual moments that blend Dalí-esque surrealism with the high-tech gloss of the modern pop stage. However, the narrative often feels incomprehensible, with overly earnest performances from the lead actresses. The script's lack of self-awareness and coyness about its central queer relationship also detract from the overall experience.Despite these flaws, 'Mother Mary' is worth watching for its strong performances and visual spectacle. The film's $100m budget is evident in its arena spectacles, which are some of the best in recent cinema. With a bit more self-awareness and depth, 'Mother Mary' could have been a cult classic.

In a fresh University of Massachusetts and YouGov poll of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted in early April, country‑music legend Dolly Parton emerged as the most favorably viewed global figure, securing a 70% favorable rating and only 5% unfavorable, translating to a net favorability of +65%. Former President Barack Obama ranked second with a net favorability of +14% (50% favorable, 36% unfavorable). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy followed closely, posting a net favorability of +12% after 35% of respondents expressed a favorable view and 22% an unfavorable one. Other political figures fared poorly: former President George W. Bush earned a modest +5% net score, while Donald Trump and Joe Biden registered negative net favorabilities of ‑18% and ‑19% respectively. Pop star Taylor Swift managed a modest +3% net rating, and Russian President Vladimir Putin landed at the opposite extreme with a stark ‑65% net favorability. Parton’s dominance is notable not only for the size of the margin—over 50 percentage points ahead of her nearest rivals—but also because she is the only figure, aside from Obama, for whom a majority of respondents expressed a favorable opinion. Analysts attribute Parton’s success to her deliberately apolitical public persona and extensive charitable work. In a 2017 interview, she emphasized, “Everybody knows I don’t play politics,” a stance that has helped her maintain a broad bipartisan fan base. Her philanthropic impact is substantial. The Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library has donated more than 270 million books to children under five across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. Additional contributions include a $1 million gift to Vanderbilt University Medical Center that supported the development of the Moderna COVID‑19 vaccine, over $12 million to families displaced by the 2016 Tennessee wildfires, and ongoing funding for pediatric infectious‑disease research. Parton’s charitable achievements were recognized with the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2022**, and she was highlighted by Time as one of the most influential philanthropists of 2025. The poll’s findings suggest a public appetite for figures who embody generosity and cultural resonance without entanglement in partisan politics, underscoring a broader trend of voters gravitating toward non‑political icons in an era of heightened polarization.

In an era where pop stardom is measured by a patchwork of streaming figures, award nods and high‑profile support slots, Holly Humberstone has built a credible résumé without ever cracking the singles chart. The 26‑year‑old from Lincolnshire has leveraged a Brit Rising Star award, a coveted opening for Taylor Swift, and four million monthly Spotify listeners to cement her place in the contemporary pop landscape.Her second album, ‘Cruel World’, marks a decisive shift from the gothic melancholy that defined her debut, Paint My Bedroom Black. The new record embraces an 80s‑inspired synth‑pop palette brimming with ear‑catching hooks, delivering lyrics that are both earnest and conversational, reminiscent of Swift’s confessional style.Highlights include the sun‑soaked breakup anthem ‘To Love Somebody’, which builds to a stadium‑ready pre‑chorus, and the irresistibly catchy ‘White Noise’, a nostalgic nod to disco that channels the energy of early‑2000s Kylie Minogue. Even the cheeky, self‑aware line on “Drunk Dialling” – “I’m gonna shake my nonexistent ass to this shitty song” – showcases Humberstone’s willingness to blend humor with polished production.The album’s production is consistently confident, featuring a surprising happy‑hardcore breakdown on the closing track “Make It All Better.” Combined with Humberstone’s knack for crafting crowd‑pleasing melodies, these elements suggest she is poised for a long‑term pop career that can thrive in both traditional and modern market models.

Harry Styles has announced the full programme for this year’s Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre, positioning the pop star as curator of a multi‑genre celebration that runs from 11 June to 21 June. In addition to headlining a solo show on 16 June at the Royal Festival Hall, Styles will perform amid his ongoing Wembley Stadium tour, while the festival showcases a broad spectrum of talent ranging from jazz to electronic dance music. The jazz segment features two sets by acclaimed US saxophonist Kamasi Washington: one dedicated to his album Fearless Movement and another titled “Jazz Legends Reimagined,” where he will reinterpret classic jazz compositions. Ethiopian‑born pioneer Mulatu Astatke returns after a farewell‑tour appearance, and the UK scene is represented by drummer Yussef Dayes and reed virtuoso Shabaka, who will join a collective of collaborators. Indie and rock offerings include LA band Warpaint (performing their sole gig of the year), British singer‑songwriter Nilüfer Yanya, and a mix of emerging and veteran acts such as Bar Italia, Stephen Fretwell and Getdown Services. Former Maccabees frontman Orlando Weeks will deliver a hybrid set of music and storytelling, while Devonté Hynes (known as Blood Orange) will present a classical‑inspired performance with musicians Adam Tendler, Cæcilie Trier and Tariq Al‑Sabir. On the pop front, rising stars Erika de Casier and Fousheé will provide some of the season’s most forward‑thinking tracks. The electronic roster spans ambient pioneer Beverly Glenn‑Copeland, an improvised collaboration featuring Jon Hopkins, Maddie Ashman and Leo Abrahams, high‑tempo EDM from Australia’s Ninajirachi, and a DJ set by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem. A parallel programme of free, family‑friendly events will showcase “a mix of appearances from Styles’ favourite artists beyond music,” according to the Southbank Centre. Speaking about the festival, Styles said: “Music is my life; every artist involved in this year’s Meltdown festival means so much to me, both as a fan, and a musician. It’s a true honour to host legends who have paved the way for the generations that follow them, as well as new acts that have inspired me to push my creative boundaries.” Tickets become available on 9 April for Southbank members and 10 April for the general public, with the event promising a unique blend of established icons and cutting‑edge talent.

Nick Candy, who serves as the honorary treasurer of Reform UK and is among its top financial backers, has completed the sale of his Chelsea residence for an estimated £275 million. The transaction, first reported by Bloomberg, is believed to set a new benchmark for residential sales in London and ranks among the world’s most valuable property deals. Known as Providence House, the Grade II‑listed estate sits within the grounds of the Royal Chelsea Hospital and features a private lake and swimming pool. The identity of the purchaser has not been disclosed. Land Registry records list the current owner as Providence House LLP, a partnership controlled by Candy, with his estranged wife, former pop star Holly Valance, also named as a partner. A mortgage charge from First Abu Dhabi Bank is registered against the title. Candy’s involvement with Reform extends beyond his treasurer role; he contributed roughly £1 million to the party last year and has been instrumental in high‑profile fundraising events, including a 2024 gathering for Donald Trump Jr. at the estate. He has previously been seen alongside Nigel Farage as the party promoted a “billionaires’ bonanza” scheme offering wealthy individuals a £250,000 fee for ten‑year residency and a special tax regime. Candy also attended a meeting between Farage and billionaire Elon Musk at Mar‑a‑Lago in December 2024. Alongside his brother Christian, Candy amassed his fortune through global property ventures. He continues to market other high‑value assets, including a £175 million penthouse at One Hyde Park and a Los Angeles mansion, while maintaining office space in Mayfair that also houses Farage’s company, Thorn in the Side. Originally purchased by Christian Candy in 2012, the Chelsea mansion was later transferred to Nick Candy, underscoring the family’s long‑standing presence in the UK’s luxury property market.

The Idiot – A fresh five‑part series from the New York Times and Serial Productions, narrated by columnist M. Gessen, follows the unsettling tale of Allen, a self‑styled “idiot” who allegedly orders a hit on his ex‑wife. The narrative blends the investigative depth of earlier Serial hits like We Were Three and S‑Town, delivering a dark, character‑driven thriller that drops new episodes weekly.Friends Keep Secrets – Pop star Selena Gomez teams up with producer Benny Blanco, rapper‑actor Lil Dicky, and his wife Kristin Batalucco for a podcast that pushes the envelope of celebrity banter. Listeners can expect unfiltered conversations that even feature an unexpected Ed Sheeran interview, complete with the kind of raw, off‑beat humor that borders on “brain‑rot” territory.Screwed by AI – Hosted by Avantika Chilkoti of The Economist, this series travels to the Adult Video Network expo in Las Vegas – dubbed the “Oscars of porn” – to explore how the adult‑entertainment sector often foreshadows broader AI trends. The podcast examines the ripple effects on human relationships and the tech landscape, releasing new installments each week.Jacob Reed and Me – Described as an “investigative comedy,” writer Jacob Reed embarks on a nationwide quest to locate every other person sharing his name. The journey becomes a quirky storytelling experiment, featuring encounters with beach‑scene painters, economists, and even porn stars, all while the show’s advertisements are humorously sourced from fellow Jacob Reeds.Raven – This character‑driven investigation follows Raven Chanticleer, the founder of the African American Wax Museum in Harlem. The series weaves together Chanticleer’s flamboyant life story with the mystery surrounding the disappearance of his wax figures after his 2002 death, delivering a richly detailed narrative that unfolds weekly.All six podcasts are widely accessible across major platforms and release new episodes on a weekly schedule, offering a broad spectrum of content for listeners seeking true‑crime intrigue, celebrity insight, technological commentary, and off‑beat humor.

Dua Lipa, the Brit award-winning pop star, has been announced as the curator of this year's London literature festival at the Southbank Centre. The festival, now in its 19th year, will run from October 21 to November 1.Lipa will shape the programme of events across the opening weekend and beyond in collaboration with her Service95 book club, which she launched in 2023. This initiative is part of the Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary programme and during the UK's National Year of Reading.Lipa has established herself as a prominent advocate for reading through her book club, where she spotlights established writers and emerging voices. She has interviewed notable authors such as Margaret Atwood, George Saunders, and Olga Tokarczuk.“Reading has anchored me through every chapter of my life,” Lipa said. “Curating the Southbank Centre’s London literature festival is a dream come true. I’m thrilled to indulge one of my greatest obsessions: books and the brilliant minds behind them.”Mark Ball, artistic director of the Southbank Centre, praised Lipa's passion for literature, stating, “Dua Lipa is a global cultural force with millions of fans around the world, and her passion for the written and spoken word has inspired a new generation of readers.”The 2026 edition will feature a mix of ticketed and free events, highlighting both Lipa's favourite writers and new literary voices. The full programme is expected to be announced over the summer.

Robyn, the self-proclaimed Fembot, has always been known for pushing boundaries with her music. Her latest album, Sexistential, is no exception. The Swedish pop star's ninth album is a collection of songs that explore a new philosophy on love, relationships, and emotions.The album's lead single, Dopamine, sets the tone for the rest of the record. With its glittering, arpeggiated synths and introspective lyrics, the song finds Robyn questioning the nature of love and emotions. “I know it’s just dopamine, but it feels so real to me / I’m tripping on our chemistry,” she muses.Sexistential is a departure from Robyn's previous work, with a focus on electronic sounds and lyrics that challenge traditional notions of romance. The album's title track is a case study in Robyn's new mentality, with Robyn rapping about hooking up while undergoing IVF as a solo parent. The song's counterpart, Blow My Mind, is a revamp of her 2002 single, made psychedelic and faster, with lyrics that focus on loving her young son.The album's themes of love, relationships, and emotions are explored through a variety of songs, each with its own unique sound and style. From the thumping, claustrophobic drum machine of Really Real to the retro vocoder and Ministry of Sound piano of Talk to Me, each song showcases Robyn's ability to craft catchy, thought-provoking pop music.The album's finale, Into the Sun, is a surging electro-ballad with tangled religious imagery that makes it tricky to parse. However, the album's defining moment falls on Dopamine, where Robyn finds a way to hold two truths at the same time: feelings are chemical, and some feelings feel amazing. “When I let go, it’s so easy,” she spins, giddy, before hitting a high note that comes straight from the gut.