'I Love Them': Sugababes' Amelle Berrabah Praises Little Mix For 'Doing An Amazing Job'

By Alicia Adejobi On August 5, 2013

'I Love Them': Sugababes' Amelle Berrabah Praises Little Mix For 'Doing An Amazing Job Since Leaving The X Factor'

There's no rivalry with these girl bands

Sugababes stars Amelle Berrabah has proved there is no real rivalry in the world of pop, admitting that she “loves” Little Mix while also praising the girls for “doing an amazing job” in their mission for global fame since winning The X Factor almost two years ago.
It's taken the 'Wings' hitmakers no more than a year to cement their place in music since becoming the first group to win The X Factor in 2011, clocking up a string of hit singles including 'DNA' and 'How Ya Doin'?' in addition to overtaking the Spice Girls' record in the US after their debut album soared straight in at number three on the Billboard charts.

Amelle Berrabah says she "loves" Little Mix (WENN)

Their achievements haven't gone unnoticed with Amelle, one third of the Sugababes, says Little Mix should be proud of their success and managing to remain humble amidst the whirlwind that is their career.
“I love Little Mix! You know they can sing, they can sing live, they can perform,” Amelle told EntertainmentWise.
“There’s certain people who have star quality and for me they have that and they just seem, well I’ve met them a few times and they just seem really genuine, happy to be there which is how you should always be, you should never forget that this is a blessing that you’re living every day but I think they’ve done an amazing job.”
She added: “They’re taking over the planet by the looks of it so yeah I really, really like those girls.”
With the likes of Little Mix, One Direction, Union J, Lawson and District3 on the scene, there's no denying that the UK has seen a huge surge of groups on the rise, but Amelle says she doesn't feel nervous about the potential competition.

"Star Power": Amelle says that Little Mix are doing an "amazing" job (Anthony Stanley/WENN.com)

“Yeah it seems like it is but it always seems like that from year to year,” Amelle explained.
“Like five years ago there was a massive indie phase like literally the pop charts were taken over by indie music then there were solo artists like Emeli Sande coming out but it doesn’t necessarily effect the outcome."
She continued: “I think if people love the track and they love the music it’s cool basically. But yeah, I’m all for it especially being a girl. I'm all for women doing really well, whoever, anyone who’s musically talented and doing their thing I’m all for it.”
Meanwhile, Amelle also told us that there IS a possibility of the Sugababes recording new music later this year despite Jade Ewen claiming they have split.

Little Mix On Stage At Wireless Festival 

Perrie Edwards Looking Stunning At Wireless Festival (Yahoo, Wireless)

Why is everyone so excited about Mutya Keisha Siobhan? -gigwise.com

Friday 2nd August 2013 by Michael Baggs
Tags: Mutya Keisha Siobhan

Why is everyone so excited about Mutya Keisha Siobhan?

They're just another girlgroup right? Wrong. Very wrong

 

The original Sugababes are back and a lot of people are getting very excited about it. But why, when you can't step out of your front door without bumping into a band in the midst of a comeback, is the dawn of Mutya Keisha Siobhan causing such a fuss?
Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanon and Siobhan Donaghy arrived on the music scene in 2000 with their astounding debut single, 'Overload' - a smart, sassy and achingly cool pop debut. During the group's 13-year career, the term 'Sugababes' became pop code for 'shambles' as the edgy, spiky founding members were jettisoned from the group for increasingly more glossy members.
Now reunited as Mutya Keisha Siobhan, their comeback is big news. The trio gave their first interview to London hipster magazine Ponystep, and their presence has even filtered through to NME, who cover the goings on of MKS among the regular updates on Beady Eye, Babyshambles, Arctic Monkeys and the like.
But why the interest in MKS, when the return of (for instance), Atomic Kitten during The Big Reunion barely raised so much as pair of a false eyelashes? Check out ten good reasons why the return of Mutya, Keisha and Siobhan is such a big deal - and why we really should be very excited indeed...

1. First of all, it is astounding that they are back together at all, considering the initial break was of apocalyptic proportions

2. But more importantly, comeback single 'Flatline' is properly brilliant


3. And of course, 'Overload' still sounds amazing, 13 years on


4. With a band who date back over a decade, there is a nostalgia value to things

5. When it comes to girlgroups in the UK, we really don't have much in the way of credibility. That's Little Mix below, FYI

6. This is as close to a cheesy dance routine MKS are ever likely to get

7. Then, of course there were solo careers. Mutya's Groove Armada collaboration was an absolute work of genius


8. Siobhan Donaghy's second solo album was a masterpiece. It was also a massive flop, but that's by the by

9. The album is likely to be quite good. After all, Dev Hynes is involved and we all know what he did for Beyonce's little sister (all hail Solange etc)

Photo: Dev Hynes, Facebook

10. But most of all, it doesn't matter what they call themselves, we know who they really are

Open casting call for Happy Days the musical : Five lessons TV should learn from theatre - The Stage

Five lessons TV should learn from theatre

By:

Matthew Hemley

Heidi Range will star in Happy Days the Musical, which this week held open auditions. Photo: Paul Coltas.

Published

02:00pm
Thursday, August 1, 2013

Filed under

• Hemley on TV

Tagged

Amy Anzel, Andrew Wright,Happy Days, open auditions,television

This week I sat in on an open casting call for Happy Days the musical. As well as seeing enough kicks, cartwheels, jazz hands and wide-eyed enthusiasm to last a lifetime (and all of that was just from the director Andrew Wright) I came away contemplating open auditions in general.

They aren’t hugely common in the theatre industry – they used to be much more so. But recently we have started to see them return. Last year, for example, there were open auditions for A Chorus Line, and now Happy Days has followed suit.

It made me wonder whether television could take a leaf out of theatre’s book, and hold more open auditions for parts in dramas and series

According to the producer of Happy Days, Amy Anzel, she wanted to hold open auditions to give “everyone the opportunity to be seen” -people who might not normally be called, whether that is because they don’t have the best agent, don’t have an agent yet, or they have just left drama school.
It’s a lovely sentiment. And a great idea – even though open calls are time-consuming and labour intensive. I’m told 700 people applied to be seen for the open call of Happy Days, and a whole day was put aside to see the 400 or so who got their applications in first. That’s a lot of work. But, as Amy and Andrew point out, if they end up finding one person from the process it will be worth it. On top of that, it gives those auditioning a taste of the real world.
It made me wonder whether television could take a leaf out of theatre’s book, and hold more open auditions for parts in dramas and series.
So, with that in mind, below are just a few lessons I believe television could learn from theatre, starting with open auditions

1. Open calls. Yes, there are usually open calls for reality shows such as The X Factor (they rely on them to find the oddballs) but could dramas and series also benefit from holding open calls? If they did this, perhaps they might well unearth some interesting talent – and perhaps we might see more unfamiliar faces on screen, rather than the usual suspects. This is something that is often complained about. E4 series Skins has done it before, but more series could give it a go. Okay, I know open calls mean more expense, and more time, but TV isn’t particularly poor. And if theatre can manage it, TV can too.
2. Longer rehearsals – or just any kind of rehearsal at all. Often, when interviewing TV actors, I hear that there is no time for rehearsals. It’s a case of doing your homework before you get on set. But what about building a rapport with your fellow cast members? Exploring your character? Experimenting with a role? Getting to know the director? I know budgets are tight, but one week or two wouldn’t break the bank, would it? And think of the benefits.
3. Keep the creators/writers involved. I hear, quite often, complaints that writers and others involved in creating a TV drama series are often sidelined when production of the show begins. Bolshie directors or executive producers, possibly threatened by the writer’s inclusion, exclude them from the production once a script is handed in. I am not saying this doesn’t happen in theatre, but it seems to me it’s a much more supportive environment, generally – and I know, for example, the Happy Days team are planning on working very closely with the show’s creators.
4. Speak up, I can’t hear what you’re saying! You may have read about complaints recently that some viewers have not been able to hear what some actors on television are saying. This, perhaps, has to do with the desire on the part of the actors concerned to sound true to life. But if no one can hear what you’re saying, you’re not being true to anything. On the stage, clarity is paramount. I am not suggesting TV actors start shouting, just that a little diction may not go astray.
5. Lighten up and have a laugh. One of the things I love about the theatre industry is the community feel it has – even among rival productions. Actors (generally) seem to really root for each other – and come together when they need to for a good cause. Such as the casts of Les Mis and Phantom coming together to play football for charity,or the West End Eurovision event. On top of that, the Olivier Awards (when you’re actually there watching it) seem to have such a laid-back, cheerful vibe. The BAFTAs, by contrast, is a little more stuffy, more serious. I guess what I’m saying is – theatre knows how to have a bit more fun. But I may be wrong. In which case, tell me…

HEMLEY ON TV

The Stage's resident TV expert Matthew Hemley tackles the big issues facing the small screen.

The Mutya Keisha Siobhan concert was pretty good you know

You are in: Home  The Briefing  The Mutya Keisha Siobhan concert was pretty good you know

The Mutya Keisha Siobhan concert was pretty good you know

Posted by Popjustice on Aug 02 2013, 13:44

And when we say ‘pretty good’ we mean one of our Top 10 Pop Moments Of All Time.

The danger, we felt beforehand, was that it would be a slightly insular look back at times gone by, but the setlist was a perfect mix of just enough really old stuff, just enough mid-Babes more recent stuff, and just enough ‘Flatline’-isn’t-as-good-as-it-gets futurestuff. Surprisingly, it really felt like the start of something.

The best new song they played last night, which we hand’t heard before, is a song called ‘Today’. MNEK worked on it and it has TWO AND A HALF CHORUSES.

https://

The defining point of the show, however, is captured in the following YouTube clip of the band performing ‘Stronger’. They key moment comes at 2:10 when it gets to ‘the Heidi bit’. You wonder how the band will handle it, and the person who’s recording the clip assumes, like most of us, that Mutya will take the vocal. But then… Well, watch the clip.

We can’t remember the last time we heard a live audience react like that. A very special moment.

Here’s another one of our favourite new songs – ‘I’m Alright’.

We love ‘No Regrets’ as well.

As for the rest of the set, well, that was jolly good as well. YouTube isn’t short of clips if you fancy losing the rest of your afternoon

Source: http://www.popjustice.com/briefing/mutya-keisha-siobhan-was-pretty-good-you-know/117929/#ixzz2av9vaseo 
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More Photos of Heidi leaving Daybreak studios

Heidi Range is pictured leaving the ITV studios following a guest appearance on the Daybreak show.

Add caption

Original Sugababes MKS sport revealing suits as they perform first live show together in 12 years

The S clearly stands for sexy! Original Sugababes MKS sport revealing suits as they perform first live show together in 12 years

By FAY STRANG

PUBLISHED: 01:27, 2 August 2013 | UPDATED: 09:10, 2 August 2013

The original line-up was dismantled back in 2001 when Siobhan Donaghy left the group, followed by Mutya Buena in 2005 and finally Keisha Buchanan in 2007.

But on Thursday evening the Sugababes were back under their new name Mutya Keisha Siobhan, or MKS for short, as they performed their first live show as the original three in 12 years.

Taking to the stage at Scala in London's Kings Cross the group didn’t disappoint as they performed both old and new tracks to the sold out crowd.

They're back: Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghy of Mutya Keisha Siobhan took to the stage at Scala in London on Thursday evening

And making sure it wasn’t just their vocals which impressed the group also dressed to wow for their comeback gig.

Keisha looked sophisticated and stylish showing off her legs in a pair of shorts featuring a sheer skirt train.

She teamed it with a black blazer and cut-out black heels as she owned the stage, looking delighted to be back with her old bandmates. 

Show stopping: Keisha showed off her legs in a short skirt featuring a sheer train detail

Different takes: Mutya (L) and Siobhan (R) may both have been wearing suits but in very different styles 

They've still go it: The group showed that a 12 year hiatus hasn't stopped them from putting on an impressive performance

Mutya also opted for a sophisticated number wearing a black and grey suit, but adding her own fun twist she wore an extremely low-cut top which showed off her ample cleavage.

In keeping with their smart look Siobhan wore a black trouser suit with a pair of flat white brogues, creating a 1920s vibe. 

The group kicked off their performance with Overload, which was their first single and huge hit from 2000.

Lets go: The group kicked off their performance with their first ever single Overload

Delighted: Siobhan looked stunning with her hair in waves framing her face as she smiled at her bandmates

They went on to perform six new songs, while they closed the successful show with their new single Flatline. 

Speaking to Metro following the performance the group said: ‘It was incredible to be able to share our new music with fans at our first full live show.

‘Performing our new single Flatline to a sold out crowd was a very special moment!’

Singing her heart out: Keisha looked as if she was getting emotional as she made her return to stage 

So pleased: It seemed any issues between the women from the past disappeared once on stage

Show stealer: Mutya almost risked popping out of her top as she moved around the stage

Posing up: The girls still looked flawless at an afterparty following the gig

The show came as Jade Ewen, who is part of the current line-up of the Sugababes revealed she was unsure about the future of the band.

She told Digital Spy: ‘I don't even know if the band stuff is going to happen again, if I'm completely honest. I think Amelle wants to do her own solo stuff, Heidi is doing a Happy Days musical... I think we're pretty much done.

‘I'm working on solo material at the moment actually. It's only come about in the past three weeks, so it's quite a new project.

Best front forward: Keisha waved to fans as she left the show after the performance

Covering up: Keisha was later seen wearing a blazer over her ensemble

‘No one's really seen me yet. I sang for Eurovision, I've been in a band, but I don't think anyone really knows what I'm about.’

Siobhan left the group in August 2001 during a promotional tour in Japan - less than a year after the release of their first single Overload.

After being replaced by Liverpudlian Heidi Range, the trio enjoyed huge success, including No.1s around the world and a Brit Award.

However, Mutya decided to quit the group in December 2005 to spend more time with her daughter.

Keisha remained with the Sugababes and their new replacement Amelle Berrabah until she was 'forced out' of the group in September 2007.

History: The girls have a lot of history together- they formed when Mutya and Siobhan were just 13-years-old

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2382919/Mutya-Keisha-Siobhan-set-stage-alight-sexy-suits-perform-live-12-years.html#ixzz2anu7oTW5
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Jade and Laura Whitmore meet as James Franco, Sienna Miller take drive in BMW i3 at launch - video

James Franco, Sienna Miller take drive in BMW i3 at 

launch - video

Published Tuesday, Jul 30 2013, 13:16 BST  |  By Daniel Sperling  

James Franco and Sienna Miller took a drive in the BMW i3 at the electric car's launch event in London last night (July 29).

The Hollywood stars slipped into the front seats of the £25,000 (£38,282) vehicle after officially unveiling it at a party in Old Billingsgate Market on the banks of the Thames.
The pair cuddled up next to each other and laughed like old friends as they explained the car's features, which include its own bespoke smartphone app and a hi-tech aluminium and carbon fibre plastic chassis.

Sienna Miller & James Franco at the BMW i3 launch

Sienna Miller & James Franco at the BMW i3 launch

Speaking at the launch, Miller revealed that she has become more conscious of environmental issues after having daughter Marlow with husband Tom Sturridge last July.

Sienna Miller & James Franco at the BMW i3 launch

Sienna Miller & James Franco at the BMW i3 launch

She said: "I've been involved in all sorts of different green charities for a decade now, and having had a daughter recently I feel incredibly responsible and we all have to make those choices for the next generation. It's very close to my heart."

Peaches Geldof at the BMW i3 launch

Jade Ewen & Laura Whitmore at the BMW i3 launch

Franco, meanwhile, stated the BMW i3 is "just cool", before assuring potential buyers that it is "not so big that you'll have problems parking".

Peaches Geldof, Wretch 32, Laura Whitmore, Sugababes singer Jade Ewen and Pixie Lott's model boyfriend Oliver Cheshire were among the other celebrities at the BMW event.

Read more:http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a502449/james-franco-sienna-miller-take-drive-in-bmw-i3-at-launch-video.html#ixzz2ahgLhSJe
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