In a night that will be etched in country music history, Shania Twain took the stage at the Kennedy Center Honors to pay tribute to her idol and friend, Dolly Parton, with a heartfelt performance that had the entire audience – including Dolly herself – wiping away tears.

Dolly Parton, the queen of country and an American cultural icon, was recognized for her lifetime of contributions to music and philanthropy at the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. But it was Shania Twain’s performance that became one of the night’s most unforgettable moments.

Standing in a shimmering gold gown that nodded to Dolly’s signature sparkle, Shania delivered a stunning rendition of “Coat of Many Colors,” one of Dolly’s most beloved songs. Her warm, clear vocals filled the hall, capturing the song’s timeless message of resilience and love. As she sang, the cameras captured Dolly smiling, singing along softly, and occasionally dabbing tears from her eyes.

“I wouldn’t be here without you, Dolly,” Shania said onstage, her voice cracking with emotion. “Your songs taught me how to tell stories that matter, how to bring light into the world even when it feels dark, and how to be unapologetically myself.”

The performance was followed by a standing ovation that seemed to last forever, with Shania and Dolly sharing a warm embrace onstage, showcasing a rare moment of genuine connection between two generations of country legends.

The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture, felt especially meaningful this year, with Dolly’s work not just in music, but also in literacy and disaster relief, being celebrated with full heart. Shania’s tribute served as a reminder of the deep ripple effect Dolly’s artistry has had on artists across genres, inspiring countless women to step into their power with grace, wit, and a touch of rhinestone glamour.

Fans around the world praised Shania’s performance for its simplicity and sincerity, proving that when one legend honors another, the moment transcends a single stage and becomes a celebration of everything country music stands for: storytelling, hope, and family.

As Dolly Parton continues to inspire new generations, this tribute from Shania Twain will be remembered as a love letter from one queen to another, reminding us why country music’s legacy continues to shine brightly in the hearts of millions.

On the morning of Friday, April 4, siblings Pearl (9) and Ray (7) believed they were simply getting a sneak peek inside Ed Sheeran’s tour bus. The two young super-fans, who have adored Ed’s music for as long as they can remember, were thrilled just to step into the world of their favourite artist.

Pearl, who sings along to Castle on the Hill at every chance, and Ray, who can’t get enough of Shape of You, have grown up with Ed’s songs as the soundtrack to their childhood, making this moment feel like a dream come true.

The pair joined Mark Wright and Olly Murs on Heart Breakfast for a tour of the bus, proudly bringing along colourful drawings they had made for Ed, hoping he might see them someday.

But as they climbed to the top deck, the real surprise was waiting for them.

Ed Sheeran himself was hidden away, ready to give his young fans a memory they’d never forget. As he stepped forward, Pearl and Ray froze in shock, eyes wide, unable to process that their hero was standing right in front of them.

@thisisheart

Whoever said don’t meet your heroes clearly never met @Ed Sheeran 🥹 Watch the moment Pearl and Ray finally got to meet their hero on our very special Ed tour bus. Still can’t get over seeing their sweet reactions ❤️ #edsheeran #edsheeranrecoveryy #edsheeranlive #surprise #children #childhoodmemories

♬ original sound – Heart

Yet even in the middle of their star-struck awe, the siblings managed to stay composed, chatting away with Ed like they were catching up with an old friend, creating a moment of pure magic they will treasure forever.

Glastonbury doesn’t look the way it used to. The fields are still muddy, the flags still wave, but the soundtrack now pulses with pop, hip hop, R&B, and chart-ready dance hits alongside the usual indie fare. It’s not a bad thing—change rarely is—and the festival’s embrace of mainstream sounds keeps it lively, with something to suit every taste at any hour.

Yet, with this evolution, the festival’s rock elders find themselves in a strange spot. This evening, festival-goers had to choose between the fearless pop energy of Charli XCX, Grammy-winning rap fire from Doechii, disco nostalgia with Scissor Sisters, 90s rave heroes Leftfield—or the storied Neil Young closing out the Pyramid Stage, the festival’s prime slot. Among this lineup, Young felt like an outlier, almost oddly placed. Once revered as a constant in the rock pantheon, tonight the ‘Godfather of Grunge’ felt genuinely alternative again.

The scene before Young’s set was telling: the crowd remained sparse until moments before he stepped out, a clear sign that for many, he was not the night’s main attraction. For an artist of his legacy, it was a strange sight.

Then, quietly, Young appeared. Alone under a single stark white light, cap low over his eyes, he strummed a rough-hewn Sugar Mountain while seated on a stool, acoustic guitar in hand. It felt almost too bare-bones, too modest, for a festival used to lasers, pyrotechnics, and elaborate stagecraft. Surely a 79-year-old man alone with his guitar couldn’t headline Glastonbury in this era of spectacle?

Turns out, he can—and he did.

Because if your songs are timeless, you don’t need the rest. Young’s performance was unadorned yet utterly magnetic. Once The Chrome Hearts joined him and he tore into Be the Rain, the sheer weight of his guitar tone cut through the evening air, reminding everyone why these songs endure. His set, unpolished and rooted deeply in folk and rock, felt like a cleansing breath amid the festival’s overstimulation.

Watching Young play felt like opening a box of treasures from another age. They may not glisten like the latest pop hit, but the emotional gravity of Cinnamon Girl, the ragged insistence of Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black), the gentle glow of Harvest Moon, and the soul-deep ache of Old Man and Like a Hurricane are impossible to deny. The crowd might have felt trendier dancing to Von Dutch on the Other Stage, but Young’s catalogue has stood the test of time and will still matter long after pop’s current heroes become nostalgia themselves. When he stood alone for a spellbinding rendition of The Needle and the Damage Done, it felt like rediscovering the true essence of music—raw, honest, and powerful.

At his age, Young is not the spry performer he once was, and that unmistakable, divisive voice was never about technical perfection. But with a stellar band, that thunderous guitar tone that countless artists have tried to mimic, and a catalogue of profound depth, it’s hard to imagine anyone in that field regretting their choice to witness him.

He probably should have closed with the euphoric chaos of Rockin’ in the Free World, the crowd’s roars still echoing, rather than add the comparatively subdued Throw Your Hatred Down. But that’s a small quibble in a set that felt like a final, beautiful bow at Glastonbury for one of rock’s true legends.

The festival may be evolving, but its old rock and roll spirit isn’t going quietly—and tonight, Neil Young proved it still has plenty to say.

Last night, under the iconic Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival on June 29, 2025, Olivia Rodrigo, 22, delivered a career-defining headline performance that sold out the weekend and captivated fans of all ages. Opening with fan favorites like “Vampire” and “Driver’s License”, she blended raw emotion and rock energy — a testament to her evolving artistry. Her set included high-octane tracks like “Bad Idea Right?” and the pop-punk anthem “Good 4 U”, ending with a massive finale complete with fireworks and balloon showers

The Surprise Guest: Robert Smith of The Cure

Midway through her set, Rodrigo paused and introduced a very special guest:

“Perhaps the best songwriter to come out of England, a Glastonbury legend and a personal hero of mine.”

The words held true as Robert Smith, 66, lead singer of The Cure, took the stage. Together, they performed two iconic Cure songs: “Friday I’m in Love” and “Just Like Heaven”. The duet brought generations—a sea of young fans beside longtime Cure devotees—into unified cheers, even inspiring fans like Gracie Abrams (up on Paul Mescal’s shoulders) to sing along.

Rodrigo later reflected on the moment:

“One of the coolest moments of my life!!!!”

Meanwhile, Smith appeared genuinely moved, cracking a playful “doody doody dooo, oh yeah” at the end of “Friday I’m in Love”—a lighthearted sign of shared joy.

Glastonbury 2025 will be remembered not just for its legendary lineup, but for moments like this—an authentic tribute from a new icon to a legendary songwriter. It’s a generational salute in perfect harmony on music’s biggest stage.

Glastonbury 2025: The Cure’s Robert Smith joins Olivia Rodrigo on the Pyramid Stage and plays ‘Friday I’m in Love’! ❤️ #Glastonbury #Glastonbury2025 pic.twitter.com/g53VxYLm3m

— Far Out Magazine (@FarOutMag) June 29, 2025

Willie Nelson and Loretta Lynn shared a deep friendship over the years, but surprisingly, they only recorded one duet together: the hauntingly beautiful “Lay Me Down,” released in 2016.

In this gentle ballad, they sing, “When they lay me down someday, my soul will rise, then fly away. This old world will turn around. I’ll be at peace when they lay me down.” The song became a quiet testament to both of their legacies, a soft prayer wrapped in melody.

After Loretta’s passing, Willie remembered her fondly, saying she was not only an incredible artist and songwriter but also a beautiful soul he would deeply miss.

In a touching tribute, Loretta’s family organized a public memorial at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House on October 30, 2022. The service, broadcast live by CMT, allowed fans everywhere to honor Loretta’s memory.

A particularly moving moment from the memorial came when Loretta’s granddaughter, Emmy Russell, and Willie’s son, Lukas Nelson, took the stage to perform “Lay Me Down.” Their stripped-back, heartfelt rendition was so powerful that it sent chills through the audience, a reminder of the enduring bond between their families and the music they carry forward.

CMT described the performance as “emotional,” and that’s an understatement. It’s the kind of performance that makes you pause, reflect, and, yes, brings tears to your eyes.

Their duet resonated so deeply that it was later nominated for CMT Performance of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. On the red carpet, Emmy shared the wisdom her grandmother had instilled in her: “The most advice she gave me throughout the years was to love God… listen to Him and follow His voice.”

Emmy continues to honor her grandmother’s legacy while carving out her own musical path. She later competed on Season 22 of American Idol, where she made it into the Top 5, proving that the spirit of Loretta Lynn’s music lives on in her.

You can watch Lukas and Emmy’s unforgettable performance of “Lay Me Down” below, a tribute that would surely make Willie and Loretta proud.

Sir Rod Stewart, aged 80, commanded the legendary Sunday “Legends” slot on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival 2025, delivering a dynamic 90‑minute set that blended nostalgia, showmanship, and surprise guest appearances.

Fans were treated to a 21‑song extravaganza featuring hits such as “Tonight I’m Yours,” “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”, “Young Turks,” and “Forever Young.” The show culminated in an emotional finale with “Sailing” as Stewart and his band donned sailor caps.

Described as “Vegas‑style razzmatazz,” the set featured multiple costume changes—including a bold pink suit—and a troupe of backing dancers, earning plaudits for its high-energy production, though some critics dubbed it “next‑level cheese”.

Beyond entertainment, Stewart used his platform to make statements: dedicating Love Train to Ukraine and subtly contrasting his message of unity against politically charged performances earlier in the weekend.

He also stirred buzz by publicly expressing support for Nigel Farage and the Reform Party prior to the festival, though the audience remained receptive. Stewart even acknowledged the intense stage heat, famously quipping, “It’s f***ing hot”.

Festivalgoers and critics alike praised the show. One fan called it “one of the best Legends slots in #Glasto history,” while others appreciated Stewart’s stamina and star power at age 80.

In the mid-80s, Eric Clapton quietly released a soulful ballad called Holy Mother on his 1986 album August. It didn’t roar up the charts or dominate the radio, but its tender, prayer-like lyrics struck a chord with listeners who stumbled upon it—a song of surrender, of seeking comfort when life’s storms become too much to bear.

A decade later, that quietly powerful song found new life in the most unexpected collaboration. In 1996, at a charity concert in Modena, Italy, Holy Mother was reborn when Clapton shared the stage with none other than Luciano Pavarotti, the operatic titan whose voice had already conquered stadiums and classical halls alike.

At 51, Clapton began the performance with his signature understated warmth, his guitar lines weaving delicately around his weathered voice. The East London Gospel Choir swayed behind him, adding gentle harmonies that lifted the song’s quiet prayer into something larger.

Then came Pavarotti.

Luciano, 61 at the time, entered the song like a sunrise, his operatic tenor soaring over the simple melody, adding a grandeur that was almost shocking at first. The combination of rock guitar, gospel choir, and operatic vocals shouldn’t have worked—and yet, it did, magnificently.

As Clapton launched into a piercing guitar solo, Pavarotti’s voice and the choir’s harmonies wrapped around the melody, transforming the performance into something more than a concert moment. It became a plea, a hymn for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed and in need of rescue.

For Pavarotti, who shattered barriers for opera singers when The Three Tenors performance at the 1990 FIFA World Cup brought classical music to the masses, the duet with Clapton was another step in showing that music has no boundaries.

For Clapton, whose journey through addiction and heartbreak often found its way into his songwriting, Holy Mother was a prayer wrapped in melody, an acknowledgment of his struggles and a request for peace:

“Holy Mother, hear my cry,
I’ve cursed your name a thousand times,
I’ve felt the anger running through my soul,
All I need is a hand to hold.”

And perhaps that’s why this duet continues to resonate. It’s a reminder that no matter how different our worlds may be—rock star, opera legend, or a listener on the other side of the screen—we all search for the same comfort, the same shelter, the same hope.

Years later, Holy Mother remains one of Clapton’s most quietly powerful songs, and this duet with Pavarotti ensures it will never be forgotten, living on as a testament to the healing power of music and the beauty that happens when artists meet at the crossroads of vulnerability and faith.

We can debate the value of TV talent shows all day, but one thing’s for sure: shows like The X Factor, The Voice, and Got Talent franchises have opened doors for countless unknown artists, giving them the chance to share their talent with the world. Swedish singer-songwriter Chris Kläfford is one of those artists who seized that moment and made it count.

Chris, a soulful singer and guitarist from Sweden, auditioned for Season 14 of America’s Got Talent. Over the years, the show has seen its share of unforgettable auditions, and Chris delivered one that firmly secured its place among the best. When Simon Cowell asked him about his musical influences, Chris shared that he grew up on rock bands like Kiss—a detail that made his song choice even more intriguing.

Instead of belting out a rock classic, Chris chose to perform John Lennon’s Imagine, delivering a rendition so heartfelt that many in the audience were moved to tears. It wasn’t a surprise when the judges unanimously voted him through to the next round, recognizing both his vocal gift and his ability to connect deeply with the song’s message.

Chris advanced through the Judges Cuts with ease, performing his original song Something Like Me, earning a standing ovation from all the judges and proving that his artistry went beyond covers. Original songs are often a gamble on these stages, as audiences typically connect more easily with familiar hits, but Chris wasn’t afraid to share his own stories. In the quarter-finals, he performed another original track, earning a standing ovation from Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough, and his fan support carried him into the semi-finals.

Though Chris didn’t win America’s Got Talent and was eliminated in the semis, it was far from the end of his journey. His story began in a small Swedish town where he started playing guitar at nine and fell in love with music, despite many encouraging him to keep it as a hobby. Making a living from music wasn’t easy; he played countless small gigs, barely getting by, but his determination never wavered.

His persistence paid off when he won Swedish Idol in 2017, propelling him into the national spotlight. Chris quickly became a household name in Sweden, releasing three top-five singles the following year and breaking records by simultaneously holding the number one and number seven most-streamed songs in Sweden.

Chris Kläfford’s voice carries the warmth and raw honesty that make listeners pause and truly listen. Many who stumbled upon his Imagine performance on YouTube shared the same sentiment:

“This is the best version of this song I’ve ever heard. I actually prefer it to the original.”

As Chris continues to share his music with the world, here’s hoping that his journey expands far beyond Sweden, bringing his soulful sound to every corner of the globe. Because voices like his deserve to be heard.

Lewis Capaldi has made a powerful and emotional return to the Glastonbury Pyramid Stage, two years after he was forced to cut short his 2023 performance due to a flare-up of his Tourette’s symptoms.

The Scottish singer-songwriter, 28, appeared as a surprise act during the festival’s opening weekend, performing a 35-minute set that included his hits “Before You Go,” “Someone You Loved,” and his new single “Survive,” which was released on the same day.

Watch last time fan helped him finish his song! So emotional!!!

“It’s so good to be back,” Capaldi told the crowd, visibly emotional as he addressed the audience. “I just wanted to finish what I couldn’t finish the last time.”

Capaldi’s 2023 performance at Glastonbury became a defining moment when he struggled to complete his set due to his condition, prompting fans to sing along in support. Following that appearance, he announced an indefinite break from touring to focus on his mental and physical health.

On Friday, fans packed the Pyramid Stage area as rumors of his appearance circulated. The crowd erupted in cheers as Capaldi walked on stage with his guitar, with many in the audience holding supportive banners. Throughout the set, Capaldi expressed gratitude for the support he has received over the past two years, describing it as “the reason I’m here today.”

A fan in attendance described the performance as “a full-circle moment,” while another noted the “overwhelming sense of love in the crowd” as Capaldi confidently finished “Someone You Loved,” the song he could not complete during his previous appearance.

Capaldi’s new single “Survive” touches on his journey with anxiety and the challenges of living in the public eye while managing his health. The track has already sparked discussions online about the importance of mental health and self-care within the music industry.

Festival organizers praised Capaldi’s return, calling it “a moment of resilience and healing not just for Lewis, but for everyone who has followed his journey.”

It is currently unclear whether Capaldi plans to announce further live performances, but sources close to the artist suggest that a gradual return to live shows may be possible, with a focus on balancing his health and career moving forward.

For now, Capaldi’s Glastonbury return marks a significant milestone in his career, celebrated by thousands of fans who witnessed a performance filled with vulnerability, courage, and the power of music to bring people together.

As he celebrates an extraordinary 65 years in the spotlight, Sir Cliff Richard is preparing to release a new album that looks back on his iconic career—while also honoring one of his dearest friends, the late Olivia Newton-John.

The legendary entertainer, now 82, announced Cliff with Strings – My Kinda Life, a collection of his greatest hits reimagined with lush orchestral arrangements. The album is set to release on November 3, and among its emotional highlights is a reworked version of his classic duet “Suddenly,” performed with Olivia Newton-John.

Originally recorded for the 1980 film Xanadu, “Suddenly” was a fan-favorite ballad showcasing the effortless harmony between Cliff and Olivia. The new version, taken from their heartfelt live duet at London’s Royal Albert Hall during Cliff’s 75th birthday celebrations in 2015, has been revived with orchestral beauty by arranger Chris Walden. Cliff describes it as the most emotional track on the album.

“The gentleness Olivia brought to everything she did still shines through in this version,” Cliff said. “Listening to it again now, after she’s gone, it moves me in a way I can’t quite describe. Our voices blended so naturally—it always felt effortless with her.”

Olivia Newton-John passed away in August 2022 at the age of 73 after a courageous 30-year battle with breast cancer. Her passing deeply affected Cliff, who described their relationship as a “soul-mate friendship” built over decades of laughter, shared stages, and emotional honesty.

“We were never a couple, but we were absolutely bound by something rare,” Cliff shared. “I spoke to her just five weeks before she passed. She was still her vibrant, sunny self—‘Oh, g’day Cliff, how are you darling?’ she said with that warmth I’ll never forget. Losing her… it still doesn’t feel real.”

Their bond began in the 1970s, when Cliff helped Olivia gain wider exposure by inviting her onto his BBC television series. From there, their friendship blossomed into a lifelong connection filled with professional collaborations and personal support.

The forthcoming album spans Cliff’s unmatched seven-decade career, featuring new orchestral versions of classics like “Summer Holiday,” “Living Doll,” “Wired for Sound,” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” It also includes a rare 1999 performance of Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” from his Millennium Countdown concert.

Reflecting on the project, Cliff said revisiting his old vocal takes brought back a flood of memories. “It’s emotional hearing those younger versions of myself, and seeing how my voice and style evolved over time,” he shared. “These songs have traveled with me through my entire life—and hearing them with orchestral depth gives them new life.”

As Cliff prepares to release Cliff with Strings – My Kinda Life, it’s not just a celebration of his past—it’s a heartfelt reminder of music’s power to preserve connection, memory, and love.