Kellie

This Friday (2nd February) will see Yorkshire based singer-songwriter,  Jess Thristan  release her brand new single of a classic Dolly Parton song, Jolene. Jess is releasing this song with fellow singer-songwriters Kezia Gill, Jade Helliwell, and Demi Marriner on the track. Jolene begins with a crisp vocal tone opening allowing for beautiful tones to be shown - there is something so beautifully raw about this version already as Jess has stripped it back allowing for another side of the lyrics to shine through. Jess Thristan, Jade Helliwell, Kezia Gill and Demi Marriner's harmonies are great as they blend wonderfully with their soulful tones, however, the solo vocals on their own solo lines are great giving the listeners a chance to hear them individually as artists which many listeners will appreciate being a fan of these ladies. The chorus has been carefully thought about when it comes to Jess, Jade, Kezia and Demi's vocal tones and harmonies making for a great moment alone. ...

Today (Friday 26th January) will see US country pop singer-songwriter,  Halle Kearns  release her brand new single, High School Friends. Photo Credit: Krista Johnson High School Friends begins with Halle's crisp vocal tone setting the tone beautifully. The first verse is filled with memories of high school thinking about all those things that haven't changed but at the same time everything has changed. The lyrics are super relatable with those lyrics of where you thought you'd be and where you actually are being so different - I caught myself starting to open up! The chorus made me emotional as it allowed for me to think back to my high school and all the friends, I lost connect with along the way and am slowly reconnecting with as well as all the memories we made. The second verse is the past where the dream starts to become a reality whatever it takes whether it happens quickly or in a matter of months/ years and that's OK. The standout moment came within the bridge a...

Today (Friday 19th January) will see American singer-songwriter,  Megan Moroney  release her brand new single, No Caller ID. Photo Credit: CeCe Dawson No Caller ID  begins with a soft guitar instrumental working well with Megan's soft crisp vocal tone filled with vulnerability from the heartbreak as well as some purity with her songwriting especially within the first verse. The chorus is the part of the song that I caught myself listening to carefully and appreciating those moments to reflect which some gorgeous tones from Megan being delivered. The second verse is the part of the chorus where you think you who's calling but at the same time you aren't convinced as you know you will just end up going backwards on your recovery, however, it's the final verse that is the best in my opinion as it's the part where you realise leaving your ex in the past is the best thing you could do! Megan's songwriting throughout No Caller ID is brilliant and you can hear so much ...

Today (Friday 12th January) will see country singer-songwriter,  Hannah Ellis  release her debut album, That Girl which is made up of 13 tracks. Hannah is signed to Curb Records. Country Can  begins with a small town country feel thanks to the soft guitar that is opens up Hannah's debut album wonderfully with the lyrics being beautifully delivered leading to the chorus taking you on a journey. Country Can reminds me of C2C and the discovery of this talented artist in between many of the other artists on the stages. Hannah is a brilliant singer-songwriter that is shown within all three verses and the chorus blend together fantastically bringing the song together and making you want to sing along from start to finish. Us has a soft instrumental with heartfelt lyrics about those special moments in your relationship that make you realise how lucky you are to have that special person. The chorus is rather beautiful talking about those special moments you have shared that make ...

Today (Friday 5th January),  Tigirlily Gold  made up of sisters, Kendra and Krista release their brand new single and their first of 2024 called I Tried A Ring On. Photo Taken By Me at C2C 2023 I Tried A Ring On  begins with soft guitar instrumental that compliments the songs vulnerability. Kendra's crisp tone with the honesty of the lyrics makes for this wonderful meaning of the song to come across. There is something extremely wonderful about their songwriting and how you can hear that every part of the song based on their own relationships whether it's been a good one or not, many people have probably been there in their relationships as you think to the future with that special person. The chorus is rather catchy but filled with heartfelt lyrics mixed with a lot of emotion especially within the last line of the chorus whilst seeing the two sisters harmonies come together beautifully allowing for listeners to hear their brilliant tones. Krista's tone is beautiful....

I thought I would write a blog about the many theatre trips that I have  been lucky to on over the past year which have been incredible and honestly I am so grateful to have found my love for it once again. My first theatre trip of the year was to see Charlie and The Chocolate Factory at Milton Keynes that I have to say was absolutely brilliant. Being someone who is hard of hearing it was wonderful to see this represented in the production by the fantastic Leonie Spilsbury who played Mrs Bucket in the show I attended. Kazmin Borrer was brilliant as Veruca Salt. I know it's not a proper theatre show but up next was The Neighbours Celebration Tour at The Palladium - an experience I loved having never been to the venue but one I have always wanted to attend and mixing it with my love of the soaps was a brilliant trip to start 2023. Followed by trip to The British Soap Awards back in June at The Lowry Theatre in Manchester which is also a brilliant evening minus the absolute chaos of a...

It's safe to say that Sarah Platt has had a tough 2023, but soon Sarah is soon to reunite with her daughter, Bethany Platt who arrived back on the street during last night's episode (31st December). Talking about reuniting with her on-screen daughter, Tina said:  "I think if she knows Bethany well enough, she's knows there's probably going to be drama following very closely behind her. I think she's over the moon to see her, she doesn't expect it, it's a complete surprise. For me personally working with Lucy has been such a joy." As an actress, you must be relishing in the drama for Sarah?  "To be honest, I feel like I have won the jackpot when it comes to my job. I absolutely love working with the people I do. Ciaran being back as well I haven't stopped laughing. Sam's always a dream. And Lucy, I just love her. It's amazing!" Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street When asked about does Sarah think there is a way back for her an...

During tonight's Boxing Day episode (26th December) of Coronation Street, viewers saw Peter and Carla Barlow is a very special episode which led to Peter leaving Weatherfield. This special episode featured fan favourites Peter and Carla Barlow as they hit a rough patch in their marriage leading to some home truths being revealed. After everything the couple have been through recently you could see the strain in Carla's eyes and the way that Alison King delivered the dialogue with such emotion that she had Peter's best interests at heart. Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street The scenes in the flat were rather emotional and you could see how much all Carla wanted was/ is the best for her husband even if it is hurting them both but I personally feel like Carla has a point. The love between the characters is and always will be there despite what happens next for them! Alison King and Chris Gascoyne deliver the best emotional scenes whilst nailing emotions that go with it first ...

I have watched EastEnders since I was a young girl, however, have struggled to watch it live since lockdown but last night's Christmas Day episode (25th December) was just incredible. From the very moment we were shown what was going to happen during this year's Christmas episode back in February, I can honestly say I have been hooked. Thank you for a brilliant lead up. All of the SIX involved - Kathy Beale, Stacey Slater, Linda Carter, Sharon Watts, Denise Fox and Suki Panesar have led me to changing my mind on many occasions even until moments before last night's episode aired. I always thought it was Stacey Slater but didn't 100% know the victim but Keanu Taylor was the person who I'd always said, but recently thought it could have been Nish or Phil Mitchell due to his involvement in the Sharon storyline with Albie crossed my mind. However, once the Christmas episode started I was hooked especially as the Queen Vic featured in the first scene, then the SIX being ...

To end the year, I caught up with Tigirlily Gold made up of sisters, Kendra and Krista who this year have had a brilliant year when coming to the UK for 2023 (where they will debuted but next year on The Spotlight Stage), playing The Grand Ole Opry, releasing their debut EP, Blonde along with their plans for 2024. Photo taken by me at C2C 2023 Hello Krista and Kendra, how are you? Hey Kellie! We are doing great! Thanks for checking in! 2023 has been a busy year for you both in March you came over to the UK for C2C, how did you find the whole experience? Performing in London for the first time was one of our absolute favorite memories of 2023 and will be ingrained in our brains forever. The way the fans showed up for us was unbelievable! They knew every word to our song "Shoot Tequila!" We were booked for the festival fairly last minute and barely made our shows due to a delayed flight, but it was well worth it because of the fans. I have to say your performances, I caught we...

Following Coronation Street viewers seeing Daniel Osborne discover the truth that his fiancee, Daisy Midgeley and Ryan Connor had slept together, this Christmas is set to be an interesting one as Charlotte Jordan talks about Daisy's break up from Daniel, The Rovers, and her future on the show. When asked about how Daisy is feeling about breaking up with Daniel, Charlotte commented:  "She’s in a lot of pain. In Daisy fashion, she masks her true feelings with a face full of makeup and witty remarks but she is heartbroken. Fresh out of the break up with Daniel, I think she’s still hoping for a reconciliation. They’ve always had such a fiery relationship and now she’s left hoping and praying once he’s had a bit of time to take the initial sting away, she can convince him to make another go of it." With Bethany Platt returning, does Daisy see Bethany as a threat given her history with Daniel: "Oh god absolutely. She’s beautiful, she’s been told how successful Bethany is l...

Over this years festive episodes to Weatherfield, Coronation Street viewers will see the return of Bethany Platt played by the brilliant Lucy Fallon following the character's departure in 2020. Talking of Bethany's return and being back, Lucy Fallon said:  "It feels really good, it's really nice to come back in and be with the people that I was so used to be working with for over 5 years. I was really nervous to go back, but it feels like I have never been away which absolutely feels quite bizarre because a lot of things have changed." Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street Bethany is set to arrive back on the cobbles over the New Year when Daniel spots her and it's not long before she is reunited with the Platt family.  I can't wait to see Lucy Fallon back on our screens after 3 years as well as her reuniting with Tina O'Brien as I love Bethany and Sarah's bond. When asked about the biggest change in Bethany, Lucy added:  "I'd say she's...

For over a decade, Carla and Peter Barlow's love story has captured the hearts of many due to their rollercoaster of a relationship as well as them getting married for a second time in 2021. This festive period is set for change for Carla as Peter is set to leave the cobbles in a heartbreaking Boxing Day episode. When asked what it was like to film Chris Gascoyne's final scenes which was just the two of them as well as the exit storyline, Alison King said "We're filming solidly together for two days. There was a lot to learn. But aside from that it was amazing, but it was so emotional, I did not need any tearstick for those scenes. There was no way of knowing what would happen because every time we did it I literally filled up with emotion and started crying at different times in every scene. Just seeing a different look from Chris would set me off because he's so wonderful at Meisner technique which involves an actor reacting to another actor’s performance and beh...

Over the past few years, I have loved watching Coronation Street over the festive period more than normal, and this year's looks to be filled with proper soap drama as relationships are set to reach breaking points. With the festive period approaching Jenny Connor and Daisy Midgeley are determined to raise the money needed to buy The Rovers back. It's not a soap until you resort to desperate measures, but will they succeed?  You have to love Charlotte Jordan and Sally Ann Matthews scenes. You can't forget that currently Daisy is going through a rough patch following Daniel Osborne turning his back on her after affair with Ryan Connor, could this festive period see Daisy happy again? As 2023 is set to come to a close and the New Year dawns it seems that the drama is just beginning as viewers can expect fireworks when Bethany Platt explodes back onto the street for a surprise visit. Is there more to her sudden arrival than a family catch up?  I am so excited for Bethany's...

2024 is set to bring a new character to the Emmerdale village as Beth Cordingly joins as Caleb Milligan's wife, Ruby Fox-Milliagan. Ruby is a fiery, confident, unpredictable, but a fiercely devoted mum to her and Caleb's son, Nicky is due to make her debut in January. Talking of joining the Emmerdale role, Beth said:  "I’m delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale, it’s an enormous privilege and Ruby is a dream role. She’s a firecracker and a trouble-maker and I think people will love her or hate her, and I can’t wait to get stuck in with this fabulous cast." Ruby definitely sounds like one interesting character that I hope is allowed to bring us viewers many interesting moments. I am excited to see the family dynamic on screen. Emmerdale Producer Kate Brooks added:  "Ruby is an absolute force of nature who sweeps through the village with scores to settle. Fiercely loyal to her family, Ruby will do anything and everything to protect her loved ones. Her relati...

Multi-Platinum selling country artist, Scotty McCreery was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry last night (3rd December) by Opry member Garth Brooks. Scotty was surprised onstage during his spotlight artist performance at last night's Opry Country Christmas show. "Merry Christmas"  Garth said walking onto the stage handing Scotty a wrapped gift.   "This is a Christmas present to the Grand Ole Opry" Garth later continued. "We would love to invite you to be the newest member of the Opry." "Holy cow. Yes, I would love to,"  Scotty replied. "I grew up listening to your records Garth and you’re a part of what made me want to do this for a living and I didn’t think that dream would become a reality, but it is because of all of y’all sitting in this house tonight. God bless y’all." Scotty continued   "When I got started doing this people asked, ‘what are your goals'  voice cracking with emotion, he shared  " ...

Following last week's news of Girls Aloud's reunion in the month that marked 21 years since Kimberley, Cheryl, Nicola, Nadine and Sarah were formed on Popstars: The Rivals.  One show I absolutely loved watching and one of my favourite talent show discoveries. To celebrate this milestone with all of their fans, Girls Aloud have announced they will be coming together for a huge UK and Ireland arena tour in May and June, 2024.   It's going to be a sad one without Sarah, but I have no doubt that the band will do her proud. I am know I am not the only alouder who is extremely thrilled by this news and who's working out how to get hold of these tickets. The hugely anticipated shows will feature the band's historic pop hits including Number 1 songs, Sound Of The Underground, The Promise and I'll Stand By You, alongside classics such as Love Machine, Call The Shots, Biology, Something New and The Show.  All of their songs in my opinion are classics! Speaking of the reun...

During this week's Flashback Episodes, viewers have been taken on a journey to the truth of 2 years ago. The attention to detail within this whole week of episodes has been amazing to watch especially as they looked back to the original series during the flashbacks - the way that they brought up Mel Pearson and Toadie Rebecchi's marriage, Holly Hoyland returning to Erinsborough, and how Krista Sinclair bought her sister, Reece into the current series - as well as bringing back Nicolette Stone, Aaron Brennan, David Tanaka, Elly Conway, Chloe Brennan, Bea Neilson, Amy Greenwood, Yashvi Rebecchi, Mal Kennedy, Callum Rebecchi and Imogen Willis. The week featured 4 special flashbacks episodes making for some excellent viewing as different characters told their parts. It was interesting to discover the real reason why Melanie ran away (she was the Sinclair's housekeeper) linking to Reece Sinclair searching for her sister which was a twist I wasn't expecting - the more the sto...

Columbia Records NY/ Sony Music Nashville artist-songwriter,  Alana Springsteen  last Friday (10th November) released her Christmas single, Christmas Comes in Waves. Christmas Comes in Waves was written by Alana alongside Trannie Anderson and Dallas Wilson. Photo Credit: Lily Nelson Christmas Comes in Waves begins with Alana's crisp tone which allow for the heartfelt lyrics to shine through right from the start. The one thing, I love and continued to enjoy was all the little moments of happiness that are bought with Christmas and spending time with our loved ones enjoying Christmas in our own little way. The chorus has many emotional moments that lead into the verses brilliantly with the chorus being extremely catchy. There is something special about the uniqueness of the song that allows for the listeners to have their own take on the songs lyrics/ journey - reminds me of a warm Christmas holiday.  The second verse talks about that cold Christmas holiday that some people...

Following on from her CMA win on Wednesday evening (8th November), New Zealand born singer-songwriter,  Kaylee Bell  is releasing her brand new single, Good Things today (Friday 10th November). Photo taken by Me at C2C 2019 Good Things begins with a upbeat pop country feel the perfect blend. The verses see Kaylee's crisp tone with the song having this perfect road trip kind of vibe with lyrics that make you want to sing along to despite not knowing the lyrics 100% (or is that just me?) Good Things is a song about never giving up on your dreams and how moving away from your loved ones can be so hard especially if it's long distance making for some emotive moments. The lyrics speak volumes due to the inspiring songwriting from Kaylee. However, for me the chorus is filled with such honesty and emotion that I caught myself getting rather emotional over the songs lyrics when it talks about never giving up on our dreams as for me and many people these kind of lyrics within...