Jess Glynne. A name that we have heard many a time this year and what a summer she has had. After having a tough start breaking into the music industry, Glynne has made 2015 her year with 'Hold My Hand', 'Not Letting Go' with Tinie Tempah (my favourite of Glynne's hits) and the most recent addition 'Don't Be So Hard On Yourself' which is also incredibly catchy. Prior to this her collaborations with Gorgon City for 'Right Here, Route 94 for 'My Love' and Clean Bandit for 'Rather Be' have all hit the charts. Since hitting the music scene Glynne has enjoyed 5 UK number ones making her the second female artist to do this after Cheryl Cole, although Jess has achieved this in 18 months rather than Cheryl's 5 years.
However, as with any mounts of success Jess has overcome some hurdles this year when she under went surgery on her vocal chords. She has however bounced back in style and is still owning the charts, especially with her release of her album 'I Cry When I Laugh' which has shot to the number one spot on the UK album chart. Miss Glynne I hope still has plenty to give, and I'm sure both you and I are looking forward to more of those feel good hits.
The vid for Not Letting Go- if you've not seen it check it out, its brilliant.
What a year Anna Kendrick has had! The 29 year old star has dominated our screens with leading performances in a few of the big-time films released this year. Kendrick exercised her musical talent earlier this year in 'Into the Woods' alongside acting legend Meryl Streep; comedian and now high-flying American chat show host of 'The Late-Late Show' James Corden, the gorgeous Chris Pine, British actress Emily Blunt and the also undoubtedly attractive and acting legend Jonny Depp.
Not only did Kendrick shine through with her fantastic vocal ability in this film, but also in the musical movie of 2014 'The Last Five Years' which follows the story of a couple after their breakup with Cathy (Anna) retrospectively admiring their time together whilst Jamie, played by Jeremy Jordon, begins at the beginning of their relationship and chronologically follows its development. Based on a broadway musical, this film is a great watch, if you like musicals that is. Additionally Kendrick managed to juggle filming Happy Christmas, Life after Beth, The Voices and Cake that same year.
However, the reason I picked Miss Kendrick for my July 'celeb of the month' is obviously for her reprise as Beca Mitchell in the talked about film of the year, Pitch Perfect 2. Although it was released in UK cinemas in May this sequel lived up to its great expectations and was well received by audiences both in the UK and US. If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, or Pitch Perfect 'the original' for that matter, its a must see. Its simply hilarious. This is also thanks to Rebel Wilson who plays 'Fat Amy' who is a talented comic actress. If you don't follow 'Fat Amy' on Twitter you should, she (as in the character) sends out the funniest tweets about real life situations we are all faced with. Anyway, this film has really uplifted Kendrick's importance in the celeb and acting sphere. Since its release she has appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and on Ellen chatting about turning the big 30! Her musical talent was not only recognised in this film but in its prequel, with the release of 'Cups', the song which got everyone singing and practicing the tune with some plastic cups. The song reached number 2 on the US billboard, thats some pretty good going!
Kendrick on 'The Late Late Show'
The cast of Pitch Perfect 2
'Cups' (such a catchy song)
Not only has Kendrick's success been echoed by the box office, but on the red carpet she had a vital role to play kicking off the Oscars with Neil Patrick Harris. She also fitted in perfectly alongside the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone and Reese Witherspoon, now being acknowledged as one of the leading female actresses of the day. This girl has come along way from 'that girl in Twilight' and has much more to give with new releases lined up for this year. You will also be pleased to know that Kendrick has signed up for Pitch Perfect 3 reprising her role as Beca Mitchell which is set to release in 2017. I'm excited already! Well done Anna Kendrick for all your hard work, you've made it to the big time.
I'm going to leave you with my favourite moment from Pitch Perfect 2. Again, although I may sound like a promoter, its worth a watch. Beca effin Mitchell.
So my celeb of the month for June is British football legend and sweetheart David Beckham. This beautiful man needs no introduction but is one of the biggest icons in the world today. Unlike some celebs, David is humble, a promoter of British culture, demonstrated with his involvement in the Olympics and pledge to host the World Cup but most of all Becks embodies the classic tale everybody loves, the story of a young boy who's life is transformed as he goes from rags to riches with plenty of hard work.
It's a well known fact that Becks is fantastic all year round, however this month he has stood out on a number of occasions. Since turning the big 40 in May, our British icon has extended his position as a UNICEF GoodWill Ambassador which he has held for the past ten years and this month headed off to Cambodia to meet and greet children who had been endured physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Earlier this year Becks also launched his very own UNICEF charity '7': The David Beckham UNICEF fund which helps to protect children worldwide who have been subject to such monstrosities.
This month David has also become better acquainted with Her Majesty The Queen as he visited Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Young Leaders event in which he sat beside Her Majesty in a photo not too dissimilar from his football squad shots.
Mr Beckham is also renowned for his role as a 'family man' and this was proved only in the last few days when Becks showed off his new tat of a minion nominated by his daughter by Harper (don't worry its only a fake!). Beckham was also spotted in Cambridge recently punting with his family. As David frequently reiterates he thanks his family for his continued success, and now the Beckhams themselves are all very successful. Victoria as we know a former Spice Girl now has numerous fashion lines and Romeo has become the new face of Burberry. I think what makes David so special is the close relationship he holds with his wife and children. People love that he holds family values and high morals close to his heart. Beckham himself is also style icon, often modelling for H and M and Burberry.
Watching David Beckham grow in the last ten years from England football legend to a family man and international icon makes me feel proud that he is British. We are very lucky to have such a fabulous human being. Maybe he continue to be brilliant. Thank you Becks.
Celebs are everywhere; all over Twitter, Instagram, in magazines and on TV, however how much do we really know about them? A relatively new idea of mine is to post each month about a celeb who has appeared in the media recently due to success or are inspirational individuals. So starting off this trend is Miss Taylor Swift, who I am sure you are all familiar with. So why Taylor?
Don't you watch videos of Taylor now and think how grown up she has become? Far gone are those days as a sweet young country singer in music videos such as Love Story and Teardrops on My Guitar. I picked Taylor this month due to her latest release Bad Blood, which echoes the amount of success she has and how 'bad ass' she has become in more recent years. Starring big time celebs such as Cara Devevingne, Ellie Goulding and Selena Gomez, the video emphasises 'girl power' (no men feature in this video!) and shows Taylor to be sophisticated, sexy and most importantly authoritative which perfectly resembles the figure she has become. She has just been named the number 1 on Maxim Hot List for 2015 and doesn't she deserve it? She has also become a style icon, especially with her trademark 'red lips' which has encouraged many young girls to copy this trait. Her haircut which was most prominently showcased in her video Blank Space, inspired me to go shorter over Christmas to achieve a more 'grown up' look which I think Taylor carries off so well. Additionally Miss Swift racked an income of 64 million in 2014 after the obvious first big selling female artist, Beyonce. But her success doesn't end there...
Bad Blood
Taylor's new album 1989 is truly great! I've uploaded it to my phone thanks to a friend of mine and every song is really good, not like some albums where you pick your favourites to listen to and discard the rest. However I do have my favourites, including: Blank Space, Style, Wildest Dreams and How to Get the Girl. What I like about Taylor and particularly this album is you can listen to her when in any mood and when anywhere, she has a song to suit that journey home on the bus, in your bed at night or good tunes for a party. So I highly encourage all you readers to go and have a listen!
Unfortunately nothing is ever perfect, a message Taylor frequently reiterates herself, as Taylor's mum was diagnosed with cancer in December 2014. Despite this Taylor has stated that the last twelve months have been the best months of her life so far. She became a tourist ambassador for New York, has produced an album she has always wanted to make and has won various awards. She won several Billboard Awards including Top Female Artist 2015, was nominated for 3 grammys, won Favourite Female Artist in the People's Choice Awards and International Female Solo Artist at this years Brit Awards. Although she has been very successful in the music industry, Miss Swift has been renound to be not so good on the dating scene. Past boyfriends include; Joe Jonas, Lucas Till, Cory Monteith, John Mayer, Taylor Launtner, Jake Gyllenhaal, Conor Kennedy, and the most remembered, cheeky boy Harry Styles. However, with her new man by her side Mr Calvin Harris, has Taylor found her 'Love Story' after all?
Top Female Artist- Billboard Awards 17.05.2015
Taylor's humblness and wise words surrounding relationships and her approach to the conflict surrounding women over being labelled 'attractive' based on certain physical features has elevated her respectability even more amongst the public. Lets commence Taylor for her success, she works very hard and has therefore come along way from those days singing about Romeo and Juliet and other fairytale romances. That transition from country singer to chart topping pop artist is evident in her music now. Today Taylor sings about power, finding yourself, and loving who you are which is especially reflected in her new album in songs such as Welcome to New York, Shake it Off and Blank Space. So well done Taylor, keep it up, I'm sure there are more awards, success and number 1's on the horizon.
Love Story- Back in 2008 when Miss Swift was just starting out! I'm sure you all remember that one.
Blank Space- Produced in 2014 this video demonstrates how Taylor's style has developed and rocks and damn good and sassy attitude. How she has matured.
Taylor, in a recent interview has shed light on why she believes feminism to be 'vital' to society in reaching equality between sexes. Check out Buzzfeed for more information on this!
