lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

Features Ed Sheeran performs secret gig in London d Sheeran performed new material at a secret gig in place. The song’s honest lyrics make it one of the best tracks London yesterday. The ‘Drunk’ hitmaker took to the stage he’s played so far from the new record. Ed spoke to the crowd Eat Koko in Camden to play songs from his second album in hushed tones and got fans to quietly sing along, before ‘x’ and fans packed into the 1,500-capacity venue after scram- whipping them into a frenzy with his impressive falsetto, har- bling to get tickets. Dressed in his usual low-key attire, the star monies and rap beats layered with a new loop pedal. “I want wore a red t-shirt, black jeans and combat boots and wowed you to act as if it’s a festival Sunday”, he told the crowd, after the crowd with his rap skills during an extended version of thanking them for giving up their bank holiday to watch him ‘You Need Me (I Don’t Need You)’, before performing his hit play. He slowed things down again with ‘One’ and ‘The A- ‘Lego House’. Fans already knew the lyrics to new track ‘Don’t’, Team’, which still never fails to bring tears to your eyes, before about a singer who cheated on Ed in a hotel room with his bowing out with ‘Sing’, his up tempo new single produced by friend. Girls in the back of the venue whispered about reports Pharrell Williams, which had the crowd singing the track’s riff it is written about Ellie Goulding but Ed kept quiet on the sub- on repeat until the lights came up, and no doubt until the ject matter. The singer-songwriter went on to perform hits next morning. The concert was the second of three secret ‘Drunk, ‘Gimme Love’ and ‘ I See Fire’ from ‘The Hobbit: The ‘Multipy’ gigs after he performed at a pub in Ipswich and later Desolation of Smaug’, along with new ballad ‘Tenerife Sea’, a headed to Dublin. stunning love song written at the Grammys. He explained how he went to the ceremony with his parents and felt out of

Rihanna leaves Def Jam for Roc Nation Urban ihanna is preparing to release her next album with Roc Nation after leaving Def Jam. The ‘Diamonds’ singer, who was already being managed by Jay Z’s record label, has now inked a deal and her profile Ron Roc Nation’s website has been updated, which lists her as one of their big name acts. Rihanna encourages first signed her record deal with Def Jam in 2005, when she was just 17, and claims then-label-president Jay Z wouldn’t let her out of his office until she put pen to paper. Since then, she has released all seven of her chart conquering albums with the label, including 2011’s ‘Unapologetic’, despite Jay Z leaving his role daughters to start up Roc Nation in 2009. Rihanna had already parted ways with her former manager Marc Jordan and signed with Jay’s Roc Nation management team in 2010 but it now appears she is also signed to the label. She joins the likes of Calvin Harris, DJ Mustard, J Cole, Jay Electronica, Rita Ora and Jay Z himself. into showbiz Meanwhile, the Def Jam website now lists Rihanna under its “Legacy” section, along with stars like Amerie, Ashanti, and Public Enemy. The 26-year-old star will release her next album “soon” and will be spending eith Urban would encourage his more time in the studio than taking ‘selfies’ after her Instagram account was suspended for posting half- daughters to go into showbiz. The naked photographs. K‘American Idol’ judge has two children, Sunday, five, and Faith, three, with his actress wife, Nicole Kidman, and likes the idea of them following in their footsteps - but only if they are willing to work hard, and says they are already showing signs of being talented performers. Asked if he would allow them to go into showbiz, he said: “Absolutely, if they’re willing to work for it. It’s not just about having talent, bit having passion. They both sing and dance, but who knows? They may go into act- ing or music. “They have an iPod in their room. There’s music coming from their bed- room all the time.” The country singer is already giving Faith guitar lessons and is impressed with her skills. He told America’s OK! magazine: “She mimics what I’m doing strumming-wise. That’s what I’m trying to teach her. I love how she gravitates toward the guitar. She’ll go get her little pink guitar, and hold it - she sits with it right, and she strums with it right. I hope she keeps going.”

Lopez to receive Sutherland dating Sofia Karstens Icon Award iefer Sutherland is dating Sofia Karstens. The ‘24: Live Another ennifer Lopez will receive the Icon Award at the 2014 Day’ actor is said to have been spending a lot of time with the Billboard Music Awards. The ‘On The Floor’ hitmaker is set K37-year-old actress, including a recent trip to New York, and they Jto become the first woman to be honored for her lifetime are “really happy” with one another. A source told People: “They are achievement to music at the ceremony held at the MGM really happy together.” Kiefer was previously married to Camelia Kath - Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 18. The star is the with who he has daughter Sarah and stepdaughter Michelle - and only the fourth recipient of the Icon Award ever, following on Elizabeth Kelly Winn, while Sofia married Jason London in 2011, but from Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder and Prince. Larry Klein, they filed for legal separation in February this year. Kiefer recently producer of the Billboard Music Awards, commented: “Jennifer reprised his role as former counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer in ‘24’ Lopez is one of the most iconic performers of her generation.” spin-off ‘24: Live Another Day’ - which sees his character a fugitive liv- We are thrilled to honor her historic career with the 2014 Icon ing in the UK - and recently admitted filming left him “bruised and bat- Award and will be on the edge of our seats like everyone else tered”. He said: “I was definitely bruised and battered this time around. when she takes the stage.” The sexy songstress is also going to Once, I went to open a metal door while being shot at and didn’t real- take to the stage during the ceremony to debut her FIFA ize it was a prop. I pulled the door handle off completely and frag- World Cup anthem ‘We Are One (Ole Ola)’ with Pitbull, as well ments shattered in my face. “Then a bullet cartridge firing multiple as performing her new single ‘First Love’. The ‘American Idol’ rounds freakishly hit a metal beam and bounced three inches from my judge took to Twitter over the weekend to reveal her upcom- face. I had blood pouring out. But, listen, I’d do anything for this charac- ing eight studio album will be called ‘A.K.A.’, as well as sharing ter.” And though the actor is much older than when the show first start- the artwork for the new record, which shows her clad in a ed in 2001, he insists he is in better shape than ever. He said: “I am old- bondage-style red leather dress. er. There’s no way around that. But I had the luxury of training for four or five months coming into this, and when we started, I was in the best shape of my life. That helped me bounce back faster.”— Bang Showbiz

Flower power rules Giordano’s new women’s collection

lower power is making a bold statement as In addition to the Giordano summer collection, the Giordano launches its new summer collection in linen range featuring shirts, pants and dresses for both Fthe Middle East. The exclusive and limited edition men and women is now available in all Giordano stores. women’s wear collection embraces one of the season’s Beating the summer heat is easy with linens known for dominating fashion trends - floral prints, while staying its exceptional coolness and freshness. Made using 100 true to the brand’s casual and essential style philosophy. per cent linen and linen cotton as well as 100 per cent “Giordano is in full bloom this season with the launch soft-combed cotton a natural fabric valued for its cool- of our summer 2014 collection. The timeless and classic ness and freshness, the linen range even get softer and beauty of secret garden is the collection’s motif provid- smoother when washed. ing a feminine and eclectic design in a smart casual For men’s relaxed casual style, the range carries shirts style,” said Ishwar Chugani, Managing Director of in stripes, checks or plaid highlighted by roll up sleeves Giordano Middle East FZE and Executive Director of and band collar, blazers, shorts and trousers in variety of Giordano International. colors. Available in select Giordano stores in the UAE, the Fresh colors of white, natural, black, pastel yellow and strikingly feminine collection range of floral printed t- bright shades of pink and red dominate the women’s shirts are made with different fabrics and in different linen range. From shirts, cotton tops, drape women’s shapes; from soft jersey cotton to light materials as chif- blouses, drawstring trousers and long dress shirt, the fon, the t-shirts silhouettes are a mixture of relaxed lines UAE’s fashion set will have plenty of choices to mix and and loose fit proportions such as the kimono shaped match for a playful summer look. tops. All collection pieces along with Giordano’s regular The daisy print tops can be paired with solid color range of merchandise can also be purchased online and skinny denims and pants for a complete look. Also part will be delivered at customer’s door (United Arab of the collection is the sleeveless stretched jersey dress - Emirates only) within 48 hours. A cash-on-delivery available in melon and creme shades - with waist tie-up option is also available for this service. detailing. The color palette ranges from subtle colors like sand and white pearl, to turquoise, mint green and mel- on.