Category Entertainment News

The Academy of Country Music Awards was thrown into chaos at the last minute when a singer was forced to pull out with their bandmate revealing she’d fallen ill

A huge singer was forced to pull out of The Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday. Sugarland had been due to take to the stage but it later ermeged that things had dramatically been switched up at the last minute.

Sugarland had taken to social media just one day before the prestigious event to share their excitement ahead of the awards ceremony as they encouraged fans to tune in on Prime Video. However, it emerged that the band wouldn’t be on stage and were replaced at the last minute by Little Big Town who performed their track Girl Crush, originally released in 2014. But the decision didn’t go unnoticed by fans who instantly took to social media to share their confusion.

“I need to know- what song were you going to sing?! Missed you tonight,” said one follower. A second went on to add: “Wait, Little Big Town sang instead?” asked a second. Another took to X, formerly known as Twitter commenting: “Watching the #ACMawards solely to see Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland) perform and Little Big Town takes their place.”

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“I think Little Big Town replaced Sugarland on the ACMs. It looks like Jennifer didn’t make it, only Kristian is there,” said another. Sugarland, consisting of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush had also been scheduled to present the Duo of the Year award but only one half of the duo took to the stage.

Kristian presented the gong to Brooks & Dunn. Explaining Jennifer’s absence, he said: “I was supposed to be presenting this ACM Award for Duo of the Year with my amazing partner Jennifer Nettles. Sadly, she got sick this morning, proving that when it comes to duos, it really does take two.

“Jennifer, I love you, we love you, feel better soon.” The comments instantly prompted an outpouring of support from fans, with one sharing on social media: “Get Well Soon @jennifernettles.” A second typed: “@jennifernettles hope you feel better soon. You were missed!!”

Jennifer is yet to comment on her illness. Before their scheduled performance, the duo teased that they were planning on “going all out” and fans “won’t want to miss” their set.

But it appears that there’s no love lost between the band as Sugarland and Little Big Town joined forces last year at the CMT Music Awards for a performance of the Phil Collins hit, Take Me Home.

They later went on to release the track as a single on the same day. Elsewhere, they co-headlined a tour, the Take Me Home Tour, which ran between October 24 and December 13 of last year.

At the awards, Lainey Wilson took home the top prize of Entertainer Of The Year for the second year in a row.

And that was after she cleaned house, taking home trophies for both female artist and album of the year. “I really do have the best fans in the world,” she said in her final acceptance speech, admitting to experiencing impostor syndrome. “I dreamed about entertaining. … Country music has given me more than I deserve.”

The cast of Baywatch introduced fans to their first slow-motion run on the beach in 1989, but since the show wrapped decades ago, we’ve taken a look at where the hunks of the show are today

It’s been nearly 40 years since the iconic cast of Baywatch first dashed down the beach, and it’s safe to say a lot has happened since the days of the skimpy swimwear and buff bods. From tragic deaths, cancer battles, jail time and befriending criminals, it’s been a turbulent time for the hot hunks of Baywatch.

One sad loss came when Baywatch legend Paul Nichols, who saved the show from being axed, passed away earlier this year. The star died on March 14 at his home in Weatherford, Texas, but his family only went public with the news this week. His death came just 12 days after he lost his beloved wife of 31 years.

In 1991, Nichols, then working for The Lippen Group, played a crucial role in the revival of Baywatch by helping All American Television shift it into first-run syndication. This savvy move breathed new life into the series that NBC had dropped after its initial season.

Fans loved the iconic lifeguard drama, which went on to become one of the biggest and most memorable shows as Mitch, CJ and the gang patrolled the LA beaches. The show lasted 11 seasons after it aired in 1989. While it’s been a few decades since the show ended, we’ve taken a look at where the cast are now since hanging up their whistles…

READ MORE: Paul Nichols dead: Baywatch icon dies less than two weeks after wife’s death

Pamela Anderson, 57, (CJ Parker)

Blonde bombshell CJ burst onto screens in the second season and retired her buoyancy aid in 1997, after five seasons. The actress, Playboy favourite Pamela, went on to make a series of movies, including Barb Wire and Scary Movie 3, but it was the honeymoon sex tape with rocker ex-husband Tommy Lee that turned out to be the film role of her career.

Now an animal rights activist and strict vegan, Pamela launched her own skincare brand, Sonsie. In October 2024, she was named a “Woman of the Year” by Glamour magazine too. She also released four novels and three memoirs, including her 2023 memoir, Love, Pamela, with a Netflix documentary on her life, Pamela: A Love Story released in the same month.

In February, she got positive reviews when she was cast in Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl, as she called her character “the role I have been waiting for my entire career.”

David Hasselhoff, 72, (Mitch Buchannon)

The Hoff stayed until the penultimate series and before Baywatch was in Knight Rider. Career problems led to treatment for alcoholism in 2007 but career highs include being a judge on Britain’s Got Talent in 2011 and getting his own show, Hoff The Record. He can now be found shopping in Cardiff with his third wife, Welsh sales assistant Hayley Roberts, 45.

Hasselhoff is still acting and doesn’t take himself or his Baywatch role too seriously, as he uses it periodically for parodies and commercials. He has also become a motivational singer, a popular musician in Germany and has a Malibu-themed clothing line.

But recent reports claim he’s now “living on borrowed time” according to a source close to the 72-year-old actor. The television icon was spotted in a wheelchair at Cancun airport in Mexico on Monday before limping through LAX in California.

Carmen Electra, 53, (Lani McKenzie)

The model only appeared for one season, in 1997, but her acting left a lasting impression. Former Playmate Carmen swapped slo-mo beach running for horror comedies including Scary Movie but her notable role by far was dating X Factor chief Simon Cowell in 2013.

Famed for previous relationships including a four-year marriage to Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Navarro, she was also briefly hitched to basketball rebel Dennis Rodman. However, last year the star sparked concerns from fans following a bizarre podcast interview.

The actress appeared on Dear Media’s The Skinny Confidential with Lauryn Bosstick to coincide with Baywatch’s 35th anniversary, where she appeared less polished than usual. Some fans called it ‘hard to watch’ and speculated about Carmen’s condition, although a source said that her sluggish behavior was caused by a bout of Covid.

David Charvet, 52, (Matt Brodie)

French-born David played beach hottie Matt for three seasons until 1995, when he left and started playing a resident hottie in US soap Melrose Place. Not content with just being gorgeous, he quit acting to concentrate on his music career, got a five-album deal and recorded duets with Bryan Adams and Seal.

In 2018 he split up with his Dancing with the Stars wife Brooke Burke. He is thought to still live in Malibu and so far has only produced three of the expected five albums, which gives us all something to look forward to…

Yasmine Bleeth, 56, (Caroline Holden)

Troubled Yasmine was one of TV’s most famous faces and even launched her own line of swimwear, Yaz Wear. But after leaving the show she battled cocaine addiction and her career bombed. She met her hubby club owner Paul Cerrito in rehab in 2000 and, now the couple split their time between Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona.

Michael Newman, 68, (Newmie)

Real-life lifeguard, muscular Michael was initially hired as a consultant to add authenticity. He based many of the rescues on real situations he’d faced and even had his own fan club.

Newmie quit acting after Baywatch and went on to sell houses in the wealthy suburbs of LA and was also passionate about continuing to raise awareness about the heroism of lifeguards and firefighters.

He was one of several Baywatch cast members featured in the 2024 Hulu docuseries After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, but sadly passed away in 2024 aged 64 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease after an 18-year battle.

Kelly Packard, 50, (April Giminski)

Kelly insists she is “very proud” to have appeared for two seasons. After leaving in 1999, she went on to star in teen sitcom California Dreams before hosting Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Kelly, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since her teens, was married to Dr Darrin Privett when she joined Baywatch and they had four kids. In 2014 the family appeared on Celebrity Wife Swap, but Kelly has been pretty quiet ever since.

Erika Eleniak, 55, (Shauni McClain)

The ex-Playboy playmate was in the show until season three. After quitting she had roles in films including a remake of The Beverly Hillbillies.

Erika, who had an eating disorder earlier in her career, went on Celebrity Fit Club in 2006 after putting on weight. She is now said to live in Calgary, Canada, with her husband, Roch Daigle and their daughter.

In 2023, she shared she was struggling with aging. “[I’m] going through a lot of healing right now and the one thing that we know about life that is constant is that nothing is constant,’ she said in an Instagram video at the time.

“So I’ve been doing some deep digging, right, about aging all of this,” she said as she pointed at her face. “Struggling to hold onto my youth, to let it go, where to be in that.”

In 2024, the actress made a rare apperance at the After Baywatch: Moment In The Sun premiere held at The Bungalow in Santa Monica, California as she showed off fully tattooed arms when she wore a short-sleeved black top with long slacks.

Traci Bingham, 57, (Jordan Tate)

After playing her busty character for two seasons, the lingerie model-turned actress left in 1998 and has since carved out a lucrative career in reality TV. She won £80,000 on The Surreal Life and competed in Gimme My Reality Show, Fear Factor and Celebrity Big Brother.

Like Pamela, she’s an animal rights activist. She appeared on the red carpet in 2024 looking almost unrecognisable as she headed to a reunion with former co-star Jeremy Jackson at the After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun.

Kelly Slater, 53, (Jimmy Slade)

The reluctant star has told how he was forced into doing the show by his mother… when all he wanted to do was surf. Kelly, who says it “wasn’t a fun time”, quit after 27 episodes and took to the water.

Today, the father-of-one is regarded as the greatest pro surfer of all-time, having won 11 world championships. He was pressured into doing Baywatch by his mother, saying: “I was embarrassed to do the show and really didn’t want to be an actor.”

He was given the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in Madrid Monday at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards. It’s Slater’s fifth award from the prestigious event, which began in 2000 to honor individuals around the world who make a significant impact in sports.

Alexandra Paul, 61, (Stephanie Holden)

Alexandra starred in five seasons and, for some of that time, her character dated Mitch. Stephanie was eventually killed off in 1997 after being struck by lightning.

Since leaving the show, Alexandra has gone on to have numerous bit-parts in movies and TV shows, including Mad Men. Married to a vegan triathlon coach, she is now an endurance athlete “practicing owning Iess stuff”, as well as a political activist. She has been arrested numerous times for protesting.

She is passionate about tackling global over-population and chose not to have children herself. However earlier this year the actress revealed that she was stalked for 13 years, and it cost her $60,000 in legal fees.

Alexandra said it all started in December 2011 when she claimed a woman knocked on her door with her little brother asking to use the restroom. She said she let them in her home to use the restroom, and for the next couple of days, the woman reportedly kept leaving notes for her – which led to Alexandra’s husband to call the number she had left to tell her to ‘leave us alone.’

Gena Lee Nolin, 53, (Neely Capshaw)

Like REM drummer Mike Berry, Gena hails from Duluth, Minnesota. She joined Baywatch in 1995, quitting in 1998 to star in her own TV show, Sheena.

Another Playboy pin-up, Gena played herself in the 2017 comedy-action turkey Killing Hasselhoff. After having her third child in 2008, Gena was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that hits the thyroid gland. She is married to former NHL hockey star Cale Hulse.

Jeremy Jackson, 44, (Hobie Buchannon)

Having almost lost the role of Hobie to Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy played Mitch’s son from age 10. He left years later after battling steroid addiction.

After a sex tape scandal with porn star Sky Lopez, he tried a TV comeback but was axed from Celebrity Big Brother in 2015 when he opened glamour model Chloe Goodman’s dressing gown. Things got worse and, in 2017, he was jailed for nine months after stabbing a woman while trying to steal a car.

While Jeremy is now clean and working as a fitness coach and sober mentor for other recovering addicts, he has previously spoken openly about his struggles, which also included a turbulent end to his marriage to Loni Willison.

AJ Langer, 50, (Caroline Larkin)

Millions knew her as sexy Caroline but AJ is now known as the Duchess of Devon. Born in Ohio, AJ was also in Beverly Hills 90210 and The Wonder Years. In 2004, she wed Charles Courtenay, son of the 18th Earl of Devon. The couple moved to the family seat at Powderham Castle in May 2015 and have two children, but then divorced in 2023 as she “underestimated” life as an aristocrat.

Nicole Eggert, 53, (Summer Quinn)

Actress Nicole won an army of male fans during the first few seasons. Revealing she had a boob job after meeting co-star Pamela Anderson, Nicole’s career flopped when she left the show.

She went on Celebrity Fit Club to shed weight, had a boob reduction on TV’s Botched and joined celebrity diving series Splash. The mum-of-two filed for bankruptcy in 2013 and she now reportedly sells ice creams from her van.

Nicole has two daughters – Dilyn, 27, with ex-boyfriend Justin Herwick, and 14-year-old Keegan, whose father she has never publicly revealed. She has sadly been battling breast cancer, and during an appearance on the Amy & T.J. podcast last year, Eggert revealed she had recently undergone a single mastectomy.

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Molly-Mae Hague has shared her nerves as fans of her Amazon Prime series Molly-Mae Behind It All watch the final three episodes, which see her confirm her reunion with Tommy Fury

Reality TV star Molly-Mae Hague has admitted she’s feeling “incredibly nervous” as fans watch the final three episodes of her Amazon Prime series. Molly-Mae Behind It All covers the mum-of-one’s reunion with on-off finance Tommy Fury and sees the content creator admit she wants more children with her boxer beau.

The revelations come after her surprising decision to call off their engagement last year. The pair, who are parents to two-year-old Bambi, ignited reconciliation rumours just weeks after Molly-Mae announced their split on social media. The speculation was confirmed on New Year’s Eve when they were spotted sharing a kiss at a glitzy party.

Molly-Mae was accused of fabricating the break-up to garner publicity for the first drop earlier this year thanks to their reunion being confirmed hours before the premiere.

Speaking on her Instagram Stories about the new episodes on Friday, Molly-Mae told her fans: “As some of you may know, as of midnight the final three episodes of Molly-Mae Behind It All went like on Prime Video.

“So today I am incredibly nervous but I’m so excited to see what you all think and see everyone’s thoughts and opinions on the three episodes that have just gone live.

“DM if you’re watching and if you’re having watching parties with your friends and stuff, I can’t wait to see. Thank you guys for all the support and I really hope you all enjoy.”

To reignite their spark, Tommy and Molly-Mae recently took Bambi to Dubai for a family getaway, opting to leave the cameras at home. Reflecting on their time in Dubai during her Amazon series, Molly-Mae shared: “Dubai was picture perfect, like it was just the best trip ever. It literally just felt like everything I wanted it to be, and more.”

“It was exactly what we needed. All the noise of everyone just switched off, everyone’s opinions. Nothing mattered. It was just like us in our bubble. She (Bambi) had the best time ever.

“We actually extended it for three extra days, because we were like, ‘we can’t come home’ like, we just couldn’t. And then, like, the minute you land back home, it’s kind of like smack back down to reality.”

In a candid revelation about their future together, she expressed: “Things are looking so much better for us. I’m gonna start spending more time at Tommy’s house, keeping things slow and not rushing anything. But as always, I always say I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t think it’s gonna be a plain sailing future. I don’t. That’s just me being honest. I think we’re still gonna have bumps.

“The dream is still the same that, you know, we’ll get to a place one day when we will all be happy in that house together and have more children, hopefully, and just have a really nice, happy life together.

“That’s all I’ve ever wanted for us. I don’t want to get too excited, but I’m getting glimmers of what I always wanted, which is my family. I know we have got something completely worth saving.” As the credits roll, she adds: “But you never know what’s around the corner!”

The 31-year-old singer was spotted in the crowd of people waiting in St Peter’s Square in Rome for the announcement of the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, on Thursday

Harry Styles has been spotted amongst crowds in Vatican City as Pope Leo XIV was announced as the successor to the late Pope Francis. After the white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel to announce that the conclave had elected a new Pope, thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City to watch as the pontiff appeared on the balcony.

One of the figures in the crowd was the One Direction star, who was captured on camera wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap with the words “Techno is My Boyfriend” embroidered. A photograph of the singer was shared by the pop culture X account @popcrave.

Fans reacted to the sighting with jokes referring to his last album being released three years ago. One wrote: “He’ll do anything except get in the studio”, and another posted: “Doing everything but recording.”

One X user said: “He’s so unhinged, I cannot love him enough but darling I need new music please.” Another added: “Harry Styles is so random, one day he’s at the Grammys winning album of the year, then he’s running a marathon in Japan, but he could also be in Rome waiting for the announcement of the new pope, I love being his fan.”

READ MORE: Pope Leo ‘deliberately’ downplayed being American to make sure he won Papacy

Harry has previously discussed his views towards religion, and back on Twitter in 2010 he wrote that he had been christened but was “not really that religious”. In an interview with Chelsea Handler in 2016, the As It Was singer explained that he considered himself to be “more spiritual than religious”. He explained: “I’m not super tied-in to certain rules but I think it’s naïve to say nothing exists and there’s nothing above us or more powerful than us. I think that’s a little narrow-minded.”

Pope Leo XIV, known before as Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the first American to become a pontiff. The 69-year-old, who is from Chicago, addressed the cheering crowd and said: “Peace be with all of you. Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”

His predecessor, Francis, died at the age of 88 on April 21st, Easter Monday. His public appearance before his death had been Easter Sunday. Speaking about Francis, Pope Leo XIV told the crowd in Rome: “We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us. United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together.”

Following the news that the first American Pope had been elected, President Trump offered his congratulations on his social media platform, Truth Social. He said: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

The barrel leg is one of the season’s most trending style, and Next’s £26 linen trousers have been hailed ‘the perfect shape’ by shoppers

Barrel leg jeans are the biggest denim trend to come about over the last year. It’s likely you’ve been seeing them cropping up, and this spring, more and more high-street retailers are dropping their own takes on the silhouette.

And it’s not just denim we’ve seen this trendy shape in, brands are releasing linen, cotton and poplin trousers with this balloon-like sihouette

I was initially conflicted about the style ever since they became popular. But after finding my perfect barrel leg jeans (thank you H&M) I think they perfectly combine that slouchy, relaxed look with a fashionable, cool-girl vibe.

Next’s £26 offering immediately caught my eye as the perfect summer trousers. The Tie Waist Barrel Leg Linen Blend Trousers are firstly so affordable at under £30 and secondly, a little bit different from the usual wide-leg or tapered linen trousers around.

READ MORE: ‘We got a first look at Next’s new summer collection and these are set to be the pieces to sell out’

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Coming in four neutral colourways, including white, khaki, navy and black, these trousers will be so easy to pair with everything. Designed with a looser fit than usual, they offer breezy comfort without compromising on style, making them ideal for warm days when you want to look put-together with minimal effort.

The barrel leg shape adds a trendy touch, while the tie waist detailing keeps things flattering and comfy. Plus, the pull-on style and handy front pockets make them as practical as they are stylish.

Style them with a simple striped tee for a casual daytime look, or dress them up with a silky top and chunky sandals for balmy evenings out. Add a woven tote and oversized sunnies, and you’ve got the perfect holiday look.

Shoppers have also been loving these breezy trousers, one wrote: “As I’m a little over weight at time trousers can be tight on the tops of my legs, but this session barrel legs trousers fit well.” While a second added: “Love the fit of these and the shape is perfect for me.”

This shape isn’t for everyone, however, with one shopper claiming the silhouette is too “clowny”.

The former Love Island contestant opened up about the dark days dealing with both breaking up with Andrew Le Page and fighting off gossip involving Jamie Borthwick

Strictly Come Dancing sensation Tasha Ghouri has candidly revealed her turmoil following the break-up with Andrew Le Page, saying it plunged her into “a bad place”.

Their paths crossed on ITV’s Love Island last year, where viewers were captivated as the couple’s romance blossomed, leading them to declare their love on the show.

Despite not winning and finishing fourth, their relationship thrived after the show ended – a rarity for fleeting on-screen romances. However, earlier this year, fans were shocked to hear that the pair had called it quits.

During an emotional conversation with Kate Thornton on the White Wine Question Time podcast, the Strictly star delved into the difficulties she faced when the break-up hit the headlines.

She reflected: “When the break-up happened, it actually kind of happened around the [Strictly] tour. I just remember pushing it to the back of my head. I didn’t really deal with it that well, if I’m honest.

“When I was on the tour, the first week it kind of got leaked to the press. I didn’t have the control of how it happened. I remember it was just everywhere.”

Kate probed into the Strictly celeb’s feelings, asking if it felt like a point of no-return once “everybody knows”. Tasha replied: “And especially when it involves public opinions, they kind of create a narrative and that’s what serves them best.”

Rumours had been swirling that she was seeing her Strictly co-star, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. But she shut down those whispers, explaining: “And I felt like there was all these narratives happening. Like, the press started making it out like me and Jamie were dating, that was not the case at all. I just felt like I had no voice.

“I just remember after rehearsals, we were in Birmingham, I’d go to the hotel bar and it sounds really bad, but I literally was drinking wine to make me feel numb. I didn’t want to feel emotion.

“I was just in a really bad place that week. A really, really bad place. I was kind of close to leaving the tour.”

On a cheerier subject, away from her break-up woes, Tasha expressed her deep appreciation for being part of the hit BBC show, saying when asked to join, her response was an eager “absolutely, I would love to”.

She didn’t just participate; she thrived, dancing her way to the final with partner Aljaz Skorjanec. However, their dreams were dashed as they were narrowly beaten to the top spot.