Placeholder Content Image

John Amos' daughter recalls how she learned of her father's death

<p>John Amos, actor known for his role as James Evans Sr. on <em>Good Times, </em>passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes. </p> <p>It wasn't until Tuesday, October 1 that his death was confirmed by his publicist, Belinda Foster, and not long after his son Kelly Christopher Amos confirmed it in a statement to <a href="https://people.com/john-amos-dead-roots-and-coming-to-america-actor-was-84-7510157" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>People</em></a>. </p> <p>"It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned," he said at the time. </p> <p>“He was a man with the kindest heart ... loved the world over. Many fans considered him their TV father.”</p> <p>“He lived a good life, and his legacy will endure through his remarkable work in television and film. My father loved acting, most recently appearing as himself in Suits LA and in our documentary America’s Dad, chronicling his journey as an actor.</p> <p>“He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support during this time.”</p> <p>Now, his daughter Shannon Amos, has revealed that she only learned about his death when it was reported by the media on Tuesday. </p> <p>She paid tribute to her late father in a video shared to Instagram that showed them dancing to the song<em> Dance with My Father</em> by Luther Vandross.</p> <p>"I am without words…Our family has received the heartbreaking news that my Dad, John Allen Amos, Jr., transitioned on August 21st," Shannon wrote in the caption.</p> <p>"We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you.</p> <p>"This should be a time of honoring and celebrating his life, yet we are struggling to navigate the wave of emotions and uncertainties surrounding his passing. Still, there is some semblance of peace in knowing my father is finally free," she continued, before thanking everyone for their "outpouring of love". </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAmTuS4x6ug/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAmTuS4x6ug/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Shannon Amos | Health & Wellness | Retreats (@officialshannonamos)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>John Amos passed away at the age of 84. </p> <p>His children had disagreed on his care, which became public last year after she <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtPYytYRyBx/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=19da7b24-9405-46b8-a697-309f9886c8c3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raised concerns </a>that her father was "a victim of elder abuse and financial exploitation". She even raised her concerns to law enforcement as John was hospitalised at the time. </p> <p>However, he released a statement via his publicist insisting that he was fine. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Shannon Noll postpones show due to medical emergency

<p>Shannon Noll has been forced to postpone two of his upcoming shows in Victoria due to a medical emergency.</p> <p>The former <em>Australian Idol </em>winner, 48, took to Instagram to announce that he had to undergo an "emergency procedure" although the exact details of the procedure was kept under wraps.</p> <p>"Hi guys, due to unforeseen circumstances I'm afraid I have to postpone this weekend's shows at Thornbury Theatre and West Gippsland Arts Centre," he began on the post shared on Friday. </p> <p>"I'm so sorry to do this but I had to undergo an emergency procedure yesterday that now prevents me from travelling for the next few days.</p> <p>"Huge apologies again everyone but I look forward to seeing you all at the rescheduled shows soon!" he concluded. </p> <p>Fans took to the comments to wish the star a speedy recovery. </p> <p>"Health comes first, wishing you a speedy recovery," one wrote. </p> <p>"Hope you are back to good health quickly Shannon. All the very best," another added. </p> <p>"Health is the absolute priority - we hope that you’re back fit and fighting very soon!" a third commented. </p> <p>"Get well soon Shannon! Take the time you need to recover," added a fourth. </p> <p>It has been 20 years since the singer rose to fame after becoming a runner-up on the first season of <em>Australian Idol</em>. </p> <p>"To still be a professional musician travelling the country and playing music 20 years later after a singing competition, I'm so thankful and blessed," he told <em>9Honey</em>. </p> <p>"And it's all because of the support the Australian public has given me over the years, during the ups and downs as well."</p> <p>"It's all because of the public. I'm thankful to them and will be forever," he added. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Young and the Restless star passes away after cancer battle

<p>Veteran soap opera actress Meg Bennett has died at the of 75 after a lengthy battle with cancer. </p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/meg-bennett-dead-young-and-restless-1235878548/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Hollywood Reporter</em></a>, Bennett's family announced that she passed away on April 11th. </p> <p>Bennett had a prolific career in the world of soap operas as both a writer and actress, after working on high profile shows such as <em>The Young and the Restless</em>, <em>General Hospital</em>, <em>Santa Barbara</em> and many more. </p> <p>She became most known for her role on <em>The Young and the Restless</em>, appearing on 52 episodes from 1980–2020 playing the role of Julia Martin/Julia Newman, the spouse of Eric Braeden’s character Victor Newman.</p> <p>Bennett also had a stellar career on Broadway, appearing in the initial run of the musical <em>Grease</em> in 1972 playing the role of Marty Maraschino for more than two years.</p> <p>She also racked up a significant credit as a writer on a number of soaps, stepping behind the camera on <em>The Young and the Restless</em> after her character was phased out. </p> <p>In the interview in 1985, Bennett opened up about the differences in her approach to acting and writing.</p> <p>She said, "I'll admit, acting makes me a little crazy sometimes: You wait to audition. You wait for the part. When you're writing, you're in control. I can initiate things on my own when I'm writing."</p> <p>Bennett is survived by her spouse of 19 years Robert Guza Jr., as well as two stepdaughters, four grandchildren, a brother and a sister. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

"Such a tragedy": Shannon Noll pulls dying teen from car wreck

<p>Singer Shannon Noll ha found himself at the centre of a tragic accident on a remote stretch of Ellangowan Road, just kilometres away from his northern New South Wales home. The incident involved an 18-year-old couple, Kobi Roberts-Walker and Jaselle Melrose, whose car veered off the road, crashing into a tree in a horrifying double fatal accident.</p> <p>Noll, best known for his time on <em>Australian Idol</em>, was on his way back to his family property when he became one of the first responders to the accident. The singer, faced with a burning car and desperate circumstances, didn't hesitate to take action. He bravely dragged the dying Jaselle Melrose from the wreckage and performed CPR in an attempt to save her life.</p> <p>In a statement to <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/two-teenagers-die-in-fiery-crash-after-hitting-tree/news-story/3bdf4004457b59e2078bff3caf0b3749" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a>, Noll expressed the gravity of the situation, saying, “Last night was such a tragedy. I just reacted and did what I could to assist the young woman at the scene. Our prayers and condolences go out to their families at this terribly sad time.”</p> <p>Noll's manager, Paul Paoliello, revealed that the singer was deeply affected by the incident: “I can confirm Shannon did provide assistance last night and he is obviously quite shaken up by what happened,” Paoliello said.</p> <p>The local community, already shaken by the accident, has been left heartbroken over the loss of two young lives.</p> <p>Volunteer rescue workers who were present at the scene attested to Noll's immediate and courageous response. Describing the situation, a witness mentioned that Noll "literally ran" to the car engulfed in flames, pulling the passenger away before emergency services arrived. Others at the scene acknowledged Noll's determination to make a difference and lauded his hands-on approach.</p> <p>The victims, Kobi Roberts-Walker and Jaselle Melrose, were both 18 years old and deeply connected to their local community. Roberts-Walker, known by many in the area, had recently posted their car for sale, citing their anticipation of a growing family. Melrose, a recent graduate of Casino High School, was recognised for her academic achievements.</p> <p>The crash occurred on a notoriously hazardous section of Ellangowan Road, known for its narrow roadway and limited lighting. Locals have raised concerns about the safety of this stretch, and the New South Wales Police are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause and whether speed played a role.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Tony Bennett: the timeless visionary who, with a nod to America’s musical heritage, embraced the future

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jose-valentino-ruiz-1293457">Jose Valentino Ruiz</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-florida-1392">University of Florida</a></em></p> <p>In the history of American popular music, there have been few luminaries as enduring and innovative as Tony Bennett.</p> <p>With a career that spanned almost 80 years, Bennett’s smooth tones, unique phrasing and visionary musical collaborations left an indelible mark on vocal jazz and the recording industry as a whole.</p> <p>That his <a href="https://apnews.com/article/tony-bennett-dies-c3b3a7e2360449fb936a38794c7c3266">death at the age of 96</a> on July 21, 2023, was mourned by artists as varied as <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithUrban/status/1682395658395824133">Keith Urban</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/OzzyOsbourne/status/1682411338340126720">Ozzy Osbourne</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/HarryConnickJR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1682411086656557056%7Ctwgr%5E04a78435a793b5246d7bc19e09529f2b2f0bcfab%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fvariety.com%2F2023%2Fmusic%2Fnews%2Ftony-bennett-elton-john-reaction-tribute-1235676405%2F">Harry Connick Jr.</a> should come as no surprise. Yes, Bennett was a jazz crooner. But if his voice was always a constant – even late into his 80s, way past an age when most other singers have seen their vocal abilities diminish – then his embrace of the contemporary was every bit a facet of Bennett’s appeal.</p> <h2>Vocal innovator</h2> <p>Bennett’s journey is a testament to the power of daring innovation.</p> <p>From the early days of his career in the 1950s to his final recordings in the early 2020s, he fearlessly explored new musical territories, revolutionizing vocal jazz and captivating audiences across generations.</p> <p>His vocal style and phrasing were distinctive and set him apart from other artists of his time. He utilized a delayed or “laid-back” approach to falling on the note, a technique known as “<a href="https://www.musictheoryacademy.com/how-to-read-sheet-music/rubato/">rubato</a>.” This created a sense of anticipation in his phrasing, adding an element of surprise to his performances. Through Bennett’s skilled use of rubato, he was able to play with the tempo and rhythm of a song, bending and stretching musical phrases to evoke a range of emotions. This subtle manipulation of timing gave his songs a natural and conversational quality, making listeners feel as though he was intimately sharing his stories with them.</p> <p>Armed with this silky, playful voice, Bennett found fame fairly early on in his career, delivering jazz standards alongside the likes of Mel Tormé and Nat King Cole. By the mid-1960s, he was being touted by Frank Sinatra as “the best singer in the business.”</p> <p>But his musical style fell out of fashion in the 1970s – a lean period during which Bennett <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2023/07/21/tony-bennett-son-life-career-drugs/">almost succumbed to a drug overdose</a>. Then, in the 1990s, Bennett found a new audience and set off a series of collaborations with contemporary musical stars that would become the standard for his later career.</p> <p>No genre of artistry was deemed off-limits for Bennett. “<a href="https://www.tonybennett.com/music-detail.php?id=11">Duets: An American Classic</a>,” released to coincide with his 80th birthday in 2006, saw collaborations with country stars such as k.d. lang and the Dixie Chicks – now known as the Chicks – and soul legend Stevie Wonder, alongside kindred jazz spirits such as Diana Krall. “Duets II,” a 2011 follow-up, saw further explorations with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Queen Latifah, Willie Nelson and Amy Winehouse, in what would become the <a href="https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/amy-winehouse-final-recording-session/">British singer’s last recording</a>.</p> <p>But his cross-generational, cross-genre and cross-cultural appeal is perhaps best exemplified by his <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/21/arts/music/tony-bennett-lady-gaga.html">collaborations with Lady Gaga</a>, first on the 2014 Grammy-winning album “Cheek to Cheek.” The recording brought together two artists from different generations, genres and backgrounds, uniting them in a harmonious celebration of jazz classics. The collaboration not only showcased each one’s vocal prowess, but also sent a powerful message about the unifying nature of music.</p> <p>Lady Gaga, a pop artist with avant-garde leanings, might have seemed an unlikely partner for Bennett, the quintessential jazz crooner. Yet their musical chemistry and mutual admiration resulted in an album that mesmerized audiences worldwide. “Cheek to Cheek” effortlessly transcended musical boundaries, while the duo’s magnetic stage presence and undeniable talent enchanted listeners.</p> <p>The successful fusion of jazz and pop encouraged artists to experiment beyond traditional boundaries, leading to more cross-genre projects across the industry – proving that such projects could go beyond one-off novelties, and be profitable at that.</p> <h2>Timeless artistry</h2> <p>Bennett’s embrace of contemporary artists did not mean that he abandoned his own musical self. By blending traditional jazz with contemporary elements, he managed to captivate audiences across generations, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners.</p> <p>One key aspect of Bennett’s success was his ability to embody the sentiment of old America, reminiscent of artists like Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong, while infusing contemporary nuances that resonated with the human condition of a more modern era. His approach to music captured both the essence and struggle of America, giving his songs a timeless and universal appeal. Moreover, his voice conveyed familiarity and comfort, akin to listening to a beloved uncle.</p> <p>Bennett’s albums stood out not only for his soulful voice and impeccable delivery but also for the way he drew others from varied musical backgrounds into his world of jazz sensibilities. As a producer, he recognized the importance of nurturing creativity and bringing out the best in artists.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Bennett’s approach to evolving his own sound while preserving its essence sets him apart as an artist. Fearless in his pursuit of innovation, he delved into contemporary musical elements and collaborated with producers to infuse new sonic dimensions into his later albums. The result drew listeners into an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kNpdLZwetU">intimate and immersive, concert-like acoustic journey</a>.</p> <h2>Depth of emotion</h2> <p>The greats in music have an ability to speak to the human experience. And either in collaboration with others or on his own, Bennett was able to achieve this time and time again.</p> <p>His albums were successful not only due to their technical brilliance and musicality but also because Bennett’s voice conveyed a depth of emotion that transcended barriers of time and culture, touching the hearts of listeners from various backgrounds. There was a universality in his music that made him a beloved and revered artist across the globe.</p> <p>Bennett’s life spanned decades of societal upheavals in the United States. But in his music, listeners could always find beauty in challenging times. And as the 20th- and 21st-century American music industry went through its own revolutions, Bennett’s artistic evolution mirrored the changes, cementing his place as a music icon who defies the boundaries of time and trends.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/210244/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/2UxxnhUE5YLchYgutxKEbJ?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jose-valentino-ruiz-1293457">Jose Valentino Ruiz</a>, Program Director of Music Business &amp; Entrepreneurship, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-florida-1392">University of Florida</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/tony-bennett-the-timeless-visionary-who-with-a-nod-to-americas-musical-heritage-embraced-the-future-210244">original article</a>.</em></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

Neighbours star's AVO nightmare after magistrate’s “wrong” call

<p>Former <em>Neighbours</em> star Madeleine West has won an appeal to overturn an AVO taken out against her on behalf of the father of her ex-husband, celebrity chef Shannon Bennett.</p> <p>West, 42, was described by a magistrate as “evasive, almost aggressive and frightening” when giving evidence about an altercation involving her ex-husband’s father Benny Clifton Bennet at his son’s Byron Bay home on May 4 2022.</p> <p>The AVO was granted after the Local Court hearing.</p> <p>However, West appealed the decision in the NSW District Court after being granted a temporary stay on the two-year order, which bans her from Bennett’s Byron Bay property while her father-in-law comes to visit her children.</p> <p>Although the Local Court found West had “barged” onto her ex-husband’s property, Judge Jonathan Priestly ruled the magistrate had made a “wrong” decision based on “erroneous finding”.</p> <p>Judge Priestly found Bennett’s father was acting out of loyalty for his son during the incident.</p> <p>West’s lawyers amid the appeal argued that the magistrates “erred in finding the fears of the older Mr Bennett were reasonably based”.</p> <p>They claimed the conduct, taking the surrounding circumstances into consideration “did not amount to harassment”.</p> <p>The judge said the grandfather’s “fear of harassment” was an outcome of being “distressingly” caught in the middle of a dispute between his son and West.</p> <p>He admitted to the court that he had spoken to her amicably one day before the alleged “barging”.</p> <p>Bennett’s father described West as “uncontrollable” and “irrational”, but Judge Priestly said these claims were not supported by CCTV footage.</p> <p>“I accept that the magistrate was wrong to find that the appellant (West) barged into the property,” he ruled.</p> <p>“A number of errors of the magistrate have been identified. By basing her decision on those erroneous findings her Honour’s decision is wrong.”</p> <p>Judge Priestley found Bennett's father had been “unwittingly involved” by his son and the chances of reoccurring disputes were “negligible”.</p> <p>“There is no need for the order,” the judge said.</p> <p>The AVO was dismissed and Judge Priestly called on lawyers to prepare arguments on costs to be heard in July.</p> <p>West was on <em>Neighbours</em> for six years over two periods of time, from 2000 to 2003 and 2017 to 2020.</p> <p>She appeared in hundreds of episodes as characters Dee Bliss and then Andrew Somers.</p> <p>West was hit by a bus while filming for the soap and suffered head injuries which resulted in her having to relearn motor skills.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Shannon Noll stuns fans as he debuts his new look

<p>Shannon Noll has been hard at work adding yet another craft to his belt, swapping out microphones for dumbbells and hitting the gym hard. </p> <p>The former <em>Australian Idol </em>contestant has now shared the results of his effort with his Instagram followers, earning himself a new title - far from ‘2003 runner-up’ - as “Swollsie”. </p> <p>“I’m loving being back in the gym!” Noll wrote, captioning an image of himself in front of a gym mirror, turned with his arm flexed to showcase his prominent muscles. </p> <p>“My body is responding really well! Thank goodness for muscle memory!” he added, before going on to assure fans he was eating his eggs as well as the protein he was receiving from a number of brands he listed in the caption. </p> <p>Praise and encouragement from friends and fans alike flooded his comments from there, though cries of “Swollsie” featured most prominently from the crowd. </p> <p>“Booooooom brother,” wrote Australian professional bodybuilder Joshua Lenartowicz. </p> <p>“Rig City,” declared swimwear brand Budgie Smuggler. </p> <p>“Nollsie gettin[g] ripped!!” one fan exclaimed. </p> <p>“Get the gains mate!” said one. </p> <p>“Looking strong brother,” another praised. </p> <p>Meanwhile, one was of the opinion that Shannon could have the best of both worlds, asking  “did someone say re-release of ‘Lift’? Mr Shannon Swole!!” </p> <p>Another found some fun in shaking up the lyrics of Shannon’s hit 2004 song ‘What About Me’, writing “what about my traps, it isn't fair, I want the gains but you got them, can't you see I wanna lift, but you just lift more, you just lift more, you just lift more than meeee.” </p> <p>One had some advice for the 47-year-old, referencing a popular fitness meme that one should never skip leg day when they told him not to “forget the calf raises mate”.  </p> <p>“Save some protein for the rest of us,” another requested. </p> <p>And while Shannon is embarking on his gym adventure in the real world, he’s also dabbling in the television gym realm, featuring in an UberEats ad when he can be seen working out and quoting his own song. </p> <p>And he certainly hasn’t turned his back on music - to the delight of fans across the nation - with the singer set to perform at Victoria’s Boardwalk Country Music Festival as part of his Australian tour. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

Tony Bennett's emotional final show with Lady Gaga

<p>Tony Bennett has taken to the stage of Radio City Music Hall in his emotional finale New York performances. </p> <p>Joined with special guest Lady Gaga, the 95-year-old celebrated his birthday by leaving his heart on the stage for his devoted audience. </p> <p>The show took place in August, six months after Tony and his family revealed he is suffering from Alzheimer's. </p> <p>Now, the rest of the world has a chance to experience the TV special, <em><span>One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, </span></em>which aired in the US on Sunday night. </p> <p>Tony Bennett sang all of his signature songs, including <em>I Left My Heart in San Francisco</em>, <em>Fly Me to the Moon</em> and <em>Steppin' Out With My Baby</em>, before signing a number of duets with Lady Gaga. </p> <p>Some of Tony's family members have admitted that since his diagnosis, he often doesn't know where he is or what is happening around him. </p> <p>But, on the stage in New York City, the legendary performer was in his element and didn't miss a beat. </p> <p>Lady Gaga belted out her own rendition of <em>New York, New York</em> before Tony took to the stage, as she teared up to introduce him. </p> <p><span>"He's my friend. He's my musical companion. And he's the greatest singer in the whole world. And I'm counting on you, New York, to make him smile. So you better cheer. You better yell. You better laugh. You better cry. You better give your soul," she said.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CW15vNishM8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CW15vNishM8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by CBS (@cbstv)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>Walking on stage, Tony was greeted with a standing ovation before singing a single note. </span></p> <p><span>Throughout the evening, the audience stood and applauded the </span>legendary performer, as they sang along to all of his classic hits. </p> <p>Although Tony feels at home on the stage, his wife Susan told <em>60 Minutes</em> they were unsure if the show was going to go ahead due to his health.</p> <p>But Susan said that once she saw him onstage that night, she knew everything would be just fine. </p> <p><span>"He became himself. He just turned on. It was like a light switch," she told </span><em><span>60 Minutes</span></em><span> in a segment that aired last month.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW2EbJyMPeU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW2EbJyMPeU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>According to Bennett's neurologist Dr Gayatri Devi, this is because music and performing are so ingrained in Tony's mind. </span></p> <p><span>"People respond differently based on their strengths. In Tony's case, it's his musical memory his ability to be a performer. Those are an innate and hardwired part of his brain," Devi said on <em>60 Minutes</em>. </span></p> <p><span>"So even though he doesn't know what the day might be, or where his apartment is, he still can sing the whole repertoire of the American Songbook and move people."</span></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

Tony Bennett sets a new Guinness World Record

<p>Grammy Award-winning singer Tony Bennett has set a new <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2021/10/legendary-tony-bennett-officially-the-oldest-person-to-release-an-album-of-new-ma-678310" target="_blank">Guinness World Record</a>.</p> <p>The music legend has released a collaboration with Lady Gaga titled <em>Love for Sale</em>, making Bennett the oldest person to release an album of new material. </p> <p>When the project was released on October 1st, Tony Bennett was <span>95 years and 60 days old.</span></p> <p><span>Despite their 60-year age gap, Lady Gaga said she </span><span>finds inspiration performing alongside the senior crooner.</span></p> <p><span>"I see a young boy every time I sing with him, and it just makes the experience of singing so freeing." </span></p> <p><span>"To have it be about two souls singing together ... and then at the same time, I also take in all his wisdom. The wisdom of all his years."</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUsr56LPOFf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUsr56LPOFf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>The new album celebrates the legendary music of Cole Porter, </span>bringing Bennett and Gaga together for another collaboration. </p> <p><span>In 2011, they recorded the song <em>The Lady is a Tramp</em>, and three years later they released a collaborative album entitled </span><em><span>Cheek to Cheek</span></em><span>.</span></p> <p><span>Tony Bennett's latest world record is not the first time the singer has appeared in the Guinness books. </span></p> <p><span>Throughout his 70-year </span>career, he holds four other records:</p> <ul> <li><span>Oldest person to reach No.1 on the US album chart with a newly recorded album for </span><em><span>Cheek to Cheek</span></em><span>.</span></li> <li><span>Longest time between UK top 20 albums: 39 years.</span></li> <li><span>Oldest person to enter the UK top 20 album chart with </span><em><span>Duets: An American Classic</span></em><span> when he was 80.</span></li> <li><span>Longest time between the release of an original recording and a re-recording of the same single by the same artist.</span></li> </ul> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

“He doesn’t know he has it”: Susan Benedetto on Tony Bennett’s diagnosis

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Susan Benedetto, Tony Bennett’s wife, has revealed that the musical icon “doesn’t know” he has Alzheimer’s disease.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 95-year-old singer appeared on the US </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">60 Minutes</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with Benedetto and interviewer Anderson Cooper, as the show followed his final on-stage appearance with Lady Gaga in August.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He recognises me, thank goodness, his children, you know we are blessed in a lot of ways,” Benedetto </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/tony-bennett-alzheimers-disease-not-aware-wife-susan-benedetto-60-minutes-interview/8379c29a-a893-43ed-9fe9-13d4a8ec908f" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">told Cooper</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “He’s very sweet.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Referring to his Alzheimer’s, Benedetto said, “He doesn’t know he has it.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bennett’s family revealed in February that he had been living with the disease.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.0304449648712px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844677/despite-his-alzheimers-tony-bennett-prepares-to-perform-with-lady-gaga-1-37-screenshot.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d41867ee644a4ca2b31bbbe1f6f317bd" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: 60 Minutes / YouTube</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Benedetto previously said Bennett was unable to understand what the disease is.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He would ask me, ‘What is Alzheimer’s?’ I would explain, but he wouldn’t get it,” she told </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AARP Magazine</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> earlier this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He’d tell me, ‘Susan, I feel fine’. That’s all he could process - that physically he felt great. So, nothing changed in his life. Anything that did change, he wasn’t aware of.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bennett was first diagnosed in 2017, after he became concerned with his memory a year earlier.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We came home one night and he said, ‘Susan,’ he said, ‘I’m having a hard time remembering the names of the musicians [who he works with]’,” Benedetto said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“And so it was unusual and I said, ‘Well do you wanna go see a doctor about it?’ and he said, ‘I do’.”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Tune in to <a href="https://twitter.com/60Minutes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@60Minutes</a> tonight at 7pm ET/PT on CBS for my conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/andersoncooper?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andersoncooper</a> about Love For Sale and my dear friend <a href="https://twitter.com/itstonybennett?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@itstonybennett</a>. ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/UQDfYbThDy">pic.twitter.com/UQDfYbThDy</a></p> — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) <a href="https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/1444770602024267779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When Cooper asked Lady Gaga if she thought Bennett’s last performance was “a sad story”, she shared her thoughts on working with the icon.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s not a sad story,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s emotional. It’s hard to watch somebody change. I think what’s been beautiful about this, and what’s been challenging, is to see how it affects him in some ways, but to see how it doesn’t affect his talent.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think he really pushed through something to give the world the gift of knowing that things can change and you can still be magnificent.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gaga and Bennett performed at two sold-out concerts in celebration of his 95th birthday and their second and final album together, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Love for Sale</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Tony, this is the last album we will have created together, but the celebration of jazz, and us as musical companions, will live on with me forever. We offer the public “Love For Sale” for free love, to make them smile, because that’s what we’re here for. ❤️ Love, LG <a href="https://t.co/VP6QifdrHA">pic.twitter.com/VP6QifdrHA</a></p> — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) <a href="https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/1438714751165480961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked about the recording process, Gaga told </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/10/04/lady-gaga-talks-tony-bennett-alzheimers-love-for-sale/5979884001/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">USA Today</span></a></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">it was “hard” to talk about, but “it’s important during times like this to be authentic and share the pain of the realities of what it’s like to have a loved one have Alzheimer’s or dementia”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I really extend my heart to people going through a similar situation.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">See an excerpt of Bennett, Benedetto and Gaga’s appearance on <em>60 Minutes</em> here.</span></p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yNrvXw9juNs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @itstonybennett / Instagram</span></em></p>

Mind

Placeholder Content Image

Tony Bennett reveals fight against Alzheimer’s disease

<p><span>Tony Bennett has revealed he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, but refuses to give up the fight.</span><br /><br /><span>"Life is a gift — even with Alzheimer's. Thank you to [his wife] Susan and my family for their support, and AARP the Magazine for telling my story," he wrote on social media.</span><br /><br /><span>The 94-year-old was diagnosed with the disease in 2016, but has proven even the lingering disease did not stop him as he released his chart-topping duets album with Lady Gaga, <em>Cheek to Cheek i</em></span><span>n 2015.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Life is a gift - even with Alzheimer’s. Thank you to Susan and my family for their support, and <a href="https://twitter.com/AARP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AARP</a> The Magazine for telling my story.<br /><br />Read more here:<a href="https://t.co/R05A4jc5BF">https://t.co/R05A4jc5BF</a>⁰<br /><br />📸 Kelsey Bennett <a href="https://t.co/ApxBCpGv0y">pic.twitter.com/ApxBCpGv0y</a></p> — Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) <a href="https://twitter.com/itstonybennett/status/1356232201810157568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><br /><span>The star’s son, Danny Bennett, released a heartfelt statement: "Managing my father for the last 40 years has been a privilege and an amazing journey. He never ceases to inspire me with his passion and dedication to all that life has to offer. The last four years has been no exception.</span><br /><br /><span>“He continues to sing and stay fit on a daily basis. I speak for the whole family in thanking his wonderful wife Susan for all the support and love she has given to him. Our wish is that by openly sharing his challenges with Alzheimer's That we will give hope to all that face this condition and will help end the stigma surrounding this disease.</span><br /><br /><span>“Above all else, we want to be able to help raise awareness, advocate for advancing new therapies and one day soon, finding a cure."</span><br /><br /><span>Alzheimer's can result in progressive memory loss that deprives its sufferers of speech, understanding, treasured memories or recognition of loved ones.</span><br /><br /><span>While it is understood Bennett has not developed many of the worst characteristics of the disease which can include episodes of rage or depression, he does have a tendency to forget where he is.</span><br /><br /><span>"One of the cruellest aspects of dementia is the stigma that surrounds it," Sarah Lock, AARP senior vice president for brain health, said.</span></p> <p><span>"Feelings of hopelessness can cause people to resist getting diagnosed or refuse treatment. Although there's currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, there's a lot that people can do to delay symptoms and improve quality of life."</span></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

“We failed two years in a row”: Heartbreaking reason Shannon Noll is raising his voice for our Aussie farmers

<p>Having risen to fame after coming second on television show Australian Idol, Shannon Noll is now raising his voice for a good cause.</p> <p>Noll, who was raised on a farm with his older brothers, remembers the time when he worked alongside his father in Condobolin in NSW’s Central West.</p> <p>With some of his most precious memories created amongst sheep and growing calves, Noll said he wouldn’t change country life for anything in the world.</p> <p>But after his father's passing due to a farming accident, the place that he once found great solace in was taken due to the drought, and while he held onto hope that one day the farm would become what it once was, the absence of rain made that harder to envision as the days went on.</p> <p>“We failed two years in a row and it’s just crippling to see your crops dying,” Noll told <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/08/17/14/47/shannon-noll-drought-nine-farm-aid-telethon-farmers-jason-owen-dubbo-new-south-wales-condobolin" target="_blank">9NEWS</a></em>.</p> <p>“We were in so much debt but also not being able to feed your stock is one of the most heart-wrenching things in the world,” he added.</p> <p>After facing financial downfall, Noll made a mutual decision with his brothers to sell the farm that had been in his family for almost a century.</p> <p>“To walk off that property that my grandfather’s father bought was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. We felt like we let everyone down, let dad’s memory down.</p> <p>“But those two years were the first of a 10-year drought, we just never would have made it through.”</p> <p>Because of this, Noll feels a personal connection with the Australian farmers who are currently facing this exact situation at this present moment.</p> <p>With NSW and Queensland facing the worst drought in over 70 years, farmers are forced to either sell their animals or watch them die due to lack of resources.</p> <p>“I was talking to a merino breeder in Condo recently and after this shearing, they have to make a decision about how many of their flock they’ll have to sell to keep the rest alive,” said Noll.</p> <p>“There’s no water in the dam and not a blade of grass in sight. I don’t think some people realise it’s not just about their farmers’ livelihoods; it’s about their history and their heritage.</p> <p>“Some of these families have been working on bloodlines for 30 or 40 years. You wouldn’t believe how hard that is.”</p> <p>This is why Noll has travelled to Dubbo where the <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9now.com.au/today/2018/extras/latest/august/drought-relief-fund" target="_blank">TODAY show</a></em> will air a special Farm Aid Telethon to recognise our farmer's hard work through a time of immense hardship. Joining him will be former X-Factor contestant Jason Owen who comes from a town in the central west of NSW with a population of only 12 people.</p> <p>“I’ve honestly never seen it this dry in my life and it is so hard to go home and see friends and family struggling,” Owen told <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/08/17/14/47/shannon-noll-drought-nine-farm-aid-telethon-farmers-jason-owen-dubbo-new-south-wales-condobolin" target="_blank">9NEWS</a></em>.</p> <p>“The weather is something completely out of our control, but we certainly can still try to make a difference in the lives of these people.”</p> <p>As they struggle to make ends meet, many farmers are struggling with their mental health and Owen has a message out there for our Aussie farmers.</p> <p>“People do care and please don’t ever think there is no one out there for you. No matter how hard the times, people want to listen and are there.”</p> <p>The singer has promised to donate 100 per cent of his profits from his two recent shows and his new song to the <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/5181366/hay-runners-to-help-drought-stricken-farmers-this-australia-day/" target="_blank">Burrumbuttock Hay Runners</a></em> – a charity that donates bales of hay to farmers.</p> <p>“If the stock isn’t getting fed they are dying and then the farmers are faced with the horrible decision of putting them down.</p> <p>“I wouldn’t wish that suffering on anyone.”</p> <p>Nine’s Fighting for our Farmers Drought Relief Appeal has already raised over $4.3 million. If you wish to donate, then you can jump online, visit any Westpac branch or call 1800 732 165 between 5.30 am and 10 pm AEST on weekdays or 7 am to 10 pm AEST this weekend.</p> <p>Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.</p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

Shannon Noll and his wife reveal exciting news

<p>Australian Idol star Shannon Noll and his wife of 14 years, Rochelle, have excitedly announced that they are expecting their fourth child.</p> <p>The star told <a href="https://www.newidea.com.au/shannon-noll-rochelle-noll-expecting-their-fourth-child" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">New Idea</span></strong></em></a> on Monday the baby was conceived shortly after he filmed<em> I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! </em>in the South African jungle.</p> <p>The 42-year-old singer said: “I put it down to the detox in the jungle! I was totally detoxing and there wasn't a lot of privacy if you get my drift.</p> <p>“This all happened around Easter, which was only 10 or 15 days after I got back from the jungle. I think the show is the reason we got pregnant.”</p> <p>Rochelle, who is currently in her second trimester, said the pregnancy came as a surprise because they had tried for a fourth baby “years ago” after the birth of their youngest daughter Sienna.</p> <p>Shannon also revealed that a doctor had told the couple they would be unlikely to have children again following a ute accident in 2010.</p> <p>“I left for London a few days [after the accident] and halfway through rehearsals I was in agony. The first thing the doctor said was, 'I hope you're finished having kids', so we didn't think there was any chance,” he said.</p> <p>Rochelle, 43, told <em>New Idea</em> there was “a bit of concern” early in the pregnancy, but due to her healthy lifestyle any complications were resolved. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BbeBeLzhFX_/" target="_blank">A post shared by Shannon Noll (@nollsie)</a> on Nov 14, 2017 at 12:33am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Shannon and Rochelle share three children together already – Cody, 17, Blake, 15, and Sienna, 11.</p> <p>In 2003, Shannon first rose to fame during the first season of <em>Australian Idol</em>, finishing in second place behind Guy Sebastian. </p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Shannon Noll reveals secret to his happy marriage of 14 years

<p>Shannon Noll has revealed the secret to his happy marriage to wife of 14 years Rochelle.</p> <p>The 42-year-old Australian Idol star told <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-5785309/Shannon-Noll-reveals-secret-happy-marriage-wife-Rochelle.html">Daily Mail Australia</a></span></strong> that communication is key to a happy marriage. </p> <p>“Silence is the biggest destroyer of marriages,” he explained. </p> <p>“I think probably communication is the biggest one, we always try to sit down every couple of months and so and really try to focus on each other and get things off our chest.</p> <p>“What we've found is the more we talk about something, the better result we can come up with and the better remedy for it.”</p> <p>Shannon and Rochelle, who have three children, wed in October 2004 in Sydney's Cremorne.</p> <p><img width="422" height="422" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/05/30/06/4CBE961100000578-5785309-image-a-53_1527659678606.jpg" alt="Family: Shannon and Rochelle share three children together, and the rocker joked that he and his wife are a 'taxi service' for the kids" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-b29995165e5c56b7"/></p> <p>He joked that he and his wife are a “taxi service” for the kids.   </p> <p>“Me and Roch we feel more like a taxi service, dropping them here and dropping them there,” he said with a laugh.   </p> <p>“With the kids running around these days, an extra hour in the day would be fantastic,” Shannon said.</p> <p>“I'd like to spend it having some quiet time, instead of just running around the place all the time. Maybe just read a book or something like that I think.”</p>

Relationships

Placeholder Content Image

Shannon Noll reveals the spooky message from his dad after he died

<p>Aussie musician Shannon Noll has made a spooky discovery about his late father after returning home from his six-week stint in the South African jungle for <em>I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!</em></p> <p>During his time in the jungle, Noll received a reading from famed psychic John Edward.</p> <p>Noll admitted that he was initially confused and cynical of the reading but has now realised its significance after speaking to a friend.</p> <p>Edward spoke to Noll about his father, who was sadly killed in a freak accident on the family farm in 2001.</p> <p>“He said something about dad telling me he was in the car when I was singing <em>In Your Arms</em>,” Noll said.</p> <p>“It didn’t register to me.”</p> <p>After Noll returned home, a close friend who was aware of what happened behind the scenes of his Australian Idol audition in 2003, helped him understand the message.</p> <p>Many people know that Noll propelled to fame after auditioning for the show with the balled <em>Hold Me In Your Arms</em>. However, Noll originally planned to audition with Michael Jackson’s <em>Ben</em> and only switched songs after a producer asked him if he had anything else to sing.</p> <p>Noll admitted that the choice of his second song was completely random and he now believes that his late father planted the song in his head.</p> <p>“I have only ever said that (<em>Hold Me In Your Arms</em>) popped into my head out of nowhere,” Noll said.</p> <p>“I remember I was driving between the farm and Condobolin and had just gone over one of the bridges when it popped into my head and I started singing it in the car; the auditions were about a week or two later.</p> <p>“I forgot about it again until I was sitting in a room with 1500 other hopefuls in Melbourne and it popped into my head again.</p> <p>“I sing <em>Ben</em> and the executive producer Greg Beness asked me if I got anything else and so I sing him <em>Hold Me In Your Arms</em>. He told me to shelve <em>Ben</em> for the big audition in front of the judges.”</p> <p>Noll said he had “total goosebumps” when he returned home from the jungle and realised the message Edward had given him.</p> <p>Noll explained that he tried to “pick holes in it all” because Edward had also said “something about your father and a belt” which was a story Noll had shared in the jungle a few weeks earlier.</p> <p>“I never sang to dad in the car, I never sang to him when we were working on the farm,” Noll said.</p> <p>“A lot of things have happened over the years that have culminated in everything turning out the way it has for me, too many coincidences, but I’ve never really looked at it this way.”</p> <p>Noll was crowned the runner-up in the jungle and comedian Fiona O’Loughlin took the crown.</p> <p>The musician said he was grateful for the opportunity to get in front of the Australian public once again as he released his comeback album <em>Unbroken</em>.</p> <p>Noll explained that the test of pushing himself to the limit for six weeks had inspired him to try new challenges.</p> <p>“I really want to step it up with the show,” he said.</p> <p>“I’m learning how to play a song called <em>Breath of Life </em>from the new record on piano and go back to playing the guitar on stage,” he said.</p> <p>“I have concentrated on my vocals so much over the years so I let myself off the hook as a musician.”</p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Shannon Noll’s shock new career goal

<p>Shannon Noll might have been<a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/2018/03/im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here-winner-announced/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong> pipped at the post by Fiona O’Loughlin</strong></span></a> in the <em>I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!</em> final, but a recent interview suggests the singer is still keen to use the show as a springboard to launch his shock new career goal.</p> <p>Speaking to <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The Daily Telegraph</strong></em></span></a>, the one-time <em>Australian Idol</em> runner-up said he was open to anywhere his career would take him, including a stint in politics.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FImaCelebrityAU%2Fvideos%2F921531428025404%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=476" width="476" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>“I am very passionate about things and I am very passionate about the country I live in and the place that I love so if there was a part that suited me, I would definitely have a think about it,” the 42-year-old singer said.</p> <p>“I have had some conversations about it but I will be doing my research before I make any decisions.”</p> <p>Noll also said he’d be keen to try his hand at acting.</p> <p>“I’ve thought about acting for years but never really pushed hard enough but now, after the show, I can’t not push anymore,” he said.</p> <p>“It is one of those things you will regret if the opportunity comes up and you don’t take it. You would be mad to brush anything that comes out of this.”</p> <p>Noll, who was runner-up to Guy Sebastian on the first series of<em> Australian Idol</em> way back in 2003, said the irony of placing second again wasn’t lost on him.</p> <p>“Can you believe it?” he laughed. “The memes will be funny.”</p> <p>But in the end of the day, he was happy to see O’Loughlin win.</p> <p>“I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to win but her,” he said.</p> <p>“This is very different to Australian Idol. To make it to the last day, it sort of doesn’t matter if you are first, second or third out of that. To make it through the whole thing is just amazing.”</p> <p>What are your thoughts? Do you think Shannon Noll would make a good pollie? Would you watch a show the singer was starring in? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! winner announced

<p>After going back to basics for six weeks in the South African jungle, Fiona O’Loughlin has been announced as the winner of <em>I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here!</em> beating Aussie pop star Shannon Noll and former boxer Danny Green to claim the price.</p> <p>“I just feel like the luckiest duck alive,” the 54-year-old said.</p> <p>“Without a doubt the jungle has changed me. I will never take anything for granted again.”</p> <p>For her efforts O’Loughlin will be awarded $100,000 to put towards her chosen charity, Angel Flight.</p> <p>Of her experience, O’Loughlin said: “Without a doubt the jungle has changed me. I will never take anything for granted again. I just feel like the luckiest duck alive.”</p> <p>Noll agreed: “I wasn’t sure how I would go with this and I turned out to be way tougher than I thought it would be. I think it is great to test yourself. That is how you find out what you’re made of. I would love to not come second this time.”</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FImaCelebrityAU%2Fvideos%2F921511634694050%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=476" width="476" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>Boxer Danny Green, who placed third, also said the jungle was a good experience.</p> <p>“It has been such a life changing incredible experience,” Green said.</p> <p>“I never thought that I would get this much out of it. I have met some fantastic people, I’ve made some new friends for the rest of my life.”</p> <p>What are your thoughts?</p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

Shannon Noll reveals the tragic way he lost his Australian Idol money

<p><em>Australian Idol</em> runner-up Shannon Noll made a killing after the show thanks to a record deal and a string of top 10 hits, but his fortune didn’t last long.</p> <p>The 42-year-old, who is currently in the South African jungle competing in <em>I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!</em> Australia, opened up about the hardships he faced before and after his <em>Idol</em> stint.</p> <p>Speaking to campmate Fiona O’Loughlin, Noll revealed that yesterday would have been his father’s 73rd birthday, but that he had been killed years earlier after a farming accident left him with a catastrophic brain injury. The tragedy rocked the Noll family.</p> <p>“It has ruined mum, you know,” he said. “Mum is not so tough. She will never be the same… with the sons, we had our own kids and our partners, we had things to occupy our minds… but she is in a house in a cold bed every night. Just a constant reminder everywhere she turns.</p> <p>“It’s the hardship of getting left behind. [That] began for her then and it has never stopped.”</p> <p>Not only did the loss take a huge emotional toll, but Noll and his family were left in dire financial straits as they tried to keep the farm running in his father’s absence.</p> <p>“We tried to farm our way out of it in the next two years. We failed because of the drought so we got enough rain to put the crop in and then it didn’t rain at all after that. That cost $40 or 50 grand at a time for fuel, seed, spray. So we went further into debt.”</p> <p>Shortly after, the family made the heartbreaking decision to cut their losses and say goodbye to their farm.</p> <p>Fortunately, things began to look up for Noll, whose appearance on <em>Idol</em> launched his successful music career.</p> <p>But far from the usual things rock stars spend their money on – expensive cars, big houses etc. – for Noll, there was only one thing he could put his earnings towards.</p> <p>“I wrote a cash cheque out for $209,000 for a tractor company. I thought I was doing the right thing - I’d never run a business before. So I paid a lot of these debts out. Consequently all the big money I made after the show, I paid bills with it,” he said.</p> <p>“I didn’t blow it on yachts and all that sort of stuff. Just paid [bills].”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Channel 10.</em></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

The heated moment Shannon Noll and Danny Green clashed over Australia Day date

<p>If there’s one thing this most recent season of <em>I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!</em> isn't short of, it’s controversy, and the <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/2018/02/anthony-mundine-sparks-controversy-with-sexist-comments/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Channel 10 reality TV show is making headlines</strong></span></a> again after rocker Shannon Noll clashed with boxer Danny Green.</p> <p>The Australian Idol runner up waded into recent debate as to whether the date of Australian Day should be changed from January 26 to respect the indigenous people of Australia, saying he supported finding an alternate day.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FImaCelebrityAU%2Fvideos%2F901204593391421%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=520" width="520" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>“If it offends our original Australians, I would be quite happy to talk about a date that suits everybody that doesn’t represent a bloodshed day for them,” Noll said.</p> <p>“If that day represents obviously pain and heartache for our original, native Australians, then I think they are as proud Australians as any of us so I would be up for maybe moving it to a day that they are happy and we are happy and everyone is happy but not lose the day,” Noll added.</p> <p>But Green wasn’t having a bar of it and the conversation quickly became heated.</p> <p>“It is not a day that is going to go away so where would you like to move it?” he asked. “You either scrap the day altogether and no one ever came here and colonised the land.”</p> <p>“I was raised well and truly by my father teaching me all about indigenous culture and who the traditional land owners are, who to respect and why to respect them. I am truly across it so I’ve got no interest in getting involved in a politically skewed conversation here,” he said.</p> <p>What are your thoughts?</p> <p> </p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Shannon Noll’s incredible comeback after life-changing injury

<p>Almost 15 years after he burst onto the scene as runner-up of the first season of <em>Australian Idol</em> and six years after his sixth album, Shannon Noll is about to make a comeback. But the 42-year-old rocker’s journey back to the spotlight hasn’t been an easy one.</p> <p>The title of his new album <em>Unbroken</em>, set to be released in February, was inspired by his battle back to health after a back injury during his time on <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> in 2010 left him with permanent nerve damage.</p> <p>Despite having undergone an emergency laminectomy, Noll says he’s still in chronic pain and “trips on stuff a lot" due to the damage to his nerves.</p> <p>“A lot has happened over the past six or seven years and it took a long time to get past that back injury and get back to being fit,” he tells <a href="http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/shannon-noll-set-to-release-first-album-in-seven-years-after-battling-chronic-back-injury/news-story/f07c262a1cf9e5247e61ed59319fcedd" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">news.com.au</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>“I also changed record labels and management, and that kept putting the album further and further back. There’s been lots of ups and downs and I got through it and now I am really enjoying touring probably more than I ever have.”</p> <p>An altercation at an Adelaide strip club earlier this year inspired Noll to leave his “wild times” in the past and made him realise the importance of protecting his voice – after all, it has sold him more than 1.4 million albums and singles since 2003.</p> <p>“I am really conscious of my voice now as well and I pride myself on singing to the best of my ability at every show,” he explains.</p> <p><em>Unbroken</em> features a number of songs inspired by his pride for his homeland and childhood love of Aussie anthems like “Great Southern Land” by Icehouse and GANGgajang’s “Sounds of Then (This is Australia)”.</p> <p>“[The songs] hold a really special place in my heart because they celebrate who we are and our love of Australia,” he says. “I wouldn’t change a thing about who I am ... you know I have never been the cool guy and I think it’s time for people to appreciate how lucky we are in this country.”</p>

Music

Our Partners