Singer-songwriter Raye has had to step back from several live commitments after being put on strict vocal rest following her Parklife set.
Gutted audiences inside the AO Arena were already in their seats to see the British star on Tuesday when an announcement was made that she wouldn’t be performing.
She was meant to be supporting SZA but posted an emotional video on her Instagram to announce she could no longer sing.
Raye said: “So I think that I’ve hemorrhaged my vocals. It’s really scary and I’m so gutted right because I was so excited to perform tonight.
“And I’m so sorry to SZA for letting you down, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to support you.
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“I’ve never had this happen before so I’m very scared. Like basic notes that I should be able to sing I can’t sing.
“So I think I’m gonna have to rest and pull out of the show tonight. Erm, it’s just life, innit. I’m really sorry, and hopefully I can rest up and get good. I’ll keep you updated.”
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She has now pulled out of her Glasgow support slot with SZA, saying that she’s been put on an intense course of steroids and medicine since her performance on the main stage of Parklife.
Raye crying on her Instagram stories. Credit: InstagramInside the AO Arena during SZA’s set. Credit: The Manc Group
Raye was one of the biggest names on The Parklife Stage this weekend, appearing just before Rudimental and Little Simz on Saturday.
Raye shared today: “I am going to have to pull out of Glasgow opening for sza.
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“I have been on an intense course of steroids and medicines since park life and nothing is working right now.
“I have been on 4 tours, non stop since January, with 133 shows scheduled this year alone and I’ve pushed myself a little too hard.
“I would never cancel shows unless I had no choice and this is the case. I am pretty devastated, I’m on strict vocal rest and just going to try and get better as soon as I can so I can resume all my commitments.
“I am so deeply deeply sorry.”
The 25-year-old initially rose to prominence after being featured on a number of commercially-successful singles, including ‘By Your Side’, ‘You Don’t Know Me’, ‘Secrets’, and ‘Bed’ – but in 2022, she decided to step out on her own to properly make a name for herself.
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She received further recognition as a solo artist after her single ‘Escapism’ reached the top of the UK Singles Chart, and also became her first song to chart in the US.
She released her debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues, to critical acclaim back in February.
Secret Genius is a new competition series that sees adults from all walks of life go on an ‘incredible journey of self-discovery’ by competing in a set of immersive intelligence games, and the show‘s producers are currently in the process of casting a group of clever individuals who have what it takes to go all the way.
According to Mensa UK, hundreds of thousands of people may be going about their daily lives unaware of just how intelligent they actually are.
This may be someone who’s always found puzzles, following complex instructions or directions easier than those around them but never understood why, or someone who feels that their natural abilities were misunderstood or overlooked at school or in their working life.
Channel 4 is looking for ‘secret genius’ Mancs to take part in a new competition show / Credit: NCI (via Unsplash) | Freepik
It may be someone who feels their input is dismissed by people when it shouldn’t be, or maybe just someone who’s curious to find out more about their potential brain power.
If this sounds like you, applications for Secret Genius are now open and you could come face to face with the show’s famous presenter duo, Alan Carr and Susie Dent, as the put you and your fellow contestants to the test.
The selected participants will take part in a series of heats, and have the chance to progress to the finals where one lucky person will lift the Secret Genius trophy.
A casting call on the Channel 4 website reads: “Do you suspect that you have a brilliant mind but feel that your intelligence has been underestimated or misunderstood at home, at school or at work? Pass the word on. Maybe you have a friend, family member or colleague whose brainpower constantly amazes you – then give them a nudge to apply.”
Fancy it then? If you’d consider yourself to be a brainbox, then you can find the T&Cs and apply to take part in Secret Genius on the Channel 4 website here.
Featured Image – Melanie Deziel (via Unsplash)
TV & Showbiz
John Bishop announces latest Manchester gig arena tour dates
Danny Jones
Beloved British comedian John Bishop has announced another massive Manchester gig on his latest run of arena tour dates.
The well-known veteran of the North West and national stand-up scene at large is heading back to the region next year for his fresh batch of live stand-up shows.
Serving as the follow-up to his critically acclaimed hour from 2025, with these dates also serving as another opportunity for fans who missed out last time to see at least some of that material, John Bishop is no stranger to selling out Manchester arenas.
Returning to Co-op Live once again after his first two visits there this past autumn, Manc crowds can look forward to more of his usual scouse charm.
Confirming the new 2027 UK tour dates online this Friday, 23 January, Bishop said: “So excited to announce I’ll be heading back out on tour next year with my brand new show…. ‘Let’s Go Round Again'”
As he goes on to write, he’s set to play “some of the biggest venues across the UK and Ireland in April and May 2027”, simply adding, “Come and join me for a night to remember…”
The 59-year-old will be coming to Co-op Live on Sunday, 2 May.
His Co-op Live debut last October went down a storm, so it’s no surprise that we cousins down the Mersey were one of the first cities to be named on the new tour.
Bishop is enjoying a little bit of added renaissance at the moment, amid being at the centre of a Hollywood film starring Will Arnett and Bradley Cooper.
You can see the duo talking about the recent release down below.
Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett allowed themselves to be vulnerable when adapting John Bishop's life story 🎬 pic.twitter.com/B5DYBfDfJ8
The Everton-born comic was already 35 when he first started live stand-up, turning up at the Frog and Bucket comedy club on the edge of the Northern Quarter and choosing to go up on stage during an open mic night rather than paying the entry fee.
Already a successful salesman in the pharmaceutical industry, he chose to switch careers just before his 40th birthday and hasn’t looked back since.
It’s part of this real-life story that inspired the movie, Is Thing On? – which finally premieres here in the UK at the end of this month – and continues to make him a hugely popular touring UK comedian.
For anyone who fancies going along to see his new tour, you can sign up for early access through his mailing list or via the venue’s pre-sale for official Co-op Members.
Those windows open on Wednesday, 28 January from 10am; general admission will be available from the same time on the following Friday (30 Jan). You can get ready to grab yours HERE.
You can watch the trailer for the aforementioned motion picture here.
Daisy Jackson -
15th June 2023 
