INDUSTRY whispers tell me all is not well over at YMU – with the once massive talent agency haemorrhaging a host of big-name acts.
Since Amanda Holden’s hubby Chris Hughes, a former director, left the company last year I am told a number of musicians have decided to jump ship.
They include Take That as well as X Factor winner James Arthur and talent show judge Nicole Scherzinger.
My insider said: “YMU has had some big exits recently and it’s becoming the talk of the industry.
“Take That are said to be stepping back, along with James and Nicole.
“When Chris left, it really did cause a stir and people are talking about James and Nicole following him to his next venture.”
When I started in the industry, YMU were proper heavyweights – the sort that, if you emailed, they would blank you . . . no matter what you asked.
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were previously on their books, as well as BGT judge Amanda, who left last year.
YMU also lost Gabby Logan and Claudia Winkleman, and I’m sure the latest departures will be equally painful for business.
I would send them an email about this but I doubt I’d ever get a response.
Tour blimey Katy
KATY PERRY is looking better than ever, which stands her in good stead for her return to the stage.
Tickets for The Lifetimes Tour went on sale yesterday and she has already added a second date at London’s O2 Arena due to huge demand.
The US star, posing in a barley there outfit in the snap above to promote her British jaunt next year, announced her tour exclusively in our newspaper on Monday and will now do an extra gig on October 14.
It is going to be a killer tour, packed full of Katy’s biggest hits and kicks off in the UK on October 7 at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro.
I cannot wait.
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR has all the sparkle of a firework, so who better to ring in 2025 with?
The Murder On The Dancefloor singer has been announced as the musical entertainment for New Year’s Eve on BBC One and iPlayer, following Rick Astley’s gig last year.
Sophie said: “I immediately think of sparkles, singing and dancing for a New Year’s Eve celebration, and that’s what I’ll be bringing.
“The band and I can’t wait, and we have some surprises planned.
“I’m so honoured to have been asked.
“Get your disco shoes ready.
“I’ll be wearing mine.”
Sampha charity plea is class act
SINGER SAMPHA has teamed up with the charity Street Child to help get kids from the world’s poorest countries into education.
The London-born Mercury Prize winner, who is of Sierra Leonean heritage, urged fans to back festive campaign Give The Gift That Lasts All Year.
He said: “For just £1 a week, we can give a child the opportunity to go to school for a year – a gift that lasts long after the festive season.
“It’s a simple way to make a difference.
“In 2017, I supported Street Child’s response to the mudslides in [Sierra Leonean capital] Freetown and witnessed how their work creates lasting change.
“Since then, the charity has continued to make an incredible impact, transforming the lives of over one million children in more than 20 countries.”
I’m right behind this, Sampha.
Christina does a Kylie
IF you thought it was only Kylie Minogue who could look good in gold hotpants then check out Christina Aguilera.
The Dirrty singer was in New York’s Times Square to open H&M’s new flagship shop – which is a bit random but I assume the payday was too good to turn down.
And she certainly dazzled fans in teeny shorts, emulating Kylie’s memorable show.
Earlier this week, Charli XCX also put on a show there hosted by the clothing brand, so kudos to the marketing department because we’re all talking about it.
It’s been a busy few days for Christina, who joined Sabrina Carpenter on stage last Friday as part of her Short n’ Sweet tour.
Together, they sang What A Girl Wants and Ain’t No Other Man.
If you’ve not seen the performances yet, I suggest you make sure to check out some clips online.
Christina still has it in spades.
STARS of the film version of hit musical Wicked celebrated its release yesterday by helping to switch on the Greenwich Meridian Line laser at the Royal Observatory.
Cynthia Erivo pressed the button, in homage to her Wicked character Elphaba.
Speaking on radio show Heart Breakfast, she confirmed my story from earlier this year that scenes for the film’s final song, Defying Gravity, could only be shot when the cast were able to return to work after an actors’ strike.
She said: “The song was filmed after the strike.
“We were meant to finish and ended up stopping, and six months later finished.”
Olivia’s in Lla-la-land
OLIVIA RODRIGO has spent the past year in some of the world’s most glamorous locations on her Guts tour – so imagine the surprise of residents in sleepy Welsh seaside town Llandudno when the Californian singer rocked up.
On Thursday, the Drivers License hitmaker snapped a selfie with a Marks & Spencer shop assistant named Rose, pictured, which was then posted on the branch’s Facebook page.
Olivia was visiting with her British actor boyfriend Louis Partridge, who I first revealed she was dating last year.
Bet it beats the sky-high prices of Los Angeles.
