Linda Nolan, a cherished member of the iconic pop group The Nolans, has passed away at the age of 65 after a courageous two-decade battle with cancer. Known for her vibrant energy and remarkable voice, Linda rose to fame in the 1970s alongside her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise, and Anne, creating unforgettable hits like the 1980 disco anthem I’m In The Mood for Dancing.

Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and celebrated remission in 2011. However, her journey took another turn in 2017 when she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, which ultimately spread to her brain by 2023. Despite these challenges, Linda faced her illness with grace and strength, inspiring countless fans and supporters.

Coleen Nolan, Linda’s sister and fellow entertainer, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram:
“Linda was a beacon of love, kindness, and strength. Her wit, humor, and laughter were infectious, and her presence could light up any room. Linda had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her.”

Linda’s legacy extends beyond her music, as she was a source of light and positivity for her loved ones and fans alike. Her ability to bring joy through her songs and her enduring spirit in the face of adversity will remain an inspiration.

Rap icon Drake has initiated legal proceedings against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of defamation and harassment over the release of Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss track, Not Like Us. The track, which sparked widespread debate last year, contains inflammatory allegations against Drake, describing him and his entourage as “certified paedophiles” who should be “registered and placed on neighbourhood watch.”

Drake’s lawyers filed papers in New York, claiming that UMG orchestrated a “campaign to create a viral hit” using false accusations. The suit alleges:

• The song makes baseless claims about Drake’s character, portraying him as a criminal.
• UMG allegedly used the track to tarnish Drake’s reputation and provoke public outrage.
• The legal team argues that the track’s release and marketing campaign caused significant harm to Drake’s personal and professional image.

Universal Music Group has yet to issue a response to the defamation claims.

This lawsuit follows Drake’s withdrawal of a separate case against UMG and Spotify, filed just 24 hours earlier. That earlier suit alleged collusion between the two companies to artificially inflate streams of Not Like Us at the expense of Drake’s own music. In court documents, Drake’s team claimed that Universal had licensed the diss track to Spotify at reduced rates and used bots to boost its popularity.

Universal and Spotify refuted those allegations, with Universal stating, “The suggestion that [the company] would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue.” Spotify added that the platform has “no economic incentive” to favor one artist over another.

Drake withdrew the earlier lawsuit after a meeting with representatives from UMG and Spotify, as noted in court filings. While details of the meeting remain undisclosed, the resolution of that dispute has cleared the path for this new defamation case.

The ongoing legal battles have drawn significant attention within the music industry. While UMG and Spotify deny any wrongdoing, Drake’s defamation case underscores the complex dynamics between artists and record labels, particularly in an era where streaming plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and success.

Sir Elton John’s iconic greatest hits album, Diamonds, has finally claimed the top spot on the UK charts, an astonishing 374 weeks after its release. Featuring timeless classics like Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, and I’m Still Standing, the 51-track collection marks the legendary musician’s ninth number one album at the age of 77.

“I’m so excited and thrilled that Diamonds is the number one album in the UK this week,” Elton said in a statement. “What a great start to the new year. I could not be happier.”

Originally released in 2017 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin, the album has been a constant presence on the charts. Its rise to number one was propelled by last week’s re-release of a super deluxe edition, featuring Blu-ray, cassette, and diamond-effect vinyl formats.

The album’s resurgence also coincided with a streaming surge fueled by the Disney+ documentary Never Too Late, which premiered last month. The film, co-directed by Elton’s husband David Furnish, explores his remarkable journey from a session musician to global superstar, touching on personal battles with addiction, fatherhood, and the conclusion of his farewell tour in 2023.

The documentary, which features rare and previously unseen footage, has earned critical acclaim and was recently longlisted for a BAFTA in the Best Documentary category.

Since its initial release, Diamonds has sold more than 1.5 million copies in the UK and set a record for spending more consecutive weeks in the Top 40 than any other album in chart history. The quiet post-holiday release schedule also contributed to its climb to number one, with no new albums entering the Top 10 last week.

Elton John’s previous chart-topping albums span six decades, starting with Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player in 1973. His first Greatest Hits album followed suit in 1974, solidifying his status as one of music’s most enduring and celebrated artists.