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The 42
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The 42
Wallabies' quality makes this all the sweeter for Farrell's Lions
THE CELEBRATIONS OUT on the pitch were special, but every rugby player cherishes the moments back in the changing room the most. Getting back into the sheds with team-mates after victory, especially one as hard-fought and dramatic as the Lions' one tonight, is when the magic really starts. The Lions were in there roaring their own version of Rockin' All Over The World by the time Andy Farrell and Maro Itoje sat down to do the press conference after their 29-26 win. Fin Smith and a few others have taken ownership of the Status Quo classic, coming up with Lions-related lyrics that change every week but focus heavily on Farrell and Itoje. 'See what you guys are making me miss out on!' said Itoje with a smile as the singing boomed into the press conference room. The Lions were still going 25 minutes later, blasting out tunes throughout Joe Schmidt and Harry Wilson's sombre press conference. Angels, You Raise Me Up, and Dirty Old Town were among the tunes to get a blast from the Lions players. And then they all marched back out of the changing room, carrying chairs on their heads, many of them wearing lei necklaces made of chocolate bars. The stands at the MCG were empty by now but the Lions all gathered in the middle of the pitch and laid down their chairs in a circle, soaking in that special feeling. Hugo Keenan came out late because he'd been nabbed for an interview, so his punishment was to be sent down to the tryline where he'd scored his match winner. The Ireland fullback had to re-enact his try, much to the delight of his team-mates. They were all booted off the pitch 10 minutes later and when they finally got cleaned up and onto the bus, the entire Lions party set off for their team hotel in Melbourne where their families and friends were all waiting. It will be a special night. Advertisement Andrew Porter, Ben Earl, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO The Lions would have celebrated no matter the circumstances of their victory tonight, but there's no doubt that things were all the more raucous because of the nature of the win. With the game on the line, trailing the Wallabies by two points, and with less than three minutes remaining, the Lions got one final attacking chance from a lineout on the halfway line. They put together a brilliant passage of attack and scored through Keenan to seal the series. 'Finn doesn't do drop goals,' said Lions boss Farrell when asked if that was a consideration. 'He's not done many in his career. 'Have a look at Jamison Gibson Park's play towards the end. He's absolutely everywhere, fizzing the ball at speed, and he's been playing that way for 79 minutes. 'Have a look at the carries we had, getting over the gainline, people constantly offering themselves, the breakdown and the instinct we had to just keep on playing. It just shows the courage of the side.' There's also the fact that the Lions were 18 points behind the Wallabies at one stage of the first half. It could have been a 22-point margin if Tom Lynagh had been able to land conversions of the two tries the Aussies scored while Tommy Freeman was in the sin bin. Some sides would have been reeling at that stage, but the Lions responded muscularly, notching two tries before half time when Freeman returned from his yellow card. The Wallabies nudged themselves back into a nine-point lead with just over 25 minutes remaining, but the Lions closed the gap again. In fact, those three points from Lynagh's penalty were the only three points the Wallabies scored in the second half. The Lions did miss a few chances down in the Australian 22 in the final quarter but with their bench making a telling impact, it always felt like they could manufacture one last opportunity to win it. The occasion makes this a sweet place for the Lions to clinch the series. A crowd of 90,307 was the second-biggest at any Lions Test in history. The MCG is a beautiful stadium and the pre-match build-up was electric. Andy Farrell celebrates with his son, Owen. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO The masses of Lions supporters made themselves heard throughout and there was even a rendition of the Fields of Athenry at one point. One of the biggest roars of the night came when Jac Morgan was introduced, the huge cohort of Welsh fans delighted to see their man getting his chance. Those who were in the MCG won't forget this one. It was an epic game with an enthralling finish. The 90,307 people who came along were rewarded with total entertainment, even if the Australians' hearts were broken. The fact that the Wallabies pitched up so impressively for this game means winning will matter even more to the Lions. Any series success is enjoyable but there might have been a slightly hollow sense to it if they'd blown the Wallabies away like some were predicting. Schmidt's side were clearly very well prepared, employing a smart, simple, snappy game plan to put pressure on the Lions. Their physicality was much improved with Rob Valetini and Will Skelton back in harness, their kicking was more accurate, and their basic skills in carrying, passing, tackling, and clearing out were much improved. 'They were good, they turned up,' said Farrell. 'I suppose the drama and how it unfolded is what makes it special. We came here to win a series. To do it in that type of fashion, you wouldn't have backed us at 23-5, but to find a way adds to the story, doesn't it? 'It adds to the fairytale. To be a part of it is an honour, it really is. 2013 was special, 1-1, and being able to win it at the death, but we won quite comfortably in the end. 'To win it like that is what top-level sport is all about. It's cruel in so many ways for Australia but we stayed in the fight and we got what we deserved.' It's a major triumph for Farrell as head coach, adding another honour to his already glittering CV. His record as a winner is remarkable. He backed a strong group of his Irish players to do the job for the Lions on this tour, ignored the usual outside noise, and has been rewarded with a series success. But he's not one for taking the plaudits. 'Honestly, it's zero to do with me,' said Farrell. 'No matter what, it's been a privilege and an honour to represent these boys as a head coach. 'But I'm the one that's living the dream.'
Borneo Post
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
11-year-old organist to perform at St Peter's Church Padungan opening
Kai (left) and Kenzie (right) seen during rehearsals at St Peter's Church here yesterday, in preparation for their upcoming performances. – Photo by Beverly Chan. KUCHING: At just 11 years old, Sarawakian-Australian Kai Laird is one of the rare few in his age group to master the pipe organ, an instrument typically associated with seasoned musicians. The young organist is set to perform during the opening ceremony of the newly completed St Peter's Church in Padungan, which will be consecrated in a week-long celebration starting today until July 5. The church, poised to become one of Kuching's latest architectural and spiritual landmarks, features a custom-built Allen digital organ imported from the United States. It is on this instrument that Kai will perform several specially selected pieces over two days. He will be playing 'You Raise Me Up' by Josh Groban and 'Prière de Notre Dame' by Léon Boëllmann, today. On Tuesday, his set will include J.S. Bach's 'Toccata and Fugue' in D minor (BWV 565), 'Be Thou My Vision', and a duet performance of the 'Skye Boat Song' with his younger brother Kenzie Laird, 7, on violin. Kai began his musical journey with piano lessons at the age of three, taught by his mother. Today, he plays four instruments: the pipe organ, piano, cello, and drums. Kai Laird – Photo by Chimon Upon His parents — Robert Wallace Laird from Australia and Beverly Chan from Kuching, Sarawak — are both professional pianists and run a music studio in Australia where they also teach. 'My parents asked me if I wanted to try the pipe organ, and I said 'Okay'. When I played it at St Mary's Cathedral (Perth), I thought, 'Oh my gosh, this is so crazy',' Kai said when met by The Borneo Post. He now practises the organ twice a day for about 40 minutes, and the piano for 20 minutes. Both he and Kenzie are home-schooled, giving them the flexibility to focus on music full-time. Kai enjoys the pipe organ for its sound, versatility, and complexity. 'You can mix all the sounds, adjust them, and even play with your feet. Sometimes I get confused with the pedals or the sounds, but I can fix it afterwards. It's fun!' he said enthusiastically. He owns a digital organ built in 1982, which allows him to practise from home. He looks forward to navigating the significantly larger organ at St Peter's, made by the same company, on performance day. 'There is a lot to get used to with each organ. Some pedal boards are curved, some are flat. The number of keyboards also changes. St Peter's has four manuals, which is really cool,' he said. Kai has already performed in Malaysia, Australia, Scotland, and England, and is currently the youngest organ scholar at St Mary's Cathedral in Perth. Robert and Beverly with their sons, Kai and Kenzie, photographed during the interview. – Photo by Chimon Upon Following his performance at St Peter's, the family will travel to the United Kingdom next week for another recital. In October, he is set to compete in his first organ competition in Sydney. In a field where young players are rare, Kai continues to build a name for himself with discipline, focus, and genuine love for the music, and may well inspire more children to explore the organ too. Related report: Week-long celebration to mark consecration of new St Peter's Church in Padungan Kai Laird Kuching pipe organ St Peter's Church Padungan
RTÉ News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Brian Kennedy to play Oscar Wilde in Phil Lynott stage musical
Belfast singer Brian Kennedy says he is "beyond thrilled" to be joining rock-theatre show Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma to play the role of Irish wit and playwright Oscar Wilde. The production, which opened in Dublin's Vicar Street in April, tells the story of the late Thin Lizzy front man and is set to return to Vicar Steet on 20 and 21 and has also announced a show in UCH Limerick on 24 June. Dublin actor Peter M. Smith plays Lynott in Moonlight, which charts the early life of Lynott, portraying him not just as a rock legend but as a literary figure worthy of standing alongside Wilde and Brendan Behan, both of whom make ghostly appearances in the musical. The show blends live music, including Thin Lizzy classics and original compositions, with theatrical storytelling to explore Lynott's formative years in Dublin and London during the late 1960s and early '70s. Speaking about playing Wilde in the show, Kennedy, whose songs include Captured and You Raise Me Up, says: "I'm beyond thrilled to be part of Moonlight and of course to bring something new to the legend of Oscar! I feel like I have finally met Phil Lynott and Brendan Behan."
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'American Idol' Fans Are Raving About the Show's Latest Big Reveal
We're just weeks away from an all-new season of American Idol, and the show continues to drop major hints about what — or rather who — folks can expect to assist the contestants on their musical journey. Days after the hit ABC series revealed that Jelly Roll would be American Idol's first "artist in residence," viewers learned he's not the only singer helping aspiring musicians with the chance to be the next American Idol. In an announcement made by the network, it turns out Josh Groban and will join Jelly Roll as mentors during the week where the show flies out to Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i. And if that wasn't exciting enough, Josh went on Instagram to reveal he's already on set and working with the contestants to help them advance to the live shows later on this season. "Guess who's mentoring on @americanidol at @disneyaulani this season? 🧐," he wrote in the caption on February 11. "Spoiler: this guy! 🤙 All-new IDOL starts March 9 on ABC and Streaming on Hulu! 📺." When folks saw Josh's surprise American Idol news online, his fans naturally were ecstatic to see how his expertise in the music industry will help a new generation of artists. "Sweet!!! Can't wait to watch it! Have fun mentoring!" one person wrote in the comments. "Couldn't ask for a better mentor! Have fun! ❤️," another replied. "Oh my GOD 😍😍 I'm gonna watch it just because you're mentoring," a different follower added. As some folks may remember, this isn't the first time Josh has made an appearance on American Idol. His first time on the show occurred back in season 6 in 2007, when he sang his hit song "You Raise Me Up" on the Idol Gives Back TV special. He later showed up on American Idol season 19 in 2021, where he performed a duet with multiple singers competing for first place. Now, should you be curious about how Josh felt about the exciting opportunity, he added another Instagram post to express his elation of working alongside Jelly Roll. "Really a shame no fun was had with @jellyroll615!" he jokingly wrote on February 11. "JK we had a blast mentoring 12 ridiculously talented @americanidol finalists at @disneyaulani. Jelly, thanks for your wisdom and humor and heart. You're a great egg, brother. 🙏🏻🤘🏻New Idol season premieres March 9 on @abc!" If this is what's to come, we definitely need to mark our calendars to check this out. You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
Daily Tribune
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
André Rieu Enchanted Guests at Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre
TDT | Manama The King of Waltz, André Rieu, delivered a breathtaking show at Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre on Friday, 14 February, leaving a packed audience of music lovers from across the region in awe. Joined by a dazzling cast of talented performers, including the legendary Los Del Rio, as well as a selection of Bahraini musicians, including Faisal Al Ansari, the show was an unforgettable experience that will remain forever in the memories of all who attended. In his third performance at Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre, the world-renowned Dutch maestro and violinist played a variety of music, featuring beloved classics such as 'You Raise Me Up', 'Can't Help Falling In Love With You', 'Macarena' with Los Del Rio that had the crowd mesmerised. With 300 dancers around the theatre, the evening was a true celebration of art and music. 'We are absolutely thrilled to welcome André Rieu back to Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre for his third spectacular performance,' said Damian Bush, Chief Executive Officer of Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre. 'The show was a resounding success, attracting fans from far and wide and cementing our venue's reputation as a premier destination for world-class entertainment in the region. We strive to host a wide array of global performers catering to the various musical tastes of concertgoers in the region'.
