thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--The Economist's Cover Marks End Of Modi's Love Affair With Western Liberal Media

When India’s prime minister Narendra Modi first came to power in 2014, international media platforms published long articles where they acknowledged his controversial past but expressed the hope that he would prioritise growth and be wise enough not to be distracted by the Hindu nationalist agenda (see here, here and here). In his first term, as Modi went on long global tours to meet world leaders, western liberal media outlets such as Time and The Economist were generally optimistic that the “global political star” would put the 2002 Gujarat riots and the BJP’s divisive politics behind him.
A lot has changed since then – currently in his second term with an even bigger majority, Modi is grappling with an economic crisis that experts say originated from policies such as demonetisation; protests against his government’s attempts to threaten the citizenship of Muslims; as well as foreign media’s disenchantment with his rule.
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The Economist tweeted the story with the caption “How India’s prime minister and his party are endangering the world’s biggest democracy”. Discussing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), whose passage in the Parliament has triggered widespread protests, the story said “the scheme looks like the most ambitious step yet in a decades-long project of incitement”.
How India's prime minister and his party are endangering the world's biggest democracy. Our cover this week https://t.co/hEpK93Al11 pic.twitter.com/4GsdtTGnKe — The Economist (@TheEconomist) January 23, 2020
The story (The Economist’s articles do not have bylines) pointed out how the unrest may actually politically benefit Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):
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“The sad truth is that Mr Modi and the BJP are likely to benefit politically by creating divisions over religion and national identity. Such subjects keep the party’s activists and their allies in Hindu-nationalist groups energised—always a boon, given India’s relentless sequence of state elections.”
Such subjects, it went on to say, also distract attention from awkward topics such as the economy. The economy is in a dire state with signs of a slowdown apparent.
After the Supreme Court ruling on Ayodhya, the BJP seems deprived of its favourite cause, The Economist said, adding that “citizenship ruckus appeals to the party for the very same reasons that it has prompted widespread alarm”.
The Economist’s article is only the latest in a series of dispatches from international media that have largely been critical of the Modi government’s intolerance, its shock decision to abrogate Article 370 and the communication blockade in Jammu and Kashmir. The Washington Post’s coverage of these events and the anti-CAA protests, in fact, annoyed the Modi government so much that union ministers snubbed the paper’s owner Jeff Bezos on his recent visit to India.
When Modi came to power in 2014, several commentators (see here and here) in international media pointed to his roots in the right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and remarked that there’s some unease that he may pursue the Hindutva agenda (even before Modi’s landslide victory, The Economist had told its readers it would not be backing him). They, however, remained hopeful that the prime minister would take the chance to revitalise the economy. The New York Times’s editorial in 2014 said:
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“Mr. Modi has set very high expectations for economic revival and his government, but he can’t achieve those goals if he exacerbates sectarian divisions, for example, by using divisive rhetoric against Muslims.”
The recent coverage, however, reflects international media’s exasperation with Modi and his government’s policies, as well as the state of the economy. The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Washington Post have all carried articles that have been extremely critical of the Modi government’s push on Kashmir and the CAA. They have extensively covered the lockdown in Kashmir and how security forces have arrested thousands of people.
On October 1, 2019, two months after Article 370 was abrogated, The New York Times published a photo on its front page of people crying in Kashmir and captioned it “Misery Grows in Kashmir”. The 1 October story by Jeffrey Gettleman (with photographs by Atul Loke) documented how the arrests and the lockdown in Kashmir had paralysed the lives of people.
On 9 December, The New Yorker published a long article by Dexter Filkins on the Modi government’s divisive, anti-Muslim policies, calling it “Blood and Soil in Narendra Modi’s India”.
The Washington Post’s editorial on 24 December criticised the government’s response to the protests against the discriminatory citizenship law. “Rather than respond with force and epithets, as he has so far, Mr. Modi would do well to abandon this misguided project of Hindu nationalism, long sought by the prime minister’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),” the editorial said. It also advised Modi and the BJP to “admit the discriminatory citizenship law was a mistake and junk it.”
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The change in the tone of coverage began even before the decision on Article 370. Soon after Modi won for the second time, The Washington Post’s editorial called the victory “India’s dangerous landslide”.
“Having campaigned five years ago as an economic moderniser, the charismatic prime minister this year offered a platform of nationalism and sectarianism.” The editorial said that the government pursued an “anti-liberal agenda” and that some journalists critical of the regime were subject to intimidation. It also pointed out that attacks by Hindu extremists on Muslims rose significantly.
Time’s cover story of May 9, 2019, written by Aatish Taseer during the 2019 general election termed Modi “India’s Divider in Chief”. Taseer said that Modi’s economic miracle has failed to materialise and he had also helped “create an atmosphere of poisonous religious nationalism in India”.
In the same issue, Time also published a more optimistic article by Ian Bremmer, calling Modi India’s “best hope for economic reform”, which Modi supporters held up as a badge of honour. A few months later, however, Bremmer admitted that he had changed his opinion.
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Writing in December 2019, Bremmer said the prime minister was falling back on identity politics to capture political momentum.
“And after securing reelection, Modi continued leaning his shoulder into Hindu nationalism, while neglecting issues like land reform or reducing trade barriers. As that nationalism has taken a more prominent role in government policy, it has begun directly threatening the country’s constitutionally mandated secular democracy,” he wrote.
Senior journalist Ammu Joseph pointed out that the change in the Western liberal media’s coverage trajectory is not dissimilar to that of many mainstream Indian media outlets or “even some liberals”.
“The economic reforms and development mantra and the launch of various high profile programmes in the early years were obviously seen as positive, and the few lynchings and his silence about them were clearly seen as unfortunate aberrations,” she said in reply to emailed queries.
However, she said, it was the government’s insistence on muzzling Kashmir and threatening Muslim citizenship at a time when crises such as unemployment and inflation stare them in the face that seem to have forced some to finally speak out.
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“It is hardly surprising that the government’s focus on these drastic, divisive measures while the economic crisis, unemployment and the rising prices of essential commodities that are adversely affecting people’s lives appeared to be getting no attention has forced at least some to question and even criticise the PM as a leader. There’s a limit to how far charisma and oratory can obscure reality. And I guess the scales have dropped from at least some eyes,” she added.
How has the BJP responded?
The BJP slammed the editorial position of Jeff Bezos-owned The Washington Post, with the party’s foreign affairs in-charge Vijay Chauthaiwala terming it “one-sided, biased, agenda-driven anti-Modi”. During his recent visit to India, Bezos was snubbed by the government, with Union Minister Piyush Goyal saying Amazon hadn’t done India any big favours by announcing an investment of $1 billion.
In November, six months after the Time cover story, the Indian government revoked Taseer’s Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), which allows NRIs a permanent visa to enter and stay in the country. In Time, Taseer wrote that “it is hard not to feel, given the timing, that I was being punished for what I had written”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Doctor Who Makes History With The First Black Doctor And Fans Are Loving It

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Warning! This article contains spoilers for the most recent episode of Doctor Who.
Doctor Who has revealed its first-ever Black incarnation of The Doctor, portrayed by actor Jo Martin.
Sunday night’s Fugitive of the Judoon episode involved the Judoon – a band of rhino-like mercenary cops from space – chasing down a fugitive on Earth.
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Viewers saw the current Doctor, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker (the first female incarnation of the character) stepped in to protect their target, a tour guide named Ruth Clayton.
However, Ruth wasn’t a tour guide at all.
She’s The Doctor.
Doctor Who has introduced its first-ever Black incarnation of The Doctor BBC
The Time Lord can regenerate when mortally wounded, giving the character a new face and new life, via a new actor. Jodie officially became the 13th after taking over from Peter Capaldi at the end of 2017.
In this case, Jo Martin is not taking over the role but instead seems to be part of the series’ latest story arc surrounding the destruction of The Doctor’s home planet of Gallifrey.
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And fans quickly took to social media to celebrate the moment.
Dear @bbcdoctorwho @DoctorWho_BBCA Thank you for finally giving a Black nerd and other black nerdy adults and kids a Doctor who looks like us. You really dont know how monumental this was and how much it made me cry. Please don't let her be the only one ever. #DoctorWho — UzamakiJ (@UzamakiJ) January 27, 2020
Oh
My
God#DoctorWho just made history by casting its first black Doctor @RadioTimes
https://t.co/0aMH7XsEbU — Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) January 26, 2020
WE HAVE A BLACK DR WHO.
THIS IS NOT A DRILL. WE HAVE A BLACK, FEMALE DR WHO!!! https://t.co/hHsZMbrUWo — Stephy (@StephanieYeboah) January 26, 2020
.....oh my GOD. Oh my GOD. IM A BLACK FEMALE. WHO WATCHES DOCTOR WHO. IM— SHES- — himbothée chalamet (@spanishrat) January 27, 2020
A black female Doctor Who? I’m here for it — sleekz (@jxnekk) January 27, 2020
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i haven't really watched doctor who since clara left but like. weaving a black female doctor into the mythology like this???? LOVING IT SO HARD WOW........... 😭💖😭💖😭💖 — juno 🦇🌻💖 (@zamothac) January 27, 2020
/!\ SPOILER DOCTOR WHO SEASON 12 /!\
i'm still not over the fact that the fugitive of the judoon gave us back jack harkness and gave us another doctor who's a black woman and i'm so emo it's awesome — milly 📚 (@myosothys) January 27, 2020
My Doctor is a black, dark skinned thic woman #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/10uurvjNiF — Introducing Jo Martin as The Doctor (@jane_anon) January 27, 2020
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OKKKKKKK I haven’t watched Doctor Who since Matt Smith but YALL i am gonna have to come thru for a Black woman doctor??? I have to, and captain jack is back??? — incredibly underwhelming (@vegtaco) January 27, 2020
OKAY!!#bombshell to finish new episode!
Black female #DoctorWho
& return of Cap Jack Harkness.
SURPRISE FOR #DoctorWho FANS!pic.twitter.com/pM10VrFjZ4 — Sir Thomas Wynn ⚫ (@Sir_Thomas_Wynn) January 27, 2020
While it’s not yet clear where Jo’s incarnation sits in the timeline, it’s implied she is an earlier Doctor ― perhaps prior to William Hartnell’s original.
However, Jodie’s incarnation clearly has no recollection of Jo’s form.
One thing is clear, given the nature of the show: the new Doctor will almost certainly turn up again.
Given the tight-lipped nature of the show’s production, Jo had to keep a lid on her character... until last night, when she updated her Twitter pic in celebration:
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A Doctor outside of the official numbered timeline is not without precedent.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Sharon Osbourne Trying To Announce Rap Nominees At Grammys Has Twitter In Tears

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And the award for most unexpectedly hilarious Grammys moment goes to ... Sharon Osbourne.
The former X Factor judge and her husband, Ozzy Osbourne, stopped by the 62nd annual ceremony on Sunday night to somewhat confusingly present the trophy for Best Rap/Sung Performance.
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne present the award for Best Rap/Sung Performance at the Grammys ROBYN BECK via Getty Images
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While the their appearance was welcomed by the crowd, especially in light of the singer recently opening up about his Parkinson’s diagnosis, fans watching along at home were understandably puzzled to see them onstage.
Given the couple’s rock music pedigree, maybe a different category would’ve been a better fit, but Sharon charged ahead, butchering the names of rap stars like DJ Khaled, Lil Baby, Travis Scott, Lil Nas X and more.
Sharon Osbourne does an inspired job reading the #GRAMMYs nominees for Best Rap/Sung Performance pic.twitter.com/VJcU6MoyCu — MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) January 27, 2020
DJ Khaled went on to win the award for his collaboration with the late rapper Nipsey Hussle and John Legend on the track Higher off his album Father of Asahd.
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But Sharon’s pronunciation of the song names and the artists in the category quickly won the internet’s favour, with many fans poking fun at her on social media.
ya’ll gotta have Sharon Osbourne host the BET Awards I’m CRINE — Terron Moore (@Terr) January 27, 2020
Sharon Osbourne reading off the Rap/Sung nominees is actually lifting my spirit. — Craig Bro Dude (@CraigSJ) January 27, 2020
I will never forgive the Grammy’s for having Sharon Osbourne get up on this stage and say “drip too hard”. 😭 — Zé Taylor (@FATHERBONNET) January 27, 2020
You would think with the amount of times DJ Khaled announces himself, Sharon Osbourne would know how to say his name #GRAMMYs — Marcus Jones (@marcus_jones) January 27, 2020
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Sharon Osbourne is only allowed to say rappers name from here on out — Nick Lehmann (@NickStopTalking) January 27, 2020
Sharon Osbourne must announce alllll the nominations from here on out #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/9tZ5G6ybJE — EdwardBoutique (@Edwardboutique) January 27, 2020
Sharon Osbourne is having the time of her life announcing names she's never heard in her life #GRAMMYs — HUGH! McIntyre (@PopBangHugh) January 27, 2020
sharon osbourne reading the nominees for this category #GRAMMYs
pic.twitter.com/H69C2HXrEn — A.J. (@ajhisnandez) January 27, 2020
The couple appeared on Good Morning America with their children, Kelly and Jack, last week to talk about how their lives has changed since Ozzy’s diagnosis.
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“I’m no good with secrets,” Ozzy told Robin Roberts in an interview that aired on Tuesday. “I cannot walk around with it anymore, ’cause it’s like I’m running out of excuses, you know?”
But Ozzy promised fans he’s not “going to go anywhere yet,” and hopes to tour the world again soon.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--The Saturdays' Mollie King Was The Grammys' Most Unexpected Guest

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Sure, the girlband made a valuable contribution to the pop landscape with bops like What About Us? and All Fired Up, but they haven’t been musically active since 2014.
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Therefore, Mollie King’s appearance at Sunday night’s US awards show left many fans shocked after she was seen walking the red carpet.
Mollie King arrives at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
The singer, who is now a Radio 1 DJ, was seen posing for the cameras outside the Staples Centre in Los Angeles after bagging herself the hottest ticket in town.
Mollie was a rather unexpected guest at the event SIPA USA/PA Images
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Now, her spokesperson confirmed she was not there in a work capacity, and was just there to let her Hair Down (if you know, you know), but it’s fair to say people had not anticipated seeing her there...
How is Mollie king at the #GRAMMYs — I DON'T KNOW HER (@I_Dont_Know_Her) January 27, 2020
Wtf mollie king’s at the Grammys — adam robert (@FairyGodhooker) January 27, 2020
WHY WAS MOLLIE KING AT THE GRAMMYS — ٌ (@KeshY0U) January 27, 2020
Although one person had a very serious suggestion as to why she might be in attendance...
‘Hair Down’ by Mollie King has won the #GRAMMYs for Best Pop Solo Performance.
Congratulations, @MollieKing! 🍾 pic.twitter.com/79cnzzv2Qp — Sharon Watts. Walford Queen. (@WalfordWatts) January 27, 2020
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Prior to Sunday’s event, Mollie also attended music industry executive Clive Davis’ prestigious pre-Grammys party.
She posted a picture of herself posing on the red carpet on her Instagram account wearing a sheer, peplum number.
Recent years have seen Mollie take a step back from music, as she focuses on her career as a DJ and presenter.
She released two solo singles, Back To You and Hair Down, between 2016 and 2017, but neither charted inside the top 40.
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After a stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, Mollie has guest presented Blue Peter and This Morning, and now co-hosts the 6.30am-10am slot on Radio 1 every Friday to Sunday alongside Matt Edmondson.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Kobe Bryant Dies In Helicopter Crash

Kobe Bryant Dies In Helicopter Crash

Kobe Bryant Dies In Helicopter Crash
Basketball star Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash in California, alongside his 13-year-old daughter.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--What I’ve Learned About Supporting A Partner – And Yourself – Through Miscarriage

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“She says it’s a pregnancy ‘of unknown viability’. A blighted ovum. She didn’t make eye contact and there seemed like a problem with the machine. She told me to come back in two weeks to see a doctor.”
My partner was calling me from the hospital with news of the 12-week scan of our second child. The ‘she’ was a locum sonographer, who left my partner with an out-of-date medical term and without a clue what to do next.
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I googled ‘blighted ovum’ as my partner was on the phone. The first result? Call the pregnancy loss helpline. My heart sank. And then I felt anger – at her most vulnerable my partner was left to deal with a confusing bureaucratic process that encouraged us to believe the machine could have been wrong.
I was looking after our daughter, then just two years-old, who wanted to grab the phone and speak to her mummy. We had toyed with the idea of taking her to the scan so she could see her brother or sister’s image on the screen.
I wished the machine was wrong but the rational part of my brain knew this was false hope. A second scan showed my partner had a ‘missed’ miscarriage which meant that the baby had died but there were no miscarriage symptoms, such as bleeding or pain.
“My partner was still having morning sickness that would only pass after she’d healed – a cruel, constant physical reminder of her pregnancy”
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The only uncertainty we faced was what to do next: the following day we saw an unhelpful GP who brusquely told us “the scan cannot be challenged”, and whose only recommendation was that my partner went back to work and ‘waited’ to miscarry. We were shocked, until our midwife took charge, contacted the right people and we were booked to remove the pregnancy. Meanwhile, my partner was still having morning sickness that would only pass after she’d healed from the procedure – a cruel, constant physical reminder of her pregnancy.
We were in shock for a few weeks after. We had not even considered there would be a single complication. We both remembered our first pregnancy and birth was straightforward (it wasn’t – my partner had chronic morning sickness, while I had a back operation on the baby’s due date). The miscarriage never would be remembered with any of this nostalgia. Even comparing the second pregnancy to stories of the first makes me feel queasy; to make light of this devastating loss seems horrendous.
But my partner needed support despite her ingrained stoicism and resilience. I was changing careers and in a position where I could put all my efforts into her wellbeing, and do more than my usual share of childcare. I made the bold call to almost march my partner to the GP’s surgery so she could get a sick note – naturally selfless, she was trying to cope by working even harder at her job. She didn’t want to cause a ‘fuss’ but I could see she desperately needed a safety net and time away from her colleagues who were mostly unaware of her silent suffering. We earmarked breaks from childcare, where I would listen as much as I could to my partner talk about how the loss had hurt her. These ‘date nights’ really helped us to keep our relationship strong so we could withstand the pain of losing our child. They weren’t fun, but they were necessary.
Playing with our daughter was a bittersweet relief for us. We cherished her more (which I had never thought could be possible as she fills our lives with so much love) and began to hope we could ‘complete’ our family soon.
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Telling people really helped too. Conversations with neighbours made us feel part of a community, while talking to old friends strengthened our bonds. I felt an overwhelming gratitude and don’t think we will ever forget their thoughtfulness – especially as we were worried we would be overburdening them or they might feel awkward talking about the subject. Instead, we discovered how common it was for our friends to have endured the pain of miscarriages. Speaking up was important – if we’d known how common miscarriages were among friends, we might have felt more prepared for our loss.
But throughout all this, I hadn’t thought much about my mental wellbeing. I threw myself into childcare and supporting my partner. But I couldn’t face a pint with a mate who I thought would rather talk about football than the mourning process (that I was ignoring). Socially, I tend to prioritise entertaining friends over talking about important things, but I think many men don’t always like discussing the ‘adult stuff’ in life, as speaking about our actual problems means admitting we’re not young anymore. It’s easier to tell stories of our drunken days than face the fallout of life-changing events especially when you’re still processing the trauma.
That changed when I caught up with a friend of more than 20 years. Usually we just exchange anecdotes – in fact, our friendship is built on tall stories – but when I told him about our miscarriage, he didn’t change the subject. In fact, he did the opposite. He told me that he was relieved that I had told him as his wife had experienced miscarriage a year ago. Men need to do this more – we pigeonhole our friendships and I’ve learned that’s not always healthy. We need to let each other know that we’re there for one another.
“When you’re at your most vulnerable you need your friends to help you deal with the intense feelings of loss and sorrow”
The second source I have to thank is my therapist. Some people probably think that I am lucky to afford this service – the truth is I barely can, but I’m grateful for the amazing advice and support. Mates are great but you also need someone impartial. My advice to anyone going through a miscarriage is that, whoever it is, speak to someone. When you’re at your most vulnerable you need your friends to help you deal with the intense feelings of loss and sorrow. Plus, it’s time we ended this idea that there’s a stigma for men who reach out for help particularly when they’re mourning. It’s not a weakness to speak about issues like miscarriage.
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It’s taken me a year to but our miscarriage is something I now feel comfortable sharing. In many ways it’s liberating – I can be open and honest as to how difficult things were, but also about optimism for the future of our family. If there’s two things I’ve learned from all this, it’s how to value what you have got, and the importance of talking about what you’ve lost. We’re in a place now that hopefully some time soon we’d be lucky enough to share the news of a third pregnancy.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Grammys' In Memoriam Segment Criticised Over Numerous Errors And Notable Omissions

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The Grammys have drawn criticism over its in memoriam segment, which featured various errors and omissions.
Fans noticed that the names of Spanish singer Camilo Sesto and the Cars frontman Ric Ocasek were incorrect in the video montage shown on the big screens at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
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Grammys 2020 in memoriam PA Media
Ocasek’s first name was misspelled as Rick and Sesto’s first name was misspelled as Camile.
The montage also omitted Keith Flint, frontman of the Grammy-nominated band The Prodigy, who died last March.
Keith Flint of The Prodigy died last March PA Archive/PA Images
Silver Jews indie rocker David Berman, who died in August last year, was also missing, as was The Walker Brothers star Scott Walker.
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He died in March last year and was famous for hits including The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore and Make It Easy On Yourself.
Viewers of Sunday night’s ceremony were quick to pick up on the errors and omissions, calling out Grammys bosses on Twitter...
Grammys misspelled Ric Ocasek first name in In Memoriam ... such a lack of respect. #Grammys — Julian Spivey (@julianspivey44) January 27, 2020
Again with fucking up the In Memoriam... hey @TheAwards2020 it’s RIC OCASEK not “Rick”!!! Dammit. #GRAMMYs — Emily Cagan (@EmilyCagan) January 27, 2020
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They called Camilo Sesto ‘Camile’ THE DISRESPECT — king cataa ✨ (@cataaaline) January 27, 2020
Man if you gone put somebody in your fucking In Memoriam get their fucking name right @RecordingAcad It’s CAMILO SESTO NOT CAMILE SMFH pic.twitter.com/vY4CXFEKne — SANTOS (@_R0NI_) January 27, 2020
Left off the #Grammys' In Memoriam segment tonight: David Berman, Scott Walker, Keith Flint, Bushwick Bill, Mark Hollis, Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, and Ranking Roger. Not cool! — Lÿndsey Parker (@lyndseyparker) January 27, 2020
Cant believe The Grammy's left Keith Flint/Prodigy out of the In Memoriam segment!#GRAMMYs @pete_burns13 — peter omholt (@petey_o1) January 27, 2020
Hearing the Grammys didn’t include David Berman, Mark Hollis, Scott Walker, and Bushwick Bill on their In Memoriam, and that’s all you need to know. — Andrew Cox (@AndrewWyattCox) January 27, 2020
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#GRAMMYs left David Berman out of the RIP reel. That’s bullshit — Adam Gold (@GoldAdam) January 27, 2020
Also classic Grammys bullshit not acknowledging David Berman in memorium but actually surprising - no Scott Walker? I’m done w this trash I’m livid lol — Jamie Granato (@rezound) January 27, 2020
I want to sleep but I’m too sad that the Grammys left David Berman out. It stings. — Christine Varriale (@certaintragedy) January 27, 2020
Hey @RecordingAcad, Scott walker was one of the greatest musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries. Not even a mention in the in memoriam? Embarrassing. — Michael O'Keefe (@srk_mike) January 27, 2020
The awards show featured an impromptu tribute to basketball player Kobe Bryant, whose sudden death at the age of 41 came just hours before the event.
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Presenter Alicia Keys opened the show with some words about the NBA legend, and after asking for a moment of silence, she was then joined on stage by Boyz II Men, for an impromptu rendition of It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye.
Billie Eilish was the big winner of the night, with the 18-year-old sweeping to victory in all four major categories, picking up Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Record Of The Year and Best New Artist.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--The Funniest Tweets From Parents This Week

Do you ever look at your kids and just automatically know, “She’s gonna take care of me when I’m old, he’s gonna drink with me when I’m old, and she’s gonna have some nursing home on speed dial and drop me off at her soonest possible convenience”?


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Yes, Nick Jonas Had Something In His Teeth During Grammys: 'I Eat My Greens'

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Fans couldn’t help but notice Nick Jonas had food in his teeth at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards and the singer fully embraced his dental faux pas.
On Sunday, Nick appeared with siblings Joe and Kevin to perform the Jonas Brothers song What A Man Gotta Do at the award show. But many people on social media immediately noticed an unexpected guest at the performance.
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Nestled between Jonas’ teeth and seen prominently when the camera panned over to him while he sang was an unidentifiable foodstuff. Fans were shook about it:
Is Nick Jonas on the #GRAMMYs stage with spinach or something in his teeth?!? pic.twitter.com/BKWREj4U3l — Nicole Perez (@nicole_perez1) January 27, 2020
I want to be the spinach in Nick Jonas’ teeth. — 🎃 (@hawaiinshits) January 27, 2020
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99.9% sure nick jonas had food stuck in his teeth during that performance pic.twitter.com/ZEGanftHMy — 𝓳𝓮𝓷𝓷 (@jenntweets_) January 27, 2020
my favorite grammys outfit of the night is the food speck in nick jonas’ teeth — smoore (@sarahelmoore) January 27, 2020
nick jonas with spinach in his teeth is my favorite part of the whole show#GrammyAwards pic.twitter.com/fPPlX1B5wP — Heather Wismer (@happykid) January 27, 2020
Y’all does Nick Jonas have cilantro in his teeth? Wth — Steven Thee Chichi (@ChichiATL) January 27, 2020
Is it me or does Nick Jonas have food in his teeth? #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/E3NzliOR03 — Amanda Jo (@AmandaJoDJ) January 27, 2020
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IS THERE SOMETHING IN NICK JONAS’ TEETH? WHERES YO FRIEND DOUBLE CHECKING YOUR TEETH?
IM TELLING YA, GIRLS HELP GIRLS. NOBODY THERE FOR YOU HUN Y. — freckled bean (@EmmiHoot) January 27, 2020
Shortly after he left the stage, Nick ― clearly seeing the chatter about his dental state of affairs ― tweeted about what was happening in his mouth:
And at least you all know I eat my greens. 🤪 — Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) January 27, 2020
Oh Nick. Perhaps you should stuff your face with some salad after you perform for millions of people, but, hey, that’s just us.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Lewis Capaldi Being Mistaken For A Seat-Filler At The Grammys Is So Lewis Capaldi

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It was quite the night for Lewis Capaldi at Sunday’s Grammys.
It was the Scottish singer’s first time at the annual music awards, and he certainly made the most of it.
He kicked off his evening by posing up a storm on the red carpet with a glorious array of facial expressions.
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Lewis Capaldi arrives for the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards VALERIE MACON via Getty Images
So you’d think that after leaving such an impression, and, you know, being one of the biggest stars of the last twelve months, that everyone would know who he was.
Errrrm, not quite.
The Someone You Loved singer revealed that once he was inside the Staples Centre in Los Angles, he was at the centre of a rather awkward exchange when he was mistaken for a seat-filler.
A lady at the grammys has just come up and offered to take my seat because she thought I was one of the people who sits in the chairs to fill them when someone gets up to use the bathroom 😂😂😂😂😂😂 #GRAMMYs — Lewis Capaldi (@LewisCapaldi) January 27, 2020
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During the show, Lewis tweeted: “A lady at the grammys has just come up and offered to take my seat because she thought I was one of the people who sits in the chairs to fill them when someone gets up to use the bathroom.”
Awkward.
Lewis was nominated for his first ever Grammy at this year’s awards show, receiving recognition in the Song Of The Year category for his signature hit Someone You Loved.
After seven weeks at the top of the UK singles chart last year, the track went on to become a sleeper hit in the US, eventually reaching number one across the pond too.
He’s also among the top nominees at the upcoming Brit Awards, where he’s up for an impressive four awards.
As well as a nomination for Best New Artist, Lewis has also been recognised in the Song Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Best British Male Solo Artist categories.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--12 Stars Who Won Their First Grammy In 2020

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Looking through the winners at this year’s Grammys, it’s fair to say it’s been a huge one for new talent.
So many of the stars who took home awards in Sunday night’s ceremony had never done so before, with first-time winners making up a considerable portion of this year’s Grammy recipients.
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Here’s a selection of the famous faces who won their very first Grammy at this year’s awards show (starting with the most obvious)...
Billie Eilish
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Kicking things off with the big one, Billie Eilish won an impressive five Grammys on Sunday night, including a clean sweep across the night’s four main categories.
Not only does this make her the youngest artist to ever manage this, she’s also only the second in history to pull it off, and the first in almost 40 years.
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In addition to the “big three” and Best New Artist, the 18-year-old beat off stiff competition from Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift in the Best Pop Vocal Album category.
Finneas
Amanda Edwards via Getty Images
Billie’s five wins are also matched by her brother, Finneas, her co-writer and producer on all of her music, including the entire When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? album and her upcoming James Bond theme.
However, where Billie scooped Best New Artist as a soloist, Finneas was awarded Producer Of The Year, having also worked with Selena Gomez and Camila Cabello in the last year, as well as his famous sister.
Lizzo
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
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She was the most nominated artist at this year’s ceremony, and while she didn’t quite sweep the board, Lizzo still did a stellar job at her first ever Grammys.
The singer ended up taking home three awards, including Best Pop Solo Performance for Truth Hurts and Best Traditional R&B Performance for her album cut Jerome.
It was a big night for Lizzo, who also opened the show with an all-singing, all-dancing, all-flute-playing rendition of her signature tune, Truth Hurts.
Nipsey Hussle
Scott Dudelson via Getty Images
Sadly, although he was nominated for a Best Rap Album Grammy in his lifetime, rapper Nipsey Hussle’s two wins at the 2020 Grammys were awarded posthumously.
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Nipsey died in a fatal shooting in March 2019, with a special tribute performance in his honour airing during this year’s awards show, by DJ Khaled, Meek Mill and John Legend.
DJ Khaled
Amanda Edwards via Getty Images
After losing out twice in 2012 and 2017, DJ Khaled finally earned his first Grammy this year, for his collaboration with John Legend and the late Nipsey Hussle, Higher.
Khaled dedicated the win to his late friend and peer, later echoing this sentiment on social media:
WE DID IT!
HIGHER - KHALED, NIPSEY HUSSLE, JOHN LEGEND
GRAMMY WINNER - BEST RAP/SUNG PERFORMANCE
THIS IS FOR @NipseyHussle ! THIS IS FOR HIP HOP! #TMC pic.twitter.com/LuOKbfGj3V — DJ KHALED (@djkhaled) January 27, 2020
Lil Nas X
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
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After last year saw him landing the longest-running US number one single of all time, Lil Nas X is kicking off 2020 with a double win at the Grammys.
He and Billy Ray Cyrus scooped two awards for their Old Town Road remix, one in the Best Pop Duo/Group Vocal Performance category, and another for the track’s iconic music video.
Billy Ray Cyrus
Steve Granitz via Getty Images
Yes, you read that correctly, almost 30 years after Achy Breaky Heart, 2020 was the year that Billy Ray Cyrus finally won himself not one but two Grammys.
He’s now overtaken daughter Miley, who has only one Grammy nomination to her name, for which she lost out to Sam Smith back in 2015.
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Tyler, The Creator
Steve Granitz via Getty Images
His Earfquake performance was undeniably one of the stand-out moments of this year’s Grammys, which also saw Tyler, The Creator scooping his first ever award.
Tyler was awarded Best Rap Album for his critically-acclaimed release, Ignor, literally leaping onto the stage to collect the Grammy, with his mum at his side.
Rosalía
FREDERIC J. BROWN via Getty Images
She lost out for Best New Artist to Billie Eilish, but we’re happy to report that Rosalía did not go home empty-handed in 2020.
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The Spanish singer took home the Grammy for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album, having already recently won three awards at last year’s Latin Grammys.
Koffee
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Jamaican singer Koffee’s first win at the Grammys is also a historic one.
Not only is she the youngest ever recipient of Best Reggae Album, she’s also the only solo woman to ever receive the accolade.
Hildur Guðnadóttir
Alberto E. Rodriguez via Getty Images
If the Icelandic composer’s name sounds familiar, that’s because she just won the Golden Globe for her work on the score of Joker (and looks set for another victory at the upcoming Oscars).
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At the Grammys, Hildur was recognised for her contributions to the score of the TV series Chernobyl, her first win and the first win for any solo female musician in the Best Score Or Soundtrack For Visual Medium category.
Michelle Obama
Scott Olson via Getty Images
Yes, actual Michelle Obama. She won her first Grammy in the Best Spoken Word Album category, for the audiobook version of her autobiography, Becoming.
Her award will look lovely next to husband Barack Obama’s existing two Grammys, both in the same category, for his abridged audiobook readings of his two autobiographies Dreams From My Father and The Audacity Of Hope.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Coronavirus Latest: Hundreds Of Brits Trapped In Province At Epicentre Of Outbreak

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52 people have been tested in the UK so far – all have been negative
Death toll worldwide reaches 81
Around 2,800 confirmed cases worldwide
The UK government is considering an emergency airlift to evacuate Britons trapped in China’s Hubei province, the area at the centre of the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
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It has been on lockdown for several days as China seeks to contain the illness and officials in Beijing have yet to grant anyone permission to leave.
The Foreign Office has confirmed it is working on making an “option available” for British nationals to leave Wuhan.
British citizens in the region have been told to call the FCO on +86 (0) 10 8529 6600 or (+44) (0)207 008 1500 should they need assistance.
A spokesperson said: “We continue to monitor developments closely and are in close touch with the Chinese authorities.
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“The safety and security of British nationals is always our primary concern.”
One British man, who had travelled to Wuhan to visit his girlfriend, is stuck in the city after his return flight on February 3 was cancelled. He described trying to get out of the area as “impossible”.
The 29-year-old, who did not want to be named, told the PA news agency: “There is no news on when the airport will reopen therefore the airline (China Southern) have just cancelled the flight.
“I’ve also had no help from the UK Embassy in Beijing who are conveniently closed for the weekend.”
Passengers wait for the subway wearing face masks following reports of the coronavirus appearing in Hong Kong. SIPA USA/PA Images
Home secretary Priti Patel said the government was “looking at all options” to help Britons leave Wuhan following reports that officials have been asked to examine the logistics for an airlift from the city.
Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said he supported flying Britons back from Wuhan and elsewhere, telling BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I think I would be very sympathetic and I’m sure the Foreign Office would be too.”
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More than 50 people have now been tested for coronavirus in the UK, according to the Department of Health (DoH), although all tests have returned negative.
As of Sunday afternoon, some 52 people across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have been tested for the deadly flu-like virus, PA Media reports.
The current risk to the public remains low, the department said, adding that the government is continuing to monitor the situation closely.
England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said there was a “fair chance” cases would emerge in Britain as the overall number reported around the world climbed to about 2,744 including 81 deaths, which have all occurred in China.
Neil Ferguson of Imperial College told The Guardian his “best guess” was that 100,000 people had been infected with the flu-like virus.
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People from all over the world are trapped in the area, including 100 Australian children and around 250 Indians. Images from Wuhan showing hospital corridors packed with people seeking treatment have circulated on social media, along with complaints of soaring prices for essentials such as vegetables, Reuters reports.
China is building a new hospital from scratch in a matter of days to treat those with the virus. Reuters TV / Reuters
Meanwhile, health officials are continuing to track down around 2,000 people who have recently flown into the UK from Wuhan, the area of China worst affected by the outbreak.
The DoH confirmed it is trying to find “as many passengers as we can” who arrived from the region in the past two weeks to check on their wellbeing.
It is understood Border Force officers have been recruited to help speed up the search for passengers as testing for the virus continues in the UK.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--55 Hilarious And Relatable Tweets About Baby Showers

{baby shower for first time mom}
Me: Sometimes they’re allergic to the word no for months at a time. They break out in tantrums.
Sometimes they hate you just looking at you.
And sometimes they...
Friend: *takes my sparkly blue drink* Ok, that’s quite enough for you.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Grammys 2020: Everything You Might Have Missed During This Year's Awards Show

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Because staying up until 5am to find out who has won in categories as gripping as “Best Rap/Sung Performance” and “Best Country Group/Duo Performance” isn’t for everyone, the chances are you might well have missed some of the key moments from this year’s action-packed Grammys.
Fortunately, powered by nothing but Lucozade and our combined love of Billie Eilish and Lizzo, we managed to stay up for the whole thing, so we have got you covered.
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From show-stopping performances to some of the more low-key moments that might have gone over some viewers’ heads these are our highlights from the 2020 Grammys...
1. We have to start with the red carpet, because some celebs really went all out this year
Shutterstock/Getty
Ariana Grande giving us full Disney princess alongside Lil Nas X at peak Lil Nas X is exactly the effort we want from celebrities at all awards shows moving forward, please.
2. Special mention has to be given to Billy Porter, though
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He’s known for going over the top with his red carpet fashion, but we’ve never seen him sporting a motorised accessory before.
3. Although the less said about these red carpet choices, the better
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Jon Kopaloff via Getty Images
4. Of course, the tragic news which broke just hours before the Grammys hung over the event
"To be honest with you, we're all feeling crazy sadness right now because earlier today Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero. And we're literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built." - Alicia Keys #GRAMMYs https://t.co/vaZMxb3cC7 pic.twitter.com/jgHTRhyAwT — LAT Entertainment (@latimesent) January 27, 2020
"We love you Kobe." @aliciakeys and Boyz II Men sing in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his family at the opening of the #Grammys https://t.co/kk0nIau0ee pic.twitter.com/v3KpXSkvyW — The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 27, 2020
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There had been a lot of talk on social media about whether the event would even go ahead in light of Kobe Bryant’s sudden death at the age of 41, but presenter Alicia Keys opened the show with a tribute to the basketball legend.
After asking for a moment of silence, she was then joined on stage by Boyz II Men, for an impromptu rendition of It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye.
5. There were many more tributes to Kobe Bryant over the course of the evening
Lizzo’s acceptance speech for Best Pop Solo Performance pic.twitter.com/nY3cUob7cC — Atlanta Black Star (@ATLBlackStar) January 27, 2020
Among those to mention the late athlete on stage were DJ Khaled, while Lizzo said in her acceptance speech: “I want to say, this whole week I have been lost in my problems. Stressed out.
“And then in an instant all that can go away – all of that can shift. All of my little problems that I thought were as big as the world were gone and I realised there are people who are hurting right now.”
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Lil Nas X also featured a basketball jersey featuring the late sportsman’s name during his Old Town Road performance.
6. Lizzo’s show-stopping performance quite literally had it all
We’re talking ballet, we’re talking a costume reveal, we’re talking a flute solo, all ending with the message: “Welcome to the Grammys, bitch. Bom bom bee tum bee tum tum tay.”
In case we haven’t made this clear... we love Lizzo.
7. There was surprisingly little mention of the behind-the-scenes scandal that hit the Grammys this week
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The closest thing was when, during Alicia Keys’ “serenade”, she joked that it had been “a hell of a week”.
Alicia then launched into a parody of Lewis Capaldi’s Someone You Loved, during which she sang about the last 12 months in music, and also took a swipe at US president Donald Trump.
8. Lewis’ reaction to hearing his song being parodied was kind of adorable, too
CBS
We can’t be certain, but we think Lewis might have been excited to be at the Grammys.
9. Let’s talk about some of the performances, because Tyler, The Creator’s was actually insane
Talk about unpredictable, this performance starts with Boyz II Men making their second appearance of the night, and ends with Tyler and a load of Igor lookalikes convulsing while the backdrop behind them shows a burning neighbourhood.
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It’s not to everyone’s tastes, of course, but this was probably our performance of the night.
10. The rapper literally hurling himself to collect his first ever Grammy with his mum at his side was also quite the moment
Tyler The Creator Has That Best Rap Album speech #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/rB3Ph4iFKq — M I C H U (@MichuEmenalo) January 27, 2020
We also have the upmost respect for him for carrying on with his speech even when the producers tried to play him off.
11. Not long after that, Usher’s tribute to Prince got a mixed reaction
Matt Sayles/Invision/AP
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12. Ariana kicks off her rendition of 7 Rings with a quick blast from The Sound Of Music...
But it didn’t take long before things took a turn that Dame Julie Andrews would probably not be replicating any time soon.
Seriously, though, it was a brilliant number, and quite possibly the best TV performance Ariana Grande has ever done.
13. ...and she got choked up when she gave a special shout out to her dad
Amy Sussman via Getty Images
During the final verse of Thank U, Next, Ariana usually sings that on her wedding day she’ll be “holding hands with [her] mama” and “thanking [her] dad, ’cause she grew from the drama”.
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For her Grammys performance, she changed the lyric to ”’cause he’s really awesome”, then briefly got a bit emosh. Both of her parents were actually with her on the red carpet, which made the shout-out extra special.
14. But that wasn’t the most emotional performance of the night
No, that distinction most certainly went to Demi Lovato, who became so choked up at the beginning of her performance – her first since her overdose in the summer of 2018 – that she had to briefly start again.
Still, her bravery and raw emotion won her huge praise, both from the Grammys audience and viewers watching along at home.
15. Billie Eilish allowed her voice do the talking
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We all know that Billie Eilish is very much the full package, and her energetic performance style, music videos and personality have been every bit as important to her success as her songwriting and vocal abilities.
The Grammys is the biggest opportunity she’s had to put on a huge spectacle of a performance, so we were impressed she chose to strip things back, instead going for a fairly low-key rendition of her track When The Party’s Over that put her voice in centre stage.
16. Ellen’s introduction for Lil Nas X was actually kind of perfect
“Courageous, brave, groundbreaking, game-changing, adorable, the cutest smile... all words to describe me,” Ellen began, before highlighting how important Lil Nas X’s success has actually been, as an openly gay rapper and singer with a record-breaking number one single.
17. And Lil Nas X’s performance itself was also pretty special
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We’ve already touched on the sweet nod to Kobe Bryant, but Lil Nas X’s performance really does deserve a mention of its own.
Not only was it ambitious and technically impressive – not to mention star-studded – it was also just tonnes of fun, providing a moment of unwavering joy during an otherwise heavy evening.
18. Nipsey Hussle won not one but two posthumous Grammys
There was also a performance in his honour from a group of his friends and peers, consisting of Meek Mill, John Legend and DJ Khaled.
The late rapper’s partner, Lauren London, and grandmother collected his first posthumous Grammy, in one of the night’s most tear-jerking moments.
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“Racks In The Middle” Feat. @RoddyRicch & @Hit_Boy wins for Best Rap Performance at the 2020 #GRAMMYs
Nipsey Hussle is now the first Rapper to win a Grammy Posthumously. Lauren London, Nipsey Hussle’s Grandmother, and family accept the award. #TMC 🏁 pic.twitter.com/FTgGsFfiml — TheHipHopGuru (@thhgurutv) January 27, 2020
19. We have come to expect greatness from Rosalía, and she delivered yet again
The perfect mix of traditional and contemporary, and she gave us looks, and choreography, and she did the whole thing in Spanish. If you’re not already all over Rosalía, now is the time.
20. Billie Eilish sweeps the board, but admitted that she wasn’t actually rooting for herself to win Album Of The Year
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“Can I just say, I think Ariana deserved this,” Billie said, after collecting her Album Of The Year win. “Thank U, Next got me through some shit.”
To Ariana’s credit, she was not having it, and insisted the 18-year-old carry on with her acceptance speech.
CBS
You might well have seen that Grammys night was a big one for Billie, winning in this year’s four main categories, but what you may not have realised was how significant this is.
Not only is she the youngest artist to ever be nominated for Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Record Of The Year and Best New Artist all at the same ceremony, she’s also one of only two artists to sweep the board completely, the last being Christopher Cross in 1981.
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21. And finally, our personal favourite video of the night
The night’s two biggest winners – who were up for so many of the same awards – sharing a hug backstage. What’s not to love about that?


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Frank Bruno Helped Change How Mental Health Is Spoken About In Sport. Where's The Conversation Now?

Getty Images / HuffPost UK
It’s been 17 years since the words ‘Bonkers Bruno Locked Up’ were plastered across The Sun’s front page. It was 2003 and boxer Frank Bruno had just been sectioned under the Mental Health Act. He was there to get help, but the red top showed little empathy or sensitivity in the way it covered the story.
Mental health charity Sane was one of the first to condemn the paper. Marjorie Wallace, the charity’s chief executive, said it was an “insult” to Bruno and “damaging to the many thousands of people who endure mental illness”. And the backlash erupted so quickly that later editions of the paper carried the amended headline, “Sad Bruno In Mental Home”.
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But the damage had been done. It was yet another blow for the sports star, who had retired from boxing in 1996 and was going through one of the toughest periods of his life, navigating grief and divorce, alongside poor mental health.
Looking back, Bruno tells HuffPost UK: “The public now seem to have a better understanding. It used to be the case, in my situation, where people would cross the road to avoid me, especially after my section in 2003.
“I used to hear people say: ‘There goes that nutter.’”
Patrick Bolger via Getty Images Frank Bruno
The discourse around mental health has changed hugely since then, with the new-found honesty of high-profile sports stars, including Bruno, playing a part.
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Bruno started speaking to the media about his mental health issues after he was sectioned again in 2012. Unhappy about the way he was treated in hospital and the medication he was put on, he was persuaded by his agent Dave Davies to speak out “on behalf of the silent thousands who go through the same treatments, but don’t have a voice”.
Now 58, Bruno says he was “wary” of opening up – understandably, given past press coverage – but spoke to the Mirror in what was a landmark moment, he believes, for conversations and media coverage surrounding mental health.
Supplied by mental health charity Sane The Sun's front pages when the paper reported on Frank Bruno being sectioned in 2003.
Since then, we’ve seen mental health become a priority for sports associations across the board – from the FA to Rugby League to the Professional Cricketers Association, and understanding of mental health and mental illness within the sports industry and among the wider public growing, too. You only need to look at the thousands of people sharing their own experiences of poor mental health in blogs, tweets and social media posts and videos over the past decade to see just how much the conversation has changed.
Today, HuffPost UK launches its mental health series, Head In The Game, in which athletes across a variety of disciplines speak candidly about their mental wellbeing – from occasional periods of poor mental health to ongoing, sometimes debilitating, struggles with mental illness. They also share coping mechanisms and the support they’ve turned to during their lowest points.
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Their stories – and the emotions they’ve shared with us – will be relatable to many, whether or not you play or watch sport yourself. Most interviewees touch on pressures particular to their disciplines, but there are factors at play – both personal and work-related – that build up in all our lives. It’s a reminder that these people are human, like the rest of us – and nobody is unbreakable.
Getty Images / HuffPost UK Head In The Game interviewees: (top, left to right) Frank Bruno, Jordanne Whiley, Becky Downie, Elise Christie, Andrew Strauss; (bottom, left to right) Rebecca Adlington, Liam Broady, Eniola Aluko, Marcus Trescothick, Jo Pavey.
Flash back to even a decade ago and it would have been a struggle to find so many sports people willing to open up about their mental health in the press.
In 2008, Marcus Trescothick was the first high-profile active cricketer to go public with his depression and anxiety, an experience he spoke about in his book, Coming Back To Me. And while reaction to his honesty was positive – “we’ve had thousands of people say it’s impactful,” the retired cricketer tells HuffPost UK – the reason behind why he felt he had to tell people the truth is telling of where the conversation around mental health was back then.
“I was constantly going around in circles, speaking to journalists and they were asking what was wrong” - Marcus Trescothick
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“There were a couple of parts to that,” Trescothick says ahead of his Head in the Game interview. “I needed to tell people my own story. I needed to right a few wrongs that had been written about me in various media outlets. I needed to tell the truth, and I needed to not be hiding away from it anymore.
“Because I was constantly going around in circles, speaking to journalists, and they were asking what was wrong, and I was saying ‘this, that and the other’. And I could never be honest to them because I couldn’t be honest to myself. I needed to almost lay it bare, and let it all out, just so we could move on.”
He was “sick and tired” of trying to find a way to get people off his back and sharing his truth was a huge weight off his shoulders. “It was the best thing I could do really,” he reflects. “It was enlightening. People could see exactly what was happening, I had nothing to hide anymore. It was a worry out of my mind.”
People simply didn’t talk about these things then – especially not in sport. As Guardian journalist Vic Marks wrote at the time: “The sporting world, more than any other, is unsympathetic to those who show signs of weakness or unorthodoxy.” But Trescothick’s candour – including writing about breaking down in tears in Dixons at Heathrow airport – made an impression on cricketing fans and his sporting peers.
“I was advised at the time that this would be a great help to many people by the then-chair of the PCA [Professional Cricketers’ Association],” he says. “I couldn’t understand whether that would be the case, but he was absolutely right because everybody, in all walks of life, from professional to media to general supporters, were like: ‘thank you for writing it’.
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“I had someone the other day – and it’s been 12 years since I wrote the book – thank me for writing it,” he adds. “It’s brilliant to think from my bad situation I’ve been able to help somebody get better.”
Plenty of other sports people have brought out books sharing experiences of mental health and illness. Dame Kelly Holmes’ autobiography Black, White & Gold detailed her issues with self-harm; Bruno shared his own mental health journey in his 2017 book, Let Me Be Frank, and later this year, ex-Man United and Newcastle striker Andy Cole is to bring out a memoir, Fast Forward, which will touch on life with depression.
Alex Davidson via Getty Images Marcus Trescothick: 'It’s brilliant to think from my bad situation I’ve been able to help somebody get better.'
Has there been a knock-on effect with media coverage and awareness?When Time to Change, an anti-stigma campaign run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, collaborated with King’s College London to examine the reporting of mental illness in UK print media, initial findings were worrying.
At the start of the study in 2008, stigmatising coverage consistently outweighed positive reporting on mental health problems. But by 2016, there were significantly more anti-stigmatising than stigmatising articles. There were also more articles about mental health issues than any previous year of the study.
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This shift matters, say campaigners, because stigmatising coverage can fuel fear and misunderstanding, which in turn can lead to isolation and inhibit the recovery of people with mental illness. “Inferring someone with a mental health problem is a danger to others, portraying somebody as a hopeless victim, stereotyped images such as head-clutching and describing symptoms as ‘odd’ or ‘strange’ are just some examples of stigmatising coverage,” Jo Loughran, director of Time to Change, tells HuffPost UK.
“We know that when high-profile sports people speak out it can make a big difference.” - Jo Loughran, Time to Change
Greater sensitivity in reporting has led to more sports stars trusting the media with their stories, no doubt helped by guidelines provided by charities to the media on how to cover these topics – and awards for when they get it right.
Loughran credits figures like Kelly Holmes and the Tottenham and England footballer Danny Rose, who is open about his depression, for spearheading change. “We know that when high-profile sports people speak out it can make a big difference. Mind’s research found that a quarter of people said hearing a celebrity talk openly about their own mental health had directly inspired them to seek help for themselves,” she says.
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South China Morning Post via Getty Images Dame Kelly Holmes.
There has been a “sea change” in public understanding of mental illness since the early 2000s, says Marjorie Wallace of Sane. The pattern for openness we’ve seen among sports people, film stars and even the Royals – with their Heads Together campaign – has rippled out to the British public, too. Discussing this impact, Bruno notes: “When Prince William and Prince Harry talked about it a couple of years ago, it almost put the Royal seal of approval on the fact it’s good to talk and tell people about your mental health issues.”
But campaigning alone is not enough, says Wallace. Earlier this month, all 32 Emirates FA Cup Third Round fixtures were delayed by a minute to promote better mental health among football fans, with a video played in each stadium and live on TV. The clip, narrated by the Duke of Cambridge and starring Frank Lampard, Harry Maguire and Alex Scott, encouraged fans to ‘Take A Minute’ to look after their mental health and that of their family and friends.
It reached millions of people in the UK, but Wallace argues that the success of these campaigns is no good if services aren’t in place to provide support. In fact, such has been the impact of anti-stigma messaging that already overstretched mental health services are, in many areas, “buckling under the strain”, she explains. “Our concern now is the increasing gap between the rhetoric and reality of frontline services, leaving far too many people in crisis with even less help when they need it the most.”
“Take the politics out of the issue and just do something – and I mean actually do something” - Frank Bruno
Members of the public are also concerned. “I’m all for raising awareness and furthering the conversation but we need the resources,” read one tweet about the ‘Take A Minute’ campaign. “The NHS needs more funding to provide adequate mental health services, this is what matters.” Journalist and mental health commentator Hannah-Jane Parkinson put it more starkly: “Brutal scenes I’m sure as all the people inspired by #FACup initiative to seek help for their mental health gets immediately put on a 2 year waiting list for service barely held together by overworked staff.”
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This demand for action resonates strongly with Bruno who tells HuffPost he wants the government to “stop talking about what they are going to do and actually do something”.
He has attended meetings with government representatives and MPs on the issue, but still his office and charity, the Frank Bruno Foundation, is inundated with letters from people saying they can’t get help for their mental health issue or have been let down. “The system is not working,” he says. “We have a new government, there should be a cross-party planning meeting on mental health. Take the politics out of the issue and just do something – and I mean actually do something – to improve the service mental health sufferers and their carers are currently getting.
“I am not saying it’s all bad, but there is lots of room for improvement. Most of all listen to the patients that have come through the system, listen to their carers and use their experiences as a base to make the improvements.”
Additional interviews by Rachel Moss.
Visit HuffPost UK’s dedicated Head in the Game site to read our full series of daily interviews with sports people about their mental health and wellbeing.
Useful websites and helplines:


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Best Baby Carriers, Slings And Wraps To Keep Your Bundle Of Joy Snug and Your Hands Free

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All The Gear, No Idea is a regular series from HuffPost Finds where we feature product recommendations for parents, by parents. Whether you’re shopping for a car seat for the first time or don’t know what tech to buy your teen, we’ve got you covered with shopping guides, reviews and the latest deals.
Before I became a parent, I had no idea how much conversation - or how much passion - there was involved in the idea of ‘wearing your baby’.
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Then I discovered a Facebook group with 40,000 members, entirely dedicated to baby carriers; mobile ‘sling libraries’ such as this one in east London where you can try-before-you-buy; and a whole new language: from ‘ring slings’ to ‘mei tai’ to ‘wraps’ to ‘structured carriers’.
I have friends who never bought a pram, electing to use just a baby carrier; and others who owned an entire wardrobe of different slings for different occasions.
The most important advice seems to be: try one before you spend what can be a considerable amount of money, because what suits one parent-and-baby might not be entirely right for the next.
If you’re at a loss as to where to start, HuffPost readers and staf are here to help by revealing which baby carriers they liked best.
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Huffington Post UK Beco Gemini ‘Cool’, Amazon, £105
Beco’s carrier offers four comfortable carrying positions – front facing in, facing out, hip and back carry. It features a supportive waistband and wide padded shoulder straps that can be worn backpack-style, or crossed across your back. The padded headrest can flip up for extra neck support or be cuffed down and fastened. Suitable from 7 to 35lbs and adjustable from newborn to toddler.
Review: Samara Mackereth, mum of two
“We love baby carriers and have opted to ‘wear’ both our kids over using a stroller. In fact, we never really used a stroller with our first child until she hit the distracted and slow walking toddler years, and only because we could literally not get anywhere unless we put her on wheels. We had four different carriers but the Beco was our favourite - it’s very functional, because the baby can face out or in; it’s great for infants and toddlers and it has great back support. It’s adjustable and breathable and can be worn on the back, too. Plus, it’s washable.”
Huffington Post UK Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier ‘Move’, Baby Bjorn, £119.99
The Move is designed to be used for longer baby-wearing sessions. It has built-in back support, a waist belt and padded shoulder straps for pressure relief; and soft, airy 3D mesh fabric to keep you and your baby cool and comfy. It is easy to put on and take off without help as it has minimal settings and a two-part design; with adjustable head support, leg position and length. If your baby falls asleep in the baby carrier, you can unfasten the entire front section to lift them out; while keeping the shoulder straps on like a waistcoat.
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Review: Nicola Staines, mum of one
“I loved the Move and thought it was really easy to use and great support for the back. The mesh also meant that it was very breathable. Some baby carriers are geared more towards women, but we found this one was good for men and women and I know a few partners who ended up buying this as well as the original sling they had. Once my son reached one though he was too big for it, so I moved to one of the sturdier types that sit on your back.”
Review: Sarah Williams, mum of one
“The Baby Bjorn was comfortable for both me and the baby - as well as being easy to put on and to adjust. I tried the Ergobaby and a wrap sling, both of which were harder to put on. Our Baby Bjorn is still in use after a year.”
Ergobaby/John Lewis Plc Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier, John Lewis, £154.90
The Omni 360 Carrier from Ergobaby sells itself as “the all-in-one baby carrier for everyone” - and is the most versatile Ergobaby yet. It offers four different carrying positions and can easily adjust from newborn to toddler with a weight range of 7 to 35lbs. You don’t need a separate newborn insert and it also comes with a tuck-away baby sun hood (UPF 50+) that doubles up as a nursing modesty blanket. Recognised as a “hip healthy” carrier by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, it has lumbar support and padded crossable straps. There’s also a detachable storage pouch and it comes with a 10-year guarantee.
Review: Sarah Davidson, mum of two
“I used an Ergobaby which was fantastic as it grew with the children from teeny to toddler and they were quite happy to be in it. I used it frontwards as babies and turned them round when they were bigger."
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Canadian brand Aura Leaf ships internationally. It was created by nurse Leah Holmes when her daughter was an infant, and relies on pre-softened fabrics for parents to wear their babies comfortably from the get-go. They’re handmade from linen, and each sling is unique. They can be washed and come in longer fabric versions for heavier babies, too. They come with a full colour instruction booklet.
If you’d rather buy a ring sling from a UK retailer, try this version from Etsy.
Review: Jessica Tran, mum of one
“I personally like ring slings as I find them more secure feeling. I like the closeness of my child to me and it’s so easy to use. I use a Canadian brand sling called Aura Leaf, super soft and fashionable and it’s a godsend when my son is super agitated and wants cuddles.”
This eco-friendly and sustainable baby wrap is made from 100% Tencel (the pulp of eucalyptus trees) and helps regulate baby’s temperature. It’s soft against skin - three times softer than cotton - and is breathable and lightweight. It’s ideal for an active lifestyle and is machine-washable. Suitable for babies weighing between 8 and 30lbs. It comes with a one-year warranty.
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Review: Rachel, mum of one
“I used a FreeRider wrap and loved its super soft fabric. I’ve also used a Moby wrap which was great but with thicker fabric not quite as comfortable (especially in summer). I used a Caboo too but didn’t quite get on with it. Wraps are slightly harder to master initially but way more comfy/ stays in place once you’ve got it.”
The Caboo+ baby carrier is made of a soft, supportive organic fabric to ensure it’s as comfortable for parent as it is for baby, making it easy to use with no tying or buckles. It has soft, comfortable wide straps to distribute weight evenly. This carrier allows discreet breastfeeding. It is easy to adjust, by pulling the fabric through the rings to tighten; and there’s an anchored cross to reduce strain on the shoulders and back. Made from soft 100% organic cotton, it is suitable from birth to 25lbs.
Review: Louise Quayle, mum of two
“My votes are for the Caboo (soft, fabric) for newborn and young baby, and LILLEbaby structured sling for when they get a bit heavier as it offers more support, putting weight onto mumma’s hips. I loved the snuggles, not to mention being able to get on with things.”
Rose and Rebellion Rose and Rebellion Soft Structured Carrier, Rose and Rebellion, £79.99
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If you’re looking for style and substance, look no further than the ‘cool’ baby carriers available from Rose and Rebellion. They come in a range of prints such as this cute and quirky ‘Bring Me Your Love’ design. Suitable from 6 weeks to 12 months. They can be machine-washed, hand-washed or spot cleaned and are suitable from 7 to 40lbs. The carriers are designed to be used with babies who are facing inward towards the chest. There is a hood to support the child’s head while sleeping.
Review: Niamh Neville, mum of one
“Baby carriers are so personal, so it can be tricky to recommend one. I loved different ones for different stages - I had a bespoke ring sling, a Mei Tai, a LILLEbaby toddler carrier and a Rose and Rebellion soft structured carrier, which I liked because it was comfortable and made in Britain. They even made it shorter for me!”
Specifically designed for toddlers and growing children, the CarryOn allows you to comfortably carry children from the age of 6 months up to a weight of 60lbs in three different positions: on your hip, at the front or on your back; with straps crossed or parallel. It’s made of soft, breathable 3D mesh fabric and has signature lumbar support to protect your back and posture while wearing. It also has a roomy zip cargo storage pocket and a removable sleeping hood.
Review: Nicola Jarratt, mum of one
“I used several carriers - when my son was a newborn I used a Moby soft one, then an Ergobaby until my son was three; before switching to a LILLEbaby Carry On Airflow. Designed for preschoolers, it is an absolute godsend when travelling on your own with hand baggage - especially at 11pm in the passport control queues. It was a sad day when my son reached the weight limit and I sold it on. He slept like a dream in it too!”
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Huffington Post UK Connecta Baby Carrier, Koala Slings, £69.95
The Connecta is a supportive, structured baby carrier with quick-release buckles, padded straps, and a flexible, unpadded waist to conform to the wearer’s body - this promises to enhance lumbar support. It has a fit that is close to the body, meaning it is comfortable to carry both infants or heavy toddlers, and is made from solarweave fabric - a sun-protective fabric which blocks 95 to 99% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is highly breathable and suitable for sensitive skin. It is designed to keep your baby cool and to dry quickly, making it an ideal hot-weather carrier.
Review: Claire Taylor, mum of two
“I loved the Connecta sling. It’s semi-structured and so much better than the Ergo in my opinion, which I used with my first baby. I used Connecta from newborn and still carry my nearly two-year-old in it now. It’s much better for a small frame than the Ergo which just slid off my shoulders. It’s much less bulky and so easier to wear under coats and cardigans and much easier to put under a buggy or in a bag. And really comfy too. The only downside is that it’s tricky to do a back carry.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Make A Killer Cup Of Coffee With These Hacks From Baristas

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Many of us can’t function first thing without a hefty dose of caffeine. But if you’re bored of your same-old morning cup of joe, there are some simple ways to implement an upgrade.
Whether you drink instant coffee, grind your own beans or buy ready-ground, there are plenty of ways to turn your average morning brew into a stupendous beverage that you’ll never want to finish.
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We asked baristas for some helpful hacks to get you started and it turns out there really is an art to making a good brew.
If you drink instant coffee...
Hugo Hercod was UK Barista Champion in 2008, so he knows what he’s talking about. He tells HuffPost UK there are plenty of good instant coffees on the market nowadays and urges people to taste around and be prepared to spend more money for better flavour.
“Look for speciality grade coffee if you can,” he says. “Avoid the big brand, dark roast stuff which will always carry bitterness with it.
“Many years ago, before I became obsessed with the quest for the perfect cup of coffee, my brew of choice was Douwe Egberts Gold. I’d make a shorter, stronger cup; no water just hot milk – much like the original flat white.”
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If you start with beans...
When mathematicians, physicists and materials experts joined forces to create a formula for the perfect cup of coffee, they discovered that fewer coffee beans, ground more coarsely, were key to a drink that’s “cheaper to make, more consistent from shot to shot, and just as strong”. The study came about after mathematician Dr Jamie Foster discovered that sometimes two shots of espresso, made in seemingly the same way, can taste different.
If you grind your own beans, getting the texture right is important – and the type of grind should vary depending on your style of brew. For example, if you use an Aeropress, which forces water through the coffee and filter, opt for medium-ground coffee, advises Ariana Huecherig, operations manager at Perky Blenders Coffee Roasters, while if you use a cafetiere, you should go for a coarser grind.
For those who use an espresso machine or moka pot, finely ground coffee is better, and for those who prefer slower drip methods, like V60 or Chemex, try medium-coarse coffee. Read the exact recipes here.
sanchesnet1 via Getty Images
It’s also worth noting that humidity can impact your beans, and therefore your coffee, says barista and gelato shop owner Daniele Taverner, a native of Turin, Italy, who learned about the science of coffee making at La Spaziale, Bologna.
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Humidity on the day can impact the taste of your coffee. So, if you wanted to use seven grams of ground coffee for an espresso, for example, that 7g may actually contain more or less coffee depending on how much moisture the beans have absorbed from the air.
“Professional baristas are always making minute adjustments according to the conditions, so the method of achieving the perfect cup of coffee changes from day to day,” he says.
If you can grind your beans on demand you will get a better result, he adds. Noting that you don’t need an expensive coffee machine to do so – it can be done with a blender or even a pestle and mortar.
If you have ready-ground coffee...
Once you’ve opened your pack of ready-ground coffee, Taverner, who co-owns Gelato Village in Leicester, advises storing it in an airtight container to reduce the effects of humidity, giving you more time before the oils in the coffee turn “rancid”.
If you prefer to brew by hand (which basically means not using an espresso machine), Perky Blenders’ Ariana Huecherig recommends “focusing on pouring and evenly saturating the grounds” for even extraction and a well-balanced cup.
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Rules to live by, whichever method you use...
Whether you’re starting with beans, ready-ground or instant coffee, Hugo Hercod urges people to upgrade their brew by filtering the water first, using better milk and not using boiling water.
The barista, who runs Relish Café in Cornwall and is co-founder of Rising Ground Coffee (busy guy!), says soft water lends itself to a better brew. “If you live in a hard water area, it’s much better to switch to filtered water,” he says.
“A standard filter works, but something like the Peak Water filter will do a better job. Hard water is already loaded with minerals so is less able to dissolve the important flavour molecules of coffee.”
When it comes to milk, he urges people to use full-fat as the flavour from the fat is “crucial”. Should you be adding salt or even butter to your cup, as some people suggest? “There’s no doubt a small amount of salt can enhance sweeter notes and reduce any bitterness,” says Hercod, “although to me it’s just a bit weird. If you talk to any chef, adding more butter and fat will make anything taste better, but there are limits.”
But another top tip, however you make your coffee, is not to have it too hot. “Your taste buds can’t taste sweetness above a certain temperature, so leave your boiling water to sit for a few minutes before you pour it into your cup,” Hercod says. “Ideally you want your coffee at the hot end of warm.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Freezing Cold Showers Are Actually Good For You. Here's Why

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When did you last have a cold shower? We’re guessing it was when your boiler broke, or your housemates used up all the hot water. But a growing number of people are actually choosing to have them when they wake up in the mornings.
The pastime is nothing new, with evidence suggesting the ancient Greeks and Romans were fans of a chilly plunge, but cold showers seem to be having a revival. So, should we all be doing it?
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Dr Abigail Rickard, an associate professor at the University of Greenwich, says cold bathing has a plethora of health benefits.
“The effects of cold showers are positive for the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, musculoskeletal system, giving us an immune boost, giving us better mental health, giving us a boost to our metabolism, potentially burning brown fats and potentially even making you more beautiful,” she tells HuffPost UK.
Warunporn Thangthongtip via Getty Images
The very first thing you’ll notice when you have a cold shower is that you have a sudden urge to take a deep breath, Dr Rickard explains, and despite the initial shock, your heart rate will start to slow.
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“You’ve got a lot of blood in the centre of your body, primed because it’s got lots of oxygen meaning that your brain, your heart and your lungs are working at their optimum,” she explains.
Unsurprisingly, these effects make a cold shower ideal if you struggle to wake up in the morning – but a less obvious benefit may be discovered when you look in the mirror.
“Having a shower with cold water will close pores in your skin and also make the cuticles in the hair lay flat so your hair will appear glossy, shiny and healthy,” Dr Rickard explains.
So, what are you waiting for? Turn that tap to cold every now and then, boost your health, and save some pennies on the heating bill in the process.
Watch the full video above to hear Dr Shushma Malik and Dr Abigail Rickard discuss the benefits of cold showers.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Grammys 2020: FKA Twigs Speaks Out After Controversy Over Prince Tribute Performance

FKA Twigs has spoken out after her performance at this year’s Grammys sparked a mixed reaction online.
Ahead of Sunday night’s ceremony, it had been confirmed that Twigs would join Usher and Sheila E live on stage for a tribute performance in memory of Prince.
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However, many fans were disappointed that the British star did not actually sing during the performance, instead dancing along, including an elaborate pole routine, while Usher performed hits like When Doves Cry and Kiss.
Usher and FKA Twigs Matt Sayles/Invision/AP
In her tweet, the star admitted that while she “wanted to sing at the Grammys”, she “wasn’t asked” by producers to contribute vocals to the Prince tribute performance.
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“Of course I wanted to sing at the Grammys. I wasn’t asked this time but hopefully in the future,” she wrote. “[Nonetheless] what an honour. Congratulations to all winners.”
of course i wanted to sing at the grammys. i wasn’t asked this time but hopefully in the future. none the less what an honour. congratulations to all winners x — FKA twigs (@FKAtwigs) January 27, 2020
FKA Twigs had been up for one award at this year’s Grammys, for her surreal Cellophane music video, in which she shows off her pole-dancing abilities.
FKA Twigs shows off her skills on the Grammys stage Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images
However, the Best Music Video award ended up going to Lil Nas X, for his Old Town Road clip.
Last year, her second album Magdalene was met with huge critical acclaim, and earned her a nomination in the Best British Female category at the upcoming Brit Awards.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Grammys 2020 Winners: Billie Eilish Makes History At This Year's Awards Show

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Billie Eilish dominated at this year’s Grammys, winning five of the six awards she was nominated for.
The 18-year-old was already the youngest artist to ever be nominated in the awards show’s four main categories – Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Best New Artist – and has gone on to make history again by triumphing in all four.
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Not only is she the youngest artist to scoop all four of the night’s big awards, she’s also one of two to do so, the first being Christopher Cross back in 1981.
Billie also picked up Best Pop Vocal Album, beating stiff competition from more established stars, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.
Billie Eilish and Lizzo at the Grammys Rob Latour/Shutterstock
It was also a big night for Billie’s fellow new artist Lizzo, who had been the most-nominated star of the night, eventually taking home a respectable three Grammys, including Best Pop Solo Performance for Truth Hurts.
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Now, we’re going to be honest with you, the Grammys do famously have about 400 categories, each more niche and technical than the last, so we’re going to restrict our list purely to those given out on the night.
But for those who want to see the awards that were dished out during the televised ceremony, here you go...
Record Of The Year
Billie Eilish - Bad Guy
Album Of The Year
Billie Eilish - When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
Song Of The Year
Billie Eilish - Bad Guy
Best New Artist
Billie Eilish
Best Pop Solo Performance
Lizzo - Truth Hurts
Best Rap Album
Tyler, The Creator - Igor
Best Rap/Sung Performance
Higher - DJ Khaled, feat. Nipsey Hussle and John Legend
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
Dan + Shay - Speechless
Best Comedy Album
Dave Chappelle
For a more comprehensive winners list, check out the Grammys website.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Grammys 2020: Demi Lovato Wins Praise After First Live Performance Since Overdose In 2018

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Demi Lovato brought the Grammys audience to their feet on Sunday night, when she delivered her first live performance since her overdose in 2018.
During the ceremony, Demi debuted a new song, Anyone, which presenter Greta Gerwig told viewers had been written just four days before the singer was rushed to hospital after overdosing 18 months ago.
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It was a particularly emotional performance for Demi, who was even forced to start the song again after she was too choked up to continue singing, with the lyrics dealing with the loneliness she felt at her lowest moments in July 2018.
“Talked to my imagination, confided into alcohol, I tried and tried and tried some more,” she sang in the song’s first verse. “Told secrets ’til my voice was sore, tired of empty conversation, ’cause no one hears me anymore.”
Demi Lovato gave a heartfelt performance during the Grammys CBS
She continued: “I feel stupid when I pray, so, why am I praying anyway? If nobody’s listening… anyone, please send me anyone, lord, is there anyone?
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“I need someone, anyone, please send me anyone, lord, is there anyone?”
Demi’s powerful performance earned her a standing ovation from those in attendance, but also won her huge acclaim from viewers on social media…
demi lovato just delivered the best vocal performance of her entire career. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/Nsgz4Dd7Ix — Dylan (@lnteleon) January 27, 2020
Demi Lovato was ... sensational. The strength. The TALENT. The vulnerability. — 𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚌 𝚙𝚒𝚡𝚒𝚎 𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝚐𝚒𝚛𝚕 (@mathewrodriguez) January 27, 2020
WOW. That performance from Demi. Incredible. #GRAMMYs — Sam Atkins (@Atkins_Sam) January 27, 2020
Was literally shaking throughout the whole thing I’m SO fucking proud of her — harry 🥧 (@MrHBatesy2) January 27, 2020
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This new Demi Lovato song deserves to be HUGE #GRAMMYs — HUGH! McIntyre (@PopBangHugh) January 27, 2020
Forever rooting for Demi Lovato. ❤ — Alex Goldschmidt (@alexandergold) January 27, 2020
DEMI LOVATO GETTING A STANDING OVATION DURING HER COMEBACK PERFORMANCE WE LOVE TO SEE IT pic.twitter.com/4SFmZR9d91 — dominique ❅ (@CMONPUDDN) January 27, 2020
Demi Lovato getting the standing ovation she deserves #Grammys pic.twitter.com/eQNuvWVgIQ — Nora Dominick (@noradominick) January 27, 2020
Demi Lovato getting the biggest ovation of the night.
That was some powerful shit.#GRAMMYs — Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) January 27, 2020
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Demi Lovato singing “is there anyone?” just to get a standing ovation & support by the entire audience... my heart #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/rrqvOSe71M — K (@OnlyVocalists) January 27, 2020
Demi Lovato best performance of the night. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/QuAVsZASgg — Ryan Schocket (@RyanSchocket) January 27, 2020
Immediately after the performance, Anyone was made available to download and stream.
She recently told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe of the song, which was actually recorded four days before her near-fatal overdose: “You kind of listen back to it and you kind of think, ‘how did nobody listen to this song and think [to help me]’. I even think that I was recording it in a state of mind where I felt like I was OK, but clearly I wasn’t.
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“I even listened back to it and I’m like, ‘Gosh, I wish I could go back in time and help that version of myself.’ I feel like I was in denial.”
Demi on stage at the Grammys John Shearer via Getty Images
Demi previously addressed her struggles with addiction in the song Sober, which she debuted in June 2018, featuring lyrics about a recent alcohol relapse.
Three months earlier, she had celebrated six years of sobriety.
Anyone is expected to feature on Demi’s forthcoming seventh album, slated for release later in 2020.
Need friendly, confidential advice on drugs?
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Grammys 2020 Red Carpet: Billy Porter's Fabulous Hat Sparks Our Favourite New Meme

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It’s pretty much a given in 2020 that if you roll out a red carpet, Billy Porter is going to walk around it, looking more fabulous than anyone in the immediate vicinity.
This was certainly the case on Sunday night, when the Pose star was a presenter at this year’s Grammys, and walked the red carpet in another of his show-stopping ensembles.
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For the Grammys, Billy made an entrance in an eye-catching peacock blue suit, complete with silver platform shoes, bejeweled spider bracelet and a matching sparkly clutch bag.
Billy Porter at the 2020 Grammys Jon Kopaloff via Getty Images
It wasn’t just an amazing outfit that Billy gave us at the Grammys, though, but also our favourite new meme of 2020 so far.
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You see, his ensemble was topped off with an enormous hat, complete with metallic fringe, which actually opened and closed with the help of a remote control…
His hat’s motorised quality quickly sparked a lot of conversation on social media, including some rather fabulous reactions…
Me minding somebody else’s business pic.twitter.com/RtKll2uIMF — NAACP Twigs (@turnandstomp) January 27, 2020
Me waking up from a long nap: https://t.co/lrd7NUrtLC — Louis Ortiz (@LouisOrtiz92) January 27, 2020
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when someone mentions potato skins pic.twitter.com/CXLgK23Nyr — ceeks (@70Ceeks) January 27, 2020
Me: I can’t go out, I’m trying to save money this week
Friend: wanna go to happy hour?
Me:
pic.twitter.com/1bPdx0Fzaw — dunc city (@whduncan) January 27, 2020
What the Starbucks drive thru cashier sees when I pull up hungover in last night’s makeup and clothes pic.twitter.com/D5NdbfRmEL — Ryan Schocket (@RyanSchocket) January 27, 2020
Me: I’m not hungry. I just ate.
Me seeing free food: pic.twitter.com/K7IrP3c7mK — Alex Goldschmidt (@alexandergold) January 27, 2020
the cashier at the mcdonald’s drive thru when i pull up pic.twitter.com/RTLgLhwVRr — gabe bergado (@gabebergado) January 27, 2020
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Me at my first husband’s funeral when I see my second husband pic.twitter.com/SVqwwu1hJh — Mike T (@majtague) January 27, 2020
Me: I hate drama
Also me when there’s drama: pic.twitter.com/sCyKFgnzZK — Sam Stryker (@sbstryker) January 27, 2020
During the ceremony, Billy also appeared on stage sans hat, to introduce the Jonas Brothers head of their performance.
Back in September, Billy made history when his performance as Praytell in Pose earned him a historic win at the Emmys, where he was the first openly gay black man to win in the Best Actor In A Drama category.
Check out all the must-see pictures from this year’s Grammys red carpet below...
Grammys 2020 Red Carpet: All The Pics You Need To See See gallery


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-27--Grammys 2020 Red Carpet: Ariana Grande's Outfit Is A Must-See

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There’s no question about it, this year’s Grammys saw the A-list nominees well and truly bringing it on the red carpet.
As well as leading the nominated artists, singer/songwriter Lizzo brought some serious glamour to the proceedings, while Pose actor Billy Porter brought yet another incredible look to his awards season back catalogue.
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Our favourite look of the night, though, has to go to Ariana Grande.
Ariana hit the red carpet in a completely over-the-top enormous gown, complete with around 1000 layers, elbow-length gloves and, naturally, her signature high ponytail.
Just... wow. David Fisher/Shutterstock
It’s not exactly an understated look, but it’s quintessentially Ariana, and if you can’t give an all-out Disney princess, prom queen look at the Grammys, where can you?
Not only was it a show-stopping look, it also looked like Ariana was having a lot of fun in her elaborate ensemble, as she posed up a storm for photographers on her way into the event.
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Ariana, can we please borrow this when you're done with it? David Fisher/Shutterstock
The chart-topping singer was nominated for five awards at this year’s Grammys, including in the coveted Album Of The Year and Record Of The Year categories.
Her appearance at the Grammys comes a year after she famously snubbed the awards show, following a much-publicised fall-out with one of the ceremony’s organisers, over her scheduled performance.
Although she didn’t actually turn up to the Grammys that year, the night somehow still managed to be all about Ariana, as she shared an Instagram snap of what she’d been planning to wear, and live-tweeted the whole event, including her first ever win.
Check out all the must-see red carpet snaps from this year’s Grammys in the gallery below...
Grammys 2020 Red Carpet: All The Pics You Need To See See gallery