Rafa Benitez to Everton was organised by Russian oligarch despite fan protests

Luke Bryan enjoys a close and often hilarious relationship with his American Idol co-judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry.MORE: Luke Bryan's five children and their mothers – and the heartfelt story behind his family unitIn a new interview with Good Morning America, the country superstar opened up about his relationship with Katy in the run-up to her Las Vegas residency and how that extended to her fiancé Orlando Bloom.WATCH: Chayce Beckham wins American Idol 2021"Anything Katy does, she sends stuff to create more anxiety," he said to the amusement of GMA hosts Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos, who could be heard laughing in the background."She's like 'Wow. Big stage, be ready','Wow, get ready for the dry air of Las Vegas', I'm like 'Katy!'" he joked.MORE: Katy Perry reveals wedding news after claims she secretly wed Orlando BloomHowever, he revealed that there was nothing but love between the two, perhaps veering on being closer than you'd expect when Orlando comes into the mix."Me and her, even as years have gone, we have an even more fun friendship and a great working relationship," he gushed about the Firework singer.A post shared by Good Morning America (@goodmorningamerica)Luke joked about Katy being "jealous" of his relationship with Orlando BloomHe then added: "She's really a little jealous because she believes Orlando kind of…might have a little man crush on me. "Because Orlando came to Nashville and I had all these outdoor activities planned for him.

“Thankful for Betty Davis, though.“The reach of her influence & sonic lineage is immense.“You've heard her, even if you think you've never heard her. I'm glad we got her at all.”CAPJR100 added: “Very sad news about Homestead's own Betty Davis.

Denise responded to the Tweet saying that her “apologies are heartfelt.”Denise also took to Twitter on Monday to discuss Queen Elizabeth’s decision to make Camilla queen consort when Prince Charles becomes king.The star said she wished she was on Loose Women to discuss the issue while the panel were talking about it on the same day.It was formerly believed that the Duchess of Cornwall would be referred to officially as princess consort.However, the Queen announced it was her wish for Camilla to be called Queen.Denise expressed frustration when Jane Moore implied on the show that Meghan Markle had neglected her royal duties, unlike Camilla.She said on Monday: "#LooseWomen Omg I hate it when I read the comments on todays show and I wasn't on it!!! (sic)"I love the chance to stand up for Meghan!!!!"

Nadya Suleman, a.k.a. “Octomom,” celebrated her octuplets’ 13th birthday this week. The proud mom took her eight youngest children — Nariyah, Isaiah, Maliyah, Jeremiah, Noah, Josiah, Jonah, and Makai — to a bowling alley, and then to a park, in Laguna Niguel, California to celebrate them reaching the milestone birthday. Photos, which can be seen HERE, show Nadya and the octuplets gathered together and smiling while holding bowling balls at the first celebratory event. The eight kids are truly so grown up — it’s crazy that they are now teenagers!

Better Things,” its original comedy series created by, executive produced by and starring Pamela Adlon.Adlon stars as Sam, a working actress raising three daughters in Los Angeles attempting to navigate her life and find fulfillment. Mikey Madison, Hannah Alligood and Olivia Edward portray Sam’s daughter, who are each struggling to come of age, while Celia Imrie portrays Sam’s mother, who deals with increasingly difficult mental and physical health issues. Adlon heavily based the series on her own experiences as an actor raising three daughters.The trailer for the new season sees Sam working on a new movie, giving a presentation to an elementary school class and arguing with her daughters.

Miles Davis for a year in 1968, died today (February 9) of natural causes, close friend Danielle Maggio confirmed to Rolling Stone.Davis’ self-titled debut album arrived in 1973, which she then followed up the following year with ‘They Say I’m Different’. Her third and final studio album, ‘Nasty Gal’, was released in 1975.Though not commercially successful at their time of release, Davis’ music has gone on to be hugely influential in funk circles in the decades to follow.Born Betty Mabry, she appeared on the cover of Miles Davis’ 1968 album ‘Filles de Kilimanjaro’, and was the inspiration behind his song ‘Mademoiselle Mabry’.“RIP Betty Davis, the original (and only) nasty gal, famed for being one of music’s greatest muses, but more importantly, one of the funkiest to ever do it,” journalist and author Jeff Weiss wrote in tribute to Davis.“Her first 3 solo records are sleazy, soulful and raw.

Spotify streams of Little Simz‘ music have soared over 350 per cent following her appearance at this year’s BRIT Awards.The rapper, who released her last album, ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’, back in September, won the award for Best New Artist at last night’s (February 8) ceremony at London’s The O2. She also performed a medley of her tracks ‘Introvert’ and ‘Woman’.Her massive night has since prompted a huge spike in Spotify streams in comparison to other BRITs winners including Adele, Silk Sonic, Ed Sheeran, Dave and Sam Fender.There was a 812 per cent increase in streams of ‘Introvert’ and a 594 per cent spike for ‘Woman’, equating to a 365 per cent jump overall.Elsewhere, Adele, who took home three BRITs last night (Artist Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year), saw a 137 per cent increase in Spotify streams following the awards, while Dave’s streams went up by 217 per cent. Fender’s music saw a 79 per cent jump.“As ever, the BRITs showed the incredible breadth of talent being fostered here in the UK, across every genre of music,” Tom Connaughton, managing director of Spotify UK and Ireland, said in a statement (via Rolling Stone UK).

Families of the 22 who died in the Manchester Arena bombing have reacted with anger and dismay after a second act of vandalism at a memorial for their lost loved ones.

Former Manchester City and England striker Trevor Sinclair has compared Manchester United youngster James Garner with club icon David Beckham.

A taxi driver was taken to hospital with a head injury after he was attacked in a back street in Cheetham Hill on Tuesday evening.

Cynthia Littleton Business EditorHollywood is about to stampede into Middle Earth. An array of movie, merchandising, gaming and live event rights to “Lord of the Rings,” “The Hobbit” and other titles from author J.R.R. Tolkien are coming up for auction now that the Saul Zaentz Co.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorLifetime’s newest reality show, “Leave It To Geege,” sees Geege Taylor, a single mom and breast cancer survivor, on a mission to help other people on their journey of raising an autistic child.The show debuted on Lifetime in January and from Feb. 10 will be transitioning from linear to digital, starting with a two-episode drop followed by weekly episodes rolling out on mylifetime.com, the Lifetime app and VOD.Taylor, whose 19-year-old son Pootie was diagnosed with autism as a young child, says she had first wanted to open her doors to TV cameras over seven years ago.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorAs the Prince estate moves forward after years of confusion following the singer’s 2016 death, the six heirs are divided into two camps: the three siblings who sold their interests to Primary Wave, and the three who have retained their holdings.With the value of the estate recently determined at $156.4 million, the two parties are now establishing a structure for how to work together. In a ruling on Tuesday, a Minnesota judge decided against Primary Wave’s proposal to create a single holding company.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterSteve Yockey, the creator and co-showrunner of HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant,” has developed a new dark comedy series that has gotten a script to series order at Fox.The single-camera project is titled “Cindy Snow.” The series follows the title character, who is the most popular local meteorologist in Savannah, GA. But behind the cameras, she’s — not nice. When a freak head injury at work triggers surreal glimpses of the future, Cindy’s life quickly unspools.

Find out what happened to Louis Tomlinson – Just Jared Jr Someone majorly dissed Meghan Markle – Celebitchy Did you see who is joining the Barbie film!? – Popsugar Find out the coolest Uncharted stunt that Tom Holland performed – Just Jared Jr

Everton manager. The Spaniard took the Toffees hot seat on Wednesday after weeks of negotiations with the Goodison Park hierarchy.

Everton have enquired about the possibility of signing Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho on a season-long loan.The Brazilian midfielder has endured a difficult spell in La Liga since completing his £142million deal back in January 2018.A combination of injuries and poor form have caused Coutinho to fall down the pecking order at Barcelona, where he is now viewed a non-essential part of the team.The 29-year-old still has two years remaining on his current contract but has been placed on the club's transfer list for the summer window.Everton are one side that may look to take advantage of his situation at the Spanish club, according to Fichajes.New manager Rafael Benitez has reportedly asked the Everton board to sign the former Liverpool

Everton fans that he is ready to "fight" for the club despite backlash over his appointment as manager.The Toffees confirmed Benitez as their new boss on Wednesday, sparking a furious reaction from a large section of their fanbase.Having enjoyed great success in charge of Merseyside rivals Liverpool, it appears the Spaniard will not be given a warm welcome when he arrives at Goodison Park for the very first time.However, Benitez insists he is eventually loved by every club he managers after "giving everything for them" - which he also intends to do for Everton."I have been in Madrid, Naples, Valencia, Tenerife, Extremadura and Liverpool," he told evertontv."Every single club I was there, I was fighting for them.

appointment as Everton manager is thought to have been 'vigorously opposed' by director of football Marcel Brands.Ex-Liverpool boss Benitez arrived at Finch Farm on Wednesday for his first day on the job after agreeing a three-year deal to succeed Carlo Ancelotti.But he walked straight into a boardroom controversy, as Brands was not there to welcome him.Benitez received a hearty welcome from Everton's owner Farhad Moshiri, who along with principal investor Alisher Usmanov was responsible for appointing the 61-year-old amid an angry backlash from fans.Brands was later said to be “isolating after a business trip” - but his name was absent from the statement welcoming Benitez, which was issued in mid afternoon.

Liverpool boss.The 61-year-old's appointment will be hugely controversial as he managed their bitter rivals across Stanley Park from 2004 and 2010.Benitez also once called Everton a “small club” during his time in charge at Anfield.It has certainly caused debate between Everton supporters while Merseyside Police were forced to investigate after a banner warning Benitez "Don't sign" was left near his family home on the outskirts of the city.The former Chelsea, Newcastle and Real Madrid manager will have to win over Toffees fans with results if he gets the job.Benitez brings an impressive CV having won two La Liga titles with Valencia before winning the Champions League and FA Cup at Liverpool.He also won the Europa League during an interim

Everton are reportedly considering their next manager from a list of eight candidates following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.Owner Farhad Moshiri was left stunned earlier this month after Ancelotti requested a sudden departure to former side Real Madrid, where he has taken over from Zinedine Zidane.The Toffees had been under the impression that Ancelotti had long-term aspirations at Merseyside but a shocking turn of events means they are now in pursuit of a sixth manager in only five years.While the three-time Champions League winning Italian is irreplaceable in some respects, Everton have several impressive candidates to choose from ahead of the new season.Ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, whose last Premier League stint was at Newcastle