LEWIS CAPALDI has been hard at work on his second album for nearly two years, but I have bad news for him – his chart competition will be his idol Paolo Nutini.
The Scottish stars are both planning to drop records in the first half of 2022, and there will be sky-high demand for their releases.
The unfortunate timing means they are likely to go head to head for the big awards such as Artist Of The Year and Album Of The Year when it comes to the Brits in 2023.
That will be especially difficult for Lewis, who has spoken at length about how he idolises Paolo and was inspired to get into music because of his fellow singer-songwriter.
An industry insider said: “The pandemic led to a lot of artists holding back on releasing records so only recently has there been the return of huge albums from superstar artists. There will be lots more of those in 2022 but all eyes right now are on Lewis and Paolo.
“It looks like Scottish music could dominate the charts like never before because both artists are in such high demand.
“Expectations are high and both have been working hard to make sure they can deliver.”
I previously told how Lewis has teamed up with One Republic star Ryan Tedder, who has written hit ballads for Adele and Beyonce, to make his new album.
Meanwhile, reclusive Paolo has spent seven years working on his next project, having not released a record since 2014’s Caustic Love, which spent three weeks at No1.
They are both scheduled to headline at TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow in July.
Speaking in 2018 about Paolo’s impact on his songwriting, Lewis said: “He was the first solo artist that I was ever really into.
“I was always into guitar bands, like QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and KINGS OF LEON. But Paolo was the first person where I was like, ‘F***, this is cool’. “I remember listening to Iron Sky and thinking, ‘F*** me, this is incredible.’
“Before that, I was writing s***e ARCTIC MONKEYS songs and it just wasn’t happening because I wasn’t those bands. But with Paolo, I just kind of got it. It’s a good thing — you can kinda tell that I grew up listening to it.”
He might find Paolo is just as much of a fan when they finally meet.
GIVEN it has been a dull and rainy Christmas here – and probably even colder in her native Sweden – Zara Larsson had the right idea by getting away to warmer climes for the holidays.
The Never Forget You singer posed in a skimpy top and pleated skirt in this snap shared on Instagram after jetting out to Spain with a load of her relatives. She spent Christmas there with three generations of her family, but used every opportunity to take snaps for her social media.
Zara recently completed a short series of gigs in Sweden and Norway but I’m expecting to see a lot more of her next year.
She has barely been able to perform since the release of album Poster Girl back in March because of Covid restrictions.
But I’m sure 2022 will bring her back here and get her on stage at festivals across the UK.
It’s about time.
YUNGBLUD has teased that Miley Cyrus will feature on his third album next year – which could swiftly be followed by another record.
The Doncaster-born rocker went to No1 in December 2020 with his record Weird! and the follow-ups are well on their way.
Speaking about his next release in an exclusive chat, he said: “It’s killer. Just you wait – it’s nearly done. I’ve got two albums ready but I’m just finishing the one to put out.”
He was seen hanging out with Miley earlier this year in LA and rumours swirled that they were dating.
But I was later told they were hoping to work together – although he stayed coy when I quizzed him about whether she will feature on either of his new albums.
Yungblud, who was nominated for the British Male Solo Artist gong at last May’s Brit Awards, added: “Listen, I cannot disclose that information. Maybe, baby.”
CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Gemma Collins – even if her engagement announcement is one of the least romantic things I have ever seen.
The former Towie star revealed she and Essex businessman Rami Hawash are planning their wedding, but confessed they were not making a song and dance about it because his divorce is yet to come through.
The couple rekindled their relationship in lockdown, seven years after they first got engaged.
Asked if they have become engaged again, she said: “Yeah, but we can’t really come out and say anything yet because Ram was married before and his paperwork has not come.”
About the big day itself, Gemma said: “We were discussing it yesterday, me and Mum. I said, ‘I know this sounds bizarre but I just would probably want no fuss on the day’.”
So she’s just planning to use the five-star Dorchester hotel in central London. Yeah Gem, that sounds very low-key.. . .
BLUE are reuniting for a 20th anniversary tour next year – but they have ruled out a Eurovision return.
The boyband flew the flag for the UK ten years ago, finishing 11th and netting a respectable 100 points. But in an exclusive chat, Antony Costa said they won’t be returning, insisting: “No. We’ve represented our country.”
Bandmate Duncan James added: “We’ve ticked that box.”
Dua Lipa’s team are helping select our entry next year.
Asked if we can win it again, Simon Webbe added: “Now we’re not part of Europe, I’m not sure. If the song is right. It should be about the music, but is it?”
My thoughts exactly.
MILLIONS of people lusted after Paul Mescal in Normal People last year and it seems like Olivia Colman was one of them.
The Oscar-winner has joked that she had scenes written into her new Netflix movie The Lost Daughter just so she could flirt with the Irish hunk.
Asked if she enjoyed their on-screen encounter, she said: “That’s always fun, but that wasn’t even in the script. I just did that.”
But realising what she had said, she quickly backtracked and insisted: “It was in the script, it was.”
Olivia had nothing but nice things to say about Paul, with whom she shot the psychological drama last autumn, but confessed that even she was starstruck by him.
She said: “I was a huge fan from watching Normal People and I was a bit giddy.
“I couldn’t look him in the eyes when we first met. He’s just so kind and nice and a good person. And he sings beautifully.
“He’s just lovely. He’s the nicest and loveliest. He loves his family and he’s so brilliant in what he does. His work is beautiful.”
Something tells me she will be keen to work with him again as soon as possible.
ROD STEWART is planning to make a swing record in the New Year, but he could be doing more than singing on it.
The Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? singer has revealed he’s been learning to play the trombone.
