Video of the Year

Doja Cat – ‘Attention’ 

Miley Cyrus – ‘Flowers’ 

Nicki Minaj – ‘Super Freaky Girl’

Olivia Rodrigo – ‘vampire’ 

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – ‘Unholy’

SZA – ‘Kill Bill’ 

Taylor Swift – ‘Anti-Hero’ (WINNER)

 

Artist of the Year:

Beyoncé

Doja Cat

KAROL G 

Nicki Minaj

Shakira

Taylor Swift (WINNER)

 

Song of the Year:

Miley Cyrus – ‘Flowers’

Olivia Rodrigo – ‘vampire’ 

Rema + Selena Gomez – ‘Calm Down’ 

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – ‘Unholy’

Steve Lacy – ‘Bad Habit’

SZA – ‘Kill Bill’

Taylor Swift – ‘Anti-Hero’ (WINNER)

 

Best New Artist:

GloRilla

Ice Spice (WINNER)

Kaliii

Peso Pluma

PinkPantheress 

Reneé Rapp

 

Push Performance of the Year:

August 2022: Saucy Santana – ‘Booty’

September 2022: Stephen Sanchez – ‘Until I Found You’ 

October 2022: JVKE – ‘golden hour’

November 2022: Flo Milli – ‘Conceited’

December 2022: Reneé Rapp – ‘Colorado’

January 2023: Sam Ryder – ‘All The Way Over’

February 2023: Armani White – ‘GOATED’

March 2023: FLETCHER – ‘Becky’s So Hot’

April 2023: TOMORROW X TOGETHER – ‘Sugar Rush Ride’ (WINNER)

May 2023: Ice Spice – ‘Princess Diana’

June 2023: FLO – ‘Losing You’ 

July 2023: Lauren Spencer Smith – ‘That Part’

 

Best Collaboration:

David Guetta + Bebe Rexha – ‘I’m Good (Blue)’ 

Post Malone, Doja Cat – ‘I Like You (A Happier Song)’ 

Diddy ft. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, Yung Miami – ‘Gotta Move On’ 

KAROL G, Shakira – ‘TQG’ (WINNER)

Metro Boomin with The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy – ‘Creepin’ (Remix)’

Rema + Selena Gomez – ‘Calm Down’ 

 

Best Pop:

Demi Lovato – ‘Swine’

Dua Lipa – ‘Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album)’ 

Ed Sheeran – ‘Eyes Closed’

Miley Cyrus – ‘Flowers’ 

Olivia Rodrigo – ‘vampire’ 

P!NK – ‘TRUSTFALL’ 

Taylor Swift – ‘Anti-Hero’ (WINNER)

 

Best Hip-Hop:

Diddy ft. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, Yung Miami – ‘Gotta Move On’

DJ Khaled ft. Drake + Lil Baby – ‘STAYING ALIVE’ 

GloRilla + Cardi B – ‘Tomorrow 2’

Lil Uzi Vert – ‘Just Wanna Rock’ 

Lil Wayne ft. Swizz Beatz + DMX – ‘Kant Nobody’

Metro Boomin ft Future – ‘Superhero (Heroes and Villains)’ 

Nicki Minaj – ‘Super Freaky Girl’ (WINNER)

 

Best R+B:

Alicia Keys ft. Lucky Daye – ‘Stay’ 

Chlöe ft. Chris Brown – ‘How Does It Feel’

Metro Boomin with The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy – ‘Creepin’ (Remix)’

SZA – ‘Shirt’

Toosii – ‘Favorite Song’

Yung Bleu + Nicki Minaj – ‘Love In The Way’

 

Best Alternative:

blink-182 – ‘EDGING’ 

boygenius – ‘the film’ 

Fall Out Boy – ‘Hold Me Like A Grudge’

Lana Del Rey ft. Jon Batiste – ‘Candy Necklace’ (WINNER)

Paramore – ‘This Is Why’

Thirty Seconds To Mars – ‘Stuck’ 

 

Best Rock:

Foo Fighters – ‘The Teacher’

Linkin Park – ‘Lost (Original Version)’

Red Hot Chili Peppers – ‘Tippa My Tongue’

Måneskin – ‘THE LONELIEST’ (WINNER)

Metallica – ‘Lux Æterna’

Muse – ‘You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween’

 

Best Latin:

Anitta – ‘Funk Rave’ (WINNER)

Bad Bunny – ‘WHERE SHE GOES’

Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma – ‘Ella Baila Sola’ 

KAROL G, Shakira – ‘TQG’ 

ROSALÍA – ‘DESPECHÁ’ 

Shakira – ‘Acróstico’

 

Group of the Year:

Blackpink – (WINNER)

Fifty Fifty

FLO

Jonas Brothers

Måneskin

NewJeans

Seventeen

Tomorrow x Together

 

Album of the Year:

Beyoncé – Renaissance

Drake and 21 Savage – Her Loss

Metro Boomin – Heroes & Villains

Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation

SZA – SOS

Taylor Swift – Midnights (WINNER)

 

Video Vanguard Award: Shakira (WINNER)

 Video of the Year

Doja Cat – ‘Attention’ 

Miley Cyrus – ‘Flowers’ 

Nicki Minaj – ‘Super Freaky Girl’

Olivia Rodrigo – ‘vampire’ 

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – ‘Unholy’

SZA – ‘Kill Bill’ 

Taylor Swift – ‘Anti-Hero’

 

Artist of the Year:

Beyoncé

Doja Cat

KAROL G 

Nicki Minaj

Shakira

Taylor Swift

 

Song of the Year:

Miley Cyrus – ‘Flowers’

Olivia Rodrigo – ‘vampire’ 

Rema + Selena Gomez – ‘Calm Down’ 

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – ‘Unholy’

Steve Lacy – ‘Bad Habit’

SZA – ‘Kill Bill’

Taylor Swift – ‘Anti-Hero’ (WINNER)

 

Best New Artist:

GloRilla

Ice Spice

Kaliii

Peso Pluma

PinkPantheress t

Reneé Rapp

 

Push Performance of the Year:

August 2022: Saucy Santana – ‘Booty’

September 2022: Stephen Sanchez – ‘Until I Found You’ 

October 2022: JVKE – ‘golden hour’

November 2022: Flo Milli – ‘Conceited’

December 2022: Reneé Rapp – ‘Colorado’

January 2023: Sam Ryder – ‘All The Way Over’

February 2023: Armani White – ‘GOATED’

March 2023: FLETCHER – ‘Becky’s So Hot’

April 2023: TOMORROW X TOGETHER – ‘Sugar Rush Ride’ (WINNER)

May 2023: Ice Spice – ‘Princess Diana’

June 2023: FLO – ‘Losing You’ 

July 2023: Lauren Spencer Smith – ‘That Part’

 

Best Collaboration:

David Guetta + Bebe Rexha – ‘I’m Good (Blue)’ 

Post Malone, Doja Cat – ‘I Like You (A Happier Song)’ 

Diddy ft. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, Yung Miami – ‘Gotta Move On’ 

KAROL G, Shakira – ‘TQG’

Metro Boomin with The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy – ‘Creepin’ (Remix)’

Rema + Selena Gomez – ‘Calm Down’ 

 

Best Pop:

Demi Lovato – ‘Swine’

Dua Lipa – ‘Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album)’ 

Ed Sheeran – ‘Eyes Closed’

Miley Cyrus – ‘Flowers’ 

Olivia Rodrigo – ‘vampire’ 

P!NK – ‘TRUSTFALL’ 

Taylor Swift – ‘Anti-Hero’ (WINNER)

 

Best Hip-Hop:

Diddy ft. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, Yung Miami – ‘Gotta Move On’

DJ Khaled ft. Drake + Lil Baby – ‘STAYING ALIVE’ 

GloRilla + Cardi B – ‘Tomorrow 2’

Lil Uzi Vert – ‘Just Wanna Rock’ 

Lil Wayne ft. Swizz Beatz + DMX – ‘Kant Nobody’

Metro Boomin ft Future – ‘Superhero (Heroes and Villains)’ 

Nicki Minaj – ‘Super Freaky Girl’ 

 

Best R+B:

Alicia Keys ft. Lucky Daye – ‘Stay’ 

Chlöe ft. Chris Brown – ‘How Does It Feel’

Metro Boomin with The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy – ‘Creepin’ (Remix)’

SZA – ‘Shirt’

Toosii – ‘Favorite Song’

Yung Bleu + Nicki Minaj – ‘Love In The Way’

 

Best Alternative:

blink-182 – ‘EDGING’ 

boygenius – ‘the film’ 

Fall Out Boy – ‘Hold Me Like A Grudge’

Lana Del Rey ft. Jon Batiste – ‘Candy Necklace’

Paramore – ‘This Is Why’

Thirty Seconds To Mars – ‘Stuck’ 

 

Best Rock:

Foo Fighters – ‘The Teacher’

Linkin Park – ‘Lost (Original Version)’

Red Hot Chili Peppers – ‘Tippa My Tongue’

Måneskin – ‘THE LONELIEST’

Metallica – ‘Lux Æterna’

Muse – ‘You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween’

 

Best Latin:

Anitta – ‘Funk Rave’ (WINNER)

Bad Bunny – ‘WHERE SHE GOES’

Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma – ‘Ella Baila Sola’ 

KAROL G, Shakira – ‘TQG’ 

ROSALÍA – ‘DESPECHÁ’ 

Shakira – ‘Acróstico’

Round Hill shares rocket on £376m music deal

By John-Paul Ford Rojas

Updated: 05:17 EDT, 9 September 2023

Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.

Warner Music has signed the first ever record deal with a virtual pop star in what is a potentially seismic moment in the industry — but is facing a backlash online for ‘sexualising a child-like body’ in the avatar’s ‘creepy’ debut music video.

Noonoouri was created in 2018 as an 18-year-old metaverse avatar, before going on to star in fashion campaigns for Dior, Balenciaga and Valentino.

The digital influencer has so far amassed more than 400,000 followers on Instagram and is now set to release her first single Dominoes, which has already had more than 60,000 views on YouTube.

It did not hit the right note with most pop fans, however, as they took to social media to slam Warner’s ‘disgusting’ decision to create ‘pedo clickbait’ with a music video that features Noonoouri wearing Kim Kardashian‘s shapewear brand Skims.

One X user wrote ‘Why….is it a child?’, while another said: ‘Just when I thought they couldn’t sink lower.’

Others said Noonoouri had the body of a ’12 year old’ and was ‘so disgusting’, while X user Lachlan Blackmore added: ‘Is this the look Warner want to be associated with?’ 

It is not the first time parents have expressed concern about metaverse characters being ‘hypersexualised’, in particular in relation to the game Avakin Life, where virtual pop star Polar regularly performs to crowds of teenagers. 

‘My daughter has been on this app around three months. She is 15. The app alleges safe to play for over 13s. She has met children younger than that, parading their avakin dolls in skimpy underwear, looking for relationships, mentioning sex,’ one parent wrote in a review of the game.

‘What is unclear is how many of these kids are actually kids and not adults looking for kids.’

Avakin Life said at the time that it took teen safety ‘very seriously’, and highlighted that it had a reporting system.

A spokesperson for Warner Music Central Europe said: ‘Noonoouri is a long-standing digital character who we’ve signed to a record deal.

‘She’s not AI generated, though AI assisted tech was used to help create her singing voice.

‘Talented songwriters and musicians wrote and recorded her debut track Dominoes, and we can’t wait for fans to discover it.’

The company has not revealed how much its record deal with Noonoouri is worth but every singer, songwriter and musician who contributed to the debut track will receive royalties and publishing splits, as is the case with traditional music production.  

Noonoouri’s voice has a raspiness to it after being created using generative AI, a technology that takes existing data and transforms it into something entirely new.

It involved taking the recording of a real human singer and modifying it to give the pop star her unique vocal identity.  

The character’s debut single features 38-year-old German DJ and music producer Alle Farben, whose real name is Frans Zimmer. 

In an Instagram post, Noonoouri wrote: ‘Music plays a big role in my life since the beginnings.

‘It sets me into the mood and nourishes my visions and ideas to bring them to life as a driving force inside of me. 

‘Warner Music is the home of a lot of my fave music artists. 

‘I cannot be more thankful and honoured to join such a wonderful family, where music tunes are the beat of life.’

Noonoouri was created by 43-year-old graphic designer Joerg Zuber, from Munich. 

Commenting on her debut music video on Instagram, he said: ‘After two years working so hard on this music project, we finally can share this incredible teamwork with world — thank you @warnermusic.de for believing in us #TheBeginning.’

Warner Music’s announcement comes just a month after it emerged that rival Universal Music was in talks with Google to license artists’ voices and melodies so they can be used for songs generated by AI. 

Discussions are at a very early stage and no product launch is imminent, but the aim is to come to an agreement whereby more software can be developed that allows fans to create AI songs and pay the owners of the copyright.

Artists would be given the choice of opting in or out of the venture.

It is a similar situation to the one the music business found itself in with the rise of YouTube, where people began using hit songs as soundtracks to videos they had created.

This led to years of legal wrangling over copyright infringement until an agreement was reached that sees the music industry paid about $2 billion (£1.5 billion) a year for user-generated clips.

MailOnline has contacted Warner Music for comment on the concerns that Noonoouri resembles a child.  

Girls brawl over porta potty outside country music singer Morgan Wallen’s show in Pennsylvania

• The melee is said to have started at PNC Park on Wednesday night during a Morgan Wallen concert 
• Shocking footage shared on social media shows four women fighting, after one of them is said to have cut the line
• One woman can be seen grabbing the hair of another and viciously punching her in the video 

By Joe Hutchison For Dailymail.Com

Updated: 00:20 EDT, 1 September 2023

Taylor Swift gigs music to hotels like Travelodge

By City & Finance Reporter

Updated: 19:10 EDT, 24 August 2023

Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.

Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley officially tied the knot on Saturday at Parker’s Garage in Long Beach, New Jersey in front of close family and celebrity friends. 

The lead singer of the Bleachers, 39, and the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood actress, 28, became engaged earlier last year in May after being romantically linked back in August 2021. 

A number of A-listers whisked themselves away to the East Coast to celebrate the nuptials, such as model Cara Delevingne, Lana Del Rey, and Taylor Swift – who notably fled a bar in Long Island on Friday after the street was shut down by hundreds of fans. 

The daughter of actress Andie MacDowell was the epitome of elegance in a white, halter-styled wedding gown with a plunging neckline. 

A veil which stopped near her mid-back was placed on top of her brunette locks that were parted to the side and fell down to nearly brush her shoulders.

Margaret slipped into a pair of fashionable, white flats that were secured with thin straps on top to complete her bridal look. 

Jack was also dressed to impress for the special day and donned a classic, black suit along with a crisp white dress shirt and black tie. 

After the intimate ceremony, the newlyweds as well as the numerous guests, made their way to the lowkey reception. 

Both Qualley and Antonoff were seen sweetly holding hands while crossing a street while their family and friends followed closely behind.

As she approached a building, the Maid actress flashed a cheerful smile as she was quickly joined by one of her close pals to attend the star-studded after party. 

The beauty paused for a second outfit change for the evening and opted for a more comfortable white dress that contained long sleeves and a drop down waist. 

She was seen holding a cheerful grin as she stepped back outside with her pal close behind as she headed to the celebratory bash. 

Before saying ‘I do,’ Jack was also seen heading to the romantic ceremony and gave an excited thumbs up. 

The guitarist and drummer of the band, Fun, was also spotted earlier in the day before stepping into a sleek suit. 

He appeared to be in high spirits as he kept it casual in a white T-shirt and dark navy shorts as he strolled outdoors. 

The musician additionally wore a pair of white, slip on sandals and threw a green and yellow cap on top of his head. Antonoff enjoyed the late summer weather during a short bike ride while a pal walked alongside the star.

Also in attendance at the ceremony and reception was Margaret’s mother and Groundhog Day star, Andie MacDowell, who showed off her chic sense of style in a long, blue dress with green patterns on the fabric.

A thin belt was wrapped around her waist and tied at the front and the actress chose to slip into a pair of strappy sandals.

Andie – who shares Margaret with ex-husband Paul Qualley – slung a silver purse over her shoulder and allowed her voluminous locks to flow down naturally past her shoulders. 

Guest Taylor Swift was also seen arriving to the wedding reception and was dressed to the nines in a light blue dress that was made of a stylish, lace material. 

The corset-styled bodice clung to her stunning frame while the asymmetrical hem of the ensemble flowed down past her knees. The Bad Blood hitmaker also slipped into a pair of open-toed, silver strappy heels. 

The Grammy winner – who has notably collaborated with Antonoff in the past – parted her blonde locks in the middle, allowing her bangs to gently fall onto her forehead. 

The performer opted for a bold, red lipstick and was seen sipping on a glass of wine while attending the glitzy reception. 

Swift accessorized her wedding guest look with a sparkling, rhinestone necklace along with a few bracelets on each of her wrists. 

Earlier on Friday, the singer notably fled a restaurant in Long Beach Island, New Jersey after being the cause of a major road being shut down as her presence at pal Jack Antonoff’s star-studded wedding rehearsal dinner caused quite a commotion.

Hundreds of the 33-year-old hitmaker’s diehard fans – known as Swifties – made their way to the Black Whale corner bar just for a chance to get a glimpse of the music icon.

The megastar arrived at the star-packed event with Channing Tatum and Zoe Kravitz to an uproarious ovation from her passionate fans.

Taylor, Zoe, and Channing were not the only stars at the gathering as Lana Del Rey, who has also often collaborated with Antonoff, was also there in addition to mother-of-the-bride Andie MacDowell.

Police ended up having to arrive outside of the popular Long Beach Island spot to ensure that the massive crowd was behaving themselves. 

Before the festivities began, Swift was seen stepping out of a SUV as she arrived to the wedding venue in New Jersey. The hot sun shone down on the blonde beauty as she strolled through the crowd to enter the building.

Supermodel Cara Delevingne was stunning in what appeared to be a black pantsuit that contained a plunging neckline on the front.

She slipped into a pair of open-toed, black heels and threw on a pair of brown, oval-shaped sunglasses for a stylish flare to the monochromatic look. 

Her short, blonde locks were parted in the middle, and naturally flowed down to nearly brush the tips of her shoulders. Similar to Taylor, the star also opted to glam up with a vibrant, red lipstick. 

The beauty was spotted arriving to the venue and held a conversation with a few friends and was later sharing a friendly embrace after crossing paths with another guest. 

Lana Del Rey was also spotted at the ceremony, and was effortlessly chic wearing a white sundress with a pink pattern on the fabric. The Video Games songstress layered the look with a cropped, white sweater. 

She opted for casual comfort in a pair of sandals that contained thick soles and easily slung a baby blue, Prada purse over the crook of her arm. 

Her long brunette locks were parted in the middle and flowed down past her shoulders in light waves. Lana was seen holding a big smile on her face as she stepped out of a vehicle. 

Other celebrities were in attendance at the nuptials on Saturday, including Hereditary actor, Alex Wolff. He also dressed to impress wearing a classic black suit along with a white dress shirt. 

The star completed the outfit with a black tie and slipped into a pair of sleek dress shoes. 

Actress Black Lively turned heads wearing a strapless, lime green dress as she arrived to the intimate ceremony. 

Earlier on Saturday, before the ceremony began, preparations were in high swing, with a friend or family member carrying garment bags in her hand. 

The nuptials took place at Parker’s Garage in New Jersey which is located near the water for a scenic backdrop. The reception was located nearby at Bird and Betty’s restaurant which offers ample space for guests and a bash. 

Fans were seen waiting outside of the venue before the ceremony took place to have a chance to spot a celebrity guest or the bride and groom. 

Naturally, Saturday’s festivities kept going well after dark, when the bride and groom were seen joyously holding hands with one another as they dashed laughing out of the afterparty.

Margaret had changed outfits yet again, this time slipping into a bride-appropriate white party dress with tulle half sleeves and a shimmery pair of ballet flats.

Jack, still decked out in black suit and black tie, enthusiastically led his new wife by the hand as she flashed her megawatt smile at her loved ones, waving at one of the guests while she followed him.

Their celebrity guests were also still in attendance – in full force – as the nuptial afterparty on Long Beach Island stretched into the nighttime hours.

Several of the guests had brought their drinks outside into the fresh air, where Zoe could be glimpsed outside enjoying a giggle with Cara and Taylor.

A gaggle of onlookers had duly formed, but they were successfully held at bay some distance from the wedding attendees, who mingled under the glare of cellphone lights.

The fact that they were being watched, however, did not appear to put a damper on the proceedings, as the guests were seen laughing cheerfully with one another.

Margaret and Jack were first romantically linked back in August 2021, and later attended the Critics’ Choice Awards together in March 2022, seemingly publicly confirming their budding relationship. 

Just two months later in May, the beauty sparked engagement rumors when she was seen wearing an eye-catching, diamond ring while at the Cannes Film Festival. Later that same month, it was confirmed Antonoff had popped the big question. 

On Friday, Margaret and Jack held a rehearsal dinner which also drew a number of celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Zoe Kravitz, Lana Del Rey and Channing Tatum. 

The dinner was held at the Black Whale Bar & Fish House which is located in Beach Haven, New Jersey. 

A source told People in an article published on Saturday that Long Beach Island has been ‘overrun with celebs this weekend’ due to the anticipated nuptials. 

The two lovebirds as well as the various guests all ‘looked like they were having an amazing time,’ a separate insider also told the outlet. 

Rita Ora has shared footage of the moment she married husband Taika Waititi.

The pop star included intimate clips from their secret wedding in the music video for her new single You & I.

In the beautifully shot creation, Rita, 32, documented her big day, beginning with a behind-the-scenes look at her bridal makeover.

The gorgeous footage also included the moment Taika, 47, saw his wife-to-be for the first time as she walked down the aisle before they tied to knot.

The pair were both beaming with happiness as they became a married couple, and shared a passionate first kiss as husband and wife.

Rita yesterday revealed she proposed to her husband Taika Waititi as the couple marked their first anniversary by sharing new details about their intimate wedding.

The couple tied the knot in an impromptu ceremony that they planned in just two weeks with eight people in attendance, after Rita popped the question during a trip to Palm Springs.

Vogue shared a gallery of images from the big day, with Rita revealing she wore three different looks by British designer Tom Ford, as she and Taika exchanged vows at their home in Los Angeles, despite reports that they’d married in London.

Taika revealed: ‘She proposed to me, and I said ”yes” instantly.’ 

Discussing the ceremony, the director added: ‘There were about eight people there – just close friends and family, and parents on Zoom.’

Rita’s sister Elena was a bridesmaid, while Taika’s best friend, actor Jermaine Clement, flew over from New Zealand for the ceremony.

For her big day, Rita donned a trip of looks from the British designer, saying: ‘He’s now one of my close friends, and I adore and admire him so much. To get married in his dress was a dream come true. 

‘And because it wasn’t planned, I didn’t know if the right dress was even going to be in town, and I just took the risk and went to the Tom Ford shop, and they had it perfectly waiting with the veil, in my size, no alterations needed to be done.’

For the ceremony, Rita slipped into a beautiful white lace one-shouldered gown, teamed with chunky platform heels.

The star then changed into a dramatic frilled white dress with a plunging front for the reception, before changing into an eye-catching flared co-ord and lace bralet.

Rita went onto reveal that she wore her mother’s pearls with her wedding dress, while Taika wore a suit by Brunello Cucinelli.

Elena walked her sister down the aisle, while Taika was joined by his two daughters for the ceremony.

After being declared husband and wife, the newlyweds headed to their friend Guy Oseary’s house for a celebratory dinner, and were surprised with an Elvis impersonator who offered music for proceedings.

In January, Rita finally confirmed that she and Taika had tied the knot after months of speculation, describing the nuptials as ‘perfect’ and a ‘special day’.

The hitmaker was speaking on Heart Radio Breakfast to promote her latest single You Only Love Me shortly after posing topless to celebrate the release.

Rita said: ‘Yes [I am married]. I am officially off the market people. I chose to keep it more private and keep it to myself more but with my new video I am playing on what could have been’.

She continued: ‘When the rumours came out is she, isn’t she? I wanted to play on it. I wanted to do a wedding that didn’t go to plan… that’s not to say that is actually what happened.’

Gushing about the big day Rita said: ‘It was perfect. It was exactly, exactly how I wanted’.

‘It was nice and perfect. It is nice to keep some things just to myself sometimes it was nice and sweet… Sorry it’s not that interesting. One day I will throw a big party.’ 

Rita and Taika began dating after being close friends for years, with the star telling Tatler last month: ‘We became really good friends for about four years and then decided to f*** it all up and get married.

‘I had never had a straight friendship with someone first before ending up with them. I honestly think it was the best way to get to know someone.’

She went on to confirm that she does recruit Taika to film her TikToks after eagle-eyed fans spotted when he is behind the camera.

Rita said: ‘The fans comment, ‘I bet Taika’s filming that – good angle, Taika, good job,’ ‘He is the expert!’

‘Where the skies are so blue,’ the late Ronnie Van Zant sang in the country music classic Sweet Home Alabama, in a southern drawl full of conviction. Looking out from my seafront balcony, he certainly seems to have got that right.

As the beaming sun settles high in the sky above sugar-white sands and crystalline waters, it quickly becomes clear that the catchy tune is spot on about this much-maligned state – so often talked down because of its rural backwaters populated by tough, poor and sometimes rough-around-the-edges communities. Google ‘Alabama’ and ‘redneck’ and you’ll get a lot of hits.

But despite Zant bringing the sunny skies of Alabama to the world’s attention 50 years ago, most first-time visitors to this corner of the States, known as Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, are likely to come away pleasantly surprised.

I, for one, didn’t even know that the 22nd state had a coastline.

And it’s a lovely one. As I arrive, Alabama’s pristine shores are sparkling, pelicans glide overhead in neat V formations and the empty golden beaches stretch into the distance. It feels remote and tranquil – yet to the east lie Florida’s crowded sands, while 600 miles south across the Gulf of Mexico, Cancun throbs with all-night parties.

Here, it could not be more different. The narrow coast juts out beneath Mobile Bay, a shallow inlet from the sea, and stretches from the Civil War bulwark Fort Morgan in the west to the serene Orange Beach in the east, with so many quiet bays you’ll often find you have the beach all to yourself.

My billet is The Lodge At Gulf State Park, a Hilton hotel. Despite its 350 rooms, the neutral colour palette, laid-back atmosphere and host of wooden screens and panelling make it seem more like an opulent beach shack.

Directly behind lies Gulf State Park, a world of meandering trails, quiet lakes and a key part of one of the most biodiverse regions in the United States: 450 of America’s 1,000 bird species either live or pass through Alabama.

This I learn from my guide, Kelly, during a morning park stroll. She excitedly points out flame-red cardinals and high-hanging turkey vultures. The distant staccato yelps, she says, are those of a cooper’s hawk.

A small crowd gathers around us when Kelly picks up a passing ribbon snake with bulbous eyes. ‘Venomous snakes have thin black eyes, while non-venomous snakes have more rounded pupils,’ she explains. ‘So don’t worry!’

If avoiding serpents appeals then both traditional and e-bikes are available to hire at the park, while the nearby Waterville USA waterpark is ideal for families when the mid-afternoon heat picks up.

Back on the shore at Gulf State Park Pier, the hazy coastal views are magnificent and fishing is a fine way to pass languid mornings. Rods are available to hire for £16 for four hours.

My awkward attempts at casting are almost as risible as the fish’s luck in gobbling on to the shrimp at the end of the hook. I return empty-handed.

For a more successful taste of the deep, some of the Gulf’s finest seafood is found further east, at Orange Beach.

Coastal restaurant is the place to go: its dreamy patio is bathed in the milky orange glow of a Gulf sunset just about every evening and its creamy grouper fish sandwich is deliriously succulent. Don’t miss the magnificently delicate Murder Point oysters, too.

This being America, though, I also spot a trend for grilled oysters doused in melted cheese and fiery hot sauce, something I feel is akin to pouring Irn-Bru into a glass of single malt whisky.

Ready for a change of scene, I drive an hour north towards Five Rivers Delta for a Wild Native kayak tour. Here, the landscape evolves into an evocative scenery of lazy river bayous, often referred to as ‘America’s Amazon’.

As I paddle slowly downstream in my kayak, I notice the dead eyes and dark green snout of an alligator poking through the water near some reeds. It lies there, motionless, like a scaly submerged statue.

‘There’s been only one recorded alligator attack in 48 years in Alabama,’ my chirpy guide, Chris, announces. ‘In Florida they’ve had over 300.’

This fact keeps everyone at ease, alongside his relentless stream of chatter, wildlife facts and jokes.

Speaking of Florida, back at Orange Beach there’s a bar straddling the Florida/Alabama state line, imaginatively titled Flora-Bama. Heading for a drink there, I come to a ramshackle maze of wooden corridors with five stages and live music every night.

On the two-storey main stage, the Justin Johnson Trio belts out Tom Petty covers as a huge stars-and-stripes flag unfurls from the ceiling.

The swinging jazz rhythms of New Orleans are just a three-hour drive away and make for an alluring diversion, but I’m content here with empty beaches, seductive southern rock, otherworldly nature and an endless sun.

Alabama’s a sweet home, indeed.

MIDAS SHARE TIPS: Round Hill is a Nashville-based, London-listed song royalties firm that’s blowing the music industry’s trumpet

By Joanne Hart, Financial Mail on Sunday

Published: 17:01 EDT, 10 June 2023 | Updated: 15:46 EDT, 11 June 2023

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