WILL SMITH is launching a major music comeback with his first album in 20 years – and he’s shot a big-budget Matrix-inspired video to kick it off.
The A-list actor, whose new single Beautiful Scars with rapper Big Sean is out today, turned down the chance to star as Neo in 1999’s The Matrix, with the role instead going to Keanu Reeves.
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But now Will gets his chance to look the part as both he and Big Sean star in the video for the song.
The return to music comes three years after he hit the headlines for slapping Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars – and that is referenced in the opening scene of the video.
Referring to the slap and his decision not to play Neo, Big Sean, tells him: “Look, you’ve made some awesome career choices your whole life. There’s only one you truly regret. Well maybe two, but we’re not going to focus on that one.”
The rap song, with brilliant production, touches on mistakes and the pitfalls of fame, and will appear on Will’s album Based On A True Story which is due for release in March – two decades after his fourth album Lost And Found.
He topped the singles charts in 1997 with Men In Black and scored a total of ten Top Ten songs, including Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It, Miami, Wild Wild West and Will 2K.
Before that he had a string of other hits as The Fresh Prince with DJ Jazzy Jeff, such as Summertime and Boom! Shake The Room, which reached No1 in 1993.
We know he can act, but I’m more excited to see what he does in music this time around.
Bella loves freeze frame
EVEN supermodels it seems can pack the wrong holiday gear.
But Bella Hadid was more than happy to pose in the sub-zero temperatures of US ski resort Aspen in Colorado in her tiny red bikini and a pair of cowboy boots.
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Alongside the snaps, she wrote on Instagram: “Wrap yourself in nature and love, no matter where you wander this winter.”
That’s all well and good, but I still hope she packed some thermals.
JEFF TUNE WITH FILM STAR PAL
SCARLETT JOHANSSON is also returning to music, with a guest appearance on Jeff Goldblum’s new album.
Actor Jeff has announced his fourth record Still Blooming, which features an array of guests he’s met while making movies.
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His version of Frank Sinatra’s The Best Is Yet To Come featuring Scarlett is out today ahead of the album’s release on April 25.
And following his stint as The Wizard in Wicked, he has teamed up with co-stars Ariana Grande on I Don’t Know Why (I Just Do) and Cynthia Erivo on We’ll Meet Again.
Bryan Ferry has also just announced a new album called Loose Talk, out on March 28.
Meanwhile Irish singer-songwriter Allie Sherlock has released her new track Ex-Friend today as well as announcing a string of shows.
And Lo Lauren has dropped her song Born To Run.
TEDDY’S IN SWIM FOR BRITS
TEDDY SWIMS is among the first five acts to be confirmed for the Brit Awards, as excitement builds with a month to go.
The American star, who has had hits including Lose Control and The Door, will play at the ceremony at London’s O2 Arena on March 1 before embarking on his nationwide tour.
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Current Rising Star award winner Myles Smith and last year’s recipient The Last Dinner Party have been added to the line-up, as has A Bar Song (Tipsy) singer Shaboozey.
He said: “This past year has been huge for me with my records getting love from all over the world and now I can celebrate with my friends and fans in London.”
Rounding out the announcement is confirmation that former Little Mix star Jade will perform at the bash, after we revealed this week she had been drafted in to the line-up after Charli XCX decided not to perform.
SIMPLY RED kicked off their 40th anniversary celebrations last night with a huge slot on hit US chatshow The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
The band’s tour starts later this month in Latin America before heading to the UK in the autumn for 14 huge shows across the country starting in Belfast on September 23.
Rita Ora will headline CarFest 2025 at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, during the August Bank Holiday weekend.
This year’s star-studded line-up also includes Travis, Tom Walker and Seasick Steve.
Tom’s boxing clever
TOM GRENNAN has every right to be pleased as punch after new single Shadowboxing dropped today and he also revealed an accompanying album and tour.
The 11 shows, starting in Bournemouth on September 3, will be his biggest UK arena tour.
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And Tom’s new single is the first track off fourth album Everywhere I Went Led Me To Where I Didn’t Want To Be, which is due for release on August 15.
Tom said: “The song about my fight with a side of me I have a lot of trouble with.
“But I’ve learned how to fight all these demons and I’m mentally and physically prepared now.”
