The UAE music acts competing for a chance to perform at this year’s Beats on the Beach have been revealed. Ten finalists have been named in Flash’s first Emerging Talent Competition, a UAE-wide search that carries a top prize of performing as part of the Yasalam festivities during the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, from November November 27 to 29. The shortlisted acts are: Josh Monteath, Inphinix, Jay Abo, Scott Attew, As Per Casper, Esther Eden, Gohary, Leone Murphy, S.O.S. (Secrecy Over Supremacy) and Pimms Brooke. Over the next four weeks, the musicians will be tutored by musical ambassadors Clarita de Quiroz and Jae Franklin, meet industry insiders and attend workshops at twofour54’s Creative Lab. Three finalists will then be selected to perform at the Yasalam opening weekend from November 21 to 22. One act will then be crowned to perform at Beats on the Beach on Thursday, November 26, and at du Arena’s Village stage throughout the 2016 concert series. – The National staff
Royals and 007 cast at Spectre world premiere
The new James Bond flick Spectre got a royal seal of approval at the world premiere on Monday, October 27. Fans who lined the red carpet not only got to see Daniel Craig – resplendent in a dark tuxedo – and glamorous co-stars Lea Seydoux and Monica Bellucci, but also caught a glimpse of Prince William, his wife Kate, and Prince Harry (still sporting a beard). All eyes were on Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, who was among the last to arrive at the Royal Albert Hall before the film rolled. She chose a light blue Jenny Packham dress for the event. The royals were greeted by director Sam Mendes and co-producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. Craig, accompanied by his film star wife Rachel Weisz, told reporters he had "loved every minute" he has spent as Bond. He declined to answer questions about whether he would return for a fifth turn. – AP
Christo and Jeanne-Claude award open for applicants
The 2016 edition of The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award has now opened for submissions. Applicants have until November 30 to submit entries in any artistic medium including photography, sculpture, installation, land, art or video. The winning artist will receive US$5,000 (Dh18,360) to enable the production of the new work. The artist will also be gifted a further $10,000 by Christo Javacheff in person to fund future artistic projects, study and work experience. The winning artwork will be unveiled during the 2016 Abu Dhabi Festival, which runs throughout April, before moving to New York University Abu Dhabi. The award is held under the patronage of Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan and in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF). – The National staff
Enrique Iglesias helping kids in crises
Enrique Iglesias is giving a helping hand to children dealing with emergencies after an accident with a drone led to reconstructive hand surgery. Iglesias – who performs in Abu Dhabi next month as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – is working with Save the Children to sell white T-shirts with a red heart, mirroring how Iglesias’ shirt looked after he cut his fingers at a concert and wiped the blood on his shirt. Iglesias, 40, sliced his fingers in May when grabbing a drone at a show in Tijuana, Mexico, and video and photos posted online highlighted his bandaged hand and bloodied T-shirt. He underwent reconstructive surgery because he suffered a fracture that needed to be corrected. The T-shirts went on sale yesterday on the singer’s website and cost US$27.50 (Dh101). At least $12 from each sale will benefit Save the Children’s emergency fund, which focuses on responding quickly to crises such as floods and disease outbreaks. – AP
Ricky Gervais to host Golden Globes for fourth time
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association and NBC have revealed that sharp-tongued humorist Ricky Gervais will preside over the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, set for January 10. Gervais scored laughs and raised hackles with his riotous hosting style for three consecutive years from 2010 to 2012. – AP
