Pop corner

AILBHE MALONEhopes Adele's pregnancy bodes well for 23

TRACK OF THE WEEK

Wings by Little Mix

It’s Little Mix’s debut single proper! Come on, that Christmas cover of Cannonball didn’t really count. And Wings is a stomper in the vein of Beyoncé’s Get Me Bodied, crossed with Lisa Left-Eye Lopez’s The Block Party. Basically, this means hand claps, vocal harmonies and an X Factor’s worth of attitude.

It doesn’t seem like Katy Perry’s taking a break any time soon. Speaking to the Radio Times, she’s gearing up for album number three already. “I feel I have a lot to say on the next record. I have a lot to flush out of the system. I’m not saying that Im not going to be the candy queen any more, but I think it’s time for more meat and potatoes.” She elaborated: “with Teenage Dream, I created this cotton candy cloud with a kind of a wink and a kiss, and it was all cute and fun and playful. Now it’s as if I have had to step off this cloud and face reality.”

Niall Horan’s growing up fast, and thinking of joining his One Direction bandmates in the world of permanent inkings. During a radio interview, ever the fan of the non-sequitur, Niall interrupted the host to quiz him on his tattoos. “I’ve got a question for you,” says he. “It’s about that tattoo on your arm. I was gonna get a tattoo and the only tattoo I want is a bar code. Did it hurt?” Horan continued: “That’s the only tattoo I’ve ever actually thought about. It looks really good. I want one.” Really, Niall? A bar code? We don’t even know where to begin.

We’re stoked to hear that Adele’s preggo! In a statement on her website, the Someone Like You warbler declared: “I’m delighted to announce that Simon and I are expecting our first child together. I wanted you to hear the news direct from me, obviously we’re over the moon and very excited but please respect our privacy at this precious time. Yours always, Adele.” Here’s hoping this means 23 will be a far happier listen than its predecessor.