Pop Corner

This week AILBHE MALONEfeels the loss - and the love

RACK OF THE WEEK: World Go Boomby DJ Earworm. To kick off the New Year, we'll take a look back at the one that's just passed. You'll all be familiar with mash-up king DJ Earworm by this stage, and how he takes the best bits of loads of songs to make one über-song. 2011 was no different, and he presented World Go Boomto your ears. Our favourite thing to do with this track is to try and identify each song as it rears its head. It's harder than you'd think.

- Sad news to open 2012 – Russell Brand and Katy Perry are no more. Though it’s been on the cards for a long time, their 14-month marriage has now come to an end. Citing “irreconcilable differences”, Brand has filed for divorce from K-Pez. In his statement, the beardy one announced: “Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I’ll always adore her and I know we’ll remain friends”. We guess this means no Brand-Perry babies in the future. With any luck we can return our christening present.

- But fear not – love is still in the air for 2012. Britney Spears and ex-agent Jason Trawick (remember, he was the love interest in the Criminal video) are set to tie the knot. Trawick proposed to Britney in late December, with a platinum and diamond ring. After their engagement party (which doubled up as Jason's 40th birthday party) Britters tweeted: "Tonight was one of the most magical nights of my life. Such an amazing time with my new fiancé and our closest friends and family."

- Poor old Cheryl Cole hasn't had the best start to the year. Heatmagazine reports that builders working on her London pad have been offering paid tours around the mansion while Cheryl's in the US. The rotters have even been selling off items of clothing left inside the house. Their source is quoted as saying "How much will you pay me for the picture inside the house? Give me an offer for both – the clothes and to go inside the house." Chuck 'em, Chezza. And quick.