Pop Corner

AILBHE MALONEcan't use public transport either, Adele (she's been banned)

* TRACK OF THE WEEK: 1+1by Beyoncé. While Girls, with its Diplo samples, was always going to be the debut single, 1+1 shows why Beyoncé has lasted so long in the game. Written by the-Dream, it's a visceral Purple Rain-style ballad, with Beyoncé proclaiming her love, singing, "I don't know much about guns, but I've been shot by you". For the perfect performance, skip her showy American Idolrendition, and check out the backstage version at lifeandtimes.com/pregame.

* Oh dear. Only a week ago we were hooraying at how normal Adele is, and how we'd like to be friends with her. Now it seems she's intent on showing exactly how normal she is by complaining about her taxes."I'm mortified to have to pay 50 per cent," she moaned. "[While] I use the NHS, I can't use public transport any more. Trains are always late, most state schools are shit, and I've gotta give you, like, four million quid – are you having a laugh? When I got my tax bill in from 19, I was ready to go and buy a gun and randomly open fire."

* It looks like Christmas carols are set to get more interesting: Lady Gaga has said that she'd like to release a jazz Christmas album. In an interview with the Financial Times(snore, yeah, we know) she says, "I thought it would be really sweet to do a Christmas release of Gaga and the jazz standards. I really want to do it. I've spoken to my manager." As far as tracklisting goes, can we suggest Pope-erazzirather than Judas?

* Poor old Sean Kingston's been in a terrible accident. Last Sunday, the Beautiful Girlssinger was riding on a jet ski in Miami when it hit a bridge. He was taken to hospital, where his condition was pronounced critical. He's since stabilised, and fingers crossed all should be well again. Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and Justin Bieber have been tweeting, wishing him a speedy recovery.