Katy Perry & Russell Brand's divorce, The xx, Heavy D, Sinead O'Connor... Five things you might have missed over Christmas

While the rest of the world was busy enjoying a hard-earned holiday break, the music world was still turning on its own, idiosyncratic axis. The Weeknd were releasing mixtapes, Kasabian ringing in the new year at the The O2 and Coldplay got a Number 1 with Paradise... and that was just a few of the smaller things that went on. Here are five key things you might have missed over the Christmas and New Year's break.

1. Katy Perry and Russell Brand file for divorce
In a world were there is plenty of scepticism around celebrity marriages, this was special. With many speculating from their wedding day onwards about about how long their marriage would last, it's not really a surprise that Katy Perry and Russell Brand filed divorce papers at the end of last week. "Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage," explained the comedian who filed the papers in Los Angeles citing irreconcilable differences. "I'll always adore her and I know we'll remain friends."

2. The xx, Lady Gaga, Cat Power, and The Weeknd post new songs online
The trio posted up a demo from their new album sessions of track Open Eyes on Christmas Day - listen below. There were also freebees from Lady Gaga, Cat Power and a brand new album's worth from The Weeknd too.

3. Heavy D's cause of death revealed
The sudden death of rapper Heavy D was attributed to DVT, the Los Angeles County Coroner announced just before New Year. According to the report, the fatal clout was most likely formed during an extended airplane ride."

4. The Military Wives beat X-Factor to Christmas Number 1
With Little Mix releasing and bagging their Number 1 with Cannonball the week before the Christmas chart race, Simon Cowell's talent show was already looking nervous about securing the festive top slot and rightly so, that honour went to the Military Wives led by Gareth Malone, who went to the top of the UK charts on the 25th itself with Wherever You Are.

5. Sinead O'Connor's 16 day marriage
If everyone was waiting for Katy Perry and Russell Brand's marriage to end, Sinead O'Connor had a blink and you've missed it union over Christmas. After getting hitched to a therapist she met on Twitter (just like in all the fairy tale stories) in 'Vegas, the singer annulled her marriage to Barry Herridge 16 days later blaming the "behavior of certain people in my husband's life"... oh and the fact she spent their wedding night trying to find marijuana.

10:26 AM | 03/01/2012

More Photos Of:

Katy Perry , The xx

User Comments

Latest News

The Killers: 'We're so desperate to play our new songs live we'd play a shop opening' - Q312 preview

Get an extract from our new issue on Brandon Flowers and co's studio efforts
Campaign for New York park to be named after Adam Yauch, Flaming Lips will try to beat Jay-Z's record, Paul Simon on Gracelands, Beyonce on poll, Florence in fancy dress... Daily Hot List

A round-up of all the news, views, interviews and cool music things online today (23 May)
Q&a Tom Jones - on his new album, working with Jack White, covering Leonard Cohen and whether Elvis Presley would do The Voice

The real star of The Voice uses his voice to talk to about the show and his new album
Stone Roses record new songs, watch Lady Gaga's Simpsons song, Damon Albarn & Portishead collaborate, Green Day man plays Facebook chief's wedding... Daily Hot List

A round-up of all the news, views, interviews and cool music things online today (22 May)
Bee Gees' Robin Gibb RIP (round-up) Muse carry Olympic torch, Mick Jagger plays with Foo Fighters & Arcade Fire, Jack White new record attempt, Citizens session, Crowded House drummer dies... Daily Hot List

A round-up of all the news, views, interviews and cool music things online today (21 May)
Column - Robin's Reign: the remarkable career of the Bee Gees' Robin Gibb

Following the Bee Gee's death last night, Dorian Lynskey looks back at the singer and songwriter's multifaceted work

QTheMusic.com

News