The biggest pop culture news you missed in May 2023

A lot has gone down in the world of pop culture this month but not to fret! We’re here to get you up to speed on the biggest and buzziest headlines. From Dua Lipa’s disco tune for Barbie to Malaysia making history at Cannes Film Festival, here are the pop culture news you might have missed in May 2023 so far.

Dua Lipa is always up to Dance The Night Away

As if we couldn’t get more excited about the upcoming Barbie movie on 21 July, Dua Lipa went ahead and dropped a groovy bop today to get us even more pumped! Featuring giant disco balls, funky moves and a catchy melody, Dance The Night Away shows that Dua Lipa and Barbie are a match made in Barbieland. The single is part of the official Barbie The Album that will feature other artists such as Charli XCX, Ava Max, Ice Spice, Lizzo and more on the same day as the movie release.

Tiger Stripes wins the grand prize at Cannes’ Critics Week

Marking a historic moment for Malaysia and our local film industry, director Amanda Nell Eu’s (@nelleu) debut feature Tiger Stripes had a roaring victory at Cannes’ Critics Week by winning the Grand Prix! A jury said that the Malaysian-made film about a 12-year-old girl experiencing horrifying changes to her body during puberty was “irreverent and uncompromising.”

Tiger Stripes is the first Malaysian film to win this prestigious award and is only the fourth to feature at Cannes Film Festival. The movie is still in the running for the Camera d’Or prize which honours directorial debut features. The winner will be announced tomorrow on the Croisette where the film festival comes to a close. Watch the trailer for Tiger Stripes above if you haven’t already!

Taylor Swift collaborates with Ice Spice for Midnights Deluxe album

Taylor Swift is the gift that keeps on giving. Swifties who enjoy her Midnights album can now listen to Midnights (The Til Dawn Edition) deluxe version on streaming platforms. With a total of 26 songs, the album features new and familiar tracks—namely, a collaboration with up-and-coming rap star Ice Spice for Karma and Lana Del Rey on Snow on the Beach as per her fans’ requests.

Stream the album below.

The fight for Arakis continues in Dune: Part Two’s trailer 

After much anticipation since its successful release in 2021, fans of Dune now have a first look at Denis Villeneuve’s epic masterpiece with the trailer of Dune: Part Two. The second installation will see Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) navigate the sand-covered Arakis alongside his love interest Chani (Zendaya) and mother (Rebecca Ferguson). Newcomers Florence Pugh and Austin Butler will make their debut in the Dune cinematic universe as Princess Irulan and Feyd-Rautha respectively. The movie will release on 3 November 2023.

Michelle Yeoh is a ‘Woman in Motion’ at Cannes

Malaysia’s pride and joy, Michelle Yeoh, continues to make great strides in Hollywood and beyond. Her latest achievement is being honoured with the ‘Woman in Motion’ award by Kering. Established in 2015 and in partnership with Cannes Film Festival, the Woman In Motion program aims to shine a light on women’s contribution to cinema, in front and behind the camera. In her speech, she encourages everyone to “keep fighting, keep pushing, because your voice is vital.” Watch her full speech above.

The Colour Purple gets a musical remake

Alice Walker’s critically acclaimed novel is returning back to the big screens, this time as a musical. Publishing in 1982, The Colour Purple explores the lived experience of the black female struggle in 1900s America that was still steeped in segregation and prejudice. It won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the novel was later adapted by Steven Spielberg in 1985. The beloved story will now be readapted into a musical to be released next year. It stars Halle Bailey, Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia Barrino and Dannielle Brooks, among others.

(G)i-dle uses their Queencard to talk self-love

Powerhouse girl group (G)i-dle made their comeback on 15 May with their title track Queencard from their new EP, I Feel. The song continues the K-Pop quintet’s edgy punk rock sound that found great success with mainstream audiences with previous hits such as Tomboy and Nxde. Much like their other singles, Queencard is an anthem of self-love and being unapologetically you. With lyrics such as “A girl wearing what she wants, a queen card; a thin or thick girl, a queen card; a girl with overflowing confidence, a queen card”, fans are loving how relatable and much-needed Queencard’s message is.

Tina Turner passes away at age 84

 

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Tina Turner, known as the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ passed away at the age of 83 on 24 May 2023. The legendary singer, who is known for her vivacious energy and star power on stage, died peacefully in her home in Zurich, Switzerland after a battle with a “long illness”, as shared by her family’s statement. 

Turner was one of music’s most successful and iconic superstars, having sold more than 100 million records and becoming the first Black female artist to feature on the cover of Rolling Stone. Her hits include The Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It and Proud Mary.

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