He had his first shot at stardom on American Idol but, when it was over, Jacob Lusk found himself homeless. After a rare second chance, as lead singer of the band Gabriels, he’s been nominated for multiple awards, gone on tour with Harry Styles and been anointed for greatness by Elton John. He talks to Tim Lewis about why, this time, he’s giving it his all...

Barrino entered American Idol in 2004 as a young single mother who struggled to read, and won over the nation with her powerhouse voice and personality. Now she is starring in her first film. She discusses poverty, violence, Oprah – and gratitude

As she prepares to take Glastonbury by storm, the country star opens a bottle of red wine and talks about the personal tragedy that coloured her new songs