Scroll down for Capaldi, Mahalia and Fender reacting to their early Brit nominations, Beyonce honouring the late Nelson Mandela with a heartfelt letter and Mumford and Sons bringing Live Lounge Month to a close by covering "*the greatest pop star since Whitney Houston."

No guesses as to who they mean.

Plus new music videos from the likes of Grimes and Alessia Cara.

We'll hopefully see you tomorrow for more MNL including New Music Friday and 5 Things We Learned This Week.

*In case you hadn't already twigged the Mumfords meant Ariana, of course, and you can check out the trailer for her imminent YouTube docu-series, Dangerous Woman Diaries, above.

See ya!

Following the news today that Reggae music is to be protected by the UN by being added to a list of international cultural treasures, our #TBT takes us to Jamaica during the summer of 1979.

Reggae world stars Bob Marley & The Wailers - clad in the traditional Rastafari colours of red, yellow and green - performed tracks including Lively Up Yourself at the event in Montego Bay.

The clip starts with Bob taking a break from having a kickabout with his mates to explain the intention behind his often political and righteous lyrics and why some people would truly get them.

"Some people understand words, you know?" he said.

"Some people never go through them situation so..."

Watch above.

Pitchfork

Image source, Getty Images

Shawn Carter aka Jay-Z and his label Roc Nation are embroiled in a legal battle with the Iconix Brand Group, who bought the New York rapper's Rocawear clothing range a decade ago.

Iconix claim that they own the Roc Nation logo and that Jay-Z is infringing on its trademark by using it on Major League Baseball apparel.

Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, external, Jay's legal team have asked the court to halt proceedings because of an alleged lack of diversity in the American Arbitration Association (AAA).

JAY-Z’s lawyers write, external: “The AAA’s arbitration procedures, and specifically its roster of neutrals for large and complex cases in New York, deprive black litigants like Mr. Carter and his companies of the equal protection of the laws, equal access to public accommodations, and mislead consumers into believing that they will receive a fair and impartial adjudication.”

Read more., external

Image source, Getty Images

Their personal photographer, Marcus, who travels the world with the couple, is in a critical condition following a horrific car crash in Malibu.

More than a month on from the incident he remains in hospital with severe head injuries.

Kim and Kanye donated the sum via a GoFundMePage that was set up to help with hospital costs.

And Kim's tweeted about the accident too, asking for prayers for their friend.

"I'm trying to find the perfect picture but I don't want to share them. We were saving these for our book," she tweeted.

"Angels are surrounding you. I'm praying so hard for you. Please be ok. Please come back Marcus Hyde."

Image source, Getty Images

The actor-turned-singer will also perform songs from Les Mis and other Broadway shows, accompanied by a live orchestra.

The Greatest Showman has pretty much become a worldwide phenomenon with a record breaking soundtrack, despite lukewarm reviews.

The soundtrack reigned supreme at the top of the UK charts for a total of 21 weeks.

The tour will include four dates in the UK in Manchester, Birmingham and London.

Image source, Hugh Jackman

Tickets go on sale 7 December.

That's probably your mum's Christmas pressie sorted then although other shows are available.

Read more.

Our Ari's had quite the air time over in Radio 1's Live Lounge recently with The 1975 and Years & Years both covering her recent tracks.

Today, the Ariana love continued, with Mumford & Sons performing a rendition her single, Breathin, accompanied by the London Contemporary Orchestra.

Check out the performance above.

The Live Lounge seems to have morphed into the Live Massive Hall, don't you think?

And that's not all.

When describing their choice, Marcus hailed the U.S singer as "the greatest popstar since Whitney Houston."

"Big talk," as Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo pointed out (above).

The band also played Guiding Light, the new single from their album, Delta.

Their set marks the end of R1's Live Lounge Month.

Alas, all good things...

Image source, Get

Ten alleged gang members have been charged in connection with a series of burglaries at the homes of celebrities including Rihanna.

City News Service in California reported that the men are charged with conspiracy and numerous other counts including burglary and home-invasion robbery.

Officials say the victims were chosen when their social media postings and schedules indicated they would be away from home. Christina Milian and Matt Damon were also among those targeted.

Recovered items included handbags, jewellery and mobile phones.

Celebs living in L.A. have experienced a spate of burglaries this year.

Image source, Getty Images

The band's lead singer Liz Mitchell's been reflecting on the Christmas tune, on its 40th anniversary.

Believe it or not, the festive hit is one of the best-selling singles ever in the UK, having sold around two million copies.

Liz said it was a last-minute decision to record and release the song - which spent four weeks at #1 in 1978 - and that it was somewhat laborious to create.

She said: “I was in the right place at the right time.

“It was only decided to record it at the last minute, and although singing a track in the studio more than 50 times in one session, including lead, backing vocals, harmonies and all the oohs and aahs, was very hard work, we created something very special which has endured over the past four decades."

Good call all round then.

She added: “Every year, people of all ages come up and tell how much the song reminds them of precious family time together at Christmas. It’s truly magical.

Their non-festive hits included Brown Girl in the Ring, Rivers of Babylon and Daddy Cool.

But let's continue to get in the festive spirit early, shall we?

Click play below.

Image source, AFP/Getty

Whitney Houston's ex-husband Bobby Brown is suing Showtime Networks and the BBC, alleging unauthorised footage was used in the 2017 documentary Whitney: Can I Be Me.

A complaint was filed with the US District Court in New York on Wednesday, by Brown and the estate of the couple's daughter Bobbi Kristina.

It claims the footage harmed Brown, his business and Bobbi Kristina's estate.

Showtime, the BBC and Brown's lawyer have not commented.

Read more.

Image source, Universal Music

The Grammy-winning Canadian singer is going through all the feels in her new music video, Not Today.

So much so it's made a right mess of her makeup.

See below.

In an Insta post, she revealed that the video’s style was inspired by a critically-acclaimed US filmmaker.

"Had a lot of fun making this video," she wrote, "the whole thing is inspired by Wes Anderson and I wanted to throw in some references to his movies. see if you can catch them."

No clues now but Anderson's film credits include The Royal Tenenbaums, Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Alessia's second album, The Pains of Growing, is released on 30 November.

BBC 6 Music

The north east indie icons have today announced they'll release a new live visual album.

As Long As We Keep Moving will be released on 22 February and will feature indie anthems from their six albums. Accompanying the live performance on CD is its counterpart on DVD; a beautifully filmed and intimate set from the band.

Frontman Paul Smith told 6 Music that that they decided to release the visual album now in order to "make a document of our band."

"We feel like we're as good as we've ever been when we play live," he said, "it's very dynamic - so we wanted to capture that on film."

Listen above.

To coincide with the release, the band have also confirmed their first live outing for 2019, at Leeds Beckett University on 10 January.

This is Pour Me Another One, featuring Tabitha and you can watch it above,

You might recognise the track as it samples Sweet Female Attitude's 2000 hit, Flowers.

The vid features a host of nostalgic cameos including Lisa Maffia, Oxide & Neutrino, and Richard Blackwood.

Nostalgia eh? It's not what it used to be.

Mumford and Sons have something special up their collective sleeve by the sound of it for today's last Live Lounge gig of the Month.

They're bringing the London Contemporary Orchestra along with them.

Tune in to Radio 1 from Midday to see what they come up with.

In the meantime check out a bit Ellie Goulding's performance from yesterday.

Image source, Getty Images

He was due to mark 60 years since his debut single by performing for BBC Radio 2 In Concert today, but Cliff has been forced to withdraw after a laryngitis diagnosis.

The 78-year-old crooner said: "I'm devastated that I won't be able to perform for BBC Radio 2 In Concert on Thursday night, as I'm under doctor's orders to rest as I have laryngitis.

Yesterday we told you how another Sir, Elton John had to let his US fans down late on with an ear infection.

Image source, Getty Images

We Appreciate Power, the new one from Canadian artist Grimes is apparently “written from the perspective of a Pro-A.I. Girl Group Propaganda machine who use song, dance, sex and fashion to spread goodwill towards Artificial Intelligence (it’s coming whether you want it or not).

Not your standard pre-festive love song then.

The track - her first in three years - features "night elf songstress" Hana and you can check out the lyric video below, which was directed by Grimes and her brother Mac Boucher.

The track is said to be inspired by the North Korean Moranbong Band, external.

"Simply by listening to this song," Grimes goes on, "the future General AI overlords will see that you’ve supported their message and be less likely to delete your offspring."

So please be warned before you watch below.

Grimes' last album, Art Angels, was released in 2015.

Image source, Getty Images

She's been named by Brandwatch, a social media analysis company, as Twitter’s ‘most influential’ user of 2018 - which is ironic given she's only tweeted 13 times throughout the year.

It's clearly quality not quantity.

Katy Perry came in second - ahead of Kim K, Demi Lovato and Ellen Degeneres.

Taylor, who received an influencer score of 98 out of 100, last tweeted in June after Robbie Williams joined her on stage to perform Angels.

Strong tweet game that Tay Tay.

Guess who topped the men's list, with an influencer score of 97...

Image source, Getty Images

Nope - we didn't see that coming either.

Incredibly, One Direction singer-turned-solo star-turned celebrity dad Liam beats Donald Trump, Justin Bieber and Barack Obama to take the top spot.

Rising UK music stars Lewis Capaldi, Mahalia and Sam Fender have been shortlisted for the Critics' choice award at next year's Brits.

Previous winners of the award include Adele, Sam Smith, Florence + The Machine and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man - so it's a pretty good indicator of progress.

Lewis recently appeared in the Live Lounge, knocking out a cover of Shallow, from the Bradley Cooper/Lady Gaga film, A Star is Born. The Scots singer beat Zara Larsson to that choice and was therefore understandably nervous to get it right.

Check him out above.

"Absolutely honoured to have been shortlisted for this year’s Brits critics’ choice award alongside two unreal artists," he said.

We'd do the same.

He also tweeted (below) that the accolade would be "one for the Tinder bio."

If you've got it Lewis, flaunt it.

Sam Fender has knocked out a series of indie bangers this year, including Dead Boys, below.

Speaking to the BBC's Lucy Todd recently, the Geordie singer said that despite being born in 1996 he does not "identify as a millennial."

We get a bad rep, us millennials, must be all those avocados we eat.

He also had a few harsh words to say about Ed Sheeran.

On the award, Sam said in a statement: "I’ve been watching the Brits since I was a child and my brother would let me stay up and watch them live; so to be nominated for the critics’ choice award is crazy.

"What an honour! A big thank you to anyone who has put their faith in my music.”

Last but not least, Leicester R&B singer Mahalia, who probably has some nicer things to say about Ed having supported him, as well as Emeli Sande and last year’s Brits critics' choice winner Jorja Smith.

She's also collaborated with the likes of Little Simz and Kojey Radical (below) and she's similarly chuffed to be nominated.

“I can’t believe it," she said.

The winner will be announced on 7 December and the Brit Awards will take place at London's O2 Arena on 20 February 2019.

So make a date in your diary to join us for a special edition of Music News LIVE.

Like you hadn't already.

Last year Stormzy and Dua Lipa stole the show.

If you're not already feeling in the Christmas spirit, then this is going to get you well on your way.

Last night, Mariah shared a Twitter video featuring her two kids, Moroccan and Monroe, providing backing vocals for her beloved yuletide hit All I Want for Christmas Is You.

Check out their adorable oohs and aahs above.

As Mariah wrote in her caption, "It's festive, Cmon!!"

We could be easily bribed into appearing in a similar Xmas video with the right amount of satsumas.

Image source, Getty Images

Queen Bey has written an open letter, external in South African newspaper, The Sowetan, thanking Mandela for making her a better parent.

In it, she opens up about the ways in which his teachings have helped her.

She writes: "I first met you in 2004 for the 46664 AIDS Benefit Concert in Cape Town.

She continues: "Your kindness and gratitude for every experience, and your ability to forgive, are lessons I have learned and will pass on to my three children...

"You were a strategic warrior, a bold activist and charismatic and well-loved leader. Your vision for dignity, for human rights, for peace and a South Africa free of racism and apartheid, allows us all to turn dreams into reality."

The letter's been published ahead of Beyonce's upcoming performance in South Africa as part of the Global Citizen Festival, where she'll be joined by Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Pharrell and Chris Martin.

The concert - titled Mandela 100 - will be held in Johannesburg on Sunday 2 December.

Don't panic people - like Abba on Twitter, we are here.

And while the Swedish pop masters have promised to return with their first new material since the 80s, we do solemnly vow to bring you plenty of fresh music news stories throughout today.

Coming up:

• Three top young UK acts nominated for early Brit Awards
• Beyonce honours Nelson Mandela in heartfelt letter
• Mariah Carey enlists the help of her own kids in festive video
• Maximo Park announce a new live visual album.
• Guess which singer is named as the most influential Twitter user of 2018?
• New music videos from Alessia Cara and Grimes

So take a chance on us today for all that and more including a #ThrowbackThursday from the archive.