Sidetracked with Annie and Nick

With the Grammys done and the Super Bowl Half Time show looming, Annie and Nick discuss the monumental week Bad Bunny is having. They also go through their other stand out moments from the emotionally charged ceremony, and what it means to them to see artists like Olivia Dean, FKA twigs, Lola Young and the Cure succeed amongst such fierce competitors. Elsewhere, the UK version of SNL may not have a launch date just yet, but they do have a confirmed musical director – what could the show mean for music on the TV? Plus, in the name of journalism, Nick sends Harry Styles a very serious text. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbZ16VG0mPTML0Aa/?igsh=aXdtYzA2czJrenRj SONGS Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline Lola Young - Messy Kendrick Lamar – Luther HAAi (feat. Jon Hopkins, Obi Franky, ILĀ, & TRANS VOICES) - Satellite ILĀ, Nature - Nightingale (feat. Anna Phoebe & Sam Lee) ALBUMS Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving Bad Bunny - Debí Tirar Más Fotos FKA Twigs - Eusexua Justin Bieber - Swag Jacob Alon - In Limerence Gabriel Jacoby - gutta child

In a week so busy that Nick had to start making notes, he and Annie sit down to attempt to discuss some of the most important music stories, like the return of Arctic Monkeys, Victoria Beckham’s somewhat inappropriate chart success, and Robbie Williams beating a record previously held by the Beatles. In other news, Harry Styles fans are freaking out over Aperture – but what do Annie and Nick make of his new sound? And should we be worried about his feet? Plus, Pitchfork are opening the reviewing floor to the public, Brandi Carlile is obsessed with CMAT, and music industry insiders are declaring the album dead. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk More information on the HELP(2) album here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4qqdy29d2o New Yorker Article about the changing relevance of the album drop here: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/why-albums-drop-and-movies-launch HOMEWORK: Watch Geese on SNL and listen to Robbie Williams’ album Brit Pop. SONGS James Blake – Death of Love James Blake – Limit To Your Love Arctic Monkeys – Opening Night Harry Styles – Aperture Victoria Beckham – Not Such An Innocent Girl Spice Girls – Viva Forever Cruz Beckham – LICK THE TOAD Madonna – Nobody Knows Me ALBUMS James Blake - CMYK Various Artists for War Child Records - HELP(2) Robbie Williams – BRITPOP Tyler, The Creator – CHROMAKOPIA Djo -The Crux Bad Bunny - Debí Tirar Más Fotos Perfume Genius – Glory Wet Leg - moisturizer Rosalía - LUX FKA twigs – Eusexua Madonna – American Life

The nominees for the BRIT Awards 2026 have been revealed and, in their signature chaotic fashion, Annie and Nick analyse the lists of names and ask: will Olivia Dean and Lola Young reign supreme? Could any moment rival Jarvis Cocker mooning Michael Jackson in 1996? And will Harry Styles perform his new music at the ceremony? Plus, Sidetracked favourite Jacob Alon has won the Critics’ Choice Award – and Annie and Nick have big feelings about it. Elsewhere, the Japanese PM has gone viral for her heavy metal drumming – should more world leaders use music in meetings with their peers? And Mitski is back with a brilliant new single; Lily Allen has shared the best response to Brooklyn Beckham’s explosive Instagram Stories statement, and Nick isn’t sure about Heated Rivalry.Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk Full details of BRIT Awards 2026 Nominations: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgjwnx70pjwo/HOMEWORK:Listen to new music from Mitski, Jessie Ware, James Blake, KAVARI, and A$AP Rocky.SONGSMitski – Where's My Phone?KAVARI – IRON VEINSThe Roots – You Got MeJames Blake – Death of LoveLola Young – MessyOlivia Dean – Man I NeedCynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande – Defying GravityGracie Abrams – That's So TrueDisco Lines and Tinashe – No Broke BoysRosé and Bruno Mars – APTLady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die With a SmileChappell Roan – Pink Pony ClubTaylor Swift – The Fate of OpheliaALBUMSA$AP Rocky – Don't Be DumbJill Scott – To Whom This May ConcernHarry Styles – Kiss All the Time. Disco, OccasionallyLily Allen – West End GirlGeese – Getting KilledJacob Alon – In Limerence

Harry Styles is teasing something new, with posters showing up in cities all over the world – but what does it all mean? Annie and Nick dissect the role Harry’s fan community is playing in the cryptic campaign. Elsewhere, Robyn has revealed her purpose in life and it’s a strong one, A$AP Rocky is braggadocious in the best ways, and in an unlikely twist, Annie has found herself drawn to a Bruno Mars song. Plus, Annie and Nick celebrate a big change for Sidetracked. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk HOMEWORK Watch the following music videos: Talk To Me by Robyn; I Just Might by Bruno Mars, and Helicopter by A$AP Rocky. SONGS Wesley Joseph & Danny Brown – Peace Of Mind A$AP Rocky – Helicopter A$AP Rocky – Punk Rocky Robyn – Talk To Me Robyn – Sexistential Bruno Mars – I Just Might Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga – Die With A Smile Bruno Mars & Sexyy Red – Fat Juicy & Wet Bruno Mars & Rosé - APT Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk HUNTR/X, Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami – Golden ALBUMS SAULT – Chapter 1 Wesley Joseph - Forever Ends Someday Robyn - Sexistential Harry Styles – Harry's House George Michael – Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Miles Davis - Kind of Blue Talking Heads - 77 Television - Marquee Moon The Saints - I'm Stranded David Bowie - Let's Dance

In the first week of 2026, Annie and Nick have different thoughts about the new A$AP Rocky single, Gen Z are discovering Prince thanks to Stranger Things, and EsDeeKid has told The Chainsmokers exactly what he thinks of their 4 Raws remix. Elsewhere, Stormzy has used social media to express his thoughts about...social media and revealed how he's grown as an artist and as a person. Plus, Jill Scott is finally back with new music, vinyl is expensive, and Annie and Nick get sidetracked by hedgehogs. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk HOMEWORK: Watch Prince performing “Purple Rain” at 2007’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, and listen to Mandy, Indiana’s “Cursive” SONGS FAUZIA – The Way Mandy, Indiana – URGH Mandy, Indiana – Magazine Mandy, Indiana – Cursive A$AP Rocky – Punk Rocky JADE – Angel of My Dreams Jill Scott – Beautiful People Jill Scott - Exclusively Prince – Purple Rain Prince – When Doves Cry Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) America - A Horse With No Name EsDeeKid, Timothée Chalamet - 4 RawsTears for Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule the WorldALBUMS A$AP Rocky – Don't Be Dumb Jill Scott - To Whom This May Concern, Jill Scott - Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol. 1 Bob Marley and the Wailers – Exodus Arctic Monkeys – AM Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn HillFloating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra – Promises FKA twigs – Eusexua

What does 2026 have in store for the music industry? Annie and Nick look ahead to expected releases, rumoured returning artists, and an exciting list of confirmed festival line ups. Plus, BBC Music Correspondent Mark Savage joins them to share his expert predictions about which artists to look out for this year, and what music trends we can expect. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk

Annie and Nick review the standout moments from the past 12 months. From the Oasis tour to Lily Allen’s culture shifting album release, 2025 has been a major year for UK artists, and who could forget the impact of moments such as: an awkward secret being revealed at a Coldplay concert, Katy Perry going to space, and CMAT playing Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage for the first time. Plus, Annie and Nick attempt the impossible task of choosing just one album and song of the year each. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS Taylor Swift – So High School PinkPantheress – Illegal HAIM – Relationships Lola Young – Messy Cameron Winter - Nausicaä (Love Will Be Revealed) ELIZA – Anyone Else Ave Maria Jacon Alon – Liquid Gold 25 CMAT – The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station Blood Orange - Mind Loaded ALBUMS Patti Smith – Horses Björk – Cornucopia Mavis Staples – Sad and Beautiful World Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl Charli XCX – brat Lily Allen – West End Girl Rosalía - LUX CMAT – Euro-Country Cameron Winter – Heavy Metal Dave - The Boy Who Played the Harp Blood Orange – Essex Honey Geese – Getting Killed Chronixx - Exile

Zadie Smith and Beth Ditto join Annie and Nick for the annual Sidetracked Christmas gathering, recorded at an Irish pub in North London. They share nostalgia, gossip and gifts, and decide what makes a song a Christmas song – declaring which ones are truly the greatest. Plus, Annie, Nick, Zadie and Beth choose their musical highlights of the year. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You Judy Garland – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Darling Love – Winter Wonderland Labi Siffre – Bless the Telephone Pulp – Common People Lola Young – Messy Herman’s Hermits - I'm Henry the VIII, I Am Dolly Parton – Hard Candy Christmas ALBUMS Blood Orange – Essex Honey Rosalía - LUX Mavis Staples – Sad And Beautiful World Pulp - More Van Morrison - Live at the Grand Opera House Belfast Marcel Dadi – Dadi’s Folk Ray Conniff – We Wish You a Merry Christmas Bert Kaempfert & His Orchestra - Christmas With Bert Kaempfert T.S. Eliot – The Poems of T.S. Eliot

After successfully challenging Ticketmaster over the price of resold tickets on the platform, Olivia Dean has inspired Annie and Nick to ask: should more artists stand up for their fans? Also in Olivia Dean news, she and Lola Young are the only UK artists to make it into Spotify’s Top 10 UK Song or Artist lists for 2025. Yes, Wrapped is out but does anyone care about other people’s listening habits? Plus, Jorja Smith’s team are seeking royalties from an AI track which many people believed to be hers, Björk is using proceeds from a song she made with Rosalía and Sega Bodega to take the Icelandic state to court, and the Reading/Leeds line up is one of its best ever. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS Alex Warren - Ordinary Gracie Abrams - That’s So True Lola Young - Messy Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club Billie Eilish - BIRDS OF A FEATHER Ravyn Lenae – Love Me Not sombr - back to friends Gigi Perez – Sailor Song Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - Die With A Smile Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe! Björk, Sega Bodega, Rosalía - Oral HAVEN – I Run ALBUMS Cameron Winter – Heavy Metal F.S.Blumm & Nils Frahm – Handling Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’Sweet Alex Warren - You'll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1) KPop Demon Hunters Cast - KPop Demon Hunters (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film) Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving Charli XCX – brat Fontaines D.C. - Romance Sega Bodega – I Created The Universe So That Life Could Create a Language So Complex, Just To Say How Much I Love You ANNIE'S DINGLE LIST: Michael D. Higgins Dove Ellis Dermot Kennedy Sorcha Richardson Chalk The Scratch

Is Timothée Chalamet secretly a Scouse drill rapper named EsDeeKid? Annie and Nick investigate this conspiracy and all available evidence for and against it. Elsewhere, Beyoncé has let herself be seen in public, which can only mean one thing: something is about to be announced. Plus, Charli XCX has analysed the realities of being a pop star in a recent essay, which raises the question: is the life of a popstar inherently stupid? And Annie and Nick pay tribute to two music greats, Gary “Mani” Mounfield and Jimmy Cliff, and discuss how songs can allow artists to live forever. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS JT – Girls Gone Wild Shygirl/JT/Sega Botega – Slime Oasis – Live Forever Jimmy Cliff – You Can Get It If You Really Want Jimmy Cliff – Wonderful World, Beautiful People Jimmy Cliff – I Can See Clearly Now Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come Charli XCX – Von dutch Rosalía - Berghain ALBUMS Rosalía - LUX Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska Beyoncé - Renaissance Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter The GQ journalist who investigated whether Timothée is EsDeeKid is Josiah Gogarty.

After an eye-opening survey by Live Nation, Annie and Nick discuss why more people would choose to go to a concert rather than have sex – and whether the both of those things belong in the same category. Otherwise this week, Nick attended a fashion show with Beth Ditto, and spotted a familiar face on the catwalk; and Annie was mesmerised by a Mulatu Astatke show. Plus, Lorde played the O2 and two listeners have strong opinions about it, CMAT is making people cry at her gigs, and BBC Introducing has been criticised for playing an “AI Artist” And Billie Eilish is taking on Elon Musk for not giving away his riches, but before they can decide who’s winning this feud, Annie and Nick need to work out how many billions are in a trillion.Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.ukSONGS Mark Morrison – Return of the Mack Mulatu Astatke - Tezeta Rosalía- Berghain Robyn – Dopamine Charli XCX – Chains of Love Hercules & Love Affair – Someone Else is Calling ALBUMS Mulatu Astatke - Mulatu Plays Mulatu Rosalía - LUX Lily Allen - West End Girl

The world reacts to Rosalía's new album and Annie and Nick debate whether there’s room for Berghain in the night club. Plus, the Grammy nominations have been announced, and rap music has fallen off the US charts prompting the question; do genres ever die? Elsewhere, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducts new legends, Nick hears a song that inspires him to film a roundabout, and we discover the unlikely record that got Annie into DJing. Plus, is Charlie XCX’s new track suitable for early morning? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS Samantha Fu – Discotheque De La Soul – Buhloone Mindstate Blood Orange – Mind Loaded Joey Negro – Risky Biznizz Rosalía - Magnolia, Mio Cristo and La Perla Leon Thomas – Mutt Charlie XCX and John Cale – This House Handel – Messiah ALBUMS Rosalía - Lux Blood Orange – Essex Honey

Annie and Nick follow the reaction of two major album releases this week from Dave and Lily Allen, with one breaking chart records and the other breaking the internet. They also look ahead to the much-anticipated album release from Rosalía, which left Nick wanting to see a chiropractor and make a ‘classical bangers’ playlist. Elsewhere, the pair discuss Erykah Badu’s mysterious messaging, Billie Eilish challenges billionaires, and the pair ponder some Grammy nomination predictions. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS Inflatable Boy Clams - Skeletons Jenny Beth – Savages Dave feat. Kano – Chapter 16 Dave feat. James Blake – Selfish Rosalía feat. Björk and Yves Tumor – Berghain Krzysztof Penderecki - Symphony No. 3. ALBUMS Lily Allen – West End Girl Dave – The Boy Who Played Harp

What’s scarier: being haunted by ghosts, or promoting an album? It’s a Halloween special with Florence Welch. As she prepares to release her new record, Everybody Scream, Florence reveals the supernatural elements that inspired her. Plus, swapping playlists with Ethel Cain and Abigail Morris, using fear as a muse; and Annie and Nick reminisce about partying with Florence in the early days of all their careers. Florence Welch’s Halloween Music Recommendations: ØXN - The Trees, They Do Grow High ØXN - Cruel Mother Lingua Ignota – DO YOU DOUBT ME TRAITOR Anna Von Hausswolff –Theatre of Nature Hilary Woods - Acts of Light PJ Harvey - White Chalk Swans - It's Coming and It’s Real Judee Sill Storefront Church Other Albums Mentioned: Florence and the Machine – Everybody Scream Florence and the Machine – Lungs Florence and the Machine – Dance Fever The Cure – Songs of a Lost World Ethel Cain – Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You The Last Dinner Party – From the Pyre Other Songs Mentioned: The Cure – Friday I’m In Love Kendrick Lamar – Reincarnated Kesha – Supernatural

In a busy week for new music announcements, Annie and Nick look back and ahead. First though, Nick needs to talk about his newfound passion: Sumo Wrestling. Elsewhere, Rosalía and Dave have announced new music, and Lily Allen is dropping an album on Friday - which Annie and Nick have had a sneak preview of. In other news: what made this year’s Mercury Prize so much better than previous years? And of course, the sad news of D’Angelo’s death has allowed the world to pay tribute to his immense influence; Annie and Nick discuss their love for his music. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS Lily Allen – West End Girl D’Angelo - Playa Playa D’Angelo - Untitled (How Does It Feel) Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo - Nothing Even Matters ALBUMS Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp Lily Allen – West End Girl Rosalía - LUX Sam Fender – People Watching D’Angelo - Brown Sugar D’Angelo - Voodoo D’Angelo - Black Messiah

With a grassroots campaign against Spotify getting global attention, Annie and Nick ask if the platform faces any real existential threat – or is its grip on the market unbreakable?Elsewhere, Drake’s lawsuit against Universal has been dismissed, Missy Elliot’s “Get Ur Freak On” has been declared the best song of the 21st century so far and FKA Twigs wants to help more women work in music. Plus, breaking news: Patti Smith is good, going out keeps you feeling young, and Crazy Frog sounds better with food.SONGS Patti Smith – GloriaKendrick Lamar – Not Like UsMissy Elliott – Get Ur Freak OnFrank Ocean - Thinkin Bout YouBritney Spears - ToxicRadiohead - IdiotequeKendrick Lamar - AlrightRobyn - Dancing on My OwnTaylor Swift - All Too WellThe White Stripes - Seven Nation ArmyBeyoncé feat. Jay Z - Crazy in LoveYeah Yeah Yeahs – MapsRAYE – Where the Hell Is My Husband?The Smiths – Heaven Knows I’m Miserable NowAxel F – Crazy FrogALBUMSChronixx – Exile

Annie and Nick attempt to wrap their heads around Taylor Swift’s sales stats, in the days after the release of her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl. And ask important questions such as: what motivates the most famous person in the world, did she really bake all that bread for breakfast radio hosts, and is she the female Ricky Martin? Elsewhere, Mariah Carey may be on the verge of finally releasing the original version of her grunge album, Charli XCX is back in the studio, and Bad Bunny is fit. Plus, a twist: Nick has changed his mind about K-Pop Demon Hunters. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS Q-Tip – Vivrant Thing Q-Tip – Breathe and Stop Mustafa – Stay Alive HUNTR/X, Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami – Golden Lianne La Havas – Disarray Danny Brown – Starburst Taylor Swift – Actually Romantic Charli XCX – Sympathy is a Knife Aqua – Barbie Girl Ace of Base - All That She Wants (Is Another Baby) Technotronic - Pump Up The Jam Patti Smith - Gloria ALBUMS Q-Tip – Amplified Doja Cat – Vie Chick – Someone's Ugly Daughter Mariah Carey – Daydream Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl Taylor Swift – Folklore Charli XCX – brat Pink Pantheress – Fancy That

In a week that saw the terrorism case against Kneecap’s Mo Chara thrown out, and Bad Bunny announced as the performer at next year’s Super Bowl half-time show, Annie and Nick discuss the complex history of music and world events. Elsewhere, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have announced the birth of their third child Rocki Irish Mayers, and Robyn might be about to release a new album. Plus, Annie has some grammatical feedback for Nick, and many questions about Geese. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS Olivia Dean – Man I Need Bad Bunny - NUEVAYoL ALBUMS Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving Geese – Getting Killed Robyn – Honey Bad Bunny - Debí Tirar Más Fotos

Olivia Dean is the first British Female Artist since Adele to have three singles in the top 10 simultaneously and her single Man I Need is the highest performing song on the Global Spotify Chart from a UK artist in 2025 so far. Annie and Nick welcome Olivia to the Sidetracked studio, on the eve of the release of her second album, The Art of Loving. Olivia, Annie and Nick delve into the week in music: Cardi B’s long awaited second album, Frank Ocean addressing rumours of new music, and Miley Cyrus collaborating with Fleetwood Mac. Plus, the power of the comfort zone, British chocolate bars - and can AI write a convincing Olivia Dean song? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS Olivia Dean - Man I Need Robbie Williams – Angels Robbie Williams – Rock DJ Cardi B, Lizzo – What's Goin On 4 Non Blondes – What’s Up? Miley Cyrus, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood – Secrets ALBUMS Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving Cardi B – Am I the Drama? Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Are phone-free experiences the future? Annie and Nick discuss the importance of forging real connections after an effective stickers-on-phones policy. Elsewhere, 90,000 Bowie artefacts are being exhibited at London’s V&A museum and Bad Bunny puts his fan’s safety first by deciding not to tour in the US. Plus, Cardi B takes album sales into her own hands, the 2026 Coachella line-up is (already) here, and Annie and Nick discuss their Mercury Prize winner predictions. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk ALBUMSCardi B – Am I the Drama? CMAT – EUROCOUNTRY Jacob Alon – In Limerence Pulp – More Fontaine’s D.C. - Romance Joe Webb - Hamstrings & Hurricanes Martin Carthy - Transform Me Then Into A Fish SL – Block Tales SONGS Selda Bağcan - İnce İnce Bir Kar Yağar