Sidetracked with Annie and Nick
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- 22 Oct 2026
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For music and pop culture lovers looking for an authentic and light-hearted take on the week in music... with broadcasters and music fanatics Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw.
Épisodes 176
Nick’s Céline Dion Experience, Cardi B’s Tiny Desk and Mercury Prize Predictions
Céline, steak tartare and tear gas: Nick’s just back from an unforgettable trip to Paris to see Céline Dion in concert, as well as witnessing the biggest protests France has seen in many years. What was it like …
Notes de l’épisode
Céline, steak tartare and tear gas: Nick’s just back from an unforgettable trip to Paris to see Céline Dion in concert, as well as witnessing the biggest protests France has seen in many years. What was it like to experience Céline's excellence and charisma irl? And what does it say about her power and influence that Emmanuel Macron was there on the eve of said protests?
In other music news, Cardi B has delivered one of the greatest Tiny Desk performances of all time, Miley has addressed criticism of her performance at the Hollywood Bowl, and it’s time for Annie and Nick’s final Mercury Prize predictions.
Plus (breaking news) the new Fontaines album is brilliant, but why is Liam Gallagher not on board?
And ahead of releasing his next single, Bash Croft has a big question for Annie and Nick.
SONGS
Fontaines D.C. - Six Shot Morning
Fontaines D.C. - Japan
Fontaines D.C. - Tongue
Miley Cyrus – Orbit
Dolly Parton - Jolene
Janet Jackson - Got 'Til It's Gone
Joni Mitchell - Big Yellow Taxi
Ariana Grande - 7 Rings
Rodgers & Hammerstein - My Favorite Things (from The Sound of Music)
Flo Rida & Kesha - Right Round
Dead or Alive - You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)
Soft Cell - Tainted Love
Rihanna – SOS
Mariah Carey – Fantasy
Tom Tom Club - Genius of Love
ALBUMS
Fontaines D.C. - Dopamine Chamber
Grian Chatten - Chaos for the Fly
Fontaines D.C. - Romance
Miley Cyrus - Bangerz
John Coltrane - A Love Supreme
Rhye – JOY II
Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Florence + the Machine – Everybody Scream
JADE – THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
Paul McCartney – The Boys of Dungeon Lane
RAYE – THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
Rosalía and Fontaines D.C., Dolly Parton’s Lessons for Life and When Harry Met Thom
This week, Annie and Nick are once again asking: what did we do to deserve Rosalía? Her SNL performances reminded the world of just how brilliant LUX is, and perhaps they refreshed the memories of those voting …
Notes de l’épisode
This week, Annie and Nick are once again asking: what did we do to deserve Rosalía? Her SNL performances reminded the world of just how brilliant LUX is, and perhaps they refreshed the memories of those voting for February’s Grammy Awards as well. Plus, her song with Fontaines D.C. has more than lived up to expectations – is it confirmation that the band’s new album will be as strong as the early reviews all say?
Elsewhere, Harry Styles and Thom Yorke have revealed lots about their friendship, their shared love of walking – and their different approaches to laptop maintenance. Have they influenced Justin Bieber? And why was walking a catalyst for Nick’s friendship with Amy Winehouse?
And Annie and Nick hold the third meeting of the Sidetracked Album Club, with a deep dive into Dolly Parton’s 8th studio album A Coat of Many Colors. Does it stand up 55 years on? Can we find a way to use her disses in everyday life? And why does she make Taylor Swift and Fontaines look lazy?
You can send in a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected] And don’t forget you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram. SONGS
Papa Roach – Last Resort Tinashe – Sunglasses Rosalía – Magnolias Rosalía – Reliquia Rosalía – Berghain Fontaines D.C. ft. Rosalía – Where Is Gone? Harry Styles – Watermelon Sugar Dolly Parton – Coat of Many Colors Dolly Parton – She Never Met a Man (She Didn't Like) Dolly Parton – Traveling Man Dolly Parton – Early Morning Breeze Dolly Parton – Here I Am The Beatles – Blackbird The Beatles – Let It Be The Beatles – Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da Dolly Parton – The Mystery of the Mystery Dolly Parton – A Better Place to Live
ALBUMS Dolly Parton – Coat of Many Colors Tinashe – Popstar Cameron Winter – Live at Carnegie Hall Erykah Badu – The Alchemist Beck – Ride Lonesome A$AP Rocky – Long. Live. A$AP Rosalía – LUX Fontaines D.C. – Dopamine Chamber Radiohead – OK Computer
Glastonbury Tickets, Celebrity Traitors and Tinashe Gets Her Flowers
This week, Annie was honoured by the Ivors Academy for her contribution to music and for bringing new music to wider audiences and Nick was the one to hand her the award at a ceremony that saw Emily Eavis …
Notes de l’épisode
This week, Annie was honoured by the Ivors Academy for her contribution to music and for bringing new music to wider audiences and Nick was the one to hand her the award at a ceremony that saw Emily Eavis, James Blake, MNEK, and Stormzy take home awards too. What made James Blake’s speech about the state of the music industry so powerful and indisputable? And how does Annie feel about Stormzy shouting her out (twice) when he accepted his award?
Elsewhere, Glastonbury tickets sold out within 42 minutes leaving many people devastated not to make it through the queue. But who should headline the festival – could we see Taylor Swift make up for the lost 2020 festival? Could Céline Dion’s Paris show translate to the Pyramid Stage? And in other festival news, what do Annie and Nick make of the Primavera line up?
Plus, does divorce make someone’s art better? Annie’s been listening to Beck’s new album (whilst walking to the ponds for an autumnal swim) and it’s raised the question of whether personal woes make a musician’s output better.
And Tinashe’s latest album has already been labelled the best pop album of the year. Annie and Nick discuss why it’s so good – and how she’s not the only female artist to be getting her proper dues after years of hard work?
You can send in a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And don’t forget you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram.
SONGS
JADE & Hans Zimmer - Into the Deep (Seas Cry)
Minnie Riperton - Les Fleurs
Tinashe - Sunglasses
ALBUMS
Beck - Ride Lonesome
Tinashe - Popstar
Zara Larsson - Midnight Sun
Slayyyter - Wor$t Girl in America
Charli XCX - brat
Dolly Parton - Coat of Many Colors
Noel Gallagher on Man City, Madonna at the VMAS and Taylor Swift’s Bad Reviews
Annie and Nick catch up on a busy and divisive week in music. New Stevie Wonder music has been unanimously welcomed, while the VMAs have split opinion – and inspired Annie and Nick to ask: does anyone care …
Notes de l’épisode
Annie and Nick catch up on a busy and divisive week in music. New Stevie Wonder music has been unanimously welcomed, while the VMAs have split opinion – and inspired Annie and Nick to ask: does anyone care about them anymore?
Other questions raised this week: why do Irish people make fun of Bono so much? Why are some people being mean about Madonna on the internet? Should the VMAs have rethought the George Michael tribute? And why are many Taylor Swift fans disappointed by the bonus Life of a Showgirl tracks?
Plus, Nick has been talking football and Oasis tickets with Noel Gallagher.
You can send in a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And don’t forget you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram.
SONGS
Stevie Wonder – My Life Story of Love
U2 – One
Dolly Parton – I Will Always Love You
Troye Sivan – Party
Taylor Swift – Patient Zero
Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia
GENER8ION – Storm starring Yung Lean
Justin Bieber – Yukon
ALBUMS
Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life
U2 – Rattle and Hum
Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl
Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl: Encore
The Power of Céline Dion, Ed Sheeran’s Response and a Spice Girls Biopic
BAFTA winning writer, and pop culture afficionado, Jack Rooke joins Annie to discuss the week in music. In a week that saw Ed Sheeran continue his US tour after all his support acts pulled out in solidarity …
Notes de l’épisode
BAFTA winning writer, and pop culture afficionado, Jack Rooke joins Annie to discuss the week in music.
In a week that saw Ed Sheeran continue his US tour after all his support acts pulled out in solidarity with Macklemore, Annie and Jack discuss his on-stage statements, and they look at how other artists have dealt with politics and activism in the past.
Elsewhere, Céline Dion has won the hearts of the world just by being herself outside her Paris hotel, Madonna and Charli have finally confirmed their collab, and MNEK is back with an album that Jack loves.
Plus, MPs are going to scrutinise the UK's "dismal" record in selecting songs and acts for Eurovision – but does anyone care?
You can send in a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And don’t forget you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram.
SONGS
Melanie C & Bryan Adams - When You're Gone
Melanie C - I Turn to You
Madonna & Charli XCX - Danceteria(Afterhours)
Solange - Losing You
Tiesto – Business
MNEK & Joel Corry – Head & Heart
Zara Larsson & MNEK - Never Forget You
The Saturdays - All Fired Up
Troye Sivan – Party
Troye Sivan – One Of Your Girls
ALBUMS
Madonna - Confessions on a Dance Floor
Charli XCX - brat
Solange - A Seat at the Table
Solange - When I Get Home
Empress Of - Dream House
MNEK – BULLDOZER!!
The Ed Sheeran Backlash, Oasis Are Happy and Cryptic Emails from Harry Styles
This episode was recorded over the course of 2 days, as the main story changed drastically in the space of 24 hours. In a week that saw Ed Sheeran's tour become global news, after Macklemore was dropped as a …
Notes de l’épisode
This episode was recorded over the course of 2 days, as the main story changed drastically in the space of 24 hours.
In a week that saw Ed Sheeran's tour become global news, after Macklemore was dropped as a support act, Annie and Nick discuss the ramifications of the different decisions and events of the past few days. What does this mean for artists, venues and fans? And will it change the way artists and their teams respond to similar situations in the future?
Elsewhere, Oasis have announced a huge new tour for 2027, Charli XCX has explained why 6 Europe dates is enough for her, and Harry Styles has alluded to a break from the usual cycle of album, tour, another tour, another album.
Plus Glastonbury tickets will go on sale in two weeks, Annie's reached new highs as a DJ, and Nick retells Pandora's Box for a contemporary audience.
You can send in a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And don’t forget you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram.
SONGS
SILVERWINGKILLER - WORLDSTAR
The War on Drugs - Who's That
Shygirl - Alyse
Shygirl - Lucky
Madonna - Like a Prayer
Los del Río - Macarena
Macklemore - HIND'S HALL
ALBUMS
beabadoobee - pylon
Shygirl - Swallow
Floating Points - Mere Mortals
Oasis Mania, Stevie Wonder Breaking News and Miley's Just Being Miley
Annie and Nick are reunited, and there's a lot to get into. Oasis are having a busy time with a new documentary film about to be released, cryptic videos hinting at 2027 shows, and Noel's daughter Anaïs …
Notes de l’épisode
Annie and Nick are reunited, and there's a lot to get into. Oasis are having a busy time with a new documentary film about to be released, cryptic videos hinting at 2027 shows, and Noel's daughter Anaïs casually telling/reminding people that he's banned from China in a YouTube Q&A.
Elsewhere, Miley Cyrus is now just Miley and Annie explains why she thinks that makes so much sense – but she and Nick disagree about the new single. And Madonna has reignited the rumours that she and Charli XCX have recorded a song together.
Plus, the biggest story of the week/year: Stevie Wonder is doing a tour for the 50th Anniversary of Songs in the Key of Life – and they don't clash with Ian's birthday this time.
SONGS
Olivia Dean – Man I Need
Madonna – Vogue
George Michael – Freedom
Ol' Dirty Bastard – Shimmy Shimmy Ya
Miley Cyrus – Bass Persuades
Miley Cyrus – Flowers
Miley Cyrus – Mother's Daughter
Stevie Wonder – Pastime Paradise
Stevie Wonder – I Wish
Stevie Wonder – Sir Duke
Stevie Wonder – Isn't She Lovely
Stevie Wonder – As
Stevie Wonder – Another Star
Oasis – Don't Look Back in Anger
Jay-Z – Empire State of Mind
Jay-Z - Ni**as In Paris
Madonna – L.E.S. Girl
Adéla – Ain't in LA
Dolly Parton – Early Morning Breeze
Dolly Parton – Jolene
ALBUMS
Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life
Jay-Z – Reasonable Doubt
Adéla – Prima
Massive Attack – Blue Lines
Leftfield – Leftism
Goldie – Timeless
Oasis – Definitely Maybe
Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill
The xx – The xx
Dolly Parton – Coat of Many Colors
Dolly Parton – Jolene
Floating Points – Mere Mortals
Femi Koleoso on Dolly Parton, the Drake Effect and RAYE at Reading
Femi Koleoso sits in for Nick, to discuss the week in music with Annie. Femi is the bandleader/drummer for the BRIT Award and Mercury Prize winning jazz quintet Ezra Collective, and he's also a DJ, Producer …
Notes de l’épisode
Femi Koleoso sits in for Nick, to discuss the week in music with Annie. Femi is the bandleader/drummer for the BRIT Award and Mercury Prize winning jazz quintet Ezra Collective, and he's also a DJ, Producer, Youth Leader and now a 6 Music Presenter.
With the help of Sidetracked listeners, Femi and Annie discuss Dolly Parton and how she'll be remembered as one of the kindest and most generous musicians of all time. From Eminem to children all over the world, whose life hasn't been impacted by Dolly?
Elsewhere, the summer festival season has drawn to a close – what can we learn from this year? Femi was inspired by the message RAYE delivered at her Reading headline set, and he and Annie explain why Notting Hill Carnival 2026 was even more magical than usual.
Ezra Collective's fourth studio album, Here Because of Hope, is due for release on 11th September.
SONGS
Ezra Collective & Lila Iké - Well Organised
Spice Girls - Wannabe
The Weather Girls - It's Raining Men
Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande - Rain On Me
N-Trance - Set You Free
Dolly Parton - Jolene
Dolly Parton - Coat of Many Colours
Nepo Babies, Madonna's VMA Domination & Charli XCX Saves Nick
Annie and Nick are reunited after four weeks apart, and there's a lot to catch up on. As they recall their separate summer holiday adventures – Annie's was rustic, Nick’s involved a medical emergency that …
Notes de l’épisode
Annie and Nick are reunited after four weeks apart, and there's a lot to catch up on.
As they recall their separate summer holiday adventures – Annie's was rustic, Nick’s involved a medical emergency that required intervention from Charli XCX – they discover a mutual summer theme of heatwaves, football and steroid injections.
The pair finally discuss all the biggest album releases, what it’s like to watch football in a pub with Olivia Dean, why Annie might have levitated while listening to the new Phoebe Bridgers album, and what they both thought of the World Cup halftime show after having weeks to think about it.
Elsewhere, Kacey Musgraves keeps her promise about giant mirror balls, Madonna dominates the VMAs with 11 nominations, and Reading & Leeds have dropped the BBC Introducing stage, which leads to valid questions about nepo babies in music – can they escape the shadow of famous parents?
Annie provides listeners with her guide to surviving Notting Hill Carnival, and both Annie and Nick begin to wonder if the Sidetracked studio is haunted.
Contains strong language.
Given the recent sad news about Dolly Parton, Annie and Nick are asking for your personal tributes to the musical legend to include in next week’s episode. We’d love to give you a chance to send in your thoughts, voice notes, tributes, favourite Dolly memories, reactions, anything to say what Dolly meant to you.
You can send in Sidetracked a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And don’t forget you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram.
SONGS
Phoebe Bridgers - Bobby
Florence + The Machine - Dog Days are Over
Charli XCX – No One Lasts Forever
Justin Bieber – Everything Hallelujah
Shygirl - Alyse
ALBUMS
Confessions II – Madonna
Music, Fashion, Film – Charli XCX
Brat – Charli XCX
Romance – Fontaines D.C.
Never Enough – Turnstile
Knats – A Great Day in Newcastle
Phoebe Bridgers – Lost Weekend
Shygirl on: Working with Madonna, Influencing Fontaines and Troye Sivan’s Aesthetic
Nick is joined by singer, DJ, rapper and Sidetracked favourite, Shygirl, to discuss the week in music, and her new single ‘Alyse’. This week was a big one for new music releases: Phoebe Bridgers brought out her …
Notes de l’épisode
Nick is joined by singer, DJ, rapper and Sidetracked favourite, Shygirl, to discuss the week in music, and her new single ‘Alyse’.
This week was a big one for new music releases: Phoebe Bridgers brought out her new album – and although Annie’s on holiday, Nick shares her thoughts on the record.
Troye Sivan released a beautiful new single, and the video has generated some online discourse about the male gaze; Shygirl has some thoughts on the aesthetic choices and how much they tell us about an artist’s intention.
And Fontaines D.C have dropped a new single and announced the release date of their fifth album, Nick and Shy share their thoughts on ‘Marianne’.
Plus, what it’s like to work with Madonna, Reading Festival nostalgia, and Nick recounts an awkward experience at Charli XCX’s London brat show.
You can send Sidetracked a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram.
The film Shygirl mentions is Bird.
SONGS
Shygirl - Alyse
Shygirl - Altar
Phoebe Bridgers - Bobby
Fontaines D.C. - Marianne
ALBUMS
Shygirl - Nymph
Madonna - Confessions II
Fontaines D.C. - Dopamine Chamber
Fontaines D.C. - Romance
Rosalía - Motomami
A Mid-Year Review of 2026 in Music
It’s the Sidetracked mid-year review, in which Annie and Nick look back on the biggest moments of 2026 so far. Back in January, they made some predictions for the year in music and it's time to find out - do …
Notes de l’épisode
It’s the Sidetracked mid-year review, in which Annie and Nick look back on the biggest moments of 2026 so far. Back in January, they made some predictions for the year in music and it's time to find out - do they possess psychic abilities or wishful dispositions?
From Harry Styles’ return to Rosalía’s LUX tour, which moments define 2026 so far?
Featuring Mark Savage, Jessie Ware, Elmiene, and CMAT.
SONGS
Mary J. Blige - I'm Goin’ Down
Harry Styles - Aperture
Rosalía - Magnolias
Oasis - Wonderwall
Justin Bieber - DAISIES
Justin Bieber – Beauty and a Beat
Taylor Swift – I Knew It, I Knew You
Shakira & Burna Boy – Dai Dai
ALBUMS
Rosalía - LUX
Harry Styles – Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.
Madonna – Confessions II
Justin Bieber - SWAG
Nia Archives on: Lollapalooza, Grace Jones’ Rider, and Japanese Convenience Stores
Nick is joined by the Emotional Junglist and record-breaking music artist, Nia Archives, to discuss the week in music. Nia made headlines herself after being shortlisted for the Mercury Prize for the second …
Notes de l’épisode
Nick is joined by the Emotional Junglist and record-breaking music artist, Nia Archives, to discuss the week in music. Nia made headlines herself after being shortlisted for the Mercury Prize for the second time - she explains to Nick why the announcement came at a difficult time.
Elsewhere, Nick and Nia have both recently seen Grace Jones perform and discuss the many reasons why no contemporary artist could ever emulate Grace’s artistry or her perfectly curated rider.
Plus, Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have broken chart records with their single ‘Rein Me In’, but what is it about the two of them that has sent the track into the history books?
Plus, Charli XCX’s Lollapalooza performance has fans excited for more live shows; Nia’s big plans for Japan’s convenience stores, and what’s it like to work with James Ellis Ford?
You can send Sidetracked a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram.
SONGS
Nia Archives – Sober Feels
Nia Archives – Boys in Blue
Kettama – Comes and Goes
Tricky feat. Mitch Sanders - I’m Yours
ALBUMS
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Nia Archives – Silence is Loud
Madonna – American Life
Madonna - Music
Madonna – Ray of Light
Knats – A Great Day in Newcastle
War Child Records- Help(2)
Arca – XXXXX
Charli XCX – brat
Charli XCX – Wuthering Heights
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film
2026 Mercury Prize Shortlist with Knats
Nick reacts to the Mercury Prize 2026 shortlist with Knats, a jazz collective who are one of the most exciting bands in the UK music scene right now - and whose latest album ‘A Great Day in Newcastle’ has been …
Notes de l’épisode
Nick reacts to the Mercury Prize 2026 shortlist with Knats, a jazz collective who are one of the most exciting bands in the UK music scene right now - and whose latest album ‘A Great Day in Newcastle’ has been described as “the best thing to come out of the North East since Andy Carroll.”
In a year of great albums from the UK and Ireland, which artists have made it on to the most prestigious shortlist in music?
SONGS
Knats – Bowling Ball
Knats – Wor Jackie
Arctic Monkeys – Do I Wanna Know?
Arctic Monkeys - R U Mine?
Olivia Dean – Man I Need
JADE – Angel of My Dreams
Kojey Radical & Planet Giza – Expensive
Ezra Collective & Kojey Radical – No Confusion
Coming Soon... 2026 Mercury Prize Shortlist
This week’s episode will be dropping later than usual as Nick - and some very special guests - await the much-anticipated Mercury Prize Shortlist.
Glastonbury Secrets, Remixing John Lennon and The Truth about Geese
Annie and Nick discuss a myriad of topics chosen by Sidetracked listeners, answering questions such as: what’s it like to be backstage at big music festivals? Why were Geese accused of being an industry plant? …
Notes de l’épisode
Annie and Nick discuss a myriad of topics chosen by Sidetracked listeners, answering questions such as: what’s it like to be backstage at big music festivals? Why were Geese accused of being an industry plant? What songs remind them each of each other?
Elsewhere, Spotify has some new proposed features, but Annie and Nick have mixed feelings about their merit. Plus, memories of the Beckhams partying late into the night at Glastonbury, how artists get paid for the many parts of their job, and who would Nick rather be - Beyoncé or Lady Gaga?
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram.
SONGS
Feeder - Buck Rogers
Olive - You're Not Alone
Justin Bieber – Boyfriend
John Lennon – Imagine
Beyoncé - Deja Vu ALBUMS
Geese – Getting Killed
CMAT Returns to Sidetracked
The one and only CMAT fills in for Nick this week - joining Annie to put the world to rights. With the World Cup Final imminent, they delve into the details of the half-time show which promises performances …
Notes de l’épisode
The one and only CMAT fills in for Nick this week - joining Annie to put the world to rights. With the World Cup Final imminent, they delve into the details of the half-time show which promises performances from Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy...and the Muppets. With only 11 minutes allocated for the entire half-time show, will it be a disaster or a masterclass?
Elsewhere, CMAT and Annie discuss Charli XCX’s album campaign, Rose Gray’s brilliant new single, and Kelela’s dreamy collaboration with PinkPantheress. Plus, Rihanna joined Jay Z on stage but why, apart from the conversation about her new music, is this culturally significant?
Other highlights include: a breakdown of Taylor Swift’s best work, the truth about the crowd at Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter at Coachella, shocking insight into a possible lip-syncing epidemic, and CMAT’s burgeoning friendship with Robbie Williams.
Annie’s books for CMAT:
Rozie Kelly - Kingfisher
Addie E. Citchens - Dominion
Brendan Behan - Borstal Boy
SONGS
CMAT - When a Good Man Cries
CMAT - Stay For Something
CMAT - Jamie Oliver Petrol Station
CMAT – Lord, Let That Tesla Crash
Robbie Williams - Angels
Justin Bieber – DAISIES
Justin Bieber – Beauty and a Beat
Shakira & Burna Boy – Dai Dai
Rose Gray - Club to Your Arms
Kelela ft. PinkPantheress - The Bridge
Madonna – Vogue
Madonna – Like a Prayer
Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – Bring Your Love
Madonna – Fragile
Charli XCX – SuperLove
Taylor Swift - Opalite
Taylor Swift - Anti-Hero
Taylor Swift - Bejeweled
Taylor Swift - So High School
Rihanna ft. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Run This Town
Rihanna - Bitch Better Have My Money
ALBUMS
CMAT - Euro Country
CMAT – Crazymad, for Me
CMAT - If My Wife New I'd Be Dead
Rihanna - ANTI
Rose Gray - Louder, Please
Kelela – new avatar
Madonna - Confessions Part II
Madonna - Confessions on a Dance Floor
Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia
Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism
Taylor Swift - Folklore
Taylor Swift – Evermore
Taylor Swift – Midnights
Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department
Taylor Swift – Life of a Showgirl
Taylor Swift’s Wedding, Madonna Album Review, and a Music Master Class with James Ellis Ford
In a monumental week for music news, Annie and Nick sit down to discuss their thoughts on Madonna’s long-awaited Confessions II – after months of worrying it might be anticlimactic, what do they think about the …
Notes de l’épisode
In a monumental week for music news, Annie and Nick sit down to discuss their thoughts on Madonna’s long-awaited Confessions II – after months of worrying it might be anticlimactic, what do they think about the album?
And Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce had one of the most musically relevant weddings of all time but what should we learn from their rumoured choice of first dance song? And are there any rules we should stick to for wedding playlists?
Plus, Wonderwall is having a moment in the 2026 World Cup, could Oasis get involved if England make the Final?
Annie and Nick also speak to the incredible producer and musician, James Ellis Ford, about his upcoming album. James has produced albums for Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Florence and the Machine, Jessie Ware, Fontaines D.C., Carly Rae Jepsen, the Pet Shop Boys, and so many more. He talks to Annie and Nick about how he works with artists to create truly brilliant music, and how it was to make this latest solo album in a completely isolated and daunting environment – a hospital room. Plus, is James worried about how AI will change the way music producers have to work?
Lost in Another World is out on 14th August (Nick’s birthday)
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram.
SONGS
Oasis – Wonderwall
Tina Turner - Simply the Best
Madonna – Danceteria
Madonna - One Step Away
Madonna – L.E.S Girl
Lil Louis - French Kiss
Candi Staton - Young Hearts Run Free
Maroon 5 - She Will Be Loved
Womack & Womack – Teardrops
Janet Jackson - That's the Way Love Goes
ALBUMS
Madonna - Confessions II
Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor
James Ellis Ford - Lost in Another World
War Child Records- Help(2)
Charli XCX - brat
Bad Bunny’s Life Affirming Show, Charli XCX’s Lies, and Nappies at Gigs
Bad Bunny came to London and Nick may never be the same again. What is it about Benito that makes his music and live performances so impactful? Nick tells Annie why the show made him cry – and confesses to one …
Notes de l’épisode
Bad Bunny came to London and Nick may never be the same again. What is it about Benito that makes his music and live performances so impactful? Nick tells Annie why the show made him cry – and confesses to one embarrassing detail.
Elsewhere, Charli XCX came on the 6 Music Breakfast Show and Sidetracked investigates whether she told a big fat lie. Plus, why is Noah Kahan talking about poo at gigs? This - on top of Olivia Rodrigo’s previous comments about people wearing nappies to her shows - prompts Annie and Nick to give a stern talking-to to front row fans.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram.
SONGS
Luther Vandross - Never Too Much
Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song
Charli XCX – Wink Wink
Madonna - Hollywood
Noah Kahan - Stick Season
Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor
Fugees – Ready or Not
Daft Punk - Voyager
PJ Harvey - Voyager
earthsignchels - Daddy Died [we recommend you watch the video]
Robyn – Call Your Girlfriend
ALBUMS
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film
Bad Bunny - DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Alewya - Zero
Beth Orton – The Ground Above
New Adele Album Anticipation, World Cup Analysis, and Madonna’s Survival
Annie and Nick discuss rumours of Adele returning to music, after she was seen attending one of Lola Young’s London shows. What might a new Adele album sound like? And what is it about her that means any record …
Notes de l’épisode
Annie and Nick discuss rumours of Adele returning to music, after she was seen attending one of Lola Young’s London shows. What might a new Adele album sound like? And what is it about her that means any record is guaranteed to be brilliant?
Elsewhere, Madonna has revealed why the planned biopic of her life was canned, James Blake has called out the growing fakery of the music industry, and Bad Bunny is coming to London.
Plus, why can’t Annie and Nick remember if they’ve met Solange?
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram
SONGS
Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water
Adele - Hometown Glory
Adele – Daydreamer
SZA - Saturn
Cher - Believe
ALBUMS
Madonna - Veronica Electronica
Madonna – Confessions II
Adele - 19
Olivia Rodrigo - Guts
Olivia Rodrigo, Concern for Harry Styles, and Should We Give in to the AI Takeover?
Annie and Nick dissect Olivia Rodrigo’s new album and analyse the online theories that Taylor Swift might be jealous. What is it about Olivia that speaks to such a vast and diverse audience? And what does she …
Notes de l’épisode
Annie and Nick dissect Olivia Rodrigo’s new album and analyse the online theories that Taylor Swift might be jealous. What is it about Olivia that speaks to such a vast and diverse audience? And what does she have to do with the England football team?
Elsewhere, Annie has conflicting feelings about embracing AI; it’s never been easier to make music with it but at what cost? And Phoebe Bridgers is planning for her next tour to be a phones free experience – does the backlash that ensued prove how problematic our relationships to our phones are? And why Nick thinks the UK government should extend the social media ban to all under-45s.
Plus, Nick’s mum is worried about Harry Styles, a Primavera round up, and Jeff Goldblum weighs in on the bird song debate.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.
SONGS
Olivia Rodrigo & Robert Smith – what's wrong with me
Olivia Rodrigo – vampire
Madonna – Ray of Light
Madonna – Don’t Tell Me
Madonna - Music
ALBUMS
Olivia Rodrigo – you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love
Kamasi Washington - Fearless Movement
Madonna – Confessions II
Madonna – Ray of Light
Madonna – Music
Jeff Goldblum – Night Blooms
The xx, Shyness is Nice, and the Sugababes Strategy
For this instalment of the Sidetracked Album Club, Annie and Nick venture back to 2009 and revisit the debut album from the xx. Why did this record stand out so much at the time, and does it hold up 17 years …
Notes de l’épisode
For this instalment of the Sidetracked Album Club, Annie and Nick venture back to 2009 and revisit the debut album from the xx. Why did this record stand out so much at the time, and does it hold up 17 years later? And why did the band make Annie and Nick so nervous?
Plus, how the BBC handled the death of Michael Jackson, La Roux nostalgia, and one listener grapples with cringe GCSE Drama memories.
And what if the Rolling Stones had been managed like the Sugababes were in the noughties?
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.
SONGS
The xx - Crystallised
The xx - Intro
The xx - Infinity
Paolo Nutini - New Shoes
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Beyoncé - Single Ladies
ALBUMS
The xx – xx
Michael Jackson – The Collection Beyoncé - I Am... Sasha Fierce
Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D.
Paolo Nutini - Sunny Side Up
The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses
Florence + The Machine - Lungs
La Roux - La Roux
Lady Gaga - The Fame
Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts
Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem
horsegiirL is the Mane Event, CMAT is Gorgeous, and Martin Scorcese’s Moment
Annie and Nick welcome one of their dream guests to the studio to talk all things nature and music. horsegiirL is the world’s first half horse, half human singer-songwriter, DJ, and producer, and she’s about to …
Notes de l’épisode
Annie and Nick welcome one of their dream guests to the studio to talk all things nature and music. horsegiirL is the world’s first half horse, half human singer-songwriter, DJ, and producer, and she’s about to release her debut album. In this episode, she gets sidetracked by birdsong, mushrooms...and birth stories.
Elsewhere, Annie and Nick need to discuss CMAT speaking out about horrible online trolls, and why she truly is a gorgeous genius. And Charli XCX has revealed the details and artwork for her new album but how did she book Martin Scorsese? Plus, electrolytes for trees, Jane McDonald, and Arsenal.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.
SONGS
Charli XCX - SS26
Charli XCX - Vroom Vroom
Charli XCX - Rock Music
CMAT - Take a Sexy Picture of Me
Whitney Houston - Queen of the Night
horsegiirL - rivers run free
horsegiirL - an apple a day
horsegiirL - nature is healing
ALBUMS
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film
Charli XCX - brat
horsegiirL - NATURE IS HEALING
The xx - xx
iPod Nostalgia, the Truth about Music Streaming, and Dido's Cultural Relevance
Annie and Nick try their very best not to get sidetracked, as they focus on just one topic - streaming, and how it’s shaped the musical landscape in 2026. From iPod mania to agentic AI, the world of music has …
Notes de l’épisode
Annie and Nick try their very best not to get sidetracked, as they focus on just one topic - streaming, and how it’s shaped the musical landscape in 2026.
From iPod mania to agentic AI, the world of music has changed a lot since the early 2000s. Have these changes made things better or worse for artists and music fans? And what does the future have in store for streaming and music consumption?
With special thanks to our contributors: The Guardian’s Deputy Music Editor, Laura Snapes; and The New York Times critic, Jon Caramanica, and New York Times culture reporter, Joe Coscarelli. Jon and Joe host the NYT’s Popcast, which you can find wherever you get your podcasts.
And thanks to The Grove, whose self-titled EP is out now. Their most recent single is Amongst the Noise.
SONGS
Dido – White Flag
Dido – Thank You
Rosalía - Divinize
Frankie Valli – Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You
ALBUMS
Dido – Life for Rent
Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving
Harry Styles: Small or Far Away?, The Drake Ick, and Godless W****s
Annie and Nick discuss one of the busiest weeks in music ever with Drake dropping 3 albums at the same time, Lauryn Hill getting candid about her lack of albums, and Harry Styles starting his much-anticipated …
Notes de l’épisode
Annie and Nick discuss one of the busiest weeks in music ever with Drake dropping 3 albums at the same time, Lauryn Hill getting candid about her lack of albums, and Harry Styles starting his much-anticipated world residencies.
Plus, Jack Antonoff has made his thoughts about AI in music extremely clear – does he have a point? And Madonna has finally done something that’s truly shocked Nick.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.
SONGS
Dry Cleaning - Sliced by a Fingernail
Harry Styles - As It Was
Madonna - I Feel So Free (Peggy Gou Energy Mix)
ALBUMS
Drake – Iceman
Drake - Habibti
Drake - Maid of Honor
Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill - MTV Unplugged No. 2.0
Fugees - The Score
Jill Scott – To Whom This May Concern
Amy Winehouse – Frank
Amy Winehouse – Back to Black
Madonna - Confessions II
Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Harry Styles - Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.
The xx - xx
Sidetracked with Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan joins Annie and Nick to discuss her life, legacy and new music. She reveals the very personal reason behind her strong work ethic, her feelings about awards, and why she continues to grow as a …
Notes de l’épisode
Chaka Khan joins Annie and Nick to discuss her life, legacy and new music. She reveals the very personal reason behind her strong work ethic, her feelings about awards, and why she continues to grow as a musician.
What does Chaka’s life look like when she’s not on stage? She tells Annie and Nick about breathing fresh air for the first time in years, not telling people her address, and feeding her free-range chickens.
And it’s been a decade since her close friend, Prince, died; Chaka reminisces about working with him - and the unusual way in which he paid her.
Plus, why the Queen of Funk isn’t a fair title, the dangers of not following your dreams, and stage fright solutions from Carlos Santana.
Chaka’s new song ‘Chakzilla’ is out now.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.
SONGS
Chaka Khan – Chakzilla
Chaka Khan – I Feel For You
Chaka Khan – Tell Me Something Good
Rosalía Gig Review(s), Shakira in Rio, and Having Faith in Madonna
It’s the moment they’ve been waiting for since November 2025: Rosalía bringing LUX to London’s O2 Arena. Annie and Nick report back on what might be the best live show they’ve ever experienced. Elsewhere …
Notes de l’épisode
It’s the moment they’ve been waiting for since November 2025: Rosalía bringing LUX to London’s O2 Arena. Annie and Nick report back on what might be the best live show they’ve ever experienced. Elsewhere, Madonna’s released a new single with Sabrina Carpenter and it hasn’t totally lived up to their expectations of Confessions II; but will everything make sense when the album comes out? Plus, the Pussycat Dolls have cancelled their North American tour dates and instead of making up an excuse, they’ve chosen honesty – should more artists take note?
Also discussed in the episode: Kid Cudi has fired M.I.A from his tour after fans’ complaints, Zara Larsson is having a moment, and Annie and Nick reminisce about their chat with Rod Stewart after Shakira’s concert on Copacabana Beach.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.
HOMEWORK: Listen to the end of this episode to find out the next pick for the Sidetracked Album Club.
SONGS
Shy One and George Riley – I Can Tell
TYSON – CHAOS
Rosalía – Magnolia
Rosalía - Mio Cristo
Pigeon – Miami
Pigeon – Black James Dean
Genesis Owusu – Life Keeps Going
Genesis Owusu – Stampede
Tara Clerkin Trio – Somewhere Good
Nia Archives – Boys in Blue
GENER8ION – STORM
Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter – Bring Your Love
Madonna – Hung Up
Madonna and Britney Spears – Me Against the Music
The Pussycat Dolls – Club Song
The Pussycat Dolls – Don’t Cha
M.I.A. – Illygal
ALBUMS
Rosalía – Motomami
Rosalía – Lux
Shy One – Mali
Pigeon – OUTTANATIONAL
Robyn – Sexistential
Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun: Girls Trip
Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor
Madonna – Ray of Light
Madonna – Confessions II
LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
PJ Harvey – Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea
CMAT – If My Wife New I’d Be Dead
Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
Jeff Buckley – Grace
Frank Ocean – Blonde
The Strokes – Is This It
Sinéad O’Connor – The Lion and the Cobra
Laura Marling – Once I Was an Eagle
Various Artists – Mamma Mia! (The Movie Soundtrack)
The Streets – A Grand Don’t Come for Free
The xx – xx
Sidetracked with Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves is one of the best-known Country singers in the world, having won 8 Grammy Awards for her consistently stand out records. On the eve of releasing her 6th studio album, she joins Annie and Nick …
Notes de l’épisode
Kacey Musgraves is one of the best-known Country singers in the world, having won 8 Grammy Awards for her consistently stand out records. On the eve of releasing her 6th studio album, she joins Annie and Nick to discuss the making of the record, and how her approach to writing music has evolved since her debut album.
Country is the fastest growing genre in the UK; Kacey has some thoughts on why and some more vital Country intel for Sidetracked listeners.
Plus, secrets the Middle of Nowhere tour, Kacey delivers an ode to Ireland, and she reveals how artists like Dashboard Confessional, NSYNC and the Spice Girls influenced her as an artist.
Kacey’s album Middle of Nowhere will be available from 1st May 2026.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.
SONGS
Kacey Musgraves – Merry Go ‘Round
Kacey Musgraves – Dry Spell
Loretta Lynn – You Ain’t Woman Enough
Kacey Musgraves – Oh, What a World
Kacey Musgraves – Slow Burn
Kacey Musgraves & Miranda Lambert – Horses and Divorces
Kacey Musgraves – Mexico Honey
ALBUMS
Kacey Musgraves – Same Trailer Different Park
Kacey Musgraves – Pageant Material
Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves – Star‑Crossed
Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well
Kacey Musgraves – Middle of Nowhere
Madonna’s Week in Music, Charli Declares the Dancefloor Dead, and Olivia Rodrigo
Annie and Nick discuss the most Madonna week in music – the album announcement, the new song, the Coachella performance, and the theft. Sidetracked fans will know how much Madonna means to Nick...so why does he …
Notes de l’épisode
Annie and Nick discuss the most Madonna week in music – the album announcement, the new song, the Coachella performance, and the theft. Sidetracked fans will know how much Madonna means to Nick...so why does he have beef with her this week?
Elsewhere, Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish showed us what they’re worth at Coachella Weekend 2, Olivia Rodrigo has a brilliant new song, and Annie has some thoughts on the link between bad fathers and great music artists. Plus, Charli XCX has declared the dancefloor dead, but was she being serious?
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.
SONGS
Lil Louis – French Kiss
Madonna – Vogue
Madonna – Like a Prayer
Madonna – I Feel So Free
Madonna – Justify My Love
Madonna – Hung Up
Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream
Olivia Rodrigo – Drop Dead
ALBUMS
Peaches – Teacher of Peaches
Madonna – Confessions II
Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor
Madonna – Ray of Light
Madonna – Music
Madonna – Madame X
Madonna – Hard Candy
Charli XCX – brat
Warchild Records – Help(2)
Olivia Rodrigo – You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love
Bieber Fever, Coachella Dreams, and the Kanye Question
Annie is back after a fortnight away and there’s a lot to catch up on. First on the agenda, Annie and Nick discuss the fallout from Wireless booking Kanye West as a headliner, and the subsequent cancellation of …
Notes de l’épisode
Annie is back after a fortnight away and there’s a lot to catch up on. First on the agenda, Annie and Nick discuss the fallout from Wireless booking Kanye West as a headliner, and the subsequent cancellation of the entire festival. Plus, in other live music news, LIDO festival has had to cancel their planned June weekend due to environmental concerns, and CMAT fans are devastated.
And of course, after the first weekend of Coachella 2026, everyone is analysing the Justin Bieber set – and Annie and Nick hear from someone who was actually there in the field. Were the critical headlines about his YouTube use fair? Or has he just made history for one of the most special live shows in the festival’s history?
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.
With thanks to Sam Murphy (@popsamcam), who provided much needed intel from Coachella.
SONGS
Justin Bieber – Baby
Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj – Beauty and a Beat
Ne-Yo – So Sick
ALBUMS
Arlo Parks – Ambiguous Desire
Elmiene – sounds for someone
Justin Bieber – Swag
Justin Bieber – Swag II
Sidetracked with Arlo Parks
This week Nick is joined by a very special co-host, Arlo Parks, following the release of her third album, Ambiguous Desire. They discuss how songs come to her, being a sensitive child, accepting a Mercury prize …
Notes de l’épisode
This week Nick is joined by a very special co-host, Arlo Parks, following the release of her third album, Ambiguous Desire. They discuss how songs come to her, being a sensitive child, accepting a Mercury prize from Annie, trusting yourself as an artist, and how LA inspires her music. Plus, what does an ideal night out look like for Arlo and which does she prefer: Coachella or Glastonbury?
Elsewhere, Slayyyter gets a lot of love, Mitski settles into a residency in a hyper-intimate venue where “you can cry,” and the band Angine de Poitrine do something never been done in music before. We’re still open to our next Album Club recommendation, with Arlo suggesting a few in this week’s episode. Send your thoughts in to Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]
And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.
HOMEWORK: Listen to Arlo Park’s new album, Ambiguous Desire.
SONGS
The Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams
Elmiene - Golden
ALBUMS
The xx - xx
Angine de Poitrine - Vol.II
Charli XCX - Brat
Slayyyter - WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA
Massive Attack - debut album
Mazzy Star - debut album
Sexistential - Robyn
The King of Limbs remix album – Radiohead CLUBS + DANCE FLOORS
Nowadays - New York
Midnight Lovers - LA
Corsica - London
Venue MOT/Unit 18
Palais - Peckham
Voici les 100 derniers épisodes sur 176. Les épisodes plus anciens se trouvent dans le flux du podcast.
