Sidetracked with Annie and Nick

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 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

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

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

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

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

This week’s episode will be dropping later than usual as Nick - and some very special guests - await the much-anticipated Mercury Prize Shortlist.

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

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

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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 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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

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

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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