- Words Lewys Ball
Record breaking reality shows, katsu curry pies & the revival of all things 2000s are topping Notion columnist Lewys Ball's hot list for November.
Tate McRae’s performance of “Greedy” at the BBMAs
Choreography is back! Tate McRae stepped out at the Billboard Music Awards to perform her smash hit, ‘Greedy’, and whilst I am tiring slightly of all the 2000s inspired nostalgia bait, at 20 years old Tate is dancing circles around her peers with 5-10 years on her. With her sophomore album, Think Later, set to be released in early December, I am excited to see where this potential new pop prodigy will go.
The spirit of Michael Jackson lives on in the body of Tate Mcrae pic.twitter.com/7XDseN8ud7
— Miz Irritating 🌸 (@miz_irritating) November 25, 2023
Squid Game: The Challenge
Think of the most dystopian reality TV show possible and you may just about land on Squid Game: The Challenge. Based on the Korean show Squid Game, the show smashes records for the largest cast and largest prize fund in reality television history, with 456 players competing for $4.56 million. It has been a long time since I have watched a reality show with stakes this high, and it paid off with some of the best drama, personalities and storylines I’ve seen play out on the screen this year.
299 had one of the most dramatic reality show exits of all time. #SquidGameTheChallenge pic.twitter.com/UTy3OBmwae
— Netflix (@netflix) November 26, 2023
Timberland Boots
Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, the walking boot turned Tumblr footwear staple circa 2013 is officially back in my shoe rotation. Already being spotted via Emily Ratajkowsi’s street style, the New Yorker’s favourite boot is definitely going to be a big shoe this winter.
Girls Aloud Reunion
After disbanding in 2013, the most successful girl band of the noughties return for an arena tour in 2024. Kimberly, Cheryl, Nicola and Nadine will reform Girls Aloud in memory of their late bandmate, Sarah Harding. If you see me screaming, “I can’t speak French so I’ll let the funky music do the talking, talking, now, oh”, at the 02 arena in June, mind your business.
PinkPantheress – Heaven Knows
My excitement was through the roof to hear Pinkpantheress’ debut album, Heaven Knows, in full after she released ‘Capable of Love’, which is in pole position to be my song of the year. Despite being allergic to songs over three minutes, the album, which sits at 13 tracks and 34 minutes long, still feels full and complex. With features from Rema, Central Cee and Kelela and samples from Spandau Ballet and McFly, the album did not disappoint and has had me in a chokehold this month, leaving me very excited to see her live in February. My favourites include ‘Capable of love’, ‘Another life’ and ‘The aisle and Feelings’.
How To Have Sex
Molly Manning Walker makes her directorial debut with her hard-hitting coming-of-age film, How To Have Sex, starring the brilliant Mia Mckenna-Bruce as Tara, who you may recognise as Tee from the Dumping Ground. The film follows a group of girls on their post-GCSE holiday to Malia, where they set out to go drinking, clubbing and hooking up for the first time. Exploring friendship, consent and sexual assault, the film sparks important conversations needed now more than ever.
Wagamama Katsu Pie
Whoever’s brain came up with this concoction needs to be studied in a lab. Wagamama has launched the Chicken Katsu Curry Pie in collaboration with Willy’s Pies. Available only at the Carnaby Street branch of Wagamamas, I have never heard of a more genius invention and need to try this immediately.
@fuhzzies @wagamama ♬ Sunday - HNNY
Victoria Monét Grammy Nomination
Nothing is more heartwarming than seeing someone finally receive their flowers after years of hard work. Victoria Monét scores the second highest amount of nominations for the Grammys 2024 with seven, including Record of the Year and Best New Artist, while her two-year-old daughter Hazel also becomes the youngest Grammy nominee ever.
😭🤎✨🙌🏾🥹🥂🎉🤎 pic.twitter.com/t1TLCSXogo
— Victoria Monét (@VictoriaMonet) November 11, 2023