Raul Malo, the operatic vocalist and member of Grammy award-winning country band the Mavericks, died on Monday, aged 60. A representative for the band confirmed he died following a battle with cancer. The band said in a statement: “It’s with the deepest grief we share the passing of our friend, bandmate and brother Raul Malo. “Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul’s orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy.”

They added: “Over a career of more than three decades entertaining millions around the globe, his towering creative contributions and unrivalled, generational talent created the kind of multicultural American music reaching far beyond America itself.”

The star’s wife Betty added: “No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did.

“Now he will look down on us with all that heaven will allow, lighting the way and reminding us to savor every moment.”

The star was diagnosed with colon cancer in June 2024. This September, he announced her was battling a cancer which affected his brain and spinal cord.

Fans have been left heartbroken over his passing, sharing tributes on social media. One wrote: “Deepest Condolences to all family, bandmates, friends and fans! Very sad! R.I.P.”

Another said: “Unbelievable! My goodness…an amazing talent! One of the greatest voices I have ever heard.”

A third penned: “What a voice. What a talent. Rest in peace, Raul Malo.” Meanwhile, another penned: “Rest in peace, brother. Thank you for the music. You made the world a better place.”

Another said: “RIP, heaven is getting a remarkable man and amazing talent. He will be missed.” 

Eurovision 2026 has been thrown into chaos after multiple countries have boycotted the competition due to Israel’s participation. The annual singing competition, which Austria won this year, will take place in Vienna in May 2026. Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, and the Netherlands have announced their withdrawal after it was revealed Israel will participate in the Eurovision 2026 contest. The European Broadcasting Union’s general assembly met on Thursday, which organises Eurovision, and it was reported that members had shown “clear support for reforms to reinforce trust and protect neutrality”. 

Notably, Spain is one of the Big Five countries that contribute the most financially to the contest. The others are France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. Spanish national broadcaster RTVE has confirmed that it will withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Furthermore, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has also followed Spain’s footsteps.

RTÉ has also confirmed yesterday that Ireland will not participate in Eurovision 2026. Slovenia’s national broadcaster, RTVSLO, has also confirmed it will withdraw from the competition.

RTÉ stated: “Following today’s EBU Winter General Assembly in Geneva at which Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was confirmed, RTÉ’s position remains unchanged. RTÉ will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition.”

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS stated that Israel’s participation “is no longer compatible with the responsibility we bear as a public broadcaster”.

RTVE’s Secretary General, Alfonso Morales, said during the EBU’s general assembly: “We would like to express our serious doubts about the participation of Israeli broadcaster KAN in Eurovision 2026.”

Earlier this year, it was reported that more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a letter calling on organisers to ban Israel from participating in the 2025 singing contest.

Meanwhile, the UK’s Eurovision performances over the last few years have been mixed. This year, the UK entry, Remember Monday’s performance in Basel, had a similar outcome. The band finished in 19th place with 88 points, but all of their points came from the jury vote.

A leading music expert has developed the world’s happiest Christmas car playlist, said to be ‘guaranteed’ to keep everyone smiling. Dr. Claire Renfrew, a music psychologist, sifted through hours of festive tracks to find the perfect songs, with each one adhering to a scientific formula.

The tune that scientifically hits all the right notes is Brenda Lee’s ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’—although a survey of 2,000 motorists who celebrate Christmas found that Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ (45%) is the track that makes them happiest.

Other songs that fit the formula include ‘Feliz Navidad’ by José Feliciano, ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ by Bobby Helms, and ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’ by Michael Bublé, along with classics like ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ by Wizzard.

As a result, Dr. Renfrew has created the ‘World’s Happiest Christmas Car Playlist by Fiat’. The 25-track playlist is designed to bring joy to drivers during the holidays and help combat the stress of traveling.

The playlist, available for free on Spotify, is ranked in order of how closely each song fits the scientific formula.

Dr. Renfrew said: “Christmas songs can have a surprisingly powerful positive impact on us psychologically. Not only do Christmas songs boost our moods, they reduce stress, evoke nostalgia, enhance social bonding, and increase energy.”

She added that they also “trigger joyful anticipation and improve emotional regulation, making them powerful psychological tools for happiness and festive well-being.”

The poll, conducted via OnePoll.com, found that 54% of those driving home for Christmas consider it one of the best moments of the season. Yet, despite it being a highlight, 47% believe it’s the most stressful time to be on the roads.

More than one in ten (13%) said they will be on the road for longer than an hour, with most travelling by car with their partner and children. To help keep children entertained on the journey, 76% said they will listen to Christmas songs.

Victoria Hatfield of FIAT UK, which commissioned the research following the launch of its Grande Panda in the UK, said: “Happiness is part of our brand ethos and we believe that driving home for Christmas doesn’t need to be stressful, but should be celebrated as the start of the festive period”

“By getting the right playlist and plans in place, you can have a magical and stress-free drive home ahead of the big day.”

So, what’s the secret recipe for a dopamine-boosting Christmas song? According to Dr. Renfrew’s formula, the happiest festive tunes have a few things in common:

• They’re in a major key (think bright and cheerful!)

• Feature energetic vocals and instruments

• Have a tempo between 100 and 140 beats per minute

• Include a simple, catchy chorus

• And often follow a classic structure: Verse > Chorus > Verse > Chorus > Instrumental > Chorus