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Sunday, September 28, 2008
| Sinitta: I Love Simon Cowell Unconditionally |
September 17, 2008
By Staff Writers for Now Magazine
Singer says she only split with The X Factor judge because he didn't want a family
Sinitta has revealed that she will always have feelings for her ex-fiancé Simon Cowell.
The couple split in 2002 after being together for 14 years.
But although she's now married, Sinitta, 39, says she still has a special place in her heart for Simon, 48.
'Unconditional love keeps us close,' she says. 'Our friendship is hard to put into words. I like the way Simon sums it up. He always says simply: "It's just us."'
The former singer says she would still be with The X Factor judge had it not been for his refusal to have kids.
'I would say we broke each other's hearts,' she says. 'I always believed Simon and I would marry one day. I can't deny wanting children made that the hardest thing of all.'
Sinitta now has 2 adopted children with husband Andy Willner. Simon, who has been dating Terri Seymour, 34, for 6 years, is godfather to one of their children.
| Abdul: Cowell Can't Turn My Friend Against Me |
September 17, 2008
By Staff Writers for OK Magazine
According to American Idol judge Simon Cowell, he gets bored when everyone gets along with each other.
So when OK! talked to the devious Brit a couple weeks ago, he admitted that he was already trying to stir up a feud between Paula Abdul and her former roommate, the brand new AI panel member, Kara DioGaurdi.
But when we saw Paula the other day, she told us that Simon's just going to have to find another way to amuse himself — because it's not going to happen.
"That's just Simon trying to conjure up his shenanigans," said the Opposites Attract star, who first met Kara in the 90s.
So he's not going to have you at each others' necks?
"No. Kara and I are good friends. We've been hysterically laughing over all this stuff we did as roommates," said Paula, of the time they spent together since filming for the eighth season began.
"I started the whole evolution of what her career's become, because I found her on the streets of New York.
"She was an aspiring song writer, and I said, 'are you good?', and she said, 'yeah' and I heard her demos and I convinced her to quit her job and move to LA in my house."
So what have you been reminiscing about?
"Oh, embarrassing things. Girl stuff. We got into a lot of fun trouble back then," she demurred.
"Honestly," Paula insists, "in that whole time, we never had one argument."
But the question is, will it stay that way, or will Simon have his way in the end?
| Botox Wars: Simon Cowell Vs. Ryan Seacrest The vainest men in showbiz face off... |
September 19, 2008
By Staff Writers for Entertainment Wise
Ryan Seacrest has taken a pop at Simon Cowell, accusing the stony- faced judge of overdoing the botox.
The U.S. presenter claims that X Factor judge's blank expression has nothing to do with boredom or utter disinterest -- the true reason behind the mono-mug is too many facial injections.
Ryan mocked Simon's use of botox on the Ellen DeGenres Show saying, “You wouldn't know (if he's angry) because of all the shots. The angry face is the same as the happy face.”
The two television personalities work together on American Idol and often enjoy a verbal jousting session.
Ryan added, “We are very competitive, we do like to compete but it's for fun.”
Simon has previously confessed to getting his wrinkles plumped, telling the Daily Mail, “I have not had cosmetic surgery. Yes, I've had Botox, but not in an obsessive way. Then again, every guy I know who works in the City has had it now.”
| The Real Fame Academy: What our celebrities, politicians and sports stars were like at school |
September 20, 2008
By Staff Writers for The Daily Mail
SIMON COWELL: DOVER COLLEGE, KENT (1973-1975). Lorenzo Smerillo, former assistant housemaster
Simon was a very unhappy, nicotine-addicted, skinny, scruffy, dishevelled, pimply teen -- rather like most boys at any school.
I found him amusing in a quirky way.
He quite often had some wisecrack or other on the tip of his tongue.
He was admired by some of the boys after he left school with his O-level or two because he got a job as a mail boy at some London record company.
He has become quite pudgy from what I saw once on the box, and still does not know how to dress.
But his sardonic wit is leaven to the morass of TV idiocy.
| Good Friday |
September 20, 2008
By David Wooding and Joia Shillingford for The Sun
Tory leader David Cameron took 40 per cent of the vote in a phone poll yesterday to find who Sun readers think is the best person to fight the credit crunch.
PM Gordon Brown got 29 per cent, X Factor’s Simon Cowell just three per cent, Sir Alan Sugar 15 per cent – and Mr Bean 13 per cent.
| Simon to Settle Audition-Round Ties |
September 22, 2008
By Matt Mitovich for KREN
It was one of the first questions that came to mind when American Idol added Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge for Season 8, and now there is an answer. A spokesperson for the Fox juggernaut confirms for TVGuide.com that during the audition rounds currently taking place here, there and everywhere, should the quartet of judges vote to a 2-2- tie, Simon Cowell will be the one who decides if a wannabe gets to be moving on to the Hollywood round.
Simon's status as kingmaker/heartbreaker was first revealed by Paula Abdul on a radio show. Sure, watch this new development make the Brit go and get all cocky on us now!
The new season of Idol premieres in January.
| A Mansion Fit for a TV King: Simon Cowell's £4m Dream Home Is Finally Ready... FOUR YEARS |
September 25, 2008
By Staff Writers for The Daily Mail
It’s taken two years of renovation but it seems that Simon Cowell’s luxury Beverly Hills mansion is finally ready to live in.
Work began on the enormous home in 2006 after the American Idol judge bought the site for $8million in 2004.
He promptly demolished the existing six-bedroom house and set to work on building his dream home.
The new building is 8,000 square-feet and will house a gym, a hi-tech media room and a swimming pool.
Celebrity neighbours will include Madonna, Jessica Simpson, Sharon Stone and his fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul.
Simon's new home is also a conveniently short drive from Fox Studios and the Californian branch of The Ivy, his favourite restaurant.
The 48-year-old multi-millionaire has been living in another of his homes nearby during the renovations.
| This Is NOT the Show I Signed Up For! |
September 18, 2008
By Jessica Boulton for The People
JUDGE SICK OF BEING OVER-RULED ON ACTS: Cheryl's outburst at controlling Simon
X Factor newcomer Cheryl Cole is at war with fellow judge Simon Cowell - because she thinks he's far too controlling.
The Girls Aloud beauty was furious after Simon insisted one of her favourite acts be sent home - and demanded crisis talks with producers.
Cheryl, 25, was even overheard raging that it was not the show she signed up for.
The tensions exploded at the show's bootcamp stage, which was screened last night and will end tonight.
Atv source said: "Cheryl was fed up with Simon always getting his way. She loves doing X Factor but doesn't feel happy with some of the decisions that have been made - mostly by Simon."
Cheryl was outraged when Leona Lewis's friend Duane Lamonte, 23 - who has been in West End musical Daddy Cool - was axed.
She was also annoyed that Scots hopeful Rikki Loney, 20, failed to be sent on to the judges' houses.
The source said: "It was the last straw for Cheryl. She thought Duane deserved to get through to the next stage. But Simon was adamant that he should be sent packing.
"Cheryl truly believed Simon had made theywrong decision. She stood up with a face like thunder and stormed off towards the producers.
Tense
"She was visibly angry as she spoke to them and getting really upset. Then she demanded they go somewhere and have a meeting."
Filming at London's IndigO2 venue was halted as Cheryl saw producers in a private room.
The source said: "She was saying that it wasn't what she signed up for.
She blamed Simon for always getting his way. All this was going on behind closed doors while Simon was sitting outside. Then a staff member was sent to get him. He looked as though he was a naughty schoolboy being herded into the headmaster's office.
"He and Cheryl were in there for another 15 minutes at least, airing it all out."
Cheryl had calmed downwhen the pair emerged but the atmosphere was still tense - and the decision on Duane was not changed.
Fellow judges Dannii Minogue and LouisWalsh tried to steer clear of the row.
"The tension was unbearable," said the insider. "There's anger bubbling under the surface."
The pair clashed two weeks ago about another act - and the latest flare-up left bosses of the ITV1 and ITV2 show worried that Cheryl might stage a Sharon Osbourne-style walkout in disgust. But the insider said: "She wouldn't do that - she loves the programme too much."
Rikki was in floods of tears after Simon snatched away his place - but viewers don't see his emotional exit.
TheGlasgow singer thought Simon changed his mind at the last second then over-ruled other judges.
Rikki said: "Everyone was really upset because they all thought I was through. Even the production crew and researchers were crying and apologising to me about it all.
Acts
"Everyone thought I was one of the guys going to the judges' houses. But something made Simon stop Dannii from speaking - and he changed his mind about me.
"I was absolutely devastated.
Dannii was really upset and said sorry and you could see Louis and Cheryl were really choked up."
Simon also had diva moments at boot camp, sending staff out on a whim to buy him special meals - ignoring the onsite catering.
Oneworker said: "Simon has been around famous celebs for too long. He has a touch of the diva around him."
Viewers last night saw 150 acts whittled down to just 50 - with Simon at the heart of more drama. Desperate mother-of-five Rachel Hylton, 26, nearly came to blows with Simon when he showed how unimpressed he was with her rendition of Chasing Cars.
He told her the performance "would not work on the show" and declared that she had ruined the song.
But former drug addict Rachel, hit back: "It's easy for you to sit there. But for everyone who stands up here I have to defend our position. I have practised and practised and I know this song."
Simon shrugged her off, saying: "I don't need you to tell me what I should be saying.
Stand up for yourself but don't play the victim."
And Cheryl landed in ANOTHER row last night when she argued with her fellow judges that Joseph Chukukere deserved a place.
| Simon Cowell - Britney to Show Her X Factor |
September 26, 2008
By Staff Writers for Contact Music
Simon Cowell has netted one of the world of pop's biggest names to appear on this year's The X Factor – Britney Spears.
The pop princess has had a troubled couple of years but is now attempting to mount a comeback with a new album and world tour.
After rumours swirled around in the last week The X Factor website confirmed the story today, describing it modestly as the "coup of the century".
"Yes, I think Britney Spears is going to perform on The X Factor," Cowell said.
"We're absolutely thrilled to have her. She's a hugely talented person; everyone wants to work with her because she’s a star."
This year's X Factor is gearing up for the live shows which are now only days away.
A double-header this weekend will see those who got through the first round of auditions vie for the attentions of the four judges to see who will be selected for the live shows.
Those who are successful can look forward to the chance of spending some quality time with Britney herself – so long as they don't push her over the edge.
Cowell added: "The fact that she goes a bit crazy occasionally makes her more interesting. If she wants to shave her head before she comes on the show, she's welcome to, I don't care!"
Sunday, September 14, 2008
| 'I Got Simon Out of His Trousers!' |
September 9, 2008
By Staff Writers for The Sun
X Factor judge Dannii Minogue has done the world a favour - she has finally persuaded Simon Cowell to abandon those high-waisted trousers for good.
The Aussie starlet, who has just confirmed our story that she IS dating Rugby star Kris Smith, is now working on her co-panellist's unflattering 'square-hair' look.
In her column in this week’s Closer magazine, she said: “He ditched those high-waisted trousers after I went on at him on last year’s show, so now we need to get him over his obsession for square hair! It needs to go.”
Fair enough!
| Si Cowell's Help for Ear-oes |
September 8, 2008
By Jen Blackburn for The Sun
Simon Cowell is sending lovable X Factor OAP Cyril Grant to a top hearing specialist today to buy a state of the art hearing aid.
At 80 years old, singing Cyril is in rude health but has been struggling with his hearing on the show.
So now moneybags judge Simon, 48, has offered to splash his cash on treatment at a pricey Harley Street clinic.
A show source said: “Cyril is set to be a huge part of this series. He’s got a really bubbly personality.”
Cyril’s singing has already earned him a place in bootcamp, but the judges all agree better hearing will boost his voice — and his confidence.
Our source added: “Even though he’s 80, he’s as fit as all the other contestants, but his hearing difficulties were holding him back. Simon’s like Mr Fix It. He’s sure doctors can help Cyril and he’s always been keen to invest in his acts.”
Viewers first saw Cyril steal the show two weeks ago when he wowed all four judges with his swinging rendition of classic hit Hey Good Looking.
He told the judges: “I am 80 years old but I feel half my age it’s a beautiful feeling”.
“I’m here because I have a feeling I can win it.
“I’ve always wanted to be a big star, all my life, it was one of my big dreams.
“I want to prove that you’re never too old to make it. I have the will, drive and enthusiasm.”
After the audition, Simon told the other judges: “He’s a showman.”
| Simon Cowell Is My Rock, Says TV's Emma Noble |
September 14, 2008
By Louisa Pilbeam for The Mirror
Former gameshow host Emma Noble has spoken for the first time about how Simon Cowell has been supporting her as she battles to relaunch her career and bring up her autistic son.
Emma, ex-wife of James Major, said of TV svengali Cowell, 48: "We talk as friends do. We talk about my work with charity work, about the weather, The X Factor... everything. He'll tell me about his day and I talk about mine. We have a lot in common."
Emma's met Simon several times and says they get on because they both take a cynical view of life.
Last month the Sunday Mirror told how the pair have been meeting to help boost Emma's TV career. The 35-year-old single mum -- divorced from James in 2003 after four years of marriage -- talks to Simon about her work with the National Autistic Society -- she's been their ambassador since her son Harry, eight, was diagnosed with the condition five years ago.
Emma criticised her former parents-in-law, ex-Prime Minister Sir John Major and his wife Norma, accusing them of failing to be involved in Harry's life. She said they did not send him a card for his eighth birthday in July.
Emma added that Harry sees James every other weekend. However, James said yesterday: "I reject the wholly false and hurtful allegations made about my parents.
"Harry has brought great joy into all our lives and Mum and Dad could not love him more."
| Will Young Praises Cowell, 'X Factor' |
September 14, 2008
By Michael Thornton for Digital Spy
Will Young has praised the work of Simon Cowell and music talent shows such as The X Factor.
The 'Leave Right Now' singer, whose new album Let It Go is released on September 29, commented that he owes "everything" to the audition process.
Young, winner of the first series of X Factor forerunner Pop Idol, added that Cowell is often maligned for his harsh criticisms, but is usually in the right.
"Simon Cowell and I exchanged a few cross words at the time but I have nothing but respect for what he has done bringing the show on," he said.
| Cheryl: 'Get Me Out of Here' |
September 12, 2008
By Staff Writers for News of the World
Cheryl and Simon clash in a bitter X-Factor showdown as the gorgeous Girl Aloud screams: "You're doing my head in!"
Teary Cheryl lashes out after being over-ruled AGAIN by Mr Nasty Simon Cowell, at one point admitting: "I am starting to realise I am fighting a losing battle here.”
A shocked Simon asks: "You don’t want to do this anymore do you?”
The sniping crescendos as Shelley Morefield, 29 from Exeter, gives a rendition of Take Another Little Piece of My Heart.
“Gorgeous” declares Cheryl. Simon disagrees: "It's everything I hate.”
| Tempers Flare during Latest X Factor Audtion Show as Cowell and Cole Clash |
September 13, 2008
By Rick Fulton for The Daily Record
The X Factor auditions are almost over ... but Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell are at each other's throats again this week.
It seems the new girl is making sure she won't be pushed around.
In tonight's penultimate audition show, Cheryl tells Simon, "You are doing my head in" as the pair continue to squabble.
Whether it's chemistry or Simon's ego - or even a bit of both - once again the judges' X-changes are taking over from the talent.
They clash when Ryan Cummings, 22, from London arrives singing, "I am going to be a superstar" and claiming he's going to be as big as Usher.
Singing I Believe I Can Fly, he brings a huge smile to Cheryl's face and she declares: "I loved that. I liked your confidence but don't turn it into cockiness".
But Simon is not impressed, claiming: "I just don't get it, flat, substandard wannabe."
That leads to an argument between himself on one side and Dannii Minogue and Cheryl, who both love the R&B tones of Ryan, on the other.
The Girls Aloud star also clashes with Simon over 14-year- old school girl Melanie McCabe, from Dublin.
Cheryl believes she isn't quite ready to progress in the competition despite Simon believing she is "100 per cent ready".
That leads Cheryl to tell Simon: "I don't have to give her a shot because you are telling me I have to. I am going to make my own decision."
Shelley Morefield, 29, from Exeter, also causes Cheryl and Simon to snipe at each other after her performance of Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart.
"Gorgeous," declares Cheryl, but Simon hits back: "It is everything I hate".
Cheryl tells her: "If I was in a pub watching you, I would stay and finish my drink". Simon snipes: "That's hardly a compliment."
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