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Saturday, April 30, 2005
| Simon Rates the Remaining Idols |
April 27, 2005
By Staff Writers for Extra! TV
Bo Bice and Vonzel Solomon brought down the house Tuesday night on "Idol," while Heather Locklear and her adorable daughter, Eva, watched from the audience. Today our Terri Seymour got the inside scoop on the final six from the one and only Simon Cowell.
The Rockers: Bo and Constantine
"If I wore eyeliner and pouted would I be more attractive?" Simon asked sarcastically. "I don't believe any of these guys are rock and roll, and I'll tell you why: can you imagine the lead singer of Green Day singing 'I Can't Smile Without You' with Carrie Underwood? I mean give me a break."
Carrie Underwood
"There's a movie called 'The Mighty Wind,' and it's about a folk group reuniting," Simon recalled. "And I looked at Bo and Carrie and I thought, 'God, this is like a scene from The Mighty Wind.'"
Anthony Fedorov
"He's a little angel," Simon admitted. "It's only when he does that Latin dancing, it's, 'Oh shut up, Anthony!'"
Vonzell Solomon
"Definitely the most personality," insisted Simon. "Very, very sweet person."
Scott Savol
According to Simon, "Scott epitomizes the normal guy who can do well in this competition. I think he's the sort of person who all his life has been told, 'You can't do this, you'll never achieve that.'"
So Long to...
So who will get the axe tonight? Simon made the call: "It's going to be difficult to predict right now, but my money would have to be on Scott."
For those who don't know, it was Constantine who was voted off.
| Simon Cowell's Il Divo Release Debuts in North America |
April 19, 2005
By Jaclyn Arndt for SoulShine
The market for pop-opera artists seems to be growing these days (think Josh Groban and Charlotte Church), and American Idol judge Simon Cowell, observant lad that he is, noticed this trend and fashioned his own group to fit the mould. The result is Il Divo, a multinational band comprising four young men with classically trained voices.
Those who have been looking for a highbrow version of American Idol can buy Il Divo’s debut album starting today in North America. An American, a Frenchman, a Spaniard, and a Swiss sing in English, Spanish, and Italian on the disc, giving the project an element of worldliness.
To hear what an operatic pop boy-band sounds like singing a Spanish version of Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart” (surprisingly manly!), go to www.ildivo.com.
Il Divo’s self-titled debut features the following tracks:
“Unbreak My Heart (Regresa A Mi)”
“Mama”
“Nella Fantasia”
“Passerà”
“Every Time I Look At You”
“Ti Amerò”
“Dentro un Altro Si”
“The Man You Love”
“Feelings”
“Hoy Que Ya No Estas Aqui”
“Sei Parte Ormai Di Me”
“My Way (A Mi Manera)”
“Unchained Melody (Senza Catene)”
Comments:
I saw and heard Il Divo on the Regis show this morning. They are absolutely fantastic. Simon Cowell has done it again. Thank you.First thing in the morning I shall go out and purchase the cd.
Posted by: Evelyn on April 19, 2005
I saw and heard il Divo on Oprah show. I could not wait for the CD to come out! Today I purchased it and have listened to it a dozen times. Bravo to these four wonderfully talented men.
Posted by: Anonymous on April 19, 2005
I have seen Il Divo in all their appearances on the US TV (Oprah, Extra TV, Tonight Show, Today Show, Regis and Kelly) and they are absolutely AWESOME!!!!!!!! Among all those real handsome faces, my favorite is the Spanish one "Carlos Marin". I will recommend their music to everyone I know.
Posted by: Anonymous on April 19, 2005
these guys are HOT!..Sebastien - a hunk!
Posted by: Anonymous on April 19, 2005
I purchased the CD and all I can say is FABULOUS. I am not one to listen to opera, but the songs are amazing! It is the only CD I have listened to since yesterday morning. I am telling as many people as a I can about the fabulous CD. Bravo Il Divo!!
Posted by: Anonymous on April 20, 2005
How do I get this CD?
Posted by: Anonymous on April 20, 2005
They are AMAZING!! I am buying that CD as soon as it comes out!! when are they comeing out anyways?
Posted by: Anonymous on April 21, 2005
i saw il divo on oprah - they were so amazing - the next day i went to buy their cd - i must say that they are amazing - i hope that they will make a tour soon -
Posted by: Anonymous on April 23, 2005
when i listened to il divo for the first time i cried because their music is divine.i don´t like opera music but when i listened to the album i just loved it, because the music touched my heart. i want to give thanks for il divo for bring this cd to this planet, because this cd is divine and i think that this cds gonna change the life of many people( like me ). my favourite song is mama.
Posted by: Anonymous on April 24, 2005
This group is fabulous - what a range in vocals - when I first listened to their CD, my hair stood on end. They are so young and so talented. I would love to see them in concert. Hope they come to Toronto.
Posted by: Susan on April 24, 2005
I saw them, I bought it! Those voices together give me goosebumps. Simon knows his business. What a fantastic quartet of voices. I can't wait for more!
Posted by: Anonymous on April 25, 2005
Music as it ought to be! Takes you above and away from the mundane to the music of the spheres! I love it. Wish there were more of the same calibre.
One up for the group, and one up for Simon Cowell. Now anyone who wants to can clearly see what he's looking for in American Idol and realize that he is not being nasty for the sake of being nasty. His tastes in music are almost other- worldly. I hope he produces more of the same.
Posted by: Anonymous on April 25, 2005
Friday, April 29, 2005
| Simon & Sharon: Neighbours from Hell? |
April 28, 2005
By Staff Writers for Teen Today
Simon Cowell says he goes out of his way to avoid meeting Sharon Osbourne. The pop mogul and the reality TV star, who appeared together on talent show 'The X Factor', live next to each other in Los Angeles. But the music boss says they are far from neighbourly after a number of bust ups on the show.
He revealed: "She lives just around the corner but I don't see her. Put it this way, if I see her face to face it is fine - but we are not going round and swapping cups of sugar or anything. "I try not to see her. I take a detour to miss her house."
Sharon is not the only fellow judge Simon has fallen out with. Paula Abdul threatened to quit the panel of 'American Idol' branding him an "obnoxious jerk" and an "ass" after the 45-year-old reduced a contestant to tears.
| 'American Idol' Judge Dissed By Finnish Singer In 'Simon Can't Sing' |
April 28, 2005
By Staff Writers for MTV and Tracey Ford for Rolling Stone
Sara Nunes song will be available in U.S. through iTunes next week.
Simon Cowell has been saying it to people for years, and now someone is finally saying it to him.
Like Constantine Maroulis, the American Idol contestant who was surprisingly voted off the show Wednesday night, Finland's Sara Nunes left her rock & roll band behind to pursue pop stardom. However, unlike the diplomatic Maroulis, she is not above taking shots at Idol judge Simon Cowell.
...Nunes has scored a hit in her native Finland with a song called "Simon Can't Sing" that calls out the "American Idol" judge for lacking the skills it takes to win the show
Simon can't sing/ Simon can't dance," Nunes sings in the chorus. "He doesn't look cool/ And he's not in a band/ But he thinks he looks so hot when he dresses in black... Do you think that you're cool?/Do you think that you rule?/Do you think that you're hot on your TV show?/ . . . I would rather piss off people like you."."
While Simon's critiques are delivered with a sharp tongue, Nunes has hers planted firmly in cheek.
"It's not meant to be taken too seriously," said the singer, whose voice could be mistaken for Ashlee Simpson's. "It started as a harmless joke, and then it turned out to actually be a really good song."
In fact, Nunes is a bit smitten with Cowell. "The first time I saw Simon I just fell in love with the guy," she said. "He's so cool."
Finland has its own "Finnish Idol"; Cowell is not a judge, but the country also airs "American Idol." "We had to go with the bigger market," Nunes said.
In the U.S., "Simon Can't Sing" will be available exclusively through iTunes beginning next week. Nunes has also serviced the video, which is being played on MTV Nordic, to American outlets.
"We kidnap Simon," Nunes said of the clip. "We have a look-alike Simon guy. And Randy and Paula [look-alikes]. I'm singing to them, and Simon's like, 'This sucks.' "
While Cowell is the subject of the "Simon Can't Sing" chorus, the verses actually attack the contestants and pop singers who use a TV show or a commercial to get their "15 minutes."
"I wrote me a song and it's not about love/ I don't give a damn if you tell me it sucks/ I won't pretend I'm someone else," Nunes sings.
"We're not dissing the whole thing," she insisted. "I'm a fan of the show. It entertains people more than anything else, and I guess that's what I'm doing, so we're on the same track."
On her upcoming album, How 2 Rule Da World in 12 EZ Lessons, Nunes also goes after record companies on "Message 2 the Industry." "Record companies should give more freedom to artists," explained the 23-year-old, who formed Sinamour when she was 15 and scored the first Finnish video on MTV Nordic before going solo.
Other tracks on her album include "Starf---er" and "Britney's Still a Virgin."
"I like Britney — I respect anyone who does what they want to do," Nunes said. "But there's a lot of important things in life. We're also singing about HIV in Africa on the same song, so we're trying to put some things into perspective.
"The record is full of surprises," she added.
Nunes does admit to being a fan of Cowell's new boy band Il Divo ("Those guys are really amazing!") as well as an avid Idol viewer -- both the American and Finnish versions. Her early American Idol favorite was Nadia Turner, but after she was voted off, she switched her allegiance to Maroulis. "He's really cute," she says, "and you can tell he believes in what he does."
FYI, audio and video are available at MTV's web page. (You'll need Windows Media Player 9 to play it.)
| Simon Cowell's Il Divo Makes U.S. Chart History |
April 28, 2005
By Staff Writers from Yahoo Biz
Il Divo Debuts at #4 on Billboard 200 Bestselling Albums Chart, The Highest U.S. Chart Entry in SoundScan History for A Debut Album From A UK-Signed Act
NEW YORK, April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Il Divo, the self-titled debut album from the groundbreaking pop opera quartet, has just debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 Bestselling Albums chart with first week's sales of more than 146,000 records, a remarkable and unprecedented feat given an absence (so far) of either traditional radio support or an on-air music video. Il Divo, already a #1 album in the UK, has achieved the highest U.S. chart entry (in the SoundScan era) for a debut album from a UK-signed act.
The group's debut album, Il Divo, hit the #1 slot on both Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com after a breakout career-defining appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" (April 5, 2005) where the quartet performed its interpretation of Toni Braxton's "Unbreak My Heart" ("Regressa A Mi").
Il Divo was formed under the aegis of the iconic "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, who conducted a two-year international talent search before discovering David Miller (USA - tenor), Sebastien Izambard (France - vox populi), Urs Buhler (Switzerland - tenor) and Carlos Marin (Spain - baritone), a virtuosic vocal quartet who combine their astounding musical mastery with smoldering sex appeal.
"Il Divo have taught me more than I have taught them," said Simon Cowell. "I am actually intimidated and slightly in awe of their talent! I am more proud of this album than anything else I've been involved with."
Blending the energy of contemporary popular music with the transcendent grace and flawless technique of classical opera, Il Divo debuted at #1 on the UK charts, bringing a fresh new sound to millions of ecstatic fans in Europe and the UK. A bonafide global sensation, Il Divo is already a Top 5 record in seven countries and has sold more than 3 million units around the world.
FYI, as of today it's #3 on US Amazon, #154 on UK Amazon.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
| X Factor Heads for Manchester |
April 28, 2005
By Dianne Bourne for Manchester Online
The X Factor is back and on May 7 Mr. Nasty himself, Simon Cowell, will be wielding his vicious tongue on Greater Manchester hopefuls.
The second series of the ITV talent contest, due to be screened next year, is holding four open auditions for the first time, with the northern one being held at The Lowry Hotel on Saturday, May 7.
Last year, hopefuls had to apply for an audition but this time producers are inviting anyone to drop in in a bid to find more untapped musical talent.
Any solo artist or singing groups aged 16 or over can attend, with the select few set to gain an audience with show judge Simon Cowell.
Former Happy Mondays singer Rowetta, whose career was revived after appearing on the show, says she has already been inundated with emails asking for her advice on how to impress the judges, but says that talent is always the biggest factor.
"I think people should just be themselves, and not dress or act stupidly just to try to get on TV," she says.
Producers
"At the first audition stage, the producers are looking for the good, the bad and the ugly, and it's all very well doing a mad audition, but you've got to be able to sing at the end of it all."
Last year, 50,000 hopefuls went through the show's audition process and nine million viewer votes were cast to crown Steve Brookstein as series winner.
He went on to score a No.1 hit with his debut single, Against All Odds.
A spokeman for X Factor says: "Auditions are on a first come, first served basis, so anyone who thinks they have the X Factor should come early to get a place.
"We're looking for a group or solo singer over the age of 16 who has got what it takes to win the biggest talent contest the UK has ever seen."
The doors open at 9am and hopefuls should take along valid photo ID. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, call 0207 691 6916 or log on to www.xfactor.tv.
| Idol Judges Get a Room Makeover |
April 28, 2005
By Staff Writers for Contact Music
American Idol judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul were so unimpressed with the dressing rooms they use for their hit talent show, they hired designers to revamp the drab decor.
Cowell, Abdul, fellow judge Randy Jackson and show host Ryan Seacrest all received makeovers following a collaboration between US TV show Extra! and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's Michael Moloney.
British music mogul Cowell says of his old room, "It was a cell without bars.
"It's a nice place to hang out now - we spend an hour here before the show. It's much more relaxing."
| KidSational Records New Teen Band 'TGK' Gets Endorsement From Simon Cowell |
April 26, 2005
By Staff Writers for Top 40 Charts
ORLANDO, FL. (KidSational Inc./ www.kidsationalinc.com) - KidSational Records, a subsidiary of KidSational, Inc. announces that its latest pop sensation, TGK, is set to take Britain by storm after getting the thumbs-up from American Idol judge Simon Cowell.
TGK, who hail from Orlando, are the brainchild of music producer Rod "Allegro" Norman of B2K fame. The funky two boy - two girl band caught the eye of British pop guru Simon Cowell when they played live at the U.S. screen premier of the film "Shrek 2." TGK has now hired Simon's publicist brother Tony Cowell, to help launch the band in Britain next month.
TGK has gained a massive fan base in Florida after taking over the mantle from Justin Timberlake and N'Sync as the spokespersons for America's popular teen portal TeenCentral.net - which helps teenagers with everyday problems.
The band is currently recording their first album in the U.S. - with a UK debut single scheduled to be a cover of the Rod Stewart classic "Some Guys have all the Luck."
"TGK are already hot in the U.S.," says Tony Cowell - who has worked with top British boy band Boyzone. "Their music is edgy, soulful - and they sing acapella brilliantly. This band has a massive worldwide future. They have a clean image and are very much in touch with today's teenage market. I think they are going to be hot on both sides of the Atlantic."
For additional information visit our website at www.tgkmusic.com
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
| Simon Cowell's Il Divo Hits the U.S. |
April 26, 2005
By Colleen Long for The Tri-City Herald
NEW YORK (AP) - Il Divo was created by "American Idol" meanie Simon Cowell in the traditional commercial boy-band way: they were hand-picked after a huge international search...
The group has been traveling the world promoting their album and recently appeared on Oprah Winfrey's show, and they are ready to defend their creator's notoriously biting antics on "American Idol."
"He basically just speaks his mind. He says all the things we think in our deepest minds, and fulfills everyone's secret desire to have it said," Miller said.
"He's the man who had the big idea, he found us and has the overall producer's eye, but he's a very busy man and we don't meet him often," Izambard said. "And when we do he's certainly not mean to us."
| Simon Says |
April 26, 2005
By Jennifer Reingold for Fast Company
OK, so I admit it. I'm an American Idol junkie (though not as much as I was two weeks ago, before my two favorites, Nadia and Anwar, got the boot). But when I rehash the show with the two or three other people in my age group who fess up to watching it, I'm always amazed by everyone's negative reaction to mean man Simon Cowell.
OK, so in a management sense the guy is definitely lacking in emotional intelligence. He doesn't say that at least Constantine looked good before comparing him to a Spanish nightclub singer. I think "hideous" was his one-word comment for another performer. But let's face it: the guy speaks the truth. It's a truth that's hard to take, but it's also a truth we all need to hear every so often. whether our goal is to become the nation's next pop star or simply finish up that project on time.
When I look at the stacks of books touting soft skills and nice guy leadership that pass through our cubicles every week, I can't help but wonder if a lot of people in business culture confuse being supportive with lying. That's what judge Paula Abdul does, after all: She tries to make everyone feel good, but never gives them anything to improve on. Then, when they're voted off by 20 million people the next week, they never know what hit them.
In a corporate environment, I'd rather suffer 12 insults and get one real compliment from someone I trust than have to listen to Paula's meaningless drivel and Randy's fake buddy-buddy stuff. Really now, dawg, wouldn't you?
| Defending Simon Cowell |
April 27, 2005
By Lisa Burt for The Midweek News
Every Tuesday and [Wednesday] I find myself racing to finish my homework so that I can devote one whole hour to settling into the couch to watch American Idol. I’m not one of those TV-crazy people that watch TV for 5 hours straight everyday. This is the only show that I watch religiously, besides The OC, but I think I am an addict. Being loyal to a particular show is understandable, but when I watch this show I am zoned in so much that I get mad when my phone rings and after the show I end up discussing what happened with my mom and my friends for about an hour. My point is that I am not a highly addictive person. I do not have a daily agenda of watching television, so why this show? Simon Cowell.
Although his offensive comments may be jaw-dropping, his crude remarks are the best part of the show and the only credible opinion from the judges panel. I definetly don’t watch for Paula’s long drawn-out responses. Even when the singers perform terribly, she is always so happy and positive. I want some of whatever she’s taking! Randy Jackson, although professional and credible, seems to play favorites often. Although he has a good ear for pitch and key, he is often inconsistent. This leaves Simon to judge. He is rude, insensitive, brutally honest and always direct. Even though, the contestants are constantly getting positive feedback from Paula, when Simon says something good, they respect it.
Everyone always criticizes Simon for his rawness, but without him there would be no show. I wouldn’t watch it. Between Randy barking and Paula using every adjective in the English language in one sentence, the show would be a flop. Fortunately, it’s the exact opposite of a failure, thanks to Simon, it is the most popular reality TV show on television. It tops Real World, the Bachelor, and any other reality TV show. Each result show the number of voters is revealed and amazingly tops the week before. Why? OK, ability, but the rest is all Simon. He is so raw, it’s actual reality.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
| Sharon and Simon Buddies? Yeah Right! |
April 25, 2005
By Staff Writers for TheBBC
Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne have buried the hatchet ahead of another series of 'The X-Factor'.
It's coming back to our screens and both judges are set to make a return.
We've been speaking to Sinitta, who lost out to Hue and Cry on 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' at the weekend.
Luckily she's back on Simon's team and reckons even though the pair have made the peace -- the sparks are sure to fly again:
"Sharon and Simon? They've made up and everything, but I know that they're going to get all wound up again even though everyone's like 'Next time we've got to not take it too personally' -- yeah right!"
| Well Done, Our Kid! The Highs and Lows of Celebrity Sibling Rivalry |
April 26, 2005
By Nick Webster for The Mirror
The two brothers have always worked in the same business. But one has risen rather higher than the other.
Joseph Ratzinger is now Pope Benedict XVI while his brother Georg, now retired, was a parish priest. Both were ordained on the same day in 1951 but while Joseph climbed the Catholic hierarchy Georg, at 81 the older by two years, seemed content on a much lower rung of the ladder.
It's common for brothers and sisters to follow the same vocation and -- as with the Ratzingers -- one often appears to be more successful.
Here we look at 10 celebrities whose careers have taken a different direction from their siblings in the same business...
SIMON AND NICHOLAS COWELL
In a perfect example of riding on a more successful sibling's coat tails, Nicholas tried his luck as presenter of ITV1's reality show The Block.
Unfortunately the 42-year-old property investor flopped, lacking the charisma and wit which made big brother Simon a star on both sides of the Atlantic. Maybe he didn't listen to 45- year-old Simon's advice. "He told me to wear my trousers a bit higher," said Nicholas.
| Stars "Cinch an Inch" for Charity |
April 25, 2005
By Staff Writers for Country Weekly
It's that time of year-when thoughts turn to dieting and losing those extra 10 pounds before summer. In the spirit of slimming down, many celebrities have donated autographed belts for an online charity auction to benefit America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization. The celebrity belt auction, sponsored by Post Healthy Classic cereals, is part of the company's new "Cinch an Inch" healthy weight- loss campaign that advises dieters to use the notches on their belt as a guide toward slimming success. Between April 25 and May 7, fans can go to Charity Folks to bid on belts donated by country stars including Naomi Judd, Martina McBride, Blake Shelton, Deana Carter, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy and Miranda Lambert. Other non-country celebs include Cameron Diaz, Donald Trump, Britney Spears and the American Idol judges, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.
Monday, April 25, 2005
| Simonisms |
April 24, 2005
By Nestor Torre for the Inquirer News
Thanks to Loi R. Landicho of Makati City for sharing his compilation of "Simonisms"-Simon Cowell's scathing remarks on "American Idol," which add spice to the top-rated talent search. Enjoy:
"In a competition full of hamburgers, you are a steak."
"In a second life, I want to come back as your microphone."
"It looks like you've gone into an aging machine."
"It was a little like watching a kitten who wants to be a tiger."
"You're the musical equivalent of Ryan Seacrest."
"I think 30 million TV sets in America had their volume turned down simultaneously tonight."
"(You doing a sexy performance) would be rather like Randy Jackson going on 'Baywatch.'"
"Thank God it was only a one-minute song -- we'd have a full striptease after three minutes."
"That was the equivalent of musical wallpaper-when you're in a house, you notice the wallpaper, but you don't remember it."
"You've turned into the musical equivalent of a blanket: you're just sort of comfortable and safe."
"Honestly, based on that performance, if I were sitting in a karaoke bar, I'd be switching the microphone off."
"Let me give you a horoscope: A suitcase and plane ticket within 24 hours.
"You have as much Latin flair as a polar bear!"
| Simon, I've Got Some New Lines for You |
April 25, 2005
By Ellen Gray for the Philadelphia Daily News
Spanish restaurants with singing waiters, Magic Mountain musical revues, cruises with crooners and karaoke bars -- that Simon Cowell sure hangs out in some fascinating places, doesn't he?
As Fox's "American Idol" chugs along toward its May 25 finale, the things that Simon says are becoming -- if I'm being honest -- a little boring.
It's not so much that he's cranky. Cranky's acceptable, particularly if you're dealing with an entire evening of disco -- sorry, " '70s dance music" -- or Broadway standards sung by contestants who heard them for the first time the week before.
With Paula Abdul making goo-goo eyes at every male contestant who crosses her line of sight, and Randy Jackson blowing hot and cold, we need Simon's honesty.
If he's being honest.
Gotta wonder, though, just how much time a successful, British-born record producer would have logged at L.A.'s Magic Mountain theme park or endured in karaoke bars.
Or why, if he has, he's calling attention to such unglamorous pursuits.
Besides, when even Ryan "After the Break" Seacrest thinks you need new material, you really need new material.
How about some insults a little more in keeping with Simon's real life?
Assuming, of course, that he has a real life.
If not, he needs to let us at least imagine a more exciting one.
Critiques I'd like to hear:
• "If I'm being honest, it reminded me very much of the bagpiper at Madonna's wedding -- after he'd had a nip or two of the Skibo Castle scotch."
• "I'm just trying to keep it real, and to me, it sounded like the dying gasps of a man who'd encountered some bad blowfish in a Tokyo restaurant I ate at recently."
• "You know, Gwyneth's daughter Apple sounds very much like you -- when her nappy needs changing."
• "I'm not sure there's a nice way to say this, but the way you hit that last note put me in mind of the sound one of the queen's corgis made when Prince William and I accidentally backed over it with the Bentley during a visit to Sandringham a fortnight ago."
• "Paul McCartney tells me he's getting into animated films, and I think he might have a role for you - as the voice of a cow being slaughtered in a story about why children shouldn't eat meat."
• "Paula and/or Ryan sounded exactly like that in the shower this morning."
Saturday, April 23, 2005
| 5-Part Simon Interview !!! |
For those of you who haven't seen it yet, there's a 5-part interview with Simon on Idol on FOX's web page. It's in the "Featured Spotlight" section about halfway down the page towards the right.
You'll be able to choose between Real Player and Windows Media Player, and between Broadband and Dial-Up.
After you've watched one of the parts, you can click on the next one in the column on the left-hand side of the page instead of going back to the main page.
Have fun!
Friday, April 22, 2005
| Star Chat: Plastic Surgery? |
April 17, 2005
By Richard Barber for The Sunday People
Simon Cowell, 45
Secret shame: Where to start? The hideous high-waisted trousers, the hairy arms ETH and you'd be too petrified to sing in the bath.
X factor: He's rich and powerful. And everyone loves a bad boy.
| Wills, the Pop Star |
July 7, 2003
By Staff Writers for News 24
London -- Prince William has all the right attributes to be a pop star, and it doesn't matter whether he can sing, music boss Simon Cowell says.
Cowell, known to millions as a caustic judge on the TV talent show Pop Idol, said the handsome prince, who turned 21 last month, could have a huge hit if he recorded a ballad.
In an interview published in the latest issue of celebrity magazine Heat, Cowell said it did not matter whether William, who is second in line to the British throne, could sing or not.
"Prince William would make a great pop idol. He's got the looks and class of a true star," Cowell was quoted as saying.
"I don't know whether the prince can sing or not, but let's face it, that's not always a problem."
Cowell said he could see William making it as a "tortured soul" with "a ballad reflecting on the troubles in his life", including the divorce of his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and his mother's death in a car crash in 1997.
William is known to have a taste for rhythm and blues, hip-hop and pop, but has shown no sign of wanting to become a recording artist.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
| American Idol Host Gets Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame |
April 20, 2005
By Staff Writers for the Associated Press via the Herald Tribune
"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday in a ceremony attended by his TV colleagues, "Idol" judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell.
"Listen, Simon," Jackson said to Cowell, during their ceremonial speech. "What would we say about this day?"
"Ill-deserved," the famously grumpy Cowell replied, dryly. "I cannot believe that April the 20th is going to be Ryan Seacrest Day. I am officially taking this day off my diary."
Seacrest, 30, a 15-year radio veteran, confessed, "I remember getting up this morning at 3:30 a.m. on my way in to do the morning show, and I thought, 'One person is going to come today. . . . . I thought this would be the most unpopular star dedication ever."
Seacrest drew at least a few dozen fans, but, as usual, it was Cowell who seemed to steal the spotlight.
After the ceremony Seacrest told Associated Press Television News, "I actually thought it was a joke when I heard that they were going to do this."
Cowell seemed to share that sentiment, "(This is) one of those things you dread. It just makes me unhappy. I think other people doing well, just naturally makes me unhappy -- especially if they're friends."
| Showbiz Tonight: Stars Party at Time's "100 Most Influential" Celebration |
April 19, 2005
By Staff Writers for Showbiz Tonight
HAMMER: It is time now for another "SHOWBIZ Sitdown," this time with Il Divo. AMERICAN IDOL judge Simon Cowell is really known for his harsh criticism, but you might be surprised to learn that when Il Divo, a young group of young men, auditioned for him for the very first time, they were instant hits.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SIMON COWELL, CREATOR, IL DIVO: This kind of music is going to become more popular in the next few years, because I think people are beginning to appreciate great voices again. I met these four guys, one from Switzerland, one from Spain, one from France and one from America. We introduced them, and we said this is what we would like to do. We would like to make this music popular al over the world. Let`s just match fabulous songs with great voices and these guys have a lot of charisma and thank God it worked.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: You were the only guy who knew who Simon Cowell was going into this project. You didn`t even know he was attached to it until you were far along in the process. He does consider you guys to be his finest achievement. He`s said that. That seems like it`s a lot to live up to now.
CARLOS MARIN, IL DIVO: Yeah, he said always that he`s very proud of us, and we`re like his little kids, so he`s like our dad, well, he was the inventor of this project so, yeah, yeah, we`re very proud of it.
HAMMER: You don`t call him dad, do you?
MARIN: No, no...
HAMMER: True sincerity. Incidentally, Simon Cowell said once that he heard these guys, he pretty much signed them on his label on the spot. Il Divo has sold over 3 million reports worldwide, and if you want to get your own copy of their self-titled CD, it`s in music stores today.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
| Hit Me Baby One More Time: Sinitta Used to Slap Simon Cowell |
April 12, 2005
By Staff Writers for Manchester Online
With a 17-year on-off relationship with pop's Mr Nasty under her belt, it comes as no surprise that it was 80s pop star Sinitta who finally persuaded Simon Cowell to start slimming down for the sake of his image.
"I put him on a diet and doesn't he look better for it?" giggles the 38- year-old about her ex-fiance.
"You know what Simon's like, he's so arrogant and he thinks he's so gorgeous -- but I was like, `Look darling, even you have put on a few pounds so sort yourself out!'.
"He does look better and now he'll phone me if I'm watching American Idol and say, `Do I look good? Do I look fat?' -- and I'm always brutally honest, just like he is!" she laughs, flashing her trademark bright white smile.
The singer teamed up with her ex- manager again for the notoriously fraught X Factor auditions.
And she's adamant that his `Mr Nasty' persona is not an act -- and that's exactly why they are still the very best of friends.
"Simon is absolutely being himself, and that is really, really what he's like, which is why our relationship is the way it is -- I like that about him because I've always known where I've stood," she explains.
"I mean yes, sometimes he's just mean to be horrible, sometimes he's overtired or in a bad mood, but often it's just that he's never been good at putting his opinion over in a subtle way and he just says it how he feels it.
"Sometimes people do want to slap him for what he says," she adds, "and in the old days I used to!"
When news of Cowell's acerbic style first hit the American airwaves people were absolutely outraged, she reveals.
"He had to have a huge bodyguard and everything -- but now you walk down the street with him and people love him. I mean, Oprah Winfrey, my personal hero, recently had an actual Simon Cowell day on the her show - it's just amazing," she grins.
"He's a lot of fun -- well, he's been telling the same jokes for the last 20 years and I still laugh so I think that's a pretty good pairing!"
Now living just around the corner from each other in west London, the pair are still so close that it was Simon who gave his best friend away at her 2002 wedding to businessman Andrew Willner...
| Cowell Backs Our X Factor |
April 20, 2005
By Victoria newton for The Sun
X Factor judge Simon Cowell yesterday backed The Sun’s Rock The Vote campaign.
The 45-year-old TV pop guru said young people should stand up for what they believe in.
He added: “Everybody should vote. You can’t complain and say you are not happy if you don’t try to influence the outcome when you have the chance.”
Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell also supported our drive to get young people to go to the polls on election day [May 5].
She said: “Your vote really does count — don’t waste this opportunity to make a difference."
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
| Transcript of Simon on The Today Show with Il Divo |
April 18, 2005
Transcript from The Today Show
Simon Cowell introduces new singing group, Il Divo
KATIE COURIC, co-host:
Simon Cowell, of course, is best known for his harsh put-downs of wannabe pop stars on "American Idol," but this morning, he has nothing but good things to say, things like brilliant and unparalleled, about a new group he's founded called Il Divo. Il Divo's self-titled debut album hits stores tomorrow, and the boys are here, the young men, I guess I should say, to give us a special preview. Ain't life grand? That's all I have to say. Simon Cowell, and Il Divo, good morning to all of you.
Group: (In unison) Good morning.
COURIC: Nice to see you.
Mr. SIMON COWELL: Good morning, Katie.
COURIC: Good morning, Simon.
Mr. COWELL: How are you?
COURIC: I'm fine.
Mr. COWELL: You look very tanned.
COURIC: I do? Well, thank you.
Mr. COWELL: There you are.
COURIC: I think this is absolutely a wonderful idea. Tell me how you came up with the idea, because I thought Andrea Bocelli, when I first heard about this concept, and it turns out that's right. You heard him singing on "The Sopranos" one night, right?
Mr. COWELL: You're very well researched, Katie.
COURIC: Thank you, darling.
Mr. COWELL: Yes, I did. I heard him singing on an episode of "The Sopranos." I thought the song and him sounded unbelievable. So I thought why don't I put together, like an opera, four young guys and do something worldwide with this.
COURIC: And sort of come up with a new version of the Three Tenors...
Mr. COWELL: Yeah, exactly.
COURIC: ...and have the four singers, obviously. So you did this worldwide search.
Mr. COWELL: Which took two years.
COURIC: Which must have been so exciting for you because these guys are all ready, really talented. And--and they're all professionally trained, right, vocalists...
Mr. COWELL: Yeah.
COURIC: ...except for my friend from France, right?
Mr. SEBASTIAN IZAMBARD: I'm self-taught. I'm the alien of the band.
COURIC: Well, that's all right. I think you did a pretty good job teaching yourself. But tell me about the search and what you had to go through. Was it like "American Idol" on a different level?
Mr. COWELL: To a point, yeah. I mean, I didn't sit through the auditions. We paid, I think, 10 people all over the world to short-list them. And actually, when I met these guys, it wasn't like the--the--the people gave me 10 people. They just said these are, in my opinion, the four best in the world at the moment. I suggest you meet them. I met them, and we signed them up on the spot.
COURIC: You heard them sing and you said it was the most beautiful thing you'd ever heard in your life, practically, right?
Mr. COWELL: And the most intimidating thing.
COURIC: Really?
Mr. COWELL: Yeah. Because normally, you know, I've got something to say. And I heard these guys sing, and I was like, right. I'll get my coat.
COURIC: As fast--well, introduce--introduce the guys to us.
Mr. COWELL: OK.
COURIC: This--this gentleman is from Spain.
Mr. COWELL: This is Carlos from Spain. This is David from a little place called America. This is Urs from Switzerland, and this is Sebastian.
Mr. IZAMBARD: Yes.
Mr. COWELL: Sebastian from France.
COURIC: So how are you guys feeling? Obviously, you've been--been performing in Europe. You've sold a lot of records. How many, Simon?
Mr. COWELL: They've sold so far nearly three million albums in Europe in about five months.
COURIC: How--how does it feel to be plucked from obscurity by this guy and become such a huge sensation so quickly?
Mr. DAVID MILLER: Well, I mean, to be honest, to be honest, I mean, I was actually the only one who--who knew who Simon was.
COURIC: Oh, that must have been hard on the ego.
Mr. COWELL: There are cer--there are certain people in the world, certain small countries.
COURIC: I--you found three people who didn't know who you were. Congratulations.
Mr. COWELL: Yes, Katie, yes, Katie.
COURIC: Why--now, are you all excited about singing these songs because it's interesting. For example, you're singing a Toni Braxton song this morning, and some of them are familiar, "My Way," and some are original. Is it exciting for you to kind of have a new interpretation of some of these standards, or is it a bit scary? I mean, to sing Frank Sinatra?
Mr. IZAMBARD: It's--yeah. It's a big challenge at the very beginning because you--you know that everybody's going to know that song, and they're going to say, `Why are you covering a song that everybody did,' probably, so it's a big challenge. But we did it our way, in the sense that nobody did it or dared to do it in a pop and an operatic way.
COURIC: Right.
Mr. IZAMBARD: So I think we choose--we did this song, like "Unbreak My Heart" like it was a new song.
COURIC: Right.
Mr. IZAMBARD: We didn't think about Toni Braxton before. And the fact that we did it in a different language helps a lot.
COURIC: And right, I was going to say, a lot of them are done in a different languages, in Italian, for example and Spanish, some in English. Why do you think that--that the world is right for this kind of music because it is a bit of a crap shoot to have this whole concept of "popera," that it's going to be hugely sort of have--have a great deal of mass appeal?
Mr. COWELL: Good question. I think...
COURIC: Thank you.
Mr. COWELL: For a change, Katie.
COURIC: Ow!
Mr. COWELL: I'm teasing. Because I think, for me, I just appreciate their voices.
COURIC: Uh-huh.
Mr. COWELL: I don't like the snobbery attached with--with classical music.
COURIC: It's nice because it's making it accessible to everyone.
Mr. COWELL: It's makes it accessible.
COURIC: And some of it is classical that they sing as well, so it's pop classical. So.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah, and very romantic.
COURIC: Well, good. And their looks had nothing to do with the reason they were selected?
Mr. COWELL: No.
COURIC: All right. So guys, Il Divo, "Unbreak My Heart," please.
Mr. CARLOS MARIN: Yeah, that's true.
COURIC: OK. Come on, Simon.
Mr. COWELL: See you later.
(Il Divo performs)
COURIC: That was beautiful. Thank you guys so much.
Mr. ERS BUHLER: Thank you.
Mr. IZAMBARD: Thank you very much.
COURIC: That was great. Congratulations.
Mr. MILLER: Thank you.
Mr. IZAMBARD: Thank you.
COURIC: Good luck with everything. Simon, these guys can sing.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah.
COURIC: Congratulations, good luck.
Mr. COWELL: Thank you.
Mr. MARIN: Thank you.
COURIC: I know what's going to be on my iPod.
Mr. COWELL: It will be.
COURIC: Yeah. It was great. Thank you guys so much.
Mr. COWELL: Well done, guys.
Mr. IZAMBARD: Thank you.
Mr. MILLER: Thank you.
Mr. BUHLER: Thank you.
Mr. MARIN: Thank you.
COURIC: And congratulations.
Mr. COWELL: Thank you.
To see the video, go to MSN Videos , search in the "Video Search" box for Cowell, and click on picture that appears (Simon's Idols).
| More Want to Start Their Own Business |
April 19, 2005
By Staff Writers for LSE
Power-hungry young Brits are shunning the 9-5 treadmill in favour of starting their own business, a survey shows.
Almost half (49 per cent) plan to go it alone instead of bowing down to the demands of a boss - with males most likely to take the plunge.
Nearly two-in-three young men (63 per cent) want to set up their own little empire - compared to only 44 per cent of young women...
And this apparent ambition looks set to benefit the British economy as a quarter of those questioned (24 per cent) want to be millionaires.
The survey of 1,112 16 to 25-year-olds also showed there is certainly no shortage of successful role models in this country for the youth of today to aspire to.
Sir Richard Branson and Jamie Oliver top the league of most inspirational entrepreneurs for young people -- followed by Anita Roddick and Bill Gates.
But multi-millionaire music moguls Simon Cowell and P Diddy were less popular business heroes.
City and Guilds group PR manager Oksana Higglesden said: "Celebrity role models are very inspirational figures and it is interesting the more campaigning sort of business stars are more admired than music entrepreneurs like P Diddy and Simon Cowell.
"The success of Jamie Oliver's School Dinners programme is a prime example of people who have a belief in what they do. Anita Roddick is another person who puts having an ethical business above profit.
"Celebrities also show a university degree is not the be-all-and-end-all to getting to the top -- Jamie Oliver and Karen Millen both took the vocational route and it hasn't done them any harm..."
League table of inspirational entrepreneurs:
1 Sir Richard Branson (67%). 2 Jamie Oliver (54%). 3 Bill Gates (40%). 4 Anita Roddick (40%). 5 Stelios Haji-Ioannou (23%). 6 Ruby and Millie (19%). 7 Martha Lane Fox (15%). 8 Karen Millen, Nicky Clarke (both 15%). 10 Sir Alan Sugar, Gordon Ramsay (both 12%). 12 Simon Cowell (10%). 13 P Diddy (9%). 14 Damon Dash (3%)
Monday, April 18, 2005
| Simon's New Movie |
April 18, 2005
By Michael Starr for The NY Post
Several movies being screened at The Tribeca Film Festival, which kicks off tomorrow (through May 1), feature TV names of note, including "The Tenants" with Dylan McDermott; "George Michael: A Different Story," with a cameo from Simon Cowell; "Aurora Borealis" with Josh Jackson; and other flicks including Michele Williams and "Desperate Housewives" co-star Felicity Huffman (tribecafilmfestival.org has details).
| My Trip to Planet Celeb |
April 17, 2005
By Carole Cadwalladr for The Observer
An invitation to join Max Clifford and Brian McFadden on their private jet gives Carole Cadwalladr a glimpse into the weird world of celebrity travel...
'Simon Cowell, a client, he's a member of Club 328 and there was a big profile of him that went out on American TV recently and he's seen flying on Club 328. You can't buy that sort of coverage. Of course, in return, he gets certain privileges.'
'So it's you scratch my back I'll scratch yours.'
Simon Cowell was drafted in to publicise the Isle of Man route. 'He doesn't actually have any connection with the Isle of Man but we came up with something.'
Brian and Simon have millions in the bank. It's a given that they won't actually have to pay for their private jets.
For which they actually have to thank us, me and Suki...
An hour later, we're in the limo on the way to the hotel, when Max takes a call from Caroline from the Mirror
'No, Caroline, Simon has not split up with Terri. He was still with her last week, he was still with her last night. Now, if you'd start writing nice stories about my clients, I'd invite you down to Marbella. We do these concerts with Elton and Robbie, you could come, you know...'
Sunday, April 17, 2005
| On Appeal, Reality TV Judges Rule |
June 19, 2003
By Matthew Gilbert for TheBoston Globe
As TV viewers, we live to sit in judgment. We love to have quick, black-and-white opinions of people who are brave or stupid or desperate enough to subject themselves to the eyes of the world. Handing down verdicts is one of the quintessential joys of TV voyeurism. Judges, it turns out, R Us.
And that's the engine fueling TV's new best trend: reality judges. Ever since ''American Idol'' goosed up Ted Mack's and Ed McMahon's talent-show genre with its panel of pop judges, Hollywood's reality producers have been swearing by the bench. All of TV's current contest series, from ''Fame'' and ''American Juniors'' to ''America's Next Top Model'' and ''Last Comic Standing,'' feature a clique of industry judges -- or what aggressive positivist Debbie Allen of ''Fame'' prefers to call ''panelists.'' From Carnie Wilson and Colin Quinn to Gladys Knight and Buddy Hackett, these people are prominently robed in klieg lights.
Back in 2000, cultural observers explained the reality craze by saying that TV viewers identified with the players, as they stood on the precipice of fame and fortune. In these Warholian times, the thinking went, we liked the idea of real people winning their 15 minutes. We wanted vicarious celebrity. But the new breed of reality talent shows are reminding us that we also like to be the custodians of fame, to hold the reins of power in the same hand as the remote control.
Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul of ''American Idol'' are the Adam and Eve of the prime-time evaluators. They embody the opposite poles of justice, Mr. Nasty and Ms. Nice. He's the British producer whose honesty with breathless wannabes leads him to verdicts such as ''If your lifeguard duties were as good as your singing, a lot of people would be drowning.'' And she's the fragile former performer with loose boundaries whose upbeat determinations have included ''It's the church of Ruben, and I believe.''
Along with Randy Jackson, who has turned ''pitchy'' and ''dawg'' into household words, they've pioneered a brand of TV judging for personalities who need to be saved from the waiting clutches of ''Celebrity Mole.'' Along with Wilson, Hackett, and Quinn, these entertainment ''experts'' include Deborah Gibson, Caroline Rhea, Tyra Banks, and the visually overwrought Phyllis Diller, who recently told a comic ''You have wonderful style.''
One of the hallmarks of the judge rage, perhaps its defining quality, is the deployment of snap judgments. These veterans -- yes, folks, Debbie Gibson is a veteran -- are paid to take a quick look-see in order to dispose of someone's career at a second's notice. They must be at-the-ready with either withering negatives (Simon: ''You are the worst singer in America'') or cheerleading support (Wilson: ''You were perfect''). But most importantly, even when they are going to lob a softball (DJ JoJo Wright: ''P-R-O, pro'') or a wet rag (Gibson: ''You were amazing''), they must be able to affect a convincing tone of wisdom and authority. They must sound like the voice of reason.
That worldly-wise tone was crystal clear on this week's ''American Juniors,'' as guest judge Justin Guarini -- an ''American Idol'' runner-up -- delivered compassionate but firm critiques despite the fact that he's been in the business for only a year. He ably re-created the knowing inflections of the ''American Idol'' judges who critiqued him last summer. And that tone's most absurd moments came on ''Are You Hot?: The Search for America's Sexiest People,'' as leering judge Lorenzo Lamas adopted vocal airs to deliver bottom lines such as, ''I've got a burrito cooking south of the border, and it's almost done.''
Snap judges caught our eye right before ''American Idol,'' when stiff Brit Anne Robinson donned dominatrix leather to insult contestants on ''Weakest Link.'' Her quips (''Who is a few sandwiches short of a picnic?'') were the envy of every watercooler humorist. But the phenomenon exploded soon after Robinson, when Cowell and Abdul, as much as winner Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Guarini, became the breakout stars of ''American Idol.'' With his queen-like attitude and her dotty affirmatives, they made the judges bench the place to be on the show. When season two arrived, their roles had been expanded, with more elaborate banter, the power to include ''wild card'' players, and interaction with guest judges such as Smokey Robinson and Robin Gibb.
These reality judges are quite a different breed from scripted judges, who've had their own heyday in recent years on TV's many legal dramas. After the litigation fixation engendered by the O.J. Simpson trial, TV brought us a troop of weird and wacky judges on courtroom shows such as ''The Practice,'' ''Ally McBeal,'' ''Judging Amy,'' ''Family Law,'' and three Supreme Court dramas. These judges were all flawed, and the shows asserted that their verdicts were inevitably colored by who they were -- in case we thought the law wasn't open to interpretation.
Reality's snap judges are far more akin to the daytime, syndicated judges who also rode a post-O.J. wave. Like those judges -- Judy Sheindlin, Joe Brown, Mills Lane, Glenda Hatchett, who have presided over nutcakes suing their cats for upholstery damage -- the snap judges are all about holding firm opinions. They represent our inner arbiters, deciding whether to buy any of the many entertainment products thrown our way every day. They are our cool heads, our bleeding hearts, and our precious wallets, speaking.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
| What 'Simon Says' This Season -- For the First Time, I'm Listening! |
April, 2005
By Dianne Austin for Elites TV
I did not watch the first season of American Idol. I heard some of the buzz surrounding the show about midway through, but never had the desire to turn it on. At the end, people were talking about a little girl with a big voice, who also happened to be big in the talent department -- her name was Kelly Clarkson. I tuned in to the finale to see her win, and I’ve been a fan of Kelly’s ever since. Maybe that’s the best way to view the show.
On second thought, I’m sure it’s not, because then I would have missed Season Two.
Season Two is what will make the show go down in history as one of the best TV spectacles of all time. This was the year they gave us Aiken, and since he came along, the world of pop music is a better place.
The third year was a wash. No one memorable throughout the run, not even reigning Idol queen Fantasia made an impression on me.
Now, in the fourth year, it’s enjoyable again. I’ve got my favorites and the ones who make my nose wrinkle. There are lots of interesting personalities, singing styles and looks -- it’s a nice assortment -- all different from last year.
But there are two entities which remain the same: the judges and the host.
I’ll have to get to the host another time. He probably deserves a discussion all by himself. Ryan Seacrest should get some attention as the glue that often holds the entire crazy thing together. I’ve seen him do the show live from the front row and he’s pretty amazing.
But for now, let’s zero in on the judges. Have they really remained the same? Well, at first glance it seems they have. Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell are the same people exhibiting the same kinds of reactions to a new set of contestants. Right?
Not exactly.
Paula, of course, is the only female judge. I don’t know if it’s because of the gender difference that she feels compelled to always take on the role of the nurturing, reassuring, mother-earth force of acceptance, but something spurs her on to do it. It is consistent and in my opinion, sometimes pretty annoying. Why can’t she just give the contestants some constructive criticism, for God’s sake? Just because we don’t have certain body parts, it doesn’t mean we women don’t have a backbone! Women can give a direct critique with sensitivity and finesse. I find that when Paula does not have good things to say about someone’s performance, she has a tendency to say nothing at all. Yes, I would agree in the general scheme of things that this behavior is actually quite admirable -- it’s what we teach our children to do when they are in elementary school, but we are talking talent competition here for crying out loud, and I believe these young men and women benefit and learn when they are given concrete reasons why they didn’t do well with a particular performance in a given week. I like the fact that Paula lays on the praise when someone sells a song; if she didn’t do it, there wouldn’t be enough to go around. But when the excess adoration oozes from every pore of her being, and it wasn’t that well deserved to begin with, it’s pretty hard to take. I find myself in disagreement with many of Paula’s reactions to performers this season.
Now for Mr. Jackson. All that comes to mind for me about Randy can be summed up with his own ongoing pat phrases: “What’s up Dawg? What is goin’ on here dude? What’s happenin’ baby?!” Hey, that’s what I’d like to know. What IS up Randy Jackson? Just when I think I’ve got you pegged as far as your musical taste and acumen are concerned, you turn it around and profess an opposite opinion. You shake your head when I loved it, or smile and give them the standing-O when I hated it! Sometimes, I do agree with your critiques, and say to myself “Wow -- great minds think alike!”, but that’s when you change it up on the next one and completely disagree with what’s in my head. (Sigh). It’s been trying. Randy seems to vacillate too much. I find he’s not consistent with what he has to say.
So now, I will tell you that I’m just a bit bewildered, because for the first time, I find myself agreeing most often -- just about 90% of the time -- with that cad Simon Cowell. And I wonder “How could this be happening?”
Here is the man who has infuriated me with remarks like, “That was perfectly awwwwful” and “That was something I would expect to hear on a cruise ship.” (I don’t know -- I’ve heard some mighty fine musical performances on cruise ships.) He’s the one who’d incur my wrath during Season 2 when he’d lambast Clay Aiken with comments like “I actually prefer you with my eyes closed”. How dare he make such a derisive reference to that handsome mug?! Cowell was the one who always had to come up with a quip for his critique, which got to the point of having no connection to the performance at hand. People would turn to each other with furrowed brows, wondering what on earth he was getting at. It became obvious that he was just expected to be cutting and sarcastic, even if it had no bearing in fact. Because of this, he lost his credibility, and on that basis, he was never my favorite judge.
But he is now -- for a variety of reasons.
Simon has cleaned up his act a little -- he’s slightly softer around the edges. What is noticeable now when he reacts to the performer onstage is that he still gives us his gut reaction and relies on his instincts to say what he thinks, but instead of relating to the person as an object or entity, he seems to have more of a connection to the fact that they are human. I see it in the expression on his face sometimes when he’s talking to them. Oh sure, he can still be obnoxious and fling out the annoying insult that’s often accompanied by that smarmy grin -- but not as much now. When he gives his observations, he’s honest and incisive and shoots straight from the hip. For me, this kind of commentary is welcome. It is better than Randy’s back and forth uncertainty and Paula’s syrupy, unwarranted accolades. When Simon talks to the kids, they go away with something tangible to work on for next time. Not so with the other two judges.
I’ll illustrate by giving you a common scenario that unfolds while I watch the show this season.
I’m sitting there wincing at a particular contestant for whatever reason; it could be poor song choice and they’re just not hitting the notes, it could be that they’re trilling a tried and true ballad and making it completely unrecognizable. Maybe there’s a powerful voice coming out of that blonde head but I’m not seeing any sparkle or style. It could be any one of a myriad of reasons why I’m finding fault with the performance. But now it’s time to hear the judgments that come down from the Idol “gods”.
Randy is smiling, applauding and telling them “baby, that was the best performance of the night,” or perhaps, “I don’t know dude, that just wasn’t good for me”. I wince some more. Paula has already stood up for her ovation, and then tells them it could very well be the best performance of the entire season.
What am I missing?
I then hold my breath for the comments that could come out as “bloody awful,” but instead, I find myself heaving the big sigh of relief when I hear Simon Cowell relate in concrete terms just what I was thinking when I watched them perform. And, thank you Lord, he’s using a bit of tact while doing it! My gosh, he’s got a serious and heartfelt look on his face -- minus the creepy grin! The man actually has a soul after all!
I knew it from the start. Simon Cowell can offer up concise, constructive criticism tempered with a bit of emotion. He can instruct, explain and provide guidelines to his Idol children, if he so desires. He won’t do it every time -- God forbid he should be that consistent. But lately, for the most part, he’s got something a lot better to say than just “If this were the Stone Age, I’d be throwing the first rock!”
Will the trend continue? We can only hope. Maybe we should also hope he doesn’t read this. He’s got a bit of the rebel in him, I believe, and if he hears what I’m accusing him of, he may set out to prove me wrong and go back to the biting and inanely degrading remarks he’s so famous for from aforementioned shows.
Let’s just keep the faith, because the new man is much more tolerable and more interesting too. That’s why when “Simon Says” something now, I would still advise restraint in blindly following his commands, but I would definitely recommend that you listen.
Friday, April 15, 2005
| Nasty Nigel Can't Stand Simon's Chain-Smoking |
June 09, 2003
By Staff Writers for The Mirror via PopDirt
The Mirror reports 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell's 'Popstars' counterpart [and Idol executive producer] Nasty Nigel Lythgoe now refuses to go anywhere with Mr. Nasty because he chain smokes. A source explained, "Nigel told Simon he can't puff away in his presence because he had to give up smoking after his heart attack. It drives Nigel crazy."
| Does Justin Guarini Rock? |
April 18, 2003
By Staff Writers for PopDirt
Blender magazine spoke with 'American Idol' runner-up Justin Guarini to determine whether he "rocked".
Asked if he could take Simon Cowell in a fight, Guarini said, "A physical fight? He's a pretty big guy; I think I'd have to hit the gym. He lifts weights. He's been threatened many times. Have I every wanted to hurt him? No! He's a great guy."
Asked what was the most number of people he's woken up with in a hotel bed, Guarini admits, "One. I don't know if I rock, man!" Blender confirmed, Justin does not rock.
| Pete Waterman on Simon |
May 21 2003
By Dean Valler for IC Coventry
Hit-maker Pete Waterman gave a few tips on how to be top of the pops after opening a £7 million performing arts and media centre at Coventry University.
The multi-millionaire music mogul, who launched the careers of Kylie Minogue, Steps and One True Voice, was back in his home city to open the building named after city-born actress Ellen Terry.
The former Odeon offers courses in music, dance, theatre and communication, media and culture.
"I think this place is fantastic, I really do," said Pete, who grew up in Burlington Road, Stoke Heath.
"I grew up in this city, I never left until I was 30. I love the place, and it makes me so proud to see this kind of facility developed."
The Pop Idol judge, who starts shooting a new series of the show next month, stuck around to give students an insight into the music industry.
"The key thing is enthusiasm - I would have loved to have somewhere like this when I was a youngster, but what you need is the enthusiasm to do it," he said.
"Would the Beatles have been different had Paul McCartney and John Lennon had a centre like this? I don't know - but this will be of tremendous benefit to all the students.
"I feel very proud to have been asked to open this. Ellen Terry was uneducated, as am I, and this building will be crucial to the ambitions of generations to come."
The new building has performance and rehearsal spaces for dance, music and theatre, as well as photography, video and broadcasting facilities.
Coventry-born Sky Sports football presenter Richard Keys, who was given an honorary degree last year for services to sports broadcasting, was also at the opening.
Pete also gave an insight into his tempestuous on-screen relationship with fellow Pop Idol judge, Simon Cowell .
"We've been friends for 20 years and while he's very self-opinionated, I really do like the guy, and I would rather work with someone like him, where I know where I stand," he added.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
| Viva le Pretty-Boy Popera |
April 13, 2005
By Mary Lamey for The Montreal Gazette
Ridiculously handsome Il Divo will make you love operatic style. At least American Idol's Simon Cowell, who discovered them, hopes so.
Simon Cowell is known for cutting aspiring pop singers off at the knees, but soon he might be just as well known for shaping a studly quartet into the world's first "popera" sensation.
Cowell the Scowl is the brains behind Il Divo, four ridiculously handsome metrosexuals whose devotion to vocal technique is second only to their devotion to skin- and hair-care regimes. Their debut album, Il Divo, meaning the divine one, will be released across North America next Tuesday through Cowell's Syco Music and Sony BMG.
The group came together last year, after a two-year search of the world's opera and musical theatre stages. Beyond power and range, the Svengali in the black T-shirt was looking for singers who looked good and had charm to spare. He chose tenors David Miller, an American, and Urs Buhler, Swiss and conservatory trained with a hard-rock past, baritone Carlos Marin, a Spaniard who starred in musicals like Man of La Mancha and Les Miserables and Frenchman Sebastien Izambard, a multi-instrumentalist and self-taught vocalist dubbed a "vox populi."
The inspiration for the group came as Cowell watched an episode of The Sopranos that featured Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman's duet of Time to Say Goodbye. Why not take opera's best qualities - the beautiful melodies and swoony emotion - and leave the other bits - the Teutonic shrieking and extra poundage - aside?
Why not indeed? Crossover sensation Bocelli has sold nearly 13 million CDs despite a voice that leaves classical purists cold. The Three Tenors sold out stadiums even though their beefcake days were behind them. The 30-somethings of Il Divo represent a complete Armani-clad package. They look like a modern-day Rat Pack and, if Cowell has bet right, will have three generations of womankind and more than a few gay men at their feet. Even though most fans won't know a high C from a car alarm.
Their debut disc showcases the foursome with a program "from the popular repertoire" dressed up in assertive orchestral arrangements. The first single is Regresa a Mi, a romantic ballad better known as the Toni Braxton hit Unbreak My Heart, which builds from a solo croon to an octave-jumping crescendo with all hands on deck.
The album, released before Christmas in Britain, zoomed to the top of album chart, pushing Robbie Williams's latest from its perch. It has also lodged at the top of New Zealand's classical album chart and went to No. 4 in Australia. The full-out charm offensive begins here with the album release next week. A tour with 60-piece orchestra is planned for the fall.
All the songs, whether the Italian version of My Way, Mi Manera, or Nella Fantasia from Ennio Morricone's score for The Mission, come from outside the classical realm. That was no accident, Miller said.
"We didn't want to run the risk of alienating classical-music lovers who have certain expectations about how a song should be performed. We wanted to be free to do our own interpretations."
The four, based in London, holed up for more than a year, choosing songs and working out the parts.
"Simon brought us together and he deserves all the credit for coming up with the idea, but we have a lot of experience and knowledge about music," Buhler said. "If this works, it will be because we have put ourselves into it."
If it works, it will also be because four singers accustomed to being soloists will have checked their egos at the door for the betterment of the group.
"We are learning as we go," Marin said. "We have become like brothers."
Il Divo's CD shot to the top of the U.K. charts and is scheduled to be in stores next Tuesday. A tour is to follow sometime this fall.
| Television: The Watcher: Il Divo |
April 13, 2005
By Maureen Ryan for The Chicago Tribune
IDOL CHATTER: Simon Cowell, here's my reaction to Il Devo [sic], the "Three Tenors"-style pop group you personally created and unveiled on Monday's "Oprah": "That was appalling."
| Simon as Entrepreneurial Role Model |
April 14, 2005
By Staff Writers for The Freelancer Portal
Students and school leavers in the North of England are more entrepreneurial than their southern counterparts, who prefer less risky and more traditional job futures.
A study by electronics giant Panasonic has found that a quarter of all undergraduates surveyed in the North of the country are keen to become their own boss as soon as they leave education.
This contrasts to those students in the South who are more reluctant to become self- employed because they prefer more traditional careers.
Respondents to the survey said Richard Branson was the most inspirational entrepreneur, followed closely by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who gained ground thanks to his school dinners programme and his restaurant, Fifteen enterprise.
Other entrepreneurial role models included Bill Gates, James Dyson, Bob Geldoff, the music critic Simon Cowell, and founder of the Easy brand, Stelios Haji-Ioannou.
Coinciding with the findings, is the country’s first entrepreneurs academy, set up in the Northern town of Knowsley to equip young people with the tools needed to start-up their own business.
The facility, known as the Knowsley Youth Enterprise Academy, will operate on three levels - firstly acting as a type of incubating centre for people running their business up to the age of 25-years-old.
According to the British Chambers of Commerce, it will also provide accommodation for young self-employed people allowing them to focus on the core issue of running their business with potentially less financial risk.
The third level of the Academy focuses on building links between local schools and promoting the facility to encourage small business growth.
Bob Tate, head of business systems at Panasonic, commented: “"It is in everyone's interest to promote entrepreneurialism as a career choice to people of all ages. For every small business that starts up there's a real chance it could be the next big brand”
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
| Why Simon Is Still Our Dawg |
March 25, 2005
By Bret Stephens for The Wall Street Journal
Thanks to Strawberry Idol for the article!
There is a lovely scene in Somerset Maugham's novel "Of Human Bondage" in which the young hero, Philip, asks his Parisian art teacher, a man named Foinet, to tell him if he has any future as a painter. The instructor takes a quick look at Philip's portraits and says he'll never be anything but mediocre.
"Monsieur Foinet got up and made as if to go, but he changed his mind and, stopping, put his hand on Philip's shoulder. 'But if you were to ask my advice, I should say: Take your courage in both hands and try your luck at something else. It sounds very hard, but let me tell you this: I would give all I have in the world if someone had given me that advice when I was your age and I had taken it.' "
I was put in mind of Maugham's wisdom the other night while watching Simon Cowell unleash yet another of his famous verbal salvos on the set of Fox's "American Idol" singing contest. Mr. Cowell, of course, is the British BMG music executive who, with '80s pop starlet Paula Abdul and record producer Randy Jackson, is one of the reality show's trio of judges. On Tuesday, the show drew 28.4 million viewers; such is its cultural grip that its ratings exceeded even those of the NCAA basketball tournament. A very popular TV event, in other words, in my household not least.
Ostensibly the whole point of "American Idol" is to watch a field of amateur singers get whittled down from the initial thousands of contestants to the current cast of 10, and then to see them voted off one by one until at last we come to the real-life American Idol. And my wife and I do enjoy watching the egregiously bad get the boot; debating voting strategies (do I vote for my favorite or do I plump for the underdog?); above all, cheering the young men and women, none older than 29, as they strut their looks, style and, sometimes, talent.
But none of this accounts for the massive appeal of the show, which is just a high-stakes karaoke contest. The real draw, I suspect, is the judges, each of whom acts as a kind of stand-in for a moral idea--a theory of justice, if you will--at work in America today.
Take Mr. Jackson: He is strictly about performance. If a singer does poorly, he'll complain she was "pitchy"; if she does well, then she's Mr. Jackson's Dawg: "You were hot, man: I give you props for that." In the Jackson world view, either you succeeded or you didn't, but no performer's feelings will ever be hurt by a word he says because it's all about the singing, never about the singer.
Or consider Ms. Abdul: Although she is the only performer among the judges, she never seems to care about the performances themselves. What she cares about is each contestant's "potential": She wants them to feel proud no matter what. If she were a pedagogue, she'd be into social promotion; her fundamental belief is self-belief. It certainly took her far.
And then there is Mr. Cowell, the daddy who is not afraid to spank the children. Not only will he tell performers how they did, he'll tell them exactly who they are. "You're the musical equivalent of Ryan Seacrest," he recently told Lindsey Cardinale, 20, before she was voted off the show. Mr. Seacrest, the "American Idol" MC, is the pretty-boy equivalent of an empty suit.
Part of Mr. Cowell's appeal--and make no mistake, he is the real star of "American Idol"--lies in the fact that his musical judgment is unerring. Part of it, too, lies in his talent for memorable put-downs: "Your confidence exceeds your ability," he told Mikalah Gordon, 17, following her rendition of "Son of a Preacher Man." And part of it has to do with his capacity for cruelty: It takes stomach to savage some defenseless teenage creature on national TV.
The greater part of Mr. Cowell's appeal, however, is his honesty. This is not Mr. Jackson's honesty--you did well, you did badly, let's see how it pans out next week. Much less is it Ms. Abdul's niceness, which is honest only in the sense that she seems to mean it. Rather it is the honesty of sparing people from the worst of themselves. "I met someone the other night who's 28 years old," Mr. Cowell said once, "and he hasn't worked a day since he left college because he's pursuing a dream he'll never, ever realize: He thinks he's a great singer. Actually, he's crap. But nobody has said to him, 'Why have you been wasting your time for eight years?'"
We live in an age in which being "judgmental" is a social vice; where our vanities are puffed and our lives misled by the moral disengagement of Randy Jackson and self-esteem diet of Paula Abdul. Mr. Cowell's judgments may be stern, but they are sharp, and his stardom attests to the fact that, deep down, Americans still hunger for some unvarnished truths. Funny that it takes a Brit to remind us.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
| Ready for More Platitudes from Paula, Ryan Tonight? |
April 12, 2005
By Alex Strachan for The Windsor Star
Paula Abdul heard you singing in the shower the other night.
Honest, she did.
And this is what the American Idol judge had to say: You have a nice upper range. Seriously, you hit that high note better than even Barbra Streisand could. You have a unique style and voice. You know who you are, and who your audience is. You did James Brown one better on that dance move. You have a wonderful stage presence. It takes a brave woman (or man) to take on Whitney and win. "I'm so proud of you." Yes, she said that. "I'm a big fan. We need someone like you in this competition."
And don't worry about that Simon Cowell fella. If he starts going on about, "If I'm living in the real world, as opposed to la la land," and, "If I'm being honest here," she can always cut him off in mid-sentence. And she can always count on Ryan Seacrest to say something really banal and stupid and take away what little microphone time Cowell has left.
| Terri Screws Up |
April 12, 2005
By Ned martel for NYTimes
SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Ever the gentleman, a tuxedoed Bob Newhart went one by one to each reporter's station along the red carpet of last month's TV Land awards. Each year, the nostalgic cable channel salutes, with a curator's dedication, the legends of television, and the first of Mr. Newhart's two self-titled sitcoms was soon to receive an Icon Award.
Carol Burnett cackled alongside him and a regal Joan Collins was only a few steps behind. Mr. Newhart straightened his houndstooth pocket square before stepping toward the microphone of Terri Seymour, a reporter for "Extra" and girlfriend of the "American Idol" magistrate Simon Cowell. Crinkly around the eyes already, Mr. Newhart winced in an effort to hear his interviewer's questions over the squeals that greeted Jon Peter Lewis, a rejected "Idol" contestant from last year.
As Mr. Newhart made his way down the rope line, Ms. Seymour turned to her producer and asked, "Now what show was Bob Newhart on?"
Uh, Terri dear, you ask your producer that question BEFORE you interview somebody and out of their earshot. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!
Monday, April 11, 2005
| Simon Wants to Dump "Clingy" Terri |
By Caroline Millington for the January 31, 2005 issue of Star Magazine.
London They have been an item for nearly two years, but Simon Cowell will split from his long-term girlfriend Terri Seymour within weeks, says a close friend.
The couple have apparently been arguing for months now and, according to our source, Simon, 45, has admitted that he would like to be on his own again.
Although devoted Terri, 31, is reportedly trying to persuade him to give their two-year relationship another go, the friend told Star: "Officially Simon and Terri are saying everything is rosy, but the reality is very different. They have been having problems for some time and used their recent break in Barbados to talk things through. He has been trying to smooth things over to make the break easier, but I can't see Simon and Terri lasting more than a few weeks, to be honest."
The revelations come after reports that Simon has been growing increasingly annoyed at Terri's "obsessive attitude" and that he had actually tried to break up with her while they were on their holiday in Barbados.
While the couple have yet to officially split, the relationship is said to be over as far as Simon is concerned. He has reportedly told Terri: "When we started going out it was fun -- but it's not any more. It's not fun for you and it's not fun for me. So what's the point?"
And our source confirmed: "It's true they weren't getting on too well while in Barbados. Things aren't going well for them and it's mostly due to his close friendships with other women, including his ex-girlfriend, Jackie St. Clair.
"He is always surrounded by beautiful women, especially when Terri's in America and he's in the UK. It has led to doubts and worries on Terri's part and it boils down to her being jealous."
Simon is still close friends with Jackie and another former girlfriend -- and colleague on The X Factor -- Sinitta, which has caused friction between him and Terri. During their relationship, Simon has also been linked to Australian TV presenter Tania Zaetta, as well as Rebecca Loos.
He was also snapped getting up close and personal with models at the Playboy mansion in September last year. But it is his friendship with Jackie that has caused the most problems.
"Simon has a roaming eye," the pal told us. "He likes the single life too much, if you know what I mean. He has always had itchy feet and it has become more obvious over the past year. Simon and Jackie are just good friends, but Terri finds their close friendship difficult to handle."
"Also, Simon can't stand clingy women and the more Terri goes on at him, the more distant he's becoming," his friend confided. "There have been numerous rows and they're definitely going to split some time soon.
"Simon should never be in a relationship -- he's not a relationship kind of person. You can never seen him settling down -- he has said so himself. He wants to be single again."
And, just last week, Simon confirmed that he has no plans for the future.
"I take relationships by planning from one hour to the next," says the music mogul who also admitted he doesn't like to lavish Terri with expensive gifts: "The most expensive present I have given her is letting her go out with me -- that's priceless."
Although Simon certainly seemed uncomfortable when he was interviewed on Jay Leno's chat show in the US recently, he was quick to brush off rumours of problems between him and Terri, insisting: "Terri and I are still together. According to the tabloids we have split up 200 times. But we are still together."
The couple are currently living in Los Angeles, where Simon is preparing to make another series of the hit show American Idol. We're waiting with bated breath to see what happens in the coming weeks.
Simon's Women
Jackie St. Clair
Simon, who was just 24 at the time, and Jackie, dated for three months. The relationship soon fizzled out, but he remains close friends with the former model, who has been married to one of his best friends for over 17 years.
Sinitta
Simon started dating singer Sinitta, who had hits with So Macho and Toy Boy, in 1985 when she was just 19 years old. She has claimed they only tried to have sex once during the entire relationship, even though they were living together.
Rebecca Loos
Simon was introduced to David Beckham's alleged lover at a party in December last year, and they went out for a meal together with friends. Rebecca, 27, is said to have fallen for Si's charms straight away.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
| Charity Auctions Famous Faces |
April 8, 2005
By Marc Ambasna-Jones for Web User News
Fancy a photo of Wayne Rooney or Kate Moss? A UK children's charity is putting these and many other celebrity photographs under the hammer in a bid to raise cash.
The Famous Faces Campaign 2005 is being run by children's charity SOS Children. There are currently 20 photographs on the site including Jamie Oliver, Debbie Harry, Simon Cowell and Lenny Henry.
The photographs, which have been produced as a Fine Art Giclée Canvas, have been donated to SOS Children by the celebs, some of which have also been signed.
SOS Children is a global charity for orphans and abandoned children, providing homes for around 50,000 children in over 125 countries and helping half a million more through projects around the world.
You will have to register to get involved in the bidding but there's plenty of time as the first auctions will last for at least 30 days.
| Celebrities (well, some) Are in Gear for Grand Prix |
April 08, 2005
By Felix Sanchez for Long Beach Press Telegram
LONG BEACH — For the legions of American Idol contestants who have had to withstand the withering critiques of Simon Cowell, today could have been their day for revenge.
Cowell, the acid-tongued, English-accented judge on "American Idol," was set to compete in today's Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race before thousands of fans but, well, after seeing firsthand several weeks ago what auto racing is really about, Cowell pulled a Ryan Seacrest.
He was out.
Cowell's withdrawal because the racing experience may have been a little intimidating isn't the first time that's happened in the history of the Pro/Celebrity, which will start at 12:15 p.m. with General Hospital's Ingo Rademacher in the pole position.
Even former NFL players have punted after getting behind the wheel of a race car for the first time while practicing for the Pro/Celebrity, said Toyota's national motorsports manager, Les Unger.
And the jitters have been known to kick into gear when the celebrities actors mostly by trade go from racing in the desert on a wide open course as part of their intense training to speeding around a street course with very hard, thick concrete walls.
But most celebrities end up competing in the race, dropping out only if a television or movie commitment conflicts with the race dates, or they find the experience at the beginning of training not what they anticipated.
It's rare when a celebrity goes through the entire two-week training and then drops out, Unger said...
"You've got to have race-car driving in your genes," McDonald said about why some celebrities take to the event better than others.
"There's a lot more training involved than just going 120 to 125 miles an hour," he said, speaking about Cowell.
Unger said Cowell dropped out after a practice spin showed there would be more physical and mental commitment than he originally thought.
"'Wow, this is intense,' " Unger said Cowell remarked.
It is intense, said singer Meat Loaf, who finished dead last in qualifying runs Friday...
Today's Pro/Celebrity Entrants: Amanda Beard, Justin Berfield, Patrick Dempsey, Paige Hemmis, Karl Malone, Misty May, Meat Loaf, Frankie Muniz, Aaron Peirsol, Ingo Rademacher, Mark Steines, Mike Sullivan, Chris McDonald, Ryan Arciero, Rhys Millen, Matt Scranton.
Friday, April 08, 2005
| HDTV Show Review -- American Idol |
Simon doesn't look so bad in high-def, but what's going on with Paula Abdul's teeth?
April 4, 2005
By Phillip Swann for On HDTV
Washington, D.C. (April 4) -- American Idol is arguably America's favorite show. The Fox network smash, which airs Tuesday and Wednesday nights (or any other night if it happens to screw up the votes), features a collection of lip-quivering, pimply-faced unknowns in a singing contest that often resembles karaoke night at the Holiday Inn. However, the real stars are judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, who have more disagreements than those nitwits on Crossfire.
Despite the cheesy concept, though, the HDTV production of American Idol is a showcase for the technology. The graphics are spectacular; the set sparkles with vivid color; and the images are as crystal-clear as anything you'll see in high-def. Fox has definitely done itself proud. If you have a friend who's never seen HDTV, invite him or her over to catch AI in HD.
The opening credit graphics are especially eye-catching; they look like they were inspired by a LSD trip from the 1960s. Flashing lights and changing colors swirl from one side of the screen to the next as the credits roll by; in fact, speaking of rolling, I wouldn't be shocked if the graphics team was rolling something when they created this thing.
The set, where the performers sing -- or at least attempt to --, looks like a combination of a red light district and a video game; the images are an odd mixture of reds and metallic blue and silver. It's gaudy, but eye-popping..
But, of course, the real question is:
How do the stars of American Idol look in high-def?
Well, as we always do, here is the OnHD.TV list of who looks better and worse in HDTV:
Better
Simon Cowell
Nothing would please me more to say that this British brute looks awful in high-def, but he actually looks okay. In fact, he seems more personable and likeable in high-def, as if some of the rough edges are glossed over by the prettier pictures. In regular television, his acerbic personality seems darker and meaner. But in high-def, it feels more like the schtick that it is. One negative, though: Fox needs to lighten up on that white concealer under his eyes; it's supposed to reduce on-camera puffiness, but it sometimes makes Cowell look like a raccoon.
Ryan Seacrest
The show's waifish host has never met a trend he didn't like. From the stubble on his cheeks to the stylish mousse on his hair, Seacrest looks chic and marvelous in high-def. If only he could get a personality transplant.to go with that carefully orchestrated look.
Worse
Paula Abdul
The 1980s pop star was once a Los Angeles Laker cheerleader. But, now, I'm not sure that even Kobe Bryant would give her a second look. Ms. Abdul is aging fast, although it looks like a full season of Nip/Tuck took place in her cleavage; I think her bosom gets to the set five minutes before she does. One positive, though: Ms. Abdul still has a beautiful smile. In fact, her teeth are whiter than a National Hockey League team.
Randy Jackson
Jackson is American Idol's Zeppo Marx. When Abdul and Cowell dominate the show with their Lincoln-Douglas-like debates, Jackson fades in the background. He's the least noticeable Jackson since Tito. However, when seen, the judge on the left is not HDTV- friendly. In last Wednesday's episode, his face looked a very unhealthy purple; it appeared that the make-up team was trying to cover something up. In addition, Jackson has bad razor bumps all over his neck; you don't see them in regular TV.
The Contestants
Unlike Ms. Abdul and Mr. Seacrest, the talent hasn't had a chance to consult with image doctors; they've been too busy paying the rent and warbling in the shower. Although Fox's make-up team is working overtime to cover up the blemishes, some of the contestants look a little rough around the edges. In fact, some of the male singers look like the edge itself -- and I don't mean the lead guitarist in U2. Those Queer Eye guys could do a whole season on this crew.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
| Carey: "I Don't Need Yes Men" |
April 7, 2005
By Staff Writers for Contact Music
Mariah Carey has vehemently blasted Simon Cowell for claiming she needs an entourage around her to indulge her every whim.
Outspoken pop mogul Cowell slammed the Honey singer for being surrounded by "yes men," but Carey, 35, insists she is more independent than people give her credit for.
She says, "Definitely not now. Maybe once. There are still people who want to have the big opinion, so they can say, 'I was the one who influenced Mariah to do this or that.'
"Maybe there are a few yes people, but I don't need that. I'd rather be on my own. I'd rather watch TV."
| American Idol: Classroom for Up-and-Coming Singers |
April 6, 2005
By Staff Writers for News Release Wire
American Idol is more than just a wildly successful TV talent show. It’s like a classroom for up-and-coming stars. In fact, one of the nation’s leading voice experts says American Idol should be required viewing for anyone wanting to become a professional singer.
“American Idol is the Super Bowl for the kids who didn’t play sports in school because they were practicing or playing in the marching band,” says Renee Grant-Williams, expert voice coach to some of the recording industry’s biggest stars. “Amateur singers can get a sense of what real-world professionals are looking for and what the American public responds to. Singers can learn from the critiques what works and what doesn’t, and then apply that to their own performance.”
Grant-Williams is part of a select panel of top voice coaches chosen by TV Guide to provide contestant evaluations for their April 17 cover story. She told the magazine that all aspiring singers can glean valuable lessons from this phenomenal hit show. “The advice given on voice control, body-support, appearance, branding, and other vital aspects of performance is about as good as you can get anywhere – and it’s free to boot,” Grant-Williams says.
Grant-Williams says one of the biggest mistakes this year’s contestants make is over- singing. “We seem to be caught up in an epidemic of loud. The contestants seem to have difficulty maintaining intensity without crossing that line where they lose their musicality and sound like they’re damaging their voices.”
Grant-Williams gives the American Idol panel of commentators high marks for generally right-on advice. She agrees most often with Simon Cowell, even though he is the harshest. “If you think Simon is tough, try convincing a roomful of label executives that they should spend millions of dollars taking a chance on you,” says Grant-Williams. However, Grant-Williams says sometimes the panelists make conflicting requests about issues like song selection, and then blame poor performance on the singer’s song choice.
“Song choice is important and it’s wonderful when the perfect song and the perfect singer come together. But, the qualities that we hear in a great singer would come through if they were singing, Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” says Grant-Williams. “A singer should always think twice when someone tells them to step outside of their safety zone. I tell singers to do what they do best.”
Finally, Grant-Williams encourages aspiring singers to persevere. “Randy Travis was turned down by Nashville’s You Can Be a Star three times before he went on to become a country music icon and one of today’s most endearing stars.”
Grant-Williams offers advice for singers through her three-part DVD, “Vocal Master Class with Renee Grant-Williams.” Limited registration is still available for Grant-Williams’ 7th annual Master Class to be held April 16. The Master Class allows singers to spend an entire day with her before performing in a showcase that evening.
Grant-Williams coaches aspiring performers as well as celebrities including Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw, Christina Aguilera, Linda Ronstadt, Randy Travis, and Huey Lewis. She has been quoted by Cosmopolitan, the Associated Press, Business Week, UPI, Southern Living, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She has appeared on many broadcast outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Bravo, USA, MTV, GAC, BBC, PBS, and NPR. Grant-Williams is a former instructor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as well as the former director of the Division of Vocal Music at the University of California, Berkeley.
| Simon on Rich List |
April 7, 2005
ByStaff Writers for Whitehaven News
Construction boss Fred Story has entered The Sunday Times Rich List for the first time.
The Carlisle United owner -– who joins the list in equal 938th place along with Pop Idol star Simon Cowell -– has taken his place at the table of Britain’s wealthiest 1,000, published at the weekend.
He is said to be worth £50 million and is ahead of Princes William and Harry and footballer Michael Owen in the list.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
| Simon One of Worst-Dressed in GQ Poll |
April 6, 2005
By Staff Writers for UK Yahoo
It is the news you'd never thought you'd hear. Footie pin-up David Beckham seems to have lost his touch.The England captain has been voted the WORST dressed man in Britain -- even worse than John McCririck and Graham Norton.
The hunk was handed the title in a poll by lads' mag GQ.
And in a cruel twist, Beckham's teamate Rio Ferdinand -- better known for his hairstyles than his clothes -- was voted BEST dressed man.
According to the magazine, England and Manchester United star Ferdinand is the epitome of elegance and style.
"He is the unlikely hero of the hour, a footballer who takes himself just seriously enough," said GQ editor Dylan Jones.
"He is a clotheshorse in the best sense of the word and has got great dress sense. Rio is a GQ man through and through."
Beckham has topped the poll for the past three years.
But in a spectacular fall from grace, he is now officially Britain's worst dressed man.
Shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, one of the expert judges, said: "He is the original fashion victim."
Top 10 Best Dressed Men
1. Rio Ferdinand
2. Jose Mourinho
3. Jude Law
4. Clive Owen
5. David Walliams
6. Daniel Craig
7. Alex Kapranos
8. Tom Ford
9. Pete Doherty
10. David Furnish
Top 10 Worst Dressed Men
1. David Beckham
2. Jonathan Ross
3. Jeremy Clarkson
4. Prince Harry
5. John McCririck
6. Prince William
7. Simon Cowell
8. Robbie Williams
9. John Prescott
10. Graham Norton
| Cowell Stunned by Opera Find |
April 5, 2005
By Staff Writers for Contact Music
Top TV talent expert Simon cowell has discovered the ultimate supergroup -- made up of four hunky opera singers.
The American and Pop Idol judge and X-Factor creator has spent two years working with the world's top opera svengalis in a bid to find the next big thing in the form of four-piece Il Divo.
And the usually outspoken Cowell admits he was left speechless when the quartet -- Urs Buhler from Switzerland, Carols Marin from Spain, Sebastien Izambard from France and David Miller from America -- performed for him for the first time.
He says, "For me, we did this like we were putting together an opera. We found, I think, four of the best undiscovered operatic singers in the world, asked them to make an album, which was classical, but at the same time popular.
"For me, it was the best thing I ever heard. Do you remember The Three Tenors? I wanted to do a younger version of that."
He recalls the first time Il Divo performed for him: "I have never been so intimidated in my life... I had to sit there and listen to them and go, 'I don't know what to say...'
Cowell introduced his new discovery on Oprah Winfrey's daytime show in America yesterday (04APR05), where the quartet performed Toni Braxton's hit Unbreak My Heart.
| Past Arrest Won’t Silence ‘Idol’ Scott |
April 05, 2005
By The Green Bay Press Gazette
“American Idol” judge Simon Cowell defended finalist Scott Savol after news that Savol had beaten his girlfriend in 2001 became public.
“In real life, a lot of pop stars have had trouble in the past,” Cowell said over the weekend at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards. He confirmed that the incident would not be addressed on the Fox singing contest.
“I don’t like this holier-than-thou-attitude, and it was right to keep him in (the competition. He had his punishment, and we’ll see if the public forgives him or not.”
Thesmokinggun.com on Thursday posted a police report from Shaker Heights, Ohio, citing Savol’s arrest after an altercation in February 2001 with the mother of his then-infant son, Brandon.
Savol, 28, one of nine remaining “American Idol” finalists, had told “Idol” producers of the resulting conviction of misdemeanor disorderly conduct. According to a statement by Fox and “Idol” producers last week:
“Scott Savol was forthcoming to the “American Idol” producers and the network regarding his misdemeanor. After reviewing the facts, we felt that considering Scott’s honesty and his remorse, the situation did not warrant his disqualification.”
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
| Transcript from The Oprah Winfrey Show: The Next Big Thing with American Idol's Simon Cowell |
April 4, 2005
HOST: Oprah Winfrey
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Ellen Rakieten
Unidentified Man #1: OK, stand by, here we go.
Unidentified Man #2: Cue Oprah.
OPRAH WINFREY: You can look me in the eye and tell me that Paula wants you?
An all-new OPRAH: "American Idol's" Simon Cowell reveals the inside scoop.
Ms. PAULA ABDUL ("American Idol"): Cat's out of the bag.
WINFREY: And it's been years in the making. His personal discovery. He calls them some of the best voices in the world. It's your turn to judge Simon.
Mr. SIMON COWELL ("American Idol"): Oh, great!
WINFREY: OK. Thanks. Cute. Very Cute. OK. So--OK. Every week nearly 30 million fans, 30 million, are tuning in to see what "American Idol's" Simon Cowell will say next. He has launched careers and crushed a few dreams. So today is big for Mr. Cowell. Simon himself has hand-picked a musical group that he believes is the next big thing, and he is introducing them to us for the first time today. So it's our turn to judge Simon's opinion. How fun. Please welcome Simon Cowell. OK. Great.
Mr. COWELL: ...(Unintelligible).
WINFREY: Oh, oh. Whoa.
Mr. COWELL: Oh, wow!
WINFREY: So--have a seat.
Mr. COWELL: You have a good warm-up man.
WINFREY: A good warm-up man. Isn't that? Yeah, we really do.
Mr. COWELL: He's good. He's good.
WINFREY: No. 'Cause you--did you hear them back there singing? They were out here singing. I would never have done that with you.
Mr. COWELL: I had to turn the volume down. All right. It wasn't that bad.
WINFREY: And wait a minute, wait a minute. And you all know that there was a couple moments when--I won't say who it was up here singing--that you thought, `OK.' The thing about you is you always say the thing that I wouldn't dare say, but I am thinking it.
Mr. COWELL: But you'd like to.
WINFREY: But I would like to.
Mr. COWELL: You'd like to.
WINFREY: But--yeah.
Mr. COWELL: It's interesting. A lot of people come up to me and they say that. They say, `You say exactly what I'm thinking.' And I think that's the--you know, because I don't really change people's opinions on the show when they're voting...
WINFREY: No.
Mr. COWELL: ...but I try and be the conscience.
WINFREY: A couple of times I've watched this year, you've been nicer than I am thinking.
Mr. COWELL: Really?
WINFREY: Yes.
Mr. COWELL: All right. That won't happen again.
WINFREY: OK. No.
Mr. COWELL: Sorry.
WINFREY: You've been nicer than I'm thinking.
Mr. COWELL: OK. It was an off day.
WINFREY: I'm thinking--yeah. 'Cause you're saying, `That was really good.' I'm thinking, `I'm really not thinking so at all.'
Mr. COWELL: Well, you know, the funny thing, I watched the show back one night because, you know, we tape it.
WINFREY: Yeah.
Mr. COWELL: It goes out live on the East Coast and then we watch it back on the West Coast.
WINFREY: Yeah.
Mr. COWELL: So I'm watching it back, and I said to my girlfriend, `I'm turning into Paula.'
WINFREY: Oh, no. Not you.
Mr. COWELL: I did.
WINFREY: Yeah?
Mr. COWELL: For one moment, I used the word proud.
WINFREY: You used the word proud. Oh!
Mr. COWELL: And I said, `She's getting to me.'
WINFREY: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Mr. COWELL: `This has got to stop.'
WINFREY: Yeah. Now there seems to be a lot of drama going on this season. Let's take a look at some of the shenanigans we've been seeing. You can shed some light on it.
Mr. COWELL: I'm here.
WINFREY: And this is the thing. I don't know, is it shenanigans or is it because I am a person of TV, or is that something you guys have like agreed to do, like it'll keep things going for you? You know, some of the shenanigans.
Mr. COWELL: No, I know what you're saying. Honest to God, because there's no rehearsals on this show with us...
WINFREY: Yeah.
Mr. COWELL: ...I never know what's going to happen day by day, and I normally--I can look at Paula's face and I can go, `This is going to be a bad show or a bad day.'
WINFREY: Really?
Mr. COWELL: Yeah. Yeah.
WINFREY: OK. Let's take a look at what I'm talking about, some of the shenanigans.
(Excerpt from videotape)
WINFREY: Over 100,000 singers tried out for this season's "American Idol." Some were pretty good.
(Footage of woman singing)
WINFREY: Some were not so good.
(Footage of various people singing)
WINFREY: And while the contestants are hoping to be a hit with judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, the show is having its most talked-about season ever. First, Simon and Paula have been really going at it.
(Excerpts from "American Idol" are shown)
WINFREY: This fiery exchange got so out of hand, the executive producer had to step in.
(Excerpt from "American Idol" is shown)
WINFREY: Next viewers were shocked when not one, but two strong contenders dropped out of the competition. First it was Marlia Stroman.
Ms. MARLIA STROMAN: I'm not emotionally stable to go through any of this. I've decided to leave the competition.
WINFREY: Then a few weeks later, Mario Vazquez, a top-12 finalist, abruptly quit.
Mr. RYAN SEACREST ("American Idol"): That's his decision to make. Not only is he in the competition, but he was a front-runner. He had a huge fan base.
WINFREY: But as they say in the biz, the show must go on. And finally, when it looked like things were settling down, "American Idol" hit another sour note.
Mr. SEACREST: Production office called and the words on the other end of the line were, `We have a problem.'
WINFREY: During week 10, viewers were given the wrong phone numbers to vote, and had to recast their votes the following night.
Mr. RANDY JACKSON ("American Idol"): "Idol" wouldn't be "Idol" without some kind of controversies going on throughout--during the season.
WINFREY: Now with only weeks to go, who knows what will happen next.
(End of excerpt)
WINFREY: OK. So...
Mr. COWELL: Where do we start?
WINFREY: I don't even know where we start. I don't know. I was raised in a house where you weren't allowed to say, `Shut up.' You could say `be quiet' or you could say, `I don't like that.' `Shut up' is pretty--when somebody says to you, `Shut up,' that means they really are upset with you, so...
Mr. COWELL: You should have seen what we edited out.
WINFREY: Oh, really.
Mr. COWELL: That was the clean version.
WINFREY: OK. That was the clean version. Really.
Mr. COWELL: Oh, yeah.
WINFREY: So what's going on between you two?
Mr. COWELL: Oh, where do I start with her?
WINFREY: You said--you told my producers that you think Paula really wants you. You don't really mean that.
Mr. COWELL: I'll tell you the analogy I will use is that--imagine for a moment that I am a piece of steak.
WINFREY: Yes.
Mr. COWELL: And Paula is a dog. And you wave the steak in front of the dog. But then the dog can't eat the steak. The dog hates the steak.
WINFREY: But who's waving it? You're the steak?
Mr. COWELL: I am the steak.
WINFREY: And you're waving yourself?
Mr. COWELL: I am waving myself, sort of. She can't have me, so she hates me.
WINFREY: You think that?
Mr. COWELL: I know it.
WINFREY: Oh, I don't think that. I don't think that. I don't know what is going on, but I really don't think that.
Mr. COWELL: It's that. It is.
WINFREY: No, really, seriously, Simon.
Mr. COWELL: Seriously.
WINFREY: Look me in the eye and tell me you think that Paula wants you.
Mr. COWELL: She wants me.
WINFREY: I don't believe it.
Mr. COWELL: I'm looking in your eyes.
WINFREY: No, I don't believe that.
Mr. COWELL: I'm looking in both eyes.
WINFREY: I don't--I don't believe that. And you can tell me--you can look me in the eye and tell me that you really believe that Paula wants you?
Mr. COWELL: She wants me. She wants me.
WINFREY: I don't believe it.
Mr. COWELL: It's true.
WINFREY: OK.
Mr. COWELL: It's true.
WINFREY: OK. Simon doesn't know this, but we sent our cameras to ask Paula what she wants to tell the world...
Mr. COWELL: Oh, God.
WINFREY: ...about Simon. Good, good.
Mr. COWELL: Set-up.
WINFREY: No. Right there.
(Excerpt from videotape)
Ms. ABDUL: With Simon, it's like the strangest relationship I've ever had.
(Excerpt from "American Idol" is shown)
Ms. ABDUL: I guess it's like reminding me back when I was in junior high school when a guy kind of liked me and then the way he kind of showed me how he liked me was by, like, punching me. That's kind of like Simon. Simon says that I'm patronizing.
(Excerpt from "American Idol" is shown)
Ms. ABDUL: I'm not patronizing. I help keep their dreams alive.
(Excerpt from "American Idol" is shown)
Ms. ABDUL: It's very difficult to find the good in everyone.
(Excerpt from "American Idol" is shown)
Ms. ABDUL: It's very easy to just go for the jugular and tear someone apart.
(Excerpt from "American Idol" is shown)
Ms. ABDUL: There are days we get along magnificently, and then there are days we just don't. Simon's just like a little boy.
(Excerpts from "American Idol" are shown)
Ms. ABDUL: He's just a little boy and a little brat.
(Excerpt from "American Idol" is shown)
Ms. ABDUL: He doesn't get his way, he pouts like a little baby. It's kind of cute sometimes.
WINFREY: And what does Paula say about Simon's belief that she has a crush on him?
Ms. ABDUL: Yup, Simon, cat's out of the bag. I do want you in the worst way. Just as much as I want gout, toe fungus and triple root canal.
(End of excerpt)
WINFREY: Whoa! Whoa. Well, I didn't believe that she did. I don't know what is going on, but I don't think that.
Mr. COWELL: Looking at that film, it just tells me everything I need to know. She's being defensive.
WINFREY: Oh, gosh. Tell me this, though. When I think sometimes she cuts you off, yeah.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah.
WINFREY: That does happen.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah.
WINFREY: And does that really upset you?
Mr. COWELL: I think it upsets other people more than me. I'm so used to it now, Oprah.
WINFREY: But the reason why I think this show works so well is because you have somebody like yourself--I couldn't do it--who's willing to go right there and tell the people in many cases what they really needed to know, what their mama should have told them before they got up there. But you're willing to tell the people the truth. That's why it works, because if everybody was going to play the role of--and I think Paula serves a great purpose keeping their dreams alive, but if each of you did that, then it would just be another kind of show.
Mr. COWELL: I agree.
WINFREY: Don't you agree?
Mr. COWELL: I do agree. And I think to be fair to Paula, I think she's got a harder role than I've got. I mean, you saw a clip, you know, this woman, the way she manages to come out with, `You've got a good personality.' I mean, how she can find anything to say in a situation like that one...
WINFREY: Yeah.
Mr. COWELL: ...when someone is dying in front of us. I mean, I'm just like, `Exit,' and she's like, `No, no, I like your hair.'
WINFREY: Uh-huh.
Mr. COWELL: You know, Paula...
WINFREY: I think maybe she's right. Maybe it is harder to find something to hold on to.
Mr. COWELL: It really is.
WINFREY: Because when I saw some of those auditions, I'm thinking, `Were the people serious?'
Mr. COWELL: Well, I described it like the musical equivalent of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." You know, it's like open the doors. Let them audition for "American Idol." It was astonishing, and every year it gets worse. And--but the belief each year gets more and more intense. So I'm like this sort of musical doctor now, you know...
WINFREY: Yeah.
Mr. COWELL: ...who has to say to people, `You're out, it's over,' in sort of a kind way.
WINFREY: Yeah. Simon has been on a roll this season, and we strung together a few Simon highlights. Where do you come up with these things? Anyway, take a look.
Mr. COWELL: I'm English.
WINFREY: Oh, you're English.
(Excerpts from "American Idol" are shown)
WINFREY: Where do you come up with them? I don't even--coming up, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest reveal their inner thoughts about Simon. OK. We'll be back to hear what they have to say.
Mr. COWELL: Great.
WINFREY: Great.
(Announcements)
WINFREY: So today's the big day for Simon Cowell. In just a few minutes, he's going to introduce for the first time a musical group he says has some of the best voices in the world. That's high praise coming from you.
Mr. COWELL: I know.
WINFREY: OK. They're making their American debut right here. OK, Simon, before we meet your latest discovery, we did some more snooping around "American Idol" to find out what do your co-workers really think about you? The thing about you, you don't care, though, do you?
Mr. COWELL: No.
WINFREY: You really don't.
Mr. COWELL: No, I don't.
WINFREY: You don't.
Mr. COWELL: No.
WINFREY: OK. Do you care about what anybody thinks of you?
Mr. COWELL: Puppies.
WINFREY: Puppies. OK. Take a look at this.
(Excerpt from videotape)
Mr. JACKSON: Simon Cowell, your dawg, Randy Jackson here. What's going down, baby? Simon, come on. All the kissing. Stop kissing. Simon "Kissing" Cowell. What is that?
WINFREY: And what about Simon and Paula's love-hate relationship? Does someone have a secret crush?
Mr. JACKSON: I don't think Paula wants him. Maybe it's he who wants Paula. You see, maybe there's some sort of triangle thing going on. Maybe Paula wants me and he's jealous. Ooh, did you ever think about that one? Did you think about that one?
Mr. SEACREST: Simon, let's be honest. It's OPRAH. You're jealous of the fact that I am 25 years younger than you, OK?
Look at the bags. Take a close--zoom in, please.
Now let's just face it. It's not gonna change. It's going to be that way forever, so let--we need to move past it. Let's talk about things we can do to make you feel and look younger. The T-shirts are too small, they're too tight. We need to discuss it. Let's be honest. The man boobs, we really have to reduce the size. It's getting to be embarrassing. Quite frankly, I'm scared.
(End of excerpt)
WINFREY: Are you guys buddies or what?
Mr. COWELL: You know, we're actually very lucky even though we make fun of each other. It's--this show has become for us like the cast of "Friends," and we actually genuinely are friends. I mean, I was with Ryan and some friends in Mexico. Randy hangs out with us. Even Paula's allowed to come out for dinner with us now.
WINFREY: Really? Really?
Mr. COWELL: We are genuinely friends, yeah.
WINFREY: Really?
Mr. COWELL: And nothing's changed from day one.
WINFREY: Nothing.
Mr. COWELL: Nothing.
WINFREY: Do you like Randy?
Mr. COWELL: Oh, I love Randy. Randy has probably--doesn't know what he's talking about. No one listens to Randy, but he's used to it. I'm kidding. I love him. But he has the best energy out of any--you know when you meet somebody and you're very comfortable with them?
WINFREY: Yeah, yeah.
Mr. COWELL: That's Randy.
WINFREY: That's Randy.
Mr. COWELL: He's just--I don't know how he does it, but I've never...
WINFREY: He feels like folks, like family, like you've known him forever.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah. And you'll never see him in a bad mood.
WINFREY: Really?
Mr. COWELL: Ever. Ever.
WINFREY: Yeah. And he's gotten all slim and...
Mr. COWELL: Ish.
WINFREY: No, he's slim.
Mr. COWELL: I said it's like looking at...
WINFREY: He is slim. Randy, you are slim. You are looking really good.
Mr. COWELL: But that's like saying a hill is smaller than a mountain.
WINFREY: OK. So I think it's an interesting mix, the three of you. But a couple of times with you and Paula, it's made me uncomfortable.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah.
WINFREY: I don't like hearing people tell people--maybe I was told shut up as a kid or something. I don't know what that is. That doesn't make you uncomfortable? You all like it?
Audience: (In unison) No.
WINFREY: You don't--you don't like it.
Mr. COWELL: I mean, to be fair--I mean, I think to be fair to Paula, I was antagonizing her so much that day.
WINFREY: I know you were, but...
Mr. COWELL: I really was pushing her.
WINFREY: But I kept thinking something's--I don't like that.
Mr. COWELL: She just snaps...
WINFREY: OK.
Mr. COWELL: ...and then she regrets it afterwards, but I have to play myself.
WINFREY: Did she call you like a dirty name or something? Is that what you edited out?
Mr. COWELL: Possibly.
WINFREY: Possibly. OK. OK. Let's talk about this. Your favorite past winner?
Mr. COWELL: Oh, that's a good question. In terms of a person or a singer?
WINFREY: OK. Let's go with singer first.
Mr. COWELL: Singer first. Kelly.
WINFREY: Kelly. Person.
Mr. COWELL: Person. Fantasia.
WINFREY: Fantasia.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah. Yeah.
WINFREY: I just saw her the other night at something. Seems to have a really great personage, you know.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah, she's a really...
WINFREY: A nice soul, great spirit.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah, a great person.
WINFREY: Great spirit.
Mr. COWELL: I like her.
WINFREY: Do you think thatg this crop of talent this season is better, more outstanding, than previous years?
Mr. COWELL: Look, there's some good people. But there will only be maximum two good people, really good people, who are probably as good as we've seen previously. There's this girl, Carrie Underwood, is an example, and everyone was saying the guys are gonna win this competition. They were saying it when we finished the auditions. And I said no. Girl walked in our audition called Carrie Underwood. She is not just good in the competition. She's good in the real world. And that's what I look at, you know, which is...
WINFREY: What does that mean?
Mr. COWELL: In other words, take her out of the competition. Is she on a par with an existing multiplatinum artist, and I think she is.
WINFREY: You think she is.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah, I really do think she is. And what she has is the likability factor, which is a huge part of the show. People have to like you. The girl who left recently, Jessica...
WINFREY: Yeah.
Mr. COWELL: ...great voice, but for some reason people didn't like her. Like Paula, you know. She's nice, but a lot of people don't like her. I like her.
WINFREY: Well, a lot of people don't like you.
Mr. COWELL: I know. I don't have the likability factor at all.
WINFREY: You don't have it.
Mr. COWELL: No, I don't. But I don't care.
WINFREY: You don't care.
Mr. COWELL: No.
WINFREY: Do you see the kids coming in now being affected differently, like going to their heads and playing the star thing before they even, you know, win?
Mr. COWELL: That's a good question. I think you look for it, you know. I've seen it with previous people. You can see in their eyes who's going to be the monster at the end.
WINFREY: Yeah.
Mr. COWELL: We've had it with previous winners, too, kids who are in the finals who refuse to sign autographs. And I saw it, and I said, `It's very simple. If you do it again, I'm going to say it on the show.'
WINFREY: Really.
Mr. COWELL: `So you better sign some autographs.'
WINFREY: OK. Good.
Mr. COWELL: They signed the autographs.
WINFREY: OK.
Mr. COWELL: But to be fair to this bunch, I think we've got a nice bunch of people this year.
WINFREY: Really?
Mr. COWELL: Genuinely, yeah.
WINFREY: OK. Coming up, Simon's personal discovery. He says they are the next big thing in music. Their US television debut next.
(Announcements)
WINFREY: OK. So we're here with "American Idol" star Simon Cowell. Simon says--Simon says the next big thing in music is a new group called Il Divo. Il Divo. Remember that name, because he hand-picked four men and says they have some of the best voices in the world.
Now you brought them all the way from Europe, right?
Mr. COWELL: And America.
WINFREY: OK. And America, to make this television debut. Thank you. From a guy who has really high standards, what makes them so special?
Mr. COWELL: Just like you said in your introduction. For me, we did this like we were putting together an opera. We found, I think, four of the best undiscovered operatic singers in the world, asked them to make an album, which was classical, but at the same time popular, and for me it was the best thing I'd ever heard.
WINFREY: So this band is your creation.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah.
WINFREY: And what inspired you? Just their voices?
Mr. COWELL: Simply that. I wanted to put together--you remember the Three Tenors?
WINFREY: Yeah, yeah.
Mr. COWELL: I wanted to do a younger version of that, but four of them. Took me two years to find these guys.
WINFREY: Did you do a search? Were you looking all over the...
Mr. COWELL: We hired opera experts all over the world. These guys came together. The second I met them individually, I thought they were individually stars, collectively amazing, and I have never been so intimidated in my life.
WINFREY: Really.
Mr. COWELL: Seriously.
WINFREY: You?
Mr. COWELL: I was intimidated. I had to sit there and listen to them and go...
WINFREY: Right.
Mr. COWELL: ...`I don't know what to say.'
WINFREY: Really?
Mr. COWELL: `I don't know what to say.'
WINFREY: OK, so intro...
Mr. COWELL: They were that good.
WINFREY: Introduce them for us.
Mr. COWELL: Where shall I talk?
WINFREY: Yeah, right there.
Mr. COWELL: I am now going to introduce Il Divo, who are here to sing their version of "Unbreak My Heart." Please welcome--that was terrible--Il Divo.
WINFREY: Il Divo.
(Il Divo performs "Unbreak My Heart")
WINFREY: Wow! Hot stuff. Whoa! Wait a minute. This is so great. Whoo, whoo. Bravo. I don't know a word they were saying. Not a word they were singing, but the hairs on my arms were raising. Really. Goose bumps. Goose bumps.
Mr. COWELL: Yeah, goose bumps every time I hear it.
WINFREY: These guys are from all over the world. Introduce them and where they're from.
Mr. COWELL: Urs, from Switzerland, Sebastian from France, David from America and Carlos from Spain, collectively Il Divo.
WINFREY: From Spain. Oh, Il Divo. Beautiful. Beautiful.
Mr. COWELL: Thank you.
WINFREY: Thank you, Simon. The new band and the CD is called "Il Divo." Il Divo. Il Divo.
Mr. COWELL: Il Divo.
WINFREY: Il Divo.
Mr. COWELL: Il Divo.
WINFREY: I got it, baby. That is fantastic. Bravo, guys. Bravo. Fantastic. We'll be right back.
(Announcements)
WINFREY: So today we're revealing the next big thing. We just saw Il Divo. We were--are they single?
Mr. COWELL: Yes...
WINFREY: So people have called her voice dazzling and elegant and gritty and raw and soulful, and she's only 17, but she's already knocking people out [Joss Stone].
You like her, don't you?
Mr. COWELL: I love her.
WINFREY: You do love her.
Mr. COWELL: And a very nice person.
WINFREY: And she's a nice person.
Mr. COWELL: Off camera. Very nice person.
WINFREY: We're going to talk about that after the show, what really makes a star. 'Cause I think just having a voice isn't enough. You have to have--you're only as big as your life, you know.
Mr. COWELL: I agree.
WINFREY: Yes.
Mr. COWELL: I agree...
WINFREY: OK. Thanks again. First of all, I like your [Joss Stone's] T-shirts.
Mr. COWELL: I like yours.
STONE: Oh.
WINFREY: Thank you. Il Divo's new CD will be in stores on April 19th. Remember that. Il Divo. How are we going to forget? They sound so good and look so good. Joss Stone's CDs are called "Soul Sessions" and "Mind, Body & Soul." Thank you both for being here.
Mr. COWELL: Thank you for having us.
WINFREY: Thank you. Thank you. All right. See you on the after show with Simon. Great.
Monday, April 04, 2005
| The Quintessential Tarot Tina: What's in the Cards for Star Simon Cowell? |
April 3, 2005
By Tina for The People.
Simon Cowell has been enormously successful in recent years as a music producer and in his involvement with smash-hit reality shows Pop Idol, The X-Factor and American Idol.
But the supreme pop guru would do well to avoid becoming over-confident in his ability to pick winners -- as there is every possibility that he may go spectacularly wrong with a new project (The Seven of Cups with The Tower).
It could be that someone close to Cowell, someone in whom he has placed a lot of trust, is not all he or she at first seemed on the surface (The Two of Swords with The Three of Swords).
The man who has (somewhat unfairly) come to be known as 'Mr Nasty' simply because he is unafraid to share his honest opinions may need to draw on all his reserves of leadership and insight to overcome the potential disaster that may result (Three of Wands with Justice).
But first he may well have to overcome his own sense of defeat and disappointment in his usually flawless judgement of character (The Ten of Swords with The Five of Cups).
The Libran (born October 7, 1959) -- represented by The King of Swords -- may also be set to experience a strong dose of the blues as he begins to reflect more on the past and on regrets he may have over lost ties with loved ones (The Moon with The Seven of Swords).
Considering that The King of Swords indicates an authoritative and decisive figure who seldom wavers when it comes to moving forward, this is unfamiliar territory and is likely to cause self-doubt, potentially leading to sleepless nights (Nine of Swords with The Devil).
If this becomes the case, he would be well advised to step back from everything and take a well-deserved break, recharge his batteries and reflect on just which direction he wants to go in as he enters a new phase in his life (The Hanged Man with The Four of Cups).
The appearance of The Chariot with Nine of Wands, though, signifies victory over adversity.
And The Empress falling with The Six of Cups indicates that the new path the man also nicknamed 'Judge Dread' may choose will be one in which he spends more time in selfless and noble pursuits -- namely charity work, possibly to do with children.
There is also a good possibility that he will begin to plan a trip down memory lane that could lead to a happy reunion.
This promises to leave him feeling emotionally fulfilled, at the same time enabling him to cast aside some long-held regrets and all the negative energies that go with them (Ten of Cups with Ace of Cups).
| P.S. |
April 3, 2005
By Carole Malone for The Sunday Mirror.
Having just arrived in the bustling Indian city of Mumbai, (courtesy of Richard Branson, who has just launched his latest route here), it's oddly comforting to see the clammy hand of Simon Cowell has reached all the way over here.
Plastered on billboards all over town are posters for "Super Singer".
"Will it be Rajiv?" "Will it be Chandra?" or "Will it be Tarun?"
Yes, you've guessed it, Pop Idol Indian style.
Is nowhere safe?
| New Simon Interviews and Bobblehead Doll Demo |
Well, the interviews aren't really new except in the sense that I just found them, LOL. They're both from 2003. But who cares? At least you get to hear his voice! I'll add them to the interviews on the right-hand side shortly.
Go almost halfway down the page for Simon's interview on the Bert Show -- Q 100 Atlanta. Or, if you want to get the file directly, click on Simon on the Bert Show.
This page has a bio of Simon: Steve & Vicki -- Star 94. If you want to get the file directly, click on Simon on the Steve & Vicki Show.
And this page has the demo of the bobblehead doll: Ringside Collectibles. If you want to get the file directly, click on Simon Bobblehead Doll
Sunday, April 03, 2005
| Bye-bye, Papa |
Saturday, April 02, 2005
| Showbiz Tonight -- Simon on Oprah |
April 1, 2005
By Transcripters for CNN
A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST:: Well, a big part at "American Idol" is what goes on at the judges` table, especially when the sparks are flying between Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. And if anyone can get to the bottom of that whole love- hate thing that they have going on, it`s Oprah Winfrey. At a taping for an upcoming "Oprah" episode, she asked Simon about his repeated claims that Paula is attracted to him.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OPRAH WINFREY, HOST: Seriously, Simon.
SIMON COWELL, "AMERICAN IDOL": Seriously.
OPRAH: Look me in the eye and tell me you think that Paula wants you.
COWELL: She wants me.
(LAUGHTER)
OPRAH: I don`t believe it!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That episode of "Oprah" is going to air on Monday. And Simon will also be introducing a boy band that he has put together.
| 'Life Give Up On US? |
April 7, 2003
By Staff Writers for The BBC
They may have won the hearts of the ladies all over Europe, but it looks like Westlife have given up on trying to make a go of it in America.
Or so says head crooner Shane Filan. In an interview with Metro the swoonsome fella revealed that the band have admitted defeat in trying to crack the US market after several attempts.
"The [US] recording industry is without a doubt the hardest market to break. Personally I don't think we'll ever do it as we won't try to do it again," reckons Shane, "It takes too much time. We're happy with Europe so why bother?"
Charming! Shane also revealed his jealousy at boss Simon Cowell's success in the US. Cowell's Mr Nasty persona has been lapped up by American audiences, and the BMG boss even featured on a recent episode of MTV Cribs.
Shane fumed: "[It's] gutting. I was in America the other week doing a documentary and watching telly and he was all over it. Then the other night I was watching MTV Cribs and they had Simon as one of the subjects, I was like: 'My god. What's happening'"
Friday, April 01, 2005
| Grudge Match: Dolly Parton Vs. Simon Cowell |
April 1, 2005
By Terry Morrow for Knox News
Dolly Parton vs. Simon Cowell
She's one of America's most beloved singers. He's one of America's most reviled music critics. Together, they make as much sense as a June bug wearing tennis shoes. She's sweet. He's sour. She's up. He's down. But would he hesitate to take on our beloved Dolly? Well, the "American Idol" judge is just about brazen enough to do it. You can hear him now: "I love the song, but what's up with the hair and the cleavage?" As always, Dolly would not stand still for it: "Stop lookin' at me that way or I'll turn you from a rooster into a hen right fast."
SPRING RITUAL
Dolly: Gets out the girls for an old spit and shine before Dollywood opens again.
Simon: Starts shedding his skin to seek another human host.
DEALS
Dolly: Usually begins with the phrase: "If you show me yours, I'll show you mine."
Simon: Taking out a second mortgage on his soul.
EMOTICONS
Dolly: UU
Simon: ö
IN AN EMERGENCY
Dolly: Fingernails handy for tree climbing and warding off predators.
Simon: First person you call if you want advice on how to hurt someone's feelings.
SUMMER PLANS
Dolly: Hopes she can still pull of a thong.
Simon: Hopes he can still pull off somebody else's thong.
| Classical Is Going a Little Bit Pop |
March 31, 2005
By Elysa Gardner for USA Today
Simon Cowell is better known for putting down wannabe pop divas than promoting their classical counterparts. But listening to Il Divo, a male vocal group whose self-titled debut will be released April 19 by Cowell's Syco Music and Columbia Records, you might guess that the American Idol judge is a closet opera fan.
You would be wrong. "Too much of (opera) is German and heavy and ponderous," says Cowell, who apparently hasn't spent much time checking out, say, Puccini or Bizet. But while watching The Sopranos one night —- the TV show, that is -— Cowell heard Andrea Bocelli crooning Time to Say Goodbye with Sarah Brightman, and a multi-platinum light bulb clicked in his head.
"People are so highbrow about classical music," Cowell sniffs. "It's a style run by snobs. But I thought, this could be made more accessible to the public."
It wasn't exactly a novel idea. The classical crossover movement has been one of the biggest and most controversial music stories of the past decade, yielding, in addition to Bocelli, stars such as Joshua Bell, pre-teen Charlotte Church and seemingly endless tenor groupings. And its origins go back much further —- to the 19th century, according to Alex Ross, classical music critic for The New Yorker, who cites Swedish soprano and P.T. Barnum protégée Jenny Lind.
Classical with 'Charisma'
In the new millennium, though, such acts are lavished with marketing campaigns that might have left even Barnum gaping.
Il Divo stresses the hunk quotient of its members, who were selected over two years "from a series of experts around the world," Cowell says. Promotional photos showcase Spanish baritone Carlos Marin, American tenor David Miller, Swiss tenor Urs Buhler and French "vox populi" (i.e., token pop singer) Sebastien Izambard posing like Armani models —- which they are, in fact, having been dressed by the designer.
"I was looking for guys who had charisma," Cowell explains. "And I knew these were the four as soon as they walked into the room. There was no narrowing down," à la Idol.
Moreover, while all except Izambard were formally trained and have sung opera professionally, the songs on Il Divo are all, as the group's press kit puts it, "romantic songs from the popular repertoire." The first single, Regressa a Mi, is an Italian-language version of Un-Break My Heart, the Diane Warren ballad made famous by Toni Braxton.
"We don't want to take anything from the classical repertoire, to alter things that purists might come down on" Miller says.
But Cowell stresses that the singers, in their early to mid-30s, "all had backgrounds working in opera houses, and years of experience learning their craft..."
* Mission *
The Simon Times is dedicated to bringing you the best in Simon Cowell news, good and bad, old and new, from across the globe. Email me at thesimontimes@hotmail.com if you've got the scoop!!
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PAUL POTTS
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Audition:
"Nessun Dorma"
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"Con te partirò"
(Time to Say Goodbye)
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"Nessun Dorma"
BGT Winner Encore:
"Nessun Dorma"
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