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Sunday, September 30, 2007
| 'Simon Cowell Is Self Involved', Says Ryan Seacrest |
September 30, 2007
By ANI for Yahoo
Going by Ryan Seacrest's words, Simon Cowell loves watching himself on TV.
The 'American Idol' host revealed the news to Johnny Vaughn on Capital FM.
"He brings DVDs of himself on X Factor to watch when we have to travel for American Idol," the Mirror quoted Seacrest, as telling the radio station.
But after spilling the beans, the 34-year old host tried to backtrack himself after realizing that he might end up in trouble over his utterances.
"I really shouldn't say it, I don't want people to get the wrong idea, to think that he might be self involved... but he does," Seacrest said.
| Simon Cowell Loves Rejecting Contestants |
September 29, 2007
By Daniel Kilkelly for Digital Spy
Simon Cowell has admitted that he enjoys rejecting contestants on The X Factor.
New judge Dannii Minogue and Xtra Factor host Fearne Cotton spoke about how much they sympathised with this year's hopefuls before the boot camp stage began, but Cowell expressed a very different attitude.
"I feel sorry for them as there is so much pressure on their shoulders," Dannii explained. "They have to bring it on this year."
However, Simon remarked: "I like the fact that we'll see so much disappointment over the week. I love that. Disappointing 250 people -- great way to earn a living!"
| Ruthless Contestant Impresses Cowell |
September 29, 2007
By Daniel Kilkelly for Digital Spy
X Factor contestant Raquelle Gracie impressed Simon Cowell by displaying a ruthless attitude at boot camp.
The 21-year-old hopeful had previously surprised the four judges at the auditions stage, by doing the splits at the end of her performance.
After entering the judges' room at boot camp, Raquelle was asked how she was finding the experience. She replied: "Good, but you have to stick to yourself."
A delighted Simon replied: "Totally agree with you, do not make friends, don't rely on anyone. Hate everyone and you'll do well!"
Once Raquelle had performed Phil Collins' 'Take A Look At Me Now' and left the room, Cowell remarked: "I wish this girl could sing, I just love her, she's ruthless, sexy, hates everybody, ambitious - every trait I love."
Louis Walsh laughed: "She's like a female version of you!"
| Cowell Brands Singer 'Most Conceited Ever' |
September 29, 2007
By Beth Hilton for Digital Spy
X Factor judge Simon Cowell has branded a Welsh hopeful "the most conceited person" he has ever met.
Opera singer Rhydian Roberts is one of 40 boys competing for 12 places at the show's boot camp at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire.
The 25-year-old said: “I’ve trained as an opera singer for four years but when I’m on the operatic stage, I just don’t feel like I’m connecting with the masses. I want to make it through to the final 12 because I know I can sell records. On stage I come alive.”
But Sharon Osbourne was less than impressed when Rhydian took his place in front of the panel. After listening to his version of Tom Jones' classic 'Delilah', she declared: “I want to throw things at him, he’s revolting.”
Simon Cowell admitted that Rhydian could sing but described him as “up his own arse" and "the most conceited person I’ve ever met in my life”.
Later, the judges struggled to agree on the contestant's fate as they debated who would make it through to the next round.
Simon insisted that he had to put Rhydian through, telling Sharon he was "really passionate about this guy" and asking: "There’s no one else you want to fight over?”
But Sharon responded: “I’m not fighting, this guy is an idiot, I want to kill him!” She then walked out of the deliberation room and ranted at the cameras: "He’s the most nauseating individual I’ve met in years, he can sing but I don’t see any likeability. They [the judges] are just not interested in what I’ve got to say.“
| Si's an X Flirter |
September 30, 2007
By Louise Ford for The Sunday Mirror
Simon Cowell doesn't waste any time when he claps eyes on a girl with the seX Factor.
When he was hailed by this mystery blonde at his Miami hotel, he promptly jumped into the pool beside her for a cosy chat.
As a true English gent, he thought it only right to give the bikini-clad admirer his undivided attention after she called him over to the pool to shake hands.
The X Factor judge was in jeans and a tight-fitting white T-shirt - but quickly stripped down to his red trunks to take a dip.
An onlooker said: "Quick as lightning, Simon had changed and jumped in. The girl was gorgeous and she sipped pink champagne as Simon flirted away. They had a very animated chat.
"Simon's known for charming all the ladies and this was no exception."
It was all harmless fun, of course. Simon only has eyes for his gorgeous long- term girlfriend Terri Seymour, 33, who couldn't join him on the Florida trip on Friday.
| Sinitta Slams X Factor's Simon Cowell & Dannii Minogue |
September 30, 2007
By C Taylor for EntertainmentWise
She squeezes those sour grapes...
Sinitta has slammed Simon Cowell for chosing Dannii Minogue instead of her as an X Factor judge -- branding the singer "just a mini Sharon".
Despite enjoying a close relationship with Cowell, including helping him mentor his contestants, Sinitta is still furious she was overlooked in favour of Dannii for this year's show.
She tells the Star, "I would definitely be better than Dannii. I don't think she takes away from the show, I just don't think she brings anything new.
"She's just a mini Sharon. She even looks like her. They needed a new flavour and I would have brought that."
"I asked Simon if I could be the fourth judge but he wouldn't let me. He said it was because he needed me to mentor his acts. He told me he couldn't do it without me, that I was Robin to his Batman."
Friday, September 28, 2007
| Oprah Winfrey Tops TV 'Rich List' |
September 28, 2007
By Staff Writers for The BBC
Chat show host Oprah Winfrey is the highest-paid personality on TV, earning four times more than her nearest rival, according to a Forbes magazine list.
Winfrey was paid $260m (£128m) between June 2006 and June 2007, Forbes said.
The second-placed star was comedian Jerry Seinfeld, whose earnings were put at $60m (£30m) for the past year.
Simon Cowell, the outspoken judge on American Idol, came third with $45m (£22m), while Jay Leno and Donald Trump also featured in the magazine's top 10.
Barbara Walters, who owns and co-produces her own daytime show, The View, was at number 18, with earnings of $12m (£5.9m).
And Forbes senior editor Lea Goldman said daytime personalities "dominate our list".
Winfrey is no stranger to the regular Forbes polls, having topped the publication's most powerful celebrity list in June.
This survey takes into account stars' earnings, internet presence and press, TV and radio coverage.
She was also named the richest woman in entertainment by Forbes in January. Her chat show is watched by 30 million viewers each week in the US.
Music mogul Cowell's overall fortune is now thought to be in the region of £100m, according to the Sunday Times Rich List, a separate study which was released in April.
Cowell became famous for his forthright views on TV talent shows
In December 2006, Cowell struck a deal with ITV to stay with UK talent show The X Factor until 2009, reportedly worth £20m ($39m).
His US reality TV hit, America's Got Talent, has been sold to 80 countries around the world.
Aside from American Idol, he also has a variety of TV projects run through his company Syco, as well as working as an executive for record company Sony BMG.
Seinfeld's haul was earned mostly from repeats of his self-titled 1990s sitcom, which he co-owned.
1. Oprah Winfrey ($260m)
2. Jerry Seinfeld ($60m)
3. Simon Cowell ($45m)
4. David Letterman ($40m)
5. Donald Trump ($32m)
6. Jay Leno ($32m)
7. Dr Phil McGraw ($30m)
8. 'Judge' Judy Sheindlin ($30m)
9. George Lopez ($26m)
10. Kiefer Sutherland ($22m)
| Harry Criticises Talent Shows |
September 27, 2007
By Staff Writers for Contact Music
Blondie singer Deborah Harry has condemned the popularity of reality TV shows, insisting music moguls are giving youngsters false hope.
The 63-year-old star accuses show producers, like American Idol judge Simon Cowell, of encouraging talentless youngsters and wrongly promising them a career in the music industry.
She says, "It's not unique in any way. It's grinding out more stuff, it's not encouraging people to come on and play their own music.
"It's just karaoke. And that to me is nothing. I can go down to any bar in the East Village practically any night of the week and see some asshole standing up there singing Stairway To Heaven."
| Cowell in Royal 'Talent' Prize Confusion |
September 27, 2007
By Alex Fletcher for Digital Spy
Simon Cowell's prize to the winner of Britain's Got Talent of a slot at the Royal Variety Performance has been thrown into doubt.
BBC bosses are refusing to promise to allow the winner of next year's show to appear when the programme switches from ITV1 in 2008.
Applicants for the talent show were told that they could play in front of the Royal Family, which many presumed to be a place on the Royal Variety show.
However, according to The Sun, nobody at Cowell's production company Syco or ITV has contacted the BBC to request whether the winner can appear on next year's bill.
An insider commented: "I would be very surprised if we let the winner of one of ITV’s most popular shows take pride of place on BBC1."
An ITV source said: "There’s a meeting in the diary to talk about this with the BBC. It would be silly of them to turn this down as we’ll effectively be promoting their show."
This year's Royal Variety Performance will see last year's Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts perform in front of the Queen and Prince Philip at The Empire Theatre in Liverpool.
| Simon Cowell Defends Britney Spears |
September 27, 2007
By Staff Writers for Extra TV
Britney Spears has one unlikely ally in her comeback struggle: Simon Cowell.
Mr. Nasty is telling “Extra” that he actually likes the troubled pop star – and that she might be making all the right moves!
“She’s all over the news, she gets more publicity that the entire Hot 100 combined, so maybe she’s doing everything right and everyone else is getting it wrong,” he confessed to “Extra.”
The “American Idol” judge also says folks should cut Britney some slack for what the pop star goes through.
He’s shrugging off her bizarre bathroom encounter with a paparazzo this week, in which she invited him inside, saying, “They follow her everywhere, so they might as well go into the loo with her.”
He admitted he’s standing up for Britney “a little bit,” adding, “I actually like her. I think she’s interesting.”
But there is one thing Simon would change for Britney.
About her single, “Gimme More,” Simon quipped, “Change the ‘more’ to ‘less.’
Thursday, September 27, 2007
| Simon Cowell ‘Lookalike’ in Court |
September 27, 2007
By Staff Writers for Aberystwyth Today
A Trefechan man launched a ferocious attack on a holidaymaker who said he looked like Simon Cowell.
Anthony Ernest Calvert, of 1 St David’s Quay, has already pleaded guilty to assaulting Adam Davies in the Fountain Inn.
But Calvert, 45, will have to face a Newton Hearing on 26 November where magistrates will decide whether they accept prosecution evidence that Calvert kicked Mr Davies while he was on the floor, or whether they believe Calvert when he says that he did not kick Mr Davies.
Magistrates have already warned that if it is decided that Calvert did kick Mr Davies during the attack, then he could be sent to Crown Court for sentencing as it would make the offence much more serious.
Calvert has admitted punching Mr Davies after Mr Davies said Calvert looked like X Factor judge Simon Cowell.
The prosecution says Calvert punched Mr Davies five times in the face before he was dragged off by a barman.
Calvert denies that he then kicked Mr Davies while he was on the floor, as the prosecution alleges.
The Newton Hearing has been set for 26 November where several witnesses will be called. Calvert was released on unconditional bail until the hearing.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
| 'American Idol' Big 4 Hang at the Mansion |
September 26, 2007
By Alan Peppard for The Dallas Morning News
If UFOs really exist, who wants to explain to a visiting higher intelligence that Fox's American Idol foursome are the most revered figures in our culture? Last weekend's Dallas visit of Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest evoked more "Where are they?" fervor than the heady days of "Who shot J.R.?"
Though the host and the three judges were auditioning American Idol contestants at the W Hotel, the stars were not so carefree as to stay at the same hotel where contestants and fans were swarming.
Simon the bully Brit, Paula the sexy train wreck, Ryan the self-absorbed host and Randy the palate-cleansing nice guy were all ensconced in separate suites at The Mansion on Turtle Creek. When they did peek their heads out of their rooms, they were accompanied by bodyguards.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
| 'X-Factor's Simon Cowell Saved My Life' |
September 25, 2007
By Danielle Beeton for The Sunderland Echo
An X-Factor wannabe reckons TV's Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, saved her life.
The music mogul told club entertainer Jacqui Gray: "Something weird happens to your voice when you sing" as she performed Labi Siffre's Something Inside So Strong for the talent show judges.
But after the 46-year-old's failed audition, screened on ITV1 at the weekend, Cowell and fellow judge Sharon Osbourne advised the mum-of-two to get her throat checked out by a doctor.
Taking up their advice Jacqui, of Galashiels Road, Grindon, Sunderland, visited her GP and medics diagnosed her with bronchiectasis, an incurable potentially-deadly lung infection.
And even though the celebrity panel crushed her dreams of stardom, she is still a fan of Cowell and Osborne for unwittingly spotting her illness.
Jacqui, who works for a city law firm, said: "I knew I had a chest infection but I had no idea it was that bad. They saved my life and I would just like to thank them.
"God knows what would have happened if I had left it any longer. It could have been much more serious."
Bronchiectasis causes irreversible damage to the bronchial tubes, which carry air in and out of the lungs.
It can cause dust, mucus and bacteria to build up in the organs, which can lead to infection and cause further damage to the bronchial tubes – and in extreme cases it can lead to premature death.
During Jacqui's audition Cowell smirked as she belted out the R and B anthem. And all four judges – Cowell, Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Danni Minogue – decided she wasn't good enough for the next stage of the competition.
But Jacqui, who will now be on steroids for life, is not going to let the critics or her illness stop her from pursuing her singing dreams.
She said: "It was a brilliant experience – a learning curve – and it's not going to stop me.
"I've already sent off the forms for Britain's Got Talent and I'm going to enter next year's X-Factor."
She will now be competing against the hundreds of other hopefuls in the next rounds. and will appear on future editions of the Saturday night show.
Monday, September 24, 2007
| Jamelia Brands Leona Lewis 'Poor Man's Mariah Carey' |
September 24, 2007
By ANI for Yahoo
Pop star Jamelia lashed out at English singer, Leona Lewis, calling her a "poor man's Mariah Carey".
Jamelia also hit out at Leona's mentor Simon Cowell who met her through 'X-Factor'.
"When Simon stops all this stupid hype about her, that's when we'll see if she can deliver. Like every artist Simon has, she'll fade into obscurity eventually," the Sun quoted her as saying.
Jamelia even said that being associated with Cowell would not bring any success to an artist.
"Simon's lost it. He is disrespectful. Leona may be talented, but she's not worked as hard as me or others in the industry -- fact! Only Will Young has been successful, and that was because he's talented and cut ties with Simon. Leona is a poor man's Mariah Carey," she said.
| Inside Cowell's Camp X-Ray |
September 23, 2007
By Louise Ford for The Sunday Mirror
A shellshocked 79-year-old has revealed how contestants at Simon Cowell's X Factor boot camp were bullied and subjected to hours of "mental torture".
On TV the show's judges promise pop wannabes a fun-packed experience as they chase dreams of stardom.
But now furious contestants -- including pensioner Dr Joy Philippou -- have broken the show's code of silence to reveal the true story of life behind the scenes.
They told how tempers became so stretched at the hotel where ITV put up its 250 hopefuls that one furious woman broke into Simon Cowell's suite to complain.
The angry mum of a 14-year-old girl Cowell had reduced to tears burst into his room at Heythrop Park Hotel in Oxfordshire and confronted the terrified judge and producer -- who promptly locked himself in the bathroom.
Now the Sunday Mirror can reveal further astonishing secrets from inside the X Factor boot camp where:
Fifty black-shirted "prefects" patrol the hotel barking orders at frightened contestants.
Hopefuls staged a protest after being denied food and drinks and being banned from using the toilet or going outside for hours.
Joy feared she would suffer a heart attack when she and the others were deliberately woken at 3am after just two hours sleep.
We can also reveal how the show's 24 finalists had already been "chosen" before boot camp started. And Joy tells how she is convinced the judges have already picked the person they want to win.
Last night Joy, who got through to boot camp with her impersonations of musical instruments, said: "It was absolutely horrific.
"It was physical and mental torture and everyone was acting on Cowell's orders. We called him the Fuhrer."
While the contestants suffered Simon and the show's fellow judges -- Dannii Minogue, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh -- were snug in their £360-a-night suites enjoying lavish meals shipped in from a village pub.
Joy and several other contestants are so angry about it all they have decided to speak out.
At one point an angry mother evaded security and stormed into Cowell's room. As she hurled abuse at Cowell for rejecting her daughter, TV's "Mr Nasty" cowered in his en-suite bathroom from where he phoned for help. Joy said: "The girl's mum was livid because her daughter had been treated so badly, and was in tears. She found out where his room was, probably by following him."
Afterwards she told the other contestants and their families about the bust-up. "Simon was cowering," she said. "He should be called 'Simon Coward' instead of Simon Cowell."
Another contestant, mum-of-two Andrea Ryder added: "This mum caused a real commotion -- Cowell was really shaken up."
The boot camp week in August -- which will be screened next week -- started badly for contestants.
Joy and her fellow hopefuls were forced to wait outside the hotel in the cold for four hours -- from 7pm to 11pm -- on their first night. "It was for no reason other than to prove they could -- it was mental bullying," said Joy, an academic who has lectured in philosophy and written 16 self-help books.
The 250 tired and hungry contestants were eventually herded into a hall for two hours while the "prefects" read a list of rules.
Wannabes were banned from taking photos and couldn't make mobile phone calls. Everyone was forced to wear the same clothes every day and no one was allowed to leave the grounds.
Joy, who was born to Russian and Spanish parents and lived in hiding in Cyprus during the Second World War, said: "I asked if it is supposed to feel like a concentration camp and was told it is an endurance test. But I'm almost 80.
"On that first night it was freezing and everyone was shivering. They insisted on silence and as we waited, Cowell came out with his arms folded. He looked like the Fuhrer surveying his troops. Then they herded us into a huge holding hall until 1am, supposedly so we didn't disturb filming."
Exhausted Joy was finally allowed to go to her room where she fell asleep instantly -- only to be woken two hours later. She said: "At 3am I was woken by this loud bang, crashing against my door. I am 79 and could have had a heart attack. Someone had pinned a large sheet of paper on the door for me to write my name on. I followed the order and went back to bed, only to be woken again at 6am for breakfast."
An hour later all the hopefuls were herded back into the hall where they stayed for most of the next 16 hours, until 11pm.
They were told not to talk, were banned from going to the toilet and were not given anything to eat or drink.
Joy, a diabetic, said: "I kept asking when lunch was. The prefects just kept saying, 'No talking, no talking'. They were like Nazi guards. Everyone was terrified of breaking the rules because they knew they would be out if they did. It was mental torture."
She added: "At 2pm I asked if I could go to the toilet and was told 'No'. So I walked to the front and pretended I was going to go on the carpet. It was only then that I was allowed to go -- but accompanied by a prefect."
During the day, one contestant fainted, three men broke down in tears and another had a nose bleed. Joy said: "They wanted us to suffer as much as possible. I told them about my diabetes but they ignored me. I felt dizzy but survived."
Then, just before their auditions at 4pm, the singers were given a half-litre bottle of water each -- their first refreshment of the day -- before being led outside in groups of six.
Joy said: "As we came out Cowell was there with a huge smirk on his face. He loved the power."
Joy sang a Harry Secombe serenade to her over-25s group leader Louis Walsh. "I didn't sing, I croaked," she said. "I'd had had no food and very little water. I knew I was out as soon as I had finished."
Fellow contestant, mum-of-eight Kim Marrero, 34. was so upset with the horrific conditions she walked out on the second day. She said: "I was told I couldn't use the toilet because it didn't fit in with the filming timetable. After two hours I was so desperate to go and just stormed out.
"They day before they didn't provide lunch because they said they had too much to squeeze in. So we waited around in one room for 16 hours, hungry and thirsty. There were crates of water and I asked if I could have a bottle but they told me it was for staff."
The contestants to how they were forced to sleep in cramped conditions -- some of them sharing with complete strangers. Food was bread and butter, tea and juice, and giant vats of lasagna and chilli.
Fifteen-year-old Matthew Crane, who was with dad Mark, said: "Our bedroom was grotty and the food was like prison slop."
Former charity worker and single mum Natasha Benjamin, 29, said: "I don't think we got a fair deal. We were kept in one room for about 16 hours. We didn't have lunch and when I asked to go to the loo I wasn't allowed out. We were all really hungry, and all I could think about was eating, a biscuit, anything...
"It was very regimental -- like jail. I felt faint several times, I was so week. I told staff and all they said was to hold on."
Joy is also convinced the show is a fix, saying she and other wannabes knew who the 24 finalists would be. She claims staff gave special treatment to "chosen" contestants, and pulled them aside for secret meetings. One finalist, a friend of a producer, even boasted he was through before the official announcement -- and knew who the others were.
After three days, contestants were led outside in groups of six in the dead of night. Joy was told then that she wouldn't be going any further in the competition.
"I went out with five others at 1.30am," she says. "The judges were there and we looked like we were heading for the execution chamber. They said, 'We have decided ...' then left a big gap before saying, 'No'.
"I was not surprised and was relieved in a way, but as soon as I got home I was furious at the way I had been treated."
An ITV spokesman said: "We are upset to hear some contestants didn't enjoy their time at boot camp. It is a long filming process which can be stressful, but we work hard to ensure that all their needs are met and they are kept as comfortable as possible. This is a process that all contestants go through, and we receive very few complaints. We believe the majority thoroughly enjoyed their experience."
Winner is..
Joy is convinced the judges have already decided who they want to win -- soldier Ryan Idzi, 22, who told the judges he was singing for two pals who died in a roadside bomb in Iraq. Joy said: "They loved the fact he was a hero -- but it makes the whole thing pointless."
Saturday, September 22, 2007
| Simon Says... |
September 22, 2007
By Craig Mcdonald for The Daily Record and Daniel Kilkelly for Digital Spy
Mr. Nasty Simon Cowell has a showdown with a family after crushing a teenager's dreams of stardom.
In the final X Factor auditions, which are screened tonight, Emma Chawner, 17, turns up with her pushy parents and older sister in tow.
They have told her she's destined for the top and dad Philip has even made her a show-stopping outfit -- which took him two days to sew.
Before entering the judges' room, Emma explained to the cameras: "I've been told by my Mum and Dad that I'm really good."
Her mother added: "[We've] literally pushed her and pushed her and got her to sing like a star! She's definitely got the gift, I think she follows in my footsteps, because I used to sing in the choir."
But when Emma fluffs her lines in Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On, Simon is quick to disagree with the doting mum and dad.
When Emma tells the judges she can't go on, Simon tells her: "Good."
And he goes on: "I'm not a fashion expert but for starters that dress is completely wrong -- and then you sang out of tune and it sounded like a baby."
All the judges agree with Simon that she is not what they are looking for and a dejected Emma leaves the room to tell her parents of the verdict.
The indignant family, from Ramsbottom, Lancashire, head into the judging room to confront Simon but he then delivers an even harsher judgment on them.
He says: "If you are coming in here to give me a hard time, then you've got to take a good look at yourselves.
"You are the reason why this girl is disappointed.
"I have to blame you guys for encouraging her to believe she's going to do well in something when she so obviously isn't. You have given her false hope."
The family then protest that Emma has won numerous trophies for her singing.
But Simon responds: "People who've won a rosette at a donkey derby don't go on to win the Grand National. Your daughter cannot sing."
One youngster who does impress the judges is Plymouth schoolgirl Anelisa Lamola.
The 17-year-old says: "My dream is to be on stage at Wembley Stadium entertaining people.
"If I was to win this competition, it would change my life completely."
Simon is full of praise for her version of And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going, from the musical Dreamgirls.
He says: "I think you've got an incredible voice and I love that attitude you brought in."
At just 14, Luke, from Yorkshire, is one of the youngest boys to audition this year.
He explains his dream is to "be a really big pop star and perform in lots of big venues and sell millions of records across the world".
Singing Maggie May, Luke brings a smile to Louis's face and he tells him: "You are one person I have seen today that could do really well in this competition."
Simon disagrees, saying: "I'm just not sure what to make of it -- I'm not sure what your voice is and if you should be singing rock songs."
Louis defends Luke by comparing him to a young Justin Timberlake but Simon bites back, saying: "It wasn't that great"- at which Luke bursts into tears.
Simon explains it was just his song choice he did not like. But the youngster fails to learn his second song properly and even fan Louis worries he will be too fragile for the live shows.
Zyta Zebihi, 46, originally from Africa, makes a striking entrance in a bright red trouser suit and a Union flag T-shirt.
She tells the judges she's there to "win for England -- I am proud to be British".
But Simon is not impressed with Zyta's version of Candle In The Wind because of her unique pronunciation.
He says: "Due to the fact you sang Condle In The Wind, it has to be a no."
Will Louis, Sharon and Dannii think otherwise and put Zyta through to win it for England?
Meanwhile, Raj Singh Dharmu says he is investing his life-savings of £50,000 in the X Factor.
The 44-year-old, from Leamington Spa, is so convinced he can make it, he has even given up his job as a pharmacist.
He says: "I've given it literally everything. I've sacrificed having a family life for my music."
But Raj, who sings one of his own songs to showcase his talent, does not impress Simon, who tells him: "Raj, go back to the pharmacy and save your money.
"There is as much chance of you being a pop or rock star as me flying to the moon tomorrow morning for breakfast."
Raj insists he will make it somewhere, possibly the US or Japan, leaving the judges shaking their heads in disbelief.
The day doesn't get any better for the judging panel when the next contestant -- Dawn Gerrard, 24, from Cheshire -- walks into the auditions. As she tries her hardest, despite a very quiet voice, Sharon and Louis end up laughing their heads off.
Simon is not happy with their behaviour and demands the naughty pair leave the audition room.
They do but Sharon is so distracted, she smacks her head on a doorframe.
With all six auditions complete, the contestants who've been successful so far head off to boot camp.
The following weeks will see them split into groups, mentored by the different judges, before the final 12 are selected for the show's televised finale.
Friday, September 21, 2007
| Il Divo 'Wanted to Run Away' from Simon |
September 19, 2007
By Staff Writers for Metro
Il Divo have revealed that they were reluctant to sign up to the chart-topping group -- until they met creator Simon Cowell.
The multi-national pop-opera stars -- Urs Buhler, Sebastien Izambard, David Miller and Carlos Marin -- admitted that, as trained classical musicians, and with Simon's reputation for manufactured pop music, they took some convincing.
"American Idol was already around by the time we formed," said tenor David. "It definitely kind of stuck like a thorn in our minds."
American David said he was the only person who had heard of Simon before Il Divo, but the other members were nearly put off by the X Factor-style audition process.
"I had the audition in Paris and I wanted to run away," confessed French pop singer Sebastien.
"I wasn't really sure I wanted to do this because it's working in a different way."
But a meeting with Simon eased their fears.
"He said he didn't want it to be 'I'm Simon Cowell, look what I've just made'," according to David, who says Simon was keen for Il Divo to make an individual name for themselves.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
| Dannii and Si's Flirt Sessions |
September 19, 2007
By Nadia Brooks for The Sun
Simon Cowell's luck could be in.
His sexy co-judge on ITV's X Factor is on the lookout for a hunky older man.
Dannii Minogue says she wants a mature gentleman because she's fed up of toyboys trying it on with her.
And she revealed she and Simon - who turns 48 on October 7 - flirt like rabbits.
Dannii, 36, gushed all about Simon in an interview with Superdrug's Dare magazine.
The Aussie songstress says: "Simon’s a man of his word. I met him at a party three years ago and he told me he’d make me an international TV star and look at me now – I’m on The X Factor and loving every minute of it!
"It’s my dream job. I get to say what I like, hang out with a bunch of really cool people and flirt like mad with Simon. I think he’s met his match, though – I’m as big a flirt as he is!"
Dannii went on to muse: "I’ve lived by myself for too long and I’d like to change that. I really want to find someone and share my life and my family with them. I’m sick of being single now. I think if there’s something you want in your life you have to go after it and make the changes to allow it to happen.
And the description Dannii gives of her ideal man could have Simon tapping out her phone number quicker than you can say 'Love And Kisses'.
She says the kind of man she wants is: "One with dark hair and sparkly eyes. A gentleman."
Three points to Simon.
"And he’ll have to enjoy nesting so that I can stay at home with him to cook and be girlie!
"I want an older man – someone who’s at least 40."
Sounds like Simon could be the perfect match.
She adds: "I seem to be going through a Mrs Robinson phase where only younger guys are attracted to me, and I’m like, 'Go away, little boy!'"
Despite having been married to Nip/Tuck star Julian McMahon and engaged twice - to racing driver Jacques Villeneuve and Bros star Craig Logan - Dannii still believes Mr Right is out there.
"I wish I could have looked into the future and seen that my marriage wouldn’t work, but I don’t regret any of my relationships and I won’t stop myself making a decision about a man because I’m scared it will fail," she admits.
"I’m always on at my girlfriends to set me up. I’d rather meet a man through friends than go on a blind date, but, to tell you the truth, I’d prefer not to be dating at all. I’d like Mr Right to just drop out of the sky into my lap!"
Perhaps the X Factor production staff can engineer it for Simon to parachute into the studio just like the Milk Tray man.
He's got a wardrobe full of regulation black sweaters after all...
| Cowell Is Tights-lipped about Seacrest Emmys |
September 19, 2007
By Rush & Molloy for The New York Daily News
Ryan Seacrest should gird his loins. His "American Idol" tormentor, Simon Cowell, is finally weighing in on his Emmy-hosting performance.
Let's start with that Tudor doublet and tights that Seacrest donned — the poofy outfit that, Seacrest groaned, "looked a lot less gay on the rack.''
"I don't think it was a costume," Cowell tells us. "It was definitely plucked from Ryan's own wardrobe. I think Ryan thought the show was over and he was ready to go home. It's the sort of thing he wears when he entertains friends."
Much as Cowell loves teasing Seacrest about his supposedly secret life — last spring he commanded him to "come out [of the closet]" — he actually didn't think his favorite foil did half bad at the Emmys. While one critic sniped that Seacrest had no gift for riffing on his feet, Simon argues, "that's actually one of Ryan's strengths. I don't know if he was given the opportunity to do that. It's such a tightly scripted show."
"My problem with the show wasn't Ryan's performance," he adds. "It was just being there. I hate watching people go up to accept. It's all very grand. It's not really what we're about.
"I was annoyed at myself — that I bothered to attend this event. I have got better things to do with my time. As soon as I found out we lost, I left and went out to dinner."
The show taught Cowell one thing. Having seen "The Amazing Race" win its fifth Emmy, he says, "I think we should take the singing out of our show and make it about running."
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
| Simon Cowell Rates Ryan Seacrest: 'I'm Going to Give Him a Two-and-a-Half' |
September 17, 2007
By Staff Writers for Extra TV
“Extra” caught up with Simon Cowell at the TV Guide after party last night, where the “American Idol” judge rated Ryan Seacrest’s hosting gig for the Emmys.
“There were a few uncomfortable moments,” Simon told “Extra.” “We were expecting a two, so I’m going to give him a two-and-a-half. So he did better than expected.”
As to whether the gang had spoken to Seacrest post Emmys, Cowell said, “No, he’s gone into hiding.”
Randy Jackson added, “Deep hiding.”
Monday, September 17, 2007
| Ryan Seacrest Takes Emmy Stage -- Without Singing or Dancing! |
September 16, 2007
By Staff Writers for Extra TV
Ryan Seacrest made his Emmy debut, without the singing and dancing he had promised.
The “American Idol” judge took the stage and admitted, “I know some people were skeptical about my hosting," then he called out, “Simon?” as the crowd laughed.
Earlier this week, Simon Cowell told “Extra” he had low expectations for his “Idol” co-host.
“The worst thing that can happen, which I’ve said to him, is publicly humiliating yourself in front of all of America.”
Ryan must have heeded Simon’s warning, because instead of an elaborate song-and-dance, the introduction for the show was kicked off by animated characters from the FOX series “Family Guy.”
Brian, the family dog, and Stewie, the show's scheming baby, launched into a satiric song called “If You Want It You Can Find It on TV” that took poked fun at many of the nominees.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
| Food & Drink Winner's Dinners: Belvedere (Restaurant Review + Simon) |
September 16, 2007
By Michael Winner for The Times Online
It was Ross Stevenson, in my not-humble opinion the worst hotel manager I ever came across, who caused me to meet the famous Simon Cowell.
Simon was not famous in December 2000. He was only known to his family and that because he frequently reminded them who he was.
Ross Stevenson once managed Cliveden so appallingly that I slated it beyond belief. As did another newspaper that went initially to prove me wrong.
Mr Stevenson left Cliveden, I guess under a cloud, but I could be mistaken. He turned up at a second-rate St Lucian hotel pretentiously called the Royal St Lucian.
There Simon was denied entry to the breakfast area because he was wearing a towelling robe. His brother’s girlfriend was excluded for daring to wear a highly fashionable, elegant sarong. Such clothes as are worn regularly at Sandy Lane, one of the best hotels in the world.
Not unreasonably the Cowell party walked out of the Royal St Lucian, including Julie, Simon’s mum, who is one of the great people on the planet. They turned up at the Jalousie Hilton (now the Jalousie Plantation), which has one of the best and most dramatic beach views ever.
The Cowells and I became friends and when I moved on to the tryout opening of Sandy Lane for Christmas and New Year, the Cowell group went to another Barbados hotel. I asked them to my New Year’s Eve dinner for 18 people and was immensely impressed when Simon absolutely insisted on paying half the bill, which I certainly did not intend him to.
Unless you’ve just arrived from Mars you’ll know Simon is now very famous on television and has, deservedly, made millions. He’s also acquired an absolutely delightful, ever-smiling, charming girlfriend, Terri Seymour.
We met recently for lunch at the Belvedere restaurant in Holland Park. I’ve known this place since 1946 when I moved into a house (mansion really, but I’m feeling modest) a few yards away.
At first Holland Park was closed and its slightly bombed Jacobean mansion left to rot. Eventually it opened as a public park where the Belvedere, for decades, served some of the worst food ever put before an unsuspecting public.
It has recently improved beyond belief, having been bought by Jimmy Lahoud, whose name sounds like a Damon Runyon character, but is a very pleasant and extremely professional restaurateur.
He employed a first-rate chef, Billy Reid, has Billy’s fiancée Julie Blay as first-rate front of house manager and even took my advice and got in a pianist. Things are looking up. It’s still a bit gloomy in winter, the more so because Jimmy refuses to floodlight the area.
As we sat in the elegant main room Simon said to me, “You look very good, have you had botox?” He then asked Geraldine if I’d had botox, adding to me, “You look like you had a face-lift or something. Are you sure they didn’t sneak up and do it?”
Then Simon turned to more serious matters, recommending and ordering the kipper pâté. Geraldine had foie gras. Terri enjoyed her starter enormously because she didn’t have one.
I’d asked for chilli con carne, which wasn’t really on the menu that day. Simon, Geraldine and I had that as a main course. It was superb but could have done with some grated cheese and onions. But Billy runs a very big menu (unwieldy in my view) so he was obviously too busy for these extra bits and pieces.
The set weekend lunch, including roast beef, is £28.06 for three courses including the “optional” gratuity. There are 24 items on the set menu and an enormous à la carte.
Then a woman came over to me and said, “I’ve always respected you and it’s an honour to meet you today.”
As she went Simon said, “You paid her to do that.”
“She obviously had no idea who you were, Simon,” I said smugly.
Simon thought for a mini-second before adding, “She’s also drunk.” She wasn’t really, I hasten to add. Just a lady with exquisite taste.
We all enjoyed our lunch. I finished with a warm chocolate muffin with vanilla ice cream and double cream. Not only can you eat well at the Belvedere, it has a car park, which is a great help.
I hate not paying for lunches and dinners. Simon put down one of those unbelievably special credit cards glistening with diamonds and gold.
“Don’t take it,” I ordered the waiter. “Put this lunch on my account.” Simon told him not to. The waiter obeyed Simon. This is clear and depressing evidence that he is more highly regarded than me. In limited circles only, of course.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
| X Factor: Louis Will Sleep with the Fishes...and Other Things |
September 15, 2007
By Rick Fulton for The Daily Record
Judges laugh off 'Mafia threat':
X FACTOR OAP WANNABE TURNS NASTY AS WALSH GIVES HIM THE BOOT
The X Factor gets the fear factor tonight -- courtesy of a retired gardener's Mafia-style threat to judge Louis Walsh.
Grandad Johnny Rocco, 67, is furious at being dismissed as a "pub entertainer" by Louis after his version of Elvis's Always On My Mind.
He insists: "Noooo, you're joking, I've been offered work in Ireland, I've been offered work in Spain, I've worked in Majorca. Seriously, I can sing."
Louis firmly tells Johnny, who showed up at the show's Manchester editions, that it's still a no.
The pensioner growls back: "You don't know what you're on about. Well remember this before I go. Remember the name Johnny Rocco."
Fellow judge Sharon Osbourne comments that Johnny sounds like a hitman for the Mafia -- at which he points his finger at Louis and menaces him in classic Godfather style.
Sharon and Simon Cowell then start to wind up Louis, with Simon saying: "He's just given you a death threat. That was a sign to the Mafia worldwide to kill you."
Louis soon sees the funny side and won't be hiring a huge bodyguard -- unlike Simon, who has a man mountain minder called Tony.
Tony's needed to protect Simon from all the people he has offended, including Scots and -- on tonight's show -- a pregnant woman.
At the Sheffield auditions, five months pregnant 24-year old Katie Booth from Skegness arrives with fiance Jay thinking she can win over the judges despite being due to give birth in November, when the live shows will be on.
Simon looks a bit wary -- which doesn't go unnoticed by Katie.
"What's that all about Simon?" asks Katie.
"I'm working out the dates here, not great dates are they? responds Simon.
Katie replies: "Not the best dates but who knows? Maybe the first child born on X Factor?"
After Katie has finished singing Faith Hill's You'll Be, Simon asks: "What are we going to do with you Katie?
"You're five and a half months pregnant, so you'd be having a baby right in the middle of the live shows.
"You actually have a very good voice but your teeth are creating a real problem for you because you've got a bad lisp.
"Here's something very likeable about you. I thought you sang very very well indeed."
Sharon comments: "You've got a really good voice but do you think you could cope with the pressure?"
Katie says with determination: "I've coped with a lot of worse things, I could cope with this."
With a yes from Sharon and Louis and a no from fourth judge Dannii Minogue in the bag, the ball is in Simon's court.
He tells Katie: "You've put us in a very awkward position here because I don't want to pass judgment. It's your decision but you are five and a half months pregnant. Purely on your voice, it's a yes."
Katie is stunned but, back in the judging room, the panel are having serious doubts about their decision.
Simon is more than a little worried. He says: "A part of me thinks we shouldn't have just done that because she's five and a half months pregnant.
"That should have been a no. It doesn't feel right, I'm almost inclined to change my mind now."
Louis and Dannii agree, with Dannii saying: "I've got nothing against pregnant women but you can't be singing on live TV and giving birth at the same time."
Simon then leaves the judging room and goes in search of Katie, who is waiting nervously outside with her partner.
He then breaks the news Katie has been dreading: "I think we've made a mistake Katie. I know it's horrible but I want to be honest with you.
"I don't feel right about this. I'm thinking about you and the kid and everything and I think this is absolutely the wrong thing to do. Sorry."
Katie and her fiance do not take the news well. She rages: "It's my decision and if I want to enter this competition and go all the way to the end, I will do that."
The couple then storm out of the audition and Katie's angry fiance threatens to smash the camera filming their exit.
Simon defends his decision to the cameras saying, "The stress she would have been under would have been unspeakable.
"You cannot put a competition like this or your ambition over the fact you're about to have a baby. It is crazy."
There's more baby talk when Steve McNally, former member of boy band BB Mak, auditions with a sock from his newborn child as a good luck charm.
As a member of the Scouse trio, who scored a No1 hit in Japan, Steve supported *NSYNC and Britney Spears.
Also hoping for a break is 33-year-old mother-of-two Andrea Ryder who auditions in memory of her husband Mark who died of a heart condition nine months ago.
Before he died, she promised him she would audition for The X Factor.
But she reveals she stopped singing for a while after his death.
She said: "I didn't want anybody to hear me sing as if I couldn't sing for him, I didn't want to do it for anybody. I think Mark will be really proud that I've come and I'm sure he's here with me to give me support."
Also on tonight's show is Nathaniel Smith, a 16-year-old student who Simon reckons is "possessed" after a version of And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going from the musical film Dreamgirls.
In Birmingham, there is another scary audition by 19-year-old Kimberly Southwick.
Dannii worries the teenage country singer "scares the living daylights out of her".
But hyper Kimberley blames it all on an overdose of the energy drink Red Bull.
There could also be the first audition line romance when 84-year-old granny Dorothy Bishop meets 67-year-old retired builder Eric Anderson. Dot tells the judges that Eric, who has been rehearsing with her since they met in the queue, has offered to take her out for a meal.
Simon tells her she should say yes as he is a "lovely man".
When Dot reveals she is 84, Simon comments on the age gap: "He would effectively be your toyboy!"
But Dot replies: "I'm his sugar-mummy."
And will we see the winner of The X Factor 2007 tonight?
Thomas McClean, 42 reckons he has the £1million recording deal in the bag.
He's already recorded his album It's Thomas which he wants Simon to produce and says: "I can see myself having this year's Christmas No1.
"I'm an extremely creative musical being. I've got a natural talent for performing and making music. You're looking at the X Factor winner 2007 -- get voting."
This, of course, is before he opens his mouth to sing.
| Simon Cowell Loses His Cool |
September 14, 2007
By Tommy Holgate for The Sun
Simon Cowell has ordered X Factor contestants to be passionate.
The judge stormed into the waiting area and gave the hopefuls a good talking to, saying: "I'm expecting every one of you to walk in and fight, I want to see passion.
"If you don’t want to win this competition, if you don’t stand up for yourselves, you might as well go now."
Thursday, September 13, 2007
| Idol Judges Want to Help Britney |
September 13, 2007
By Staff Writers for RTE Entertainment
'American Idol' judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul believe they have what it takes to bring back Britney's career.
Speaking to Fox news, Simon Cowell says that, among other things, getting her "away from her stupid friends" will help revive her career.
"MTV ratings are up and all we're hearing is Britney, Britney, Britney!" Simon said. "She can turn it around."
"We have decided we can bring Britney back, we are serious. We plan to buy her underpants and get her bigger shorts to perform."
It is unclear whether they want Britney to be a guest star or a contestant.
| Simon Cowell Worried for Ryan Seacrest's Emmy Debut |
September 12, 2007
By Staff Writers for Extra TV
Simon Cowell tells “Extra” that he’s worried about Ryan Seacrest’s career if he decides to sing during Sunday’s Emmy's telecast!
Cowell says, “The worst thing that can happen, which I’ve said to him is… publicly humiliating yourself in front of all of America.”
He laughs, “The fact that most years it’s hosted by comedians and Ryan’s not funny is a small issue.”
| Simon in Pool Party Nap Flap |
September 10, 2007
By Staff Writers for The Sun
Fuming Simon Cowell went berserk when X Factor wannabes ruined his beauty sleep with a raucous Boot Camp pool party.
They woke him and fellow judge Dannii Minogue by singing outside their bedroom windows at 7am.
Scores of ITV contestants had descended on posh Heythrop Park Hotel in Chipping Norton, Oxon.
Wannabe Naomi Chance said: “We made so much noise Simon complained at reception. He seemed grumpy the next day.”
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
| Cowell, Walsh Slam Spears VMA Show |
September 12, 2007
By Alex Fletcher for Digital Spy
X Factor judges Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh have slammed Britney Spears' performance at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Walsh and Cowell agreed that the 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' singer wouldn't have got through to the second round of their TV talent show with the rendition she gave of her new single 'Gimme More' on Sunday night.
Cowell told The Sun: "If I had been looking after Britney I’d have taken one look at her in rehearsals and I wouldn’t have allowed her on stage.
"It would have been worth pulling her off the bill -- no matter what the cost -- to save any chance she had of resurrecting her career. She wasn’t ready for that show in every possible way."
The American Idol star added: "The song wasn’t right, the image wasn’t right and she just wasn’t rehearsed. If she had turned up and given that performance at the X Factor auditions then I wouldn’t have put her through to the next round.
"The problem she has now is that she could have killed her career. It’s difficult to come back from that performance, for a while at least."
Fellow reality TV star Walsh agreed, commenting: "Britney wouldn’t make it through one audition of X Factor because she can’t sing live."
Spears' comeback show at the awards ceremony has been widely dubbed an embarrassment by critics, while it was reported yesterday that the popstar was seen backstage after the show, crying to herself.
| Simon Cowell on Britney: 'She Stole the Show Whether You Liked It or Not' |
September 11, 2007
By Staff Writers for Extra TV
"Extra” spoke to Simon Cowell today and he opened up about Britney Spears’ recent MTV VMA performance.
“She stole the show whether you liked it or not,” Simon insisted. “The only thing you heard about the following day was Britney Spears. It wasn't the best performance. She wasn’t ready for it.”
Cowell added, “She’s had more attention in the last 48 hours than any artist on the planet!”
On her wardrobe, Cowell stated, “She missed the snake…it wasn’t a great outfit…I would have given her bigger shorts.”
Cowell’s advice to Britney is “Dump her friends….fire the stylist…be sensible…put her in rehearsal for four weeks, get her into the gym.”
However, Mr. Mean admitted, “When she’s on it, she’s incredible.”
About the single, “Gimme More,” Cowell said, “This was just an okay record.”
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
| Sharon Xplodes |
September 10, 2007
By Julie Mccaffrey for The Mirror
Sharon Osbourne yesterday laid bare the bitter feud at the heart of her family.
The X Factor star is reeling over her brother's claims that she ignored their father's dying wish to be buried next to their mum and backstabs her A-List friends.
David Arden, 56, alleged in a Sunday newspaper that Sharon smeared excrement over Sir Elton John's Rolls-Royce, sought cosmetic surgery during cancer treatment and secretly loathes fellow X Factor judges Simon Cowell and Dannii Minogue.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mirror, Sharon hit back at him and reveals she has had to call her famous friends to set the record straight...
Sharon worried her brother's tales that she secretly hated Simon Cowell and believed he is gay would jeopardise her jobs on The X Factor and America's Got Talent -- both Simon's shows.
She says: "Simon's my boss, so of course I worried he might sack me. He called me before I had the chance to call him and said he was sorry about everything my brother said because it was so unnecessary, distasteful and unpleasant.
"He was hurt. But he said 'what do you expect? We are the number one show in Britain and people will hit out at us because they're jealous'.
"Simon's given me amazing opportunities on the top shows in the UK, so I'm eternally grateful. As a businesswoman, why on earth would I leave or sabotage that show - especially when I'm having a blast? At this point, I don't think Simon is considering firing me. And right now I've no intention of leaving the show...
...ON SIMON COWELL
Yes, I jokingly say he's secretly gay. But I call everyone an old tart -- Even Ozzy. But it's quite obvious Simon's not. His partner Terri Seymour is a great woman. So when I called him an old tart he was hurt, but to me it's a term of endearment.
And yes, we have our fall-outs on set when I disagree with his opinion on acts.
Simon's funny, amazingly good company, is direct but also compassionate. But I'm not a bull s****er. I love, respect and admire him but can't say we're close, close friends. He's too busy for me, and I am for him...
| Cowell Creates 'Fake' 'X Factor' Groups? |
September 9, 2007
By Dave West for Digital Spy
Simon Cowell has been accused of creating "fake" bands composed of failed solo entrants to compete in X Factor.
A report suggests the show creator and judge has been "fixing" things by steering the made-up groups into the final stage.
According to The People he has created one male and one female band -- possibly called Hope and Aspire respectively.
An insider told the newspaper: "It's no secret that Simon Cowell wants a band to win this year -- even if they have to fix it. Putting through made-up bands when other groups have spent months or years preparing just isn't fair. It's a fix."
The report says the source is a 21-year-old female singer who declined to be identified in case it damaged her career.
"Those chosen were embarrassed," she continued. "They had all been at boot camp to audition as soloists and all been rejected. Then they were told they could have a second chance if they split themselves up into bands.
"It was too good an opportunity to turn down so they did it. You can't blame them. But it's so unfair on those groups who had legitimately gone through the audition process."
A show spokeswoman refused to comment directly on the allegation. But she said: "There were twists and turns that rocked some contestants -- it was part of the judging and decision-making process."
Sunday, September 09, 2007
| 'Simon Cowell Wishes He Was Me' |
September 9, 2007
By Julie Burniston for The Sunday Mirror
TV presenter Ryan Seacrest is America’s answer to Simon Cowell, but without the high-waisted trousers.
And the perfectly coiffed American Idol host, 32, manages to give as good as he gets when it comes to our Simon too (‘Think of your worst nightmare. That would be the rest of your life married to Simon,’ he quips).
In fact, could there be rivalry between the two? ‘There’s definitely a bit of envy there. I sometimes sense he looks at me and thinks, “If only I were 30 years younger and on this show and part of the generation that Ryan and the contestants are, then maybe this would be bigger and better for me.”’ Ryan jokes.
But what does he really think about Mr Cowell? ‘His teeth are a bit bright, aren’t they? But they come in and out. We were filming once, and we had to stop the audition for an hour while they put a new crown in his mouth. Really, he may be 50-something. Ha ha! But we couldn’t do it without him...’
| Si's Got 'Em All Licked |
September 9, 2007
By James Ingham for The Daily Star
TV’S Mr Nasty Simon Cowell is having his wildest time ever on The X Factor.
And the show chief is living it up with Dannii Minogue – and snogging and licking a string of wannabes.
We can reveal how the smitten Simon and Dannii have sparked romance rumours since starting filming the ITV1 show and even walk around hand in hand.
Despite dating long- time girlfriend Terri Seymour, 33, Simon, 47, has publicly admitted fancying his younger pop princess.
He says Dannii, 35, has the “Sex Factor”.
The feeling is very much mutual with Kylie’s younger sister also confessing to having a soft spot for him.
But Simon’s not stopping with Dannii and has enjoyed a string of snogs and licks with sexy wannabes on the show.
Our show insider said: “There seems to be a lot of sexual chemistry between them. It is like they are smitten with each other.
“Dannii certainly seems to have melted his hardman image. He seems a lot calmer this year and the flirting on set is just immense.
“The girls can’t get enough of him and he can’t get enough of them!”
His close relationship with Dannii has led to suggestions that they had formed an alliance against fellow judges and close friends Louis Walsh, 55, and Sharon Osbourne, 54.
Our source said: “ But now it seems more like a personal relationship than a business partnership. It is quite funny because Simon and Dannii will walk out of a room holding hands and then Louis and Sharon will follow arm in arm as
well. It is all quite amusing for the team to see.
“They are both like two married couples battling it out for supremacy.”
Cowell has also flirted and kissed more wannabes than ever before.
On last week’s show the King of Mean acted like a big softie when he offered to take home Japanese contestant Toshiko, 31.
The besotted girl travelled 6,000 miles to meet him and was rewarded with a big hug and kiss from Cowell who beamed: “You’re very cute, I may have to take you home.”
Our source added: “Half of the women that audition have a crush on Simon and he loves it.
“Most are more concerned with getting a yes or kiss from him than going through to boot camp.”
Saturday, September 08, 2007
| Simon as a Race Car Driver |
September 8, 2007
By Staff Writers for News of the World
:: Simon Cowell says he wanted to be a racing driver.
TV's Mr Nasty announces on the Xtra Factor that it had been his ambition.
"You know, I wanted to be a racing driver. I couldn't. Because I wasn't any good," he says.
| 'X Factor' Hopeful Calls Judge Brainless |
September 7, 2007
By Alex Fletcher for Digital Spy and Staff Writers for News of the World
X Factor hopeful Kelly Northall calls Simon Cowell brainless after he rejects her from the show.
Attempting to impress the judges, the singer from Walsall informed them that she has the "Wow Factor" to win the series.
Northall commented: "I may not have the looks but I have got the X Factor. I'm like Celine Dion, Whitney and Mariah, I'd give my vocals 10/10."
Following her rendition of Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You', Cowell insulted the auditionee, saying: "You sounded like a dog barking. You were in 7,000 different keys and to be honest this is a pointless exercise you've not got a 10/10 voice, I'd give you 2.5/10 and that is being generous."
After arguing with the judges, Northall calls the judges "w*****s" as she leaves the room, before returning with her father to complain about the decision.
Cowell denies Northall's plea to give her another chance, telling her father: "She is absolutely terrible and you are partly to blame for your daughter's disillusionment. You've obviously been encouraging her and that's just crazy."
The singer's father pleads with judges: "Have you not got a heart?" to which Cowell replies: "Yes, but I also have a brain."
Northall shouts back: "What, in your middle toe?" before being ejected from the room by the show's security.“
| Ex-lapdancer Impresses Cowell with Moves |
September 7, 2007
By Alex Fletcher for Digital Spy
Former topless dancer Shelly Mumford impressed judge Simon Cowell during her first round audition on X Factor.
Mumford, who claims she is a "good entertainer" and that she has the "certain spark" to win the talent show, provided a rendition of the Liberty X hit 'Little Bit More' at the Manchester auditions.
Talking about her life experience, she added: "I've always been at the back of the queue and it's been a long time since I've had an opportunity like this, sweetheart."
Impressed by her flexibility as she gyrated around a chair in front of him, Cowell commented: "Well you have a great body."
Fellow judge Sharon Osbourne was just as pleased by the performance, remarking: "You're like a Pussycat Doll."
When asked whether she had ever worked as topless performer, Mumford replied: "I do sweetheart yes, although I'm not doing it now as I'm teaching now."
| Funeral Singers 'Depress' X Factor Judges |
September 8, 2007
By Staff Writers for News of the World
A pair of funeral singers and a topless dancer are among the latest batch of contestants to face the X Factor judges tonight.
The daunting panel of Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Dannii Minogue and the reinstated Louis Walsh travel to Belfast, Manchester and Birmingham for the fourth show in the latest series.
In Belfast, funeral singers Michelle and Julie Croghan are hoping to become the first twins to make the final.
The 44-year-olds tell the panel: "The undertakers have been pushing us to come and audition."
But their audition begins to go wrong when Australian judge Minogue mistakes the women for men.
Following their performance, things go from bad to worse as Cowell tells them: "I've got to be honest girls, I'd want to throw myself in the coffin after that... you are like a couple of corpses."
Osbourne then chips in, saying she would like to book the pair for her own funeral, and Cowell offers to pay for it.
Osbourne, who was reportedly keen to leave the ITV1 show, tells them: "When you sing, you have that mortuary look on your face, you sing nicely together but it's so depressing."
In Birmingham, a rendition of James Blunt's You're Beautiful by 45-year-old Alison Clowes is slammed by the panel. The judges tell the IT worker she should ask for a refund from her singing teacher of three years, who is also in the audition room.
Natasha Benjamin also brings her daughter, seven-year-old Jasmine, to the Birmingham auditions.
A single mother, she says she has escaped a violent relationship and wants to give her daughter a better life.
Jasmine sits with the judges as she performs Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart.
Meanwhile, in Manchester, 70-year-old Maria Iaconiello, who has been writing songs for the last seven years, leaves the judges in fits of laughter with a performance of one of her own numbers, Wild And Sexy.
Other contestants on tonight's show include a topless dancer, whose body impresses Cowell; Sam Donaghey, from Newcastle, who finds favour with Minogue; and 15-year-old Dominic, who is also a big hit.
"For someone like you to come in, you look so hip, you've got great taste in music and you are your own person, it really, really refreshing," says Osbourne.
| Cotton Reveals X Factor Judges' Demands |
September 8, 2007
By Alex Fletcher for Digital Spy
Fearne Cotton has revealed some of the personal demands that the X Factor judges make during the production of the show.
Cotton takes on the role of the show's runner during this week's Xtra Factor, and discovers that the programme's stars make several odd requests.
The TV presenter reveals that Louis Walsh has a penchant for a specific type of sweets but insists they are served in a particular way. Cotton says: "Louis likes M & M's but you must take the green ones out."
She goes on to explain that the judges must have their glasses filled with water above the X logo on their glasses, commenting that this is : "Very important - Simon's been known to snap."
The TV star adds that it's also part of the runner's job description to make sure Simon Cowell's teeth are always clean and to light cigarettes for him.
| Cowell Urges Dannii to Be a Diva |
September 8, 2007
By Staff Writers for UK Yahoo
Music mogul Simon Cowell has urged Dannii Minogue to stop
being nice on TV talent show The X Factor.
Minogue has only just joined the judging panel of the ITV show alongside Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh.
She says, "Simon says to 'throw your weight around a bit more'. It's hilarious really."
Friday, September 07, 2007
| X Factor -- Simon Cowell Interview |
September 7, 2007
By Staff Writers for My Park Magazine
With X Factor 2007 in full swing, we spoke to Simon Cowell about the show and his expectations.
Are you fired up about doing the fourth series of The X Factor?
Yes of course, every year we promise to make the show bigger and better than ever before and this year I believe will be the best series to date. We've had some of the best talent I've seen come through the doors, as well as some of the best worst auditionees we've ever had.
What's it like having Louis back in the fold and are you regretting your decision yet?!
It's great having Louis back, if I am honest Sharon and I did miss not having him on the panel.
Tell us a bit more about Brian's role on the show?
Brian will use his vast experience as a dancer and choreographer and will work in that aspect of the live shows, to choreographing the acts performances and styling the contestants.
How has having Dannii on board as a new judge changed the dynamic of the panel?
Dannii is a great addition to the show, she has been in the business since she was a child so has a lot of valuable experience she can pass on to the contestants, as well as bringing a new dynamic to the judging panel, plus she's far better looking than Louis!
Has having an extra judge intensified the competition between you all?
So far we have all been working as a team at the auditions, and this year for the first time we will be holding just one Bootcamp where we'll all work together to decide who gets through to the next round. But I am sure once we get to the live studio shows the competition between us all will increase, especially from Louis who is one of the most competitive people I've ever met! And Sharon has never won a series so I'm sure she'll be determined to get one over on me this year!
Any stand out moments from the auditions?
There has been so many, we've had a reformed lap dancer and a woman who did impressions of a horse plus some of the worst groups we have ever seen.
What made you decide to reduce the age category to include 14 year olds?
I have always thought that there is a market for younger acts to make an impression on the music industry, so we dropped the age range to accommodate this.
Will there be any further twists to the format this year?
There will be a few but you'll have to wait and see!
Which category are you hoping to mentor this year?
The winning one!
How important is The X Factor to you?
The X Factor is such a big part of my life, we all spend over six months of the year working on the show which can feel relentless at times, but when you get someone like Leona or Shayne walking into the room it makes it all worthwhile.
How have you upped the ante to ensure series four is bigger and better than ever before?
As well as having a fourth Judge and a new fourth category, which will add an extra dimension to the show, there will also be a few twists and turns along the way.
| X Factor Reject Blasts Age Rule |
September 7, 2007
By Caroline Iggulden for The Sun
X Factor reject Shaun Rogerson has hit out at Simon Cowell for allowing 14-year-old wannabes on the show.
Shaun, who shook with nerves and broke down in tears when he auditioned in the last series aged 16, said: “I was surprised Simon decided to lower the age you could take part. Fourteen is too young.
“I was 16 and felt I wasn’t old enough to cope with it all and wish I waited until I was older. It is an incredibly nerve-racking and pressurised process.”
Shaun, now 18, spoke out after rules were changed lowering the minimum age for contestants in the reality talent show from 16. And he urged younger teens to think carefully before putting themselves forward for rigours of the programme.
He added: “I would never want to tell someone not to appear on a show like X Factor but I think they would be better to wait until they are older than 14 and have a bit more experience.
“I have been watching the new series and many of the 14-year-olds on it just don’t look ready. It isn’t that they aren’t good singers, many are.
“It also helps if you know about different music styles and songs from the past. In the final you are expected to sing a different style every week. I don’t think most 14-year-olds are mature enough musically.”
Shaun, who got through to the final eight of the 16 to 24-year-olds, won viewers’ hearts when he burst into tears during his audition. He admits he struggled with the gruelling audition process from the start.
He said: “I didn’t manage to get through a whole song without my voice breaking, even though they may have edited it to make it look as if I did.”
X Factor wannabes are screened by producers and only the best, worst and weirdest are selected to go before the celebrity judging panel.
Shaun, of Wigan, said: “At the first stage I waited from about 9am to 5pm to audition in front of a producer. He liked my voice and invited me back the next day but told me to change my song. I had sung He Don’t Love You Like I Love You, by Daniel Bedingfield. He told me to sing Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx.
“I went back the following morning and waited around for about four hours. All the hanging around made me very nervous and I felt like I didn’t have time to properly learn the song I had been given.
“I made friends at the audition but would see them rejected and get upset and disappointed. That made me more worried. I also got wound up when people I thought had strong voices didn’t get through. I was left thinking, ‘Why would they pick me?’
“I couldn’t eat anything because I thought I would be sick.
“By the time I got to go in front of TV judges Sharon (Osbourne), Louis (Walsh) and Simon I was beside myself with nerves. I was a huge fan of the show and was overwhelmed to be there and have the cameras trained on me. I was so worried about messing up that I did just that.”
Just as he feared, Simon turned him down. He said of the tearful Shaun: “Too nervous, too fragile. It is going to be like sending a lamb out to the wolves.”
But Sharon and Louis put him through. Then, despite a succession of jittery performances, Shaun was one of eight finalists picked to sing in front of Simon at his luxury home in Miami.
His ordeal finally ended after Simon told him: “Based on the decision on how I believe you could cope in the final stages of this competition, my decision is — I’m going to say no. I’m really sorry.”
Shaun said: “He made the right decision and there was a big part of me that felt relieved when he told me I was going home.
“The one question I dreaded him asking me was, ‘Do you think you are ready for this’ and of course he did.
“I couldn’t lie so I was honest and said I wasn’t sure I could handle the pressure.”
Simon has consistently defended his decision to let younger contestants in.
He said: “If you ask any 14-year-old whether they want to be given the opportunity they would say Yes.
"Some of the best talent on our new show, Britain's Got Talent, are six and eight. They’re having the time of their lives.
“If I thought it was too cruel we wouldn’t let them enter.”
Shaun says he has now gone a long way to conquering his nerves.
Sharon Osbourne paid for a life coach to help him combat his confidence crisis after he was booted off the show.
And he got his chance to sing Right Here Waiting from beginning to end when he was invited back to appear on the X Factor live final. He said: “It felt great to perform the song without any mistakes and I think it helped my confidence a lot.
“I was also on the X Factor tour, which boosted my self-esteem.”
Shaun now hopes to shake off his little- boy image and forge a career in music. He has recorded an album of covers — called simply Shaun — and sings every Sunday at a Stars Of The X Factor show at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
He said: “People obviously think of me as the boy from X Factor who cried. But I am 18 now and it doesn’t help to get a girlfriend!”
Sean writes his own songs and hopes to release a single soon.
He said: “I think if a 14-year-old won X Factor they would find themselves being totally moulded by Simon Cowell.
“I am grateful for everything X Factor has given me, but I am glad I got knocked out when I did.”
Thursday, September 06, 2007
| Edna Chips Away X-Factor Simon’s Frosty Exterior |
September 6, 2007
By Emma Mountford for The Middleton Guardian
A fearless great-gran returned to the classroom -- to teach TVs 'Mr Nasty' Simon Cowell a lesson.
Edna Moore, who famously tore strips off Simon on national television last summer, was invited back onto the X-Factor to share her wisdom with this year's hopefuls.
But the music mogul was on his best behaviour -- even offering the feisty Mills Hill resident a couple of chips off his own plate.
Speaking from her home, Edna, 86, said: "He gave me a couple of chips off his plate and a kiss. He's a nice lad and always very friendly to me.
"I was in the park on Monday walking my son's dog and a woman came up to me and said 'oh I wouldn't mind a chip off Simon Cowell's plate' and I said not one, two!"
The plucky pensioner shot to fame last year after accompanying daughter-in-law, Lorraine, to the Manchester auditions to watch her perform for Simon and fellow judges, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne.
But she got angry after Simon started to snigger and stormed up to the judges' table telling him: "You need to alter your ways. You think you're better than everybody. I think you were very ignorant."
Edna's bold actions won her an army of fans -- including Sharon and Louis -- and a very rare public apology from Simon at the X-Factor live final.
And now she is back for the 2007 show.
Last weekend, millions of viewers watched as Edna, holding a cane and wearing a mortar board, appeared on the Xtra Factor to teach this year's auditionees a thing or two about how to handle the judges.
And in typical Edna style, she added a few words of her own.
She said: "They gave me a script about half an hour before I went on camera. But I couldn't remember so I just ad-libbed. I said I had been asked to give them some advice on how to deal with the judges so I told them don't let them override you and if they try and stop you from singing just let it all come out."
And among her classic tips was this gem of advice: "They’re nothing but a bunch of pansies. If you tell them that, you will win."
And although Edna has made up with Simon -- if he steps out of line again he could be in for another ear- bashing as she is hoping to visit his mum in Brighton.
Edna said: "I’m going to go to Brighton to visit my friend, Dora. I'm going to take three teabags and three little packets of cubed sugar.
"Then we're going to go and try and find his mum and ask her to join us for some tea and a nice chat."
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
| Stars in a Right Lather at Soap Awards |
September 4, 2007
By Staff Writers for The Daily Mail
Best Talent Show
X Factor (ITV1)
The X Factor cemented its immense popularity with the crown for Best Talent Show, beating the likes of Any Dream Will Do and Strictly Come Dancing.
Simon Cowell proved his Mr Nasty credentials with the win for the X Factor.
He said in a video message: "I'm currently in America torturing contestants on American Idol.
"I would like to commiserate with Andrew Lloyd Webber (nominated for Any Dream Will Do) who didn't win again. Andrew, it's not in the winning it's the taking part."
| Louis Is Kelly's Favourite X Factor Judge |
September 4, 2007
By Staff Writers for RTE Entertainment
Kelly Osbourne has revealed the identity of her favourite 'X Factor' judge -- and it is not her mother. The 22-year-old said Simon Cowell was "jealous" and "stupid" to get rid of her favoured judge, Louis Walsh.
Yesterday, Sharon Osbourne's brother David Arden was quoted in the News of the World as saying his sister hates Cowell and that she is annoyed her singers have never won the show.
In this week's issue of Star magazine, Osbourne says of her mother: "She wants this badly. She is the only one of the original judges who hasn't won yet."
She said: "I love Louis. Even though my mum is on there, he's my favourite. He's like an uncle to me. He's my neighbour and we go for lunch together. He's very smart and people portray him as a bitch, but he's a very, very successful man in the music industry and knows what he's talking about. Simon was stupid to fire him."
She said: "Simon's a bit jealous of Louis because Louis knows what he's talking about -- not that Simon doesn't -- and sometimes Louis does get one up on him. Simon doesn't like that."
But she added that Simon should get "more credit" for demonstrating that he was a "strong person" by bringing Walsh back.
Osbourne, who is dating rock star Jarrod Gorbel and is set to star in the West End musical 'Chicago', denied there were any problems between her mother and new judge Dannii Minogue.
She said: "My mum's really happy there's another girl there".
She joked of her mother's plastic surgery: "Sometimes she has gone too far with the Restylane and Botox, and ended up looking extremely surprised."
Monday, September 03, 2007
| Dermot O'Leary: Simon Cowell is like Darth Vader |
September 3, 2007
By Suzannah Ramsdale for Now Magazine
X Factor presenter has an interesting theory about the the TV mogul's charms
Dermot O'Leary can't get his head around how much The X Factor contestants love Simon Cowell.
Since taking over as presenter of the talent show from Kate Thornton, Dermot, 33, has been studying how the wannabes react to 47-year-old Simon's charms.
'It's astonishing. All most of the contestants want is to meet Simon,' says the Big Brother's Little Brother presenter.
'If they get three nos and one yes and the yes is from Simon, they act like you've put them through to the next round,'
But Dermot has an explanation.
'I think it's a Luke Skywalker thing,' he tells The Daily Telegraph. 'People just want affirmation from their father, for him to be the one to say, "Yes my son, I am proud of you." Simon's their Darth Vader.'
| Slag Us All You Want, Simon |
September 3, 2007
By Bob Dow for The Daily Record
Macs not mad at Cowell's carping
X Factor heroes the MacDonald Brothers last night hit back at Simon Cowell's latest dig at them.
The Scots duo laughed off smirking Simon's criticism and said: "He can slag us all he wants. It can only do us good."
Cowell was a constant critic of the pair in last year's series.
And on Saturday night, he couldn't resist another jibe when he told the latest Glasgow audition: "I just want to apologise for having the MacDonald Brothers representing Scotland last year.
"We are here to make sure that this year, someone fantastic represents Scotland."
But yesterday, just minutes after delighting 30,000 fans at the Free 2007 concert in Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen, the Ayrshire pair said: "We forgive him."
Brothers Craig and Brian thrilled the massive audience at the Northsound Radio outdoor show with Shang-a-Lang, then new single Runaway before bringing the house down with their X Factor signature tune, the Proclaimers hit 500Miles.
Craig said: "That was just awesome. We couldn't believe the reception we got."
Brian added: "There was a sea of faces. You couldn't see the back of the crowd."
They travelled north from Dunoon, where they have just started their latest tour.
Craig said: "Simon Cowell started our career and the X Factor is his show, so he can say whatever he likes because it is a great boost for whatever acts are on it.
"We have a second album about to come out, so we must be doing something right."
Sunday, September 02, 2007
| She Tried to Wreck... |
September 2, 2007
By Staff Writers for News of the World
X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne is today exposed as a conniving schemer who was prepared to SABOTAGE the last series rather than lose a third time.
In a revealing interview, Sharon's own brother David Arden finally tells all about the backstage war between the stars on Britain's favourite TV show.
He reveals how bitter and vengeful Sharon:
WAS PREPARED to WRECK last season's show by suggesting long-haired rocker Ben Mills quit just before the final.
HARBOURS a deep and real hatred for boss Simon Cowell despite the fact he saved her nose-diving career, and
SECRETLY got SACKED after the first series because she refused to stop taunting Simon with gay slurs or curb her bad behaviour.
David said: "I've kept quiet for so many years, I've listened to the lies and the spin, the books, the TV shows and always wanted to set the record straight...
X Factor fans are used to the sport of Sharon, who's been wed to rocker Ozzy 25 years, taking on TV's legendary Mr Nasty Simon Cowell. But brother David revealed how what began as two friends just faking feuds for the cameras turned into real hatred on 54-year-old Sharon's part before the end of series one.
"Sharon absolutely LOATHES Simon Cowell," said David, 56. "She's told me she thinks he's an ‘arrogant and extraordinarily pompous know-it-all and egomaniac'. But most of all she resents his success. Sharon can't stand anyone being more successful than her.
"Another thorn in her side is Simon is the star of the X Factor when she thinks SHE should be the undisputed centre of attention.
"Sharon always goes for the jugular with her enemies. And that's what she sees Simon as, despite all he's done to restart her career after her US chat show flopped.
"Outrageously she tells everyone he's gay. She claims he's ‘in the closet' and doesn't yet know he's homosexual, which is ridiculous.
"And even though Simon has a beautiful girlfriend, Sharon would openly harangue and taunt him about it. That really wound him up.
"Sharon told me that at the end of Series One Simon actually got her FIRED for her jibes and nastiness to him and the contestants. At the time Sharon was stunned and felt Simon had betrayed her. But amazingly, the producers persuaded Simon to give her a second chance as they loved the chemistry between the judges.
"And within a few days she was back on board with a warning to behave. But she doesn't like anyone telling her what to do and STILL mouths off about Simon in private..."
Saturday, September 01, 2007
| Cowell Can't Resist MacDonald Brothers Jibe |
September 1, 2007
By Lachlan Mackinnon for The Daily Record and Staff Writers for The Mirror
Simon saves his best put downs for Scotland...but finds a new star
Smirking Simon Cowell just couldn't resist having another pop at the MacDonald Brothers as he came to Scotland.
Last year, he was a constant critic of the Ayrshire duo on The X Factor -- despite their massive popularity with the public.
And on tonight's show, viewers will see him put the boot in one more time at the Glasgow auditions.
To a chorus of jeers, Simon said: "I just want to apologise for having the MacDonald Brothers representing Scotland last year.
"We are here to make sure that this year someone fantastic represents Scotland."
And, judging by tonight's show, they may already have found him. Scot Leon Jackson, 18, melted the heart of Dannii Minogue at the auditions.
And she tipped the self-confessed mummy's boy from West Lothian for the top.
After hearing him sing, Michael Buble's Home, she said: "Best voice we have heard today.
"If we had to go home now and not hear anyone else I'd be happy."
Leon revealed he wanted to make his single mum proud by winning The X Factor -- which is more popular than ever after taking almost 50 per cent of the viewing audience last Saturday night, watched by 10.7million.
He said: "Singing is the only thing that keeps me happy. I live with my mum and she's reared me by myself, playing my mum, dad and friend.
"She thinks me trying to pursue a career in singing is a bit far- fetched."
Leon was joined at the auditions by cocky gas engineer Colin Will, of Dundee, who was so certain he would shine, he put £1 at 5000-1 on being this year's X Factor champion.
Colin took off his shoes and gave his all singing into an imaginary micro-phone in a bid to impress the judges.
The super-confident 43-year-old said: "I can sing and perform -- not just sing. I think I am excellent."
Tonight's show also features a Shirley Bassey-obsessed teenage girl who burst into tears after hearing Sharon Osbourne's damning verdict.
Vivian, 14, from Wales, performed Bassey's classic Diamonds Are Forever -- but received a mixed response from the panel.
Sharon said: "You've got a very, very strong voice but you've still got that child at singing school approach to your performance.
"I don't think you're ready for us."
After Louis Walsh agreed with Sharon, Vivian started sobbing -- but received some unlikely comfort from Simon.
He said: "I'm torn with you. You've actually potentially got a very good voice."
Vivian wasn't the only wannabe left bubbling after a dressing down by the judges.
Simon reduced an Abbastyle band, comprising two sisters and their husbands, to tears.
It's About Time, a four-piece from Birmingham, proclaimed: "We've definitely got the X Factor."
Sceptical Simon replied: "What was the purpose of putting the group together?"
They replied: "We want to win The X Factor."
That dream was soon shown to be wildly optimistic.
Simon stopped them mid-way through their version of We Built This City to say: "My advice is to just do carol singing at Christmas, make a bit of money but that's as far as it's ever gonna go."
One member of the group protested, "No, we're so much better than that", only to be assured by Simon, "You're not".
The band hit back: "Yes we are. We just need the right direction."
Simon replied: "Yeah, it's right over there. The door."
He went on: "Everything is wrong, the image, the lack of charisma -- it was boring. I didn't like what you were wearing."
A shell-shocked band member asked Simon: "So you didn't like us?"
He replied with a bored, "No" before Louis insisted: "They weren't that bad. Their voices were OK."
Simon added: "For carol singing."
The band's offer to buy him a drink if they didn't win The X Factor was met with a sarcastic: "Whoopee."
The group burst into tears and continued to protest, saying Cowell had got things wrong, But he barked back: "I am NEVER wrong!"
Other hopefuls included bubbly Beverly, a teacher from Bedfordshire, who gets her pupils to sing the register.
After belting out Aretha Franklin's Respect, Simon remarked: "Well, you're not lacking in confidence are you?"
Impressed Dannii commented: "You need a whole stage to yourself. I love you, I think you're fantastic."
Louis disagreed, saying: "You're a big belter. I don't know if you're a star, though, I think you're a backing singer."
Julie Adams, from Wales, failed to put a smile on their faces with Let There Be Love.
| Fan Travels from Japan to Meet Cowell |
August 31, 2007
By Kimberley Dadds for Digital Spy
A contestant on the X Factor travelled nearly 6,000 miles all the way from Japan so that she could audition and meet her idol Simon Cowell.
31-year-old Toshiko turned up to the Birmingham auditions and sang her own version of 'My Way', which caused Cowell to try to supress his laughter.
Toshiko told the music mogul: "I like you very much Simon, I came here just to meet you, you are very big in Tokyo."
Cowell gave the starstruck fan a hug and a kiss, then told her after her rendition: "That was a very quiet audition but very sweet voice and you’re very cute, I may have to take you home".
| Cowell Wants JT for Film Role |
September 01, 2007
By Staff Writers for Adelaide Now
TV star Simon Cowell wants singer Justin Timberlake to star in his new movie -- a fictional account of one person's journey to X Factor stardom.
According to reports, Cowell, a huge fan of Timberlake, is keen to sign a megastar in the lead role of the movie, called Star Struck.
"Justin is a megastar, girls fancy him and boys want to be him so to have him star in a movie is instantly going to make it a hit," Metro.co.uk reported.
The script for the movie, inspired by the 1980s film Fame, is being penned by TV writer Jonathan Harvey, whose credits include a stint writing for Coronation Street.
The film is due for release next summer and multimillionaire Cowell plans to star in the movie himself, judging the fictional characters just as he does in real life.
"We always believed that a TV show like Idol would be successful. I have the same feeling about doing this movie," Cowell said.
| Piers Morgan and Simon |
September 01, 2007
By Piers Morgan for The Daily Mail
The following excerpt is taken from a diary that Piers Morgan has been keeping for the Daily Mail. He recently broke some ribs and suffered a collapsed lung from falling off of a Segway.
FRIDAY, August 24
Late in the evening my mobile phone started vibrating off the bed with messages from people telling me stupid jokes.
I was totally bemused, until further investigation revealed that Simon Cowell had gone on Steve Wright's brilliant Radio 2 show today and urged everyone to try to make me laugh because "it causes Piers absolute agony".
SUNDAY, August 26
The final indignity. I flew back to London today and required "wheelchair assistance" to and from the plane.
This involved wearing a large yellow sticker on my chest at LAX sporting the word "wheelchair" just to reinforce the fact that I was severely disabled.
At moments like this you pray you don't see anyone you know – so of course I bumped straight into two top TV executives from my production company.
"We must get a photo for Simon," said one, giggling as I ordered my "special assistant" to make a mad wheeled dash to the lift.
Flash! He got me, withered and angst-faced.
"Oh, Mr Cowell will love this!"
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