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Sunday, June 29, 2008
| Heather Mills Tries to Get Chummy with Simon Cowell |
June 28, 2008
By Katie Nicholl for The Daily Mail
Heather Mills seems remarkably keen to get to know pop svengali Simon Cowell.
The ex-wife of Paul McCartney, who is dating 36-year-old DJ and holiday rep Jamie Walker, met Cowell at the opening of the new SonyBMG office in London last week.
A spy reports that she was so excited she insisted on having a tour of Simon’s private office area.
Perhaps Heather, 40, hopes to have DJ Jamie signed by the label – rumour has it she is acting as his manager.
| Randy Jackson Baffled by Cowell's Gift |
June 25, 2008
By Staff Writers for Contact Music
American Idol judge Randy Jackson celebrated his 52nd birthday on Saturday (21Jun08) - and was given a "barbaric- looking sword" from fellow reality show judge Simon Cowell.
The former bass player and producer welcomed celebrities including actress Rosario Dawson and dancer Karina Smirnoff to the party at TAO Las Vegas -- but was left baffled by the present from the British music mogul.
Cowell wasn't on hand to give Jackson the gift personally- - and the TV personality is unsure of what to do with the unusual present.
He says, "I don't know what part of me he wants to cut off, but that's a whole 'nother thing."
But the star is holding out for a more conventional gift from fellow judge and singer Paula Abdul.
He adds, "Paula has not given me anything yet but I think I know what she's getting me. I was talking to her last week so she knows what I want. It will be something I can use instead of looking at and saying, 'What the hell is this?'"
| Simon Cowell Grants One More 'Chance' |
June 24, 2008
By Steven Zeitchik for The Hollywood Reporter
The Simon Cowell-produced story of a rags-to-riches reality music star is moving ahead at Paramount.
The project, about the life of opera singer Paul Potts, has attached "The Bucket List" scribe Justin Zackham to pen the screenplay. It also has been given a name, "One Chance," based on the singer's last-ditch effort to make a career in music by competing on the "Britain's Got Talent" television show.
An amateur opera singer and mobile-phone salesman, Potts was riddled by a streak of bad luck when, on a lark, he auditioned for "Talent" in 2007. His on-air performances ended up bowling over audiences and judges, including Cowell. He went on to win the show and become a media and YouTube sensation, eventually going on a global music tour and releasing an album.
"This is the ultimate underdog story -- his whole life this guy was beaten down, picked on and laughed at, and then he came all the way back and won this competition," Zackham said. "And the amazing thing is it's all true."
The film is expected to be a comedy-drama that tracks Potts' hard-luck story up through his "Talent" performances. Relevant Entertainment's Michael Menchel and Steve Whitney are producing the picture along with Cowell.
The writing assignment continues a busy year for Zackham since "Bucket List" earned more than $170 million worldwide. Zackham is set to produce "Upstate," Jessica Goldberg's tale on high school and electoral politics set in a New York town.
Cowell, the British hyphenate who brought "American Idol" and "America's Got Talent" to these shores, is making his studio debut with "Chance." He also is developing "Star Struck," a scripted tale about a musical reality show that has not yet been set up at a studio.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
| Simon Cowell May Not be Mr Nasty After All (Simon & Terri Breakup?) |
June 21, 2008
Mandrake, by Tim Walker, edited by Richard Eden for The Telegraph
Despite his "Mr Nasty" image, Simon Cowell is clearly an extremely generous man.
Mandrake hears that the star of Britain's Got Talent paid for a £2.3 million house for his girlfriend Terri Seymour to ease the pain of their reported separation after five years.
"It certainly ensured that they parted amicably," says a friend of Cowell, 48, who now steps out with Jasmine Lennard, the 22-year-old daughter of the former Bond girl Marilyn Galsworthy.
Cowell's spokesman, Max Clifford, insists that Terri, a former lingerie model, bought the property in the Hollywood Hills herself, but concedes that she may have done so with the assistance of Cowell.
"Whether Simon helped or not, he more than likely did," says the publicist.
"He's extremely wealthy and extremely generous, so it's reasonable to assume that he did help."
Clifford asserts that Cowell, 48, and Terri, 33, are still friends. "It wasn't a parting gift or anything like that," he says.
| Simon Bombards Cheryl Cole with Good-luck Texts for Her New Role as Judge |
June 21, 2008
By Katie Nicholl for The Daily Mail
Simon Cowell's favourite X Factor judge Dannii Minogue seems to have a bit of competition – in the shapely form of singer Cheryl Cole.
Cowell has been bombarding Cheryl, the newest recruit to the ITV show, with good-luck texts.
‘She has been showing them to her make-up artist and having a good old laugh,’ says a friend of the Girls Aloud star, who is trying to patch up her marriage with footballer Ashley Cole.
‘In one, he asked her if the wardrobe department had got everything she wanted and whether she had enough low-cut tops.’
| Louis: Simon Fancies Cheryl |
June 17, 2008
By Staff Writers for This Is Hull and East Riding
Louis Walsh has reportedly revealed that fellow X Factor judge Simon Cowell has a secret crush on new recruit Cheryl Cole.
Talking to Reveal, Louis predicted that Simon would be "all over" Girls Aloud Cheryl.
"Obviously Simon will be all over Cheryl like a rash - she's absolutely stunning and a fantastic girl. There's a theme with all the ladies Simon gets on - he secretly fancies them!" Louis is reported to have said.
| Tramp's Impromptu Dance Audition for Simon Cowell |
June 20, 2008
By Staff Writers for The Mirror
A homeless man spots Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell in the street - and seizes his big chance.
The tramp made his bid for fame and fortune by trying to impress the music mogul with his "chicken dance".
Cowell, 49, saw the funny side as he stood outside Central London's Cipriani restaurant for a ciggie.
The would-be star, called Kevin, earned himself £50.
| Simon Cowell: Josiah Leming Should Have Been 'Idol' Semifinalist |
June 20, 2008
By Christopher Rocchio for Reality TV World
Simon Cowell admits that Josiah Leming should have been an American Idol seventh-season semifinalist, however he's placing the blame for why it didn't happen on his fellow judges.
"We should have put him through," Cowell told the Knoxville News Sentinel in a Friday report. "I was all for it. I wanted him in the competition."
Leming auditioned for Idol's seventh season last summer in Atlanta and wowed the judges with "To Run," a song he wrote. He made it through to the Hollywood Round and continued to impress the judges with both his vocal ability and piano-playing skills on "Grace Kelly."
However he faltered badly during his final Hollywood Round performance when he was ill- prepared and sleep deprived, singing a rendition of "Stand By Me" with no musical accompaniment.
While Randy Jackson called it Leming's "worst performance" and Paula Abdul added it "didn't work," it's not as though Cowell was completely blameless, as he characterized the 18-year-old as being "a teensy-weensy bit annoying" and singing with "overconfidence."
Still, Cowell said he wanted to send Leming through to the Top 24 only to be shot down by both Jackson and Abdul.
"I don't know what they were thinking," Cowell told the News Sentinel. "I wanted him through."
Idol's loss worked out pretty well for Leming, who recently signed a recording and publishing contract with Warner Bros. Records. His debut album is currently scheduled to drop in September.
| Tory Leader David Cameron Dines with Simon Cowell for Tips on How to 'Crack America |
June 20, 2008
By Staf Writers for This Is London
It is certainly not the first old idea David Cameron had dusted off, repackaged and claimed as his own.
But with the help of Simon Cowell, the opposition leader clearly feels Cool Britannia deserves another outing.
The pair are enjoying an intriguing new friendship after dining together at celebrity restaurant Cipriani to discuss Cameron's plan to ingratiate himself with Britain's youth through the magic of showbusiness.
The meeting suggests Cameron is keen to resurrect Tony Blair's celebration of the contemporary cultural revolution of the New Labour era at the start of his first term as Prime Minister.
In 1997, Blair invited an eclectic mix of pop stars, actors, fashion designers and millionaire businessmen, most of whom supported him, for a drinks reception in Downing Street.
However it seems Cameron's idea to re-visit that decade-old concept is not even an original one.
Cameron has apparently been extremely keen to forge links with X Factor judge and record label boss Cowell ever since Gordon Brown had a similar meeting with him at No10 last December.
Cameron and Cowell's meeting on Monday night was arranged on one side by Cameron's spin-doctor and former News of The World editor Andy Coulson who resigned in the wake of the royal phone-tapping scandal.
On the other, Cowell's notorious publicist Max Clifford was only too happy to oblige.
Cowell, Coulson and Cameron rubbed shoulders with the likes of Naomi Campbell, Liz Hurley and her husband Arun Nayar at the Mayfair Italian.
Cameron's spokesman was adamant that the dinner had just been a private one with no particular motive.
She said the idea he had sought advice from Mr Cowell on raising his profile in America or how to get celebrities to support the Tory party was 'laughable and completely and utterly untrue'.
'This was a private dinner - David has lots of private dinners with lots of different people,' she added.
But Cowell's spokesman suggested there was more to it.
Mr Clifford said added: 'I am sure that someone like Simon's opinions he would value because of his success over the last six or seven years. In his position it's extremely helpful to get to know someone like Simon. He is one of the most powerful men in television and music and he understands what appeals to young people - and people in general. He definitely has his finger on the pulse. People like that are extremely valuable.'
Clifford added: 'Maybe David wanted to ask Simon how to crack America. Simon is the only Briton who has done so. I spoke to Simon and he said the dinner went well and that Cameron was a bright man. He said that about Gordon Brown too.'
Clifford had been referring to a recent meeting Cowell had with the Prime Minister in Downing Street when he introduced him to former X Factor winner Paul Potts and where they are understood to have discussed similar areas.
Speaking of Mr Brown and Mr Cameron, Clifford added: 'They both probably do (want to crack America) but they need to do it in their own way.'
Cool Britannia was a term used for Tony Blair's plan to celebrate the contemporary cultural revolution going in the New Labour era at the start of his first term as Prime Minister.
Such 90s Britpop grandees as Noel Gallagher from Oasis ... famously chatted to Blair at No10 in 1997.Tory leader David Cameron is obviously going to for the 'yoof vote' - as he schmoozed with the A-listers, and dined with X Factor mogul Simon Cowell last night.
Clearly not going for the discreet option, Cameron chose to rub shoulders with the showbiz hoi-polloi, which included Naomi Campbell, Liz Hurley, and husband Arun Nayar, as he dined at celebrity haunt Cipriani.
In what has become the norm for modern day politicians, the Tory leader spent the
evening trying to win the hearts and minds of one of the showbiz world's most successful moguls, as he enjoyed dinner with Cowell.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
| Simon Cowell's Got Talents |
June 12, 2008
By Sara Nathan for The Sun
Simon Cowell has signed up Britain’s Got Talent choirboy Andrew Johnston — and hopes to net another of the show’s singing sensations Faryl Smith.
He has identified the young pair as big stars of the future.
Andrew, 13, was left weeping after his pal, busking breakdancer George Sampson, beat him to scoop the ITV1 show’s £100,000 prize and a spot on the Royal Variety Performance.
But he will be singing Hallelujah from the rooftops after being signed to Syco Records, Cowell’s division of Sony BMG.
Simon is also keen to snap up 12-year-old Faryl.
She amazed him and fellow Britain’s Got Talent judges Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden with her stunning rendition of Ave Maria.
A source said: “Simon is talking to Faryl’s parents now about signing her. He thinks Andrew and Faryl could be the most gifted young singers for years.”
However, the show’s winner George, 14, has NOT been signed up yet.
The insider added: “It’s quite difficult with George as he doesn’t sing, that’s not his passion, so we are coming up with lots of exciting ideas for him.”
Andrew, of Carlisle, Cumbria said last night: “I can’t believe it — I’m so excited, it’s a dream come true.”
His performances have been viewed by more than 15million people on You Tube since he first auditioned for the show.
A Syco Music spokeswoman said “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Andrew, he’s incredibly talented and has huge potential”
Andrew joins sexy classical quartet Escala, the Britain’s Got Talent finalists who have also been signed up.
| Si with the Wandering Eye |
June 12, 2008
By Staff Writers for The Sun
Louis Walsh has a feeling his fellow X Factor judge Simon Cowell will be a little distracted when the next series comes around ...
The Irish pop mogul knows Simon has an eye for the ladies, and can't wait to see how he'll react with TWO sexy pop stars sitting next to him on the panel now Cheryl Cole has replaced Sharon Osbourne.
He told Radio 1: "He won't know where to look now between Cheryl and Dannii Minogue - at least he won't be looking at me!"
Louis has also done his bit to allay any rumours that the two beauties will be at each other's throats:
"I think her and Dannii are going to get on well. They're professionals, and don't forget Cheryl's worked with five girls in a band so she knows what it's like to work with other girls. I don't see why they won't get on.
"I think the problem's going to be me and Simon as usual!
"Simon and I always bicker - we're like two old ladies. But of course I like him and he has a good nose for talent.
"We're all judges and for the auditions we always get on really well. It's when we go live and we all get competitive – anything can happen then!"
| Forbes Celebrity List |
June 13, 2008
By Nicole Martin for The Telegraph
David Beckham has replaced his friend Sir Elton John as one of the 10 most powerful celebrities in the world.
The England footballer has jumped from 15th to fifth on this year's annual Forbes celebrity list.
Beckham, who has earned £25 million ($50 million) in the past year, comes four places ahead of JK Rowling, the creator of the phenomenally successful Harry Potter books, who made £125 million ($300 million) in the previous 12 months alone.
Beckham's wife, Victoria, appears as part of the Spice Girls in 50th place. Sir Elton, who was in the top 10 last year, is absent from this year’s list in a sign that his popularity and earning power could be on the wane.
As well as looking at earnings over the past year, the Forbes list takes into account the number of magazine covers the celebrity appeared on, their internet presence, their presence in newspaper stories and the frequency with which they are mentioned on television and radio.
Oprah Winfrey retains her position as the most powerful celebrity thanks to her long-running talk show, which pulls in 30 million viewers a week, and yearly earnings of £140 million ($275 million).
The celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay appears on the list for the first time in 95th place, behind the television personality Simon Cowell (22), and the actress Keira Knightley (37).
| A-list Celebs Raise Millions at Dinner |
June 11, 2008
By Staff Writers for The Bexley Times
A celebrity-studded charity dinner has raised more than £25 million for needy children.
A glittering black tie annual dinner hosted by international children's charity Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) was held at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich last Thursday.
The event saw 1,100 rich diners and some mystery A-list guests flock to a temporary marquee, including ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair, model Jemima Khan and Elizabeth Hurley.
Press were banned from the glitzy event but an undercover infiltrator who snuck into the glamorous event revealed all to the Times.
Our mole said: "It was unbelievable, a mind blowing experience, especially when Stevie Wonder came on.
"He's been keeping a low profile for years so it was a real surprise to hear he was there. Stevie played all his classic tunes. It was inspiring.
"I saw Simon Cowell and we had a pretty long chat. He was dead on and said the band seemed good. He wasn't mean like he pretends on TV.
"There were plenty of rich looking people and celebrities. The generosity there was amazing. People were being really easy-going."
ARK is credited as having made a significant contribution to the treatment of AIDS and the education of needy children across the world.
The charity's seventh dinner was opened by Mr Blair who joked he was probably the only one there who's money had increased over the last year.
The 55-year-old told diners: "This evening demonstrates both the power and the value of philanthropy.
"You have a great deal to be proud of and I wish you continued success."
Damien Hurst donated a painting entitled All Things Must Pass for the night's auction, and Tracey Emin contributed a decorated Fiat 500.
Diners were also invited to bid for a place at Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday party, a 100 carat diamond, a safari, and a speaking part in an upcoming Uma Thurman film.
Booked tables for 10 were reported to have cost up to £100,000 each.
The event saw the launch of a new campaign to train high impact headteachers in Indian schools - a country which is home to 40 per cent of the world's poorest children.
| Simon Cowell's Got Talent...for Generating Publicity |
June 10, 2008
By Staff Writers for The Mirror
Britain's Got Talent, America's Got Talent and they've both got Simon Cowell.
The high-waisted priest of the panel switches his sights from finding talent to searching for it on the forthcoming series of X Factor. In other words, same s**t, different show.
Not only is Cowell in charge of every variety show on television, he generates his own publicity for them. He's told me in no uncertain terms if I don't write this he won't give me an audition.
Last year Louis Walsh was given gardening leave by Cowell (he found temporary work as a gnome) only to be reinstated after his 'sacking' was given enough column inches to match his height.
Now, lo and behold, just before another series starts Sharon Osbourne is believed to have quit the show.
It beats the old way of generating publicity back in the old days when an Osbourne had to eat a pigeon directly before the show started.
| Simon Cowell's Toothy Obsession |
June 9, 2008
By Staff Writers for MyParkMag
Simon Cowell is obsessed with teeth.
Fearne Cotton - who presented the spin-off to UK TV talent show 'The X Factor', 'The Xtra Factor' - revealed the talent show judge is "jealous" of her gnashers.
She said: "One of the first things Simon said to me was, 'You've got lovely teeth'. He's got a teeth obsession. I've got quite massive front teeth and I think he's quite envious.
"His are hilariously white. They're blinding!"
Simon recently splashed out on cosmetic dentistry leaving his teeth noticeably whiter - much to the ridicule of his fellow judges.
The 48-year-old music mogul once offered to pay for his 'X Factor' co-judge Louis Walsh to have his teeth capped.
Simon said: "Louis was supposed to have new teeth. He does need them. I would actually pay for him to have new teeth.
"It's a big job. In fact, I'll start with just one tooth this year. Then we can keep going for the next 20 years."
| Simon Cowell's Luxury Mansion Still Isn't Finished... Nearly Two Years after Work Began |
June 8, 2008
By Lizzie Smith for The Daily Mail
It certainly has the X factor, but after 21 months Simon Cowell's five-bedroom, six-bathroom Hollywood mansion remains apparently uninhabited.
Work began on the enormous Beverly Hills pad in 2006 after the American Idol judge bought the site for $8million in 2005. He promptly demolished the existing house and set to work on building his dream home.
But nearly two years on and cones still stand outside the luxury pad, while workmen can be seen putting finishing touches to the gardens.
And with Simon's notoriety for being brutally honest it appears likely he has been far from easy to please.
But the final product should be worth waiting for. The new building is 8,000 square-feet and will house a gym, a hi-tech media room and of course,a swimming pool.
In the last couple of months the palm tree fringed gardens have been landscaped in typical LA style - with box hedging planted and sun drenched patios installed.
Celebrity neighbors will include Madonna, Jessica Simpson, Sharon Stone and his fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul. Simon's new home is also a conveniently short drive from Fox Studios and the Californian branch of The Ivy, his favourite restaurant
Hopefully the pad will please Simon and stunning ex-model girlfriend Terri Seymour, who currently live in another of the multi-millionaire's homes nearby.
| The Axe Factor for Simon? |
June 7, 2008
By Sara Nathan for The Sun
X Factor boss Simon Cowell is facing shenanigans over the all-new Sunday night results show.
The Mr Nasty judge is keen for the programme to go out LIVE, but ITV chiefs want it recorded earlier.
We revealed that ITV bosses planned a war against the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing Sunday night results show by launching their own version.
But despite Cowell’s insistence on it being live, network bosses want to save money and record it on Saturday nights straight after the main show.
The BBC pre-record their results show for the ballroom dancing hit right after their Saturday night programme. But Cowell, who is used to doing two nights of live TV in the US as a judge on the mega-hit American Idol, believes the X Factor will look better if it goes out live on Sundays.
However, it would cost ITV about £500,000 extra every week to record a live results show, as they would have to call back crew and pay for the studio.
No decision has been made yet, but a show insider tells us: “We can see it from both sides. Of course, it’s going to look better live. With the X Factor, anything can happen — that’s the beauty of the show.
“The rumour is now that it will either go live on Sundays or stay as a Saturday show.”
Cowell and fellow judges Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue will meet up at auditions in London on June 12 — without the departed Sharon Osbourne.
Whoever steps into reality icon Sharon’s place will need very big (well, size five Louboutins, to be exact) shoes.
TV Biz will be watching developments closely.
| Britain's Got Talent: Simon Cowell Can't Believe It |
June 3, 2008
By Staff Writers for MyParkMag
The Britain's Got Talent judge never expected to find so many talented acts.
It is thought that several of the acts will be offered recording contracts in the next few weeks.
He revealed all to the Britain's Got Talent cameras just after the final.
"There were 5 or 6 people who could have won it.
"The fact that Faryl for example didn't make the top three just shows you how good the standard of the competition was.
"And it's probably good that a non-singer did win, otherwise all the non-singers are going to think 'Why do we bother competing.' It just throws it wide open again for next year."
Simon thinks the show proves that Britain is world class: "What it tells me most importantly is that Britain has got talent.
"If you had asked me three days into the auditions I would have said I'm on the verge of cancelling the entire show...it was that bad...everyone was dreadful.
"And then I think the fourth day it all changed and then you see a final like tonight."
He added: "In my opinion some of those acts were world class tonight. So it has been worthwhile, it makes everyone feel good."
| Britain's Got Talent: Simon Cowell Thought Signature Had Won |
June 3, 2008
By Staff Writers for MyParkMag
Simon Cowell didn't think dancer George Sampson would win Saturday's final.
The music mogul thought Suleman Mirza and Madhu Singh would win once Ant and Dec revealed they were in the top two alongside schoolboy George Sampson.
He explained all to the official Britain's Got Talent website: "He (Geoge) clawed his way to the top.
"It was one of the great moments of live TV when it was announced because I didn't know who had won and I was going to call it Signature at that point.
"It was a shock for me and everyone else...it was just a thrilling moment for him."
As soon as the winner was announced Simon stood up and said: "George let me tell you, you are the dancing version of Rocky young man.
"You deserve everything because you battled your way to the top. Congratulations."
After the show Simon told the cameras: "The final was incredible. it was without question the closest competition I've ever judged."
| Simon Cowell Launching World's Got Talent |
June 2, 2008
By Anne Lu for AHN
After the success of his U.S. and U.K. shows, music mogul Simon Cowell is now set to conquer the world with his global version of "America's Got Talent."
Cowell is taking his talent search on a much bigger scale with "World's Got Talent."
He is quoted by contactmusic.com as saying, "This global show will unite the best acts. It's going to be great."
He compares his next ambitious project to the Eurovision Song Contest saying, "The Eurovision's not perfect - that's why we want to have a go at doing something that rivals it. There will be some countries' acts that make you laugh and cringe. They won't be to everyone's liking, but that's the whole point - it gets people talking and arguing."
"But I think we can get genuine talent."
Saturday, June 14, 2008
| Cowell on Fixing Broken Britain |
May 31, 2008
By Sara Nathan for The Sun
With just a day to go before tonight’s Britain’s Got Talent final, Simon Cowell should be concentrating on the ten acts he has to pass judgment on.
But as he talks on the set of the smash hit ITV1 show, his thoughts drift towards the problems facing this country.
Simon’s nationwide talent search showcases all that is good in Britain. But the promising performers are merely a silver lining to the dark cloud of knife crime and violence hanging over us.
PM Gordon Brown is under severe pressure to tackle the knife epidemic blighting Britain – but Simon believes he could step in and solve the crisis.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the 48-year-old music and TV mogul says: “I wouldn’t stand as an MP but I would like to be PM for one day – with Jeremy Clarkson as my deputy!”
Simon may not be running the country, but his shows are watched by a massive chunk of the population.
And he says we should be proud of being British – a notion that has struck a chord with the nation, as up to 12million viewers have been tuning into Britain’s Got Talent every night this week for the five semi-finals.
We’ve been glued to the tales of kids who have made the show a hit – such as breakdancing George Sampson, 14, and choirboy Andrew Johnston, 13.
With tough upbringings, they have had a battle to even make it to the auditions and Cowell says: “Without question, shows like Britain’s Got Talent help these kids.
“We encourage people who have to fight to win instead of privileged stage school brats.
“They’re a bloody good example to young kids. When they watch they see it’s all about hard work and talent.
“Across The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent we’re always going to give about 50 kids a real shot every year.
“For this semi-final week on the programme, I have felt enormously proud to be British. The show has spirit, talent and determination.
“It’s a British show that is now sold in more than 50 countries. It has the Made In Britain stamp.”
Starring on the biggest telly hit in the US – American Idol – Simon is our unlikely British ambassador. He explains: “I’m very conscious in America that I’m British and conscious that the show I work on is a British-made show with a ton of Brits.
“You go to any US TV network now with a British format and you’ll be taken seriously. There’s a lot of creativity here.”
He adds: “I’m very proud because Britain’s Got Talent balances all the other stories about Broken Britain. There’s a lot of press about all the bad things going on then someone like George balances everything out.”
Busking breakdancer George, from Warrington, Cheshire, didn’t get past the auditions last year.
But he wowed Simon and fellow judges Amanda Holden, 37, and Piers Morgan, 43, this time round and has breezed through to the final. He’s now one of the favourites to walk away with the £100,000 cash prize tonight, and the chance to star at the Royal Variety Performance.
Simon has been championing George throughout this series and his other tips for tonight’s final are 12-year-old warbler Faryl Smith and Kate Nicholas, 16, and her jigging wonder-pooch Gin.
But for every shining talent, there were a string of disasters at the auditions that left Simon cold. He shudders: “Michael Machell, the keyboard player – he was so terrible but he thought he was so good! And Donald Bell-Gam, the guy who wouldn’t stop singing. He drove me completely mad.”
Another auditionee stalking Simon’s nightmares is pensioner Joan Gallagher, who took to the stage dressed in fish-net stockings and a leotard before lying on a bed of nails.
He says: “Please. Don’t get me started. But you know, there was another old woman who came in a new wig and she had a great time.”
And Simon says contortionist Iona Luvsandorj was a bit of a let-down after she made it past the first round.
He explains: “When she came to the auditions I was in awe of her. But, as sometimes happens, people come back and they don’t give anything new.”
Returning to tonight’s final, Simon says: “What I love about George Sampson is that he doesn’t want to win, he NEEDS to win. I argued like crazy last year for George to go through. I won this year and he’s a front-runner.”
Simon believes George is a great example to the troubled youths of today.
With 14 teens stabbed to death in London this year alone, Simon hits out at the gruesome knife culture that has left some of the country’s most talented youngsters lying dead on the streets.
He says: “Of course knives should be banned, there is no justification for carrying a knife.
“There’s only one reason why anyone would be carrying knives, to hurt someone.
“I suggest we bring some normality back to this country and say if you are carrying a knife, there must be zero tolerance.
“If the Government and police were as attentive on knives as they are on smoking, speeding and parking, this problem would disappear in five minutes.
“You’ve got restaurant owners terrified now because of the smoking ban, you light up and you’re pounced on – it’s ridiculous.
“If it was up to me, everyone caught with a knife would get an automatic ten-year sentence.
“We wouldn’t tolerate someone walking into our house carrying a knife so why do we put up with people walking down the street with knives?”
With his usual no-nonsense attitude, Simon adds: “There is too much tolerance in Britain. We have to get tough.
“What we have to do is bring a sense of competition back into schools. When people say competition sports are wrong, that’s crazy – kids have to learn that life is competitive.
“We’re too politically correct, it’s ridiculous. We have to stop all this PC nonsense.”
And Simon also has some well-chosen words for I’d Do Anything host Graham Norton, who mocked opera singer Andrew and Britain’s Got Talent in general.
Graham said: “Is that his trick, that he was bullied at school? What do you do? ‘I’m going to be bullied’. Well done.”
“You can’t worry what show you’re up against. Britain’s Got Talent can only be stronger than Grease. If they put on an hour of ads it would be stronger.”
Cowell says: “I read what Graham said and I thought it was incredibly arrogant.
“I don’t get into that ‘which show is better?’ rubbish. He should think before he speaks next time.”
| Scots Star Sir Sean Connery Beats David Beckham in Women's Exercise Poll |
May 29, 2008
By Staff Writers for The Daily Record
Bond star Sir Sean Connery has topped a poll of celebrities that most motivate women during exercise - beating of the likes of David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay
The 77-year-old Scot proved a bigger draw to women on the finishing line than the former England skipper.
And fiery Scots chef Ramsay turned out to be more of a motivation to women than the current second in line to the throne, Prince William.
Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell came in fifth in the poll of 1000 women by Cancer Research UK, looking for the male celebrity they most wanted to be greeted by on the finish line for the Race for Life.
"It was surprising to find that Sean Connery beat David Beckham, who regularly tops the poll of the world's best looking men," said Cancer Research's Natasha Woodford.
| Britain's Got Talent Star Dean Hits Back at Simon Cowell |
May 29, 2008
By Sarah Judd for Gazette Live
Defeated Britain’s Got Talent star Dean Wilson has delivered a blunt message to pop mogul Simon Cowell: “You’ve got to move with the times!”
The West End and Broadway hopeful, from Marton Grove, Middlesbrough, claimed the top TV judge’s comments “didn’t add up” and vowed to pursue his dreams in the musical world, despite Cowell’s cutting remarks.
Speaking as he checked out of a London hotel following his performance on Monday night’s ITV1 show, the rising star admitted he was “absolutely devastated” not to make it through to Saturday’s final.
And in a backlash against Cowell, who Dean impressed in the audition stages, he claimed musicals were making a comeback - and Simon should sit up and take note.
“He’s got to move with the times and realise it’s not just about pop music,” said Dean. “Musicals are becoming popular again and you find the real true voices in the theatre.
“Rather than being on camera or in the recording studio getting your voice edited, there’s just you on a stage with a mic.”
Dean won the public’s hearts with a rendition of Somewhere, from West Side Story. But after viewers put him in the top three with their phone votes, Dean was left at the mercy of judges, who chose novelty act Kate and Gin the dancing dog instead.
Disappointed Dean said: “In the auditions, Simon didn’t like the song. He doesn’t like musicals. Then he said vocally it didn’t come up to scratch for him.
“To say that and then millions of people to say otherwise doesn’t add up.”
Dean, who at just 18 has been tipped for stardom, stuck to his guns and made a conscious decision to aim for musical stardom rather than chart success.
He said: “I can sing other songs and could have chosen a pop song, but I wanted to set myself aside from all the other singers.
“Piers and Simon gave me amazing comments but then Simon said he didn’t like the performance.
“I was on such a high it didn’t bring me down at first, but in my head I was saying ‘Simon, come on, are you joking?’”
When asked about second judge Amanda Holden’s comments about wanting to see a non-singing act win the competition, he said: “I know singers win competitions like this all the time, but not many musical theatre singers enter. It’s pop or opera and I thought that was going to be the thing that made me unique.
“I wanted it more than anyone else.”
Despite his disappointment, Dean says performing in front of a big crowd was an “immense” experience. “The response from the audience in the studio was amazing,” he said, and added he was happy people had picked up the phone at home.
| Boss Cowell Back 'Rig' Fear |
May 31, 2008
By Peter Dyke for The Daily Star
Britain's Got Talent supremo Simon Cowell last night admitted the Daily Star was right – his show DID look like it was fixed.
Yesterday we pointed out how, for the past four nights, the last act to perform had been the one voted through to the final.
We pointed out that this made it look like the show had been rigged.
By putting the best performers on last, they were still fresh in the minds of viewers when the time came to vote.
Simon, 48, confessed: “You’ve got a point. It does look strange. But, to be honest, I think this is more down to the editorial content of the show.
“It is not a fix. But what they have done is go for ‘the big act’ to come on at the end of the night.
“The producers have chosen people who received a huge public reaction during our audition shows to go last.
"It’s just the way it is.”
| Simon Cowell Hits Back at Graham Norton |
May 31, 2008
By Daniel Kilkelly for Digital Spy
Simon Cowell has hit back at Graham Norton's criticism of Britain's Got Talent.
Norton, presenter of rival talent show I'd Do Anything, mocked the use of "sob stories" on Cowell's show, singling out 13- year-old contestant Andrew Johnston, who was bullied at school for wanting to be an opera singer, as one example.
Talent judge Cowell has said that Norton should have kept his thoughts to himself and concentrated on his own programme.
"I read what Graham said and I thought it was incredibly arrogant," Cowell told The Sun. "I don't get into that 'which show is better?' rubbish. He should think before he speaks next time."
Cowell's fellow judge Piers Morgan described Norton as a "mincing, talentless fool" after the TV host's comments were printed last month.
| Simon Cowell's £10million Profit |
May 25, 2008
By Sean Hamilton for The Sunday Mirror
Simon Cowell's TV company Simco notched up a £10.2million profit last year, according to accounts released yesterday.
The firm co-produces Britain's Got Talent, X Factor and loads of other shows.
Cowell sold Simco to record company Sony BMG for £43million in 2005 - and he now gets a cut of the profits as a salary. The accounts show Simco generated £12.8million from its business activities, described in accounts as "TV programme format creation and production." Profits were 13 per cent up on last year.
Simco is the only registered part of Simon's more famous company Syco - which made £30m profits last year, thanks to the world-wide success of Leona Lewis and Westlife.
| Attack Hits Cowell in Pocket |
May 25, 2008
By James Ingham for The Daily Star
Simon Cowell could lose millions of pounds after a Middle East version of Pop Idol was taken off air following a terrorist attack in Lebanon.
Cowell, 48, is set to miss out on revenue from Superstar, which was axed halfway through its fifth series when its studios in Beirut were blown up.
Although Cowell does not have a direct role in the show, it is a spin-off from the Pop Idol format created by his and Simon Fuller’s 19 Management.
Superstar, which is broadcast worldwide on satellite channel Future TV, was targeted by Arabic militant group Hezbollah last week
And the show is set to be scrapped for good after the terrorists threatened to target anyone who tried to broadcast it.
“Superstar is as big in the Middle East as American Idol is in America,” said a source. “It brings in millions of pounds every year and although Simon Cowell is not directly involved it is a project which would have yielded him money.”
Cowell, who has earned more than £112million with his shows, is not the only one out of pocket. Everyone involved will lose out because insurance does not cover terrorist attacks.
| Simon Says 'Sorry': Cowell Apologizes to Cook |
May 22, 2008
By Derrik J. Lang for AP
Did Simon Cowell know David Cook would win? Or was he — gasp! — just being nice?
Right before host Ryan Seacrest announced Cook as the next "American Idol," Cowell issued an uncharacteristic apology to the sincere 25-year-old rocker for skewering him during Tuesday's final performance show. Cowell went so far as to say that the remarks he made the night before to the future "Idol" winner were "verging on disrespectful."
"When I went back home and watched it, it wasn't quite so clear cut as we called it," he said to the final two.
Cowell congratulated and praised both Cook and runner-up David Archuleta, the smiley 17-year-old crooner from Murray, Utah. Cowell even revealed that "for the first time ever, I don't really care who wins."
Such comments came as a surprise to many after Cowell heaped huge amounts of praise on Archuleta and said he won the competition by a "knockout."
The 48-year-old acerbic judge was very wrong: Cook overcame Archuleta with 12 million more votes.
"I didn't really know if the apology was warranted," Cook later told reporters backstage. "I thought what he said was an opinion and nothing more. At no point did I feel disrespected. Yeah, I'm appreciative of the fact that he decided to apologize. An apology from Simon is a pretty rare gem."
It's not the first time Cowell has been nice during the show's seventh season. The resident grinch gave the thumbs-up during the audition round to a young mother who had a new lease on life after a terrible car accident, but no real shot at cracking the finalists' ranks. Then again, any act of Cowell kindness would seem significant following the outrage he provoked during sixth season tryouts.
"I'm glad he apologized to Cook because I don't think anyone realizes how much work we put into this, and how it's not like we just learn the song the day before," Archuleta said in the press room. "We just love to be able to share what we love to do with everyone."
| Simon Cowell Explains David Cook Apology, Didn't Know He'd Won 'Idol' |
May 22, 2008
By Christopher Rocchio for Reality World
Simon Cowell continued to be in an apologetic mood the morning after American Idol's live seventh- season finale -- further explaining his desire to repent for why he felt his Tuesday night criticism of David Cook was "verging on disrespectful."
"I was almost horrified when I went back home and
watched [Tuesday night's performance show]. It was literally like watching and listening to a whole new show. What you thought was good wasn't very good and what you thought was bad actually was a lot better," said Cowell as a guest on Thursday's broadcast of Ryan Seacrest's KIIS FM radio show.
"[Idol's live finale] is the only opportunity I got to sort of say something publicly, because he's quite a proud man, David. That felt like the right time to say it."
Cowell's apology to Cook came moments before Seacrest revealed home viewers had crowned the 25-year-old Tulsa, OK resident Idol's seventh-season champ over 17-year-old David Archuleta.
"I didn't know at that point who was going to win -- but win or lose, it had to be said," Cowell told Seacrest about the timing of his apology.
An Archuleta vs. Cook finale was both forecasted and anticipated by Cowell, who only predicted Cook as his favorite to take home the title during a Tuesday appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. However during that night's live performance episode he awarded all three rounds to Archuleta and said the teenager scored a "knockout" over Cook.
Cowell told Seacrest he was only thinking of one word when Cook was revealed to be the champ -- "justice."
"I thought it was the right thing," said Cowell. "You always think in a situation like this where someone who's cute like David Archuleta, that it's going to be carried by young girls or grandmothers or [whoever] vote for people like David Archuleta. But actually the person who I thought did the best performances over the 11 or 12 weeks actually deserved to win and he did win. It was good."
In addition, Cowell said he was "actually quite emotional" after Cook was crowned, however he couldn't tell if it was because the seventh-season's resident rocker had won or because the latest installment of the Fox mega-hit had come to a close.
"A bit of both I think," he said with a laugh. "As soon as the announcement [of the winner] comes in, you realize how long its been. It's quite a relief when it's over."
| Simon Cowell Casts Idol 'Movie' |
May 22, 2008
By Staff Writers for Monsters and Critics
American Idol is the biggest show on the small screen but would this cultural phenomenon ever make it as a film?
Terri Seymour of Extra gave Simon Cowell an assignment - Cast the hypothetical American Idol: The Movie!
Uncle Buck as Randy Jackson?
Cowell told Seymour that he would cast John Candy as Jackson and Dudley Moore would portray Ryan Seacrest.
When asked who would play Paula Abdul, Cowell responded, “Elizabeth Taylor….now.” And finally, who would take on Cowell himself?
“Bella Lugosi…He was a silent movie actor who played the first Dracula. Very, very good looking guy,” Cowell declared.
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