Simon Cowell

And Gary Barlow congratulates Robbie and Ayda Williams

We’ll start today’s round up of all things X Factor with a report in The Sun that the sudden death eliminations that caused such controversy last year have been axed.

The nail biter twist was introduced last year when each of the four judges took four acts through to the live rounds, but had to ditch one of their acts during the first live show.

It was then that Amelia Lily left the contest after Kelly Rowlands axed her, but she of course later returned to the show after a viewer vote reinstated her.

Also axed during the sudden death eliminations were 2 Shoes, Jonjo Kerr and James Michael.

But this year, each judge can only take three artists to the live rounds, and all the decisions about who stays and goes will be up to the voting public… Continue reading »

Plus, Jake Quickenden’s double cancer heartache, and Frankie Cocozza on how he’s turning his life around

We’ll start today’s look at all things X Factor with a report from Channel 5 News in which Simon Cowell has confirmed that there are plans to air an Olympic-themed X Factor live show later this year.

And of inviting some of this year’s Olympians to appear on the show, Cowell said, “I think we’re going to do something around the Olympics on one of the live shows, so they’re all welcome.”

He added, “We like having heroes on our shows.”

Simon added that he’d love to see Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds the show, describing her as “a star.”

It’s also expected that Jessica Ennis and diver Tom Daley will have roles as mentors on this year’s X Factor.

In other news, hopeful singer Jake Quickenden made a great impression on the judges and the audience when he auditioned for the show, singing a cover of Kings of Leon’s hit track, Use Somebody… Continue reading »

And Tulisa entrusts her car to her gangland ex!

We’ll begin today’s round up of all things X Factory with a report in Now magazine in which an X Factor insider claims that Simon Cowell wanted Nicole Scherzinger on the judges’ bench of the UK show so that she can “spy” on her fellow judges for him!

However, even if it’s true and Simon did send Nicole to the UK to be his “eyes and ears”, she might need to worry more about whether her own job’s safe, since Simon has reportedly promised Mel B a judging role next year.

But to return to the unnamed show source who reckons Nicole is Simon’s mole, he/she said, “Nicole’s been confiding in her team that Simon wants her to be his eyes and ears.

“He’ll be asking her for the lowdown on how the judges are performing because he wants it to be the best series yet.”

And on the prospect of yet another shake-up of the show’s judging panel next year, the source said, “You’re only as good as the last show.”

In addition, former judge Sharon Osbourne has told the Daily Star that now she and Simon have made up after their row, she would love to come back to the show.

Sharon of course left The X Factor UK after revealing that she “can’t stand” Dannii Minogue, who was her fellow judge at the time… Continue reading »

Plus, Gary Barlow’s Judges’ House to be held in stately home, and Louis Walsh says UK show is much better than USA version

We’ll begin today’s X Factor news round up with a report in the Daily Star which claims that Simon Cowell launched into Superhero mode when he heard a distress call from a stricken boat – named Slipstream – which had nine people aboard.

Realizing that the boat was sinking, Simon instructed his captain and crew of his luxury yacht to race to the rescue and evacuate those on board.

The paper adds, “His staff also used specialist equipment to help pump water out of Slipstream.”

Simon’s former right hand woman Sinitta, who’s on holiday with him, revealed the drama on Twitter.

She tweeted, “Just had a mayday message, 35ft boat sinking. Simon has sent us to help and rescue 9 people on board!”

A few minutes later she added, “Everyone ok, no-one hurt. Captain won’t let boat sink, petrol in sea etc.

“No tide, so hole plugged!” Continue reading »

Plus, filming for Nicole Scherzinger’s Judges’ Houses angers hotel guests in Dubai

It’s been reported today that an X Factor producer claims that Simon Cowell WILL take part in the UK version of the show this year, but it hasn’t been revealed in what capacity.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, executive producer Richard Holloway said that Cowell would be appearing “in some guise, somewhere” during the series.

When asked to elaborate, he said, “Ooh, that would be giving it away, wouldn’t it?

“That’s all I’m prepared to say – it’s not a hologram.”

The paper adds, “Bosses have already filmed him revealing which of the four categories the show’s judges will mentor.

“And it is believed he will play a further role later in the series. Executives hope he will appear in the live shows either in person or via video link from Los Angeles.” Continue reading »

Even though The X Factor’s viewing figures increased with its second episode this series, it’s still a far cry from its heady heyday of being a must watch on TV.  Gone is the buzz on a Monday morning where everyone asks, “Did you watch The X Factor?” and everything about it seems rather forgettable.

News surfaced this morning that Simon Cowell is set to make an appearance on the show, much like he did in Britain’s Got Talent, the first year after he left and re-appeared for just the live shows.

Cowell, 52, has been based in Los Angeles for the past two years focussing on the American version of the show, but it seems he’s realised maybe it’s this one that needs his attention.

Executive producer Richard Holloway revealed at the Edinburgh TV Festival that Cowell will be appearing “in some guise, somewhere” in the series, but refusing to give any more away.

Continue reading »

Plus lesbian singer Lucy Spraggan says her mum’s chuffed she’s gay because it makes her “cool”

We’ll start today’s round up of X Factor news with a report in the Sun which states that Olympic diver Tom Daley has officially signed up to help mentor acts on the show this year.

And the paper adds that Tom’s hoping he might be a permanent fixture on The X Factor if things go well.

A show insider told the paper, “All the athletes are keen to be involved. But Tom is keenest by far and he makes a really good match for X Factor’s core audience of teenage girls.

“Tom is great on the telly and he’d really like to get involved in all the live shows in some way.

“Ideas being kicked about at the moment include making him a roving reporter. He could take the contestants out and about to film or to be their personal trainer.

“He’s keen to work with Dermot. He reckons he’s the best in the business.” Continue reading »

Plus wannabe Lucy Spraggan promises Olly Murs she’ll have his name tattooed on her body, and Gary Barlow gets a good groping!

We’ll start today’s X Factor news round up with a report in the Daily Mail which claims that Sinitta – who has of course been very close friends with Simon Cowell ever since they had a relationship in the eighties – has been left out in the X Factor cold after she allegedly refused to sign a confidentiality agreement.

The paper claims that Simon had been planning on sending his right hand woman Sinitta to assist Louis Walsh during the Judges’ Houses round – even though Louis has publicly stated he wants Sharon Osbourne to assist him – however, as she refused to sign the “standard” document, she’s outta there and Sharon will indeed go to the Judges’ Houses ball with Louis.

A show source told the paper, “Sinitta is extremely disappointed because she felt she would always be a central part of the show after so many years.

“However, she wasn’t prepared to sign away her rights to speak to anyone about the show — which is what she was expected to do.

“The producers know Sinitta will always tell it like it is and with all the criticism of the show at the moment, regarding the manipulation of contestants, they didn’t want to take any chances.

“But it feels like extreme paranoia… Continue reading »

Plus Simon Cowell has sent Brian Friedman back to oversee UK show’s dance routines and Tulisa says her men need “massive balls”. Erm, ew.

We’ll begin today’s X Factor news round up with a report in The Sun in which wannabes girl band Tae Blondo reckon they were “set up” for a fall in their recent audition by the show’s producers.

Saying that the producers lined them up to be a “laughing stock,” they also claimed that footage of them chatting about guest judge Mel B was edited to make it appear that they were scared of her.

The girls also claim they were ordered to sing Guns ’N’ Roses track Sweet Child O’ Mine so that Mel B could slam them as “dated”.

Lead singer Beth Wilson said that the girls got through four London auditions before appearing in front of the judges in Manchester.

Beth said that she and band mates Holly Martin, and Bethany “Beau” Lamb were also encouraged to perform while wearing hot pants.

She said, “Mel told us ‘You look like you belong in a Playboy mansion’ and said the song was dated… Continue reading »

Plus BGT judge Amanda Holden to renew wedding vows & Big Brother winner Luke to spend prize money on penis construction surgery!

We’ll begin today’s round up of all things reality TV with X Factor judge Louis Walsh, who, at a press conference ahead of the show’s return to our screens on Saturday, has said that the show has “suffered” because Simon Cowell hasn’t been a judge this year or last year.

He said, “It’s suffered without Simon — it’s like the Rolling Stones without Mick Jagger.

“Last year Tulisa and Gary were thrown in at the deep end and we struggled a bit but this year they’re stronger.”

Louis, who’s in his ninth year as a judge on The X Factor, hinted that he may bow out of the show in the near future.

He told Radio Times, “My ambition’s to get to 10 years. After that we’ll see.

“I don’t want to be like Brucie. I’ll know when it’s time to give it up.”

Oo claws back in Louis!

In other news, Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden has revealed that she and husband Chris Hughes intend to renew their wedding vows on a romantic and secluded exotic beach… Continue reading »