Ke$ha and reigning ‘Factor’ champ Melanie Amaro perform, as Diamond White and CeCe Frey are sent home. By Katie Atkinson Diamond White on “X Factor” Photo: Ray Mickshaw/ Fox
Brad Pitt’s new film, Killing Them Softly , features the actor as Jackie Cogan, the “point” for a hitman investigating the heist of a big Mafia poker game. Andrew Dominik wrote and directed the adaptation of George V. Higgins’ novel Cogan’s Trade , which was originally supposed to be the film’s name. James Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, and Richard Jenkins also star. Check out the trailer for Killing Them Softly below …
It’s been nearly eight months since Melanie Amaro walked away with the inaugural X Factor title in America, but the talented singer has only first come out with her debut single this week. It’s titled “Don’t Fail Me Now,” it’s written by Livvi Franc (who is responsible for hits by such artists as Britney Spears and Kelly Clarkson) and it’s a message to Amaro’s hoofers, as these sample lyrics prove: “I’ve paid my dues, I’ve paid the price, I’ve prayed for you almost every night. I’ve walked the longest road, so don’t fail me now, feet don’t fail me now.” Give it a listen and then weigh in:
Crow will star in Nickelodeon musical comedy pilot and release album on Columbia Records. By Gil Kaufman Contestant Rachel Crow appears on X-Factor Photo: Fox After one of the most famous elimination breakdowns in reality singing competition history, “X Factor” finalist Rachel Crow has bounced back in a major way. The curly-haired cutie who charmed America during her run on the first American season of the Simon Cowell-created show has not only landed a record deal, but she’s also prepping her TV series debut. Though she went out in fifth place on “Factor,” Crow has become the sixth top finisher from the show to land a recording contract, following in the footsteps of $5 million winner Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene, Astro, Marcus Canty and runner-up Josh Krajcik. According to The Hollywood Reporter , Crow has signed a talent deal with Nickelodeon (which, like MTV, is owned by Viacom Inc.) that will have her starring in her own as-yet-unnamed musical comedy series pilot. She’s also signed a recording deal with Columbia Records. “It’s been amazing,” she told the Reporter about her post “Factor” ride. “A couple days after the elimination I just found myself sitting home asking myself, ‘What am I going to do now?’ And I never would’ve thought that this is what I was going do now. So, it’s pretty amazing. I’m very thankful and I feel very blessed to have all this.” In addition to the Nickelodeon pilot, Crow has also been given a recurring role on the network’s new series, “Fred: The show,” which stars
For all the criticism leveled at the first season of The X Factor – which resulted in the dismissal of Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and Steve Jones last week – no one took issue with the show’s champion. Melanie Amaro can seriously sing. And Super Bowl viewers will find out for themselves on Sunday, as the 19-year old teams with Elton John for a 60-second Pepsi commercial. Said the latter: “Pepsi wanted to make me ‘King for a Day’ on Super Bowl Sunday. How could I possibly pass that up?” What, exactly, is he talking about? Watch the spot now and see for yourself: Pepsi Super Bowl Commercial (Ft. Melanie Amaro and Elton John)
This week on the LeAnn Rimes Twitter watch, the outspoken country star is shooting down rumors that she is expecting her first child with husband Eddie Cibrian. She’s not, and they’re not even trying, thankyouverymuch. Often seen toting around Cibrian’s sons Jake and Mason from his previous marriage to Brandi Glanville , the couple were married in April – but don’t look for them to grow the family with a baby of their own anytime soon. Says Rimes on Twitter: “I’ve never even tried so please stop discussing my ovaries LOL,” she said . “Unfortunately it’s beyond not true & not something I feel people should throw around.” “Cause it takes some couples a long time to conceive & some never can. The rumors don’t offend me, I just think its crazy that people up make articles out of nonsense, so when it comes to me and all the speculation I have to laugh :)” Hard to argue with her there. We’re just glad she, Eddie and Brandi are on relatively good terms … at least for the time being. This minute. That situation is combustible. [Photo: WENN.com]
Selena Gomez has received numerous death threats from misguided Justin Bieber fans who apparently don’t want their favorite singer to be happy. Is the artist scared in the moment sometimes, when such nasty messages are sent her way? We’d have to believe so. But asked about her boyfriend’s enthusiastic supporters during an interview with Baltimore radio station Z104.3 this week, the 19-year-old came across quite mature and understanding. Selena Gomez Speaks on Beliebers “It’s a little odd, but I understand it completely,” Selena said. “It’s amazing to me to see how many passionate fans there are. So obviously, you’ve just got to think of the fans first, and that’s okay.” Gomez and Bieber both rang in 2012 from Times Square, with the former belting out a performance as soon as the clock struck midnight. Selena admits it’s “kind of” annoying that she and her young man can’t share the same fans, but added it’s “kind of cool we have our own individual [fans].”
The future starts now for Melanie Amaro. Fresh off an X Factor victory that netted her $5 million and a spot in a Pepsi commercial during next month’s Super Bowl, the talented artist has officially signed a deal with Epic Records. Melanie Amaro – Man in the Mirror “I joined The X Factor to be able to discover undeniable talent such as Melanie,” judge L.A. Reid said in a statement. “I am pleased that she is now signed to Epic Records because I believe we have only scratched the surface on uncovering her talent and her inevitable journey to super-stardom.” Elsewhere, all indications are that three of Melanie’s main competitors from season one – Josh Krajcik, Chris Rene and Astro – will also sign record deals in the near future. Best of luck to each one!
There may be one thing Josh Krajcik does better than sing: accept defeat. The X Factor runner-up may have lost to Melanie Amaro last Thursday night , but you’d hardly know it based on the way Krajcik greeted reporters after the show. He was giddy and gracious. “It’s been an amazing process to be a part of, I’ve met so many incredible people,” Josh said. “I feel like the future’s bright and everything I’ve done in my life has led to tonight. It’s a turning point in my life and now it starts. Now I’m ready to get to work.” As for Amaro? “She deserves to win. She’s wonderful. America decided, and she’s got such an amazing voice and she’s such a great girl. I couldn’t be happier for her.” Krajcik added that he’s gonna go home for a week and then “go to work” on his singing career. We have a feeling his days of slinging burritos are long behind him.
Louis Vuitton is suing Warner Bros. for its use of a fake Louis Vuitton bag in The Hangover Part II, demanding that the scene in question be removed. So random. In the film, Zach Galifianakis’ Alan tells Stu not to mess with his luggage, saying, “Careful, that is … that is a Louis Vuitton.” He pronounces it Lewis . Awesome. Louis Vuitton has issues with this , for multiple reasons: Hangover 2 Clip – That is a Louis Vuitton! For one, Warner Bros. never got permission to use its precious and valuable trademark. Moreover, the luggage in the movie is a knockoff, or so the brand claims. Also awesome, if you’re a viewer. Not not for L.V. The company is seeking damages on top of an injunction prohibiting Warner Bros. from distributing The Hangover 2 going forward as long as the luggage scene appears. If you recall, the studio was also sued for its use of Mike Tyson’s face tattoo on Ed Helms’ character in the sequel, even though Tyson appeared in the original. Can’t make this stuff up …