Cowell tells MTV News, ‘The rules are off, basically,’ when it comes to his new show. By Jocelyn Vena Simon Cowell Photo: Vince Bucci/ Getty Images Simon Cowell helped bring back America’s love of a good reality-singing competition as one of the original judges on “American Idol.” Now, he’s preparing to bring another reality competition show, “X Factor,” Stateside, and he says there’s only one way to explain what it is. On Monday, MTV News caught up with Cowell, who said his “X Factor” won’t be like that other show. “Well, I would say that I’m not gonna compare it to ‘Idol,’ ” Cowell said. “It’s started from scratch. It’s a show that, first of all, has to be relevant; it has to appeal to younger viewers as well as older viewers. It should be representative of what’s happening on the charts at the moment, but in a nutshell you can be 12 years old, you can be 50 years old, you can be in a group and the rules are off, basically.” With auditions set to take place beginning March 27 in Los Angeles, fans may be wondering how Simon will make the show appealing to American audiences. “I’ve gone into it, first of all, that it is an American show and whatever happened on the U.K. last year is gone,” he said. “This is an American competition for American contestants. From a pride point of view, they want to make this the best show they’ve ever done.” The judges, Cowell noted , will have a lot to do with the show’s success. “I have to make sure we have a lot of Americans working on the show to begin with,” he said. “I’ve got to have people on the panel with me who can judge American talent because I’m 51 years old, I’m British and we’ve got people as young as 14 entering this competition. So I’ve got to make sure I’ve got people sitting alongside me who genuinely know what they’re talking about so that we don’t lose somebody in the audition process.” Are you eager to see what Simon does with “X Factor”? Tell us in the comments!
Contestants will sing songs released in their birth years on Wednesday’s show. By Eric Ditzian Casey Abrams performs on “American Idol” on March 9 Photo: Fox Two months into its 10th season, “American Idol” is finally about to begin. After scores of multi-city auditions, Hollywood Week and pre-taped shows at a Los Angeles soundstage, the reality competition is set, at long last, to unleash a live performance episode on Wednesday (March 16). This is the “Idol” we know (and sometimes love), and it’ll be interesting to see how the reality of live TV affects the contestants as well as the judges. This week’s 12 remaining hopefuls will be taking on songs from the years they were born — a theme last explored in 2009, when Adam Lambert wowed with Tears for Fears’ “Mad World” and Scott MacIntyre got the boot for a schmaltzy version of Survivor’s “The Search Is Over.” Will Casey Abrams and Pia Toscano cement their status as front-runners? Can Karen Rodriguez and Haley Reinhart avoid another trip to the bottom three? Those are among the questions lingering as we head into the show. Casey Abrams The front-runner has made two trips to the hospital this season to deal with severe stomach pains, but he’s back in “Idol” land now and apparently feeling good. What exactly he missed in terms of preparation and how it will affect his performance remains to be seen. Casey’s task will be to break out of his established pattern — exceedingly average beginnings, followed by excitingly free-flowing conclusions — and show us he’s got more in his repertoire than twists and growl-shouts. Haley Reinhart The 20-year-old is perhaps the show’s least developed artist. One week she’s reaching like a diva for Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’,” the next she’s uncorking yodels that make her sound like a walrus with a tummy ache. Thing is, Haley does have a rich and soulful voice. The problem is that she’s had two decades to figure out her artistic identity and still doesn’t seem to have come up with anything. What are the chances she’ll do so in the midst of “Idol” madness? Unless Haley pulls off a stunning performance on Wednesday, she’ll likely be in the bottom three once again. Jacob Lusk Let’s just pretend last week didn’t happen, OK? OK! Whatever song he chooses from his birth year this week, he’d best take it for a walk through the gospel-and soul-tinged late-’70s or early-’80s — that’s how he found such soaring success earlier this month. After his WTF-take on R. Kelly last week, we have a feeling anything recorded since Lusk was born may not be his best bet. James Durbin We only want two things from you this week, James. One, don’t you dare pin that ridiculous scarf on your bum. Two, don’t you dare revert back to delusions that you’re the second coming of Ozzy Osbourne, because your sweet spot is as a sensitive rocker, as we learned during last week’s take on Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed.” Do those two things, James, and shoot, you can bust out that dime-store Lambert squeal all you want. Karen Rodriguez Our advice begins and ends with this: You are not J. Lo, so don’t try to be J. Lo, or J. Lo won’t be the only judge telling you she just wasn’t feeling your performance. No matter what Karen does or who she tries to imitate this week, she’s going to have a hard time avoiding the bottom three once again. She’s lacking in vocal power and has suffered from more pitch problems than Wembley Stadium after a weeklong rainstorm. Lauren Alaina The key for Lauren will be to see how she bounces back from her first-ever negative assessment. After the judges gave her poor marks, the 16-year-old looked as if she’d collapse in tears right next to Ryan Seacrest. She’s continually made strong song choices, busting out country-rock-pop performances, but last week her tune was lacking in the youthful, happy-go-lucky energy she’s so adept at exuding. We’ll be keeping an eye out for her return to form. And she’d better get there, because a few more weeks of middling performances and she’ll sacrifice her spot as a fan favorite. Naima Adedapo We honestly have no idea what Naima is going to do on Wednesday, and that’s mostly a good thing. She’s easily the most artistically interesting contestant, yet there’s something undoubtedly schizophrenic about her recent performances: Is she a radio-friendly R&B queen or a throwback chanteuse with jazzy blues running through her veins? Voters seemed to like her Rihanna shtick better (she avoided the bottom three last week, after being saved by the judges’ wild card the week before), so she’d be wise keep things upbeat and pop radio-oriented. How someone born in the mid-’80s can manage that, given this week’s theme, is anybody’s guess. Paul McDonald After rag doll-dancing his way to the front of the “Idol” pack earlier this month, McDonald flopped on his face last week like Buzz Lightyear when a human walks in the room. We’d advise him to ditch the wacky dance moves and concentrate on his vocals. Another mid-’80s born contestant, McDonald has the opportunity to have loads of fun with a nostalgic tune he gives a 21st-century glean to. And as we saw during his take on Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May,” when Paul’s having fun, America is having fun. Pia Toscano This head-of-the-classer didn’t take our advice last week, so we doubt she will this week. But we can hope! There can be no doubting Pia’s got a serious set of pipes on her — girl can sing her “Idol” non-disclosure agreement and it’d sound killer. What we need to see and hear is an ability to sing something other than a ballad. Go up-tempo and show us something fresh. Scotty McCreery We’ve stopped waiting for Scotty to show some genre range and now are simply keeping our fingers crossed for some creativity. Instead of presenting familiar versions of hit country songs, why not take a pop radio tune and give it a country makeover? The point is, Scotty’s got to show us something new, because a month from now, he’s going to be so predictable we’ll be taking bathroom breaks during his time onstage. Stefano Langone Like Naima, Stefano catapulted himself from the judges’ wild card to bottom three-avoiding territory last week. Unlike Naima, he seems to have a firm idea of what kind of artist he is, even if his vocals aren’t always there to carry him through (see his take on Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are”). Last week’s cheesy arrangement of Stevie Wonder’s “Lately” did him no favors, so this week we’d like to see him strip down a tune and showcase smooth vocals, not to mention his head-of-the-class onstage personality. Thia Megia Why Thia hasn’t tackled something by Duffy or Adele, rather than drenching an ’80s tune in sticky-sweet innocence, is a question we can’t answer. At least that decade is off-limits to the 16-year-old this week. While she’s got a seriously beautiful voice, she’s got an artistic sensibility that is the stuff of teen dreams more than anything else. No matter what she sings this week and how much the judges try to convince us she’s a keeper, Thia could be in trouble this week. Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” every Thursday on MTV.com, following the “American Idol” results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: ‘American Idol’ Top 13 ‘Idol Party Live’ With Jim Cantiello And Sammi ‘Sweetheart’ Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances
Rev. Jeremiah “G-D America” Wright, Barack Obama’s mentor and father figure, was back at the pulpit spewing his Marxist hate-speech recently. The far left hatemonger admitted that Black Liberation Theology was essentially socialism or Marxism. He also told the crowd … Continue reading → Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Gateway Pundit Discovery Date : 16/03/2011 14:37 Number of articles : 3
Rev. Jeremiah “G-D America” Wright, Barack Obama’s mentor and father figure, was back at the pulpit spewing his Marxist hate-speech recently. The far left hatemonger admitted that Black Liberation Theology was essentially socialism or Marxism. He also told the crowd … Continue reading → Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Gateway Pundit Discovery Date : 16/03/2011 14:37 Number of articles : 3
‘America didn’t think that,’ latest castoff tells MTV News of Jennifer Lopez calling her the ‘D’ word. By Jim Cantiello Ashthon Jones Photo: MTV News If there’s one thing Ashthon Jones learned from her brief-but-memorable journey on “American Idol,” it’s that America does not take kindly to the word “diva.” “Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez called Ashthon the “D” word while raving about her semifinal performance, Monica’s “Love All Over Me,” but the Nashville native quickly realized that the term carries some negative connotations. “When J.Lo said it, I understood what she was talking about. You know how Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, Whitney were divas but they were divas in a positive way? They were sweet and humble backstage, but when they got on the stage, they [showed] the world that they could do it,” Jones told MTV News on Monday (March 14). “America didn’t think that,” she laughed before sassily snapping her fingers. ” ‘Diva! Diva alert! … She thinks she’s all that!’ I was like, ‘Noooo!’ Nobody ever got to know the real me.” Ironically, Ashthon first made an impression on “Idol” for being anything but a diva. Jones lent her support to Hollywood Week group member Ashley Sullivan, who cracked under the pressure and threatened to walk off the show. In fact, Jones’ patience and positivity in Hollywood was in sharp contrast to other “Idol” singers’ backstabbing and whining. “That’s how we were. We prayed together. We grabbed each other, ‘Come on let’s pray.’ I’m a firm believer of spirituality and faith, and that’s how I live my life,” she said. Apparently, “Idol” fans have a very short memory. Jones acknowledges that picking a lesser-known Diana Ross song didn’t do her any favors, but she suggested the diva label may have been the big thing that kept viewers from getting to know the real Ashthon Jones With a Silent H (which might as well stand for “humble”). “When I get on the stage, I have to ask God for confidence,” she admitted. “You can’t be timid on ‘American Idol,’ because you’re gonna go home. I went home, but I went home top 13,” she said, proud of her accomplishments. Jones is champing at the bit to put more music out and hopes the connections made on “Idol” won’t go to waste. “Oh my goodness, if [Jimmy Iovine’s producers] call me? I can’t wait to see who I’m going to work with. I don’t know what the opportunities are, but I have a good feeling in my spirit that something’s gonna happen. This can’t be it.” Catch more of Ashthon’s interview with MTV News “American Idol” expert Jim Cantiello on “Idol Party Live,” following Thursday’s results show on MTV.com! Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” every Thursday on MTV.com, following the “American Idol” results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty ! In the meantime, get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances
I usually write about how Maxim is losing their edge and have turned into a pile of shit magazine holding on by a thread, you know one photoshoot of an irrelevant cunt away from bankruptcy , but that was before I looked into their international labels, cuz looking at this Maxim Argentina shoot, shit seems to be doing things right, maybe cuz it’s not in the America and doens’t have to be candy-coated safe for work bullshit to please the Mormons, or maybe it’s just cuz Argentina doesn’t use the internet and still buy magazines, giving them some budget…not that this Virginia Gallardo ass I’ve never heard of, is some high cost pussy…I mean she looks like shes on some Coco level of relevance to the world…you know an attention craving trashy hooker, but at least they have her posing half naked like they are supposed to…..showing her big round ass to distract from her manly face and shitty fake tits like she’s she’s supposed to…and I like to give credit where it is deserved….
Miami don tweets Wale, Meek Mill and Pill set to appear on compilation album due May 24. By Alvin Blanco Rick Ross Photo: Jemal Countess/ Getty Images Rick Ross is wasting no time in getting his Maybach Music Group rolling. The Miami rap don announced that he’s releasing a compilation album called Self Made that will be in stores May 24. The Bawse delivered the news about the new album via Twitter , including his latest signees — DC rapper Wale, Philadelphia’s Meek Mill and Atlanta MC Pill — in the tweet. After a bidding war that included Bryan “Baby” Williams’ Cash Money Records and Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records, the Def Jam artist decided to pass on aligning with another hip-hop mogul, choosing instead to partner with the Warner Music Group to distribute his Maybach Music Group imprint. “We are thrilled to be in business with Rick Ross,” said Todd Moscowitz, co-president and CEO of Warner Bros. Records, in a statement last month. “We were drawn to his hustle. Ross is an entrepreneur who built his company from the ground up. He’s a music magnate, a lightning rod, and an empire builder. Our partnership with him is about building a brand that endures. We back his vision all the way and are ready to give him the resources he needs to pursue that vision.” Of the aforementioned artists, Wale was the first to sign with the Bawse’s label, followed by Meek Mill and Pill, who was already a Warner artist. Other acts on MMG include Gunplay, Torch and Young Breed of rap group Triple Cs as well as R&B singer Masspike Miles. Last July, Rick Ross released his fourth solo album, Teflon Don, which featured the hits “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)” and “Aston Martin Music” as well as the street anthem “MC Hammer.” Beginning March 18, Ross will be heading out on the road with Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Travis Barker for the I Am Music II Tour . Are you excited for Ross’ Maybach Music compilation album? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Rick Ross (Hip-Hop)
‘It’s not always a bad thing to be the first person’ voted off, 25-year-old diva says. By Gil Kaufman Ashthon Jones performs on “American Idol” Photo: FOX Ashthon Jones is what you might call a glass-half-full kind of gal. Whereas some might consider being a wild-card pick and then the first finalist eliminated on season 10 of “American Idol” a bummer, the 25-year-old Nashville native said Friday (March 11) that she’s choosing to see this as an opportunity to get her career started in earnest. After winning the judges over early with her diva style and voluminous hair, Jones stumbled on Wednesday night with a weak version of the somewhat obscure Diana Ross song “When You Tell Me That You Love Me,” which she sang only marginally better on Thursday’s show in her last-ditch effort to stay in the running. But what’s done is done, and now the former teenage runaway said she’s eager to leave her hardscrabble life (and retail job) behind and get on to the next thing. Q : Are you going back to your store job in Nashville? A : No, I’m not! I left it there, and I left it there to stay. I’ve worked and worked all my life, and now it’s time for me to be the artist and the performer that God put in me a long time ago … and hopefully opportunities are there for me. Q : What do you think America was missing about you during that top 24 round? A : I don’t know! I was thinking the same thing. I just wanted people to see my personality, and I don’t think the show showed my personality as much as I wanted it to. … I’m kind of glad that the judges saw that personality of a diva, but I didn’t want the world to see me as diva-like, like I’m all that. … I have faith and confidence in myself. I’ve never been timid onstage. Q : A lot was made of your song choice, but it was not as obscure as some of the other songs the contestants chose. If you could go back now, would you have chosen a different Diana Ross song? A : As I look back at it now … I chose that song for a reason. I listened to all the Diana Ross songs, and that one, for some reason, spoke to me. … I related it to my life and my experiences and my faith and the love that I have around me. As I was singing that song, the lyrics is what spoke to me. Q : What was the best piece of advice you received from one of the judges? A : Steven and Randy told me some great things, but Jennifer always had something real to say that came straight from her spirit. … She always told me, “You’re amazing, you’re gonna go far … I see it, I see it, I see it.” And last night she told me, “It’s all about the songs in the music business.” Even when you get that first record, make sure it’s a hit before you put it out, because that’s what America will remember, those great songs, and they’re never gonna go away. Q : If you could describe Steven Tyler in one word, what would it be? A : Fabulous. He was fabulous. From his clothes to his shoes [to] what he said. He didn’t care what people thought and said exactly what he felt. And behind the scenes, he was the most humble and sweet person. Q : You looked like you were in such pain when you found out that you were going home. What was going on with you at that moment? A : It really was not pain. It was more so leaving the stage and my friends that I had made. I just had to let it out. I always hold stuff in, I’m a very, very strong person … [but] sometimes you have to let it out, you have to show your emotion. Q : What about the fact that you were the first person voted off? Is there any stigma to that? A : I think it’s not always a bad thing to be the first person. It can be a good thing. Everything that I went through on the show, now I’m going to take it and put it to work in my career. Q : Where do you yourself in two to five years? A : I really see myself performing. I see myself going overseas performing. I see myself helping my mom out with her businesses that she wants to do. I see myself continuing to be a songwriter and a motivator. Q : Do you see yourself winning a Grammy, being a big, big artist? A : It’s possible. You can’t really say, “I’m going to do that.” But I’m a firm believer in speaking everything into existence. … Yes, I believe that I’m going to have a Grammy, I believe that something great is going to come out of this experience. Were you sad to see Ashthon go? Let us know in the comments! Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” every Thursday on MTV.com, following the “American Idol” results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty ! In the meantime, get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos ‘Idol Party Live’ With Jim Cantiello And Sammi ‘Sweetheart’ ‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Top 24 ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances
Video below of live coverage and horrible images of cars, houses, farms and more being swept away by the Tsunami that hit Japan after a massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake: A state of emergency has been called, 200-300 bodies found in the port city of Sendai and many more unaccounted for still. The effects were felt as far as Tokyo and tsunami warnings were extended across the Pacific to North and South… Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Wake Up America Discovery Date : 11/03/2011 15:38 Number of articles : 2
Video below of live coverage and horrible images of cars, houses, farms and more being swept away by the Tsunami that hit Japan after a massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake: A state of emergency has been called, 200-300 bodies found in the port city of Sendai and many more unaccounted for still. The effects were felt as far as Tokyo and tsunami warnings were extended across the Pacific to North and South… Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Wake Up America Discovery Date : 11/03/2011 15:38 Number of articles : 2
