Judge also takes shot at ‘The Voice,’ asking, ‘How many artists have they discovered?’ By John Mitchell Simon Cowell Photo: FOX Simon Cowell is finally opening up about the cast shakeups on “The X Factor” as well as about rumors that two very famous divas are in talks to join Fox’s reality singing competition. Late last month, it was announced that judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones had been fired from “X Factor” and would be replaced in its second season. The announcement came as a shock to fans, but Cowell tells “Extra” in an interview airing Wednesday (February 8) that the decision was a long time coming and was ultimately made “at the beginning of the year — and we were told it had to happen straight away.” While her dismissal came as a surprise, Cowell says Abdul “was very gracious” about it. “She understands it’s business,” Cowell said of his real-life friend. “It’s never personal.” Scherzinger, according to Cowell, was “disappointed” with the producers’ decision to replace her. But the former Pussycat Doll insisted in a new “Access Hollywood” interview that she “had a wonderful experience on the show.” “What happened? Well, all I know is that I gave 110 percent to that show,” she said. “I know everybody’s talking about it, they’re saying good, bad, they love me or hate me, but the one thing you can’t say is that I didn’t give it my all.” Cowell also used his time with “Extra” to squash rumors that Beyonc
Simon Cowell was not kidding about major changes coming to The X Factor . With Steve Jones officially out as host – the Brit Tweeted the news himself – new reports indicate that neither Paula Abdul nor Nicole Scherzinger will return for season two. “At this point, the only ones staying are Simon and L.A. Reid,” an insider tells E! News. “Simon wants to take the show in a different direction.” We can only hope that direction involves fewer contrived fights between judges and more of a focus on the singers themselves. Producer Nigel Lythgoe was apparently taken aback by this development, Tweeting late last night: “Shocked to see Simon has fired Paula Abdul, Nicole and Steve from the X-Factor.” The X Factor was far from a ratings disaster for Fox, averaging over 12 million viewers per week and regularly winning its time slot in the key demographic of 18-49-year olds. But Cowell had predicted 20 million households and instant competition for American Idol from the outset, lofty standards that he never came close to meeting. Who might Cowell now recruit to help him compete with the other Fox singing juggernaut? Mariah Carey has been a rumored replacement for weeks and would certainly brings attention to the competition.
Justin Bieber Let It Be Live PCA 2012 People’s Choice Awards LMFAO Sexy And I Know It Music Video VEVO Live Performance Grammy Awards Grammys Kiss Katy Perry Lady Gaga Taylor Swift Justin Bieber LMFAO Adele Faith Hill Demi Lovato Drake Lil Wayne American Idol Simon Cowell X Factor American’s Got Talent Show Concert Cute Cat Dog Hot Sexy Song Cover Album Rihanna “Talk That Talk” Beyonce Pregnant Jay-Z Twilight http://www.youtube.com/v/K_-TA3GT1Vk?version=3&f=videos&app=youtube_gdata See original here: Justin Bieber Let It Be Live PCA 2012 People’s Choice Awards LMFAO Sexy And I Know It Music Video
Justin Bieber Let It Be Live PCA 2012 People’s Choice Awards LMFAO Sexy And I Know It Music Video VEVO Live Performance Grammy Awards Grammys Kiss Katy Perry Lady Gaga Taylor Swift Justin Bieber LMFAO Adele Faith Hill Demi Lovato Drake Lil Wayne American Idol Simon Cowell X Factor American’s Got Talent Show Concert Cute Cat Dog Hot Sexy Song Cover Album Rihanna “Talk That Talk” Beyonce Pregnant Jay-Z Twilight http://www.youtube.com/v/K_-TA3GT1Vk?version=3&f=videos&app=youtube_gdata See original here: Justin Bieber Let It Be Live PCA 2012 People’s Choice Awards LMFAO Sexy And I Know It Music Video
19-year-old from Florida receives a $5 million recording contract and a spot in a Pepsi commercial that will air during the Super Bowl. By Adam Graham Melanie Amaro performs on “The X Factor” finale Photo: FOX From early reject to grand-prize winner, Melanie Amaro was crowned champion of Fox’s “The X Factor” on Thursday (December 22), winning a $5 million recording contract and a spot in a Pepsi commercial that will air during next year’s Super Bowl. Amaro, a 19-year-old from Sunrise, Florida, beat out 30-year-old Columbus, Ohio, contestant Josh Krajcik for the title of “X Factor” winner. Chris Rene, the 28-year-old from Santa Cruz, California, came in third place. When the results were read, an emotional Amaro exclaimed, “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!” She was swarmed by members of her family, and “X Factor” host Steve Jones struggled to get a word from her. After performing Beyoncé′;’s “Listen,” Amaro said, “God is good,” and thanked her fans. “Thank you so much, thank you. I’m just, I’m so happy and I don’t know what to say,” she said. “This is something I’ve wanted for all my life!” Amaro’s victory was espzaecially sweet considering she was technically eliminated from the competition after Simon Cowell sent her home following one of the early rounds. Deciding he had made a mistake, Cowell paid a personal visit to her home and invited her to rejoin the competition. In the end, Cowell was pleased with his decision, as well as America’s choice of Amaro as its first “X Factor” winner. “We came here to find a superstar, we found a superstar. Thank you to everyone who supported the show,” Cowell said. He called Krajcik “a worthy runner-up.” Krajcik, the husky, self-described burrito slinger, congratulated Amaro on her victory. “Melanie deserves it, she has a wonderful voice,” he said. “I’ve had such an incredible experience here. I got to be myself and sing what I wanted to sing. I couldn’t be happier.” Earlier in the show, third-place finisher Rene said he felt “amazing” for getting the chance to participate in the competition. “I got to touch a lot of people’s hearts out there, and I just gotta say thank you,” he said. Rene’s mentor in the competition, L.A. Reid, called Rene — a recovering substance abuser who celebrated his eighth month of sobriety earlier this week — a “gentleman” and a “talent.” “This is how it turned out, it doesn’t matter,” Reid said. “This is my man.” “The X Factor” was one of the year’s most anticipated shows. It debuted in September with lofty expectations, with Cowell — who abandoned his judging position at “American Idol” to bring “X Factor” to these shores — predicting the show would attract 20 million viewers per episode. Instead, it pulled about half that, averaging 11.1 viewers over the course of the season, and criticism from viewers who questioned the show’s over-the-top production and the awkwardness of host Steve Jones. Thursday’s results show followed Wednesday’s performance episode, when the three finalists performed duets with superstar acts: Amaro with R. Kelly, Krajcik with Alanis Morissette and Rene with Avril Lavigne. Following the show, Cowell heavily endorsed Amaro to be the winner. Thursday’s two-hour episode featured a host of musical acts. Justin Bieber performed on the show, dueting with surprise guest Stevie Wonder on “The Christmas Song” and later with “X Factor” finalist (and Biebs superfan) Drew Ryniewicz on “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” 50 Cent also appeared on the show, performing his new single “Wait Until Tonight,” as well as his 2003 smash “In da Club” alongside Tony Yayo, “X Factor” rapper Astro and several members of the Los Angeles Lakers. Pitbull, meanwhile, appeared and did a quickie version of his single “International Love” and was later joined by Ne-Yo and “X Factor” contestant Marcus Canty on “Give Me Everything.” A countdown of the show’s top five most shocking moments rightfully named Rachel Crow’s December 8th elimination as the season’s biggest shocker, and Crow herself was brought out and joked about stealing host Jones’ job. She introduced Leona Lewis, who covered Snow Patrol’s “Run” over a package of the season’s most memorable moments. The top 12 finalists opened the show with a group performance of Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory.” The top three contestants also performed holiday songs, with Amaro doing “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Rene crooning “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and Krajcik taking on the Eagles’ “Please Come Home for Christmas.” Prior to the reading of the results, Amaro and Krajcik shared the stage together and performed David Bowie’s “Heroes.” What did you think of the “X Factor” results? Let us know in the comments!
Kim Jong Il may have eschewed free markets, civil rights, and even FOOD for the citizens of North Korean, but the man pulled out all the stops when it came to acting classes! How else do you explain this video? Supposedly taken just after Kim Jong Il died , the footage – released by the isolationist, communist cesspool’s state-run media – shows millions mourning the “Dear Leader.” A couple of theories here: 1. They actually just saw a screening of The Notebook , and the government passed it off as a response to Kim’s death, or 2. Armed military personnel promised to let them eat this week if they put on a good show. Either way, these people look sad! North Koreans Mourning Kim Jong Il
Welcome back to the Tournament of THG, where fans vote on the most popular star of 2011! The concept is simple: Pick your favorite of the two stars in each poll. Done. After eight sometimes bruising first round matchups, the quarterfinal round begins now, with Kate Middleton taking on Miley Cyrus for the right to make the final four. Kate absolutely thrashed Kim Kardashian in a big upset, while Miley edged Kristen Stewart in our most-voted-on poll in round one. The full bracket appears below. Who will advance to the next round? VOTE below (and after the jump)! Again, your votes alone will determine the most popular star of the past year on THG. Here’s a look at how the filed shapes up as we gear up to begin round two:
The X Factor is down to three contestants: Melanie Amaro , Chris Rene and Josh Krajcik. In a week, meanwhile, the Fox singing competition may also be down one host. Sources tell Deadline that Steve Jones will not be asked back for season two, as fans really haven’t taken to the Brit. He was initially paired with Nicole Scherzinger as host, but then Cheryl Cole was removed from the judging table prior to the season kicking off and Scherzinger took her place. It’s far too early to know who will take over for Jones, but Nicole could head back on stage again and a new judge could be brought in next fall. Will you miss Steve Jones on The X Factor?
Two NBA fans took it upon themselves to help out their favorite team on Twitter last week, only to receive a legally threatening email from the Philadelphia 76ers. By the end of the ordeal, though, the fans ended up with box seats to the Philadelphia 76ers’ home opener, season tickets … and a job with the team for one. How in the world did that happen? The 76ers launched a fan voting contest last week to choose a new team mascot between three finalists. But the team failed to get the nominees on social media. Helpfully, Jerry Rizzo, 23, and friend Hunter Coleman, 22, went ahead and registered Twitter accounts for two finalists, @PhilEMoose and @BFranklinDogg. They began tweeting from the accounts trying to help promote the contest. On Friday, however, they received an official email requesting that they hand over the accounts, “pleasantly without the use of lawyers or anything like that.” Rizzo, a communications graduate and self-described “social media sponge,” gave up the accounts in exchange for box seats and tickets … but it gets better. Saturday, 76ers CEO Adam Aron left Rizzo a voicemail asking Rizzo to call him back. He set up an interview that ultimately led to him being offered a job. In the end, he was rewarded for his entrepreneurial sprit with a full-time social media position with the team – “about as close as it gets” to the perfect gig. Continue reading the whole story about this lucky 76ers fan and his Tweets …
With Rachel Crow fans still still buzzing over Nicole Scherzinger’s decision to send the most recent elimination episode to a deadlock, resulting in the ousting of this cute contestant, Simon Cowell has now taken it upon himself to anger Marcus Canty supporters. Speaking to reporters this week, the judge scarcely even acknowledged the singer as an X Factor contender, despite his presence in the final four, saying: “I think it’s quite clear that it’s down to three people now. And it’s Melanie, Josh and Chris.” Canty, of course, has been stuck in the bottom two for three consecutive Thursdays, but he remains hopeful that he can pull an upset. “For me to think for one second in my mind that I don’t deserve to be here will be killing myself,” he says. “This is my dream too. No matter what people think, I’m up here. This is my dream. And that’s why I keep fighting to make it to the top.” That certainly is the right attitude. Who do you think will win The X Factor?
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