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‘X Factor’ Will Be A Reality Show ‘On Steroids’

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Creative director of Simon Cowell’s upcoming competition series tells MTV News it will be ‘like the VMAs every week.’ By Jocelyn Vena Brian Friedman Photo: MTV News Fans have been wondering for months now what to expect when Simon Cowell’s Stateside interpretation of “The X Factor” starts up on September 21. According to the Fox show’s creative director, Brian Friedman, it’s going to be … big. “Basically ‘The X Factor’ in the U.S. is every reality show you’ve [ever] seen on steroids,” he told MTV News when we caught up with him on the 2011 VMA black carpet. “It is like the VMAs every week.” Friedman — a veteran choreographer who has worked with a number of pop stars, most notably Britney Spears — has a history with “The X Factor” franchise. He not only hosted the British version for some time, but he also served as its creative director. The Fox show will step up its game week after week to ensure that it’s all about going big or going home, Friedman promised. “The performances that we do on there are boundless; there are no boundaries,” he continued. “We don’t stand inside a box. There is no right or wrong. Every rule you could possibly break in TV, [we do]. So expect to be wowed every week.” Friedman joins host Steve Jones , as well as the judges: Cowell and his former “American Idol” co-star Paula Abdul , record executive L.A. Reid and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger “American Idol” has always had scratch-your-head-type contestants, and earlier this year Cowell confessed that he hoped to keep that spirit alive on his new show. “I love unusual people. I always say, you’ve got to embrace the madness,” Cowell laughed. “I like that we’re going to be very open-minded. I think we’re going to have good enough people on this panel that we’re not gonna miss out on anyone who’s got potential.” Will you be watching “The X Factor” when it premieres this month? Tell us in the comments!

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‘X Factor’ Vs. 2011 Baseball Season: Simon Cowell Weighs In

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘If the show’s popular, people will hopefully know when the schedule changes and they’ll still watch it,’ ‘X Factor’ creator says. By Jocelyn Vena The “X Factor” judge Simon Cowell Photo: Ray Mickshaw/ FOX On Tuesday night during the MLB All-Star Game , viewers got a sneak peek of the upcoming season of “X Factor.” In it, fans were reacquainted with Simon Cowell — both the good and the bad — and Paula Abdul and got to meet new judges Nicole Scherzinger and L.A. Reid. This marks the first time, but not the last time, that “X Factor” and baseball will cross paths. When MTV News spoke to show creator Simon Cowell earlier this year, he weighed in on how Fox and the show were planning on scheduling the reality competition during the tail end of baseball season, which may affect “X Factor” airings. “Well, Fox shows baseball, so I mean it’s not 100 percent ideal and it does affect a couple of weeks, but we’ve got some ideas, which we’re talking to the network about, which are slightly different to what other shows have done,” Cowell explained. The show kicks off on September 21 and the 2011 baseball season still has a long way to go, but Cowell insists fans won’t have a hard time balancing the two. “So it might work in our favor, and my gut feeling is if the show’s popular, people will hopefully know when the schedule changes and they’ll still watch it,” he added. While the show isn’t that different from his former gig at “American Idol,” Cowell said that he’s excited to try out something new. “When you do something new, it’s definitely more fun, otherwise you get into a routine and it’s like that movie ‘Groundhog Day,’ ” he said. “And this reminds me of when we were launching ‘Idol’ 10 years ago. I didn’t know what was going to happen or if anyone was going to watch it and it was exciting. “And this is sort of the same because nobody knows what this show is really going to look like. And if it’s anything like I hope it’s going to be, it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said.

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Nicole Scherzinger to Host The X Factor

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Formerly of girl group the Pussycat Dolls, the singer-actress Nicole Scherzinger, 32, appeared on the U.K. version of The X Factor as a guest judge in July. At the time, fellow judge Louis Walsh praised Scherzinger#39;s stint on the show saying, “This girl has the X Factor in every way. She was incredibly impressive and ticked every box.” Simon Cowell has not yet revealed the identities of the all the judges on The X Factor, but a source tells us that Nicole Scherzinger will be the show#39;s ho

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L.A. Reid “Looking for Crazy” As ‘X Factor’ Judge

Posted on April 15, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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Last month, L.A. Reid announced his departure as chairman of Island Def Jam Records to secure a judging gig for the U.S. edition of Simon Cowell’s reality singing competition ‘The X Factor,’ which is scheduled to premiere in September. Maybe the letters from Nas and Shyne finally got to him but Reid will now be searching for new talent instead of managing the demands of current acts. The BoomBox.com caught up with Reid to find out why he left behind a gig behind a desk to wade through scores of wannabees looking for their big break. Why did you decide to leave Def Jam to join ‘The X Factor’? L.A. Reid: Well, I decided to do ‘The X Factor’ largely because of Simon Cowell and my admiration for Simon and how he’s developed this show, how he’s developed this format of music television, and how he’s developed his own career. I really admire Simon. When he called me it was a no-brainer because I admire him that much. And the second reason was I love artists and I love music. I love the excitement of entertainment and I love ‘The X Factor’ as a platform to discover the next generation of superstar talent. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW @ TVSQUAD.COM RELATED ARTICLES: L.A. Reid Officially Announces His Resignation From Def Jam L.A. Reid To Be A Judge On Simon Cowell’s X-Factor L.A. Reid’s Son Aaron Alexander Has A Music Video??

L.A. Reid “Looking for Crazy” As ‘X Factor’ Judge

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‘X Factor’ Judge L.A. Reid Hints At Another Record Label Gig

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I’m nobody’s fool, I didn’t give up my day job,’ former Universal exec tells Hot 97 of Sony rumors. By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Jim Cantiello L.A. Reid Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images Could L.A. Reid have another music executive gig up his sleeve? The music mogul resigned from his chairman post at Island Def Jam to become a judge on Simon Cowell’s “X Factor,” but he’s been dropping hints that he hasn’t completely abandoned the record label boardroom. When MTV News asked Reid whether the relationship “X Factor” has with Sony Music — the winner will get a recording contract from the label — means he may be taking on an executive role at the company in the near future, he didn’t totally dismiss the notion. “You’re good, you are so good, you’re good, let’s have that conversation another time,” Reid coyly told us. “Just hold that one for a little while; slow down, pal.” On Tuesday, during a phone interview with Hot 97’s Angie Martinez, Reid dodged a similar question from the radio personality while also noting that his gig on “X Factor” is only one of his gigs and “just a little bit of a shift.” “Listen, I’m nobody’s fool, I didn’t give up my day job,” Reid told Martinez. “I had to leave Universal Music Group and try my hat on someplace else that we’ll announce. We’ll announce that one in a little while.” While at Def Jam Reid, reported to Doug Morris, who recently left his post as chairman of the Universal Music Group. Morris will formally assume the role of CEO of Sony Music on July 1. Besides a recording contract from Sony Music, the eventual winner of “X Factor” will take home $5 million in cash. Cowell, Reid and the rest of the still-unannounced judges will be seeking artists with astronomical talents to match that windfall. “I’m personally looking for artists that are along the lines of today’s pop stars,” Reid said. “Whether it be a Rihanna or a Justin Bieber or a Kanye West or a Beyonc

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Simon Cowell Looking For ‘Unusual People’ At ‘X Factor’ Auditions

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I always say, you’ve got to embrace the madness,’ Cowell says of contestants. By Jocelyn Vena Simon Cowell Photo: Brian Ach/ WireImage With only days until the first official “X Factor” audition kicks off, Simon Cowell recently dished to MTV News about what he’s looking for in an “X Factor” contender. And he admits he doesn’t mind if contestants are a bit freaky. “I love unusual people. I always say, you’ve got to embrace the madness,” Cowell laughed. “I like that we’re going to be very open-minded. I think we’re going to have good enough people on this panel that we’re not gonna miss out on anyone who’s got potential.” So far, that judging panel includes famed record executive L.A. Reid , with more names to be announced soon. Mariah Carey reportedly passed on a judging opportunity, and Enrique Iglesias has been rumored to be a potential host for the show. Cowell says that with so much to gain as the winner of “X Factor,” it’s all about going big or going home. “Well, you know, there’s $5 million at stake on this show, we’re guaranteeing a winner a recording contract … so we’re looking for somebody who’s not just gonna be an artist who sells records in America,” he explained about making sure that special someone has global appeal. “We want someone who’s gonna sell all over the world,” he continued. “You look at what’s happened over the last couple of years, I think originality is key and you’ve got to be different to what’s out there already … I would say on this show, we’re much more open to people being ‘out there’ and anything goes, basically.” Audition dates for the show begin on Sunday, March 27, in Los Angeles, and continue on April 7 in Miami, April 14 in Newark, New Jersey, April 20 in Seattle, April 27 in Chicago, and May 26 in Dallas.

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Ricky Martin, ‘True Blood’ Win GLAAD Awards

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Tina Fey was also on hand to accept the Outstanding Individual Episode award for ’30 Rock.’ By Jocelyn Vena Ricky Martin at the GLAAD Awards on Saturday Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ WireImage Tina Fey, “True Blood” star Denis O’Hare and Patrick Wilson are just of few of the celebrities who gathered at the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards , hosted by Bravo’s Andy Cohen on Saturday in New York. The awards honor “fair, accurate and inclusive representations” of the LGBT community in television and journalism. Big winners of the night included “True Blood,” which won for Outstanding Drama Series, and “30 Rock,” which won for Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series without a regular LGBT character) for its “Klaus & Greta” episode. Entrepreneur Russell Simmons was honored with the Excellence in Media Award. Ricky Martin took home the Vito Russo Award, which is presented to a “lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality for the LGBT community.” In his speech, Martin credited GLAAD for helping him cope in the wake of his public coming out last year on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” He then went on to push for Latin American gay rights and asked that GLAAD stand up for those who can’t in that community. “I just want to be free. I can say today I’m free,” he said at the event. “And for that I definitely need to thank my parents for being so supportive, my mother and my dad for their unconditional love, and my friends, my family, my fans. And my partner in crime and my boyfriend Carlos.” That was only the beginning of the accolades for those projects and people nominated, with additional GLAAD awards scheduled to be handed out in Los Angeles on April 10 and in San Francisco on May 14. Related Photos The Evolution Of: Ricky Martin Related Artists Ricky Martin

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Mariah Carey Reportedly Not Joining ‘X Factor’

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Pop diva ‘politely declined’ Simon Cowell’s offer to sit on judges’ panel, according to Essence.com. By James Dinh Mariah Carey Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images As anticipation grows for the debut of Simon Cowell’s “X Factor,” there’s one industry vet who will not appear on the reality singing show’s judging panel: Mariah Carey . Despite previous whispers about her joining the celebrity lineup , it appears that the soon-to-be mom has turned down Cowell’s request to judge the talent show, according to Essence.com . While Cowell did approach the iconic pop singer/songwriter with the request, the songstress “politely declined,” as she’s gearing up for the arrival of her twins and writing material for her next studio album. News of Carey’s decision comes just days after the pop megastar’s longtime label boss, L.A. Reid, joined the forthcoming Fox show . On Thursday, the record executive resigned from his chairman position at Island Def Jam for a spot on the judges’ panel. Reid joined the record label in 2004 and is most noted for assisting Carey with her comeback the following year. With Reid free to take up a position at Sony Music, the label that will provide the “X Factor” winner with a recording contract, rumors have swirled that Carey will wrap up her contract with Universal Music Group and follow the executive to Sony Music. Fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out the remaining judges who have signed on for “X Factor.” Last week, Cowell told MTV News that he was days away from unveiling the lineup. He also opened up about his efforts to collect a top-notch panel for the show. “It’s gonna be a balance between guys and girls, and it should be a balance between people who have been singers and also, like me, have worked behind the scenes and know what they’re talking about it,” the former “American Idol” judge MTV News. “It will be the best judging panel so far. I promise you: If I get the people I want, I’m really happy.” Who do you want to see judge “X Factor”? Share your ideas in the comments! Related Artists Mariah Carey

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Mariah Carey Reportedly Not Joining ‘X Factor’

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Pop diva ‘politely declined’ Simon Cowell’s offer to sit on judges’ panel, according to Essence.com. By James Dinh Mariah Carey Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images As anticipation grows for the debut of Simon Cowell’s “X Factor,” there’s one industry vet who will not appear on the reality singing show’s judging panel: Mariah Carey . Despite previous whispers about her joining the celebrity lineup , it appears that the soon-to-be mom has turned down Cowell’s request to judge the talent show, according to Essence.com . While Cowell did approach the iconic pop singer/songwriter with the request, the songstress “politely declined,” as she’s gearing up for the arrival of her twins and writing material for her next studio album. News of Carey’s decision comes just days after the pop megastar’s longtime label boss, L.A. Reid, joined the forthcoming Fox show . On Thursday, the record executive resigned from his chairman position at Island Def Jam for a spot on the judges’ panel. Reid joined the record label in 2004 and is most noted for assisting Carey with her comeback the following year. With Reid free to take up a position at Sony Music, the label that will provide the “X Factor” winner with a recording contract, rumors have swirled that Carey will wrap up her contract with Universal Music Group and follow the executive to Sony Music. Fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out the remaining judges who have signed on for “X Factor.” Last week, Cowell told MTV News that he was days away from unveiling the lineup. He also opened up about his efforts to collect a top-notch panel for the show. “It’s gonna be a balance between guys and girls, and it should be a balance between people who have been singers and also, like me, have worked behind the scenes and know what they’re talking about it,” the former “American Idol” judge MTV News. “It will be the best judging panel so far. I promise you: If I get the people I want, I’m really happy.” Who do you want to see judge “X Factor”? Share your ideas in the comments! Related Artists Mariah Carey

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Simon Cowell Breaks Down ‘X Factor’ Rules, Reveals Audition Dates

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘You will have never seen a show like this before in America,’ former ‘American Idol’ judge says in new promo. By James Dinh Simon Cowell Photo: Ian Derry / FOX While “American Idol” draws closer to the televised stage of the singing competition, the U.S. version of “X Factor” will soon begin its countrywide search for the next global superstar. In a new promo for the highly anticipated competition, Simon Cowell talks about the rules for the forthcoming series, promising that America has yet to see a show like this. “The show is basically a singing competition with a twist,” the music executive says in the promo. “The auditions are open to anyone who can sing. You can be 12; you can be 112. You can be in a group; you can have 100 people in the group. It doesn’t matter.” Cowell goes on to explain that the contestants are later separated into four categories: young guys, young girls, older singers and vocal groups. However, “X Factor,” which premieres in September, isn’t just a challenge between talented singers, but also between judges, who will mentor contestants once they make the final rounds. “I’ll assure you one thing. You will have never seen a show like this before in America and a lot is going to happen that will surprise you,” Cowell continued. “But as a platform, if you’re a performer, this is going to be a great opportunity for you.” In addition to the contest’s age freedom, Cowell explained that contestants will have to audition in front of a live audience, saying, “If you can come out and nail it in front of 3,000 or 4,000 people, then you’ve got the makings of a star.” Ultimately, the former “Idol” judge said he’s serious about his search for talent in America. “I’m going to come back to America and say, ‘I’m serious about this’ and ‘I’m serious about finding talent,’ ” he said. “I’m going to guarantee the winner of this competition 5 million cash. It’s a $5 million audition, and you’re going to get the cash if you win; you just better be good.” “X Factor” audition dates, according to a press release:

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