American Idol boss Simon Fuller is fuming at Simon Cowell for quitting a $163million deal to launch his own The X Factor venture in the US.
Fuller, a UK mogul in whose footsteps Cowell followed, called The British X Factor wrestling, the UK Mirror reports. Fuller said Idol would weather the storm out of a “boxing type” purity, staying above the fray and true to a mission to find talented singers. “I want Idol to be purely about talent. We’re not going to be led into the mud, we’re going to stay on our hill,” he said.
It was strong language for Cowell, who is poised to launch a megaventure to take his vehicle to Vegas with Topshop boss Sir Philip Green. The new show would kick off in 2011 with Cheryl Cole a hopeful addition.
Fuller appeared to snipe with envy when he added: ?The Susan Boyle phenomenon is not based on anything but the bizarre. I have integrity about music and believe talent that comes out of Idol is legitimate.”
One insider said: “Fuller has got brains and instinct but has the personality of a wet weekend in Hastings – Cowell has the lot.”
Seeing as how his American version of the X Factor is in the building plans, Simon Cowell is trying his best to bring on all sorts of interesting folk to join in the fun. Next on the list would have been Victoria Beckham for one of the judge?s seats, but the former Spice Girl apparently turned Simon Cowell down more or less. This is what a source related about Victoria Beckham?s refusal: “Victoria told Simon she needs time to think about it as she is so busy with her fashion work right now. Looking at her hectic schedule, some of the dates mooted could be problematic as David is away, so she wants to work from home and look after the kids. Simon is incredibly charming so who knows. they did have a long conversation and although Victoria thinks he will be too manic to commit, she loved her time on the Idol panel.” Well, that?s what you get when you ask a working mom to dedicate herself to a career. But Simon Cowell is probably going to find a way? he always does.
It hasn?t even been a week since Simon Cowell announced his departure from American Idol and people are already speculating about who should take his place. The latest rumor to come out from the reality TV talent show?s set is that Elton John could be taking over for Simon. I like this idea way better than Ryan Seacrest pulling double duty. Plus, the iconic singer has some experience as he sat in as a guest judge back in season 3. However, Elton?s camp was quick to squash the rumor saying that the musician is way too busy to be able to commit to such a deal.
America?s attention was captivated when American Idol?s latest season premiered this past Tuesday. The ninth season of the reality TV talent show kicked off with a bang with the premiere episode drawing almost 30 million viewers to the network. Although the numbers have yet to reach the same heights as the show?s fifth season, Fox was actually prepared for the worst. Considering the exit of fan favorite judge Paula Abdul, the network assumed that the ratings share would go way down compared to last year?s numbers. It may not have happened now but it?s bound to happen next year when Simon Cowell will no longer be part of the show ? if there will still be a show that is.
It seems that the terrifying Earl of Exigency actually had his own fears about getting into the US market when he judged American Idol? or so he claims. This is what one of the show?s creators related about Simon Cowell?s initial reluctance to join the judging team: “We took it to Fox and Rupert Murdoch told his team, ‘You want Simon Cowell, he’s tough. I want it to stay tough.’ At first Simon didn’t want to come to America. We twisted his arm but he was worried they wouldn’t like him. Amazing if you’re going to be nasty that you still want people to like you.” Well, when you run so many ?talent shows?, you do kind of get the idea that people actually take a shine to you. However, it seems that Simon Cowell?s brainwashing techniques have not yet failed him? especially since he?s going to take The X Factor overseas.
With Simon Cowell planning to bring his British hit The X Factor to America, rumor is going around that he will be leaving American Idol as a result. His contract with the show expires in May and is currently in talks for The X Factor to begin in 2011. If that happens, Simon will almost certainly leave AI which could make this upcoming season the last one, because let?s be honest, it wouldn?t be the same without him. Fox hasn?t made any formal announcements about any programming changes yet so stay tuned! I wonder who is in the running to judge and mentor the US X Factor contestants alongside Simon.
After a huge row, Simon Cowell has given in to X-Factor contestant Danyl Johnson and allowed him to change his song for the upcoming weekend show.
Danyl, a drama teacher, lost it with Cowell, running outside and down the street when the star judge chose a George Michael ballad, Praying for Time, amid reports Jedward was polishing up a sassy Wham! medley.
Cowell has now agreed he can perform Michael’s classic Careless Whisper.
Michael, meanwhile, is rumoured to be making a surprise appearance on the Saturday night show.
Cowell played down the row with Danyl, saying it was nothing more than a “storm in a tea cup”.
He said: “The frustration got to him and he boiled over but when we talked it through he was as good as gold. It was always going to be one of those two songs and it turns out Danyl had set his heart on the other one. Danyl is now going to sing Careless Whisper on Saturday and it is an incredible version. We love it.”
Simon Cowell’s mother may be biased but she doesn’t think he deserves the label “Mr Nasty”.
Julie Cowell, 82, says her son’s signature honesty began to show up early, at age five. “I bought a new hat and asked him if I looked nice in it. He replied, ‘You look like a poodle.’ It would only upset me if he really was a nasty person. Simon isn’t nasty – he’s just honest.”
Cowell said Simon, who just turned 50, was raised in the UK on politeness, which is more important to her than his wildly successful television career. Julie often goes to the studio to watch the son she said informed her he would not be getting married at the tender age of 19. “I thought he might change his mind, but he’s now 50 and it doesn’t look likely to happen.”
Julie, who survived breast cancer 14 years ago, recalled her husband Eric’s death of a heart attack on the day Simon had his first Number One in the US with Westlife. She said: “Simon phoned me from America, thrilled. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him that his father had died, and I said I’d call him back. I wanted him to have his day of celebration but he had to be told, so [Simon's brother] Nicholas called him. He came straight home and was devastated.?
Eric was an EMI music executive who passed on his devotion to work. Said Julie of her son: “He’s certainly a workaholic, he gets that from his father.”
Piers Morgan reveals the juicy details of Simon Cowell’s birthday party and told how Ryan Seacrest was whipped by a dominatrix on stage at the bash.
Piers, 44, was a guest at his fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge’s recent birthday party to celebrate his 50th.
He said: “The highlights, or lowlights depending on how prudish you are (I’m not, obviously), included: A naked woman dressed as female genitalia removing various articles of ribbons and clothing from her own body.”
He added: “Ryan Seacrest being dragged up on stage and being jokily whipped by a dominatrix. A wonderfully evocative hologram of Frank Sinatra.”
X Factor judge Simon Cowell has said that his slamming of the Beatles was a joke.
The 49-year-old, who recently stated if the Beatles had taken part in the British TV talent competition, he wouldn’t have put them through to the finals, has now said he was only joking.
Cowell told RadarOnline.com: “Regarding my comments on the Beatles, it was a joke. I have always said they were the group I have always wished I had signed.
“Also, to set the record straight, it was recently reported that I turned down the Spice Girls. In fact, I offered the girls a recording contract before they were signed and actually offered to double the offer they had on the table.”
Simon Cowell, pushing the big 5-0, is copping some more flak.
Singer Katy Perry has lashed out at the star judge for his brutally honest approach to the would-be aspirations of the hundreds of reality TV contestants that stand before him.
Cowell must just be recovering from the comment that his fashion sense was “boring” from fellow X Factor judge and style princess Dannii Minogue.
Now Perry has told a film crew: “As much as he’s an a**hole he’s a very truthful, honest a**hole.”
Cowell, 49, was said to have reacted to the comment by saying: “She’s definitely got her own opinion. She’s a feisty solo artist and I like that.”
Dannii Minogue says fellow X Factor judge Cheryl Cole promised her a kiss – but never delivered.
Minogue said Cole pledged she would kiss her if she won the show. When Cole did win – with Alexandra Burke – she forgot to kiss Minogue, however.
The pair’s alleged rivalry has been the subject of gossip in the past but co-judge Simon Cowell earlier said the two had patched things up ahead of the new X Factor series.
“The show ended on a high for Cheryl and I guess in all the excitement she forgot, I’d completely forgotten until now – well I guess I’d better chase her this year. Maybe we’ll raise the stakes – who knows?”
Cowell also said he was thrilled with a new format for the show that puts would-be contestants before live audiences. He said: “It’s the best decision I have made on The X Factor. It really needed that extra buzz.”
Although he has been rumoured to be considering an exit from the show, he spoke enthusiastically. “I’m absolutely loving it this year. It’s given me a real boost, too.”
American TV hosts could not contain their excitement about X Factor’s Danyl Johnson as they played his stunning audition on their show.
Johnson got his own segment on NBC’s Today Show, in which he was compared to overnight British singing sensation Susan Boyle.
Johnson wowed judge Simon Cowell and has since become an internet sensation after his audition was posted on YouTube.
The Today Show is now reportedly trying to land Johnson for a performance on its hugely popular morning show.
“He does seem to have great range, but he also has this incredible presence,” said co-host Matt Lauer.
“If you want to go online and watch his whole audition, it is just extraordinary, his presence onstage and how he captivated the audience and judges.”
Johnson was hailed by Cowell as the best first audition he had ever seen when he performed a rendition of a Beatles track, With A Little Help From My Friends.
Now Johnson is being tipped as a favourite to win the talent show.
Are you ready for the next round of American Idol roulette? Despite all the rumors that have gone back and forth, Kara DioGuardi is reportedly staying for the ninth season of the reality TV talent show. A source said ?Her deal is done. There are no ifs, ands or buts. Done. She will be back.? However, she will obviously be getting a much smaller pay check than Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest. There?s still no word as to the fate of Paula Abdul and filmed auditions for the next season begins today! I expect that she will be returning too. Maybe it?s all just to hype up the first couple of episodes of the show.
Land Of The Lost star Anna Friel has admitted that she twice turned down a recording contract with Simon Cowell.
Friel, 32, found fame in British soap Brookside and has gone on to win international fame after playing the lead role of Chuck, in US sitcom Pushing Daisies.
She is currently starring in new movie Land Of The Lost alongside Will Ferrell.
Friel revealed that American Idol boss Simon Cowell twice offered her a recording contract, but she refused.
“He [Cowell] offered it to me twice. I was about 19 and he’d heard me sing. I’d just left Brookside and was very flattered, but I wouldn’t be here now if I’d said yes,? she said.
“You can either say, ‘I want to be a singer and I’m willing to be moulded when I sign one of those contracts, or I can keep the acting path ongoing.
?It might take me a lot longer to make the money he’s offering or to create that kind of fame, but I’ll have longevity.’
?I bumped into him in New York about five years ago, and he said: ‘Well done, Ms Friel, clever girl. You said no.’”
Cheryl Cole is reportedly set to host a US version of The X Factor.
The star, who recently celebrated her 26th birthday, was reportedly handpicked by boss Simon Cowell, 49, to fly the flag for the show across the Atlantic.
Cole is a judge on the British version of the show and it is claimed NBC bosses will fly to Manchester this weekend to witness her in action at the live auditions.
A source said: “Simon is on the brink of signing a deal to take The X Factor to America and, if he gets his way, Cheryl will be its star. He thinks she has amazing presence and her down-to-earth Northern charm will appeal to the American public.
“She is also an incredibly beautiful girl. She won’t get paid anything like the ?1m salary she’s on here, because obviously she is not as well known in the States. But if it is a success, like most of Simon’s shows are, it could catapult her into the big league.”
Simon Cowell said Susan Boyle was never pushed into appearing on Britain’s Got Talent.
The judge said: “I sat down with her and said, ‘Look, if this is getting too much for you, you don’t have to go into the final. No one’s going to force you, you do whatever you want, whatever suits you’.
“And she looked me in the eye and said, ‘No, I want to win this competition, I want to give it a go’. That was the decision we all made. No one ever put a gun to her head and said, you’ve got to enter the show.”
Cowell also said that he sought the blessing of her family.
Boyle eventually snapped under the pressure of fame, spending several days in a North London rehab clinic.
Susan Boyle’s failure to turn up to rehearsals for the Britain’s Got Talent tour in London has thrown organisers into a flat panic, it was reported today.
The tour is set to open in Birmingham on Friday, but Boyle has so far failed to show for rehearsals, the report said.
Her spokeswoman, however, said she is due at rehearsal today and “she is eager to do the tour”, it was reported.
Meanwhile, BGT judge Simon Cowell has reportedly rented a ?2 million apartment for Boyle and her cat, Pebbles, the report claimed.
Cowell, it said, was paying for her to stay in a north London convent for five weeks. The other BGT contestants were staying in hotels.
A source for the tour reportedly said: “No one knows quite what Susan wants to do. We?re leaving everything up to her, to make sure that she?s happy and well. But the problem is that she changes her mind every two minutes.”
Boyle’s new private doctor reportedly recommended an “idyllic and highly secure” lodging at the convent to Cowell.
The report quoted a source saying: “Simon is looking after his prize possession. No expense will be spared to make sure she is happy and well enough to perform.”
Simon Cowell has ordered his personal bodyguards to protect ex-girlfriend Terri Seymour following her attack after the American Idol finale.
Cowell asked his security team to watch out for her while she recovers from being choked by the 200lb woman, allegedly mad at the judge for his treatment of co-host Paula Abdul.
Seymour, a correspondent for U.S. entertainment show Extra, called the assault ?horrific? as she appeared on the show for the first time.
Seymour had just finished reporting on the final performance show when she was attacked.
She said: ?The next thing I know this woman has me in a headlock and was trying to choke me.?
Seymour said she had never seen the woman before. ?She said, ?You?re that girl on TV right?? That was it.?
The drama ended when the woman eventually released her grip and tried to run away.
?The police were fantastic,? said Seymour. ?They were close by and managed to catch her.?
According to a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department, officers on hand for crowd control witnessed the incident, which took place around 7pm.
As Seymour was leaving the venue, she was approached by 33-year-old Janice Thibodeaux, who asked if Seymour was Cowell’s ex-girlfriend.
After Seymour answered in the affirmative, police say Thibodeaux attacked Seymour.
Thibodeaux, who is being held on $52,703 bail, spoke to a U.S. website from behind bars to explain her actions.
She said: “I wasn’t cool with Simon Cowell choking Paula Abdul on the show last week and with her crying out ‘help’ as he did so.”
