tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675138571937753082024-03-18T21:08:48.650-07:00Simon Cowell TodayJudy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-47199035468696975652010-05-20T06:51:00.000-07:002010-05-20T06:56:09.565-07:00End of the line for American Idol's Casey James<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPzVR1TT3tutDa5nqUl79u3ib6_-LzEWpA3wCwEAVPYB0R2KgU2mXaGdmC_cbIAI46FVaepOksQN1j5arrnxD8XYy_-LYnTT5pw7eP2Q0FmYRzy_3w9nKUihzypzOvHg3lQA0a7F6wILk/s1600/CaseyJames1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 91px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPzVR1TT3tutDa5nqUl79u3ib6_-LzEWpA3wCwEAVPYB0R2KgU2mXaGdmC_cbIAI46FVaepOksQN1j5arrnxD8XYy_-LYnTT5pw7eP2Q0FmYRzy_3w9nKUihzypzOvHg3lQA0a7F6wILk/s320/CaseyJames1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473350324247516162" /></a><br />Did anyone think that Casey would survive this week's American Idol cut? Notes posted throughout the Internet overwhelmingly opined that it was time for Casey to leave -- and, indeed, the Idol judges seemed to be ready to lead him to the door.<br /><br />But what a run it has been for North Texas' Casey James!<br /><br />"I'm so thankful for the opportunity," smiled James -- even after his elimination. "It's been an amazing, amazing journey and I'm so thankful that I'm here.<br /><br />As with departing contestants, James got to sing a farewell song. He chose John Mayer's Daughters -- which had been judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi's choice for him in this week's competition. Confident, smiling and seemingly still happy, James delivered the song with ample tenderness and style.<br /><br />There was a sense that Casey may have expected that it was his week to go -- and that he was ready to move on to the Idol tour and showing America that he deserves to be a star.<br /><br />Indeed, elimination from the American Idol competition often signals less about defeat and more about moving ahead in a career. Runner-up Adam Lambert has become a super star -- as has Chris Daughtry. And how about Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Clay Aiken and Kimberley Locke -- none of whom won the American Idol coveted crown!<br /><br />“I never thought I'd get this far,” Casey admitted to host Ryan Seacrest. “But to me, it's like winning $10 million in the lottery and $100 million in the lottery. It's so much more than I expected, so it can't be bad.” <br /><br />As the Dallas News reports: "For a guy who doesn't own a TV — and drove all night to auditions in Denver at the urging of his mom, who lent him her truck because there was no way his would make the trip — landing in the semifinals of the world's most popular talent show proved a bit overwhelming. As James Casey watched footage of last week's screaming-filled visit to North Texas Dallas/Fort Worth and his hometown of Cool, he fought back tears."Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-81513306783546795242010-05-19T08:04:00.000-07:002010-05-19T08:07:22.706-07:00American Idol, the final countdown -- and the Influence of Simon Cowell<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykpZM2lx7bRXWsmIZD36HK7tzYhEDXgsy9dNBBbO_JnqgQ8WBH1ulLGDd2HgChzTFqaVLgWc9WUd_IN0xsrzzEo3PPW6aGVTyzxulPpdR5xZzJ2aJ1Wr2ww88-vP1aWOiD1elhN5b_eb5/s1600/simoncowell_americanidol_140.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykpZM2lx7bRXWsmIZD36HK7tzYhEDXgsy9dNBBbO_JnqgQ8WBH1ulLGDd2HgChzTFqaVLgWc9WUd_IN0xsrzzEo3PPW6aGVTyzxulPpdR5xZzJ2aJ1Wr2ww88-vP1aWOiD1elhN5b_eb5/s320/simoncowell_americanidol_140.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472997958830829090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpzJTj5GbksnoqQgEhOW1LiMtqwx3Z32hkH0rXG1GXLgBdxHOKpvEMIrhfXgzEn2tCfb5_V6sMEkrB050Lvryp3Il5ipPVA1qGYrihQhC8KF4fF3tMpKD6WOm9bE1P0vyVrnBtCpq7g1L/s1600/AmericanIdol.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 306px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472992410819713602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpzJTj5GbksnoqQgEhOW1LiMtqwx3Z32hkH0rXG1GXLgBdxHOKpvEMIrhfXgzEn2tCfb5_V6sMEkrB050Lvryp3Il5ipPVA1qGYrihQhC8KF4fF3tMpKD6WOm9bE1P0vyVrnBtCpq7g1L/s320/AmericanIdol.jpg" /></a><br />Two "American Idol" top talents will battle for the crown and the throne -- but after last night's performance, it seems that the royal title might actually be determined by the shows judges instead of the performances of the contestants themselves.<br /><br />Casey James, Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze each opened the show with a song they chose themselves. James delivered a bland "OK, It's Alright With Me." The judges twisted their faces and words into an eventual assessment that while he sang well, the song choice was not the best and not equal to this stage of the competition when he needed "a moment."<br /><br />Bowersox, complete with guitar and harmonica holder, belted a powerful version of Melissa Etheridge's "Come to My Window." As judge Simon Cowell opined, it was classic Bowersox -- who is always true to herself. The judges said that they generally liked the performance, but felt it was not the best version of the song and at times the song seemed so big that it got away from her.<br /><br />DeWyze sang "Simple Man" -- and judge Randy Jackson enthused that the singer not only lived up to the song, but showed that he had confidence that he could really win. The judges handed to first round to DeWyze.<br /><br />But there was still another chance to shine -- as the vocalists performed songs chosen by the judges. And this seems where results might actually have been solidified -- by the judges.<br /><br />On "Do or die night," James sang a "sensitive" "Daughters" -- because his fans are largely women and girls. He sang well -- nothing wrong, but the song, chosen by Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, was not impressive or powerful enough to offer James a shot. What could he do? It seemed that there was never meant to be a "moment" in the song.<br /><br />Bowersox belted Ellen DeGeneres' choice of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed." She filled the stage with an emotional journey, a captivating Janis Joplin-soulful version that brought the audience to its feet. Jackson declared that that it was terrific and proved that she was "in it to win it." Wow!<br /><br />But DeWyze had the deck stacked in his favor -- last spot, the memorable spot and judge Simon Cowell, legendary for his talent in song choice, picking for him. During the break, Cowell chatted with DeWyze -- and it was obvious that the pair had strategized with Lee likely receiving the best in advice and guidance from Cowell all week. Cowell gave DeWyze what is probably the greatest song choices of all time -- Leonard Cohen's "Halleluhah." DeWyze's version was gritty, magical -- and he was the only performer backed up by a multi-member, volume-raising choir. The song, the "help" from Cowell and the choir gave DeWyze an absolute edge -- and the judges responded by oozing compliments and declaring that the evening belonged to DeWyze.<br /><br />With that one song, Lee DeWyze surged into the spot of front-runner, and Bowersox suffered from being out-manuvered (thanks to an assignment of Ellen as her judge instead of Simon) despite a spectacular performance. Although DeWyze clearly was up to his task, there was a sense that the most powerful performance and win of the evening was orchestrated by Simon Cowell who was a king while the other players performed for their singers as pawns.<br /><br />Clearly Cowell groomed DeWyze to win -- and DeWyze became the luckiest songman in the world, for that evening at least!<br /><br />Except for a freaky surprise, Bowersox and DeWyze will be the contestants with the final shot at the American Idol title and crown!Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-68724269987045450062010-01-22T01:21:00.000-08:002010-01-22T01:22:15.254-08:00MASS. SEN. SCOTT BROWN'S DAUGHTER, AYLA -- FORMER AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3pAAJs7O7tE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3pAAJs7O7tE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Shortly after Massachusetts voters cast enough ballots to send Scott Brown to Washington as the state's newest Senator, his daughter, Ayla Brown, became one of the top searches on search engines.<br /><br />During Brown's victory speech, he mentioned that his two daughters -- Ayla and Arianna -- were available. Quickly former American Idol contestant Ayla's name was being typed at computers -- probably by a lot of eligible bachelors -- seeking more information about her.<br /><br />At 17 Ayla graced the stage of American Idol after garnering praise at the show's Boston audition. The Boston College basketball star has appeared with The Boston Pops and performed the National Anthem at a Boston Red Sox game.Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-91939605839468467962010-01-11T13:46:00.000-08:002010-01-11T13:47:01.556-08:00SINON COWELL ANNOUNCES THAT HE'LL LEAVE AMERICAN IDOL!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDS3PbbpLXxsA5hYa03FZ-mMqXrlXfQZ9snJsexMVAAsulM2XzeeXi2aWWKeJp7S75QlvcHtIxv3F3LvaHbSAmRBo_1o0zL4wYc67ViM2fhs0WfPHdufCz6-xus3Cp5DlrqXniQMpOeGW/s1600-h/simon_cowell_on_red_x-754464.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDS3PbbpLXxsA5hYa03FZ-mMqXrlXfQZ9snJsexMVAAsulM2XzeeXi2aWWKeJp7S75QlvcHtIxv3F3LvaHbSAmRBo_1o0zL4wYc67ViM2fhs0WfPHdufCz6-xus3Cp5DlrqXniQMpOeGW/s200/simon_cowell_on_red_x-754464.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425601689943417826" /></a><br />American Idol judge Simon Cowell, who has been with the show from the very beginning, has announced that this will be his final season on American Idol.<br /><br />Often considered the most respectd and hardest to please among American Idol judges, Cowell's remarks to contestants have often been termed too harsh -- but also the most accurate.<br /><br />Cowell's decision is one more chapter in a year of drama and changes. Judge Paula Abdul, who had said that she wanted to return to the show, was never able to get a contract extension. And Abdul has been replaced by Ellen DeGeneres -- considered by some folks to be an illogical choice since she is a comedian without a music background.<br /><br />Cowell, who created British hit show "The X Factor," said that this show will be in the line-up in the U.S. next year, and he feels that it is important to devote his time and energy to ensuring that show's success.Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-25360783336312827752010-01-01T06:18:00.000-08:002010-01-01T06:59:40.680-08:00SIMON COWELL WILL BE A GRUMPY CHARACTER<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3ocrOfpYfhqS1BCJntpEISEP5ogKmnNgfgCHb2d8Ap8trjKXw6kyYAW0xSQtS4Ha-1ltL0e4n1OUlKRLwMTNYChyphenhyphenMlfGnr8BFTK8mmhy-9LbWjfxF9rS5WgLwvf856cbIQC2JNvjUAt0/s1600-h/simoncowell_americanidol_140.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3ocrOfpYfhqS1BCJntpEISEP5ogKmnNgfgCHb2d8Ap8trjKXw6kyYAW0xSQtS4Ha-1ltL0e4n1OUlKRLwMTNYChyphenhyphenMlfGnr8BFTK8mmhy-9LbWjfxF9rS5WgLwvf856cbIQC2JNvjUAt0/s200/simoncowell_americanidol_140.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421786011237104626" /></a><br />American Idol super judge Simon Cowell is expected to delight audiences in a second cameo appearance in "The Simpsons"!<br /><br />While Cowell has agreed to lend his voice to a cartoon character even though his initial attempt back in 2004 was, he reportedly said, not a whole lot of fun. "They obviously hated me as I had to do it over and over again. I could actually feel the rolling eyeballs," he told ok.co.uk. "It was like, 'After take 57, Simon could we have a little more reality'. It was painful." <br /><br />This time around Cowell will play a grumpy character who upsets Maggie -- which, in turn, angers Homer. "I was very happy to do that. I criticise the daughter and she cries so Homer punches me in the face and I criticise the punch because it wasn't a very good punch," Cowell explained.Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-60735878189634144672009-09-20T03:41:00.000-07:002009-09-20T03:45:29.177-07:00SIMON COWELL HITS OUT AT BBC OVER X FACTOR SCHEDULE CLASH<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYe8QFBJfzctX04Dl7kc5X8pFx9pNeDu0vo6YpcRgPppXai8mhRUo0TBYnke47_9QBvtp9cvkTc2JYw9lXdIZp-A0b3UxeQE-f27Bhn0shcfmWISCpiau-CBY0WMFYHEqDPcuRXPRlg6D/s1600-h/simon-cowell1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYe8QFBJfzctX04Dl7kc5X8pFx9pNeDu0vo6YpcRgPppXai8mhRUo0TBYnke47_9QBvtp9cvkTc2JYw9lXdIZp-A0b3UxeQE-f27Bhn0shcfmWISCpiau-CBY0WMFYHEqDPcuRXPRlg6D/s320/simon-cowell1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383498685379935042" /></a><br />(Article by Ian Johnston, Telegraph.co.uk)<br /><br />The BBC has moved its hit ballroom dancing show to a later time and it will now be on when X-factor begins on ITV. <br /><br />Mr Cowell said it was wrong to force viewers to choose between two of the most popular programmes on television, adding that he and members of his family were “frustrated” by the change. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/strictly-come-dancing/6208537/Strictly-Come-Dancing-Simon-Cowell-hits-out-at-BBC-over-X-Factor-schedule-clash.html" target="_blank">CLICK TO READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE </a>Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-90186496609520248152009-09-20T03:21:00.000-07:002009-09-20T03:39:30.094-07:00WHO'S THE LUCKY LADY KISSING SIMON?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg7slMTMT0II_F0910LSWU-4P1lNxzNu_jhWXPQVEfm3CqNoNZIAymWAN2QVtgB1aReHheFWI1LSvB0-DtwQuUKxZMnlinXaKhrLsrhug9kJJpXo_sWkXw6MA3jjabibanwUw7hAJN1aK/s1600-h/SimonCowell2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg7slMTMT0II_F0910LSWU-4P1lNxzNu_jhWXPQVEfm3CqNoNZIAymWAN2QVtgB1aReHheFWI1LSvB0-DtwQuUKxZMnlinXaKhrLsrhug9kJJpXo_sWkXw6MA3jjabibanwUw7hAJN1aK/s320/SimonCowell2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383497340804570434" /></a><br />How many ladies have had their secret dreams of kissing Simon? More than a few ladies have probably kissed him in real life, but certainly there many been many more who have dreamed of reaching their lips to Simon's cheer in their secret, silent dreams.<br /><br />Such seems the case for 80-year-old Eileen Chapman -- who actually had her dreams come true. The special lady, who said that she early on practiced her singing in air raid shelters, sang Elvis Presley's song The Wonder of You, and then set about having her very brief and very public romance with Simon.<br /><br />"I think you're really hunky," she explained. "I'd love you for my joy toy." And then she ran down and gave Simon a big kiss on the cheek!<br /><br />Judges Danni, Cheryl and Louis didn't feel that Chapman was right for The X Factor competition -- but Simon, likely under the spell of her charms, thought that she had an appeal that audiences would enjoy and asked her to return for another audition with a more current song.Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-16649265221278147562009-09-20T02:26:00.000-07:002009-09-20T03:46:13.930-07:00SIMON COWELL'S 50TH BIRTHDAY BASH!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnmvC0Tgzo59t8zCcaxRIGO1Xxi6yjk21ClHGVGbG7cImQdtXYSfya5aezVyb34hYa7aCCYAOHDLtXqa1zrsdGbGYmAQ9z8F7WOVrPHFeI_mpH5rPdHvpbvaw97dk1hSJziTfBP__GGXf/s1600-h/cowell.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnmvC0Tgzo59t8zCcaxRIGO1Xxi6yjk21ClHGVGbG7cImQdtXYSfya5aezVyb34hYa7aCCYAOHDLtXqa1zrsdGbGYmAQ9z8F7WOVrPHFeI_mpH5rPdHvpbvaw97dk1hSJziTfBP__GGXf/s320/cowell.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383491231072917682" /></a><br />Article by Katie Nicholl, Dailymail.co.uk)<br /><br />When a billionaire throws a party for a millionaire, the lucky guests might rightly be expecting a night with plenty of X Factor.<br /><br />And those who turn out for Simon Cowell’s 50th birthday bash will surely not be disappointed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1214760/Philip-Green-throw-50th-birthday-party-Simon-Cowell-Palladian-mansion.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE </a>Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-9493925176056393282009-09-17T16:55:00.000-07:002009-09-17T17:13:16.745-07:00DOES SIMON THINK SEACREST WILL WIN EMMY?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tHXD7wIC0sO4iiNFllwxp_U2TD3UvdMahk17rp4cbLdG3LJ_ac4SEOS-m8SKclDJMgJprFtkwkKPyrzPCUAOg3KqjAI_Ifp3f_mIGHN6Zh4UYzo_eH_kbWE99ixASAbykqOJjglofkAt/s1600-h/4ryan-seacrest-dating.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tHXD7wIC0sO4iiNFllwxp_U2TD3UvdMahk17rp4cbLdG3LJ_ac4SEOS-m8SKclDJMgJprFtkwkKPyrzPCUAOg3KqjAI_Ifp3f_mIGHN6Zh4UYzo_eH_kbWE99ixASAbykqOJjglofkAt/s320/4ryan-seacrest-dating.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382593375768428130" /></a><br />"Simon has placed himself as far away from Los Angeles on Emmy night as possible, just in case I happen to get lucky enough to win one," American Idol host Ryan Seacrest told eonline recently at Santa Monica's Huntley Hotel. He was there to celebrate his ad campaign for Scope Outlast and Crest Plus Scope Outlast toothpaste.<br /><br />Seacrest is nominated for Outstanding Reality Host.<br /><br />"He's confirmed he will be in London just so he's not there in case of the little possibility that I walk away with it," Seacrest laughed.Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-53055432859244085912009-09-17T16:49:00.000-07:002009-09-17T16:53:36.454-07:00SAMPSON 'DROPPED BY SIMON COWELL' -- BY MAYER NISSIM, digital spy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtS3SsPnppQsYzdaDzcjwNQ9qlQwh1x8aoj037BulWHhldMwCq3eBNhhBaJsZp_kzmHf2gKVSE0-81-q2JerKw598C4yUeh0QSj7l6kW5tACJGPsuOfodlxKRax_cIRpX-A4XVKKfnjQr/s1600-h/GeorgeSampson.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtS3SsPnppQsYzdaDzcjwNQ9qlQwh1x8aoj037BulWHhldMwCq3eBNhhBaJsZp_kzmHf2gKVSE0-81-q2JerKw598C4yUeh0QSj7l6kW5tACJGPsuOfodlxKRax_cIRpX-A4XVKKfnjQr/s320/GeorgeSampson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382588755868554578" /></a><br />George Sampson has reportedly been dropped by Simon Cowell's Syco label.<br /><br />The 2008 Britain's Got Talent winner has been released by the company amid reports of a falling out between Sampson and Cowell, the Daily Mail reports.<br /><br />A source said: "George just didn't prove as marketable as Simon had hoped.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digitalspy.com/britainsgottalent/a177804/sampson-dropped-by-simon-cowell.html" target="_blank">CLICK TITLE OR HERE TO READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE </a>Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-7052017467713177002009-09-15T12:26:00.000-07:002009-09-15T12:29:00.472-07:00RANDY JACKSON THINKS THAT ELLEN DeGENERES BRINGS THE PEOPLE'S VOICE TO THE SHOW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplYpqwpjLDQqWOV4sz6MNxm75nV42uNRnsgHbqO_0yzwrnlk_BhoQypbPfIt9ZGaQ6BZt4dZiZyFgB7FMF1zo-X9NZmyeImieSg6jXFjeWdClDRVQihyphenhyphenT93OzOTqcyvIgXjEg9iAdP_f_/s1600-h/randy_jackson1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplYpqwpjLDQqWOV4sz6MNxm75nV42uNRnsgHbqO_0yzwrnlk_BhoQypbPfIt9ZGaQ6BZt4dZiZyFgB7FMF1zo-X9NZmyeImieSg6jXFjeWdClDRVQihyphenhyphenT93OzOTqcyvIgXjEg9iAdP_f_/s320/randy_jackson1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381778387731016466" /></a><br />“I think we reached out a little bit,” American Idol judge Randy Jackson told PEOPLE Thursday. “We’re all friends with Ellen, and Ryan [Seacrest] and I are pretty close with her. She’s just mad cool."<br /><br />Jackson opined that he thinks that DeGeneres will be good for Idol. “There’s so much music industry insider talk with me and Simon [Cowell] and Kara [DioGuardi] that I didn’t think we needed any more of that,” he told People. “Ellen hit it right on the head — I think she could be the voice of the people. It’s like somebody in the home audience watching and going, ‘What would I say [about this contestant]?’ Ellen’s going to be saying it for [them].”<br /><br />But Jackson also lamented that Paula Abdul will no longer sitting at the Idol juding table. "She’s our dear friend,” he explained. "“Paula started this whole battle with us many seasons ago, before we all knew the show could be hot, and we love her and miss her. We were doing the auditions and I was looking across the table and it was like, ‘Where’s Paula? What’s going on?’ But you know, things happen, life is full of change sometimes. You know, I’m still sad about that."Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-9705754272444265292009-09-04T17:07:00.001-07:002009-09-04T17:09:51.144-07:00SIMON SAYS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hhXwGhkC4FIhIdjQgALpWqoH80XySZdlPWbK_LQHP38__Pfpw_4aKVSmil4aykxsywxPBjLg9BVsjk3Sjlhhee7mjyWFkT68AbBTHwJH_4qRXMNjE7pkHXFJy_0Z6i2hspt5knzRxuhR/s1600-h/simon-cowell.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hhXwGhkC4FIhIdjQgALpWqoH80XySZdlPWbK_LQHP38__Pfpw_4aKVSmil4aykxsywxPBjLg9BVsjk3Sjlhhee7mjyWFkT68AbBTHwJH_4qRXMNjE7pkHXFJy_0Z6i2hspt5knzRxuhR/s320/simon-cowell.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377768823007193058" /></a><br />Several online sites gushed with the news that Simon Cowell had finally spoken about what it is like at American Idol auditions now that Paula Abdul is gone. No doubt, fans could hardly wait to hear what Simon had to say.<br /><br />But the websites quoted Cowell as saying that the audition process is "different" without Paula -- that "it's like comparing a carrot to a banana." And he apparently added, "I miss her, of course."<br /><br />What is amazing is that any fan would have already sensed that auditions are "different" without popular Paula -- and Cowell had already revealed that he missed her.<br /><br />So it seems that Cowell is still staying quite silent on the subject of Abdul's departure from the popular vocal talent show. There was nothing new here. But when Simon speaks, people listen -- even if he is saying basically nothing at all.Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-79974286451245363912009-09-01T13:58:00.000-07:002009-09-01T14:05:59.347-07:00BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT WINNER GEORGE SAMPSON SPOKE ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH SIMON COWELL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWubMjvD5HBsEbBc0_tyR7577L-1-jeEfIT6CgxauVxVfPJ-gE3xNs1FF5xC3MLb_JW7Swxw0rLet2sCF0Ly6bmluZS692XPyUJpPXwd448CbI1jx5HL9LVcrvUMpzW2uS9DQ5ePoV6Kr/s1600-h/400_scowell_080503_fox.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWubMjvD5HBsEbBc0_tyR7577L-1-jeEfIT6CgxauVxVfPJ-gE3xNs1FF5xC3MLb_JW7Swxw0rLet2sCF0Ly6bmluZS692XPyUJpPXwd448CbI1jx5HL9LVcrvUMpzW2uS9DQ5ePoV6Kr/s320/400_scowell_080503_fox.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376608232300169570" /></a><br />Britain's Got Talent winner George Sampson, a breakdancer who won the competition in 2008, told The Sun that he feels "let down" by Simon Cowell, according to stv.<br /><br />Sampson revealed that he feels that Cowell "lost interest" in him, stv reports.<br /><br />"Things aren't going so well with me and Simon," Sampson said, according to stv. "I suppose he's realised he can make more money out of other people. ... I had one of the best-selling DVDs at the start of the year. We sold loads of copies. But I've just found out that Simon's company takes ninety per cent of the revenue. I get ten per cent. But I have to pay the production costs out of that. So I ended up owing them money."Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-50610525337142398992009-08-29T01:24:00.000-07:002009-08-29T05:16:23.971-07:00CONTESTANT DARYL MARKHAM TOUCHES THE X FACTOR'S HEARTS"This show can change your life forever, simple as that," X Factor judge Simon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cowell</span> told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dailymail</span>. "One minute you're sitting in your bedroom, suddenly you're a star. That's what can happen to you. It can change your life forever."<br /><br />If fate can be influenced by fine character, one competitor who should be among those topping the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">leaderboard</span> would be 40-year-old carpenter Daryl Markham.<br /><br />Last year Markham was anxious for X Factor auditions, but when he learned that the auditions would coincide with his plans to stand at his brother Gary's side as best man at his wedding, he made the easy decision that the auditions would have to wait. Then, not long after the wedding, Markham's brother was diagnosed with lung cancer and six weeks later passed away.<br /><br />Clad in jeans and a t-shirt, Markham emotionally told the judges about his brother and best friend. "Last year I applied to The X Factor, but unfortunately it was my brother's wedding day. Well, not unfortunately -- it was fortunate. I was very proud to be his best man," Markham explained.<br /><br />"Unfortunately, shortly after his wedding, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and six weeks later he passed away," Markham continued, choking back tears. "Me and my brother were inseparable. We did everything together. He was my best friend. Only six weeks after being told, he died. He was only 37. We had a business together, two benches next to each other, me and Gary. All his tools are still there."<br /><br />And along for the auditions was his brother's young son. "I promised my brother I'd look after his young nine-year-old boy, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kian</span>. He's a very bright boy, but goes back into himself. He doesn't like to express himself too much, so we all have to be strong for him. That's why I'm here today, to make him proud."<br /><br />"I've always wanted to sing," Markham continued. "My dream would be to perform before an audience and hopefully I can go on stage, give my all and hopefully my voice will do the talking."<br /><br />The audience cheered as a very nervous Markham sang I Don't Want to Talk About It -- and proved that, as well as a story, he has talent. He seems likely he will move on.<br /><br />Also impressing the judges was 33-year-old Jamie Archer, also known as Jamie Afro. "Today is the most important thing I've ever done -- I'm 33 years old -- it's now or never really."<br /><br />Archer performed Sex on Fire -- which drew praise from the judges and even had Simon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cowell</span> singing along!Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-11524868708569692292009-08-28T04:08:00.000-07:002009-08-28T04:33:42.762-07:00DANYL JOHNSON, WHO WOWED X FACTOR JUDGE SIMON COWELL, "JUST WANTED TO HAVE FUN ONSTAGE"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaoZRJJUchW5xobE9CJlaJCZtDLFygIDIAaqjPVyaNfpxyzAv9Qg4wfvtFwU8FRx-hzJoyQL-wKMuBaL54WoDlK_EyO0xkcnNz1FK-39aTZTavvqtBv_ufe5uet2rIqbP_PIbomAxlQ0D/s1600-h/danyljohnson.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374975302385408722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaoZRJJUchW5xobE9CJlaJCZtDLFygIDIAaqjPVyaNfpxyzAv9Qg4wfvtFwU8FRx-hzJoyQL-wKMuBaL54WoDlK_EyO0xkcnNz1FK-39aTZTavvqtBv_ufe5uet2rIqbP_PIbomAxlQ0D/s320/danyljohnson.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>"My dream is to get an album out there, write songs, really enjoy this," school teach and The X Factor hopeful <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Danyl</span> Johnson explained in a satellite interview with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mtv</span>. "That's what I wanted for so long. I've been singing for about 10 years now, and I didn't have that much interest before, and now loads of interest has come in. It's just really amazing. I'm having a really good time. It's so humbling." </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>During Johnson's initial X Factor audition, he wowed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">show's</span> always blunt judge Simon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cowell</span> -- a feat not easily accomplished. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cowell</span> was grinning from ear to ear during Johnson's performance, and then exclaimed, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Danyl</span>, that was single-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">handedly</span> the best first audition I have ever heard!"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Johnson has some experience. He has been in boy bands -- and performed with a rock band on television. But never did he attract the kind of attention that he has received since his audition that had the audience on their feet in applause and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Cowell</span> offering a standing ovation too!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When Today host Ann Curry asked where he has been hiding all this time, Johnson laughed and said, "I don't know, probably in the shower. Annoying neighbors."</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Johnson said that he actually never intended to audition for The X Factor, but that his students actually talked him into it. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>"I thought that dream had gone past. And the kids have been so supportive, and they said I should go in for the competition," he said. "I thought, 'OK, I'll send off an application, and if I get one back, see what happens from there.' And I'm so glad they got me to do it. I just wanted to have fun onstage and not just sing a song, but entertain the crowd because it's the first time we've had a crowd at 'X Factor.' " </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Johnson's appearance was on the first episode of the current X Factor season so that this is just his beginning on the popular English television program. But for now, he said that he is just trying to return as much as possible to a normal life.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>"It's just been pretty mental, pretty nice," Johnson told Today. "I've just done the normal things. I've been hanging with my friends, and I went to the pub quiz yesterday. I've just done normal things and kept my friends really close. And my family as well are so proud." </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-80373023273816720412009-08-27T13:17:00.000-07:002009-08-27T13:32:15.936-07:00A BIRTHDAY GIFT FROM SIMON COWELL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIMkm0gy5O68h6vp8ZrvaNqnEXZ7D7WaZ3a5bfSiadLc49LyywicZtNr3eCaaUExtSjWZO_oYPFtY6G_Z91pYqlyoN2mBC3ikdhUvHaVR9HyByh0HwKgFOeThimuzaxuAUDkiLKH1eVZs/s1600-h/alexandra_burke.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIMkm0gy5O68h6vp8ZrvaNqnEXZ7D7WaZ3a5bfSiadLc49LyywicZtNr3eCaaUExtSjWZO_oYPFtY6G_Z91pYqlyoN2mBC3ikdhUvHaVR9HyByh0HwKgFOeThimuzaxuAUDkiLKH1eVZs/s320/alexandra_burke.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374744080711853042" /></a><br />The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke had an incredible 21st birthday! The X Factor and American Idol judge was able to skip a year-long waiting list and bought Alexandra her a designer Chanel handbag!<br /><br />In fact, Cowell gave her the Chanel handbag, and fellow judge Dannii Minogue gave her a grey bag designed by Tabitha.<br /><br />It was reported that Alexandra celebrated turning 21 in style by partying with last year's runners up JLS at the trendy London venue Nobu.Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-53033792765071517232009-08-24T21:42:00.000-07:002009-08-24T21:56:56.351-07:00THE BEST FIRST AUDITION THAT SIMON COWELL HAS EVER HEARD -- DANYL JOHNSON'S AUDITION ON THE X FACTOR<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntmWzecrgx2EgjROTYGKYLM88TaJtp3r5o5HYjOZgXLfZ3BF4o1zX1jqnNoaOC2spLSDROu389WKuXWR9OARjUx3YA1TTl21iV3OfNLlG6dMkwKhbjC9UFio91xp6oUqJ8doLrxAm2pba/s1600-h/danyl-x-factor-pic-itv-898304243.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntmWzecrgx2EgjROTYGKYLM88TaJtp3r5o5HYjOZgXLfZ3BF4o1zX1jqnNoaOC2spLSDROu389WKuXWR9OARjUx3YA1TTl21iV3OfNLlG6dMkwKhbjC9UFio91xp6oUqJ8doLrxAm2pba/s320/danyl-x-factor-pic-itv-898304243.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373760736522014834" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FA5DkFUSxk" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO WATCH DANYL JOHNSON'S AUDITION/THE X FACTOR </a>Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-17127766513458827362009-08-24T10:22:00.000-07:002009-08-24T10:48:56.500-07:00SIMON COWELL EXCLAIMS DANYL JOHNSON'S AUDITION, BEST FIRST AUDITION I'VE EVER HEARD"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypzDdWj7ZrEVom4LKT5qgNW712dEfhOWTEtdXjBdkJv6HF3GX3oIH9BiiTfqxlcPvEFjwkYkmfV67leXuTP_CIhJRGDpOkoveAflgALmdFkA9OnYWO_qwNfE3hqphOmCpPXmPI2mVH8cQ/s1600-h/DanylJohnson_D_20090824105740.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypzDdWj7ZrEVom4LKT5qgNW712dEfhOWTEtdXjBdkJv6HF3GX3oIH9BiiTfqxlcPvEFjwkYkmfV67leXuTP_CIhJRGDpOkoveAflgALmdFkA9OnYWO_qwNfE3hqphOmCpPXmPI2mVH8cQ/s320/DanylJohnson_D_20090824105740.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373588347104136082" /></a><br />"That was single-handedly the best first audition I have ever heard," exclaimed Simon Cowell on The X Factor after 27-year-old school teacher Danyl Johnson performed a soulful version of the Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends."<br /><br />The X Factor is holding auditions in front of a live audience. Cowell explained to thesun, "Susan Boyle changed auditions forever. If she had walked on to The X Factor like it used to be, it would not have been as dramatic. Giving people a crowd to perform in front of makes it harder and more exciting. It makes or breaks you. It can turn a good performance into an incredible one."<br /><br />And that is what happened when Johnson sang. "You watch it and it immediately has the wow factor," Cowell said. "The show has stepped up a gear."<br /><br />But The X Factor was not Johnson's first time in front of an audience. He had already "starred in three bands and won a national karaoke competition," the mirror reported.Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-29500088689728142872009-08-21T08:11:00.000-07:002009-08-23T14:19:39.882-07:00SIMON COWELL HAS A SPECIAL PLACE IN HIS HEART FOR DOGS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoE2g-AftVD54_UzK_Qjm6q2eB9V_bqP8mBN3VNjImdfA8yK5GZ1a2KT8O8G0XXe2KqA5WdVpQm2pFxbe6EpnkMuByam0XqNrA4CYOmIcfK-CiMUnMc4YI2C_nHgrc-Z2IkuAfBoOPwn7/s1600-h/simon-cowell-dog_0_0_0x0_389x600.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoE2g-AftVD54_UzK_Qjm6q2eB9V_bqP8mBN3VNjImdfA8yK5GZ1a2KT8O8G0XXe2KqA5WdVpQm2pFxbe6EpnkMuByam0XqNrA4CYOmIcfK-CiMUnMc4YI2C_nHgrc-Z2IkuAfBoOPwn7/s320/simon-cowell-dog_0_0_0x0_389x600.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372434915734381586" /></a><br />American Idol's Simon Cowell, known for his sometimes harsh "tell-it-like-it-is" judging style, actually has a soft spot in his heart -- for puppies!<br /><br />Cowell is donating about $165,000 a year to fund a dogs' home run by former Exorcist star, Linda Blair, according to The Sun newspaper. "He doesn't like talking about it as he sees it as a private arrangement," a source told thesun. The shelter provides care for neglected and abandoned dogs.<br /><br />"Simon is a huge dog lover," a source told thaindiannews. "But because he's always travelling, he can't have one. He thought it would be a great idea to help Linda out."<br /><br />Cowell has a history of helping animals, and has reportedly claimed that he expects to leave the bulk of his multi-million dollar fortune to pet shelters, states thaindiannews.Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-81239185258587924412009-08-20T10:47:00.000-07:002009-08-20T10:57:12.722-07:00SIMON COWELL CALLED POLICE AFTER LEONA LEWIS TRACK WAS LEAKED<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUL5QNElpzSxHnhmkfEEwIm5R_T5XgteAcjE4GxVDvoHPABbInKpLfrvKxQrGm00ufxgS9z1gYtXDf-A0Qr15Pyb8IlvJVGIDgKWTlCo5KtRqa3i2wosKRAnnhETqoQvPUhIA8z52CnEJ/s1600-h/simon-cowell-plastic-surgery_0_0_0x0_418x600.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUL5QNElpzSxHnhmkfEEwIm5R_T5XgteAcjE4GxVDvoHPABbInKpLfrvKxQrGm00ufxgS9z1gYtXDf-A0Qr15Pyb8IlvJVGIDgKWTlCo5KtRqa3i2wosKRAnnhETqoQvPUhIA8z52CnEJ/s320/simon-cowell-plastic-surgery_0_0_0x0_418x600.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372106498242795378" /></a><br />Simon Cowell reportedly notified police after Leona Lewis' new single appeared without permission on the Internet, reports Britain's The Sun.<br /><br />Cowell reportedly called police after discovering computers at his record company, Syco, were being hacked by people trying to illegally obtain the music.<br /><br />Syco is said to have had artists' tracks hacked previously -- the newest breach listed as "Bleeding Love" singer Leona Lewis' single, "Don't Let Me Down" which also features Justin Timberlake.<br /><br />However, several of Leona Lewis' tracks, not just the collaboration with Timberlake, were taken through hacking, according to The Telegraph.<br /><br />"We will certainly look to bring charges against those who are responsible," a Syco spokesman told the paper. "We cannot give anny more details at this stage for operational reasons."<br /><br />The BBC reports that the anti-piracy sing of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is working with Syco to "minimize the damage."Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-92221250929673716362009-08-20T10:33:00.000-07:002009-08-20T10:46:05.298-07:00SIMON COWELL SAYS HE WILL QUIT THE X FACTOR IN THREE YEARS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN7MeB9JKX-YL97QYv4an5eNlWkKv5S4FWN9LULdQXnCmauiIuggCIuenSo_tsl9uJQCIod1QR0uZK2tZ3lYX_x-vtCy0xlMB-RIdM5co5JXyPV_BFUqKSabz_5i9Rtat1x0qtS4U8kd4/s1600-h/simon_cowell_on_red_x-754464.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN7MeB9JKX-YL97QYv4an5eNlWkKv5S4FWN9LULdQXnCmauiIuggCIuenSo_tsl9uJQCIod1QR0uZK2tZ3lYX_x-vtCy0xlMB-RIdM5co5JXyPV_BFUqKSabz_5i9Rtat1x0qtS4U8kd4/s320/simon_cowell_on_red_x-754464.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372103694049186546" /></a><br />Simon Cowell says that he will quit The X Factor in three years, according to ukpa. <br /><br />Cowell, who reportedly said that he would rather work behind he scenes than appear on tv screens, told The Daily Mirror, "Three years and that's it. I will do what I've always done. I run a record label. I run a TV company. We're making movies now.<br /><br />"I love that part of my life. I probably get more satisfaction from making a show than being on the show. I've been lucky, but I also know not to outstay my welcome."<br /><br />Apparently, too, Cowell actually almost quit the show earler.<br /><br />"A couple of years ago I was not sure I wanted to carry on. It's a lot to juggle, making the shows, being on them -- so I had to think twice about it. I think Leona (Lewis) probably changed my mind. She reminded me why we do this. Leona is the reason I decided to sign on for two more years. She made it worthwhile again."<br /><br />Leona Lewis rose to fame in 2006 when she won the third season of The X Factor.<br /><br />And Alexandra (Burke, who won the fifth season of The X Factor) is doing fantactically, working with some of the world's top producers. Last year during a duet with Beyonce, she really showed she ha the confidence to hold the stage alongside a global star."Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-10700914192628098702009-08-18T06:52:00.000-07:002009-08-18T06:59:09.077-07:00WILL SIMON AND PAULA SITTING SIDE-BY-SIDE ON IDOL JUDGING PANEL AGAIN -- JUST MAYBE IT CAN HAPPEN<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWku45seRhPfATAjHSF3mDKRyJ_GEFpdtbtmDrZsTjPwjadqpYdy5mREhvY4Fe3FT3GCw6NKasoVPfOIPhe8FluX8gQVFQryyxuuz4KBwqBOu4WORfdUktxpe5gin_g6ESG0oVFH5OC8TG/s1600-h/american-idol-judges-with-kara-dioguardi.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWku45seRhPfATAjHSF3mDKRyJ_GEFpdtbtmDrZsTjPwjadqpYdy5mREhvY4Fe3FT3GCw6NKasoVPfOIPhe8FluX8gQVFQryyxuuz4KBwqBOu4WORfdUktxpe5gin_g6ESG0oVFH5OC8TG/s320/american-idol-judges-with-kara-dioguardi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371302829519145122" /></a>There was a special anticipation and excitement around the release of Dancing With the Stars’ celebrity line-up. And that excitement was less about the list in general than about whether Paula Abdul’s name would be there.<br /><br />Alas, the list was revealed – and there was no Paula. <br /><br />But that just heightened the hopes of Paula fans who want her back at judge Simon Cowell's side on the American Idol juding panel -- where she shines and they think she belongs. <br /><br />“The people at the very top of ABC were really vocal about getting her (Paula) on board for ‘Dancing,” msnbc quoted a source familiar with talks between the network execs and the Idol former judge. “By not exactly keeping it secret, it made Paula’s value more apparent to Fox.”<br /><br />The negotiations are called “talks” by msnbc – “since dubbing them ‘negotiations' suggests that one side is budging.<br /><br />“Paula isn’t lowering her price in any meaningful way. She wants a Seacrest-level deal,” msnbc quotes the source. American Idol host Ryan Seacrest reportedly inked a three-year, $45 million deal.<br /><br />“If there is a scenario that gets Abdul back on the show, it’s likely that her return would be limited to the live shows only, according to several people who are close to the talks. This will allow the original offer made by the show to stand, but Abdul would have a shorter time commitment,” offers the msnbc article.<br /><br />ABC was extremely disappointed that they were unable to nap Paula. “They didn’t really want Tom DeLay as their most-buzzed-about contestant,” a source told msnbc.<br /><br />Throughout the summer Abdul has always expressed that she wanted to return to the American Idol judging panel – and there has been chatter that her friend and fellow judge Simon Cowell has been supporting her behind the scenes. Judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi have apparently been supportive as well.<br /><br />So with talks resumed and a real possibility that she might be back on Idol, it is no wonder that Paula sounds so happy in her Twitter messages. <br /><br />One of Paula’s recent Tweets reads, “thx for all the support. Never give up on your dreams. Fight for what you believe in. And never stop believing in yourself. xxP” <br /><br />Another reads, “The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.”<br /><br />It seems that Paula may be thinking very positively these days!Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-35777134388367126132009-08-16T11:26:00.000-07:002009-08-16T12:09:19.622-07:00WHAT'S IN PAULA ABDUL'S FUTURE -- COULD IT BE DANCING WITH THE STARS OR POSSIBLY A RETURN TO AMERICAN IDOL?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRGiKG-bWMwROHTyR-aodcBAP8_E-6aEZ7bzyQvEj8UrayIRlhWtUOljq0H1KfNSvC_UF6_dPvqtkmElieYAnSpx_ij6BQqUYnjDYQ8_myEt7Gzd_zM4E9ky0y7iTOOgL3ATp3MVqTRXq/s1600-h/simon-paula-b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRGiKG-bWMwROHTyR-aodcBAP8_E-6aEZ7bzyQvEj8UrayIRlhWtUOljq0H1KfNSvC_UF6_dPvqtkmElieYAnSpx_ij6BQqUYnjDYQ8_myEt7Gzd_zM4E9ky0y7iTOOgL3ATp3MVqTRXq/s320/simon-paula-b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370631035984802530" /></a><br />Obviously, something has Paula Abdul expecting that she will be back to work shortly! And does a Twitter to a Ryan Seacreast-type address mean that she is staying in touch with her old Idol pals? Could it be that Paula really does not want to leave her A.I. judging buddies?<br /><br />It has been reported that American Idol judge Simon Cowell has been supporting Paula "behind the scenes." And host Ryan Seacrest and judges Randy Jackson and Paula DioGuardi are said to be supportive of her too.<br /><br />On Twitter, Paula wrote, "I feel like a normal girl getting some time off 2 take care of myself and 2 hang out w/family & friends, but it won't be for long!"<br /><br />That sounds like Paula knows where she is headed -- and that it will happen soon!<br /><br />She also wrote, "I've never retired. that's why I've lasted in this business for over 20 yrs. I've only scratched the surface. Hang tight! xoP"<br /><br />Could hang tight mean that an announcement will come soon?<br /><br />Paula wrote to a Twitter address with a Ryan Seacrest connection, "Hi honey! I hope your having fun on the road. I guess you're in Boston now. I'm doing great! I miss you all! Big Hug & kiss"<br /><br />Not sure if this Twitter address was for "the" actual Ryan Seacrest, but Boston sounds like the address might be of someone connected with the show. <br /><br />On Aug 14th that same address posted some Paula related Tweets: a retweet of Paula's quote, "'The best way out is always through' - Robert Frost,". And it had a @PaulaAbdul Follow Friday. And it sent a @PaulaAbdul, "Hang in there kiddo ;)"<br /><br />Paula also told fans that she was getting medical appointments out of the way. She wrote that she had her teeth cleaned, and added "I was accosted in an underground parking lot with my chiropractor running interference! and it didn't end there! thank god for my officer friend mike who stopped traffic to assist in the great escape"<br /><br />Paula also wrote that she took her office out to lunch.<br /><br />Could the lunch have been a celebration -- perhaps of a deal? And were the medical appointments to clear the schedule for upcoming work?<br /><br />Whatever is going on, Paula seemed in high spirits, writing, "I've having a wonderful weekend!" and "Hope you guys are having a wonderful weekend! What a beautiful day to get outside!"<br /><br />And leaving Paula's Twitter messages aside, there is word that Paula really wants to be back on American Idol. "Sources connected to Paula Abdul say Miss Paula wants back on 'American Idol," reports TMZ.<br /><br />"Our sources say Paula's Twitter is retracted -- at least in her mind -- if the price is right. As we first reported, the magic number is $10 million," continues TMZ.<br /><br />Also, Paula's meetings with ABC "didn't really go anywhere," said TMZ. "She doesn't want to do 'Dancing with the Stars' -- we're told, in no small part, because she wants to be able to jump on a plane at a moment's notice to rejoin her fellow judges on 'Idol.'" As the story goes, Paula also got miffed at the producers of "Ugly Betty" for leaking that they were talking to her about doing the show -- "She's not going to do it now," added TMZ. "As for 'Idol,' as far as we know they've been pretty hard-nosed and haven't contacted her reps, but we're not positive. In the end, we're thinking 'A.I.' isn't gonna let a little Twitter torpedo one of its golden geese."<br /><br />But TMZ posted an update revealing that Paula was sighted at Boa on Saturday night -- that she "didn't quite know ... whether or not she would be joining 'Dancing with the Stars.' Hmmm ..."<br /><br />Of course, first American Idol Kelly Clarkson has opined to MTV that she thinks the American Idol/Paula thing is all about "drama" -- and that Paula will return to Idol.<br /><br />"I totally think they're doing that for drama," Clarkson said. "I know those producers -- they're doing that for drama. She's totally probably going to come back."<br /><br />So everyone has an opinion and is trying to follow the clues to where Paula will go next.<br /><br />One clue may come on Monday morning when Dancing With the Stars releases the names of competitors for this season. If Paula's name is not among them, it may be a clue that she has not inked a deal with ABC.<br /><br />Oh, theurbandaily has reported that Paula "is secretly planning to launch her own daytime talk show -- even if her bosses at American Idol met her ... salary demands for the hit show's ninth season."<br /><br />"Paula is unpredictable and not afraid to speak her mind -- but she also leads from the heart and really connects with people," theurbandaily quotes its source. "Studio execs feel those are the kind of personal attributes that would make her perfect for a daytime talk show."<br /><br />So the saga continues. Where will Paula go next? What possible deals are in the works -- or even already spelled out in a possible contract deal?<br /><br />As Paula wrote on Twitter, her time off "won't be for long."Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-57340160015536891572009-08-14T10:57:00.000-07:002009-08-14T11:01:07.274-07:00VICTORIA BECKHAM REP SAYS SHE IS NOT IN TALKS WITH IDOL TO JOIN THE SHOW PERMANENTLY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7NF-lJno3t40z2pSd_-sFXsQf4FazmfTohSKtQW5sw9q98eWFV5Wl9iefZgImXFEkUq2kT-d62NTMwvD_RkwNXN72qgMg1r0EfjIeaKiwzpZjc8hzzSJE0NeYd1wCw1kztvvYMV3_ZjJ/s1600-h/293_beckham_victoria_080709.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7NF-lJno3t40z2pSd_-sFXsQf4FazmfTohSKtQW5sw9q98eWFV5Wl9iefZgImXFEkUq2kT-d62NTMwvD_RkwNXN72qgMg1r0EfjIeaKiwzpZjc8hzzSJE0NeYd1wCw1kztvvYMV3_ZjJ/s320/293_beckham_victoria_080709.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369879602011133090" /></a><br />"She is not in talks to join the show permanently," Victoria Beckham representative Cheryl Maisel told E!News.<br /><br />When Beckham joined judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for auditions in Boston, speculation heightened that Beckham might be a replacement for Paula Abdul. Cowell, by the way, was the person who contacted Beckham to ask her to guest judge.<br /><br />Instead, though, Maisel revealed to E!News that Beckham is focusing on efforts aimed at the upcoming Fashion Week.<br /><br />But while a replacement for Paula is constantly speculated upon, it seems that fans are more interested in where Paula will go than who will replace her.<br /><br />There is speculation that she will join ABC -- to be a celebrity dancer on Dancing With the Stars, make a guest appearance on Ugly Betty and possibly have a show of her own too. The show will announce its celebrity dancers for the new season on Monday, and the network said that one contender will be on hand for an interview. The question has been asked -- might that mystery contender be Paula?<br /><br />But So You Think You Can Dance wants her. And Idol Australia wants her too!<br /><br />Where Paula will end up, so far nobody seems to know! There is lots of speculation, but so far no real answers!Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267513857193775308.post-26971960555755456982009-08-13T07:47:00.000-07:002009-08-13T07:59:24.394-07:00SIMON IS SUPPORTIVE OF PAULA "BEHIND THE SCENES"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe309DZXERKAJ3JG8NlbFUbMI5Jm8kMPnwFPevJYs-ihzN_tMQslCxSZe-S16Qq0o9yYRgxqc9buCf9I_W0b9-sMRXKGYVQyZ6ZPjZM4IM7-Jqq6DrJtK1B_ZRdmPJzRNW2dEGZ9NK5-0/s1600-h/simon-cowell-in-love.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe309DZXERKAJ3JG8NlbFUbMI5Jm8kMPnwFPevJYs-ihzN_tMQslCxSZe-S16Qq0o9yYRgxqc9buCf9I_W0b9-sMRXKGYVQyZ6ZPjZM4IM7-Jqq6DrJtK1B_ZRdmPJzRNW2dEGZ9NK5-0/s320/simon-cowell-in-love.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369462153651998258" /></a><br />Paula Abdul reportedly has been offered a chance to judge on Idol, but it is Idol in Australia, not Idol in the USA, according to newsday.<br /><br />The Australian Idols show has “put a request to strike a deal with her in writing,” according to Radaronline. And the Australian version of the show would likely feel like home to Abdul because it is similar to the American version – has four judges and follows an almost identical format. But, of course, judge Simon Cowell would be missing -- and there is definitely an undeniable charisma between Paula and Simon.<br /><br />In fact, rumors are also circulating that there is at least a glimmer of possibility that Paula might return to American Idol! Apparently Cowell is being "supportive" of her behind the scenes!<br /><br />“Don’t count out a return to ‘American Idol’ for Paula,” a source is quoted on Radaronline. “Sure there are bad feelings, but a last-second return is not out of the question.” <br /><br />That source revealed that Idol judge Simon Cowell has been very "supportive" of Paula “behind the scenes” – but did not offer exact details. And apparently fellow judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi are also supportive.<br /><br />Abdul, of course, has been described as disappointed that she was earning considerably less money than her male counterparts, felt that some show connections failed to do enough to defend her against rumors that she feels cost her endorsement deals – and felt that the addition of DioGuardi to the judging panel was a message from producers that she could be replaced.<br /><br />The Idol show offered Abdul $5 million, half of what she wanted and far less than earning of both host Ryan Seacrest and judge Simon Cowell.<br /><br />But perhaps with a return to contract negotiations, the hurt feelings can be mended and a deal agreed upon. <br /><br />And while American Idol winners and contestants have overwhelmingly expressed disappointment and sadness that Abdul may not return to Idol, first season winner Kelly Clarkson feels that the situation is actually all about “drama,” reports MTV.<br /><br />Clarkson, appearing on Morning Mashup Show, opined, “I totally think they’re doing that for drama. I know those producers – they’re doing that for drama. She’s totally probably going to come back.”<br /><br />Meanwhile, there is no lack of interest in Paula from other possible suitors. And if the offers are good enough, what would it cost Idol executives to bring her back?<br /><br />There have been rumors that Abdul has been offered a guest spot on “Ugly Betty” – as a temp at Mode who becomes friendly with Amanda. And it is a fact that execs for both “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing For the Stars” have said that they would love for Paula to join their shows.Judy Chaffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441136127265447049noreply@blogger.com0