Simon Cowell confirmed for return to Britain’s Got Talent

Friday, 09 December 2011 15:37

During a press conference on Wednesday, ITV boss Adam Crozier confirmed that Simon Cowell will indeed be returning to reality competition Britain's Got talent. The music mogul will rejoin the judging panel after judges Michael McIntyre and David Hasselhof said their goodbyes.

The Sun reports that TV bosses are investing money in the show to ensure that it stays afloat.

Cowell appeared on the most recent season of the show during its final week of live shows, and it is hoped that his return will spark an interest in the show after McIntyre quit and Hasselhof was fired.

The world’s most famous talent judge has been in the States launching the American version of X Factor. Crozier says Cowell will not be returning to the British X Factor anytime soon, in spite of reports that the show consistently loses out to Strictly Come Dancing in the Saturday night ratings. 

“X Factor is still the most-watched television show when you combine the Saturday and Sunday viewing figures,” Crozier said.

Cowell will join Amanda Holden on the BGT judging panel, and rumor has it that show bosses are hoping either Samantha Womack or David Walliams will join the cast.

A source told The Sun: “Samantha is brilliant and the bosses love her. She’s hugely popular as 10 million people watched her very week on EastEnders – and she’s got a fair old mouth on her.

“She’s not afraid to call a spade a spade but she also has a down-to-earth approach that producers think will encourage acts. We don’t just want the judges to slag people off.”

Womack left the cast of EastEnders in protest of a storyline that had her character Ronnie Mitchell swapping her dead baby for another character’s newborn.

As for Walliams – he recently stated that he would “think about” joining the judging panel should he be asked. He added: “But the chemistry with the other judges would have to be right.”

Lady Gaga fears death by paparazzi

Friday, 09 December 2011 15:30

According to inside sources, Lady Gaga believes she may be headed toward a Princess Diana-like death. The Sun reports that the singer - who will soon release a song about the deceased royal - worries she may become a “martyr for fame,” as she calls Diana.

Princess Diana was killed in a Paris car crash in 1997 as her driver tried to escape the ensuing paparazzi.

The tabloid’s source said: “Gaga has always been absolutely fixated on Diana and sees herself as a 21st-century incarnation of her. She knows she is almost as recognizable as Diana and is hounded by photographers and fans on the same level.”

Gaga has long been interested in Princess Diana, whose style and charity work enchanted many around the globe. The singer’s outlandish wardrobe has even shown itself to sometimes be inspired by Diana’s trademark look.

The singer has told the press: “Diana was the most iconic martyr of fame. She died because of it.”

“Gaga has had dreams about dying the same way as her and has genuine fears that her fame could literally kill her,” The Sun’s insider added, “either in a chase or at the hands of crazies.”

The Daily Mail reports that the singer taped a session for The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Monday, during which she likened herself to another group of people entirely – gypsies – because she has been reluctant to buy any property.

“I’m a gypsy, you know,” Gaga told Ellen. “I can’t plan my life out like that so much. Then I think, well, gosh. What a waste of money to buy a house and I’m on the road.” 

She added: “Even though it might not seem like a big deal because I’m a pop singer or whatever it still hurts to write a check. It’s a lot of money. Everybody was laughing because when I signed my tax returns this year I had to get completely wasted. They were just holding me up. It’s unbelievable.”


 

Cheryl Cole launches shoe collection

Friday, 09 December 2011 15:26

There can be no mention of Cheryl Cole without noting what a difficult time she's had lately. But the singer is picking herself up post-X Factor drama and doing what many might have expected her to do years ago – launching a shoe collection for stylistpick.com. 

Fans of the star’s style will be likely to invest in this collection of high high heels and concealed platforms – these shoes are very Cheryl.

The “3 Words” singer explained how the line came about, telling the Telegraph that it was she who did the initial sketching of each shoe. “Then they did the most amazing detailed drawings where they came on cardboard, like 3-D. Then I’d choose the fabrics. They’d do a swatch, and finally you get the finished shoe…”

In the past, Cheryl has admitted to feeling a certain pressure to look fit and styled. During her days with Girls Aloud, she explained, “there was a stage when we didn’t look that great. We were all told to lose weight by the record label.”

She added that “audiences want to be visually entertained. Clothes are a key part of the performance. You could go back to the sixties, and it was the same.”

But these days Cheryl doesn’t feel that pressure in quite the same way.

“I couldn’t care less what anyone says about the way I look,” she said.

Although Cheryl is known for the style she exuded as a judge on X Factor, the pop star says she wasn’t given a clothing allowance during her time on the show. “They pay you to do a job. It’s up to you to decided whether you want to dress nicely or not. Once I decided to do the X Factor, I had four days to prepare.

“I went crazy on net-a-porter.com. I was so nervous because I was replacing Sharon Osbourne and everyone loved her. The styling got a bit silly if you ask me, because that was the least of my priorities. It was about the contestants.”

 

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to induct Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns N’ Roses, Beastie Boys

Friday, 09 December 2011 15:18

The 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees have been announced - and members of Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Faces were quick to express their happiness after being offered a spot in the gallery.

Guns N’ Roses wrote on their Facebook page: “Congratulations to all the 2012 inductees and our sincerest thanks to the Hall’s organizers, committee members and voting delegates who supported the GN’R induction – it’s a humbling honor to be recognized on this first ballot.”

Brooklyn hip-hop stars the Beastie Boys were equally ecstatic to hear about their newfound place in the historical hall. The threesome release a statement which read: “We’re in the rock and roll hall of fame? That’s f****n crazy and awesome! While we are very proud of the music we make, we have to acknowledge the inspiration from our families, friends and musicians like the slits, bad brains, x-ray spex, the treacherous three and too many others to possibly name. And most of all, we give thanks to New York City and the world of musical influence it provided us.”

The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith took to his Twitter page to express his excitement: “Those Crazy bastards at the hall of fame are putting us in this year?!! Howabout them apples! Seriously...I’m very humbled and grateful. Wow.”

The Faces’ Rod Steward said in a statement that it was “a thrill and honor” to be inducted to the Hall yet again. “[The Faces] were always synonymous with a good party, and with this list of fellow artists being inducted I’m looking forward to a true p*** up…and it’s a hell of a good reason to reunite and celebrate with my old mates.”

This latest round of inductions will take place in Cleveland, Ohio on April 14. Other acts honored by the Hall of Fame include music producer and promoter Don Kirshner as the nonperformer and Freddie King, noted for his early influence on the rock and roll sound.

X Factor has a fan in Coldplay frontman Chris Martin

Wednesday, 07 December 2011 20:45

In an unusual twist, reality television competition X Factor will see a rock band perform during the season's final at Wembley Arena on Sunday. Typically, the show sees performances from pop solo acts and groups.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin couldn’t be more excited about the invite. He told Absolute Radio: “We really feel grateful for it because they don’t often have bands on and we get to play what we want to play and play songs that we wrote, and no one’s asking us to change anything. It’s amazing.”

The singer also claimed to be a huge fan of the series, adding: “There’s no other TV show, really, except for Jools Holland, that gives you that. So we were like, ‘Thank you, we’d love to.’ I understand that there are people who are musically not into it, but I don’t agree with them and I say that with all respect. I really love it and I think the music’s great.”

Martin claimed he wouldn’t be scared if he were forced to face the show’s judging panel, as Coldplay has “heard many crazy opinions from many people over the years, so four more won’t hurt!”

Asked why he believed X Factor was an important asset to the music industry, Martin said: “It always has great songs on it every week. [There’s] no CD:UK. No Top of the Pops. No MTV, really.” 

Last weekend saw Misha B pack her bags, leaving Amelia Lily, Marcus Collins and Little Mix to battle it out in the upcoming final.

Many – including Misha B – have their fingers crossed that Little Mix will land the coveted recording contract.

Misha told ITV1’s Daybreak: “For me, in terms of a girl group, there’s no girl group out there that’s like them, and there’s a gap in the market that they can fill… I think all three of them have a place in the industry right now but the ones who stand out for me right now is Little Mix.”


 

Gary Barlow plays host to Wills and Kate at solo gig

Wednesday, 07 December 2011 20:40

For his first solo show in more than a decade, Gary Barlow played host to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Guests of honor at the Royal Albert Hall gig also included Prince Charles and Camilla.

Will and Kate, dressed in a black and white frock from Zara, went backstage before the show to meet Barlow, who was putting on the show for the Prince’s Trust and the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

The BBC reports that Barlow told Prince William: “I hope you enjoy tonight and I hope it’s not too loud.”

“The louder the better, the louder the better,” William jokingly replied.

Those in the crowd were keen to catch a glimpse of the royal couple, and upon appearing in their designated box they were greeted with a cheer.

Barlow publically acknowledged those in the royal box after a few songs, saying: “Good evening to our beautiful royal family.”

The singer added that “all the money goes to a fantastic cause so we’re killing two birds with one stone.”

After the performance, Barlow said of the gig: “It’s been great. Both nights were amazing; people have been buying lots of merchandise which all goes to a good cause.”

This isn’t the first time that Kate has appeared at a Gary Barlow performance – in 2007, the duchess turned up at a Take That show at Wembley arena. At that time, she and William were rekindling their romance after their infamous split.

Next weekend Barlow returns to the X Factor judging panel for the season finale, in which Little Mix, Amelia Lily and Marcus Collins will compete for the win.

Little Mix have promised that they will break the “curse of the girl band” even if Barlow claimed that the group has no lead singer.


 

Misha B stronger after Tulisa’s bullying accusations

Wednesday, 07 December 2011 20:31

X Factor contestant Misha B didn't make it to the final after accusations emerged that she had been bullying her fellow wannabes.

But the 19-year-old isn't holding any grudges over the matter, and insists that she forgives judge Tulisa Contostavlos for coming forward with the accusations in the first place.

She told Daybreak that she felt no ill will toward the judges. “Forgiving is the thing that I have done. I believe that in situations that occur in life, you shouldn’t get bitter, you should get better. Because there’s a saying that to forgive is to set a prisoner free, and I realized that prisoner was me.

“And instead of getting bitter about a situation – because it’s only making you not feel good inside. And for that situation I’m so grateful because it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life – for me to look at the situation and grow and learn from it. I’m just so grateful.”

Hosts Christine Bleakley and Adrian Chiles asked how she felt when Gary Barlow told her that she would never win due to the bullying stories. Misha explained: “I’ve got the utmost respect for Gary – I think he’s amazing. I understand what he was saying.” 

In spite of any bad points, the former contestant says she feels it was a “blessing” to have been on the show at all.

“From the beginning I set myself to expect the unexpected. It’s just a blessing me having come this far – it’s incredible.”

Like many others, Misha has set her hopes on Little Mix to win on X Factor. She explained: “There’s no girl group out there like them, and there’s a gap in the market for Little Mix. I think all three of them have a place in the industry right now but the ones stand out for me right now is Little Mix.”
 

Adele rendered speechless after album breaks sales record

Wednesday, 07 December 2011 20:25

There was no sophomore slump for Adele, whose second album has just claimed the title of best-selling album of the century.

The singer, who recently underwent throat surgery, was once again speechless after hearing the news. She wrote on her blog: “A couple days after finally being able to talk again I’m pretty speechless. This has been the best year as it is but to end 2011 with this incredible achievement and honor is beyond anything I can express.”

She told fans: “This record has taken on a life of its own thanks to you. I made the record and you’ve made it what it’s become.”

Album 21 replaced Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black  - which had only claimed the title three months prior - when it sold more than 3.4 million units worldwide. According to the Official Charts Company, it was five years before Winehouse’s second album topped the century chart with 3.3 million in sales. Back in Black saw renewed consumer interest after the singer’s untimely death in July.

21 has floated around the album chart’s Top Ten since its release 45 weeks ago. Adele’s hit record has garnered six Grammy nominations – including a nod for album of the year.

The “Someone like You” singer was just as excited to hear about the nominations, writing on her blog: “Thank you so much to the academy for nominating this record for 6 Grammys!!!”

Adele’s latest has topped charts in over 20 countries around the globe, including France, Ireland and the US. So far the album has taken home three American music awards, four MTV gongs and a MOBO prize.

This week the singer posted her first-ever tweet, after challenging 10,000 fans to start following a charity’s Twitter account. She wrote: “F*** me that was quick!Thank U! I’m in bed, watchin Gladiator, eatin an apple. Heres a pic of me&Queen B last wk in NYC!X”

She followed up the message with a picture of herself and Beyonce.

 

Tinie Tempah and Nicole Scherzinger hit it off

Wednesday, 07 December 2011 20:16

According to the Sunday Mirror, Tinie Tempah has his heart set on more than just breaking the States. The rapper apparently hit it off with Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger backstage at the US X Factor.

After her relationship with F1 driver Lewis Hamilton hit the skids, Scherzinger apparently didn’t mind chatting it up with Tinie after he performed on the show last week.

“Tinie met all the judges backstage, and he hit it off with Nicole instantly,” an insider told the Mirror. “She was flirting outrageously and it got to the point where all the crew where whispering about something going on.

“During the rehearsal for the group performance, Tinie sat next to Nicole on one of the audience seats and the pair started dancing together and were being extremely touchy-feely.

“Everyone was eating lunch and Nicole took Tinie to her dressing room after she’d been going on about the delicious treats she’d bought back from her recent trip to Hawaii that he had to try.”

The source added: “As soon as Simon Cowell arrived at the studio and asked where Tinie was, he laughed when a member of the production crew told him he was in Nicole’s dressing room and said, ‘Another one bites the dust.’”

Apparently the interest was mutual, as Nicole couldn’t seem to stop talking about the rapper’s performance. The source revealed: “After the show, Nicole was more interested in raving about Tinie’s performance rather than consoling the two acts who left. She flung her arms around him saying he lit up the studio and barely let Simon get a word in edgeways.”

During Tinie’s stay in LA he met up with another lady experienced in the ways of the X Factor judging panel – Cheryl Cole. The Mirror’s source claimed the pair had dinner at West Hollywood’s Sushi Roku.

 

Back to Black producer Mark Ronson remembers Amy Winehouse

Wednesday, 07 December 2011 20:08

When it came time to record her 2006 album in a Brooklyn studio, producer Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse became close friends in a matter of days. Ronson described his relationship with the singer in an interview with The Sun.

“We’d already clicked after the second day.  She called me ‘the sister she never wanted,’ which I thought was funny.

“I was working these crazy 18-hour days and I fell asleep on this bench. I remember waking up, my head in her lap and she was stroking my head like a dog or a little kid, like she was my mother and she was humming a song to herself.

“That’s how I’ll remember her. She was special, caring, a huge talent.”

Producer Salaam Remi met Amy Winehouse when the troubled singer was just 18 years old, and was similarly impressed with the budding star.

He told The Sun of their first meeting: “Even before we had any conversation, and before I even experienced her full personality, I shook her hand and asked her what she could sing. She pulled out a guitar and out came ‘The Girl from Impanema’ just like the version on Lioness. I was blown away. I’d never heard anything like it.

“Going back to that track for this record was really moving. She wasn’t fond of some of her demos, but I was able to see her raw talent and how powerful her voice was. I knew I was dealing with a great talent.”

The pair of producers had worked with the 27-year-old on tracks for a never-released third album, and are on the verge of releasing Lioness, a collection of 12 unreleased alternative versions of Winehouse tracks as well as new songs from the singer. 

Ronson added: “I guess Lioness is an appropriate name for this album because she could just roar at any moment and you would wonder where her force came from.”