Robbie Williams writing songs with axed X Factor contestant Craig Colton

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 14:43

After being thrown off X Factor on Sunday night, Craig Colton revealed that he had been writing songs with Robbie Williams. 

Colton reported that he had been exchanging emails with the newly solo singer since the early stages of this season’s X Factor. 
 

“I’m really passionate about songwriting and he’s been helping me with that,” the wannabe said. “[He’s] helping me be the best that I can and demonstrated on a few of his own tracks how he wrote them.” 
 

Colton met Williams when the show was filming the judges’ houses portion of the show. Williams arrived to help his sometime Take That bandmate Gary Barlow select those contestants who would make it to the next round.
 

“He’s just been really supportive and trying to help me where possible,” Colton added. 
 

Williams was such a supporter of Colton’s that he told Barlow their friendship may be at risk if the judge didn’t give Colton “good grades.” 
 

On Sunday’s X Factor, Colton sang Gladys Knight’s “License to Kill” – only to find himself going home. Colton seemed to think he wasn’t at fault, pointing out that Barlow had picked the track. “Personally, I wasn’t keen on that song.” 
 

He told the remaining contenders: “I think this competition is down to song choice now and I just hope that all the contestants learn from this.”
 

Colton added that he was putting his money behind girl group Little Mix to win it all. He said: “I think out of everyone who has made the biggest journey and has improved the most, I think it’s got to be Little Mix. They’ve come out of nowhere.
 

“They were always favorite to go early on and they have literally come out of nowhere. And I’m a massive supporter of Janet Devlin and Marcus Collins as well. Marcus is my little pop star.” 

 

Bee Gees frontman Robin Gibb undergoing cancer treatment

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 14:32

Robin Gibb is at home with wife Dwina after undergoing a series of treatments in his fight against liver cancer.

The 61-year-old has been receiving private treatment at the Harley Street clinic since May, according to Now magazine. 

A family friend told the news source: “Robin has been a pinnacle of strength and is showing enormous courage and dignity.” 
 

His cancer was discovered in April, when the singer sought medical treatment for intense abdominal pain. Last month Gibb was treated for inflammation of the colon, and in October 2010 he underwent a surgical procedure to clear a blocked intestine. A blocked intestine killed Gibb’s twin brother Maurice in 2003.  
 

The Sun reports that Gibb is not getting better in spite of treatment.
 

“We are all devastated,” a source close to Gibb revealed to The Sun. “Robin has been a pinnacle of strength and is showing enormous courage and dignity in the wake of this terrible news.” 
 

The Bee Gees star has promised to keep working until the end. He appeared on The Alan Titmarsh show in October, but was forced to pull out of BBC1’s Songs of Praise – the Remembrance Sunday edition. 
 

He was also forced to cancel an appearance in promotion of a charity single with Prime Minister David Cameron. A new edition of the Bee Gees single “I’ve Gotta get a Message” is set to raise money for Poppy Appeal. 
 

Gibb continues to fight the disease at home in Thame, Oxfordshire, where he is reportedly following a high-fiber vegan diet. 
 

Another friend told The Sun: “Robin’s fans should remember at this time what a legendary musician he is and the impact he has had on popular culture.” 
 

The Bee Gees have sold 200 million records around the globe, and are known for their singles “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever.” 

 

Lady Gaga and creative director Lauriann Gibson part ways

Monday, 21 November 2011 16:58

Lauriann Gibson has confirmed reports that she is no longer working as Lady Gaga's creative director. That said, Gibson denies having been fired by the ''Marry the Night'' singer.

According to Gibson, the split simply meant that Gaga wanted more control over that aspect of her career.

The choreographer told The Hollywood Reporter: “I am fulfilled with the work I have done with choreographing all of the iconic moves, creative directing the artist, appearances, shows, directing the tour, music videos, and the HBO Monster Ball, which was a culmination of my work as its creator and director.
 

“Recently, Lady Gaga was motivated to take the helm of the creative direction of her career and as such I decided to step away. I am extremely proud of her, and in stepping away I wish her all the best.” 
 

Speculation that the two had split began after Gaga announced that she’d directed her latest video, for “Marry the Night.” Rumors surfaced that the two went their separate ways after their working relationship hit the rocks.
 

During Gibson’s time as co-director for the “Judas” video, the pair were at odds over the religious imagery. Gibson told the Reporter: “At one point, there was two completely different views and after the third glass of wine, I was like, ‘Listen, I don’t want lightening to strike me. I believe in the Gospel and I’m not going there.’” 
 

Yet after the video’s release, Gibson seemed proud of what the pair had put together, telling MTV news: “I think the concept stuck with this one because, ultimately, there was a place where we wanted to leave the interpretation up to each individual and not take away [Gaga’s] power as a performer, as a dancer, as a star….For me, I interpret differently than her, and for someone else, they’ll interpret it differently.” 
 

Selena Gomez speaks about Bieber paternity suit

Monday, 21 November 2011 16:48

The cracks in Mariah Yeater's paternity case against Justin Bieber have already begun to reveal themselves, but Selena Gomez told Ellen the whole debacle has been a difficult one.

Justin Bieber's girlfriend recently appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she broke her silence on the suit for the first time. 

According to 20-year-old Yeater, Beiber is the father of her three-month-old son Tristyn. Yeater filed suit against the singer, claiming that she had sex with the 17-year-old backstage after one of his performances. 
 

Asked whether she was “alright” in light of the allegations, Gomez told Ellen: “I have been, yeah. It’s not easy to deal with.” 
 

Since filing suit, texts from Yeater asking a friend to delete messages about someone else being the father of her baby have surfaced in the tabloids. 
 

“Everything’s all good now,” Ellen remarked. “You knew that all along but it’s nice to have everything out in the open.” 
 

Selena replied: “Yeah, it’s good to just kind of…be good.” 
 

A particularly damning text sent by Yeater, discovered by TMZ, reads: “Pleeease ERASE ALL MESSAGES from my mom where she says Tristyn is Robbies Son Ill kick u when we get paid im trusting you pleeease”. 
 

Another asks: “Would you please stress to Robbie how important it is for him to be in his son’s life?” 
 

The friend who supplied TMZ with the texts asked to remain anonymous.
 

This week Yeater’s legal representation denied reports that the suit had been dropped, adding that Bieber is still scheduled to take a confidential DNA test. 
 

Bieber continues to deny Yeater’s allegations. The teen told a US radio station: “As far as the whole baby situation, it’s unfortunate that it had to happen like that. People make false accusations, but things happen in this industry and you have to keep your head high and be positive.”   

 

Tears from Misha B reveal X Factor strain

Monday, 21 November 2011 16:26

Misha B was looking worse for the wear after completing a rendition of Whitney Houston's ''I Have Nothing'' on Friday night's show.

The X Factor contestant broke down onstage, and cried when Dermot O’Leary asked what was wrong.

“It’s just everything,” she sobbed.

Misha was raised by her sister because her mother was addicted to heroin and eventually ended up in jail for 21 months. Her mother has been clean for three years, and this week Misha revealed to mentor Kelly Rowland that her mother had written an open letter asking to meet her.

Kelly gave the contestant a hug and explained that she was estranged from her father.

“When it comes to parents, I understand,” Kelly said. “It is the same situation I am in. It was definitely hard but it’s important we forgive people and move on. When I saw my father for the first time in 22 years, I was very shocked. But it will be fine, Misha B. You’re a star babe.”

To top it all off, the wannabe has found herself in the bottom two these past few weeks – much to the judges’ bewilderment.

“I can’t believe no one is voting for you,”Gary Barlow said after Misha’s performances. “It is actually affecting you. You’re being too safe. I want Misha B back. You are just trying to win votes. I want you as you were. If you go out, I want you to go out with your integrity.”

Tulisa told the performer that she was impressed with her “amazing voice” and Louis added that it was her “best performance ever.”

After the show, Misha B told Xtra Factor’s Caroline Flack that her breakdown meant she was “just overwhelmed with everything.”

“It is still so much to take in,” she added.

Putting a ring on Beyonce: details finally revealed

Monday, 21 November 2011 16:13

When Beyonce and Jay-Z got hitched in a 2008 New York ceremony, the press didn't even catch a glimpse of the ''Countdown'' singer's gown. Now, for the first time since the wedding, Beyonce is ready to share at least one nuptial detail with the world.

A teaser video featuring a live rendition of the track “I Was Here” features footage from the singer’s personal life, including video from her childhood, her early career, backstage at shows, and a quick glimpse at the ecstatic bride in her wedding dress.

The home footage shows Beyonce in a strapless gown that shows off her tiny waist and features a romantically long ruffled train.  

In her Live at Roseland: Elements of 4 DVD, the singer lets it be known: “One sweet day I found love…”

She later adds: “I feel more complete than I’ve ever felt, more beautiful than I’ve ever felt, stronger and more proud of myself.”

The video footage of Beyonce before her wedding ceremony is the first the world has ever seen of the pair’s big day.

Beyonce is now pregnant with the couple’s first child. She acted as both producer and director of the Live at Roseland project.

In the DVD, the singer says that she wrote “Crazy in Love” early in their relationship. She goes on: “I know crazy just so goddamn well….”

In related news, close pal and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin reveals to Maxim that he wrote a song for Beyonce – only to have it rejected.

He says: “Well, I did write a song for Beyonce, but it got rejected by her A&R people.”

Apparently Beyonce’s people are worried that Martin can’t bridge the genre gap. He adds: “There’s still this tribalism in music where we’re rock and you’re pop and you’re hip-hop, and it sometimes takes a while to get across those barriers.”

Cheryl Cole backs out of Children in Need gig

Thursday, 17 November 2011 15:47

Cheryl Cole will no longer be singing a duet with Gary Barlow at this year's Children in Need Rocks Manchester. The ''3 Words'' singer pulled out of the performance due to a bout of pharyngitis that made her too ill to appear at Thursday's gig.

Cheryl’s spokesperson confirmed: “Cheryl Cole has sadly had to pull out of a performance at CIN Rocks this week as she is suffering from pharyngitis.”

Rumor has it that X Factor judge Gary Barlow is interested in having Cheryl back on the show. The two are said to have met up last week at Gary’s London home to discuss the possibility of Cheryl once again taking part in the judging panel.

According to reports, the pair originally met to discuss their musical collaboration, but talk couldn’t help but turn toward the show.

An insider told Closer magazine: “Talk inevitably turned to the X Factor and Cheryl admitted she thought it’d gone downhill. Gary said, with his backing, she could come back as a hero. 

“He was being really positive, buttering her up, and Cheryl couldn’t help smiling. He told [her] she has his full support. Gary doesn’t rate Tulisa as a judge.” 

Before Cheryl officially pulled out of the Children in Need show, Gary told the press: “We’re still waiting to hear but, if it doesn’t happen, I don’t know what we’re going to do. I might just have to get on the piano and do a bit of ‘Roll out the Barrel’….”

He added that the duet had been Cheryl’s idea. “I wouldn’t have asked Cheryl to duet with me because I’m a gentleman. So I said to her: ‘Do you fancy something? Take your pick. We’ve got Coldplay, you can duet with anyone.’ And she said, ‘Well what about you? I fancy doing something with you.’ And I thought, ‘Here we go!’ So I styled it out and waited before texting back.”

Amy Winehouse haunting Pete Doherty?

Thursday, 17 November 2011 15:09

According to The Sun, Pete Doherty is so convinced that the ghost of Amy Winehouse is lingering around his London flat that he's taken up residence in Paris.

The 32-year-old supposedly told friends that he has seen the singer's reflection in his windows late at night and was met by phantasmal images in his own bedroom.

An insider told the tabloid: "He is utterly convinced that he has seen her ghost. A lot of people will think his visions are probably drug-induced but he claims he is clean."

The Babyshambles rocker was close with Winehouse, and his own Camden flat is not far from where the "Back to Black" singer lived and died.

Friends report that Doherty was so distraught at the news of her death that he couldn’t bring himself to attend her funeral. This summer saw the rocker paying tribute to Winehouse during his own gigs.

Doherty, who has long been tangled in his own substance abuse problems, was released from prison in early summer after having done time for cocaine possession.

He recently found himself facing the renewed demands of a German court. The singer offered to pay a fine for drunken damage to a parked car in installments. A judge ordered the frontman to either take a 30-day jail sentence or pay 30 days’ worth of income – an estimated €30,000.

The fine, stemming from an incident in 2009, is overdue, but a court spokesman says that if Doherty offers up the money, all will be forgotten.

Spokesman Martin Steltner says Doherty’s proposition to pay the fine in installments "will have to be weighed up." Germany often allows defendants a pay-by-installment option, but usually only if it can be demonstrated that a defendant has little or no savings from which to draw.

Susan Boyle No. 1 on the UK album chart

Tuesday, 15 November 2011 23:03

The third studio album from Britain's Got talent runner-up Susan Boyle debuted at the top of the UK album chart this week, displacing the latest from Florence and the Machine.

Boyle's Someone to Watch Over Me also managed to squash competition from Michael Buble's Christmas record, this week's No. 2.

"I still can't believe that it is number one again," Boyle told Female First. "It's fantastic news. When I was told I asked whether they were pulling my leg. Never in my wildest expectations did I think I'd have another number one album, but obviously I'm very, very pleased."

The Scottish national said her new album owes much to her fans: "Their support is invaluable. Although I don't have the opportunity to respond to every letter I do read them, and to be able to read their stories I find them inspirational and moving. To have that support and also trust, well, I don't feel lonely anymore."

Although success has allowed the singer the opportunity to move out of the family home where she has lived all her life, Boyle explained that she prefers to keep her feet on the ground.

"It's very important to retain a sense of normality and also to keep in touch with my roots. Being in my family home and with my family and friends around me is very important to me and I don't want to get too big for my boots."

The new house the singer built just up the street from her family home is now used as Boyle's personal rehearsal space.

"I don't think it will ever sink in," the "I Dreamed a Dream" singer says of her success. "I'm having the time of my life and I don't want to get complacent. It's important that I'm kept on my toes so I strive to do better."

Lady Gaga: ‘Bigger and better’ tour in 2012

Tuesday, 15 November 2011 23:00

When Lady Gaga appeared on X Factor to perform "Marry the Night" early in the week, she promised fans that next year's tour would be "bigger and better than ever."

She said on the show: "I'm gonna be here [in the UK] next year for my next tour. I just finished designing the stage and it's bigger and better than ever. I'm so happy. I can't wait to see you all there."

In addition to announcing her plans for the Born this Way Ball tour, Gaga gave axed X Factor contestant Kitty Brucknell a few words of advice.
"We chatted for an hour, she gave me the biggest pep talk ever," the wannabe told Daybreak. "I was so emotional, but she was emotional too! It made me feel better because I cry all the time and was worried I was a psycho, but Lady Gaga does it too."

According to The Sun, Gaga was so concerned over the state of Kitty's career that she took the time to pray for the X Factor contestant's future.

An insider told the tabloid: "Kitty was so emotional so Gaga poured her a glass of wine and asked her to join her in prayer. She stooped on the floor, putting her hands in a prayer position. She went on to say how she'd be on the road a lot next year and thinks there could be an opportunity for them to collaborate."

In spite of being canned from the show on Monday's episode, Kitty – who showed some Gaga-inspired flair over the course of the season – says fans "haven't seen anything yet."

She told the Daily Star: "I am going to put on the raunchiest, sexiest routines ever. I couldn't do what I really wanted on the X Factor because it's a family show and there's also a time limit. Now I can do what I really want."