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  • Britain's Got Talent Delivered a Show Full of Variety Last Night. Plus Who Is Simon Cowell's

    Super Saturday is here again. After dreaming that I could complete the Ninja Warrior course in under 20 minutes, it is time for the best show of the year, no, not the Enfield Poltergeist, Britain's Got Talent, silly. Week five here we come. Up first is Aaron Carty, ex-policeman from London. Who'd have thought he would turn into.......Beyonce. A bit too much like stars in their eyes for me, but it was amusing and he had a great routine with his dancers. Aaron sailed into the next round. 3 yeses. What we are really missing, is a man and a dog trying to break the world record for popping balloons. So who's up next? Well, it's Mitch and his Jack Rusell Cally. Hey, who'd have guessed? They are attempting to break a world record for, ‘most balloons popped in one minute’..eh. Sadly, they were just five seconds out but lived to fight another day with 4 yeses. Daniel Crute, aka strongman Leopold Aleksander crushed a grape, I mean a frying pan and lifted Amanda in the air. Nothing more, nothing less. 4 yeses. Vladimer Georgievsky was absolutely amazing. His comedy trampoline and gymnastics routine was a breath of fresh air. From the minute it started until the minute it finished, I couldn't take my eyes off it. Hugely entertaining. Can't wait to see what he does next. 4 yeses. Having travelled on a plane for the first time was the least of Dylan Byrd's problems, as it seemed Alesha was in a bit of a bad mood that day. Simon, David and Amanda put Dylan through but Alesha buzzed him. We thought at one point Hypnodog was in the building as Simon turned into Mr Nice again with Alesha as Miss Grumpy. As it turned out Hypnodog WAS in the building, how spooky is that? Train driver Arun, and Stage comedy hypnotist Joanna Cameron also failed to impress Alesha. Next. Entity Allstars are a young 20 piece dance troupe from Essex. Their unity and commitment to each other shone through the TV. Once they got dancing, my eyes lit up. I love them, please let me join the troupe. The choreography was executed in style, in fact in world class style. One of the best dance troupes since, well you know who. Alesha pressed her Golden buzzer, meaning they are straight into the live shows. Well done Entity Allstars. Simon Cowell said “And that’s why Great Britain is great. Seriously unbelievable, great choice Alesha. I kinda feel that I'm sort of part of your crew because I did invite you onto the show so I am part of you.” After Ant & Dec translated for Geordie Simon, DJ John from my neck of the woods in Newcastle, entered the stage. He then performed a dance routine to a medley of mixed dance tracks. I liked him, yes, it wasn't much of an act but he was fun and put a huge smile on my face. Well done John. 4 yeses. Singing a song about dust mites, (I'm not making this up) Polly Rowley-Sams didn't last long. What a load of bed bugs. Next. Singer/songwriter Ella Shaw performed her original song ‘Summertime’ and holy moly she was amazing. One of the best young vocals I have heard for a very long time. Now, this is British talent at it's very best. Well done Ella. 4 yeses. Simon said “You've got what I call a very current voice. I think you’re mega, mega talented.” She may be currently working as a magician’s assistant in Vegas but Chloe Crawford wanted to show us what she could do on her own. Her motorcycle illusionist trick was memorising and I'm still perplexed how she did it. 4 yeses. Tom, Stefan, Lorand and Bogdan aka OK Worldwide, danced, span and jumped their way around the stage. Another act that was a joy to watch. Great stuff lads. 4 yeses. Nine piece dance group U.D.I are here from Siberia to win the show and raise money for an orphanage. The staging and performance was emotional and completely mind blowing. It was blooming brilliant and Mrs M has already picked them as her winners. After seeing that, I have to agree. They are serious contenders. At times it did remind me of 2013 winners Attraction but that's a huge compliment. Simon Cowell: “Sometimes we're asked why we have people from other countries entering but I'm so happy that we do have that because then we get to see artists as fantastic as you.” Mark Ponting & Oliver Reynolds tried in vain to impress the judges but went home. The last act tonight is 49 year old, Alison Jiear. I loved her passion, her honesty and best of all her world class singing voice. She blew me away with her perfect vocal performance. Alison, you absolutely smashed it. 4 yeses. Simon said "That was probably one of the best vocals we've ever had on the show." Right, I'm off to pop balloons with Cally...see you next week. Thanks to Dean at @Team_Midas for our review. If you missed Britain's Got More Talent last night, find out who is Simon Cowell's celebrity crush. #Britain39sGotTalent

  • X Factor: Song choices for 'Crazy in Love' week.

    With only three more weeks to go the contestants know they need to step it up to stay in the competition. The theme this week 'Crazy in Love', should give a large spectrum of songs to choose from. Each of the final 10 contestants will have the chance to impress the viewers at home with their own take on a love song to make up and break up to. GROUPS Rak-Su: Mona Lisa - Own song Sean and Conor Price: Issues - Julia Michaels The Cutkelvins: Saved Me from Myself - Own song BOYS Lloyd Macey: From This Moment On - Shania Twain ft. Bryan White Sam Black: Oops - Little Mix ft. Charlie Puth OVERS Kevin Davy White: I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston Matt Linnen: Fallin”: - Alicia Keys GIRLS Grace Davies: Hesitate - Own song Rae-Elle Williams: Mr Big Stuff - Jean Knight Holly Tandy: Love Me Harder - Ariana Grande & The Weeknd It is a brutal quadruple elimination this week! Who will be in the final 6 to go on to next week's semi-final? Performing this week are last year's X Factor winner Matt Terry and Fergie. X Factor is on ITV - Saturday 8.10pm and Sunday.7.30pm #XFactor

  • Simon Cowell changes the format for X Factor live shows

    Simon Cowell is set to change the format for the X Factor live shows. which will see contestants voted off on Saturday and Sunday. The new format will see guest performers on both Saturday and Sunday. Acts will perform for votes on both nights and voting could see contestants leave the show a day early on Saturday nights. An insider told The Sun newspaper “Simon loves making changes to the show’s format to keep it fresh, so he’s been pitching to producers that the show should ditch the traditional Sunday night format, which is always 15 minutes recapping the previous night’s show, a guest performer, a sing off and an elimination,” “He wants the show to mix things up – have guest performers on Saturday’s show, kick out acts on both nights of the weekend … it’ll be must-see TV.“The shows will be tighter, less predictable for viewers and acts will perform across the weekend.“Everyone’s really excited about the changes – it’s going to be an amazing series.”. The live shows have been cut to six weeks from the traditional ten weeks. The final will be held over the first weekend of December rather than the traditional slot closer to Christmas. The insider said “Simon genuinely listens to viewer feedback and takes notes on what he thinks works – and what doesn’t. “He wants to make this series the best one ever – and in mixing up the live shows, everyone thinks he’s onto a winner.” SPOILER: Find out which categories the judges are mentoring this year #SimonCowell #XFactor

  • The X Factor is back! Simon Cowell on what to expect this year.

    The X Factor returns to ITV this autumn with a brand-new panel. Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams and Louis Tomlinson join show creator Simon Cowell as judges for The X Factor series 15. This series will see the return of the arena auditions at The SSE Arena, Wembley, in front of the judges and a 4,000 strong audience. Should they get more than three ‘yeses’ they will go through to the judge’s deliberation, where the judges will decide who gets to fight for a seat in the Six Chair Challenge. This year each of our judges has one guaranteed Safe Seat to give in the Six Chair Challenge by pressing a Golden X. The judge can only press the Golden X for one act in their own category. It means the act cannot be swapped out of their chair and they’ll go straight through to Judges’ Houses. Simon Cowell tells us about this year's X Factor: Here we go again for another series and it looks like you’ve been having the best time during auditions... I’ve had more fun during auditions than I have had in years! The new panel have been great and I love doing auditions in front of an audience. I just can’t understand why we never seem to do that, it’s the weirdest thing. You sit in a small room and someone’s great and literally nothing happens. In the arena when it’s a good audition they go nuts and that’s what they want. Are you looking for a star this year or good entertainment? You have to do both. I think the show has got to find a star, you hope to find someone who sells records but the show has to be fun as well. Changing the panel is always a risk, now you’ve seen them in action, was it a risk worth taking? It was one of those years that I knew we had to make a change, for sure. It just happens, particularly on this show. What I love about Louis, Robbie and Ayda is that they are all fans of the show in their own way, and of course Louis started out on the show. Robbie’s been a huge part of the show over the years, it’s how we became friends, and Ayda has been a revelation, I mean, seriously, she’s been brilliant. There’s been criticism over Ayda joining the show, do you think that’s unfair? I can name you on one hand the good managers I know, you don’t have to be a music manager or an artist to be on this show. You have to have taste, good instincts, you have got to like people. The irony is that the public actually judge this competition. Ayda has seen the music business from a different point of view so she brings a different perspective to the panel. I think she’s amazing. What does Louis bring to the panel? Louis, out of all of the lads in One Direction, was always the one who would still come down to the show during rehearsal days to give advice to the new contestants. We’ve had a really good friendship over the years and have talked for a long time about him doing the show. This year he felt comfortable to do it. Seeing someone who has gone through the process I just think is brilliant. Who’s the naughtiest out of the three new judges? Oh, Robbie by a mile! But so is Ayda actually, she’s really funny. What’s the talent like this year? I always compare the talent to where I was a year ago. I remember a year ago thinking, ‘We’re struggling in certain categories’. I think this year every category has got a potential star, some of them are really raw, which I like. Personality is going to be key this year. But you just don’t know on this show, someone you expect to be great might not turn out to be and equally someone you least expect can rise to the challenge. That’s the way it goes. It seems like the auditions are less intense, there are more of the ‘characters’ fans have loved watching in the past... Yeah, it’s definitely not as tense as last year. Last year was hard work, it ended well but god it was a slog, I tell you. We need the characters to keep it entertaining. Fans will see the return of Anthony Russell who Louis’ been helping personally for the last year... I knew that Louis had reached out to help him with his demons a long time ago. I think it says a lot about the kind of person Louis is, he doesn’t brag about it, he doesn’t talk about it, it’s a very personal thing for him. He called me when he saw Anthony’s audition last year and said his story had really touched him and he wanted me to put him in touch with him. Louis genuinely looked after him. Louis didn’t know Anthony was going to come back to the show this year, he just did it because he liked him. It’s a side a lot of people are going to find out about Louis, he’s a really kind, generous guy, he really is. Which category do you think is the strongest this year? The older category this year is really strong. Over the past few years it hasn’t been great or it’s been a bit boring. There are some amazing people in that category this year, I don’t know what happened. There are a couple of groups with real potential, there are a couple of girls and guys I’m excited about too. I’d say each category has got one, two or three really good people. Here’s a question you threw at the contestants... who is your musical crush? My musical crush is Frank Sinatra. I just love everything about him, his voice, he was really cool. I just love him. NEW Promo Photos THE X FACTOR RETURNS SATURDAY 1ST AND SUNDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER AT 8PM ON ITV

  • The Axe Starts To Fall: Nick Grimshaw and Caroline Flack OUT of X Factor 2016

    Pic credit - The Sun Simon Cowell axes Caroline Flack and Nick Grimshaw quits the X Factor. After last years decline in viewing figures it comes as no surprise neither would return. The Sun reports Nick made the decision to walk at Christmas and confirmed last night he would not return — but insisted it was his decision to leave. His spokesman told The Sun: “After careful consideration, Nick’s decided to rule himself out as a judge on this year’s X Factor. “He loved working on last year’s series alongside Rita, Cheryl and Simon but it was very much a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He remains a massive fan of the show and is looking forward to watching it this year.” X Factor insiders said Grimshaw’s departure had been inevitable for some time. A show source said: “Nick made the decision to jump before he was pushed and that is completely understandable.” A show spokesman said: “We wish him all the best.” Caroline Flack has been axed by Simon Cowell. A show source said: “Caroline’s a really experienced broadcaster but the combination of two presenters just didn’t work out this year.“It’s unfortunate for her, but the decision gives her the opportunity to take on a major West End role, which is something she’s wanted for a long time.” No statement has yet been issued from Caroline or her team. The other judges fate remains undecided. An X Factor spokesman told the Sun: “Discussions are still going on about the new series.” #SimonCowell #XFactor

  • Simon Cowell, Lauren Silverman, Baby Eric and Squiddly & Diddly Hit The Beach In Barbados.

    After a long season of X Factor Simon Cowell lost no time heading for his Christmas vacation in Barbados. Simon, Lauren and Eric headed for the beach taking their dogs Squiddly & Diddly along this year too. Simon also found a new friend in the shape of a monkey! View lots more photos on our HOLIDAY PHOTO page #SimonCowell #Holiday #Vacation #Barbados

  • New Promo Photos of the Britain's Got Talent Judges

    NEW promo photos of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams launched prior to the live shows starting this Sunday. On Saturday we will see the last of the auditions, then the judges will decide on who goes through to the live semi-finals. This is how your week will look... LIVE SHOW 1 - Sunday 22 May 7.30pm - 9pm LIVE SHOW 1 RESULTS - Sunday 22 May 9.30pm - 10pm LIVE SHOW 2 - Monday 23 May 7.30pm - 9pm LIVE SHOW 2 RESULTS - Monday 23 May 9.30pm - 10pm LIVE SHOW 3 - Tuesday 24 May 7.30pm - 9pm LIVE SHOW 3 RESULTS - Tuesday 24 May 9.30pm - 10pm LIVE SHOW 4 - Wednesday 25 May 7.30pm - 9pm LIVE SHOW 4 RESULTS - Wednesday 25 May 9.30pm - 10pm LIVE SHOW 5 - Thursday 26 May 7.30pm - 9pm LIVE SHOW 5 RESULTS - Thursday 26 May 9.30pm - 10pm Guest performers for the semi-finals have been announced as... Sunday 22nd May The cast of Motown: The Musical Monday 23rd May One Republic Tuesday 24th May Nick Jonas Wednesday 25th May Jules, Matisse and Friends Thursday 26th May Fifth Harmony #SimonCowell #Britain39sGotTalent

  • Simon Cowell Insists The X Factor USA Wasn't Cancelled

    In a surprise announcement Simon Cowell reveals he was offered another contract by FOX to continue with The X Factor USA. Simon tells People Magazine he in fact decided to axe the show to take a break. "The interesting thing is everybody thinks X Factor was cancelled - that wasn't the case," he said. "What happened was that after three years, I said, 'I can't do this any more' - it was just too many shows." "Fox offered us another season, but I couldn't do it, so that's why we stopped the production, because I couldn't do it anymore. Even though the numbers weren't as good as we hoped, in today's climate they were brilliant figures - we just didn't realise it at the time!" Simon - who has returned to the States for the new season of America's Got Talent - admitted that he was "too tired" and facing "too much pressure" during filming for The X Factor USA, saying that it had lost its fun. But he explained: "I started to enjoy doing the UK shows again, and then I really felt mentally, physically, this is the right time to do this in the States again." Continuing, Simon said: "Fox offered us another season, but I couldn't do it, so that's why we stopped the production, because I couldn't do it any more. The show lasted for three seasons - producing winners Melanie Amaro, Tate Stevens and Alex & Sierra, and acts like Fifth Harmony - before ending in 2013. #SimonCowell #XFactor

  • From Black Friday to super Saturday - The contestants singing YOUR song choices

    Forget Black Friday, it's time for super Saturday as just five acts remain in the X Factor. The tension and excitement is building and tonight the singers face two, yes two, songs. Last week, (thankfully) Stevi Richie left the show. It's now time for the real stars to shine. No offence mate. Dermot has arrived, the judges are in place, it's time to face the... Jukebox. First up, it's Team Midas' Ben Haenow with a song chosen for him by Team Midas' One Direction. I wondered what happened to them ;). If a ever a song was perfect for Ben, then 'Come Together' would be it. He oozed star quality, vocally bang on, great stage presence. Great start 10/10. Louis said, "You are getting better week after week." Simon said, "the song was spot on, the performance was great." After a week of feeling very poorly, Lauren Platt is lucky to be even singing. The strain of the week really showed, it was her worst vocal of the series to date. Mel B said, "I could feel you weren't into it" Simon said, "I could tell you were straining vocally." Stereo Kicks have comeback more times than Rocky. If they have another good week, from nowhere they could get to the final. As ever, James was amazing, the rest, well....Mel B said, "The vocals were not as good as they should be." Simon said, "you are very lucky you have a killer (second) song." Hot favourite, Fleur East, has been consistently amazing since the first live show and I really like her BUT tonight she didn't wow me like she normally does. Should still be good enough to get her through though. Louis said, "You have to be in the Final." Cheryl said, "It wasn't my favourite." Bottom two survivor Andrea Faustini needs a good week. Look vocally Andrea is one of the best in the competition but I was totally distracted by all the chandeliers. That aside, it was amazing. Louis said, "The perfect song." Simon said,"I think you pushed the song too much at the end." Time for round two.... Sadly for Lauren her illness has really affected her voice this week and in fairness she did the best she probably have could in the situation. Mel B said, "that song fitted you perfectly." Simon said, "I think that song may have you saved you." After an amazing first song, Team Midas' Ben Haenow took on Ed Sheeran's 'Thinking Out Loud', again a perfect song choice. Seriously, Ben now looks like a professional act coming onto the show to showcase his new single. World class. A perfect week Mr Haenow. Louis said, "you are the one to beat." Simon said, "people do need to vote for you." Taking on 'Run', Stereo Kicks came out fighting and they whacked it out of the ball park. I think that performance has just booked them a place in the semi final. Great vocals. Emotional stuff. Mel B said, "you did everything perfect." Simon said, "I really, really hope people are going to vote for you tonight." Fleur East needed a good second song and boy did she deliver. Absolutely brilliant. I loved it. She looks and sounds every inch a pop star. Mel B said, "I could hear you straining." Cheryl said. "I think we would really miss you if you didn't make the Final." Last up was Andrea Faustini and he really put the cat amongst the pigeons with a faultless version of 'Hero'. I think he is more than safe after that. A great end to a great night. Louis said, "you have made the competition very tough." Mel B said, "you are the most amazing person inside and out." Another act leaves on Sunday night. People of the UK it's over to you. Right, I'm off help take down those chandeliers...see you next week. #XFactor

  • Simon Cowell To Introduce 'Iconic Music Stars' As A Fifth Judge To The X Factor

    Hoping to boost the X Factor ratings Simon Cowell is bringing in 'iconic music stars' for the live shows. It was originally reported Louis Walsh would return as a fifth judge, now Simon want's to take things to a new level. Simon Cowell hopes to line up a series of big name artists, with the likes of Rod Stewart and Dolly Parton already being sounded out to join the panel. They would appear for one week only as a fifth and impartial judge. A show source revealed to The Mirror newspaper: “There have been some discussions about introducing a fifth guest judge on the panel for the live shows to keep the format fresh. “The idea would be to have a music legend to join Simon, Cheryl, Rita and Nick as an impartial judge each week." "We’re still exploring how this could work so nothing is set in stone.“A fifth judge means we have a majority decision for anything that happens, it would mean an end to deadlock too in sings offs which some viewers see as a cop out.” "Louis Walsh would also get his chance to be a guest judge, but would perhaps only stand in when big name musical acts cannot be booked, as well as perhaps in the final." By introducing veteran music icons the show is hoping to attract the older audience back. Another show source said: “Simon went for a young and fresh panel this year with Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora. He has no complaints and is happy with how they are working and attracting young viewers, but this new plan might help also get viewers who are much older and might tune in to see their idols on screen. Tom Jones was a big hit with older viewers on The Voice so it is that kind of theory. “The show is in good shape now with consolidated figures of around nine or ten million each week once you add in catch up TV. But as always with Simon, he wants more and thinks this could be a way to push the figures even higher.” A spokesman for X Factor insisted details were still being worked on for the live shows, which kick off on ITV on October 31 for seven weeks of shows. The spokesman added: “Plans for the live shows are still being finalised.” The X Factor Six Chair Challenge continues on Sunday !TV 7pm #SimonCowell

  • Britain's Got Talent Continues To Shine This Week - Previews For Week 2

    Get ready for some incredible acts again this week. Something for everyone with singing, dancing and a magic trick you won't believe. 100 Voices of Gospel, a choir made up from singers from all around the world, take over the stage in a bid to impress the Judges with a very energetic performance. Danny Dyer sound-a-like Wayne Woodward surprises the Judges with his performance of The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra. After 10 years, Stephen decides it’s time to make some changes and take charge of the Judges’ room by adding his own make-up station... much to the annoyance of Simon. But, will he regret asking for David’s help? Look out for a brilliant magician on tonight's show. We have no idea how he did the trick with David. Britain's Got Talent returns Saturday ITV 8pm #Britain39sGotTalent

  • The Ever Popular Big Band Week Arrives - Who is Singing What?

    Simon Cowell's OVERS: Ben - Cry Me A River (by Michael Buble) Fleur - Bang Bang (byJessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj) Jay - Empire State of Mind/New York New York medley (by Alicia Keys/Frank Sinatra) Stevi - Mambo Number 5/ She Bangs medley (by Lou Bega/Ricky Martin) Cheryl's GIRLS: Lauren - Smile (by Nat King Cole) Mel's BOYS: Andrea - Summertime (by Ella Fitzgerald) Louis GROUPS: Stereo Kicks - TBC - Last minute song change. Only The Young - I Wanna Be Like You (From The Jungle Book) #XFactor

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