Media mogul Simon Cowell has revealed that Cheryl Cole is “bored out of her mind” and “going crazy” after coming down with malaria.
The X Factor judge has been texting the Girls Aloud singer and said that although she is on the mend, he will not let her rush back to work on the show.
He said: “I had a few text messages from her over the last few days. Listen, it was serious. She was ill.
“We didn’t realise how ill, but judging by the text messages I’ve had, she’s definitely looking forward to coming back to work.”
The former American Idol judge, 50, added: “I think our job is to make sure she sure doesn’t come back too quick because I think she is bored out of her mind and going crazy.”
He added: “The worst is over. The texts are getting increasingly feisty, so she is on the mend.”
In the meantime, Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger is standing in for Cole on the hit talent show.
Even though Cheryl Cole has been moved out of intensive care and into a private clinic to recover from her malaria, sources are saying that the singer isn’t in the clear just yet. Her boss and fellow X Factor judge Simon Cowell has been quite concerned with Cheryl’s health since she was hospitalized and is even willing to change the format of the show to work around her recovery. Sources say “Cheryl was due to go abroad with her group but this may be changed now too, and the whole format tinkered with to fit in around her. There will be some big, exciting changes happening to this part of the new series anyway, so Cheryl’s role in proceedings will depend on how she is. Cheryl and her medical team are confident she will be back to full health, and behind the judging panel, come the TV studio audience finals in October.”
Although Simon Cowell received a huge tribute and a lot of media attention on his American Idol exit, he’s not the only member of the show to say goodbye. Ricky Minor, the show’s band leader for 6 seasons, also left the reality TV show to take over the band on The Tonight Show. It’s being said that Ricky is mighty pissed off that he wasn’t even acknowledge at last week’s finale. Sources claim that after Lee DeWyze was announced as the winner, Ricky lashed out at the producers and refused to go to the after party until Randy Jackson made it his job to patch things up. He showed up but sources say that “you could cut the bitterness with a knife”. That’s completely understandable! They could have at least given him a 5-second mention.
Like any old lord who’s going away, Simon Cowell wants to make sure that the legacy he leaves behind will be kept safe in capable hands. To that end, the Earl of Exigency had this to say about the future judge who is to take his high seat on the American Idol council: “I think primarily, you’ve got to have somebody on that panel who actually knows what they’re talking about — because everyone is talking about casting the nasty person or this person or get another Brit. If we were judging ice skating, I mean, you wouldn’t have somebody on who’s obnoxious. You’d have somebody who knows the difference between a 10, a 9 and an 8.” As always the Simon Cowell everyone knows and loves. Unfortunately, there’s no one who has mass produced as many stars as him so there’s no good replacement in sight… at least not as far as Simon Cowell is concerned. Maybe that is the plan altogether.
Be prepared for the sounds of an ego inflating even more as Simon Cowell will soon become a knight. The American Idol judge and music mogul, by order of the Queen, will be receiving knighthood next month. He was recommended to be put on the Queen’s Birthday Honors list by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who listed Simon’s numerous charity ventures and his contributions to the British recording industry. Congratulations Simon! I wonder what he’ll be wearing to the event. I’m pretty sure a black coat and a white button up shirt that’s left open at the chest wouldn’t cut it out in front of the royal court.
Simon Cowell is reportedly considering celebrity couples as judges for the new US version of The X Factor.
The music mogul, 50, is looking for judges for the panel on the new US version of the show, which will launch next year.
Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony are said to be contenders as well as Mariah Carey and her hubby Nick Cannon.
A source said to UK newspaper Daily Mirror: “Simon needs diversity on the panel if the US X Factor is going to be a big smash. Paula Abdul seems like a given, which leaves three slots.
“He thinks J.Lo or her hubby would be fantastic additions, so it could be bad news for Cheryl [Cole].”
Annie Lennox has come forward to criticize Simon Cowell’s TV talent shows such as American Idol and The X Factor. The iconic singer said “I think those types of shows are dangerous and cruel – they’ll have a long-lasting effect on how people look at music. I understand their appeal, but there’s no chance I’d ever be a judge. You have a panel of people basically giving you the thumbs up or down, and there’s so much more to music than that.” I think she’s being over dramatic. It’s called show business. The shows are about finding new talent and making music for the masses that vote for who appeals to them the most. It’s basically like a survey of what people would buy and wouldn’t.
X-Factor judge Louis Walsh could steal a judging role on the US version from Cheryl Cole.
The Irish star reportedly impressed bosses during a test screening for the show, which Simon Cowell is launching next year, and executives believe he could connect well with the US audience because of the Irish/American links.
Cole, 26, was rumoured to be destined for a role on the judging panel, but reports say her strong Geordie accent could hinder her chances.
A source said to UK newspaper Daily Mirror: “Everyone presumes Cheryl will get offered the job because she looks the part.
“She’s gorgeous and extremely camera-friendly and now has the working relationship with Will.I.Am, which will help her break through in the States.
“But during test screenings, they did struggle with her strong Geordie accent.”
However, Walsh was reportedly a hit over in the States.
A source added: “They absolutely loved him. Anything Irish they adore and they think he is a right character. It might surprise a few people in Britain that they would consider Louis over Cheryl, but there is a huge Irish community.”
By now it probably doesn’t come as too much of a surprise that American Idol contestant Tim Urban is still rolling with the big boys and he has managed to get into the top 9. It was Elves Presley night on American Idol and Tim Urban’s choice was “Can’t help falling in love” which he apparently did pretty well. Even Simon Cowell seems to have some sort of admiration for him now: “You have managed to go from zero to hero in two weeks. You’ve taken the advice really, really well from us. Congratulations.” It might just have been sarcasm, but even a bit of sarcasm from the Earl of Exigency goes a long, long way… and Tim Urban might not have that long a way to go. He’s probably saving the very best for the very last.
Piers Morgan pulled a prank on Simon Cowell by getting his fiancee a fake ring to out-do Cowell’s girl Mezhgan Hussainy.
Morgan, 44, recently took his fiancee, British journalist Celia Walden, out to dinner with Cowell, 50, and his bride-to-be Mezhgan Hussainy and their Britain’s Got Talent co-judge Amanda Holden.
Morgan admitted that Hussainy’s engagement ring is so big that he was forced to buy a fake one for Celia to wear to out-do the make-up artist.
He said: “I decided there was only one way to compete – and instructed Celia to buy an enormous two-inch-square fake diamond engagement ring.
“He didn’t notice at first, so, half an hour into the meal, she leaned forward over the table, flashed the gigantic rock straight in his eyes and enquired: ‘Simon, do you like what Piers got me?’
“He stopped talking mid-sentence, and stared at the offending item for several seconds. ‘Is that real?’ I feigned indignant rage. ‘Of course, it’s real.’”
He added: “Cowell was temporarily too stunned to speak, leaving fellow guest Amanda Holden (who was in on the gag) to rub in the humiliation. ‘Oh, that’s a whopper – it’s even bigger than Mezhgan’s!’
“I let the full potential horror of this statement sink in for a few seconds, before putting him out of his misery. Real… crystal. Cost me all of 10 dollars, that.”
Finally the achievements and struggles of the great Simon Cowell are being recognized by the TV World… not like the Earl of Exigency cares too much for it though. It seems that he will soon be presented with a special Emmy award for all of his wonderful work. This is what the President of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Bruce Paisner, said about the great honor being done to Simon Cowell: “He is an entrepreneur and a performer in equal measure. Simon Cowell has built an international empire and has changed the face of TV around the world.” Yes, if it weren’t for Simon Cowell and all of his “performing”, TV probably wouldn’t be the mind-washing, brain-melting device it is today. He’s done his part well, indeed.
Why would she think he will be hard to replace if not for this reason? Still, even though she might miss him on the show and even though she won’t admit to it just yet, it seems Kara DioGuardi doesn’t have any problem with bringing up propositions for a replacement: “Finding someone who has a lot of knowledge about music and who is also an interesting character is going to be a daunting task. I like Tommy Mottola, because he has launched the careers of a lot of superstars… but whoever gets the call has got to be a character.” But can Tommy Mottola suck souls like Simon Cowell? Can he mind-control and shatter the hopes and dreams of the contestants? These are the attributes Kara DioGuardi should have in mind with regards to a replacement for the Earl of Exigency.
Simon Cowell reportedly wants Cheryl Cole to be a judge on the US version of the X Factor, saying “I’d love to have Cheryl on the show. We have great chemistry. Cheryl’s a natural star. People can’t help but warm to her.” And wouldn’t you know it? The Girls Aloud singer is accepting the offer. An insider reveals “Simon thinks America will fall in love with Cheryl, just like Britain has. She has a unique talent for winning everybody over. She gets involved emotionally with her acts, whereas the other judges don’t. She is incredibly passionate, genuine and caring and he knows he needs a judge like that on the line-up. Simon also loves that Cheryl isn’t afraid to stand up to him on the show. He knows their banter will be a massive hit with American audiences. Not only does he want her on American X Factor but he wants her to be sat on the much sought-after seat directly next to him.”
The American Idol contestant’s song choice for last night was “Put your records on” by Corinne Bailey Rae. Even though her rendition is not bad at all music-wise, the judges don’t seem too impressed with her. Simon Cowell’s advice is practical: he tells Katie Stevens to get more experience. However, Ellen DeGeneres probably hit a nerve with her remark: “I don’t want to hear something I would hear in my dentist’s office.” That kind of attitude is probably not going to score Katie Stevens too many votes. It looks like she may be one of the unlucky ones this week. Damn those dentists!
Simon Cowell’s mum Julie has said she wants him to get a move on with his wedding plans.
Cowell, 50, recently said he was ’smitten’ with girlfriend Mezhgan Hussainy, 36, and has even hinted marriage and kids may not be too far off.
His mum Julie, 84, said: “Turning 50 has made him reassess his life.
“We’re friends with Michael Winner, who recently got engaged at 73. I’m going to tell Simon not to do a Michael on me as I won’t live that long.”
Cowell has asked Hussainy to move in with him and Julie said: “Although girlfriends have stayed with him in the past, he has never done that before. This seems to make it official.”
She added: “Now I really think marriage and fatherhood are going to happen.”
Shock jock Howard Stern’s rumoured addition to the American Idol panel of judges has been slammed by parent activists in the US.
The Parents Television Council demanded the Fox network address the claims.
PTC president Tim Winter said in a statement on Wednesday: “Given American Idol’s extreme popularity with family audiences, I hope that Fox will put the rumours to rest and announce that it has no intention of adding to the show one of the most profane, sexually explicit and anti-family performers in the history of the broadcast medium – either as a guest or as a judge.”
He added: “Unless Stern intends to undergo some sort of moth-to-butterfly metamorphosis – though in his case the change would be more like rattlesnake to labrador retriever – adding him to American Idol would spell immediate death for one of the best franchises in American family entertainment.”
Stern is widely rumoured to be replacing soon-to-be-outgoing star judge Simon Cowell.
Last week Simon Cowell embarked on the endeavor of making a mega-hit single that would help the victims of the Haiti earthquakes. And what mega-hit single could even be a hit if Mariah Carey wasn’t singing on it. So the music lord pulled a few strings and he got Mariah Carey to participate in his grand design. This is what Simon Cowell said on the matter: “We’re getting there. We have had an incredible amount of support. It’s amazing these great singers are clearing their schedules to make this happen. I just found out Mariah has changed her schedule to be able to do this too. It says such a lot that everyone is working so hard to help Haiti. This is something that really matters to us all and I’m so grateful for the support we are getting.” Well, if Mariah Carey actually cleared her schedule than it really is a big deal. But then again, Simon Might just get the chance to regret that she’ll be there to do her part too.
Just because you get a #1 album in the UK and the US doesn’t mean that you get any special treatment. It seems that Susan Boyle will not get a nomination for the Brit Awards this year and it’s all Simon Cowell’s fault. According to The Daily Mail, the snub is a veiled attack on the music mogul. A source says “She’s not even shortlisted for Best Female, even though that’s usually the weakest category. And it’s not just an attack on Susan. It also shows how Simon Cowell is regarded by many in the record business. It’s disgusting. She has done more for the British record industry this year than anyone else. The problem for the Brits is they’re supposed to be a celebration of British music – and cool. And, whatever anyone thinks of Susan Boyle, she certainly isn’t cool.” Like there’s anything cooler than bringing your country recognition.
Ellen DeGeneres suggested sparks could fly between herself and the ornery Simon Cowell in the upcoming season of American Idol.
DeGeneres steps into Paula Abdul’s well-worn and popular shoes as judge on the show. She said of America’s star judge, Cowell: “We both like each other and accept one another. At the same time I think he’s mean and I think he says things in an insensitive way and I don’t think that’s the way to get a point across. I’ve called him on it to his face. I’ll do the same thing to him [on Idol].”
Ellen whetted viewer’s appetites with the coments that appeared in The Wall Street Journal. She
spoke of preparing for the show’s ninth season. “I’m starting to criticise everyone I see, no matter what. I’m like, you thought that was a good outfit to wear?”
American Idol kicks off next Tuesday but DeGeneres will not be seen for a couple more weeks after some guest judge appearances.
It seems Rage Against the Machine has started a campaign against Simon Cowell’s minions who dominate the English charts. The rockers are urging people to download their song, “Killing in the name of”, in order to defeat all of the X Factor puppies and their wimpy Christmas song. This is what a Facebook group who supports Rage Against the Machine’s battle declared: “Fed up of Simon Cowell’s latest karaoke act being Christmas No 1? Me too… So who’s up for a mass-purchase of the track Killing In The Name as a protest to the X Factor monotony?” Well, well, looks like somebody finally saw through Simon Cowell’s veil of commercial success. Maybe Rage Against the Machine will start a new era here… the epicness grows bigger and bigger!
