My News Booth

Last November, it was reported that Sting had lashed out at Simon Cowell and his shows American Idol and X Factor, calling them televised karaoke and preposterous. The famed judge and music mogul must have let those comments sit for a while because he just bit back at the singer. Simon said “First of all, anybody who at the age of 60 calls himself Sting is an idiot. I find those kind of people… who come from quite humble beginnings and they’re (now) living in these stately homes, professing to know everything about everything in the world, and what the contestants may or may not feel… They can say that because they’ve got everything they want in their lives, but what they’re really saying is anybody else who needs a shot shouldn’t be allowed to do it.” I’m on Team Simon on this one. If the shows are just what Sting calls they are, we wouldn’t have the likes of Carrie Underwood and Leona Lewis around.

Simon Cowell might be the star of the hottest musical entertainment vehicle,The American Idol and The X-Factor, but he can’t operate the hottest musical accessory on the planet.

Cowell in his tell-all to Piers Morgan admitted he is flustered by the i-Pod. He suggested the i-Pod was too much of an isolating tool – and that there was no shortage of i-Pods crossing his path.

He said: “I keep getting given them and I don’t know how to use them. I can’t bear somebody who sits with an iPod on and you can kind of half hear it. That’s boring. I like to listen to music in a more social type of thing. I’m not somebody who would put a record on on my own and get into the lyrics. I’m an old soul so I like anything from Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, kind of classic R’n'B, or I love the whole big band era.”

Source: Splash News

The American Idol contestant seems to have stumbled and fallen… and from the looks of things, broken some limbs and ribs in the process as well. Haeley Vaughn’s song choice for last night was Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb”… which doesn’t do her well at all. Randy Jackson’s opinion is pretty clear: “It didn’t work for me, man. …It was so pitchy and so just not right for you. You had no connection to the song, at all.” Simon Cowell doesn’t want Randy to get ahead of him with the blunt comments so he just lets it out: “It was a complete and utter mess.” It looks like Haeley Vaugh will be on the first plane back home… unless the public really wants to piss a certain judge off and they will disregard his blunt opinion.

The American Idol contestant who finished on sixth place in the shows fourth season recently put his opinion about its future to words. This is what Constantine Maroulis said about the future of American Idol, especially considering Simon Cowell won’t be around after the current season: “It’s unfortunate. He’s a mogul and going to go on to greater and greater things … but the show is really going to miss him. I hope they just end it after this year.” Spoken like a true disciple… or a mindless servant-drone, whichever view Constantine Maroulis embraces. It probably won’t be long until he expresses his support of Simon Cowell’s upcoming American version of The X Factor.

Ellen DeGeneres has been shunted to the end of the American Idol panel.

The 52-year-old talk show host was given a seat at the far left of the judges’ desk for the first episode of the Idol live shows.

Previously, during the pre-recorded auditions, she was at the centre of the panel, next to music mogul Simon Cowell.

DeGeneres seemed to take the change in good spirits and joked that it was due to a falling out with Cowell.

She said: “The problem is, Simon wants me. He’s got like a thing for me. I get it Simon, I get it. But it’s not going to happen. His hands are like wandering hands.”

On the more unpleasant side of things, it looks like Alex Lambert isn’t doing very good to the reputation his name might have brought on. His song choice was James Morrison’s “What a wonderful world” but he didn’t hit the song very well it seems. Even though Kara DioGuardi and even Ellen DeGeneres seems to think otherwise, Simon Cowell steps in and pretty much ruins it for Alex Lambert: “I don’t know who was happier for that to end — you or me. That was the most uncomfortable performance of the night.” Unfortunately Alex Lambert is probably going to be the first of the guys to leave the contest. Miracles probably won’t happen now… oh well, better luck next time!

As American Idol takes off to the first live start of this season we are presented with the top 12 boys and top 12 girls who will be competing for the title. Among the fellows some seem to stand out for particular reasons. For instance, a lad named Alex Lambert has come all the way from Texas to be the next sensation. This is why Alex Lambert says he thinks he should be the next idol: “Because people are going to like my style of music and my words.” Well, they’re most likely going to dig his name, but other than that, he really seems to have come to the wrong place. But who knows, maybe Simon Cowell will take a shine to the resonance of his name too.

Simon Cowell revved up his romance with Mezhgan Hussainy when the pair made their first public appearance as a couple at the weekend.

Cowell, the UK-US star talent judge, and Hussainy, a make-up artist, stepped out to the spiffy Mr Chow in London’s Knightsbridge with two friends.

The UK Mirror reported a friend said: “Simon is ready to let everyone know. Things between them are moving along very nicely indeed. Their relationship has been conducted under a cloak of secrecy but the situation has now changed.”

A fellow diner at the restaurant, meanwhile, said: “They looked cosy. It was clear there was real chemistry between them. He seemed smitten and she likewise.”

Cowell and Hussainy, 36, were revealed by the paper to have begun dating last summer. She worked on American Idol and on the makeover of his million-dollar star contestant Susan Boyle.

The pair marked Cowell’s big 5-O last year with five nights in Miami at a £21,000-a-day penthouse. “Simon is clearly very enamoured with Mezhgan – and it’s little wonder why. She is absolutely stunning, not to mention incredibly intelligent and cultured,” said one source.

And he is none other than Madonna’s own brother, Christopher Ciccone. Apparently he launched a facebook campaign that asks all of his followers to go forth towards 19 Entertainment and ask that he be placed in the judge’s seat on American Idol, instead of Simon Cowell. This is how Christopher Ciccone’s “credentials” look like: “With 25 years in the music business, Christopher knows all too well what it takes to be a Pop Star, and with his infamous “Ciccone Tongue” he won’t be afraid to speak his mind!” Oh, that’s just a cheap rip-off of the true genius that is and always will be the famous, or to some infamous, Earl of Exigency. If only a real suitor would appear…

Since the legendary hero and mentor Simon Cowell has left the judge’s seat on American Idol to pursue his own ambitions, quite noble of him one might add, a replacement is probably going to come along. Of course, there are many who would jump at the opportunity, but La Toya Jackson isn’t one of them. She is one who just makes offers… so she’s made one to the American Idol team and now she’s thinking that the producers will be the ones doing all of the jumping. La Toya Jackson must really be lacking anything significantly better to do with her career if she actually wants to get on the judges’ stand for American Idol… and she must really not care about her reputation too much if she wants to replace Simon Cowell himself.

Music mogul Simon Cowell reportedly wants Victoria Beckham to be a judge on the US version of The X Factor.

Cowell, 50, recently announced he is leaving hit talent show American Idol to set up a US series of the popular UK show The X Factor.

It is claimed he wants Victoria, 35, who recently had a guest-judge spot on the current series of Idol, for the new show and has offered her a $1million-a-show deal.

A source said: “Simon was trying to get hold of Victoria for a few days, keen to suggest a few X Factor dates. When they did finally speak, she was incredibly flattered, not to mention surprised.

“Money was not discussed but as American TV judges go, the minimum she would be on in a four-show deal is $4million. However, if she was to become a permanent fixture, she could earn tens of millions.”

Simon Cowell has revealed he could be set to create his own animated TV series.

Music mogul Simon Cowell, who earned an estimated £40 million last year, is a big fan of The Simpsons and says he would love to create his own cartoon series because of the huge amount of money they make.

He said: “Their appeal is broad and it makes a lot of money. You kind of hate them for making so much money. It makes me physically sick knowing how much money they have made over the years. Maybe I should start a cartoon one day.”

Simon, 50, has made cameo appearances on the show – but admits he took part to preserve his youth.

He explained on TV show The Simpsons: Celebrity Friends: “It’s the best thing to get the call. You last forever and are young forever on that show, so I love it.

“The only reason for doing it is to look good and stay young forever.”

Simon recently signed up to make another appearance on the cartoon, despite admitting his last appearance didn’t go well.

He said: “They obviously hated me as I had to do it over and over again. I could actually feel the rolling of eyeballs. It was like, ‘After take 57 Simon could we have a little bit more reality?’ It was painful.”

Christmas week finds Simon Cowell in the Caribbean reportedly squiring his favourite ladies – ex girlfriends and his mother – in a yacht.

Cowell has showed up in photos on jet skis and chilling on beaches. Now the UK Mirror reports Cowell has plans to shower his friends with attention.

His itinerary is likely to include a visit to Grenada. The paper says: “He’s ready to leave Barbados to sail off to Grenada where he’s meeting up with Sinitta and her children to give them their presents. Then he is off to Antigua for a few days to meet up for cocktails with Amanda Holden and her husband. And then Jackie St Clair is planning to meet up with him when he hits St Barts.”

The star reality TV judge and top-earning US TV star has a large rented yacht that includes leather sofas, a waterbed with a mirrored ceiling, a jacuzzi, Wi-Fi, a gym and kayaks.

The source said: “He wanted a change of scenery rather than spend another Christmas looking at Michael Winner’s gut at Sandy Lane for dinner. And the Slipstream is the ultimate super yacht. He especially chose this yacht because of the high spec. It oozes luxury and as soon as he docks the three-storey beast in any port, people are going to be impressed. He could have gone for something more discreet, but that really isn’t Simon’s style.”

It seems that the Earl of Exigency is very keen on creating something similar to a natural disaster. So Simon Cowell has decided to easiest way to achieve this is to invite his former girlfriends on a cruise in the Caribbean on his private yacht. A source explained Simon Cowell’s intentions: “Simon is totally exhausted after The X Factor and wants to chill out. He didn’t think twice about inviting his ex-girlfriends as he loves their company and they are a hoot.” He’s probably not taking into account the interaction factors involved, but what could possibly go wrong? They’re all probably just going to spend a nice time reminiscing about the good old days… all together at once. Still, Terry Seymour has apparently not yet confirmed. That might not bode well for Simon Cowell’s master plan.

X Factor judge Simon Cowell has added further fuel to speculation that the show is heading to America.

The 50-year-old star, who recently finished the sixth series of the UK talent show, is said to be taking the popular series to the US in addition to his show American Idol.

He told BBC’s Newsnight: “I think the show will go to America. It has to go to America. There has to be an American version of the show.

“To not make the X Factor in the biggest market in the world would be crazy.”

It has been rumoured that he is keen to take his fellow X Factor judge and Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole, 26, with him for the US version.

It seems the singer who has been a judge on The X Factor might soon have to hand in her resignation in favor of Melanie B. This is what a source said on the matter, especially in relation to the big boss himself, Simon Cowell: “Simon thinks Mel would be brilliant as she is outspoken, down-to-earth and won’t hold back. There were times in the current series that he felt things were a bit boring and he is certain sparks will fly with her on board… It will be interesting to see whether she and Cheryl Cole will gel or whether it will be handbags at dawn.” Well, Danii Minogue wants to settle down anyway so what does she care? As for Melanie B and Cheryl Cole… let total war begin!

After saving Jedward on X-Factor, Simon Cowell has admitted his actions won’t win him fans.

He said: “I’m going to get a lot of flak for my decision. I’ll be public enemy No 1. People always like to disagree with me but I know this will be more controversial than usual. There will be people who are Lucie [Jones] fans and think she should have been given a chance.”

Simon Cowell supported co-judge Louis Walsh with a deciding vote for the twin singing act after the two other judges, Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole, had voted for rival act Lucie Jones.

Angry fans flooded the ITV network with complaints, while 11,000 joined a Facebook page launched to boycott the show.

Chris Turner, 40, from Tring, Herts, said: “This is supposed to be a singing show but he chose to let someone go who has great ability – and keep those twins who can’t sing. Simon’s blown it. His decision was outrageous.”

Cowell said he did not know the scores when he cast his vote. “I didn’t think either could win so it seemed fair to let the public have their say. But I had no idea how the public vote had gone – I never get told what the figures are. I always make my decision based on what I’ve seen.”

TV’s Mr Nasty Simon Cowell has shown off his generous side – after giving £100,000 to help save the life of a cancer-stricken youngster.

Cowell has donated the money for 18-month-old Sophie Atay, from the UK, to fly to the US for pioneering treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York.

He acted after learning the youngster’s family launched a last-ditch appeal for £500,000 to pay for the treatment last week after they were told Sophie was suffering from a rare form of neuroblastoma and needed treatment within days.

Alexandra Burke, last year’s X Factor winner in the UK, broke the news to Sophie’s mum Karine, 33, on the telephone that Simon had now dipped into his own pocket to top up the total to the necessary amount.

Alexandra told the Daily Mail: “Karine didn’t know what I was going to tell her when I called her.

“So when I broke the news, we were both crying – but I was crying more than Karine.

“Karine even said she had been listening to my song Hallellujah on the way to the hospital.

“I’d told Simon about the situation and that there was no time to waste because Sophie needs the treatment immediately, and he decided to give her the money in a second.

‘Now we’re hopeful Sophie will be on the flight to the US today.”

Sophie had received the best treatment that UK hospitals had to offer, but if specialist doctors can see her within the next seven days, her chances of survival will rocket from 20 per cent to 90 per cent.

After her appeal was broadcast last week, people from all over the UK pledged their support and donated cash.

But she was still £100,000 short of the necessary target – until Cowell, 50, stepped in.

Source: Splash News

Simon Cowell has reportedly been named the “neighbour from hell” by residents near his new LA home.

The 50-year-old X Factor judge bought the house in one of Beverley Hills’ most famous streets five years ago and has been renovating the property ever since.

However, police have been called to the home to deal with complaints over traffic violations, dirt from building work and noise from parties.

One neighbour, Judy Wolf, who lives in a £5 million home next to Cowell, said to British newspaper Mail on Sunday: “Construction’s been going on for five years and I’ve been near the end of my rope on many occasions.

“And we’ve been told the construction is not over yet. Apparently Simon didn’t like the way two or three of the rooms have turned out, so he’s completely redoing them. It’s the building project that never ends.”

Simon Cowell’s mum Julie has revealed she got him book tokens and aftershave for his recent 50th birthday.

The X Factor judge recently turned 50 and a lavish party was held for the star at a mansion in the UK.

Mum Julie, 82, said to UK magazine Yours: “I got him book tokens and his favourite aftershave.”

She added that the most important thing is manners, she said: “I’ve always insisted on politeness so when people say how pleasant Simon is I mutter: ‘Thank goodness’.

“It means more to me than his television career.”

Source: Splash News