'You've never seen a show like this in America': Simon Cowell does the hard-sell on X Factor USA... and promises winner $5million cash prize

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Serious business: Simon Cowell released a new promotional video today to explain X Factor to the US audience ahead of the first auditions in March


Simon Cowell went on the charm offensive today in a new video to promote and explain X Factor to the American audience.

The mogul talked up the US version of the show, which is already a hit in Britain, ahead of the first round of auditions in March.

Appearing in the three-and-a-half minute clip, the 51-year-old, who left America Idol to focus on his own show, made it clear he is determined for it to be a success.

'I can assure you one thing - you've never seen a show like this in America,' he said in the clip. 'A lot is going to surprise you.'

Dressed in his signature black suit and open white shirt combination, he gave the hard sell on his beloved talent show, describing to the US audience what to expect.

As the clip began, Simon explained how the competition works.

'It's basically a singing competition with a twist, the auditions are open to everybody who can sing... you can be 12, you can be 112!' he said.


Frenzy: The clip uses footage taken during auditions for the British version of the show


'As a platform, as a performer this is going to be a great opportunity for you.'
The clip flashed to performances and auditions of last year's UK version of the show, featuring winner Matt Cardle, and crowd favourite, Cher Lloyd.

In each series, a judge is allocated a category to mentor and chooses a small number of acts to progress to the live finals.

The video featured Simon alongside his assigned boy band, One Direction.
It also contained out-takes of controversial past performers, including the two cousins who punched each other during an audition.

Simon also revealed in which cities of the 50 US states, where auditions will take place.

'If you want to audition we are going to be in the following cities: Miami, New York, Seattle, LA, Dallas, Chicago,' he said.


Winners are grinners: It performances by past stars, including last year's UK winner Matt Cardle, and performer Cher Lloyd, who came third


Hands on: Simon, with British act One Direction, explained how judges mentor categories


And unlike the UK version where auditions occur in front of three judges, he explained that in the US version competitors will be forced to perform in front of a mammoth crowd.

'On this show the contestants have to do auditions in front of 3,000 - 4,000 people. If you can come out and nail in in front of 3-4 thousand people, you have the makings of a star,' he said.

'I have always trusted the audience on the live show, so I think it is right that you've got to trust them on the audition process.'

He also warned viewers that judges will no be picking anybody generic.

'You've got to stand out. you've got to be remembered. Dress differently, behave differently, dance differently... just be remembered,' he said.

And he explained that he is hell-bent on finding the next biggest star in America.
'I would love to find someone who could be the star all over the world, and I would love to say we found this person on this show.'


Coming soon: The show is due to kick off this fall in the US


Putting his money where his mouth is, Simon also reminded viewers about the mammoth prize money, which is at a staggering $5 million.

He reminded contenders that it was no paltry sum, and to earn it the contestants must be the best.

'If I am going to come back to America and say, 'I'm serious about this and I am serious about finding talent, then I am going to guarantee the winner of the competition, five million... cash... its a $5m audition and you only get the 5 million if you win and you better be good.'

The US version of the X Factor is due to start in September.





source: dailymail

Report: Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole Leave U.K. 'X Factor'

The judges have allegedly announced their departure to ITV because they feel they won't have enough time to juggle both the U.K. and U.S. versions.

Simon Cowell is really channeling all his energy to the American version of "The X Factor". The music mogul has reportedly informed ITV of his resignation as the judge on the U.K. show, effective from the upcoming season. "The X Factor (US)" will premiere in September this year.


Cowell allegedly told ITV chief Peter Fincham, "I'm committed to the American show and I'm not going to do both." And Cowell won't be the only one because Cheryl Cole, who is reportedly on Cowell's list as his partner for the U.S. version, is also making an exit.

A source told News of the World that the network is concerned about the departure of these two, saying "There will be massive shake-up. Simon is a huge, huge loss. He gives the judging panel such authority and there are big fears that millions will switch off without him. And two million extra viewers tuned in when Cheryl joined the panel. To lose her as well is a nightmare."

Furthermore, ITV is making sure that Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh will not follow the same route by cranking up their salaries up to BPS1.2 million. Also, the network has been looking for a replacement, and two names which have popped up on their list are Robbie Williams and Adele.

source: aceshowbiz

X Factor finalists step out for the first night of their tour... and guess who's stealing the spotlight again

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Standing out: Cher Lloyd leaves her Birmingham hotel ahead of tonight's X Factor tour opening night


She may not have the best voice of the competition and didn't even make it to the grand finale of the series.

But the X Factor contestant who has undoubtedly stolen the spotlight since the season ended before Christmas is 17-year-old Cher Lloyd.

And the teen ensured she will remain in the headlines today by stepping out ahead of tonight's X Factor tour opening night looking perfectly turned out.

The Worcestershire singer dyed her brunette hair flame red and had it styled into a bouffant crop earlier this month during rehearsals for the arena tour.

The new look - a copycat style of trendsetter Rihanna - came after she jetted back into town from Los Angeles.


Red hot: Rebecca Ferguson's trousers matched her fellow finalist's hair but were no match for stealing the spotlight


Cher is the only contestant to have laid down tracks for a new album, under Simon Cowell's label Syco, which is already on pre-sale for an August release with Amazon.

The teen wore a conservative beige blazer over rust red trousers and a silk print scarf and boots.


Casual: Winner Matt Cardle and controversial contestant Katie Waissel dressed down to head to the Birmingham LG Arena


Her transformation is a departure from her usual urban style of trackpants and baggy jumpers.

Even Rebecca Ferguson bright tomato red trousers couldn't steal the spotlight from headline-grabbing Cher.

The 24-year-old mother was typically elegant in a Chanel-style tweed jacket and heels.

Winner Matt Cardle was far more casual as the group left their hotel, in a zip-up jumper and trainers.


Fan favourites: One Direction's Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson looked confident ahead of tonight's show


He appeared to be taking every precaution necessary to ensure he is fighting fit for the tour, which ends in Cardiff on April 10.

He clutched a packet of Berocca tablets and a bottle of water.

The One Direction boys and controversial contestant Katie Waissel were also casual for the ride to the arena.

Mary Bryne, Paije Richardson and Wagner Fiuza-Carrilho will also take to the stage tonight to kick off the tour.


source: dailymail

Cheryl Cole set for Stateside fame and fortune after she lands her dream job on U.S. X Factor

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

The American dream: Cheryl Cole, seen here in Venice today, will be headed Stateside after all after she was named as a judge on the US X Factor today


Speculation has been rife for months now as to whether or not Cheryl Cole will be a judge on the US X Factor.

But today a source told Mail the Girls Aloud star WILL be heading across the Pond for the American version of the talent show.

The source said the 27-year-old singer has been offered the job but has yet to officially ink the deal.

The news comes a day after a report in the News Of The World claimed the hugely popular X Factor judge is in line to sign a deal worth £10million next week.

Although boss Simon Cowell was keen to take Cheryl to the States for the show, producers over there had been concerned that not only was she not famous enough in the US, but some viewers might struggle to understand her Newcastle accent.

But after Fox executives were impressed with her style on the British show, Cheryl has apparently been given the opportunity to make a name for herself in the US.

When asked for a comment, Cheryl's spokesperson said: 'There has been no announcement on American X Factor,' adding any reports to suggest she had been formally invited to be a judge as 'speculation'.

However, in the last week, fears have been raised over the singer's health after she nearly cancelled a gig in Venice.


Geordie girl done good: Cheryl left Venice today as it was confirmed she is set to take the US by storm


Cheryl nearly pulled out of a performance at a private party in the north Italian city for which she was paid £250,000.

Her manager Hilary Shaw was said to be on the verge of tears after her client cancelled flights and other arrangements at the last minute.

She was overheard saying: 'It's been a terrible week. She's cancelling everything. I'm really worried about the repercussions.'

But Cheryl kept the date and arrived at the party just hours before her performance at the bash.

Other friends have suggested that Cheryl is still struggling to come to terms with her divorce from Chelsea star Ashley Cole last September, but this job in the US could be just what she needs to move in.


On the water: Cheryl is helped out of a boat after her performance at a private party in Venice on Saturday


Despite rumours that she has landed the X Factor job, she did not appear or was not mentioned on the first American X Factor ad which was aired on Sunday night during a commercial break in the Super Bowl.

The 30-second promo, which would have cost around $3million to air, revealed that the show is coming to the Fox network in the autumn.

The clip shows X Factor 'X' symbols flying in slow motion, before forming into Simon Cowell, who then turns to face the camera, with epic music playing in the background, and the slogan 'He's back' filling the screen.

Up until now details of the US version have been a closely guarded secret, but the music supremo has now revealed that the winner will walk away with a staggering $5million recording contract.


Guess who it is: Flying X Factor symbols form to create Cowell in the commercial


Winners of the UK series are awarded a £1million contract.
And in a move sure to raise eyebrows, hopefuls as young as 12 will be able to audition.

'I like the idea that a 12-year-old on this show can compete with an older singer and a singing group,' Cowell said in a statement.

'I’ve never believed there should be a cut-off age for talent, and we are going to put our money where our mouths are with the $5million recording contract.

'I’m doing this show in America because I genuinely believe we can find a superstar.'


Comeback: Simon Cowell featured in the first American X Factor ad which was aired last night during a commercial break in the Super Bowl


THE X FACTOR - UnXploding Simon


source: dailymail

'He's Back': First American X Factor ad airs during Super Bowl commercial break

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Making a comeback: The first American X Factor ad aired tonight during a commercial break in the Super Bowl and features Simon Cowell, a judge on the British version of the show and formerly of the American Idol


Commercial doesn't reveal full judging line-up but Cheryl Cole will get job, source confirms


His caustic put downs and straight-talking style have been missed by viewers of this season's American Idol.

But Simon Cowell will be making a comeback to U.S. TV screens this autumn - with the X Factor.

An estimated 100million viewers in the States saw the first ever ad for the talent show air tonight during a commercial break in the Super Bowl.

The 30-second promo would have cost around $3million to air and revealed that the show is coming to the Fox network in the fall of this year.

The clip shows X Factor 'X' symbols flying in slow motion, before forming into Simon Cowell.


Guess who it is: Flying X Factor symbols form to create Cowell in the commercial


He means business: Once formed he then turns around to face the camera, with a serious look on his face


He then turns to face the camera, with epic music playing in the background, and the slogan 'He's back' fills the screen.

Despite reports that Cheryl Cole, one of the judges in the British version of the show, will be joining the line-up, the commercial didn't give a hint of who might be on the U.S. panel.

Miss Cole's people are yet to comment on fresh reports the 27-year-old Girls Aloud star has landed a role.

At first it looked like she had bagged the job after Fox executives were impressed with her style on the British show.

Reports this month then suggested her hopes were dashed after bosses became concerned she was not famous enough in the U.S.


Be prepared: Cowell will be the top judge on the show, which is hugely successful in the UK, but the rest of the judging panel was not revealed


Not long now: The ad, which would have cost around $3million to air during the highly lucrative Super Bowl slot, revealed the show is coming to the Fox network this autumn


However the British Daily Express today reported she had been given the job.
A source told The Sun: 'He wants the show to be the best talent show ever. Details about the judges will be released next week.'

Other stars who have been touted to join the U.S. panel include Nicole Scherzinger and Katy Perry.

Both filled in on the British show this year at various point for Cole, who was struck down with malaria, and Dannii Minogue who was on maternity leaving during the auditions stage.

Meanwhile X Factor host Dermot O' Leary, 37, has said he is unlikely to get a spot on the US version.

He told Chatty Man host Alan Carr: 'i don't think I'll get it. I'm not being pessimistic. It's gone on so long I've made peace with it.'


Tough-talking: The British judging line-up is comprised of Cowell, Cheryl Cole, who has been tipped to get a role on the U.S. show, Dannii Minogue and Simon Cowell


THE X FACTOR - UnXploding Simon



source: dailymail

Cheryl gets the Cole shoulder in U.S. as Simon Cowell is set to miss new series of X Factor

On the rocks: Both Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell are facing X Factor strife


Cheryl Cole’s hopes of conquering America have been struck a huge blow.

The ambitious singer thought she was a certainty for a judge’s chair on the American X Factor, but TV bosses across the Atlantic now doubt that she is ‘famous enough’.

It has been reported that the 27-year-old’s rivals for the chair include superstars Rihanna and Katy Perry.

A source close to Miss Cole, who has been househunting in LA, said: ‘It was thought the American job was a done deal but it seems the U.S. executives have had a last-minute change of heart.

'They are now questioning whether she’s famous enough in America.’
According to the source, Simon Cowell is doing ‘everything in his power’ to persuade U.S. bosses that Miss Cole is the right choice to sit alongside him.

Miss Cole’s setback emerged as Cowell, 51, was locked in his own X Factor battle.
The Daily Mail has learned he will miss the majority of the new series of the British X Factor, forcing frantic ITV chiefs into a fight to keep their biggest star.

The network has even offered to pay for a private jet to whisk him across the Atlantic every week.

Cowell was made the offer after he told ITV he would join the talent show for only the live shows and miss the auditions because he will be launching the American X Factor.

A source said: ‘Simon’s biggest priority is the U.S. X Factor at the moment – he has got a lot to prove and he has to make it a hit.’
Cheryl herself admitted last year she wasn't quite sure if Americans would know who she is.

She said on Radio 1's Live Lounge: 'They don't know me out there and I've got this weird accent. I love the thought of it and would love to do it.


source: dailymail

Matt Cardle 'spends New Year with X Factor dancer Sarah Robinson'

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

New relationship? Matt Cardle is rumoured to be dating X Factor dancer Sarah Robinson


X Factor winner Matt Cardle has apparently found love with stunning dancer Sarah Robinson, who he met on the ITV show.

The 27-year-old singer was said to be instantly attracted to Sarah when he met her at the beginning of the live programmes and, after weeks of flirting, the pair decided to give their relationship a go when he was crowned winner of the talent contest.

And things are going so well for the new couple that Matt even spent New Year with Sarah, 24, in her hometown of Newcastle after enjoying a quiet Christmas with his family in Essex.

A source told The Sun: 'Sarah is really stunning, Matt's a lucky boy. They were getting close during their routines but the flirting was spilling over after the show.

'Matt travelled to Newcastle and they checked into a hotel. They have gone from strength to strength.'

Sarah, who has been a backing dancer for stars including Paul McCartney and Shirley Bassey, caused such a stir on this year's show that she was banned from dancing with One Direction because she made them too nervous because of her stunning looks.

The relationship is the latest pairing for Matt, who has already made a name for himself as something of a ladies' man.


In action: Matt has already found huge success since winning The X Factor last year


As well a rumoured relationship with the X Factor's stylist Grace Woodward and make-up artist Lauren Clements, he was also seen kissing former S Club 8 singer Stacey McLean.

And all Matt's reported flings come after he was quoted as vowing to stay single after winning The X Factor.

Referring to his womanising image, Matt said: 'I could have a worse reputation - it’s not a terrible thing to be accused of, but at the end of the day I’ve not done anything with any of these women I’m meant to be with.

‘I honestly haven’t touched anyone since I’ve been in this competition. It’s a bit weird, you think your private life will stay private for a little bit longer than that.





source: dailymail

She's got the X Factor: Leona Lewis turns up heat in Miami in hot pink dress... and Natasha Bedingfield flashes some flesh too

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Sizzling: Leona Lewis looked stunning in pink as she performed at the Jam On The Sand New Year's Eve party last night


She is undoubtedly the most successful X Factor contestant of all time and judging from her performance last night it’s easy to see why.

Dressed in a show-stopping short fuscia dress, which emphasised her killer curves, she did what she did best and sang her heart out.

Performing at the New Year’s Jam on the Sand party in Miami beach, the 25-year-old beauty belted out her anthem Bleeding Love.


Sultry: Leona opted for feline-inspired eye makeup and wore her hair loose


As wind blew her hair back and the trail of her skirt billowed she leaned forward to reveal an impressive cleavage.

Covered from head to toe in glitter with sequins adorning her dress Leona glistened on stage as she sang.

And it wasn't just Leona who was flashing some flesh on stage as the singer was flanked by two dancers who had their shirts unbuttoned.

One of whom was her new boyfriend German dancer Dennis Janch, who she has been dating for several months.

The gorgeous singer demonstrated her impressive vocal range as she sang the melancholy love song, which reached number one in 30 countries around the world after being released in October 2007.

As the song finished and the crowd cheered Leona shouted: ‘Thank you so much have an amazing year good night!’


Great abs: Natasha Bedingfield also took to the stage in Miami and flashed a toned midriff to the crowd


Also performing at the Jam on the Sand party, Natasha Beddingfield who performed showing off her midriff and her husband, who she brought on stage for a New Year’s kiss.

Dressed in leather trousers, a pale orange blouse and structured jacket Natasha sang her set before dragging husband Matthew Robinson out in front of the crowd for a smooch to see in the New Year.


First kiss of the year: After performing Natasha brought her husband out on stage for a smooch

source: dailymail