Posts Tagged ‘Simon Cowell’

A lot were surprised, I included, to the latest American Idol news that has been going around for a couple of days already. Yes, Ellen DeGeneres is joining American Idol as the hit reality show’s fourth judge replacing Paula Abdul! Joe Jonas and Victoria Beckham filed the empty judge spot while producers were looking for Abdul’s replacement.

DeGeneres was announced as the show’s newest judge on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 after signing a 5-year contract with the producers. She will be joining the rest of the judging panel Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi.

Although singer/songwriter DioGuardi – who joined the panel last year – can’t wait to work with the beloved comic, she insists it can be tough at first. “I’m a huge Ellen DeGeneres fan; I think she’s going to bring so much to the show. She’s somebody who loves music, she’s positive, she loves kids… she is somebody who has watched the show from the beginning, knows everything there is to know about American Idol and I think ultimately it’s going to be a great new energy.

“It (joining the show) was pretty hellish. I got slagged… it was difficult for them to accept the change. It was difficult for them to understand why somebody who nobody had ever heard of could kind of come out of nowhere and sit next to these iconic figures,” Kara DioGuardi said.

Meanwhile, the former American Idol judge Paula Abdul has also given her blessing to the new member of Idol’s judging panel. Abdul posted on her Twitter account: “I think Ellen will b a gr8 (sic) judge on Idol. She is wildly funny, talented and I wish her the best of luck!”

The ninth season of American Idol will premiere in January 2010.

Simon Cowell sought help from the police after Leona Lewis’ new single—a collaboration with Justin Timberlake—was leaked on the Internet. Not good for the business!

Music mogul Simon Cowell was left fuming when he found out that hackers had targeted his record company’s computers and stole Leona Lewis’ new single, “Don’t Let Me Down.” Are they using a Mac or a PC? Are they sure it wasn’t an inside job?

Cowell was considering releasing the song as the Leona’s first track from her second album, but the completed (as in the final mix!) recording has found its way on the World Wide Web.

Those who are planning to download the leaked track, be very careful! Sony BMG spin-off Syco has already released a statement after the incident saying:

“Syco are working alongside the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the British Phonographic Industry, the police and investigators in this and they are making fast progress.

“We will certainly look to bring charges against those who are responsible. We cannot give any more details at this stage for operational reasons.”

It seems like Cowell should enforce a stricter security measures on his record company, as this is not the first time that his talents have become “prey” to music pirates. Just last month, yes, July 2009, Britain’s X Factor winner Alexandra Burke’s unfinished recordings were also leaked on the Internet.

To Simon and his talents, be careful next time!

Victoria Beckham is “beyond excited” to be joining reality TV show American Idol as a guest judge because she’s long been a fan of the series.

The former Spice Girl will appear alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for a one-off episode when the hit show returns to TV screens next year (2010).

Beckham is overjoyed to have been offered the role, because she and her kids with husband David Beckham are regulars at the show’s Los Angeles tapings.

In an interview with radio DJ Ryan Seacrest, who is also host of American Idol, she says, “When I got the phone call, I just couldn’t believe it. I feel like I’ve got the best job that there is.

“I come to the shows with the kids and David loves the show so, it’s just great. I’m going to try hard to pout and try not to shatter that illusion that I’m a moody cow, but I’m just so happy.”

Beckham is looking forward to having words with Cowell too, who has earned himself a reputation as Mr. Nasty, thanks to his sharp tongue: “I like that fact that’s he’s honest. I think he’s very funny. He has a very tongue-in-cheek British sense of humour, which I have too. I’m looking forward to a bit of banter. I hope he does give me a little bit of a hard time. I love that. I feed off of that.”

The singer-turned-fashion designer will appear in place of Paula Abdul after she quit the show.

And Beckham has nothing but kind words for the star: “I hope she does something that’s bigger and better. I’m a big fan of Paula’s, I always have been, of her music. She’s going to be great at whatever she does.”

Katy Perry has also been announced as a guest judge.

PAULA ABDUL is moving on from the controversy surrounding her departure from AMERICAN IDOL – insisting she’s been bombarded with “wonderful offers” since leaving the show.

The 47 year old announced on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, longrunning negotiations had fallen through and she had quit the U.S. talent series after eight seasons.

Abdul has been candid about considering a new role on the small screen on popular TV competition “So You Think You Can Dance” – just weeks after the show’s judge Nigel Lythgoe revealed he would welcome the singer to the programme “without question”.

But the star insists she won’t be jumping into a new job without careful consideration.

She says, “At this point, there are so many wonderful things that are being offered to me. And I got (sic) to take a deep breath, sleep a little… and go through everything.

“And I got (sic) to tell you, I’m never going to change who I am at the core. I’m a hard worker, I love working hard and nothing gives me more joy than to be on a project and working with people who are trying to achieve the same goal. And that’s where I’m at right now.”

UPDATE – After the nationwide vote, Kris Allen from Conway, Arkansas has been declared as the new American Idol during the American Idol results show, Wednesday night (Thursday morning, Philippine time) at the Nokia Theatre, LA.

Allen bested Adam Lambert, a theater actor from San Diego, CA.

Ryan Seacrest also announced that nearly 100 million votes were cast to determine this year’s winner.

“No Boundaries,” a song co-written by American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi is this year’s winner’s song.

Biggest personalities in the industry also performed during the 2-hour results show including Lionel Richie, Keith Urban, Rod Stewart, Fergie, Black Eyed Peas, KISS, Cyndi Lauper, Carlos Santana, Queen, Queen Latifah, Steve Martin and Jason Mraz.

“It feels good, but Adam deserves this,” Allen, 23 said. “I don’t even know what to feel right now. This is crazy.”

“I think that hopefully me and my wife will get some more time together, not being in Arkansas as much as I was,” he told Hollyscoop.com.

“I’m just happy that I have a music career,” said Kris. “Since I was 13 years old, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” he added.

When asked if he was ready for stardom, he said, “I feel like I’m ready. American Idol boot camp got me ready,” he joked.

More info about the American Idol Finale – Results at our live blog post. With reports from Jeric Peña of Brink Notes Entertainment Daily and Ani Esmailian of Hollyscoop.com.

Hi there! Please refresh this page for the latest update on the American Idol Season 8 Finale – Performance Night. American Idol season finale updates can also be seen at Twitter, Plurk, RSS Feeds, and  iTunes (podcasts). Please be reminded the all times indicated are in GMT+08:00 (Philippine Standard Time). Post is photo heavy.

07:45 AM – Show starts in a few minutes. Stay tuned!

08:00 AM – The show is ON! A VTR is being played – Kris vs Adam. Kris and Adam are both wearing white. More than 100 million votes came in! Ryan is now introducing the judges.

08:06 AM – Adam and Kris now onstage. Live video from the finalists’ hometown. The Top 13 performs “So What.” Great to Allison, again! It’s pre-recorded!

08:15 AM - American Idol 2008 Winner David Cook performs “Permament.”

08:18 AM – Ryan interviews David Cook about his new song and brother, Adam. The performance would be up on iTunes in a while and proceeds will go to ABC Squared.

08:19 AM – It’s the Golden Idol Awards! First Award goes to the guys – Outstanding Male. The first award goes to… Nick Mitchell and he actually performed!

08:25 AM – Top 13 Finalist Lil Rounds performs ”Cue the Rain” with Queen Latifah.

08: 33 AM – Anoop Desai is onstage performing “I’m Yours” together with Alexis Grace, Jason Mraz and the rest of the Top 13! They’re showing a video montage of Kris’ Idol journey

08:37 AM – Kris Allen now performing “Kiss A Girl” with Keith Urban.

08:44 AM – Megan, Jasmine, Alexis, Lil and Alexis performing “Glamorous.” Fergie joins the female Idol finalist onstage with “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” Black Eyed Peas now onstage with “Boom Boom Pow.”

08:50 AM – Back to the Golden Idol Awards… Best Attitude Award. The Golden Idol goes to Katrina Darrell. Bikini Girl is performing a duet with judge Kara DioGuardi (who’s in bikini, too)!

09:00 AM - We’re on the second hour of the show! Allison Iraheta is performing “Time after Time” with Cyndi Lauper. I love Allison! Ryan is interviewing Kris Allen’s parents. On the other side of theater is the Lamberts!

09:05 AM – Danny Gokey onstage performing “Hello.” Lionel Richie onstage too! They’re performing “Just Go” and “All Night Long.”

09:14 AM – Ryan reminds about the American Idol Summer Tour. A video montage of Adam’s Idol journey is being shown. And, Adam is performing with KISS.

09:25 AM – Carlos Santana onstage now with the rest of the Top 13 (with Kris and Adam, of course).

09:29 AM – Final Ford Music video for the season – “I Will Remember You”

09:30 AM – David Cook (in behalf of Ford) gave Kris Allen and Adam Lambert new cars.

09:31 AM – Megan Joy and Michael Sarver with Steve Martin performing “Pretty Flowers.”

09:39 AM - Michael, Danny, Kris, Anoop, Scott, Adam, Matt, and George performing “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.” Rod Stewart onstage, too.

09:44 AM – Last Golden Idol… Outstanding Female. The Golden Idol goes to Tatiana del Toro.

09:52 AM – Adam Lambert and Kris Allen performing “We Are the Champions” together with Queen.

10:00 AM – And now the results! Kris Allen is the American Idol!

Last night, we have seen the American Idol Top 3 finalists sing two songs?first is the judge’s choice and second is their personal choice.

Danny Gokey performed first and sang “Dance Little Sister,” the song Paula has chosen for him. Randy said that Danny’s performance was “dope” and had a lot of energy. Kara thought the singing was too gyrating but liked Paula’s song choice. Paul believes that Danny did really good while Simon said that the dancing was a bit desperate but also said that it was very good vocally.

Randy and Kara chose “Apologize” for Kris Allen to sing. He didn’t change the arrangement of the song and I find the performance a bit plain, it was just like his previous performance – nothing special. Randy said that Kris has showed what kind of artist he could be in the business. Paula is very proud of Kris Allen but pointed out that there was a really loud bum note. Kara wishes that Kris Allen made the song his own. But Simon said that Kris shouldn’t be blamed for not reinventing a song he (being Kris) didn’t choose.

And to wrap-up the first round, Adam Lambert sang “One,” the song Simon has chosen. Randy said that Adam has been hot since day one. Kara then said that Adam’s performance was unbelievable. On the other hand, Paula called Adam “the American Idol.” Simon said it was a brilliant performance.

After the performances, Carrie Underwood who was in Africa gave update on Idol Gives Back.

Danny Gokey sang “You Are So Beautiful,” which Randy loved and said that Danny can really, really, really sing. Kara described the performance to be stunning and amazing. Paula said Danny made the song beautiful by changing its structure and that she was left breathless. Simon commented that it was “vocal master class.”

Kris Allen sang “Heartless” by Kanye West while playing the guitar. The judges all agreed that it was a great performance. Randy even said that he liked Kris Allen’s version than the original. Kara described the performance to be bold, brave and fearless. Paula commended Kris for doing something “current.” Simon said that the first song was a lame choice.

Singing “Crying” is Adam Lambert. Randy liked this performance more than the first performance. Kara was shocked at Adam’s ability to hit high notes. Paula said, “if Steven Tyler was the mentor, he wouldn’t have anything to say.” Simon said that Adam would sail through the next round.

Tonight, we will all found out how makes it to the finale.

It’s ROCK week on American Idol and Slash was the Top Four finalists’ mentor.

Adam Lambert was the first to perform with the song “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin. Randy described Adam’s performance as hot while Kara called Adam a rock god. Paula said the performance was “whole lotta perfect.” On the other hand, Simon jokingly said that the performance was a little “understated” and said that it’s his favorite performance from Adam. He also added that nobody could top his performance.

Allison Iraheta sang next with the song “Cry Baby” popularized by Janis Joplin. Randy didn’t like the song choice but said that Allison can sing. Kara agreed with Randy and said that Allison “becomes larger in life on stage.” Paula described Allison as fearless while Simon said that Allison showed complete confidence, but her version was almost same as the original.

After Adam and Allison performed, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey performed a duet of Styx’s “Renegade.”

Kris Allen performed The Beatles’ “Come Together.” Randy loved the guitar playing and appreciated Kris’ song choice. Kara described the performance to be “trying too hard” and said that it wasn’t Kris’ best performance. Paula said that Kris need more energy. Simon said that Kris Allen’s performance is boring and was like eating an ice for lunch.

Danny Gokey was the last to perform with the song “Dream On” popularized by Aerosmith. Randy gave Danny an A+ for effort but said the performance was not perfect. Kara commended Danny for taking chances. Paula thought it wasn’t the right song for Danny. Simon agreed with the rest of the judges but commented that the last note was like a scene from a horror movie.

Before the show ended, Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert performed a duet of “Slow Ride.”

Who will be sent home tomorrow? Tell us what you think!

Adam Cook, brother of American Idol 2008 winner David Cook has succumbed to cancer after battling it for more than a decade, PEOPLE Magazine reports.

David Cook announced the sad news at the 12th annual Race for Hope 5k in Washington, D.C. Cook is scheduled to come to the capital of Philippines, Manila for a concert with American Idol 2008 runner-up David Archuleta.

“I actually lost my brother yesterday to a brain tumor and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else right now,” he told the crowd.

Adam, Cook’s brother, 37 battled the disease during David’s American Idol competition and had a chance to see his brother perform live at the Idol stage while undergoing chemotherapy.

“I’m not going to lie to you. He still has a tough road ahead of him,” Adam’s longtime friend Darrick Scott had told PEOPLE. “But this trip to Los Angeles has put a whole new pep in his step.”

Idol judges expressed their condolences including Simon Cowell.

“I was incredibly saddened to hear the news,” he said in a statement to PEOPLE.

“I met Adam Cook a few times at American Idol. He was an incredible guy, and right now my thoughts are with David and his family.”

Few weeks after the judges saved him from elimination, American Idol finalist Matt Giraud finally said goodbye Wednesday night (Thursday, Philippine time).

Matt who sang “My Funny Valentine” during the performance night got mixed reviews from the judges. Randy Jackson described the performance to be “pitchy.” Kara DioGuardi felt that Matt isn’t emotionally committed to the song. But, Paula Abdul loved the performance. Meanwhile, Simon Cowell said that the performance was absolutely brilliant.

Forty-seven million votes were cast but Giraud got the lowest. What shocked the audience is that Adam Lambert was in the bottom two with Matt, which I think is a wake up call for his fans not to be complacent but to vote every week even how great his performance is.

Natalie Cole performed on the results show with American Idol past winner Taylor Hicks. This week’s mentor, Jamie Foxx also performed his new song “Blame It”

Tell us what you think by commenting below, e-mailing us at
info@brinknotes.net or calling our US feedback number +1 206 350 2546.