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Simon Cowell top earner on US television
Posted in American Idol, Simon Cowell on the November 12, 2009
Simon Cowell is the top earner on US television, according to Forbes magazine - with fellow Brit Hugh Laurie making it into the top 10.
The music tycoon, who became a sensation across the pond through his shows American Idol and America’s Got Talent, is the top-earning man on primetime US television with an estimated haul of £45m in a year.
He beat out The Apprentice host Donald Trump, who came in second with £30m, and American Idol presenter Ryan Seacrest, who came in third with £22m.
But Cowell was not the only Brit in the top ten - Hugh Laurie, who went from comedian to award-winning dramatic lead with medical hit House, was number nine in Forbes.com’s list.
Rounding up the top five are Two and a Half Men star Charlie Sheen, with £12m, and Steve Carell, who stars in the US version of The Office, with £12m.
The top 10 was based on estimated pre-tax earnings from June 2008 to June 2009.
Simon Cowell has said he is “public enemy No 1″
Posted in Simon Cowell on the November 10, 2009
Simon Cowell has said he is “public enemy No 1″ for saving the controversial twins on the show.
The 50-year-old music mogul had the chance to send twins John and Edward, 18, home on the recent results show but instead put it back to the public vote where they were saved and fellow contestant Lucie Jones was sent home.
Three thousand viewers complained to TV channel ITV - and angry comments soon surfaced on the show’s websites.
Simon 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 fans and think she should have been given a chance.”
Adam Lambert a true credit to the system
Posted in Adam Lambert, American Idol, Simon Cowell on the November 10, 2009
It seems that Adam Lambert has really gone far-off with his career ever since he competed in American Idol… he didn’t even win first place, either. It seems that Adam Lambert has recently released a video for his song, “Time for Miracles”, which will actually be featured on the upcoming movie’s “2012” soundtrack. Really smooth for Adam Lambert… new album, soundtrack songs, the guy has really done great. Simon Cowell must be very, very proud… while twisting his moustache and pondering world-domination scenarios. Adam Lambert really is a true product of American Idol and an inspiration to future generations of music-industry front-line workers. The system salutes him!
Simon Cowell vows to battle for more help for children’s hospices
Posted in Simon Cowell on the October 30, 2009
Simon Cowell has vowed to battle for more help for children’s hospices.
The 50-year-old has said he would even do a “Jamie Oliver” and take the plight to the Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street.
Cowell was speaking at the CHASE hospice for children in Arlington, Surrey, and dismissed his ‘Mr Nasty’ image and said he had been secretly visiting the hospice for nearly five years.
He said: “I’ve never considered myself to be nasty. I would absolutely do a Jamie at Downing Street. I’ll knock on their door or they can come round to mine for supper. I’ll do whatever it takes to help raise awareness.”
Simon Cowell has said he was “stunned” that someone assaulted Leona Lewis at a recent book signing
Posted in Music on the October 19, 2009
Simon Cowell has said he was “stunned” that someone assaulted Leona Lewis at a recent book signing.
The 50-year-old X Factor judge said that he was shocked when Leona, 24, was punched by a man at a signing for her new book.
He said to British newspaper the Daily Star: “I was stunned anyone would want to attack her. We need to make sure she is protected.”
Simon also gave his views on the sudden death of Boyzone star Stephen Gately, who was recently found dead in his Majorca apartment.
He said: “I was shocked about Stephen. He was a charming, polite young man not affected by fame. It’s made me realise not to take life too seriously.
“You never know what’s round the corner.”
SOURCE: Splash News
Simon Cowell is planning to spend 500,000 on a party for his 50th birthday bash
Posted in Simon Cowell on the September 8, 2009
Simon Cowell is planning to spend $500,000 on a party for his 50th birthday bash.
Simon has reportedly invited 400 celebrity friends to help him celebrate turning 50.
The music mogul is planning to have the lavish bash at Hertfordshire’s Wrotham Park on October 7.
Some of the guests that are expected to attend the luxurious event include Singer Sir Elton John, and supermodel Kate Moss.
Acts set to perform include Leona Lewis and Westlife.
A source said: “There will be champagne on tap, plus a three-course banquet.”
Source: Splash News
Simon Cowell’s brother to report on X Factor for radio station
Posted in Radio Show, Simon Cowell, X Factor on the August 13, 2009
Simon Cowell’s brother Tony will be covering the X Factor for a British radio station.
Simon, 49, is a judge on the talent show along with Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue. His brother Tony has now signed up to be the official X Factor correspondent for Real Radio.
John Simons, the Group Programme Director for GMG radio which operates Real Radio, said: “Tony is a great personality and we are over the moon to have Simon Cowell’s brother reporting on the X Factor for Real Radio.”
Tony added: “As a celebrity news journalist I have covered American Idol for US radio for the past two years - and it was great fun. I’ve always wanted to cover the X Factor and I’m excited about working with Real Radio on this.”
Source: Splash News
Paula Abdul’s Reason for Leaving American Idol
Posted in American Idol, Paula Abdul on the August 12, 2009
According to Life & Style, Paula Abdul turned down $8 million to return to the judges’ table on American Idol. An inside source said “Paula had demanded a raise from $8 million to $12 million to stay on as a judge on Idol. And her management took a tough line with the show’s bosses and refused to negotiate. Paula’s managers issued a statement in July saying Paula hadn’t been offered a deal at all, which only inflamed the situation. After that, the relations between both sides deteriorated to the point where Paula’s management was slamming the phone down on Idol staff.” Paula was said to be shocked that she didn’t get her way and hurt because her friends Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest were given huge contracts.
Simon Cowell’s fury as hackers leak demo tracks
Posted in Leona Lewis, Simon Cowell on the July 14, 2009
Simon Cowell is said to be furious after internet hackers leaked some unheard demo tracks of singers Alexandra Burke and Leona Lewis.
Bosses at Cowell’s Syco record label are looking for the hackers who managed to get hold of the tracks and flog them to illicit websites.
Two tracks by X Factor winner Alexandra were said to be off of her upcoming album - however, Syco insiders say they are not.
A source said: “The leaked songs are very rough early demos, which were recorded months ago. We don’t even know yet if they will make the final cut.
“Label bosses are furious and everyone is in a panic. Sony have spent thousands of pounds over the past few weeks investigating the sources of the leaks.
“We are now pretty close to nailing the people responsible but it’s been a nightmare.”
Source: Splash News
Cheryl Cole is reportedly set to take Simon Cowell’s place on the X Factor when he quits, it has been claimed
Posted in Simon Cowell, X Factor on the June 26, 2009
Cheryl Cole is reportedly set to take Simon Cowell’s place on the X Factor when he quits, it has been claimed.
Cheryl, 25, is currently filming her second series of the show after joining the line-up last year. Her act, Alexandra Burke, went on to win the show and Cheryl became the favourite judge with the public.
It is claimed Simon, 49, has made it clear that Cheryl will be the main face of the show when he steps down to set up a global TV empire with Topshop boss Sir Philip Green.
Cheryl and Simon are judges on the hit British talent show along with Aussie singer Dannii Minogue, 37, and Irish music mogul Louis Walsh, 56.
A pal of Cowell’s said: “He has found X Factor increasingly draining and it leaves him little time for serious business. Now he’s decided this will be his last series and he’s moving on.
“In future, he will have a more overseeing role.”
Father of American Idol runner-up David Archuleta reportedly arrested for hiring a prostitute.
Posted in American Idol, David Archuleta, Music, Simon Cowell on the June 18, 2009
The father of American Idol runner-up David Archuleta has reportedly been arrested for hiring a prostitute.
Jeff Archuleta, who hit the headlines during Simon Cowell’s hit TV talent show for being a “pushy stage dad”, has been charged with soliciting a massage parlour prostitute.
The 41-year-old was arrested during a raid at a Utah brothel on January 14.
During the raid, police are said to have found one client “receiving services”.
“Two of our detectives went back to that room to stop the activity,” Midvale Police Sgt. John Salazar told the magazine.
“Inside, they found a female masseuse and male client. At that time, an interview ensued and the male client admitted to receiving sexual gratification from the masseuse.”
Jeff Archuleta was that male client, according to court documents.
However, his lawyer Eric Bauer insisted his client was getting massage therapy for his back.
Jeff Archuleta has since pleaded no contest to the charge and paid a £400 fine.
His baby-faced son David, 18, was a favourite to win the title during American Idol’s seventh season. He lost out to rocker David Cook and released his first album in late 2008.
Source: Splash News
Simon Cowell reveals X Factor changes
Posted in Simon Cowell, TV Show, X Factor on the June 16, 2009
Simon Cowell has revealed there will be a new format to The X Factor this year.
The 49-year-old is a judge on the British talent show and revealed contestants at the audition stage will now have an audience to appear in front of as well as the judging panel.
He said: “I decided that we were going to change the way we do the auditions. We made a decision that we are now going to do the auditions in front of a live audience.”
Cowell also said there isn’t tension and conflict between the show’s female judges Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole.
He said: “Girls are girls. They always want to be the centre of attention. I don’t think anyone has ended up best friends but they don’t hate each other. I think they like each other now.”
Source: Splash News
Simon Cowell was a mean child
Posted in Britain’s Got Talent, Music, Simon Cowell on the May 20, 2009
The music mogul’s mother recently told the story about how Simon Cowell used to be a very nasty kid. Julie Cowell said the following about her son: “He was a difficult child, he knew what he wanted and sent you crazy getting it. He was one of those children who made up their mind from an early age and was very competitive as a child.” Still, this doesn’t explain why Simon Cowell is such a harsh critic nowadays. Or maybe he’s just being that way because deep down inside he’s still a frustrated little kid that can’t get what he wants. Either way, it’s only those poor saps on American Idol and Britain’s Got Talent that have to suffer for it.
The close shave on American Idol
Posted in Music on the May 14, 2009
Sure we all know that Adam Lambert and Kris Allen will be battling it out next week for the number one place on American Idol. We also know that Danny Gookey will be going home this time, but what we don’t know is the following fact: there were 88 million votes last evening and there was only a one million vote difference between Kris Allen and Adam Lambert… quite the close shave. And this close shave can hold nothing less in store than a situation of epic unpredictability next week… especially considering those that voted for Danny Gookey and where their allegiances lie. This is probably going to be very exciting to watch from the judges’ seats… I bet Simon Cowell is tingly all over.
American Idols Do Judges’ Choice
Posted in Music on the May 13, 2009
There are 4 judges on American Idol and only 3 contestants left. That makes one of the oddest situations in Idol history as 1 judge was likely to not have been chosen to pick a song. It turned out that Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi “collaborated” on choosing Kris Allen’s song ‘Apologize’. Paula Abdul got to make the first judge’s choice of the night as she had Danny Gokey sing ‘Dance Little Sister’. It was a song that he admittedly did not know but he did a fair job on it. Simon Cowell picked for Adam Lambert, giving him, if I’m right, the first ever U2 song on Idol – ‘One’.
Revealed: TV’s Mr Nasty polished axing skills early in career
Posted in American Idol, Music, Simon Cowell on the May 11, 2009
American Idol judge Simon Cowell is notorious for killing the dreams of wannabe singers on the hit reality show.
But now his brother has revealed that one of the first jobs TV’s Mr Nasty ever had was polishing Jack Nicholson’s axe used in the creepy film The Shining.
Tony Cowell has told how the family used to live close to Britain’s Elstree Studios, where Simon took a menial job as a runner.
And one of his main jobs was polishing the axe used by Nicholson in the 1980 chiller thriller based on the Stephen King novel.
In one of its most famous scenes, Nicholson chops through a bathroom door with the axe while trying to murder his wife and son, yelling: “Here’s Johnny.”
Tony said his brother took great pride in polishing the axe: "You could see your face in it, it was so shiny!”
Simon Cowell pays tribute to late brother of American Idol winner David Cook
Posted in Music, Simon Cowell on the May 4, 2009
American Idol judge Simon Cowell has told of his sadness at the death of show winner David Cook’s brother.
The acid-tongued Brit paid tribute to Adam Cook as “an incredible guy” after the 36-year-old lost his brave battle against brain cancer. Adam helped cheer Cook to victory in the last season of Idol.
Cowell said in a statement: “I was incredibly saddened to hear the news. 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.”
Cook announced Adam had died on Sunday morning at the Race for Hope event, which raises money to find a cure for brain tumours and to support patients.
In an emotional speech before he took part in the race in Washington, DC, on Sunday, Cook said: "I actually lost my brother yesterday to a brain tumour.
"I can’t imagine being anywhere else right now."
Cook added: "I am consistently amazed at what survivors like the people in this audience go through. It’s amazing to see the resolve that survivors have.
"I lost one today, I lost one, but I have gained 9,000."
Simon Cowell confirms his plans to quit American Idol
Posted in Music, Simon Cowell on the May 2, 2009
Simon Cowell has confirmed that he is considering quitting American Idol - and insists he is not saying it to get more money.
Cowell confirmed in a U.S. interview earlier comments he made that the time feels right to leave the talent show he made a massive hit.
But the star - understood to get paid an astonishing $36 million a year by Fox in the U.S. - insists he is trying to avoid boredom, not get more money.
"When I signed the latest extension on ‘Idol’ through next season, it felt like that was going to be the right amount of time," Cowell said. "It still feels right.
"It’s not negotiating. I have as good a relationship with the people from Fox as you can have. They’ve become friends. I don’t bull them. I don’t want to get bored, and I don’t want the audience to get bored."
But in his last contract with American Idol he agreed not to bring X Factor over as competition. But if he leaves Idol, he is free to sell his series here - and potentially to make even more money.
Cowell insists that his departure would not destroy Idol: "I think the show could go on for another five or 10 years. It would just be a different type show," he said.
But Brad Adgate, the senior vice president for research of Horizon Media, a media buying firm, insisted: "I think it would be catastrophic for the show."
Source: Splash News
American Idol Top 4 Revealed
Posted in Music on the April 30, 2009
The American Idol Final Four has been revealed after another elimination night on the show last night. During the performance night, Idol judge Simon Cowell raved about Matt Giraud’s performance which made Kris Allen or Allison Iraheta as the ones to potentially get the ax. If you base it on the voting pattern, if Matt was deemed safe, it would have been Allison to go home. Surprisingly enough, the bottom three turned out to be Kris, Matt and Adam Lambert! I’m sure everyone’s jaw dropped at hearing Adam’s name called out. Who got eliminated wasn’t much of a surprise though as Matt got the boot. He is the first contestant to get eliminated three times – first on the semis, second on the historical one-time judges’ save and finally, last night.
Paula Abdul Cannot Be Replaced
Posted in Music on the April 27, 2009
Much like Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul’s contract on American Idol is up but she says that she can’t be replaced on the show and that’s because Kara DioGuardi herself has said that Paula can’t be replaced. Paula thinks that’s rightfully so saying “I started [DioGuardi's] success. And I’m proud of it, happy of it. I actually think that Simon got mad that we are friends and that I actually knew her and that her humble beginning sleeping in my guest bedroom and I just believed in her.” I’m sure Kara is so thrilled that Paula thinks she owes everything she’s accomplished to Paula.