Louis Walsh Page 4

One Direction star Liam Payne has hit out at Louis Walsh after 'The X Factor' judge made an indelicate remark about his pregnant girlfriend Cheryl Cole during an interview with a reporter. The singer took to Twitter to vent his views, though the TV star is yet to respond.

Liam Payne lashes out at Louis Walsh

Walsh appeared at a photocall with 'X Factor' finalist group 5 After Midnight and ended up on a rant about why the series doesn't need Cheryl as a judge anymore. Naturally, her boyfriend and father of her unborn child did not take kindly to some of the comments he made to reporters.

Continue reading: Liam Payne Tells Louis Walsh What's What After Cheryl Gibe

Louis Walsh has blasted One Direction, saying Simon Cowell “created monsters”.

The ‘X Factor’ judge also doesn't have high hopes for the member’s solo careers, predicting only Harry Styles will make it.

Louis Walsh doesn't have high hopes for the members of One Direction

Continue reading: Louis Walsh Brands One Direction 'Monsters' And Predicts Only Harry Styles Will Make It As A Solo Act

The most memorable contestant on Sunday night’s ‘X Factor’ auditions was undoubtably Sada Vidoo, a ‘living doll’ who gained four yeses from the judges for her rendition of ‘Love Is A Battlefield’. But while Sada may have been new to British TV viewers, it’s now be claimed that she is actually an established platinum-selling act from Denmark.

We did tell @SadaVidoo to doll herself up for the audition.  #XFactor pic.twitter.com/VKOCL4DhEU

— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) September 4, 2016

Continue reading: 'X Factor' Living Doll Sada Vidoo Is Already A 'Platinum-Selling Artist' In Demark

The ‘x factor’s’ return on Saturday night gave the ITV talent show its lowest ratings for a series opener in 10 years, despite the revamped judging panel. On Saturday night Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh all returned to the show as judges, alongside Simon Cowell, while Dermot O’Leary was back as host.

‘X Factor’ judge Simon Cowell

But the much hyped return of the fan-favourite judges didn't give the show the ratings boost it had hoped for. On Saturday night 6.8 million viewers tuned in, which was 800,000 down from last year's launch episode and the lowest numbers for a series opener since 2005.

Continue reading: Revamped 'X Factor' Scores Lowest Ratings In 10 Years, But ITV Have No Plans To Axe It

‘The X Factor’s return to the nation’s TV screens did not go as ITV bosses had planned, with overnight viewing figures for the singing contest’s first episode down to the show’s lowest ratings in more than ten years.

The return of ‘The X Factor’, with an almost entirely overhauled judging panel and presenting team, on Saturday night (August 27th) was viewed by an average 6.8 million people – representing a drop of 800,000 compared to the launch episode from 2015’s series.

It represented a 34% audience share, up against a feature-length 30th anniversary episode of ‘Casaulty’ on BBC1. This is also down on the 39% audience share from 2015.

Continue reading: 'The X Factor' Viewing Figures Down 800,000 On Last Year

The new series of ‘The X Factor’ seems to have gotten off to an inauspicious start, after judges Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne failed to show up for the 13th series’ launch event this week.

56 year old Simon and 63 year old Sharon were both no-shows at the central London hotel on Thursday night (August 25th), as the other two judges Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh were left to do press commitments.

Cowell is currently busy with the final stages of ‘America’s Got Talent’ and was obviously unavailable, but Osbourne’s excuse was ‘filming commitments’ – whatever that means.

Continue reading: Simon Cowell And Sharon Osbourne Miss 'The X Factor' Launch Event

Prepare yourselves for some bad news, Directioners…

Louis Walsh has claimed in a brand new interview that not only are One Direction not about to reunite any time soon, but also that it could be at least 10 years before they’ll consider doing so.

The 64 year old Irish pop mogul, who was a judge on ‘The X Factor’ when 1D were discovered back in 2010 and who is returning to the ITV singing contest this year, gave an interview to The Telegraph on Thursday (August 25th) and said that it was extremely unlikely that the band would get back together after their hiatus, as they had promised fans.

Continue reading: Louis Walsh Says One Direction Won't Get Back Together For Ten Years

ITV have confirmed that the new series of ‘The X Factor’ will return on Saturday 27 August 2016 at 8pm and Sunday 28 August at 8pm. The new series sees the return of original judges Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, as well as former judge Nicole Scherzinger, alongside Simon Cowell.

Judges Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger

A short teaser for the series has also been released, giving a glimpse of some hopefuls as well as the judges’ reactions, set to Girls Aloud’s ‘Something Kinda Ooh’. The show will be hoping to return to form this series after suffering low ratings last year.

Continue reading: 'The X Factor' Confirms Return Date: What We Know So Far

Ahead of his return to ‘The X Factor’, judge Louis Walsh has criticised the choice of Rita Ora for the talent’s disastrous series last year, saying the 25 year old pop star “didn’t know a thing” about talent and that she turned it into a “fashion show”.

Walsh, 63, is coming back to the ITV singing contest after a year away, and is returning alongside fellow former judges Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger. He spoke to Best magazine on Wednesday (August 3rd) and lambasted the decision to have both Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (who has also quit the programme) and Ora on the same panel, saying that he advised against the move at the time.

Rita Ora departed 'The X Factor' after just one season earlier this year

Continue reading: Louis Walsh Lambasts Rita Ora's Performance On Last Year's 'The X Factor'

Nicole Scherzinger is reportedly set to pocket £125,000 more than fellow returning ‘x factor’ judge Sharon Osbourne. According to The Mirror the former Pussycat Doll will earn just over £1.8million for the new 'X Factor' series while Sharon will get £1.7million.

Nicole Scherzinger is reportedly being paid more than Sharon Osbourne for her ‘X Factor’ return.

Sources told the newspaper that the revelation will come as a shock to Sharon, as she was assured that she would be the highest-paid judge after head Simon Cowell. They added that Sharon had only decided to sign the contract once her demand was agreed.

Continue reading: Nicole Scherzinger Reportedly Earning £125,000 More Than Sharon Osbourne For 'X Factor' Return

With his return to ‘The X Factor’ confirmed after just one season absent from the judging panel, Louis Walsh has made his feelings very clear about the shortcomings of the show’s ill-fated 2015 series, which pulled in record-low ratings for several episodes.

The 63 year old spoke to BBC Radio 2 on Thursday morning (June 9th), and revealed what he thought about last year’s series, which is the only one he’s been absent from since ‘The X Factor’ launched in 2004.

Louis Walsh says he "knew" right from the first show that last year's 'X Factor' "wasn't going to work"

Continue reading: Louis Walsh Says He "Knew" 'The X Factor' Would Suffer In The Ratings Last Year

It was probably the worst kept secret in television, but this year’s ‘x factor’ judging panel has finally been confirmed with Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh all making a comeback. The three former judges will join Simon Cowell when the show returns later this year and he'll no doubt be hoping the familiar faces will bring back viewers after last series’ low ratings.

.@MrsSOsbourne, @NicoleScherzy and Louis Walsh are returning to the #XFactor judging panel https://t.co/DDOgDoIzxA pic.twitter.com/x7y2BXArYl

— ITV News (@itvnews) June 1, 2016

Continue reading: Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger And Louis Walsh Confirm 'X Factor Return'

Nicole Scherzinger has reportedly agreed a million-pound deal with Simon Cowell which will see her return to the ‘X Factor’ judging panel later this year. According to The Sun, Nicole’s return to the ITV talent show is now official and the new line-up will be announced next week.

Nicole Scherzinger has reportedly signed on as an ‘X Factor’ judge.

Nicole will be sitting alongside Simon Cowell and two other retuning judges from the past, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne. A source told The Sun: “Simon thinks Nicole is a great asset to the show and is delighted he was able to sign her up, despite the commitments she previously had elsewhere.”

Continue reading: Nicole Scherzinger Reportedly Signs Million Pound Deal To Return To 'X Factor'

Louis Tomlinson is the latest name rumoured to be taking a seat on the new 'X Factor' judging panel. The ITV talent show needs to replace judges Nick Grimshaw and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who have both ruled themselves out of appearing on the new series. But along with Tomlinson there’s another Louis in the running, ex-judge Louis Walsh.

Is Louis Tomlinson headed to ‘The X Factor’?

The Mirror reports that while Simon Cowell is hoping for Louis Walsh to make a return to the judging panel one top boss wants to bag a member of One Direction. Tomlinson is said to be at the top of the list, with Liam Payne also an option.

Continue reading: Louis Tomlinson And Louis Walsh Reportedly In The Running For 'X Factor' Role

Sharon Osbourne is reportedly in secret talks with Simon Cowell to rejoin 'The X Factor' judging panel. According to The Sun, producers want to bring back Osbourne alongside former judge Louis Walsh, but it could mean the end of either Cheryl Fernandez-Versini or Rita Ora.

Will Sharon Osbourne be making a return to ‘The X Factor'?

A show insider told The Sun: “The bosses think they made the show too young last year and having Nick Grimshaw, Rita and Cheryl on the panel was part of that. Sharon’s an ‘X Factor’ legend but when she went back for a year Simon wasn’t on the panel.”

Continue reading: Is Sharon Osbourne Set To Return To 'The X Factor'?

Former ‘x factor’ judge Louis Walsh has revealed that he was in fact extremely close to signing up for ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ this year, but that a phone call from his former colleague Simon Cowell persuaded him from going through with it.

“I was supposed to be doing it. I met them three times, I was nearly going,” the 63 year old music mogul said at Sony Bravia TV’s YouView feature launch. “Simon told me he didn't think it would be good for my credibility. He actually talked me out of it. Otherwise I was going to do it.”

Louis Walsh was talked out of 'I'm A Celebrity...' by Simon Cowell

Continue reading: Louis Walsh Claims Simon Cowell Persuaded Him NOT To Appear In 'I'm A Celebrity'

Of course Louis Walsh was was going to be on the 'X Factor' this year, what would they do without him? But the Irish music mogul has just confirmed his seat on the show's judging panel, telling Colm Hayes on 2FM radio, “I just signed the deal and I’m very happy with it. At my age you have to keep working!” Walsh then added that he had signed on the dotted line just 15 minutes prior to going live on air.

Louis Walsh will be back to judge the X Factor

Joining Wash for this year’s instalment of the talent show is new dad Simon Cowell and a retuning Cheryl Cole, who was last seen on the panel in 2010.

Continue reading: Louis Walsh Confirms He Will Be Back As A Judge On The ‘X Factor', But Who Will Fill The Fourth Chair?

Gary Barlow has announced that he's nearly ready to drop his first solo effort in 14 years this November. Bar the Queen's Diamond Jubilee album, Sing, that he released with the Military Wives and the Commonwealth Band, November's will be his first, solo, full-length album since 1999's Twelve Months, Eleven Days.

Busy Bee Barlow Has A Surprise For His Fans.

The favourite Take That member of mums nationwide, Barlow made his name in the boyband through their 1990 formation to their 2005 reinvigoration. He has since acted as a judge on the UK singing talent contest The X Factor, alongside Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh where he mentors a contestant category.

Continue reading: New Gary Barlow Solo Album Due November After 14 Years

Louis Walsh has confirmed that he will quit ITV's singing telent contest, The X Factor, after this next series. The upcoming programmes, currently in auditions, will mark the 10th and final session for the 61 year-old entertainment manager.

Speaking to TV Times magazine, as reported by BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat, the Irishman said that he was "happy" to be finally stepping away from the show, having been its longest serving judge. "I'm happy this is going to be my last year. I've been judging X Factor for 10 years so I've done it all."

Louis Walsh Has Announced Plans To Exit The X Factor.

Continue reading: Louis Walsh Will Bow Out Of 'The X Factor' In 2014, After 10 Years

Cheryl Cole has ruled out a return to the X Factor UK, telling television host Graham Norton "It's a definite no." The Girls Aloud star is reportedly suing the U.S. version of the show claiming they broke her contract following her sacking last year, though speculation suggested she would return to the UK panel as head-judge.

With the future of Nicole Scherzinger and Gary Barlow in doubt, many fans of the show assumed Cole would join Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh on the panel for 2013, though the girl band star has put an end to the rumours. Cole released her autobiography two months ago, though claims none of her Girls Aloud band mates have read it. "They don't need to [read it] as they were there. People think there was a three year break but we still socialised on a weekly basis. It's not like we didn't see each other for three years."

Despite Cheryl's denial, the bookmakers still have her at 8/1 to judge on the show next year, though Simon Cowell is the odds-on 8/11 favourite to be the newest addition to the panel. Mel B and Sharon Osbourne are also short odds to return to the judging line-up.

If you'd managed to avoid all news sources, Facebook, Twitter, and the television until now, you'll be overjoyed to learn that the bearded singer/songwriter James Arthur won x factor. Jahmene Douglas came a close second while Christopher Maloney was booted out on Saturday night.

James Arthur has said that he'll be running things creatively when it comes to making his album. He told the Daily Mirror, "I will insist I have total control. I've been given creative control throughout and I've been lucky to have my mentor Nicole Scherzinger as an ally who has helped me out when I have strongly disagreed with stuff." Adding, "I have a feeling I will be able to call the shots. They don't mess with me, I'm a badass, me."

Likewise, the 21 year old runner up, Jahmene, is set to sign a deal with Simon Cowell as well, according to the Metro. Louis Walsh said that Simon had "big plans" for both artists, and later, Gary Barlow praised both James and Jahmene, saying: "The albums are going to be great. I can't wait to listen to both of them."

Continue reading: X Factor Update: Now The Show's Over, What Happens Next?

It looks like x factor host Dermot O'Leary and co-judge Nicole Scherzinger showed up to the wrong set earlier this week, as the pair winded up pulling pints at Coronation Street's world famous Rovers Return pub, as opposed to getting ready for tonights X Factor grand finale.

Whilst everyone else involved in tonight's (Dec 8) live final, O'Leary and his Pussycat Doll sidekick found time to sneak away from final of the ninth X Factor series to visit one of Manchester's most famous pubs. Nicole tweeted a picture of the two on Thursday (Nov 6) behind the bar at the Rovers with the pints they pulled, with the cheeky caption "Oh... Just another day at the office!" - but judging by the standard of their pints, its probably best if they stick to their day jobs.

After the little excursion though it was time to get back to work, with Dermot heading back down to the studio to check out the rehearsals and Nicole getting ready for a few rehearsals of her own. As was the case last year, the final three acts will perform a duet with their mentor as part of their farewell performance, meaning Nicole will be singing twice with her pupils James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas, whilst top dog judge Gary Barlow will be taking to the stage to sing with Christopher Maloney. Next year, we really do hope that one of Louis' lot make it to the final to see how he does.

Continue reading: Dermot O'Leary And Nicole Scherzinger Grab A Pint At Corrie's Rovers Return Before X Factor Final

Simon Cowell has no plans for the future career of X Factor finalist Christopher Maloney, according his former co-judge Louis Walsh. The Irish music manager spoke to The Mirror about a phone-chat he had with Cowell earlier this week.

"Simon is in America working his own show. I spoke to him this week and I know he loves James and Jahmene but I don't remember him talking about Chris, no." Walsh - who has made no secret of his desire to see Maloney voted off the show - added, "Chris, who is Chris? Oh he is still there, the Liverpool guy. He has got a nan there. He is a good singer, but I don't think he is a star. He is like Tony Christie. He is a great singer but he is not Tom Jones." At one stage in proceedings, Maloney was reportedly pulling in double the amount of X Factor votes as his rivals, and it would be no surprise should be beat James and Jahmene on Sunday. "Last week in the semi-final on his first song he was good, especially if you close your eyes. But then I opened them - and he was there! Then when he did the Michael Buble song he was back to Chris the karaoke singer or cruise ship singer," added Louis.

Nevertheless, the bookmakers have Jahmene and James joint-favourites to win the show, offering 5/4. Maloney is lagging behind with odds of 7/2, though has rejected he could be the new Steve Brookstein, "You're joking aren't you? He's got his own talent and does his own thing, but I'm completely different," he told The Sun.

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Ignores Christopher Maloney And Hopes He Goes Away

In potentially worrying news for Nicole Scherzinger, Cheryl Cole has flown to Los Angeles for showdown talks with Simon Cowell about returning to x factor. The show has been blighted by poor viewing figures, poor acts and a pretty appalling judging panel this year and Cowell is ready to bring back the Girls Aloud star.

It's thought that either Cowell himself or Cole must return to the judging panel for the show to regain any sort of credibility. Gary Barlow hasn't made the grade as head judge, while Nicole Scherzinger doesn't appear to be gelling with the British public. Louis Walsh is never going to leave, so there's little point in even speculating. Anyway, it's likely that either Nicole or Gary will leave at the end of the current season, paving the way for Cheryl to get back into the hot seat. The Geordie singer arrived at Simon Cowell's Los Angeles mansion at 8pm on Wednesday (November 28, 2012) and stayed for three-and-a-half hours, according to the Daily Mirror. It is thought the two were discussing Cheryl's return to X Factor, which Cowell sees as a way of reinvigorating the ailing show. The meeting comes 18 months after he sensationally sacked Cheryl from the US version of the singing show after just a couple of weeks of auditions. 

In his recent biography, Cowell he admitted falling for Cole during their time working together. The music mogul, 52, told friends he was "mesmerised" by Cheryl, adding, "I would have liked an affair with her. I felt like a mouse being played with by a beautiful cat."  Bit weird.

Continue reading: Cheryl Cole Answers Simon Cowell's SOS For X-Factor Return

The Sun have been forced to hand over £404,000 in damages to Louis Walsh, after they erroneously ran a story claiming that he had sexually assaulted a man in Dublin. The story, published on June 23, 2011, originated from the Irish Sun but was also printed in the UK version of the newspaper. It was later proven to be false and the alleged victim has been jailed for six moths. Leonard Watters had claimed that The X Factor judge had groped him in a toilet cubicle, after a Westlife concert, in April 2011, The Guardian reports.

A senior counsel for News Group International, who own The Sun, said “The Sun published an article in its editions of 23 June 2011, in which we reported that Louis Walsh was being investigated in relation to a sexual assault on Leonard Watters… The Sun fully accepts that the alleged assault did not occur in the first place and Louis Walsh is entirely innocent of any such assault. The Sun unreservedly apologises to Louis Walsh for any distress caused to him as a result of our article.”

Louis Walsh’s lawyer, Paul Tweed, explained that The Sun had only given them a matter of hours to gather evidence that Louis had not committed the offence and argued that he’d hope the outcome of the Leveson Inquiry into media practices would help put and end to this kind of media behaviour. Louis Walsh also made a statement, outside the court and said “I was absolutely gutted and traumatised that these allegations against me should have been published, particularly as I had made it clear at the time there was not one iota of truth in them, and was totally bewildered who would have made up this type of story.”

The producers of x factor UK have found themselves in hot water once more, by faking a live performance from One Direction. The sixth week of live shows was themed ‘Best of British’ and the boy band were shown performing live on the X Factor stage. However, MTV have reported that the segment was actually filmed around a month ago. Which makes the image of Dermot O’Leary giving a ‘thumbs-up’ to the stage area a little odd, really.

Apparently, in an attempt to fool viewers into thinking that One Direction were live in the studio, the judges even wore the same outfits when the performance was filmed. The performance from Harry Styles & co was billed as “live from London” which… it sort of was… but probably not in the way that the majority of viewers will have expected. Dermot didn’t actually say that the band was live. But he didn’t exactly explain that the segment was pre-recorded, either. Which would have been the honourable thing to do. What he did say was “We have been celebrating the best of British tonight and they don't come any bigger or any more British than our next special guest. They have conquered the world and it all began for them here. We're the proudest parents on the planet as we welcome back with their new single – One Direction.”

The show’s producers weren’t the only ones feeling the heat on the weekend; boy band District 3 found themselves getting the boot yesterday as they were voted out in favour of the show’s other boy band Union J. Both band’s mentor, Louis Walsh, controversially decided not to vote. He really hasn’t got the hang of this ‘voting’ thing any more than the show’s producers have got a handle of the notion of a ‘live performance.’ There’ll be more drama to come before the show’s over.

Simon Cowell has issued an X Factor S.O.S to former judges Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue, whilst persuading Louis Walsh to stay on for further seasons. Cowell has asked both female stars to return to the show, while he would make regular guest appearances.

According to The Sun, if either star refused to return, Cheryl Cole would be in line for another bash at the UK show. A show source said, "The first three series relied solely on genuine British talent and a chemistry between the judges that simply hasn't been there since Sharon left. By series three they had produced an international star with Leona Lewis and the show had real credibility." Though the latter point is debatable, The X Factor certainly appears to have descended into farce in recent years, with Gary Barlow feuding with Tulisa Contostavlos every week and Louis Walsh telling every act, "You remind me of a young Boyzone," as if a robot programmed with only one stock phrase. Last week's Halloween themed show was down 200,000 on the previous week's viewers and Cowell appears ready to take drastic measures. Cheryl's agent has denied she had been approached, while Sharon's spokesman said, "She is always open to good suggestions."

Perhaps most surprisingly, a potential revamp could also see long-standing host Dermot O'Leary replaced by The Voice presenter Holly Willoughby.

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Sends S.O.S To Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, And Dannii Minogue

What the merry hell is going on here? Jedward covering Adele’s Skyfall? Where’s Louis Walsh when you need him? He would never stand for such grotesque displays of serious musicianship! That’s right, folks, Jedward, at the ripe old age of 21, seem to have decided to grow up a little bit and it seems that they want us to start taking them seriously now.

The fringes have been flattened, the Ritalin’s back on prescription and they’re even wearing smart shirts, buttoned all the way up to the top (even if they’re not tucked in… tut!), in an attempt to prove to us that they are ready to be taken seriously as musicians. Not to the extent that they’ll, like, write their own songs or anything, but what they have proven is that at least of them (sorry, we’re not sure which one it is) can play the guitar and the other one can do a really good ‘serious face’ whilst he sings.

Continue reading: Adele's 'Skyfall' Covered By Jedward. Yes, THAT Jedward (Video)

x factor star James Arthur has been accused of ripping off a YouTube star for his latest performance on the reality show. Arthur, 24, performed a stripped back acoustic version of LMFAO’s Sexy and I Know It on Saturday’s show and won praise from all four judges.

The arrangement of the song was certainly refreshing and Arthur was easily one of the better performers on the night, though his rendition has drawn comparisons to a YouTube singer known as Only1Noah. His version of the track – uploaded five months ago – has since received 13.5 million hits and features the exact same arrangement as Arthur’s track. Noah had added the caption, “Okay guys! So I've actually always wanted to cover this and I finally arranged a version of it that I hope you like!” Disgruntled fans of the YouTube star have taken to the video’s comments section to vent their anger, with one user saying, “James Arthur should be axed from the show for his disgraceful talent of stealing other people's work. Shame on him seriously.”

Continue reading: Did X Factor’s James Arthur Rip Off YouTube Star Noah? (Videos)

Take That's Gary Barlow has extended his solo tour by an extra day, after the initial tickets that went on sale today (19th Oct 2012) sold out in less than an hour. Barlow's solo tour is in aid of his continuous philanthropy and will raise money for, among others, The Prince's Trust and The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry, which both support youth concerns.

Tweeting to his followers earlier today the X-Factor judge said "I've heard you're all buying lots of tickets ! I'm adding one extra date now ! Hammersmith Apollo 27th December" and showed appreciation to his fan's loyalty, saying "Thank you so much for showing your support for my live dates ! I promise you a night to remember !" For some reason, he added "We didn't know how strong the demand would be." ...A member of one of the biggest British boy-bands of all time, a judge on one of the most watched television shows on British television, an all round nice guy, and he didn't know how strong the demand would be? It seems we can add modesty and humility to his angelic virtues.

Barlow's shows coincide with the final weeks of the X-Factor, but are all midweek so as not to interrupt the live shows on ITV1. With this, alongside Barlow's reported ongoing feud with Louis Walsh, Gigwise couldn't help but consider the possibility that he'll be leaving the X-Factor at the end of this season. Gary is also set to begin working with the rest of Take That for their seventh album, which is set for release sometime next year.

Are Rylan Clark and Lucy Spraggan taking their time on X Factor seriously?

It certainly didn’t seem that way in the early hours of Monday morning when they were still out partying, according to the Evening Standard. Rylan was at the centre of The X Factor controversy last week when Louis Walsh chose to take the vote to deadlock, when it looked for a moment that he had chosen Carolynne Poole to stay in the contest. Rylan stayed, despite – by his own admission – hardly being the strongest singer in the contest. And he seems to be doing whatever he can to make sure he stays in the headlines until his number’s up on the show (which, if Gary Barlow has anything to do with it, will be very soon indeed).

Neither Rylan nor Lucy seem to be terribly comfortable with the format of the X Factor live shows; Lucy writes her own songs and develops a ‘socially awkward rabbit caught in about a thousand sets of headlights’ when anyone prises her guitar away from her and the camper-than-thou Rylan must surely have exhausted all of his tactics for distracting everyone from the fact that he can’t actually sing. And now, they both seem to be getting all Frankie Coccozza on us. This surely won’t go down well with the X Factor judges.

Continue reading: Rylan Clark And Lucy Spraggan Disciplined For Drunken Debauchery

Gary Barlow has allegedly threatened to quit the UK version of the X Factor following his falling out with fellow judge Louis Walsh over an apparent voting scam.

According to Perez Hilton, the feud stretches back to last Sunday’s show (October 7, 2012) Walsh, who was seemingly gunning for contestant Carolynne Poole to progress to the next round, was instructed by the show’s producer Richard Holloway (who is said to be best friends with Simon Cowell) to vote in a particular way that would ultimately lead to Poole being eliminated from the show. Now Gary, who is head judge on the show, is not a happy bunny at all and after a spat with Louis, the former Take That star is now threatening to leave the show amidst the controversy.
Gary, who immediately stormed off the set after the result was announced, is said to have had a meeting with the show’s execs afterwards to give his ultimatum: no more faking, otherwise he is leaving.

Gary isn’t the only one to clock on to the unusual voting habits either, as an estimated 1,000 people called into the show and an independent media watchdog to complain about how the show was being run.

Continue reading: Has Gary Barlow Threatened To Quit X Factor?

After Saturday's stunning performance of Take That's 'Rule the World', Ella Henderson has shot to the favourite spot by bookies as they cut the odds dramatically which are now 10/11.

The X-Factor stylists seem to have aptly chosen to model Henderson on Lana Del Rey, which suits her look and voice perfectly, but Henderson's performance proved her to have distinctly better voice than the American singer, who shocked and disappointed fans with a poor performance on Saturday Night Live earlier this year. Nicole Scherzinger described her as a 'blessing', Louis said she was the best female singer since Leona Lewis and Gary Barlow said that she sang his song “10 times better than [him]”. High praise indeed.

Ella's version of the song shot to number one in the iTunes download chart, followed by Lucy Spraggan. This positive news surrounding the X-Factor is in distinct contrast to the controversy of Sunday night's elimination, in which Louis Walsh effectively signed the death warrant for Carolynne Pool's time on the show, as he chose to let the decision go to 'deadlock' rather than save the obviously better singer. His choice saved Rylan Clark who the bookies know isn't going to win, with odds at 100/1, and to be honest, even that seems a little generous.

X-Factor judges Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh managed to put their differences behind them on a night out, but the threat of a fan boycott of the show remains, as the public reels after the fixing scandal, The Sun reports.

Barlow stormed off stage after Louis Walsh sent his vote to deadlock on the show but now the pair have met up for the first time since their public bust up to clear the air. A close friend of Gary’s said: “A general meeting had been in the diary for months, but Gary used it to speak to Louis for the first time and to hold his own mini crisis meeting to make sure he got the show back on track.” The source went on to say: “He wants The X Factor to be all about the music. It was a pretty frank discussion and at the beginning he could barely mention Louis’ name. “But they have made some agreements and Gary is confident that nothing like what happened on Sunday will happen again.”

The X Factor was plunged into a fixing scandal when Louis was seen to have a stern conversation with one of the show’s staff, now known to be head producer, Richard Holloway. This sparked concerns that the show was predetermined, with many fans stating their intention to not watch the show any more. Not quite a world changing, socially important protest, but a protest nonetheless.

Is an x factor 2012 boycott on the cards? According to the Daily Record, a huge number of fans, including some celebrity viewers of the show – have decided that after last Sunday’s fiasco (October 7, 2012), they will no longer tune into the show. 'X Factor' has been plagued with allegations of results fixing, since one of the show’s producer’s was seen “crawling along the studio floor to have a word” with X Factor judge Louis Walsh.

Louis initially seemed to opt to save Carolynne Poole, from Leeds who was undoubtedly the more talented singer in the sing-off. However, Louis then back-pedalled and eventually said that he wanted to the vote to go to a deadlock, meaning that camp Rylan got through on public votes. Fans of the show were outraged; the actress Tamsin Outhwaite vowed not to watch the show again, saying “I feel free knowing I will never watch 'X Factor' again after last night’s fiasco. My weekends are mine again.” The comedian James Corden also branded the decision ”bullsh*t.”

The producer who spoke to Walsh during the sing-off was 62 year-old Richard Holloway. He released a statement to defend himself and the show against allegations of fixing, which read “We regularly chat to the judges during the show…On Sunday I was telling Louis the order the judges would vote in. We don’t tell the judges how to vote.” A show source said that Sunday night’s show had been “a shambles.” This could go either way for 'X Factor'. Disgruntled pessimists convinced of foul play may decide to leave the house for a change on a Saturday night. On the other hand, the rest of the country might start tuning in to see what all this fuss is about. And many viewers will simply want to see if Gary Barlow has stopped sulking about it all, yet.

The X Factor has - once again - found itself at the centre of a 'fixing' scandal after a producer on the show was spotted crouching beside judge Louis Walsh, appearing to relay information ahead of the evening's tense judges' vote.

Country singer Carolynne Pool and the flamboyant, if heavily criticised Rylan Clark, had found themselves in the bottom two on Sunday (Oct 7), forcing them to sing for survival. Yorkshire-born Carolynne offered a reasonably pleasant rendition of Faith Hill's 'There You'll Be', though the talking-point of the performance came when cameras panned over the judging desk where a producer was seen whispering to Louis Walsh. Afterwards, the Irish-manager appeared give Carolynne his vote, though when asked to clarify his decision by host Dermot O'Leary he opted to save Rylan and therefore take the vote to deadlock, where the female singer lost out.

Head judge Gary Barlow appeared so disgusted by the result that he walked of the set, while speculation began to flare online that the plan was always to have Rylan advance to next week's show. Speaking on Radio Aire Breakfast with Rich and Naomi this week, Carolynne said she had noticed the conversation whilst singing, ".it was a bit off putting to be honest..." she added.

Continue reading: Who Is The Mystery X-Factor Producer At Centre Of Fix Storm?

The X Factor boy-band GMD3 have been forced into a rebranding campaign after Sharon Osbourne joked that their name sounded like a virus. Though the former judge is spot on, it's also just a terrible name.

Nevertheless, the group's curiously named singer Dan Ferrari-Lane and band-mates Greg and Nicky look set to become 'District 3 after asking fans for their suggestions. Though 'District 3' sounds like a quarantine pen for those who've contracted GMD3, it's probably slightly better, however, it's not a done deal just yet. Mentor Louis Walsh told The Sun, "GMD3's new name? I think it will be District 3. District 3 we are hoping to clear. But it's not 100 per cent." Singer Nicky added: "There were quite a few good suggestions - and loads of joke ones: Greg and His Sausage Rolls. Threesome, Threeway. Louis' Little Boys." Creepy. The group will perform live for the first time tomorrow after impressing in the Boot Camp and Judges' Houses stages. "They're great guys. They've already proved themselves vocally, and I think they are going to be great," added Louis.

GMD3, District 3, or Louis' Little Boys - either way, the group are still the 20/1 outsiders with the bookies to win this year's show. Songstress Ella Henderson is as short as 5/4 with some bookmakers, meaning she's just about nailed on.

Is The X Factor in trouble with Ofcom? A number of complaints have been made to the TV watchdog about X Factor UK, after a 51 year-old contestant’s children were filmed watching from the wings and seemed to be pretty uncomfortable watching their mother’s botched Lady GaGa performance. Alison Brunton seemed confident that she would win the judges over with her rendition of ‘Edge of Glory’ and told researchers beforehand that she was ready to pursue fame now that her children were a little older (they were aged 14 and 16).

However, her audition was disastrous and left the X Factor judges unimpressed. Her dire vocal performance led Mel B to state “That should never have happened” and Louis Walsh to remark “It was a bit like somebody drunk at a wedding.” Backstage, Dermot O’Leary sensed her children’s discomfort and said “you want to be anywhere else but here right now…” Her son said “I’m never going to hear the end of this,” when he was asked if he would be teased at school. Under the broadcasting code, under-18s must not be “caused unnecessary distress or anxiety by their involvement in programmes.” 35 complaints were made to Ofcom regarding the way the children were treated during the filming of the segment, according to BBC News.

A spokeswoman from ITV has defended the use of the footage, by saying “The X Factor does not include child contestants but takes the welfare of any children featured in the show very seriously. It is a well-established format and contestants regularly bring along their family to support them, as Alison did. Footage of family members is only used when appropriate consent has been obtained."

The auditions continued for last night’s episode of X Factor USA (September 19, 2012), without Simon Cowell. The music mogul was reportedly under the weather, according to CBS News but he was kind enough to ensure that he sent a replacement, in the form of Louis Walsh. Walsh already helps to judge the UK version of the show was well-versed in what to expect and what the show’s producers were looking for.

Last night’s show was based in Kansas City and the first contestant shown was 18 year old rapper Rizzloe Jones, who surprised the judges with his vocal skills, despite not quite looking the part. He was even challenged to a freestyle and was asked to rap on the topic of “marshmallows” by Demi Lovato, whilst La Reid insisted on “X Factor.” Such was Rizzloe’s confidence, he took on both subjects with ease. Britney Spears even went so far as to compare him to a “young Vanilla Ice,” though we’re not 100% sure if that was a compliment or not. They were equally wowed by 20 year-old CeCe Frey, whose initial rendition of ‘Unchained Melody’ was unremarkable but when she was given a second chance, her version of Christina Aguilera’s ‘Ain’t No Other Man’ practically had Britney Spears scraping her own jaw off the floor in shock at how good it was.

For the latter part of the show, Cowell had evidently recovered from his illness and returned to the judging panel, where he was won over by Jessica Espinoza’s audition. She sang a version of ‘Nobody Knows’ by Pink, which impressed Cowell so much that the usually dour Cowell told her “I didn’t like it. I loved it.”