The gloves are off! Simon Cowell mocks American Idol in cheeky X Factor USA ad

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Pretty in pink: Cowell's sweater and sincere gaze echo the demeanour of Idol judge Jennifer Lopez in the spoof


Applauding and praising tuneless auditions, cosying up to fellow judges, driving an environmentally-friendly car and wearing a pink jumper - it all adds up to Simon Cowell's worst nightmare.

But there is a seam of reality in the first X Factor USA promo, because the crew are cheekily sending up Cowell's former U.S. show, American Idol.

The action opens in an audition room that looks suspiciously like the hotel room used in the hit show, and the panel of judges are dressed in pastel hues, a favourite palette of Jennifer Lopez.


Emotive: Nicole Scherzinger mirrors Lopez' encouraging hand gestures


An immediate focus on positivity is evident - which was the all pervading force of the last Idol series, even between the judges, thanks to the sardonic British producer's departure.

Simon, clad in cotton candy cashmere, leads the way by lavishing praise upon awful acts and holding hands with Paula Abdul, while all the judges make emotional gesticulations, like the Idol Panel.

But perhaps the most obvious dig is Paula Abdul's opening remark that the young girl who murders Tomorrow from the film Annie has 'spirit.'


Parody: The X Factor crew send up their Idol counterparts


Detail: Even the drinks on the judges' table in Idol was echoed in the skit


This is most definitely Simon Cowell setting out his stall, the promo implicitly promises that the X Factor USA will have the edge over all over other talent shows.

And as the X Factor is on Fox, the same network as Idol, it's a typically audacious piece of bombast from the celebrated producer.


Rude awakening: With his face in his hands, Simon Cowell wakes up in his luxurious bedroom after a nightmare about the X Factor USA


Thank God for that! A look of relief on his face, Simon snaps back into reality


The promo opens with Simon sitting with his fellow X Factor judges Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and L.A Reid, wearing a pink cable knit jumper.

A small girl then presents herself to them and starts to sing Tomorrow from Annie very badly.

But rather than cut her off after a couple of notes, Simon patiently waits for her to finish, claps and says, 'That's what I've been waiting for.'

Abdul, to Simon's left, praises the plucky child's spirit, and as the camera pans to the dream-breaker, there's a sharp intake of breath.


No more Mr Nasty Guy? Simon Cowell wears pink and applauds contestant in the new preview for X Factor USA


Times a changing: The new cuddly Simon gets a kiss from Paula Abdul in the new promo


New Look: The panel. including Simon, Nicole and L.A Reid appear to have gone soft



Lucky girl: The awful rendition of Annie would usually have earned her a rejection


A New Decade: 'It's not about me, it's about them,' Simon insists


Eat my dust: The back of Simon's Bugatti, with personalised number plate is seen whizzing past


Jet Set: The team mean business as they are seen strutting away from their private jet


Welsh boy done good: Host Steve Jones (far right) joins the team as they head into the studio


Primed and ready: The four judges will be ready to find a new pop star when the show air on September 21


'We wanted to make something which showed what the show ‘could’ have been, my nightmare basically, then transitioning into what we really are and I thought it would be fun to make that.

'I literally really imagined my worst nightmare, and I put myself into that place and it was that.. Me, loving this song, Paula and I holding hands and I’m now turning into Paula everything is just... awful!. I just suspended my disbelief!'

The X Factor has it's two-Night Series premiere Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 8/7c and Thursday, Sept. 22 at 8/7c on FOX.




source: dailymail

Nicole Scherzinger reveals her X-tra small waist in midriff-baring top as auditions roll on

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Abs of steel: Nicole Scherzinger flaunted her super taunt abs and tiny waist in a knitted midriff top as she left her South Beach Hotel to attend the Miami auditions of the X Factor yesterday


Paula Abdul showed off her slim pins in a pair of skin-tight jeans at the Miami X Factor auditions the day before.

So not to be outdone by her fellow judge, Nicole Scherzinger, 32, went one step further yesterday by flaunting her super toned abs in a knitted midriff top.

The pint-sized former Pussycat Doll's waist looked tiny in her pale blue Ksubi skinny leg jeans, paired with the revealing bat-winged attire as she made her way to the South Beach auditions.


Slimline: The pint-sized former Pussycat Doll's waist looked tiny in her pale blue Ksubi skinny leg jeans that she paired with the revealing bat-winged attire


Accessorising with a simple pair of Havianas flip-flops and a cream designer handbag, Nicole wore her hair down and applied minimal make-up to her complexion.

The singer appears to have lost some weight in the lead up to her newly appointed role of judge on the reality talent show.
Her stomach was flatter than ever and her waist appeared even more slim-line.


Nice fit: Nicole's derriere looked pert in the designer jeans


Nicole has made sure to wow the X Factor crowds with her array of fashionable and flattering outfits, since auditions began for the hit show earlier this month.

Yesterday she opted for a bang-on trend drape dress in one of the season's hottest colours - cornflower blue.

The singer also ensured that she optimised her sensational legs by elongating them with nude shoes.


Trumped: Nicole even outdid Paula Abdul, who looked in incredible shape as she slipped into a pair of skin-tight jeans the day before


Judging by the grin permanently plastered on her face, Nicole continues to look mighty please with herself.

The brunette who replaced Cheryl Cole as judge on the hit show has been unable to wipe the smile off her face since picking up the reigns from the fired British pop star.

Cheryl has gone to ground since she was unceremoniously dumped from her judging job on the American show.

But she did send flowers to Nicole and Paula last week.


Style star: Yesterday Nicole opted for a bang-on trend drape dress in one of the season's hottest colours - cornflower blue


Cheryl however may be alarmed by reports this week, from Scherzinger's former manager, claiming that Cheryl was only ever used as hype.

Jeff Haddad, who managed the former Pussycat Doll for 13 years, has alleged that Nicole was always going to be on the panel.

He claims that he had long discussions with Simon Cowell and Scherzinger was always a frontrunner for the judging panel job.


Out of the spotlight: Cheryl has gone to ground since she was dumped from her judging job on the American show


‘In my opinion, Simon always wanted Nicole as a judge. There was never a question that she wouldn’t get it’, Jeff told Heat Magazine.

He added: ‘Nicole was always going to be on that judging panel and Cheryl was just being used as a cog in the wheel to cause hype and publicise the show.’

The magazine reported that Mr Haddad doesn’t recall Cheryl’s name being mentioned during talks about the role.



Flowing: Scherzinger donned a pretty maxi-dress during a break from auditions earlier today


source: dailymail

X Factor judge Paula Abdul shows off her super skinny legs in skin-tight jeans

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Slim pins: Paula Abdul's legs looked shockingly skinny in her jeans when she left the Setai Hotel today on her way to the American X Factor auditions in Miami


Paula Abudul kept her incredible legs under wraps today as she arrived at the Miami X Factor auditions.

But the former singer still managed to show off their incredible shape as she slipped into a pair of skin-tight jeans.

The smiling 48-year-old looked fantastic in her casual attire, teaming her dark blue denims with a grey vest and brown cardigan.

Paula sexed up the look with a pair of vertiginous gold heels, which gave the pint-sized star a little more height.

It's not often Paula is seen dressing down for her X Factor appearances.

She is usually glammed-up to the nines in a designer dress or pencil skirt.


Pint sized proportions: Paula flaunted a tiny frame as she waved to fans in Miami


Svelte factor: TV judge Paula turned heads with her skinny limbs as she left the her hotel in South Beach earlier today


Her understated wardrobe choice still managed to turn heads, though, proving once again that the former 80s pop star's style can grab as many headlines as her younger counterpart, Nicole Scherzinger.

Paula and her fellow X Factor judges are currently staying at the lavish Setai Hotel in Miami's South Beach.

Moments later, Simon Cowell left the hotel and made his way across town to join her.

The 51-year-old British media mogul looked like he may have slept through his alarm.

Rushing out of the hotel lobby, he looked to have barely had time to button-up his shirt and was clutching an assortment of alternative shirts for his TV appearance later that day.



Hurried: Judge Simon Cowell clutched an assortment of shirts as he left the Setai Hotel and made a dash for today's X Factor auditions in Miami

source: dailymail

Now THIS is how you wear those colours, Cheryl: Leggy Nicole Scherzinger rubs in the hurt over Cole's disastrous orange and purple X Factor outfit

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Looking good: Nicole's outfit, seemed to be subconsciously teaching Cheryl Cole a lesson in how to wear orange and purple


After lasting a mere four auditions, the most enduring image of Cheryl Cole's American X Factor career is perhaps the controversial orange and purple outfit she wore on her first day.

And after the Geordie star was slated for her bold colour blocking, it appears her replacement Nicole Scherzinger has taken it upon herself to teach Cole a lesson on how to wear it well.

It might have been a coincidence that the former Pussycat Doll had a stab at wearing the clashing colours as she arrived to auditions in Miami, but nonetheless it sent a strong message to her predecessor.

Despite wearing the same colours as the 27-year-old Girls Aloud star, Nicole sexed up the look in her tiny purple mini skirt and seductive orange top.


Spotted: Nicole Scherzinger leaves her hotel in Miami as she head to the X Factor auditions in Miami today, wearing the same purple and orange colours as sacked judge Cheryl Cole, pictured last month in Los Angeles


She elongated her legs in tan suede heels and curled her hair just enough for a beachy look - without looking overly blow dried as Cole had previously.

Nicole's outfit choice was a final blow to Cheryl, after speculation that the Brit's dream of surviving Stateside was shattered after some terrible wardrobe choices.

The 32-year-old upped the sex factor, wearing the tiny ensemble - in place of Cole's clownish Diane Von Furstenburg flares.

Nicole's outfit, which was in reverse colour to the one Kim Kardashian wore last week in London, was peach coloured on top and fastened together with a gold belt.

And the fans couldn't get enough of Nicole's enthusiastic personality as she amped up the atmosphere in Florida.


She's got the X Factor: At least the fans know who Nicole, formerly of the Pussycat Dolls, is



New best friends: Nicole has been cosying up to Paula Abdul, who previously posed with Cheryl


Cheryl has gone to ground since she was unceremoniously fired from her judging job on the American show.

But she did send flowers to Nicole and fellow judge Paula Abdul last week.

However she may be alarmed by reports today, from Scherzinger's former manager, claiming that Cheryl was only ever used as hype.

Jeff Haddad, who managed the former Pussycat Doll for 13 years, has alleged that Nicole was always going to be on the panel.


Here come the boys: Simon Cowell looked hot and bothered as he arrived in Miami, while L.A. Reid looked smart in his suit


Fan frenzy: Paula Abdul was greeted by her fans by the gates, who were all trying to get a picture of the star


He claims that he had long discussions with Simon Cowell and Scherzinger was always a frontrunner for the judging panel job.

‘In my opinion, Simon always wanted Nicole as a judge. There was never a question that she wouldn’t get it’, Jeff told Heat Magazine.

He added: ‘Nicole was always going to be on that judging panel and Cheryl was just being used as a cog in the wheel to cause hype and publicise the show.’

The magazine reported that Mr Haddad doesn’t recall Cheryl’s name being mentioned during talks about the role.


The boys: They may not have the fashion impact, but Steve Jones and Simon Cowell did win the female vote


After managing the star for over a decade, Haddad was apparently given the axe by Nicole shortly before her U.S. X Factor contract was signed, the magazine reported.

But in his opinion he said that Cheryl’s accent wouldn’t have been the issue and was rather an excuse for publicity.

Regarding being allegedly fired by Nicole, he said: ‘If you serve as someone’s manager and develop their career for over a decade and that person didn’t pay you after landing the biggest TV show of their career, what does that tell you?’


Nicole fans: Girls gather to welcome the judges in Miami


An X Factor spokesperson dismissed the ex-managers claims of a publicity stunt as 'complete and utter rubbish'.

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell has revealed that he will broadcast the footage of Cheryl Cole during her short stint on the US X Factor.

Her appearances at the two audition venues she attended are said to be shown when the series is aired in September.

Cowell told Sky News: ‘We will show it. I mean it’s reality TV. There’s no point lying about it. It is what it is.’



Clashing colours: Kim Kardashian in London last week in an orange Gucci dress (left), Rose Byrne in Gucci in May's Harper's Bazaar (centre), and Jessica Alba in DVF at the CFDA Awards on Monday (right)


He added: ‘It wasn’t really such a big deal as everybody thought. We have a lot of other shows. Something happened so we said, ‘Do you want to return to the UK show? ‘ and she said no.

‘The we offered her the show back and I don’t think she wanted to come back… Truth is you’ve got to move on. It’s about the contestants. They’ve got no interest in us bickering.’

source: dailymail

'A breath of fresh air': Leggy Nicole is a hit at U.S. X Factor auditions as Cheryl becomes 'the invisible woman'

By SARA NATHAN

At your service: Nicole Scherzinger poses with excitable fans as she arrives at the second day of auditions in New Jersey for the U.S. X Factor today


She is still in hiding after her dreams of cracking America on the X Factor USA were shattered.

And yesterday, Cheryl Cole actually became the invisible woman as Simon Cowell introduced her replacement on the TV talent show – singer Nicole Scherzinger.

To ear-splitting applause from the crowd, the X Factor judges walked out to greet the audience at the auditions in New Jersey.


'Invisible woman': Nicole showed off her longs legs in a metallic grey dress with a studded belt, seen right the woman she replaced, Cheryl Cole on her first day of auditions in Los Angeles last month


Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger beamed as they made their introductions.

And it was a case of ‘Cheryl, who’s Cheryl?’ as Miss Scherzinger, 32, was introduced to the crowd by Cowell as ‘our own answer to Cruella de Vil.’

It was as if Mrs Cole had never even been on set as the slender brunette then triumphantly punched the air, making it clear that she deserved the job, screaming: ‘What’s up New Jersey? How are you? Y’all feeling good today?’


It's Saula: Simon Cowell has given Nicole high praise, saying she is like a breath of fresh air, but it was Paula Abdul who he was lauding with attention as the pair shared a smooch as they arrived today


Pretty in pink: Paula stood out in a bright short dress, teamed with Christian Louboutin heels


Clad in a figure-hugging green jumpsuit and gold stilettos, the singer added: ‘I don’t know if you all know this, but today is my first day on the job for the X Factor – I’m here for you. I’m at your service, New Jersey.’

‘So please, please, lets have some fun and let’s show X Factor some love!’

The former Pussycat Doll singer was promoted from show co-host to a judge after Mrs Cole, 27, was removed from the panel after filming four auditions.


Unbreakable bond: Simon and Paula were very touchy-feely as they greeted the waiting media and fans outside the arena


Say cheese: Former Pussycat Doll Nicole poses with fellow judge L.A. Reid, who looked dapper in a suit with brown suede shoes


And speaking after the first round of auditions at the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey, music mogul Cowell told the Daily Mail: ‘Didn’t’ Nicole do well? She was terrific.

‘She’s a great addition to the panel, she’ll be great. She’s just what we needed – she’s a breath of fresh air.’

The entire judging panel looked terribly cosy as Miss Abdul, 48 cuddled, up to Cowell , 51,and Miss Scherzinger bantered with record executive Reid.



Lively: Nicole was loving all the attention she was getting as she posed for photos and spoke to the Press


And when asked if they knew who Mrs Cole was, audience members professed ignorance and one said: ‘We don’t know her in America.’

An onlooker said: ‘It was as if Cheryl had never been there at all, everyone looked happy and relaxed. It was like she had been rubbed out of the show.’

Mrs Cole is yet to make a public appearance after flying home to England from the auditions in Chicago two weeks ago.

The star was removed from the U.S. judging panel after being told by TV executives that she had lost her ‘sparkle.’


Meet my new BFF: Nicole posted a picture with fellow U.S. X Factor judge Paula on her Twitter page


The move then sparked a 10-day standoff beween her and Cowell that ended in her snubbing a £2.5 million offer to return to the U.K. X Factor – and finally an 11th hour offer to try again as a judge on the U.S. show.

She turned down the offer to return to America on Monday, leaving Miss Scherzinger - who was a guest judge at the U.K. X Factor auditions last year - to fill her high heels.

A show source said: ‘Nicole is feisty, she’s loud, she gets the crowd going – and she’s ambitious.

‘In short, she’s exactly what the X Factor needs. She was great on the first day and managed to spar with Cowell and the rest of the judges.’

Speaking earlier this week, Cowell told the Mail that it had been a ‘rough few weeks.’


Having a blast: Crowds assemble outside the Prudential Center in New Jersey


What a line-up: These are the first auditions to be filmed with Scherzinger as a judge


Coming soon: X Factor starts airing from September in the U.S. on the Fox network


Hot competition: A neon-clad Paula Abdul took on former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger in a battle of puffball frocks as the X Factor auditions kicked off in New Jersey yesterday


source: dailymail

Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger fits in purr-fectly as she joins U.S. X Factor judging panel at New Jersey auditions

By DAILY MAIL REPORTERS


What's up New Jersey? Nicole Scherzinger and her fellow judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and LA Reid take the stage for the first day of X Factor auditions


There were both new and old faces on stage when the X Factor U.S. judges kick-started the first day of auditions in New Jersey today.

Waving her arms in the air, newcomer Nicole Scherzinger cheered triumphantly as she took to the stage for the first time since getting promoted from co-host to judge on the hit talent show.

The former Pussycat Doll didn't waste any time getting front and centre as she waved to the crowd of fans there to welcome her and fellow judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Adbul and LA Reid.

As 32-year-old Scherzinger looked like the cat who got the cream lapping up the glory of her dream job, jilted judge Cheryl Cole, 27, languished at home in London licking her wounds.


Saula is back: American Idol judges and close friends Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul look happy to be reunited


American Idol alums Cowell and Abdul, dubbed 'Saula' were already continuing their cosy friendship as the Straight Up singer perched on the British mogul's lap with her arm around the neck.

It looked like the first day of auditions went smoothly despite the recent X Factor dramas that have kept fans riveted with constant changes in the judging panels both in the UK and Stateside.

In an interview recorded earlier this week on The Graham Norton Show in Britain, which airs on Friday, Scherzinger claimed that she only found out she would be replacing Cole on the panel of the U.S. show when she read it in the newspaper.


Co-workers: Scherzinger and Adbul flew to New York, from London and Los Angeles respectively, to begin working together side-by-side in the judges' hot seats


'I haven’t said this yet, but I think it’s official that I have been made a judge. It's an amazing opportunity,' she told Norton.

'I’m kind of finding out (what’s happening) along with everyone else. It’s kind of crazy to read about it in the newspaper first.'

As her new co-worker settled into her job, Abdul pledged her continual support for the woman she replaced on Twitter and promised fans that she would stay in touch with Cole after the pair 'forged a wonderful relationship.'


Paula Abdul posted this picture of herself and fellow X Factor U.S. judge Cheryl Cole on Twitter along with the message: 'Gotta tell you about Cheryl - 'The Fierce' is STRONG w/ this one! :) she's lovely! xoP'


Paula took to her Twitter page to praise Cheryl, who was unceremoniously fired from the U.S. TV talent show after failing to impress television executives.
She wrote: 'Cheryl is amazing. We have forged a wonderful friendship & have been & will continue to stay in touch.'
Paula then hinted that she knows what Cheryl has planned for the near future, adding: 'I'm excited for everyone to see and hear what she is about to do next.'
Cheryl and Paula worked together for just a week as the first X Factor USA auditions took place.
After Cheryl left the U.S. show, she was offered a place back on the panel of the British X Factor, but left it too long to decide and was replaced on that panel by N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos.


Heartfelt tweet: Abdul claimed her and Cole forged a 'wonderful friendship' during their brief time together working on the show and she pledged her loyalty to her short-lived side-kick on Twitter


Moving on: Abdul hints in a cryptic tweet that she may know what Cole's next career move is


Meanwhile, Simon Cowell spoke out earlier this week to apologise to Cheryl for the way the whole situation with the X Factor U.S. had been dealt with.

He said: 'A hundred per cent I have to take full responsibility, because I do have a lot of sway.

‘This has been a rough two weeks. The hardest thing to accept is that everyone has painted me as a monster because I embarrassed her. But the truth was I was protecting her.

‘I apologise that all this has become public and I understand the stress she is under, and I hate that. But we have all been under a lot of stress.

‘When things like this happen I look at the contestants on our shows, they must think this is crazy. All the attention is on us.

‘I am sorry this has caused so much anguish and embarrassment, but I stand by what I believe was the right intention. And I would say that to her face right now.’


X Factor USA Judges Arrive - Newark, NJ


source: dailymail