Simon Cowell Launching DJ Talent SHow

TV personality and music producer Simon Cowell is launching a new talent competition to find the world’s best DJs.

“DJ’s are the new rock stars, it feels like the right time to make this show,” he said in a statement.

The new format will be co-produced by SYCO, Cowell’s joint venture with Sony Music, and Overbrook Entertainment, a U.S. entertainment company founded by Hollywood star Will Smith.

Sony Pictures Television will also be a partner in the venture, which has been in development for more than a year. Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith has been involved for Overbrook.

The three parties said they would announce their broadcast partners in Britain and the United States soon.

Melanie Amaro Wins American X Factor

19-year old Melanie Amaro from Sunrise, Florida, was crowned champion of Fox’s “The X Factor” on Thursday (December 22), winning a $5 million recording contract and a spot in a Pepsi commercial that will air during next year’s Super Bowl.

Amaro beat out 30-year-old Columbus, Ohio, contestant Josh Krajcik for the title of “X Factor” winner. Chris Rene, the 28-year-old from Santa Cruz, California, came in third place.

When the results were read, an emotional Amaro exclaimed, “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!” She was swarmed by members of her family, and “X Factor” host Steve Jones struggled to get a word from her. After performing Beyoncé’;'s “Listen,” Amaro said, “God is good,” and thanked her fans.

“Thank you so much, thank you. I’m just, I’m so happy and I don’t know what to say,” she said. “This is something I’ve wanted for all my life!”

Amaro’s victory was especially sweet considering she was technically eliminated from the competition after Simon Cowell sent her home following one of the early rounds. Deciding he had made a mistake, Cowell paid a personal visit to her home and invited her to rejoin the competition.

In the end, Cowell was pleased with his decision, as well as America’s choice of Amaro as its first “X Factor” winner. “We came here to find a superstar, we found a superstar. Thank you to everyone who supported the show,” Cowell said. He called Krajcik “a worthy runner-up.”

Krajcik, the husky, self-described burrito slinger, congratulated Amaro on her victory. “Melanie deserves it, she has a wonderful voice,” he said. “I’ve had such an incredible experience here. I got to be myself and sing what I wanted to sing. I couldn’t be happier.”

Thursday’s results show followed Wednesday’s performance episode, when the three finalists performed duets with superstar acts: Amaro with R. Kelly, Krajcik with Alanis Morissette and Rene with Avril Lavigne. Following the show, Cowell heavily endorsed Amaro to be the winner.

The top 12 finalists opened the show with a group performance of Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory.” The top three contestants also performed holiday songs, with Amaro doing “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Rene crooning “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and Krajcik taking on the Eagles’ “Please Come Home for Christmas.”

Girl Group Little Mix Wins Britain’s X Factor

Girl band Little Mix became the first group to win Britain’s “X Factor” show on Sunday, beating hairdresser Marcus Collins in the final.

The 4 singers, aged between 18 and 20, performed a cover of Damien Rice’s “Cannonball” as their winning performance, which will be their debut single.

Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock are guaranteed a record deal.

Little Mix was formed from soloists brought together by the show’s producers. They were forced to change their name from Rhythmix following complaints from a children’s music charity of the same name.

Paula Abdul, Jessica Simpson, or Cheryl Cole To Judge X-Factor?

According to statements from Simon Cowell in the new issue of People magazine, it looks like he’s narrowed down his choices for who he wants to judge the X-Factor.

“Paula Abdul. She has good taste in music, though you didn’t always see that on TV. I also like Jessica Simpson. She knows what she’s talking about; she’s very into the mentoring side and is underrated as a singer. I think Cheryl Cole’s personality would translate in America…”

And as for Mariah Carey:

“After Mariah Carey has her babies, there might be a role for her during the live shows,” he added.

Source – Mariah Daily Journal

[video] Glee Cast Performs On X Factor

Photo Credit: Joe Viles/FOX

The cast of Fox’s hit show Glee travelled cross the pond to perform on X Factor in the UK. The New Directions Glee Club performed their hit song ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’ Amber Riley’s voice is insane! Simon and the judges gave them a standing ovation.

Check out their performance –

Labrinth “Let The Sun Shine” Music Video

Labrinth ( Real name Timothy McKenzie) signed with Simon Cowell’s record label and he just released the music video for “Let The Sun Shine.” Some say Simon Cowell doesn’t know much about good music but knows a lot about money, but it appears he might know what he’s talking about.

Check out “Let The Sun Shine” music video below:

Susan Boyle’s ‘The Gift’ To Be Released November 9th!

Susan Boyle is back with her second album this year and it’s a Christmas album! The Gift will feature the following several holiday classics.

“When making this album, I really wanted the songs to touch hearts. Music has always been a companion to me, particularly on special occasions. I wanted there to be a mix of songs that would flow with all our moods this holiday season. As much as the season is a time for reflection, it is also a time for fun and enjoyment with those closest to us.”

Simon Cowell said,

“Susan broke all the rules, became famous literally overnight and has become one of the world’s most popular singers. I’m incredibly proud and pleased for her. I think Susan has gone a step further with this new album. She is a very special lady.”

Check out The Gift track listing:
1. Perfect Day
2. Hallelujah
3. Do You Hear What I Hear (Duet with Amber Stassi)
4. Don’t Dream It’s Over
5. The First Noel
6. O Holy Night
7. Away In a Manager
8. Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
9. Auld Lang Syne
10. O Come All Ye Faithful

Leona Lewis To Start Recording New Album This Week

According to Leona Lewis’ manager Larry Jackson, the British singer will begin production on her new studio album this week! Reports claim that Simon Cowell wants the album to be released in summer 2011 to coincide with the launch of X Factor in the US.

We’ll always be excited for new music from Leona Lewis. Let’s hope it doesn’t suffer the same fate as Echo and please say she’s hired a new team of writers…

A source Confirms That Steven Tyler Will be A New American Idol Judge

I am sure you are just as tired as I am about hearing about the American Idol judges, but we have found some closure now. A source close to Steven Tyler says the Aerosmith frontman told the source he will be a judge on Fox’s “American Idol” next season.

While an official announcement about Tyler has yet to come from Fox and the producers of the top-rated show, the source told The Associated Press on Wednesday, “there is no reason to refute” Tyler’s account. The source spoke only on the condition of anonymity because the source was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.

Fox and producers FreemantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment had no comment on the report.

The “Idol” judging panel has been in flux with the departure of mainstay Simon Cowell, as well as Ellen DeGeneres’ recent announcement that she would not return for a second season.

Just pick the judges already!!

American Idol Announces Audition Dates And Lowers Age Limit To 15

With the departure of judge Simon Cowell and the recent drop in ratings this past season, American Idol is making some changes to boost America’s interest in the reality singing competition.

American Idol producers announced that they are lowering the age limit to 15 for this upcoming season’s auditions.

“A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16,” said “Idol” executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool.”

Looks like Idol producers are hoping to create a teen sensation like Justin Bieber or Miley Cyrus.

Here’s a list of Audition Cities/Dates: Read more

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