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Celebrific

Tracking Celebrities in Their Native Habitat

Simon Cowell

‘The X Factor’ U.S. Winner To Receive $5 Million

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Simon Cowell - X Factor on Fox

Fox wants to make a big splash with Simon Cowell’s U.S version of The X Factor and to make sure that will happen the network has announced a recording contract worth $5 million.

Like Cowell’s American Idol, the new show pits singers against one another with the guidance of “celebrity mentors” while groups are also allowed to compete on the show.

The UK version of The X Factor helped launched the highly successful career of Leona Lewis.

The $5 million record contract, part of a deal with Sony Music/Syco deal has no age restrictions and is the biggest in game show history.

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Cheryl Cole “American X Factor” Judge Spot In Limbo Over Assault Conviction

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Cheryl ColeSeven years ago English singer Cheryl Cole was charged with a race related assault conviction, a conviction that could stop her from receiving a work permit needed to judge alongside Simon Cowell on his upcoming American X Factor TV show.

One insider close to Cheryl told the Daily Mail:

“Cheryl was the first one to be told and verbally offered the job and she is very excited. She likes America and loves the idea of launching herself there.”

Cole was charged with punching an African-born bathroom attendant in the face at “Drinks Nightclub” in Surrey, she was also caught hurling racial slurs after the attendant refused to give her a lollipop.

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Bret Michaels Keeps on Ticking

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That Bret Michaels, he’s like the Energizer ™ bunny ™, he just keeps going. He gets out of hospital (for the second time this year) and what does? Not recuperate. That’s for pussies. So to prove how much of a man he is, despite suffering a brain hemorrhage and a mild stroke within less than two months, he goes off to the finale of Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice. The Donald is so excited at milking the whole situation that after he wets his pants, he gives Bret the title. You’re hired, Bret!

What’s next for Bret? He doesn’t tell his docs he’s going to sing Every Rose Has its Thorn on American Idol. And now there’s talk of Bret talking Simon Cowell’s judge slot for next season of American Idol. Sure, Bret knows music, and he’s expecting to tour again this summer, but I’m not sure he can be as mean as Simon. Then again, Bret did pit tons of desperate women against each other, vying for his heart on national TV, most making fools of themselves. Not once but for three seasons. Obviously he wasn’t pleased with the Rock of Love harem and had to keep searching for true love. But Bret? I know the Bunny keeps going and going, but doesn’t it eventually run out of juice without a recharge?

Paula Abdul to Judge on New Dance Show

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Apparently we all miss Paula Abdul’s sweetness too much and now she’s got a new judging gig. CBS will have a show called Got to Dance,’ which is based on the British show of the same name. Acceptable dance styles range from “ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet, and tap to tango.” In other words, probably anything goes. Basically, people dance in front of judges and have their hearts broken. Well, probably most of them. I mean, it’s not like Simon Cowell will be judging, and Paula’s so positive and sweet.

Hmm. Sounds a lot like Britain Got’s Talent, a show that Simon Cowell is actually a judge on, and which mixes different types of performances, not just music like American Idol. Except Got to Dance is only about dance. But seriously, aren’t there enough reality dance shows on TV without one more popping up? Whatever happened to comedy? It’s much much better as a stress reliever than watching amateurs dance. Has this been done before? Having the sweet Paula Abdul on as a judge isn’t going to make it any more interesting. But we’ll all watch anyway because we’re addicted to the tube, and need to kick back after a long day.

Oh So That’s Why Simon Cowell’s a Jerk

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Let’s face it. If you or I acted in real life like Simon Cowell does on TV, we’d probably get punched in the face, not get paid mega-millions like he gets. Oh wait, I do act like him, and I even get paid for it — though nowhere nearly as much as he does. But here’s a surprise (yeah, like people as intelligent as you and I didn’t know this already): Simon suffers from depression. Has so for a very long time, depending on whom you believe (what, you don’t trust me?). No, say it ain’t so! Good old cheerful Simon? Who would have guessed? He always seems so happy about life and friendly to boot.

Gee I hope my sarcasm isn’t lost on you. Cowell probably isn’t the only celeb to suffer from depression. My fairly extensive experience in interacting with creative types suggests that they have a lot of self-doubt, so I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot more celebs suffer from depression as well. But they don’t go around acting like a-holes, making people feel like crap, and getting paid for it. Oh wait, they often do. Ok, never mind. Oh, and whadda ya want bet that good old cheerful, kind Dr. Phil suffers similar ailments?

Anyway, as for the suggestion that Simon is bored by American Idol, are you really truly surprised? I mean, there really are a lot untalented people on the show. It hurts my brain to watch a single episode, at least during the beginning of any given season. In fact, all my sarcasm aside, this is probably why Simon is such a jerk to so many American Idol hopefuls. Apparently he was pretty blunt to Oprah about being bored and leaving American Idol. His replacement hasn’t been named yet and doesn’t want to be replaced with another Ellen (the suggestion being she doesn’t know much about music).