After FOX’s “The X-Factor” cleaned house by firing Paula Abdul, Steve Jones, and Nicole Scherzinger, rumors have been flying all over about who’s going to fill in the chairs and if those names will be bigger than the two ladies and host.

Head show runner and producer Simon Cowell is denying the latest reports that Beyonce and Mariah Carey will fill in the seats next season. Initial reports said that Cowell offered Beyonce a hefty $100 to sit alongside him, but Cowell says it’s not true.

“No, I have no idea where this rumor came from,” the feisty Brit told “Extra.” “I read it online that I had offered her $100 million/year. It’s complete nonsense. The budget of the show is $100 million. No one’s gonna pay $100 million/year for someone. It would never ever, ever happen. It’s absolute nonsense and I genuinely haven’t had a conversation with her about it.”

As far as Mariah Carey coming on the show, the singer was supposed to help the judges but her plane got delayed due to the hurricane that hit last summer, but Cowell doesn’t have plans to approach the songstress with a permanent position. No, she’s not on the list because I don’t think Mariah would make that commitment. I really, really don’t. She’s just had kids. You have to work five days a week on this show and you’ve got to do all the traveling as well. Just to put it out there, she will not be on the list. I adore her, I would love her, but you can’t expect someone who’s just had two kids, who’s got a record career, to make the kind of commitment we would need on this show.”

Who do you think Simon will hire in place of the fired judges? Any other big names you can think of? Weigh in here!

Mariah and Beyonce Not Going on X-Factor is a post from: The Inquisitr

“I would’ve liked to have kept [Paula]. She was very gracious, and I said that to her. She understands it’s business; it’s never personal.”

Cowell also comments on Scherzinger when adding:

“I don’t think she’s mad. I think she’s disappointed.”

Simon admits that his expectations for the show led to the firings:

“It’s only because I opened my big mouth and said we were going to get 20 million [viewers],” Cowell says. “If I hadn’t said that, everybody would be saying the show was a huge success.”

In the meantime Simon Cowell calls rumors of a Beyoncé judging slot “complete nonsense” which means she likely won’t be on the show earning $100 million per season as recently rumored

As for his choices, Simon says Madonna would be great to get but “expensive” while he thinks Katy Perry would be “fun and feisty.”

Cowell also says that Mariah Carey would be great to have on the show but he fears that just giving birth to not one but two kids would make the commitment needed for the show hard on Mariah.

Who would you like to see replace Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger on X Factor?

Simon Cowell Wanted Paula Abdul To Remain On X Factor is a post from: The Inquisitr

Simon Cowell is cleaning house on X-Factor. It was reported earlier today that Nicole Scherzinger had been fired from the talent show and now it has been confirmed that Paula Abdul will also be leaving the show.

Speculation about Abdul’s departure started this morning when it was announced that Scherzinger and host Steve Jones had been fired. Cowell had promised 20 million viewers for “The X Factor” but the show only managed to bring in an average of 12 million viewers per show, well behind its competitor “American Idol.” Cowell is reportedly looking for bigger names to fill the vacant judges chairs.

Abdul released a statement saying:

“Yes, it’s true; I won’t be returning to ‘The X Factor’ next season. I’ve learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations… Simon and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation.”

At the moment, Cowell and L.A. Reid are the only two people returning to “The X Factor” next season.

Abdul continued:

“Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I’ve treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at FOX and Fremantle. I want nothing more than for ‘The X Factor’ to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams. This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful.”

Do you think Cowell is making the right move by getting rid of the majority of people working on “The X Factor?”

Paula Abdul Leaving ‘The X Factor’ is a post from: The Inquisitr

“I won’t be hosting next season’s X Factor which is a shame. But I can’t complain as I’ve had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show.”

Simon Cowell failed to hit his viewing target of 20 million for the show, and X Factor fell well behind American Idol which got 26 million viewers. Instead, X Factor pulled in an average of 12 million viewers a show. In talking to The Daily Mirror last week, Simon Cowell talked about Steve Jones, saying:

“He got a lot of stick. I don’t think he did a bad job but, like America’s Got Talent, there is a Brit limit on the show.”

According to a source on E!, it was Scherzinger’s decision not to return:

“She wants to focus on her music career. She’s spoken to Simon [Cowell] and he’s given her his blessing. X Factor took a lot more of her time than she ever expected. She didn’t have any time really to work on her music. She was doing X Factor six days a week.”

Nicole Scherzinger has yet to respond.

Source: Sky News

Nicole Scherzinger Axed From X Factor is a post from: The Inquisitr

In an interview with UK newspaper the Daily Mirror, former American Idol grump Simon Cowell confirmed that he and his makeup artist girlfriend (and much rumored fiancée) are no longer wedding aisle-bound, and that the couple, who last saw each other just before Christmas, are currently on a break.

“It’s quite a complicated relationship,” Cowell, 52, told the Mirror. “We have had a break from each other, and we are still incredibly close. I’m vulnerable, it’s not on, it’s not off, it’s somewhere in the middle. I don’t know, if I will ever get married, but I am happy.”

According to E!Online, Simon and Mezhgan, 38, first met in 2003, when she did his make-up for American Idol, but it wasn’t until 2009, while working together with Susan Boyle on Britain’s Got Talent that the pair began a romance. They were engaged by February 2010, but by September 2011, rumors of strife swirled around the couple.

Watch the clip below as Simon Cowell nervously talks to Jay Leno about his relationship with Hussainy, as well as the engagement ring that he purchased for her in London:

Contact Music reports that Mezhgan has now moved out of the Los Angeles, California mansion she and Simon shared and moved into to Simon’s “girlfriends’ graveyard.” Friends of the X-Factor judge call Mezghan’s new home the “girlfriends graveyard” because it’s the same home that Simon’s ex, Terri Seymour, moved into and lived in for 8 months following their split in 2008.

What are your thoughts on the Cowell-Hussainy break? Do you think Simon Cowell will ever get married or does he seem perfectly content being on his own?

Simon Cowell and Mezhgan Hussainy Break Off Engagement is a post from: The Inquisitr

Melanie Amaro, who just won the $5 million prize on the X Factor is starting to plan her debut album. Amaro recently signed with Epic Records and she is hoping to work with Mariah Carey and Ne-Yo on her new album.

Amaro told Digital Spy:

“”There’s lots of people I want to work with. There so many different artists I think have so much talent that I think would really complement me and my voice. I really, really want to do a song with Mariah, like, oh my God, she is like my idol. I also want to work with Ne-Yo, cause I hear he’s a great song writer.”

Amaro, just 19, beat out over fellow finalists Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene to win X Factor’s $5 million prize. Here’s the video of her award winning performance.

Amaro will record her new album alongside X Factor judge LA Reid, who is the CEO and Chairman of Epic Records. Reid said:

“I joined The X Factor to be able to discover undeniable talent such as Melanie. I am pleased that she is now signed to Epic Records because I believe we have only scratched the surface on uncovering her talent and her inevitable journey to super-stardom.”

Simon Cowell, who served as Amaro’s mentor, will continue to be involved with her music career.

Are you a fan of Melanie Amaro? Are you excited for a Mariah Carey – Melanie Amaro duet?

Melanie Amaro Plans Debut Album, Hopes For Duet With Mariah Carey is a post from: The Inquisitr

People say stupid things. For most of us, those stupid things are only heard by a handful of people. But for celebrities, well, they can spew their ignorance onto millions of people at a time.

Sense About Science (SAS), a charity which works to promote scientific knowledge, pointed out a few celebrities who made incorrect statements during 2011. Simon Cowell, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Snooki were all guilty of bad science in 2011.

The Worst Celebrity Scientists: Gwyneth Paltrow, Snooki, Top ‘Bad Science’ List is a post from: The Inquisitr

The first ever X Factor winner (in the U.S, anyway) is teenager Melanie Amaro.

The 19-year-old, who Simon Cowell predicted would win, was crowned the show’s first champion in Thursday’s finale, and has landed a $5 million recording contract for her troubles. The young diva with the giant voice beat out bluesy rocker Josh Krajcik. Chris Rene came in third.

The show’s finale was spread over two nights. Wednesday saw the three finalists team up with a famous artist each – Amaro performed with R. Kelly, Josh Krajcik got Alanis Morissette, and Rene drew the short straw and got Avril Lavigne. In the same evening, the contestants sung two songs solo – Amaro’s winning renditions were R. Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly and Beyoncé’s Listen.

Thursday night was – uuugh – Christmas songs. Amaro was probably the best of the three, cooing and warbling her way through All I Want for Christmas Is You.

Some pointless celebrities showed up as well, including Justin Bieber (who sung The Christmas Song with Stevie Wonder and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town with contestant and Bieber fan Drew), Leona Lewis (one of the few British X Factor winners to actually become a success), 50 Cent and Astro, and Pitbull & Ne-Yo with Marcus Canty.

We also saw all 12 contestants singing Lady Gaga’s Edge of Glory, before most of them go back to tending bars/waiting tables.

Will Amaro be a success then? Speaking from a British perspective, it’s not always a certainty with The X Factor. While Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke have seen big sales, it’s probably best not to mention the name ‘Steve Brookstein’ to Simon Cowell. Brookstein was the 2004 winner of the UK show, and was last seen performing at a pub in Cornwall where people paid $4 to hear him sing. And that’s not to mention Joe McElderry, the 2009 winner who was dropped from Cowell’s Syco record label earlier this year.

Did you vote in this year’s final? And do you think Amora’s victory will her see become a future star?

And The X Factor Winner is … is a post from: The Inquisitr

Will Melanie Amaro win X Factor? There are only three contestants left and judge Simon Cowell has made his pick. Amaro is going to win X Factor.

Simon said that after Amaro’s final song last night he was sure that she was going to win. Simon said:

“I was nervous until that very last song by Melanie. If that doesn’t win the competition, I might as well give up… You know, my gut, my heart tells me that Melanie should win after tonight.”

Cowell does admit, however, that Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene also put in great performances. Simon said:

“I would have said Josh but then Chris Rene’s second performance, you could feel in the room that people liked him. I know Josh has got a lot of support.”

Here’s a video of Josh Krajcik singing Alanis Morissette.

Here’s Chris Rene singing with Avril Lavigne.

And finally, here’s Melanie Amaro with R. Kelly.

Who do you think will win X Factor tonight? The winner of tonight’s episode will take home the $5 million prize. Will it be Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene, or Josh Krajcik?

Will Melanie Amaro Be The X Factor Winner? Simon Cowell Thinks So [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Last night, former American Idol host and professional hater Simon Cowell dished the dirt to Barbara Walters on her 10 Most Fascinating People special, telling Baba some never-before-gossiped tidbits about his relationship with former co-host Paula Abdul.

If you thought watching the early episodes of Idol that the two music industry pals were keen on getting in-between the sheets together, it turns out you may not have been that far off the mark. Cowell and Abdul played off one another well within the show’s format, with Cowell acting as somewhat of a bad cop and Abdul softening the blow for truly terrible performances. When a more talented contestant surfaced, Abdul’s gushing was tempered by Cowell’s more quiet praise, and the interplay between the hosts became an integral part of the first few seasons of American Idol.

However, Simon also admits that he and Paula did not get on very well at the start of the Idol franchise- he says rather:

“We didn’t like each other in the beginning… I think it was sexual tension- on her part.”

Walters shot back:

“That [Abdul] really wanted you?”

Cowell smugly replies that Abdul indeed “wanted him,” “a million percent,” to which Barbara queries:

“What happened? Did you want her?”

Simon then admits he did entertain the idea of entertaining Paula, but that the aftermath was enough to put him off for good. He explains:

“I considered it… But then I thought, I don’t think the after would be as good as before… I’d let her stay for a few hours, but then it would have to be, ‘Good night.’”

He adds:

“If you’re watching Paula, it is true!”

Did you notice any UST between Abdul and Cowell?

Abdul With Cowell? Ex-AI Host Says There Was Sexual Tension With Paula is a post from: The Inquisitr

Rachel Crow was sent home last night after a dramatic episode of “The X Factor.” Crow, who found herself in the bottom two, could have been saved by Nicole Scherzinger, but Nicole voted to put the vote into a deadlock and let America decide.

America voted. Marcus Canty won. And the thirteen-year-old Rachel Crow broke down on stage.

Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell both voted to send Marcus Canty home, and Scherzinger could have made the decision final if she had agreed. But Scherzinger voted against Crow even though she was shocked to see the young singer in the bottom two. Scherzinger said:

“I can’t make this decision. Please, I can’t make this decision, because I’ve been up there and I know how it feels and I love and adore both of you. I have to go with a deadlock, please.”

Here’s the video of Rachel Crow’s elimination.

Even though Crow was devastated on stage, the young girl said that she wasn’t upset with Scherzinger’s decision. Crow told E!:

“I feel really bad. Nicole was so sad. I saw her in her room and she was still crying. I hugged her and it was okay. She’s fine. She’s amazing. It was not her fault.”

Despiter her elimination, Simon Cowell had some encouraging words for the young singer. Cowell said:

“I want to say that I want to thank everyone who voted for this young girl. I believe that she went out on the highest she could have gone out on and like I said, from the very first time I met you, we’re going to be hearing a lot more about Rachel Crow. I’ll give you my word on that.”

Last week, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger received death threats after they voted off Drew Ryniewicz from the X Factor. Cowell asked viewers to try to keep their emotions in check, or as Cowell put it, “get a life.”

What do you think of Rachel Crow’s elimination from “The X Factor?” Did you vote for her?

Rachel Crow Breaks Down on Stage After ‘X Factor’ Elimination [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Rachel Crow is set to go against the advice of mentor Simon Cowell and do things her own way on next week’s X Factor. The 13-year-old contestant, whose troubled upbringing came to light this week, says she won’t be doing another bright, peppy pop hit in the next show.

Instead, the teenager has told TVGuide.com that she’d like to try a slower, more soulful choice:

“[Beyonce's] ‘If I Were A Boy’ [the song Crow sung at her bootcamp audition] was the best performance I’ve ever done in my life. So I’m going to do a slower Etta James song next week if I make it.”

She was also asked if she intended to stick to Cowell’s strategy of having her sing shiny, uplifting pop songs:

“Honest? Right now, if I do make it, no.”

Last week Crow sang her own version of The Waves’ “Sunshine” (complete with tweaked lyrics), as well as a mash-up of Justin Bieber’s “Baby” and The Supremes’ “Where Did Our Love Go.” Crow revealed her version of ‘Sunshine’ was borrowed from a contender on the UK’s edition of X Factor. “It’s got more attitude, more ‘You have to go.’ I aimed it right toward Simon,” she told TVGuide.

Crow seems determined to go against Cowell’s tactics, but what if the pop plonker puts his foot down and insists she peps up her act with some perkier tunes?

“I’m sweet, but I got attitude and I’ve already argued with Simon about that song. I told him, ‘I’m doing it and you can’t stop me!’”

So there.

Rachel Crow Defies Cowell, Plans to Sing Etta James Next is a post from: The Inquisitr

Apparently American Idol fans didn’t really care that their favorite show featured Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, they were tuning in to watch the shows format and emerging singers, something they didn’t do for the premiere week of Cowell’s new singing competition show X-Factor.

According to TV ratings company Nielsen the US debut of the show took in just 12.4 viewers far less than the 26.1 million viewers who tuned in to catch the season 10 premiere of American Idol.

In fact the show couldn’t even win the night with three shows ahead in the ratings; Modern Family (14.3 Million), Criminal Minds (14.1 million) and CSI (12.6 million).

Apparent the top prize of $5 million and the promise of Cowell and Adbul clashes simply weren’t enough for Idol fans to make the jump over to the new show.

Do you think X-Factor will pick up more fans based off the talent they demonstrated during the first week or is the show a big misstep for Simon Cowell who is reportedly making hundreds of millions from the series?

X-Factor Ratings Can’t Topple Cowell’s American Idol Days [Neilsen Report] is a post from: The Inquisitr

X-Factor judge Simon Cowell will remain an eligible bachelor after calling of his engagement to fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy.

Over the last several months the couple has barely been seen together and a tipster now tells The Daily Mail:

“Simon and Mezhgan split up in August. He called it off and she wasn’t that surprised or even very bothered about it. Mezhgan told her friends she knew it had been coming for a while. She offered him the ring back but he has insisted she keep it.”

The source says Simon has started dating again but remains very generous with his ex-fiance as he has with other ex-girlfriends.

The breakup shouldn’t surprise anyone, earlier in the month Simon appeared on Howard Stern and seemed unsure if he was still engaged, when asked if he still had a fiance he said “Not Sure.”

In any case the breakup is said to be amicable and Mezhgan is said to be living in Cowell’s “Girlfriend Graveyard” which is a $5 million Beverly Hills home that was last occupied by former Cowell girlfriend Terri Seymour.

In the meantime Simon’s new talent competition show X-Factor will debut on September 21 and September 22, giving him something completely new to focus on as his relationship comes to an end.

Does it surprise you that the couple has called it quits and will you be tuning in to watch X-Factor when it debuts on Fox?

Simon Cowell and Mezhgan Hussainy Call Off Engagement is a post from: The Inquisitr

Are you ready to ditch American Idol for something new? Simon Cowell is banking on that fact with his new series The X Factor which once again places singing contestants up against one another.

Unlike American Idol the show is open to singers and bands and it appears that all auditions are handled right on the big stage in front of sold-out crowds, quite the nerve racking experience and something America’s Got Talent contestants are familiar with.

Funny fact about the show, while American Idol judges are always seen with “Coke” cups for their refreshments, Simon and his team for X Factor are now sipping out of Pepsi cups, which Paula Abdul probably has filled with something more “potent.”

The X Factor also has no age limit like Idol and the top prize is the highest in TV history at $5 million.

The show debuts on Fox on September 21, in the meantime here’s the eight-minute preview:

Fox TV bought the rights to the show for $60 million and early reports say the deal could net Simon Cowell upwards of $500 million on the backend, which explains why he turned down a reported $30+ million per season to stay with American Idol.

Are you ready to tune into another Simon Cowell helmed project?

X-Factor Debuts Exclusive 8-Minute Preview [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

An 86-year-old X-Factor contestant is suing show creator Simon Cowell because the former American Idol judge made him sing when it was hot outside.

According to the lawsuit, Cowell subjected the senior citizen to a “punishing physical ordeal” that made it impossible for the elder singer to compete at his best possible level on the show.

The lawsuit was filed by Hyman Marks, his 78-year-old wife Helen and their son Stephen, 54 and named The X Factor and FOX Broadcasting in the lawsuit.

The Fort Lauderdale, Fla, residents say they were forced to film promotion scenes in 96-degree temperatures in Miami during the month of June, scenes that left them to perform “below their best on stage.”

The lawsuit says:

“Forcing an 86-year-old man with a bad knee and a 78-year-old woman who walks even slower, and a 54-year-old man with very bad asthma to do all this was unfair and discriminatory, since none of the other contestants had to go through this.”

When asked for the ages of his wife and son on stage Hyman was so exhausted claims the lawsuit that he couldn’t remember their names.

The pair had performed in front of judges on April 7, earning them the chance to perform in front of the judging panel which includes Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger, creator of the popular Pussycat Dolls.

The Marks’ have requested $3 million in damages and the chance to audition once again for the show.

I for one would like to know how the 86-year-old singer expected to perform under the blaring hot lights of stages around the world had he won the competition, I’ve scene young singers finish a gallon of water on stage during 2-hour performances.

Mark my words, this lawsuit is going nowhere but away.

Simon Cowell Sued By 86-Year-Old X-Factor Contestant is a post from: The Inquisitr

Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul are reuniting, this time as judges on Cowell’s The X Factor which will debut later in the year.

Abdul has long been a favorite to join Cowell on the new shows judging panel, however sources close to negotiations say she waited until the eve of the show’s first taping to complete contract talks.

At this time reps for Paula are not commenting and FOX, the network behind the show, have refused to comment on Abdul’s return to their network as a judge.

When questioned about her relationship with CBS and any ties that could have been holding up talks at FOX a CBS rep speaking on the condition of anonymity announced on Saturday that she was not tied to the network in any way.

Abdul will begin work immediately, showing up for Sunday’s taping in Los Angeles when judges will begin to weed out competitors for the show which will feature a $5 million prize and a recording contract, the largest single prize in game show history.

Judges already announced for the show include producer Antonio “L.A.” Reid and British pop superstar Cheryl Cole.

Co-Hosting the show will be British TV personality Steve Jones and Pussy Cat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger.

Contests 12-years-old and up are allowed to audition and the show will feature both solo artists and groups.

Paula Abdul Joins Simon Cowell On ‘X-Factor’ Judging Panel is a post from: The Inquisitr

Simon Cowell on Monday announced that the very pregnant Mariah Carey would be appearing in some type of role on The X Factor when it debuts on Fox in September.

While speaking with 92.9ZZU in Spokane, Washington he said:

“I think Mariah will have a role on the TV live shows,” while adding, “I met her recently and she was on great form. And her idea was to be the judge of the judges, which only Mariah could come up with. She’ll be involved in some form. I literally adore her. I love her to bits.”

The announcement comes only a short period of time after Cowell announced that Mariah turned down a judging position on the show:

“I can tell you officially that Mariah will not be on the panel, mainly because I think she’s still gonna be pregnant at the time we start filming and she’s gonna need some time off. She couldn’t start working straight away, and they’re long days, but we’re hopeful there will be a role for her – and I’m not sure what yet – on the live shows.”

What type of role would you like to see Mariah take on The X-Factor.

With $5 million and a recording contract up for stakes, one thing is for certain, the contestants will want whoever sides with their voices.

Mariah Carey Will Have “Some Type of Role” On X-Factor is a post from: The Inquisitr

Appearing this morning on KIIS-FM’s On Air with Ryan Seacrest, Rihanna revealed that she would have loved to be on the show but her schedule is just too crazy at the moment.

Rihanna told Seacrest:

“I just heard about it actually, but, yes, it’s something that I would have loved to do, actually. But our schedule doesn’t allow,” adding, “We’re gonna be on tour for the rest of the year and it’s a demanding schedule to be on that show. You have to kind of be around for a long time, months at a time, which is impossible for me… I’ll be on tour for the rest of the year.”

The show, which offers singers and bands the ability to compete against eachother for a $5 million prize is sure to be a hit with Simon Cowell at the helm alongside Def Jam boss Antonio “LA” Reid and still yet to be announced judges.

When the show premieres in September the recording contract with it’s $5 million top prize will be the biggest grand prize in TV history.

Rihanna Turned Down ‘X-Factor’ Judging Spot is a post from: The Inquisitr

Cowell, who’s contract is up with American Idol at the end of the 2010 season, said in a statement that he is leaving the show to launch the American version of UK talent show The X Factor.

“The X Factor will launch in 2011,” Cowell told the media. “Because of that, this will be my last season on American Idol.”

“I’m thrilled that we have put a date on the launch of the U.S. version of The X Factor, and delighted to be continuing to work with FOX,” Cowell said. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”

Notably Cowell owns the exclusive rights to the show.

Simon Cowell Leaving American Idol is a post from: The Inquisitr