Simon Cowell reportedly split from fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy last month

The music mogul – who recently said he was “not sure” if he was still engaged to the make-up artist – is said to have called time on their relationship a few weeks ago although the break-up was amicable.

A source told The Mail on Sunday newspaper: “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.

“As with all his exes, he is being very generous, but he is already dating again and he has been on a dinner date or two with a mystery British brunette.”

Mezhgan – who put on a united front with Simon at the premiere of the US version of ‘The X Factor’ last week – is now living in Simon’s $5 million Beverly Hills home after moving out of the house they once shared.

The property is dubbed his “girlfriend graveyard” by friends because it is where his former lover Terri Seymour went after the pair separated in 2008.

Sources claim one of the reasons the couple – who got engaged last February after a whirlwind romance – split was because Mezhgan didn’t get on that well with Simon’s beloved mother Julie.

One said: “Simon knew it wasn’t going to end in marriage. There were commitment issues on his part and the added problem that Mezhgan didn’t get on all that well with Simon’s mother Julie.

“The pair would often argue about how Mezhgan spoke to him.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Cheryl Cole’s new tattoo marks a “fresh start” in her life

The inking on her lower back – an elaborate etching based around a butterfly and designed by the ‘Promise This’ singer – took 11 hours to complete at Los Angeles tattoo salon Shamrock Social Club and is said to mark her freedom after splitting from husband Ashley Cole last year.

According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the star told a friend: “The tattoo is deeply personal. It took weeks to come up with the final design. It has a strong symbolic meaning and signifies a fresh start and my new independence.

“The sitting itself was pretty painful but I was determined to get it done in one hit. I didn’t cry once!”

Cheryl, 27, is also believed to have had a tattoo reading ‘Mrs C’ – which she had shortly after she married Ashley in July 2006 – covered up.

The star – who is believed to be dating US dancing professional Derek Hough – also has other tattoos, including a barbed wire design on her left thigh and a Polynesian tribal symbol on her hand.

Following her success as a judge on the UK version of ‘X Factor’, show supremo Simon Cowell wants to give her a role on the US programme when it launches later this year, even if network Fox block her appointment as a panellist.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “Simon desperately wants Cheryl to be a judge but if that’s knocked back by Fox chiefs the next option is to start her as a mentor.

“It would be a way to test how she’s received in America. Plus viewers would be able to warm to her first, rather than having her thrust upon them by going straight on the panel.”

Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are going to bring “heat” to the new series of ‘American Idol’

The two singers have joined Randy Jackson on the panel after previous judges Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres left the show but Randy thinks this year’s contestants are even more talented than in previous seasons and says the new series will be better than ever.

He said: “It’s gonna be hot. You’re gonna love it. I’m telling you, trust me. There’s lots of new talent.

“Heat, that’s what they’re going to bring. Watch, you’re going to love them. Steven is mad cool. I love him.”

Along with a new panel Randy joked he has some other changes planned for the show, including a live performance and album collaboration between him, TV host Mario Lopez and rapper Lil Wayne.

He added in an interview with RadarOnline.com: “Mario’s gonna sing. We’re gonna do a hip hop album with Mario. Me and Mario and Lil Wayne are doing this crazy album. The only problem, we just gotta call Lil Wayne first.”

Jennifer Lopez has previously revealed she is excited about the talent so far – even though the lengthy audition process did take its toll.

She said: “We’ve put a bunch of people through – probably more than they have in the past.

“We have about 15-20 real superstars, people who could be recording artists.

“I’ve cried. We get a lot of elation when we put them through and devastation, almost, when they’re not. But it’s been a ball.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Cheryl Cole has reportedly turned to religion after a traumatic year

The 27-year-old singer is looking for spiritual enlightenment after suffering a tumultuous 2010 which saw her divorce her husband Ashley Cole after he cheated on her and overcome malaria and is investigating different faiths.

A source said: “Cheryl has awakened her spiritual side. She has been tapping into higher powers for answers and guidance. She’s been doing some deep thinking – especially after malaria. Christianity is closest to her, but she’s open to other religious influences.”

Cheryl’s mother Joan Callaghan is a regular churchgoer while the star’s close friend, Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am, is deeply religious after being raised a Baptist in California.

The Girls Aloud star could also be seeking spiritual enlightenment from her rumoured love interest Derek Hough, who is a practising Mormon.

The ‘Parachute’ singer was spotted wearing a Hindu charm to the rehearsals of UK pop star search show ‘The X Factor’, on which she is a judge with Simon Cowell, last weekend.

Source: BANG Showbiz

Simon Cowell revealed his life was “boring” before he appeared on television, during his acceptance speech at the 38th International Emmy Awards.

The music mogul – who first achieved TV stardom as a judge on 2001 UK TV talent show ‘Pop Idol’ – was handed the International Emmy Founders Award at the ceremony at The Hilton hotel in New York City last night (22.11.10) for his contributions to TV and entertainment, and he admitted he was delighted to receive the accolade.

Simon – who was handed his prize by News Corporation CEO Rupert Murdoch - joked: “Whoever said fame, money, success will destroy you, was completely wrong. Bring it on! My life was boring before I went on TV.”

Paying tribute to “amazingly talented and charismatic” Simon, Rupert praised him for his work on ‘The X Factor’, ‘American Idol’ and the ‘Got Talent’ franchise, which he said made the British star a “phenomenal media impresario” for his “enormous cultural contributions”.

He added: “Simon has helped make Fox Broadcasting number one season after season over the past decade.

“I’m confident his launch of ‘X Factor’ in the US next year will build on that success for years to come.

“No one has done more in the past decade to build the fortunes of Fox Broadcasting.”

Other winners at the ceremony – which was hosted by actor Jason Priestly – included actor Bob Hoskins for his role on ‘The Street’ and ‘Enid’ actress Helena Bonham Carter.

The 38th International Emmy Awards recognise the best in television that was produced, and initially aired, outside the US.

The 38th International Emmy Awards winners list:

Best Performance by an actor:

Bob Hoskins, ‘The Street’, UK

Best performance by an actress:

Helena Bonham Carter, ‘Enid’, UK

Children and young people:

‘Shaun the Sheep’, UK

Drama Series:

‘The Street’, UK

Comedy:

‘Traffic Light’, Israel

Nonscripted entertainment:

‘CQC’, Argentina

Telenovela:

‘My Love’, Portugal

TV movie/miniseries:

‘Small Island’, UK

Documentary:

‘Mom and the Red Bean Cake’, South Korea

Arts programming:

‘The World According to Ion B.’, Romania

International Emmy Directorate Award:

Lorne Michaels

International Emmy Founders Award:

Simon Cowell

Source: BANG Showbiz

Cheryl Cole sent Simon Cowell three singing dwarves for his birthday yesterday

The Girls Aloud star – who became close friends with the music mogul after working on ‘The X Factor’ judging panel together – splashed out on an unusual gift to celebrate Simon turning 51.

The three performers – who were armed with a violin, drum and an accordion – wore grey T-shirts and jeans to copy Simon’s sense of style.

However, the tops were decked out with a cheeky message from his pal, reading: “Happy Birthday, Love Cheryl.”

As the trio sang the classic ‘Happy Birthday’ song, even nearby photographers joined in the performance.

Simon was so thrilled by the gesture, he invited the group, actor Phil Holden and friends Ray Griffiths and Darren Horan to spend the day with him.

Phil told The Sun newspaper: “Simon saw us and asked, ‘Are you for me?’ before bursting out laughing. He thought it was the best present he’d ever had.

“Cheryl said she thought it would funny for us to annoy him.

“But it back-fired a bit because after we finished he said, ‘Right then, lads, you’re spending the day with me’.”

Simon also made a point of celebrating his special day – by splashing out £144,000 on a brand new black Ferrari California sports car.

He smiled: “I got myself a birthday present!”

Simon – who has a large collection of the high-speed vehicles – decided to treat himself to the latest convertible model, which features a retractable hard-top roof, and other customised extras.

Source: BANG Showbiz

Simon Cowell is to receive a special prize at this year’s 38th International Emmy Awards

The music mogul will be presented with the International Emmy Founders Award for his work on various TV talent shows, including ‘American Idol’ and ‘America’s Got Talent’.

Other nominees include Helena Bonham Carter who has been nominated in the Best Performance By An Actress category for her portrayal of children’s author Enid Blyton in the biopic ‘Enid’, while Bob Hoskins is up for Best Performance By An Actor for his role as a reformed alcoholic in ‘The Street’.

Nominations span 15 countries – Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, The Philippines, The Netherlands and the UK – and the various prizes recognise excellence by individual stars and specific TV programming such as documentaries, comedy shows and drama series.

‘Saturday Night Live’ creator Lorne Michaels – who helped launch the careers of stars such as Tina Fey and Will Ferrell on the US comedy sketch show – is to be presented with the 2010 International Emmy Directorate Award.

Bruce Paisner, President of The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, said: “We congratulate the 2010 nominees for their outstanding achievements as their programmes and performances enter into television history.”

Former ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ star Jason Priestley will host the ceremony in New York on November 22.

The 2010 International Emmy Awards Nominees:

ARTS PROGRAMMING

‘All My Life: Cazuza’

TV Globo

Brazil

‘Imagine…David Hockney: A Bigger Picture’

BBC / Coluga Pictures

United Kingdom

‘Personas Inside Out’

TV Asahi

Japan

‘The World According to Ion B’

HBO Romania / Alexander Nanau Production

Romania

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR

Bob Hoskins

‘The Street’

ITV Studios

United Kingdom

Sebastian Koch

‘Sea Wolf’

Tele-München / Gate Film / Clasart / ZDF / ORF / RHI

Germany

Sid Lucero

‘Dahil May Isang Ikaw’

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation

The Philippines

Leonardo Sbaraglia

‘Epitafios’

HBO Latin America Originals / Pol-Ka Productions

Argentina

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS

Iris Berben

‘The Krupps – A Family Between War and Peace’

Moovie – the Art of Entertainment / ZDF

Germany

Helena Bonham Carter

‘Enid’

Carnival Film & Television

United Kingdom

Lilia Cabral

‘Seize the Day’

TV Globo

Brazil

Lerato Moloisane

‘Home Affairs’

Penguin Films

South Africa

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

‘13 at War’

NPS Broadcasting Organisation

The Netherlands

‘Do-Re-Mi-Factory’

TV Globo

Brazil

‘Happy Birthday’

Fuji Television Network, Inc.

Japan

‘Shaun the Sheep’

Aardman Animations / WDR & WDR mediagroup GmbH / BBC

United Kingdom

COMEDY

‘Los Simuladores’

Sony Pictures Television International

Mexico

‘Peep Show’

Objective Productions for Channel 4

United Kingdom

‘Talok Hok Chak’

Workpoint Entertainment Public Company Limited / Royal Thai Army Radio and Television / Channel 5

Thailand

‘Traffic Light’

Kuperman Productions / Keshet Broadcasting

Israel

DOCUMENTARY

‘9/11: Phone Calls from the Towers’

Darlow Smithson Productions

United Kingdom

‘Kuarup: The Lost Soul Will Return’

TV Globo

Brazil

‘Mom and the Red Bean Cake’

Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation

South Korea

‘You die as you lived: Roterdam Hospice’

KRO Broadcasting Organisation

The Netherlands

DRAMA SERIES

‘Clouds Over the Hill’

NHK

Japan

‘Epitafios’

HBO Latin America Originals / Pol-Ka Productions

Argentina

‘The Killing II’

Danish Broadcasting Corporation in association with ZDF / NRK / SVT

Denmark

‘The Street’

ITV Studios

United Kingdom

NON-SCRIPTED ENTERTAINMENT

‘CQC’

Eyeworks Cuatro Cabezas SA

Argentina

‘Heston’s Feasts’

Optomen Television for Channel 4

United Kingdom

‘Remembering School’

KRO / Screentime Entertainment.

The Netherlands

‘Run for Money’

Fuji Television Network, Inc. / Fuji Creative Corporation

Japan

TELENOVELA

‘Ciega a Citas’

Dori Media International / Dori Media Contenidos / Rosstoc

Argentina

‘Dahil May Isang Ikaw’

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation

The Philippines

‘My Love’

Plural Entertainment

Portugal

TV MOVIE/MINI-SERIES

‘Hopeville’

Curious Pictures / Heartlines / SABC Education

South Africa

‘Marcel Reich-Ranicki: The Author of Himself’

Trebitsch Entertainment / WDR / Arte

Germany

‘Small Island’

Ruby Television in association with AL Films

United Kingdom

‘Sound & Fury’

TV Globo / O2 Filmes

Brazil

Source: BANG Showbiz

Nicole Scherzinger wants to marry Lewis Hamilton soon

The Pussycat Dolls singer – who has been dating the British Formula 1 driver since 2008 – is ready to start trying for a baby but wants to get married before she has children.

Nicole, 32, said: “I’m really traditional – I’d want to be married before we have kids and that’s something we’ll hopefully be doing soon. Lewis is always telling me that I’d be a really good mom and I know he’d be a great dad. I love kids and I’m feeling broody.”

The pop beauty – who recently appeared as a guest judge on Simon Cowell’s pop star search show ‘The X Factor’ – admits she and 25-year-old Lewis are so happy together people can find them a bit “sickly”.

She said in an interview with Now magazine: “He organised a weekend to Paris a couple of years ago. We walked around holding hands and had candlelit dinners. It’s probably kind of sickly if you were looking at us but it was so romantic.”

According to Nicole, Lewis is so smitten with her he often travels across the globe after a race to see her for just one night.

She revealed: “He’s really sweet – he’ll fly halfway across the world to see me perform for just one night, then fly back again to where he needs to be.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Cheryl Cole talks to her dogs on the phone

The ‘Fight For this Love’ singer insists the worst thing about being away from home for work is being separated from her pet pooches Buster and Coco.

The 27-year-old star tries to get the two Chihuahuas on the phone when she’s apart from them but the mutts aren’t very receptive.

She said: “When I’m away I miss the dogs like crazy. I used to talk to them on the phone but I don’t now because I’ve discovered they’re not interested. They don’t listen!”

Cheryl also revealed when she wants to relax and forget about work she will spend a night at home watching TV with her canine friends.

The pop beauty – who is a judge on Simon Cowell’s pop star search show ‘The X Factor’, a member of Girls Aloud and has a successful solo career – added to Britain’s HELLO! magazine: “I love spending time with Buster and Coco. That’s how I relax, just chilling out with them. They’re only Chihuahuas so they’re only little, but they’ve got big personalities. I think Buster sees himself as lord of the manor and if I’m away and my mum takes him up to Newcastle (Cheryl’s hometown) it’s like he’s kingpin up there as well. Coco is nervous of other people so she follows me everywhere and looks to me for protection. She’s my little baby.”

In 2009, Cheryl claimed she trusted her dogs more than her now ex-husband Ashley Cole following revelations her had cheated on her.

She said at the time: “I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t trust anybody in life except my mother and my dogs. I’m scared to let people know how much they mean to me, and it’s scary that you can love a small hairy thing so much.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole are set to sign multi-million dollar contracts for America’s ‘X Factor’

The Pussycat Dolls singer and the British pop star – who is currently a judge on the British version of the reality TV contestant – are set to team up with music mogul Simon Cowell as he launches the singing competition in the US.

It is believed Cheryl is preparing to quit her role on the panel of the British version to make her move to Los Angeles permanent.

A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: “I would say it’s a good bet that Cheryl is coming to America. It’s something that Simon and Cheryl have been discussing for months. You know, it’s a very exciting prospect for everyone involved to have Cheryl on board.”

Nicole is also rumoured to be preparing to sign a huge contract to sit alongside Simon on the panel, after impressing him during her guest appearance on the UK show – where she stood in for judge Dannii Minogue while she was on maternity leave, and Cheryl while she recovered from malaria.

The New York Post reports: “Sources tell us sultry Scherzinger is a favourite with Cowell after she made a guest appearance as a judge on the hit British version of the show this year.”

Cheryl has been spending a lot of time in Los Angeles over the past few months, after growing close to ‘Dancing With The Stars’ hunk Derek Hough – who she is believed to have been dating since she split from her soon-to-be ex-husband Ashley Cole earlier this year and is looking forward to starting a new life overseas.

The source said: “When Cheryl goes to America she will also launch her music career there too. It’s the next part of her big plan, she’s an incredibly hard worker and she will definitely get a boost by appearing on ‘The X Factor’, which is set to be a sure-fire hit.

“‘The X Factor’ will be off air in the UK next year and by the time it returns in January 2012, it is highly unlikely that Cheryl will return.

“Cheryl loves Los Angeles and this is extremely exciting. It is all part of a fresh new start for her.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Susan Boyle Sings ‘Perfect Day’

TMZ has obtained audio of Susan Boyle singing “Perfect Day” – the song that drove her to tears after being told she couldn’t sing it on “America’s Got Talent.”

We broke the story … Lou Reed — who wrote the song — is not a fan of Boyle’s and would not give her permission to sing it. Although Reed’s reps have reportedly denied he withheld permission, we have posted an internal email between Boyle’s manager and producers of the TV show that says otherwise.

We just got this statement from Simon Cowell, creator and Executive Producer of “America’s Got Talent,” who says if Reed did turn thumbs down it’s “petty — so pathetic.”

Cowell adds, “Loads of people have covered this song … Well Lou, if you’re listening to this, do we have permission, yes or no, to put the song on ‘America’s Got Talent’ next week? Personal request from me.”

Source: TMZ

Katy Perry wants to sleep with Cheryl Cole.

The ‘Teenage Dream’ hitmaker – who was recently a guest judge alongside the Girls Aloud singer, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell on ‘The X Factor’ – is in awe of the ‘Fight for This Love’ hitmaker and would love to romance her if she wasn’t in a relationship with Russell Brand.

Katy said: “I adore Cheryl – she’s amazing. I’m very happy with my own English stud but if I wasn’t with him I’d be trying to date Cheryl. “Nobody should be as beautiful as she is. I know people get turned on by Simon’s power but if I was single I’d rather sleep with Cheryl than Simon.”

The US star also hinted that Cheryl has landed a role on the US version of ‘The X Factor’ – which is set to launch next year – and says she would love for them to work on music together.

She added: “After ‘The X Factor US’ I think she’ll be a fashion icon. The US is going to love her – and I want to perform with her.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

‘American Idol’ Judges — Dangerous Strangers

Sources connected with “American Idol” tell TMZ … execs on the show recklessly rolled the dice by choosing Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler as the new judges.

Our “A.I.” spies tell us producers have never put Lopez, Tyler and Randy Jackson in the same room to see if they have the right chemistry.  As one source put it, “It’s ridiculous not to road test these people before committing … it’s insane.”

We’re told before choosing Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, Exec Producer Nigel Lythgoe organized dinners with the three prospective judges, to see how they meshed.  We’re told Nigel even had Simon and Randy go to a few strip clubs together … to see how they got along.

But turns out … there’s still time.  High level sources tell us the deals with Lopez and Tyler still haven’t been signed, and auditions with the judges are just a month away.

Source: TMZ

Village People Cop — ‘Idol’ Considering Me as Judge!!

The guy who played the original cop in the Village People claims he recently had a meeting with “American Idol” execs … who told him that he’s a “dark horse candidate” to be a judge on the show!

Victor Willis tells TMZ he’d be the “best choice” to replace Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell because he was “the original idol judge for the selection of the Village People talent” back in 1977.

As we previously reported, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are slated to take the judges table once their contracts are worked out — but just in case it doesn’t work out with them, Willis claims, “I reminded the [American Idol] representative that I was a judge for the selection of talent for the-most iconic group of characters of all time.”

He added, “The show’s response was that they’re very much aware of this and that I’m considered a serious dark horse candidate.”

So we gotta ask …

Source: TMZ

Simon Cowell wants Cheryl Cole to stay single.

The music mogul has reportedly ordered the 27-year-old singer – who is a judge on his UK TV show ‘The X Factor’ – to curb her rumoured romance with dancer Derek Hough in order to concentrate on getting back to full health after recently been stricken with potentially-fatal malaria.

A source told Reveal magazine: “Simon has had serious words with Cheryl and gave her a list of things she needs to sort out.

“He’s demanded that she puts her love life on hold – he feels Derek is a distraction that she simply doesn’t need. Derek is always hanging around on set with her and Cheryl is constantly trying to keep him happy.”

The 50-year-old star is also said to be planning to find a lifestyle coach to help the ‘Fight for This Love’ singer – who split from soccer star husband Ashley Cole in February following allegations he had been unfaithful – juggle her hectic schedule.

The source added: “Simon wants Cheryl to accept more help, rather than try and battle on by herself.

“He told her everyone in the US has a lifestyle guru and that he will get someone to work with her.

“Cheryl hates the idea because she is a very private person, but Simon is insisting on it. He believes having someone with her is the only way to guarantee she will eat, sleep and talk about her problems.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Katie Price bores British men.

The former glamour model – who recently renewed her wedding vows with cage fighter Alex Reid in a televised ceremony, just over a year after separating from first husband Peter Andre – was named by 51 per cent of participants in the Great Male survey as being the female public figure people were most tired of hearing about, beating eccentric singer Lady Gaga and Malaria-stricken Cheryl Cole into second and third place respectively.

Andrew Lubega, editor of AskMen UK who commissioned the survey, told BANG Showbiz: “For many British guys, Katie Price represents everything they’d want to avoid in a partner. For a number of men, her apparently harsh treatment of ex-husband Peter Andre makes her bad relationship material, and her constant craving for attention would seem to be a huge personality turn off.”

Recently-jailed Lindsay Lohan and US First Lady Michelle Obama were placed fourth and fifth respectively.

When asked which male public figures British men were tired of hearing about, the 7,000 people surveyed placed Katie’s ex-husband Peter in the top spot, closely followed by ‘Twilight’ hunk Robert Pattinson.

Scandal-stricken golfer Tiger Woods, music mogul Simon Cowell, and England soccer star John Terry made up the rest of the top five.

The Great Male survey quizzed respondents on a range of topics, including use of technology, political preferences, favourite TV shows and celebrity crushes.

Ask Men’s Great Male survey top five female public figures men are most tired of hearing about:

1. Katie Price

2. Lady Gaga

3. Cheryl Cole

4. Lindsay Lohan

5. Michelle Obama

Ask Men’s Great Male survey top five male public figures men are most tired of hearing about:

1. Peter Andre

2. Robert Pattinson

3. Tiger Woods

4. Simon Cowell

5. John Terry

Source: BANG Showbiz

Cheryl Cole is out of intensive care.

The ‘Fight for This Love’ singer has been discharged from the Hospital for Tropical Diseases at University College London, where she has been receiving treatment for malaria, and is now being cared for at a private clinic.

A statement said: “Cheryl Cole came out of intensive care and has left UCLH. She has now been transferred to a private clinic where she will remain for her recovery.”

Rumoured boyfriend Derek Hough is said to be distraught Cheryl caught malaria while on vacation with him in Tanzania, and is blaming himself for taking her to the African country on a short romantic break.

Malaria – which attacks the body’s liver and blood flow – is spread by mosquitoes.

Derek’s stepfather Aaron Nelson said: “Derek feels guilty. He is very distressed about all of this.

‘He feels he has done this to her. He rang his mom in tears. He organised the holiday as something wonderful. For it to end up like this is terrible. He feels dreadful.”

Cheryl has been told by ‘X Factor’ judge Simon Cowell to take off as much time as she needs and to not return to the audition stage of the competition until she is better.

Source: BANG Showbiz

Dannii Minogue has given birth to a baby boy.

The singer-and-TV star – who moved back home to her native Australia to prepare for the birth of her first child with British boyfriend Kris Smith – delivered the tot in Melbourne on Monday (05.07.10).

The couple have named their son Ethan Edward Smith.

A statement released on behalf of Dannii, 38, and Kris, 31, said: “Kris Smith and Dannii Minogue are thrilled to announce the arrival of Ethan Edward Smith on 5 July 2010.

“Mother and baby are doing well and dad is very proud. They request their privacy at this special time to adjust as new parents.”

Dannii previously admitted she never saw a baby in her future until she got pregnant.

She said: “I just never thought it was something I would do. I had never been broody. No clock was ticking. And I would never have wanted to do it unless I was in the right relationship. He felt like ‘The One’.

“Kris loves me pregnant and that’s a big, big help. You do have hormonal days and I think if anything was said that left me thinking, ‘What did he mean by that?’ it might have got to me. But he is loving every minute of it.”

Dannii’s sister Kylie is expected to head home to Australia later this month to meet her nephew.

While Dannii has not taken part in the audition rounds for UK TV talent show ‘The X Factor‘ this year she is expected to return for the final auditions and the live shows alongside fellow judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole.

Source: BANG Showbiz

Oprah Winfrey has been named the world’s most powerful celebrity.

The TV star – who fronts ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ and is the president of media company Harpo Productions – has topped the annual Most Powerful Celebrity poll conducted by Forbes magazine, knocking Angelina Jolie off the top spot with earnings of $315 million last year.

The 56-year-old star was previously named top of the coveted list in 2007 and 2008, before Angelina – who is now in 18th position – took over from her in 2009.

The 2010 figures also include a number of new stars, with Lady Gaga flying into fourth place with earnings of $62 million, behind Beyonce Knowles with $87 million in second, and film director James Cameron in third with $210 million earned last year.

The Forbes Most Powerful Celebrity list looks at wealth, TV/radio popularity, press rank, web rank and social status – with even twitter followers being taken into consideration.

The 2010 poll placed ‘Twilight’ star Robert Pattinson on the list for the first time, in 50th position following the success of the vampire movies, and after earning $17 million last year.

His co-star and rumoured girlfriend Kristen Stewart came 66th after earning $12 million from the franchise and working on new movie ‘The Runaways’.

Despite a tumultuous year in her personal life, Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock was placed eighth in the poll after pocketing $56 million in the past 12 months. She was just behind golfer Tiger Woods, who was placed fifth, Britney Spears, sixth, and rock band U2 - consisting of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. – who were placed seventh.

The top 20 Forbes Most Powerful Celebrity 2010 poll and their earnings from the past 12 months:

1. Oprah Winfrey – $315 million

2. Beyonce Knowles – $87 million

3. James Cameron – $210 million

4. Lady Gaga – $62 million

5. Tiger Woods – $105 million

6. Britney Spears – $64 million

7. U2 – $130 million

8. Sandra Bullock – $56 million

9. Johnny Depp – $75 million

10. Madonna – $58 million

11. Simon Cowell – $80 million

12. Taylor Swift – $45 million

13. Miley Cyrus – $48 million

14. Kobe Bryant – $48 million

15. Jay-Z – $63 million

16. Black Eyed Peas – $48 million

17. Bruce Springsteen – $70 million

18. Angelina Jolie – $20 million

19. Rush Limbaugh – $58.5 million

20. Michael Jordan – $55 million

Source: BANG Showbiz

Bret Michaels — From Deathbed to ‘Idol’ Judge?

Bret Michaels returned to the stage last night in Biloxi, MS where Bret dropped a huge piece of info on the crowd — he might be taking Simon Cowell’s seat on “American Idol.“

Right before Bret played the classic “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” he told the crowd, “I can’t say this is true yet, cause I don’t know. Next year they asked me to possibly be the judge on ‘American Idol.’” Very vague, but still …

As for the rest of the show, one audience member told us, “I figured he’d be wobbly and sitting on a stool. But he was energetic, running around the stage with his guitar. It was like when I saw Poison years ago. It was a awesome show.”

Source: TMZ

Simon Cowell’s fiancee wants him to hide his “protruding nipples”.

The music mogul – who is famed for his plain white T-shirts and high-waisted trousers – has allegedly been forced to take fashion advice from his make-up artist fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy because she’s fed of seeing his oversized ‘man boobs’ bulging out of his tight tops.

A source told the National Enquirer magazine: “Mezhgan started helping Simon pick out his clothes, and it’s made a huge difference. She detests those tight T-shirts he used to wear. She’s got great taste and, fortunately, it’s starting to rub off on Simon.”

Simon’s make-over is certainly set to be a hit with his friends.

Dannii Minogue, Simon’s fellow judge on UK TV talent show ‘The X Factor‘ has previously blasted his “uncool” and boring dress sense, and urged him to stop wearing T-shirts.

She said: “He’s letting the side down a bit. We just need him to ditch the boring trousers and T-shirts.

“It’s so much fun dressing up. I think it’s a really important part of the show – the contestants come along expecting a special day.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Another ‘Idol’ Player Jumps Ship for Jay

Simon Cowell wasn’t the only one who bid sayonara to “American Idol” last night.

Dorian Holley — the Vocal Coach and Associate Musical Director — said farewell last night as well, and he’s heading for “The Tonight Show.”

Holley was also the Vocal Director for Michael Jackson and was a key player in the London tour that never happened.  He was with Jackson hours before he died.

Holley will become the lead singer in “The Tonight Show” band.  And he’s not the only “A.I.” musical guru who’s jumping ship  — Rickey Minor will take over Jay’s band.

Need a job?  There are openings at “Idol.”

Source: TMZ

Jedward: 2 Men, 1 Face Invasion – It’s a nearly simultaneous double Face Invaders as Matt Edmondson gets in the (same) face of X Factor’s John and Edward. How can you tell them apart, are they close to Simon Cowell, what do they think of Vanilla Ice and, err, guns, did they copy La Roux’ look, how many girlfriends do they have, are they going to be in The Hobbit and which side do TV presenters sit on? Let’s find out. Buy ‘Under Pressure (Ice, Ice Baby)

Susan Boyle has been blasted by opera legend Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

The New Zealand-born soprano was asked about the Scottish singing sensation’s version of ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, which she also sings, but dismissed 49-year-old Susan as a product of “whizz” and “bang” reality television.

Speaking to the Radio Times, she said: “Let’s get off that subject, move on. I’m doing something classical, not whizz-bang. Whizz-bang disappears. It goes ‘whizz’ and then ‘bang’.”

The 66-year-old star – who is holding a competition on British station Radio 2 to find a new operatic talent – also took a swipe at popular reality TV shows, claiming she loathes the frenzy which surrounds them.

She said: “You insult me by even wanting to bring it into this conversation. I’m not interested. My competition has nothing to do with ‘The X Factor’, which I can’t bear.”

She also accused the ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ judges – which include music mogul Simon Cowell – of not doing a very good job, claiming her judges “know what they’re talking about”.

Source: BANG Showbiz

Simon Cowell is to receive a knighthood.

The music mogul will reportedly be given the title – which will make him Sir Simon Cowell - by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth in her birthday honours list next month after being recommended by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown for his charity work, in particular his efforts with the chart-topping single ‘Everybody Hurts’, which raised money to help victims of the Haiti earthquake.

A source said: “Gordon Brown was very keen for Simon to get proper recognition for his work.

“He was particularly impressed by the way Simon responded to his suggestion to release the record for Haiti by dropping everything to ensure it was a success.

“And there’s no doubt Simon has brought as great deal of happiness to millions of people with his music and TV shows.

Close friends of Simon – whose TV shows are shown in 27 countries – believe he “deserves” the honour because of the good work he does to help others.

An insider told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “It would be an absolutely huge achievement and a wonderful tribute to all he’s achieved professionally.

“Simon deserves the honour because he does so much work behind the scenes for charity and publicly supports good causes.

“He has also generated millions in the music and entertainment industries, created thousands of jobs and helped make Sony a multinational conglomerate.”

However, the news is likely to come as a shock to 50-year-old Simon, who has previously said his chances of being knighted are “below zero”.

The source added: “Simon has always joked he’d be last in line for a knighthood. But, deep down, it’s his dream.”

Other entertainment stars to have previously been knighted by the queen include Sir Michael Caine, Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Paul McCartney.

Source: BANG Showbiz