Rihanna has reportedly signed up to be a mentor on the US ‘X Factor’

The pop beauty is set to help judge L.A. Reid choose his final four acts after Simon Cowell was so impressed with the ‘Only Girl (In The World)’ hitmaker’s performance on the UK version of his talent show last year.

Mariah Carey will also be acting as a guest mentor on the series.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “Simon loves Rihanna and loved having her on the UK show last year – so it’s no surprise he wants her back.

“He hasn’t officially announced her yet as he loves keeping everyone guessing. But fans are already getting excited.”

The 23-year-old singer was rumoured to be in the running for a place on the judging panel, but she did not make the final line-up – which is comprised of L.A., Simon, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger.

The 51-year-old music mogul – who left the UK ‘X Factor’ last year to concentrate on his judging role on the new American show – recently branded a performance on the upcoming series “utterly s**t” during a short preview of competition, and he added: “I am hating this. It’s gotta go.”

Simon admitted he was close to walking off the set, but explained his boot camp rant was because of poor sound.

He said: “There were about 90 contestants and everything went wrong. It wasn’t their fault.

“It’s the meltdown of all meltdowns. I wasn’t afraid to say, ‘This is a shambles.’

“We’re going to show the good, bad and ugly bits. And there are lots of ugly bits.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Nicole Scherzinger has been confirmed as the host of the US version of ‘The X Factor’

The 32-year-old singer will work on the show alongside Welsh presenter Steve Jones, music boss Simon Cowell has revealed, and he says the pair will be a “great” combination.

He added: “These two are going to be great together. I have always wanted Steve to work with us; I think he is a real star.

“Nicole is fantastic. I loved working with her on the UK ‘X Factor’ last year. She is gorgeous and super-talented.”

The ‘Poison’ hitmaker – who worked on the UK show as a temporary judge during the audition phase – is “thrilled” at the development and “excited” to be working with newcomer Steve.

She added: “I am thrilled to be asked by Simon Cowell to host ‘The X Factor’. I loved working alongside Simon on the UK show and cannot wait to see what he has in store for the US. I’m so excited to work with Steve Jones and help discover astounding talent from across the country.”

So far Simon has confirmed singer Cheryl Cole and record producer L.A. Reid will join him on the show as judges, and Paula Abdul is expected to be confirmed as the fourth when auditions begin later today (08.05.11).

Source: BANG Showbiz

Demi Lovato is set to mark her comeback with a performance on the US version of ‘The X Factor’

The 18-year-old star – who left rehab in January after seeking treatment for “emotional and physical issues” in November – is in talks with producers of the highly-anticipated TV talent show to perform on one of the live shows after a judging role was ruled out.

A source said: “She has, in fact, had meetings concerning the matter, but chances are very slim that she would be joining the cast as a judge. They think, because of her age, she might not be the right fit for a judge. But they have spoken about having Demi come on to perform during the season, and have discussed her having her comeback performance.”

The show – created by Simon Cowell – is set to premiere in September and insiders believe this is perfect for Demi as it will give her the chance to put all her problems behind her and focus on her career.

Demi – who entered rehab after she allegedly punched a backing dancer – recently revealed she was excited about the prospect of returning to work.

In a video message thanking fans for their support, she said: “I wanted to let you guys know that I’m excited to get back to work and I can’t wait to tell you what the future holds. I can’t wait to see you guys in person and thank you all individually. I love you all and I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Lindsay Lohan is being lined up for a role on US ‘X Factor’.

The troubled ‘Machete’ actress – who could face a jail term over a recent accusation she stole a $2,500 necklace from upmarket Californian boutique Kamofie & Company – is reportedly wanted by Simon Cowell to join him on the judging panel.

A source told the Daily Mirror: “Simon wants him and three beautiful girls on the panel. He will sit there like the cat that got the cream. Lindsay is notorious but she will give the show an edginess.

“There’s been serious talks but Lindsay’s legal issues and her commitment to stay sober need to be worked through. She knows this could turn her life around.”

Cheryl Cole and Nicole Scherzinger are frontrunners for roles on the show when it launches in America later this year but Simon is still trying to decide on the perfect combination.

The music mogul – who is set to announce the highly anticipated final judging line-up for the show within the next month – has previously said he is looking for an American superstar to join the judges and recently conceded ‘OMG’ hitmaker Usher fits the bill.

He said: “I like Usher, I like the fact he worked with Justin Bieber, great mentor. But it’s about the level of commitment someone is willing to give to the show and if they’re willing to help another artist.”

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.”

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)

Mezhgan Hussainy is “too nice” for Simon Cowell

Simon’s fellow ‘X Factor’ judge Louis Walsh has joked the beautiful make-up artist is too good for the music mogul, but claims the relationship has had one unusual effect on his 50-year-old pal.

He joked: “I looked at some pictures of Simon when he was on ‘Pop Idol’ all those years ago and he looks older then than he does now. Maybe it’s down to Mezhgan’s make-up skills. You decide.

“She is a lovely woman. She deserves better. She is too nice for him.”

Louis, 57, is very excited about the upcoming nuptials, and is especially looking forward to seeing what the couple will be wearing.

He said: “I am sure it will be camp. I can’t wait to see which one is wearing the gown!”

Simon’s ex-girlfriend Sinitta recently claimed the ‘American Idol’ judge was going to have a Salvador Dali-themed wedding, with decor inspired by the Spanish surrealist painter’s famous melting clocks from his best-known work ‘The Persistence of Memory’.

She said: “What Simon wants, Simon gets. The theme of the wedding is Miracles Do Happen – Simon getting married just goes to prove it.

“It will be a pretty surreal do – Salvador Dali-inspired. There’ll be angels and all sorts everywhere.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

The ‘Bad Boys’ singer, whose debut LP ‘Overcome’ went straight to the top of the UK charts, is determined to mimic her home country’s success in the notoriously difficult US market but is hoping record company executives won’t force her to make too many changes.

She said: “I’d love for America to go well next year. I’m working on an American version of ‘Overcome’.

“I’m writing a few things for it. Ideally I just want to lay down some ideas, present it to the label and then see what happens. I don’t think we’re going to change it that much for the American market as the videos will definitely stay the same.”

In order to boost her chances of success, Alexandra is hoping she can count on friend Beyonce Knowles for support.

The 24-year-old so said she wants to get Beyonce Knowles to help her in the US.

Alexandra and the ‘Crazy In Love’ singer became close after the pair sang together on the final of UK TV talent show ‘X Factor’ which shot the British star to fame in 2008.

She added to the Daily Star newspaper: “I’m keeping my fingers tightly crossed to see whether Beyonce will let me take up her offer of help next year.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

The ‘Bad Romance’ singer astonished reality TV mogul Simon Cowell with her requests, but they were eventually vetoed by health and safety officers. She will instead perform on the UK TV talent show this Sunday (06.12.09) surrounded by scantily clad male dancers.

A source said: “Simon wanted her on the show because he knows she will put 110 per cent into the performance.

“She is always way out there with her costumes and dance routines. But not even he was prepared for what she had in mind.

“He thought the animals request was a joke but then realised it was Lady Gaga. Simon is an animal lover and wasn’t against having the lambs running around, but he said no because of health and safety.”

The eccentric singer also recently had a request to have lions accompany her to the MTV Video Music Awards turned down.

The source added to Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper: “After the MTV Awards she knew that getting animals on stage was a long shot but she was just pushing her luck.

“However, she had other ideas and is thrilled with what the ‘X Factor’ team has devised. People are still going to be stunned.”

British health and safety officers also cracked down on singer Mariah Carey’s diva demands last month when she appeared to turn on a shopping centre’s Christmas lights in London.

Mariah requested 20 white kittens and 100 white doves to accompany her at the extravagant switch-on ceremony at the Westfield shopping centre, but health and safety officials denied her wishes – because animals are not allowed inside the complex.

The singer did, however, arrive in a Rolls-Royce car and was accompanied by 80 security guards as well as a 15-strong entourage.

Source: BANG Showbiz

The comedy filmmaker would “love” to portray the music mogul on big screen because he is convinced there are huge similarities between Simon and his fictional news reader character Ron Burgundy from the film ‘Anchorman’.

He said: “I would love to play Simon Cowell in a movie. It would be my dream role. Simon’s become a legend in five years. Nobody in the US knew who he was five years ago and now he is one of the most famous people on TV.

“It wouldn’t be that hard for me to play him because I see a lot of Ron Burgundy in Simon Cowell.”

In the 2004 box office hit, Will portrayed haphazard 70s newsreader Ron – who was known for his permanent tan, immaculately groomed hair and outrageous views.

The 42-year-old actor believes the similarities between the iconic character and Simon are uncanny.

He explained to Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “Like Simon, Ron was the biggest thing on TV, loved himself and had that whole irresistible middle-aged man thing going on. I could play Simon, but to be honest Simon could play Ron. They are like long-lost twin brothers separated at birth. Simon Cowell and Ron Burgundy are pretty much the same role, apart from Simon being ruder.”

The comic is also keen to be made over like the 50-year-old ‘X Factor’ and ‘American Idol’ judge.

Will added: “It would be pretty fun getting into character as well. I would have to walk along the street and say, ‘Hey, you’re too fat to be a star,’ or go to a concert and shout out to the artist, ‘Never gonna happen.’ I could also probably get whoever is making the movie to pay for me to get Simon teeth done. How great would it be – to have a smile like that? It literally shines when he opens his mouth. I would become irresistible.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

The rapper is reportedly a massive fan of the UK TV talent show, and has told judge and producer Simon Cowell to get him on the panel so he can give the hopefuls advice on what it’s like to be a global star.

Eminem doesn’t think the current judges – Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole, Australian singer Dannii Minogue, the sister of Kylie Minogue, and music manager Louis Walsh – have been successful enough to help the acts.

The ‘We Made You’ rapper said: “No disrespect to the current judges but you need people who are global, platinum-selling stars. You need to prepare contestants for what it’s really like out there, and what sort of pressure you are going to be under.”

The 37-year-old hip-hop star guarantees he would find a platinum-selling star if he and his producer friend Dr. Dre had a guest slot as judges.

He added to Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “So much average talent comes out of these reality shows. A hip-hop star will never win a show like the ‘X Factor’ without somebody like me on the panel. It needs somebody in power to open a door for them.

“I’m not sure I would have the time to do it full-time, but I would come out and be a guest judge. Simon tells it like it is and I am down with that.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

The R’n’B star has a huge crush on the “wild” former Spice Girl and admits she would be his dream Christmas present.

He said: “If there was one thing I could have for Christmas, it would be Mel B in my stocking. She’s the perfect woman – sexy, confident and slightly wild!”

Although Oritse won’t get the chance to unwrap Mel – who is married to Stephen Belafonte – he did get to unwrap a female fan wearing nipple tassels who had disguised herself as a present and waited outside the house he was in with his JLS bandmates.

Oritse recalled: “She was covered in wrapping paper with a message saying, ‘Please open.’ When I pulled off the paper there was a girl underneath wearing a French maid’s outfit and nipple tassels. She was in her 20s – thank God!”

JLS – also comprised of Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes and Jonathan ‘JB’ Gill – rose to fame when they came second in last year’s ‘X Factor’ competition and are now currently riding high in both the UK singles and album charts.

Source: BANG Showbiz