Music teacher Melanie Masson stuns the X Factor judges on tonight's audition show, blowing them away with a cover of Janis Joplin's 'Cry Baby'. Melanie is a 44-year-old mum-of-two, who works as a music teacher for under-5s. She reveals that music "is the only thing [she's] ever wanted to do", but she believes that the ITV1 talent show is her last chance of getting a big break. Her audition is believed to be part of the reason that Gary Barlow has backed the Overs category as the "one to watch" in series nine. Speaking after her performance, the Take That star says: "Melanie that was insane. Oh my god, that voice! You were guiding us through the song. It was amazing, it really was." Louis Walsh comments: "Melanie, where did that voice come from and where has it been? You're 44, this is what this (more)...
- 8/31/2012
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Melanie McCabe has tried out for the 'X Factor' again. The Irish singer hoped it would be third time lucky as she performed Eva Cassidy's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' for the judging panel in Manchester yesterday (07.06.12). Melanie made it to the judges' houses stage on the ITV1 singing competition last year, but was sent home by mentor Kelly Rowland in favour of Misha B, Janet Devlin, Amelia Lily and Sophie Habibis. Audience members reported that all four judges - Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Louis Walsh and Mel B - gave Melanie a standing ovation and rave reviews yesterday. The 19-year-old contestant first...
- 6/7/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Tulisa Contostavlos's stepmother has criticised the star's 'carelessness' and 'lack of self-respect' following her sex tape revelation. Melanie Vondrau, who was married to the N-Dubz singer's father Plato for ten years until 2009, believes the X Factor judge is to blame for dating her alleged sex tape partner Mc Ultra in the first place. Vondrau, 39, told The People: "I'm appalled. Tulisa doesn't respect herself because of the way she was brought up - especially when it comes to men.
> Tulisa ex Mc Ultra in court over sex tape: 'She persuaded me to film'
> Tulisa Contostavlos 'may be in more sex tapes with Ultra' "A young girl who respects herself would choose her partner very wisely. She is clearly not making the right partner choices. "She (more)...
> Tulisa ex Mc Ultra in court over sex tape: 'She persuaded me to film'
> Tulisa Contostavlos 'may be in more sex tapes with Ultra' "A young girl who respects herself would choose her partner very wisely. She is clearly not making the right partner choices. "She (more)...
- 3/26/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
London, Mar 26: Tulisa's former stepmother Melanie Vondrau has said that the singer "doesn't respect herself" as she allowed herself to be filmed in a sex tape.
The 'X Factor' judge owned up to being the girl in the sex tape that was doing the rounds and spoke of her devastation with ex boyfriend, rapper DJ Ultra.
Her dad's ex wife, which technically makes her Tulisa's ex-stepmother, says that she's disgusted that the N-Dubz star even allowed herself to be filmed in the first place.
"I'm appalled," the Mirror quoted Vondrau as telling People Magazine.
"The fact that she would even allow a tape like this just.
The 'X Factor' judge owned up to being the girl in the sex tape that was doing the rounds and spoke of her devastation with ex boyfriend, rapper DJ Ultra.
Her dad's ex wife, which technically makes her Tulisa's ex-stepmother, says that she's disgusted that the N-Dubz star even allowed herself to be filmed in the first place.
"I'm appalled," the Mirror quoted Vondrau as telling People Magazine.
"The fact that she would even allow a tape like this just.
- 3/26/2012
- by Rahul Kapoor
- RealBollywood.com
The top 3 performance finale of The X Factor gave Fox a win in the key demographics on Wednesday. The show averaged 11.2 million viewers and a 3.3 rating/10 share in 18-49, according to preliminary results, giving Fox a 3.0/9 win in the adult category.
Other notable ratings for X Factor: The show actually gained 23 percent in the last half hour versus the first hour in the adult demo (from a 3.0 to a 3.7) and won its time period in teens, persons 12-34, and even viewers over 50. Afterwards, an original of I Hate My Teenage Daughter didn’t do too badly; It averaged a 2.1/6 — up 17 percent from last week,...
Other notable ratings for X Factor: The show actually gained 23 percent in the last half hour versus the first hour in the adult demo (from a 3.0 to a 3.7) and won its time period in teens, persons 12-34, and even viewers over 50. Afterwards, an original of I Hate My Teenage Daughter didn’t do too badly; It averaged a 2.1/6 — up 17 percent from last week,...
- 12/22/2011
- by Lynette Rice
- EW - Inside TV
Kevin may be Team Melanie, but which 'X Factor' finalist are You voting for? As Glee's two-wheeled music machine Artie Abrams, Kevin McHale knows a thing or two about churning out hit songs. So when HollywoodLife.com caught up with him Dec. 3 at the premiere of Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, we couldn't help but ask who he thinks will win The X Factor. "You know, for those that are remaining, I would have to say [Melanie Amaro]," Kevin confessed. Who do You want to win the first season of The X Factor? Cast your vote below: [polldaddy poll=5721226] — Reporting by Russ Weakland...
- 12/6/2011
- by Russ Weakland
- HollywoodLife
Filed under: Recaps
Can you feel it, 'X Factor' fans? I'm not so sure that Michael Jackson's kids did -- the poor moppets were trapped front row center as the contestants cycled through some of their father's greatest hits, but it seemed like Blanket was not at all amused by their shenanigans. (Grandma Katherine Jackson, on the other hand, seems to be the series' biggest fan).
Thankfully, now that we've trimmed a few of the extraneous acts -- and thirty minutes of the show's airtime -- I was feeling it, for the most part (except for the part with 'Can You Feel It,' I wasn't feeling that). The M.J. love was infectious, and though some of the acts hit a few sour notes, by the time we reached the end of Melanie's powerhouse performance, it was hard to be grumpy; even L.A. found...
Can you feel it, 'X Factor' fans? I'm not so sure that Michael Jackson's kids did -- the poor moppets were trapped front row center as the contestants cycled through some of their father's greatest hits, but it seemed like Blanket was not at all amused by their shenanigans. (Grandma Katherine Jackson, on the other hand, seems to be the series' biggest fan).
Thankfully, now that we've trimmed a few of the extraneous acts -- and thirty minutes of the show's airtime -- I was feeling it, for the most part (except for the part with 'Can You Feel It,' I wasn't feeling that). The M.J. love was infectious, and though some of the acts hit a few sour notes, by the time we reached the end of Melanie's powerhouse performance, it was hard to be grumpy; even L.A. found...
- 11/30/2011
- by Laura Prudom
- Aol TV.
Stacy Francis eliminated from 'X Factor' tonight in the finals round 3. Tonight's elimination show kicked off with a live performance from the top 10 final contestants. Then they showed recap footage from last night's performances show. Right after that, host Steve Jones revealed that LeRoy Bell and Lakoda Rayne were safe to lead into the first break. After the break, they showed video footage,featuring the contestants doing a professional photo session. They were also given brand new,Sony cameras. Then mega popstar Rihanna hit the stage to sing her song,titled, "We found Love." Afterwards,she shared some advice for the contestants to lead into another break. After the break, they brought the remaining finalists back to the stage,along with their mentors. Then host Steve revealed that Chris Rene,Melanie,Josh,and Marcus Canty were safe to lead into the break. After the break, they revealed that...
- 11/18/2011
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
In the words of Rem — and now, Melanie Amaro — “everybody hurts sometimes.” Unfortunately for Nicole Schpelunker, hurting time may arrive during Thursday night’s results-show telecast, as two of the three acts in her “Over 30s” category look like good bets to meet the same fate as the 15 (!) vocalists Tko’d under Paula Abdul’s watch over the last two weeks.
How bad is the prognosis for LeRoy “Dorian Gray” Bell and Stacy “Paw in a Bear Trap” Francis? Well, when asked by her fellow judges if LeRoy had a chance to capture the $5 million prize, the best Nicole could...
How bad is the prognosis for LeRoy “Dorian Gray” Bell and Stacy “Paw in a Bear Trap” Francis? Well, when asked by her fellow judges if LeRoy had a chance to capture the $5 million prize, the best Nicole could...
- 11/17/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Alright, we're at the Top 10 "X Factor" fans. Do you think Lakoda Rayne can survive so Paula Abdul has something to do? Or maybe we don't want them to and then Paula can just drink and be mouthy towards Simon for the next eight weeks. That'd be Ok too.
Oh, and this is Rock Week. Hmmm.
1. LeRoy Bell, "We've Got Tonight," Bob Seger
Great song. Great. So pumped about this. Vocally, it's gorgeous. It's like if Seger met Motown. I don't get what L.A. says about him being boring. This is wonderful to listen to and then when the song really kicks up, it gets more exciting. LeRoy isn't a run-around-the-stage singer. I went to a Billy Joel concert once and he barely moved and it was still great. Not all performers have to be crazy all the time, which is something L.A. has definitely made his boys do.
Oh, and this is Rock Week. Hmmm.
1. LeRoy Bell, "We've Got Tonight," Bob Seger
Great song. Great. So pumped about this. Vocally, it's gorgeous. It's like if Seger met Motown. I don't get what L.A. says about him being boring. This is wonderful to listen to and then when the song really kicks up, it gets more exciting. LeRoy isn't a run-around-the-stage singer. I went to a Billy Joel concert once and he barely moved and it was still great. Not all performers have to be crazy all the time, which is something L.A. has definitely made his boys do.
- 11/17/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
For Rock Week on "The X Factor," Melanie Amaro and her mentor Simon Cowell chose "Everybody Hurts" by Rem. There was some debate about whether it was a rock song, but hey - at least Rem is a rock band.
The judges were split on their critiques. Nicole wanted to connect more, L.A. just took his time to criticize Simon. Paula said Melanie took us to church, which we have to agree with. It was another darn near perfect vocal by Melanie.
We loved how she changed the song up enough to make it her own, but not so much it became unrecognizable. That's the mark of a good performance on a show like this. What did you think, "X Factor" fans?...
The judges were split on their critiques. Nicole wanted to connect more, L.A. just took his time to criticize Simon. Paula said Melanie took us to church, which we have to agree with. It was another darn near perfect vocal by Melanie.
We loved how she changed the song up enough to make it her own, but not so much it became unrecognizable. That's the mark of a good performance on a show like this. What did you think, "X Factor" fans?...
- 11/17/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
It’s Paula Abdul’s worst nightmare. No, CBS isn’t forcing the “Vibeology” singer to quit The X Factor in order to produce a second season of Live to Dance (bet you already forgot about that one, didn’t you?), but rather, two of the three acts in her “Groups” category got eliminated during the first two results-show telecasts of her new Fox series. Will Paula’s mentoring role rush (rush) into oblivion with the ousting of Lakoda Rayne this coming Thursday, or will one of her fellow panelists feel the sting of America’s voting rebuke? Only time will tell.
- 11/14/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Stereo Hogzz eliminated from 'X Factor' tonight in the finals,round 2. Tonight's elimination show kicked off with a group performance from the contestants. Then the host chatted with judges for a bit before showing recap footage from last night's performances to lead into the first break. After the break, Willow Smith hit the stage to perform her new joint called,"Fireball." After another break, singer Jessie J hit the stage to perform her song titled, "Domino" to lead into another break. After the break, they brought all the contestants back onto the main stage,and revealed that Stacy Francis, Brian Astro Bradley,Melanie,Marcus Canty, LeRoy Bell,Rachel Crow, Josh, Drew,and Chris Rene were safe this week,leaving Paula's groups on the bottom end again. After the break, Lakoda Rayne hit the stage to sing for the judges votes. They sang "No Air" by Jordin Sparks. Then...
- 11/11/2011
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
The Top 11 contestants of The X Factor‘s inaugural season have a daunting task in front of them: Performing CPR on the bloodied, lifeless corpse of modern music, which received a shocking death blow during this week’s results-show telecast from a lanky, screeching child in a leather-and-chainmail onesie.
The X Factor Top 12: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Suggested Song Choices
Okay, yeah, so I have Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair” in my iTunes library, but that “Fireball” business she hurled at the audience tonight had me dialing 1-800-End-Nepotism.
(“Um, hello? Can we get the party started? Um, hello?...
The X Factor Top 12: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Suggested Song Choices
Okay, yeah, so I have Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair” in my iTunes library, but that “Fireball” business she hurled at the audience tonight had me dialing 1-800-End-Nepotism.
(“Um, hello? Can we get the party started? Um, hello?...
- 11/11/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Things I don’t want to see ever again on The X Factor: Two-hour commercials promoting Adam Sandler’s latest “film.” Any/all of the judges channeling Randy Jackson in their critiques; back-critiquing performances they praised in the previous week; trying to take credit for their rival mentors’ successes; and smiling smugly as if it was them, not their contestants, who hit those big-ass notes. Adherence to “theme weeks” that are flimsier than Paula Abdul’s non-electronically enhanced singing voice. Promotion of the idea that a Pepsi commercial is the single greatest signifier of musical success. And Steve Jones giggling the word “whoopsie!
- 11/10/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Wednesday night’s X Factor show included a little bit of everthing… There were some great songs (Josh, Rachel and LeRoy), great style (Lakoda Rayne and Stereo Hogzz), serious poetics (we’re talking you Astro and Chris), health issues (Melanie & Marcus), and topics for the judges to dispute (Stacy’s song selection and Drew’s dress design). With so much going on we decided to go straight to the source backstage and ask each of the Top 11 X Factor contestants how they felt about their performance and the evening.
What did you think? Who was your favorite? Do you think they’ll make the cut to next week? The results are in the hands of America now. We’ll find out which contestants make it to the Top 10 during the results show on Thursday November 10 at 8/7 central on Fox.
What did you think? Who was your favorite? Do you think they’ll make the cut to next week? The results are in the hands of America now. We’ll find out which contestants make it to the Top 10 during the results show on Thursday November 10 at 8/7 central on Fox.
- 11/10/2011
- by foxallaccess
- Fox All Access
"The X Factor" is here with the Top 11 and Songs of the Movies. So clearly "X Factor" is not getting too far away from the "Idol" theme-show nights. Also, the product tie-in? "Jack and Jill." Those poor Idols what do we call X Factor contestants? Xies?
1. Stacy Francis, "Queen of the Night," "The Bodyguard"
This ... sounds off to me, almost right from the get-go. Is she sharp? Maybe it's just me, but it sounds off. Plus, she's relying way too heavily on the backup singers. There are times where they are carrying the song and she's just throwing in some ohs. And then she takes to the scaffolding like she's in the "Cold Hearted Snake" video. Hmm. Wow. I really did not like that. I love Stacy Francis, I've totally come around on her and no way should she go home, but I'm not down with tonight.
L.A. Reid's back-handed,...
1. Stacy Francis, "Queen of the Night," "The Bodyguard"
This ... sounds off to me, almost right from the get-go. Is she sharp? Maybe it's just me, but it sounds off. Plus, she's relying way too heavily on the backup singers. There are times where they are carrying the song and she's just throwing in some ohs. And then she takes to the scaffolding like she's in the "Cold Hearted Snake" video. Hmm. Wow. I really did not like that. I love Stacy Francis, I've totally come around on her and no way should she go home, but I'm not down with tonight.
L.A. Reid's back-handed,...
- 11/10/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
InTENsity group eliminated from 'X Factor' tonight in the finals round 1. Tonight's elimination show kicked off with a performance from the entire, final 12 contestants. Then they showed recap footage from last night. After the break,they revealed that the winner of X Factor gets to do a Pepsi commercial,and showed video footage from contestants,who expressed their excitement for it. Then band "Out Of Sight" hit the stage to perform their song titled, "Tonight is the Night." After the break, they showed more video footage with the contestants,explaining how much they want to stay on the show tonight. Then the host Steve Jones brought out all the final 12 contestants to the stage. Next,they revealed that Marcus and Drew were safe this week to lead into another break. After the break, they revealed that LeRoy Bell,Brian Astro Bradley,Lakota Rayne,Rachel Crow,Chris Rene,Josh,...
- 11/4/2011
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
There are moments where The X Factor reminds me of a horror-movie version of an industrial farm-raised turkey: Genetically groomed and pumped full of steroids, bursting at the skin with muscle and sinew, and — if it could figure out how to better maneuver its unwieldy form — ready to burst from its cage and brutally flip the carnivore-Thanksgiving dinner relationship.
Indeed, Simon Cowell is to reality singing competitions what growth hormones are to poultry: Why settle for a dozen backup dancers when you can project the image of 1,000 hoofers against a backdrop? Why wait for the season finale to dump 20 tons of confetti on your contestants?...
Indeed, Simon Cowell is to reality singing competitions what growth hormones are to poultry: Why settle for a dozen backup dancers when you can project the image of 1,000 hoofers against a backdrop? Why wait for the season finale to dump 20 tons of confetti on your contestants?...
- 11/3/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
If you can imagine, stuff happens at the taping of live TV shows that you — the viewing audience out there in the great USA — never really sees. But, call me a journalist, call me a spy — my job is to bring those moments, however completely and totally irrelevant, to you! So that’s what I’ve done here in this blog post, collecting together the things that you didn’t see on your screen during last night’s two-hour live episode of Fox’s talent competition The X Factor.
So what happened? The producers banned glow-in-the-dark posters! The judges bickered!
So what happened? The producers banned glow-in-the-dark posters! The judges bickered!
- 11/3/2011
- by Tanner Stransky
- EW.com - PopWatch
We finally find out the format for the "X Factor" Top 17. Each group performs and each judge sends home one person from his or her group (Simon has to cut two girls) and that gives us the Top 12 that presumably the American public will get to start voting on.
Also, I have to apologize right up front if I can't identify all the songs. They're doing mash-ups and I don't know them all and they don't tell us, which is really irksome.
The Boys
1. Astro, "Jump" and something else
I'm not entirely sure what the song was - Astro's original lyrics mashed-up with the chorus of "Jump" by Kriss Kross? Hmm. Anyway, it was good. He's a very talented rapper. The lyrics with "X Factor" added in were dumb. That needs to stop, it's like when artists insert the name of the town where they're performing into their lyrics to get crowd response (i.
Also, I have to apologize right up front if I can't identify all the songs. They're doing mash-ups and I don't know them all and they don't tell us, which is really irksome.
The Boys
1. Astro, "Jump" and something else
I'm not entirely sure what the song was - Astro's original lyrics mashed-up with the chorus of "Jump" by Kriss Kross? Hmm. Anyway, it was good. He's a very talented rapper. The lyrics with "X Factor" added in were dumb. That needs to stop, it's like when artists insert the name of the town where they're performing into their lyrics to get crowd response (i.
- 10/26/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Things I never anticipated seeing on The X Factor‘s second set of “Judges’ Houses” episodes: A microphone stand crashing against elegant pool tiles without making the slightest sound. A ragtag group of 10 children gleefully laying waste to the legacy of beloved music duo Hall & Oates. And a scene set in an elaborately staged junk yard featuring a quaint, handpainted sign with the word “Garbage” leaning against a dumpster.
But there were predictable aspects of X Factor’s latest telecast as well: A carefully groomed and gussied Nicole Sherbetzingy kept her face in a perpetual mask of squinted eye, quivering lip,...
But there were predictable aspects of X Factor’s latest telecast as well: A carefully groomed and gussied Nicole Sherbetzingy kept her face in a perpetual mask of squinted eye, quivering lip,...
- 10/17/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
This just in: At 23 years of age, Whitney Houston’s mawkish 1988 ballad “One Moment in Time” has apparently reclaimed its power as an un-ironic, soul-stirring anthem that can accompany small-screen images of joy, triumph, and the overcoming of obstacles. How else to explain the melismatic octave changes and lyrics about “racing with destiny” that accompanied The X Factor‘s announcement of the Top 8 contestants in the “geriatric” quarter of its search for America’s next great singing sensation?
All of this, of course, is just a long-winded way of saying that as the octet of octogenarians (okay, that burrito slinger...
All of this, of course, is just a long-winded way of saying that as the octet of octogenarians (okay, that burrito slinger...
- 10/7/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
There are 162 acts that made it to "X Factor" Boot Camp. We hope this has as much drama as the "American Idol" Hollywood Week usually does. Meltdowns! Meltdowns! Meltdowns!
The contestants have a week to compete in various challenges and each day some will be cut, until we are left with eight boys (12-30), eight girls (same), over 30s, and groups. Each judge mentors one category. The eight are then invited to each judge's home and then the judges decide who moves on to the live shows. Huh.
Highlights of the first boot camp episode include:
An "A Chorus Line"-esque group choreography - "Step kick kick leap kick touch! Again! Step kick kick leap kick touch!"The first elimination is groups of 10. Only 100 of the 162 advance. During this first of many montages, we see many singers we've already seen, but also a couple newbies - like Chris Rene's sister Gina Rene.
The contestants have a week to compete in various challenges and each day some will be cut, until we are left with eight boys (12-30), eight girls (same), over 30s, and groups. Each judge mentors one category. The eight are then invited to each judge's home and then the judges decide who moves on to the live shows. Huh.
Highlights of the first boot camp episode include:
An "A Chorus Line"-esque group choreography - "Step kick kick leap kick touch! Again! Step kick kick leap kick touch!"The first elimination is groups of 10. Only 100 of the 162 advance. During this first of many montages, we see many singers we've already seen, but also a couple newbies - like Chris Rene's sister Gina Rene.
- 10/6/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
I kicked off my recap of The X Factor‘s series premiere with a multiple choice question, so it seems somehow fitting to also begin our discussion of its sophomore outing by asking everyone to get out their No. 2 pencils and grapple with this mind-bender: A mega-hyped talent competition is airing its second episode, and 50 minutes in, the most entertaining aspect is a cellphone ad starring the show’s ornery British judge: How many minutes until you change the channel, or else find yourself mesmerized by a filthy, half-deflated basketball that undoubtedly deserves the Emmy for Outstanding Prop in a Reality Series Backstory?...
- 9/23/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
By now we all know that the "X Factor" premiere fell short of expectations Wednesday night, drawing in just 12 million viewers as compared to the most recent "American Idol"'s roughly 26 million. We also know that many of you threw a curveball at show creator Simon Cowell by voicing a preference for ridiculously good-looking pop star Cheryl Cole over Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger as a judge. Well sadly the story continues: by now we all know that the second-half of the premiere, well, kind of stank. In the end, there's not much to say about the two-hour show Thursday night -- one that scoured Dallas and Memphis in hopes of finding someone, anyone, talented. We got our fair share of silly ghost talks as filler for talent, we got Nick Voss, who was the splitting image of Vanilla Ice minus a few razored-out stripes from his head, and experienced...
- 9/23/2011
- by Youyoung Lee
- Huffington Post
Thursday night's second two-hour episode of "X Factor" hit Miami and Dallas for more auditions.
The acts worth remembering included a Vanilla Ice look-alike who belted out Elvis' "Trouble," along with some Mick Jagger/Michael Jackson moves from the talented Nick Voss. His unique and entertaining performance took him to the next round.
Melanie Amaro, 18, sang Beyonce's "Listen," and literally brought Nicole Scherzinger to tears. Amaro, whose entire family was backstage, enthusiastically cried and jumped...
The acts worth remembering included a Vanilla Ice look-alike who belted out Elvis' "Trouble," along with some Mick Jagger/Michael Jackson moves from the talented Nick Voss. His unique and entertaining performance took him to the next round.
Melanie Amaro, 18, sang Beyonce's "Listen," and literally brought Nicole Scherzinger to tears. Amaro, whose entire family was backstage, enthusiastically cried and jumped...
- 9/23/2011
- Extra
Another round of " X Factor " auditions went down last night -- and this time, the singing sensation of the evening was an 18-year-old college student. Melanie Amaro gave the judges and audience goosebumps with her rendition of Beyonce 's " Listen ," from the movie " Dreamgirls ." It's pretty clear she's going to be a serious contender once the live show starts up. Did anyone else tear up with her younger sister called her her "hero"? Also memorable on Thursday's episode was Xander Alexander -- but not for the same reasons as Melanie. Xander was nothing but pure sass, saying he wanted to be "the next Donald Trump meets Martha Stewart without the jail time, meets Britney Spears meets Beyonce without the ugly husband." Harsh! He didn't cool off his act in front of the judges either, dissing Simon Cowell and eventually getting them and the audience against him. His voice wasn't bad,...
- 9/23/2011
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
X Factor USA hopeful Melanie Amaro has floored the judges in the show's second episode with a soulful cover of Beyoncé's 'Listen'. The 18-year-old, who took the stage during the Miami auditions, was supported by family members backstage who cheered her on and urged her to "use [her] gift". Amaro said in voiceover: "I don't want to disappoint any of my family. They're all so proud and I've gotta definitely get that 'yes.'" When she was asked by Cowell if she was "any good", she replied: "I'll let you determine that." La Reid - who was seen nodding his head in time to Amaro's performance - mouthed the word "wow" as the song came to a close. "Melanie, Melanie, you are truly amazing. You have the gift, you have the soul, you have the swagger, you have (more)...
- 9/23/2011
- by By Jennifer Still
- Digital Spy
Two episodes, four hours of auditions and an unknown number of terrible singers later, The X Factor USA premiere week has come to an end, but the show is just getting started. Here are all the fascinating X Factor-y bits you should read, know, listen to, watch and forward to your mom over the weekend:
Stacy Francis, the single mom who brought the house down with "Natural Woman" on Wednesday's premiere used to be in a band called Ex-Girlfriend, and their first record was "X Marks the Spot." Coincidence or good omen?
Did you catch amazing auditioner Melanie Amaro in last night's episode? Didn't you just love how sweet and humble she is? You can watch her kill Beyonce's "Listen" again here. Chiiiiills.
And on the flip side of "amazing" and "humble": the PTC has filed a complaint against The X Factor for Geo Godley's ungodly and...
Stacy Francis, the single mom who brought the house down with "Natural Woman" on Wednesday's premiere used to be in a band called Ex-Girlfriend, and their first record was "X Marks the Spot." Coincidence or good omen?
Did you catch amazing auditioner Melanie Amaro in last night's episode? Didn't you just love how sweet and humble she is? You can watch her kill Beyonce's "Listen" again here. Chiiiiills.
And on the flip side of "amazing" and "humble": the PTC has filed a complaint against The X Factor for Geo Godley's ungodly and...
- 9/23/2011
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
How did you like the premiere of "The X Factor" Wednesday night? We aren't really sure the show actually has the x factor it is looking for - what did you think?
We did love, love, love Chris Rene, though.
Bienvenido a Miami
Ashley Sansone is our first audition. She's a little crazypants, so I'm not optimistic about her vocal stylings. I do fully expect her to bust, "No time! There's never anytime! I don't have time to study! ... I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm so [sob] scared!" Seriously, lay off the speed, girlfriend. Predictably, her singer is awful. Moving on.
She leads into a whole montage of crazypants Miami folk. "Feisty" is not the word I would use, L.A. Reid.
Randomly, Gloria Estefan is there to work the crowd. Maybe she can come be Steve Jones' warm-up host in Los Angeles when they get to the live shows.
We did love, love, love Chris Rene, though.
Bienvenido a Miami
Ashley Sansone is our first audition. She's a little crazypants, so I'm not optimistic about her vocal stylings. I do fully expect her to bust, "No time! There's never anytime! I don't have time to study! ... I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm so [sob] scared!" Seriously, lay off the speed, girlfriend. Predictably, her singer is awful. Moving on.
She leads into a whole montage of crazypants Miami folk. "Feisty" is not the word I would use, L.A. Reid.
Randomly, Gloria Estefan is there to work the crowd. Maybe she can come be Steve Jones' warm-up host in Los Angeles when they get to the live shows.
- 9/23/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
melanie listen by caseycarlsonx1
So Melanie Amaro came into our lives Thursday night (Sept. 22) on "The X Factor" and it was incredible. She didn't need the crappy auditions to stand out amongst - she would've stood out up against the best any show like this has ever seen.
After she was done with Beyonce's "Listen," Nicole Scherzinger choked out, "This is why I do this, people like you inspire me" and Paula said, "You have a unique ability unlike anything we've heard. I don't think it's like anything I've ever heard in any audition I've ever been in."
Simon capped it off with, "When I was asked by people why I was bringing this show to America it was because I hoped we were going to find someone like you."
What did you think, "X Factor" fans? We'll post video as soon as we have it.
So Melanie Amaro came into our lives Thursday night (Sept. 22) on "The X Factor" and it was incredible. She didn't need the crappy auditions to stand out amongst - she would've stood out up against the best any show like this has ever seen.
After she was done with Beyonce's "Listen," Nicole Scherzinger choked out, "This is why I do this, people like you inspire me" and Paula said, "You have a unique ability unlike anything we've heard. I don't think it's like anything I've ever heard in any audition I've ever been in."
Simon capped it off with, "When I was asked by people why I was bringing this show to America it was because I hoped we were going to find someone like you."
What did you think, "X Factor" fans? We'll post video as soon as we have it.
- 9/23/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Getty Simon Cowell
Screaming, wailing, flailing and bemoaning. That seems to be the soundtrack “The X-Factor,” i.e. “American Idol” sorta kinda if A.I. let groups, old people, children and naked men audition.
By the way, did you know Simon liked ginger tea and hanging out poolside barefoot? Now you do. Feel free to write his personal ad.
Judges also include Paula Abdul, Pussycat Doll Nicole in the Kara DioGuardi position and record producer L.A. Reid in the Randy Jackson role,...
Screaming, wailing, flailing and bemoaning. That seems to be the soundtrack “The X-Factor,” i.e. “American Idol” sorta kinda if A.I. let groups, old people, children and naked men audition.
By the way, did you know Simon liked ginger tea and hanging out poolside barefoot? Now you do. Feel free to write his personal ad.
Judges also include Paula Abdul, Pussycat Doll Nicole in the Kara DioGuardi position and record producer L.A. Reid in the Randy Jackson role,...
- 9/23/2011
- by Dawn Fallik
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
But Melanie Amaro wins the judges over with a powerful Beyoncé cover.
By Adam Graham
Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell on "The X Factor"
Photo: Ray Mickshaw / Fox
If Wednesday night's "X Factor" premiere focused primarily on positive auditions and warm-and-fuzzy backstories, Thursday's (September 22) episode upended that formula by highlighting failed singers and auditions that went nowhere.
The episode began in Miami, where not even a pep talk from Gloria Estefan could rile up any good fortune for the masses. A parade of hapless singers marched before the judges, with some of their stories backed by the sort of cozy instrumental beds that usually foreshadow a pass from the judges, only to have them, in the end, not quite pass muster with Simon Cowell and his crew. It wasn't until halfway through the first hour when the first singer was given the thumbs up to go to the next round.
By Adam Graham
Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell on "The X Factor"
Photo: Ray Mickshaw / Fox
If Wednesday night's "X Factor" premiere focused primarily on positive auditions and warm-and-fuzzy backstories, Thursday's (September 22) episode upended that formula by highlighting failed singers and auditions that went nowhere.
The episode began in Miami, where not even a pep talk from Gloria Estefan could rile up any good fortune for the masses. A parade of hapless singers marched before the judges, with some of their stories backed by the sort of cozy instrumental beds that usually foreshadow a pass from the judges, only to have them, in the end, not quite pass muster with Simon Cowell and his crew. It wasn't until halfway through the first hour when the first singer was given the thumbs up to go to the next round.
- 9/22/2011
- MTV Music News
After months of TV teases, promotions and billboards, The X Factor, Simon Cowell's U.K. behemoth of a singing competition, has arrived stateside. The show will premiere on Fox next Wednesday, Sept. 21 - and if the first two episodes are any indication (People got a recent sneak peek), Cowell and his team of judges - Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger - are pulling out all the stops. Here are five things you need to know before the show's premiere. 1. It’s like American Idol - only super-sized. Forget the cozy rooms and intimate auditions. Contestants on X Factor - ages 12 and older,...
- 9/16/2011
- by Aili Nahas
- PEOPLE.com
Touting the biggest prize in reality TV history, the re-teaming of Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul and a built-in rivalry with " American Idol ," " The X Factor " has a lot to live up to -- so, does it pull it off? The answer: Without a doubt! Warning, spoilers below. TooFab's Brian Particelli was able to catch a sneak peek at the first two episodes at the Hollywood premiere last night ( photos above ), ahead of a Q&A with judges Simon, Paula, Nicole Scherzinger , L.A. Reid and host Steve Jones . Steve Jones ... so pretty ... more on him later. The show sticks close to the blueprint laid out by "American Idol," but manages to make it fresh by keeping the focus on the strong singers with stronger backstories. Right off the bat, the show sucks you in with an adorable 12-year-old girl with a big voice -- then keeps the amazing singers coming.
- 9/15/2011
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
"So You Think You Can Dance" isn't just any old dance reality show. It's an Emmy-nominated show. On Thursday (July 14), host Cat Deeley snagged her first Emmy nom, which Nigel Lythgoe declared "long overdue. The show also picked up seven more nominations -- five of them for choreographed numbers.
But, no surprise here, there wasn't any sign of an inflated ego slowing Cat down as she led us through yet another results show. This time the top 12 faced elimination just one week before partners are split up -- Oh no! Melanie and Marko! -- and the all stars are added in to the mix.
The three couples in this week's bottom three: Caitlynn and Mitchell, Ryan and Ricky and (shocker!) Sasha and Alexander.
All danced for their life, but we didn't get to find out who would go home until after erstwhile Pussycat Doll and soon-to-be "X Factor" judge Nicole Scherzinger performed her new single,...
But, no surprise here, there wasn't any sign of an inflated ego slowing Cat down as she led us through yet another results show. This time the top 12 faced elimination just one week before partners are split up -- Oh no! Melanie and Marko! -- and the all stars are added in to the mix.
The three couples in this week's bottom three: Caitlynn and Mitchell, Ryan and Ricky and (shocker!) Sasha and Alexander.
All danced for their life, but we didn't get to find out who would go home until after erstwhile Pussycat Doll and soon-to-be "X Factor" judge Nicole Scherzinger performed her new single,...
- 7/15/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Former Spice Girl Mel B has admitted that she would love to join the judging panel of the new American X Factor show.
Simon Cowell recently announced that he would be leaving American Idol, in order to launch The X Factor stateside in 2011. He is reportedly trying to convince Cheryl Cole to join him on the show.
Melanie told Closer magazine, “I’d love to be a judge on ‘The X Factor’. I think it’s a great show. I was speaking to Dannii Minogue recently and she told me everyone gets on really well. I’ve also met Cheryl Cole – she’s lovely.”
Related posts:Victoria Beckham for X Factor USA?Victoria Beckham Too Busy For American Idol?Dawg! Randy Jackson To Judge On X Factor 2007X Factor Judge Sharon Osbourne Turns Down American Fame AcademyPerez Hilton wants to replace Simon Cowell on American Idol 2011Copyright © Unreality TV 2009 | Celebrity Big Brother...
Simon Cowell recently announced that he would be leaving American Idol, in order to launch The X Factor stateside in 2011. He is reportedly trying to convince Cheryl Cole to join him on the show.
Melanie told Closer magazine, “I’d love to be a judge on ‘The X Factor’. I think it’s a great show. I was speaking to Dannii Minogue recently and she told me everyone gets on really well. I’ve also met Cheryl Cole – she’s lovely.”
Related posts:Victoria Beckham for X Factor USA?Victoria Beckham Too Busy For American Idol?Dawg! Randy Jackson To Judge On X Factor 2007X Factor Judge Sharon Osbourne Turns Down American Fame AcademyPerez Hilton wants to replace Simon Cowell on American Idol 2011Copyright © Unreality TV 2009 | Celebrity Big Brother...
- 2/10/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
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