Geri Halliwell to spice up X Factor as guest judge

Geri Halliwell to spice up X Factor as guest judge: "London, June 8 (ANI): Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell will appear on The X Factor as a guest judge, it has emerged.
The stunner will take over from pregnant Dannii Minogue during the auditions stage of the show.
Cheryl, 26, and Geri will join show boss Simon Cowell, 50, and Irishman Louis Walsh, 57, as they [...]"

What is The X Factor?

Gearing up for the launch of the X Factor when it comes to America? Yup, we're getting super excited too! Meanwhile, here's some more background on the X Factor as it looks in Britain. It's yet another one of Simon Cowell's huge TV/music successes, just like American Idol, Britain's Got Talent and American's Got Talent. Though Simon Cowell is not a producer of American Idol. He is a producer (his production company is SYCOTV) for "Got Talent" and X Factor and will co-produce the X Factor US when it launches in the States.

The X Factor is a talent / singing competition. It started in the UK and it's now into series 6. Audiences have been huge and it even won a Best Comedy Award in 2005 as Best Comedy Entertainment Programme. Of course Simon Cowell remarked "We're not a comedy programme, we're a serious factual drama"

In 2005 and 2006, The X Factor UK won a National Television Award for "Most Popular Entertainment Programme" and in 2007 won 'Most Popular Talent Show" (or was that "Most Popular Talent Show featuring Simon Cowell and just like American Idol but sorta different!)

X Factor Judges 

From series 1 to 3, the X Factor judges were Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne (wife of Ozzy Osbourne) and Louis Walsh (manager of Irish bands Boyzone and Westlife). Dannii Mingoue joined in Series 4.

For Series 5, Sharon Osbourne left and Cheryl Cole from Girls Aloud replaced her. Sharon Osbourne said she left because she didn't like working with Dannii Minogue.

What is the Xtra Factor? 

The Xtra Factor is a spin-off show that airs on the digital channel ITV2 on Saturday and Sunday nights right after the main X Factor TV show. It features behind the scenes footage.

There a different categories:

Over 25s, Groups, 16-24s Boys, 16-24s Girls. The judges are given a category to mentor and they choose three or four acts that go through to the live finals. The overall winner is decided by public vote


What do the X Factor winners win? 

The X Factor winners receive a recording contract, worth a million pounds supposedly with Syco (Simon Cowell's record company) in association with Sony Music Entertainment. Often that is a cash advance of around 100,000 pounds (close to 200,000 dollars).


The X Factor Live Tour 

There is also an X Factor live show that tours around the UK and Ireland after the TV series has ended. It features some of the finalists and some of the more memorable acts from the most recent series.

Hope you've enjoyed this quick primer on the X Factor...get studying because the X Factor US is coming to screens in 2011!

What are the age requirements for the X Factor US?

More essential X Factor US News!

The age requirements for the XFactor US have yet to be announced. Keep checking back here to xfactorusnews.blogpost.com for more details.

But let me tell you about the age qualifications for the Xfactor in Britain.

The show is split into categories which includes age.

For Xfactor series 1-3, the categories were:

  • Solo singers aged 16-24 
  • Solo singers aged 25 and over
  • Vocal Groups (including duos) 
For X Factor series 4-5, the age limit was lowered (controversially) from 16 to 14 years old. So the categories were:

  • Solo singers male ("boys") aged 14-24
  • Solo singers female ("girls") aged 14-24 
  • Over 25s (male and female)
  • Vocal Groups (including duos) 
For X Factor series 6, the age limit was returned to 16 years old. So the categories were:

  • Solo singers male ("boys") aged 16-24 
  • Solo singers female ("girls") aged 16-24 
  • Over 25s (male and female)
  • Vocal groups (including duos) 

There are five stages to The X Factor competition:

  • Stage 1: Producers' auditions (so the hundreds of thousands of people audition in front of producers first, before the TV filming part which is done in front of the celebrity judges) 
  • Stage 2: Judges' audition (from here on, you see this on TV) 
  • Stage 3: Boot camp 
  • Stage 4: Visits to judges' houses 
  • Stage 5: Live shows (finals) 
In the latest series (X Factor 6) Stage 2 is also in front of a live studio audience. It makes the audition stage very different from American idol in feel but it's kinda more like Britain's Got Talent though.

So you see, for The X Factor UK at least, there is no upper age range. It will probably be the same for once the XFactor auditions are held in the USA you would imagine.

That's fantastic news for American Idol rejects who have passed their qualifying age. The American Idol age range is currently 16-28 years old. For series 1-3 the upper age limit was 24 years old.

So get practising....before you know it the auditions for the X Factor 2011 will be on their way!!

Why is the X Factor US website down? What is the official X Factor US website

Where is the X Factor USA official website? 

There isn't (at the time of writing this entry) an official website for the X Factor US. That's hardly surprising, the show does not launch until 2011 SEPTEMBER! That is still far away!

Even on fox.com they do not mention X Factor USA...yet 

If you're looking for the entry requirements for the X Factor US, audition schedules etc, watch this space.

I've listed the qualification for X Factor UK here

I'm sure the X Factor US entry qualifications will be similar.

And you can also view them here at Xfactor.itv.com (though currently the specific page about auditioning for the XFactor shows nothing, it simply says they are closed for auditions right now)

So bookmark this site, watch this space and I'll let you know the moment the official X Factor is up and ready so you can begin your rise to pop stardom!

Qualifications for X Factor US | application, eligibility and qualifications for the x factor auditions

So you're thinking of fulfilling your ONE LAST DREAM and becoming a popstar. Didn't qualify for American Idol as you're over the age limit and also, you'd rather audition as a band with your mates?

Your dreams may become true as the X Factor US starts in 2011 and get this....they are more open with the age limit and you can enter as a group / band.

What are the qualifications for the X factor usa?

Have they released the eligibility requirements for The X Factor auditions yet?

The answer is nope, you'll have to search for The X Factor US official website closer to the launch to get the audition application form and details.

As a guide, I've listed the eligibility requirements and details as list on the audition entry form for the X Factor UK. That's the UK and even then the eligibility requirements for the UK have changed from series to series.


Before you read further, let me remind you to CHECK THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE closer to X Factor US 2011 launch. I HEREBY TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY MISSED CHANCES AT MEGA-POP-STARDOM!!

So here they are: 

1. You have to be a resident of the United Kingdom with a valid passport

2. They have different age requirements, it used to be 14 years of age in the early series, but I think it's now 16. And if you're under 18 you need the signed permission of a guardian/parent. If you belong to a band/group, each parent/guardian will need to sign for each member. And that's right...there is NO UPPER AGE LIMIT. Get practising in front of the mirror now gran!!

3. You can't be employed by ITV (the broadcaster), Fremantle (the producers) or related companies etc. Nor can you have relatives who work there.

4. You have to tell the production company if you have any criminal or civil actions against you or in process or if you've been in prison or had any convictions. And no lying on the form ok?!

You can either fill in an application form online or download the form, fill it in and mail it to them. But you can also turn up at the auditions without a form too...well that's what they said about the UK. They can't guarantee you're get an audition, it depends on the capacity of the venue but you can imagine that they'll book a HUGE place so I doubt you'll have issues. 

As for the X Factor application form itself, it's short, sweet and pretty simple.

You simply fill out your contact details, photo, name, age, usual stuff.

Plus your preferred city for the auditions (London, Birmingham etc) And then tick yes or no if you've auditioned for The X Factor before and if you're a solo artist/group.

The trickiest part is filling out a couple lines "describe yourself/your group in ten words". And "why should we pick you". Worth spending a couple of minutes more to make sure this is well written (think of a cool backstory......tragic, novel, weird, memorable...)


We look forward to the full details of qualifications for x factor u.s.a.Will keep ya posted.

As always, good luck, we are totally rootin' tootin' for ya, and WRITE YOUR FUTURE!!

Simon Cowell and his $1 million dollar car

X Factor US is coming to our screens in September 2011. That means celebrity perforamces, fantastic X Factor Music, catty judges, fashion, faces and of course Simon Cowell. The meanest judge of them all with those high waist pants, 80s hair cuts and fantastic one-liners and putdowns. 

To get you folks prepared, here's some more background into the hugely successful X Factor show. This time let's talk about Simon Cowell and his fast cars.

X Factor judge Simon Cowell loves his fast, super expensive and gorgeous cars. 

He drives a $1 million Bugatti Veyron, one of the most expensive road cars in the world. 

Simon's Bugatti Veyron is named after racing car driver Pierre Veyron, the French ace who won the Le Mans 24 race in 1939. 
The Bugatti Veyron is now for its TEN radiators, requiring 4 alone for the engine cooling system (source: Wikipedia). 

The top speed is astonishing, this car can hit 407 km per hour or 253 miles per hour, that's almost one-third the speed of sound, though it's 'everyday top speed' is a mere 350 km/h or 220 miles per hour. 
In true James Bond style, there's a special key called the Top Speed Key on the left of the driver's seat that allows the car to reach the 407km/hr max speed. The Key only works when the car is at a stop, as it goes through a technical checklist to make sure the car and driver are ready for 'top speed' mode. How cool is that? 

The Bugatti Veyron used to be the fastest production vehicle of all time (that distinction is now held by the the SSC Ultimate Aero TT)



Someone says no to the mighty Simon Cowell! Hot newsflash indeed!

No is a word the mighty Simon Cowell is not used to hearing. But get this: Aussie popstar Kylie MInogue has turned down Simon Cowell. Simon asked Kylie to be a stand-in X Factor judge. That's because her sister Danni Minogue, one of the regular judges is currently pregnant and taking a break.

Kylie said no which is pretty surprising. X Factor and the power of Syco can be a re-launching pad to future success. Look how the career of Cheryl Cole has just rocketed since she appeared as a judge. A regular presence on one of Britain's top shows, the backing of the mighty Cowell and the force of his company Syco behind you, that's quite a boost.

Of course, Kylie has a well-established career already and she is much loved in the UK and beyond. Most recently sales of the cheapy moisturizer Pond's Cold Cream has gone through the roof simply because Kylie happened to mention that she avoids plastic surgery and uses Ponds Cold Cream instead.

Maybe it's simply and scheduling and priorities. Kylie has a new album, Aphrodite out, and because she has a hunky new Spanish model boyfriend who is a towering 6ft 4in tall. Kylie is around 5 ft something. I once met her during a record company function and she is teeeeny tiny. One of my fellow couch carrots accidentally walked into her, just simply didn't see her!

View the hot news item here:






Who is Joe McElderry? Current X Factor Winner and the newest UK hearthrob

Joe McElderry is the current X Factor UK champion and British's housewives' favorite little heartthrob.

He's from South Shields which is a town about ten minutes away from Newcastle, one of the finest cities in the north of the UK (and where this blogger's dad used to own a restaurant which left him broke but not regretful!)

Watch highlights of Joe's X Factor journey here with this great tribute.


X Factor Music | What's the music used when the judges enter?

There's a really dramatic piece of music used often at the start of the program or when the XFactor judges enter. It sounds a bit like Carl Off's "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burmana, but it's actually a film score by Craig Armstrong called "O Verona". Obviously with the similarity in the name you would presume that Craig Armstrong has deliberately gone for a Carl Orff style, homage or parody.

I actually believe they use both. The track from Romeo and Juliet is called O Verona, by Craig Armstrong, it's on his "Film Works" album. It's quite similar to O Fortuna, I think that is deliberate, but different enough to not sound like an Old Spice advert. This is what they use at the start of the programs, before the X-factor's own theme proper kicks in.


I've got a feeling that when other programs like GMTV show bits of X-Factor or make a parody of it, they maybe use O Fortuna, either for cheapness or because they don't realise the difference, and that's where the confusion comes in? And like I say I am sure X-Factor sometimes uses O Fortuna.

This is O Fortuna in action when the judges enter





And here is the original Craig Armstrong track of O Verona from the album Film Works.

Cheryl Cole shows her Girls Aloud with that dress. From What The Buck

X Factor update from the hilarious guys at "What The Buck". Check out all their video updates on youtube.

Like him or love him, this guy on WhatTheBuck gives all the gossip on X Factor UK with his own unique style.

Enjoy




Xfactor UK | who's the richest Xfactor winner

When X Factor US launches on our screens on Fox September 2011, what will that mean for the eventual winners? 

Well if you look at the stars and former winners from XFactor UK, they are making loads of money:

Leona Lewis is now worth of £11m, up 38% on the year
Cheryl Cole is worth £10m up 150% on the year
Simon Cowell is a whopping £165m up £45m on the year

This list was compiled from public information of assests, shares, property, etc. so doesn't incude bank accounts...so it might not be accurate at all, but just know that they are completely loaded

full top 10 music acts (artists who are under 30 years of age)

1 Charlotte Church £11 million
1 Katherine Jenkins £11 million (+ 22)
1 Leona Lewis £11 million (+ 38)
4 Cheryl Cole £10 million (- 150)
4 Katie Melua £10 million
6 Joss Stone £9 million
7 Craig David £8 million
8 Natasha Bedingfield £6 million
9 Lily Allen £5 million
9 Nadine Coyle £5 million
9 Jamie Cullum £5 million
9 Duffy £5 million
9 Sarah Harding £5 million
9 James Morrison £5 million
9 Paolo Nutini £5 million
9 Nicola Roberts £5 million
9 Kimberley Walsh £5 million
9 Amy Winehouse £5 million

X Factor Video | one of the worst guest performers George Michael

X Factor Video highlights 


I love George Michael but I have to say this is one of the worst X Factor guest performers. Just turgid and boring. This is George Michael performing live on X Factor UK, his single "Christmas Song" which sounds a bit like Jesus To a Child but unfortunately lacks the charm, originatly and is just an overall flat performance. That's rare because usually the X Factor guests knock the contestants out of the water with their performances and also because George Michael is usually an outstanding performer. He's just become a bit of a bland crooner.

Take a look at the video courtesy of YouTube, it's George Michael singing live from X Factor UK December 2009 with the song "Christmas Song"


 

X Factor video

Once the X Factors for X Factor open you, you can upload your X Factor video onto the X Factor official website. Their servers may often been busy so don't be afraid to upload more than once.


As for previous X Factor videos, check out the latest winner of X Factor UK. This is Joe McElderry singing in the final with Miley Cyrus' The Climb. This also became Joe McElderry's first single...a Christmas single that narrowly missed out on the number one spot on the UK Xmas Charts of 2009 because of an online campaign to Rage Against the Machine

American Idol vs X Factor US. Who's going to be the winner


A bunch of newspapers are wondering who's going to win between American Idol and X Factor US which is premiering in September 2011. 
Many TV observers have said that American Idol can't survive with the acerbic wit, put-downs and dry humor of the one and only Simon Cowell. 

Without a doubt, he has been the biggest single reason why American Idol has been the hit that it has. He's made the difference between an ordinary albeit it tried and tested talent show format and a 30 million viewer mega hit. 

But Simon wants a bigger slice of the profit pie. In the UK, The X Factor is his baby, he's not only a judge but also an executive producer. X Factor UK in many ways knocked the UK version of American Idol (known as Pop Idol) from TV sets there with its success. X Factor US has been one of the biggest TV successes, with 19 million viewers. 

So will Simon bring the same success to X Factor US? It's a successful talent show format for sure, but has the US audience seen enough of singing talent shows? This season's American Idol has seen lower ratings than the previous two series... maybe it's because the level of talent, personalities and scandals are less than in other years, but could it be because audiences are tired of the format, tired of Seacrest and Cowell and the other judges or they have simply run out of decent talent? 

The X Factor is very similar in format to American Idol.

They are both a singing contest for ordinary folk. Both feature a panel of 'expert' judges and rely on getting great stories from the ordinary folk e.g. rotten toothed, fat old guy working in humble telecoms job up to his armpits in debt but with a voice to make all women swoon, suddenly gets a chance and becomes an overnight sensation, fixes teeth, buys tux, becomes millionaire. 

One of the big differences is that X Factor doesn't have an age limit on entrants, but you have to be 28 or younger to qualify for American Idol. 

And then, and for me, this could be the biggest difference is that groups are allowed to enter. That would mean that the cute guy who can twirl on his head but can't sing to save his life has a chance to win. And that offers a real change of content for perhaps tired American Idol audiences.  


It also means you get more novelty acts like Jedward (twins from Ireland who style their blond hair up straight and do really really bad school talent show-like performances with bad rapping, bad singing, bad dancing...but you can't help but kinda warm to their energy, enthusiasm, confidence and out and out balls.

The other big difference between X Factor and American Idol is that not everyone gets to compete against each other. Instead they are put into categories. 


The X Factor categories are under 25, over 25 groups and groups and solo artists, boys and girls. 


Each judge gets to mentor a category when it gets to end stages and you follow them through a boot camp. When at some point the judge will cry and say they are so proud of their proteges. This adds to some of the drama as the judges are also competitive with each other and there's often some bitchy comments between the judges and fun rivalry.


The final rounds are mostly the same: live finals, and the winners are chosen by audience voting

 The biggest winner of the X Factor has been Leona Lewis who has broken the US market and beyond with her hit singles like "Bleeding Love" and two top selling albums "Spirit" and "Echo". A lot of the other X Factor winners haven't had much success at all. The first winner Steve Bronstein now signs in pizza parlors and pubs. 


Fox Network will launch the US version of X factor in September 2011. 
As CNN says: tt won't compete directly with American Idol, but if it's a huge smashing success, you might see the end of American Idol.


The whole CNN article is available here 

X Factor US auditions

The X factor America auditions haven't been announced yet. Watch this space...more details as soon as they get announced

X Factor US is launching on September 2011. Watch this space for the latest gossip

X FACTOR US IS COMING!!!! MARK YOUR DIARIES!!
The American version of The X Factor will premiere on September 2011

Network: Fox (home of American Idol of course)  
Production Company: Syco 
In charge of everything: Simon Cowell 
Fake Tan Applier: hire me Simon please!!!

It's been around the gossip mills for years. The launch of X Factor US has been spoken about almost every time Simon Cowell's American Idol contract was up for renewal. But early last year, the gossip became more serious. It was said that X Factor US would launch on NBC, the network home of Simon Cowell's other US production "America's Got Talent". 

Then Simon renewed his American Idol contract. 

In January, 2011, News Corporation (parent company for Fox News) announced that Season 9 of American Idol would be Simon Cowell's last as judge so he can launch The X Factor to US screens. Of course, Simon has been judge on American Idol since the very beginning...along with Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

WHO WILL BE ON THE X FACTOR US JUDGING PANEL? 

Well, Simon Cowell obviously. 

Other names in the works: 
Paula Abdul 
Mel B of the Spice Girls
Cheryl Cole of Girls Aloud
Piers Morgan 
Donald Trump
Tommy Mottola 
Lady Gaga


WHO WILL NOT BE AN X FACTOR US JUDGE? 
Paula Abdul...seriously..how can they pick Paula? 
Randy Jackson 
Ellen DeGeneres

WHO WILL HOST 
Not Ryan Seacrest. 
Maybe Dermot O'Leary who hosts X Factor UK. 

More updates as I get them......

X Factor US is coming!!! Watch this space for news, gossip, celebrity tips and more!!!

Here it comes!!!  It's been announced that the X Factor US is coming!!! A hugely successful talent format, American Idol on steroids.

Watch this space for news, gossip, celebrity tips and more!!!