As you already know by now, Simon Cowell is leaving American Idol after this season and moving on to an American version of his UK hit show, The X Factor. The judges on the series are even more vital than Idol's, as each one also mentors the contestants as they prepare their performances. So who is Cowell eyeing to complete his panel? Apparently Simon is in talks with his former co-judge Paula Abdul, along with his UK X Factor costar Cheryl Cole. The love/hate banter between Abdul and Cowell is what made American Idol such great television in years past, and I was always game to see Abdul do her "you weren't great, but you look so pretty tonight" shtick while Cowell smugly rolled his eyes. Part of me welcomes a reunion. But with them paired up again, is The X Factor going to feel exactly like Idol? And if so, then what becomes of that show? Perhaps both series would be best served if Cowell tried someone totally different this time around. What's your take?
Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port hit the red carpet at last night's VH1 Divas Live, and they were still in their glitzy dresses for the afterparty. We chatted with LC about her plans to bring her book, LA Candy, to the big screen, and she said, "I can't talk about it right now . . . but the books are going really well — I just finished the second book. I'm actually working on outlining the third right now. It's moving along!" Meanwhile, Whitney Port weighed in on what inspired her first runway show at Fashion Week. Paula Abdul was fashionably late after hosting the show — click here to see the video — sweeping into the bash with a large entourage before heading off to bust a move in the VIP area.
The 2009 American Music Awards descended on the Nokia Theatre in LA yesterday, which meant a star studded red carpet before the big show. It was a pleasant mixture of long and short dresses on all the ladies, though some even found a way to do both simultaneously- standup Rihanna in her cutout gown. Alicia Keys stood out in blue, while Fergie's high slit meant she showed off some leg as she posed. Nicole Kidman spent most of her red carpet time on the arm of husband Keith Urban. Shakira and Selena Gomez cozied up for the cameras in their standout short dresses while Disney actress Demi Lovato sported some bling around her neck. Paula Abdul went all out in her black gown and Carrie Underwood kept it simple and sweet. Find out how to get some of our favourite red carpet looks like Leona Lewis' sultry eyes. Don't forget to vote in all of Fab and Bella's rate it or hate it polls and stay tuned for more AMA coverage coming up! Lots more photos including Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Kayla Ewell and TONS of others when you
We can finally stick a fork in Australian Idol— at least for 2010. The series is being “rested” after a year of embarrassing ratings and may be relaunched in 2011. The show definitely needs a nanna nap. Those two hour Sunday night marathons were a hard slog towards the end. I’m a bit Idol-ed out, but I will be tuning in for the new season of American Idol on Wednesday (Fox8). It will be interesting to see the judges sans Paula Abdul and, of course, the big question is whether or not Ellen Degeneres can save the show. Do you think it was a good idea to shelve Australian Idol? Will you be watching Ellen’s debut this week?
The stars of yesterday's American Music Awards hit the red carpet before heading inside LA's Nokia Theatre for the main event. Janet Jackson kicked things off with an energetic eight minute performance. The evening's first award then went to the Black Eyed Peas, who later took the stage and performed "Boom Boom Pow" with a special Nirvana twist. The show continued with performances from Carrie Underwood and Shakira, as well as from Jay-Z and Alicia Keys with "Empire State of Mind." Unfortunately not everyone stayed on their feet — both Jennifer Lopez and Adam Lambert took tumbles while singing. There were other memorable performances, from Lady Gaga, Rihanna and not to mention Whitney Houston's return to the stage before she received the International Award of Excellence. Jennifer Lopez had a beaming Marc Anthony in the crowd as she debuted her new single and showed off those customised Louboutins. Michael Jackson won multiple awards and his brother Jermaine took the stage to accept them on behalf of their family. Taylor Swift took home the most statues- though she wasn't there to accept them- and the upset of the night might have to go to Gloriana who won breakthrough artist. Kate Hudson joined her Nine costars Fergie and Nicole Kidman, though Kate did have a chance to share a special moment with Alex Rodriguez. We also had everything covered on the fashion and beauty ends, so make sure to check in with Fab and Bella!
Sir Richard Branson played host last night at his annual Rock the Kasbah charity event in LA. Lindsay Lohan hit the red carpet along with Kristin Cavallari and a Josh Radnor-less Lindsay Price, before she moved inside to say hi to Paula Abdul. Gavin Rossdale also posed for a photo with Lindsay, before he took the stage for the second time this week to serenade the crowd. Last year's bash brought out Charlize and Salma, but it looks like 2009's crop of celebrities had their own fun.
Olivia Wilde struck a pose this afternoon at the Power of Women luncheon in LA, while elsewhere the news broke that her costar Jennifer Morrison will be leaving their series House. Olivia was joined by a fresh-off-the-Emmys-red-carpet January Jones, along with Anne Hathaway and AnnaLynne McCord. Christina Aguilera was also in attendance, as her husband Jordan Bratman dared to be one of the few guys in the room. The event was designed to honor eight ladies — Christina Aguilera, Christina Applegate, Maria Bello, Anne Hathaway, January Jones, Sigourney Weaver, film executive Sherry Lansing, and producer Laura Ziskin — who all maintain their commitment to charitable causes despite their hectic Hollywood careers.
The love/hate banter between Abdul and Cowell is what made American Idol such great television in years past, and I was always game to see Abdul do her "you weren't great, but you look so pretty tonight" shtick while Cowell smugly rolled his eyes. Part of me welcomes a reunion. But with them paired up again, is The X Factor going to feel exactly like Idol? And if so, then what becomes of that show? Perhaps both series would be best served if Cowell tried someone totally different this time around. What's your take?
