Katy Perry wears VERY low cut Elmo top as she laughs off Sesame Street cut scenes furore

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Tickle me Elmo: Katy Perry on Saturday Night Live last night mocked her recent rejection from Sesame Street


Katy Perry has something to get off her chest.

The 25-year old California Gurls singer retaliated last night against the negative backlash from a music video she shot with Elmo for Sesame Street this week.

The scenes were pulled from the show after a slew of comments from angry parents claiming she was showing too much cleavage.


*** Watch clip in Youtue Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qP81EElmWY


But an undeterred Perry appeared on Saturday Night Live, the famous U.S comedy sketch show, wearing a low cut t-shirt with Elmo's face on it.

In the sketch Katy plays a 16-year old library volunteer, Maureen DiChico, who appears on a mock daytime chat show, Bronx Beat hosted by Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph.

Wearing the Elmo t-shirt, which clearly shows off her ample chest, accompanied by a short tartan skirt and with her hair in pigtails Katy looks every bit the naughty school girl.

The hosts both make a big deal of the fact that 'Maureen' appears to have developed quite substantially in a certain area since they last saw her.

'Honey, you've exploded - kaboom! Those are some bazooms,' Rudolph exclaimed.


Mock chat show: The singer played a library assistant who had been told to waer looser clothing for when she was reading to children


'Look at Elmo's head, it's all stretched out,' Poehler added.

Katy, aka Maureen then began to bounce up and down on the sofa, giggling.

Maureen then revealed to the hosts that the library had told her to wear looser fitting clothing for when she reads to children at work.

'Who cares if kids are looking at boobs - boobs feed babies, alright?' Rudolph said in her defense.


The offending scene: Katy, here with Elmo, in the music video that was banned after a host of complains from parents over her revealing attire


'I see CSI last night and there’s a dead guy with worm in his eye - and we can't watch the top of boobs? So dumb, America,' exclaimed the host.

After the sketch, Katy performed her hit single California Gurls, which was revealed this week as the second biggest selling single of the year after Train's Hey, Soul Sister.

Katy's fiance Russell Brand has also been in trouble in the past week after he was detained at Los Angeles International Airport for hitting a photographer.

He was charged with battery and transferred to a local police station after the photographer made a citizens arrest.



California Gurls: The singer then performed her hit song on the show



source :dailymail

Dancing With The Stars: Baby's back... but Jennifer Grey's in tears as she breaks down over Patrick Swayze

By Daily Mail Reporter

Emotional: Jennifer Grey was seen breaking down in tears on the season premiere of Dancing With The Stars last night over the death of Patrick Swayze


An emotional Jennifer Grey made her highly-anticipated debut on the season premiere of Dancing With The Stars last night.

The former Dirty Dancing actress, who starred with Patrick Swayze in the hit 1987 film, performed the Viennese waltz to Otis Redding's 'These Arms of Mine.'

But as the soul ballad, which appeared on the movie's soundtrack, was revealed to her in rehearsals, it all became too much.


Bringing back memories: The Dirty Dancing actress tells her dance partner Derek Hough how hearing the song These Arms of Mine reminded her of her co-star

In pre-recorded footage, Jennifer, 50, was seen breaking down in floods of tears over Swayze's death, who died a year ago of pancreatic cancer.

When she returned she told her dance partner Derek Hough: 'It took me back in a time capsule, and I was with Patrick. I just missed him.
'He was like you, young and gorgeous.'


Taking to the dancer floor: Jennifer and Derek bagged the highest score of the night with 24 points out of 30


Iconic: Jennifer as Baby alongside Swayze in the 1987 movie. He died of pancreatic cancer last year


For the live show Jennifer took to the stage in a flowing blue gown, wowing the judges and bagging the highest score of the night - 24 out of 30.

'Baby' is back where she belongs,' said judge Bruno Tonioli, referring to her character, adding: 'I know somebody up there is going to be very proud of you.'

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was also very moved, saying something 'profound' happened, referring to the connection between the past and present.

At the other end of the scale, former Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff and Jersey Shore reality star Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino tied for the worst performance, both only scoring 15 points.

Kicking off the show was reality star Audrina Patridge, formerly of The Hills.
She stepped onto the floor in canary yellow tutu-style dress complete with bejewelled bikini top.

Her professional dancing partner Tony Dovolani, matched the colour theme in an open shirt as they performed the Cha Cha Cha to Katy Perry's California Gurls.

They scored 19 out of a possible 30 for their efforts, with judge Len Goodman praising their 'confidence' and 'good technique'.


Splits: Audrina Patridge and dance partner Tony Dovolani kicked off the show


Hot to trot: The former star of reality show The Hills looked stunning in yellow, showing off her toned body


Judge Bruno was also impressed, but told her she could afford to be even sexier while third judge Carrie Ann Inaba told Audrina she had the 'right attitude and the right body' for the show.

Next up was former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner with Anna Trebunskaya.

Len said there was little to commend about the performance, although Bruno disagreed and said it was 'graceful'. They also scored 19 out of 30.


Racy in red: Bristol Palin set temperatures rising in a very short red dress


Getting saucy: The teen mother seen here showing off her legs with dancing professional Mark Ballas


They were followed by actor and rapper Kyle Massey, best known for his role in the Disney show Cory In The House.

Cutting a rotund figure in a tight white shirt and black trousers with a red stripe, he took partner Lacey Scwimmer by the hand as they took to the 3OH!3 track My First Kiss.

Judge Carrie was very impressed with his efforts, telling him: 'You were like dynamite out there.'


We have a Situation: Jersey Shore's Mike Sorrentino and Karina Smirnoff strut their stuff, but only managed to score half marks


One to watch: Former Baywatch star David Hasselhoff with Lacey Scwimmer also only managed to score 15 points


The other two judges also gave the routine a thumbs up with Bruno exclaiming: 'You are like an adorable naughty little puppy... I wanna take you home. It was divine entertainment.' He scored 23 points.

Former NBA star Rick Fox and partner Cheryl Burke performed the Viennese waltz , scoring 22 points, with Rick praised for his 'great elegance and posture'.

Comedian Margaret Cho with Louis Van Amstel failed to impress, however.


Doubleact: Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Brandy were another top act, achieving a score of 23


Smooth moves: Former NBA Rick Fox didn't let his height get in the way as he showed off his excellent posture with partner Cheryl Burke
Margaret got tied up in the dance floor in her fan-style gold cape, which it later emerged wrapped around head on purpose.


She also slipped over at the very end of the performance, but the judges saw through it accusing her of acting up.

Bruno told her: 'I thought you were going to eat somebody... your face, so spiteful. It was all probably on purpose because I actually think you can dance.'


Second to perform: Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner with Anna Trebunskaya


Acting up: Margaret Cho with Louis Van Amstel, but judges criticised her for over playing it


And Carrie added: 'It was overly dramatic, but I know you're a crazy comedian and you can't help yourself.'

Brandy and Maksim Chmerkovskiymade a 'fabulous impression' with her first dance of the series, scoring 23 points.

Bristol Palin cut a sexy figure in a very short red dress as she shimmied to Tom Jones's Mamma Told Me Not To Come.



Like dynamite: Kyle Massey put on a lively performance that had all the judges impressed with his slick moves


Bruno told her: 'You shake those hips like a pro,' with Carrie adding: 'Bristol you have fantastic legs.' She scored 18.

'Brady Bunch' mum Florence Henderson also performed on last night's show.

Reigning champ is Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger who teamed with dancer Derek Hough.

Each of the contestants had three weeks to prepare, except for Sorrentino who had only five days to rehearse after finishing shooting the third season of Jersey Shore.

The judges scores count for only half the total vote, with the public voting to decide who will be the first to be kicked off the show tonight (Tuesday).



Still got it: Brady Bunch mum Florence Henderson and Corky Ballas


Wanting to improve: Chelsie Hightower and Michael Bolton, who only managed 16 points, which he blamed on a hectic touring schedule





source: dailymail

X Factor audience saves Tom, 16, after crowd power forces judges to change their minds

By Daily Mail Reporter

Difficult position: Pixie Lott was forced to choose whether to end a teenager's dreams when she sat alongside Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh


There are just four seats on the X Factor panel, but it was thanks to a whole roomful of judges that one teen made his way through to the bootcamp round on tonight's X Factor.

Tom Richards, 16, was initially told he'd be going home when Simon Cowell and guest judge Pixie Lott rejected his 'dated' dance moves.

But the audience loved the talented Welsh singer, and their chants of 'Pixie say yes' persuaded the teen pop star to change her mind.


*** SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO ***


High hopes: Tom, 16, was saved from elimination from the X Factor when the audience started chanting 'say yes' and convinced Pixie Lott to change her mind
Pixie, who replaced Dannii Minogue for the auditions in Cardiff, was given the casting vote when Tom's version of The Scripts song Man Who Can't Be Moved divides the judges.

Cheryl Cole labelled his act is 'a little bit contrived' but admitted he was one of the best singers they had seen all day.

Cowell was unimpressed while Louis Walsh told him to cut out the 'silly stage antics.'

Dancing boy: But while his singing was impressive, Tom's stage moves left the judges cold But after lobbying from his family backstage the shaken teenager ignored their advice and sang This Is The Moment from the Jekyll and Hyde musical, only for Cowell to tell him he could not 'have chosen a worse song.'

The vote was split with Louis and Cheryl giving him the go-ahead and Cowell saying no, telling him: 'That was what I would call a boyband performance from five or six years ago.'

Pixie admitted it was a 'really hard' decision.

She said: 'I find this really hard as I don’t know where I’d put you in the music industry today. It feels like you were...not dated, but not right for this time.'

She decided to go with her 'gut instinct and say no', but was left with Louis and the audience pleading with her to change her mind.

As the chants of 'Pixie say yes' grew louder, and the crowd got to their feet, she bowed to the pressure with a smile.

Also on tonight's show was Kash, a phone salesman, who left Pixie speechless with his version of Ne-Yo's Closer.


Flash man: Mobile phone salesman Kash during the Cardiff auditions


So bad: Bun nd Cheese have an 'attitude', but Simon likes them


The show then moves on to London where one of the highlights is girl group Bun Nd Cheese.

The trio - Pinky, Patty and Peas - have been singing together for two years and claim their karaoke versions of Beyonce, Mary J Blige and the Sugababes have won over the crowds.

Their version of Beyonce's Listen does not impress the judges but their attitude does, with Cowell telling them: 'Your attitude is so bad I actually quite like you.'


Diva? Nicolo, 21, impresses the judges, and thinks 'I'm amazing'


One act who does impress is 21-year-old Nicolo with Cowell and Walsh agreeing they could have 'a diva' on their hands.

He tells the presenters: 'Nobody has everything – the look, the style, the attitude and the voice.

'I think I could be that guy. It’s time to shake things up a little bit. What I think truly is that I’m amazing.'

Other contestants include a McDonald's worker who could have a future away from flipping burgers if her voice impresses the judges and a cinema usher looking for stardom.


'I don't like burgers': McDonlads worker Raquel wants to do more with her life














source: dailymail

The £10m smiles (But Adrian Chiles still insists 'money wasn't why we quit the BBC')

By Daily Mail Reporter

The £10m smiles: But Adrian Chiles said money had nothing to do with his and co-host Christine Bleakley's defection from the BBC to ITV


Adrian Chiles yesterday claimed he was forced out by the BBC and his move to ITV had nothing to do with the highly lucrative £6million contract he was offered.

But his long-standing co-host Christine Bleakley stayed silent about her new £4million deal with the commercial channel, instead saying she defected from the BBC purely to be with Chiles.

Chiles, 43, said he and Miss Bleakley, quit after being put under ' intolerable pressure' by corporation chiefs.

At the launch of Daybreak, the replacement for GMTV which the pair will host from next week, he said he had not been tempted by a 'suitcase of money' and was not motivated by greed.

The presenter announced he was leaving the BBC in April after it emerged that Chris Evans would take his place on the Friday edition of The One Show, the programme which originally teamed Chiles with Miss Bleakley, 31.

She followed him out of the door two months later. He is understood to have been receiving around £1milliona year at the BBC, while she was thought to be earning £100,000 a year.


New show: The pair will now host Daybreak, the replacement for GMTV


Chiles said: 'The past has been slightly re-written, which I am slightly annoyed about.

'They are trying to portray it as a classic big money move to ITV, when nothing could be further from the truth.

'We were both very happy to stay there, didn't want any more money and I just wanted to carry on doing a successful programme exactly as we had, i.e. The One Show five days a week, The Apprentice and Match of the Day 2.


Still smiling: The pair leave yesterday's photoshoot


'But obviously the changes suggested on The One Show I couldn't live with and that's why I left.

'We were both put under intolerable pressure.'

Miss Bleakley said of her move: 'The first day he left I thought, I've lost my right arm here and this is just strange.'

Speaking at the weekend, BBC1 controller Jay Hunt said Chiles had been offered other shows to try to keep him at the channel.



source: dailymail

Guess Who's crazy for Daisy again? Matt Smith cuddles up with model Lowe in Ibiza

By Simon Cable and Paul Revoir

Getting on famously: Matt Smith gives Daisy Lowe a lingering kiss as they cuddle in the water in Ibiza


So far, it's been his on-screen sidekick who has got Doctor Who fans hot under the collar, with her famously short skirts.

But now Matt Smith has put on a steamy display of his own.
The 27-year-old actor was spotted canoodling with model Daisy Lowe on the Spanish island of Ibiza.

The pair had split after a three-month romance.

But the TV Time Lord took the 21-year-old lingerie model off for a romantic break and they appeared to be wasting no time getting reacquainted with one another.

Within hours of arriving, the couple were having fun in the sea, at one point sharing a passionate embrace.

Smith and Daisy were first said to have been introduced by Jaime Winstone, the actress daughter of Ray Winstone in Camden, North London.

Smith broke up with Brazilian actress Mayana Moura last year


This way, Daisy! Smith gives his model girlfriend a piggyback as they mess around in the sea


Daisy, who is the daughter of fashion designer Pearl Lowe, has become one of Britain’s most successful models.

She will shortly make her debut as the cover star of the British edition of Vogue magazine.

Smith's boss, Doctor Who producer Steven Moffat, yesterday recounted the first time he saw Karen Gillan, 22, who plays the Doctor's companion Amy Pond.

The statuesque redhead has proved a hit with viewers.

But Moffat said that when he first saw her, in video footage, he thought: 'She is really good, except she is so wee and dumpy.'

He said he later passed her in a corridor and realised she was a 'giant flame-haired goddess'.

It was announced yesterday that next year's series will be split in two, with seven episodes shown in spring and six in autumn.


source: dailymail

That's One way to impress the audience! Alex Jones stuns viewers (and co-host Chris Evans) with incredibly low-cut dress

By Sarah Bull


Revealing: Alex Jones stunned viewers with her low-cut dress as she presented The One Show with co-host Chris Evans

She's already attracted more viewers than her predecessor Christine Bleakley, and it's not hard to see why.

Welsh presenter Alex Jones stunned the audience on The One Show today when she wore an incredibly low cut blue dress which left very little to the imagination.

And it wasn't only viewers who were gobsmacked by the revealing outfit, as co-host Chris Evans, who was presenting on his One Show debut this evening, also couldn't take his eyes off his fellow presenter.


Sneaking a peek: Even Chris was amazed at Alex's curvy new look


However, Alex appeared to be blissfully unaware of just how much she was revealing, instead concentrating on interviewing guests including Doctor Who stars Matt Smith and Karen Gillan.

But the new look didn't go unnoticed by viewers, one of which wrote on an internet forum: 'Chris Evans was hosting!? All I could see was Alex's cleavage!'

The 32-year-old appeared to get on incredibly well with Evans, who will present the show with her on Fridays while main anchor Jason Manford will front the programme for the rest of the week.

The radio presenter said previously that he was incredibly nervous about joining her on the green sofa, and asked Radio 2 viewers with help on what to wear.

However, he eventually dismissed all the other options he had previously suggested, and went for a black polka dot shirt and shiny grey suit.


Dream team? The show was the debut for Chris, who will be presenting with Alex on Fridays


Interviews: The pair questioned Doctor Who stars Karen Gillan and Matt Smith


But his first show didn't go down too well with some viewers, who suggested his outrageous presenting style - which saw him and Alex try and run across 1000 litres of batter - was not suited to the BBC programme.

Alex and Jason have already proved a huge success since they started on The One Show earlier this month, and pulled in an extra 600,000 viewers on their first show.

Speaking after her debut, Alex wrote on her BBC blog: 'I'll be honest with you, The One Show has been a whirlwind because I've only known for three weeks that I've had the job and everything has happened in the space of about four and a half weeks.


Getting to know you: Chris and Alex posed in a vat of batter in a pre-recorded segment in the show


'I feel like I've been in some sort of film - I got the call and literally within hours my whole life changed.

'I've sort of been going from one interview to the next to having a hair cut, to having some new clothes, to going into The One Show to meet the team. I mean, it's the same as anyone who starts a brand new job - there's a lot to take in!'

Alex lived in Cardiff before beating a host of bigger names to land the £100,000 One Show job.


Demure: Alex in a more covered up look with main anchor Jason Manford


Talking last month about accusations that she was a clone of her predecessor, she countered: 'I don't think you see yourself looking like anyone else.

'Some people have mentioned "you look a little bit like the woman off the One Show" but looking like Christine is not a bad thing.

'She is a gorgeous girl and she did a great job while she was on the One Show so hopefully when I get on screen people will realise we are quite different.'



source: dailymail

Cheryl will be divorced by the time she joins X Factor as show plumbs new depths by revealing moment she was struck down with malaria

By Sarah Nathan and Paul Revoir

Free and single: Cheryl Cole will return to the X Factor at the live stage in October


Cheryl Cole will be divorced by the time she returns to The X Factor.

The star will officially be free of cheating footballer Ashley Cole when she rejoins Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh live on air in October, the Daily Mail has learned.

It will mark the end of a turbulent few months for the Girls Aloud singer, who was forced to abandon her role on the talent show after she was struck down with malaria.

But in a move that might be seen as plumbing the depths of bad taste, the moment she collapsed during auditions will be screened when the show returns tomorrow night.

An estimated 11million fans will see her lying across some chairs as she is struck down with the illness, which at one point was considered life show, it is understood that threatening.

Mrs Cole is seen telling the judges: 'I don't feel well at all. I am definitely coming down with something.' Cowell then asks her: 'Are you ill?'

She had returned from a holiday in Tanzania, Africa, with friend Derek Hough when she came down with the disease.

To tie in with her return to the Mrs Cole is in talks to reveal all about her tumultuous year in an interview on Piers Morgan's ITV show, Life Stories.

A source said: 'Piers would definitely be the person with whom Cheryl would feel comfortable discussing what has been an extremely difficult year.

'Piers does seem to have a knack of getting celebrities to open up – if you can get Simon Cowell to shed a tear, you can do anything.'

It was announced that Mrs Cole was separating from her husband Ashley in February after a series of lurid revelations about the Chelsea and England footballer's infidelity.

Last night a source close to Mrs Cole said the singer had not decided whether to give up the £6million Surrey mansion the couple shared during their three and a half year marriage, despite reports that she was selling it.

Mrs Cole, 27, yesterday spoke publicly about her battle with malaria for the first time, telling fans that she was 'raring' to get back to work.


Judges: Cheryl will rejoin Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh, while talkative guest Geri Halliwell has been humiliated for her forthright opinions


'I'm absolutely gutted I missed the last audition and the boot camp stage, but I am really excited and really looking forward to seeing what the other judges have chosen.' 'I can't wait to get my category so I can get my teeth into it. I will be raring to go.'


Divorce: Cheryl with her soon to be ex-husband Ashley Cole


Various stars stood in for Mrs Cole and Miss Minogue, who was on maternity leave during the auditions.

But while Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger was so good she won her a judging spot on the American X Factor, others were not so lucky.

Viewers will see former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell humiliated for her non-stop chatter as the judges smirk and raise their eyebrows at her stream of forthright opinions.

The show's editors have even interspersed clips of her chattering with the soundtrack to Chas 'n' Dave's song Rabbit, which includes the lyrics 'you won't stop talking, why don't you give it a rest'.

Walsh is seen saying: 'She talks and talks. Some of it makes sense.'
Audience members at the auditions in Glasgow are even said to have booed her.

Miss Halliwell, 38, tells the camera: 'I don't know if you know this, that I picked [Cheryl Cole] on Popstars: The Rivals, I was choosing between her and this other girl. It was literally a movement of the point of a finger that picked her. I feel really pleased for her.'

Cowell yesterday revealed he was looking for a 'great artist' to emerge from this series. He said: 'They have that steel in their eyes – it's charisma, personality, being unique, entertaining, all those things rolled into one.'

source: dailymail

90210's Trevor Donovan gets to grips with Kelly Brook... but he's coming out as gay (on the show, that is)

By Georgina Littlejohn

He's just not that into you: 90210's Trevor Donovan holds a bikini-clad Kelly Brook close for a photo shoot - as it was announced that his character will come out as gay

He's in a position that millions of red-blooded men around the world would give their right arm to be in too.


And 90210 star Trevor Donovan looks like he knows how lucky he is as he cosies up to a bikini-clad Kelly Brook with a big smile on his face.

But having the semi-naked model and actress on his arm would definitely not impress his character, who is about to come out as gay on the smash-hit US show.

Donovan, 31, posted three pictures of him and Kelly, 30, on his Twitter page a couple of days ago.

Kelly certainly looked as though she was enjoying herself as she hung off the hunk's arm and threw her head back accentuating her famous assets.

And even though they were being ever the professionals for the shoot, Kelly couldn't keep the smile off her face as Donovan put his hands firmly on her midriff.


Say cheese! Kelly flashes a beaming smile at the camera as Trevor gets to grips with her midriff


The shoot was part of a music video the pair had shot, but the details have been kept secret for now.

But it gives Kelly even more exposure in the US, where she is currently staying as she promotes her new film Piranha 3D.

Last night she was the centre of attention as she attended the premiere of the film at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Meanwhile, Donovan is preparing for a major storyline in 90210 when his character comes out as gay.


Envy of his followers: Donovan's posted the photos on Twitter for everyone to see



Teenage kicks: Trevor as Teddy (far left) and the rest of the main 90210 cast


Donovan plays Teddy Montgomery, a famous tennis player and son of a movie star who dated Adrianna Tate-Duncan, played by Jessica Lowndes, 21, before pursuing Silver, played by Jessica Stroup, 23, despite his father's disapproval.

At the end of the second season, Silver broke up with him before the couple reconciled in the final episode.

But then it was revealed that Teddy will be coming out as gay, and Canadian pop star Kyle Riabko, 22, will play his love interest.

Donovan said: 'It’s really going to deal with his inner turmoil, the battle, and the struggles for self-acceptance that I don’t think gets addressed enough.

'Acceptance, by family, friends, society and self is just one of the concerns the character will be going through. It is part of life, and it should be portrayed.'


Overdressed and over there: Kelly Brook and co-star Riley Steele at the premiere of new film Piranha 3D


source: dailymail

A man in a tiger suit, a Michael Jackson wannabe, an extra from Wicked, a JLS lookalike and a heavily pregnant woman... meet the new X Factor hopefuls

By Liz Thomas

Oddballs: Lode performs in a tiger suit at the Dublin auditions while Fiona dressed as a witch for her audition in Cardiff


A man dressed in a tiger suit, the Wicked Witch of the West and a woman days away from childbirth - it could only be the new series of The X Factor.

More than 250,000 hopefuls auditioned for the seventh series which begins on Saturday but, as ever, there were more than a few hopeless eccentrics.

The auditions phase of the contest for a £1million contract looks set to be dominated by oddballs.

Strange characters included Stacey, a 35-year-old singer who insisted she could compete despite her huge baby bump, and a Mariah Carey fan with 'I've got The X Factor' tattooed on her arm.

But the show's reliance on offbeat contestants in the early stages has been criticised in the past.

Last year veteran producer Pete Waterman said: 'The X Factor is a freak show. If you've got one leg, an ailing spouse and are living on a sink estate, then you've hit the jackpot.'


Chamon! Michael from London and Pierre from Manchester show off their Michael Jackson-style dance moves


Meanwhile, X factor boss and judge Simon Cowell has admitted X Factor contestants have not always enjoyed enough of the limelight because they have been overshadowed by the judges.

The TV mogul has filmed auditions for the seventh series of the hit show, which features guest judge Nicole Scherzinger.

He said: 'Sometimes we have gotten into the habit, and obviously I'm partly responsible for this, of the judges' personalities being talked about more than the contestants.

'The judges are there for their opinions, so for me the most important criteria for sitting on a judging panel is, do you actually know what you are talking about?'


Who let these guys in? Gary and Damien try and impress the Manchester auditions with their dance moves


The TV judge warned that sob stories would not help this year's wannabes, saying: 'If you've entered because you want to get rich and famous then that's great - just don't pretend you're doing it in memory of your dead dog. No one is going to believe you.'

Meanwhile, in a separate interview with the Radio Times, Cowell heaped praise on Pussycat Doll Scherzinger, who was at the Manchester auditions.

He said his guest judges, Geri Halliwell, Natalie Imbruglia, Pixie Lott and Katy Perry had one thing in common - they looked good.

'All the guest judges were different in the kinds of acts they liked, but the one thing they have in common is that they are all beautiful girls.


Pop star potential: Could Sophie and Marie from Birmingham have what it takes?


'Nicole Scherzinger seems to have fallen in love with Manchester, and Manchester has fallen in love with her, and Louis (Walsh) has fallen in love with Nicole.

'I've never seen Louis as happy as he was this weekend. He was like a lamb in springtime and didn't stop smiling - I can't imagine why! It's been like a duckling when it gets rescued by a dog - it thinks the dog is its mother so it follows the dog around. It shouldn't work but it does.

'Nicole also gave Louis some fashion tips and suggested he dyed his hair. I think he should do it. She even convinced us to change the format so that the "over" category now begins at 28. She was very smug about that.

Cowell also confirmed to the magazine that he was launching a global version of Britain's Got Talent, in which countries compete against each other.


The next big thing? William and Marlon - who looks like he should be in JLS - try and impress the judges in Manchester


He said: 'I like the idea of England taking on other countries. After the Eurovision disaster, we have got to do something.'

Wannabes in the new series of The X Factor include a woman who bears a resemblance to Cowell's ex-girlfriend Sinitta and a man called Wagner.

Presenter Dermot O'Leary said the series had felt the influence of musical TV drama Glee.

He said: 'This year the groups have started to do something different. In fact, we owe a lot to Glee as we're not seeing your typical girl and boy bands this year.'

Cheryl Cole returns after having to miss some of the show while she recovered from malaria and new mother Dannii Minogue comes back for the judges houses.

Cole said in publicity material to launch the new series: 'It's exciting having guest judges, actually more exciting because everybody sees things through fresh eyes and they give you a new buzz.'

The X Factor begins on Saturday August 21 at 7.30pm.


Could a band win this year? S'Heaven from London will try and prove that they have the X Factor


source: dailymail