That was 2011...in entertainment

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

WITHOUT a doubt, the entertainment world has had another turbulent year and here are some of the big stories that hit the headlines over the last 12 months…

     The year began in typical fashion – with a media scandal!  What seemed to be remarks about women in football made off the air were actually picked up and made public, as Sky Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray discovered.  More damaging off-screen behaviour would come to light over the following days through YouTube and it resulted in Gray being sacked and Keys resigning from his role.  In its 22 year history, this was no question, Sky’s biggest ever embarrassment.

FIGHTING: Imogen Thomas was dragged into the superinjunctions debate

     Just over a year after they got hitched in Las Vegas, a painful separation was in prospect for Katie Price and Alex Reid.  Price would go on to date an unknown Argentine model for several months whilst Reid has found new love in ex-Big Brother Housemate Chantelle Houghton.  The pair have recently become engaged, so no surprise who was the winner out of this doomed relationship.  Another former BB contestant that sprung into the public eye was Imogen Thomas.  Her name was mentioned in a granted superinjunction by a Premier League footballer who wished to remain anonymous.  Speculation on Twitter led to a Liberal Democrat MP to use his parliamentary privilege and oust the footballer’s identity.  The footballer has remained silent on the issue ever since the revelation back in May.  Speaking about Big Brother, after the final series on Channel 4 ended last summer, it looked as if it had vanished away for good.  Richard Desmond had other ideas and brought it back to Channel 5.  With new host Brian Dowling, and famous faces such as Kerry Katona and Paddy Doherty, who would eventually go on to win, the method was simple, try to keep it as simple as possible.  It has become Channel 5’s highest rated show but it will never match the success that it had on C4.

     One person who would certainly want to forget 2011 in a hurry is Cheryl Cole and her fall from grace.  In May, she accepted the chance of a lifetime to join the new US version of The X-Factor, with aide Simon Cowell, who also quit the UK version.  The dream wasn’t to last long though as just two weeks into filming, she was sacked.  Initially this looked to be the work of Cowell but it later transpired that Fox wanted her out because her Newcastle accent would make American viewers struggle to understand her.  In either case, Cole returned back to the UK, more humiliated than when she left and her role of being “The Nation’s Sweetheart” was finally stripped for good when she had a fling with footballing ex Ashley Cole.  Reconciliation seemed on the cards until the tabloids stepped in with more stories of Ashley’s infidelity.  On X-Factor USA, Cole’s place on the judging panel was given to Nicole Scherzinger, a more well-favourable decision for many.  Fox stood by Scherzinger, despite criticism from experts in the States.  However, Nicole’s commitment to her solo career and her new job led to an amicable and publicised split with Formula One star, Lewis Hamilton.  The newspaper press has certainly come under scrutiny in 2011, with damming revelations at News International, of phone hacking at the News of the World.  Famous showbiz figures like Sienna Miller, Hugh Grant and Max Mosley were given liberal damages before the tarnished paper was closed down in July.

AWARDS: Huge success for Colin Firth and The King's Speech

     In the film world, it’s been one dramatic year with several grossing films and rave reviews for several flicks than ever before.  The King’s Speech topped the bill with its success at both the BAFTA’s and the Oscars whilst after ten years; the Harry Potter saga finally came to an end with the last film based on the final book of the series.  Other top talking films of the year include Cars 2, The Inbetweeners Movie and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.  In the land of music, there has been a frequent share of old and new talent at the top of the charts this year.  Acts like Jessie J and Ed Sheeran have made phenomenal starts in their careers this year whilst established talent such as Pixie Lott and the Saturdays continue to challenge for supremacy, the latter still somehow have not managed a Number 1 single yet!  Of course, there are acts that are just in it for the money – 2011 will go down as the year that Jedward began their course to world domination!  A successful appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest, beating the much more challenging entry from Blue for the UK, coupled with third place on Celebrity Big Brother backs up the evidence.  In fact, they have recently announced they will try for Eurovision again next year, this year’s contest being won by a delightful entry from Azerbaijan.

     It’s been a torrid year for ITV with most of its popular programmes coming under the firing line for falling ratings.  The most publicised was Dancing on Ice.  A massive competition revamp designed to make it more entertaining and watchable had the opposite effect.  It flopped miserably and it has now called its future into question.  Daybreak has also suffered and amidst its constant thrashing in the ratings by BBC Breakfast, it is currently undergoing its own revamp over the New Year with its “star” presenters, Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley having already left.  

STUNNER: Amy Childs has had a year to remember

     If there was an award that the public could choose for, called ‘Sexiest Woman Of The Year’, favourable nominations like Abbey Crouch, Katy Perry and Michelle Keegan would all be distant runners-up in favour of a young Essex redhead, Amy Childs.  Having shot to fame on The Only Way Is Essex, it was no question that she would soon go for it alone and she did just that in August when she was another famous guest in the Celebrity Big Brother house.  Afterwards, she then went on to sign a lucrative deal with Channel 5 for her own reality series, currently be screened.  Love or loathe her, she will be around for much longer to come, just like her use of the phrase, “SHUT UP!”

     Someone who would certainly call 2011 as an “annus horribilis” is Simon Cowell.  After Britain’s Got Talent suffered a slump in ratings in the Spring, his multi-million pound gameshow Red Or Black? certainly didn’t stay out of the headlines but for all the wrong reasons.  Poorly constructed with nothing innovative about the format made it perhaps the biggest ever and most expensive flop in television history.

He then took a backseat when the all new X-Factor arrived in the UK.  Cole and Dannii Minogue had gone from the panel, along with Simon.  Established judge Louis Walsh was joined by Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Kelly Rowland for the new series.  Critical reception was of praise to start with but when it got to the live shows, the new judges didn’t seem up to scratch.  That and coupled with the usual off-stage controversy left viewers turning off in their droves.  The most damaging of all centred on Frankie Cocozza.  He seemed innocent and nice to start off with but when the live shows began, he was exposed as an act that really couldn’t sing and his behaviour off the show became more and more wild until he was eventually kicked out for breaking a ‘golden rule,’ alleged to have been taking cocaine.

     However, from the all of the stories of mistrust, X-Factor provided one great story to finish on.  One act came out of the shadows and defied the odds.  Girl group Little Mix – formed by the judges at bootcamp from four girls turned down first as soloists and then again under different constructed groups – were written off before a note was sung when it came to the live finals.  As the weeks progressed, they quickly gathered momentum though and the public began to get behind them.  They eventually sealed a fairytale triumph in the final, live in front of 10,000 fans at Wembley Arena, the first group ever to win the UK version of the show after its years of trying.  In the eight years of the show, there perhaps has been no other winner more popular than these girls but aside from it, it looks like the start of 2012 will perhaps see Cowell organise crisis meeting after crisis meeting to assess what went wrong with the show and how to restore it back to its former glory.

FAREWELL: We said a tragic goodbye to Amy Winehouse

     Every showbiz year of course sees several famous faces sadly leave us.  Some of the those who lost their lives in the last twelve months include Hollywood leading lady Elizabeth Taylor, Coronation Street icon Betty Driver and 80s legend Sir Jimmy Saville.  However, the most familiar name to pass away this year was singer Amy Winehouse.  Despite a fledging and promising career with millions of album sales and several awards on both sides of the Atlantic, her private life was always troubled and usually saw battles with alcohol and drug addictions.  Then on one dry Saturday afternoon in July, came news that she had been found dead in her London home at the tender age of 27.  Despite the woes of her private life, she will still be remembered for her unique contribution to music and her father Mitch has since gone on to set up a charity in her honour to help support young people who are battling their own addiction problems.

     All in all, who said life was dull in showbiz?  It never really is.  With big stories on all of its corners, to say 2011 was hectic is putting it mildly.  Who knows what next year will bring?  Unless you have a crystal ball, don’t even bother predicting!

Red or Black? - Car Crash Television!

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

WE ALL know that no-one in life is perfect.  Even the most successful people in television can make mistakes – take Simon Cowell for example.

     He has made his fair share of bad mistakes and decisions – “forcibly sacking” Cheryl Cole from The X-Factor USA, robbing glamorous Lucie Jones of a glittering music career by backing Jedward and hiring bumbling David Hasslehoff for Britain’s Got Talent are just of some of the errors of judgement that he had been put up against in recent times.

DOOMED: Red or Black? was a terrible idea from the start

     Nevertheless, Cowell is always in for the money and with his TV production company, produced a brand new show which aired last week on ITV.  A unique game, stripped across an entire week, in which seven people were given the opportunity to become millionaires, just by being lucky 10 times in a row.  Costing £15 million to produce, the biggest press launch in ITV’s history and a plethora of celebrities helping to decide what fate befall the contestants, Red or Black was ready to roll.  So what else possibly could go wrong?

CONTROVERSY: Nathan Hageman served time, but kept his prize

     Aired across all of last week (bar Tuesday due to England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales), things were initially looking bright, with seven million viewers tuning in to the first episode.  However, that was as good as it ever got.  After the first episode produced a millionaire, in bricklayer Nathan Hageman from Reading, it emerged that he had a criminal conviction after serving five years in prison for ABH (assault and bodily harm.)  The Sun led a nationwide campaign for ITV to strip Hageman of his cash after rules of application for the show forbids anyone from entering with a criminal record.  Three further people who were due to appear in following shows for the live studio rounds were subsequently kicked out after this revelation.  Surprisingly, Hageman was allowed to keep his prize, despite Cowell’s suggestion that it should go to either his attack victim or be donated to charity.

     Out of the remaining programmes, three more millionaires were created.  Intriguingly, no women contestant made it to the million pounds spin which led to some experts suggesting whether the show was fixed in favour of male contestants.  Challenges used in the programme were also complicated and sometimes meaningless.  I mean, since when did starting up a car decide whether you can advance in the game?  The challenges set in Wembley Arena were often impressive, especially one which featured footballers Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas.  Even games held in the live studio were completely way off the scale.  Jenson Button and David Coulthard’s go-kart challenge and a “punch-the-sheet” game featuring Amir Khan and David Haye were really the only games that captured excitement.  The final game before the million pound spin, entitled “Duel,” was also dramatic as it totally proved the theory of luck needed in the game.

     Having the programme itself split into two shows each night was a big mistake as it completely sucked out the tension of the first programme.  The live studio set was a mess, looking more like a giant disused bus stop, rather than a high-class set.  The programme never had any proper introduction/opening titles at all, considering the theme used to introduce the Red or Black wheel onto the stage was very epic and would have made a great opening theme overall.

     Ultimately, the format was a total mess and newspaper critics slated it left, right and centre, with blasted comments including:-

“It’s A Knockout for morons” – Rachel Tarley, Metro

“A sausage factory of sob stories” – Kevin O’Sullivan, Daily Mirror

“The dullest show of the week” – Ken Smith, The Herald

“A spin of a wheel away from total disaster” – Jan Moir, Daily Mail

“It’s so devoid of intellect that it actually sucks nearby intelligence into its vortex.” – Jonathan Liew, the Daily Telegraph

     Viewers quickly agreed with the critics and started switching off in their droves.  Towards the end of the week, BBC One deservedly thumped Red or Black in the ratings with its standard evening schedule.  This proves that Simon Cowell can’t always create a masterclass of show and Adam Crozier, chief executive of ITV, proving once again of his inept ability of keeping full control of the broadcaster all the time.  Come back Michael Grade, all is forgiven!

SORRY: The contestants didn't get a fair crack of the wheel

     Ultimately, the innocent acts in this debacle are the contestants, for bravely deciding to put their faith into the programme, win or lose.  I felt sorry also for the programme hosts Ant & Dec.  It’s not right to blame them at all.  They did the best they could all week and people have got to remember, they didn’t bring their names forward to host the show; it was Cowell’s idea to hire the pair.  It could have been a whole lot worse of course; imagine if Adrian Chiles was employed as host?  The show would have been off the air within days!

     I think it’s safe to say we won’t be seeing an abomination of a show like this again.  Channel Five tried a similar show with Chris Evans in January, ‘Famous or Fearless.’  That was a better show than this disaster and still got axed by Richard Desmond.  Now, whether you want to point the finger at Cowell or Crozier I’m going to blame them both, they’re as bad as each other at the moment.  ITV showed off all week saying they were Terrestrial Channel of the Year?  I must have been living on Mars for the past week!  Add Red or Black to ‘Sing if You Can,’ ‘The Premiership,’ and ‘Shafted,’ in ITV’s growing portfolio of disastrous programmes. 

Four words have to sum up Red or Black? . . . ONE BIG EPIC FAILURE!!!

The X-Factor - The next generation

(By Jason Wright, Entertainment Expert)

SATURDAY saw the launch of eighth series of The X-Factor and its much hyped makeover, aptly entitled “The Next Generation.”  So, how did the new judges fare on their debut?

GENERATION: Louis, Tulisa, Kelly and Gary head the new panel

     Simon Cowell had stepped down to focus on the US counterpart and had persuaded Cheryl Cole to join her on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, until we knew what happened next.  Meanwhile, Dannii Minogue hasn’t returned either, due to commitment clashes in Australia.  In their place alongside veteran Louis Walsh were Take That’s Gary Barlow, N-Dubz front girl Tulisa and American singer Kelly Rowland.  Fans were angry at these inept decisions taken by ITV and Cowell, with wild rumours of the judges being constantly booed by the audience at the live auditions.  Again, as with many rumours in the show’s past, this claim was quickly dismissed by the programme.

     Still, bosses at ITV feared a mauling in the ratings similar to Britain’s Got Talent and American Idol in the US, two shows that Cowell has quit or limited his appearance this year.  Critics initially scoffed this refresh approach, until they saw the first episode at the show’s press day.  John Plunkett, a TV columnist for The Guardian newspaper described it as, “ITV looked to fill the Cowell-shaped hole at the heart of its most popular and important programme with as much ‘vazjazzle’ as it could muster.  Some of it worked, Cowell’s replacement Gary Barlow looked a natural in his role as the show’s “Mr Nasty.”  Simon Cowell would have been proud.”

     Similar praise was also given by other media critics and when the programme aired over the weekend, so did the fans, with the general feeling of any doubts being dismissed.  The consent feeling is that recent years of The X-Factor have been heavily biased on the performance of the judges.  However this series promises to be geared more towards the contestants striving to win and it’s exactly what the viewers wanted.

     Nearly 12 million watched the first episode, slightly down on the figures of last year’s opener but still pretty impressive considering the concerns over a steep drop over the ratings.  A Digital Spy poll reported that a whopping 76 per cent had given the thumbs up for the new judging panel.

     In my own personal view, the first episode certainly turned out to be better than first predicted though I’m still not overly convinced on the performances of the new panel.  Gary Barlow is already a big plus to the show; he is brutally honest when someone isn’t talented enough and has already settled in well as head judge.  Tulisa was a nice surprise too.  She seemed to know what she was talking about; she also stood up for herself brilliantly when one of the rejected acts on this week’s show responded to the rejection by calling her a “scumbag.”  However, I already dislike Kelly Rowland; I think she is out of her depth and often or not, takes the job with over the top comments.  Maybe my opinions will change on her as the series goes on but for now, I’m certainly not impressed by her.

     No doubt the feedback from experts and the great British public will act as a massive boost of confidence to the brand new judges but this just the beginning.  They now need to keep the momentum up for a few more weeks to come, so the viewers can be convinced that the future of The X-Factor is, against all odds from a few months ago, in fact very bright after all.

Britain's Got Talent 2011 - The semi-finals in a nutshell

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

OVER a period of five nights, 40 acts were to be seen over a period of five nights to decide which ten would reach the grand final of Britain's Got Talent on Saturday.  Here is a summary of the events over the past week, as the battle to win and hit the big time in showbiz intensified…

Semi-Final 1

FAVOURITE: Ronan Parke wowed the public and judges on Monday

Through a door of smoke, lasers and the theme to ‘Superman,’ this was the grand entrance that only Simon Cowell to think of to return to the show.  The first of five semi-finals turned out to be better than first expected with only Stuart Arnold’s lame impression of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator attracting the attention of the dreaded buzzers.  The night was stolen by firm favourite Ronan Parke.  The 12-year-old’s rendition of ‘Make You Feel My Love’ easily won the public vote and pianist Paul Gbegbaje saw off stunt biker Joe Oakley in a deadlock after the four judges failed to agree on a majority choice.

Qualified: Ronan Parke and Paul Gbegbaje

Eliminated: Girls Roc, Donelda Guy, Stuart Arnold, Bruce Sistaz, Ted & Grace, Joe Oakley

Semi-Final 2

Every semi-finals week on BGT always seems to guarantee a ‘dud’ semi-final where hardly any decent competition is seen.  This proved to be just that with Britney Spears impersonator Lorna Bliss failing to make the grade with three buzzers, acrobatics Enchantment trying to top last year’s winners Spelbound and failing miserably and hand dancers Up & Over It being a huge bore.  Boy group New Bounce won over the fans mainly due to their comparison to JLS and Jean Martyn stole the show with her sensational organ.  It meant there was still no luck for magic acts on this show with David & Karen being ousted by the judges.

Qualified: New Bounce and Jean Martyn

Eliminated: Two And A Half Men, Enchantment, Herbie Armstrong, Lorna Bliss, David & Karen, Up & Over It

Semi-Final 3

FUNNY: Les Gibson's impressions went down well with everyone

This was a semi that proved performing near the end proved huge dividends.  The last three acts to perform were the top three in the vote.  Les Gibson’s fantastic impressions of Kevin Webster and Ross Kemp amongst others won through the most with ballet dancer James Hobley being beaten into the second place in front of bell ringing duo Gay & Alan.  Continuing the trend of weird choices in the final 40 was Thailand-born Wachiraporn Tirpak, an act certainly not fit for royalty in a mild sense.

Qualified: Les Gibson and James Hobley

Eliminated: Circus Of Horrors, Jay Worley, Angela & Teddy, Abyss, Wachiraporn Tirpak, Gay & Alan

Semi-Final 4

DISLIKED: Jessica was reduced to tears by Cowell after her routine

A night full of twists and emotions was what the doctor ordered on the fourth night.  First, Simon Cowell came under huge criticism by massively slagging off teen singer Jessica Hobson which unsurprisingly left her in tears.  Marmite artist Nathan Wyburn just didn’t have enough time than he thought to create three masterpieces, pensioner Steven Hall’s dancing was a surprise hit and Edward Reid’s childish play of mixing nursery rhymes with pop songs continued to prove popular.  Classical singer Jai McDowall was the only one who took it seriously and thus won through in the public vote with Hall being selected by the judges in favour of Reid with the big shock coming from the exclusion of Out Of The Blue despite many considering them as the best act of the night.

Qualified: Jai McDowall and Steven Hall

Eliminated: Dance Angels Elite, Jessica Hobson, Mexican Mayhem, Out Of The Blue, Nathan Wyburn, Edward Reid

Semi-Final 5

A huge twist came on the eve of the last semi with the last-minute addition of French-born dancer Michael Moral, who had been eliminated in a dance-off with Razy Gogonea.  With Razy competing in the same show, this was a chance to settle the score but it didn’t happen and Razy won again, advancing into the final on the public vote whilst Michael was sent packing, again!  Guitarist Michael Collings has proven to public a popular favourite and a full house of votes from the judges sent him through in favour of singing duo Pip & Puppy.  The worst act of the semis crown has to go to Antonio Popeye.  Eye-popping is not a serious talent and when impersonators of Jedward were used as a backing act; the routine was quickly put to a stop by the judges.

Qualified: Razy Gogonea and Michael Collings

Eliminated: Marawa, Pip & Puppy, The Celtic Colleens, Mr. & Mrs., Follow The Right Path, Antonio Popeye, Michael Moral

It is now shaped up to be an explosive final on Saturday and it will surely come down to whoever is the most talented, as far as the public is concerned.

Britain's Got Talent - The semi-finalists

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

IT HAS been a very controversial and slated series so far.  However, regardless of the criticism, the semi-finals week of Britain’s Got Talent 2011 are still expected to draw high viewing figures and publicity as the battle to win a place at this year’s Royal Variety Performance heats up.  Last night, on the eve of the semi-finals, the new look judging panel of Amanda Holden, David Hasslehoff and Michael McIntyre announced which 40 acts would participate in these five live shows which in turn will decide who competes in next Saturday’s grand final.

     Out of those lucky to compete, this year’s line-up seems to be completely mismatched with several great acts axed for those who are just wrong and don’t have any kind of talent at all.  Despite this, the judges are somewhat convinced that this is the best field yet, that they decided to have a few acts perform again before finalising who should continue in the competition and who shouldn’t. Eventually, this is the final 40 they settled on;

The Semi-Finalists

ABYSS (Streetdance Troupe)

ANGELA & TEDDY (Dog Act)

ANTONIO POPEYE (Eye Popper)

BRUCE SISTAZ (Martial Arts Act)

CIRCUS OF HORRORS (Daredevil Act)

DANCE ANGELS ELITE (Dance Troupe)

DAVID & KAREN (Illusionist Duo)

DONELDA GUY (Dog Act)

EDWARD REID (Nursery Rhyme Singer)

ENCHANTMENT (Acrobatic Troupe)

FOLLOW THE RIGHT PATH (Rap Duo)

GAY & ALAN (Bell Players)

GIRLS ROC (Burlesque Dance Troupe)

HERBIE ARMSTRONG (Singer)

JAI McDOWALL (Singer)

JAMES HOBLEY (Ballet Dancer)

JAY WORLEY (Singer)

JEAN MARTYN (Pianist)

JESSICA HOBSON (Singer)

JOE OAKLEY (BMX Stunt Rider)

LES GIBSON (Impressionist)

LORNA BLISS

MARAWA (Hula Hoopist)

MEXICAN MAYHEM (Comedy Dog Act)

MICHAEL COLLINGS (Singer/Guitarist)

MR & MRS (Singing Duo)

NATHAN WYBURN (Artist)

NEW BOUNCE (Vocal-Dance Troupe)

OUT OF THE BLUE (Vocal-Dance Troupe)

PAUL GBEGBAJE (Pianist)

PIPPA & BUDDY (Dog Singing Act)

RAZY GOGONEA (Breakdancer)

RONAN PARKE (Singer)

STEVEN HALL (Dancer)

STUART ARNOLD (Terminator Impersonator)

TED & GRACE (Singing Duo)

THE CELTIC COLLEENS (Blacklight Dance Troupe)

TWO AND A HALF MEN (Dance Trio)

UP & OVER IT (Hand Dancers)

WACHIRAPORN TIRPAK (Entertainer)

      Overall, the list can certainly be a lot better than it has been but it doesn’t mean that competition won’t be a complete bore, it still promises to be a fierce as ever.

      The semi-finals get underway tonight at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITV1 HD.  The acts will of course now not only have to impress the judges, the audience but now also the voting public and, the return of….Simon Cowell!

Cheryl Cole - Is her career over?

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

THREE weeks ago, Cheryl Cole seemed to be on top of the world.  Now, not just her dream job in the US has been taken away, so now could her career.

DROPPED: Cheryl Cole's dream is conquer America is over

     Reports last Wednesday suggested that there was some unrest on The X-Factor USA judging panel and Fox hinted if things couldn’t be solved, action would be taken.  Then on Thursday morning, news filtered through in Britain that Cheryl had been fired, despite Simon Cowell’s willingness to keep her onboard.  The overall consent from the American media is simple; they just can’t understand her strong Newcastle accent, a reason that had been clearly dismissed furiously by the British public.

     A reshuffle will now take place within the programme.  Nicole Scherzinger is now expected to move from her presenting role onto the judging panel leaving Steve Jones to host as sole anchor.  This is certainly the best solution as Scherzinger did make a great impression when guest judging on last year’s UK series of the show.

     As for Cole she has returned home to Britain after just a 20-day stint in the Atlantic.  Her career is now in complete jeopardy, despite receiving the backing from JLS and Dannii Minogue.  Of course, there is the simple method of rejoining the UK version of the show.  That is unlikely, with auditions due to begin in Birmingham this week and it is almost certain now that Kelly Rowland and Tulisa from N-Dubz will join Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh on the judging table.  It wouldn’t be feasible for Cheryl to rejoin the programme because ITV would have to put filming of the programme on delay again.  They already had to do that when Minogue left a fortnight ago, which led to Simon Cowell calling a crisis meeting.  Her solo music career seems to have stalled and with a lack of communication with Girls Aloud, is this is the end of Cheryl Cole?

     It seems hard to accept indeed but sadly it seems to be that way for “The Nation’s Sweetheart.”  Having shot to fame in 2002 when selected to be in the line-up of Girls Aloud through the ITV talent show ‘Popstars: The Rivals,’ everything Cole touched from then seemed to turn to gold.  A turbulent four year marriage to Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole saw the public see her in a new light and a role on X-Factor soon beckoned.  There was a swing in popularity last year through a dismal series of X-Factor, which included refusing to send one of her acts home in a final sing-off in November, plus her near-fatal battle with malaria.

     Either way, it’s hard to argue that Cheryl has had a glittering level of success.  However, the ultimate question now is, is her career over?  Unless ITV hand her a remarkable and impossible lifeline, then unfortunately, the answer is yes.

X-Factor crumbles as Minogue is axed

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

THE future of The X-Factor was thrown in turmoil on Sunday following the shock departure of Judge Dannii Minogue.  As many of the show’s followers were enjoying last Saturday’s Eurovision Song Contest, a statement on behalf of Minogue’s publicist was published:-

     “Following discussions over the scheduling of this year’s series of The X-Factor, it is with deep regret that Dannii has to resign from her role as a judge.  This is because the scheduled audition dates for the show clash with that of Australia’s Got Talent and it would be inappropriate to travel back and forth to the venues on both sides.”

AXED: Dannii Minogue won't be returning to defend her title

     However, 48 hours later, the British press broke the story that this claim was false and that she had actually been axed by ITV in an attempt to give the show a fresh new look when it returns in August.  Neither ITV nor Talkback Thames, who co-produce the show with Simon Cowell’s production company Syco TV, has commented on the speculation.  Back in 2009, Minogue was on the verge of being given the chop in very similar circumstances and only got back in because no one else was interested in the judging role at the time.

     This now leaves Louis Walsh as the only member of the judging panel left with Cowell having limited his role due to his ongoing commitments in the US version of the show with it still being unclear as to whether he will judge a portion of the show at all.  Cheryl Cole quit last month due to growing pressure from unhappy viewers and having landed a role on the American counterpart.

     The opening round of auditions have now been postponed until a later date as bosses urgently meet to try and save the show from impending doom.  With Take That’s Gary Barlow having all but confirmed his place on the panel, attention will now turn to whoever will fill the final two places.  The latest rumours are that they will go to R&B singer Kelly Rowland and N-Dubz member Tulisa.  These moves could anger fans even more as it may be considered they don’t have the credentials to judge a show like this.  The original two favourites for the roles, Lily Allen and Alisha Dixon have now both dropped out of the running.  Allen has claimed that she has not been approached and Dixon, as expected, committed to her role on rival show Strictly Come Dancing.

     With both American Idol and Britain’s Got Talent having suffered from alarming declines in viewers, this is the last thing ITV needs but if they engineered the axe, then it is their own damn fault!  With many furious fans set to turn off in their drones, this latest scandal could spark the beginning of the end for The X-Factor.

The X-Factor USA - The puzzle begins to take shape

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

WHEN Fox announced it was to bring The X Factor to USA for 2011, it sparked several theories as to how it would take shape.  Now with less than four months before its planned launch, everything is now starting to take shape.

     Simon Cowell, the brainchild of the format, will obviously have a feature role, having quit American Idol and scaled down his involvement on Britain’s Got Talent and Britain’s X-Factor to take part.  On Thursday, the worst kept secret in showbiz was finally let out; Cheryl Cole is to join the show.  This has obviously got America talking as they have never heard of her and her strong Newcastle accent will perhaps be difficult to understand with some.

     However, getting Cheryl a place on the show has always been Simon’s ambition.  Since Cheryl began working on the UK show in 2008, it’s clear that Cowell has taken a shine to her.  It is now likely that Cole will not return to the UK series for this year.  Many will certainly miss her for the massive emphasis she has placed in the competition though some will be glad to see the back of her, blaming her for causing most of the farce that affected last year’s series.

     Simon and Cheryl are expected to be joined on the panel by former American Idol judge Paula Abdul and music producer Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, who is well known in America.  Despite the rumours, there is no place on the panel for Pussycat Doll singer Nicole Scherzinger, but she has landed an even better role.

FRESH: Steve Jones is a surprise, but popular choice as presenter

     Yesterday, it was formally announced that Scherzinger will co-host the show alongside former T4 host Steve Jones, landing his first US job.  They managed to beat off stiff competition from obvious candidates of UK presenter Dermot O’Leary and the American Idol host Ryan Seacreast.  This is certainly a bold and surprising choice made by Cowell but given that Jones has become a well-liked presenter and Scherzinger is a great US role model, this pairing might just work.

     So what will this mean for the UK edition of The X Factor?  ITV have already stated it will return with a bold and fresh look in the summer.  Cowell is expected to either only judge the live shows or just be in a backstage role whilst Cole will leave permanently.  Fortunately, amidst reports they might be axed too, both Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue are set to return and after missing out on the US job, O’Leary will recommit his future to the UK show.  The faces expected to fill the empty judges spaces is a very long list.  Take That’s Gary Barlow is said to have agreed a deal to judge whilst the second seat is reported to be a straight fight between Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh and Lily Allen.  It is crucial that the right people are appointed so that very little people as possible become alienated with the sweeping changes.

     With everything nearly set, will the US succeed in their version of The X Factor?  It all begins in the autumn on Fox and for British viewers; it is expected to be broadcast on ITV’s main digital channel, ITV2.

Does the X-Factor give you chart success?

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

IT IS Britain’s most watched and biggest talent competition.  However a burning issue throughout its time is that will appearing on the show really guarantee you chart success and fame and fortune?

TERMINATION: Joe's music career never really took off

     Last week, two more X-Factor graduates were consigned to the scrapheap.  Firstly last Friday, 2009 winner Joe McElderry’s contract was terminated.  He had struggled to connect a fanbase with his distinct style of music and final straw came when it was revealed that his last single reached just number 69 in the charts, selling a paltry 7,000 copies.  Then on Tuesday, Shayne Ward, who was victorious in 2005 was let go by Simon Cowell.  Despite enjoying initial success in the early stages of his career, he had been out of the public eye for quite some time and inevitably, his comeback bid last year, failed with his new album failing to crack the top 10.

     It now means that four of the six winners of the show (not counting 2010 winner Matt Cardle) have now flopped after enjoying success on the show, ironically, all of them, the four male winners of the competition.  It should be said that now that Matt Cardle must get good luck for his album later in the year, because he’s going to need it!

     Only two winners have been able to crack the formula at being successful, Leona Lewis (2006) and Alexandra Burke (2008).  Both have since also been able to make a fortune internationally as well, proving that if you’ve got the talent, you can make it.  Unlike series 4 champion Leon Jackson who never stood a chance from day one and as for the first-ever winner Steve Brookstein.  WHO IS HE?  Never heard of him, would perhaps be the reaction if you asked somebody on the street nowadays.

SUCCESS: JLS have been the big winners of X-Factor

     As seen in the past, acts don’t need to win the show to make a path of glorified success.  JLS, runners-up to Alexandra in 2008 and truth be told, are in fact the most successful act in the show’s history with four number one singles and two number one albums to their name.  Fellow 2008 contestant Diana Vickers and 2009 runner-up Olly Murs have also enjoyed moderate success.  Other acts come and go quickly like G4 (2004), Chico (2005), Andy Abraham (2005), Rhydian Roberts (2007) and Same Difference (2007) but at least can be proud of achieving a tagline of “15 Minutes of Fame.”  Others will just be in it for the money, such as 2009 twins Jedward, who will be representing Ireland in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.  They don’t care how bad they are, they just want to make loads of profit.

     These acts can though count themselves lucky that they got their opportunity whilst others haven’t been able to.  Aiden Grimshaw suffered a shock departure in week six last year but still earned a private music deal whilst it’s a different case for popular figures Laura White and Lucie Jones.  Their early exits at the hands of Louis Walsh in 2008 and Simon Cowell in 2009 respectively ruined any chances of almost-certainly successful careers in music for these girls.  2010 nutter Wagner even stands a better chance of getting material out than them sadly.

     In truth, winning or being successful in The X-Factor and being a great music artist are definitely different kettles of fish.  It’s all a question of trying to maintain a style of music and hope that it’s something your supporters will be happy with.  It’s something that both McElderry and Ward didn’t deliver and has unfortunately led to their ultimate demises.

Cardle's Christmas gets even better

NO.1: Album cover

JUST over a week after winning the X-Factor, Matt Cardle’s Christmas has got even better, after he was officially crowned as the winner of the Christmas No.1 on Sunday night.  Cardle’s winners single, his rendition of Biffy Clyro’s massive hit ‘Many Faces of Horror,’ which he titled ‘When we Collide,’ held off challenges from protest campaigns on Facebook about X-Factor’s domination of the coveted prize.

Other competitors included a hit from Rihanna, one of Cardle’s closest friends with ‘What’s My Name,’ which finished in second place and John Cage’s protest against Simon Cowell, known as ‘Cage against the Machine.’  Their idea was to record a 4min 33sec song of complete silence and was supported by bands such as Madness, The Kooks and Pendulum.  In the end, it didn’t launch a serious threat to the final outcome. 

FORMIDABLE: Matt with his mentor, Dannii Minogue

17.2million viewers watched Matt, 27, the former decorator from Colchester overcome Rebecca Ferguson and One Direction in last Sunday’s final.  Mentored by Australian Dannii Minogue, he was the red-hot favourite to win the ITV talent show for a large proportion of the show, highlighted by the fact that he topped the phone votes on nine of the ten live show weeks.  Cowell will be hoping that Cardle’s success starts a new trend of X-Factor domination of the Christmas charts, which has seen No.1’s for Alexandra Burke, Leona Lewis and doomed Scottish singer Leon Jackson.  It was halted last year, by a successful Facebook campaign to get Rage Against the Machine’s 1992 hit ‘Killing in the Name’ to the top of the charts, overhauling last year’s winning single, ‘The Climb’ by Joe McElderrey. 

On hearing the news of his success, Cardle was gobsmacked; "I can't believe it.  As if winning wasn't enough. I honestly didn't think I'd even make it on to the live shows, let alone win and now be the Christmas number one.  "I can't even begin to describe how it feels.”

Congratulations to Matt, a fitting Xmas No.1, I hope he can build on this success for a long-time to come.  

The X-Factor 2010 - And the winner is . . .

BY JASON WRIGHT

JUST three acts now remained in the running, going through into one of television’s biggest nights of the year, the final night of The X-Factor itself!  Pubs and clubs across the country were packed and nearly 20 million were glued to the TV at home, waiting to see if either Matt Cardle, Rebecca Ferguson or One Direction would become Britain’s next big music star.

Dermot O’Leary must have been taking fashion tips from Louis Walsh as he emerged out onto stage at the beginning wearing a film-style suit and bow tie, something that Walsh has exhibited every Sunday since the fourth week of the contest.  The night began with a rendition of Take That’s ‘Never Forget’ by the final three, joined halfway through by the band themselves.

CLASS: Matt kept his A level up throughout the show

Just like last night each act’s first song was a new one and Matt kicked off with a rendition of Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’, putting yet another unique twist on it as he has done with most of his performances so far.  Questions though were raised over his dress sense for the first performance but that was his choice so there wasn’t a problem with it.  Meanwhile, after the troubles of Saturday night in Colchester, it was second time lucky there on Sunday and Stacey Solomon was able to chat to the supporters.

One Direction came next with their take on Natalie Imbruglia’s ‘Torn’.  Performing it atop a makeshift arch in the middle of the stage, they had the crowd and their fans over in Doncaster in hysterics for the umpteenth time and only strengthening their emphasis that this could really happen, a group could potentially win the show!

SWEET: Rebecca's dreams will probably come true

Finally, it was the turn of Rebecca Ferguson performing ‘Sweet Dreams’, the song did exactly what it said in the title, again the Liverpool lass sung it in such a soulful and heartfelt way and received huge acclaim from the judges again.  Her followers back in Merseyside once again voiced their approval but with Matt’s huge chances and One Direction’s big backing, it seemed a tough call for her to get into the last two.

After the pressures of the first songs, a little bit of humour was now injected into the night.  No, it wasn’t the return of Wagner but something worse than that, the return of the those who failed miserably in the auditions.  Performing the Lady Gaga hit ‘Bad Romance’, it was predictably so out of tune but just great to watch.  After all, they usually take the great appeal during the early stages of the competition just for their bad ability.

GLUM: Simon and One Direction after their demise

Voting lines were then frozen again. Only two acts would make into the third and most crucial phase of the final.  With the final three all in their smart and formal wear, it was revealed that Matt and Rebecca would move forward to sing again.  One Direction had been sensationally knocked out and it left them, their fans and even mentor Simon Cowell stunned and shattered.  Certainly though, this is not the last of them, they will surely become the next big boyband.

So Matt and Rebecca were now within touching distance of the X-Factor crown and just one more performance would now take them there, it would of course be a performance that would be released as their debut single should they win.  However this time there was a twist, both acts (as well as the already eliminated One Direction and Cher should they been in this position) had recorded a song which was suited to their voice instead of the traditional method of choosing just one song for the final pair which sometimes can be at a disadvantage.

First up was Matt performing his cover of Biffy Clyro’s ‘Many of Horror’ which was renamed in this take as ‘When We Collide’.  Yet again, Matt transformed this song from its original core rock into his own style and it totally worked and the judges seemed to say that it was his competition to lose now, though Simon of course didn’t want to count out the opposition yet.

So what could Rebecca offer instead?  Well she took the brave gamble of covering ‘Distant Dreamer’ by Duffy, and brave because it has never been released as a single.  This may work at a huge disadvantage but it still had plenty of potential.  Simon was right, don’t count her out yet and he used his trademark comment of not being able to claim it was a definite victory for anyone.  Many must have been thinking over what the chances were of placing a bet on a dead heat.

After Take That returned to perform another sensational number, the waiting was over and lines closed and the result was submitted.  Millions of votes were casted and after the usual tense wait, Dermot revealed the public decided that the winner of The X Factor 2010 should be…Matt Cardle!

SPEECHLESS: Both Matt and Danni look overwhelmed

Matt was left undoubtedly speechless after his success.  Dannii Minogue was delighted in joining Simon and Cheryl Cole in the ranks of being a two-time X Factor champion.  Cheryl at last was defeated and Rebecca offered congratulations to Matt.  Once again, I think this will not be the last of Rebecca; she will again get a music deal.

That just left Matt to bring down the curtain on this series with his first proper performance of his debut single, after which all of the beaten finalists (minus Cher Lloyd, who was mysteriously absent with no reason) came to his side to also say their congratulations.  The right winner indeed and it was proved as the official voting stats showed afterwards that he topped the board every time since week two but in the final he was chased all the way and won by just a narrow margin.

Round-up of the series

Despite a great final weekend, overall the series has been a massive disappointment, mainly due to the controversy and drama off camera.  It was surprising that the judges managed to keep it under control throughout most of it.  Simon Cowell always set things right and took responsibility for anything that went wrong, Dannii Minogue did a great job considering she missed the auditions due to her pregnancy whilst Louis Walsh was as impartial and usually foolish as before.  However the worst of the lot was Cheryl Cole, a disaster from start to finish.  While it was nice to see her back from her malaria scare, it screwed up her mind.  She became arrogant, thoughtless, and made decisions that were usually disgraceful.  Personally I don’t think we’ll see Cheryl back next year and there is great chance she will be replaced by Nicole Scherzinger, following her successful stint as a guest judges in the auditions and bootcamp this year.

This also may be Simon Cowell’s last stint, as The X-Factor airs in the US in the same time as the UK next year.  Before he has managed the show plus the American Idol auditions at the same time so I think he will be able to do it.  Plus, Dermot O’Leary may also be on the way out with reports that he may be off the present the new US version of the show.  Christine Bleakley, Davina McCall, Caroline Flack, Vernon Kay and Stephen Mulhern are the names that have been mostly tipped to take over should Dermot defect across the Atlantic.  If he goes, it is important that ITV will need to employ someone that has the ability to keep the show in its stride.

WINNER: Matt with Danni and the winning single 'When we Collide'

Whatever the case, The X-Factor has produced another great winner and good luck to Matt for what the future holds for him.  The countdown to summer 2011 and series eight is now well and truly underway.