Simon Cowell News

THE X FACTOR has finally confirmed the news that has been rumored for months, host Steve Jones and judge Nicole Scherzinger will not be returning to the show when it returns for its second season.

Simon Cowell's Syco Entertainment partner with Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment on the development and launch of a live, new international TV format to find the world's greatest DJs.

X FACTOR Season 1 contestant Astro has announced via his twitter account that he has just signed a record deal with Epic Records. Astro will join his mentor on the Fox singing competition, LA Reid at Epic Records along with the Season 1 winner, Melanie Amaro.

Thriller - Live, the spectacular concert show that celebrates Michael Jackson, is celebrating its 4th year in the West End.

Today, as a special corollary column to this weekend's extensive InDepth InterView with Tony-nominated stage and screen star Constantine Maroulis, we are shining a special spotlight on his career trajectory as he has risen up through the ranks to become one of the most successful alumni of AMERICAN IDOL from humble beginnings in the non-Equity tour of RENT. Since that landmark Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical, Constantine has carved out a unique niche in the Broadway landscape as one of most charismatic and compelling performers of rock-based musical theatre, who has also shown considerable skills tackling the more diverse scores of shows such as JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS, THE WEDDING SINGER, and, now, THE TOXIC AVENGER, co-composed by the Tony-winning team behind MEMPHIS comprised of Bon Jovi's David Bryan and Joe DiPietro. Of course, no Constantine-centric conversation would be complete without a thorough look at his unforgettable turn in the hit 80s rock jukebox musical ROCK OF AGES, the expanded film adaptation of which he will be taking to the big screen later this year. RENT to IDOL to TOXIC AVENGER and beyond, Constantine Maroulis is one of the brightest shining new Broadway stars of the 21st century and it will be a treat to see and hear TOXIC AVENGER as it sets its sights on the Great White Way.

On Friday, I had the enviable privilege of talking to ROCK OF AGES Tony Award nominee and AMERICAN IDOL star Constantine Maroulis all about the new musical he is starring in at the Alley Theater in Houston as it eyes Broadway, THE TOXIC AVENGER. In addition to discussing all aspects of the science fiction-themed musical spoof and its creators, David Bryan and Joe DiPietro - of MEMPHIS fame - Maroulis and I also take a look back at his career onstage thus far and his essaying of roles in RENT, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, THE WEDDING SINGER and JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS and ROCK OF AGES, as well as what we can expect from him in the future, near and far. Additionally, he shares his reflections on appearing on AMERICAN IDOL Season 4 and being mentored by fellow InDepth InterView participant Simon Cowell, as well as the immense impact that that entertainment entity, along with GLEE, has had on a whole new generation of theatregoers in the 21st century. Plus, Constantine clues us in to the exciting expansions that have been made to ROCK OF AGES for the forthcoming feature film version that he makes an appearance in, directed by HAIRSPRAY's Adam Shankman, and also shares his experiences recording the ASTEP benefit album A NEW YORK CITY CHRISTMAS, his new role as a dad and much, much more!

Epic Records announced yesterday that it has signed Melanie Amaro to a recording contract following her triumphant win on season one of Fox's THE X FACTOR. Her new home with Epic Records places her under the leadership of legendary music executive, Epic Records Chairman/CEO and The X Factor judge, Mr. Antonio 'L.A.' Reid.

According to the Hollywoodreporter.com, TV mogel Simon Cowell will be returning to the British talent competition 'Britain's Got Talent' in the Spring.

In a recent interview with the Hollywoodreporter.com, judge Simon Cowell revealed that X FACTOR contestants Astro, Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene may be receiving Sony Music record deals in addition to the season winner Melanie Amaro. As winner of Season 1 of the Fox singing competition, Amaro was guarenteed a $5 million recording contract with Sony.

In a recent interview with RadarOnline.com, X FACTOR judge Nicole Scherzinger hinted that she may not be returning to the Fox talent competition next year when it returns for a second season.

The first season of THE X FACTOR came to a spectacular conclusion tonight as Melanie Amaro was crowned the winner during a sensational live two-hour season finale on FOX. Host Steve Jones revealed that after the votes were cast, Amaro had bested runner-up Josh Krajcik and second runner-up Chris Rene. Amaro, 19, who was mentored by Judge Simon Cowell, emerged as America's choice and capped her coronation on Thursday's finale by singing 'Listen.'

The X Factor is an American television music competition to find new singing talent. The show is produced by creator Simon Cowell's company SYCOtv. It premiered on September 21, 2011 on Fox. Check out photos from a recent press conference below!

On last night's THE X FACTOR on Fox, the pressure was on for the finalists as they each performed two songs one last time for the viewer's votes. As Simon aptly said in the beginning of the show, 'It's going to be the closest final we've ever had.'

On Thursday night's finale of Fox's THE X FACTOR, superstar Leona Lewis will make her American performance debut of "Run". Leona got her big break in 2006 when she won the third season of THE X FACTOR U.K. Her most successful single "Bleeding Love" was released in 2007 and reached No. 1 in over 30 countries. Recently, her cover version of the Snow Patrol song "Run" set a record in the U.K. for the fastest selling download-only release in 2008.

On Wednesday's preshow, MTV News' Jim Cantiello will be interviewing THE X FACTOR host Steve Jones. Hosts Dan Levy and Taryn Southern will be doing interviews with consulting producer/head choreographer Brian Friedman, judges Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, and Nicole Scherzinger,as well as X Factor vlogger CourtneyPants. Wendy Williams of 'The Wendy Williams Show', will be calling in via Skype to talk all things THE X FACTOR as well.

As first reported on nypost.com, NBC's popular talent competition, AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, will be getting a fourth judge to join the current panel members Sharon Osbourne, Howie Mandel and the recently announced Howard Stern.

At a press conference held yesterday afternoon, the Top 3 finalists and judges revealed details of this week's finale episodes of THE X FACTOR. At the conference, Simon Cowell announced that in addition to Justin Bieber and Leona Lewis performing on the two-hour finale this Thursday, Dec. 22, Pitbull and Ne-Yo are also slated to perform - and our Top 3 contenders, Chris Rene, Josh Krajcik, and Melanie Amaro - will perform a duet with three surprise mega, grade-A, superstars on Wednesday's show.

Controversy is never too far offstage in any Simon Cowell production - manufactured, actual or otherwise - and the debut season of the US edition of his international smash reality singing competition THE X FACTOR on Fox has been overloaded with drama, meltdowns, breakdowns and buckets of tears. Stars have been made and dreams have been broken - par for the course, as always, on a singing show like this. Yet, no one on the show, whether judge or participant - no, not even Paula Abdul, Rachel Crow or the flasher himself - has been met with the irate hate and all-around ire of fans and critics alike quite like new judge Nicole Scherzinger. Sure, Simon cajoles her and criticizes her too much - to much winning effect - amping up the competition amongst the four judges, as is his wont - and, really, that's the whole hook of the show, anyway. The ex-Pussycat Dolls front-woman (remember 'Don't Cha'?), Scherzinger has had middling success in her solo career post-Pussycats in the US, yet she has racked up #1 hits overseas, and, had her last album not been plagued with stateside release issues, perhaps there would be a larger audience more aware of her repertoire and irreproachable talent here on these shores. Alas, many are meeting her for the first time in her new role as an X FACTOR judge - responsible for the most difficult category, no less; the Over 30s - and perhaps that is not the best light to make first impressions under. No matter what her judging abilities are, the girl can clearly sing - and sing well - which is more than can be said of many in similar roles on other singing-centered shows (or even this one). In addition to that, she has shown a remarkable stage presence - particularly in her essaying of the role of Maureen (made famous in the original Broadway cast by WICKED Tony Award winner Idina Menzel) in RENT at the Hollywood Bowl, directed by Neil Patrick Harris - and, even more recently, has displayed her legit side with her stunning performance of the title song from Andrew Lloyd Webber's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - alongside four famous Phantoms - at the Royal Variety Performance last week for the queen. Just last night, Scherzinger took center stage on the X FACTOR's results show to sing her surprisingly strong new single, 'Pretty' - an episode which also saw the final remaining contestant under her tutelage remaining in the competition, Josh Krajcik, survive another week and make it into the Top 4 - and proceeded to positively set the night alight. Haters can hate, but Scherzinger undoubtedly proved any naysayers wrong insofar as her fierce talent and reason for appearing on the show as a judge is concerned - no question. Post-Pussycat Dolls, Scherzinger seems to be flying high - lest we forget: she also won DANCING WITH THE STARS early last year - and the stages of New York and London seem a perfect place for her to show off her considerable triple-threat abilities in the future, whether near or far. Plus, if she can make it in show business with that last name, you have to at the very least appreciate her striving for authenticity at all times - like it or not. Scherzinger not only sings like an angel, she looks like one, too. She is the whole package and definitely possesses the X factor - and maybe a Y and Z, too.

On last night's episode of THE X FACTOR on Fox, another contestant was eliminated and the three finalists were named. Of all the weeks to go home, the week before the finale is arguably the hardest to be sent packing. In less than a week, one of them will be taking home the $5 million recording contract with Sony Music and a starring role in a Pepsi commercial.

NBC announced today that Howard Stern, American radio personality, television host and author, will serve as the new judge on the top-rated summer alternative series AMERICA'S GOT TALENT produced by FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell's SYCO Television.