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American Idol just announced that a preview special of the new season will air directly after one of the biggest awards show. American Idol season 23 will have the very first shakeup on the judging panel in the ABC era. Carrie Underwood is replacing Katy Perry, who sat alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for the past seven seasons. While the judges have been a stable force on Idol in recent seasons, the contestants themselves haven't found much success in the music industry. For example, Noah Thompson was dropped by his record label not long after releasing an EP.

According to THR, a half-hour American Idol special is scheduled to air March 2 at 10:30 p.m. Est/7:30 p.m. Pst on ABC, following the Oscars. The special works as a teaser for American Idol season 23, which doesn't launch until March 9. The Academy Awards is set to start at 7 p.m.

Squid Game is a South Korean series that became a global phenomenon shortly after its release, and it broke multiple records. Its razor-sharp social commentary and the brutal setting of a survival game caught the attention of audiences worldwide who simply couldn’t get enough of the series. The show didn’t just entertain the masses during the lockdown, it made people rethink social hierarchies and the desperation bred by inequality.

T.O.P in Turn It Up (music video) | Yg Entertainment/YouTube

So, as soon as Netflix announced the second season, fans were all in! They once again wanted to experience the hungry and twisted game with high stakes. Moreover, the confirmation of Choi Seung-Hyun, aka T.O.P from Big Bang joining the cast was another pleasant surprise. The creators have taken it up a notch by casting him as a villain, or so it seems from the recent trailer drop,...

Fremantle is merging two of its U.K. unscripted labels Thames and Talkback amid its global restructure.

Talkback managing director Jonno Richards is leaving the company after five years in the role. He was at Talkback for nine years altogether.

The new company will be called TalkbackThames and led by Thames managing director Charlie Irwin.

Thames is known for shows such as talent competition “Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream,” in which young stage hopefuls competed for leading roles in the Abba-inspired stage musical, while Talkback’s output includes Netflix dating gameshow “Too Hot To Handle” and quiz show “Qi.”

This is not the first time Talkback and Thames have found themselves united. Fremantle previously merged the two companies in 2003 before separating them again in 2012.

The news comes after Fremantle laid off all staff at scripted label Euston Films, known for shows including the recently launched “Nightsleeper,” and documentary label Undeniable.

Another Season of American Idol has come and gone. Season 22 crowned winner Abi Carter Sunday night, and judge Katy Perry bid the show farewell. Perry sat at the judges’ panel for seven seasons alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Following 15 seasons on Fox, ABC revived the singing competition series in 2018. The show began in June 2002, and it launched careers of musicians like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and more. A different trio of judges — Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul — helmed the show at the start alongside host Ryan Seacrest — who has shepherded the show through all of its changes.

ABC has not yet announced who will replace Perry as a judge and join the ranks of past and present celebrity judges. Below, find a list of all the judges in American Idol history.

Photo By: Priscilla Grant/Everett Collection

Simon Cowell

Known for his blunt critiques and brutal honestly,...

Sinitta hints Simon Cowell might already be married to Lauren Silverman, calling her Mrs. Cowell. Despite breakup drama, Sinitta and Simon kept a friendly relationship over the years. Speculation continues as Simon remains tight-lipped about his personal life, keeping fans intrigued.

Well, well, well, if it isnt Simon Cowells former flame stirring the pot again! Sinitta, the iconic singer and Simons ex-girlfriend, just hinted that the music mogul might have already tied the knot with his long-time fiance, Lauren Silverman.

Related Simon Cowell's 'Midas Touch' Auditions Had Embarrassingly Low Turnout

Known for dishing out harsh critiques, Simon Cowell admitted his new Netflix project is one of the "scariest things" he's ever done.

Simons Ex Thinks Hes Already Married

Via Instar

In an interview with The Sun published on Tuesday, Sinitta had a little slip of the tongue that has fans buzzing with speculation.

When asked about Simon and Laurens wedding plans,...

Simon Cowell from American Idol, X-Factor, and many other talent shows worked hard for his success. It might not be arrogance that gives him confidence. Apparently, he affirms his self-love every day. Read on to find out more.

Simon Cowell Keeps Going Despite Setbacks

One of the talent scout’s latest projects looks likely to crash and burn. The new Netflix hunt for a boy band doesn’t seem to be going well. In fact, some auditions were already canceled. However, fans know tenacity when they see it. Even if it fails, don’t expect the former X-Factor star to run off and hide. He’s bound to bounce back.

Simon Cowell – America’s Got Talent – AGT, YouTube

Simon Cowell is well known for brutal honesty with contestants in shows like American Idol and America’s Got Talent. In fact, he seems to be revered and feared because of his success and his cutting tongue.

While America’s Got Talent judge, Simon Cowell has made a significant name for himself, he hasn’t always been rich. He shares a story about how he was nearly bankrupt before getting his big break that made him the millionaire he is now.

Simon Cowell’s Rags To Riches Story

Currently, Simon Cowell is a common household name after his appearance as a judge on America’s Got Talent since 2016. But before that, he was also on Pop Idol, American Idol, The X-Factor, and Britain’s Got Talent. While he has become the difficult-to-impress judge over the years, he hasn’t had it easy along the way. Although he is currently a self-made millionaire, he has a few secrets about what it takes to get there. Now his career keeps him busy and in the spotlight, but there was a point in his life when he was facing bankruptcy.

Simon Cowell – AGT...

9 Indian reality TV series inspired by foreign shows as Big Boss Ott is set to return with Anil Kapoor as host ( Photo Credit – Facebook )

Big Boss Ott Season 3 is making a grand comeback on the digital platform on June 21 with Anil Kapoor as the host. To the delight of many TV-aholics, the Indian adaptation of the Dutch show Big Brother debuted in India in 2006 amid much fanfare. Since then, we have only fallen deeper in love with the show.

However, if you think Big Boss is the only foreign-origin reality show to be able to capture the Indian audience’s collective imagination, you might be in for a surprise. Scroll below to look at the shows with similar origin stories.

1. Kaun Banega Crorepati

Since its inception in 2000, Kaun Banega Crorepati has been an unmissable part of our television viewing experiences. Not only has the show been a dispenser of vast amounts of knowledge,...

Exclusive: ITV made big bucks from Love Island brand extensions, and the man behind the merchanise millions has now launched his own company.

William Van Rest has set up Jem Media Ventures, a UK-based company designed to help business, brands and talent create ancillary income from IP, including programs and films, plus other assets and unused inventory.

Jem will look to work with producers and distributors to commercially optimize their IP, find IP for companies to license into their operations to develop new commercial products around fandoms and audiences, and establish partnerships with brands and advertisers.

As Jem gears up for a formal launch, the company is already working with unnamed VR firm on several initiatives, helped a global distributor secure a deal to launch a restaurant for an unnamed major TV format and helped a tech start-up win a major media business tender. It has also secured deals to...

American Idol has been one of the largest competition shows in television history and has given its talents a shot at success in the music business. What began as a show solely based on a British show called Pop Idol has since become an undisputed reality program in America. Perhaps more importantly, it has catapulted its contestants’ careers to greater heights, including Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, and more. However, embarking on a journey to obtain a golden ticket was not an easy feat to begin with.

American Idol has become a cultural phenomenon since its premiere in 2002. The idea of America voting for which contestant would be their next pop star was a new concept. It attracted many talented singers to audition, hoping to be the one America would choose to have a successful music career.

One of those contestants made it to Hollywood. However, she didn't do a very good job at winning the judges over. After several rude comments to both Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul stepped in and reprimanded her. It was a moment which aired on television and now lives on in infamy.

Producers Initially Asked Ryan Seacrest To Be A Judge On 'American Idol' Before He Was Hired As The Host

Kelly Clarkson was the first winner of American Idol in 2002. She recently began hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show and is becoming a new fixture in daytime television.

While some American Idol singers have been extremely talented, others have been somewhat the opposite. The singing competition series debuted almost two decades ago, and took inspiration from the popular British reality show Pop Idol. At the time, it stood out for its unique concept and immediately became a hit among viewers. Over the years, the show has garnered even more popularity and fame, which has allowed talented people from across the United States to become iconic singers.

Some of the biggest stars on the show include American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks from season 6, David Cook, Kris Allen, Scotty McCreery, and more. There have also been popular singers who appeared on the show, but were rejected by the judges for not being talented enough. These stars like Chris Lane, Kane Brown, and Alan Ritchson proved everyone wrong when they became big names as singers outside the show.

During its original 15-year run, the UK version of “The X Factor” attracted an average of 9.3 million viewers per season and launched the careers of several record-breaking singers, including Leona Lewis and Harry Styles. While some of the show’s winners have maintained successful music careers, others have faded into obscurity. Check out our photo gallery of “The X Factor winners” and where they are now.

“The X Factor” was first presented in September 2004 as the new and improved successor to ITV’s “Pop Idol” (2001-2003). Though a new season has not aired since 2018, unconfirmed reports of a revival have been circulating since June of 2022. Because of this indefinite hiatus, even the most recent victors have each had the opportunity to build somewhat of a resume.

To win “The X Factor,” a contestant first had to win the support of a majority of judges during their audition. If they then...

Scottish singer and West End star Darius Campbell Danesh died from respiratory arrest caused by inhalation of chloroethone, a US medical examiner has confirmed.

The former Pop Idol contestant’s death has been ruled an accident by the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, after Campbell Danesh was found in his Rochester apartment last month.

His family revealed the singer had been suffering from chronic neck pain following a car accident in 2010, a trauma he had previously talked about in interviews.

In 2010, Campbell Danesh was a passenger in a Porsche when it hit a wall at 70mph after skidding on oil during a Spanish holiday in Spain.

He was treated with daily physiotherapy but rejected an operation recommended by doctors because he was concerned that it would damage his vocal cords.

Campbell Danesh was found unresponsive in his Rochester apartment on August 11, according to a statement from his family.

Offset has released a new video for his single “Code” ft. Moneybagg Yo, which stars supermodel Bella Hadid.

The video, directed by Claire Arnold, shows both rappers in a blue-lit studio, alongside Hadid who wears an array of high fashion clothing and jewellery provided by Demna - the creative director of Balenciaga.

Hadid can first be spotted posing and planking inside a lighted wall box wearing a silver bikini, boots and black gloves, before adding a yellow coat and black hoodie to the look.

Later she appears strutting through the video in a white furry coat and black sunglasses.

The song will feature on Offset’s forthcoming album – yet to be announced – alongside his single “5 4 3 2 1” which was released last week.

The American rapper is married to Cardi B and shares two children with her.

The pair recently came under criticism after Cardi claimed that she’s raising their kids so...

Married At First Sight UK is returning to our screens, with a new group of singles tying the knot with people they’ve only just met.

The dating show returns on Monday (29 August) on E4, with episodes airing nightly Monday through Thursday for 30 episodes.

On Married At First Sight UK, the contestants meet their future spouses for the first time on their wedding days.

This series will also feature the show’s first lesbian couple.

Meet the cast of Mafs UK 2022 below, and find out what they’re looking for in a partner...

Adrian, 37 – Digital Designer

Confident and caring, northerner Adrian is a social butterfly and serial dater whose ready to settle down.

He wants a partner who can make him laugh and is adventurous and trustworthy.

April, 32 – Wedding Dress Designer

Based in London, wedding dress designer April is hoping she’ll be the one with the fairytale wedding after appearing on Mafs UK.

Actor Gerard Butler was among those paying respect to Pop Idol star Darius Danesh at his funeral in Glasgow today (25 August).

According to a report in The Scottish Sun, the service was attended by around 100 mourners. During the sombre procession, a lone piper played the song “Caledonia”.

The Ugly Truth and 300 star Butler, 51, recently said that he had been “devastated” by news of his friend’s death. Danesh rose to fame on UK talent shows Popstars and Pop Idol. He died at his home in the US aged 41 on 11 August.

Last week Butler paid tribute to his “brother in arms” by sharing a photo on Instagram of the pair smiling.

He wrote in the caption: “I am devastated by the sudden passing of my dear friend Darius, a true brother in arms. My thoughts and love go to his wonderful mum and dad Avril and Booth and his two brilliant brothers Aria and Cyrus.

Gerard Butler has paid tribute to his friend Darius Campbell Danesh, saying he has been left “devastated” by the death of his “brother in arms” last week.

The Scottish actor was reported to be close friends with the Scottish reality TV singing contestant turned West End actor and Hollywood producer, who was found dead in his Minnesota apartment on August 11. They were reported to have met at parties held for fellow Scots by Rod Stewart in LA, and were filmed socialising together earlier this year.

Butler paid his tribute on Instagram, writing: “I am devastated by the sudden passing of my dear friend Darius, a true brother in arms.

“My thoughts and love go to his wonderful mum and dad Avril and Booth and his two brilliant brothers Aria and Cyrus.

“To those lucky enough to have met Darius for more than a few minutes, they were deeply moved by...

Will Young has paid tribute to his former Pop Idol co-star Darius Campbell Danesh, who died earlier this week.

Danesh, who was living in the US, was found dead in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota on Tuesday (16 August). He was 41.

Before having a successful career in musical theatre, Danesh was mostly known for his appearances on Popstars and Pop Idol, finishing in third place in the latter programme, behind Young and Gareth Gates.

On Friday (19 August), Young posted an old picture of him and Danesh from the time of filming and shared a heartfelt message about his former colleague’s passing.

“For the past few days, my thoughts have been with Darius's family and will continue to be so,” Young began. “I found this picture a while ago taken during Pop Idol.

“If there was ever an example of not giving up on your dreams then Darius is top of the pile.

Gerard Butler has said he is “devastated” after the death of his friend Darius Danesh.

The Scottish singer-songwriter and actor, who rose to fame on the talent shows Popstars and Pop Idol, died at his home in the US aged 41 on 11 August.

Paying tribute to his “brother in arms”, Butler shared a photo on Instagram of the pair smiling, along with the caption: “I am devastated by the sudden passing of my dear friend Darius, a true brother in arms. My thoughts and love go to his wonderful mum and dad Avril and Booth and his two brilliant brothers Aria and Cyrus.

“To those lucky enough to have met Darius for more than a few minutes, they were deeply moved by his infectious laugh and barely containable zest for life.

“He was always armed with a smile, a booming voice, and a genuinely warm embrace that few could resist – nor would they want to!

Darius Campbell Danesh, a singer and West End actor known for reaching the runner-up position Pop Idol and other ITV talent competition appearances, has died in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota.

According to his family, Danesh “was found unresponsive in his bed … and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the medical examiner’s office.” They also clarified that his cause of death is currently unknown, and requested privacy in the wake of their loss.

The Scottish singer first gained notoriety in 2001 when he sang a very theatrical rendition of Hit Me Baby One More Time for his Pop Stars audition. He later appeared in the first season of Pop Idol, which would be retooled to become American Idol, and made it to third place.

Danesh also appeared in many stagings of classic musicals on London’s West End including Funny Girl, Guys And Dolls and Chicago.

He followed up...

Pop Idol fans are remembering Darius Campbell Danesh. The Scottish singer has died at the age of 41, the Rochester Police Department and Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office confirmed to E! News.   Police said they responded to a call about a deceased person at a Minnesota apartment building on Aug. 11 and that the individual was identified as Darius by the medical examiner's office. The police noted the investigation into the cause of Darius' death is "still pending" and that "there is no known threat to the public." Darius' family also announced his death in a statement obtained by the BBC. "It is with great sadness that we...

Darius Campbell Danesh, the “Pop Idol” runner up and West End Star has died, the BBC reports. He was 41.

The singer, who was Scottish, was reportedly found dead in an apartment in Rochester, Minnesota on Thursday, Aug. 11. A spokesperson for the Rochester police department told Variety his death is currently the subject of “an open investigation.”

The spokesperson would not comment on whether there were any suspicious circumstances.

Danesh was catapulted into the public eye in 2001 with his rendition of Britney Spears chart-topper “Hit Me Baby One More Time” on one of the U.K.’s early naughties singing competition shows “Pop Stars.” The following year he also appeared on the first season of British “Americon Idol” prototype “Pop Idol,” finishing third behind Will Young and Gareth Gates.

Danesh went onto release a single, “Colourblind,” which reached the number one spot in the U.K. charts, while a follow-up album,...

Darius Campbell Danesh, the Pop Idol contestant and star of multiple West End musicals, has died aged 41, his family announced.

Campbell Danesh was found unresponsive in his Rochester, Minnesota, apartment on August 11, according to a statement from his family. The cause of death is not yet known.

Hollywood & Media Deaths 2022: A Photo Gallery

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh,” they said in a statement. “The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue. We ask that you kindly respect our wishes for privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother.”

Born in Glasgow to a Scottish mother and Iranian father, Campbell Danesh first appeared on talent format Popstars two decades ago before finishing third in the first UK Pop Idol on ITV behind Will Young and Gareth Gates,...

Sir Cliff Richard and two other British entertainers accused but never convicted of sex crimes are to take part in a Channel 4 documentary marking a decade since Operation Yewtree.

National treasure Richard was famously accused by a man of sexual assault but Richard was never charged and went on to win £2M (2.4M) from a BBC settlement, after BBC News sent a helicopter to cover police raiding his Berkshire home.

He will contribute to Curious Films’ The Accused: National Treasures on Trial alongside Pop Idol judge Neil Fox and DJ Paul Gambaccini, all of whom were accused but never arrested.

Led by their personal stories and experiences of being investigated, while in the full glare of the national media, including video diaries recorded with Gambaccini and Fox at the time, the documentary explores the immediate and longer-lasting impact the process had on them, their families, careers and reputations.

It...

Sony Pictures Television Networks has promoted Pamela Parker to Evp Business Affairs and Acquisitions. Parker has managed legal and business affairs for Spt Networks, bringing top programming such as The Amazing Race, Pop Idol, Top Model, Top Chef, Shark Tank; franchises including CSI, The Voice and The Blacklist; and global originals such as Hannibal, Crossing Lines and, most recently, Absentia. “The increasing complexity of our deals around the world demands both a…...

In Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk, Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain's essential book on New York's Seventies subcultural scene, the authors dedicate their work to Danny Fields, "forever the coolest guy in the room." He may not be a household name, but as a manager, publicist, label exec and journalist, Fields was always at the center of every important rock movement for two decades – the six-degrees-of-separation connection between the Beatles and "Beat on the Brat."

Danny Says, a new doc on the music-industry multi-hyphenate currently in theaters,...

This story of a Palestinian wedding singer who finds fame through a TV talent show presses all the right buttons and keeps sentiment largely in check

This endearing if unabashedly hokey biopic recounts the uplifting story of Mohammed Assaf (played as a child by angelic Kais Attalah; as an adult by a more angular Tawfeek Barhom). The real Assaf is a Gaza-born Palestinian wedding singer and taxi driver who competed on Arab Idol, the Middle Eastern equivalent of Pop Idol, in 2013. His journey, as they like to call it on shows like this, was a rocky one, full of the hardship and heartbreak you’d expect. He even lost a beloved sister (played with feisty charm by Hiba Attalah), who taught him to believe in himself and his ability to change the world.

Thankfully, accomplished director Hany Abu-Assad (Omar, Paradise Now) infuses the tale with a real sense of place and time,...

Hany Abu-Assad: 'I want to make films that still mean something when the Occupation is something of the past' Until recently the work of Palestinian director Hany Abu-Assad could be classified as serious and politically inspired drama. It garnered him Oscar nominations for Paradise Now and Omar. So the much lighter tone of The Idol comes as a surprise. A musical biopic with a very appealing blend of youthful optimism and some moving sad notes, all based upon the true story of Mohammed Assaf - the young Palestinian singer from Gaza who in 2013 won Arab Idols (the country's equivalent of Pop Idol) and became a hero of the people without really wanting to.

Hany Abu-Assad, 54, was born in Nazareth and came to the Netherlands when he was 20. He studied airplane technology and worked in this field until he discovered his passion for filmmaking. After doing production work for television,...

Sometimes it feels really, really good to be bad. Take it from these celebrities, who fearlessly laughed (or hid in shame) in the face of school authority. The stars: Kourtney and Kim Kardashian The mischief: Wearing dark lipstick at Catholic school The stylish sisters might set makeup standards these days, but during middle school their boundary-pushing ways only earned them scoldings. "[My sister] Kim and I went to an all-girls Catholic school in seventh and eighth grade and we started wearing dark lipstick to school. Our teacher would get so mad," Kourtney revealed to PeopleStyle. "I remember we went on a school trip to France,...

Sometimes it feels really, really good to be bad. Take it from these celebrities, who fearlessly laughed (or hid in shame) in the face of school authority. The stars: Kourtney and Kim Kardashian The mischief: Wearing dark lipstick at Catholic school The stylish sisters might set makeup standards these days, but during middle school their boundary-pushing ways only earned them scoldings. "[My sister] Kim and I went to an all-girls Catholic school in seventh and eighth grade and we started wearing dark lipstick to school. Our teacher would get so mad," Kourtney revealed to PeopleStyle. "I remember we went on a school trip to France,...

Ade Edmondson was crowned Star Baker in the final heat of 'The Great Sport Relief Bake Off' last night (24.02.16). The comedian beat 'Pop Idol' champion Will Young, comedian Morgana Robinson and 'Gavin and Stacey' actress Alison Steadman to the prestigious accolade as he created a Sir Cliff Richard cubist masterpiece out of 60 cupcakes, a salmon roulade and an open-top pie in the charity celebrity cooking show, which is hosted by Sarah Milligan. Speaking of his win, he said as he clutched his bouquet of flowers: ''I am very proud. I've always watched since the first series and it was...

Donald Trump vs. Starbucks' War on Christmas. The War on Christmas: The movies that come to mind We're still in November, but the War on Christmas – according to online buzz, a second cousin once removed of the War on Cops – has begun. Weeping and gritting of teeth has seized certain population segments in the U.S.A. (and perhaps other countries as well) after Fox News, that beacon of intellectual freedom at the end of the cable news tunnel, announced that … Starbucks' holiday season cups are a) red b) devoid of Christmas decorations. Could it be a satanic conspiracy disguised as politically correct inclusiveness? The result of a communist takeover at the Seattle-headquartered company? Cruel and unusual Christian persecution in the form of paper cups? Your guess is as good as mine. Far-right Republican icon, U.S. presidential candidate, and 2015 political circus ringmaster Donald Trump seems to think that Starbucks...

We have our trio of finalists on Celebrity MasterChef. After mass catering, a Mad Hatter's Tea Party and going up against the critics, there are just three people left fighting for the title - but which one do you want to win?

If you haven't seen yesterday's episode yet, now is when you want to stop reading and go and do something else...

After Scott Maslen failed to impress the critics last night, the final four became three and now Rylan Clark, Kimberley Wyatt and Sam Nixon must battle it out tonight (BBC One, 8.30pm) in 90 minutes of buttery biscuit goodness.

Will Sam have more luck than he did on Pop Idol? Will you StickWit Kimberley? Have you warmed to Rylan?

Well, we want to know who you want to win, so vote in our poll and leave your comments below...

Director Boo Ji-young's Cart, shines a light on the real life story of a shopworkers' strike against unfair labour practices that lasted over a year. As part of the New York Asian Film Festival's focus on Myung Films, the production company headed by one of the most powerful women in Korean cinema, producer Shim Jae-Myung and Cart director Boo chatted with me about casting K-Pop idol, D.O. from Exo, and advice for female filmmakers.The Lady Miz Diva:  Before screening here at the New York Asian Film Festival, Cart was seen at the Toronto International Film Festival.  What has it been like to take the movie to western audiences?Boo Ji-young:   I think a lot of people said they liked the film at the Toronto Film Festival.  As...

[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...

Simon Cowell has defended his decision to hire Nick Grimshaw for 'The X Factor'. The 55-year-old music mogul faced criticism by some fans when he announced the BBC Radio 1 DJ would be joining the judging panel alongside himself, Rita Ora and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. He said: ''When I first appeared on TV, nobody knew who I was. I just ran a record label. I actually never even got paid the first time I did 'Pop Idol'. But I thought: God, this is amazing, I can sit on a show and find artists. It's fantastic ... ''I have an issue with artists judging other...

Simon Cowell has defended hiring Nick Grimshaw as an X Factor judge.

Cowell explained that he decided to hire the BBC Radio 1 DJ to ensure the panel was balanced and not made up purely of artists.

He told The Sun: "I have an issue with artists judging other artists. I would never allow a group of artists to run the record label, that would be crazy. You have to balance it up a bit.

"When I first appeared on TV, no-one knew who I was. I just ran a record label. I actually never got paid for the first time I did Pop Idol.

"I thought, 'God, this is amazing. I can sit on a show and find artists. It's fantastic'."

Cowell also said that the show has got to "lighten up" and "concentrate on the talent".

"It all got a bit heavy last year," he explained. "The important thing...

The worst-kept secret in telly is out - The X Factor 2015 judging panel has been confirmed.

Together with a returning Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini are BBC Radio 1 breakfast show DJ Nick Grimshaw and popstar/actress Rita Ora.

But is their addition to the X Factor judging lineup a promising shake-up for the show, or a disaster waiting to happen? Here, two writers argue for and against the latest changes to the primetime giant that can still draw in audiences of over 10 million viewers.

For: This jaded format really needs a bit of a gamble - Kate Goodacre

The X Factor is a primetime entertainment show first and foremost, and a talent search competition almost by consequence.

It's a format that's been looking increasingly tired and predictable. The much-hyped returns of Sharon Osbourne and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini didn't shake the show up and give it the boost it craved in its...

The worst-kept secret in telly is out - The X Factor 2015 judging panel has been confirmed.

Together with a returning Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini are BBC Radio 1 breakfast show DJ Nick Grimshaw and popstar/actress Rita Ora.

But is their addition to the X Factor judging lineup a promising shake-up for the show, or a disaster waiting to happen? Here, two writers argue for and against the latest changes to the primetime giant that can still draw in audiences of over 10 million viewers.

For: This jaded format really needs a bit of a gamble - Kate Goodacre

The X Factor is a primetime entertainment show first and foremost, and a talent search competition almost by consequence.

It's a format that's been looking increasingly tired and predictable. The much-hyped returns of Sharon Osbourne and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini didn't shake the show up and give it the boost it craved in its...

Fox announced on Monday (May 11) morning that "American Idol" has been renewed for the 2015-16 season, but that next year's installment will be its last. Per the official Fox release, host Ryan Seacrest and all three current judges -- Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr -- will return to "search for the final 'Idol' superstar and pay tribute to the past 14 seasons of amazingly talented contestants and the millions of fans who tweeted, texted and championed their Idols." Whether you've watched "American Idol" from the beginning and still tune in on a weekly basis or you've looked down your nose at "Idol" for its role in reality-izing network television, it would be foolish not to look at this as the end of a rather major era. Adapted from the British "Pop Idol" format, "American Idol" premiered in the summer of 2002 and developed into a burgeoning sensation,...

So Dermot O'Leary is leaving The X Factor after eight years fronting the ITV singing competition.

In a statement, the host thanked Simon Cowell and the show's family - but talk has inevitably already turned to who will fill Dermot's dancing shoes.

Who do you think should present The X Factor now? Should it jump into the safe pair of hands that is Ant & Dec who already front sister show Britain's Got Talent? Or is Olly Murs the way forward as an ex-contestant who knows the process inside-out and has experience on The Xtra Factor?

Digital Spy rounds up some of the possibilities:

Ant & Dec

Fresh off the back of a fourteenth Best Presenter win in a row at the National Television Awards, Ant & Dec are widely seen as the safest pair of hands to present primetime telly on a Saturday night. Experience on Pop Idol is in their favour too,...

Footage of Natalia Kills and Willy Moon shocked TV viewers this week - and not just because we discovered where former All Saints star Melanie Blatt is now.

No, Kills and Moon were both fired as judges on X Factor New Zealand after launching a vicious tirade at a wannabe singer, labelling his performance "disgusting" and "absolutely artistically atrocious".

They're not the first ones to completely insult the contestants standing in front of them. It's just that this lot - somehow - got away with it…

1. Gordon Heuckeroth on Holland's Got Talent

In one of the most shocking things we've ever seen on television, Holland's Got Talent judge Gordon Heuckeroth spouted some horrific racial drivel to contestant Xiao Wang during the 2013 edition of the programme.

"Which number are you singing?," he said, moments before Xiao began his performance. "No 39 with rice?"

Even Gordon's fellow judges challenged him on the comment...

One of my happiest memories of TV as a child was the Stars In Their Eyes grand final night. The Matthew Kelly years of the show may look rather quaint in an era of spinning chairs, dancing celebrities and X Factor shoutiness, but it was actually ahead of its time as an entertainment format.

From turning Reg the butcher and Barbara from accounts into stars for five minutes, to public phone votes for the winner, it was in many ways a proto-Pop Idol and X Factor.

The key difference between Stars In Their Eyes and what followed was the complete absence of cynicism or profiteering. It probably helped Basil from Basingstoke raise a few more quid with his George Formby covers act, but there was never any pretense that the show would be life-changing.

Like most Saturday night shows in the pre-Popstars/Simon Cowell/Big Brother era, the heart...

It's less than a week until the return of The Voice and yes, we are very excited indeed. So when host Marvin Humes was in London, we obviously nabbed him for a good old natter in preparation for the blind auditions, which kick off on Saturday.

Read on for 12 things we found out from Marvin, including why watching the show with Rochelle is not good, how Rita Ora is doing and why criticisms that the show hasn't found a star are unfair. And much, much more...

1. Marvin struggles to keep the success or failure of the contestants a secret.

"At the minute no-one has seen anybody. When it comes to January then yeah, it's hard. My mum and dad are always like, 'Do they make it?' when I'm watching it with them. The worst person is Rochelle. She's so impatient. She's terrible when I watch it with her.

"The...

It's less than a week until the return of The Voice and yes, we are very excited indeed. So when host Marvin Humes was in London, we obviously nabbed him for a good old natter in preparation for the blind auditions, which kick off on Saturday.

Read on for 12 things we found out from Marvin, including why watching the show with Rochelle is not good, how Rita Ora is doing and why criticisms that the show hasn't found a star are unfair. And much, much more...

1. Marvin struggles to keep the success or failure of the contestants a secret.

"At the minute no-one has seen anybody. When it comes to January then yeah, it's hard. My mum and dad are always like, 'Do they make it?' when I'm watching it with them. The worst person is Rochelle. She's so impatient. She's terrible when I watch it with her.

"The...

2014 is almost over - we've had Christmas and everything - but what kind of year has it been? Well, if you're talking about reality TV, it's been pretty bloody spectacular. From scandals involving paper skeletons and baked Alaskas to shock winners and surprise losers, 2014 had a bit of everything. It's time for a little trip down memory lane, so strap in and join us as we revisit the best reality TV moments from the past 12 months...

January

Jim Davidson wins Celebrity Big Brother - and Lee Ryan loses it

This year's Celebrity Big Brother prompted a lot of soul searching as Jim Davidson ended up taking the crown - after striking up a bromance with Dappy. But it wasn't actually this winning moment that made January's CBB so captivating - instead, it was Lee Ryan's inability to keep it in his pants (and Casey Batchelor's mum shrieking: "He's mugging you off,...

Eight-piece boybands, middle-aged men dressed as Egyptians getting honey rubbed on their chests, Louis Walsh being... Louis Walsh. Yes, this series of X Factor might not have been the most thrilling, but even in a non-vintage year, there has been plenty to laugh at and enjoy.

This evening's final features Fleur East, Ben Haenow and Andrea Faustini battling for the prize of a record contract and the chance to hit the charts in time for Christmas. All the betting and polls seem to suggest that it's a one-horse race with Fleur running away with it, but The X Factor has thrown up surprises in the past, so nothing can be ruled out.

The X Factor: Find out Andrea, Ben and Fleur's final songs

The X Factor: 10 things we learned from the final press conference

The live final is always a spectacular affair, with hordes of special guests over the weekend (Sheeran!

Eight-piece boybands, middle-aged men dressed as Egyptians getting honey rubbed on their chests, Louis Walsh being... Louis Walsh. Yes, this series of X Factor might not have been the most thrilling, but even in a non-vintage year, there has been plenty to laugh at and enjoy.

This evening's final features Fleur East, Ben Haenow and Andrea Faustini battling for the prize of a record contract and the chance to hit the charts in time for Christmas. All the betting and polls seem to suggest that it's a one-horse race with Fleur running away with it, but The X Factor has thrown up surprises in the past, so nothing can be ruled out.

The X Factor: Find out Andrea, Ben and Fleur's final songs

The X Factor: 10 things we learned from the final press conference

The live final is always a spectacular affair, with hordes of special guests over the weekend (Sheeran!

Christmas came early for X Factor fans as the final four - Andrea Faustini, Lauren Platt, Fleur East and Ben Haenow - got into the festive spirit in the semi-final showdown.

However, for one unlucky act, Santa Cowell Claus will be delivering a lump of coal rather than a record contract.

The X Factor: What did the judges say about semi-final week?

The X Factor: All the best reactions to Saturday's semi-final

The X Factor semi-final live blog: Lauren, Andrea and Ben do battle

This evening, we will find out the 2014 Final 3 and who is heading back home for a glum festive season.

Join us from 8pm when we'll be bringing you all the action live as it happens on ITV.

21:02That's all for tonight folks. I'm off to see if I can catch a lift home on Lauren's Battle Bus. There must be plenty of spare seats.

Whether it's to see which act can pull off the best Frank Sinatra swagger or who can put their own twist on a classic, Big Band Week on The X Factor is always entertaining.

Last night was as dramatic as Big Band Week should have been, with last-minute song change drama, questionable mash-ups and Louis still unable to name all of Stereo Kicks.

Join us back here at 8pm as we find out who's going home...

21:01So, the general opinion is that no-one is quite sure what happened. Anyway, let us know in the comments section below what you thought about tonight's show. See you next week!

21:00

I'm going to have to watch that again on ITV+1 to make sure that happened #xfactor

— kate goodacre (@not_catherine) November 16, 2014

20:59

Putting the X factor app on every device possible for next week, that was too close for comfort

— Conor...