It was the final Six Chair Challenge of The X Factor this evening, with two remaining acts for Cheryl Fernandez-Versini's Groups and Simon Cowell's Overs.
Emotions ran high - although Adele supposedly dropping a big album teaser in an ad break made people go mad. Digital Spy was watching along and compiled the night's best tweets.
Simon's turn came to choose his six acts, and naturally he was particularly moody:
Simon Cowell right now.
#XFactor pic.twitter.com/j6lIVAMGzG
— Amanda (@Pandamoanimum) October 18, 2015
Only Simon cowell can sit there with massive denim flares and still be So brutal #XFactor
— Benny (@BENO_LDN) October 18, 2015
@SimonCowell someone's a lil moody bum on the X factor tonight
— Aaron_Webster (@aaronwebsterrr) October 18, 2015
There was a lot of love for Anton and his emotional performance:
Yes Anton.. I believe in you! ❤️ #XFactor
— Nicola Roberts (@NicolaRoberts) October 18, 2015
I'm sorry but Anton shut it down!
Emotions ran high - although Adele supposedly dropping a big album teaser in an ad break made people go mad. Digital Spy was watching along and compiled the night's best tweets.
Simon's turn came to choose his six acts, and naturally he was particularly moody:
Simon Cowell right now.
#XFactor pic.twitter.com/j6lIVAMGzG
— Amanda (@Pandamoanimum) October 18, 2015
Only Simon cowell can sit there with massive denim flares and still be So brutal #XFactor
— Benny (@BENO_LDN) October 18, 2015
@SimonCowell someone's a lil moody bum on the X factor tonight
— Aaron_Webster (@aaronwebsterrr) October 18, 2015
There was a lot of love for Anton and his emotional performance:
Yes Anton.. I believe in you! ❤️ #XFactor
— Nicola Roberts (@NicolaRoberts) October 18, 2015
I'm sorry but Anton shut it down!
- 10/18/2015
- Digital Spy
It's been nearly 20 years since Katrina and the Waves won Eurovision for the UK, and the BBC is hoping to recapture past glory with a big change to the way acts are selected.
Eurovision hopefuls will be invited to take part in a national final with an X-Factor-style twist for the chance to represent the country in Stockholm.
Nul Points! 12 hilarious Eurovision disasters
Acts will be asked to submit an original track, before an industry panel whittles the entrants down for the final. Then, the British public will vote for who they want to represent the UK.
Each country's selection process for Eurovision is very different (Sweden's long-running Melodifestivalen, for example, is a ratings hit, and gets so competitive that it's essentially a cross between the Fa Cup and The Hunger Games without the brutal killing).
The BBC's Eurovision commentator Graham Norton thinks the new 'search for a song' element is a great idea.
Eurovision hopefuls will be invited to take part in a national final with an X-Factor-style twist for the chance to represent the country in Stockholm.
Nul Points! 12 hilarious Eurovision disasters
Acts will be asked to submit an original track, before an industry panel whittles the entrants down for the final. Then, the British public will vote for who they want to represent the UK.
Each country's selection process for Eurovision is very different (Sweden's long-running Melodifestivalen, for example, is a ratings hit, and gets so competitive that it's essentially a cross between the Fa Cup and The Hunger Games without the brutal killing).
The BBC's Eurovision commentator Graham Norton thinks the new 'search for a song' element is a great idea.
- 9/29/2015
- Digital Spy
The X Factor auditions are finally over and tonight we're through to Boot Camp, the source of some of X Factor's all-time best moments (Zayn Malik throwing a strop and refusing to dance, anyone?) It certainly looks as though we're in for our fair share of drama tonight.
Grab a cup of tea (or a bottle of wine, a beer and a few double voddies if you feel like emulating some of the more dramatic contestants), read up on some backstage gossip and secrets from filming and join us live from 7pm as we bring you all the action as it happens.
20:59And so that's the episode over! There were ups, there were downs, there were tantrums, there were a Lot of missed lyrics. Judging from next week's preview it looks like we are set for even more drama - join us from Sunday, September 27 at 7pm and we'll be liveblogging it all!
Grab a cup of tea (or a bottle of wine, a beer and a few double voddies if you feel like emulating some of the more dramatic contestants), read up on some backstage gossip and secrets from filming and join us live from 7pm as we bring you all the action as it happens.
20:59And so that's the episode over! There were ups, there were downs, there were tantrums, there were a Lot of missed lyrics. Judging from next week's preview it looks like we are set for even more drama - join us from Sunday, September 27 at 7pm and we'll be liveblogging it all!
- 9/20/2015
- Digital Spy
It was the final week of auditions tonight on The X Factor, and it was full of tears, love and, of course, scene-stealing double acts.
Digital Spy rounded up the best Twitter reactions of the night. See you at Boot Camp!
First, can we talk about Olly and Caroline?
Caroline Flack has had an unprecedented 8 seconds of screen time so far tonight #XFactor
— ohchrisburton (@ohchrisburton) September 19, 2015
Can Caroline and Olly just audition already? Then maybe get married and have beautiful, beautiful babies? #XFactor pic.twitter.com/nsdiaNXek2
— Sugarscape (@sugarscape) September 19, 2015
.@carolineflack1 pulls hilarious expression as Olly Murs joins in #XFactor audition http://t.co/mEZi42ejEi pic.twitter.com/epONvYEh3o
— Radio Times (@RadioTimes) September 19, 2015
Imagine how great it would be to have a little Olly Murs following you all day being enthusiastic. "I'm having a cup of tea." "Amazing!!!!!"
— Peter Robinson (@Popjustice) September 19, 2015
Rt if @CarolineFlack1 and @OllyMurs should stay with #XFactor Forever pic.
Digital Spy rounded up the best Twitter reactions of the night. See you at Boot Camp!
First, can we talk about Olly and Caroline?
Caroline Flack has had an unprecedented 8 seconds of screen time so far tonight #XFactor
— ohchrisburton (@ohchrisburton) September 19, 2015
Can Caroline and Olly just audition already? Then maybe get married and have beautiful, beautiful babies? #XFactor pic.twitter.com/nsdiaNXek2
— Sugarscape (@sugarscape) September 19, 2015
.@carolineflack1 pulls hilarious expression as Olly Murs joins in #XFactor audition http://t.co/mEZi42ejEi pic.twitter.com/epONvYEh3o
— Radio Times (@RadioTimes) September 19, 2015
Imagine how great it would be to have a little Olly Murs following you all day being enthusiastic. "I'm having a cup of tea." "Amazing!!!!!"
— Peter Robinson (@Popjustice) September 19, 2015
Rt if @CarolineFlack1 and @OllyMurs should stay with #XFactor Forever pic.
- 9/20/2015
- Digital Spy
Ever get a feeling of déjà vu while you're watching The X Factor? That's because after 11 series and hundreds of contestants, the live shows have seen a whopping 728 tracks performed so far. But like a wedding DJ reaching for his failsafe party anthems CD, the top five most popular songs have been dusted off and rolled out over 33 times between them.
Our geeky rules state that we're counting all live show performances and group songs, but not repeat performances from the same act in the same series.
=5. 'Feeling Good': 6 performances
Performed by: Beverley Trotman, Rachel Hylton, Stacey Solomon, James Arthur, Rebecca Ferguson, Andrea Faustini
Made famous by Nina Simone, this classic usually pops up in the traditional 'Big Band Week', and is a good excuse for an act to show off their sultry side. Stacey had a go with Michael Bublé in 2009, while Andrea tried out a more powerhouse version last year.
Our geeky rules state that we're counting all live show performances and group songs, but not repeat performances from the same act in the same series.
=5. 'Feeling Good': 6 performances
Performed by: Beverley Trotman, Rachel Hylton, Stacey Solomon, James Arthur, Rebecca Ferguson, Andrea Faustini
Made famous by Nina Simone, this classic usually pops up in the traditional 'Big Band Week', and is a good excuse for an act to show off their sultry side. Stacey had a go with Michael Bublé in 2009, while Andrea tried out a more powerhouse version last year.
- 9/12/2015
- Digital Spy
The Voice returned to BBC One on Saturday night (January 10) - and there's a new face on the coaching panel in the form of Rita Ora.
The singer and actress has previous reality TV experience as a guest judge on The X Factor, and said this week that she turned down a permanent role on the ITV show in favour of "the freedom" of The Voice.
Naturally, Twitter had a lot to say about Rita's Voice debut in the show's famous red chairs...
Initial reaction to Rita was positive:
Rita ora #thevoice
— Matthew Dawson (@MatthewDawsonx) January 10, 2015
The voice is finally back!
@RitaOra on my screen #TeamRita
— Paul✌ (@Paaauul_) January 10, 2015
Loving Rita Ora on the Voice #thevoiceuk
— Millie Beanland (@milliebeanland) January 10, 2015
Rita Ora looks Phenomenal
— emvee (@churlishmeg) January 10, 2015
She looks like one of Alisha's Attic from the olden days
— emvee (@churlishmeg) January 10, 2015
If you don't choose #TeamRita on the voice, more...
The singer and actress has previous reality TV experience as a guest judge on The X Factor, and said this week that she turned down a permanent role on the ITV show in favour of "the freedom" of The Voice.
Naturally, Twitter had a lot to say about Rita's Voice debut in the show's famous red chairs...
Initial reaction to Rita was positive:
Rita ora #thevoice
— Matthew Dawson (@MatthewDawsonx) January 10, 2015
The voice is finally back!
@RitaOra on my screen #TeamRita
— Paul✌ (@Paaauul_) January 10, 2015
Loving Rita Ora on the Voice #thevoiceuk
— Millie Beanland (@milliebeanland) January 10, 2015
Rita Ora looks Phenomenal
— emvee (@churlishmeg) January 10, 2015
She looks like one of Alisha's Attic from the olden days
— emvee (@churlishmeg) January 10, 2015
If you don't choose #TeamRita on the voice, more...
- 1/10/2015
- Digital Spy
Russell Crowe-Directed Movie Up for Australian Film Award; Crowe Shortlisted Only in Acting Category
Director Russell Crowe Movie up for Best Film: Australian Academy Awards 2015 nominations (photo: Actor-director Russell Crowe in 'The Water Diviner') Aacta Awards: Feature Film Categories Best Film The Babadook Kristina Ceyton and Kristian Moliere Charlie's Country Nils Erik Nielsen, Peter Djigirr and Rolf de Heer Predestination Paddy McDonald, Tim McGahan, Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig The Railway Man Chris Brown, Andy Paterson and Bill Curbishley Tracks Emile Sherman and Iain Canning The Water Diviner Andrew Mason, Keith Rodger and Troy Lum Best Director The Babadook Jennifer Kent Charlie's Country Rolf de Heer Predestination Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig The Rover David Michôd Best Actress Kate Box The Little Death Essie Davis The Babadook Sarah Snook Predestination Mia Wasikowska Tracks Best Actor Russell Crowe The Water Diviner David Gulpilil Charlie's Country Damon Herriman The Little Death Guy Pearce The Rover Best Supporting Actor Patrick Brammall The Little Death Yilmaz Erdogan...
- 12/3/2014
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
Bob Geldof shuffled onto the X Factor stage last night and apologised to the "X Factor nation" for something on the ITV singing competition that was "harrowing and not suited to an entertainment show".
It turned out that he was referring to footage of Ebola victims ahead of the Band Aid 30 premiere, rather than Saturday night's Big Band Week, but you probably understand our confusion.
Does anyone other than Simon Cowell actually enjoy Big Band Week? In the early days of X Factor, making the acts wheel out some corny Rat Pack covers actually felt worthwhile as it was the only sort of record that most of them would ever get to make. A Mother's Day record of sub-Bublé covers.
However, somewhere around series 3 or 4 when the show tried to gain an air of musical credibility, the Big Band theme has felt like an awkward sibling. A throwback to the years of Brookstein,...
It turned out that he was referring to footage of Ebola victims ahead of the Band Aid 30 premiere, rather than Saturday night's Big Band Week, but you probably understand our confusion.
Does anyone other than Simon Cowell actually enjoy Big Band Week? In the early days of X Factor, making the acts wheel out some corny Rat Pack covers actually felt worthwhile as it was the only sort of record that most of them would ever get to make. A Mother's Day record of sub-Bublé covers.
However, somewhere around series 3 or 4 when the show tried to gain an air of musical credibility, the Big Band theme has felt like an awkward sibling. A throwback to the years of Brookstein,...
- 11/17/2014
- Digital Spy
Judy Murray has admitted she's surprised that she's still in Strictly Come Dancing.
Speaking on Loose Women, Murray said that it comes as a shock when she's not voted out of the dancing show.
She said: "Every week I think I'm going, every week, because I'm always in the bottom two or three of the judges' comments."
When asked whether son Andy will be coming to watch his mother compete, she revealed that Andy "struggles" to watch the programme.
She said: "He really struggles with it, he know the judges are going to be foul to me... so he turns the volume down."
Murray also spoke about her friendship with professional partner Anton du Beke, saying that she's been teaching him tennis.
"I love my partner, he's the best," Murray said. "We've had a great time and we've got a similar sense of humour. We've been playing tennis together as well.
Speaking on Loose Women, Murray said that it comes as a shock when she's not voted out of the dancing show.
She said: "Every week I think I'm going, every week, because I'm always in the bottom two or three of the judges' comments."
When asked whether son Andy will be coming to watch his mother compete, she revealed that Andy "struggles" to watch the programme.
She said: "He really struggles with it, he know the judges are going to be foul to me... so he turns the volume down."
Murray also spoke about her friendship with professional partner Anton du Beke, saying that she's been teaching him tennis.
"I love my partner, he's the best," Murray said. "We've had a great time and we've got a similar sense of humour. We've been playing tennis together as well.
- 11/10/2014
- Digital Spy
The X Factor kicked off '80s Week tonight (October 19) - setting social media abuzz with commentary about the acts, the judges, Dermot and all those retro tunes!
Digital Spy rounds up the best reactions to '80s Week below:
1. A worldwide trend of "#CherylKermit" began after Simon Cowell compared Cheryl Fernandez-Versini to a Muppet because of her fetching green outfit:
Simon is hilarious tonight, Kermit Lmao #xfactor
— ♡ (@TeamxAshleighBB) October 18, 2014
What the hell is Cheryl Cole wearing? Looks like a xmas tree man #xfactor
— Daniel Pérez (@perezd92) October 18, 2014
My girl looking gorgeous in green tonight #TeamCheryl @CherylOfficial pic.twitter.com/HePE5vDEMi
— ❤ Love you Steph ❤ (@queenminogue) October 18, 2014
Don't you just love it when Cheryl and Simon get sassy? #SaucerOfMilkPlease
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) October 18, 2014
Cheryl looking great tonight in green #Xfactor2014 pic.twitter.com/us1LidHVPl
— markgrant (@bigglesgr) October 18, 2014
Simon criticising Cheryl's fashion sense. #XFactorLiveShows pic.twitter.com/M...
Digital Spy rounds up the best reactions to '80s Week below:
1. A worldwide trend of "#CherylKermit" began after Simon Cowell compared Cheryl Fernandez-Versini to a Muppet because of her fetching green outfit:
Simon is hilarious tonight, Kermit Lmao #xfactor
— ♡ (@TeamxAshleighBB) October 18, 2014
What the hell is Cheryl Cole wearing? Looks like a xmas tree man #xfactor
— Daniel Pérez (@perezd92) October 18, 2014
My girl looking gorgeous in green tonight #TeamCheryl @CherylOfficial pic.twitter.com/HePE5vDEMi
— ❤ Love you Steph ❤ (@queenminogue) October 18, 2014
Don't you just love it when Cheryl and Simon get sassy? #SaucerOfMilkPlease
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) October 18, 2014
Cheryl looking great tonight in green #Xfactor2014 pic.twitter.com/us1LidHVPl
— markgrant (@bigglesgr) October 18, 2014
Simon criticising Cheryl's fashion sense. #XFactorLiveShows pic.twitter.com/M...
- 10/18/2014
- Digital Spy
Happy 10th anniversary to The X Factor!
We've already compiled a few of our favourite X Factor moments over the past decade, so now we're going to celebrate with a quiz to see if you can name the following 10 ex-finalists.
Do you recognise any of these former hopeful faces? Have a go below:
1. Series 5 - guess the X Factor finalist
Can you remember this slightly cheesy (and extremely hair conscious) performer mentored by Simon Cowell back on The X Factor back in 2008?
Following his X Factor departure, he's performed at Butlin's Holiday Park in Skegness, turned on the Stevenage town Christmas lights and appeared in Attitude magazine's naked edition.
2. Series 8 - guess the X Factor finalist
No-one could remember this act's name while she was on the show, so we doubt it'll spring to mind two years on. That's a shame, because this former barmaid from London had a really...
We've already compiled a few of our favourite X Factor moments over the past decade, so now we're going to celebrate with a quiz to see if you can name the following 10 ex-finalists.
Do you recognise any of these former hopeful faces? Have a go below:
1. Series 5 - guess the X Factor finalist
Can you remember this slightly cheesy (and extremely hair conscious) performer mentored by Simon Cowell back on The X Factor back in 2008?
Following his X Factor departure, he's performed at Butlin's Holiday Park in Skegness, turned on the Stevenage town Christmas lights and appeared in Attitude magazine's naked edition.
2. Series 8 - guess the X Factor finalist
No-one could remember this act's name while she was on the show, so we doubt it'll spring to mind two years on. That's a shame, because this former barmaid from London had a really...
- 11/23/2013
- Digital Spy
Some of The X Factor's most popular acts ever join Caroline Flack and Matt Richardson in a new promo for this year's series of The Xtra Factor.
Rylan Clark, Union J, Amelia Lily, Christopher Maloney, Diva Fever, Andy Abraham and Kye Sones are among the former contestants who met up with the presenting duo for a street party celebrating 10 years of The X Factor.
The clip also features quick glimpses of action from this year's Xtra Factor, including footage from auditions and clips of Flack and her new co-host Richardson mingling with judges Gary Barlow, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh.
Other highlights include Clark attacking a cut-out of Barlow with an ice cream, Richardson creeping out auditionees with his hugs, Flack giving him a slap outside Coronation Street's Rovers Return, and Osbourne saying "testicles".
The latest promo comes ahead of the reveal of a 'fifth judge'...
Rylan Clark, Union J, Amelia Lily, Christopher Maloney, Diva Fever, Andy Abraham and Kye Sones are among the former contestants who met up with the presenting duo for a street party celebrating 10 years of The X Factor.
The clip also features quick glimpses of action from this year's Xtra Factor, including footage from auditions and clips of Flack and her new co-host Richardson mingling with judges Gary Barlow, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh.
Other highlights include Clark attacking a cut-out of Barlow with an ice cream, Richardson creeping out auditionees with his hugs, Flack giving him a slap outside Coronation Street's Rovers Return, and Osbourne saying "testicles".
The latest promo comes ahead of the reveal of a 'fifth judge'...
- 8/28/2013
- Digital Spy
"Three words I never thought I'd say... welcome back Sharon!"
The worst kept secret in TV was finally confirmed this morning when ITV and Simon Cowell announced that Sharon Osbourne was on her way back to X Factor.
Louis Walsh let the cat out of the bag earlier this week (good old, Louis) and rumours had been swirling since January that Mrs O kissed and made up with Cowell over those rather embarrassing comments about his allegedly tiddly manhood.
The tabloids and X Factor PR machine are probably already mapping out the plots and bust-ups for the upcoming 10th series of the show: Osbourne and Scherzinger feuding. Osbourne and Barlow clashing. Osbourne and Louis plotting. It's as inevitable as night following day.
But will the public buy into the Osbourne comeback?
The show definitely missed some spark and colour last year. Walsh and Tulisa phoned in their appearances for the...
The worst kept secret in TV was finally confirmed this morning when ITV and Simon Cowell announced that Sharon Osbourne was on her way back to X Factor.
Louis Walsh let the cat out of the bag earlier this week (good old, Louis) and rumours had been swirling since January that Mrs O kissed and made up with Cowell over those rather embarrassing comments about his allegedly tiddly manhood.
The tabloids and X Factor PR machine are probably already mapping out the plots and bust-ups for the upcoming 10th series of the show: Osbourne and Scherzinger feuding. Osbourne and Barlow clashing. Osbourne and Louis plotting. It's as inevitable as night following day.
But will the public buy into the Osbourne comeback?
The show definitely missed some spark and colour last year. Walsh and Tulisa phoned in their appearances for the...
- 5/22/2013
- Digital Spy
Sharon Osbourne has said that she "couldn't be happier" about her return to The X Factor for its upcoming 10th series.
Osbourne, who appeared on the first four series of the show, has been signed up by Simon Cowell and ITV for a comeback alongside Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh.
"I couldn't be happier about coming back for the 10th anniversary of X Factor," said Osbourne.
"I can't wait to give Gary Barlow a big hug, sit next to the gorgeous Nicole, and of course throw water on dear Louis. Yay!"
Osbourne was on the show's original judging panel in 2004, alongside Walsh and Simon Cowell. She has replaced Tulisa Contostavlos on the panel.
'X Factor': Sharon, Louis, Gary, Nicole - Are you happy with the panel?
During her first stint on the show, Osbourne never won a series, but she did mentor acts such as Chico,...
Osbourne, who appeared on the first four series of the show, has been signed up by Simon Cowell and ITV for a comeback alongside Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh.
"I couldn't be happier about coming back for the 10th anniversary of X Factor," said Osbourne.
"I can't wait to give Gary Barlow a big hug, sit next to the gorgeous Nicole, and of course throw water on dear Louis. Yay!"
Osbourne was on the show's original judging panel in 2004, alongside Walsh and Simon Cowell. She has replaced Tulisa Contostavlos on the panel.
'X Factor': Sharon, Louis, Gary, Nicole - Are you happy with the panel?
During her first stint on the show, Osbourne never won a series, but she did mentor acts such as Chico,...
- 5/22/2013
- Digital Spy
X Factor star Rylan Clark has admitted that he would "happily" represent the UK in next year's Eurovision Song Contest. The singer hopes to follow in the footsteps of previous X Factor acts Jedward and Andy Abraham to participate in the competition, which will take place next May. "If the country wanted me to represent them [at Eurovision] then I'd happily fly the flag," Clark told Metro. Bookmakers William Hill are currently offering odds of 16/1 for Clark to be selected to enter Eurovision. "Rylan (more)...
- 11/28/2012
- by By Lewis Corner
- Digital Spy
London - British musical impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber has argued that racism, particularly in Eastern European countries, has affected the annual Eurovision Song Contest. He partly blamed the U.K.'s recent weak record in the competition on it. In an interview with Radio Times, the 64-year-old discussed the recent string of disappointments at the European singing competition with such acts as Javine Hylton, Andy Abraham, Jade Ewen and boyband Blue. Lloyd Webber co-wrote the U.K. song performed by Jade in 2009, which came in fifth. The musical producer said he was asked that year in host
read more...
read more...
- 7/3/2012
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Steps and Johnny Robinson have been tipped as early contenders for next year's Eurovision Song Contest. The X Factor finalist has shown interest in representing the UK at the competition, which will be held in Azerbaijan next May. Speaking about whether he would like to enter, Robinson told The Sun: "It would be brilliant!" The singer would become the third X Factor act to enter the show after former finalist Andy Abraham sang for the UK back in 2008 and Jedward represented (more)...
- 11/2/2011
- by By Lewis Corner
- Digital Spy
View the original post X Factor: Mary Byrne works with Madonna’s pal Nigel Wright on Unreality TV
X Factor’s Mary Byrne has reportedly started work on her debut album and the Dublin singer revealed that she will be assisted by experienced record producer Nigel Wright.
The Bristol recording guru has masterminded a number of platinum albums with recording artists as diverse as Madonna, Shakatak, Mezzoforte, Barbra Streisand, Boyzone, Sonia, Take That, Sinitta, José Carreras, Robson & Jerome, Michael Ball, Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard, Connie Fisher, Paul Potts, Andy Abraham and Ray Quinn.
Talking about her new record, 51 year old Mary told the Irish Independent:
“Nigel’s worked with Madonna on the film soundtrack for Evita. He’s done all the soundtrack albums for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals. But what most impressed me was he’s recorded Shirley Bassey who is my all-time hero.”
Byrne will put the finishing...
X Factor’s Mary Byrne has reportedly started work on her debut album and the Dublin singer revealed that she will be assisted by experienced record producer Nigel Wright.
The Bristol recording guru has masterminded a number of platinum albums with recording artists as diverse as Madonna, Shakatak, Mezzoforte, Barbra Streisand, Boyzone, Sonia, Take That, Sinitta, José Carreras, Robson & Jerome, Michael Ball, Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard, Connie Fisher, Paul Potts, Andy Abraham and Ray Quinn.
Talking about her new record, 51 year old Mary told the Irish Independent:
“Nigel’s worked with Madonna on the film soundtrack for Evita. He’s done all the soundtrack albums for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals. But what most impressed me was he’s recorded Shirley Bassey who is my all-time hero.”
Byrne will put the finishing...
- 1/6/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
With images of unbeknown, fresh-faced, pop star wannabes gracing the tabloid front pages and a new wave of Cheryl mania, it can only mean one thing: X Factor 2010 is well underway. Whether you are tuning in to admire Cheryl’s Lbd, lust over Danni’s new do or simply to watch Simon and Louie attack one another’s acts there is no denying that this year’s X Factor will be keeping many of us glued to our tele over the forthcoming Saturday nights.
Not to be forgotten from past years gone by, we thought it only fitting to revisit some of the acts who made the winters of 2005 – 2008 that bit more bearable. Love them or hate them, there will be a few surprises (and sniggers) when you find out just with what this bunch have been up to….
Andy Abraham (Came second in 2005)
Nice guy Andy had a busy time after X factor,...
Not to be forgotten from past years gone by, we thought it only fitting to revisit some of the acts who made the winters of 2005 – 2008 that bit more bearable. Love them or hate them, there will be a few surprises (and sniggers) when you find out just with what this bunch have been up to….
Andy Abraham (Came second in 2005)
Nice guy Andy had a busy time after X factor,...
- 11/1/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Missing Andy opened tonight’s Must Be The Music final show….live from Wembley Arena!
The band opted to sing their anthem ‘We’re Made In England’, the song which won the massive praise from Sharleen, Jamie and Dizzee after their original audition.
The British band have previously performed alongside the Pigeon Detectives and The Wombats at South by Southwest Festival in Texas after R.E.M pulled out. We’re Made In England is a song that we have found ourselves singing ever since we first saw Ma on Sky 1 last month, so we were delighted that they returned with it tonight.As they sang and chanted, we couldn’t help thinking that this may have been a better World Cup song than Dizzee Rascal and James Corden’s effort….
Judges Comments:
Jamie: You had a really hard job opening the show in Wembley Arena tonight and you smacked it.
The band opted to sing their anthem ‘We’re Made In England’, the song which won the massive praise from Sharleen, Jamie and Dizzee after their original audition.
The British band have previously performed alongside the Pigeon Detectives and The Wombats at South by Southwest Festival in Texas after R.E.M pulled out. We’re Made In England is a song that we have found ourselves singing ever since we first saw Ma on Sky 1 last month, so we were delighted that they returned with it tonight.As they sang and chanted, we couldn’t help thinking that this may have been a better World Cup song than Dizzee Rascal and James Corden’s effort….
Judges Comments:
Jamie: You had a really hard job opening the show in Wembley Arena tonight and you smacked it.
- 9/19/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Five piece group Missing Andy performed on tonight’s Must Be The Music semi final.
The British band have previously performed alongside the Pigeon Detectives and The Wombats at South by Southwest Festival in Texas after R.E.M pulled out.
They passed their Mbtm audition by performing ‘Made In England’, which was incredibly catchy but sounded a bit like a football anthem. Before they took to the stage Jamie Cullum wondered what their new song would be like and worried that it wouldn’t compare to their first offering. He said:
‘Sometimes a band only have one big song’
We didn’t like the song as much as Made In England but thankfully the judges did. Check out their opinions below.
Judges Comments:
Jamie: I was worried how you would follow up Made In England but Im pleased to say that you guys write anthems and that’s another one you’ve written.
The British band have previously performed alongside the Pigeon Detectives and The Wombats at South by Southwest Festival in Texas after R.E.M pulled out.
They passed their Mbtm audition by performing ‘Made In England’, which was incredibly catchy but sounded a bit like a football anthem. Before they took to the stage Jamie Cullum wondered what their new song would be like and worried that it wouldn’t compare to their first offering. He said:
‘Sometimes a band only have one big song’
We didn’t like the song as much as Made In England but thankfully the judges did. Check out their opinions below.
Judges Comments:
Jamie: I was worried how you would follow up Made In England but Im pleased to say that you guys write anthems and that’s another one you’ve written.
- 9/12/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
X Factor runner up Stacey Solomon has revealed that she will soon be releasing her debut single. The song titled ‘At Last’ will be available to buy from May 31.
Stacey first performed the song, originally by Glenn Miller, on the second live X Factor show of 2009, she gave another amazing rendition of it on GMTV this morning.
She told Lorraine Kelly: “I’m doing a single for the Raf. My cousin’s serving at the moment and my granddad was actually in the Raf as well, so it means quite a lot to me.
“I got to sing it on [the X Factor] and someone from the Raf contacted me and asked me to record it as a single.”
Watch Stacey singing At Last on the X Factor below.
Related posts:Danny Dyer ‘X Factor’s Stacey Solomon needs to stop acting like a div!’X Factor’s Stacey Solomon: ‘I Love Olly Murs!
Stacey first performed the song, originally by Glenn Miller, on the second live X Factor show of 2009, she gave another amazing rendition of it on GMTV this morning.
She told Lorraine Kelly: “I’m doing a single for the Raf. My cousin’s serving at the moment and my granddad was actually in the Raf as well, so it means quite a lot to me.
“I got to sing it on [the X Factor] and someone from the Raf contacted me and asked me to record it as a single.”
Watch Stacey singing At Last on the X Factor below.
Related posts:Danny Dyer ‘X Factor’s Stacey Solomon needs to stop acting like a div!’X Factor’s Stacey Solomon: ‘I Love Olly Murs!
- 5/24/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Britain’s Got Talent hopeful Andy Monk has admitted that while he may look like Simon Cowell, he won’t rest until he has his bank balance too.
Andy auditioned as part of The Chippendoubles for the Bgt judges. Touting themselves as a “variety act”, they were actually a crack squad of celebrity impersonators. – we had Ricky Gervais, Daniel Craig, David Beckham (complete with golden ball!), Gordon Ramsay in strange gold leggings, BA Baracus (Mr T), Will Smith and Simon Cowell in his union jack boxers. (Video Here)
Speaking to The News Of The World, Andy revealed that eventually he’d like to impersonate Simon Cowell as a full time job. The 51-year-old runs a sound and lighting firm, and said:
“I don’t earn enough from appearances to quit the day job.”
“I hope Britain’s Got Talent will open some doors and earn me some more cash.
“Would I like his life?...
Andy auditioned as part of The Chippendoubles for the Bgt judges. Touting themselves as a “variety act”, they were actually a crack squad of celebrity impersonators. – we had Ricky Gervais, Daniel Craig, David Beckham (complete with golden ball!), Gordon Ramsay in strange gold leggings, BA Baracus (Mr T), Will Smith and Simon Cowell in his union jack boxers. (Video Here)
Speaking to The News Of The World, Andy revealed that eventually he’d like to impersonate Simon Cowell as a full time job. The 51-year-old runs a sound and lighting firm, and said:
“I don’t earn enough from appearances to quit the day job.”
“I hope Britain’s Got Talent will open some doors and earn me some more cash.
“Would I like his life?...
- 5/8/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Josh Dubovie has won the chance to represent Britain at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest.
The 19 year old professional singer didn’t give a great rendition of ‘Too Many Broken Hearts’ during the first round of tonight’s Eurovision: Your Country Needs You (watch the clip above), but when it came to singing the Pete Waterman penned single ‘That Sounds Good To Me,’ he was the best of a bad bunch.
Eurovision 2010 will take place in Oslo, Norway in May. We are expecting Britain to come last……..again!
Related posts:Andy Abraham To Compete In Eurovision Song Contest!Eurovision Your Country Needs You 2010: Josh Dubovie sings ‘Too Many Broken Hearts’Pete Waterman ‘Simon Cowell wants to win Eurovision Song Contest’Pete Waterman to write UK Eurovision songEurovision Your Country Needs You 2010: Pete Waterman hasn’t finished his song!Copyright © Unreality TV 2009 | Celebrity Big Brother Updates
This feed is for personal,...
The 19 year old professional singer didn’t give a great rendition of ‘Too Many Broken Hearts’ during the first round of tonight’s Eurovision: Your Country Needs You (watch the clip above), but when it came to singing the Pete Waterman penned single ‘That Sounds Good To Me,’ he was the best of a bad bunch.
Eurovision 2010 will take place in Oslo, Norway in May. We are expecting Britain to come last……..again!
Related posts:Andy Abraham To Compete In Eurovision Song Contest!Eurovision Your Country Needs You 2010: Josh Dubovie sings ‘Too Many Broken Hearts’Pete Waterman ‘Simon Cowell wants to win Eurovision Song Contest’Pete Waterman to write UK Eurovision songEurovision Your Country Needs You 2010: Pete Waterman hasn’t finished his song!Copyright © Unreality TV 2009 | Celebrity Big Brother Updates
This feed is for personal,...
- 3/12/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
So You Think You Can Dance isn’t just about watching other people perform – it’s also about getting the British public interested in dance themselves.
In our clip below, choreographer Kate Prince shows you how to perform a Lyrical Hip Hop routine.
Want to learn how to perform a Contemporary dance? Choreographer Stuart Bishop takes you through the moves, step-by-step
Related posts:x Factor: Stacey Solomon wanted singing lessonsSo You Think You Can Dance: Nigel Lythgoe was impressed with auditioning dancersX Factor Finalist Andy Abraham To Give GMTV Singing Lessons!Strictly Come Dancing: Mark Foster To Take Acting Lessons!Mel B Thinks Cheryl Cole Needs Singing LessonsCopyright © Unreality TV 2009 | Celebrity Big Brother Updates
This feed is for personal, non-commercial use only. The use of this feed on other websites breaches copyright. (Digital Fingerprint: ae93f8d91c14bae38e9b800175b7b2ca)...
In our clip below, choreographer Kate Prince shows you how to perform a Lyrical Hip Hop routine.
Want to learn how to perform a Contemporary dance? Choreographer Stuart Bishop takes you through the moves, step-by-step
Related posts:x Factor: Stacey Solomon wanted singing lessonsSo You Think You Can Dance: Nigel Lythgoe was impressed with auditioning dancersX Factor Finalist Andy Abraham To Give GMTV Singing Lessons!Strictly Come Dancing: Mark Foster To Take Acting Lessons!Mel B Thinks Cheryl Cole Needs Singing LessonsCopyright © Unreality TV 2009 | Celebrity Big Brother Updates
This feed is for personal, non-commercial use only. The use of this feed on other websites breaches copyright. (Digital Fingerprint: ae93f8d91c14bae38e9b800175b7b2ca)...
- 1/22/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Former X Factor runner-up Andy Abraham has criticised current contestant Stacey Solomon saying she “needs to hold herself better.”
Abraham was speaking to East Herts Herald just after the release of his new Christmas single ‘Oh Holy Night.’
He said: “I like Stacey but I think she needs to hold herself a bit better because that whole Essex girl personality creeps out a bit too much.”
He also admitted that Olly Murs is his favourite contestant on the show saying:: “My favourite is Olly he reminds me of a young Robbie Williams, I do like Olly even though I think the George Michael song he did was wrong for him.
On his new single the former UK Eurovision entrant said: “The response has been great everybody has been really pleased with it. Compared to what I did on the X Factor which was a much bigger production I wanted to...
Abraham was speaking to East Herts Herald just after the release of his new Christmas single ‘Oh Holy Night.’
He said: “I like Stacey but I think she needs to hold herself a bit better because that whole Essex girl personality creeps out a bit too much.”
He also admitted that Olly Murs is his favourite contestant on the show saying:: “My favourite is Olly he reminds me of a young Robbie Williams, I do like Olly even though I think the George Michael song he did was wrong for him.
On his new single the former UK Eurovision entrant said: “The response has been great everybody has been really pleased with it. Compared to what I did on the X Factor which was a much bigger production I wanted to...
- 11/26/2009
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Middlesbrough's Carl and Andy Pemberton won the UK's hearts on the 2005 series of The X Factor with their renditions of rock classics such as 'Angel of Harlem', 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' and 'Let It Be'. The duo reached the live final, but ended up losing out to Andy Abraham and eventual winner Shayne Ward. Digital Spy caught up with the boys four years on to find out what life has been like post-The X Factor. Journey South sing their new Help For Heroes track 'What I Love About Home'
Tell us a bit about the Help For Heroes track you are releasing at Christmas?
Andy: "'What I Love About Home' is a song we wrote a couple of years ago. It became the title track of our second album Home and it did really well on the forces radio station. They told us,...
Tell us a bit about the Help For Heroes track you are releasing at Christmas?
Andy: "'What I Love About Home' is a song we wrote a couple of years ago. It became the title track of our second album Home and it did really well on the forces radio station. They told us,...
- 11/11/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Former X Factor star Andy Abraham has announced details of his first Christmas single. The singer, 45, finished second on the show in 2005, when he was beaten by Shayne Ward. Writing on his MySpace blog about his latest plans, Abraham said: "Finally I am bringing out the Christmas single that a lot of people said they enjoyed, hope you like it. It will also be available to pre-order and I will let you know asap." (more)...
- 11/9/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Duffy is wanted as a replacement for Andy Abraham after he reportedly pulled out of singing at Gary Lineker’s wedding next weekend. According to The Sun, the 2005 X Factor runner-up dropped out of performing as he did not want to travel by easyJet to Italy for the pair’s marriage. Bux and Lineker allegedly hope that Duffy will sing at their (more)...
- 8/31/2009
- by By Anisa Kadri
- Digital Spy
Andrew Lloyd Webber may be a one-man West End hit-factory, but can he end the UK's Eurovision drought next week when his protégé Jade Ewen sings his specially-penned track 'It's My Time' at the Moscow finals? We're not totally convinced. But in the spirit of flag-waving patriotism and blind faith in our country's musical talents, Digital Spy has picked out the acts we'd love to see representing the UK next year and competing for the famous "douze points". Robbie Williams
BBC stalwart Terry Wogan hung up his Eurovision boots last year, blaming binman Andy Abraham's defeat in Belgrade on dodgy political voting. The Irish radio legend said that it would take a high-calibre British popstar to bring home the bacon again and persuade the Eastern European nations to part with their points. Who better fits Wogan's (more)...
BBC stalwart Terry Wogan hung up his Eurovision boots last year, blaming binman Andy Abraham's defeat in Belgrade on dodgy political voting. The Irish radio legend said that it would take a high-calibre British popstar to bring home the bacon again and persuade the Eastern European nations to part with their points. Who better fits Wogan's (more)...
- 5/7/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Andy Abraham has said that the music industry is not interested in supporting contestants who fail to win The X Factor. The singer, who was runner-up on the show in 2005, told The Times that he is still performing and trying to build his own "brand" after being dropped by Sony following the release of his second album. Of other losing participants, Abraham said: "They'll realise quickly that the industry doesn't want them. "You've got to understand that the only reason your first single gets to number one is the (more)...
- 4/27/2009
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Terry Wogan has confirmed that he will no longer be presenting the Eurovision Song Contest. The Radio 2 DJ, who has fronted the BBC's coverage for 37 years, said it was "time for someone else to take over". "I was considering giving up before Belgrade, and now I have to say I'm very doubtful about ever wanting to do Eurovision again," Wogan told the Radio Times. In this year's contest, Britain's Andy Abraham only earned 14 points, while the Russian winner Dima Bilan bagged 272. Commenting on the 2008 (more)...
- 8/12/2008
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Former X Factor star Andy Abraham has denied claims that he is giving up on his music career. An article in the Daily Star Sunday at the weekend suggested that Abraham would launch a career in property development after finishing joint last in the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year. However, the singer's manager Denise Abraham told Digital Spy: "We have an up and coming theatre tour booked in starting from Oct 31st. Andy has never been involved in the property development business and has an active career in the music business. "He has released his current (more)...
- 8/5/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Andy Abraham has decided to call time on his music career after being "humiliated" at the Eurovision Song Contest. The former X Factor star funded his own entry into the competition, but his track 'Even If' finished joint last with just 14 points in May. Veteran Eurovision commentator Terry Wogan immediately claimed that political voting was to blame. Abraham has now told friends that he will not release any further material. Instead, he will concentrate on becoming a property developer. "He was absolutely gutted at the result," a source told (more)...
- 8/3/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Former X Factor finalist Andy Abraham has said that he won't watch the show now that Sharon Osbourne has left. The 2008 British Eurovision entrant claimed the programme would be weaker without Osbourne on the judging panel. "I'm not sure if I'll even bother watching it," Abraham told Digital Spy. "I like the fact that you never know what Sharon's going to be getting up to, or what water she is going to be throwing over Louis. "For me, it's going to be a bit strange." When (more)...
- 6/11/2008
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Last month, Andy Abraham joined the likes of Daz Sampson, Scooch, Love City Groove and Jemini on the long list of British failures at Eurovison. Unlike his peers, however, the former bin man actually had a pretty decent tune! Putting the political voting and Terry Wogan grumbles behind him, Abraham has just released a "feel-good" soul/pop album made up of his own material. We caught up with Andy to see whether he's managed to get over the Eurovision hangover. Has the whole Eurovision experience started to sink in yet?
"Well I suppose it's sunk, hasn't it? It's definitely sunk." Do you have any regrets about agreeing to perform at the event?
"Not one iota. I got to sing to so many people. That was a bonus for me. When I go out on the street, people say: '[The Eurovision voters] didn't like us'. That is really (more)...
"Well I suppose it's sunk, hasn't it? It's definitely sunk." Do you have any regrets about agreeing to perform at the event?
"Not one iota. I got to sing to so many people. That was a bonus for me. When I go out on the street, people say: '[The Eurovision voters] didn't like us'. That is really (more)...
- 6/10/2008
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Terry Wogan has claimed that Andy Abraham was a victim of racism in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. The Radio 2 Dj argued that the British entrant never had a chance of winning the competition because Eastern European nations refused to vote for a black singer. He described Abraham's colour as the "elephant in the room", commenting: "East of the Danube, they won't be voting for a black singer any day soon." Abraham came joint last in this year's contest, (more)...
- 6/2/2008
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Andy Abraham has insisted that he has no hard feelings about finishing joint last in the Eurovision Song Contest. The X Factor runner-up scored 14 points for his song 'Even If' in Saturday's competition. He told the Press Association that he was pleased with his performance, saying: "When I came off stage, all the backroom staff were clapping and they loved it. It was great. "[Even when the results came in], I felt exactly the same. I said: 'The song is a great song anyway, we had a great time.'" Talking about news that Sir Terry Wogan may step down from (more)...
- 6/1/2008
- by By Beth Hilton
- Digital Spy
Russia triumphed in the Eurovision Song Contest last night, topping the scoreboard with 272 points. Dima Bilan's ballad 'Believe' clinched his country's first ever victory in the competition. The track had been produced by Us R&B star Timbaland. Ukraine, represented by Ani Lorak, came second with 230 points. Greek entrant Kalomira, who had performed her song 'Secret Combination', finished in third place with 218 points. The UK's entrant Andy Abraham finished joint last, scoring just 14 points. His disappointing position was shared by both Germany and Poland. After the result was announced, Sir (more)...
- 5/25/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Andy Abraham thinks his Eurovision entry is good enough to win tomorrow night's contest. The X Factor runner-up is a 100-1 outsider with bookmakers to scoop victory with his song 'Even If' in Serbia. However, he told Metro: "The song’s good enough to go top ten or even win it. If it’s down to the whole voting situation, though, I’m not holding my breath, put it that way." Talking about criticism of the apparent political voting on the show, he said: "Austria hasn’t entered this year because of [it]. (more)...
- 5/23/2008
- by Beth Hilton
- Digital Spy
Terry Wogan has said that he is scared that UK fans will be disenchanted if the country flops in Eurovision again.
Last year's entry, 'Flying The Flag' by Scooch, finished 22nd out of 24 in the contest. Other recent poor showings include Daz Sampson's 'Teenage Life' and Jemini's 'Cry Baby'.
The last time a UK song reached the top ten in the competition was with Jessica Garlick's 'Come Back' in 2002.
This year's British contestant Andy Abraham is a 66-1 outsider with bookmakers, despite . . .
Last year's entry, 'Flying The Flag' by Scooch, finished 22nd out of 24 in the contest. Other recent poor showings include Daz Sampson's 'Teenage Life' and Jemini's 'Cry Baby'.
The last time a UK song reached the top ten in the competition was with Jessica Garlick's 'Come Back' in 2002.
This year's British contestant Andy Abraham is a 66-1 outsider with bookmakers, despite . . .
- 5/19/2008
- by Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
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