X Factor 1 Final – Post-Show News Roundup

Simon Cowell, Nicole Sherzinger, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Steve Jones and the Final 3–Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene sat with the press last night after the X Factor final. Here’s a round up of the press:

The Final 3 were not Required to Sing their Audition Songs

In recapping the events of the night, he also revealed that duet partners Alanis Morissette, Avril Lavigne and R. Kelly weren’t involved until very late in the planning stages — and only confirmed about five days prior. As it turned out, Morissette is a fan of the show (and of Krajcik’s specifically), while Lavigne was brought in by LA Reid, who signed the singer when she was 17. “We didn’t have to twist anyone’s arms,” said Cowell.

But in a curious twist of fate, Cowell also explained that having all three contestants sing their audition numbers wasn’t actually planned. “It happened kind of by accident,” he said. “[It was] total free choice — do whatever you want — and we heard that Josh was gonna do ‘At Last,’ and LA was kind of hemming and hawing about it and said, ‘I’ve gotta do ‘Young Homie,’ and I was going to do a different song and then Sunday night I changed my mind and decided to do ‘Listen.’”

It’s probably a good thing it turned out that way since Cowell’s song choice for Melanie was going to be the Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin” — yet another example of the show’s one major flaw: a more-than-occasional disconnect when it comes to the American musical palate. (Hollywood Reporter)

Looks like nobody on the judges panel signed multi-year contracts (Entertainment Weekly)

SIMON COWELL on whether he’s thinking about changes for next year: “I take a break. I sit back, think. All the team come back over to the UK. The network. We actually get the sponsors involved as well, because I like their feedback. If everybody says it’s perfect, don’t change. People thinking we need changes, we’ll make changes. Maybe I won’t be here. [Laughs]“

NICOLE SCHERZINGER on whether she’s up for a second season: “Right now, it just took a lot out of me. I’m an artist first, not a judge, so I do wear my heart on my sleeve, and I can only just be myself. But at the beginning of the [new] year, I’m focusing on my album and getting it out. I’m going on tour in Europe. So I’m going to focus on the music. X Factor isn’t until later on in the year, so I get to focus on me and my music, which is what I do organically.” So is there one thing she’d like to change about the show next season? “For me to be able to perform every week, to open the show. [Laughs]“

L.A. REID on whether he’s looking forward to the second season: “I do. I don’t know if I’m even coming back, but if they invite me back. I’m certainly interested, yes. If Simon wants me to do a second round, if Fox wants me to do a second round, if [production company] Fremantle wants me to do a second round, then yes.” Is there anything he would want to do differently next year? “No. Because this is a reality show. It’s about being real. Hopefully it’s come through, but I’ve been myself all season. I don’t know how to do anything except be myself. I don’t know what I would change. The show’s a hit. Don’t fix something that’s not broken.”

‘The X Factor’ on the scene: Josh hugs silver space robots, and Melanie almost sings The Moody Blues

Josh may not be able to dance, but… It was painfully obvious that Josh had the barest grasp on almost everything about the Michael Jackson number. He kept looking at his fellow finalists as if to ask what they were supposed to do next; at one point, while Chris and Melanie did their cursory steps, Josh just stood singing with a grin that was half panicked, half resigned to his fate. But after the number was over, Josh was also the only finalist to linger and congratulate the Cirque du Soleil dancers with a few heart high-fives and hugs. And after the show began in earnest, he was the one to initiate hugs with Melanie and Chris when the show entered its first ad break. (Entertainment Weekly)

The Judges Comment on Performances

Paula Abdul on the problems with the duets: “It was hard to hear…[Finalists] were given the challenge of keeping their presence and their integrity in their performance and not getting lost…[And] they’re sharing it with someone who’s created monstrous success. It’s a lot to take in. So, you know what, you learn.”

L.A. Reid on Chris Rene’s stage presence during the finale: “He let himself go. He was honest. He was having fun. He brought joy to the stage. He brought joy to the judges. I think he brought joy to the fans. And I think that’s what this is all about.” (Zap2it)

The X Factor Host Steve Jones on Critics, Rachel Crow, and Whether He’ll Be Back Next Season

Have you had any conversations about Season 2? I can’t even expect to see myself on the show just yet. I haven’t had that conversation. Hopefully I’m involved in the second season! I’ve had a whale of a time doing the first season. But I’m sure we’ll look at the first season as a gigantic pilot that’ll become more refined. We’ll know exactly what we want to get across in the second season, we’ll go in there with a clear view of what we need to do. But as I said, I’ve gotta get confirmation of my involvement in it first. We’ll see! Fingers crossed! (New York Magazine)

‘X Factor’s’ Simon Cowell: ‘Melanie Amaro Should Win’

“I was nervous until that very last song by Melanie, and if that doesn’t win the competition, I might as well give up,” Cowell told reporters after the show, referring to Melanie’s reprise of “Listen,” the audition song that made her an instant favorite and frontrunner. Of course, she’s now up against two guys with similar credentials.

“To be honest, anything can happen tomorrow and I’ve sort of prepared myself for any decision,” said Cowell. “But my gut, my heart tells me that Melanie should win after tonight.” Still, he added, “How many times have I said that and been wrong? Many, many times.” (Hollywood Reporter)

Finale Night, Wednesday: Backstage with ‘The X Factor’ Judges

Lyndsey Parker talks to the judges backstage. Watch the interviews HERE.

Simon Cowell seemed fairly confident about his girl Melanie; L.A. Reid still had faith in Chris; Nicole Scherzinger had hope for Josh; and neutral judge Paula Abdul had love for them all, of course. And all four judges seemed confident that, with a few tweaks here or there, “The X Factor” will go on to have a successful second season. But none of them were 100 percent sure who was going to win Season 1.

‘X Factor’s’ Nicole Scherzinger on the ‘Krajcik Magic’: ‘We’ve Come Full Circle… At Last’

“I feel like the three finalists truly represent what X Factor is all about,” Scherzinger told reporters after Wednesday’s finale. “They’re diverse, they’re authentic, they’re original — they’re artists and unique in their own ways.” (Hollywood Reporter)

‘X Factor’s’ Josh Krajcik: ‘Regardless of the Outcome, I’m Holding My Head High’

With that in mind, he has his sights set on the next goal: a Grammy Award. “That’s the dream,” Krajcik told THR. “And this is the start to that. I hope it can happen. I’ve gotta work hard.” In fact, he already has an album on the brain. “I know what kind of record I want to make,” he said. “I haven’t had a whole lot of discussions with people like LA or Simon about it, but I don’t want to stick myself with just one genre. I don’t think that’s smart. It’s gotta be the right record, you gotta take time with it, don’t rush it. I want to work with the greatest writers that I can — I’m a songwriter myself, but I’m not rigid. I want to work with the best, because it’s all about the right song.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

About mj santilli 34841 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!