ITV and Simon Cowell sign a new 3 year deal for XF and BGT. How to watch X Factor (!), Rapper releases a song about James Arthur (NSFW)!
We’re going nowhere! Simon Cowell ‘signs £150 million deal to keep The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent on TV for three more years’
Ratings may well have taken a tumble over recent years, but Simon Cowell is understood to have negotiated a new £150 million deal that will see The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent run until 2016.
The 54-year-old mogul has reportedly finalized the lucrative deal following protracted talks between production company Syco and ITV over a period of months.
According to The Sun he has also wrangled a ‘performer’ deal that will see him make a welcome return to one of his long-running shows, while an added clause could give him the opportunity to feature on both.
Read more: Daily Mail
ITV signs new ‘X Factor’, ‘Voice’ talent show rival ‘Rising Star’
ITV has bagged the rights to Israeli talent show Rising Star, which is expected to be a new rival for The X Factor and The Voice UK.
A huge hit in Israel, the show allows viewers and judges to vote in real time via an app and the studio audience only get to see the act if 70% of the viewers support the performers.
Read more: Digital Spy
How to watch the X Factor
Sometimes we worry that our articles on Sofabet are not accessible enough to readers who are new to our way of viewing the show. For example, regular readers intuitively grasped from watching Saturday’s show that producers were trying to get Abi into the singoff. But perhaps it wasn’t obvious to the general viewer. Regular commenter Dean asked ”Can someone do a breakdown of every tactic used to get rid of Abi? I will show it to my gf. She may believe me.”
With thanks to Dean’s girlfriend for the inspiration, we’re working on a newbie-friendly case study of Abi’s entire journey, to publish in a day or two. But first, we thought we’d do an article that goes right back to basics about how we watch the X Factor. If you have friends or family you want to initiate into the fun, we hope this will help.
Read more: Sofabet
‘It’s a slap in the face’! Matt Cardle and Steve Brookstein among four former winners SNUBBED from X Factor 10th anniversary show
They were tipped for big things when they were crowned winners of The X Factor, and dreamed of sell-out concert tours and super-stardom.
But Matt Cardle, Steve Brookstein, Leon Jackson and Shayne Ward have been unceremoniously snubbed from the ITV talent show’s upcoming 10th anniversary celebrations.
The quartet are said to have been left out from next weekend’s milestone show, which will mark one decade of the series by seeing the current hopefuls perform tracks by some of the most successful former contestants.
Read more: Daily Mail
X Factor UK judges: Robbie Williams wanted for next year’s panel
Robbie Williams is said to be on the wish list of stars wanted for next year’s X Factor panel.
Both Sharon Osbourne and Gary Barlow have confirmed they’ll be leaving the show after this year’s series, and Nicole Scherzinger has also hinted at her departure too.
It’s been claimed that Simon Cowell could be back on the line up after quitting the US version, and he apparently hopes Robbie will be there alongside him.
According to the Daily Star newspaper today, bosses could tell Robbie to simply “name your price” to make sure the secure him for the show.
Read more: TellyMix
STAY IN YOUR LANE, JAMES! Micky Worthless (strong language)
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/120132103″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Exclusive: Matt Cardle responds to James Arthur’s album sales figures
Matt Cardle has responded to James Arthur’s claim that previous male X Factor winners haven’t been able to sell albums.
The pair have been feuding for almost a year since Arthur claimed that previous victors “haven’t made great albums” and “haven’t sold records”.
Cardle sold 70,896 copies of his debut album Letters the first week it was released in 2011, compared to Arthur’s 63,996 for his self-titled LP.
“Well, there you go,” Cardle told Digital Spy. “Having slagged me and my career off for a year now, the numbers are in and they speak for themselves.
Read more: Digital Spy
The EX factor: James Arthur takes a swing at old flame Rita Ora in bizarre radio rap
They reportedly enjoyed a brief fling earlier this year.
But while James Arthur’s romantic dalliance with songstress Rita Ora appeared to end amicably, the former X Factor winner has slammed his old flame in a new rap.
The 25-year-old singer referenced Rita during a pre-recorded session on BBC Radio 1Xtra over the weekend, aired as a feature on Charlie Sloth’s Saturday hip-hop show.
Read more: Daily Mail
James Arthur “Recovery” (Official Single Cover)
“Recovery” is a song recorded by British singer-songwriter and The X Factor winner James Arthur. The track co-written by himself in collaboration of Tiago Carvalho and Ina Wroldsen is confirmed as the second official and third overall single taken from his eponymously-titled debut studio album “James Arthur“, released on digital retailers on November 1, 2013 via Syco Records.
Read more: Ultimate Music
Let’s all have a listen to Rebecca Ferguson’s new album sampler and reflect on how jolly good it is
You know Rebecca Ferguson right? Last time she had an album out we were a bit “oh go on then” and then we were a bit “oh actually that song’s good” and then a bit “hang on this song’s good as well” and then “hold your horses THIS song is great” and what had basically happened was that Rebecca Ferguson had released a really brilliant album. And it didn’t really seem, to start with, like the sort of album you’d barge past the elderly in the street to get to. But actually it was great.
We have learned our lesson this time round and are jumping in with two (TWO) feet on ‘Freedom’ which, as you’ll (partially) hear in the sampler below, is shaping up very well indeed.
Source: Popjustice
Freedom to revamp: Rebecca Ferguson performs new single on Paul O’Grady Show in high fashion sci-fi print dress
She’s set to release her new album Freedom imminently and chose to showcase the first single from the record on fellow scouser Paul O’Grady’s TV show.
Rebecca Ferguson looked stunning in as she belted out the new tracked ‘I Hope’ on the show on Thursday wearing a short on trend panoramic fantasy print dress.
The unusual pattern looked to include icicle arrangements and sci-fi landscape in blue and orange.
Read more: Daily Mail
http://youtu.be/AJh_dwY-Cls
http://youtu.be/sd7ZKxOSsew
The story of our lives: One Direction revisit the past in a behind-the-scenes film from the set of their nostalgic new video
They recently dropped their most intimate video yet in Story Of My Life, and One Direction have just given fans a unique opportunity to take an even closer look courtesy of a new behind the scenes video.
Directed by Ben Winston, the promo sees all five lads recreate images from their childhood – thus giving fans to them in home surroundings with their respective families.
Story Of My Life was unveiled earlier this month, but a new behind the scenes film helps deliver an insight into how the poignant video was made.
Read more: Daily Mail
They know where you live! Niall Horan is cornered by fans as he returns from a jog in his hometown
Niall Horan is used to being mobbed by fans, but probably not outside his house.
The One Direction star was heading home after a jog when a few girls, and their mums, stopped him so they could grab a quick photo.
But ever the crowd pleaser, Niall, 20, happily posed for a few snaps, despite him probably being a little bit hot under the collar after his run.
Read more: Daily Mail
Keep on running: Harry Styles kicks off new fitness regime as he goes for a jog in the rain
He’s known more for his love of partying and the ladies than his fitness regime.
However, it looks like Harry Styles is on a health kick after he was spotted jogging near his London home.
The One Direction singer, 19, was wrapped up in a tracksuit and beanie hat against the elements as he ran down the road on Monday.
Read more: Daily Mail
‘She’s all clever and that’: Harry Styles plays the proud brother as he cheers on big sister Gemma at her graduation
Harry Styles’ sister Gemma is used to cheering on her brother from the audience during One Direction concerts.
However, on Wednesday the tables were turned as it was Harry, 19, proudly watching from the crowd as his sibling graduated from Sheffield Hallam University.
Sat beside his mother Anne Twist, Harry beamed with delight as his 22-year-old sister accepted her first class honours degree in Science Education with QTS during the ceremony at Sheffield City Hall.
Read more: Daily Mail
What a tweet: Louis Tomlinson branded ‘irresponsible’ after posting link to website specialising in weight-loss supplements on Twitter
He’s adored by millions of fans all over the world, but One Direction star Louis Tomlinson surprised many this week by appearing to promote a weight loss website.
The 21-year-old singer used his considerable clout on Twitter, where he commands more than 13.9 million followers, to advertise the UK based health supplement company Bootea – known for its variety of appetite suppressing products.
‘Had an amazing @BooteaUK smoothie from Bootea.com this morning #booteashake,’ he tweeted on Wednesday morning.
Read more: Daily Mail
Meeting One Direction will be a big night for Jonathan Ross
Tonight, in an ITV studio, Jonathan Ross will adjust his suit before heading out in front of the cameras for the umpteenth time to present and record his chat show.
He’s been doing it on ITV a couple of years and on BBC1 from 2002-2010, but I feel it is a big night for him and his career.
The 52-year-old has been sharper this year and started his run beating Graham Norton in the ratings thanks to guests like Tom Hanks pulling in a peak of 4.4 million viewers.
Since then the quality of guests has dropped off a bit, but he remains strong with around four million viewers, up a million on last year.
Last week saw John Barrowman and Johnny Vegas on the sofa making up the numbers.
This week the world will be watching.
Read more: RadioTimes
https://twitter.com/LatestAbout1D/status/401471417062916097/
One Direction: Best Song Ever – BBC Children in Need: 2013 – BBC
She’s got swagger: Cher Lloyd keeps it chic in Art Deco print dress and fur scarf at 2013 MTV EMAs
She recently admitted she was a huge fan of controversial pop star Miley Cyrus.
But Cher Lloyd did not take any style tips from the Disney-turned-bad girl of pop when they both attended the MTV EMA’s together on Sunday.
Instead Cher, 20, was dressed in an elegant yet subdued ensemble, wearing an Art Deco print bodycon mini dress for the event at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome on Sunday night.
Read more: Daily Mail
‘There were control issues’: Cher Lloyd reveals she split from Simon Cowell’s label SyCo last year
Former X Factor star Cher Lloyd has hit out at music mogul Simon Cowell, saying she couldn’t handle the level of ‘control’.
It looks like the relationship turned sour after the singer refused to give Simon’s label SyCo complete control over her career.
Explaining the reasons behind the split, Want You Back singer Cher said: ‘I don’t really speak to him anymore. I left his label a year and a half ago and I got my record deal here [America].’
Read more: Daily Mail
Who says break-ups are sad? JLS pull comedy faces with their fans outside after admitting there’s ‘nothing left to do’
They’re splitting up because there’s ‘nothing left for them to do,’ but JLS found plenty of time to pull comedy faces with their public on Thursday morning.
The good natured band were making their way out of BBC Breakfast studios on a wet and windy day in Manchester when they were greeted by hoards of predominantly female fans.
Having waited in the cold for a glimpse of Aston, Oritsé, JB and Marvin, the girls were promptly rewarded when the four-piece indulged them with autographs and photos.
Read more: Daily Mail
That’s shoe-business! Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has a wardrobe calamity as she leaves BBC Radio 1
A pair of innocuous black stiletto shoes almost did Little Mix star Jesy Nelson a disservice on Saturday as she made her way out of a London studio.
The singer had been making an appearance on Radio 1 with her band-mates when her heel got caught in the mesh flooring as she made her way out onto the street.
Jesy looked vaguely embarrassed as she made a discreet attempt at pulling the shoe away from the hazardous grey floor lining, but only succeeded in dragging it with her – much to her four band-mates amusement.
Read more: Daily Mail
I do! Lovebirds Perrie Edwards and Zayn Malik are planning ‘beach wedding in Barbados’…but they ‘won’t marry until 2015‘
They’ve only been engaged for three months but Little Mix singer, Perrie Edwards, is already planning her wedding to One Direction heart throb Zayn Malik.
And it sounds like she has her heart set on a sunshine-filled big day as she revealed she is dreaming of a beachside ceremony in Barbados.
The couple were apparently hoping to get married next year, but their schedules are so packed, they are now said to be thinking about tying the knot in 2015.
Read more: Daily Mail
Feeling sleepy? Jesy Nelson and Perrie Edwards do bedroom chic in silk pyjamas and dressing gown at new album signing
Little Mix are busy ladies, but it seems they were so tired at the album signing for new album Salute they came dressed for bed.
Singer Perrie Edwards navy silky jumpsuit that looked just like a pair of pyjamas at Oxford Street’s HMV store on Monday.
While her bandmate Jesy Nelson stuck to her favourite plaid print, but in what looks like a dressing gown and all she needed was a teddy bear to finish off the look.
Read more: Daily Mail
We Salute you ladies! Little Mix show off more than their singing skills with midriff and cleavage baring ensembles at Children In Need Rocks
They have had a hugely busy year, which has seen them perform on many a stage.
And it seems Little Mix aren’t planning on slowing down anytime soon as they took to the stage on Tuesday evening for the Children In Need Rocks event.
Making sure everyone had a night to remember, the group – Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock – didn’t just wow with their vocals but also their midriff- baring ensembles.
Read more: Daily Mail
Little Mix medley at Children In Need Rocks 2013
No longer a Little Muffin: Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson wows in head-to-toe leather for outstanding performance on This Morning
Jesy Nelson tried out the double-leather trend on This Morning for Little Mix’s latest performance of their new single Move.
The Little Mix girls, Perrie, Jade, Leigh-Anne and Jesy, have always had an experimental fashion sense, and rarely get it wrong.
While Jesy doesn’t look overly impressed with the outfit, the leather trousers and matching jacket are certain to go down well with Little Mix fans and fashion followers alike.
Read more: Daily Mail
Love your bun: Singer Leona Lewis wears gravity defying top-knot hairstyle as she promotes new Christmas album in London
She’s currently in the UK promoting her new festive album, Christmas With Love, but all eyes were on Leona Lewis’s stylish updo when she visited the BBC Radio 2 and Kiss FM studios on Thursday.
The pretty singer said she loves Christmas because she gets a guaranteed day off to spend with her family and she revealed that she’s always wanted to record songs about the holiday season.
Leona, 28, has been experimenting with her style of late and wore a giant bun on the top of her head for the outing, a style that she has been wearing a lot recently.
Read more: Daily Mail
Jedward pose with Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry at the MTV EMAs – pictures
Jedward rubbed shoulders with Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry at last night’s (November 10) MTV EMAs ceremony in Amsterdam.
The X Factor twins posed with Cyrus for a photo and urged the controversial singer to “forget the haters”.
Read more: Digital Spy
8 amazing photos of Jedward with celebrities you wouldn’t expect
Jedward displayed stunning connections to showbiz royalty today (November 11) when they tweeted pictures of themselves posing with Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry at this weekend’s MTV EMAs in Amsterdam.
And it turns out the pop ladies are not the Irish twins’ only surprise celebrity BFFs. Here are eight more bizarre photos of Jedward with unexpected stars…
Read more: Digital Spy
Tamera Foster speaks out about THOSE diva rumours
When you get to sing for millions of people each weekend, hang out with the sha-mazing Nicole Scherzinger and live in a pretty awesome house with your mates, it’s safe to say you’re on the right path to musical stardom. Yet despite all this, it seems our X Factor finalists are pretty nifty at keeping their feet on their ground – none more so than the lovely Tamera Foster.
But with fame, comes a few perils – and there has been recent tabloid speculation suggesting our Tamera has the reputation of being a bit of a diva (by the way – we can tell you now, she’s really not).
Tamera says: “I treat people the way I like to be treated – and that’s well. We are here in a working environment and I don’t want this experience to come crashing down around me. I just try to make it all as fun as possible.”
Read more: X Factor
Maroon Foster: X Factor contestant Tamera Foster cements her unique style with dark red beanie, jeans and lipstick combo
If Louis Walsh had seen Tamera Foster leaving the 1Xtra studios on Wednesday he’d have said ‘She’s a little popstar in the making’ (again).
But the X Factor contestant is certainly carving out her own style combining her love of beanies with figure hugging trousers.
And for her radio appearance the 16-year-old looked way beyond her years as she kept a maroon colour running throughout her look.
Read more: Daily Mail
Bowled over! Rumoured sweethearts Tamera Foster and Sam Callahan enjoy a fun night out after filming The X Factor
They have fuelled rumours of a romance by snuggling under a duvet backstage.
And Sam Callahan and Tamera Foster wore bright smiles as they went ten-pin bowling at All Star Lanes in Bloomsbury on Tuesday after filming The X Factor.
The pair, who have vehemently denied that they are more than friends, were spotted leaving the venue separately.
Read more: Daily Mail
Bowling them over! X Factor finalists take a break… while Rihanna backs Tamera Foster
The final seven went to the All Star Lanes in London for a fun night out, but looked more interested in practising their poses than knocking down pins.
Although their outfits were slightly ruined with their naff red and black bowling shoes, Sam, Luke and Nicholas all looked like they were having a whale of a time– especially Luke, who flashed the cameras a toothy smile.
The Rough Copy boys are known for their kooky style, but it seems like bowling shoes were a bit too uncool for them. The lads all kept on their boots and trainers while the rest of the gang sacrificed style for sport.
Read more: Daily Star
Louis and his elves! Mr Walsh takes his X Factor hopefuls skating, and Nicholas takes a fancy to a penguin
Proving that he does spend time with his contestants, Louis Walsh took Luke Friend, Sam Callahan and Nicholas McDonald for a fun evening at the Natural History Museum’s skate rink.
The three boys and their mentor, took to the ice in comical fashion, using some penguin stabilizers for support.
But it looked like Nicholas had found love with his feathery friend, as he was soon giving his a peck on the beak.
Read more: Daily Mail
‘I’d like one of my girls to win!’ Abi Alton is still rooting for Hannah and Tamera following her emotional X Factor exit
She was distraught after her X Factor dream came to an end on Sunday evening.
But while her emotions got the better of her during a tough sing-off with show favourite Hannah Barrett, it was an altogether more composed Abi Alton who appeared on breakfast TV show Lorraine the following morning.
The teenager was in the studio on Monday to talk with hosts Lorraine Kelly and Richard Arnold about her dramatic head-to-head with Hannah – one of the front-runners to win the current series thanks to a slew of consistently solid performances.
Read more: Daily Mail
Nicole Scherzinger doesn’t tone down the daring as she stuns in super-short sparkling dress and thigh-high boots for Children in Need gala
Her outfits on The X Factor have been getting increasingly daring week by week.
And Nicole Scherzinger didn’t tone things down as she attended the BBC Children in Need gala dinner on Monday night, wearing a super-short sparkling minidress.
The 35-year-old singer certainly managed to turn heads in the outfit, which featured cut-out panels on each sides, as she posed at the Grosvenor House Hotel alongside her fellow mentor Gary Barlow.
Read more: Daily Mail
