Simon Cowell’s new celeb version of the X Factor to offer winner a record deal with Syco and shot at Christmas No1
IT’S the boldest overhaul in The X Factor’s history. Simon Cowell is hoping to turn around the show’s fortunes with a celebrity and all-star versions of the competition. And I can reveal he is hoping to transform the fortunes of a star name during the celebrity show — by offering a big money deal with […]
IT’S the boldest overhaul in The X Factor’s history.
Simon Cowell is hoping to turn around the show’s fortunes with a celebrity and all-star versions of the competition.
And I can reveal he is hoping to transform the fortunes of a star name during the celebrity show — by offering a big money deal with his Syco record label and a shot at the Christmas No1 as a prize.
Simon has set aside £3million to bring big names on board — and is even trying to coax pal Amanda Holden to try her luck.
Reality favourite Gemma Collins is also on the hit list, plus soap stars, former musicians and TV presenters.
An insider said: “Simon knows that getting the right stars to enter is the key to its success.
“So to make that more appealing he’s decided to put a proper record deal with Syco on the table for the winner — with serious money behind it.
“It’s a proper competition and they want people who can really sing but who are big personalities too.”
Simon previously revealed to me this year’s show will be replaced by the celebrity special plus an all-star edition featuring former X Factor contestants. Sadly judges Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field have turned down a £10million deal to return to the new shows.
ITV bosses are believed to have offered big money to Louis Tomlinson to return.
But it’s now likely there will be two different panels for each show version — with three judges on each.
It’s a big gamble, but if Simon gets the celebrity version right it could be exactly what the series needs for a new lease of life, although the wrong mix of Z-listers and desperate nobodies could spark catastrophe.
No pressure then.
Rob’s expensive Vegas job interview
MOST big names with a sell-out Las Vegas residency will coin in millions.
But Robbie Williams has made zilch from his – after blowing the budget on the gigs to finally try to make a name for himself stateside.
Rob, who just quit The X Factor with his wife Ayda Field, said of the gigs at the Encore Theatre: “This is a calling card.
“I’m making no money in Vegas. I am spending more than I am being paid.
“It’s just me going, ‘Check this out. This is what I can do. Would you like me to come back?’” The former Take That star wanted to take on the 15-date residency hoping it would change perceptions of him across the pond.
During his latest show he told the audience: “Why didn’t you tell your f***ing friends about me?
“I want to be famous in America. I do not want to be infamous in America for not being famous in America.
“I want Ellen Degeneres to know who I am. I wondered if you Americans knew some of my songs? I go all around the world entertaining.
“I am a global f***ing phenomenon, except in America . . . F***ers!”
And he joked: “People often compare me to Frank Sinatra. They say, ‘Robbie, compared to Frank Sinatra you are s***’. and I cry.
“I wanted to do rock ’n’ roll. I wanted to be The Who, The Rolling Stones, but I’m more Bob Hope.”
Kendall: I envied boobs
EVEN Kendall Jenner has been intimidated by the curvy body image portrayed by her family the Kardashians.
She has admitted she felt she needed to be “more sexy” like sisters Kim, Kylie, Khloe and Kourtney.
The trim model, whose figure has earned her millions, like the rest of the clan, said: “They have boobs and I don’t have boobs. Growing up being this little, twiggy girl, I saw my sisters and thought, ‘oh no am I supposed to be more sexy like them?’.
“I almost felt like I didn’t fit in.”
Biz meter
- TWENTY One Pilots, Dave and Foalshave been added to the line-up for Radio 1’s Big Weekend at Stewart Park, Middlesbrough. The festival, taking place on May 25 and 26, will also feature performances from Miley Cyrus, Stormzy, Little Mix and The 1975 for the 64,000 fans.
- BEBE Rexhahas been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In a series of tweets, the Last Hurrah singer said: “I’m bipolar and I’m not ashamed any more . . . This next album will be my favourite album ever because I’m not holding anything back. I hope you accept me as I am.”
- WHO knew Drake was an opera fan? The Canadian rapper has said Caruso, by Luciano Pavarotti, is one of his go-to songs. Drake revealed his liking for the late tenor on the Radio 1Xtra Rap Show. It has to be the Italian’s first play on the station since Nessun Dorma got to No2 in 1990.
- TO honour their home- coming, Manchester Arena is to be renamed the Take That Arena for a week. The lads will play there for five nights from Monday as part of their UK tour. The band have done 46 performances at the venue, more than any other act in its history.
Mollie’s so jolly with Stu
MOLLIE King looked as though she’d been totally bowled over by England cricketer Stuart Broad during a day out in London.
The couple, who briefly split last year, were spotted laughing as they walked the Radio 1 DJ’s toy poodle Alfie.
Mollie and Stuart were introduced by pals in March 2018 and have recently been pictured browsing the windows of estate agents, hinting they are planning to move in together.
The Saturdays singer Mollie previously dated model David Gandy for five years and was linked to her Strictly Come Dancing partner AJ Pritchard in 2017.
But the TV pair insisted at the time there was no romance between them and they were just friends.
Bowler Stuart made a move on Mollie following his split from model Bealey Mitchell.
Riri’s a true blue
RIHANNA shows she’s got very deep pockets – in a blue bejewelled dress.
The singer looks sensational in a Chanel Haute Couture number as she graces May’s issue of fashion mag Harper’s Bazaar.
Editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey gushed about her cover star: “The multi-talented artist, entertainer and entrepreneur wears museum-worthy masterpieces ranging from rainbow Givenchy to embellished Chanel with a confident ease.”
Rihanna has been focusing on expanding her Fenty Beauty cosmetics line. But this year she is set to drop her first album in three years.
From this photoshoot, it might have a bluesy influence.
Instaglam
MILLIE Mackintosh looks ship shape as she poses on a rowing boat in a multi-coloured swimsuit
R Kelly could be thrown in jail after failing to cough up child support money.
The disgraced singer, who pleaded not guilty to sex assaults in February, faces more legal trouble after missing his past two payments, it is claimed.
Kelly, who has the equivalent of -£10 in his bank account after £114,000 was seized for back rent, has to pay £15,962 to ex Andrea Kelly and their three kids each month.
He was caged last month for failing to pay child support but released when someone bailed him out.
The R&B singer is alleged to have run a cult and was charged with sexually assaulting three teenage girls and a woman.
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Biz bit
IN a case of Don’t Cluck Back In Anger Liam Gallagher has joined the list of celebs who have dropped in for the Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings at hot new central London fast food joint Wing Stop.