Now that Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger have been fired from “X Factor,” rumors are swirling about who gets to take their spots… and the number 1 candidate? Beyonce!

Simon Cowell reportedly wants to hire Beyonce to boost interest in his show… and he’s offering her $100 million per year—about $500 million overall for five seasons—to take one of the newly vacated spots on the “X Factor” judging panel.

Mariah Carey was also considered for the spot, but in the end Beyonce was the one Simon approached. A source explains to MediaTakeOut.com:

“He wants a big name female star on the panel. Mariah [Carey] is good, but she’s not that hot today. He wants Beyonce because that would immediately give him the bounce needed to beat American Idol.”

Would you be more likely to watch “X Factor” if Beyonce were to join the judging panel?

Photos By PR Photos

The former “American Idol” judge, who was recently fired from her judging gig on “X Factor” along with fellow female judge Nicole Scherzinger, is reportedly not okay with her dismissal. A source tells RadarOnline.com:

“Paula loved doing the show and was blindsided by the news… Everyone is afraid this is going to send her into a deep depression and cause her to revisit some of her old destructive behavior.”

But the sad thing was, Simon didn’t even do Paula the courtesy of telling her the news himself. The insider continues:

“It was actually Simon’s lawyer who phoned her two days ago to tell her they made the decision to axe her, and although part of her expected the news, she was shocked.”

The source adds:

“Paula phoned Simon [Cowell] to ask him if the rumors were true, and he admitted that the powers that be at Fox didn’t think she was ‘edgy’ enough to be brought back, but that he was working on trying to convince them to keep her on. And he told her if by some twist of fate he couldn’t save her job, he would line something else up for her soon.”

Paula is reportedly distraught about the whole thing, despite her claims that she’s “OK” with getting the axe from “X Factor.”

“She loved doing the show and never thought Simon would let her go…again…this makes twice that he’s booted her from the judging chair – once on Idol and now X Factor – and she says she doesn’t know if she can trust him again even if he does come up with another project for her.”

The insider continues:

“Simon is doing his best to blame the firings on Fox – but like Paula says, ‘Studio Execs obviously have a lot to say about what happens on their shows, but come on, I find it hard to believe anyone is going to tell Simon Cowell what to do.’”

We do too. We can’t imagine Simon taking orders from anyone… can you?

Cowell‘s just revealed in an exclusive interview with a UK newspaper that he and Hussainy are taking a break from both their relationship and their wedding plans. Or is that Simon staunchly refusing to complicate his life with family or even a single whispered hint of the patter of little feet?

“It’s quite a complicated relationship. We have had a break from each other, and we are still incredibly close,”

the 52-year-old British bachelor told the Daily Mirror.

“I’m vulnerable. It’s not on, it’s not off, it’s somewhere in the middle. I don’t know if I will ever get married, but I am happy.”

But is Hussainy?

The newly ex-couple met in 2003 on the set of “American Idol” where Hussainy was working as a make-up artist. This was of course before Simon had his face…er…”refreshed,” and had probably had need of someone to make sure his mug was regularly cosmetically airbrushed. So he put a “ring on it” last February.

Now that Simon‘s lost some weight and looks a good deal younger than a few years ago, maybe that spark he talked so often about as having felt for Hussainy, the makeup artist, has dampened down considerably.

Hmmm…what do you think?

Photo By PR Photos

Are you serious, Simon?

The former “American Idol” judge, who is most famous for his mean, dream-crushing comments back when he was on the popular singing competition show, has unleashed another snooty remark—and this time it’s about Gaga, Beyonce and Katy Perry, three of the most famous female singers right now. In his latest interview, Simon said:

“If you only ever heard Lady GaGa, she’s the most boring singer in the world… You’ve got to see her – you need TV. Same with Beyonce. Or Katy Perry. We’re all about image. You have to have that X Factor.”

Uh. Okay.

Does anyone out there agree with Simon on this?

image via WENN

Before parting with his pants, “X Factor” hopeful Geo Godley said to the judges:

“To win this competition I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

And the man stayed true to his word. Although, to be perfectly honest, dropping his pants in front of the judges was the last thing he should have done if he really wanted to win.

Geo was in the middle of singing a song entitled “I’m a Stud”—a song he wrote himself—when he decided to drop his trousers and expose himself to everyone.

Upon seeing the disgusting display, the audience (which included little kids) began screaming and covering their faces. As for the judges, the two men sat in horrified silence, Nicole Scherzinger shrieked, and a disgusted Paula rushed backstage and almost vomited.

After Paula’s exit, Geo immediately stopped singing. Simon Cowell said:

“What the bloody hell was that?!”

Antonio “L.A.” Reid added:

“That was offensive, disgusting, distasteful, upsetting…get him out of the building please!”

Gross.

Do you think it was scripted?

image via video screen grabs

Hollywood rumors poked their nose into Simon‘s kitchen to investigate reports of his weird liquid diet, and they found out it starts at breakfast as soon as he wakes up with following, in strict order:

1. Hot water with lemon

2. Papaya juice with lime

3. Tea

4. Spinach smoothie with exactly 12 ice cubes

5. Antioxidant smoothie with exactly 25 green grapes

6. Super smoothie with exactly 126 milliliters of grape juice, 20 milliliters of blueberry puree, 20 milliliters of strawberry puree, 20 milliliters of apple puree, 10 milliliters of lingonberry juice, 8 milliliters of acerola juice, and 8 milliliters of aronia juice

And that’s for breakfast. The same thing. Every. Single. Day.

And every week, he sits down for 30 minutes with an IV drip on his arm that transports quantities of  B12, magnesium, vitamin C into bloodstream. No popping multivitamins for this guy.

“Something for your liver.”

Simon explains, like it makes all the sense in the world.

“You feel all the vitamins going through you. It’s indescribable but very calming, and then it gives you energy for a good few days afterwards.”

Uh, thanks, but we’ll do some yoga at home.

If you’re still wondering why Simon‘s the way he is…well, you are what you eat…

Image via WENN

So it must be quite a disappointment for his fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy who must face the fact the she won’t be having any tiny replicas of her man, all because “Simon says”.

And Simon says that at 51, he’s too old to have little ones underfoot anyway.

“At my age, definitely. The reality is, with the way I live my life, I wouldn’t have the patience. I’d sort of want people born at the age of 10, I think.”

So are there any 10-year-olds he would like to adopt?

“[I thought about it for] a little while, but not seriously. I was sort of probably just in the moment. Truthfully, with the schedule, the crazy hours, I don’t think it would work.”

Well, there you go. Simon‘s not about to become an Octopop anytime soon. Or at all.

Case closed.

Image via WENN

Paula, who left ‘American Idol’ to start her own show, ‘Live to Dance’ (which was a flop), was Simon’s first choice for his show. She signed the contracts last Saturday, making her an official part of ‘X-Factor’, which will be airing in September.

Rounding out the judging panel is singer Cheryl Cole and record mogul L.A. Reid.

Don’t you kind of wish that Randy was there, too?

images via WENN

Cowell told Deadline.com all about how he’s been assembling his judge’s panel.

“First of all, it’s like casting a dinner party. You’ve got to have people on the panel you get on well with.” Cowell has made it clear that he has finally decided on his judging panel.

Hallelujah!

His number one choice is to bring back Paula Abdul! Cowell wants to bring back his old American Idol co-star to sit alongside him and the confirmed judge; Antonio “L.A.” Reid. Cowell also wants Cheryl Cole to be one of the judges. Cole is one of the judges on the British Version of The X Factor.

Didn’t we figure this one out a long time ago?

It’s not yet a done deal as negotiations have yet to be completed.

Simon said, “I’ve always wanted Paula. Always been very vocal about that. I missed her the second she left the show. Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. And I’ve been consistent about this. I don’t know what it is about her, but I’ve always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she’s right. I’ve never found anyone better than her. I think there’s a good chance it will be her. We’ve agreed that we would meet as many people as possible, and now we’re reaching the deadline we’ve got to make the decision soon. But I think she’s got a really good shot.”

I think as long as Simon wants.. It’s pretty much a done deal. Do you think Paula and Cheryl are great choices? I missed Paula, the minute she left Idol too. Would love to see Paula as a judge on the new show, wouldn’t you?

images via WENN

Cowell initially shot down reports that the very pregnant Mariah was going to be one of his judges due to her pregnancy but now Cowell is saying otherwise.

“I think Mariah will have a role on the TV live shows,” Cowell confirmed to radio host Jackie Brown. “I met her recently and she was on great form. And her idea was to be the judge of the judges, which only Mariah could come up with. She’ll be involved in some form. I literally adore her. I love her to bits.”

Carey is eight months pregnant; and has recently posed nude for a couple of gossip magazines.

Auditions for the British import are currently underway around the country; the highly aniticipated show will be airing on FOX in September.

Don’t you think Mariah would be a great addition to the show?

image via WENN

What will Simon and the other judges be looking for when it comes to inching towards X Factor’s life-changing $5 million prize?

“We want to find somebody who in the real world can compete with some of the most successful artists around at the moment, be it Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Justin Beiber, Glee,” Simon tells Life & Style. “You don’t just want a talent show winner, you want to find a star.”

Do you believe you have what it takes? If so go for it after LA, X Factor will hold auditions in Miami, Newark, N.J., Seattle, Chicago and Dallas  from now through May 25.

The complete list of dates below.

As for the judges, Cowell has confirmed that L.A. Reid will be one of the judges on the panel.

No confirmation as to whether any of these rumored stars Cheryl Cole, Mariah Carey, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, Jessica Simpson will actually be part of the US version of X Factor but Simon did say a couple are in the running.

My guess is Paula Abdul will also be another X Factor judge.

If you’re planning to go to the audition, drop us a line, we can help you rally!

Wristbands must be obtained from the venue the day prior to auditions.

LOS ANGELES
L.A. Sports Arena
3939 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90037
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Saturday, March 26
AUDITION Sunday, March 27

MIAMI
Bank United Center
1245 Dauer Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Wednesday, April 6
AUDITION Thursday, April 7

NEWARK
Prudential Center
165 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Wednesday, April 13
AUDITION Thursday, April 14

SEATTLE
Key Arena
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Tuesday, April 19
AUDITION Wednesday, April 20

CHICAGO
Sears Centre Arena
5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Tuesday, April 26
AUDITION Wednesday, April 27

DALLAS
Dallas Convention Center
650 South Griffin Street
Dallas, TX 75202
WRISTBAND COLLECTION Wednesday, May 25
AUDITION Thursday, May 26

image via WENN

Does the US really need another talent show? Are there that many people who can really sing that haven’t been discovered yet?

Simon Cowell feels “very nervous” that his upcoming new talent show “X Factor” will guarantee a $5 million record deal to its winner.

“It’s a massive, massive risk,” Cowell said Monday afternoon in the first wave of promotion for the American version of the show, which debuts this fall on Fox.

“It puts enormous pressure on us to find a star. But I think we can.”

Simon had supposedly already signed Cheryl Cole to the US judges panel, but now he says no judges are picked. But he did hint that Paula Abdul is in the running. Who else should he pick?

Photos via WENN

The former American Idol judge is bringing UK X Factor into American TV: the US version of X Factor which is set to premiere on Fox in September 2011! The upcoming talent show will vary slightly from its rival “American Idol,” as the competition is open to both solo and group artists and it has no upper age limit.

Just that you know Simon is really serious about the success of his upcoming talent show.. in case you didn’t know each ad spot of 30 seconds during the big game costs a whooping $3 million! Don’t blink while watching the commercials tomorrow! You may blink during the game.

Besides Simon, we have Kim Kardashian doing Skechers, Justin Bieber and Ozzy Osbourne teaming up to do Best Buy, Eminem in Lipton Brisk iced tea. It’s going to be a load of fun even if you’re not a football fan.

The Super Bowl XLV will kickoff at 6:29PM EST on Fox.
Don’t miss the big game tomorrow. Are you a football fan? Who do you think is going to win?

images via WENN

Simon Cowell, 51, the former American Idol judge looks pretty darn good for 51. You might not know that Simon, one of the most eligible bachelors in Tinseltown (that’s changing since he’s marrying his make-up artist gf, Mezhgan Hussainy), is very vain when it comes to his looks. He shaves his chest hair because it’s gone grey & Cowell has confessed to getting regular Botox injections to keep him looking this youthful! Hey if it works why not?

Denzel Washington, the charismatic actor will turn 56 on the 28th of December. Can you believe that? Denzel’s a rare gem in Tinseltown, he’s been married to the same woman, Pauletta Pearson for 23 years, whom he met on the set of his first screen work. The couple have four children together.

Pierce Brosnan, 57, the former 007 agent doesn’t look too shabby for a 57-year-0ld man, does he? I used to have my hots for Pierce when he first starred as James Bond.. so charismatic!

Dennis Quaid, 56, the Texas native has always been known for his good looks even today Dennis has aged very well. Wouldn’t you still consider him as a matured good looking man?

Hugh Grant, 50, the chick flick king has long been known to capture women’s hearts. He does not need any help in the department of good looking but looks like Hugh has yet to meet his match! Any help from our ladies?

Sean Penn, 50, the two-time Oscar winner, once married to Madonna has aged well. He looks better now than he did in his younger years. Some people look better with age, don’t you agree?

Colin Firth, the 50-year-old Bridget Jone’s Diary actor still has his baby face, doesn’t he? Another rare breed in Hollywood; he’s been married to his wife, Italian director Livia Giuggioli for the last 13 years! They have two sons together.

David Duchovny, 50, the X- Files, FBI Special agent Fox Mulder was once named People’s 50 Most Beautiful People in 1996. Did you know David graduated from Yale university? He got his Master of Arts and also in English Literature from Yale!

Bono, 50, the lead singer of U2, besides earning himself numerous awards and nominations including being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize award, Bono really should be included in the Guinness Book of World Records. He started dating his wife, Ali Hewson in 1975 when they were both attending the same school in Ireland and has been married to Ali since 1982. So you can see not all marriages end in divorces even in La La Land.

Kevin Costner, 55, the tall, often tanned Academy Award actor just became a daddy again this year, Costner is a father of seven kids. At 55, he’s still very handsome, isn’t he?

Who’s your pick for the best looking man over 50?

photos: Fame

more Simon after the hop…

He recently said his number is somewhere around 2, 000 and that he just really loves women. Uh huh.

“Cowell was quick to point out he was “not as bad as Russell Brand.”

“I like women. I just like them. I like flirting and I like to listen,” said Cowell, executive producer and judge on American Idol. “Guys will say they fancy girls, but my best friends are girls.”

I wonder how Simon’s fiance Mezhgan Hussainy feels about all this?

Photos: Fame

more Simon after the hop…

Emma said:

“This program makes a select number of rich people very, very rich on the backs of the ordinary man and woman in the street through exploitation, humiliation, degradation and a re-emergence of modern-day barbarism with all its inherent cruelty,” Czikai said during a pre-hearing review in London on Thursday. In the suit, Czikai blasts “Britain’s Got Talent” for including her embarrassing audition in the broadcast despite a letter she had written to Cowell explaining she has a health condition that sometimes impairs her singing.

“I haven’t got a horrible singing voice when I sing in a fair environment that meets the needs of my particular disabilities.”

Twenty million is a hefty chunk of change! What do you think? Is this suit ridiculous or does it have some merit?

photos: Bauer Griffin

more little Bethany and Simon after the jump..

Daily Mail reports that on Saturday Bethany visited the BGT studios, she also met some of the finalists in the Britain’s Got Talent reality show, including singing great-grandmother Janey Cutler, drumming prodigy Kieran Gaffney and street dancers Twist And Pulse.

A delighted Bethany said after the trip: ‘I loved them all, especially Kieran, who asked for my wristband to give us both luck.

‘He’s so nice,’ said Bethany after singing to Simon Cowell,
‘Simon let me sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to him. He’s so nice and I love him.’

She told the Gloucestershire Echo: ‘The hotel was awesome and all the people so friendly; they made me and my brother Louis so happy. And the food was yummy.’

The youngster fought the illness for over a year and had been through radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Cowell’s spokesman said: ‘He is really upset, he said what a beautiful little girl she was.’
‘He is just so sad, and sad for the whole family. She was a very special little girl and Simon was so touched when she sang for him.’
‘He was happy that he was able to do a special something on Saturday night to give her a few precious moments but it is so sad and his heart goes out to Bethany’s mum and dad and he is thinking of them.’

Cowell paid tribute to a Bethany, ’very special little girl’ who lost her battle with a brain tumor just 2 days after achieving her Britain’s Got Talent dream of singing for him.

It saddens me to read stories like this and it also makes me feel how insignificant most of our problems really are.

Simon, you’re a top man!

May God be with little Fenton. Condolonces to the family.

photos: Bauer Griffin

more Bret as Simon’s replacement after the hop…

Bret says he’d love to replace Cowell as a judge on American Idol earlier last week.

Bret said “That’s what I’m saying!” “Let’s just say that I was to slip into Simon’s chair. I’m sorry he has to go but sometimes things happen.”
“Provided my health holds up, I think I’m taking that chair next year. I think I could do an amazing job… I have lived and breathed music my entire life and I could give real constructive criticism.”

What does Simon have to say to Bret as his replacement? “Actually, he’d be good,” “He’s funny. He’s got experience. He’d be a good choice – and you saw the audience reaction to him. They love him.”

Bret who suffered a brain hemorrhage in April and warning stroke earlier this month — will be having heart surgery this fall to repair a hole in his heart.

Do you think Bret will do a great job as an Idol judge? Do you think American Idol will still be as popular without Simon?

photos: Bauer Griffin

More pictures of Simon and Mezhgan after the massage…

Ever since Simon got engaged, we’ve been hearing about his softer side. Now we’re getting details about gifts, special messages and for her upcoming birthday, it will be a bigger gift. From Monsters and Critics:

American Idol judge Cowell, who is set to marry Mezghan later this year, has been spotted in Los Angeles, looking around car showrooms. It is believed he has been looking at classic cars ready for her 37th birthday.

He also buys her gifts daily, like ‘Red roses, French lingerie, Prada bags, you name it. He gives her something new practically every day. One particularly sweet surprise was private his-and-hers Swedish massages in their London hotel room.

Now, if he can pick out cool purses and she LIKES them, he’s a keeper! Simon, do you have brothers?

Photos: Pacific Coast News

More pictures of Simon after the plunge…

When Simon dumped his longtime girlfriend Terri Seymour, some people thought it was because she was pushing the marriage issue. But since Simon became engaged to Mezhgan so quickly, it must not have been! From the Daily Mail:

‘Simon sees Barbados as his home from home. It would be such a great place to get married, and the plan is to do it at sea. The idea is to pick up all the guests in Barbados and then sail to St Barts and get married there.

‘Then they’d all sail back to Barbados for a huge party. It would just be close friends and family on the yacht. Simon has been saying he’d name it after himself.’

That doesn’t seem to romantic, but a lot cocky. How would you feel if your husband to be named the boat after….himself?

Photos: Bauer Griffin