Simon Cowell is giving the big push to 'The X Factor.' Photo credit: Ian Derry/Fox
I tell Simon Cowell I miss seeing him on television.
“I miss being there. I do actually,” Cowell says from London. But the former “American Idol” judge adds he has enjoyed his break from U.S. television.
“That was the master plan,” he says. “Go away for a while, and people will want you to come back. It could have gone the other way.”
“American Idol” remains the nation’s most popular series since Cowell left, but many viewers miss what Simon says. These days, he is giving the big push to ”The X Factor,” the British hit he created. The singing contest, which offers a $5 million recording contract, will arrive in the fall.
The show will have auditions Thursday in Miami — its second stop after Los Angeles — and the former “Idol” judge wants to get the word out to Central Florida singers. (More details are below.)
Several publicists warn that Cowell wants to talk about “The X Factor,” not “Idol.” But Cowell is charming, chatty and inquisitive. He wanted my suggestions for judges. Cowell and music mogul Antonio “L.A.” Reid will be two of the four judges. I suggested Cher, a name Cowell says he hadn’t considered. Here are excerpts from my chat with probably the biggest star on American television.
How did the ‘X Factor’ auditions go in Los Angeles?
“On all counts it went well. Everyone was seen. [Fox puts the number at 15,000.] The feedback I got was very good, the system works. My producers had a fantastic time.”
Lauren Alaina's singing and dress drew comment Wednesday on 'American Idol.' Photo credit: Michael Becker/Fox
It was Elton John night on “American Idol,” and it was a night that I missed Simon Cowell.
The judges were just too complimentary. Sorry may be the hardest word, but we need to hear it more often from the judges. As in: Sorry, that wasn’t good enough.
Scotty McCreery put his country twang on “Country Comfort” and gave a shout-out to grandma in the audience. The judges raved. “I love everything about your voice,” Steven Tyler confided. Jennifer Lopez was wowed by the 17-year-old’s “amazing instincts” about performing. Randy Jackson was thrilled by how fast Scotty has matured on the show. It was a nice performance, but did it rate hosannas?
Naima Adedapo took a big chance by turning “I’m Still Standing” into a reggae anthem to the troubled world. Jackson found it “corny,” and J.Lo liked the concept better than the payoff. Tyler was more complimentary and said she picked a song that was right for her. I think there was a huge payoff; the exciting performance was unusual for “Idol.”
Paul McDonald started by putting a quiet, folky spin on “Rocket Man” and building to loud moments. Jackson and J.Lo — they have a conversation when they critique — encouraged Paul to give more. “You been watering that suit?” Tyler asked about Paul’s rose-covered costume. “It’s a super-quiet tune,” McDonald said of his song. Was he too quiet? I think he’s in jeopardy.
Pia Toscano was determined to make Jackson like “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” She unleashed that big voice on that ballad, and it was oh so familiar. Still, the judges were enchanted. “That’s just about as good as it gets,” Tyler said. “It’s crazy what you do with your voice,” Lopez said. “Unbelievable,” Jackson said. Pia accomplished her mission, I guess. What else can she do? Sad songs say only so much.
Jennifer Hudson, third from left, visited 'The View' with her son David Jr. and sister Julia. Joining them wre Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Sherri Shepherd, Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg. Photo credit: Lou Rocco/ABC
When Jennifer Hudson was an “American Idol” contestant, she heard judge Simon Cowell deliver a lot of zingers about performances.
But Hudson had some nice things to say about the former “American Idol” judge this morning on ”The View.” Oscar winner Hudson saluted Cowell’s importance in dishing out the tough love.
“He gave a good dose of what the industry is like,” Hudson said. “You can’t sugarcoat things for people because when they get into it, then they can’t handle it. Even with my sister, I grew up around critics, every day, all day. So when I got to Simon, he didn’t have anything on my sister. But you have to be that way for this kind of business.”
Hudson seemed to shift to the current judges: “I’m sure they’re doing an amazing job, but don’t leave out the critiques.”
Sherri Shepherd had complained that the judges — Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez — are too nice. Shepherd was echoing the view that the show misses Cowell’s toughness.
“I do think it’s good to be critical, because if people tell you you’re perfect, you’re perfect, you’re perfect all the time, you can never grow,” Hudson said. “So I love notes. I’m the first one to say, ‘Please give me notes.’ ”
Viewers who miss Cowell will see him on “The X Factor” on Fox in the fall.
The 'American Idol' Top 12. That's a photo of Casey Abrams, who was hospitalized last week. Photo credit: Michael Becker/Fox
Some highlights from the coming week in television:
1. “The Bachelor” wraps up its latest edition with three hours in prime time tonight. Brad Womack will pick either Chantal or Emily in the two-hour finale that starts at 8 o’clock. Then the special “The Bachelor: After the Final Rose” follows at 10. ABC will trot out three couples still together after meeting on the ABC dating contest: Ali & Roberto, Jason & Molly and Trista & Ryan. So the odds don’t favor Brad and his beloved; he’s starring in the 15th edition of “The Bachelor,” and there have been six cycles of “The Bachelorette.”
This is the second time on “The Bachelor” for Brad, who upset fans when he didn’t pick a woman back in 2007. But he says there’s a happy ending this time, and that he’s in love, which I guess is what fans want to hear.
ABC will reveal the next star of “The Bachelorette” at midnight tonight on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
2. The Top 12 perform on “American Idol”at 8 p.m. Wednesday. The next results show, at 8 p.m. Thursday, will feature the Black Eyed Peas and Lee DeWyze, the winner last season. The “Idol” producers do seem to be trying to make the results shows more entertaining. What do you think after last week?
3. CNN has delayed Simon Cowell’s interview with Piers Morgan that was promoted for tonight. “Piers Morgan Tonight” instead will focus on the disaster in Japan.
But the Cowell interview should interest “American Idol” fans when it airs. Cowell says the new season of “Idol” is better than his final season. “It feels to me they’ve got their energy back, they’re confident, they’re competitive,” Cowell tells Morgan.
Cowell also confides: “I always think of Idol really as me, Paula and Randy.” But maybe Steven Tyler has changed a lot of minds this season.
4. “The Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump” premieres at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. Seth MacFarlane serves as roast master. The people hurling jokes include Snoop Dogg, Larry King, Lisa Lampanelli, Marlee Matlin, Jeffrey Ross and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino.
5. “Lou Dobbs Tonight” debuts at 7 tonight on Fox Business Network. The scheduled guests in the first week include former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former New York Stock Exchange CEO Dick Grasso and Yale economist Robert Shiller.
6. The NCAA men’s basketball tournament starts this week and will play out over CBS as well as truTV, TNT and TBS. If you’re looking for your favorite CBS Thursday and Friday night series, they will be preempted.
The "Idol" crew, from left: Steven Tyler, Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. Photo credit: Michael Becker/Fox
Simon who?
“American Idol” rolled out the first live performances tonight, and new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez pushed the Fox singing contest in fresh directions. (And I say that even though I frequently disagreed with them.) Lopez was constructive and kind. Tyler was amusing and tart. Randy Jackson tried harder — good, Dawg.
“Idol” has moved beyond the Simon Cowell era — it’s now a feel-good show. And the feelings are justified when singers come through with memorable performances, as several men did tonight. The female contenders sing at 8 p.m. Wednesday. The results will be announced at 8 p.m. Thursday.
Clint Jun Gamboa started with Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.” He strutted around the stage and delivered his scream effortlessly. Tyler and Jackson agreed he was ”brilliant.” Lopez was delighted that he overcame his initial nerves.
"American Idol" judges, from left, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson are providing more warmth by design, a producer says. Photo credit: Michael Becker/Fox
Does “American Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe have concerns about how his new judges, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, will do during a live show?
“Of course, yes,” Lythgoe told me with a laugh today. “It isn’t so much concern about what they might say, because we’ve always got a seven-second delay.” The live performance episodes start March 1 and 2.
Rather, Lythgoe said his concern is about “pinning things down and saying them articulately in a short period of time, which has gone wrong in the past.”
He said that viewers and Fox get annoyed when the program runs long. “We need to be on time, I’m a stickler for that,” Lythgoe said. “They need to have something to say in a finite period of time and say it articulately, yes. We haven’t done that yet.”
Otherwise, Lythgoe sounded pretty happy about the new “Idol.” In a conference call with reporters, he acknowledged that the show was going for a warmer, more positive feel after judge Simon Cowell’s departure. “Idol” remains the country’s most popular program, and the next episode airs at 8 tonight on WOFL-Channel 35.
“We never wanted anybody to be held up against Simon,” Lythgoe said. “Simon is his own man and brilliant at what he does. And you cannot then replace somebody like that.”
Simon Cowell has a big payday planned for the winner of "The X Factor." Photo credit: Ian Derry/Fox
“The X Factor” won’t debut until next fall, but Simon Cowell’s new show is already making headlines.
Fox promoted Cowell’s return to the air during the Super Bowl last night. This morning, Fox announced that the singing competition will give the winner a $5 million record deal. The deal comes from Syco, which is a joint venture between Cowell and Sony Music.
The $5 million prize is the largest guaranteed prize in U.S. TV history, Fox said.
Unlike “American Idol,” “The X Factor” has no upper age limit for contestants. The show is open to singers and vocal groups; contestants must be 12 and older.
“I like the idea that a 12-year-old on this show can compete with an older singer and a singing group,” Cowell said in a release from Fox. “I’ve never believed there should be a cut-off age for talent, and we are going to put our money where our mouths are with the $5 million recording contract. I’m doing this show in America because I genuinely believe we can find a superstar.”
Auditions start Sunday, March 27, in Los Angeles. The show also will stop for auditions in Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Seattle and New York/New Jersey. Venues and dates will be announced later.
“The X Factor” debuted 2004 in the United Kingdom.
Mike Darnell, who’s in charge of reality programming at Fox, said in a release: “The British version is wildly entertaining, but also has a penchant for stirring up controversy. You never know what Simon has up his sleeve, and since he will be working both behind and in front of the camera, the country should brace itself to expect the unexpected.”
A pug makes quite an impression in a commercial for Doritos. Handout art
The Super Bowl commercials this year went wacky in a big way.
When the price tag is $3 million per 30-second spot, you can expect a lot of absurdity.
For Budweiser, a thirsty gunslinger broke into song on “Tiny Dancer.” Faith Hill listened to a crude greeting for Teleflora. Thanks to Bridgestone, a worker could race off to destroy a nasty e-mail. The Chevy Cruze Eco caused a lot of confusion among the hard-of-hearing folks at a rest home. That last one seemed a real waste of $3 million.
But Fox, which aired the Super Bowl, let us know that former “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell is coming back on “The X Factor” this fall. That’s priceless, isn’t it?
Here are a few commercials — good, bad and confused — from tonight:
Doritos: A jerk, standing behind a glass door, taunts a telegenic pug dog with Doritos. “Don’t hurt my dog,” a woman begs. No need to worry. The cute dog knocks down the door, trapping the bully. This spot was more effective than the Doritos-obsessed guy licking a co-worker’s finger. Or the Doritos bringing back grandpa from the dead.
Best Buy: How to promote a buy-back program? Why bring together an addled Ozzy Osbourne and an enthusiastic Justin Bieber for a loopy commercial. Ozzy represents the old models of a product; Justin pushes the newest version. But Ozzy lingers in the background as the new commercial is shot. “What’s a Bieber?” Ozzy wants to know. Bieber, wearing mustache and beard, says, “I don’t know. Kinda looks like a girl.”
Volkswagen: In a charming spot, a boy dressed as Darth Vader tries to work magic on a doll and a dishwasher. No luck, and the family dog is bored, too. But when dad drives home in his Passat, magic happens. From the kitchen, dad turns on the car, and the flashing lights astonish the boy. A feel-good ad.
Scott Dangerfield impressed the "American Idol" judges in Milwaukee. Photo credit: Michael Becker/Fox
“American Idol” will probably continue to deliver big audiences for Fox, but the singing contest has really lost its zing as an American phenomenon. It’s more routine than pleasure.
The Milwaukee auditions last night, all two hours of them, offered sporadic entertainment. The delights included White House intern/Harvard grad Molly Swensen, with her bubbly manner; student teacher Scott Dangerfield, who wowed Jennifer Lopez; and lovely Naima Adedapo, who was wonderful on Donny Hathaway’s “For All We Know.”
The main find, however, may be deep-voiced country singer Scotty McCreery, who is only 16. “You made me smile,” Lopez told him. I bet he had that effect on many viewers.
Accountant Steve Beghun was a huge surprise and displayed a voice that Steven Tyler found “disturbingly great.” But how far can wedding singer Beghun get? That should add some suspense.
On the creepy side, scratchy-voiced 15-year-old Emma Henry begged her way on the show — even though Lopez and Randy Jackson agreed that the process would eat her up. The show ended with an assault on tear ducts by bringing on talented Chris Medina, whose fiancee suffered a brain injury.
As with any early episode, the Milwaukee auditions served up an assortment of train wrecks: a Civil War re-enactor who slew “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” a nasty woman who destroyed Minnie Ripperton’s “Loving You,” the Green Bay Packers fan who performed Justin Bieber’s “Baby” as opera.
Unfortunately, the revised “American Idol” feels like just another long-running series that is showing its age. Without Simon Cowell, ”Idol” is a lot like ”CSI” without Gil Grisson (William Petersen). Lose the star figure, and a show just isn’t the same.
Lopez is glamorous and charming, but she has none of Paula Abdul’s wackiness. Randy Jackson is Randy Jackson — along for the ride.
They’re both conventional. That’s not something you can say about Aerosmith legend Tyler, who strangely, is filling both the roles of Cowell and Abdul on the revised show. Tyler supplies Paula’s wackiness, and he delivers Simon’s harsh judgments not with words but with facial expressions. Best of all, he is unpredictable on what has become a predictable show.
The show offers Nashville auditions at 8 tonight on WOFL-Channel 35.
Gabriel Franks performs "Bad Romance" badly on "American Idol." Photo credit: Michael Franks/Fox
J.Lo wept. This is not a good way to end an “American Idol” episode.
Paris Tassin, a 23-year-old mom to a special-needs child, sang “Temporary Home” and turned on new judge Jennifer Lopez’s waterworks.
I wanted to cry, too. Thursday’s visit to New Orleans was a strange gumbo of a show: delightful one moment, maudlin the next.
The “Idol” producers would do everyone a favor if they resisted the urge to turn weepy. This is, after all, a singing contest, not “I Have a Sadder Story Than You.”
Right before Tassin, “Idol” delivered a wonderful moment when Jacee Badeaux, a full-figured 15-year-old, delivered a melodious, easy “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.” He’s a little showman, too: He inserted gestures that had Lopez urging, “That’s right, give it to us, let it go.” When he reached the line “wasting time,” he tapped his watch.
“You are so sweet and so cute,” Lopez raved. “A thing of beauty,” new judge Steven Tyler agreed.
The new judges — funny Tyler, stylish Lopez — do have rapport with veteran Randy Jackson. If we missed that point, they reminded us as the episode ended. They don’t need to do that again.
In the marvelously bad category, Gabriel Franks plowed through Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” with expressions that suggested he was possessed. Tyler’s expressions of horror were priceless.
The new crew at "American Idol," from left: Steven Tyler, Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. Photo credit: Michael Becker/Fox
“American Idol” may be all about the talent, but the season premiere Wednesday night was all about the new judges.
Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are generous, kind and enthusiastic. And that is nice, but it makes for a long show. The premiere missed Simon Cowell’s edge and smarts.
Tyler came off far better. He delivers creative critiques and displays a unique wackiness. The Aerosmith star even sang along and pounded the table to provide percussion.
Jennifer “I don’t like saying no” Lopez had such trouble rejecting singers that she whined, “Why did I sign up for this?”
Host Ryan Seacrest advised her, “You have to be creative when you say no.”
Well, yeah. What is she doing on “American Idol”? Fox is counting on the new judges and the revamp of the 10-year-old show to keep “Idol” strong in the ratings.
The complimented singers during the New Jersey opener tended to swoon. “Idol” served up a string of good ones before unleashing the woeful warblers.
Paula Abdul, center, is flanked by fellow dance experts Kimberly Wyatt and Travis Payne on "Live to Dance." Photo credit: Monty Brinton/CBS
Paula Abdul’s “Live to Dance” is one of the shows that’s a slog to sit through live.
I don’t think CBS did the dance contest any favors by opening with a two-hour premiere last night. Adbul’s sunny demeanor keeps this dance contest upbeat and positive. But there can be too much nice – I longed for some of Simon Cowell’s sharp critiques that balanced Abdul on “American Idol.”
A friend complained that “Live to Dance” didn’t seem like much of a competition, and he didn’t stick with it long. What was your reaction?
Abdul wants to spread the joy of dancing, which is a good thing. But that doesn’t guarantee entertainment. After watching the first hour live, I preferred recording the show and fast-forwarding to get to the dances.
The standouts in the pleasant but draggy premiere included Jalen, the happy boy from Seattle (Paula wanted to squeeze his face); the Bev and Hap duo (she’s 83, he’s 68); Tap Sounds Underground (man and former student dancing exuberantly); and D’Angelo and Amanda, the gifted youngsters from Miami.
The next installment of “Live to Dance” airs at 8 tonight on WKMG-Channel 6.
Randy Jackson plays himself in "Change of Plans," a Fox movie starring Brooke White. Photo credit: Chris Tomko/Fox
“American Idol” judge Randy Jackson calls this season “Idol season 10 the remix.”
But what about Jackson’s role this season with new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez?
“You see all sides of me. Before, people saw only one side because there was Paula [Abdul], there was Simon [Cowell],” Jackson told me in a conference call with reporters today. “I think you will see a new version of the Dawg. There’s maybe a little more hair on the Dawg.”
But I wanted to know what adjectives he would use to describe his role now. “Definitely you will see me take a little more assertive role, because I’m the kind of the young veteran on the show,” Jackson said with a laugh. “You’ll see me take more of an assertive role and trying to guide it a little bit. I won’t say I’ve stepped into the Simon Cowell shoes. I don’t think those shoes can be filled, nor would I want to be in them.”
And he added, “I think you’ll see a lot of excitement. I think you’ll be like, ‘Wow, Dawg!’ ”
And so I told him goodbye with a “Wow, Dawg!”
Fox’s “American Idol” starts its new season on Jan. 19 on WOFL-Channel 35. But Jackson was promoting “Change of Plans,” a movie with “Idol” alumna Brooke White that premieres at 8 p.m. Saturday. Jackson appears in the movie and produced the soundtrack. Jackson said that White has grown greatly as a singer and a writer since “Idol.”
But “Idol” was the main news. Jackson said the new judges add “zest” to the show and are like spices added to the mix. “I think people will be pleasantly surprised,” Jackson predicted.
Winfrey places first on the list with earnings of $315 million for the year.
Television was lucrative for others, including “CSI” producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Dr. Phil McGraw, former “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell, Jerry Seinfeld (love those reruns), Ellen DeGeneres, “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus and Judge Judy. Biggest surprise: Dr. Phil remains such a powerhouse on the earning front.
Of local note, Tiger Woods remained a big earner despite his tumultuous private life. Here’s the Forbes list:
Steven Tyler makes a huge difference to “American Idol.” Photo credit: Tony Duran/Fox
I didn’t hold much hope for a revamped “American Idol” after Simon Cowell’s departure.
But that was until I got a double dose of Steven Tyler in recent days. Tyler gives the knockout performance in this year’s “Kennedy Center Honors.” The program, which taped Dec. 5, airs at 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS. Tyler salutes the final honoree, Paul McCartney, by delivering songs from “Abbey Road.” Official Washington responds with a standing ovation, and Sir Paul looks impressed.
Over the weekend, I saw 23 minutes of this season’s “Idol” auditions, courtesy of Fox. Tyler emerges as the star on a panel that works efficiently. A three-judge setup is far better than a four-member panel. Randy Jackson is more businesslike than ever, and Jennifer Lopez is charming.
But Tyler jolts the show. He makes faces, sings along with the hopefuls, mouths the words, provides percussion by banging on the desk, even howls. You keep watching to see what he’ll do next. He also makes concise judgments.
Fox provided only highlights, so we’ll have to see how a full episode unfolds. “Idol” returns at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, and Thursday, Jan. 2o.
But the early signs are that Steven Tyler eases the pain of losing Simon Cowell.
The new on-air team at "American Idol," from left: Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest. Photo credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
So how to read the “American Idol” news today?
Reading is the way to go, because there was rarely sound for the online presentation this afternoon.
But there will be three judges next season: Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.
Lopez got top billing in the Fox release, which proclaimed her a “global superstar.” All six people who went to see “The Backup Plan” have to agree.
Fox also described her as a “Golden Globe-nominated actress, platinum-selling recording artist, movie producer and entrepreneur.” But is she any good as a judge?
Aerosmith frontman Tyler, who was listed second, was described as a “multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.”
I think those credentials will matter more on “American Idol.” The show’s 10th season begins in January.
Ryan Seacrest, left, announced that Lee DeWyze won "American Idol" last season. Photo credit: Reuters/Vince Bucci/Fox
Who will be the judges on “American Idol”?
You can find out at 1 p.m. ET Wednesday when Ryan Seacrest hosts a news conference featuring the team. It will be available at americanidol.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americanidol and on Ustream at www.ustream.com/american-idol.
Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi are gone.
The names most often mentioned as replacements have been Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. Randy Jackson is expected to be back.
Jennifer Lopez attends a Tommy Hilfiger fashion show Sunday. Photo credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Numerous reports say that Jennifer Lopez is returning to Fox.
She was one of the Fly Girls on “In Living Color.” Now, she reportedly will be a judge on “American Idol,” collecting $12 million.
No confirmation yet from Fox. But is this progress for Lopez? For “Idol”?
“American Idol” will need a forceful personality to step into the void left by Simon Cowell. Maybe Fox sees JLo as the replacement for Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres.
But the reports that Lopez is coming aboard don’t inspire a lot of confidence.
Studio One Young Beast Society will perform tonight on "America's Got Talent." NBC
So how will an Orlando dance group do as one of the Top 10 acts tonight on “America’s Got Talent”?
“They’re ready,” judge Howie Mandel said of Studio One Young Beast Society. “They better be ready.”
Mandel noted that the eight-member dance group in the past could prepare its act at its own pace. The challenge will be heightened when the NBC talent contest starts at 9 p.m. ET on WESH-Ch. 2.
“At least five of these acts performed last week,” Mandel said. “They’ve only had a week to prepare,” Mandel said of Studio One, which won the judges’ backing to graduate to tonight’s show.
Piers Morgan said Studio One had been “brilliant in the last round.”
Morgan said the race is going to be a lot closer than people think. Most observers have listed 10-year-old opera singer Jackie Evancho as the overwhelming favorite. So do the judges know how the voting is going?
“I’ve got a little idea of how it’s been going,” Morgan said. He added that it’s not a runway vote and said the varied acts mean it’s a lot closer than in previous seasons. On the issue of young Jackie, Morgan cited the example of Susan Boyle, who was a favorite on “Britain’s Got Talent” but didn’t win.
There’s a lot of talk that Morgan could replace Larry King at CNN. I asked Morgan if he could say with certainty that he’ll be back next season with “Talent.” “I will definitely 100 percent be back with ‘America’s Got Talent’ next season,” Morgan said.
Mandel boasted that “Talent” is “the consummate variety show” and said one reason was “these young kids from Orlando can do incredible dancing.”