National Geographic

By Paul Revoir


Claims: Chris Evans has been accused of making a racist comment to scientist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock during last Friday's edition of the One Show


Chris Evans has been accused of racism after telling a black scientist he could not see her in a dim BBC studio.

The presenter told Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a highly respected space expert and government adviser: ‘I can barely see you, to be honest.’

The remark came after he mistakenly said she was Caribbean when she is of Nigerian descent.


The Corporation received 56 complaints from viewers who interpreted his comments as a racist joke. One angrily condemned the words as ‘proper foot-in-mouth’.

Evans’s comment was made early in The One Show last Friday during a discussion about a week of ‘space spectating’ which had included a lunar eclipse.

Dr Aderin-Pocock, sitting next to singer Tom Jones on the studio sofa, was asked if there were more to come.

She replied: ‘There’s plenty out there to see, unfortunately not tonight.’

Mr Evans then said: ‘It’s terrible tonight, I can barely see you, to be honest.’

Interview: Evans made the comment as he spoke with Dr Aderin-Pocock during a 'space spectating' section of the show

Brushed off: Dr Aderin-Pocock seemed to take no notice of the remark, which came after she had already corrected the presenter over her nationality


It was unclear if Dr Aderin-Pocock, born in London of Nigerian parents, was offended as she coolly brushed off the comment.

She had already corrected him over her nationality as they talked about her name.

Evans, who also presents the Radio 2 breakfast show, had said: ‘It’s Welsh, but you’re Caribbean’, before she said: ‘No, no, I’m Nigerian.’

The comment has similarities to remarks made by former Radio 2 presenter Sarah Kennedy in 2007.

Star guest: Tom Jones also appeared on the show, which attracted 56 complaints from viewers


She said she had nearly run over a black pedestrian in the dark and had only seen him when he ‘opened his mouth’.

Last night, the BBC said Evans’s comment had simply been a ‘quip’ referring to the studio lights being dimmed. They denied it was a ‘racist remark’ and said the guest had also drawn no such ‘inference’ from the remark.

But viewers clearly did and posted their reaction on Twitter.

‘One said: ‘Did Chris Evans just make a racist comment? I’m confused.’

Another added: ‘I swear Chris Evans was racist on The One Show.’

One said: ‘Chris Evans you racist, you called a Nigerian woman Caribbean, then said ‘we could hardly see you tonight’ – proper foot in mouth.’

A BBC spokesman said: ‘This was a quip in reference to the lights being specifically dimmed in the studio. It was absolutely not a racist remark and the guest did not draw any inference from the comment.’


source:dailymail

By PAMELA OWEN

Diva: Lopez has been touring Europe to promote her latest album 'Love?' and has done a number of TV interviews


As far as wardrobe malfunctions go, Jennifer Lopez could probably count this one as her worst ever.

The 42-year-old singer managed to fully expose her ample bosom during an interview with German television.

Lopez has fiercely been promoting her latest album, 'Love?' across Europe but the recent appearance left her a little over exposed and will, no doubt, make her blush.




Unsuspecting: Jennifer is in a jovial mood as she is greeted by the show's presenter Thomas Gottschalk


Windy: TV presenter Thomas Gottschalk runs to Jennifer's rescue but little do they know she's about to reveal even more flesh


It all started when the signer arrived on a horse drawn carriage for the live filming of 'Wetten das...?' - German for 'wanna bet that' - at the Coliseo Balear bull fighting arena in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

The singer looked gorgeous in a floor-length beige and black dress with a matching head band and the crowds screamed as she waved.


Superstar: Fans at the bull fighting arena went crazy as Jennifer performed her hit On the Floor


But her flowing outfit, which was barely held together with a large brown belt, was probably not suited and kept whipping up in the windy weather.

As she greeted the show's presenter Thomas Gottschalk and Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel a huge gust of wind started to blow her flowing dress up.

Almost immediately Gottschalk can be seen scuttling over to her in a bid to try and keep the ensemble down.

And Lopez sighs with relief as she manages to escape showing too much flesh.
But she didn't suspect she was about to commit an even greater faux pas


Glamorous: The singer talks to host Gottschalk and Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel


As she sits down the singer's entire breast pops out, leaving her completely exposed.
Completely oblivious to what just happened, the singer carries on with the interview unaware that she has just given Gottschalk and Vettel an eyeful.

After discussing her latest album and revealing a bit about her personal life, she then went on to sing her hit song, On The Floor.

The interview was just one of many that she has been doing in Europe and was recently spotted with her mum Guadaulpe in Paris.

Last year Lopez spoke about how having her own children helped the pair mend their own troubled relationship.

Dressed casually in a grey cardigan and jeans, J-Lo didn't let the rain dampen her spirits as she did a bit of shopping with her mum.


Hollywood royalty: Jennifer made a grand entrance and was brought into the arena on a horse-drawn carriage


The Diva, who is married to Marc Anthony, also recently revealed in an interview with the BBC that she might not be returning American Idol.

Lopez, who judged alongside Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson, announced in April that she was keen to start a new show to try and find undiscovered talent in Latin American countries with her husband.

The show, called Que Viva!, means that Lopez, who has two children, will be able to spend more time with her family.



Motherly love: J-Lo's mother Guadalupe with her daughter in Paris while she promotes her new album in Europe




source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Off to Vegas: The Art of Teknique show off their Hip Hop dance moves on America's Got Talent


They are still at elementary school. But this trio of street dancing pre-teens stole the show on last night's America's Got Talent.

The Art of Teknique - three boys aged from eight to ten - won themselves tickets to Vegas after they started busting out some killer Hip Hop moves dressed in dapper suits and black trainers.

The boys grinned cheekily throughout their performance and the judges were delighted, praising them for their 'real skill'.


Got the moves: The boys, aged eight to ten, were in perfect sync


Piers Morgan told the youngsters: 'You were absolutely brilliant,' while Sharon Osbourne added: "You guys love it. You love to dance.

'You're very natural performers, I adore you.'

When stand-up comic Howie Mandel asked the boys, from Sacramento in California if they liked girls yet, one shyly replied: 'No!'


Dapper: The boys wore matching suits and trainers for their performance


The usual crowd of strange wannabes was also out in force for the auditions, hosted by Nick Cannon, including a 46-year-old man who claimed to hold the world record for blowing up hot water bottles to bursting point.

Sadly he was unable to even explode even one - blaming a new brand.

Piers said: 'That was one of most pointless things ever seen in my entire life.'



We did it! The three best friends celebrate getting three yeses, as their mums watch from the side


Go boys! Their mothers watched from the side with Nick Cannon


An aunt of another rejected contestant then confronted Piers and told him he was 'no good'.

The highlight of the show for CNN host Piers was a 55-year-old realtor from Denver who came on stage with a 'special song' for him.

Marylee told the judges: 'I write songs for dead people. I take stories about someone who has died then write a song about them.

'I sang silently for decades. But I have written a special song for someone here who happens to be alive.'


Songs for dead people: Marylee made an exception and composed a song for a living person - Piers Morgan


I love her! Piers backed Marylee, saying 'it's about as good as it gets'


Piers put his head in his hands but after she had serenaded him, along with a projector movie of old Piers footage, he said: 'That was a good a song as I have ever heard and one of the best movies.

'I'll definitely see you go all the way. It was great for me and you get a resounding yes.'

Sharon and Howie disagreed however and Piers' crooner had to go home.



The panel: Piers, Sharon Morgan and stand-up comic Howie Mandel


Another hit of the night was a band of young dads called BGP who gave a rendition of Elton John's Bennie and the Jets.

They received the first standing ovation of the night and Piers said they had 'great charisma'.

Other contestants included a free-style dancer called Alaska who had the judges joining in, a 'charming' pole-dancer and a wannabe comedian who once told 676 jokes in one hour.


Kids dancing on America's Got Talent


America's Got Talent - Season 6 - Marylee Audition



source: dailymail

By Pamela Owen


Delighted: Nicole Scherzinger first revealed she was a judge on The Graham Norton Show


Nicole Scherzinger has revealed she was desperate to be part of the US X Factor and said she was 'ecstatic' after she given a judging role.

The former Pussy Cat Doll was speaking at her debut appearance in New Jersey.

'I wanted to be part of the show. I love the show, I believed in the show, I believe in Simon.

Having a laugh: Nicole said she was looking forward to her future while on the show with Tom Hanks and Simon Pegg

Star power: Nicole has been a hit with audiences while filming US X Factor. She recently performed her new song on The Graham Norton Show


'When they proposed the idea of me being a judge, I couldn't have been more ecstatic. I absolutely think the dynamic is working and this is a new chapter in my life and I'm so grateful,' she told the Sunday Mirror.

The 32-year-old singer made her first appearance as a judge after replacing axed Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole.

Confident and bold, the crowds screamed as the singer grabbed a microphone and yelled: 'What's Up New Jersey? Y'all feeling good today?'

It was most certainly a case of 'Cheryl who?' and Simon applauded Nicole as he described her as being 'a breath of fresh air' and just what the show needed.

Go team: Nicole and Paula arrive for the filming of US X Factor in New Jersey


Nicole also made an appearance on The Graham Norton Show last night and revealed during the interview, which was filmed earlier in the week, that she had no idea about what was happening behind the scenes.

She had initially been offered a presenting role alongside Welshman and newcomer to America Steve Jones.

But trouble soon started brewing for Cheryl when she was booed by audience members and came across as shy and timid - a far cry from her normal self.

Serious: Judges Simon, Paula, Nicole and record executive LA Reid discuss contestants during filming of the show


Once Cheryl was sacked from the show the rumour mill went into overdrive and Nicole, the girlfriend of Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, was tipped to take the Geordie singer's place.

Speaking on Norton's show, Nicole said: 'I haven't said this yet, but I think it's official I've been made a judge. It's an amazing opportunity. I'm kind of finding out along with everyone else.

'It's kind of crazy to read about it in the newspaper first.'

Nicole, who sang her song Right There, made an appearance as a guest judge on the British version of the show last year.

Close: Nicole and Paula are said to be getting on well and have become friends


Speaking of her new boss Simon Cowell, she said: 'He is someone you can learn a lot from. But when we are in that room it's all about the music and the talent and I focus on the contestants, it's what I'm passionate about.'

Nicole has also become friendly with fellow female judge Paula Abdul and the pair posted a pictures of themselves behind the scenes.

Asked by MailOnline a few days ago if she felt sorry for Cheryl, Nicole carefully responded: 'I just hope Cheryl's made the right decisions for her.

'I haven't spoken to Cheryl, she's a lovely,talented, sweet girl. I don't know how it went down or what happened. I was finding out as everyone else was.

'I just turned up for work and I'm just happy to be here.'




source:dailymail

By Daily Mail Reporter


Scroll down to see video...

Drama: Selena Gomez wash rushed to hospital last night following an appearance on the Jay Leno show suffering a severe headache and nausea


Selena Gomez was rushed to hospital last night following an appearance on U.S. television.

The 18-year-old singer and actress was suffering nausea and a severe headache, her spokesman told MailOnline.

She was taken to a hospital in the Los Angles area and is currently undergoing tests.


The cause of her illness is, however, still a mystery.

A spokesman for the star confirmed: 'Last night after Selena's appearance on The Tonight Show she wasn't feeling well and was taken to the hospital.

'She is currently undergoing routine tests.'

Gomez seemed to be on good form during the show, telling the host how her boyfriend Justin Bieber - who today tweeted his sweetheart a Twitter message of support - has already 'passed the mom test' saying her mother Mandy had given Bieber, 17, the thumbs up.

'Has your mom met Justin Bieber?' Leno asked, to which the smiling former Disney star replied: 'Yes.'

Well wishes: Boyfriend Justin Bieber tweeted a message of support

So in love: Justin and Selena at NBA finals between the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, earlier this week


'And how did that go? Ok? Did she like him?' asked Leno.

'He passed the test," the Texas-born star responded.

Selena and Justin have been enjoying a whirlwind romance in recent months.

They attended the NBA finals together in Dallas earlier this week and enjoyed a romantic break together in Hawaii recently.

She has been by his side to watch him scoop awards at the recent Billboard Awards too.

And just last month Selena accompanied him to his homeland of Canada to meet his family.

But despite their relationship seemingly going from strength to strength, Selena has had a tough time with some of Bieber's fans.

It was recently reported how she had received online death threats from jealous fans.
Monte Carlo, an upcoming romantic adventure starring Gomez, Katie Cassidy and Leighton Meester, arrives in cinemas on July 1.

Romantic: She recently accompanied Bieber on a trip to his homeland in Canada and met his family. She told Leno last night her mother was a big fan of his




source:dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTERS


What's up New Jersey? Nicole Scherzinger and her fellow judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and LA Reid take the stage for the first day of X Factor auditions


There were both new and old faces on stage when the X Factor U.S. judges kick-started the first day of auditions in New Jersey today.

Waving her arms in the air, newcomer Nicole Scherzinger cheered triumphantly as she took to the stage for the first time since getting promoted from co-host to judge on the hit talent show.

The former Pussycat Doll didn't waste any time getting front and centre as she waved to the crowd of fans there to welcome her and fellow judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Adbul and LA Reid.

As 32-year-old Scherzinger looked like the cat who got the cream lapping up the glory of her dream job, jilted judge Cheryl Cole, 27, languished at home in London licking her wounds.


Saula is back: American Idol judges and close friends Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul look happy to be reunited


American Idol alums Cowell and Abdul, dubbed 'Saula' were already continuing their cosy friendship as the Straight Up singer perched on the British mogul's lap with her arm around the neck.

It looked like the first day of auditions went smoothly despite the recent X Factor dramas that have kept fans riveted with constant changes in the judging panels both in the UK and Stateside.

In an interview recorded earlier this week on The Graham Norton Show in Britain, which airs on Friday, Scherzinger claimed that she only found out she would be replacing Cole on the panel of the U.S. show when she read it in the newspaper.


Co-workers: Scherzinger and Adbul flew to New York, from London and Los Angeles respectively, to begin working together side-by-side in the judges' hot seats


'I haven’t said this yet, but I think it’s official that I have been made a judge. It's an amazing opportunity,' she told Norton.

'I’m kind of finding out (what’s happening) along with everyone else. It’s kind of crazy to read about it in the newspaper first.'

As her new co-worker settled into her job, Abdul pledged her continual support for the woman she replaced on Twitter and promised fans that she would stay in touch with Cole after the pair 'forged a wonderful relationship.'


Paula Abdul posted this picture of herself and fellow X Factor U.S. judge Cheryl Cole on Twitter along with the message: 'Gotta tell you about Cheryl - 'The Fierce' is STRONG w/ this one! :) she's lovely! xoP'


Paula took to her Twitter page to praise Cheryl, who was unceremoniously fired from the U.S. TV talent show after failing to impress television executives.
She wrote: 'Cheryl is amazing. We have forged a wonderful friendship & have been & will continue to stay in touch.'
Paula then hinted that she knows what Cheryl has planned for the near future, adding: 'I'm excited for everyone to see and hear what she is about to do next.'
Cheryl and Paula worked together for just a week as the first X Factor USA auditions took place.
After Cheryl left the U.S. show, she was offered a place back on the panel of the British X Factor, but left it too long to decide and was replaced on that panel by N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos.


Heartfelt tweet: Abdul claimed her and Cole forged a 'wonderful friendship' during their brief time together working on the show and she pledged her loyalty to her short-lived side-kick on Twitter


Moving on: Abdul hints in a cryptic tweet that she may know what Cole's next career move is


Meanwhile, Simon Cowell spoke out earlier this week to apologise to Cheryl for the way the whole situation with the X Factor U.S. had been dealt with.

He said: 'A hundred per cent I have to take full responsibility, because I do have a lot of sway.

‘This has been a rough two weeks. The hardest thing to accept is that everyone has painted me as a monster because I embarrassed her. But the truth was I was protecting her.

‘I apologise that all this has become public and I understand the stress she is under, and I hate that. But we have all been under a lot of stress.

‘When things like this happen I look at the contestants on our shows, they must think this is crazy. All the attention is on us.

‘I am sorry this has caused so much anguish and embarrassment, but I stand by what I believe was the right intention. And I would say that to her face right now.’


X Factor USA Judges Arrive - Newark, NJ


source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Hopefuls: Teenage group Poplyfe took to the stage in scenes on aired last night on America's Got Talent in a bid to make it through to the Las Vegas round


Piers Morgan reduced a teenage girl to tears on America's Got Talent last night.

The former Fleet Street newspaper editor told the lead singer of Poplyfe that he was impressed with her vocal.

But he gave her a cruel ultimatum saying he would only put her through if she ditched her five other bandmates.


Mr Nasty: But Morgan told the lead singer she should dump her other five bandmates - otherwise he would give his vote


Saving the day: But fellow judges Sharon Osbourne an Howie Mandel came through and put the entire group through to the next round


Sticking to her guns, the girl, whose name was not revealed on the show, said: 'I cannot go without my brothers.'

Luckily for her, fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel gave her and the rest of the band the thumbs up and put them through to the next round in Las Vegas.

But Piers said to them: 'Judging you as a group, I'm going to say no.'

The six-piece band, who are aged between 12 and 16 and who performed Travie McCoy's track Billionaire, were delighted with the final result after being saved by Howie and Sharon.


Introductions: The band is made up of members aged between 12 and 16


Acoustic set: They performed a version of Travie McCoy's track Billionaire


As they exited the stage, the lead singer triumphantly shouted at Piers: 'We will show you.'

But it appeared the stress of the audition was a little too much to take.

Moments later she dissolved into tears backstage when host Nick Cannon asked her why she was so emotional.

With tears in her eyes, she replied: 'Because I thought I was going to have to leave them.'

Last night's show kicked off with a hilarious skit by celebrity impressionist Melissa Villasenor.


Impressive: Kenyan acrobatic group Zuma Zuma got the thumbs up as they made a human pyramid


She earned laughs with her interpretations of Barbara Walters, Miley Cyrus, Kathy Griffin, Christina Aguilera and Natalie Portman.

Afterwards Sharon told the shop worker: 'You won't be working in retail much longer.' Melissa received three yes votes from the judges.

Next up was the A+C Twins, who failed to impress with their rendition of My Girl.


Wow: Anita McCoy did the splits to the surprise of the judging panel


Oh dear: The A+C Twins failed to impress despite comparing themselves to The Jacksons, seen here with judge Howie attempting to help them out


Howie even joined them on stage for a verse, but the twosome were sent packing after Sharon told them they couldn't sing.

An acrobatic group from Kenya called Zuma Zuma caught the attention of the judges as the put on a high-energy routine that saw them build a human pyramid. They secured the approval of all of the judges and made it to the next round.

But 33-year-old showman Mauricio Herrera was another flop in a night of weird and wonderful acts.

He performed Ricky Martin's Livin La Vida Loca, with Piers buzzing him out from the off before branding it 'horrendous'.

Other acts who made it through to Vegas included acrobatic couple The Daring Jones Duo, eight-year-old swing singer Sadie and The Elektrolytes, a hip-hop dance group.


How cute: Swing singer Sadie was a big hit with her very impressive voice


You're out: Mauricio Herrera failed to serve up the good with his rendition of Ricky Martin's Living La Vida Loca, leaving Piers with his head in his hands


America's Got Talent 2011 - Seatlle Auditions



source: dailymail

By Sara Nathan


Still friends? Simon Cowell said he has not yet spoken to Cheryl Cole following her exit from the X Factor USA


Simon Cowell last night apologised to Cheryl Cole as he admitted he had helped shatter her American dreams – but insisted: ‘I’m not a monster.’

The under-fire music mogul revealed he had still not talked to the 27-year-old star – whom he called a ‘close friend’ - following a tense 10-day stand-off prompted by her exit from the X Factor USA.

The situation was finally resolved on Monday when Mrs Cole turned down an 11th hour offer to return to the U.S. with singer Nicole Scherzinger replacing her on the judging panel.


Breaking his silence, Cowell said the star had clearly been ‘uncomfortable’ while filming auditions for the talent show in America – and blamed her quiet demeanour on her troubled personal life, following her divorce from footballer Ashley Cole, and her malaria battle.

He said Mrs Cole had previously been offered £2.5 million to return to the UK X Factor, but had shut down negotiations.

She will now receive her £1.2 million X Factor USA salary in full.

The multi-millionaire admitted he had received a message from Mrs Cole saying she felt ‘let down’ by him, adding: ‘A hundred per cent I have to take full responsibility, because I do have a lot of sway.

‘This has been a rough two weeks. The hardest thing to accept is that everyone has painted me as a monster because I embarrassed her. But the truth was I was protecting her.

‘I apologise that all this has become public and I understand the stress she is under, and I hate that. But we have all been under a lot of stress.

Out with the old: Only one face from last year's UK X Factor panel remains for this year's show - Louis Walsh. Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue will not appear

In with the new: Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Louis Walsh will rule over this year's UK X Factor hopefuls


‘When things like this happen I look at the contestants on our shows, they must think this is crazy. All the attention is on us.

‘I am sorry this has caused so much anguish and embarrassment, but I stand by what I believe was the right intention. And I would say that to her face right now.’

Speaking about Mrs Cole’s American debut, Cowell said the decision was taken to remove her from the judging panel after the Chicago auditions last month.

He said: ‘Knowing Cheryl like I know her, we noticed she was quieter than normal, looked a bit uncomfortable, but I put some of this down to nerves.

‘The overall feeling was that she was slightly out her comfort zone in America, compared to what she was in the UK. It was nothing to do with her accent.’

Short lived: The original X Factor USA panel, before Cheryl Cole was axed


He added: ‘I last heard from Cheryl last Wednesday by text. She said she felt let down but at the time she understood that it was a professional decision. I replied saying ‘this was never personal or saying you were terrible’.

‘And it wasn't that she was terrible - she was good - I just thought she'd be happier in the UK. America is a bearpit and it’s tough to crack when no one knows you.

‘After the year she'd had with her ex-husband Ashley and the whole malaria thing, you either shut it down and go for it or you have to be with your friends and family to deal with it.’

Mrs Cole was told the news by X Factor executive producer Richard Holloway.

Cowell admitted: 'I didn't tell her in person. It was very difficult.

‘Cheryl has a very good relationship with Richard. I wasn't the right person. I felt she would be more comfortable to hear it from him. I felt she would be more embarrassed if she heard it from me. She would be able to look at things clearer.’

Mrs Cole was quietly offered a judging role back on the UK X Factor after just four days on the American show, and representatives opened negotiations with ITV and co-producers TalkbackThames and Syco TV.

However, one of the singer’s conditions for rejoining the ITV show was to keep the situation completely private - until she could make a big comeback on stage at the UK auditions.

But the news of her departure – and apparent sacking – was leaked before the deal could be struck, leaving negotiations in jeopardy.

New line-up: N-Dubz's Tulisa Contostavlos (left) and Take That's Gary Barlow (right) will form half of this year's UK X Factor judging panel

Cowell said: ‘So we made a decision. The intention was to do it quietly and simply say to her that you have an option to rejoin the UK show.

‘At the end of the day we were saying move to another show for even more money. There was an offer of around £2.5 million on the table including bonuses.

‘So how is that sacking someone? If that's being horrible to someone then I would be quite happy someone doing that to me.’

He added: ‘She was certainly interested in coming back to the UK as we exchanged a few texts and she asked if she could have my dressing room at the studio and I said "of course".

‘Her management even asked for a legal waiver to her contract on the U.S. show allowing her to open discussions with ITV. So we genuinely thought it was going to happen.

‘But the big condition was that it was to be kept under wraps and she would make a big entrance last week at the Birmingham auditions and everyone would have loved it.

‘But when the story got out it changed everything. There was no more communication and we had set a deadline of Sunday, giving her six days to make a decision.

‘That passed and we still had not heard anything. So we announced our UK judges – people don’t always make the best decisions for themselves.’

All change: Cheryl wore a series of different outfits during her ill-fated spell as judge on the X Factor USA


After turning down the UK offer Mrs Cole was then offered her job back on the X Factor USA – which meant she would have had to fly back to the States to attend auditions in New Jersey on Wednesday.

However, negotiations ended late on Monday, with no deal being struck - and Cowell said he had had some ‘heated’ exchanges with Mrs Cole’s new manager Will.I.am.

Speaking at his offices in Kensington, West London, Cowell continued: ‘When Cheryl turned down the UK show, we got back in touch and said "ok well she is still under contract with the U.S. show", so we invited her back. Her position was still there.

‘We had some heated conversations with Will.I.am and he inferred this wasn't a genuine offer. They thought that if she didn't turn up on Wednesday then we wouldn't pay her.

‘We made it clear that she was always going to be paid in full.’

He added: ’We got to the point on Saturday when we genuinely thought she was going to accept the offer but again neither she nor they returned any calls.’

Manager: Will.I.Am is now in charge of Cheryl Cole's music affairs


Cowell called the situation a ‘high-class problem’, adding: ‘I genuinely thought she could return to the UK show and be triumphant. Louis Walsh knows. He was actually fired from the show but then he came back to a triumphant return.

‘If she had accepted my original offer, she would have made a sensational return and would have understood she was more comfortable in the UK than the U.S.'

When asked if they would remain friends, Cowell insisted: ‘I hope we're still close friends. Will I work with her again? Definitely.

'As far as I'm concerned, she's still a star. It was never vindictive, it wasn't personal. It was meant with best intentions. I was always going to honour the contract. I apologise that this has been made public.’

The UK X Factor panel is now Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland.

The U.S. panel is Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, and Nicole Scherzinger, while Welsh TV presenter Steve Jones will host.

Cowell has also spoken of his rage at an internet blog posted last week which claimed that Syco scouts had found 12-year-old Britain’s Got Talent finalist Ronan Parke two years ago – and had fixed it for him to win.

He said: ‘I’m used to people attacking me, I’m fair game – but to attack a 12-year-old boy and to spread sick lies – some of which could not be printed - about him is totally uncalled for.

‘That is why I took this matter to the police and they are taking the matter seriously. We have to stop people who think they can hide behind these walls of anonymity on the internet and make up this nonsense.'

Reel thing: Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland, pictured here trying her hand at the Highland Fling at the Glasgow X Factor auditions, completes the judging line-up


source:dailymail