We're on location in Washington DC, attending all the inaugural festivities! At yesterday's event for the Creative Coalition, famous faces like Matt Bomer, Taraji P. Henson, Paula Abdul, Marlon Wayans, and more came out to show their support for the arts and to talk about their hopes for President Obama's second term. Hear what they'd like to see him accomplish over the next four years — plus, their picks for what the first lady and Barack should dance to at the Inauguration Ball!
Jessica Alba and Ian Somerhalder Get Honored at EMAs With Star Support
The 2012 Environmental Media Awards took place in LA last night, with plenty of stars stepping out for the show. Jessica Alba, who was honored with the Green Parent Award, wore Narisco Rodriguez as she posed on the green carpet with husband Cash Warren. Ian Somerhalder, in Z Zegna, traveled from the Vampire Diaries set in Georgia to accept his Futures Award while other celebrities were on hand to show their support. Pregnant Malin Akerman covered her growing bump in a red dress, and Revenge's Emily VanCamp went bright in pink Andrew Gn just a day ahead of the season two premiere of her small-screen hit. Also out for the annual EMAs were Amy Smart and her husband, Carter Oosterhouse; Gabrielle Reece; Cody Horn; Lance Bass; and more. Click through to see them all!
Simon Debuts X Factor With Paula and Jokes the Show's About "Giving Older Women a Second Chance"
Simon Cowell arrived in style for last night's screening of his new TV show, The X Factor, stepping out of his custom-built black Rolls-Royce to greet screaming fans at LA's ArcLight theater. He was the last judge to arrive on the red carpet and promptly received a kiss from his good friend Paula Abdul. X Factor reunites former American Idol judges Simon and Paula and introduces new faces L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger and super-hot host Steve Jones, who's well known in the UK as a presenter. We were on hand for last night's exclusive screening of the first two episodes, which begin Sept. 21, and were happy to see Paula and Simon's infamous chemistry back in full force. L.A. adds his producing and songwriting expertise to the judging panel, while Nicole has a fresh point of view due to her years of touring the globe as a solo artist and with The Pussycat Dolls. Following the screening, the judges answered questions from fans, and according to Simon, he's finally "met his match" in fellow judge L.A. Here's more:
- Simon on comparing the US to UK audiences: "They [the US] have an amazing musical knowledge . . . they were very tough on us at times when we didn't love somebody. I thought there were moments when we were going to get mauled when the audience disagreed with us. The American audience is tougher than the UK audience."
- Steve on hanging backstage with contestants: "[One contestant] said I wear too much makeup and I'm nothing but a stretched Ryan Seacrest. And I was like, [sarcasm] 'Well, best of luck with your audition.'"
- Paula on changing the lives of contestants: "It's an overwhelming feeling, it's a blessing to see and to feel what other people feel when they're getting that moment. It's awe inspiring. Don't take it for granted."
- On major arguments over contestants:
Simon: "I'm going to let you in on a little secret: when certain girls came to audition, if they were too attractive they were known as DOA, in other words dead on arrival, and from that, Nicole was christened Sylvester, from Sylvester the Cat, and Paula became Tom, from Tom and Jerry. So we had to fight, me and L.A., to keep the attractive girls in the competition because Sylvester and Tom didn't want them in the competition and that's where, true story, most of the arguments came from. L.A., will you back me up on that?"
L.A.: "True story." - Simon on what the "X Factor" is: "When someone is brilliant it's a no-brainer. Where it got tricky, as I said before, when other factors came into play, and that's where you needed myself and L.A. Reid to be fair and balanced. I got things back on track, but that's pretty much the only time we argued."
- Simon on expanding the age range of contestants: "[Joking with Paula] This show is all about giving older women a second chance."
Simon Cowell Talks His "Demented" Relationship With Paula Abdul and Why The X Factor Is a Game Changer
It feels like we've been waiting forever for The X Factor to come to America, but now we're just weeks away from the Sept. 21 premiere. A panel of the show's producers, host, and judges (including Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul) took the stage at the TCA to discuss what's in store for their new singing competition. Simon Cowell was tied up in St. Tropez, but that didn't stop him from answering questions and squabbling with Paula via satellite.
- The judges were steadfast in their belief that The X Factor really will be a different show than American Idol. Besides having a younger age minimum (12 years old) and a very heavy mentoring program, the biggest change in my opinion is how much higher the stakes are. The winner will not only get a recording contract but will also walk away with a cool $5 million in cash. To boot, Fox announced today that the winner will also star in his/her own Pepsi commercial to air during the Super Bowl. Not too shabby.
- As always, Cowell exuded confidence about the show's ability to perform. He said, "This looks like nothing else you've ever seen before," and when asked about ratings, he said, "You don't enter something for the silver medal" and added "We're going to throw everything at this to try to make it the best show on TV."
- Cowell called the show "a game changer" and said they're looking for a new audience than the other singing competitions out there, like Idol and The Voice. He also added that they're hoping to introduce us to a completely new kind of contestant, thanks to different rules. "You've got to accept the fact that there will be competitive shows, and it just means you have to make the show better."
- When asked if Cheryl Cole's exit from the show had anything to do with Abdul, Cowell quipped, "If it was a question of not getting along with Paula, then I wouldn't be on the show." He went on to talk about how much he loves having Scherzinger as a judge, calling her "a revelation."
To see what Paula had to say about her reunion with Simon, just read more
Video: Simon Cowell Pokes Fun at Idol and Kisses Paula Abdul in First X-Factor Promo
The first promo for the stateside version of The X Factor features Simon Cowell mimicking his American Idol past and kissing costar Paula Abdul. Check it all out in today's PopSugar Rush!
Video: Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul Reunite For X Factor With a Kiss on the Lips!
It was a happy reunion for Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, as they kicked off auditions for The X Factor in LA over the weekend — with a kiss on the lips! It wasn't the first time these two have shown affection for each other; just take a peek at some of their past PDA moments.
Link Time — Paula Abdul Returns to the Judges Seat For Live to Dance
- Watch the trailer for Paula Abdul's Live to Dance series — The A.V. Club
- 2010 underdogs: seven poorly reviewed films that deserve another chance — Moviefone
- Beloved shows that were finally laid to rest in 2010 — TV Squad
- Ben Stiller's best movies — Rotten Tomatoes
- A "Christmas" video from vintage 90210. Love! — The Frisky
- Blue Valentine's release date gets pushed up to Dec. 29 — EW
- New pics of Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess in One Day — The Playlist
- Glee stars before they were famous (Kevin McHale was in a boy band?!) — Flavorwire
- The 15 greatest mustaches in Coen brothers history — Vulture
- Find out who won Skating With the Stars — People
- The 10 best Betty White quotes of 2010 — TrèsSugar
- Watch the trailer for Paula Abdul's Live to Dance series — The A.V. Club
- 2010 underdogs: seven poorly reviewed films that deserve another chance — Moviefone
- Beloved shows that were finally laid to rest in 2010 — TV Squad
- Ben Stiller's best movies — Rotten Tomatoes
- A "Christmas" video from vintage 90210. Love! — The Frisky
- Blue Valentine's release date gets pushed up to Dec. 29 — EW
- New pics of Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess in One Day — The Playlist
- Glee stars before they were famous (Kevin McHale was in a boy band?!) — Flavorwire
- The 15 greatest mustaches in Coen brothers history — Vulture
- Find out who won Skating With the Stars — People
- The 10 best Betty White quotes of 2010 — TrèsSugar
Megan Fox, Ashlee Simpson, and Kellan Lutz Join Together to Do Something
Twilight stars Kellan Lutz and BooBoo Stewart posed with lovely ladies Christina Applegate, Alyssa Milano, and AnnaLynne McCord in LA yesterday at VH1's Do Something Awards. The evening honors young people committed to social change, which included the cast of Glee and Leonardo DiCaprio, though he missed out on the show since he's off promoting Inception in Japan. Jane Lynch played host for the night and kept the crowd laughing with sketches about good deeds she performs like reading Eat, Pray, Love to construction workers and doing charity work with Lindsay Lohan and Mother Teresa.
Dog lover Kellan was recognized for his efforts to help animals, and his girlfriend, AnnaLynne, was there to keep him company after her wild bikini birthday weekend in Las Vegas. Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz cozied up together backstage while Megan Fox wore Brian Atwood and showed off her sparkly new big diamond wedding ring. Kristen Bell sported a short metallic dress on stage, and White Collar star Matt Bomer looked dreamy in Simon Spurr clothes.
To see more photos of Kellan, Megan, Kristen, and more, just read more
Jolie-Pitt Family Secrets, Weekend Celebrity Weddings, and Kim's Date With Justin Bieber!
Angelina Jolie dishes details about home life with the kids and whether or not she'll ever marry Brad Pitt. Carrie Underwood, Emily Blunt, and Lala Vasquez can count several A-list stars as wedding guests. Kim Kardashian enjoys a frozen yogurt date with Justin Bieber. Watch today's all-new PopSugar Rush now!
PSR 7/12/10: Jolie-Pitt Family Secrets; Carrie, Emily, & Lala's Weddings; & Kim's Date With Justin!
Angelina Jolie dishes details about home life with the kids and whether or not she'll ever marry Brad Pitt; Carrie Underwood, Emily Blunt, and Lala Vasquez can count several A-list stars as wedding guests, and Kim Kardashian enjoys a frozen yogurt date with Justin Bieber! Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook for all the latest celebrity gossip!




