Simon Cowell

Britney Spears

Britney Spears and Her Fellow Judges Go Live on The X Factor

Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, L.A.

Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, L.A. Reid, and Simon Cowell were at the judges' table last night as The X Factor went live for the first time in its second season. Britney herself admitted to being a bit nervous about going live during an interview earlier this week. The episode also marked the debut of new hosts Mario Lopez and Khloé Kardashian.

The remaining 16 contestants took to the stage to sing last night, and while the live broadcast went off without much of a hitch, Simon Cowell did have to be bleeped at one point when he used a curse word in critiquing one hopeful's performance. The competition continues tonight, when the four judges will have to send some of the contestants home.

Britney Spears

Britney Spears Reveals What Makes Her "Cringe" on The Tonight Show

Britney Spears was on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno last night, sporting a cleavage-baring dress and her new bangs.

Britney Spears was on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno last night, sporting a cleavage-baring dress and her new bangs. The X Factor judge was joined by her colleague Simon Cowell for the late-night visit. Britney told Jay that a "real charming phone call" from Simon convinced her to sign on for the series, and she also admitted that she's had a hard time getting used to being booed by the audience when she's tough on contestants, saying the heckling makes her "cringe."

Tomorrow night will be the start of The X Factor's live shows, which will feature performances from the remaining finalists. The reality competition has faced some ratings challenges in its second season, with The Voice drawing a larger audience share. Despite it, Fox has announced that The X Factor will be back for a third season, and the show has also earned several People's Choice Awards nominations, including a spot in the running for this year's favorite competition show.

Tech News

Tech Factor: Simon Cowell's Search For the Next Mark Zuckerberg

Simon Cowell, the ultimate purveyor of reality television competition, wants to bring tech to the small screen with a new show aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs in the UK.

Simon Cowell, the ultimate purveyor of reality television competition, wants to bring tech to the small screen with a new show aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs in the UK. But does Simon know what it takes to be the next Bill Gates? He's mastered the art of talent search for song and dance — but tech enterprise is a whole other animal.

Plans for the new program, reportedly considered "The X Factor for tech," were revealed by coproducer and Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.am at a technology conference in London, who told The Sun, "It's about getting in touch with youth and giving them a platform to express themselves — whether that's in science or mathematics."

Technology, apparently, does have some TV entertainment value, as evidenced by a new Bravo reality show about startup culture. So it's no surprise, then, that talent seekers like Simon Cowell and Will.i.am are looking to put tech on TV. No word yet on whether the new show will also debut in US, but if it does, would you watch?

Avril Lavigne

Simon Cowell and Carmen Electra — Unexpected Celebrity Couples Decoded!

Hollywood has had its fair share of unexpected pairings lately — from Simon Cowell and Carmen Electra, to Seth MacFarlane and Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, to Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger.

Hollywood has had its fair share of unexpected pairings lately — from Simon Cowell and Carmen Electra, to Seth MacFarlane and Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, to Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger. We break down these somewhat random romances and explain why they actually make sense in this PopSugar Rush.

On Becca: 81 Poppies top.

The X Factor

Britney Spears Leaves Her Mark on Hollywood at the X Factor Premiere

The X Factor rolled into Hollywood last night for the show's second season world premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

The X Factor rolled into Hollywood last night for the show's second season world premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Returning judges L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell joined freshman pair Demi Lovato and Britney Spears for a handprint ceremony, then headed inside the theater. Britney penned her name and planted her handprints in wet cement next to her fellow judges while fiancé Jason Trawick and manager Larry Rudolph were also on hand to share in the celebration.

Inside the theater, fans chanted for Britney and Demi prior to the show's two-hour sneak peek. Following the screening, Demi, L.A., Simon, and Britney chatted about this year's contestants and what fans can look forward to seeing. According to L.A., Britney's the best judge on the panel and Demi has pleasantly surprised Simon every step of the way. Be sure to tune into The X Factor tonight at 8/7 Central to see Britney and Demi's debut, and stay tuned for our upcoming episodes of I'm a Huge Fan: Britney Spears!

Editor's Pick

4 Reasons Simon Cowell Wants You to Watch The X Factor

The X Factor's second season premieres on Wednesday with some big changes (least of which are new judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato).

The X Factor's second season premieres on Wednesday with some big changes (least of which are new judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato). Another difference is the show will now be competing with The Voice, and Simon Cowell has a few things for you to consider in the midst of such a heated climate for televised music competitions. Cowell recently hopped on the phone with reporters, and here are his arguments for why you should be watching The X Factor.

  1. They're bringing the drama. Cowell contends that this year, they're showing more of the backstage "bitchiness" than last year. "You're definitely seeing way more of how the contestants interact with each other, and how they prepare for the auditions," he said. "I found it fascinating to watch because this is the first time (even though I've done this a long time) I genuinely believe I know what it's like to be a contestant on this show."
  2. New judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato are no pushovers. "We have no control over these two whatsoever and there are many, many times where we disagree, but that's probably what's made it more interesting this year," Cowell divulged. "Britney has taken this very seriously and she's surprisingly quite mean. In the past we've had judges who never say no. She can't say no quick enough on this show."
  3. The contestants are evolving. "I think the groups are very strong this year, particularly the 12- to 17-year-old contestants. They're like a whole new breed who actually haven't even been brought up on these talent shows before. They've been influenced by what they see on YouTube, social networking, and stuff like that. They've brought something very interesting to the show."
  4. The folks over at NBC don't want you to see it. Cowell is still reeling from the news that The Voice extended its premiere by an extra night, putting itself in a ratings competition with The X Factor. "The show looks different to anything else we've ever made before. I think this is the reason why NBC decided to put The Voice up against us. It is a spoiling tactic and it's very simple — they don't want people to see this first episode. I think it's mean-spirited, and I hope and I pray that it backfires on them because this is one of the best shows we've ever made."

Has Cowell made a good case? What will you be DVRing this Fall?

Simon Cowell

Buzz Time Machine: See Young Simon Cowell in His Television Debut

I already knew Simon Cowell is a pro at critiquing aspiring musicians, but until today, I was not aware that he's also an expert on hurricanes and jewelry stores.

I already knew Simon Cowell is a pro at critiquing aspiring musicians, but until today, I was not aware that he's also an expert on hurricanes and jewelry stores. Here he is, decades ago, on a show that seems to be a cross between The Price Is Right and Jeopardy, called Sale of the Century. Even before his major personal success, Cowell's got quite the confident grin, and I must say, he's a looker.

Check out Cowell's swagger when you read more.

The X Factor

A Shirtless Simon Cowell Gets Pranked During a Saint-Tropez Getaway

Simon Cowell spent yesterday relaxing shirtless in the South of France and catching some rays aboard a yacht.

Simon Cowell spent yesterday relaxing shirtless in the South of France and catching some rays aboard a yacht. The X Factor judge apparently got a bit more than a Saint-Tropez sea view when his good friend, Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams, mooned him from another boat. Yesterday, David tweeted, "I just mooned Simon Cowell. From a boat. That is true." Simon is enjoying some vacation time before The X Factor's return on Sept. 12. The Fox hit will see some major changes this season with the addition of new judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. During a recent panel discussion for The X Factor in LA, Simon, Britney, and Demi entertained the crowd as they bantered back and forth. The judges will face some competition of their own with NBC's The Voice returning in September and Mariah Carey joining the American Idol judges' table in January.

The X Factor

"Britney's Quite Mean" and the Best Quotes From the X Factor Judges

American Idol isn't the only reality singing competition that is getting a makeover: Simon Cowell's US version of The X Factor will get a new life thanks to judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.

American Idol isn't the only reality singing competition that is getting a makeover: Simon Cowell's US version of The X Factor will get a new life thanks to judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. The competition will be tougher than ever with The Voice getting a Fall season, but at the show's panel at the TCA, Cowell seemed confident about the changes he's made to the show. He noted that Spears and Lovato both bring a lot of personality to the show; Spears has always been his dream judge, and Lovato has her fingers firmly on the pulse of pop music.

Of course, it wouldn't be a press conference without some banter (and zingers from Cowell), so check out the best lines of the panel:

  • "I've always said the number one person I wanted was Britney because I was fascinated with her as a person and a pop star." — Cowell on why he wanted Spears on the show
  • "Britney's quite mean, which you'll discover. As sweet as a lemon." — Cowell, on what Spears brings to the table
  • "I think it's just based on who I am and my personality. In everyday life I'm just an honest person." — Spears, on Cowell's accusations that she's a mean judge
  • "Demi is a brat." — Cowell, on what Lovato is like as a judge
  • "Don't mention The Voice." — Cowell, when Lovato was asked if she watches other singing competitions
  • "No, we did not have to wear ears. No ears involved." — Spears, comparing X Factor boot camp with Mickey Mouse Club boot camp

More quotes, including Cowell's reaction to Idol's newest judge, when you read more

Britney Spears

Britney Spears Makes a Red-Hot X Factor Appearance

Britney Spears, Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, and LA Reid rolled into Providence today with a supersized entourage.

Britney Spears, Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, and LA Reid rolled into Providence today with a supersized entourage. The X Factor judges are in Rhode Island until Friday, taping live auditions. Britney stepped out in her latest sexy bandage dress while Demi arrived in a printed frock and leather vest. The panel are back on the road seeking out hot new talent after a short break in their schedule. Britney hung out in Malibu with sons Sean Preston and Jayden James, as well as her fiancé, Jason Trawick, over the weekend. The X Factor gang has a brief hiatus next week before continuing the search for America's next singing sensation in Greensboro, NC, on July 8.