039 Cowell Factor: Lily Allen frustrated from illegal downloading

Is Simon really taking the X Factor to America? Is illegal downloading such a big problem for the record industry? Lily Allen seems to think so. AND X factor gets ready to go to boot camp next week!

Back in Britain - The X Factor reveals its final 24
But first…I wanna play the Fame Game to see if I can find the real stars of tomorrow.
And this week I’ve found….Lee Whittikar from one of my favorite places, Hollywood. Lee, I absolutely love your track Waiting For You. This should be a massive hit. It kinda sounds like as if The Police have joined Coldpay. Love it!

Next up is London boy, Andy Saxton and his song In Our Place. It’s an odd song really, but the more you hear it you realize its kinda sad but actually really well written. I like you Andy, but why only one song on Fame Games?

So whats been happening in CowellWorld?

Well…the rumor mill is grinding furiously again this week over whether Simon is about to take the X Factor to America. The truth is probably, yes. But there are complicated legal issues at stake here - and also he is yet to sign a deal with Idol for 2011 and 12. So he’s saying absolutely nothing. But I’m beginning to believe it’s only a matter of time before both actually happen. Where that leaves Paula? - we’ll have to wait and see.

Meantime, while the British tabloids are busy exposing all the naughty contestants; The X Factor is down to the final 24. And next weekend we see the Judges houses when Louis goes to Italy, with the groups and Ronan Keating. Cheryl gets a helping hand from Will Young. Mmmmm.
And Danni drags out her sister again. And Simon? - in LA of course with a big bag of colourful bikinis. Sinitta’s not Simons.

And, as the BBC refuses to back down - Simon has called time on the scheduling battle. He told me. “Actually I don’t care anymore. This should be about keeping the fans of both shows happy. All I want to do is focus on getting a great winner." That’s my boy!

So here’s the thing:
I’m reliably informed that every year in Britain 7.3 million computer users illegally download music tracks. Teenagers in particular have an average of more than 800 illegally copied songs on their digital music players. In turn this costs the music industry £200 million sterling.

And according to singer Lily Allen - she’s up in arms about it. And I reckon she’s got a point.
She says…illegal file sharing damages music because it harms new artists.

Lily adds...When you start off in your music career, you need money to establish and promote yourself, and pay for your material to be recorded. This money comes from music sales, because when you are a new artist you can’t make enough from gigging or selling t-shirts. If you can’t sell your music, you can’t go on.

Ok Lily - I get it. File sharing cuts off income for the cash-strapped emerging artists - which means that a generation of new artistes won’t be able to break through. Mmmmm.

Since speaking out about it - Some people have attacked Lily Allen saying - Hey, you’re rich now - so what are YOU moaning about?

But I do think she’s got a point. As musicians, and song writers I guess you too have a kind of duty to try and help stop piracy. If there is that kind of drain on the music industry - to the tune of 200 mill - then it must have an effect on the record labels spending on new artists. Surely?

So what can we do?
Do YOU ever download illegally? And is it as big a problem as Lily Allen says it is. I wanna know.
Email me at tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!

038 Cowell Factor: Paula fans speak out!

The X factor gets ready to go to boot camp next week. At long last…. Meanwhile, Susan Boyle wows America with her first single!
And coming up…Boy! Do you have a lot to say about Ellen joining Idol.

But first…never mind the X Factor - we’ve got talent right here in the Fame Games talent bank.

And this week I’ve found Australian singer songwriter Emily Maguire. Emily, I love your song The Real World. It’s the only one I can find on Fame Games - so let’s hear some more.

Now I’ve always been a fan of crazy man Sunset Slim. And I like the new song Beautiful Day to be Bad.” And I agree with one reviewer – It’s very Reservoir Dogs. Love it Slim!

So what’s been happening in Cowell world??

Well…the news that Ellen Degeneres will join the Idol judging panel seems to have you up in arms……

Jenice Beatty writes:
I love how the core Idol fans are revolting over this whole Ellen thing. I think the fact that Simon hasn't publicly spoken about Ellen speaks volumes. I agree TONY…Simon already takes care of OUR voice...we don't need Ellen.

And Lily Holiday adds:
I think Ellen is a big mistake. It makes the show a joke... come on... she has NO credibility as a judge? She has absolutely no expertise in the music industry.

Mmmm - good point Lily.

Meanwhile..as the X Factor gets set to go to boot camp next week the tables are already being laid for Simon's birthday party next month.
The mirrors are being strategically placed, and the champagne put on ice. My tux has been dry cleaned and I’m good to go. My only hope is that Britain’s biggest wannabe rock singer, Kate Moss changes her plan to ruin the night-- by singing! Please Kate, just leave it to Leona.

So here’s the thing…..
If you could have found a bookmaker willing to take the bet — which is doubtful — you could have made a fortune betting that Susan Boyle’s first single would be a 38-year old Rolling Stones classic.
Boyles version, in my opinion, transforms "Wild Horses" from a complicated account of emotional confusion to a simple exclamation of longing. Proof surely that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are vastly underrated as songwriters.

The fact is America appears to love Boyle - but love has many facets - so perhaps they fell in love with the fact that an ordinary woman was suddenly plucked from obscurity to become a superstar?

While Boyle’s star continues to shine brightly,there is, in Britain, a rising backlash against the exploitation of realty TV contestants??

Stars of reality TV shows should be paid the minimum wage, says the entertainment union Equity.
They accuse programme makers of 'exploiting and humiliating' vulnerable people by misleading them into thinking they can succeed in the entertainment industry - Claiming reality shows are the 'modern equivalent of a Victorian freak-show'. mmm

Apparently The Government is currently reviewing the protection of children on TV shows after 10-year-old Britain's Got Talent’s, Hollie Steel broke down in tears. My god…we have come along way.

And a poll by British newspaper The Guardian found that 67 per cent thought Susan Boyle had been exploited after she suffered a breakdown.

The truth is - they say - is that Boyle is a vulnerable and exploited middle aged woman. Her fairy tale did come true, but at a high physical and mental cost.

Look…what equity is really saying is ….‘Britain HAS got talent...so let's pay them.’ But the problem lies with human nature Equity - the whole world thinks they have talent! And every kid, and middle aged women with a dream…. want to be famous.

So have the talent police got a point? What do you think? Email me at tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!

037 Cowell Factor

Ellen Degeneres joins the Idol judging panel - a bad idea - or an inspired one? Meantime there’s a rumour that Paula Abdul could join the X Factor panel. True or false? I find out!

And Beatle fans queue up to buy the new remastered albums. Good for the music biz or just more easy money?

But first – let’s break into the Fame Games talent bank and grab a fistful of hits.
Now I mentioned NY band Underwhelmed before - but guys I love your new track Freak (Like Me). Don’t stop what your doing. Cos it works.

And you know by now that I like a bit of country music and this week the spotlight falls on Nashville’s Heather Wiggins. Your track, A Lot Like Georgia is brilliant! - I love the passion in your voice.

So what’s been going on in Cowellworld?

Well….the big story this week is US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has been named as the new judge of 'American Idol'. Yes, she’s the one who will be taking over Paula‘s seat…next to Simon. But already she has begun to worry me. Ellen says…"Hopefully, I'm gonna be the people's point of view because I'm just like you, I sit at home and I watch the show. ‘That’s the person I relate to and whose records I’m going to buy.’ I hope to be that voice.”

But that’s Simon's voice Ellen - isn’t it?

Meanwhile, there’s another Paula rumour doing the rounds that she may be joining Simon on the panel of the X Factor. Mmmm…I’m not so sure about this one. If it’s true - and Simon won’t tell me - yet. It’s more likely for X Factor US style - rather than the UK show. So…make what you will of that - conspiracy theorists.

So here’s the thing….. While Beatle fans queue to buy copies of the newly re-mastered albums Simon revealed that he thinks The Beatles would have failed the auditions for The X Factor. He’s probably right.

Simon said he would have turned down the Fab Four – unless they dropped drummer Ringo Starr. Fair enough!

Though Simon was quick to jump on the Beatles PR bandwagon he conveniently forgot to mention that the first time he heard me playing their records in my smoky bedroom - he fell in love with them. The Beatles were the bedrock of his musical education. Till he found Robson & Jerome that is then it all went downhill.

Diehard fans of The Beatles have been waiting for this moment for decades. But you know what I’m going to say don’t you? It’s taken years for these to be remastered - and I’m sure they sound great. But come on…it’s just another blatant easy money maker for the labels. Simple, easy, loads of cash. Invest in the past and not in the future.

But you know what? In a way anyone of my generation can be forgiven for coming over all nostalgic when the Beatles are mentioned.

To be honest, once I grew out of the “She Loves You” phase- I got more into The Stones, The Doors, and Dylan. However, the closest I ever came to meeting the Beatles was one weird night when I got to go to George Harrison’ gothic mansion, Friar Park in Henley. It is not something I would forget. The door was opened by Ravi Shankar. Then the next thing I know I’m sitting in George’s 16 track studio - playing his drum set with Ravi Shankar on Sitar. Weird I know. But not as weird as the magical mystery tour we then embarked upon in the underground caves which ran beneath George’s garden. We sat in tiny boats and rowed through these spooky natural caves full of twinkly lights and the sound of Ravi’s mystical sitar. It’s no wonder George loved that house where he recorded all his solo albums right there in that studio.

You see I can remember the 60’s - or some of it anyway.

And Now back to the future - And just a quick shout out to another of my favourite Fame Games band. Nashville band Philos: I just heard your song, Come Drive. And Kenny Foster! You have one great rock voice.

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!

036 Cowell Factor

Never mind Robbie Williams - Get ready for Boyle mania as Susan’s album is already number 1 in America!

Meanwhile - AVRIL LAVIGNE takes her seat as a guest judge on Idol - who’s next? Obama???

But before all that – let’s kick down the door to the Fame Games talent bank. And it never takes too long for me to unearth a gem. And Scotland has a habit of producing little gems - in the form of The Genevieve’s. Your song Forgive Me has a kind of haunting quality. Cute.

Now we turn to the Fame Games Hall of Fame to get some Kelly Pettit. And you know what Kelly? I actually prefer it when you’re doing your country thing. Just love your song World Is Turning.

So what on earth has been going on in Cowell world???
Well, Avril Lavigne is set to join AMERICAN IDOL as a guest judge during the final two days of auditions in Los Angeles. I’m a big fan of Avril’s music - she’s hugely talented - but is she right for Idol?

Well compared to Victoria Beckham - Yes

And despite being 2 and a half months before Susan Boyle’s debut album is released - so many fans have been pre-ordering on Amazon that it is now Number 1 in the US. My god!
The album is actually released on November 24th - which is a bit odd really as Adam Lambert's album is due out the same day. Mmm, I bet Adam never thought he would be up against Susan Boyle!

According to US press TV viewers are getting tired of Americas Got Talent because none of the contestants really hit the spot - one US magazine stated The X Factor has way more talent even in the audition stages … Danyl Johnson, Daryl Markham to name a few. So - is this what Simon always wanted? The chance to take The X Factor to America and give the people what they want. Watch…This…Space…

So here’s the thing……
A recent poll on The X Factor website claimed that 45% of viewers thought that Simon has turned into "Mr. Softie." Mmmmm! But even funnier is that 35% thought he risked losing his place as the meanest X Factor judge. Really? Who to? Louis?!!

Some people reckon that he has toned down things after the backlash when he made ten year old Hollie Steel cry on Britain’s Got Talent. Did you see that? Then of course you had the Boyle Factor. When Susan had that little…well…meltdown.

But I couldn’t’t help but wonder….doesn’t Simon have a huge responsibility to ensure that the young kids on these shows, as well as contestants like Susan, are looked after? Of course he does, and he is taking this issue very seriously.

Look…. Simon’s hasn’t changed. He’s always been the King of the cutting comment. I can vouch for that - I’ve been on the end of many a snarky remarks! This year Simon is being extra careful with the youngsters - and that’s good to see. After doing this for 8 years I think he’s more comfortable showing his softer side.

But, will it last????

If you think Simon’s gone soft this year email me at tony@famegamesradio.com - and let’s try and make him hard again..

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!

035 Cowell Factor

Simon launched the X Factor with the immortal words: "Thank God' we're back." I agree.

Danyl gets over 1 million hits on U Tube and is hailed as the next Susan Boyle - in more ways than one. And coming up, Simon tells me what he thinks about the new X Factor format. But first I’ll pop into the Fame Games talent bank …

Tune in to hear ALL – plus - the last word on the Paula Abdul affair, what I love most about Fame Games, and in my opinion, what makes a great new song a GREAT new song.

Listen now at www.famegamesradio.com.

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!

034 Cowell Factor

I've been at the X Factor press launch - well I was the only Cowell in town. And the show? You're gonna love it. And so far, no sob stories.

And on this week's Cowell Factor…..more of your Paula Abdul conspiracy theories…. Including your latest? Is Paula pregnant?

I can’t imagine who I could ask about that...!

So what’s been happening in Cowell World?

Well, with Simon in LA - and Louis having his teeth whitened, it was down to Sinitta and I to amuse the press at the X Factor launch party. And….as Simon’s little helper…I couldn’t wait to find out what her role will be on the show?

Meanwhile Simon promises to help Paula Abdul get her job back on Idol. But Is it all too little too late? Once again, my mailbox is full of emails asking this very question, but you'll have to tune in to hear all about it.

Listen here or, at www.famegamesradio.com.

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!

033 Cowell Factor

It’s X Factor frenzy as Madonna and Robbie Williams are finally confirmed as mentors. Meanwhile - back in La La land - Victoria Beckham employs a vocal coach before judging on American Idol - And guess what? She was still crap!

And my god - I’ve never had so many emails in my life since I mentioned two precious little words - Paula Abdul

So what’s been going on in Cowell World?
Speculation over Simon leaving American Idol next year turns out to be much ado about nothing because I can reveal he’s finalizing his contract with Fox for another three seasons. And just so you know DJ Krier - The deal bumps his salary from $36 million to $45 million.

Ah but does that matter? - As things will never be the same without Paula.

And guess what? It’s only a week before the X Factor starts And the British tabloids are wetting themselves with excitement after finally getting confirmation that both Madonna AND Robbie Williams are going to be mentors. Not content with that - Simon’s phone must be red hot as he’s managed to convince both Whitney Houston AND Rihanna to guest on the show. There’s also a wee rumour that U2 may play live at the final - so watch this space…..

I’ve been talent hunting down in the Fames Games talent bank: And this week I’ve found Christopher Joel from Nashville, TN - Your song Fantasy World, Chris is really cool.

And I just have to mention Keegan Smith again. I’ve talked up his song Smile on the Cowell Factor before. But seriously, this guy is probably the most polished performer I’ve heard on Fames Games this year. Check out his album Special Delivery. Keegan Smith deserves to be absolutely huge. And please…let me know what you think.

So here’s the thing.

I definitely hit a sensitive spot with you last week when I mentioned Paula Abdul.
Well, as the dust settles and the reality dawns on us that Paula has actually left Idol. It’s all rather sad.

Media cynics believed that Paula would be unlikely to find a job as lucrative as idol - yet - one week later, Paula is already being courted by ABC, NBC, and “So You Think You Can Dance.” While her future is anything but certain, the notion that Paula had nowhere else to go is nonsense.

But Paula’s departure leaves bitter feelings on both sides. Her determination to blag more money from Fox was borne of a feeling that producers had undermined and disrespected her for years, - And yes - I think they have.

Frankly, I blame her manager for going public in an attempt to get a better deal from Fox. Bad move, you don’t negotiate with someone like Fox by using twitter - just ask Simon.

Now listen - I’ve had literally hundreds of emails from you - and most of you are really angry that Paula wasn’t saved.

(Listen to the podcast to hear some of the great emails I recieved)

So listen up all you Paula fans because I have a little theory I want to share with you. Paula’s being offered jobs left right and centre - most of which I hope she rejects. Because I have a feeling that, very soon, we’re going to see Simon and Paula back together on TV - in a brand new talent show.

I’m Tony Cowell - and this is………… The Cowell Factor. Listen to the full podcast here!

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!