048 Cowell Factor: Louis tells me about Jeward's future!

Is Paula Abdul the New Oprah? I hope not. Back in London…I get the scoop from X Factor judge Louis Walsh - about what the future holds for Jedward. What future?! And coming up…who are the most influential artists of the century.

But first, it’s time to check in down at the Fame Games talent bank. I’m a sucker for a good lyrical story - and I found one this week in Nashville, TN, folk singer Laurie McClain. Your song He smiled Like an Angel has it all. Vocally it’s compelling - and you definitely know how to deliver a song Laurie.

Mmmm…I seem to have gone all mellow this week because I also really like Aussie band The Sparkling Arrest. Your song Skyman is really good. It reminds me of the Waterboys - May I suggest something? - Strip it back and do a 3 minute version - you may then have a hit on your hands.


So what’s been going on in Cowell World? Ohhhh - quite a lot - I can tell you!

As Jedwood finally get booted off the X Factor - their mentor Louis Walsh told me they could now make millions - and does Simon wears too much make up?

Listen to my podcast now to hear me talk with Louis!

Now back to the US - and you’re still going on about everything Idol AND X Factor.

Donna emailed me and said,

Tony, I can't figure out whether or not you actually like Cheryl Cole. Because I think your brother is madly in love with her. Body language says a lot and I don't think he'll sit that close to Ellen on Idol next season.

Donna - actually, I do like Cheryl…and I can assure you Simon does too. But look we’re not fighting over her - Simon’s not in love with anyone - except himself.

But yes, he’s very comfortable with Cheryl - and they definitely work well together. As for Ellen and Simon? Mmm…watch out for musical chairs.

And Paula says that she wants to do a talk show. She said, “It would be fun to jam with the band and have amazing guests and introduce different formats on the show.” Mmmmmm - don’t believe it ----is this just another red herring Paula???

So here’s the thing…this week - The British music magazine ‘Q’ launched their Who’s Who of Pop and Rock Royalty of the Century. Bit early in the century but anyway …there’s 34 of them to be exact. And just to be clear, the magazine claims that all 34 artists are there because they are influential, (mmmmm) - and have significantly shaped our musical tastes since the year 2000. OK let’s take a look. The magazine sites Amy Winehouse, Coldplay (yuk!) Paul McCartney, U2, Lily Allen, Kings of Leon, Noel Gallagher - Muse, Snow Patrol, and Mark Ronson,

Mmmm, no X Factor winners then.


I don’t mean to be rude but…it seems to me that with the inclusion of McCartney and U2, the magazine has gone for influential rather than musical achievement. What has McCartney done recently? Also, the best U2 material was like…20 years ago? And if the truth be told - none of these artists are real independents. And why no Blur, or Kasabien? Or even Lady Gaga?

You know what Q? – You’re boring me!

I wanna know from YOU - which artists do you think have really made an impact over the past ten years- and make sure there’s some indie’s in there. Email me at tony@famegamesradio.com
I’m Tony cowell - and you’ve just heard the Cowell Factor

The Cowell Factor

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

047 Cowell Factor: Who’s writing today’s anthemic rock songs?

America has spoken, you will boycott Idol. Back in London, Mariah Carey’s on the X factor - with SuBo.And coming up: Who’s writing today’s anthemic rock songs? I find out!

But first, it’s time to check in down at the Fame Games talent Bank. I’ve found Courtney Dickinson. Just love your song Falter. You are a little Taylor Swift - but how bad’s that? More songs please Courtney. And someone else whom I’m desperate to hear more from is Nashville’s Michael Estok. I’m soooo impressed with your song Burning Bridges. Brilliant vocal - love this song. Very, very impressive.

So what’s been going on in CowellWorld?

The battle hots up as Idol winner Kris Allen goes head-to-head with runner-up Adam Lambert. Kris's album hit the stores on Tuesday, six days before Lambert's. Who will win the chart battle? Well…different audiences I think - but hey you know what? - I’ll forgive the Script cover - because at least Kris has written most of the tracks himself. And I’ve got tell you…I really like what I’ve heard. I genuinely hope he does well.

So…it’s official - you will boycott Idol. Your emails prove it.

Ann says:
Yes, I will boycott American Idol. The show is nothing without Paula. Randy is a great guy, but let’s face it, without Paula & Simon, he’s nothing. And Kara who?? She has no personality, no charm and isn't even remotely interesting. Ellen has absolutely no business being on this show she is simply not qualified. BTW, that picture of Simon and Paula is so adorable! :) Tony ... I think they were always in love and always will be.

Ann - you’re breaking my heart!

So here’s the thing…John Lennon said, Song writing is about getting the demon out. It's like being possessed. You try to go to sleep, but the song won't let you.

While Lennon was indeed responsible for writing some of the greatest songs ever, I couldn’t help but wonder…who is writing the big anthemic rock songs of today?

There are no rules for writing great songs. But what you do need is inspiration. And…so I’m told…the only two inspirations for great song writing are Love and Death. Mmmm.

The term "anthemic" means music with an emotive connotation to it. Huge, euphoric stand alone tracks that make you hold your lighter in the air and go all dewy-eyed.

These are the songs that if you only wrote one - it becomes so huge you could live off the royalties forever.

In the past it would mean songs like Hey Jude, The Who’s My Generation, Bowie’s Starman, U2’s One, Lynard Skinard’s Freebird maybe. But this is all rock history. Rich history I admit. But who’s writing today’s rock anthems? And will they stand the test of time?

Well…I guess Oasis need a mention for Wonderwall.

But for me…Snow Patrol leads the way when it comes to contemporary rock anthems. Chasing Cars is an s good as it gets - though the song may well prove to be a ball and chain around the feet of the band. And what about Coldplay? Is Yellow a rock anthem? Probably yes. But I don’t know what it is about this band - but I don’t like them.

Still, a band that I’m convinced will stand the test of time are The Killers. My god…don’t you wish you’d written a song like… All These Things that I’ve Done. ‘Cause you do. And you can. Just remember the other John Lennon quote about song writing. Where he says…“One night I spent 5 hours trying to write a song that was meaningful and good, and I finally gave up and lay down. Then, 'Nowhere Man ' came to me, words and music, the whole damn thing, all in one go.”

Now there’s inspiration for you.

I’m Tony Cowell - and you’ve just heard the Cowell Factor

Email me and tell me who do YOU think is writing today's anthemic rock songs: Tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

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

046 Cowell Factor: Simon causes X Factor controversy

Simon gets in hot water on the X Factor. Jedward are getting noticed in the US - so please take them! And coming up, I find out how you make money as an indie artist without selling your soul to a major label!

But first…it’s time to check in down at the Fame Games talent Bank. Now I know I’ve mentioned Scottish band Logan before but so what? I’ve been listening to your song Something Else. And Kenny Loggins you have one great rock voice - no wonder John Bon Jovi likes you. But I still prefer your song Somewhere.

And talking of voices - a quick shout out to Gareth Asher in Atlanta. Just looooove the new song Crave.
So what’s been going on in CowellWorld?

Well…Simon is causing chaos and controversy on the X Factor - I just love meeting people that don’t watch this show - and then I hear myself having to describe the twins. Well…you may hate the twins - but ITV clearly love them as the price now for a 30-second commercial on the show has risen to £250,000!!

And you guys in the US are clearly watching the show on the web as Tiffanie Knight from Tennessee proves
She says - Hey Tony!
I'm sure your show is fuming with Cowell/Xfactor controversy. Being a huge Simon supporter, I must say what he did on last week's show is classic Simon. He is famous for creating shows that leave it up to the public. Had Lucie's fans actually VOTED she would have NEVER been in the bottom two. I admire Simon for sticking to what he does in letting Britain decide their fate. Anyone who gives Simon stick for his decision clearly doesn't appreciate the "Cowell way." Like the decision or not, he's a television genius.
How right you are I Tiffany.

Also, I’m extremely grateful to Kimberley Thurau for the heart warming pics she sent me of Simon and Paula - which you can see on my blog page - ahh, those happy times when they both looked well…almost…in love! But that was then.

Meanwhile I hear that next season Idol is going to do its “Idol Gives Back.” You know…where loads of money is raised for charity and the ratings go up. But will that be enough to keep Idol in business? From what I hear from you, NO. But will you really boycot the show just because Paula is no longer there? Or will you secretly watch and not tell your friends? We’ll see.

So here’s the thing…Elton John said… no matter what record company you're with, they're going to try to hype you, because all record companies are interested in, is making money.

Mmmm….so…I couldn’t help but wonder…how do you really make money in this business without a major record label behind you? Well…PledgeMusic is one company that appear to have the answer - by helping indie artists to raise capital from their fans.

Benji Rogers, an indie artists himself, set up Pledge music a year ago along with Malcolm Dunbar - a former A&R guy from Warners and Universal.

Benji claims he got tired of playing great shows, selling loads of CD’s but never having any money. I asked Benji and Malcolm to explain how the PledgeMusic concept actually works and how it can help you.

Listen to my blog now to hear my interview with them!

Look - as these guys make clear - there will always be artists that suit the major labels. I get that. But some artists can actually prosper by taking this route. At the end of the day you want to continue to make music - so it makes sense to keep gigging - build that loyal fan base - and ensure you keep your fans with you all the way.

If you wanna know more about Pledge music - take a look at their website at http://www.pledgemusic.com/

I’m Tony Cowell - and you’ve just heard the Cowell Factor.

Email me and tell me what you think: Tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

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

045 Cowell Factor: What’s more important - the ability to sing - or the ability to entertain?

Is Idol boss Simon Fuller working with my brother to bring X Factor to America? - I have a hunch. And…what’s more important to an artist - the ability to sing - or the ability to entertain? I find out!

But first – Let’s get down into the Fame Games talent bank - and this week I have to mention Chicago band Beckon Q. I’m really impressed with your song Written On My Soul. Your voice Becky is hypnotic. Great sound.

And now up to New York for Natalie Major and your song Hide and Seek. Yea, like this a lot Natalie - and also your balled Lullaby. You have one big voice - and one big future.

So what’s been going on in CowellWorld? Some of you have emailed me saying - Tony, we’re not interested in hearing about the X Factor - We only wanna know whether there is going to be an American X Factor. And so many of you say - as Paula is no longer on idol - you wont bother to watch it next year.

Diane Andrews says:

Hey Tony.
I hope Paula & Simon will be two of the judges. I have watched a couple of episodes and I think the format is far superior to the Idol format. Especially the part where the judges sort of compete with each other. (you mean mentor Diane) It’s far more interesting than boring old Idol. Also they have groups compete, which makes it more interesting. Hope to see the show happen.

Oh It will Diane. It will.

Talking of Idol, I notice Kris Allen’s first single is a cover of The Scripts Live like We’re Dying. Mmm, covers are a bit of a cop out 19 Management. Do you like Kris? Is he your Idol - Let me know please.

By the way, I forgot to mention this a couple of weeks ago. If you thought my Simon and Simon Fuller hate each others guts - then why was Fuller at Simon’s 50th birthday party? Have they made up? Well, till Mr. Cowell takes the X Factor to America, that is. Or…is that what it’s all about -- they’re both working on this deal. Well Fuller wasn’t giving anything away. So…once again, we’ll have to wait and see.

So here’s the thing…Robbie Williams said “I’ve nothing against anyone following their dream - but not if there’re crap.” Mmm – can’t imagine what show he’s talking about.
Now Last week Simon called one of the contestants on X Factor “a singing candle.” In other words - great voice but no stage presence. She’s just motionless on stage when she sings. On the other hand The Twins can’t sing - but move around the stage like two kids possessed. So…I couldn’t help but wonder…what’s more important - the ability to sing or the ability to entertain? What is it that the record buying public actually want from you artists? Well, for two kids who can’t sing - the twins are clearly getting a hell of a lot of votes from girls who think they’re entertaining.

The twins and the singing candle are both under 21. Time enough then, for them both to learn each others skills. But whether it’s the X factor or Idol - the one thing we never know about these contestants until the shows over - is whether they can actually write songs.

As I’ve said before - that’s your pension. All my favourite Idol artists who have gone on to make a great career have been good songwriters.

So, is success all about looks then? Sure…We live in a beauty-obsessed society, so if you don’t look good, do music producers think you won’t be able to attract a large fan base?

I got to be honest, there are thousands of singers out there with a great voice - the whole world has talent. But as far as dance is concerned: You don’t have to be a ballerina, but an ability to move well on stage is kinda important. Very few artists have both qualities in abundance - though Michael Jackson comes to mind.

And what about the candle factor - stage presence. Do you bring the house down when you are on stage, or do you simply stand there and sing like the candle girl?

At the end of the day - for me, it’s always going to be about the songwriting: Ok, you have a great voice, but the reality is that if you are not writing your own songs – and great ones, too – you will, in my opinion, never have a long-term career. And that’s why I’m convinced that musical platforms like Fame Games are going to play such a huge role in the future of music.

Email me and tell me what you think, Is Kris Allen your Idol?: Tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

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

044 Cowell Factor: "This is It" or Is It?

Michael Jackson's film opens up to rave reviews, but is it really a fitting tribute to the "King of Pop." The twins heat up for ROCK week...and coming up, I have a message for Paula Abdul. Listen to my Cowell Factor NOW!

Let’s take a trip down into the Fame Games talent bank - and this week I’ve come over all retro thanks to Chicago based band The Backroom. I kinda like your song Lost Without You. It’s way too sixties but reminds me a little bit of British band The Feeling. I love it. And… just for fun…a quick call out to Victoria Aitken - with her dance track I’ll Be Your Bitch. Mmmmm - and that’s all I’m gonna say.

So what’s been goin’ on in CowellWorld? Well…I guess all you guys in the US are sick and tired of hearing me go on about the X Factor every week. Is that right?? OK – let’s talk Idol then.

Adam Lambert debuted at number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his song "Time For Miracles." Do you like it? - I do…. It’s very Adam.

But I can’t wait to see what happens when Adam’s album goes up against last years Idol winner Kris Allen - remember him? Yeaaaa, you’d forgotten hadn’t you. I think I know who’ll win that battle.

And…in just over two months time…American Idol is back on your screens - and I’ll be right there reporting on Idol for US radio so hopefully you guys will be getting a few exclusives with those who matter - and you too Simon!

Talking of those who matter…Paula Abdul still hasn't decided whether to take on judging duties on US show So You Think You Can Dance. So I’ve just sent her a text saying…Oh Paula - please take it. There are too many people that want you back on TV. So stop tweeting and call up Nigel Lithgow and do a deal.

So here’s the thing…Michael Jackson said….“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” Mmmmmm.

I couldn’t help but wonder…is Michael Jackson really loved?

It’s kind of poignant that Michael’s documentary film, and song, is called This is It. Because it is - or is it? Because it’s all so ironic when the only way to really get out of debt is to die. How crazy is that?

According to Forbes magazine Michael is now officially the third highest earning deceased celebrity, surpassing icons including Elvis and John Lennon.

Jackson earned $90 million this year, despite only being deceased four months.

Even more infuriating is how he’s now being hailed as the saviour of Sony. Michael would not be amused.

So is this documentary a fitting tribute to the King of Pop? Well, in one way, yes, given that the film proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Michael was clearly fit and able (during rehearsals anyway) to make a credible comeback at the age of 50. I say 50 because you surely have to be really fit to pull off all those signature dance routines that everyone would have expected to see. Whether he could have physically coped with the strain of completing the full 50 London shows that he was contracted to do is debatable. But the pure fact that the footage clearly demonstrates that Michael was looking so in shape makes the manner and timing of his death that much more contentious.

I guess for me the one reason to see the film is to rejoice in the fact that Michael looked so happy - and it’s proof that if he hadn’t died so tragically he would surely have been back on top for the right reasons. He had a unique talent and could indeed then have left this world knowing people loved him.
Email me and tell me what you think: Tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

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

043 Cowell Factor: Hear my exclusive interview with my brother Simon

Listen and I get a Fame Games exclusive with my brother Simon as he tells me all about Big Band week!

But first - never mind Simon...lets break into the Fame Games Talent Bank and find some real talent. This week I’ve found British singer songwriter Eva Turkoni. You know what Eva, I think you have great talent - but you seem to lack self confidence. You say in your bio, “Getting rejected is a sign of hope”. It’s not. If you want my advice…keep writing songs as good as Back Home and you will never be rejected – You will definitely succeed in this business.

And I just have to give a quick shout out to Krista Herring. I love your country song Your Letter.

So what’s been going on in Cowellworld? Well, last week I watched Whitney lose her dress on the X Factor stage - but that didn’t seem to bother Simon. I took refuge in his new £50,000 dressing room where he told me what he thought. Listen the to the interview in this blog!

Yes this week its Simon’s favourite - Big Band week and just to let you in on the secret – Westlife’s new song is called Shadows - which was written by Ryan Tedder who of course wrote bleeding love for Leona - so, it should be a cracker. So who’s going be voted off this week? Not the twins, that’s for sure because they’ve got X Factor choreographer Brian Friedman behind them…so to speak. To listen to my interview with Brian, listen to this podcast!

Some people have described her as homely - others just boring. But Susan Boyle and her music are looking pretty darn good when it comes to making history. Amazon.com says Boyle's upcoming album has become the largest CD pre-order in the history of Amazon.com. She beats marks set by Norah Jones, U2, Bruce Springsteen and Coldplay. Whatever!

So here’s the thing…Kurt Cobain said - "Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." I tend to agree. It’s like these X Factor contestants who want to be like Mariah, Christina, or god help us Amy Winehouse. So I couldn’t help but wonder, why do you want to be like someone else? Why can’t you be yourself ?

Take last years X Factor winner Alexandra Burke - who got sooooo emotional when she sang with her hero Beyonce. But In just 12 months Alex has had to grow up real fast. She had to - to survive in this business. Luckily she has the right people around her. And at only 21 she now has her own musical identity. She’s not just another Beyonce! and from what I saw of her performance on the X Factor - she’s very much her own artist. Thank god.

So many new artists tend to model themselves on celebrities, but why are they like that? Each new successful artist has a unique aura. You may not always like them - or buy their music. But the most successful artists stay true to their art. Take it from me, musical copycats will never succeed. The best new artists always tend to carve out their own niche. You have to own your own image. Break your own new ground. Be true to yourself and don’t be swayed by others who want to mould or fashion you into the current trend. If you have talent - let it out naturally. Be your own star - and don’t be celebrity led.

Kurt Cobain died tragically I Know - but through it all he was an innovator. He was always himself. And he was right. "Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are."

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!!

042 Cowell Factor: Have we crossed the line in our obsession with celebrity?

Robbie Williams makes a rather strange X Factor comeback. Leona Lewis is attacked at a book signing in London…and…Whitney Houston gets set to give the X Factor finalists a vocal master class!

But first - I gotta tell you - I’ve been down in the Fame Games Talent Bank this morning and oh boy …..have I found a hot singer.

Stefanie Shabashova - you are one classy singer. I just love your track Don’t Call Me I’ll Call You. This is such a fun sexy track - and you know what? I also love your ballad All in Time - absolutely stunning. You are definitely the most original female vocalist I have found on Fame Games for a long time.

And I just have to give a quick shout out to another girl singer…Katie Mack.
Katie - I also like your song Everytime You Come Around.

So what’s been goin’ on in CowellWorld? Well…Leona Lewis gets attacked by a loony in a book shop - which has prompted Simon to tighten up security yet again. But you know what? We’ve been here before. You can never do anything to stop a loony no matter how much security you have.
It’s very scary indeed - and I feel sorry for Leona - she’s such a normal sweet person.

Meantime… The X factor hots up and did you see Robbie Williams performance last week? I found the whole thing very uncomfortable. If you saw him - let me know your opinion please.
So who will be voted off the show this week? I spoke with X Factor voice coach the lovely Yvie Burnett - and YVIE told me she thought the two most improved contestants vocally were the Grim twins John and Edward. MMMm…..

Well…it’s Diva week this week with Whitney Houston making her comeback - so god only knows what the twins will sing. And will they get voted off this week? You know what - I don’t think they will.

So here’s the thing - So you STILL wanna be famous? You wanna write that hit song and make millions and become a celebrity do you? Well some of you do. But some of you who I’ve spoken to just want to be able to make a living out of your music. With the news that Leona Lewis was the subject of an unprovoked attack at a London bookshop…I couldn’t help but wonder - at what point does a celebrity become public property. Just because they share their talent why do they lose their claim to privacy and respect? Who signs them over to the loonies? The bullying and stalking of so many celebrities today is testimony to the fact that the line between fact and fiction, has been crossed. It’s reached a point where the boundaries have been pushed so far that the so-called fans out there who truly believe their own fantasies and delusions about whichever celebrity they attach to.

It appears the loonies shift too easily from admiring the celebrity and wanting to be like them into the danger zone of wanting to hurt them. Weird!

I remember being in LA when Terri Seymour was attacked outside the Idol studios. I was with Simon at the house when she came home. She was terrified. Moreover - she didn’t understand it. Why would some woman she had never met before grab her round the neck and try and strangle her?

Taking my mum to Simon’s party last week I was yet again reminded of what celebrities have to endure just dealing with the paparazzi. As our car reached the gates - the photographers just slammed their cameras up against the windscreen - the driver was instantly blinded - and had to stop the car. It was so dangerous. Crazy. And at that point they can’t even see who’s in the car. My 83 year old mum was terrified!

Naturallly I continue to worry about Simon - and how much he is a target. Yea, sure, there is a price to pay for fame and celebrity status. And he can throw as much money as he likes at security men - high fences, electric gates whatever.

So if a celebrity’s energy and time is being consumed in protecting themselves from bullies and stalkers they will never be completely free to share their talent with a world so scary and unpredictable.

Have we crossed the line in our obsession with celebrity?
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!!