021 Cowell Factor

Check out this blog and podcast to find out how you can win tickets to the X Factor Final and meet Simon Cowell!!

What an upset! - THE UNDERDOG wins American idol. Kara strips down to her undies. Simon’s late for the show because he was having vitamin injections! Yes...this is a regular day in Hollywood!

So….the fresh-faced boy from Arkansas beats a theatrical guy who wears leather and eyeliner. But why…Is it because America’s not ready to crown a guy who looks like Liza Minnelli? Or is it that American Idol has become like American Airlines; in that nowadays you get far less for your money and it takes much longer to reach your destination.

So how did Idol end for you? Were you satisfied with the result? Or were you just like Simon - who couldn’t care less.

Oh come on…I know you all secretly couldn’t help yourself watch the final - even though what you SHOULD have being doing was what I’ve been telling you to do.
Write more songs
Keep in the zone
Focus
Believe in yourself.
Don’t be distracted.
Don’t be fazed by rejection.
And… keep on Gigging.
Remember what Simon said….build up your own fan base by playing live - then its so much harder for the record labels to ignore you.

So?…..have you done all that? - well have you?????

Listen to this podcast and hear my daily diary from this past week as I was behind the scenes at the American Idol Finale!

Next week I will be reporting from the final week of Britain’s Got Talent - and, as well as my exclusive interview with Simon, I’ll be talking to Susan Boyle. Why? Well……not for fashion advice that’s for sure.

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Cowell Factor EXCLUSIVE

So….back to Idol. And now I wanna know from YOU…should Adam Lambert have won -
or is he NOW merely destined to duet with Susan Boyle on her new album?

I wanna know from you...exactly what you think about the Idol result. Was it fair that Kris won?

If not tell me why...AND...the best email could win you tickets to the final of this summer's X Factor in London where the winner will join me and go backstage to meet Simon and the winners. So………………. No emails? No tickets. Send your emails to tony@famegamesradio.com

...To hear my full podcast, listen here or subscribe FREE through I-tunes. You can also go to http://www.meermusic.com/ and http://www.famegamesradio.com/ to listen to by podcast every week and to check out all the artists I name each week in the Cowell Factor!

The Cowell Factor

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

020 Cowell Factor

I may not be botox free - but at least Fame Games is karaoke free. Boy…does this Cowell need his indy fix!

I’ve finally escaped the madness of Hollywood - only to find London in the grip of Britain’s Got Talent fever. So I’d best not mention that The X Factor auditions have just kicked off had I?

But first …..As I left Simon in Hollywood to sort out an Idol winner by next Wednesday - I was seriously impressed that he managed to pick a U2 song for Adam to sing. At last he’s warming to rock after all those years in the cheesy pop wilderness.

Look, Idol is OK when you are there in the thick of a live show. You see it for what it really is - great TV - with last weeks show getting a titanic 88 million votes. Can you believe that? But you know what? - I have to take my hat off to this guy Adam Lambert - He’s the best all round entertainer this competition has ever seen. And if he wins (which he will) he’ll be the first male singer (or shall we say boy singer) capable of selling trillions of records.

But… so long Idol - its been great to see you. Now I wanna get back to real music - right here in the Fame Games talent bank………..And I’ve stepped outside the rock box this week because I think these guys deserve some credit. My first pick is classical pianist Corrado Rossi. Your track In a Whisper is superb and would make a brilliant film soundtrack

Next up is London folk band Clayton - who write great folksy pop songs. Lindsay - Your vocal on the track Two Days Out of Seven - is absolutely stunning.

So here’s the thing - Love him or loathe him American Idol finalist Adam Lambert has so much vocal talent -why have we not heard of him prior to Idol? Where has he been?

For me, Adam’s back story illustrates precisely how hard it really is to break-through in this business. Fame is a fickle mistress. And for those who wanna court her - you’d better be prepared to be patient.

The paradox is…. we live in a fame epidemic - it's like a disease. Everyone wants to be famous. But yet its still so hard to actually grasp fame - to get your hot little fingers round it.

The easiest way to handle this - is not to seek fame - but rather to seek success. To want to be famous is a little…well… crude. (Not even Simon wanted to be famous) It came organically through hard work.

...To hear my full podcast, listen here or subscribe FREE through I-tunes. You can also go to http://www.meermusic.com/ and http://www.famegamesradio.com/ to listen to by podcast every week and to check out all the artists I name each week in the Cowell Factor!

I’m off to Hollywood now for the finale of Idol where I’ll be reporting exclusively for Fame Games. Apparently I will get to see Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, and Keith Urban perform. email me please at tomy@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

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

019 Cowell Factor

This week I’m coming to you live from Hollywood, as I go to check out American Idol live!

What a show it was…ROCK week. But the downside, Paula Abdul decides to make a pop comeback by lip-syncing!!

So finally American Idol decides to get serious and do rock week and did it work, because 64 million people voted…an all-time record.

But before I let to much California sunshine get to my head, let's find out what’s in this week’s Fame Games talent bank. ‘Cause let’s face it! This is the future of where rock lives.

Now while the staff are selecting their own top artists, I’m going to pick my top three!

Listen to this podcast to find out which Fame Games artists I pick as my top 3 as well as other behind-the-scenes news at American Idol, Britain’s Got Talent and X Factor news about Leona Lewis!

The Cowell Factor

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

018 Cowell Factor

As Adam Lambert dreams of being buried in confetti at the Kodak Theatre - Idol gets ready to rock - as next week legendary Guns and Roses guitarist Slash gets to mentor the top 4. About time too!!

But first…..
Lets talk rock…while All Day Sucker maybe more my kind of music - Stella Blackrose a band from Denmark really hit me with their hypnotic catchy rock tunes. Have to Leave You is the standout track for me and I love the fact you have a brilliant female lead vocalist. I’m not surprised you attracted Zeppelin producer Stuart Epps to work with you!

Now I know I’ve mentioned Stars Go Dim before - but so what - I love them. And I’ve just heard a pre-release of their new song Love Gone Mad. I absolutely adore this song. You know what I’ve just realised who lead vocalist Chris Cleveland reminds me of. John Waite - You know - the guy who sang Missing You. And I used to be John’s publicist way back when. Stars Go Dim just got a whole lot brighter . I love you guys and you are definitely gonna make it big!

Now while that Susan Boyle woman continues to impress and annoy all at the same time. Simon has made his feelings quite clear. He Says that she needs to stop being distracted otherwise it could all go wrong. But you what? People are now saying ‘Enough already Boyle!! Yea, I’ve had enough too. I genuinely hope she doesn’t win the show. Get that ghastly leather jacket off - and be yourself girl.

So lets rock on. You know what? I’ve probably been around longer than Rolling Stone magazine - but thanks to botox I think I’m ageing better. Yet the magazine - still pulls in the star interviews but they’re kinda stuck with that whole sixties vibe. At the same time I was drawn to their list of Top 500 songs of all time. Which, as you would expect, is made up of Beatles, Dylan, Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin -The Clash. Songs you can't ignore - and some that genuinely stand the test of time. London Calling - and Nirvana’s Teen Spirit come quickly to mind.

But I couldn’t help but wonder…what that chart would look like in 20 years time. What songs of today will actually become classics? I guess we could expect some Snow Patrol, Keane or ColdPlay - and for good reason. But would there be a Beyonce song in there? Or a Lady Gaga? I don’t know.

But you know what? I genuinely believe there are artists close to home at Fame Games that definitely have the talent to write songs that will stand the test of time.

When YOU sit down to write a song - do you stop and think… I want to write a song that will live forever? It’s a hell of a challenge isn’t it. But look around at what is out there now.

What is that magic quality that makes a song a classic?

So Come on…..you’re the writers - you tell me.
Email me at Tony@famesgamesradio.com

Now I’m off to get another shot of Botox as next week I’ll be talking to you from LA. The hear what else I said, listen to this podcast!

The Cowell Factor

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

017 Cowell Factor

Well I’m back from Vegas and I can confirm DJ Crier is officially the loudest person in Las Vegas. When I left Vegas there was only two words on everyone’s lips…Fame Games!

Meanwhile, back at The Cowell Factor, I dive straight back into the Fame Games talent bank to continue my search for some hot new breakout artists.

Meanwhile as American Idol insiders continue to argue whether to keep Kara on as a judge for next season it comes as no surprise that the news this week is that the show has made over $600 million dollars from CD sales alone. In total that’s 8.2 billion dollars over 8 years.
Mmmm….No wonder Simon wants a salary rise.

And Next week I can reveal that the remaining contestants get to sing songs made famous by the Rat pack - and for those to young to remember -- that means Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior. So yes, so yesterday.

Now it’s time to head down to the Fame Games talent bank - and this week I’ve singled out 17 year old Lee B from Israel. Lee, you have a great tone and range to your voice. And your songs have a certain innocent charm about them. I do believe you could have a big hit on your hands with your song Smile.

Now you know me - I like a bit of R&B and this week Puerto Rico born Josy B caught my eye. I found your song Think It Over and I love your sound and the way you blend hip-hop with R&B.

So here’s the thing…..With my jet lag still lingering along with the sound of DJ Crier’s beautiful voice - I’m going to continue my rant on Susan Boyle.

It’s kinda hard for me to fathom just why this wee Scottish lass who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent is now the biggest breakout star who has yet to make a record. The whole world is blogging about her.

And, get this, the news is that NOW, people are saying she was a plant. That the whole thing was orchestrated behind the scenes by SIMON.

Well, let me put you straight. Nobody on the show knew this would happen. And Simon hadn’t even heard her rehearse. Look at his face on that you tube clip - that’s genuine shock! Even he can’t act that well!

If I’m being honest it was simply just one of those magical moments that happened purely by chance.

But here’s the thing….what did I say last week? I hope she doesn’t change. I hope she sticks to her guns and keeps her own quirky look.

But no – it’s happened already. Just yesterday… Susan Boyle had a dramatic makeover. Gone is the grey hair and granny dress - her hair has been cut and coloured chestnut brown ….and wait for it……she was pictured sporting a leather jacket. Oh lordy!!!! Here we go.

What can we expect her to wear on the show next week - high heels and a mini skirt? I can’t wait. Showbiz just got better.

In the meantime… if you’ve got anything interesting to tell me - just email me at tony@famesgamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

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

016 Cowell Factor

They say fairy tales can come true and a little lady from Scotland stepped up onto the Britian’s Got Talent stage and proved that! .

But what is going on with American Idol and its seemingly predictable final? The big question this week is: Where are the rest of the contestants? Is it just me or is this competition over already?! This is a talent show with only one talent, Adam Lambert! Oh, and Simon too!

So now welcome to the Fame Games Talent bank!! I’m keeping with the Brit Band scene this week and for good reason. I was pleased to a band called the Dastards who get a lot of things right, including their name! Your song FlashLight is Ok, but I prefer your song Take a Left, it’s so infectious. I like the things you’re doing, so keep doing more.

Now I know I’ve mentioned the London duo, Edian before, but so what? I just love these harmonies and this whole acoustic sound. Your song No Reason illustrates exactly what you do best. This song is so hot! I would like to see you guys play live! Could I? Well where?

So this is how the fame game works: one day you’re living in a two bedroom cottage in Scotland and the next day you have a date on Oprah Winfrey! Now that’s what I call a fairy tale!! Now it seems that everyone knows who Susan Boyle is, thanks to her YouTube clip from Britian’s Got Talent, but what does this really tell us?

What I like is that her performance proves that fame has nothing to do with age, it has nothing to do with looks, it’s about talent and self-belief! How determined was this lady to never give up and to follow her dreams! It also proves just how powerful the internet really is! It proves how instant fame can be.

But isn’t that what we’re doing at Fame Games? Trying to create instant fame? And what happened to Susan should prove that anything is possible.

So my message is: Don’t ever give up on your dreams. Susan didn’t!

I’m heading to Vegas and I hear dj crier is going to be there! So I may take more than Mom’s gin while I’m there!

If you need me, 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!!

015 Cowell Factor

This week, I find out why the music industry has hit rock bottom! They’re selling downloads at 30p!!

Here on Fame Games is a wash with talent. It’s time for me to unveil to more Fame Games stars in waiting! My pick of the week has got to be Alexx Calise! You’re probably one of the most exciting artists I’ve ever heard on Fame Games!!! Listening to your single “Out of Sight” was like listening to Kelly Clarkson, but only BETTER!

I also have to mention Detroit singer, Terry Thomas! You’re just “Mr. Soul” Terry and you have that whole LOVE thing going on! You have a brilliant voice and you know exactly what you’re doing with it!

A quick shout-out to the band All Day Sucker, thanks for your email! You asked me if I know anyone on the inside at American Idol? Well, not anymore I don’t. It’s no longer called Idol, it’s called the Adam Lambert show!

How many people get a standing ovation from Simon? Well…Adam did! But the last person Simon stood up for was the Queen, so what does that say? I bet the other contestants really love Adam….NOT!

And just when you think things couldn’t get any worse, former Idol minx Kellie Pickler return to the show to remind us that she still has the hots for Simon!

And here’s my Idol scoop: Next week’s theme is music from the movies. Quentin Tarantino will mentor?! But how can someone who doesn’t sing mentor? But…Jennifer Hudson and Miley Cyrus will perform!

So the giant retailer Amazon slashed the price of downloads to 30p. No wonder the music business is on its butt!! Isn’t just devaluing music?

How would YOU feel about selling a song that took you months to write for just 30p?? So what are you going to do? I want to know what you’re gonna do. Email me tony@famegamesradio.com and give me your opinion!!

Here’s another tip, author Bob Baker has written a brilliant book called the Guerrilla Music Handbook. It’s full of tips on how to market yourself as an Indie artist!
http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/music_marketing.htm

To listen hear what else I had to say this week, listen to the full podcast!

The Cowell Factor

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