028 Cowell Factor

As 12 year-old Shaheen sang his way into pop history at Michael Jackson’s funeral - America’s Got Talent are scratching their head wondering what on earth they have to do to find a star of their own.

So….will Simon sign him? I find out.

So what’s been going on in Cowell world…..Well…with the launch of the X Factor only a few weeks away - Madonna is being lined up to mentor this year’s finalists. And I can confirm that Simon has met with Madonna - and I do believe this will actually happen.

Last week I reported Robbie Williams was being hailed as Simon’s replacement on the judging panel. Joke yes….but I wouldn’t rule him out of being a mentor on the show - as Simon (rightly or wrongly) definitely wants to do a Robbie Williams themed week.

Now it time for me to open the door of the Fame Games talent bank - as I go in search of 2 more of my favorite artists.

I think I’ve mentioned Canadian band Full Turnout before - but actually I don’t care because I love them. Perfect Neverending is a stunning song. And yes, even my Emma loves it. So it must be good.

But guys….actually I prefer your ballad, Swept Away. And…. you know my stance on bad lyrics? - well, this song does have kinda corny lyrics - but yet somehow - just somehow - they work… because this song has a simple, haunting beauty all of its own.

And I have to give a quick shout out to NY band Underwhelmed. I think your song Washed Away really rocks. I want to hear more please. But bring up the vocal.

I had lots of emails from you following my Lousy Lyrics slot last week. - one in particular from Maggie Paz in Argentina.

MAGGIE SAYS…

Dear Tony - I HAD to tell you how much I agree with you! About Shakira’s song “Whenever, Wherever" And if you think the lyrics are ridiculous in English, have you heard them in Spanish?

No Maggie I haven’t. Well, translation makes it sound worse of course. But it goes something like this:

"I could climb the Andes if only to go and count your moles" Mmmmm…..Hilarious.

Got any more? Let me know please.

So here’s the thing…The biggest night of 12-year-old Shaheen Jafargholi’s life was meant to come next Monday; when he was due to duet with Michael Jackson at the singer’s comeback concerts here in London. But instead… he sang his way into history - after the Jackson family invited the Britain’s got talent star to sing at Michael’s memorial service.

But I couldn’t help but wonder…is child stardom such a good idea? Should he have actually been there in the first place? Was it the right time and place for him to launch his career?

Shaheen was introduced on stage by Smokey Robinson to sing Who’s Lovin’ You?, a song that, as Robinson pointed out, a nine-year-old Jackson had sung with “such knowingness and pain” — was that not a big give away in itself?

Wasn’t that the whole problem with Jackson himself - being pushed into the spotlight at such an early age.

But…not only did Shaheen have to face down a worldwide audience of 1 billion people… but right in front of him, sat the entire Jackson family, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Mariah Carey, So no pressure there, then.

And yes…he handled it well. Simon said he was fantastic. And yes…Simon does have an option to sign him.

And yes, it would be so easy to launch Shaheen as the Next Michael Jackson with an album of covers.

But he’s 12 years old for god’s sake - and lets be honest…there will only ever be…one Michael Jackson.

And for me…I would rather remember Jackson’s death for what it really was. The death of a hugely talented, yet troubled performer.

For me… it was the day the 80’s died. And so not the launch platform for a 12 year-old boy from Wales.
I’d be interested in your views as always - so email me please at Tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

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

Fame Games Radio Candid Camera: Tony Cowell Interview

Tony Cowell of the Cowell Factor speaks on Adam Lambert's pre-Idol recordings!! Don't miss out on this exclusive interview with Tony!

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027 Cowell Factor

At last,I finally get to meet the Fame Games team - and at the same time become the first British male to visit the MMI studio - and live to tell the tale. Listen NOW to this week’s Cowell Factor Podcast.

I try to keep an eye on all the talent here on Fame Games. It’s just that every now and then I’m drawn back to my favourite artists. One of these is Midori and Audioclique. I’ve just heard Her Paradise. And I adore this song. The thing is about you guys is you are so prolific - you keep on coming up with great songs. And it’s because of this I’m convinced you’re definitely gonna make it big.

And you - Jason Adamo - you have this amazing voice that is capable of such emotion. I love your song August – it’s just so compelling. You always email me Jason - which I appreciate. You are one of those artists - and I’ve said this before - who I think could be a finalist on Idol. So do it - if just for the experience- get down to Florida on 7th and 8th July and audition. You don’t have to win idol - to make a name for yourself.

So what’s been happening in Cowell world??

Well, while taking a short break from counting money - Simon tells me he is about to sign a deal with NBC to take the X factor to America - with Cheryl Cole heading up the panel. My god- is this girl gonna be busy or what? Meanwhile the British tabloids continue to amuse me by suggesting that Robbie Williams is the man to replace Simon on the X Factor panel. Yea right! Sid Olivera stands more chance than Robbie.

So here’s the thing…sometimes, just sometimes I feel the need to revert to being a pure and wholesome streetwise journalist.

And coming - as I do - from the publishing world - I know all about the scams from so called vanity publishers. These are the guys that tell you they want to publish your book - and they do - but for an extortionate fee. How cruel is that?

So…..the same thing happens in the music biz - particularly on the net. How many of you enter your songs into song writing competitions? Because a few of you have emailed me to complain about how some of these competitions work - and what they charge you.

Now I know there are a few really good competitions out there - notably the John Lennon song writing contest which is still run by Yoko. But hopefully she’s not on the judging panel.

Now one of these companies - who I cannot name - claim that if you pay them 30 bucks for sending in one of your songs - you may get a chance of being discovered by Simon Cowell or Paul McCartney. How about that???

Let me make it absolutely clear…. neither Simon or Paul will ever get to hear your song. Not because your song is crap - but simply because these guys are so busy - AND are not in any way associated with the company - even though their photos are being used on the website. So be warned - don’t get taken in by these companies. Because all those 30 bucks soon add up - which - as I found out - is probably why this particular company got to make over 12 million dollars last year. So if you are unsure about any of these companies - please email me at Tony at fames radio.com - and I will put you right.

Now…still on song writing - but on a much lighter note.
while I was visiting the Fame Games studio last week - I very kindly allowed DJ Cirer and Sid to interview me, I know I’m really kind like that. During the interview DJ Krier revealed the fact that I used to write poetry as a kid. I’m not shy about that - but it kinda got me thinking….where have all the poets gone??

Is it just me or are a lot of today’s song lyrics shit? - crap. What are the worst lyrics ever recorded??? One of the more recent songs that comes to mind is Shakira’s Whenever Wherever….where she gets to sing.

"Lucky that my breasts

Are small and humble

So you don't confuse them with mountains" ....wow that’s so poetic

Or - how about 50 cents….

"I love you like

A fat kid loves cake" -

Mmmm…So…I shall be keeping an eye out for any bad lyrics I find on Fame Games - and I hope I don’t find any….but in the meantime you can always share your favourite bad lyrics with me tony@famegamesradio.com , and the worst ones I will read out on the Cowell Factor next week.

And finally….. My thanks go out to everyone I met last week at the Fame Games studio. I had so much fun - and I can’t believe what a talented bunch you are. And to all you indie artists out there - you know what? You should be really proud of these guys - because they never stop working on your behalf.

Email me please at

tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

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

026 Cowell Factor

Following the sad death of Michael Jackson - I attempt to analyse what lessons we can learn about that class A drug called FAME.

But first, the Fame Games talent bank!

When I dig deep into the Fames Games talent bank I always get a sweet surprise. This week I found British folk singer Mark Abis with his song Stronger than Desire - Which for me kinda captures the heart and soul of an early Dylan. I don’t think Folk music performed as well as this gets enough of a mention on Fame Games. Well done Mark - I for one am really grateful you’re here.

I was also very impressed with Brighton band Keena. I just Love the cutsie sound you get on your song Butterfly. And Katerina - you look really hot! And my record industry spies tell me you are already getting a name out there. Keep gigging because I have a feeling they’re right.

So what’s been happening in Cowell World? - I’ll tell you.

After five years on the hit show, Simon has made it clear that the next series of X Factor will be his last. He also says he wants Cheryl Cole to become the new main face of the show. Well, it’s certainly a cute face - but I’m not so sure she has quite enough clout to carry it off. She’s just too nice.

Meanwhile Simon has announced he is to join forces with billionaire tycoon Sir Philip Green to launch a billion-pound global TV empire. And one of their first targets could be Britain’s own ITV network.

Michael Jackson - first off - my thanks to all of you who emailed me about the death of Michael Jackson. Clearly Some of you were very upset. But I do appreciate all your comments.

So here’s the thing. - whatever you think of Michael Jackson - he was, without question a musical genius. And I think its one of those situations where today we have to forget all the controversy and just remember the music. Jackson leaves behind such a massive musical legacy.

But Fame is like a drug - and you can overdose on it.

Did Michael Jackson really overdose on Fame? Did he ever learn how to handle fame? Or was he merely a gifted performer who never had a childhood?

Probably no celebrity has been as revered over the past 40 years as much as Jackson. And I guess when so many people love your music - it starts to change you. You buy into the hype.

So which Michael Jackson will be remembered? The unsurpassed entertainer, the gifted and driven song-and-dance man who wielded rhythm and melody. Or the bizarre and troubled figure he later became?

He was working on a stadium spectacle for 50 shows in London this summer, and now we will never know if all his skill and showmanship could have given him a new start.

To say he was troubled - is an understatement. But for me…Jackson was merely a great musician and a compelling performer. I know nothing else about the man inside.

But I will remember his music - forever.

If you want to comment on the death of Michael Jackson - or anything else - email me please at tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

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

025 Cowell Factor

This week I’ve been rubbing shoulders with royalty. I mean the Queen - not Simon. I get the scoop on Adam Lamberts new album & Susan Boyle continues to create havoc. But who cares? Frankly I’d rather listen to All Day Sucker. Listen NOW to this week’s Cowell Factor!

With their time in the American Idol bubble now over, this seasons finalists are finding the music industry may not agree with how Idol voters ranked their talent.

Winner Kris Allen and runner up Adam Lambert both signed with 19 Managemnt last week but 19 also announced a deal for 4th placed finisher Alison Iraheta - who I think could well have a great career ahead of her.

Meantime… Adam Lambert has reportedly begun work with producer RedOne, the man behind many of Lady Gaga's hits.

My source at RCA Recordings said that Adam's debut album will feature a "Queen-inspired" sound "that goes beyond what he did on Idol."

X Factor news
Simon tells me that this season ALL X Factor auditions are being held in front of a live audience. Simon says…The reason is, I think viewers can get tired of listening to the judges bickering. Ultimately these shows are all about what the public want. It’s not all about what the judges think.

Simon also plans to have the X Factor results show on the Sunday night - which will then go head to head with the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
I think I know who will win that ratings war.

So here’s the thing. ……
This week I’ve been at Royal Ascot - mainly to witness the battle of the world’s biggest egos - Simon and Piers Morgan. Only one winner there.
Of course - while I was there I did my fair share of gambling too. And lost.

But the whole gambling thing got me thinking…and I couldn’t help but wonder. Is the music industry too safe??? Are the major labels too scared to gamble on new acts?
I’ve moaned on and on before about all the come back kings - how all the old acts from the 60’s and 80’s are reforming and still selling albums.

But where are the risk takers? Music’s got too safe. Nothing is new anymore - just re-invented. Where are we going to find the next big thing. We can’t just leave it too the talent shows to find talent. What has happened to A@R???

Look how the world changed when Elvis hit the scene. The Beatles created a music revolution. Punk saved the world from boring 70’s music.

But who is going to be the next Amy Winehouse - none of you hopefully. Where is the next David Bowie? Or Morrisey?

Will Adam Lambert become the next Freddie Mercury? - But Adam grabbed fame from a talent show. What I want to know is why aren’t the record labels investing in new talent.

When I look around at Fame Games I fall over HUGE TALENT. People who are prepared to be different: Armen, Two Spot Gobi, Beta Rays. Midori and Audioclique. The list is endless. But I will continue to highlight the talent I hear on FamesGames. Like you, I will never give up on trying to promote real talent that deserves to be noticed. What I want now is to see some record labels gamble. Take a chance. And change the face of music.

Which reminds me - while I’ve been off quaffing champagne at ascot I have to say thank you to some people who have emailed me this week.

My thanks go to…….Sunset Slim, StefaniScovolo, Bobby Tinsley, John Carlson
I will - I promniose, be contacting you all on Monday.

And a special thankyou to All Day Sucker. And boys…..just give the dog back please.

You can 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!!

024 Cowell Factor

With Susan Boyle safety locked up in her new London mansion - with Pebbles the cat of course - Simon can now get on with his new project - the remake of Saturday Night Fever! LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST TO FIND OUT THE WHOLE SCOOP!

First up is my latest news on the X Factor. As Simon heads to Glasgow this week for the first auditions.

JLS - The boyband, who lost out to Alexandra Burke in last year's final, release their new single on July 13 and its called Beat Again - and I gottta tell you – it’s really HOT.

But….the big news this week is Simon is working on a deal with pop legend Michael Jackson which could see the singer take a mentoring role on this season’s X Factor.
Simon Says "Tony, it's all down to Michael now. If a deal can be struck, then we're in business.”

But the best is yet to come because I’m back down in the Fame Games talent bank - where I belong……to dig up some more hits of the future.

This week Stefani Scovolo from LA- really got me going with her song Where do I fit in. This girl really knows how to craft a great pop song - and deliver it. Where have you been all my life Stefani?????

Now you guys already know I’ve always championed Will Champlin - and for good reason - he just keeps getting better. I love the new song, Killing me with Twilight. And Will has proved he can write great songs. And, equally as important, he appears so determined to breakthrough in this business. And trust me - you will - Will.

Now Following last week’s X Factor competition - As promised I have to read you a few Snippets from other emails I received on the Adam Lambert/Kris Allen debate-
And…I finally found a fan of Kris Allen.

A girl called Emily wrote me saying: “…of course it's fair that Kris won! I have to admit I did my best to like Adam Lambert, but I don't think there was a single performance of his where I didn't have to turn down the TV volume. I thought he was screaming his way through the songs, which made them painful to listen to. Yes, he has an amazing stage presence and he looks like a genuine rock star, but I can't stand him. I would never, in a million years buy his CD.

I remember Simon said to a contestant on AI that she sounded "like a cat jumping off the Empire State building and the noise it would make before it hit the floor". That's what Adam's voice reminds me of.”

Now MaryHelen Cuellar, from Dallas, - emailed me - and I just so love this because it illustrates exactly how obsessed some Idol voters get.

Helen says: “I think The voting system skewed the Idol results. If there had been one vote per phone line, then it is my firm belief that Adam would have won. Some say Kris had younger girls interested in him and they texted more; I’m a grandmother and voted 340 times on a land line, but dialed the phone 1,000 times in four hours; but couldn't get through. I belong to a Adam Lambert fan group and we voted our hearts out. One woman was able to vote 1,000 times, so it is not for lack of effort that Adam didn't win."

So here’s the thing…I, like you, am so bored with the whole Susan Boyle thing. But what have we actually learned from this??? Yes, you can get famous overnight.

But yet I’m so fascinated - so transfixed as to how far can it really go. Meaning… fame is one thing - talent is another. Now all a sudden Susan is everywhere - but yet nowhere. In other words she has her fame - but nothing yet has been established. We have no substance - no product.

So what has reality TV taught us? Yea - we get five minutes of fame - but how do we really capitalize on that? You too must have thought - Jesus that was quick - everyone knows about Susan Boyle - but, actually what has she done - what has she actually achieved?

At the moment I’m writing a book about the 60’s music scène - About the Beatles, The Stones, David Bowie, Eric Clapton - all names that everyone knows. But why do they know them??? -

They wrote brilliant songs - they changed the face of the music business. They were there at the right time.

But their reason for fame is obvious - they knew instinctively how to perform on stage, they wrote classic songs. They emerged naturally, - and did as their managers told them and got on with their music business

In other words - their talent came first - and their fame came later.

Remember - do what you do well…first. And IF you have talent - your fame will follow.
If you wanna talk to 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!!

023 Cowell Factor

I announce the winner for the X-Factor tickets, give you the latest on the X Factor and want to know your experiences from auditioning for shows like American Idol! Listen NOW!!

A record 19 million people watch the final of Britain’s Got Talent. Susan Boyle doesn’t win - but instead is admitted to The Priory suffering from exhaustion.Meanwhile…Dannii Minogue finally agrees to continue as a judge on the new series of the X Factor, and gets a million pounds for her trouble.

Just when you thought Idol was all over … SEASON NINE AUDITIONS kick off on JUNE 14th IN BOSTON. I know…It’s a mad showbiz world!

So…just like you - I followed the rags-to-riches story of Susan Boyle - the poor, plain Scottish woman who lived with her cat, who wowed the judges and the world and became a mega-star overnight via You Tube.

So….yet Another winner - becomes a loser - though not in quite the same way as Adam Lambert.

News from the X Factor is that Dannii Minogue has finally agreed to continue as a judge on the show. Danni had refused to commit to the new series, (until she was offered more money that is) and her friends claimed that she was stalling because she was unhappy about the way she was treated last year. Yea right…..

So here’s the thing. Who is responsible when reality TV contestants crack under the strain? It's easy to pick on the media or the shows' producers. But first off…Let me put you straight on the Susan Boyle situation. It was Susan’s decision to go into The Priory. And no, ITV are not coughing up the money. Nor is the BGT production company. Simon will pay the bill personally. Yea, you could, rather cynically say …well he can afford to. But trust me Susan is much safer with Simon - than many others in this business. Simon will genuinely look after her - and not because she potentially could earn him a fortune - but because that’s the way he is. He DOES actually have the capacity to care for people. The ones he likes anyway.

More interesting though…how is it possible, that Susan Boyle lost “Britain’s Got Talent” just days after Adam Lambert lost “American Idol“? Boyle and Lambert may have lost public contests because of their private lives.

Personally, I think the results of these contests reveal more about the prejudices of the voters than they do about the real talent of contestants. In Lambert’s case, he obviously had greater artistic ability than Kris Allen, just like Clay Aiken was so clearly superior to Ruben Studdard.

Believe me, both Adam and Susan will have more substantial careers than the rivals who beat them.

So listen - my message to you is don’t wait to get famous - put certain things in place NOW. Don’t be like Susan Boyle and wait till you’re famous before you take steps to protect yourself. Susan had no management. No lawyer. If you really believe you have the talent to be famous, there’s nothing to stop you putting certain things in place now to protect yourself in the future. Get a media lawyer. Sit down with him and get assurances from him that he will act for you - if for example you went on a talent show. Who’s looking after you if you win??? Or lose. It won’t cost you a fortune. But protect yourself NOW - not Later.

And…just when you thought Idol was all over - it isn’t - because it’s started all over already. This week Fox announces, “AMERICAN IDOL SEASON NINE AUDITIONS BEGIN SUNDAY, JUNE 14 IN BOSTON.”

So I couldn’t help but wonder …Would you ever audition for Idol, or The X Factor. Or have you already done it? If you have then I want to know from you exactly what the experience was like. How far did you get? Email me and….. tell me the truth. tony@famegamesradio.com

So……who has won a ticket to accompany me to see The X Factor …live? I’ve had tons of great emails from you - and I’ve had great fun reading them. The Adam/Kris debate rages on. The conspiracy theories continue - and I’m not surprised. So my winner is…Maggie Paz - all the way from Argentina. Here’s her email:
..........................................................................................................................................
Mr. Cowell,

My name is Maggie, I'm 25 years old and I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I recently found your blog and I think it's fantastic!

Yes I am very far away, but I would absolutely love to go to the X-Factor finale (or any of the live shows!) and meet Simon, so here are my thoughts on the Idol final:

I liked both Adam and Kris. I thought Adam had the better stage presence, and Kris the all around sweet look. Polar opposites, and apparently America still wants to stand by its tradicional, safe values. The thing with Adam is you either love him or hate him, and I think lots of people were voting more against Adam than for Kris. So he's a winner anyway, because he made the competition all about himself. And he's definitely the most memorable one of the two, whether it's because of his singing ability or his abusive use of black. I don't think he's destined to duet with Susan Boyle...But I am quite sure we will soon see him singing for a very different Queen ; )

Though if I'm being honest, the main reason why I think Adam should have won is because Simon wanted him to win. And that's a good enough reason for me. The thing is, Mr. Cowell, I really, really, really love Simon. I want to meet him so much that if I managed to get tickets to any of his shows, I would travel the 7.000 miles (and nearly 18 hours) from Buenos Aires to London on the next available plane just for that, even if it meant only getting a glimpse of him sitting at the judging table.

I know it sounds a bit crazy, but I swear I'm not! I'm very normal! I'm a Literature and Linguistics student who just happens to have a passion for entertainment. And I admire Simon in so many ways! He has accomplished so much in the music business and I think his TV shows (especially Britain's Got Talent) are sensational. I love his accent, I love his abnormally white teeth, his wrinkle free forehead and his strange haircut. And I would do anything to meet him. Maybe you've never wanted something this badly, but please, Mr. Cowell, please try to imagine what it is like for me. I can assure you, no one wants those tickets and that meet & greet with Simon as much as I do, and as much as I have wanted it for years.

..........................................................................................................................................

Well done and congrats Maggie. Next week I will be reading out some snippets from all your emails - AND some of you will be getting a personally signed photo of Simon - yuk…. I can’t believe I’ve just said that.

Listen to this podcast and find out whatelse I had to say about this week in showbiz!

The Cowell Factor

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