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!!

032 Cowell Factor

As Paula Abdul makes her exit from American Idol - will the viewers follow? - Is this the end for Idol? But more importantly who will Simon flirt with now?

Meanwhile - Has the X Factor already found the next Susan Boyle.
I hope not. And will Shakira be the one to mentor this season’s contestants. I find out.

But…what the hell - who cares about Idol – let’s go listen to some real music - down in the Fames Games talent bank: And luckily I’ve got two hot acts from London this week.

Ben Forster’s Lets Get Together is brilliant - so too Ben, is your song Fall Apart. Great vibe - great song writing.

And Edian - good to hear you back with your new song Bring Me to Life.

What’s been happening in Cowell world. As you’ve heard - Quite a lot.

As the X Factor gears up for a press launch next week - a SHY singer with an autistic disorder has stunned the judges in auditions.

Timid Scott James had barely set foot outside his front door in years before turning up for auditions. But now he’s tipped to become the next Susan Boyle after storming through to the final 50.

So here’s the thing - I think Everybody loses with Paula Abdul's departure from "American Idol."

Not because Paula is - as Fox say -a "tremendous talent," She's not.

Not because the show can't replace her. It can.

Not because the show won't go on, which it will, without so much as a symbolic empty Coke cup where Paula once sat.

Not that viewers will be plunged into terminal gloom. All but the most devoted Paula-philes will grumble and watch anyway.

Love or hate "American Idol," it's just a television show.

So where does idol go from here? Downhill - I would say.

Fox still isn't talking beyond it’s statement, but my insiders insist that the network very much wanted Abdul to stay. These sources say the network and producers were willing to up Abdul's salary by a huge 30 percent.

For me - Paula brought a certain amount of intrigue to the show because she was so unpredictable. And the on-air chemistry between Simon and Paula will be sorely missed.

So who could replace her????? DJ Krier???? -
Nope…Victoria Beckham has confirmed she will be a guest judge on the show. ‘Cause when you think music you think Victoria Beckham right? I hope she learns how to smile first…

It is believed Victoria - has agreed a fee of £155,000 to appear in two episodes of Idol’. What a Cheapskate!!!

So what do you think? has “Idol” lost some of its lustre by letting Paula go? We’re you a Paula fan? Or do you think the show will do just fine without her? I wanna know - so email me at tony@famegames radio.com

But before you do - rumors still continue to circulate that Paula Abdul and American Idol may not be officially divorced yet (or if they are, that a reconciliation is still on the table), new reports say that for $10 million a year, she'll still come back.

And..this is what Simon told me 2 hours ago when I asked him if it’s true that Paul’s quit.

Yes, it is true - but Tony…there is still time for a turnaround.

Oh. My. God. I’m Tony Cowell - and you’ve just heard…….The Cowell Factor

Listen to the complete podcast here or at http://www.meermusic.com/.

The Cowell Factor

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

031 Cowell Factor

Just a week to go before American Idol auditions begin - and still no contract for Paula…or Simon. What’s going on?

And Coming up - Is it the girls or the boys who are leading the new indie chart revolution.

So what’s been going on in Cowell world…Well, The X Factor auditions are over and it's boot camp time. So there's tears and tantrums everywhere, and that's just Louis and Simon! And even boot camp is being held in front of a live audience this year. Can’t wait!

With American idol auditions only a week away - time is running out for Paula Abdul. The L.A. Times, using unnamed sources of course, says Paula Abdul is making is $4 million dollars but wants $12 million to stay.

Big money? I‘m not so sure - last season advertisers on Idol shelled out $700,000 for a 30-second commercial. Overall, Idol took $850 million in advertising revenue. So the money‘s there.

Meantime Simon is planning to work as an executive producer on a British battle of the bands type show featuring Kate Moss as a judge. Because when you think rock, you think Kate Moss, right?

It’s time to kick down the door to the Fame Games Talent Bank and you know what,
just when I thought All day Sucker were all talk, they come up with a brilliant song like Nobody Somewhere. What I like about you guys is your songs tell great stories. Love it!!

And….Jason Zerbin - they say you’re like Coldplay - you’re not - you’re better. Your song Hear Me - proves it.

So here’s the thing…is 2009 the year of the female singer?

Since mentioning the Mercury awards last week - I read a rather pompous piece in the British press asking why there are so many girls nominated this year. Well so what? Who cares if it’s girls or boys. What’s your problem. Are you sexist?

So what if… Florence Welch, La Roux, Bat for Lashes, and Speech Debelle are all riding high……they are all bloody talented! And two of these are on indie labels - which is even better news. Not least because radio stations are having to play Indie artists instead of manufactured pop girls straight out of the Disney school of pop pap.

Yes…It’s a high water mark for the girls right now.

You can argue the current rise of the female artist began with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Adele. But I believe it’s the internet and programs like Fame Games that have been instrumental in making labels look a bit deeper for talent. Something’s changing…at last.

Last week I spoke with A&R chief Colin Barlow - MD at Polydor UK. Colin told me. Yes, labels are having to dig a bit deeper nowadays. We can’t ignore the power of the Myspace generation, and the new online A&R platforms. And wasn’t it Kate Nash who was signed by a major label - simply because she couldn’t be ignored any longer - she had over 1 million hits on myspace. But even then she couldn’t get mainstream radio play - until a major label got behind her.

The music industry moves a bit like a giant shoal of fish - setting a course - with those at the front with the bulging wallets dictating the direction - and those behind, just following. But this is where the indie labels come into play. For it’s the indies that buck the trend - and have the balls to change direction. They’re the ones that take the risks by signing a Florence, or a Just Jack. They create the revolution. Then the big labels come in and take over. That’s the unwritten law of the music jungle.

Look, there will always be a market for the Pixie Lotts - the Little Boots - and the Hannah Montanas. Pop will never go away. But right now it’s the Lisa Hannigan’s and the Speech Debelles of the world who are leading the way.

Talented Girls or rock boys? - Who cares -- as long as its NEW music that breaks through.

Listen to the complete podcast here or at www.meermusic.com.

The Cowell Factor

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

030 Cowell Factor

Is Paula Abdul really about to leave American Idol? And will Cheryl Cole take her place? Once again….I go in search of the truth.

So what’s been happening in Cowell world?…Well, as Simon gets ready to celebrate his 50th birthday bash - the tabloids claim he’s invited along 17 old girlfriends. Well, clearly 12 girls will have to be picked from central casting – ‘cause he’s only ever had 5 girlfriends - but boy…are they lucky girls or what?

One not so lucky girl - Paula Abdul is said to be not returning to the Idol judging panel - and Cheryl Cole is to replace her. Such Bullshit! Want the truth? Well, Simon tells me of course Paula WILL be back - along with all the judges. And Cheryl Cole? Well…She just loves publicity.

Meanwhile, with the X Factor live auditions already in the can - Simon is busy recording the boot camp section of the show - at a secret location - and judging by the recent shots of his red face - not very far from a beach.

And does anyone care about Susan Boyle anymore - well, President Obama does because he rescheduled his news conference to allow Susan to air her interview (and funny makover) on the today show.

What a circus!!! But I can reveal that Susan’s first single will be a cover of the Oscar winning song Moon River. Can’t wait. Ok I can.

So…back to reality -I kick down the door to the Fame Games talent bank and this week I’m so excited as I’ve just received a copy of the new Stars Go Dim album. The title track, Love Gone Mad really does prove why this band is so popular - these guys can definitely write hit songs.

I’m also kinda intrigued by a band of girls called Chix 6. But listen, I really love the song In Your Pocket. This could be one hot single.

So here’s the thing...The nominees for this years Mercury Music Prize were announced this week - and for those of you in America - The Mercury Award is given to the best album from Britain and Ireland. It’s often seen as the classiest award as it celebrates lesser known bands; and has a reputation of awarding to outside chances rather than the favourites. It’s about quality - over sales. Wow! Now that is rare.

Last years winner Elbow were, in my opinion, a deserved winner - not just because I love their music but because for me they symbolised every hard working band not prepared to give up. It took Elbow 15 years to a) get signed to a label prepared to put some marketing muscle behind them and b) spent those long years in the wilderness honing their stage craft to build a huge following.
But I couldn’t help but wonder….are any of this years nominees actually any better than the talent we have here on Fame Games?

The list of twelve nominees - which tend to see a huge boost in sales as a result of inclusion, does contain some well known names - notably Casaybean, Bat for lashes and Florence and the machine - but the rest is made up of obscure hopefuls who all stand a chance of winning - or at least gaining a wider audience.

And what I like about the Mercury prize is there is always a quirky unknown act who have sold absolutely zilch to date. And this year its folk band Sweet Billy Pilgrim's album Twice Born Men which, by the way…… was recorded by three session musicians on a laptop in a garden shed. So…it goes without saying that I’ll be rooting for them to win.

But I guess it’s not always just about how many records you sell - or how much money you make – it’s about how you gain recognition - like Elbow last year – it’s about success or failure - and nobody likes the “f” word - do they? So be patient.

I constantly moan about how blind and deaf some record labels can be - but when you do find the right level of support - when you get the right management on board - who are prepared to back you - and keep pushing you forward - then you always have hope - and god knows you need hope in this business.

So - as a kind of prophecy - here’s my own list of nominees for next year’s Mercury Prize

Beta Rays
Two Spot Gobi
Edian
Killer Heels
After the Ice
The Sanderson Pitch
Oliver Piggot
Richard O’Brian
Kissing Freddie
Sefton
Clayton
Mark Abis

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!!

029 Cowell Factor

I’m so angry…I’ve decided to embark on a mission to wake up the major record labels - And why not…it’s about time.

But first…I’ve broken into The Fame Games Talent Bank and before I’m arrested by the major label police, I’m gonna let loose Keegan Smith and the Fam with their song Fresh Air. You’ve got a lot going on that I like Mr Smith - there’s a few hints of Jason Mraz - but it sounds like you were doing this first and better. Diggin a bit deeper - as I do…I also found your song Smile. I like you Mr Smith - a lot.

And a quick shout out to Nashville band Philos. Your song Difference proves you do know how to write hit songs. I also love your version of Defying Gravity.

And now it’s time for my lousy lyrics slot - Now this week I’ve sexed it up a little and this time I want YOU to guess who is responsible for this weeks lousy lyric. And the first person to email me the answer - will win a personally signed photo of the X Factor judges - Ok, Ok, you can always cut Simon off - PLUS…a signed copy of one of my books.

So…here we go. Who sang this lyric?

I don’t want to see a ghost,
It’s a sight that I fear most
I’d rather have a piece of toast
And watch the evening news

(Laugh) It actually sounds a bit like one of my teenage poems. But…it’s not. So…if you know who this is - email me at tony@famegamesradio.com

So what’s been happening in Cowell world?…Well…despite reports that Simon has re-signed with American Idol for 100 gillion billion dollars - he tells me he is yet to sign any deal at all.

And Susan Boyle tells me that her new album will be timed perfectly to grab the Christmas market. Thank god I’ll be in Barbados at Christmas

So here’s the thing….who’s top of the charts this week?
Yes…Michael Jackson. And I don’t have to tell you how fast his songs are selling since he died that is. I’m also grateful to TMZ who sent me a copy of an unreleased song by Jackson which is a re-working of America’s….A Horse with No Name.

But I couldn’t help but wonder….Why was it not released before?
Oh I see because suddenly he’s immortal – well…as far as music sales go anyway.
Of course…when Jackson was alive, he was listed at number 35 in Rolling Stone magazines’ list of top performers of all time; so I wonder, what number will he rank next year? And just a reminder…Rolling Stone…Thriller sold 104 million copies. Which begs the question: Why are the Beach Boys listed at number 12? What do artists have to do…to make it while their still alive?

So listen Mr Safe Records.com--your investing so little money in new talent - and not content with cashing in on Michael Jackson’s death - you’ve just spent the last 4 years re-mastering the Beatles albums for release later this year. More old stuff - as if Paul doesn’t have enough money already.

The Beatles are Safe and easy money. Jackson is now safe and easy money - but what about the new music? Are you that scared that you won’t invest in the future?

Well…I’m putting my money where my Cowell mouth is and I’m about to go out and lobby the major labels - starting next week.

I’m making it my job to meet up with some of the heads of Britain’s top record labels. I want answers. I want them to listen to Fame Games - because…lets face it …this…is the future of music.

Wish me luck!

The Cowell Factor

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