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!!

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!!