PALIN MITENK BLOG

By AMY PROUD

Grin or grimace?: Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul were effusive in their greeting at the X Factor premiere in Hollywood tonight, but it seemed forced

They've been pitched as rivals from the outset.

Two beautiful women, both with with a respectable pop music pedigree and both judges on the hotly anticipated US incarnation of The X Factor.

But Nicole Scherzinger, 33 , and 49-year-old Paula Abdul put on a display of unity tonight at the premiere of the Fox show, which was held at the Arclight cinema in Hollywood.


Rapturous: The judges fell over themselves to embrace each other but their teeth appear to be clenched

The two women rushed towards each other with arms outstretched.

They then embraced but a simple hug was not enough, nor was the long passe and frequently mocked double kiss.


Stunning: Nicole wore a long backless silver sheath which highlighted her enviable figure


Have you been working out? Nicole looked very toned in the beautiful gown


Quick touch up: Nicole's stylists make sure not a hair or thread is out of place

Instead, the two women pressed their pretty heads together, the Pussycat Doll's slicked-back Pocahontas pony leaving her forehead exposed to rub against the 80s' star's impeccably coiffed honey-coloured hair.

They were both trying very hard in the style stakes - Nicole dazzled in a long column silver gown with a daring cut-out back.


BFFs: Paula snuggled up to Simon on the red carpet and dazzled in a striped sequinned dress


Spotlight: Paula faces the cameras at the event, held at Arclight cinemas on Sunset Boulevard


Is that my best side? Photographers clamoured to get the best shot of Nicole on the red carpet

Paula meanwhile wore a striped sequinned mini dress with gold spiked heels.

Theirs was quite a display of friendliness.

After all, any psychologist worth their salt, amateur or other, will tell you that we only touch heads with someone we like and trust.


Cheeky! Nicole laughs out loud possibly at something Simon said as Paula plants a kiss on his cheek


My eyes are up here, Simon! Nicole gives Simon and his wandering eyes a disapproving look

However, was there perhaps something a little forced about this pose?

If you read it another way, the two judges look like they're baring their teeth at one another, heads bent as they prepare for battle with one another.


Larks: Simon pinches Paula's nose to the obvious delight of the crowd


Flirts: Paula and Simon were up to their usual touchy-feely antics


United front: Simon's fiancée Mezhgan Hussainy also attended, after reports the pair had ended their engagement

Of course, if this is the case, it's just the way that talent show genius Simon Cowell, 51 , likes it.

The reality programming behemoth loves a spot of rivalry to spice up proceedings, a tumultuous panel makes for much better television.

And after the Dannii vs Cheryl style wars on the UK show, Simon is fully aware that no-one will be as interested in himself and fourth judge, L.A Reid, 55.


Time to face the music: The judges line up before heading into the auditorium


Supporting cast: L.A Reid and presenter Steve Jones just looked happy to be there


Bantering partners: According to reports from fans who watched the preview episode, Simon and L.A. rarely agree on anything

Cowell is less oblique in his dealings with Abdul, and continued to enjoy his pantomime-esque love and hate in with the diminutive singer.

The music mogul faux grimaced as she kissed him, and then pulled Abdul's nose as she tried to touch his face.

Reid and Welsh presenter Steve Jones, who is helming the show, meanwhile, just seemed pleased to be there.


What's so funny? Inside the screening, Paula and Nicole struggled to control their laughing as they fielded questions from journalists


X-Factor Launch Event Red Carpet - Nicole Scherzinger


X-Factor Launch Event Red Carpet - Paula Abdul



source: dailymail

By HOLLY THOMAS

Perfect pose: Maisy's blonde locks \are very similar to the former Baywatch star's

Given the claim to fame of the celebrity housemate in residence, it wasn't going to be long before Big Brother launched a Baywatch-style task.

And there was no mistaking the red swimsuits the housemates slipped on yesterday afternoon.

The housemates turned into the iconic lifeguards for the challenge which involved running in slow motion for as long as possible.


Dead ringer? Maisy James did arguably the best Pamela Anderson impression as the housemates suited up for a slow-motion running task

Heaven and Aden, who had previously won 'magical golden swimsuits' in the VIP and speed dating tasks did not have to take part.

Pamela, who got up to give a helpful demonstration, told the contestants that they should 'shake their heads back and forth as if the wind was blowing through their hair.'

But as a nod to the gravity of a lifeguard's responsibilities she added that they should keep ‘a look of determination on their faces’ as they imagined sailing across the gleaming sand.


She means business: Maisy, who won the task, certainly looked like she was prepared to go the distance


Very appropriately given her Pamela-esque blonde locks, store model Maisy was crowned winner of the task.

The determined 19-year-old managed to keep running for an impressive 34 minutes.
She also received a golden swimsuit, though it is not yet known what privileges the coveted garment will endow her with.


Extra help? Faye appeared to be wearing a bra under her suit


Ready for action: In true lifeguard style Louise was clutching an orange float

The housemates all took advantage of the opportunity to show off in their sexy garb, with Louise getting particularly flirtatious as she pulled down her costume while whispering to Jay.

Faye and Tom were a little more playful, jokingly trying out some dance moves in their lifeguard gear.

Aaron seemed a little jaded by the whole thing, however.


Hardly the Hoff: Harry Tom and Mark were flailing a little during the task, which involved running in slow motion for as long as possible


Showing them how it's done: Pamela did a demonstration for the housemates


Whip your hair! Pamela told the housemates to shake their heads back and forth as if the wind was blowing through their hair

The concerned father-of-one asked Pamela: ‘Does it bother you at all that
[the tasks] are very Baywatch focused? You've done other good stuff like Barb Wire.’

Anderson brushed off the 30-year-old's worries, defending the iconic show as she replied: 'It's cool... Baywatch is a good thing, it's really positive, it was good stuff.'


Stay serious: Pamela also told the contestants to keep a 'look of determination' on their faces

Pamela's certainly had her hands full since she entered the Big Brother house.

On Saturday night Tom, Tashie, Faye, Heaven and Louise were treated to a decadent evening in the VIP area of the garden, hosted by the star.

Pammi gave each of them a special VIP bracelet, before heading outside to their special secluded area.


Bit flirtatious? Louise pulled her suit down but covered her chest with her hands as Jay leaned in to hear her whisper


Baywatch buff: Aaron looked very comfortable with the challenge

There they were treated to luxury canapés, snacks, non-alcoholic cocktails and champagne, while the non VIP housemates slummed it with warm larger and crisps.

As the night ticked on, the foursome were required to entertain the Canadian actress by showing off their dance moves whenever music played, telling stories and making her laugh.

Following the celebrations, Anderson chose dancer and holistic healer Heaven as the most entertaining housemate, and she was bestowed with her golden swimsuit.


You like the way I move? Faye and Tom show off in their suits

After the drama of the first night, Pamela's next task involved spending some quality time getting hot and sweaty with the housemates.

She speed dated each individual in the sauna, but unknown to them she was able to secretly control the length of each date with the use of a safe word.

Aden won the task, and like Heaven was therefore allowed to sit out of the swimsuit challenge.


Immunity: Because Pamela had deemed her the 'most entertaining' housemate, Heaven donned a 'magical' gold swimsuit, and didn't have to take part in the task

Big Brother UK 2011 - Highlights Show Sept 11 Part 1


source :dailymail

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

A star is born: 16-year-old Amelia Lily wows the judges with her incredible singing ability

And Tulisa was equally complementary of her talent and was like the other judges amazed at her age, given her strong vocal ability.

The N-Dubz singer said: ‘People work their whole lives and take forever to get to that level that you are at now, you’ve come on that stage so much older than you years.

She added: ‘That was amazing you blew up the stage, your energy was off the chain, well done.’


Amazing talent: The teenager took to the stage to sing Beverly Knight's A Piece Of My Heart during the Liverpool leg of the auditions

Before the teenager took to the stage she said her father offered her the support and encouragement to audition for the show.

She said: ‘I’m overwhelmed but you have to go out there and give it rock all as my dad would say.’


Amazed: Tulisa couldn't believe that Amelia was just sixteen years old and said: 'People work their whole lives and take forever to get to that level you're at now,' adding: 'That was amazing'


Proud parents: Backstage her mother and father looked delighted as she performed and were even happier when she got four yeses from the judges

As she sang her first few notes Gary was seen nodding at the others and Tulisa and Kelly sported huge grins across their faces.

Amelia Lily appeared overwhelmed by the attention and thanked the positive reaction and had to fight back the tears as the judges gushed about her performance.


Blown away: Gary was overwhelmed by her performance and said: 'Oh my Goodness, 16-years-old that was incredible. That absolutely lifted the top off this arena, well done. Amazing vocals. Amelia I am blown away'

Kelly told her: 'I'm still having a hard time understanding that you're 16-years-old with such a natural gift, your energy was great, you've got this big beautiful voice with so much soul beyond your years, you were born to do this.'

She later added: 'You have only just scratched the surface, that's what's got me so amazed.'

And Gary told the teen: 'This is the reason I wanted to sit on this chair, to discover talent like this.'


Amazing: After being so well-received Amelia told Dermot: 'That is what I want to do for the rest of my life'

After receiving four Yeses from the judges and exited the stage Louis remarked that the girls category was the one to watch. He said: 'The girls, that catergory, wow, wow, wow.'

As she greeted her parents backstage Amelia told Dermot that the experience was 'amazing'.

She added: 'This is what I want for the rest of my life, it's just unbelievable.


What's in the box? Birthday girl Tulisa was gifted with a huge present from the other judges as they started their day in Liverpool


'I got a man': Tulisa seemed happy with her half naked butler and she and Kelly wasted no time in getting hands on with him

Earlier in the show Tulisa was presented with a very special gift to celebrate her birthday from the rest of the judges, as they started their day at Liverpool.

The N-Dubz singer was presented with a huge present which she was nervous about opening.

She took off the lid to reveal her very own naked butler, who was on hand to tend to her every need throughout the day.

Kelly told her: 'You can touch it, you can play with if if you like, feel and touch.'


Through to bootcamp: Hairdresser Marcus Collins wowed the judges and 19-year-old Emma Wright also got yeses from the judges going through to the next stage of the competition


As the judges took the stage they were greeted with the first act of the day, hairdresser Marcus Collins.

And the 23-year-old didn't disappoint as he wowed the judges with his unique singing ability and sparkling personality.

Following his performance Tulisa told him: 'I didn't even feel like you were auditioning, I felt like I had come to see you perform, that's how it felt, you were so comfortable up there, you literally owned the stage, loved it. That was outstanding.'


Falling flat: Tara Burgin failed to impress the judges with her tone-deaf rendition of Beyonce's Crazy In Love


Not impressed: Kelly didn't appreciate the audition saying she preferred her sisters version while Gary clearly didn't know where to look

19-year-old Emma Wright also bagged herself a spot at boot camp after singing Christina Aguilera's Aint No Other Man which left Tulisa calling her a little pop star.

But it was not good news for Tara Burgin who left the judges unimpressed with her rendition of Beyonce's hit Crazy in Love.

Kelly hide behind a piece of paper while Gary clearly did not know where to look while Tara was shaking her bottom.


Shaky start: Jonjo Kerr, had a shaky start and was given a second chance to impress the judges


Not sure: Tulisa and Louis were not sure after Jonjo failed to sing in time to his song on his first attempt

The former Destiny's Child singer told Tara that she prefered her sister's version of the song and the 29-year-old left disappointed.

After a shaky star and a second chance Jonjo Kerr, 27, from Birmingham managed to get through to the next round with his performance of Stereophonics song Handbags and Gladrags.


Through: Jonjo, who revealed his pregnant wife was 14 days to her due date and managed to convince the judges to put him through to bootcamp

Kelly was moved to tears and said: 'I was so happy to see you come out of yourself for just that second and that moment you just seemed so happy, so I was happy for you.'

And the other judges agreed with Miss Rowland and the soilder was sent through to boot camp


Amelia Lilly on the X Factor 2011



source: dailymail

By NADIA MENDOZA

Strictly Come Undressing: Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey stole the show in her revealing outfit on the launch of series nine of Strictly Come Dancing 2011

Twinkle toes and jazz hands at the ready, Strictly Come Dancing 2011 launched tonight with more glitz and glamour than a night at the star-studded Oscars.

And Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey will certainly have left male viewers across the nation blushing with her incredibly daring outfit.

The 23-year-old showed off her feminine curves and generous bust in a two piece turquoise costume that left little to the imagination.


Flirting? Ola Jordan came over all coy during Robbie Savage pairing, saying her husband would be jealous


The young star obviously has other intentions for appearing on the show other than to win, declaring: 'I am single, and ready to mingle... it's a treat to be paired up with a hunky dancer.'

She then looked elated as it was announced she would be competing with this year’s only new professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, 31, who replaces Jared Murillo.

Early sparks also seemed to fly with former Premiership star Robbie Savage and his partner Ola Jordan - despite both of them being married.
When host Bruce Forsyth said, 'Who's a lucky guy?' Ola quipped, 'Who's a lucky girl!'


Blondes have more fun: Robbie Savage and Ola Jordan looked elated to be teamed together


The 28-year-old, who is the wife of co-star and professional dancer James Jordan, added: 'My husband's going to be so jealous.'

Although she may change her mind soon, with the blond hunk revealing: 'People call me the Marmite man, you either love me or hate me.'

The 6ft 1in sportsman also said his greatest loves are 'my hair and teeth'.


(Mc)Flying solo: Harry Judd was doubled up with his very own Ariel mermaid lookalike Aliona Vilani


Hostess with the mostess: Tess illuminated the screen in canary yellow, interviewing the stars backstage


Ola previously triumphed in series seven, partnering with BBC Breakfast's Chris Hollins to beat Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe to the 2009 title.

McFly drummer Harry Judd looked a little flustered as he was paired with Aliona Vilani, but greeted her with two hugs as bandmate Tom Fletcher watched on enviably from the audience.


Nervous: New contestants looked anxious before the pairings were announced


Familiar faces: Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli return


The One Show host Alex Jones doubled up with James Jordan, but Edwina Currie stole her moment as she wandered over to Kara Tointon's other half Artem Chigvintsev to throw her arms around him.

Sadly for the former MP, she was later paired with Vincent Simone instead while Holly Valance won the hand of Artem.

The Australian beauty joked she still has the figure to rock her former Neighbours costume, in which she played school girl Flick.

She said: 'I still rock that uniform... actually, I don't think it will fit. I might get one leg in.'


Everybody needs good Neighbours: Holly Valance dazzled in a silver dress as she waved to the crowd


Twinkle toes: Anita Dobson beamed with delight as she threw her arms around Robin Windsor


Anita Dobson, former EastEnder and wife of Queen guitarist Brian May, joined forces with Robin Windsor, while singer Lulu burst into giggles as Brendan Cole flipped her over his shoulder and swept her away.

Kristina Rihanoff could barely contain her excitement when she landed Jason Donovan, and Erin Boag clasped her hands and said 'thank you' to the heavens as she was partnered with comedian Rory Bremner.

Astrologer Russell Grant, who lost ten stone in weight to take part in the BBC One show, was rewarded for his efforts with Flavia Cacace.


Defying her years: Despite being 62, Lulu impressed partner Brendan Cole as he whisked her away


Match made in heaven: Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff were over the moon to be teamed together


While Nancy Dell'Olio, who not-so-modestly stated, 'After Sophia Loren, I am the most famous Italian in the UK,' was teamed with Anton du Beke.

Daybreak presenter Dan Lobb was paired with Katya Virshilas and Olympics boxer Audley Harrison grinned as he embraced Natalie Lowe.


All right on the night: Host Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly kicked off proceedings for the ninth series


Judge Alesha Dixon said: 'They'll be scared! Petrified! Nervous! You just want to get the first dance out of the way and blow away the cobwebs.'

Fellow panellist Bruno Toniolo added: 'This is the most tasty pick 'n' mix I've ever seen. Have fun guys and make it a great show.'


Strictly Come Dancing Launch Show - Pasha Kovalev


source: dailymail