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 DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Pretty in pink: Cowell's sweater and sincere gaze echo the demeanour of Idol judge Jennifer Lopez in the spoof


Applauding and praising tuneless auditions, cosying up to fellow judges, driving an environmentally-friendly car and wearing a pink jumper - it all adds up to Simon Cowell's worst nightmare.

But there is a seam of reality in the first X Factor USA promo, because the crew are cheekily sending up Cowell's former U.S. show, American Idol.

The action opens in an audition room that looks suspiciously like the hotel room used in the hit show, and the panel of judges are dressed in pastel hues, a favourite palette of Jennifer Lopez.


Emotive: Nicole Scherzinger mirrors Lopez' encouraging hand gestures


An immediate focus on positivity is evident - which was the all pervading force of the last Idol series, even between the judges, thanks to the sardonic British producer's departure.

Simon, clad in cotton candy cashmere, leads the way by lavishing praise upon awful acts and holding hands with Paula Abdul, while all the judges make emotional gesticulations, like the Idol Panel.

But perhaps the most obvious dig is Paula Abdul's opening remark that the young girl who murders Tomorrow from the film Annie has 'spirit.'


Parody: The X Factor crew send up their Idol counterparts


Detail: Even the drinks on the judges' table in Idol was echoed in the skit


This is most definitely Simon Cowell setting out his stall, the promo implicitly promises that the X Factor USA will have the edge over all over other talent shows.

And as the X Factor is on Fox, the same network as Idol, it's a typically audacious piece of bombast from the celebrated producer.


Rude awakening: With his face in his hands, Simon Cowell wakes up in his luxurious bedroom after a nightmare about the X Factor USA


Thank God for that! A look of relief on his face, Simon snaps back into reality


The promo opens with Simon sitting with his fellow X Factor judges Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and L.A Reid, wearing a pink cable knit jumper.

A small girl then presents herself to them and starts to sing Tomorrow from Annie very badly.

But rather than cut her off after a couple of notes, Simon patiently waits for her to finish, claps and says, 'That's what I've been waiting for.'

Abdul, to Simon's left, praises the plucky child's spirit, and as the camera pans to the dream-breaker, there's a sharp intake of breath.


No more Mr Nasty Guy? Simon Cowell wears pink and applauds contestant in the new preview for X Factor USA


Times a changing: The new cuddly Simon gets a kiss from Paula Abdul in the new promo


New Look: The panel. including Simon, Nicole and L.A Reid appear to have gone soft



Lucky girl: The awful rendition of Annie would usually have earned her a rejection


A New Decade: 'It's not about me, it's about them,' Simon insists


Eat my dust: The back of Simon's Bugatti, with personalised number plate is seen whizzing past


Jet Set: The team mean business as they are seen strutting away from their private jet


Welsh boy done good: Host Steve Jones (far right) joins the team as they head into the studio


Primed and ready: The four judges will be ready to find a new pop star when the show air on September 21


'We wanted to make something which showed what the show ‘could’ have been, my nightmare basically, then transitioning into what we really are and I thought it would be fun to make that.

'I literally really imagined my worst nightmare, and I put myself into that place and it was that.. Me, loving this song, Paula and I holding hands and I’m now turning into Paula everything is just... awful!. I just suspended my disbelief!'

The X Factor has it's two-Night Series premiere Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 8/7c and Thursday, Sept. 22 at 8/7c on FOX.




source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Abs of steel: Nicole Scherzinger flaunted her super taunt abs and tiny waist in a knitted midriff top as she left her South Beach Hotel to attend the Miami auditions of the X Factor yesterday


Paula Abdul showed off her slim pins in a pair of skin-tight jeans at the Miami X Factor auditions the day before.

So not to be outdone by her fellow judge, Nicole Scherzinger, 32, went one step further yesterday by flaunting her super toned abs in a knitted midriff top.

The pint-sized former Pussycat Doll's waist looked tiny in her pale blue Ksubi skinny leg jeans, paired with the revealing bat-winged attire as she made her way to the South Beach auditions.


Slimline: The pint-sized former Pussycat Doll's waist looked tiny in her pale blue Ksubi skinny leg jeans that she paired with the revealing bat-winged attire


Accessorising with a simple pair of Havianas flip-flops and a cream designer handbag, Nicole wore her hair down and applied minimal make-up to her complexion.

The singer appears to have lost some weight in the lead up to her newly appointed role of judge on the reality talent show.
Her stomach was flatter than ever and her waist appeared even more slim-line.


Nice fit: Nicole's derriere looked pert in the designer jeans


Nicole has made sure to wow the X Factor crowds with her array of fashionable and flattering outfits, since auditions began for the hit show earlier this month.

Yesterday she opted for a bang-on trend drape dress in one of the season's hottest colours - cornflower blue.

The singer also ensured that she optimised her sensational legs by elongating them with nude shoes.


Trumped: Nicole even outdid Paula Abdul, who looked in incredible shape as she slipped into a pair of skin-tight jeans the day before


Judging by the grin permanently plastered on her face, Nicole continues to look mighty please with herself.

The brunette who replaced Cheryl Cole as judge on the hit show has been unable to wipe the smile off her face since picking up the reigns from the fired British pop star.

Cheryl has gone to ground since she was unceremoniously dumped from her judging job on the American show.

But she did send flowers to Nicole and Paula last week.


Style star: Yesterday Nicole opted for a bang-on trend drape dress in one of the season's hottest colours - cornflower blue


Cheryl however may be alarmed by reports this week, from Scherzinger's former manager, claiming that Cheryl was only ever used as hype.

Jeff Haddad, who managed the former Pussycat Doll for 13 years, has alleged that Nicole was always going to be on the panel.

He claims that he had long discussions with Simon Cowell and Scherzinger was always a frontrunner for the judging panel job.


Out of the spotlight: Cheryl has gone to ground since she was dumped from her judging job on the American show


‘In my opinion, Simon always wanted Nicole as a judge. There was never a question that she wouldn’t get it’, Jeff told Heat Magazine.

He added: ‘Nicole was always going to be on that judging panel and Cheryl was just being used as a cog in the wheel to cause hype and publicise the show.’

The magazine reported that Mr Haddad doesn’t recall Cheryl’s name being mentioned during talks about the role.



Flowing: Scherzinger donned a pretty maxi-dress during a break from auditions earlier today


source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Slim pins: Paula Abdul's legs looked shockingly skinny in her jeans when she left the Setai Hotel today on her way to the American X Factor auditions in Miami


Paula Abudul kept her incredible legs under wraps today as she arrived at the Miami X Factor auditions.

But the former singer still managed to show off their incredible shape as she slipped into a pair of skin-tight jeans.

The smiling 48-year-old looked fantastic in her casual attire, teaming her dark blue denims with a grey vest and brown cardigan.

Paula sexed up the look with a pair of vertiginous gold heels, which gave the pint-sized star a little more height.

It's not often Paula is seen dressing down for her X Factor appearances.

She is usually glammed-up to the nines in a designer dress or pencil skirt.


Pint sized proportions: Paula flaunted a tiny frame as she waved to fans in Miami


Svelte factor: TV judge Paula turned heads with her skinny limbs as she left the her hotel in South Beach earlier today


Her understated wardrobe choice still managed to turn heads, though, proving once again that the former 80s pop star's style can grab as many headlines as her younger counterpart, Nicole Scherzinger.

Paula and her fellow X Factor judges are currently staying at the lavish Setai Hotel in Miami's South Beach.

Moments later, Simon Cowell left the hotel and made his way across town to join her.

The 51-year-old British media mogul looked like he may have slept through his alarm.

Rushing out of the hotel lobby, he looked to have barely had time to button-up his shirt and was clutching an assortment of alternative shirts for his TV appearance later that day.



Hurried: Judge Simon Cowell clutched an assortment of shirts as he left the Setai Hotel and made a dash for today's X Factor auditions in Miami

source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Looking good: Nicole's outfit, seemed to be subconsciously teaching Cheryl Cole a lesson in how to wear orange and purple


After lasting a mere four auditions, the most enduring image of Cheryl Cole's American X Factor career is perhaps the controversial orange and purple outfit she wore on her first day.

And after the Geordie star was slated for her bold colour blocking, it appears her replacement Nicole Scherzinger has taken it upon herself to teach Cole a lesson on how to wear it well.

It might have been a coincidence that the former Pussycat Doll had a stab at wearing the clashing colours as she arrived to auditions in Miami, but nonetheless it sent a strong message to her predecessor.

Despite wearing the same colours as the 27-year-old Girls Aloud star, Nicole sexed up the look in her tiny purple mini skirt and seductive orange top.


Spotted: Nicole Scherzinger leaves her hotel in Miami as she head to the X Factor auditions in Miami today, wearing the same purple and orange colours as sacked judge Cheryl Cole, pictured last month in Los Angeles


She elongated her legs in tan suede heels and curled her hair just enough for a beachy look - without looking overly blow dried as Cole had previously.

Nicole's outfit choice was a final blow to Cheryl, after speculation that the Brit's dream of surviving Stateside was shattered after some terrible wardrobe choices.

The 32-year-old upped the sex factor, wearing the tiny ensemble - in place of Cole's clownish Diane Von Furstenburg flares.

Nicole's outfit, which was in reverse colour to the one Kim Kardashian wore last week in London, was peach coloured on top and fastened together with a gold belt.

And the fans couldn't get enough of Nicole's enthusiastic personality as she amped up the atmosphere in Florida.


She's got the X Factor: At least the fans know who Nicole, formerly of the Pussycat Dolls, is



New best friends: Nicole has been cosying up to Paula Abdul, who previously posed with Cheryl


Cheryl has gone to ground since she was unceremoniously fired from her judging job on the American show.

But she did send flowers to Nicole and fellow judge Paula Abdul last week.

However she may be alarmed by reports today, from Scherzinger's former manager, claiming that Cheryl was only ever used as hype.

Jeff Haddad, who managed the former Pussycat Doll for 13 years, has alleged that Nicole was always going to be on the panel.


Here come the boys: Simon Cowell looked hot and bothered as he arrived in Miami, while L.A. Reid looked smart in his suit


Fan frenzy: Paula Abdul was greeted by her fans by the gates, who were all trying to get a picture of the star


He claims that he had long discussions with Simon Cowell and Scherzinger was always a frontrunner for the judging panel job.

‘In my opinion, Simon always wanted Nicole as a judge. There was never a question that she wouldn’t get it’, Jeff told Heat Magazine.

He added: ‘Nicole was always going to be on that judging panel and Cheryl was just being used as a cog in the wheel to cause hype and publicise the show.’

The magazine reported that Mr Haddad doesn’t recall Cheryl’s name being mentioned during talks about the role.


The boys: They may not have the fashion impact, but Steve Jones and Simon Cowell did win the female vote


After managing the star for over a decade, Haddad was apparently given the axe by Nicole shortly before her U.S. X Factor contract was signed, the magazine reported.

But in his opinion he said that Cheryl’s accent wouldn’t have been the issue and was rather an excuse for publicity.

Regarding being allegedly fired by Nicole, he said: ‘If you serve as someone’s manager and develop their career for over a decade and that person didn’t pay you after landing the biggest TV show of their career, what does that tell you?’


Nicole fans: Girls gather to welcome the judges in Miami


An X Factor spokesperson dismissed the ex-managers claims of a publicity stunt as 'complete and utter rubbish'.

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell has revealed that he will broadcast the footage of Cheryl Cole during her short stint on the US X Factor.

Her appearances at the two audition venues she attended are said to be shown when the series is aired in September.

Cowell told Sky News: ‘We will show it. I mean it’s reality TV. There’s no point lying about it. It is what it is.’



Clashing colours: Kim Kardashian in London last week in an orange Gucci dress (left), Rose Byrne in Gucci in May's Harper's Bazaar (centre), and Jessica Alba in DVF at the CFDA Awards on Monday (right)


He added: ‘It wasn’t really such a big deal as everybody thought. We have a lot of other shows. Something happened so we said, ‘Do you want to return to the UK show? ‘ and she said no.

‘The we offered her the show back and I don’t think she wanted to come back… Truth is you’ve got to move on. It’s about the contestants. They’ve got no interest in us bickering.’

source: dailymail