Simon Cowell has stolen Take That from under the noses of big rival TV show Strictly Come Dancing. Take That with the additional of the newly wed Robbie Williams, back in the fold after years with his solo career, will guest star on X Factor.
Read more about Take That on X Factor here.
Alexandra Burke left in awe of Michael Clarke
Alexandra Burke left in awe of Michael Clarke: British singer and former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke was left impressed by Australian cricketer Michael Clarke and thanked him for clicking pictures with her when they met on a TV show recently.
“The X Factor” winner met Clarke backstage on a TV show they both appeared in Australia, where they clicked pictures of each other and [...]"
“The X Factor” winner met Clarke backstage on a TV show they both appeared in Australia, where they clicked pictures of each other and [...]"
Dude from youtube performs Craig Armstrong's Glasgow Love Theme (from the Movie Love Actually)
Craig Armstrong's music features quite heavily in The X Factor UK. I'm not surprised since his music is so emotive. It can really move. If you read my post on X Factor Winner Alexandra Burke's first audition (well not her first audition...err...long story just go to the post), then you'll know that this lovely piano work featured in it.
So here it is, being played by weirdduck from YouTube:
Lovely eh? Thank you weirdduck for that lovely performance.
And now we return to normal X Factor news...
So here it is, being played by weirdduck from YouTube:
Lovely eh? Thank you weirdduck for that lovely performance.
And now we return to normal X Factor news...
Alexandra Burke X Factor Audition. A star is born
Unbelievably X Factor winner Alexandra Burke didn't win the first series of X Factor that she entered. She was kicked out before she had even left Louis Walsh's house first time around.
Alexandra eventually won Series Five but originally she had auditioned at the age of just 15 back in 2005. She got down to the Final Seven at that time and was mentored by Louis Walsh. Louis sent her home, leaving Alexandra devastated and very tearful. It took 3 years for Alexandra to find the strength to try again. In those three years, it's obvious that she worked really hard to better her voice and her performances. She looks so much more mature and composed.
Watch Alexandra Burke's audition for X Factor (for the series she eventually won), singing Whitney Houston's Saving All My Love For You:
Pretty great huh? Sadly, it also reminded me of what an amazing performer Whitney Houston used to be.
Judges comments
Louis Walsh was clearly blown away, as were all the judges. "World class" he said, "like a demon-now. She's fantastic".
Poor Alexandra just breaks down with relief crying 'this means so much". Can you imagine after three years of build up to this single moment?
Cheryl Cole said "you were born to sing and are absolutely gorgeous". Even old Simon Cowell said "Louis made one of the most stupid decisions, how rare it is to find a singer like you in this country. This is the best audition I've heard today and you know what, we haven't even heard the best of you by a mile."
Louis Walsh "She's in a good space now"
Simon Cowell: "I love her. I can't believe that we nearly lost a talent like Alexandra. Thank god she came back."
Danni Minogue: My favorite of the day
Cheryl Cole: she's got something special
What's that music?
By the way, in case you are wondering the piano music playing at the start of this video clip. You also hear it when Louis Walsh gives his feedback and later on over Simon's spiel too. This moving piano piece is called "Glasgow Love Theme" by Craig Armstrong. It featured in the movie "Love Actually" when Keira Knightley's character is shown at her video, captured in home movie footage by that cute bloke off This Life. Brings a tear to my eye every time I see it. You can watch a great pianist on YouTube performing Glasgow Love Theme here.
The music right at the end is "Against All Odds" sung by Mariah Carey. Originally sung by Phil Collins.
I kinda like this audition process (now they do the auditions live in front of a big audience). Although this is very similar to the American Idol early rounds, it has a privacy and nice interplays between all the judges. And also then you see the difference in terms of stepping up a level from merely singing in a small room to when the contestants have to face the screaming public.
More X Factor news and Alexandra Burke performances, updates and gossip to come so watch this space.
Alexandra eventually won Series Five but originally she had auditioned at the age of just 15 back in 2005. She got down to the Final Seven at that time and was mentored by Louis Walsh. Louis sent her home, leaving Alexandra devastated and very tearful. It took 3 years for Alexandra to find the strength to try again. In those three years, it's obvious that she worked really hard to better her voice and her performances. She looks so much more mature and composed.
Watch Alexandra Burke's audition for X Factor (for the series she eventually won), singing Whitney Houston's Saving All My Love For You:
Pretty great huh? Sadly, it also reminded me of what an amazing performer Whitney Houston used to be.
Judges comments
Louis Walsh was clearly blown away, as were all the judges. "World class" he said, "like a demon-now. She's fantastic".
Poor Alexandra just breaks down with relief crying 'this means so much". Can you imagine after three years of build up to this single moment?
Cheryl Cole said "you were born to sing and are absolutely gorgeous". Even old Simon Cowell said "Louis made one of the most stupid decisions, how rare it is to find a singer like you in this country. This is the best audition I've heard today and you know what, we haven't even heard the best of you by a mile."
Louis Walsh "She's in a good space now"
Simon Cowell: "I love her. I can't believe that we nearly lost a talent like Alexandra. Thank god she came back."
Danni Minogue: My favorite of the day
Cheryl Cole: she's got something special
What's that music?
By the way, in case you are wondering the piano music playing at the start of this video clip. You also hear it when Louis Walsh gives his feedback and later on over Simon's spiel too. This moving piano piece is called "Glasgow Love Theme" by Craig Armstrong. It featured in the movie "Love Actually" when Keira Knightley's character is shown at her video, captured in home movie footage by that cute bloke off This Life. Brings a tear to my eye every time I see it. You can watch a great pianist on YouTube performing Glasgow Love Theme here.
The music right at the end is "Against All Odds" sung by Mariah Carey. Originally sung by Phil Collins.
I kinda like this audition process (now they do the auditions live in front of a big audience). Although this is very similar to the American Idol early rounds, it has a privacy and nice interplays between all the judges. And also then you see the difference in terms of stepping up a level from merely singing in a small room to when the contestants have to face the screaming public.
More X Factor news and Alexandra Burke performances, updates and gossip to come so watch this space.
Alexandra Burke X Factor Winner and a True Pop Princess
Alexandra Burke won Season 5 of The X Factor UK. She's one of the most popular winners and one who has gone onto great success. This is Alexandra on Series 6 when she came back for a guest slot singing Bad Boys.
And here's one of my favorite performances by Alexandra Burke on The X Factor UK, this is "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" originally sung by Whitney Houston. She was mentored in this series by the new judge, Cheryl Cole.
Isn't she amazing? Some of the comments for this performance from viewers include
"is there anyone else who can't stop watching this clip?"
"she's really beautiful"
"I don't think you can get any better than this. I get goosebumps every time I hear this"
"I think this was really brave for week one"
"Alexandra kinda stamped herself as the winner since week one"
"She looks like a diva"
"Simply breath-taking"
"Alex is great. We have two worthy X Factor winners in Alexandra Burke and Leona Lewis"
"I think Alexandra has an amazing voice"
"Alexandra and Leona Lewis have completely different voices..at the end of the day, they're both representing England and doing the proud! IMO Alexandra suits ballads but can do up-beat songs, Leona only suits ballads and she's not much of a dancer either. But they are both amazing performers"
Ok, this comment has nothing to do with Alexandra Burke but I like it anyway and think there's a lot of truth in it:
"Simon always looks happy on The X Factor. Haha, on American Idol he always looks pissed and annoyed, on The X Factor he looks happy"
Watch this space for more updates on X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, and other past winners.
And here's one of my favorite performances by Alexandra Burke on The X Factor UK, this is "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" originally sung by Whitney Houston. She was mentored in this series by the new judge, Cheryl Cole.
Isn't she amazing? Some of the comments for this performance from viewers include
"is there anyone else who can't stop watching this clip?"
"she's really beautiful"
"I don't think you can get any better than this. I get goosebumps every time I hear this"
"I think this was really brave for week one"
"Alexandra kinda stamped herself as the winner since week one"
"She looks like a diva"
"Simply breath-taking"
"Alex is great. We have two worthy X Factor winners in Alexandra Burke and Leona Lewis"
"I think Alexandra has an amazing voice"
"Alexandra and Leona Lewis have completely different voices..at the end of the day, they're both representing England and doing the proud! IMO Alexandra suits ballads but can do up-beat songs, Leona only suits ballads and she's not much of a dancer either. But they are both amazing performers"
Ok, this comment has nothing to do with Alexandra Burke but I like it anyway and think there's a lot of truth in it:
"Simon always looks happy on The X Factor. Haha, on American Idol he always looks pissed and annoyed, on The X Factor he looks happy"
Watch this space for more updates on X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, and other past winners.
Alexandra Burke xfactor winner and the newest pop princess. Here's Alexandra's first single Hallelujah
Alexandra Burke XFactor winner of series 5 is the newest pop princess and one of the few Xfactor winner's to have a potential global career (Leona Lewis being another xfactor winner who has gone on to truly mega stardom. Leona won series 4)
Here is Alexandra's official video for her first single Hallelujah. It's a cover of the classic by Leonard Cohen (read about the history of the song Hallelujah on wikipedia) Great video as it shows highlights from the series, from her first nervous appearance waiting in the audition room to her final crowning as champion. Hard to believe she's only 19 years old when you see her composure and unquestionable star quality shining through in this video.
Alexandra...you are a star!!!
Happy viewing....
Oh and bytheway, if you want to buy the song as an MP3, here's a purchase link to the almighty Amazon.com
Hallelujah (Original Version By 'Alexandra Burke')
Here is Alexandra's official video for her first single Hallelujah. It's a cover of the classic by Leonard Cohen (read about the history of the song Hallelujah on wikipedia) Great video as it shows highlights from the series, from her first nervous appearance waiting in the audition room to her final crowning as champion. Hard to believe she's only 19 years old when you see her composure and unquestionable star quality shining through in this video.
Alexandra...you are a star!!!
Happy viewing....
Oh and bytheway, if you want to buy the song as an MP3, here's a purchase link to the almighty Amazon.com
Hallelujah (Original Version By 'Alexandra Burke')
X Factor UK: past winners, judges and presenters
Welcome X Factor Fanatics! This blog will give you the essential X Factor facts, news and latest celebrity gossip!
Let's take a look at the history of X Factor in Britain. At the time of writing there have been six series.
Here are the details of the winners, presenters and runner-ups for each series.
X FACTOR SERIES 1
Series 1 Winner: Steve Brookstein
Steve Brookstein backgrounder:He was born in Dulwich. His father's from South Africa. He received 6 million votes, which remains the highest vote count on X Factor.
What is Steve Brookstein doing now: Our lucky first series winner can now be seen singing in Pizza Parlours and Pubs like Pizza Express, cruise ships and anywhere he can. You can read more about Steve at his website stevebrookstein.com
The News Of The World published a slightly cruel article about Steve headlined "Steve Brookstein goes from superstardom to dough ball". Instead of playing to sell-out crowds, X Factor's first winner now performs at Pizza Express to 30-strong crowds and has a tendency to forget his lines. Let that be a lesson to the more than 200,000 hopefuls who are expected to line up for the new series' auditions. Yes X Factor might win you instant fame, but not necessary lasting success or million dollar paydays either.
Series 1 Runner up: G4
Male four-piece vocal group. Named after the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where they all met. Guildhall 4 = G4 get it?!
Even Simon Cowell had to admit that G4 were the real stars of X Factor Series One as they went on to sell more records that Steve Brookstein. Their rendition of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody in the semi-final (which they encored for the final) was their biggest moment. They signed a GBP1.5 million deal with Sony since Simon's record company Syco didn't pick them up. Their debut album G4 reached number 1 and they ended releasing three albums.
Where are G4 now: They split up in 2007 saying they were having fights within the band and were tired of the constant 'boiling frustrations'.
Host: Kate Thornton. Irritating, super irritating, but bless-her-heart she was a trier. Really nervous and pretty terrible as a presenter, although she did get better as the series grew.
Judges: Simon "the chest hair" Cowell. His forehead could still move in those days, he looks surprisingly young when you watch the shows back. Sharon Osbourne, loud mouthed wife of Ozzy Osbourne and co-star with raving mad Osbourne Family of the now infamous MTV reality series "The Osbournes"., Louis Walsh: manager of Westlife, Boyzone and long time business associate of Cowell's. With his Irish charm, wink in the eye and warmth he produced the kinder Uncle figure to Simon's 'tell it like it is because it's for your own good' honesty.
X FACTOR SERIES 2
Series 2 Winner: Shayne Ward
Shayne Ward is still around as a solo artist, still releasing albums. Same haircut too. Pointless side note: my friend keeps calling him Shane Warne by mistake. And she has no idea that she's getting it wrong. The high point of his career was when his debut single "That's My Gold" sold more copies on the day of its release than ALL of the other Top 40 singles combined. Wowsers! It's said his personal wealth is around half a million pounds and globally he has sold an incredible 1 million albums. In Asia they love him (as they love Air Supply, Michael Learns To Rock and Journey)
Series 2 Runner Up: Andy Abraham. Oh my goodness, completely forgot about this guy.Andy Abraham was a dustbin man before auditioning for X Factor. He's also been a bus driver. Andy went on to represent the United Kingdom in the 2008 Eurovision Song Content and came joint last out of 25 entries an absolutely dismal 14 points. By doing so, he became only the second UK entrant to come last in Eurovision. Yes, that the Eurovision song contest...the one that features San Marino and countries that sound more like fruity beverages than hot beds of song writing and performing. Andy lost X Factor by just 1.2% to Shayne Ward. He released four albums including a "Very Best Of Album" in 2008 (yes, the Very Best Of Andy Abraham)
What is Andy Abraham up to now? He continues to perform. He even sang at the 21st birthday party of Arsenal winger and England's next great hope: Theo Walcott. In 20 years time, Walcott will look back at those birthday photos and think 'who?'
Host: Kate Thornton. Still irritating and still clearly nervous for the big shows. But still bless-her-little-heart for trying so very hard.
Judges: same as Series 1. If it ain't broke
X FACTOR SERIES 3
Series 3 winner: Leona Lewis
By far the most successful of all the X Factor winners. Now, a bonafide global megastar...UK"s Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Mary J all in one
Runner Up Ray Quinn
Host: Kate Thornton survives but not for much longer
Judges: same but good old Paula Abdul of American Idol joins for the London auditions
X FACTOR SERIES 4
Series 4 winner: Leon Jackson
Runner Up: Rhydian Roberts. Surely the weirdest of the finalists
Host: Change of host, as the hugely popular and safe bet Dermot O'Leary joins
Judges: A NEW JUDGE joins X Factor. Dannii Minogue, sister of Kylie Minogue becomes the fourth judge. Brian Friedman joins for the London auditions. Brian's been a judge for other Simon Cowell shows but he lacks chemistry with the other judges
X FACTOR SERIES 5
Series 5 Winner: Alexandra Burke.
The (joint?) second most successful X Factor winner after Leona Lewis and equally classy/talented until some of the others
Series 5 Runner UP: JLS
JLS are the biggest boyband in the UK right now, and slowly taking the world by storm.
Host; Dermot in the house
Judges: Brian Friedman dropped coz let's face it, he wasn't very good, Louis begged to return. Sharon leaves and big one: CHERYL COLE of UK All Girl Group GIRLS ALOUD arrives and rapidly becomes Britain's new sweetheart (and Simon's looking at the sexual chemistry) which her warm Geordie tones, beauty, fashion trends and habit of bursting into tears whenever she's wearing waterproof mascara and a fella Geordie is doing well.
X FACTOR SERIES 6
Winner: Joe McElderry. The whitest smile in England (after Cowell of course)
Runner Up: Olly Murs
HOst: Dermot O Leary, housewives' fave once again
Same judges, notice how much more close-ups Cheryl gets. Press makes noise about Dannii getting jealous, being cold shouldered etc.
Let's take a look at the history of X Factor in Britain. At the time of writing there have been six series.
Here are the details of the winners, presenters and runner-ups for each series.
X FACTOR SERIES 1
Series 1 Winner: Steve Brookstein
Steve Brookstein backgrounder:He was born in Dulwich. His father's from South Africa. He received 6 million votes, which remains the highest vote count on X Factor.
What is Steve Brookstein doing now: Our lucky first series winner can now be seen singing in Pizza Parlours and Pubs like Pizza Express, cruise ships and anywhere he can. You can read more about Steve at his website stevebrookstein.com
The News Of The World published a slightly cruel article about Steve headlined "Steve Brookstein goes from superstardom to dough ball". Instead of playing to sell-out crowds, X Factor's first winner now performs at Pizza Express to 30-strong crowds and has a tendency to forget his lines. Let that be a lesson to the more than 200,000 hopefuls who are expected to line up for the new series' auditions. Yes X Factor might win you instant fame, but not necessary lasting success or million dollar paydays either.
Series 1 Runner up: G4
Male four-piece vocal group. Named after the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where they all met. Guildhall 4 = G4 get it?!
Even Simon Cowell had to admit that G4 were the real stars of X Factor Series One as they went on to sell more records that Steve Brookstein. Their rendition of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody in the semi-final (which they encored for the final) was their biggest moment. They signed a GBP1.5 million deal with Sony since Simon's record company Syco didn't pick them up. Their debut album G4 reached number 1 and they ended releasing three albums.
Where are G4 now: They split up in 2007 saying they were having fights within the band and were tired of the constant 'boiling frustrations'.
Host: Kate Thornton. Irritating, super irritating, but bless-her-heart she was a trier. Really nervous and pretty terrible as a presenter, although she did get better as the series grew.
Judges: Simon "the chest hair" Cowell. His forehead could still move in those days, he looks surprisingly young when you watch the shows back. Sharon Osbourne, loud mouthed wife of Ozzy Osbourne and co-star with raving mad Osbourne Family of the now infamous MTV reality series "The Osbournes"., Louis Walsh: manager of Westlife, Boyzone and long time business associate of Cowell's. With his Irish charm, wink in the eye and warmth he produced the kinder Uncle figure to Simon's 'tell it like it is because it's for your own good' honesty.
X FACTOR SERIES 2
Series 2 Winner: Shayne Ward
Shayne Ward is still around as a solo artist, still releasing albums. Same haircut too. Pointless side note: my friend keeps calling him Shane Warne by mistake. And she has no idea that she's getting it wrong. The high point of his career was when his debut single "That's My Gold" sold more copies on the day of its release than ALL of the other Top 40 singles combined. Wowsers! It's said his personal wealth is around half a million pounds and globally he has sold an incredible 1 million albums. In Asia they love him (as they love Air Supply, Michael Learns To Rock and Journey)
Series 2 Runner Up: Andy Abraham. Oh my goodness, completely forgot about this guy.Andy Abraham was a dustbin man before auditioning for X Factor. He's also been a bus driver. Andy went on to represent the United Kingdom in the 2008 Eurovision Song Content and came joint last out of 25 entries an absolutely dismal 14 points. By doing so, he became only the second UK entrant to come last in Eurovision. Yes, that the Eurovision song contest...the one that features San Marino and countries that sound more like fruity beverages than hot beds of song writing and performing. Andy lost X Factor by just 1.2% to Shayne Ward. He released four albums including a "Very Best Of Album" in 2008 (yes, the Very Best Of Andy Abraham)
What is Andy Abraham up to now? He continues to perform. He even sang at the 21st birthday party of Arsenal winger and England's next great hope: Theo Walcott. In 20 years time, Walcott will look back at those birthday photos and think 'who?'
Host: Kate Thornton. Still irritating and still clearly nervous for the big shows. But still bless-her-little-heart for trying so very hard.
Judges: same as Series 1. If it ain't broke
X FACTOR SERIES 3
Series 3 winner: Leona Lewis
By far the most successful of all the X Factor winners. Now, a bonafide global megastar...UK"s Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Mary J all in one
Runner Up Ray Quinn
Host: Kate Thornton survives but not for much longer
Judges: same but good old Paula Abdul of American Idol joins for the London auditions
X FACTOR SERIES 4
Series 4 winner: Leon Jackson
Runner Up: Rhydian Roberts. Surely the weirdest of the finalists
Host: Change of host, as the hugely popular and safe bet Dermot O'Leary joins
Judges: A NEW JUDGE joins X Factor. Dannii Minogue, sister of Kylie Minogue becomes the fourth judge. Brian Friedman joins for the London auditions. Brian's been a judge for other Simon Cowell shows but he lacks chemistry with the other judges
X FACTOR SERIES 5
Series 5 Winner: Alexandra Burke.
The (joint?) second most successful X Factor winner after Leona Lewis and equally classy/talented until some of the others
Series 5 Runner UP: JLS
JLS are the biggest boyband in the UK right now, and slowly taking the world by storm.
Host; Dermot in the house
Judges: Brian Friedman dropped coz let's face it, he wasn't very good, Louis begged to return. Sharon leaves and big one: CHERYL COLE of UK All Girl Group GIRLS ALOUD arrives and rapidly becomes Britain's new sweetheart (and Simon's looking at the sexual chemistry) which her warm Geordie tones, beauty, fashion trends and habit of bursting into tears whenever she's wearing waterproof mascara and a fella Geordie is doing well.
X FACTOR SERIES 6
Winner: Joe McElderry. The whitest smile in England (after Cowell of course)
Runner Up: Olly Murs
HOst: Dermot O Leary, housewives' fave once again
Same judges, notice how much more close-ups Cheryl gets. Press makes noise about Dannii getting jealous, being cold shouldered etc.
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