Showing posts with label Johnny Robinson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Johnny Robinson. Show all posts

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Sophie Habibis slated for her 'dull as dishwater' performance as Rhythmix become Little Mix

'A secretary who sings at the weekend': Sophie Habibis slated for her 'dull as dishwater' performance as Rhythmix become Little Mix... and scary creepy dolls



By Georgina Littlejohn

Last updated at 12:03 AM on 30th October 2011




She's had it tough since getting through to the live finals of the X Factor competition and moaned that she wasn't getting enough attention like her fellow contestants.

But unfortunately for Sophie Habibis, tonight's performance on the Halloween special of the X Factor did give her some attention - but for all the wrong reasons.

The 19-year-old barmaid from north west London was the third act to take to the stage tonight with her own spooky rendition of Nancy Sinatra's Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).

Scroll down for the videos...


Spooky, sultry and sexy: Sophie Habibis sang Nancy Sinatra's Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) on tonight's X Factor Halloween special
Spooky, sultry and sexy: Sophie Habibis sang Nancy Sinatra's Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) on tonight's X Factor Halloween special

She looked sensational with her dark hair piled up on her head and in a skintight outfit with male dancers writhing behind her.

But sadly, the song choice reflected her comments as she was indeed shot down by judges Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow.


Scathing: Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow took Sophie's song choice literally and shot her down, calling her a 'secretary who sings on weekends' and 'dull as dishwater'
Scathing: Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow took Sophie's song choice literally and shot her down, calling her a 'secretary who sings on weekends' and 'dull as dishwater'
Scathing: Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow took Sophie's song choice literally and shot her down, calling her a 'secretary who sings on weekends' and 'dull as dishwater'




Upset: Brave Sophie tried to mask her disappointment after Louis and Gary's comments
Upset: Brave Sophie tried to mask her disappointment after Louis and Gary's comments

Louis was first to pass judgement when he told her: 'You're a great singer and a really nice girl but I'm not sure about the song choice.


'There's something missing, I dunno what it is, you're like a secretary who sings at the weekend or something.'

Girl power: Tulisa Contostavlos and Alexandra Burke, who was standing in for Kelly Rowland, gave Sophie a much-needed boost
Girl power: Tulisa Contostavlos and Alexandra Burke, who was standing in for Kelly Rowland, gave Sophie a much-needed boost

Gary was equally as scathing and despite telling her she was 'one of the best singers left in the competition', he added: 'This is the fourth week running you've chosen to sing a weary dreary ballad - your song choices are as dull as dishwater.'

Tulisa Contostavlos, however, was very complimentary and said, 'You nailed it. you went for it and you're finding your own tone', and Alexandra Burke, was was standing in for a sick Kelly Rowland, added: 'I'll keep it real, there was some slight tuning problem but doesn't take from the fact you are a beautiful performer.'


Swinging around: Little Mix, formerly known as Rhythmix, took to the stage dressed as creepy rag dolls
Swinging around: Little Mix, formerly known as Rhythmix, took to the stage dressed as creepy rag dolls


Dolly girls: Little Mix's jerky dance moves suited their look perfectly
Dolly girls: Little Mix's jerky dance moves suited their look perfectly

It wasn't a bad night for all the girls though, especially the girl-group formerly known as Rhythmix, who tonight debuted their new name - Little Mix - after they were forced to change it after a children's charity with the same name requested they did.

It had also been a tough week for member Jesy who had been on the end of some very negative criticism and comments about her weight and her looks, which had reduced her to tears.


Bad week: Jesy (far left) was seen getting upset as Tulisa and Louis comforted her and told her not to listen to her haters
Bad week: Jesy (far left) was seen getting upset as Tulisa and Louis comforted her and told her not to listen to her haters

They came on stage with a new name and a spooky new look as they took their places for their rendition of Katy Perry's E.T and dressed and made up to look like scary rag dolls, their harmonies were sharp and their jerky dance moves in time and in keeping with their creepy look.

And not only did the judges sing their praises, with Gary telling them it was a 'great song choice' and Alexandra telling them there was a 'space in the market' for them but Tulisa and Louis reassured and comforted Jesy, who was visibly upset after the performance.


'Smashed it': The Risk, who were debuting new member Ashford, opened the show will their version of Michael Jackson's Thriller
'Smashed it': The Risk, who were debuting new member Ashford, opened the show will their version of Michael Jackson's Thriller

Louis told her, 'Jesy, don't read the negative things people are just jealous because you're on the X Factor', and Tulisa added: 'Jesy, it takes a lot to speak up and am proud of you. Girls, the performance was amazing you did something different tonight that's never been done before.'

First up on the show tonight were The Risk, who were debuting their new member Ashford Campbell after Ashley J. Baptiste quit this week, and performed Michael Jackson's Thriller, which delighted the judges and were told they had 'smashed' their performance.

Audience favourite Johnny Robinson was up next and ditched the camp fun glamour for a more serious look as he came on and stood by a piano for his version of Billie Holiday's That Old Devil Called Love.


That old devil called Johnny: Mr Robinson performed a version of Ella Fitzgerald's classic song
That old devil called Johnny: Mr Robinson performed a version of Ella Fitzgerald's classic song




Can't contain himself: Johnny couldn't believe his luck when Gary came up on stage to give him a hug and a kiss
Can't contain himself: Johnny couldn't believe his luck when Gary came up on stage to give him a hug and a kiss
Can't contain himself: Johnny couldn't believe his luck when Gary came up on stage to give him a hug and a kiss

After his performance, Gary got up from his chair, hugged Johnny and gave him a kiss on the cheek, much to the Londoner's delight and excitement.

The Take That star told him: 'That's it, it's that simple that's all you needed to do, you're not a novelty act, you're a great singer.'

Tulisa told him: 'You finally got to sing a ballad and you sung it well. Louis, you've been hiding his skills for too long. I loved it. Johnny, I thought you were very very sexy tonight.'


He's got it all: Marcus Collins's performance of Stevie Wonder's Superstition wowed the judges
He's got it all: Marcus Collins's performance of Stevie Wonder's Superstition wowed the judges




Alexandra added: 'Great song choice, you sung your little heart out and I love you, you bring the fun to the X Factor, you are very special', and his own mentor, Louis, added: 'We could be in Ronnie Scotts listening to a world wide jazz singer, you nailed it.'

After Sophie was Marcus Collins, who sang Stevie Wonder's Superstition mashed up with I Need You Tonight by INXS, wearing dark eye make up and surrounded by dancers.


Louis told him, 'Every week you bring it, you're happy, you can sing, you can dance - Marcus, you've got everything', while Tulisa added: 'You really nailed the Halloween thing tonight, you look like you were having fun and when you do, everyone else does too.'


Strutting her stiff: Misha B came out to a funky rendition of Soft Cell's Tainted Love
Strutting her stiff: Misha B came out to a funky rendition of Soft Cell's Tainted Love




Diva: Misha rocked a Grace Jones style look for her performance
Diva: Misha rocked a Grace Jones style look for her performance
Diva: Misha rocked a Grace Jones style look for her performance

Alexandra told him he had a 'great look' and his proud mentor Gary added: 'You totally delivered, mate, well done.'

Up next was the self-proclaimed diva Misha B, who has made the headlines this week after Tulisa and Louis accused her of backstage bullying on last week's show.

But her head - and her hair - held high, she came out sporting a Grace Jones style quiff and sang a throaty version of Soft Cell's Tainted Love.


Haunting: Throaty Irish singer Janet Devlin sang her own version of The Police's Every Breath You Take
Haunting: Throaty Irish singer Janet Devlin sang her own version of The Police's Every Breath You Take




Louis told her she was a 'rare talent vocally' while Alexandra said she never disappointed vocally but she wanted to see more of her.

Gary told her she was 'out of the stratosphere' while Tulisa apologised for last week and said: 'You were born a star and everything I say to you is because I want you to be the best you can be.'

Irish singer Janet Devlin was up next and sang her rendition of The Police's Every Breath You Take, which Louis said he found 'very haunting'.


Cocky? Frankie Cocozza performed The Clash song Should I Stay Or Should I go surrounded by female dancers....
Cocky? Frankie Cocozza performed The Clash song Should I Stay Or Should I go surrounded by female dancers....




... but the judges said they were concerned about his off-stage antics and that he wasn't taking the competition seriously
... but the judges said they were concerned about his off-stage antics and that he wasn't taking the competition seriously

Alexandra said she did a 'fantastic job' and she wanted to 'cuddle' her, Tulisa said she loved her energy but Gary said he was concerned that everyone knew what to expect from her and hoped the public would stay interested.

It was then the turn of ladies man Frankie Cocozza who decided to make his grand entrance through the audience surrounded by screaming girls to perform The Clash's Should I Stay or Should I Go.

But there were mixed reviews from the judges as Louis told him, 'you've got your swagger back but you're always gonna be known for your antics off stage than on stage.'


Spinning around: Kitty Brucknell came out on stage on a magician's wheel
Spinning around: Kitty Brucknell came out on stage on a magician's wheel




Cabaret: Despite the judges singing her praises, Alexandra stirred the pot and got into a mini spat with Louis after she said Kitty could fall into the cabaret genre
Cabaret: Despite the judges singing her praises, Alexandra stirred the pot and got into a mini spat with Louis after she said Kitty could fall into the cabaret genre
Cabaret: Despite the judges singing her praises, Alexandra stirred the pot and got into a mini spat with Louis after she said Kitty could fall into the cabaret genre

Alexandra told him she had a problem with him because she didn't think he was taking it seriously but Gary jumped to his act's defence and said: 'Don't worry, she's only here for one night. I think we found the sweet spot with you tonight.'

It was then the act that most had been waiting for and it came in the shape of Kitty Brucknell, who had decided to open her performance spinning round on a magician's wheel as she sang the Eurythmics classic Sweet Dreams dressed in a sexy ringmaster's costume.


She's only been here five minutes! The former X Factor winner tried to put Louis in his place after Kitty's song
She's only been here five minutes! The former X Factor winner tried to put Louis in his place after Kitty's song

Tulisa told her: 'Every week you pull a new trick out the bag, you are the most inventive, and for me you're the least manufactured, you bring yourself to the stage.'

Gary told her he was glad that she had brushed off coming in the bottom two last week and added: There's definitely this flavour with you, people either love you or hate you and what they hate you for - being a diva, the ferocious ambition - that's what I love your for.'

And Alexandra added: 'You've got some pipes on you, you are very entertaining but worry it could come across slightly cabaret' - a comment that caused her to have a mini row with Kitty's mentor Louis Walsh.


Performance of the night: Gary praised his act Craig Colton for his version of Adele's Set Fire To The Rain
Performance of the night: Gary praised his act Craig Colton for his version of Adele's Set Fire To The Rain

And last but not least of the ten acts remaining was Craig Colton, who sang Adele's Set Fire To The Rain which his mentor Gary simply said was 'the performance of the night'.

Louis told him: 'A great musical performer, everyone's voting in Liverpool tonight, you are now a contender.'

Tulisa added: 'This guy could sell albums but my only criticism is I'm starting to find it a bit predictable, I want you to shock me and do something different.'




Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Kitty Brucknell dons underwear for night out in Soho with Johnny Robinson

You're not on The X Factor now! Kitty Brucknell dons underwear (and not much else) for night out in Soho with Johnny Robinson



By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 10:50 AM on 26th October 2011


She's been pushing the boat out every week on The X Factor, aiming to shock and impress with her wild and crazy outfits.

But last night Kitty Brucknell appeared to have ignored the fact she wasn't live on television, instead choosing another skimpy outfit for a night out in Soho.

The 26-year-old singer stepped out in a black bra and knickers set, fishnet tights, teal jacket and sparkly shoes as she hit London with fellow X Factor contestant Johnny Robinson.


Barely there: Kitty Brucknell stepped out in London last night wearing a black bra, knickers and glittery heels
Barely there: Kitty Brucknell stepped out in London last night wearing a black bra, knickers and glittery heels
Barely there: Kitty Brucknell stepped out in London last night wearing a black bra, knickers and glittery heels
They've got the X Factor: Kitty enjoyed her evening out with fellow X Factor contestant Johnny Robinson
They've got the X Factor: Kitty enjoyed her evening out with fellow X Factor contestant Johnny Robinson

Kitty, who narrowly avoided being voted off the show last weekend, teamed her outfit with a pair of sunglasses, a black cinch belt and a huge black necklace.
Johnny, meanwhile, teamed his white shirt and jeans with a sparkly scarf and colourful pair of high-top trainers.
Kitty took to Twitter ahead of her evening out to tell fans what she had planned, tweeting: 'Going to Old Compton St tonight for a bit of fun with @jrmusicoffic :-)'

Smiles all round: The pair seemed in good spirits as they enjoyed time at The Village karaoke bar
Smiles all round: The pair seemed in good spirits as they enjoyed time at The Village karaoke bar
Doing what she does best: Kitty couldn't resist taking tot he microphone for a spot of singing
Doing what she does best: Kitty couldn't resist taking tot he microphone for a spot of singing
Doing what she does best: Kitty couldn't resist taking tot he microphone for a spot of singing
And the pair couldn't resist indulging in some singing during their night out, taking to the microphone in a local karaoke bar - no doubt gearing up for this weekend's live shows.
During their fun-filled night out, Kitty and Johnny enjoyed a ride around on a rickshaw, with Kitty coming very close to falling off as she stood up in the moving vehicle.
Kitty said in a recent interview that while some people love to hate her, she has never been fake during her time on the show.
She told the Daily Star: 'There’s no acting, there is no fakeness from me. Believe me there are people in here who are fake, but I’m not. I promise you that.
Careful! Kitty and Johnny rode around London on a rickshaw in between going to the pubs and clubs
Careful! Kitty and Johnny rode around London on a rickshaw in between going to the pubs and clubs
Piling in: The X Factor contestants squeezed themselves in to the rickshaw as they were driven around London
Piling in: The X Factor contestants squeezed themselves in to the rickshaw as they were driven around London
'Every year there is one person picked on as the panto villain, but that’s fine. It’s not something that’s important to me. I just want to be a good performer.
'I think getting booed is something that people expected because of the way that I have been portrayed. It’s not about people who hate you. Even if 100,000 people hate me, if 100,000 people like me that’s all that counts.'
Kitty caused controversy last weekend when her mentor Louis Walsh chose to save her over Sami Brookes.
Meeting and greeting: Johnny and Kitty couldn't stop smiling as they were greeted by fans on their night out
Meeting and greeting: Johnny and Kitty couldn't stop smiling as they were greeted by fans on their night out

Time to head home: Kitty's outfit, which she teamed with a teal jacket, was less than flattering from behind
Time to head home: Kitty's outfit, which she teamed with a teal jacket, was less than flattering from behind
But after escaping the chop, Kitty took to Twitter to thank both her fans and Louis for giving her another chance.
She wrote: 'Thank u so much for all your support last night. I'm devastated that Sammi has gone, she was my close friend and I will miss her a lot.'
Kitty later added: 'Louis, thank you so much for saving me. I'm eternally grateful, thank you thank you. I am staying fearless and remind myself that every day.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2053590/X-Factor-2011-Kitty-Brucknell-dons-underwear-night-Johnny-Robinson.html#ixzz1btItaEFE

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Kitty Bucknell triumphs as Sami Brookes becomes the third X Factor casualty

Clinging onto the Edge Of Glory: Kitty Bucknell triumphs as Sami Brookes becomes the third X Factor casualty



By Nadia Mendoza

Last updated at 10:26 PM on 23rd October 2011



Louis Walsh was faced with sending one of his own acts home tonight as Kitty Brucknell and Sami Brookes fought for survival in the bottom two.

The X Factor stars battled each other, with Brucknell's rendition of Lady Gaga's The Edge Of Glory triumphing over Brookes' version of Aretha Franklin hit A Natural Woman.

Walsh's decision proved unpopular with the studio audience, as he was greeted with boos.


Facing the music: Kitty Brucknell triumphed over Sami Brookes and will remain in the competition until next week
Facing the music: Kitty Brucknell triumphed over Sami Brookes and will remain in the competition until next week

Gary Barlow said both acts were 'unbelievable' and credited Sami for her vocals, although it was obvious who he was going to save having previously called her 'karaoke' and 'a cruise ship singer'.

The Take That star said: 'Sami, your voice is undeniable but I've always found you a little bit dated.'


Kelly also saved Kitty, 26, adding: 'This is really hard. Sami, I absolutely adore you and Kitty I think you're a wonderful entertainer, but I'm sending home Sami.'


Singing for survival: Kitty blew the judges away, getting three votes from Gary, Kelly and Louis
Singing for survival: Kitty blew the judges away, getting three votes from Gary, Kelly and Louis




Can she win the public around? There is no doubt Kitty is one of the best entertainers, but does she have the personality to match
Can she win the public around? There is no doubt Kitty is one of the best entertainers, but does she have the personality to match
Can she win over the public? Kitty is one of the best entertainers, but does she have the personality to match

Tulisa spiced up the vote by opting to send Kitty home, saying: 'I've got to vote with my heart and the person I most connect with, so the act I'm sending home is Kitty.'

This meant that if Louis had chosen to save Sami, Dermot O'Leary would've had to go to deadlock, where the phone-in figures are the deciding factor as the contestants have two votes each.


Disappointed: Louis Walsh looked devastated to send home one of his own acts, or was it just pantomime
Disappointed: Louis Walsh looked devastated to send home one of his own acts, or was it just pantomime

Walsh said: 'I love both girls, but Kitty, you're not connecting with the public for some reason. Sami, you were incredible, you sang your heart out. Do I go with my head? Do I go with my heart?

'I'm going to go with my heart and the person I'm going to have to send home is Sami.'

The 31-year-old had the last word, saying: 'I may not be able to sell a million albums, but I am going to sing for the rest of my life.'


Just two remaining: Louis will have to work hard to keep Johnny and Kitty in the competition
Just two remaining: Louis will have to work hard to keep Johnny and Kitty in the competition after Gary accused him of turning his acts into 'jokes'

At the beginning of the show, the opening group ensemble was notably missing, immediately sparking speculation on Twitter that contestants can't stand being in the same room long enough to practice.

In reality, it was most likely due to the fact there were three star guests, including American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, Professor Green featuring Emeli Sandi and Bruno Mars.

Louis also apologised for last night's antics, when he accused Misha B of bullying contestants.


Delighted: Johnny Robinson and Misha B are elated to be through to next week
Delighted: Johnny Robinson and Misha B are elated to be through to next week
Delighted: Johnny Robinson and Misha B are elated to be through to next week after the public saved them

He swallowed a large dose of humble pie, telling host Dermot: 'We're all so involved in our own acts, but I got a bit carried away.

'I know I shouldn't have used the b-word and I apologise for that. It was the heat of the moment.'

Following his lead, Tulisa also backtracked from her accusations, having previously said Misha's backstage attitude was turning sour.

In what appeared to be rather scripted, she told Dermot that 'Misha stole the show', but her face told a different story.


Golden boy: Craig Colton won the public over again and seems to be proving as the one to beat
Golden boy: Craig Colton won the public over again and seems to be proving as the one to beat

Marcus Collins was announced as the first act returning next week, saving his nerves from turning to shreds again after he was the final artist to be called last Sunday.

Despite the dramas last night, Misha B was the second act to be saved, with Johnny Robinson, Rhythmix, Janet Devlin and Craig Colton jumping for joy as Dermot called their name.


Coming out of her shell: Sophie Habibis has succeeded in avoiding tabloid headlines, winning the vote on her voice alone
Coming out of her shell: Sophie Habibis has succeeded in avoiding tabloid headlines, winning the vote on her voice alone

Sophie Habibis was greeted with a huge cheer from the audience as she was sent through, while Frankie Cocozza received a chorus of boos.

The cocky 18-year-old will no doubt be reprimanded by mentor Barlow for swearing before the watershed on the family show, shouting 'f***ing have it' as his name was called.

The Risk were saved until last before Sami and Kitty were revealed as the bottom two.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2052508/X-Factor-2011-Kitty-Bucknell-triumphs-Sami-Brookes-casualty.html#ixzz1be9dtXKA

Thursday, October 20, 2011

X Factor Update 20.10.11 Sophie Habibis catches up on some sleep after another gruelling rehearsal

Feeling the strain? X Factor's Sophie Habibis catches up on some sleep after another gruelling rehearsal



By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 8:30 AM on 20th October 2011


She complained on The X Factor last week that she isn't as well known as the rest of her female competitors.

But it seems Sophie Habibis' quest to make herself more famous is leaving the 19-year-old London barmaid exhausted.

Sophie, who said she is determined to find fame through her voice rather than her antics off stage, was spotted catching up on some sleep in the garden of The X Factor house today after yet another gruelling rehearsal ahead of this weekend's live shows.


Feeling the strain? Sophie Habibis looked exhausted as she arrived back at the X Factor house in Hertfordshire this afternoon after another gruelling rehearsal
Feeling the strain? Sophie Habibis looked exhausted as she arrived back at the X Factor house in Hertfordshire this afternoon after another gruelling rehearsal




Catching up on some Zzzzs: Sophie had a quick power nap in the garden after a tough day of practising
Catching up on some Zzzzs: Sophie had a quick power nap in the garden after a tough day of practising

Wearing a flowered vest top, pink jacket and grey jogging bottoms, Sophie looked exhausted as she sat down outside, clutching her iPod and a notebook ready to make notes on what she needs to do to get herself stage-ready for this weekend.

Sophie has received mixed reviews from the judges after her performances, and was told by judge Gary Barlow on Sunday night she was missing a spark.

So the pretty brunette teenager is clearly pushing herself as hard as she can to make sure she pulls it out of the bag during this weekend's live shows, reported to have a Rock theme.


That's better: Earlier in the day, Sophie had appeared in good spirits, as had Sami Brookes, who waved at the cameras
That's better: Earlier in the day, Sophie had appeared in good spirits, as had Sami Brookes, who waved at the cameras
That's better: Earlier in the day, Sophie had appeared in good spirits, as had Sami Brookes, who waved at the cameras

Talking about being part of the X Factor last weekend, Sophie said: 'It's amazing. What can I say, thousands of people would want to be where I am and I’m lucky enough to be here and sharing it with some really, really nice people, so I’m blessed right now.'

Referring to her performance of The Calling's Wherever You May Go, Sophie said: 'I was nervous but I enjoyed it a lot.

'I’m just going to be myself and if people don’t think I have a spark they can think that, but hopefully they keep me in.'


'Lots of work to be done': Craig Colton, who today came out as gay, said he has a long way to go before he is ready for this weekend's live shows
'Lots of work to be done': Craig Colton, who today came out as gay, said he has a long way to go before he is ready for this weekend's live shows




Nerves aplenty: Frankie Cocozza and Johnny Robinson both looked nervous as they were seen outside the house
Nerves aplenty: Frankie Cocozza and Johnny Robinson both looked nervous as they were seen outside the house
Nerves aplenty: Frankie Cocozza and Johnny Robinson both looked nervous as they were seen outside the house

Moral support: The boys' judge Gary Barlow was seen arriving at the house this afternoon
Moral support: The boys' judge Gary Barlow was seen arriving at the house this afternoon


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2051046/X-Factor-2011-Sophie-Habibis-catches-sleep-gruelling-rehearsal.html#ixzz1bJE7D1BT