Simon Cowell takes all the credit for Stacy Francis's 'shining' performance (and sticks the knife into her mentor Nicole Scherzinger)

Smug Factor: Simon Cowell takes all the credit for Stacy Francis's 'shining' performance (and sticks the knife into her mentor Nicole Scherzinger)

• Fox renews X Factor USA for a second season

By Mike Larkin

Last updated at 6:55 AM on 3rd November 2011






She thought she had landed a plum job after replacing Cheryl Cole as an X Factor USA judge earlier this year.

But former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger was left licking her wounds on last night's show after being humiliated live on air by Simon Cowell.

The music mogul taunted her about the fact he had to steer Nicole's act Stacy Francis in the right direction by getting her to sing a gospel song - after criticising the Scherzinger's choice of material last week.

Fancy a kiss: Simon Cowell gave Stacy Frances a peck after claiming credit for turning her fortunes around while also humiliating her mentor Nicole Scherzinger on last night X Factor USA

Peeved: Nicole was seemed less than impressed after Simon gave her a dressing down live on air

After her version of Up The Mountain was heaped with praise by Paula Abdul and LA Reid, Simon was not slow at coming forward.
The grinning judge said: 'I don't want to take any credit for this but I'm going to.
'I think you want to give me a kiss don't you.'

After hugging the 42-year-old single mother and kissing her, he sat back in his chair and started gloating even more.
He said: 'That is why I love judging on this show. I can help the mentors and I can help the contestants.
'This is what you should have been doing right from the start. It was real.'

Simon says: The superstar judge was delighted to highlight the fact people should follow his words of wisdom

Drama: The judging panel, from left, LA Reid, Nicole, Paula Abdul and Simon

Crestfallen Nicole tried to deflect the attention away from her failure, but she did admit she had been wrong.

The red-faced star conceded: 'I took your advice Simon. I'm not going to make it about you, I'm going to make it about Stacy.

'I think you were being honest with your performance tonight.

'This was the perfect song for you and you fulfilled your purpose.'

And to top it all off Paula told Stacy: 'You were the shining moment of tonight.'

Colourful: Lakoda Rayne stood out in an array of shades - but Cowell criticised their mentor Paula over their 'prom dress' outfits

Hogz in the limelight: The RnB group were lavished with praise and seem set to go further in the competition

It was a moment of triumph for Simon, who explained: 'Some of the best singers in the world are what I call church singers, like Aretha Franklin, that's what I mean, what's wrong with that?

'But Stacy got it so wrong last week. So I'm going to take responsibility for what she's singing tonight.

'If she gets it wrong tonight I'll take full responsibility - but this is more me than Nicole with Stacy this week, it's been me guiding her.'

The Stacy spat was the highlight of a night of verbal grenades from the show's star act, who gleefully announced on air his show had been renewed for another season despite getting nowhere near the 20 million viewers he had hoped for.

There are just twelve acts left, with this week being the first subject to the public vote.

Jealous: Simon stroked Paula's ego by saying he was envious of her group Stereo Hogz

Hellish: Simon was not a fan of the flames during Chris Rene's performance

First up was the Stereo Hogz, with the RnB group giving a rendition of Janet Jackson song Rhythm Nation.

Simon said: 'I was in such a good mood until this because Miss Smug on my right is so happy.

'You know I've got to say something guys, not only do I think you are the best group I've seen on one of these competitions.

'I work for a record label and I don't think there is a band in the world as good as you.

'I wish I was mentoring you. This is so annoying.'

LA Reid agreed, saying: 'The whole idea here is do you have what it takes to be a star, and you know what, you just showed you absolutely have what it takes to be a star.'

Dated: Simon gave Nicole another verbal spanking after labelling her song and presentation choice for LeRoy Bell 'dated'

Crow road: 13-year-old Rachel will be hoping the cuteness card will allow her to go deeper into the contest

Chris Rene sang Carpenters hit Superstar, and was praised for picking the right song for him.

Nicole said: 'You sound absolutely amazing. You've grown so much already in this competition. Vocally you sounded beautiful.'

Simon said: 'Last week you knew you weren't on your game. When the song started for 10 seconds I thought this was going to be a disaster.

'I thought it was a big improvement on what you did last week and I love your honesty.'

But he had a pop at the flames that covered the stage at the end of the song.

His mentor LA Reid defended the styling choice, saying: 'You know that fire was because he is hot.'

Singing his heart out: Josh Krajcik in the Overs category took the stage for another rousing performance, clad in a full black ensemble

Michael Bolton clone LeRoy Bell, who does not look anywhere near his 60 years of age,was criticsed for his song choice by LA Reid and Simon Cowell after sing country ballad.

Simon accusing Nicole Scherzinger of picking the wrong song for her pupil, saying: 'I don't think Nicole quite understood to give you the right kind of song.

'I thought it looked very dated having a piano player up there with you.'

But she shot back: 'You know what, Simon? Sometimes, less is more.

The ding-dong continued when Simon Cowell's contestant 13-year-old Rachel Crow sang Walking On Sunshine, but with new lyrics.

Nicole questioned why they had been changed, and claimed it had wasted the song.

But acid-tongued Simon said: 'Referring to the lyric change, Nicole, it's called being inventive darling.'

One to beat? Simon is sure he has a winner on his hands after bring back leather-lunged Melanie Amaro

And when she tried to challenged him again he spoke over her, saying: 'Nicole, grown-ups are talking.

'This girl is going to be around for a long time.'

LA Reid seemed to agree, as he added: 'You must be one of the most charasmatic people I have ever met. It is tough to cricise your performance because you are so loveable.

'You have really got something special, whatever you want to do, you can do it.'

Melanie Amaro, sang the Eagles' classic hit Desperado, and despite only being in the show after Simon changed his mind on axing her, she is suddenly the favourite.

LA Reid said: 'The only thing Simon ever did right was bringing you back.

'Great song choice, but for me Simon bringing you back was more powerful for me.'

Paula added: 'You look beautiful and I have to say your voice is like fine china.'

Its a rap: Pint-sized hip hop wannabe Astro was popular with the crowd and the judges

Fair's fair: LA Reid admitted he had been wrong about his own act after being jabbed by Simon

Smug Simon said: 'I didn't realise how good you are, you are seriously, seriously good.

'Right now, you are the one to beat, trust me.'

Pint-sized rapper Astro, who looks less than his 15-years, took on Naughty by Nature's Hip-Hop Hooray, and added some of his own lyrics thrown in for effect.

Simon took LA to task, as he was now singing his act's praises while before had said noone would buy his records.

Simon said: 'I remember a few weeks ago LA Reid saying people your age can't rap and sell records.

Gleeful: Intensity won the approval of Simon with their Glee-esque act

'I think LA it is time to take that back. I think you are a real little star.

'Your ego is getting bigger, I know LA is channelling is ego through you, but that is what it needs.'

And the hip-hop mogol agreed, saying, 'that's fair.'

Once again, if you like to download Glee's versions of your favourite songs, there's nothing not to like about the hodgepodge of 12- to 17-year-olds who make up Intensity.

Simon admitted he had been wrong to doubt them and Paula, saying: 'I'm going to say S O R R Y to Paula because that was terrific.

Are Drew kidding? Simon claimed he was learning from his 14-year-old act and that she should be his mentor

'I like the fact there is a bit of a rebellion going on here and you insisted on changing your music to suit all of you.'

Paula reposted: 'You put him in his place, thank you so much for working so hard.'

Another contestant who fared well was 14-year-old Drew, who LA lavished with praise before adding, 'You're unlucky, you have the wrong mentor, otherwise, you're amazing.

However old campaigner Simon knew the best move was to use his reputation to shine even more light on his act, replying: 'LA, I'm not her mentor, she is my mentor.

'I'm learning from you and you are doing an incredible job.

He's arrived: Marcus Canty burst on to the stage and impressed the judges with his Bobby Brown mash-up

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2056952/X-Factor-USA-Simon-Cowell-takes-credit-Stacy-Franciss-shining-performance-sticks-knife-mentor-Nicole-Scherzinger.html#ixzz1cdDFYFl9

Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger in X-Factor feud over his constant criticism

Judges at war! Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger in X-Factor feud over his constant criticism

By Laura Schreffler

Last updated at 2:23 AM on 3rd November 2011


Nicole Scherzinger has had it up to here with Simon Cowell, who refuses to stop critiquing her contestants on X-Factor.

The 33-year-old singer is said to be furious with creator Cowell over his constant criticism.

They sparred onscreen last week when the 52-year-old Brit insulted Nicole's contestants, but their reality TV feud seems to have carried over into real life.

Feuding judges: Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger are reportedly on the outs

According to RadarOnline, Cowell is putting himself where he doesn't belong and co-mentoring the former Pussycat Doll's team in the lead up to tonight's show.

 

Tonight is the first night where the viewing public is actually allowed to vote.

A source tells the website: 'Simon said last week he didn't like Stacy Frances' song and called her a church singer, which Nicole took as a huge insult.'

Simon says: 'Nicole, you aren't doing your job!'

'It actually wasn't. It was about Nicole picking the wrong style song for Stacy. This week Simon started appearing at Nicole's acts during rehearsals.'

'He thinks it's hilarious that Nicole got so mad with him last week and he loves the fact Nicole's acts seek his approval. This week he's even taking credit for choosing Stacy's song.'

In other words, Simon Cowell is acting like a professional instigator.

A difference of opinion: Nicole and Simon clearly clash

He's even admitted it as such, saying today: 'Some of the best singers in the world are what I call church singers, like Aretha Franklin, that's what I mean, what's wrong with that?'

He added: 'But Stacy got it so wrong last week. So I'm going to take responsibility for what she's singing tonight. If she gets it wrong tonight I'll take full responsibility - but this is more me than Nicole with Stacy this week, it's been me guiding her.'

The former American Idol judge even criticised another of Scherzinger's contestants, LeRoy Bell.

The X-Factor: the show has already been renewed for a second season

'I don't think Nicole's connected with him. You have to get into a contestant's head and I'm not sure she has done that at all', he said.

One would say that Simon should focus on his own group, but he's doing that, as well.

In fact, he may be the reason why Fox announced today that X-Factor has been picked up for a second season.

He has beefed up security for his team, Rachel Crow, Drew Ryniewicz and Melanie Amaro after they were recently mobbed during a trip to the mall.

Two mentors: Stacy Frances is getting advice from both Nicole and Simon

He has ordered his own personal bodyguards to see that they never leave the studio alone.

Meanwhile, Nicole is still suffering after her breakup with boyfriend of four years, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

She looked heartbroken on a recent trip to London, where she performed her new single, Try With Me, on the UK version of X-Factor.

Her head and heart are clearly somewhere else at the moment - and that place might not be X-Factor.

The reason she's distracted: the former Pussycat Doll recently broke up with boyfriend Lewis Hamilton

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2056901/X-Factor-USA-Simon-Cowell-Nicole-Scherzinger-feud-constant-criticism.html#ixzz1ccKaXMIa

Nicole Scherzinger looks glum as she celebrates Halloween with Louis Walsh after X Factor performance

Perk up! Nicole Scherzinger looks glum as she celebrates Halloween with Louis Walsh after X Factor performance

By Alanah Eriksen

Last updated at 1:43 PM on 31st October 2011


They often say the best way to get over a break up is make yourself as busy as possible so you don't think about your ex.

And that appears to be exactly what Nicole Scherzinger is doing.

After performing during the X Factor elimination show last night, the singer joined judge Louis Walsh, for a Halloween party in London.

Feeling okay? Nicole Scherzinger looked glum as she left a party at the C London restaurant last night following her X Factor performance

But she didn't look particularly spooky - just glum.

Nicole, who broke up with Formula 1 ace Lewis Hamilton this month, struggled to raise a smile outside the C London restaurant.

He's more in the mood! The 33-year-old was joined by X Factor judge Louis Walsh and the pair partied until 2am

This way: Nicole was led from her car into the venue by her minder

The 33-year-old arrived in a car and covered her face as her minder guided her towards the Mayfair venue.

When she emerged at 2am, she looked tired and drawn as she posed for the cameras.

Nicole showed off her slim legs in a pair of metallic leggings which she paired with a lacy top and long waistcoat with tassels.

Off home: Nicole didn't look much happier as she arrived at Heathrow this morning, ready to board her flight back to the U.S.

Superstar: The singer looked more casual in jeans but couldn't resist a pair of towering heels

He's got her back: Nicole was joined by the same trusty minder

But despite the late night, the star was up early again this morning to catch her flight back to the U.S.

She was only in London briefly for X Factor last night.

She sang through her heartbreak and pulled off a stunning performance of her new single Try With Me.

The low-key song followed last year's contestant Cher Lloyd's up-tempo With Your Love.

Casual approach: Nicole sang through her heartbreak on X Factor's elimination show last night in bare feet

Nicole wore an off-the shoulder black lace dress and no shoes.

Afterwards she told host Dermot O'Leary: 'I'm so happy to be back and I'm going to be back here in February for my tour so please come out and see me.'

And at Heathrow today, she dressed a bit more casual in jeans and a leopard-print vest but added towering heels to the ensemble.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2055669/Perk-Nicole-Scherzinger-looks-glum-celebrates-Halloween-Louis-Walsh-X-Factor-performance.html#ixzz1cN1EAMrd

An unwell Kelly Rowland sends Sophie home after her two hopefuls went head-to-head

'Misha B wants this more': An unwell Kelly Rowland sends Sophie home after her two hopefuls went head-to-head

By Kirsty Mccormack

Last updated at 12:22 AM on 31st October 2011


She was described as being as 'dull as dishwater' last night and it seems that the public agreed as Sophie Habibis became the latest contestant to be voted off the X Factor tonight.

The 19-year-old former barmaid found herself up against Misha B, also 19, in the sing off but it was a no brainer as all of the judges chose to send Sophie home.

Even Kelly Rowland - who has remained in the U.S. due to being ill - was present to cast her vote.

Going home: Sophie Habibis managed to keep it together as she discovered she was the next contestant to be voted off of the X Factor tonight

Speaking over the telephone, the Destiny's Child singer certainly sounded as if she was suffering from a throat infection, but didn't let that cloud her vision.

'This is so hard because I know how bad you both want this,' she told the female hopefuls.



'But I know that one of you wants it more and I have to be completely honest. The act that I'm sending home is Sophie.'

Gutted: The 19-year-old vowed to continue 'working hard' despite no longer being in the competition

Kelly's vote confirmed Sophie's departure as both Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos chose the brunette to go before her, and when asked who he would have chosen, Gary Barlow simply answered: 'Sophie.'

At a time when they needed her most, Misha B and Sophie were left to battle it out on the stage - and they both put on a meaningful performance.

Singing Shelter, Sophie certainly gave it her all as she realised it could be her last performance of the competition.

Singing her heart out: Sophie gave it her best shot as she sang one last time but it just wasn't enough to get her votes

Strong contender: Misha B sang her own rendition of the Kings Of Leon hit Use Somebody

But following her was string singer Misha B who sang the Kings Of Leon hit, Use Somebody, in her own unique way.

The feisty hopeful got quite emotional towards the end of her performance and began crying as her and Sophie stood by host Dermot O'Leary to hear the verdict.

Viewers were probably expecting N-Dubz star Tulisa to choose Misha B to go home following their public confrontation where the singer accused the hopeful of being a bully.

Awaiting the results: The pair looked nervous as they stood in front of the panel and listened to Kelly Rowland on the phone

Finding it tough: Tulisa Contostavlos couldn't make up her mind on who to send home

But regardless of this and her 'connection' with Sophie, the 23-year-old reluctantly announced her decision.

And when Kelly confirmed the news, Misha B immediately hugged her rival as Kelly praised her.

'I just want to tell Sophie that she is remarkable and she has such an incredible voice,' she said.

Shell shocked: Sophie looked surprisingly calm as fellow contestant Misha B hugged her

'She just has to develop as an artist and I cant wait to see what the future holds for her.'

The Londoner look shell-shocked as the news still hadn't sunk in but thanked everyone for the opportunity and vowed to carry on.

'I'm going to continue working hard and prove why I shouldn't have left this competition tonight,' she said.

Earlier on in the night the remaining contestants looked extremely nervous as they awaited to hear the results of the public vote.

Kitty Brucknell was ecstatic as she realised she was the first act going through to next week's show, as were boy band The Risk who lifted their mentor, Tulisa, up in the air after hearing the announcement, and girl band, Little Mix.

We're through: Girl band Little Mix looked ecstatic to be through to the next round following their spooky performance on last night's show

Throughout the results Sophie looked worried as Kelly's contestants remained on stage with Frankie until the last minute.

Janet Devlin was the first one to breathe a sigh of relief as her name was read out, and when Frankie went through, it was Kelly's two girls who were left to endure the sing off.

But before the tense atmosphere of the showdown, the hopefuls treated the audience to a performance of Cee Lo Green's hit, Bright Lights Bigger City.

Worried: Bad boy Frankie Cocozza thought his luck had ran out when he was left standing on the stage with his mentor Gary Barlow right till the end

Marcus began the energetic performance and slowly the rest of the contestants sang their parts and were mainly dressed in black, leather and PVC.

Also performing on the live show was former X Factor star, Cher Lloyd, who performed her new single, With Your Love.

She's back: Former X Factor contestant Cher Lloyd took to the stage to sing her new single With Your Love

Wearing an odd multi-coloured outfit that looked like it would fit right in at the circus, the 18-year-old looked uneasy as she took to the stage with her female dancers.

Perhaps feeling nervous at being back on the X Factor stage for the first time since last year, the singer's performance started off shaky and afterwards Cher told Dermot: 'I cant remember the last time I had a good nights sleep but I've worked hard and I'm hoping it's paid off.'

Following in her footsteps and seeming a lot more confident was U.S. star Nicole Scherzinger who wowed the audience in a much more low-key performance.

Singing from experience: Nicole Scherzinger looked stunning in a black lace dress as she sung on tonight's show

The 33-year-old wore an off-the shoulder black lace corset dress, as she sang her heart out following her recent break-up from Lewis Hamilton.

After her performance she told Dermot: 'I'm so happy to be back and I'm going to be back here in February for my tour so please come out and see me.'

X Factor favourite: The 33-year old appeared as guest judge on the show last year and also has a permanent place on the U.S. panel

Surprisingly the only judge on the panel who predicted Sophie's sad fate tonight was Irishman, Louis.

After being asked by Dermot who he thought was dream and a nightmare, he refused to answer with just one name and said: 'Kitty and Marcus, but Sophie and Frankie were a nightmare.'

Guest judge, Alexandra Burke agreed saying that the big-haired bad boy 'just didn't do it for me' but stated that Misha B was a dream on the stage.

Also predicting tonight's shock turn was Gary who told Dermot that Kelly's absence had had an effect on the young girls.

'Kelly's acts had a tough week this week and it showed on that stage,' he said.

But outspoken judge Tulisa revealed that no one was a nightmare for her on last night's show but she admitted that she would like to see Craig Colton do 'something different.'

The Playing With Fire singer was obviously still in the Halloween spirit on tonight's show wearing an extremely long black and white dress that looked out of place compared to her usual style.

Whereas X Factor winner, Alexandra, showed off her legs in a black and green figure-hugging frock.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2055407/X-Factor-2011-An-unwell-Kelly-Rowland-sends-Sophie-home-Misha-B-went-head-head.html#ixzz1cJh3qxlj

Nicole Scherzinger's Lady Gaga-style shoes fail to distract from her post-split weight loss

How to heel a broken heart? Nicole Scherzinger's Lady Gaga-style shoes fail to distract from her post-split weight loss

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 3:27 PM on 29th October 2011



She's had a difficult few weeks following her split from Lewis Hamilton.

And it seems the stress has taken its toll on Nicole Scherzinger, who displayed her tiny waist and skinny legs as she arrived at London's BBC studios today.

The 33-year-old singer donned a wild patterned dress as she paid a visit to Radio 1, coupled with a pair of Lady Gaga-style heel-less shoes.

Well heeled: Nicole Scherzinger is pictured outside the BBC Radio studios in central London

Footloose and fancy free: The singer wore a pair of shoes likely to have been the handiwork of Lady Gaga's shoe designer, Noritaka Tatehana

While Nicole has never been on the larger side, the former Pussycat Dolls star was noticeably slimmer as she smiled and waved to photographers, signing autographs as she made her way into the BBC building.

 

Nicole's garish dress comprised various materials, including netting around her collarbone area and bits of string keeping the sides together.
Meanwhile on her feet she wore a pair of beige shoes with a black angular pattern on them, believed to be by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Getting on with it: Nicole appeared chirpier while posing with fans and signing autographs

Nicole has been touted as Kelly Rowland's replacement this weekend, after it was announced that the Destiny's Child star will be staying in Los Angeles where she is laid up with a throat infection.
The singer has been scheduled to perform on the show, but observers believe she may also use her experience as a judge on the U.S. X Factor to stand in for Kelly this weekend.
She also appeared on This Morning, arriving at ITV's studios appearing to be in much better spirits than she had yesterday, when she appeared upset and subdued as she walked through Heathrow airport.

Weight loss: A source says Nicole is going through a tough time, clearly evident in her skinny frame

Again her skinny frame was clearly visible, accentuated by her figure-hugging green and black leopard-print minidress.
A source told The Sun yesterday: 'Nicole has been going through a tough time.
'She's juggling work and trying to get over the split with the man she thought she would end up with.'

Been on the heartbreak diet? Nicole Scherzinger displayed her tiny waist in a skintight dress as she arrived at the ITV studios today

Slender: Nicole's form-fitting dress highlighted her slimmed-down figure

Transformation: Nicole looked significantly slimmer than she did this time last year

Shady lady: Nicole teamed her dress with sky-high heels and huge sunglasses

Nicole and Lewis broke up earlier this month, and it was claimed today that the pair split because of the 26-year-old F1 driver's reluctance to settle down and have children, according to the Daily Mirror.

Sombre: Nicole yesterday looked subdued as she arrived in London

'I'm not ready for a family,' Hamilton reportedly told friends.

A source told the paper: 'Lewis decided they had to part. She wanted more than he could offer at this stage in his life.'

X Factor USA judge Nicole allegedly wanted to take things to the 'next level' with her boyfriend of four years.

Back in 2009 she told the Mirror: 'I am the happiest I have ever been. Lewis is such an amazing, humble and chivalrous guy. We would love to have beautiful angel babies together one day.'

Lewis spoke to the paper about the split but confirmed the pair are still friends.

He said: 'Yeah, we're friends at least and we can move forward. It's never easy going through tough times.

'It's these kind of times that are sent to try you, and it's about how you pull through them.

'I've my family who are helping, so I feel pretty good. And I've many more days coming up with my family over Christmas and all that, so I'm really looking forward to it.'

Happier times: Nicole split from racing driver Lewis Hamilton earlier this month

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2054699/Nicole-Scherzingers-Lady-Gaga-shoes-fail-distract-Lewis-Hamilton-split-weight-loss.html#ixzz1cCc5beBH