CLIPPING: From Entertainment Weekly US Magazine February 17, 2012

NEWS: 'X Factor' Dumps Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger

Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones have all been axed from the American version of Simon Cowell's hit singing competition The X Factor. The decision to fire two judges and the show's host was made at a meeting involving Cowell and his creative team in the United Kingdom, in which the group went over what they believe went right and wrong with the show's first season in the United States.

According to reports from a source close to the show, Abdul's role was deemed "irrelevant to the mix," particularly as the contestants she mentored were all picked off early in the competition. There was no explanation for why Scherzinger and Jones were dismissed, though the source noted that Cowell wanted to bring in bigger names for the second season. As it stands, L.A. Reid, the fourth judge on Cowell's panel, appears to be staying with the program.

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NEWS: Paula Abdul Exits 'X Factor'

Fellow mentor Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones are also out; a source tells Deadline 'none of the three left on their own accord.'

For any "X Factor" fans who are thinking season two of the Simon Cowell-created singing competition will be business as usual, think again, because Monday (January 30) marked a veritable bloodletting of the show's key talent and judging panel.

In addition to the losses of mentor Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones, original "American Idol" diva and delightfully unpredictable judge Paula Abdul will also not be returning to the program. A source close to Cowell told Deadline.com that all three personalities were asked to leave the show.

"None of the three left on their own accord," Deadline editor Nikki Finke wrote of what her insider source told her of the mass exodus. "It was cleaning house day at the so-so rated show."

Despite their frequent onscreen bickering and banter, Cowell spoke highly of Abdul when it was announced that she would be joining him on "X Factor." "I missed her the second she left ['Idol']," Cowell told Deadline last year. "Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. I don't know what it is about her, but I've always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she's right. I've never found anyone better than her."

Former Pussycat Doll and "Dancing With the Stars" champ Scherzinger was also sent packing, although a source close to Scherzinger told E! News that she left the show to focus on her music career. "She's spoken to Simon [Cowell], and he's given her his blessing," the insider told E! Scherzinger often became emotional during elimination episodes, shedding tears and expressing sympathy for ousted contestants.

As for inaugural "X Factor" host Jones, the cheeky Welshman broke the news himself via Twitter on Monday. "I won't be hosting next seasons X Factor which is a shame but I cant complain as I've had a great time," Jones tweeted to his more than 94,000 followers. "Good luck to everyone on the show."

Jones had decidedly big shoes to fill stepping into the gig, with comparisons instantly made to "American Idol" host/ media mogul Ryan Seacrest. Throughout the season, the reviews of Jones' hosting skills were decidedly mixed.

As far as we know, L.A. Reid will continue to work alongside Cowell on the judging panel. There has been no word yet from Fox on who might replace Abdul, Scherzinger and Jones, or when season two will premiere.

www.mtv.com

NEWS: 'X Factor' Exorcism: Paula Abdul & Nicole Scherzinger Out

The "X Factor" news came fast and furious on Monday night -- first, that host Steve Jones would not be returning, then that judge Nicole Scherzinger was exiting and finally that Paula Abdul also would be shown the door. Now The Hollywood Reporter has learned that all of these major show decisions are coming from one key confab being held in the U.K.

According to a show source, a series of X" Factor" season 2 offsite meetings are currently taking place wherein show creator Simon Cowell has assembled his team and creative brain-trust for a postmortem. The purpose: detailing what went wrong and what was done right on season 1 of the Fox singing competition.

Among the brash verdicts, says the source: that Abdul's role was seen as "irrelevant to the mix," in part through no fault of her own (as mentor to the groups, her contestants were picked off early in the competition).

Still, Abdul was not without her controversies on the show. Many blamed her for the dismissal of show favorite Rachel Crow, precipitated by advice Abdul gave to Scherzinger to let the decision be made by the public vote. America then sent the 13-year-old packing.

As for Jones and Scherzinger, another show insider says the "X Factor" host was notified by a show producer around 7:30pm on Monday evening that his option was not being picked up. (Cowell did not call Jones personally to deliver the news.) Soon after, Scherzinger was informed that her contract also would not be renewed. The host and judge did not receive an explanation for the decision, but a source close to the show says Cowell has decided that the show needs a bigger celebrity on the panel next season.

A source says LA Reid, the fourth judge on the "X Factor" panel, has not been informed of any change to his status as judge.

Representatives for Fox, Abdul and Fremantle have not responded to THR's request for confirmation of the shake-up on the show.

www.billboard.com

X Factor US Promotional i-Speaker

US Promotional i-Speaker sent out for Promotion.
2011 FOXEL31.

Health & Living (US) Magazine, October 2011

NEWS: Paula Abdul, LA Reid Want 'X Factor' USA Return

Paula Abdul and LA Reid have confirmed that they are planning to return to The X Factor USA next year.

The 'Opposites Attract' singer and Epic Records chairman said that they would happily accept Simon Cowell's invitation to judge a second season of the Fox contest.

"I would love to come back," Reid told People. "What I don't like is, I love it so much. I don't control it, it's up to the boss."

Abdul, meanwhile, said that she would be back on The X Factor "unless something weird and bizarre happens" before next season.

The pair's co-judge Nicole Scherzinger suggested earlier this week that she might quit The X Factor to focus on her music career.

"[The show] has been quite a learning experience, quite a journey for me," she said. "I didn't expect to have been so emotional through the whole elimination process. I wanted to just mentor and empower artists."

X Factor host Steve Jones is rumored to have already been axed by producers, with Cat Deeley apparently being lined up to replace him.

Melanie Amaro was announced as X Factor USA's first winner on December 22.

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VIDEO: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Anna Faris, Nicole Scherzinger at Jimmy Kimmel Live

www.youtube.com/hollywoodtv

NEWS: X Factor Judges On Jimmy Kimmel Tonight

Monday, December 12 on ABC.
Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and L.A. Reid (The X-Factor); Anna Faris (Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked); Musical Guest The Kooks.

VIDEO: Paula Abdul On uStream Part 2 - 11/16/2011

VIDEO: Paula Abdul On uStream Part 1 - 11/16/2011

FACEBOOK: Paula Abdul & Simon Cowell

Yesterday Paula Abdul posted a great picture via her Facebook of Simon Cowell and herself backstage at the X Factor show.

PAULA'S MESSAGE:
Here's a pic of me & Simon Cowell in the judges lounge at The X Factor (USA) bootcamp! :)

www.facebook.com/theofficialpaulaabdul

NEWS: 'X Factor' Mentor Paula Abdul Fights For Her Groups

After an all-group bottom two last week, MTV News' Jim Cantiello says Abdul isn't taking any chances.

"X Factor" mentor Paula Abdul is determined to keep her remaining groups — the Stereo Hogzz and Lakoda Rayne — out of the bottom two come results time Thursday night. She's always hands-on with her contestants, whether TV cameras are around or not, but last week's all-group bottom two have made her even more passionate about her job.

This week in "X Factor" land, Abdul was everywhere you looked, from inside the house powwowing with choreographer Brian Friedman and vocal producer Claude Kelly to the middle of the studio's parking lot, where she had the crew erect a giant set piece so one of her groups could rehearse on it before they got thrown onstage.

Once it came time to rehearse inside the house, Paula huddled with her groups. Literally, they formed a huddle, like football players. Unlike the NFL, however, the quarterback was wearing showstopping stilettos, which made huddling all the more impressive. Breaking news: Paula Abdul has great balance!

During rehearsal, Abdul was up on her feet behind the judging table, rocking the choreo for her groups. If a camera caught her, she'd look like one of those overzealous pageant moms on "Toddlers & Tiaras," only way more fabulous. (Her stilettos deserve a second shout-out, you guys. They were that fierce!) Not only that, she can still really dance, straight up. And her enthusiasm for her acts is infectious.

But it's not only the groups that are jazzed for Wednesday night's (November 9) performance episode. I overheard one of the Over 30's telling a producer how all 11 remaining acts will look especially good this go-round. "We're all so comfortable with our song choices this week," the contestant gushed.

Meanwhile, the backup dancers are quickly becoming the hardest-working members of the "X Factor" team, and their multitasking skills have reached new heights. Exhibit A: Two shirtless male dancers were spotted outside the stage doors working on their suntans while also devouring a plate of craft service and going over some dance moves — at the same time!

Dancer skin is pretty common around the "X Factor" stage, actually. In between numbers, you can usually find dozens of backup dancers switching costumes right in front of everyone. (They're not getting buck naked, mind you. This isn't "XXX Factor.")

Other tidbits: One contestant had no trouble maneuvering stairs onstage but, hilariously, was confounded by a mic stand. (Turns out the sparkly prop looked great on camera but was faulty. A standard mic stand will suffice.)

Willow Smith will be popping in to make an appearance on "The X Factor" this week. All eyes are on whether she'll say hello to her dad's old double-decker trailer, which is parked directly outside the studio and houses none other than Simon Cowell. Rumor has it Cowell is angling for a new triple-decker trailer to one-up the Fresh Prince. Amazing.

Speaking of Simon, Nicole Scherzinger banned him from her Over 30's rehearsals. I imagine she doesn't want him taking credit for her contestants' success any more. Smart move, Nicole!

I have a sneaking suspicion Simon will get plenty of raves for his own contestants this week. After one girl finished a run-through, Simon leapt out of his chair to smother her with a bear hug.

Simon was so stoked, in fact, he even stayed around for L.A. Reid's boys' rehearsals and — dare I expose him — actually danced during one of L.A.'s contestants' upbeat numbers. Full disclosure: he does not move like Jagger, but he definitely has impressive rhythm.

The $5 million question: Will he boogie during Wednesday night's live show?

www.mtv.com

FACEBOOK: New Promotional Paula Abdul Photo

As part of the X Factor (USA) Promotion, Paula has posted a new image via her facebook page today.

www.facebook.com/theofficialpaulaabdul

Paula Abdul Chats Via uStream

If you missed Paula on uStream, check out the video of Paula Abdul, The Stereo Hoggz & Lakoda Rayne today.



Video streaming by Ustream

FACEBOOK: Paula Doing A LIVE uStream Chat Today At 4:30PM PST

Paula will be answring questions today, make sure you to join. Check out her Facebook post today:

FACEBOOKERS! I'M DOING A LIVE USTREAM CHAT TODAY AT 4:30PM PACIFIC TIME & I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU! I'll be answering questions about my The X Factor (USA) groups Lakoda Rayne, The Stereo Hogzz & more! POST YOUR QUESTIONS HERE & keep checking in!! See you at 4:30pm! xoxoxoP

www.facebook.com/theofficialpaulaabdul

AD: Verizon/X Factor Advertisement

Featured in the current issue of Rolling Stone magazine.

CLIPPING: From People Magazine - September 19, 2011

VIDEO: Paula Abdul: I Feel 'Very Blessed' To Be On 'The X Factor'

Check out this interview with Paula talking with Access Hollywood on her way out of the taping of The X Factor USA.

NEWS: Meet Paula Abdul's Groups

Paula Abdul suggested in a recent video that the groups was the "toughest" category to mentor on X Factor but said she was the perfect judge to be given the responsibility.

Pharrell Williams joined her in Santa Barbara for the Judges' Houses stages of the competition, where she whittled down her remaining eight groups to the four she will take to the live shows.

Abdul's four groups - Lakoda Rayne, Brewer Boys, inTENsity and Stereo Hoggz - will join the rest of the Top 17 in performing live Tuesday, October 25 at 8/7c on Fox, when the judges will decide which contestants become the 'top finalists'.

The top finalists will then take to the stage live on Wednesday, November 2 at 8/7c on Fox where they will perform for America's vote for the first time in the hopes of eventually landing the $5 million recording contract prize.

Here are the four groups chosen by Abdul:


The Brewer Boys
Justin Brewer, 17, and Nathan Brewer, 14
Hometown: Temecula, CA

Talking about their success, Nathan said: "We never really thought about going this far. It has been pretty shocking. This has been an incredible experience. I've learned a lot about the industry. I love it."

In a video posted on the show's official website, the boys sent their thanks to their family, fans and mentor. Justin added: "Paula, you are amazing. You are so beautiful and we love you to death. You are an amazing person."


InTENsity
Made up from acts who entered the competition individually but got a 'no' at Boot Camp before the chance to join a group was offered.

Nick Dean, 15 -Rochester, NY
Francesca Duncan, 17 - Orange Co, NY, Resides: Brockport, NY
John Lindahl, 15 - Travuco Canyon, CA
Emily Michalak, 13 - Pine Brook, NJ
Austin Percario, 15 - Warren, NJ
Arin Ray, 16 - Cincinnati, OH
Lauren Ashley Redmond, 17 - Houston TX (resides in DeSoto, TX)
Ellona Santiago, 15 - San Lorenzo, CA
Ma'at Bingham Shango, 12 - Houston, TX
Emily Wilson, 15 - Warren, NJ

Talking about the transition from a solo singer to a group, John Lindahl said: "Being in a group is amazing. When you are a solo artist, you only have yourself to rely on. But when you are in a group you have however many other people who have your back. So it is better to be in a group of ten, plus it is more fun and we have more people to hang out with and it's just not as stressful."

In their message posted on the official website, the group thanked their families, "newly-found fans" and mentor. Ma'at said: "I want to thank Paula for giving us a second chance - and all the judges - and thank her so much for putting us in the live shows!"


Lakoda Rayne
Made up from acts who entered the competition individually but got a 'no' at Boot Camp before the chance to join a group was offered.

Cari Fletcher, 17 - Wall Township, NJ
Dani Knights, 22 - Santa Clarita, CA
Paige Ogle, 18 - Baltimore, MD
Hayley Orrantia, 17 - Highland Village, TX

Talking about the group, Hayley Orrantia said: "Starting out as four solo artists, it was a shocker that we were going to be in the group category together but it has been an incredible experience. They've taken four strong solo artists and made this super group."

Paige joked in a video posted to the show's official website: "It's always been my dream to be somebody's favorite on a reality TV show so we hope we're your favorite!" Dani added to fans: "We are so excited to be out on that stage and we're not taking any moments for granted. It's in your hands now and we won't let you down."


The Stereo Hogzz
Kregg Gibson (aka KG), 25 - Houston, TX
Jonathan Glenn (aka Jon Glenn), 25 - Houston, TX
George Jenkins III (aka Trae Badd), 25 - Houston, TX
Leeland Stephenson (aka Trace Kennedy), 24 - Houston, TX
Justin Williams (aka Just'n), 25 - Houston, TX

Talking about the show, Trace Kennedy said: "This X Factor experience has been something that we have been dreaming of for a long time. You can't ask for more, and they provided this platform for us and we are running with it, taking it all the way."

In a video message for fans posted on the show's official website, the group promised that they won't let anybody down when the live shows begin: "We are going to give you everything we have got... Every show that y'all see will be 100%. We will get you with those dance moves, get you with that singing and get you with that look."


www.digitalspy.com