NEWS: Paula Abdul, Jane Seymour, Lori Milken Named Honorees At Los Angeles Ballet Gala 2014

LOS ANGELES BALLET GALA 2014

Paula Abdul, Jane Seymour and Lori Milken will be honored at the Los Angeles Ballet Gala, coming up Apr. 12 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Abdul is a singer, songwriter, actress, TV personality, dancer and choreographer with vast experience in designing dance routines for television, movies and music videos. An Emmy, Grammy, MTV Video and American Music Award winner, she has choreographed for, among others, the Academy Awards, the American Music Awards, The Jackson family, The Tracey Ullman Show and Tom Hanks in the famous toy keyboard scene for the movie “Big.”

Formerly a ballerina, Seymour danced with Russia’s renowned Kirov Ballet before beginning her career as an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress in “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” “East of Eden” and “Onassis: The Richest Man in the World.”

Milken is co-founder and publisher of Delphinium Books, an advocate for education and medical research and an ardent supporter of access to the arts for people of all ages and backgrounds. In the dance arena, she is a board member of the Los Angeles Ballet, a former board member of the American Ballet Theatre, a recipient of the Westside Ballet’s Bravo Award and three-time co-chair of the Los Angeles Ballet Gala.

This year, Leslie Kavanaugh and Kirsten Sarkisian will be co-chairing the Los Angeles Ballet’s always-glamorous annual evening of cocktails, dinner and dancing. The Apr. 12 affair will also include a performance by the Los Angeles Ballet dancers of excerpts from George Balanchine’s dynamic “Stars and Stripes.”

Tickets range from $500 to $10,000. For further information, call 310 903-8886.

Society News LA

VIDEO: Paula Abdul Talks About Tonight's 'Dancing With The Stars' Performance, NEW Music

from: ontheredcarpet.com

NEWS: Paula Abdul Interviewed On Air With Ryan Seacrest This Morning

NEWS: OUT TODAY NEW DREAM MEDLEY SINGLE

New Mega-mix now available for download from iTunes.

Download from iTunes: Paula Abdul's NEW Dream Medley Sinlge OUT NOW!!!

NEWS/VIDEO: Paula Abdul – Discusses The Hot Topics Of The Day on 'Today'

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

LIVE FROM THE AMERICAN EXPRESS SKYBOX: PAULA ABDUL

As part of the exclusive American Express cardmember experience, Paula Abdul brought her fashion, beauty, and style experience to Lincoln Center for a special Q&A. During our short but informative time with the singer, dancer, actress, and former American Idol judge, we took away a trio of secrets – from her beauty tricks and tips to career advice everyone can benefit from, no matter your path.

Beauty Secrets:

I love kombucha - it tastes like sour beer but it’s good for you. I take supplements and vitamins. Growing up as a dancer, I sustained so many injuries, [so I learned that] bone density is really important. Nourish your body as much as you can. I don’t go to bed with makeup. My mother did an annoying thing and made me wash with granola as a child and splash my face 40 times. If I did 38, I felt like I was doing something horrible. She taught me also to use warm water as opposed to cold water. Also, I think sleeping on your back! because of injuries I had to find a sweet spot – I learned to sleep on my back as opposed to sleeping on my face. 

Career Secrets:

I’ve been really blessed to start my career behind the scenes. I haven’t followed anyone else’s career path. I was very young and I’ve been a professional since I was almost 18 and I wasn’t getting into any audition. I never made it. My whole thing was, ‘I’m going to have fun with this.’ I understood rejection as a game I could play. I learned at a very young age that the answer no was the beginning of a negotiation. I was really tenacious. I learned I can weather the rough spots. We all want to run away from pain and rejection, but I learned it was vital. 

Mentoring Secrets: 

  My first job that broke me into the industry was being a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers. I’m not a cheerleader, but the interesting this is that ironically thing is that I’ve been a cheerleader my whole life. There are no mistakes in life and I think I’ve always been a teacher in some respect. Mentoring for me allows me to stay a student in some respect. You don’t get to be a good teacher unless you’re a good student. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. If you’re afraid and you hold back and you’re not willing to teach amazing people, they’ll go elsewhere. But if they stay their student, they’ll become the student and they’ll become the teacher.

GLAM

NEWS: Paula Abdul On 'The View' Today

Paula Abdul will be a guest today on ABC's 'The View'. Check your local listings.

NEWS: A Winner For 'Idol' Judge Abdul

Paula Abdul, the singer, dancer and former judge on 'American Idol,' sells Sherman Oaks home for $1.884 million. The gated contemporary Mediterranean features a double staircase and French doors opening to patio and pool areas.

Paula Abdul, the singer, dancer and former judge on "American Idol" and "The X Factor," has sold her house in Sherman Oaks for $1.884 million. She had listed it in late February at $1.899 million.

The gated contemporary Mediterranean was built in 2000. It features a grand entry hall with a double staircase, French doors opening to patio and pool areas, five bedrooms and 41/2 bathrooms. The 4,679-square-foot house has mountain, canyon and city views.

The onetime Laker Girl, 49, won Emmys for her choreography on "The Tracey Ullman Show" (1989) and "The 17th Annual American Music Awards" (1990), and a Grammy in 1991 for the "Opposites Attract" music video. Among her early hits were "Straight Up" and "Forever Your Girl."

Public records show she bought the property the year it was built for $1.285 million.

Michael Collins of Coldwell Banker's Beverly Hills North office was the listing agent. Harriet Cameron and Judy Cycon of Prudential California Realty represented the buyer.

www.LATimes.com

NEWS: Paula Abdul Kicks Off Spring Cleaning on eBay

The season has barely sprung, but Paula Abdul is getting started on spring cleaning.

The former American Idol judge is selling some 1,500 items from her personal wardrobe through Linda’s Stuff Inc., an online consignment company that sells goods on eBay and other sites.

Weeklong auctions of Ms. Abdul’s shoes, apparel and accessories begin today.

The sale is Ms. Abdul’s second round of closet-clearing via Linda’s Stuff, which hosted a sale for her this past December. Some of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to PAWS and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Linda Lightman started her business in 2001 when she sold some of her children’s videogames on eBay. The Philadelphia-based company now lists about 100,000 items on eBay and has 85 employees. Items for sale run the gamut from Hermès Kelly bags to Juicy Couture sweatpants.

Ms. Lightman says the bad economy has helped the company grow as people look for ways to bring in extra cash and consumers seek out deals on luxury goods.

Notable items from Ms. Abdul’s sale include a pair of golden gladiator sandals by Alexander McQueen, which Ms. Lightman says originally sold for about $1,500. This pair bears Ms. Abdul’s autograph, and will list at $399. Ms. Abdul is also selling a strapless black gown with a hot pink, flounced skirt by Alan Del Rosario starting at $449.

But don’t expect prices to be marked up because of their famous provenance. The majority of Ms. Abdul’s castoffs will start at prices between $19 and $49, and offers a glimpse of the breadth of the star’s (presumably) quotidian attire.


A yellow-and-gray knit tube top from Miss Sixty ($19) or a sapphire blue, fake leather jacket from Bebe ($29) could appeal to teenaged tastes and budgets. A white Vivienne Westwood blazer is appropriate for office and evening—and looks like a steal at $29.

NEWS: "Spring Forward" Paula Abdul On The Chew - Friday, March 9th

FRIDAY, MARCH 9 – “SPRING FORWARD” – Choreographer, television personality and Grammy Award-winning singer Paula Abdul; the co-hosts share their favorite spring cleaning tips; Daphne Oz shares one of her favorite slow cooker recipes.

Check your local ABC listings.

www.abc.com

NEWS: Paula Abdul's Sherman Oaks Home For Sale

Property Details:

Celebrity owned gated estate w/2 story entry grand double staircase. Lrg grt rm w/oversized frplc, recesd lits, pwdr rm & French drs to pvt patio & pool area. Cstm grmt kitchen opens to light filled dining area. Dwnstrs BR & BA & diirect access 2 car garage. Upstrs w/4 BRs & 3.5 BAs, hi ceilings, large mdia area. Mstr BR ste has frplc, hge walk-in clst, spa like BA & balcony w/gorgeous canyon & city vws. 3 secondary BRs & 2 baths. Bedrm layouts flexible & can be used for many different purposes.

Beds/5 bed, Baths/5 bath, House Size/4679 sq ft, Lot Size/0.26 Acres
Price $1,899,000 Price/sqft $406
Property Type/Single Family Home
Year Built: 2000
Style: Mediterranean
Stories: 2

STRUCTURAL FEATURES: Balcony located on a cul-de-sac zoning: LARE 15 Parking space(s) Swimming pool(s) Office Hardwood floors Parking features: Direct Garage Access, Garage Door Opener, Uncovered, Garage, Side by Side.

www.realtor.com

Paula Abdul Loses $900,000 In Lawsuit!!!

FROM PEREZ HILTON ONLINE:

Ouch!!

That's the sound we make when we hear someone losing that much money.
But it's also the sound Jill Kohl made when she slipped and fell in Paula Abdul's driveway back in 2009!!

The film crew for Hey Paula was set up when Jill took the literal plunge and she hurt herself real bad!

So she sued Paula AND the production company. With $900,000 from Paula's side of the settlement and $100,00 from production, Jill is officially a millionaire thanks to one nasty slip!!

Damn gurl… was someone polishing that driveway with Pledge, LOL???

www.perezhilton.com

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.

www.rollingstone.com

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

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.

www.digitalspy.com

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.

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

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

NEWS: 'X Factor' USA Premiere Screening - What The Judges Said

X Factor USA received its world premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday night when guests were treated to a special screening of next week's two-hour opening episode alongside judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and LA Reid.

Fans in attendance and those on Twitter and Facebook were also given the chance to quiz the panel and host Steve Jones on the singing competition, which will award a record-breaking $5 million recording contract to its winner.

Emma Patterson attended the Q&A for Digital Spy to find out what the judges had to say when quizzed by fans about the talent and changing contestants' lives:



Simon, how did the US auditions compare to the ones you've done in the UK?

"They felt tougher this time. I definitely recognized the talent was on a different level over here and the audience definitely responded differently too. There was a huge connection between the performers and the audience members that I've not really witnessed before now."



Do the auditions give you a long enough time to really assess someone?

Simon: "You need to blame the producers, not us [if people don't think they get enough time]! I'm all for everyone working longer hours! (laughs)"

Paula: "The thing you need to understand is, these auditions are the chance of a lifetime, so if you really believe in yourself and you really have the talent, then you have to go out there prepared and be ready. Five minutes is enough if you've done that."

Nicole: "Five minutes is actually a long time and I think you know in seconds whether or not somebody has the X Factor."



Did you see people with potential in all the categories this year?

Simon: "I see a genuine winner in every category, I always do. This show is to prepare people for their success and stardom outside the competition - that's what this show is designed for."

Are there any of the auditions that didn't make the show but we can see on the internet?

Simon: "Yes, a lot of the interviews and auditions that didn't make the final edit are indeed available on the official X Factor website, so go on there and check them out."

What does it feel like to change somebody's life through X Factor?

Nicole: "It's an overwhelming feeling and it's why we get up each day."
Steve: "Regardless of talent, if you've got the guts to get up on stage in front of these good people (the judges), then I've got your back. Whether you get it or you don't!"

What's been the most difficult thing about the show so far?

Simon: "When attractive girls turned up to audition, they all got labelled 'DOA', which stands for 'dead on arrival' as coined by Nicole and Paula. So LA Reid and I had to fight to keep those girls on the show!"
Nicole: "So not true, so not true!"

You've got four extremely talented people judging this year, so how do you come together to decide what your collected X Factor is?

LA Reid: "We vote!"

Simon: "And if they're good, it's often a no-brainer."

Paula, who is going to be doing the choreography this year?

Paula: "There's a creative advisor who will be helping me but I will be doing a lot because I like what I do and I'm really good at what I do!"

How long do you think it'll take for Steve Jones to be voted Sexiest Man Alive?

Nicole: "I told Steve, dude you're going to get so much [attention] once this show goes on the air! (laughs)"


X Factor's world premiere was slightly delayed in the beginning, with Cowell jokingly telling the audience that they should blame the producers because they had been editing the program until the last minute.

"This is a very exciting night for all of us. This has been a long time coming and we've had a great time making the show," he said. "The show is all about finding a star and I think tonight you'll see we've done well and found some great talent - and I'll apologize in advance for some of the people you're also going to see!"

He also joked: "Paula we were going to put subtitles on tonight but the tape was late so if you don't understand, I'll explain later what she was trying to say!"

The winner will land a record-breaking $5 million recording contract prize and the chance to follow in the footsteps of Britney Spears and Michael Jackson by appearing in a Pepsi Super Bowl commercial next year.

X Factor was open to all individual singers and groups from the age of 12 upwards, and record-breaking audiences turned out for the auditions over the summer.

The X Factor premieres Wednesday, September 21 at 8/7c on Fox and continues Thursday at 8/7c on Fox.

www.digitalspy.com