Britain's Got Talent becomes the X Factor as Simon Cowell is bowled over by two very young (and very talented) female singers

By Marcus Barnes
PUBLISHED: 22:46, 14 April 2012 | UPDATED: 23:06, 14 April 2012


You could be mistaken for thinking you were watching the X Factor tonight, after two singers stormed their way through the auditions on Britain's Got Talent.
Teenagers Paige Hurley, 14, and Hope Murphy, 16, both brought the house down in their respective auditions both north and south of the border.
And Simon Cowell was left with a familiar knowing smile on his face after watching both girls in action.

Exciting: Hope Murphy and Paige Hurley brought the house down on tonight's Britain's Got Talent

Firstly Hope Murphy, a 16-year-old singer from Upminster in Essex wowed with her performance.
She got off to a wobbly start after Simon stopped her a few seconds into her song and said he's heard it all before.
After requesting her her song choices he selected This Woman's Work by Maxwell for her to sing.
She powered her way through the emotional song, without a hint of nerves - Simon wearing that mischievous grin throughout her performance, which ended with a standing ovation from the audience.

Impressed: The Essex girl received a unanimous 'yes' from the judging panel

David told her: 'That was incredible. You've got a great voice.'
Amanda called her a 'Star in the making.'
While Simon said: 'You sang that very very well. I like your personality as well.'
Alesha gushed: 'I'm excited about you, that was a great audition.'

Teen sensation: 14-year-old Paige wowed the judges with her performance of Skinny Love by Birdy

In Scotland it was Paige Turley, a 14-year-old singer, who brought the house down after several bizarre acts left the judges aghast.
Oddball Neil Lawson taking the biscuit when he stepped out on stage in a leather jacket and stripped down to suspenders and knee high boots.
Paige sang Skinny Love, by Birdy, and nailed it as her parents wept backstage and Simon sported another of his wry smiles.
Obviously impressed Alesha told her: 'You are adorable, I loved your song choice, it was different and surprising. You shopuld be proud and your family should be proud.'

Overcome: Paige meets Ant and Dec backstage and can't believe the positive response she's had

David added: 'Look and sound like a pop star. Fantastic.'
Amanda agreed, saying: 'Your voice is amazing. You've got a really bright future ahead of you.'
And Simon enhused: 'I think you are absolutely fantastic. I love the fact that you didn't do an exact copy of the song. You've got a unique voice, I really, really like you.'
It was a unanimous yes from the judging panel.
Earlier in the show the Showbears were first on and put on a highly entertaining performance, that ended up with David Walliams joining them on stage.

Shocking stockings: Neil Lawson was voted off the show within seconds

The hilarious homosexual troupe were dressed in glittery sailor outfits.
Davdi was heard to comment: 'Simon, they could be the new One Direction.'
They turned in a rib-tickling rendition of It's Raining Men, with their own take on The Weather Girls song, singing 'We're sailor men', in replacement of the original chorus.
David couldn't contain his inner gay man and told them: 'I wanna join and sing that song with you...'

Hello sailor! David Walliams joins the Showbears on stage

The boys beckoned him on to the stage, but he told them: 'If you get me an outfit.'
Though he said: 'I may be too camp and send it over the edge.'
He joined them on stage and awkwardly followed the boys with a glittery hat on his head, of course getting right into the camp show.
Alesha told them: 'The country's going to fall in love with you.'
And Amanda said: 'The royal family will love you.'
But despite Simon's comment that 'It was rubbish, but sort of good', the group made it through.

Just couldn't help himself! The comedian camped it up as he usually does

The Face Team acrobatic basketball team from Hungary followed with a spectacular display of basketball skills using a trampoline to pull off a series of increasingly complex dunks.
Even Simon was seen mouthing 'Wow!' at one point.
Amanda told the team: 'I have never seen anything like it before.'
Alesha repeated Amanda's comments and added: 'I would love to see it again.'

Up in the air: The Face Team basketball acrobats impressed the panel

David commented: 'I love seeing things I wouldn't be able to do. You guys have blown us away.'
While Simon said: 'What you did in between wasn't great. You need to work on it.'
All the judges put the team through.
Next up were United We Stand a dance group from Stratford.
They say they'll put the winning money into a community centre, before launching into a very impressive routine.

Heartwarming: Paula and Gary of Strictly Wheels

Dave said: 'My heart always sinks when I see dance acts because we've seen so many great ones. After two seconds I knew it was something special.'
Alesha said: 'You were so sharp and precise. You hit it hard we could feel that energy. You. Blew. Me. Away.'
Simon told them: 'We've seen a lot of dance acts and I mention Diversity, because they're the template. This was about as close as I've seen to that. Massive massive potential, I like everything you stand for.
Finally, Strictly Wheels hit the stage.

Turning dancing on its head: Strictly Wheels rock the stage

They're a dance duo comprised Gary and Paula, who is in a wheelchair.
They dance to New York by Alicia Keys.
Their act started really slow but soon kicked in with a high energy version of the track which had the audience off their feet and clapping.
David told them: 'That was amazing. You turned what might have been a negative into a positive.'
Amanda said to Paula: 'Your control of that chair is unbelievable.'
And Simon said: 'I thought it would be uncomfortable. Suddenly Paula kicks off, you were better than Gary by the way. You're fun, I like you two.'

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Simon Cowell reveals his 'love' for Dannii Minogue

'I had a crush on her. It was her hair, the sexy clothes...she was foxy': Simon Cowell reveals his 'love' for Dannii Minogue

By Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED: 00:55, 15 April 2012 | UPDATED: 10:04, 15 April 2012

Simon Cowell has revealed that he felt 'genuine love' for Dannii Minogue as it emerges that he had a love affair with the singer.
The music mogul, 52, has admitted he felt 'like a schoolboy' around the Australian star during her time as a judge on the X Factor.
Details of the affair have been revealed in a book entitled The Intimate Life Of Simon Cowell, written by former BBC journalist Tom Bower.

'Genuine love': Simon Cowell has admitted he felt 'like a schoolboy' during his alleged affair with Dannii Minogue

In the book, Cowell speaks about the affair - though Dannii and Simon had both denied it in 2008 when it was alleged to have taken place - before she got together with Kris Smith.
He is quoted as saying: 'I had a crush on her. It was Dannii's hair, the sexy clothes and the t**s. I was like a schoolboy. She was foxy. She was a real man's girl. Very feminine.'



Although, it's also claimed in the book that Simon felt he was not ready for a relationship having split with long-term girlfriend Terri Seymour before Dannii became his conquest.
The book describes how Dannii became Cowell's target when he changed the X Factor judging panel in 2007 to include her, allegedly calling her a 'new toy.'

Affair: Simon Cowell and Dannii Minogue appeared to be holding hands as they left the BBC Studio in White City in 2007

And that same year, he said: 'Dannii reckons there’s a picture on The X Factor website where I’m staring at her bottom.
'I probably was... but I think most people would if they were sitting next to her. She was probably sticking it out on purpose.
'Every guy in the world fancies Dannii. She’s become a sex symbol since joining the show, and the contestants love her. She’s got that Sophia Loren, movie-star sex appeal, I love sitting next to her.'

More than friends? According to a new book Simon Cowell had a short-lived relationship with Dannii Minogue in 2007

However, fans of the ITV talent show will remember that the pair didn't always sit next to each other.
When Minogue first appeared on the show back in 2007, she took pride place at the judging panel sitting next to Cowell while fellow female judge Sharon Osbourne sat next to Louis Walsh.
This was also around the same time when Minogue was forced to deny that she was close to the X Factor mogul after the publication of a photo appeared to show the pair apparently holding hands in the back of a car.
She said: 'We were not holding hands. But no one believes me. It was the angle of the picture.'

'New toy': Cowell made sure that the singer sat right next to him when she joined the X Factor judging panel back in 2007

Out with the old: By the time Cheryl Cole arrived in 2008, Cowell decided it was time for Minogue to swap seats

The following year, when Cheryl Cole arrived as the new addition to the judging panel, Cowell was quick to shift Dannii over and let the Girls Aloud star be right next to him - meaning perhaps their romance had fizzled out.

It's also alleged that Cowell took pleasure in the rift between Minogue and Osbourne during her time on the show.
The book also claims that Cowell attempted to sleep with another Australian pin-up Natalie Imbruglia as recently as last year.
It says that he invited her aboard his yacht Slipstream, having already had a brief fling with her.
However, they had nothing more than a 'K & C' (kiss and a cuddle) according to the book.

Before they met: Dannii Minogue's fling with Simon Cowell happened before she got together with Kris Smith

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2129951/Simon-Cowell-opens-love-Dannii-Minogue.html#ixzz1s6Z5DJFb

Simon Cowell finally sees the dog act he's hoped for on Britain's Got Talent

'Well there's a gap in the market for a new Lassie!' Simon Cowell finally sees the dog act he's hoped for on Britain's Got Talent

By Holly Thomas
PUBLISHED: 21:48, 7 April 2012 | UPDATED: 23:29, 7 April 2012


It's no secret that when it comes to novelty acts, Simon Cowell has a soft spot for one type in particular.
And on tonight's installment of Britain's Got Talent, the mogul finally saw what he'd been waiting for through all the auditions.
Ashleigh Butler, 16, and her pet and her cross-breed dog Pudsy delighted the judge with their charming routine to B-52's The Flintstones.

Hit the spot: Ashleigh Butler and her pet pooch Pudsey were the act Simon Cowell had longed for on tonight's installment of Britain's Got Talent

Delighted: Simon Cowell has frequently voiced his desire to see a good dog act

When they arrived on stage a clearly excited Simon said: 'He's gorgeous. How old is he?'

Ashleigh replied that he was six, and she had got him for her eleventh birthday.
'Where do you see you two in a few years' time?' asked Simon.

Irresistible: Though Ashleigh admitted that Pudsey can be a bit of a diva, it's no wonder that he always 'gets what he wants'

Slick: The pair stayed perfectly in sync with one another throughout their routine

'Oscars?' suggested David.
The pair then performed a slickly choreographed routine to the Flintstones theme tune, which was met with rapturous applause from the judges and audience.
'A doggy star is born!' cried Ant, while Simon said 'Brilliant, brilliant.'

Clearly a hit: Even Ant and Dec were unable to resist Pudsey's charms

Alesha gushed: 'You and Pudsy are adorable'
Also impressed, David Walliams added: 'Everything about that was brilliant, the chemistry between the two of the you was brilliant, well done.'
Simon said: 'You know me, I love a dancing dog, and Pudsy is one of the best dancing dogs I've ever seen. My only criticism is I'd have put Pudsy in a prehistoric outfit as well. Do you think Pudsy would change if he won?'

Best friends: Ashleigh was given Pudsey for her 11th birthday, and the pair have been inseparable ever since

Ashleigh: 'He might be a bit of a diva. He gets what he wants!' joked Ashleigh.
With four yeses the pair were put through to the next round.

Hands on: Ashleigh feeds, walks, grooms and trains Pudsey herself

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2126647/Britains-Got-Talent-2012-Simon-Cowell-finally-sees-dog-act-hes-hoped-for.html#ixzz1rPG4WgDm

Simon Cowell is 'tongue-tied' over new BGT make-up artist... who calls herself 'Princess Spanky Bottoms'

Mezhgan who? Simon Cowell is 'tongue-tied' over new BGT make-up artist... who calls herself 'Princess Spanky Bottoms'

By Amy Oliver
PUBLISHED: 09:58, 3 April 2012 | UPDATED: 11:25, 3 April 2012


Simon Cowell has admitted he's smitten with a new make-up artist on Britain's Got Talent.
He was spotted blushing and pouting at Francesca Neill, a wild party girl who calls herself 'Princess Spanky Bottoms', backstage on the ITV show.
Those who recall his ex fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy, may also remember the pair met when she was a make-up artist on American Idol in 2003.

Smitten: Simon Cowell was spotted blushing and pouting at Francesca Neill, a party girl who calls herself 'Princess Spanky Bottoms', backstage at the ITV show

All smiles: Sadly for Simon, former Miss Manchester, Francesca, who dated Craig David in 2007, is dating businessman David Abrahamovitch

She's got talent: Francesca is a former Miss Manchester who dated Craig David in 2007

The 52-year-old confessed his crush to Britain's Got More Talent host, Stephen Mulhern and fellow judge David Walliams on the spin-off show broadcast at the weekend.
He said: 'We have the new, cutest make-up artist. But I just can't talk to her, I'm tongue-tied.'
Sadly for Simon former Miss Manchester, Francesca, who dated Craig David in 2007, is taken.
Walliams and Mulhern had teased the music mogul that the 20-something's boyfriend was a cage-fighter.
But really he's high-flying London businessman and club promoter, David Abrahamovitch.
And in a cyber show of ownership Mr Abrahamovitch posted a cosy picture of the pair on Facebook and tweeted how the psychology graduate was 'the most beautiful and talented make-up girl there is.'
If her check list for boyfriends is anything to go by Simon really didn't stand much of a chance anyway.
The Daily Mirror reported how 'Princess Spanky Bottoms' had described her ideal man on a website.
She wrote: 'Love rat seeks catcher. Could I please create a cocktail of (The Fast And The Furious hunk) Paul Walker, Danny Dyer, Brad Pitt and Justin Timberlake ... and a bit of Will Smith?'
Luckily for Simon, Francesca seemed to see the funny side of his admiration.

When a friend tweeted her saying: 'Ooh Simon thinks yr cute!!!' she replied 'Hahaha that was so funny x'.

She knows: When a friend tweeted her saying 'ooh Simon thinks yr cute!!!', Francesca replied: 'Hahaha that was so funny'

Future plans: Francesca also wrote how it was her 'mission' to give the music mogul some 'HD Brows'

She later tweeted how it was 'her mission' to give Simon 'some HD brows'.
Simon and Mezhgan recently confirmed their split, according to the Daily Mirror.

He had previously called their relationship 'quite complicated.'

All over: Simon met his ex fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy, left, backstage at American Idol in 2003... where she was a make-up artist

Simon also admitted in an interview with the Daily Mail, that he financially supports some of his former girlfriends because he feels it is not fair to leave them in the lurch after they have become used to a certain lifestyle.



‘I don’t pay them off, but if you have been with someone for long enough, there is a responsibility.'
The mogul then added modestly: 'I wouldn’t do it for every girl I have dated because I would be broke.’


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2124396/Francesca-Neill-Simon-Cowell-tongue-tied-new-Britains-Got-Talent-make-artist.html#ixzz1r0EauvnG

The Voice versus Britain's Got Talent

Amanda Holden: Sir Tom could be dead in a week

BGT judge ramps up battle with rival The Voice with sick dig at music legend Jones

Rivals ... BGT's Amanda Holden, 41, had a pop at Tom Jones, 71

By LEIGH HOLMWOOD and COLIN ROBERTSON

Published: Today at 01:09

BRITAIN'S Got Talent judge Amanda Holden ramped up the battle with rival The Voice with a sick dig at veteran star Tom Jones.

 

Urging viewers to watch her tonight instead of 71-year-old Tom in his spinning judge's chair on the BBC1 show, she joked: "He might be spinning in his grave next week."
Boss Simon Cowell looked shocked by her gag at the launch of the ITV1 show's sixth series. It followed her own near-death experience when she gave birth to new daughter Hollie.
But show insiders last night insisted Amanda meant no offence to the Delilah singer, adding: "She has the utmost respect for Tom."
A fierce spat erupted between the rival show's stars before they clash in a ratings war tonight.
Amanda, 41, joins boss Cowell and fellow judges Alesha Dixon and David Walliams on the ITV1 show.
Last night Cowell — who had been criticised by Sir Tom over his right to judge singers — hit back at the Welsh crooner's ability to pick wannabe stars.

New face ... Alesha Dixon, 33, found fame with Mis-Teeq. In 2007 she won Strictly Come Dancing before becoming a judge in 2009

He said: "Most artists who try and run record labels fail. That's why they are artists. Can a singer judge another singer as well as a record executive?"
The music tycoon also blasted "petty" Beeb bosses over the scheduling clash, laying the blame firmly at their door.
He said: "They're the ones who seem to be making it into a battle. We were always going to air in March because of my timings.
"The BBC are doing this as the more they talk about us the more headlines they get. But I don't like it when the shows clashes. It is petty scheduling."
But BBC1 controller Danny Cohen played down the battle for viewers, saying: "I'm not going to put a number on what we see as success for The Voice."

Return ... Simon Cowell, 52, started with ITV1's Pop Idol, then American Idol in the US. The X Factor guru is now worth more than £200million

Yesterday Cowell said this year's BGT will be the best ever, erasing memories of last year's uninspiring run.
He said: "There's a mixture of good and what I call good old-fashioned British eccentricity.
"The best way to judge the show is not to take it too seriously, but the good ones are always going to get through and that is the important thing."
With a glint in his eye, he added: "There will be some strippers of course — one or two."

Newcomer ... David Walliams, 40, starred in Little Britain with Matt Lucas. He finished a 140-mile swim along the Thames for Sport Relief last year

And he said there will be nine acts in the semi-final instead of eight, ensuring even more talent gets through.
Simon, 52, also sang the praises of Walliams, 40 — who rose to fame alongside Matt Lucas in BBC1 comedy Little Britain. Cowell said: "I've been trying to get David to do this show for the past two years. There were these two bellringers last year and I texted him saying: 'It's you and Matt!'
"Some of his characters on Little Britain are like some of our contestants. I thought he'd really fit into that kind of British eccentric humour. He's been a revelation."

l.holmwood@the-sun.co.uk

Big Jon's a belter

UNLIKELY singing duo Jonathan and Charlotte have the judges wincing when they wander on to the BGT stage — but leave to a standing ovation.

Bulky Jonathan and his pretty auburn partner, who were introduced by their singing teacher, impressed all four judges with their performance.

Duo ... BGT act Jonathan

Simon says: "Wow, wow, wow. Charlotte you are good but Jonathan you are unbelievable."

But when he asks Jonathan, 16, if he would continue solo, the hopeful replies: "We've come on as a duo and we're gonna stay here as a duo."

BOOKIES have already predicted that BGT will win the Saturday night ratings war — with William Hill putting the ITV1 show at 2/9 on and BBC's The Voice trailing on 3/1.

A spokesman for the firm said: "The return of Simon to the BGT panel will probably be enough on its own to secure an opening week victory over the Beeb."

TV recorders will be needed by those who want to see both — the shows overlap by 20 minutes.

'I've put it all on the line for show'

Says Tom Jones

SHOWBIZ veteran Sir Tom Jones told The Sun yesterday how he was staking his reputation on the success of The Voice.

And he said he even fears taking abuse in the street if he gets it wrong.

The 71-year-old crooner explained: "You are throwing yourself out there and making decisions. People at home could be thinking, 'What the f***? Why would he do that? What's the matter — is he deaf?'

"When you are out and about on the Tube, or in a cab, the drivers are going to go, 'Hey Tom, the show is s***'. We have to make the show as good as we possibly can and whatever is thrown against you, fight back."

BBC1's The Voice, which starts at 7pm, clashes with Britain's Got Talent, beginning at 8pm on ITV, for a vital 20 minutes — but Sir Tom said: "The ratings war is out of our hands.

"As long as we get a fair crack of the whip, then it is up to the viewers. At the end of the day it is always up to the viewers."

Star ... Jessie J, 23, made it big with Do It Like A Dude after writing for stars like Miley Cyrus. She won the Critics' Choice Brit Award

He added: "With some other shows, like BGT, all kinds of talent comes on. But The Voice is purely about what people sound like — that's the unique thing."

Sir Tom — on the show with fellow mentors Will.i.am, Jessie J and Danny O'Donoghue — had warmed up for tonight's ratings fight by taking a stinging swipe at Simon Cowell.

The Welsh legend insisted ITV show guru Cowell was NOT a good judge of singers because he has NEVER had a go himself.

Sir Tom said: "I have problems when people who have never got up on a stage to sing judge those who do. Who are they to say?

"Simon Cowell is a record man, not a singer. How can someone give advice if he or she is not qualified?

"The shows with judges from other areas of show business are all very well and good.

"But The Voice is unique because the four coaches are all singers, can all make records and know what they're talking about."

The Sex Bomb and It's Not Unusual star believes he already has five potential winners lined up. But he told The Sun he hated having to dash hopefuls' dreams.

Success ... Will.i.am, 37, is best known as part of The Black Eyed Peas. He has also worked with Usher, Cheryl Cole and The Pussycat Dolls

Tom added: "That's the hardest part — sending people home. I don't like that at all. I have never had to do that before in my life.

"When I have watched other talent shows and seen people getting all emotional, I thought that it was just showbusiness.

"But when you are there, you realise how difficult it is. You have their future in your hands. It's not easy. In fact I'm going to be in trouble when I get home. There was a Welsh girl singing a Linda Perry song, very similarly to the original. I didn't pick her.

"But I did say to her she hasn't lost forever — she is young enough to come back next year."

No swear Script

MENTOR Danny O'Donoghue says he is having coaching — to stop himself swearing on The Voice live shows.

The foul-mouthed rocker said: "I tend to curse a lot so forgive me when I get to the live shows.

"I'm in training now for the next seven weeks to not curse on the live shows. I'm very passionate and I have a limited dictionary to express myself with." The Script frontman said he had been impressed by the "nerves of steel" singers on the show so far.

New script ... Danny O'Donoghue, 32, fronts The Script. The band zoomed to the No3 spot in the US charts with their album Science and Faith

He confessed he would not have had the courage to audition for a TV talent show.

Irish star Danny, 32, added: "I think in the day we are living every phone is a camera, so kids are a lot less shy."

THE Voice coaches got the shock of their life when Sam Buttery stepped on to the stage — after they mistook him for a girl.
The youngster sings Adele's Set Fire To The Train on tonight's opening auditions.
Sporting a huge quiff and a very retro style, he revealed The Script frontman Danny O'Donoghue thought it was a female singing, until he turned around. He said: "When he saw me, he was like 'oh... you're a man!"

Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden at Britain's Got Talent launch

What cloud are you on? Alesha Dixon splits fashion opinion in quirky dress at Britain's Got Talent launch

By Sarah Bull and J J Anisiobi

PUBLISHED: 14:52, 22 March 2012 | UPDATED: 16:56, 22 March 2012


She's certainly setting a very high standard for herself ahead of the Britain's Got Talent live shows.

Alesha Dixon arrived for the press launch of the TV talent show today wearing an eye-catching cloud print Vivetta dress.

The 33-year-old star split fashion opinion somewhat in the fashion-forward outfit as she posed up for photographers outside London's O2 Arena.

The sky's the limit: Alesha Dixon attended the Britain's Got Talent press launch today wearing a fashion-forward cloud print dress

 

Sleek: Alesha teamed the dress with a pair of black gladiator-style Topshop sandals, leaving her hair loose

Alesha's geometric dress featured exaggerated shoulders and cut out sections on the front, as well as slimming black panels down the side and a white collar and tie detail.

The BGT judge teamed her outfit with a pair of black gladiator-style sandals, and left her long black hair straight and loose around her shoulders.

Meanwhile, Alesha had little competition in the style stakes from her fellow judge Amanda Holden, who went for a much more understated look in a black Maya trouser suit and a pair of Yves Saint Laurent heels.

Understated: Amanda didn't prove much competition in the style stakes in her Maya black trouser suit and Yves Saint Laurent heels

Pouting and pretty: Alesha and Amanda posed up backstage for this Twitter snap ahead of the screening

Posing up: Alesha posed up on a Union Jack printed carpet outside London's O2 Arena

She teamed her ensemble with a white, red and black printed T-shirt.

The pair were attending the launch ahead of the start of Britain's Got Talent this Saturday.

And ahead of the show premiere, head judge Simon Cowell admitted he couldn't wait for fans to see Alesha in action on the panel.

He said: 'Alesha's like a different person, she's like a canary out of a cage, she's loving it. She loves judging all of the singers and all of the dance crews; she's got a real infectious sense of humour.'

Here come the boys: Simon Cowell and Britain's Got More Talent host Stephen Mulhern

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2118762/Britains-Got-Talent-2012-Alesha-Dixon-attends-press-launch-cloud-print-dress.html#ixzz1pss6FEM6