Berry Gordy is NOT dead, Louis! X Factor judge Walsh wrongly declares Motown LIVING legend to be deceased

By J J Anisiobi


Big mistake: Louis Walsh shocked the world when he claimed Motown legend Berry Gordy was dead


Hapless X Factor judge Louis Walsh made an embarrassing error on tonight's show that may just end his career as judge.

Louis, who has no remaining acts in the competition, left the audience and millions of viewers dumfounded when he claimed Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Berry Gordy was dead.

The confusing statement was made after Misha B, 19, kicked off the show with 1964's Dancing In The Street.


Louis, who is a music producer, praised the Mancunian and said: 'If Berry Gordy were alive, he'd absolutely sign you.'

Berry, who is an American record producer and the founder of the Motown record label, is 82 years old and still alive.

Walsh clearly doesn't have his finger on the pulse because if he had watched the American Music Awards just two weeks ago, he would have seen that Berry is in good health.

Music legend: Berry Gordy is alive and well despite what Louis Walsh thinks


Having worked with artists including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson, Berry was a guest at the White House earlier this year for The Sound of Young America: The History of Motown.

Alongside Michelle Obama, he gave a talk to over 100 students on his experiences in the industry.

What makes the faux-pas even more embarrassing for Walsh is that each Motown song performed by the semi-finalists was produced by either Gordy's label, Motown, or Gordy himself.


Legends: From left, Smokey Robinson with wife Claudette, and Berry Gordy arrive at the Annual American Music Awards

Household name: Berry at the White House as Michelle Obama makes a speech


After Louis' mistake, Berry Gordy's granddaughter took Twitter to set the facts straight.

Mahogany Gordy said: 'Just so EVERYBODY knows my grandfather Berry Gordy is alive & well. Xfactor needs to get their facts straight before saying lies. @LMFAO RT.'

Family ties: Berry Gordy's granddaughter corrected Louis on Twitter and told Gary Barlow


Mahogony, who is related to both members of chart topping group LMFAO, then messaged Gary Barlow and said: '@GBarlowOfficial i really don't appreciate your friend Louis Walsh saying my grandfather Berry Gordy isn't alive.. he is alive and well...'

Berry's granddaughter, who is a a model, actress and DJ, then followed up with scathing post about Louis that said: 'If Berry Gordy were alive, he would sign you to Motown,' Louis Walsh Gordy actually isn't dead. But hopefully your talent judging career is.'

This glaring error displayed Walsh's lack of industry knowledge and will put pressure on the shows bosses to axe the judge before the next series.


Music royalty: Mahogany is a dancer, model and a DJ


source:dailymail

'I've been stitched up!' Jason Gardiner 'left furious' as he's replaced by Louie Spence in Dancing On Ice shake-up

By Sarah Bull


'I've been stitched up!' Jason Gardiner is said to be furious after being replaced by Louie Spence as a judge on Dancing On Ice


Jason Gardiner has been left furious after being axed as a judge on Dancing On ice by Louie Spence.

The acid-tongued presenter is said to have told friends he feels 'stitched up' by ITV bosses' decision to replace him with Pineapple Dance Studios' Louie Spence.

It is believed executives decided to get rid of Gardiner following his controversial comments on the show, including when he was accused of 'bullying' former judge Karen Barber after telling her: 'If your opinion still mattered, you'd be on the panel'.


A source told the Daily Mirror: 'There have been criticisms that Jason had got too harsh, with many viewers questioning whether he was qualified to criticise ice skating.

'Viewers don't mind fair criticism but there is a real feeling that last year things went too far. It's likely to leave Jason feeling more than a bit red-faced after what he said to Karen last year.'

However, a source close to Gardiner insisted it was his decision to leave the series, adding: 'Negotiations were ongoing. ITV did initially try to reach agreement but there were stumbling blocks over pay and the producers' lack of commitment to him.

Controversial: Jason hit the headlines last year when he was accused of 'bullying' former judge Karen Barber


'Jason was annoyed that they didn't immediately give him their becaing for another series, but he's worried that viewers will think he's been dropped over the row with Karen last year - that is absolutely not the case.'

As well as Gardiner leaving the show, his fellow judge Emma Bunton is also off, with Olympic figure skating champion Katarina Witt taking her place.

As they were: Emma Bunton is also off, but head judge Robin Cousins will return for the new series


Spence and Witt will be joining head judge Robin Cousins on the panel.

Spence - who has also hosted his own series Showbusiness - said: 'I'm looking forward to being part of such a challenging and spectacular show and can't wait to give my encouragement and critique on the contestants' dance and performance on the ice.'

New judge Witt dominated figure skating for more than a decade winning Olympic golds in 1984 and 1988, before going on to win an Emmy for the 1990 film Carmen on Ice.


New faces: Former Olympic figure skating champion Katarina Witt will be taking the place left by Emma Bunton

Expertise: Katarina took home Olympic golds for figure skating in 1984 and 1988


She said: 'I can't wait to join the Dancing On Ice judging panel. As well as offering support and constructive advice to this year's celebrity skaters I'm also looking forward to working alongside my close friends Torvill and Dean.'

Talking of the new arrivals, ITV's controller of entertainment Layla Smith said: 'The pair have a wealth of experience which they will be bringing to the new series.

'Their unique flare and passion for their professions will doubtless make for some interesting debates.'

She added: 'We'd like to thank Emma Bunton and Jason Gardiner for their valued contribution during previous series and wish them both all the best with their future projects.'

Mother-of-two Bunton is leaving the series after two years as a judge. She said she wanted to concentrate on other things, including her Heart FM radio show and the launch of a children's clothing range.

She will also be involved with the launch of the musical Viva Forever! - based on the songs of The Spice Girls and written by Jennifer Saunders - in the West End next year.

Bunton - known for many years as Baby Spice - said: 'I loved working on Dancing On Ice; it was so much fun and I love the team.

'I made this decision as I have to prioritise all the exciting projects lined up for me next year, as well as my Heart FM radio show, and juggle these with being a busy mum.

'I wish everyone on the show the best of luck.'

The new series will see the return of head coach Karen Barber, to offer her expertise to the show's celebrity skaters, while former host Holly Willoughby will be replaced by Christine Bleakley.



source:dailymail

The fury Factor! Simon Cowell storms off refusing to speak to judges as Drew is eliminated, while Astro bows out of X Factor USA graciously

By Sarah Fitzmaurice


The face of fury: Simon Cowell was angered his act Drew was kicked out of the competition tonight after none of the other judges selected to save her in the sing off


He still has Melanie Amaro and Rachel Crow in the competition so there’s still a good chance that Simon Cowell could win the X Factor USA with one of his acts.

But the music mogul was left furious and refused to speak to the other judges after his act Drew was sent home from the competition.

Drew and Marcus Canty found themselves fighting for the final place in the singing competition, but the 14-year-old failed to impress the other judges and was voted out of the competition along with Astro who had been told his fate earlier in the show.


Drew pleaded with the judges to save her ahead of her save me song and deplored: ‘I’m nervous and I just hope everybody can see me true talent and I hope that shows in my save me song.’

Trying to channel her emotions into her track Listen To Your Heart by Roxette Drew put all her effort into the performance but it was not enough to compete with Marcus’s rendition of Gladys Knight & The Pips' Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye).


Not happy: As Simon learned that Drew would be leaving the competition he was angry and stormed up from his seat on the judging panel, meanwhile Drew broke down in tears

That's not the spirit: As Paula sealed Drew's fate Simon jumped from his seat and stormed off in a fury


Following the songs for survival LA was the first to select the person he wanted to stay and despite saying it was a difficult decision for him he predictably chose Marcus, whom he mentors.

Simon was up next and begged Paula and Nicole to save his act declaring that it was his fault she was in the sing off.

He explained: ‘The reason drew is in this position tonight is my fault I take total responsibility. I genuinely believe you deserve a second chance. I’m begging these two to give her another chance.’

Singing for survival: Drew had gone up against Marcus Canty in the sing off


With Simon choosing Drew to remain in the competition it was down to the girls to seal the fate of the acts.

Nicole explained that the decision was an extremely tough and emotional one for her to make and she told: ‘I know that I’ve been really hard on you the past few weeks but that’s only because you are the best and I believe in you.’

She told Marcus: ‘ When you sing I feel like your heart is on the floor for all to see.’


Saving his own: While LA Reid said he had a tough decision to make he chose to save his own act Marcus and sent Drew home after the sing off

'It's my fault': Simon was up next and chose to save his act Drew but appealed to Paula and Nicole to save her too


Nicole added: ‘I adore and appreciate both of you,’ before making her decision and she said: ‘The act I’m sending home is Drew.’

The decision to send Drew home or to take the competition to deadlock was left in Paula Abdul’s hands, the only judge without any acts left in the running.

She reviewed: ‘I love and respect both of you.’


Nicole added: ¿I adore and appreciate both of you,¿ before making her decision and she said: ¿The act I¿m sending home is Drew'

Delivering the blow: Paula explained that the save me song had to ¿move me¿ and she admitted that Drew had failed to do that before she sent her home


But she explained that the save me song had to ‘move me’ and she admitted that Drew had failed to do that before she sent her home.

As the 14-year-old’s fate was sealed Simon got up out of his chair and stormed off while Drew could be heard sobbing loudly.

She managed to composure herself enough to scream: ‘I want to say thank you to my fans and I’m going to keep going and I’ve a lot to show you guys and it’s a lot more upbeat.’


Warm embrace: As Drew broke down realising her time in the competition was over Marcus gave her a warm hug before Simon joined her on stage


Tears: Through her sobs Drew told fans:'I want to say thank you to my fans and I¿m going to keep going and I¿ve a lot to show you guys and it¿s a lot more upbeat'

Radio silence: As Steve asked Simon if he had anything to say to the judges the music mogul said he had nothing to say


When Steve Jones asked her mentor if he had anything to say he replied: ‘I don’t want to say anything.’

As he comforted a distraught Drew, who was crying loudly into his chest Steve pushed him for a comment.

He replied: ‘I’ll say it backstage’, before adding that he thinks she is a star.

Simon also refused to speak to any of the other judges and looks furious.


Taking it well: Earlier in the show Astro kept his cool when he was told he got the lowest public votes and would be leaving the competition


Quiet whisper: While Astro was told he was out of the competition Simon told him 'You know you've got a career'

Ecstatic: Josh Krajcik was delighted to still be in the competition and picked up his mentor Nicole into the air


As her final moments on the show came to an end Drew blurted out: ‘Jesus loves all of your guys and I didn’t have the chance to say it before but that is why I am in this competition.’

While Drew struggled to contain her composure, earlier in the show Astro bowed out of the competition gracefully.

He was told he had received the lowest votes but didn’t appear disheartened by the news.

Learning he was leaving he was seen clapping and hugging LA Reid.


What a treat: Viewers were gifted with a performance by Tinie Tempah who rapped his Brit winning song Pass Out

Electrifying! The British singer was accompanied on stage by a band and plenty of lights


As he hugged Simon the Syco boss whispered: ‘You know you’ve got a career.’

While Astro had refused to sing a save me song initially a few weeks ago he took his elimination from the competition in much better spirits.

He told viewers: ‘It’s for the better. I will be back. Team Astro.’

He also wished the other contestant the ‘best of luck’ before telling his own fans ‘it aint over’.


Standing ovation: The rapper was treated to a rousing applause from the judges


Still in the running: Melanie Amaro and Rachel Crow were delighted to learn they safe at the start of the show

Who me? Chris Rene also appeared shocked to learn he was straight through to next week


LA Reid gushed: ‘This is the one of the most fascinating guys I have ever met. You are a star it’s that simple.’

Midway through the results show viewers were treated to an electrifying performance by British rapper Tinie Tempah.

He performed his Brit Award winning single Pass Out accompanied by plenty of neon lights and lasers.

Man in the Mirror: The final seven opened the show with a rendition of Michael Jackson's hit song


In keeping with the Michael Jackson tribute theme from Wednesday night all contestants opened the show with a rendition of the King Of Pop's Man In the Mirror.

After the group song Rachel Crow, Melanie Amaro and Chris Rene were told they were safe from elimination.

Josh Krajcik is also safe and he and Marcus Canty are also in the final five and still in the running to bag the $5million recording contract.



source:dailymail

The yummiest of mummies: Beyonce is the celebrity most pregnant women look up to

By Lauren Paxman


Style icon: Beyonce shows pregnant women how to dress up and dress down as their bumps grow


Most heavily pregnant women would feel satisfied with their outfit if it earned them a seat on the tube.

But for celebrities, things are a little different.

Mums-to-be want someone to look up to during their pregnancy, and it seems that Beyonce Knowles is the perfect role model.

The singer, actress and fashion designer - who is due to give birth in February - has topped a poll of celebrities most pregnant women respect and whose style they want to copy.


The glamorous star received 35 per cent of the votes, with mums claiming that her down to earth personality and modest way of dressing means they can relate to her more.

Respondents also claimed that they will often buy a magazine or look for Beyonce’s pregnancy outfits online for ideas on how to dress with sophistication and style as their baby bump grows.

Following closely behind Beyonce is Irish beauty and Saturday’s band member Una Healy with 28 per cent.

Mothers think the 30-year-old’s sense of style, and attitude towards her pregnancy, is a shining example for all mums-to-be.

Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden received 20 per cent of the vote. Mums love her maternity wear and how good she is at looking after her daughter.

Following Amanda, with 14 per cent of the votes, is Jennifer Garner who - with the help of celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe - has kept her pregnancy attire fashionable and effortless.

Winter chic: Una Healy and Amanda Holden wear coats over their bumps


Other stars who made the poll were Hollywood A-listers Jessica Simpson, Maggie Gyllenhaal and singer Sophie Ellis Bextor.

A spokesperson from fashion retailer Josoblu.co.uk, who commissioned the survey, said: 'Considering Beyonce is one of the most glamorous women in the world and constantly appears in best dressed lists, it is only fitting that she tops the poll for fashionable mums to be.

'Even though this is her first pregnancy it hasn’t stopped Beyonce rocking the highest heels or sparkly numbers – it proves to women that pregnancy can be stylish.

Mums-to-be: Jennifer Garner and Jessica Simpson look comfortable with their growing bellies


'Una, Amanda and Jennifer are also worthy of their places in the poll as each of them know how to combine outfits and have day and night looks down to a fine art.

'Ultimately fashion is about individual choice and finding your style and what you feel comfortable in.

'That choice can be limited for mums to be – the key for them is to find some great pieces that they can mix and match – but most of all feel comfortable in as their bump grows.'


source:dailymail

'I wanted to tell him to go f*** himself': Michael Bublé says he almost flipped when Simon Cowell rolled his eyes at him

By Daily Mail Reporter


Simon Cowell's dismissive attitude almost landed him in hot water with one of the world's most popular singers.

Michael Bublé says he almost gave the X Factor mogul a piece of mind when he caught him rolling his eyes during a performance in 2007.

Speaking to the Radio Times, Bublé revealed his anger at the response he got from Cowell during an appearance on American Idol.

Hurt: Michael Bublé says Simon Cowell's reaction shattered his confidence


He told the magazine: 'I had to sing Call Me Irresponsible in front of 20million people.

'And the first thing I saw when I got on stage was Simon. I sang about four lines and he looked at me and did this [he rolls his eyes] and that was it, I was done. It killed me. My confidence dropped.

'Maybe Cheryl Cole gets a little quiet and more demure when she loses her confidence. But I become aloof. I get the attitude of, "Oh really? Well, f*** you. You don't like me? Then go **** yourself. I'm just gonna do whatever."'

Disrespectful: The X Factor mogul rolled his eyes at the Canadian singer which affected him deeply


But his admission could cause tension when he appears on the X Factor next week, as the show is run by Cowell's company Syco.

Michael revealed that he confided in Dannii Minogue after the performance and she later confronted Cowell about his disrespectful response to Bublé's performance.

And they learned that he wasn't even aware he had done it.

Confidant: Dannii Minogue provided a listening ear to the singer and actually confronted Cowell about it


The 36-year-old singer said: 'I told her the story. She goes and tells him, and comes back saying, "The man didn't even know he did it".

'He was just probably sitting on his fifth hour of the show going, "Kill me now... and I've got to go to the bathroom".

'But I'm so sensitive I took it as a rejection. Anyway, every time I've ever talked to him since then he's been incredibly nice.'

I didn't even know I did it: Simon Cowell explained away his reaction by admitting he did it unconsciously


Last night the crooner was on hand to help New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg kick off Christmas in the Big Apple as he lit the Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree tonight.

Before the strings of lights were illuminated there were live performances from Bublé, Katharine McPhee, Cee Lo Green and Carole King.

Justin Bieber also joined the fray, performing three Christmas songs in a pre-recorded segment, much to the dismay of some attendees.



source:dailymail

Rooney hits the bottle: Coleen taps into her festive side as she dyes her hair red ahead of WAGs Christmas party

By Nadia Mendoza


Radiant: Coleen Rooney looked ready for party season with her newly dyed hair


Coleen Rooney appears to have had a makeover from her fairy godmother yesterday.

The mother-of-one stepped out during the day looking like any other parent clutching their tot, before emerging later as a redhead goddess.

Wayne's wife underwent the transformation for the WAGs Christmas party held by fashion designer Phillip Armstrong.

Dye-ing for a change: Earlier in the day Coleen Rooney sported fair hair during a lunch date with Kai, before going red for the WAGs Christmas party


The event was held at Room restaurant in Manchester yesterday, before Coleen headed to Rosso with Ashley Ward's wife Dawn for cocktails.

While swanning around earlier in the day, 25-year-old Coleen was pictured with Kai, one, dressed down in jeans and flip flops - albeit Chanel ones.

Festive: Coleen changed her hair ready for party season, sprucing up her all-black ensemble with red shoes and clutch


She bundled her blonde locks atop her head, wearing minimal make-up and bling while running errands.

However, the social butterfly later stepped out in an all-black ensemble, adding splashes of colour with her new tresses, red peep toe heels and a clutch bag to match.

Her lipstick was subtle and the neutral shades softened the Scouse brows.

A night off from mummy duties: Abbey Crouch had some time away from Sophia as she also attended the party in a star-speckled frock


Abbey Crouch also attended, taking another night off from mummy duties.

The former Britiain's Next Top Model contestant previously spent a night away from Sophia on Monday, leaving daddy Peter in charge as she headed to the bright lights of London for the British Fashion Awards.

Crouch, 25, looked elegant in a star-speckled frock as she sipped a fruity cocktail from a martini glass during a cigarette break.


Smoker's corner: Abbey puffed on a cigarette while sipping from her glass


Martini glass, check! Abbey made sure she didn't go anywhere without her drink



source:dailymail

'With every mouthful of food I've always felt guilty': Gary Barlow on how he went from being 'the fat one' to 'the hot one'

By Andrea Magrath


Confidence: Gary Barlow reveals that he gets a kick out of people calling him 'too thin' after a lifelong battle with his weight


He has had women across the country swooning as he deals out stern criticism to the X Factor contestants every Saturday and Sunday night.

But the revelation that many, inlcuding his fellow judge Kelly Rowland, have a crush on him bewilders Gary Barlow, who is still coming to terms with being known as 'the hot one' from Take That, after years of being taunted as 'the fat one.'

Speaking to this week's Grazia, the 40-year-old reveals: 'I'm at a weight that I'm just so bloody happy with and I feel amazing. I'm full of confidence.


'It's going to sound shallow, but being happy with the way I look makes me spring out of bed in the morning and want to live life.'

Barlow's weight famously ballooned a he battle depression after Take That's break-up in 1996.

But he is currently on a high following the band's hugely successful reunion tour with Robbie Williams and a critically-acclaimed album.

'Weight has always been my enemy': Barlow pictured a decade ago on a family holiday when he was at his heaviest


In an interview with the magazine, Barlow credits his wife of 11 years, Dawn, with supporting him through the highs and lows.

'I knew she was the one for me because she understands me,' he says, revealing that he proposed over Chinese takeaway after pestering her to marry him for four years.

'She has known me through thick and thin. She has known me at 17 stone, when nobody wanted to call me anymore.

Dark days: Gary, pictured in 1998, admits he battled depression and overeating after the band broke up in 1996


'Dawn knows how weight has always been my enemy, how with every mouthful of food I have always felt guilty.

'I've actually had major problems with food for years and years. I realised that once I started to eat I couldn't stop.'

Gary admits he gets doesn't mind people going so far as to say he's lost too much weight.

'I can't say I don't get a little kick out of it. Me, too thin ... will wonders ever cease?'

Back on top: Gary began shedding pounds again when Take That reformed in 2005


But he won't become so vain that he'll follow in his boss Simon Cowell's footsteps.

'I'm not bothered about (Botox)' he tells Grazia. 'I'm bothered about how I feel.

I'm light on my feet at the moment. I can spring around, play football with the kids, I can put on a suit and say "I look nice."'

Barlow admits that the ratings battle has him sweating every week.

'There's no question that every week when I'm waiting for the text with the ratings I'm s****ing myself. I want it to be great.'

Barlow, who said his only contact with show supremo Cowell was an 'occasional text', added it was 'a very aggressive show to be on'.

Terrified: Gary Barlow has admitted he struggles with nerves while waiting to find out how well X Factor has done in the ratings battle


He said: 'Simon (Cowell) warned me very early that I was strapping myself into a rollercoaster.

On Sunday night, The X Factor soundly beat Strictly Come Dancing in the ratings after the BBC show beat the ITV show on Saturday.

On Sunday the X Factor got an average audience of about 12million and Strictly got 10.7million.

Meanwhile, Barlow also spoke about his battle with his weight, saying he finds it funny that people have commented that he now looks too thin.


Last chance: Gary with his last remaining contestant, Marcus Collins



source:dailymail