Asperger's Man Could Be Next Susan Boyle

(NEWSER) - Susan Boyle just isn’t that extraordinary, Adam Markovitz writes in Entertainment Weekly. The middle-aged singer who wowed Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent and sparked a viral YouTube hit is getting by on her lack of looks. Her voice is adequate, Markovitz writes, but “her talent is only really shocking if you’ve already counted her out as a squawker on account of her granny hairdo and pre-fame Julia Roberts eyebrows.” More»

Spears dogged by rumors that she stormed out of taping

(NEWSER) - New judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato had their first X Factor taping yesterday, and of course there were rumors of bad behavior. TMZ reports that Spears stormed off the set upset after a contestant did a less-than-stellar version of her song "Hold It Against Me," forcing the next four contestants to audition in front of the remaining judges while her seat stayed empty. But Spears tweeted a denial, the New York Daily News reports: "#Britneywalksoff??? LOL was just taking a little break, people. I am having the BEST time!!!" More»

Leaving 'American Idol' likely right move for Simon Cowell

(NEWSER) - With Simon Cowell set to depart American Idol at the end of this season, the big question becomes: Did he make the right choice? Yes, and not just because Cowell’s judgments are notoriously “cold, unsentimental, and usually correct,” Tom Ewing writes for New York . Cowell’s new venture, a US version of his UK hit The X Factor, has a lot going for it that could catapult it ahead of Idol: More»

Cowell, Abdul in talks to team up on new show

(NEWSER) - Good news for anyone pining for the good ol' days of American Idol: Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell may be reuniting for Cowell’s X Factor. Sources tell TMZ the pair is discussing the possibility of Abdul coming on the US version of his UK hit as a judge. Cowell himself recently said he adores Paula, and “whatever happens, I will be working with her in some capacity, because I miss her,” the New York Daily News adds. More»

Tart-tongued judge will launch 'X Factor' after 9th 'Idol' season

(NEWSER) - Simon Cowell made the first of what will surely be many farewells to American Idol today, confirming to a gathering of American TV critics in Pasadena that he's leaving the show at the end of this year's 9th season. The caustic Brit who's considered Idol's biggest star said he's launching a US version of his UK show The X Factor on Fox in 2011, and he was not practically able to do both, Entertainment Weekly reports. More»