After the tension-filled Boot Camp round, Ellona was among the soloists chosen to form the group InTENsity that will be among the eight group acts to be mentored by no other than judge Paula Abdul.

Simon Cowell, on the other hand, will mentor the girls, L.A. Reid will mentor the boys, while Nicole Scherzinger will train eight solo acts over 30s.

All 32 acts will now go to their respective mentor’s home or to a location of the judge’s choice for their final shot at earning a place on the live shows. They have to perform and impress their judge and another surprise celebrity guest mentor that they deserve one of the coveted spots in each judge’s final category.

Will Ellona impress Paula and make it to the live show?

Don’t miss the first two ‘Judges’ Home’ episodes on “The X Factor” this Thursday (Oct 13) and Friday (Oct 14), 7PM, in a special 1 hour 45 minute via satellite airing on Studio 23.

Paula Abdul to Mentor 15 Year Old Pinay Singer in ‘The X Factor’ originally appeared on Starmometer on October 12, 2011.

The former “American Idol” judge, who left the show to create this newest global brand, will be reunited with his fellow ‘Idol’ judge Paula Abdul once again to judge raw, undiscovered singing talents alongside music mogul L.A. Reid and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

“The X Factor is a singing competition with a twist. It’s very difficult describing how different it’s going to be until you see it,” said Simon.

Hosted by Steve Jones, the show will be searching for the next great singing superstar or group who will be competing for the biggest prize in television history—a US $5 million Sony Music recording deal and an appearance in Pepsi’s 2012 Superbowl spot.

As early as the audition stage, hopefuls must already face the challenge of performing before a live audience. Selected contestants will then have to take part in a hardcore boot camp to prove their star potential.

Judges will then select only a few to advance to the next level and mentor their chosen ones.

“So here, it’s not just the contestants who compete, the judges compete too,” said Simon.

The judges will make their last and final cut and candidates chosen will be the official finalists who will move in together in the X Factor house and compete week every week in the live show where they will be scrutinized by the fifth judge— the viewers.

First introduced in the UK, “The X Factor” gave birth to multi-platinum album selling artists Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke. To date, it is considered to be UK’s biggest talent search.

It has already conquered more than 30 countries around the globe and as of June 2011, there have been 53 X Factor winners all over the world.

Who will be USA’s first ever X Factor winner?

Don’t miss the season premiere of the first U.S. season of “The X Factor” this Thursday (Sept 22) and Friday (Sep 23), 6:00 PM, airing on Philippine free TV exclusively on Studio 23 via satellite. You can also catch it on its same night replay at 9:30 PM.

First U.S. Season of ‘The X Factor’ to Air Via Sattelite on Studio 23 originally appeared on Starmometer on September 16, 2011.

Paula Abdul appeared during the finale of American Idol to pay tribute to Simon in a funny and heartwarming video segment.

“It’s fantastic being here tonight,” she said. “I really miss everyone!” She told Randy he looks charming, then asked Ellen if she wants to dance. She told Kara she looks beautiful. And to Ryan: “You’re so cute, I want my lip gloss back!”

“And Simon … that’s all I got. Goodnight, everybody!”

Paula also stated the real reason why she left American Idol:

“There’s a baby back there with Simon’s haircut, and, honey, it’s your turn to feed him.”

And just before the show goes into a Simon montage set to Frank Sinatra’s My Way, Paula told him, “American Idol’s not going to be the same without you, but, as only I can tell you, it will go on.”

After the video montage, all the American Idol winners graced the stage (well except for David Cook) to sing “Together We Are One.” Selected American Idol finalists take the stage for the final choruses.

Ryan beckoned Simon to the stage for a farewell speech.

“I didn’t think I was going to be this emotional, but I genuinely am,” he said. “What Paula says is true: The show goes forward, it will be different, but I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support, the fun.” And, when it comes to the question of who will replace him as judge, he says, “The truth is, you guys are the judge of this show, and you’ve done an incredible job over the years.”

Watch the video here:

Paula Abdul Returns to American Idol for Simon Cowell’s Farewell originally appeared on Starmometer on May 27, 2010.

After the much publicized increase of Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell’s salary for the upcoming 9th season of American Idol, it’s sad that Paula Abdul will no longer reprise her job as one of the judges.

Paula and her manager were demanding an increase in her salary but the Idol producers felt she was not worth what she was asking. Instead of settling with her current salary, Paula decided to quit.

Paula’s exit from the no.1 television show on the planet was confirmed via her Twitter account. Straight from the horse’s mouth:

“With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to IDOL. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all…being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon. What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me … It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month … I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.”

Kara DioGuardi, on the other hand, confirms her return on American Idol judging panel next season. Randy Jackson has inked his stay until 2011. Simon Cowell signed a three-year contract so we’ll be seeing him until 2012. So the judging panel is back to 3, two guys and a lady.

Paula Abdul Leaves American Idol originally appeared on Starmometer on August 5, 2009.

In the past season of American Idol, Ryan earned slightly less than $5 million which breaks down to about $100,000 per episode. Now, the 34-year-old tv/radio host has closed a major new three-year deal worth $15 million per year.

After Seacrest, Idol producers are now negotiating for the show’s judges for next season.

The acid-tongued judge Simon Cowell has made statements that he might leave the singing competition when his contract is up at the end of next season. He is now demanding a salary of more than $100 million per year.

The other judges — Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi — all have said they hope to close deals to return next season.

Although the ratings of American Idol last season have declined, it remains the no. 1 tv program on the planet by a mile.

Ryan Seacrest Signs $45 Million Deal for American Idol originally appeared on Starmometer on July 14, 2009.

Danny Gokey, Matt Giraud and Adam Lambert topped the previous episodes of American Idol season 8 with their “blow-me-away” performances but tonight’s episode belongs to Kris Allen.

The judges were right on when they said that the guys are very strong this year and it’s possible that no girl will make it to the final four. Four male contestants have made their mark already, the latest being Kris Allen for his soulful rendition of Ain’t No Sunshine.

Kris also played the keyboard and was accompanied by a quartet of musicians. Although his outfit was simple (wearing only t-shirt and jeans), his version of the song was powerful.

Randy Jackson said: “For the last couple of weeks you have been slaying it. You are in the zone.” Kara DioGuardi said: “Kris I have 3 words for you – That is artistry!” Paula Abdul said: “You took a 30 year old song and made it like I heard it for the first time.” Simon Cowell said “You brought confidence tonight. Very clever, very cool. Liked to see you behind the keyboard. Best performance so far.”

Video Link:

Kris Allen – Ain’t No Sunshine – American Idol Top 9

Kris Allen Wows the Judges on American Idol originally appeared on Starmometer on April 1, 2009.

For a recap, here’s what the judges said on Sarver’s performance last night:

Paula Abdul said: “For me this was a tough performance. Felt Las Vegas loungy for me. You need to be dominating that song.” Simon Cowell said: “I couldn’t wait for it to end. You were screaming and shouting. You have no chance of winning based on that type of vocal. In the real world it isn’t good enough.” Randy Jackson said: “The song was a little to big for you. You made it little corny. It wasn’t a great performance.” Kara DioGuardi said: “We are looking for an artist. Next week you need to be an artist.”

Although the elimination of Sarver is quite expected because the four judges didn’t like his performance, the non-inclusion of Megan Joy Corkrey in the bottom three was a surprise. What’s even more shocking on the results show was that Matt Giraud, who’s been “rockin’ the microphone” according to Randy Jackson, was in the bottom two.

Thanks for the new “Judges Save” rule because we all know that if Matt received the lowest number of votes, the four musketeers will save him. But they don’t need to exercise that power tonight because it is Michael Sarver, as announced by Ryan Seacrest, who is leaving the show.

And who’s the other one in the bottom three? It’s Scott McIntyre!

Tonight’s musical guests, by the way, are Joss Stone and Smokey Robinson who sang “You’re the One For Me.” Ruben Studdard (the second American Idol) also took the stage to sing his latest single, Together.

Michael Sarver Gets the Boot on Idol originally appeared on Starmometer on March 27, 2009.

The Top 5 contestants were to sing two rounds of Neil Diamond songs. Halfway through the show after each contestant sang the first of two songs, Ryan asked the judges some feedback before moving on to the second round.

And lola Paula summed up Jason Castro’s performance of “Forever in Blue Jeans” this way:

“I loved hearing your lower register. But in the second song, I felt like your usual charm was missing for me. It kind of left me a little empty. The two songs made me feel like you’re not fighting hard enough to get into the top four.”

Randy Jackson broke the news to his fellow judge: “He’s just done the first song.”

“Oh my God, I thought you sang twice!” she said.

The quick-witted Ryan Seacrest replied, “You’re seeing the future, baby.”

Here’s the video:

Question:

1. Is Paula…

a. crazy
b. a fortune teller
c. drunk
d. simply stupid

Paula Abdul’s Boo-boo on American Idol originally appeared on Starmometer on April 30, 2008.

We have two new entries this week courtesy of American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and American Idol judge Paula Abdul. 

Also, check out the current Billboard’s Top 10 singles after our very own Weekly Top 10 Chart after the jump…

Chart Date : February 28, 2008

* Click on the song title for the music and lyrics
** Legend:
TW – This Week
LW – Last Week
WC – Weeks on Chart
PP – Peak Position

Billboard Top 10 Singles
(Issue Date: 2008-02-28)

1. Low
(Flo Rida Feat. T Pain)

2. With You
(Chris Brown)

3. Don’t Stop The Music
(Rihanna)

4. No One
(Alicia Keys)

5. Love Song
(Sara Bareilles) 

6. Apologize
(Timbaland feat. OneRepublic)

7. Sensual Seduction
(Snoop Dogg)

8. Take You There
(Sean Kingston) 

9. Sorry
(Buckcherry)

10. Independent
(Webbie, Lil’ Phat & Lil’ Boosie)

Weekly Top 10 – Neyo Returns to No. 1 originally appeared on Starmometer on February 28, 2008.