Steve Jones, Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul out on ‘X Factor’
In this Dec. 22, 2011 file photo, television host Steve Jones poses on the red carpet at "The X Factor" Finale show in Los Angeles. Jones said on Twitter on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, that he wouldnt be returning to host the show's second season. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg, file)
Loading ...UPDATE at 7:47 a.m., January 31: Five hours ago, Nigel Lythgoe Tweeted that Simon Cowell has fired Paula Abdul? What?
UPDATE at 2:43 p.m.: Paula has officially confirmed the news with this statement:
“Yes, it’s true; I won’t be returning to The X Factor next season. I’ve learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations. Simon and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation. Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I’ve treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at Fox and Fremantle. I want nothing more than for The X Factor to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams. This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful.”
UPDATE: 4:08 p.m. Simon has also confirmed the news, thanking everybody for their services. Mike Darnell of Fox specifically thanked Paula for her services. Nicole Tweeted her departure this afternoon as well.
We made fun of Steve Jones here relentlessly during “The X Factor” season, probably more so than anybody this side of Sanjaya. And now he’s out, according to his Twitter page.
“I won’t be hosting next seasons X Factor which is a shame but I cant complain as I’ve had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show.”
The fact of the matter is Steve Jones was bad at his job. And for a reality competition program with $5 million at stake, it’s an important job – at least for a TV show. He looked perpetually stressed and uncomfortable, even when he tried so hard to look relaxed and in control. He read the teleprompter with the authenticity of a politician and the joy of a wax figure. He was the anti-Seacrest, the Robo-host, the man lost in a vortex of confusion and sadness. By the third live episode, he probably realized he was toast.
During a phone press conference in the middle of the season, the poor man complained to reporters about producers barking in his ear and mistook a question comparing him to Seacrest, thinking it was a compliment. The journalist didn’t bother to correct him. Very awkward.
Bottom line: Simon Cowell goofed on that hire!
UPDATE at 10:48 a.m. Jan. 31: As for Nicole Scherzinger, Fox has confirmed to Hollywood Reporter that she it out as well.
Loading ...She is also missing that authenticity gene. She lacks the warmth of Paula Abdul. She seemed almost redundant given Paula’s spot. Of course, she was supposed to be a co-host with Jones until Cheryl Cole was booted. I almost wish we had Cheryl. I’m certain she would have been better.
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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121 comments Add your comment
Woodpappy
January 31st, 2012
11:04 am
LOL Rickster
Rickster
January 31st, 2012
11:05 am
Thanks, WP!
kelly&carriefan
January 31st, 2012
11:07 am
Well, having no talent has never been a disqualifier on judging a reality competition, has it? I mean, Paula and J. Lo aren’t exactly powerhouse vocalists…just saying.
Michael Slezak over at TVLine has some interesting ideas: Queen Latifah and Linda Perry chief among them. http://www.tvline.com/2012/01/the-x-factor-season-2-shakeup-cast-changes/
Rickster,
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
11:10 am
Dan: However If I didn’t watch or hated a show I wouldn’t waste my time here commenting on it. Seems kinda silly to take the time to bash something you care nothing about. What does that say about you? I say that to those who the comments apply to.
I do see something wrong with someone who bashes a show he/she doesn’t watch. How is it possible to comment when you haven’t actually seen the show…what makes the comment credible in any way?
I do not agree(obviously) that people who watch the show and don’t like it should refrain from commenting. I for one put a lot of effort, not to mention, patience into X-F…giving Simon the benefit of the doubt. He, imo, did NOT put together a good show. And I’d be lying if I pretended that he did.
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
11:12 am
As far as LA Reid is concerned, an excellent music producer and one who is terrific at finding and managing talent is not necessarily a good tv personality. Whether coerced by Simon to argue or whether it was just LA’s personality, he did not do a good job as a judge/mentor on this show.
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
11:14 am
Rickster!!! LOL!!!!
Rickster
January 31st, 2012
11:16 am
Watching that dude in the Pepsi commercial made me realize that I’ve been shirking my Court Jester duties a bit lately.
JTesla
January 31st, 2012
11:20 am
Rickster has found his new calling, writing press releases.
I want to watch and like X-Factor, but they worked to hard at making me hate it for me to be able to endure the full season.
Steve Jones, Nicole Scherzinger not returning to "The X Factor" – CBS News | Trend Tycoon!
January 31st, 2012
11:24 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Rickster
January 31st, 2012
11:37 am
I might be able to get a job writing releases/stories for “The Onion.”
Confusted...
January 31st, 2012
11:54 am
The X-Factor’s format is WHACK. The show features singers, groups, young, old, rappers, rockers, country wannabees; it’s total confusing and can’t build a loyal following with a hodge podge of talent.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Have a season where you only focus on a male / female vocalist. The next season do an X-Factor group show ; then maybe for the next season do the best young star etc….
2. Get rid of the mentoring section of the show
3. Have the contestants sing or or two of their own songs.
4. Let the viewers decide who stays and who goes (i.e. No SAVES).
Try this and see what happens….anything is better than the current X-Factor format……..YAWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2.
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
12:05 pm
Thumbs up to Confusted
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
12:19 pm
A source close to X-F claims that the recent firing is because simon thinks the show needs bigger celebrities.
Really Simon? THAT’S what you think the show needs?
Skunkiezoid
January 31st, 2012
12:21 pm
The show was lame and very unrealistic. LA Reid seemed to be there only to find new gigs that suited the genre for his label. That is completely self-serving and good talent was eliminated to make room for the young hip-hop artists.
As for Deirdre, why are you hammering at that other blogger for having an opinion different than your own? That’s oxymoron in it’s rawest fashion. She didn’t like the show, never wants to watch it again and doesn’t know how anyone would. YOU on the other hand WILL watch and pretty much “how dare she”! Then you go on to defend YOUR position and tell her to buzz off.
Seems YOU’re the one that should buzz off….by the way…how many TIMES are you going to post here? Are you collecting comments for a scrapbook or something? jeezh.
JTesla
January 31st, 2012
12:31 pm
What, you don’t have a comment scrapbook Skunkiezoid? Oh and you included the answer to your question with the statement of “and doesn’t know how anyone would”. Once the other person applied her reasoning to others, she opened the door to comment.
Deirdre, Simon obviously doesn’t get it. I’m starting to think that HE is the only problem X-Factor has.
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
12:34 pm
Skunk…she wanted the shows to be cancelled. My point was she doesn’t have to watch them. There’s a big difference between those two solutions. She said she’s not watching them. If she’s not watching them why would she care whether or not they’re cancelled? I don’t care whether she watches the shows or not. But I want to watch them so why would she tell me I shouldn’t?
And believe me…I wasn’t “hammering” When I “hammer”, you’ll know it!
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
12:37 pm
And I never told her to buzz off. I told her I disagreed with her…not once did I say she shouldn’t comment.
Joel
January 31st, 2012
12:37 pm
I had high hopes for this show last season, but was disappointed. I dont’ blame Simon for firing Nicole and “what’s his name”, but I think he should have let LA go and kept Paula. I thought she actually did a good job, better than when she was on Idol. I doubt I’ll watch next year, unless he gets a really, really big name.
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
12:37 pm
And I’ll post on here as many times as I damned well please. You feel free to do the same.
Randy Jackson
January 31st, 2012
12:41 pm
The Whole Freakin show should go it sucks
Sam-A
January 31st, 2012
12:43 pm
I agree with all who think Paula was actually the high point in the judging panel. And I detest Mariah C – her ego is so elevated, if she fell off her platform, it’d take her a month to reach the ground! I think Vic B might be good – she has seemed very warm and funny on various talks shows, the one I best remember being “Ellen”.
I think they should at least eliminate the “group” category – it was a total disaster! And 3 judges is aplenty!
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
12:48 pm
Sam, Victoria did a very good job as a guest judge on Idol a couple of years ago.
And yes, eliminating the group category(or not “creating” groups out of solo hopefuls) would help.
Seth T.
January 31st, 2012
12:50 pm
I seen some portions of shows of the UK version that XF was spinning from – and they had groups and always a couple “wierd”, wacko, unusual or spoof talents in their top 10. They also sometimes used the over-the-top stage shows.
America was not ready for this crazy format with several of the top 12 on a set-up-to-fail basis. There was little doubt, right from the auditions, the “bring-back” of Melanie for extra side-story & camera time, that she was moving toward the top 2 and would likely win – as she was the best all-around singer for current Hot 100 type of music and the most “marketable” potential star – that they put into the top 12.
Casey Abrams is officially signed: record deal with Concord Music Group
Stefano Langone is also officially signed: Hollywood Records. He’s also looking to crack the Latin market, so expect some Spanish-language songs from him soon.
Also hear that Pia Toscano and Haley Reinhart are working on new material for new releases in the near future.
skeeter
January 31st, 2012
1:03 pm
I like X much, much better than Idol, but I haven’t watched Idol in three or four years. I like the format better and the variety of solo and groups. I could care less who is the host. That’s not why I tune in to these types of shows.
When I go to a live concert, why does it matter who is the mc? I’m there to hear Frankie Beverly or EWF.
I must admit, I will truly miss seeing Nicole. God was at His best that day
I Neg Your Pardon
January 31st, 2012
1:18 pm
Obviously Simon knows X-Failure was a giant fail this past season, but does he really understand why? Exchanging judges and hosts for bigger named stars will not cure the root of the show’s true problem: The complete lack of substance.
It’s a carnival act, a special effects production with no compelling characters or storyline. It’s the Transformers of talent shows, and adding a bigger celebrity to the cast won’t fix a dam(n) thing. To keep viewer interest over a long series we have to admire the talent on stage, care about who advances or goes home, feel connected to the singers themselves. The laser lights, smoke, fire and background booty dancers are just distracting crap that gets old fast.
If X can’t make it on the talent it attracts, without the scripted dramas between the judges, the gaudy choreography, the video game special effects, the over-the-top production, than it has no chance in the long run.
From what I see, Simon has learned nothing. He’s just a conman trying to sell us his British snake oil, and we ain’t buying.
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
1:19 pm
LOL! skeeter, I have to agree with you. Nicole is very pretty.
I think there’s a big difference between a host at a live concert and a tv host. Especially when you compare the difference between Ryan helping a contestant through a difficult critique or an elimination to the ex X-F host attempting to help.
Annie
January 31st, 2012
1:20 pm
Dropping Paula is probably the right move, even though she was the only one on the panel that was worth a darn. She was giving the hardest category to mentor, but she actually coached them. I doubt that any of the other mentors spent time with their groups outside of what was required to get enough footage for that week’s show. But, it was clear from the start that Paula was spending time with the groups, it’s the only reason why Intensity didn’t look like a total joke. The only problem with Paula is that having her and Simon on the show just makes the X Factor look more like a carbon copy of American Idol.
LA Reid is fine, but if Paula’s role on the show was unnecessary, then it’s also unnecessary to have both LA and Simon. Nobody but those two is interested in their faux drama, and neither is adding anything that the other doesn’t. It may be Simon’s’ show, but I’d dump him, and keep LA.
With Simon on the panel there is no drama or suspense. His acts will get the best spots, music, and insults from the other judges. Simon should either get off from in front of the camera, or become like an impartial judge, who isn’t given control over any of the groups.
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
1:21 pm
Seth, thanks for the info.
Jillian C
January 31st, 2012
1:22 pm
Dang you guys. It’s not worth getting worked up and becoming childish, namecalling, language, etc. Melanie was NOT the best if you ask me. I think she only won because SHE was Simon’s PICK. So much for finding the BEST talent. I thought the older guy would have been in the run of top two. There’s too much 20 something pop and rap on the radio and I’m NOT looking forward to another Whitney or Mariah that Melanie is sure to TRY and be. Yawn.
Annie
January 31st, 2012
1:27 pm
To Confusted, Diversity is a good thing. That’s the one area where the X Factor got things right. Even though they were missing out on a country act. I wish that American Idol was as diverse as they were during the early years. Having diversity will attract a younger and more diverse audience, and the thing that will help ensure a diverse list of winners. One of the biggest problems with the 9th season of American Idol was the lack of diversity, it’s the main reason why that season was so boring.
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
1:32 pm
Annie, I actually real like the idea of Simon becoming an impartial judge. That would solve a big problem.
DanJ
January 31st, 2012
1:36 pm
I agree groups should be dropped from the catagories with 1 additional personal added to the remaining 3. Guys, Girls and Over 30. I do think 4 judges/mentors sould remain. However I think Simon should not be one of the mentors, leave it to the other 3. Simon should only judge! If the mentors shows a bias then he could be a voice of reason. After all it’s his show and his money.
I also think the audience should decide between the bottom two not the judges. If XF hires a good host and cut back on the over-production then it would become the show to beat. Just like American Idol, XFactor has some things I like and some I don’t.
I hope any show regardless what type of show it is listens to the feedback from the audience. You can learn a lot from it. Especially the negative…critical comments. I think it’s obvious most of us enjoy these shows or else we wouldn’t be commenting on them. Hopefully the shows have reps who read this blogs and on-line forums to gather information, if not they should. My two cents anyway! Dan
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
1:45 pm
Thumbs up to Dan. I agree!
Harriett
January 31st, 2012
1:49 pm
Hi, everyone. Just lurking today. Home sick but enjoying your conversation.
skeeter
January 31st, 2012
1:54 pm
Ya see Deirdre, we do agree on something. There is hope in this ole world afterall.
I read your reply last night and after reading all the way from the top of the page, I could
see where you Assumed I were refering to you. No harm, no foul, carry on.
DanJ
January 31st, 2012
1:56 pm
It looks like LA Reid put his money where his mouth is. He signed Chris, Astro & Marcus. And it appears Simon is smart enough to sign Josh!
http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/reality-rocks/epic-news-l-reid-label-signs-chris-rene-215706510.html
Jenny (the usual one)
January 31st, 2012
1:59 pm
Hey, Pac-Man ate my comment! Now I really do feel like I belong.
What it said was – (first) More Jennys again? That wasn’t me who posted the link on the first page. I guess I do need to find another name. Suggestions, anyone?
And (second) I haven’t finished reading all the comments yet, but if Paula really is gone, never mind what I said about continuing to watch because the best singer won. I doubt I will now. And especially if Simon keeps LA Reid! LA was awful. I’m sure I’ll have more to say after reading the comments.
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
2:04 pm
Good to go, skeeter. dinky has also been kind on the previous thread. I like it a lot when we can move on from a disagreement. We work hard at that here so stick with us, peek in at Idol and see what you think.
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
2:06 pm
Jenny…how about The Usual.
DanJ
January 31st, 2012
2:08 pm
Deirdre, my point earlier wasn’t about those who watch or have watched the shows making negative comments. I think constructive criticism is great. What burns my keister are those folks who bash shows they claim not to watch and make snide remarks about those of us who do.
Sam-A
January 31st, 2012
2:14 pm
Or ‘Usual Jenny” or “sweet Jenny” – which would really suit your demeanor so far – you’ve been a really nice addition to our little group!
Sam-A
January 31st, 2012
2:16 pm
That’s assuming you are the newish Jenny who joined us a short while ago. Same happened to me – I just added “-A” to keep confusion down. I was even confused myself!
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
2:22 pm
I got you, Dan and agree. What makes someone who claims to never watch a show think that anything they have to say about it is relevant?
Deirdre
January 31st, 2012
2:24 pm
Or even Jenny1…that way we’d recognize you as the original.
Mezmorise
January 31st, 2012
2:36 pm
Hire me as the new host for the X-FACTOR
Sam-A
January 31st, 2012
2:41 pm
On another note, Rickster, just heard Roy O’s “Blue Bayou” on my streaming station – what a glorious voice!
Annie
January 31st, 2012
2:53 pm
Dan J. Simon likes to be in control, so there’s no way that he would allow the public to decide who in the bottom two stays. Having control is the only reason why that provision exists. Besides, unlike in the UK we have multiple time zones, so it would be cruel to make one of the participants wait until the next week to see if they made it to the next round.
Jenny (the usual one)
January 31st, 2012
2:56 pm
Awww! Thank you, Sam-A!
Yes, that’s me, the newish one. Funny you say that, because I often get told that I’m “too nice”. (Which is a critique I’m OK with!) And D, Jenny1’s a good idea… going to keep thinking, but might do that! Thanks!
Well, after reading the comments… if they hire Mariah, I might watch just out of curiosity! Long enough to see how she does, anyway. I love her as a singer, but haven’t paid much attention to other reports about her. So I don’t have a clue how she might be in a role like this. And D, that’s right, I’d forgotten Posh did do well as a guest judge on Idol. I’d be curious to see how she would do also.
And as far as LA. (Sorry in advance for my soapbox rant. Here goes.) He may have a lot of experience, but he really acted like a jerk on the show. I completely agree with D that his critiques of the girls were anything but honest… they were primarily done to taunt Simon. And he knew Melanie very possibly would beat any of his precious boys in the end. I thought it was sad that even when another singer did well, he couldn’t bring himself to compliment them. Seems that he’s never heard of being a gracious loser.
Plus, he hurt his credibility with some of his comments. For example, if he’s in the industry, shouldn’t he have known that Drew’s song “Skyscraper” was by a 17-year old Disney star? No, I personally can’t name all of the Disney kids, but I don’t work in the music industry. LA, however, does….
And finally, he allowed Astro to get away with his awful behaviour. Astro was absolutely infuriating to watch. He should’ve been removed from the show IMMEDIATELY when he “didn’t feel it was necessary” to sing for his life. What is necessary in Astro’s life is some discipline, apparently!! OK, done with the rant. Just needed to explain why I dislike LA so much. (Once I get riled up, I am no longer so nice, huh.) Anyway… next on the soapbox?
Other thoughts… someone earlier mentioned Paula’s comment on Idol about a second song that the contestant hadn’t done yet…. that was Jason Castro, and Paula had watched rehearsals earlier, so she had already seen his second song. She was probably thinking back to that, and just made a mistake.
Oh, and DanJ, Clive Davis might be good! Someone needs to bring some respect to that show.
Sam-A
January 31st, 2012
3:08 pm
Jen: welcome to the “sometimes not so nice” club. I think we all spend some time in that zone, especially when a fave gets the boot while an undeserving one keeps on keeping on! You should have been around when my beloved Michael Johns got the heave-ho waaaaaay too early! Or when Clay did not win, though I’d been reading all season that he was getting as many votes as the rest of the singers combined were getting – I was furious! But, I wasn’t posting here at that time, so didn’t take it out on these guys! (Not even sure “here” was actually here in season 2). And no, I was/am NOT a “Claymate”, but he has a truly purely lovely voice, and was such a great contestant – taking in every criticism of Simons (and there were very many), acting on them, and improving looks and stage presence every week (no improvement needed on that voice).
Sam-A
January 31st, 2012
3:17 pm
Mercedes, just in case you check in, “Downton Abbey” has been renewed for a 3rd season. Unbelievably, Shirley McLaine has been hired to play Lady Grantham’s mother. She is so way contemporary to play this period piece, and too “Bronx” (for lack of a better word, and no offense meant to anyone from up north) to play a refined wealthy socialite. But it’s wonderful news that it will continue.