Sharon Osbourne on Simon Cowell: “He Has Small Penis Syndrome”

You can call Sharon Osbourne a lot of things, but you can’t call her dishonest. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, which is refreshing in an industry where everyone bites their tongue. Her recent celebrity feud involves Simon Cowell, who Osbourne is angry at for bringing her name into his auto-biography, and for implying that she left X Factor because of Simon’s romantic relationship with Dannii Minogue. According to Osbourne, she left simply because she didn’t like living in England and she certainly didn’t like Minogue. The interesting thing about Osbourne’s attack on Cowell is that she still works for his show, America’s Got Talent. Translation? She some serious chutzpah (also know as “f*ck-you money”). Watch her address what she believes to be Cowell’s “small penis syndrome” and take a note of Julie Chen’s hilarious reaction.

The Voice: Christina Sends Home Moses Stone — Big Mistake

I had the pleasure of attending a live taping of The Voice tonight, and it’s now unequivocally clear that this show won’t survive without a major overhaul. Though it has an intriguing gimmick, there’s some glaring issues that need to be addressed. First, there’s absolutely no emotional connection with the contestants. Sure American Idol gets attacked for pulling on America’s heartstrings with cheesy video packages, but those packages serve an important purpose. They make you root for a contestant, and you become invested in that contestant’s success. With The Voice, I found myself struggling to remember the contestants for anything other than what they wore on a previous show. Second, the judges are choosing people based on who is most similar to their own style. For example, Christina Aguilera predictably chose Ashley De La Rosa, because Ashley’s performance is the most similar to the way Christina performs. She’s not an inside A&R person like Simon Cowell, and if she was, she’d know right away that Moses has more potential for a sustainable career in the industry. And lastly, whoever styles the contestants needs to make some serious changes. These kids don’t look like stars. And they should. Don’t believe my criticism? Then just look to the Season 1 winner, Javier Colon, who has yet to hit it big. If they can’t make their winner a star, then they lose all credibility.

Taylor Armstrong & Dana Wilkey Hosted a Crisis Center Fundraiser

I had the pleasure last night of putting on my “real reporter” hat to attend Taylor Armstrong & Dana Wilkey’s fundraiser to support the 1736 Family Crisis Center. Aside from the obvious points about their philanthropy, I’d like to take this moment to point out how good these Real Housewives look in person. I realize that’s a superficial take on an important evening, but The Dishmaster is admittedly superficial — and I simply couldn’t help myself. Seriously though — it was a great night with some very kind ladies. Armstrong gave a brief speech at the event, joking that the tabloids have done a good job of explaining why she’s involved. Because I’m music-obsessed, my favorite part of the evening came from X Factor finalist Drew Ryniewicz, who sang two original songs. I officially understand why Simon Cowell took such a liking to her. She’s got the kind of potential that will flourish with the right team behind her. I’ve posted one of her X Factor performances below.

Quote of the Day — Simon Cowell Calls Nicole Scherzinger “Ditzy”

“She’s like Jessica Rabbit. Unfortunately we’ve put Daffy Duck’s brain in. But I love Daffy Duck. She’s ditzy and she’s adorable. She’s gonna kill me for the Daffy Duck.” Simon Cowell, on Nicole Scherzinger’s beauty and “intelligence.”

 
 
 

Elton John’s Pepsi Super Bowl Commercial — With Melanie Amaro! — Yes!

The real king in Elton John’s Super Bowl commercial is Simon Cowell, who somehow managed to hook up X Factor winner Melanie Amaro with a Super Bowl commercial. The man is a genius. The success of X Factor is dependent on his winners becoming stars in the real world, so this choice was brilliant. Plus, the commercial is funny. Watch below.

Paula Abdul Talks ‘X Factor’ Firing — Handles it With Class

To be fair, Paula Abdul was not technically “fired” from X Factor. Her option was not renewed, which in Hollywood is a fancy way of saying that the network doesn’t want someone’s services for the following year. To be “fired,” you’d probably have to bad-mouth a producer (see Charlie Sheen). But the sad fact remains the same — Paula Abdul, whom I love, won’t be returning. And to prove why my love for her is valid, here’s what she said about her departure:

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.

Goodbye for now, Paula. It’s the end of the Simon/Paula era and it’s mighty sad. But I’m certain she’ll be fine.

Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, & Steve Jones Fired from X Factor — Gasp!

Well, folks — it’s the time of year when The Dishmaster says, “I told you so.” According to reports, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, & Steve Jones have all been fired from X Factor (or as Hollywood puts it — their options were not picked up). Though I love to pat myself on my back, this prediction was an easy one. Jones received criticism for months and Scherzinger was not only a terrible host, but she also caused outrage for eliminating Rachel Crow. Also, Simon took a legitimate swipe at her on the air, which proved true the rumors of animosity. As for Paula Abdul, I’m sad to see her go, but it had to happen. Choosing her made the panel look like a poor man’s American Idol.

Tabloid Gossip — Week-in-Review — Up to No Good

  • ROBH’s Kim Richards admitted to being an alcoholic. NY Daily News
  • Drew Barrymore might be converting to Judaism for her fiance. ICYDK
  • Gabrielle Union discussed her relationship with  Dwyane Wade. Bossip
  • Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis may or may not still be together. Celebuzz
  • Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry’s custody battle continues.  E! Online
  • Simon Cowell and Mezhgan Hussainy are no longer engaged. Contact Music
  • Aretha Franklin called off her wedding. Yahoo!
  • Rosie O’Donnell and her fiancee are trying for a baby. Us Magazine
  • Tim Gunn has not had sex in 29 years. Huffington Post
  • Kirsten Dunst and Garrett Hedlund are dating. Socialite Life
  • 67 year old Calvin Klein is dating a 20 year old underwear model. Gawker

 

Will Nicole Scherzinger & Steve Jones Leave X Factor? — Fired?

Most television shows go through major changes after season one, and I predict that X Factor will be no exception. When recently asked about her return, Scherzinger prepped for the potential public relations cleanup, saying it’s more difficult than she expected to publicly reject people. Translation? — She fears she’ll get fired and she’s planting the seeds to make people think she quit. As for Steve Jones, he will likely get the boot as well, given the enormous amount of negative criticism he’s received. Apparently, Jones was only hired as a last minute replacement for Corbin Bleu, because Scherzinger refused to work with him, and the network therefore had to scramble for a new co-host. They chose Jones because of his chemistry with Scherzinger, but when Scherzinger replaced Cheryl Cole as a judge, the reason for Jones’ hiring became moot. The truth is, neither Scherzinger nor Jones will know about their status with the show until “pick-up letters” are sent out for the new season. If no such letter arrives, then they get the axe. Until then, only the network executives know the plan. I suggest firing Scherzinger and Jones, leaving the judging panel at three, and then hiring Brian Dunkleman as the new co-host (okay, that last part is a joke . . . sort of).

Nicole Scherzinger Sings “Pretty” on X Factor — Simon Cowell Gives Hilarious Critique

Some people just don’t have the X Factor, and Nicole Scherzinger is one of them. This perception could quite possibly be fixed with better management, considering she comes off as an ice princess with no personality. And on top of that, she’s not putting out good music. She sang “Pretty” on X Factor, and the lyrics made me physically uncomfortable. Did I mention her strange singing faces? The best part of the song was the end, when Simon Cowell critiqued her performance the way she critiques the contestants, which I can only hope will shed some light on why she should not return to next year’s judging panel.