Paije loses out to Cher in X-Factor sing off

Paije Richardson

Paije Richardson lost out to Cher Lloyd in last night’s sing off on the X-Factor after the two acts ended up in the bottom following the public vote.

Despite the disappointment at being booted off the popular ITV talent contest, down to earth Paije admitted he wasn’t “too upset” by the judges’ decision to axe him from the show.

The singer, who turned 20 this week, appeared on Daybreak this morning for an exclusive interview and vowed to keep working hard in order to gain as much experience as possible in the music industry.

Paije and early favourite Cher found themselves in the bottom two following the public vote after Saturday’s Beatles themed show. Katie Waissel who’s hung onto her place in the competition despite being in the bottom two four times, was the first act named through to next week’s show. Controversial Brazilian born singer Wagner, also made it through to next week’s show, despite being panned by the judges.

Speaking to Daybreak presenters Christine Bleakley and Adrian Chiles, Paije tipped Liverpudlian Rebecca Ferguson to win this year’s X-Factor, saying that the mother-of-two believes in herself “100%.”

The entire panel of X-Factor judges which includes Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole all agreed that neither Cher nor Paije deserved to be in the bottom two following their Saturday night performances.

17-year-old Cher has also spoken out in the wake of Paije’s exit to say he didn’t deserve to lose his place in the show.

Elton John blasts “boring” talent shows like the X-Factor

elton-john

Music legend Elton John didn’t hold back when it came to revealing his true feeling about TV talent shows and modern pop music in a recent magazine interview.

The veteran singer songwriter branded talent shows like the X-Factor “boring” and admitted he’d even turned down the chance to appear on the US version of the show, American Idol. The 63-year-old singer admitted that if he had sat on the judging panel he “wouldn’t have lasted” due to his strong opinions.

However the Candle in the Wind singer does believe that the hit ITV show has unearthed some great acts, although he believes the show winners walk a very fine line between success and failure where the release of one bad record could spell the end of their career.

When it comes to carving out a successful career in show business, the key to longevity, according to Elton, is “hard graft.” The singer believes TV talent shows offer a quick-fix to stardom which can easily fizzle out.

On the subject of modern pop music, the world renowned singer is equally as opinionated as he declared, “songwriters today are pretty awful” revealing that his main issue with contemporary pop music is that in his opinion, “everything sounds the same.”

However on a more positive note, Elton revealed he’s a big fan of the work of Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen as he applauds their ability to create their own music and unique sound.

X-Factor’s Gamu to face deportation

Gamu-Nhengu

Just days after Gamu Nhengu missed out on a place in the final 12 on the X-Factor, the 18-year-old was dealt yet another blow after receiving news that she and her family must leave the UK after their immigration application was refused.

Gamu’s exclusion from the live finals by judge Cheryl Cole on Sunday night sparked a national outcry with 200,000 people singing up to a Facebook group to protest against the decision. Some reports suggest Cheryl Cole has even received death threats after she omitted the young singer from her final three.

It’s been reported that ITV also received 650 complaints after the singer, originally from Zimbabwe, missed out on a place in the final 12 to Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel, despite giving weak auditions at the judges’ houses stage.

In a statement the UK Border Agency confirm that Gamu’s mother has had her application to stay in the UK refused on the grounds that she “did not meet all the conditions for approval.” Gamu and her two brothers must leave the UK along with their mother as they are her dependents.

One British tabloid has reported that the family are facing deportation as a result of benefits which were wrongly claimed by Gamu’s mother.

The family, who live in Scotland, could be deported from the country if they don’t leave of their own accord.

Cheryl Cole scoops the top Glamour award

Cheryl thanked her dentist during her acceptance speech at the Glamour Awards

Singer Cheryl Cole scooped the top prize at the Glamour Awards yesterday after being named Woman of the Year.

The X-factor judge, who has rarely been out if the papers since announcing her separation from Chelsea footballer husband Ashley Cole, attended the event with her mother.

The 26-year-old Geordie was presented with her award by US heartthrob Jason Lewis, best known for his role as Samantha’s boyfriend Jerry “Smith” Jerrod in Sex and the City. Collecting the award the petite pop star said she was overwhelmed at the accolade, and thanked her dentist during her acceptance speech, presumably for her perfect smile.

However the Girls Aloud singer has come in for some criticism in the press today with some branding her a “lollipop head” because of her painfully thin frame and big hairdo. The former wag has become noticeably skinner since the breakdown of her marriage.

Apart from Cheryl Cole’s triumph making the news after the event, an onstage spat between James Corden and Sir Patrick Stewart during the ceremony has also hit the headlines. The pair clashed in front of the invited audience after the veteran actor criticised the Gavin and Stacey star’s presenting style.

Other winners on the night included Cheryl’s arch rival Lily Allen who won Best Solo Artist, Welsh singer Duffy presented Yoko Ono with the gong for Outstanding Contribution, Christine Bleakley was named Presenter of the Year, and Nicole Ritchie Entrepreneur of the Year.

No Feud between Girls Aloud members says Kimberly

No rift in the band says Kimberly Walsh

No rift in the band says Kimberly Walsh

Girls Aloud singer Kimberly Walsh has spoken out to put an end to rumours which have been plaguing the band for months suggesting a major rift between the group’s lead singer, Nadine Coyle, and the other four members.

The singer from Northern Ireland is now based in Los Angeles and this is said to have been a contributory factor in her increasing isolation from the rest of the band. Although Kimberly insists in a recent magazine interview that there are no bad feelings between Nadine and the rest of the girls, she conceded that they have grown apart due to Nadine’s decision to move to the US.

In the interview the Yorkshire born singer says she regards Nicole Roberts and Cheryl Cole as her closest friends in the band, adding that the trio clicked early on now enjoy the kind of friendship she has with her oldest friends.

Asked in the interview if she has plans to marry her boyfriend of 6-years, Justin Scott from the band Triple 8, the 28-year-old admitted that their relationship is “heading” in that direction, before adding that both she and Justin still feel too young to tie the knot.

With Cheryl Cole’s success as solo star, Nadine on the other side of the world, and the other girls pursuing outside projects, there’s no official word on when the chart-topping girl group will reform to create more music.

Cheryl Cole’s fortune increases by 150% in 1 year

Cheryl ranks 4th in list of richest young music millionaires

Cheryl Cole’s fortune has hit the £10 million mark after inflating by 150% in the last 12 months. Much of this extra cash has come as a result of lucrative endorsements, TV work, and record sales.

The Geordie singer’s popularity rocketed after taking up judging duties on ITV show X-factor. Since then she has become the face of L’Oreal, Coke Zero, and launched a successful solo career.

After splitting from Chelsea footballer husband Ashley Cole, public support for 26-year-old Cheryl has never been greater. So expect a few more high profile endorsements in the coming months.

The healthy bank balance of £10 million sees Cheryl rank 4th in the richest young music millionaire category in the Times Rich List.

There’s a three-way tie at the top of the same list with two welsh divas, namely Charlotte Church and Katherine Jenkins named 1st and 2nd, and Leona Lewis in the third spot, although all three boasts a fortune of £11 million.

However the boys didn’t fair so well in the chart with Craig David coming in as the highest placed lad at number 7 with a fortune worth £7 million.

Other high ranking ladies included Katie Melua also with £10 million, Joss Stone with £9 million and Lily Allen with £5 million.

Cheryl Cole rape threat message: teen arrested

Teenager arrested in connection with rape threat message allegedly targeting Cheryl

Police have confirmed that a 17-year-old from Tunbridge Wells has been arrested in connection with a rape threat message aimed at singer Cheryl Cole.

It was reported last month that X-Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary had received a sexually threatening answer phone message on his mobile targeting Cheryl Cole. O’Leary alerted the police to the message which allegedly threatens the 26-year-old singer, and a full investigation was launched.

The X-Factor judge is said to be aware of the incident, but has not listened to the voicemail.

A police spokesperson said a teenager has been arrested “on suspicion of malicious communication” but has since been released on bail.

Dermot O’Leary joined the X-Factor team as a presenter a year before Cheryl Cole was appointed as judge. The Geordie beauty is said to be in talks to join the US version of the show, American Idol.

Cheryl has successfully mentored the winner of the X-Factor in her two seasons on the show championing Alexandra Burke in 2008, and Joe McElderry in 2009.

The Girls Aloud singer recently announced a split from her husband, the footballer Ashley Cole, after tabloids reports emerged claiming the Chelsea player had cheated on his wife with a string of women.

Cheryl Cole performs at the Brits minus her wedding ring

Cheryl in her second outfit during last night's Brits performance

Cheryl in her second outfit during last night's Brits performance

Despite the obvious personal turmoil the 26-year-old Geordie is facing following the recent allegations regarding her husbands Ashley’s extramarital affairs, Cheryl Cole gave a confident yet feisty performance at the Brit Awards last night, but there was one thing missing…

The X-Factor judge gave one of the biggest stand-out performances of the night involving two costume changes and a raft of slick dancers, yet she chose to remove her £150,000 wedding ring before taking to the stage before an audience of millions.

However the tabloids have been thrown into a frenzy by Cole’s admission of her wedding ring in the past. Only last year during a Saturday night live X-Factor show, the Girls Aloud singe appeared without her wedding ring. Whilst many pointed to problems within the marriage for the absence of the ring, it later emerged it was a style choice as the wedding band didn’t go with her outfit.

Given the recent rumours which have surfaced claiming that husband, Chelsea footballer Ashley, has sent saucy text message to two women, Cheryl’s decision to remove her wedding band for the high profile performance could be seen as more significant.

The audience were with Cheryl Cole all the way, jumping to their feet to give her a standing ovation when she began her set. Ashley Cole was not present at the glitzy London event as he’s currently resting following an ankle operation. However fellow band members from Girls Aloud, namely Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, were on hand to cheer on the Fight For This Love singer during her big performance.

Lily Allen and Cheryl Cole’s war of words rumbles on

Lily Allen branded a "little girl" by Cheryl Cole

For years outspoken Lily Allen and Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole have been at loggerheads, despite having never met in person. So when the pair finally came face to face at a recent event, is there any wonder sparks were flying?!

At first Lily and Cheryl seemed to have put their differences to one side. Cheryl described how she’d hugged the Smile singer and said, “It’s nice to meet you” to which Lily replied, “There’s no beef.” Problem solved? Not exactly…

Only minutes later the X-Factor judge over heard her new friend taking the “p***” out of her in the press room. Cheryl’s reaction to his was to brand Lily a “little girl” before adding, “I’m a 26-year-old woman and I’m not at school any more.”

Just before Christmas Cheryl had said she would never forgive Lily Allen after the comments she’s made in the past about her footballer husband Ashley Cole, and band mate Nicola Roberts.

This week Lily Allen has been pictured soaking up the sun on a beach in New Zealand, so there’s yet to be a response from her camp on the latest feud. We suspect we haven’t heard the last of this rant so stand by for a reaction from the feisty cockney singer so time soon.

Rihanna offers Cheryl Cole a support spot of her tour

Rihanna offers Cheryl a chance to support her on the Rated R tour

Rihanna offers Cheryl a chance to support her on the Rated R tour

R&B star Rihanna has revealed that she’d like to give Cheryl Cole a helping hand in her bid to crack America by offering her a support slot on her forthcoming tour. The Umbrella singer said she thinks the Girls Aloud star would “wow them” over in the States.

Rihanna’s Rated R tour is set to take in a whole host of dates across Europe and America next year, hitting the UK in May. The singer has big plans for 2010 and also hopes to slot in a few festival dates in between her tour. Following in the footsteps of her mentor Jay-Z, Rihanna said she would jump at the chance to play Glastonbury if asked.

Cheryl Cole and Rihanna have had a few professional encounters in recent weeks. The 21-year-old performed her new single, Pull The Trigger, on the X-Factor recently where Cheryl sits on the judging panel. Plus Rihanna is set to sing on a one-off show, Cheryl Cole’s Night In, hosted by the Fight For This Love singer this weekend.

The pair also share something else in common; they’ve both worked with Will. I. Am singer from chart topping band, The Black Eyed Peas.

The Rated R tour kicks off in Belgium in April so if Cheryl wants the job, she’s better get a move on.