Simon Cowell’s girlfriend gives birth to boy in New York

NEW YORK | British TV and music mogul Simon Cowell, who had long said fatherhood was not in his plans, welcomed a son on Friday, his representative AnnMarie Thomson said.

The former “American Idol” judge’s girlfriend, Lauren Silverman, gave birth to the 6 pound, 7 ounce (2.9 kilograms) boy in New York. It is her second child and Cowell’s first.

Cowell, 54, who gained fame as an acid-tongued judge on television singing contests in the United States and his native Britain, has never married.

“I’m not brilliant with babies,” Cowell told U.S. magazine Parade last October. “I never know what to do. But (once he’s older) I think I’ll be a good dad in terms of advice.”

Silverman’s pregnancy first came to light last year when her ex-husband filed for divorce in New York and naming Cowell as a co-respondent.

Cowell’s “The X Factor” contest was canceled last week by U.S. broadcaster Fox, and he said that he would return to the judges panel on its UK counterpart amid sagging ratings.

source: interaksyon.com

Country singer Keith Urban returning as ‘American Idol’ judge

LOS ANGELES - Country singer Keith Urban will be returning to “American Idol” as a judge when the Fox singing contest returns for its 13th season next year, Fox Broadcasting Company said on Thursday.

“I will confirm one thing, Keith is going to return to the show, you could see how much he loved the show,” Kevin Reilly, chairman of entertainment at Fox told reporters at a Television Critics Association meeting.

“Idol,” once a ratings juggernaut for Fox, has slumped in recent years and is in the midst of revamping its judging panel after high-priced talent Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj failed to boost viewership last season.

Pop singer Carey and rapper Minaj announced after the “Idol” May finale that they were leaving the talent show, while longtime judge Randy Jackson also bowed out.

Singer Jennifer Lopez, who left the show in 2012 after two seasons as a judge, may return to the panel when “Idol” begins in January, Reilly said.

“There is no deal with her or with anybody else,” he said after saying Fox has had discussions with Lopez about a return.

“Idol,” which premiered in 2002 and drew more than 30 million viewers during its peak years of 2006 and 2007, attracted only 14.2 million viewers for its finale, in which vocal powerhouse Candice Glover won the competition.

The show’s longtime producer, Nigel Lythgoe, was let go in June and replaced by Swedish producer Per Blankens, who was most recently the producer of Sweden’s version of the show.

source: interaksyon.com

Nick Jonas Confirms Possible 'American Idol' Gig: 'Rumors Are True'

Nick Jonas might be closer to sitting beside Mariah Carey than you think: The JoBro confirmed that he's in talks to judge the next season of "American Idol" on his Twitter page over the weekend.

"The rumors are true ... I am being considered to be a judge on American Idol, and it would be a dream come true if it happens. #nickonidol," he wrote, prompting fans to begin sending tweets about how excited they would be if he inked a deal with the Fox show.

Their encouragement was felt by the singer, who later added, "Loved seeing all your amazing response to #NickOnIdol keep it coming!"

A rumor popped up in late July that Jonas was in the running to join the show. Hip-hop producer Pharrell Williams has also been attached to the show as a possible contender to fill the spot left open by Steven Tyler when he left the series earlier this summer.

Carey confirmed her spot in late July during the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Los Angeles. She'll fill the seat once occupied by Jennifer Lopez. As for Carey's longtime pal Randy Jackson, who has been on the show since day one, he might stay on as a judge or side-step to a mentor position.

If Jonas takes the role, he will join fellow former Disney star Demi Lovato as a judge on the Fox network. She joined "The X Factor" earlier this year, as did Britney Spears. Nick wouldn't be the only Jonas Brother on the small screen, however: Joe is set to appear on the CW's music competition show, "The Next," and big brother Kevin will appear in his own E! reality show with his wife, Danielle, "Married to Jonas."

The brothers are working on a new album, their first since 2010's Lines, Vines and Trying Times. It marks their first release since leaving Hollywood Records earlier this year. In addition to his work as a musician, Nick Jonas is also an accomplished stage star: He appeared in the Broadway show "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" earlier this year.

source: mtv.com

J.Lo in Manila ‘very possible’

MANILA, Philippines – The influx of foreign acts holding concerts in the country hasn’t abated; in fact, even Latina superstar Jennifer Lopez expressed her interest in performing here soon.

In a press conference held Monday in Los Angeles, California, where Jennifer and singer-songwriter Enrique Iglesias announced their US summer tour, a member of the audience queried about the possibility of them bringing the concert to the Philippines given that Enrique’s mother, Isabel Preysler, is a Filipino.

“We’re talking about doing international later in the year and it’s very possible, very possible,” the “American Idol” judge said in the media huddle, as seen in a footage uploaded on YouTube.

She went on to relate her appreciation to her Filipino fans.

“I see them on Twitter, all the Filipino fans, so yes, I would love to go there!"

Joining J.Lo and Enrique in their 20-city summer tour, which will kick off in July, is Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Wisin y Yandel.

In describing the tour, the 42-year-old recording artist and businesswoman enthused, “It’s just gonna come from our heart and soul. We’re gonna give you everything we got. And I think it’s gonna be one of the most historic tours ever. I don’t know if there’s ever been something like this where Latinos have come together like this as family… It’s groundbreaking. I’m honored to be asked to be part of it.”

Enrique isn’t the only one with the Filipino connection. Jennifer’s ex-husband, choreographer Cris Judd, happens to be half-Filipino.

J.Lo and Cris first met at the MTV Europe Music Awards in November 2000 according to People magazine. The latter served as one of the former’s back-up dancers in her music videos for “Love Don’t Cost A Thing,” “Play,” and “I’m Real,” and co-starred with her in "I'm Gonna Be Alright." They tied the knot in 2001 but parted ways just nine months after.

article source: mb.com.ph