Piers causes tears as he tells leader of teenage pop group to ditch bandmates on America's Got Talent

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Hopefuls: Teenage group Poplyfe took to the stage in scenes on aired last night on America's Got Talent in a bid to make it through to the Las Vegas round


Piers Morgan reduced a teenage girl to tears on America's Got Talent last night.

The former Fleet Street newspaper editor told the lead singer of Poplyfe that he was impressed with her vocal.

But he gave her a cruel ultimatum saying he would only put her through if she ditched her five other bandmates.


Mr Nasty: But Morgan told the lead singer she should dump her other five bandmates - otherwise he would give his vote


Saving the day: But fellow judges Sharon Osbourne an Howie Mandel came through and put the entire group through to the next round


Sticking to her guns, the girl, whose name was not revealed on the show, said: 'I cannot go without my brothers.'

Luckily for her, fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel gave her and the rest of the band the thumbs up and put them through to the next round in Las Vegas.

But Piers said to them: 'Judging you as a group, I'm going to say no.'

The six-piece band, who are aged between 12 and 16 and who performed Travie McCoy's track Billionaire, were delighted with the final result after being saved by Howie and Sharon.


Introductions: The band is made up of members aged between 12 and 16


Acoustic set: They performed a version of Travie McCoy's track Billionaire


As they exited the stage, the lead singer triumphantly shouted at Piers: 'We will show you.'

But it appeared the stress of the audition was a little too much to take.

Moments later she dissolved into tears backstage when host Nick Cannon asked her why she was so emotional.

With tears in her eyes, she replied: 'Because I thought I was going to have to leave them.'

Last night's show kicked off with a hilarious skit by celebrity impressionist Melissa Villasenor.


Impressive: Kenyan acrobatic group Zuma Zuma got the thumbs up as they made a human pyramid


She earned laughs with her interpretations of Barbara Walters, Miley Cyrus, Kathy Griffin, Christina Aguilera and Natalie Portman.

Afterwards Sharon told the shop worker: 'You won't be working in retail much longer.' Melissa received three yes votes from the judges.

Next up was the A+C Twins, who failed to impress with their rendition of My Girl.


Wow: Anita McCoy did the splits to the surprise of the judging panel


Oh dear: The A+C Twins failed to impress despite comparing themselves to The Jacksons, seen here with judge Howie attempting to help them out


Howie even joined them on stage for a verse, but the twosome were sent packing after Sharon told them they couldn't sing.

An acrobatic group from Kenya called Zuma Zuma caught the attention of the judges as the put on a high-energy routine that saw them build a human pyramid. They secured the approval of all of the judges and made it to the next round.

But 33-year-old showman Mauricio Herrera was another flop in a night of weird and wonderful acts.

He performed Ricky Martin's Livin La Vida Loca, with Piers buzzing him out from the off before branding it 'horrendous'.

Other acts who made it through to Vegas included acrobatic couple The Daring Jones Duo, eight-year-old swing singer Sadie and The Elektrolytes, a hip-hop dance group.


How cute: Swing singer Sadie was a big hit with her very impressive voice


You're out: Mauricio Herrera failed to serve up the good with his rendition of Ricky Martin's Living La Vida Loca, leaving Piers with his head in his hands


America's Got Talent 2011 - Seatlle Auditions



source: dailymail

Nicole's got the Sex Factor: Scherzinger won't have any problems pulling in viewers as it's confirmed she IS replacing Cheryl Cole on U.S. show

By ANDREA MAGRATH

The Sex Factor: Nicole Scherzinger was pictured taking a dip in her hotel in France last week


The ongoing saga of the U.S. X Factor judging panel may finally be over.

Show bosses have announced that Nicole Scherzinger will indeed be replacing Cheryl Cole.

And the Pussycat Doll proved perhaps why she became a favourite of show bosses as she cooled off in a pool in France last week.

The 32-year-old stripped down to a white bikini and flimsy T-shirt to take a dip at her hotel in southern France before flying back to the UK.

Nicole filmed an appearance on the Graham Norton show today, but will be jetting off again soon to start her new role at the New Jersey auditions on Wednesday.

It emerged over the weekend that Cole had been invited to return to her role after being fired a fortnight ago, but the 27-year-old has snubbed the offer, leaving the Pussycat Doll free to take her place.


Finally confirmed: X Factor have announced that Nicole Scherzinger IS replacing Cheryl Cole on the judging panel


Fox, FremantleMedia North America and Syco TV released a statement this afternoon announcing the news.

It read: 'Nicole Scherzinger will be replacing Cheryl Cole on the judging panel of The X Factor.

'Nicole will join Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul on their search across America to find the next global superstar or group to win the life-changing $5million dollar recording deal.


The smile says it all: Nicole is in the UK where she was pictured at the ITV studios today ahead of flying back to the U.S. for X Factor auditions on Wednesday


'Nicole has previously joined Simon Cowell as a guest judge on The X Factor for the UK version of the show in 2010. Steve Jones will act as sole host of The X Factor.'

Show bosses did an unexpected U-turn when they offered Cheryl her job back on Saturday.

She was given 24 hours to decide, but after previously knocking back a consolation-style offer of returning to her old post on the UK version, Cheryl now appears to be severing ties with the franchise.


She's got talent: Nicole, pictured performing on Britain's Got Talent last week, will be joining Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and L.A. Reid following Cheryl's departure


Show sources were quick to point out that an official comment had never been released confirming Mrs Cole’s axing – and that her picture and biography had been kept up on the Fox X Factor website.

But friends of the Girls Aloud star believe their silence is part of Fox executives' plan to wriggle out of paying Cheryl out - as they were banking on her not turning up to the next auditions on Wednesday, making her in breach of contract.

But the singer is thought to have threatened to make public emails and text messages that prove she was indeed fired, the Daily Mirror claim.


Thanks but no thanks: Cheryl turned down Fox's offer to return to the U.S. version


Nicole Scherzinger feat. 50 CENT - Right There (Live American Idol)


source: dailymail

That's a nice consolation prize! BGT's Ronan Parke set to sign £1m recording contract

By LIZ THOMAS


The next Bieber? Simon Cowell apparently thinks that Ronan Parke will be Britain's version of Justin Bieber


He narrowly lost out on the Britain’s Got Talent crown following claims online that the competition had been fixed in his favour.

But despite coming second to surprise winner Jai McDowall, it looks like Ronan Parke will be first to the coveted prize of a record deal.

Sources at Sony Music said they are still keen to offer the 12-year-old a recording contract estimated to be worth between £1million and £1.5million in the hope that he will become the ‘British Justin Bieber’.


Recording contract? Sony Music is said to be preparing a contract for the 12-year-old


Big fan: Cowell has always been a big supporter of Ronan, despite the fix allegations making their friendship tense


By contrast, McDowall has admitted that Simon Cowell has yet to speak to him about signing to his Syco label.

The 24-year-old Scot said: ‘I am just going to focus on the tour and the Royal Variety Show. Anything else I guess would be a bonus.’

The care worker, who won the £100,000 top prize, said he ‘dreamed of landing an album deal’.

It would be a surprise if Cowell handed him one – as when he auditioned for The X Factor last year he failed to get past the ‘boot camp’ stage.

An average of 12.3million viewers tuned in on Saturday night – peaking at 14.1million – to see McDowall beat bookmakers’ favourite Parke.

The singer was bullish about suggestions he was only victorious because of a backlash against Cowell over the online allegations.


Emotional: Ronan with his mother last night after coming second in the talent show competition


He said: ‘I think I just upped my game and had a better performance on the night. Some people are going to like Ronan better and some people are going to like what I do better.’

He added that Parke was a ‘great guy’ who was unfazed by the online claims, and the pair had struck up an unlikely friendship.


Close call: The difference between Jai, 24, and Ronan has been revealed to be only 2.5 per cent


Winner: Jai McDowall, standing with Ant and Dec, won last night's talent show and £100,000


Watch vdo clips below:

Jai McDowall, winner of Britain's Got Talent 2011 performs

[TV] Britain's Got Talent 2011 - Ronan Parke: Finals

source: dailymail

'Dark horse' Jai McDowall beats bookies favourite Ronan Parke to win Britain's Got Talent

Stunned: Scottish singer Jai McDowall was lost for words when he spoke to Declan Donnelly after winning the 2011 series of Britain's Got Talent


He was tipped as the 'dark horse' in the competition by judge Amanda Holden.

And tonight singer Jai McDowell became the shock winner of this year's Britain's Got Talent.

The 24-year-old Scot beat bookies favourite, singer Ronan Parke and third place New Bounce to the £100,000 prize and will perform in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance later this year.

The final was so close - McDowall just beat Parke by just 2.5 per cent more votes.


Shock: The disability support worker is visibly amazed when he beats Ronan Parker (left) to first place


A stunned McDowall, a disability support worker from the Ayrshire village of Tarbolton, was lost for words, telling hosts Ant and Dec: 'I feel absolutely amazing, fantastic... it's so much more.'

Proving a gracious loser was 12-year-old Parke, who said: 'I loved it, thank you to everyone who voted. Congratulations Jai.'

McDowall was one of the last acts to perform, singing Josh Groban's To Where You Are.


Supportive: McDowall gives Parke a hug after winning the title


Cowell said: 'That was you at your best. I love that song. For the first time throughout the competition believing you could win. I don't think the vocal was perfect, it was a little bit monotone... it was still terrific.

Hasselhoff told him: 'You sang beautifully man. You sang with your heart and your heart was beautiful.'

McIntyre added: 'I love your voice, I love your passion. You do seemed very stressed. You should be very proud of yourself.'



Hard to impress: While all of the other judges loved Jai's act, Cowell told him 'it was a little bit monotone... it was still terrific'


Waiting game: McDowall, Parke and boy band New Bounce wait to hear who has won


Holden tipped him as a possible surprise winner, even though she later admitted she wanted Ronan to win: 'Another very powerful performance. You could be the dark horse in this competition.'

Cumbrian telecommunication engineer Steven Hall, 53, was the first to perform during the two-hour final.

He paid briefly homage to hosts Ant and Dec by starting his dance to a line from Let's Get Ready To Rumble - their 1994 single released under their former pop act PJ & Duncan.

His remaining performance was to a mash-up of around 20 different songs from the 50s to present day.

Hasselhoff told him: 'You could win this. I loved it. Very entertaining. Very confident performance and very funny.'


That's entertainment: Cumbrian telecommunications engineer Steven Hall opened the show with a comedic dance to a mash-up of songs from across the decades


McIntyre was equally enthusiastic: 'You've gone from strength to strength. The Beyonce bit I think I'll love for the rest of my life. When it comes to dancing, you could be the biggest threat.'

Holden added: I love you. I could watch you all night. You are up there with Stavros Flatley. I'm gonna book you.'

Last but not least was Cowell: 'I thought that was absolutely fantastic. You really are taking it serious. Your lip-syncing was very good.'


Big production: Hall was accompanied by a large troupe of dancers for his flamboyant mash-up


When Steven was interviewed by Ant and Dec, he could barely be heard after admitting he'd lost his voice from all the cheering when he was chosen in the semi-final.

Singer/guitarist Michael Collings was the second to perform after he qualified in the last semi-final on Friday night.

The father-of-one, 19, performed Tracy Chapman classic Fast Car - the same track from his original audition.



If it ain't broke, don't fix it: Singer/guitarist Michael Colling, 19, reprised his first audition rendition of Tracy Chapman classic Fast Car


McIntyre - who gave Collings a standing ovation - said: 'Congratulations, I loved it. You've got better and better. Your dress sense has greatly improved.'

Holden told him: 'I love the tone of your voice. It's great for recording. It's great for making albums.'

Cowell added: 'You're not a showy type of version. It's all about your voice and connecting with the song.'


A future recording star? Holden told Collings she thought he had voice 'great for recording albums'


Hasselhoff said: 'You're such a likeable guy. You sang beautiful. We're looking at a star right now.'

Impressionist Les Gibson, 42, was the third to perform with a set inspired by Celebrity Masterchef.

Although his impression of Cowell wasn't quite on, his one of Louis Walsh garnered huge cheers from the audience.

He got the judges in hysterics when he did impressions of Hasselhoff and McIntyre - with both judges giving their approval.


Hit and miss: Impressionist Les Gibson admitted he didn't have long to prepare his act, which received a mixed response from the judging panel


Holden lamented: 'I am rooting for you. I have to be honest with you, there was some gems, I loved Michael, the Hoff and Louis, but I think you need to work on Simon.'

Cowell gave the harshest criticism: 'I sounded like Boris Karloff... I don't have a lisp. Dermot O'Leary sounded like Ross Kemp.

'You got Michael right, you got David right... I don't think the script is right. It wasn't anywhere near what it was on the semi-final.'

Hasselhoff was more encouraging: 'He's got confidence, he's got great looks, he's got great charisma. You're gonna have a huge, long career cos of this show.'


'I applaud you for taking a chance': McIntyre burst into laughters when Gibson did an impression of him


Mcintyre said: 'You shouldn't be disheartened. I applaud you for taking a chance. It was incredibly tough, you went for it. I applaud you for doing it.'

Les admitted he wasn't so well prepared as his previous performances: 'I had less time to do it. The semi-final I had a week. I only really had a day to prepare this.'

Fourth to perform was 11-year-old James Hobley, who danced to a mix of two songs, one of which was Coldplay's Fix You.

Cowell said: 'You're absolutely beautiful, you're fearless. I've never been a massive fan of individual dancing, but there's something about you.'


Stunning: Dancer James Hobley, 11, 'moved' the judges panel with his performance



Positive feedback: Ant, Dec and James listen to the judges' verdict


Hasselhoff was full of praise: 'Every time you dance you put me in a trance. Tonight you did beautifully.'

McIntyre was just as appreciative: 'You may have only had a day to get ready, but it was better than the semi-final. Without the smoke, we could focus on you and your gift.'

Holden added: 'You always touch me. You won everybody over this evening.'

Pianist Paul Gbegbaje, 19, was fifth to perform with a song he had composed himself on a grand piano.


Taking a risk: Pianist Paul Gbegbaje, 19, was fifth to perform with a song he had composed himself


Hasselhoff said: 'To be honest, I didn't think you had a chance, but tonight you proved me wrong. It got better and better and the end just blew me away. You stepped up five notches.'

McIntyre remarked: 'It was spectacular... Infinitely better than the semi-final for me.'

Holden told him: 'It was very good. You were a beautiful pianist and a great composer as well.'

Cowell admitted: 'It was a risk to perform something you composed yourself.... the risk paid off. It was absolutely brilliant.'


Small boy, big voice: Ronan Parke, 12, wowed the audience with a powerful rendition of Kelly Clarkson's Because Of You


'You nailed it': The 12-year-old received a standing ovation following his performance


Next up was bookies favourite Ronan Parke, who ended up in second place to Jai.

The 12-year-old from Norwich shrugged off recent controversy the show had been 'fixed' for him to win and received a standing ovation following his rendition of Kelly Clarkson's Because Of You.

After receiving a standing ovation from all four judges, McIntyre said: 'Ronan... seriously... that was perfect. I'm such a great fan of yours. It was perfection from the first note. It showed off how much strength you have in your voice.'


Overcome: Dec tried to reassure Ronan, who ended up breaking down on stage



Guest judge: Louis Walsh - who said yes to Ronan at his original audition - said the 12-year-old's performance made 'the hairs on the back of my neck stand up'


Holden said: 'You're a credit to your parents and to this show.'

Cowell, who vehemently denied reports this week that he had already signed up the boy to his record label, said: 'How are you Ronan, had a nice quiet week? How you've coped with everything so well as your age... this is a big, big song. You nailed it. You did brilliantly.'

He then turned to Louis Walsh in the audience who was the judge at Parke's original audition, who admitted the 'hairs stood up on the back of my neck'.


Camping it up: Jean Martyn got the audience and judges dancing with her infectious enthusiasm as she played a medley of hits on her keyboard


Parke found himself overwhelmed and, despite attempts by Ant and Dec to keep him smiling, he burst into tears.

Jean Martyn, 59, was the second pianist in the final - and the only woman - who sang You're The One That I Want - which was barely audible over the music - during her medley.

Holden enthused: 'We're the only girls here tonight. You were brilliant again. I love the campness and the sparkle and the energy.'


Out of this world: Romanian dancer Razy Gogonea, 28, had less than 24 hours to rehearse after Friday's fifth semi-final


Stepping things up: Gogonea added an extra dimension to his body-popping act with fire dancing


Cowell was slightly baffled: 'You're like musical fish 'n' chips. Something you wanna see at the end of the pier, you want to have a great time.'

McIntyre, who was spotted dancing in his seat during her act, propositioned her with an offer: 'I would like to manage you. I wasn't sure about the choreography. I didn't like the whole side thing. I preferred your semi-final, but I loved you equally.'

Romanian dancer Razy Gogonea, 28, stepped up his performance with some fire dancing, although he struggled to put out the flames towards the end.


A younger version of JLS? New Bounce put on a soulful rendition of Bill Withers' Ain't No Sunshine


Hasselhoff was enthusiastic: 'You were on fire tonight...fantastic.'

McIntyre appeared to enjoy the fire: 'You totally raised your game. We know all your moves now and they were excellently choreographed. But with the fire it was new dimension.'

Despite Holden's positive feedback, Cowell wasn't so impressed: 'I said in the film (VT) I wanted to see something different, but I didn't wanna see that. The end was insane. You turned from a dancer to a circus performance. In the end you couldn't put it (the fire) out.'

The final act to perform was teenage boy band New Bounce, who have been hailed as a younger version of JLS.

The group, who is comprised of Mitchell Zhangazha, 16; James Anderson, 12; Kuan Fyre, 13; and MJ Sanneh, 12; performed Bill Withers' Ain't No Sunshine.

In an attempt to 'get down with the kids', McIntyre said: 'That was sick….that is good right? You have literally gotten better again. You were sensational.'

Cowell was full of encouragement: 'I genuinely think this is a group that would work in the real world.



Leggy: Amanda Holden looked stunning in a white Ralph & Russo dress with long train

Meanwhile, Holden managed to attract plenty of praise herself for her striking outfit.

The 40-year-old actress showed off her fabulous legs in a daring, white and silver Ralph & Russo gown and glittery peep-toe shoes before taking her place at the judges' table.

She was also sporting a shorter hairstyle after her hairdresser Ben Cooke cut off a few inches and gave her a fringe just hours before the live final.


Dapper: The judges all made an effort for the grand final - although Cowell decided against the tie


She Tweeted: 'OMG! Ben Cooke has given me the chop.'

The crowd were also treated to a performance from America's Got Talent star Jackie Evancho.

The 11-year-old, who came second in last year's series the U.S. version, stunned the audience with her powerful rendition of Nessun Dorma.


Going shorter: The actress showed off a shorter hairdo after having a few inches cut off before curtain up, compared to her longer style earlier in the week (right)


Slick: The male judges looked dapper in their suits, while Holden looked stunning in a white dress


Family support: Cowell arrived at Fountain Studios in Wembley ahead of the final with his mother Julie


Glamour: American singer Nicole Scherzinger performed her new single Right There


*** Click to watch vdo clips below:


Britains got talent 2011 - Final result

Jai McDowall - Britain's got Talent Live Final 2011

Ronan Parke - Because Of You - Britain's Got Talent

New Bounce's final performance - Britain's got Talent


Razy Gogonea's final performance - Britain's Got Talent 2011

Michael Collings - Britain's Got Talent Live Final 2011

Paul Gbegbaje - Britain's Got Talent Live Final

Steven Hall FINAL Britains Got Talent 2011

James Hobley - Britain's Got Talent Live Final 2011

Les Gibson - Britain's Got Talent Live Final 2011

Jean Martyn - Britain's Got Talent Live Final


source: dailymail