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Before the first season of The X Factor USA aired, Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger were set to share the hosting duties for the show. Instead, the show opted to have Steve host the show and make Nicole a judge.

Now, we are hearing reports that the show is contemplating a two host platform. FreemantleMedia North America CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz said, “Simon’s vision was always to have a man and woman host this and to make it feel a little bit like an award ceremony. A glamorous girl and a good-looking guy doing a kind of double act.”

The CEO revealed that the show had a lot of trouble differentiating itself from American Idol. With regard to fellow judge Paula Abdul, Simon felt that his chemistry with her was too reminiscent of Idol. The CEO said, “There was no way around it. In terms of making the show feel different, everyone felt we needed to put it in a different situation.”

Since, we’ve learned that Simon has been thinking of taking on Mariah Carey for a judging position on the show. In addition, there have been talks surrounding adding Janet Jackson to the judge’s table. So who should host? What do you think?

Things at The X Factor USA have all been shaken up! We’ve learned that Steve Jones, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul are all out of the show! What is Simon Cowell thinking?!??

We’ve heard rumors at the end of the first season that Steve wasn’t working out for the show…but this is a bit drastic, isn’t it? I mean, Paula Abdul, too?!?

Steve released a statement, confirming his departure. He tweeted last night, “I won’t be hosting next season’s X Factor which is a shame, but I can’t complain as I’ve had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show.”

Later, it was revealed that Nicole was also asked not to return and that Simon has “given her his blessing.”

Since, it’s been said that Paula had to go, too. Let’s hope that is just a rumor and she will be returning for season two. Fox has yet to comment on the reports of her termination.

What do you think of the news? Can you imagine the show without Steve, Paula or Nicole? The only people who are left are Simon and L.A. Reid. Who will Simon get to host the show now? Should he try for the gold and get Ryan Seacrest? That would be something, wouldn’t it?

Hit the comments with your thoughts on the news!

Update: Paula has released a statement saying that her termination was amicable. I wonder how much they had to pay for that?

Since Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul received death threats over the elimination of Simon Cowell’s favorite competitor, Drew, on The X Factor USA, it appears that they are taking extra precautions to make sure that the same thing didn’t happen when favorite Rachel Crow was eliminated.

After the shocking elimination, Rachel went backstage to find a sobbing Nicole — and comforted her!

Rachel said, “Nicole’s amazing! I consoled her backstage, she was very sad. It was really hard to watch her. I hugged her and we sat for a long time and we talked and we made it all better.”

Rachel also praised her former mentor, Simon. She said, “I learned from Simon that no matter what happens it will all be okay. Life does go on and you either get bigger or smaller. He said, you always have to follow your dreams and be yourself and don’t let anyone change you.”

With all of the Disney talk surrounding the young star, she says that she has yet to sign any deal with them. She said, “I personally haven’t gotten any calls from Disney! I don’t know where that’s coming from. I really want to get a song or two our there and then maybe go there, movies and TV or something.”

As far as the future is concerned, she said she wants to collaborate with a mega-star, Eminem. She added, “Eminem’s just amazing and I want to sing with him very badly!”

In a shocking elimination, Rachel Crow was cast off from The X Factor USA last night. It came down to between Rachel and Marcus Canty. It was familiar territory for Marcus, who was in the bottom two for the third time in a row. This was a first for Rachel, who has always performed way above par.

After their respective performances, Nicole Scherzinger made the decision to allow America to decide who was going home. In the end, Rachel had the lowest votes and was eliminated.

Simon Cowell wasn’t upset with Nicole’s decision, however. He said, “I know when someone’s doing something for the right reasons and I have to be fair like that. There were no games being played tonight. Because I thought we were so safe, I thought, that’s quite a nice gesture to do, to let Marcus go. I went to see her afterwards and this is all off-camera stuff. You know when someone’s lying. She was distraught.”

Rachel took to her Twitter account to discuss the elimination. She said, “Thank u so much to all of my fans I love you so much. I am sad tonight but I will bounce back and be fine tomorrow :) Please don’t be angry with @nicolesherzy she was put in such a tough position. I love u all so much.”

As far as who she’s throwing her support behind? She tweeted, “@MrChrisRene @TheXFactorUSA I miss u already too now go win this thing!!”

In the end, she tweeted, “I am so thankful to have such amazing fans thank u for sticking by me. I love u with all my heart.”

We’ll miss you on the show Rachel!

What did you think of the results? Let us know in the comments!

Nicole Scherzinger is not playing around!

Reportedly, the Pussycat Dolls singer has banned fellow judge Simon Cowell from her group’s rehearsals on the first season of The X Factor USA!

Now, as you know, we’ve been watching the show and recapping it this entire season. We’ve gotta tell you, it’s been getting pretty hairy between the judges. They are always clowning around and nitpicking with each other’s mentoring of the remaining eleven acts.

Nicole is still mentoring the Over 30′s group, which consists of Stacy Francis, Josh Krajcik and LeRoy Bell. On last week’s performance episode, Simon offered her some advice on which song to have Stacy sing. And, of course, Stacy wow’ed everyone in attendance.

Reportedly, Simon had been attending Nicole’s group’s rehearsal sessions and had been criticizing her mentoring of her three remaining contestants. Then, after Stacy performed Up To The Mountain and she killed it, Simon took credit.

A source said, “Last week, Simon made a big deal out of choosing Stacy’s song, and he said he didn’t think she’s connected with them all. She wasn’t happy with him at all – so now Nicole isn’t taking any chances. She’s made it clear these are her artists, she is mentoring them and Simon should back off!”

Can you blame her?

Photo Credit: Fame Pictures

In case you’ve missed our official recap of the show last night, then we’ve got the official list of the top 32 contestants on The X Factor and the judges who are mentoring each group!

THE GIRLS – MENTORED BY SIMON COWELL

Caitlin Koch
Tora Woloshin
Simone Battle
Drew Ryniewicz
Rachel Crow
Jazzlyn Little
Melanie Amaro
Tiah Tolliver

THE BOYS – MENTORED BY ANTONIO “L.A.” REID

Brennin Hunt
Brian Bradley
Skyelor Anderson
Nick Voss
Tim Cifers
Phillip Lomax
Marcus Canty
Chris Rene

GROUPS – MENTORED BY PAULA ABDUL

Stereo Hogzz
2Squared
4 Shore
The Brewer Boys
Illusion Confusion
The Anser

OVER 30s – MENTORED BY NICOLE SCHERZINGER

Elaine Gibbs
Tiger Budbill
Leroy Bell
James Kenney
Josh Krajcik
Krista Collins
Dexter Haygood
Stacey Francis

For the next stage of the competition, each of the groups will be going to their mentor’s homes to rehearse and receive guidance on everything they will need to score that $5 million recording contract.

Who are you rooting for in the competition? Who was your favorite contestant? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think!

Tonight’s episode of The X Factor brings the auditions to Chicago, Illinois. In case you’ve missed episode one and/or two, you can read our official recaps at these links (Episode 1, Episode 2).

Brock and Mackenna are up first, singing Colder Weather by the Zac Brown Band. They are really talented, considering it’s country music and we’re not fans. The judges all said yes.

Tim Quinn sang afterward and was off the mark. Robin Royal was up next, and she’s awful. Charlesia Heard is up next and she was trying to audition for a judging position. Singing next is Skylore Anderson, singing I Must Be Doing Something Right by Billy Currington. The judges enjoyed his performance, even though the track cut off in the middle of his singing. All of the judges said yes.

Auditioning next is J. Mark Inman singing Creep by Radiohead. He’s awkward and weird in his movements. He got through to the next round, and Simon didn’t get the chance to vote. Arin Ray sang next and got through. Afterward, Josh Krajcik is up next singing At Last by Etta James. He sounds like Michael Bolton. Standing ovation from the crowd and the judges are loving his soulful performance. He got through. (continue reading…)

Last night, the official series premiere for The X Factor USA aired on Fox, from 8-10pm EST. The judges were going through the audition rounds and found some pretty awesome talent. In case you’ve missed the premiere episode, check out our official recap here.

The auditions hit Miami for tonight’s show and we are following the action with you, live!

The show kicked off with Ashley Sansone, singing Piece Of My Heart by Janis Joplin. She sucks! Simon said that he couldn’t understand a word she sang. L.A. said no, Paula also said no, in addition to Simon. (continue reading…)

The X Factor made its series premiere in the United States today and we’re covering the events live!

The show will award a $5 million recording contract with Sony. Hosting the show is Steve Jones and the judges are Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Cheryl Cole and Paula Abdul. Where’s Nicole Scherzinger?!?

Rachel Crow is up first to the auditions. She’s 13-years-old and really wants to be a singer and she’s nervous! She’s singing Mercy by Duffy. She sounds okay, but a tad flat. The crowd loves her. Paula loves her performance and said she delivered the goods. Cheryl said she had her before she sang. L.A. Reid said she’s feisty, soulful and she has it all. Simon said she’s the reason why they lowered the age limit for the show. All of the judges gave her a “yes”.

Up next is Terrell Carter and he sounds okay, but not wonderful. Four yes’es from the judges! Ellona Santiago sang her heart out and got four positive responses from the judges. John Lindahl sang Forget You be Cee Lo Green and he wasn’t too bad. Four positive responses! (continue reading…)

It’s that time again for Dancing With The Stars!

Here are your scores for tonight’s dances as they happen. Keep refreshing for the latest updates! (continue reading…)

Lady Gaga’s behind the scenes video for Telephone! – Amy Grindhouse

Britney Spears spotted out with the babies! – Poor Britney

Jake Pavelka is a total player – Have U Heard

Legalbytes: Is Lindsay Lohan addicted to milk? – Popbytes

American Idol top twelve party – I Need My Fix

Avril Lavigne is so freaking annoying – Celebrity Smack

All the ladies come out for The Runaways premiere – Dipped In Cream

Gerard Butler thinks Jennifer Aniston is like family – Busy Bee Blogger

Nicole Scherzinger DWTS hotness – Celebrity Hot Sauce

The cast photos for this season’s Dancing With The Stars have just leaked and we’ve got them right here for you!

We’ve got six of the contestants, along with their partners! We’re still waiting for these pics to be leaked: Kate Gosselin & Tony Dovolani, Shannen Doherty & Mark Ballas, Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough, Niecy Nash & Louis Van Amstel and Jake Pavelka & Chelsie Hightower.

The thumbnails below, show contestants, (in order) Aiden Turner & Edyta Sliwinska, Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke, Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Pamela Anderson & Damian Whitewood, Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya and Buzz Aldrin & Ashly Costa.

Check out thumbnails and click twice for the largest view… Stay tuned for more! (continue reading…)