On Gear Live: Apple’s HUGE Siri Apple Intelligence Fumble w/ John Gruber - Geared Up 205

Britney SpearsBritney Spears has reportedly been offered $10 million to judge the US version of The X Factor.

The "Hold It Against Me" singer's fiance and manager Jason Trawick is said to have "been negotiating for some time," with executives for the talent search show. One source told E! news Britney has been offered the huge sum to appear on the second series of the show - which returns later this year - but she's said to be holding out for $16 million.

The first run of The X Factor was judged by show boss Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul, although the latter two were subsequently axed after it failed to achieve the ratings Simon had hoped.

Simon is said to have initially approached Britney, and recently admitted he was "fascinated" by her and think she would be ideal for the show: "I would think that if she's managed to sustain in her family life in a career which is tough, this is a walk in the park."

Click to continue reading Britney Spears Offered $10 Million for X Factor

Gallery: Britney Spears Offered $10 Million for X Factor


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Glee actress Lea MicheleGlee looks set to feature a tribute episode to Whitney Houston.

After the Fox musical TV show included a performance of "I Will Always Love You" by Amber Riley - who plays Mercedes Jones in the series - last month, Glee bosses are said to be planning a full-length episode dedicated to the legendary singer, who passed away last month, according to PerezHilton.com.

Lea Michele - who plays Rachel Berry - in Glee has already hinted that she has been filming a "really special" new episode dedicated to one of the "world's most amazing singers."

"Starting a new episode today. A very special tribute to one of the worlds most amazing singers. Very excited about this one. Singing a really great version of one of my favorite songs today with@MsAmberPRiley @NayaRivera and @chriscolfer Filming something right now that's going to be really special.. Can't wait for you all to see it. (sic)" she wrote in a series of posts on her Twitter.

Click to continue reading Glee Planning Whitney Houston Tribute?

Gallery: Glee Planning Whitney Houston Tribute?


LeAnn RimesLeAnn Rimes has stepped closer to a job on The X Factor judging panel.

The "Can't Fight The Moonlight" hitmaker - who is believed to be filling one of the spots left vacant by axed judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger - reportedly spent all day Wednesday locked in a secret meeting with show chief Nigel Lythgoe.

While fellow X Factor boss Simon Cowell was not present, it was said to be a "great meeting," X17online.com reports.

In addition to her 18 years in the music business, LeAnn brings with her the accolade of being the younger Grammy winner in history at the age of just 14.

While the 29-year-old singer will find out whether she has landed the lucrative gig in the next three weeks, it is also thought troubled star Britney Spears is being lined up to join the panel: "Britney has had a tough few years but this would put her back at the very top. She would be great for the show and it could be great for her. In terms of excitement and intrigue Britney would top them all," an insider said.

Gallery: LeAnn Rimes Steps Closer to X Factor Job


Tommy HilfigerTommy Hilfiger has been hired as an image advisor for American Idol. In the newly-created position, the 60-year-old fashion designer will be charged with developing the style of each contestant.

"I will look at where they were, where they are today and the possibility of where they could go, because I don't think their image will evolve without some trial and error. 'We need to take into consideration their ages, color preferences, sizes, what types of music they will be performing, what they wear on their feet and how they wear their hair. There is going to be a real package put together on each person."

Talking about his decision to take on the role, he told WWD, "I thought it would be exciting and challenging and different, a place where I could use all of my experience in fashion and music. If you look at what makes a star, it's not only musical talent, it's the complete package. And that includes image. If you look at great superstars from Michael Jackson to Madonna and Lady Gaga and Katy Perry today, they each have a unique style and that adds to their persona. It's the icing on the cake."

Click to continue reading Tommy Hilfiger Hired for ‘American Idol’

Gallery: Tommy Hilfiger Hired for ‘American Idol’


Simon CowellX Factor boss Simon Cowell has thanked judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul and host Steve Jones after they were axed from the show.

The show boss paid tribute to the trio after they were dropped from the series and wished them success in their careers - but he also announced plans to work with Paula on another project in the ''near future'.'

''I want to say a massive thank you to Paula, Nicole and Steve for being part of The X Factor last year. We had a lot of fun making the show together and importantly, we found some real talent and stars. 'You do develop friendships with the people you work with and Paula, in particular, is a very close friend and I expect to be working with her on another project in the near future. 'I'm sure all three are going to have massive success in what they do next, but now is the time to thank them all for everything they did last year," Cowell said in a statement.

Following Simon's statement, Nicole took to her Twitter account to confirm she will not be returning to the US version of the show and she now plans to create ''great music'' in 2012: ''I wanted to let you know directly from me that it's true I won't be returning to The X Factor. Looking forward to an exciting year ahead and making great music and more! I'm grateful for the love you always give me.''

Click to continue reading Simon Cowell Thanks Axed US X Factor Trio

Gallery: Simon Cowell Thanks Axed US X Factor Trio


Helen MirrenDame Helen Mirren is to provide the "inner voice" of a character on Glee. The Oscar-winning actress has recorded lines for an episode of the musical TV show - starring Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele and Heather Morris - where she will be heard but not seen, although the part whose inner thoughts she will be voicing is not known, according to The Wrap.

The episode, titled "Yes/No," will feature Matthew's character Mr. Schuester and Jayma May's Emma prominently. "Helen recorded several long, hilarious monologues recently. She visited the kids on set - they had no idea she was coming and were stunned," a source said.

Glee is renowned for attracting big name stars onto the show, including Gwyneth Paltrow - who played substitute teacher Holly Holliday - and Britney Spears, who appeared as herself. However, Britney's appearance was not easy for the regular cast members of the show as they had to have special security on the day. "What was Britney like? I don't know - I didn't get to meet her. Not many people did. She had pretty big security around her. We actually had security bands to get onto our set that day," Matthew said.

Gallery: Helen Mirren Signs Up For Glee


Zooey Deschanel in New GirlIt must be pretty good to be Zooey Deschanel right now.

After just two episodes of her new comedy, New Girl, Fox has picked the series up for a full season of 24 episodes. Judging from its high ratings (it even beat its lead-in, Glee!), it's not quite a surprise.

"We love the charming Zooey Deschanel and the entire cast, we're knocked out with the work that [creator] Liz Meriwether and the whole staff is doing and we are really psyched about the coming episodes in the pipeline. It's great that audiences have responded so positively so far and we're confident that even more people will embrace the show—and more comedy on Fox—this season," said Kevin Reilly, president of Entertainment at Fox.

New Girl -- which also stars Max Greenfield and Hannah Simone -- airs Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. on Fox.

Read More | E! Online

Gallery: Zooey Deschanel Show Gets Picked Up For Full Season


Chris Colfer of GleeChris Colfer found out he was leaving Glee through Twitter!

The actor - who plays Kurt Hummel in the TV musical comedy - claims he only learned he and co-stars Lea Michele and Cory Monteith wouldn't be returning after the third series on the social networking site.

"I found out yesterday on Twitter. Yeah, I found out that they made that announcement. I didn't necessarily know that it was going to be our last season next year, I knew something like that was coming up eventually. I mean, we can't be there forever. I don't necessarily want to leave so soon, but I mean, it's fine."

Although he will be sad to go, Chris will look back on the show with great pride: "It's what it is. And all things come to an end. As a performer, I feel so fulfilled. I have two Emmy nominations and just from hearing from people out in the world about how much the character has helped people. If it's time for a conclusion, I'm fulfilled with it, and I'm fine with it."

Click to continue reading Chris Colfer Found Out He Wasn’t Returning to Glee Via Twitter

Gallery: Chris Colfer Found Out He Wasn’t Returning to Glee Via Twitter


Glee Season 2 Promo

Sad news for Glee fans: season 3 will be the last for three regular cast members, co-creator Ryan Murphy reveals. Can you guess which singing grads won't be back for season 4?

Click to continue reading Three Glee Regulars Won’t Return For Season 4

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

Gallery: Three Glee Regulars Won’t Return For Season 4


John Hamm at Critics' Choice Television Awards

AMC hit drama Mad Men was the big winner at the inaugural Critics' Choice Television Awards yesterday.

The TV series picked up Best Drama, while its stars John Hamm and Christina Hendricks won the Best Actor in a Drama and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama prizes respectively. Christina shared her accolade, however, with Margo Martindale of Justified.

Click to continue reading Mad Men Wins Big at Critics’ Choice Television Awards

Gallery: Mad Men Wins Big at Critics’ Choice Television Awards


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