Latest news with #X-Factor
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BGT's Simon Cowell 'sobbed down the phone' to co-star after heartbeaking news
BGT's Simon Cowell 'sobbed down the phone' to co-star after heartbeaking news Renowned pop-singer Sinitta has shared how Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell broke down in tears during a phone call in the aftermath of a recent bereavement Simon Cowell 'sobbed down the phone' during a call with a co-star after hearing heartbreaking news (Image: GC Images ) So Macho singer Sinitta has opened up about her first phone call with Simon Cowell after the tragic death of One Direction singer Liam Payne last year. Simon and Liam developed a close bond after first meeting on the X Factor in 2008. Although Liam only made it as far as the Judges' Houses, the teenager returned in 2010 where he was placed into the boy band One Direction. Simon was joined by Sinitta in both 2008 and 2010 to watch Liam perform at the 65-year-old's home, first as a solo artist and then with One Direction, with the five youngsters making an instant impression on the pair. Sinitta had first Liam as he appeared in the judges houses stage of X-Factor (Image: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images ) One Direction eventually finished in third place, losing out to eventual winner Matt Cardle, but the band continued to enjoy huge worldwide success in the years that followed under Simon's management However, despite the band's popularity continuing to rocket, they would eventually pursue solo careers. Tragically, in October last year, Liam fell to his death at a Buenos Aires hotel after flying out to watch former bandmate Niall Horan in concert. Now, during a recent interview with Best magazine, Sinitta opened up about the heartbreak of learning of Liam's death. She said: "You never expect anyone younger than you to die. All I could think about was Cheryl and Bear." Managing to put her own grief to one side, her thoughts turned to Simon, as she recalled speaking to the inconsolable judge: "Later that day I reached out to Simon, and he was devastated. I hadn't heard him so upset since his mum died. He sobbed down the phone to me - it was hard to know what to say. It was brave of him to go to that funeral and comfort Liam's parents." Liam first appeared on X-Factor in 2008 (Image: Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal ) Simon and Sinitta first met in 1983 when Sinitta, then thought to have been 20 at the time, became his first signing as a record boss. The pair would go on to have a 30-year love affair that saw the couple repeatedly make up and break up. In 2004, Sinitta made her first appearance on the X Factor when she joined Simon at the Judges' Houses stage. She joined Simon in rejecting Liam in 2008 and recommending that he came back to the show at a later date. Two years later, she joined Simon at the Judges Houses' phase once again and this time decided to progress Liam and his new bandmates, One Direction, to the next stage of the show. One Direction finished in third place in the seventh series of X-Factor (Image: PA ) After finding huge success on the show, the band saw their popularity sky-rocket in the years that followed before deciding to go their separate ways in 2016. But, whilst staying in Argentina in order to go and watch his former band mate, Niall Horan, in concert, Liam tragically fell to his death from the third-floor balcony of a Buenos Aires hotel. As the star's funeral in Amersham, Buckinghamshire followed, Simon was amongst the mourners as he was seen comforting Liam's parents, Geoff and Karen. Article continues below Simon was seen comforting the Geoff and Karen Payne at the One Direction stars funeral (Image: WireImage ) Since then, Simon has returned to our screens as he has joined Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden in judging this year's acts on Britain's Got Talent. The much-loved talent show will come to a close this evening (May 31) at 7 pm on ITV, as the remaining acts vie for a chance to claim the top prize.
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Phil Salt RCBs Mr Dependable In IPL 2025: All About His Love Life With Girlfriend Abi McLaven
photoDetails english 2908135 Phil Salt smashed an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls, including a blistering 23-ball half-century — his fastest in IPL — to power Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) into the IPL 2025 final with an eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings. His explosive knock, backed by stellar bowling from Suyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood, helped RCB chase 102 in just 10 overs. Off the field, Salt's girlfriend, Abi McLaven, is gaining attention. A freelance virtual assistant skilled in digital marketing, Abi has supported Salt since 2020. Despite her low profile, their enduring bond and public moments have caught fans' interest across social media. Updated:May 30, 2025, 10:09 AM IST 1. Salt's Fastest IPL Fifty: 23 Balls of Pure Destruction 1 / 20 Phil Salt hammered a jaw-dropping 56* off 27 balls, smashing his fastest fifty in IPL history — a 23-ball blitz that buried Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1. 2. RCB's X-Factor: Salt's Aggression Seals the Deal Early 2 / 20 Salt's power-hitting — including 7 fours and 2 sixes — ensured RCB chased down 102 with 10 overs to spare, storming into the IPL 2025 final with unmatched dominance. 3. Abi McLaven: Salt's Girlfriend Since 2020 3 / 20 Phil Salt and Abi McLaven have been together since 2020 — their relationship stands out for its loyalty and longevity, sparking fan curiosity on Google and Instagram. 4. Low-Key Yet Strong: A Love Story Without The Limelight 4 / 20 Unlike many WAGs in cricket, Abi prefers staying out of the spotlight, gaining admiration for her grounded presence and quiet support for Salt's career. 5. A Freelancer with a Purpose 5 / 20 Abi is a virtual assistant with expertise in content strategy, social media marketing, and business consulting — proving she's more than just a cricketer's partner. 6. Insta-Worthy Couple Moments Win the Internet 6 / 20 Abi shares glimpses of their relationship on Instagram — from travel diaries to cricket match cameos — keeping fans engaged with a peek into their personal world. 7. From the UK with Love: Her Educational Roots 7 / 20 Though Abi's exact alma mater isn't public, she hails from a strong academic background in the UK, reinforcing her independent identity beyond Salt's cricket fame. 8. Emotional Backbone Behind the Finisher 8 / 20 Salt often credits his inner circle, and Abi's steady emotional support is a major reason behind his mental focus and aggressive batting mindset during high-pressure games. 9. Fans Love Her Privacy and Grace 9 / 20 Abi McLaven's ability to maintain privacy while being a constant pillar in Salt's life has earned her fan respect, creating buzz on Reddit, Twitter, and cricket forums. 10. She's Becoming a Social Media Crush, Too 10 / 20 As Salt's stardom rises, Abi's following has grown, with 'Phil Salt girlfriend name,' 'Abi McLaven pics,' and 'Who is Phil Salt dating?' trending across search engines. 11 / 20 12 / 20 13 / 20 14 / 20 15 / 20 16 / 20 17 / 20 18 / 20 19 / 20 20 / 20
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Wishaw's X-Factor star heading to Airdrie Town Hall for summer show
It's hard to believe it's been more than a decade since the then 16-year-old Nicky swapped the classrooms at St Aidan's High in Wishaw for the main stage in Britain's biggest show. Wishaw's X-Factor star Nicholas McDonald is returning to North Lanarkshire for an unforgettable show later this year. The singer will perform live on Saturday, June 28, at Airdrie Town Hall. It's hard to believe it's been more than a decade since the then 16-year-old Nicky swapped the classrooms at St Aidan's High in Wishaw for the main stage in Britain's biggest show. In the end, Nicholas finished runner-up to eventual winner Sam Bailey but he has only great memories of his time on the show. The night will kick off with two exciting opening acts before the X-Factor star and his band take to the stage promising a powerhouse performance packed with soulful melodies and high energy hits. VIP tickets available for front row seats, a signed poster, VIP Lanyard and a Meet & Greet (M&G) with Nicholas. The M&G will take place before the show at 6.30pm. VIP tickets cost £31 with all other tickets costing £26. More information is available from the Culture NL website.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Dannii Minougue reignites decades-old feud with Sharon Osbourne and Graham Norton who ‘ripped her to shreds' on TV
Sharon once said working with Dannii was 'an odious chore' ganging up Dannii Minougue reignites decades-old feud with Sharon Osbourne and Graham Norton who 'ripped her to shreds' on TV DANNII Minogue has opened up on the time she felt attacked by Graham Norton and Sharon Osbourne. The pop star, 53, described feeling the victim of a "pile on" when she Sharon appeared as a guest on The Graham Norton Show in 2007. 7 Dannii Minogue recalls moment Sharon Osbourne and Graham Norton 'piled on' in a 2007 appearance Credit: ITV 7 Sharon made fun of Dannii's talents on the Graham Norton Show Credit: BBC 7 Graham also mocked her Aussie accent and music career Credit: BBC 7 Sharon pointed to her behind when David Boreanaz asked what Dannii looked like Credit: BBC Dannii recently reignited her old feud with Sharon and blamed Graham and his production team for planning the comments in advance and springing them on her live on TV. Speaking on How to Fail with Elizabeth Day Danni said: "I think the difference was it wasn't being rude. There had to be production meetings to set up the things that they were doing on set in this show and these huge personalities that I looked up to and just loved what they had done." Dannii continued: "'I'd loved Sharon Osbourne on X Factor. I'd love her on the Osborne's. "I loved what Graham Norton was doing, and here were these people just tearing me to pieces. That show would never be made today." sharon osbourne CLAP BACK 'Unnecessary!' says Katie Price as she hits back at Sharon Osbourne over digs Dannii recalled how Graham made fun of her appearance saying she "looked bizarre" and also mocked her music career and Aussie accent. When Graham's fellow guest on the episode, Buffy star David Boreanaz, asked to see a photo of Dannii, Sharon stood up and pointed to her behind and said "look at this." The Sun contacted the BBC, and representatives for Graham and Sharon for comment. As former colleagues on the X-Factor, Dannii and Sharon have been involved in a long-running feud. At the time, their argument reportedly stemmed from Dannii's relationship with exec producer and head judge Simon Cowell. Dannii did not deny flirting with Simon, but she denied any relationship. Inside X Factor's fresh backlash x years after show axe as former host reveals she was sacked Danni previously confessed: "But that man could flirt with a book, a wall, anything." But Sharon couldn't stand to sit next to the Australian singer during X-Factor as she confessed to Piers Morgan's Life Stories. The former music manager admitted: "I didn't hate her because hatred is very close to love and takes a lot of emotion and I don't have that time for her." She added: "She was like an insect, a mosquito that wouldn't go away." In her autobiography, Unbreakable, Sharon said that she found the time she spent together with Dannii as "an odious chore." Dannii eventually left the show in 2010, and there was clearly no love lost on her side of the argument either as she slammed Sharon in public as well. She said: "Sharon announced to anyone who would listen that I was impossible to work with, that I was only on The X Factor because of my looks – not any visible talent or contribution to the entertainment industry – and Simon employed me only because he wanted to sleep with me.' 7 Sharon and Dannii worked on the X-Factor together Credit: PA:Empics Sport 7 They reportedly did not get along while working together Credit: Rex
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Dannii Minougue reignites decades-old feud with Sharon Osbourne and Graham Norton who ‘ripped her to shreds' on TV
DANNII Minogue has opened up on the time she felt attacked by Graham Norton and Sharon Osbourne. The pop star, 53, described feeling the victim of a "pile on" when she Sharon appeared as a guest on The Graham Norton Show in 2007. 7 Dannii Minogue recalls moment Sharon Osbourne and Graham Norton 'piled on' in a 2007 appearance Credit: ITV 7 Sharon made fun of Dannii's talents on the Graham Norton Show Credit: BBC 7 Graham also mocked her Aussie accent and music career Credit: BBC 7 Sharon pointed to her behind when David Boreanaz asked what Dannii looked like Credit: BBC Dannii Speaking on Danni said: "I think the difference was it wasn't being rude. There had to be production meetings to set up the things that they were doing on set in this show and these huge personalities that I looked up to and just loved what they had done ." Dannii continued: "'I'd loved Sharon Osbourne on X Factor. I'd love her on the Osborne's. "I loved what Graham Norton was doing, and here were these people just tearing me to pieces. That show would never be made today." sharon osbourne Dannii recalled how Graham made fun of her appearance saying she "looked bizarre" and also mocked her music career and Aussie accent. When Graham's fellow guest on the episode, Buffy star David Boreanaz, asked to see a photo of Dannii, Sharon stood up and pointed to her behind and said "look at this." The Sun contacted the BBC, and representatives for Graham and Sharon for comment. As former colleagues on the X-Factor, Dannii and Sharon have been involved in a long-running feud. Most read in TV At the time, their argument reportedly stemmed from Dannii's relationship with exec producer and head judge Simon Cowell. Dannii did not deny flirting with Simon, but she denied any relationship. Inside X Factor's fresh backlash x years after show axe as former host reveals she was sacked Danni previously confessed: "But that man could flirt with a book, a wall, anything." But Sharon couldn't stand to sit next to the Australian singer during X-Factor as she confessed to Piers Morgan 's Life Stories. The former music manager admitted: "I didn't hate her because hatred is very close to love and takes a lot of emotion and I don't have that time for her." She added: "She was like an insect, a mosquito that wouldn't go away." In her autobiography, Unbreakable, Sharon said that she found the time she spent together with Dannii as "an odious chore." Dannii eventually left the show in 2010, and there was clearly no love lost on her side of the argument either as she slammed Sharon in public as well. She said: "Sharon announced to anyone who would listen that I was impossible to work with, that I was only on The X Factor because of my looks – not any visible talent or contribution to the entertainment industry – and Simon employed me only because he wanted to sleep with me.' 7 Sharon and Dannii worked on the X-Factor together Credit: PA:Empics Sport 7 They reportedly did not get along while working together Credit: Rex 7 Sharon moaned about working with Dannii in her autobiography Credit: Rex
