Tuesday 29 November 2011

Janet Devlin 'Felt like a Karaoke artist' on X Factor


Mentor Kelly Rowland couldn't decide who should go.


Janet Devlin was voted off The X Factor on Sunday and tells the truth about her opinion on The X Factor. She confesses to feeling "like a puppet" singing "other peoples songs". The 17 year old, from Ireland commented, "I wish we could get more of an opportunity to be musicians and express our industry." 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2067066/X-Factor-2011-Janet-Devlin-insists-shes-nobodys-puppet-flies-home-Belfast.html

Janet was in the bottom two with Misha B, and they both gave a brilliant sing off. Janet returned to her comfort zone singing Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. The judges all kept Misha B in, and mentor Kelly Rowland started crying and said, "Misha, my goodness girl, you just want this so bad, I have to pass it. I'm sorry." This automatically voted off Janet.

The singer then appeared on the Lorraine Kelly show and it seems she is slightly relieved to be off the show.

"The sad thing about the X Factor and its brought me down a lot is that your copying someone songs." Last years winner, Matt Cardle agreed that it can limit your creativity.

 "looking forward to gigs and performing her own songs." She says "It got to the point where I felt like a karaoke artist every Saturday night."

I think Janet must be a little upset at her departure after not being in the bottom once in eight weeks, but I do think she wasn't entirely comfortable on stage singing songs she wasn't passionate about. She obviously is a true musician and has definitely grown a huge amount of confidence within the show. People are not holding back, as they say she is 'being put on too high of a pedestal."  The daily mail have set up an opinion forum on 'Was Janet's X Factor Rant just sour grapes?'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/chat/r/t-10239723/index.html?threadIndex=0

If you want to see the Lorraine Kelly interview click here:
http://www.itv.com/lorraine/celebrity/x-factor-evictee-janet/

Even though she forgot the words in the first song MMMBop by Handon, which was awkward to watch, her second song, the brilliant Red Hot Chilli Peppers 1992 classic Under the Bridge was very good, but has caused controversy as the song is apparently about taking Heroine. Now, this is one of my all time favourite songs and I never once knew this. Maybe I get carried away by singer Anthony Kiedis's amazing six pack in the video, or maybe its not that clear. So how would children, in a million years realize the songs drug content? Children's charities and anti drug groups have labelled the song 'irresponsible'. Its stupid.

The song choice was a great one, and it was singing something Janet loved and that really showed her talent.Take a look:





Monday 28 November 2011

The Voice UK aired 2012



The Voice UK is being aired in 2012, and is a new TV show based solely on their singing talent. I'm very excited to watch this, as judges Reggie Yates (BBC1 DJ) Holly Willoughby (This morning TV Presenter) and Jesse J have been confirmed as judges.

The show will be on BBC1. Could it be the new X Factor?

There have been many rumours to who will be the other judges: Cheryl Cole, Danni Monogue, Kylie Monogue, Cee Lo Green (but he is on US version so may not be able to juggle both) Robbie Williams, Will Young,  Mary J. Blige, Tom Jones and Will. i.am. Who will join Jesse J, Holly and Reggie?

Check it out:



For more detailed information on the competition click here: (Shows judges from the US version)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/thevoiceuk/

Jesse J upset at Misha B singing 'Who You Are' First



Jessie J is upset that Misha B sang 'Who You Are', her new single first on The X Factor . Jessie J performed her new single last night on the X Factor, and it has to be said, the 23 year old has a really nice vibrato to her voice, but I found some parts slightly out of tune. Misha B sang the song two weeks ago, when she had to sing off against Kitty Brucknell, and I think her performance was just as good.

Which performance do you prefer?





Both great performances, but you can tell it is Jessie's song. She is said to be 'fuming' over Misha singing it first. A little dramatic. Jessie J also said she was baking Little Mix, and is also rumoured to play with one of the finalists in the final show. It'll be interesting if she plays with Misha.

Read the full article here:


Jesse J, born Jessica Ellen Cornish (1988) is an English artist signed to Island records. She was previously a songwriter for Chris Brown and Miley Syrus.

Chris Brown

She is famous for her  epic debut single 'Do It Like Dude' released November 2010 got to number two. Her follow up single 'Price Tag' featuring B.O.B managed to get to number one in the UK singles chart. Her debut album was released in February 2011, 'Who You Are'. Jessie J also won a BRIT award, Critics choice in 2011.
She's a new and fresh British Artist, and there is no denying that she can really sing, and has plenty of attitude.I do feel she sometimes overdoes her vocals, but overall really like her songs, they're catchy.

Here is a video clip of Jessie J and James Morrison singing for Children In Need 2011: 'Up' (included on James Morrison's third studio album)



Jessie J has been confirmed as the first superstar judge to be on The Voice UK aired in 2012.To learn more about this new TV show, go to my other post.

Sunday 27 November 2011

T'Pau's 'China in your Hands' on X Factor



Last night's X Factor's Amelia Lily sang the 1987 song China In Your Hands. Gary Barlow said 'I remember the original of this song and it's nice to hear it sung in tune' implying the original singer, Carol Decker's couldn't sing in tune.

This apparently angered 54 year old Carol Decker, and messages were sent over Twitter.
"What's your fucking problem? I actually have perfect pitch." and "Gary Barlow you twat! & I had to suffer a Take that concert for then sake of my kids this summer" She was not happy.

Gary Barlow then apologized this morning saying, "Sincere apologies for my comment. there was no need. and sorry you had to sit through TT show. The thin we do for our kids!"

But, on the contrary the song, and Miss Decker have received some media attention, and it is being said that the song will re-enter the charts! When it was released in 1987 it stayed at number one for five weeks.

Here are both versions, which do you think is better? Why does Amelia have to shout EVERY song she sings? Its frustrating, as it started soft and pretty, and once again ended up her shouting through the higher notes. My vote for who should go this week: Amelia Lily.






Friday 25 November 2011

'Wishing On A Star' X Factor Charity Single



The X factor final sixteen has released their charity single Rose Royce's 1978, 'Wishing on a star'  including boy bands One Direction and JLS.

It's good to see Sophie Habibis singing again in the video,  along with The Risk. Johnny Robinson is singing a line and other ex contestants such as Sami Brookes, Kitty Brucknell, Nu Vibe, 2 Shoes, James Michael and even Frankie Cocozza joining in.

The single supports Together For Short Lives, which ensures children and young adults in hospices have the best care possible.

The over produced single is sure to cause much discussion, but all if well when it raises money for a good worthwhile charity such as this.

The single was out on digitally on the 27th November, and available on CD on the 28th. This is the fourth X Factor charity single to be released.

Here it is:


Who will be NO 1 this Christmas?



The X factor winner may be in trouble again this year, as several other artists are competing for number one spot this Christmas.

Other singles lined up for Christmas number one, include Nirvana's 'Smells like teen spirit' as fan's have set up a campaign to beat X factor's single like last year.

Other competitors include the collaboration between Mariah Carey and Justin Beiber, 'All I want for Christmas'. Oh yes, it's happening.



The Only Way Is Essex stars are releasing Wham!'s Last Christmas along with other artists such as Adele, and One Direction will be close contenders.

So who will it be? Last years Rage against the machine's 'Killing in the name of'  going to number one over last years winner Joe Mcelderry showed anything can happen.

To see everyone's chance of winning click here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/15737582

Nirvana is set at 5/1 as Christmas number one they already have 85,000 likes on facebook.
If you want to add to this click this link:
http://www.facebook.com/nirvanaforno1?sk=app_153284594738391&app_data=dlt


Courtney Love has apparently offered Simon Cowell a Nirvana song to Janet Devlin. Kurt Cobain is said to have ancestors in the next village to where Janet is from.

I never really care all that much who is number one at Christmas, but I will be backing the winner of X factor, as I think they have a bigger future, and if I were in that position I wouldn't want to lose over Nirvana, even if they are a classic rock/grunge band.



Monday 21 November 2011

Rihanna on X Factor with F word shoes

Rihanna performed her new single, 'We found love' on Sunday night's X Factor show wearing a conservative tartan school outfit, but what we could see is her shoes, which said 'Fuck off''.

To see more pictures click here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2064000/X-Factor-2011-Rihanna-rocks-naughty-schoolgirl-look-We-Found-Love-performance.html


The singer caused 4,500 complaints last year, along with Christina Aguilera because of their raunchy performances and skimpy outfits. So, this year it was obvious Rihanna was forced to tone her image down, but her shoes, which weren't visible to the camera from afar, were a blatant message to Ofcom.


I personally loved her last years performance, and this is how they dance in her home country. Us Brits are way too conservative sometimes. Anyway, Rihanna still gave the audience a brief peak of her stockings she wore underneath, and soon realized her provocative pose and re arranged the way she was kneeling. I found this quite humorous.



Overall the performance was pretty weak, and she seemed to be more focused on the dancing than the actual singing. I love Rihanna, and I am beginning to like this song, but wasn't entirely satisfied with her vocals which came in and out with the backing track they played along with her. It certainly wasn't the best performance:


Last years performance of 'What's my name' was much more thrilling, and she looked much curvier too. How much weight has she actually lost?

I found this article quite funny too, as Pixie Lott says she couldn't go down the Bajan's star "raunchy route".
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/3943208/I-couldnt-do-X-rated-like-Rihanna-what-would-Grandad-think.html






Rebecca Ferguson New Single 'Nothing real but Love'



Rebecca Ferguson, the runner up of 2010's X Factor competition is releasing her debut single, 'Nothing real but Love'  on the 27th November, which is on her debut album 'Heaven'. The Liverpool singer ang her new single on The X Factor last night, and was truly mesmerizing.  No one can doubt that she has real talent, and is a sweet girl, so where has she been? Dating One Direction's 18 year old Zayn Malik, who is six years younger than the her. The pair date for four months, but recently split earlier in the summer.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2018177/Rebecca-Ferguson-split-Zayn-Malik-Newly-single-singer-goes-clubbing.html



The 25 year old is back on the music scene, and her new single is really refreshing. She has such a unique and sensual song. Rebecca has co-written all the songs on her album, and the songs reflect her life, and love experiences. The album is out in December, and I am looking forward to hearing it. She has a great voice, and isn't over confident and arrogant, like a lot of great singers these days. The single mother of two has done well picking herself up after the abuse she received about her relationship with Zayn. Here is a video of last night's performance.


I wish her every success (and I think that she'll have a lot) Her voice is stunning and so is she. Her voice reminds me of Macy Gray. I like her humbleness to. An interview with this mornings 'Breakfast' show on BBC1, revealed she is backing Amelia Lily to win this years X Factor.


Sunday 20 November 2011

Little Mix's Flawless Performance of 'Don't Let Go'

Little Mix gave a great and flawless performance of En Vogue's 'Don't let go' last night on The X Factor. There have been rumours of the girl group who have previously given mediocre performances, were auto tuned for last nights song choice. Little Mix's singer Jade said on Twitter, "Thers a cheeky little rumour goin round tht we wer autotuned.. we wernt! It was purely our voices bt we take that as a compliment! X" 

Aside from the fact that she can't spell, I have to have faith and believe that it was just their talent, and that their obvious hard work paid off this week. They also met  The Saturdays this week, but i'm not sure if this really had any difference except it giving them confidence in themselves. 

I love this version of the song, and I think they performed it very well. It was definitely their best performance yet, take a look:

Amelia Lily Fights Diabetes


Amelia Lily, aged 17 has to take four insulin injections a day as she fights Diabetes. X factor's returned contestant says "Adrenalin uses a lot of energy, so I need to decrease my insulin levels before I perform."


She returned to the X Factor last week after Frankie Cocozza was booted off, and says the "stress and pressure" of the show makes it hard for her to control the life threatening disease. She has to be careful that high blood sugar she doesn't make her "go blind."


Amelia is now a favorite the win the singing competition, but she admit's she "used to have fits when she was younger". I admire her for getting up on stage, and still pursuing her dream.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/tv/2011/11/20/x-factor-finals-2011-amelia-lily-on-her-battle-with-diabetes-115875-23574035/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2063830/X-Factor-2011-Amelia-Lily-battling-diabetes-needs-4-injections-day.html

The star was seen "sobbing in the car park the other week" when Frankie Cocozza hooked up with another girl. An OK! interview revealed she thought the story of her romantic attachment to Frankie a "Laughable". According to Amelia, they went to the car park to have a cigarette, nothing more as the papers implied, and that she was crying as he dog was rushed to the vets that evening. She denies saying "I can't believe he's done this", saying the press twisted her words, as she maybe was referring to her dog being blind.

If you want to read more of this exaggerated story, made purely for media attention if you ask me, then go to:
http://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/881073-amelia-lily-denies-becoming-tearful-over-frankie-cocozza-kiss

Last night's performance shows just how determined she is to win the competition. I am no fan of shouty performances as you know, and I feel she does this a little, but I think she has a good image, and I can see why the public are warming to her and voting.

Here is an interview with Amelia Lily celebrating her return to the show:

Saturday 19 November 2011

Craig Colton dating former contestant Danyl Johnson

It has been confirmed that Craig Colton is dating 2009's contestant Danyl Johnson who is bisexual. 

Remember him?



The 29 year old former contestant openly admitted to being bisexual when he was on the show, whilst Craig's homosexuality wasn't confirmed until former contestants Nu Vibe Stefan Romer called Craig a "Bum boy".

The new couple were seen kissing at South Bank on Sunday according to Sun newspaper. Do we believe them? Craig left a tweet saying,
"Had a great night with my pal @DanylAJohnson" and the pair have apparently been inseparable. 

Craig said weeks ago "I have never hidden my sexuality and I am proud if who I am. Nu Vibe are my best mate."





I personally couldn't care less about people's sexuality, it doesn't make any difference to their talent. Fellow contestant Marcus Collins thinks Craig should "concentrate on his performances and not get distracted."
Could someone be jealous?


I am looking forward to see if Craig can sing something as good as last week. Will Janet do any better tonight? Tune in at 20.15 on ITV1.


Thursday 17 November 2011

X Factor Tour 2012 without Frankie.

The final nine X Factor contestants have been confirmed for next years X Factor tour, but Frankie's name is not on the list.


The X Factor 2012 tour starts on the 25th February, at 14 venues across the UK, and ends in April. The final nine contestants include: 


Kitty Brucknell
Johnny Robinson
The Risk
Misha B
Janet Devlin
Craid Colton
Little Mix
Marcus Collins
Amelia Lily




Kitty Brucknell, who was eliminated last week on the show, was overjoyed with being asked to be on the tour. "Being on tour means everything to me, it's been my dream since I was a little girl to perform somewhere like Wembley or the O2" and Johnny Robinson says he is "over the moon".


http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2011/11/17/x-factor-axed-acts-to-play-2012-live-tour-but-there-s-still-no-sign-of-frankie-cocozza-115875-23566418/


It has been rumoured that if Franke Cocozza could clean up his act, and "keep his nose clean" he would be allowed on the 2012 tour. However, it took him only one night before he was back on the town, partying, snorting cocaine, drinking and smoking with lots of women surrounding him.


"He was snorting it secretly behind the backs of his pals."


http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/x_factor/3940498/X-Factors-Frankie-Cocozza-in-new-cocaine-shame.html


I'm not surprised that The X Factor don't want him tagging along causing mayhem on their tour. The 20 year old was then seen going back to his hotel with a girl, and Derry Mensah from The Risk following closely behind. Looks like they are both enjoying their new found fame a little too much.










The tour dates are:




February 25 - Manchester MEN Arena
February 27 - Liverpool Echo Arena
February 29 - Nottingham Capital FM Arena
March 4 - London Wembley Arena (two shows)
March 6, 7 - Dublin O2
March 9, 10 - Belfast Odyssey Arena
March 13 - Aberdeen ECC
March 17 - Glasgow SECC (two shows)
March 19 - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
March 21 - Sheffield Motorpoint Arena
March 25 - Birmingham LG Arena (two shows)
March 27, 28 - Brighton Centre
March 31 - London O2 Arena (two shows)
April 3, 4 - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
If you want to buy tickets, click this link: 2012 tour with Mirror tickets  
They're currently on sale for £32.50, family tickets at £110 (4 tickets max two adults)
Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2011/11/17/x-factor-axed-acts-to-play-2012-live-tour-but-there-s-still-no-sign-of-frankie-cocozza-115875-23566418/#ixzz1e0OyTOrR








At the end of the day, Frankie is a young lad who is just enjoying life. Maybe he took that a little far, but he has definitely lost out this time. Maybe in a few years and after some singing lessons he will be ready to be the 'role model' everyone wants him to be.

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Rihanna's New Album 'Talk that talk' Teaser




Rhianna 's new album 'Talk that Talk' will be released next Monday, 21 November, and it is already at No 12 on the i tunes charts. 

The new album featuring Jay Z and Calvin Harris is the 23 year old's sixth studio album. The track listing has recently been revealed as a teaser for her fans:

1.You da one
2. Where have you been
3.We found love (Feat. Calvin Harris)
4. Talk that talk (Feat. Jay Z)
5.Cockiness (Love it)
6. Birthday cake.
7. We all want love
8. Drunk on love.
9. Roc me out.
10. Watch n' learn
11. Farewell

Deluxe Edition
12. Red lipstick
13. Do ya thing
14 Fool in love

Here is a sneak peak at 'Talk that talk'  from the new album, featuring Jay Z, live.


Rihanna has leaked that "You da one" will be the next single on the album. There are various bad videos made on youtube, which only show the lyrics. I will be putting the official video on here as soon as its released.

A full album review can be read here:



The album is said to be more electro-pop, similar to the lead single 'We Found Love' which was released on the 22nd September. The single produced by Calvin Harris is currently No 1 on the Billboards Hot Single Chart, but has received mixed reviews.

Even though I am a great an of the Barbadian singer, and love her previous album, "Loud" I did find this single at little limited at first, lacking in lyrics and generally quite repetitive.  It has grown on me, but I am pretty sure I would get very sick of it almost instantly if I start playing at home.

I read an article yesterday about Rihanna and how she 'glamourizes' smoking. I even found  a youtube video of her telling the camera her warm up for a gig is a throat sweet, and a cigarette. Great advice Rihanna. I would advise against this.


She does look very sexy smoking, so I can totally see where they are coming from, but isn't this a free world? Then again, her fans include millions of small children who want to be Rihanna. So, following this up I took a look at  the'We Found Love'  music video and was quite taken a back. The video shows Rihanna constantly lighting up a cigarette, having the time of her life drunk and presumably on drugs, and a guy (apparently boyfriend of the week) drawing 'Mine' on her bum. He looks suspiciously like Chris Brown, her ex boyfriend and it follow their crazy drug fueled lifestyle.

Rihanna was also seen entering a well known 'Coffee Shop' in Amsterdam in October which is notorious for selling Cannabis (most coffee shops of course do in Amsterdam). I feel a little sorry for her being under constnat scrutiny just because she is successful. In the Sun's article she says, 

"I just want to make music. That's it." Sick and tired and being a role model for children.




 It's one crazy video, but is a good video (definitely not for little kids however but she can't always conform!). Take a look, its quite intense.


                                   
                                






Monday 14 November 2011

Lady Gaga on X Factor, Rivalry against Adele & Kitty is voted off

Last night's X factor results brought a dramatic performance from Lady Gaga, as well as Kitty Brucknell being kicked off the show.


Lady Gaga performed 'Marry the night'  dressed in a black corpse, looking a little uncomfortable it has to be said. I'm not a fan of Gaga, I have to admit, but I do think she knows how to sing a good pop song, and give a eventful performance every time. 




Lady Gaga is up for 'The Artist of the Year' American Music award, along with five other artists including Adele, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Lil Wayne. But it seems Lady Gaga fans feel threatened that the award may go Adele who has managed to beat Gaga in the best selling charts. She has successfully managed to sell one in ten records this year. Twitter has seen many negative and nasty comments of Gaga's fans, such as "Confirmed: Gaga will not be wearing her meat dress because she is afraid Adele will eat it." and also making a spoof video of the curvaceous and talented pop singer. I am not impressed.



Lady Gaga's executive has apparently said, "Lady Gaga does not approve of bullying anyone for their physical appearance. It goes against everything she stands for."


The Bottom Two

Kitty and Misha B were in the bottom two last night, both giving a great sing off, but I can't say I'm sad about Kitty being voted off. The final acapella performance she gave at the end proved to me exactly why she went in the first place. Over the top and annoying. Who want to bet Kitty will disappear as quickly as she came into our lives on Saturday night?

So, the end of Kitty has come on the X Factor, and this meant that her idol, Lady Gaga rushed to her when the show had finished, bringing her into her dressing room, offering her wine and an apparently half an hour shoulder to cry on. The two dramatic acts can now be best of friends, but I'm sure this won't last more than twenty seconds.




Sunday 13 November 2011

The Risk and Johnny play G.A.Y with Tulisa

The X factor's ex-contestants The Risk and Johnny Robinson performed at G.A.Y in Central London last night with their former mentor Tulisa Contostavlos.


Read full article; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2060970/X-Factor-2011-Tulisa-Contostavlos-shows-support-X-Factor-losers-Johnny-Robinson-The-Risk-London-gig.html

I am definitely warming to the N Dubz star, as at least she is supporting her ex contestants, even when they are no longer on the show. She also supported Amelia Lily when she was booted off at the beginning giving her a birthday cake at G.A.Y, when there was no sign of Kelly Rowland, her actual mentor. Is it because she genuinely likes them, or it is simply because she hasn't got much else going on now N Dubz have split?

Also performing for the first time since last weeks public vote off, was Johnny Robinson. The 45 year old, now unemployed made a very fashionable and camp may I add, appearance. Good for him.


Louis Walsh, his former mentor on X Factor, was no where to be seen, but that doesn't surprise me. Louis Walsh and G.A.Y may have his secret sexuality away. I do love Louis though, although don't really believe it is is all "Gary's fault after what he said to him at the beginning". He seems to think as Gary said at the Judges houses "If he gets through, the one thing i'm going to make sure he doesn't do is behave" To Robbie Williams.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/x_factor/3932292/Louis-Walsh-Frankie-Cocozza-scandal-is-Gary-Barlows-fault.html

Do you think Gary encouraged Frankie? I think Frankie was to blame for Frankie.



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Amelia Lily back on the X Factor



17 year old Amelia Lily is now officially back on The X factor singing competition after she received a staggering 48% of the public vote.

Due to the shocking exit of part boy Frankie Cocozza last week, Amelia Lily has now been given a second chance.  She performed the Queen's hit "The show must go on". Say shes, "When Kelly sent me home after the first week, it was like having my heart ripped out." (Dailymail.co.uk) "I've always wanted to be a star ever since I was a little girl." She obviously has the public backing, so I am personally looking forward to see what she has to bring to the competition, and of course this now means Kelly Rowland has all three acts, whilst Gary Barlow only has two, and Tulisa and Louis let with only one act.

if you want to read the full article which summarizes the whole show last night gave this a read: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2060836/X-Factor-2011-Amelia-Lily-puts-rest-shame-showstopping-return.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Last night's show was an interesting one, beginning with a last minute rewind of the auditions, due to a power cut. Acts such as Janet Devlin and Marcus Collins giving mediocre performances.  I ram really disappointed in Janet, who turned 17 yesterday, as I did have to agree with Gary who said, "I hate to say it, but i'm starting to get a little bit bored of you." I'd be the first to stick up for her, as I am a fan,but the last few weeks haven't been so strong. I hope this changes next week, otherwise she might be in trouble.

Little Mix did an alright job of the Lady Gaga and Beyonce duet, 'Telephone' but there are not really interesting me too much, but I look forward to their performance. Misha B still on top form, and Craig Colton giving a great rendition of 'Paparazzi' by Lady Gaga. I thought he did a really good job, and has finally caught my attention after six weeks.


Saturday 12 November 2011

The Return of The X Factor Contestants




I know this is a very last minute post, but wanted to quickly comment on the return of past contestants on the X factor UK tonight.

As Frankie Cocozza was kicked off the show this week, the four contestants booted off the first week have been given a second chance.

2 Shoes, Amelia Lily, James Michael and Jonjo Kerr returned to the house and set off quite a stir. Misha B and Marcus Collins have both been said to have "both thrown tantrums and their behaviour has been unsportmanslike" (the sun)


Amelia Lily and 2 shoes have refused to come back to the show, so that just leaves the two boys. In tonight's Lady Gaga Vs Queen night, one of the two boys will be able to come back to the competition. I personally am rooting for James Michael. His first performance was a little weak, but I think he is a true musician, and has a really nice tone to his voice. Here is a clip, in case you have forgotten who he is. I found a home made video made of the 20 year old on youtube:



Read more from him, and his reaction:

Bruno Mars It Will Rain in Twilight: Breaking Dawn





Bruno Mars has released a new single, 'Let it Rain'  which was available to buy from  27th September. The video is now officially out to watch, after delays, it came out on the 9th November. Its a great song, really showing his strong vocals and ability to create a hit, and is also quite moody. It is said to be the lead single on the official soundtrack for The new Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part one which we all can't wait to see. The idea of Bruno Mars being played whilst watching the love triangle of Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and the drop dead gorgeous werewolf  Taylor Lautner, thrills me to pieces.



Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part one is going to be released on the 18th November, and I absolutely cannot wait. The official Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for this film was released on the 8th November, produced once again by Alexandra Patsavas, who has been the music director in all previous films in the saga. 

Anyway here is Bruno Mars new official video:



He is beautiful isn't he? If you want to also check out his official website then here in the link:

Tuesday 8 November 2011

Frankie is axed from X Factor



It is official, Frankie Cocozza has been axed from the X Factor today after he broke a 'golden rule' of the competition.
The Sun say he joked about taking Cocaine, whilst The Guardian are saying ITV1 have landed themselves in trouble showing Frankie saying 'Fucking get in there' when he survived the public vote last weekend. They have been under scrutiny after last years Rihanna's raunchy performance and have been told they need to tighten their control over the show with young children and families watching. According to The Guardian they have received hundreds of complaints from viewers as he is seen to glamorize alcohol, swearing and general bad behaviour. 

From the beginning Frankie has been known for his partying and womanizing . We can presume that drug use is not tolerated, but in my opinion I think the bosses got sick and tired or his constant partying, out of control partying and negative influence to the public. Or, it could be that they finally realized he couldn't sing in tune, and couldn't stand the idea of another flat, spoken performance next Saturday night. I think a lot of people are very happy that he has gone, but still sad that The Risk had to be voted off before this happened. We want The Risk back! 

Monday 7 November 2011

Florence and The Machine



Florence and The Machine have caught my attention recently, and are my latest obsession. So, naturally I thought I would do some investigating.

The lead singer, Florence Welsh, born 1986 (only three years older than me) and is known for her dark, intense but catchy songs, fiery red hair and her wild and daring outfits. She has been compared to Kate Bush in vocal style, but I think she is utterly original and has such great talent.

Florence and The Machine consist of various musicians, including bass guitar, drum and percussion, keyboards, backing vocals, guitar and even the harp. They started by playing smaller gigs in the London music scene, and proceeded to playing bigger gigs at  Shoreditch festival in 2007, then playing Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds and Bestival in 2008.

They released their debut album 'Lungs' on 6th July 2009, which was number two in the UK chart for a total of five consistent weeks.  It went on to win Mastercard British Album award at the 2010 BRIT awards, and Florence was nominated Best New Artist, and won Best British Album.


Florence says, " I hope that my music has some of the big themes- sex, death, love, violence- that will still be part of the human story in 200 years time."

http://chicquero.com/2011/10/23/florence-welch-by-craig-mcdean/
(click to see more images)

She split up with long term boyfriend Stuart Hammond, a literary editor, and began watching all of the gorgeous Ryan Gosling  films. He is famous for being in The Notebook. We all know we've been there.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/3896973/Ryan-Gosling-is-Florence-Welchs-cure.html

The Breakup with Stuart inspired her to make the hit album 'Lungs'.

Burt, she wasn't always a confident person, as the Daily Mail's interview with her reveals, "I was so awkward in my own skin. I used to hide behind my hair because I was so ridiculously self-conscious." (dailymail.co.uk)

It just goes to show, how famous stars in the music industry were once just as insecure as the rest of us when they we were growing up.

"I dyed my hair red when I was ten and when I was 11- my my goth period- I dyed it black and I was really into witchcraft. I made mini shrines in my bedroom with candles and tried to cast spells to make the boy in the next class fall in love with me." (dailymail.co,uk) Maybe we all didn't go to these extremes.

'Lungs' sold over 100,000 copies in the UK, a great success. They released the lead single "Kiss with a fist." which is a typical example of what this band do, dark lyrics contrasted with happy melodies.

The second song 'Dog days are over' is another great song, really catchy and has yet again haunting vocals with plenty of the essential reverb effect on her voice. You'll know it when you hear it, I can guarantee it. Unless you never watch TV, or listen to the radio. Another great catchy single is 'Rabbit heart (raise it up)'. Another track you will most definitely have heard around.

The fourth single released was 'Drumming' which is a really moving track, using unusual and powerful percussion and instruments such as the bass, piano, organ, violin, cello,  viola and harp. This is definitely at the top as one of my favourites.

The next single to be released was the cover of Candi Staton's 1986 'You've got the love." a classic, and I really like their take on  it too. She performed this at the BRIT awards joined by Duzzee Rascal rapping, and they released the remix the next day, 'You've got the Dirtee love". Although they are a very unlikely collaboration it seems to really work.



'Cosmic love" was released in July 2010 which featured in several American TV series, including The Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl. I love their use of harp in this track its absolutely stunning.

In September they announced they were re-releasing 'Lungs' and releasing the album 'Between two lungs' which includes many remixes, live performances including those from the itunes festival,  and the collaboration with Dizzee Rascal.

'Heavy in your arms' was the first single on this album, which played in The Twilight Saga; Eclipse in June 2010 credits and was out on the Twilight album. Remember those haunting vocals now? It's one of the darker tracks in their fantastic collection.

Their latest album 'Ceremonials' was released last month (31st October 2011)  is made up of 12 songs. My favourite on the album is the beautiful and mesmerizing 'What the water gave me.' (released in August). It was an instant hit on itunes, and drew in an incredible 1.5 million views in only two days. The song was apparently inspired by the famous novelist Virginia Woolf's suicide. Her voice is perfect in this song, and really inspires me as a singer with its stripped down sections, and unusual key and tone. I also really love the unusual instrumentation, and the arty video is enchanting. Take a look, and if you haven't heard this song yet, be prepared to be blown away:




I can see Florence and The Machine are going to be inspiring and a great new influence on the melodies in Honeygene. Her vocals are delicate, and certainly send shivers down your spine.

Finally, I need to put the clip of Florence and The Machine performing on X factor on Sunday evening with their new single 'Shake it out' (released September 2011) I really like it, and her dress is incredible. She has great stage presence, and her voice is great live. I cannot believed its taken me this long to discover this amazing talent. A real find.



So if you haven't got their albums go download them NOW you will not regret it, every track takes you through an emotional journey and leaves you wishing you could make music like this.