Simon who? It's the return of the X Factor - and no-one seems to miss Mr Cowell as Gary Barlow steps into the role of Mr Nasty

By JODY THOMPSON



X Factor debut: The new-look panel didn't disappoint on the brand new series of the X Factor tonight



It was arguably the most anticipated return of a TV show in years - and the all-new X Factor didn't disappoint tonight.



Cynics had argued beforehand that the departure of head honcho and show mastermind Simon Cowell, along with former judges Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole, would damage the show.



But the new recruits stepped up to the plate - with Gary Barlow surprisingly stepping into Cowell's shoes as the new Mr Nasty.





The new Mr Nasty? Gary Barlow is most definitely the Mr Grumpy of the panel and doesn't hide his displeasure at sub-standard auditions





As the show began, with a montage of all the press over what the show mightily called 'the next generation' and a 'new chapter' of the X Factor, Gary pledged: 'I'm going to be tough, I'm going to be brutal. I think people's perception of me is about to change.'



He certainly seemed to live up to his promise too - to show there's no more Mr Nice Guy from the Take That veteran.



Interestingly, the show also seemed to focus more on the talent than the judges, arguably taking the show back to its roots with what is now the eighth series.





Patience: Gary showed on tonight's show that he certainly doesn't suffer fools gladly - as fellow judge Kelly observed, he is very 'black and white'





First up was cheeky chappie Frankie Cocozza, 18, from Brighton - who said he'd entered 'to get lots of girls' to screams of laughter from the audience.



Talking beforehand, he elaborated: 'I want to try and sleep with as many women as possible. To sum up my life, I’d probably use the word mental. If you came out on a night with me, you’d probably wake up the next morning wondering what happened last night.



'I see myself as a bit of a liability, but I can admit that. I just want to be famous. I want to be huge. I look forward to all the money, and the cars, and showing off, but more than anything I’m looking forward to the girls.'





Cheeky: Frankie Cocozza was one of the early hits with judges on tonight's show





Debut: N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos, wearing an off-the-shoulder leopard print top, was impressed by Frankie's audition





As he took to the stage and introduced himself, he boasted that he'd just come back from Malia and had got seven girls' names tattooed onto his bottom.



He was then challenged by Tulisa to prove it - and he obliged by dropping his trousers and baring cheeks inscribed with seven names in a quite elaborate script.

He said he'd Kelly and Tulisa's names tattooed in his bum too - but only if they paid for it.



He sang a characterful version The Zuton's Valerie - and got the crowd clapping and singing along, before a standing ovation at the end.





Mellow yellow: Kelly Rowland and her new fellow female judge Tulisa seem to get on like a house on fire





Quirky: Tulisa rightly pointed out that Kitty may be a bit of a 'Marmite' contestant





Talking for the first time as an X Factor judge, Tulisa was the first of the panel to comment.



Smiling broadly, she said: 'It's quite clear that the girls seem to already love you and I think after that audition it's about to get a whole lot worse.'



Kelly was next to make her debut on the show, gushing: 'I like you. You know what, I usually like that bad boys. I like your whole vibe, I like the fact you've got eight girls' names tattooed on your bum.'





Up close and personal: Tulisa and Louis got a good view of Goldie's act





Leg over: ....as did Gary....





Gasps: Despite Goldie's antics, Gary just wanted to bring the panel back down to earth and focus on her lack of singing skills





Gary was then next to make his first judgement on the show, and with authority, said: 'I love your stage presence, your Rod Stewart vocals, people are going to love youI really enjoyed every bit of it. The stage presence, the Rod Stewart vocals, I think people are going to love you. Well done.'



A delighted Frankie then gets four yesses and afterwards, said that he would get Kelly and Tulisa's names tattooed onto his bottom and they would be there for the rest of his life.



Next up was Kitty Brucknell, 26, from Gloucestershire, who boasted: 'I know I can sing. I've invented my own brand -it's diva glam pop.'





Nervous: A dressed down Janet Devlin was shaking with nerves when she took to the stage





Big chance: The wannabes are auditioning before hundreds of X Factor fans





You're through: The star was told Tulisa and Kelly wanted to fight over who would mentor her at boot camp





Boot camp bound: The girls had told Kelly that they were huge Destiny's Child fans





Big talent: Heshima Thompson was also through after showing he could sing as well as dance





Aggressive: George fronted up Tulisa, who afterwards slated him for being an 'angry' person



Still swearing, George was then dragged off stage by security, before he proceeded then call Tulisa a dog backstage in front of show host Dermot O'Leary who told him to 'watch his mouth.'



Unsurprisingly, George did not go through to bootcamp...



The new series of the X Factor returns next Saturday on ITV1 at 8pm.





Mariah Carey on X Factor







source: dailymail

Back with a bang! X Factor returns tonight - and new judges are full of fighting talk as they prepare to tackle first lot of wannabes

By JODY THOMPSON



At least he's honest: One of the first to audition on tonight's first show of the new series of X Factor is Frankie Cocozza - who says he wants to win to meet lots of girls



The new series of the X Factor kicks off tonight and the public get to see the new judging panel - Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland, Tulisa and Louis Walsh - put through their paces for the first time.



In this, the eighth series, it's back with a bang and still determined to find the UK's next pop superstar - though one presumes more of the Leona Lewis than the Steve Brookstein variety...





Will she have the judges purring? Contestant Kitty Brucknell would have certainly impressed Simon Cowell in her shiny leggings





In auditions held across the country earlier this year, thousands of wannabes turned up to audition with the stand-out moments debuted tonight on ITV1 - including one cheeky chappy who just wants to win the show to meet girls.



Kelly has certainly been impressed with the standard of talent so far.



Introducing herself at the start of tonight's show, she says: 'The talent coming out of the UK is nothing short of amazing. I cannot wait to find the next big star!





Hot stuff: But will gold jacket and denim short-wearing Candice hit the right notes?





'Being in Destiny’s Child, being a solo artist, I know how tough the industry is - I’ve been here for 15 years. It takes hard work to get to the top and even harder work to stay there.



'I want to find someone who will sell records all over the world. This show could change your life forever.





Keeping it casual: Stefan, who debuts on the show tonight, has a hint of the Olly Murs about him





Yes or no? We'll have to wait until tonight to see how Ray and Roxanne fare after they sing for the judges





As revealed by Mail Online yesterday, he then proceeds to show his naked bottom to the judges to reveal a tattoo he's just had done of the name of a girl he met in Malia, Crete.



Kelly can't quite believe it, laughing: 'Can I just say, I freaking love the UK! You gotta love it here. He came on, he showed his ass, literally. You’ve got to love that.'



Also on the show will be Cheltenham lass Kitty Brucknell, 26, who sings Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory, the wildcard Goldie Cheung, 48, from Hong Kong, who's described as a cross between Tina Turner and a lapdancer, and the early favourite, 16-year-old Janet Devlin.



The X Factor is on ITV1 tonight at 8pm, followed by The Xtra Factor at 9.15pm on ITV2.



Next big thing? Boyband 4 Real will be hoping to follow in the trainer-clad footsteps of JLS



source: dailymail

It's Chew-lisa! X Factor's new judge Ms Contostavlos reveals new £12,000 teeth as part of makeover for show

By JODY THOMPSON





Fangs a lot: New X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos revealed her new £12,000 smile at the launch of the X Factor in London today after having veneers to cover her old teeth, as seen in November 2009 (right)



has now quite literally put her money where her mouth is.



The new X Factor judge has apparently splashed out £12,000 on a gleaming new Hollywood smile - just like Cheryl Cole did before she made her debut on the show.



The 25-year-old brunette beauty debuted her new teeth on the red carpet today at the official launch of the new series of the show at London's O2 Arena.





Girlpower: Tulisa Contostavlos (L) and Kelly Rowland (R) appeared to be best of friends already as they arrived at the X Factor press launch at London's O2 Arena today





Wearing a tight patterned black stain Vivienne Westwood dress and black high heeled platform mary janes, she also premiered a glamorous new sideswept hairstyle with blonde highlights across the fringe.



Tulisa's father Plato Contostavlos confirmed that his daughter had treated herself to new gnashers - and joked he hoped she'd pay for him to get some too.



He improved too, telling The Sun: 'She’s had her teeth done for £12k, why not if it makes her feel better? I want to have mine done for £20k.'





Stylish: The N-Dubz star has ditched the tracksuits and bling for a far more classy appearance, and looked lovely in her Vivienne Westwood frock





Plato added that he understood the pressure Tulisa was under to look good in front of the cameras.



He said: 'She’s beautiful in my eyes because she’s my daughter, but it’s every girl’s dream to improve and to want to look even more beautiful.



'It’s the industry she is in, she needs to look her best. She doesn’t tell me she feels pressurised to look good since she joined The X Factor but she’s a girl, she’s young, of course she does.





Glamorous: The 25-year-old looked comfortable in her own skin as well as a red carpet natural as she met fans outside the venue





'That’s the showbiz life she’s chosen and she wants to stay in it and do well.'



It was recently reported that ITV bosses have splashed out £70,000 on a makeover for the N-Dubz star, in a bid to get her to ditch the shell suits and bling and become more classy.



A production source said at the time: 'They put aside so much for Tulisa because you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.'





X Factor makeover: Cheryl Cole also underwent a style change - including new teeth - before she appeared as a judge on the show





Of her new dental makeover, a source had previously told The Sun: 'Tulisa has not got bad teeth by any stretch of the imagination. She's hardly Austin Powers.



'She had a few problems when she was younger but nothing serious. Since she became famous she has become aware they are not perfectly aligned, so she decided to pay for a bit of help.'



Tulisa's predecessor Cheryl also had a smile makeover ahead of her judging role on the X Factor.



The X Factor returns to our screens this Saturday on ITV1 at 8pm.





She's on fire: Accusations that Tulisa has started to look more like Cheryl have sprung up since the publicity shots for the X Factor were released





New team: Tulisa, in a very Cheryl-style body con dress, with Kelly, Gary and Louis





X FACTOR: Tulisa and Kelly coordinate fashion





X FACTOR: Gary Barlow Vs Simon Cowell





source: dailymail

They're on fire! New generation X Factor judges are confident they have hottest show ever as Gary takes on Simon's role as Mr Nasty

By SARAH FITZMAURICE



Hot stuff: The new line up of the X Factor panel, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland, Gary Barlow and veteran judge Louis Walsh believe they have the best show ever



The panel have had a total revamp this year bringing in fresh new talent Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Gary Barlow to sit alongside veteran judge Louis Walsh.



And the new recruits believe they already have a stellar show lined up, hotter than any past series.



Tulisa and Kelly have revealed they have already seen a number of stand-out acts, while Louis Walsh has claimed he has had the most fun ever with the new line-up.





Showing their metal: Take That's Gary Barlow said: 'There's no one more valid than me, Kelly and Tulisa because we're out there doing it right now. We are selling records, and we're out there doing what these guys want to be doing



And Take That’s Gary Barlow has proved more than confident about the new line-up and said: ‘There’s no one more valid than me, Kelly and Tulisa because we’re out there doing it right now. We are selling records, and we’re out there doing what these guys want to be doing.'



Gary, who has assumed the role of head judge, filling Simon Cowell’s seat, was also the one to deal a shock blow to 35 contestants yesterday.





Twists and turns: Gary, who has assumed Simon Cowell's role on the show has already sent 32 acts home from bootcamp before they even had the chance to sing in a shock twist





The singer and songwriter sent a significant number of bootcamp hopefuls home before they even had the chance to sing.



He told the group:’We don’t believe everyone standing in front of us has the potential to make it all the way in this competition some of you are going home now. I’m so sorry you are going home.’





Talented or talentless? Despina, Frankie, Everyll and Sarah will try their luck on the show, which starts on Saturday





The cull came as a massive shock to contestants but clearly demonstrated that this year’s X Factor is set to be the toughest yet.



And it will also be the biggest with bootcamp contestants set to audition in front of thousands and the show will be ending with a gigantic live final at Wembley Arena in front of 10,000 fans.



While Kelly has admitted that she has a ‘nurturing side’ she will also be straight talking and speaking of giving feedback to contestants she said: ‘I would never want to sugar-coat anything.’





Dressed to impress: Girl group Glow perform, but did they make it to bootcamp?





And the former Destiny’s Child signer believes she can perform, and win, with whatever category she is given and said: ‘I am confident that I can do well in all categories because the talent is there.’



She added: ‘I know once the competition stars things will get competitive! We’re competitive people!’



Meanwhile Tulisa is keeping schtum about which group she would like to work with and said: ‘I don’t want the other judges to know who I want as they might try and grab them.’





Glamour girls: While Tulisa and Kelly have said the new panel gets on great they have both displayed their competitive edge and want to be the one to win the competition





Gary has tipped the northern leg of the auditions as the best and said: 'Liverpool and Manchester have been stand out cities for me.'



While Louis added: 'Glasgow and Cardiff especially surprised us this year.'



And speaking of how Gary took Simon's role on day one the Irish music mogul said: 'I was expecting to be head judge this year, but on day one Gary stole my head judge mug and sat in Simon's old seat... there's always next year.



The new series of the X Factor starts on Saturday on ITV1.





'I wanted Simon's seat': Louis Walsh has revealed how he wanted to replace Simon Cowell but Gary Barlow has taken over the role as head judge and sent bootcamp hopefuls home yesterday in a shock twist







source: dailymail

She's DEFINITELY got the X Factor! Bikini babe Tulisa shows off her curves on sunshine break in Ibiza

By SARAH BULL



Bikini babe: New X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos showed off her curves in a black bikini while on holiday in Ibiza earlier this week



She's soon to hit our television screens in the judging panel of the X Factor.



But before it all kicks off later this month, Tulisa Contostavlos has been making the most of a few rare days off on a holiday with friends in Ibiza.



The 23-year-old singer was seen showing off her toned curves in a black two-piece as she made the most of the sunshine and enjoyed a dip in the warm water.





Toned: Despite her enviable figure, N-Dubz singer Tulisa said in a previous interview she rarely watches what she eats





Tulisa displayed her enviable figure in the on-trend high-waisted bikini, and smiled widely as she messed around with friends including former Misteeq singer Su-Elise Nash.



However, despite her incredible physique, Tulisa admitted in a previous interview that watching her weight isn't something she has to worry about.



She said: 'My diet is terrible, I don't know how I stay slim, I should really be obese! Sometimes I can eat healthily if I fancy cooking or I'll eat out. Anything I want - that's my diet!





Chilling out: Tulisa took a moment to chat to friend Su-Elise Nash as she enjoyed the warm weather





'If I'm hungry I'll eat, and I'll eat anything that's there. And I don't drink water! Lucozade, Ribena or apple juice that is all I drink, all day long, so I'm pretty unhealthy.'



Tulisa will be seen hitting our TV screens alongside fellow judges Kelly Rowland, Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh when X Factor begins on ITV1 on 20th August.



In her official interview before the new series begins, Tulisa admitted she would be relying heavily on her 'glam squad' to help her look flawless on the small screen.





Squeal! The 23-year-old singer screams as she is splashes with water by an energetic friend





Smiles all around: Tulisa appeared to be in good spirits as she basked in the sunshine in Ibiza





Messing around: Tulisa fought one of her friends as she sat on the shoulders of Su-Elise





Taking a dip: Tulisa cooled off in between her sunbathing with regular trips to the cool swimming pool





The first X Factor 2011 promo - The X Factor





source: dailymail

Tulisa knows how to get the X Factor as she copies Cheryl Cole's fishtail plait for Liverpool auditions

By SARAH BULL

Copycat: Tulisa Contostavlos sported a fishtail plait almost identical to Cheryl Cole's as she arrived at the X Factor auditions in Liverpool today


It must be hard living in the shadow of previous X Factor judge Cheryl Cole.

So Tulisa Contostavlos could be forgiven for using Cheryl for style inspiration as she takes to the panel for this year's sereis.

The 23-year-old singer arrived at the X Factor auditions in Liverpool today sporting a side fishtail plait almost identical to Cheryl's style last October.


Lady in red: Tulisa looked stunning in her red pleated dress, which she teamed with black mesh sandals

And it's not the first time Tulisa has taken inspiration from Cheryl's previous looks, as she was seen wearing a hooded dress similar to the ones favoured by Cheryl as she took to the stage at T4 On The Beach over the weekend.

But despite her copycat hairstyle, Tulisa, who is celebrating her 23rd birthday today, looked stunning in a chic red pleated dress and black mesh heeled sandals as she posed for photographers outside the auditions.

Meanwhile, Tulisa's fellow judge Kelly Rowland also caused a stir as she arrived for the auditions.


Happy birthday! Tulisa, who turns 23 today, was greeted with a huge cheer as she got out of her car


Kelly, 30, showed off her incredible figure in a pair of tiny floral shorts, teamed with a blue vest top and navy jacket, teamed with huge orange platform sandals and a huge pair of sunglasses.

Arriving in the city, Kelly tweeted: 'Alright Liverpool... Bring it on!'
She later added: 'Everyone wish my fellow #XFactor judge @officialtulisa a happy happy birthday!!!'

The girls' fellow X Factor judges Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh also cut a smart appearance as they arrived at Liverpool's Echo Arena for the auditions.


Leggy lady: Kelly Rowland also caused a stir in her outfit - a pair of floral shorts with a blue vest top and platforms


Last night, Tulisa was photographed playing it safe in a black dress and tights as she celebrated her birthday out in Liverpool.

Tulisa teamed her skater-style dress with a pair of huge sunglasses and swept her long brown hair to the side as she headed out with members of the X Factor team including presenter Dermot O'Leary.

Later in the evening, X Factor presenter Dermot tweeted his followers a picture of Tulisa enjoying her birthday cake with the caption, 'Happy birthday young lady!'



Greeting the fans: The former Destiny's Child singer looked delighted as she waved to fans and signed autographs


Making her way in: Kelly waves as she arrives at Liverpool's Echo Arena for the next round of auditions


He later added: 'That, by the way is Tulisa. And it's her birthday, and it's a cake etc etc.'

Meanwhile, despite Tulisa's profile being increased dramatically since her inclusion on the X Factor judging panel, it seems she is struggling to adjust to her elevated celebrity status.

She revealed to her Twitter followers yesterday: 'So apparently I have 2 bring security with me if I go ibiza this year? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.


Here come the boys: Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh looked smart in their outfits as they arrived


Posing up: Louis smiled widely as he had a picture taken with a group of fans


'I think they must be doing it in case any1 starts with me and they have 2 hold me back 2 stop me getting in2 trouble!'

She later added: 'This year I shall b sporting boxer shorts on my head instead of thongs,even more gold chains & a new tat saying CHAVTASTIC on my forehead!'

But while Tulisa might be struggling to comprehend her elevated level of fame, it's working well for her band N-Dubz.


Understated: The night before, Tulisa didn't quite have the X Factor in her plain black outfit as she celebrated her birthday in Liverpool


Cake time! X Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary tweeted a picture of Tulisa with her birthday cake at the restaurant in Liverpool

source: dailymail