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The judges certainly don’t! Their collective uttah indifference throughout season 2 — save for the occasional scripted standing O, shown above — has made it damn near impossible for me to feel that strongly about which of three talented but not awe-inspiring contestants should win. I tried to give The X Factor the benefit of the doubt this season. But if the judges can’t even remember these people’s names, why should viewers?

Update: Annie’s recap of the finals is live.

I wanted to like The X Factor more. I was set to really embrace its exaggerated pomp, delight in Britney Spears’ stankfaces,...

The Top 3 X Factor acts — Fifth Harmony, Tate Stevens, and Carly Rose Sonenclar — will duet with celeb musicians during Wednesday’s season 2 finale on Fox. Nashville-based country act Little Big Town will join Stevens — apparently, Garth Brooks was busy, but this seems like a good matchup. LeAnn Rimes will sing with Sonenclar, an interesting choice since the 13-year-old generally prefers big diva ballads and has yet to go country. Demi Lovato, the only X Factor judge with no act in the Final 3, will join teen queens Fifth Harmony. The girl group earned some of their best raves after performing “Give...

Thursday night’s elimination episode of X Factor will send three of the four remaining acts into the finals, but last year’s third-place finalist, Chris Rene already has plans for at least one them -- fellow Californians Emblem3. The 29-year old Santa Cruz native told The Hollywood Reporter that he will be working on material for Emblem3’s debut album, which at this point in the competition seems a certainty, regardless of next week’s finale. Story: 'X Factor' Burning Questions: Is Emblem3 Box Office Bound? “I like their talent,” said Rene, who just released his own record, “I’m Right Here,”

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Sometimes I wish I’d stuck with my late-’90s foray into yoga, the better to watch The X Factor while balanced on the top of my noggin. I mean, we’re all desperately seeking a different vantage point from which to make sense of this loud, brightly lit, oftentimes confounding affair, right?

Until I become the best-selling author of How Slezak Got His Namaste Back, however, I’m just going to have to rely on my old friends sauvignon blanc and incredulousness to help me endure the supercalifragilisticwhattheeffjusthappened-ness of it all.

Yes, Ameirca, recoil in terror as Britney Spears...

“X Factor” alum Chris Rene won over America with this singing on television and now he’s set to take the music world by storm again with the release of his debut album, “I’m Right Here” on Syco/Epic Records, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The album, which was released October 2, celebrates the singer’s year of sobriety and Rene will be stopping by to talk about his album on FilmOn.com! Rene will be on FilmOn.com Tuesday, October 9, to discuss the album as well as perform two songs live. Also, the show will have Rene’s fans live in the studio and fans chatting on Skype will be able to talk with [ Read More ]

The post X Factor’s Chris Rene To Perform Live On FilmOn October 9 appeared first on Shockya.com.

HollywoodLife.com caught up with Chris Rene Exclusively to talk all about his new album, life after 'X Factor' and more! Read on for more details and to watch the video! Chris Rene released his first album since competing on X Factor and it's totally amazing! HollywoodLife.com caught up with the 29-year-old to talk about everything from his first single "Trouble" to his latest hit "Rockin' With You" -- which he revealed is about a very special lady in his life! Hmm! Watch HollywoodLife.com reporter Nicole Karlis and Chris chat all about his album, life after X Factor and more! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJBSexw5dqo More X Factor: Britney Spears Dances Up A Storm On ‘X Factor’ — She Can Definitely Move ‘The X Factor’ Recap: Gene Simmons’ Daughter Sophie Wows The Judges ‘X Factor’ Recap: Krysten Colon Throws A Fit After Being...

Bring on the dancing dogs! America’s Got X Factor finished its Season 2 auditions Thursday night, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how the Pekingese and the Poodle fare when they get to Boot Camp.

Okay, okay, I’m being a cranky beast from Hades, but Thursday night’s X Factor installment felt more like NBC’s summer variety special than a search for a legitimate musical superstar. There was the 13-year-old kid who passed out backstage from “dehydration” — a dark part of my brain imagined him whispering “Mom, did you slip my that Rohypnol like I asked you to?...

After all the intense hype that went into who the celebrity judges were going to be on this season's The X Factor, they're finally here and ready to do their job!

The show just tweeted a photo of Britney Spears and Demi Lovato going to their first X Factor audition alongside L.A. Reid, and clearly, the enthusiasm is there with both ladies smiling hugely.

Video: First Look -- Britney & Demi as 'X Factor' Judges

It's already shaping up to be a much more exciting season than the last!

Related: Chris Rene Talks Life After 'X Factor'

Season two of The X Factor premieres later this fall on Fox.

Last night, America crowned Phillip Phillips, the 21-year-old pawn shop worker from Georgia, as the latest "American Idol."

This should've come as a surprise to exactly no one, given that Phillip is now the fifth in an uninterrupted line of "White Guys With Guitars" who have snagged the coveted crown over the past few seasons. I was noting the bias towards "Wgwg" way back in my recap of the Top 24 -- although in those halcyon days, I was foolishly giving the edge to Colton, just because he was more conventionally attractive (and more annoying), even going so far as to note: "He's white, male and can play an instrument, so he'll probably win." Close enough, right?

Clearly, I was discounting the sympathy votes Phil-Phil would earn for his kidney problems, but I did note that he had one of the stand-out performances in the first live round. I've enjoyed a...

Take a gander at your brand new, all-star panel of judges for season two of The X Factor!

The photo, posted by show creator and co-judge Simon Cowell, shows Spears and Lovato smiling alongside himself and L.A. Reid. The sitting judge posted the pic to his Twitter mere moments after confirming the worst kept secret in history at the Fox upfronts in New York City.

"Can't believe it's finally happened," he wrote with the accompanying photo. "Very exciting!"

Related: Chris Rene Talks Life After 'X Factor'

Britney Spears could hardly contain her excitement about the new gig, telling those gathered at the NYC panel that the experience will "be so different from anything I've ever done… I'm so excited!"

Demi Lovato beams she's "excited to represent my generation," already showing off her competitive spirit for the program as she adds confidently, "I'm going to find the winner!"

Related: Why Britney Shouldn't Join 'X Factor'

Keep...

It's been almost five months since Chris Rene lost out on The X Factor's $5 million prize, but to hear the 29 year old tell it, coming in third was the best thing that could have happened to him.

"On The X Factor there were things I really couldn't say or do," Chris tells Insider.com. "Melanie [Amaro, winner], Josh [Krajcik, runner-up] and I all have certain things we get to do now that we have record deals, and one of those is the freedom to finally unleash."

Related - Why Britney Spears Should Not Join X Factor

Fans will feel that freedom on the debut album Chris is putting the finishing touches on and aims to release this summer. "It's a much different me than you heard on the show," he reveals of the disc's tone. "I've grown a lot since then and the album has a lot of different sounds on it. I sing and I rap on it -- but...

American Idol alum James Durbin joins THR on the Idol Hangover couch this week to talk about his performance on Thursday's elimination show, being "the rebel" of season 10 and inspiring fellow Santa Cruz native Chris Rene to audition for X Factor. The rocker's endless charm, which delighted millions last year, is on full display during the interview as Durbin offers invaluable advice to the season 11 finalists and performs the song "Right Behind You" for Idol Hangover viewers.  Video: 'American Idol': Randy Jackson on Judges' Decision to Save Jessica Sanchez  Also on deck: a recap of Durbin's show at Hollywood's

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While 'Won't Make a Fool Out of You' will appear on 'Think Like a Man' soundtrack, Canty is also at work on debut LP.

By Christina Garibaldi

Marcus Canty

Photo: MTV News

He may have finished in fourth place on "The X Factor," but Marcus Canty should definitely consider himself a winner. Earlier this year, the R&B singer signed a deal with mentor L.A. Reid at Epic Records, along with fellow contestants Chris Rene and Astro, and now he has just released his first single, "Won't Make a Fool Out of You."

The smooth ballad, which shows off Canty's vocal strength, will be featured on the soundtrack to the film "Think Like a Man," but Canty promises he was thinking only of the ladies when making the song.

"This is strictly for the ladies," Canty told MTV News. "What the fellas can do with this, you can take it...

Chris Rene has released the video for his debut single 'Young Homie'. The singer - who finished in third place on last year's X Factor USA - signed a record deal with Epic Records in January. Rene chose to release the self-penned track as his debut single after he performed it during his X Factor audition. Speaking about writing the song, he told AOL Music: "At that point I had an apartment, I had a job and a car. I was clean and (more)...

After nabbing third place during Season One of the U.S. version of The X Factor, Chris Rene launched his professional singing career this week with the debut of his first music video. Singing “Young Homie,” a song he originally performed on the show, Rene reintroduces himself to fans via a clip that highlights his past struggles as he emphasizes a bright and successful future. Photos: 'X Factor' Finale: The High and Low Notes Before his appearance on The X Factor, Rene performed vocals in the prog-rock band Diversion before entering rehab for alcohol and drug abuse. After

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Chris Rene performed "Young Homie" at his "X Factor" audition, and instantly caught the attention of the judges and fans.Rene’s audition footage and original song went viral, getting over 13 million views on YouTube. The 29-year-old artist went on to place third in the competition behind competition winner Melanie Amaro and runner-up Josh Krajcik.This fun video takes place in Chris' hometown of Santa Cruz, including the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Rene was signed to Epic Records, and is currently working on his first studio album, to be released this year.Check out the music video below! Are you a fan of the song? Read more...

'X Factor' vet, who recently signed deals with Nickelodeon and Columbia Records, tells MTV News, 'Everything worked out perfectly.'

By Christina Garibaldi

Rachel Crow

Photo: MTV News

It was the most shocking elimination of the first season of "The X Factor" when Rachel Crow was sent home in December. The 13-year-old, known for her infectious personality and smile, dropped to her knees in tearful exit, saying to the crowd, "I hope this is not my ending. You know what? I know it's not, and I will go so far. I promise you, and I love you."

It seems Crow was right: Just last month, the young star signed an overall talent deal with Nickelodeon to star in her own comedy series and signed a record deal with Columbia Records. MTV News caught up with Crow recently in Los Angeles, who revealed that she has no regrets about...

The show's latest finalists leave this writer wondering where the Kelly or Carrie will come from.

By Gil Kaufman

"American Idol" Top 13 contestants

Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty images

Dear America,

You don't know me, but I'm the guy who's been sitting on his couch for several hours each week for nearly 10 years yelling things like, "Are you effing kidding me?," "Seriously, that guy/girl?" and "Oh, come on, how is it possible that we're even watching the same show?"

I did it because, like you, I was entranced by "American Idol" and the drama of watching potential stars climb their way to the top each week. I held on because I knew the payoff would be that triumphant final night when the confetti falls, Lionel Richie (or Kiss, or some other act your mom loves) sings a duet with a finalist and we get to hear that awful coronation song...

London, Feb 29: Canadian singer Avril Lavigne says she wants to be an "X Factor" judge.

The 27-year-old, who dueted with finalist Chris Rene in the season one finale, has reportedly approached show boss Simon Cowell about the prospect of taking one of the vacant seats on the panel following the axing of Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul.

Lavigne believes she "would be a good addition to the show" because she started her music career when she was just 17. So she thinks she would be in a useful position to advise the contestants, reports tmz.com.

A host of stars have been linked with the vacant judging roles on the.

Avril Lavigne wants to be an 'X Factor' judge. The 27-year-old singer - who dueted with finalist Chris Rene in the season one finale - has reportedly approached show boss Simon Cowell about the prospect of taking one of the vacant seats on the panel following the axing of Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul. According to gossip website TMZ, Avril believes she would be a good addition to the show because she started her music career when she was just 17 so thinks she would be in a useful position to advise the contestants. Avril is already very close to one of the judges on the show - record label boss L.A. Reid, who gave her her first record deal...

Avril Lavigne wants to be an 'X Factor' judge. The 27-year-old singer - who dueted with finalist Chris Rene in the season one finale - has reportedly approached show boss Simon Cowell about the prospect of taking one of the vacant seats on the panel following the axing of Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul. According to gossip website TMZ, Avril believes she would be a good addition to the show because she started her music career when she was just 17 so thinks she would be in a useful position to advise the contestants. Avril is already very close to one of the...

With two judging slots to fill, it seems the folks at "X Factor" might not have to look far to fill one of the spots ... because former L.A. Reid protégé Avril Lavigne is interested in the gig ... TMZ has learned. According to our sources, Avril had her people reach out to the folks at "X Factor" to let them know she'd like to be considered for the job. Our sources says Avril feels that since...

Chris Rene has made his first post-X Factor USA single 'Young Homie' available to stream. The 29-year-old musician, who finished third in the first season of the Fox reality show last year, chose to record the song that got him through his very first X Factor audition as his debut single. 'Young Homie' can now be heard online ahead of its official March 30 release on iTunes.

> 'X Factor' USA's Chris Rene: 'I was born to entertain people' Rene was given a record deal with Epic Records last month. His X Factor USA mentor La Reid said of the contestants he has signed: "We have high expectations for them, but we don't kid ourselves in believing that we can microwave artists and start them overnight. "We're patient enough to take the right amount of time and do this properly." (more)...

Crow will star in Nickelodeon musical comedy pilot and release album on Columbia Records.

By Gil Kaufman

Contestant Rachel Crow appears on "X-Factor"

Photo: Fox

After one of the most famous elimination breakdowns in reality singing competition history, "X Factor" finalist Rachel Crow has bounced back in a major way. The curly-haired cutie who charmed America during her run on the first American season of the Simon Cowell-created show has not only landed a record deal, but she's also prepping her TV series debut.

Though she went out in fifth place on "Factor," Crow has become the sixth top finisher from the show to land a recording contract, following in the footsteps of $5 million winner Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene, Astro, Marcus Canty and runner-up Josh Krajcik.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Crow has signed a talent deal with Nickelodeon (which, like MTV, is owned by Viacom Inc.) that will...

Miss Jackson may have hinted she'll be joining Simon and Co. at the judges table on the next season of 'X Factor.' Janet Jackson stumbled to answer Anderson Cooper's question about whether she'll be a judge on Fox's The X Factor next season, People reported. "No, I'm not a judge on The X Factor," Janet could only respond. Janet played coy with Anderson on his eponymous talk show in the episode set to air Monday, Feb. 20. "You're not currently a judge on The X Factor," Anderson confirmed. "No, I am not," Janet replied laughing, "but that's all I really think I should say." Two spots remain open next to Simon Cowell after the exits of judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger. Do You think Janet can stand up to Simon? Who else should be a judge on The X Factor next season? --Emily Morgan More X Factor...

[flv custom_thumbnail="http://youtu.be/0Z03uWhfG3s1328290995015" width="600" height="320"]http://youtu.be/0Z03uWhfG3s/flv] Melanie teams up with Elton for a Pepsi ad that will air during the big game on Feb. 5! The highly anticipated Pepsi commercial starring X Factor winner Melanie Amaro and Elton John has been released! In the Super Bowl commercial, Melanie, 19, sings Aretha Franklin's "Respect" in front of the ruthless "King" Elton, who decides whether or not his subjects will receive a Pepsi for their talent. Watch the video and tell us what you think, HollywoodLifers! More Melanie Amaro News ‘X Factor’ Winner Melanie Amaro’s Super Bowl Commercial Revealed It’s Official! Melanie Amaro Signs A $5 Million Recording Contract With Epic Records How ‘X Factor’ Finalists Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene & Josh Krajcik Spent Their Holidays...

[flv custom_thumbnail="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRs-pLNW6cY1328121229113" width="600" height="350"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRs-pLNW6cY/flv] The Elton John-assisted clip for Pepsi will be one of the brightest moments of the big game -- check out new video from the spot right now! The X Factor winner Melanie Amaro will be getting her biggest break yet during a Pepsi Super Bowl advertisement with Elton John, and now we have our first sneak peek of the spot! Melanie, 19, shines in this behind the scenes look at her shot, and she looks great and seems confident during this Huge medieval-themed spot. She even has the chance to belt out Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” -- how fun! We can't wait to see the final product on Feb. 5! Are You so excited to see the whole spot, HollywoodLifers? -- William Earl More Melanie: It’s Official! Melanie Amaro Signs A $5 Million Recording Contract With Epic Records How ‘X Factor’ Finalists Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene & Josh Krajcik Spent Their...

Hot on the heels of a real tragedy, sources close to The X Factor say that judge Nicole Scherzinger will join host Steve Jones in their expulsion from the harsh, red galaxy. Nicole will not return for season 2, having received Simon Cowell’s blessing to go forth — far, far, away… no, no, a little farther… please, love, if you could just keep walking — and work on her music.

Since turning my “I love Steve Jones” post inside out and doing “10 Things I Won’t Miss About Nicole Scherzinger” seemed a bit cruel, here’s a benign roundup of some of...

December’s two-part X-factor finale on Fox pulled out all the stops with the three finalists, Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene partnering with superstars Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morissette and R. Kelly. While the X-Factor finalists continued to bask in the success of the show — Rene recently signed with Epic Records — the show’s host Steve Jones tweeted to his followers that he won’t be back for season two. “I won’t be hosting next seasons XFactor which is a shame but I cant complain as I’ve had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show,” tweeted the 34-year-old Welshman.

X Factor USA finalist Brian 'Astro' Bradley has said that signing with Epic Records was a predictable choice. The 15-year-old rapper inked a deal with X Factor mentor La Reid's label this week, following in the footsteps of winner Melanie Amaro and fellow finalists Marcus Canty and Chris Rene. Appearing on MTV's Rap Fix Live, Astro said that he was looking forward to continuing his professional relationship with Reid, who he feels is the best person to lead him through the beginning stages of his career. "I'm just excited 'cos now I feel ilke it's actually a job. I'm 15 and I can say I'm flyin' here to work on an album. It's exciting for me," he explained. "A lot of people probably predicted it, but I'm signed! It's awesome, man. I'm real close to La and the first (more)...

Third-place 'Factor' finisher will be working with L.A. Reid again.

By Gil Kaufman

Chris Rene

Photo: Mark Davis/ Getty Images

You might be hearing "Young Homie" on the radio soon. Santa Cruz garbage man turned "X Factor" third-place finisher Chris Rene has signed a deal with Epic Records, where he will be reunited with his "Factor" mentor, Epic boss L.A. Reid.

"I've dreamt about this moment my whole life," Rene told Entertainment Weekly. "And now it's here. Working with L.A. Reid — 'Big Homie' — is -- 'Big Homie' -- is a dream come true; he's a great man."

Rene will be labelmates with another "Factor" finalist, fourth-placer Astro, the teenage rapper who revealed to MTV News on Tuesday that he would also be teaming with Reid at Epic.

Rene was one of the breakout stars in the first season of "Factor," winning both hearts and minds with his falsetto singing/ laconic...

In another case of talent being recognized despite not winning it all, The X Factor runner-up Chris Rene has signed a record deal.

More: Melanie Amaro After Her 'X Factor' Pay Day

According to EW, the crooner confirmed that he will be officially signing to Epic Records after finishing third in the show's first season.

More: Who Won 'The X Factor'?

"I've dreamt about this moment my whole life, and now it's here," Rene said. "Working with L.A. Reid is a dream come true."

More: The Superstar Duets of 'The X Factor' Finals

Rene was one of the most watched performers on the show due to his compelling backstory and obvious talent.

Chris Rene has signed a recording contract with Epic Records. The X Factor USA runner-up joined winner Melanie Amaro in inking a deal with the Sony Music subsidiary.

> 'X Factor' USA's Chris Rene: 'Avril Lavigne duet was amazing' Rene expressed his excitement following the announcement on Tuesday (January 17), and credited his X Factor mentor and Epic boss La Reid with helping him come so far. "I've dreamt about this moment my whole life. And now it's here. Working with La (more)...

The unforgettable Chris Rene is officially living his dream, after placing third on 'The X Factor' last season Just as HollywoodLife.com first said, The X Factor finalist Chris Rene is in the process of signing a deal with Epic Records and he confirmed the news himself. “I’ve dreamt about this moment my whole life,” the 29-year-old singer told Entertainment Weekly. “And now its here. Working with L.A. Reid — ‘Big Homie’ – is a dream come true; he’s a great man." Chris first charmed America with his original song "Young Homie," which landed him a spot on the hit Fox reality show. Based on his strong song writing ability and his charismatic personality, there's not a doubt in our minds Chris won't excel at selling records and shows. Are You excited to hear his work as a solo artist? More ‘X Factor:’ Kirstin Says: Is Rachel Crow,...

Chris Rene has said that he was born to entertain people. The X Factor finalist told TVLine that he has been performing ever since he was a child.

> 'X Factor' USA's Chris Rene: 'Performing original song was healing' Rene said: "When I look at the pictures of what I used to do when I was younger, I'm like, 'Damn. I used to do that'. "I used to take dance class back when I was 8, and looking at those pictures, I still have the same smile, the same everything from when I was a little kid. I was definitely born like this and born to do this. "There's this one shot of me in dance class, at my old elementary school, wearing black pants, black shoes and this black jacket. I was the only guy in the picture, and the rest were girls, but I just wanted to do it,...

Chris Rene has admitted that he was not afraid when he faced the X Factor USA judges at his first audition. The 29-year-old musician - who finished third on the first season of the Fox reality show - reflected on his time in the competition during an interview with TVLine.

> 'X Factor' USA grand final: Melanie, Chris, Josh in pictures Recalling his first audition, Rene said: "Let me tell you, I had nothing to lose at that point. In that kind of life that I'd been living, you've got a lot to lose. You have your life you could lose on a daily basis. And being clean and sober, fresh out of rehab - whether I was in the spotlight or wherever - that chance to be on the stage and show them who I was, that meant more to me than anything. "I did not have fear...

Chris Rene showed off the many sides of his personality during Season 1 of The X Factor: Crowd-pleasing urban artist, sensitive acoustic troubador, and optimistic young dad struggling to overcome a drug addiction. TVLine caught up with the third-place finisher to talk about his memorable audition, his fight to perform a second original track during the season, and a live-performance snafu you may or may not have caught.

Your performance of “Young Homie” was probably the most memorable of all the auditions from Season 1 of The X Factor. After it aired, though, a lot of people wondered if competing on a huge,...

X Factor USA winner Melanie Amaro has said that knowing she has the support of the public is one of the best things to come out of her experience on the show. The 19-year-old won the $$5 million recording contract prize and the chance to appear in a Pepsi Super Bowl commercial when she triumphed in the December 22 finale over fellow finalists Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene. Speaking on Live with Kelly!, the singer said: "I think the best part [of The X Factor] is having all the support, just having so many people support you and show so much love, because all your life, I think, a lot of people look for a lot of love from people. "To get that from so many people that support you on Twitter and so many different places and say, 'We love you, we support you, and we're here for you...' That, for me, was a really big part.

Is Chris the most adorable dad or what? His son definitely has his father's music gene! X Factor's Chris Rene is already a swoon-worthy crooner, but this new video is beyond amazing. The hot papa makes music with his little son Ryan — and the kid can jam! Ryan is such a little mini-me of Chris! As his dad rocks out, the toddler dances and proves he'll be a super star some day, too! What do You think? Is this the cutest video or what? More of Chris Rene: ‘X Factor’ Runner-Up Chris Rene Is One Sexy Dad! How ‘X Factor’ Finalists Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene & Josh Krajcik Spent Their Holidays Simon Cowell Wants To Sign ‘X Factor’ Runners-up Josh Krajcik & Chris Rene...

X Factor USA winner Melanie Amaro has said that Simon Cowell will continue to be her mentor now that the show has ended. The 19-year-old was mentored to victory by Cowell on the debut season of the Fox competition, winning the $$5 million recording contract and Pepsi Super Bowl commercial prize over fellow finalists Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene in December. During an interview with Access Hollywood the singer was asked if she had spoken to Cowell since the finale, replying: "I have. He just wanted to let me know he's enjoying himself in Barbados! He was just saying Merry Christmas and sending holiday wishes to me." As for Cowell's future involvement in her career, she said: "He's going to help with the music process, picking the music for the album, helping with the commercial. He'll continue to be my mentor." (more)...

If the rumors are true, Chris' name will be added to the list of 'X Factor' stars to land a record deal! And we can't wait! Chris Rene may not have landed the winning $5 million contract with Epic Records on the X Factor season finale, but according to our sources, a deal with Epic is still possible. While nothing has been confirmed yet, the Hollywood Reporter also reports that a deal between Chris and Epic is in the works. HollywoodLife.com has reached out to Epic to confirm but has yet to receive a response. Chris placed third in the X Factor finale and was mentored by L.A. Reid. Now that winner Melanie Amaro has signed her contract with Epic Records and Rachel Crow is meeting with Disney -- we can't wait to see where these X Factor stars end up! What do you think, HollywoodLifers? Are you...

The X Factor USA winner Melanie Amaro has said that she hopes to work with Mariah Carey and Ne-Yo in the future. The 19-year-old triumphed on the debut season of the Fox singing competition in December, scooping the record-breaking $$5 million prize over fellow finalists Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene. She recently signed a deal with Epic Records where she will work alongside her mentor Simon Cowell and judge La Reid, who is the label's chairman and CEO. During an appearance on 106 & Park on Wednesday, Amaro said: "There's lots of people I want to work with. There so many different artists I think have so much talent that I think would really complement me and my voice. "I really, really want to do a song with Mariah, like, oh my God, she is like my idol. I also want to work with Ne-Yo, cause (more)...

Can the first crop of “X Factor” finalists strike sales gold (or platinum) for Sony Music? The record company certainly hopes so as it moves into final stages of negotiations with at least four of the contestants. Both winner Melanie Amaro and finalist Chris Rene are in discussions with Sony’s Epic imprint, which is run by “X Factor” judge Antonio “L.A.” Reid, according to The Hollywood Reporter. However, Hits Daily Double says that Amaro’s deal is already done and that she will start in a Pepsi Super Bowl commercial in February as well. Additionally, runner-up rocker Josh Krajcik and one-named Astro...

After winning 'The X Factor,' Melanie Amaro is now cashing in on her mega win The X Factor's Melanie Amaro is the winner of the largest prize in TV history and now she's officially collecting her goods -- a $5 million recording contract with L.A. Reid's Epic Records and her own Pepsi commercial. Epic Records -- which is one of Sony's labels -- announced they had officially signed the 19-year-old British Virgin Islands singer in a release Jan. 3. "I joined The X Factor to be able to discover undeniable talent such as Melanie," L.A. said in a statement. "I am pleased that she is now signed to Epic Records because I believe we have only scratched the surface on uncovering her talent and her inevitable journey to super-stardom." Although we knew Melanie was guaranteed a signing deal, we're still waiting to hear about the runners up...

Simon Cowell has revealed that several X Factor USA finalists will receive Sony Music record deals. The music mogul mentored 19-year-old Melanie Amaro to victory on the show's first season earlier this month, thereby automatically guaranteeing her a $$5 million recording contract. However, Cowell has since said that runner-up Josh Krajcik and third-placed contestant Chris Rene will most likely also be signed to the label, as will fellow Top 12 finalist Brian 'Astro' Bradley, who left the competition in seventh place. Cowell explained the process of signing the acts in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, explaining: "Anyone we're genuinely not interested in, they'll be let go. There is a lot of interest in a lot of the artists. "We can't sign everyone, but (more)...

Did the finalists have themselves a merry little Christmas, or did they go all out with a celebratory bash? Get the details here! Anyone who watched the first season of The X Factor knows it's been a stressful couple of months for winner Melanie Amaro, and runners-up Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene. That's why HollywoodLife.com is happy to report that all three finalists "spent the Christmas holiday with family at their respective homes." "They all have been apart from their families for a great amount of time over the last three months," an X Factor insider tells us. "So they each took time to relax and spend quality time with their families -- out of the bubble of The X Factor." Even Melanie, who has to film her Pepsi commercial in time for it to air during the Super Bowl in February, got some time to relax and enjoy the holidays.

Ne-Yo has advised X Factor USA winner Melanie Amaro to be careful not to follow in the footsteps of Britney Spears. Amaro was crowned the winner of the Fox singing competition during Thursday night's live finale, beating out runner-up Josh Krajcik and third place winner Chris Rene to take home a $$5 million recording contract. Ne-Yo, who performed with Pitbull during the broadcast, offered words of wisdom to the 18-year-old singer as she embarked upon her professional career while speaking to reporters following the result. "Make sure that you keep - that big family that she has - keep them close because they'll keep you grounded," (more)...

X Factor USA winner Melanie Amaro has predicted that she would not have succeeded without the help of Simon Cowell. The 19-year-old became the recipient of a $$5 million (£3.2 million) recording contract after topping the public vote in Thursday's (December 22) finale over Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene.

> 'The X Factor' USA winner Melanie Amaro: 'I prepared to lose' Asked if she believed she would have been victorious without Cowell as her mentor, Amaro explained that it was his "tough" approach that made her grow as a performer. "I don't think I would've gone very far at all because I needed Simon to be that tough judge that he was with me in order for me to grow, to get to a higher place," she told reporters on a conference call following (more)...

Nicole was easily the most scandalous judge this season -- and now she's hinting that she may not return to the show! Nicole Scherzinger drew heavily criticism for her judging this season on The X Factor, and now she's revealing that the show is no longer the first priority in her life! Nicole, 33, says her focus is shifting with the new year, RadarOnline.com reports. "Next year for me, it’s about my music,” she said. “This has been quite a learning experience, quite a journey for me. I didn’t expect to have been so emotional through the whole elimination process. I wanted to just mentor and empower artists.” What do You think, HollywoodLifers -- would you be sad to see Nicole go if she left The X Factor? -- William Earl [flv custom_thumbnail="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdIBw97J6E81324730223678" width="600" height="350"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdIBw97J6E8/flv] More 'X Factor': Drew Ryniewicz Messed Up Her ‘X Factor’ Performance To Spend More...

Josh Krajcik has insisted that Melanie Amaro deserved to win The X Factor USA. Amaro was crowned the winner of the Fox singing competition on Thursday night's finale, with Krajcik named as the runner-up, just ahead of third-placed finalist Chris Rene. Talking to People, Krajcik professed that he has no regrets about the results and stands behind Amaro's talent. "It was a relief when it was over," he confessed. "I felt pride for Melanie (more)...