Yeah I read in Heat I think that Simon's already signed Leona up? Not that that was any surprise.
I think the X Factor is a farce this year tbh and I'd much rather see Pop Idol style return or if need be, nothing at all been more of a pantomime this year than a talent show for the public to choose

Yeh, she's a pricy one....most girls would have settled for being bought dinner

Hope she's worth it Simon

Some people you just don`t take to. Nothing wrong with that IMO.

I did think that that was a failed attempt at a quip too.

Exactly, Jess. I think a lot of his comments come across as arrogant IMO. Maybe it's due to all the hype he's getting - or used to get - but he doesn't have to let it go to his head. I noticed on the Xtra Factor, Ben Shephard was saying something about him singing a ballad, and he replied "no, I know I can sing a ballad..." Um, okay then!

I can't stand the guy, personally. I never have liked him, even back in the audition stages.

Definitely looking forward to the i-D shoot, if it's a glossy, then expect the interview to be quite a few pages long with some gorgeous pictures! I just cannot wait! Do we know when it's out, or which one they're doing?

LOL!

It's so obvious that Simon has a thing for her... pretty disturbing at the same time IMO. Anyone else noticed Leona looks just like a younger, blonde version of his girlfriend?

To be honest, I think Simon will do whatever it takes for her to win. They`ll be too much egg on his face otherwise after the "world class" etc comments. Plus, him marketing her in the US will probably be easier if she`s the X Factor winner maybe. Or he can just tell the US that "the world has gone mad" again and that`s why she didn`t win. That falls flat if it`s Ben or Ray that wins though as he`s supposed to like Ben and surely he`d have to be seen to be pleased for Ray.

Yep, it's definitely a glossy! I can't wait. I don't think we know any details yet.. I was just saying this earlier. I'm sure they must feature in the next issue, or the one after... I doubt they would wait much longer to have them in the magazine. I'm hoping not anyway, lol.

I said a while back it was just a prelaunch publicity campaign for L - nothing's happened to change my mind about that.

I'm actually quite happy that ER are out now simply because I can only see the show getting nastier and nastier over the next few weeks....

I can see it now...in the week leading up to the Leona/McDs final Louis will liken Leona to some suitably evil female and then on the night Mrs O will suddenly declare she's a "fake"......well it worked last time so no reason for them to do anything new

What`s the point in her being here then if he`s already signed her? It just makes an even bigger farce of ths situation and then I feel sorry for the ones who don`t win and probably won`t get contracts when she`s guaranteed one either way.

I loved Pop Idol but I think X Factor is good with the category for bands. Pop Idol was all solo singers wasn`t it?

Oh yeah, I completely agree. I think he just wants to take her over to the US immediately anyway, I don't think he cares about whether she has success here or not.

I don't think Ben or Ray will make it to the final now, to be honest. I actually think it will be a Leona vs. McDonald Bros final. I think it would be very interesting to see how Simon acts on that night, if it was to happen.

Considering all of her previous experience that we`ve conveniently never been told about on the show, I`m not sure that`s too far off the mark I really ought to stop slating her now!

Me too, although I think it`s wrong if the winner just goes off to the US. That`s like taking it off someone (e.g the MacDonalds Bros) who could have won and had their big single and album but might not get the chance if they only come second.

Do you all know you can buy one of Leona's CD's online? I really don't see how she's got to this stage in the competition without that being mentioned on live TV. I personally think it's a disgrace.

I know what you mean. I just think that is what Simon has planned for her, that's all.

Where is Shayne Ward now anyway? Isn't he in the US? I haven't heard any news about him for ages now.

Yes, I knew. That`s part of what I meant when I said about her previous experience. I`ve got more to say on that subject which I don`t want to post (but PM if you want to know).

He`s supposed to be doing well in places like Thailand and South Africa. Don`t know about the US but it`s possible.

Yeah I don't think there were any groups in PI which is the downfall but I'm sure they could alter that? Don't know...

I've had enough of getting annoyed about Ben and Leona now can we go back to talking about our lovely lads?

Oh okay, good for him. I'm going to see him in February actually (my friend is a huge fan so I said I would go with her, LOL). I read he was in the US a few months back, but I don't know what he's up to now.

Of course! Sorry, that was me who changed the conversation path completely!

You`ve intrigued me now so I `m going to have a look at his official site and see if I can find out.

Hehe no need to apologise hun
Right, where were we?

Thanks so much to catlover for all the files so far.
Here's what I'm currently missing:

Abba week
Mack the Knife
Can you Fell the Love first performance- far better than the sing-off one!

Can anyone help?

Many many thanks!!!
Maria

Let me know if you find anything out!

LOL Jess, we did get off topic for a bit there, didn't we?! I think we were talking about the boys needing to be in more magazines... Surely Louis could set up a few interviews and stuff for them?

Ooh, remember to watch Paul O'Grady on Friday as Louis is on there. I'm hoping he'll be talking about them...

I can post them up! I'll start them off now