Access Hollywood - Celebrity News, Photos & Videos

Simon Cowell Reacts To Whitney Houston Death; Says He Planned To Consider Her As ‘X Factor’ Judge

Simon Cowell says the team behind “The X Factor” had planned to discuss Whitney Houston as a possible judge for the FOX reality singing competition on Monday.

Reacting to the news of the pop superstar’s untimely death on Saturday at the age of 48, in Beverly Hills, Simon said, contrary to the rumors, she had not been approached, but he suggested he thought she might be interested.

Paula Abdul Confirms Departure From ‘The X Factor’; Simon Cowell Issues Statement Thanking Team

Paula Abdul has confirmed the rumors – the reality TV judge is leaving “The X Factor.”

“Yes, it’s true; I won’t be returning to ‘The X Factor’ next season,” Paula said in a statement to Access Hollywood on Tuesday.

Simon Cowell Calls 2011 ‘A Massive Wake-Up Call’

Simon Cowell is showing his humble side, admitting to a British tabloid he was “cocky” and “smug” in predicting his shows, like “The X Factor,” would have huge ratings in 2011.

Final 3 Compete On ‘X Factor’; Simon Cowell Thinks He Knows Who Should Win

“The X Factor” and its $5 million recording contract is in America’s hands to decide.

Josh Krajcik, Chris Rene and the lone lady left standing, Melanie Amaro, took the stage for one last set of competition performances, and based on the judges’ comments, one contender may be in the lead. But who is it? Read on to find out…

Simon Cowell: I Considered Getting Intimate With Paula Abdul

Simon Cowell has finally admitted that he once considered getting intimate with Paula Abdul.

On Barbara Walter’s “10 Most Fascinating People,” which aired on Wednesday night, she asked the “X Factor” judge how the relationship has changed between the pair over the years, which quickly turned to talk of a between-the-sheets romp.

Simon Cowell & Paula Abdul Reunite After Drew’s ‘X Factor’ Departure; Simon Addresses Panel Shakeup Rumors

Drew’s departure from “The X Factor” caused a rift between Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, after Paula’s vote sealed the contestant’s fate, but Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush helped reunite the pair after not speaking for days.

Simon Cowell Admit Drew’s ‘X Factor’ Performance Was Misguided; Justin Bieber Shows Support

Balladeer Drew Ryniewicz got the boot — along with teen rapper Astro — on “The X Factor” Thursday night, and the 15–year-old singer – though tearful during her elimination – says she wasn’t at all surprised by her exit, as she had a feeling her seated version of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” would be her ticket home.

“I told [Simon] in rehearsal — I was like, ‘You know, Simon, if I go home, I’ll be right that I shouldn’t have this chair,’” Drew told Access Hollywood backstage at “The X Factor” elimination on Thursday. “I think going home was a reality hit for both of us.”

Simon Cowell, Katy Perry & The Kardashians Among Walters’ ‘Most Fascinating People’

Barbara Walters has named talent-show tycoon Simon Cowell, New York Yankees star Derek Jeter and pop singing sensation Katy Perry as three of the year’s “10 Most Fascinating People.”

Simon Cowell Talks ‘America’s Got Talent’ Judge Contender Howard Stern: ‘I Like Him’

Howard Stern is in talks to replace Piers Morgan at the judges’ table on “America’s Got Talent,” and the show’s creator and executive producer, Simon Cowell, told Access Hollywood he is a fan.

Emotional Elimination Night As Contender Spars With Simon Cowell On ‘The X Factor’

One contender nearly took the vote out of the judges’ hands on Thursday’s “The X Factor,” when, after being placed in the bottom 2, the artist nearly didn’t perform for the panel’s saving vote.

Simon Cowell’s ‘The X Factor’ Renewed For Second Season On FOX

FOX thinks “The X Factor” really has “The X Factor.”

On Wednesday, the network announced that Simon Cowell’s newest import reality competition was renewed for a second season.

Simon Cowell: ‘My Contestants Just Killed Everyone’ On Monday’s Live ‘X Factor’; Top 12 Finalists Revealed

“The X Factor” kicked off its live shows on Tuesday night and judge Simon Cowell was beaming – and gloating – after this team, The Girls, performed.