British personality Simon Cowell became an American household name thanks to the Fox juggernaut “American Idol,” but now he’s considering leaving the show after the next season to pursue other ventures. This shouldn’t be a big surprise to fans of the show – Simon’s been phoning in his “nasty judge” routine for at least two seasons now. This last season, Cowell seemed distracted and hardly even paid attention to the competition itself.

You’ll be hearing Simon Cowell’s biting critiques of aspiring singers on U.S. television for years to come, but after 2010 it may not be on ‘American Idol,’ according to a report in the Times of London.

Cowell is reportedly considering standing down from his post on ‘Idol’ after next season and switching his focus to bringing the hugely successful British show ‘X Factor’ to the USA. Ironically, the report states that Cowell is in talks with FOX to be the home of ‘Factor,’ meaning he would remain on the same network as ‘Idol.’

He is said to have told Fox Entertainment’s Peter Rice about his thoughts on leaving ‘Idol’ at meeting in London six weeks ago. Officials from FOX and ‘Idol’ yesterday refused to comment.

Cowell has been the star of ‘Idol’ for its entire eight-year run and made $36 million last year alone. His salary for season nine is reportedly about $45 million.

Without his influence and star power, it’s unclear if ‘Idol’ can maintain its spot as the most popular show on television. It would also end his long and fruitful relationship with Simon Fuller.

According to the Times, Cowell is doggedly determined to make ‘X-Factor’ a hit in America. Unlike ‘Idol,’ judges on the show not only pick the singers but also coach them to stardom.

“It has to go to America. There has to be an American version of the show,” he has said. “To not take ‘The X Factor’ to the biggest market in the world would be crazy.”

[From PopEater]

Britain’s “X Factor” is the show that launched pop singer Leona Lewis’ career. It seems like pretty much the exact same format as “Idol,” with the small exception that the judges coach the contestants. Is there room in the U.S. for yet another singing competition? There’s already “Idol,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “The Sing-Off.” Does Simon really think “X-Factor” is different enough to be a hit in what seems like an already saturated market? And more importantly, will “Idol” survive if he leaves? Maybe this is all part of his contract re-negotiation with Fox and he’s holding out for more money. I can’t imagine that the show’s producers would just let him leave – he’s a big reason why people tune in each week.

I should preface this by stating that I never, ever watch the American Music Awards because I think they’re a joke. Basically, it’s an opportunity for pop artists to pat themselves on the back for selling the most product. It’s the one awards show where Nickelback has an actual chance of winning, and Janet Jackson suddenly seems relevant. But I did tape the show for one reason only: to watch the performance by Adam Lambert, which Kaiser covered briefly. I was mightily disappointed, because the song was rather crappy, and although Adam was one of the few artists who actually sang live, he didn’t sound good at all. Not as bad as Rihanna, but definitely not up to his usual standards. Little did I know that Adam’s racy performance was about to set off a firestorm.

He’s not on “Idol” anymore!

Adam Lambert, last season’s runner up, performed a raunchy performance at the American Music Awards Sunday night, interrupted by a quick tumble on stage.

Lambert alternately had a dancer on a leash, had a dancer’s head grinding against his crotch simulating oral sex, and had a hand on his own crotch. He also made out with a male band member and flipped his middle finger.

And it was on ABC prime time.

[From Huffington Post]

So, was Adam trying too hard to stir up controversy in order to get people talking about him? It’s certainly not a bad strategy with his album’s release date coming up. Look at Lady Gaga’s performance on the same show: she was in a glass box in a nude body stocking, smashing glass bottles on a flame-engulfed piano. People aren’t going to remember the song she performed but they sure as hell will remember her get-up. But I suppose simulating being naked is less offensive than simulating gay sex, at least on ABC prime time.

For his first televised performance since the Season Eight finale of American Idol, Adam Lambert aimed for the kind of controversy Britney Spears and Madonna are known for generating, completely stunning the audience at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre and the millions watching the American Music Awards live on ABC with a risqué rendition of “For Your Entertainment.” Rolling Stone didn’t label Lambert the Wild Idol for nothing, and Glambert definitely delivered on his promise of a “sexy” performance as he closed the live show with simulated oral sex from a male backup dancer, a brief make-out session with his male keyboardist and a giant mirrored prop so the audience could see the looks on their own shocked faces. Rolling Stone has learned that producers weren’t informed about the guy-on-guy kiss in advance, and after the show, Lambert told RS the musician he kissed is a straight man.

Lambert also told RS that if ABC decides to cut any parts of his performance for the West Coast rebroadcast, it would amount to “discrimination.” Read the full story here.

The ‘09 American Music Awards featured performances from blockbuster stars like Whitney Houston, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, Green Day, Eminem and Rihanna, but newcomer Lambert was selected to close out the show, and his performance was advertised as “eye-popping” and something you’d be talking about tomorrow.

With an army of dancers clad in gear that looked like it was inspired by the Haus of Gaga, Lambert strutted across the Nokia Theatre stage, dragging some of his dancers outfitted in S&M gear by harnesses and stopping to caress the legs of others — both men and women. As his band turned out the techno-crunch of his debut single from For Your Entertainment (out tomorrow), Lambert bounced around the stage in black leather, hitting his signature high notes. During the bridge, he sat on a chair below a female stripper on a pole, then made his way back across the stage, singing, “Do you like what you see? Let me entertain you until you scream” as the lyrics to his song (”Can you handle what I’m about to do?”) came off like a direct challenge to the audience.

Awards show stages have been the site of some of the most memorable — and controversial — performances in recent years. Britney Spears and Madonna stole headlines for their lip-lock at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, which was also where Madonna turned heads for humping the floor during her rendition of “Like a Virgin.”

[From Rolling Stone]

If I could give Adam some advice, here’s what it would be: we already have one Lady Gaga. You’re better than that. This could have been an opportunity for Lambert to prove, once and for all, that he’s a true talent regardless of who he sleeps with, but instead, he chose to emphasize theatrics and sex over his vocal prowess. To me, the performance was a fail, but since so many people are talking about it today, perhaps it’s more of a mission accomplished.

Photo credit: WENN.com

Her story was inspiring: a barely literate single mother auditions for American Idol and becomes a national sensation. Fantasia Barrino, winner of season three of “American Idol,” hasn’t had much career success on the pop charts since her win, but she did write a memoir, star in a movie of her life and in the Broadway production of “The Color Purple.” But these days, the singer is raising some eyebrows by taking up with a married father of two. Oh, Fanty – say it ain’t so!

American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino is dating a married father of two who left his wife and young children to move in with her, Star has learned.

Fantasia, 25, first met 30-year-old Antwaun Cook, a hunky former college football player from Charlotte, N.C., while he was working at his T-Mobile store in August — and the attraction was instant.

By mid-September, the insider says, Antwaun, who also works as a real estate agent, dumped his teacher wife and their sons, ages 4 and 1, and moved into Fantasia’s $1.3 million mansion in Charlotte’s ritzy suburb of Piper Glen.

“I’m not going to deny that the word ‘homewrecker’ is floating around,” a friend of the singer tells Star.

And adding fuel to the fire: Fantasia has tattooed Antwaun’s last name on her left shoulder to match one he has, says the friend. “She got it to honor her man!”

[From Star]

The most surprising part of this story: Fantasia still has her $1.3M mansion. Last I heard, she was broke and her home was in foreclosure. Maybe she paid off her debt with money she received from her new VH1 reality show. Either way, it sounds like she’s not making the best choices these days. I do wonder though – did this Antwuan character look at Fantasia and see a meal ticket? Could he be another K-Fed? Will he take care of his children? Only time will tell.

A long-running “inside joke” between American Idol stars Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell has come to an end, now that Ellen Degeneres has replaced Paula Abdul on the show. Fans of the show know that there has been a weird, often inappropriate sexual tension between host Seacrest and judge Cowell for years, with Simon constantly cracking gay jokes. But according to sources, that’s about to change, because producers don’t want to offend Ellen.

Don’t expect to hear Simon Cowell needle Ryan Seacrest about being gay on “American Idol” this season, sources say.

“Idol” execs have warned both stars to cut out their usual gay banter when talk-show host Ellen Degeneres, who came out of the closet years ago, joins the series, insiders say.

Simon and Ryan have had their fun poking at each other’s sexuality for eight seasons now, even though neither one of them is gay.

“With an openly gay woman coming on board, an effort is being made to make her feel welcome,” a source divulged.

“Simon’s been told, and to a lesser extent Ryan too, that the act is played out anyway, so no more ribbing each other about being gay. The ‘Idol’ bosses don’t want it.”

Simon has ribbed Ryan mercilessly about his sexuality for years, even advising him to “lose the beard” when he briefly dated actress Teri Hatcher. Meanwhile, Ryan has joked that Simon is a cross-dresser.

“Idol” boss Simon Fuller was never fond of the gay joshing, according to another source, but the show’s former producer Nigel Lythgoe thought it was hilarious.

“Nigel thought the gay talk was over the heads of most of the kids who watch the show,” the source told The Enquirer. “But Simon (Fuller) says with Ellen coming on board, he wants it stopped.”

[From The National Enquirer print version, Oct. 26, 2009]

I agree with this decision, and also think the act is played out. But not for the same reasons as “Idol” producers. I think Simon and Ryan should just get a room already and get it over with! Okay, I was kidding. But as for the belief that kids don’t understand the gay jokes, I have news for them: my 9-year-old definitely gets it. And I really don’t want her thinking that it’s okay to make fun of someone and call them gay just because you don’t agree with them. It seems like the gay jokes are Simon’s “go to” response whenever Ryan calls him out on an opinion. I mean, I definitely think Seacrest is a closet case, but that’s his business. Their little psychodrama is kinda tired and takes too much time away from the contestants. Now, if the “Idol” producers could just replace Randy, the show might be watchable again.

Paula Abdul has spoken graciously about the fact that Ellen Degeneres is replacing her on the judges’ panel on Idol. According to insiders quoted on Radar Online, though, she’s privately devastated by the fact that she’s been replaced, and had to find out the news through the press.

Paula Abdul was stunned at being permanently replaced on American Idol by Ellen DeGeneres, RadarOnline.com has learned. “Privately, Paula is very upset. She’s never going to admit it publicly but this stung,” said a source close to the Fox situation.

Even though publicly Paula has not even hinted that she might return to the show, privately she still believed a last-minute deal could be worked out, RadarOnline.com learned. But Fox execs had already moved on.

“Paula likes Ellen and she doesn’t want to say a negative word about her and she won’t,” the source told RadarOnline.com. But the news surprised Paula and upset her – and she had no advance warning and heard about it “just like everyone else,” said the source.

[From Radar Online]

That’s cold if it’s true. To be fair to Idol producers, Ellen did say on her show that the deal was just finalized before she made the announcement on air. Maybe they didn’t have the time to tell Paula, not that they necessarily intended to.

Fellow judge Randy Jackson told People Magazine that Idol “reached out” to Ellen to bring her on, and for her part Ellen is aware that she may be stepping on some toes. She told Ryan Seacrest on his radio show that she hopes “Paula is ok with it.”

Ellen is shown on 8/30/09. Credit: PRPhotos. Paula is shown on 5/29/09. Credit: Fame Pictures

American Idol has an official full time replacement for recently departed judge Paula Abdul and it’s none other than talk show hostess Ellen Degeneres. For a while there it looked like Paula might be back on Idol if she was able to reach a contract agreement with producers, but it looks like that door has now closed. Ellen made the announcement on her show yesterday to thunderous applause and screams from the studio audience. In terms of how she’ll cope with running a successful talkshow and working on a wildly popular talent show, Ellen explained “I’m going to have a day job and a night job. The times we’re livin’ in, we’re all doing that.” Fox has confirmed that Ellen will be a permanent member of the judge’s panel. I guess Kirstie Alley won’t be replacing Paula after all:

Ellen DeGeneres is taking Paula Abdul’s place as the fourth judge on American Idol.

“DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition,” Fox television says in a statement.

DeGeneres, 51, begins her stint after the audition rounds, which have featured a rotating group of celebrity guest judges including Shania Twain, Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Joe Jonas and Kristin Chenoweth.

Two Jobs
“I’m going to have a day job and a night job,” DeGeneres said at her talk show taping Wednesday, assuring her audience that The Ellen DeGeneres Show will continue. “This is so exciting for me.”

Abdul abruptly announced in August, just before the start of American Idol’s ninth season, that with “sadness in my heart” she was leaving the highly rated show hosted by Ryan Seacrest.

In the taping for Thursday’s Ellen DeGeneres Show, DeGeneres said the deal had been in the works for the last couple of weeks. “I’ve been dying to tell everyone,” she says. “It’s just been so hard to keep it a secret and we just finally got the OK and I’m so excited. It is going to be so much fun.”

The People’s Voice
She said she’s been a longtime fan of the show – “I have not missed one episode” – and she plans to serve as the voice of the regular audience member.

“Hopefully I’m the people’s point of view because I’m just like you,” DeGeneres says. “I sit at home and I watch it. … I’m not looking at it in a critical way from the producer’s mind. I’m looking at it as a person who is going to buy the music and is going to relate to that person.

The next season of American Idol begins in January. In the statement released by Fox, Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller says, “Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel.”

[From People]

People love Ellen Degeneres and it was a smart move to pick such a likable public figure to replace Paula. The sad thing is, Idol probably had to offer Ellen a contract worth way more than they were willing to give Paula. Is that fair or did Paula kind of run her course on the show? She has a lot of fans, but she did make some negative public statements about Idol management and she wasn’t always sober on the job. I used to be team Paula, but now that Ellen is in the mix I kind of see the wisdom of choosing someone new.

Ellen seems to have a good rapport with alpha judge Simon Cowell. TMZ points us to Cowell’s appearance on Ellen’s show last May. In an exchange about his dating life, Cowell said he wasn’t dating anyone in particular, but explained “I like girls.”

“Me too!” Ellen chimed in.

“That’s why we get on well. That’s why we like each other.” Simon quipped.

Ellen and Portia are shown at the Daytime Emmy Awards on 8/30/09. Credit: WENN.com

Surprise, surprise, there’s a chance Paula Abdul may be returning to “American Idol” after all. She was being touted as the possible “big name” celebrity who would likely be joining the “Dancing with the Stars” cast. However the cast list came out yesterday and Paula wasn’t on it. And it sounds like ABC was pretty bummed about it and really wanted her on the show. It appears that Paula passed because she is still trying to work out a deal with “Idol” producers, and wants something similar to what Ryan Seacrest got $45 million for three years.

Now that the “Dancing With the Stars” cast has been announced, and Paula Abdul’s name is not on the list, negotiations between Abdul and Fox for her return to “American Idol” have become more intense.

“The people at the very top of ABC were really vocal about getting her on board for ‘Dancing,’” said a source familiar with the talks with Abdul. “By not exactly keeping it secret, it made Paula’s value more apparent to Fox.”

The negotiations are ongoing, but calling them “talks” could be more appropriate, since dubbing them “negotiations” suggests that one side is budging.

“Paula isn’t lowering her price in any meaningful way. She wants a Seacrest-level deal,” said the source. “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest reportedly signed a three-year deal with the show worth a total of $45 million. If there is a scenario that gets Abdul back on the show, it’s likely that her return would be limited to the live shows only, according to several people who are close to the talks. This will allow the original offer made by the show to stand, but Abdul would have a shorter time commitment.

As far as ABC is concerned, executives are disappointed they couldn’t sign Abdul to “Dancing With the Stars.”… “They actually really needed her as that big name,” said person who had direct knowledge of the talks. “They didn’t really want Tom DeLay as their most-buzzed-about contestant.”

[From MSNBC’s The Scoop]

Both Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson have come out in support of Paula and said very nice things about her, but sort of in a “Sayonara” tone. Like, “You’re the best, you’ll do great at your next project!” It sounds like they enjoyed working with her and wish things had worked out differently, but not like they’re exactly pulling for her or anything.

They may have seemed like arch enemies on the set of “American Idol,” but everyone’s favorite grumpy Brit Simon Cowell says the show will not be the same without Paula Abdul. “I didn’t want to get involved in what’s going on because it wasn’t really any of my business but I spoke to her a lot through the whole process,” Cowell told FOXNews.com’s Pop Tarts column. “She was the heart, so you’ve taken that away so it’s a different show. I’m sad, I am.”

Cowell also said that he is confident Abdul will find success in whatever she does. “I will support her in anything she wants to do next. I think she is TV gold, genuinely.”

Co-host Randy Jackson echoed Simon’s sentiments. “Me and Ryan and Simon and her started this journey together, so I’m really shocked and really proud and really just couldn’t believe she’s not here,” he told Tarts. “We love her, I’m sure she’s going to be great whatever she decides to do.”

[From Fox News]

All nice things to say, but it doesn’t seem like there’s some sudden act of solidarity here. Sure there’s a chance Paula may still be on the show, but she’s already missed a good chunk of the auditions. The producers have made it clear they’re fine with replacing her, since that’s what they’ve been doing with guest judges anyway. Speaking of which, they recently announced that Shania Twain will be a guest judge in Chicago on August 30 and 31st. If Paula really wants in, she should take what she can get at this point.

Here’s Paula looking exuberant in a silver dress and matching shoes as she dined at Boa restaurant in Los Angeles on Saturday. Images thanks to Pacific Coast News.

Victoria Beckham was underwhelming in her one time stint as an “American Idol” guest judge during the tryouts. Even though Posh often comes across as sort of… um, flat and dull and lacking personality, she can actually be pretty damn funny when she relaxes and lets loose. Which admittedly isn’t often. I had high hopes that the insane nature of the show would bring out some of her quips, but apparently she reverted to Wooden Spice and just sort of sat there as a bland piece of décor.

Everyone agreed that Victoria Beckham looked lovely as she showed up for her first day of work Friday as an “American Idol” guest judge. But that apparently is where the compliments stop.

“It didn’t go too well,” a source close to the production told RadarOnline.com exclusively. Posh Spice was apparently quite bland.

“She tried to hard to be ‘nice,’ but came off as icy and wooden,” the source added.

Do you hear that Paula Abdul? Yes, we too are wondering if all the guest judges are terrible will that get Paula the pay raise necessary to bring her back?

RadarOnline.com also hear that lots of the contestants who auditioned were deeply disappointed by Paula’s absence (some saying it while cameras rolled). One person connected to show also was overheard saying two British judges were too much.

In that case, we think we’ll keep Simon!

[From Radar]

Paula managed to be nice, but even she had a limit. She was pretty obvious in her sympathy for some of the more pathetic contestants, and while a lot of people would bitch about it, it was also one of her more endearing qualities. But when someone was just all-out awful and not getting it, she could make that clear. I mean she did it nicely – but who isn’t nice compared to Simon Cowell? And her friction with him made for some interesting banter. Posh can be really funny, but it’s super random and rare. The ability is there, though, and I was hoping she’d surprise everyone and whip it out. American Idol may not be what it used to be, but you’ve still got to bring your A game. Sounds like this will probably be a one-time gig for Victoria.

Here’s Victoria Beckham and Kara DioGuardi arriving at LAX from Denver where they had been taping “American Idol” auditions on Saturday. Images thanks to Mavrix.

Victoria Beckham will be an American Idol judge – at least for one episode. And she’s making a good chunk of change for it too: $219,000. Because $220,000 would have been unreasonable. According to Posh, she’s pretty damn psyched about the whole thing, to the point that her usually grumpy, frowning face has accidentally been smiling. She’s trying to tone it down though so she doesn’t freak us all out.

Victoria Beckham says she’s “beyond excited” at being an “American Idol” judge. In fact, Victoria, 35, even says her joy is ruining her usual miserable persona. “When I got the phone call, I just couldn’t believe it,” the former Spice Girl told Ryan Seacrest in an interview on his radio show. “I feel like I got the best job that there is. I’m still grinning from ear to ear.

“I’m going to try hard to pout and not shatter the illusion that I’m a moody cow, but I don’t know if I can – I’m just so happy,” she said.

London’s Daily Mail reports that the mother-of-three will appear in one episode of series nine of the show for a rumoured $219,000 fee.
Her first scenes at the call back auditions of the show were filmed at a hotel in Denver Friday. Wearing a purple strapless gown, she shook hands with fans on her way in.

Like Paula [Abdul], Victoria says she wants to be a kind judge. “I want to be nice to people,’ she said. ‘I know how it feels to be stood there and be judged and how it can feel when nerves get the better of you. I don’t want to shatter anybody’s dream. But at the same time, there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of constructive criticism.”

And sitting alongside Simon Cowell? “He is the only man in the music industry who turned down the Spice Girls and said that we would never work,’ she said. ‘I’m looking forward to a bit of banter.’

[From the Daily News]

I’m sure already having a bone to pick with Simon Cowell will keep things from running too smoothly. Not that FOX would ever want that, or to amp up the drama. I think Posh could actually be a really good fit for the show as a permanent judge. She’s a hell of a lot funnier than you’d expect, has lots of experience, and would bring real star power, unlike Kara DioGuardi. I’m curious to see whether Simon will have more or less respect for Posh than he did for Paula. Neither one had an excessively long career, though they both managed to remain relevant – Victoria more consistently so. I think a lot of people had forgotten about Paula until she started working on American Idol.

Speaking of which, Victoria had some almost catty and then kind things to say about the departing Paula.

Victoria’s inclusion on the hit program comes after the departure of judge Paula Abdul, who announced her decision to quit in a rumoured row over her pay.
When asked if she felt guilty at filling Paula’s seat by the show’s host, Victoria said: ‘You know, I don’t. I’m a spiritual person, and I believe you get back what you put out there.
“I hope she does something that’s bigger and better, and I hope she’s going to be happy. She’s great so she’s going to be good at whatever she does.”

[From the Daily News]

That first sentence seemed all quippy and mean. You could totally turn it around and say Victoria was saying Paula was let go because she’d deserved it. But she immediately says she thinks Paula will have something “bigger and better” coming her way, and she tied it in well enough that it seems like it was all part of the same thought. Not that I don’t want to do whatever I can to encourage a catfight, but I think it was probably well intentioned. And my money would be on Posh in a fight, just as an FYI. Sure she’s malnourished and underweight but Paula’s erratic and gets the dizzies. Victoria has those long fingernails and stilettos, she seems like she’s the traditional “claw your eyes out” type of fighter. Which is good – she’ll need that for Simon anyway.

On Wednesday Kirstie Alley tweeted in that circa 1997 all-caps text that she favors that she’s somehow replacing Paula Abdul as a judge on American Idol. How this is even possible when Kirstie has no experience in music and is best known for an 1980s sitcom and her yo-yo weight is beyond me. It just goes to show how stupid producers must have been to let Paula go in the first place.

I WANTED TO ANNOUNCE FIRST ON TWITTER…that I AM REPLACING PAULA ABDUL ON IDOL!!!!!!!!! THe network will kill me but THERE IT IS FOLKS!!
12:39 PM Aug 5th from web

DEAD SERIOUS! I AM REPLACING PAULA ON IDOL..CAN’T WAIT TO F SIMON UP…BEEN WORKING ON IT FOR MONTHS! PAULA ANNOUNCED LEAVING TODAY VIA TWIT
12:48 PM Aug 5th from web

WHEN I AM A JUDGE ON AL, [sic] I will tweet to U during entire show…HI peeps!
about 13 hours ago from web

[From Twitter]

I really hope that if Alley had an actual chance to replace Paula on Idol she completely ruined it by posting the news on Twitter before an announcement was made. Kirstie’s rep confirmed to Radar Online that something was in the works with Idol, saying simply “She is ecstatic at the prospect.” Idol producers, put down whatever the hell you’re smoking and give Paula a call. Kiss her ass and offer her the $10 million a year that she supposedly wants. TMZ is reporting that Paula will be willing to continue negotiations if that amount is on the table. It will be a lot cheaper in the long run than hiring a public relations disaster like Kirstie.

Confirmed guest judges for next season include Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry. Maybe Kirstie is just confused and was only being asked if she would consider a guest judge position. After all, this is the woman who thought that the “Mother’s Act” bill to screen women for postpartum depression somehow included a provision for “BABIES HAVING PROZAC squirted in there [sic] eyes at birth to prevent depression later on,” as if that were even a remote possibility. Kirstie is a devout Scientologist and while she may superficially seem less crazy than Paula, at least Paula has extensive experience in the music industry.

Kirstie Alley is shown out with her daughter in September, 2008. Credit: Fame Pictures