Stacy Francis, a single mother-of-two, proves dreams do come true when she impressed the judges with an inspired performance of “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin during the first auditions at the “The X-Factor” premiere on Wednesday (September 21)- watch video below.

The 42 year-old confessed she finally got out of an abusive relationship, in which her partner always told her she was not young or talented enough. Stacy believes this is her last chance to prove herself, saying “I don’t wanna die with this music in me”. Drama.

Stacy’s performance was emotionally powerful. She has a good voice, and she got a standing ovation from Simon Cowell and the rest of the judges. Wow. Simon claimed that was one of the best auditions he has ever heard in his life. Wow.

Stacy Francis “Natural Woman” The X Factor Video go on reading »

21 year-old Simone Battle, who dreams about becoming a pop icon and signing people’s babies, desperately tried to impress with renditions of “When I Grow Up” by Pussycat Dolls and “Bulletproof” during the first auditions at the “The X-Factor” premiere on Wednesday (September 21)- watch video below.

And the freak show continues. Simone wants to be like Beyonce and Britney, exuding self-confidence, and describing her sound as a “threesome between a cheerleader, a hipster and a drag queen.” What?

Simon Cowell stops her… oh yeah, he will be sending her red hot pants straight home! OH NO. Simon is fascinated by fierce Simone. Judge LA Reid is not impressed. Simon makes her sing something to change LA’s mind. She sings “Bulletproof” and LA is still not impressed. Simone still gets three “yeses”. Seriously?

Simone Battle “When I Grow Up/Bulletproof” The X Factor Video go on reading »

Oh. My. Siameze Floyd left us absolutely shocked and speechless with his dance moves and painful rendition of “Give It To Me Baby” during the first auditions at the “The X-Factor” premiere on Wednesday (September 21)- watch video below.

This is not real. Siameze is like a new and improved version of Sanjaya on crack. What the heck happened on that stage? He is 30 years old and a mega star, who drinks a lot of his own Siamenergy drink. Damn. I knew he was on some type of drug.

Cheryl Cole questions, “Do I absolutely love this and think it’s genius or is this kinda weird? I don’t really know what the answer is.” It’s creepy! I cannot believe Simon Cowell was fascinated and said “yes” to this hot mess after calling him “talented, but deluded.”

Siameze Floyd “Give It To Me Baby” The X Factor Video go on reading »

13 year-old Rachel Crow kicked off the show in style with a confident and fun rendition of “Mercy” by Duffy during the first auditions at the “The X-Factor” premiere on Wednesday (September 21)- watch video below.

Rachel conquered the judges’ smiles and hearts with her super cute and fierce presence. She’s got the attitude, the voice, but, of course she is way too young, which also means there’s room for improvement. Rachel is adorable!

X Factor Judge Cheryl Cole Replaced Due To Thick Accent. REALLY?

Judge Cheryl Cole, who was later replaced by Nicole Scherzinger, believed they had found their little star. Both Paula Abdul and LA Reid agreed the girl’s got it all – Rachel is funky, sassy and soulful. Love her. Simon Cowell declared Rachel is the reason why they decided to take the age down, and claimed we will be hearing a lot about her.

Rachel Crow “Mercy” The X Factor Video go on reading »

Modern rock legend R.E.M. is breaking up as a bad after 31 years of hits and sell-outs.

The Athens, Georgia band made the announcement official on their website.

MIKE

“During our last tour, and while making Collapse Into Now and putting together this greatest hits retrospective, we started asking ourselves, ‘what next’? Working through our music and memories from over three decades was a hell of a journey. We realized that these songs seemed to draw a natural line under the last 31 years of our working together.

“We have always been a band in the truest sense of the word. Brothers who truly love, and respect, each other. We feel kind of like pioneers in this–there’s no disharmony here, no falling-outs, no lawyers squaring-off. We’ve made this decision together, amicably and with each other’s best interests at heart. The time just feels right.”

MICHAEL

“A wise man once said–’the skill in attending a party is knowing when it’s time to leave.’ We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we’re going to walk away from it.

“I hope our fans realize this wasn’t an easy decision; but all things must end, and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way.

“We have to thank all the people who helped us be R.E.M. for these 31 years; our deepest gratitude to those who allowed us to do this. It’s been amazing.”

PETER

“One of the things that was always so great about being in R.E.M. was the fact that the records and the songs we wrote meant as much to our fans as they did to us. It was, and still is, important to us to do right by you. Being a part of your lives has been an unbelievable gift. Thank you.

“Mike, Michael, Bill, Bertis, and I walk away as great friends. I know I will be seeing them in the future, just as I know I will be seeing everyone who has followed us and supported us through the years. Even if it’s only in the vinyl aisle of your local record store, or standing at the back of the club: watching a group of 19 year olds trying to change the world.”

R.E.M. released 15 albums and had many hits.  The band consisted of Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Bill Berry, and Mike Mills.

It appears the frequency is finally over! Congrats to R.E.M. on an amazing musical career.

Actor Brad Pitt is the epicenter of the epic battle between Jennifer Aniston and Angeline Jolie created by tabloids after his most recent interview, in which he revealed some insight on his failed marriage.

Brad Pitt Explains Why Jennifer Aniston Is Not Dull and Boring

“Brad is in deep trouble with both Jen and Angelina” an insider tells OK. The 47 year-old probably have had good intentions when he claimed he was bored of his dull life while married to Jen before he finally stopped and did something to change his destiny, and met his current partner and mother of his six children.

Moneyball’s Brad Pitt Covers Sports Illustrated

Brad was obviously disappointed with his marriage, saying: “I think that my marriage [to Jennifer] had something to do with it — trying to pretend the marriage was something it wasn’t.” Jennifer was not happy with this comment and allegedly demanded an apology from her ex-husband. Brad released a statement to try to mend his mistake, but that only enraged Angie.

Angelina Jolie In a Land Of Blood and Honey For Vanity Fair (October 2011)

A few unidentified sources are claiming Brad is jealous that his ex has finally found a man as she has been seen happily out and about with her new boyfriend Justin Theroux. And well, Jen was also pretty unsatisfied during her marriage to stoner Brad.

“Brad’s got a real competitive, vicious streak, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s jealous,” a Jen pal tells OK!. “Justin is everything Brad couldn’t be. He adores Jen; Jen is deeply in love with Justin. And she’d fallen in and out of love with Brad during their marriage.

“Truth be told, they were both bored. Jen saw Brad as a dull stoner. But Justin is a poet and an author and well-educated and amazing.”

SHOCKING: Angelina Jolie’s Anorexia & Heroin Relapse!

Oh snap! A source says, “It became obvious to her — and everyone else in their world — that he’s just envious of how happy she is with her new man.” Is Brad really jealous? Why would he be jealous? Brad has Angelina Jolie (sexiest woman in the whole world!) at home… plus 6!

[image: OK!]

Actress Jessica Biel, who has recently reconciled with her longtime boyfriend, singer/actor Justin Timberlake, was seen looking extremely pregnant while baring a huge baby bump in a ridiculous cut-off t-shirt and pink sweatpants in New York City on Monday (September 19).

Justin Timberlake Betrayal Broke Jessica Biel’s Heart

Is Justin going to be a daddy? Although, Jessica and Justin would make beautiful babies together, the two do not seem to be ready to become parents anytime soon. And Jessica has absolutely nothing to hide.

Did Mila Kunis Cause The Split Between Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel?

The 29 year-old actress is not pregnant, but she is currently busy filming with Seth Meyers on the set of the star-studded romantic comedy “New Year’s Eve”, which is some sort of sequel to “Valentine’s Day”.

“New Year’s Eve” hits theaters on December 9, 2011.

[image: US]

After battling to prove that she is a competent mother since her daughter Sophia’s birth, Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham is about to irrevocably hurt her cause by leaving her two-year-old behind to head to culinary school in Florida.

In this week’s finale episode of Teen Mom, Farrah opened up about leaving Sophia to relocate to a Bachelor’s program thousands of miles from home.

I know it’s necessary for me to take a break from always being with Sophia, but it’s really hard for me to do that.

Necessary?  It’s necessary to take a break from your daughter?  Maybe you should take a break from filming a TV show for a while and see if that helps things.

According to an interview with US Weekly, Farrah feels that leaving Sophia behind will help her propel her college education and career to the next level.

Having Sophia is momentum for me… I am paying for college, but I’m also saving for her college!

Farrah will be leaving Sophia with her maternal grandmother, with whom Farrah has recently reconciled.

This whole thing just stinks of terrible parenting.

Miley Cyrus did it again! A new leaked photo of the former Disney star wearing nothing but black lingerie and a pair of sexy red high heels while just chilling at an undisclosed location just hit the web (see pictures below).

Miley Cyrus Exposed In Upskirt Photo via Perez Hilton Twitter

Where was this picture taken and for what purpose? Is Miley really just posing for some naughty private photo session or is this some sort of professional photo shoot to promote a new song/album? Either way naughty Miley is back in business!

PHOTOS: Miley Cyrus, Sexy Agent In ‘So Undercover’ Movie

For some mysterious reason, it seems pretty awkward to me that an 18 year-old girl, who is no stranger to outrageous scandals, actually sleeps in gold silk sheets and wears red hot heels to bed – it’s so high-end prostitute!

Top 10 Scandals Miley Cyrus Should Have Avoided

Sexy Miley Cyrus’ Bedroom New Leaked Pictures go on reading »

Jersey Shore star DJ Pauly D DelVecchio was recently added to the  iHeartRadio lineup, which only makes sense because what embodies the spirit of the music industry better than a guy who doesn’t play his own, original music?

The music festival, which will take place this weekend in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand, and features artists such as Kenny Chesney, Jay-Z, Kelly Clarkson and Lady GaGa, is set to be one of the biggest indoor concerts in history.

According to radio personality and iHeartRadio host Ryan Seacrest,

This is a once-in-a-generation gathering of artists and fans from all over the country for a true, must-see music even… The iHeartRadio Music Festival like the iHeartRadio digital radio service, will showcase top artists across all genres of music.  Listeners…(will) celebrate the next generation of iHEARTRADIO, while seeing the greatest musicians in the world on one stage.

So, it’s going to be like Woodstock - gone pop.

[Image: Daniel Tanner/WENN]

Infamous illusionist Criss Angel and his girlfriend Sandra Gonzalez are officially engaged to be married after he went down on one knee to propose during their romantic vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico earlier this month.

Criss’ rep confirmed, adding the two lovebirds, who first met on set of the A&E show “Mindfreak”, are absolutely “ecstatic”. The 43 year-old offered his fiancée a 5-carat princess-cut diamond, which he and jeweler Idayne Kaye co-designed for the occasion.

Criss planned the whole proposal to the detail. Who would have guessed he was a romantic? Criss flew Sandra’s family in to surprise her and set fireworks for the special proposal during a romantic sunset dinner on the beach on September 7.

Sandra and Criss have not set the date for the wedding yet. Criss was previously married to JoAnn Winkhart for four years (2002-2006), and dated Playmate/reality star Holly Madison.

Congratulations to the newly engaged couple!

[image: E!]

I thought these two were BFFs!

In a preview for Thursday night’s episode, Snooki and her boyfriend Jionni LaValle get into a druken arguement (shocker!) at nightclub in Florence and JWoww, ever the peacemaker, makes a futile attempt to pacify her bestie.

You’re acting like a f–king asshole… He’s running away from you!

Just a thought JWoww, but maybe that’s not the best opening line to use when trying to calm somebody down…

An enraged Snooki fires back, “You’re such a bitch… I hate you!”  To which Jwoww articulately counters, ”I am a bitch, but I’m giving you a f–king reality check!”

Always such a meeting of the minds with these two.

I hope the gal pals can patch things up before they start having to do promos for their MTV spin off!

[Image: C.Smith/WENN]