According to reports Justin Timberlake and Elton John have been approached  to appear as guest critics on next season’s American Idol!  Following the departure of  Simon Cowell, producers are searching to fill his panel seat with high profile performers, other artists whose names have been linked to the show’s hotseat are Usher, Chris Issak and Harry Connick.

SRC: mad.tv ]]> http://www.lgr.co.uk/katerinaneocleous/2010/07/american-idol-who-will-take-simons-place/feed/ http://www.lgr.co.uk/katerinaneocleous/598/ http://www.lgr.co.uk/katerinaneocleous/598/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:57:36 +0000 Katerina http://www.lgr.co.uk/katerinaneocleous/598/ This week in Xclusive! I caught up with rising singing star; 21 year old Cypriot, Despina Pilavakis from North London, to find out about her experience on last years instalment of the hugely popular TV talent show Xfactor and reaching the final 24, what she’s been up to since and the latest news on her upcoming debut album!

Despina, when did you first get started in music?

I first started singing when I was 5 years old, I sang with the Chicken Shed Theatre School when they came to my primary school and it has been my passion ever since.

Who inspires you musically?

Everything around me inspires me. From what is happening in my life to what is happening around the world. I have a number of favourite artists, one in particular is Celine Dion, however I listen to all genres of music and I am open minded to what I listen to.

You are currently studying music at Hertfordshire University what does that involve?

I am currently in my last year at university studying music, commercial composition and technology studies. It is as hard as it sounds! It involves producing, composing, orchestrating and performing. I just love music and I love a challenge, I think there is always space to improve and that’s why I took this course.

You competed in the XFACTOR in 2009 and made it to the final 24 with Danni Minogue as your mentor in Dubai - an amazing achievement - What did you take away from that experience?

I took a lot from it, most importantly it built up my confidence and I gained experience, whilst building up my fan base. Although I didn’t get past the last 6 girls, I’m glad I have those fans and they can now see how much potential I have!

Is Simon Cowell as scary and intimidating as he can appear on TV?

No Simons’ a softy, as long as you are nice to him he will be nice to you!

What was the best piece of advice that you were given on the show?

To just give 100% every time.

Would you consider entering XFactor again or competing in any other similar competitions?

I would never say never, but at the moment I am concentrating on me as an artist and I feel it is important for me to try and break into this industry on my own!

You are now working on your debut album - do you write and / or produce your own music?

I have been writing my own music since I was 10 years old, I love writing! I also play the piano which is helpful! I have recently had a couple of songs written for me which has also been great, as it’s good to combine your talent with others! At the moment I am learning how to produce so I will hopefully be doing that in the future.

How would you describe your sound in 5 words?

 Fresh, soulful, emotional, happy and meaningful.

When will it be released?

No release date yet, hopefully within a year it will be out there.

You’ve taken a very proactive approach to your music and are going to release the album independently- how important do you think taking control of your own music is in today’s’ music industry?

It is so, so important! You have to take matters in your own hands and not wait for a major label to come looking for you because chances are it isn’t going to happen, it is all about building your fan base up and showing them what they are missing out on, you need to sell yourself as an artist!

What is your favourite part of performing?

It is indescribable, the adrenaline of people listening to me do what I love to do I guess.

Any upcoming gigs or performances?

There are plenty coming up, in the next month my website will be up so look out for it, www.despinasworld.com

What is playing on your iPod at the moment?

Eminem’s new album, recovery, its brilliant!For more info on Despina and her music you can check out these links:

www.despinasworld.com/       www.facebook.com/despinapilavakis

www.twitter.com/despina289            www.youtube.com/desm289

That’s all for now! More entertainment Xclusives next week! x Mwah

****************************************************************************

Catch all the latest music Xclusives on Katerina’s Live DJ Show:

‘Young & Connected - Scandalous!’ Every Wednesday, 8-10pm on LGR 103.3fm and online at www.lgr.co.uk

If you would like your CD or event featured or reviewed in Xclusive! Contact Katerina: Email: katsmusiq@gmail.com     Website: www.myspace.com/katzmusic

[Published in the Parikiaki Newspaper on the 15th July 2010]

Despina, when did you first get started in music?

I first started singing when I was 5 years old, I sang with the Chicken Shed Theatre School when they came to my primary school and it has been my passion ever since.

Who inspires you musically 

Everything around me inspires me. From what is happening in my life to what is happening around the world. I have a number of favourite artists, one in particular is Celine Dion, however I listen to all genres of music and I am open minded to what I listen to.

You are currently studying music at Hertfordshire University what does that involve?

I am currently in my last year at university studying music, commercial composition and technology studies. It is as hard as it sounds! It involves producing, composing, orchestrating and performing. I just love music and I love a challenge, I think there is always space to improve and that’s why I took this course.

You competed in the XFACTOR in 2009 and made it to the final 24 with Danni Minogue as your mentor in Dubai - an amazing achievement - What did you take away from that experience?

I took a lot from it, most importantly it built up my confidence and I gained experience, whilst building up my fan base. Although I didn’t get past the last 6 girls, I’m glad I have those fans and they can now see how much potential I have!

Is Simon Cowell as scary and intimidating as he can appear on TV?

No Simons’ a softy, as long as you are nice to him he will be nice to you!

What was the best piece of advice that you were given on the show?

To just give 100% every time.

Would you consider entering XFactor again or competing in any other similar competitions?

I would never say never, but at the moment I am concentrating on me as an artist and I feel it is important for me to try and break into this industry on my own!

You are now working on your debut album - do you write and / or produce your own music?

I have been writing my own music since I was 10 years old, I love writing! I also play the piano which is helpful! I have recently had a couple of songs written for me which has also been great, as it’s good to combine your talent with others! At the moment I am learning how to produce so I will hopefully be doing that in the future.

How would you describe your sound in 5 words?

 Fresh, soulful, emotional, happy and meaningful.

When will it be released?

No release date yet, hopefully within a year it will be out there.

You’ve taken a very proactive approach to your music and are going to release the album independently- how important do you think taking control of your own music is in today’s’ music industry?

It is so, so important! You have to take matters in your own hands and not wait for a major label to come looking for you because chances are it isn’t going to happen, it is all about building your fan base up and showing them what they are missing out on, you need to sell yourself as an artist!

What is your favourite part of performing?

It is indescribable, the adrenaline of people listening to me do what I love to do I guess.

Any upcoming gigs or performances?

There are plenty coming up, in the next month my website will be up so look out for it, www.despinasworld.com

What is playing on your iPod at the moment?

Eminem’s new album, recovery, its brilliant!

For more info on Despina and her music you can check out these links:

www.despinasworld.com/                www.facebook.com/despinapilavakis

www.twitter.com/despina289            www.youtube.com/desm289

That’s all for now! More entertainment Xclusives next week! x Mwah

***************************************

Catch all the latest music Xclusives on Katerina’s Live DJ Show:

‘Young & Connected - Scandalous!’ Every Wednesday, 8-10pm on LGR 103.3fm and online at www.lgr.co.uk

If you would like your CD or event featured or reviewed in Xclusive! Contact Katerina: Email: katsmusiq@gmail.com     Website: www.myspace.com/katzmusic

[Published in the Parikiaki Newspaper on the 15th June 2010]

© PA

Now that Cheryl Cole’s ongoing battle with malaria has forced her to pull out of the Boot Camp stage of X Factor, talk has shifted to possible replacements.

The 27-year-old pop star contracted the disease on a trip to Tanzania last month, despite taking malaria tablets.

Katie Price has been quick to put herself forward as a replacement. “I think everyone wants to be a judge on that show. Simon knows where I am,” she told Metro.

Celebrity judges have already been a feature of X Factor 2010 due to Dannii Minogue’s absence. Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh have been joined by the likes of Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and Katy Perry.

So who do you think should take Cheryl’s place?

 SRC: MSN.CO.UK

Over 2000 people have joined a new facebook page in the hopes that American pop star Britney Spears will include Greece in her next european tour! Entitled  ”WE WANT BRITNEY SPEARS TO COME TO GREECE” her fans hope that their message will reach Briteny and her management team, and encourage them to host a live concert there!

SRC: MAD.TV

The latest Music NewsBites!

The summer music season in Greece is in full swing and if you happen to be heading over there for your holidays this July and fancy a night in the company of the fabulous Glykeria why not get yourselves a ticket for one of her upcoming live performances?!

A series of concerts scheduled for this month (16^th - 31^st July) will see Glykeria, along with Melina Aslanidou and Giorgos Lianos take to the stage to perform songs from their own successful repertoires as well as classic favourites from the entehno and laiko genre!

July dates are as follows:

16/7: Κεραμωτή Καβάλας «Φεστιβάλ Πλάι στο κύμα» 21.30
17/7: Λούτσα Ευβοίας - Δήμος Δυρφίων «Γήπεδο Περιοχής» 21.30
21/7: Κατερίνη «Γήπεδο Κατερίνης» 21.30
30/7: Έβρος - Δήμος Βύσσας «Φεστιβάλ Άρδα» 21.30
31/7: Βαρβάρα Χαλκιδικής «12ο Πολιτιστικό καλοκαίρι - Προαύλιος χώρος Δημοτικού Σχολείου» 21.30

Greek superstar Despina Vandi rocks out with her band in a rehearsal style set up for her brand new video! The clip now doing the rounds for follow-up single “Kommati Ap’ Ti Kardia Sou” is from her latest album release “C’est La Vie”!

 After all the excitement of Eurovision in May Giorgos Alkeos returns to the music scene with a new track for the summer -”Dws Mou Ligo Fws”. The video filmed in ‘wrap time’ appears in super slow motion- a first for a Greek video clip! 

International pop icon Madonna is embarking on her latest business endeavour this summer; brand new fashion label “Material Girl” to be sold exclusively in the huge American department stores of Macy’s. It was only a matter of time before the original ‘material girl’ returned to the fashion world, however this time, it is with her thirteen year old daughter, Lola in tow! The collection which hits the shops stateside on the 3^rd August, celebrates the “spontaneous and fearless individual who invents her own fashion trends” and is “never afraid to make a bold, creative statement.”  For more info check out the official site: www.materialgirlcollection.com

That’s all for now! More entertainment Xclusives next week! x Mwah

*******************************************************

Catch out all the aforementioned promos and the very latest music Xclusives on Katerina’s Live DJ Show: ‘Young & Connected - Scandalous!’ Every Wednesday, 8-10pm on LGR 103.3fm and online at www.lgr.co.uk

If you would like your CD or event featured or reviewed in Xclusive! Contact Katerina: Email: katsmusiq@gmail.com     Website: www.myspace.com/katzmusic

[Published in the Parikiaki Newspaper on the 8th July 2010]

Bauer-Griffin / The Sun / Zuma Press

George Michael has been arrested after he crashed his car into a shop front in the early hours of the morning.

The Careless Whisper singer was caught on CCTV mounting the kerb in his Ranger Rover and ploughing into Snappy Snaps in Hampstead, north London. Following the collision, the shocked former Wham! star climbed out of his 4×4 and waited for police to arrive.

He was not breathalysed, insisting to officers he had not been drinking. But he is thought to have been tested for drugs at a north London police station, the Daily Mirror reported. No drugs were recovered and the 47-year-old star was released on bail until August.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed: ‘Police were called at approximately 3.30am on Sunday to reports of a vehicle in collision with a building. Officers attended and a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive. ‘He was taken to a north London police station and later bailed to return on August 13 pending inquiries.’

SRC: dailymail.co.uk   / popeater.com

The 25-year-old, whose World Cup campaign came to and end last week when Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the last 16, is understood to have posted the announcement on both his Twitter account and Facebook  in the early hours of Sunday 4th July. 

Following in the footsteps of celebrity couples Tom Cruise with Katie Holmes and Brad and Angelina it seems the Beckhams are the latest famous faces to be sunning it in Greece this  summer! The whole family will enjoy their vacation at a luxury hotel in Pylos, where strict safety measures will be in place to ensure a stress free and  relaxing holiday!

Written by Katerina Neocleous

SRC: loveradio.gr

A Date for your Diary!

Oh yes the Cyprus Wine Festival is back and makes a welcome return this weekend at the impressive Alexandra Palace venue! Organised by the Parikiaki newspaper, this highly anticipated annual event is a great way to celebrate our culture; showcasing a range of our communities’ businesses as well as offering an opportunity to partake in a slice of all things Cypriot; food, wine and entertainment at its Cypriot best! The music program will see singers Evi Kapatai and Stavros Konstandinou headlining the event for 2010, as well as a whole host of singers, dancers and entertainers who will be taking centre stage throughout this two day extravaganza! I’m also very excited to be performing my brand new Greek Track “Geia Sou” at the festival - can’t wait to see you all there!

Cyprus Wine Festival ~ Saturday 26^th & Sunday 27^th June 2010

Alexandra Palace, London N22 7AY ~ Tickets: Adults £6.00 / Senior £4.00 / Kids (Under 12 yrs) FREE

Summer Singles!

Sakis Rouvas is back to make the ladies swoon this summer, with new ballad “Emena Thes”. Mr. “Shake It” may be leaving the dance moves out for this one, but will almost certainly still be conquering the charts (and hearts, no doubt!) with this feisty rock-tinged love song. You can also catch the video clip for this one, now doing the rounds!

But don’t worry fellas; if Sakis isn’t your thing, Peggy Zina also has a new song out this summer to keep you guys entertained! “Stis Zwis To Parti” is the latest offering to the music world by Ms Zina; the track penned by Gianni Christodoulopoulou (music) and Eleanas Vrahali (lyrics) is a Latin vibed fiesta (!) from one of our favourite chart toppers!

That’s all for now! Check out next week’s column for more music mayhem!

x Mwah

************************************************

Catch out all the aforementioned promos and the very latest music Xclusives on Katerina’s Live DJ Show: ‘Young & Connected - Scandalous!’ Every Wednesday, 8-10pm on LGR 103.3fm and online at www.lgr.co.uk

If you would like your CD or event featured or reviewed in Xclusive! Contact Katerina: Email: katsmusiq@gmail.com     Website: www.myspace.com/katzmusic

[Published in the Parikiaki Newspaper on the 24th June 2010]