Tag Archives: Steve Jones

Armisen to Direct a Kings of Leon Concert for American Express Unstaged

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Fred Armisen is preparing to work with music royalty…

The 46-year-old half-Venezuelan actor/comedian and former Saturday Night Live star is set to direct a Kings of Leon show next month for the American Express Unstaged series, according to the Associated Press.

Fred Armisen

The Portlandia star, who recently ended his SNL run after 11 years, has previously directed music videos and is himself a drummer and musician.

Armisen wrapped up his SNL run as his memorable punk character Ian Rubbish along with former Sonic Youth member Kim Gordon, J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr., Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols and former Sleater-Kinney guitarist and vocalist (and his Portlandia co-star) Carrie Brownstein, among others.

The Kings of Leon concert will take place on August 9th at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London, and will be streamed by YouTube and Vevo.

It will mark the 13th entry in the American Express Unstaged series; the series’ last show featured Steve Buscemi directing Vampire Weekend, which had Armisen open as Ian Rubbish.

Kings of Leon’s next album, Mechanical Bull, will be out September 24th.

Lopez to Co-Host “The X Factor” with Khloe Kardashian

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Extra, Extra… Mario Lopez will be having an X-ceptional fall…

The 38-year-old Mexican American actor has reportedly signed on the dotted line to co-host Fox’s The X Factor alongside Khloe Kardashian, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Mario Lopez

A source close to the show says that Lopez has officially signed on, while Kardashian’s reps and the X Factor team have agreed on all points of her contract, and paperwork should be signed shortly.

The Extra host and E! reality TV star replace The X Factor’s season one host Steve Jones, who was cut  in a massive talent slash that also found judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger without jobs in late January.

Following the firings, Simon Cowell repeatedly stated that he hoped to hire two judges for the forthcoming season, one female and one male.

Kardashian had long been rumored to fill the position. Her friendship with new X Factor judge Demi Lovato helped seal her deal, a source said.

Meanwhile, Lopez’s name only recently entered the fray. Other potential hosts said to have been on the shortlist included Corbin Bleu, Kevin Jonas and Kevin McHale.

Kardashian and Lopez screen-tested separately. It’s unclear whether they’ve been on camera together yet.

A representative for Fox had no comment.

The X Factor returned with its season two premiere on Wednesday, September 12, with new judges Britney Spears and Lovato joining Cowell and L.A. Reid on the panel.

Kardashian and Lopez are expected to appear when the live shows begin later this fall.

Lovato to Become “X Factor” Judge…

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Following weeks of speculation, it appears that Demi Lovato will be factoring into Simon Cowell’s plans to revamp his hit reality singing competition series…

The 19-year-old part Mexican American singer/actress has officially signed on as the fourth and final judge for the upcoming season of Fox’s The X Factor, according to E! Online.

Demi Lovato to perform at the Latin Grammys

When X Factor returns in September, the former Disney Channel star will join newly appointed judge Britney Spears, who reportedly signed her deal last week, and last season’s judges Cowell and L.A. Reid.

Earlier this year, X Factor producers cleaned house by dismissing the show’s host Steve Jones and judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul. In March, Reid and Cowell confirmed the two open judges spots would be filled by women.

It appears the “Give Your Heart a Break” singer and Spears beat out some stiff competition for the coveted judging spots, including Janet Jackson, LeAnn Rimes and Miley Cyrus.

As reported last week, Spears is said to be receiving $15 million for the season.

No word yet on the details of Lovato’s contract, but she is expected to appear at Fox’s upfront presentation on Monday with Spears, where the formal announcement will be made.