The Voice UK Episode 1

Last night saw the arrival of Simon Cowell's worst nightmare hit this side of the pond...The Voice UK aired its first episode over on network rival BBC1.

The format is simple. All four vocal coaches turn away as the hopeful act takes to the stage. If they like what they hear they press their buzzer and the act is through and joins said vocal coaches' team. If more than one hit their buzzer they then have to pitch to the act to choose them. Something the Voice UK coaches reveled in.


Jessie J, Tom Jones, Will I Am and Danny O'Donoghue were a delight. The playful competitiveness between all four made for great viewing. Tom Jones was hilarious with his Elvis anecdote whilst Will I Am's MJ comment/impersonation blew me away. Jessie J is Jessie J. No more needs said. Oh and Danny told everyone he would 'Fight til the death' for them. But he looks pretty, sounds fantastic with his Irish brogue, whit and charisma so I'm going to let that one slide.


Then there were of course the contestants themselves. Or the Voices as they should be referred to. All sounding incredibly talented with voices perfect for studio release. In the words of Louis Walsh 'We are looking for a recording artist...and you are a recording artist'. LOL awww Louis Walsh folks. Gotta love him.

One reviewer of the Radio Times however has criticised the show for its apparent over-emphasis on the contestant's back stories complaining about the issues of 'bullying, alopecia, flabbiness and flamboyant natures' being the main focus rather than their talent.

This is exactly what the Voice is all about! It takes the people who X-Factor and the rest of society would normally shun and focuses on their talent. What has happened to get them on the stage in front of Jessie and Co. is equally important. Its why they are standing there on the day and why they give it their all for their first and possibly final performance in front of the would-be coaches.

"The Voice was a parade of the quite-good and the not-great-actually, with no variation: just wave after heaving wave of mediocrity with emotional baggage." Clearly the sound of Simon Cowell's cheque being cashed drowned out J Marie Cooper's rendition of 'Mamma Knows Best', Max Milner's perfect 'Lose Yourself/Come Together' mash-up or local Derry boy Ben Kelly's piano assisted version of 'Rocket Man'. I mean what more do you want!

The Voice UK airs Saturday 7pm BBC1. Episode 1 is available on catch-up via BBC iplayer. The First episode averaged with 8.46 m viewers peaking at 9.6m at 7.45pm.

Check out The Voice UK's J Marie Cooper performing the Jessie J track 'Mamma Knows Best' in the clip below.

The Rise & Rise of Douglas Booth

From Burberry model to the BBC adaptation of Dickens's 'Great Expectations', Brit hit Douglas Booth is shaping up to be quite the style icon.

Booth began a steady career with all-things-tweed luxury fashion house Burberry appearing in a wide range of campaigns for the various seasonal collections. Hand-picked by Burberry Chief Director Christopher Bailey, Booth even starred alongside Emma Watson for a few shots. Going on to lend his stunningly chiseled face for Burberry Sport's new fragrance.


Partying at Dolce & Gabanna bashes, openings of Tommy Hilfiger stores and attending London Fashion Week catwalk shows by the likes of Mulberry. Booth has developed a signature style encompassing the young British Gentleman with a more modern twist in colourful dapper blazers, tight fitting suits and the occasional festival frenzy thrown in for good measure.


Douglas Booth is set to star in Carlo Carlei's upcoming adaptation of Romeo and Juliet playing the lead role of Romeo Montague. Filming kicked off in Italy on February 3.

Take a look at the Boothmiester in all his pouting glory in the Burberry Sport Fragrance ad below.

Kimberly Wyatt Slays on Got To Dance...Again

Kimberly Wyatt has taken to the centre stage once again on her hit Sky One show Got To Dance. This time joined by an ensemble of back up dancers and fellow judge and tap-dancer Adam Garcia.

Sporting edgier street-style influenced clothing this time round, Kimbo donned a metallic cropped cape, a tribal inspired body-con bra and high-waisted ethnic printed shorts. That paired with Rihanna's 'We Found Love' and Adam Garcia on board to lend a hand, the former Pussycat Doll proved once again she's not just a doll.


Kimberly tweeted before taking to the stage posting "Last @GotToDance_Sky1 semi-final tonight!! AND ill be performing with the handsome stallion himself @ThatAdamGarcia tonight!! :) SO FUN!!!".

Check out Kimberly Wyatt and her fellow judge Adam Garcia kicking up a storm on stage in the clip below.

Blake Lively Covers ELLE

Gossip Girl and Green Lantern actress Blake Lively is this month's ELLE cover-girl sporting a simple white dress by Victoria Beckham for the style magazine's Spring Fashion Issue.

The 24 year old also gets more than a little bit wet. Mind's out of the gutter for all you Chuck Bass-tards out there. Nothing says Spring Fashion like a good hose down in a Michael Kors swimsuit and a netted shirt and vest top by Isabel Marant. Before drying off and slipping on a form fitting metallic zebra print embroidered top courtesy of Gucci of course and Alexander Wang black stretch leggings.

During the interview itself, the blond bombshell talks of her friendship with Christian Louboutin and on him basically being her personal stylist. On one day having little mini Blake Lively's running around who she hopes will be 'either girls or trannies'. Her words, not mine. We hope Green Lantern co-star and boyfriend Ryan Reynolds has been informed.


Blake Lively's ELLE Cover shoot was shot by Tom Munro and styled by ELLE's Creative Director Joe Zee. Take a look at the stunning shoot in a behind the scenes look courtesy of ELLE TV below.

Amber Riley Tributes Whitney Houston

In what was pure coincidence on the show's behalf, Glee star Amber Riley covered Whitney Houston's power ballad 'I Will Always Love You' on the special Valentine's Day episode last night.

The episode entitled 'Heart' saw the character of Mercedes Jones (Riley) lay her cards on the table for love in what can only be described as a stunning tribute to the recently deceased Whitney Houston. A special dedication was added to the end of the episode “Whitney Houston 1963-2012. We will always love you.”

Since her death, a total of 101,000 of Whitney's albums have been purchased by the week ending of February 12. 'I Will Always Love You' has racked up an astonishing 195,000 digital tracks purchased in this week alone.

Take a look at Amber Riley shine in the clip below as she tackles what is arguably Whitney's most well known hit 'I Will Always Love You'.

Kimberly Wyatt Slays on Got To Dance

Former Pussycat Doll and top dance judge Kimberly Wyatt has blown viewers away with her sensational performance on her hit Sky One show Got To Dance.

Kimberly delivered an awe attention grabbing number for her performance. Looking stunning in a white boho-chic aztec number complete with a jewel encrusted wide neck collar. The Her Majesty and the Wolves singer offered up an emotional, exciting and inspiring piece complete with zebra print skirted backing dancers and a half naked male partner.

Fellow judge Adam Garcia commented "That was breathtaking...I have chills." Diversity member and panelist Ashley Banjo said he was now worried for having to top such an incredible performance in next week's show and host Davina McCall told Kimberly she had goosebumps.


The tribal inspired performance comes following a wave of negative criticism against the Don't Cha singer due to her strict judging method with some claiming she isn't even that good of a dancer. Hmmm a Pussycat Doll not a good dancer? Well luckily Kimbo proved them all wrong by cooking up a storm on the dancing front, gaining an amazing extra 2000 followers on twitter and trending worldwide for a full hour after the episode aired.

Got To Dance is now in its third season. Kimberly Wyatt is currently working on new music under her electronic-pop duo Her Majesty and The Wolves alongside producer and singer Spencer Neezy. Their debut album '111' is out now.

Take a look at Kimberly Wyatt as she completely OWNS it on Got To Dance in her performance below courtesy of pcdworld.co.uk

The Golden Globes: The Red Carpet

The stars were out in full last night as The 69th Annual Golden Globes hit L.A. causing a wave of outrageously expensive gowns and tuxedos to flourish on the Red Carpet as the likes of Gerard Butler and Kate Winslet to everyone in between put on their best threads at the prestigious event.

Strapless definitely seemed to be the on-going theme when it came to the frocks showcased by the leading ladies at the bash with the other recurring element being white and black color combos. Kate Winslet caught our eye in a form flattering black and white minimalistic number with Clare Danes sporting a more modern style mixing it up with gold studded black symmetrics and matching belt. Jessica Biel adopted bo-ho chic in a white laced gown. Whilst Rooney Mara shone in a classic all-black full-length dress with a plunging neckline by Nina Ricci.


Angelina Jolie was by far one of the stand-outs amongst the crowd looking eloquent in an ivory Versace satin number paired with a striking red shoulder contrast fitting in perfectly with her equally red lipstick and chosen clutch as the Wanted star's added accessory. True to form, Ange's other half Brad Pitt didn't disappoint either looking dapper in a three-piece tux, given that extra gentleman swag with a bow tie and a black cane.


Of course there were some who opted to bring a splash of the none noir shades to the bash. Salma Hayek looked stunning in a gold and silver chest black sequined maxi. New Girl Zooey Deschanel brought a touch of 60s Hollywood glam in a green and black embellished frock whilst Glee's Lea Michelle covered herself from head to toe in a silver meshed and embroidered design. Not sure we would put a gold star against the hair though Lea...makes you look ten years older and not in a good way.


Other note-worthy gems came in the form of Emma Stone in a Lanvin full-length maroon piece, Michelle Williams in her stunning Jason Wu gown and The Good Wife herself Julianna Marguiles in a purple Naeem Kahn frock. Then there were the boys. Gerard Butler. Leo Dicaprio. Ryan Kwanten. Need we say more.

Ricky Gervais hosted the event for the second year running. Kate Winslet, Madonna and Meryl Streep were just some of the names who walked away with awards.

Kimberly Wyatt Shoots Got To Dance Promo

Pussycat Doll turned solo artist and talent judge star Kimberly Wyatt is gearing up for the return of her hit Sky1 show Got To Dance as it nears its third season premiere. To celebrate, the Don't Cha singer/dancer has debuted a flexible and all round FIERCE promotional photo-shoot.

The shots also include her signature Doll Domination leg-lift showcased in almost every performance of the Pussycat Doll hit When I Grow Up and in the track's accompanying music video dance break. Don't worry, no photographers were harmed during the making and filming of the shoot. Kimberly even commented on the moves she was perfecting on the ballet bar stating it took her back to her doll days where it was 'always super sexy and hot'. She ain't wrong.

Got To Dance series 3 airs January 2012. Judges Adam Garcia and Ashley Banjo are returning alongside Kimberly and will be presented by Davina McCall. Got To Dance: Warm Up Show aired last night over on Sky1 HD at 8pm.