Simon Cowell opens up about mourning the death of beloved AGT stars

X Factor star Anthony Russell has completely transformed since his days singing on the ITV talent show - and it seems he has also grown out of his nickname ‘Tighto’.Anthony first appeared on the programme aged just 17 as a fresh faced Liverpudlian singer in 2007, wowing the judges with his rendition of Frank Sinatra’s Somewhere Beyond the Sea.He famously clapped back at Simon Cowell’s criticism by saying: “Nice one, Si.” READ MORE: Samira Mighty reveals she was knocked back from X Factor at 15 years old Anthony explained that his nickname came from when he was “dead tight with his sweets” at junior school, though he has thankfully now grown out of that.He cheekily promised the judges at the time: “If I get famous everyone can all have my sweets. There’s nothing that can stop me now.”Anthony was eliminated at the Boot Camp rounds the first time, but returned in 2017 until his problems with drug addiction meant he withdrew to complete a stint in rehab.Just a year later, he was back, and finished in third place.Anthony, however, has now opened up to the Echo about how his success on the show could have killed him, explaining that being forced to quit the X Factor tour when his issues with drink and drug addiction resurfaced eventually saved his life.He told the publication: “I used that to get sober because the news came out about me and my family were devastated.

Carrie Underwood took to social media with a special transformation for fans Friday as she debuted her brand new filter on Instagram.MORE: Simon Cowell reveals bold prediction for Carrie Underwood after phenomenal AGT performanceThe new feature is in aid of the star's new song Ghost Story and allows fans to get the look from the cover of the new track. Carrie showed fans how she looked after applying the exciting new effect - and they couldn't get enough!WATCH: Carrie Underwood wowed fans with her sneak peek album video Captioning the clip, the mother-of-two penned: "Get the look from my #GhostStory cover with this fun new Instagram filter!"READ: Carrie Underwood gets fans talking with girls' night out photoSEE: Carrie Underwood's son made the sweetest mishap concerning his famous momOne enthused fan replied: "Beautiful as always‼️" with three flame emojis.

cancer diagnosis. The conservationist, aged 70, who appeared in the popular Animal Planet documentary from 1996 to 2014, revealed he is suffering from an "aggressive form of lung cancer. "Simon explained that he underwent chemotherapy last month.

SurreyLive: “I spent the first week in panic mode, not knowing what to do. Then I thought, you can either bend to it or knuckle down and get on with things. “They have given me no idea of the timescale.

Good Morning Britain star Piers Morgan.The 48-year-old TV star has in recent times become a regular presenter on the breakfast show following the Life Stories host's dramatic departure in March 2021.After Piers stormed off set and handed in his notice, his role was never officially replaced – however Adil and Richard Madeley both seemed to be triumphant with landing more frequent airtime.READ MORE: Kate Garraway 'fretful' as husband Derek returns to hospital amid lengthy health battleGiven the situation with Piers walking out over the bombshell interview between Oprah Winfrey and Meghan Markle, Adil loves nothing more than to poke fun at the former anchorman when given half the chance.Digging his claws in again, Adil made a scathing jibe about Piers "blocking people".On Friday's programme (August 12), hosts Adil and Charlotte Hawkins were joined by Dave Williams who appeared on Britains Got Talent's first ever series in 2007.At the time of his audition, Dave had failed to impress the judging panel which included Piers, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell, with his ashtray talent and was buzzed off of the stage.Now, 15 years later and the 81-year-old is a viral sensation after a clip of him singing the Righteous Brothers' hit song Unchained Melody was viewed by more than 500,000 online users.Appearing on GMB, Dave explained to the hosts that in hindsight he probably should have just sang for the judges all those years ago instead of attempting to play an ashtray with a key.Charlotte said: "Well we've got a clip of you, so let's hear what the judges had to say."In the old video, Dave began to strike the ashtray with his key and was immediately buzzed out by every single judge.Coming back to the studio, Charlotte chimed in: "Oh

unrecognisable yesterday as he shared a shocking video of his swollen face on Instagram. The 42-year-old wrote: "Stung by a bee and got an allergic reaction!! Owning that look! Free Botox and fillers!!!!!” Today saw Brian issue an update on his allergic reaction – and thankfully he looks to be on the road to recovery. While his face was still swollen, the star looked much better in the post uploaded this morning (Thursday, August 11).

Emmerdale for his comeback. The I'm A Celebrity star is returning for the ITV soap's 50th anniversary celebrations later this year to reprise his role as Aaron Livesy. He shared a video as he enjoyed a pint in the Woolpack to his Instagram stories.

X FACTOR star Fleur East has revealed how she blew her cash on a dodgy cryptocurrency deal. The Sax singer, 34, is now a TV and radio presenter and set to extend her reality TV fame with a spot on Strictly Come Dancing 2022. Yet the Walthamstow-born star has revealed the darker side to her fame - and how she lost money on a Bitcoin-style scheme.

X Factor singer Fleur East has been announced as the 12th contestant to land a place in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The Saturday Night Takeaway star is swapping her hosting duties for glitzy costumes and high heels as she makes her way to the BBC for this years epic competition.

She became well known for wearing eye-catching outfits during her time as a Victoria's Secret Angel.And Heidi Klum proved she's still a head turner as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday ahead of night two of the America's Got Talent Semi-Finals on NBC.The 49-year-old supermodel - who co-judges the competition show with Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell - was captured offering fans a friendly wave during her outing. Show-stopping: She became well known for wearing eye-catching outfits during her time as a Victoria's Secret Angel.

He said: “I spent the first week in panic mode, not knowing what to do. “Then I thought, you can either bend to it or knuckle down and get on with things.“They have given me no idea of the timescale. It could be weeks; it could be years. “Until we have gone through the chemo we don’t know what’s going on.

America's Got Talent live shows kicked off with a bang on 9 August, with the season 17 acts bringing their best performances to the stage yet.MORE: Divisive AGT live performance leaves Simon Cowell speechlessThe bar was high for Terry Crews' golden buzzer act Avery Dixon, but after the saxophone player gave it everything he had, the judges and audience were left in awe.VIDEO: Carrie Underwood is unrecognizable in incredible 1990s videoAfter his set that brought the house down, Simon Cowell was left suitably impressed and went on to make a bold prediction for Avery."I want to say something," he started. "I know we say a lot of 'You're going to be a star etc', I promise you, Avery, since we met you, something's changed.MORE: Sofia Vergara teases return to AGT after absence from judge cuts"I'm going to predict something," he added, then taking fans down memory lane by revisiting his first taste of Stateside fame with American Idol."I said this about Carrie Underwood years and years and years ago on another show, which is…you're going to be a superstar.A post shared by America's Got Talent - AGT (@agt)Avery Dixon's performance blew the judges away"I promise you, Avery.

WILDLIFE SOS star Simon Cowell has been given a devastating terminal cancer diagnosis. The 70-year-old was told after a routine scan that he's suffering from an "aggressive" form of lung cancer. Doctors don't know how long he's got left - saying it could be "weeks or months".

Pete Wicks is hoping third time’s the charm after signing up for ‘Celebs Go Dating’ again. The 'TOWIE' star will be returning to E4’s hit matchmaking show for a third attempt at finding love when filming commences for the new series. The 33-year-old reality star has enjoyed a whirlwind of short term romances over the years but now it's said he's wanting to find "Ms Right".

Simon Cowell has spoken out over the tragic death of America’s Got Talent star Nolan Neal. The contestant, who also appeared on The Voice in 2016, died aged 41 in July following a struggle with addiction. As America’s Got Talent returns with live shows this month, judge Simon, 62, addressed Nolan’s sad passing.

STRICTLY Come Dancing has revealed its latest 2022 signing - CBBC star Molly Rainford. The 21-year-old has been dubbed an "intergalactic pop superstar" who first found fame aged 11 when she became the youngest ever finalist of Britain’s Got Talent.

Simon Cowell has signalled his sadness following the death of former America's Got Talent performer Nolan Neal. The contestant died at the age of 41 after a battle with addiction, with Simon, 62, saying the singer's fate had occurred "too much over the years".Speaking ahead of AGT's live shows on Tuesday (August 9), the celebrity judge stated: "I was thinking about this the other day.

Simon Cowell declared 21-year-old saxophonist Avery Dixon a superstar during Tuesday night's live two-hour semi-final performances on America's Got Talent on NBC.'I'm going to predict something, I said this about Carrie Underwood years ago on another show, which is that you are going to be a superstar,' Simon, 62, said. 'I promise you, Avery, everything you dreamed of I actually believe is going to happen.'Avery, a Golden Buzzer winner from Atlanta, was the last act of the night competing to be one of the two acts from 11 performances that would go straight to the final to compete for the $1 million dollar prize and to headline a show in Vegas.  Superstar: Simon Cowell declared 21-year-old saxophonist Avery Dixon a superstar during Tuesday night's live two-hour semi-final performances on America's Got Talent on NBC Simon says: 'I'm going to predict something, I said this about Carrie Underwood years ago on another show, which is that you are going to be a superstar,' Simon, 62, said.

Stefanny and Yeremy are proving they have what it takes.

Following the recent death of contestant Nolan Neal, judge Simon Cowell is grieving the loss of those gone too soon.«Unfortunately, it happens too much over the years,» Cowell told. «I was thinking about this the other day. People [who] passed too soon.

CELEBS Go Dating have re-signed their unluckiest-in-love star for another try at finding the one. Towie star Pete Wicks will return to the hit E4 dating show for a third time when it begins filming. Pete, 33, has enjoyed a series of short-lived romances over the years but pals said he has failed to find someone to spend his life with.