Showing posts with label Diversity. Show all posts

Saturday, 7 June 2014

Cheryl Cole performs raunchy set with Tinie Tempah on Britain's Got Talent grand final...moments before Collabro are named the winners

Now that's a collaboration! Cheryl Cole performs raunchy set with Tinie Tempah on Britain's Got Talent grand final...moments before Collabro are named the winners

PUBLISHED: 21:27, 7 June 2014 | UPDATED: 21:27, 7 June 2014

She had an embarrassing fall-out with Simon Cowell over X factor USA, but it seems all is well with Cheryl Cole.

The Newcastle-born singer took to the stage of Britain's Got Talent for a rendition of her new single Crazy Stupid Love on Saturday.

The blonde star joined critically acclaimed Tinie Tempah for the rendition, which she is hoping will reignite her pop career.

Looking good: Cheryl Cole performs her new material on the Britain's Got Talent final

Wearing a bra top covered in a mesh vest, the former Girls Aloud singer had the words of the track title emblazoned across her torso.

She co-ordinated the bold look with a pair of baggy, semi-sheer trousers and strappy heels.

Naturally, she also had a profusion of blonde hair extensions for extra urban cliche.

Revealing: Wearing a bra top covered in a mesh vest, the former Girls Aloud singer had the words of the track title emblazoned across her torso

Big hair: Cheryl Cole sported typically revealing clothing for her performance

Cheryl has two number one solo albums under her name and is now back with her first.

The high octane performance featured fire and a number of taut dancers, and even a special appearance from Tinie Tempah.

Cheryl threw a lot of faux shade and attitude, and even gave twerking a go, though she's rather late to jump on the bandwagon.

Blonde ambition: The singer cut a lithe figure as she took to the stage ahead of the contest result

Two for the price of one: Cheryl joins Tinie Tempah on sage for the performance

Little Mix and dance troupe Diversity also teamed up for a very special performance of the girl band’s new single, Salute.

The former BGT winners devised a brand new routine to entertain viewers, ahead of Little Mix’s entrance on to the stage.

Jade, Perrie, Leigh-Anne and Jesy seemed to be playing the role of dominatrixes as they held leads to attach to the some of the dancers and fetish wear-inspired costumes featuring a lot of leather, studs and feathers.

Fighting for a hit: Cheryl is determined to make a decent return to pop music

No need to make a song and dance of it! The singer threw everything except the kitchen sink at the performance

Little Mix and dance troupe Diversity teamed up for a very special performance of the girl band’s new single Salute.

The former BGT winners devised a brand new routine to entertain viewers, ahead of Little Mix’s entrance on to the stage.

Mixing it up: Little Mix also performed on the Britain's Got Talent final

Four to the floor: The singers delighted fans with their performance

The inevitable standing ovation: Cheryl blew a sycophantic kiss to the judges

Monday, 6 January 2014

Diversity's Perri Kiely comes top on Splash! leaderboard with fearless backwards somersault

'He's a little daredevil!': Diversity's Perri Kiely comes top on Splash! leaderboard with fearless backwards somersault

By CAROLINE PROSSER

PUBLISHED: 21:10, 4 January 2014 | UPDATED: 08:54, 5 January 2014

Diversity's Perri Kiely, 18, blew judges away with his dive on Splash!, scoring the highest score of the first episode of the competition.

Described by the show's coach Tom Daley as ' a little daredevil', Perri performed a backwards somersault from the highest, 10 metre diving board on Saturday.

With his co-dancers from Diversity standing in their seats, the star pulled off an exceptional performance which won high praise and a score of 25 out of 30 from the judges.

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Making a splash: Diversity's Perri Kiely wowed judges on celebrity diving contest Splash! with his backwards somersault

But Judge Leon Taylor, a former professional diver said there will be more to come from Perri.

He said: 'He's living up to our expectations. I've seen his tricks and potential. But actually I'm a little disappointed. It was a stunt dive, a fall. I know there's more.'

Fellow judges Jo Brand described the dive as 'brilliant', while Andy Banks said: 'At the end of the day, he's on the top board - there's still time. That entry I'm going to call sick.'

Athletic: Perri leans backwards to perform a somersault, earning him top place on the Splash! leaderboard

He's flying: Perri cut a streamlined figure as he elegantly performed his somersault

Fearless: Perri seemed just as at ease as a diver as a dancer

Splash! Perri maintained his position as he dived into the pool

Star quality: Perri put his dancing background from Diversity to good use as he gave a confident performance

Perri earned himself a place in the show's semi-final, where he will be joined by Michaela Strachan, 47.

Michaela was first to compete on the show, wearing an indigo and violet cross-patterned swimming costume.

She admitted that she had a fear of heights and that while she has dived with sharks and whales she had never dived on a board.

She performed an elegant and competent forward dive with tuck, pulling her body into a tight ball, receiving a score of 21.

Perri kiely performs fearless dive

Supportive: Perri's fellow dancers from Diversity watch nervously from the audience

Daring: Perri was praised by the show's coach Tom Daley for his daredevil spirit

Overjoyed: Perri seemed pleased with her performance as he chats to Vernon Kay,Gabby Logan and Tom Daley

Judge Andy said: ‘It’s never easy being first. You had a really strong take off but came out of that position too early. Great effort.’

Jo Brand also had positive feedback, saying: ‘It was a lively Leprechaun's leap into a lake of loveliness. I’ve loved you on all your animal shows.’

But Leon Taylor predicted greater things from Michaela, saying: ‘It was unfortunately short. I think there’s more.’

Tension: Perri Kiely, Gemma Merna and Ricky Groves watch the diving action

Nerves: All five contestants have been encouraged to push the limits of what they could achieve on the diving show

Pushing their limits: The episode's five contestants - Michaela Strachan, Ricky Groves, Gemma Merna, Perri Kiely and Gemma Collins each performed a challenging dive

High achiever: Michaela Strachan did well in the competition, with a score of 21

Elegant: TV presenter Michaela executed a respectable dive on her first appearance on the show

Next up was former EastEnders actor Ricky Groves,45, who was feeling confident about the task, performing a forward dive with a tuck at five metres, also scoring 21.

With a big smile on his face and wearing tropical shorts, he dived competently, ‘springing over an imaginary wall’.

Jo Brand said: ‘I’m pretty pleased… you’re unscathed. It worked pretty well with a bit of a splash. ‘ She also joked ‘not as big as one I would make.’

Put to the test: The novice divers were put through their paces by Olympian Tom Daley

Confident: Ricky Groves was one of the most assured contestants on the show

Making waves: Ricky Groves dives into the pool on Splash!

Fans: Ricky Groves gets high-fives from the audience as he competes on the show

Andy described the performance as 'great... you leaned too far on the take off but it was controlled.'

However Leon said he was 'a little disappointed on the inward dive' while he praised the entry as 'bang on'.

Hollyoaks star Gemma Merna, 29, was next up, and opted for the lowest diving board, performing a forward pike.

Joy: Gemma Merna said she was 'made up' after completing her simple but nerve-wracking dive

Graceful: Gemma Merna takes the plunge in the diving contest

Brave: The Hollyoaks star overcame a fear of water to take part in the contest

Wearing a sparkling costume, she performed her simple dive gracefully, scoring 18.5.

Afterwards she tearfully declared she was 'made up', saying 'I've done everything I set out to do', explaining that she has vertigo.

So received praise from the judges, who encouraged her to push herself further.

Bravado: Gemma Collins strikes a pose in a bejewelled swimsuit

Leon said: 'I'm so frustrated - it was so good! The tension was great, the entry was brilliant. It was technically good enough for more difficult dives.'

He added: 'It was such a shame. You have all the attributes of a great diver. But difficulty counts so the marks will be lower.'

While Andy also said the dive was 'easy', Jo praised Gemma's bravado, saying: 'It was really brave and graceful.'

Gemma Collins, 32, was last up, diving a forwards pike from the three metre board, scoring 18.5.

Nervous: Gemma Collins raises her eyes to heaven as she gets ready to dive

Accomplished: Despite being one of the most nervous contestants on the show, Gemma conquered her fears

Painful: Gemma showed host Gabby Logan the chest bruises she has sustained in training

Clearly emotional, she showed her bruised chest - injuries sustained from diving practice during the previous 24 hours.

She received praise for her bravery, with judge Andy joking: ‘Where’s the Essex girl having it large? It was great. Your control was fantastic. Your tension was good. You could go higher - you've come a long way.'

Gemma went on to compete against Michaela Strachan in the Splash Off, with a chance of competing in the show's semi-final alongside Perri Kiely.

Splash off: Michaela Strachan and Gemma Collins complete for the remaining place in the semi-final

The two competitors received the highest number of public votes and while both were praised for their efforts, Michaela was put through to the semi-final by the judges.

The wildlife TV presenter upped her game by moving up from the five metre board to the seven metre, while Gemma stuck with the three metre dive.

Gemma was sent home, joking that it was 'the best news I've had all day', explaining that she didn't have to get back into the water.

Upping her game: Michaela won a place in the semi-final after she moved up to a higher diving board for the Splash Off against Gemma Collins

Aquatic feats: A troupe of syncronised swimmers also performed on the show

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Cheryl Cole leads the glamour at Variety Performance as Girls Aloud entertain the Queen in stunning gowns

They'll get the royal seal of approval: Cheryl Cole leads the glamour at Variety Performance as Girls Aloud entertain the Queen in stunning gowns

By KIMBERLEY DADDS and OWEN TONKS

PUBLISHED: 20:23, 19 November 2012 | UPDATED: 07:43, 20 November 2012

There was royalty in the audience so Girls Aloud of course ensured they were dressed in their glamorous best at the Royal Variety Performance on Monday evening.

Cheryl Cole led the girls on stage and unlike their usual skimpy get-ups they dressed appropriately for the high caliber crowd as they all covered up in floorlength gowns.

They stepped on stage at the lavish Royal Albert Hall to give it their all in one of their first live performances since reuniting again.

Fit for the Queen: Cheryl Cole displays her curves and vocals as she takes to the stage at the Royal Variety Performance to entertain Queen Elizabeth II

Stunning the crowd: The girls performed one of their first reunion gigs in their stunning matching gowns with gold embellishment detailing

And no wonder they saved themselves for the best as they helped the Queen celebrate the 100th variety show.

Cheryl, Nadine, Nicole, Kimberley and Sarah wore matching black frocks with a tulip cut and lashings of gold embellishment down their fronts.

The Biology hitmakers stunned in the strapless numbers as they stood in perfect unison in a straight line singing into their microphones.

Showing off their perfect physiques, glamorous hair and singing skills, the girls ensured they were a hit as the Queen, along with the Duke of Edinburgh, sat in their seats to be entertained by the star-studded variety acts for the lavish evening.

Matching: Sarah Harding and Nadine Coyle also wowed in the frocks as they performed their new single

Giving it her all: Cheryl stood in the middle as they gave their best efforts on the night

Like a pro: Kimberley and Nicola also put on the figure hugging gowns and gave their best smiles to the crowd

Lavish set: The girls performed an impressive set in the spectacular venue

Perfect formation: Cheryl took centre stage as the girls performed their mirror-image moves

Having a chin wag: The Queen greeted the girls after the show to thank them for their efforts

And while the girls looked fabulous on stage during their performance, they quickly changed into some more casual attire for their departure from the Royal Albert Hall.

Nadine looked stylish in a black and white striped blouse and a pair of black trousers which she teamed with a pair of brown boots.

Nicola wore a black jacket patterned with pink crosses with a white top underneath.

Meanwhile, Kimberley dressed all in black and wore while Cheryl wore a baggy jumper with the word 'global' emblazoned across the front.

Flying high: Nadine looked elated and may have been buzzing with adrenaline following her band's performance at the Royal Variety Show

Time to relax: Nicola and Kimberley both chose to wear some casual clothes after changing out of their stage costumes during some downtime following their performance

Superstar: Cheryl wore a black jumper with the word 'global' across the front in bold green letters

And it wasn't only Girls Aloud who graced the stage to make it a night to remember.

Among the glamorous ladies leading the pack was Katherine Jenkins and Amanda Holden.

The Britain's Got Talent judge shimmered in a silver gown as she took the mic onstage during the evening.

Making their entrance: One Direction were also among the headliners and appeared through the audience

Taking their places: Liam, Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry sat on lit up stools as they sang their hearts out

Suited and booted: The boys looked dapper in their suits as they tried to impress the royal guests

Concentrating: Harry Styles showed the Queen what all the fuss was about as he joined his One Direction bandmates at the Royal Albert Hall

Something funny? The boys broke down in giggles as they were joined on stage by funnyman David Walliams, who was host for the evening

Gathering together: The boys looked dapper as they happily completed their set

All eyes on them: Despite it being a slightly older clientele at the show, the boys did themselves proud as they showed off their talents

Amanda wore her hair down in a long bob as she stood out in the asymmetric metallic dress with sparkly jewelled detailing.

And Jenkins also went all out as she stepped on stage in a purple satin number.

She wore her blonde locks in big curls while adorning herself with silver jewellery.

Stand out: Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins wowed in a pink satin strapless gown as she took to the mic

Costume change: She transformed into a similar purple number as she showed off her vocal skills alongside Placido Domingo

All that glistens: Amanda Holden shimmered in a silver jewelled dress, while Heather Headley went for red as she took her turn to sing

Celebrations: Amanda was just one of the stars taking part in the 100th Royal Variety Show

Golden girl: Kylie Minogue was also a favourite as she glistened in her side split gold dress

Flashing the flesh: She wore her hair in an up 'do while emphasising her petite figure in the sequin gown

But it wasn't only her looks which would have wowed the crowd, as she also impressed by performing a duet with Placido Domingo.

She wrote on Twitter ahead of her set: 'About to kick off tonight's Royal Variety Performance with The National Anthem #100Years #Honour.'

The operatic show would have no doubt pleased the Queen, although she was also entertained by much younger stars and more pop music.

One Direction were also among the star performers and made a special entrance by walking through the audience down to the stage.

Special guest: Even Alicia keys was over from America to perform at the show among the other acts of the night

Belting it out: She wore an all black ensemble as she was flanked by her dancers

Tribute: Heather Headley made a memorable performance with her tribute to late singer Whitney Houston

And they were even treated to some antics by host of the night David Walliams.

The Little Britain star didn't hold back on his ways despite being in front of the Queen as he changed into fancy dress, complete with a wig and leg warmers, half way through the show.

But Walliams didn't spend the entire evening fooling around in quirky outfits.

One way to make an entrance! David Walliams ensured he arrived in style by dressing as James Bond and flying on to the stage with a jet pack

Gosh, he's grown: Stavros Flatley performed their father-son duo act, but teenager Lagi has grown to be as big as his father

Combining: The joined dancers Diversity for a medley of moves to entertain the audience

Doing what they do best: Diversity showed off yet another eye popping routine for the royal guests and other lucky attendees

For the majority of the evening he kept to his smart suit as he introduced the acts and compered the evening.

Although he ensured he made his own special entrance by flying down onto the stage using a jet pack and dressed himself like superspy James Bond.

The show coincides with the 007 films and contained a number of mentions throughout, notably ending with a Bond medley which included acts such as this year's Britain's Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey performing to a 007-theme.

Taking her seat: The Queen took her place next to the Duke of Edinburgh as they watched the show unfold

Royal seal of approval: The British monarch dressed in her finest as she glittered her way into the venue on the red carpet

Among the other acts he introduced on stage were Robbie Williams, who also gave it his all.

Broadcast on ITV1 next month, the show was filmed on Monday night at the Royal Albert Hall in front of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Amanda Holden, 41, introduced double act Ashleigh Butler and Pudsey and some of the other Britain's Got Talent acts to the stage.

Well, she is a dog fan: The Queen would have no doubt been overjoyed by seeing Ashleigh and Pudsey take to the stage to perform a James Bond-themed routine

In the pink: Pudsey jumped on Ashleigh's shoulder as she pointed her pink plastic gun at the audience members

Crowd pleaser: David Walliams created another shock as he hovered over the audience wearing a crown and holding a large star

Speaking during rehearsals, she said: 'It's hilarious. You are wandering around backstage with gymnasts, dogs and sniffer dogs and massive security, Kylie Minogue, Jimmy Tarbuck, Bruce Forsyth and Harry Styles.

'You're like 'oh my god it's like a dream, or a nightmare!',' she joked.

'I had my picture taken with Bruce Forsyth, Ronnie Corbett and Jimmy Tarbuck, and I said 'if you were a boyband what would you call yourselves?' and Jimmy said 'been there done that.''

Bojangles: Robbie Williams went for a black suit and tie as he showed off his talents

It is a variety show: Even Bruce Forsyth and Paul Potts had their turn on stage offering an array of performances

Classic: The Take That star performed solo at the 100th Royal Variety Show on Monday evening, head of its TV release next month

The Britain's Got Talent judge said of the acts facing a royal audience: 'I performed in front of the Queen in (the musical) Thoroughly Modern Millie... It's just daunting and scary but a massive honour.'

Holden said of the Queen: 'She's a dog nut. Like the rest of Britain, she's a massive animal lover. She loves her horses and she loves the dogs.

'If she could, that's probably who she'd mostly spend time with.'

Variety is the spice of life: Rod Stewart returned to singing duties as he performed his classics

...And even crooner Neil Diamond was among the stars providing the range of entertainment

What a night: Soldiers set the scene as they graced the stage in full dress up gear

Girls Aloud performed The Promise, Robbie Williams sang Mr Bojangles and Different, One Direction did Little Things, and Sir Bruce Forsyth performed in a comedy skit to round off the highlights.

There were also performances from Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, as well as comedians Rhod Gilbert and Bill Bailey.

Keys said: 'To be part of something that's been happening for 100 years is amazing.

Fancy seeing you here: Ashleigh looked delighted to come across the Queen in person as the monarch greeted her backstage

Golden girl: Kylie shook hands with Queen Elizabeth II after finishing her set

Charmer: Alicia Keys smiled as she watched Placido Domingo kiss the Queen's white glove on her right hand

'I've got instructions about meeting the Queen. I've got to bow to the audience and the royal box.'

Jenkins, who isang the national anthem at what is her fourth Royal Variety Performance, said: 'It's an honour. It does make you nervous when the Queen is watching you. You want to do your best.'

The show will be broadcast on ITV1 on December 3 at 7.30pm.

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