TMCnet News
Simon rival's bid to steal Cheryl for American Idol [People, The (England)](People, The (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) CHERYL Cole is taking dramatic revenge on her ex-boss Simon Cowell by striking a deal with his bitter arch-rival. Cheryl, 27, is ready to let Spice Girl svengali Simon Fuller, 51, relaunch her career in the States. And a prestigious role on Fuller's hit American Idol TV show is even on the cards. Friends say Cheryl is "thrilled" and "really excited" by the music supremo's plan, which includes an offer to mastermind her solo pop career. Insiders claim that Fuller, who manages racing driver Lewis Hamilton, soccer ace David Beckham and tennis star Andy Murray, is desperate to succeed where Cowell failed by turning Cheryl into a US megastar. Cowell, 51, quit as a judge on American Idol last year to launch X Factor in the States - which saw the pair's rivalry hit new heights. Last night Cowell was said to be stunned by his business rival's move. Cheryl, still reeling from her shock US X Factor exit, will now fly back to the States and sit down with Pop Idol creator Fuller to thrash out a pounds 5million contract. Fuller, worth pounds 375million in the latest rich list, is currently the toast of the US after the latest series of American Idol scored a 21 per cent rating increase. Some TV insiders had predicted the show might struggle without Cowell but instead viewing figures have rocketed. Fuller's new-look judging panel of singer Jennifer Lopez, 41, Aerosmith rocker Steve Tyler, 63, and music producer Randy Jackson, 54, has been hailed a triumph. Cowell, with an estimated pounds 350million fortune, has further angered Cheryl by saying replacing her with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, 32, was "no big deal". The Girls Aloud singer has told pals she believes she has found the right man to help her get her own back and crack America. Strong "Fuller's told Cheryl he believes Simon Cowell has screwed up her career in the States," revealed a pal. "He has already given her his ideas on how Cheryl's career in the States can take off. There's even the chance of a role on the next American Idol. "The truth is he's been looking for an opportunity to manage Cheryl for sometime now. "He's just signed Lewis Hamilton and has a strong relationship with David Beckham. Cheryl will be the icing on the cake." Fuller first contacted Cheryl 10 days ago with an offer to lift her out of her career gloom. The pair have had several subsequent conversations and have agreed to meet in the next few weeks. [email protected] series of American Idol people.co.uk FULLER v COWELL FIRST JOB FULLER: Talent scout for Chrysalis Records. Signed Madonna's first hit Holiday. COWELL: EMI mailroom boy. COMPANIES FULLER: 19 Entertainment. Starting with Paul Hardcastle in 1985, he manages Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, the Spice Girls. COWELL: E&S Music, BMG, S-Records (Curiosity Killed The Cat, Westlife) then Syco (Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Susan Boyle). TV SHOWS FULLER: Pop Idol, American Pop Idol (Cowell was a judge until last year). COWELL: Britain's Got Talent, America's Got Talent, The X Factor UK and The X Factor USA. WEALTH FULLER: pounds 375million. COWELL: pounds 350million. (c) 2011 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |