Katie Waissel says the X Factor made me grow a big pair of steel balls!

Katie Waissel is looking forward to The X Factor tour, despite her stormy time on the show

Katie Waissel makes a perfect Alice In Wonderland

There's a smile on Katie Waissel's face that would give the Cheshire Cat a run for his money.
After 12 months of soaring highs and crashing lows, it seems nothing can get Katie down as she warmly greets everyone when she arrives at Now's Alice In Wonderland themed shoot.
It's all despite her having been branded ‘the most hated woman in Britain' after she made it to The X Factor's live stages and favourite Gamu Nhengu didn't.
Katie's fellow contestants Storm Lee and Matt Cardle both branded her ‘fake' and, as if the public backlash wasn't enough, it also emerged that her grandmother Sheila was working as a prostitute.
But Katie is unbowed.
'I've been gigging all over the country and the response has been wicked. I can't wait to do The X Factor tour,' she tells us.
'The show is such a bubble while you're on it, so I was scared about the reaction I'd get, but I've had so much support and love from my fans - the Waissel Warriors!'
At one point, Katie was possibly the most hated woman in the country, but she just battled on.
'The X Factor made me grow a big pair of steel balls!' she says.
'There were times when I got really low and thought: "This has gone too far. Do I really want to put my family and myself through this?"
'But I saw the love and support of people and thought: "I can't quit. People are looking to me to be strong."'
Read the full interview with Katie Waissel in Now magazine dated 31 January 2011 - out now!

Prince william honeymoon on Scilly?

Newspapers speculate that Kate and William could spend their honeymoon on the Isles of Scilly Two national Sunday newspapers have speculated that the soon-to-be Royal newly-weds William and Kate could be planning to spend their honeymoon on the Isles of Scilly. Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on 29 April has been long in coming. The couple met several years ago at St Andrews University. Although news of the wedding plans has been revealed, the honeymoon still remains a secret. The couple have chosen Westminster Abbey rather than St Paul's Cathedral for their wedding as they deliberately opt for something on a rather smaller and more intimate scale. However, will they plan a honeymoon in a far flung part of the world, or will the national newspapers be right? Many couples honeymoon on Scilly Will the royal couple spend their honeymoon on Scilly? The Isles of Scilly do hold special memories for Prince William. Back in 1989 he holidayed there with his parents and Prince Harry. Originally it was thought the couple would honeymoon in Kenya, where the Prince proposed to his long-term girlfriend. Mike Nelhams is the Curator of the Tresco Abbey gardens, potentially one of the destinations Will and Kate might visit if they do decide to go to the islands for their honeymoon. He said: "I would be delighted. In fact, princes William and Harry have been to Tresco before. We used to see them around a quite lot. "The great thing about Scilly is it doesn't have enormous numbers of people. Even when it's full it doesn't seem particularly busy. "The Isles of Scilly really are the jewel in the crown for the British Isles and Cornwall itself." Janet Cork, from Falmouth, is one of many who had a honeymoon on Scilly. She said: "I think they would love the freedom of going to all the different islands. It would be wonderful for them." The wedding will be marked by a national holiday in the UK. The extra holiday will fall in the same week as Easter Monday giving millions of workers a three-day week.

Harry and Chelsy, back together by the big day?

By Katie NichollShe is currently single and enjoying life in South Africa but Prince Harry’s on-off girlfriend Chelsy Davy is planning to return to London – and sources say a reconciliation could be on the cards.
Zimbabwean-born Chelsy, 25, quit the UK and returned to South Africa last summer.
She has spent the past six months travelling around Africa and last week my spies spotted her partying in Cape Town.
As I revealed, Chelsy is expecting to receive an invitation to the Royal Wedding in April and friends say she could well be going as 26-year-old Harry’s date.

Chelsy Davy has spent the past six months travelling around Africa, but is planning to return to London

‘Chelsy has had a great six months out but she only intended to have a year off from her legal training and then she plans to move back to London, where she has a flat in Belgravia,’ said a chum.
‘She still has a job offer at lawyers Allen & Overy and plans to start there in September.’
Brainy Chelsy was offered a post at the law firm last year after completing her legal practice course, but she put the job on hold to go travelling.
After trekking around Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mauritius, Chelsy hopes to visit Australia next, but after that she will return to the UK to focus on building her career.

Chelsy is expecting to receive an invitation to the Royal Wedding in April and friends say she could well be going as 26-year-old Harry's date

‘If she’s back in the UK the chances are she will be back with Harry,’ added another friend. ‘They are still fond of each other and are always leaving sweet messages for each other on Facebook.’
Meanwhile, a mole reports that Chelsy has been spending most of her time with her friend and former flatmate Alayne Moseley.
‘There’s talk that they are together,’ said the source.
‘But if anything Alayne is a stop-gap. Chelsy’s real love is Harry, who’s desperately missed her while she’s been travelling. We have never ruled out a reconciliation.’
Well, they do say absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Prince Harry hoped to arrange a stag party for his brother at Guy Pelly’s Chelsea nightclub Public – but his plan has been vetoed by William, who is insisting on a more ‘low-key’ night out.

‘Harry went to Public just before Christmas and thought it would be perfect but William said no and is taking the matter into his own hands,’ said a chum.

As well as the night out, the stag celebrations are likely to include a weekend away for the brothers, probably in Scotland or Wales.

Kate chooses American designer for beachwear

Kate Middleton has whittled her list of designers down to five as she tries to decide who will design her wedding dress – but at least she knows who to ask to make her bikinis should she and William head off on a tropical honeymoon.
Kate, 29, is a fan of American designer Melissa Odabash, who is providing the bride-to-be with some beach attire.
‘I’m gifting her a selection of swimsuits,’ said Melissa at Shoreditch House.

Kate Middleton is a fan of American designer Melissa Odabash, who is providing the bride-to-be with some beach attire

‘She already wears my stuff and has impeccable taste. She’s classic, modest but terribly chic.’
The designer also revealed: ‘I’ve designed some leopard-print swimwear for the World Wildlife Fund that is coming out soon.’
With Kate’s love of a safari, it sounds like the perfect two-piece.

America falls for The Camilla Factor

The Duchess of Cornwall is proving to be Prince Charles’s secret weapon in America. The U.S.-based Friends Of The Prince’s Trust Foundation, which was set up in 2003, has noticed a surge in annual donations now that the heir to the throne is attending more functions with Camilla.
The 62-year-old Prince made trips to New York in 2007 and Canada in 2009.
‘Charitable donations trebled following Charles and Camilla’s trip to New York, while they reached their highest-ever level following his Canadian visit,’ says an aide.
‘The trust has collected more than £2 million in America since they were married in 2005.’

Gamu Blossoming into a glomour model

Gamu


Gamu Nhengu, auditioned on 2010's Xfactor and was controversially voted off by Cheryl Cole , narrowly missing out on an X Factor Finalist spot. She is currently in the studio writing and recording.

Gamu is currently performing up and down the country for more information on events please visit her Facebook page

Mandela in good hands, don't panic

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Former South African President Nelson  Mandela is undergoing specialized tests in hospital and there is no reason to panic, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said in a statement on Friday.

A source close to Mandela told Reuters on Thursday the 92-year-old anti-apartheid icon is recovering from a collapsed lung and could be released from hospital as early as Friday.
Motlanthe said Mandela was in good spirits. "Medically there is no need to panic. Dr. Mandela suffers from (an) ailment common to people of his age, and conditions that have developed over years. We may recall that he has suffered from tuberculosis whilst on Robben Island and has had previous respiratory infections.
(Reporting by Marius Bosch; Editing by Matthew Tostevin)

President Obama calls for political unity in State of the Union

By Wendy Fuller, Daily Mirror

President Barack Obama has urged Republicans and Democrats to stop their infighting and pull together.
In his State of the Union speech, Mr Obama warned a divided Congress: “We will move forward together or not at all.”
His appeal for a political truce comes three weeks after Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head at a public meeting in Tucson, Arizona.
The gunman’s rampage, which left six dead, sparked a debate on overheated political rhetoric and the need to tone down fierce partisanship.
Last night, the parents and brother of nine-year-old Christina Taylor Green, who died in the shootings, were seated next to first Lady Michelle Obama to hear the speech in Capitol Hill, Washington.
Many politicians from both parties wore black and white lapel pins signifying the deaths in Tucson and the hopes for the survivors. Rivals also broke with tradition and sat together.

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Mr Obama’s call for unity comes after the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives earlier this month.
After November elections that he described as a “shellacking”, Republicans also narrowed the Democratic advantage in the Senate.
In his televised speech that laid the foundation for the second half of his presidential term and next year’s re-election fight, Mr Obama defended programmes dear to both parties.
He backed Democrat issues, including the federal Social Security pension programme and his healthcare overhaul.
But he also included some Republican top priorities.

He talked about the need for cutting the corporate tax rate, freezing some federal spending, shaking up federal bureaucracy and for eliminating politicians’ pet projects.

Beyonce says she was a virgin when she met Jay-Z:

US (BangShow Biz) - Beyonce Knowles has hinted she was a virgin until she met her husband Jay–Z.

'Like a virgin.... Touched for the very first time by my husband'
People would be surprised as to the lack of experiences I've had
I've always been very loyal and a little more mature
The 29-year-old singer claims she only had one boyfriend when she was a teenager and their relationship never went as far as the bedroom.

She also says she has never dated anyone else after that, apart from her rapper spouse – who she met in 2002.

The pop superstar told MediaTakeOut.com: "People would be surprised as to the lack of experiences I've had. When I was 12 or 13 I had my first boyfriend, and he was my boyfriend until I was 17. At that age, that was a long time. I've always been very loyal and a little more mature.
"Though I was too young for it to really be a boyfriend - we didn't live together, we didn't, you know . . . That was my only experience with a guy, and since then I've only had one other boyfriend in my life – Jay."
Beyonce - who married Jay-Z in 2008 – has revealed in the past that her friendships with women have stopped her from getting tied up in unhealthy relationships with men.
The ‘Halo’ singer – who was a member of girl group Destiny’s Child - previously said: “I think I am a feminist in a way. It's not something I consciously decided I was going to be; perhaps it's because I grew up in a singing group with other women, and that was so helpful to me. It kept me out of so much trouble and out of bad relationships."

George Clooney Beats Malaria

By Maggie Lumpcik George Clooney suffered from a bout of malaria after recently visiting Sudan. The A-list star had traveled to the country with the U.N. to provide aid before a potentially dangerous separation of the southern region. Clooney cares deeply about this part of the world, striving to raise awareness about the situation and prevent future catastrophe and war. Clooney went to Sudan to help prevent any new outbreaks of violence and, while there, contracted the potentially fatal condition. He is now recovered from the disease.

Malaria is the fifth leading cause of death around the world, according to the CDC. Although mostly absent from the United States, it continues to kill many people every year. In 2008, the World Health Organization estimated there were up to 311 million cases of malaria and up to 1,003,000 deaths. Malaria is usually transferred to humans through mosquito bites.
Simple precautions can help prevent malaria. Mosquito nets should be used and other bite preventions should be practiced. When traveling or living in a widespread region, preventative medications should be taken. If a person has any symptoms or signs of malaria, they should seek treatment immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment saves lives.
Clooney is not the first celebrity to contract the dangerous illness. The following three celebrities have all suffered from malaria:
Anderson Cooper
Anderson Cooper is the host of CNN 360 and will soon be hosting his own daytime talk show. As a teenager, the popular anchor went on a "survival trip" to Africa. Anderson contracted malaria and spent time in a Kenyan hospital. Cooper kept the information from his mother until he was healthy and back home.
Jeremy Piven
Jeremy Piven was infected with malaria while filming a movie in 2004. The movie, PCU, was filmed in the United States and Canada. The actor recovered and is now part of the Malaria No More's "Comedy Fights Malaria" program. The campaign uses comedy to spread awareness and start conversations about the deadly disease.
Cheryl Cole
British star Cheryl Cole contracted malaria after a Tanzania trip. Originally diagnosed with exhaustion, the popular Girls Aloud singer and television personality collapsed at a photo shoot. Cole spent several days in the hospital and several more weeks recovering from the harsh illness in 2010.

Cheryl Cole backed to win British female award

Cole lyrics get me every time: Minogue

Dannii Minogue has backed her fellow X Factor judge Cheryl Cole to win the ‘Best British Female’ award at the Brit Awards next month, Digital Spy reported. The ‘Promise This’ singer faces competition from artists including Ellie Goulding and Paloma Faith in the category.

However, Minogue told AOL Music that she is a fan of the 27-year-old’s music. “Cheryl Cole has stormed the charts with her records and beguiled us all with her charm,” she said. “I love that her lyrics are passionate and personal - they get me every time.” daily times monitor. DailyTimes pk

Matt Cardle start work on his debut album



And far from minding theX Factor winner covering their song, it seems Biffy Clyro are rather amused, revealing they find it 'all quite funny'. 'The whole thing's a bit surreal,' drummer Ben Johnston said. 'The cover is an X Factor version of the song.'



(UKPA)-Matt Cardle says he can't wait to start work on his debut album.

The X Factor winner's first single When We Collide, a cover of the Biffy Clyro track, went to the top of the charts at Christmas.
In a video message posted on his official website, Matt, who is rumoured to be featuring fellow X Factor contestant Aiden Grimshaw on his forthcoming album, said: "New Year's was interesting. I went up to see Aiden to get smashed and we had a good time.
"Now I'm just looking forward to cracking on and getting the album written and can't wait for the tour. That's starting in not long now and that's going to be a pretty incredible experience I reckon."
The former decorator added: "Please be buying my single when it comes out - I want to get it out as soon as possible, so please be buying it and thank you so much for your support, it's just wicked!"
According to reports, Simon Cowell has said that he wants Matt to write and co-write songs on his first album.

'Why did I sign up for this?' J-Lo struggles to fill Simon Cowell's shoes on American Idol debut

By Daily Mail Reporter


With American Idol being one of the most popular talent contests in the world, the format of the programme is well known to many.
But it seems Jennifer Lopez might not have been fully aware of her obligations as one of the new judges on the panel.
J-Lo found it incredibly difficult to become 'J-No' as she was forced to turn away her first hopeful on the show, a job previously relished by former judge Simon Cowell, who quit the show last year to bring his X Factor franchises to America.

Struggling: It seems perhaps Jennifer Lopez didn't realise the extent of her responsibilities as one of the new judges on the panel of American Idol, the new series of which started last night

J-No: Lopez seemed to go through a variety of emotions during the season premiere, struggling to turn away hopeful contestants

Lopez appeared to be in agony the first time she was shown rejecting a contestant, complaining: 'Oh, my God, I hate this! Why did I sign up for this? I want to go home.'
Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler are the new judges on the panel, who replace the outgoing Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres. Original judge Randy Jackson remains, as does host Ryan Seacrest.
The talent show returned for its eagerly-anticipated tenth season on U.S. television last night.

New faces: Lopez with fellow panel newbie, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, who seemed to settle in to his role slightly more easily

Tough: Lopez and Tyler on the panel with judge Randy Jackson, who is back for the tenth season of the show

And the premiere programme began positively with the first three contestants shown making it through to Hollywood.
First up was New York student Rachel Zevita, who first auditioned in season six.
She got three votes of confidence from the panel, although told her she needed to improve to get past the next stage.
After her rendition of Hallelujah, Tyler said: 'Water that flower because it’s going to grow. I think you have what it is is. You have to redirect it.'

Quick to judge: Simon Cowell on the panel last year with Jackon, Kara DioGuardi and guest judge Joe Jonas

J-Lo, who said she remembered her from season six, added: 'It wasn't the best audition from what you can give. I know you can sing a lot of different things.'
She was followed by fellow New Yorker Caleb Hawley, who sang a lesser-known Beatles song Hallelujah, I Love Her So, and also got through to the next round.
'Yes!' Steven said. 'That was so good. High voice. Character. Something new. Something different!'
Third up was 15-year old Kenzie Palmer, singing Carrie Underwood’s We’re Young and Beautiful.

Star style: New Jersey girl Tiffany Rios impressed not only with her vocal chords but also her stand out attire as she audition on last night's American Idol on U.S. television

'I wasn’t feeling that pizazz,' Steven said. 'I disagree!' Jennifer adds. 'You could have moved a lot more,' Randy said, before all three judges gave her a 'yes'.
It wasn't long before the awful contestants took centre stage, with Achille Lovle the first to be highlighted - and sent packing with three no votes.
After singing Madonna’s Dress You Up in a really deep voice and strong Ivory Coast accent, Jennifer told her: 'It's not about your accent, it's about your singing.'
But the singer and actress struggled to shatter the wannabe's dreams, admitting later: 'I don't like saying no.'

Emotional: J-LO gives Tiffany a hug after she broke down at the start of the audition. She was sent through to the next round after singing You Are My Lady

Top notch: Robbie Rosen also was sent through to the Hollywood round after impressing the panel with his rendition of Yesterday by The Beatles

THE VERDICT: Critics' response

'Love him or hate him, Cowell provided a dose of necessary harsh realism that's sadly lacking in the present panel.'
Paul Brown, suite101.com
'The good news is, [new judges J.LO and Steven Tyler] slipped in just fine, and, in fact, Tyler quickly proved to be just the breath of fresh (and sometimes wacky) air the show needed going into the season of uncertainty.'
MTV
'There was no Cowell to 
shatter the conversation as cleanly as a rock through a window, although Tyler at least is weirdly, arrestingly flip.'
Tom Gliatto, People.com
'Our first two hours of season 10 of American Idol, or more importantly, 'life after Simon Cowell,' felt different, more positive, more uplifting, less prickly. Did that make it duller? Just a smidge. I felt the void. And it definitely made it easier for the contestants.'
American Idol blogger Rodney Ho
'American Idol wanted to convince us that everything was new and fresh for its 10th season premiere Wednesday night, but, truth be told, it felt like the early episodes of the ninth season and the eighth and the fifth: some heartwarming stories backed by varying degrees of talent, some obvious scammers happy to be atrocious enough to land on TV, and some judges struggling to strike a balance between "likable to the audience" and "truthful to the hopefuls."'

Steve Johnson, Chicago Tribune

New Jersey girl Tiffany Rios managed to impress - not just with her vocals - but her racy outfit with cut out stars stuck to her zebra-print bikini top.
After putting in a strong performance of You Are My Lady, she was given the thumbs up.
'You can sing your tushala off,' said Steven before Randy agreed, telling her: 'Two reasons why America needs you.'
Another contestants getting the thumbs up was 16-year-old Robbie Rosen, from Merrick, Long Island.
He told the judges he had waited eight years to try out on the show and was delighted to be sent through to the next round after singing Yesterday by The Beatles.
Britney Spears fan Ashley Sullivan somehow managed to get through, with a yes vote from Jennifer and Steven, after begging the judges.
Lopez says yes, seemingly out of guilt, after telling Ashley her performance was more Broadway than popstar.
'They’re both insane,' said Randy of his co-judge's decision, giving her a firm no.
Chris Codeiro, an 18-year-old Boy Scout, looks like he’s ready to fishing as he performed an very cheesy rendition of My Way - getting three firm no votes afterwards.
'You scared everybody in the room,' Steven said before Jennifer asked Randy: 'How did you do this for 10 years?'
Michael Jackson imitator Yoji 'Pop' Asano from Japan ends up singing Miley Cyrus's Party in the USA while doing Jacko moves, making for a bizarre audition. 
He was followed by three other poor efforts from Jaclyn Blythe, Imah Abasumoh, Rob Palmay - who Cowell would have certainly of had a few choice words for if was there.

Close call: Ashley Sullivan only just scraped through after putting in an overly-theatrical performance which was not a hit with some of the judges

No thanks: Achille Lovle sang a deep-voiced rendition of Madonna's Dress You Up while Chris Codeiro performed a very cheesy version of My Way

Brielle Von Hugel, 16, from Staten Island reveals her father is suffering from throat cancer before singing Endless Love. 
But her performance was out of key at times. 'You got a beautiful voice,' Steven told her before Jennifer, giving her a yes, adds: 'You have a tiny bit of work to do.' Brielle gets through to the next round.
Victoria Huggins from North Carolina proclaims: 'I’m ready to be the 2011 American Idol... I’ve been waiting for this since season 2.'

Crazy moves: Yoji 'Pop' Asano, a Michael Jackson impersonator, oddly chose to sing a Miley Cyrus song as he did Jacko-style moves

After performing Midnight Train to Georgia her enthusiasm sees her go through to the next round.
American Idol has lost about six million viewers over the past four years, and recent winners Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze seem destined to slip into obscurity after suffering dismal sales for their debut albums.
But Todd Gold, executive editor of Xfinity TV, said buzz was strong after a summer of upheavals that also saw the exits of judges Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi, and a switch to record label Universal Music from Sony Music Entertainment.

Through to the next round: A very enthusiastic Victoria Huggins from North Carolina said she was desperate to be the next American Idol winner

Emotional journey: Brielle Von Hugel with her father Bill, who suffered from throat cancer, managed to get a place in the Hollywood round

'Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are bringing excitement and curiosity to the show. The goal is not to just stop the ratings fall, but to reverse it,' Gold told Reuters.
'I think they have a really good shot at achieving their goal, which is to make people not only watch the show, but talk about it and buy the merchandise and the records,' he added.
Broadcaster Fox television, currently languishing bottom of the leading four U.S. networks in overall viewers, is looking to Idol for its annual ratings lift, especially among the 18-49 year-old audience most coveted by advertisers.

The new American Idol: Tyler, Lopez, Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest as seen in footage last night

But rival networks whose programming was once squashed by the Idol juggernaut, are quietly confident.
American Idol is moving to new nights this season, airing mostly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The change puts the show up against a pair of Emmy-winning comedies, ABC's Modern Family on Wednesday and CBS' The Big Bang Theory on Thursday .

'It's going to be interesting to see, with the new cast and the changes this year. But it's a power house,' CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler said recently of Idol.

'American Idol' 2011 premiere: Steven Tyler charms, Jennifer Lopez can't say no to singing hopefuls

BY Soraya Roberts
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Micelotta/FOX

Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson failed to spice things up on the season premiere of 'American Idol,' as they had previously hinted they would.

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Judgement day for 'American Idol'

The 10th season of "American Idol" kicked off Wednesday night, but new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez didn't quite shake it up as promised.
While the Aerosmith front man was playful and flirty during two days of New Jersey auditions, J.Lo spent most of the time struggling with two letters, N and O.
As promised, no members of the three-strong panel - that includes returning judge Randy Jackson - pulled the Simon Cowell card.
Instead, Tyler, who was pegged to take his place, could somehow soften even the most stinging insults, perhaps because he doesn't speak as dismissively as Cowell.
"Did you eat paint chips as a child?" he asked a burping contestant in a gruff voice, before adding: "We have a higher standard here."
While he drummed and squealed along with the contestants, J.Lo sat firmly in her seat, appearing to take her new job seriously.
Unfortunately, while Tyler mostly commented on their tunes (with a few comments about the women's hotness thrown in), Lopez seemed to have an eye primarily for assembly-line pop princesses like her predecessors.
"You guys are crazy - she's beautiful, she's only 15 and she's giving us some energy," she said of Kenzie Palmer, a pretty teenager from Philadelphia with a generic voice that failed to ignite Tyler or Jackson.
She and Jackson later subtly slammed the dress sense of perfectly attractive, clear front-runner Devyn Rush, a 20-year-old bluesy singing waitress from Pennsylvania who works in Times Square.
"Your voice is the star," Lopez told her, "so start dressing that way...because this business is about image as well."
Lopez appeared to loosen up and stop sneaking looks at the camera so often as the contest progressed.
Stand-outs included a Jersey Shore native named Tiffany Rios who wore stars on her brassiere; Ashley Sullivan, a rabid Britney Spears fan; Victoria Huggins, a spunky 16-year-old from North Carolina and a Japanese Michael Jackson impersonator named Yoji "Pop" Asano who hated Miley Cyrus.

Ultimately, 51 people were chosen for Hollywood, including Kenzie Palmer, 15, one of the youngest contestants the show has ever seen.