Fox Cancels “The X Factor”

Even “The X Factor” doesn’t have the X factor. Or maybe now it is the ex-factor. (See what I did there?) Late Friday evening, Fox announced that the struggling reality competition series will not return for a fourth season.

“American Idol” remains Fox’s sole singing competition. With the news, Simon Cowell, the ex-Idol judge who brought the UK series to America, released a statement.

“I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on The X Factor and American Idol. And apart from being lucky enough to find some amazing talent on the shows, I have always had an incredible welcome from the American public (most of the time!). Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the U.K. version of ‘The X Factor’ in 2014. So for now, I’m back to the U.K. and I want to thank FOX for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows. America, I’ll see you soon!”

Is it just me or is Cowell trying to make it sound as if it’s because he chose to return to the UK and not because Fox chose to cancel the show? The statement from Kevin Reilly, Fox pres, seems to sing a tune along those lines. “To all of us at FOX, Simon is more than one of the most prolific TV personalities of our time –he’s part of our family. A consummate showman and partner, there’s no one more passionate or creative than Simon, and we feel so fortunate to have enjoyed such a wonderful, collaborative relationship with him over the past 12 years. Unfortunately, there is no X FACTOR USA without Simon Cowell, but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life. We wish him the very best, and it’s our sincere hope that we work together again soon.”

Will you miss the singing competition? Sound off below!

Reality Rally Blog: The Yak Joins Forces with the Rally

Can’t attend the large gathering of reality stars and fans this April? Want to be a part of the Reality Rally and aren’t sure how? Why are participants from Big Brother, Survivor, The Amazing Race, Hell’s Kitchen, The X Factor, The Biggest Loser and more attending the Reality Rally and what does it mean to them? What can I do to help further breast cancer research and support my favorite reality stars? If you’ve asked yourselves these questions and more, we’re happy to announce that YakkityYaks is partnering with Reality Rally to provide you even more exclusive content and unparalleled access to the events of the jam-packed weekend! The Yak is launching a Yak Blog that will give you an even greater look at the inner workings of Reality Rally from the point of view of the awesome organizing team to the participants to the reality fans themselves!

Stay tuned for more details on how you can access this blog to receive content from the reality stars and fan participants at the Rally. We’ll have exclusive personal stories, video content and inside info, while you can also keep track and follow Reality Rally’s official tweets, Facebook posts and exclusive video. We’re working with the dedicated folks at Reality Rally to make this an encompassing fan experience, as we work together for a greater cause – donating and supporting the great work the people at Michelle’s Place do for Breast Cancer research. Read on below for more info on the Rally & Michelle’s place. We also encourage any and all Yakksters who are moved by this initiative to visit the Reality Rally page and donate to support a reality star and their team for their efforts. It’s never too late to make a change!

Be sure to follow the Yak on Twitter and Facebook, and keep checking our site for updates! Also, keep tabs with Reality Rally on Twitter & Facebook for all of their official updates!
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Reality Rally is a four hour “Amazing Race” kind of game, where participants will be walking (or running) throughout Temecula’s Old Town in a competition involving crazy activities and fun challenges for all ability levels, all for the coveted prize (trophy) and bragging rights but most importantly raising funds for Michelle’s Place Breast Cancer Resource Center.

”I thought my excitement could never be matched when I made it on Survivor after eight years of trying. I am equally, if not more, excited to bring back the second year of Reality Rally which after last year’s success is being touted as the Premier Reality Fundraising event in the nation,” says event founder Gillian Larson who was a contestant on Survivor:
Gabon.

Over 80 reality stars have already committed to participate in this year’s Reality Rally Temecula Valley including: Richard Hatch (Winner of the first Survivor and participant in Survivor: All-Stars), Dawn Meehan (Survivor: South Pacific), Papa Bear Caruso (Survivor: South Pacific), Adam Poch (Big Brother), Elise Wims (Hell’s Kitchen) and many others.

Teams consist of three members of the general public and a Reality Star added to make a team of four. Registration is $90.00 PER racer until April 8th or when all teams are filled whichever comes first. Only eighty teams will play and spots are filling up quickly.

Not only are all of the Reality Stars in attendance donating their time, this year they are required to raise $400 (the cost of a mammogram) minimum to be part of the event. The Reality Stars are raising “Money For Mammograms” and all the other services that Michelle’s Place offers to women suffering from breast cancer.

The three day Fun for Funds event will take place from April 13th – 15th. The Reality Rally competition is on April 14th, 2012 and the public will be able to not only watch the competitors as they complete the over 12 challenges but also have the opportunity to participate in many of the activities surrounding the event such as the Reality-Am Golf Tournament the Celebrity Reception with the Stars at Wilson Creek Winery, the Red Carpet Extravaganza and Rally Pit Party at Monte De Oro Winery, and the family Breakfast with the Stars at The Legends Golf Club at Temeku Hills.

There will also be autograph signings, “pawtograph” signings (from celebrity dog stars) and much more to enjoy. Event times, tickets and information can all be found at www.realityrally.com where updates will be posted regularly.

All proceeds of Reality Rally will go to benefit Michelle’s Place which was founded in 2001 by Marilyn and Bill Watson, parents of Michelle Watson. Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 23 after years of misdiagnosis. It was her dying wish to start a breast cancer resource center where women could go for support and information in Riverside County. For more information regarding Michelle’s Place please visit www.michellesplace.org.