Neil Diamond has great respect for the young wannabes he’s mentoring on American Idol this week - because he wouldn’t have made it past the first round of the TV talent show.

The Sweet Caroline singer has been helping to coach the remaining finalists on the show as part of Idol’s Neil Diamond Week - but he would never have put himself through the audition process for the show.

American Idol judge Paula Abdul was left red-faced after making an embarrassing blunder on the hit reality TV show.

The singer was flummoxed after the series’ producers changed the judging format from the usual pattern of appraising each contest after they had sung to waiting until all five had performed.

When asked to appraise first performer Jason Castro, Abdul gave her opinions on two performances - even though each singer had only sung once.

Amy Winehouse is reportedly planning on leaving her music label Island Records after the release of her next LP.

The Back To Black hitmaker is on a three-album deal with the British-based firm, a subsidiary of Universal Music, and is said to be keen on quitting as soon as she completes her third disc.

And the star is reportedly planning on shunning other music labels in favour of setting up her own company - giving her complete control over her music.

Movie veteran Elliott Gould has designed a new line of Nike bags under his real name, Elliot Goldstein.

The M*A*S*H star has been wearing Nike products for years - and now the sportswear giants have decide to honour his commitment by giving him his very own bag line.

And the thrilled star, who turns 70 this summer decided to use the name he was born with for the honour.