Backstage At Capital FM's Summertime Ball

It was less ironic, and more inevitable, that Capital FM's Summertime Ball was performed amidst the cold and rain.

Seeing umbrellas covering the screaming fans would have been an unusual sight for the American acts who had presumably expected sun for a concert billed with summer in its name.

Despite the unfortunate weather, and perhaps even more unfortunately the event being held at an outdoor venue, it most definitely didn't dampen any spirits and floods of fans filled Wembley Stadium to enjoy a great day of live music.

Such global superstars as Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Scherzinger and Cee-Lo Green entertained the packed but drenched audience, with JLS, Jessie J and The Wanted representing the best of UK music.

We were lucky enough to be able to chat to the stars of the show backstage (and watch the action from the comfort of inside!)

JLS, who were flying off immediately after their performance to Swansea for their own tour show, opened the concert in magnificent style and they told us why they agreed to perform – “We’ve been part of the show for the last three years so it’s great to open the show today...The line-up is incredible so it’s great to be a part of this.”

Since entering The X Factor, the boy band have had an amazing couple of years, and it was that reality show that was still a big talking point backstage.

The newly confirmed judge on the US X Factor Nicole Scherzinger said to us “It’s an honour for me to be part of the panel”, before she walked onto the stage to perform a string of hits.

Having infamously replaced Cheryl Cole, it seems Cheryl’s luck is out at the moment with Example stating he wouldn’t be interested in working with the Geordie star either - “I work with cool people...I couldn’t work with Cheryl Cole as I make cool dance music, she makes cheesy pop songs”. Poor Cheryl!

Example did say he enjoyed watching the audition process of the show just to watch the rubbish acts!

Jennifer Lopez wowed both the crowd and the press backstage and she was chatty about her role in opposing reality show ‘American Idol’ but despite the rivalry said ““No (I’m not scared of Simon Cowell)! We’re actually friends!”

Joking she said “I can’t watch X Factor!” before admitting she likes to “watch all those shows”.

She also said she’d spoken to Nicole Scherzinger about her new appointment - “I just saw Nicole backstage and I gave her all my love and wished her the best. She said she’s already started, and she’s very excited about being a judge.”
 
Despite all this reality show gossip, Ne-Yo was one act who seemed nonplussed about it all and admitted “I didn’t know Nicole Scherzinger was replacing Cheryl Cole! I am so out of the loop!”

Although not up-to-date with X Factor news, Ne-Yo was more knowledgeable about his British music and said his favourite British acts are Plan-B and Amy Winehouse. A possible collaboration could be on the cards? Although nothing confirmed there, he did say he had been chatting with many big stars about working on his new album – mentioning amongst others Beyonce. Ne-Yo could also be dueting with Rihanna soon - “We haven’t had the opportunity to talk about it (a collaboration), as we’re both super-busy, but it’s possible”.

It was the American R&B star who closed the show and ended a fabulous day of music to celebrate Capital FM.

Bring on next year’s show! Let’s just hope for some sunshine though!