Posted at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 21
So, Kris Allen is your new American Idol.
As Simon, Paula, Randy and Kara would say: America, you played it safe.
By voting for the low-key Kris over the more daring Adam Lambert, America chose the lesser of two talents.
Posted at 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, May 20
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
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Kris Allen reacts to learning he's the new American Idol as Adam Lambert (left) and Ryan Seacrest look on. Getty Images photo.
Kris Allen came from behind to win “American Idol” on Wednesday, and he may have been the most surprised person of all.
“Are you freaking serious?” Allen said after Ryan Seacrest announced that he beat out Adam Lambert. “It feels good man, but Adam just, Adam deserves this.”
After the largest “Idol” vote ever—nearly 100 million votes were cast Tuesday night—Allen overcame Lambert, the judges’ favorite who seemed ready to steamroll to the title just two weeks ago.
Lambert showed in the two-hour finale why he was the presumed winner all season. He delivered one of the best performances of the night—and gave the audience a glam-gasm—when he sang with KISS. Later, he stole the show again, teaming with Allen to perform “We Are the Champions” with Queen.
As surprising as Allen’s upset was, the biggest shock of the night came when judge Kara DioGuardi whipped off her dress at the end of her performance with Katrina Darrell, the “Idol” wannabe America knows better as Bikini Girl.
The pair sparred earlier in the season, when Darrell said her singing was just as good—or bad—as Kara’s. Darrell was back in a bikini Wednesday, but with some extra padding packed into the top.
“I was going to ask you what's new,” Seacrest said, “but I think I know.”
What’s new? Kris Allen’s your American Idol.
Keep reading for the live-blog entries and some cool photos below.
Posted at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
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Adam Lambert performs Tuesday night. Fox photos
Adam Lambert and Kris Allen sang themselves into a dead heat Tuesday on “American Idol,” but Lambert deserves to rock to victory Wednesday.
He gave the show its most exciting moments this year—and sang beautifully too boot.
Final update at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19
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The final "American Idol" sing-off was a bit underwhelming on Tuesday. I thought we'd get Adam versus Kris, the strummer trying to outdo the screamer. They both stayed pretty quiet.
Check out the live-blog below, and read my full review, and what Chicago singer-songwriter Matthew Santos thinks of Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, here.
Posted at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15
RATE EACH PERFORMANCE BY ADAM LAMBERT AND KRIS ALLEN
What will you be doing at 7 p.m. Chicago time on Tuesday? Me? I’ll be in front of the TV watching what judge Simon Cowell predicts will be a “ding-dong” finale of “American Idol.”
I’m not sure, but I think Simon means the Season 8 finish will be an amazing battle of the opposites. America couldn’t have voted two more different artists into the finale than Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, who reportedly will sing three songs each.
Posted at 11:51 p.m. Saturday, May 16
Adam Lambert and Kris Allen will perform their final songs for the “American Idol” judges and America on Tuesday, May 19. Before the big finale, I thought I’d poll readers to see how they think the two finalists stacked up against each other from week to week, beginning with their Top 3 performances last week all the way back to March 10, when they performed Michael Jackson songs.
On May 12, Kris Allen sang “Heartless” by Kanye West and “Crying” by Aerosmith. Adam Lambert sang “One” by U2 and “Crying” by Aerosmith.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote. Then click the link to the next face-off.
Posted at 11:50 p.m. Saturday, May 16
The theme for "American Idol" on May 5 was rock ‘n’ roll, so Kris Allen performed the Beatles’ “Come Together” and Adam Lambert sang “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
CLICK TO RATE APRIL 28 PERFORMANCES.
Posted at 11:48 p.m. Saturday, May 16
The "American Idol" finalists performed songs from the Rat Pack era on April 28. Here were their choices:
Adam Lambert—“Feeling Good” by Nina Simone
Kris Allen—“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
Posted at 11:47 p.m. Saturday, May 16
Disco night on "American Idol"! That was April 21, when Kris Allen sang “She Works Hard For The Money” by Donna Summer and Adam Lambert performed “If I Can’t Have You” by Yvonne Elliman.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
Posted at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, May 16
April 14 was movie night on "American Idol," when Kris Allen sang “Falling Slowly” and Adam Lambert sang “Born to be Wild.”
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
Posted at 11:43 p.m. Saturday, May 16
On April 7, Adam Lambert performed “Mad World“ by Tears for Fears and Kris Allen sang “All She Wants To Do Is Dance” by Don Henley. The "American Idol" theme that night was songs from the year the singers were born.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
Posted at 11:40 p.m. Saturday, May 16
On March 31 episode of "American Idol," Kris Allen sang “Ain't No Sunshine” by Bill Withers and Adam Lambert performed “Play That Funky Music“ by Wild Cherry. The theme was Top Downloaded Songs.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
Posted at 11:35 p.m. Saturday, May 16
For March 24’s Motown theme night on "American Idol," Adam Lambert performed “Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles while Kris Allen sang “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by Marvin Gaye.
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
Posted at 11:33 p.m. Saturday, May 16
On March 17 the "American Idol" contestants performed country songs. Kris Allen sang “To Make You Feel My Love” and Adam Lambert sang “Ring of Fire.“
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
Posted at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16
Michael Jackson’s music was the theme for the March 10 performances on "American Idol," which had Kris Allen singing “Remember the Time” and Adam Lambert singing “Black or White.“
Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.
Posted at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
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“American Idol” offers viewers a lot of sure things. Simon Cowell will be bitchy. Paula Abdul won’t make much sense. Randy Jackson will call someone “dawg.” But never, ever, EVER is a contestant a sure bet to move on to the next week. That’s why Cowell insisted Tuesday that fans be sure to vote for the favorite performers, because, he said, nothing is “a done deal.” Here’s a look back at “Idol’s” most famous—or infamous—upsets.
Updated at 10 p.m.; originally posted at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
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GREAT "IDOL" UPSETS
Ryan Seacrest announces that Kris Allen (center) made "Idol" finals. He faces Adam Lambert (right) after Danny Gokey (left) was eliminated. Fox photos
Kris Allen delivered a mini-upset on Wednesday, knocking out sentimental favorite Danny Gokey to move into the “American Idol” finals next week.
But the 23-year-old Allen faces a juggernaut in the finale—presumed frontrunner and judges’ favorite Adam Lambert. The two will square off at 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
Host Ryan Seacrest said that of the more than 88 million votes cast this week, less than 1 million separated the two. If Seacrest announced the finalists in the order they polled, that means Allen had the most votes.
“None of us would have predicted this, guys,” Cowell said after the announcement.
Neither did I. In my opinion Allen did the best work Tuesday, but Gokey wasn’t far behind. They both topped Lambert. But let’s face it, “Idol” is more of a popularity contest than a singing competition. And Gokey has been popular all season, never once landing in the Bottom 3. So I wasn’t convinced Allen would slip by Gokey.
Updated at 8:10 p.m.; originally posted at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 12
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It's down to Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey. Fox photo
He’s a rock god and the “lead winner.” He's fearless, unique and the “most exciting ‘American Idol’ contestant in years.”
If you believe judges Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, along with this week’s Entertainment Weekly, Adam Lambert is not only the favorite to win “Idol” this season, he’s the Chosen One to lift the music industry out of its slump.
Or something like that.
I happen to think Adam should win this year as well, but I fear for the guy. With so many pundits saying he’s got it sewn up, will his fans slack off and not vote for him enough? And don’t forget, he’s facing two more contestants who obviously have big fan bases of their own—Danny Gokey and Kris Allen.
In my opinion, Adam stumbled a bit in Tuesday's performances while Danny, and especially Kris, came on very strong. After my run-down of the threesome's chances below, check out the live-blog of tonight's performances. Then please tell me who you think will be going into next week's finale.
Danny Gokey
Or Danny Geeky—have you seen him try to dance? I have no doubt his tragic backstory will resurface before this season ends, and that’ll earn him votes. And although his butchering of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” last week probably ended any rock fans love for him, the adult contemporary fans probably love him. He’s been compared to Michael McDonald—just like Taylor Hicks once was. That’s not a turn-on for me, but Hicks did win it all.
Kris Allen
Kris was the darkest of dark horses early on, getting by with that sweet smile and humble attitude. Then he sang “Falling Slowly” and everything changed. He’s been hot ever since, scoring with women—from 12-year-olds to the cougars I’d bet. He’s an OK singer, but I can’t see him selling a ton of albums. Videos, yes, but not albums.
Adam Lambert
Whether you like his performance style or not, Adam has the best voice in the competition—an octave-spanning blaster. He’s also got the best stage presence, style and, for lack of a better word, ballsiness. Whether singing emo, metal or Easternized country, Adam made each Tuesday must-see TV. Unfortunately, the guyliner, painted nails and gay-or-bi-or-just-likes-kissing debate will turn off big chunks of voters. My guess is he’ll lose the Middle America and Granny votes to Danny and a lot of the teen-girl vote to Kris. Can the big cities and urban centers carry it for him? He’s got my vote.
Final post at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, May 6
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Paula Abdul performs Wednesday during "American Idol." Fox photos
“American Idol” is now a boy’s club.
Allison Iraheta (left) was eliminated Wednesday, leaving Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen in the competition.
“I know I’m going to be playing you on the radio real soon,” host Ryan Seacrest told the 17-year-old.
She received the fewest votes from the 64 million the Seacrest said were cast on Tuesday after singing “Cry Baby” during the first ever “Idol” rock night.
The saddest part of Wednesday’s show wasn’t Allison’s ouster, however. Judge Paula Abdul took the stage to lip-synch and dance to a recording of her new single, “I’m Just Hear for the Music.”
It was straight-up awful.
Please enjoy my live-blog postings below, and tell me what you think of tonight's vote-off.
Final update at 8:20 p.m. Tuesday, May 5
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Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Slash, Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert. Fox photos
“American Idol” contestant Adam Lambert had a new fan even before Tuesday’s performances.
“Those AI kids can sing their asses off, especially Adam,” rock guitarist Slash tweeted on Twitter Monday night.
The former Guns ‘n’ Roses guitarist served as mentor during the first “Idol” rock night that saw Lambert bring down the house with his rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.”
“Adam’s got some pipes,” Slash said during a pre-taped segment. “He’s got so much range and it comes to him so easy; it’s like effortless.”
Judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson seemed to agree. After Adam’s Top 4 performance Tuesday, Randy said Adam and Slash should make a record together. Simon joked that the performance was “a little understated.”
“It was, actually, one of my favorite performances you’ve ever done," Simon said. “The only problem is, nobody can top that now.”
No one did. It’s hard to say who will be in the Bottom 2, but I’ll suggest Allison and Danny. Kris will stay safe because of that smile.
Read my liveblogging below.
Final update at 9:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 29
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Ryan Seacrest tells Adam Lambert he's safe, and Matt Giraud's he's out. Fox photos
Take your hat off to Matt Giraud—he lasted this long on “American Idol.”
“I’ll definitely remember being the cat with nine lives,” the Kalamazoo, Mich., native said Wednesday.
After landing in the Bottom 3 yet again this week—this after being the first “Idol” contestant ever to be saved from elimination by the judges—Giraud said goodbye.
“One of the best things we did this season was save you,” judge Kara DioGuardi said. It gave the Fedora-loving Justin Timberlake wannabe two more weeks in the competition.
The biggest shock of the night was who landed in the Bottom 2 with Giraud. The judges and audience were stunned to see frontrunner Adam Lambert standing next to him. That better not happen again.
Final post at 8:12 p.m. Tuesday, April 29
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I can't say enough about Adam Lambert. That guy can make a song his. I didn't love his version of "Feelin' Good," but I loved his performance. Dare I quote Randy Jackson? It was off the hook, yo, dawg.
Anyway, here's the Nina Simone version, one of my favorite songs of all time. Read tonight's liveblog blow-by-blow below.
Final post at 9:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 22
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
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Disco's dead—and so are the "American Idol" hopes of Lil Rounds (above) and Anoop Desai (below). Fox photos
It was a nope for Anoop Desai—and another for Lil Rounds—during Wednesday’s “American Idol.”
Both singers were sent home by the more than 45 million votes cast after Tuesday’s disco night.
“I’m so really disappointed, I really am,” Anoop said after singing “Dim All the Lights” one last time. “This is all our dreams.”
Lil said she’d miss all the other singers, of which five remain—Adam Lambert, Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Matt Giraud and Allison Iraheta.
Two singers were eliminated because last week the judges saved Matt, who managed to change America’s collective mind this week. Allison was the last person in the Bottom 3.
Final post at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 21
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I predict Lil, Matt and Anoop will be in the Bottom 3 again. Fox photos
The “American Idol” judges kept Matt Giraud’s hopes alive last week when they saved him from elimination.
Looks like his luck has run out this week. America’s likely to kill the dream after his performance of “Stayin’ Alive” on Tuesday. Lil Rounds, who sang a frantic “I’m Every Woman,” will be going home too. I think Anoop Desai will join them in the Bottom 3 after his slow, ballady version of “Dim All the Lights.”
Once again, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen wowed the judges.
Metromix on CLTV's Marcus Leshock wraps up the show in the video below, and you can read my live-blogging comments after that. See you at 8 p.m. Wednesday for the vote-off.
Posted at 3:45 p.m. Friday, April 17
Green Day leader Billie Joe Armstrong (left) and singer Adam Lambert (right) have more in common than guy-liner. They both seem to like “American Idol.”
“That kid that's on there—Adam—hitting those high notes?” Armstrong told AOL’s spinner.com. “Pretty badass, man.”
Update at 9:55 a.m.; original post at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 17
I have to confess: When I first heard about Susan Boyle’s performance in front of Simon Cowell on “Britain’s Got Talent,” I thought, “What’s the big deal?”
Posted at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 15
RECAP OF TUESDAY'S PERFORMANCES
Quentin Tarantino gave a very quick peek at his latest movie, “Inglourious Basterds,” during Tuesday’s “American Idol.” The Weinstein Company sent the entire clip out today. The film, set during WWII, stars Brad Pitt and Diane Kruger and will hit theatres on Aug. 21.
Final update at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 15
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR.
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WATCH "INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS" TRAILER
The Top 7—even almost ousted Matt Giraud far left)—will be back next week. Quentin Tarantino (center) won’t. Fox photos
Matt Giraud made “American Idol” history on Wednesday, becoming the first singer on the Fox show to be saved by the judges after being voted off by America.
“Matt,” judge Simon Cowell said, “it’s good news …”
With that, the audience—and the performers—went nuts and Giraud cried tears of joy.
“I wouldn’t be so quick to congratulate him,” Cowell said, obviously not happy with the decision. “No. 1, two people are going home next week now. Second piece of bad news: Next week is disco week.”
Before Cowell delivered the good news, he had said he didn’t think Giraud had any chance of winning the competition.
Read my live-blog entries below.
Final update at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 14
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Adam Lambert gave another brilliant performance during Tuesday’s “American Idol” movie-song night.
The obvious “Idol” front-runner (right) sang “Born to be Wild” from the film “Easy Rider,” and although he got a little spazzy on stage, his vocal was amazing.
Kris Allen probably made the smartest song choice of the night. People would have liked “Falling Slowly” from “Once” even if he had screwed it up, which he didn’t.
Those were my Top 2. Who do I think will be sitting at the bottom on Wednesday? Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud and Allison Iraheta.
Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson perform Wednesday.
Updated at 9:15 p.m.; originally posted at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 8
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Scott MacIntyre was no Guitar Hero on “American Idol” this week.
The singer gave up his piano for an electric guitar during his Tuesday performance, but earned the fewest votes out of the 34 million that were cast, just 30,000 less than Anoop Desai. That left his fate to the judges.
“This is really tough,” Simon Cowell said as the judges argued around him. Finally Simon made the call, sending the legally blind performer back to Scottsdale, Ariz.
Scott didn’t leave without some kind words. Paula Abdul, who obviously wanted to keep him in the competition, called him “one classy gentleman.”
“You’ve been an inspiration to the entire world,” Paula said. “… God bless you. We love you.”
Click the link below to read tonight's live blog entries--and watch that Adam Lambert performance again.
Final post at 8:10 p.m. Tuesday, April 7
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Simon Cowell was mad for Adam Lambert's "Mad World" on Tuesday. Fox photos
“American Idol” went overtime on Tuesday, cutting off Adam Lambert’s chance to bask in the glory of another awesome performance.
“The bad news is we’re running out of time but the good news is I’m the only one who’s going to be talking,” Simon Cowell said. “And I think words are unnecessary, but I want to give you a standing ovation.”
Adam sang Tears For Fears’ “Mad World,” and nailed it. Awesome job. He’s my winner. I think Allison Iraheta and, surprisingly, Anoop were good to.
To read about the other somewhat disappointing performances, click the link below.
Final post at 9:05 p.m. Wednesday, April 1
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Kris Allen comforts Megan Joy Corkrey. Fox photos
With one last caw and a final odd dance move, Megan Joy Corkrey flew the “American Idol” coop Wednesday.
America voted her off, and the judges didn’t even wait for her final performance before saying they wouldn’t save her.
“With the greatest respect when you said that you don’t care,” judge Simon Cowell said coldly, “nor do we. This is your swan song.”
Simon was responding to a comment Megan—famous for making bird noises during the show—made earlier in the night. She told Ryan Seacrest she didn’t care that Simon didn’t like her Tuesday performance.
Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta also were in the bottom three after 36 million votes had been cast on Tuesday.
Read the “Idol” blow-by-blow by clicking the link below.
Final post at 9:05 p.m. Wednesday, April 1
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Kris Allen comforts Megan Joy Corkrey. Fox photos
With one last caw and a final odd dance move, Megan Joy Corkrey flew the “American Idol” coop Wednesday.
America voted her off, and the judges didn’t even wait for her final performance before saying they wouldn’t save her.
“With the greatest respect when you said that you don’t care,” judge Simon Cowell said coldly, “nor do we. This is your swan song.”
Simon was responding to a comment Megan—famous for making bird noises during the show—made earlier in the night. She told Ryan Seacrest she didn’t care that Simon didn’t like her Tuesday performance.
Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta also were in the bottom three after 36 million votes had been cast on Tuesday.
Read the “Idol” blow-by-blow by clicking the link below.
Posted at 8:08 p.m. Tuesday, March 31
Jesse McCartney and Jordin Sparks at the "Kids Choice Awards" over the weekend. Getty Images photo
Jesse McCartney hasn’t been keeping up with “American Idol,” but he is keeping up with an “Idol” winner.
The singer is writing songs for Season 6 champ Jordin Sparks, he told me recently.
“She’s an incredible talent,” he said. “She’s someone who’s definitely deserving of a record deal and all the success she has.”
McCartney says that despite not watching it this season—the guy is busy after all—he thinks “Idol” serves a purpose for those lucky winners and he would “definitely perform” on the show.
“I think that show is really cool for the one person who wins,” he said. “… Sometimes I’m really into it if there’s a really great performance on there and sometimes I’m like ‘Eh.’”
That sounds familiar, Jesse, totally familiar.
Posted at 8:08 p.m. Tuesday, March 31
Jesse McCartney and Jordin Sparks at the "Kids Choice Awards" over the weekend. Getty Images photo
Jesse McCartney hasn’t been keeping up with “American Idol,” but he is keeping up with an “Idol” winner.
The singer is writing songs for Season 6 champ Jordin Sparks, he told me recently.
“She’s an incredible talent,” he said. “She’s someone who’s definitely deserving of a record deal and all the success she has.”
McCartney says that despite not watching it this season—the guy is busy after all—he thinks “Idol” serves a purpose for those lucky winners and he would “definitely perform” on the show.
“I think that show is really cool for the one person who wins,” he said. “… Sometimes I’m really into it if there’s a really great performance on there and sometimes I’m like ‘Eh.’”
That sounds familiar, Jesse, totally familiar.
Originally posted at 6:55 p.m. Tuesday, March 31
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I think Megan Corkrey might be going home this week. Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta are likely her Bottom 3 buddies. Or maybe Matt Giraud, since he was in the bottom last week when he really did well.
David Cook and Lady Gaga perform on Wednesday, when one of those singers will go home.
Read tonight’s blow-by-blow by clicking the link below.
Originally posted at 6:55 p.m. Tuesday, March 31
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I think Megan Corkrey might be going home this week. Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta are likely her Bottom 3 buddies. Or maybe Matt Giraud, since he was in the bottom last week when he really did well.
David Cook and Lady Gaga perform on Wednesday, when one of those singers will go home.
Read tonight’s blow-by-blow by clicking the link below.
Posted at 12:30 a.m. Friday, March 27
Last year’s “American Idol” winner David Cook will take the “Idol” stage April 1 along with Lady Gaga.
Cook, who bested David Archuleta to win last season's crown, will perform the single “Come Back to Me” from his self-titled debut album. Lady Gaga, who scored a hit with “Just Dance,” will perform "Poker Face," her second hit from her "The Flame."
On March 31, the Top 9 finalists—Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Megan Joy, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre and Lil Rounds—will perform, but Fox hasn’t said who will mentor the singers or what week’s theme is.
With fewer singers, the Tuesday shows get shorter, running 7-8:20 p.m. on Fox. The new reality series “Osbournes: Reloaded” will follow it.
Final update at 8:15 p.m.; originally posted at 6:55 p.m. Thursday, March 26
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR.
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Michael Sarver and Matt Giraud wait for the news on Wednesday. Fox photos
It’s back to the oil fields for Michael Sarver.
The 27-year-old oil rigger from Jasper, Texas, was sent home during Wednesday’s “American Idol.” His rendition of “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” didn’t excite voters who called in more than 36 million votes after Tuesday’s performance show.
He needed to beg after performing again for the judges Wednesday. They didn’t save him from elimination. “You can’t go wrong by getting better at who you are,” Sarver said in a pre-taped interview.
Sarver probably won’t go back to his old job—the fifth most dangerous in the world, he said—right away. As a member of the Top 10, he gets to go on the Idols in Concert tour that kicks off in April.
Read tonight’s live-blog by clicking the link below.
Updated at 9 p.m.; Originally posted at 6:55 p.m. Wednesday, March 25
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Allison Iraheta closes Motown night with a bang, and Adam Lambert made lotsa noise with a quiet song. They're my picks for the Top 2 of the night.
Dillbit Michael Sarver and Megan Joy Corkrey, I think, will be in the Bottom 2 on Thursday. But I'm always shocked by how America votes. Tell me what you think and come back Thursday. Oh, a duet from Smokey and Joss Stone, plus Stevie Wonder doing a Motown medley. Woot! Woot!
Posted at 10:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Chicagoan Jennifer Hudson is coming back to “American Idol,” but we won’t see her on the show live.
The Oscar winner will tape a performance after the Wednesday live show, the Associated Press reports. She’s expected to perform something from her self-titled, Grammy-winning CD. The performance will be broadcast later in the season.
One person Hudson won’t cross paths with Wednesday is Tatiana Del Toro, the Puerto Rican contestant who did not make the finals this season. Del Toro wants to work with Hudson.
“She is just the most humble woman in the world, even with all the success," Del Toro told OK Magazine. "Being on the Wild Card, all I could think about was Jennifer Hudson, how she was a Wild Card, and how I want to be just like her. I love her so much."
Hudson made the finals of Season 3 of “Idol” thanks to the Wild Card vote that was restored this season. Del Toro received a Wild Card, but didn’t move into the finals.
Posted at 7:50 a.m. Tuesday, March 24
The "Idol" finalists sing together in a Ford commercial. Looks like Allison Iraheta (far right) doesn't like what she hears either. Fox photo
I think even the most rabid “American Idol” fans can agree on one thing: The group performances are the worst.
Now we have another reason to hate them. According to Justin Guarini, “Idol” alum and co-host with Kimberly Caldwell (pictured) of TV Guide Network’s “Idol Wrap,” the performers lip-synch the group sings.
“Every single year, we cannot stand the group performances. I know they can't stand it either. And I think what makes [the group performances] even worse now is that they're lip-synced. They're really prerecorded now,” he said on last Friday’s “Idol Wrap,” according to E! “And you see them kind of do this with the microphone [he holds a mic away from his mouth] and they're not even holding it to their face and they're laughing.”
E! reports that a source at “Idol” confirmed parts of the songs are prerecorded.
“They do prerecord the chorus stuff,” the unnamed source said. “And they sing live their solos and sing over the track on live TV with the band playing live as well."
Hmm. If they aren’t live, and no one really likes them, why not ditch the group songs? They already sing together in those cheesy commercials, right? What do you think?
Posted at 6:25 a.m. Thursday, March 19
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"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY
Alexis Grace is headed home to Memphis, and the Top10 “American Idol” finalists are headed to Motown.
The theme for next week’s “Idol” is “50 Years of Motown,” which means Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Megan Joy, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver will choose songs from classic Motown songs.
Smokey Robinson will mentor the group during the 7 p.m. Wednesday edition, and on Thursday’s 7 p.m. elimination ep, Robinson and past “Idol” winner Ruben Studdard will perform.
President Barack Obama’s address on Tuesday pushes “Idol” back a day.
Final update at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, March 18
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR.
"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY
“American Idol” had its first big—well, mid-sized—surprise on Wednesday when Alexis Grace was voted off the show.
An early favorite to some, the 21-year-old mom did not rouse enough votes from the 31 million host Ryan Seacrest said “Idol” received on Tuesday.
The judges, who had the power to save Grace, made her sing Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” again for her survival. They had said before the announcement that they might save her.
“It was good, but it wasn’t good enough,” Simon Cowell said. “Sorry, it’s the end of the line I’m afraid.”
Grace is going home, and Michael Sarver—also at the bottom Wednesday—moves on to the Top 10 and to this summer's Idol Live tour. Only the Top 10 are invited.
I seriously thought Drillbit Michael would be going home. Instead, Alexis is going back to Memphis.
“I learned a lot about myself,” she said. “I wish I could have done better.”
Ryan said "Idol" will air Wednesday and Thursday next week due to a presidential address on Tuesday. Read my liveblog by clicking the link below.
Final post at 9:04 p.m. Tuesday, March 17
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR.
"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY
Mentor Randy Travis with the Top 11. Travis will sing with Carrie Underwood on Wednesday. Fox photos
Who is going home on Wednesday? It’s hard to say. Megan was bad—but she’ll get a pass for being sick. Adam was awesome—although I might be the only person who thinks so. No one else was horrible. Sooo…
I’m saying Michael Sarver will go home. He was the least memorable to me. America might just get behind him, though, for sassing Simon. Read what he said by clicking the link below.
Posted at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 17
Would you trade Paula Abdul for Randy Jackson? AP photos
Ever wish you could trade in loopy “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul?
Now you can. “Idol” production company FremantleMedia and publisher Upper Deck have created trading cards featuring past and current “Idol” contestants, judges and host Ryan Seacrest, the Associated Press reports. The 138-card line is set to debut April 21.
The deck has been stacked, so to speak, with some very special cards. To get people really excited about the cards, Upper Deck is adding one of six cards autographed by past “Idol” folks into random five-card packs.
AP says the regular cards will show such “Idol” rejects as William Hung and Nick Mitchell, winners Ruben Studdard and David Cook, and finalists such as Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson.
Posted at 10:15 p.m. Thursday, March 12
“American Idol” goes a little bit country next week when the 11 remaining finalists perform songs made popular by members The Grand Ole Opry.
I wonder what Adam Lambert’s going to do with a country song. Of all the finalists—Kris Allen, Megan Joy Corkrey, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver—he’s my least likely to be doing country.
Country star Randy Travis will be on Tuesday’s 7 p.m. performance show as the first mentor of the season. He’ll return at 8 p.m. Wednesday, when he’s set to perform “I Told You So” with former “Idol” winner Carrie Underwood. Brad Paisley will perform his new single, “Then.”
Final post at 9:25 p.m. Wednesday, March 11
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR.
"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY
The judges could have saved a singer on “American Idol” Wednesday. Instead, they sent Jorge Nunez and Jasmine Murray on their way.
“Idol” changed its rules, giving judges Simon, Randy, Kara and Paula a one-time veto of America’s vote up to the Top 5 round. They week they save a singer, no one will be eliminated, host Ryan Seacrest said. The week after “the judges’ save” is used two singers will go home.
“No—sorry,” Simon said when Ryan asked if the judges decided to keep Jorge. Earlier, Randy delivered the bad news to Jasmine.
Read my liveblog posts by clicking the link below.
Updated with tonight's photos at 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 10
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR.
THE "IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY
“American Idol” ended with another shocker Tuesday: Ryan Seacrest said a rule change will alter the show.
“You kind of change the entire theme and concept of the show,” Seacrest said after the Top 13 performed on the Fox series.
Last week, the judges surprised America when they named Anoop Desai the lucky 13th finalist. Usually only 12 singers make it to the finals.
On Tuesday, judge Simon Cowell (right) said the latest change involves the judges. “I’m not sure whether the public are going to like this,” he said.
I'm guessing the judges will be allowed to overturn America’s vote on Wednesday if they think the wrong person is sent home. Cowell and Seacrest would only say “tune in tomorrow.”
Cowell also announced that on Wednesday two of the 13 finalists will be sent home. Who do I think should go home? Michael Sarver and Anoop Desai.
The show starts at 8 p.m. Wednesday, a new time slot. Read my live-blog posts by clicking the link below
Posted at 7:45 p.m. Monday, March 9
THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR.
THE "IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY
For the first time, “American Idol’s” final rounds will kick off with 13 finalists (7 p.m. Tuesday, Fox). So who are they and what are their chances? I have no idea. But here’s my best guess as to how America will vote—not that I agree with this potential scenario.
Personally, I’m rooting for Adam Lambert. I idolize anyone who nails a Cher song. RedEye’s iPhone blogger Scott Kleinberg also asked fans on Twitter what they think.
Click the link below to see my predictions.
Posted at 7:45 p.m. Monday, March 9
“American Idol” is once again tapping former contestants for favors.
Carrie Underwood will perform the new season’s send-off song, Fox announced Monday. The Season 4 winner has recorded a remake of Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home.” It will replace Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard’s song “Celebrate Me Home” as the farewell ballad for those being sent home. Expect to hear it Wednesday.
Also Wednesday, you’ll see Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, who will perform on the 8 p.m. results show. Kanye West, who never competed on “Idol,” also sings on Wednesday.
Posted at 11:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5
DON'T MISS THE "IDOL" PHOTO GALLERY
“American Idol” has named its Top 13 performers, and they’re getting the party started—with special guests.
Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson will perform on the Fox show at 8 p.m. Wednesday. West will sing his single, “Heartless,” while “Idol” winner Clarkson will perform her song, “My Life Would Suck Without You.”
Beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, the Top 13 will perform for the first time. On Wednesday’s live results show, one of the 13 will be sent home.
Judges Simon, Randy, Paula and Kara chose 13 finalists instead of the usual 12. Click the link below to learn more about the Top 13.
Final update at 8:48 p.m. Thursday, March 5
CHECK OUT THE IDOL PHOTO GALLERY
Megan Corkrey, Anoop Desai,Jasmine Murray and Matt Giraud ar now in the Top 13. Fox photos.
The “American Idol” judges pulled a shocker on Thursday.
For the first time in “Idol” history, Randy, Simon, Paula and Kara expanded the Top 12 by choosing four wild-card singers to move into finals.
“We’re going to make this a Top 13,” Simon said as Anoop Desai, the judges’ final pick, looked around the stage in shock.
He joined Matt Giraud, Jasmine Murray and Megan Corkrey as the last four in the new Top 13. The finals begin Tuesday on Fox.
Click the link below for tonight's live-blog review of the show.
Final update at 8:05 p.m. Wednesday, March 4
Lil Rounds (from left), Scott MacIntyre and Jorge Nuñez were voted into the Top 12.
On Thursday, the Wild Card group sings. We’ll hear Tatiana Del Toro, Matt Giraud, Jesse Langseth, Anoop Desai, Von Smith, Jasmine Murray, Ricky Braddy and Megan Corkrey.
The judges pick three people form the group to join the other nine finalists: Jorge Nuñez, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds, Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert, Michael Sarver, Alexis Grace and Danny Gokey.
Who do you think will make it? Leave some comments, and check out the "American Idol" PHOTO GALLERY.
Posted at 5:55 p.m. Wednesday, March 4
Apparently “American Idol” finalist Adam Lambert kissed a boy. Um, so what?
The blogosphere has been buzzing over photos of the theater queen—I mean veteran—macking with another dude. The photos surfaced on votefortheworst.com and several outlets have picked up the story, breathlessly wondering if Lambert is gay. Well, he did choose Cher’s “Believe” as one of the first songs to sing. I’m just saying.
Anyway, in several photos Lambert’s dressed very much like David Bowie circa his Ziggy Stardust days. Another shows him in drag. Other photos show him glamming it up at the annual Burning Man event in the California desert. The guy he’s with has been identified only as Brad, and the couple already are being called “Bradam.”
This definitely doesn't qualify as an “Idol” scandal, no matter how much some sites, like one that calls the photos “depravity,” might claim it does. Seriously, who hasn't dressed in drag or kissed a boy? I say go for it. Hopefully Lambert will let it all hang out in his performances as well. I just hope voters don't get their shorts in a twist over this. The competition's about singing, not mingling.
Another Lambert rumor is more troubling, though. Celeb news site GossipSauce claims Lambert and judge Randy Jackson were spotted having dinner at Hollywood eatery Katsuya last Tuesday, the night before Lambert sang for his Top 12 spot. Jackson’s publicist shot down the report as “absolutely untrue.”
“Randy did not have dinner with Adam Lambert,” the publicist told Entertainment Weekly. “He ran into him as he was leaving the restaurant.”
I'll keep my eye open for updates on this news, but it seems to have been put to bed already.
Final update at 2 a.m. Wednesday, March 3
Got caught up on “Idol” early Tuesday morning. So who do I think should move on Wednesday? Lil Rounds, Von Smith and Jorge Nuñez. But I bet Scott MacIntyre sneaks in there.
I’ll be back Wednesday night. Check out the updated "American Idol" PHOTO GALLERY to see who's in the Top 12 and who’s might come back for the wild card round.
Click the link below to read what I thought of each Tuesday night performance.
Final update at 8:17 p.m. Thursday
Kris Allen (from left), Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert. Fox photos
Nick Mitchell almost became “American Idol’s” next Sanjaya Malakar.
Thankfully, America has wised up since Season 6. Sanjaya provided the comic relief two years ago with his hair don’ts. Nick did the same thing this season with his over-the-top musical comedy routines under his wacky alter ego, Norman Gentle.
“I prayed for about five or six hours non-stop last night,” judge Simon Cowell said Thursday before Ryan Seacrest announced that Simon’s prayers had been answered:
Norman and Nick are out, and Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen moved into the Top 12.
We’ll update our "American Idol" PHOTO GALLERY later tonight or tomorrow, with updated shots of the performances, who's in the Top 36 and most importantly, who's in the Top 12.
Michael Sarver, Alexis Grace and Danny Gokey.
Updated at 9:03 p.m.
My picks for tonight’s sucky show? Adam Lambert (from right), Allison Iraheta both knocked it out of the park. Either Jesse Langseth or Kai Kalama are on the next level, followed by Mishavonna Henson. No one else comes close. See you Thursday.
Check out the “American Idol” PHOTO GALLERY.
Updated at 8:17 p.m.
Danny Gokey (right), Alexis Grace (center) and, a surprise to me—Michael Sarver (left)—are the first three “Idol” finalists of Season 8. Not sure Michael should be there, but remember that this year with the wild card week the judges can bring back some folks America did not vote forward. So you never know.
See you next Wednesday for the next 12 singers: Kris Allen, Matt Breitzke, Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud, Mishavonna Henson, Allison Iraheta, Kai Kalama, Adam Lambert, Jesse Langseth, Nick Mitchell, Jasmine Murray and Jeanine Vailes.
Originally posted at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17
Updated at 9:06 p.m.
Predictions, predictions: I say the Top 3 this week are Danny Gokey (right), Alexis Grace (center) and Brent Keith (left).
I feel Brent, Anoop Desai, Ricky Braddy, Jackie Tohn were sort of in the second tier after the top tier of Danny and Alexis.
What do you think? Post some comments and we’ll see which three America voted for on Wednesday. Read tonight's blow-by-blow by clicking the link below.
Posted at 10:20 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12
Joanna Pacitti (above) has been disqualified from "American Idol."
On Wednesday, the “American Idol” judges put singer Joanna Pacitti into the Top 36 for Season 8. On Thursday, she is gone.
Pacitti (right) has been disqualified from “Idol,” Fox says, apparently because she has relationships with one of the companies that oversees “Idol.”
"It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition. AMERICAN IDOL contestant Felicia Barton has replaced Ms. Pacitti as part of the Top 36," Fox said in a statement.
Pacitti’s name was not included in the official release listing the Top 36; instead, Felicia Barton is listed. She was shown on Wednesday getting the boot.
A source close to the show told the Los Angeles Times that Pacitti was disqualified to "avoid the appearance of impropriety."
Since Pacitti’s first appearance on the show there has been some controversy about her professional past. Access Hollywood reports that she’s appeared on Broadway in “Annie” and sang “Watch Me Shine” on the soundtrack for “Legally Blonde.” She also sang “Out From Under” on the “Bratz” movie, which was re-recorded by Britney Spears for her “Circus” CD.
Also widely reported is Pacitti’s former record deal with A&M/Geffen, which released her 2006 album, "This Crazy Life." She also opened for Nick Lachey on his last tour. According to Billboard, Lachey is signed to Jive Records, which is owned by Sony BMG, the company that provides a recording contract to the "Idol" winner.
Finally, according to a number of sources, Pacitti’s former manager and “best friend,” Michelle Young, works for 19 Entertainment, which partly oversees “Idol.” Star magazine has reported that Pacitti lived in the same apartment building as Young and 19 Entertainment employee Roger Widynowski.
It seems like “Idol” and Fox have made a wise move in disqualifying Pacitti, but couldn’t they have figured it out sooner that this? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Click the link below to learn more about the Top 36.
Updated at 9 p.m.
Matt (right) sings first. What is he singing? Simon doesn’t like it
Michael (left) comes in, and sings better than Matt. But Simon doesn’t seem to like him either. “I’m not sure either of them could win this competition,” Simon says.
Paula tells them they are both in.
So now we have the Top 36. The list leaked a few weeks ago is accurate. You can see that here. Over the next three weeks, they'll perform in groups of 12 and you, the viewers, vote for your favorites. So start paying attention.
Updated at 8:03 p.m.
The judges on Wednesday are going to tease everyone before picking the 36 who will move on in Hollywood. Fox/American Idol photos
On Wednesday, the judges review the tapes and pick the final 36—after these folks are trotted before the judges one more time. In one clip, Simon tells someone to sing for his survival.
My big contenders still are, despite his singing Cher, Adam Lambert, along with Brent Keith and Danny Gokey. I'm adding Matt Giraud.
See you Wednesday.
Posted at 8:25 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4
Katrina (from left), Rose and Lauren did not make it to Round 3 of Hollywood. Jasmine Murray (below) did. Fox photos
Bikini Girl’s “American Idol” dream is over, but not without a lot of drama.
There’s always pole dancing, as judge Kara DioGuardi might tell Katrina Darrell (right), the 20-year-old who originally auditioned for the show in a bikini.
Kara and Katrina fought each time the “Idol” hopeful showed up. Thanks to Simon Cowell, Katrina won the first two rounds in her battle with Kara and kept moving forward.
But Kara won the war on Wednesday during the group event, happily sending Katrina packing after the Californian initially quit rehearsing with her three team members, then made most of them look pretty awful when she decided to join them onstage.
Even Simon seemed annoyed by the diva, mocking her when she said she stopped rehearsing because her scoliosis had acted up. He wasn't listening to any excuses from her or teammates. Only team member Jasmine Murray (left) survived.
After her ouster, Katrina dumped on her teammates: “They’re just fake girls,” she said. “They don’t mean anything to me.”
LIVEBLOG FROM HOLLYWOOD ROUND 2
Updated at 8:03 p.m.
CLICK TO SEE THE ALLEGED SEMIFINALISTS.
OMG, that Osmond dude didn’t make it?! Shocking! At least to me.
Tatiana onstage. Muna is first. Then Tat. Simon stops them. Tat tries to keep singing but the judges shut her down. They’re all safe. Again, Tat steals the screen. Crying thank yous. Did she win a Grammy? STHU!
Team Compromise is the final group, and then I can take some aspirin. Maybe they will sing “Cryin’” after they are done praying. They sing Duffy’s “Mercy.”
Nathaniel starts, and he’s very DRAMATIC. Nancy Wilson, the red head: Not good. Kristin next. Little rough, but hits that last note before Simon cuts them off.
“Wow, you really don’t like each other,” Simon says, and suggests they were singing badly in backup to sabotage partners.
“It’s not nice to see what’s up on stage right now,” Paula says, meaning they’re all bawling. Nancy shakes off Nathaniel’s hug, then calls Kristin something bleepable.
Losers parade, then montage of winners. Lil Rounds (left) is in there. I'm sure we'll see more of her next week.
Originally posted at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3
Updated at 8:02 p.m.
David Osmond, Erika Wesley sing. Then Emily Wynne-Hughs is up. She once met Britney Spears. Check out the vid way at the bottom of this post.
Emily sings a No Doubt song she hasn’t rehearsed. And the judges do not like it. “The song was disappointing,” Kara says, and everyone agrees with her.
Alex, David, Emily make it. Erika didn’t make it, and now she’s back on stage to fight for her spot.
Paula says she wanted to say yes. Simon busts her, pointing out she wrote no. Simon says no, no, no. Simon and Paula bicker. LOL
Brent Keith makes it, Adam Lambert makes it. You can find more on both of them below. One hundred four make it.
Wednesday is group day, and it looks like Simon isn’t happy about something.
See you then.
Originally posted at 6:50 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29
Updated at 8:01 p.m.
“Hell’s Kitchen” premiere is coming up next. Read what cranky Chef Gordon Ramsay had to say about the new season here.
Here’s Alexis Cohen, who auditioned and had a huge meltdown last year (photo at right). She’s doing Buddhism now, and is (allegedly) more relaxed. But she still can’t sing. Simon says she’s gotten worse.
She gives him a double bird.
Patricia is the last San Juan audition, and she sings “I Want to Dance with Somebody.” Simon tells her never sing Whitney Houston, because she’ll always come off as second best.
Tries another song. Randy says yes; Paula say no. Apparently Kara and Simon say yes, cuz she’s GOING TO HOLLYWOOD.
Nine from Puerto Rico make it; 26 form New York make it. Next week it’s Hollywood. Promos show drama, drama, drama.
Posted at 11:50 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29
Remember Mark Mudd from the Louisville auditions for “American Idol” last week? (Click here.)
The singing hopeful was booted by the judges, and as he left he said, “You all be careful.” Simon and Paula threw a hissy, claiming Mudd was threatening them.
“Idol” producers, who played up the incident in promos, on Wednesday quietly issued an apology to viewers for “the misinterpretation of the contestant’s comment” at the Web site americanidol.com.
“We apologize to any viewers who were offended by the misinterpretation of the contestant's comment to ‘be careful’ upon completion of his audition in Louisville, KY. Our visits to audition cities are relatively brief and sometimes regional greetings and salutations are lost in translation. We had not heard that phrase from any other contestants during the day, so it took everyone by surprise. We now know better and look forward to visiting Louisville again someday.”
This morning I confirmed with an "Idol" rep that the apology is official. I called BS on the "threat" right away, as did readers who voted in a poll I posted. I can’t imagine how that could be misinterpreted.
Putting that aside, I applaud “Idol” for apologizing, but how about extending the specifically to Mudd, who was made to look like a crazy bully? The reaction from Simon, Paula and the rest of the judges went beyond the usual browbeating of try-outs.
Originally posted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28
Updated at 8:01 p.m.
Lest you all think I sit here and make fun of these try-outs having never experienced such savagery myself, let me share my own sob story with you.
Last Saturday the RedEye gang got together, and after much celebrating (it was Saturday, after all), we decided to play Rock Band. And since I’m not a musician, and I was once sweated upon by Jon Bon Freakin’ Jovi himself (short story, but unimportant), I decided to croon the Bon Freakin’ Jovi song, “Wanted Dead or Alive.” I prefer the song "Bad Medicine," but that wasn't available.
Anyway, the game itself gave me several “shaky” comments, and a few “awesomes.” Here’s what my no longer friends had to say:
I know I’m a great singer. They don’t know what they’re talking about. They weren’t much better, if I remember correctly.
See, I can take criticism too.
Originally posted at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27
Updated at 8:10 p.m.
VITAL IDOL: NEW YORK, SAN JUAN AUDITIONS
I think the theme of tonight’s show was “Don’t cry on TV. You look stupid.” And the poster boy is Michael Perelli (right). He wasn’t a bad singer. Hopefully he’ll take the judges’ advice, start a band and do his own thing.
And get some tissues.
Anyway, see you Wednesday, when the video for Kelly Clarkson’s song "My Life Would Suck Without You" debuts during the “Idol” broadcast.
Originally posted at 6:59 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21
Updated at 8:10 p.m.
Louisville auditions are over, and thankfully tonight was more interesting than Tuesday.
Best line of the night? Simon used a horse-racing analogy to explain to Tiffany why she wasn’t going to Hollywood: “Imagine 22 horses and a donkey, you just wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Come back next Tuesday, when “Idol” visits Jacksonville, Fla. In the meantime, please answer tonight’s poll question.
Originally posted at 7:02 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20
Updated at 8:15 p.m.
Wednesday’s auditions take place in Louisville, KY. Will Kara and Simon make up? Tell me what you think by answering tonight's poll question, and leave any comments below. Thanks.
Posted at 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19
Day 3 of the “American Idol” auditions on Tuesday is bound to introduce America to some awful new singers.
But one former “Idol” disaster doesn’t want fans to forget him. Sanjaya Malakar, he of the always evolving hair don’ts and pitchy singing, on Tuesday releases a five-song EP called “Dancing to the Music in My Head.”
You can listen to snippets from the songs, with titles such as “A Guy Like Me” and “Tell Me Who I Am” at Amazon. Sorry, it’s not really my kinda music.
Malakar also has a new book out, also called “Dancing to the Music in My Head.” I had to laugh when I read the subtitle: “Memoirs of the People's Idol.” Ahh, right.
The book delves into his audition process, a weekly analysis of his efforts on the show, and a look at the crying fan Ashley Ferl and the anti-fan who went on a hunger strike to vote Malakar off the show.
The book’s press release lays it on thick, saying “Sanjaya takes readers back to where it all began.”
And ended, right? Oh wait, the EP …
So what’s he now doing to the hair that he famously put into a ponyhawk and other styles?
“It's the longest it's ever been in my entire life,” he told Newsday. “It's a little longer than my shoulders.”
Originally posted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14
Updated at 9:02 p.m.
OK, here’s tonight’s poll question. And please, if you have comments please add them in the comments section. And be nice people! Or not …
Updated at 9 p.m.
CHECK OUT THE AUDITIONS PHOTO GALLERY.
Mia Conley (right) keeps falling asleep. (I fell asleep on the train on the way home tonight; ended up in Evanston …) Mia’s voice apparently needs to wake up. They aren’t liking her. Judges say no, but Mia’s not having it. “You guys are wrong and God’s gonna make you pay for it,” she says.
The last contestant, Lil Rounds, mother of three. She’s at the auditions because a tornado displaced her family. Wow, she’s good. She’s going far. Simon thinks she’s “absolutely fantastic.” Randy says a mixture of Fantasia and Mary J. Blige. Lil’s off to Hollywood.
Is that Fantasia I hear? Lil’s hubby doesn’t look so happy.
K.C. produces 26 people for the Hollywood rounds. Dramatic music (Fantasia) takes us out. And we’re off until Tuesday.
Whew! I ate all that pizza.
Posted at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14
Apparently not everyone in America is sick of “American Idol.” The Fox singing competition shot out of the box with its Tuesday premiere, attracting an estimated 30.1 million viewers.
Despite being the most-watched prime-time show of the TV season, “Idol’s” audience was down 10 percent from the 2008 premiere, which drew 33.4 million people.
Viewers who did tune in on Tuesday were treated to a stand-off between new judge Kara DioGuardi and tryout Katrina Darrell, who wore a revealing bikini to her audition.
Unlike male judges Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, DioGuardi and Paula Abdul weren’t struck by Katrina’s bikini, or her singing. When DioGuardi sang some of the song to show Katrina how it’s done, the sassy lass told her, “Your demonstration wasn’t any better.”
After some argument, Katrina was voted through to Hollywood. And now she’s ready for her 15 minutes of fame. She’s created a Web site with photos, an “Idol” video clip and links to news stories about her.
Originally posted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13
Updated at 9:16 p.m.
The first night is over. “American Idol” is back. What did you think of new judge Kara DioGuardi? I thought she was pretty terrific. I think she’ll stand up to Simon, and she seems to offer at least some good advice. You guys can tell me what you think in the comments section.
In the meantime, feel free to vote on BIKINI GIRL. See you Wednesday.
Posted at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13
“American Idol’s” midlife makeover.
More changes to TV’s No. 1 show.
What does Simon say?
A peek at Tuesday's tryouts.
Paula Abdul isn't going away.
New “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi says fans should watch out for the guys when the singing competition begins its eighth season Tuesday.
DioGuardi told reporters last week that she was most impressed with “five to 10” male singers during the auditions. She heard a “lot of soul influence” among the contestants, she said, “the way Maroon 5 is soulful.”
“I would say that there is a uniqueness to some of the male contestants that’s different in terms of their voices and their songs,” she said.
The 38-year-old singer-songwriter-producer knows what she’s talking about. She’s written for or with a who’s who of recording artists, including Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Enrique Iglesias, Pink, Faith Hill, Marc Anthony and Celine Dion.
She said she’s thrilled to be part of “Idol,” but she isn’t giving up her day job.
"I was just working with Colbie Caillat in Hawaii,” she said. “I've been up 48 hours now. She's just great. I love her voice. She has just such a great tonal quality and emotion to her voice."
She’s also worked with “Idol” contestants Kelly Clarkson, David Archuleta, David Cook, Carrie Underwood and Katharine McPhee. In 2000, she and Paula Abdul co-wrote “Spinning Around” for Kylie Minogue.
There’s one former “Idol” contestant she hasn’t worked with. DioGuardi has her eyes on Chris Daughtry.
"I would love to co-write with him. At one point he was going to do a duet on a song I'd written, but it didn't happen,” she said. “If he's out there and wants to do a co-write, call me!"
Although she's worked with so many "Idol" contestants, DioGuardi said she never imagined she would be asked to join the show. She compared it to hitting the lottery.
“Idol” has to work out better than DioGuardi’s first foray into reality TV. In 2006, she was a judge on ABC’s “Idol” wannabe “The One: Making a Music Star.” It was canceled after only four episodes.
Despite that experience, DioGuardi said she wasn’t completely prepared for the “Idol” spotlight.
"I can't tell you how many times I've seen that photo of all four of us, and I feel like I look like Peg Bundy. The hair, not so big anymore. Some of my looks? Ugh, the makeup and hair took me a minute."
Posted at 11 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12
New judge Kara DioGuardi is just one of the changes fans will notice on the eighth season of “American Idol,” which begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
Here’s a by-the-numbers look at how the show’s producers are tweaking the reality series.
7 tryout episodes
If your biggest pleasure is mocking the William Hungs and other odd birds—OK, tryouts dressed as birds—then you’ll be disappointed to read that seven episodes—if you count the two-night premiere as two—will be dedicated to auditions, beginning Tuesday and ending Jan. 29.
But you will see quite a few truly delusional tryouts, executive producer Ken Warwick told reporters in December. “If all the bad ones never got seen it would be boring,” he said.
4 Hollywood eps
“Idol” has added one more Hollywood edition in order to spend more time with quality contestants, Warwick said. During the Hollywood editions, 36 singers will be picked instead of the usual 24 singers to move into the semifinal phase, which begins Feb. 17.
Another scary change in the Hollywood rounds? Group performances have been revived.
3 semifinalist shows
In past seasons, two semifinal eps showcased 12 boys and 12 girls. Not so this season. Warwick wants viewers to get to know all 36 semifinalists. He hopes this change “keeps [the show] fresher for longer. ... It changes things up more when you get to the Top 12.” Viewers will vote for three finalists after each of the episodes on Feb. 17, Feb. 24 and March 3. One male, one female and the next top vote-getter move on.
1 wild-card round
The wild-card round—which gave us Clay Aiken and Jennifer Hudson in past seasons—returns. This round gives judges the chance to pick three of the final 12 performers, something that makes Simon Cowell very happy.
“I wasn’t crazy about the process we went through the last couple of years where we were given a small group of contestants who you actually got bored with once you hit ... the live shows,” he told reporters in December. “This way this is a bit more jeopardy and hopefully a bit more fun in the middle stages.”
On March 5, Cowell and the other judges pick the final three contestants who weren’t chosen by viewer-voters.
Click here for the broadcast schedule of "American Idol."
Posted at 9:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12
Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. Fox photo
“American Idol” has survived nude Internet photos, the Corey Clark-Paula Abdul scandal, David Archuleta’s dad and yes, even Sanjaya Malakar.
But can it survive middle age?
The Fox singing competition and TV’s No. 1 show enters its eighth season at 7 p.m. Tuesday a year after seeing its ratings slide. Producers claim not to be worried about the drop from about 30 millions viewers an episode to 28 million, but they’ve made some major changes to the show anyway.
“There were no panic changes,” executive producer Ken Warwick told reporters several weeks ago. “It wasn’t, ‘Oh, my God, we’ve dropped seven percent [in total viewers] and what are we going to do?”
Enter new judge Kara DioGuardi, Fox’s boldest move to keep viewers glued to the TVs.
The network is hoping DioGuardi, who some already are calling “the female Simon,” will add new sparks at the judges table consisting of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.
“I do like to say it like I see it,” DioGuardi told reporters last week. “I don’t really mince words, but I do feel I have a heart and when you’re dealing with creative people that have some talent you want to make sure that you encourage them, but also if they don’t have any talent, you want to discourage them because you don’t want them to waste their time.”
DioGuardi doesn’t agree with the Cowell comparison, saying that she’s a mix of all the judges, whom she described like this: “I would say that Paula has a lot of heart. I would say that Simon pretty much tells it like it is. Sometimes he can be pretty harsh, but he’s usually right. And Randy is just, he’s the diplomat.”
Fox’s head of alternative programming, Mike Darnell, told the L.A. Times that the addition of DioGuardi is working “better than expected.”
“I’ve now seen four of the audition cities cut, and they’re really good,” Darnell said. “... Just by having a good fourth person in there, everybody’s comments are changing. They are saying things they didn’t say in years past.”
DioGuardi is shaking things up, at least according to Cowell. The cranky judge said during auditions in December that DioGuardi and Abdul have ganged up on him.
“What guy would like that? You’ve got two girls ganging up on you,” he said. “One is hard enough; two is unbearable.”
When asked about Cowell’s comment last week, DioGuardi said, “You know, when he deserves it, we give it to him. And believe me, he deserves it sometimes.”
The new judge is just one of several changes this season. Other dramatic alterations are the revival of the wild-card round in which the judges get to pick finalists, and the use of more backstage footage in the middle rounds to show the contestants’ reactions to judging. They also will chat with host Ryan Seacrest after being judged.
“So you see if they’re upset with what Simon said, you get to see it right away,” Darnell told the Times. “... How do they feel right after? How do they feel stepping off that stage? They can’t hide it. They can’t cover it up.”
It’s all an effort to keep the show lively for viewers who have been watching for eight years, Warwick said, adding that he expects viewership to drop again this season.
“I’m not ashamed of that, because I’ve got eight years of success behind me...,” he said. “This wouldn’t have been on the TV for eight years if it wasn’t doing it right.”
Posted at 9:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12
When “American Idol” begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, I plan to be tuned into Fox and sitting in front of my computer, ready to live blog every episode.
I thought a good way to get things started would be to take a look at some of the auditioning singers from Kansas City and Phoenix. Here are eight hoepfuls viewers will see this week. Will one of them be the next Kelly Clarkson, or maybe the new William Hung?
See you Tuesday night.
Kansas City tryouts (left to right) Tiffany Preston, 16, Ada, Mich.; James Michael Avance, 20, Edmond, Okla., and Mia Conley, 27, Kansas City. Phoenix tryout (far right) Noel Hernandez, 24, Bakersfield, Calif.
Phoenix tryouts (left to right) Katrina Darrell, 20, Chino Hills, Calif.; Tuan Nguyen, 20, Biloxi, Miss.; Chanel James, 19, Tacoma, Wash., and Aundre Caraway, 20, Phoenix, Ari.
EARLY IDOL SCHEDULE
7-9 p.m. Tuesday: Season premiere, Part 1
7-9 p.m. Wednesday: Season premiere, Part 2
7-8 p.m. Jan. 20: Auditions
7-8 p.m. Jan. 21: Auditions
7-8 p.m. Jan. 27: Auditions
7-8 p.m. Jan. 28: Auditions
7-8 p.m. Jan. 29: Auditions
7-8 p.m. Feb. 3: Hollywood Round 1
7-8 p.m. Feb. 4: Hollywood Round 2
7-8 p.m. Feb. 10: Hollywood Round 3
7-9 p.m. Feb. 11: Hollywood Round 4—36 semifinalists named
7-9 p.m. Feb. 17: 12 semifinalists perform
7-8 p.m. Feb. 18: Live results show—3 finalists advance
7-9 p.m. Feb. 24: 12 semifinalists perform
7-8 p.m. Feb. 25: Live results show—3 finalists advance
7-9 p.m. March 3: 12 semifinalists perform
7-8 p.m. March 4: Live results show—3 finalists advance
7-8 p.m. March 5; Wild card round—Top 12 finalists revealed
7-9 p.m. March 10: Top 12 finalists perform
Posted at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17
Simon Cowell has been feeling a little ganged up on now that “American Idol” has added a fourth judge and second woman to its judging team.
“What guy would like that? You've got two girls ganging up on you,” the “Idol” grump said of judge Paula Abdul and newcomer Kara DioGuardi. “One is hard enough; two is unbearable.”
Cowell, the two women and Randy Jackson will be back on Fox when “Idol” returns for its eighth season Jan. 13.
During a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Cowell said he’s taking a wait-and-see attitude to how well the new judging team will do this season, but that singer-songwriter DioGuardi is qualified to judge and has strong opinions that she's willing to express.
“I have no idea whether this is going to work or not, because I haven’t seen the shows back yet,” he said. “The thing I do support is at least trying new things. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.”
Cowell said he is happy that the wild card rule is back, giving already booted contestants another shot if the judges think they are worthy. It will improve the talent pool in the finals, he said.
“[We’re] trying to be as broad and open-minded as possible so that we don’t end up with 12 people from the 'Stepford Wives.' I think personality is as important as talent,” he said. “What you hope you end up with is somebody like Fantasia who is not only a great singer but is an incredible person who has a great vibe.”
Speaking of personalities, Cowell took issue with the way former “Idol” tryout Paula Goodspeed, who was found dead of an apparent suicide outside Abdul's L.A. home last month, has been described.
“We're talking about a tragedy here,” he said. “I really don't like referring to this person as a stalker. So let's refer to her as a fan.”
As far as Abdul’s claims that she warned producers about Goodspeed before her audition in Season 5, Cowell said he believes the show's producers, who he said have "the utmost integrity as human beings," were unaware of how troubled Goodspeed was.
“I spoke to them after the incident they were absolutely horrified,” he said.
On Monday, “Idol” executive producer Ken Warwick said, "I would definitely not put a dangerous person or person I thought was remotely dangerous in front of the judges."
The Goodspeed controversy will not cause Cowell to dump his grumpy demeanor, he said.
“I have thought long and hard about this. I think we will continue in the way we've always done it. In the main, we've tried to have a sense of humor over the whole process," he said. "You assume everyone who enters ‘American Idol’ kind of knows the score. If you're not great, you're going to get criticism.”
Posted at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16
Ryan Seacrest worried about single Simon Cowell. Click.
Producer: Paula Abdul's job is safe. Click.
Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest. Fox photo
All you “American Idol” fans who tuned in to see awful singers make fools of themselves will have to settle for less in the upcoming season.
Producers are tweaking the show for its Season 8, which begins Jan. 13 on Fox.
“Wherever we can, we want to change things up a little bit,” executive producer Ken Warwick said during a conference call Monday.
Here are some of the changes, and what Warwick said about them:
Warwick said that the changes are not the result of last season’s slight dip in ratings, pointing out that “Idol’s” 7 percent decline was less than the 12 percent drop in TV viewership overall.
“There were no panic changes,” he said. “This show wouldn't be on the TV for eight years if it wasn't doing it right.”
See the "American Idol" broadcast schedule below.
Posted at 3:20 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15
"American Idol" changes tune for new season. Click
Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. Fox photo
Paula Abdul is not leaving “American Idol,” producer Ken Warwick said Monday.
“There’s never been any discussion that we would want to get rid of Paula,” Warwick told reporters during a call Monday. "No, [her job] is not in any jeopardy.”
Warwick said that even Abdul’s fellow judge, Simon Cowell, who “waffles” between loving and hating Abdul, hasn’t said anything about getting rid of her.
Rumors have circulated that Abdul’s job is in jeopardy ever since “Idol” announced the addition of a fourth judge, songwriter and record producer Kara DioGuardi, for Season 8, which begins Jan. 13 on Fox. They were reignited when Abdul blamed “Idol” producers for allowing her stalker, Paula Goodspeed, into Season 5 auditions.
“I said, ‘This girl is a stalker of mine,’” Abdul told Barbara Walters during a recent interview on Sirius XM satellite radio. “‘Please do not let her in.’ Everyone knew. I was shaking.”
Goodspeed was found dead outside Abdul’s home in an apparent suicide on Nov. 11.
Calling what happened with Goodspeed “an awful, unfortunate situation,” Warwick on Monday denied that “Idol” producers knew that she was a stalker or dangerous in any way. He said “Idol” has never allowed any troubled individuals into auditions just for ratings.
“I definitely wouldn’t put somebody dangerous in front of the judges,” he said, adding that if Abdul did warn someone about Goodspeed during Season 5 auditions, she didn’t talk to the right person.
“She certainly didn’t mention it to me,” he said. “I wasn’t aware of it. End of story.”
It has been reported that Abdul is seeking more money for a ninth season of “Idol,” which Warwick addressed only by saying that “contract talks come up” on long-running TV series. As far as he’s concerned, Abdul is welcome at the judges’ table Cowell, DioGuardi and Randy Jackson.
“I hope she’s there until the day [‘Idol’] goes off the air,” he said. “America loves Paula Abdul.”
