No love for third-place finisher Danny Gokey just yet, but his fellow competitors Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta have signed record deals, it was announced today.

Read more here.

Adam Lambert's already been on the cover of Rolling Stone, and winner Kris has more songs on the Billboard Top 40, but what do you predict is going to happen when the albums come out? Who's going to be the sales winner?

I can see Kris selling more and Adam getting better reviews and Allison getting the most raves for any duets she might do with Adam. What say you?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 8:34 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

After he spent the whole season not talking about it, Adam Lambert is finally telling the world that he's gay in the new issue of Rolling Stone.

Because we hadn't figured that out already.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 12:52 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Dust off your sheet music and your delusions of grandeur: Even though American Idol just wrapped Season 8 a couple of weeks ago, it's already time for Season 9 auditions.

First city is Boston, with registration June 12-13 and tryouts June 14. The show isn't coming to Baltimore, or even anywhere nearby. Here is the rest of the schedule thus far:

-- Atlanta, Ga.: Registration June 16-17, tryouts June 18

-- Los Angeles: Registration June 28-29, tryouts June 30

-- Orlando, Fla.: Registration July 7-8, tryouts July 9

-- Denver, Colo: Registration July 12-13, tryouts July 14

-- Chicago and Dallas: no dates set as of yet

Bummer they aren't coming to town; that would have been fun to cover. Here's the official Idol auditions info page.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 6:24 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Entertainment Weekly's "Idolatry" writer Michael Slezak has a great video interview with American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert.

Check it out here.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 8:04 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The New York Times has an interesting story about the American Idol finale week. Seems a couple of AT&T representatives attended a couple of the finale parties in winner Kris Allen's home state of Arkansas and helped people cast text votes with demo phones. These votes were also free of the usual charge that text voters would pay from their own phones.

Read about the controversy here.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:25 AM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Kara DioGuardi might be a good songwriter most of the time, but the winner's single that she co-wrote for American Idol, "No Boundaries," is truly bad. But this is hardly the worst of them. Every season, the winner of American Idol is saddled with some supposedly meaningful song that references they fact that they just won, and it's SO cheeseball. If Idol is supposed to be about finding a modern, relevant artist, why is the first song always so terrible? Why don't they hire someone who does interesting music to come up with something? Weigh in on what single was the worst (and if you need your memory refreshed, you can see all the lyrics from the previous singles after the jump.

Season 8: Kris Allen, "No Boundaries"

Seconds hours so many days
You know what you want but how long can you wait
Every moment lasts forever if you feel you’ve lost your way
What if your chances are already gone
Started believing that I could be wrong
But you give me one good reason
to fight and never walk away

Coz hear I am — still holding on!

Every step you climb another mountain
Every breath it's harder to believe

You’ll make it through the pain
Weather the hurricane
To get to that one thing

When you think the road is going nowhere
Just when you’ve almost gave up on your dreams
Then take it by the hand and show you that you can

You can go higher
You can go deeper
There are no boundaries
Above and beneath you
Break every rule coz there’s nothing between you
and your dreams

Every step you climb another mountain
Every breath it's harder to believe

Here's a look at some of the lyrics from the past Idol winners' first songs:

Continue reading "'American Idol': Why is the winner's first single always SO bad?" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 3:13 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

So who's it going to be? Kris Allen? Adam Lambert?

One of these two is going to win American Idol tonight. Well, eventually.

Host Ryan Seacrest tells us that nearly 100 million votes were cast last night and that for the season, more than 640 million votes have been cast. Then he introduces the judges, starting with Randy Jackson and a montage of his most annoying (to me) phrase: "for me for you." Then it's Kara DioGuardi's turn, and a montage of her most annoying thing, calling everyone "sweetie" or "honey," which she kind of stopped after the audition rounds, thankfully. Paula Abdul's montage is her using big words, sometimes correctly, sometimes not. And Simon Cowell gets a montage of clips of him saying, "What?"

Then, both dressed head-to-toe in angelic white, the finalists hit the stage and get reports from their hometown.

Then, the Top 13 (all dressed in white, too), hit the stage for a cheese-tastic rendition of Pink's "So What." The side-stepping choreography and the singing the end part in the round (a la  "Row Row Row Your Boat") really brings it to a new level of goofy.

Next up is a performance by David Cook, who is surely thrilled he doesn't have to do those silly group performances anymore. He sings "Permanent," which sounds like it's based on his experience recently losing his brother. Ryan talks with him about it later, and David says that after the show tonight, the performance will be up on iTunes and all proceeds will benefit cancer research.

Continue reading "'American Idol' finale: And the winner is ..." »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:03 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (29)
        

At the top of American Idol tonight, host Ryan Seacrest lays it out for us: It's the acoustic rocker vs. the glam-rocker, Conway vs. California, the guy next door vs. the guyliner.

So it's either Kris Allen or Adam Lambert winning this thing tomorrow night. First we have to see how they do tonight, though.

To determine the order, there was a coin toss last week; Kris won and has opted to go last. (Good call.) Tonight, the final two will be singing their favorite performance from the season, a song from creator Simon Fuller and the winner's single (co-written by Kara DioGuardi). He also warns us ahead of time that even though it's scheduled to go for two hours, it's probably going to go long, "so set your DVRs appropriately." Fox could also set the schedule appropriately so that the DVRs knew it was going to run long, but whatevs. We've talked about that enough this season.

Adam Lambert is up first. In an interview, his parents say he wouldn't sleep through the night and would scream (cue footage of his shrieking a high note) every night. He adds that he was talkative and active and loud as a kid, "kind of like I am now." His reprise is "Mad World." Another good call. This was surely the performance that made me stop being irritated by him and really listen to his voice. (Said irritation has come and gone on and off since then.) He nails it again. Randy Jackson: "This is it, we're down to the wire. I love that you're singing something you sang during the season." Uhh, Randy? That's what they have to do: revisit a favorite song from the season. Anyway he gives him an "A+ for Adam." Kara DioGuardi is glad he picked that performance because it shows off his artistry and changed up the game for everyone else. Paula Abdul says she is unbelievably proud of him after his long journey and tells him to bask in his moment. Simon Cowell thinks, maybe because of the long coat, it was a little too theatrical, a little Phantom of the Opera.

Kris Allen says he didn't like to sing in front of his family when he was a kid because he was shy. His reprise is "Ain't No Sunshine," which he sang for "popular download week" back in March. He's on the piano again, but no string section on stage with him (they're with the band), and he does a lovely job again. Randy says he loves that he can tell what kind of artist he will be and that he saves the best for last -- that this was awesome. Kara says he creates an intimate bond with everyone in the audience, which is so hard to do. Paula says he "awakens the spirit" in all of them. Simon says they need to remember that it's a competition. He says that last week, he wasn't sure America made the right choice, but he takes that all back after his performance. Pressed by Ryan to call who won the first round, Simon gives it to Kris.

Continue reading "'American Idol': The Top 2 lay it on the line" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:06 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Tonight's American Idol opens with a big ad for the sequel to Night at the Museum. Eventually, after the bit featuring Ben Stiller and other stars from the film, the show starts.

But what we really want to know is who is going to next week's finale. Host Ryan Seacrest says more than 88 million votes came on and only 1 million votes separated the top two. But it's going to be a lot more show before we find out who that is.

After the weekly Ford ad, Alicia Keys comes out on the stage to talk about Keep Children Alive, an organization she works with. Then, a young man from Rwanda comes out and performs the song "I'm the World's Greatest."

Danny Gokey is called to the stage from backstage in what is supposed to be a results segment. Isn't it a little early for that? He talks with Ryan about his hometown visit to Milwaukee and seeing his best bud Jamar again. We see clips, then Ryan recounts his performances last night. Of course, it is too soon, and Danny is sent to the couch.

Kris Allen talks about his visit to Conway, Ark. Whoa, there were a LOT of people out there for him. Crazy. Then more clips, more recounting, more getting sent to the couch.

The former Idol performer this week is Jordin Sparks. She seems a little off tonight. Mostly, though, we just want those results.

Adam Lambert comes out to talk about his visit home in San Diego, show some clips and listen to Ryan recount the judges' comments from last night and get sent over to the couch. Hmm ... this seems familiar. 

Before we find out anything, though, Katy Perry is going to perform. She is wearing a version of an Elvis costume, and the cape is embroidered with Adam Lambert's name. Huh. She sings her newest single, "Waking Up in Vegas."

FINALLY, results time. The first person going to the finals is Kris Allen. Simon looks surprised at first, and Paula screams with joy. The other person in the final two is Adam Lambert, so it seems Danny Gokey is out. Is this an upset? Some might say so, but I'm not that surprised.

What do you think?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:00 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (36)
        

On tonight's American Idol, the Top 3 will visit their hometowns and perform a personal selection and a choice from the judges. Also, host Ryan Seacrest points out that tonight is the show's 300th episode.

First up is Danny Gokey. While on the radio in Milwaukee, he gets a text from Paula Abdul telling him that her choice for him is Terence Trent D'Arby's "Dance Little Sister." It's a pretty soulful song, and Danny gets into it, but he's pretty shouty throughout most of the performance. Randy Jackson says he liked his hoarse tone and that he started it off right. Kara DioGuardi says she liked the song choice because it kept his voice in its "money" place. But she found the dancing a little too "gyratey." Not going to argue with that here! Paula: "I'm a choreographer, and I think you did really good!" Simon Cowell reminds them it's a singing show, "not that funny little dancing show next door." But then he agrees that the dancing was weird, and didn't much like the singing along with the sax in the middle.

Kris Allen finds out during his hometown visit that his song choice -- from Randy and Kara -- is "Apologize" by OneRepublic. Ooh, this is a nice pick for his voice. Also, it's more well-known than Paula's choice, which is one of those things that seems to work in singers' favor on this show more often than not. He does a pretty straight-up version of the song, especially at the beginning and the end, but in the middle, he takes some liberties with it that I think are a good move -- otherwise, he would definitely get accused of sounding karaoke. Randy says right now it's about who is going to win and that this song shows who Kris could be in the music business. Kara says it was "a competent performance," and at this point he needs to hit it out of the park. She wanted him to interpret the song a little more and take more chances. Paula says the song choice was good, but she is proud of him, though she points out a loud bum note. Simon says Kara's comment is a cop out, that she can't choose a song for him and then get mad at him for doing the song. Kara yells back at him about how she can't talk to her about interpreting songs. Simon says if they wanted Kris to do something with the arrangement, they had a responsibility to tell him. Randy and Kara say they didn't know they were allowed to help with the arrangement.

Continue reading "'American Idol': Top 3 perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:22 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (20)
        

Who's going to the semifinal after rock night on American Idol? We shall see.

Host Ryan Seacrest says 64 million votes were cast, more than any other non-final week.

In non-results news, No Doubt, Daughtry and Paula Abdul are all performing this evening. But first, after they shill for Ford, the Top 4 perform with Slash.

During the conversations before the results, Danny Gokey reveals that he originally really thought he hit that last note in "Dream On," but that watching it back, he laughed the whole time because it was so, so awful. Then Allison Iraheta talks about her talking-back moment, and the audio cuts out for a second -- did she swear? Seems like maybe. 

Paula Abdul is performing on the Idol stage for the first time. By which I mean that she is dancing. There isn't any real singing going on, that is for sure. There is when No Doubt comes out to do "Just a Girl," though. Why is Gwen Stefani doing pushups? Also, she has the same problem that Jamie Foxx had last week and when she throws the mic out to the audience for a response, they ... don't.

Finally, we get some results: Ryan recounts the judges' impressions from last night without telling anyone anything for a while. Kris Allen is safe -- and shocked.

Next, Daughtry performs its newest single, and Chris Daughtry relives his surprise ouster from AI back in the day. It was terrible, but he rebounded, as you may have noticed.

Results again: Adam Lambert is safe, too. So is Danny Gokey, so that means Allison Iraheta is going home. Awww, man ... on rock week? She was amazing last night. But at least we get to relive it when she sings "Crybaby" again.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:59 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (22)
        

I should have reported this earlier, but the regular day's work kept me on my toes. Seems Paula Abdul is going to sing her new single tomorrow night on American Idol, and in advance of that, she's coming clean about her former addiction to painkillers.

Despite what many have speculated, she says she was never on Idol under the influence.

You can read the New York Post's article here.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:32 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

On tonight's American Idol, the four finalists are going to rock. Well, they're going to try, with help from mentor Slash.

First off, host Ryan Seacrest says it's been a dramatic day. There was an accident on set (sounds like everyone is OK), but one of the columns is askew, and the contestants never got a true dress rehearsal. He adds that the singers will also sing duets this evening. Interesting!

Adam Lambert is first, and he's taking on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." In the critique, Slash tells him to ramp down his improvisation during the high notes. Well, if there has ever been a theme that suits Adam's strengths, it's this one. And Led Zep is a good choice for Mr. Theatrical because he is awesome tonight. Judge Randy Jackson says he was a rock star tonight and not Broadway at all. Kara DioGuardi calls him a rock god and says he better make a classic rock record. Paula Abdul credits the band and says he was a "Whole Lotta Perfect." Simon Cowell says the performance was a little understated. "Teasing!" He adds that it was amazing, and the problem is that no one can top it. 

Allison Iraheta says she went with Adam to his "hair girl" to prepare for tonight -- she's got some red and purple. Slash suggests that Allison go with "Crybaby" of the choices she brings to him; he also wants her to go "full out" at performance time. Slash doesn't lead her wrong -- she sounds fab (so glad she made it to rock week) and not soundalike at all. Randy says he didn't love the song choice because it didn't have much melody. (He's crazy.) Kara says Janis was the right choice for her, but "Piece of My Heart" would have been better. She also says she seemed nervous, but wants to add that she has a lot of personality on stage. Paula says she should get the role of Janis in any biopic. Simon things she's transformed and did a great vocal, but he does think it was soundalike. 

Continue reading "'American Idol': Top 4 rock" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:17 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

According to People.com, American Idol winner David Cook announced today in Washington, D.C., that his brother, Adam, passed away on Saturday after a long fight against brain cancer.

David was serving as the grand marshal for the Race for Hope 5K and also particpated in the race.

"I actually lost my brother yesterday to a brain tumor and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else right now," Cook, 26, said.

Read the full story at the link above and a video from the event at the top of the page. 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:49 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Ryan Seacrest introduces tonight's American Idol results show with the news that more than 47 million votes were cast last night. So he has the results! Of course, we won't learn them for a while.

Simon Cowell says after watching last night's show back, he thought everyone did a really good job and says that was the best Top 5 show ever.

For the group sing, the contestants take on "It Don't Mean a Thing" and "I Got Rhythm." 

Then we get a video clip of Danny and Allison's birthday celebration, which started out as a cake-baking session and ended in a food fight. Ryan gives Danny, who is said to be the food-fight culprit, a maid-service bill for $6,000. They didn't clean up after themselves? Nice.

Anyway, results: Matt Giraud is sent to the right side of the stage. Danny Gokey is sent to the left side. Allison Iraheta goes to the left, Kris Allen to the right. Adam Lambert is asked to choose which group he thinks he belongs with. He clearly hasn't watched all the previous seasons -- people have refused to choose! He goes over with Allison and Danny.

Sorry, Adam! Allison and Danny are safe, and the bottom three are Adam, Kris and Matt. So it's Matt going home, right? Of course we have to wait.

First guest performance of the night is Natalie Cole with "Something's Gotta Give." Then Taylor Hicks sings a song off his new album. OK. Results, please??

Ask and ye shall receive: Kris Allen is safe. Whew.

Guest performer No. 3 is Jamie Foxx, with "Blame It." Is it just me, or does the audience totally fail to sing the lyrics back to him when he points the mic at them?

The real results, finally: Adam is safe, and Matt is out. That was pretty much a duh moment after last night, don't you think?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:58 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (28)
        

The surprise mentor for this week's American Idol -- with the Rat Pack theme -- is Jamie Foxx. He talks to the Top 5 about how the singers of that era were communicating a lifestyle, not just a song.

Kris Allen is up first. His song choice is "The Way You Look Tonight." He delivers an understated, clear-voiced performance. He starts out slow, and then the band and the tempo kick up a little in the middle, but he finishes smoothly. Randy Jackson says he likes to see at this point "who's in it to win it," and he thinks tonight was Kris' best performance so far. Kara DioGuardi says he set the standard really high today and calls him a "dark horse" in the competition. Paula Abdul says he has made the transition to sophisticated gentleman and contemporary crooner. Simon Cowell says he isn't as enthusiastic as the others, though it was good. He calls it "wet" and compares him to a spaniel. Then he says he doesn't think Kris can win this competition. I don't know about that, and neither do the people buying iTunes tracks.

Allison Iraheta turned 17 yesterday. She's going to sing "Someone to Watch Over Me." During practice with Jamie, she talks about how she's too young to have a boyfriend, so he tells her to think about how her family watches over her during her performance. It's nice to hear her taking a rather traditional approach to the song since we've mostly heard rock-vibe performances from her. Randy says she sings like Pink, but "with like 9,000 more octaves." In short: He loved it. Kara says it was a gut-wrenching rendition, and "if that doesn't land you in the finals, I don't know what will." Paula says it was good to hear how she approaches a ballad, adding that she had an alluring and tender sensibility. (Paula totally has a writer this season, don't you think?) Simon asks if she thinks she can win, and she says she believes they all have the chance. 

Continue reading "'American Idol': Top 5 take on the Rat Pack" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:15 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (19)
        

Apparently, there was some sort of glitch with iTunes the other day, and the sales numbers for the American Idol contestants' tracks were made public for a short time.

And apparently it came as a big shock to a lot of people that Kris Allen was second in popularity, only behind Adam Lambert. I guess they expected to see Danny Gokey there?

I don't think it's that surprising -- have people been paying attention the past couple of weeks? Kris has been getting stronger and stronger, not to mention, he was the only contestant to even do a remotely current song during week before last's "songs from the movies" theme.

I get why the folks at AI are frustrated that the numbers were momentarily public, but I don't understand why everyone is acting so surprised about Kris.

What do you think?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 3:19 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

So who will be the two casualties of disco week on this week's American Idol? We'll see in about an hour.

Host Ryan Seacrest says that more than 45 million votes were cast this week, the most this season. Sounds like lots of repeat voters, as usual. 

It turns out that Paula Abdul choreographed the group dance. I guess because of the more complex dance moves, they are definitely lip syncing, but they handle the moves pretty well, even in their 70s-era finery.

Back from the break, Ryan's ready for some news, but the girls are still changing clothes. Whoops! It's OK -- they have plenty of filler, including the Ford commercial, to burn time with.

Lil Rounds is directed to the far side of the stage, but not to the stools, just to the side of the stage. Then, abruptly, Ryan tells her that she has been eliminated. She rallies quickly and sings "I'm Every Woman" again. The judges give her a standing ovation. Paula says she sang "brilliant" tonight and is going out on top of her game. (Paula, I still really want you to learn about ADVERBS!) Simon says he is a big fan and that he is going to miss Lil's family yelling at him every week. Hee hee.

Freda Payne then comes out to start off a medley of disco hits, starting with "Band of Gold." Um, I'm going to pull a Paula here and say that Freda looks fantastic and leave it at that. Thelma Houston is next with "Don't Leave Me This Way." She sounds better, but it's a little creepy when she sings, "Simon, please satisfy the need in me." KC from KC and the Sunshine Band hits the stage for "Get Down Tonight."

Kris Allen is safe. Adam Lambert? Safe. Danny Gokey joins the safety patrol. Anoop Desai is in the bottom three and has to go over to the Stools of Potential Doom. That leaves Matt Giraud and Allison Iraheta. Matt is safe; Allison is in the bottom three. 

David Archuleta returns to sing "Touch My Hand." Afterward, Ryan drags him over to talk to Anoop and Allison. He's out of breath from having just sung but he manages to tell them that lots of people who haven't won the show are still living their dreams. 

And the second outed singer of the evening is ... Anoop. He sings again, and he's actually a lot better this time. 

Now it's goodbye montage time. Bye, Lil and Anoop.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:00 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (27)
        

Uh, for some reason WBFF is showing King of Queens instead of American Idol. That's kind of weird, no?

Thankfully, I'm in Howard County, so five minutes in, I flip over to the D.C. affiliate just in time to see host Ryan Seacrest introduce the first performer. Yikes!

So!

Lil Rounds is first, with "I'm Every Woman." She is wearing a unitard, but she's rocking it as well as one can! I thought she did a pretty good job with such a big song. Judge Randy Jackson doesn't dig it, though. He doesn't think it showed off what kind of artist she can be. Kara DioGuardi says she doesn't think it was worth the wait for her to sing Chaka Khan. Paula Abdul says yesterday Lil was on total vocal rest and applauds her for recovering so well. Simon Cowell says Lil looks so sad, and then she starts talking. It's Simon's turn! He says he thinks it's her last week because she was too copycat and the arrangement was a mess. It seems to me like they are being extra-hard on her tonight. I thought that was better than she's been in a few weeks.

I switch back over to WBFF; it's all better now. Whew!

Kris Allen says he was worried about disco week, but he thinks it worked out OK. He's doing "She Works Hard for the Money." He takes it all acoustic -- he's on guitar, there are two guys playing drums, and another guy on bass. It's a whole new song, but it's good. I wasn't sure what he was going to do with disco week, but he made it work. Kara says he took a real risk, but it paid off big time. She says it sounded like it could be on a record now. Paula says it had a classy Santana vibe, going on that while a lot of women shop in the men's department, not many men can pull of shopping in the women's department, but, "It was a perfect fit." Heh. Simon says it was a polar opposite from the first performance -- "It was original, it was well thought-out, it was not karaoke." Randy says he knows who he is and he just proved he's ready for the big time.

Continue reading "'American Idol': It's disco week" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:01 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

It's been a busy few days in the reality TV sphere, and I'm hardly the only person writing about it, as it turns out.

-- First up, American Idol's Paula Abdul is going to be on ABC News' Nightline on Thursday. In this clip (which you can also view above), she talks about how she found out about the addition of judge Kara DioGuardi this season. (Ouch.)

-- David Zurawik reports that Project Runway finally has a premiere date: Aug. 20 on Lifetime. Read more here. He also has more on Blagovejich being denied the request to appear on I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here.

-- I posted the clip of Britain's Got Talent's Susan Boyle auditioning and surprising the heck out of people last week. Several others here have weighed in since then: Classical music critic and Clef Notes blogger Tim Smith; Unleashed blogger Mary Corey; Columnist Susan Reimer (who is also the Garden Variety blogger, but there's no Boyle there).

-- I didn't get to watch Style Network's Running in Heels, which followed three Marie Claire interns, but Tim Swift of Swift Picks tells me it was a lot of fun. The Evil Beet has an interview with Talita Silva from the show.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 4:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

I was off yesterday and missed the announcement, but the American Idol tour dates have been announced, and the Top 10 will be in the area not once, but twice.

The tour will stop at Washington's Verizon Center on Aug. 4 and Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena on Aug. 5.

Tickets for the whole tour go on sale at 10 a.m. May 9.

You can read more, including the whole tour schedule, here.

(Photo by Ray Mickshaw / Fox)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 1:56 PM in American Idol, Local appearances | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Who's going home tonight? You all had a lot of predictions based on last night's episode, but the general consensus was that it will be Lil.

After a whole lotta filler, we shall see for sure.

Starting with the weekly Ford commercial they are forced to do, this one to "Freeze Frame." Then, group sing: They sing "Maniac." OK ... results, please?

Allison Iraheta is safe. So is Adam Lambert. Anoop Desai, however, is in the bottom three. 

Everyone else gets to wait while Jennifer Hudson performs. There is a long segment about her history since Idol, including, of course, winning the Grammy and the Oscar. (This includes no mention of her recent tragedy -- her mother, brother and nephew were murdered last year.) In the interview before the performance, she says this is her first time performing on the show since she was eliminated, so it's like "coming full circle." She might have been eliminated prematurely, but she's done all right, don't you think?

Ryan does a quick interview with Anoop, who is pretty clearly frustrated. Anoop says he didn't expect to be there, and he got good feedback yesterday. Paula says she is a little surprised to see him there, and Simon, asked if he deserves to be there, says, simply, "Yes."

Kris Allen and Lil Rounds are asked to stand. Simon interrupts to say that he didn't get a chance to talk last night, "But Kris, you were brilliant." True. Lil talks to Ryan about how she is somewhat frustrated because when she sings the work of an artist who she should be like, they think she sounds too much like them, and when she tries to stretch, they don't like that, either. I understand where she is coming from, but at the same time, I think if her performances had been better the past couple of weeks, they wouldn't have picked on her as much. Anyway, there's the ole switcheroo, but Kris is safe, and Lil is in the bottom three. 

So that leaves Matt Giraud and Danny Gokey. No surprise, Danny is safe, and Matt is in the bottom three. 

If you've lost track, that means we've got a bottom three of Matt, Lil and Anoop. Matt and Lil are no surprise, but I am not that shocked about Anoop either. Who did he think would be there -- there is hardly anyone else left! Anyway, immediately, Anoop is told that he is safe. He still looks pretty peeved. He's going to have to rein that in a little to avoid putting off voters.

Then Miley Cyrus performs. OMG, Hannah Montana! Or whatever the appropriate reaction is supposed to be. I would rather just see who is getting eliminated, mmmkay?

Ryan asks Simon whether they would consider using the save this week. Simon says they would on one of them, and it would probably be a surprise to that person. "So it's Lil?" Ryan asks. Of course, he doesn't answer. And of course, they would only consider it. I still think it's not happening.

"After the nationwide vote of over 36 million," Lil is safe, and Matt is out. So now Matt has to "sing for his life." He sings; the crowd chants "save." 

Simon says he wasn't as good as last night, and he doesn't think Matt has any chance of winning. But, for some reason he then tells him it's good news.

So Matt is safe. That means two people are going home next week, and, Simon says, next week is disco week.

Ugh, really?

So that was ... anticlimactic, all things considered. Wasn't that supposed to be super-dramatic? What do you think about them using the save on Matt?

In other news, miracle: They finished on time!

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:00 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

Tonight's theme on American Idol is songs from the movies, which explains why Quentin Tarantino is there. He's apparently a superfan, and he even gets to join the Top 7 on stage for the uber-dramatic intro today.

Before the singing, Simon Cowell says it was because "the girls" talked too much that they overran last week (eight minutes!), which is totally stupid. It's just that there are too many of them (judges, I mean). That said, each finalist will only get feedback from two of the four judges this evening. 

Tarantino was a guest judge in season three, in case you were having deja vu. He met the Top 7 to help them figure out what songs they should sing. In fact, he says, he will directing them.

Allison Iraheta worked on "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" from Armageddon. When she first starts out, she's pretty quiet, but going into the chorus, she works it a little more, and even more toward the end. Paula Abdul says she has "vocally championed Adam since day one," but "you possess the same special sauce that he does." Simon Cowell says it was barbecue sauce she was talking about: hot and spicy. He goes on to say that she is the "girls'" only hope in the competition. Well, unless Lil does something spectacular starting tonight, duh.

Anoop Desai is going to take on "Everything I Do, I Do It for You." Quentin tells him to "rough it up" as much as he can. In the performance, he does a little, but it's mostly very smooth, and it really works for him (though his face gets a little overwrought at times), and it wasn't a soundalike performance. Randy Jackson says he was worried about the song choice, but he did a really good job. "Congrats!" he closes. Kara DioGuardi says he's found "his place," taking pop songs and adding soul to them. She adds that the changes to the melody really worked. 

Continue reading "'American Idol': Top 7 perform songs from the movies" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:04 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (27)
        

On tonight's American Idol, we'll learn who the Top 7 are -- and whether the show is going to apologize to Adam Lambert for officially being over before he even got to perform.

(I'm playing a little catch-up after celebrating Passover, so this won't be quite as detailed as usual. Please bear with me.)

The theme last night was "year of their birth," and Frankie Avalon comes out to sing "Venus," which is from Simon's birth year of 1959. (He of course claims to have been born in '69.)

The group song is from "the year Idol was born," 2002: "Can't Get You Out of My Head." They definitely aren't lip-syncing this one, and large swaths of it are just terrible. Allison sounds good, though.

To fill some time (they better not go late again!!), we get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of their music video for Ford, this week to Britney Spears' "Circus."

Ryan asks Adam, "for those who saw it," how he felt about getting a standing ovation from Simon Cowell last night. He says he appreciated the gesture and was honored. No one says anything about the whole running-eight-minutes-late thing.

Then, results time. Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Anoop Desai are all asked to stand. Ryan asks the other judges, who didn't get to talk last night, what they thought about Adam's performance. Duh, they loved it. (But in more words than that.) Adam is safe. One of the others in the bottom three, and it's Anoop. Kris is safe.

After the break, Flo Rida performs "Right Round." There are dancers and confetti and album promotion. You know, the usual.

More results: Danny Gokey is safe. Matt Giraud is, too. Scott MacIntyre, however, is in the bottom three. Allison Iraheta and Lil Rounds stand up. Allison is safe; Lil is in the bottom three.

So, in case you've lost track, that's a bottom three of Anoop, Scott and Lil. I think that's a pretty fair bottom three. Simon says there is one person in particular they would "consider" saving. Which means they won't. (Just so you know.)

Kellie Pickler comes out to perform. It's a little pitchy, dawg, but her dress is cute.

One person is safe right off the bat. Ryan fakes them out, saying, "That person is Anoop, stay where you are, Lil, head to the couch." That's not nice, Ryan!

After the break, "after 34 million votes, only 30,000 separate the two of you." The person with the lowest vote total is Scott, so Anoop is safe. Scott sings for his life, redoing last night's performance without any guitar this time. He has fun, but also some really, really rough patches. Simon says two people think he should stay and two think he should go. Um, he should go. Simon says he really likes him, but they have to consider whether they need the save in a future week. Simon finally makes the decision (or at least pretends like they haven't already decided). He is out.

Paula wants to have a last word, telling him how inspiring he is.

So that wasn't a shocking cut, in my opinion. What do you think about the results?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:01 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (25)
        

Tonight's American Idol will have the Top 8 singing songs from the year they were born. This pretty much makes it '80s night, except for Allison Iraheta, who was born in 1992. Last week's theme was similarly wide open, and the finalists made some weird choices, but it remains to be seen how they do with this one. Let's see, shall we?

Um, who is random stone-faced dude in the audience? He kind of looks like a Blue Man Group guy out of makeup.

Host Ryan Seacrest embraces the theme wholeheartedly, introducing the judges with baby pictures. Awww, cute. We'll see the contestants' pictures, too. Simon Cowell claims the picture they put up is not him. Then Ryan's picture shows up, too.

Danny Gokey is first, and the oldest, born in 1980. He kind of thwarts the whole theme by singing Mickey Gilley's version of "Stand by Me." This means it starts kind of slowly (and frankly, it's a tad on the whiny side at the very beginning) and then gets all jazzy about halfway through (and this part suits his voice way more). But I'm still irritated by the song choice. Randy Jackson says he didn't love the arrangement, but he's such an amazing singer, he made him love it anyway. Kara DioGuardi agrees about the arrangement but says he killed it at the end and "turned it on its head and made it your own." Paula Abdul says he has set the bar so high everyone else is going to have to run as fast as they can to catch up. Simon laughs at Paula's technical talk and then says the beginning was good, the middle was lazy and the end was terrific, and that's all he has to say about that.

Kris Allen was born in 1985, which he is all about, choosing "All She Wants to do is Dance." He has also chosen a jazzy arrangement, and he's on the weird part of the stage where he is totally surrounded by the audience and has like zero personal space. I hate that part of the stage, but he gives a great performance even though this is an odd arrangement. Kara says it felt like "jazz-funk homework," like it was a class assignment to interpret a song. "It was," Simon chimes in. Paula says he's heartfelt and genuine and changed up a very one-note song. She adds that he is one of the most likeable contestants they've ever had. Simon calls it indulgent, boring and forgettable. He goes on that he came across as a guitarist who wanted to sing. Randy agrees that it was self-indulgent because the arrangement made them lose track of him as a singer.

Continue reading "'American Idol': Top 8 perform songs from their birth year" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:08 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (34)
        

Tonight's American Idol opens with host Ryan Seacrest telling us that 36 million votes were cast. Craziness. In addition, we learn that Lady GaGa and David Cook will be singing, albeit not together. (But isn't that a disturbing thought?)

There's banter with the judges, mostly not that exciting, but Ryan does ask Simon Cowell who he would send home. He says he thinks Anoop, Megan and Matt might be in trouble.

This week's Ford commercial is notable mostly for its TOTAL CREEPINESS! Panels of parts of the finalists' faces are mixed and matched with one another, and it calls to mind "If They Mated" segments from the Conan O'Brien show.

For the group sing, the Top 9 take on Journey's "Don't Stop Believin.'" So last week, we found out (officially) that they were lip syncing the group sings. What's the verdict on this week? Seemed more natural than week before last by a lot, but maybe they got some coaching on making their lip syncing more, um, believable.

Results time! Well, first Ryan makes them do impressions of one another. Then it's results time. Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud and Kris Allen are asked to come to the left side of the stage and wait. Then Adam Lambert, Lil Rounds and Allison Iraheta go to the center of the stage. Lastly, Scott MacIntyre, Danny Gokey  and Anoop Desai hit the right side of the stage. Ryan asks which one of the groups "could be the bottom three"? Which of course means nothing.

After the break, David Cook performs! Afterward, he gets a surprise: his platinum record for his debut album.

Then it really is results time. Maybe. Kris is safe. Matt is made to think he's in the bottom three, but he is safe. That leaves Megan. She is in the bottom three, and she runs toward the stools cawing and waving her arms (like Rockin' Robin? I don't know). On to the next group. Lil is safe. Allison is in the bottom three. Adam, the last in his group, is safe. Danny is safe and heads to the Couch of Safety. That leaves Scott and Anoop, who I am sure will have to wait through some commercials and performances. Anoop says he thinks he is in the bottom three. As it turns out, he is right (and I am wrong), as Scott is taken to the couch and Anoop goes to the Stools of Potential Doom.

The bottom three have to wait through Lady GaGa's performance of "Poker Face." 

Going to break, Simon tells Ryan that only one of the bottom three is worth saving. I'm going to assume that's Allison (as does someone in the audience, who shouts out her name). 

After the break, Allison learns that she is safe. Whew. 

The lowest vote-getter is Megan, who has been mugging for the camera since she found out she is in the bottom three. She keeps telling everyone to "not forget the caw." What the heck? Asked if they will consider saving her, Simon says since she said she doesn't care (which she said earlier about not caring what Simon says), they don't either.

She does her final sing-off right to the judges, and it's pretty much awkward all around, especially the dancing. I don't understand why she's being so smart-alecky right now. This is her chance to garner attention and maybe get a record deal or something. 

She tells Ryan she has a couple of things to say: She says she loves everyone, including America, and then she tells her baby she's coming home and starts crying. She continues to cry during her goodbye montage. Awww, I can't handle crying. Farewell, Megan!

Next week, by the way, the contestants will sing songs from the year they were born. So, it's mostly going to be '80s night, then, with a little '90s.

So what do you think of the results? I'm not shocked, and clearly Megan wasn't, either.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:01 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (23)
        

Can you feel the drama? Two dancers are going home on tonight's Dancing With the Stars. Well, I guess that's technically four, as two pairs will be out.

Let's see how it all plays out. 

Co-host Samantha Harris is still sick, so she will be resting her voice for most of the night. YAY! I wish it was always that way. Cough.

There is a huge recap of last night, but Carla covered that for us already. (Thanks, Carla!)

Speaking of recaps, the judges want to see Gilles and Cheryl's Argentine tango again. I can't blame them for that! I was saying literally right before the performance yesterday that I thought he was overrated, but this dance proved me wrong.

Some results: Gilles and Cheryl are safe. Lawrence and Edyta are too. The first couple in the bottom three is Holly and Dmitry. Holly's sad, but maybe in the dance-off she won't fall off the stool at first. Except there isn't one this week, so never mind on that.

Then Kevin Randolph performs, as do some of the pros. Kevin, whatever, but the pros kick some tail.

Samantha fails to rest her voice and does an interminable interview with the couples who have gotten some news. Then, more results: Shawn and Mark are safe. 

For the Stars of Dance performance, a number of pros perform a number choreographed by Louis Van Amstel, who has paired with stars on previous seasons. 

More results: Chuck and Julianne are safe. Steve-O and Lacey are in the bottom three.

Boyz II Men perform. 

Results, results: Lil' Kim and Derek are safe, as are Melissa and Tony. 

Montage, then more results: Ty and Chelsie are safe. Steve and Karina are on the bottom three, which means David and Kym are safe. 

No dance-off tonight. But ... the actual results!

Holly and Dmitry are out. 

Steve Wozniak and Karina are also out.

So Steve-O and Lacey are safe.

What do you think about the results? I think these are some good cuts and we can get past the novelty acts and watch more good dancing. 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

On tonight's American Idol, it's an open kind of theme: The Top 9 can pick any song as long as it's a popular download on iTunes. Hmmm ... interesting. Now we'll see what they're really made of! Or something.

Anoop Desai is first, and he'll be singing "Caught Up" by Usher. It seems like a good idea in theory -- it's more upbeat, and more his style, I guess, but something about it doesn't quite work for me. I feel like he thinks his stage persona is a little stronger than it actually is, and that makes it a tad bit awkward. Vocally, it seems good, though some of the runs are a bit overdone. The audience is behind him 100 percent. Randy Jackson said he "picked up your swagger" and he thought the vocals were good, but the song choice was a little off, so he's torn. Kara DioGuardi says if you pick Usher, you have to do crazy riffs, and she says it feels like "a bunch of frat guys dared you to get up and sing Usher or something." Paula Abdul says he needs to work on his stage presence and "create some signature stabs with the band." Simon Cowell looks as perplexed as I am by that. He says, "It was a complete and utter mess. ... You came over as a wannabe. I didn't see any originality. ... It actually gave me a headache." Ryan gives Anoop a chance to talk back, and that was probably not a good thing. He gets mouthy with Kara about how he wants to be an R&B artist and he disagrees with her. Special guest visitor, my mom, says, "It was boring, Anoop, and I like you." Word.

Megan Joy Corkrey plans to sing "Bob Marley/Lauryn Hill's 'Turn Your Lights Down Low.'" She says she's excited to sing something she absolutely looooooves. While this seems like it suits her voice better, it's just not working for me. I think she's out of her league. But it's way better than "Rockin' Robin"! Kara says, "I really like you, but I think you're in trouble. ... I want to hear Adele, 'Chasing Pavements' ... That part of your range was getting irritating." Paula says at this stage, she needs to "take us by surprise and dig deep to an area that might not be comfortable." Simon says the problem is that the song was boring, indulgent and monotonous and that everything they liked about her is disappearing. Randy says it was like watching paint dry, even though he loves the song. He calls out Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Adele as people whose songs she should be singing.

Continue reading "'American Idol': Top 9 perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 7:23 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

I thought American Idol was on at 9, 8 central. But NO. It started at 8 Eastern time, so I had to make a mad dash (well, drive) home from work, since I had promised Sarah I would recap the results show. Luckily, I have several friends who are fans; I called huge Kris Allen fan Kristine Marino for a big favor: Take AI notes for me till I get in front of my TV? She was happy to oblige:

Ryan Seacrest opens the show by talking to our four judges. He refers to Simon Cowell as Paula Abdul's school mate and asks what was going on with them last night. He said they should get a room. (Carla: Please don't put that image in my head, Mr. Seacrest.) Simon then clarifies that the president did not, in fact, invite him to dinner, and it was only a joke.

And now ... our Idols. The Top 10 sing a medley of Motown hits. They appear to be lip-syncing. It looks pretty cheesy. Then AI Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard sings. There's plenty of sweat on his head, and he's now a married man. (Carla: For me, Studdard and the soon-to-come Stevie Wonder just aren't as exciting as Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson.)

And finally ... we get some results.

Continue reading "'American Idol' results: Top 9 revealed" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 9:04 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (43)
        

Delayed a night because of Tuesday's presidential address, American Idol is finally back tonight. The Top 10 will be taking on the songs of Motown.

Host Ryan Seacrest lets us know that the contestants are over last week's outbreak of flu. Then we talk about how hard it was to let Alexis Grace go and not save her. *yawn* Then he asks Paula Abdul about how she often wants them to step out of their box and what does she expect from them tonight. She says something about challenging their artistic integrity. Can we get to the singing now?

For the young and/or uninformed, we get a little history about Motown (which, by the way, is turning 50 this year). The contestants got to meet Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy when they visited Detroit. The tour also included a tour of historic Studio A.

Smokey rejoined them in L.A. to help them prepare for tonight's performances.

Matt Giraud is up first. He's singing "Let's Get It On" (however, unlike previous Idol contestants, he does not dedicate it to his parents). He starts out at the piano, then stands up and works the stage for the rest of the performance. Strangely, he's dressed like it's business casual day from the waist up. That aside, he does a lovely job with the song, and doing part on piano and part not was a good plan. Randy Jackson says he just proved he's a front-runner. Kara DioGuardi says it was a solid performance and definitely appealed to the women in the audience. Paula says his riffs were tasteful, classy and spot-on. Simon says it was a "brilliant performance" and "cool" except for the part where he came up to the judges' table.

Next is Kris Allen. He's going with "How Sweet It Is," and he's playing guitar himself again. Smokey says he blew him away in rehearsal and told him not to change a thing. He kills it. Dead. In a good way. Kara says it's great that he did it his own way, not like James Taylor or Marvin Gaye. "You did everything right on that performance," she goes on. Paula says he's coming into his own and comfortable on stage. Simon says he's having a good competition and a smart choice. He adds, though, that he needs to believe in himself and add a little swagger. "Even the way you're standing now, you could be at a bus stop." Randy says he's hit his zone and his stride. "It's all good."

Continue reading "'American Idol': Top 10 perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:11 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Yes, it's true. There's apparently an American who is more important than American Idol, and it turns out he's the president.

Next Tuesday, President Obama will address the nation, and again (as it did a few weeks ago), this causes a scheduling problem for a number of shows. Here's how it affects the reality TV schedule.

-- American Idol's live performance show moves to Wednesday, and the hourlong results show to Thursday.

-- The Biggest Loser shifts to 9 p.m. and bumps Law & Order: SVU for the night.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 1:21 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

So who's going to be the casualty of Grand Ole Opry on tonight's American Idol results show?

Ryan Seacrest introduces the show, saying that more than 31 million votes were cast last night. Then he lets us know Brad Paisley will be performing, as will Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis. 

Before that, it's group sing time; they perform "Trouble." And wow, this is some more obvious lip-syncing.

Then it's time for a behind-the-scenes look of what happens after they sign off on results night, including footage of a goodbye dinner for Jasmine and Jorge.

Results time: Danny Gokey is safe, and oh, by the way, the Top 10 makes it to the tour. Lil Rounds gets the fakeout, but she is safe, too, as is Anoop Desai. Allison Iraheta and Michael Sarver stand up together and find out that they are both in the bottom three (after making Michael think he's safe for a minute). 

With some of them safe and some not knowing their fate, it's time for a break for Brad Paisley to perform. That's so not nice. So many of them can't possibly enjoy the performance because they don't know whether they're safe.

After that, more results. Scott MacIntyre is safe. Megan Joy Corkrey is, too. Matt Giraud? Safe. Kris Allen is also safe. That leaves Alexis Grace and Adam Lambert. (By the way, while they are dragging it out, Randy mentions that Adam's version of "Ring of Fire" was by Jeff Buckley. Adam, you are no Jeff Buckley. Randy also calls Alexis "Allison" more than once.) Alexis is in the bottom three. Immediately, Ryan lets them know that Allison is safe. 

Alexis and Michael have to wait through the break and the performance by Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis to find out which one of them is out, of course. Carrie Underwood looks like she's wearing a Kellie Pickler costume, but girl can sing.

Before they find out the results, Ryan asks Simon if they would consider using the judges' save on either of the bottom two. He said they would consider using it for one of them. That's nice and vague.

Wow. Michael Sarver is safe, so Alexis Grace is out. Unless of course they do use the judges' save. I just can't imagine them using it this soon. Simon says she is the one they were thinking of saving, so it all comes down to this performance. Oh, please. You know they know how they're handling this.

Alexis sings; the judges talk. She ramps things up a bit, but it sounds like her voice is a little worn at times. Simon says they were "kind of unanimous," and they aren't using the save. Alexis is out.

Anybody else think if she hadn't talked back so much last night, she wouldn't be here right now?

What do you think of the results?

By the way, next week's theme is 50 years of Motown.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:00 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

I'm sorry to tell you this, but tonight's theme on American Idol is Grand Ole Opry (which will probably be boiled down to country). I think that's really not going to work for some people. But I guess we'll see.

Simon Cowell even sarcastically tells Ryan Seacrest that he loves country music so much, he wishes it was a full week instead of two hours.

Hey, Randy Travis is in the audience! That's because he was the one who invited Carrie Underwood to join the Grand Ole Opry and because he worked with the Top 11 during the past week.

First up is Michael Sarver, who is going to sing a speedy song, Garth Brooks' "Ain't Goin' Down Til the Sun Comes Up," and Randy Travis warns him not to biff the words. He handles it swimmingly, though the manic harmonica player sitting on the stage is a little distracting. Randy Jackson says it was a cool song choice, but he didn't think it showed his vocal capabilities. (Ha, Simon is booing him, like Randy always does to him.) Kara DioGuardi said it didn't have any big notes, but she was impressed he handled all the lyrics. He says he just wanted to have fun. Paula Abdul says it was fun to watch him and that the genre suits him well. Simon says it should have been good, but he couldn't understand a single word he sang. "Country folks did," Michael says. Simon calls is clumsy and karaoke, and then, pressed by Ryan, gives it a "1.2" out of 10.

Allison Iraheta tells Randy Travis she's going to sing Patty Loveless' "Blame It on Your Heart," and he's impressed. He does suggest she skip the little dance she does during her practice with him. It's a good choice for her -- she gives it a rock vibe and kills it. Kara says she could sing the alphabet and sing it well (snore), but adds that she gave the song her own spin, which isn't easy. Paula calls it another rock-solid performance. Then she tells Allison she needs to expand her range and show some vulnerability. (Except you just know that if she did that, she'd get scolded for getting outside of her little rock-grrrl box.) Simon says it was good, though a little bit tuneless at parts. Randy Jackson says he thought it was dope, and her family goes wild.

Continue reading "'American Idol': Top 11 perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:32 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

On tonight's American Idol, it's double-elimination time -- and we'll finally learn about this twist that Simon Cowell alluded to last night.

Why does Randy Jackson boo Simon every single episode? No one else is booing during introductions.

So what's the new twist? It's called "the judges' save": From now until the Top 5, the judges can save one contestant from elimination just once. It has to be unanimous, and they can't use it again. The week they use it, no one will be eliminated, and the next week, two people will go home. This is, host Ryan Seacrest says, in response to eliminations such as Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry and Michael Johns.

After that explanation, we get a montage of the contestants moving into a very insane mansion -- bowling alley, pool and more outright excess. Then we're treated to the week's group sing of Jackson 5 hits, which includes, for unknown reasons, a dance break by Danny Gokey complete with pelvic thrusts toward the camera. That was awkward.

Is anyone besides the finalists amused by the commercials they're forced to do? They laugh hysterically; I'm bored.

Then we start with the results:

Michael Sarver is safe. Allison Iraheta is, too. Jasmine Murray is asked to come to the center of the stage and wait. Matt Giraud is asked to stand up, and he starts walking to the center of the stage, but they stop him because he's confused. He's safe. Kris Allen, who is suddenly reminding me of Freddy Rodriguez, and Megan Joy Corkrey are asked to stand up. Kris finds out he is safe, and Megan joins Jasmine on the stage, only to find out that she, Megan, is safe, and Jasmine is going home unless the judges decide to save her.

Jasmine sings the song that got her ousted, "I'll Be There," and closes with a big note just for kicks, and then Randy tells her that no, they are not saving her. Which is not a huge shock -- why would they introduce the twist and then use it right now? She cries, and Ryan talks quietly to her to reassure her that everything is going to be fine and calms her down. Awww. We get our first hearing of this year's buh-bye song, Carrie Underwood's cover of Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home." 

Then it's time for Kanye West to perform -- he's doing "Heartless." That was probably Jasmine's only chance to be his opening act.

More results now: Scott MacIntyre is safe. Alexis Grace is, too. Danny Gokey has a lot of different pairs of glasses, and he is also safe. Anoop Desai heads to center stage, and he knew it was coming. Adam Lambert is safe. Jorge Nunez and Lil Rounds are last to learn their fate. Jorge heads to center stage; Lil is safe. Jorge and Anoop have to wait through the break to find out for sure. Well, actually, they have to wait through a performance by Kelly Clarkson. Ryan mentions that a former Idol will be performing every week.

Ryan talks with Kelly for a bit about her new album, which came out yesterday. She performs "My Life Would Suck Without You." I like Kelly, but, um, I think she could have used some help from the show's stylists tonight. She just looks a little bedraggled.

(Side note during the break: These new semi-animated deadpan Comcast commercials are terrible. It's like it's trying to rip off the freecreditreport.com commercials, but why would you want to do that?)

Results time: Ryan says 33 million votes came in and ... finally ... after dragging it out ... that Anoop is safe. That leaves Jorge to sing and then find out for sure if he's going home. (Um, he is.) This new twist is just extra-cruel. (Also kind of mean is that Randy and Simon are totally talking to each other during Jorge's sing-out. Paula is dancing, of course, and holy moly, what is she wearing? Flapper gone wild?) After he sings, Simon doesn't mince words: They aren't saving him.

So, buh-bye, Jorge and Jasmine. You were both pleasant enough, but pretty boring.

What do you think about the ousters? How about the twist?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:59 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

I was doing a little Wednesday-afternoon quarterbacking, thinking about last night's American Idol, well, the past few weeks actually, specifically about new judge Kara DioGuardi and whether she is adding anything to the show.

And really, I think the answer is no.

Since the live shows started three weeks ago, Kara's been positioning herself as "the industry type." She's always giving feedback about whether someone sounds or looks "commercial" or whether she can figure out what kind of records people would make or whether she can imagine hearing them on the radio.

You can't blame her for trying to differentiate herself among a panel of judges who have developed extremely rigid roles for themselves in the preceeding seven seasons. But the constant talk about a contestant's ability to be marketed kind of takes away from the escapism of American Idol. It's not like we don't all know that it is, at its core, about dollars -- lots of them. But it's much easier to believe that maybe the show is really about making a singer's dream come true when you don't have someone referencing again and again a contestant's salability.

Say what you will about Paula Abdul, who is goofy and frou frou and often nonsensical, but at least she's all about the joy of performance and the joy of music, even if she can't always articulate it.

Plus, four judges really, really makes the show go on too long.

(Photo of Kara DioGuardi by Jack Guy / Fox)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 4:01 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (18)
        

On tonight's American Idol, we'll finally see how these finalists, who have been chosen over the past several weeks, stack up to one another.

The judges get a crazy entry -- since when is there an announcer? Announcer then introduces host Ryan Seacrest. That was a little over-the-top, don'tcha think? I guess they're trying to make us realize that they're on The Big Stage starting this evening.

OK, so the flip side of the addition of the 13th finalist -- Simon Cowell announces that two people will be going home tomorrow. Should've seen that one coming.

Tonight, if you haven't heard, is Michael Jackson night. I thought they wanted the contestants to stay away from iconic artists? Well, they always say that, but it's just an easy out when someone screws up a legendary song.

Lil Rounds is up first. In her bio segment, we meet her husband and three kids and are reminded that their house was destroyed in a tornado. She says she always hears from people that it's not OK that she has three kids and wants to try to make it as a singer. However, she says, "The day you let go of your dreams is the day you let go of your life." She's going to sing "The Way You Make Me Feel." It's definitely the right choice for her -- she has a blast, sings it well, and she's so comfortable on this big stage that the judges have made such a big deal about. I don't know about the white pleated pants, though. Randy Jackson says she put a new spin on his song and says this was a great way to start the show. Kara DioGuardi says everyone is probably nervous now because she was so good. She also adds, "I hope we get to hear you on the radio." (Ms. Industry strikes again.) Paula Abdul gives her props for her outfit and calls her a force to be reckoned with, comparing her falsetto to "angels singing." Simon says he thinks it was a lazy song choice, that the first half was worse than the second, and he hates what she's wearing.

Scott MacIntyre tells us he's been almost completely blind since birth, and his parents say they quickly realized how much he liked sounds and music. He performs "Keep the Faith," and he's in a place he's much more comfortable -- behind the piano. This definitely results in a better performance than we've seen from him before, but the song is fairly cheesy. Kara asks him if he learned the song on piano this week, and he says yes. She says it was a good song choice because it was a great message, and he's true to himself every week. Paula: "Scott, it's really magical seeing your instrument at your fingertips." She says, too, that the songwriter, who is in the audience, must have loved it. Simon says sorry to her because he hated the song choice. Scott says he wanted to be a little artistic. Simon says, "It's fine being artistic, just not on this show. ... I like you, I think you're a good singer, I like the fact that you're playing piano, I just didn't like the song." Randy says the performance was good, but it felt really safe, and he wants to see more sparks from him.

Continue reading "'American Idol': Top 13 perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:06 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

There are three more spots in this season's American Idol Top 12. Ryan Seacrest introduces the show as if something sacred is about to happen. It's not.

But it should be entertaining!

Lest there be any doubt, the judges will be choosing from tonight's eight competitors which three will round out the Top 12.

First up is Jesse Langseth. She sings "Tell Me Something Good." Paula Abdul is up and dancing almost immediately, but she gets off to a rough start and never really gets her footing in the song. Randy Jackson says it was an interesting song choice, but he doesn't think she sang it that well. "It was just a'ight." Kara DioGuardi says she had some off notes, but she has a great swagger -- like Sascha Fierce coming out. Paula says she's impressed with her tenacity and determination. Simon says she was a lot better than the first time, but he thought the song and performance were "indulgent," that it was all about her. 

Matt Giraud is next with "Who's Loving You" from the Jackson 5. He sounds good, but I think this was pretty indulgent, too. Kara says thanks for bringing back the soulful and bluesy Matt. She says it was a little bit over the top at times, but it was still great. Before Paula talks, they cut to the folks upstairs just in time to see a production person arranging Von Smith and (I think) Megan Corkrey just so. Paula says it was a good "zong choice," which is almost what she means to say. "Don't go against what you're great at. ... This is you." Simon says it was "a billion times better than last week," but he hates his outfit and, "I saw bits of Taylor Hicks coming out." Randy says he made everyone scared that he's going to make the Top 12 and have to compete with them. Going into the break, they cut to Megan and Von, who are indeed positioned correctly on the second floor.

Continue reading "'American Idol': Wildcard results complete the finals" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:05 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (85)
        

It's time again for the American Idol results -- tonight's we'll find out the last three non-wildcard folks getting through to the Top 12.

To kick things off, the group sings Katy Perry's "Hot and Cold." The camerawork and the choreography are so manic that it makes me a little dizzy. They sound decent, though you can't really make out any of the individual voices.

During the interviews before the results begin, we learn that Baltimore's Ju'Not Joyner had his first asthma attack during the rehearsals for the group sing. Scary! He's OK now, though. And he didn't go into details about his shots like last night.

Then, all of a sudden, Ryan calls Lil Rounds forward, and abruptly lets her know that she's through to the Top 12. She sings, and yup, she's still good.

Ryan then calls Arianna Afsar, Taylor Vaifanua, Alex Wagner-Trugman, Kendall Beard and Scott MacIntyre to stand up, telling them that one of them is through to the Top 12, but they have to wait until after the break to find out who it is. My money is on Scott (not literally), but we'll see.

After the break, they are sitting again. Arianna stands up for Ryan's recap of her performance and finds out she is not in the Top 12. Then Taylor goes through the same thing, also finding out the same news. Alex is next -- he is cut, too. Kendall and Scott then both stand up, and they find out that Scott is in the Top 12.

Nathaniel Marshall and Kristen McNamara learn they are both not through, and you can tell by looking at them that they were expecting that. Von Smith and Felicia Barton are next to find out, and it's a no. That leaves Ju'Not Joyner and Jorge Nunez. After a switcheroo, making them think they had to wait out the break, Ryan tells them Jorge is in the Top 12, but he doesn't sing quite yet.

Then it's time for some wildcard news! 

All the folks from the Top 36 who didn't make the cut are upstairs waiting for the news. Eight of them will find out that they are making the wildcard round and will get to sing tomorrow night. 

Here are the wildcard contenders: Von Smith, Jasmine Murray (and you can totally see Taylor say to Kendall "Jasmine" just before Kara gives her name), Ricky Braddy, Megan Corkrey, Tatiana del Toro (grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr), Matt Giraud, Jesse Langseth and Anoop Desai (yayyyy).

Then Jorge gets to sing his song and close the show.

So ... what do you think about the wildcard choices? I'm irritated but not surprised by the choice of Tatiana and glad to see Anoop make it through. Also, I think Jesse is a good option because she does have a really nice voice (though all her riffing with the judges was a little annoying). I think things could be really interesting tomorrow. I guess there's going to be a gender disparity no matter what, though.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:02 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

On tonight's American Idol, the last 12 of the Top 36 semifinalists will try to make it to the finals. (See a photo gallery of this set of semifinalists here.) One more time, I will say: Please pick some good songs.

Then host Ryan Seacrest says Simon Cowell has been criticizing song choice (obviously, he's not the only one) and asks him why he hasn't been choosing the songs. He says he's been asking himself that for ages and that some time soon they'll have a Simon's Choice week. Can we call it Simon Says?

Anyway, Von Smith, Taylor Vaifanua, Alex Wagner-Trugman, Arianna Afsar, Ju'Not Joyner (pictured), Kristen McNamara, Nathaniel Marshall, Felicia Barton, Scott MacIntyre, Kendall Beard, Jorge Nunez and Lil Rounds are up tonight.

Let's see how they do:

Continue reading "'American Idol': Last set of semifinalists performs" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:05 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Which three contestants from last night's semifinalists will make it to the Top 12 on American Idol? Only time will tell, but I would be surprised if Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert don't make it. I didn't love Adam, but I know a lot of people did.

Host Ryan Seacrest tell us 25 million votes were cast last night -- then we get a recap of how the contestants got there in the first place. Tonight's group sing is of Ne-Yo's "Closer." Of note: Nick Mitchell looks wildly uncomfortable performing as himself and not Norman Gentle, Jeanine Vailes is wearing eensy jean shorts again, and Jesse mugs for the camera like crazy after the performance.

After the break, it's a recap of last night's show. Been there, blogged that.

Allison Iraheta is called forward first. Hmm. No, fakeout: Then he calls Jesse Langseth forward, then Matt Breitzke. Ryan asks the judges which of these three is going through. Randy says he hopes Allison. Indeed, it is her. She sings "Alone" again and is awesome again. Are we really sure she's only 16? ...

Continue reading "'American Idol': Second cut made to Top 36" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:04 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

We can only hope that tonight's performers learned something from the disaster that was last week's American Idol and will up their game. (And pick good songs. And sing well. And not lose it on stage.)

I wasn't going to recap all of Ryan Seacrest's banter with the judges, but then Kara DioGuardi says that there are no second chances. Huh, I guess she forgot about: WILD CARD.

Ryan goes over the rules: guy and girl with top votes, plus the other top vote-getter, get through each week. That will take us to nine of the Top 12. Ryan goes on: "Then the remaining positions will be awarded during the wild card show." So they are still being unspecific about the wild card slots, but I'm pretty sure from reading the press release on the Fox site that the remaining three come from the Top 36.

Tonight's 12 performers are: Jasmine Murray, Matt Giraud, Jeanine Vailes, Nick Mitchell, Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen, Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Breitzke, Jesse Langesth, Kai Kalama, Mishavonna Henson and Adam Lambert.

Let's see how they do, shall we?

Continue reading "'American Idol': second set of 12 semifinalists performs" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:11 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Wondering how President Obama's 9 p.m. address is going to affect your reality-TV-watching habits? (Yes, we cover the most important news here.)

No American Idol tonight. Twelve of the Top 36 will perform tomorrow night from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the results will be Thursday night at 8.

Also, The Biggest Loser will get divided, with half airing at 8 tonight and the second hour at 8 tomorrow night.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

On tonight's American Idol, we'll hear the results from last night's semifinal, in which 12 of the Top 36 took to the stage, though many of them fell apart once there.

Host Ryan Seacrest says that 24 million votes were cast last night, "10 million more than this time last season," but is that even a fair comparison? They didn't do a Top 36 last season -- not to mention, I just looked up my entry from this week last season, and he said then that 28 million votes had been cast. Who knows.

Ryan introduces the judges, then asks them how it went last night. Randy Jackson says some people stepped up to the plate and some faltered. Kara DioGuardi says a few people disappointed her, and Ryan asks her to name names. She shouldn't, but she does: "Stevie, Casey, Stephen." Paula Abdul says Simon disappointed her. Simon Cowell is asked to judge Kara's performance last night, and he doesn't really answer.

Montage of last-night-ness, set to "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough." Then it's time for a group sing, Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours." It starts out a little rough, but as they get into it, it gets better. Also, Stevie Wright gets to redeem herself with a long solo note (though it's a little too late).

Continue reading "'American Idol': The first semifinal show results" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:09 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

Tonight, the first 12 of the 36 semifinalists on American Idol will take to the stage -- live! And sorry, y'all. Jamar Rogers is still not on the list of semifinalists, but he is in the audience. (There was a lot of consternation last week when Jamar got cut.)

Host Ryan Seacrest looks like it's still rehearsal -- he's dressed down in a V-neck sweater and jeans. Judge Randy Jackson says that the contestants "have to be in it to win it tonight." Kara DioGuardi says they "can't let the nerves get to you. ... Just go for it." He then asks her how it is to be at the table, and Paula Abdul inexplicably interjects, "You've been under the table." Um, OK. Asked for her advice: "This is all your dream, right? You've got to hit that center stage and make magic happen in that minute and 20 seconds. And if you don't, look to the right, look to the left, whoever's better, you're going home." Which I think is the opposite of what she meant, but whatever. Simon Cowell discusses that they only have one shot to make it and then digresses to discuss Ryan's hair. *eyeroll*

From each group of 12, the highest female and male vote-getters will go to the finals, as will the next-highest vote-getter. That adds up to nine, and then the final three spots will go to wild-card choices. Whew! That's almost as complicated as the finals on Dancing With the Stars or the rules of a challenge on Survivor.  

Tonight's theme is "Hits of the Billboard Hot 100 Since the Charts Began." What a mouthful. At least, though, it's not hits of the 1930s or something.

Competing in the first group is: Jackie Tohn, Ricky Braddy, Alexis Grace, Brent Keith, Stevie Wright, Anoop Desai, Casey Carlson, Michael Sarver, Ann Marie Boskovich, Stephen Fowler, Tatiana del Toro and Danny Gokey. And all I can think is, dang. There's a little chaff that can be cut here (TATIANA, PLEASE), but some of the strongest folks we've seen so far seem packed into this set of 12. Hmmm. I sense some let's-make-the-wildcard-as-dramatic-as-possible shenanigans. (Added after the show: Perhaps not so much on the "some of the strongest" thing I was thinking before it started.)

Continue reading "'American Idol': First 12 semifinalists perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:16 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 12:46 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

On last night's American Idol, the remaining contestants sang one last time and 54 of them found out they had made the cut. But they only sort of did, as tonight, we'll learn which 36 actually made it through. (The judges are making one last cut after rewatching the footage of all of them.)

Click here to see photos of the final 36

Instead of going up the elevator and walking down a hall, the contestants will walk through this Hollywood mansion to find out whether they've made it.

First up: Anoop Desai, whose performances I've really enjoyed. He is in!

Von Smith says he is more prepared for them to say no rather than yes. He tells Ryan Seacrest, "This is why I'm alive." Overdramatic, much? Well, that's kind of his thing. He gets crazy-overanalytical in front of the judges, and they finally tell him he has made the cut.

Waitaminutewait, we have to go through two hours of people walking to the judges and getting the news? Come on!

Amateur horror film maker Cody Sheldon is the first person to deal with tonight's twist -- the sing-off. He gets to the judges, and they tell him he has to sing one last song right now. He sings "The Love Remains the Same." Meanwhile, Alex Wagner-Trugman is the other victim, and, of course, these two are friends, so it ups the drama quotient. Side note: Do you think it's distracting having the camera swinging around them during this moment? Alex sings "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." The two friends sit outside and wait briefly, then get called back in. And this dragging out is why this show is two hours tonight. Grrr! Cody gets cut, and Alex makes it through.

Continue reading "'American Idol': Top 36 revealed" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:07 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (40)
        

On tonight's American Idol, those left standing in the Hollywood round have one last chance to sing for the judges -- with a band, backup singers and, if they choose, their own instrument. No comments or results until the end of the day.

There are 72 people left, and after their final audition, they will be divided into four rooms. But first there's those auditions.

Adam Lambert and his eyeliner are up first. He sings "Believe" by Cher, but he doesn't sing in a disco way at all. There had been some discussion in previous rounds that he was too musical theater, and while he looks to have tried to tone it down, I'm not sure he did that enough.

Matt Giraud, the dueling piano player who got compared to Elliott Yamin in his first audition, performs with his keyboard -- giving a blues-tinged rendition of "Georgia." He gets a standing O from competitors and the judges.

Jamar Rogers sings "Hey There, Delilah," and he has toned down some of the cheese from his earlier auditions. The judges are impressed, and his best friend, Danny, is too.

Danny Gokey is next, and Paula is totally in his corner, jittering all over the place, as he sings "I Hope You Dance." He's good.

Continue reading "'American Idol': Hollywood Week continues" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:02 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

I feel 1) like I say this every season about American Idol, and 2) like I already said it about last night's show. But it's still true: I want to see more singing. More than 100 folks took part in the group auditions, and how many did we really see? A fraction.

Some amazing group performances did get some airtime, but I would have preferred more of them. I would have even rather seen more of the people-falling-apart auditions than so much of the behind-the-scenes drama for the last two groups that performed.

As per usual, the producers oversold the dramatic new changes in the season. I was expecting a lot more from tonight's episode. But what sticks with me are the few clips of excellent singing we were shown, which leaves me wanting more, and not in a good way.

What do you think about tonight's show?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:55 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

First up, thanks to John-John for filling in for me last-minute on Thursday. Have a bit of a family situation going on at the moment. Speaking of which, this won't be the usual minute-by-minute recap because I was watching on the TV in my son's hospital room. (He's going to be fine; we just had to get some tests done unexpectedly, and it's been taking a while.)

Anyway, enought about me and back to tonight's American Idol! Among the much-talked-about changes in this season were the decreased emphasis on bad auditions and the increased emphasis on the Hollywood round. Tonight's episode, though, didn't feel much different from the past Hollywood episodes. For the first part of Hollywood week, the contestants had to sing one song a capella and then either go to the next part or go home. Separating the wheat from the chaff, as it were.

It felt like we didn't get to see that many people actually sing, just a lot of clips of background drama. One thing that was new was that the contestants got to consult with stylists and voice coaches before this round. Did it help any of them? Dunno, we didn't really get enough context to figure that out.

It seems like there were a ton of folks who made it to Hollywood and never got one lick of screen time. I know that happens every season, but I guess the shortened but still packed-with-filler auditions contributed, too.

So, some of the folks who made it through: Bikini Girl (who was rather unrecognizable with her clothes on, hmm), the best friends who included the guy whose wife passed away shortly before his first audition, Rose (the teen who recently lost both of her parents), and quite a few others.

If I recall correctly (but this is with low volume, half-attention and no notes), 104 people made it to the next part, the group auditions. We've been told the group auditions will get a lot more attention, and I hope that's true. The dynamics are always so interesting.

What did you think about tonight's show? Also, is it just me, or is new judge Kara DioGuardi still not really adding much to judges' table? Maybe during the live show. We'll see.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:59 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

American Idol was searching for talent in San Juan, Puerto Rico and New York City. Surely the judges were going to discover a good amount of gems. The two-city special featured its fair share of duds.

Enter Adeola Adegoke, 19, a former bank teller from the Bronx. Talk about delusional. She quit her job so that she could be on the show. What a mistake! She sings "And I Am Telling You" by Jennifer Hudson. It is completely dreadful! Head judge Simon Cowell calls her performance "shockingly bad." All four judges pass on her. Later, Simon calls up her former boss and gets her job back. (That's nice.)

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jorge Nunez, a 20-year-old college student from Carolina, Puerto Rico, impresses the judges with some pretty darn good vocals. He sings a Spanish version of "My Way." He then sings "A Wonderful World" in English. Judge Kara DioGuardi said he has some pronunciation problems. (I didn't hear it.) Judge Paula Abdul says that he has the power in his voice of Marc Anthony. (I can see that.)

We're back from commercial break. Enter Jessica Baier, a 20-year-old from Jackson, Michigan. She claims she has been in 700 singing contests. She screams "I Surrender" by Celine Dion. Simon calls it awful. Judge Randy Jackson says its not good. Paula says it bordered on "shrilling." All four judges give her a no.

Jessica is followed by a slew of terrible singers who are in denial. Many of them lamented into the camera that the judges don't know what they're talking about, blah, blah, blah.

Back in New York, Malinda Camille is next. The 21-year-old from Stratford, Connecticut, says she wants to uplift humanity. She also admits to dancing naked in her room. She's now got Simon's attention. Simon says she looks very fresh. But can she sing? She sings "Feeling Good." And she is relatively good. Randy says she has a good voice, and a nice, pleasant disposition. Four yes votes for Melinda. She's going to Hollywood.

Jackie Tohn is next in New York. The 27-year-old from Silver Lake, California, plays the guitar. She says she's been singing for 10 years. She sings "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. Simon stops her and asks her to sing another song in "her own voice." She belts out a sweet sounding song. The first three judges say yes. When Simon starts to speak, a piece of the window falls. Is it a bad sign? Nope! Simon gives her a yes again.

Back in San Juan, the judges are cutting contestants left and right. Insert a montage of tears and begging.

Back from a commercial break. It's time for all the dreadful performances.

Next is Joel Contreras, a 23-year-old street performer from San Juan. He's the self-proclaimed "Crazy Rocker." Joel shows up with a gigantic cardboard iPod. He calls it a "guy-pod." Simon says it's "everything he hates." All judges tell him no. Joel is excited. He totally convinces me that he's got mental issues.

Nick Mitchell, aka "Norman Gentle," is next in New York. Simon tells the 27-year-old from Brookfield, Connecticut, that he hates comedy. Despite the warning, "Mr. Gentle" sings "And I Am Telling You." He makes all these weird faces. Simon stops him. He sasses Simon. All the judges laugh. They give him the opportunity to sing another song -- "Amazing Grace." All the judges – except Simon – vote him onto Hollywood. (I'm really shocked.)

Two Hollywood-bound contestants breeze bye the screen. Kendall Beard, a 23-year-old from Austin, Texas, gets four yes votes. Insert a montage of Hollywood-bound contestants.

Nicole Laraway is next. She's horrible. Mark Granata isn't much better. Michael Sconiers is terrible.

Can Monique Garcia Torres change the bad streak? The 16-year-old brings her little brother, Christopher, into the audition for a little added support. She sings "You Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes. She's pretty good. She then sings "I Turn To You" by Christina Aguilera. Simon tells her to sing a song that is within her range. Randy and Kara say no. Simon says yes, and sends her on to Hollywood. (Simon is the head judge, and his vote can break any tie.)

Alexis Cohen is the last contestant in New York. She's back from a dreadful audition last year. (She's clearly off.) She sings "Like A Prayer" for Madonna. She's horrible. Simon says "that was actually fairly horrendous." He says she can't sing. She gives him the middle finger. She calls Simon an "ass" and she leaves. (She needs to be committed.)

Back in San Juan, Patricia Lewis Roman is next. Her parents actually got married at the audition site. The 20-year-old from Caguas, Puerto Rico, sings "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston. Simon says it is not good enough. Paula says no. Randy says yes. She emerges with a golden ticket.

Nine contestants advance from Puerto Rico and 26 advance from New York.

Next Tuesday is the "most dramatic Hollywood week ever," according to Ryan Seacrest. (Whatevs, Ryan. You say that every year…)

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 11:00 AM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Remember last season, when people were so outraged about Carly Smithson and the fact that she had already released an album? People didn't think it was fair that someone who had already had an opportunity to make it big was getting a second chance.

Well, it's happening again, this time with 24-year-old Joanna Pacitti. She auditioned last week and made it through to Hollywood. She's got plenty of experience under her belt: She recorded an album with Geffen Records and starred in a True Life episode on MTV about her attempts to make it in the industry, among other things.

Fans are crying foul again, saying that having someone with professional experience in the competition undermines the idea that the show is discovering unknown talent. The producers were pretty open about it this time -- during her audition, the judges discussed that she had had a record deal, and new judge Kara DioGuardi actually remembered her.

I guess it depends on whether you look at Idol as just entertainment and recognize that there's a lot of artifice that goes along with that or if you see it as a talent show looking to give someone their big shot. If you see it as the former, then hey, at least the girl can sing, right? If you see it as the latter, then yeah, they need to explicitly state in the rules "no professional experience."

What do you think?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:14 AM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

American Idol heads to Salt Lake City for tonight's audition episode. That's David Archuleta's hometown, in case you had forgotten.

Ryan Seacrest tells us they were hoping to find the next generation of the Osmonds. Lo and behold, David Osmond is 29 and the son of Alan Osmond, "the oldest of the performing Osmonds." Then we learn that his father had to stop performing because he has multiple sclerosis, which is followed by the revelation that David is also fighting MS. He says that MS has a course of ups and downs -- at the lowest points, he needs to use a wheelchair and can't play guitar. He sings "Something Within Me" by Take 6. He's good, but Paula says it wasn't the best song choice because it's a group song and didn't showcase him as a frontman. They all give him very constructive criticism, which we are supposed to take as him possibly getting no votes. But he comes out of the door with a golden ticket, which is no surprise.

Oh goodness, next is Tara Mathews (pictured), who was introduced at the beginning of the show as "Salt Lake City's only goth." She, however, tells Ryan that, despite her black attire and overdone makeup, she is not trying to look depressed or be goth or whatever. In a separate interview, she says, "You can't judge people by the cover of their book." Yeah! Someone might be carrying around a copy of Atlas Shrugged, but maybe they have Confessions of a Shopaholic tucked inside. You never know. Do not judge. She also claims to have ESP about when people are going to die "in real life or on TV."  In the audition room, she sings "One Day I'll Fly Away" from Moulin Rouge. It is not good, but Randy gets kind of crazy rude, pretending to beat his head against a wall, looking at his watch. Simon tells her she sounded like a baby, so she says, "I'll just leave now since you obviously didn't like it." She stomps out flipping the bird at the camera, saying, "Blur it out, blur it out." Well, that was strange.

Montage of badness: Aleesha Turner bleats her way through a song, Katie Sullivan shouts, Rich  Kagel drives Simon to say, "You're never in a million-billion years going to win a show like this." "Can I sing somethin' else?" Rich asks.

Chris Kirkham brought Greg the Rabbit (his friend in a pink bunny suit) and wears a shirt with a distressing rendition of Simon's face on it, and another copy of it on a stick. He sings "Roll to Me" with Greg behind him, and Simon freaks out and makes him stop. He starts over with his rabbit-friend farther away and sings "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." He gets through three words, and they say it just isn't working and they make them both leave. Greg the Rabbit lifts Simon in the air before they go.

Continue reading "'American Idol' invades Salt Lake City" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:43 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Tonight's American Idol opens with totally awesome footage of Randy Jackson and his hair performing in Journey.

The show jumps right in with auditioner Joshua Ulloa, who says he is often compared to Justin Guarini, which he claims not to mind. (It's all about the hair.) He sings "Let's Get It On" with a lot of sound effects -- his voice is OK, but like Simon says, it came off a little gimmicky. (He also says it reminds him of Inspector Gadget, which cracked me up.) Randy thought it was entertaining even so. Everyone else agrees -- he gets four yes votes and is on to Hollywood. Hey, why did Randy and Simon switch places? It's disorienting.

Sharon Wilbur brought her dog Sasha with her because she calms her down. Sure. Not in an attempt to get camera time. She sings "Superstar," and she's pretty good, if a little scratchy. Simon and Randy say yes, and it's up to "the girls," aka Kara and Paula, who pretend to make out for reasons I seem to have missed. Sharon makes it to Hollywood.

Dana Moreno attempts to sing Chaka Khan, and it's terrible. She says she will take as much direction as they will give, and Simon points her toward the exit door. Ow.

16-year-old Kaneswa Finnie is confident and comfortable and planning to sing Anita Baker's "Caught up in the Rapture of Love." She is, unfortunately, singing through her nose and out of key. Simon says it got progessively worse as she sang more. Kaneswa says she expected it from him and doesn't seem to care. They call in her mom to tell her that she needs to stop telling her daughter how great her voice is. They both have a fantastic attitude, which is refreshing.

Julissa Veloz is a Miss Florida Latina USA. She says she can sing some Whitney and busts out. Simon says it was better than he expected it to be, which I agree with. Then they make fun of her laugh, which is kind of mean. They seem to have an issue with how she sang that song, but they don't ask her to sing something else. Paula gets skipped over and gets mad and leaves, but Julissa talks her back to the judges' table. Oh, and then everyone votes yes. That was ... odd.

Continue reading "'American Idol' heads to Jacksonville" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:01 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

-- First up, as eagle-eyed reader Bucky pointed out, American Idol is on three times this week. Grr. I am not excited about this. I need to sleep at some point!

-- Secondly, if you saw True Beauty last night, I guess that settles whether CJ is a mole. (He went home after having a weird meltdown about the challenge.) So now I'm just thinking that his inner-beauty commentary was his gimmick. Oh, well. At least he handled his eviction from the show better than some other folks. Now I don't know who to root for, though.

-- Donny Osmond pulled a Jill Biden today and accidentally revealed that he's going to be on the coming season of Dancing With the Stars. I'm sure the producers are just thrilled! I don't know about this -- I had just about enough Osmond mania during his sister's stint on the show.

-- And, just a little reminder, you can follow Reality Check on Twitter at http://twitter.com/realityck

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 7:48 PM in American Idol, Dancing With the Stars | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Boy, I hope tonight's American Idol is better than last night's. What a yawn-fest that was. We saw eight people, two of whom were pretty good and two of whom shouldn't have gotten through and three of whom were totally uninteresting bad auditions. Only one -- the woman with all the anatomical diagrams -- was even remotely entertaining. Some are saying that they purposefully showed a boring episode because they figured everyone would be watching inauguruation coverage. But seriously -- only 12 got through in San Francisco! I think it was just bad.

Enough about yesterday; let's see how tonight -- with auditions from Louisville -- goes.

The night's first contestant is Tiffany Shedd, and her parents think she's going to be just great. They are wrong -- she butchers Mariah Carey's "Hero." She had promised before the audition that if she didn't make it, she would keep a positive attitude, which, uh, did not exactly come to pass.

Joanna Pacitti has been trying to make it in the music industry for a while, but she's hopeful today will be her break. Kara actually remembers her, that she had been signed with AM Records. Simon asks what went wrong, and she says it just didn't work. She sings "We Belong," and she's fabulous. Simon says yes, and Paula says, "I think you're worthy," which makes her cry. Everyone else says yes, too.

Mark Mudd Jr. says he has had some bad luck, including two really bad car accidents, and he hopes this will turn his luck around. He sings "White Lightning," and it's very twangy but semi-OK at first and then he totally loses it. Paula says he isn't bad, but this is not the right competition for him. Simon says maybe Wheel of Fortune is the right one for him. He says, "Take care and be careful," and they interpret it as a threat, and it gets all weird for a while. Finally, he leaves.

Continue reading "'American Idol' heads to Louisville" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:08 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

On tonight's Idol, it's all about San Francisco auditions.

The first auditioner is is Tatiana del Toro, who is "a full-time singer, a musician, a songwriter, a writer, an assistant director, model, film actor, and I live for what I do." She left out chronic giggler. And random-tulle-to-minidress-hem-sewer. She enters the audition room and gives them her press kit. They say she has some "naughty" pictures in there, and she says, "thank you." She sings "Never Loved a Man." Simon stops her and says she shouldn't have done that song and that he thinks she does a lot of things well but not this. He tries to give her some constructive criticism, but she keeps singing. Paula interrupts her to vote yes. Randy says she wants to have this big R&B voice, but she doesn't quite have it. He votes yes anyway. Kara says she doesn't have the vocals, but she likes her vibe, so she is in. Simon: "She didn't get through on her vocals!" Oh, OK, Mr. Voted for Bikini Girl.

Dean-Anthony Bradford is a "failed entrepreneur" wearing an insane plaid coat. He thinks the coat will get him through. He offers a very theatrical version of Simply Red, and it looks like his head is going to explode. Randy calls it "wild" but also "over-the-top torture." Simon says he has a horrible outfit and "hair color," which is his natural color. Ouch. It was a unanimous no. Talking to Ryan, he blames the coat for the outcome.

Jesus Valenzuela is a family man whose kids told him to audition. He sings ... I don't know what, but it's boring. Paula and Kara say he has a good voice, and he begs for yes votes because his kids are outside, so they ask him to bring them in. Randy asks him to sing a different song, so he tries "Unchained Melody." Simon sticks to his no, Paula says yes, Kara says yes, and then they say he needs one more vote (which doesn't track with what they said last week when sometimes it only took two yes votes to get to the next round), and Randy votes yes, so he is through. To Hollywood yes, but I don't think he'll get a lot further than that.

Continue reading "'American Idol' auditions hit San Francisco" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:27 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Before I get started with the coverage of tonight's American Idol, how about a little Wednesday-evening quarterbacking on last night's show?

The big buzz today seemed to be all about Ryan Seacrest trying to high-five blind contestant Scott Macintyre. Honestly, I didn't think it was the worst moment ever -- he wasn't like, "Dude, you're leaving me hanging here." He wanted to offer Scott his congratulations and high-five was his natural reaction, and he told him what was going on. I mean, it was a little awkward, but I wasn't on the bandwagon of watching the clip again and again. *shrug*

Overall, I felt like last night, the producers tried to give us a kinder and gentler Idol, but it was also, uh, boringer. (Before the grammar police come out of the woodwork, I know that's not a word. It's a joke.) There wasn't as much straight-up humiliation, and only a couple of kooky characters. It kind of felt like they were giving us this "updated" Idol approach, at least in the first episode, but then the previews for tonight made it look like it would be business as usual.

Well, I'll stop speculating on that -- let's watch and see for ourselves.

Tonight's auditions are from American Idol champ David Cook's hometown of Kansas City.

Randomly, season seven finalist Jason Castro is there and greets Paula Abdul, telling her his brother is getting ready to try out. Intriguing!

First up is Chelsea Marquardt, who "has been singing as long as I can remember," which isn't the first time we've heard that sentiment on this show. She says she usually surprises people because this "powerful voice" comes out of this "little girl" and that she sings "with so much emotion and power, people are like, 'Whoa!'" The judges look like they are thinking "Whoa!" but not in a good way. Simon Cowell: "It sounded like a cat jumping off the Empire State Building and the sound it would make before it hit the floor." Randy Jackson says then it sounded like the siren that would come next. Paula yells at them for being mean, but rather convolutedly. Kara DioGuardi says she is not a good singer, "sweetie." (She really needs to lay off the "sweetie.") It's a no.

Ashley Anderson sings "Footprints in the Sand," a Leona Lewis song co-writted by Simon. Obviously she is going for brownie points, but then she sings "footsteps" instead of "footprints," and they stop her and call her out on it. But she's a good singer (Kara says she has got some "chops"), and she gets four yes votes.

Continue reading "Kansas City, here 'American Idol' comes" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:06 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

Surely by now, you've heard all about all the changes afoot on this season of American Idol, the eighth. Among them, there is a new judge, Kara DioGuardi, there will be fewer audition shows (thank goodness -- my discomfort with these is well documented), and we'll see more Hollywood round and end up with 36 instead of 24 semifinalists.

But hey, it's starting right now, so let's see how it all plays out, shall we?

The episode starts out with an Idol favorite -- the montage! Scary auditioners, finalists, winners, surprises, someone throwing water on Simon Cowell, even a glimpse of Dunkelman. And it's followed by ... another montage, this one of what we'll be seeing this season. Then after the break ... auditions in Phoenix. ...

Continue reading "'American Idol' season 8 premieres" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:30 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

So how about that? Three years ago today, I wrote the first post for this blog, Reality Check. At the time, there were only a handful of Sun blogs, but I decided to dive in and see what happened. It's been a fun ride, sometimes quite a bit busier than I expected, but always a good time.

Anyway, how shall we celebrate? I thought about making a cake, but I spent the evening taking care of a feverish baby, so that's not happening. Plus, it would tough to pass out slices over those crazy tubes that make up the Internet.

Instead, let's get geared up for Tuesday's American Idol premiere with a little look back. What are your favorite songs (not performances, but singles released after the show) by any Idol finalists?

Share your favorites in a comment below, and you'll be entered in a drawing for a Reality Check prize package. (Still working on the specifics of that, but rest assured, it will be worth the effort of typing a little.) Winner will be chosen by the extremely scientific process of writing the names on slips of paper and picking one out of a paper bag. So that means if you want to be in the running, include your email on your comment. It doesn't publish, but I will be able to see it.

I'm a sucker for a good pop song, so I'll sing along (alone in the care) any time to Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" or Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats." But I'm going to suggest Elliott Yamin's "Movin' On." Here's a clip:

So have at it! What's your favorite single? A Daughtry track? A Clay Aiken song? Let me know!

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 12:01 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Yes, you read that right ... I am the next American Idol.

It was awesome, spinning around on stage, confetti falling from the ceiling, reveling in the adulation of the crowd! Hmm ... It seems like I might be leaving something out.

Oh, fine. I was playing Karaoke Revolution Presents American Idol Encore 2 on the Wii, which I received as a gift. (Thanks, Tim!)

On easy mode.

With a really bad cold.

And no discernible singing voice to begin with, though I am pretty sure that I am not tone deaf, so that probably helped.

It was a fun little trifle, "singing" as best I could into the mike (which plugs right into the Wii and seems to register when you start singing words and whether you are at least somewhat on pitch), rocking out to "Paint It Black," "Since U Been Gone," "Islands in the Stream" and more.

I felt like it got me back in the mood for a new season of Idol (which starts Tuesday). When Paula and Randy were judging, it felt just like I was watching the show. They spout the same lines that they do on TV. It was surreal, though, getting comments from Simon. I was, as I mentioned, in easy mode, and even got a perfect score a couple of times (somehow). So everything Simon said was relentlessly positive. It was odd, but I was certainly amused to be told I had everything it took to be a star after warbling my way through "Life is a Highway." Sorry, Cowell, I don't think so.

But it was fun pretending. Even though I was terrified that my neighbors would hear my pathetic melodies through the walls.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 5:10 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Posted by Carla Correa at 5:46 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

American Idol will be back in just a couple of weeks with a new judge and a couple of tweaks to the formatting. (The new season premieres Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 13 and 14 at 8/7c)

As I've already reported, songwriter Kara DioGuardi will be the fourth judge on the panel. (Simon Cowell will break tie votes to decide if a singer goes to Hollywood.)

The show will also add a second week of the Hollywood round. The Idol Gives Back charity fundraiser is taking the year off but is expected to return for a third time in Season 9. Season 8 will open with three weeks of auditions rather than four, creating room for the second Hollywood week.

"They're not mega-changes. They are just little things to keep the whole format fresh and interesting," said executive producer Ken Warwick about all the tweaks. Read more about the changes here.

In other Idol news, Warwick addressed allegations made by judge Paula Abdul that producers from the show allowed contestant Paula Goodspeed to tryout for the show even though Abdul complained that the woman stalked her. (Goodspeed died of an apparent suicide last month near Abdul's home.)

Warwick said he was not aware of reports that Goodspeed had stalked Abdul before her 2006 audition, according to a USA Today article.

"I might have known she was a fan. … Obviously, if we honestly thought there was any real problem there, we would never have" let her perform before the judges.)

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 4:52 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Police say a fan of Paula Abdul has been found dead in a car parked near a home belonging to the American Idol judge, the Associated Press reports. Read more about it here. TMZ is reporting that the woman was named Paula Goodspeed, and she auditioned for Season 5 of the reality show. See TMZ's details of her MySpace account here.

Posted by Carla Correa at 1:19 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino sang at the funeral of Jennifer Hudson's dead family members last week in Chicago. The two competed against each other on the show. Jesse Jackson and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley spoke at the service. 

American Idol will return Jan. 13, Fox recently announced. Read more here.

Speaking of American Idol, Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta is set to release his self-titled first album tomorrow. Read this USA Today article for more details. The article also contains a link for his single "Crush."

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 3:14 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Posted by Carla Correa at 10:54 AM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

American Idol alumna Kellie Pickler has told People that she had a yearlong bout with depression and severe reactions to anti-depressant pills. The country singer, 22, told the magazine that  family problems and her breakup with boyfriend Jordin Tootoo, a hockey player, contributed to her struggles. Pickler is now dating Nashville, Tenn., songwriter Kyle Jacobs, the magazine says.

(Photo: Associated Press)

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 3:11 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

LaKisha Jones, the American Idol alumna who used to live in Maryland, was married in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to the Associated Press. The fourth-placed contestant in Season 6 of Idol married financial adviser Larry Davis at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Other alumni in attendance included Sanjaya Malakar, Haley Scarnato and Melinda Doolittle. I hope to God Melinda was the only person -- other than LaKisha -- allowed to sing!

In other news, Idol judge Simon Cowell is celebrating his 49th birthday today. I don't think he wants Sanjaya or Haley singing him "Happy Birthday" either!

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 4:59 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Late yesterday, news broke that new dad Clay Aiken is gay. Read about it here. I know. Most of you already "knew" this.

What do you think? Is this cover worthy? Do we care? Is it anyone's business?

Posted by Carla Correa at 1:44 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

American Idol alumna and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson got engaged over the weekend to boyfriend David Otunga, a contestant on I Love New York 2.

The two have been dating for less than a year. Otunga was nicknamed "Punk" during the VH1 show staring Tiffany Pollard, better known as "New York," from the Flavor of Love series.  

Hudson also celebrated her birthday Friday along with Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard, Melissa McGhee (Season 5) and Carly Smithson (Season 7).

This is going to be quiet a year for Hudson. Her self-titled debut album is due out Sept. 30. She also stars in the movie The Secret Lives of Bees, which will be released Oct. 17.

Photo (Evan Agostini/AP) 

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 2:51 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Move over that "mysterious" beverage Paula Abdul. You'll have a little less time to say one less "dog" Randy Jackson. And Simon Cowell, well I doubt he's really going to change much this coming season of American Idol when a fourth judge is added to the show. Read more here.

Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi, will provide a little "girl power" to the judging panel according to a Fox executive.

Adding a fourth judge is no a novel idea according to the show's executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. 

"We had originally intended for American Idol to have four judges," she said. 

DioGuardio has written songs recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood and Pink.

What do you think about adding a fourth judge to the mix? Will the chemistry be negatively affected. Will this give Paula less of an opportunity to make a fool of herself? We'll find out when the show debuts on Fox in January.

In other Idol news, Ace Young, who competed on season five, will join the Broadway cast of Grease on September 9. Young will play Kenickie. The 27-year-old will make his debut two days after season six Idol winner Taylor Hicks completes a two-month stint as Teen Angel. 

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 11:32 AM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Posted by Carla Correa at 2:56 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

American Idol finalist Kristy Lee Cook apparently has signed a record deal with 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville. Her first single, "15 Minutes of Shame," is expected in August. A shame is right. Say it ain't so! Kristy Lee Cook was soooo bad on this season of Idol. I am simply shocked. I admit that country music is not my favorite, but I know good singing when I hear it. She doesn't have it.

How can you compare Cook to Carrie Underwood or even Kellie Pickler? You can't. She doesn't have the vocal chops or stage presence of either Idol-alumna-turned-country-music star. Heck, I don't think Cook could hold court with a number of the contestants on this season of Nashville Star.

Please, please, please somebody tell me what is so special about Ms. Cook?

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 5:50 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (15)
        

Posted by Carla Correa at 2:31 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Archie, Cookie and the rest of the American Idol Top 10 are touring the nation starting July 1.
They'll be in Baltimore at 1st Mariner Arena on Aug. 12. The next day, they'll be in Philly. On Aug, 14, they sing in D.C. For the complete schedule, click here.

Who are you most excited to see? I'm going to see if I can arrange an interview with my favorite contestant Jason Castro. Heck, maybe I'll buy him a drink ... (Wait a second! Is he even 21?)

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 11:57 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (19)
        

Taylor Hicks is joining the Tony-nominated production "Grease." (Did anyone see the awards show last night? Whoopi Goldberg did a great job hosting. Anywho ...)

Hicks, winner of Season 5 of American Idol, will join the cast as "Teen Angel." I saw him Friday on Regis and Kelly, and he talked about his future plans, which include releasing a new album this fall. (Check him out here.)

Aside from the Liberace-inspired grey suit, Hicks did a decent job. I'm glad to see that he appears to be bouncing back. (He was dropped by his record label earlier this year.) I can't think of another American Idol winner who has been as overshadowed by his/her competition as Hicks. (Take your pick from Katharine McPhee, Elliott Yamin, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler and Ace Young.)

Continue reading "Taylor Hicks of 'American Idol' heading to Broadway" »

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 4:09 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

It appears that American Idol runner-up David Archuleta has been signed to a record label.

The 17-year-old crooner from Utah has joined 19 Recordings/Jive Records, the label managed by Idol creator Simon Fuller.

No word on how the company will market the popular contestant, although I'm not sure it will really matter in the current music climate. (Talent has little to do with hit records. Just ask current teen sensations Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus ...)

For all you David Cook fans, don't worry. The Idol winner already has himself a contract with 19 Recordings/RCA Records. It came with the title.

What contestants from this year's crop are worthy of a contract? Syesha Mercado? Brooke White? Or, gulp, Jason Castro?

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 2:32 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (29)
        

Scary. 97.5 million votes were cast on last night's performance finale on American Idol. The split is 56 percent to 44 percent, host Ryan Seacrest says. But it's WAY too soon for them to tell us which is which.

The top 12 hit the stage to perform "Get Ready" along with stars from previous seasons of So You Think You Can Dance. The performance is probably pretty fun, but the camerawork is so manic, it's nearly impossible to watch.

After a break, David Cook and David Archuleta duet on Nickelback's "Hero." Hey, maybe they'll both win.

I'm going to ignore the segment that was a big commercial for an upcoming film.

After that neverending portion of the program, Syesha Mercado duets with Seal on "Waiting for You." Jason Castro then reprises his most acclaimed performance, of "Hallelujah."

No, it's not time for the winner yet, but Ryan does tell the Davids that they are both getting free Ford hybrids.

The top six women sing Donna Summer songs, and Amanda Overmyer looks both indifferent and homicidal about the situation. Carly Smithson, meanwhile, is inexplicably wearing thick shiny tights with her slinky red dress. After a quick dance break from some of the SYTYCD dancers, Donna herself comes out to sing her new single as well as "Last Dance."

Carly Smithson barely has time to change clothes before she is back on stage to duet with Michael Johns on "The Letter."  (And suddenly, the tights make much more sense.)

Jimmy Kimmel does a little roast of the show, followed by the top six men with a medley of "Summer of 69" and "Heaven." Then Bryan Adams sprints out to the front of the stage and performs with the guys.

David Cook and ZZ Top hit the stage for a rendition of "Sharp Dressed Man." Then Graham Nash and Brooke White sing "Teach Your Children."

I would like to unsee the Guitar Hero commercial featuring David Cook running around in his underwear a la Tom Cruise in Risky Business. At least it wasn't Archuleta.

The Jonas Brothers are the next random act to perform on this never-ending finale.

Then, it's a flashback to the beginning of the season with the montage of badness and weirdness, followed by a live performance of "I am Your Brother" by Renaldo Lapuz, the guy in the white suit, accompanied by the USC marching band and cheerleaders. Ohhhh-kay, then.

Eventually, we might have some results. Maybe?

First, OneRepublic performs "Apologize," though, accompanied by David Archuleta (who frankly is better than the lead singer, at least tonight).

Then, Jordin Sparks performs her latest song, and, uh, it's a little pitchy, dawg.

In the most random segment yet, footage of Gladys Knight from 1972 is spliced with footage of Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black and Ben Stiller pretending to be the Pips. It's pretty hilarious, all things considered.

Carrie Underwood is next, with her single "Last Name." Lest you forget why she won her season of Idol, she reminds you with this performance.

Oh, no. Then it's the Guitar Hero commercial again, this time with David Archuleta (in boxers, thankfully not briefs, but I still really want to unsee this).

The Top 12 sing a medley of George Michael hits, after which Mr. Michael himself comes out to sing. For a really, really long time.

Finally, finally: RESULTS.

First, though, Simon admits that he was "on the verge of disrespectful" toward David Cook last night and apologizes. (Backtracking?)

And the winner, "by 12 million votes," is David Cook, who gives it up for David Archuleta. Then he cries. "I started this season, much to Simon's chagrin, as the word nerd, but now I'm at a loss for words," he says. His mother and brother come up on stage to share in the celebration.

The seventh Idol, David Cook, sings one last song, and cries some more.

So what do you think of the finale? And the results? (And the fact that the show went five minutes long?)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:06 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (57)
        

Tonight's American Idol kicks off with the "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" guy introducing David Cook and David Archuleta like they are boxers, complete with silk robes. So which one of these Davids will take the Idol title?

Depends on how things go tonight, with three rounds of songs.

David Archuleta won the coin toss a few days ago, and will go second.

The first songs were chosen by Clive Davis.

For David Cook, he's picked "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and for David Archuleta, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me."

Cook is first. He starts out quiet, and unlike last week's softer starts, his tone is strong and he sounds great. About halfway through, the band comes in, and he ramps it up, too. Nice choice by Mr. Davis. Judge Randy Jackson says it was "a great way to start this duel of 2007" (um, whoops), and that even though he isn't sure David did everything he could with it, it was still "hot, baby." Judge Paula Abdul, "We have found David Cook. ... You are in great voice tonight." Judge Simon Cowell says at the top of the show he looked tense and emotional, and, "taking all of that together, that was phenomenal."

Then, it's Archuleta's turn. He does a nice job with it, showing more emotional range than usual, though the bouncing around the stage is a tad awkward. But another good song choice. Randy says it doesn't matter what happens, that this was one of the best performances of the season, and he had "crazy hot molten vocals." Paula says her heart is still pounding and that "that was a beautiful, stunning performance." Simon says it's easy to get overexcited tonight, adding that last week he was "OK," but that this performance was the best he's sounded so far. "Round one goes to Archuleta," who looks like he is going to bawl.

Round two, each of the David's gets to choose from among the Top 10 finalists from the Idol songwriting competition.

David Cook is singing "Dream Big" by Emily Shackleton and David Archuleta's is "In This Moment" by Brian Gomar. (I'm guessing on those name spellings.)

Continue reading "'American Idol': David vs. David face off in the finals" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:04 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

So, not so shockingly, it's David vs. David tonight on American Idol.

The oddsmakers are giving it to Cook already, but you can't underestimate the crazed power voters who dial or text again and again.

Sun TV critic David Zurawik has an intriguing story in today's paper about how Idol has changed television. I highly recommend it. 

So as we head into tonight's two-part finale, what are your thoughts?

Either way, both Davids are going to get a record deal and sell like crazy, at least for a while. I think Cook would probably be the bigger commercial success, which might be why it seems like Idol producers are pushing so hard for him to win.

Since I'm covering the show, I don't vote, but who, if anyone, will you be pulling for tonight? 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:34 AM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Tonight, we'll learn who the final two are on American Idol. I think a lot of us have a pretty good idea who it's going to be (and who the producers want it to be), but let's see how it goes.

They kick it off with a group sing to "Ain't No Stopping Us Now." The background singers seem to have a pretty big role in this one, but that's OK. I wish they wouldn't make them dance, but I guess they need to be ready for the tour.

Before introducing a recap of last night, host Ryan Seacrest says that 56 million votes were cast.

Then Fantasia comes out to sing. (Hey, she was in Baltimore singing on Sunday.) The expression on Simon's face during this performance is priceless.

Then, results time, sort of. David Archuleta is called out from backstage so he can watch footage from his visit home, which looks pretty darned overwhelming. He says "gosh" about 100 times, but then he kind of laughs at himself about it afterward. Then they show his "journey through Idol" video, which they are doing with everyone this evening. Syesha Mercado comes out to see her video from her trip to Sarasota and her "journey" video. She's also overwhelmed by the support of her fans in her hometown. Then, it's David Cook's turn. He tells Ryan he originally went to Idol auditions in Omaha to support his little brother Andrew's efforts. But next thing he knew, he had a camera in his face, and he was trying out. Little brother doesn't seem too bitter about it, though.

After the break, results time, for reals: The final two are David Archuleta and David Cook.

Not a big surprise, but Syesha did a pretty fantastic job setting herself up for a career after this show.

What do you think about the final two?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:00 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

It's top three time on tonight's American Idol. And that means three songs apiece, too, as each contestant will sing a judge's choice, a producers' choice and their own choice song.

(Random celeb sighting: It's Lloyd -- aka Rex Lee -- from Entourage in the audience! And there's Justin Guarini.)

First round is judge's choice.

David Archuleta will be singing Paula Abdul's choice, "And So It Goes" by Billy Joel. She says she picked it to showcase his vocals and because it has a level of difficulty she knew he could handle. His voice sounds nice, as usual, but for the first part, he sings with no backing, then some violins, but the tempo is a little weird -- it seems so much slower without the piano in the original. When the piano comes in later, it helps a lot. Randy Jackson says, "Paula chose a dope song. ... You are in the zone, you are in it to win it, baby." Paula calls is "a pure and stunning performance" and says he was a storyteller. Simon Cowell says it was good, but "no surprises and a bit predictable."

Syesha Mercado is assigned "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys, and she is excited. She does a really nice job with it, but all it makes me think is how nice it would have been to have seen these contestants singing current songs for the entire season. (Pardon the broken record syndrome.) Randy says she did an amazing job and he's so happy she peaked at the right time in the competition, and, "That's why you're standing there number three." (Hey, did he just say she's already come in third place? I don't think it's that much of a foregone conclusion!) Paula says she did a great job with something so identifiable with another artist. Simon says it was great, but he does wish Randy had picked something she could change up a little more. Randy says she did change a lot. And Simon closes by saying that she looks gorgeous.

David Cook will be singing Roberta Flack's "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," as chosen by Simon. Simon says it's one of the great songs of all time and he wanted to give David a chance to show some originality. It starts out a little weak, maybe too much in his higher register, but he gets more into it and really shows off his voice in an unencumbered kind of way as it goes on. Randy says he can sing anything, and he loved the high note at the end, but he wishes that Simon hadn't picked an older song for him. Heh. Paula reminds us that it's about the contestants and says it's one of her favorite songs, and he's now the second favorite performer of it. Simon says it was one of his best performances. "This is what makes you brilliant -- you take risks. ... Round one goes to Cook and Cowell."

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Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:24 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (25)
        

There had been some vague rumblings that David Archuleta's dad, Jeff, had a little bit of a stage dad thing going on. But late last week, news broke that Jeff Archuleta had been banned from rehearsals and backstage goings-on. He'll still get to sit in the audience and wave frantically during the show, though.

The story, reported by TMZ.com and the Associated Press, says that Jeff Archuleta interfered with David's performance last week, suggesting he supplement his performance of "Stand by Me" with a verse from Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls," which samples "Stand by Me." Producers said no, David did it anyway, Jeff's now banned. The unapproved change probably has some royalty implications, among other problems.

Read the original TMZ report, the AP story and today's People.com report, which has family friends saying that Jeff can't help with arrangements anymore because it's "a fairness issue." And in case you can't get enough, USA Today has an interesting analysis of the whole situation here.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 3:58 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Will Jason Castro finally get the boot on tonight's American Idol? Only time (about 59 minutes worth) will tell.

Host Ryan Seacrest says nearly 51 million votes came in, and that the top three were all within a million votes of one another.

The group sing (tonight, to "Reelin' in the Years") looks even sillier, choreography-wise, with so few people left.

Results: David Archuleta comes out first, and I wish they would stop making him talk. He's safe, by the way.

Then there's a bit on the final four's trip to see Love in Vegas.

More results: David Cook gets called forward, and he, too, is safe. Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro come out, and Jason asks if Ryan is really going to tell them already (since it's only like 24 minutes into the show). Ryan says no. (And again, he never said this was the "bottom two." Just that one of them is going home.)

After their Ford commercial, the contestants look suitably embarrassed.

Viewer questions. That's all I have to say about that.

Maroon 5 performs a song from 2007, which is far more current than what the contestants have had to work with this season.

Then season four's Bo Bice performs his new song "Witness."

Finally, the last of the results: Jason says that someone told him last night that he shot the tambourine man, which is kind of funny. He also says that he thinks his inexperience is starting to show this late in the competition. Syesha is safe, and Jason is going home. Whew. I think even he would have thought it was a travesty if he had stayed.

Ryan says he seems relieved, and Jason says he is because next week, it's three songs, and he doesn't know what he would have done. He sings out with "I Shot the Sheriff," and it's all over.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:01 PM in American Idol | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

As American Idol starts tonight, Ryan Seacrest says that three of the top four have had the largest number of votes at one point or another. That's just his way of saying: VOOOOOTE.

The theme this evening is Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which leads into a history lesson on rock.

David Cook is up first, and he'll be singing Duran Duran's "Hungry Like a Wolf," and he plans to turn it on its head. The audio seems a little odd -- his vocals are loud, but the band and the background singers are kind of muted. Thankfully, he's got a good voice, though I think the discrepancy in volume between the band and his vocals made him come off a little bit shouty. Also, I'm not sure how much he changed up the song -- seemed pretty straight-forward to me. Randy Jackson says it was an OK choice and a solid performance, but that was "just OK." Paula Abdul says his "Hungry Like a Wolf" left her with a healthy appetite. Simon Cowell says it was "a little bit copycat" and he didn't really make it his own like he has in other weeks, but it was good enough to get him through to next week, no problem.

Syesha Mercado tells Ryan she's so excited about the Top 10 tour and getting to meet her fans. Her first song is "Proud Mary," which she says has been covered more than 100 times. She admits she was nervous, but she told herself to just do it and have fun with it. She's definitely not trying to avoid that "copycat" line -- she's gone on a Tina-esque silver dress, and she replicates some of Ms. Turner's choreography, too. Did she have fun with it and entertain the crowd? Absolutely, but vocally it wasn't insanely awesome, and this is the final four. Randy says this is the third week she's shown up and been "in the zone. ... Very nice, very nice, very nice." Paula says she looks like a star and that she's turned into this woman with a magnetic voice and presence. Simon says he's sorry to put a slight damper on things, and that he thought it was "a bad impersonation of Tina Turner." She says she was just trying to have fun. He says, "Good. I didn't."

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Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:06 PM in American Idol | Permalink |