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Adam Lambert Arrives in Japan to an Enthusiastic Crowd

mj — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 02:35:43 +0000

A large and enthusiastic crowd greeted Adam Lambert as he arrived in Japan today. It’s just one more stop on an international promo tour that has already included visits to Australia and Singapore.

Adam leaves Japan on the 18th for the UK, then it’s on to Germany on the 29th…

After the jump, check out videos of Adam greeting fans at the airport.

Part 1

Part 2

Sanjaya Malakar – Haiti Relief Concert – VIDEO

mj — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:39:14 +0000

Season 6 Idol, Sanjaya Malakar will take part in a concert with Seattle’s Total Experience Gospel Choir on Friday, March 19 to raise funds for Haiti Relief. Sanjaya performed with the choir as a teen, before he was a contestant on Idol.

The event will take place at Seattle’s Daniels Recital Hall at Fifth and Marion in downtown Seattle (the former First United Methodist Church). The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. Suggested donation at the door is $10/person or whatever people are willing to donate.

After the jump, check out Sanjaya in a promo for the event. He and the choir sing “Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot” via Rickey.org.

Video after the JUMP…

David Cook to Appear on Wednesday’s Idol Top 12 Results Show

mj — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:09:55 +0000

David Cook is back from songwriting sessions in Sweden, and his got great news!

@thedavidcook tweets: Oh and I brought a present back for everyone. We’ll be performing on idol this wednesday! Be sure to check it out!

What will David sing? He isn’t promoting a single at the moment, so your guess is as good as mine.

Orianthi has been announced as a musical guest for Wednesday, and Ke$ha tweeted earlier today, “Party time american idol woot t minus 3 dayz”.

Peeps going to Wednesday’s show report that Ke$ha’s name appears on the email sent out to ticket holders. If she’s not appearing, she might be taping a performance to air later.

Idol Headlines for 03/13/10 – The Afternoon Edition

mj — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:04:53 +0000

Idol Inferno: Notes on the Top 12 Party on the Top 12

Last night was the second holiest night on the American Idol calendar; the declaration of the Top 12 and, perhaps, more importantly, the Top 12 party.

Top 12 night is as previously mentioned, that magic threshold from where humble dreamers emerge as titans, warriors of song whose names will resound through our annals forevermore.

Entertainment Inferno

More Idol Headlines After the JUMP…

Dish Of Salt: Friday TV Dish (Top 12 ‘Idol’ Tidbits From The Top 12 Party)

LOS ANGELES, Calif. –

Last night was my first chance to meet the Top 12 contestants on “American Idol.” After getting to know them a little bit and getting to know their personalities, I can tell you that my favorites now are Michael Lynche, Crystal Bowersox, Lacey Brown and Andrew Garcia. I learned some interesting little tidbits from each contestant and today I present my Top 12 top tidbits from the Top 12 party.

Access Hollywood

‘American Idol’: Memorable moments from season 9 to season 1

From Kara DioGuardi competing with Katrina Darrell to Paula Abdul’s stalker, here are ‘American Idol’s’ most memorable moments.

Michael Lynche performs ‘This Woman’s Work’

Michael Lynche was known to be the frontrunner for the men in season 9, but it was his performance of ‘This Woman’s Work’ that got him into the Top 12 and the judges’ hearts. Simon Cowell called it the best performance in the show’s history and Kara DioGuardi cried.

New York Daily News

EXCLUSIVE: American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox’s S & M Aunt Whipping-Up Support

Bowersox’s leather-clad aunt from Toledo, Ohio – who goes by the name Sweet2u on Fetlife.com and who describes herself as a 54-year-old submissive who is looking for a lifetime relationship – agrees and just like Simon Cowell she has been gushing about Crystal’s achievements on AI.

She Wrote on a Forum page:

“Hey guys if you watch idol I have a niece named Crystal Bowersox who has made it to the finals, wwooo hhoo. She is pretty and has dred-locks. you can see and hear her on UTUBE and go to Crystal Bowersox music. If you think she deserves it please vote for her, she has worked very hard to get this far and I am so very proud of her.”

RadarOnline

EXCLUSIVE: American Idol Star Crystal Bowersox’s Baby Daddy Revealed

American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox emerged early as one of the favorites to go all the way and win the show, but much about the dreadlocked hippie style singer remains a mystery. Well, RadarOnline.com can answer one burning question, who the father of her baby boy is.

RadarOnline

Carrie Underwood @ Times Union Center, 3/12/10

In many ways the most successful of the American Idol alumni, country Carrie Underwood will assuredly have the must longevity, as country crowds are historically more loyal, and the shelf life of pop stars seems to shorten each decade. Already, the young Checotah, Oklahoma singer has won Grammys, been inducted in the Grand Ole Opry and gone multi-platinum.

In Albany, Underwood arrived (finally, after a lengthy delay opening the doors) looking very much the All-American girl, albeit glammed up in sparkly white jacket, as she rose up center-stage on a fancy couch and dove into “Country Casanova.”

Times Union

Carrie Underwood’s so good, she doesn’t need the fancy stage effects

Considering her booming voice and cover-girl looks, if there’s anyone in the country music business who doesn’t need special effects or high-tech wizardry to please a crowd it’s Carrie Underwood.

Give this ”American Idol” a microphone, a band and a playlist of songs and that’s a night of entertainment.

But Thursday night when she opened her ”Play On” tour at Reading’s Sovereign Center before a sellout crowd of more than 7,000, Underwood seemed determined to give the audience much more than her music.

McCall

Murray High School Sets Up David Archuleta Music Scholarship

The David Archuleta Music Scholarship was created in February of 2010 to provide musically inclined, outstandingly dedicated Murray High School students with the funds to strive for musical achievements in an instructional establishment of higher education. Each year one scholarship will be awarded to a senior student from Murray High School in Murray, Utah to fund their music dreams.

For more information, check out DavidArchuletaMusicScholarship.org.

Just Jared Jr.

Scott MacIntyre: The Best Part of ‘American Idol’ Is Getting Voted Off

Scott MacIntyre is returning to familiar turf to perform a duet on ‘American Idol,’ just as the show announces season 9’s Top 12 finalists. MacIntyre, who finished eighth in season 8 after singing Survivor’s ‘The Search Is Over,’ is vision-impaired, and both his story and his musical chops won him admiration and a nation full of fans.

Television.AOL.COM

Anna Wilson And American Idol’s Matt Giraud’s “YOU DON’T KNOW ME” Impacts iTunes Jazz Chart At #1

PR Log (Press Release) – Mar 12, 2010 – Giraud not only provided a powerhouse performance, but he also plugged his current single, “You Don’t Know Me”, which he recorded with jazz singer/songwriter Anna Wilson. Wilson and Giraud’s version of this classic song currently sits at #1 on the iTunes jazz chart and inside their Top 200 singles chart for all genres and will appear on Anna Wilson’s highly anticipated jazz album, COUNTRYPOLITAN DUETS, later this year.

To view video click on the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfOwifSuSoU.

PRLog.org

Dancing with the Spartans

Eight teachers from Oak Lawn Community High School teamed with four professionals from Tinley Park’s Heart and Sole Dance school to raise money for the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy organization.

The judges were Oak Lawn High senior Khalia McLaurin, award-winning choreographer Scott Blevins and former “American Idol” contestant Gina Glocksen, who also performed during the second half of the show. After speaking about each performance, the judges held up cards rating the dancers.

Southtownstar.com

IPPA Chips in to Raise Money for Foster Children’s Charity on Oscar Night

Beverly Hills, Calif. (PRWEB) March 13, 2010 — The stars came out Sunday on Hollywood’s biggest night to raise money and awareness for foster children at the 11th annual Children Uniting Nations Awards Celebration and After Party presented by The Hollywood Reporter and TV Guide Magazine at the Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom. The International Poker Players Association (IPPA) followed up with great celebrity poker to help raise money for the cause.

The red carpet featured famous faces from music, television, film and poker. “American Idol” finalist and recording artist Kimberly Caldwell, ’80s pop star Debbie Gibson, and music legends Chaka Khan and Freda Payne, along with TV stars Jimmy Jean-Louis, Daphne Zuniga, James Pickens Jr. & Gloria Garayua and film stars Samm Levine, Rosanna Arquette and Brandon Molale all spoke with more than 45 media outlets representing seven countries about the important work of Children Uniting Nations.

PR Web

Audition to buy Kara DioGuardi’s house

Prolific songwriter and ” American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi’s Spanish-style home in the Hollywood Hills is on the market at $1,649,000.

The gated house, built in 1964, has city and canyon views, wood-beamed ceilings, an open floor plan, extensive decks and a spa. Three bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms sit in 3,400 square feet. She added an outdoor cedar sauna to give the secluded property a spa-like feel. The guest unit has its own entrance, living room, kitchen and bathroom.

LA Times

Names and Faces: Sean Penn, Tara Palmeri, Paula Abdul, Aaron Schock

Spotted: Former “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul and Rep. Aaron Schock at a National Young Leaders Conference event on the Hill on Thursday (the Illinois Republican was an NYLC participant back in high school). . . . Stevie Wonder at Blues Alley on Thursday night. He stopped in to see saxophonist Najee and jumped onstage for two songs. . . . Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (both in suits) having a two-hour dinner at Rasika on Thursday night.

Washington Post

Ex-‘Idol’ exec: Elton John best to replace Simon

LOS ANGELES – If you ask former “American Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, there’s only one candidate who can replace Simon Cowell after the longtime judge’s departure – Elton John.

“He’s absolutely it,” Nigel told The Hollywood Reporter’s Showbiz 411 blog of the legendary British rock pianist.

Nigel left “Idol” prior to Season 8. The show is now in the midst of its ninth season, with Simon due to leave the show upon its conclusion and his replacement still up in the air.

MSNBC

Katharine McPhee – Community, The Tonight Show – VIDEO

mj — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:13:50 +0000

Katharine McPhee has been all over NBC this week!

On Thursday, she guest-starred on Community, and is fine in her role, playing the long-lost step-daughter of Chevy Chase, and love interest of Joel McHale.

After the jump, you can watch a montage of Katharine’s scenes, or the entire show from Hulu. Most of us were watching the Idol results show at 8 pm, no?

Plus, Katharine sang the Kara DioGuardi-penned “Terrified” on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night. Video after the JUMP…

Videos after the JUMP…

Katharine McPhee – “Terrified” – The Tonight Show

Katharine’s scenes from “Community” – Basic Genealogy

“Community” featuring Katharine McPhee – Basic Genealogy

American Idol 9 Top 12 Theme – Rolling Stones Song List from iTunes

mj — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:29:31 +0000

Update: According to Access Hollywood, Siobhan Magnus will sing “Paint it Black”.

The American Idol Top 12 will be singing the music of the Rolling Stones this week. And you can check out the entire list of songs the kids get to choose from over at iTunes.

Download songs from the Rolling Stones playlist HERE.

After the jump, take a peek at the entire list.

What do you think? Any songs missing from the list? Will the Top 12 do the Rolling Stones justice?

Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze should have an easy time this week picking songs, but I think the Stones catalog is vast and varied enough, each of the kids should find something suitable…

I double-dog-dare an Idol to sing “Under My Thumb”. Heh.

Angie
As Tears Go By
Beast of Burden
Black Limousine
Brown Sugar
Can’t You Hear Me Knocking
Country Honk
Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)
Emotional Rescue
Fool to Cry
Get Off My Cloud
Gimme Shelter
Happy
Hang Fire
Heart of Stone
Honky Tonk Women
Hot Stuff
It’s All Over Now
It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Lady Jane
The Last Time
Let It Bleed
Live With Me
Love In Vain
Midnight Rambler
Miss You
Mother’s Little Helper
19th Nervous Breakdown
No Expectations
Paint It, Black
Play With Fire
Ruby Tuesday
Salt of the Earth
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Shattered
She Was Hot
She’s a Rainbow
She’s So Cold
Shine a Light
Start Me Up
Street Fighting Man
Sympathy for the Devil
Time Is On My Side
Too Tough
Tumbling Dice
Under My Thumb
Waiting On a Friend
Wild Horses
You Can’t Always Get What You Want

Kris Allen – Grammy Museum, Los Angeles – VIDEOS

mj — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:17:22 +0000

Kris Allen performed at the Grammy Museum for a concert sponsored by radio station MyFm104.3 in Los Angeles last night.

Check out the high quality videos after the jump. The set list included: “Before We Come Undone”, “Heartless/Gangsta’s Paradise” and a Q&A.

Videos after the JUMP…

“Heartless/Gangsta’s Paradise”

Banter and intro to “Alright With Me”

Alright With Me

“Before We Come Undone” w banter

Before We Come Undone

The Truth

Kris on Season 9 jabs, ain’t no sunshine, hugs, favorite songs, favorite beatle, tacos vs. grilled cheese sandwiches, twitter craziness

Kris on Haiti and Let it Be

Kris on keith urban, the elton john story, “you’re magic johnson!”

Kris on jelly beans, jim shout out, singing original songs, awesome story about his dad featuring a white jumpsuit, bday shenanigans, writing new music, crazy fans, katy talk, season 9 jabs

Man in the Mirror

Idol Headlines for 03/13/10 – The Early Edition

mj — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:56:55 +0000

*Congrats to Adam Lambert! The Vh1 acoustic version of “Whataya Want From Me” is #1 on this week’s VH1 Top 20 Countdown. Check it out HERE. Daughtry’s “Life After You” is #7 and Kris Allen’s “Live Like We’re Dying is #9

Vh1 Top 20 Countdown

David Cook to perform on Idol this Wednesday

David Cook is back from songwriting sessions in Sweden, and his got great news!

@thedavidcook: Oh and I brought a present back for everyone. We’ll be performing on idol this wednesday! Be sure to check it out!

@thedavidcook

DioGuardi, dad of ‘Idol’ judge, to run for Senate

ALBANY, N.Y. — The father of “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi (KEHR’-uh dee-oh-GWAHR’-dee), former Republican congressman Joe DioGuardi, is set to announce he is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Kirsten Gillibrand.

DioGuardi represented the suburbs north of New York City for two terms before he was defeated by Democrat Nita Lowey in 1988.

He is a certified public accountant who lives with his wife in Ossining, N.Y.

His campaign said Friday he will make an official announcement on Tuesday at Grand Central Station in Manhattan.

Associated Press

Michael Orland, Debra Byrd talk Season 9 singers

Sixteen-year-old Aaron Kelly, for instance, “is one of the most ridiculous musicians I’ve met in my life, but he’s still looking for his voice,” he said. (He thinks Katie Stevens is very talented, too, and disagrees with the judges telling her she should go younger with her song choices.) Crystal Bowersox and Michael Lynche have a stronger knowledge of who they are, he said, but they don’t have the kind of professional experience that some previous singers have had. “We’re going to see more people grow in leaps and bounds. Adam every week was great, great, great. We’re going to watch these kids take off, take off, take off.”

USA Today

More Idol Headlines After the Jump…

Adam Lambert in Talks to Launch Man Makeup for Cosmetic-Curious Straight Dudes

Adam Lambert told us at the Blonds’ show during Fashion Week that he was interested in launching a clothing or cosmetics line. Now he’s reportedly in talks to launch a makeup line consisting of everything a guy could need, including foundation, concealer, shadow, mascara, lip gloss, nail polish, and eyeliner, though it is unclear whether man glitter is also on the agenda. He reportedly believes straight men “are likely to experiment” with his products.

NY Magazine

‘Idol’ exit Q&A: Todrick Hall talks about his campaign to get on ‘Glee’

Todrick Hall, 24, knows he’s had some rough weeks. Immediately pegged as ”the dancer who can sing,” Hall set out early to prove himself. On Wednesday night, he thought he did just that, but voters thought otherwise. EW spoke with Hall following his elimination.

‘Idol’ exit Q&A: Lilly Scott on ‘karaoke singers being molded into a big pop star’ and her Coachella hopes

As one of this season’s most unique contestants, 20-year-old Lilly Scott had high hopes of making it far. But her hopes were dashed last night after a shocking vote, leaving her publicly puzzled. ”I don’t know what America wants to hear,” she said last night. Today, EW asked about her theories on the subject and more.

‘Idol’ exit Q&A: Alex Lambert on stage fright and the song he wish he sang

Soft-spoken Alex Lambert, 19, may not have been the most theatrical of performers. But he did have that voice. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to get him into the Top 12. He talked to EW after elimination night.

You chose “Trouble,” a song that a few past contestants have performed. What made you choose it?
I had another song in mind: “Let Me Love You” by Mario. It’s an R&B song, but I was going to change it up and make it my own. But it was a song a lot of people didn’t know so I went with my second choice because one of the producers was telling me, “If you do this song, you’ll get more votes.” But obviously I didn’t get enough. I wish I would’ve done the other song.

‘Idol’ exit Q&A: Katelyn Epperly on ‘molding myself to be something I wasn’t’

The bluesy Katelyn Epperly may have been skeptical of her chances on American Idol, but she continued to impress to judges up until her rendition of “I Feel the Earth Move,” which kept her from entering the Top 12. The 19-year-old Iowa native talked with us about her song choice, why she didn’t belong on the Idol stage and how being kicked off has given her some relief.

Decoding Siobhan Magnus’ style

Among the zaniest contestants we met at the Top 12 party? Siobhan Magnus, whose self-styled look featured an assortment of symbols and embellishments, each with a deeply personal meaning. We had the 19-year-old Cape Cod native break it down for us.

The Ink: Siobhan currently boasts three tattoos. On her right shoulder (middle inset) is the cover image from Edward Gorey’s book “The Gashlycrumb Tinies.” “He’s an author from Cape Cod who’s one of my mom’s favorites,” she says. “He lived close to us so I grew up being very familiar with his work.”

LA Times

‘Idol’s’ Bowersox is keeping the dreadlocks

LOS ANGELES – “American Idol” is months away from crowning a winner, but already, one woman has emerged as the contestant to beat.

During her third week of live competition on Tuesday, judge Simon Cowell told Crystal Bowersox, the 24-year-old dreadlock-sporting mom from Elliston, Ohio, the competition was “your’s to lose.”

But what does Bowersox herself think about the hype?

MSNBC

Crystal Bowersox’s Illness Clouds Contestant’s Future

You’re a big deal if you can force ‘American Idol’ to shift its schedule. Last week, the guys sang before the girls after Crystal Bowersox’s doctor kept the sick singer off the stage. It was an unprecedented shakeup for one of TV’s most reliably scheduled shows. This week, Bowersox swept the incident aside and followed her talent into the Top 12. But will her health keep her from winning it all?

Popeater

Casey James on his DWI arrest: ‘I was young and stupid’

It wasn’t the worst mug shot we’ve ever seen, but Season 9 Top 12 finalist Casey James says he was prepared to face the music when it came to his DWI arrest in 2001.

“I figured it would come up, but it’s kind of been blown out of proportion,” he told Idol Tracker at Thursday night’s Top 12 party. “It’s common, public knowledge, but it was also 10 years ago.”

LA Times

Talking to the ‘Idol’ finalists at the Top 12 party

Just a couple of hours after getting their good news, some of American Idol’s new finalists spoke to USA TODAY’s Bill Keveney Thursday on the blue — not red — carpet at the Top 12 party at Los Angeles’s Industry nightclub.

USA Today

‘American Idol’: Q&As With the Top 12!

The Top 12 has arrived. As if they were attending a prom night on steroids, American Idol’s remaining contestants smiled for the press Thursday night for what felt about as long as the running time of Avatar before they were finally allowed into the L.A. club Industry to celebrate their success. Practically every one of them handled the photographers and journalists as if they’d been doing it since they first ever picked up a mic, although Aaron Kelly appeared a smidge overwhelmed. (But, hey, the guy’s only 16 years old, so we’ll cut him a break.) And, as is always the case with television, the Top 12 singers were a bit shorter than anticipated. With the obvious exceptions of Michael Lynche and Casey James, this is a particularly tiny group of contestants. Ryan Seacrest, you can breathe a sigh of relief.

EW.com

Ann Powers: Has ‘Idol’ gone too indie?

I’m supposed to be on vacation, but I can’t resist a little post on a subject that’s been haunting me this week. We now know our Top 12, and some — myself included — are disappointed that two of the more idiosyncratic and intriguing performers, Alex Lambert and Lilly Scott, got the chop in favor of the far more conventional and, up to now at least, less musically compelling Katie Stevens and Tim Urban. (There’s a happier way to look at this, of course: we kept two other bottom-circling contestants, Andrew Garcia and Paige Miles, who bring crucial racial diversity in front of the judges’ table.)

LA Times

Is an indie sensibility driving ‘American Idol’ ratings to longtime lows?

In an earlier post, Times pop music critic Ann Powers wondered whether “American Idol” contestants are going “too indie” this year. And when you look at the recent ratings, you do have to wonder whether viewers would like it better if the kids stuck with more Beyonce and less Brandi Carlile.

But there may be other factors at work too.

First, those numbers. Through the first nine weeks, “Idol” has slipped 4% on the Tuesday telecasts, to an average of 26.7 million total viewers, according to the Nielsen Co. This week’s show, with the girls singing, was a bit subpar, at 25.6 million. On Wednesdays, the show has tumbled 9%, to an average of 25 million. This Wednesday’s program, devoted to the boys, drew just 20.7 million viewers, a very low tally by “Idol” standards.

LA Times

Has American Idol Lost Its Mojo?

“I think it’s really great. I think everyone’s getting along really well and we all have our opinions and they differ and that’s what you want. We want different viewpoints. That’s what makes it interesting.”

—Zzzz. Oh, sorry! A riveting response by Kara DioGuardi at Wednesday’s Stars and Strikes fundraiser when asked how the American Idol atmosphere is different with Ellen versus Paula Abdul.

During the interview, the über-mellow judge was lounging on a pool table and we were worried she—or worse, I—was going to fall asleep at any moment.

I think it’s safe to say we know the real difference between A.I. now and during Paula’s reign…

The current setup is freakin’ boring!

E Online

Scott MacIntyre Wants to Take Simon Cowell’s Spot on Idol

Hmm…. An Idol contestant turned judge? After a dueling-pianos performance with fellow former Idol Matt Giraud, Scott MacIntyre said he felt so at home on the American Idol stage that he’d like to replace the departing Simon Cowell.

Who should replace Simon Cowell on American Idol?

“I would love to replace Simon,” MacIntyre said at the American Idol Top 12 party on Thursday night. “I can rock those V-necks and I can do the British accent: ‘It was rubbish!’ I can’t be that mean, but I think I’d be good. I’m going to apply.”

TV Guide

News of Simon Cowell Afghan fiancée: How does it play in Kabul?

Kabul, Afghanistan

The middle-aged man with a face like Yoda’s can’t say he remembers Mezghan Hussainy, the Afghan refugee engaged to American Idol’s Simon Cowell.

Although their romance has filled gossip columns in the West, with Mr. Cowell talking about their relationship on Jay Leno’s ‘The Tonight Show’ this week and buzz about a possible wedding in September, there has been rather less of a stir in Afghanistan.

“There are many families called Hussainy,” Barat Ali says. “I don’t know which one she’s from.”

Christian Science Monitor

Adam Lambert – Nightline Playlist Plus Singapore Showcase – VIDEO

mj — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:40:57 +0000

Adam Lambert talks about the music that shaped his life in this edition of ABC Nightline’s playlist. Bob Marley, David Bowie, Madonna, Depeche Mode and Lady Gaga are all on his list…

BONUS VIDEOS – Adam performed at a showcase in Singapore on Friday (March 12) at the Universal Studios in Singapore. On the setlist: “Music Again”, “Music Again”, “Whataya Want From Me”, “Broken Open”, “Down The Rabbit Hole”, “Sleepwalker”, “Mad World”

Videos after the JUMP…

Nightline Playlist

Adam Lambert – Showcase, Universal Studios, Singapore – Music Again

Adam Lambert – Showcase, Universal Studios, Singapore – Whataya Want From Me

Adam Lambert – Showcase, Universal Studios, Singapore – Broken Open

Adam Lambert – Showcase, Universal Studios, Singapore – Down the Rabbit Hole

Adam Lambert – Showcase, Universal Studios, Singapore – Sleepwalker

Adam Lambert – Showcase, Universal Studios, Singapore – Madworld

Alex Lambert, Lilly Scott, Todrick Hall, Katelyn Epperly – Satellite Interviews

mj — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:08:16 +0000

Watch this space! I’ll be posting up transcripts of this afternoon’s satellite conference calls with the Top 16 eliminated contestants.

4th Update: Added Katelyn and Alex interview with FOX Boston, and Lilly and Todrick’s interview with Good Day LA

3rd Upate: Katelyn Epperly was good friends with Crystal and Lilly. She’s rooting for Crystal Bowersox all the way.

2nd Update: Todrick Hall wants you to know he’s not a scammer. After the jump…

Updated: Lilly Scott’s interview is a MUST READ. Check it out after the jump…

First up, Alex Lambert. He sounded really sad and tired on the phone. He wishes he could have overcome his stage fright, and felt he would have improved as the competition progressed. He says “everybody” had a completely different set of contestants in mind for elimination, and that’s why the kids were so emotional. A bright spot: Alex will be performing on Ellen next Wednesday…

After his elimination, what was going on off camera? “It was an emotional moment. I wasn’t expecting to go home. A lot of people weren’t expecting me to go home. It was such a shock…the 4 people who went home, nobody thought they were going to go. There were 4 other people that everyone had in mind…probably 6 other people had in mind before us. A lot of people who were upset were like ‘I made it and he didn’t?’”

Does he have any regrets? “When I said I want to break out of my shell, and show America what I could do, every time I got up there I couldn’t sing my best because I was so nervous. I had a whole ‘nother series of songs I could sing that sounded so much better than what I was like on the show. I don’t regret anything. I had never been on the stage before. I think I did great for not having any experience.”

Can he get past his nerves and have a music career? “I feel like I’m already past it. I just needed a few more weeks to get a little bit more experience on that stage. It wasn’t a nerve thing, I would get up there and be comfortable, it felt right, but I didn’t know how to look at the camera, I didn’t know how to react with the audience. I had never done it before. It’s something I’ll easily get past.”

Who were his friends on the show, “Everyone on the show, I became friends with but my best friends would probably be Siobhan, Andrew and Lee. I’m going to miss those three so much. Especially Siobhan, she’s such a nice person. She didn’t think I was going to go home at all. I think that’s why she was upset.”

Which Rolling Stones song was he planning to sing, “19th Nervous Breakdown”

What the judges said after, “They told me that I needed more experience. It was true. They felt vocally, it was my time, but I didn’t have enough experience on the stage. They all know I have a good voice.”

On Ellen’s “banana” analogy, “[chuckle] I probably won’t be able to look at a banana the same.”

On the kind of music he wants to make, “I know exactly the kind of artist I want to be. I really would like to do a bunch of acoustic stuff, but I would also like to be on some R&B tracks…a whole bunch of different stuff. I know my voice, I know what I can and can’t do. I’m not just one genre of music. I can sound good on anything.”

What could help him overcome his stage fright? “The only person who could help me overcome my nervousness and my stage fright was me. It was all in my head. I could have gone up there and had a great performance, but I was thinking to nail the song vocally-I wasn’t worried about performing. I never thought the show was so much like a performing show—it’s a singing competition. I wanted my vocal to be so much better than everyone else’s I lost track that it was a TV show.”

About his fans and what’s next, “I’m really sorry. I wish I could have stayed on the show because I know that I have a lot of fans. I wish I could have gotten up on stage and enjoyed what I was doing. I need to come back and finish high school, I’m going to be on ‘Ellen’ on Wednesday. I really want to focus on my music and take vocal lessons. This is the first thing I’ve ever done with my music.”

On his prior experience, “I had performed at a few coffee shops. The most that had showed up were, like, 40 people. Most of the people there were my friends and my family. I don’t have any experience singing in front of people that I don’t know. I feel like if I have more experience, the sky is the limit for me.”

On getting rid of his mullet, “The stylists already asked me if I wanted to cut it…I wouldn’t let them cut my mullet [laughter]”

Lilly Scott -Lilly was NOT expecting to be eliminated last night. Her expectations for the kind of experience she’d have on Idol were pretty unrealistic. She’s on the cheesiest show in America, and she’s gonna hold on to her indie cred? Really? Her too cool for school attitude contributed to her downfall, I think. But she blames it on tween voters and America not being ready for a true indie artist blah blah. Oh Lilly, you really are talented, but STFU. Oh…she tried to clear “Nude” by Radiohead, but it was a no go.

On saying “I don’t know what America wants to hear’ after her elimination, “I wanted to break the mold…I wanted to be that offbeat contestant that did exactly what I wanted to do, and explain myself as an artist with my song choices. I certainly have no regrets…just watching people make it into the Top 12 who hadn’t done so well over the past three weeks. The [positive] judge’s comments on my three songs…it’s kind of frustrating –my fan base wasn’t really there. The producers and the judges seemed to love me, I was feeling like I was having a great run on the show. My voting demographic is probably more of the underground scene who probably doesn’t even own a TV, and if they do, they’re probably out riding their bike or doing something more productive than watching TV, let alone ‘American Idol’”

Why does she think she was eliminated? “I picked that song [“I Fall to Pieces”] because I love Patsy Cline and…that’s who I want to be as an artist. But then again, the American Idol voting demographic is mostly tweens—11 and 12 year old girls and I’m sure they don’t know who Patsy Cline is. That probably affected me, but I’ve been true to my song choices and I definitely have no regrets. Maybe my fanbase, the audience I was playing to, which is the underground market, probably were just watching the show and supporting me in their hearts, but not voting. And, maybe people just assumed I was safe and chose not to vote. Honestly, I have no idea what happened.”

Artists she would love to work with on an album, “I would love to work with Thom Yorke from Radiohead, and people like Bjork…just like the king and queen of the indie world. They’re who I strive to be as an artist, and their fanbase is so huge, they’re so respected as artists—I would love to collaborate with them.”

Where does she see herself going from here, “I definitely feel like I would fit into the big summer festival circuit, like Cochella,and Bonaroo and…really just doing some mass touring. I can have a whole different kind of audience coming out to shows if I did tour, and recording is definitely on my list of things to do. I know there’s a fanbase out there for me loving what I’m doing, I just don’t think that would necessarily be the American Idol voting demographic. I thought being on the show I could break the mold, but, I guess it’s just another season of the same old stuff.”

What did the judges say after she was eliminated, “Randy walked up to me and showed his sympathy, he was very upset to see me go. Kara came up to me as well saying that she thinks maybe America thought that I already had the whole package and was already ready to go as an artist, and so comfortable in my own skin, that maybe America didn’t know what to do with me. American Idol is really about finding that amateur artist that’s so vulnerable and then turning them into a huge pop star. I thought going into the competition with a lot of experience under my belt would be a good thing, but, I guess it turned out to be a not-so-good thing.”

Did she see her elimination coming? “I did and I didn’t. In past years, I’ve watched American Idol , and it seems every year the person I fall in love with goes home. I don’t know if that’s because I see true artistry, I definitely feel that I got cut early, I knew I could have done a great job next week with the Rolling Stones, I knew I probably could have really kicked butt in the Top 12. Maybe I was just too off the wall for people, or maybe it was my time to go out with a bang, so I can still keep my indie cred and and do my own thing without having the American idol label over my head.”

What were her expectations going into the elimination show, “The people who I thought were going to go home were completely different from the people who left last night, including myself. It’s really strange, but people who are roommates have gone home on the same night. Katelyn and I were roommates and Todrick and Alex were roommates, and Janell and Ashley were roommates.”

Did she consider doing contemporary songs from artists like Thom Yorke and Bjork on the show? “I definitely considered that…but in a way the producers swayed me against doing songs like that because they’re almost less well known than people like Sam Cooke and Patsy Cline. I actually did try to do “Nude” by Radiohead, which is their top charting song, more than “Paranoid Android” or their older songs, but that didn’t get cleared and I just figured, I love classic rock, and I was going to make that my niche this season, because unfortunately indie and underground music isn’t really ready for the big breakthrough. That was kind of re-affirmed last night by me getting voted off, that America may not still be ready to have that kind of music in the mainstream.”

Todrick Hall – Finally free to talk about the “Oz the Musical” scandal, Todd wants you to know that he’s not a scam artist. Also, he is actively campaigning for a role on ‘Glee’. Plus, he thinks his theater background may have hurt him.

On the “Oz the Musical” scandal, “I’m so glad that I can talk about it now, it wasn’t the time to talk about it when I was on American Idol, because I needed to focus on the show, but I want everybody to know that I’m not a scam artist, I’m a nice person. No 23 year old I know in the history of the world has ever tried to put on a show, and I think that if people think about that they’ll realize that I’m just an ambitious kid that got wrapped up with a producer who didn’t know what he was doing, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I allowed my name to be attached to that, but I’m going to get on the phone Monday and hopefully call a lot of those people, because I do want to go there, and I love kids and I wouldn’t want people to think negatively of me in that way. I think the show will happen again, and we’ll be able to fix that situation. Just for the record, I was just the writer, director and choreographer of that show, I did not produce the show, and I never had any of that money, I never dealt with the money…”

What are his future plans? “I’m making it my personal job now to be my own campaign manager to get myself a role on “Glee”. I would be perfect for that show, and every time somebody asks me what I’m doing now, I just tell everyone that I would love love love to be the next cast member on “Glee”. And I didn’t even think about campaigning for that until Simon said the other night, ‘You look like you’re doing American Idol the Musical’ and Randy chimed in and said Glee! And I was like ‘Actually, I think I would love to be on ‘Glee’ it’s the perfect show for me.”

What did he do as soon as he was eliminated? “I took a deep breath, and just thought, ‘what do I do next?’ You pick yourself up. I’ve had a lot of experience…I was more concerned for Alex, and some of the people who maybe have not necessarily gone through this, but I just thought of the ‘Glee’ thing and I said something to Ellen about it and now Ellen is helping to promote the fact that I should be on “Glee” on her TV show. I think that’s amazing, I wouldn’t be pushing myself for the role if I didn’t think I would do a good job.”
What was he planning to sing for Rolling Stones week? I was planning to sing “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and I was going to dance for the first time. They’ve kept yelling at me for dancing, but then Ellen last week said last week, ‘I think you should dance’. I was going to be the first contestant to actually do a dance break. No one’s ever danced, I was looking forward to doing that. Hopefully, I’ll get to be dancing on ‘Glee’.”

On his theater background influencing the judges, “When people know certain things about you, it’s kind of hard to shake those things, but I just told someone today that I felt that Lady Gaga is one of the most successful artists out right now, if she were on American Idol, they wouldn’t have good things to say about her because to a certain extent they do want you to be out of the box…they kept telling me that I was changing things too much, and I would hear them tell people, ‘You aren’t changing it enough’ and not making it their own. You have to try to find that line when it’s not changing it too much and making it too cookie cutter and making it a karaoke version, which sometimes they’re OK with, and sometimes they’re not. I feel like I’ll be rewarded for being true to myself and being different in the end.”

Did his dance background help? Was he helping to choreograph the group numbers? “It did come in handy for the performing aspect, but it kind of hindered me, because I was always so frustrated in the rehearsals because I’d be ‘C’mon guys, it’s left-right-left-right’…I had to remember ‘they’re not dancers’. It was one of the things where I had to let my dance background go. I actually think announcing that I was a dancer, and announcing that I was on Broadway could have potentially hurt me, and might be part of the reason why I’m not on the show anymore.”

What does he think went wrong? “I feel like I should have done that a couple of weeks earlier [the Queen song], the problem is that I’m an African American , and a lot of people expected me to sing…Usher, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder, any black artist that basically you can sing, but that’s not the kind of music that I want to sing. I’m happy that I stayed true to myself, but I sadly feel that if I had just sang the cookie-cutter songs, that people expected me to do, and not gone so far out there, with the clothes and the performing –a normal guy that got up there and sang, I would have maybe done better, but I’m happy that I stayed true to myself. “

If he could have chosen any song, what would he have picked? “I wanted to do “Black and Gold’ which is on the “Fame” movie album. I love that song and I wanted to dance, but it didn’t fit any of the criteria for the categories so unfortunately I couldn’t do that.”

Who he’s going to miss the most, “My best friend was Jose Munoz, he was the first guy that I met. When I was there, I took him with me to see ‘The Color Purple’, he hadn’t really seen any Broadway musicals, so I was probably the closest to him and to Alex Lambert, because Alex was my roommate. Those are probably the two people I’m going to miss the most from the show.”

Katelyn Epperly – Katelyn will be going back to Des Moines where she’ll be writing with a band called “Love Drug”.

Does she think the judges were too hard on her, “They definitely were more critical towards me. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve been performing for so long they maybe expected more out of me than what I was giving them. I started out on a pretty strong note, maybe I didn’t live up to their expectations week by week.”

Her most memorable moment, “Playing ‘The Scientist’ on that white piano. I’m most definitely in my element when I’m sitting behind the keys without a band, just super raw. I definitely had my own personal moment.”

Who she was closest to on the show, “Lily and I were best friends. We were roommates throughout the show, we went out all the time. It was kind of ironic that we both got eliminated on the same day.”

Did the criticism of the judges (‘The Scientist’ was too slow) cause her to move out of her element a little bit? “It totally did. I was definitely trying to find a song that would portray me as an artist. It’s difficult for singers in this competition. First of all, I don’t listen to mainstream music, and I don’t typically perform covers. I tried to scramble around last minute, I brought out the Wurlitzer keyboard, I wanted to do something edgier. I t didn’t work out for me but I definitely don’t regret doing it, because I love that era and I love the song.”

What are her future plans? “I’m flat broke—I’ve got to go back to Des Moines and start working, and continue to persue recording and writing music with all sorts of artists. There’s a band called “Love Drug” that’s been a band that I’ve been listening to since I was young. I’m going to get together with them and hopefully start writing some music with them and as well as other artists—just getting back in the studio and getting back to what I truly love to do.”

About the moment when she was crying and hugging Lilly, “Lilly, Crystal and I have gotten really close and I don’t typically hang out with girls very often, so you know, this was a rare thing for all three of us to really truly have female friends. To get along so well and to be supportive of one another—turning around and seeing them there—for me I wasn’t sad about that. It was a pretty big disappointment for me to see Lily go home. ‘Cause if I were to be at home watching that show, she would by far, over all the other girls, not be the one going home.”

Was she going to play the piano next week? “ I was hoping to bring out the piano more if I stayed on the show and do more of my intimate stuff that I like to do so much. Hopefully some of my performances, especially ‘The Scientist’, which is more of my roots—people will remember that and hopefully that will help me move forward.”

What inspired her to do ‘The Scientist’? “Without going into anything too specific, it’s definitely a song that comes to mind when I think about anything hard that I’ve had to do—any sort of loss . It’s a very touching and riveting song. I covered it a lot this summer, and it helped me cope with a lot of things I was going through. It’s sad, but also hopeful. When they said it was too slow, it was OK with me, I was waiting for that comment. I wanted to do it slow, I wanted to focus on the lyrics. The song—it just cries. I wanted that to be portrayed and I think I portrayed it despite what the judges might have thought.”

Who is her favorite Top 12 contestant? “I really do—not to be cheesy—wish them all well. I got to know them so well, and we’ve worked so hard. Honestly, from the start, Crystal Bowersox, whose been this very true true friend to me. When she sings, it comes from the heart. She totally deserves it, and I’m going to be pulling for her all the way.”

What surprised her most about being on the show, “I didn’t expect to get along so well with everyone. I’ve been doing music my whole life, and never really got along with a lot of the people in choir, etc. I thought it was going to be a bunch of divas walking around. There were some, of course—there’s going to be some in every bunch—but I definitely didn’t know about all the behind the scenes people you work with. The show is so huge, there’s so much that goes on. I’ve never realized until now, because I haven’t seen the show in a few years , I never realized how big it was. You go from being nobody to walking down the street and people calling out your name. It’s awesome. It’s probably one of the best marketing platforms to start your career off on.”

Is she glad American Idol has embraced musicians?

“I think that’s very important. What made me so much more OK with being on the show, because I did have some pride issues with it at first, because a talent competition isn’t necessarily my thing, I’m a person who likes to sing and dance and just have a good time with music, rather than make it something competitive. But seeing so many singer songwriters this year—people who really are credible musicians and have been working at it their whole lives and truly deserve it than somebody who rolled out of bed one day and wanted to be on a TV show and have an OK voice and a pretty face. It was really kind of fun, we all got to sit around backstage while we were waiting for rehearsals and stuff. We got to just jam out and stuff. We’d all pass around the guitar and sing. It was awesome.”

Should the show make room for original songs, “That’s a tough one. We were talking about that, Lilly and I. It would be really awesome because I feel people like Crystal, I and others–we would definitely excel in that category. But at the same time, it’s a show where you get judged. It’s really hard because original music—especially the music I write—is filled with a lot of emotion and based on your personal experiences, and I think it would be hard for me to get up in front of 4 people and hear that my personal experiences are invalid and my song that I wrote when I was going through a hard time wasn’t good enough. It’s mix and match, but I definitely think it would be a cool twist to bring to the show.”

Alex and Katelyn Epperly on FOX Boston

Lilly Scott and Todrick Hall on Good Day LA

American Idol Pool Results (Plus My AOL Recap)

mj — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:31:45 +0000

This week’s Idol pool was a tough one! Here this week’s winners, plus which players are leading the pack overall.

Congrats to the winners!

PS: Read my thoughts on the Top 24 reveal at AOL Television HERE.

This week

1 rrrr’s – 18
1 pemberton – 18
1 Biancasmom1 -18
4 waffourt’ – 16
5 Jenna934 – 15
5 sullivan – 15
5 chaley82 – 15

Total possible points, including bonus points are 23. No perfect scores this week.

Overall

1 waffourt – 43
2 My Picks – 40
3 Dodgeroo54 – 39
3 mattfriske – 39
3 BethieR – 39
3 marymagdalene – 39
3 sethgoose – 39

American Idol Ratings: Top 24 Reveal Wins the Night

mj — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:44:25 +0000

Via Mediaweek

-Ratings Breakdown:
It was a night of split Thursday leadership, with CBS the most-watched network and the home of American Idol, Fox, No. 1 among adults 18-49.

The live American Idol hour was the top-rated show for the night, of course, with a solid 19.15 million viewers and a 6.2 rating/18 share among adults 18-49 at 8 p.m.

AI ratings dip under 20M–I guess peeps weren’t THAT anxious to find out, in real time, who made the cut to the Top 12…

American Idol 9 Top 12 Party Videos (and more)

mj — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:32:11 +0000

Just for you, a collection of videos and media reports from the big Top 12 celebration in Los Angeles last night.

Check it out after the jump. And check back, I’ll be adding stuff all day.

Articles: LA Times: 12 things we learned from the Top 12. Interesting stuff: Crystal Bowersox will continue to pick her own clothes, Didi is the daughter of an Israeli, Lacey Brown has a crush on Jason Castro…

Zap2it interviews Siobhan Magnus HERE and Tim Urban HERE.

Videos after the JUMP…

Jim Cantiello interviews Crystal Bowersox

MTV Shows

Jim Cantiello interviews Andrew Garcia

MTV Shows

Jim Cantiello interviews Lee Dewyze

MTV Shows

Jim Cantiello interviews Michael Lynche

MTV Shows

Jim Cantiello interviews Didi Benami

MTV Shows

Jim Cantiello interviews Page Miles

MTV Shows

Jim Cantiello interviews Lacey Brown

MTV Shows

Jim Cantiello interviews Tim Urban

MTV Shows

Jim Cantiello interviews Siobhan Magnus

MTV Shows

Jim Cantiello interviews Casey James

MTV Shows

Jim Cantiello interviews Katie Stevens

MTV Shows

Jim Cantiello interviews Aaron Kelly

MTV Shows

Hollywood Life interviews Michael Lynche

Dish of Salt interview with Andrew Garcia, Lee Dewyze, Aaron Kelly & Katie Stevens Article HERE.

Idol Headlines for 03/12/10

mj — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:33:18 +0000

A year after Idol, what are Season 8’s top 13 up to now?

As American Idol’s new top 12 rises, last year’s finalists are launching their post-Idol careers: Danny Gokey and Scott MacIntyre both just released new albums. Find out what the rest of last year’s finest have been up to and hear samples of their post-Idol recordings.

USA Today

Simon Cowell To Walk Down the Aisle This September?

Simon Cowell’s “Mr. Mean” persona seems to be a thing of the past. But, is it his newfound engagement to longtime ‘American Idol‘ makeup artist Mezghan Hussainy or something of the greener persuasion?

“Is it love or is it because he just got a billion dollar deal for ‘X Factor’?,” jokes Miles Siggins to Fancast. “Is it for love or is it for the money or is it for the love of money? I don’t know,” confessed the ‘American Idol’ stylist and friend of Hussainy at today’s Fox Mid-Season junket in L.A.

Fancast

Adam Lambert’s All-Time Favorite Tracks

In case it was ever in doubt, rock crooner Adam Lambert professes to be a born performer.

Lambert recently sat down with “Nightline” at The Kimberly Hotel in New York City to discuss his recent work, his “Idol” success and some of his own musical idols, from Johnny Cash to Madonna.

Watch the full story tonight on “Nightline” at 11:35 p.m. ET

Here, Lambert talks about some of the music that belongs in his personal dream jukebox, and why.

ABC News

When American Idol Meets Hair, It’s All Groovy, Man — Groovy and Naked

While the American Idol judges are asking current contestants to get emotionally naked for national TV, two old Idol favorites are getting naked, literally, on Broadway. On Monday night, season three runner-up Diana DeGarmo and season five seventh-place finisher Ace Young joined the new cast of Hair, taking over the roles of Sheila and Berger from Caissie Levy and the Tony-nominated Will Swenson. (The original “tribe” is moving the show to London for six months.) It’s the second Broadway outing for the Idols; Young had performed in Grease and DeGarmo in Hairspray, which, she said, is very confusing to many people. “When I got that play, people were like, ‘Is that the one where you get naked?’ And I was like, ‘No, HairSPRAY, early sixties. They kept their clothes on.”

NY Magazine

More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…keep checking back for more…

Carrie Underwood opens tour in Reading with lots of bells and whistles

Considering her booming voice and Covergirl looks, if there’s anyone in the country music business who doesn’t need any special effects or any high-tech wizardry during her concerts it’s Carrie Underwood.

Give this lady a microphone, a band and a playlist of songs and that’s a night of entertainment. It’s why she won “American Idol” and why she has gone on — as Simon predicted — to sell more records than other Idol performer.

But on her new “Play On” concert tour which debuted Thursday night at Reading’s Sovereign Center before a sellout crowd of more than 7,000, Underwood seemed determined to give her audience much more than her music.

She has one of the most elaborate stage productions you’ll ever see for a concert and the stage became an attraction almost immediately.

Morning Call

Matt Giraud And Scott MacIntyre Lighten Up A Shocking ‘American Idol’

Amid the carnage and genuinely confusing results on Thursday night’s (March 11) “American Idol” (Aaron Kelly? Katie Stevens? Paige Miles?!?), two of last year’s hopefuls took the stage to lighten the mood with a sunny, dueling-pianos duet.

Matt Giraud and Scott MacIntyre — who just released a brand-new album called Heartstrings — joined forces on an upbeat version of Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It,” trading verses and runs up and down the keys. Backed by the “Idol” house band, the duo muscled their way through the song, with Giraud hitting a few falsetto spots, each ripping off rocking, fleet-fingered solos.

MTV.com

Andrew Garcia Profile: Can He Break Out Of The ‘Straight Up’ Straitjacket?

If the “American Idol” judges are to be believed, this season is all about the girls. Yet Andrew Garcia has quickly established himself as a contender for the “Idol” trophy with unexpected stripped-down acoustic interpretations of pop songs, ranging from a Fall Out Boy hit to a Paula Abdul classic.

Best Performance: Garcia’s Hollywood Week spin on Abdul’s “Straight Up” was a rare highlight for this year’s unimpressive cast of boys. He’s never been more playful or imaginative on the show. Three weeks into the live episodes, “Straight Up” is still one of the most talked-about performances of the season.

MTV

Crystal Bowersox Profile: ‘I’m Not Letting Anything Go To My Head’

On Thursday night, “American Idol” revealed its Top 12 Finalists for the ninth season of the hit show. MTV News “Idol” expert Jim Cantiello whipped up a handy cheat sheet for each finalist, breaking down each candidate’s journey thus far. He also got the “Idol” hopefuls to weigh in when he caught up with them at Thursday night’s Top 12 Party in Hollywood.

MTV

Colonie bakery makes birthday cake for Underwood

Coccadotts Cake Shop in Colonie was commissioned to make a birthday cake for country singer and former “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood, who performs Friday at the Times Union Center in Albany. Underwood’s 27th birthday was Wednesday.

The cake made for Underwood is chocolate with butter-cream frosting decorated with blue fondant and polka-dots. It’s topped with a platinum-toned bow and “Happy Birthday Carrie.”

Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=910573#ixzz0hyZ8022g

KATHERINE MCPHEE’S “COMMUNITY” CANOODLING

Katharine McPhee is guest starring on Community tonight and though she’s primarily known for her singing, the former American Idol contestant is on the hunt for a good sitcom of her own.

Now that’s she’s gotten a taste of comedy, McPhee is ready to fly solo, although she knows it’s not quite as easy as a one-shot appearance on an established series.

Hollywood Outbreak

Community, ‘Basic Genealogy’: Katharine McPhee is Pierce’s stepdaughter

As for the comedy, Troy trying to talk while crying has now become one of the show’s most reliable laugh-getters, and the unlikely Troy/Britta partnership again yielded great dividends, with Britta’s more-enlightened-than-thou whiteness getting her a good switchin’. Katharine McPhee was fine as Pierce’s grifter stepdaughter (and certainly much more lifelike than fellow “American Idol” alum Carrie Underwood was on “HIMYM” last week), and it had been a while since we got some good Pierce/Jeff interaction. Early episodes had established that Pierce is who Jeff will become if he’s not careful, and it was nice to see Pierce himself recognize this and for once have the self-awareness to try to talk Jeff out of it. (And that also had a good talking-while-crying gag, with Jeff venting about “Glee.”) And the Pictionary/swastika/Rabbi Chang gag was wonderfully set-up.

NJ.com

‘American Idol’ Winner Taylor Hicks In Pittsburgh With Broadway Musical Tour ‘Grease’

PITTSBURGH — “American Idol” season 5 winner Taylor Hicks is in Pittsburgh with the Broadway musical tour “Grease.”

Hicks stopped by WPXI-TV on Thursday for an interview. He was charming and warm, just the way he appears on television and stage.

Hicks plays Teen Angel in “Grease,” the character who tries to guide Frenchy when she drops out of beauty school.

“This is my first Broadway role, so it’s pretty exciting,” said Hicks.

WPXI

‘American Idol’: Syesha Mercado on Todrick Hall, ‘Dreamgirls’ and her debut album

Two years off her “American Idol” journey, Syesha Mercado is playing the glamorous Deena Jones in “Dreamgirls” and working on her debut album.

Deena Jones is the “Dreamgirls” role played by music superstar Beyonce, which must be some pretty big shoes to fill for Syesha.

“It was a little scary at first when I started thinking like that. It’s a lot of pressure,” Syesha tells Zap2it. “But once rehearsals started I just tried my best to focus on who Deena Jones was and playing it as honestly as I could. I definitely pay homage to Beyonce, but at the same time I can only do what I can do.”

Zap2it.com

Clarkson ‘at home’ in South Africa

At a media briefing ahead of her three-concert tour of the country which begins today, Clarkson said that, unlike other first-time visitors, she had “no false expectations of South Africa” because long-time back-up singer Kate Rapier was born here.

Clarkson said: “I know about South Africa through one of my back-up singers and friends who grew up here . her dad has several non-profit organisations.”

The 27-year-old Grammy Award winner and winner of the first season of American Idol in 2002, added that she would be visiting tourist spots she had heard of.

Times Live

Flint native Sophia Taylor is ‘Rehabin’ da Hood’ with local reality home improvement show

The local public access program chronicles Flint native Sophia Taylor and her business partner Andre White as they encounter the obstacles of flipping homes in Flint — from thieves stealing the electrical wiring (again) to plumbing-gone-berserk.

In the third episode, she gets a scolding from her father for painting the outside of a brick home — a definite no-no in his mind.

Along with Taylor’s father and 90-year-old grandmother, Flint’s former American Idol finalist LaKisha Jones also makes a cameo appearance on the show. Taylor cowrote a couple of songs on Jones’ album, “So Glad I’m Me.”

MLive

Clay Aiken Talks About Concert Special, Wake Co. School Board

Dressed in a blue button down shirt and blue jeans, Clay Aiken sat down for an interview with NBC17 Thursday at the Progress Energy Center.

Aiken announced in February that he will perform a one-night only special event to help kick off the release of his new album “Tried and True” and that this concert will be taped which will air sometime in June on PBS.

Within minutes of tickets going on sale, they sold-out. Many of those tickets were bought by some of Aiken’s most loyal fans who said they will travel across the country to see him perform. Something he hasn’t done in quite some time.

“It’s always a surprise when folks are willing to put so much effort forth,” said Aiken.

My NC.com

A classic move

RALEIGH — When Clay Aiken hits the stage tonight at Memorial Auditorium, he will be performing for the couple of thousand people in the crowd, as well a future audience that could be much, much larger.

The concert, which will feature the first live performance of his coming album, “Tried and True,” will be taped for a PBS special that will air this summer. It’s a one-time-only deal, and Aiken, the Raleigh native and “American Idol” runner-up, will sing each song from the new album.

“Tried and True,” scheduled for a late May release, is Aiken’s first album for Decca Records. It’s also the first in which he didn’t feel record-company pressure to go in a pop-friendly direction. Working with Decca, he and longtime manager Simon Renshaw charted a different course for Aiken’s career.

Newsobserver

The ‘American Idol’ Judge Power Rankings: Sorting out the Top 12

Kara fights hard to keep her seat — and produces genuine tears! Meanwhile, Randy settles into his usual interchangeable phrases (this week: “I dunno, man. It was just aiight for me”). Simon’s weariness begins to show, to which I say, “You’ve only got yourselves to blame for this ho-hum lineup!” And Ellen still can’t do anything except make Kara and Simon look that much better.

LA Times

‘American Idol’ EXCLUSIVE! Discover Kara DioGuardi’s Diet Secrets!

Ever since Kara DioGuardi strutted her stuff in a two piece on American Idol last season (take that, Bikini Girl!), we’ve been minorly obsessed with getting the 39-year-old judge’s sexy bod. Luckily for us, we ran into the always gracious Kara at APCH’s forth annual Stars & Strikes celebrity bowling and poker tournament in Los Angeles March 10, and she dished on how to achieve her fabulous figure.

“What really helped me get over any eating issues I had in the past was to figure out what I love to do in life and am passionate about and get focused on that, instead of focusing on what I look like, the calories I was eating — all of that nonsense,” Kara told HollywoodLife.com exclusively.

Hollywood Life

On the Scene: ‘American Idol’ host Kara DioGuardi thinks ‘Bikini Girl’-inspired stunt saved her job

“I kept saying no! I mean, what crazy nut is gonna go out there in a bikini at almost 40 years of age?” she tells April’s Women’s Health mag, on stands Tuesday.

But she admits the stunt “probably saved [my] job.”

Says Kara: “It was a defining moment, like, ‘She’s … as kooky as everyone else on this panel.’”

NY Daily News

Simon’s engagement was a surprise to many

Simon Cowell went from bachelor to betrothed before most people knew he was even dating his fiancee, Mezhgan Hussainy. Just how did this happen? According to recording artist Sinitta, one of Cowell’s friends, Hussainy patiently waited for the “American Idol” judge to come around.

MSNBC

Shane Sparks Pleads Not Guilty to Child Molestation Charges

‘America’s Best Dance Crew’ judge Shane Sparks has entered an official plea of not guilty to the eight counts of child molestation he was charged with back in December.

The Emmy nominee, who has worked with Aaliyah, Lindsay Lohan and Monica, was arrested on December 18. He was held on $590,000 bail in a Van Nuys, California, jail, and was released the following day.

Popeater

Derek Hough Sustains Cut During ‘Dancing’ Rehearsals

LOS ANGELES, Calif. –

Derek Hough got a little more than he bargained for with his new “Dancing with the Stars” partner Nicole Scherzinger.

The Pussycat Dolls singer left Derek with a cut on his face after accidentally kicking him during rehearsal for the show’s Season 10 premiere on ABC on March 22.

Derek told Billy Bush, who stopped by the studio for an interview with the ballroom pair on Thursday, that Nicole’s kick barely missed his eye.

Access Hollywood

More Headlines:

WKLB hosts St. Jude Kids Radiothon with rising stars

WKLB Country 102.5 kicks off a 2-day radiothoon to benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital today. The station will broadcast their Annual Country Cares For St. Jude Kids Radiothon from the Jordan’s Furniture in Reading on Thursday and Friday. Joining them on site to deliver live performances will be a linuep of rising country music stars including Steel Magnolia, The Band Perry, Easton Corbin and Danny Gokey.

Fans are encouraged to stop in to Jordan’s to watch the performances and become a Partner In Hope by making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on site. Donataions can also be made online and by calling 1-800-963-HOPE (4673). WKLB will be broadcasting live on Thursday till 7 p.m. and on Friday until 9 p.m. The station is also hosting an inline auction to benefit St. Judes with rare memorbilia including autographed items from Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Leann Rimes and more.

Boston Music Spotlight

‘Community’: Katharine McPhee Must Be Stopped

Please, won’t someone stop Katharine McPhee? The former American Idol contestant has dyed her hair blonde and set off on a television guest-appearance reign of terror, stopping last night to weigh down Community en route to the premiere of her own comedy, The Pink House, on NBC this fall. This time, she showed up as one of Pierce’s many ex-stepdaughters as the members of the study group suffered through Family Day at Greendale. Lessons about family abounded:

The Atlantic

Matt Giraud Working On ‘Soulful Rock’ Debut

It’s been a while since America has seen Matt Giraud. The JT-like soul man who was a wild card “American Idol” finalist and recipient of last season’s controversial judge’s save has been working hard off-the-radar since his fifth-place finish on season eight.

Since his “Idol” run ended, Giraud’s been writing songs in Nashville for his debut album, working with such well-known songwriters as Marcus Hummon (Rascal Flatts, Dixie Chicks) and Monty Powell (Keith Urban). “I’m not really going country,” he told MTV News last month, “but they appreciate soul down there and I’ve been playing with them and making great music.” So far, he’s recorded 15 songs, many of which he co-wrote, and is hoping to amass at least 30 before he starts shopping an album around.

MTV

American Idol 9 Top 12 Reveal – Recap Roundup

mj — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:50:08 +0000

‘American Idol’: We’re gonna need [sob] a bigger box [snivel] of Kleenex on the scene of [blubber] the heartbreaking Top 16 eliminations

You know things are bad indeed when Simon Cowell buries his head in his hands. The moment Ryan asked Andrew Garcia and Alex Lambert to step up into the American Idol semi-finals center ring of doom, Simon’s face just disappeared into his palms, and he stayed that way until Ryan asked him if Andrew had peaked too soon. It was maybe the most outwardly emotional I’ve ever seen Simon since I’ve covered this show, on what was definitely the most emotional Idol I’ve ever witnessed first hand. I think that photo of a crestfallen Crystal Bowersox says it all, really — in fact, I kinda worry that last night’s events may have broken something in the Idol frontrunner that will not be easily mended. Sniff. Even my snark demon Smirkelstiltskin was a touch misty.

Entertainment Weekly

‘American Idol’ Recap: Lilly Scott And Alex Lambert Voted Off

The top 12 is formed, Kara DioGuardi is brought to tears, and the week ends with Scott and Lambert shockingly getting the boot. (3.12.10)

MTV.com

Recaps after the JUMP…keep checking back for more

‘American Idol’ recap: The Unbearable Triteness of Leaving

”I don’t know what America wants to hear.” — Lilly Scott, seconds after being robbed of her spot in American Idol’s season 9 top 12

Outrage. It’s as integral to the process of enjoying American Idol as seeing Simon Cowell’s insuppressible smile during a genuinely good audition, or rewinding your DVR after a performance by some heretofore anonymous kid who just gave you goosebumps all the way to your spleen.

Entertainment Weekly

‘American Idol’ Shocker: Lilly Scott, Alex Lambert, Katelyn Epperly, Todrick Hall Exit

After months of auditions, nail-biting Hollywood drama and three sometimes-painful live-performance weeks, America finally got its top 12 on “American Idol” Thursday night (March 11) on a show that provided some of the first true surprises — and shocking exits — of season nine.

The handful of singers who appeared certain to end their runs on the show after crash-and-burn performances got miracle reprieves as Katelyn Epperly, Lilly Scott, Todrick Hall and Alex Lambert were voted off.

MTV

Here’s the scoop on the ‘Idol’ Chosen 12

Here’s my piece on the Season 9 Top 12 that appears in Friday’s print edition:

What a crazy American Idol season this is turning out to be.

The divas, long a reliable staple, are gone, banished during the semifinals. Early front-runners have been humbled.

USA Today

‘American Idol’ Top 12 Announced: Can We Just Start Over?

Hey, readers! Hear that? That faint whoosh in the background? That’s the sound of the entire “American Idol” soundstage unhinging from its foundation, being hoisted high into the air, and jumping over a proverbial shark. Because on Thursday’s all-important results show (the episode that determined this season’s top 12), my personal favorite male and female contestants both went home. And with them went all my hopes of “Idol” rebounding this season after a shaky start.

Yahoo.com

‘American Idol’ Set “Shocked” by Lilly Scott’s Departure

It wasn’t just the audience and judges that were clearly surprised that 20-year-old Colorado native Lilly Scott was eliminated from ‘American Idol‘ Thursday night, the folks behind the scenes and on the show feeling the loss at the top 12 party in Hollywood later that evening.

“I was shocked,” ‘American Idol’ vocal arranger/coach Debra Byrd, told Fancast at the ‘American Idol’ top 12 party in Hollywood last night. “I can’t say why it happened.”

Fancast.com

‘American Idol’ Throws A Bunch Of Curveballs

So… did anyone out there win their ‘American Idol‘ Top 12 Office Pool?

To say that tonight’s ‘Idol’ results were surprising is probably an understatement. All four of the people dispatched could have stayed in favor of way inferior performers — bad singers, prematurely aged children, contenders who relied way too heavily on their overworn schticks to survive in the competition.

Fancast.com

‘Idol’s’ top 12 proves a need for voting lesson

So I’m thinking maybe it’s time that people got a refresher course on this whole “American Idol” voting thing.

The point of the competition is to vote for the very good singers and send home the ones who aren’t as good. If you don’t, there are two problems: The first is that you stop hearing the better singers because they’re gone. The second is that you hear more from the inferior ones because they’re still there.

MSNBC

Partying Like It’s ‘Idol’ Season 9

After the shocking and saddening eliminations of my favorite two “American Idol” contestants of the season, Lilly Scott and Alex Lambert, the last thing I felt like doing on Thursday night was partying. Or so I thought. Because then again…what better way to mourn this week’s bummer results than by pouring out a little Coke in honor of this week’s castoffs, at Fox’s official top 12 party?

music.yahoo.com

The night American Idol jumped over every shark in every ocean

On the final results show of the American Idol semifinals round, the last cut is always the deepest. Idol loves rubbing salt in one’s wounds, so they’re kicking things off tonight with a group sing to Haven’t Met You Yet. (Okay…I guess…as long as I don’t have to see Kara DioGuardi get emotional for the second evening in a row.)

I don’t know about you but I prefer a little Hamm with my Buble! (And this is exactly what he looked like when he found out the Idol autotuned vocal tracks would be set on high for a tonight’s rendition of his latest single.)

Top Idol

Eulogies for the Four Eliminated American Idol Contestants

Aw, hell no. Four times over. Last night’s Idol showed that the voting public hates texting in for middle-of-the-pack contenders. That’s the only explanation for these four eliminations, besides game theory. With tears in our eyes, Movieline has written memorials for the loser quartet.

Movieline

Why The Shocking And Wrong ‘Idol’ Top Twelve Isn’t All That Shocking Or Wrong

The four eliminations last night on American Idol seem to have my fellow critics in much more shock than I was in myself.

Most of the uproar is not about Todrick Hall, who opened two weeks ago with an uninspired version of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” that obscured what makes the song good — an error from which he never recovered — or about Katelyn Epperly, who delivered a wedding-reception-ish rendition of “I Feel The Earth Move” this week. It’s true that Paige Miles was worse on Tuesday night than anyone else and she managed to stay, but the disastrous bossa nova arrangement of “Smile” seemed to me like the bigger culprit in that horror than her performance.

NPR

American Idol Season 9 Top 12 Party – PHOTOS

mj — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:41:00 +0000

The newly-minted American Idol 9 Top 12 contestents celebrated after the results show last night at a party at Industry, in Los Angeles CA last night.

Congratulations: Tim Urban, Siobhan Magnus, Lee Dewyze, Paige Miles, Mike Lynche, Andrew Garcia, Didi Benami, Lacey Brown, Aaron Kelly, Crystal Bowersox, Casey James and Katie Stevens.

More party photos, after the jump.

Photos After the JUMP…

American Idol 9 – Top 16 Results – Top 12 Revealed – Recap

mj — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:55:28 +0000

Katelyn Epperly, Todrick Hall, Alex Lambert and Lilly Scott ELIMINATED!

I don’t now what’s going on, peeps, but tonight’s eliminations were totally WACK. I knew the iconoclastic Lilly Scott was going to have trouble further on down the line, but she had the pimp spot and still was eliminated? At this stage of the Idol competition, has a contestant ever been eliminated with the pimp spot?

Alex Lambert soooo deserved a spot over the other boyletts, Tim Urban and Aaron Kelly. Alex has some real vocal talent, and was ripe for a wonderful growth arc. Tim is just going to stank up the place. And Aaron is too young and too unformed. Just UGH.

And speaking of unformed. Katie Stevens? BLARGH. She’s been consistently awful throughout the semi-finals. Please get that damn pageant bot off my TV!

I have mixed feelings about Paige Miles and Lacey Brown getting another chance. I think they both have potential, but didn’t really bring it during the semis. Katelyn Epperly probably deserved a spot over both of them. Surely the talented Lilly Scott did. But, I wouldn’t count Paige or Lacey out. I hope they both make the most out of their reprieve. Ditto Didi Benami. No more flailing and floundering around, please. I’m looking at you Lee Dewyze and Andrew Garcia. Time to step up your game. If some of these kids can’t get their act together, it may not be a total loss.

Oh, and Todrick Hall? Buh bye to your overwrought “arrangements” and bad singing. I didn’t pick him in the pool, but I can’t say I’m sorry to see him go.

Group Number – Michael Buble – “I Haven’t Met You Yet” – VIDEO
Katelyn Epperly OUT, Paige Miles IN – VIDEO
Todrick Hall OUT, Lee Dewyze IN – VIDEO
Scott MacIntyre, Matt Giraud – “Tell Her About It” – VIDEO
Alex Lambert OUT, Andrew Garcia IN – VIDEO
Lilly Scott OUT, Katie Stevens IN – VIDEO

Tonight YOUR Top 12 will be revealed, as 4 more contestants–two guys and two girls are eliminated.

Plus, Season 8 contestants, Scott MacIntyre and Matt GiraudSimon will be tickling the ivories together as they perform Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It”. Scott and Matt performed this together on the Idol tour, and it’s a lot of fun.

Next week, 19 Recording artist, and guitar goddess, Orianthi will perform on the Top 12 Results show.

Here we go…

Simon told Simon he was on his game last night…and there’s a chop of Randy in a bikini.

The Top 16 sing Michael Buble’s “I Haven’t Met You Yet”. This is really BORING. If only they weren’t lip syncing, and we could make fun of their bad singing. Oh well, there’s always bad lip syncing and terrible choreography to mock…

Ryan annouces next week’s theme: The music of the Rolling Stones.

The girls are first. Didi is called up first. She explained that she was very scared at first. Randy says consistency is everything….she made the Top 12! Siobhan is next…Ellen tells her to keep doing what she’s doing. Paige and Katelyn are called down. Simon says Paige had the most potential at the beginning of the semis. Simon thinks Paige has the most potential…and OMFG!!!! PAIGE IS SAFE! KATELYN IS ELIMINATED! Shock! Katelyn sings out. Oh noes. Katelyn is sobbing. Aw. Sads.

The guys are next. Lee, Todrick, Tim and Casey form a line. Ryan recites their deets. Casey and Tim are in. Todrick and Lee are left. Todrick is OUT Lee is SAFE. Todrick sings out. Randy says it was fantastic. Crystal looks like she’s been kicked in the gut.

I’m going to get Zero pool points this week. I suck so much.

Scott MacIntyre and Matt Giraud take the stage to perform Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It” on duel pianos. Ok. That was all kinds of fun. Nice stress reliever! Scott pimps his album “Heartstrings” available now. Matt mentions his duet with Anna and his upcoming EP.

Crystal is asked to stand. She looks nervous, and unhappy. Of course, she is SAFE. Michael is next. Somebody misses their blocking. It’s cute. Michael is SAFE. Kara over-explains why she got all teary-eyed last night. Lacey is next. She takes the stage…SHE’S IN! NO POINTS FOR ME! Aaron is next….he’s made it into the Top 12. UGH. Alex and Andrew take the stage. Simon says Andrew may have peaked too soon. Andrew is IN. Alex is OUT. BOO. Damn the death spot! Ellen tells him he needs to believe in himself. Lots of tears from the remaining contestants. Siobhan is beside herself. Alex sings out. Ugh. I would have preferred Alex over Aaron Kelly.

Back from break, and Alex was crying. Ryan says it was the most intense few moments on that show. I’m so pissed he’s cut! Katie and Lilly are left. OMG if Lilly is cut, I AM GOING TO CUT A BITCH.

GAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Lilly is cut. She says a lot of incredible talent was cut tonight (word) and she doesn’t know what America wants to hear. AMERICA HATES JAZZ! (tm Lesley Hunt). Lilly just knows that there’s an audience who “wants to jam with me” Lilly sings out. The video packages run, and we’re out.

Top 12

Didi Benami
Siobhan Magnus
Paige Miles
Casey James
Tim Urban
Lee Dewyze
Crystal Bowersox
Michael Lynche
Lacey Brown
Aaron Kelly
Andrew Garcia
Katie Stevens

Eliminated

Katelyn Epperly
Todrick Hall
Alex Lambert
Lilly Scott

Idol Judges Called “Wacky” on The View

mj — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:41:21 +0000

Watch the ladies of the View rip into the Idol judges during their Idol segment today. Joy Behar calls the judges “wacky” and Elizabeth Hasslebeck said their antics were an “emotional mess.”

And Sir Elton John, who was sitting in on the panel, mentioned Jennifer Hudson’s premature ouster and repeated his charge, from Season 3, that Idol voting is racist.

However, Elton did sympathize with the kids on the show, It’s so hard for the contestants,” he said. “I mean, They’re on television, live.They’re trying to do the best they can in the two minutes they’re given.”

Elton is a Michael Lynche fan, “He’s like the voice of an angel,” he says…

Video After the JUMP…

American Idol 9 Top 16 – Who is Going Home? Plus, My AOL Televsion Recap

mj — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:55:00 +0000

UPDATE: Ryan Seacrest just tweeted: “At idol set now, contestants doing some michael buble at the top tonight!” Ryan also tweeted that the song is “Haven’t Met U Yet”

***

I had a much easier time picking the girls than the guys this week. I’ll still probably be WRONG, but what the hay.

Read my AOL Television recap of last night’s show HERE.

I think Paige Miles is totally toast. She’s been on the cusp every week, and she really really really needed to bring it this week to get folks to pick up that phone to vote. Since she did the absolute opposite of that, she’s out of here. I also think the producers’ heavy pimping of the two male African American contestants last night was in part because of Paige’s elimination.

Can’t y’all imagine Elton John’s head exploding into a million little chunks if the Top 12 featured no African Americans? That would not be good. Big Mike Lynche has more than earned his spot in the 12, so no worries. Todrick Hall? Maybe not so much.

Lacey Brown will be the other girl eliminated. While she totally brought it this week, I think it was too little too late. Katelyn Epperly and Katie Stevens are in danger this week, but I think they’ve developed fan bases that will see them through their rough performances.

The guys game has completely changed after last night’s show, so I feel like I’m flying blind in my picks a little this week.

I think I’m gonna go with Aaron Kelly and Lee Dewyze. Aaron didn’t connect with the Lonestar song, despite what Simon said last night. And I think he’s splitting the tweeny votes with Alex and Tim. The judges have been pimping Lee, but I don’t think America is impressed with his pitchy tentative performances. He went first unfortunately which works against him as well. Did you guys see Lee’s sad little face when Ryan called out his numbers? Dude knows he’s in trouble. I’m hoping he survives, because I like his voice.

Having made my picks, I would not rule out an OMG shocking boot, that would find former frontrunner, Andrew Garcia without a spot in the 12. He has, unfortunately, turned out to be something of a one-trick pony, and with the judges hammering on him to live up to past glories (Oh, if only Andrew could be graded on a curve like Tim Urban, who will get through tonight, probably, despite 3 medicore performances) viewers could be turning away in serious numbers.

Alex Lambert got the sh*tty clip edit at the end of the show, and the death spot in the performance order, so I would not be entirely surprised if he went home tonight.

Who do you think will go home tonight?

American Idol Ratings Win The Night, Lower than Average

mj — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:12:13 +0000

Via Zap2it.com:

American Idol’s Top 8 boys carried the 9 pm time slot last night, but with ratings that were lower than average. Check out the deets here:

9 p.m.

FOX: “American Idol” (20.5 million, 11.7/19)
CBS: “Criminal Minds” (13.1 million, 8.1/13)
ABC: “Modern Family” (8.95 million, 5.5/9)/”Cougar Town” (6.15 million, 3.9/6)
NBC: “Law & Order: SVU” rerun (5.4 million, 3.6/6)
The CW: “America’s Next Top Model” (3.3 million, 2.2/4)/”High Society” premiere (1.4 million, 1.0/2)

The 9 pm timeslot may have contributed to the lower numbers. We’ll see how things shake out when Idol settles in to it’s regular schedule once the Top 12 begins.

Allison Iraheta – Oscar Luncheon Interview – VIDEO

mj — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:52:21 +0000

Allison Iraheta was interviewed during this past weekend’s Oscar luncheon in Los Angeles, CA. She talked about returning to Idol, her new single “Scars”, writing for her next album and more.

Allison’s album Just Like You was released in Japan yesterday, check out the bonus track “One More Reason” right HERE.

Allison is set to sing the National Anthem at the Los Angeles Marathon on March 21.

Via alliholics.com

Check it out after the JUMP…

Kris Allen – Kelly Lounge, Bakersfield CA – VIDEOS

mj — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:13:31 +0000

Kris Allen performed an acoustic set with his guitarist, Andrew, at the Kelly 95.3 lounge in Bakersfield, CA yesterday (March 10).

After the jump, check out “Heartless”, “Red Guitar”, “Man in the Mirror”, “Live Like We’re Dying”, “Alright With Me”, “Before We Come Undone” and “The Truth”. Plus, a fan Q&A.

Videos after the JUMP…

“Heartless/Gangsta’s Paradise”

“Red Guitar”

“Man in the Mirror”

“Live Like We’re Dying”

“Alright With Me”

Before We Come Undone

The Truth

Q&A

Idol Headlines for 03/11/10

mj — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:21:35 +0000

Danny Gokey’s ‘Days’ Starts Strong

Season eight American Idol finalist Danny Gokey claims the best first-week sales showing on Country Albums by a rookie male country act in 18 years, and the best opening week digital sum for any country newcomer, as “My Best Days” opens at No. 3 on the chart with 65,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The album also opens at No. 4 on The Billboard 200.

Gokey’s start is the best debut for a male country solo artist since Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All” blew in with 90,000 copies in June 1992, and bests fellow “Idol” alum Bucky Covington’s May 2007 self-titled debut, which started with 61,000 units.

Gokey’s digital tally is 19,000, and inks a new benchmark for first-week digital sales by a new country artist, previously set when Gloriana’s self-titled debut album sold 9,000 downloads last summer.

Billboard

Thursday’s TV Highlights: Katharine McPhee in ‘Community’

FAMILY DAY: Katharine McPhee guest stars in a new episode of ‘Community’ at 8 p.m. on NBC.

American Idol: Scott MacIntyre and Matt Giraud perform in this new episode when four more contestants are eliminated, revealing the 12 finalists (8 p.m. Fox).

LA Times

Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Jennifer Hudson, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift And Sugarland Added to the List of Performers for ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn — The Last Rodeo All Star Concert

ENCINO, Calif., March 11 /PRNewswire/ — The Academy of Country Music announced today that Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Jennifer Hudson, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, and Sugarland will perform at the television taping of the all-star concert special, ACM PRESENTS: BROOKS & DUNN – THE LAST RODEO on Monday, April 19, 2010 to air Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show will be produced for television by dick clark productions. Tickets are available now for the live concert event.

These country music superstars will join the previously announced performers Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.

PR Newswire

More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…

Idol Tracker Buzzmeter, version 9.0

With the Top 12 soon upon us, it’s a fitting time to announce the 2010 IdolTracker Buzzmeter panel. This is our pool of the country’s top “American Idol” pundits who will try and predict which Season 9 finalist will be going home after each performance episode; and on the last week, who will win. The tally, along with individual results, will be posted every Wednesday morning for all to see. Check out last year’s results here.

LA Times

PHOTOS: We Are The Fallen’s “Bury Me Alive” Video Set Pics

After months of online buzz that has drawn both hard-rock fans and American Idol fanatics, new band We Are The Fallen is ready to rise. Led by Irish belter (and onetime Idol contestant) Carly Smithson and featuring former Evanesence rockers Ben Moody, John LeCompt and Rocky Gray, along with bassist Marty O’Brien, the band has been kept much of its music under wraps. But we have a special first look at the video for the band’s first single, “Bury Me Alive”. The video, co-directed by Kyle Newman (of 2008’s Fanboy) and wife Jaime King (yes, the model), will lead viewers through the grim ritual of burial, but with a vintage Victorian twist. Dig through the pics from the set of “Bury Me Alive”, take a listen to the single on the band’s site, and you’ll see why people are falling for them.

Idolator

Adam Lambert: Simon Cowell didn’t appear to me during acid trip

Adam Lambert, 28, came second in the last series of American Idol. He then came out as gay and caused a stir with a saucy performance at the American Music Awards. Single For Your Entertainment and an album of the same name are released next month.

Metro.co.uk

Jennifer Hudson — Monster Engagement Bling

Jennifer Hudson proudly showed off her Neil Lane diamond engagement ring to anyone who’d look yesterday at LAX.

The “Dreamgirl” has been engaged to her WWE wrestler fiance David Otunga, AKA “Punk” from the VH1 show “I Love New York 2″, since September 2008.

TMZ

‘Community’: ‘American Idol’s’ Katharine McPhee joins the family

Katharine McPhee is guest-starring on “Community” Thursday (March 11), but had things broken a little differently you could have seen the former “American Idol” runner-up on an different NBC series this season.

McPhee tells Zap2it that earlier this season she talked with NBC about a role on “Trauma”: “It was after the show had already started to air,” she says. “They were going to add a new character, and I was going to go to network and test for the part, but I really wasn’t ready to sign on for a show. … It just didn’t work out.”

Zap2it

A Dinner for Badgley and Mischka… Carrie Underwood on Stage…

CARRIE ON STAGE: There won’t be any telephone-shaped hairpieces or Kermit the Frog minidresses for Carrie Underwood when the singer takes the stage during her “Play on Tour,” which kicks off today in Reading, Pa. Instead, the “American Idol” winner and country superstar will wear a series of slightly more refined — though still dramatic — looks by costume designer Soyon An, who won an Emmy for the beaded numbers she whipped up for contestants on “So You Think You Can Dance.”

An’s ensembles for Underwood include a button-down shirt paired with a full-length fringe skirt bejeweled with Crystallized-Swarovski Elements and a strapless gown with a bottom that detaches midperformance to become a playsuit.

WWD.com

Back in the glare

Syesha Mercado is catching her dream.

With a debut album on the way, the onetime “American Idol” finalist is keeping herself in the spotlight, in the glamorous role of Deena Jones in a production of “Dreamgirls.” It has been nearly two years since she was dismissed from “Idol,” an experience Mercado said prepared her well for the show business career she is now enjoying, as part of a touring company of the Broadway classic.

LA Independent

‘Idol’ favorite Jason Castro to seranade Manila and Cebu fans

This month, get mesmerized while Jason Castro belts out colorful summer lovin’ tunes in Manila! His Filipino fans are in for a sweet summer and post-Valentine treat from Warner Music Philippines and the Ayala Malls when Jason serenades his Manila and Cebu fans on March 18 at Trinoma, March 19 at Glorietta 5, March 20 at Ayala Center Cebu, and March 21 at Market! Market!

MB.com

Cast of BALLROOM WITH A TWIST to Offer Master Class; Announce Dance-Off Contest, 3/18

The cast of Ballroom With A Twist, conceived and choreographed by Dancing with the stars Louis van Amstel, including American idol Singers David Hernandez and Treynece as well as Allsion Holker from So You Think You Can Dance, will offer a Master Class to local dance enthusiast. There will also be a dance off with the cast, in which the winner will not only receive two free VIP Tickets, but the opportunity to appear on stage in the production of Ballroom with a Twist at the Parker Playhouse Theatre.

The master class will be held on Thursday, March 18th, 2010 – 8:30pm -10pm at the Goldcoast Ballroom – 1415 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek – 954-979-0770.

Broadway World.com

Disney Channel, Disney XD Present Programming Plans For 2010-11

“Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension” – The #1 animated series for the past two years among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 has inspired a television movie to premiere in summer 2011 on Disney XD and Disney Channel. In the movie, Phineas and Ferb discover that their beloved pet platypus, Perry, is really a secret agent who battles the forces of evil daily. The boys team up with Perry on a grand adventure through a parallel universe where they must ultimately thwart an even more evil version of Dr. Doofenshmirtz. The feature-length movie is another boon for the animated comedy which will also lead an all-summer 2010 initiative on Disney XD and Disney Channel, including an hour-long episode guest starring Clay Aiken and Chaka Khan. The series continues to create opportunities for other Disney lines of business: the “Phineas and Ferb” characters are at Disneyland Parks and Resorts, Disney Consumer Products debuted a toy line at Toys R Us, and “Phineas and Ferb” is a top selling apparel line at Walmart and Target. Other items include books and comics from Disney Publishing, the #1 Nintendo DS game at Game Stop and BestBuy from Disney Interactive Studios, episode compilation DVDs from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and a soundtrack on Walt Disney Records which ranked #10 on the Billboard children’s album chart for 2009.

RealityTVWebsite

Is The iTunes LP Sinking?

Has the iTunes LP performed sluggishly in its first few months on the market? GigaOm’s Paul Bonanos took a hard look at the digital album format and found record label disappointment over sales so light they may not cover developer costs that can run upwards of $60,000 per title.

When the iTunes LP format was launched in September 2009, it was touted for its ability to offer a deeper experience with album artwork, lyrics, videos and other media. Wrote Bonanos:

Six months later, however, iTunes LP doesn’t prompt much consumer recognition, and none of the industry sources with whom I spoke said they viewed it as being anywhere close to game-changing from a format perspective. Rather, it’s considered more of a curiosity.

Billboard.biz

Sensitive Simon Cowell shows his soft side as he comforts fellow American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi

He may sometimes come across as Mr Unemotional but Simon Cowell really does have a soft side.

Millions of Americans watched last night as he gently consoled his fellow American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi after she was reduced to tears by a contestant.

He hugged her close after former American football player Michael Lynche moved DioGuardi and wowed the panel with his rendition of the Maxwell song ‘This Woman’s Work.’

Daily Mail.co.uk

Hey, Ryan, Talk to the Dress

RYAN, Ryan, Ryan. It’s Journalism 101: who, what, when, where and why, as in, “Who are you wearing?”

Did Ryan Seacrest, 35, let down the fourth estate — or at least the fashion slice of it — when he failed to ask that question while interviewing many of the arriving celebrities on E!’s pre-Oscar show last Sunday?

Yes, according to the bloggerati, many of whom were dissing him even as the two-hour show “Live from the Red Carpet: The 2010 Academy Awards,” was being broadcast.

NY Times

Lythgoe tabbed for Philanthropy Award

Nigel Lythgoe is set to receive the Philanthropy Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation.

Kudo is part of the College Television Awards, which recognizes work by students around the country in the fields of video, digital and film production.

Event, held April 10 at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood, will be hosted by “Dancing With the Stars” emcee Tom Bergeron.

Variety.com

Bravo teams up with Mia Michaels, Darren Star

Former “So You Think You Can Dance” judge/choreographer Mia Michaels could be getting her own show on Bravo.

Michaels will be the subject of a docuseries that’s in development at the cable network, which on Wednesday (March 10) announced a slew of new projects and the return of several current shows. The new projects also include a couple of scripted shows — including one from “Sex and the City” creator Darren Star — a new “Real Housewives” franchise and a pair of food competition shows.

Zap2it.com

Adam Shankman’s (conflicted) Oscar Twitter thoughts

Throughout awards season, this year’s Oscars co-producer Adam Shankman kept his nearly 55,000 Twitter followers amused by sharing behind-the-scenes tidbits about working on the telecast, making up with enthusiasm what he lacked in punctuation and spelling.

It began in December: “Had dinner last night with Oscar cohosts steve martin and Alec Baldwin. Laughed so hard I almost passed out. This is gonna b goooood…”

LA Times

“American Idol” Alum Scott MacIntyre Pulls “Heartstrings” On New Album

Los Angeles, CA, United States (CNS) – Scott MacIntyre inspired millions when the near-blind 24-year-old made it all the way to the Top 8 of American Idol’s season eight. He’s now the fifth Idol from that season to release a full-length album, “Heartstrings,” which finds the classically trained performer taking a surprisingly radio-friendly pop-rock route.

“On ‘Idol,’ we did disco, Michael Jackson, country, and all this different stuff and we all tried to make it contemporary,” MacIntyre said. “But once I got on tour, I started to move more towards where I wanted to be musically.”

“Heartstrings,” which is available now on iTunes and on his website, finds MacIntyre leaning towards piano-heavy pop, experimenting for the first time with crunching guitars, heavy drums, and even some beats on the title track. “There’s moments where I pull back as well and have intimate moments, but I’ve always been captivated by sounds that really move you,” he says.

All Headlines

EXCLUSIVE: Adam Lambert Gets “Unplugged”… and We’re On The Scene!

When you hear the name Adam Lambert, plenty of words come to mind. Glamorous. Larger than life. Talent explosion. Cod piece. But perhaps one word that has never been previously associated with Lambert is “Unplugged.” In fact, if there’s one thing the guy is, it’s “Plugged.”

So when our boss broke the news that Adam would be the first of many musicians to headline the resurrection of VH1’s Unplugged series, mere days before the actual taping, and that I would be the only member of the press allowed past the rhinestoned curtain, well… looks like someone unplugged my enthusiasm for life and living and simply being.

Best Week Ever

‘American Idol’ Experts Predict Who’s Going Home Tonight

This year’s “American Idol” top 12 will be revealed on Thursday night’s (March 11) show, but not before the final four semifinalists are shown the door. Unlike previous weeks, when it was fairly obvious which two guys and two girls would be leaving the show, the competition has finally begun to get tighter, and making the call this week is a bit harder.

The decision seems pretty clear, though, to MTV News’ “Idol in 60 Seconds” honcho Jim Cantiello. “Paige Miles blew it,” he said of the singer who has been touted as having the strongest voice in the competition by the judges during the live shows after getting next-to-zero screen time in Hollywood. “For two weeks, we’ve heard the judges go on and on about her big voice. Then she finally tries to share it with America and chokes!”

MTV

American Idol 9 Top 8 Guys – Recap Roundup

mj — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:40:16 +0000

‘American Idol’s’ Kevin Covais picks his Top 12

Well here we are folks. Just one results show away from revealing the Top 12 finalists for Season 9 of “American Idol.” It doesn’t get much more exciting than this. Right? Or maybe it does?

Look, by no means do I want to be a buzz kill. I know the pressure of being on that stage and not always making the right choices. I feel like this season does have quite a few really talented and unique contestants, but at the same time I feel as though we have yet to see a lot of them reach their true potential.

Zap2it.com

‘American Idol’: Kara keeps crying, and Ellen keeps to herself on the scene at Top 8 boys night

The rest of the show unfolded with minimal fuss or fanfare through Toderick Hall’s Gleeky ”Somebody To Love.” The judges more-or-less remained in their seats for the rest of the show, in fact, until Big Mike took to the stage. He was barely past the falsetto opening of “This Woman’s Work” when Kara started her increasingly full-bodied reaction to the song. First, she started whispering to Simon. Then, she leaned in and pointed directly at Mike. And finally, she stood up with such force that I half expected her to exclaim, “Can I get an A-MEN?!” By the time Mike was over, the entire studio was following suit.

Entertainment Weekly

‘American Idol’ recap: Dudes, Where’s My Star?

Imagine a greasy slice of olive-loaf, a package of half-defrosted frozen green beans, and a bowl of two-day-old refrigerated oatmeal. Now imagine going to your favorite restaurant and having the aforementioned foodstuffs placed in front of you. You try to explain this isn’t what you ordered, try to send these unappealing items back to the kitchen, but everyone — the waiter, the manager, the busboy, and the chef — insists you’re turning your nose up at a delicious meal of filet mignon, haricots verts, and creamy polenta. You think to yourself: ”Am I going crazy? Am I losing touch with my senses? And why in holy hell is Kara DioGuardi crying?”

Entertainment Weekly

More recaps after the jump…keep checking back

‘Idol’ boys start swinging, but familiarity still rules

This much is, ahem, Crystal clear: The judges made a mistake by choosing too many girls with similar voices and styles. Sure, Lilly’s hair is silver and Didi’s is red, Lacey’s is short and Katelyn’s is curly, but Tuesday night’s snoozy and subdued episode proved there wasn’t nearly enough variety on one side of the gender divide.

LA Times

Blake Lewis: ‘Floored’ by Michael Lynche’s ‘This Woman’s Work’

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the opening of Wednesday’s American Idol. Ryan Seacrest went down the row of guys, calling out their names, trying to make it über-dramatic, just to reach the end of the line and say “This Is American Idol!” It was so cheesy I giggled.

Do you think Ryan likes saying that line still?

USA Today

Eight guys sing to survive on ‘American Idol’

The eight Guy Idolettes begin their night inside a deep freeze. They have all turned a pretty shade of blue; host Ryan Seacrest checks them, one by one, for freezer burn. Next, Seabiscuit moves over to the children’s play area to break up a fight between judges Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi in re which of them is leaning into the other’s space. Once their tantrum is over, the Idolettes can begin to sing:

Washington Post

‘American Idol’: The Top 8 Men

The short version: Casey James > Lee Dewyze > Michael Lynche > Todrick Hall > Andew Garcia > Tim Urban > Alex Lambert > Aaron Kelly.

That was important to get out of the way because Wednesday night’s show, the final one before this season’s top 12 is determined, was among the oddest in “Idol” history, a deeply unsettling and chaotic microcosm of all of this cursed season’s idiosyncrasies. So rather than revisit the performances – the best of which still didn’t touch Crystal Bowersox or Siobhan Magnus – it’s more important to map out the show’s greatest concerns.

NY Times

‘American Idol’ Recap: ‘Love’ Is The Answer For Todrick Hall

I have to say, the song spoilers that leaked this afternoon made me super excited for tonight’s show – and not in a nice way. I actually cackled. Simon Cowell winked in the intro. He knows what’s up.

Billboard.com

Guys’ night on ‘Idol’ feels like ‘Twilight Zone’

Wednesday night’s “American Idol” semifinal round was seriously one of the weirdest nights I can ever remember in the show’s nine years. It was like all the guys picked their numbers using the Random Song Generator, and all the judges got their reactions from a similar machine.

MSNBC

Michael Lynche Makes ‘American Idol’ His Own

Tonight’s episode of ‘American Idol‘ showcased the eight men remaining in the competition, and it was perhaps most notable for the musicians who were honored by the hopefuls who turned in the best performances. The bewitching Kate Bush, the soulful Maxwell, the sardonic Leonard Cohen, the quietly tortured Jeff Buckley, the flamboyant Freddie Mercury — all of them had their moments on American TV tonight, and let’s be honest, none of them would have even made it near the ‘Idol’ auditions in years prior to this one. Not because they’re not good — all are amazing, and deserve their places in the pop firmament — but because that wasn’t what the ‘Idol’ producers and viewers at home sought out.

Fancast

Michael Lynche’s ‘This Woman’s Work’ Brings Kara To Tears On ‘American Idol’

Praise from the “American Idol” judges is one thing, but tears? That’s when you know you’ve really nailed it.

And Michael Lynche definitely brought down the house Wednesday night (March 10) when he closed the top eight men’s live performances with a seductive, between-the-sheets cover of one of British singer Kate Bush’s most iconic tunes, “This Woman’s Work,” that made judge Kara DioGuardi openly weep.

MTV

‘American Idol’ Gets A Boost From Tim Urban, Michael Lynche

The top eight men took the stage on “American Idol” on Wednesday (March 10), a night when the front-runners staked a claim for their spots in the top 12, and the weaker members of the herd punched their tickets home. When the dust settled, Michael Lynche emerged emerged as the new one to beat with a performance so strong, it brought judge Kara DioGuardi to tears, and seeming also-ran Tim Urban possibly saved himself with his strongest performance to date.

MTV

American Idol top 8 recap, rankings, poll

The men have improved week in and week out, especially as we’ve weeded out the weaker ones. This was a decent night overall and a bit less sleepy compared to last night.

And Michael Lynche earned the pimp spot tonight, truly commanding the stage. Was it worhty of a cry? Maybe for Kara, not for me. But he made quite a statement and is pushing himself past Casey James and Andrew Garcia into top dog among the guys. .

ajc.com

Full Metal Idol: AI9 Top 16 (Guys)

Tonight’s American Idol shit show begins with Ryan Seacrest approaching each contestant, bathed in dramatic spotlights of blue, as if he is Gunnary Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermey) addressing the privates in Full Metal Jacket. Um, kind of, I guess. But you know, he’s shorter and not a Marine.

Top Idol

Top 16 Guys Recap – Can I Remember the Performances Without Looking at My Notes?

Well tonight officially cements American Idol as a waste of time. It always was, mind you. But tonight, the show basically said, “We don’t care to bring you good performances. We don’t care to bring you funny performances. We care to bring you tepid monotony. An hour of tepid monotony.” I’m not even remotely entertained. There was nothing to talk about. I feel that if I wasn’t taking notes, I wouldn’t have even remembered half of the performances. So I stepped away for half an hour and tried to remember the performances each person did. Let’s see how it went.

Vote For the Worst

Final 16 Boys Sing: “I don’t know whether to Laugh or to Love it.” No wait, I DO Know.

The judges’ tone-deaf inconsistencies and banalities continue and it’s frustrating because their comments seem to come completely out of the blue. It’s as if the producers haven’t decided how to confound the VFTW juggernaut, so they’re just throwing crap at the wall to see what sticks. Come on, boys. We need to know which Idols you want the lemmings to mindlessly vote for so we can do the opposite.

Man, they were really rushing through tonight’s show as if the Guys don’t matter at all. Oh, right…

Vote For The Worst

American Idol Recap: Meh Enough to Make a Grown Woman Cry

Last night’s American Idol found eight guys vying to make next week’s finals, and although this season’s men may not match the women in terms of talent, they certainly have provided the more interesting narrative arcs. Early front-runners now look like they might not even make the top twelve, and contestants who once seemed wildly unequipped to wow a crowd have become reliable and rewarding performers.

NY Magazine

American Idol 9 Top 12 Theme Is The Music Of The Rolling Stones

mj — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:41:04 +0000

Via Entertainment Weekly

EW has learned that American Idol’s Top 12 contestants will perform the music of the Rolling Stones next week. During an ad break at the top 8 guys performance show, Ryan Seacrest taped a radio promotion in which he mentioned that the first week for the 12 Idol finalists will feature songs by the iconic British rock group.

Let the song speculation begin!

American Idol 9 Top 8 Guys – Recap

mj — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:01:14 +0000

For the first time, the boys were better than the girls. They weren’t spectacular, but there were fewer WTF moments, and a genuine moment, from Michael Lynche. Generally, the guys did a better job of choosing songs than the girls did.

Tonight’s show was a real game changer for the guys. Who would have imagined Tim Urban, Alex Lambert and Todrick Hall as Top 12 contenders, with former front runner, Andrew Garcia in danger of elimination? At the onset of the semi-final competition, that would have been unimaginable…

Live blog and vids after the JUMP…

Ryan Seacrest walks the line of guys. Is he trying to psych the out? Anything to make sure they suck worse than the girls tonight. Heh.

Ryan to Simon: “I think Kara is your binky” Ooookay.

Lee Dewyze – “Fireflies” by Owl City – Lee’s got his guitar back this week. He’s still got some pitch problems, but I’ll admit right here and now, I like his vocals. He’s got a nice gruff quality to his timbre. Not crazy about his song choices, thought. Randy thought it was a strange song choice, but, “You made it work, man.” Ellen liked that he made it rock, “I think a lot of people like you…you’re adorable.” Kara says, “You look confident tonight, there’s a star bubbling…you made the song better.” Oh, Simon is teasing Kara. He thinks she’s Paula. Simon says, “There’s nothing to rave about…but I’ve seen the progress over three weeks…I think you are better than that version of the song.” Simon thinks Lee has a good chance of making the 12. – 1-866-436-5701 – VIDEO

Alex Lambert – “Trouble” by Ray Lamontagne – Alex has his guitar again. This version is a bit sound a like, but I’ll tell ya, this kid has a really good voice. A really cool rasp, and a nice tone. Seriously recordable. He’s going to sound fantastic on the mp3s. Last week was not a fluke. He’s got a good shot at the 12. Randy says, “Good song choice for you…I wasn’t jumping up and down…could have done more with it.” Ellen says, “You are becoming a mushy banana! You are consistently getting better and better and better. I love your innocense…you need more confidence, but don’t get cocky.” The only thing standing in the way of winning is you….you are still stiff you are not in it…we need vulnerability, let go.” Simon says, “You are so still concentrating on trying to deliver the performance…you have to imagine Randy in a bikini..you’ve got to stop staring down that lens…you’ve got a really distinct voice.” I agree with the judges, he still needs to loosen up. – 1-866-436-5702 – VIDEO

Tim Urban – “Hallelujah” by Tim Buckley – Erm. His phrasing sucks. Zzzzzz. But at least he’s staying mostly in key. That’s a victory. There are so many good versions of this song. And of course, he does not even begin to stack up. Randy says, “We’ve had some good times on this show with that song…you did pretty good.” Ellen runs up on stage to hug him, “That was fantastic!” Kara thought Tim was going home, “And now, I think you’re kind of in it. That was an honest interpretation, you showed it,” she says. Simon says, “I kins of feel responsible for you doing well tonight. Very very smart with that song…not the best version I’ve ever heard, but the strongest performance I’ve ever heard from you.” Ellen says she feels bad that she’s been so hard on him. It was the best he’s ever sounded, but I didn’t really dig that very much. I mean, why are we grading him on a curve? – 1-866-436-5703 – VIDEO

So far, the boys are better than the girls.

Andrew Garcia – “Genie In A Bottle” by Christina Aguilera – He tells Ryan that he just learned this song. I dunno, this is a little boring. Andrew gives the song a nice, touch, but ultimately he doesn’t do much with the song. He does have an interesting voice, but he’s under-utilizing it. ugh. Randy says, “Very interesting song choice, it didn’t quite work for me…a little pitchy all over the place, it had no range to it.” Randy likes his sweater. Ellen says, “I thought it was a great song choice, it was what you needed to do…it was at the end when I was ‘Oh that was great’” Kara says, “You peaked so early, and you’ve been chasing that ever since, you were fighting with the rhythm of the song.” Simon says, “For me, it really came over…it was a little bit desperate, you over thought it…you’re kind of still going backwards at the moment.” Andrew is never going to live down that freaking “Straight Up” thing he did in Hollywood. Seriously, it wasn’t THAT great – 1-866-436-5704 – VIDEO

Casey James – “You’ll Think of Me” by Keith Urban – Casey is sitting on a stool with an acoustic guitar. Gee, the guys are all folky tonight! Casey’s not having a water cooler moment, but he’s showcasing his voice nicely. He can sing. Randy says it was a safe choice. He thinks he should do something like Stevie Ray Vaughn. Ellen notes that he’s more comfortable sitting. She really liked it. Kara says, “I’m kinda back on the Casey train..it was honest, doing what you do best…I’m missing that spark, but a move in the right direction.” Simon says, “I would say it was your second best, it made you sincere, but we won’t be raving about it in 24 hours, but you sounded great.” – 1-866-436-5705 – VIDEO

Aaron Kelly – “I’m Already There” by Lonestar – Eep. This is NOT good. Shakey vocals, really pitchy. He’s a little better on the chorus, but he’s really just a mediocre singer. Blech. Randy says, “You got the makings of a great singer…you should work on the lower notes…a job well done, more work to do.” Ellen says, “I think you’ve sounded better, it was a little too much song for you.” Kara says, “That song…it’s in the 3rd person…it’s not relevant to your life.” Simon thinks Kara is full of crap. “It’s a beautiful song…it’s not a great vocal, it had emotion,” Simon cautions on confusing the contestants. Argh. I’m with Ellen and Kara on this one. I didn’t feel a connection to the song, and his vocal was weak. Another kid trying to play grownup – 1-866-436-5706 – VIDEO

Todrick Hall – “Somebody to Love” by Queen – Oh that transition from falsetto to chest voice? Really rough. Hm. This is a little weird for me. A hard song to sing. Good in spots, but I think Todrick took on more than he can handle. Randy says, “Todrick is back..dude you proved that you can really sing…one of the best vocals I’ve heard by a man.” Erm, no? Ellen says, “You are a brave young man…you made it like a gospel song, you did a good job.” Kara says, “It was really good singing, I didn’t know whether to love it or laugh at it….but the singing was good.” Simon said, “It was good in parts…but you are a Broadway singer…I see you more than that than a recording star.” Simon gives him points for moving around and not boring people. And, Simon says, he may have just saved himself. Oh noes. I hate this guy. – 1-866-436-5707 – VIDEO

Mike Lynche – “Women’s Work” – by Maxwelll (Kate Bush) – Oh, this is definitely THE performance of the night. Awesome vocal, and Mike is singing with such conviction and passion, and he’s just brimming with confidence. Very, very nice. Hello Top 12! Randy says, “I got to give it to you…this is crazy…it was dope….the last note…that was hot.” Ellen says, “OMG, that was so beautiful. You are the one to beat now.” Kara is crying. Holy f*ck, she really is turning into Paula! Simon says, “This was so needed tonight, it was all a bit boring, a bit worthy…it’s the best performance we’ve had of all these live shows.” – 1-866-436-5708 – VIDEO

The guys pwned the girls this week!

Adam Lambert – VH1 Unplugged Performances – VIDEO

mj — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:29:46 +0000

Vh1 Unplugged performances from Adam Lambert are now available!

After the jump: “Broken Open”, “Mad World” “Whataya Want From Me”, “Down The Rabbit Hole”, “Music Again” plus interviews! (You Tube via Miliac)

Bonus Interview: Funny interview with Australian radio DJs Andy and Adrian

Video after the JUMP…

“Whataya Want From Me”

“Broken Open”

“Music Again”

“Mad World”

“Down the Rabbit Hole”

Andy and Adrian

American Idol 9 Top 8 Guys – Song Spoilers

mj — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:19:28 +0000

Via Joes Place

(The comments are from the girl who attended dress rehearsal)

1 Lee – Fireflies by Owl City – really good, sounded great! Better LIVE than on tv!

2 Alex – Trouble by Lou M – great song choice, sounded sooo good LIVE

3 Tim – Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley – he’s an underdog, but this guy IMO is brilliant! BEST song he’s ever chosen, best he’s ever sounded

4 Andrew – Genie in a Bottle by Christina Aguilera – not completely impressed by how he sang it during rehearsals, really clever song choice, but hope he sings it better during the show

5 Casey – You’ll Think of Me by Keith Urban – there’s a huge hype about him, and I think he’s better LIVE than on TV, probably his best song choice IMO but still not completely sold on him

6 Aaron – I’m Already There by Lonestar – love tihis kid, he was soooo good during rehearsals! Hope he makes it through to the top 12! Proably his best song choice!

7 Todrick – Somebody to Love by Queen – ummm, not that great IMO, it was really indulgent, but I hope he cleans it up for the show and performs better, not terrible, just not my taste..

8 Big Mike – This Woman’s Work – I was shocked when I heard this song choice! This could make or break him – but he was sensational! I think he did Maxwell proud!

Jordin Sparks – ‘Turn This Car Around’ Plus Recording for Nick Jr.

mj — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:35:52 +0000

Jordin Sparks tweeted a link to a song she recorded last year for her latest album, Battlefield, called “Turn This Car Around”: “Oh, this is a song I recorded last year but didnt make the cut. Its still great! @claudekelly & Oak did this piece! ”

It’s not bad, as far as leftover songs go… Check it out below:

Jordin’s latest project? She tweeted today that she’s recording a song and some voice-overs for Nick Jr., “In the studio recording a voice-over & song for Nick Jr. TEAM UMIZOOMI! ”

The Cast of ‘If I Can Dream’ Meet Kradison in NYC

mj — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:35:14 +0000

In the second episode of the Simon Fuller produced online reality show, If I Can Dream, the cast meets Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta at the big Kradison concert in New York City last month.

The scene only lasts about a minute, but it’s the most exciting thing in the entire episode which you can watch in full HERE.