It's the end of an era on American Idol, as the audition process draws to its conclusion for the final time.
From the highs (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood) to the lows (Kenneth Briggs, Jonathan Jayne, damn right you sent them to the Super Bowl), the viral (William Hung, Larry Platt) to the Cowell-panned split decisions (Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry), all the way down to the vote-for-the-worst crowd that stuck around way too long (Sanjaya Malakar, Kevin Covais, Tim Urban), Idol auditions have been ingrained in pop culture for the past decade and a half.
From the highs (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood) to the lows (Kenneth Briggs, Jonathan Jayne, damn right you sent them to the Super Bowl), the viral (William Hung, Larry Platt) to the Cowell-panned split decisions (Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry), all the way down to the vote-for-the-worst crowd that stuck around way too long (Sanjaya Malakar, Kevin Covais, Tim Urban), Idol auditions have been ingrained in pop culture for the past decade and a half.
- 1/21/2016
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
A glittering purple unicorn landed smack in the middle of American Idol‘s Season 14 New Orleans audition stop — which in no way suggests that the show’s producers surprised us with a special return appearance by Nicki Minaj at the judges’ table. (People genuinely like Keith Urban, after all — they don’t want to see him break out into a Ptsd-induced panic attack.)
Rather, I’m talking about the Idoloonie Nation getting the all-too-rare opportunity to see a 2-to-1 vote against sending a contestant to Hollywood.
Don’t cry for 28-year-old Sarah Quintana, though. Sure, Keith was the only one...
Rather, I’m talking about the Idoloonie Nation getting the all-too-rare opportunity to see a 2-to-1 vote against sending a contestant to Hollywood.
Don’t cry for 28-year-old Sarah Quintana, though. Sure, Keith was the only one...
- 1/23/2015
- TVLine.com
We learned on Wednesday's Top 7 night that the current crop of American Idol stars probably aren't destined for starring roles in Rock of Ages, and that should sit well with all of them. But we learned on Thursday night's elimination show that life continues to be unfair for the pitch-perfect contestants left in the competition and wonderfully fortunate for that other guy. Spin your shiny little bow-tie, you meek little Mephistopheles. Here are 20 observations about Thursday's Coke-sponsored spectacle.
1. That group performance of "Somebody to Love" was, of course, stupid. Something about Janelle's aggressive smiley-ness is grating to me today. Also, Lazaro's voice seriously seems to be dwindling from week to week, while the vibrancy of his clashing apparel is holding steady at "completely jarring."
2. Did I say "Somebody to Love" sucked? Well, it did until Candice tore through it with the raging heavy machinery of her voice, leaving everyone else and their hapless grins decapitated.
1. That group performance of "Somebody to Love" was, of course, stupid. Something about Janelle's aggressive smiley-ness is grating to me today. Also, Lazaro's voice seriously seems to be dwindling from week to week, while the vibrancy of his clashing apparel is holding steady at "completely jarring."
2. Did I say "Somebody to Love" sucked? Well, it did until Candice tore through it with the raging heavy machinery of her voice, leaving everyone else and their hapless grins decapitated.
- 4/5/2013
- by virtel
- The Backlot
It's Detroit night on "American Idol," which is a great theme. However, so was the Beatles and we all know how that turned out. It's interesting that it's not limited to Motown -- so should we expect some Kid Rock and Eminem, then?
Smokey Robinson is the mentor this week. He's fantastic, though dude needs to lay off the nips and tucks. Also, Smokey always takes us back to this nightmare fuel from our childhood. Totally scared the crap out of us.
1. Candice Glover, "Heard it Through the Grapevine," Marvin Gaye
She's putting a bluesy spin on a very iconic Motown song, so hopefully it works. The opening few bars are fantastic -- the saxophone and her big, throaty voice. Then when the tempo kicks up, it's just very .... cool. Just smooth and hep cat and sexy, we love the way she effortlessly goes up into her upper register at moments.
Smokey Robinson is the mentor this week. He's fantastic, though dude needs to lay off the nips and tucks. Also, Smokey always takes us back to this nightmare fuel from our childhood. Totally scared the crap out of us.
1. Candice Glover, "Heard it Through the Grapevine," Marvin Gaye
She's putting a bluesy spin on a very iconic Motown song, so hopefully it works. The opening few bars are fantastic -- the saxophone and her big, throaty voice. Then when the tempo kicks up, it's just very .... cool. Just smooth and hep cat and sexy, we love the way she effortlessly goes up into her upper register at moments.
- 3/28/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
We’re finally past American Idol's pre-taped auditions and selectively-edited Hollywood Week. The field this year is wide open, with no distinct Scotty McCreery-esque favorite. But at last we can see the newest crop of judges, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj, handing out their critiques… live. That means we can now fairly compare them to their predecessors on the panel. Are they better? Are they worse? It's time to get all judgey on the judges — and not just on the new guys, but all the previous panelists, too.
Without further adieu, my ranking of every American Idol judge from best to worst. Of course I totally nailed it, but feel free to disagree in the comments.
#1 Simon Cowell
Week after week and year after year, we were on pins to hear what the curmudgeonly Brit was going to say about contestants. And with good reason: he was usually spot on.
Without further adieu, my ranking of every American Idol judge from best to worst. Of course I totally nailed it, but feel free to disagree in the comments.
#1 Simon Cowell
Week after week and year after year, we were on pins to hear what the curmudgeonly Brit was going to say about contestants. And with good reason: he was usually spot on.
- 3/13/2013
- by willpollock
- The Backlot
Thanks to 'American Idol' season 9 alum Tim Urban, we finally know what Taylor's next break up anthem will sound like, well sort of. Check out the video and tell us if you're totally digging it! Taylor Swift needs to look no further than Tim Urban for her future Harry Styles break up song. The reality star and crooner posted a video to YouTube that we must admit is pretty funny. He sings things like "He was the wrong direction with a beautiful face." Oh Tim, such a jokester. Taylor is known for writing songs about her exes: John Mayer, Joe Jonas, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Do you think Harry and Taylor will crash and burn into a new hit single? Check out the video and tell us if you're totally or never, ever going to listen to it again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FwafsBAuLzw...
- 12/10/2012
- by Chloe Melas
- HollywoodLife
First a Harry Styles fan channeled her Taylor Swift angst into an incredibly creative parody song. Now, "American Idol" alum Tim Urban has taken it one step further -- while we're all wondering what sort of song Swift will write about her One Direction beau after their inevitable breakup, Urban actually wrote the song.
The hilarious earnestness of his composition is just up Swift's alley, and we find it so delightful that we're not even going to call him out on using gossip about more famous people to boost his profile. We're just glad to be reminded that he exists.
23-year-old Urban made it into the Season 9 "American Idol" live rounds after another contestant was disqualified for lying on his application. He got all the way to the Top 7 artists before he was eliminated after performing Goo Goo Dolls' "Better Days."
Here are the lyrics to Urban's masterpiece, so...
The hilarious earnestness of his composition is just up Swift's alley, and we find it so delightful that we're not even going to call him out on using gossip about more famous people to boost his profile. We're just glad to be reminded that he exists.
23-year-old Urban made it into the Season 9 "American Idol" live rounds after another contestant was disqualified for lying on his application. He got all the way to the Top 7 artists before he was eliminated after performing Goo Goo Dolls' "Better Days."
Here are the lyrics to Urban's masterpiece, so...
- 12/9/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
The worst-kept secret in television is finally out of the see-through bag. Country superstar Keith Urban and rapper/singer/devotee of unsettling wigs Nicki Minaj will join pop diva Mariah Carey and Randy “Him Again?” Jackson on the American Idol Season 12 judges’ panel, a Fox spokesperson confirmed today.
“Nicki’s an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop. And Keith is another great addition to Idol – he’s one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him,” said Mike Darnell,...
“Nicki’s an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop. And Keith is another great addition to Idol – he’s one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him,” said Mike Darnell,...
- 9/16/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Next Wednesday on American Idol, the Top 4 will choose songs from California artists for a “California Dreamin’”-themed performance show. On Thursday’s results show, judge Jennifer Lopez will perform her new single “Dance Again” and season 7 champ David Cook will debut his new single “The Last Song I’ll Write for You.”
Carrie Underwood’s fourth album, Blown Away, is set to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart next week. It’s her third No. 1, following 2009’s Play On and 2007′s Carnival Ride. Her post-Idol debut, 2005′s Some Hearts debuted and peaked at No. 2. The new...
Carrie Underwood’s fourth album, Blown Away, is set to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart next week. It’s her third No. 1, following 2009’s Play On and 2007′s Carnival Ride. Her post-Idol debut, 2005′s Some Hearts debuted and peaked at No. 2. The new...
- 5/4/2012
- by MJ Santilli
- EW - Inside TV
The Top 7 are back on "American Idol" in the wake of Jessica Sanchez's save last week. Will it help her? Last year, Casey Abrams went quite a bit farther after his early elimination, but he's also a guy and we all know how hard it has gotten for the ladies on this show. We shall see.
Tonight each Idol is singing two songs, instead of any duets. Maybe last week they wanted that "Stronger" trio back and realized what a giant mistake that was.
1. Hollie Cavanagh, "Rolling in the Deep," Adele
For her contemporary song, Hollie is taking on Adele. Hmm. That's a bold choice right now, but when we close our eyes to just listen, this is actually pretty darn good. She's on pitch and there's an emotion behind her singing we haven't really heard much yet. Hollie finally seemed like not just a robot. And the judges,...
Tonight each Idol is singing two songs, instead of any duets. Maybe last week they wanted that "Stronger" trio back and realized what a giant mistake that was.
1. Hollie Cavanagh, "Rolling in the Deep," Adele
For her contemporary song, Hollie is taking on Adele. Hmm. That's a bold choice right now, but when we close our eyes to just listen, this is actually pretty darn good. She's on pitch and there's an emotion behind her singing we haven't really heard much yet. Hollie finally seemed like not just a robot. And the judges,...
- 4/19/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
There’s this weird part of the week — from Friday morning till Monday evening — when not a single major TV network airs a reality singing competition. It’s terrible, I know, but it also gives me a lot of time to ponder American Idol history. (Everyone does this in their free time, yes?) And my latest flight of Idol fancy got me mulling this question: Was Season 11′s Top 10 the strongest — top to bottom — in show history? Let’s examine:
For starters, I’d automatically rule out the five seasons with three or more Top 10 contestants who probably wouldn’t have outlasted Season 11′s No.
For starters, I’d automatically rule out the five seasons with three or more Top 10 contestants who probably wouldn’t have outlasted Season 11′s No.
- 3/26/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
American Idol is hyped as a showcase for great vocalists who could be hitmakers. That's dishonest. American Idol, most of the time, is a showcase for hot people who want your attention. And I confess: Some of them deserve it! Today I'm counting down the ten hottest dudes ever to take the Idol stage, and I'm offering pictorial proof too! Warm up your vocal cords and prepare to sing out in ecstasy, y'all.
10. Mario Vasquez
Ok, let's make a pact: If we forget the unnerving, deeply troubling scandal that erupted around season four Top 24 competitor Mario Vazquez (which forced him to drop out of the competition), we can simply admire his boyish, sweet looks like a nicely blended oil painting. His cover of "I Love Music" is deeply underrated, by the way. Listen to that. Not the creepy other stuff.
9. Adam Lambert
I find American Idol's most famously gay hollerer's getup cool and fun,...
10. Mario Vasquez
Ok, let's make a pact: If we forget the unnerving, deeply troubling scandal that erupted around season four Top 24 competitor Mario Vazquez (which forced him to drop out of the competition), we can simply admire his boyish, sweet looks like a nicely blended oil painting. His cover of "I Love Music" is deeply underrated, by the way. Listen to that. Not the creepy other stuff.
9. Adam Lambert
I find American Idol's most famously gay hollerer's getup cool and fun,...
- 3/14/2012
- by virtel
- The Backlot
In the real world, there are plenty of things a woman can say to signal she’s on the worst first date of her life: “I’d rather do anything else.” “I feel like I want to die.” “Holy Hell, what am I doing here?”
But on The Bachelor — where producers have carefully cataloged (and willingly exploit) every fear, phobia, and life trauma experienced by its participants — the overwhelming urge to evacuate one’s bowels in a state of pure, unadulterated terror is simply Step No. 1 on the path to”love feelings.” And that’s how Ph.D. student Emily,...
But on The Bachelor — where producers have carefully cataloged (and willingly exploit) every fear, phobia, and life trauma experienced by its participants — the overwhelming urge to evacuate one’s bowels in a state of pure, unadulterated terror is simply Step No. 1 on the path to”love feelings.” And that’s how Ph.D. student Emily,...
- 1/17/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Ah, American Idol. One of the only programs on television that manages to anger audiences even after the show has wrapped. As previously reported, season 9 winner Lee DeWyze and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe have engaged in a Twitter argument over the fact that DeWyze did not participate in the season 10 finale. (Lythgoe claimed he was too “shy” to get involved; DeWyze shot back that he wasn’t asked until two minutes before the show announced the winner. “I didnt feel a last second jump on stage was appropriate. It was Scotty’s moment,” he tweeted.) But DeWyze is hardly the...
- 5/27/2011
- by Kate Ward
- EW.com - PopWatch
Baby lock them doors and turn the lights down low, because tonight the tenth insane season of "American Idol" is coming to a close.
It’s a cycle that brought us singing cleaning ladies, a scatting jazz freak, a galloping Nashville indie heartthrob, a growling sex kitten piñata, a pyromaniac rocker, a gospel lovin' spa concierge straight out of Compton, and, ultimately, two country fetus finalists who were born after Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" hit stores. With Simon Cowell on to bigger (and better?) projects, all eyes were on two new judges, more concerned with promoting their new singles than giving honest critiques.
Welcome to "American Idol X: Everybody’s Ridiculous (And Beautiful And Perfect!)"
The two hour seven minute finale spectacular kicks off at 8pm Edt, and I’ll be live-blogging every hot mess moment of it! The random cameos! The jaw-dropping group numbers! Randy Jackson’s sure-to-be-absurd outfit!
It’s a cycle that brought us singing cleaning ladies, a scatting jazz freak, a galloping Nashville indie heartthrob, a growling sex kitten piñata, a pyromaniac rocker, a gospel lovin' spa concierge straight out of Compton, and, ultimately, two country fetus finalists who were born after Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" hit stores. With Simon Cowell on to bigger (and better?) projects, all eyes were on two new judges, more concerned with promoting their new singles than giving honest critiques.
Welcome to "American Idol X: Everybody’s Ridiculous (And Beautiful And Perfect!)"
The two hour seven minute finale spectacular kicks off at 8pm Edt, and I’ll be live-blogging every hot mess moment of it! The random cameos! The jaw-dropping group numbers! Randy Jackson’s sure-to-be-absurd outfit!
- 5/26/2011
- by Jim Cantiello
- MTV Newsroom
'American Idol': Scotty and Lauren duke it out in the Nokia, on the scene for the performance finale
In seasons past, the scene outside the Nokia Theater La Live in the hour leading up to the performance finale resembled a kind of carnival of Idols past — Hey, it’s Anoop! And… that one kooky girl from Hollywood week! No, the other one! — with a general feeling of excitement and occasion stirring among the crowd waiting to get into the theater. Perhaps I’m just projecting my own indifferent indifference about the season 10 finale here (I simply don’t care about the fact that I don’t care), but yesterday’s scene was far more subdued in comparison. I...
- 5/25/2011
- by Adam B. Vary
- EW.com - PopWatch
So he kept his personal life under wraps: 'It's just about the music.'
By Jim Cantiello
Jacob Lusk
Photo: MTV News
Throughout the 10 seasons of "American Idol," contestants have won over viewers in a variety of ways. Casey James took off his shirt. Tim Urban slid across the stage. And countless others, ranging from season one's Jim Verraros to season 10 also-ran Chris Medina, have shared their personal lives and hardships as a way to inspire viewers.
But recently eliminated Jacob Lusk — whose life has had enough drama for at least three Tyler Perry movies — was dead-set on gaining a fanbase using one thing and one thing only: his voice.
"I didn't want to be a charity case," Lusk told MTV News on Monday afternoon (May 9). "I didn't want to use my father's death or my mom starting on welfare and going to college or getting her degree or me...
By Jim Cantiello
Jacob Lusk
Photo: MTV News
Throughout the 10 seasons of "American Idol," contestants have won over viewers in a variety of ways. Casey James took off his shirt. Tim Urban slid across the stage. And countless others, ranging from season one's Jim Verraros to season 10 also-ran Chris Medina, have shared their personal lives and hardships as a way to inspire viewers.
But recently eliminated Jacob Lusk — whose life has had enough drama for at least three Tyler Perry movies — was dead-set on gaining a fanbase using one thing and one thing only: his voice.
"I didn't want to be a charity case," Lusk told MTV News on Monday afternoon (May 9). "I didn't want to use my father's death or my mom starting on welfare and going to college or getting her degree or me...
- 5/9/2011
- MTV Music News
The role call of seventh-place finishers on American Idol ranges from the back-to-back eyes-wide-open nightmares of Sanjaya Malakar and Kristy Lee Cook in Seasons 6 and 7 to the remarkable success story of Season 3 Wild Card Jennifer Hudson, who overcame the Pepto-Bismol Dress From Hell to scale Oscar- and Grammy-winning heights. In between those two extremes, though, the not-so-lucky No. 7 spot has been occupied by singers who showed early promise, then flamed out (Anwar Robinson, Kimberly Caldwell) and those whose “package artist” good looks carried them further than their vocal abilities might’ve otherwise suggested (Ryan Starr, Tim Urban, Ace Young). (Nope,...
- 4/22/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Filed under: American Idol, Features
Now 10 seasons in, 'American Idol' has had its fair share of innovators -- those willing to risk it all and sing outside the box.
And while some Idols' inventive interpretations took too many artistic liberties with the source material, (Tim Urban's 'Under My Thumb,' anyone?) others found putting a fresh spin an old classic set them apart from their 'Idol' also-rans.
Here's our picks for 'American Idol''s top 10 freshest performances and a look back at how these big gambles changed the 'Idol' game. And don't forget to check out 'American Idol''s Top 10 Freshest Faces!
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments...
Now 10 seasons in, 'American Idol' has had its fair share of innovators -- those willing to risk it all and sing outside the box.
And while some Idols' inventive interpretations took too many artistic liberties with the source material, (Tim Urban's 'Under My Thumb,' anyone?) others found putting a fresh spin an old classic set them apart from their 'Idol' also-rans.
Here's our picks for 'American Idol''s top 10 freshest performances and a look back at how these big gambles changed the 'Idol' game. And don't forget to check out 'American Idol''s Top 10 Freshest Faces!
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments...
- 4/11/2011
- by Hilary Rothing
- Aol TV.
At Reality Rocks 2011, the "American Idol" panel touched on a lot of different topics; highlights can be found here. But we thought one subject that came up deserved to be singled out - the subject of blogs.
Moderator Shirley Halperin asked Season 9 contestants Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Michael Lynche, Tim Urban and Paige Miles if they read the blogs (which they are advised not to do) and how it affected them.
Tim Urban, who blogs were not particularly kind to during their season, says, "You realize that the blogs are there just to pick apart your performance. They're not there to say what you did well, they're just there to point out what you did bad."
We aren't sure we totally agree with that assessment. When we recap the show here at Zap2it, we try to mention the good and the bad. As far as Tim Urban goes, we did criticize him quite often,...
Moderator Shirley Halperin asked Season 9 contestants Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Michael Lynche, Tim Urban and Paige Miles if they read the blogs (which they are advised not to do) and how it affected them.
Tim Urban, who blogs were not particularly kind to during their season, says, "You realize that the blogs are there just to pick apart your performance. They're not there to say what you did well, they're just there to point out what you did bad."
We aren't sure we totally agree with that assessment. When we recap the show here at Zap2it, we try to mention the good and the bad. As far as Tim Urban goes, we did criticize him quite often,...
- 4/10/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
One of the first panels at Reality Rocks 2011 was a round-table discussion with "American Idol" Season 9 alumni Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Michael Lynche, Tim Urban and Paige Miles.
The group is very obviously close - they were laughing and joking with each other. The sense of camaraderie was palpable as they spoke about their experiences on the show.
Here are a few highlights:
Big Mike, on seeing the judges for the first time in auditions: "I remember thinking Simon was pretty. He was so pretty. They were like cartoon characters, they were all so pretty."
Didi, on keeping her inclusion in hte Top 24 a secret: "The only people that knew were my brother and my mom before the show aired. My dad didn't know, he can't keep a secret."
Katie, on how hard it is when the judges are contradictory: "Simon's like, 'You should be country,' and Kara's like,...
The group is very obviously close - they were laughing and joking with each other. The sense of camaraderie was palpable as they spoke about their experiences on the show.
Here are a few highlights:
Big Mike, on seeing the judges for the first time in auditions: "I remember thinking Simon was pretty. He was so pretty. They were like cartoon characters, they were all so pretty."
Didi, on keeping her inclusion in hte Top 24 a secret: "The only people that knew were my brother and my mom before the show aired. My dad didn't know, he can't keep a secret."
Katie, on how hard it is when the judges are contradictory: "Simon's like, 'You should be country,' and Kara's like,...
- 4/9/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
"American Idol" has a problem. We've all seen it the past several seasons. The female contestants as a group cannot compete with the male contestants. Is it because they are less talented? No.
The main problem is that the voting methods have changed. In the first few seasons of "Idol," the only voting method was to call in. There were no text votes, there was no online voting. Therefore older fans were on a level playing field with younger fans. Let's be honest - older fans do not by and large know how to text or are on Facebook.
My mother is a prime example. She loves "Idol." She votes. She actually takes notes about who she liked and writes down their numbers and will vote multiple times for people she thought did the best job. But therein lies the rub. "Multiple times" for my mother is like 10 because A...
The main problem is that the voting methods have changed. In the first few seasons of "Idol," the only voting method was to call in. There were no text votes, there was no online voting. Therefore older fans were on a level playing field with younger fans. Let's be honest - older fans do not by and large know how to text or are on Facebook.
My mother is a prime example. She loves "Idol." She votes. She actually takes notes about who she liked and writes down their numbers and will vote multiple times for people she thought did the best job. But therein lies the rub. "Multiple times" for my mother is like 10 because A...
- 4/8/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Was that Pia’s name I heard? Did America really just send home this season’s most consistently impressive singer? And where was Source Code’s time-traveling Jake Gyllenhaal when we needed him? Yup, it was all happening, and it was all so wrong.
A number of theories will circulate. Maybe Pia appeared to be such a solid frontrunner that viewers thought she didn’t need their help. Maybe Jennifer Lopez’s positive-but-constructive critique of Pia’s “River Deep — Mountain High” performance sent the wrong message to Americans. And, most likely, maybe it’s because a significant bulk of Idol...
A number of theories will circulate. Maybe Pia appeared to be such a solid frontrunner that viewers thought she didn’t need their help. Maybe Jennifer Lopez’s positive-but-constructive critique of Pia’s “River Deep — Mountain High” performance sent the wrong message to Americans. And, most likely, maybe it’s because a significant bulk of Idol...
- 4/8/2011
- by John Young
- EW.com - PopWatch
By now you know, or have heard, that Pia Toscano is the most recent victim of American Idol. If you ask Ryan Seacrest, we only have ourselves to blame. But I'm not entirely surely that's true. So much has changed this season about American Idol, that it's hard to pinpoint what feels so fishy about Season 10.
It's the most talented group we've ever seen, right? And the judges are better than ever, right? So why am I missing Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and yes, even contestants like Sanjaya and Tim Urban, especially this week? Pia Toscano's elimination woke me up and made me realize that while it's incredibly upsetting to see her go home, it was a bit of drama necessary to keep us interested in the show. With everyone being so talented and so nice this year, it was becoming a bit of a bland season. Even Steven Tyler...
It's the most talented group we've ever seen, right? And the judges are better than ever, right? So why am I missing Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and yes, even contestants like Sanjaya and Tim Urban, especially this week? Pia Toscano's elimination woke me up and made me realize that while it's incredibly upsetting to see her go home, it was a bit of drama necessary to keep us interested in the show. With everyone being so talented and so nice this year, it was becoming a bit of a bland season. Even Steven Tyler...
- 4/7/2011
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
Two contestants on American Idol will be sent home tonight. The judges save is no longer in play. The stress could not be more intense. Why am I typing like Ryan Seacrest talks? Why do we do anything in this world?
While you ponder that existential question, a brief tour of recent Idol history: When Matt Giraud was saved during Top 7 week in Season 8, wild card contestant Anoop Desai and early producer favorite/frontrunner Lil Rounds were sent home the next week. When Michael Lynche was saved during Top 9 week in Season 9, very early producer favorites/frontrunners Andrew Garcia and...
While you ponder that existential question, a brief tour of recent Idol history: When Matt Giraud was saved during Top 7 week in Season 8, wild card contestant Anoop Desai and early producer favorite/frontrunner Lil Rounds were sent home the next week. When Michael Lynche was saved during Top 9 week in Season 9, very early producer favorites/frontrunners Andrew Garcia and...
- 3/31/2011
- by Adam B. Vary
- EW.com - PopWatch
Simon Cowell’s latest project, a Us version of the hit UK talent show X Factor, has been feverishly looking for the right combination of a host and judges to get the show started on the right foot. There have been a lot of rumors that ended up being not true, but now it seems that after La Reid was signed to be the first judge, now Enrique Iglesias has been approached to take on the role of host.
It’s curious that they’ve chosen a musician to be the host and not a judge. I wonder how Enrique feels about that? Not that his career has been going so well of late – it might be the best offer he’s had in a while.
This content is copyrighted by Snark Food.
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Related Articles at Snark Food:He’s Got the X-Factor – Danyl Johnson VideoSimon Cowell ‘Very Sad’ About...
It’s curious that they’ve chosen a musician to be the host and not a judge. I wonder how Enrique feels about that? Not that his career has been going so well of late – it might be the best offer he’s had in a while.
This content is copyrighted by Snark Food.
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Related Articles at Snark Food:He’s Got the X-Factor – Danyl Johnson VideoSimon Cowell ‘Very Sad’ About...
- 3/18/2011
- by AlexisJ
- SnarkFood.com
Some of America’s favorite stars as seen on American Idol, The Real World, Survivor, The Amazing Race, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and top shows from Food Network, Cooking Channel and Bravo have been added to the previously announced lineup of stars, which include Nick Cannon, Adrianne Curry, Christopher Knight, DeAnna Pappas, Audrina Patridge, Eric Roberts and Karina Smirnoff for the inaugural Reality Rocks Expo, the ultimate reality TV Experience, about the fans, for the fans and by the fans. The Reality Rocks Expo will feature two jam-packed days filled with previews of brand new television shows, meet & greets with everyone’s favorite reality TV stars, insightful panel discussions as well as a special VIP Awards program for the Reality Rocks Fan Awards honoring fans’ favorite talent and programs when the expo comes to the Los Angeles Convention Center April 9-10, 2011. For an updated list of scheduled events and to...
- 3/10/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (realitytvnews)
Thursday night (March 3), "American Idol" announced its Top 13 finalists. The first 10 were the top five male and female vote-getters, then the judges picked three Wild Cards after a live sing-off. What do you think of this format of having only one round of semi-finals?
We don't like it. We don't hate it either, but overall, we prefer to see the finalists perform more than once in the semi-final round.
The dangerous thing about this format, which is similar to Season 8 except it had a smaller pool of semi-finalists and was condensed to one week instead of strung out over four weeks, is that each finalist had to put forth only one good performance to make the finals. That opens the door for someone to get through who maybe isn't that good, but just had a good night. So far, it looks as though all the people who advanced are strong singers,...
We don't like it. We don't hate it either, but overall, we prefer to see the finalists perform more than once in the semi-final round.
The dangerous thing about this format, which is similar to Season 8 except it had a smaller pool of semi-finalists and was condensed to one week instead of strung out over four weeks, is that each finalist had to put forth only one good performance to make the finals. That opens the door for someone to get through who maybe isn't that good, but just had a good night. So far, it looks as though all the people who advanced are strong singers,...
- 3/4/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Adam Lambert has confirmed that he will be making a performance on this year’s season of American Idol.
The Grammy nominated singer finished in second place on the 2009 season of the hit Fox singing show and returned last year to mentor the likes of Crystal Bowersox, Tim Urban and Lee DeWyze.
Taking to Twitter yesterday Lambert revealed that he has been invited back once more and informed fans that he will be giving a performance of his newest single ‘Aftermath.’
He wrote:
Hey guess what?! I will be performing “Aftermath” on American Idol on Thursday, March 10!
Later adding:
Gonna take it down acoustic style. Then remix will be avail that day on adamofficial.com
Adam has remixed the previous album track and will re-release it this Spring, donating a portion of the proceeds to The Trevor Project.
Adam’s pal Markus Molinari posted the news on his blog the...
The Grammy nominated singer finished in second place on the 2009 season of the hit Fox singing show and returned last year to mentor the likes of Crystal Bowersox, Tim Urban and Lee DeWyze.
Taking to Twitter yesterday Lambert revealed that he has been invited back once more and informed fans that he will be giving a performance of his newest single ‘Aftermath.’
He wrote:
Hey guess what?! I will be performing “Aftermath” on American Idol on Thursday, March 10!
Later adding:
Gonna take it down acoustic style. Then remix will be avail that day on adamofficial.com
Adam has remixed the previous album track and will re-release it this Spring, donating a portion of the proceeds to The Trevor Project.
Adam’s pal Markus Molinari posted the news on his blog the...
- 3/4/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
The inaugural Reality Rocks Expo has announced its first wave of reality-tv stars and personalities attending, and it features a number of recognizable faces from the genre.
Among those in attendance at the convention, scheduled for April 9-10 in Los Angeles, are Audrina Patridge of "The Hills" and "Dancing With the Stars," former "Bachelorette" DeAnna Pappas, producer and "America's Got Talent" host Nick Cannon, "Dwts" host Tom Bergeron and professional dancer Karina Smirnoff and several "American Idol" Season 9 alumni, including Didi Benami, Michael Lynche, Tim Urban and Katie Stevens.
Patridge is hosting an advance screening of her new VH1 series "Audrina," followed by a Q-and-a with fans, while Cannon will preview "Son of a Gun," an MTV series he's producing about on-the-rise rapper Cory Gunz, who will also be in attendance. Other stars will take part in panel discussions and autograph sessions, and fans will also have the chance to...
Among those in attendance at the convention, scheduled for April 9-10 in Los Angeles, are Audrina Patridge of "The Hills" and "Dancing With the Stars," former "Bachelorette" DeAnna Pappas, producer and "America's Got Talent" host Nick Cannon, "Dwts" host Tom Bergeron and professional dancer Karina Smirnoff and several "American Idol" Season 9 alumni, including Didi Benami, Michael Lynche, Tim Urban and Katie Stevens.
Patridge is hosting an advance screening of her new VH1 series "Audrina," followed by a Q-and-a with fans, while Cannon will preview "Son of a Gun," an MTV series he's producing about on-the-rise rapper Cory Gunz, who will also be in attendance. Other stars will take part in panel discussions and autograph sessions, and fans will also have the chance to...
- 3/2/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Twelve shipwrecked guys are treading water amid a swarm of ravenous sharks, when suddenly, a luxury yacht pulls up alongside them. “Darling, your bathing suits are divine!” exclaims a glamorous actress, peering down from the deck. “Dude, your backstroke is bitchin’!” says the rock star alongside her. “Way to throw caution to the wind and do your thing, dawgs!” says their pal the music producer, sipping from a tall Coca-Cola glass. Welcome to the American Idol season 10 men’s semifinal — life boats not included!
Okay, okay, I’m probably sounding harsher than I’d intended. After all, of the dozen...
Okay, okay, I’m probably sounding harsher than I’d intended. After all, of the dozen...
- 3/2/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
"American Idol" Top 24 celebrated their achievement with a prom held at the Roosevelt in Hollywood on Friday, February 24. Twelve women and eleven men, minus Casey Abrams who was hospitalized for stomach pains, were surprised with a new Motorola Atrix 4G, along with a lapdock and multimedia HD dock, as well as one year of free wireless service from the sponsor, At&T.
The bash also attracted the attendance of celebrities as well as former "Idol" contestants. Among the stars who support the show were Dr. Drew, Antonio Sabato Jr., Ashley Argota, Lacey Schwimmer, Tyler Blackburn and Thomas Dekker. Faces from the show's past included Ace Young, Allison Iraheta, Andrew Garcia, Constantine Maroulis, Scott MacIntyre and Tim Urban.
The Top 12 men were scheduled to tape the performance for next week's episode earlier that day. Abrams, who was discharged from the hospital on Friday afternoon, managed to squeeze two rehearsals and is expected to perform as planned.
The bash also attracted the attendance of celebrities as well as former "Idol" contestants. Among the stars who support the show were Dr. Drew, Antonio Sabato Jr., Ashley Argota, Lacey Schwimmer, Tyler Blackburn and Thomas Dekker. Faces from the show's past included Ace Young, Allison Iraheta, Andrew Garcia, Constantine Maroulis, Scott MacIntyre and Tim Urban.
The Top 12 men were scheduled to tape the performance for next week's episode earlier that day. Abrams, who was discharged from the hospital on Friday afternoon, managed to squeeze two rehearsals and is expected to perform as planned.
- 2/26/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Was Thursday night's (February 3) episode of "American Idol" the worst ever?!
That was the collective kvetch on the Internet after season 10's Los Angeles auditions aired. Could that bold declaration actually be true? Let's break down the hour and take a closer look.
Here's everything that was awesome on Thursday night's episode: Randy Jackson's gold shoes.
Here's everything that made me want to personally recreate Butthole Surfers' Electriclarryland album cover: Everything else.
Granted, six hours into the season, we're all suffering from Audition Episode Fatigue Syndrome (or Aefs). (Symptoms include daydreaming about Paris Bennett, engaging in a Twitter party with an "Idol" winner's dog, dizziness, nausea and having the sudden urge to explore the 600 section of your cable package.) But good TV trumps being burned out. Case in point: The "Real Housewives" series. I feel like I've been watching this franchise continuously for three years now, but as...
That was the collective kvetch on the Internet after season 10's Los Angeles auditions aired. Could that bold declaration actually be true? Let's break down the hour and take a closer look.
Here's everything that was awesome on Thursday night's episode: Randy Jackson's gold shoes.
Here's everything that made me want to personally recreate Butthole Surfers' Electriclarryland album cover: Everything else.
Granted, six hours into the season, we're all suffering from Audition Episode Fatigue Syndrome (or Aefs). (Symptoms include daydreaming about Paris Bennett, engaging in a Twitter party with an "Idol" winner's dog, dizziness, nausea and having the sudden urge to explore the 600 section of your cable package.) But good TV trumps being burned out. Case in point: The "Real Housewives" series. I feel like I've been watching this franchise continuously for three years now, but as...
- 2/4/2011
- by Jim Cantiello
- MTV Newsroom
"American Idol" is here and Zap2it has been taking a stroll down memory lane to re-evaluate the previous nine seasons.
We're breaking it down into four categories: Best Performance, Worst Performance, Most Underrated Idol and most Overrated Idol. At the end, we will decide how the season stacks up against the rest, rating it as great, good, or not-so-good.
We've looked back at Season 1 (yay Kelly!), Season 2 (aww, Clay and Ruben!), the black hole that was Season 3, one of our favorite Top 2 in Season 4, and Soul Patrol-ed Season 5. We took a look back at beatboxin' Season 6, the David vs. David finale of Season 7 and the game-changing season of Glambert.
Now let's look at Simon's last season.
Season 9 contestants in order of elimination:
Lacey Brown
Paige Miles
Didi Benami
Andrew Garcia
Katie Stevens
Tim Urban
Siobhan Magnus
Aaron Kelly
Michael Lynche
Casey James
Crystal Bowersox
Lee DeWyze (winner)
Best performance: "Falling Slowly,...
We're breaking it down into four categories: Best Performance, Worst Performance, Most Underrated Idol and most Overrated Idol. At the end, we will decide how the season stacks up against the rest, rating it as great, good, or not-so-good.
We've looked back at Season 1 (yay Kelly!), Season 2 (aww, Clay and Ruben!), the black hole that was Season 3, one of our favorite Top 2 in Season 4, and Soul Patrol-ed Season 5. We took a look back at beatboxin' Season 6, the David vs. David finale of Season 7 and the game-changing season of Glambert.
Now let's look at Simon's last season.
Season 9 contestants in order of elimination:
Lacey Brown
Paige Miles
Didi Benami
Andrew Garcia
Katie Stevens
Tim Urban
Siobhan Magnus
Aaron Kelly
Michael Lynche
Casey James
Crystal Bowersox
Lee DeWyze (winner)
Best performance: "Falling Slowly,...
- 1/20/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Remember six years ago, when "Hallelujah" wasn't the default song for... everything? We blame the Season 1 finale of "The O.C.," because now it's everywhere. "American Idol" contestants tend to whip it out when they're in dire need of saving (hello, Tim Urban) because "Hallelujah" is the opiate for the masses.
The first to tackle it in Season 10 was the very first audition of the season, 22-year-old Rachel from New York. The 22 year old had previously auditioned - and made it to Hollywood - in Season 6. She was booted in the first Hollywood round.
"I kind of thought it was destiny telling me this wasn't the best path for me," Rachel says. Then she had a change of heart. "What the hell is wrong with me? Since when do I give up on anything?"
"I remember you. You can sing. Me and Marc were sitting at home and we were like,...
The first to tackle it in Season 10 was the very first audition of the season, 22-year-old Rachel from New York. The 22 year old had previously auditioned - and made it to Hollywood - in Season 6. She was booted in the first Hollywood round.
"I kind of thought it was destiny telling me this wasn't the best path for me," Rachel says. Then she had a change of heart. "What the hell is wrong with me? Since when do I give up on anything?"
"I remember you. You can sing. Me and Marc were sitting at home and we were like,...
- 1/20/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
In addition to new "American Idol" judges, in-house mentor Jimmy Iovine and contestants not being forced to sing all different genres, the singers will now be made to try their hands at music videos and to work with a band and dancers for an awards show-style performance, executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe tells TV Guide.
Nigel also says that instead of a Top 24, the show will now go straight to a Top 12. Whether that means the Top 12 will come straight out of Hollywood Week or that there will be something in between Hollywood Week and the Top 12 remains to be seen.
"I didn't think [the top 24] were very good, I was bored with them by the time they got there," Lythgoe says of previous seasons.
These changes have us excited for two reasons:
1. The music videos and awards show-style performances open the door up for trainwrecks of epic proportions. Not that we want to see kids fail,...
Nigel also says that instead of a Top 24, the show will now go straight to a Top 12. Whether that means the Top 12 will come straight out of Hollywood Week or that there will be something in between Hollywood Week and the Top 12 remains to be seen.
"I didn't think [the top 24] were very good, I was bored with them by the time they got there," Lythgoe says of previous seasons.
These changes have us excited for two reasons:
1. The music videos and awards show-style performances open the door up for trainwrecks of epic proportions. Not that we want to see kids fail,...
- 11/18/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
"American Idol" Season 9 finalist Tim Urban is releasing a six-track Ep -- one song will be out every day until next Saturday (Nov. 13). The first release is "Heart of Me," which will be on iTunes starting Monday (Nov. 8), but you can listen to the ballad on Neon Limelight's website. "Heart of Me" is also the title of the Ep.
The rest of Tim's tracks are: "P.S.," "Blur," "Lullaby," "Wheels Touch Down" and "I and You" and they will be released Tuesday through Saturday following the release of "Heart of Me."
"I wrote 'Heart of Me' while I was on tour," Tim tells Neon Limelight. "I was in my hotel room and all I could think about was home and my family. It hit me that while I was out traveling the country doing what I love, a big part of my heart was back home with them."
What do you think,...
The rest of Tim's tracks are: "P.S.," "Blur," "Lullaby," "Wheels Touch Down" and "I and You" and they will be released Tuesday through Saturday following the release of "Heart of Me."
"I wrote 'Heart of Me' while I was on tour," Tim tells Neon Limelight. "I was in my hotel room and all I could think about was home and my family. It hit me that while I was out traveling the country doing what I love, a big part of my heart was back home with them."
What do you think,...
- 11/7/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Yesterday, you logged onto PopWatch in droves to tell us who you thought deserved the title of 2010′s most under-appreciated TV and movie actors. Well, now it’s time to tell us who you think should be crowned the most under-appreciated reality personality of 2010. As So You Think You Can Dance’s resident recapper, it’s tough for me to avoid nominating the fantastic Cat Deeley, whose cheery demeanor and unabashed love for the contestants has given us, well, Cat Deeley chills season after season. Yet, the host has yet to be awarded for her more-than-respectable duties on the series.
- 10/29/2010
- by Kate Ward
- EW.com - PopWatch
Courtesy of ABC
What the heck happened on the Dancing with the Stars Oct. 26 result show? Two of the best girls were in the bottom — Audrina Patridge got the boot!
Thank goodness I didn’t put money on Dancing with the Stars Oct. 26 — I would have lost big time! Going into the results show, I would have put Rick Fox, Kurt Warner or Bristol Palin in the bottom of the competition, but America felt otherwise. Two of the strongest dancers, Audrina Patridge and Jennifer Grey, were in the bottom two — and Audrina got the boot! Shocking!
Although she was technically fantastic, I always referred to the 25-year-old reality starlet as “the hot dancing snooze” — she lacked charisma on the dance floor. On the other hand, Jennifer, 50, is definitely the front-runner of the season. Just because she had one lousy night Oct. 25, America majorly punished her and didn’t vote…what a bummer!
What the heck happened on the Dancing with the Stars Oct. 26 result show? Two of the best girls were in the bottom — Audrina Patridge got the boot!
Thank goodness I didn’t put money on Dancing with the Stars Oct. 26 — I would have lost big time! Going into the results show, I would have put Rick Fox, Kurt Warner or Bristol Palin in the bottom of the competition, but America felt otherwise. Two of the strongest dancers, Audrina Patridge and Jennifer Grey, were in the bottom two — and Audrina got the boot! Shocking!
Although she was technically fantastic, I always referred to the 25-year-old reality starlet as “the hot dancing snooze” — she lacked charisma on the dance floor. On the other hand, Jennifer, 50, is definitely the front-runner of the season. Just because she had one lousy night Oct. 25, America majorly punished her and didn’t vote…what a bummer!
- 10/27/2010
- by Kirstin Benson
- HollywoodLife
Check out the moment when the final 32 X Factor acts discovered who would be mentoring their group.
It was revealed on Sunday’s bootcamp show that Dannii Minogue will be mentoring the boys, Cheryl Cole has the girls, Simon Cowell will look after the groups and Louis Walsh has been landed with the older acts.
Diva Fever admitted that they were shocked and somewhat disappointed when they discovered that Simon Cowell would be over their category.
They told Phillip and Holly on This Morning:
“When he walked down those steps, we were thinking ‘I hope it’s Cheryl’ because it had been rumoured that she would be our judge. Then the doors opened and Simon walked down with those shades on and I turned round to Craig and said “we are f*cked!”
Louis Walsh was dejected when he discovered he would be looking after the over 28′s. He lamented:...
It was revealed on Sunday’s bootcamp show that Dannii Minogue will be mentoring the boys, Cheryl Cole has the girls, Simon Cowell will look after the groups and Louis Walsh has been landed with the older acts.
Diva Fever admitted that they were shocked and somewhat disappointed when they discovered that Simon Cowell would be over their category.
They told Phillip and Holly on This Morning:
“When he walked down those steps, we were thinking ‘I hope it’s Cheryl’ because it had been rumoured that she would be our judge. Then the doors opened and Simon walked down with those shades on and I turned round to Craig and said “we are f*cked!”
Louis Walsh was dejected when he discovered he would be looking after the over 28′s. He lamented:...
- 9/28/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
The United Center in Chicago played host to American Idol (TV)'s top ten Saturday night, with a hometown boy at the helm. Winner Lee DeWyze, who hails from suburban Mt. Prospect, Il. topped the list of Season 9 finalists who sang their way through a series of individual and group performances that had Idol fans chanting for their seasonal faves. The show followed it's traditional countdown format beginning with contestant number ten and working its way up to the winner. Opening the show was Didi Benami, whose second song, "Terrified" by Katharine McPhee out-did her first, Kyler England's "Lay it on Me." Andrew Garcia, a sentimental favorite during the show's run, received a warm reception from his camp as he stylistically toyed around with Paula Abdul's "Straight Up." At number 8 was Katie Stevens who wowed the boy crowd with a black rubber-like mini-dress and stiletto black boots. The raven-haired...
- 8/31/2010
- by jmaurer@corp.popstar.com (Jennifer Maurer)
- PopStar
Controversy over use of pitch-correction software on 'X Factor' causes show to release statement.
By Gil Kaufman
Photo: Fox
In the wake of the scandal over the use of the pitch-correcting software Auto-Tune on the season premiere of the British singing reality show "X-Factor," the producers of "American Idol" released a statement denying that they had altered contestants' vocals during the competition.
"We have never, nor would we ever, use Auto-Tuning during the 'American Idol' competition," unnamed producers of the show said in a statement released Thursday, according to The Associated Press.
No allegations had been made that "Idol" had employed the technology, but the blowback from the "X-Factor" scandal was so bad that it seems "Idol" brass felt they needed to nip any suggestions in the bud. As the AP noted, singers on "Idol" are often criticized for sounding "pitchy"; during the show's most recent season,...
By Gil Kaufman
Photo: Fox
In the wake of the scandal over the use of the pitch-correcting software Auto-Tune on the season premiere of the British singing reality show "X-Factor," the producers of "American Idol" released a statement denying that they had altered contestants' vocals during the competition.
"We have never, nor would we ever, use Auto-Tuning during the 'American Idol' competition," unnamed producers of the show said in a statement released Thursday, according to The Associated Press.
No allegations had been made that "Idol" had employed the technology, but the blowback from the "X-Factor" scandal was so bad that it seems "Idol" brass felt they needed to nip any suggestions in the bud. As the AP noted, singers on "Idol" are often criticized for sounding "pitchy"; during the show's most recent season,...
- 8/27/2010
- MTV Music News
Controversy over use of pitch-correction software on 'X Factor' causes show to release statement.
By Gil Kaufman
David Archuleta
Photo: Fox
In the wake of the scandal over the use of the pitch-correcting software AutoTune on the season premiere of the British singing reality show "X-Factor," the producers of "American Idol" released a statement denying that they had altered contestants' vocals during the competition.
"We have never, nor would we ever, use Auto-Tuning during the 'American Idol' competition," unnamed producers of the show said in a statement released Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
No allegations had been made that "Idol" had employed the technology, but the blowback from the "X-Factor" scandal was so bad that it seems "Idol" brass felt they needed to nip any suggestions in the bud. As the AP noted, singers on "Idol" are often criticized for sounding "pitchy"; during the show's most recent season,...
By Gil Kaufman
David Archuleta
Photo: Fox
In the wake of the scandal over the use of the pitch-correcting software AutoTune on the season premiere of the British singing reality show "X-Factor," the producers of "American Idol" released a statement denying that they had altered contestants' vocals during the competition.
"We have never, nor would we ever, use Auto-Tuning during the 'American Idol' competition," unnamed producers of the show said in a statement released Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
No allegations had been made that "Idol" had employed the technology, but the blowback from the "X-Factor" scandal was so bad that it seems "Idol" brass felt they needed to nip any suggestions in the bud. As the AP noted, singers on "Idol" are often criticized for sounding "pitchy"; during the show's most recent season,...
- 8/27/2010
- MTV Music News
With news that producers on the British version of "X Factor" used Auto-Tune software to help sweeten the voices of a few contestants, I can't say I'm that surprised. Like "American Idol," Simon Cowell's "X Factor" aims to find the music industry's next big superstar. If the singers on "X Factor" and "Idol" are going to have to compete with contemporary pop acts — many of whom barely do an interview without a little audio sweetening in post-production — can you blame producers for a little tweaking here and there to polish their product?
In fact, I wonder if Cowell's old show might have gained a bit of shine from some tuning enhancements in the past. Here's my pick for five "American Idol" contestants who would have benefited from some minor pitch-correction.
Nikki McKibbin
If the stripy-haired single mom rocker had a little pitch help during the show's inaugural season, then...
In fact, I wonder if Cowell's old show might have gained a bit of shine from some tuning enhancements in the past. Here's my pick for five "American Idol" contestants who would have benefited from some minor pitch-correction.
Nikki McKibbin
If the stripy-haired single mom rocker had a little pitch help during the show's inaugural season, then...
- 8/24/2010
- by Jim Cantiello
- MTV Newsroom
The "American Idol" Season 9 tour came to Los Angeles Friday, Aug. 13 and we got ourselves a ticket. Not a hard thing to do, since the concert was nowhere near sold out.
However, the Top 10 still gave an energetic show. At this point in the tour, when shows have already been canceled for lack of ticket sales, the enthusiasm is commendable.
Much like the season itself, the concert featured much stronger female performances than male ones.
Didi Benami kicked it off and it's actually kind of fortunate she went out first of the Top 10 because her "Terrified" was one of the best songs of the night. At least the concert opened strong, which would not have been the case if Andrew Garcia, Tim Urban or Aaron Kelly had hit the stage first.
Crystal Bowersox was the evening's penultimate soloist, but still manged to bring the house down. All four of her numbers -- "What's Up,...
However, the Top 10 still gave an energetic show. At this point in the tour, when shows have already been canceled for lack of ticket sales, the enthusiasm is commendable.
Much like the season itself, the concert featured much stronger female performances than male ones.
Didi Benami kicked it off and it's actually kind of fortunate she went out first of the Top 10 because her "Terrified" was one of the best songs of the night. At least the concert opened strong, which would not have been the case if Andrew Garcia, Tim Urban or Aaron Kelly had hit the stage first.
Crystal Bowersox was the evening's penultimate soloist, but still manged to bring the house down. All four of her numbers -- "What's Up,...
- 8/16/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Season-nine 'Idol' contestants rock the Staples Center.
By Matt Elias
Lee DeWyze performs at the American Idols Live! Tour in Los Angeles August 13
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
Los Angeles — Friday night (August 13) at the Staples Center saw the return of all top 10 "American Idol" season-nine finalists to Los Angeles for the American Idols Live! Tour. While part of the center was closed, the arena was only a little over half full by the time the show started around 7:45 pm. However, despite the empty seats, die-hard "Idol" fans showed their enthusiasm with homemade signs and t-shirts.
First to take the stage was Didi Benami, decked out in a shimmery top and her blonde locks reminiscent of Taylor Swift. After her first song, "Lay It on Me," Benami drew cheers when she shouted, "Los Angeles! Welcome to American Idol Live! How's everyone doing tonight?" She then strapped on...
By Matt Elias
Lee DeWyze performs at the American Idols Live! Tour in Los Angeles August 13
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
Los Angeles — Friday night (August 13) at the Staples Center saw the return of all top 10 "American Idol" season-nine finalists to Los Angeles for the American Idols Live! Tour. While part of the center was closed, the arena was only a little over half full by the time the show started around 7:45 pm. However, despite the empty seats, die-hard "Idol" fans showed their enthusiasm with homemade signs and t-shirts.
First to take the stage was Didi Benami, decked out in a shimmery top and her blonde locks reminiscent of Taylor Swift. After her first song, "Lay It on Me," Benami drew cheers when she shouted, "Los Angeles! Welcome to American Idol Live! How's everyone doing tonight?" She then strapped on...
- 8/14/2010
- MTV Music News
All the latest "American Idol" news in easy bite-sized form.
Prickly departing judge Simon Cowell showed his teddy bear side when he heard of a 12-year-old cancer patient named Megan Kershaw. Her wish list includes meeting him and going to Disney World, so he made that happen. [Daily Mirror]
Matt Giraud has a new single out. It's titled "Thank You" and is a collaboration with songwriter and pianist Jim Brickman, who has previously worked with artists like Michael W. Smith, Martina McBride and Lady Antebellum. [Mj's Big Blog]
Sources inside the "Idol" camp are reporting that the new choice of judges is pretty reckless -- there will be no test-runs to see if the judges have good chemistry. This runs contrary to how much Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell were vetted in order to see if they got along. [TMZ]
Casey James, Tim Urban and Lee DeWyze talk about "Idol" Season 9 tour stop in Dallas.
Prickly departing judge Simon Cowell showed his teddy bear side when he heard of a 12-year-old cancer patient named Megan Kershaw. Her wish list includes meeting him and going to Disney World, so he made that happen. [Daily Mirror]
Matt Giraud has a new single out. It's titled "Thank You" and is a collaboration with songwriter and pianist Jim Brickman, who has previously worked with artists like Michael W. Smith, Martina McBride and Lady Antebellum. [Mj's Big Blog]
Sources inside the "Idol" camp are reporting that the new choice of judges is pretty reckless -- there will be no test-runs to see if the judges have good chemistry. This runs contrary to how much Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell were vetted in order to see if they got along. [TMZ]
Casey James, Tim Urban and Lee DeWyze talk about "Idol" Season 9 tour stop in Dallas.
- 8/10/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
There's nothing shocking about major American Idol news breaking in the middle of the TCA press tour. It was this time a year ago when Fox sent us reeling with word that Simon Cowell would be peacing out at the end of season nine. And in hindsight, even that doesn't seem so out of left field, as it was becoming increasingly clear that Cowell had grown too big for his britches and well, bored with being the main attraction on America's most popular TV show.
Since the annoucement, fans, critics and even would-be candidates themselves, have been throwing names in the hat as possible Simon replacements, or in the case of the rumored deal with Jessica Simpson, Paula's replacement. Now add to the mix, Ellen DeGeneres' departure and the allegeded firing of Kara DioGuardi and we've got a number of empty seats to fill...or not?
As it stands right now,...
Since the annoucement, fans, critics and even would-be candidates themselves, have been throwing names in the hat as possible Simon replacements, or in the case of the rumored deal with Jessica Simpson, Paula's replacement. Now add to the mix, Ellen DeGeneres' departure and the allegeded firing of Kara DioGuardi and we've got a number of empty seats to fill...or not?
As it stands right now,...
- 7/30/2010
- UGO TV
Ellen DeGeneres quit Idol? Jennifer Lopez got hired? Who cares? Not last season’s top ten, they had more important things to discuss like the cheesecake they were stuffing into their faces yesterday in honor of National Cheesecake Day. The gang (minus one diabetic Crystal Bowersox - how rude, right? - and Tim Urban, who was busy combing his bangs) snacked on some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake Cheesecake (Oh, God yes) yesterday in Virginia Beach to promote the healthy benefits of eating a slice of cheesecake every day (just kidding, it was to support Feeding America and promote the new Reese’s flavor at the Cheesecake Factory). If we had known this was a perk of the job, we would have auditioned for American Idol years ago. [Photo: Getty Images]...
- 7/30/2010
- by Liz Black
- VH1.com
Close watchers of the show say they saw this 'difficult decision' coming.
By Gil Kaufman
"American Idol" season nine judges
Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox
Ellen DeGeneres was the first to admit that her first, and as it turns out, last, season on "American Idol" was not smooth sailing. In the statement announcing her departure from the show, the daytime talk queen and veteran comedienne copped to feeling uncomfortable criticizing young singers. "It was a difficult decision to make," DeGeneres said, "but my work schedule became more than I bargained for. I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings."
MTV News reached out to its panel of "Idol" experts for reaction on Friday (July 30), and each member said they were not shocked that DeGeneres pulled the ripcord on her three-year contract.
By Gil Kaufman
"American Idol" season nine judges
Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox
Ellen DeGeneres was the first to admit that her first, and as it turns out, last, season on "American Idol" was not smooth sailing. In the statement announcing her departure from the show, the daytime talk queen and veteran comedienne copped to feeling uncomfortable criticizing young singers. "It was a difficult decision to make," DeGeneres said, "but my work schedule became more than I bargained for. I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings."
MTV News reached out to its panel of "Idol" experts for reaction on Friday (July 30), and each member said they were not shocked that DeGeneres pulled the ripcord on her three-year contract.
- 7/30/2010
- MTV Music News
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