‘American Idol’ Taps Lopez, Connick As Judges

LOS ANGELES — “American Idol” is betting that a judges’ remix with Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban will fare better with viewers than bickering divas Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj did last season.

The rumored addition of Lopez and Connick as judges for season 13 was announced Tuesday by Fox. They’ll join Urban to make up the talent show’s first panel consisting solely of singers — a la NBC’s successful 2011 upstart “The Voice.”

Pop star and actress Lopez will be back on “American Idol” after a two-season run as judge in 2011 and 2012 that was a boon for the show and her career. Connick, a respected jazz singer and musician, proved adept as a mentor in several “Idol” appearances.

Urban’s return to the contest was announced last month by Fox Chairman Kevin Reilly, who said the singer didn’t get a chance to show his personality in his first turn as a judge. Urban appeared overwhelmed last season by the Carey-Minaj crossfire that drew complaints from some viewers.

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Joshua Ledet Goes Home On Idol

I must admit I thought both boys would in the final two.  I was prepared to see Jessica Sanchez go home tonight.  Apparently, America had other ideas.  Joshua has a career ahead of him and we wish him well with his future endeavors.

Next week, the Idol finale will be Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez. 

Who will be the Season 11 winner????

American Idol Top Three Contestants Shine!

Tonight we were treated to some exceptional performances by the remaining three American Idol contestants.  Each contestant sang three songs.  One song was the contestant’s choice, one was Jimmy Iovine’s choice and one was the judge’s choice.  Tonight’s guest mentor was Beyonce who worked with the contestants on their song choice.

Scotty started the ball rolling with Lone Star’s “Amazed” which he totally nailed.  It amazes me how young these people are and the amount of poise and self-confidence they have.

Lauren sang “Wild One” by Faith Hill and did a great job!

Haley sang “What Is And What Should Never Be” by Led Zeppelin and her father played guitar on the number.  Again, another awesome performance and Led Zeppelin songs are not easy!  Haley fell during her performance got right up and kept on going like nothing happened.  The mark of a true pro.

The judges gave the first round unanimously to Haley.

Jimmy Iovene picked “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square for Scotty.  This proved to be a perfect song choice and an excellent performance.  Scotty was most definitely in his element.

Jimmy picked “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry for Lauren.  Another great performance by Lauren.  Lauren missed a modulation, but she immediately self-corrected and went on to a strong finish.

Jimmy picked the iconic Fleetwood Mac anthem “Rhiannon” with lead vocals by Stevie Nicks for Haley.  Definitely not an easy song but Haley rose to the occasion.

The judges were split on who won this round.  I believe Steven voted for Lauren and Randy and Jennifer said Scotty was the man on round two.

Before the last round of songs, American Idol World Premiered Beyonce’s new single “Run The World (Girls)”.  Another Beyonce “anthem” that is sure to be a big hit.

The judges chose “She Believes In Me” a Kenny Rogers classic for Scotty.  It was done to showcase Scotty’s higher range and for him to sing a song with a more “pop/county” feel.  Great performance by Scotty.

The judges chose “I Hope You Dance” by LeAnn Rimes.  This song was a huge hit for LeAnn.  Lauren gave Jennifer goose bumps.  I chucked with the name dropping by Randy and Steven.

The judges chose “You Oughta Know”, one of Alanis Morissette’s greatest hits for Haley.  Haley slayed the choruses but she had trouble with the speed and rhythm of the verses.  Not an easy song by any stretch of the imagination.

The judges were again split on who won the round.  Steven voted for Haley and Jennifer and Randy give the win to Lauren for Round 3.

The level of talent this season is amazing.  Watching some of these performances are like watching a concert.

Tune in tomorrow to see who will be in the finale!

Missed my buddy James Durbin tonight and wondered what Jimmy and the judges would have picked for him to sing.  The brief clip they showed of James’ homecoming in Santa Cruz looked awesome!  I saw him holding up WWF belts!