American Idol To End After Season 15

AMERICAN IDOL will begin its 15th – and final – season this January on FOX. A season-long celebratory event, AMERICAN IDOL XV will feature host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., as they search for the final IDOL superstar and pay tribute to the past 14 seasons of amazingly talented contestants and the millions of fans who tweeted, texted and championed their IDOLs.

See more at: http://www.fox.com/article/fox-announces-new-primetime-series-for-2015-2016-season#sthash.SYlimfN2.dpuf

‘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.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130903/ENTERTAINMENT01/130909881/-american-idol-taps-lopez-connick-as-judges#full_story

Jennifer Lopez Follows Tyler Off ‘American Idol’

Editor’s note:  I think Randy Jackson might start to get a complex, LOL!

LOS ANGELES — Jennifer Lopez is the second judge in two days to say she’s leaving “American Idol.”

Her representative, Mark Young, said Friday that Lopez is ending her time on television’s most popular show after two years. Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler said the same thing on Thursday.

Lopez broke the news to “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest on his radio show.

“I really was dreading this phone call with you,” she told him. “I honestly feel like the time has come that I have to get back to doing the other things that I do that I’ve put kind of on hold because I love ‘Idol’ so much.”

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20120713/ENTERTAINMENT01/120719681/jennifer-lopez-follows-tyler-off-american-idol-

Elise Testone Goes Home On American Idol

And then there were five…

America sent Elise Testone home after two less than stellar performances and poor song choices.  Elise was argumentative with the judges as well… a turn off to voters.

According to Starpulse.com, their ranking of the final five is:

Phillip Phillip

Joshua Ledet

Skylar Laine

Jessica Sanchez

Holly Cavanagh

DeAndre Brackensick: Mom Predicted My ‘American Idol’ Elimination

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Editor’s note:  Somebody has to go home every week.  The competition is very strong this season.  Not surprised by the order of eliminations thus far.

Curly-topped high-school senior DeAndre Brackensick is heading home to San Jose, Calif., after getting booted Thursday from “American Idol,” but it didn’t come as a huge surprise.

After the studio audience filed out, the heartbroken teen spent close to 10 minutes soliciting last words of advice from the judges at center stage — and admitted he knew the end was near.

“My mama told me this was gonna be the day,” he told the judges.  “She kind of predicted it. I felt it too.”  

Read more: http://theclicker.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/06/11056799-deandre-brackensick-mom-predicted-my-american-idol-elimination?lite

Simon Cowell Cleans House At X Factor

It would seem all the rumors swirling around for months have come true.  X Factor‘s host, Steve Jones got fired.  That rumor was the first one I heard.

Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger have been let go as well.  The two women spent most of the season crying or telling us they couldn’t vote to send people home.  Paula was also the first judge to have all her contestants eliminated, rather early in the competition.

Simon evidently has another project for Paula.  I don’t think Simon ever cared for Nicole.  Steve grew on me as the season went along but he certainly doesn’t have the appeal of a Ryan Seacrest.  Even though Simon and LA Reid fought a lot, LA Reid was a fierce competitor to the end and has probably gained Simon’s respect because of it.

Names circulating around are Mariah Carey, Nicki Manaj and Katy Perry for judges.  Cheryl Cole is also allowed to return if she wants to.  Perez Hylton also threw his “hat in the ring’. (Please ignore that train wreck!)

So we wait and see who Simon ultimately chooses.  It would seem that things can only get better.

“American Idol” Judges, Producers Zing “The Voice” & “The X Factor”

The comparisons between “American Idol” and every other singing competition on TV are numerous, but the “Idol” team — judges, host and producers alike — would like to remind you that “Idol” is the first and the best in the game.

Judge Randy Jackson says that although he is friends with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul and he wishes them the best of luck with “The X Factor,” nothing else can compete with “Idol.”  “I think that ‘Idol’ is still the best TV show of its kind, anywhere.  We’re the original,” he says.  “We kind of invented this whole game that everybody’s now copying.”

Executive producer Ken Warwick goes further, saying that “Idol” is the only reality competition you can count on for real talent.  “This is the show that produces the stars,” he says.  “There is no other series over the years that has produced anywhere near the number of stars that we have.  To be honest, Leona Lewis was kind of a one-and-a-half hit star for a minute, but there’s no Kelly Clarksons, Carrie Underwoods, Jennifer Hudsons.  Coming up on [NBC] now is Kat McPhee — they are real stars.  They really are.  And none of these other shows are producing stars like that.”

Read more: http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=694291&ocid=rr-tv-news

Simon Cowell’s X Factor

I watched the X Factor last night and throughly enjoyed it.  I miss Simon and Paula on Idol.  I do enjoy Jennifer and Steven as Idol judges, so no offense to them.

Simon seemed a little kinder and Paula was very lucid.  The addition of L.A. Reid as a judge is great.  Nicole I can take or leave.  I never thought I would say this but Ryan Seacrest is a better host than whoever they have on X Factor.

I like the fact that Simon appears to pay attention to the audience reaction more than when he was on Idol.  There were times on Idol that Simon should have paid a bit more attention to an overwhelmingly positive audience reaction and did not.

I am looking forward to next week already!  I want more!

Congratulations Scotty McCreery – Our New American Idol

Congratulations and best wishes to Season 10 American Idol Scotty McCreery and to runner-up Lauren Alaina.  What a year!

I thought the finale was the best in a while with many big stars and great numbers:  Judas Priest, Mark Anthony, Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Tony Bennett, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Gladys Knight, Bono and The Edge and more!  I really enjoyed Scotty’s duet with Tim McGraw along with all the other performances.  It was good to see the top 13 again.

Again, congratulations to Scotty – a county superstar in the making!

American Idol: Who Is In It To Win It?

American Idol Final Two: Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina

We said goodbye to Haley tonight.  Next Tuesday, Lauren and Scotty go head to head to be the American Idol winner of Season 10.

The two-hour season finale will be on Wednesday night!  Look for big surprises and performances!

Congrats to Haley Reinhart for a great run!

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!

James Durbin Goes Home On American Idol!

Looks like the Daughtry curse claimed James Durbin tonight.  I am shocked.  After delivering too solid performances last night and being a front-runner most of the season I did not expect this.  James said he had a feeling today.  I thought James would win 😦

Scotty, Lauren and Haley will advance toward the finale. 

Performances tonight were a videos by Gaga and Steve Tyler and live performances by Enrique Iglesias and Jordin Sparks.

My only consolation is that James will have the success that Chris Daughtry has had.  I would pay good money to attend a James Durbin concert.

James you are amazing and I know you will do great things.  Rock on!

Jacob Lusk Sent Home On American Idol Results Night

Jacob Lusk was sent home this evening on American Idol after a season-high 60 million votes cast.  Jacob had the weakest performances last night and has struggled with gaining viewer support this season.  Jacob is very talented and will do well.  An emotional Lauren Alaina also found herself in the bottom two this week.

Jennifer Lopez and Pit Bull tore up the stage with a lavish rendition of their new smash single “On The Floor”.  Lady Antebellum also sang their new song “Just A Kiss” and received massive applause and a standing ovation.

We wish Jacob well and hope he continues in the great R&B tradition of singers like Luther Vandross.  You can see Jacob on the Idol tour this summer.

Casey Abrams Sent Packing On American Idol Results Night

I think the eccentricities and the “growling” were a distraction for viewers and failed to bring Casey the support he needed to go further in the competition.  I cannot say I am surprised by this as Casey is not mainstream enough to be the next American Idol.

Song choice is always important.  Casey tended to pick obscure songs that viewers could not relate to.  Of all the material from Carol King week to choose from; case in point.

Farewell Casey.  You are a talented musician and hopefully will find your niche in jazz.

American Idol Top Six Performances

Last night, the top six American Idol hopefuls pulled out all the stops.  While some performances were better than others, all were very good.  I loved the Carol King night theme!

Randy said James was “in it to win it” and went as far as saying he thinks James might be the next American Idol.  James’ performance was excellent as always.  Jennifer praised James for his consistency, week after week.  Consistency is the name of the game.  James also has a great knack for song selection.  He always picks songs that emphasis his considerable talent.  It was the stand out performance of the night.

Sadly, someone will go home this evening.  However, it will not be for lack of effort on anyone’s part.  We congratulate all six contestants for an evening of great performances.

Ciao Stefano…American Idol Results

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52 million Americans voted and Stefano went home tonight, but not without singing his heart out!

I think James Durban will temporarily lose his best friend.  However, Stefano will be on tour this summer and if he plays his cards right could have a music career. 

David Cook and Katy Perry provided musical entertainment tonight.  Katy Perry’s number was a huge production of her new song ET with Kanye West.  David Cook is looking well and sang the first single off his new album.

Next week the top six sing Carol King songs!!!  Can’t wait for that!

Jacob and Haley were also in the bottom three.  I am guessing one of them will go home next week.

American Idol Upset: Pia Toscano Goes Home!!!

In what can only be described as a complete shock, Pia was sent home this evening.  Rounding out the bottom three were Stefano and Jacob.  Jacob was another surprise in the bottom three.  Neither Pia nor Jacob had been in the bottom three before tonight.  The judges were visibly upset.  Randy was shaking his head in disbelief and Jennifer looked like she was on the verge of tears.  All three judges walked up on the stage to comfort Pia, who could be heard sobbing over a microphone as her fellow contestants surrounded her.

Vote for the Worst claims responsibility for sending Pia home and keeping Paul.  The site’s goal is to eliminate Haley and Lauren in the coming weeks and have only the men left in the top six.  They described tonight’s episode as “hilarious” and are proud that they caused the frontrunner to be eliminated.  Personally, this is despicable behavior and American Idol needs to find a legal way to neutralize this website!

BOYCOTT Vote for the Worst!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

American Idol Results Night – CRAZY

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What a nutty night full of guest appearances and drama.

R&B legend Stevie Wonder sang “Happy Birthday” to Steven Tyler…how awesome is that!

Hulk Hogan dropped by to tell self-professed “Hulkamaniac” James Durban he was SAFE.  Staying true to form, Hogan ripped off his shirt (Ryan gave it to James).  Then the Hulkster fake punches Ryan Seacrest in the face (LMAO) and sent him flying into the audience. Hysterical!

Special musical guest Sugarland performed their new song “Stuck Like Glue” and a svelte Jennifer Hudson dropped by to launch her new single “Where You At?”

Crazy bottom three this week:

Thia Megia
Stefano Langone
Casey Abrams

Casey Abrams received the lowest number of votes.  Casey started to sing for his life and was stopped by Randy Jackson.  The judges used their save.  Everybody went nuts, including a stunned Casey.  It was insane in the membrane.

Final shocker: Ryan tells us ALL 11 finalists will go on tour, not just the top ten.  BUT…….two people will go home next Thursday night.  People better “bring it”.

Awesome Tuesday Night On American Idol

Last night’s performances indicated the depth of talent on this season of American Idol.  Usually at this point in the competition there are still a few people who really do not deserve to be there.  We all have our favorites and some people are definitely more talented than others; but this is the first year with eleven contestants remaining that I will be sad to see anyone go home.

James Durbin continues to amaze me along with Jacob Lusk and Pia Toscano.  Naima Adedapo was vastly improved this week.  Paul McDonald delivered a solid performance and I was glad to see him break out the guitar.  Scotty was his usual charming self.  So far today, the American Idol “Who was the Best?” poll ranks the contestants in this order:  James Durbin, Scotty McCreary, Jacob Lusk, Pia Toscano and Thia Megia in the top five with 22, 936 people voting.  Stefano and Haley have the lowest scores.

Gordon Ramsey was in the audience last night and greatly annoyed me when he turned his nose up at Mrs. Langone’s penne.  What a SNOT!  He wouldn’t even try it.  Not cool Gordon.

If the poll is any indicator of the voting, Stefano and Haley will definitely be in the bottom three with a toss-up between Lauren and Naima.