‘American Idol’: The disastrous booting of Pia Toscano reveals why critics, yes, DO matter
Anyone who’s a critic these days has to contend with a steady anti-mainstream-media drumbeat, one that sounds something like this: Critics don’t matter! They’re out of the touch with The People! They’re snobby hacks whose opinions carry no more validity than anyone else’s! (Memo to haters: Have I left out any of your complaints?) If you accused me of being defensive on this subject, you would probably be right. It’s how I make my living, so of course I’m bound to get a little touchy about it. Yet I also think that I’m capable of setting my personal bias aside to talk about why critics, at their best, really do matter.
Read more at Popwatch
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‘American Idol’ Preview: What Happens Post-Pia Toscano?
“American Idol” ended last week in a swirl of shock, anger and boo- hooing as Pia Toscano was sent home and Ryan Seacrest was reduced to begging viewers: “We need you! Stay with us this season!”
Where does the show go from here? Well, “Idol” will be relying on the bright lights of Hollywood to wash out memories of arguably the most shocking elimination in its history, as the remaining eight singers take on songs of the cinema. That’s a familiar theme in “Idol” land, one last seen just last year (recall how Crystal Bowersox gave a killer country-rock makeover to Kenny Loggins’ “I’m Alright”), but which stretches back all the way to season two.
Read more at MTV
Exclusive: American Idol Runner-Up Blake Lewis Sounds Off on Season 10
Blake Lewis knows a lot about American Idol. The beatboxer from Bothell, Washington, came in second place on Season 6 of the show (with Jordin Sparks taking home the Idol crown). Since then, Blake has gone on record two albums, perform at shows across the country, and teach First Lady Michelle Obama how to beatbox. Best of all, Blake somehow finds time to host American Idol viewing parties with past contestants and blog about the show on TV Squad. A few weeks ago we had a chance to catch up with the Idol alum. Get the dish on Blake’s post-AI career, relationship status, and why he thought Pia Toscano was in it to win it. (Don’t worry, Blake, no one saw her elimination coming either.)
Read more at WetPaint
Jordin Sparks Has High Hopes for Pia Toscano: “She Did Amazingly Well”
“From being on the show, I thought she did amazingly well, ” Jordin told Hollyscoop EXCLUSIVELY at the Elle Women in Music Event in Hollywood on Monday night.
She added, “Everyone did good that night, but everything is going to be a shock from now on because every body is good and it’s definitely one of those things that if you want your favorite to stay around you need to vote for them because it’s really super important.”
Read more at Hollyscoop
Allison Iraheta visits – The Los Angeles Music And Art School
via CBSLocal
American Idol’s David Hernandez Comes Home to the Valley for a Motown-Themed Casino Show
There is life after American Idol — even if you finish in 12th place amid whispers that you’ve spent time bumping and grinding at a gay strip club.
Or so it appears for David Hernandez, the Valley native living in Los Angeles who was a seventh-season contestant. Hernandez has returned to Phoenix with Motown Memories, a revue that runs through April 30 at Scottsdale’s Talking Stick Resort.
Hernandez, 27, is the star of the show, which features 90 minutes of hits by The Jackson 5, The O’Jays, and other stars of Motown’s peak. Though most of the female audience members appear to be twice his age, they still swoon and shriek when Hernandez works his way into the crowd at the intimate theater to grab hands and sing into their faces. And he eats it up every night, gladly meeting fans after the show.
Read more at Phoenix New Times
Jennifer Lopez: ‘Flattered’ by ‘Most Beautiful’ Honor
“I’m not 20 years old anymore, ” Lopez told Ryan Seacrest of being surprised she was chosen. “I’m very excited about it, but when they told me I was like ‘What? Really? Ok.’ Obviously I was flattered. It’s a great honor to even be talked about in that way.”
Shockingly, Lopez says people never tell her she’s pretty anymore. “Since I’ve been married…people don’t compliment me. I’m always wondering ‘Do I look ok?’ Nobody ever says anything.”
Read more at THR
Simon Cowell refutes ‘scandalous’ claims he helped billionaire hide assets from wife he was divorcing
Simon Cowell sent top lawyers to the High Court today over ‘scandalous’ allegations that he is involved in a plot to hide the £2billion assets of a tycoon enmeshed in bitter divorce proceedings.
The extraordinary intervention by the X Factor boss came in the middle of a four-day hearing in which former model Michelle Young is accusing her tycoon husband, Scot, of using wealthy friends and associates to hide his multi-million assets.
The judge indicated his preliminary view was that there was ‘not a scrap of evidence’ against Mr Cowell.
Read more at Daily Mail
Leona Lewis, Donna Summer and Others to Guest-Judge ‘Platinum Hit’
SonyBMG/Syco(NEW YORK) — Former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi is lining up some top talent for her new reality competition show Platinum Hit, debuting on Bravo May 30.
Billboard reports that Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder and Donna Summer will all serve as guest judges for the show.
Read more at WTMA
