Carrie Underwood appears on the Ellen Degeneres Show.
Is Phillip Phillips the ‘Idol’ to beat? – The only contestant to never have been near the low end of the weekly vote totals, the 21-year-old from Leesburg, Ga., has so far followed the trail blazed by previous Idol victors David Cook, Kris Allen and especially Lee DeWyze: Find creative ways to bend songs to your style — in Phillips’ case, a bluesy, grainy voice raised on the likes of Dave Matthews— then let the eager young girls and older women take care of the rest. – Read more at USA Today
‘Idol’ final four eye the finish line – Four singers remain on American Idol. Does it matter how they finish? For some, probably not. For others, it could matter a great deal. Daughtry, Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson have proven time and again that contestants don’t have to win to eclipse the accomplishments of a season’s Idol. They don’t necessarily even have to finish second. But what about this group? – Read more at USA Today
Josh Ledet homecoming planned for Saturday – Joshua Ledet, currently a Top 4 contestant in American Idol, is scheduled to come to Louisiana this Saturday, May 12 for a Homecoming Pep Rally if he continues as a Top 3 finalist. American Idol has confirmed a basic schedule of events for Ledet’s homecoming. Ledet will first ride in a parade on Sampson Street in Westlake at 2:30 p.m. that will be staged by American Idol and a local committee. The community is invited to attend the parade and cheer on Ledet as he rides through his hometown.
After the parade, the public is invited to attend the Homecoming Pep Rally at Burton Coliseum beginning at 6:00 p.m. The pep rally will feature entertainment and a few songs by Ledet. – Read more at KPLCTv
30-minute defense in Hudson family murder trial – CHICAGO (AP) — The man accused of killing three of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson’s relatives did not take the stand and his attorneys put on a mere 30-minute defense Tuesday, calling just two detectives in a bid to suggest they botched the 2008 investigation. The brief defense followed a two-week presentation by prosecutors, who called 83 witnesses, including Hudson herself, as they sought to prove William Balfour shot the star’s mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew in a fit of jealous rage. Balfour, 30, is Hudson’s former brother-in-law. Read more at USNews
‘American Idol’ Top Four Tease Songs For California Dreamin’ Night – “This week’s theme is ‘California Dreamin’ and it’s been a difficult one because people have been telling me, ‘more current songs and this and that’ and this was a week where I could sing a current song,” said Sanchez, who has been dinged by judges and mentor Jimmy Iovine for sometimes dressing and singing a bit beyond her 16 years. “But really I’m trying to stay with my gut feeling and I’m trying to pull out the really big guns, so I’m singing a big song for both of my choices. Don’t expect a Katy Perry song.” Read more at MTV
Carrie Underwood 417
Skylar Laine on yesterday’s Today Show
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Dancing With the Stars Backstage Scoop: Who Was Glowing After Their Eliminations
– When we caught up with Melissa and partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy backstage, they were disappointed, but not surprised by their elimination. “It sucks,” Maks told us. Of course it’s not fun to get this far only to be cut short so close to the end, but Melissa told us she knew the second she was onstage with Katherine Jenkins that her number was up. With tears welling up in her eyes, Melissa also shared that Maks told her that he wished she believed in herself as much as he believed in her. In turn, Maks showed a softer side, revealing to us that Melissa’s courage, strength and determination was what got them this far. – Read more at EOnline
Why Jermaine Paul Won ‘The Voice’ – The media was out in full force — the dozen TV cameras were triple the usual number while the print and online media was expanded on an equal level — and Shelton had already begun answering the oft-repeated question of “how does it feel to win?” Shelton, always a gracious and forthright interview subject, was not willing to accept any of the praise while he fielded questions solo. Once Paul was working the line with him, it was full-blown love affair — Shelton crediting Paul’s instincts when it came to song selection and Paul lauding Shelton’s tips on stage craft and phrasing. – Read more at Billboard.com
The Voice Winner Speaks! Did Adam and Christina’s Feud Affect the Voting? – The Voice crowned its Season 2 champ on Tuesday night, but backstage, everyone was talking about the feud between coaches Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine — everyone, that is, except winner Jermaine Paul, of Team Blake Shelton. “I don’t pay attention to any of that,” Paul, 33, told reporters after his victory. “Tony Lucca is an amazing artist. Chris Mann is an amazing artist. Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine are both great coaches. They put so much effort into this whole process. I think, at the end of the day, they really love each other. It’s just like sisters and brothers.” He added: “America made their choice and it is what it is.” – Read more at TV Guide
