“American Idol” hopeful from Seattle didn’t make it to Hollywood afterall
Soon after Danelle Hayes finished her audition on last Tuesday night’s “American Idol, ” the buzz started to rise on the Web that the 24-year-old from Seattle was a contender. The judges gave her a coveted “golden ticket, ” meaning that she had made it to the “Hollywood round” of the popular reality-TV singing contest.
Said one person on Twitter: “I am 1000000% positive Danelle Hayes from Seattle Washington is the Next American Idol! Period.”
Not so fast. Her run on the show officially ended with that golden ticket.
Nicole Gonzalez, a spokesperson for “American Idol, ” confirmed Monday that Hayes did not, in fact, compete in the Hollywood round, which was taped a few weeks ago and airs beginning Tuesday night on Channel 13. Gonzales indicated it was their policy to not comment any more than that.
(Watch Danelle’s audition HERE. Every year there are a handful of golden ticket holders who don’t make it to Hollywood for one reason or another. Sometimes they fail the post-audition background checks. Typically though, these contestants aren’t featured on TV)
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
This year, ‘Idol’ keeps cards close to the vest
Going into American Idol’s Hollywood rounds tonight (Fox, 8 ET/PT), what has the show told us about this season’s talent pool?
Not much.
Nine years in, regular viewers have learned to expect little more from auditions than a few heart-tugging back stories and displays of raw talent. Idol producers may have introduced this season’s eventual winner, but they haven’t divulged much about that person’s potential.
4 strong ‘American Idol’ starters could go the distance
An enthusiastically received audition isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance on American Idol, but it can reveal traits that will serve the singer well in competition.
USA TODAY looks at four contestants whose strong introductions suggest a long run.
Ellen, Simon ‘have locked horns’ on ‘Idol’
Many expect DeGeneres to slip on Paula Abdul’s rose-colored glasses, but what’s behind the beef with Cowell? For starters, the talk-show host’s first day at “Idol” happened, unfortunately, to be the same day Cowell went to the Fox TCA press conference to announce he was quitting the show. This led to Cowell being late for his “Idol” taping, which led to DeGeneres being annoyed with him before he even walked into the room, according a source close to Fox.
What made it worse was that Cowell, too, was “in a horrible mood, ” said the source. (Apparently, quitting a job that pays you many millions a year for another job that will pay you even more begets a case of the grumps. Who knew?) So Cowell had little patience for DeGeneres’ impatience, but that’s not all: Because of his mood, the contestants, probably unbeknownst to them, were skating on the thinnest of ice. When they made a misstep, Cowell was ready to step all over their dreams, at which point DeGeneres felt the need to take Cowell to task for breaking the hearts of hopefuls.
Ellen DeGeneres Makes ‘American Idol’ Debut Tonight
On Tuesday night (February 9), we find out what kind of chemistry — if any — talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres has with the rest of the “American Idol” judging panel as the comedian makes her debut as the fourth judge during the start of Hollywood Week.
In the early going, DeGeneres reportedly clashed at times with lead judge Simon Cowell, who is departing at the end of the current season, a move that has set off rampant speculation about who might fill his opinionated shoes next season.
Here’s Ellen
Ellen DeGeneres kicks off her “American Idol” career tonight — and she’s already having problems with Simon Cowell.
Or so it seems.
DeGeneres opens a new era in the life of TV’s most popular show as she replaces Paula Abdul as the show’s fourth judge.
The episode, taped last month in LA, starts the Hollywood round of auditions — four nights of taped performances that air through next Wednesday night and end with the judge’s choice of the top 24 semi-finalists.
The true test will come later this month when “Idol” goes live and Ellen will have to prove she can dance with Simon and the rest of the cast.
Big changes will challenge ‘Idol’s’ empire
As “American Idol” heads into its Hollywood round this week, it is once again the No. 1 series on television. But with new judge Ellen DeGeneres replacing the beloved and befuddling Paula Abdul beginning tonight, the quotable Simon Cowell signing off at the end of this season and the show’s star-making powers in need of a boost, the ninth installment of Fox’s singing competition finds itself in an unfamiliar spot: a creative crossroads.
While the judges prepare to choose this year’s 24 semifinalists, “American Idol” could be looking at its last season as a ratings champ. Or it could be on the verge of renaissance. Either way, prime time’s biggest winner is about to have one game-changing year.
“I definitely think ‘Idol’ is in a period of transition, ” said Sandra Deane, editor for AOL Television. “Every week we see that the ratings are stable and still unbeatable, but this may be the last big easy win for them. People will stick around for Simon’s last season, but the transition to next season will be a huge, huge challenge. And I don’t know how they’re going to pull it off.”
Will Ellen Boost or Bog Down ‘Idol’ Viewership?
After months of speculation, Ellen DeGeneres will finally have the chance to prove herself worthy of the seat between ‘American Idol’ judges Kara, Randy and Simon. Tuesday night marks her much anticipated ‘Idol’ debut, replacing former judge Paula Abdul.
The addition of DeGeneres to the gang is expected to boost viewership, which has been down compared to previous seasons, Reuters reports. Fox is hoping these viewers will stick around for the rest of the season.
Kris Allen wows Malaysian fans
KUALA LUMPUR: American Idol winner Kris Allen wowed the crowd of about 800 people with his guitar and folksy style here.
The reality show’s eighth season victor’s showcase included his hit song Live Like We’re Dying.
Allen said he considered being able to perform in Malaysia a “blessing”.
“A year and a half ago, I was in my small apartment, not really doing anything. Who would have thought that I’d end up here?” said the soft-spoken singer, whose self-titled post-Idol album has sold about 245, 000 copies to date.
Still a chance to join Adam Lambert’s party
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino will put 200 more tickets up for sale at 10 a.m. today for Adam Lambert’s “Glamily Reunion” on Feb. 27.
Four hundred tickets for the pre-concert event sold in less than two hours Monday.
Lambert fans posted their distress on Internet discussion boards, said Ciara Green, the casino’s public relations manager. So casino management decided to open the hotel’s 12th floor Wine Bar for an additional 200 “Glamily Reunion” guests.
Ticket holders for the “Glamily Reunion” in the casino’s mezzanine cannot trade tickets for the wine bar, or the other way around.
Jeffrey Steele & Friends 2010
We are very excited about our big fundraiser coming up March 11th 2010 at Rocketown. This will be a huge bash to Remember Alex and raise money for the incredible programs set up in his name to help overlooked and at-risk youth. The Alex LeVasseur Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has helped countless teens to date and has several projects lined up to do even more. We would love you to be a part of this incredible event. Tickets are extremely limited and are moving fast. This will be the go-to event of the year, you don’t want to miss it. You can get yours today HERE.
Oh, and did we mention American Idol’s Danny Gokey will be performing at this year’s event as well!
Join us March 11, 2010 @ Rocketown in Nashville, TN
Jordin Sparks: Miami Beachfront Singer
Giving some fans a very special treat, Jordin Sparks performed an improptu concert on Miami Beach’s boardwalk earlier today (February 8).
Dressed in casually in jeans and button-up, the former American Idol grabbed her guitar and sang two acoustic songs, attracting quite the crowd.
The beautiful singer wanted to show gratitude for those who covered her events this weekend at the 2nd annual Jordin Sparks Experience held at the Eden Roc hotel.
Ruben Studdard Interview, AOL Autos
Ruben Studdard talks cars with AOL Autos. (Fun Interview!)
‘Idol’ champ Fantasia finds voice on stage
Most people know Fantasia Barrino as the golden-voiced winner of “American Idol’s” third season back in 2004 – a woman whose performance of “Summertime” stunned judges and audiences alike. Hard-to-please Simon Cowell said she was the best “Idol” contestant, ever.
Fantasia, who is known universally by her first name, thinks of herself as the real-life incarnation of Celie, the remarkable heroine of “The Color Purple.” It’s a role she knows well – she was a sensation as Celie on Broadway in 2007. Her performance prompted an astounding $34 million in advance ticket sales.
We caught up with Fantasia recently as she prepared to play Celie again in the Los Angeles production of “The Color Purple, ” which opens Feb. 11 at the Pantages Theatre.
Local photographer to exhibit his band works
The exhibit, “X, ” chronicles 10 years of music people in iconic situations. It’s a who’s who of Oklahoma and Tulsa music. Close to 30 photos will be on display, said Kerr. And every band included is invited to attend. All of the work will be for sale, including an intimate “out-take” that has since turned into one of his favorite photos.
In the black-and-white still, “American Idol” winner and former Tulsa bartender David Cook poses for a candid photo in 2005, before his rocket ride to fame. Cook took time out from a photo shoot with his band, Midwest Kings, for this shot.
Revealed: The girl putting the X Factor in Simon Cowell’s life
He’s already fabulously rich and famous. But Simon Cowell now has another reason to feel pleased with himself.
And she’s sitting on the back seat behind him.
The lady in question is Mezhgan Hussainy and – after months of secrecy – she and Cowell have finally been pictured out together as an item.
The X Factor supremo had kept the burgeoning romance with the stunning make-up artist under wraps.
The couple, who met on Cowell’s TV hit American Idol in 2003, were spotted at the weekend as they left the upmarket Mr Chow restaurant in Knightsbridge – with Cowell’s ex-girlfriend Jackie St Claire and her husband Carl in tow.
The CW to premiere Tinsley Mortimer’s ‘High Society’ on March 10
The CW has announced High Society, a new docu-reality series that will follow Tinsley Mortimer and other members of New York City’s young and wealthy socialite scene, will premiere on Wednesday, March 10 at 9:30PM ET/PT.
In addition, the series will also include Constantine Maroulis — as the former American Idol fourth-season finalist was seen canoodling with Mortimer around New York City late last year.
However it was subsequently reported that Maroulis was cast to play Mortimer’s love interest for the show and once filming stopped, so apparently did their relationship. Mortimer was seen “on the prowl” at Sundance late last month, according to the New York Post.
The 10 Best Hollywood Week ‘Idol’ performances
I am of the opinion that “American Idol” is split into two categories every year — the freak parade (auditions) and the talent competition (everything after). And as is true each season, I only make “Idol” appointment viewing during this second stretch.
Thankfully, Hollywood Week kicks off tonight, promising the intentionally awful singers are gone and the unintentional awfulness begins. Forgotten lyrics, stage fright, all nighters that lead to verbal smackdowns — this is when “Idol” gets good!
‘Idol’ dream begins for Chelsea’s Ashley Rodriguez
“The difference is that her voice is much more supported, and much more solid (now), ” he said. “Also, some of the things she does with her voice are much more deliberate. When she was younger, she would reach for something and get there, but her voice directed her, (it was) not her directing her voice.”
As the competition moves forward, the faculty at Berklee are anxious to see what happens next.
“The fact that they gave her airtime is good, but it is hard to tell, ” said Ken Zambello, head of the school’s competitive Singers’ Showcase, which Rodriguez performed in twice.
‘American Idol’ Season Nine: The Year Of The Parents
This year’s “American Idol” audition rounds presented a veritable baby boom of young parents aiming for their shot at stardom, often with a newborn or adorable moppet on their hip or clutching too-cute-for-words crayon pictures for the judges.
From the hyper-focused Andrew Garcia, himself the son of former Los Angeles gangbangers, who is in search of a better life for his own young boy, to hulking personal trainer and expectant father Michael Lynche, who might have already washed out because his father allegedly blabbed about his Hollywood experience to a local Florida paper, moms and dads were featured in nearly every audition episode for season nine.
OK!’s Idol Roundtable: Anoop, Mikalah & Diana Dish on Last Week of Auditions
Of the more than a million people across the country who have auditioned for American Idol, only a few dozen know what it’s truly like to live the Idol life. And that’s why OKmagazine.com brings you Idol Round Table, where former finalists Mikalah Gordon, Anoop Desai and Diana DeGarmo — and some special guests — will share their insider insights on the new season.
This week we asked our experts what they thought of the last week of auditions, before tonight’s episode featuring the first night of Hollywood week.
