‘Idol’ rehearsals: Two songs and one last dart for the finish line
This is it, people: one more night, three contestants, two songs to perform, some 30 million votes to count and we’ll finally have ourselves an “American Idol” finale. As for who’ll be left standing on that stage? It’s still very much a toss-up.
Crystal Bowersox may have the air of a presumptive winner going into this week, but you never know with “Idol.” Just ask Adam Lambert or David Archuleta. As for Lee DeWyze, a hometown turnout of more than 40, 000 people might make you think he’s got it in the bag. And for every naysayer who discounts Casey James? Well, we’ve said our peace on that front.
Adam Lambert Nominated for Much Music Award
Adam Lambert is nominated for International Video of the Year – Artist for Canada’s Much Music Video Awards. He’s up against: Eminem, Jason Derulo, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga and Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Rihana, Taylor Swift.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Making the ‘American Idol’ top 10 is no guarantee of stardom
More than 100, 000 people audition for “American Idol” every year, holding on to the wide-eyed fantasy that making the top 10 — with its promise of weekly exposure to millions of TV viewers and a national summer tour — will drop them squarely on the road to fame. But after the season ends (as it does this year on May 26), many of those sent home find that “Idol” doesn’t come with guarantees.
In fact, now in its ninth season, the Fox series has churned out more than 80 would-be stars, creating a bizarre glut of talent, with few seeing quantifiable success. Perhaps Jamie Foxx said it best when he posed a question to this year’s top four, Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynche and Casey James: “Are you still a contestant or an artist? America wants to see the artist … whose record we’re going to buy.”
Lee DeWyze Radio Single Marks An ‘American Idol’ First
Plenty of “American Idol” finalists have independently released albums or singles before rolling the dice on the show for a shot at a big-time recording contract. But never in the history of the program (as far as MTV News can tell) has a top-three finisher had a brand-new single serviced to radio in the final weeks of competition.
On Friday — the day Lee DeWyze returned home to Chicago for a parade, a concert and a visit to Wrigley Field to sing the national anthem and throw out the first pitch at a Cubs game — his former label, Wuli Records, delivered “Princess (Reprise)” to two hometown stations. On Wednesday afternoon, music engineer Doug McBride was at Chicago’s Gravity Studios putting the finishing touches on the song, which he’d first laid ears on less than 24 hours earlier.
Aaron Kelly Day’ to be designated in Sullivan County
Sullivan County Commissioner Darla Bortz announced on Monday that plans have been made to designate June 4 as “Aaron Kelly Day” in Sullivan County in honor of the 17-year-old Sonestown, Pa., country singer that made it all the way to the Top Five this season on American Idol.
According to Bortz, the public relations representatives at American Idol have authorized for the designation to take place during this time frame, and confirmed that it is highly probable that Kelly will be available for the one-time visit to his hometown’s county.
Why is Casey James still on ‘Idol’?
And then there’s Casey James. He was in the bottom three in back-to-back weeks in April, but stuck around when Tim Urban and Siobhan Magnus got the boot instead. It’s not like he’s used that scare to raise his level of performance, but the results have been better anyway. He was thought to be one of the worst singers over the past couple of weeks as well, but wasn’t among the two lowest vote-getters when Aaron Kelly went home.
Which begs the question: Why is he still here? That’s what fans of Michael Lynche, Kelly, Magnus and pretty much every other eliminated contestant are asking. In fact, half the time, it looks like James himself is wondering what in the heck he’s still doing there.
‘American Idol’: Highs and Lows of the Season So Far
Season 9 of Fox’s smash hit American Idol started out a little bland. Instead of last season’s flashy front-runner Adam Lambert, we got dreadlocked mom Crystal Bowersox. Loose cannon Paula Abdul’s seat at the judge’s table was filled by the more grounded Ellen Degeneres. Katrina Darrel (aka “Bikini Girl”) was replaced with Larry, a 62-year-old man who sings about pants. Where had all the water cooler talk gone?
Now, as Bowersox joins competitors Lee DeWyze and Casey James in a battle for the coveted title, the competition is in full swing. Let’s take a moment to review the best (and worst) performances of the past four months:
American Idol 2010 Betting Odds Still Make Crystal Bowersox Most Likely Winner With Casey James To Go This Week
Casey James is the most likely American Idol 2010 act to be eliminated this week according to the latest American Idol 2010 Betting Odds whilst Crystal Bowersox remains the most likely winner of season 9 despite Lee Dewyze closing the gap
Reviewing the Fox Upfront Presentation: We Have Glee, So We Win
It’s really not fair: The other networks just can’t bring out the cast of Glee to smile and sing whenever things get boring, now can they? The power of Glee is such that, even with Fox’s presentation at the Beacon Theater clocking in at an hour and a half (despite Fox having half as many shows to present as NBC) and the deployment of PowerPoint, the whole affair had a much looser, more confident vibe than the Peacock’s. Obviously, less is at stake for Fox, the No. 1 network, but, man, if it didn’t play like it picked up some really strong shows — and knew it. And, then, there was always Glee, to smooth over any missteps.
Idol Meter: Who would be the best (if not best-selling) Idol?
Any one of American Idol’s top three could take the crown. History tells us so — and so do the topsy-turvy Idol Meter ratings over the season.
Last week, we focused on how the contestants could win it — or lose it. This week, we’ll reassess the situation and speculate on who would make the best (not best-selling, necessarily) Idol.
Where ‘American Idol’ went wrong
I blame two people: Blake Lewis and Paula Abdul.
Prior to the arrival of Lewis, the runner-up in Season 6 (he lost to Jordin Sparks) on the Idol stage, this singing competition really was, as Simon Cowell likes to say, just a singing competition. Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood and Sparks were all great singers.
Lewis, on the other hand, was a beat boxer who showed up with a laptop and some software that would take any song and “make it his own.” Plus he made great and interesting song choices. Who can forget his thoroughly modern “Time of the Season”? Or his completely game-changing version of Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love A Bad Name”? Or his decision to sing Keane or Jamiroquai or 311?
Once-humble ‘American Idol’ has become a force in music
The excitement is building as American Idol ramps up for its final-three showdown tonight. But back when the show began, in the summer of 2002, it was little more than a cheesy talent competition.
Most of the songs available to the contestants were in the public domain. The summer tour undertaken by the Top 10 finishers was the first and last time you would see some of them live on a stage. And for the first few seasons, the only legitimate singers who would perform on the telecasts were returning Idol winners.
Now, there are Beatles and Rolling Stones theme nights. Many Idols are headliners in their own right, and stars like Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Usher are lining up to sing their hits on the show.
Adam Lambert fans defend Wango Tango performance
American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert sure has some passionate fans. After he was criticized for his performance at Saturday’s Wango Tango concert at Staples Center, Lambert’s supporters flooded the comments section of the Pop & Hiss blog.
Before we get to the criticism about his review, let’s read what Mikael Wood wrote in his item for The Times:
Bo Bice donates new single proceeds for flood relief
Nashville music star and American Idol alum Bo Bice has announced he’ll donate all of his proceeds from his new single, “Long Road Back, ” to programs offering aid to Nashville flood victims. The single is currently available for purchase exclusively on iTunes.
“Nashville was hit hard by the flooding, ” Bice said in a statement, “and we lost a large portion of our historic city, but we are going to make it through this hard time together. … In this tragedy our community has been made stronger with love and support of so many good-hearted souls.”
Bice says he’s planning a benefit concert for June 12 at Limelight Nashville, with all proceeds going to MusiCares.
Exclusive: Meet “The Real Bo Bice” With New Album Release
On Monday, we had a chance to catch up with Season 4 runner-up, Bo Bice, to discuss the upcoming release of his third studio album, “3, ” set to drop tomorrow, May 18, 2010. Bo talks about the writing and producing he did on the album, why this album showcases the “real Bo, ” and how he’s evolved since his time on Idol.
Naming Bo’s new album was a simple task. Not only is this his third album but his wife also gave birth to their third son earlier this year. However, according to Bo, neither of these were the most important reasons when naming the album, “The reason you left out – is Dale Earnhardt… #3!!! The rest all fell into place without much thought.”
Jennifer Hudson Works On Making Music
Jennifer Hudson poses for pictures at the Terrazza Martini of the Gray d’Albion Hotel during the 2010 Cannes Film Festival on Sunday (May 16) in Cannes, France.
The 28-year-old singer is recording additional music for her upcoming album after receiving initial feedback. “The songs she recorded so far were mostly Euro-dance music suited for Rihanna or Lady Gaga…the consensus was that the songs were not so not J.Hud, ” an insider told the NY Daily News.
Jennifer Hudson: From Oscar to Winnie
She came back to Cannes this week. This time Hudson had a bodyguard, an enormous Gallic Lurch-like fellow with a surprisingly mellow disposition.
The occasion: an “announcement” press event, held on the beach below the majestic Hotel Majestic. Hudson and company weren’t selling a movie playing in the festival. The movie doesn’t start shooting in South Africa for another two weeks.
Already it has proven controversial.
Anoop Desai after American Idol
Pop artist Anoop Desai has been on everybody’s radar ever since he became a finalist on the eighth season of “American Idol.” Although he was eliminated in the 7th week of the competition, his name became a buzz word for desis everywhere, and he appeared on shows from Live with Regis & Kelley to the Ellen DeGeneres Show. Now his first independently released EP ‘All is Fair’ has hit the airwaves. In it he mixes pop, R & B, and Indian influences. In his own unique style, Desai is walking the tightrope without the benefit of a major record label backing him – and he hopes to do it all with the help of his avid fans behind him, taking on a promotional tour for the debut of his first single, ‘My Name’.
The American Idol takes on the American Dream!
Ryan Seacrest: Idol is Done Without Simon Cowell
Hollyscoop talked with both Ryan Seacrest at KIIS FM’s Wango Tango about the future of Idol without Simon. Ryan told us EXCLUSIVELY, “It will be Simon Cowell-less. I don’t know what it would be like. I think that is the big question: to see who is going to sit in that seat and see what direction we go. I honestly don’t know who is going to replace him.”
We asked him if Adam Lambert was in the running, and Ryan totally schooled us. “Did you ask him?” Ryan jabbed. “I did not know you were a producer and carried so much power.” He added, “I have to be honest with you, I think Simon and Adam have a lot in common. Obviously aesthetically you see the two of them and they look a lot alike. Although Adam represents a different generation.”
Ryan Seacrest Says Justin Bieber Could Replace Simon Cowell On ‘Idol’
But when talk turned to the topic of who should replace departing “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell next season, Seacrest had some ideas.
“It’s gonna be different because there’s going to be an empty chair at the end of that panel, ” the “AI” host said. “I’m not quite sure who’s going into that chair, so it’s a big [decision], ” he added. The tough-talking Brit will go his own way after season nine with plans to head up the American version of talent show “The X Factor.”
“Who would I want in that chair?” Seacrest wondered aloud. “I would want a much younger, thinner, more charming Simon. … Bieber — he’s the guy!”
The Glee Effect: How the Hit Show Reminded Fox Not to Be Boring Next Season
Fox didn’t add another musical comedy to its 2010-11 schedule, but make no mistake: The success of Glee had a major impact on the network’s new lineup. After a couple of years in which it seemed hellbent on aping CBS (remember ‘Til Death? Past Life?), Glee’s ginormous breakthrough during the past year seems to have inspired a return to old-school Fox: edgy, unconventional and, if the shows don’t click, potentially suicidal.
The network’s big fall drama bet — Lonestar — looks like it was picked up at an FX or AMC garage sale. It’s about a Texas con man who’s juggling a wife and a girlfriend (Big Dallas Love!), which means the lead is an antihero, one closer to Vic Mackey than Jack Bauer. Fox’s midseason drama gun, Ridealong, also has dark overtones; it’s a cop show from the man who created Mackey, Shawn Ryan.
Ryan Murphy talks Newsweek at Peabodys
NEW YORK — The diversity and cultural impact of two of TV’s most popular shows were in focus Monday at the annual Peabody Awards at the start of broadcast upfront week.
Before the luncheon awards show, “Glee” executive producer Ryan Murphy compared the Peabodys to “the Noble Peace Prize for TV, ” saying this makes the award a particular honor for the show, which he emphasized is all about diversity.
Jane Lynch Will Not Be a Bridezilla
As cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester on Glee, Jane Lynch is a major pain – but don’t expect her to become a bridezilla as she prepares for her upcoming wedding.
“I’m very excited!” Lynch tells PEOPLE about her nuptials to psychologist Lara Embry. “It’s a great and wonderful thing at the tender age of 49 to have finally found somebody that I want to be with. I’m so lucky.”
‘Glee: Dream On’ peek: Neil Patrick Harris taunts Mr. Schue
‘Glee’: You Ask, I Answer on Neil Patrick Harris, Molly Shannon and a shocking reveal
The Neil Patrick Harris/Joss Whedon “Glee” episode is almost here. I feel like we’ve been waiting forever. Have you seen it? Do you think it’s good? -Devin
Yes. NPH is great in everything he tackles, as far as I’m concerned — check out a clip of him on the show, playing Schue’s high school nemesis — but the highlight of the hour is actually the Artie-Tina storyline. It’s pretty intense and kind of heartbreaking. Artie’s definitely going through a hard time. Thankfully, he has the love of a good woman to keep his spirits up. With Tina’s encouragement, he will start thinking about the possibility of maybe getting out of the wheelchair one day. That positive attitude will lead to a fantasy sequence in which Artie not only walks, but shows off Kevin McHale’s impressive dance skills. In a mall. It’s kind of awesome.
Evan Lysacek’s DWTS Blog: How Twilight Influenced My Paso Doble
It’s week 9 and we’re down to the final four couples!
I’m glad to say Anna and I are one of those couples, along with Chad and Cheryl; Erin and Maks; and Nicole and Derek. I can tell you we all are so excited we’ve made it this far. I’m told that the voting is so darn close between the four remaining couples that it’s completely unpredictable who will advance to next week’s finale. That’s why the judges’ scores are so important this week, as well as your continued votes. So now is not the time to hold back. Vote, vote, vote!
‘Dancing With the Stars’ recap: Amateur Nudes
On the week 9 performance episode of Dancing With the Stars, the final four truly stepped it up and took their clothes off already. Just kidding. They did do that, but Evan Lysacek, Nicole Scherzinger, Erin Andrews, and Chad Ochocinco turned in excellent routines for the ballroom and Latin rounds of last night’s semifinals. There was a thrill in the air! Derek was so excited/injured that he just plumb fell right down. Brooke was so excited/jealous that she wore a paso doble dominatrix costume and wouldn’t stop referring to everyone’s ”package.” Donny Osmond was so excited/proud that he remained motionless while weeping, livin’ on a prayer that his understated devotion to the televised ballroom would outshine the Star power of Kate Gosselin. (I say it did.) Bruno even said ”F—!” It was a night for the ages. This show has been on for ages.
More Headlines:
Adam Lambert Predicts Crystal Bowersox Will Win ‘American Idol’
A month later, with Big Mike now out of the picture and Bowersox, James and DeWyze comprising this season’s top three, Lambert has come out in support of Bowersox to win the competition.
“If I had to pick one out of those three, I’d probably lean more toward Crystal at this point, ” he told us. “I like her anti-establishment rebelliousness.”
Bo Bice interview for release of new album ‘3?
Bo Bice’s “American Idol” journey is already five years in the past, but Bice himself is only looking forward – and thinking in threes.
He and his wife just had their third boy. He is releasing his third album today called “3.” “And I’m a huge Dale Earnhardt fan, ” he said in an interview last week. You can sample the entire album at AOL music here. It’s being released through Saguaro Road Records (the Blind Boys of Alabama, Tanya Tucker, Lonestar) in association with Bice’s own Sugar Money Records.
Bo Bice’s ‘3’: A track-by-track review
Where do bluesy former American Idols go when the initial boost of popularity the show gave them wears off? Why, to Nashville, of course! Like Taylor Hicks with The Distance, Bo Bice takes a decidedly country turn on 3 while still retaining the Southern-friend funk-rock that made him a popular runner-up on Season 4.
Some players of note appear on 3, including Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman, keyboardist A.J. Croce (Jim Croce’s son and a singer/songwriter in his own right) and fellow American Idol alumnus Melinda Doolittle on backing vocals.
VIDEO: Idol’s Carly Smithson: “Simon Helped Me Grow a Good Set of Balls!”
Carly Smithson took a very rare and special gift from the set of American Idol after she was booted from the stage during the show’s seventh season: sage advice from Simon Cowell!
“He helped me grow a good set of balls, ” the Irish singer-songwriter, who’s now leading the rock group We Are the Fallen (their debut disc, Tear the World Down, dropped on May 11), says. She popped by my office on May 12 to discuss how those words gave her the courage to step out front with ex-Evanescence members Ben Moody and John LeCompte (plus Disturbed bassist Marty O’Brien) — and don’t think Amy Lee is mad about it one bit. Carly explains why in the clip above.
VIDEO: Idol Confessions with Kimberley Locke
Season Two’s Kimberley Locke empathizes with Crystal Bowersox. After all, it was just around this time in 2002 that the Gallatin, Tenn. native crossed the Top 3 threshold as the last girl standing, holding her own against two formidable hopefuls: the velvet teddy bear himself, eventual winner Ruben Studdard, and the ultimate underdog, Clay Aiken. But rather than return to Tennessee defeated, Kimberley stayed in L.A., making her mark in the dance scene as a plus-sized model, a participant on VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club” and an active supporter of charities like One Heartland (Kimberley’s next fund-raising event, the Disco Diva Bash, hits Nashville’s Pride Weekend on June 19). She also has the backing of judge Randy Jackson, who signed Kimberley to his own Dream Merchant 21 Records and released her latest single, “Strobelight, ” in early April.
‘Dancing With the Stars’: Four scored
We’re down to the final four, ballroom fans! And after a start that seemed to be more focused on the drama than the dancing, I’m pleased to see Season 10 really has shaped up to become quite the ballroom competition treat. Host Tom Bergeron, after hushing the crowd to remind us (and remind us, and remind us) that the slate has been wiped clean, even went so far to claim that Monday night’s episode was one of his “DWTS” favorites of all time. “Everybody’s bringing their A game tonight, ” he said.
Glee Creator Says Lea Michele Is No Diva
While blogs buzz with reports that Glee star Lea Michele is letting her newfound fame go to her head, the show’s creator and director, Ryan Murphy, defends the singer, saying she’s a sweet person and a team player.
“[The rumors are] not accurate and not true at all, ” Murphy told PEOPLE at the 69th Annual Peabody Awards in New York City on Monday, where the hit musical was honored for its achievement in diversity and content. “Lea is the sweetest, most professional girl. She’s incredibly kind and she’s always on time and she’s always with her cast hanging out. They’re all close.”
Glee’s Harmful Simplicity
Unconditional love is also what the show’s fans give it, embracing this progressive message—and the musical numbers—that Glee returns to episode after episode. But disappointingly, the breakout hit wallows in stereotypes and clichés, particularly ones that have to do with gender. Every opportunity Glee has, it turns its characters into what our society expects and demands from people based not on who they are as individuals, but what their genitalia looks like.
‘Glee’s’ Jenna Ushkowitz talks Tina and Artie, if they’re getting it on
But so far, the Artie-Tina relationship has been relatively drama free.
So what’s next for the pair?
“[With] Tina and Artie, the writers have been so gracious to give them a chance, so you’ll definitely see more of them, ” Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina) tells Korbi TV. “We got to work with Joss Whedon very closely and Tina and Artie got to do some stuff. They have a little bit of conflict, but we’re still encouraged by their relationship right now.”
For more on that, watch the interview clip below. Plus, get Ushkowitz’s take on the Lady Gaga episode…
