American Idol's Alex Lambert Clarifies He's Not Quite Homeless
Posted on Jan 19, 2011 @ 02:02PM - Add a comment
Former American Idol contestant Alex Lambert shocked fans Monday when he began Twittering that he is homeless and has been sleeping on the streets. Now a rep from Lambert’s record company, 19 Entertainment, is striking back at those claims saying the aspiring singer is on retainer and looking for an apartment – not homeless.
RadarOnline.com has learned the truth is somewhere in between.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEWS: Simon's Swan Song; Former Idol Contestants Tease Departing Judge
Posted on May 27, 2010 @ 06:40AM - Add a comment
After nine years as the lovable "King of Mean," Simon Cowell's time as American Idol’s caustically charming judge has come to an end.
PHOTOS: Behind-The-Scenes At American Idol Finale
RadarOnline.com's David Viggiano was on hand for Wednesday's big two-hour finale, and he asked dozens of ex-American Idol contestants walking the red carpet for their favorite memory, and best impersonation, of the 50-year-old English music maven who's so bad, he's good.
Watch the video on RadarOnline.com
VIDEO: Didi Benami Eliminated From American Idol; Down To Top 9
Posted on Apr 01, 2010 @ 06:15AM - Add a comment
American Idol hopeful Didi Benami went the way of the Dodo bird on Wednesday night’s show, as the promising singer was eliminated, reducing the number of candidates for the title of next American Idol to nine.
RadarOnline.com brings you all of the lows and highs from the season, and has all the scoop on Wednesday’s star-heavy episode.
VIDEO: Crystal Bowersox Blows Away The Competition In The American Idol Top Ten Women
VIDEO: American Idol Top 12 Selected! Lily Scott, Todrick Hall, Alex Lambert And Katelyn Epperly Voted Off
Posted on Mar 12, 2010 @ 07:43AM - 6 comments
American Idol now has its Top 12 after four singers were eliminated Thursday night, and RadarOnline.com has the clip of the most emotional moment in the show -- when one of the four broke down in tears after hearing the news he was going home.
PHOTOS: American Idol's Top 12
Katelyn Epperly, and favorites Alex Lambert, Lilly Scott, Todrick Hall were voted off. Even Lily said "it's surprising a lot of incredible talent is going home tonight."
VIDEO: American Idol's Michael Lynche Brings Kara DioGuardi To Tears
Posted on Mar 11, 2010 @ 06:55AM - 7 comments
On Wednesday night, the top eight men took the American Idol stage and RadarOnline.com has the scoop. By the end of the show, it became obvious that Michael Lynche is the man to beat. His performance even made judge Kara DioGuardi tear up.
VIDEO: Simon Cowell Dubs Crystal Bowersox The One To Beat On American Idol
VIDEO: American Idol Early Favorite Haeyley Vaughn Gets Eliminated
Posted on Mar 05, 2010 @ 06:34AM - 1 comment
Regardless of what the judges think, America was in control on Thursday night as contestants were voted off on the results show. There were some surprises, including early favorite Haeyley Vaughn getting an early exit.
VIDEO: Crystal Bowersox Blows Away The Competition In The American Idol Top Ten Women
After a typically enthusiastic yet hokey group number to start the show (this time it was the Black Eyed Peas tune I Got A Feeling), the eliminations began. The men were up first: Tim Urban, huggable and electric Michael Lynche, and guitar-wielding heartthrob Casey James were early saves. Then, the spotlight turned to John Park and Todrick Hall. Randy Jackson said both “lost the plot” since the competition began, failing to show off the personalities that got them to the show. Park’s rendition of John Mayer’s Gravity was not enough to save him and he was the first contestant to go. Despite the letdown, he was upbeat and sang his heart out during his farewell.
VIDEO: American Idol’s Michael Lynche Raises The Bar For The Top Ten Men
Lee Dewyze (who got a surprising thumbs up from Simon Cowell), Aaron Kelly (who had a rough week), and Alex Lambert also got reprieves leaving Jermaine Sellers and Andrew Garcia. Unfortunately for outspoken Sellers, his votes fell short and he was sent home.
PHOTOS: American Idol's Top 24
Before the women could hit the chopping block, former Idol contestant Danny Gokey performed, providing a short break from the drama.
VIDEO: First Four American Idol Contestants Voted Off
But alas, two women would eventually have to go. The back row of women went first: Lilly Scott, Paige Miles, Katelyn Epperly and Didi Benami were all safe, with Michelle Delamor going home. Last but not least, the first row was up last: Haeley Vaughn, Lacey Brown, Siobhan Magnus, Crystal Bowersox, Katie Stevens. The teenage Vaughn, an early favorite, sadly ended the show with a (pretty off-key but heartfelt) swan song.
VIDEO: American Idol's Michael Lynche Raises The Bar For The Top Ten Men
Posted on Mar 03, 2010 @ 01:17AM - Add a comment
In a last minute switcheroo the top 10 men performed in place of the women Tuesday night, after it was announced that one of the American Idol favorites, Crystal Bowersox, was incapacitated with a medical problem..
RadarOnline.com learned that Bowersox was suffering complications from diabetes.
After a lackluster performance last week the pressure was on for the guys to deliver and a couple were up to the challenge, but most, unfortunately failed to bring it home for yet another week. Michael Lynche the first performer of the night, didn't just bring it, he hit a home run.
Before his performance Lynche shared a little background, confessing that he's very much into theater and went to performing arts school. Before singing, Lynche vowed, "It's my time, here I am," and he didn't disappoint, raising the bar and getting the night off on the right note by belting out his version of the James Brown classic This Is A Man's Man's World. Michael scored rave reviews from all the judges with Randy raving, "Dawg I got to give it to you. You're an R & B star." Ellen agreed, commenting, "That was the one to beat". Simon said, "What a difference, it was like going from a pussycat to a lion in one week."
PHOTOS: Simon Cowell's Fiance Flashes Her Stunning Engagement Ring
Jon Park confessed that he thought he was "trying a little too hard with my voice last week". The Korean-speaking singer hit a few bum notes with John Mayer's Gravity and gave an overall pitchy performance. Randy commented that, "You didn't bring anything new or spicy to it. It was just kind of flat for me and there were some pitch problems." Ellen said, "There could of been a little bit more soul to it." Kara opined "I lack the connection with you. When you're singing it I don't always believe it." Simon scathingly said, "I think Purple Haze may get their lead singer back this week. " Finishing with, "I think in 20 minutes time we will forget that performance."
EXCLUSIVE: Simon Cowell Is Engaged
Cougar favorite, heart throb rocker Casey James, said that people would be surprised to learn that he hasn't got a TV at home, sharing that he never replaced his TV after it got damaged when hit by lightning. James said he planned to, "Just get up there and rip it up." James failed to deliver though and got mixed reviews for his performance of the Gavin DeGraw hit I Don't Wanna Be. Randy said "I love you channeling Hendrix." Ellen agreed, saying, "I think you sounded great." But went on to say, "There's a stiffness about you. I want to see you perform." Kara, who has been his biggest fan to date, ripped James saying. "You took two steps backward tonight." Simon agreed, saying, "I'm kind of with Kara here. This week you turned into someone you would see performing in any bar across America."
Meet Simon Cowell's New Love, Mezhgan Hussainy
Alex Lambert, who was compared to an unripe banana last week by Ellen, confessed that he usually throws up before performances. Lambert said that he was "extremely nervous" before last week's performance and that he thought he had "blown my chances". Lambert fared much better this week with his version of Everybody Knows by John Legend. With his guitar in hand Lambert was visibly less nervous, and the judges were considerably more favorable in their reviews. Randy said, "This is such an improvement for me over last week. You kind of found your own niche with it." Ellen said, "It's like someone took the unripe banana and put it in a brown bag." Praising him for gaining some experience and confidence. Kara raved, "There isn't a person out there that isn't rooting for you. Great improvement." Even Simon was positive, saying, "Alex that was a million times better." Before going on to advise, "You have to have a killer instinct. You have to take part, take your opportunity and take the lead."
VIDEO: First Four American Idol Contestants Voted Off
Todrick Hall got heat last week for his version of a Kelly Clarkson song. Hall said he took the judge's advise from last week, and only changed his choice of song slightly this week. Hall said he believes, "Anything is possible if you set your mind to it." Hall vowed to show America, "I really do belong in this competition." But he didn’t deliver when he performed his take on the Tina Turner hit What's Love Got To Do With It? Hall garnered bum reviews from all four judges, Randy said, "I didn't love this at all. Pick a nice song and don't change it." Ellen said, "Don't just sing, dance too. It wasn't the right song to sing, it's a hard song. I hope people can give you another chance." Kara said, "I don't get it. What happened to Todrick? I don't know where he went." Simon shattered any hopes the singer may have had left, by saying, "It was one of those performances I've had the misfortune to see at a theme park."
PHOTOS: American Idol's Top 24
Carrying on the judge's negative vibe Jermaine Sellers was next up. Jermaine declared, "I am Jermaine Sellers and I rock my onesie!" Sellers sang What's Going On by Marvin Gaye, Randy said, "It just wasn't a great performance man." Ellen agreed, saying, "It just wasn't right for me." Kara started off positive but ended with, "You're always doing too much. Don't worry about showing your range. It just feels false." Simon summed it up with, "We are frustrated. You water down the song, you make it lose it's importance. Once again, you did a kind of cabaret performance."
VIDEO: Top 12 Women Are Hot And Cold With American Idol Judges
Andrew Garcia talked about his break dancing background, saying he draws on it for his performances. He vowed to, "Show [the judges] this is the kind of music I feel good singing. I'm just going to have fun with it." Unfortunately though Garcia scored mixed reviews with his take on James Morrison's You Give Me Something. Randy said, "Honestly that wasn't the vibe for you tonight. It was pitchy and all over the place." Ellen disagreed though, raving, "You set the bar so high with that Paula Abdul song. But I'm still such a huge fan I'm thinking about having your name tattooed on my neck." Kara said, "I do like you, I see that potential. You're a rhythmic singer, you got to stay on that." Simon moaned, "It's just frustrating. You're lacking something. The fact that you've chosen the wrong song again is becoming a problem."
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: American Idol Contestant Has No Regrets About TV Meltdown
16-year-old Aaron Kelly shared that he "loves photography" and that "It allows me to be myself." He confessed that "I really didn't think I would make it this far" before saying "Tonight I'm going to go out there with my confidence, as I really do deserve to be there." Kelly scored mixed reviews with his rendition of The Temptations classic My Girl, Randy said, "The first half of that song was excellent. Dude you can really sing. That was 200% better for me." Ellen said "I wish there was a different song you chose, but you have a great voice." Kara raved, "I like you. I think you're going to get better and better." Simon advised, "I didn't like the song. It was all over the place. You've got to work out what kind of artist you want to be."
VIDEO: American Idol's Top 12 Men Make Shaky Debut
Tim Urban also met mixed reviews with his version of Come On Get Higher by Matt Nathanson. Before performing Urban said Idol has "been a trip" sharing that "there's usually a lot of nerves before performing. I just say a little prayer before singing." After Simon's scathing comment last week that Urban shouldn't be on the stage, he vowed, "This week I'm going to be a performer that should be on the show." However most of the judges weren't feeling the vibe, Randy kicked off, commenting, "Listen man, I didn't really get it. It was kind of very karaoke for me." Ellen agreed, saying, "You should act. If you were on Glee and we heard you sing as well as act, the girls would go crazy. But I don't think the singing is the strong point." Kara said, "You didn't make it your own. It's frustrating with you, you look the part but it's not all there yet." Ever the contrary, Simon rounded it off by disagreeing, saying, "I think that was a marked improvement on last week. I think you were more relevant tonight that many of the other singers we've seen. Congratulations"
VIDEO: Idol Contestant Handcuffed After Bad Performance
Last but not least, former paint salesman Lee DeWyze brought it home with his performance of Lips Of An Angel by Hinder. Before taking to the stage DeWyze confessed that school was tough for him and that he "made a few bad choices." DeWyze said going into this week he's going "to stay true to myself but still deliver something a little bit different." All the judges were united in their praise, Randy raved, "I like that you're trying to take chances and come out of your comfort zone. I like you." Ellen said, "There was so much passion and intensity. It came out as a great performance. I thought that was great." Kara agreed, saying, "I think that was a great performance. I can hear you on the radio right now." Simon rounded off, "Vocally, you are head and shoulders above everyone else on your side of the competition. But you looked terrified. If you are a front runner you have to take the stage."
A mixed night for the guys, now it's over to the girls to show what they've got. Tune into American Idol Wednesday on Fox at 8pm ET/PT to judge their performances.
VIDEO: American Idol's Top 12 Men Make Shaky Debut
Posted on Feb 25, 2010 @ 06:00AM - 3 comments
The tough criticism continued Wednesday as the top 12 men took the American Idol stage, hoping to make a bigger impression than the women.
But the men seemed just as nervous making their live debut as the women did on Tuesday and like the women, there were only a couple of standout performances.
VIDEO: Top 12 Women Are Hot And Cold With The Idol Judges
Todrick Hall was first up with his take on the Kelly Clarkson hit Since U been Gone. The Arlington, TX, native got a mixed reaction, ranging from Ellen telling him he's a "great performer" to Simon telling him he "murdered the song" and that his performance was "verging on stupid".
16-year-old Aaron Kelly managed to keep his nerves despite his young age, remembering all the lyrics unlike his first appearance, and performing a passable version of Rascal Flatts' Here Comes Goodbye. Although he didn't win rave reviews Simon conceded that it was "quite a good performance" before adding that he "looks embarrassed to be here". Kara was kinder, telling Kelly that he is her "favorite kind of performer". Randy carried on the praise commenting that Kelly has a "huge voice"...not adding much to justify her multi million dollar salary Ellen said "ditto".
VIDEO: Idol Contestant Handcuffed After Bad Performance
Jermaine Sellers got mixed reviews for his performance of Oleta Adams' Get Here. Elen commented that she's a huge fan of his but felt that he was "all into the performance instead of feeling the song". Randy told him it was a weird choice whereas Simon was less diplomatic quipping that it sounded like "the kind of song someone in their 50s would request in a piano bar." And stingingly added that he believed Sellers had just blown his opportunity.
EXCLUSIVE: American Idol Hopeful Crystal Bowersox On The Attack – With Spaghetti!
Tim Urban got through to the top 24 by the skin of his teeth, securing a place only after Chris Golightly was disqualified. Urban made a bad choice with his pick of OneRepublics' Apologise. Simon told the wanabee congratulations on his comeback but based on his performance they made the right choice first time round. Ouch!
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: American Idol Reject Has No Regrets About TV Meltdown
20-year-old Joe Munoz performed a sweet version of Joe Mraz's You And I Both. Kara and Randy gave rave reviews but Simon, in typical Simon fashion, rolled his eyes as he commented, "In 10 seconds time, we're going to forget this." calling the performance, "Limp and forgettable" ... adding, "Rather like our host."
70s rocker Tyler Grady took on American Woman, starting off strong but finishing on a bum note. Simon slammed him, saying that people will remember this performance, but down side is, not necessarily for the right reasons. Simon said Tyler comes across like someone who went to "trying-to-be-a-rock-star school," and that it doesn't seem natural.
VIDEO: Paula Abdul Gives Ellen DeGeneres Two Thumbs Up
23-year-old Lee DeWyze sang a pretty forgettable yet passable version of Snow Machine's Chasing Cars. Ellen commented that it was a good song choice, "except when you started kind of screaming it a bit." Simon praised DeWyze though, even go so far as to say, "It was the best performance...by a mile".
John Park perforeds an unusual song choice, singing God Save The Child. The judges were left unimpressed with Kara saying there was no connection and that the song was "loungey and sleepy". Ellen disagreed though, saying that she thought he sounded great.
26-year-old Michael Lynch chose to jazz up Maroon 5's This Love for his performance. Randy, Ellen and Kara praised him, but Simon dourly commented that his performance "was like the support act before the main act, you delivered so little."
Texan student Alex Lambert rocked a mullet and performed James Morrison's classic hit Wonderful World. Simon awarded him with the the "most uncomfortable performance of the night" whereas Kara just added that she felt he "needs a hug". Ellen threw in her support of Lambert's hairstyle choice though before cryptically comparing him to a "not quite ripe banana."
EXCLUSIVE: Tasered American Idol “Skiibosky” Has Long Arrest Record
Kara is obviously a huge fan of Casey James and holds nothing back in her praise. James let down his long blond hair and gave a pitchy version of Bryan Adams’ Heaven. Kara DioGuardi didn’t seem to mind the missed notes as she swayed back and forth during the song and told him giddily afterward, “Casey I don’t recognize you with your shirt on.”
James even managed to unnerve Ellen DeGeneres, who stammered out, “I could feel Kara undressing you with her eyes, I couldn’t focus. You’re going to get votes like crazy.”
PHOTOS: American Idol's Top 24
Even Simon seemed a little knocked off his block. “Casey one thing I do understand is that we were both cursed with good looks. But somehow you have to manage the talent thing as well. Obviously the cougar here loves you.”
Finally, 24-year-old Andrew Garcia went out on a limb, performing a stripped down and acoustic version of Fall Out Boy's We're Going Down. Kara said it was a "strange rendition" and Simon was just plain blunt, telling Garcia that he found his performance "disappointing and kind of boring".
Stay tuned Thursday for Season 9’s first elimination round and a performance from Season 8’s American Idol, Kris Allen.
