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's Top 12 - Behind The Scenes Photo Shoot
Posted on Mar 17, 2010 @ 02:07PM - 1 comment
The Top 12 from Fox’s mega hit American Idol had their first photo shoot, and RadarOnline.com has all the behind the scenes video.
PHOTOS: See The Top 12
Andrew Garcia calls it “a crazy experience,” and Lacey Brown says “we’re taking some pictures, getting pretty and trying on some new looks.”
For Paige Miles, trying on outfits is “better than the mall—no crowds, no one to tussle over saying ‘This is my shirt!’
VIDEO: American Idol's Siobhan Magnus gives "Performance Of The Night"
Posted on Mar 17, 2010 @ 10:35AM - 7 comments
Tuesday saw the first performance of the American Idol Top 12 - boys and girls together - and to kick it off in style and give it a bit of a rock edge it was Rolling Stones night!
PHOTOS: The American Idol Top 12
It was inevitable that rock chick Crystal Bowersox, who Simon has already branded "the one to beat" would, well, knock the socks off the competition - and she didn't disappoint, but in a surprise move Siobhan Magnus came out of the gate and raced ahead, garnering rave reviews from all the judges and even getting rare praise from Simon, who called her the "standout performance of the night".
PHOTOS: Simon Cowell's Fiancee Flashes Her Spectacular Engagement Ring
First off for the night, and getting the show off to a good start, was Michael Lynche, singing Miss You. Michael shared a moving home life story, explaining that it was the dbeloved mom's death . Michael received mainly positive reviews from the judges, with the exception of Simon who commented, “I thought the performance at times, particularly your dancing, was kind of corny. It was verging at times a tiny bit desperate.” Randy raved though, “It reminded me how great a performer you've become. You slayed them. Way to start the show!” Ellen chimed in, “What’s not to love about that Mike? At some point I'm going to be disappointed, but not yet. Good, good, good.” And Kara weighed in, “You've got to fill up that stage, you delivered attitude and swagger. You were hot on stage.”
First awkward moment of the night was when Ryan Seacrest faced up to Simon Cowell and demanded he "help Mike out" and tell him what part he thought was corny. Ryan walked right up to the judges' desk, forcing Simon to move back his chair and tell Seacrest, "Back off now, back off." As usual, it all ended in jest with Simon quipping to Ryan, "We can sort this out later in my trailer."
VIDEO: American Idol Early Favorite Haeley Vaughn Gets Eliminated
Next up, Didi Benami showed us her home in Los Angeles, saying she moved there four years ago from her home in Knoxville, TN. Didi shared that she was the middle sister of three girls, and that she was always the "artistic dreamy one". Didi said, "I'm actually the person that pushes myself the most in my family" before going on to perform her version of Play With Fire. Randy raved, “I think for the first time for me in weeks, you are on fire tonight. That was one of your best performances.” Ellen commented, “You have an amazing voice, you lost your way but you got right back in the song.” Kara wasn’t quite sure, saying, “I think sometimes when you push on your vocals you lose your way a bit. But I like your intensity. For me It was 2 steps in the right direction. You are moving towards who you are as an artist." Simon pretty much summed it up with, “You are beginning to show us who you want to be. I have been a fan of yours for the last 2 or 3 weeks and again it was a very solid but not brilliant performance.”
VIDEO: Crystal Bowersox Blows Away The Competition In The Top Ten Women
Kara’s cougar favorite, Casey James, grew up in an "itty bitty town" called Cool in Texas. Casey's mom said that when he was a baby he was very sick and the doctor told her he would be brain damaged and never speak. She went on to say that she knew that wasn't the case when she heard him singing in his crib. Obviously close, Casey admitted, "I wouldn't be where I am today without my family." Casey nailed his take on All Over Now. Three of the judges were in agreement with their praise, Randy said, “I'm excited about this. I loved it, you are back to the artist I loved, I loved it. You are back for me.” Ellen agreed, jokingly saying, “Most women, their hearts are racing right now, but then for women like me.....blonds...I thought it was fantastic.” Kara raved, of course, “Tonight you were a rock star. It had a country kinda twang but it had blues and soul and that is what I have missed from you. This was your best performance since we met.” Simon though begged to differ, “I actually don't agree with that. For me that was like an audition performance. You've got to push yourself, it has to be more than that. Just be a star"
VIDEO: Michael Lynche Raises The Bar For The Top Ten Men
Lacey Brown told America she's from Amarillo, TX, and that she comes from a very supportive family. Lacey, whose dad is a pastor, said, "The church has had a big impact on me musically." Her dad said she's always been shy so it's amazing to see his daughter "up there on the stage, looking into the cameras and performing." Unfortunately though, Lacey wasn’t so lucky with the praise tonight. She gave a lack luster rendition of Ruby Tuesday that garnered her lukewarm reviews from all of the judges. Randy said, “I wasn't jumping up and down about it vocally, it wasn’t a wow moment but you kind of held it together.” Ellen commented, “You like to sit on the edge of things, don't go to the Grand Canyon. It was a tiny bit sleepy for me. But I'm a fan of yours.” Kara agreed, “It was 50-50 for me. Hearing your voice up there is great. But there were some issues where you didn’t hit the notes right. You can do better. You could of put more into it.” Simon got straight to the point, as usual, “You perform like an actress. Everything is really, really precise. Nothing wrong with the vocals, the song was OK. You need to stop over thinking this, and let yourself go a bit.”
VIDEO: First Four American Idol Contestants Voted Off
Andrew Garcia talked about how he grew up around gangs, and how his parents never had any money when he was young. He went on to say that one day he "just picked up a guitar, I wanted to known for something but I never thought I wanted to be a singer." Andrew kept the mixed reviews coming with his performance of Gimme Shelter. Randy said, “I love the song, I love the Stones and I love you but it was pitchy everywhere, man, it was pitchy everywhere..” Ellen disagreed, raving, “What do I know? I think it was your best performance yet. I loved it.” Kara was undecided, commenting, “There were elements that we heard what we have been missing. I wanted to feel what you were talking about. I felt it at times but most of the time I didn't. The connection bothered me the most out of that performance. I wanted more intensity.” Awkard moment of the night number 2 followed with a fight between Kara and Simon over the intenstity of Andrew's performance and of the Rolling Stones. In the end Simon was also undecided though, saying, “I am in the middle. You gave it 100% but my gut is you were better in rehearsals than tonight. I genuinely hope you survive another week.”
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: American Idol Contestant Has No Regrets About TV Meltdown
Katie Stevens took America home to Middlebury in Connecticut, Katie said when she was younger she was "very shy and couldn't perform in public" something her mom disagreed with, even dragging out an old clip of Katie at 4 performing at her uncle's wedding! Katie, who has been accused of not being "young enough" chose Wild Horses, and it turned out to be a wise choice. Randy praised her, "It is a great song if you sing it well it's all good all the time. I actually thought you sang that really well. A couple of pitch issues but you corrected them. It was a really strong performance." Ellen said, "I thought it started a bit pitchy but sounded good once you got into it, great song, good choice, good choice." Kara conceded,"It is never technically perfect with you but it was better than last week, it definitely was." And even Simon gave a, mainly, positive review, "I would say this is the only week you have chosen a very strong song. I didn’t like the second half of the arrangement because I think you lost the emotion. But it's the first time I think you connected with a song, you made a difference and you gave it 100% Well done."
EXCLUSIVE: Casey James' Jailbird Past
Tim Urban murdered his version of Under My Thumb, getting a thumbs down from all the judges. Before performing Tim confessed that he was one of ten kids, and that his sisters used to dress him as a little girl. Tim said growing up in such a large family means he "will always be part of an Urban family, but it would be awesome to be known as Tim Urban, away from that." But after his beyond weird performance it doesn't look likely....Randy commented, "I didn’t get that dude. It was very bizarre. The whole Reggae version of that. It didn’t serve your vocals well. I didn’t like it." While Ellen quipped, "I'm going to boo myself first. I Felt like I was a resort drinking a pina colada and listening to someone sing. There was nothing wrong with it. I just didn’t like it, it didn't wow." Kara was kinder, saying, "I applaud you for doing something so incredibly different with the song. Whether you like it or not you made it your own." Simon scathingly commented, "I applaud you for doing something different, it is quite a boring song anyway, having said that it didn’t work. A lot of people that are Rolling Stones fans were turning off their TV sets at that point."
VIDEO: Top 12 Women Are Hot And Cold With Idol Judges
Siobhan Magnus told America she is from Cape Cod, Mass. Siobhan claimed she comes from "a huge family" and that "they are a support system. They're there for me. I could ask them for anything." Siobhan scored rave reviews for her very dramatic take on Paint It Black. Randy gushed, "Bringing the drama to season 9. That was hot, that was hot!" Ellen heaped on the praise, "I loved the way you look tonight. I love the way you sound. I love the way you did that song. You rise above. You're like Snooki's poof. You stand out." Kara raved, "I'm having flash backs to Adam Lambert. The best interpretation tonight. You did the most with the song, most interesting." And even Simon was glowing in his review, "The standout performance of the night. I see the development, you look interesting.You're going to have to scream at the end of each performance now, and a lot of people will love that but a lot of people genuinely will hate that and that is the place to be, better than being indifferent and boring."
EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Bowersox's S & M Aunt Whipping Up Support
Lee DeWyze admitted that 6-months-ago he was living paycheck to paycheck, working at a paint store. Lee went on to say when he was younger he "used to be really embarrassed to perform in front of people" and that he still suffers from nerves. You'd never know though, Lee delivered a strong rendition of Beast Of Burden. Half the judges raved, half remained lukewarm. Randy said, "You know what I love? You came home with this. You did the whole singer/songwriter thing. It was a cross between John Thomas and Dave Matthews. It was dope." Ellen agreed, although commented, "I thought it was great and you sounded great. I was expecting a tiny bit more from you though. It was a little less than I expected." Kara raved though, "You are growing faster than anybody on this stage. Every week you're getting better. Tremendous growth." Simon held back on his praise, "I really like you as a person. I like the whole story, you worked in a paint shop and really wanted to be a star. Your personality is holding you back, you picked a very safe song and other people have had bigger moments. The frustrating thing is that you have such an incredible voice. I hope you come back next week, and stamp your personality it on it."
EXCLUSIVE: Tasered American Idol Hopeful Has Long Arrest History
Paige Miles, who is born and raised in Naples, Florida, told a sad story about her dad being paralyzed when she was 2 and then dying when she was only 4, leaving her mom to struggle and raise Paige and her brother on her own. Paige said she "grew up with my mom singing in church so I grew up singing in church too." Paige went on to mainly garner positive reviews with her take on Honky Tonk Woman. Randy said, "You did alright with it. You pulled it off. I wishede you had more energy and rocked out more but liked it." Ellen heaped on the praise, "I love that you used the stage, you have great star qualioty and presence. You sounded great. No one would know you were struggling with your voice." Kara said, "At times you may have gotten a little lost but you worked the stage and the young Paige is back." Simon asked hat her voice issues were, and Paige said she had laryngytus! Simon pretty much slammed her performance though, "You hit some big notes. It is something you would hear in a bar and you still haven’t connected. It was an old fashioned performance."
EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Bowersox On The Attack - With Spaghetti!
16-year-old Aaron Kelly shared that he is from Stonestown in New England, and that he was adopted by his mom when he was 5-years-old. Aaron said he was "the only one that sings in my family" and that "to be the next American Idol would be a dream come true." Aaron scored a home run with his mature version of Angie, with all the judges heaping on the praise. Randy said, "Your mom was absolutely right, you were born to sing. I like you. I could almost hear a little Justin Timberlake in there. I thought it was hot." Ellen joked, "Are you trying to do your hair like mine now, are you trying to copy me?" Before going on to comment, "I thought that was a great song choice. Next to Siobhan that was another performance that stands out. Beautiful." Kara raved, "I beat you up last week, but you showed me tonight. It was very powerful. Really great." And even Simon gave up some props, "I did fear for you this week when I knew it was the Stones, but you chose, absolutely, 100% the right song. What you did cleverly, you sang the song within the limits of your vocal this time. You haven't got a big voice but it was in tune and it was believable. It was one of your strongest performances."
Simon Cowell Will Focus On X-Factor After Leaving Idol
Last but not least was Simon's favorite to date, Crystal Bowersox. Crystal, who is from a "small rural area of Ohio" said that she's always appreciated that her "dad has always been really supportive of my music." Crystal went on to say that she started writing music at the age of ten, before claiming, "As soon as I picked up a guitar I knew this is what I was born to do." The single mom belted out an acoustic version of You Can't Always Get What You Want. Though the reviews were still positive, the judges had some stern warnings for her, with even Simon conceding that she had been beaten that night. Randy said, "I don’t think it was your best performance, there were a couple of problems in it, but I love you. You didn’t disappoint me tonight though, I still love you." Ellen said, "You sing with such ease, it's so effortless for you. You are born to be on the stage. You were playful tonight. I started to see a little more personality and I love that. Show more personality, play more." Kara, "You were so comfortable up there. It wasn’t your greatest vocal but it was great." Simon gave a mixed review, "You came out here tonight 100% the clear favorite and I think you chose a song that didn’t have the drama and tonight I think you were beaten by someone, and that was Siobhan. Just when you think you have the competition in the pocket you need to dig deep and come out here and kill."
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."
American Idol Top 12
Posted on Mar 12, 2010 @ 07:02AM - Add a comment
American Idols celebrate the top 12.
VIDEO: Simon Cowell Dubs Crystal Bowersox The One To Beat On American Idol
Posted on Mar 10, 2010 @ 03:15AM - 4 comments
On Tuesday night, the top eight women took the American Idol stage for performance night and RadarOnline.com brings you the highs and lows of the evening. One big moment: a possible winner blossoms.
EXCLUSIVE: American Idol Hopeful Crystal Bowersox On The Attack - With Spaghetti!
Before we get to the music, a moment must be taken to mull over the early moments of nuzzling between Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres when she sat on his lap as Ryan Seacrest introduced the judging panel. It was more than a little awkward though it was a classic TV moment in the making.
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: Crystal Bowersox Blows Away The Competition In The American Idol Top Ten Women
Posted on Mar 04, 2010 @ 06:13AM - 5 comments
After Tuesday night's over all lack luster performances by the American Idol top ten men the pressure was on the girls Wednesday to bring the talent and give us all some hope for what has been, so far, a pretty unimpressive season of the hit TV show.
It was a mixed bag of performances though with just three of the girls really shining at the end of the night - Crystal Bowersox, Lilly Scott and Siobhan Magnus delivered the goods and went someway towards granting some credibility to Simon's earlier prediction that a girl will win Idol this year.
VIDEO: American Idol’s Michael Lynche Raises The Bar For The Top Ten Men
Fresh from an emergency trip to the hospital Crystal Bowersox shared that she has a "square" twin brother called Carl that she "loves very much" and she keeps the memory of those she loves near her during her performance to help with her nerves. Bowersox set the standard to beat for the night with her take on Creedance Clearwater's hit Long As I Can See The Light. Randy raved, "You are the truth, you do what you do. I love that girl. That girl is hot!" Ellen agreed, commenting, "That was pure natural talent." Kara joined in the praise, saying, "You completely recovered from lat week. This is who you are. You are centered, you are focused the way that the greats are." Simon rounded out the praise, saying, "I completely underestimated you. I promise you this was like the moment when we realized with Kelly Clarkson that we have a really serious artist here, and I think you are a really serious artist."
PHOTOS: Simon Cowell's Fiance Flashes Her Stunning Engagement Ring
Next up, 16-year-old Haeley Vaughn chose a Miley Cyrus song, The Climb. Before performing Haeley admitted that her performance last week was "pretty rough" going on to say that she finds it difficult to hide her emotions and her smile as she is a "naturally happy person." Haeley's performance left a lot to be desired though, and the judges slammed her. Randy lamented, "It didn't work for me. It was excruciating. It was so pitchy and so not right for you." Ellen told Haeley, "Don't ever stop smiling." But went on to say, "Unfortunately I didn't feel connected to you. There was no feeling there." Kara commented, "You have that Alex Lambert factor. There's a lot of people that like you and that are rooting for you. Unfortunately you need about a year to strengthen your talent." Simon summed it up by saying, "It was a complete and utter mess. There was some irony in you singing about climbing when you completely fell off."
EXCLUSIVE: Simon Cowell Is Engaged
Fiery redhead Lacey Brown performed Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer. Before taking to the stage Lacey shared that she loves antiques shopping and refurbishing old furniture, saying that she finds it "relaxing". She went on to say that when she's on stage she tells herself, "You are made to do this." But despite getting props for the right song choice Lacey scored mixed reviews from the judges for her performance. Randy said, "Interesting choice. Listen, I actually think it was a good song choice and it would of worked but I was waiting for the words to flash across the screen, it was like you were doing karaoke." Ellen was kinder, saying, "It was adorable. I like your personality and I like you." Keeping up the positive vibe, Kara said, "You have a very unique sound but I have to say you have to step it up still. You didn't push it where it could of gone." Simon, said, "I think it was marginally better than last week. But I get the feeling you are taking part in a competition rather than showcasing your talent. We're not going to remember your performance and that's a problem."
Meet Simon Cowell’s New Love, Mezhgan Hussainy
Next up, Katie Stevens confessed that something no-one knows about her is that she can say "give me a kiss" in six different languages, something she is very embarrassed about, apparently. Katie added that she's doing what the judges asked of her by performing a "younger" song choice and that she hopes they like her performance this week. Unfortunately though when it came to her pitchy rendition of the Corinne Bailey Rae classic, Put Your Records On, Stevens didn't deliver. Randy said, "There were some bright moments there for me, when you went into your upper bridge it was good, but the first part was kind of pitchy." Ellen said, "I think you have a great voice but I can't believe you're 17. I want to see you younger. I don't want to hear something I could hear in my dentist's office." Kara agreed, "I'm so frustrated with you. At the end you were kind of going off and doing your own thing but you've got to do that from the start. I'm still waiting for that moment from you." Simon said, "It's very frustrating, you made an attempt to make yourself younger but you're failing to tell us what kind of recording artist you want to be. It wasn't a winning performance."
VIDEO: First Four American Idol Contestants Voted Off
Last week Simon Cowell gave a stinging critique of Didi Benami's performance, comparing it to "a dull first kiss". This week she didn't fare much better in the praise takes. Before taking to the stage Didi shared that she was the school mascot for two years before talking through her pre-performance ritual, confessing that she prays and "meows" to open up her vocal cords. Benami chose Bill Withers' Lean On Me and her flat performance garnered unanimous criticism from the judges. Randy commented that her song choice, "Revealed what you can't do rather than heightening what you do well." Ellen said, "First of all I love your voice. You have a great smile and a great presence, you tried to do stuff with it, but I don't think it was the greatest song choice." Kara bluntly said, "Didi it was not good. What we're missing from you is consistency. It felt like a karaoke bar." Simon heaped it on, saying, "At least you carried the cat theme throughout the song because that's what it sounded like. You get this fantastic opportunity and then you do something very generic - it's just a wasted opportunity." Didi could barely hold back the tears before exiting the stage.
PHOTOS: American Idol's Top 24
Michelle Delamor chose Arms Wide Open by Creed. Before her performance Michelle said that she is a children's choir director at church, working with ages 5 up to 12, and that before each performance she prays and meditates as well as visualizing her desired outcome. Delamor scored mixed reviews from the judges. Randy said, "Couple of pitch problems here and there. I sound like a broken record here, it's so frustrating for me, it fell flat for me." Ellen commented, "I think you did do a lot with the song. There were a couple of little pitch problems but I'm glad you tried to do something different. It almost worked." Kara raved though, "My favorite performance of yours ever. It felt believable for once. You listen and you are trying." Simon took Kara's lead, "I thought the first half was much stronger than the second. But you took the point, you didn't choose a safe choice, you made it work 80%."
VIDEO: Top 12 Women Are Hot And Cold With American Idol Judges
Last week Lilly Scott, guitar in hand, delivered one of the most praise worthy performances of the night with her take on the Cheap Trick hit Fixing A Hole. This week she got mainly rave reviews again with her take on A Change Is Gonna Come by legendary soul crooner Sam Cooke. Before performing Scott boasted that she can play a lot of different instruments and that she's trying to be unpredictable. Randy said, "This season is some of the most unique contestants we have ever had, and that's what I love about you. You worked it out, my favorite performance of the night." Ellen raved, "You have got "it" I forgot we were in a singing competition." Kara joined in with the praise,. "You just had your moment. I was riveted, I couldn't wait to see what you did next. You are going to change the game." Simon rounded out by saying, "I thought it was good but I wasn't crazy about it compared to last week. I think Crystal was stronger than you, personally. But it was still great."
Katelyn Epperly took to the piano and performed a version of Coldplay's The Scientists. Katelyn said that before auditioning for Idol she was studying to become a sound engineer, and went on to say that some day she would like to open her own studio. Epperly gave an admirable performance of the Brit band's classic but scored mixed reviews from the judges. Randy said "It was really slow, but I like it. I'm not over the top about it, but I like it." Ellen said it was so slow that she "fell kind of asleep, it was so slow, it was way too slow." Kara said that she understood where Randy and Ellen were coming from but, "I kind of love you, I kind of do. But you keep switching around, you're all over the place, but you're really good. Figure out who you are though, really quick." Simon warned her, "What you've got to be careful of is that you've become really corny.
VIDEO: American Idol's Top 12 Men Make Shaky Debut
Before hitting the stage Paige Miles shared that she loves to color, in coloring books, and that that acts as a pre-show ritual for her. She chose Walk Away by the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, and despite seeming to really have fun with her performance she garnered mixed reviews. Randy commented, "I liked it but wasn't over the top in love with it. I'm not sure it was the best choice. I want to hear your voice." Ellen said, "I totally disagree with Randy. I really liked it. You changed just enough to make it fun. I thought you did great. You have one of the best voices." Kara said, "Here's the thing, the song is kind of a bit angry and I missed that with you." Simon said, "I'm going to agree with Randy. For two weeks in a row you've made bad song choices. It was forgettable. Sorry."
VIDEO: Idol Contestant Handcuffed After Bad Performance
Last but not least, Siobhan Magnus closed out this week's performances with her rousing take on Think by Aretha Franklin. Before performing Magnus confessed that she used to have a mohawk, and that before performing she does lip vibration exercises. Randy heaped on the praise, saying, "You pickesd the dopest, coolest, biggest singer of all time and you came out and you were fearless, and you were dope! I loved it dude, I loved it." Ellen agreed, "I loved it too. Oh man, that was good." Kara said, "I can't get over that note. I don't know how you do that, how you get that note." Simon said, "Once again, you are such a strange person. I thought there were parts of the song that were terrible but that note was incredible. There's no doubt that you can sing."
VIDEO: American Idol's Top 24 Finally Revealed!
Posted on Feb 18, 2010 @ 02:09AM - Add a comment
The stage is now set for the top 24 of American Idol to begin performing live starting next week, and for you to begin casting your vote during season 9 of Fox’s hit reality TV show.
Wednesday night on Idol, the names of the remaining 17 semi-finalists were revealed, so we now know the names of the 24 singers who will compete for the American Idol crown.
VIDEO: American Idol's Beautiful Man Flower "Can't Help Falling In Love With You"
Posted on Feb 04, 2010 @ 01:38AM - Add a comment
Wednesday night was the last show of the auditions phase of American Idol Season 9, promising us the best and the worst of the auditions so far - and it didn't disappoint. "We've saved the best for last," Idol host Ryan Seacrest assured us at the start of the show, and it seems, for the most part, he was telling the truth!
With clips taken from all the auditions shows so far this season, American Idol The Road To Hollywood re-introduced us to some wanabees from past seasons as well as showcasing some fresh talent, and disasters!
First up though we get to relive what has probably been the most memorable and talked about audition so far this year - yes - it's welcome back Pants On The Ground!
American Idol : Ellen Era About To Launch
Then we are introduced to a previous Season 8 contestant, 20-year-old Jessica Furney, who sucked up to Simon by performing Footprints in The Sand, an original composition penned by Cowell himself - who knew he had so many talents - guest judge Posh Spice for one, who is astounded to hear of Simon's writing "talents". Needless to say Jessica's nod to Cowell, along with a little talent, guaranteed her a place through to Hollywood, the first of many of the night who won a coveted spot.
Boston contestant Amanda Shectman wasn't lacking when it came to standing out, entertaining with her bad impressions and proclaiming that she just wants her true talent to shine through, which she's "pretty confident it will". She didn't wow with her performance though, prompting Victoria Beckham to tell her, "I think you need to work on your expressions" and Kara to tell her she felt she was lacking in connection, a sentiment Simon agreed with. Shectman stood her ground though, protesting, "Singing is what I love to do man, please listen to me!" And after some deliberating she was passed through, prompting an Oscar worthy performance of appreciation.
American Idol : Dallas Auditions
Lee Dewyze brought to the table his gravelly voiced rocker act, winning a ticket through to the next round.
Also sailing through was Crystal Bowersox, who kept her guitar over her shoulder, even though she wasn't allowed to play it.
23-year-old Church Event Director Lacey Brown, made it into the top 50 on Season 8, now, back for her second go she wowed with her version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, which prompted Kara to tell her, "You're definitely one of my favorites this season" and winning her a second shot at stardom.
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Someone that just doesn't seem to know how to take rejection is 23-year-old Stephanie Fisher, who appeared in Denver for her 7th attempt at American Idol fame. The overly tan Paris Hilton lookalike performed an overly dramatic and off-key rendition of the Peggy Lee classic, Fever. Simon judged her performance, "terrible" telling her "honestly, you can't sing sweetheart". Stephanie excused her poor performance on her nerves due to the presence of Victoria Beckham, explaining "she's my fashion icon." The judges awarded her another go, where she proceeded to murder Baby Love before Simon promptly stopped her and put an end to her dreams, once again. Better luck next time Stephanie, or maybe not....
Next up a trio of 16-year-olds. Rachel Hubbard, Thaddeus Johnson and Genesis Moore all showcased talent well beyond their tender ages and all were given a pass to Hollywood.
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Oversized 6 foot 8" 17-year-old swimmer Adrian Chandtchi, described himself as, "A beautiful man-flower", claiming that for America, "I am the only one" and sharing he has a slew of nicknames, including "Blondzilla". Chandtchi stunned with a falsetto performance of Elvis' Can't Help Falling In Love With You, prompting poor Randy to double over in laughter. Kara commented, "Adrian, there's like a small schoolboy trapped inside you" to which Simon quickly quipped, "Either that or you've eaten one." Rejected by all Adrian wasn't giving up easily, telling the judges, "You have my number, if you want to do re-call backs call me." Don't wait for that phone to ring...
Big buff 26-year-old personal trainer Michael Lynch tried out in Orlando, sharing before his audition that he just found out he has his first child on the way! The gentle giant sang Unchained Melody and the ladies commented, "You're like a singing teddy bear", maybe echoes of past Idol Ruben Studdard? We will see, as Michael got through to the next round.
Hollywood contestant 22-year-old waitress Didi Benami battled her emotions as she explained that she was auditioning in memory of her best friend Rebecca, who died four years ago. Singing the Beatles classic Hey Jude Benami gave a rousing performance, prompting Kara to note, "You really want it bad." Randy commented that "you sounded really cool, you had good range. I actually really liked you." And despite a "very small yes" from Simon the hopeful got through to Hollywood.
16-year-old Aaron Kelly had a sob story to tell. Living a migratory lifestyle with his parents when he was infant and moving from place to place Aaron shared that he was about to be taken away by social services before his kindly aunt and uncle stepped up to the plate and adopted him and his brother. He performed The Climb by Miley Cirus, garnering praise from Simon who told him, "I think the moms will like you." Kelly won 4 yesses and a place into the next round.
Kimberly Bishop declared that "I have what it takes to become the next American Idol because I have a really good heart." The 20-year-old nursing student murdered Katy Perry's I Kissed A Girl, getting a unanimous rejection.
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In Dallas Shaddaiii Harris bought her mom with her, who confessed that when she was pregnant with Shaddaii she had a "vision" of her singing. Unfortunately Shaddaii's performance was beyond appalling, shattering her mom's visions forever.
Ryan teases, "We're saving the best for last" before introducing Hope Johnson who shares a story worthy of a Lifetime movie of the week, telling how she didn't know she was poor when she was little, taking food home from school to share with her starving little brother, declaring "there are a lot of things worse than going without". The pretty 19-year-old waitress won over the judges, with all of them commenting that they liked her. It was a unanimous yes for the last contestant of the evening and with that it's goodbye to the auditions and hello to Hollywood!
