TV Info
Category
Reality TVGenre
Reality, MusicStarring :
Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres
'Idol Gives Back' Returns in 'American Idol' Season 9
October 06, 2009 02:10:21Recession and tough time in economy no longer stop "American Idol" to hold its charity program "Idol Gives Back". The Emmy Award-winning television event that was absent last season will be staged once again during the season 9's Top 7 announcement on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 8/7c.
"I am very pleased to announce that we will be doing our third Idol Gives Back on April 21, 2010," said Simon Fuller, Idol creator and CEO of 19 Entertainment. "This is our opportunity to reach out and support the people of America and around the world who need our compassion and generosity to improve or even save their lives. America will undoubtedly prove once again what a remarkable and generous nation it is. For American Idol to be able to facilitate this kind of initiative makes me very proud."
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Paula Abdul Congratulates the New 'American Idol' Judge
September 11, 2009 09:09:24The former and the new judge of "American Idol" have spoken beyond the press release about the new engagement. Paula Abdul congratulated Ellen DeGeneres who is now positioned in her old seat as the judge of the singing talent show. Ellen similarly also talked about taking Paula's job on Ryan Seacrest's radio show.
" 'American Idol' is a fantastic show that offers an invaluable platform to young talent," Abdul said in a statement Thursday, September 10. "Ellen DeGeneres is wildly funny and talented in her own right. I wish her and the show only the best of luck."
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Ellen DeGeneres, the New Permanent Judge of 'American Idol'
September 10, 2009 09:09:40The producers of "American Idol" have found the person who will best suit as the replacement of Paula Abdul. Talk show host slash comedienne Ellen DeGeneres has been officially tapped to be the new judge of the talent show when it returns for the ninth season in January 2010.
FOX said in a statement released on Wednesday, September 9, "DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition." DeGeneres will effectively sit on the panel after the audition rounds.
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'American Idol' Brings In Avril Lavigne
September 02, 2009 01:09:09The list of "American Idol" guest judge is growing bigger with the addition of Avril Lavigne. According to EW, Avril will take one day of selecting hopefuls which are called back to the Los Angeles edition. Katy Perry will do the same thing for the other day.
So far there has been no date set for the Los Angeles audition. However, Perry has come forward with a plan. "I might become a little bit of a buddy with Simon, because whenever I watch that show, as much as he's an a**hole, he's a very truthful, honest a**hole," she said.
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Neil Patrick Harris Sits In for 'American Idol'
August 26, 2009 09:08:17Neil Patrick Harris is one reason to watch the ninth season of "American Idol". The "How I Met Your Mother" star has paid the singing competition show a visit on Tuesday, August 25 as a guest judge for the Dallas audition, a rep of the show confirms to E! Online.
Harris would be the second male judge added as the substitute of Paula Abdul after Joe Jonas of Jonas Brothers. But he is the first celebrity who comes from non-recording-artist background although he indeed owns a Broadway experience such as "Rent" where he was required to sing a few numbers.
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Joe Jonas to Audition 'American Idol' in Dallas
August 19, 2009 10:08:39The latest celebrity who will assist Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson in filtering people with singing talent is none other than Joe Jonas. The middle of Jonas Brothers is confirmed to join the judges of "American Idol" in the Dallas, Texas audition which will be held on Monday, August 24.
His rep has confirmed to People about the stint and Joe is thus the first announced male guest judge in the show's ninth season. Victoria Adams, Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry and Shania Twain are the names which have been announced earlier to appear as the other guests who fill in for Paula Abdul.
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Shania Twain Visiting 'American Idol' as Guest Judge
August 18, 2009 01:08:29"American Idol" is adding a spice of country music to the judging panel. Shania Twain is confirmed to be a guest judge in the Chicago round auditions held on August 30 and 31. She will sit next to Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi to filter those with the potential to be an Idol.
Shania is the latest female guest invited to the reality series to fill in the vacant spot left by Paula Abdul. Victoria Adams aka Posh Spice was the first to get the guest seat last week, helping the three regular judges to select a few hopefuls in Boston auditions. Mary J. Blige joined the relay by auditioning in Atlanta on August 16 and 17.
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Mary J. Blige to Audition 'American Idol' Hopefuls
August 15, 2009 10:08:38Mary J. Blige is doing "American Idol" a favor by making a room in her schedule for judging time. The R 'n' B singer will be auditioning hopefuls in Atlanta, joining Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi. Blige is expected to head to Atlanta this week before the auditions are held on Sunday (August 16) and Monday (August 17).
With the absence of Paula Abdul, producers of the reality show are hiring guest judges until they can determine a replacement for Paula. Victoria Adams has done her part in Boston on Friday, August 14. "The judges and production team have been having a lot of fun with Victoria," a show source said. "She's had a great response so far, and has been really warm with the contestants."
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'American Idol' Wants Simon Cowell for 3 More Years
August 11, 2009 02:08:21While it chose to let go Paula Abdul, 19 Entertainment is not ready to lose Simon Cowell yet. A negotiation for at least three more seasons has been ongoing between the "American Idol" judge and the production house. CKX, the parent company of 19, has also given their seal of approval for this.
"We've heard from Fox, who has asked us for approval for Simon Cowell to appear for three more years on 'Idol,' " CKX chairman Robert Sillerman confirmed to THR. Cowell's contract is supposed to end after this season but he was in talks for a two-year extension this summer.
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Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry Filling in for 'American Idol'
August 07, 2009 10:08:15Paula Abdul's departure from "American Idol" is compensated with more guest judges in the ninth season. Victoria Adams aka Posh Spice, who is a close friend to Simon Cowell, is confirmed to make a one-off appearance, so is Katy Perry. These celebrity judges will fill in while FOX is searching for the fourth judge.
The executives at Fox Broadcasting announced on Thursday, August 6 that they will keep the four-judge format in the coming season. They are looking for a personality who will fit into Simon, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi. "What we need to find is someone who has great chemistry," chairman Peter Rice said. "It really is a casting job. Our job in the next four or five months is to consider what makes this the most fun, the most entertaining show."
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It's Official, Paula Abdul Not Returning to 'American Idol'
August 05, 2009 10:08:01Paula Abdul has announced personally that she will not return to "American Idol". She took it to Twitter in revealing her sadness and regret that she will not be back for the ninth season which will soon start the audition rounds.
"With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to #IDOL," she wrote on Tuesday, August 4. "I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon."
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Kara DioGuardi Coming Back for More 'American Idol'
July 30, 2009 01:07:56While Paula Abdul's return to "American Idol" is still hanging on a balance, the deal with fellow judge Kara DioGuardi is working out. The fourth judge, who was only added last season, will be back for another round although her deal is not as fulfilling as the other judges' and host Ryan Seacrest's.
"Her deal is done. There are no ifs, ands or buts," a source told E! Online. "Done. She will be back." Kara's rep is still quiet about the report but she is expected to shoot for the auditions in two weeks time. The ninth season meanwhile, is scheduled to begin in early 2010.
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Paula Abdul: 'I Still Haven't Heard From the Producers'
July 22, 2009 10:07:17Paula Abdul wants to clear the mist that nothing has been decided yet on her "American Idol" contract. "Hey guys, I have not made a deal w/ #IDOL. Don't know how that rumor got started but it's not true as I still haven't heard from the producers," Paula tweeted on late Tuesday, July 21.
Paula's post was in response to the reports that her contract renewal is done deal. Fellow judge Simon Cowell also added fuel that she will be back for the ninth season, saying "She'll be fine. She'll be on the show. I don't get a lot of say. I've just made it clear that I want Paula on the show."
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Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest Want Paula Abdul Back
July 21, 2009 12:07:05The case of 'is she or is she not' returning to "American Idol" is still surrounding Paula Abdul. Despite her manager's statement last week regarding the slim chance that she will be back for another round, the show's host Ryan Seacrest and fellow judge Simon Cowell have expressed where they stand in the matter.
"I connected with @paulaabdul today...love u PA can't imagine doing idol without u!!" Ryan wrote on his Twitter Monday, July 20. He was also showing confidence that Paula will be back. "I think as far as I know you'll see everybody back. I hope so," he told Extra.
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Manager Confirms Paula Abdul Will Likely Leave 'American Idol'
July 18, 2009 11:07:50After weeks of chatter and speculation, Paula Abdul's camp finally opened up to reporters about the star's future in "American Idol." David Sonenberg, Paula's manager, told The Times that despite his client's optimism to return to the show, there have been no new contract negotiations offered to her by FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, the production companies behind the hit singing competition.
"Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on 'Idol'," David said in a statement. "I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful. I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."
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Michael Jackson's Death Takes Impact on 'American Idol' Audition
July 01, 2009 11:07:59In the wake of Michael Jackson's death, fans of him turned up for "American Idol" audition at Los Angeles' Rose Bowl. Associated Press said that the deceased singer became the main drive for many to participate in the singing competition's ninth season.
Around 11,000 hopefuls showed up on Tuesday, June 30 for a chance to be the next Idol. The crowd number is particularly the largest ever for a Los Angeles-area tryout. One contestant named Estrella Nouri told the reporter how Michael's death affected her, saying "I'm gonna start crying but the fact that he died, he took a part of history with him. And now it's up to us to bring that back."
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'American Idol' Season 9 Audition: Day One
June 15, 2009 01:06:56About 7,000 people turned up at Boston's Gillette Stadium to get a chance to be the next "American Idol". The audition for season 9 was kicked off on Sunday, June 14 but hopefuls had turned up as early as 3 A.M. to get in line which stretched out to as far as the parking lot of the stadium.
The people were coming from all over the U.S. region, ranging from the East Coast area such as New York, up to North Carolina. In order to wait for their turn, they have to endure the not-so-friendly weather. The rain caused some to hide under umbrellas so that their costumes, and any other kind of preparations made for the judges, will not spoil.
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Audition Dates of 'American Idol' Season 9
June 03, 2009 10:06:56While the "American Idol" fever is still looming, FOX announces several dates when aspiring singers can have a try out to be the next Idol. The auditions for season 9 will begin as early as two weeks from now, being kicked off on Sunday, June 14 at Boston's Gillette Stadium.
The auditions will also be held in six other cities across America but only five dates and venues have been announced. Two auditions in Chicago and Dallas are still to be determined and expected to be announced by the time the first audition begins. The ninth season itself is slated to air in January 2010.
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Video: Adam Lambert and Kris Allen Respond to Voting Controversy
May 29, 2009 10:05:49Amid the conspiracy rumors that the voting for "American Idol" this season is not valid, winner Kris Allen and the runner-up Adam Lambert stepped forward to have their say. In an appearance on NBC's "Today Show", where they also performed individually, Adam and Kris emphasized the fact that they are two different artists and that there's no way they are "in competition".
Stopping by Rockefeller Center on Thursday, May 28, Adam and Kris were complimentary toward each other and shared a hug as the crowd went wild. They sat down for an interview with Meredith Viera, telling her that it didn't matter who came out as the winner. "The bottom line is that we're such different artists that there's really no way to directly compete," Adam said. "It was more of a competition within yourself. We were competing with ourselves and doing our personal best, and it was up to America, and I'm really happy Kris won. He's super talented."
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FOX Responds to 'American Idol' Voting Controversy
May 28, 2009 09:05:06FOX has come forward to set things straight on the allegations that the voting resulting in Kris Allen's win in "American Idol" this season is based on unfair count. Similarly, the show's sponsor AT&T released a statement that "it's quite a leap to suggest that a few individuals could have impacted the final results."
FOX insists that the final result pointed out to Kris winning over Adam Lambert, with no foul play. "Fox and the producers of 'American Idol' are absolutely certain that the results of this competition are fair, accurate and verified," a statement from FremantleMedia North America, 19Entertainment and Fox Broadcasting Company is read.
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Unfair Voting May Have Cost Adam Lambert 'American Idol' Crown
May 27, 2009 01:05:19There is a chance that Adam Lambert was the actual winner of "American Idol" this season. The New York Times is reporting that the final number of votes that determined the winner in the May 20 finale, may have been faltered when AT&T reps gave fans of crowned winner Kris Allen a special phone with benefits.
AT&T as the biggest sponsor of the show as well as the single phone network that can be used to cast the text message votes, reportedly provided phones with free text-messaging and a multiple message sending program called Power Text. Thus fans can easily send a number of text messages and hit a single button.
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'American Idol' Season 8 Finale NOT the Lowest Rating
May 22, 2009 02:05:44Those saying that "American Idol" has lost its chemistry are not exactly true. After reports on the show getting the lowest-rating finale throughout the show's history with the exception of the first season, a new number has surfaced to show that the finale on May 20 was not the least-watched.
The eight season drew an estimated 28.84 million viewers, according to preliminary data from Nielsen, when Kris Allen was crowned as the new champion of "American Idol". The number, in fact, is in tie to the season 3 finale when Fantasia Barrino won over Diana DeGarmo in 2004. However, the rating is not expected to stay intact since Nielsen is also factoring on the 7 minutes overrun and the time zone differences.
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Kris Allen Is the New 'American Idol' Winner!
May 21, 2009 09:05:15The time has come to appoint the new winner of "American Idol". Slightly less than 100 million votes were cast for both Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, and according to DialIdol.com, only a few votes separated the two that it is difficult to foresee who will be the winner.
The result show on Wednesday, May 20 was opened with Ryan Seacrest welcoming back Adam and Kris on the stage. Right after that, a video about the judges was played before the Top 13, all in white outfits, performed Pink's "So What". As previously reported, the show was to be visited by many guest performers and the first to take the stage was last season's "Idol" champion, David Cook. He sang "Permanent" that was dedicated to his late brother and can be purchased with benefits going to cancer research.
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'American Idol' Season 8 Finale Recap: Adam Lambert Vs. Kris Allen
May 20, 2009 09:05:15Tuesday, May 19 would be the last chance for Adam Lambert and Kris Allen to prove to America why they deserve the title of "American Idol". The final showdown required them to sing three pieces, one picked by producer Simon Fuller, one chosen by themselves from one of the songs they had performed in the season, and another one is the winner's song which is co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi.
Kris won the coin toss last week, and he chose to go second. The show begins with Ryan Seacrest naming the final two "The Acoustic Rocker" versus "The Glam Rocker". A montage of them talking about their journey from the audition to the last stage was played before the performance.
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Danny Gokey Eliminated, 'American Idol' Top 2 Revealed
May 14, 2009 09:05:0488 million votes came pouring in during "American Idol" Top 3 performance night but only one million separated the Top 2, meaning that the final may be a close call. America has voted, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen advance to the next round while Danny Gokey has to end the journey third place.
On Tuesday, Gokey sang Terence Trent D'arby's "Dance Little Sister" and was criticized for his awkward dancing and the song choice, which actually was Paula Abdul's pick. And then in the second round the Milwaukee native went acoustic with Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful". Simon Cowell called it "a vocal master class."
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'American Idol' Top 3 Performance Recap
May 13, 2009 10:05:58"American Idol" season 8 has reached a critical stage where three remaining contestants, all men, are vying for a slot in the final run. Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen performed on the stage on Tuesday, May 12, with a song which is selected by the judges and a song that they feel comfortable with. Here is the recap.
First on the stage was Danny Gokey with Paula Abdul's choice, Terence Trent D'arby's "Dance Little Sister". Randy Jackson actually liked it but Kara DioGuardi despised the part where he danced with the saxophone solo. She said she would not remember the performance tomorrow. Paula loved the whole thing, the dancing and the singing. Simon Cowell called the dancing "desperate" and the song choice bad. Paula and Simon later on argued and she punched him. Danny defended the song choice, saying "I want to sing that song!".
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Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen's Homecoming Schedule
May 09, 2009 12:05:27In tradition of the semi-final round in "American Idol", the top three finalists go home to their respective hometown to garner supports from the people there. On Friday, May 8 Adam Lambert who resides in Los Angeles goes back to San Diego, Danny Gokey visits Milwaukee while Kris Allen returns to Conway, Arkansas.
The camera will follow them as they campaign for votes and some of their personal lives are exposed. The hometowns, meanwhile, have prepared a set of celebration that include parades, concerts and public appearances. These footage will be played during the Tuesday live cast of "American Idol".
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Allison Iraheta Goes Home, 'American Idol' Top 3 Revealed
May 07, 2009 09:05:36One more contestant in "American Idol" takes the fall. Allison Iraheta, the 16-year-old red hair has been eliminated from the competition after being put on the bottom two with Danny Gokey. Ryan Seacrest said that 64 million votes were cast the night before (May 5).
Choked up in tears when her montage was played, Allison then took the stage for one last time to sing her rendition of Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby". She hugged Paula Abdul during the performance and the others afterward.
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'American Idol' Top 4 Recap: Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta Duet
May 06, 2009 10:05:12It's time to do some rock and roll on "American Idol". Mentored by ex-guitarist of Guns N' Roses, Slash, each of the top 4 will sing a solo and a duet piece. A short recap of what happened on the result show last week where Adam Lambert was put on the bottom three was played before the show began.
And viewers get the first taste of rock through Adam's rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love". Slash advised him not to improvise too much and Adam did not. Randy Jackson said he can definitely be a rock star and none will look at him as mere theater performer. Kara DioGuardi called him a "rock God". Simon Cowell said the piece is one of his favorite performances throughout the season and it will be difficult to top that.
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Matt Giraud Eliminated From 'American Idol', Adam Lambert in Bottom 3
April 30, 2009 09:04:51It was a surprising line up of the bottom three this week in "American Idol". Many have predicted that either Matt Giraud or Allison Iraheta will be the least voted but they only got one right. Matt was in the bottom three along with Kris Allen and surprisingly, fan and judges favorite, Adam Lambert.
Ryan Seacrest announced that there were 47 million votes cast on the Rat Pack night. Then later he started dividing the top 5 into two groups. Matt was grouped with Kris and Adam on right side of the stage while Allison and Danny Gokey stood on the left side. The host then announced that Matt's group belonged to the bottom three.
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'American Idol' Recap: Simon Cowell Called Adam 'Best Entrance'
April 29, 2009 10:04:35This week on "American Idol", the remaining five contestants will be singing songs made popular by The Rat Pack, a way-back-when group of entertainers that consists among others, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. Two important notes, actor slash singer Jamie Foxx would be the mentor and each contestant has two phone lines for voting.
To open the night, the show put Kris Allen first. He will be singing "The Way You Look Tonight", and Jamie was loving his voice. Randy Jackson was also loving it, deeming it one of Kris' best performances. Kara DioGuardi said he was a "dark horse" while Paula Abdul took note on his transition from the boy next door to a gentleman. Simon Cowell however, thought it was a "little bit wet" and he can't win the competition.
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FOX Ditching Obama's Address to Save 'American Idol'
April 28, 2009 03:04:57FOX may have taken the previous two national addresses by Barack Obama for their primetime slot, but it won't have it the third time. The network has decided to hand over the President's 100th-day press conference to its sister cable networks, Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network.
The address was scheduled to be broadcast on Wednesday, April 29 at 8/7c. But FOX, according to some sources, thinks that it could hurt the rating of "American Idol" result show that begins 9/8c. Thus, "Lie to Me" will retain its schedule and Fox will give on-screen graphic on the updated coverage of the address during the show.
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Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai Get the Ax in 'American Idol'
April 23, 2009 09:04:05And then there were five. "American Idol" has chopped out two contestants from its eight season after giving Matt Giraud a second chance last week through the one-time Judges' Save. Those meeting the end of the journey are Memphis native Lil Rounds and Wild Card pick Anoop Desai.
Both Rounds and Desai stumbled on Disco night. The former sang Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman" and got butchered by the judges, with Simon Cowell predicting that she's going home. Desai, who got the privilege of performing last, sang Donna Summer's "Dim All the Lights" and Simon thought it was his worst performance.
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Season 8 'American Idol' Recap: Disco Night
April 22, 2009 10:04:08It is the Disco Night on "American Idol" and two will be sent home if they screw up tonight. And back to its usual judging mode, all the four judges get to say something about a contestant's performance.
The first performer of the night was Lil Rounds with Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman". Randy Jackson was still rambling on how he cannot see Rounds as an artist. Kara DioGuardi thought it was not worth the wait while Paula Abdul threw in some kindness, saying that Round looked great. Simon Cowell played it straight and plain, dropping the "you're going home" bomb.
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Matt Giraud, First Contestant Saved by Judges on 'American Idol'
April 16, 2009 09:04:48For the first time in this season, the judges of "American Idol" use their power to save a contestant from elimination. Matt Giraud received the lowest vote from audience on Tuesday, April 14 but is on for another round next week after three of the judges disagreed with Simon Cowell that he could actually win the competition.
Giraud, who sang Bryan Adams' "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" during the Movies Night, was in the bottom three along with Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai. Simon cast his opinion about Matt's chance in the competition, but said later "Matt, it's good news". For the first time, Judges' Save was induced.
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'American Idol' Top 7 Performance Recap: Movies Night
April 15, 2009 10:04:53This week's theme of "American Idol" is an interesting one, "Songs From the Movies" and to add cherry on top is Quentin Tarantino. The actor slash producer slash director knows any soundtrack enough that he is made the mentor for the top 7. However, he won't sit on the judge panel like he did in the third season.
Straight away Quentin is introduced at the beginning of the show, replacing Ryan Seacrest to utter the catchphrase "This.. is American Idol". Simon Cowell then explained that last week the show had an over time of 8 minutes, and therefore each contestant tonight will get comments only from two judges.
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Simon Cowell Not Leaving 'American Idol', Yet
April 14, 2009 11:04:12Reports on "American Idol" minus Simon Cowell have been circulated starting this week but it is quickly denied. To the Associated Press, the acid-tongue judge said that he is in for another year, which is in line to what his contract with FOX has specified.
Cowell sent shock through his fans when he did an interview with The Daily Mirror, revealing that he would rather keep up with his other show "Britain's Got Talent" than "X-Factor" and "American Idol". He stated, "And I have to say that in terms of the auditions, I much prefer doing Britain's Got Talent than X Factor and Idol because they genuinely make me laugh. I have no idea what is coming next. It is genius TV. It is beautifully made and brutally observed."
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Two Judges Won't Keep Scott MacIntyre in 'American Idol'
April 09, 2009 01:04:57Scott MacIntyre is eliminated from "American Idol", leaving seven vying for the title. The contestant who has the eyesight like "seeing from a straw", sang his heart out for another chance but two of the judges won't use their power to keep him in the running. He was thus officially out of the line-up.
Being in the bottom three along with Anoop Desai and Lil Rounds, he got the lowest out of 34 million votes from the audience. He then reprised his performance of Survivor's "The Search Is Over" and made Paula Abdul cried. "You've been an inspiration to the entire world," Abdul said. "This was not the right song for you, but it doesn't diminish your talent. You are one classy gentleman."
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'American Idol' Recap: Simon Cowell Gives Adam Lambert Standing Ovation
April 08, 2009 09:04:32With eight more to go, "American Idol" continues with the theme of: Songs From the Year You Were Born. All contestants were born in the '80s except for Allison Iraheta who was born in 1992. And in celebration of the theme, baby photos of the contestants will be shown along with the judges'.
Kicking off the show is Danny Gokey (born 1980) with "Stand by Me" in Mickey Gilley's version. The judges hate the arrangement but indicate that they still love him. Paula Abdul makes a hyperbole statement that Gokey sets the bar so high that everyone else has to run to catch up. Simon Cowell laughs at this, and says that the middle was lazy but the ending and the overall was good.
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Megan Joy Eliminated From 'American Idol'
April 02, 2009 10:04:00Megan Joy, the tattooed font designer, has to walk out of the stage of "American Idol" after getting the lowest vote based on the Tuesday, March 31 performance. She was in the bottom three along with Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta. Ryan Seacrest announced that more than 36 million votes were cast on Tuesday.
Simon Cowell won't bother to use the judges' power to save her from elimination. "I'm not going to pretend that we're even going to contemplate saving you," he said. Megan did not impress the judges with her performance of Bob Marley's "Turn Your Lights Down Low". Simon said that she had become "indulgent" and "monotonous" although she was first picked through Wild Cards.
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Recap of 'American Idol' Top 9 Performance: Top 100 Downloads
April 01, 2009 10:04:52"American Idol" is loosening up a bit on the song theme this week after the specific ones in the last three weeks, Michael Jackson, country and motown. The Top 9 get to choose out of 100 songs that sit on the top position of iTunes downloads, meaning many genres like pop and hip-hop will be heard. Also, there is no mentor this week.
First to take the stage was Anoop Desai who sang some Usher, tackling the up-beat "Caught Up". Randy Jackson immediately jabbed on the song choice, reasoning that the vocal was alright but the song was not. Kara DioGuardi meanwhile asked whether he was challenged by some frat boys to sing that song. Simon Cowell kept it short, "a complete and utter mess".
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'American Idol' Season 8 Sends Michael Sarver Home
March 27, 2009 09:03:40One more Idol falls out, as the top nine for the eight season of "American Idol" is announced. Michael Sarver, the oil rig roughneck that went through the Top 36 together with also-eliminated Alexis Grace, has to swallow the bitter pill of not getting enough votes to make him stay. He, however, has been included in the Top 10 and will tour with the rest after the show wraps up later this year.
Sarver was in the bottom three along with two other guys, Matt Giraud and Scott McIntyre. While 36 million votes were cast on the Motown night when he belted out "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", he received the lowest of the three. Simon Cowell, additionally refused to use his judge power to save the father of two in the competition. "Michael, you're going home. Sorry," Cowell said.
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'American Idol' Recap: Alexis Grace Booted Off
March 19, 2009 11:03:04Along with the cast 31 million votes, one more was yanked from "American Idol" season 8. After securely safe in the first round of elimination, Alexis Grace, the 21-year-old from Memphis ended her journey when the live results was read by Ryan Seacrest on the Wednesday, March 18 telecast.
Alexis stumbled on the Grand Ole Opry night when she sang "Jolene" by Dolly Parton. While the same song managed to save last season's contestant Brooke White from being axed, it unfortunately failed to make Alexis stay in the game. And although she was particularly impressive in the early rounds, the judges refused to spare her another week. "It was good," Simon Cowell said after Alexis reprised the song. "But it wasn't good enough."
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'American Idol' Recap: Grand Ole Opry Night
March 18, 2009 11:03:32From the Top 13 to Top 11, "American Idol" is looking forward to chop down one more in the show. The remaining contestants are fighting for their chance in the performance night before their fate is determined through the live result on March 18. The show picks up the Grand Ole Opry theme this week with country singer Randy Travis serving as the mentor.
The first to sing some country is Michael Sarver who picks up Garth Brooks' "Ain't Goin' Down Till The Sun Comes Up". Travis warns him that he could not miss any word as the song is rich in lyrics. Randy Jackson thinks it is an "interesting choice of song" but it does not highlight him vocally. Simon Cowell, who openly reveals that he is not a fan of country music, says he cannot understand a single word. Michael answered back "If we were all perfect, we wouldn't need this show."
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'American Idol' Live Results: Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez Eliminated
March 12, 2009 10:03:28"American Idol" had people questioning when on Tuesday, March 10 they announced that a new format will be used in this eight season. Apparently the judges will get more say on the elimination round, meaning they have the power to save the bottom vote if they feel like he or she deserves it.
On the result show, the Top 13 took the stage to give a group performance of Jackson Five's "I Want You Back". Fast forwarded to the result verdict, Michael Sarver was called up first, and he was declared safe. Allison Iraheta, similarly joined Michael in the safe zone.
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'American Idol' Top 13 Performance Recap
March 11, 2009 01:03:36"American Idol" gets down to the business, the Top 13 begin the war to secure the this year's title. On Tuesday, March 10, all 13 finalists are competing for viewers vote through the performance night that picks Michael Jackson as its theme.
Firing up the show first was Lil Rounds with "The Way You Make Me Feel". Randy Jackson said he continued loving her but Simon Cowell thought it was a lazy song choice. Blind contestant Scott MacIntyre took the stage with his piano, singing "Keep The Faith". Randy didn't think it was a bold choice for such level of the show while Kara DioGuardi said she liked the "vibe".
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'American Idol' Farewell Song Recorded by Carrie Underwood
March 10, 2009 11:03:03Carrie Underwood announced at her official site that she will provide the farewell theme song to the eight season of "American Idol". The singer who graduated from the show's class of 2005, has re-recorded Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home" which will be played each time one contestant leaves the show.
Apart from used in the show which will start its Top 13 performance round on Wednesday, March 11, the single will be available for digital download. The sale which is available exclusively to iTunes until March 16, will benefit The Humane Society of the United States.
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Judges Select 4 Wild Cards, 'American Idol' Top 13 Revealed
March 06, 2009 10:03:23The Wild Card round is on, finalists of "American Idol" that got eliminated in the Top 36 round are competing for a place in the Top 12. The four judges determine who deserve a stool, based on their March 5 performance. At the end of the show, results are read, four advance to the next round, making it a Top 13 instead of Top 12.
First singing on the night was Paula Abdul's pick Jesse Langseth who brought up Rufus and Chaka Khan's "Tell Me Something Good". Paula sticks to her, while the others thought it was mediocre. Matt Giraud gave his shot, singing Jackson Five's "Who's Loving You". Paula saw it fit to him and Simon Cowell called it a "billion times better" than the previous performance.
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Third Live Results of 'American Idol' Top 12 and Wild Card Picks
March 05, 2009 09:03:39The next set of singers admitted to the Top 12 rounds of "American Idol" is read live on Wednesday, March 4. Along with the third batch, the judges will make the selection of eight people from the Top 36 that don't make it to the next round by vote. These 8 will proceed to the Wild Card round and sing on Thursday, March 5 for their last shot. The judges will fill in the three remaining spots with their choices.
First result is brought rather quick and practical. Lil Rounds, who stood among the crowd on the performance night, is asked to stand up and walk to the stool because she is in the Top 12. A string is called in next, Arianna Afsar, Taylor Vaifanua, Alex Wagner-Trugman, Kendall Beard and Scott MacIntyre. Ryan Seacrest says that only one of these gets to move on. Scott MacIntyre, the blind guy is in.
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Recap of 'American Idol' 3rd Top 36 Performance
March 04, 2009 11:03:43The third and final batch of 12 hopefuls in "American Idol", are giving their last shot to vie for a stool in the Top 12. Performing on Tuesday, March 3 are the candidate who replaces disqualified Joanna Pacitti, the blind guy and mother of three who wants to get her family back to their feet after tornado demolished their house.
First in line is Von Smith who has a rather extravagant stage act while in audition rounds. He sings Marvin Gaye's "You All I Need to Get By", and apparently struggles not to scream by making his voice softer. The judges love it, with Simon Cowell commenting, "You remind me of Clay Aiken".
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'American Idol' Finalists Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen Speak
February 28, 2009 10:02:53The "American Idol" fever escalates in rate when the show announced on Thursday, February 26 the other three contestants to advance to the Top 12 round. Adam Lambert, the voice of the Broadway, joins the youngest contestant that the show has admit to the Top 12, Allison Iraheta, and 'shocker' Kris Allen who got little screen time yet receives viewers vote. Soon, the first wave of fame has come upon them in the form of press interviews.
Lambert talks to MTV, mainly on the subject that he is closely associated with, Broadway. When asked how he compares the "Idol" and the musical theater, he answered, "You have to be on your game with the theater world. You have to be ready to go at any moment. I mean, this machine is turning real fast."
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Next Three Top 12 Finalists of 'American Idol' Season 8
February 27, 2009 09:02:04The live result show is read for the next three contestants to advance to the Top 12 of "American Idol" this season. Ryan Seacrest announced that 25 million of votes were cast last night but before he can read out who got the most, montage of the performances are shown in flashes. Next is the group performance of Ne-Yo's "Closer".
Allison Iraheta, the red-hair who impressed the judges with her rendition of Heart's "Alone", is called first. Jesse Langseth and Matt Breitzke are called in also to join Allison and Ryan said one of them will move on to the next round. Matt and Jesse go home, Allison Iraheta secures the spot and takes the stage again to sing her song.
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Recap of 'American Idol' 2nd Top 36 Performance
February 26, 2009 01:02:41Pre-empted by President Barack Obama's speech on Tuesday, February 24, "American Idol" is back to air the second wave of Top 36 performance the next day. Highlights from this second batch of performance is the Broadway -sounded Adam Lambert, the young divorced mother Megan Corkrey and the man with double personality Nick Mitchell aka Norman Gentle.
Spotted in the audience seat are the three finalists, Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver and Danny Gokey, who have advanced to the next round through last week's live votes. Host Ryan Seacrest opens with "Where else can you find a bartender, a font designer and a comedian?" The judges are seen not in their usual seating arrangement.
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Paula Abdul Hints 'American Idol' Exit, Saying Four Is a Crowd
February 26, 2009 09:02:46The changes have been made and "American Idol" has four voices in the judging panel, but one apparently disagrees on the concept. Paula Abdul is not so keen on the idea of Kara DioGuardi as the additional judge, mainly because it brings down the pace of the show.
She said to OK Weekly, "It takes up so much time for each of us to give our opinion that it slows down the pace of the show." To this she explained further that they had tried to go with four judges before DioGuardi, putting Hot 97 DJ Angie Martinez on the panel, but "it doesn't work". Martinez bailed out before the second season kicked off.
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Three Advance to 'American Idol' Top 12
February 19, 2009 09:02:21The first three finalists of "American Idol" season 8 have been picked. In a live result show on February 18, host Ryan Seacrest announced that 24 million votes had been cast the day before and three had gained the most (highest male vote-getter, highest female vote-getter and next highest vote-getter). They are Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver and Danny Gokey.
Alexis sang "Never Loved a Man" by Aretha Franklin and was deemed "the best one so far" by Simon Cowell. Michael, the oil rig guy, gave his rendition of Gavin DeGraw's "I Don't Wanna Be" while Danny who performed the last, delivered "Hero" by Mariah Carey. All three secure a stool in the Top 12 and therefore will be back performing as finalists on Tuesday, March 10.
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'American Idol' Recap: Billboard Hot 100 Night
February 18, 2009 10:02:35The first live "American Idol" in season eight has begun and this would be the first live appearance of Kara DioGuardi, who is added as the fourth judge starting this season. Twelve out of 36 contestants who got through take the stage to perform before the judges. The theme is rather broad: any songs that have entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart, no marginal year.
Before the show begins, Paula Abdul gives an advice to the singers who line up on the stairs. She says, "You know what? This is all your dream, right? You gotta hit that center stage and make magic happen in a minute twenty seconds, and if you don't? Look to the right, look to the left, whoever is better, you're gonna go home! It's a tough, tough, kind of a season this year."
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FOX Speaks Up on Joanna Pacitti's Disqualification From 'American Idol'
February 17, 2009 10:02:45Finally a statement from FOX is released regarding the disqualification of Joanna Pacitti from the Top 36 of "American Idol". Offering his words is FOX reality chief Mike Darnell who emphasized that the dismissal is strictly based on the "link" that host Ryan Seacrest has mentioned earlier and not due to the professional background that Pacitti has prior the audition.
Seacrest spilled last week that the producers do not want to risk anything when they found out that Pacitti has a rather close relationship to 19Entertainment execs, Michelle Young and Roger Widynowski. Darnell confirmed this saying, "Unfortunately, it was just a perceptional problem, that there (was) just too close a connection between (Pacitti and the employees), we felt." He added, "I think it was handled correctly."
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Ryan Seacrest Says Joanna Pacitti Disqualified From 'American Idol' Due to 'Link'
February 14, 2009 09:02:39Joannna Pacitti's disqualification from "American Idol" Top 36 remains a mystery to many when FOX announced shortly after the telecast of the Top 36 announcement was aired on Wednesday, February 11. While FOX are still mum on that, host Ryan Seacrest is kind enough to spill something.
Attending "The American Idol Experience" opening gala on Thursday, February 12, Seacrest said that there's a link between Pacitti and two executives that the producers don't want to risk. "The producers do the background checks right around Hollywood (Week round). When they see something that stands out, they have to address it," Seacrest told Fox News.
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'Idol' Champs Attend 'The American Idol Experience' Gala
February 13, 2009 04:02:57A star-studded celebration that makes up a huge reunion of "American Idol" alumni was conducted at Walt Disney World on Thursday, February 12. All the competition's season winners such as David Cook, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, Fantasia Barrino, Ruben Studdard and Kelly Clarkson took time out to come first hand for the gala.
The event is dubbed "The American Idol Experience", a reference to the new attraction that Disney creates for its visitors. The theme park's newest addition allow people aged 14 and above to experience how it feels like being on the stage which is made as a replica of the one in Hollywood. One can audition, get voted by live audience and come back for a finale that night. The winner will get Dream Ticket that will allow him or her to skip being in line for future audition shows.
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Joanna Pacitti Disqualified From 'American Idol' Top 36
February 12, 2009 03:02:59Following protests from viewers and bloggers on the inclusion of 23-year-old Joanna Pacitti into "American Idol", new report surfaces that the contestant has actually been disqualified. Right after the telecast that reveal the Top 36 where Joanna is admitted, FOX announce that the Philadelphia native is "ineligible".
It became a controversy last month when Pacitti was handed a golden ticket to Hollywood despite the fact that she has performed more than a hundred times as the titular character of "Annie" in Broadway when she was 11. She was even signed to A&M Records and her vocal has appeared in several soundtracks to big screen movies.
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Names of 'American Idol 8' Top 36
February 12, 2009 10:02:10This season of "American Idol" has opened a bigger door for the hopefuls, by taking in 36 instead of the usual 24. During the February 11 episode, these 36 people are announced one by one, through a deliberation where contestants must go through a long narrow passage leading to their fate.
First ones that are let in are Anoop Desai and Von Smith. The judges then have a showdown between Cody and Alexander Wagner-Trugman, asking them to perform any song and the latter does it better, consequently included in the next round while the former goes home. Joining Alex is Adam Lambert who has the voice of a Broadway singer.
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'American Idol' Hollywood Week 3 Cuts Jason Castro's Brother
February 11, 2009 10:02:38The third round of "American Idol" brought more tears and laughters for the contestants as 72 singers performed and some are cut. The Tuesday, February 10 episode witnessed the axing of Jason Castro's baby brother Michael as well as several others including Leneshe Young, India Morrison and Kaylan Loyd.
This round is when the contestants appear before the judges, backed with a full live band. Some of the songs delivered are Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah", Cher's "Believe", Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You" and Jordin Sparks' "Tattoo". Leneshe in particular delivered Sara Bareilles' "Love Song" and Kaylan got stopped by Simon mid her song.
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Bikini Girl Cut Off From 'American Idol' Hollywood Week Part 2
February 05, 2009 11:02:17From 147 hopefuls that received the golden ticket to Hollywood, it was down to 104 before further narrowed down to 75. The first Hollywood Week of "American Idol" on Tuesday, February 3 cut 43 contestants while the second one that aired the next night, chopped 29.
The second night in Hollywood was still about group performances and a portion of the episode was focused on the emotional rundown from the contestants. Spotted eliminated from the second round was Katrina "Bikini Girl" Darrell, son of Osmond brothers, David Osmond, and the dreadlocked singer Rose Flack who was in the same singing group with Katrina.
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Alleged Top 36 Semifinalists of 'American Idol' Revealed
January 31, 2009 02:01:23The identities of "American Idol" contestants passing the Hollywood round to shape the top 36 have allegedly been outed. An anonymous blogger naming itself Joesplace, had correctly mentioned the names of the semifinalists of last year's batch before the official announcement was made, and it has now displayed the version of this season.
The alleged list includes Joanna Pacitti who had made headlines as the singer who is deemed too acclaimed to enter the competition. Also spotted are the finalists who have made the Hollywood Week round in previous seasons. They are Junot Joyner, Mishavonna Henson and Jessica Langseth. The full names, photo and city of origin are viewable at Joes Place Blog.
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Video: Paula Abdul Walks Out in 'American Idol' Jacksonville Audition
January 29, 2009 09:01:57Paula Abdul was taking stance again during "American Idol" audition. The judge walked out of the room in the Jacksonville, Florida audition on Tuesday, January 27 after her opinion was overlooked by the other three judges, Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi.
The foursome was deciding the fate of 19-year-old contestant Julissa Veloz when Cowell, Jackson and DioGuardi started casting their votes before Abdul had a chance to comment about the performance. She said, "Okay, I guess my opinion doesn't matter. It is so funny because there are four judges. ...sometimes we forget there is a fourth opinion in this room." And then she walked out of the room.
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'Big Surprise' Awaits in 'American Idol' Top 12 Round
January 20, 2009 11:01:10The eight season of "American Idol" has plenty in stores for the audience when it hits the Top 12 round. FOX's executive Mike Darnell revealed to TV Week in an interview that there will be a "big surprise" when the show gets to the Top 12, adding that it will also be controversial. He said, "We're not changing the core of the show, but it is something that will be talked about and is something I think that has some element of controversy surrounding it."
While refusing to go further on what kind of surprises that awaits, Darnell reveals other details like the possibility of the show's alumna Kelly Clarkson returning to the show and the lining up of "ridiculously big" artists as mentors.
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'American Idol' Recap: Second Day Audition in Kansas City, Missouri
January 15, 2009 04:01:15After much hype on the first day audition in Phoenix, Arizona, "American Idol" went mild in the second day, January 14. Held in previous season's champ David Cook's hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, the audition produced a total number of 27 golden tickets but the segment lacked the 'oomph' that the first delivered with its bikini girl stunt and Ryan Seacrest's attempt to high five a blind contestant.
One of the hits that was considerably an extra gas for the episode would be the presence of last season's finalist Jason Castro, who was there in support of his pink-haired brother, Michael Castro. The younger Castro claimed that he only started singing 20 days before the audition. Simon called his rendition of Gavin DeGraw's "In Love With a Girl", "goodish" while Kara DioGuardi said that she likes him. He went through to the Hollywood round.
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'American Idol' Eight Season Premiere Recap: Bikini Girl and Blind Talent
January 14, 2009 03:01:02The Idol fever has roamed once again with the eight season premiere of "American Idol" on Tuesday, January 13. Changing in its format and judges panel, the show delivers still the best and the worst in the audition rounds. First stop, Phoenix, Arizona, where the hot weather sends a girl auditioning in a bikini.
Katrina Darrell thought that she will make a difference to the show, appearing only in two-piece. Her vocal was not a favorite to the new judge, Kara DioGuardi, but her charm apparently put her through, thanks to two thumbs up from Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell. Unhappy DioGuardi said, "Next time come naked" upon her exit from the room. Darrell, who promised to "make out" with host Ryan Seacrest if she got through, then ran to find him and made it true, much to Ryan's shock.
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New Schedule of 'American Idol' Season Eight
December 16, 2008 11:12:19Changes have been made to the new season of "American Idol", introducing a new format of the singing talent show and also the return of "Wild Card". Also released is the schedule of the episodes that will start on January 13 when the show returns with the first part of a four-hour season premiere.
As usual, the show visits some cities including Kansas City, M.O., Phoenix, A.Z. and San Juan, Puerto Rico to search for the new American Idol. The audition episodes will be aired in three weeks starting January 20 before proceeding with the Hollywood week on February 3. FOX have announced that this season, they will focus more on the talented and aspiring singers rather than the jokes and odd auditions.
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'American Idol' Retracts 'Idol Gives Back', Introduces New Format
December 13, 2008 11:12:35The ongoing recession has forced "Idol Gives Back", a charity program conducted regularly by talent show "American Idol", to be canceled this season. The reason is clear, the producers feel that asking people to donate money for the good cause when the economical state is unstable and unemployment rises, is simply not working.
"Idol Gives Back" which had been conducted two years in a row, involved celebrities including singers like Mariah Carey, the show's alumni like Kelly Clarkson, actors like Brad Pitt to prominent figures such as Barack Obama. It had raised over 130 million dollars on the show's sixth and seventh season, with the money going to various charity organizations. No announcement yet on how long the charity program will take a hiatus, but rumor has it, it will return in the ninth season with the program set bi-annually.
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Promo of 'American Idol' Season 8 Featuring David Cook
November 29, 2008 02:11:59Promotional ad for the new season of "American Idol" has arrived, played for several times during the Thanksgiving weekend on FOX. For the first time, the promo features a former champion of the show, David Cook whose life after and before crowned a winner in the seventh season, are compiled as a short story.
The ad starts with the glory that he receives, giving autographs, riding limos and posing for the blitz. It then rewinds backward to the days when he was still auditioning for "Idol" with judge Paula Abdul asking him "Are you the next 'American Idol'?". It then moves forward again with Cook singing his debut single "Light On".
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