Buy American Idol: The Search for a Superstar

Song choices: David Hernandez -- "In the Midnight Hour" Chikezie Eze -- "I Love You More Today Than Yesterday" David Cook -- "Happy Together" Jason Yeager -- "Moon River" Robbie Carrico -- "One" David Archuleta -- "Shop Around" Danny Noriega -- "Jailhouse Rock" Luke Menard -- "Everybody's Talkin'" Colton Berry -- "Suspicious Minds" Garrett Haley -- "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" Jason Castro -- "What a Day For a Daydream" Michael Johns -- "Light My Fire"
Hide description ▲

Songs performed: Kristy Lee Cook -- "Rescue Me" Joanne Borgella -- "I Say a Little Prayer" Alaina Whitaker -- "More Today Than Yesterday" Amanda Overmyer -- "Baby Please Don't Go" Amy Davis -- "Where the Boys Are" Brooke White -- "Happy Together" Alexandrea Lushington -- "Spinning Wheel" Kady Malloy -- "A Groovy Kind of Love" Asia'h Epperson -- "Piece of My Heart" Ramiele Malubay -- "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" Syesha Mercado -- "Tobacco Road" Carly Smithson -- "The Shadow of Your Smile"
Hide description ▲

Songs performed: Michael Johns -- "Go Your Own Way" Jason Castro -- "I Just Want To Be Your Everything" Luke Menard -- "Killer Queen" Robbie Carrico -- "Hot Blooded" Danny Noriega -- "Superstar" David Hernandez -- "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" Jason Yeager -- "Long Train Running" Chikezie Eze -- "I Believe" David Cook -- "All Right Now" David Archuleta -- "Imagine"
Hide description ▲

Songs performed: Carly Smithson -- "Crazy on You"; Syesha Mercado -- "Me and Mrs. Jones"; Brooke White -- "You're So Vain"; Ramiele Malubay -- "Don't Leave Me This Way"; Kristy Lee Cook -- "You're No Good"; Amanda Overmyer -- "Carry On My Wayward Son"; Alaina Whitaker -- "Hopelessly Devoted"; Alexandrea Lushington -- "If You Leave Me Now"; Kady Malloy -- "Magic Man"; and Asia'h Epperson -- "All By Myself"
Hide description ▲

Theme: The '80s. Songs performed: Luke Menard -- "Wake Me Up [Before You Go-Go]"; David Archuleta -- "Another Day in Paradise"; Danny Noriega -- "Tainted Love"; David Hernandez -- "It's All Coming Back to Me Now"; Michael Johns -- "Don't You Forget About Me"; David Cook -- "Hello"; Jason Castro -- "Hallelujah"; Chikezie Eze -- "All the Woman That I Need"
Hide description ▲

Theme: The 80s. Songs performed: Asia'h Epperson -- "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"; Kady Malloy -- "Who Wants to Live Forever"; Amanda Overmyer -- "Hate Myself For Loving You"; Carly Smithson -- "I Drove All Night"; Kristy Lee Cook -- "Faithfully"; Ramiele Malubay -- "Against All Odds"; Brooke White -- "Love Is a Battlefield"; Syesha Mercado -- "Saving All My Love For You."
Hide description ▲

Theme: Selections from the John Lennon-Paul McCartney songbook. Songs performed: Syesha Mercado -- "Got To Get You Into My Life"; Chikezie Eze -- "She's a Woman"; Ramiele Malubay -- "In My Life"; Jason Castro -- "If I Fell"; Carly Smithson -- "Come Together"; David Cook -- "Eleanor Rigby"; Brooke White -- "Let It Be"; David Hernandez -- "I Saw Her Standing There"; Amanda Overmyer -- "You Can't Do That"; Michael Johns -- "Across the Universe"; Kristy Lee Cook -- "Eight Days a Week"; David Archuleta -- "We Can Work It Out."
Hide description ▲

Theme: The Beatles. Songs performed: Amanda Overmyer -- "Back in the USSR"; Kristy Lee Cook -- "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away"; David Archuleta -- "The Long and Winding Road"; Michael Johns -- "A Day in the Life"; Brooke White -- "Here Comes the Sun"; David Cook -- "Daytripper"; Carly Smithson -- "Blackbird"; Jason Castro -- "Michelle"; Syesha Mercado -- "Yesterday"; Chikezie Eze -- "I've Just Seen a Face"; Ramiele Malubay -- "I Should Have Known Better."
Hide description ▲

Theme: Songs From the Year In Which Contestants Were Born. Songs performed: Ramiele Malubay -- "Alone"; Jason Castro -- "Fragile"; Syesha Mercado -- "If I Were Your Woman"; Chikezie -- "If Only For One Night"; Brooke White -- "Every Breath You Take"; Michael Johns -- "We Will Rock You/ We Are the Champions"; Carly Smithson -- "Total Eclipse of the Heart"; David Archuleta -- "You're the Voice"; Kristy Lee Cook -- "God Bless the USA"; David Cook -- "Billie Jean."
Hide description ▲

American Idol-Top Ten Results-March 26, 2008Ryan Seacrest opens with another plug for the "Idol" songwriting competition with a quick look back at Jordin Sparks' "This is My Now."Group Sing: "Right Back Where We Started From" by Maxine Nightingale offers this week's cheesy choreography including a chest bump between David Cook and Michael Johns.First filler segment: Ryan claims that the "Idol" downloads are so popular that if they were allowed to chart they would take up the first five positions on the iTunes countdown. This leads to what is essentially an extended commercial for Apple disguised as a look behind the scenes at the contestants recording the longer, studio versions of their songs. Ramiele Malubay listens to performances by David Cook, Michael Johns, and Jason Castro on her iPod. Cook noses around iTunes while picking his songs each week. Carly Smithson giggles with glee when she hears her song on an iPhone. (Also, oddly, Carly, who's already made a major label release, marvels at the big desk with the buttons, i.e. the producer's console. Hasn't she already seen one of these?) It's surprising they didn't rename the show "iDol" for the night.Recap: Last night some people were good, others were not. Chikezie, Syesha Mercado, and Jason Castro are in the bottom three.Of interest in non-bottom three moments: Carly blames her uptightness on the Spanx she was wearing to make herself look thinner. This clearly didn't work since she then denies the pregnancy rumors making the rounds. Ryan tells David C. that he heard from Chris Cornell (whose arrangement of "Billie Jean" David did last night) and that he loved David's performance. Lee Greenwood also apparently checked in to let Kristy Lee know that he enjoyed her take on his "God Bless the U.S.A."Ford commercial: "I Want You To Want Me," Cheap Trick. A cool twist on what Justice did in their "D.A.N.C.E." video as the competitors show up singing on cd covers, t-shirts and posters in a record store. Cutting edge video technology inside a dying business model. "Idol" commentary?Obligatory Plug for "Idol Gives Back": Brad Pitt, Fergie and Daughtry, oh my! Also, we get a look at some of the domestic charities that were beneficiaries of the money raised last year including the Boys and Girls Clubs, various literacy and medical programs, and disaster relief efforts in California and Tennessee.Second filler segment-Audience questions:Is Chikezie single? Yes.Why did David Archuleta pick his, unfamiliar to most, song? It's one of his favorites and he says he chose it himself.What would it take for an ambitious viewer to nab Ryan's job? Simon: "The good news is you don't need a lot of talent." Ryan: "I'm aiming to be tolerable.Who would Brooke Smith want to duet with? John Mayer.Does Simon consider himself the most attractive person on the show? Simon: "It's not what I say, it's what other people say."Tonight's special guest: Season 2 second runner-up Kimberley Locke. Looking good in the video segment (thanks Harvey!) but not so much onstage in an unflattering dress, (boo, stylist!) Locke sings her boring new single, "Fall," really well. In addition to making music, Locke is also making food at her New York steakhouse Croton Creek.Judge commentary on the bottom three: Paula obviouses that someone has to go even though they are all so, so, so talented. Simon says Chikezie picked the wrong song and tells all the contestants to not "underestimate how smart the public are."In the audience tonight: former contestants Constantine Maroulis, Gina Glocksen, David Hernandez, Danny Noriega; Mark Indelicato, (Justin on "Ugly Betty")Ending his journey tonight: Chikezie, who seems to see it coming and takes it well. The response in the "zone of safety" is pretty muted, no big outbursts from normally dependable sob sisters Ramiele and Carly.Requisite sad quote from goodbye video: "This has been an amazing ride. I hope it lasts forever."Sing Out of the Exiled: As is often the case Chikezie sounds even better tonight than he did last night leaning hard on the lines: "standing in this place/feeling no disgrace." And he shouldn't, he acquitted himself with charm and grace.
Hide description ▲

Theme: Inspirational tunes. Songs performed: Michael Johns -- "Dream On"; Syesha Mercado -- "I Believe"; Jason Castro -- "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"; Kristy Lee Cook -- "Anyway"; David Cook -- "Innocent"; Carly Smithson -- "The Show Must Go On"; David Archuleta -- "Angels"; Brooke White -- "You've Got a Friend."
Hide description ▲

Theme: Mariah Carey songs. Songs performed: David Archuleta - "When You Believe"; Carly Smithson - "Without You"; Syesha Mercado - "Vanishing"; Brooke White - "Hero"; Kristy Lee Cook - "Forever"; David Cook - "Always Be My Baby"; Jason Castro - "I Don't Wanna Cry."
Hide description ▲

Theme: Andrew Lloyd Webber. Songs performed: Syesha Mercado - "One Rock & Roll Too Many" from "Starlight Express"; Jason Castro - "Memory" from "Cats"; Brooke White - "You Must Love Me" from "Evita"; David Archuleta - "Think of Me" from "Phantom of the Opera"; Carly Smithson - "Jesus Christ Superstar"; David Cook - "Music of the Night" from "Phantom."
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Auditions: Boston" - January 13, 2010The "American Idol" machine comes to the Bean to kick off the ninth season. Thousands of people came to Gillette Stadium for their shot at "Idol" glory.Janet is very excitable, likes to jump up and down in an unflattering belly shirt, and claims that she does really well on the "Idol" video game. Predictably, she is bad, singing an awful version of "Pocketful of Sunshine." (Do viewers really and truly never tire of this?) Four no's.Maddy is number 9 of 12 kids, she has several siblings with Down's Syndrome. She sings "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen and it's pretty nice, good pitch, a little breathy, and sort of earnest. They all like her and think she's got heart and soul. Four yes's.We get a bit of holding room hijinks from a happy dancing guy named Pat who likes to yell "holla." He is, of course, awful, singing "Womanizer." All no's and Randy tells him to stop singing forever.We get a quick montage of three women who make it through.Jennifer who jazzily scats her way through "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead."Deirdre who, I think, sings "Be With You" (by Mr. Big) in a sort of overheated way. And...Jess who does a smoky version of "People Get Ready."Amadeo is a big Italian family that we get to meet at a big pasta dinner. At the audition he tries to soak in the moment. He sings "Hoochie Coochie Man" with a lot of gusto. They like him, personally, and Simon wants to give someone like him a break. Four yes's.Derek says he's a very spiritual guy who likes to go on meditative walks. He literally stops to smell the flowers outside Government Center. He does a weird, nasally, many voiced version of "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word." Simon says it was rubbish. Derek is sad that he won't be able to touch America.We get a montage of sad, crying rejects.Mere is another ball of energy, she likes anime and martial arts and is quirky and does a version of "Piece of My Heart" that is not good. Simon and Randy tell her she's not good. She gets upset and says singing is her life. Four no's.Two boys get through in quick succession. They are:Luke who impresses them with "Fall For You" and...Benjamin who croons "All My Loving"We meet angry Andrew who is mad about all the waiting. He finally gets in and he is bratty and obnoxious which is really too bad. His sulky weirdness tanks him since he actually does an oddly groovy, stylized version of "House of the Rising Sun" that is kind of swampy and theatrical. Kara says he shouldn't have such a bad attitude about waiting if he wants to be in show business in general and "Idol" in particular. She and Victoria Beckham are super annoyed by his arrogance and bad energy and think he doesn't have the goods to back it up. (Which is pretty funny.) Randy, Kara, and Victoria say no and Simon says he would've said yes.We get a montage of people talking about formal training as a prelude to two people, Bill and Michael who can carry a tune but are way over the top.This is a dream for Ashley who sings "If I Ain't Got You." She does a nice job. Kara loves her and thinks she's got commercial looks and voice and is her favorite today. Simon thinks she may have "it." Four yes's.Tyler has titanium plates in his arms and curly hair and although he's a drummer he wants to be a frontman. He seems nice and sings "Let's Get it On" well enough to get the ladies very excited and four yes's. Plus, Victoria loved his clothes. Simon says he will remember this audition.Ryan tells us 17 others got a yes as well.Day TwoThis hour we get a little Boston history and the inspirational stories and, of course, more deluded singers like....Lisa who thinks she's a diva but who hits as many bad notes as good in her version of, oh no, "Vision of Love." She takes the abuse well. And...Ryan whose "Ring of Fire" is not hot. And...a montage of people with tough accents and eccentricities.Mike pilots the speed boat "Codzilla" in the Boston harbor. His version of "Yesterday" sounds fine, unremarkable, not bad at all but not amazing, but good enough to get him through with three yes's. (Randy is the one who said no saying he didn't think his voice was that great.)Katie is from Connecticut and is really close to her grandmother, who has Alzheimer's disease. We see Katie care for her and sing to her. She sings "At Last" and is strong and confident. Four yes's. (She calls grandma and everyone has a nice cry.)Joshua sings "Bless the Broken Road" in a sweet sort of nasally voice. Victoria thinks he has a nice little voice. Simon thinks he was forgettable. They taunt him while trying to make him more assertive. He gets four yes's just by being good-natured.We get a montage of bad singers, bad songs, forgotten lyrics, etc But they all take it well. .Justin is a cancer survivor. He sings "Feelin' Good" and they all like his voice, looks, and presence. Four yes's.We get a montage of Victoria Beckham's generally nice and supportive demeanor.Norberto sings "Every Time We Touch" but keeps forgetting the words. Victoria says she used to forget words too. Simon hated it and the fact that he sang it with a beard. He thought it was too weird.Bosa is Nigerian-American and has seven siblings and seems very nice. He sings "You Look So Good in Love." It's fine. Simon says he was forgettable. Victoria disagrees and gets annoyed with Simon for him rolling his eyes. He gets three yes's. (Simon says no.) They tell him he has work to do.The last contestant is Leah by her own description an overprotected, church-going gal from Long Island who has always expressed herself musically. She sings "Blue Skies" and she's got a strong voice, maybe a little overbearing and strident in places but also passages of nice tone and phrasing. Four yes's.We get a montage of happy, joyful yes's. (Ryan says there were 31 overall).
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Auditions: Atlanta" - Jan. 13, 2010The auditions go south and we get friendly twangs, bad singers, cheerleaders and more on a night when Mary J. Blige is our guest judge.Keia a former Miss Congeniality gets four yes's for what is normally an "Idol" no-no, singing a Celine Dion song, "My Heart Will Go On."We get three quick looks at three girl singers who make their way through: Miriam, Noel, and Tisha.Jermaine who takes care of his mom with spina bifida and sings in church gets through to Hollywood with a groovy take on Joan Osborne's "One of Us." Randy says it's the best vocal they've seen yet.Christy is a TV show host. She sings "Love is a Battlefield." They don't love it. Four no's.We get a montage of no's to Mary J. Blige's "I'm Goin' Down."Vanessa is a bridge jumper, which we see her doing in her bikini with her friends. She's from a small town in Tennesee where we get to see her hang out with her mom and talk about being stuck. She sings "Wagon Wheel." She's very nervous. Simon's worried she's not prepared for Hollywood but she gets four yes's because they really like her and her country style.Jesse from Alabama has had many close calls with death. He will not be having a close with Hollywood after he gets four no's for his versions of "The River" and "If Tomorrow Never Comes" by Garth Brooks which brings Mary J. to tears, of laughter, before he even starts. (He was not good but I think she was just giddy and punch drunk.)Holly has a dress that looks like a guitar. Sigh. She sings "You Ain't Woman Enough to Take My Man." She's not amazing but she's not horrible, but the outfit is just ridiculous. Mary doesn't get it but she gets three yes's.We get a montage of bad singers.Mallorie sings "Piece of My Heart" well enough to get four yes's.We get a montage of yes's.Antonio aka "Skii Bow Ski" is a flamboyant doofus. Who, in an exciting change of pace, can actually sing doign "Heard it Through the Grapevine." He overdoes the shtick in a big way though and totally turns off Simon. Randy tells him to lose all the nonsense. He gets three yes's.Lauren and Carmen are BFF's so you know this will end badly. And it does when Lauren sings sweetly but softly and Carmen well and strongly. Simon thinks Carmen is a better singer but together they're a fun team. Randy, Mary, and Kara say yes to Carmen and no to Lauren. Simon says he would've said no to both of them.Montage of bad singers. Simon steps out for a break, letting the other three field a few on their own.Bryan is a cop. He sings "Superstar," "in the style of Ruben Studdard." He's got a nice tone and a bit of country soul to voice. He gets three yes's.Lamar is a huge Mary J. fan. He says no matter what the judges say he will respect their opinion. Which, of course, menas that he freaks out and swears at them when they tell him he's not great. They actually try to give him some advice saying there's a voice in there somewhere but he has to do a lot of work. He keeps interrupting and trying to sing. Mary tells him to find some humility. He won't stop and security escorts him out and he swears at them and then says Mary can't sing a lick.The last audition from Larry who sings his own original song "Pants on the Ground." It's ridiculous and he's clearly outside the age range but it's pretty funny. (He's 62).25 folks overall got golden tickets.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Chicago" - Jan. 19, 2010We're in the Windy City and as usual - you guessed it - there are some good singers, some bad ones, some good sports and some cursing jerks. Shania Twain is our guest judge.First up is Katelyn whose mom wanted her to try out. We meet mom and hear all about her recent, shocking divorce and how it's ruined the family. They're hoping this will start a new chapter for the family. She sings "Syrup and Honey" by Duffy well enough to get four yes's.A local tour guide talks a bit about Chicago.Next is perky chubby girl Amy who has a crush on Ryan. For some reason she collapses before singing "Dr. Feelgood." She then pushes her boobs out. She's not a vocal trainwreck but they can't take her seriously. They say no.We get a montage of people supporting their friends.We then meet young Charity. She sings for the clients in her parents hair salon. She's 16 but seems even younger as she sings "Summertime." She gets four yes's.We get a montage of awful singers and people dressed up in silly costumes.We then get a montage of rejects leaving in tears and cursing at the cameras.Angela is auditioning for the third time. When she made it to Hollywood week in season 7, her dad died. In season 8 Hollywood week she had to quit because of a court date due to a traffic violation. She sings "Just Fine" and they think it's more than that and gets four yes's.We get a montage of 7 others who got golden tickets.It's day two and we get more of the same.First up is Curly who massacres "This Woman's Work" by Kate Bush via Maxwell and is roundly rejected by a quartet of laughing judges. He leaves before they can even say no.Alannah is no better even though they try to help her by telling her to sing in a lower key. She pretends that she doesn't understand what this means.We get a black and white silent movie style montage of rejects.Brian was in the army and says he entertained his fellow soldiers. He sings Tiny Tim's "Tiptoe Through the Tulips." He swears it was not a joke. He gets four no's.Harold is tired of microwave dinners and thinks if he gets on "Idol" he will be able to eat steak. He gets four no's and tries to blame his allergies and breaks down crying.Montage of bad singers.John is a college student but he wants to express himself musically. He can sing. And Shania is apparently in love with him. Four yes's.Paige has serious asthma problems and was near death at one point. She does an okay version of "A Change is Gonna Come." She gets three yes's. Simon says no.We get a montage of dudes. Gary, Justin, and Marcus all get a golden ticket.13 people in all got put through.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Auditions: Orlando" - Jan. 20, 2010We are in the land of Mickey Mouse and bad singers. Tonight's guest judge is Kristin Chenoweth.First up is flamboyant Theo who has a cape and feathers and, of course, a terrible voice as he wrecks Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker." Loudly. They all shake hands though after the four no's.We get a montage of rejects and people in costume. And also Kristin and Kara are all giggly and talking about girl power, which is annoying Simon.More reject montages with Simon's criticisms.And then there was Seth a father of two small children, one with autism. We see a bit of his home life and his son. He sings "Someone to Watch Over Me" nicely and with a sweet touch of melancholy. Four yes's.Another montage of auditioners in the room, the hotel, out in the crowd. Then we get a montage of no's and tears and a few yes's.Jermaine is back for a second chance, as he auditioned in season 7. He sings "Smile" really well. Simon thanks him very much indeed. Kristin loves him. Randy calls him his favorite from this whole audition season. Kara believed it. Simon thinks the chicks will like him. Four yes's.The final contestant of day one is Shelby who has a slight paralysis on one side of her face since birth but she's setting aside her insecurity to go for it. She sings "Turn Me On" by Norah Jones. (Simon wishes her luck in a nice touch). She sounds pretty good, kinda twangy and country-ish. She forgets the words and accidentally swears, but sweetly. They think she has potential. Four yes's.18 others made it from day one and we get a montage of some of them getting their tickets and celebrating.Day Two brings more of the same except there is no guest judge since Kristin had to go back to New York. Kara gives the room a pep talk.Jay is very excited and beatboxes his way through "Come Together." The beatboxing is impressive but he's not much of a singer. Simon says he is now soaking wet. Kara says it was yes since it was hilarious. Randy aks if he can actually sing, he says yes and busts into Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" with Kara and Randy beatboxing. Simon says no. Kara says yes. Randy, as always, caves, and says yes.We get a montage of women dancing. And then a bunch of female singers Janell, Brittany, and Kasi who all get golden tickets.Then we meet Cornelius who is also "dancer" who learned from his friends who are strippers. He sings "Proud Mary" - which he calls "Rollin'"- and does a crazy split and rips his pants wide open. He only sings a little bit but they all say yes because they thought he was funny.Sisters Bernadette and Amanda run a hair salon. And as usual one of them is better than the other, Bernadette who sings "Hit the Road Jack" to her sister's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." But in this case not by much. But it doesn't matter they get three yes's, even though Simon would've said no to Amanda.And then there's Jared who's talking about enthusiasm and passion in a very laconic, stoner voice. He then mangles "Amazing Grace." Three no's. He keeps trying to sing until security steps in and escorts him out. He is actually arrested outside. He says God will take him out of the cuffs.The final contestant is Matt who got into some trouble, by robbing a bank with a BB gun, when he was 15. He was locked up for four years and is very remorseful. He wants to make his family proud. He sings "Trouble" by Ray LaMontagne and has a similar smoky, raspy voice. Simon calls him brilliant. They like that he's authentic. They call him one of the best. Kara predicts he's going to go top 12. He gets three yes's.In total 31 folks got golden tickets.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Auditions - Los Angeles" - Jan. 26, 2010Folks are lined up at the Rose Bowl. We see Ryan on his radio show. He says 11,000 came out.Ryan talks about Hollywood, the epicenter of entertainment.Avril Lavigne is the first guest judge.First up is Neil who claims he's a genius and is kind of nerdy. He's full of total confidence so, of course, he can't sing. He demonstrates this by singing a Meatloaf song sorta, forgetting the words right away and then starting up again. He's not the worst ever but nothing special. He's also very sweaty. Simon says he's not suited to the business. Neil says he's not going anywhere, but Hollywood. He's insistent and desperate. Outside his parents say he's good under pressure. Simon asks if he wants to walk out on his own or with an escort. Neil leaves on his own. Avril thinks it was awkward. He thinks Idol really missed out.Jim is a worship pastor. We meet his wife and kids. He feels good and confident. He sings an original song called "Drive." It's country-ish. Simon likes his voice. Avril worries about him traveling on the road but likes his voice but still says no. So he gets three yes's. He's teary and happy.We see a montage of terrible people.Next is Damien who is a martial arts fanatic who demonstrates his skills. He makes sandwiches. He should stick to that given his workout of "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'." He hits a bad note and realizes. Simon says he should go. He does, upset with his choke.We get a montage of cute little kids.Mary has an 8-year-old daughter who loves Simon. She sings "Love is a Battlefield." She's fine. Simon likes her voice but not her look. Avril likes her raspy punk rock voice. Four yes's.We get a montage of Glamberts. Then we meet one who actually shopped a demo to him. His name is A.J. and he does a crazy version of "Cult of Personality." He can probably carry a tune just fine but he's got all these word affectations that he's putting on his voice. Avril Lavigne can't stop laughing. Four no's.Day Two, new judge Katy Perry.First up is Austin who is flamboyant and brash. He sings Cheap Trick's "Surrender" very theatrically, with a British accent, and not much finesse. Four no's.Then we get a montage of people responding poorly to rejection, lots of tears. Including someone who either is the crying girl from the Sanjaya season or looks just like her.Next is daddy and neck-tatooed Andrew whose parents grew up in gangs but moved him out of that environment. We meet them, they're very proud of him. He sings Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning," he's pretty good, raspy. Simon likes him and thinks he's the only one who's been a genuinely good singer.We meet Tasha who is a personal assistant by day and minister by night. She sings "Baby, Baby, Baby" by Joss Stone. She's also pretty good. Four yes's.Then the unfortunate Jason who is very dramatic and creepy. He then gets creepier with the Divinyls "I Touch Myself." He's bad and he does bad dance movements and he goofs the words. He tries to hit on Simon, creepily. Four no's.We get a montage of Kara and Katy disagreeing over several contestants.The final contestant is Chris a former foster child. He walks the trains tracks and talks about wanting to be loved and feeling secure in music. He's fine, good pitch control. Kara and Katy fight over Kara saying he has a good "story" since Katy says this isn't a Lifetime movie. He gets four yes's. (The ones from Simon and Katy are "small y's". )22 in all got golden tickets. We see a montage of yes's and celebrations.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Auditions: Dallas" - Jan. 27, 2010We are in the Lone Star state and our guest judges are Neil Patrick Harris and Joe Jonas.Ryan says 11,000 have shown up to audition.NPH jokingly says he hopes to make people cry.We get a montage of previous Texas hopefuls including Kelly Clarkson and a woman named Julie who auditioned the same year, tragically. She says she's taken acting classes since then. Vocal lessons would've been better as her take on "Black Velvet" is not much better than her "Lady Marmalade." NPH says it was not good. She keeps trying to sing until she's escorted out. Four no's. She keeps singing as she leaves, blaming her breath control.We get a montage of yes's to happy women.Then we meet a guy named Lloyd who likes to the robot. He has two daughters and shows pictures of them. We also see footage of his job and home. He sings "Overjoyed" and it's nice. They all like him and Simon calls him his favorite so far. Four yes's.We get a montage of Simon and NPH disagreeing over several contestants.Up next is Kimberly who sings an original song a snappy poppy-jazzy-r&b thing. She's a little shouty but has a good voice. Randy likes it. Simon doesn't think she's current. NPH disagrees and thought she was great. As does Kara. Three yes's.We get a few snippets of the local Fox station media coverage who cover a guy named Dexter who is insanely confident in himself. He sings "If I Ever Fall in Love Again" in a way that makes you wonder why he was so confident. Simon promises his smile will take him far. Four no's.We get the teary montage of no's.Ryan interviews NPH who says he's surprised by the talent.Erica is a grad student who wants to be an actor. She was on "Barney" as a child. She promises to take a different approach and walks in dressed in leather, wielding a whip. They make her sing the "Barney" "I love you, you love me" song. She sounds good. For real she sings "Free Your Mind" and cracks the whip for emphasis. Four yes's.We get a montage of yes's.The final contestant of day one is Dave who has had a tough life due to his diagnosis of Tourette's Syndrome. He explains it as we see him rake and fish and mow the lawn. The only outward signs or throat clearing and a bit of head twitching. He says it doesn't affect him when he's singing. He sings "Bring it On Home to Me" and he sounds good. They like his voice. Simon thinks people are going to like him. Four yes's.We get a montage of the 15 golden ticket winners celebrating.Day 2Guest judge Joe Jonas is excited to be coming to his hometown.First up is Todrick who appeared with Fantasia in "Color Purple." He sings an original tune that incorporates all the judges and a little "Idol" history. It's actually kinda catchy and he has a good voice. Randy thinks he's one of the best. Joe thinks he has star power. Simon thinks he's nice and a good singer but not jumping out of his chair. Four yes's.We get a montage of other yes's.Megan has her little brother in tow, who is very excited for her. She sings "To Make You Me Feel My Love." She rushes a little and starts off quietly but busts out and has a nice vibe. Four yes's.Vanessa is very chipper and colorfully dressed and has a cheerleader-esque personality. She sings "At Last" and has major pitch issues and moves around oddly. Even Joe Jonas can't stop himself from laughing. Simon says that was his nightmares look and sound like. Four no's. She's still chipper.We get a montage of many seasons of auditions with trainwrecks in service of Ryan defending Simon's sometimes mean comments because his job is long and difficult.The final constestant is 16-year-old Christian who had leukemia as a child. She went into remission at age 8. Her mother is very supportive. She sings "All I Could Do is Cry" and, for 16, she's very poised. She doesn't have the very best voice but generally she's good. They like her voice and her bravery. Four yes's.Overall 31 folks got golden tickets.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Auditions: Denver" - Feb. 2, 2010Ryan promises the altitude will be bring out the tempers, the terrible, and the talent. He reminds us that Daughtry auditioned in Denver in season 5. Posh Spice/Victoria Beckham is back as a guest judge.Our first contestant Mark says he gets compared to Jack Black and he's a dad. There is a protracted bit about his upbringing. He sings "Tempted" with nice tone and energy. The judges are surprised that he wasn't goofy. He gets four yes's.We get a montage of people looking nervous about auditioning and the odd ways in which they work out their nerves.Mario has a nervous laugh that the judges mock. He sings "Jailhouse Rock." Not well enough. He gets four no's.We get a montage of Denver beauty and angry rejected contestants swearing and flipping off the cameras.One happy person was Kimberly and her five year old daughter. She sings "The Way I Am." Simon calls her lippy. She gets four yes's.We get a montage of yes's. The judges were loving the talent.Next up is Denell a karaoke hostess. She is also a single mom. She's very teary in the audition room talking about hard it is pursuing her dream of singing. She sings "I'm the Only One." She's appropriately raspy and powerful for the song. Simon likes her but worries she's almost broken. He thinks she came in just in time. Four yes's.We get a "fashion" montage, i.e. people in silly outfits, and a few good ones.Casey was in a major car accident and thought he would never play guitar again. He's got a country vibe as he sings "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room." Simon thinks it's a bad audition. Kara and Posh basically make him strip. Simon says it's embarrassing. Three yes's. Simon holds out.Tori arrived with a whole group of young relatives. She's 16. She brings a little girl with her that brought pictures she drew of the judges. The judges are charmed. Posh likes her dress. She sings "Gravity." (Two John Mayers in a row!) She has a sweet voice with a touch of soul. Simon thought her voice was almost annoying. Posh likes her whole vibe. Three big yes's. Simon thinks they are mad and says no.Austin is a football playing music composition major. He is very confident and excited. More John Mayer as he sings "Bigger Than My Body" with weird body movements. Posh and Kara think he's arrogant. He thinks he could be very marketable. Four no's.Kenny announces that he's the best singer in the world. You know what that means. Cue a not even approaching acceptable rendition of "Be Without You." They all say no and Kenny can't believe it and starts in on "No More Drama." Four no's.We get more shots of lovely Denver. And then a montage of bad singers and one scatter. And teary rejects.Nikki came all the way from Florence, Italy to audition. She has an odd speaking voice so it will be interesting to hear her sing. She sings "Something Kinda Oooh." She has a very Euro-pop, girl group voice. But in tune. Four yes's.Finally it's [bHayley][/b] who has a dramatic back story as a preemie baby and her dad died when she was 10. She wants to be the first black, pop-country main singer. She sings "Last Name." Simon likes that she's different. She brings her sisters in who love Randy and Simon. Four yes's.We get a montage of yes's and the final contestant Ty, "bikini boy," who sings "Achy Breaky Heart." They walk out on him.26 folks got golden tickets.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Auditions: Clean Up" - Feb. 3, 2010This is the show where we get some of the best auditions, some of the worst, a recap of funny stuff, and lots and lots of montages.We get another look at Gen. Larry Platt and "Pants on the Ground" and the videos it inspired.We get a montage of people being told that they made bad song choices.Jessica who auditioned poorly in season 8 is back with a make-over and a plan to sing a song co-written by Simon called "Footprints in the Sand." She gets four yes's this time.We get a montage of "attention seekers" including Amanda who does voices, including Britney Spears. Her own voice is fine and is told that she has a good voice but that doesn't connect with them because she's such an "actress." They relent and gets four yes's for her version of "Good Morning Heartache."We get a montage of acrobats, belly dancers, and hula hoopers. Plus people who brought instruments even though they can't bring them into the audition room.Lee and Crystal didn't need them though they got through with "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Piece of My Heart."We get a montage of golden ticket fake-outs, including a vintage one from Daughtry.We get a montage of people who have auditioned previously. One named [/b]Lacey[/b] made it to the top 50. But, as we see in flashback, she was cut. So she tries again with "Over the Rainbow" and gets put through again with four yes's.Stephanie is on her 7th audition. It turns out that 7 is not her lucky number after all. Her rendition of "Fever" gets four no's. Posh, her idol, and Kara nicely give her a hug.We get a montage of 16 year olds including Rachel, Thaddeus and Genesis who all impressed the judges.We get a montage of the seven cities and different jobs that people hold including waiters and cops. Then a montage of "athletes."First is Adrian who, although he is 6'8" is not a basketball player but a swimmer with lots of "big" nicknames. He calls himself a "manflower." Oy. He is, predictably, not so good singing "Can't Help Falling in Love" in a Bronski Beat-esque falsetto. He gets three no's.Then there's Michael a ripped personal trainer who's wife is pregnant. He sings "Unchained Melody" and it's fine but not mind-blowing. He gets four yes's.DiDi is auditioning in memory of her late best friend Rebecca. We get to see pictures of them. She sings "Hey Jude" and the judges, including Avril, dig it. She starts to cry when she's done. She gets four yes's, one of which is "very small" from Simon.We get a montage of the ACTUAL show we are watching.Aaron is a tough backstory contestant who was saved from foster care by his aunt and uncle. He seems really nice. He sings "The Climb." He's very heartfelt. Four yes's.We get a montage of people's goals, to make people feel good, fame, etc. Kimberly claims she has a really good heart and will recycle and help children in Africa. She'll have to do those things as she does some other profession because she can't sing as evidenced by her version of "I Kissed a Girl." Three no's.Next is Shaddail who loves her mom and her mom loves her and always dreamed she'd be a singer. The dream dies now, however, thanks to her painful rendition of "Fallin." Four no's.We get a montage of crowds in different cities saying welcome.Our final singer of the night is Hope who was very poor as a child and has indomitable spirit. She's very sweet but, in this audition anyway, she's not an amazing singer. She does "I Hope You Dance." Four yes's.Ryan says 100,000 people auditioned overall and 181 got golden tickets to Hollywood.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Hollywood Round: Part 1" - Feb. 9, 2010Finally, we are in Hollywood and Ellen is on board. 181 folks are competing for the top 24 slots.We see folks arriving by bus, car, foot, etc. to the Kodak Theatre.Day OneRyan introduces Ellen and the kids cheer. She talks to them about knowing what it's like to stand onstage and feel like you have to please a room full of people.The judges take their places and Ellen says to Simon, "so this it, I come on, you leave." He laughs.The first round: sudden death when people can sing a cappella or with an instrument.In the first group is Katie who had the Alzheimer's stricken grandma. She sings "For Once in My Life" a cappella really nicely and they compliment her. And then we remeet "Skiibowski" who sings "Ain't Too Proud to Beg." Ellen says he was frightening in his intensity. Everyone laughs. We don't hear the others. They do the line separation. Katie's in, Skiibowski's out. He wants to know why. Simon says he's just not a very good singer.We get a montage of tense people and Simon giving scathing feeback. Ellen is also not being supernice but kinda funny.We remeet Vanessa the country girl who had never taken a flight and Andrew whose family are former gangbangers. He does Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" with his acoustic, Jack Johnson-style. He's pretty great. Kara calls it genius and that Paula would love it.We watch Vanessa make her journey from home to the very classy tune of the Shins' "New Slang." (Good one "Idol" producers). She's very nervous and sings "No Rain." It's a little weak due to her nerves. Ellen tells her to let go of that. We get a brief shout out to worship pastor Tasha. Line separation: Andrew's in, Vanessa is out. She tearfully apologizes to her mom via the camera.We get a montage of teary rejects to Rascal Flatts' "What Hurts the Most."We get a montage of familiar faces from the auditions who have bad Hollywood days including pants-splitter Cornelius and Megan, she of the cute little brother. Also Amedeo, of the big Italian family, doesn't make it happen.We meet Janell who does a nice raspy, country-tinged "American Boy" accompanying herself on guitar. Ellen thinks it was amazing. Simon agrees. She's through.Others with instruments didn't fare so well, and we get a montage of them singing/playing badly.Haeley the 16-year-old first female black country pop singer aspirant from the Denver auditions is nervous but does an interesting raspy take on "Change." Mary the rocker mom who brought her daughter to meet Simon sings Pink's "Sober" really well. (Doesn't hurt that Kara co-wrote that one). Ellen loves it. Line separation time: Haeley and Mary both make it.Ellen does a jokey step forward-step back thing with a group of four who all go through. We get shots of the excited 46 who made it through the first day.Day TwoSimon reminds them to not be nervous, boring, or forget their words.Jay the beatboxer is back. Simon thinks it's ridiculous. Ellen jokes there's something wrong with his microphone.Lily sings "Lullaby of Birdland" accompanying herself on guitar. It's very Corinne Bailey Rae, sweet and jazzy but with some power. Kara finds her refreshing and unique. She makes it through. Along with some dude named Sam.Michael the personal trainer just got the news that his wife is going into labor but he's staying put. He accompanies himself singing "Waiting on the World to Change." Simon liked it. He goes through.We remeet cancer survivor Justin from the Boston auditions and Tim from the Dallas auditions. Tim accompanies himself on David Cook's "Come Back to Me." He has a few pitch problems but recovers. Justin accompanies himself on piano on "Fly Me to the Moon," in a very croony, dramatic Buble-meets-Wainwright fashion. Randy thought it was interesting. Line separation: Tim makes it, Justin does not.We say goodbye to a few familiar faces including the bubbly sisters and the girl with the whip.Maddie the 16-year-old with the brothers with Downs' Syndrome sings "The Nearness of You." Simon calls it a bad song choice. Casey who doffed his shirt for Kara sings a funky, country-ish "I Don't Need No Doctor." Line separation: Casey makes it, Maddie doesn't.The last line includes Didi the emotional waitress from L.A. who was singing to honor her friend. She sings a Kara song called "Terrified." She plays her guitar and it's a lovely vocal. Kara beams. Simon hates to admit it but he really liked the song. Simon likes the idea of someone like her, a waitress, coming on the show and doing well. And finally Crystal, a single mom. She goes to get a tattoo of her son as we hear her sing "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman." The crowd helps with back-ups, really sweetly. They also cheer when she hits a great note. And many stand up in the end. Simon thinks she's infectious and real. Line separation: Crystal and DiDi both make it.95 total made it through.Next up: Group day and reality show drama.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Hollywood Round: Part 2"- Feb. 10, 2010It's Group Day.Or more precisely it's picking your group night. The contestants mill around looking for simpatico singers.We meet a few of the groups.The Dreamers include Mary, Alex, Margo, Erin and Hope. The two girls who forced their way into the group, Erin and Hope, cause drama by showing up late to the first rehearsal. They then fight about who is in and who is out. The drama continues throughout the night. They finally get it together and start their choreography.The Mighty Rangers consists of people who auditioned in Denver, Maddie, Danny, Mark, Tori and Kim. They're having a little trouble with choreography.Phoenix includes Kat, Jermaine, Ben, Jeff, and Morea. Morea made it to Hollywood last year and was in a group with Danny Gokey so she's the annoying one who knows everything already. She takes them to the spot in a closet where her group rehearsed last year. Jermaine doesn't want to do harmonies and Moraiah says they have to do it.Neapolitan is Page, Thaddeus, Jessica, and Liz. They are doing "Bad Romance."Destiny's Wild is also doing the Gaga song and they keep being asked to move because they are too loud. This group includes Jareb, Todrick, Theri, and Siobhan. When they sidle up to Neapolitan there's some frustration.At 2:30 a.m. Big Mike's group is done and he's in his room getting in touch with his wife who is in labor.Others are still rehearsing like the Mighty Rangers. Half of the group thinks they're done, the other half thinks they're not ready.The Dreamers are still fighting. Mary is being bossy even to vocal coach Michael Orland who is trying to help them.Destiny's Wild is doing better with their vocal coach. Neapolitan is mad about having to wait for them.Breakfast finds more people rehearsing and people seem confident after the long night.But final rehearsals find people forgetting the words and getting last minute criticisms from the vocal coaches and each other.Big Mike's wife is still in labor.Destiny's Wild is getting a lot of attention and Mary is sad about the Dreamers' problems. One of which is that everything breaks down when one person forgets the words.Just at they're called Big Mike gets the news that the baby's imminent. He's sad he isn't there but thinks God has got a plan. He coaches his wife through. It's a girl.The first group is Faith an all girl trio with Charity, Michelle, and Ashley. They sing "Irreplaceable." They sound nice, light, girly and have good harmonies. They get a nice hand. They're all through.Next up is Team Awesome with Big Mike. They sing "Get Ready." They're very charming and harmonious. Big Mike and Tim Urban are through. Big Mike shows his baby on his phone and he can't wait to meet her.Next up is Neapolitan. They sing "Bad Romance" a cappella and Destiny's Wild thinks they stole this idea from them. Simon thinks they were good and worked hard. Ellen also thought it was great. One of the girls claims that no one else chose this song so they just took it. They're all through. Destiny's Wild is mad.But they take the stage next and do a nice job, including an acrobatic flip from Todrick. They get a nice hand. Ellen thought it was really weird and Cirque du Soleil-esqe and surreal but they're all through.The next four groups, who we didn't get introduced to by name, also all get through.The Mighty Rangers are less lucky. Things start well for Tori and Maddie but Mark and Kim forget the words and the judges stop them. Those two make it through. Mark begs for another chance. Kara and Simon stop him. He leaves tearfully.Phoenix is struggling with confidence and group member Kat quits unexpectedly. She claims she didn't want ot humiliate herself. Michael Orland tells them not to panic. They had no time to rehearse as four and the choreography and shaky energy prove it. They all sing well enough individually but Ben muffs a couple words and Morea forgets a bunch during her solo. Jermaine is showier but Jeff has a funky, bluesy shout going. Kara likens it more to "Survivor" than "Idol." Morea claims hardship. Simon says people leave in real life and that's not a struggle, that you have to adjust. Jermaine and Jeff are through. Morea and Ben are not.We see several groups struggle through "Sweet Escape." One group includes Matt from Orlando, who had done time, and dramatic Amanda from Boston. Simon calls their group horrific and they're all cut.We see a montage of folks who got cut.A group called Middle C with Janell, another Jermaine, and Casey does a bang up job of "Closer." And the group Three Men and a Baby that includes Andrew, Katie, J.B., and an unnamed dude who must not make the final cut since they don't introduce him does nice work on "No One." All members of both groups go through.Final group The Dreamers, the one with bossy Mary, is not happy. They sing "Dreams" and it's a hot mess, from Mary goofing the beginning, to Hope's very soft but sweet style not really meshing, to Margo's serious pitch troubles, to Alex forgetting the words. And the choreography is awful. We don't even hear Erin sing. Kara says it's like the dream died. Randy thought the backing vocals were painful. Mary, Hope, and Alex are through, Erin and Margo are not.71 are headed to final callback including a montage of folks we met in auditions but whose groups we didn't see like Haeley and Tyler and Lloyd.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Hollywood Round: Part 3" - Feb. 16, 2010It's the final time for the 71 contenders onstage before the final judgement. Over the course of the two hours we see some contestants full Hollywood week journey but mostly just their final performance with the "Idol" band.Ryan talks about the journey to Hollywood and the struggle while you're there as we see a clip package of auditionees from stadium auditions to Hollywood group rounds.He explains that the 71 contestants each took to the stage with a full band but got no feedback from the judges, they just have to wait.We get a look at the four judges going through the Polaroids and giving yes's and no's.The contestants are spilt into three different rooms. Each group has a few familiar faces and a bunch we haven't been introduced to.We get to see most of the very strong, effortless audition of Angela Martin doing "American Boy." She feels good and emotional.We get another look at Casey James, the guy who doffed his shirt at the judges auditions. He does "Bubbly," it sounds fine but kind of boring.We also get a look at Jermaine Purifoy who's excited to be the only one singing "Brick House." He does a fine job with it.Casey's in Room 1, Jermaine's in Room 2. Casey is not thrilled but Jermaine is excited.After the break we get more shots of the judges looking at Polaroids and the contestants stressing out as we get a recap of comments both good and bad from the judges.Jermaine Sellers did "Man in the Mirror" and he did it well but then he felt the need at the end to say something negative about the band. Not cool.Siobhan Magnus sang "Living For the City" in an attempt to seem looser and more youthful. It seems the judges liked it.Crystal Bowersox did "If It Makes You Happy" and accompanied herself on guitar and harmonica and acquitted herself nicely.Alex Lambert struggled with charisma issues on his first day and then was stuck in the bossy Mary group but still made it through. He pulls out his ukulele for "I'm Yours." It's fine, kind of busker-ish, good busker-ish.Then we get an "I'm Yours" medley."Big" Michael Lynche also did this one with the band, but he played acoustic guitar. He's definitely more charismatic. Todrick Hall threw some sweet falsetto sexiness on the Jason Mraz song.We then get a montage of Thaddeus Johnson's very excited mother, cheering him on in the early rounds and comforting him while he's stressing out. He sang "Man in the Mirror" after a false start when the band thought he was someone else. He gives a very warm, spirited performance if a little slow. His mother cheers him loudly.We get another shot of the stressing contestants in Room 1.More shots of the judges and the Polaroids.We then get a shot of the folks in Room 2 stressing out.Charity Vance sang "Gravity" gently and nicely. We see Tasha Layton the worship pastor on Day 1 singing "The Scientist" in a very tender, acoustic arrangement. Both are very Lilith-y, in a nice way.Bossy Mary Powers is sure she's in, very confident, she thinks the song is cake. She sang "Hot N Cold." It's fine, she sounds okay, tired.Also in Room 2 is Lloyd Thomas who is teary, thinking about his wife and kids back home. He also sang "Man in the Mirror". I'm starting to think things don't look so good for Room 2. he sounds fine but a little sluggish and definitely tired. Simon likes him though.Police officer Brian Walker got a finger-guns from Simon after his final audition, which they don't show us for some reason.We see a few others in Room 2 including Tisha Holland, Jermaine Purifoy who we already saw, and Hope Johnson. We get a look at Hope's Hollywood Week montage. Ellen liked her Day 1. She sang "Home" for her final shot and, honestly, she's cute and unique but the performance itself is kinda pitchy and she's got some rough finger pointy moves. The fate of Room 2 is looking even more dire.More Judges/Polaroids.Now we get a gander at Room 3 and a bunch of people I feel like we haven't really seen much of.There's [/b]Shelby Dressel[/b] who goofed her lyrics in her audition before the judges. In Hollywood, Ellen loved her voice. She continued to have lyric remembering problems during band rehearsal. She freaked out a little. during her final performance of "More Than a Feeling." She did a very serious, weird edit of the song and remembered the words but she looked really stressed and sounded a little shouty.Aaron Kellly, however, didn't remember the words to "Angel" during his performance. He got back on track and hit some good notes but his nerves were definitely palpable.Ashley Rodriguez, according to Ryan, ended on a high with her rendition of "Battlefield,' which does sound fine if a bit clenched but she looks great and has good presence.We get a quick threefer of other, also decent if not mind-blowing contestants: Lee Dewyze who did "You Found Me," Joe Munoz who was fine on "Man in the Mirror" and Haeley Vaughn who also took a crack at "I'm Yours."Janell Wheeler was having vocal troubles all week. She does "Love Story" and it starts rough and only get marginally better although she's very charming. Kara thinks it was the wrong song. Janell thinks she blew it, couldn't take the pressure.Others in Room 3 are also doubting themselves.More Judges and Polaroids as they separate those who are staying and those who are going.We get a look at a few more Room 1 people, who uniformly sound good and include Andrew Garcia who the judges clearly love so this must be a good room.Then a glimpse at Room 2 and Room 3, with good parts and bad parts.Ellen lets Room 1 know that they're all through to the final round. No surprise here.The other rooms hear the celebrating and stress some more. Simon tells Room 2 that they were all great, better than he thought they would be, but this is the end of the road for them.Which means that the folks in Room 3 are also all through, and Randy and Kara tell them that with the requisite fake out. Celebrating, etc.Now the 71 is 46 and the 46 that made it this far will get pared to 24 after the judges look over the audition tapes.Ryan explains how it works: each contestant will walk to the stage where the judges will give them their final fate.In: "Big" Mike Lynche (who must still be in, even though it was reported that he was out after his dad spilled the beans). (Simon says it was unanimous). Didi Benami Katelyn Epperly (after some extended faking out from Ellen) Casey James Aaron Kelly Lee Dewyze Todrick HallOut: Shelby (they encourage her to keep singing) Jessica (she's upset, and begs a little, it's rough, she believes she deserved to move on)They will reveal the rest of the top 24 tomorrow night.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Hollywood Round: Part 4" - Feb. 17, 2010We get a quick recap of last night and the seven contestants who have already secured a spot and a promise of the reveal of the final 17 in the top 24.Which means we get a look at the Hollywood Week and final performances of the people facing final judgement.We catch up with a nervous Janell Wheeler. Her last solo performance of "Love Story" was troublesome and she felt like she flubbed it. Ellen talks a little bit about the stress of the show but tells her she's still going through. She tells Ryan she's not worried about her job as a wine sales rep.Next up is a recap for Tyler Grady. His final performance of "Home" seems fine but he jokes that he doesn't want to go home. He sits for final judgement and banters with Kara about loving '60s and '70s rock icons. He's through. Lacey Brown who made it final judgement last year, only to be sent home gets better news this year and she's through thanks to her final performance of "What a Wonderful World."Also through are Ashley Rodgriguez, Alex Lambert, and Joe Munoz, who we get in quick succession without any recap.Up next Crystal Bowersox. She's had a great week and she's through. She shows her son's picture to the judges.More stress in the waiting room.Katie Stevens who has been impressive all along, is through.We get a quick succession of four nos.It's also a no for a teary Angela Martin who has tried out three times and had an up and down Hollywood Week. This is especially tough news for her since she made it to Hollywood twice before but the first year she tried out, her dad died, the second year she had to bail because she had a traffic violation she couldn't pay for so she had to do six days in jail. Kara sits with her and encourages her to keep going and Randy agrees. Kara calls her one of the bravest people she's ever met. They all hug her. She promises not to give up.It is a yes for jazzy Lilly Scott though. She's stoked to show America what she's got.A quick montage reveals more good news for Paige Miles, (who I feel like we haven't met), Siobhan Magnus, Michelle Delamor, Jermaine Sellers, and John Park There are only two girls left, Tori Kelly and Haeley Vaughn, and one spot left. Haeley gets it.Now there are two guys left, Andrew Garcia and Thaddeus Johnson, so you know how this went given how much they loved Andrew, who gets the nod. Thaddeus is sad. Simon tells him he didn't do anything wrong and tells him to keep his chin up. He doesn't understand this, understandably. Andrew is, understandably, excited.We get a montage of celebratory moments.Live shows start next week! First up will be the girls.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 12 Female Semifinalists - Feb. 23, 2010The competition is finally upon us. Ryan introduces us to the ladies who mug for the cameras. The men take their spot to the side of the stage.Ryan explains "the math": For the next three weeks each group will take the stage separately and get voted on - dropping the bottom two guys and girls- until we have the top 12.Ryan repeats a quote of Simon's saying this is the girls' year. He stands by that. Kara agrees with Ryan that America knows these folks better than they have in previous years. Randy counsels them to be great or mad at themselves and to wreck the stage with their vocals. Ellen tells them not to be mad at themselves and to be all that they can be.The judges are seated left to right: Ellen, Randy, Kara, Simon. Ellen jokes that it's safer sitting down by Randy since Simon has a thing for her and that he has wandering hands. She rolls a "joke" clip of this from Hollywood to prove this.The theme for the next three weeks is "Hits from the Billboard charts."Contestant #1: Paige Miles, 24, a preschool teacher. She's living her dream. We see a clip of her final performance of "Living For the City."Song: "Alright Now," FreePerformance: It's an uptempo rocker but she seems curiousy low energy after her sparkly package and I'm not sure if her rasp is how she sounds or if she's losing her voice or a little of both. It gets better as she progresses and hits a belt-ier part of her voice.Simon: Thinks out of all the girls that she has the best voice but didn't like the wedding singer-type song choice. He thinks she also needs to have more self-belief.Kara: Disagrees and thought that the song was actually great and that she killed the verses but the choruses were not strong.Randy: He agrees partially with both of them but generally thinks she did a great job.Ellen: Agrees and disagrees with all of them. Ellen figured she must've been nervous but that she pulled it off great.Contestant #2:Ashley Rodriguez, 22, a student. We see a clip of Simon ribbing her at her auditions. She's very excited.Song: "Happy," Leona LewisPerformance: The song starts low but she's holding on to it. Her outfit is very shiny but the start of the song is kind of blah. She gains power as the chorus kicks in but she sounds like she's just riding the line of staying in key. It's fine but not mind-blowing.Kara: Gives her credit for taking on a big song and having some good moments but says there were also no so good moments and she wants to see her doing something different.Randy: Agrees she did a good job with it but thought it was not a great choice, especially from a comparison standpoint.Ellen: Also thinks she should take a risk next time especially since she has so much going for herself.Simon: Thinks it was clumsy and didn't like the arrangement and thinks she's going backwards. He thinks she might be in trouble. She gets a little teary-eyed and Ryan tries to build her back up.Contestant #3:Janell Wheeler, 24, a wine sales rep. Simon didn't love her audition but warmed up to her in Hollywood. She wants to show America this is where she wants to be.Song: "What About Love," HeartPerformance: I confess, I love this song but I'm not sure Janell's voice is big enough for it. There's not enough heft, there are some pitch issues, and it just never quite takes off. It's fine but not mind-blowing.Randy: Thinks the song choice didn't work for her and it was hard to bring something original to it. He likes her voice though.Ellen: Loves that song and thought she sang it well even if there were some off notes. She likes her.Simon: Thinks she gave it 100 percent effort but only 65 percent came through. He did think there were moments where he did like her voice. Simon thinks she will survive.Kara: Likes her too but thought the song was too big for her and didn't make it work for her as a singer.Ryan asks for advice for the contestants on song choice. Randy says to pick something where you won't compare unfavorably with the original singer.Contestant #4:Lilly Scott, 20, a busker who has lived out of her car. It means so much for her to be there.Song: "Fixing a Hole," The BeatlesPerformance: Armed with her acoustic guitar she does a slinky, slowed down, jazzed up version of the tune. She sounds good but there's something a little precious and coffeehouse-y about it. She certainly did her own thing though.Ellen: Says that's what they're talking about, interesting song choice and unique vocals, she loved it.Simon: Agrees and says it was the best so far because it sounded like a wise choice, one she made because she thought it expressed something about her not that it would showcase big vocals. He's still not feeling much star power from her yet.Kara: Thinks she is believable and coming from the heart. Thinks busking really helped her with her comfort level and she thinks everyone will remember her.Randy: He loves that she's more like a "real indie artist" and that she's not affected.Contestant #5:Katelyn Epperly, 19, a student. Her first audition was her favorite thanks to a Shania compliment. She realizes that this is what she needs to be doing.Song: "Oh, Darling," The BeatlesPerformance: There's something cocktail lounge waitress-y about the feather (?) thing-y in her hair and her outfit but she sounds really great, giving a strong, assured, bluesy performance. My favorite so far from a pure vocal standpoint.Simon: He thought it had parts that were messy and scream-y but he likes her and thought it was a good song choice. He thinks she needs work but he likes her a lot.Kara: Thinks she knows her voice really well and thought she switched the song up well but doesn't care for the make-over and the thing in her hair, she likes her more natural.Randy: Likes the new look but even better that she respects tone and melody he likes her whole vibe and can go places and do stuff.Ellen: Couldn't tell if she was pushing too hard at first but it made her want to pay attention to her. She thinks she has an amazing voice.Contestant #6:Haeley Vaughn, 16, high school student. She was well-liked all along the audition process. She got her nose pierced after she made it through. This was her...wait for it... dream come true.Song: "I Want to Hold Your Hand," The BeatlesPerformance: Armed with her electric guitar she slows down the Fab Four classic to more of an ambling Stax soul tempo. I like the vibe and she sounds good enough but falters when she starts she's pushing too hard in the chorus and getting a little strident in places. Very cute and different. Nice work.Kara: Says from a technical standpoint there were some issues but loves that every time she takes the stage she's radiant.Randy: He loves her unpredictability and her boldness but that the sound of her high notes are not totally pleasing so she should try to get it together a little better.Ellen: Is impressed with her presence. Doesn't know technical things but she enjoyed it.Simon: Thinks it was verging on terrible especially the smiley-ness which he thought hindered the vocals.Ryan wonders if they're watching two different shows. Simon says it's called having an opinion. Ellen says if it was a mess it was a hot mess.Contestant #7: Lacey Brown, 24, church events coordinator. She was the one who made it to final judgement last year but got cut. She is thrilled to be here.Song: "Landslide," Fleetwood MacPerformance: The start is a little mannered and shaky and there are definitely tempo and pitch issues. Her voice is sort of girly and slight. She has a nice warm energy and it seems like she's shooting for a country-ish vibe but it's just not super-distinctive.Randy: He thought it was terrible, pitchy and didn't suit her voice.Ellen: Thinks she's better than that.Simon: Thought it was quite depressing and kind of indulgent and boring.Kara: Says she usually hits the notes and tonight it felt more forced, she suggests the Sundays or Sixpence None the Richer as future choices if she gets through.Ryan asks about the song choice. She says it speaks to her as a person and, politely, says in answer to a direct question says he disagrees with Simon that it was boring. (Except that it was boring.)After the break Ryan chats with Michelle and Katie.Contestant #8:Michelle Delamor, 22,corporate singer/sales clerk/children's choir coach. She loved having her family there while having her dream become a reality during the auditions.Song: "Fallin'," Alicia KeysPerformance: Oh you know she's going to get whacked for doing such a big, already well-sung hit in the same arrangement. She sounds pretty good though and looks appropriately intense and there is an ease to it. You get the sense she's probably done this one a bunch during her corporate gigs. It's strong but not electrifying.Ellen: Thought it was fantastic but felt it was safe just because it seemed easy for her. She knows she can do better.Simon: Thinks she did very well and that it was very professional so it sounded close to the original. He didn't feel a wow moment but thinks she'll get through and that she looks fantastic.Kara: She says if she's going for a diva spot it has to be technically immaculate and this wasn't but that it was good and she has a great look and can get where she needs to go.Randy: Thinks she did a pretty good job and agrees that she has more in her and to jump out of her comfort zone.Contestant #9: Didi Benami, 23, waitress. She thinks her defining moment was when she sang Kara's song "Terrified" in Hollywood. Her journey has already been very emotional and spiritual. She says she's going to try not to cry.Song:"The Way I Am," Ingrid MichaelsonPerformance: She's wearing a pretty busy, '60s lovechild multi-colored vest that looks like a caftan but the song is perfect for her, light, frothy, sassy. She doesn't change it up much but she sings it well. She also seems really happy and heartfelt and that comes through. A couple of bum notes at the end but overall nice if low-key.Simon: Thinks she is a good singer. He thinks there are too many people trying to sound like Adele and Duffy. He thought the song was dreary. He's missing a spark.Kara: She likes the song and that she made a few creative changes. Simon interrupts that it needs to be more memorable. She concedes it's a pitchy.Randy: Agrees there's no star factor or outward oomph. Likes the song but thought it was too sleepy.Ellen: Thinks if it was one song in a set for a show it would be fine but not the best choice for a first impression it was too low-key.Contestant #10:Siobhan Magnus, 19, glass blowing apprentice. It's been a big culture shock for her. She's proudest of her final performance in Hollywood week of "Living For the City."Song: "Wicked Game," Chris IsaakPerformance: The song is very low but, again, she's keeping ahold of it. It improves as it moves higher in her register, and she slays the head voice slide in the chorus. But it's yet another mellow performance without a lot of dramatic tension. Interesting song choice though.Kara: Wouldn't have picked it but liked her on that song. She thinks she gets a little nasal at times but she likes that it feels real when she's singing.Randy: Calls it a tough song and says she didn't get to her best stuff until the chorus and she should reach for bigger things like she did with the Stevie Wonder song.Ellen: Loved it and forgot she was at a competition and was just being entertained.Simon: Says she is a funny little thing. He likes the song but didn't like it as much as "Living for the City" which was more enthusiastic.She picked it because it was haunting and it offered a chance to hit higher notes and show a softer side. Ryan likes her authenticity.Contestant #11:Crystal Bowersox, 24, musician and mom. She was never much of an "Idol" fan and like Simon said she didn't think it was the thing for her. But the thing that changed her mind was her son since "mama needs a bigger paycheck."Song: "Hand in My Pocket," Alanis MorrisettePerformance: She starts solo acoustic and sounds fine, fine, fine. She doesn't mix it up much but she doesn't sound exactly like Alanis, except when she plays her harmonica. She's not good enough at that to justify how long she does it when she could be singing but overall it was fine, also kind of low-key.Randy: Loves her originality and honesty, even though he's not sure if it's the right song. It doesn't matter though because he likes her.Ellen: She's a fan too and thinks we're lucky she decided to audition and she adds something fresh.Simon: Thought it was fine but very much like the thousands of other subway buskers for whom he wouldn't stop in his tracks. He says to do something original. She talks back that they don't allow originals. He says he means take a song and do something original with it and recommends David Bowie. She concedes David Bowie would be cool.Kara: Thinks she was good tonight but has greatness in her, an ability to take them on a journey. She says she thinks what Simon means is to not just be a coffeehouse performer but to fill the stage.Contestant #12:Katie Stevens, 17, high school student. Her most memorable moment was the first audition. She misses her family but knows they'll be watching.Song: "Feelin' Good," Nina Simone (Ryan credits Michael Buble, but come now.)Performance: She's got a preternatural skill for sure both vocally and stage presence-wise. It's another slinky slow one but she kicks it up a bit. She hits a couple of rough patches with the notes and the shimmying at her age is a little discomfiting but she's spunky.Ellen:Thought it was good but too serious and wants to see her be fresh and modern at 17.Simon: Agrees and it felt like her mom and dad picked her song and dressed her and so it started to get annoying and pagaenty.Kara: Says if she had killed the song they wouldn't be talking like this. She's surprised Katie was pitchy and wonders if she couldn't hear herself. But she says she has ridiculous chops at the end of the day.Randy: He says that specifically she was pushing so hard that it was going sharp. But he says she reminds him of Jordin Sparks so she needs to "young it up."
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 12 Male Semifinalists - Feb. 24, 2010Randy tells the boys to bring it, Kara tells them to manage their nerves, Ellen says it's totally different in the studio then on TV, that if you sound bad there it's worse at home, and Simon also tells them to manage their nerves and remember their words.Contestant #1:Todrick Hall, 24, writer-actor-dancer. He thinks his defining moment was his original song at the audition.Song: "Since U Been Gone," Kelly ClarksonPerformance: He slows it down and roughs it up a bit and brings some smooth soul to it. It's a better start than last night for sure. I don't love the arrangement but he moves well.Ellen: Thinks he has great stage presence but didn't think the singing was the greatest on the chorus.Randy: Thinks he's mad talented but didn't think taking the song and totally changing it was the best idea.Kara: Agrees with Randy about the arrangement but thinks he's a great performer but liked that he took a risk.Simon: Thinks he came over as a dancer trying to sing as opposed to a singer who can dance and that he murdered the song with the arrangement.Todrick also wondered if he was going too far with what he says was his original spin and Kara applauds his creativity.Contestant #2: Aaron Kelly, 16, high school student. He thinks his defining moment was his final performance where he forgot his lyrics but recovered.Song: "Here Come Goodbye," Rascal FlattsPerformance:The song suits his voice well. There are a couple of tough notes but he's nicely poised.Simon: Thought it was quite good for a first performance. He tells him to have more confidence and control.Kara: He's Kara's favorite kind of contestant since he doesn't realize how good he is naturally. She likes the pop-country lane for him.Randy: He was worried and says there were a couple of pitchy moments but he's a fan of his big voice.Ellen: Says "ditto to all that" and thinks he's going to be here a longtime and likes how humble he is.Contestant #3:Jermaine Sellers, 27, church singer. He revisits his problematic final performance of "Man in the Mirror."Song: "Get Here," Oleta AdamsPerformance: It's soft and tender and very close to the original, although he takes some workable detours with the melody. He seems likable but it gets rough in the high parts, but he commits to them, maybe too much, and shows a sense of dynamics.Ellen: Is a huge fan and likes his look but felt like he was performing not feeling and that he was pushing too hard vocally.Randy: Thought it was a weird choice and too old and wants him to go more current with Maxwell or Ne-Yo and to go more with the melody.Kara: Thinks he wanted to show everyone what he can do but thinks the runs should be more meaningful.Simon: Agrees with the too old criticism and thinks he was screaming in the middle. He thinks he blew his chance.He talks about the hell of Hollywood and how he was made to look like a diva. He hugs Michael Orland, a coach and member of the band who Jermaine threw under the bus.Contestant #4:Tim Urban, 20, he doesn't tell us what he does. He's the one who replaced Chris Golightly who was cut over contract reasons and we see him getting cut at final judgement and then producer Ken Warwick placing the fateful phone call.Song: "Apologize," OneRepublicPerformance: He seems nervous and has trouble power-wise hitting the falsetto notes and a tangles a bit with the vocal rhythms. It's not a very memorable performance.Simon: Congratulates him for coming back but thinks they made the right decision for not putting him through the first time because he thought the whole thing was weak and his voice is not good enough. If he makes it through it will be because people feel sorry for him and he's cute.Kara: Says the music overpowered him and he was better with his acoustic guitar. She hopes he makes it through.Randy: Thinks it was the wrong song and that he's better than that.Ellen: Thinks it's smart to choose a popular song but he couldn't hit the notes but he is adorable and will get votes but he needs to step it up.He agrees it was probably the wrong song and it was a last minute switch but he can bring something unique.Contestant #5:Joe Munoz, 20, student. He recalls having trouble playing his guitar in Hollywood week but he got better.Song: "You and I," Jason MrazPerformance: Another light one. He sounds fine, strong in places, a bit shaky in others. It's nice enough, he's got good tone and a nice smile, but again not super-memorable.Ellen Thought he was comfortable and it was good.Randy: Didn't love the song choice but he worked it out.Kara: She liked the song choice and thought he was the best, most consistent, so far.Simon: He kind of agrees but thought it was safe and forgettable, he doesn't feel he showed star potential.Contestant #6:Tyler Grady, 20, student. He's the designated "retro rocker." He felt a connection with Kara and Posh. He wants to earn his spot on the stage.Song:"American Woman," Grand Funk RailroadPerformance: I don't like the spare blues open at all, don't mess with that riff, man. And there it is. The singing feels very shouty and karaoke to me.Simon: Thinks it was memorably partly for the wrong reasons since it seems like he went to "pretend to be rock star school." He says he needs to pay more attention to the vocals.Kara: She wants him to add something original to his '70s obsession.Randy: Agrees it was style over substance and it's time to change the game.Ellen: Thinks he's got the poses but lacks the charisma from the actual stars of the '70s.Contestant #7:Lee DeWyze, 23, paint sales clerk. He was glad to be able to play his guitar in Hollywood.Song: "Chasing Cars," Snow PatrolPerformance: Yikes, it's yet another slow sensitive one. The beginnng is kind of a yawn but he leans into the higher part. He leans a little too far though and hits some clunkers, especially on ends of phrases.Ellen: Thought it was a good song choice and liked his tone but thought he got a bit shouty.Randy: Didn't like the song for him, not rocking enough for him although he's a fan of his voice. He suggests something more like David Cook or Kings of Leon.Kara: Also didn't like the song or the way he changed it. She suggests Bad Company.Simon: Thought it was the best performance by far and that he's a naturally good singer. He says ignore Bad Company and do something unexpected instead.Contestant #8:John Park, 21, student. His best moment was Shania Twain loving him. He says he would propose to her.Song: "God Bless the Child," a standard sung by manyPerformance: Oh it starts shaky, he seems nervous. I like his tone but unless you have crazy charisma it's hard to sell a song this slow. He definitely improves as it goes along and it ends really well.Simon: Thinks you have to have an incredible voice to do that song and John doesn't in his opinion. He thought it was pointless and unemotional.Kara: Agrees that there was no connection and it was kind of lounge-y and sleepy.Randy: Thought the song choice was bad but that he definitely has a voice.Ellen: Agrees it was a bad choice, especially for young girls. She thought he sounded great though and wants people to vote for him.He says that song is really important to him because of his parents.Contestant #9:Michael Lynche, 26, personal trainer. We get a recap of his baby drama during Hollywood.Song: "This Love," Maroon 5Performance: He's got his acoustic. It's nice to hear some rhythm finally and he sounds pretty good but there's not a lot of range to the song so there isn't much room to show off so consequently it's just good, not amazing. He's got great pitch though.Ellen: Loves his radiant personality and his song choice.Randy: Likes him and his persona but tells that he hurt him when he picked him up in Hollywood week.Kara: Thinks it wasn't outrageously great but good and he needs to challenge himself.Simon: He says it was a vague, jazzy version and he can't coast on his personality and he thinks he's better than that.Contestant #10:Alex Lambert, 19, high school student. He thinks his defining moment was the bad group performance and bossy Mary.Song: "Wonderful World," James MorrisonPerformance: Oh my, the hair must get cut. He sings about not belonging and his nerves seem to be making the lyrics true. There are good parts and he's got an interesting raspy voice but it feels awkward and tentative.Simon: Says it was the most uncomfortable performance of the night. He thinks he's got a good voice but he has to manage his nerves.Kara: Wants to hug him. Compliments him that he sounds like James Morrison and says he's got great potential. Tells him to believe in himself.Randy: Agrees that he has a great tone and he hopes he sticks around.Ellen: Supports his mullet and agrees he has a great voice. She thinks he's not ripe enough yet.Contestant #11:Casey James, 27, musician. He recalls his first audition where Kara made him take his shirt off.Song:"Heaven," Bryan AdamsPerformance:Armed with his acoustic he does a, you guessed it, a tender ballad. The song is of course guilty pleasure pop. He sounds good, both pitch and power-wise, but is oddly too smily for me. It's totally adequate and earnest but not particularly dynamic.Kara: Jokes that she doesn't recognize him with his shirt on. She thought it was pitchy, maybe in places. They need to stop going down this road. Seriously she says he's not only eye candy but he's also ear candy but he's got heart and soul.Randy: Likes him and the song choice and his voice.Ellen: Thought he sounded great and is judge-proof.Simon: Liked the song and thought it was sincere and likable but thinks it was his best performance to date.Contestant #12:Andrew Garcia, 24, musician and stay-at-home dad. His defining moment was final judgement which was very emotional.Song: "Sugar, We're Going Down," Fall Out BoyPerformance: He starts off acoustic and this song is perfect for his voice. He's pretty great. The song never really rocks out though which is a bummer and saps it of some of its potential drama.Simon: Was looking forward to hearing him the most but was disappointed because it was too serious, indulgent, and not original enough like his "Straight Up" in Hollywood.Kara: Thinks he took a risk but thought it was a strange rendition.Randy: Also hated the arrangement but is a fan of his and "Straight Up."Ellen: Is also a fan but liked when he opened up when he looked at his wife/girlfriend.
Hide description ▲

Jimmy Fallon arrives to host the Emmys in a tiny tiny Smart car. He's carrying his tux and runs into the Glee folk out front. They tell him they can't afford to go to the Emmys and an intro premise is born. They'll put on a fundraiser. They run into Tina Fey. She's in!They run into Kate Gosselin. Awkward pause. They tell her they've got too many people - and then go for more people. They run into Jon Hamm practicing his dance moves with his instructor - Betty White. Then Jane Lynch (Sue Sylvester from Glee) gives them a slushie in the face -- and wants in.Walk down the hall to Springsteen's "Born to Run" with Jorge Garcia (Hurley from Lost), Joel McHale and company singing. Tim Gunn arrives to put on the finishing touches.They take the stage in "Glee" red and black gear and Jimmy takes the mike doing his best Bruce. (It's not bad.) Randy Jackson joins him to jam. Hamm and Fey ham it up dancing. Big smiles from the audience.Out of breath, Jimmy starts his monologue, which quickly segues into him strumming a guitar. He's wearing tux top and jeans bottom."NBC asking the host of late night to come to Los Angeles to host a different show, what could possibly go wrong?" (Zing! Conan reference - cut to Conan, big cheers. Conan salutes.)Jimmy grabs Amy Poehler from the front row to sing.Jimmy: "The first category is comedy."Amy: "You're doing great so far...."Jimmy: "I've been drinking since three."Screens descend from the stage and we watch a montage of the nominees.Jon Hamm and Betty White are the first presenters. Hamm: "I may be only speaking for myself, but how about our sexual chemistry during that opening number?"White: "How about our sexual chemistry back in that quick change room?"(Awkward but enthusiastic randy-old-lady laughter.)The nominees for best supporting actor in a comedy series are introduced. The winner is... Eric Stonestreet from "Modern Family."He says all he wanted to be when he was a kid was a clown. (They cut to his co-star an on-screen boyfriend Jesse Tyler Ferguson in the audience and he's openly crying.) He gives a shout out to his mom in the audience and dad at home, telling them they get to keep the Emmy.John Hodgman introduces himself as our backstage color commentator.On stage, Jimmy explains the concept of having people submit intros for presenters via Twitter. The first two aren't exactly home runs. One says Jim Parsons of "The Big Bang Theory" is "bringing nerdy back" and Sofia Vergara of "Modern Family" is "beautiful."Somewhere Bruce Vlanch thinks his day job is safe.Jim introduces a bit that asks comedy writers when they first got a laugh. Christopher Lloyd and Steve Levitan of "Modern Family" do a take-off on the Old Spice commercial, on a horse. They also win."It is absolutely mind blowing to think that just two short years ago "Modern Family" was just an idea Chris and I had when we were out riding our horse...." Levitan begins. He thanks ABC and the cast and their spouses."I also want to thank our wives, without whom, well, we'd probably be dating around a lot."Stephen Colbert is up next and says hello to the ladies, and the women. He's presenting supporting actress in a comedy. He explains that he's not one of those guys who thinks gals can't be funny. Just look at John Travolta in "Hairspray," or Dustin Hoffman in "Tootsie," and don't forget Tom Hanks in "Bosom Buddies."Cut to Tom in the audience. Stephen says: "Madam, you still look lovely as ever. How do you keep your figure?" He introduces the nominees. The winner is... Jane Lynch.She thanks her parents for being so unintentionally hilarious. She raves about her ensemble and says she rarely identifies herself as anything, "I'm like a Buddhist in that way - although I'm not a Buddhist, they do seem like a very calm people," but she is an actor and feels compelled to do it. She thanks her "Lord and Creator Ryan Murphy."She throws out an "I love you" to her cast and wife.Lauren Graham and Matthew Perry are out next. (Jimmy's intro somehow involves Teddy Grahams.) They introduce guest actor and actress in a comedy series, awarded last week. Betty White won for "SNL" and Neil Patrick Harris for "Glee."On to directing in a comedy series. The winner is... Ryan Murphy for "Glee."He dedicates his award to all of his teachers, "who taught me to sing and finger paint."The "Modern Family" cast hearing pitches for how to improve their show from the new head of ABC. One involves a cross-racial adoption by Cam of Stewie from "Family Guy," Sofia Vergara in 3D, the next are worth finding on YouTube... including one that has Julie Bowen saying she was sad when a tree fell on Phil and killed him, but when his brother showed up at the funeral....pan over to the brother... George Clooney, sitting on a couch with Julie Bowen. The cast runs with the idea, cut to George with Sofia Vergara. Then with Eric and Jesse.Next up, best actor in a comedy series. The winner is... Jim Parsons from "The Big Bang Theory."He thanks his costars, director, writers and production studio.Last year's host Neil Patrick Harris takes a moment to thank the Academy for allowing a gay man to host the show two years in a row. He tells Jimmy he's doing a great job.NPH introduces the best actress in a comedy nominees. The winner is...Edie Falco for "Nurse Jackie.""This is just the most ridiculous thing that has ever happened in the history of this lovely awards show. I'm not funny!"Back to Jimmy in the audience with a guitar and a Kardashian. They introduce reality TV and some highlights.Will Arnett and Keri Russell, stars of "Running Wilde," present best reality show. But first, Will reads some prose from a piece of paper: "My Favorite Part of a Woman,' by Will Arnett. 'Oh luscious mounds...'"Keri tells him they cut that part.They introduce the nominees. And the winner is... "Top Chef"! The first time "Amazing Race" hasn't won since the category was created. Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons are there with the producers.Back to Jimmy and the guitar.Jimmy: "I cry sometimes when I watch these shows."Julianna Marguiles: "I cried when they announced you as the host."Slap fight leading into the drama category. Roll clips. Cheers for 24, Lost...Jimmy introduces Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni: "Earlier, these stars of Law & Order: SVU teamed up to save the most special victim of all: the 10 p.m. time slot on NBC."The introduce writing for a drama series. The winner is: Matthew Weiner and Erin Levy for "Mad Men."Erin thanks her dad who was also a writer and says she also has to really thank Matt. He agrees that she does.On to best supporting actor in a drama, which includes the last shot for Losties Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson. The winner is: Aaron Paul from "Breaking Bad."He marvels at the size of the audience, thanks the voters, his show creator and co-star Bryan Cranston.Back to Jimmy and the Tweets, including one from @SamuelLPaxton who says presenter Nathan Fillion is "straight off the meat rack, yo."He introduces supporting actress in a drama. The winner is Archie Punjabi from "The Good Wife."She thanks everyone with the network and show in her native London accent. "To everyone who voted for me, this is just amazing for my career, thank you so very much."Edie Falco is back out to introduce best actor in a drama. The winner is... Bryan Cranston of "Breaking Bad." (A total shut out for the men of "Lost" in the acting category.) It's Cranston's third win.He tells his fellow nominees he's honored to be mentioned with them. He shouts out to his wife and daughter, "I love you more than baseball."The Emmy Show Clock shows us we're running 2 minutes over. The stars of NBC's new "Undercovers" introduce the nominees for guest actor and actress in a drama series. The winners were John Lithgow for "Dexter" and Ann-Margaret for "Law & Order: SVU."They're up to hand out the next award. (Yes, Ann-Margret still looks amazing.) They're presenting outstanding directing for a drama series. The winner is...Steve Shill for "Dexter," giving Lithgow to correct thanking HBO instead of Showtime when he won his guest Emmy.The Emmy ticker tells us George Clooney will be up in 17 minutes.And now, a musical tribute to three shows we lost this year. Jimmy sits on the stage at a pink piano in full Elton John gear and croons good-bye to "24" to the tune of "Candle in the Wind."Sample lyric: "I would like to thank you for all the torturing/ and Jack and Chloe and CTU/and the first black president."Then on to Boyz II Men's "Hard to Say Goodbye" for "Law & Order," and Green Day and "Time of Your Life" for "Lost": "The island was mythical, but in the end they died/I didn't understand it but I tried."Tina Fey and Matthew Morrison introduce best actress in a drama.Matthew: "This year's outstanding nominees for best actress in a drama all have one thing in common, they are..."He says "beautiful" as Tina says "terrifying," then corrects herself for laughs.The winner is Kyra Sedgwick. She kisses Kevin Bacon and takes the stage. It's her first Emmy. She asks Tina to hold her Emmy so she can read from her notes. She thanks TNT and the crew, the cast and quotes Kevin saying "Let's all be good to each other.'Back on the guitar in the audience.Jimmy: "The people in this category are funny and talented."Stephen Colbert: "It's an honor to get nominated, just like Jimmy Fallon did."Jimmy: "Stephen, I wasn't nominated."Stephen: "It's still an honor."Jimmy: "I wouldn't know."Stephen: "Trust me."Variety. Roll clips of Dave, Jon Stewart and a good amount of Conan, the Olympics, Haiti Telethon, etc...Joel McHale and Jeff Probst introduce writing for a variety special."Writers is good. Them makes we two look good spoken," McHale says.The Emmy goes to the 63rd Annual Tony Awards. Dave Boone thanks NPH for hosting.The ticker tells us we're 4 1/2 minutes from Ricky Gervais.Jimmy introduces him: "I used to think this next guy was a fat, rude, loudmouth Brit. But now, he's lost a bit of weight.""I'm saving the really offensive stuff for the Golden Globes," Ricky says. He riffs on the lack of alcohol and says there's no one scary here, like Mel Gibson. He stops himself, saying he's not going to have a go at him. "He's been through a lot... not as much as the Jews."Then he asks who wants a beer and has waiters bring out beers on trays for people in the front row. "The Office is in syndication, those are on me."Directing for Variety is next. Ricky says he hopes the winner is Bucky Gunts (for the Olympics) "because I didn't know you could say that on television... let's face it, we're all Bucky Gunts here..."Ricky introduces the winner: Bucky Gunts!Then, on to outstanding variety, music or comedy series, the noteworthy nominee here being "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien."And the winner is..."The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," who isn't there, but not because he's appearing on "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew," the producer tells us.The CEO of the Academy comes out to introduce the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, going this year to George Clooney, only the fourth time it has been given. His "ER" costar Julianna Marguiles introduces him, saying he was a driving force behind "America: A Concert for Heroes," "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope" and "Hope for Haiti Now."He comes out to standing ovation, over his objections. "Don't do that because then I feel like maybe I'm sick and don't know it," he says. He says Bob was a friend of his aunt Rosemary Clooney and represents the best version of celebrity. "It's important to remember how much can get done, because we live in such strange times where bad behavior sucks up all the attention in the press."He makes a plea for attention to stay on disasters even after the cameras have gone.More Jimmy with a guitar. He kneels next to Hanks.Jimmy: "The Pacific nominated for two dozen awards/ better break the news to Spielberg, you're running out of wars. Mini-series and movies!"Clips roll.January Jones and John Krasinski introduce supporting actor in a miniseries or movie. The winner is Julia Ormand for "Temple Grandin.""I got so thrilled an excited I told my mom I was 'emanated' for a 'Nomy'," she says.Claire Danes is up next to present supporting actor in a mini-series or movie. The winner is David Strathairn, who co-stared with Danes in "Temple Grandin."He raves about teachers and Temple Grandin and we see her waving in the audience.Then on to Jewel, who tells us she wrote the song "Shape of You" for a friend who passed away from cancer. It's the Memoriam segment, including Art Linkletter, Soupy Sales, Jean Simmons, Peter Graves, Robert Culp, Corey Haim, Andrew Koenig, Gary Coleman, Rue McClanahan, Captain Phil Harris, Dixie Carter, Lynn Redgrave, Lena Horne, Dennis Hopper.Maury Tierney and Blair Underwood present writing for mini-series or movie. The Emmy goes to Adam Mazer for "You Don't Know Jack."He urges people to talking about the end of life debate. "Jack Kevorkian, I'm so glad you're my friend, but I'm even more grateful you're not my physician."Then lead actress in a mini-series or movie. The winner is Claire Danes for "Temple Grandin."She thanks HBO and Temple, who cheerfully stands up and waves again from the audience.Welcome the cast of "True Blood." It's apparently getting late in the show, Jimmy introduces them, saying they really "suck."But the intro bit runs with it.Stephen Moyer: "By an obscure and ancient Emmy bylaw we are now required to make at least one vampire pun while presenting the next award."Alexander Skarsgard: "Stephen, don't - this is going to be quite painful. Allow me: It is now our bloody thrill-Moyer: "Brilliant."Skarsgard: "It was worse than I thought - to present the next award for outstanding directing for a miniseries or movie."The winner is: Mick Jackson for Temple Grandin.Back to the vamps. Skarsgard thanks Ricky Gervais for the non-alcoholic beer.They introduce best actor for mini-series or movie. The winner is: Al Pacino for "You Don't Know Jack."He says it was a pleasure to know Kevorkian (who is in the audience). He thanks everyone and doesn't get played off stage because, well, he's Al Pacino.Laurence Fishburne introduces the nominees for outstanding miniseries. The winner is "The Pacific." Tom Hanks accepts and thanks HBO.The award for made-for-tv-movie goes to "Temple Grandin."The executive producer gets bear-hugged by her autistic subject mid-speech.Jimmy tells us there are two awards left. "You know the next presenter from the hit series "Magnum PI," but I know him as...my real father. Tom Selleck, everybody. Dad, come on out!"Jimmy hugs a startled Selleck to fully sell the bit. He introduces the best drama nominees. "Mad Men" wins its third in a row."So where was I?" Matt Weiner begins as he picks up his writer speech where he got cut off. He thanks the cast and AMC and wraps up quickly.Ted Danson is out to wrap things up with the nominees for best comedy series. The winner is: Modern Family. (The camera manages not to cut immediately to Tina Fey.)Steven Levitan thanks his amazing cast "who makes us forget how much we hate writing, every day." He thanks their writing staff. "Chris and I get so much credit for what is often their amazing work and I just want to say: that's Hollywood, dude."And there you have it. Jimmy wraps up, popping champagne and shouting, "After-party at Betty White's house!"
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Ten Female Semifinalists - March 3, 2010Ryan asks Crystal how she's doing, she says she's a tough cookie and she's ready to compete.Randy says the guys were hot last night and that the girls hopefully will be tonight. Ellen says song choice is everything. Kara and Simon banter uncomfortably. Simon says this week is more important than last.Continued Theme: Billboard HitsContestant #1:Crystal Bowersox Her personal tidbit is that she has a twin brother, Carl, who is kind of a square. She carries a small purse with trinkets in it from various periods of her life. She hopes to prove that Simon would stop and hear her play in the subway.Song:"Long as I Can See the Light," Credence Clearwater RevivalPerformance:She starts slow with thick organ backing up her state gospel intentions. It's laid back but her vocals are heartfelt and strong.Randy: He says truth is reality and she is truth and not trying to be anybody else. He thinks she's hot.Ellen: She calls it pure, raw, natural talent with nothing forced. She asks her to please stay healthy.Kara: Says she completely recovered from last week's version of "You Oughta Know" - it was actually "Hand in My Pocket," Ryan corrects this- and that this is more who she is, in the Americana lane. She thought she hit a new level.Simon: Says he knows she was really ill and he loves that she didn't play the sympathy card but just came out and sang well. He says he "misunderestimated" her, the vocal was incredible and that this performance was like the moment they realized Kelly Clarkson was a serious artist.Contestant #2:Haeley Vaughn In Ryan red room chat she says it's fun singing young songs and her choice tonight is personal for her. Her personal tidbit is she likes to make headbands and hair accessories. Michael Lynche models one. She tries to make a "mean face" but fails since she doesn't know how to not smile.Song:"The Climb," Miley CyrusPerformance:She starts a little shaky but it gets better as it goes along. She sounds mostly fine, hitting a few flat notes, but can't stop smiling.Randy: Calls it excruciating, pitchy, and she had no connection to the song but knows she can sing.Ellen: Tells her to not stop smiling but agrees she didn't feel her connecting with the song's powerful message.Kara: She says she has an Alex Lambert-factor in that people are rooting for her. She thinks she's open and real and a good performer but she says she needs about a year of strengthening of her vocal cords but she does have talent.Simon: Doesn't want to make it worse than it is but calls it a complete in utter mess. He says in theory it should've worked. He says ironic she sang about climbing but she fell off.Contestant #3:Lacey BrownIn Ryan red room chat Lacey says the extra day worked out fine because it gave the girls a little more time and she felt bad for the boys. Her personal tidbit is that she really likes refurbishing antique furniture. Right before she sings she tells herself she was made to do this, which is something her mom tells her. She things nerves derailed her first performance.Song:"Kiss Me," Sixpence None the Richer (which was Kara's suggestion)Performance: She slows it down a bit but it's very similar to the original vocally. You can already hear Simon moaning about "copycat" performing. It's light and she's cute but there's not much to hold on to. In a karaoke bar? Excellent. Here, just fine.Randy: Liked the choice and that it would've worked but he was looking for the words to flash across the screen karaoke-style and she didn't do anything special.Ellen: She thought it was adorable and it was a good choice.Kara: Says last week she felt like they were losing what was special about Lacey and this week the beginning of this song was good but she has to step it up vocally, but now they're back on the playing field.Simon: Thinks it was marginally better but feels like she's taking part in a competition but not showcasing herself. She will do what's she told but not fight for originality.She points out that she wanted to do that song before Kara suggested it.Contestant #4:Katie Stevens In Ryan red room chat she says her high school friends are having viewing parties and are psyched she's on the show. She says she understood that she should be doing a more youthful song. Her personal tidbit is she can save "give me a kiss" in six languages. She's embarrassed for herself that she can do this. Her pre-show ritual is jumping up and down and screaming affirmations into the mirror.Song:"Put Your Records On," Corinne Bailey RaePerformance: She looks assured and she sounds strong even on the low bits. A nice, sweet performance that didn't bring much new spice to the song but pretty good vocally - except one glaring bum note - overall.Randy: Says there were bright moments especially in her upper register. He wants her to tackle things more difficult melodically. He says it was really pitchy which I really didn't hear.Ellen: Thinks she has a great voice and she still can't believe she's 17 and she wants to see her younger somehow. She says she doesn't want to hear something she'd hear in her dentist's office.Kara: Agrees and is frustrated. She says she knows it's confusing that they tell her different things week to week and that the end was great and she should do more interesting stuff like she did there. She says sometimes songs that sound good on the radio don't have enough impact live. She's pulling for her.Simon: Also frustrated in that she's not telling them what kind of artist she should be. But he thinks she'll stick around because people like her. He tells her to do research on better songs.Kara advises her to find a song that relates to her life and Randy says an artist that's closer to her age.Contestant #5:Didi Benami In Ryan red room chat she talks about rooting for the guys and feeling a little nervous about her song choice. Her personal tidbit is she was the school mascot in middle school. She was also a cheerleader. Before she hits the stage she prays and "meows" to open up her vocal cords. She didn't understand Simon's criticism of being "indulgent" so she looked it up. This week she's doing a soul thang to help bring up her "star meter."Song: "Lean on Me," Bill WithersPerformance: On the stool she starts slow and low and as she hits the chorus she gets up, goes higher in her register, and gesticulates earnestly. It's a little sleepaway camp hippie-ish but fine and ends really nicely.Randy: Thought a soul song was a bad choice since it shows imperfections instead of heightening what she does well.Ellen: Loves her voice and her presence and Bill Withers but thought it was the wrong song.Kara: Says it wasn't good. She wants her to be consistent and do a singer-songwriter version of the song instead of trying to switch it up. She's still a fan.Simon: He says it was screechy and a bad choice. Again, he's frustrated that she blew this opportunity by doing something generic.She's upset enough she can't speak.Contestant #6:Michelle Delamor In Ryan red room chat he asks about the contradictory judge advice, she says she thinks the judges input is important and she wants to balance what they say with doing what she wants. Her personal tidbit is that she's a children's choir director. Before the show she prays, meditates, and visualizes good things. She wants to give Simon a "wow."Song: "With Arms Wide Open," CreedPerformance: She starts high and seems to struggle a bit pitchwise. The whole thing feels a lot more precarious and whiny than last week.Randy: Says there were a couple of pitch problems but he loves the outfit. Feels like a broken record: she didn't do enough with it, and it fell flat.Ellen: Agrees she looks fabulous and thought she did do a lot with the song and for a few moments she forgot it was a rock song. She thought it almost worked.Kara: Calls it her favorite performance ever from Michelle. It may not have been technically perfect but she took a risk and she has a good attitude and she did something different and she believed in what Michelle was saying.Simon: He's with Kara. He thought the first half was stronger than the second. He admits they give contradictory advice but he likes that she took the notes and ran with them and got 80 percent of it right.Contestant #7:Lilly Scott In Ryan red room chat he asks about her stage presence. She says she worked with the vocal coaches about opening her eyes and playing to the cameras. Her personal tidbit is she plays a lot of different instruments. She wants to be unpredictable. Before she goes on stage she uses throat spray.Song: "A Change is Gonna Come," Sam CookePerformance: Another slow one and another person who isn't inherently soulful attempting a classic soul song. She's still keeping her eyes closed a lot. And the vocal is kind of hiccup-y and hitching in a song that should have nice long lines.Randy: He calls it the season of the most unique contestants and he loved the performance, thought it was the best of the night.Ellen: Says she's got the proverbial "it." Forgot she was at a singing competition, was just a fan.Kara: Said she just had her first moment. She was riveted. She's so glad she's a mismatch for the competition and will inspire other offbeat people to do it.Simon: Says she makes the point of using the show as a showcase. He thought it was good not amazing and oversung in places.Contestant #8:Katelyn Epperly In Ryan red room chat she says it's been intense in the room listening to the other contestants' feedback. She's doing something intimate tonight. Her personal tidbit is she was studying to be a recording engineer and she'd like to open her own studio. Before the show she likes to goof off. She says she wasn't thinking Kara was a bitch last week when the judge told her she didn't like her makeover. She hopes to move people.Song: "The Scientist," ColdplayPerformance: It's a piano ballad and she plays the piano herself. She sounds fine but the song starts out kind of snoozy. Her huge earrings are kind of distracting. Her pitch is great but it wasn't very exciting.Randy: He really liked it but thought it was way slow. He thought it fell off pitch at the end.Ellen: Liked that she was playing guitar, oops, she means piano. She thought it was too slow.Kara: She understands what Randy and Ellen are saying but she loves her. She think she has an incredible instrument but is all over the place. Tells her she needs to figure out who she is real quick.Simon: Wonders if she's heard the Natasha Bedingfield version. (She hasn't). He thought it was a smart choice but she seemed corny as a performer. He thought it was a million times better than last week and she's back in the hunt.Contestant #9:Paige Miles In Ryan red room chat she says she feels awesome but she needs a drink of water. Her personal tidbit is she likes to color with crayons and markers, inside the lines. And that's her pre-show ritual. She had a lot of fun last week.Song:"Walk Away," Kelly Clarkson (which, incidentally Kara co-wrote)Performance: Yay, tempo! She switches up the vocal rhythms a bit. She sounds great but it would be nice if she moved a bit. She kills the bridge. You can see her confidence build as the song builds.Randy: Asks if she knows who wrote the song, she does. He liked it, wasn't over the top in love with it because it had so many words. He wants to hear her hit big notes and long melodies.Ellen: Totally disagrees, she loved it and everything that she did with it and that she had fun.Kara: Can see her having a hit with that song. She understands the having fun thing but that the song was angry and she hoped she would've felt that a bit more. She liked it though.Simon: He agrees with Randy and thinks that she's failed two weeks in a row to pick a good song and the songs are overtaking her. He's frustrated again and thought it was forgettable and thinks she needs to put her marker down.Contestant #10:Siobhan Magnus In Ryan red room chat she says her focus is going to be on singing her heart out. Her personal tidbit is that she once had a mohawk. Her pre-show ritual includes lip-trills. She demonstrates. She agrees with Simon that she's unpredictable.Song:"Think," Aretha FranklinPerformance: Tempo again, nice. She starts great, hits a rough spot, and reels it back in. She's got nice stage attitude. She tosses off a serious caterwaul that starts good and veers off a bit but is fun.Randy: Loves that she's bold and fearless and he thought it was dope.Ellen: Is all fired up and loves that she took on a big song.Kara: She can't get over the note and was impressed.Simon: Thinks she's strange but he means it as a compliment and he loved her video package. He thought parts of the song were terrible but the note was incredible. He calls her interesting and very talented.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Ten Male Semifinalists - March 2, 2010The men and the women have switched nights due to an unspecified medical problem for contestant Crystal Bowersox.Randy doesn't think it will be a problem for the boys. Kara thinks the guys will better this week. Simon thinks the girls are ahead by a smidge.Theme: Billboard HitsContestant #1:Michael Lynche His personal tidbit is that he's been a football player and a musical theatre geek. He benches 505. He thought his performance last week was good and fun.Song: "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World," James BrownPerformance:A little more serious this week Big Mike works the JB track out just fine hitting a couple of high notes and a few runs.Randy: Feels like the season is finally getting started and he gives him a standing O.Ellen Likes his song choices and that they're all different. She thinks it's the way to start the night.Kara: She says she didn't get him until tonight, he went from being a singer to a potentially great artist. He owned it.Simon: Agrees that he went from a pussycat to a lion. He calls it exactly the right song and yet it didn't sound dated. Calls it his best peformance to date.Mike's excited his wife is coming on Friday. He says the guys found out this morning they were on tonight.Contestant #2:John Park In Ryan red room chat he says his former a cappella group Purple Haze at Northwestern has been very supportive. On viewing the tape back he thought he was trying too hard. This week he's focusing on honesty. His personal tidbit is that English is his second language, he grew up speaking Korean as a child. He agrees his song last week was a bad choice.Song:"Gravity," John MayerPerformance: He's also serious, but he was last week too. Seated on a stool it's a little somber but he sounds fine although there's at least one pitch issue in the middle. He's got a nice tone but the song doesn't have much range and it's not very dynamic.Randy: He thought John Mayer was his vibe but he doesn't think John brought anything spicy to it and there were pitch issues.Ellen: Thought it was a much better song choice and that he felt it more, he thinks he should try to feel it more.Kara: Also thought it was better but she wants to see him take risks.Simon: Thinks Purple Haze might get their singer back. He calls it a so-what performance and he also struggles with believability.They all follow up basically saying he needs to be more dazzling and heartfelt.Contestant #3: Casey James In Ryan red room chat Casey admits he never watched "Idol" before he was on the show. He picked a song that a lot of contestants previously have done. His personal tidbit is he hasn't had a TV most of his life. It forced him to do other stuff like learn guitar and renovating his own house. He won't share his pre-show ritual but if he makes it to the Top Ten he'll tell. (He unwisely says a lot of people are better in this competition than him.)Song: "I Don't Want To Be," Gavin DeGrawPerformance: He opens with a hot guitar lick. He's got a nice ease to him. The vocals are fine but in Randy's previous words he's not doing anything too spicy with it and some of the low bits bottom out breath control-wise. It's nice to hear some groove though. It's a really good bar band performance.Randy: Thinks he's channeling great guitar players with the playing. He didn't love the song choice but thought it was the right lane.Ellen: Thinks you can't go wrong with the song and thought he sounded great. She says it's all there on paper but wants to see him perform more and be less stiff.Kara:Thinks he took two steps backwards. Loved the guitar playing but this is a singing competition and she thought was great about him vocally went away.Simon: He's kind of with Kara because last week he picked a great song but this week he seemed more like someone trying to be a rock star in a bar band. Thinks he didn't have enough grit, more like sand.He feels comfortable playing but thinks they were probably right about the vocals.Contestant #4:Alex Lambert In Ryan red room chat, Alex admits to having stage fright, especially without his guitar. He didn't throw up this week. His personal tidbit is that when he was in 6th grade he came up with his own language. He gives us a sample. He wants to love being onstage instead of being terrified.Song:"Everybody Knows," John LegendPerformance: His playing is a bit stiff and he still seems nervous but his voice sounds good. He seems most nervous of the moving camera. He hits a sweet, slightly blue note at the end.Randy: He thinks it's a big improvement and not as sound-alike. He really enjoyed it. He also has his own language apparently.Ellen: Continues with the unripe banana metaphor agreeing it was much better this week. Thinks Sam Cooke is under that mullet.Kara: She thinks everyone watching is rooting for him. She thinks he has a great, recordable tone. Is looking forward to his growth.Simon: Says it was a million times better. He says the only time he should be nervous is when you're useless. His advice is to have a more killer instinct. He wishes he was choosing his songs to help him boost confidence.Contestant #5:Todrick Hall In Ryan red room chat, Todrick says he took all the critiques into account this week by changing up the song but not too much. He first started dancing at 9 in "The Nutcracker." He believes anything is possible. Before every peformance he does push-ups. He wants to infuse dancing and singing, like say, Paula Abdul. (He might've picked a better dancer-singer, Beyonce anyone?)Song: "What's Love Got to Do With It," Tina TurnerPerformance: He slows it down a bit and takes the groove out. The vocals aren't amazing, there are a few fights to stay on pitch and he seems constrained, some of it feels good and some of it feels awkward. It ends nicely.Randy: Loved the end falsetto run but still didn't like the wildly different arrangement, tells him to just sing a nice song and don't just change the beats and arrangements.Ellen: Says don't just sing, but sing and move and go with his strengths. She doesn't think it was the right song. But she likes him.Kara Agrees that when he started to move it got better but she wonders where the Todrick of his first audition went, where he seemed easy and sang a sweet simple melody instead of trying to do runs.Simon: Tells him to move and not sing and call him theme-park-y and corny. He says he's getting it completely wrong.Todrick tells Ryan he thought he was supposed to change stuff up but Simon and Randy say he's going too far.Contestant #6: Jermaine Sellers His personal tidbit is he rocks a onesie. He steams his voice before the show. He says last week the judges were cutthroat. He says they're all artists but not Picassos yet. He wants to take the judges advice.Song: "What's Goin' On," Marvin GayePerformance: He slows the opening way down and also takes the groove out of it. He's also rocking a plaid bow tie with a polka dot shirt. Yikes. The groove kicks in and he starts taking liberty with the melodies. The vocal is not impressive, not a disaster but not impressive, kind of lounge singer-esque.Randy: Thought it was better than last week but says it was close but so far. Just not a great peformance.Ellen: She loves his style but feels like he pushed too hard again. It didn't work for her. She's not even sure why. (She gets booed a bit)Kara: Thinks he's doing too much vocally and showing off and it feels forced, give them one trick that means something.Simon: Says they're frustrated and disappointed by him watering down the song and he plays around so much that it's hard to take him seriously.He talks back and says that he wants them to come to church with him. Simon says he would but that wasn't church singing it was "cabaret." Tells him just voice and piano would've been great. Jermaine asks what to sing next week and Simon says he probably won't be there. Ellen suggest Frankie Beverly and Maze. (Isn't that what "X Factor" is about?)Contestant #7:Andrew Garcia His personal tidbit is he's a breakdancer and has been since middle school. We see clips of him breaking it down. He uses those rhythms in his music.Song: "You Give Me Something," James MorrisonPerformance: Sans guitar, on the stool. He seems a bit serious too. There are a few pitch problems which seems new for him, he also seems pinched a bit in places. It's not amazing. Neck tat more distracting.Randy: Also loves James Morrison but honestly he didn't get it and thought it was pitchy all over the place. He sees him doing more of a Jason Mraz thing not a soul singer thing.Ellen: Agrees there were pitch problems but really liked it. Says he set the bar so high with Paula Abdul but is a big fan and may get his name tattooed on her neck.Kara: Agrees it's been downhill since "Straight Up." Thinks he played it too safe and wants him to surprise them.Simon: Frustrated again over song choice especially since there are billions of songs to sing. Thougt it was just okay and thinks Andrew is better than okay.Contestant #8: Aaron Kelly His personal tidbit is he loves photography and the personal expression it offers him. His pictures are pretty great. He agrees with last week's criticism that he wasn't confident enough and the show is still becoming real to him.Song:"My Girl," The TemptationsPerformance: He definitely seems more confident. His breath seems a little shaky though.The last note is rough but mostly it was fine and sweet.Randy: Loved the beginning, thought the end was strange but 200 percent better.Ellen: Thought he was more confident and that he can sing but thought the song was forgettable.Kara: Really liked it and him and that he's consistent.Simon: He didn't like the song and thought it was all over the place and that he went backwards. He needs to work out what kind of artist he's going to be and that it was all too old-fashioned. Kara disagrees.Contestant #9: Tim Urban His personal tidbit is that he has 9 siblings. He calls them his best friends. His pre-show ritual is taking a moment to pray. He agrees with Simon's pointed criticism.Song: "C'mon and Get Higher," Matt NathansonPerformance: With his guitar in hand he goes the sensitive singer-songwriter route. The middle of his register is so much stronger than the highs and lows. He seems nervous but fighting it pretty well. The whole thing is a major improvement but he hits and holds one great note. He's definitely going to make it another week.Randy: He didn't get it and thought it was very karaoke and not special.Ellen: Tells the crowd to keep the boo-ing going. She tells him to be an actor, like on "Glee." He says he has no charisma and stage presence.Kara: Liked the song choice a lot more but thinks he didn't make it his own. She says he looks and plays the part but it's not all there yet. She thinks he has nice moments and could be there.Simon: Disagrees and thought it was a marked improvement and that he took criticism well. He thought he was more relevant than a lot of other singers. He's impressed by his attitude and work ethic and the fact that he didn't whine.Contestant #10:Lee DeWyze His personal tidbit is that high school was rough, he made bad choices that got him placed in an alternative school, but one teacher really helped him, her name is Amy. Admits he was pitchy last week but he thinks he can take the criticism and stay true to himself and make them happy.Song:"Lips of an Angel," HinderPerformance: Also ditched the guitar this week. He sounds pretty good but he's hitting some rough notes again. (I'd like to hear him sing a Counting Crows song). He also seems like he's pushing too hard in places again. Plus, he keeps pulling up his pans which is distracting.Randy: Wonders if he was missing his guitar. Thought he was a little out of sorts and had pitch problems but is a huge fan.Ellen: Agrees it was pitchy but thought there was a lot of passion and intensity and he was really in it and it was great.Kara: Thought it was a big improvement but there were still pitch problems. She can hear him on the radio right now, it's very commercial. She says he needs to own his stance.Simon: Tells him to raise his shoulders because vocally he is head and shoulders above everyone else. He calls him undoubtedly the best singer and he needs to have self-belief. He's waiting for him to totally connect and choose the right song and then he will be the one to beat.Based on tonight and the judges comments I'm guessing John Park and Jermaine Sellers are headed home.
Hide description ▲

Jimmy Fallon arrives to host the Emmys in a tiny tiny Smart car. He's carrying his tux and runs into the Glee folk out front. They tell him they can't afford to go to the Emmys and an intro premise is born. They'll put on a fundraiser. They run into Tina Fey. She's in!They run into Kate Gosselin. Awkward pause. They tell her they've got too many people - and then go for more people. They run into Jon Hamm practicing his dance moves with his instructor - Betty White. Then Jane Lynch (Sue Sylvester from Glee) gives them a slushie in the face -- and wants in.Walk down the hall to Springsteen's "Born to Run" with Jorge Garcia (Hurley from Lost), Joel McHale and company singing. Tim Gunn arrives to put on the finishing touches.They take the stage in "Glee" red and black gear and Jimmy takes the mike doing his best Bruce. (It's not bad.) Randy Jackson joins him to jam. Hamm and Fey ham it up dancing. Big smiles from the audience.Out of breath, Jimmy starts his monologue, which quickly segues into him strumming a guitar. He's wearing tux top and jeans bottom."NBC asking the host of late night to come to Los Angeles to host a different show, what could possibly go wrong?" (Zing! Conan reference - cut to Conan, big cheers. Conan salutes.)Jimmy grabs Amy Poehler from the front row to sing.Jimmy: "The first category is comedy."Amy: "You're doing great so far...."Jimmy: "I've been drinking since three."Screens descend from the stage and we watch a montage of the nominees.Jon Hamm and Betty White are the first presenters. Hamm: "I may be only speaking for myself, but how about our sexual chemistry during that opening number?"White: "How about our sexual chemistry back in that quick change room?"(Awkward but enthusiastic randy-old-lady laughter.)The nominees for best supporting actor in a comedy series are introduced. The winner is... Eric Stonestreet from "Modern Family."He says all he wanted to be when he was a kid was a clown. (They cut to his co-star an on-screen boyfriend Jesse Tyler Ferguson in the audience and he's openly crying.) He gives a shout out to his mom in the audience and dad at home, telling them they get to keep the Emmy.John Hodgman introduces himself as our backstage color commentator.On stage, Jimmy explains the concept of having people submit intros for presenters via Twitter. The first two aren't exactly home runs. One says Jim Parsons of "The Big Bang Theory" is "bringing nerdy back" and Sofia Vergara of "Modern Family" is "beautiful."Somewhere Bruce Vlanch thinks his day job is safe.Jim introduces a bit that asks comedy writers when they first got a laugh. Christopher Lloyd and Steve Levitan of "Modern Family" do a take-off on the Old Spice commercial, on a horse. They also win."It is absolutely mind blowing to think that just two short years ago "Modern Family" was just an idea Chris and I had when we were out riding our horse...." Levitan begins. He thanks ABC and the cast and their spouses."I also want to thank our wives, without whom, well, we'd probably be dating around a lot."Stephen Colbert is up next and says hello to the ladies, and the women. He's presenting supporting actress in a comedy. He explains that he's not one of those guys who thinks gals can't be funny. Just look at John Travolta in "Hairspray," or Dustin Hoffman in "Tootsie," and don't forget Tom Hanks in "Bosom Buddies."Cut to Tom in the audience. Stephen says: "Madam, you still look lovely as ever. How do you keep your figure?" He introduces the nominees. The winner is... Jane Lynch.She thanks her parents for being so unintentionally hilarious. She raves about her ensemble and says she rarely identifies herself as anything, "I'm like a Buddhist in that way - although I'm not a Buddhist, they do seem like a very calm people," but she is an actor and feels compelled to do it. She thanks her "Lord and Creator Ryan Murphy."She throws out an "I love you" to her cast and wife.Lauren Graham and Matthew Perry are out next. (Jimmy's intro somehow involves Teddy Grahams.) They introduce guest actor and actress in a comedy series, awarded last week. Betty White won for "SNL" and Neil Patrick Harris for "Glee."On to directing in a comedy series. The winner is... Ryan Murphy for "Glee."He dedicates his award to all of his teachers, "who taught me to sing and finger paint."The "Modern Family" cast hearing pitches for how to improve their show from the new head of ABC. One involves a cross-racial adoption by Cam of Stewie from "Family Guy," Sofia Vergara in 3D, the next are worth finding on YouTube... including one that has Julie Bowen saying she was sad when a tree fell on Phil and killed him, but when his brother showed up at the funeral....pan over to the brother... George Clooney, sitting on a couch with Julie Bowen. The cast runs with the idea, cut to George with Sofia Vergara. Then with Eric and Jesse.Next up, best actor in a comedy series. The winner is... Jim Parsons from "The Big Bang Theory."He thanks his costars, director, writers and production studio.Last year's host Neil Patrick Harris takes a moment to thank the Academy for allowing a gay man to host the show two years in a row. He tells Jimmy he's doing a great job.NPH introduces the best actress in a comedy nominees. The winner is...Edie Falco for "Nurse Jackie.""This is just the most ridiculous thing that has ever happened in the history of this lovely awards show. I'm not funny!"Back to Jimmy in the audience with a guitar and a Kardashian. They introduce reality TV and some highlights.Will Arnett and Keri Russell, stars of "Running Wilde," present best reality show. But first, Will reads some prose from a piece of paper: "My Favorite Part of a Woman,' by Will Arnett. 'Oh luscious mounds...'"Keri tells him they cut that part.They introduce the nominees. And the winner is... "Top Chef"! The first time "Amazing Race" hasn't won since the category was created. Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons are there with the producers.Back to Jimmy and the guitar.Jimmy: "I cry sometimes when I watch these shows."Julianna Marguiles: "I cried when they announced you as the host."Slap fight leading into the drama category. Roll clips. Cheers for 24, Lost...Jimmy introduces Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni: "Earlier, these stars of Law & Order: SVU teamed up to save the most special victim of all: the 10 p.m. time slot on NBC."The introduce writing for a drama series. The winner is: Matthew Weiner and Erin Levy for "Mad Men."Erin thanks her dad who was also a writer and says she also has to really thank Matt. He agrees that she does.On to best supporting actor in a drama, which includes the last shot for Losties Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson. The winner is: Aaron Paul from "Breaking Bad."He marvels at the size of the audience, thanks the voters, his show creator and co-star Bryan Cranston.Back to Jimmy and the Tweets, including one from @SamuelLPaxton who says presenter Nathan Fillion is "straight off the meat rack, yo."He introduces supporting actress in a drama. The winner is Archie Punjabi from "The Good Wife."She thanks everyone with the network and show in her native London accent. "To everyone who voted for me, this is just amazing for my career, thank you so very much."Edie Falco is back out to introduce best actor in a drama. The winner is... Bryan Cranston of "Breaking Bad." (A total shut out for the men of "Lost" in the acting category.) It's Cranston's third win.He tells his fellow nominees he's honored to be mentioned with them. He shouts out to his wife and daughter, "I love you more than baseball."The Emmy Show Clock shows us we're running 2 minutes over. The stars of NBC's new "Undercovers" introduce the nominees for guest actor and actress in a drama series. The winners were John Lithgow for "Dexter" and Ann-Margaret for "Law & Order: SVU."They're up to hand out the next award. (Yes, Ann-Margret still looks amazing.) They're presenting outstanding directing for a drama series. The winner is...Steve Shill for "Dexter," giving Lithgow to correct thanking HBO instead of Showtime when he won his guest Emmy.The Emmy ticker tells us George Clooney will be up in 17 minutes.And now, a musical tribute to three shows we lost this year. Jimmy sits on the stage at a pink piano in full Elton John gear and croons good-bye to "24" to the tune of "Candle in the Wind."Sample lyric: "I would like to thank you for all the torturing/ and Jack and Chloe and CTU/and the first black president."Then on to Boyz II Men's "Hard to Say Goodbye" for "Law & Order," and Green Day and "Time of Your Life" for "Lost": "The island was mythical, but in the end they died/I didn't understand it but I tried."Tina Fey and Matthew Morrison introduce best actress in a drama.Matthew: "This year's outstanding nominees for best actress in a drama all have one thing in common, they are..."He says "beautiful" as Tina says "terrifying," then corrects herself for laughs.The winner is Kyra Sedgwick. She kisses Kevin Bacon and takes the stage. It's her first Emmy. She asks Tina to hold her Emmy so she can read from her notes. She thanks TNT and the crew, the cast and quotes Kevin saying "Let's all be good to each other.'Back on the guitar in the audience.Jimmy: "The people in this category are funny and talented."Stephen Colbert: "It's an honor to get nominated, just like Jimmy Fallon did."Jimmy: "Stephen, I wasn't nominated."Stephen: "It's still an honor."Jimmy: "I wouldn't know."Stephen: "Trust me."Variety. Roll clips of Dave, Jon Stewart and a good amount of Conan, the Olympics, Haiti Telethon, etc...Joel McHale and Jeff Probst introduce writing for a variety special."Writers is good. Them makes we two look good spoken," McHale says.The Emmy goes to the 63rd Annual Tony Awards. Dave Boone thanks NPH for hosting.The ticker tells us we're 4 1/2 minutes from Ricky Gervais.Jimmy introduces him: "I used to think this next guy was a fat, rude, loudmouth Brit. But now, he's lost a bit of weight.""I'm saving the really offensive stuff for the Golden Globes," Ricky says. He riffs on the lack of alcohol and says there's no one scary here, like Mel Gibson. He stops himself, saying he's not going to have a go at him. "He's been through a lot... not as much as the Jews."Then he asks who wants a beer and has waiters bring out beers on trays for people in the front row. "The Office is in syndication, those are on me."Directing for Variety is next. Ricky says he hopes the winner is Bucky Gunts (for the Olympics) "because I didn't know you could say that on television... let's face it, we're all Bucky Gunts here..."Ricky introduces the winner: Bucky Gunts!Then, on to outstanding variety, music or comedy series, the noteworthy nominee here being "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien."And the winner is..."The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," who isn't there, but not because he's appearing on "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew," the producer tells us.The CEO of the Academy comes out to introduce the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, going this year to George Clooney, only the fourth time it has been given. His "ER" costar Julianna Marguiles introduces him, saying he was a driving force behind "America: A Concert for Heroes," "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope" and "Hope for Haiti Now."He comes out to standing ovation, over his objections. "Don't do that because then I feel like maybe I'm sick and don't know it," he says. He says Bob was a friend of his aunt Rosemary Clooney and represents the best version of celebrity. "It's important to remember how much can get done, because we live in such strange times where bad behavior sucks up all the attention in the press."He makes a plea for attention to stay on disasters even after the cameras have gone.More Jimmy with a guitar. He kneels next to Hanks.Jimmy: "The Pacific nominated for two dozen awards/ better break the news to Spielberg, you're running out of wars. Mini-series and movies!"Clips roll.January Jones and John Krasinski introduce supporting actor in a miniseries or movie. The winner is Julia Ormand for "Temple Grandin.""I got so thrilled an excited I told my mom I was 'emanated' for a 'Nomy'," she says.Claire Danes is up next to present supporting actor in a mini-series or movie. The winner is David Strathairn, who co-stared with Danes in "Temple Grandin."He raves about teachers and Temple Grandin and we see her waving in the audience.Then on to Jewel, who tells us she wrote the song "Shape of You" for a friend who passed away from cancer. It's the Memoriam segment, including Art Linkletter, Soupy Sales, Jean Simmons, Peter Graves, Robert Culp, Corey Haim, Andrew Koenig, Gary Coleman, Rue McClanahan, Captain Phil Harris, Dixie Carter, Lynn Redgrave, Lena Horne, Dennis Hopper.Maury Tierney and Blair Underwood present writing for mini-series or movie. The Emmy goes to Adam Mazer for "You Don't Know Jack."He urges people to talking about the end of life debate. "Jack Kevorkian, I'm so glad you're my friend, but I'm even more grateful you're not my physician."Then lead actress in a mini-series or movie. The winner is Claire Danes for "Temple Grandin."She thanks HBO and Temple, who cheerfully stands up and waves again from the audience.Welcome the cast of "True Blood." It's apparently getting late in the show, Jimmy introduces them, saying they really "suck."But the intro bit runs with it.Stephen Moyer: "By an obscure and ancient Emmy bylaw we are now required to make at least one vampire pun while presenting the next award."Alexander Skarsgard: "Stephen, don't - this is going to be quite painful. Allow me: It is now our bloody thrill-Moyer: "Brilliant."Skarsgard: "It was worse than I thought - to present the next award for outstanding directing for a miniseries or movie."The winner is: Mick Jackson for Temple Grandin.Back to the vamps. Skarsgard thanks Ricky Gervais for the non-alcoholic beer.They introduce best actor for mini-series or movie. The winner is: Al Pacino for "You Don't Know Jack."He says it was a pleasure to know Kevorkian (who is in the audience). He thanks everyone and doesn't get played off stage because, well, he's Al Pacino.Laurence Fishburne introduces the nominees for outstanding miniseries. The winner is "The Pacific." Tom Hanks accepts and thanks HBO.The award for made-for-tv-movie goes to "Temple Grandin."The executive producer gets bear-hugged by her autistic subject mid-speech.Jimmy tells us there are two awards left. "You know the next presenter from the hit series "Magnum PI," but I know him as...my real father. Tom Selleck, everybody. Dad, come on out!"Jimmy hugs a startled Selleck to fully sell the bit. He introduces the best drama nominees. "Mad Men" wins its third in a row."So where was I?" Matt Weiner begins as he picks up his writer speech where he got cut off. He thanks the cast and AMC and wraps up quickly.Ted Danson is out to wrap things up with the nominees for best comedy series. The winner is: Modern Family. (The camera manages not to cut immediately to Tina Fey.)Steven Levitan thanks his amazing cast "who makes us forget how much we hate writing, every day." He thanks their writing staff. "Chris and I get so much credit for what is often their amazing work and I just want to say: that's Hollywood, dude."And there you have it. Jimmy wraps up, popping champagne and shouting, "After-party at Betty White's house!"
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Eight Ladies Perform - March 9, 2010After Ryan opens the show, Ellen is sitting on Simon's lap, nuzzling his ear. There is no explanation for this. Simon says the stakes are high.Contestant #1: Katie StevensSong: "Breakaway," Kelly ClarksonPerformance: She sounds fine although the key feels low and her voice sounds oddly dry. She belts out the high part well. It's fine but just not connecting quite right.Randy: Calls it karaoke and that it's hard to compete with such a stylized a singer as Clarkson. It didn't work for him.Ellen: Likes that she took their notes and thought it was the right song. But then she says she didn't feel the words, she wasn't feeling the "breaking" away.Kara: Says she has a great radio voice but what's going on this year is there are people who know themselves and those who don't and Katie is one that doesn't. She says she'll get where she needed and the singing needed to be perfect and it wasn't.Simon: Says it must be confusing for her but she looks much better than she did and says she made it a bit gloomy and sucked the energy out of the end of it, gives her ten out of ten for trying.She tells Ryan she did try to take the notes and she did feel the lyrics and was sorry that didn't come across and that is the kind of artist she wants to be.Contestant #2: Siobhan Magnus In Ryan red room chat she says she picked her song because it's one of her dad's favorites that he used to sing to her. Apparently, he's very good also.Song: "House of the Rising Sun," The AnimalsPerformance: She starts a cappella, and very slow. The guitar comes in behind her. And then the band follows. I don't love the song but she's singing it well.Randy: He loves what she does and that she takes risks and doesn't listen to them.Ellen: She says Siobhan is why she loves music, she says she made it current and she's spectacular.Kara: Loved the a cappella vibe at the front. Loves that she's unique and different.Simon: Thinks it's all a bit weird and if it was the first time he'd seen her he'd have doubts. He was under-impressed, there were no cool moments in it.Contestant #3: Lacey BrownSong: "The Story," Brandi CarlilePerformance: From maybe the fifth note it sounds like mimicry again. Good mimicry but not as strong as the original. It's fine, a little yawn-y.Randy: Thought it was a little sleepy but thought it was her best performance in a long time.Ellen: Agrees it was her best to date, thought it was a perfect song choice.Kara: She says performances like this are what got her here. Thought it was a great choice and she's back on her path.Simon: He didn't love, love the song but thought she sang it well. Thinks she's very good with cameras and image. He still hasn't heard the right song connection yet.Contestant #4: Katelyn EpperlySong: "I Feel the Earth Move," Carole KingPerformance: Standing behind a keyboard she sounds good but very hotel lounge-y for me. Great pitch and energy. It just feels a little light given what we know she can do.Randy: Didn't feel a connection between the song and her, it wasn't special. Sang it fine but it was kind of boring.Ellen: Thought it wasn't the right song choice but thinks she has a great voice and look.Kara: She didn't feel like she was competing, she felt she was just going through the motions.Simon: Likes her hair but thought the song was like request night in a Friday night in a restaurant. Sung well but not competitively.Contestant #5: Didi BenamiSong: "Rhiannon," Fleetwood MacPerformance: She starts accompanied only by her acoustic. She switches up the rhythms a bit. Again it's sung fine, but it's kind of muted.Randy: Says it was a whole lot better than last week. There was no wow moment but he wants to hear her again.Ellen: She says yes, indeedy. Says after being torn apart last week she admires her fearlessness.Kara: Says it's one of her favorite moments of the show so far this season. Doubted the song choice but she surprised them.Simon: Agrees with Kara and that it was 10 shoulders above anything else tonight. He thinks the wow moment was the whole song and thought it was a great choice.Contestant #6: Paige MilesSong: "Smile," Charlie ChaplinPerformance: Weird choice. It's tender and slow and sounds like a jazz standard. She looks like she's going to cry not smile though. It gets stronger and louder but something about it feels more like a high school recital.Randy: It's one of his favorite songs of all time and it didn't work for him and the bossa nova arrangement didn't work for him.Ellen: Says it's supposed to be inspiring and uplifting and it was sad and heavy. She thinks it was the wrong song.Kara: Says it was all wrong and this was not the night to do it. She asks if she knows it was wrong. She has trouble explaining and apologizes for it not working.Simon: Calls it a horrible choice and the arrangement was awful and hotel lounge-y. He calls it such a shame because she has so much potential with her great voice and he's afraid this is the end of the road.Contestant #7: Crystal BowersoxSong: "Give Me One Reason," Tracy ChapmanPerformance: Armed with her electric she does a pretty faithful version. The band kicks in and she lets if fly. It's nicely funky. She injects some nice life into it.Randy: Says this is what this show is about, loved her, loved the song, calls it hot.Ellen: Says she needs new adjectives and calls it the best performance of the night.Kara: Says this is what they are talking about knowing who you are.Simon: He says she's one million, billion percent going to be in the top 12. He thinks it's hers to lose.Contestant #8: Lilly ScottSong: "I Fall to Pieces," Patsy ClinePerformance: Rocking a mandolin she does a pretty straight up version of this country classic. She's a little shaky in places, not so much pitch wise but with breath support. Her crazy huge earrings are distracting though. It's a little cutesy.Randy: Loved the mandolin and that song and that she's in the zone.Ellen: Love her voice, originality, and style.Kara: She says she made Patsy Cline current.Simon: Thinks she's brave for choosing that song on a night like this and it was cute and quirky but it didn't have the wow factor.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 8 Male Semifinalists - March 10, 2010Ryan calls Kara Simon's binky. He doesn't understand what that means.Contestant #1:Lee DewyzeSong: "Fireflies," Owl CityPerformance: I'm not sure this light pop song goes with his rock voice and intense face but then he smiles and it feels a little better. Weird.Randy: Thinks it was a strange song choice and there were some pitch problems, but he thinks he made it work.Ellen: She liked that made it rock a bit. She says friends of hers have crushes on him. And he's adorable.Kara: She says he looked confident and that there's a star bubbling there. She thought he made it better by stripping away the production gloss. A solid job, not his best, but solid.Simon: He says there's nothing to rave about, no moment, but he likes his progress. He thinks he's better than the version of the song that he just did.He says he's absorbing the criticism and tried to do something a bit different with the song.Contestant #2: Alex LambertSong: "Trouble," Ray LaMontagnePerformance: With his guitar he sings the slow folk/pop/blues hybrid well but a lot like the original. He seems more confident too, reveling in his voice a bit more.Randy: Liked the song but wasn't wowed and thought it was too fast.Ellen: She continues with the banana metaphor and says he's getting better and better. She loves his sweet, vulnerable, honesty.Kara: Says the only thing standing in the way of his winning is himself. He sounds great but he's still stiff and not totally letting go, she would've liked to see it with just an acoustic.Simon: He says he's got to get himself mentally somewhere else. He says he needs to imagine Randy in a bikini. In other words stop concentrating on the cameras but let go.Contestant #3: Tim UrbanSong: "Hallelujah," Leonard Cohen (Jeff Buckley's version)Performance: He's also rocking an acoustic. Wow, that wasn't bad. Really. The bar was set low for sure but he did alright.Randy: He mentions the history of the song on the show and says he made it work.Ellen: Loved it so much she runs up to hug him.Kara: She thought he might be going home and he thinks he might be in the top now because of his emotional connection.Simon: Says he feels responsible for him doing well. Thought it was a very smart choice, not the best version he's heard but his strongest performance so far.Ellen and Simon argue over whose responsible for the performance. Tim says it's all of their criticism that helped.Contestant #4:Andrew Garcia In Ryan red room choice he asks him about "Straight Up." He says he's going back to his roots with this song.Song: "Genie in a Bottle," Christina AguileraPerformance: Also playing an acoustic guitar he does a similar thing to what he's done before, stripping the song down to its chords and melodies. He's got a few stray notes. It's fine and perks up a bit at the end but not thrilling.Randy: Likes his Randy-style cardigan. Thinks it was a good idea but it didn't work for him it was pitchy and lacked range.Ellen: Loved the song choice and thought it was smart. She liked the end but thought it was too late. She thinks people will love it.Kara: She says he's in a tough position since he peaked early and he's been chasing it since but it just wasn't great.Simon: He's with Kara, thought it was a little desperate like he overthought it. He thinks he may be going backwards a bit.Ryan asks him about peaking, Andrew says it's fine and he shouts out to his fans.Contestant #5: Casey JamesSong: "You'll Think of Me," Keith UrbanPerformance: Guess what he's playing? An acoustic guitar. The start is tender and sounds pretty good but it's a tough melody to grab a hold of as a listener. The chorus is one big hook though and he sounds great and smoky. He gets really into it, this one does legitimately feel connected, like he's channeling his nerves and rage into the song, but in a contained way.Randy: Thinks it was a little bit of a safe choice and wants him to go for more of a harder rocking thing.Ellen: Thought it was great and wonders if he's more comfortable sitting down and that feels like his vibe.Kara: She's kind of back on the Casey train. She thought it was him doing what he does best, singing from his heart.Simon: Says it was his second best performance and that it was sincere but they won't be raving about it in 24 hours time but he sounded great.Contestant #6: Aaron KellySong: "I'm Already There," LonestarPerformance: He grabs the stool but has no guitar. The beginning is really shaky. The chorus gets better as he works the catch in his voice but there are some serious wavering ptich issues. He also seems to be going for "intense" in the cameras but it's not really matching up with the vocals.Randy: Says he's coming on but the beginning was good but the chorus was better. He says job well done.Ellen: She loves him and feels like his stage presence is real. She felt like it was too much song for him and it wasn't terrific.Kara: She loves that he's in it but the lyrics didn't work for him given the subject matter of the song.Simon: He thinks what Kara said is rubbish: it's a beautiful song, a great choice, and that he was clearly trying very hard. He says it wasn't a great vocal but a good choice. He tells Kara they're going to confuse people too much if they keep giving contradictory advice and telling them what not to do.Contestant #7: Todrick HallSong: "Somebody to Love," QueenPerformance: He starts off in falsetto that is by turns good and bad. He drops to a lower register for the verses. Some of it is good but some it is very strained. He's trying to testify and show off his vocals but it's having the opposite effect. He's got great energy, some of it nervous though.Randy: Says "Todrick is back!" He says he just proved he could really sing. Says it's one of the best vocals he's heard for the whole thing.Ellen: Thought it was a brave choice, he made it gospel-y and he did a good job.Kara: Says you can't listen to that and say that it wasn't great singing, but she thought it was a little overdramatic.Simon: Says it was good in parts not the whole way through. He says it was "American Idol: The Broadway Musical." Glad he wasn't boring. He says it may have saved him.Contestant #8: Michael LyncheSong: "This Woman's Work," Kate Bush (Maxwell version)Performance: His opening falsetto goes from gorgeous to a little cartoony. he drops down and oh boy is he feeling it, he overdoes th stage moves a bit, which makes him go off pitch in places but he ends strong. He's feeling good about it.Randy: Says "really? really, really?" He wants to call Maxwell and tell him Big Mike is knocking on the door. Hot.Ellen: Says the show just began. She says he's the one to beat now.Kara: Is in tears and says it's relevant to his life right now, she says it was amazing.Simon: He agrees with Ellen and says this is what the show needed. He says he 100 percent nailed it. Calls it the best of the live performances so far. Kara gives him a standing O.
Hide description ▲

Jimmy Fallon arrives to host the Emmys in a tiny tiny Smart car. He's carrying his tux and runs into the Glee folk out front. They tell him they can't afford to go to the Emmys and an intro premise is born. They'll put on a fundraiser. They run into Tina Fey. She's in!They run into Kate Gosselin. Awkward pause. They tell her they've got too many people - and then go for more people. They run into Jon Hamm practicing his dance moves with his instructor - Betty White. Then Jane Lynch (Sue Sylvester from Glee) gives them a slushie in the face -- and wants in.Walk down the hall to Springsteen's "Born to Run" with Jorge Garcia (Hurley from Lost), Joel McHale and company singing. Tim Gunn arrives to put on the finishing touches.They take the stage in "Glee" red and black gear and Jimmy takes the mike doing his best Bruce. (It's not bad.) Randy Jackson joins him to jam. Hamm and Fey ham it up dancing. Big smiles from the audience.Out of breath, Jimmy starts his monologue, which quickly segues into him strumming a guitar. He's wearing tux top and jeans bottom."NBC asking the host of late night to come to Los Angeles to host a different show, what could possibly go wrong?" (Zing! Conan reference - cut to Conan, big cheers. Conan salutes.)Jimmy grabs Amy Poehler from the front row to sing.Jimmy: "The first category is comedy."Amy: "You're doing great so far...."Jimmy: "I've been drinking since three."Screens descend from the stage and we watch a montage of the nominees.Jon Hamm and Betty White are the first presenters. Hamm: "I may be only speaking for myself, but how about our sexual chemistry during that opening number?"White: "How about our sexual chemistry back in that quick change room?"(Awkward but enthusiastic randy-old-lady laughter.)The nominees for best supporting actor in a comedy series are introduced. The winner is... Eric Stonestreet from "Modern Family."He says all he wanted to be when he was a kid was a clown. (They cut to his co-star an on-screen boyfriend Jesse Tyler Ferguson in the audience and he's openly crying.) He gives a shout out to his mom in the audience and dad at home, telling them they get to keep the Emmy.John Hodgman introduces himself as our backstage color commentator.On stage, Jimmy explains the concept of having people submit intros for presenters via Twitter. The first two aren't exactly home runs. One says Jim Parsons of "The Big Bang Theory" is "bringing nerdy back" and Sofia Vergara of "Modern Family" is "beautiful."Somewhere Bruce Vlanch thinks his day job is safe.Jim introduces a bit that asks comedy writers when they first got a laugh. Christopher Lloyd and Steve Levitan of "Modern Family" do a take-off on the Old Spice commercial, on a horse. They also win."It is absolutely mind blowing to think that just two short years ago "Modern Family" was just an idea Chris and I had when we were out riding our horse...." Levitan begins. He thanks ABC and the cast and their spouses."I also want to thank our wives, without whom, well, we'd probably be dating around a lot."Stephen Colbert is up next and says hello to the ladies, and the women. He's presenting supporting actress in a comedy. He explains that he's not one of those guys who thinks gals can't be funny. Just look at John Travolta in "Hairspray," or Dustin Hoffman in "Tootsie," and don't forget Tom Hanks in "Bosom Buddies."Cut to Tom in the audience. Stephen says: "Madam, you still look lovely as ever. How do you keep your figure?" He introduces the nominees. The winner is... Jane Lynch.She thanks her parents for being so unintentionally hilarious. She raves about her ensemble and says she rarely identifies herself as anything, "I'm like a Buddhist in that way - although I'm not a Buddhist, they do seem like a very calm people," but she is an actor and feels compelled to do it. She thanks her "Lord and Creator Ryan Murphy."She throws out an "I love you" to her cast and wife.Lauren Graham and Matthew Perry are out next. (Jimmy's intro somehow involves Teddy Grahams.) They introduce guest actor and actress in a comedy series, awarded last week. Betty White won for "SNL" and Neil Patrick Harris for "Glee."On to directing in a comedy series. The winner is... Ryan Murphy for "Glee."He dedicates his award to all of his teachers, "who taught me to sing and finger paint."The "Modern Family" cast hearing pitches for how to improve their show from the new head of ABC. One involves a cross-racial adoption by Cam of Stewie from "Family Guy," Sofia Vergara in 3D, the next are worth finding on YouTube... including one that has Julie Bowen saying she was sad when a tree fell on Phil and killed him, but when his brother showed up at the funeral....pan over to the brother... George Clooney, sitting on a couch with Julie Bowen. The cast runs with the idea, cut to George with Sofia Vergara. Then with Eric and Jesse.Next up, best actor in a comedy series. The winner is... Jim Parsons from "The Big Bang Theory."He thanks his costars, director, writers and production studio.Last year's host Neil Patrick Harris takes a moment to thank the Academy for allowing a gay man to host the show two years in a row. He tells Jimmy he's doing a great job.NPH introduces the best actress in a comedy nominees. The winner is...Edie Falco for "Nurse Jackie.""This is just the most ridiculous thing that has ever happened in the history of this lovely awards show. I'm not funny!"Back to Jimmy in the audience with a guitar and a Kardashian. They introduce reality TV and some highlights.Will Arnett and Keri Russell, stars of "Running Wilde," present best reality show. But first, Will reads some prose from a piece of paper: "My Favorite Part of a Woman,' by Will Arnett. 'Oh luscious mounds...'"Keri tells him they cut that part.They introduce the nominees. And the winner is... "Top Chef"! The first time "Amazing Race" hasn't won since the category was created. Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons are there with the producers.Back to Jimmy and the guitar.Jimmy: "I cry sometimes when I watch these shows."Julianna Marguiles: "I cried when they announced you as the host."Slap fight leading into the drama category. Roll clips. Cheers for 24, Lost...Jimmy introduces Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni: "Earlier, these stars of Law & Order: SVU teamed up to save the most special victim of all: the 10 p.m. time slot on NBC."The introduce writing for a drama series. The winner is: Matthew Weiner and Erin Levy for "Mad Men."Erin thanks her dad who was also a writer and says she also has to really thank Matt. He agrees that she does.On to best supporting actor in a drama, which includes the last shot for Losties Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson. The winner is: Aaron Paul from "Breaking Bad."He marvels at the size of the audience, thanks the voters, his show creator and co-star Bryan Cranston.Back to Jimmy and the Tweets, including one from @SamuelLPaxton who says presenter Nathan Fillion is "straight off the meat rack, yo."He introduces supporting actress in a drama. The winner is Archie Punjabi from "The Good Wife."She thanks everyone with the network and show in her native London accent. "To everyone who voted for me, this is just amazing for my career, thank you so very much."Edie Falco is back out to introduce best actor in a drama. The winner is... Bryan Cranston of "Breaking Bad." (A total shut out for the men of "Lost" in the acting category.) It's Cranston's third win.He tells his fellow nominees he's honored to be mentioned with them. He shouts out to his wife and daughter, "I love you more than baseball."The Emmy Show Clock shows us we're running 2 minutes over. The stars of NBC's new "Undercovers" introduce the nominees for guest actor and actress in a drama series. The winners were John Lithgow for "Dexter" and Ann-Margaret for "Law & Order: SVU."They're up to hand out the next award. (Yes, Ann-Margret still looks amazing.) They're presenting outstanding directing for a drama series. The winner is...Steve Shill for "Dexter," giving Lithgow to correct thanking HBO instead of Showtime when he won his guest Emmy.The Emmy ticker tells us George Clooney will be up in 17 minutes.And now, a musical tribute to three shows we lost this year. Jimmy sits on the stage at a pink piano in full Elton John gear and croons good-bye to "24" to the tune of "Candle in the Wind."Sample lyric: "I would like to thank you for all the torturing/ and Jack and Chloe and CTU/and the first black president."Then on to Boyz II Men's "Hard to Say Goodbye" for "Law & Order," and Green Day and "Time of Your Life" for "Lost": "The island was mythical, but in the end they died/I didn't understand it but I tried."Tina Fey and Matthew Morrison introduce best actress in a drama.Matthew: "This year's outstanding nominees for best actress in a drama all have one thing in common, they are..."He says "beautiful" as Tina says "terrifying," then corrects herself for laughs.The winner is Kyra Sedgwick. She kisses Kevin Bacon and takes the stage. It's her first Emmy. She asks Tina to hold her Emmy so she can read from her notes. She thanks TNT and the crew, the cast and quotes Kevin saying "Let's all be good to each other.'Back on the guitar in the audience.Jimmy: "The people in this category are funny and talented."Stephen Colbert: "It's an honor to get nominated, just like Jimmy Fallon did."Jimmy: "Stephen, I wasn't nominated."Stephen: "It's still an honor."Jimmy: "I wouldn't know."Stephen: "Trust me."Variety. Roll clips of Dave, Jon Stewart and a good amount of Conan, the Olympics, Haiti Telethon, etc...Joel McHale and Jeff Probst introduce writing for a variety special."Writers is good. Them makes we two look good spoken," McHale says.The Emmy goes to the 63rd Annual Tony Awards. Dave Boone thanks NPH for hosting.The ticker tells us we're 4 1/2 minutes from Ricky Gervais.Jimmy introduces him: "I used to think this next guy was a fat, rude, loudmouth Brit. But now, he's lost a bit of weight.""I'm saving the really offensive stuff for the Golden Globes," Ricky says. He riffs on the lack of alcohol and says there's no one scary here, like Mel Gibson. He stops himself, saying he's not going to have a go at him. "He's been through a lot... not as much as the Jews."Then he asks who wants a beer and has waiters bring out beers on trays for people in the front row. "The Office is in syndication, those are on me."Directing for Variety is next. Ricky says he hopes the winner is Bucky Gunts (for the Olympics) "because I didn't know you could say that on television... let's face it, we're all Bucky Gunts here..."Ricky introduces the winner: Bucky Gunts!Then, on to outstanding variety, music or comedy series, the noteworthy nominee here being "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien."And the winner is..."The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," who isn't there, but not because he's appearing on "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew," the producer tells us.The CEO of the Academy comes out to introduce the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, going this year to George Clooney, only the fourth time it has been given. His "ER" costar Julianna Marguiles introduces him, saying he was a driving force behind "America: A Concert for Heroes," "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope" and "Hope for Haiti Now."He comes out to standing ovation, over his objections. "Don't do that because then I feel like maybe I'm sick and don't know it," he says. He says Bob was a friend of his aunt Rosemary Clooney and represents the best version of celebrity. "It's important to remember how much can get done, because we live in such strange times where bad behavior sucks up all the attention in the press."He makes a plea for attention to stay on disasters even after the cameras have gone.More Jimmy with a guitar. He kneels next to Hanks.Jimmy: "The Pacific nominated for two dozen awards/ better break the news to Spielberg, you're running out of wars. Mini-series and movies!"Clips roll.January Jones and John Krasinski introduce supporting actor in a miniseries or movie. The winner is Julia Ormand for "Temple Grandin.""I got so thrilled an excited I told my mom I was 'emanated' for a 'Nomy'," she says.Claire Danes is up next to present supporting actor in a mini-series or movie. The winner is David Strathairn, who co-stared with Danes in "Temple Grandin."He raves about teachers and Temple Grandin and we see her waving in the audience.Then on to Jewel, who tells us she wrote the song "Shape of You" for a friend who passed away from cancer. It's the Memoriam segment, including Art Linkletter, Soupy Sales, Jean Simmons, Peter Graves, Robert Culp, Corey Haim, Andrew Koenig, Gary Coleman, Rue McClanahan, Captain Phil Harris, Dixie Carter, Lynn Redgrave, Lena Horne, Dennis Hopper.Maury Tierney and Blair Underwood present writing for mini-series or movie. The Emmy goes to Adam Mazer for "You Don't Know Jack."He urges people to talking about the end of life debate. "Jack Kevorkian, I'm so glad you're my friend, but I'm even more grateful you're not my physician."Then lead actress in a mini-series or movie. The winner is Claire Danes for "Temple Grandin."She thanks HBO and Temple, who cheerfully stands up and waves again from the audience.Welcome the cast of "True Blood." It's apparently getting late in the show, Jimmy introduces them, saying they really "suck."But the intro bit runs with it.Stephen Moyer: "By an obscure and ancient Emmy bylaw we are now required to make at least one vampire pun while presenting the next award."Alexander Skarsgard: "Stephen, don't - this is going to be quite painful. Allow me: It is now our bloody thrill-Moyer: "Brilliant."Skarsgard: "It was worse than I thought - to present the next award for outstanding directing for a miniseries or movie."The winner is: Mick Jackson for Temple Grandin.Back to the vamps. Skarsgard thanks Ricky Gervais for the non-alcoholic beer.They introduce best actor for mini-series or movie. The winner is: Al Pacino for "You Don't Know Jack."He says it was a pleasure to know Kevorkian (who is in the audience). He thanks everyone and doesn't get played off stage because, well, he's Al Pacino.Laurence Fishburne introduces the nominees for outstanding miniseries. The winner is "The Pacific." Tom Hanks accepts and thanks HBO.The award for made-for-tv-movie goes to "Temple Grandin."The executive producer gets bear-hugged by her autistic subject mid-speech.Jimmy tells us there are two awards left. "You know the next presenter from the hit series "Magnum PI," but I know him as...my real father. Tom Selleck, everybody. Dad, come on out!"Jimmy hugs a startled Selleck to fully sell the bit. He introduces the best drama nominees. "Mad Men" wins its third in a row."So where was I?" Matt Weiner begins as he picks up his writer speech where he got cut off. He thanks the cast and AMC and wraps up quickly.Ted Danson is out to wrap things up with the nominees for best comedy series. The winner is: Modern Family. (The camera manages not to cut immediately to Tina Fey.)Steven Levitan thanks his amazing cast "who makes us forget how much we hate writing, every day." He thanks their writing staff. "Chris and I get so much credit for what is often their amazing work and I just want to say: that's Hollywood, dude."And there you have it. Jimmy wraps up, popping champagne and shouting, "After-party at Betty White's house!"
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 12 Perform - March 16, 2010Ryan says this is when we begin the countdown to the season finale. We get a video package on the Stones.Tonight we learn a little about the contestants' life back home.Theme: The Rolling StonesContestant #1: Michael Lynche. His mom wrote plays and he was a ham. He was really into football and then his mom passed away and he became less interested in football and music saved him. We see him with his wife and his new little baby. She says he's a great guy and he thinks his mom would be proud of the man he's becoming.Song: "Miss You"Performance: He adds a little soul flavor to the tune and lots of falsetto yelps. The churning background actually sounds a little like "Higher Ground." He works the stage from side to side, snapping and pointing.Randy: Thought he slayed it.Ellen: Thought it was lovable and a great way to start the night.Kara: Thought he had style, swagger, and attitude just like the Stones did.Simon: Thinks he's got his confidence up but the performance, especially the dancing was kind of corny but he sang well. He thought it was verging at time on a little desperate.Ryan comes down and get in Simon's face about constructive criticism. Simon says the middle part was the bit he didn't love.Contestant #2:Didi Benami On stool chat we learn Didi's mom is too nervous to watch her daughter her perform. In the video we learn she moved to L.A. four years ago and is the middle child of three sisters. Her mom says she was a high needs baby who screamed real loud. Mom has come out to hang with Didi during the "Idol" experience.Song: "Play With Fire"Performance: She slows it down a bit and gets serious. She sounds good but looks a bit too serious. She goes for some big notes, that sound okay but a little bit strained.Randy: Thinks for the first time in weeks he thinks she's on fire.Ellen: Thinks she has an amazing voice and is proud she has found her way back.Kara: Thinks when she pushes on her voice she loses her way a little bit but she liked her dark intensity.Simon: Thinks everyone else is right and that she's beginning to show who she is as an artist. Liked the song and thought it was solid but not brilliant and she can do even better.She went darker because everyone's seen the sweet, emotional side and she wanted to show a little bit of her claws.Contestant #3: Casey James is from Texas and his parents divorced when he was young. His mom raised he and his brother alone. He had a bad reaction to the pertussis vaccine and had seizures but he did fine and hummed tunes in the crib even before he talked. He says his whole family plays and sings and he's probably the least gifted of them. He credits his family with where he's at in life.Song: "It's All Over Now"Performance: He countrifies it up a bit with his twang. He's also playing slide guitar. He sounds good, putting a little grit on his voice. It's jaunty.Randy: Is excited because he's back to the Casey he loves.Ellen: She says most women's heart will race just looking at him but for people like her...blondes, she thought it was fantastic.Kara: Thinks he was a rock star tonight and liked that it showed the soul in his voice.Simon: Thinks he looks great, sang well, and played well but it was more like an audition performance. Wants him to use the big stage more and "be a star."Contestant #4: Lacey Brown is from Amarillo, TX. She comes from a really supportive family. We see home video of her as a child. Her parents have been pastors for many years and she has sung in the church. He says she's naturally shy. He thinks it's amazing that she's overcome her shyness to be on the "Idol" stage.Song: "Ruby Tuesday"Performance: Lacey uses a string quartet which sounds lovely. She looks very cute and sounds fine. Not super exciting but well-controlled.Randy: Loved the string quartet and the arrangement. There were no wow moments but he was pleasantly surprised.Ellen: Wonders why she stood during the slow part and when the song built she sat down. She thought it was a bit sleepy.Kara: She says it was 50/50 for her. She likes her voice up front but thought there were some bad notes and she thinks that she can do better.Simon: Says she performs like an actress and was very inside her head having thought out each moment of the performance in advance. He thought she sang fine though.Contestant #5: Andrew Garcia tells us that his dad George was a musician and singer. Dad protests he was no professional. He was impressed when Andrew picked up the guitar and is sad he wasn't able to support his music aspirations financially he hopes he can take care of his family now. Dad is tearfully proud.Song: "Gimme Shelter"Performance: No guitar this week. Without it he seems physically a bit stiff with his arm movements. His voice sounds fine but a little light for this song.Randy: Says he loves him but it was pitchy everywhere.Ellen: Thought it was his best performance yet.Kara: Thought there elements where they got the tone they like but thought he was disconnected from the lyrics.Simon: Wondered what she wanted, him to come onstage in a tank? He thinks she's taking things too literally. Thinks he's somewhere in the middle. He thinks he gave it 100 percent but it didn't quite connect. He genuinely hopes he survives another week since he knows his been getting confusing advice.Contestant #6: Katie Stevens. Her brothers and his friends and her family are waving Katie faces on sticks- Katie fans. She picked her song because the lyrics speak to her. She was familiar with some songs but not a big fan. She's from Connecticut and she loves it there. Her mom says she's a loving, happy kid. Katie says she was shy but her mom says she was a home. We see Katie at 8 singing at a wedding.Song: "Wild Horses"Performance: Bathed in white light on a stool she sings the song, if possible, even slower than it actually is. When she gets to the power part it sounds good and she's got some nice sustain. A few pitch problems and the tempo is deathly.Randy: Says he knows they've been giving her misdirection but it's the kind of song if you sing it well it works. And he thinks she sang it well.Ellen: Thought it started pitchy but thought it got amazing as she got into it.Kara: Says it's never technically perfect and thought she made some nice variations on the melody but that she's heading in the right direction.Simon: Says this is the only week she's chosen a really strong song. He thought she lost a bit of emotion in the second half but overall well done.Contestant #7: Tim Urban is also from Texas and grew up in a family of 10 kids. We see them all playing football together. He played in high school but he gave up his pro dreams when he realized he would never get tall enough. His sisters used him as a doll. He picked up a guitar at 15. He's excited to be known as an individual outside his family.Song: "Under My Thumb"Performance: For some reason he gives it a Jack Johnson-ish reggae retrofit. Talk about being disconnected from the lyrics. Vocally it's not bad though. Goofily croony but pitch-wise not a nightmare.Randy: Didn't get it and thought it was very bizarre and didn't serve him or the song well.Ellen: Felt like she was at a resort sipping a pina colada. She thought he sounded great but didn't make sense on a night when he should've wowed.Kara: She agrees but applauds him for doing something different with the song.Simon: Also applauds the different strain but says it's kind of a boring song anyway but having said that, it didn't work and so he thinks it was a crazy decision.He knew it would be risk but he had fun.Contestant #8: Siobhan Magnus is from Cape Cod, MA, Barnstable specifically. Her family is huge and they are her support system. We see her big family. Her dad says they all do arts and crafts and play music. She and her dad play together, they use it as an outlet to let off steam. He's really proud of her.Song: "Paint it Black"Performance: Another use of the string quartet. She starts slow and low sitting on the staircase. She looks great although the goth prom thing is only working partially with the song. The song ramps up and she hits center stage. She sounds good but it feels pitched a bit too low. She counteracts that by screaming near the end and then ending up in her head voice.Randy: Thinks she's bringing the drama and that it was hot.Ellen: Loves the way she looks, sounds, and the way she did the song. She thinks she rises above.Kara: Is having flashbacks of Adam Lambert and says it was the best interpretation of the night.Simon: Totally agrees and that it was the stand out performance of the night. He sees her progression well. He thinks there are going to be a lot of people who love it and others who will hate it which is good, because it's not boring.Contestant #9: Lee Dwyze is from Chicago. Six months ago he was working paycheck to paycheck at the paint store and he's loving this. When he was yougner he was embarrassed to sing in front of people. His parents remember him singing in the car as long as no one looked at him. They encouraged him.Song: "Beast of Burden"Performance: He's got his guitar and he's taking a murmury approach, sort of Dave Matthews-esque, kind of light and bouncy.Randy: Thinks he's amazing singer and it came home for him and he thinks it was a cross between Rob Thomas and Dave Matthews.Ellen: Thought it was great and he sounded great but she was expecting more from him of everyone. She says it almost didn't come together... like a hospital gown.Kara: Thinks he's growing faster than anyone vocally and confidence-wise.Simon: Really likes him and his story but he thinks his shine-free personality is holding him back. He had no wow moment and it's frustrating and he wants him to have more confident.He agrees a bit that it's a safe song but he liked what he did.Contestant #10: Paige Miles is from Naples, Florida. Her mom is amazing, they lost her dad shen she was four so her mom has gone it alone. She grew up singing in the church and everyone was blown away by her and people would come to church when they knew she was singing.Song: "Honky Tonk Woman"Performance: She changes the pronoun in the first line which is really irritating. She's into it though and sounds okay. She's look great though.Randy: Was worried about the choice but thought she pulled it out. He wished she had more energy but he liked it.Ellen: Loves that she used the stage and she has great star quality and no one would know she'd be struggling with her voice.Kara: Is also impressed with her vocals given her apparent issues and is glad to see the young Paige, who knows how to work the stage is back.Simon: Asks what was wrong - she has laryngitis- he says given that, she sounded great, but he thought it was old-fashioned and generic but is glad to hear her voice back.Contestant #11: Aaron Kelly is from a one-stoplight town in Pennsylvania. He was adopted at 5. His mom is apparently a bad singer and she's blown away when she hears him. She's very proud.Song: "Angie"Performance: He also starts on the stairs, he messes up his vocal entrance a bit cue-wise, but he sounds pretty good. I think this was his best performance yet. Assured, tender, on pitch, nicely rendered.Randy: Says he was born to sing, liked the tender moments, thought it was hot.Ellen: Wonders if he's trying to copy her hairstyle. Loved the choice and next to Siobhan he also stood out.Kara: Says she beat him up good last night and he showed her, especially with his connection.Simon: He feared for him on Rolling Stones week but thought he chose the perfect song. He thought it was good that he sang the song to the limits of his voice instead of trying to overdo it.Contestant #12: Crystal Bowersox is from rural Ohio. Her dad has been very supportive of her music, humping her equipment around to gigs. She started writing at 10 and it comes from her childhood and teenage experiences. Dad likes her songwirting and tears up takling about one she wrote about him that was loving. She knew she was born to do this as soon as she's touched a guitar.Song: "You Can't Always Get What You Want"Performance: She gives it a pretty straight read, starting out tender working up to giving it a little soul grit and backbeat and ends quietly.Randy: Doesn't think it was her best performance but loves her and thought she was good.Ellen: Thinks it seems so effortless for her but what she's been missing is personality and she saw a bit of that tonight. Crystal says she was thinking too much. Ellen tells her not too think and have more fun.Kara: Loves that she's comfortable and is easy to watch but agrees it wasn't her best and says sometimes her ease might come off to some like arrogance.Simon: Asks what she means by overthinking. She says she wasn't in the right zone. He says he could feel that. He says she came out the clear favorite and tonight she was beaten by someone: Siobhan.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 12 Results Show - March 17, 2010The Irish lighting director does a quick greening of the stage.Simon calls Ryan on his aggressive behavior last night. He asks if Ryan wants his job since it seemed like an audition. Ryan says he likes his job. Simon says it was uncomfortable. They shake hands.Simon explains the "judges' save": they can save any contestant up until the top 5, but it has to be unanimous.Performance: "Jumpin' Jack Flash," David Cook. This kind of energy would've been nice last night. In chatting with Ryan he's really excited about his new record. He will also be going on a trip to Africa with the U.N. for "Idol Gives Back."Ford Commercial: The kids are playing paint ball as they ride around in Fords singing "Tick Tick Boom." They're all covered in green paint at the end. Casey missed the shoot because he had the flu. We get yet another Ford commercial as the contestants create their own graphics for a car.Results: In the first round we learn Lee, Siobhan, Aaron, and Andrew are safe and Paige and Tim are in the bottom three.Performance: "According to You," Orianthi, the late Michael Jackson's guitar player, who is now working a solo career.Results: In the second round good news goes to Didi, Crystal, Katie, Michael, and Casey are safe so Lacey rounds out the bottom three.Ellen says she doesn't know if any of these three are worth using the save on. Simon says one is worth it. Tim is sent back to safety. He looks stunned and hugs Paige.Performance: "Blah, Blah, Blah," Ke$ha featuring 3OH!3. She has dancing TV sets, Auto-Tune, and silver eye make-up.Singing For the Save: "The Story," Lacey Brown They confer and as could be predicted..Going Home: Lacey Brown
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 11 Performance Show - March 23, 2010Randy points out that tonight is a big one because only the Top Ten go on the tour. Ellen says people should vote. Kara says every song has a story and the performers have to tap into that. Simon agrees and apologizes for saying differently last week.Theme: Billboard Number Ones. We get a video package on the Hot 100, the lists from which the contenders can take their number one songs.Mentor: Miley Cyrus. We get a video package on Miley Cyrus who has sold over 15 million albums. She wants to make them feel comfortable. She's in the house. They talk about Randy's love of the word of "pitchy."Contestant #1: Lee DeWyzeSong: "The Letter," The Box Tops (featuring the late great Alex Chilton) Miley thinks he has an amazing voice but lacks stage presence.Performance: He goes kind of big band-y with it in a suit jacket with a horn section. He moves around a bit. His voice sounds really good. He's helped visually by having the horn section and back up singers on stage with him. He did well, but he looks happy it's over. He gets a great response.Randy: Thinks he knocked it out of the box.Ellen: Makes a tortured pen metaphor to say she thought he was good.Kara: Says he's never sounded better or looked more comfortable. She wants him to believe he's good.Simon: Is really surprised he chose that song because it wasn't a recording song and he calls it corny. He thought it sounded good but the song didn't define him as an artist today.Contestant #2: Paige Miles In Ryan stool chat Paige shows off a ring she got from a fan in the audience. She's a little concerned about her high heels. She says the atmosphere has gotten more serious and quiet.Song: "Against All Odds," Phil Collins. Miley thinks she's beautiful and says her voice is good but can be pitchy.Performance: She starts out seated on the stairs singing softly. She sounds tentative and wavery. When she hits the middle, she hits the power part of her voice and it gets a little better, but she does have big pitch issues.Randy: Says it was terrible. The pitch was bad but it didn't come together.Ellen: Is glad she didn't fall down and thinks she look great and then turns over the music critique to Kara and Simon.Kara: Thinks somewhere along the way she stopped competing and stopped listening to them. She says it was the worst vocal of Paige's and possibly of the season.Simon: Asks what she thought. She admits she struggled with her pitch. He says she was like five people and none of them were good and he knew exactly when she knew it wasn't working. He thinks that song has killed her and it's too bad because he thought she was good.She tells Ryan she is in it to win it and she's been struggling mightily with song choice.Contestant#3: Tim UrbanSong: "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," Queen She thinks Tim has gotten bad reviews for being boring but she doesn't think he is. She tells him to switch it up and do something different.Performance: If there was ever a time to use a guitar this was it. His vocal is pretty good, a little rough on the low parts. He does a stage slide and jumps onto a satellite stage surrounded by cheering girls. He ends on a good note.Randy: Wasn't wowed by the vocals and he thought the dopest thing he did was a stage slide. He seems almost angry.Ellen: Felt like it was an audition for "High School Musical" and it was corny and pushed too hard. She says there will be a large group of people who will love it and she didn't get it.Kara: Says Ellen hit it on the head, too Zac Efron and the stage moves were like he had already made it.Simon: Doesn't think the sliding around was the problem because it distracted from the song which was good. He says it was pointless and silly and he can't believe it was a number one song. He says he has no chance of winning unless he takes some singing lessons and takes it more seriously.Contestant#4: Aaron Kelly. In Ryan stool chat Aaron says he picked up laryngitis and tonsilitis. Ryan scribbles on a notepad "Are you ready?"Song: "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," Aerosmith. He has a little crush on Miley and sang "The Climb" during his first audition. She liked it. She makes a face while he sings because she didn't realize he was so good.Performance: He's really coming into his own and does a nice job given that he's sick.Randy: Says it wasn't perfect but he was much better than the two before him and he's a fan.Ellen: Calls it a perfect song choice and could tell he was sick since he's normally pitch perfect. She sees his career already.Kara: Agrees with Ellen on the song choice. She says maybe one week he's off but he's got good consistency.Simon: Says it was very brave and calls him a "try-er" but says for his age he's making himself old-fashioned but there's zero chance he's going home.Contestant #5: Crystal BowersoxSong: "Me and Bobby McGee," Miley likes that she did something a little different and says she should try and push herself a little more. Crystal is nervous about the high notes but Miley thinks she can do it. She has Miley sign her guitar.Performance: She starts solo acoustic. She looks beautiful with her hair up and in a long dress. The band kicks in and she ambles through it nicely. She pumps it up for the scatting close and hits some higher notes with grit and aplomb. The crowd loves it.Randy: Says that's what is called being a star and she slayed it. He says he's so happy now.Ellen: Says she heard it on the radio the other day and thought of her. Says she would like to see her be a little less stoic, especially in the face of the audience response. Crystal says she has big plans for next week.Kara: Says she felt more from her tonight. Kara asks if she would ever put the guitar down. Crystal hints that's what her big plans are for next week.Simon: Says not to change anything. Says she was as good as Pink covering that song. He says she's seen her progression and is glad that her only gimmick is a carpet.Crystal and Ryan sit on the carpet to give out her numbers.Contestant#6: Michael LyncheSong: "When a Man Loves a Woman," Percy Sledge. Miley loves him and thinks it's impressive that he looked right in her eyes.Performance: He does it as a piano ballad with strings, starting very tenderly. When the band kicks in he kicks it up a notch power-wise. He holds one big mighty note and ends on a sweet falsetto. It's a strong performance.Randy: Doesn't think it was his best vocal but loves that he knows who he is and he sang the you-know-what out of the song.Ellen: Thought it was a safe choice and he has a great voice and she loves him.Kara: Technically she thought it was really good but boring and lounge-y at times and over-indulgent with too many riffs.Simon: He agrees saying you want one scoop of ice cream and you got 11. He thinks it should've been simpler and agrees it was a bit lounge-y. He says he's got tons of charisma and a great voice and that people like him.Contestant#7: Andrew GarciaSong: "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," Marvin Gaye. He stumbled a bit on the lyrics in front of Miley. She tells him to put down the guitar and to work the stage and be less stiff. He's worried about it.Performance: Even without the guitar he's a little stiff in terms of enunciation and stage movement. The vocal is okay but the stage moves are a bit rough.Randy: Says it wasn't good and a bad song choice since it's not the kind of vocalist he is.Ellen: Says she loves him and hopes his fans vote for him since it wasn't good enough to get new people on board.Kara: Feels bad for him because he's chasing his first good moment and he seems confused and the moves didn't make sense.Simon: Thinks they overrated that moment from the beginning and says Miley was right to tell him to lose the guitar but the arrangement was bad and he sucked the soul out of the song and ruined one of the great pop songs of all time. He says he doesn't know who he is as an artist.Contestant#8: Katie StevensSong: "Big Girls Don't Cry," Fergie. She asks Miley about negativity. Miley tells her to remember who she is and to edge it up. Katie feels more confident now.Performance: She handles the song well. She has a few pitch problems, a couple glaring, but she moves well and does seem more confident.Randy: Doesn't know if it's her best performance with pitch issues but he liked that she listened to their comments and went younger both musically and image-wise.Ellen: Thought it was her best performance yet.Kara: Says this is the lane for her, pop with r&b leanings. She says she's still got mad pitch issues but this is where she belongs.Simon: Thinks meeting Miley was really good for her, especially image-wise. He still thinks country might be her lane since they would be loyal to her but having said that it was a good performance.Contestant#9: Casey James. In Ryan stool chat Casey says he's going to try to push himself more onstage.Song: "The Power of Love," Huey Lewis. He tells Miley he's a big fan of her dad. She tells him to make eye contact with the audience.Performance: He starts it with some nice quick riffs. he gives it a little southern blues bounce. He skips the bridge sadly but he does a solid job.Randy: Says he's probably the best musician they've had on the show. Didn't love the song choice but thought he did well.Ellen: Calls it the best vocal of the night.Kara: She says he's on another level and ready to make an album, she tells him to stay in his zone.Simon: Says it's not personal but he doesn't know what Kara's talking about because it was old-fashioned and that it was like listening to an '80s cover band and he didn't do anything interesting with it.Contestant #10: Didi BenamiSong: "You're No Good," Linda Ronstadt. Miley likes her vibrato. Miley admits that she too gets nervous a little before going onstage. Miley tells her to go even better. Didi hopes to overcome her nerves.Performance: She slows it down to start with acoustic guitar and bass and makes it a little torchy. She gets into the lyrics and gives disapproving faces to her invisible bad man. She looks great and sounds mostly good too.Randy: Loved the idea of it and the outfit but that it was never quite on pitch.Ellen: Is confused by the song choices tonight including this one.Kara: Felt like she was playing a character and it left her confused.Simon: Thought it was ironic that she was screeching "you're no good." She says it was like a bad part of the musical.She says she wanted to do something different and have fun and she did.Contestant #11: Siobhan MagnusSong: "Superstition," Stevie Wonder. Miley is a big fan. She admits she's rocked out to Miley. Miley tells her to bring her swagger out even more. Siobhan thinks it's wicked cool that Miley thinks she has swagger.Performance: She puts her own little sass on it and sounds great. She does a little scatting and screaming that veer off pitch but she's adorable.Randy: Thinks she's fearless and thought she was great.Ellen: Loves her.Kara: Doesn't think it was her best performance but loves that she expresses herself and thinks her final notes are amazing.Simon: Thinks viewers will be split, some will like it and others won't. He's not sure about the singing and then screaming and half-jokes maybe she should start with the screaming at the beginning next week and then go softer. He thinks she didn't hit the high notes near as well as she did previously. He tells the whole field to start pushing themselves because he wasn't very excited by tonight's show from a relevant recording artist standpoint.
Hide description ▲

We do not accept embedded links in plot synopses, please remove it to continue. Watch the Full Episode at: http://bit.ly/d4a2M2"American Idol" - Top 11 Results Show - March 24, 2010Group Sing: "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," Wham! It is of course cute and perky although some of the lip-synching is tragic.Ford Commercial: "Our Time Now." The gang gets a text message saying to meet at the fountain. They all drive there, throw colored balls in it and jump in.Ryan chats with the contestants before the results. Apparently, last night Casey goofed up during rehearsal and he was freaked out. Siobhan's boss in the audience. He will not shave until she wins. Katie's dad doesn't like to watch the results because he doesn't like to see his kids sad. We see video of Mike carrying around his baby. His wife and baby live in a separate apartment from him during the competition.Results #1: Tim and Paige are in the bottom three. Lee, Casey, and Siobhan are safePerformance: "When I Look at You," Miley Cyrus. She sits at the piano and sings an ode to the person who inspires her. Ryan chats with her and she says she liked the contestants the previous night including Tim's knee slide. She thinks the tough love from the judges will help them.After the break Ryan reminds us that "Idol Gives Back" is coming up April 21.Results #2: Katie is in the bottom three so Andrew, Crystal, Michael, Didi, and Aaron are safe.Bottom Three: Tim, Paige, and KatieKatie is immediately sent back to safety.Performance: "Make a Wave," Demi Lovato and Joe JonasGoing Home: Paige Miles (Who Simon says won't be saved even before she sings.)It seems there's a change-up with the sing out as Paige sings "All Right Now," and in such a way if she'd sung it last night she wouldn't be going home. Sad to see her go.Next Week's Theme: R&B/SoulNext Week's Mentor: Usher
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Ten Performance Show - March 30, 2010Theme:R&B/SoulMentor: Usher. We get a video package on the five-time Grammy winner. He promises to be a tough and serious mentor. Live in the studio with Ryan he's says they're all incredible and hard workers and wanted to boost their confidence.Contestant #1: Siobhan Magnus She's "wicked nervous" to be singing to Usher, who she's a big fan of. Usher thinks she's got the voice for the song and tries to tell her to not wear too busy an outfit so as not to distract from her singing. She admits that she can't wear just a dress and heels, she likes to do it up.Song: "Through the Fire," Chaka KhanPerformance: It starts in a low register that she keeps control of. She gets a little pitchy and uncontrolled in the chorus. Her big notes are wobbly, her first real serious pitch problems, and she looks nervous.Randy: Says it was a little all over the place for him, wasn't sure it was her best, but he likes her boots.Ellen: Agrees that it was kind of rough.Kara: Thinks she got a little nervous. Thought the screaming parts were there but the lower parts weren't. But overall she thinks she comes through every week so she's allowed a week off.Simon: Says she sounded like she just ran a marathon and then tried to sing. He also thinks her look is all over the place. He says she's kidding yourself if she thought it was good. He says he's also getting bored of the screaming at the end.Ryan asks her about it. She says she she knew it would be a challenge but she wanted to try and kill it. Simon calls it manslaughter. Ellen says she thought she was going to kill it and was surprised Siobhan thought it was a challenge. Kara says she thought Siobhan was scared. Randy tells her to trust herself.Contestant #2:Casey James Usher thinks he's already a rock star and is impressed with how he plays off forgetting the lyrics which he hasn't fully learned yet. Casey is excited about the theme since it's in his rootsy wheelhouse. He says he's going to keep his eye on Casey.He gets a great response from the crowd.Song:"Hold On, I'm Coming," Sam and DavePerformance: The horns ring out and Casey peels off a sweet guitar riff. He's very smiley and confident and sounds good. It's energetic and rocking.Randy: Calls it another hot night for him and thought he was a perfect choice that showed off his range.Ellen: Says he's consistent and loved his vocals but felt it was a little generic. She calls it a safe zone for him.Kara: Says he's only using part of his range and should show off more of it.Simon: Calls it his strongest week so far. He likes that he didn't do a soundalike and that it sounded authentic.Contestant #3: Michael Lynche Usher thinks chick dig a guy who can play guitar and sing. Usher wants to make sure that everyone feels his energy, even the person at the farthest corner of the room and on the other side of the camera. He stares at the camera to demonstrate.Song: "Ready for Love," India.AriePerformance: Seated on the platform behind the judges' table with his acoustic guitar he starts off tenderly, eyes closed. He does a nice job both vocally and performance-wise with what is essentially a hookless song.Randy: Liked the very sensitive song and thinks he's in the zone. Says it wasn't exciting but it's good to pull it back now and again.Ellen: Thinks it was beautiful and loved it.Kara: She admits she'd never heard it before he chose it and she went to listen to the original and thought he did a tasteful, lovely, and emotional.Simon: Says it's the first time since the live shows that he can take him seriously as an artist. He thought the song was a bit gloomy but he demonstrated between being original and a silly little karaoke singer and he believed it.Contestant #4: Didi Benami He calls it an emotional song for an emotional young lady. She cries while singing for Usher. He says the audience applauds honesty but she needs to hear that emotion in the performance itself. If she does that, he thinks she'll soar.Song: "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," Jimmy RuffinPerformance: In a pretty gown she stands at the microphone and delivers the song fine, all that emotion isn't really evident though so it ends up being kind of boring and full of little pitch problems. She hits a couple of nice big notes though.Randy: Loves the song but he thought the whole performance flat-lined.Ellen: Says it was way dramatic and not her best but she loves her voice.Kara: Agrees that it was overdone and is confused since she came to them as a singer-songwriter type and she's changed.Simon: Says it was like swimming in jelly, tough to get through, over the top, old-fashioned and off-melody. Says she's completely and utterly lost their way. Sounded like a singer on one of those dancing show murdering a song.She picked the song because it means a lot to her and it was a challenge to get through it. He keeps asking her questions about why she sang it. She refuses to say. Ryan seems to hint that it has something to do with the friend that passed away that she talked about during her audition.Contestant #5: Tim Urban In stool chat, Ryan tells Tim that he's being called "Teflon Tim" in the press. Tim says he wasn't going to change his reaction since he had fun. During his package Usher says he didn't believe Tim when he first started singing. He asks Tim to sing to him as if he was in love with him, he says that was hard for him. Usher tells him to sing to an imaginary woman in front of him. Usher tells him to hold on to the moment and to make a connection with the person he's singing about through the camera.Song: "Sweet Love," Anita BakerPerformance: Sitting on the steps he sings right to the camera. There's nothing terribly soulful about it per se but he's hitting most of the notes, some of them nicely. He's doing it in more of a lounge-y/crooner style. In his suit he's like an earnest young professional at the karaoke bar.Randy: Says there were pluses and minuses saying it started out as a singing waiter vibe. The plus part was he sang mostly in tune but there was no vibe or swag on it. Tells him to put a little grease on it.Ellen: Says she knows there's an "adorable" drinking game with him and her. She wondered why he chose that song since it was tough. She agrees it was mostly in tune but he walked like he was sneaking into a bedroom.Kara: Says it was Broadway at times and Vegas at times and took the soul out of it and made it uncommercial. She wonders why he's laughing.Simon: He says he's laughing because he knows it makes no difference what they say. He says it was like a mouse picking a fight with an elephant. He says it doesn't matter because the audience will send him through so good for him.Contestant #6: Andrew Garcia Usher could tell he was nervous at first and tells him to take the song seriously and connect. He says he made him love the song even more.Song: "Forever," Chris BrownPerformance: With his acoustic guitar Andrew is light and fluffy. He seems to relax as the song goes on. It's not exciting but it's pleasant.Randy: Says Andrew is back, he likes the outfit, he liked how he made the song work for him, his best performance in a long time.Ellen: Says he's finally back in a zone and she loves when he smiles.Kara: Calls it one giant leap in the right direction.Simon: Agrees that it was miles better than the last couple of weeks. He says as a person he comes over as very boring. He needs to start showing some personality.Andrew's mom comes over and hugs Simon.Contestant #7: Katie Stevens She actually met Usher at Epcot previously. He likes her energy and her voice but he wants to make sure she has a little pizazz and attitude and tells her to tell her story to one person in the audience. He thinks she'll score high if she can personalize her performance.Song: "Chain of Fools," Aretha FranklinPerformance: She starts off with a little head nod. The vocal is mostly good but her movements are oddly mannered.Randy: Says it was a little disconnected vocally but thought it was one of the best of the night. He tells her to own that she has a good set of pipes.Ellen: Thought the vocals were great also but she wished the song had been a little more current.Kara: Says she found where she belongs and calls it one of her best performances but agrees with Ellen on the young, commercial critique.Simon: He says Randy comparing her to Christina Aguilera is crazy. Randy says she has potential. Simon says he thought it was pretty good but robotic and cold. Kara says her vocals are getting better. Simon disagrees with Kara that she's a soul/pop singer. Kara disagrees. Simon says she should take his advice.Contestant #8: Lee DeWyze In stool chat Ryan asks how he's going to "create a moment." Lee says he will have that by showing what kind of artist he's going to be. In his Usher package he calls Lee's performance a special treat. He tells him he has an incredible voice but to own it. Lee admits that his own self-critique is holding him back.Song: "Treat Her Like a Lady," The Cornelius BrothersPerformance: Rocking his acoustic guitar and a slight smile, he makes the song work, really giving it his all and staying in key. The crowd digs him.Randy: Says it's unbelievable, the best he's heard him in weeks.Ellen: Calls it his best performance so far.Kara: Agrees saying it could be on his record and calls it amazing.Simon: Has always believed in him and says this is the night his life may have changed forever.Contestant #9: Crystal Bowersox Usher asks where her guitar is, she says she's changing it up. She won't share her secret. He tells her to play the piano and sing and that was her plan. She hasn't played in years. Usher thinks it's a perfect song for her but she needs to make the playing second nature.Song: "Midnight to Train to Georgia," Gladys Knight and the PipsPerformance: At the piano she starts off softly with her own trio of Pip-ettes. She starts off slow but hits a hot note right before the chorus. She gets up and grabs the microphone and stands center stage. She sounds great and slides up to a sweet note. She smiles nicely and says "I love you" to someone just offstage as the lights go down.Randy: Loves the outfit and thinks Gladys would say she did the song proud. He's working with Gladys now.Ellen: Thinks she's never not good and calls it wonderful.Kara: Is glad she took a risk and can't wait to see what she does next.Simon: Thought the choice was sensational and thought the vocals at moments were incredible. He does critique the backing trio being onstage and her overthinking the piano. He tells her she needs to stay doing what's comfortable. She promises she wouldn't do anything she wasn't comfortable with.Contestant #10: Aaron Kelly Usher thinks it was incredible but he wants him to make the "I know, I know" segment more personal and theatrical. Usher gives him a line reading.Song: "Ain't No Sunshine," Bill WithersPerformance: It's a bit wavery on the sustained notes on the low end at the beginning but he looks very assured. It has some real nice moments of unexpected notes.Randy: Says it started rough but it worked itself but thinks he has more soul flavor so it was just alright.Ellen: Thought it was a good song choice and a good job.Kara: Liked it, wasn't in love with it and thinks he could've displayed a higher register and more energy.Simon: Thought it was just okay and not as good as last week but there's no fear he's leaving the competition.Bottom three prediction: Tim, Didi, Katie
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Ten Results - March 31, 2010Performance: Ruben Studdard singing "Don't Make 'Em Like You No More" Looks like the "Velvet Teddy Bear" has lost a bit of his fur, slimming down quite a bit. The song is not much but he's still his charming old self. He reveals he's a vegan which is why he's lost so much weight. Ryan calls Big Mike over to compare the two side by side. Turns out Ruben and Clay Aiken are going on tour together.Ford Commercial: "Kung Fu Fighting." The gang, in kung fu gear, fight one another near non-fighter Casey's Ford.Results: Katie is in the bottom three so Lee, Casey, Aaron, and Siobhan are safe.Ryan chats with Justin Bieber in the crowd and says the Lennon/McCartney songbook will be next week's theme.Performance: "OMG," Usher featuring Will.I.Am. The song is mediocre but it's a typically athletic and fun Usher performance, although, ironically, his vocals are kind of shaky.Results #2: Didi and Tim are in the bottom three so Michael, Casey, Crystal and Andrew are safe.Bottom Three: To recap: Tim, Didi, KatieKatie is immediately sent to safety. (Just like she was last week).Performance: Diddy, two singers, and a whole truckload of dry ice and dancers perform "Hello, Good Morning"Singing for Survival: Didi, doing her praised rendition of "Rhiannon"Going Home: Didi, no save for her.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Nine Performance Show - April 6, 2010Theme: Lennon/McCartney Songbook We get a video package on the legendary men. Sir Paul McCartney pops up to say hello and wish the contestants good luck.Randy predicts big highs and lows. Ellen is a fan. Kara says the songs are as relevant today as ever. Simon says sometimes it's good to change up classics and sometimes not.Ryan tells us that the contestants will be describing each other tonight.Contestant #1: Aaron Kelly The contestants describe him as Yoda and use lots of Yoda-speak to do so.Song: "The Long and Winding Road"Performance: Aaron goes for a straight up reading and sounds pleasant and assured. He's not setting any fires but he acquits himself well.Randy: He liked his tone but didn't care for the sleepy arrangement and wanted him to change it up.Ellen: Thinks he's fantastic and it was a big song to take on and it felt like a long and winding song.Kara: Says when it comes together for him, it works, but for what he was trying to do he had to be great and it wasn't there yet. She'd like to see him do something more uptempo.Simon: Asks why he picked the song and arrangement. Aaron says it parallels his "Idol" journey and he didn't want to mess with the Beatles arrangement. Simon says it was very old-fashioned and boring. Simon gets some big boos. He tells him to take some risks.Contestant #2: Katie Stevens In stool chat Ryan says Katie's getting a lot of prom offers. She says she'll go with whoever's voted for her most. In her video, everyone likes Katie, she's energetic. She likes to do the "Single Ladies" dance.Song: "Let it Be"Performance: Katie takes the same mostly straight up road, changing a few notes here and there like Aaron did. She's dressed really cute but is, obviously, very solemn in her performance. She sounds nice in her upper register.Randy: Says it's her best performance ever and reaffirms that she has hot vocals.Ellen: Says it was a perfect example of changing it just enough to make it your own without disrespecting the song.Kara: Says she's blossoming both vocally and in her attitude, she likes her confidence given that she's been in the bottom three for two weeks in a row.Simon: Agrees that tonight she got it right and it's because she's leaning in the country direction that he's been saying. Randy and Kara completely disagree and they're right.Contestant #3: Andrew Garcia The contestants describe him as crazy and funny. They think it's weird that Simon says he has no personality since they think he's full of it.Song: "Can't Buy Me Love"Performance: Standing on the platform behind the judges he does it with a slightly rockier vibe with swing undertones. He sounds good and it's fine.Randy: Thinks it was a solid performance and an interesting arrangement.Ellen: Thought it was a perfect song choice and a lot of fun.Kara: Wants to love it but didn't see anything new this week and wants to see more, she liked the breakdown though.Simon: He does the wedding comparison. He thinks the band overpowered the arrangement and made it corny and irrelevant.Contestant #4: Michael Lynche The other contestants describe him as a loud snorer and hilarious and a big teddy bear.Song: "Eleanor Rigby"Performance: He starts it out slow singing in a falsetto, it feels very Luther Vandross. He does a little too much hand-fluttering but it's a groovy arrangement and a strong vocal.Randy: He's loving that Michael's reached a point that he's got license to do whatever he wants to do, he thinks he could record that one. He didn't think it all worked but loved the performance.Ellen: Thinks he can do anything and he can handle all his sides equally well. She loved it.Kara: She thought it was fire and the vocals were amazing and that it was really dramatic. She agrees he may have done some crazy stuff but he was committed to it and he made it relevant to today.Simon: He didn't love it as much but felt like it was something you'd hear in a musical. He disagrees that he made it contemporary. He thought it was too over-the-top.Randy brings it back to "Glee." Kara and Simon bicker a bit.Contestant #5: Crystal Bowersox The contestants describe her as "Mama Sox," funny, goofy, a beautiful mom to her kid and the other contestants. She says her only strategy has been to stay true to herself.Song: "Come Together"Performance: She makes it a little funkier and inexplicably has someone playing a didgeridoo. She seems distracted by her guitar a bit but she sounds typically good.Randy: Calls it another solid performance, not her best but that it got hot at the end. He didn't get the didgeridoo.Ellen: Loved the didgeridoo. She says her only problem is finding a new way to tell her how great she is. She thinks she made it current and could hear it on her album.Kara: Calls it one of her favorite performances. She liked that it had a slinky, Bonnie Raitt feel and she liked that she was more accessible, not so serious as she usually is.Simon: He thinks that's a song he could picture hearing on the radio. He thought the didgeridoo was quirky but contemporary. They bring the player out and chat with him a bit.Contestant #6: Tim Urban The contestants admire him for his easy smile. Crystal calls him good looking.Song: "All My Loving"Performance: He starts off slowly in an almost Ricky Nelson place strumming an electric guitar. The song picks up and jaunts along. In fully kicks in on the chorus and stays true to the arrangement essentially from there. He switches up a few notes and sounds just fine. It's cute. Very teen heartthrobby.Randy: Thought it was a much better performance than the last couple of weeks and the Beatle haircut.Ellen: Thinks it was perfect choice and his second-best performance after "Hallelujah."Kara: Likes that he took some of their criticisms and worked them in and tells him he did a good job and he can smile.Simon: Thinks he did really well without gimmicks and he liked the arrangement. And he likes that he takes the criticism like a man. He says he's proud of the way he's handled himself.David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel of "Bones" are in the audience.Contestant #7: Casey James The other contestants poke fun at him for being like a soap opera star and his big laugh.Song: "Jealous Guy" (Lennon Solo)Performance: He starts solo acoustic, soft and contemplative. A cello joins in. He gives it a bluesy-Southern tinge that really works. He also seems really into it. Really nice stuff. Quiet but captivating.Randy: Loved that he switched to acoustic and the sensitive vibe and he loved that he set himself apart. He really felt it.Ellen: Agrees that it felt like it was about somebody specific and thinks it was his best performance to date. She felt it emotionally and calls it beautiful.Kara: Liked that he showed a vulnerability to himself and a tastefulness to his playing. Liked that she pushed himself and that he could do it even more.Simon: Thinks it was the best performance of the night so far and it's showing a huge growth from last week. He's very impressed with him tonight.Contestant #8: Siobhan Magnus The rest of the gang describes her as amazing, weird, interesting, unique, and true to herself.Song: "Across the Universe"Performance: Seated on a stool she starts it as a tender piano ballad. She sounds strong vocally, well-controlled but it's kind of snoozy, with a lullaby feel. She hits one high note sweetly and lightly, a nice change.Randy: Calls her wild and unpredictable and although it was a bit sleepy he liked the tender side but she showed nice control.Ellen: Supports those who march to the beat of their own drum and calls her talented and special and thought it was beautiful.Kara: From a purely singing perspective she says she hit the notes and thought it was maybe too polite for her to process. She does feel like she connected with it personally though and thought that was good.Simon: Asks where she connected with it personally and she gets teary talking about her sisters. Thought she came back much stronger this week. The heckler gets a shout out from Simon and comes onstage and gets to hug Siobhan.Contestant #9: Lee DeWyze The other contenders call him a worrywart, even when the judges say he's great. Lee and Andrew are having a bromance.Song: "Hey Jude"Performance: Accompanying himself on acoustic for the open he sounds pretty good, if pushing it a little hard. The band comes in and it plods along. He gets right to the "na-na-na-na's" and a bagpiper emerges. It is odd but his outro ad-libs actually sound pretty great.Randy: Tells him not to be nervous and it was another hot one and tells him to believe.Ellen: Likes that he was more confident and that he was smiling more. Loved it.Kara: Some there were some good moments and some off moments but likes his tone.Simon: Thinks the bagpipe player was a bad idea. He thought he was doing great and then the bagpipe player seemed to wander in from somewhere else.Lee wanted the bagpipe player because "why not?"
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Nine Results - April 7, 2010Ryan says there are shocking results coming tonight.Group Sing: A lip-synch of a Lennon/McCartney Medley including "Here, There and Everywhere," "Got To Get You Into My Life," "Fool On The Hill," "All You Need is Love," "She Loves You," andFord Commercial: "Will it Go Round in Circles," Billy Preston. It's a kaleidoscope theme.Results #1: It's top nine week so that means it's time for the three mini-dramas. The first finds Katie, Siobhan, and Crystal taking center stage only to be told they're all safe.Performance: Jason DeRulo, "Whatcha Say" and "In My Head" His elaborate song-and-dance gets kudos from mentor Kara and and impressed Simon.Ryan tells us Adam Lambert will be next week's mentor but says of the theme only that it's "very special."Performance: David Archuleta, "Imagine" He sounds great but does the weird abridged version that omits the "no religion too" verse.Results #2: Now it's two groups time with the six guys. In one group Lee, Casey, and Tim and the other Mike, Aaron and Andrew. The former group is safe, the latter group is the bottom three.Bottom Three: Aaron, Andrew, and Michael. Ryan sends Aaron immediately to safety.Performance: Rihanna, "Rock Star 101"Ryan says Andrew to safety.Singing for Survival: Michael reprises his version of "This Woman's Work"Going Home:Nobody, the judges exercise their save option and Big Mike gets to sing another week.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Nine Performance - Take Two - April 13, 2010Theme: Elvis Presley. The gang took a field trip to see the Presley Cirque du Soleil show and hung out with...Mentor: Adam Lambert. He says his mission is to be completely honest but constructive. He tells Ryan that his main advice was to up the energy. He compliments them all vocally.In the audience: The cast of "Glee"Contestant #1: Crystal BowersoxSong:"Saved." Adam loves her voice and it's authenticity. He counsels her to rock an electric guitar.Performance: She takes his advice and gives maybe her liveliest performance to date. Maybe not a showstopper vocally but a lot of fun and well done.Randy: He loved it, thought it was dope, calls her the second coming of Bonnie Raitt.Ellen: Calls it fantastic.Kara: Another solid performance, loves the uptempo and the switch-up with the arrangement tempo-wise.Simon: Calls it a lyric he can relate to and he loves that she didn't choose an obvious song and put her own slant on it and didn't fall into the karaoke trap.Contestant #2: Andrew Garcia In Ryan stool chat Andrew says Mike's "sing for your life" performance encouraged him. In his package Adam tells Andrew that he was bored by his performance. Adam tells him to step it up.Song: "Hound Dog"Performance: He gives it a sort of swinging Latin vibe but keeps it pretty midtempo. He takes a walk with the microphone to the platform behind the judges. It's okay but there's not much nuance to it.Randy: Says it was bad karaoke, he didn't like it at all.Ellen: Wishes he had put more swagger into it but thought that he pulled it off.Kara: Says he needed to own it and he didn't and she used his microphone as a crutch. She wanted more swagger as well.Simon: Thought it was lazy and unpredictable, and thought it was the worst performance in a musical and all of coolness has been sucked out.Contestant #3: Tim Urban Adam thinks Tim did a lovely job in his rehearsal and played guitar well. He advises him to take the end up into his falsetto for some vulnerability.Song: "I Can't Help Falling in Love"Performance: Seated on a platform behind the judges, Tim accompanies himself on acoustic on a very simple and, honestly nice, performance. There are a couple of little rough notes but really, probably his best, most straightforward performance yet.Randy: He liked it.Ellen: Really enjoyed it and thought it was beautiful.Kara: Her favorite Tim performance ever: authentic, current, and meaningful.Simon: Tells him he has managed to go from zero to hero in two weeks. Congratulates him on his growth.Contestant #4: Lee Dewyze Thinks Lee is great but says there's nothing go on with his face and tells him to smile and be playful and to "perform" reminding him he's not in the guitar studio.Song: "A Little Less Conversation"Performance: Playing his acoustic guitar Lee starts at eleven vocally and doesn't have really have anywhere to go. He sounds really strong but there's not a ton of shifting dynamics.Randy: Thinks Lee is in the zone, calls it great and amazing.Ellen: Thinks he made it current and likes that he's engaging more with the audience.Kara: Is impressed that he "went for it" vocally but she wished that he had been less serious and more playful.Simon: Simon asks what she means by playful. She says looser. He says it was on the money full stop.Contestant #5: Aaron Kelly Adam says he had underestimated Aaron and says he really likes his voice. He counsels him to be more energetic and to use his growl a bit more. Adam thinks Aaron doesn't believe in himself more. Aaron admits that he thinks the song might be wrong "in every possible way."Song: "Blue Suede Shoes"Performance: He seems nervous but sounds fine. It is sort of high school talent show-esque. He breaks it down at the end and gets a little bluesy and it sounds better and feels stronger.Randy: Thought it started weird but loved the bluesy half-time part.Ellen: Thought it was a big song to take on and thinks he didn't get all the way there but he did a good job.Kara: Says he's out of his comfort zone and she liked it and made him seem younger.Simon: Completely disagrees and says it seemed old-fashioned and telepathically agrees with my high school talent show vibe.Contestant #6: Siobhan Magnus In Ryan stool chat she confesses she wrote a sixth grade report on Elvis. In her video package Adam compliments her pipes but says her first pass is too sleepy and to add some tempo and fire to her next try. She calls it an honor to be compared to him. He respects that she likes to be different.Song: "Suspicious Minds"Performance: She starts off gentle and sweet and oddly affected, but strong vocally. At the end she breaks it down and starts going for a few of those big notes. Some work better than others. It's an odd performance. Most of the vocal is fine but it's oddly earnest and disjointed. She absolutely nails the last few notes though.Randy: Thinks the girl can sing but liked the second half of the song better than the first.Ellen: Says she looks fabulous and she agrees the second half was better.Kara: Goes further saying Siobhan has two voices and that she's confused and she likes the second voice better also. She wasn't crazy about it.Simon: Says it was like she was put into a time machine and that she was a completely different person. He thought the first part was terrible and some of the big notes were not accurate. He says she was erratic and screechy, not one of her best performances.Siobhan responds that even she can't always pinpoint who she is all the time and she's taken pride in the fact that she's not one kind of singer.Ryan makes a Dunkelman joke!Contestant #7: Michael Lynche Siobhan recommended his song. Adam thinks he should pick it up a little and bring the actor out. Michael is resistant to that since Simon commented negatively on that. Adam thinks he deserves to get right down to the end.Song: "In the Ghetto"Performance: He goes the straightforward, simple route as well accompanying himself on acoustic with a little assist from the pianist. A little quiet but nicely done.Randy: Calls it a little sleepy but hot vocally.Ellen: She says she's glad they saved him.Kara: Calls it a beautiful song and sung well.Simon: Calls it a million billion percent better than last week and one of his favorite performances.Contestant #8: Katie Stevens Katie told Adam she wanted to channel her frustration into her song. So he advises her to go with that. She says she's got the pipes and the look now she has to make us believe it.Song: "Baby What Do You Want Me To Do"Performance: She's doing the unfortunate neck snap thing again. She sounds okay, but there are more than a couple tough spots which is contradicting her confident attitude.Randy: Said it was nice vocally and entertaining.Ellen: Liked it and calls it horny because of the horn section.Kara: Says she showed them.Simon: Calls it loud and annoying. Didn't like the song.Contestant #9: Casey James Adam tells him to build more of an arc into the song and give it more of a climax.Song: "Lawdy Miss Clawdy"Performance: He starts out acoustic and then the band kicks in with a little funk. It's a more typical Casey bar band blues performance but he sounds great and is engaging.Randy: Thinks he's in the zone, another solid performance.Ellen: Wasn't as exciting as he's been and says he's still great.Kara: Says he's capable of brilliance and wants to see that next week.Simon: Calls it a wasted opportunity given that it was Elvis week and the song was forgettable but that the vocal was good.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Seven Performance Show - April 20, 2010Theme: Inspirational SongsMentor: Alicia KeysIn the audience: Paige Miles, Lacey Brown, and Didi Benami; Capt. "Sully" SullenbergWe get a video package on Keys' career and philanthropic efforts.Contestant #1: Casey JamesSong: "Don't Stop," Fleetwood Mac. Keys encourages him to "connect" and boost his personality with it since it's so popular.Performance: He decides that personality means smiling alot. He sounds fine, spirited, gritty, and pulls off a little fiery solo but it doesn't take this overplayed song to a new place.Randy: Calls it good but not his best, he wants him to step out of his comfort zone.Ellen: Compliments his guitar playing but doesn't think he was great.Kara: Wants to see what makes him different.Simon: Can't believe he chose that song for inspirational week and thought there was no originality to it.Contestant #2: Lee DewyzeSong: "The Boxer," Simon and Garfunkel. In stool chat with Ryan he says nice stuff about ousted buddy Andrew Garcia. He picked his song because it inspired him as a young man to play guitar. Keys has him speak the words and convinces him that he is like the fighter in the song.Performance: Equipped with his acoustic guitar he slows it down and monkeys with the beginning of the song melody-wise. A piano and a string section chime in. He's voice is pretty passionate but the arrangement is a snooze.Randy: Thinks it's very nice and he's going to have a big career.Ellen: Loved the choice and seeing his soul and depth.Kara: Calls this his "moment" and says he was clearly connected and it took him to another level.Simon: He calls it the best of the night because it was sincere, emotional, and inspirational. Thinks he makes it current. Calls it brilliant.Contestant #3: Tim UrbanSong: "Better Days," Goo Goo Dolls. She wants him to let people feel inspired by the lyrics and thinks it feels really good.Performance: The beginning is a little breathy and weakly supported. He is also armed with his acoustic and a string section. This is his worst performance pitch-wise in awhile, he seems to be missing every third note just a shade. It gets a little better as it progresses but it's not very dynamic.Randy: Thought it was just okay/good karaoke.Ellen: Says he's like the soup of the day and today she didn't like the soup.Kara: Thinks he's found his lane and at times sounds commercial but this wasn't the bestSimon: Says if it was the first time they might've been impressed but that this may have been a step too high and a little bit of a letdown.Contestant #4: Aaron KellySong: "I Believe I Can Fly," R. Kelly (no relation). Keys says he has a challenge on his hands since the song can seem like overkill. She says it needs to feel deep and passionate and pure.Performance: Aaron also enjoys the help of the string section. He sounds fine, a few pitch and breath issues, but he's not flying.Randy: Says he picked a giant song and the arrangement was funny but he has pure vocal talent and did a good job.Ellen: She thinks he's on his way with his big voice.Kara: She says it was like taking off, rough at the beginning but he got aloft by the end.Simon: Says they need to judge it in two parts: they like him and he tried hard but in the real world it wouldn't be good for the radio.Contestant #5: Siobhan MagnusSong: "When You Believe," Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. Alicia tells her to milk her high money note. She says she's very impressed with her voice.Performance: Her hair and outfit are a little distracting but her vocals sound good, if a little fragile in the low spots. She hits the modulation nicely and never overdoes it with the screaming, keeping the high notes tender and understated.Randy: Says she picked the toughest song of the night and says it was just okay for him.Ellen: Says it was more confirmation of why she was here.Kara: Says it may have been very well sung technically but her problem with it was that it's not a musical and it was very dramatic and says listening to her responses week to week she's starting to feel like she'd rather hang out with her than buy her record because she still doesn't know who she is.Simon: Agrees with Randy saying it was the wrong song and that the arrangement was very old-fashioned, too much happened too quickly, and her outfit was distracting. He says the whole thing was a bit odd.Seacrest asks her if she knew it was tough. She says she was just happy to have a chance to sing a song that inspires her and she knows no one compares to Mariah and Whitney.Contestant #6: Michael LyncheSong: "Hero," Chad Kroeger featuring Josey Scott. Tells Ryan that he thinks the song speaks to all of us. Alicia likes that he's going out of his comfort zone but she wants him to take people on a ride.Performance: Armed with his acoustic guitar, he starts off solo and tender. The band and strings jump in for the anthemic chorus. Another song without a lot of melodic range. Michael works it but the song feels like it's running along one very small incline not an anthemic upshot.Randy: Was worried about a band song on a solo singer but thinks he worked it out.Ellen: Thought he did a great job.Kara: Says it wasn't her favorite performance, he didn't cut through, and it was all over the place.Simon: Thinks he sang it really well but was bothered that the song was from the "Spider-Man" soundtrack and says it didn't quite jell for him.Contestant #7: Crystal BowersoxSong: "People Get Ready," Jimmy Cliff. Crystal says she picked the song because she's very grateful for everything in her life right now. Keys to tell her to focus on the emotion and she thinks people are going to love the performance.Performance: With no instrument she starts a cappella. The band comes in and it's very understated arrangement which she ratchets up with her vocals and her emotions.Randy: Says that is how you do it and gives her a standing O.Ellen: Says she's never looked more beautiful and loves her evolution.Kara: Thanks her for taking a risk and says she just schooled all the contestants.Simon: Says, that was inspirational and is happy to see her emotional since she had seemed closed off. Says it was in a completely different class from everything else.She was emotional because her dad was in the crowd for the first time.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Idol Gives Back/Top Seven Results" - April 21, 2010The show kicks off with a taped message from the President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle thanking "Idol" and its viewers for raising money for charity.Ryan introduces the judges and thanks the sponsors. He says hello to Queen Latifah who is anchoring the show taking place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.Group Sing: The entire top 12, all in white, reassembles for "Keeping the Dream Alive."Video Package: Jennifer Garner travels to a poverty-stricken area of the Appalachian mountains in Kentucky for "Save the Children." She visits a family of six who live in an unheated two room trailer.Joining Ryan onstage is Victoria Beckham and two young kids Brianna and Roy. She talks about the area she visited in Kentucky also and the kids who benefit from "Save the Children." The kids talk about how the program has helped improve their lives.We get a taped message from Capt. "Sully" Sullenberger.Jonah Hill and Russell Brand come to do a bit about celebrities being recruited for a phone bank, but none of them came.Performance: The Black Eyed Peas perform "Rock That Body"In the Civic Auditorium audience: Common; Todd Bridges;Video Package: Ryan goes to Kenya to highlight malaria issues, where we learn the story of one expectant mother who was brought to a hospital too late to be saved.Results #1: George Lopez comes in to "host" the results. He does some jokes. He has all the contestants stand up and then tells them to sit and relax because it's time to judge the judges. He "roasts" the judges. He tells Randy to stop calling people pitchy and to formulate his own thoughts but says he's safe because he's the only "brother" on the show. He goofs on Kara's expectations but says she's safe because she was good on his show. He goofs on Ellen being so nice and says she's safe. He goofs on Simon calling things rubbish and wearing tight T-shirts. He says America has voted to send him back to England but thanks to the volcanic ash he's safe after allFord Commercial: "We've Got a Big Mess on Our Hands." The gang is working a street and they get those "Matrix"-y stop time effects.Real Results #1: He brings Crystal and Casey center stage. Crystal is safe and Casey is in the bottom three. Next up is Aaron and Lee. Lee is safe and Aaron is in the bottom three.Performance: "I Put a Spell on You," Jeff Beck and Joss Stone, backed by the Jubilation Gospel ChoirVideo Package: David Duchovny, Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas, Chris Rock, Jane Lynch ("Sue Sylvester" from "Glee"), Josh Groban, and Justin Bieber talk about the last thing their mother gave them as an intro to video of Kara talking about children orphaned by mothers dying during childbirth.We get a taped message of thanks from Ban-Ki Moon, the Secretary-General of the U.N.Live, in person Morgan Freeman, who gets a lot of applause, talks about growing up in Mississippi and getting a great education. His wish is for that to happen for other kids. This intros a...Video Package: With Randy talking about the rough ride that poverty-stricken kids have in Mississippi and how Save the Children is helping. Morgan came down to help out and spread the word about literacy. They visit a family and school who really need help alongside the Surgeon General.Performance: This week's mentor Alicia Keys performs "Unthinkable" and "Empire State of Mind Pt. 2"Back to Jonah and Russell and their lack of celebrity friends. Now they've got impersonators answering the phones. They actually do have Slash and Tatiana Del Toro and Octomom. Jim Carrey shows up, sees the motley crew and runs away.Performance: "Change," Carrie Underwood. She tells Latifah that she will be donating 36 cents from each ticket on the fall leg of her tour to Save the Children. (The song references how 36 cents can change the world)Video Package: Ellen and David Arquette visit a community center in Monrovia that works with Feeding America. They met a family who have benefited from the food bank.Video Package: Ryan sits down with Bill and Melinda Gates to talk about their foundation and global health careWanda Sykes shows up and does some shtick about being a big fan and the silly sing out/video journey of the eliminated contestants.Results #2:Siobhan, Mike, and Tim come center stage. Tim is in the bottom three, the other two are safe.Bottom Three: Tim, Aaron, and CaseyVideo Package: David Cook appears live in person to intro his package about his trip to Ethiopia for the U.N. Foundation which tries to help women succeed and avoid a life in the sex trade or domestic servitude.Video Package Annie Lennox presents the story of a fragile young African girl with full-blown AIDS.Latifah tells us that scheduled performer Annie is stranded in London because of the volcanic ash but we get an update on the same little girl who Annie visits after her drug therapy. She looks amazing and healthy. We then get Annie singing on video.Performance: "Stairway to Heaven," Mary J. Blige and her all-star band featuring Orianthi, Steve Vai, Randy Jackson, Travis Barker, and Ron Fair. (Apparently, it was recorded as a bonus track for MJB's latest album "Stronger With Each Tear").Video Package: Simon travels to Douglas, Arizona for the Children's Health Fund. He tells us about pediatrician Dr. John who is able to help patients in part thanks to previous "Idol Gives Back" fundraising.Simon tells Ryan live onstage that since the show started they've raised $15 million.Latifah asks Sir Elton John about his longstanding philanthropic contributions to the issue of HIV/AIDS. (He established a foundation in 1992). He urges people to get tested and to help others.Performance: "Your Song," Sir Elton JohnRyan tells us that next week's theme will be Shania Twain songs and she will be the mentor.Casey and Aaron are safe.Going Home: Tim Urban
Hide description ▲

Ryan starts off the night reporting that last week's Idol Gives Back raised over $45 million dollars. (To celebrate, he appears to have worn an extra-shiny suit.)Tonight is the music of Shania Twain, who is of course, in the audience. We re-meet Shania with a look back through her 15 year career as the biggest crossover country-pop artist. Her third album "Come on Over," with 34 million copies, is the best selling album ever by a woman in any genre.We revisit her guest judging in Chicago and see some mentoring clips. Ryan pulls her out of the audience and says she thought it might be hard for the guys to sing a girl's songs, but they did great.Roll mentoring. She starts with Lee, who she saw in Chicago. He's singing "You're Still the One." She advises him to lose the guitar, but he takes the stage with it.Randy Jackson calls it one of his favorite songs of all time and says Lee found it a way to make it his own half-way through. Ellen thinks every song sounds like his own and he "couldn't look cuter." Kara thinks his voice makes every song sound relevant. Simon calls it "the perfect song" from Shania but says he was making weird faces. The music cuts Simon off and he barks at Kara for interrupting him. Same old shtick.Ryan mentions the American Idols Live tour will go on sale May 14.We see Mike sing "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing." She advises him to try to feel it. He sings the heart broken ballad.Randy thinks the balladeer suits him. Ellen compares him to Luther Vandross and felt his emotions. Kara commends him for seeming connected to the songs when he sings and says he changed the song just enough. Simon seconds the Luther comparison, but calls the performance "wet." The other judges ask what the heck he means. "It was a little bit girly for you," he says.Shania says he got her choked up and calls for make-up.Casey James is up next and sits down with Ryan. Ryan reminds him of Simon calling him "lazy" and Casey promises to switch it up.In the mentoring, Shania thinks he's lacking inner confidence. He's singing "Don't." He says he's more excited about this performance than any. "It's a 'singing song', I don't think I've sang yet."He performs with his guitar (and his lustrous hair).Randy calls it one of his best performances. Ellen thought it really suited him and was his best. Kara commends him for being vulnerable and raw. Simon thinks last week was a good wake-up call for Casey and this was his best performance so far and suggests he give Shania a kiss. (They hug.)Crystal sits down with Ryan. She mentions Shania's constant glow and calls her "super sweet."Crystal's singing "No One Needs to Know." Shania suggests she sing a big happier. Crystal says it's a song for her boyfriend. "He'll man up one of these days," she giggles. (The song is about a woman singing to her boyfriend to hurry up and propose.)She performs with the band and the audience claps along.Randy liked the acoustic version and commends her for doing a country version of Shania's country song. Ellen says again there's nothing she can't do, but it wasn't her favorite ("but that's like saying what's your favorite color of the rainbow?") Kara echoes their comments and Crystal notes that it just wasn't as big a performance and bigger isn't always better. Simon stops chuckling long enough to call it "limp" and compares it to a coffee shop band performance. He says it lacked conviction and calls it forgettable, but says he still likes her.As for the lack of conviction: they zoom in on Crystal's boyfriend in the audience.On to Aaron, who's singing "You Got Away." Shania thinks he sounds preoccupied and tells him to sing with conviction.He performs.Randy says he was in his wheelhouse and Ellen says this is going to be a tough elimination week. Kara totally agrees and says he really felt it (and changed a line from "when we make love," which is good since he says he was singing to his mom). Simon, on the other hand, thinks he struggled the last two weeks but tonight he was like a different artist.Siobhan is last and is singing "Any Man of Mine." Shania urges her to put some attitude into the lyrics.She sings.Randy loved it. Ellen gets pun-y saying: "Way to pull the Shania Twain into the station." Simon liked it, but didn't love the screaming at the end.Then it's recap time and Ryan tells us tomorrow Shakira will drop by. The end.
Hide description ▲

Ryan welcomes us, saying 33 million votes were cast last night. Shakira, Rascal Flatts and Lady Antebellum will be performing.First up, Rascal Flatts, singing "Unstoppable."Ryan mentions it's the band's third time on the show and teases us for Shakira.Then it's time for the Ford music video, called "Idol Vampire." We see behind the scenes, where five are made up and Mike prepares to get eaten. With pale skin and weird contacts, they stalk Mike in his Mustang at night. He fends them off with a pizza with extra garlic, clever boy, as they sing "Believe."Ryan tells us about the weekend trip to the studio for "Shrek Forever After," in which he has a part. They practice voicing his scene. Mike does Scottish Shrek sounding more like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Siobhan sounds like Yoda. Then they get to see the movie with Ryan, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas and 250 screaming fans.Mike is sure to say Ryan's three lines were the highlight of the movie. Back in the theater, Antonio Banderas and Cameron Diaz are there to talk up the movie, which they swear is the final Shrek.Then it's finally time for some news. There will be three groups of two on the stage. Ryan recaps Siobhan's comments, which were generally positive. She says singing in front of Shania was intimidating but an honor. Ryan sends her to the far side of the stage.Then Aaron, who was called "believable" and "sincere." He's sent to the middle of the stage.Big Mike was lauded for putting his mark on the song, but Simon called it a little "wet" and girly. Ryan asks Simon to explain. "Imagine you singing," Simon tells Ryan. (It doesn't sound like a compliment.) He stays next to Ryan.Lee says he connected with "You're Still the One I Want." Ryan sends him to stand with Siobhan.Casey sang "Don't," and the judges thought it was his best performance to date. Kara says she's a big believer in him, and not just because he's good looking. He's sent to stand with Mike.Which leaves Crystal, who got her her first not-rave reviews. Ellen doesn't think it'll hurt her, "America's not that fickle." She tells Crystal she doesn't think she's in trouble. She goes to stand with Aaron.Then it's time for musical spotlights. Ryan moves Siobhan to stand with Casey and Mike. They are the bottom three.Aaron, Lee and Crystal are safe.Hugs are exchanged.Ryan tells us Harry Connick Jr. will be mentoring next week with the songs of Frank Sinatra.Ryan welcomes Carrie Underwood to introduce the band she's touring with, Sons of Sylvia performing "Love Left to Lose."Then it's Lady Antebellum with their triple platinum hit "Need You Now."After the break, it's time for Shakira with Rascal Flatts singing "Gypsy." (She starts with harmonica and of course shakes her hips a little.)Ryan asks Shakira what advice she has for the contestants. She says she's quoting Roosevelt and says "Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground." (Ryan helps her out, pointing out it's actually Casey Kasem.)Mike tells Ryan that tonight's "there's no shame" in the bottom three because everyone did well last night. Ryan gives his usual pause and announces that Mike is safe.Which leaves Casey and Siobhan. The person going home is... Siobhan.Ryan says she has "an independent spirit, laser focus and an incredible work ethic." The other contestants stand and clap for her. Ryan asks her what impact being on the show has had. "I did my best and I hope I showed them (her sisters) we're capable of anything." We see her trip, including glass blowing and Alicia Keyes saying she's impressed with her voice. She says good bye and performs "Think."
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Five Performance Show - May 4, 2010Theme:Frank SinatraMentor:Harry Connick, Jr. We get video packages on both Frank and Harry and the art of interpretation. Harry is not only serving as mentor but he's also writing the arrangements and playing live with the band behind them.In the audience: Anthony Hopkins; Rob Reiner; Nancy and Tina Sinatra (who give Simon, a big Sinatra fan, one of their dad's handkerchiefs);Contestant #1: Aaron Kelly Harry jokes with him and and Aaron sits at the piano and Harry works with him on specific notes and harmonic chords. Harry likes him.Song: "Fly Me to the Moon"Performance: He starts slow with just piano and voice. It's a little shaky in spots. The tempo picks up, he looks a little lost or disconnected. The arrangement swings but he doesn't. He hits some good notes, some bad ones, and some just adequate ones.Randy: Was worried about him and thinks he did a really good job.Ellen: Ellen agrees calling it beautiful.Kara: Thought it was good but not as strong as last week. Wants him to have more charisma.Simon: Says Frank was the king of cool and he calls Aaron a mouse. It didn't have enough conviction for him. Gives him credit for effort though.Contestant #2: Casey James In Ryan stool chat Harry jokes with Casey and tells him not to screw it up. Casey jokes that a friend of his who doesn't watch TV called him last week and asked if he was interesting in playing a gig for 50 bucks and a free meal. Casey said he was a little busy.Casey's a big HC,Jr. fan. They joked alot during rehearsal. Harry sometimes it's not about the lyrics but the groove and that's what Casey's going for and he's pulling for him.Song: "Blue Skies"Performance: With his hair pulled back the song starts off in a slow, bluesy Ray Charles place. It moves up to an ambling pace and Casey is sharp a lot. This may be his most shaky performance pitch-wise of the whole show. The performance has very little arc or range to it.The crowd seems to love it though.Randy: Says it was his worst performance and pitchy.Ellen: Says it felt very stiff and not cool or easy.Kara: Criticizes his out of control vibrato and said he had no control.Simon: Says he wasn't fantastic and came over a bit embarrassed and uncomfortable.Harry says he killed it in rehearsal.Contestant #3: Crystal Bowersox Says she picked the song for personal reasons which she doesn't share with Harry but he likes that it's personal. He says there's nothing he needs to tell her. He wants to figure out what it means to her.Song: "Summer Wind"Performance: With her hair done up and wearing a slinky gown she looks great. She eases into a softer, jazzy place nicely. It's a little wedding singer-esque but she sounds good, especially one beauty note. It was a bit uncomfy but she made it work for her.Randy: Isn't sure she did anything different with it and it was okay but a little sleepy for him.Ellen: At first she was nervous that she was swallowing her words but she thought it got better and wished it had been a little snappier but thought it was impressive.Kara: It was out of her element but she liked it and she liked her phrasing.Simon: Loved the song but thought it was a bad choice. Thought the first half was too jazzy but the second half was better. He thinks she's now had two just okay weeks and next week she needs to nail it.She comes back that she doesn't feel that she needs to hit big notes just because she's on "American Idol" and that it's a sweet love song.Contestant #4: Michael Lynche In Ryan stool chat he talks about singing with a 12-piece band so it helped this week. Harry tells him to think about his girl when he's singingSong: "The Way You Look Tonight"Performance: Like everybody else he starts out slow, this time just with the strings. The band kicks in and he's got the cool down and he's hitting his notes too. So far it's the best performance of the night in terms of effortlessness.Randy: Is psyched and says this is what he's talking about.Ellen: Says he has the most comfort onstage and it really showed and thought it was smooth and charismatic.Kara: Loved that he took us on a journey but kept himself in the song.Simon: Says he knows it's been a lot of pressure and that he brought the show back on track and he liked how everything and everybody on stage worked together.Contestant #: Lee Dewyze Harry likes him a lot and says his wife thinks he's cute. He thinks he looks like a younger version of himself. Lee likes Harry too, he thinks he's funny. Harry tells him to give a "half hour" to certain words to make the audience know the lyrics and that he knows and has lived him.Song: "That's Life"Performance: Harry gets down on organ while Lee lays it down on a stool. He's got some good notes but he's still got a bit of fear in his eyes, he's not owning the swagger. It gets better as it goes along. Harry gives him a congratulatory hug at the end.Randy: Loved that he stayed himself and loved the performance.Ellen: She says if this was the last night of performances he would've won the whole thing.Kara: Asks him if he thinks he can win. He says yes. She tells him to really believe it because that's the confidence he needs.Simon: Says Harry managed to bring out his personality and confidence, he liked that he gave 110 percent and says it was by far the best performance.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Five Results - May 5, 2010Group Sing: Frank Sinatra medley including "The Lady is a Tramp," "A Very Good Year," "I've Got the World on a String"Ryan announces next week's theme will be "Songs of the Cinema" and the mentor will be Jamie Foxx.Ford Commercial{/b] "1, 2, 3, 4," Plain White T's It's an outdoor cafe scene where Crystal thinks Lee is flirting with her but really it's the car.[b]Video Package: We get a look behind the scenes on performance day, from breakfast to dress rehearsal.Results #1: Lee is safePerformance: "Alejandro," Lady Gaga She starts with a little of "Bad Romance" before launching into the newer tune. There are lots of dancers, dry ice, dramatic violins, a lacy peekaboo outfit and thumpy dance beats.Video Package: We get outtakes of the kids working with Harry. I am a huge fan of him calling the judges out on using the non-word pitchy.Performance: "And I Love Her," Harry Connick, Jr. (covering the Beatles and showing how it should be done)Performance: A Harry Connick, Jr. medley by the Top Five on which Harry accompanies them.Harry tells the story about meeting Frank Sinatra for the first time at Frank's 75th birthday party.Results #2: Crystal and Casey are in one group, Big Mike and Aaron in another. Ryan tries to get Lee to choose which group is safe and which group the bottom two. Crystal and Casey are safe.Bottom Two: Michael and AaronGoing Home: Aaron
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Four Performance - May 11, 2010Theme: Songs from the moviesMentor: Jamie FoxxIn the audience: Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel;Video Package: A look at Jamie Foxx. He's in the audience with shirts that say "contestant" and "artist" and says he told them he challenged them to rise above and he'd award the proper shirt.Contestant #1: Lee Dewyze He gets in his face like he did with Danny Gokey and tells him to take it from inside to outside. Jamie gives him an artist shirt.Song: "Kiss From a Rose," Seal ("Batman")Performance: There are some pitch problems, some presence issues, and a strong karaoke vibe but it's fine in general.Randy: He thinks it was just okay, he did nothing with it and it's pitchy in spot. He calls it a bad choice.Ellen: Agrees he could've done more but says he's so good.Kara: Says he had a great week last week and that the song was too wide in range and he was buried by the arrangement.Simon: Agrees with Randy that he didn't choose a brilliant song and that it was verging on karaoke. He says it's "contestant" t-shirt for sure.Contestant #2: Michael Lynche In Ryan stool chat he asks about the pressure. Michael says you have the pressure of your family and city wanting you get into the top 3 so you can bring it home. That was also his personal goal. In his video package Jamie detects some self-esteem issues. They dance and shadowbox. He tries to give him a contestant shirt but Michael says he's coming back for the artist shirt.Song: "Will You Be There," Michael Jackson ("Free Willy")Performance: He starts low and it's a shade shaky but he quickly gets up into a higher register. A quintet of backing vocalists serve as a choir. It's fine, heartfelt, but not particularly interesting.Randy: He didn't love it and wished he'd chosen an R&B song and said it was just alright.Ellen: Says the choir was helpful and powerful and says it was weird that his goal is to be top 3. She thinks it was a little predictable.Kara: Says she thought about previous performances that gave her goosebumps and she says he played it safe.Simon: Asks what "Free Willy" is about and when he learns he's still confused. He thinks he should've chosen a better song. He says at least he gave a good effort and he kind of felt that he meant it.Duet #1: Crystal and Lee "Falling Slowly," Glenn Hansard and Marketa Irglova (aka Swell Season) ("Once") Wow, really, really nice. Committed, in tune, passionate. This will put them both in good stead for next week.Randy: That's what he's talking about.Ellen: Thought it was great.Kara: One of her favorite moments of the entire season.Simon: Calls it fantasticCrystal says Lee is her "musical" crush.Contestant #3: Casey James Jamie tells him to seduce him, or eventually look past him and get into the moment. Jamie gives him an artist shirt.Song: "Mrs. Robinson," Simon and Garfunkel ("The Graduate")Performance: Armed with a uke and seated in the audience Casey ambles through the song quietly but amiably. It's a nice vocal if not a scintillating performance.Randy: Asks why he chose the song. Casey says a lot of things and Randy points to cougar Kara. Thought he sounded cool and if not had him jumping out of his seat.Ellen: Likes that he came back and did something different with the song and wished he'd gone further with the changes.Kara: Says for her this is him fighting to stay in the competition and she really thought it was a good choice.Simon: Didn't think it had the substance required on this important night, he thought it was a little bit lazy and that he could've made more of an impact.Contestant #4: Crystal Bowersox In Ryan stool chat he asks about the choice. She says the mood is low and it's a funny film and a good song. She was a little starstruck with Jamie. He tells her to not be shy and to raise her eyes and make it a testimony. He gives her an artist shirt.Song: "I'm Alright," Kenny Loggins ("Caddyshack")Performance: She bends the song a bit and makes it a bit swampier and bluesier. It's funky and light with a bit of bite.Randy: Loves that she tries to switch it up and fit her even if it wasn't his favorite performance.Ellen: Says that performance got "crystallized" and that she took the song and made it better.Kara: Agrees that she made it better and is an artist.Simon: He says after that performance she's back in the game. Duet #2: Michael and Casey "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman," Bryan Adams ("Don Juan DeMarco") Both armed with guitars they do a nice job on a song that is pure schmaltz. They do nice harmonies and Casey plays some nice dusty licks. This song is going to save one of their bacons and I'm guessing it's Casey.Randy: Loved it.Ellen: Says as a matter of fact she has loved a woman.Kara: Says the duets were incredible and better than all of the solo performances.Simon: He says they should give Jamie's artist t-shirts to the duets because that was really well-done.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Four Results - May 12, 2010Ryan says 37 million votes came in, a high for the season.In the audience: Police drummer Stewart CopelandPerformance: "Bittersweet," Fantasia. She talks about her new album and her now nine-year-old daughter with Ryan.Ford Commercial: "Put the Message in the Box," World Party. The gang drives the car around the world like the song says.Video Package: Previous hometown visits for peeps like Carrie, Taylor, Elliott, Bo, Kris, Archie, and Jordin etc.Ryan introduces the families and friends of the contestants who are sitting on the couches. Ryan declares he will announce the results in random orderResults #1: Casey is safe.Performance: "September," Daughtry. Daughtry talks about how amazing it is to play in arenas and how he doesn't take fans for granted. Daughtry's advice is to "stay hungry" and to not compromise.Results #2: Lee is safe.Two left standing: Crystal and Big MikePerformance: "Superman Tonight," Bon Jovi. Ryan asks about their longevity. They chalk it up to hard work, good luck, and good fans.Going Home: Big Mike
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Three Performance - May 18, 2010The final three get two songs tonight, one of their own choosing and one chosen by a judge.Everybody also goes home for a visit.In the audience: Colin Hanks and Bradley Whitford of new Fox series "The Good Guys"; And what really looks like Candice BergenContestant #1: Casey James Says he picked his song because it's similar to the type of things he writes so it will be representative of who might be as an artist.Song #1: "Okay It's Alright With Me," Eric HutchinsonPerformance: It's jaunty, he's smiling, rocking his acoustic guitar. He sounds fine but the song feels a little lightweight.Randy He says that the song was just alright with him and says it was too safe and easy.Ellen Felt the same way and that he didn't bring it and blow them away.Kara Says it was a poor choice since most people probably didn't know it.Simon He compares it to salad at dinner, that it will leave people hoping that something more substantial is to come. He calls it a dud song choice but agrees with the others that he sounded good.Contestant #2: Crystal Bowersox She chose her song because she loves it and it's about love and passion.Song #1: "Come to My Window," Melissa Etheridge.Performance: She's rocking a harmonica as well as her acoustic. She starts off with a bit of harp and then eases into the song. She sounds okay, again not a spectacular performance and it seems like the harmonica is impeding her access to the microphone. It actually feels a little shaky on a couple of the high notes. She ends with a little fillip on the harp.Randy He didn't love the arrangement which he said was fighting her a bit but he did like the vocal.Ellen Agrees it was a good choice and thinks Melissa would be very proud of her.Kara Agrees it was a good choice but that the arrangement did confuse her a bit and thought she got lost a bit and tone-wise it wasn't ideal.Simon Agrees with everything everyone else says but says he respects that she hasn't compromised who she is as an artist.She tells Ryan she felt delighted and is glad to sing one of her favorite songs and that she has friends and family in the house and that everyone is healthy.Contestant #3: Lee Dewyze In stool chat he talks about how amazing it was being home and trying to bring the energy of that back to the stage. He chose his song because the lyrics speak to him personally.Song #1: "Simple Man," Lynyrd SkynyrdPerformance: He's also rocking an acoustic and starts out with just guitar and voice. The band kicks in. He sounds pretty good but it's another low-key number. There are a few rough notes but it's competent enough. Just not exciting.Randy Loves the song choice and thinks he sounded amazing and felt like he seemed like he could win.Ellen Says that's what they're talking about it and that he clearly is taking things seriously now. She compares him to a lamb transforming to a gazelle.Kara She says he showed them everything that he's got and what the others should be doing. She calls round one for him.Simon Says that was absolutely on the money. He says he not only won the first round he crushed the other two in round one.Video Package: Casey's hometown visit to Texas. He learns his song will be "Daughters" by John Mayer during his rally outside the phone store. Kara and Randy thinks it's a viable song for him and he needs to be vulnerable.CaseySong #2: "Daughters," John MayerPerformance: He's going for vulnerable but the song doesn't have much edge or dynamism or melodic arc. It's super boring, no matter who's singing it. He sounds nice though and he peels off an elegant little electric guitar solo.Randy He likes this choice much better and hopes he continues in this direction.Ellen Thought it was beautiful and will garner a lot of votes.Kara Thinks it showed the more artistic side of him and was a good choice and he did a good job.Simon Thinks it was much, much better but that it was a lazy arrangement which ends on a limp guitar solo and he blames Randy and Kara for not infusing it with more vocal fire. Kara gets snippy. Simon says it had no wow factor. Kara says it wasn't written that way.Video Package: We see Crystal at her homecoming in Ohio and she gets the text for her song choice, "Maybe I'm Amazed," Paul McCartney. Ellen picked it because she loves the song and she loves Crystal and she hopes she will show some range and tear the song apart.CrystalSong #2: "Maybe I'm Amazed," Paul McCartneyPerformance: She starts sitting on the stairs. She does a very faithful version but rasps it up in the bridge. It sounds solid but it's not setting fires.Randy Says it's a great song, she sang great, and she's now in it to win it.Ellen Says she couldn't have asked for more.Kara Says she didn't change it up much but showed new parts to her voice and loved that she eschewed a guitar.Simon Was initially surprised by the song choice but says now he gets it and she proved that she's got soul and next week she'll be thanking Ellen for putting her in the finals.Video Package: We watch Lee head home to Illinois and get his song choice from Simon as he's landing in Chicago: "Hallelujah," by Leonard Cohen. Simon says he picked it because he thinks this will give Lee a big moment to show his potential.LeeSong #2: "Hallelujah," Leonard CohenPerformance: Superior song, superior performance. More dynamic from gentle to growling, better pitch, more conviction. Plus he gets a choir of back-up singers and that never hurts. This will put him in the finals. Say goodnight Casey. Simon looks very pleased. He gets a big ovation.Randy Says he's been waiting all season to see who's going to throw down the gauntlet and Lee did and he gives some credit to Simon.Lee takes a moment to thank Simon.Ellen Says it was just stunning.Kara Says he is what this show is about, someone who takes a journey and he calls him the heart of the show and says he owned the entire night.Simon Says he's very, very proud of him and that he proved that he's a fantastic singer, a great person, and he really hopes he makes it to next week.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Three Results - May 19, 2010Ryan says 47 million votes came in.He sits around and raps with the contestants about how they're feeling, the competition thus far, their "real lives," how much work the show is, and the judges comments. "Not every single comment was usable," quips Casey.Ford Commercial: "Wild One (Real Wild Child)," the gang graffittis a wall and comes to life as animated artwork.Video Package: Casey's return to Texas. We get the requisite screaming girls, Fox affiliate visit, family reunion, and rally. It's at a stadium with thousands of people. He also visits the hospital where he was cared for after his accident and thanks them. His mini-concert also has thousands in attendance.Performance: Travis Garland, a former boy band-er that Perez Hilton is pimping. Hilton says he's better than Justin Timberlake. He is wrong. Garland sings his single "Believe." There's a "Stomp"-style percussion choir and a cadre of back up dancers.Video Package: Crystal heads home to Ohio. Fox affiliate, fans, family reunion, autographs, a parade with thousands of fans, a gift of the key to the city of Toledo from the mayor, a declaration of Crystal Bowersox Day. Her mini-concert is dubbed "Bowerstock." She is touched they used her own song "Holy Toledo" as part of the package.Video Package: Lee is off to Chicago for the same routine including a visit to his elementary school complete with cute screaming kids. He gets to throw the first pitch at a Cubs game. He goes to his paint store and visits old friends. He's sweetly overwhelmed. His mini-concert may win the attendance award, the benefit of living in a large urban area.Performance: Justin Bieber sings his songs "You Smile" and "Baby."Going Home: Casey James
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Two Performance - May 25, 2010We have moved to the Nokia Theatre for part one of the finale.Crystal gets confused by walking down the aisle but she and Lee make it to the stage.Crystal won the coin toss and elected to go second.Video Package: We get a montage of Lee growing up and he and his parents reminiscing.Lee Performance #1Song: "The Boxer," Simon & GarfunkelPerformance: This is a much more nuanced and assured performance but the dynamics are a little extreme from the beginnings and endings of phrases.Randy: Says it's a great way to start it off. Thought it sounded nice but that he needs more energy.Ellen: Says he was better that time and she's proud of him.Kara: Agrees with Randy about energy but liked the personal quality.Simon: Says this is the big one but he's expecting more passion, a kiss on the lips not on the cheek.Video Package: We get Crystal's montage and reminiscences from her and her dad.Crystal Performance #1Song: "Me and Bobby McGee," Janis JoplinPerformance: She slows it down a bit and seems a bit tentative until it speeds up and she hits her zone. There a couple of rough notes but she's feeling it so it works.Randy: Thought it started slow but by the end it got to the Crystal we know and love.Ellen: Thinks she's really compelling and fills the room.Kara: Loved it the first time and loved it tonight.Simon: This brought him back to the time that they fell in love with her and now they have a competition.Lee Performance #2 Executive Producer's ChoiceSong: "Everybody Hurts," R.E.M.Performance: This does not pick things up. It is slow, oddly tuned, and has some pitch issues. A choir does not solve this problem, especially when they raise their arms.Randy: Thinks it was definitely better passion-wise even though it was pitchy at first.Ellen: Agreed that he went off a few times and she didn't care about that but worried that he pulled back at the most exciting moments.Kara:Thinks it's great that he's a storyteller but admits it wasn't a perfect vocal.Simon: Thinks it was a brilliant choice but he did go off pitch a bit. He says he knows he's nervous but for the last performance he wants a 10 out of 10.Crystal Performance #2 Executive producer's choice.Song: "Black Velvet," Alannah MylesPerformance: Eek, this song. She looks nervous walking down the stairs. She has no guitar and she's trying to give it her all, but the band is really loud and she's shouting over them.Randy: This is what he's talking about.Ellen: Thinks it was fantastic and gives her a standing ovation.Kara: Thinks she went for it.Simon: Had a problem because he's heard that song so often but he thinks she took the song and she nailed it.Lee Performance #3 First single if he wins.Song: "Beautiful Day," U2Performance: With a string section onstage and working without his guitar, it's a kind of a slacker version of the song. He brings nothing to it but nerves and relief.Randy: He feels that he's not a mover and it started rough but by the middle it was good.Ellen: Asks how he feels. He feels good. Says watching him go through the process and grow and taking in the audience's energy made her proud.Kara: Thinks he had some good moments and some not so good one. But says he's grown the most and deserves to be here.Simon: Felt the effort but says in his final judgement on the show for him he says this is what the show is about, helping amateurs catch a break and he likes Lee and wishes him well.Lee gives thanks for the show and says he will be doing this for the rest of his life no matter what.Crystal Performance #3 First single if she winsSong: "Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)," Patty GriffinPerformance: Great song that has been covered by a lot of people, a real southern gospel flavor. It's nicely stripped back with a restrained choir and a lot of passion. This is her comfort zone.Randy: Says this is what this show is about, calls it an amazing moment by an amazing singer.Ellen: Is thrilled with how unique she is and thinks she's so good.Kara: Calls it an important song and is glad that her walls came down emotionally in a way she's never seen before. Calls it amazing.She takes a moment to say thanks to Simon and wishes him well.Simon: Thought it was by far the best performance and the song of the night. His final critique: "That was outstanding."Her final word is that her ride has been great and she's grateful to her family and her song.Ryan also gives thanks to Simon and promises a few surprises tomorrow night.Original "Pop Idol" winner Will Young performs this year's exit song "Leave Right Now" live over a montage of this season's highlights.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Finale - May 26, 2010Ryan announces that there was a less than two percent difference in votes between Crystal and Lee.Group Sing The top twelve sings "School's Out" by Alice Cooper with Alice Cooper and Orianthi.Performance Kris Allen sings "The Truth"Video Package The first tribute to Simon.Performance Siobhan Magnus and Aaron Kelly sing "How Deep is Your Love" by the Bee Gees and then the Bee Gees show up.Performance Michael Lynche and Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers sing that band's "Taking it to the Streets"Performance Dane Cook needles Simon in a song seemingly called "Simon Said," saying he has the honesty of Abe Lincoln and the charm of the man who shot him. A bunch of the people who took Simon's abuse including Bernardo and Tatianna come onstage and commandeer the microphone.Performance The top six ladies- Crystal, Paige, Didi, Siobhan, Lacey, and Katie- sing "Beautiful" and "Fighter"- by Christina Aguilera, who joins them onstage for the finale of "Fighter" and then sings her own new song..Performance "You Lost Me," Christina AguileraRicky Gervais checks in via satellite to congratulate Simon on his success and poke fun at him.Performance"I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)"/"Maneater." The top six men- Lee, Casey, Andrew, Michael, Aaron, and Tim- tackle the Hall and Oates medley.Performance Then the men themselves, Daryl Hall and John Oates pop up to sing "You Make My Dreams" with the top six joining them at the end.We head back to Toledo where Crystal's fans have gathered to wave signs and scream.Performance Crystal performs "Ironic" by Alanis Morrissette and is then joined by the Canadian songbird herself for a run through some of "You Oughta Know."Performance Idol champ Carrie Underwood returns to sing her new single "Undo It."Video Package Kris Allen presents Lee and Crystal with their custom decorated Fords.Ford Commercial "My Wish," Crystal and Lee sing the uplifting tune over a montage of this season's Ford commercials with their fellow contestants.Performance "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," Casey James. And then, ailing rocker and "Celebrity Apprentice" winner Bret Michaels comes out to sing with him.Ryan announces that in addition to the already announced audition cities the show will also taking the contest online in conjunction with Myspace..Performance Lee performs a medley of hits by Chicago with Chicago in honor of their shared hometown including "Does Anybody Really Know What Time it Is?," "If You Leave Me Now," and "25 or 6 to 4."We check in with Lee's screaming and sign-waving fans in Mt. Prospect, Illinois.Video Package We get a montage of clips in tribute to Simon Cowell the flirt.Performance "Pants on the Ground," Gen. Larry Platt and he's got some moves. William Hung shows up to help out as do a cadre of pants-dropping dancers.Video Package We get Paula Abdul reminiscing about her years working on "Idol" with Simon.Performance Paula emerges and shares a little mutual admiration with the judges and Ryan. She jokes that she and Simon had a baby. She needles him and pays tribute to him.Video Package A montage of clips of Simon throughout the years set to Frank Sinatra's "My Way." He gives thanks and says he's going to miss us.Performance All of the previous winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Kris Allen to sing "Together We Are One." A whole host of previous contestants contestants to join the choir. Notably absent is David Cook.Ryan calls Simon up onstage. He gives a short speech giving heartfelt thanks.Performance The top 12 sing "Again" with Janet Jackson. She then sings her new ballad "Nothing (Trust in Me)." Then we get classic JJ with "Nasty" complete with a cadre of dancers. (None of whom is Paula Abdul, sadly).Video Package We get a montage of Lee and Crystal's "Idol" journeys.Performance Crystal and Lee sing Joe Cocker's version of "With a Little Help From My Friends." And then, yup, there's Joe Cocker.Winner Lee Dewyze
Hide description ▲

Live from the Beverly Hilton Hotel... host Ricky Gervais takes the stage. His beer (presumably Fosters) is already waiting for him. The over-under on the amount of time it takes him to make a Charlie Sheen joke is 30 seconds."It's going to be a night of partying and heavy-drinking," Gervais says by way of welcome. "Or as Charlie Sheen calls it: 'breakfast.'"The under wins.On to a "Tourist" joke. He quashes the rumor that the only reason it was nominated was so the HFPA could hang out with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. "They also accepted bribes," he says.He gets bleeped for "for Christ's sake."He mentions "I Love You Phillip Morris" wasn't nominated. "Two heterosexual actors pretending to be gay, so the complete opposite of some famous Scientologists," he zings. As the guests in the room look around and wince, Gervais assures them the hypothetical actors in question aren't in the room. "My lawyers helped me with the wording of that joke."There's a Hugh Hefner is old joke, and some unfortunate pantomime.He senses light laughter and gets right to presenting.Scarlett Johansson is up first to give out best support actor in a movie, to Christian Bale for "The Fighter." Hopefully no one steps in his line of sight as he makes it to the podium, you know how he hates that.Bale acknowledges he didn't used to know who the HFPA was. "And now I know who you are and I suddenly realize how wise and spectacularly perceptive you guys are," he jokes.He gets played off the stage and the mike cuts out as he's trying to acknowledge Robert De Niro.LL Cool J and Julie Bowen are out next for best actress in a drama TV series, which goes to Katey Sagal for "Sons of Anarchy."She thanks her costars and FX execs and her manager of 30 years. She gets cut off just as she's thanking the show's exec producer, and her husband, Kurt Sutter.Julianne Moore and Kevin Spacey acknowledge Miss Golden Globe, Joe Mantenga's daughter, Gia. They present mini-series or TV movie, to "Carlos".The people who assigned the seats are batting o-fer on winners, as people keep having to make the long trek from their seats in Siberia in the back of the auditorium.Whoever is accepting for "Carlos" gets played off as well, but seems to think the music is just mood and not a cue to shut up.Ricky Gervais waits as the whole crew try to make their way off the stage. He introduces the next presenter as the star of Hudson Hawk, Hart's War and Mercury Rising and as Ashton Kutcher's dad: Bruce Willis.He's there to introduce comedy nominee "RED."Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester present next, but nobody hears what they're saying because Meester's dress has a slit that goes higher than the voice of the winner: Chris Colfer from "Glee."He's barely putting words together as he gets on stage and thanks the show creator Ryan Murphy, his "fairy godfather."He dedicates the win to his costars, "but most importantly to all the amazing kids that watch our show and the kids that our show celebrates and are constantly told 'no' by people because of who they are....well, screw that, kids."Next up is Michelle Pfeiffer to present best picture nominee "Alice in Wonderland."Phillip Burke, the president of the HFPA, comes out and congratulates everyone on their congratulating.Milla Jovovich and Kevin Bacon present best actor in a TV drama to Steve Buscemi for "Boardwalk Empire."He pulls out his notes and promises to talk fast "before that sad music comes on." He thanks HBO and his costars and his family.On to best TV series drama, which goes to "Boardwalk Empire." Terrence Winter opens with "holy effing crap."Mark Wahlberg takes the stage. Fun fact: he's an exec producer on the show. Winter wraps up: "To my family and friends back in Brooklyn: I can't believe I'm sitting at a table with Al Pacino either."Andrew Garfield presents "The Social Network" but gets totally tangled on the word "inspiringly" because, well, it's not a word.Alec Baldwin and Jennifer Lopez are next and introduce best original song after he awkwardly talks about her dress and makes a "Ski Party" joke. Uh, sure."You Haven't Seen the Last of Me" from "Burlesque" wins and Diane Warren and thanks Cher for being "the eternal bada--- you always are."Next is best original score, which even Alec Baldwin seems bored by. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross win for "The Social Network."Trent Reznor thanks the people on the movie and doesn't look the least bit like a hard core rocker with his reasonable length hair and tux.And then, it's time for Justin Bieber and Hailee Steinfeld, the girl from "True Grit" (yes, she's taller than him). They introduce best animated movie. The winner is "Toy Story 3". (Cut to Tom Hanks and, inexplicably, Jennifer Love Hewitt.)The director Lee Unkrich accepts, acknowledging the presenters and asking if they were even born when the first one came out.Gervais is on to drinking wine introduces the next star as from Ironman, then wonders if it's a porn title. He continues with "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" and "Bowfinger" to make his point, then says he's also from Betty Ford and the Los Angeles county jail.Robert Downey Jr. comes out and not only takes the jab in stride, but gamely jabs back."Aside from the fact that it's been hugely mean-spirited with mildly sinister overtones, I'd say the vibe of the show is pretty good so far," he says.He moves on to his intro."I don't think an actress can say she's done her best work... until she's slept with me, Julianne." Cut to Julianne Moore. Then Anne Hathaway, Annette Bening, Emma Stone and Angelina Jolie, the nominees for best actress in a comedy.Downey continues, saying that somehow the women did their best work without him."I guess I'm just saying, if I could, I'd give it to all five of you," he wraps up, pointedly. Maybe he'll want to host next year.Annette Bening wins for "The Kids are All Right" and the camera immediately cuts to Jane Lynch, who recently married her girlfriend.Bening thanks Julianne Moore, her costar, for asking her to make the movie. She thanks the 1962 Golden Globe winner for "Most Promising Actor," her husband Warren Beatty.Ricky Gervais is back out, saying the next presenter has been in ten of the top grossing movies of all time. "He has played a boxer...and Rambo."Sylvester Stallone presents "The Fighter".Geoffrey Rush and Tilda Swinton are next presenting best actor for mini-series or TV movie. Al Pacino wins for "You Don't Know Jack."Al Pacino and his four-inch high brown hair take the stage and he rhapsodizes about the joy of playing a real person. He appears to be about half the size of Tilda Swinton, even with the hair.The music does not play him off. You don't play Al Pacino off.Then for actress in a mini-series or TV movie. We learn why Jennifer Love Hewitt is there: she's nominated for the Lifetime movie "The Client List."But she loses to Claire Danes for "Temple Grandin."Next is Zac Efron to introduce "The Kids Are Alright."Ricky Gervais comes out next, introducing the next actor as one he cast in his show, "he's now leaving that show and killing a cash cow for both of us... please welcome the ungrateful Steve Carrell."He and Tina Fey introduce the nominees for best screenplay. "Screenplays we could have written, if we had time," Fey says.That one about the rock climber that, Carrell says, he would have given his right arm to write. Har.Aaron Sorkin wins for "The Social Network." He says the people at Sony believe "people who watch movies are at least as smart as the people who make them."The table applauds Scott Rudin as the "best living producer."He commends David Fincher for making scenes of typing look like bank robberies.Next is supporting actress for TV. Jane Lynch wins, she hugs Sofia Vergara almost immediately."I am nothing if not falsely humble," she says, and acknowledges "Glee" writer Ian Brennan for writing Sue's "deranged" lines.More Ricky, who introduces the next category as one "no one in America cares about." Foreign films!"In a Better World" from Denmark wins. Smugly check that off on your Golden Globe ballot if you guessed it right.Helen Mirren is up next to introduce "The King's Speech."Blair Underwood and Vanessa Williams presents best actress in a TV series, which goes to Laura Linney from "The Big C." She's not there to accept.Jane Fonda introduces "Burlesque."Next, best actor for TV. Kaley Cuoco (and her impossibly long hair extensions) announce her costar Jim Parsons as the winner.He thanks "my writers" then catches himself, saying "the writers - 'my writers,' how crass."Jeremy Irons introduces the nominees for best supporting actress in a movie. As they cut to Helena Bonham Carter we see she's wearing a tumbleweed on her head. That's some hairdo.Melissa Leo wins for "The Fighter" and thanks anyone she can think of.Matt Damon is up to present the Cecil B. Moore award to Robert De Niro, who he says he hadn't heard of until about five years ago when he was in "The Good Shepherd."He quotes from "The Godfather" - doing the Fredo part. And then "GoodFellas" - the Joe Pesci lines."And who could forget 'Taxi Driver' where he was literally unrecognizable as a blonde 13 year old hooker?" Damon jokes, before a montage of De Niro - including "Analyze That."Then Bobby D takes the stage and the crowd stands and applauds - and he lets them."Thank you, Matt - and I loved you in 'The Fighter'," he says.To the HFPA: "I was very gratified when you made the announcement two months ago - well before you had a chance to review 'Little Fockers,'" he says.He says some of his movies were missing from the montage, but the punchline is censored.He says he's releasing some of his movies on DVD for people who may have missed them "I'll be selling them in the lobby right after I pose for more pictures with the remaining members of the Hollywood Foreign Press."He gets another standing O when he leaves.Then it's Megan Fox to introduce "The Tourist."Annette Bening introduces best director. David Fincher wins for "The Social Network".He reads his acceptance speech, thanking the crew "without whom I'd just be a bitter old man with a lot of opinions."Jimmy Fallon and January Jones present best TV comedy to "Glee." We hear their rendition of Journey for the third time.Ryan Murphy thanks people as the entire cast and crew takes the stage. His acceptance speech takes less time than their entrance.Alicia Keys introduces "The Black Swan".Next, Halle Berry introduces best actor in a comedy, in which Johnny Depp is nominated twice. Paul Giamatti wins for "Barney's Version.""I'm a little jacked up because I ate five boxes of the free Godiva chocolates," he says. He thanks his three movie wives, and says he got to "smoke and drink and" something that gets censored.Joseph Gordon Levitt gets up and quotes Betty Davis in introducing "Inception."Jeff Bridges strides on stage next and introduces the nominees for best actress in a drama. The winner is Natalie Portman, who pregnantly takes the stage and thanks her grandmother in Cincinnati and parents, who are in the audience.She mentions her fiance Benjamin Millepied, who choreographed the movie and had a line, saying he didn't want to sleep with Natalie's character."He's the best actor, it's not true! He totally wants to sleep with me," she says.Ricky Gervais introduces the next two presenters as a man whose movies have made $3.5 billion and he's won two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes... and Tim Allen.He and Tom Hanks introduce the nominees for best comedy."We remember when Ricky Gervais was a slightly chubby, kind comedian," Tom Hanks says. "Neither of which he is now," concludes Allen.The winner is "The Kids Are Alright".Sandra Bullock introduces the nominees for best actor in a drama. Colin Firth wins for "The King's Speech".He thanks the HFPA for the mid-life reassurance. "Right now this is all that stands between me and a Harley Davidson."He calls director Tom Hooper and his costar Geoffrey Rush the two other sides of his "man love triangle."Michael Douglas gets a standing ovation as he comes out to announce the final award of the evening. "There's just gotta be an easier way to get a standing ovation," he says.Onto the nominees for best picture (drama). "The Social Network" wins. (Insert status update joke here.)Producer Scott Rudin accepts. Kevin Spacey is among the crowd on the stage, as a producer. He thanks Mark Zuckerberg for allowing them to tell a story about social networking through his life.Ricky Gervais comes out to say good night. "Thanks everyone in the room for being good sports," he says, even though they weren't.Finally: "Thank you to God - for making me an atheist."
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Auditions #2-New Orleans"- Jan. 20, 2011New Orleans is the second audition city and we get lots of montages of stereotypical NOLA/southern stuff: Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, alligators, outtakes of Ryan from a previous season in NOLA being goofy.Jordan Dorsey a charming piano teacher from Louisiana, impresses the judges with his jazzy rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and gets three yes's and gives JLo goosebumps.We get a couple of awful singers and arrive at Sarah Sellers who impresses Tyler with her mouth and her version of Bob Dylan's "To Make You Feel My Love" and is through to Hollywood.Going with the body parts theme Jovany Barreto is the next golden ticket winner based not only on his singing but his love for JLo, her husband Marc Anthony, and his "melodic sensibility" according to Tyler on the Luis MIguel song he sang. So excited to get his golden ticket Jovany takes off his shirt to show off his abs to JLo, and Randy and Tyler needlessly join him.Hoping to have an in with Randy Jacquelyn Dupree brings along his old football coach, to the audition. Her singing on "I'll Stand By You" was fine so the combination gets her through."Bohemian Rhapsody" is a gutsy song to sing at an audition but Brett Loewenstern's version is enough to impress the judges, they also enjoy his well-conditioned hair and childhood tale of bullying.A geeky sorta Mick Jagger/Steven Tyler lookalike Gabriel Franks has none of the talent of those two famous men and his not totally tuneless take on Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" gets him the congenial boot.Montage of bad singers.Next up is Jacee Badeaux a cherubic, unassuming 15-year-old with a lovely voice who bowls the gang over with his sweet rendition of Otis Redding's "Dock of the Bay." The easiest golden ticket of the night.As is the show's custom, it ends with an up and close and personal story, this one of Paris Tassin, a single mom of a special needs child from New Orleans. JLo gets choked up as she sings Carrie Underwood's "Temporary Home." That's three yes's.All told 37 folks got the greenlight to Hollywood.
Hide description ▲

The "American Idol" auditions landed in Milwaukee, Wisc., for the first time in 10 seasons (yes, that's "ever"). And Season 8 favorite and Milwaukee native Danny Gokey was on hand to help excite the crowd.But the first big audition of the night was a 16-year-old baseball player from Garner, N.C., named Scotty McCreery gave some good, old-fashioned, deep-voiced country vibes that made Jennifer Lopez smile. Scotty's audition prompts Steven Tyler's previously teased quip, "Will hellfire save matches, (bleep) a duck and see what hatches." Steven is surprised to learn he can't say that on TV, while Scotty moves on to Hollywood.An awkward-looking fellow in a red polo shirt, khaki shorts and sandals named Joe Repka is an aspiring radio disc jockey and gets some pointers from Ryan Seacrest before his audition. He's a charming enough guy who seems to be up for a beating from the judges. And he is. After much buildup, he gives a wildly off-key rendition of Billy Joel's "For the Longest Time." He's panned, but the judges encourage him to stick with the radio gig.A 15-year-old girl from Littleton, Colo., drove her family most of the distance from her hometown to Milwaukee. She recalls being 5 when she watched Kelly Clarkson win Season 1. Emma Henry sings Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" with a bit of a raspy, bluesy voice that seems to captivate the judges. Steven doesn't know why, but says he loves it because it's "got a lot of character." Jennifer tells her to keep working on her "special quality" and "tone that nobody else has." Randy isn't sure she's yet ready, but doesn't make an official vote. Jennifer says no, but Steven says yes. When it's down to Randy, she cries and he tells her he's worried she'll "get swallowed up" in the competition. With a bit of encouragement from Steven, Randy tells her she's got another shot and send her on to Hollywood. After Emma leaves the room, Jennifer tells Randy his first instinct was right and that Emma will "get eaten up in this competition."A montage of four awful singers, including a guy who did a little martial arts routine to his version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" and later asked Randy for a sip of his Coke Zero.Apparently, Milwaukee is home to one of the world's biggest music festivals, called "Summerfest." Singer Naima Adedapo, 25, works maintenance at the event, cleaning up the grounds, but hopes to one day grace a stage and provide for her daughter with a singing career, crying as she talks about this dream. She sings Donny Hathaway's "For All We Know." A strong, smooth voice, Jennifer and Randy like her, and Steven says she's "all that." She's through to Hollywood.We got a little glimpse into the "rift" between J.Lo and Seacrest as they joked about how they can't stand each other and their ways, just before watching a cameraman gets stomped in the face while trying to film a guy doing a backflip over him. What followed was brief montage of two singers, including a 54-year-old dentist with an oversized toothbrush.A bar mitzvah singer from New York named Jerome Bell, 27, put forth a smooth, soulful rendition of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On." The judges were excited and completely in agreement that he's going to Hollywood.A 15-year-old name Thia Megia flew out from California to Wisconsin because she couldn't stand waiting until the auditions hit the west coast. She tells Randy she's been seeing him on TV since before she knew how to read. She sings Adele's "Chasing Pavements." Steven and Jennifer give dreamy smiles while she sings and both say yes, along with Randy, and Thia's going to Hollywood. Ryan then tells us that every 15-year-old who walked into the judges' audition room walked out with a ticket.A Civil War re-enactor named Nathaniel Jones strongly shares his feeling that his father is "not a hippie" (despite his long beard and bandana) because "hippies believe in sex." Dressed in his full Civil War regalia, Steven says it was "outstanding," and after Randy laughs Steven says he isn't sure it's right for "American Idol." Jennifer says no and Randy agrees, saying, "We kind of got the measure of what you are."Mason Wilkinson, a 23-year-old construction worker, has trouble facing the judges before he starts singing. He turns his back to them for a moment -- a long moment, which doesn't let up ... for a while... and then... after much delay... he... finally... starts singing. And he's terrible.Molly DeWolf Swensen, a White House intern and Harvard graduate from Seattle, tells Randy he punched her in the face (and there is video evidence, which is quite hilarious and shown twice). She sings Otis Redding's "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay." Steven loves it and Jennifer says she loved Molly's lower pitch. With three yes votes, she's off to Hollywood and Randy tells her to "tell Obama we need you!" Even more good fortune: They show the replay of Randy punching her in the face once again.After a successful Day 1 in Milwaukee, the judges happily bounce into the audition room for Day 2. Haley Reinhart, an 18-year-old who was bounced by the judges last season, Randy, the only judge on hand to send her packing last year, is the first to say yes this time, and he's followed by an enthusiastic Jennifer and Steven, and Haley is Hollywood-bound.Tiwan Strong, a 29-year-old day care teacher, gives an energetic rendition of "Twistin' the Night Away." Steven says he sees a sparkle in Tiwan's eyes, Randy likes it and Jennifer is thinking about it for a moment before voting yes.A certified public accountant and auditor named Steve Beghun, 27, says he doesn't have many friends because of his occupation. Steve hits a high note that reverberates and Steven says he's "disturbingly great," just before the rest of the judges agree to send him to Hollywood. He tears up as he walks away looking at his golden ticket.Vernika Patterson, 20, tries to sing "Loving You" but trips up because, as she says, "the lady's looking at me." She's talking about Jennifer, who agrees to look away. Jennifer and Steven tell her it isn't going to work, and Vernika gets upset and asks whether it's because she's "not skinny like these other girls." She walks right by Seacrest outside the audition room and continues to insist she can sing better than half of the contestants (still, that leaves roughly 50,000, right?).Albert Rogers III, 24, does a half-decent Barack Obama impression before stepping in front of the judges. Steven tries to be nice, saying he likes it but it's not for the show. Randy says it was "terrible, and a joke."Scott Dangerfield, a 22-year-old student teacher, is mocked a bit by the judges for his vivid red lips. He's a somewhat awkward looking dude, but his bluesy voice earns praise from Jennifer, who says he might be one of her favorites. Randy and Steven say yes and Scott is heading to Hollywood.After a quick ode to the Green Bay Packers, Megan Frazier proves she's not quite as good of a pop singer as she is a Packers fan. She sings an operatic version of Justin Bieber's "Baby." Randy admits he's long been looking for a self-composed opera version of Justin Bieber.A rocker chick named Alyson Jados, 26, walks in and Steven is in awe, saying, "You look like you could be one of my ---" He stops himself before adding, "nope, can't say it." Before going into the room, she said she'd lose it if Steven sent her to Hollywood. Steven gives her a hug. She says she's singing "Come Together" by The Beatles (and it's worth noting Aerosmith did a pretty famous cover of the song, as well). Steven asks her to sing more and she launches into "Dream On," while admitting she can't do the final high notes -- so he does them for her. Getting a bit serious, Steven says she's "very pitchy" and jumps all over the place. Jennifer seems to like her. Randy says no, Jennifer says yes. Suddenly, it's down to Steven, and he let's Ally's dream live on.Chris Medina, 26, from Chicago is the last audition, but it's clear his story was saved for last (the judges are wearing the clothes their wore on Day 1). He talks about his fiancee, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident in 2009 and was in a coma for a month and a half. Since then, he's been caring for her with her mother as she still needs constant care. He sings nicely and the judges ask him to bring his fiancee in so they can meet her. In one of the sweetest moments you'll ever see, Steven bends down and tells Chris' fiancee, who seems mostly unable to speak, that Chris sings so beautifully because he's singing for her. He's going to Hollywood.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Austin Auditions - Feb. 2, 2011The night starts with a joke that Steven Tyler's outrageous behavior in previous auditions and assures it won't happen again and then show us a rhymes with "duck" moment he has with a contestant.Marc Anthony comes and gives J.Lo a kiss. Steven wonders where his kiss is. Marc is working up the nerve.First up Corey Levoy is at the audition with his sister, whom he met after years of not knowing her even though they grew up 15 minutes from each other. They're best friends and she's very supportive. The judges ask him to bring her in so she can judge alongside them. He sings "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt well enough to get everyone's approval. Hollywood-bound.Next is Hollie Cavanaugh she's 17 and her version of Etta James' "At Last" is pitchy and they think she's not quite ready. Randy says no. She starts to cry. JLo gives her a second chance and she sings "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. It's much better. JLo and Steven say yes. Randy changes his mind and says yes too.We get a montage of no's and tears.Next is a scary take on "The Circle of Life" from a boy named Rodolfo. That's three nos.We get a montage of the silly and delusional cowboys.John Wayne Schulz is a 23-year-old cowboy from Texas, he's a rancher, his mother has cancer. JLo likes his version of "I Believe." Randy feels him. They have him bring in his parents for the big "welcome to Hollywood."The next contestant is Courtney Penry who thinks Ryan Seacrest is the sexiest man alive. She sings Sugarland's "Stay" well enough to get put through by Steven and J.Lo, even though she does a goofy chicken impression and makes a kissy face at Steven.We get a montage of yes's for Shauntel Campos, Alex Carr, and Caleb Johnson. Then we get a montage of yes's where we don't learn the person's name.We meet a cutesy couple who met in choir in Arizona. They hope to be "American Idol"'s power couple. Jacqueline sings "Mercy" and kills it. Her boyfriend, the smiley Nick Fink sings Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning." The judges like them both and they both get put through.Janelle Arthur opines about being a "country" person. Her family put her up to this. She does a couple of country songs. They dig her vibe and she's going to Hollywood.We get a montage of bad people.Casey Abrams is the last contestant. He plays the melodica and is scruffy. He scats and sings his way through Ray Charles "I Don't Need No Doctor." They love it. Going to Hollywood baby.Ryan tells us 50 people got through and we get a montage of yes's of people we never saw.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Auditions: Los Angeles- Feb. 3, 2011We start with a montage of singers who were put through in other cities before we touch down in L.A.First up is Victoria Garrett who is a true believer in both the lord and herself. That faith is misplaced, at least the latter half.Tim Halperin is JLo's biggest fan. She likes him too and his rendition of Maroon 5's "She Will Be Loved." She and Steven say yes and put him through.We get a montage of the good and the bad and a litany of technical and catering issues.We meet friends Daniel Gomez and Isaac Rodriguez. Daniel goes first, unimpressively. Randy calls him relatively tone deaf. Isaac has dropped out of college. This was a bad idea. They both get dismissed. Isaac promises to keep on practicing. Randy tells him this is also a bad idea. They keep their good attitudes though.On Day 2 we get the invited Myspace auditioners.Karen Rodriguez impresses with her take on Whitney Houston's "You Give Good Love." She's coming back to Hollywood!The start of the wacky begins with Tynisha Roches who is very limber and full of personality-- and has her own microphone! What she doesn't have is a good voice. But she's one of those that won't stop singing. She chases Randy around the set singing "And I'm Telling You." Train wreck. She has to be escorted out of the room.We meet belly dancer Heidi Khzam who Steven and Randy particularly like. She sings Alicia Keys' "Superwoman" competently enough to be put through.Oddball Matthew Frankel calls himself a force to be reckoned with. Mostly he's actually a bad rapper and singer. He ill-advisedly sings "Jenny From the Block," very poorly. He begs for a chance. JLo tells him to let it go. He promises to come back.Next up is William Roberts who is also not good in his own special screamy way. As is Jeannette Manning. Will they ever show us someone who can sing? Not judging by Daniel Hall, Anthony Granger, or Arista Pemberton.Finally, we meet brothers Mark and Aaron Gutierrez. They do a duet of Bill Withers' "Lean On Me." They're a little too cutesy with their banter, but they sound great. Everybody loves it, Steven thinks it was "God-like." They're both going to Hollywood.We get the nightly montage of no's and tears.We're introduced to the night's wackiest aspirant Cooper Robinson. He's 59 and clearly out of his mind. He "sings" James Brown's "I Feel Good" and is kind of scary. They're speechless. He leaves. He then rants and is even scarier.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Auditions #7: San Francisco - Feb. 9, 2011The cold open is a tearful woman who claims she was rejected because she farted.Ryan says the judges claim they'll be tough.First up is a very confident young girl from the Ukraine whose belly dancing and yoga poses and cutesy girlishness impresses the judges but her version of Air Supply's "All Out of Love" does not. She is all dramatic and tearful on the way out.We get a montage of the rejected and people being pooped on.We get snippets of several auditioners who were put through Brittany Mazur, Lara Johnston, Matthew Nuss.Our first up close and personal story tonight is that of Stefano Langone who survived a horrible accident in 2009 that put him in a wheelchair for a few months. He overcame the ordeal faster than expected and the accident did not injure his voice which bowls over the judges when he sings "I Heard it Through the Grapevine." He gets three yes's.Next is karaoke host Clint Jun Gamboa. He's been told he should do more with his singing. He does when he wows the judges with his rendition of Travie McCoy's "Billionaire." He's going to Hollywood.We get a montage of the "crazy" folks hanging at the auditions and a quick montage of some awful auditions. Taking the cake is a young man who has made himself a very impressive looking "Transformers" outfit but clearly isn't serious about singing.Next is snippets of five California girls who get put through, none of whose names we learn.That's because we needed time to hear the story of Julie Zarilla whose parents fled war-torn Colombia when she was 8. The judges love her shoes and the producers love her story. It's her birthday. Her version of "Summertime" is good enough to get her the best birthday present ever: a golden ticket. Randy is especially impressed. They speculate she might even be good enough to win.Steven Tyler likes Dave Combs' long hair but not so much his take on the Beatles "Oh Darlin." This is the start of a montage of bad singers who drive Tyler crazy prompting him to be the "mean" judge.For a change of pace we get the truly sad story of Emily Anne Reed whose house burned down the week before the auditions. Her jazzy, Blossom Dearie-like version of "You're Getting to be A Habit With Me" is very charming. Steven says no but Randy and JLo put her through.As is custom the final auditioner has a touching tale to share as well as a song. James Durbin never really knew his dad and then he lost him to a drug overdose when he was 9. He ended up being diagnosed with Tourette's and Asperger's and was bullied at school. His girlfriend changed his life and they have a baby son. He's unemployed and doing the best he can. He's worried about his Tourette's in front of the judges even though he hasn't had any problems with the interview. He sings and shows off a very big voice in the Adam Lambert mode. They ask for another song and he asks Steven's permission to sing "Dream On." They love it. He's going to Hollywood.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - First Day of Hollywood- Feb. 10, 2011Ryan tells us 327 people made it through.We see many of them arrive, very excited to "live the dream."Randy informs the assembled that this is "make it or break it" time. Everyone is nervous backstage.They come out in groups of ten, sing individually a cappella and get no feedback. They are then informed that they are in or out.Red-headed Brett Lowenstern starts us out. He's very nervous. We learn about his sad backstory of bullying. He sings "Let it Be." The rest of the line sings but we don't hear them. Brett and a girl named Symphony and a couple of others are put through.We see more put through in a montage: Rachel Zevita, Thia Megia, and Casey Abrams.We visit again with chipper Victoria Huggins. She keeps talking about how she's staying for awhile which means that... yup, she's going home. She's sad. Her mom puts on a brave face in the balcony.We're re-introduced to James Durbin and Paris Tassin who are here for their kids. She does Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" and he tackles "Oh Darling" by the Beatles. And two Steven faves Stormi Henley and Lauren Alaina who do "Stay" by Sugarland and "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers respectively. James, Paris, and Lauren make it through but for Stormi it's over.Chris Medina the one with the wife who got in the terrible accident is up next. He makes it through with two other guys we aren't introduced to.A montage of nervous people. Steven gives a quick pep talk.We get another trio mash-up this time of youngsters Jacee Badeaux, Robbie Rosen, and Holly Cavanaugh all of who get put through.Up next Steve Beghun the CPA who was a surprise with his high,sweet voice. He gets sent home, sadly.A montage of goodbyes, some to people who were highlighted in the auditions, some of them are very, very sad.Day 2The remaining 163 give it a shot.We get a montage of flubs and clunkers and people being sent packing.Next up is the ex-couple Chelsee Oaks and Rob Bolin who are each rooming with one half of the happy loving couple from Arizona Jacqueline Dunford and Nick Fink. They've all become friends which has been hard for Rob. Chelsee and Rob both make it through. But only Jacqueline makes it in her couple. They are understandably upset. Nick actually begs for another chance and sings his way up the aisle.The charming young man from North Carolina Scotty McCreery with the deep voice. He charms JLo especially. He gets put through as do other "early favorites " with a repeat of their audition song Jackie Wilson and Jerome Bell.Up next is the girl who had the stars on her boobs Tiffany Rios who says she's tired of seeing other people doing what she knows she can do. This does not make her popular with the other contestants. And also Travis Orlando, the young man who had lived in a shelter at one point. Tiffany goes through but Travis gets sent home.The final line gets put through in its entirety including [b]Clint Jun Gamboa, the Gutierrez Brothers, Naima Adedapo, Julie Zarilla, Molly Dewolfe, Emily Anne Reed, Stefano Langone, and Ashley Sullivan[b/].168 total made it through to the group round.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Hollywood Week - Feb. 16, 2011It's group round time and Ryan promises drama.It's 8:30 and the 168 people who survived the first cuts are celebrating.But now it's time to split up into groups and learn a song from a list of 20, devise choreography, and rehearse for tomorrow's next "one shot" in front of the judges. Some have already formed groups but they're told by producer Ken Warwick the groups have to be made up of Day 1 and Day 2 contestants so it will be fair.People are wandering around with signs freaking out. Tiffany, the brassy girl from New Jersey of the famous star boobs, is looking for a group. No one wants her after her snotty comment about being better than everyone else. She goes to teen country dude Scotty McCreery to join forces. He asks her to sing for him and he says he doesn't know. He walks away and calls her crazy. She goes to one group and poaches a member.Then Scotty starts a bidding war between two groups. Then he goes to Jordan Dorsey's group and they have him sing and they turn him down.But now Jordan's group needs someone and he keeps turning people down.Tiffany and Jessica go onstage and grab a microphone to look for a group member and there are no takers. Scotty and others are also losing hope while some groups are already busy rehearsing.It's now 10:30 and things are still looking dire for some.Scotty finds Jacee and Clint's group and joins up.Emotional Ashley has also found a group and we watch a montage of her various meltdowns.Tiffany and Jessica are given a pass to perform as a duo after all the groups are assembled.The groups begin rehearsing and it's an overload. Some go to the bathroom and others to the parking garage to get some space.A group of teens has banded together and they think they have a youthful advantage. Their mothers watch and give them coaching. Then they all start singing.James Durbin is having friction with his group and is also annoyed at the teenagers who are also singing "Somebody to Love."The group that has 3/4 of the couples -Jackie, Chelsee, and Rob-- we got to know in auditions are talking about the loss of Jackie's boyfriend. Rob is still sad about working with the ex he still loves Chelsee. But they have other problems in terms of presentation since Rob is "not a dancer" and they're fighting over control.We meet up again with melodramatic Ashley who is now unraveling due to the pressure. She talks about quitting. She says she's done, disappointing her group who now need another member. She wants to talk to someone about going home. She tearfully talks to a producer. She goes to talk it over with her boyfriend. Her remaining group members wait with bated breath.Scotty's group is now having second thoughts about letting him in. And then Clint kicks out cute Jacee Badeaux. Who's really nice about being let go. Clint says he's a good singer but bad for choreography.Jacee tearfully goes in search of a group. His parents try to console him and tell him it wasn't meant to be.Jordan is now worried about his group's song choice and is thinking about leaving his group after being all demanding earlier. He does leave and joins another. He is confident in his group change.It's now 2:30 a.m. and Ashley returns to her group, but they've been rehearsing without her. They do welcome her back.Now Brett's group has to find a new member or break-up. He goes and signs up Jacee, even though he doesn't know the song they're singing, Duffy's "Mercy."At 3 some folks head off to bed. Others keep rehearsing, Rob is struggling with the lyrics and choreography. He's worried he's not prepared at all.After a few hours of sleep the 39 groups start rehearsing again.The judges address the contestants, giving them a pep talk about pressure and not forgetting the words.The first group, a trio is very good and poised singing "Grenade." The judges dig it and all three are through to the next round.The group the very confident Jordan Dorsey joined and the group he left are having a weird rivalry.Jordan's group does "I Want You Back" pretty well. All five of them are through as well.The group he left does "Forget You" by Cee Lo, reasonably well, and they're all put through as well.The duo of Tiffany and Jessica are next. They sing "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce but Tiffany hits a lot of clunkers and Randy stops them. Neither of them gets put through. Tiffany starts to beg and Jessica tries to stop her.One member of a Latino group overslept. The judges are left waiting so Steven Tyler mans the drums to entertain. As the member gets his act together they go straight to the stage. They sing Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are." It's not dazzling and there's a bunch of clunkers. The guy who overslept is one of the better ones. Three get put through by Steven and then they realize he screwed up and only two get put through.Lauren Alaina's group of four girls asks to have Steven on stage, they're going to serenade him. And they do with "Some Kind of Wonderful." He even joins in. He admits he is partial when he returns to the judging panel. Lauren's the only one who gets put through out of all four. Her friends are very supportive.The country kids who auditioned in Nashville have joined up. They sing "Just the Way You Are." They sound sort of awful and one guy goofs the words. Only one out of the five is put through.We then get a montage of bad singers: clunkers, forgotten words, bad choreography. Some argue with the judgements.We get a montage of people getting the bad news and that we were introduced to in the auditions, including one of the Gutierrez brothers.Before the next group starts Randy says they're in a group but they need to shine individually.This is the group with Ashley, who quit and and joined up again. They do "Oops Hit 'Em Style." They're sassy and fun and sound great. Randy says they were the best harmonized group and they all get put through. Now Ashley is ecstatic that she stayed.The teen group keeps getting coached by their moms. The group that was annoyed by the mom's coaching continue to be annoyed. They're both doing "Somebody to Love" by Queen.James Durbin's group does their version and it's rough. The judges call the harmonies painful. Only two get put through, including James. The moms give them the thumbs down and say their kids are going to be awesome.The kids come out and they're pretty great. Their moms agree. As do the judges who give them a standing O. Steven says this is the reason he joined "Idol." All five are put through. They're moms come running out to hug them.We see a group doing "Grenade" and it's kind of rough, forgotten words, bad performance style, clunkers, and a cheater who put the lyrics on their arm. The people they put through go through based on previous performances. One guy tries to argue and he was one put through. He wises up and gets off stage.Two groups have chosen to perform a cappella, including Naima Adedapo's group and Julie Zorilla's group.Julie's group does "Get Ready." And they sound pretty good and the boys are rocking the low a cappella backing vocals. Only Julie and Casey are put through.The next a cappella group fares a little better, they're a lot more energetic and have a groovy gospel breakdown. The judges loved it. All five are through.Chris Medina's group is next, the guy with the wife who was in an accident and disabled. They sing "Forget You.' Carson from the Cali auditions is funny. All but one of them get put through. The girl who got cut is really upset, especially since they said they were considering previous auditions. But it's the end of he road.We get a montage of people goofing up and Steven being goofy and rude.Jacee's group is next and he's worried about goofing the words. They do "Mercy" and Jacee goofs the words but covers with a funny ad lib on the melody about not going home. The judges ask him what happened, and he explains that he got cut from his group. They're all going through. Jacee is tearful and emotional and Ryan corners him.The group that cut him is next. Randy asks them about cutting Jacee before they sing. (Which is incredibly unfair to them). Scotty apologizes and says he feels bad for not sticking up for him. They sing "Get Ready." They're pretty good, their girl is the weak link. All four are going through. (They were right though, Jacee didn't fit.) Scotty gets very emotional about the "whole Jacee thing."Ryan tells us that to this point 67 people were cut.The final group is Rob, Chelsee, and Jacqueline. Rob still doesn't know the song and has submarined himself by believing he doesn't know it. They flame out pretty badly. Rob adlibs about not knowing the words and being really tired. It does not work like him for Jacee. He gets sent home and both the girls get put through. So now Rob and Chelsee are really breaking up. She says they'll always be friend.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Hollywood Round - Feb. 17, 2011The remaining 100 sit in a holding room "emotionally exhausted" and "physically drained" according to Ryan. we see the judges go over the pictures on the table.Folks rehearse for the final solo audition. They can go a cappella or use the band. This time they won't find out until later their fate.Up first is Haley Reinhart who sings "God Bless the Child" with the band. It's very bluesy and growly and a little shouty but the judges love it. JLo calls it redemption.Next is Ashton Jones who sings "And I'm Telling You." The judges compliment her.Back is Thia Megia is back and she works "What a Wonderful World" to the judges pleasure. And she really is very poised.We get a montage of people who were less successful working with the band, remembering the words, singing in the right key.Not a problem for Clint Jun Gamboa who wails is way through "Georgia on My Mind" in an incredibly overwrought manner that the judges clearly enjoy.Kendra Chantelle and Sophia Shorai also do "Georgia on My Mind" in ways that seems to make the judges happy.Chris Medina decided to do Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative" thinking it would be very unlikely to be done by others except the goofy surfer boy Carson Higgins decided to do it too. They're using different arrangements. Carson goes classic. Chris goes acoustic. They intercut them but mostly show Carson, because he is much more entertaining and he sounds good.Now the "we play instruments" gang gets a shot.Julie Zorilla sings Sara Bareilles' "Love Song" with piano. Caleb Hawley does Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke" with acoustic guitar.Colton Dixon does Daughtry's "What About Now" with piano. Brett Lowenstern sings with an acoustic guitar.Robbie Rosen does Bareilles' "Gravity" with piano. They're varying degrees of good, from competent to great. I bet they all go through.Casey Abrams hoped to shine with his stand up bass. He does a fun, slow, version of "Georgia on My Mind" and the band kicks in. The judges find it funny and pleasing.Jacqueline Dunford bowed out of the competition after getting very ill. Her friend and roommate Chelsee Oaks is shaken but manages to make through Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You" with a few bumps. She's upset with her performance.Lauren Alaina does "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith which she sang with Steven during her audition. Steven is clearly smitten as are the other judges.JLo muses on her being 15.Jacob Lusk does a jazzy, gospel and way oversung take on "God Bless the Child" that also clearly pleases the panel who give him a hooting, standing ovation. He breaks down outside the audition, clearly exhausted.John Wayne Schulz follows that with a very understated take on "Landslide" playing his guitar, that's quite lovely. It moves JLo to sing along.Melodramatic Ashley Sullivan is freaking out again. She starts out nicely and messes up the words and psychs herself out. She starts melting down. Randy tells her to go to the chorus. She does, but messes up again. The judges seem to give her a pass. She walks off tearfully. She apologizes to her boyfriend who tries to console her.We get three guys combined Stefano Langone who does a nice "Sir Duke." Jovany Barreto who does an a cappella take on "She Sang to Me" by JLo's husband Marc Anthony. And finally Jacee Badeaux who does David Cook's "Time of My Life." The judges like them all.The final two are Scotty McCreery and Tatynisa Wilson both doing a song they are unfamiliar with "I Hope You Dance" by Leann Womack. Both sing okay, he a little better than her, but both struggle mightily with the lyrics. Scotty says if he was a judge he'd cut himself. Tatynisa calls someone and explains she messed everything up.We watch the judges go over the photos again.The aspirants are split up into the three rooms of doom and salvation. The judges go through the annual fake out routine with the rooms going through.Room 1 including Ashley, Brett, Jacee, Lauren, Robbie and others get the word that they are, of course, going through.Of course Room 2, including Corey and Brielle whose final auditions we didn't see so you know what that means, now worry that they are on the chopping block when they hear the cheering. And they were right. Steven lowers the boom. Randy tells them to pick themselves up and keep going.Room 3 includes Mark Gutierrez and Chelsee Oaks and the news is equally bad for them. JLo says each one of them is very special.Heretofore unseen Room 4, including Carson, Julie, Jovany, and Scotty get good news. The ones who made it through run into the hallway and hug each other.The judges announce a new challenge: the remaining competitors will take on the Beatles, with only 24 hours to learn their songs, and perform them on the Beatles "LOVE" Cirque du Soleil stage.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Las Vegas Round- Feb. 23, 2011We pick up where we left off last week with all of the happy folks celebrating their continued survival and then the judges inform them that they're headed to Vegas the next day. There are 61 folks still standing.Ryan informs us that it will be, wait for it, "their toughest challenge yet" and the teasers promise lots of drama on the way to the unveiling of the top 24.The contestants ride buses to Vegas. The previous evening they divided themselves into duos and trios and picked Beatles songs. They arrive at the Mirage at the site of the Beatles "LOVE" stage.We watch them rehearse to get their songs together and get tough love coaching from the vocal coaches, one of whom is especially mean, Peggy Blu. In one group, judge favorite Lauren Alaina starts to crack under the pressure.We get a montage of folks saying they're not familiar with the Beatles. Jimmy Iovine shows up to school them in the Fab Four. They take in some auditions including Lauren's group, who sound pretty terrible. Iovine tells them to pick a different song. Others are equally bad judging by Jimmy and his entourage of producers' reactions.The contestants get a break and go to see the actual "LOVE" show.First up are Stefano Langone and James Durbin doing "Get Back." The judges seem to dig it, even James' screaming.Then it's Pia Toscano and Karen Rodriguez friends from high school doing "Can't Buy Me Love." JLo feels like they "get it." The other judges like it too.Jacob Lusk, Naima Adedapo, and Haley Reinhart are next. The day earlier the group was told by Iovine to not oversing. They did not take his advice but the judges seem to enjoy the overbaked, overwroughtness of it all, especially JLo. The judges go over the top in their praise, Randy tells Jacob to never hold back.Rachel Zevita is singled out in her group doing "Eleanor Rigby."Lauren Turner is singled out in her group doing "Let it Be."Tim Halperin and Julie Zorrilla do a piano duet of "Something" that works really well. And is nicely understated.Lakeisha Lewis, Jerome Bell, Tatynisa Wilson do a sassy take on "I Saw Her Standing There." The judges liked it mostly with specific compliments and complaints to each contestant. Steven liked it unequivocally.Kendra Chantelle and Paul McDonald tackle "Blackbird" in a very quiet, warm manner. There are some clunkers in the harmonies but it's pleasant. The judges loved it.We get a montage of others showing "flair" including Clint Jun Gamboa, John Wayne Schulze and others.We go on a shopping rip with drama-prone contestant Ashley Sullivan who has decided to get married while she's there, just like Britney did. The camera guys serves as the witness.It's the next day and the second group of contestants are hitting the stage.Thia Megia and Melinda Ademi[b] do "Here Comes the Sun." After all that evil coaching they are perfectly fine and cute. The judges were a little disappointed in the combo seeing as how they like them both alone.Ryan chats with [b]Ashley and Sophia Shorai before they do "We Can Work it Out.' They sound pretty good but they're sort of lifeless. The judges think it was "not hot."Lauren Alaina, Denise Jackson, and Scotty McCreery are next and have switched to "Hello Goodbye." They're really cute. Not any of their best vocal performances but good enough to get them all through. They get a "good try" from the judges.We then get a montage of two groups that include Chris Medina, Carson Higgnins and Casey Abrams that are kind of manic but we don't see the judging.The finale comes from Robbie Rosen, Jordan Dorsey, and Aaron Sanders on "Got To Get You Into My Life." Nice work from all. They all get good marks.The judges deliver the results and familiar faces going home include Carson, Ashley, Denise, and others.So the six singled out to the next round are: Thia Megia, Scotty McCreery, Jordan Dorsey, Ashton Jones, Robbie Rosen, Lauren Alaina. The rest are told as a group including Brett Lowenstern, Chris Medina and others.We head back to L.A. for the final cut from 40 to 24 as the final aspirants audition in an airplane hangar for some reason. They intercut this final audition moment with the final judgement itself.First up is Naima Adedapo who made it through. Even though she was inconsistent the judges think she deserves a shot.Next is Hollie Cavanaugh the girl who cried in her first audition and got a second chance. But she doesn't make it. Jennifer tells her she was outvoted and that Hollie belongs and JLo says she can come back in two years and win the the whole thing. They tell her to make sure she comes back.We get a pair of of nos including Lakeisha and one guy I swear I never saw named Alex Ryan. Others are broken up on their behalf.Next is Clint Jun Gamboa who is through after another grilling about dumping Jaycee.And then Hailey Reinhart gets the good news.It's a no for Deandre Bracken and the judges say they're sad to see him go.Paul McDonald gets the good news.Ashton Jones gets a yes.But Chris Medina gets a very tearful no. He takes it very well. Randy and Steven have to talk JLo down, she feels bad about the way she told him no. She says she doesn't want to do this anymore. We get a "to be continued" and Ryan telling us that Jennifer may make Randy and Steven do the rest of the eliminations alone.So the five members of the top 24 revealed tonight were: Naima Adedapo, Clint Jun Gamboa, Hailey Reinhart, Paul McDonald, and Ashton Jones
Hide description ▲

"American Idol"- Top 24 Semifinalists Announced- Feb. 24, 2011We continue JLo's meltdown and get back to the long walks, the fake-outs, and the devastation, in the airplane hangar tonight.First: Karen Rodriguez She sang her final song in Spanish and she's in.Next: Robbie Rosen who the judges haved liked all along. He does Elton for his final number and is in.Next: Tatynisa Wilson who wowed with her final audition of Toni Braxton's "Unbreak My Heart." She's in.Next: We get a quick "no thanks" one two punch to Brittany Mazur and Jimmie Allen.Next: Tim Halperin who does an original for his final song and gets a qualified yes. He's in.Next: Julie Zorilla who has been a judges favorite from the beginning and, of course, is in.Next: Scotty McCreery how could they turn him down. You knew they wouldn't.Next: John Wayne Schulze who gets a no because the judges didn't think he quite measure up.Next: Jovany Barreto gets a yes.Next: As does Lauren Turner.Next: The news is less good for Tiwan Strong and Erin Kelly who both get the see ya smackdown.Next: Rachel Zevita for whom the second time's the charm because she's in.Next: Kendra Chantelle who sang "Blackbird" last night. She is in but we don't see her "yes" and instead she does a fake out of the room.Next: Jordan Dorsey the one who caused a lot of drama on group night by ditching his group and was very confident is, in.Next: Judge favorite Lauren Alaina who got Steven Tyler to sing with her way back at the beginning. Unsurprisingly, she's in.Next: Stefano Langone who sang an original song at the piano for his final audition. He is in.Next: Jackie Wilson who forgot her lyrics during her final audition. JLo says she fizzled out at the end and she is out.Next: Jacob Lusk the big showy oversinger that the judges love. (Yes he's incredibly skilled but man he way overdoes it, witness his "God Bless the Child.") An easy yes, they think he's one of the best ever. He's very happy.Next: Pia Toscano who impressed the judges all along and with her final song gets a yes.Next: James Durbin tried to show control on his final song Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" and not scream so much. Apparently, it worked, even though he totally screams from the midpoint to the end, because he's in. Tyler thinks he's going big places.Next: Casey Abrams the groovy guy who plays bass and melodica. His final song was an attempt at "sexy" with a voice and bass version of "Do Right." He's in.Next: We get the final two girls going at once for the final slot. Unsurprisingly, again, it's a yes for judge favorite 15-year-old Thia Megia and a no for Jessica Cunningham which is tough since it's her birthday and it's her seventh time auditioning. Of course it's hard for Thia to celebrate.Next: The final three guys Jacee Badeau, Brett Lowenstern, Colton Dixon compete for the final slot. The judges say they loved them and all the final slot goes to Brett in the night's very first surprise. They ask Jacee and Colton to please come back.Top 24 Naima Adedapo, Clint Jun Gamboa, Hailey Reinhart, Paul McDonald, Ashton Jones, Karen Rodriguez, Robbie Rosen, Tatynisa Wilson, Tim Halperin, Julie Zorrilla, Scotty McCreery, Jovany Barreto, Lauren Turner, Rachel Zevita, Kendra Chantelle, Jordan Dorsey, Lauren Alaina, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, Pia Toscano, James Durbin, Casey Abrams, Thia Megia,and Brett Lowenstern.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 12 Male Semi-Finalists Perform - March 1, 2011Ryan asks Randy how it feels to be sitting at the table with Steven and JLo. Randy unsurprisingly loves it and is very excited.No theme this week. The contestants could pick any song they wanted.Contestant: Clint Jun Gamboa (The karaoke host)Song: "Superstition," Stevie WonderPerformance: Clint tries to work the stage but the movement is making his voice shaky and the band is swallowing him up. He seems nervous but gets off some shouts that will undoubtedly win him some points with the people who like that kind of thing.Steven: Thinks it was beautiful and started and ended strong. Brilliant, he says.JLo: Knew he had jitters but thinks it didn't affect his performance.Randy: He loved it and says there's no karaoke singer in the world that's got that kind of talent.Contestant: Jovany Barreto (The shipyard worker who showed his abs with Steven and Randy)Song: "I'll Be," Edwin McCainPerformance: He sounds mostly fine, with a few clunkers, on an awful song. Not a lot of charisma beyond some sweet smiling. He hits the bridge nicely and finishes well.Steven: "Holy Shipyard," says Steven. Calls it beautiful.JLo: Is happy because people got to really see him for the first time.Randy: He didn't really get it and thought it was very karaoke.Contestant: Jordan Dorsey (The music teacher who quit his group in group week).Song: "OMG," UsherPerformance: He tries to get modern with a newer song and work a sexy thing by throwing off his coat but this is not a singer's song really. And when he finally gets a chance to sing he muffs his falsetto. Not a great performance.Steven: It wasn't an OMG over the top for him.JLo: Has loved him and she isn't sure that's who he is as an artist. He admits it's not. She wants him to be Nat "King" Cole.Randy: Reiterates that he has to bring something new to it and that his falsetto was "pitchy" and agrees with me that it's not a singer's song.He promises Ryan, and America, that he can and will be better.Contestant: Tim Halperin In stool chat Tim says everyone is really supportive of one another and the guys are like his brothers.Song: "Streetcorner Symphony," Rob ThomasPerformance: He has pitch issues right out of the gate but recovers pretty well but it's not really working, it's a weird fit, kind of monchromatic.Steven: Says the song didn't do him justice.JLo: Says he did it well but it didn't show America who he really is an artist.Randy: Thinks he's been much better before.Contestant: Brett Loewenstern (The redhead)Song: "Light My Fire," the DoorsPerformance: He does this weird finger-pointing thing that's kind of creepy. And he keeps tossing his hair and shaking his hips. He sounds okay I guess, it's an odd performance. Unique for sure.Steven: Thinks he did it again and brought it home.JLo: Says it was more hair tossing than her and Beyonce in the past ten years together. She likes that he is who he is.Randy: He says the vocals had some pitch problems but got it together at the end but he likes that he's bold and is going to do what he's going to do.Contestant: James Durbin (The guy with the hair metal scream)Song: "You Got Another Thing Coming," Judas PriestPerformance: There's a lot of Vince Neil squeals, over the head clapping, and "rock" guitar squalling in the background. He has a few pitch issues and makes sure to get in a couple of big screams. It's like he's auditioning to be in "Rock of Ages," not be an actual rock star.Steven: Swears in service and says he's crazy good and loves that he's over the top.JLo: Loves the way he performs and that it's an organic. She says that's the way everyone should perform.Randy: Says this is how you do it. Says he was nice and tasty with the "high thing."Contestant:Robbie Rosen (The likable kid from Long Island)Song:"Angel," Sarah McLachlanPerformance: This seems like a weird choice and the arrangement and the way he's rushing it make it feel awkward. It's a very soft performance, there's little vocal heft to it. He goes to a falsetto place that's a bit rough.Steven: Says he can sing a ballad like nobody's business and calls it a beautiful thing.JLo: Says that he's the special type of singer that can tell a story and she loved the different choices he made.Randy: Dissents and says the chest into the head slide didn't really work and it didn't quite settle in.Robbie says he had fun with it. Randy tells him when he listens back he'll hear what Randy's talking about.Contestant:Scotty McCreery (The Southern teen who kept singing that one country song)Song:"Letter From Home," John Michael MontgomeryPerformance: He sounds great, it's a savvy song choice. The only drawback is he's sort of working a cheeseball leaning thing but the girls love him.Steven: Doesn't think he could've picked a better song.JLo: She says he was born to sing country music.Randy: He likes that he's a throwback country guy, he's a big fan.Contestant: Stefano Langone (The guy who was in a car accident)Song: "Just the Way You Are," Bruno MarsPerformance: He also goes the modern route but he picked a much better song as a singer. He may not be amazing, but it's a great vocal, with just one minor -- if loud-- clunker.Steven: Loves how his voice cuts through the air, thinks he's so good.JLo: Thinks he's very consistent. She says there's nothing awkward about him and calls him a beast.Randy: Agrees that they were all rocking like they were at a concert and they believed him.Contestant:Paul McDonald (The soft rocking guy with the raspy voice).Song: "Maggie May," Rod StewartPerformance: He sounds fine and seems happy but his movements are kind of awkward and pteradactyl-esque. It's simultaneously kind of goofy and boring. But the vocal was lovely.Steven: He calls the movements the "McDonald two-step" and loves his character onstage.JLo: Calls his movements very unique and even though he's wearing all black but his smile lights up the whole place. She calls it a "good" performance.Randy: Says he's different from anyone that's ever been on "Idol" and hopes that the show can embrace his quirkiness.Contestant:Jacob Lusk (The guy with the technically amazing voice who oversings everything).Song:"A House is Not A Home," the Luther Vandross versionPerformance: He starts off soft and velvety and restrained enough. His sly little smile seems a bit self-satisfied but he's doing a fine job. He impressively keeps his melisma monster under control until the very end.Steven: Thinks it's great that America gets to hear him, he's honored to be in his presence, and he makes him cry.JLo: Luther was JLo's favorite singer of all time and even though he's gone now they have Jacob.Randy: Agrees and thinks that he's the best, like Luther but different with a little something else.Contestant: Casey Abrams (The sweetly goofy guy who played melodica and upright bass).Song: "I Put a Spell on You," "Screamin'" Jay HawkinsPerformance: It's pretty shouty but he's very endearing and committed and he ends on a sweet, clean tender note.Steven: "In your mind good, out of your mind unreal" Okay. Loves his notes and melodic sensibility. Calls him crazy good.JLo: Says he's sexy. Says it's clear he wants it bad. She loved how he "ate it all up."Randy: Loves that he's so different and unique and says "more, more, more, yes, yes, yes."
Hide description ▲

American Idol Top 12 Women Perform March 2, 2011Theme: Any song they wantContestant: Ta-Tynisa Wilson The girl with the big fluffy hairSong: Only Girl in the World, RihannaPerformance: The belting parts are good but a few of the quieter passages are iffy from a breath control standpoint. The low register notes are also a bit rough. She looks cute though.Steven: Says she sang the song and the song sang her.JLo: Says she really brought it home.Randy: Disagrees and says he thinks this is going to happen a lot to him this season. He thought it was just okay and that she didnt bring anything special or different. JLo interrupts with her disagreement. He calls her on the pitch issues.. He says he didnt quite get it. JLo chimes in you did a good job, baby. She says that being a performer is about moving the crowd. Randy retorts that he was part of the crowd and wasnt moved. Ryan says it takes a lot to move him.Contestant: Naima Adedapo The girl who worked at the outdoor amphitheatre. Naima designed her own dress.Song: Summertime, from Porgy and BessPerformance: She does a slightly more uptempo, cocktail lounge version. Her voice sounds good, but shes a little busy with her movements. Head and shoulders above Ta-Tynisa with a flawless vocal.JLo: Calls her an exotic flower in a rose garden and loves that she nailed last note.Randy: Thinks it was a little lounge act-y and brings up Fantasia's stunning version from back in the day. He thought she made it into an interesting thing for herself and enjoyed the second half more than first half.Steven: I take you personally, says Steven, likening her to early Ella Fitzgerald, and saying thats what America needs a new old-timey thing.Contestant: Kendra ChantelleSong: Impossible, Christina AguileraPerformance: Dressed in black leather with her loose blond hair it seemed like she was poised to rock but she did a nice, understated, well-sung version of this ballad, belting where appropriate.Randy: Loved the vibrato. She reminds him of Lauryn Hill which makes him feel warm and close to her.Steven: Thought her voice, clothes, and style were hot.JLo: Says Kendra fought her way in and thinks she has more in her and wants to see it.Contestant: Rachel Zevita The girl who auditioned in a previous season.Song: Criminal, Fiona ApplePerformance: Does a theatrical, jazzy, strutting version of Fiona's bad, bad girl jam. She takes a walk around the judges table. She doesn't show off her big range but its a fun, sassy performance.Steven: Loved her strut and swagger but says it was a little too Broadway for him. Not that its a bad thing, he thinks it could be her niche. She says she's never actually sung that kind of music. (Which is surprising).JLo: Is confused as to what kind of artist she wants to be? She wishes that she'd shown off more of her range.Randy: Thinks it wasn't great or good and it didn't work. He says he didn't even half-recognize the song. She looks a little stunned. She tells Ryan she was having a good time.Contestant: Karen Rodriguez The Myspace girl.Song: Hero, Mariah CareyPerformance: In a pretty teal gown she gives a perfectly adequate if pageant-y performance showing off a nice tenderness and range on Mariah's snoozer, with a little Spanish thrown in for good measure.JLo: Wow, she says. She got goosebumps. Loved the English to Spanish quick changes and that she showed her flavor.Randy: Liked that she figured out a way to make it her own. Thought the Spanish was even better than the English.Steven: Calls her a one-of-kind singer and she should get together with Jacob Lusk. He thinks she's fantastic.Contestant: Lauren Turner The girl who used to be a housekeeper, apparently. (Dont remember her from auditions/Hollywood)Song: Seven Day Fool, Jully BlackPerformance: Fun and sassy with dash of gritty rhythm and blues. Not overdone but well-sung. [b]Randy:[/b] ''That's how you do it, man,'' he says. He loves her power and says she's like Amy Winehouse meets Florence & the Machine.Steven: Calls it spectacular and loved the way the end of the song went upstairs. Calls it a complete sentence.JLo: Thinks her voice undeniable, thinks she's holding back physically and thinks letting loose would've put her over the top. Ryan, in a very quick aside, tells us the judges will be choosing wild card picks tomorrow.Contestant: Ashthon Jones The girl who was very consistent.Song:Love All Over Me, MonicaPerformance: Unfamiliarity with song is sort of killing interest in the performance even though its a decent vocal, if a bit wavery in places. Ultimately, the song itself is kind of limp.Steven: Says she's got the confidence of a queen and she sings so sweet. He says we found one!JLo: Says she has all the makings of a diva. Thinks she's amazing.Randy: Likes her and likes her confidence. Didn't love the song and thinks she's better than that.Contestant: Julie Zorrilla The girl from Colombia.Song: Breakaway, Kelly ClarksonPerformance: She looks beautiful as usual, but she's got a lot of arm gesturing and knee-bending going on that's undermining her elegant look. The band is also burying her a bit and that may be a good thing since the pitch is iffy in more than a couple of places. She ends nicely.JLo: Didn't think it was the best thing she's ever done. It didn't seem heartfelt all the way. She wants her to connect more to the words.Randy: Says she didn't bring anything different or new to it.Steven: Calls it the wrong song for her and maybe she should've taken it up a couple of keys.Contestant: Hailey ReinhartSong: Fallin', Alicia KeysPerformance: She sounds and looks great, but again doesn't really wrest the song away from Keys. She's a little writhey but she's got obvious natural talent and a lot of poise.Randy: Says the song didn't do anything for her, and he misses her husky Janis Joplin-esque quality.Steven: Heard just the right amount of style and sexiness and liked it a lot.JLo: Agrees with Steven and feels like she heard a lot of different colors in her voice. She tells her to get out of her head.Contestant: Thia Megia The likable teen.Song: Out Here on My Own, Irene CaraPerformance: She starts out a cappella and there are a few rough notes. She's great in the belting pre-chorus. Okay, now the notes are getting rougher. But I like that she's taking an understated approach.Steven: Sometimes a person's pitch can be so perfect that it doesn't matter what song they're singing. He compliments his fellow judges and himself on putting such great talent through.JLo: Says it was a beautiful, a quiet moment and very captivating.Randy: He says the quality of the tone is the most important and that this is what hot singing is about.Contestant: Lauren Alaina The other likable, if more mature-seeming teen who loves Steven.Song: Turn Up the Radio, Reba McEntirePerformance: She's cute, its a fun, uptempo and she's got good personality.JLo: Says she doesn't even have to try, that the voice and personality are effortless.Randy: Says she has a natural gift, and he doesn't even think she knows how good she is. Tells her that she reminds him of Kelly Clarkson meshed with Carrie Underwood.Steven: Says there's room between those two former winners where Lauren should live and that they haven't seen the best of her yet.Contestant: Pia ToscanoSong: I'll Stand By You, The PretendersPerformance: Great performance from beginning to end: it built nicely, had big notes without too much showiness, a good emotional connection. Classy and controlled.Randy: Notes it's the first standing O of the season, tells her she just put herself in the top.Steven: Calls it unbelievable, so over the top, gorgeous.JLo: Knew she was a standout and thinks she was saving that performance for when it counted and says it was out of this world.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - First Results Show - March 3, 2011Ryan informs us we are live and tonight will have the largest cut ever made at this point in the season. He also says 40 million votes came in.The top 24 is introduced alphabetically, from Casey Abrams to Julie Zorrilla.Ryan reminds us that after the top 10 is picked by America, the judges will have some of the folks who are cut sing again to compete for one of the wild card spots.Ryan starts with the guys and intros the video recap of Tuesday's performance show.Ryan banters with the guys and then intros a video recap of behind the scenes guy outtakes/bloopers and confessionals.Finally he brings up the teenagers Scotty and Robbie. Scotty is in, Robbie is out for now. Ryan reminds the boo-birds that he might have a wild card spot.He calls up Clint, Jordan, and Jovany next. Clint and Jordan are out, as is Jovany but Ryan waits to tell him after he sends the other two away. Annoying.Now Ryan throws to a video recap of ladies night.Now he chats with the ladies about how hard this is.Now we get the behind-the-scenes video stuff.He calls up Pia and Lauren A. They're both in and join Scotty on the couch of glory.Up next Ta-Tynisa and Julie. They're both out.Kendra, Ashton, and Karen hit center stage. Ashton and Kendra are out and Karen is in.Ryan calls up Tim, Casey, and Jacob. Casey and Jacob are in. Tim is out.Next is Naima, Thia, and Lauren T. Naima and Lauren are out. Thia is in.Up next Brett and Paul. Brett is out and Paul is in.And then Hailey and Rachel. Hailey is in. Rachel is out.And finally we're on to Stefano and James. And James is the winner of the final slot in the public vote.Now it's time for the wild card sing offs.Six aspirants, three girls and three guys will get to sing.Ashton is up first and sings "And I'm Telling You, I'm Not Going" from "Dreamgirls." It's full of attitude and sounds pretty good. It's not a knockout punch though.Steven thought she brought it like she brought it before. Jennifer felt her passion. Randy still loves the attitude.Stefano gets the next shot and sings "I Need You Now," by Smokie Norful and it sounds pretty great.Randy loves Smokie Norful and loved that he picked that song. Jennifer says he came through and there's no way to not get it right or wrong with these kids. Steven says he brought it again and gilded his lily with passion.Kendra is next and sings "Georgia On My Mind." She starts in a low, sultry place and then belts out the chorus and ends with a nice growl.Randy thinks she rocked out. Only time for one judge now since they're running long.Jovany gets another shot and sings "Angel," Jon Secada. He sings in Spanish and English and really goes for it.Jennifer says he did the best he could do.Naima gets the final shot for the girls. First Ryan brings the other girls-- Lauren T, Ta-Tynisa, Julie, and Rachel-- down for a goodbye first. Naima sings "For All We Know," by Donny Hathaway. Her nerves are pretty raw but she does pretty well but cries at the end.Steven says she came from way deep down inside again and brought it to him.And Robbie gets the last potential spot for the guys. Ryan brings the others- Clint, Brett, Tim, and Jordan-- down for their goodbye. He sings "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word," Elton John. It's a huge improvement over his take on "Angel" on Tuesday.Randy says it was very nice and tender and says the Robbie he fell in love with is back. Randy says this is the toughest night ever.Ryan brings all the wild card contenders to the stage.The judges confer during the break and when we return they make the kids wait and show JLo's new video for "On the Floor."And then another break.The wild card picks are: Ashton, Naima,and StefanoThe Top 13 Naima Adedapo, Lauren Alaina, Casey Abrams, James Durbin, Ashton Jones, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery, Paul McDonald, Thia Megia, Haley Reinhart, Karen Rodriguez, Pia Toscano,
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 13 Peformance Show - March 9, 2011Theme: A song by my idolContestant: Lauren AlainaSong: "Any Man of Mine," Shania Twain. Lauren thinks Shania was the first female performer to mix country and pop. She worked in the studio with Don Was and she liked him. Jimmy Iovine showed up and it made her nervous but she tried to keep her focus. Jimmy and Don think Lauren is going to have a big career.Performance: She's cute and easygoing and she does a nice job with a very straightforward cover but it's not really a singer's song.Steven: Loves her voice but wishes the song was a little more kickass.JLo: Says she always sounds amazing but wants her to kick it into high gear.Randy: Loves Shania and Mutt Lange but was hoping to see more of the girl they first saw, something that lets her shine beyond belief.Contestant: Casey AbramsSong: "With a Little Help From My Friends," Joe Cocker's version of the Beatles song. Jimmy instructs him to sing the first lines of the song-- about singing out of tune-- directly to the judges. Casey says he was inspired by Cocker because he made it cool to be a not so hot looking guy with a growly voice. Jimmy tells him to perform the song physically.Performance: He starts seated on the stairs and starts walking center stage as the song ramps up and some "friends" in the form of a choir join him onstage. He does nice work with the dynamics having nice fluttery moments and growly passages. He also doesn't exactly mimic Cocker's vocal cadences which is nice. It all works. The crowd digs it.JLo: Says she grabbed Randy in amazement and truly felt him. He blew her away.Randy: Says he's excited every time he comes up to sing and says he was unbelievable and perfectly in tune and he loved it.Steven: "You are a rainbow of talent," he says. "You are a plethora of passion."Contestant: Ashthon Jones. Diana Ross is one of her heroes and she got to work with Rodney Jerkins in a studio. She's nervous about how high she's singing. Jimmy was nervous but he was so inspired he wanted to invite Berry Gordy to hear it.Song:"When You Tell Me That You Love Me," Diana RossPerformance: She looks elegant in silver but her start is a bit breathy and the whole thing sounds a shade flat, long before she gets to the big note. It doesn't help that it's not a very well-known song. It's not awful but it's not inspiring either.Randy: Liked it and points out Berry Gordy in the crowd. Says he was a little worried about the song and thought it was safe but he saw her grow as a singer as she worked on pulling herself back from bad pitch moments.Steven:Has confidence in her and thinks there's a lot more in there than is showing.JLo: Thinks she's showing great professionalism. Wants her to start singing songs that the audience can sing along with her.Contestant: Paul McDonald. His idol is Ryan Adams. (Yay, Paul!) He got to work with Don Was also. Jimmy tells him he has to nail the chorus. Jimmy says Paul's voice is understated and powerful.Song: "Come Pick Me Up," Ryan AdamsPerformance: He starts lightly and there's some nice fiddle in the background. (The band seems less intrusive this week.) He also has to adjust the lyrics of the chorus from "screw all my friends" to "lose all my friends." Again this isn't really a singer's song and he has a couple of pitch issues but he's having fun.Steven: Loves the character and the rasp in his voice, calls it a little pitchy and tells him to nail it next time.JLo: Enjoyed watching the audience watch him, he thinks he's very unique. She doesn't know Ryan Adams or that song. She hopes America gets it.Randy: Says it wasn't the most exciting thing but likes his vibe and he also hopes America gets it because he loves him for this show.Contestant: Pia Toscano. In stool chat Ryan asks her about the behind the scenes action. She details press, photo shoots, premieres, rehearsal and living like one big happy family in a mansion. Her hero is Celine Dion. She works with Ron Fair in the studio. She hopes to make her dad proud. Jimmy is already proud.Song:"All By Myself," Celine Dion's version of Eric Carmen's song.Performance:She is also in a glittery silver dress, mini in the front but long in the back. It's like a dress mullet. The opening part in the lower register is fine but the big belting chorus is where she really shines. So she mostly does that. She does a lot of arm gesturing that doesn't add much to the moment but she sounds great.JLo: Is at a loss. She says she topped last week.Randy: Says we always tell people not to sing Celine-Whitney-Mariah, but thinks she slayed it and has such a natural gift. Hot, dope, cool, it was.Steven: He says that was the sum total of all the work she's done up to now. He wishes her happy international woman's day. He says she slammed it.Contestant: James Durbin. Paul McCartney is his idol. He worked with producer Jim Jonsin in the studio. Jimmy likes that a voice like James' can be heard on "Idol."Song:"Maybe I'm Amazed," Paul McCartneyPerformance: He starts off softly and keeps it simple in the more ramped up second verse,does a bit of controlled screaming, takes it down to a nice, icy piano place at the end. Easily my favorite performance of his so far.Randy:Thinks he slayed it and can sing anything, loved that he showed he had a sensitive. He says James Durbin is dangerous.Steven: Took everything he had and kicked it into the middle of next week. Loved it.JLo: Tells him to get used to the applause because he such a great melodic quality to his voice, she says he has everything.Contestant: Haley Reinhart. Apparently Leann Rimes is her hero, or at least the song "Blue" was important to her life. She worked with the duo Rock Mafia in the studio. Jimmy calls it a tough song to take on but that she sings it really well.Song: "Blue," Leann RimesPerformance: She nails the yodeling bit, she sounds good but it's not a very thrilling performance and again lots of arm movements. Nicely done.Steven: Says it was beautiful and says the country and western part of America is roaring for her. He thanks her.JLo: Says America is getting to know her and likes that she can do special things with her voice.Says she did a good job.Randy: The good part is that her range is big, but for him it was a little sleepy and boring. JLo counters that Haley's very sensual and not everyone has to run around the stage. He says that wasn't it. It was just boring.Contestant: Jacob Lusk. R. Kelly is his Idol. He works with Rodney Jerkins. Jimmy thinks Jacob has an incredible gift, he tells him to breathe.Song: "I Believe I Can Fly," R. KellyPerformance: He also gets the gospel choir treatment, he hits a lot of bad notes on his way to a nice run mid-song.Steven: Says it's pure passion, says he can't even judge him, he's just that good.JLo: She says it is hard to judge because he makes them feel it so much. She thinks everyone is good but he's at the top/Randy: Compliments the judges on how well they did picking, notes that he fell off on one of the verses pitch-wise but thinks he's great.Contestant: Thia Megia. Her idol is Michael Jackson. She worked with Ron Fair and Jimmy.Song: "Smile," Michael Jackson's version of Charlie Chaplin's song.Performance: She sounds and looks sweet and changes it up with a little tempo halfway through, but again, not very exciting.Randy: Loved the beginning more than the end.Steven: He calls her Pia and says it was a little pitchy and agrees that the beginning was better.JLo: Agrees and wants to see her move more. Says she sings like an angel.Contestant: Stefano Langone. His idol is Stevie Wonder. He worked with Polow Da Don and he really enjoyed it. Jimmy wants him to keep his eyes open.Song: "Lately," Stevie WonderPerformance: He starts out with a traditional cover but switches to a thumpy disco rendition halfway through. The good parts are pretty great and the rest of it is fine, with a couple of clunkers.Steven: Says he pulled it off and by the end it was soaring like a volcano.JLo: Says he had him dancing and she loved that it wasn't a copy but it was really him.Randy: Says he slayed it by the middle of the song and that Stevie would be proud.Contestant: Karen Rodriguez. Her idol is Selena. She works with Jim Jonsin in the studio. Jimmy tells her to conserve her voice.Song: "I Could Fall in Love," SelenaPerformance: The beginning is a bit rough as her lower register is a bit raspy but when she gets to the belting parts it sounds okay but again kind of boring.JLo: Says she could tell that she was a little uncomfortable with the low and high register and wonders whether she can hear herself. She says she had a little trouble. JLo knows she's normally better than this and hopes she makes it through to next week.Randy: Agrees it felt like she was fighting the song but says it wasn't exciting.Steven: Thinks her energy was lacking and hopes she's better next week.Contestant: Scotty McCreery chats about missing his high school baseball team. (They're 2-2). He works with Don Was in the studio. Garth Brooks is his idol. Jimmy can't argue with Scotty's desire to stay true to himself.Song: "The River," Garth BrooksPerformance: He's adorable, charming, poised, and sounds great.Randy: Loved it and loved that he didn't switch it up and this is exactly where Scotty belongs.JLo: Thinks he's taking us all on the ride with him.Steven: Says he did "the Garth" justice and quotes an Elton John song as a way of proving it.Contestant: Naima Adedapo. Rihanna is her hero. (Really?) She's working with Tricky Stewart who actually produced Rihanna's version. Tricky thinks it's going to be amazing and Jimmy is confident she could go right to the top 5.Song:"Umbrella," RihannaPerformance: She switches it up big time from last week getting more urban and edgy, seh breaks down into dancehall break and then after the bridge she bust a few moves.Steven: Thinks she's crazy good, a little pitchy, but thought she brought flavor that no one else has.JLo: Doesn't care if it was pitchy, she thought she was hot like a real artist. She needs to work on control.Randy: He does care about the pitchiness, but loved the whole reggae thing and wished she'd done the whole thing all the way.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 13 Results - March 10, 2011Ryan tells us that 30 million votes came in last night. He tells us that the save is back in effect, it can be used one time before the top 5.Ryan informs us that Casey is sick in the hospital so he's missing from the group formation.We get a video package of the gang arriving and moving into "Idol" mansion and being very excited and overwhelmed.Group Sing: Medley: "Wannabe Startin' Somethin'"/"Rock With You"/"Black and White"/"Man in the Mirror," Michael Jackson. It's weird some of it sounds live and some of it sounds lip-synched? Maybe live microphones over recorded tracks? There's a lot of elaborate blocking for this one and the gang execute it pretty well. (Wonder how glad Casey is to have missed that.)Ford Commercial: "The World," the group is in a cut and paste/collage world and they "build" a stage to sing on.We get a video package of the gang going to the premiere of "Red Riding Hood." They meet some of the stars including Gary Oldman. Star Amanda Seyfried is in the audience and Ryan chats with her briefly. We actually see video of them watching the movie in the theatre. We then get their very positive reviews.Results: Ryan brings up Stefano, Karen, and Jacob and tells them they're all safe... except Karen.Performance: Adam Lambert. He does an understated, seated, acoustic version of "Aftermath." He's rocking a short 'do and light make-up. Ryan and Adam and JLo banter after the performance.Results: Next is Lauren, Ashthon, and Haley. Only Lauren is safe.Bottom three: Karen, Haley, AshthonPerformance: Diddy Dirty Money, featuring Skylar Grey. "Coming Home."Going Home: Ashthon Jones as the judges decline to use their save after she gives Diana Ross another whirl.The show debuts the new going away song: David Cook's version of Simple Minds' "Don't You Forget About Me"
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 12 Finalists Performance - March 16, 2011The show opens with Steven Tyler singing a snippet of the Aerosmith song "Livin' on the Edge," as a prelude to he and his fellow judges and Ryan announcing that proceeds from the sales of tonight's performances on iTunes will go to Japanese quake/tsunami relief via the American Red Cross.Theme: The year you were bornIn the audience: Kate HudsonContestant: Naima Adedapo. Born Oct. 4, 1984, Naima's mom is a jazz singer and would carry her onto the stage on her back. She has two daughters of her own aged 3 and 1.Song: "What's Love Got to Do With It," Tina Turner. She works with Rodney Jerkins in the studio. She tells Jimmy Iovine it's hard to be away from her kids and he tells her to channel her angst into the music.Performance: They've given it a rocked out beat and the groove is cool and she moves well but she's having some pitch problems throughout, just a hair flat a lot of the time.Steven: Jokes that she raided his closet for his outfit and says it was beautiful.JLo: Says she brings her flavor to everything she does and last week gave her a pass on her pitchiness because she was dancing but now she's worried that she's consistently pitchy and tells her to work on that.Randy: Agrees that the vocals were kind of a mess as they were last week. JLo adds that her flavor is crazy and she needs to bring it all together.Naima tells Ryan she understands what they're saying and she can roll with it.Contestant: Paul McDonald. Born in 1984 also and he's always been an entertainer, dressing as a cowboy. His parents don't know where he gets his talent, his dad is a shower singer.Song: "I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues," Elton John. Jimmy tells him in the studio that he was born to sing his own music. After his take he tells him he was made to sing songs he wrote or that Elton John wrote. Later he points that Paul is hoarse and tells him to bring his full voice to the show.Performance: He's a little squeaky but cute and he's still all over the place with his feet. It's fine,but nothing special. (Jlo is singing along).JLo: She says she knows he felt like he was struggling but she says he sounded great but that his soul and star quality overcame it.Randy: Says he won't give him a pass because he has a cold because singer's have to do that, and he says although he was pitchy but he was smart enough to put his own spin on it. But also tells him to get the notes right.Steven: Says he defines a cool dude in a loose mood. But agrees it was pitchy.Contestant: Thia Megia. Born Jan. 30, 1995 and her mom says she was a very happy baby and she sang to her. She wrote a song when she was 6 called "I Will Always Love You." We hear her singing it. Her parents encouraged her to follow her dreams.Song: "Colors of the Wind," Vanessa Williams. Jimmy says this year has a lot of different types of singers but she brings something special and could be a dark horse and to put what she feels about what's going on in the world today into the song.Performance: She looks gorgeous in a gold-brown dress and she sings well enough, except one rough note, but the song is kind of a yawn.Randy: Says the vocals were okay but it was boring and pagaent-y and wants her to shake it up and step out of her box.Steven: Thinks she sang it beautifully but asks if that's who she thinks she is, that kind of song. She replies that she thought it suited what was going on today. She says she gets what Randy means.JLo: Says when they first saw her and loved the quality and tone of her voice and likens her to Adele. Agrees that it was a little safe and says she also needs to be careful of her vibrato.Contestant: James Durbin. Born Jan.6, 1989, and his mom says he was a happy little boy. He was cute too and there's a lot of video of him singing. She claims he had perfect pitch he thinks that's a load of bull.Song: "I'll Be There," Bon Jovi. Tricky works with him and says he put his own twist on it. Jimmy tells him to stay hungry and wash his hands alot since people seem to have colds.Performance: He starts off really rough. It gets better but is hampered by the fact that it's not a very good song and in general not a singer's song. There's a wanky solo and he takes a walk around the judges' table. He throws in a wobbly scream and ends on a rough note.Steven: Says he made Desmond Child proud and that he has leftover sandwiches under his bed older than him. Tells him to not get too poppy on him. James says he's saving the Aerosmith for later. He goes to shake hands with Steven who says something that gets bleeped.JLo: Said she was acting a fool singing along with him, she thinks he was great and he brought her joy.Randy: Says there were a couple of pitch problems but he figured out how to make it his own, just like Paul.Ryan asks Steven if he's confirming that he'll perform on "Idol." He says James has a rich vein of inner crazy and he will sing with him.Contestant: Haley Reinhart. Born Sept. 9, 1990 and her parents knew she had the music in her. She thanks her parents for her talent, they are in a band together and have been for years.Song:"I'm Your Baby, Tonight," Whitney Houston. Jimmy says that other people from this season besides the winner will do well and that she has to show a good work ethic.Performance: The best one tonight by far so far. She gets a little jazzy, a little growly, and a little funky. She does the rapid-fire bridge part and doesn't drop a word.JLo: Thinks her voice sounds great but she says she feels a little tension in her body and tells her to do what comes naturally. (Ryan comes on to wipe lipstick off her chin).Randy: Says he's confused that she's gone from Alicia Keys to Leann Rimes to Whitney and that she doesn't know who she is and says the vocals were okay and that it wasn't a great performance.Steven: Says it was sweet and tough and was glad that she got to the Joplin-y part of her voice and he wants to hear more blues from her.Contestant: Stefano Langone. Born on Sept. 27, 1989 and his parents say he responded to music as a very young boy. His grandfather ran a music store and his dad grew up in it. He mocksSong:"If You Don't Know Me By Now," Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes by way of Simply Red. Jimmy rides him to remember the words and hit the right notes.Performance: He takes the walk down the stairs and delivers the classic ballad pretty well, hitting lots of good strong big notes. Randy: Says it was the best performance of the night so far,took a song with the highest degree of difficulty and slayed it.Steven: Calls it beautiful, wonderful, and over the top.JLo: Calls it a perfect song for him and says he could take this thing.Ryan tells him to go hug his mom.Contestant: Pia Toscanco. Born Oct. 14, 1988 and her parents used to videotape her singing, which we see. She used to put on shows for her grandpa. He passed away and she wishes he could see her sing.Song: "Where Do Broken Hearts Go," Whitney Houston. Pia wants to show growth and Jimmy agrees.Performance: They rock out the arrangement and it gives it a weird cruise ship performance vibe as does her her white jumpsuit. While this stuff is distracting, she sounds great.Steven: "You are why this show is called American Idol." Says she nailed it.JLo: So glad to hear her do something uptempo.Randy: Says every week she's bringing amazing vocals and it tells the other contestants it's time to show up because she's in it to win it.Contestant:Scotty McCreery. Born Oct. 9, 1993, his parents say he was a bit of a chunky monkey who loved Elvis as a kid. Thinks maybe that's why his voice is so deep.Song:"Can I Trust You With My Heart," Travis Tritt. Jimmy tells him to stay country but to push himself.Performance: Near flawless and a great example of a song that might be unfamiliar to some but easily accessible.JLo: Wants to see him keep growing in that direction, pushing it outRandy: Says he did Travis proud. And he agrees with JLo that he loves to take chances to hit bigger, longer notes.Steven: Tells him he's going places if he just keeps doing what he's doing.Contestant: Karen Rodriguez. Born March 22, 1989 and Karen's mom used to play the radio to her pregnant belly. Her mom also wanted to be a singer and says she's living vicariously through Karen.Song: "Love Will You Lead You Back," Taylor Dayne. Jimmy tells her to go for what she believes in.Performance: She sounds fine, looks great, the song seems a little big for her and she briefly switches to Spanish near the end.Randy: Says it started rough but got better by the chorus but it was definitely better than last week.Steven:Loves it when she breaks into her ethnic what it is-ness. (Seriously, this was his critique).JLo: Tells her not to be nervous, work around the big notes if she's not comfortable, and never expose her weaknesses.Contestant: Casey Abrams. Born in 1991 and his parents were in their 40s and they say it's good to be older parents. Casey likes they were older because they were wiser than the other parents.Song: "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Nirvana. Jimmy asks if he's nervous about people not getting a Nirvana song on Idol. Casey says he likes to take risks.Performance: Casey gets to play his bass.Steven: Thinks he's so crazy and so talented and that's the goop that great stuff is made from.JLo: Says it was big shoes to fill and that it got it screamy and screechy and wishes it was more pleasant.Randy: What he loves about him is he's taking risks, that he puts art before commerce, he says it wasn't his best performance but likes that it was fearless.Contestant: Lauren Alaina has got the flu. Born Nov. 8, 1994. her mom says she was a peaceful baby and then the real Lauren came out and she was a big ham.Song: "I'm the Only One," Melissa Etheridge. Producer Jim Jonsin says they changed the arrangement and she's killing it. Jimmy tells her to focus on the job at hand and that they're expecting a lot from her.Performance: For someone with the flu she sounds pretty great. She doesn't have a lot of intensity but she's hitting the notes.JLo: Says she stayed true to the framework of the song but also made it her own. Says she did a very, very good job.Randy: Says that was very nice so she should have a cold every week. Says she's back.Steven: Calls her a shining star.Contestant: Jacob Lusk. Born June 23, 1987 and his mom says he gets his voice from both sides of the family then she starts to sing and he gently ribs her.Song:"Alone," Heart Jimmy tells him to be careful but that is glad that he's doing a rock song and taking a risk.Performance: He sounds pretty good until he takes it up at the end and hits a few bum notes but he ends very nicely.Randy: Calls it a very nice performance and says that he missed it on the modulation but got it back within a few bars and he loved how he caressed the end and didn't overpower it.Steven: Babbles nonsense.JLo: Loves that he gives himself completely to every song and moment and that everyone feels it. She and Randy agree they have a competition.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - One Voted Off - March 17, 2011Ryan expresses thanks to the viewers for their support of the Red Cross for relief in Japan.In the audience: Marc Anthony, PitbullGroup Sing:"Born to Be Wild," Steppenwolf/"Born This Way," Lady Gaga It's a mash-up with the boys singing the former and the girls singing the latter.Ford Commercial "Val Kilmer." Bowling for Soup. It's like a movie trailer.Ryan pimps the "Idol" 10th anniversary CD which everyone in the audience is getting.We get a video package of the "Idols" talking about what America doesn't know about them. Example: Scotty McCreery can wiggle his ears.Results: He calls up Jacob, Lauren, and Casey. They are all safe. Next up are Haley and Paul. Haley is in the bottom three.Performance: "Beautiful Like You," Lee Dewyze. It's a mid-tempo pop rocker. He sounds good but the song isn't much. Lee tells Ryan it's good to be back. He tells the folks on the couches that they'll be fine no matter happens.Results: Up next Pia, Scotty, and James. They're all safe. Up next Stefano and Naima. Naima is in the bottom three and Stefano is safe. Finally comes Karen and Thia. Karen is in the bottom three and Thia is safe.Performance: Black Eyed Peas, "Just Can't Get Enough." Will.i.am dedicates the song to the people of Japan.Ryan sends Naima back to safety.Going Home: Karen since the judges decline to use the save after her rendition of "Hero" by Mariah Carey. (Randy says it was not unanimous).
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 11 Performance Show - March 23, 2011Theme: MotownVideo Package: A retrospective on Motown historyIn the audience: Liv Tyler, Brad Whitford of Aerosmith, Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer BealsContestant:Casey Abrams. Tells the producers he feels comfortable with Motown. He gets counseled to not get to screechy/growly.Song: "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," Marvin GayePerformance: He has slicked his hair back and he starts off with a slow growl and eases into a more recognizable version. He takes a walk down into the audience. It's pretty good, a little shouty/too growly at the end but fine.Steven: Calls him the perfect entertainer with perfect pitch and crazy ass ego. Calls him beautiful.JLo: Says people already know who he is and he's very unique.Randy: Calls him a true original. He says he can only do you and that you is great and they love him.Contestant: Thia Megia. She wants to show her uptempo side. Jimmy thinks it's the right record for her and is pleasantly shocked.Song:"Heatwave," Martha and the Vandellas.Performance: She's wearing a kicky dress and moving around with a bit of a strut. It's cute and sounds fine and she's working really hard but still kind of lacking a certain something.JLo: Thought it was great to see her let loose. She wants her to dig in deeper each week. She thinks part of performing is acting and to bring it.Randy: Agrees this new thing is a good thing but thinks she could take more vocal chances. Happy to see her do something different.Steven: Agrees that she's taken a step out and he's good with it.Contestant: Jacob Lusk. He has a gospel background and he has to sing songs with meaning. Jimmy thinks he's a natural for this week but he wants him to control his voice and use his power more judiciously. Jacob agrees he needs to relax off of it a bit.Song: "You're All I Need (To Get By)," Marvin Gaye & Tammi TerrellPerformance: He starts off nice and gentle. As it builds, the background singers drown him out a bit but he's doing a good job with his control. My favorite performance of his so far. Steven is so moved he goes up to hug him when it's over.Randy: Thinks Berry Gordy is somewhere saying oh my god. Calls it his other best performance in his history and the history of the show.Steven: Applauds that he held it back.JLo: Says he made them beg for the notes. He moves them.Ryan starts inviting people on stage to hug him.Contestant: Lauren Alaina. The producers Rock Mafia picked her song, and Jimmy approves. She talks about how the meaning of the song resonates with her.Song: "You Keep Me Hanging On," the SupremesPerformance: She starts out slow and ballad-y with cymbal rolls and piano. The beat kicks in and she works it, walking up on Randy and around the judges table. She sounds good and ends with a nice bit of sass.Steven: Thinks she doesn't listen to anybody about anything and he likes it. Thinks it was just beautiful.JLo: Thinks she looks beautiful. Loves that she threw some attitude in.Randy: Thinks she has her swagger on high and is ready.Contestant: Stefano Langone. In stool chat with Ryan we learn that Stefano's mom came by to cook for the gang at the mansion. He'd never heard of the song he's singing but when he heard it he knew he could connect with it. Jimmy warns him to not oversing and is worried about the song choice and the emotional content. The urge him to keep his eyes open to connect with the audience.Song: "Hello," Lionel RichiePerformance: Seated he starts off creamy and tender and is working really hard to keep his eyes open. He takes some liberites with the melody but they work, although he starts to lose the battle with keeping his eyes open. He hits some big money notes at the end. Then he does a cheesy spoken, "I love you" whisper into the camera.JLo: Says he's fine and sings like crazy, she doesn't want his intensity to come from him doing well she wants it to come from the fact that his heart is breaking. She thinks he can fly out of the building when he gets it right.Randy: Agrees and says that's the only thing that's missing, he can soar but there was no real emotional connection. Tells him to take his time.Steven: Thinks he ramped up too soon, he tells him his voice is so beautiful though, he just needs to pull back a bit.Contestant:Haley Rinehart. Her goal this week is to not be in the bottom three. Jimmy tells her to go for it like she's got nothing to lose. He says she's got to connect this week.Song: "You Really Got a Hold on Me," Smokey Robinson & the Miracles.Performance: She seems a little nervous on the steps in her heels but she sounds good and she tosses in that growl that Randy has wanted to hear so badly. She hits some nice high notes too. Her body is a little awkward but maybe that proves she's really into it.Randy: Says by the middle the girl they fell in love came roaring back and he's so happy to see her return.Steven: Says it was beautiful and it touched his heart. "You don't look a day over fabulous." JLo: Admires her effortless control and says she's most definitely the most soulful on the girls' side.Contestant: Scotty McCreery. In stool chat we learn he's a great basketball player, sort of, at least with a trick shot. He's a country guy but his dad was a big Michael Jackson fan. He and the producers try to country it up. Jimmy's worried it's going to come off lounge-y and wants him to keep up his intensity.Song: "For Once in My Life," Stevie Wonder (for Motown)Performance: It's lounge-y because he does that lounge-y finger-pointing thing that's hokey and a little pose-y. He sounds great though and the retrofit, if a little too hopalong, sounds fine. He really starts to feel it toward the end.Steven: Says it was just beautiful and compares it to Glen Campbell. He knows you can't make a three point shot from under the net.JLo: Calls it a great version of the song and says he made it his own even though it wasn't his strongest vocal so far.Randy: Agrees it wasn't his strongest performance and it needed to peak a little sooner but smiled all the way through and calls his low notes the "young ladykiller" note.Contestant: Pia Toscano. She worked with Harvey Mason, Jr. who thinks she's in the category of other great singers. Jimmy thinks it's time to take her influences and turn it into her own voice. He tells her to get out of her head when she's onstage.Song: "All in Love is Fair," Stevie Wonder.Performance: In a black gown and with a backing string ensemble Pia does a big ballad. It's a little different from week's past in that she uses a bit more of her head voice and she works her way up the big notes. Well done but not exactly sizzling.JLo: Says she killed them with one of her killer ballads. Checks off beauty, image, and great vocal. And she says she had feeling but she needs her to own the stage like Celine Dion owns her stage, be more of a performer.Randy: Agrees with Jennifer says she's phenomenal, beautiful, talented and glad that she incorporated more falsetto. His criticism is too many ballads, he needs a mid- or uptempo. Says she can't live by ballads alone.Steven: Thinks she's the closest star in this "American Idol" universe, if stepping out and kicking some ass is what she needs to do by them he knows she can do it.Contestant: Paul McDonald. He's going to play his guitar and go in a more folk-rock direction. Jimmy tells him to feel the song as if he wrote it. Calls his voice a rare gift. Says he needs a "moment" on the show.Song: "Tracks of My Tears," Smokey Robinson and the MiraclesPerformance: He does a pretty straightforward version with just a little acoustic surge. He's a little smiley for such a keening song. His smile does in fact look out of place.Randy: Asks if he had a good time. Paul says he did. Randy likes he wasn't dancing around and likes that he has a distinctive different voice. He was worried at first but thought he took it to a cool place and liked how he sang tender at the end. He tells him to bring more of that out.Steven: Calls his voice... beautiful. Shocker.JLo: Calls him a well-seasoned performer and she says all he needs is a good producer and he's ready to go.Contestant: Naima Adedapo. She's honored to be singing a song by the pioneers who blazed the trail. Jimmy calls it one of the great good time feel-good songs to sing he wants her presence to be contagious fun. She wants to add some African dancing. Jimmy is worried about her breathing.Song: "Dancing in the Street," Martha and the VandellasPerformance: Her vocal is strong if a little monochromatic and she seems to be having fun. Maybe a little too intensely but she's hitign the notes. And then she busts into some African dance moves with the aid of some African drummers.Steven: He says it was E to the Z ooh tweedledee dee. He thinks it was... beautiful. And loves that she cames up with the drums, the dancing, and the arrangement.JLo: Calls her an exciting performer and says it was her first goosebumps of the night.Randy: Says finally tonight that all of Naima showed up, the dancer, the singer, the performance artist, he's glad that she took her time to sing. (Nigel gives her dance moves a nice hand off to the side of the stage).Contestant: James Durbin. Jimmy thinks it's important for James to be singing this since it follows in the tradition of classic rock singers like Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, and Steven Tyler, being inspired by soul musicians.Song: "Living For the City," Stevie WonderPerformance: He sounds good, a little tight in places and his jaunty little skip is a bit odd but overall it's good enough. Judging by the audience reaction it must've sounded better in the room than it does on TV.JLo: She calls him serious business and admires his "back step." He leaves her speechless.Randy: He says when it started it was a little bit rough. JLo interrupts and Randy asks to be let finish, he says when he hit his pocket he made it happen, loved it by the end.Steven: Sometimes it takes a little bit of crazy to make a difference in the world and James has it. He thinks the song was perfect for his voice and he nailed it.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 11 Results - March 24, 2011We open with another video package on Motown and a recap of last night leading into the credits.Ryan tells us that 30 million votes came in and the results might be shocking. He also reminds us that the cut this week is important because only the top 10 go on tour.Video package: We get a look at Marc Anthony, aka JLo's husband, giving the kids advice on working with in-ear monitors and helping with their pitch. He swears a couple of times. He then judges the judges and their feedback, including some disagreement with his wife. He calls the whole thing a treat.Group Sing:"Ain't No Mountain High Enough," Marvin & Tammi/The Supremes. As it ends the back walls open up and reveal Stevie Wonder singing "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" behind a keyboard as the kids sing along. And then as a treat for Steven Tyler he sings "Happy Birthday" to him. (His version of "Happy Birthday" not the traditional song). And then they present him with a cake. He's adorably surprised.Ford Commercial:"All This Beauty," the Weepies. The Idols plant a tree in the rain, it's made of biodegradable trash. (I think?)Results: Ryan cals up Lauren, Pia, and Scotty. They're all safe.Performance: Sugarland performs "Stuck Like Glue"Video Package: Apparently, we need to know all about James,' love of wrestling. Apparently, Paul and Stefano enjoy it also. Then they all "wrestle" at the mansion. James tells Hulk Hogan to watch his back.Results: Ryan calls up James and Paul. Ryan says they're both "not safe" and then Hulk Hogan emerges and informs them that they are in fact safe. Then he fake punches Ryan and rips his shirt. James is thrilled.Results: Next up are Jacob, Thia, and Stefano. Jacob is safe, Stefano and Thia are in the bottom three. He then calls Naima, Haley, and Casey. The girls are safe, Casey's the final member of the bottom three. Performance: Jennifer Hudson sings her new single "Where You At." Ryan and JHud have a little chat and point out George Huff is one of her back-up singers. Bottom Three: Stefano, Thia, and Casey.Results: Ryan sends Thia back to safety.Ryan reveals that Casey in the one potential on the chopping block. He starts singing and the judges cut him off and tell him that he's getting the save. Casey looks like he's going to vomit or have a heart attack. He goes to thank the judges, he can't believe with 11 people left they save him. He apparently swears a lot about it because they keep dropping the audio.Going Home: No one, because Casey won the save. Next week two will go home.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 11 Performance Show... Again- March 30, 2011We start with a recap of the dramatic save and some behind-the-scenes stuff.We then get a video package on the career of Elton John and how awesome he is.We then get a video package on the contestants going to an Entertainment Weekly photo spread.Theme: Elton JohnIn the audience: Brittany Morris; Howie MandelContestant: Scotty McCreery.Song: "Country Comfort" Jimmy says if he's a one trick pony, it's a great trick.Performance: Scotty plays his guitar and sounds good on one of Elton's forays into country music. He shouts out to his grandma in the crowd. He gets a nice pedal steel assist. It's not much of a stretch but it's solid.Steven: "There's nothing I can say to you that an old-fashioned pair of high-heeled cowboy boots wouldn't fix." (???) He loves everything about him and that he tips a hat to grandma.JLo:Thinks he has great instincts and tells him to keep grounded and never doubt himself and says it was good.Randy: Thinks he has seasoned so quickly on this show and is so comfortable. Says very nicely done.Contestant: Naima Adedapo.Song:"I'm Still Standing" Jimmy thinks it's brave that she's turning it into a reggae song. He counsels her to dedicate the song to people around the world who are suffering. He points out the rearrangement will make it harder to stay in tune.Performance: She does the dedication in a faux West Indian accent. It sounds a little like a parody of those old "come back to Jamaica" commercials. She doesn't seem to be having too many pitch problems and the rejiggering totally works, the accent's just a little goofy.JLo: Thinks that's she's supposed to be still standing but doesn't think it totally worked, it was a better idea than a performance, but she liked the way she performed.Randy: Says it came off kind of corny and that's not who she is since she has mad flavor.Steven: He says it's good for her that she picked a song that fit her.Contestant: Paul McDonaldSong: "Rocket Man" Jimmy says he needs to sing it like his encore, like he owns it.Performance: He asks the audience how they are. He starts off gently and acoustic and monkeys a bit with the rhythm and cadence of the lyrics a bit. It's soft and seepy, he sounds good but the rhythm thing is weird. He's got no sustain and not much range and this song isn't great for disguising those issues.Randy: He points out pitch issues but likes his soft/tender voice but also wonders if he's holding back. JLo thinks he hasn't gone all the way there. He says he's got it and they believe.Steven: Asks if he's watering his suit. He points out that there are going to be some songs that people don't like and that's a good thing. The day when he hits every note Steven won't like him anymore.JLo: That's why she's encouraging him to push. (Then Steven starts making Lamaze breathing noises.)Contestant: Pia ToscanoSong: "Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me" She was worried about doing another ballad but Jimmy says she has to go somewhere between Fergie and Axl Rose on that song and will knock Randy out of his chair.Performance: She's very sparkly in her short silver dress. She sounds typically great. The crowd is already hooting. She tries to rough up her voice a bit and then she gets a backing choir for the chorus. She's very impassioned for sure and she put a little more soul into it.Steven: Says she's done it again. Says this goes to prove that some of the judges might've been wrong to ask her not to sing ballads anymore. Says it was a complete and full sentence.JLo: Agrees that the notes take them to an otherworldly place. She says she felt her more performance-wise as well.Randy: Calls it unbelievable, and says she was great once again.The judges agree they still want to be surprised.Contestant: Stefano Langone. Jimmy thinks it's going to be a difficult night for him since the chorus was written specifically for Elton. Jimmy cracks the whip on him on pronunciation, rhythm, pitch.Song: "Tiny Dancer"Performance: His voice is nice and open at the beginning. He's very earnest but he's keeping his eyes open. There's a nice lightness to it, not so big and dramatic like last week. He takes the end of the song to JLo. Nicely done.JLo: She says she could really feel him taking their notes about connecting with the audience. She thought it was really good.Randy: He agrees that he connected and was glad to see his eyes open and that he was moving around and that he was right on pitch-wise.Steven:Thinks he nailed it, and that he's not Broadway.Contestant:Lauren AlainaSong: "Candle in the Wind" Jimmy thinks she sounds magnificent and she's got the emotional connection. He thinks Elton plays to her strengths.Performance: She's going simple voice and piano. Her pitch is good but her timing is really sloppy at first. Her emotions also seem all over the place, smiley, nervous, serious. It's odd though because the vocal is pretty great lots of fun country-style vocal squeaks/yodels at the end of phrases.Randy: Calls it one of her best performances, very sensitive and very pro.Steven: You know I've loved you since you first laid eyes on me. Calls it perfect. You keep singing like that and you'll be able to afford the rest of that dress.JLo: Says it was amazing and gorgeous and hearkens back to her first audition.Contestant: James Durbin. Jimmy is a little concerned about James' idea for staging the song by starting in the audience.Song:"Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting"Performance: His plan is kind of corny in actual execution because of the way they're shooting it but he hits the stage at the right point and then he runs some more through the audience. Considering how much he's moving his pitch is excellent. He takes a walk on the piano and hops off of it. Then the piano catches on fire. Then he basically just screams through the end of the song.Steven: Says he brought the heat. Says he's got a really good rock voice and tells him to not wear out his welcome and that it was beautiful.JLo: Feels like she was at his show and loved how he got the audience into it.Randy: Loves that he enjoys himself and calls it a great, great, great performance.Contestant: Thia MegiaSong: "Daniel" Jimmy tells her it's very poignant and to get away from the dramatic and to think about the lyrics and to sing from her heart.Performance: This is my favorite performance of hers, it's grounded and quiet but not boring. The song may make it but she's singing it really well.JLo: Calls it really beautiful and loves that she was internalizing it and very well-suited to her melodically.Randy: Loved her beautiful voice, thought it was pitchy, and it felt safe.Steven: Thinks when you find the right song the voice appears, thinks she sang a great Elton John song well.Contestant: Casey AbramsSong: "Your Song" He wants to do more interpreting of the lyrics and Jimmy likes it. Rodney tells him to cut the beard. He goes to get a trim.Performance: It's nice to hear him actually singing, not growling so much, but still injecting some soul into it. It's a very mimicky peformance in terms of the vocal cadences but he sounds nice. His demeanor is very sweet as well. It's a very charming, understated performance. He growls a bit at the end and finishes on a nice falsetto. It's very dynamic, probably the night's most dynamic performance.Randy: Says it was so nice and tender and brilliant and well done.Steven: Concurs that one of the finest moments was putting him through, he loved the final two notes and that he sings different every time.JLo: She didn't lose sleep over saving him and says he proved why tonight. She thanks him for the performance.Contestant: Jacob LuskSong: "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" Mary J. shows up during his studio session and it was her version of this song he first heard. Jimmy likes his confidence and hopes he doesn't overdramatize it and blow the whole thing.Performance: Shrouded in dry ice Jacob starts tenderly and plaintively. He looks like he's on the verge of tears but he's keeping a lid on the drama, until the modulation and then he lets it fly. The final note is held impressively.Steven: Watches how far out there and how in there, was blown away by first half and second half was equal. Jacob slayed him.JLo: Loved Tricky's arrangement and how he tailored it to Jacob, says we don't see a note like his last note all the time.Randy: Liked the first half and his restraint but wanted him to pick a "Jacob spot."Contestant: Haley ReinhartSong: "Bennie & the Jets" Jimmy tells her to bring all her parts together in one car and drive to the show.Performance: She starts off with a jazzy arrangement sitting on the piano. She then growls a bit and gets into a more rocking space. She does a nice job on the chorus. She gets off the piano and bounces and swings her arms but she starts to hit it a little too hard vocally. It's in tune but she's not earning the grit of it somehow.JLo: Says that was it and that's what they've been talking about: the voice, the moves, the confidence.Randy: Calls it the best performance of the night, very excitedly.Steven: Says she sings sexy.Bottom Three Prediction: Naima, Thia, Paul
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Two of 11 Voted Off - March 31, 2011Ryan tells us 55 million votes came in.In the audience: Kris AllenGroup Sing: It happens in small groups tonight. First up are Lauren and Scotty, who sing "I Told You So," by Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood. It's live and lovely.Results: Ryan brings these two up for results and both of them are safe.Ford Commercial: "Kryptonite," Three Doors Down. There are sci-fi movie style calamities from which several super-powered contestants save their fellow singers.Ryan chats with the contestants. James shows off some of his fan mail, a custom-made WWE championship belt.Group sing #2 Naima and Jacob sing Ashford & Simpson's "Solid." They work in a little choreography. It's snazzy and fun if not exactly a vocal knockout.Results: Naima is in the bottom three and Jacob is safe.Performance: Fantasia Barrino sings her latest single "Collard Greens and Corn Bread." She has apparently jumped on the retro soul bandwagon. Ryan leads her over post-performance to chat with the aspirants. She tells them to always love the music and surround yourself with good people not just sycophants.Group Sing #3 Haley, Thia, and Pia and sing Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream." They have no snazzy choreography. It is much less interesting. Thia doesn't get a lead vocal.Results: Pia and Haley are safe, Thia is in the bottom three.Video package: A behind the scenes look at a day in the Idol's life from recording in the studio to a performance at Muhammad Ali's Celeb Fight Night in Arizona to the Ford commercial shoot to moving ouf of their leaky house to picking songs to styling to rehearsals with Marc Anthony.Group Sing #4 The debut of the "band" formed by Stefano, Casey, Paul, and James singing "Band on the Run" by Paul McCartney and Wings. Stefano's on keys, James and Paul on guitar, and Casey on bass. It's pretty fun. Casey's even playing a Hofner bass like Macca. Steven tells them they can open for Aerosmith on their next tour.Results: Casey, James, and Stefano are safe. Paul is in the bottom three.Bottom Three: Thia, Paul, and NaimaPerformance: Jamie Foxx and will.i.am do a new song called "Hot Wings" from the soundtrack to a movie called "Rio." Hot mess with cool choreography by a cast of dozens of dancers.Going Home: Thia and Naima
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Nine Performance Show - April 6, 2011Ryan tells us that Gwen Stefani styled the contestants and will.i.am helped coach them.Theme: Rock and Roll Hall of FameIn the audience: Christian Slater; Todd RundgrenVideo Package: We get a history on the Hall narrated by Hall of Famer himself Steven Tyler.Contestant: Jacob LuskSong: "Man in the Mirror," Michael Jackson, which he switched from "Let's Get it On," Marvin Gaye. He claims if he's in the bottom three it won't be because he sang the song badly but because people weren't ready to look in the mirror.Performance: It's gentle and straightforward with a couple of pitchy moments at the beginning. He does a little back and forth with a back-up singer who looks like Siedah Garrett. He takes it a little higher on the chorus but never gets really get crazy on it.Steven: Calls Garrett back out for a curtain call as the co-writer of the song. Says each time he sings he brings another piece of himself to the party and calls it beautiful. Twice.JLo: Says he makes everybody know that if you believe in yourself you can do anything. Calls it perfect on every emotional level.Randy: Loves that he switched songs over his moral convictions and the deeper message of the song and he's also proud that there were "Jacob moments" all over it and calls it hot.Contestant: Haley ReinhartSong: "Piece of My Heart," Janis Joplin. She says the judges have been throwing the name around all season. Will says she sounds like an artist not a singer but he wants her to feel something when she looks in the camera, to look at it as if it were he boyfriend that messed up her head.Performance: She's doing that rough up thing on her voice that sounds like it hurts. It sounds fine but feels affected but she hits a great, gritty last note.JLo: Says they're off to a strong start and she's showing people that she's a contender.Randy: Says what she did was what they wanted not so much Janis specifically but to get bluesy and gritty.Steven: Couldn't find nothing wrong with that. Says Janis gave the voice to rock and roll back in '68 and Haley did it again tonight.Contestant: Casey AbramsSong: "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," Credence Clearwater Revival. He was going to sing "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" by the Police but Jimmy didn't like it.Performance: He plays his upright bass and does a fun, swinging, laid-back almost tropical version with charm and grit.Randy: Says he made CCR proud and that he's making the upright bass cool and calls it revolutionary.Steven: Thinks he should put some wheels on it and ride it around town. He calls him a true musician and he brings something every time.JLo: Says that's exactly where he belongs and she's paying top dollar to be in the front row.Contestant: Lauren AlainaSong: "(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman," Aretha Franklin. Jimmy and Will love that she's combining country and soul and tell her to be in the moment.Performance: It's all fine and good if a little stiff until the final third when she lets loose a little. Again she sounds fine but I'm not sure she's really "feeling" what it feels like to be made to feel like a natural woman.Steven: Says he loves her and says she came in a little girl and tonight she became natural woman.JLo: Agrees with the crowd that she's amazing.Randy: Says she picked one of the most difficult songs and he wasn't jumping up and down but she did a good job.Contestant: James DurbinSong:"While My Guitar Gently Weeps," The Beatles. He wants to do something unexpected and slow it down. Will respects the danger of it but says he has to make sure his energy is high as the other people who are doing rock songs.Performance: Seated with slanted mood lighting over his face he takes it slow and easy, hitting a few rough pitch patches. It's very Lambert-lite. He throws a big scream on the end that doesn't fit the song at all. He didn't butcher it but it was kind of boring.JLo: She liked to see that other side that makes the rock and roll thing work, she likes that he's vulnerable to share with them.Randy: Really loved seeing the real true emotional side of him, he liked that he wanted to take a chance.Steven: Loved that he gently wept as well and called it a proud moment for him as well. (He notes, oddly, "Not only did the Beatles write great songs but George Harrison did as well." Um, yeah, George Harrison was a Beatle.)Contestant: Scotty McCreerySong: "That's Alright Mama," Elvis Presley. Will tells him to combine country and rock as if this is some kind of news when an Elvis song. Scotty says he's going to switch it up this week.Performance: Ack, that weird microphone to the right thing is back. He sounds great, walks around a bit, scats, and gets a bit gritty. He's having fun which is nice to see. They then let a bunch of girls run onstage and hug him, screaming.Randy: Says Scotty is in it to win it. Says anybody who thinks he's a one-trick pony is wrong, liked that he was having fun.Steven: He thought he was all hat and no cattle but Scotty made it cool and he hopes Scotty brings that kind of music back into vogue.JLo: Also loves that he was having fun, being funny, and bringing a little flavor to it.Contestant: Pia ToscanoSong: "River Deep, Mountain High," Tina Turner. Will and Jimmy worry about Pia being compared to Tina and want her to turn on her personality and wow people. She says she can't wait to show that other side of her.Performance: She sounds great, is rocking a cute ponytail, a bizarre polka dot jumper. Honestly, it feels like a ballad peformance in an uptempo wrapper since she's not really moving too much. (That could be the shoes). But she sounds terrific and the song has momentum of its own.Steven: Calls her a murderer because she killed it. Says there's a million guys in a million bars having a million drinks over her.JLo: Calls it amazing and calls her special, and wants her now to study great performances so she can become more amazing as a performer.Randy: Says she showed that she could definitely do the uptempo thing and now she does need to work on the performance.Contestant: Stefano LangoneSong:"When a Man Loves a Woman," Percy Sledge. Will gives him some tips on performance and building anticipation. Ryan Tedder tells he can own the song or be owned by it. Stefano thinks it's going to be a big week for him.Performance: He starts seated and a feathery falsetto. For the first time he seems more connected to the words as opposed to just the notes. He has a couple of nice quick runs and has a decent sense of dynamics. This may be his best performance.JLo: She says she knew he had it in him and calls it beautiful and that she loved it and says she felt it had another layer of emotion.Randy: Wasn't jumping up and down because the start was a little jerky.Steven: Like the old-timey part in the beginning and liked that he played with it, liked the passion and thought he nailed it.Contestant:Paul McDonaldSong:"Folsom Prison Blues," Johnny Cash. Jimmy tells him to sing it like he's out of his mind. He vows to sing it like he's crazy.Performance: He seems less crazy but just really really cheerful even when he's talking about wanting to stay in prison. It's a good, strong vocal though and he's very engaged and energetic yelling at the crowd to make some noise. Randy: Has three words: "I loved it."Steven: Also loved it.JLo: Thought it was a perfect way to end the show. Right in his lane.Bottom Three Prediction: Haley, Jacob, Stefano
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Nine Results - April 7, 2011Ryan tells us it may be a shocking result tonight.Group Sing: It's a medley of rock songs including "I Love Rock 'n Roll," "The Letter," and "Sweet Home Alabama."Ford Commercial: "Love Gun," Paul and Pia are working on a heist where Jacob and Casey work and then Scotty, James, and Lauren foil them, or do they?Video package: Russell Brand came in the night before as a "charisma coach," i.e. to promote his new remake of "Arthur."Results: Casey, Stefano, and Lauren are brought to the center of the stage. Stefano's in the bottom three, the others are safe.Performance: "Unchained Melody," the Righteous Brothers. For some reason Constantine Maroulis, star of the Broadway hit "Rock of Ages" has come to sing this song, which is not in the show.Video Package: We get a look at Gwen Stefani "styling" the ladies.Results: Paul, Scotty, and Pia are brought to center stage. Pia is in the bottom three, the other two are safe.Video Package: The gang went to TMZ to get some "media training." (Some in the crowd booed the mentioned of the tabloid show's name.)Results: Haley, James, and Jacob go to center stage. Jacob rounds out the bottom three.Bottom Three: Pia, Jacob, and StefanoPerformance: Iggy Pop and his bare chest and neck veins performs "Wild One."Ryan sends Jacob to safety.Going Home: Pia Toscano. The crowd boos, the judges look shocked; even Stefano, who appeared to have been bracing himself for elimination, is stunned. Pia keeps it together. Randy shouts "No!" and starts to mouth a profanity; Jennifer is crying and has no idea what just happened, she's shocked and angry. Randy reminds people to vote and he says he never gets mad on the show but he's mad. Steven tells America that their lack of passion is unforgivable. Ryan makes her sing again. She does "I'll Stand By You."
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 8 Performance Show - April 13, 2011Ryan notes that JLo has been named the "World's Most Beautiful Woman" by People magazine.In the audience: Hank Azaria, Rob Reiner, ElviraTheme: Songs from the moviesContestant: Paul McDonald. Will.i.am thinks he should slide in like Tom Cruise. Jimmy thinks there should be beatboxing in the middle. Will thinks this is wrong, the opposite of what the song is about. They had a great time rehearsing so Jimmy hopes Paul brings that.Song: "Old Time Rock 'n Roll," Bob SegerPerformance: Paul skips down the stairs in his fancy suit and then shimmies around the judges' table. It's a very energetic performance. He rocks a tambourine during the sax solo. Paul's voice just seem suited to the song, not big enough in some way. But, he had fun as did the audience.Steven: Steven wants to borrow his suit and he loves his crazy, wild abandon.JLo: Thinks he's going a little further each time and getting more polished. She thinks he killed it.Randy: Says America just witnessed the first song at a Paul McDonald concert, he loves that he's not typical.Contestant: Lauren AlainaSong:"The Climb," Miley Cyrus. Jimmy says Lauren is a much stronger singer than Miley Cyrus. She picked it because she can relate. Jimmy tells her to go get Pia's votes. (He knows that's cold but it's the reality). Will says not to steal them, but invite them with spaghetti and cupcakes.Performance: She's fine, starts off a little emotionally in the right way, then she telegraphs the chorus, has a little trouble climbing to the big note but finishes off just fine. The crowd loved it.JLo: She loved hearing her sing it and the tear in her voice. She says she doesn't need to steal anyone's votes since she's getting plenty of her own.Randy: Says the Lauren of Nashville is roaring back. Calls it amazing.Steven Says she was the first one they thought might be the "Idol," he loves what she brings to a song and what it brings to her. He says it was beautiful and she moves him beyond tears.Contestant: Stefano LangoneSong: "End of the Road," BoyzIIMen. Jimmy and Will pump him up and want him to bounce back from the final three spot. They love his choice. Stefano wants to start fresh.Performance:He sings it well but if his goal was to take his performance to the next level, well he doesn't quite make it. It's a fine vocal but there's not a lot of sizzle. Although he does ramp things up at the end.Randy: Says Wanya is going to text him and tell him he slayed the song. Randy likes that Stefano now believes. Calls it his best vocal to date.Steven Says he proved tonight that he knows how to milk a song, he says this is so not the end of the road for him tonight, it's just the beginning.JLo: Says it's like he's finally got it and she knows he's singing to win instead of singing to stay. She says that was the shiz, although I think she said the other word.Contestant: Scotty McCreerySong:"I Cross My Heart," George Strait. He switches to this one mid-stream for "Everybody's Talkin'" by Harry Nilsson. Jimmy think it's fine.Performance: It's pretty perfect. Aside from the microphone thing of course.Steven Just loves his voice and that all of America has fallen in love with his voice.JLo: Says everybody wants them to be tough but she thinks he was "wow, really good." She says it wasn't her favorite song choice but he performed it beautifully.Randy: He loves that he did that song and that he's following the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" model. Says he's grown greatly.Contestant: Casey AbramsSong: "Nature Boy," Nat "King" Cole. Jimmy and Will thinks it makes him small and if he whispers he'll get lost. So they try to make him switch to Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight." But Casey says he doesn't want to lose himself in this process. Jimmy wants him to think about winning. Casey says he was torn. Jimmy thinks it's a mistake that he didn't take his help.Performance: Playing his upright bass and does a groovy, low-key bossa nova take. He throws in a bit of a growl and mugging but it works. He scats a bit over his bass solo and shows great control over his voice during runs at the end. He finishes up a sweet blue note. Jimmy was wrong.JLo: At the beginning she was nervous but as it went on she liked it and how he's crossing boundaries like Norah Jones, and she hopes America got it.Randy: Agrees and also hopes America gets it, he can see him as a Buble-type, he thought it was genius. He says the world can not to live by pop stars alone, we need art for zen balance.Steven Loved it and that he did was in his heart, not what Jimmy said he should do and that's the truest sense of artistry. He also liberally quotes a Nat Cole song that has goofy lyrics. "Ke-mo, ki-mo spare-o-spare Ma-hi, ma-ho, ma-rump-sticka-pumpernickle, sup-bang, nip-cat, polly-mitcha-cameo." (Or something to that effect.)Contestant: Haley Reinhart.Song:"Call Me," Blondie. Says it's crazy that there's only two girls left. Jimmy tells her to show off her pipes and to transform into a character that embodies the song.Performance: She's going the "sexy" route with her very short dress and high boots and the come-hither looks. She growls and writhes. She sings in French, she walks awkwardly she applies her voice to emphatically.Randy: Didn't love the beginning and that it felt karaoke and says it wasn't a singer's song to really showcase her.Steven Agrees with that but says when she nails the just right chorus she's got it going on and he loves her dress.JLo: She says she's afraid to say anything negative about the girls because she doesn't want them to go home. But, she agrees with Randy that she didn't love the song for her.Contestant: Jacob Lusk. Jimmy tells Jacob it was a mistake to preach to people last week. Jimmy tells him not to be corny.Song: "Bridge Over Troubled Water," Simon and GarfunkelPerformance: Jacob starts off under control. He hits one big note in the chorus and brings it back down. He does a nice job, especially in terms of restraint and creating dynamics.Steven Pounds the table and swears and is bleeped and is astounded by how angelically he sings.JLo: Asks who does that? About his last note. Calls him a gifted vocalist and glad that it comes from another place. He pulled the chills out of her.Randy: He believes every word Jacob sings and is glad that he took his time and blew it up at the end.Contestant: James DurbinSong: "Heavy Metal," Sammy Hagar. Jimmy doesn't like it, he wonders where the hook is. James disagrees and tries to make his case. Jimmy isn't hearing it. He tries to dispute Jimmy. Will sort of backs him up. James asks America to give metal a chance.Performance: He brings out Zakk Wylde to play guitar with him. He sings it well enough. Zakk plays better, which seems like an unfair advantage. This is the first time I've believed that he's really metal, so that's something.JLo: Says it felt really, really real. She says the performance are killing it dead in the studio tonight.Randy: Says we were just at a James Durbin concert and gives big ups to Zakk. He's glad he stuck to his guns and says he can see him on the next Ozzfest.Steven Says it was outstanding. Glad he gave Jimmy some lip.Bottom Three Prediction: Paul, Haley, Jacob
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 8 Results Show- April 14, 2011Ryan tells us 53 million votes came in.In the audience: Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Pia ToscanoGroup Sing #1: Lauren and Scotty do Lady Antebellum's "American Honey"Video package: We get a behind the scenes look at the Ford commercial in which Stefano, James, Haley, and Scotty get made-up as zombies.Ford Commercial:"Animal," Neon Trees. We see the video.Group Sing: Casey and Haley sing "Moanin,"" sung by many but well known by Sarah Vaughn. They both get to show off some serious scatting chops. They get a standing ovation from the audience and the judges. Randy says that's what he's talking about and wonders where this Haley was. JLo calls it beautiful. Steven says they just summed up what they always knew.Results: Casey, Haley, Scotty, and Lauren are called center stage. Scotty, Lauren, and Casey are safe. Haley is not.Video package: We get a look at Rob Reiner talking to the contestants about music from the movies. He does some shtick on the lyrics he wrote for the "Chariots of Fire" theme song. He's apparently a huge fan of the show and is pretty funny and he thanks them for listening to an old fat Jew..Performance: Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson perform his hit song "Don't You Wanna Stay." She looks and sounds great. Seems like she finally got a good stylist.Group Sing: Jacob, Paul, Stefano, and James sing a medley of "Sounds of Silence" and "Mrs. Robinson." They take turns harmonizing, and sound pretty great. James and Paul play guitar.Results:Now those four come center stage. James and Jacob are safe and Paul and Stefano make up the bottom three.Performance: "California King Bed," Rihanna It's a very awards-show performance with a troupe of dancers.Bottom Three: Haley, Paul, and Stefano.Going Home: Paul
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 7 Performance Show - April 20, 2011Theme: Songs of the 21st CenturyGroup Sing: Naima, Thia, Pia, Ashthon, Karen, and Paul return to sing Pink's "So What." A glimpse of a future tour number?Contestant: Scotty McCreery, Jimmy is worried that voters will get complacent.Song: "Swingin'," Leann Rimes (But really a John Anderson song from the '80s.)Performance: It's a more uptempo, playful number for him this week. The band threatens to drown him out near the beginning but the mix improves. He does the first verse in a more tenor place and goes to baritone for the second verse. Even though they mocked his cock-eyed microphone style in the clip, he clings to it and the goofy eyebrow-raising. But, he's Scotty, so he kills it vocallySteven: Loves him and his voice but wishes he would boot-scoot around a little more.JLo: She loves the storytelling quality to his singing but she says it's time to pull out the big guns, she was expecting more.Randy: Tells him he needs to bring it hard, he thought it was too safe and almost boring. With this many songs to choose from he could've picked a better one.Contestant:James Durbin. Jimmy wants him to stay true to himself but move him forward. He thinks the song has substance.Song: "Uprising," MusePerformance: James gets led to the stage but a drum corps in full regalia. There's something vaguely Meatloaf-y about the melodrama here. He sounds mostly fine and throws in one of his patented screams on the choruses.JLo: Says she's going to go out on a limb that that is going to be the best theatrical performance of the night.Randy: Loves Muse and that song and thinks he was unbelievable.Steven: Calls his look "Mad Max meets storm troopers on Melrose." Calls it crazy good. Loves that he's beautifully out of his mind.Contestant:Haley Reinhart. Jimmy asks Haley what the song is about. She says rejection. He tells her to bring that.Song: "Rolling in the Deep," AdelePerformance: This is a great song for her, it lets her use her full range and power. This is her best performance, simple, direct, well-sung. And also, great dress. Randy: Thinks she chose a perfect direction for herself and it was a great performance.Steven: He thought it started a little slow but she brought it up.JLo: Thinks it takes guts to sing such a popular song right now and she thought she brought herself to it in moments and thought it was good.Contestant: Jacob Lusk. In stool chat he tells Ryan singing a Luther song is scary. (It also happens to be the late great soul singer's birthday). He tells Jimmy he's singing the song because his father passed away when he was 12 years old. He cries during his rehearsal. He dedicates the song to those who have lost their fathers.Song: "Dance With My Father," Luther VandrossPerformance: He gets emotional right away on the piano ballad. It's clear he's trying to control himself. He pulls out his in-ear monitor abruptly. This seems to help somehow. He's showing restraint, simply singing the song. The song builds and he throws in one big note and brings it back down.Steven: Says it was a beautiful thing and that his daddy was up there listening.JLo: Says it's hard to learn the control of sharing the emotion of the song, she says emotionally it was a beautiful performance but that the vocal maybe wasn't perfect because of it.Randy: He agrees that it was emotionally beautiful but vocally it didn't make him jump up and down. He wants him to go through the roof and not hold back anymore. He tells him he needs the church kid back.Contestant: Casey Abrams. Jimmy's on board with Casey's choice this week. He's really proud of him too.Song: "Harder to Breathe," Maroon 5Performance: He starts out like Jimmy suggested, voice and guitar, low-key. The band and his own guitar kick in on the chorus. It's a tricky song lyrically and he's doing a nice job. It doesn't have a ton of range but it's funky and fun. He takes a walk during the second half to slap hands. He scats over the instrumental break. He gets a little growly and screamy at the end but again, funky and fun. He kisses JLo at the end.JLo: Says Casey's not playing fair and has soft lips. She loved it.Randy: Loves that it was surprising as always and he really enjoyed it and hopes he continues to take chances.Steven: Says he's already a cult hero to people who he pissed off because -- gets bleeped out, there is an F word in there but I'm not sure what he said besides that, it looked like "so effing good." He loves him.Contestant: Stefano Langone. Jimmy tells him not to whine or beg, but to be sexy.Song: "Closer," Ne-YoPerformance: He's got the eyebrows rocking. He's also got some early pitch problems. He unveils a few simple dance moves. He does one big eyes closed note. It's a weird song vocally, not bad but herky jerky. He tries to smolder and the audience in the room is buying it.Randy: He thought it was going to be bad karaoke but he liked it and that he smoothed it out and took his time singing the verses.Steven: He says he was all up in it, and thought it was a good job.JLo: Thought it was good and that he had his swag going on. She thought he owned it.Contestant:Lauren Alaina. Jimmy wants to give her confidence and he brings in Miley Cyrus' producers and he watches her pull back as he expected. He wants her to get over her confidence hurdle.Song: "Born to Fly," Sara EvansPerformance: It's a cutesy uptempo country number. She does seem a little more sassy this week. And her vocal is spot on. Good choice for her.Steven: Loved it. Wants her to sing Alison Krauss/Faith Hill/Shania Twain for him next time.JLo: Agrees she has a lot of character and color in her voice. She tells her to reach out for those big notes that she said she was afraid in the package. She tries to build her confidence also.Randy: Agrees with JLo and tells her to go for it also.Bottom Three Prediction: I actually thought everyone was pretty good tonight so I'm going with people who have been in the bottom three before Haley, Stefano, and Jacob
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 7 Results Show - April 21, 2011Ryan says 52 million votes came in last night.In the audience:Group Sing #1: "Hey, Soul Sister," Lauren, Haley, Stefano, and Jacob. Ouch.Ford Commercial: "World," The kids drive through the desert, corral a cloud, some mountains and some grass and turn it into a peaceful oasis.Group Sing #2: Coldplay, "Viva La Vida" as performed by James, Casey, and Scotty. Ouch.Ryan does some chatting with contestants.Results: Ryan has Casey and Jacob stand at the couches. Casey is safe, Jacob is in the bottom three.Performance: David Cook, "The Last Goodbye" After his performance he introduces his mom to Steven Tyler.Video Package: We watch the gang go to a Dodgers game and meet Tommy Lasorda; go bowling; and to the spaResults: Ryan has Lauren, James, and Stefano join him at center stage. He sends Stefano to the stools. Lauren and James are safe. He then calls over Haley and Scotty. He's safe, she isn't.Bottom Three: Jacob, Stefano, and HaleyRyan immediately sends Haley back to safety.Performance: "E.T.," Katy Perry. Kanye West shows up to help out.Going Home: Stefano
Hide description ▲

Ryan reminds us the 125,000 have been winnowed to six. We're introduced. Casey looks like he just woke up.The judges stroll out. Ryan tells us we're less a month away from the finale. Tonight's theme comes from Carole King, who wrote "Will You Still Love Me tomorrow" and songs sung by Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin and Rod Stewart among others. She and James Taylor recently collaborated on the DVD "Live at the Troubadour".The mentor this week was Kenny "Babyface" Edmunds, a 10 time Grammy winner who has worked with pretty much everybody, including Carole King.Jacob is up first with "Oh no, Not My Baby," which Jimmy counsels him to riff on. In rehearsals, we see him sing it like "65 times" he says. Jimmy thinks he's an incredible singer, but is in jeopardy. He sings and struts."We all knew you could sing, we were all wondering when you were going to shake your tail feathers," Steven tells him, saying it was beautiful. Jennifer sees a couple "spaces" where it wasn't perfect, but he "killed it." Randy, who is wearing a varsity sweater with a big R on it, liked the scatting. "Hopefully America will give you some votes and you'll stick around baby," he says."It feels good, I went out there, I gave it my all. I think I gave the judges what they were looking for, I gave them that 'rrrr'," Jacob says.In rehearsals, Babyface tells Lauren to go for the high notes. Jimmy brings out Miley Cyrus, who says she's a big fan of Lauren's music and advises her to sing for herself and not worry about the criticism.Lauren sings "Where You Lead, I'll follow" and picks a boy out of the audience to sing to and walks around.Randy isn't sure he loved the song for her, "it was a little safe and boring." But he says she came out with a vengeance."I saw you shine tonight when your voice broke," Steven tells her."When those people with talent manifest the light, they sometimes can become dartboards for other people's doubts, fears and insecurities -- don't let it in there. You keep shining the way you do," he says. Lauren wipes away tears.Ryan pulls the boy back out of the audience. Brett is 19, Lauren is 16. Back in the audience he goes.Lauren calls the experience "emotional."Ryan tells us Bruno Mars and Crystal Bowersox are visiting tomorrow. Haley and Casey are next with "I Feel the Earth Move"."Hey Weird Beard, how much in love with Haley are you?" Steven asks Casey. He tells them there's nothing he didn't like about the performance.After a week when the judges told him to raise his game, Scotty works on "You've Got a Friend." Jimmy and Babyface counsel him to start soft.Randy says he liked him starting with a "buttery" tenor instead of baritone. He advises him to not fall off the high notes. Steven says he's never sung better. "When we hear you sing a song like that, that's why we couldn't let you get away with what you did last week," Jennifer says.Ryan sits down with James. He's singing "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," which people requested on the website.In rehearsal James sings alone, accompanying himself. Babyface says he was blown away. Jimmy think he's 100 percent the child of rock and roll. He says what happened in rehearsal was so "intense and exciting" that he hopes it happens on the show. James starts out a capella then the rock n' roll comes in.Steven thinks the beginning was great. "That's the first song I ever made out to a girl with. I was in a bowling alley - and no, Randy, I didn't strike out," he says.Jennifer thinks he'll be the star of the night and points out he's been great every week since the top 13.Randy thinks he proved he wasn't just a great rock singer, but a great singer. "That was one of the performances of the last couple months," Randy says. "This guy might just win the whole thing!" he predicts.Backstage, James says the performance was for Heidi.Lauren and Scotty prepare for their third duet. "Is there more than a musical connection here, Lauren?" Ryan asks. "We're like brothers and sisters," Scotty says.They perform "On the Roof."Jennifer tells Lauren she sings her (she pauses for a long time to avoid cursing) "brains" off.After the break, we return with Steven with a little girl on his lap. Ryan says hi to Carole's daughter, Sherry. Casey works on "Hi-de-ho", made popular by Blood, Sweat and Tears, and jams with Don Was. Jimmy gives him credit for taking risks. Casey starts out at the piano, then wanders around riffing off horns and harmonica.Randy says the song took him back to his New Orleans. "I'm excited every time you're up there because I know I'm going to see something different and entertaining," Randy says. Steven likes the performance. "You made my scalp itch it was so good," he says.Jennifer urges him to loosen up his legs a little bit.Ryan wanders around the audience and says hi to Penny Marshall, who is sitting next to Lorraine Bracco. Haley is singing "Beautiful."Babyface helps her with the flow of one section and says she caught on pretty quickly. Before she can perform, there's a brief technical glitch while she makes sure she can hear herself in her ear. Then, after Ryan checks, she starts right in."I just saw God, I heard God in your voice," Steven says. "You've got one of the best voices in this competition," Jennifer tells her. Randy didn't love the beginning, but the end was great.Next up is a duet with Jacob and James, singing "I'm into Something Good." They both wear white pants. The song choice is as odd as their wardrobe.Steven says he doesn't think it was the award-winning performance it should have been. "Man, where were you going with that?" he asks.And with that, it's time for the numbers and the recap.
Hide description ▲

Open with Ryan explaining the nature of elimination shows, followed by giving us his uber-dramatic "this . . . is American Idol. "The judges are introduced and Ryan walks onto the stage. Ryan assures us that a lot of fans will be disappointed with tonight's result and brings out the final six contestants.The finalists are sent to the couch and Ryan speaks with our judges. Ryan points out Steven is on the cover of several magazines this week and tells us Bruno Mars and last season's runner-up, Crystal Bowersox, will both perform tonight.Ryan then kicks it to a vignette of the finalists visiting the British consulate. Scotty and Casey affect accents that might cause the Revolutionary War to resume.Next we have a medley of Carole King hits. All six finalists help perform pieces of "It Might As Well Rain Until September," "One Fine Day," "Go Away Little Girl" and "It's Too Late."After the break we see the gang in a music video for an American car company.Ryan then introduces Bowersox. She plays guitar and sings her new single, "Ridin' With the Radio."Ryan reads a few fan questions to the finalists. Casey is asked who he would most like to perform a duet with. He goes with Candian jazz pianist (yes I had to look him up) Oscar Peterson because it would be "so fun" to play with a "musical genius." Jacob is asked when he discovered his vocal range. The answer is when he was "six or seven." A fan wants to know what Lauren feels is the hardest thing about being a finalist. She says "missing friends and family back home." Scott is asked if he ever had a pre-Idol job. He worked at a grocery store. James tells us before Idol he's played with "a few" bands. Haley is asked her favorite past Idol contestant and mentions four or five different people.The lights dim as the results portion of the show begins. Ryan calls out the finalists in random order. We will flashback to their performance last night, recall a few judge comments and get a thought from Jimmy Iovine.Steve told Haley ("Beautiful") he saw God in her voice and Jennifer said she has one of the best voices in the competition. Jimmy basically agreed, but said he doesn't think Haley knows who she is as an artist. After listening to the comment from Jimmy Haley says something that has to be bleeped. Ryan then tells her she is safe.Up next is Scotty who sang "You've Got a Friend." Jennifer said his strength was storytelling and Randy thought the beginning of the song was flawless. Jimmy calls Scotty a "phenom" but wonders if his subtlety will be missed by voters. Scotty agrees with Jimmy, just before Ryan tell him to "hang tight for a second."Lauren, who sang "Where You Lead," is next. Jennifer was "so proud" of her. Jimmy thinks she doesn't do a good job of hearing the positives in the judges' critiques. Jimmy thinks she's "here for the long run." Ryan tells he to "hang tight" without saying she's safe.Casey ("Hi-De-Ho") is next. Randy called him "different and entertaining" and Steven said his performance made his scalp itch. Jimmy was disappointed that Casey growled the night before but thinks he will be safe. Casey is also told to take a seat.James ("Will You Love Me Tomorrow") is called up after the break. Randy thought he proved his was a great singer. Jimmy thinks James is more believable he sings a melody with a rock feel. Ryan tells James that he is safe.Jacob ("Oh No Not My Bab") is the last finalist on stage. The judges weren't blown away. Jimmy points out that Idol is more than just a voice and thinks he could possibly go home.Jacob is told to stay on stage and Ryan brings up Casey, Lauren and Scotty. Ryan next announces that Lauren is safe and has her take a seat. The means Casey, Jacob and Scotty are the bottom-3.Bruno Mars performs "The Lazy Song."After the break Ryan gives us the results "in random order." Jacob is told he is safe tonight and takes a seat. Down to Scotty or Casey. Ryan gives us a "The person who leaves the competition tonight on Idol is . . . Casey Abrams."We look back at highlights from Casey's season, starting with his first tryout. Ryan then points to Casey and says "This is what talent look like." Casey sings "I Put a Spell On You." as the show ends.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Five Performance Show - May 4, 2011Theme: Now and ThenIn the audience: Anthony Hopkins; Kelly Preston;Video Package: We get a rundown on tonight's guest mentor Sheryl Crow, invited by Jimmy Iovine. She promises we're going to see different sides to people.Contestant: James DurbinSong: Now: "Closer to the Edge," Thirty Second to Mars. Sheryl sings along with him during his performance.He and Jimmy agree that he fits into this kind of contemporary music.Performance: It starts in a low register and then bumps up into a more power area for James who takes to the crowd to high five people. He's going flat here and there, perhaps from moving around. The song is just okay. He throws a big old Durbin scream in the middle and gets some onstage pyro.Steven: Thinks he kicked the song's ass and thought it was beautiful.JLo: Says he's been showing America that he wants it.Randy: Loves the song and thinks he fits well there in that genre and thinks James is in it to win it.Contestant: Jacob LuskSong: Now: "No Air," Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown The actual writer/producer Harvey Mason is in teh house. Jimmy and Sheryl think it's challenging, especially since it's a duet and he's singing both parts.Performance: He immediately has breathing issues, just like the song says. He's also singing in a weird key that makes him sound strident.JLo: Thinks he has great showmanship and is a good singer and tells him to keep going in this direction to define who he is.Randy: He doesn't think that's the direction for him and he thought the whole thing was corny and that most of it was sharp. He sees him more as a Luther/church singer and he doesn't think it wears well. Jennifer argues with him.Steven: Says they're waiting for him to find a niche and that certain something that's 100 percent him.Contestant: Lauren AlainaSong: Now: "Flat on the Floor," Carrie Underwood. She says it's a hard song, Sheryl tells her to stay put and stay strong.Performance: Lauren counts it off confidently. She stays put and does put some power into it. She moves about a bit and shimmies with the fiddler. She's controlling her breath well and really getting into it. It sounds good and looks confident.Randy: Says that is the direction for her and says Lauren is in it to win it.Steven: Says she's as good as it gets and the sky's the limit.JLo: This is what she likes to see, and says she ate it up.Contestant:Scotty McCreerySong: Now: "Gone," Montgomery Gentry. Jimmy likes that it's got grit and a rock feel to it. Sheryl likes it's got a big range.Performance: Scotty starts off in the audience down in his lower register. He hits center stage and then hops down to the judge platform. He is using a lot of his range and he sounds great. and he isn't doing the microphone thing the whole time! It's very energetic and fun.Steven: He says up to now he's been a Puritan but tonight he danced with the devil and it was beautiful.JLo: Says she lost it because she was so excited and says he owned the stage. Says that's some "American Idol" stuff right there.Randy: Felt like he was a Scotty concert and loved that he rocked the stage and that Scotty is also in it to win it.Contestant: Haley ReinhartSong: Now: "You and I," Lady Gaga It's an unreleased song and Gaga gave her blessing. Sheryl thinks it's super-bold. Jimmy thinks she kills it.Performance: She starts on the stairs. It's a midtemp piano number in an Elton John vein, which Haley is giving jazzy undertones in her vocals. She's raspy and growly but she sounds good. She seems more confident than ever and like she's actually having some fun.JLo: Loved how she sounded especially at the end. Isn't sure if it was a great idea to do an unreleased song. Thinks Jimmy might've given her bad advice.Randy: Agrees and isn't sure it was that great of a song although it was a good vocal.Steven: Thinks she put all of her range into it and said it was risky but is one perfect song away from being the "American Idol."Contestant: JamesSong: Then: "Without You," Harry Nilsson. James tears up listening to the song before rehearsal. He goes to have a good cry about missing his family before he can start. We never actually see him rehearse.Performance: It's a classic piano ballad, and James starts off nice and gently and shows off the nice tender side of his voice and hits a nice falsetto note. The chorus is a little shaky pitch-wise but gets better when it reaches his power zone. He falls apart a bit again on a big note near the end but he's tearing up so it's an emotional moment. He gets a long ovation.Randy: Says he could feel the emotion and is impressed by the vocal, even though it wasn't technically perfect it was emotionally perfect. He says the competition is his to lose.Steven: He says it was a beautiful as it gets, pitchy, but beautiful.JLo: Says he's not just a screaming rocker but a true artist with heart and soul.He tearfully tells Ryan he leaves everything on the stage every week.Contestant: JacobSong: Then: "Love Hurts," Nazareth. He does it on Jimmy's recommendation. Sheryl models the song for him. Jacob is nervous but thinks he needs to take a risk.Performance: He follows Sheryl's tender lead, which suits him, even though it's pitched really high. he takes it a little lower on the verse and then heads for the heavens near the end-- hitting one big clunker along the way-- and testifies, ending with a big run and a scream.Steven: Says he's a sucker for a passion, and calls it beautiful. Says he got lost on the song but that was okay.JLo: Says everyone probably heard the bobble in the middle but he took it home in the end.Randy: Says he redeemed himself on this one and that might have been the highest note sung on this stage.Contestant: Lauren AlainaSong: Then: "Unchained Melody," The Righteous Brothers. It's her mom and dad's song and she sings it for them. Jimmy and Sheryl seem a little nervous but feel like people will be impressed.Performance: In a pretty blue and white gown Lauren is very precise in her singing. It's a nicely measured performance with lots of nice tender parts balanced with blasts of power.JLo: She says it was a beautiful song sung beautifully.Randy: So happy to see this other side of her.Steven: Says her voice is so ripe and so there, says it was perfect, and agrees with JLo that there's nothing to judge.Contestant:Scotty McCreerySong:Then: "Always On My Mind," Elvis Presley. Jimmy tells him to stay true to himself. Sheryl loves him and can't wait for him to move to Nashville and be part of his career.Performance: A quiet piano ballad that Scotty handles nicely. The wire from his in-ear monitor is hanging out distractingly but Scotty is convincingly grave.JLo: She says he's shown what a well-rounded artist he is. It's beautiful.Randy: Says sometimes the quietest things get the best reactions and basically he loves him.Steven: Says it's going to be so hard for America to vote and calls Scotty's rendition perfect.Contestant: HaleySong: Then: "House of the Rising Sun," the Animals. Sheryl suggests starting it a cappella. Sheryl thinks people are going to love it.Performance: She takes Sheryl's advice and starts a cappella and seated. It's very powerful and shows off her way with phrasing. The band kicks in as does her growl. It builds and builds and she hits some nice notes along the way to a big finish, earning a standing ovation from all three judges.Randy: Says the award for tonight's best performance goes to Haley.Steven: Sweet and sour, raspy, he can really relate, says she really sold it.JLo: Thinks she did a great job.Elimination Prediction: Jacob
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Five Results Show - May 5, 2011Ryan says 60 million votes came in, the highest of the season.Ryan holds up Steven's new book.In the audience: Former contestant Rachel Zevita;Group Sing: "Happy Together," The Rascals.Ford Commercial:"Be Yourself" The kids do sleights of hand.Video Package: The kids do an "American Idol Chef" competition with Gordon Ramsay.Performance: Lady Antebellum sing their latest single "Just a Kiss"Video Package: The contestants talk jokingly about the agony of song choice and wardrobe.Results: The contestants get video playback of response from Jimmy. He thought James was so-so and that Lauren's fear overcame her going for the big note in "Unchained Melody" and that she'll be in the bottom three tonight. He sends them to different sides of the stage.Video Package: We return to the Gordon Ramsay shtick. Lauren wins a head-to-head taste-off with Jacob.Performance: "On the Floor," JLo with Pitbull. We also get a tease to her next ideo "I'm Into You" that seems like an homage to Janet Jackson's "Love Will Never Do Without You," Madonna's "Cherish," and Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game."Results: Jimmy's response to Jacob is that he was off on both songs, he thinks he lost confidence. Ryan sends Jacob to join Lauren. Jimmy's response to Haley was that she was a lioness and that she won the night. Haley joins James. So you know what time it is? Time for Ryan to ask which group Scotty thinks he belongs with, even though Ryan tells him he's safe. But first Jimmy says he thought Scotty was incredible. Scotty says he won't do it. Ryan leads him over to Haley and James and tells them they're all safe. So Lauren and Jacob are the bottom two. Lauren is already crying.Going Home: Jacob
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Four Performance Show - May 11, 2011Theme: Leiber & Stoller and Inspirational SongsMentor: Lady GagaContestant: James DurbinSong: Inspirational: "Don't Stop Believin,'" JourneyPerformance: He has the cojones to ask if anybody in the crowd "knows this song." Oy. Starting on the steps and moving downstage, James takes it pretty straight. There's some pyro. The vocal is fine.Steven: Says he did it right.JLo: Great song, great job, great performance.Randy: Reminds everyone that he was in Journey for a time, compliments Steve Perry's vocals and James going all in and says he had the highest degree of difficulty and James did it.Contestant: Haley ReinhartSong: "The Earth Song," Michael JacksonPerformance:It starts out great with Haley just sitting and singing, in a lovely clear voice. She's joined by a choir. She kicks into the growl for the second half of the lament. JLo: Really felt that she picked a song that inspired her. Basically tells her the song has a beautiful message but she needed to compete more with James by choosing a hit song.Randy: It confused him about who she is as an artist and thought she was screaming at the end. Haley tries to defend herself. He says the song needed to have runs and higher notes. He says he didn't like it, he thought she was screaming. Haley sasses him back and says she didn't realize she needed to change the end.Steven: Says they're both wrong, to ignore them. (Casey is in the audience clapping). He says that song showed him that she can.Contestant: Scotty McCreerySong: "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning," Alan JacksonPerformance: Wow, what a savvy choice. Scotty plays the guitar and is accompanied by a fiddler. The band threatens to drown him out at the end but he sings it well enough that he's definitely going through to next week.Randy: Calls it a great song that is the perfect song choice for where we are as a country and says he's ready for superstardom.Steven: Calls it beautiful and dittos what Randy says and loves that he sees the passion in Scotty's eyes.JLo: She says she's in love with him and what he stands for and what he brings to his music.Contestant: Lauren AlainaSong: "Anyway," Martina McBride. She dedicates it to the recent tornado/flood victims in the South.Performance:In a pretty burgundy gown she sings the song like she believes it, nice job.Steven: Says she did it again and broke his heart, says she delivers a song like a blue plate special.JLo: Is so proud of her and feels like she's listening to what they're telling her and says that's exactly what she has to do and a great vocal performance.Randy: Says last week he was worried but now thinks she's back in it to win it, yo.Video Package: We get a recap of Lady Gaga's career thus far.Contestant:HaleySong: "I, Who Have Nothing." Gaga thinks Haley is a great singer but wants her to bring the psychodrama.Performance: She kills it with help from a dramatic string arrangement and a calmer, more focused stage presence. It sounds great and is very dramatic without being psycho. The judges and audience give her a standing ovation.JLo: Says this is why they will never take it easy on her because this is what she's capable of, and she's amazing. She also says it was one of the best performances of the year (from any contestant).Randy: Says she was probably mad but that she just hada moment that put her in it to win it.Steven: Says she just Reinhart-ed herself into the middle of the next week.Ryan makes Haley hug RandyContestant: ScottySong: "Youngblood," the Coasters. Lady Gaga loves the humor in his voice and personality. She finally addresses the microphone issue and tells him to keep his mouth on the microphone and to make love to it. Iovine are worried about the emotional content. He says he felt like he needed to kiss his cross. Gaga says she just wants to open him up a little bit.Performance:He has fun with it. He struggles with the microphone advice at first but seems to keep it straight. He takes walk through the audience and high fives his dad and hangs with Casey. It's a great, relaxed performance that is also good vocally. Now someone needs to talk to him about the constant eyebrow raising.Randy: Asks if he had a good time. He says he did. Randy says it was great he did something serious and then something fun, it was like two sides of a Scotty concert.Steven: He said he made Gaga's yaya go lala. Loved the humor.JLo: Thinks he's really hitting his stride and it's about his sprint to the finish line. She says next week she wants to see a whole different side.Contestant: LaurenSong: "Trouble," Elvis Presley. Jimmy tells her to play a character, to get into the funky "evil" persona of the song. Lauren is worried about calling herself "evil" like it says in the lyrics. Gaga says it's not that big of a deal. She tells her to find the humor in it.Performance: She gets into it and has fun playing with the harp and ketyar players onstage. She then takes a run around the judges' table. She really lays into all the "I'm evil"s. It's fun.Steven: Says it was well-done and says he just love her.JLo: Says she saw a mature performance out of her that she hadn't seen before and really liked it.Randy: Says he liked her singing out of her pop-country thing and liked that she was working it.Ryan interviews Mike Stoller who says he loves the performances.Contestant:JamesSong: "Love Potion No. 9" Gaga tells him to get into his body more. She gets up behind him and physically moves him. He wants to do a Bad Company/Paul Rodgers feel to the song.Performance: It's a rocking arrangement. He walks down the steps, drops to his knees and runs through the crowd and does some moving, but it's not really in his hips. He ends on one of his big metal scream runs and a hop down to the stage on the last beat.JLo: Says that showed her that he can sing anything.Randy: Says he's peaking at the right time and thought it was hot.Steven: He says "what you can't do with your voice you did tonight."
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Four Results Show - May 12, 2011Ryan says 72 million votes came in last night, the highest top four vote ever.Group Sing: James and Scotty perform Brad Paisley's "Start a Band"Group Sing: Haley and Lauren sing Miranda Lambert's "Gunpowder and Lead"Video Package: The gang got video chats with their family.Results:Lauren is safe.The gang watches a live clip of Gaga singing "You and I," that Haley sang on the show.Performance: Enrique Iglesias performs "Dirty Dancing (And I Like It)"Ford Commercial: The gang does "Fireflies" as they paint the screen with neon colors.Performance: Jordin Sparks sings her new single "I Am Woman." Apparently, that woman is Beyonce. She gives Steven a little smooch.Video: Premiere of Steven Tyler's new music video "(It) Feels So Good." It has a circus theme. And hot chicks. Including Nicole Scherzinger.And stuff melting. The studio audience gives it a nice ovation.Results: Haley is safe.Bottom two:James and ScottyGoing Home: JamesHe and Scotty share a nice hug. He tells the judges and folks in the crowd that it's okay. He watches his "journey" video emotionally. As the judges clap and JLo cries he sings himself out with "Maybe, I'm Amazed."
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Three Performance - May 18, 2011Theme: Three songs: contestants' choice, Jimmy's choice, judges choiceIn the audience: Elijah Wood and his "Wilfred" co-star; Priscilla Presley; Neil SedakaMentor: Beyonce on whom we get a video package on her super-mega-international awesomeness.Contestant: Scotty McCreerySong: "Amazed," Lonestar. Beyonce loves Scotty and thinks he can show off his range.Performance: Leaning on a piano Scotty delivers the ballad simply and cleanly. And he holds the microphone straight.Steven: Thinks he just keeps getting better and better and likes that he saw that he get a little angry. He also thought it was beautiful.JLo: Thinks he's grown a lot as a performer and thought it was a great way to start the show.Randy: Thinks it was a great song choice but thought there were a couple of pitchy moments but the ending was money.Contestant: Lauren AlainaSong:"Wild One," Faith Hill. Beyonce tries to give her confidence to be a fearless diva and leave her nerves behind.Performance: It seems a little speedy for her breathing but she's holding on. It's a little jerky, there's a couple of pitch problems but it's mostly okay. It's no home run but she seems happy.JLo: Says she has to attack it like that every time and it was good.Randy: He agrees with Beyonce's advice about fearlessness and liked that she showed she was having fun.Steven: He also likes that she was having fun and thinks she's ready for America to be all over her.Contestant: Haley ReinhartSong:"What Is and What Should Never Be," Led Zeppelin. Beyonce thinks it's a fearless choice. Haley hopes her dad can play guitar with her.Performance: She starts off at the top of the stairs singing sultry and slow in a higher part of her register and then kicks into the rock part of the song. And, yup, her dad is there onstage playing with her. It's really sweet and he can play. It may be a risky choice but she's doing a great job with each part of the song. Until she trips on the stairs on the way back up the stairs to the stage. She recovers instantly and kills the end of the song with some dancing and scatting. She's going for broke. She gets a big ovation.Randy: Says this is what it's all about. He calls her fearless and calls her choice that's not for faint of heart. Calls it one of her best performances ever.Steven: He says it's not about how many times you fall, it's about how many times you get back up. He calls it superb. Randy jokes he thought the fall was planned.JLo: Says everyone has fallen onstage and you keep going and that's a sign of a professional. Says it was a good, good round for her.The judges say that Haley won round one.Contestant: Scotty. During stool chat with Ryan, we see his audition again. "Baby, lock them doors..." Scotty says it seems like it was ten years ago. Scotty likes Jimmy song choice.Song: "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not," Thompson SquarePerformance: Scotty plays guitar. He plays a very playful song kind of serious at first. It seems a little slow and a tiny bit generic but it's good enough and he seems like he's having fun.Steven: Says he was living that one and sang it really good.JLo: Liked several moments where he was in the zone and says to capture those moments. She asked him to shave his head for the finale, or as short it was in the final.Randy: Randy liked the short hair. Says Jimmy picked a good song for him and compares him to Garth Brooks on a performance level. He felt like he was at Scotty's concert again.Ryan says they have trimmers backstage and they can cut Scotty's hair right now. He says he's game.Contestant: Lauren Alaina. She's getting some make-up put on her legs because her pantyhose ripped. We get a look back at her audition, which was pretty great. Out on the stools, Lauren can't believe she's here. Jimmy picks "If I Die Young," The Band Perry. Lauren knows and likes it.Song: "If I Die Young," The Band PerryPerformance: Lauren definitely seems more confident tonight and it's translating to this performance. It's a slow-to-midtemp one but she's holding on to it and keeping it spirited and crisp. She seems to goof near the end but she recovers quickly and finishes with passion. Nice job.JLo: Says she has the most beautiful tone of the finalists and says she had a moment in the song where she got caught up and it was beautiful.Randy: Says she realized that she goofed on the modulation but she also recovered instantly and thinks it was a good choice.Steven: Says he also saw the goof up but thought she recovered great as well.Lauren admits she goofed the key change. Ryan asks Lauren's mom what it's like watching her daughter sing, she says it's crazy and it's aged her 20 years.Contestant: Haley. We see Haley's audition. Jimmy picks "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac. Haley likes it.Song: "Rhiannon," Fleetwood MacPerformance:She starts off slowly in a stage full of mist, the tempo picks and she gets a Stevie-esque wind machine.This is a very odd performance. It was a weird edit of the song, it didn't hit the best parts of her register, she didn't seem that enthusiastic about it. Randy: Thinks she's having fun up there and did a good job but it was kind of somber.Steven: Thought it was so beautiful and reminded him why he fell in love with Stevie Nicks.JLo: Thought it was beautifully shot and thought it was a nice contrast to her last song and thought she was going to go a little further.Steven gives round two to Lauren, Jennifer and Randy gives it to Scotty. Jimmy , who is in the audience, thinks they were great and feels Scotty is the offspring of Bruce Springsteen and Garth Brooks, Lauren was amazingly poised and that Haley did a dark, difficult moment really well.The contestants get their song selection at their hometown visits. Scotty gets his and it's pretty obvious he doesn't recognize the title.Contestant: ScottySong: "She Believes in Me," Kenny RogersPerformance: He sings it well, it sounds a little dissonant in parts but when he ramps up the end he nails it and ends on a sweet, high, tender note. (JLo sings along).Steven: Says he hasn't sung a chorus like that yet and he put it over the top.JLo: She says they all wanted to see if he could hit that big chorus and he showed them.Randy: Seeing him believe in himself in hitting the notes was great and he thought it was nicely done.His dad is really proud of him and humbled by the support he's getting. Ryan makes him sing "baby lock them doors." It's pretty cute.Laurent gets her song choice at her AT&T store appearance at her home visit.Contestant: LaurenSong: "I Hope You Dance," Leann WomackPerformance: This time she gets the mist treatment and is wearing a Disney princess dress. Her confidence remains intact and she sounds good but it's kind of a yawn. She tries to jazz it up at the end a bit and it's fine.JLo: Got "goosie's" from head to toe and calls it beautiful and dares to say she won the round already.Randy: Thinks Leann, his close personal friend, probably thinks Lauren slayed it. He thinks she's in it to win it.Steven: Says she walked out like she owned the Grand Ole Opry and he's also friends with Leann and thinks she'd like it too.Haley gets her news in the car ride home.Contestant: HaleySong: "You Oughta Know," Alanis MorissettePerformance: go out with you to the theatre? The opening is snoozeville, she's not putting much energy into it. But when she gets to the chorus she gets a little more ferocious. She directs the "scratch my nails down someone else's back' line right at Randy.Randy: Thought they were amazing choruses and that Haley is in it to win it even though she had some problems with the fast rhythms.Steven: Thinks it was perfect.JLo: Says no one can match her in terms of range and power and noticed the rhythmic bobbling but that it was strong in the choruses.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" Top Three Results Show May 19, 2011Ryan says 95 million votes came in.In the audience: Previous season 10 contestants Stefano, Casey, Karen, Jacob, Paul, Naima, Pia, AshthonVideo Package: James, Lauren, Haley, and Scotty went to a private screening of scenes from "Super 8" and met with director J.J. Abrams. It's basically an ad for the movie. He then gives them all Super 8 cameras to help film their hometown visits. They play with the cameras. Ryan then interviews one of the stars Elle Fanning and talks about how her cousin's favorite is Scotty.Hometown visit: Haley headed back to the Chicago area. She's worried the rain will keep people from her parade. It doesn't. She thanks a girl for freaking out. The Mayor proclaims it Haley Reinhart day. Seh shoots the crowd with her Super 8 camera. She heads home to hang with her family and friends. There's a pep rally at her old high school. Then it's off to Arlington Park for a concert, she says there are 30,000 people there. She plays and her dad plays along with her.Ford Commercial: "Smile." The gang heads to the beach and flies a kite, builds a sandcastle, toss the ball around and film it.Performance: Il Volo perform "O Sole Mio." It's in Italian. They're Italian. They're a pop-classical vocal trio.Hometown visit: Scotty heads back to Garner, N.C. Scotty heads out for a radio interview at which he's mobbed screaming girls. He heads home to see his family and friends. He heads to his high school and throws a few pitches from the mound. He cries when he gets back in the car, it's very touching. He goes tot he grocery store where he used to work, throws on an apron and is greeted by hundreds of folks. He shoots the crowd with his Super 8 camera. His parade is very well-attended. He has an outdoor concert, also very well-attended. Josh Turner shows up and surprises him when he starts into his song "Your Man" aka "baby lock them doors..." Scotty freaks out and hands him the microphone. Scotty promises to bring a win home to Garner. Performance: Nicole Scherzinger and 50 Cent perform her new single "Right There." Lots of feathers and hip shimmies. And then 50 Cent raps.Hometown visit: Lauren heads back to Georgia. She does her radio show, her AT&T store appearance, Lauren Alaina day, high school visit, screaming fans etc. etc. She also tours some tornado damage and is overwhelmed by the devastation. She visits with a young boy who rescued his family from tornado wreckage. She heads to her concert at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga. It is very well attended.Going home:HaleyShe gets a nice round of applause and sings herself out with "Bennie and Jets."
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Two Performance Show- May 24, 2011Ryan reminds us this is the youngest finale match-up ever. Ryan talks to the show doctor about how Lauren blew out one of her vocal cords but she's going to do great.Theme: Three songs: contestants favorite song from the season, songs chosen by the contestants idols-- Carrie Underwood in Lauren's case, George Strait in Scotty's-- and their potential singles should they win.In the audience: The season 10 contestants; David Archuleta; Camryn Manheim;Contestant: Scotty McCreerySong: "Gone," Montgomery GentryPerformance: Although the walking around in the routine has him a bit breathless in places, it's a great, natural, fun, performance that the crowd seems into.Contestant: Lauren AlainaSong: "Flat on the Floor," Carrie UnderwoodPerformance: She's a little raspier than usual and all her power isn't there, hence the disclaimer at the top of the show and she seems nervous about the blocking. It was fun but felt a little cautious.Contestant: ScottySong: George Strait picked his own song "Check Yes or No"Performance: The song is a cutesy schoolyard crush number, midtempo, that isn't particularly exciting. Scotty does what he can with it.Contestant: LaurenSong: Carrie Underwood picked "Maybe It Was Memphis" by Pam TillisPerformance: Another sort of midtempo, vanilla pop country number. Aside from a few breath issues, she sings it fine. There are some high notes that she goes breathy on the end but hits the last note hard and strong.Ryan goes to the judges.Randy:Says America is going to have a tough decision and that it's very even. He loved both of their performances but gives slight edge to Scotty in round one and to Lauren in round two.JLo: Agrees with Randy's assessment of the rounds and thought it was an explosive start.Steven: First and second rounds to Lauren only because she's prettier than Scotty.Performance: Taio Cruz performs the perfectly average song -- "Positive"-- that was written as part of this year's songwriting challenge. Halfway through his microphone goes out. It comes back. The song is fine and he performs it in green fog surrounded by faux marching band dancers miming banging drums.Contestant:ScottySong:"I Love You This Big," Jimmy tells him to make it big, that this song plays both to his emotional qualities and his vocal gifts.Performance: As video of his "Idol journey" plays behind him he sings a boilerplate country ballad about being young and in love. He sings it well enough and the audience sways along with him.Randy: Is marveling in the two youngest finalists and although he didn't love the song he thought it showed off his range and he's, um, yeah in it to win it.JLo: Says he's the show's great storyteller and thinks he did an amazing job with the song.Steven: Says he's come a long way and repeats the thing about not being able to take a three point shot from under the net.Scotty says he's enjoying himself and can't believe he's there, but he says it very calmly.Contestant: LaurenSong: "Like My Mother Does" Jimmy thinks this captures Lauren's journey and it will showcase her in her best light and that mom's will be moved.Performance: As her journey plays on the video screen, Lauren sings about how awesome her mom is while she wears a white gown and her mom sings along for the audience. She's doing fine, she stumbles a bit on going for one big note, but it's more raspinesss than a clunker. She goes and hugs her mom in the audience.Randy: Loves it, loves it, loves it and gives her a standing ovation and says she's arrived.JLo: Says it's a tight race but Lauren may have just won.Steven: Predicts she's going to win and is the winner in his eyes.Randy and Steven say Lauren took round three and JLo says it's too close to call.Performance: David Cook sings this season's sing-out song, his version of Simple Minds "Don't You (Forget About Me)"
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Finale - May 25, 2011The opening reminds us that 125,000 people auditioned.Ryan says a record was set last night with 122 million votes.In the audience; Previous contestant Michael Johns and winners David Cook and Lee Dewyze; Lori Loughlin, Harold Perrineau,Group Sing: The Top 13 performs "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga.Performance: James Durbin and Judas Priest perform a medley of "Livin' After Midnight" and "Breakin' the Law." James is in full metal regalia.Video Package: A tribute to Randy and all of his "what kind of blank is this?" questioning and his endless "in it to win it"-ness. Ryan points out that Randy needs a new writer.Performance: Jacob Lusk performs "I Smile" with Kirk Franklin and Gladys Knight.Performance: Casey Abrams performs Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls" with Jack Black. Girls ride in on bikes and Casey and Jack have a scat off.Performance: The ladies of the top 13, minus Lauren, perform Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," "Irreplaceable," "Get Me Bodied," "If I Were a Boy," and "Deja Vu," giving them all a nice solo. Ashthon and Haley in particular sound good together. Beyonce shows up to sing "Crazy in Love" with the girls.Video Package: A tribute to Steven Tyler and all of his nutty jive talk. Yet, oddly, in light of Randy's "tribute" not all of his endless "beautifuls."Performance: Haley Reinhart performs "Steppin' Out" with Tony Bennett. They're adorable. He is, unbelievably, 84 years old.Video Package: The tribute to Jennifer and all of the people who called her "beautiful." Which is perhaps why they didn't string together all of Steven's.Performance: TLC performs with Lil Jon and Thia, Karen, Ashthon, and Naima. For some reason they don't let Chilli say "broke ass" during the "No Scrubs" portion of the medley that also includes "Waterfalls."Performance: Scotty performs "Live Like You Were Dying" with Tim McGraw. (Not to be confused with the Kris Allen/Script song of the similar name "Live Like We're Dying.") Scotty starts out just holding his own just fine but he really gets into it and kills the last chorus.Video Package: A collection of the delusional contestants and mishaps from the auditions.Performance: Marc Anthony performs and is joined by Sheila E. on drums and his wife on dancing-- along with a bunch of fan dancers.Video Package: The eliminated contestants talk about the eliminations and debate which was "most shocking." He and James joke back and forth about their eliminations and how they were both supposed to win it. And then Pia shows up with a tiara and a "most shocking elimination" banner around her.Performance: The top 13 guys perform and each gets a little solo: Stefano on Prince's "Kiss," Paul McDonald on Tom Jones "She's a Lady," James on Jones' "What's New Pussycat," Scotty on Jones' "Green Green Grass of Home," Jacob on "Love Me Tonight," (yes I'm cluing in to the fact that this is a tribute to Jones), and Casey on "Delilah." And of course, Sir Tom himself shows up to sing "It's Not Unusual." Jack Black is dancing along happily in the audience.Video Package: Ford gives money to Lauren and Scotty's schools and also gives them and their teachers' cars.Performance: Lady Gaga performs her new single "The Edge of Glory." She is wearing a nutty drapes/hanging beads headdress. Her dancers writhe around her on a faux rock formations. She then takes off her outer cape to reveal one of her leather bikinis, dances with a hot shirtless guy while Clarence Clemons bleats his saxophone down on the stage near the dancers.Performance: Lauren sings Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" and Underwood joins her onstage. Lauren seems like she's having fun and a little awed at the same time.Video package: The other contestants pick fun at Scotty and Lauren being teenagers.Performance: Beyonce debuts her single "One Plus One." (She doesn't know much about algebra or how to pronounce it apparently or distinguish it from addition). It's a big piano ballad. It's not terribly melodic but she's killing it vocally with a lot of soul, a little growl and a dash of gospel.Performance: Bono and the Edge and Reeve Carney, the star of "Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark" perform the song "Rise Above" from the musical. A Spider-suited actor flips around the air above the audience. It's one of those gauzy, electro-beat heavy U2 songs. It's fine but it's not really a musical-type song. There's a big spider web backdrop and lots of dry ice drifting over the stage.Peformance: Steven Tyler performs a truncated version of "Dream On" sans the rest of Aerosmith.The Winner Is!: Scotty McCreery
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Auditions #1-Savannah - Jan. 18, 2012
And, we're back.
The eleventh season kicks off with auditions in Savannah, GA.
We start with a look back at Kelly's big moment way back in the day interspersed with current auditioners watching the show as kids and home video of them singing and then watching them walk into the audition room and talk about how they've been waiting their whole lives for this moment.
Then there's a lot of Ryan talking about "Idol" and how it's the biggest platform for star-making.
We also hear that the auditioners will be telling their stories from their point of view as well, via home video of their "journeys."
Then there's a montage of the many yes's that are to come.
And now... a montage of some contestants preparing for/driving to the auditions.
First up is a very youthful looking 17-year-old named David Leathers, Jr. who claims to be a ladies man. He's very confident. It turns out that he once competed against Scotty McCreery in a local singing competition and won. He sings "Remember the Rain" by Century 21. He's pretty good and they ask if he can sing a Michael Jackson. He busts out "Never Can Say Goodbye," which is even better. He's going to Hollywood.
We're told 9,000 people showed up to the cattle call.
Next up is Gabi Carrubba a singer and tap dancer. We get video of her dancing as a baby. She points out that when Steven likes someone he makes a certain, Zen-like peaceful face and she's hoping to see that. We get a montage of Steven making the face. When she walks in she first hugs producer Nigel Lythgoe who is sitting off camera. She loves him on "So You Think You Can Dance." She sings "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5, they all really like her. She's going to Hollywood. Steven makes "the face"
We then get a montage of yes's to Brianna Faulk, Neco Starr, Molly Hunt, and Elise Testone.
Randy, Steven, and JLo are loving how good everyone is on the first day.
Next up is Jessica Whitely who says singing is all she ever thinks about so of course, she's terrible. They are all speechless until Randy says it was awful and that this is not her groove. She says she'll see them in Texas, for that audition.
We get a montage of people acting like Ryan Seacrest. It culminates in him doing an actual impersonation in front of Ryan and other contestants and the other judges, who love his impression. His name is Shawn Kraisman and of course, he's not very good.
Next is Shannon Magrane who is 15 and sporty and the daughter of a former major league pitcher. We get to meet the whole family. She then sings right there in the middle of her family. She does an Etta James song and her mother mouths it right along behind her. The judges start clapping along. She's pretty good for 15. She's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of the awful and delusional.
Then we meet Amy Brumfield who lives in a tent in the woods because she's struggling economically. She's not amazing but they decide to be nice and give her a trip to Hollywood. Which, just guessing, will be as far as she goes.
Next up is Joshua Chavis, whose biggest dream is to sing the national anthem at a Nascar race. He is overconfident and therefore not very good. He melts down on the way out, flipping off the camera.
Then we meet 15-year-old Stephanie Renae who has wanted to do this since she was 8. We watch her on her way to the auditions. She's got good power and stamina but she's a little shrill and sharp.They tell her that she's good but she needs vocal lessons. Randy says no but JLo and Steven say yes. She's going to Hollywood.
Schyler Dixon auditioned with her brother last year but is going it alone this year. She's nervous without him. The judges force her to bring in her brother Colton. She sings "Breakeven" by the Script. She is good, much better than the last girl. They make Colton sing even though he's not technically auditioning. She is not happy with this turn of events clearly. The judges tell her she's grown and that he has grown even more. The judges want them both. They're both going to Hollywood. She does not seem happy about this.
We get a montage of the teary rejects.
Next up is Lauren Mink who works with adults with intellectual disabilities. Of course we go to her job with her and meet some of her clients. She, inexplicably, sings "Country Strong" and she's pretty good. She gave JLo goosebumps. She's going to Hollywood.
Day 2 brings us montages of people dancing and complaining about the heat.
We meet Mawuena Kodjo, who came all the from Africa. There are weird and mildly offensive subtitles to compensate for his accent. He says he's going to blow them away. He sings a Rascal Flatts song. It is awful. They openly laugh at him. They tell him that he was off key and all over the place and Randy says it was terrible. Mawuena says he's good. Randy tells him to go sing for strangers and prove him wrong. So Ryan brings him out to sing for people and convince them to change his mind. The only ones he can find are some children, whos father/grandfather/guardian who asks if he's a runner. Oy. Mawuena leaves saying he's going to be the first African country music star.
Next is Ashlee Altise who comes on like a classic "Idol" trainwreck-- overconfident, badly dressed, possessed of her own dance-- but she's better than expected on the Beatles "Come Together."
We get another montages of no's.
Then there's country singer W.T.Thompson, who is just not quite good enough on on Little Big Town's "Boondocks." Steven says no, JLo says yes-- he's got a baby on the way-- and Randy says yes. He fakes out his family pretending he got a no.
We get a montage of women talking about how hot Steven is, some of whom he hugs, kisses on the mouth, and dances with.
We meet happy, laughy Erica Nowak from Buffalo who just loves Steven.She hugs him and grabs his butt. He tells her she better sing good. She has train wreck vibe but she's not a train wreck she's just not great on Joss Stone's "Super Duper Love." She gets a hug from Randy before she goes. She grabs his ass too.
Next is NBA dancer Brittany Kerr who sings "Spoiled" by Joss Stone. (What's up with all the Joss Stone?) It's fine, soundalikey.Randy and Steven are obviously smitten, they both say yes. It seems like JLo says no just 'cuz the boys like her. (Later she's overheard saying she thought she was good but that her voice wasn't "strong" enough. (I believe the pot is now on the line with a message for J.Lo).
The final contestant is Phillip Phillips who works at his dad's pawn shop, which we visit of course.We also meet his dad Phillip Phillips, Sr. He brings in his guitar. His mother tells Ryan how handsome he is. PP sings Stevie Wonder's "Superstition." It is growly, overemotive,twitchy, and push his voice too hard. And of course they love it. They ask him to grab his guitar. He plays an acoustic version of "Thriller." He's got a very Dave Matthews vibe about him. He's going to Hollywood.
42 singers made it through.






Hide description ▲

"American Idol' - Auditions #2 - Pittsburgh- Jan. 19, 2012
Ryan tells us this is the first time auditions have been held in Pittsburgh.
First up is Heejun Han, a low energy dude who doesn't even himself believe he's very good. His family has never heard him sing. So it's a little surprising when he auditions with "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" by Laura Branigan/Michael Bolton and he's... not terrible. He's not amazing either but he exceeds expectations and he's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of nervous people.
Next up is wriggly Reed Grimm who grew up onstage.He sing/scats the theme song to "Family Matters" with body percussion and finger snaps. He seems sweet and he sounds fine. He's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of yes's Aaron Marcellus, Chase Likens, and then several other people they don't name.
We then meet sisters Patty and Samantha Novacek. The former is just a "planker" who is helping her sister get to Hollywood. Her sister can sing fine, not much range in the song, but solid and her planking is also acceptable. She's going to Hollywood. Oddly, her sister also seemed to get a golden ticket.
Next up is Creighton Fraker who calls himself a starving artist in NYC and wears bunny ears. We see his "journey to audition" video. He sings an original, that's all about the judges. He's got odd body language and a very nasally voice, but he's got decent pitch. He then sings "Who's Lovin' You." They spur him to sing more. Again, good pitch and control but something just a little odd in tone. He's going to Hollywood.
Next we meet a Bieber-esque teen named Eben Franckewitz who has been preparing for weeks. We see a bit of his journey video. He has very supportive parents. He seems like a nice kid. He sings "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers. He's very poised and sounds very nice. He's going to Hollywood.
Travis Orlando, who auditioned last year, returns and sings "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder. He's as good or better than several who have gone before but it seems like he's going to get turned down. But then he cries and tells them he's dropped out of high school and his mother deserted the family and they were evicted and moved into a shelter. So they decide to give him a chance with the caveat that he has to do some growing. He's going to try and grow in Hollywood.
Day 2
Steven and Randy put on a little show for the auditioners, playing Aerosmith's "Pink," since Jennifer is late.
We meet Erika Van Pelt who is a dj and wedding singer. We get some video of her doing these jobs and her ride to Pittsburgh. She sings "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" by Carole King and does a very nice job of it. She's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of unidentified yes's and Steven playing with his comedy sound effects box.
Then we meet Shane Bruce who is a coal miner. We see him at work underground. He's proud to be a coal miner but he wants to be a singer and we see him sing for the other miners. He auditions with "Hallelujah" which he IDs as being from "Shrek." He hits some clunkers but he's got some skill. He says he gave all he had, even though he's disappointed. They turn him away even though they think he has a voice and needs some work. They tell him to come back. He's sad but understanding and sanguine.
We get a montage of no's.
The final auditioner is Hallie Day We learn that her husband saved her life. She dropped out of school at 13, moved to NYC, and joined a girl group, and became an addict. She moved home and struggled and even attempted suicide. She then met her husband who encouraged her to audition. She sings "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. She's good. She's going to Hollywood.
38 people left with golden tickets, bringing the total to 80.





Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - San Diego Auditions - Jan. 22, 2012
It's a special bonus Sunday late night "Idol" thanks to the New York Giants OT win.
We're in San Diego and for some reason the auditions are taking place on the USS Midway aircraft carrier in a busy port. This means it's going to be a noisy day as planes fly overhead and boats pass by sounding their horns.
We get various home videos of auditioners on their way.
First up is a girl in a bikini top and a blue jean hot pants named Jennifer Diley and of course, she's terrible.
More limericks from Steven.
Next up is single mom Ashley Robles who has a very cute daughter. She sings "I Will Always Love You." She's pretty good, nice tone and power, with a hint of huskiness. They clap. She's going to Hollywood.
Next up is Jayrah Gibson He was told he can't sing so he's decided to "sing"? He's a motormouth but he has good energy and a decent enough voice. He's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of yes's of people we're not introduced to.
Next up is Aubree Dieckmeyer who came with her whole family and goofs says she wants to become America's Next Top Model. She's cute and has a girlish but pleasant voice with a bit of squeak. She's going to Hollywood.
Next up is the squealy Ali Shields who was on the Ellen Degeneres show after writing her a song. Ryan takes her on a kissing spree. She raps her audition. And then she dances. She's funny and silly. And then she sings and she has an interesting voice. She's going to Hollywood.
Next up is Kyle Crews a college student. He's in a frat and he serenades girls. He's cute and nerdy and has a nice voice, very natural. Steven says it's the best male voice they've heard yet.
Next up Joanne Childers who is interrupted by a boat going by, which leads to a montage of all the auditions marred by background noise.
Next up is a mom/waitress named Jane Carrey. Her dad is Jim Carrey. We see old photos and home videos of him with her. She talks about trying to find her place outside her dad's shadow. Jennifer actually remembers her as a little baby on the set of "In Living Colour" when she was a fly girl. They give her a little feedback about her presentation but they all say yes. She's going to Hollywood. She calls him and he's happy. He calls her wonderful and amazing and says he can't wait for the world to see what she's had inside her all this time.
We get a montage of yes's, again of people we don't hear sing, all women.
The last contestant of the night is Jason "Wolf" Hamlin. He's a mechanic at a golf course. His dad died a few years back. His dad gave him a guitar and he's only been singing three years. He sings a CCR song and he has some pitch issues but he has some charm as well. They let him break the rules and play his "git-fiddle" and he plays "Folsom Prison Blues." He's much more comfortable and gritty with the guitar and thus sounds better. Not amazing but pretty good. He's going to Hollywood.
Ryan says 53 people were put through to Hollywood. Bringing our total to 133.




Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Aspen Auditions - Jan. 25, 2012
The auditions bring us to Aspen, Colorado.
They are playing Guster over the montage of Colorado scenery, yay!
First up is a screamer named Jenny Schick who calls herself "overenegetic." She loves Steven. She sings Pat Benatar and she's not bad, best at karaoke night kinda good. She's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of the home videos people are shooting of getting ready and going to the auditions.
Next up is Curtis Gray who started singing as a child. He's pretty good, he's got a nice resonance to his voice. He's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of yes's including country singer Richie Law, Devan Jones, Mathenee Treco, all very good.
Next up is Tealana Hedgespeth who has a twin sister who is not auditioning, and whose shadow she feels she lives in. She sings and isn't very good. They think she's cute but isn't a good singer.
Next up is Haley Smith who lives in a log cabin and loves nature. She sings Rufus and Chaka Khan and she's all laid back and groovy. She's not bad. They love how natural she is. She's going to Hollywood.
Next up is Alanna Snare who cannot sing. And she seems to know it.
Next up is Shelby Tweten. She is bipolar and has been struggling with depression. She says "Idol" has given her a reason to stay on her meds. Singing helps her self-soothe. She wants to show people that bipolar doesn't define who you are.She's pretty good, nice power and a sweet performing presence doing Carrie Underwood. They love her. She's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of bad singers and a beatboxer.
Next up is Jairon Jackson who has a lot of faith in his original song. The song is so-so but he can sing. He's going to Hollywood. They think he's the real deal.
Next up is Angie Zeiderman who wants to pattern herself after Lady Gaga and be her best friend.She wants to be a vintage glitter queen. She does a showtune and prances around. Randy and Jennifer are split on the showtune thing. She tries on Linda Ronstadt instead and sounds more straightforward and stronger and less silly. It really changed Randy's mind, he doesn't care for Broadway vibrato and she showed less of it in her second song.
Next up is Magic Cyclops who sports a faux-British accent and is working some weird shtick: air guitar, a bad bandanna, and explosions of confetti. He claims he has the accent because he was very poor and only watched PBS growing up and that's how he got the British accent. He sings Neil Diamond. Jennifer asks him to sing something else. He sings Jimmy Buffett. He can actually carry a tune but he's not good. Randy gets up to go the bathroom.
We get a montage of yes's of people we didn't see sing.
31 people got golden tickets.







Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Galveston, TX Auditions - Jan. 26, 2012
We get greetings from the International Space Station for some reason.
First up is Phong Vuwho is enjoying the attention and promises to be a superstar and then he gets teary and says God is on his side. God is apparently more concerned about football because predictably, he is not good. He is very earnest and Randy is laughing at him. Steven tries to be diplomatic and then after his "signature moves" he is sweetly dismissed.
We get a montage of bad singers including some who try Scotty's audition song.
Next up is country gal Skylar Laine. We get her whole backstory as a mudding tomboy from Mississippi whose family store/restaurant is struggling. She's a Miranda Lambert-a-like. She's going to Hollywood.
We get a quick montage of home video of people preparing for their auditions.
Next up is a repeat contestant Baylie Brown. She made it to Hollywood in season 6. We see a snippet of this (she was grouped with Antonella Barba and her buddy). She was 16 then and is now 21. She's also a country singer and she's great: strong, quivery, poised. She' s going to Hollywood.
It's the last chance Texaco for Kristine Osorio a mom of three who is 28, the upper age limit. She took out a loan to pay her divorce lawyer but used the money to buy a ticket to audition for "Idol" instead. She has a few little pitch issues. But she's got a strong voice and she's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of singers who get a yes from Jennifer but no's from Steven and Randy. She thinks they're crazy. They all seem as good if not better than people they did put through, which J.Lo points out. Then they go the other way, Randy and Steven say yes and JLo says no. She tells Randy that she thinks someone has slipped him something and feels like shes in the twilight zone. JLo, during a make-up break, starts asking for help to back up her opinions. (It ain't worth much, but I totally agree with you JLo).
Next up is clear train wreck Alejandro Cazares who keeps babbling about revolution. He is not good. He begs and babbles some more. Randy tells him he will never have a career in singing. Security eventually comes out.He is not going to Hollywood.
It's day two and our first contestant is Cortez Shaw. We get his single parent household/struggling childhood/overcoming adversity backstory. He does a literally snappy version of Adele's "Someone Like You." It's okay. But apparently the judges think it's much better than that and he sucks up to Randy and they put him through to Hollywood.
We get a montage of bad singers. And a montage of each one of the judges finally breaking down and laughing right out loud in people's faces.
The final contestant is Ramiro Garcia and he was born with no ears, literally. He has hair covering them. His parents were told he would never hear or speak but through surgeries he was able to do both. He is a worship leader in his church. He sings "Amazing Grace" and for someone with his medical background it is truly impressive. They say they're taking a leap of faith and put him through to Hollywood.
54 people were given golden tickets.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Portland Auditions - Feb. 1, 2012
We get an opening montage of people on the way to the auditions and walking into the audition room.
Ryan tells us it's the show's first trip to Oregon. We then get a montage of the sights of Portland.
First up is Sara Bareilles fan Brittany Zika who got a chance to sing with her American idol. She trips on the way in and calls herself Tripster the Hipster. She sings Brandi Carlile and she's fine. They love her. She's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of bad singers from Seattle in season 6.
We then met a kid from Philly named Ben who has a cold. We get shots of him pounding his chest and blowing his nose and talking about his job selling cable on the street. He goes to sing Lady Gaga for the judges, and given the fact that he has a cold he could be much worse. He, however, is not good and is not going to Hollywood.
Next up is Jermaine Jones who eats, breathes, and sleeps music and grew up singing in church and his mom thinks his vocal gift is from God. He cries tears of joy and excitement and says it's his turn. His mother is very supportive. He's 6'8" 1/2. He sings "Superstar." He's fine and a little teary and very sweaty. The judges love him and tell him to loosen up, he's going to Hollywood.
On Day 2 we meet single mom Britnee Kellogg who has her kids and a whole passel of family, in matching "we heart Britnee" t-shirts, there to support her. She was married to a basketball player who held her back from her dreams and then he cheated on her and now she's pursuing her dreams. She sings "You're No Good" by Linda Ronstadt. She's got the right motivation. She's pretty good and JLo starts singing along with her. They love her and she's going to Hollywood. She asks JLo advice about being a working a mom. JLo says it takes a village. Britnee's village comes in.
Next up is Sam Gershmann who is extremely animated and perky. She sings oddly, squeaky, affected and shrill. She is very irritating. The judges openly laugh at her. Steven calls her "too Broadway." Jlo saying her personality is bubbly and she should be onstage but not the "Idol" stage.
Next up is David Weed is very geeky with glasses and a sweater vest. He works in fast food. He sings "Tom Sawyer" by Rush. Given that, again, not as bad as it could've been. The notes are mostly there but... Randy claims that he thinks Geddy Lee is a really good singer. David then says he wants to be a comic too and tells a terrible joke. He's not going to Hollywood. It's kind of sad.
Next up is Romeo Diahnhe is from Liberia. He lived in a refugee camp in Ghana before coming to the U.S. He saw a lot of tough stuff before he got here. He sings Bob Marley, very much in an impression style. It's fine but since he has an interesting back story he's going to Hollywood, although JLo does express concern about how he will do in the competition.
Next up is Naomi Gillies who sings the Aerosmith song "Cryin." She doesn't show much range but she's got power and decent pitch and... she sings an Aerosmith song so she's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of no's and angry and/or crying auditioners.
Next is Ben Harrison who claims he is adorable and then goes about proving that he isn't really, more like manic. He explains he's often kicked out of bands by older guys who are jealous of him. He sings Queen and it is... odd. He isn't going to Hollywood but is glad he didn't puke or pee his pants and walks out smiling.
We get another montage of no's.
And the final contestant is Jessica Phillips, a woman whose boyfriend of five years had a massive stroke last Easter. He was hospitalized for a month and a half and when he woke up he didn't know who she was and she's become his caretaker. We see them walking and holding hands and doing his speech therapy. It is clearly very tough for her. She breaks down crying talking about it, justifiably. She sings "Again" by Faith Evans. She's not bad, but she's not amazing, she has breath issues, but she's got sass, seems really nice, and of course... a very interesting story so... she's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of yes's of some of the 45 people who got golden tickets, almost none of whom we actually got to see/hear.




Hide description ▲

"American Idol" -St. Louis Auditions - Feb. 2, 2012
We open with old home video footage of Carrie Underwood at home in OK on her way to audition in St. Louis for "American Idol."
We then get a montage of folks in the present doing the same thing.
We get the obligatory montage of St. Louis sighs and sounds.
A whiny cab driver weighs in on the traffic.
First up is John Keyser who is a child of divorce who lives with his dad. John's family gets a look at his audition on a video screen outside the room. He sings Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" a very overdone audition song. He's pretty good. Also, very attractive. They love him and he's going to Hollywood.
We get a montage of terrible singers from past auditions and then we get one from the present day in "silent movie" fashion a la "The Artist."
We get a glimpse of happy folks making friends in line.
We then meet soon-to-be-divorced mom Rachelle Lamb who was held back from pursuing her dreams by her soon-to-be-ex. She goes into the audition room with her little daughter. She sings a Faith Hill song. She's good. Her daughter dances along with her. They're both really cute. They love her. She's going to Hollywood.
Again, the whiny cab driver.
A montage of the terrible.
Next up is Reis Kloeckener who was bullied in high school because he was little and then he found his friends in choir. He sings "Lean on Me," he is fine in an earnest boy band kind of way. They love him, Steven tears up, and he's going to Hollywood.
Next up is Ethan Jones who has a cut on his forehead and is in a band with his family. His dad was in a big band from St. Louis and he had to go to rehab. Steven says he can relate to that. He sings "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain. He's fine. They love him, he's going to Hollywood. He calls his dad tearfully after the audition.
Now we get a sneak preview of Madonna's new video "Gimme All you Luvin." It has a football theme with M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj as cheerleaders and football players helping her walk along a wall.
And we're back to montages of people on their way to auditions.
Next up is a very bubbly hotel auditor named Mark Ingram, who works at the hotel where the auditions are being held. All of the staff members come in to support him. He sings Stevie Wonder, he hits a bunch of clunkers but also some good notes too. He's got control issues. The staff loves it. They try to dismiss him nicely. He starts sweating. They say no.
The final auditioner is Lauren Gray who works in the family wedding business and sings in a band with her dad in Arkansas. She sings Adele. She's got a big, strong, bluesy voice, she pushes a little too hard and misses a couple of notes but it's got a lot of emotion. They love her and she's going to Hollywood.
Ryan tells us that 46 people got golden tickets.





Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Hollywood Round #1 - Feb. 8, 2012
We start with video montage of people being awakened and getting ready to head off to Hollywood. Ryan tells us there are 309 of them. Then we get the sequence of planes landing, buses arriving, people jumping on beds, and prepping to sing at the theatre. The judges give a pep talk.
Now conestants come out in groups of 10, sing a cappella, get no feedback and then the sudden death decisions.
We remeet [/b]Heejun Han and Johnny Keyser[/b] from auditions. Johnny sings Amos Lee and does well. Heejun is next and is nervous, and as we see in video, not very confident in general. He sings his audition again and we overhear JLo say to Randy that she loves him. And he does do well. They are both put through to next round, as well as three other people from their group.
We meet Elise Testone who sings Jamiroquai and gets good feedback. We see Baylie Brown again as well as Hallie Day. Those three are put through as well as others from their group.
It's 10 am and Ryan tells about the stress and pressure and a few auditioners admit to nerves.
We see Jen Hirsh and she sings Patty Griffin's "Up to the Mountain" quite nicely and Steven doesn't want her to stop. We watch of a montage of the rest of her line perform including Lauren Gray who misses the cue to stop. Both women are put through.
We get a montage of folks who don't do as well with bum notes and nerves doing them in.
It's now 12:15 and Steven heads backstage and gives a pep talk to the next set.
Next is good old Phil Phillips who does a growly "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" and then Reed Grimm who scats his way through "I Got a Golden Ticket" from "Willy Wonka." And then up is Travis Orlando who got cut during round one last year and has the tough backstory with his mom leaving and homelessness. Phil and Reed make the cut but Travis is cut yet again in the first round.
We get a montage of other folks crying after they were cut, including Ramiro Garcia the guy born with no ears.
68 people were cut by the end of day one.
Day 2 dawns with a montage of excited and anxious contestants.
Adam Brock isn't nervous, however. He has been told that it sounds like there's a large black woman trapped inside him. We watch him tearfully say goodbye to his daughter. He sings Marc Cohn because JLo mentioned him at his audition. Then we remeet Jane Carrey daughter of Jim. She sings CCR and is cute if not spectacular and is kind of awkward at the end. Adam is put through but not Jane.
We get a montage of whose who take no well and others who don't and resort to begging.
We see David Leathers again the confident, funny, cute teen who once beat Scotty McCreery in a singing contestant. We're also re-introduced to the teen that Steven called hot in front of her dad, Shannon Magrane[b]. We also remeet [b]Jessica Phillips, the girl whose boyfriend had a stroke. She's even better here than she was in the audition.They are all put through. (He is particularly good.)
We get a montage of folks who did well and were put through Erika Van Pelt and Creighton Fraker and Aaron Marcellus. (Although I thought the middle guy was a little rough.)
Next up is Lauren Mink the smiley, friendly woman who works with adult with disabilities. And then it's Jeremy Rosado. Jlo doesn't love Lauren but Steven seems to and Jeremy gives Jlo goosebumps. Next is Symone Black a teen with a very supportive stage dad. She sings "Dock of the Bay" but at the end as she chats with the judges she stumbles and falls off the stage. Thus, ensuring that even those who were bored will tune in tomorrow night to make sure that she's okay.








Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Hollywood Rounds Pt. 2 - Feb. 9, 2012
We get a recap of last night and . And Ryan also tells it's the most intense Hollywood week ever and that people are dropping like flies all over the place.
Including young Symone from last night.She hadn't eaten for a while and apparently needed to up her blood sugar. JLo comfort her. The other contestants pray. She heads to the ER.
The show continues on. We remeet Lauren, Jeremy, Ethan-- whose dad was in rehab. Only Jeremy was put through. Symone also gets a yes but we only overhear that she's at the hospital when they make the decision.
185 people made it to group rounds and we watch them celebrate.
We get a montage of the ills of past group nights, the "worst" night of "Idol" auditions in which they have to huddle up, pick a song, create choreography in one night. They are told they have to have groups of 4 or 5 with folks from both days. The mad scramble is on.
Amy, the girl who lives in a tent in the woods, is having trouble finding a group and has the flu. Some groups are already heading off to rehearse. Amy finds a group with the cop Alicia. One girl named Brianna keeps turning up her nose at people's song choices. There are defections and alliances.
Most people have moved on to preparing and working out harmonies and choreography. Except Alicia is still looking for a group. She finally intimidates one into letting her in.
We meet several groups with new faces and old, including one girl who made it through group rounds last year. We get commentary from her mother about her bossy daughter and the weakest voice in the group opening the act.
Symone returns from the hospital. She was dehydrated. Now she has to find a group. Her "not a stage dad' stage dad tries to "help" her. She finds one.
We watch folks rehearse, some sound great, some are struggling with harmonies and choreography. Some are trying to steer clear of Amy who is sick. Others are sick as well. Some complain about their fellow group members to the camera.
It's midnight and the stress is ratcheting it up for some while others are feeling good enough to go to bed.
Alicia the cop's group is struggling with the words and their male member is illing.
The group including Heejun and Phil Phillips, four guys, and they can't get along or agree on anything. Heejun keeps complaining about cowboys, because the cowboy-hatted guy in his group Richie is very bossy. He actually says "we're going to do this my way and that's it."
A female group called the Bettys can't seem to get it together with most arguing that sleep is more important for their voices than rehearsal. All but one heads to bed. She cries into the phone that she will feel terrible if she's sent home and one of them stays. One returns and they team up to help each other and say that they're going to let the others fend for themselves.They go to bed at 5.
At 7 some are already up rehearsing.
The episode closes on the precipice of the actual performances starting with the Bettys. And then the episode cuts away.







Hide description ▲

The lights go up in the Kodak theater and out comes Morgan Freeman. He opens with history: apparently movies have changed since they began, but we still really like them (paraphrase).
The curtain opens and the video begins. Billy Crystal strapped to a chair in black and white silent "The Artist", being totured to host (so say the cards between scenes). He makes a plug for his movie "Parental Guidance" coming out in November.
Then it's the always-game George Clooney, doing the scene from "The Descendants" where he begs his comatose wife to wake up. Except it's Billy. George fully commits, even going in for the kiss on the lips. George asks Billy to host and promises the youngest, hippest writers in town.
Cut to guys around the table in "Moneyball" -- all oldsters. Jonah Hill agrees he doesn't have enough jokes.
Cut to the car from "Midnight in Paris" pulling up to Billy -- with Justin Bieber inside, "I'm here to get you the 18 to 24 demographic".Pan back to Sammy Davis Jr. (Billy) in the car with Biebs, off to hang out with Hemingway and then go kill Hitler. Billy puts on his Miracle Max and wishes them good luck storming the fuhrer.Biebs signs off with "Good luck, Bob".
(Wrong name intentional.)
Then cut to Billy from the scene in "The Help" -- scarfing down Minny's s*** pie. It tastes delicious.
And then we see the first woman in the Oscars pooping in a sink -- the scene from "Bridesmaids".
He runs and sits down to watch movies from "Hugo" as Tom Cruise busts in the room through the window a la "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol".
Billy chases his reels of movies out the window and ends up in "Tin Tin" racing down the hill on a bike, through motion capture.He flies through the air, into his tux and passed reels of scenes from the nominated movies.He comes out on stage and waves to all the pretty people in the crowd.
He acknowledges the applause. "Wow, that was extremely loud and incredible close," he says.This is the ninth time he's hosted. "Just call me 'War Horse'."They're in the "Chapter 11 theater".
Billy tries a James Earl Jones imitation, quoting "baseball" from "Field of Dreams". It's funny because James Earl Jones says it quickly?
"So tonight, enjoy yourself because nothing can take the sting out the world's economic problems like millionaires presenting each other with golden statues," he closes.
And then it's time for "It's a Wonderful Night for Oscar". He breaks into song. "You didn't think I wasn't going to do this did you?"There are nine movies, a lot to cram in."War House" gets the "Mr. Ed" treatment. "Hugo" to "That's Amore"
"There's no Pesci, no Bob, there's no killing -- no mob, that's Hugo. Tell the truth, for the sequel I prefer you don't be so arty -- ax the kid, shoot Ben Kingsley in the head, 'cuz you're Marty!"He heard "The Tree of Life" even freaked out God."The Descendents" bit ends with a joke about George ending up in bed with Oscar tonight.
Tom Hanks is out to present the first award. He invites everyone in the audience to take note of their seat relative to seal filler Carl Swabo (cut to an old guy in a powder blue tux), who has been filling seats at the Oscars for 59 years. He is currently filling Jennifer Lopez's seat, who is backstage.
He introduces Achievement in Cinematography. The winner is Robert Richardson for "Hugo".He says what everyone is thinking: "I can't believe somebody put cinematography first, it can only go up from this point." Then he thanks some people.
Achievement in Art Direction is next. "Hugo" wins again. 
We're back and Billy is back at the "Your Name Here" theater, which he says was designed to look like the movie palaces of our youth.
Time for a trip down movie memory lane, clips from "Forrest Gump" followed by "Titantic" followed by one of those vampire movies the kids today like so much. Hey, it's "Princess Bride"! And Patrick Swayze in "Ghost" and "Jaws" and "Raiders" and top scenes from movie history -- "You can't handle the truth!"
Luke uses the Force, ET wants go home, Jake Lamotta wins, Dustin Hoffman is walking here! Meg Ryan fakes it in a diner.
Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez are out next for Achievement in Costume Design. The nominees are accompanied by introduction from the designers or stars of the movie, talking about why the costumes matter. 
The Oscar goes to Mark Bridges for "The Artist". "I want to thank the Academy for making a lifelong dream come true," he says.
Back to J-Lo and Cameron for Make-up. Glenn Close says she wouldn't have done the movie without the wig man. Warrick Davis, from "Harry Potter", says it's odd to look in the mirror and see nothing of yourself.
J Lo and Cameron return to announce the winner, with their backsides pointed at the audience. The bit doesn't take and they tell the audience to loosen up. Mark Coulier and J. Roy Helland for "The Iron Lady" win. "Thanks Meryl, for keeping me employed for the last 37 years," Helland says.
Cut to a pre-recorded bit with stars talking about why they love the movies. Morgan Freeman remembers seeing the original "King Kong". Adam Sandler's first movie was "Diamonds Are Forever". Reese Witherspoon's family went to the movies every Sunday night.
Brad Pitt saw "The Gargantuas". Steve Carell members getting to stay up past his bedtime.
Hillary Swank remembers connecting to the outsiders on screen.Tom Cruise remembers recreating scenes in his backyard.
Barbra Streisand (fixing her hair) remembers dreaming in the movies.
Adam Sandler remembers talking about Sean Connery, "his performance and his chest hair and saying, can I please do that?"
Sandra Bullock comes out to present best foreign language movie and deadpans that because of the giant international audience, she's been asked to present in Mandarin Chinese. She warns us that because her mother spoke German to her growing up, her Chinese has a slight German accent.She starts speaking German.
The subtitles remind us movies are universal.
Clips from the nominees roll. The Oscar goes to "A Separation", from Iran. It's the first Iranian movie to ever win an Oscar.
The director thanks his studio and says he knows Iranians are watching and he knows they're happy at this moment, "not just because of an important award or a film, or a film maker, but because at the time when talk of war, intimidation and aggression is exchanged between politicians, the name of their country, Iran, is spoken here through her glorious culture. A rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics. I proudly offer this award to the people of my country, people who respect all cultures and civilizations and despise hostility and resentment. Thank you so much," he says.
Billy is back out. "A dark knight, an american psycho, a charismatic crack addict - you'll get to choose one on Super Tuesday," he zings. But right now, "be careful, you're in his eye line", welcome Christian Bale.
He's introducing Actress in a Supporting Role, who have nothing in common except that four are first time nominees. We see clips from the movies. They skip the bathroom scene from "Bridesmaids" and show Melissa McCarthy hitting on her real life husband on the airplane.
The Oscar goes to Octavia Spencer from "The Help". She's helped up on stage by her director, and tires to avoid tripping on her dress. She gets a standing ovation.
She thanks her family in Alabama, the state of Alabama, her "Help" family. She fights back tears. She sees the "please wrap up" and says she's wrapping up and "freaking out". Christian Bale helps her off stage.
Billy says that moment for Octavia is what the Oscars are all about and when he saw it, he wanted to hug the first black woman he saw, "which from Beverly Hills is about a 45 minute drive."
He explains to us about focus groups and how they began in 1939 at MGM and Louis B Mayer taped their reactions. He introduces footage from a screening of "The Wizard of Oz".
Bob Balaban comes out in black and write, the audience is Christopher Guest's regulars. Fred Willard loves the flying monkeys. Christopher Guest "didn't get the thing with the kids". The munchkins.Eugene Levy found them irritating and suggests they cut the rainbow song. Catherine O'Hara butchers "Over the Rainbow", "If dirty little monkey fly...."
Tina Fey and Bradley Cooper are out next to present editing. Cooper quotes Ridley Scott saying collaboration between a film editor and director is a like a marriage.
Tina's turn: "And just like in marriage, they spend all their time in a dark windowless room, ordering in food and looking at pictures of other people."
Achievement in Film Editing, with clips of cast and crew talking briefly about the process.The Oscar goes Kurt Baxter and Angus Wall for "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", who won last year for "The Social Network".
They say they weren't expecting it and their rambling proves it, although they do name check "the Roones" (Rooney Mara) from on stage."Let's get out of here," one says after a few seconds."Yea, we're editors."
They leave.
Achievement in Sound Editing. The Oscar goes to Philip Stockton and Eugene Gearty for "Hugo".They get on stage, one leaves the mike for the other."You go," he says."No, Hugo," says the other.The audience groans. Sound editor humor!
"I just want to thank everybody who's here tonight, and everybody who isn't, and everybody who's ever been born, or may be born, or born again or reborn. If I've forgotten anybody, then you probably know who you are," says one.
Then Achievement in Sound Mixing.The Oscar goes to Tom Fleischman and John Midgley for "Hugo".
Back after a break to Miss Piggy and Kermit in a loge. Piggy wants to get on the stage. "It's about time Spielberg left some for the rest of us!" Piggy says. They're there to talk about their memorable first movie experience. Kermit was at a drive-in, trying to avoid getting run over by a Studebaker.They introduce a bit by Cirque du Soliel, with music by Danny Elfman.
The Cary Grant scene on a open road from "North by Northwest" leads to two men in suits flying through the theater over the heads of the audience. Then "Metropoolis" is the backdrop for a tumbling routine in which four people are flipped, seated, from the feet of other performers. a man and woman from the audience are taken up on stage in their seats.
The cast watches the audience, reacting to the screen. There's lots of spinning and flying and contorting and Cirque du Soleil-ing. the couple in their seats is suspended high over the stage. A woman stands on her hands on an audience chair. It's worth a YouTube.
They get a standing ovation.
Then Billy Crystal is back. "Wow, I pulled a ham string just watching that," he says.He segues into talking about age. Christopher Plummer is 82. "He may be walking up on stage tonight, because apparently he wanders off," he says.
Welcome Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr.Downey Jr. comes on late after Tebowing in the wings. He's followed by a camera crew on stage. He's filming a documentary called "The Presenter".He warns her not to talk when he's talking because "it'll be a nightmare in post". They want to have it on NetFlix by midnight.The camera crew crowds Gwynnie. She pulls Downey Jr. close, zoom in by the camera, and tells him he's being disrespectful and disruptive. He tells her he turned down "The Descendants" to prep for this.
He introduces the nominees.The Oscar goes to "Undefeated", by TJ Martin, Dan Lindsay and Rich Middlemas. "A year ago today we were sitting in our editing room, depressed, thinking no one was ever going to see this movie and a friend said, 'Don't worry, a year from now you're going to be at the Oscars'. And we said, 'You're an idiot'. We'd like to take this opportunity to apologize to him and say, 'You're a lot smarter than we thought'."We have the first bleep of the evening as one tries to acknowledge how crazy it is. "Documentary!", another covers.
They get played off.
Following that bleep, Chris Rock is up. He says he loves animation because you can play anything you want to be. Fat women can play thing, a white man can play an Arabian price. A black man can play a zebra or a donkey.He hates when people say it's hard work, it's the easiest job in the world. "I go in a booth and I go, 'What's the line?' and the guy goes, 'it's time to go to the store' and I go 'it's time to go to the store.'""And then they give me a million dollars!"
Best Animated Feature Film nominees roll. The Oscar goes "Rango", directed by Gore Verbinski.
He says the movie was like playing and thanks the studio for letting him try something different.
Cut to Billy Crystal in his dressing room. He opens the door and is greeted by Melissa McCarthy in character, suggesting they make the dressing room "an undressing room". She puts her foot up on the door, then puts the other foot up. It's time for best visual effects, presented by Ben Stiller and Emma Stone.
She goes full "Price is Right" presenter, then says it's her first time presenting. She suggests they banter and he shut her down, but really he's OK with it. Or she'll make up a song about "Real Steel" and "Hugo," she tries a few notes. She invites Jonah Hill up on stage to dance, but he gives her the no-go.Ben Stiller says you don't want to be the presenter who tries too hard."Like the guy who would dresses up in full 'Avatar' or something?"
Time for the nominees, with more commentary from cast and crew. For "Real Steel" they built the robots and then remade them as CGI. The Oscar goes to the team from "Hugo".
"I know it's an honor to be nominated, but it's a huge thrill to win," says the winner.
Billy Crystal is back and tells us the Harry Potter movies made $7.7 billion dollars. "And yet they only paid 14 percent income tax, which is interesting" he jokes.
Welcome Melissa Leo, 2011 Best Supporting Actress winner.She says some standard highfalutin actor praise to introduce the scenes. (Jason Segel is sitting behind nominee Nick Nolte and looks a little frightened.)The Oscar goes to Christopher Plummer for "Beginners". It's his first win, making him the oldest actor ever to win.He gets a standing O. (And he's wearing a velvet tux, thankyouverymuch.)
He soaks in the applause. He examines his statue. "You're only two years older than me, darling. Where have you been all my life?" he says.He confesses that when he emerged from his mother's womb, he was already rehearsing his acceptance speech. But, he jokes, lucky for you, he's forgotten it. He acknowledges his fellow nominees and his director and costar Ewan McGregor - "who I would happily share this award with if I had any decency, but I don't."He thanks his agents provacateur, who have tried so hard to keep him out of jail.
He thanks his "long suffering wife, Elaine, who deserves the Nobel Peace Prize."
Billy Crystal introduces a bit, about how he has the ability to know what nominees are thinking.Cut to Brad Pitt. "This better not go to late, I have six parent-teacher conferences in the morning," Billy offers.Morgan Freeman: "For 20 days and 20 nights, the emperor penguin...."George Clooney: "Billy didn't tell me that kiss was being filmed."Viola Davis: "I want to thank my agent, I want to thank my writer and my director for creating the role of a strong black woman that wasn't played by Tyler Perry."The dog from "The Artist": "If I had 'em, I'd lick 'em."
Then the president of the Academy to drone about promoting excellence in the motion picture industry. He gives a special thank you to Billy and the producers. (A subtle kick at Brett Ratner and Eddie Murphy.)
After that dry bit, Billy thanks him for "whipping the crowd into a frenzy".
Introduces the musical interlude, Oscar theme by Hans Zimmer. An elaborate set of sheet music rises majestically from below the stage for a few bars. and after that grand display, Billy concludes with "Meh" and jokes that this is why there's a buffet.
Penelope Cruz and Owen Wilson are out next to introduce Best Original Score.The Oscar goes to "The Artist," Ludovic Bource.He stops to shake the hands of his fellow nominees on the way up. He tells his wife in French that he loves her.
Will Ferrell and Zach Galfianakas are introduced and come up out of the orchestra pit, solemnly banging cymbals in white tails. They stop to crash in Brad Pitt's face, then take the stage. Zach mispronounces his own name."As serious musicians, it is our pleasure to step out a minute from our day jobs to present the Oscar for best original song," says Will.
Zach points out that one of our nominees will join the ranks of 'When You Wish Upon a Star", "Moon River" and "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp".Clips of the nominees play - all two of them.
There's lots of fumbling of cymbals as they try to open the envelope. Bret McKenzie wins for "The Muppets", he says he was a huge fan of the Muppets growing up and he was genuinely star struck when he met Kermit the Frog. "But once you get to know him, he's just a normal frog. And like a lot of stars here tonight, he's shorter in person," he says.Then he thanks the people on the film (although not Jason Segel, who wrote it, starred in it and who the camera cuts to the audience).
Cigarette girls pass out popcorn into the commercial.
Billy proposes to the front row that they chip in and buy the Dodgers.
Billy botches his intro of Angelina Jolie and does mock rewind, to get out her intro as "the original girl with the dragon tattoo."No one hears what she says because the slit in her dress goes all the way up her leg, which she shows off.She introduces best adapted screenplay.
The Oscar goes to Alexander Payne, Jim Rash and Nat Faxon for "The Descendants".Nat and Jim are former members of the Groundlings, which explains why Jim sticks out his leg saucily, a la Angelina. Alexander points out his mom in the audience and says that his mom made him promise he'd dedicate the award to her, "just like Javier Bardem did".
Angelina is back to introduce the nominees for Best Original Screenplay. The Oscar goes to Woody Allen, for "Midnight in Paris". Naturally, he's not there.
More stars talk about what makes a great movie. Reese Witherspoon confesses "Overboard" is her favorite movie.Robert Downey Jr. suggests that's a great question to have Werner Herzog complicate. He obliges, but saying "it sticks to you forever". Huh?
Robert De Niro likes "A Place in the Sun".Warren Beatty says "every once in a while you get the truth from a movie".Brad Pitt sees moments of nobility.Sasha Baron Cohen says he always tries to make movies he would want to watch. "And I just happen to want to watch some really sick stuff."
Adam Sandler says one day he wants to eventually tell the truth, which adds a whole new backstory to "Jack and Jill".
Mila Jovovich strolls out to wrap up the scientific and technical awards. High speed digital cameras were recognized, as was a new gyro-camera system.
Billy is back and introduces the entire Bridesmaids cast. (Alas, Melissa McCarthy and Kristin Wiig have already lost their categories.)Kristin says they're there to show that size does matter.But not length, says Maya."As my grandma used to say, it can be short and still make your toes curl. And I believe in my heart that my grandma was referring not to wieners, but to short films," Maya goes on.
"I'd rather have a short film, with some heft that's nice to me than a long film that just lies there and makes you do all the work," Kristen says.They introduce the nominees.
The Oscar goes to "The Shore", by Terry George and his daughter Oorlagh George.Terry introduces his daughter, the producer. "Now I don't have to wait for her wedding to tell the world how great she is," he says. He dedicates the award to the Irish. She salutes her mom.
Rose Byrne and Melissa McCarthy give a solemn intro about short documentaries until someone shouts out "Scorsese!" at which point they remove the travel-sized vodkas from their dresses and do a shot.The Oscar goes to "Saving Face" by Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
Daniel thanks HBO and hands it over to Sharmeen, who thanks the heroes on the ground in Pakistan, including the plastic surgeon who is working on the women in the film. She urges the women of Pakistan who are working for change not to give up on their dreams.
On to best animated short film.The Oscar goes to "the Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore".They sing the praises of movies and thank the people who inspired and moved them.
Michael Douglas is out next to present Directing. He tells a story about Oscar-winning director Leo McCarey trying to borrow money from a bank, being asked what a director does. "Leo paused, then he went to another bank," he says.
The Oscar goes to Michel Hazanavicius for "The Artist"."I have an Oscar...I forgot my speech. I am the happiest director in the world right now, thank you for that," he says. He thanks the producers, the cast and crew and the dog," he says.
Meryl Streep is up next. Billy notes she's won twice of the 17 times she's been nominated so the other times she had to put on a happy face and be glad when someone else won. He suggests she get an Oscar just for that.
She wraps up the Governors Awards, honoring Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones and Dick Smith (make-up artist). James Earl accepts his honorary Oscar onstage in London where he's performing in "Driving Miss Daisy".Oprah starts crying and calls her recognition "unimaginable". Dick Smith calls it one of the best nights of his life.
The three honorees get a standing O from the crowd.
Then it's time for the In Memoriam segment, including two former Oscars producers, Laura Ziskin and Gil Gates. Billy speaks personally about Gil, a dear friend, who brought him to the awards.
The segment is set Esperanza Spaulding singing "What a Wonderful World". They show clips of some of the actor's most famous lines, including Peter Falk saying "As you wish".
More actors talk about movies, including Julia Roberts talking about relating and Phillip Seymour Hoffman saying you can feel them in your gut.Robert Downey Jr. talks about the finish product ideal being threatened by anyone being selfish or fearful.
"You're fighting with every ounce you have to make sure you will love it forever and when it doesn't turn out that way, it's painful. That's why people are weird who make movies, it's because they care more about their film than themselves," Jonah Hill says.
Edward Norton talks about marveling at great films.
"I've never had any of those feelings," Billy Crystal says when he comes back.
Natalie Portman is out next to present Best Actor. She talks to each man in the audience, complementing Damian Bichir for helping the audience relate to someone they usually don't think about in "A Better Life".
George Clooney "managed to make us believe you were just a regular guy...you subtlely and movingly conveyed the tricky mix of betrayal and grief" in "The Descendants".
Jean Dujardin "spoke volumes" in the silent film "The Artist".
Gary Oldman in "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" with incredible nuance and restraint earned his first nomination.
Brad Pitt, "we were not watching a baseball story, because of your work we were watching an under dog story" in "Moneyball".
The Oscar goes to Jean Dujardin for "The Artist".
"I love your country," he says. He reads from his speech, noting that Douglas Fairbanks hosted the Oscars in 1929. Tickets cost $5 and the ceremony lasted 15 minutes. "Times have changed," he says.He pays homage to Douglas Fairbanks, acknowledges his wife and shouts out "awesome!" in French. ("Formidable!")
"They must be going nuts in France right now, or whatever they have in France in place of joy," Billy says.
Last year's Best Actor winner Colin Firth is out to address the Best Actress nominees.Glenn Close for "Alfred Nobbs": "the range of roles you've played over the years displays a brilliance of somewhat bewildering proportions".
Viola Davis for "The Help": "An actress who we've admired for many years has ventured even deeper into our imagination and will remain there for many years to come."
Rooney Mara: "In a very short space of time you presence has come to seem indispensable." (They show the scene of her torturing her rapist, yikes.)
Meryl Streep: "Mamma Mia...We were in Greece, we danced, I was gay and we were happy. I probably fathered your only daughter, they were perplexing times." He calls her "unreasonably good", making it a "little bit more difficult for the rest of us".
Michelle Williams: he calls her his mentor when they first met, and they can leave aside the fact that she was 12 and he was 35.
The Oscar goes to Meryl Streep, who has come dressed as Oscar.
They stand up.
"Oh, come on! When they called my name I had this feeling that I could hear half of America going, 'Oh c'mon, why her again?' But whatever," she says.She starts by thanking her husband for everything she values in her life.Then she thanks her make-up artist Roy Helland.
"I really understand I'll never want to be up here again, I really want to thank all my colleagues, all my friends. I look out here and I see my life before my eyes, my old friends, my new friends," she says.
"This is such a great honor, but the thing that counts the most with me is the friendships and the love and the sheer joy we have shared making movies together."
And then there was one, notes Billy.
Tom Cruise is out to present the award for Best Picture. They show clips from each.The Oscar goes to "The Artist".
They bring the dog up on the stage. Thomas Langmann, the producer, pays tribute to Oscar winner Claude Berri. Michel tells his kids it's 6:30 a.m. in France and they should go to bed in 30 seconds. He thanks his wife, the film's star Bérénice Bejo and says she's the soul of the film. Then he thanks three people: Billy Wilder, Billy Wilder and Billy Wilder.
Billy comes out and says good night.







Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - "Final Jugdment- Part 1" - Feb. 22, 2012
The show opening reminds us, if we've forgotten, that this is a show that actually gets voted on by the public. But that doesn't happen until next week. Now we see the final auditions and the cut to the top 24.
We see the 42 remaining contestants checking in and hanging out at the Wynn in Las Vegas.They went to a show there called "La Reve" and this is the stage they're singing on. It is a small circle surrounded by water. It will be one voice/one instrument in an effort to showcase their voices.
First up is Jen Hirsh and we get a recap of her journey thus far from auditions to the present. In her final performance she sounded good but seems stranded on the little island stage. She is in the top 24. (Randy makes her wait for it.)
Next up is Creighton Fraker the nasally-but-powerfully guy who the judges like much more than I do. (Turns out his biological father was a singer in a band from the '80s Flotsam and Jetsam.) He sang a very overwrought version of "New York State of Mind" for his final performance. He is in the top 24.
Next up is Lauren Grey the bluesy, raspy girl. She sings "I Would Rather Go Blind" well for her final performance. She didn't make it but they tell her to believe in herself and to come back. She says she'll consider coming back. She's only 23.
Next up is Joshua Ledet a soul singer who has been consistently good. On his final performance he maintained that consistency even if he was a bit overwrought. But that's his shouting/pleading style. He is in the top 24.
We get a double whammy montage of those who didn't make it: Blaire Sieber and Naomi Gillies
Next is Haley Johnsen. A pretty blond with a strong voice. She says she has much more faith in herself as a performer. She is in the top 24.
Next up is Neco Starr the cutie from the Savannah auditions who was very consistent. What we see of his final performance is not his best performance by a long shot. He doesn't make it and is told he needs more time. Also dismissed was Clayton Farhat, River St. James, and Caleb Johnson
Next is Elise Testone who is 28 and therefore it's her last chance. She's another raspy rocker type and she sang "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" for her final song and she sells it. She is through to the top 24.
Next is the offbeat but gifted Reed Grimm who of course is through to the top 24.
Next up is Erika Van Pelt the husky-voiced alto from R.I. She gives an emotional final performance but the judges didn't like the song. She is through to the top 24 but they say she can't let them down again.
Next up are Baylie Brown and Chelsea Sorrell both country girls who were in the same group in Vegas. They are both put through to the top 24.(Baylie had auditioned before but not made it past Hollywood.)
Next up is Richie Law the ambitious "cowboy." He sang "Ring of Fire" for his final performance. It was so-so. He gets praisefrom the judges and is going home. They tell him to come back.
Next up is Heejun Han Richie's nemesis. Before final judgment Ryan asks him what he's sweating and he says "mostly water." He sings a nice "New York State of Mind" for his final song. He is hilarious and talented so, of course he is through to the top 24. Steven even says he's a better star than he is a singer. (We also learn he works with special needs children.) He is very emotional with the news. It is sweet. He gets a big hug from Phil Phillips.
Next up is Jessica Sanchez who impressed in Las Vegas. Her final performance was gentler and more nuanced than the gritty belting she had done before. She is through to the top 24.
Next up is Phil Phillips the very Dave Matthews-esque guy. He gave a very Dave Matthews-esque final performance. He is put through to the top 24.
Next up is Colton Dixon who has made it this far before. He wasn't going to audition this year, instead he was just supporting his sister. She got cut of course before he did. He dedicates his final performance of Coldplay's "Fix You" to his sister. And even though I'm sure she's happy for him, it's got to sting that he made it through the top 24 this time. This does prove that coming back can pay off.
Next up is Brielle Von Hugelthe girl with the stage mom. (She also auditioned last year but was eliminated in Hollywood.) She's in the top 24. (Again it pays to come back.)
Next up is Adam Brock the soul daddy. For his final performance he was very much himself but the judges called it sloppy and loungey, which is interesting. He is very emotional during the final judgment before he gets the news. But we don't get his final verdict. Except that they've loved him so much we know he's through.








Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Final Judgment, Part 2 - Feb. 23, 2012
We're back in Vegas and the "cliffhanger" of whether Adam Brock made it or not is resolved: he's in the top 24.
Next up is Jeremy Rosado the big sweet kid. He gave a nice final performance, consistent with his previous ones and got a standing ovation from the judges. He's through to the top 24.
Stress in the room is rising as more people are put through.
Next up is Shannon Magrane the tall blond teen who we are reminded forgot her words on group day in Hollywood but then redeemed herself in her solo performance. Her final solo also impressed them as she sang "The Trouble With Love Is." She gave JLo "goosies." She's through to the top 24.
Next up is Scott Dangerfield who made it to Hollywood last year but had to pull out. His final performance is a funky but not spectacular sounding "Folsom Prison Blues." It's a no for Scott.
We get a montage of people who got rejected.
Next up is Skylar Laine the spunky country girl. She sang "Fancy'' for her final song. She is in the top 24. She's so excited she wants to jump in the water. She doesn't since her mama would kill her.
We get a montage of other yes's including Hallie Day, Chase Likens, and Aaron Marcellus (who was a returnee).
Next up is Deandre Brackensickthe kid with the long curly hair. He made it this far last year and got cut. He sang "This Woman's Work" for his final song and used his lovely falsetto a la Maxwell. They say they saw him grow over last year and he's through to the top 24.
Next up is Jermaine Jones the "gentle giant" bass/baritone who called himself a mama's boy and was no fan of Richie the "cowboy." We are forced to watch him meltdown before he heads to the final judgment and is told it's a no for him. They tell him to be proud of himself and to come back next year. Everybody seems touched by this one including all of the judges and Ryan.
There is one spot left for the girls and three contenders left. Ariel Sprague, Hollie Cavanagh, and Shelby Tweten are forced to take the walk together. Based on the fact that we see the most of Holly singing it's easy to guess she's the one that's put through to the top 24. They tell the other two to please come back.
Now it's down to the final two boys vying for one spot left, the two teenage cuties David Leathers, Jr and Eben Franckewitz. We are reminded how good they both are and that David is actually two years older than Eben. They go in with their arms around each other's shoulders. Eben is through and David is going home. (Stunned.) They hug on the way out. David is very gracious about it but obviously sad.
So your top 24 is: Adam Brock, Phillip Phillips, Eben Franckewitz, Joshua Ledet, Reed Grimm, Aaron Marcellus, Colton Dixon, Heejun Han, Chase Likens, Deandre Brackensick, Creighton Fraker, Jeremy Rosado, Shannon Magrane, Elise Testone, Erika Van Pelt, Skylar Laine, Baylie Brown, Brielle Von Hugel, Jennifer Hirsh, Hallie Day, Jessica Sanchez, Chelsea Sorrell, Haley Johnson, Hollie Cavanagh.
Tuesday will be the guys, Wednesday will be the girls, results on Thursday.
Ryan tells us that the judges will also reinstate one more guy, making it a top 25 and it will either be Jermaine, Johnny, Richie, or David.




Hide description ▲

'American Idol" - Semifinalist Girls Perform- Feb. 29, 2012
Contestant: Chelsea Sorrell She's from a two-stoplight town in North Carolina.. She fishes and hunts. We meet her mama.
Song:"Cowboy Casanova," Carrie Underwood
Performance: She's cute and sparkly and pretty polished.Not specutacular but well done.
Randy: Welcomes her and says she can definitely sing but wasn't sure it was the best song choice in order to separate herself out.
JLo: Is a huge fan from the beginning and she felt the song made her sound nasally which wasn't something she'd heard before. She wants her to loosen up.
Steven: Tells her to watch her phrasing and timing but that she sang good.

Contestant:Erika Van Pelt She takes us home to Rhode Island and meet her mom and her sister.
Song: "What About Love," Heart
Performance: She's straightened her hair and it looks great. Great song choice and she sounds good, not showing off a ton of range but good power and presence.
Steven: Thinks it was beautiful and magical and thinks her confidence breathes wings into the song.
JLo: Likes watching her be comfortable and thinks she can let loose even more.
Randy: Also loved her confidence and called it an Adele vibe.


Contestant: Jen Hirsh We go with her to her apartment in Agoura Hills, CA and meet her dog Sadie and her boyfriend Jason and see her family's vineyard.
Song: "One and Only," Adele
Performance: It's a piano ballad and she builds in confidence and strength. She's got great control of her notes as well. The song is kind of limp but she hits some big notes well near the end.
Jlo: Liked that she let loose and the feeling of the song.
Steven: Also likes her confidence and thinks she has what it takes.
Randy: Has loved her since day one and her runs and she's one of greatest singers in the competition this year.

Randy admits that they were a little lenient on the guys last night after watching the show back.

Contestant: Brielle Von Hugel She says she's a typical teen from Staten Island. We see her school and her cheer squad.
Song: "Dock of the Bay," Otis Redding
Performance: She starts out sitting on the edge of the stage serenading the boys. It seems pitched a little low for her throughout the first verse. She takes it up on the second and it's a bit jarring and shrill. She can obviously sing there's just something odd about the performance. It's a weird song choice too.
Steven: Loved it and thinks she has a great sense of the blues.
JLo: Loves she's a true performer and eats up the stage.
Randy: He thought it was too low in the beginning but liked when she hit the sweet spot in the middle. He was surprised by her swagger.


Contestant: Hallie Day We go with Hallie to Baltimore and her waitressing job and meet her husband and his family in New Hampshire.
Song: "Feelin' Good," (many people, notably) Nina Simone
Performance: She looks lovely and starts off slow and jazzy and sultry. She gets into it as the tempo picks up and hits a confident last note.
JLo: Thougt it had some beautiful moments and thought she looked like a star.
Steven: Thinks she's beautiful and loves her old-timey voice...like Adele.
Randy: Asks what she wants to do? She says she wants to sing soul music. He brings up Lana Del Ray and Adele and wonders where she fits with her big amazing voice.


Contestant:Skylar Lane We got mudding with her in Mississippi and meet her BFF and she loves living in a small town. We revisit her struggling family store.
Song: "Stay With Me," The Faces
Performance: She brings the twang. She's wearing a cute sparkly dress and seems confident but she's pushing too hard on that growly voice thing for my taste. She really gets into it in an authentic way though which is refreshing. The last big note is a little rough but she commits
Randy: Loves that she's a rocking performing country girl. Like Reba mixed with Kelly Clarkson and Tina Turner adds JLo.
JLo: She loves her energy and twang and that it was all brand new.
Steven: Says she was on fire and a pistol and made Galveston proud.


Contestant:Baylie Brown We visit the horse in her barn and see the high school where she was a cheerleader. We meet her grandpa who wants to fatten her up.
Song: "Amazed," Lonestar
Performance: She starts off very wobbly pitch-wise. It doesn't improve a whole lot until she gets to belting part of the chorus and even then it's not, um, amazing. This is her worst performance by far. She's smiling through it but she seems like she knows she's struggling. It sounds like her nerves may be pinching her voice.
Steven: Doesn't like the song choice and didn't think it was her best performance but he thinks she's pretty.
JLo: Agrees that it could've been better and she didn't have control but she's beautiful.
Randy: Thought it was good but not great, kind of shaky and never in control.


Contestant:Hollie Cavanagh She takes us to her home in Texas and meet her supportive family and cute dog.
Song: "Reflection," Christina Aguilera
Performance: It starts off oddly, maybe pitched a little too low and Hollie swallowing the ends of her phrases and seeming very serious for such a young girl. As usual, the belting chorus sounds stronger and gets better as she goes along and her face is very expressive.She's got a great, big voice.
Steven: Thought she was perfect and beautiful and hits the notes just right.
JLo: Thinks she can win it. Agrees with Steven that she should let her hair down.
Randy: Says she's one of their favorites and agrees she could've let go more. He says it wasn't all perfect but the parts that were genius were brilliant.


Contestant:Haley Johnson She's from Oregon. We meet her cat. We see the rain in Oregon and the coffee shop she used to work at as a barista. We see her doing crazy gymnastic flips.
Song: 'Sweet Dreams," Eurythmics
Performance: She has a pretty alto at the beginning and then slides up to higher notes. She seems to be going for an unbridled a Florence + the Machine vibe but it's a little shouty and there are several big pitch problems.It's vocaly flailing but she's definitely committed and has good stage presence.
JLo: Hopes America could hear all the special things she could do with her voice but she didn't love the song choice.
Steven: Says it wasn't perfect and she pulled it through and the money shots were spot on.
Randy: Says it was a bit of a nightmare instead of a dream. (Yay, a real criticism.) He says she wasn't spot on and he was a little dizzy.


Contestant: Shannon Magrane Ryan tries to bait Shannon's dad into fighting Steven over his audition comment. Then we go home with Shannon to her home in Tampa and check her out playing volleyball and doing homework.
Song: "Go Light Your World," Kathy Troccoli
Performance: She's wearing a beautiful white gown but has a kind of beauty pageant about her. The song starts slow, low, and shaky. There are both good and shaky parts, the song-- a big generic contemporary Christian anthem-- is pretty terrible. She's adorable and impassioned though.
Randy: Says she came out swinging and thinks she's got a lot of promise. He's a fan.
JLo: Can't believe how much passion she sings with at 16. She got goosies.
Steven: He says his reality check bounced and she took it to another leve.


Contestant:Jessica Sanchez She sits with Ryan and talks about how her vocal cords were inflamed and that she's nervous. Then we see her video trip home to San Diego. She goes to the mall. (She's 16).
Song: "Love You I Do," Jennifer Hudson (from "Dreamgirls") Performance:Again it starts out low and a little shaky but gets better as the notes ascend and get more powerful. For someone worried about her vocal cords she seems very confident and does a lot of what is probably ill-advised growling. She ends on a big, strong money note and earns a standing O from the judges.
Randy: He believes she can really sing, regardless of whatever's going on with her doctor.
JLo: Loves her swag, attitude, and moves and the punctuation of her body on the ends of her phrases.
Steven: Says she has exceptional timing and her pitch is perfect.


Contestant:Elise Testone We go home with her to Charleston, SC.She loves it. We also see her visit her parents in New Jersey.
Song: "One and Only," Adele
Performance: Yes, this is the song Jen Hirsh sang. Elise sings it at the piano and is immediately much stronger and brings a lot more soul and heft to the song. Jen was good. Elise was great.
Steven: Says she blew out of the water.
JLo: Was impressed by her unique tone and thinks she may be the best singer on the show.
Randy: He hopes America gets her and she's a force to be reckoned with.
My guess for who's getting the boot: Shannon, Baylie, Haley, Chelsea, Brielle, and Jen, and that Jen will be brought back as a wild card.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol"- "Finalists Chosen" - Mar.1, 2012
It's a go time as we learn who the top 13 will be tonight: 10 put through by America and 3 wild card judge choices. For some reason this will take two hours.
Ryan tells us 33 million votes were cast over the two nights.
Jimmy Iovine has returned and will be commenting on the finalists via video as they are picked.
We start with the trio of Chase Likens, Phillip Phillips, and Jeremy Rosado. Jimmy thinks Jeremy has a nice voice and Chase is good looking but boring and thus Phillip and his Dave Matthews impression is the only one who makes the top 13. (Jimmy is being his critical Jimmy self which is a nice change from the judges.)
Next is the quartet of Hollie Cavanagh, Brielle Von Hugel, Hallie Day and Jessica Sanchez. Jimmy didn't like Brielle's song but thinks she can sing. He likes Hallie. But they are both out and Hollie and Jessica are in.
Next is the trio of Heejun Han, Joshua Ledet, and Adam Brock. Jimmy does not love Adam the way the judges did. Jimmy loves Joshua but worries he might be too churchy and thinks Heejun is too jokey saying it's "American Idol" not "American Comedian." They of course, are both in the top 13 though.
Next is the quartet of Shannon Magrane, Baylie Brown, Skylar Laine, and Chelsea Sorrell. Jimmy likes Shannon and Skylar but thinks Shannon needs styling help. He liked Chelsea's voice but felt it was like Carrie-oke. Baylie of course, just didn't sing well. Shannon and Skylar are in the top 13.
Next is the trio of Aaron Marcellus, Creighton Fraker, and Reed Grimm. Jimmy didn't like any of them and none of them made the top 13.
Next is the quartet of Elise Testone, Haley Johnsen, Jen Hirsh and Erika Van Pelt. He likes three of the four, praising Jen's voice, saying Erika can go all the way, and Elise has character but shouldn't overdo it. Unlike the judges the other night, he points out Haley was out of tune for most of her song. Only Elise is through to the top 13.
Next is the quartet of {b]Jermaine Jones, Colton Dixon, DeAndre Brackensick, and Eben Franckewitz.[/b] Jimmy loves Jermaine, thinks Colton can win the whole thing, thinks DeAndre has potential but picked too big a song and that Eben isn't ready yet. Colton and Jermaine are in the top 13.
Now it's sing for your life time as six contestants are invited to audition for the three wild card slots.
First up is Jen Hirsh who sings "Oh Darling" by the Beatles and is overdoing it but doing better than she did with Adele.
Next is Jeremy Rosado who reprises his pretty Carrie Underwood tune "I Know You Won't" from the first sing for your life. Both he and JLo are crying by the end.
Next is Brielle who sings "Someone Like You" by Adele even though her voice isn't really suited to this kind of song.Next is Deandre Brackensick who sings "Georgia on My Mind" and takes care to not only rely on his falsetto bu show other parts of his voice.
Next is Erika Van Pelt who locks down Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory" with confidence and elan.
Finally, Reed Grimm sings "Use Me" by Bill Withers and puts his all into it in his endearingly goofy way.
Randy annouces Erika made the cut,JLo announces Jeremy made the cut-- she's been pulling for him since the beginning-- Steven announces the final slot goes to Deandre.So your top 13 is:Deandre BrackensickHollie CavanaghColton DixonHeejun HanJermaine JonesSkyler LaineJoshua LedetShannon MagranePhillip PhilllipsJeremy RosadoJessica SanchezElise TestoneErika Van Pelt
Next week the women will sing Whitney Houston songs, the men Stevie Wonder and Mary J. Blige will mentor everyone.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - 13 Finalists Compete - March 7, 2012
Now, we're in business.
Tonight, the men sing Stevie Wonder songs and the ladies sing Whitney Houston songs. Mary J. Blige will serve as mentor. And Ryan says for one night only it will be men vs women as tomorrow night the show will reveal the bottom guy and girl and the judges will decide who stays.
Contestant:Joshua Ledet Joshua is nervous so Mary and Jimmy bring in a producer with a gospel background to help him relax. Mary thinks he can blow it out.
Song: "I Wish"
Performance: With the aid of a jaunty horn line he does a pretty good job, even though he pushes the growly part of his voice a little hard. He kills the little scat section though. Good energy and fun bounce.
Randy:Says he just wore it out at the top of the show. Loves that he switched it up from ballads.
JLo:She threatens to punch him again because he's so good and she loves that he can feel it and so can she.
Steven:Thinks he nailed it beautifully.


Contestant:Elise Testone Jimmy doesn't like her choice of song- she came in with the "Greatest Love of All" and they make her switch because it's not working for Jimmy and Mary. She's not feeling that she's understanding the feedback because she just learned the song. Mary tries to pump her up saying she has a great voice and doesn't want her to crash and burn.
Song:"I'm Your Baby Tonight"Performance:She also gets the jaunty horn line. She sounds great but is also pushing a little too hard and seems tense. She loosens up halfway through and adds some nice blue notes and some bounces and shimmies.
JLo:Says Whitney is a beast and she thought she was struggling to find her own voice in it. She says she sounds great but doesn't think it was her best and maybe a little unsure.
Steven:Says she has so much character to her voice she has to find the just right song. Good but not great.
Randy:Says it felt like she was boxing the song.


Contestant:Jermaine Jones
Song:"Knocks Me Off My Feet" Jimmy and Mary have little feedback, they think he's great and can do anything. Jimmy is thrilled the judges brought him back.
Performance:He starts off strong and silky. He keeps it light and sweet and is staying in a nice zone. He seems a little nervous but he is overcoming it and even he hits a nice little high note.
Steven: Says the song fit him like an Armani suit.
JLo: Thinks he's adorable and would like to see him connect to the song and the words and to relax a little bit.
Randy:Says he loved the verses but didn't love how he changed the melody of the choruses and agrees that he needs to relax.

Contestant:Erika Van Pelt. In stool chat Erika says getting picked as a wild card was the craziest thing ever. Jimmy thinks she's got a unique voice and wants her to find her own thing. Mary thinks her tone is like steak and potatoes.
Song:"I Believe in You and Me"
Performance: She starts very low and incredibly solid. She seems confident and poised with a big smile. When she hits the middle of the song she really hits her stride and she never overdoes it even when she throws grit on it. She hits a lovely, gentle high note to close it out. It's a great performance.
Randy: Thinks she has an amazing voice and unbelievable tone and when she stopped thinking it was fantastic.
JLo:Got goosies just from the video and held them while she was singing live. She's in love with Erika and tells her to not play it safe. Says she's only showing the tip of the iceberg.
Steven:Loved the whole thing.

Contestant:Colton Dixon Jimmy says Stevie Wonder is not in Colton's wheelhouse and has him sing an original song so he could have a context to put his cover in. Jimmy liked it and tells him to rely on his vulnerability. They think he feels it more after that.
Song:"Lately"
Performance:He starts off gently and it's working more or less, emo Stevie. He ramps up it up with the rocking whine at the midway point and finishes it up there on a falsetto note that isn't perfect but a good attempt.
Steven:Says it was outstanding.
JLo:Says he was probably one of the most challenged by Stevie but she felt like he came through with his heart.
Randy:Technically he says it wasn't picture perfect and those places were soft and low but his power points were perfect and he slayed it in the end on the falsetto.

Contestant:Shannon Magrane Jimmy is surprised by her voice. Mary sees her thinking and running ahead in her mind to the note. She makes it work and gets to the moment.
Song:"I Have Nothing"
Performance: She starts off a little shaky pitch-wise and seems nervous. She hits the big note solidly but then has a lot of other wobbly notes after it. She seems very tight and not in good control of her breath. It feels very much like a "performance" as opposed to something lived in.
JLo:Says the thinking got the best of her. She knows she is capable of doing it but didn't do it tonight and next time she has to relax and tell the story.
Steven:Thinks her nerves got the best of her and thinks she crashed and burned in the turnaround. Shannon talks back saying she knows it.
Randy:Agrees it wasn't great and it was probably nerves.


Contestant:Deandre Brackensick In stool chat with Ryan he talks about becoming a wild card. He laughs at footage of himself being very emotional after getting chosen. During the mentoring Mary tells him to hit it harder and get a little grittier with it and less pretty. Jimmy and Mary are confident on his behalf.
Song:"Master Blaster (Jammin')"
Performance: He bounces down the steps and seems confident and strong and, luckily, not in his falsetto. It's not perfect but it's lively and ends on a climb to his falsetto.
Steven: He calls him a male Naima and that he has a different flavor and he's always loved it and liked it again tonight.
JLo:Says he's gotten rhythm and soul and is a great performer.
Randy:Likes that he showed a different side of himself and calls it a job well done.


Contestant:Skylar Laine Says she didn't grow up listening to her but she's going to try. Jimmy and Mary want her to show more dynamics between soft and belting. She gives Mary goosebumps.
Song:"Where Do Broken Hearts Go"
Performance:She starts seated and singing quietly. She takes a walk during the chorus and keeps it gentle but still punches a few notes. After the bridge she starts hitting it much harder and keeps pretty good control of it.
JLo:Calls her the definition of composure. She says the beginning was nasally and not perfect but she kept it together and gave them the biggest moment of the night.
Steven:Thought it was beautiful and that she climbed the ladder and it was beautiful.
Randy:Loved that she also showed a different side and says it was hot.


Contestant:Heejun Han Ryan chats with Heejun about his twitpics which they show, including pretending to eat Deandre's hair like noodles. Jimmy and Mary love his tone and that he's very soft but wants him to hit it a little harder. He gives Jimmy and Mary autographed pictures.
Song:"All in Love is Fair"
Performance: He starts very quietly and a little breathy but very earnest and in control. It gradually swells and grows in power and he hits some lovely notes and a clunker or two. It's very low-key but well done.
JLo:She loves him.
Steven:Thought it was fantastic and tells him to keep it up.
Randy:Says it wasn't perfect but it was really good.


Contestant:Hollie Cavanagh She hits a bum note and and Mary J. tries to guide her to it. And she definitely gets there. Mary calls her sick and says she's going to steal the show.
Song:"All the Man I Need"
Performance:It's basically perfect but a little mannered.
Randy:Calls it Whitney's prime joint and she nailed it.
JLo:Calls her the one and says they might have a sing off between two girls.
Steven:Says she nailed it and it was really nice.


Contestant:Jeremy Rosado Mary likes Jeremy. They're worried that he's very nervous and too much in his head. Jimmy likes him and thinks he's sweet but picked a song with a high degree of difficulty. They're worried about his nerves.
Song:"Ribbon in the Sky"
Performance:He does a have a very likable presence and he sounds fine but he's not exactly killing it in terms of flash. It is solid and pretty.
Steven:Calls him velvety smooth and had nice passion and that he didn't get a chance to fly
JLo:Loves his interpretations and says it was beautiful.
Randy: Doesn't think it was his best performance and says the song needed more swag.


Contestant:Jessica Sanchez She realizes she's taking a big risk with this song. Jimmy wants her back off from vibrato and Mary wants her to take her time. They both think she does it justice.
Song:"I Will Always Love You"
Performance:She begins, as Whitney did, a cappella, nice and easy. She's still doing a touch too much vibrato but she sounds great. She gets a standing ovation from the judges and the crowd.
Randy:Says give it all to her. Says it was the best vocal of the night and one of the best voices in the competition.
JLo:Says it was beautiful and blesses her.
Steven:Says she may be the one and she just made 40 million people cry.

Contestant:Phillip Phillips Thinks he's switching it up. Jimmy says he comes with batteries included. Mary tells him not to end on a lick but to sing it out. Mary loves that he gets lost in the music. Jimmy calls him a rare find, great musician and great singer.
Song:"Superstition"
Performance:He does his Dave Mattthews thing and it's exactly what you'd expect. There's a lot of shouting and singing just a touch behind the beat.Technically it's fine but he definitely doesn't show a different side of himself.
Steven:Calls him an interesting character and says there's no words for how he is, he just is.
JLo:Was worried about him doing Stevie but says he made it his own.
Randy:Says they do need him and that he brings a different flavor.
Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 13 Results Show- March 8, 2012
Ryan reminds us that the judges will pick who goes home from the lowest vote getting male and female finalist. Also, Lauren Alaina and Mary J. Blige will perform. But first it's time for the...
Group Sing: The top 13 perform "As" by Stevie Wonder. Judging by the smattering of clunkers, this one is live. Jermaine is holding down the bottom nicely. There's a little fancy footwork from five of the guys- Heejun, Deandre, Jermaine, Joshua, and Jeremy. This is actually pretty nicely blocked and doled out vocally. That may have been one of the best "Idol" group sings ever. (Which is not saying a lot but still.)
Ford Commercial: The gang sings "Big Time" by Peter Gabriel as they appear like giants walking through city streets as a Ford zips around.
Jimmy takes a moment to come to us via video to say that God mass produced a lot of artists but he stopped and made Whitney Houston by hand which is why it was so hard for the girls to sing her songs. (Although I thought the women did well for the most part besides Shannon.) He says Stevie Wonder is no walk in the park either.
Results: Ryan calls up Jessica, Elise, and Hollie. We see recaps of their performances and Jimmy's reactions: he thought Elise was in trouble, Hollie was fantastic, and Jessica was perfect. Jessica and Hollie are safe and Elise is in the bottom three for the girls.
He then calls up Heejun, Jermaine, and Colton. Jimmy sez: He likes Heejun's voice but Stevie Wonder's music highlighted his flaws. Thinks Colton took great direction but he's worried that he's attempting to do something that isn't really him. Felt that Jermaine had a battle going on between tuning and feel and he lost both. Colton and Heejun are safe and Jermaine is in the bottom three of boys.
Ryan chats about JLo's new show "Q'Viva! The Chosen."
Performance: Lauren Alaina sings her latest single "Georgia Peaches."
Results: Ryan calls up Erika, Shannon, and Skylar. Jimmy sez: Erika isn't really made for the song but took it and enhanced it and made it work for her, he thinks she needs to work on presentation. Shannon has a lot of talent but needs more experience. Skylar's nasal aspect that JLo didn't like, Jimmy did. Skylar is safe and Erika and Shannon are in the bottom three.
Ryan then calls up Joshua, Deandre, Phillip, and Jeremy. Jimmy sez: He gets bored of Joshua's voice and he needs to mix it up. He thought Deandre was a pleasant surprise. Thinks Phillip is a great musician and knows who he is but he's worried that the girls have vocal fireworks that will outshine him in weeks to come. Says Jeremy didn't deliver and all the girls outperformed him and Jeremy will go. Phillip and Deandre are safe and Jeremy and Joshua fill out the bottom three guys. Ryan immediately sends Joshua and Erika back to safety.
Performance: Mary J. Blige sings her latest single "Why."
Results: Jeremy, Jermaine, Elise, and Shannon await their fates. Ryan asks Steven if any deserve to go home, he says Jeremy. Jermaine and Shannon are sent to safety. The judges pick...
Going home: Jeremy

Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top 12 Finalists Compete - March 14, 2011
Ryan explains that the show has always had controversy and this year is no exception and with the cooperation of law enforcement they've had to disqualify someone. Of course he doesn't say who at first, even though we all know it's Jermaine Jones.
Theme:"Songs From the Year You Were Born" Ryan also tells us we'll be seeing baby pictures and we see childhood shots of the judges and Ryan.
Jimmy brought in will.i.am to help work with the contestants.

Contestant:Phillip Phillips We learn Phil was born premature and had other health problems from his very sweet parents. And then we swtich to his meeting with will and Jimmy. We learn that he has to have surgery to remove a kidney stone. Will and Jimmy are impressed with how good he sounds in pain.
Song: "Hard to Handle," Otis Redding/the Black Crowes
Performance: This is a perfect song for him and grounded behind his microphone he has less of the gesticulating that can grate and because it's uptempo he rarely gets behind the beat. It's a very natural and easy performance. The crowd loves it.
Randy: Says he sounds amazing especially in light of the recent surgery and loved the song choice.
JLo: Says it's so natural for him.
Steven: Likes that he picks songs that match his voice and character but to watch his melody.



Contestant: Jessica Sanchez Her parents are very cute as are her baby pics. Will loves her and Jimmy thinks she's fun to work with and comes fully prepared. They want her to perform a "stunt" and cue the band and Will calls her a "swaggernaut."
Song: "Turn the Beat Around," Vicki Sue Robinson/Gloria Estefan
Performance:She is sparkly and spunky navigating the fast patter pretty well but it is very quick. She throws a little grit on it and it's a fun and assured performance.
Steven: Loves her voice and doesn't want her to stray too far from ballads and thought the rhythm was a little shady.
JLo: Also heard rhythm issues but thought she did a good job.
Randy: Say they're right on and they should steer her in the right direction and didn't love the song choice and tells her to shorten her vibrato.


Contestant: Heejun Han Also has adorable parents and baby pics. Mom thinks he gets his humor from her. Jimmy and Will give him some enunciation tips. He asks Will for Fergie's number.
Song:"Right Here Waiting," Richard Marx
Performance:It starts out breathy and a little raspy. He struggles a bit with some notes. He hits the key change okay but he's got too much air coming out and he seems more nervous than usual.
Randy: Says it was pitchy in at least five or six spots and as if he was out of breath the whole time. He wants more urban R&B swag from him and thought it was the wrong song.
JLo: Also thought it was pitchy and that it was a struggle but he fought his way to a beautiful end.
Steven: Agrees he was out of breath and that it was a bad song choice but he loves his voice.

Contestant:Elise Testone Supercute child, supercute parents. Jimmy and Will want her to be more cheerful and to hold the notes longer.They do a split screen with Obama.
Song:"Let's Stay Together," Al Green/Tina Turner
Performance: She starts out sitting out the piano. It's a very tender, slowed-down version of the song to start and then gears up as she hits the chorus. She does a lot of leaning forward but her voice sounds mostly strong and she ends on a sweet blue note.
Steven: Says he loves her voice so much as does his aunt Sonya.
JLo: Says that was Elise showing America who she is and that it was a beautiful thing.
Randy: Says "America Elise is back!" He loved the run at the end and says it was "like butter."


Contestant:Deandre Brackensick He was a funny, smiley kid and his parents seem very close. Jimmy and Will debate his song choice and have him change it but he doesn't seem very confident about the change.
Song: "Endless Love," Diana Ross & Lionel Richie/Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey.
Performance:It's weird hearing one person sing a duet and it's a very tentative performance to start with a couple of bum notes and some cracking. It improves towards the end but he still seems nervous.
JLo: Says he sang it beautifully but she thinks Jimmy and Will steered him wrong with the song choice and feels like he didn't think it was a good choice for him either.
Steven: Agrees it was a bad song choice but thinks he'll find out.
Randy: Agrees it was a bad song choice and says it was boring and safe at the wrong time for him and he has to have excitement when he plays.


Contestant: Shannon Magrane Of course she was a beautiful child and her parents also seem lovely. Jimmy wants her to sing a No Doubt song. (After he does a commercial for a phone.) But she chooses Mariah instead. Their worried that her voice seizes up and she has breath control issues so they instruct her to sing it lying down.
Song: "One Sweet Day," Mariah Carey and BoyzIIMen
Performance: It starts out well, very freshly scrubbed but she seems very tight in her shoulders. She keeps threatening to go flat and she misses a note here and there but it is a huge improvement over last week's mess and she seems more confident as well.
JLo: Says it was not an easy undertaking and says she was terrified for her but that she did a beautiful job.
Steven: Thinks she sings her best when she doesn't try so hard and also thought she was good.
Randy: Was also nervous about what she took on and likes that she's fearless and he thought the beginning was good but that by the end it was really good.
(They claim that they have thousands of songs to choose from.)

Contestant: Colton Dixon He had a chance to meet Daughtry who told him to be himself and choose songs people know and he says he's going to put that into effect next week. He was a very sporty kid. (It's amazing so far all of the kids' parents appear to still be together.) Jimmy and Will are worried that no one's going to know the song, including the band. Will tells him to make sure it's a hard rock song and to own it.
Song: "Broken Heart," White Lion
Performance:It's a hair metal power ballad and he sings it pretty straight putting a little of that Simon LeBon/Joe Elliott squeak on the ends of the phrases. The song picks up tempo and edge as he goes into the chorus. It's not a great song but he does a good job with it.
JLo: Says she didn't know it and it was a Colton song for her. She thinks he's a lover and thought he did it really well. She thinks he looks pretty when he sings.
Steven: Thinks it was the wrong song for his voice and his passion. He didn't feel the song go anywhere.
Randy: He says the song choice didn't matter because Colton was singing it great.


Contestant: Erika Van Pelt Her very sweet mom thinks Erika was born with music in her. There are lot of pics of her with her mouth open. Jimmy and Will like her song choice and has an idea for the arrangement and they all like it.
Song: "Heaven," Bryan Adams
Performance:She has a very sweet smile when she sings. It's a litlte mannered to begin with but she sounds great. She has a lot more physicality tonight and it's a nice slight uptick in energy from last week.
Steven: He thinks she was a little busy all over it and wanted her to stay with the melody. But he likes her voice.
JLo: Agrees that the arrangement was left wanting. She thinks she looks the best she's looked and she feels her coming together as an artist.
Randy: Liked it and calls it an 8 out of 10 and thought it was a great song choice. He tells her to not to take it too far from the original and basically says to not let Jimmy make her do things.
Ryan finally gets to Jermaine Jones' elimination. We see video of Jermaine sitting down with "Idol" producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick who confront him with the evidence of the charges that have come to light of his giving fake names to the police and four warrants out for his arrest. They say they were surprised and that they're not judging but are sad he didn't come clean with them. He apologizes and says he was afraid he would be penalized. They say they have to dismiss him because they can't have someone with outstanding warrants on the show. They compliment how great a vocalist he is. He's very sweet to them about it and shakes their hands. We see his rehearsal for this week. He was going to sing "Somewhere Out There."
Back in the studio. They all look very solemn. Ryan says it's business as usual and hat the person with the lowest vote total tomorrow night is "at risk" of elimination. Which I bet means that they won't eliminate anyone because "at risk" isn't the usual verbiage, the person with the lowest number of votes just goes home.

Contestant:Skylar Laine Her parents say she was a handful and she used to bang her head on things. Jimmy and Will wonder if there is enough song for her ther. They run a bunch of songs by her. She sticks with her choice. Will wants her to have more fire in her belly.
Song:"Love's Sneaking Up on You," Bonnie Raitt
Performance:The song is kind of a yawn and she's selling it the best she can but it feels like she's forcing the excitement factor but she does sound good.
Steven: Thinks she's got so much heart and soul and she loves the way she sings.
JLo: She says she has to keep it real and that she really killed it. She didn't love the song choice.
Randy: Didn't love the song but thinks she rocked it.


Contestant: Joshua Ledet Ryan brings out a big bucket of crawfish for Joshua which Louisiana. He was a cutie and his parents are also still together. Will says he took him to church. Joshua's dad is a pastor. Jimmy says he came a long way and he believed every second of the song.
Song: "When a Man Loves a Woman," Percy Sledge/Michael Bolton
Performance: He sounds better than Michael Botlon for sure. He definitely takes it to church and maybe even to the juke joint from the night before. He takes himself away which is the most impressive part of the performance, he really gets lost in it. It's a little shouty for me but it sounds good. The judges give him a standing ovation halfway through.
Randy: Thinks he blew it out the box. Says it was phenomenal. He credits the crawfish.
JLo: Says it was the best thing she's ever seen on "American Idol." She can't stop saying "wow."
Steven:Says he gave it up so big that God came through his eyes.



Contestant: Hollie Cavanagh Her parents, who are from the U.K., are adorable. Jimmy and Will love her.
Song:"The Power of Love," Celine Dion
Performance:The dress is awful but the voice is great. It's a big boring ballad and there's some flirtation with flatness but she's very confident and sounds strong.
JLo: With her and Joshua says they saved the best for last. Even though there were a couple of things but not worth quibbling about.
Steven: Says it's a little pitchy but beautiful.
Randy: Agrees a little pitchy but blew it out the box also.


Hide description ▲

"American Idol" - Top Ten Performance Show - March 21, 2012
Theme: Billy Joel
Steven says Billy Joel is an American icon and if you can't sing Billy Joel you can't sing at all.
Mentors: Diddy and new style guru Tommy Hilfiger
Contestant: Deandre Brackensick Tommy gives him a style makeover meant to enhance the look he already has. Diddy and Jimmy want him to smile and to channel Billy Joel's life. They tell him to look at JLo because she's Catholic.
Song:"Only the Good Die Young"
Performance: He bounces his way through the beginning and smiles a lot. It's very fluffy. He does not seem to be channeling Billy Joel's life. He's just singing the song. He sounds fine. It's energetic but empty.
Steven: At first it was too happy for him but that's what the world needs now.
JLo: Liked that he had a laid back vibe and a good way to start the show.
Randy: He wasn't jumping up and down because it wasn't special but it was okay.


Contestant:Erika Van Pelt Diddy and Jimmy want her to hold back a little and not overperform. They tell her to take risks and show her guts. She tells Hilfiger that she loves Pink. He gets the idea to give her a punk haircut. So she does.
Song: "New York State of Mind"
Performance: Not only is it short it's also dyed black and pixie-ish. She stands by the piano and simply sings. She starts slow and tender and belts a bit more on the bridge. She sounds great and seems very assured. She ends on a beautiful, feathery high note. It's a terrific performance.
Randy: He loves the look and haircut and loved the vocals and tells her to take a few more liberties.
JLo: Also loved the vocal and thinks she can let loose more vocally and physically.
Steven: Echoes them and thinks she can put more character.


Contestant: Joshua Ledet Hilfiger wants him to wear a tuxedo. Jimmy and Diddy want him to dial back on the screamy part of his voice and to put his emotions to the side and focus on the song.
Song:"She's Got a Way" (Joshua has never heard this song.)
Performance: He starts seated and singing very tenderly and restrained. He starts adding the runs in on the second verse. For him it's very restrained-- until the final verse where he lets loose-- and shows off the lower part of his register. When a choir emerges he seems more comfortable. His suit looks fab.At the end he looks a bit nervous though.
JLo:Says Billy Joel's lyrics are very descriptive and although she thinks he sings wonderfully he wasn't connected more emotionally.
Steven: Unbelievably he doesn't know this song and he thinks Joshua sang his life into it and made it come alive.
Randy: Thinks they're both right and that it got good when the choir came out and Joshua should never feel defeated.


Contestant:Skylar Laine She is awestruck by Diddy. Diddy thinks it sounds forced and that the truth will set her free. She does it again and he thinks it's better. She asks for his autograph. Hilfiger checks out her cowboy boots, which she loves, and wants to evolve her look without abandoning the boots.
Song: "Shameless"
Performance: She obviously chose this song because Garth Brooks had a hit with it and does a country arrangement. She also starts seated and singing in a more restrained fashion. She hits a couple of bum notes. It gets stronger as it goes but she is pushing a little too much. She is not wearing cowboy boots. The end is a bit strident but she's feeling it.
Randy: He thinks the front was pitchy and it got better in the middle. He doesn't think it was her best but it was good.
JLo: Loves her attack and that she ate up the song by the end.
Steven: He thinks she sings with such conviction, he thought it was pitchy at first but she breathed life into and it was good.

Contestant: Elise Testone Jimmy is afraid that the song is too obscure. Diddy wants to step up to the challenge. Diddy gives her staging advice. Jimmy hopes she will repeat the magical moment from rehearsal. Hilfiger felt like Elise was hiding her body and want her in high-waisted bellbottoms and in a Janis Joplin-type style.
Song:"Vienna"
Performance: She starts off, as instructed, on the microphone. She sounds great, following the night's theme and going a bit restrained and even a little jazzy. She picks up the grit and power in the second verse. She looks lovely in a long, billowy, cleavage-enhancing dress. She ends on a nice little jazzy run and blue note. She gets a standing ovation from the judges and Randy bows before her.
Steven: Thought she was brilliant and beautiful.
JLo: Is very happy for her and just wants to shake her and is so glad to see her personality.
Randy: Loved that she made it her own and showed why she's in the competition. Randy thinks she had a moment, especially the run at the end.
Ryan has her bring up two students that Elise teaches at rock and roll camp.

Contestant: Phillip Phillips Hilfiger thinks Phillip needs help. He says he's just a simple guy who wants to put the music before image. Hilfiger doesn't want him to look drab. Diddy wants him to put the guitar (crutch) down. He wants him to take a risk. Diddy also wants him to groove. Girls in the studio liked it when he started dancing and then he lined up the girls for Phil to sing to.
Song:"Movin' Out"
Performance: He slows down the tempo, futzes with the melody and vocal rhythms a bit, and does just guitar and voice at the beginning. It's near unrecognizable until the band kicks and he gets into the chorus. He make it his own and it is annoying. (Yet he himself remains immensely likable.)
JLo: Felt like he was taking out some agression on his mentors at the end. She says he has to be who he is. She thought it was awesome. (He talks back and says the guitar is necessary for him.)
Steven: Says he Phillip Phillips-ed it and it was beautiful. He's glad he blew off the mentors but tosses him his sparkly scarf.
Randy: Enumerates how Phillip ignored all the advice and how well it worked for him. He says it's one of the best renditions of that song ever.


Contestant: Hollie Cavanagh Her brother gives her a good luck video message. Hilfiger wants Hollie to stop being dressed by an old lady. She wants something sparkly. They want to transform her into a real star. Jimmy and Diddy talk about the meaning of the depth of the song. Diddy tells her to be careful at the beginning of the song.
Song:"Honesty"
Performance: The beginning is indeed rough as it's pitched a bit too low at first. She tries to compensate by pushing a little too hard on the chorus. The bridge is much stronger but this is not her best performance. She's making the right, frowny faces but doesn't seem really connected to the song. Her outfit, a short fitted white jacket and sparkly bustier midriff baring top and white pants, is cute though.
Steven: Thinks it was a little pitchy and she overthought it but it was still good.
JLo: Says if you're going to do big songs you have to know every single note of the songs.
Randy: Echoes the "constructive criticisms" that she has to nail each of the notes, and says the choruses were great but the verses were rougher. He says you're better than that.

Hailey Reinhart from last season is in the audience.
Contestant:Heejun Han He asks Diddy and Jimmy advice for taking criticism. They say to use it as fuel and not take it personally. He thinks it's good advice but he's still freaked out. Diddy hugs him. We never see or hear him sing. Hilfiger asks who his fashion idol is, he says Madonna and Michael Bolton. Hilfiger think he's pulling his leg.
Song: "My Life"
Performance: As the song starts as a piano ballad but he feints that he messed up and then declares that the song is too slow and says he wants to dance! He puts on a little comedic show as he sings, running across the stage and making goofy faces. He goes and mugs with the judges on the chorus "I don't care what they say anymore!" The vocal is erratic and the lyrics are not perfect but he plays to the girls in the crowd. He seem to be having a lot of fun though.
JLo: Loved that he brought fun and it was a breath of fresh air. She thinks the vocal was imperfect because he was running around.
Steven: Flounders and asks if he was glad that he took the piss out of the song. Heejun is confused. Steven says it was probably good to get out his anger and that "he told them" meaning Jimmy and Diddy, but he says the music biz will kick your ass and he needs to take it more seriously.
Randy: Says it was entertaining and he was glad to see him have a good time even though it wasn't a great vocal.

Contestant: Jessica Sanchez She's freaked to meet Hilfiger. He tells her to shorten her dress choice but he likes the dress itself. Diddy tells her he has to be honest and that he didn't believe her singing and that she was oversinging. He tells her to pull back on the showing off and the tricks and that less is more. Jimmy tells her she's more believable when she's looking at someone and has her sing directly to Diddy. She does better the second time around.
Song: "Everybody Has a Dream"
Performance: Unsurprisingly she goes the big ballad route. (She shortened the dress and it looks great.) The first verse is a bit understated. She flirts with overdoing it on the first chorus but controls herself. She goes full bore on the choir-assisted chorus.She ends with a flashy high run and a big belt. She gets a standing O from the judges.
Steven: Says when God was giving out vocal cords she was so at the front of the line.
JLo: Says that the song was written for her and thinks it was a defining moment for her.
Randy: Says it takes consistency to win and says she has a moment every time she steps onstage. He also compliments the mentoring and styling.


Contestant:Colton Dixon He tells Hilfiger he wants to create his style, he wants it to be edgy, punk rock. Hilfiger doesn't like his hair. Jimmy thinks Colton has got an advantage as an actual piano man. Diddy wants to buy his record. Jimmy wants him to stick with the original note in the chorus on the word "Man" but Diddy likes that he changes it up a bit.
Song: "Piano Man"
Performance: He does a fairly simple and straightforward version adding in his emo squeaks and breaks at the ends of phrases. When the moment comes he sticks with the original note for "Man" but switches up a couple of other notes. The band swings in on the final chorus. He's clearly into it.
JLo: Got goosies from head to toe. She almost calls Diddy, Puffy. She agrees with him that he would buy his record.
Steven: Thinks his choice of chords when his voice resolved was amazing and calls him a great musician and singer.
Randy: Loves that he kept it simple and kept it "individual."
Hide description ▲

"American Idol' - Top 10 Results Show - March 22, 2012
Group Sing:"For the Longest Time," Billy Joel. It is zippy and live.
Ford Commercial:"You Found Me." The gang runs around a house full of optical illusions.
Ryan says the perk of surviving tonight is moving into the big mansion.
Results: Ryan calls up Hollie, Skylar, and Elise.
Jimmy Sez: He was worried about Hollie and it was by far her worst night of competition but her track record is good so she stays. He agrees it wasn't her best performance and she needs to get creative and move forward. He thought Elise was confident and she was transformed. He says he got goosies. All three of them are safe.
Performance:Lana Del Ray performs "Video Games" It is not zippy.
Joe Perry shows up to play Happy Birthday to Steven Tyler and have the Idols sing to him. HIs daughter Liv is in the audience. Joe and Steven hug.
Results: Ryan calls up Deandre,Joshua, and Jessica.
Jimmy Sez: Deandre frolicked too much and it's going to hurt him. Thinks Joshua didn't understand the song and he needs to grow. Jessica did a great job.
Joshua and Jessica are safe. (Ryan notes that Billy Joel says he enjoyed her rendition of the song.) Deandre is in the bottom three.
Performance: Haley Reinhart sings her new single "Free"
Results: Ryan calls up Erika, Heejun, Phillip, and Colton.
Jimmy Sez: Colton killed it. Thinks Phillip needs to hew more to the advice. Gives Tommy props for changing Erika's hair and thought she sang well and mocks Randy. Thinks Heejun disrespected the competition by doing a stunt and it will bite him in the butt.
Colton and Phillip and are safe and Heejun and Erika is in the bottom three.
Bottom Three: Deandre, Erika, and Heejun
Erika sings for her life. The judges decline to use the save for her.
Going Home: Erika Van Pelt
Hide description ▲