Did Candice pull off a win? And did Adam Lambert pull off his mascara? (Yes.)
“Candice, why you gotta make this all about you?”
Look. You can pretend the Idol finale is some grandiose, tasteless, freakish spectacle. You can even think that logically. Because it’s true and undeniable and shut up about it. But you can’t deny that the Idol finale reminds you — for a few shimmery moments — that these competitors are viable mainstream singers whether or not they actually end up being successful. They can work alongside real industry vets and not look miscast in their shadows. I dig that — especially when some of the veterans (Mariah Carey and guest performer Jennifer Lopez, in this case) look less than professional as they lip-sync their hits (and non-hits, in the case of poor Jennifer) to the horrified awe of millions. Come on, Mariah! You nail “My All” and...
“Candice, why you gotta make this all about you?”
Look. You can pretend the Idol finale is some grandiose, tasteless, freakish spectacle. You can even think that logically. Because it’s true and undeniable and shut up about it. But you can’t deny that the Idol finale reminds you — for a few shimmery moments — that these competitors are viable mainstream singers whether or not they actually end up being successful. They can work alongside real industry vets and not look miscast in their shadows. I dig that — especially when some of the veterans (Mariah Carey and guest performer Jennifer Lopez, in this case) look less than professional as they lip-sync their hits (and non-hits, in the case of poor Jennifer) to the horrified awe of millions. Come on, Mariah! You nail “My All” and...
- 5/17/2013
- by Louis Virtel
- The Backlot
The voting order may have been a little strange, but "American Idol" ultimately ended up with what I would argue was the correct Top 5. In the auditions and sudden death rounds, the judges pretty clearly decided this was going to be a year for a female winner and the deck was stacked, but just because the deck was stacked didn't mean that America wouldn't find some way to screw things up. And guess what? We're all good, America. Did Lazaro Arbos last a month longer than he should have? Absolutely. Should Curtis Finch Jr. have stuck around for a few...
- 4/17/2013
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
There’s disagreement brewing on this week’s installment of Idology. More specifially, my cohost Melinda Doolittle and I offer split opinions on the Beatles Week performances of American Idol Season 12 ladies Angie Miller and Amber Holcomb.
Is the former too melodramatic? Is the latter not dramatic enough? And who’s going to side with Jimmy Iovine?
Related | American Idol: 22 Fresh Theme Nights That Need to Happen Right Now
One thing we can agree on, though, is that Lazaro Arbos is overstaying his Idol welcome after another woeful showing on the Beatles’ “In My Life.” We also talk about...
Is the former too melodramatic? Is the latter not dramatic enough? And who’s going to side with Jimmy Iovine?
Related | American Idol: 22 Fresh Theme Nights That Need to Happen Right Now
One thing we can agree on, though, is that Lazaro Arbos is overstaying his Idol welcome after another woeful showing on the Beatles’ “In My Life.” We also talk about...
- 3/25/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
The American Idol Season 12 Top 8 will be faced with a tricky theme this Wednesday (8/7c on Fox): Detroit: The Music of Motor City.
Yep, it’s essentially another way of saying Motown Week, and as such, I’m gritting my teeth bracing for an onslaught of songs we’ve already heard one too many times in prior Idol seasons — “(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Let’s Get It On” to name a few.
Related | American Idol: 22 Fresh Theme Nights That Need to Happen Right Now
Still, hope springs eternal,...
Yep, it’s essentially another way of saying Motown Week, and as such, I’m gritting my teeth bracing for an onslaught of songs we’ve already heard one too many times in prior Idol seasons — “(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Let’s Get It On” to name a few.
Related | American Idol: 22 Fresh Theme Nights That Need to Happen Right Now
Still, hope springs eternal,...
- 3/24/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Curtis Finch Jr. says there’s a lot of his American Idol journey that got left on the editing room floor.
Season 12′s 10th-place finisher reveals in his Idology interview which song he performed for the judges before his memorable rendition of “God Is Able,” what producers didn’t show about his Group Rounds drama with Charlie Askew, and how he’d hoped to go uptempo for Top 20 week — before switching to “I Believe I Can Fly.”
Related | American Idol: 22 Fresh Theme Nights That Need to Happen Right Now
So press play below to get all those anecdotes, plus...
Season 12′s 10th-place finisher reveals in his Idology interview which song he performed for the judges before his memorable rendition of “God Is Able,” what producers didn’t show about his Group Rounds drama with Charlie Askew, and how he’d hoped to go uptempo for Top 20 week — before switching to “I Believe I Can Fly.”
Related | American Idol: 22 Fresh Theme Nights That Need to Happen Right Now
So press play below to get all those anecdotes, plus...
- 3/23/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Lazaro, who had an emotional night on March 20, was named safe just as another Season 12 hopeful sang for survival on the March 21 episode of ‘American Idol’ — did You agree with the results?
Judges Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson were shocked by the bottom three contestants. Were You surprised by the results show, HollywoodLifers?
Season 10 contestant Casey Abrams came on stage with a giant bass. The unrecognizable former Idol and his facial hair scatted his way through The Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There.” It was an amazing performance!
The Results Are (Slowly) Revealed
Paul Jolley and Devin Velez were put in the bottom three near the beginning of the show.
After two performances by the hopeful contestants and a lot of commercials, Ryan Seacrest got down to business.
First, Lazaro Arbos, who had the most emotional performance last night, was told he was safe. Poor Lazaro — they keep asking his questions!
Judges Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson were shocked by the bottom three contestants. Were You surprised by the results show, HollywoodLifers?
Season 10 contestant Casey Abrams came on stage with a giant bass. The unrecognizable former Idol and his facial hair scatted his way through The Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There.” It was an amazing performance!
The Results Are (Slowly) Revealed
Paul Jolley and Devin Velez were put in the bottom three near the beginning of the show.
After two performances by the hopeful contestants and a lot of commercials, Ryan Seacrest got down to business.
First, Lazaro Arbos, who had the most emotional performance last night, was told he was safe. Poor Lazaro — they keep asking his questions!
- 3/22/2013
- by Dory Larrabee
- HollywoodLife
Curtis Finch Jr. is gone. I'm not hugely shocked. Most veteran "American Idol" observers aren't hugely shocked. But I'm guessing we're going to start Wednesday (March 20) night's episode being hugely shocked. Then we're gonna sing Lennon & McCartney songs. Jimmy Iovine says it's a theme that requires no gimmicks. Whee! 8:02 p.m. Et. Nicki Minaj made it on time! So we're already ahead of the game. 8:04 p.m. I like Carly Rae Jepsen. She's plucky and Canadian. But why are we pretending that some sort of Coca-Cola-sponsored thing with a new Carly Rae Jepsen single is a big enough deal...
- 3/20/2013
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Curtis Finch Jr. got the boot on Thursday's "American Idol," but the singer is taking the disappointing dismissal in stride.
"I really feel like when you have done a task and your job is done, then your job is done," the 24-year-old hopeful told AccessHollywood.com's Laura Saltman following Thursday's "American Idol" show in Los Angeles.
"There are so many seasons in life -- winter, spring, summer, and fall, but other seasons can't come unless you let go of others," he said, of how he's staying positive despite the early elimination. "The job is done and so it doesn't ...
Copyright 2013 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
"I really feel like when you have done a task and your job is done, then your job is done," the 24-year-old hopeful told AccessHollywood.com's Laura Saltman following Thursday's "American Idol" show in Los Angeles.
"There are so many seasons in life -- winter, spring, summer, and fall, but other seasons can't come unless you let go of others," he said, of how he's staying positive despite the early elimination. "The job is done and so it doesn't ...
Copyright 2013 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- 3/15/2013
- by nobody@accesshollywood.com (AccessHollywood.com Editorial Staff)
- Access Hollywood
We’ve got questions, and you’ve (maybe) got answers! With another week of TV gone by, we’re lobbing queries left and right about shows including The Following, Dallas, The Big Bang Theory and Glee!
1 | Which Saturday Night Live Five-Timer’s appearance surprised you the most?
2 | Has Walking Dead‘s Daryl been sneaking off to an Aveda hair salon in between zombie attacks? And weren’t you both thrilled and horrified when he kinda manly-man bonded with Martinez? Because don’t we all know that, now that Martinez is getting actual scenes to play, he’s as good as dead by the season finale?...
1 | Which Saturday Night Live Five-Timer’s appearance surprised you the most?
2 | Has Walking Dead‘s Daryl been sneaking off to an Aveda hair salon in between zombie attacks? And weren’t you both thrilled and horrified when he kinda manly-man bonded with Martinez? Because don’t we all know that, now that Martinez is getting actual scenes to play, he’s as good as dead by the season finale?...
- 3/15/2013
- by Team TVLine
- TVLine.com
We're in Top 10 season! Hooray! And that means it's already time for the first elimination show, which is an excruciating 60-minute death march. Here are the 25 things I took from it. They're also the 25 things you should be thinking, verbatim.
1. Phillip Phillips' cameo in the opening lineup was admittedly hilarious. The guy is effing endearing, even if he is still wearing Kohl's t-shirts from 1991 and expecting my mother not to donate them to AmVets. He's a cool guy. More on this scintillating discovery below.
2. Jimmy Iovine on Janelle Arthur: "This girl's not going anywhere!" But she just said she's "gone!" Sad.
3. Jimmy Iovine on Angie Miller: "Doing 'I Surrender'... was really good. It wasn't as good as some of the judges thought it was, in my opinion." Ok. Now I love Jimmy Iovine. Because that was the staidest song choice ever, and Angie's performance was downright nondescript compared to Kelly Clarkson's.
1. Phillip Phillips' cameo in the opening lineup was admittedly hilarious. The guy is effing endearing, even if he is still wearing Kohl's t-shirts from 1991 and expecting my mother not to donate them to AmVets. He's a cool guy. More on this scintillating discovery below.
2. Jimmy Iovine on Janelle Arthur: "This girl's not going anywhere!" But she just said she's "gone!" Sad.
3. Jimmy Iovine on Angie Miller: "Doing 'I Surrender'... was really good. It wasn't as good as some of the judges thought it was, in my opinion." Ok. Now I love Jimmy Iovine. Because that was the staidest song choice ever, and Angie's performance was downright nondescript compared to Kelly Clarkson's.
- 3/15/2013
- by virtel
- The Backlot
Is Nicki Minaj going to leave American Idol? During the show's elimination episode on Thursday, March 14, the 30-year-old judge threatened to quit if contestant Curtis Finch Jr. was sent home -- and as it turned out, he later was. The "Starships" rapper was distraught when Finch. Jr. landed in the bottom two with Devin Velez. "If you go home, I go home," she said. Minaj's threat came as a bit of a surprise given that she missed Finch Jr.'s performance Wednesday because she arrived late to the [...]...
- 3/15/2013
- by Nicole Eggenberger
- Us Weekly
Nicki Minaj has had her fair share of antics on "American Idol" this season: fighting with fellow judge Mariah Carey, flirting with contestants, and arriving late to Wednesday's live taping.So when she dramatically proclaimed to contestant Curtis Finch Jr. during Thursday's elimination, "If you go home, I'm going home," it seemed like another attention-grabbing move.I thought Curtis was the weakest singer on Wednesday, so it was no surprise to me when Ryan Seacrest announced he had the least votes. However, Nicki seemed to be in disbelief, mouthing the words "wow" and "bye" to the other judges and getting out of her chair as if she were leaving.Keep in mind, just minutes earlier, Nicki had agreed it was Curtis' worst performance. Also, his performance on Wednesday was the one she Missed due to traffic. Watch how it all unfolded:The judges couldn't agree to use their one and only...
- 3/15/2013
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Bon Jovi and Phillip Phillips performed but a shocking elimination left Nicki pouting on the March 14 episode of ‘American Idol’ — do You agree with the results?
Judges Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson have little influence on the results from this point on. Instead, it’s up to America and 26 million votes later, Nicki threatened to leave the show after one of her favorites ended up in the bottom! Keep reading for the full recap.
In the beginning of the episode, Producer Jimmy Iovine commented on the performances from March 13. He loved Janelle, and said Kree and Amber were in his top three. He said Burnell was the best of the boys, but that overall the guys are majorly lacking in comparison to the girls.
The Top Three Are Revealed
Devin got the most amount of votes in Puerto Rico — 25%. Janelle won over her home state of Tennessee,...
Judges Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson have little influence on the results from this point on. Instead, it’s up to America and 26 million votes later, Nicki threatened to leave the show after one of her favorites ended up in the bottom! Keep reading for the full recap.
In the beginning of the episode, Producer Jimmy Iovine commented on the performances from March 13. He loved Janelle, and said Kree and Amber were in his top three. He said Burnell was the best of the boys, but that overall the guys are majorly lacking in comparison to the girls.
The Top Three Are Revealed
Devin got the most amount of votes in Puerto Rico — 25%. Janelle won over her home state of Tennessee,...
- 3/15/2013
- by Dory Larrabee
- HollywoodLife
First things first: Nicki Minaj arrived on time for the live taping of Thursday night's American Idol. But as the evening ended, she probably wished she were still stuck on the 405 freeway, because things really didn't go her way. (Spoilers ahead!)
For the first time ever, host Ryan Seacrest told viewers how most of the contestants ranked in the voting – and even gave results on how many of them did in their home states. It was a nice touch: viewers got a clearer picture of who is likely to go the distance, and who needs an influx of votes to stick around.
For the first time ever, host Ryan Seacrest told viewers how most of the contestants ranked in the voting – and even gave results on how many of them did in their home states. It was a nice touch: viewers got a clearer picture of who is likely to go the distance, and who needs an influx of votes to stick around.
- 3/15/2013
- by Steve Helling
- People.com - TV Watch
First things first: Nicki Minaj arrived on time for the live taping of Thursday night's American Idol. But as the evening ended, she probably wished she were still stuck on the 405 freeway, because things really didn't go her way. (Spoilers ahead!) For the first time ever, host Ryan Seacrest told viewers how most of the contestants ranked in the voting - and even gave results on how many of them did in their home states. It was a nice touch: viewers got a clearer picture of who is likely to go the distance, and who needs an influx of votes to stick around.
- 3/15/2013
- by Steve Helling
- PEOPLE.com
American Idol 2013 eliminated Curtis Finch Jr tonight in March 14th episode. Tonight's elimination show ,kicked off with a brief recap of the performances from last night,along with an enjoyable critique from Jimmy Iovine. I always appreciate those,because he gives it to you straight. No Bs. From there, host Ryan Seacrest, revealed that Candice Glover was safe. Then the contestants sang another awful group song. After that, Ryan revealed that Kree Harrison was safe this week. Next, legendary rock band ,Bon Jovi, hit the stage to sing their new song titled, "Because We Can." After a break, eliminated Charlie Askew ,hit the stage to sing a song to compete for a special spot on the American Idol 2013 concert tour. Next, the very beautiful Aubrey Cleland ,hit the stage to sing her song for the tour spot. From there, last year's champ, Phillip Phillips hit the stage to sing his new song called,...
- 3/15/2013
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
"American Idol" has said goodbye to one of its Top 10 contenders.
(Spoiler: This story contains the elimination results of Thursday's "AI.")
After the members of the judges' panel -- Randy Jackson, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj -- were unable to come to a unanimous decision to use the "judges' save," Curtis Finch Jr., was sent home.
"Ryan, we are not unanimous, unfortunately," Randy said after Curtis gave a stirring performance of R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly."
Nicki Minaj, who had been a strong supporter of Curtis', said she felt there wasn't ...
Copyright 2013 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
(Spoiler: This story contains the elimination results of Thursday's "AI.")
After the members of the judges' panel -- Randy Jackson, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj -- were unable to come to a unanimous decision to use the "judges' save," Curtis Finch Jr., was sent home.
"Ryan, we are not unanimous, unfortunately," Randy said after Curtis gave a stirring performance of R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly."
Nicki Minaj, who had been a strong supporter of Curtis', said she felt there wasn't ...
Copyright 2013 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- 3/15/2013
- by nobody@accesshollywood.com (AccessHollywood.com Editorial Staff)
- Access Hollywood
The "Idol" results are in!
And it was Curtis Finch Jr. going home in the first live elimination for Season 12.
The singer covered Fantasia's "I Believe" on Wednesday's performance show and sadly, the rendition landed him in the Botttom 2 with Devin Velez. When the results were revealed, "Idol" judge Nicki Minaj said that if Curtis went home, she was going home, but ultimately he earned the lowest number of votes.
Curtis sang R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" to try to earn a save from the judges. Although Nicki and fellow judge Keith Urban gave him a standing ovation and the crowd was chanting "Save! Save! Save!" Curtis still went home.
Candice Glover, Kree Harrison and Angie Miller made up the Top 3, add more fodder to the beliefs that a woman will take the "Idol" crown this year.
"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m.
And it was Curtis Finch Jr. going home in the first live elimination for Season 12.
The singer covered Fantasia's "I Believe" on Wednesday's performance show and sadly, the rendition landed him in the Botttom 2 with Devin Velez. When the results were revealed, "Idol" judge Nicki Minaj said that if Curtis went home, she was going home, but ultimately he earned the lowest number of votes.
Curtis sang R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" to try to earn a save from the judges. Although Nicki and fellow judge Keith Urban gave him a standing ovation and the crowd was chanting "Save! Save! Save!" Curtis still went home.
Candice Glover, Kree Harrison and Angie Miller made up the Top 3, add more fodder to the beliefs that a woman will take the "Idol" crown this year.
"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m.
- 3/15/2013
- by Jaimie Etkin
- Huffington Post
American Idol 2013 eliminated Curtis Finch Jr tonight in March 14th episode. Tonight's elimination show ,kicked off with a brief recap of the performances from last night,along with an enjoyable critique from Jimmy Iovine. I always appreciate those,because he gives it to you straight. No Bs. From there, host Ryan Seacrest, revealed that Candice Glover was safe. Then the contestants sang another awful group song. After that, Ryan revealed that Kree Harrison was safe this week. Next, legendary rock band ,Bon Jovi, hit the stage to sing their new song titled, "Because We Can." After a break, eliminated Charlie Askew ,hit the stage to sing a song to compete for a special spot on the American Idol 2013 concert tour. Next, the very beautiful Aubrey Cleland ,hit the stage to sing her song for the tour spot. From there, last year's champ, Phillip Phillips hit the stage to sing his new song called,...
- 3/15/2013
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
The early results are in for American Idol‘s Great Gender Experiment of 2013!
Conducted by Mad Scientist Nigel Lythgoe, the controversial study was built around the following premise: If we stack the deck for the nation’s most popular singing competition with first-rate female vocalists and a quintet of guys with the charisma of empty tomato cans, will the speed-dialing hordes finally hand a win to a woman?
Some might argue the whole hypothesis is really nothing more than Idol shooting itself in the junk in the name of gender parity, but in a world that gives us Rihanna’s...
Conducted by Mad Scientist Nigel Lythgoe, the controversial study was built around the following premise: If we stack the deck for the nation’s most popular singing competition with first-rate female vocalists and a quintet of guys with the charisma of empty tomato cans, will the speed-dialing hordes finally hand a win to a woman?
Some might argue the whole hypothesis is really nothing more than Idol shooting itself in the junk in the name of gender parity, but in a world that gives us Rihanna’s...
- 3/15/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Nicki, it’s really not acceptable that you showed up fifteen minutes late to ‘American Idol’ on March 13, looking like a hot mess, because you claimed you were stuck in traffic.
On the March 13 live show of American Idol, the top ten came ready to perform. However, Nicki Minaj, you weren’t ready to work. It’s time to really step it up as a judge.
Nicki, you tweeted that you were running late to last night’s show due to being stuck in traffic. For the viewers, the other judges, and the performers to take you seriously, you need to show up on time, if not early.
While you were apparently stuck in traffic, you could have at least changed into something other than a black hoodie and huge sunglasses. It looked unprofessional and was disrespectful to the performers that you would keep your hood up the entire time.
On the March 13 live show of American Idol, the top ten came ready to perform. However, Nicki Minaj, you weren’t ready to work. It’s time to really step it up as a judge.
Nicki, you tweeted that you were running late to last night’s show due to being stuck in traffic. For the viewers, the other judges, and the performers to take you seriously, you need to show up on time, if not early.
While you were apparently stuck in traffic, you could have at least changed into something other than a black hoodie and huge sunglasses. It looked unprofessional and was disrespectful to the performers that you would keep your hood up the entire time.
- 3/14/2013
- by Emily Longeretta
- HollywoodLife
On Wednesday night, the Top 10 "American Idol" finalists took on hits that previous winners made famous. But first, we need to address Ms. Nicki Minaj ... who showed up 13 minutes late for the taping! According to Ryan Seacrest, the rapper was caught in traffic on the 405 freeway and totally missed the first performance from Curtis Finch Jr. She showed up in time for Janelle Arthur's song and no further mention of her lateness was made by Ryan.O.K., onto the performances. Some proved they had winning material while others fell short. It made this viewer appreciate just how good the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia Barrino, and Carrie Underwood truly are. Here's how I ranked them, from best to worst -- and yes, the girls are in it to win it:1. Candice GloverJordin Sparks did an incredible cover of Tom Jones' "I Who Have Nothing" in Season 7, and Candice certainly did it justice.
- 3/14/2013
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Nicki Minaj was late for 'American Idol' last night (13.03.13) because she was stuck in traffic. The judge appeared to miss the evening's first performance by Curtis Finch Jr., but while she wasn't in her seat to give him her thoughts on his singing, he claims she heard him. Curtis - who performed Fantasia's 'Believe' - told E! news: ''During the performance, she was backstage.'' He added the star almost ran into her as he stepped off stage, adding: ''It was literally like, 'Step, step, step, curtain, Nicki. And she was like, 'Good job today.' '' ''To see her...
- 3/14/2013
- Virgin Media - Celebrity
Nicki Minaj was late for 'American Idol' last night (13.03.13) because she was stuck in traffic. The judge appeared to miss the evening's first performance by Curtis Finch Jr., but while she wasn't in her seat to give him her thoughts on his singing, he claims she heard him. Curtis - who performed Fantasia's 'Believe' - told E! news: 'During the performance, she was backstage.' He added the star almost ran into her as he stepped off stage, adding: 'It was literally like, 'Step, step, step, curtain, Nicki. And she was like, 'Good job today.' ' 'To see her backstage was comforting.' Some of the other contestants noted Nicki has fallen foul of Los Angeles' notoriously bad...
- 3/14/2013
- Monsters and Critics
A hoodie-sporting Nicki Minaj may have shown up late to American Idol's top 10 performance show tonight, but it turns out she wasn't quite as tardy as it appeared to viewers at home. Backstage after the two-hour show, Curtis Finch Jr.—who was first up to sing and thus missed out on an on-air critique from Nicki, who was, according to Ryan Seacrest, stuck in L.A. traffic—told us that Minaj actually caught at least part of his rendition of Fantasia's "Believe." Just not from her seat at the judging table. "During the performance, she was backstage," he revealed. And that's where he almost literally ran into her as he made his exit after performing. "It was literally like,...
- 3/14/2013
- E! Online
Time to get serious, "American Idol" fans. It's the Top 10, singing songs of past Idols, so that ought to be interesting.
1. Curtis Finch Jr., "I Believe," Fantasia
We figured either Curtis or Candice would snag this song. It's not our favorite Idol coronation song, but it's actually a lot nicer in Curtis' lower voice than Fantasia's nasal shriek (sorry, we have never been fans of her voice). Wow, Curtis is busting out the gospel choir right out of the gates. Vocally, this is really nice. He's being very controlled and we love how he builds the song, instead of just going full-out right from the opening notes.
We aren't sure if that paisley jacket is the best thing ever, or if Curtis has been dumpster diving behind Randy's house. Maybe both.
Keith compliments his song choice, but cautions him to watch his pitch. Randy mentions the jacket first, because of course he does.
1. Curtis Finch Jr., "I Believe," Fantasia
We figured either Curtis or Candice would snag this song. It's not our favorite Idol coronation song, but it's actually a lot nicer in Curtis' lower voice than Fantasia's nasal shriek (sorry, we have never been fans of her voice). Wow, Curtis is busting out the gospel choir right out of the gates. Vocally, this is really nice. He's being very controlled and we love how he builds the song, instead of just going full-out right from the opening notes.
We aren't sure if that paisley jacket is the best thing ever, or if Curtis has been dumpster diving behind Randy's house. Maybe both.
Keith compliments his song choice, but cautions him to watch his pitch. Randy mentions the jacket first, because of course he does.
- 3/14/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
It's been a year of changes for American Idol, with new judges and tweaks to the format. Tonight, the Top 10 finalists have traveled back to Hollywood to begin fighting their way to first place.
This week's theme is "Songs of the Idols," which means any song that has been sung on the show by a previous winner or any song released by a winner, and they'll need to put their own twist on those songs to make them original. Our pal Jimmy Iovine will be back to mentor them along the way. Let's get to it...
Curtis Finch Jr. wants to be a modern day Luther Vandross. He channels his inner Mantasia and sings Fantasia's "I Believe." It's my opinion that the only person who comes close to doing as well on this song as Fantasia did was Joshua Ledet, and Curtis' performance falls short. The song never peaked...
This week's theme is "Songs of the Idols," which means any song that has been sung on the show by a previous winner or any song released by a winner, and they'll need to put their own twist on those songs to make them original. Our pal Jimmy Iovine will be back to mentor them along the way. Let's get to it...
Curtis Finch Jr. wants to be a modern day Luther Vandross. He channels his inner Mantasia and sings Fantasia's "I Believe." It's my opinion that the only person who comes close to doing as well on this song as Fantasia did was Joshua Ledet, and Curtis' performance falls short. The song never peaked...
- 3/14/2013
- by miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Miranda Wicker)
- TVfanatic
With the top five women and top five men vocalists finally decided, Wednesday night’s American Idol began the competition proper. But when the house lights came on, judge Nicki Minaj was Mia. "We are coming to you live and on time," host Ryan Seacrest said before telling the cheering audience to “keep that energy going for three of your four judges who are here tonight." Seacrest explained that Minaj was “stuck in traffic” on the 405 and proceeded to keep the show moving along until she finally arrived, completely missing Curtis Finch Jr.’s hideous attire. Photos: 'American
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- 3/14/2013
- by Michele Amabile Angermiller
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nicki Minaj was 15 minutes late to the live episode of ‘American Idol’ on March 13. Were You mad she wasn’t on time?
After Nicki Minaj was late to the live show because of traffic, she joined fellow judges Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson on the panel to watch the Top 10 sing live! Who do You think did the best tonight, HollywoodLifers?
The Top 10 had to sing songs previously sung on Idol.
The Night Starts Off Slow
Curtis Finch Jr. sang “I Believe” by Fantasia. Keith said he always picks the right song and that he looked great! “I would caution you to try something a little bit different,” Randy warned.
Janelle Arthur – Randy said it wasn’t the greatest song choice. “I love the raw quality of your voice,” Mariah said.
Devin Velez sang “Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood. “That was not one of your better performances,” Keith said.
After Nicki Minaj was late to the live show because of traffic, she joined fellow judges Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson on the panel to watch the Top 10 sing live! Who do You think did the best tonight, HollywoodLifers?
The Top 10 had to sing songs previously sung on Idol.
The Night Starts Off Slow
Curtis Finch Jr. sang “I Believe” by Fantasia. Keith said he always picks the right song and that he looked great! “I would caution you to try something a little bit different,” Randy warned.
Janelle Arthur – Randy said it wasn’t the greatest song choice. “I love the raw quality of your voice,” Mariah said.
Devin Velez sang “Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood. “That was not one of your better performances,” Keith said.
- 3/14/2013
- by Dory Larrabee
- HollywoodLife
Don’t get on Nicki Minaj’s case for showing up late to American Idol‘s Top 10 performance night. Let’s be honest: If you had known you were going to have to endure her fellow judges heaping praise (with a side dish of almost imperceptible criticism) on Curtis Finch Jr.’s dreary, off-key Fantasia cover, you’d have tuned in 10 minutes past the hour yourself.
Okay, okay…maybe we should throw a little shade at Nicki. I mean, how many millions of dollars is she paid for working three hours per week at The House That Kelly Clarkson Built?...
Okay, okay…maybe we should throw a little shade at Nicki. I mean, how many millions of dollars is she paid for working three hours per week at The House That Kelly Clarkson Built?...
- 3/14/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
I don't fully understand Wednesday (March 13) night's "American Idol" theme... But I'm concerned anyway. Music of the American Idols? Really? Let's see how this goes... 8:03 p.m. Et. Nicki Minaj is... stuck in traffic? Must we go on without her? Really? 8:05 p.m. "That means any song from any winner is fair game," Ryan explains of the theme. Apparently that means any song sung by an "Idol" winner, either on the show or afterwards. I guess that gives folks a lot more wiggle room. 8:06 p.m. Jimmy Iovine wants Curtis Finch Jr. to be more contemporary. So he's gonna sing...
- 3/13/2013
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Well, that was the weirdest possible way to introduce season 12's finalists to America, wouldn't you say? To recap, Ryan Seacrest sat the 20 remaining hopefuls in what looked like a cramped classroom (very Up the Down Staircase) and led each surviving finalist through a long corridor and to the stage for a victory performance. In case that wasn't bizarre enough, Ryan sometimes gave the performers little pep talks before they hit the stage. And we all know what a sympathetic character Seacrest is.
"You did it. All the hard work paid off," Seacrest muttered to Candice Glover like a scripted high-school guidance counselor. So, so weird.
Here's what's important. The ten finalists (chosen by home viewer votes) were announced, and now it's our job to rank them in two ways: 1) by merit, based solely on who deserves to be the next American Idol most; 2) by likeliness to win, based solely...
"You did it. All the hard work paid off," Seacrest muttered to Candice Glover like a scripted high-school guidance counselor. So, so weird.
Here's what's important. The ten finalists (chosen by home viewer votes) were announced, and now it's our job to rank them in two ways: 1) by merit, based solely on who deserves to be the next American Idol most; 2) by likeliness to win, based solely...
- 3/8/2013
- by virtel
- The Backlot
Half of the Top 20 girls and guys had their dreams crushed on the March 7 episode of ‘American Idol’ — did Your favorites make it through? Vote below!
Almost 39 million votes determined the Top 10 finalists, all of whom will be on the Idol tour this summer. Judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson were allowed to sit back and relax tonight. See who made it to the Top 10 below!
The Top 5 Guys Are Revealed
Paul Jolley couldn’t believe his ears! “I thought you were playing a trick on me!” he told Ryan Seacrest.
Burnell Taylor – he got another standing ovation after his victory song! “It means everything,” to be in the Top 10, Burnell said.
Curtis Finch Jr. audibly gasped when his name was called! Was anyone really shocked? Don’t think so!
Devon Velez – “I’m really proud of you. You have been so consistently good. I think...
Almost 39 million votes determined the Top 10 finalists, all of whom will be on the Idol tour this summer. Judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson were allowed to sit back and relax tonight. See who made it to the Top 10 below!
The Top 5 Guys Are Revealed
Paul Jolley couldn’t believe his ears! “I thought you were playing a trick on me!” he told Ryan Seacrest.
Burnell Taylor – he got another standing ovation after his victory song! “It means everything,” to be in the Top 10, Burnell said.
Curtis Finch Jr. audibly gasped when his name was called! Was anyone really shocked? Don’t think so!
Devon Velez – “I’m really proud of you. You have been so consistently good. I think...
- 3/8/2013
- by Dory Larrabee
- HollywoodLife
American Idol just got cut in half. A whopping 10 contestants were eliminated tonight and only five ladies and five gentlemen remain. But, in new twist, each guy and girl who made the top 10 was asked to sing a "victory song" after getting the good news. Meaning, the other 10 had to just sit there (guys in one area backstage, girls in another) while their names were not called, no one put out of his or her misery until the last name was revealed. We're happy to give you the news in one fell swoop, however. This year's American Idol top 10 consists of Paul Jolley, Burnell Taylor, Curtis Finch Jr., Devin Velez, Lazaro Arbos, Janelle Arthur, Candice Glover, Angie...
- 3/8/2013
- E! Online
American Idol 2013 revealed the top 10 contestants tonight. Tonight's elimination show,kicked off with a brief recap of the guy's performances. Then Ryan Seacrest ,revealed that Paul Jolley made it into the top 10. Next, they made him sing another song. God help me. No wonder they took so long. An hour and a half for a results show? Really? Geez. Anyways, Next, they revealed, Burnell Taylor ,made it into the top 10,and sang a song too. Actually what they did is have them all sing a victory song for making it into the top 10,which has got to be the most ridiculous they've ever come up with to date. After that,they revealed that Curtis Finch Jr. made it and he burst into song. From there, Devin Velez was told he made it into the top 10,followed by another victory song. He was actually pretty damn good too. Next, Lazaro Arbos...
- 3/8/2013
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
It's time to whittle down the Top 20 men and women to the Top 10 finalists on "American Idol." If we had our say, it would be Angela Miller, Candice Glover, Kree Harrison, Amber Holcomb, Janelle Arthur, Elijah Liu, Curtis Finch Jr., Nick Boddington, Devin Velez and Burnell Taylor.
If we didn't have to have even gender picks, we would substitute in Aubrey Cleland and Breanna Steer for Elijah and Devin.
After a lot of filler and a commercial and a video recap of last night, we finally get to some results. The first person into the Top 10 is Paul Jolley. Huh. Did not expect that. Oh, this is why the show is 90 minutes -- each person is performing. Oh, dear. Let's just say his "Alone" is ... he's no Carrie Underwood.
The next guy to advance is Burnell Taylor, which is correct. Well done, American public. His "Ready for Love" is nice,...
If we didn't have to have even gender picks, we would substitute in Aubrey Cleland and Breanna Steer for Elijah and Devin.
After a lot of filler and a commercial and a video recap of last night, we finally get to some results. The first person into the Top 10 is Paul Jolley. Huh. Did not expect that. Oh, this is why the show is 90 minutes -- each person is performing. Oh, dear. Let's just say his "Alone" is ... he's no Carrie Underwood.
The next guy to advance is Burnell Taylor, which is correct. Well done, American public. His "Ready for Love" is nice,...
- 3/8/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
American Idol's Top 10 men have one thing in common: Like the best/worst politicians, they're sure that their "sincerity" and teary-eyed stage presence warrant massive attention. Please, Curtis Finch Jr. Admittedly, this is a batch of mostly good vocalists and fine dressers (with a couple of notable exceptions, like the now-deflated phenomenon known as Charlie Askew), but the male half of season 12 reeks of eager-to-please spinelessness. I wouldn't write off a few of these chaps, though. Not by a long shot.
Let's rank 'em all, worst to first. Be sure to look out for my livid appraisal of Keith Urban's horrible judging. Cheers!
10. Charlie Askew, Genesis' "Mama"
Dear lord. I don't know what's more grating: Charlie's elfin whine or his entitled attitude and crocodile tears. After screeching this Genesis tune with as little attention to pitch as possible, Mr. Askew proceeded to fuel his own breakdown during the judges' critiques.
Let's rank 'em all, worst to first. Be sure to look out for my livid appraisal of Keith Urban's horrible judging. Cheers!
10. Charlie Askew, Genesis' "Mama"
Dear lord. I don't know what's more grating: Charlie's elfin whine or his entitled attitude and crocodile tears. After screeching this Genesis tune with as little attention to pitch as possible, Mr. Askew proceeded to fuel his own breakdown during the judges' critiques.
- 3/7/2013
- by virtel
- The Backlot
The time finally arrived Wednesday for viewers to weigh in on American Idol's top 10 guys – and they were faced with some big decisions. (Caution: spoilers ahead!)
Kicking off the night was the Bruno Mars-esque 18-year-old Elijah Liu, who immediately sought to seduce the show's key voting bloc.
"I love the ladies," he said, making it clear that he's also "single and available."
And his plan worked like a charm: His performance of Rihanna's "Stay" elicited a chorus of high-pitched shrieks from the audience. It also caused the judges to rave about his marketability.
"I can imagine seeing...
Kicking off the night was the Bruno Mars-esque 18-year-old Elijah Liu, who immediately sought to seduce the show's key voting bloc.
"I love the ladies," he said, making it clear that he's also "single and available."
And his plan worked like a charm: His performance of Rihanna's "Stay" elicited a chorus of high-pitched shrieks from the audience. It also caused the judges to rave about his marketability.
"I can imagine seeing...
- 3/7/2013
- by Jamie Bufalino
- People.com - TV Watch
The time finally arrived Wednesday for viewers to weigh in on American Idol's top 10 guys - and they were faced with some big decisions. (Caution: spoilers ahead!) Kicking off the night was the Bruno Mars-esque 18-year-old Elijah Liu, who immediately sought to seduce the show's key voting bloc. "I love the ladies," he said, making it clear that he's also "single and available." And his plan worked like a charm: His performance of Rihanna's "Stay" elicited a chorus of high-pitched shrieks from the audience. It also caused the judges to rave about his marketability. "I can imagine...
- 3/7/2013
- by Jamie Bufalino
- PEOPLE.com
So, after a pretty strong night from the ladies on "American Idol" Tuesday (March 5), we hope you've got some stiff drinks at hand to help you get through this gauntlet of awful.
Sorry, do we sound bitter? It's because we are. Most of these guys have been atrocious so far.
1. Elijah Liu, "Stay," Rihanna
Interesting song choice, but he definitely has the sweet tenor to pull it off. This is actually pretty nice. There are a few bum notes here and there, but he has such a pretty tone. It's not blowing our wig off, but it wasn't bad. We just wish he had done a little more with it. The song didn't really go anywhere. More oomph, more personality would've been good.
Urban is right that the song suited his voice -- it really did. Nicki manages not to be too gross towards this young man, then comments on his marketability,...
Sorry, do we sound bitter? It's because we are. Most of these guys have been atrocious so far.
1. Elijah Liu, "Stay," Rihanna
Interesting song choice, but he definitely has the sweet tenor to pull it off. This is actually pretty nice. There are a few bum notes here and there, but he has such a pretty tone. It's not blowing our wig off, but it wasn't bad. We just wish he had done a little more with it. The song didn't really go anywhere. More oomph, more personality would've been good.
Urban is right that the song suited his voice -- it really did. Nicki manages not to be too gross towards this young man, then comments on his marketability,...
- 3/7/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
The 10 top guys fought for survival on the March 6 episode of ‘American Idol’ — did they fare better than the girls? Read our full recap below.
On the March 6 episode of American Idol, judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson were at times confused and baffled and others amazed and tearing up. Who do You think should make the final 10? Vote below!
The Top 10 Guys Sing To Make the Summer Tour
Elijah Liu – Keith said Rihanna’s “Stay” really suited his voice. Randy said he liked it better than last week. Mariah said he was very confident.
Cortez Shaw – He sang Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out Of Heaven” to mixed reviews. Nicki said, “You enjoyed it. You didn’t seem nervous so that was a good thing.” Randy said it sounded like he was straining but that his dancing with “dope.”
Charlie Askew tried to make his awkward turtles...
On the March 6 episode of American Idol, judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson were at times confused and baffled and others amazed and tearing up. Who do You think should make the final 10? Vote below!
The Top 10 Guys Sing To Make the Summer Tour
Elijah Liu – Keith said Rihanna’s “Stay” really suited his voice. Randy said he liked it better than last week. Mariah said he was very confident.
Cortez Shaw – He sang Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out Of Heaven” to mixed reviews. Nicki said, “You enjoyed it. You didn’t seem nervous so that was a good thing.” Randy said it sounded like he was straining but that his dancing with “dope.”
Charlie Askew tried to make his awkward turtles...
- 3/7/2013
- by Dory Larrabee
- HollywoodLife
A woman is going to win Season 12 of American Idol — even if executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is forced to stage a crossover episode with Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, plant a couple of hungry lionesses down in the SwayBot pit and let the male contestants get picked off in violent, carnivorous fashion.
Tonight’s live Semifinal performance telecast — featuring the Top 10 guys squaring off for (presumably, but probably more than) five spots in the finals — gave us a deeply uncomfortable preview of what’s to come, as emotionally fragile teenager Charlie Askew played the role of the baby impala,...
Tonight’s live Semifinal performance telecast — featuring the Top 10 guys squaring off for (presumably, but probably more than) five spots in the finals — gave us a deeply uncomfortable preview of what’s to come, as emotionally fragile teenager Charlie Askew played the role of the baby impala,...
- 3/7/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
The Top 10 girls of American Idol season 12 threw down the gauntlet last night, and tonight the Top 10 guys will attempt to answer the challenge. And what a big challenge it is.
Can the guys match the girls' talent? Let's find out now...
Elijah Liu starts the night with Rihanna's "Stay." It's a bold move to take on a song currently receiving so much airplay, and one written for a female voice at that. It starts off really nicely, but he's not very dynamic during the performance. He plays it safe and doesn't show much of his range. Keith thought the song suited Elijah's voice and showed control. Nicki loved it and still wants to have Elijah's babies. Randy felt the performance was flat and didn't really go anywhere compared to his performance last week. Mariah thought it was one of his better performances and liked his decision to choose a song with intimate lyrics.
Can the guys match the girls' talent? Let's find out now...
Elijah Liu starts the night with Rihanna's "Stay." It's a bold move to take on a song currently receiving so much airplay, and one written for a female voice at that. It starts off really nicely, but he's not very dynamic during the performance. He plays it safe and doesn't show much of his range. Keith thought the song suited Elijah's voice and showed control. Nicki loved it and still wants to have Elijah's babies. Randy felt the performance was flat and didn't really go anywhere compared to his performance last week. Mariah thought it was one of his better performances and liked his decision to choose a song with intimate lyrics.
- 3/7/2013
- by miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Miranda Wicker)
- TVfanatic
American Idol has been on the air for 12 seasons. From the early days of Kelly Clarkson, the judges continually hounded the contestants on song choice. Simon Cowell (remember him?) would criticize contestants for being "cabaret," "old-fashioned" and, worst of all, "boring." Some of this season's contestants have been watching Idol since they were in elementary school, which makes it all the more inexplicable that they still choose to sing songs like Peggy Lee's "Fever," which is 57 years old.
The show began with the 10 contestants rising from the floor, Hunger Games-style. Five of them will continue, while five of them met their end.
The show began with the 10 contestants rising from the floor, Hunger Games-style. Five of them will continue, while five of them met their end.
- 3/1/2013
- by Steve Helling
- People.com - TV Watch
American Idol has been on the air for 12 seasons. From the early days of Kelly Clarkson, the judges continually hounded the contestants on song choice. Simon Cowell (remember him?) would criticize contestants for being "cabaret," "old-fashioned" and, worst of all, "boring." Some of this season's contestants have been watching Idol since they were in elementary school, which makes it all the more inexplicable that they still choose to sing songs like Peggy Lee's "Fever," which is 57 years old. The show began with the 10 contestants rising from the floor, Hunger Games-style. Five of them will continue, while five of them met their end.
- 3/1/2013
- by Steve Helling
- PEOPLE.com
I hated the way "American Idol" handled Hollywood Week this year, with the pointless gender splitting and subsequent elongation of an already dull slog. But I've liked the Sudden Death approach to the Top 40. Let America actually see some full performances before they get to vote. Yes, it allows the judges to put an additional early imprint on contestants who are favorites due to talent -- Angela Miller, Curtis Finch Jr. etc -- and also contestants who are favorites due to narrative or personality -- Charlie Askew, Zoanette Johnson, etc. But I think it may make the electorate a bit...
- 3/1/2013
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
American Idol's's list of the top 10 women is complete! After the first week of sudden-death rounds, the judges gave their stamp of approval to five more female singers Wednesday night. And they sent five others home. Keep reading to find out who's in and who's out on Idol ... Here are the five contestants who are moving on in the competition: 1. Zoanette Johnson: The Tulsa resident, 20, was the first to be put through by the judges, who showered her with praise for singing a spirited version of "Circle of Life" from The Lion King. Keith Urban declared her "queen of the jungle.
- 2/28/2013
- PEOPLE.com
American Idol's's list of the top 10 women is complete!
After the first week of sudden-death rounds, the judges gave their stamp of approval to five more female singers Wednesday night. And they sent five others home.
Keep reading to find out who's in and who's out on Idol ...
Here are the five contestants who are moving on in the competition:
1. Zoanette Johnson: The Tulsa resident, 20, was the first to be put through by the judges, who showered her with praise for singing a spirited version of "Circle of Life" from The Lion King. Keith Urban declared her "queen of the jungle.
After the first week of sudden-death rounds, the judges gave their stamp of approval to five more female singers Wednesday night. And they sent five others home.
Keep reading to find out who's in and who's out on Idol ...
Here are the five contestants who are moving on in the competition:
1. Zoanette Johnson: The Tulsa resident, 20, was the first to be put through by the judges, who showered her with praise for singing a spirited version of "Circle of Life" from The Lion King. Keith Urban declared her "queen of the jungle.
- 2/28/2013
- People.com - TV Watch
The first round of sudden-death competition in Las Vegas sent five women to the top 20 and five others back to their day jobs (or high school classes). Last night, the men got their turn. After the performances the women delivered (and Idol's obvious and burning desire to crown a female winner), Mariah Carey warned the men that they needed to step up. Over the course of the evening, the first group of 10 men was slashed to five, and Nicki Minaj announced that she wanted marry Chris Watson's vibrato,...
- 2/22/2013
- Rollingstone.com
On Wednesday, 10 women sang for five spots on American Idol's live shows. On Thursday, it was the remaining guys' turn.
The judges have their own euphemisms when they don't like a performance – it's usually easy to read between the lines: If they compliment a singer on his shoes, he won't advance. On Thursday, Nicki Minaj actually told a contestant, "Kudos to you for being really freshly, nicely groomed." They might as well have had a stagehand pull him offstage with an oversized vaudeville hook.
After several weeks of good behavior by the judges, Thursday's episode showed a spark of...
The judges have their own euphemisms when they don't like a performance – it's usually easy to read between the lines: If they compliment a singer on his shoes, he won't advance. On Thursday, Nicki Minaj actually told a contestant, "Kudos to you for being really freshly, nicely groomed." They might as well have had a stagehand pull him offstage with an oversized vaudeville hook.
After several weeks of good behavior by the judges, Thursday's episode showed a spark of...
- 2/22/2013
- by Steve Helling
- People.com - TV Watch
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