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It’s hard to believe that it’s been 14 years since Kelly Clarkson was crowned the first ever winner of ‘American Idol’. Now a global superstar, Clarkson marked her career anniversary on Twitter, Sunday, saying she was "forever grateful" to the talent show.

Kelly Clarkson is celebrating 14 years of being an 'American Idol'

"14 yrs ago 2day @AmericanIdol opened a door w/such amazing opportunities & experiences 4 me!" the 34-year-old tweeted on September 4. "I am 4ever grateful & blessed! #heresto14more.”

Continue reading: Kelly Clarkson Celebrates 14 Years Since Winning 'American Idol'

Kelly Clarkson delivered an emotional performance as she returned to the place where it all began for her, as she appeared on ‘American Idol’ during its last ever season.

33 year old Clarkson, who was the first ever winner of ‘American Idol’ when it started in 2002, appeared as a guest judge giving out advice to the Top Ten contestants before getting on stage to sing ‘Piece By Piece’, her recent single.

It proved to be devastatingly effective, as Clarkson visibly started shedding tears during her full-on performance, with fellow judge Jennifer Lopez clearly moved and even bringing a tear to Keith Urban’s eye.

Continue reading: Kelly Clarkson Makes Emotional Return To 'American Idol'

'American Idol''s last original judge Randy Jackson is finally stepping down from the show after an impressive 12 year stint as both a judge and a mentor. While there's been reports in previous years of his ever impending departure, this time it's for good.

Randy Jackson finally leaves 'American Idol'

The former musician and record producer has been a constant fixture of the TV singing competition since 2002, where he worked alongside Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell on the judging panel. As of 2014's Season 13, his role was changed from panel judge to in-house mentor, but now it's finally time to say goodbye. 'After 13 seasons, I felt now was the perfect time to leave American Idol', Randy Jackson announced in a statement to Deadline. 'I'm proud to have been a part of a series that discovered some incredible artists and will go down in history as one of the most successful television shows ever.'

Continue reading: Randy Jackson Finally Says Farewell To 'American Idol' Family

Carrie Underwood announced she was pregnant at the beginning of September but the former American Idol contestant still can't believe she's going to be a mum!

Carrie Underwood explained how she was feeling about her pregnancy on Today.

Read More: Carrie Underwood's Song 'Two Black Cadillacs' To Be Made Into TV Show.

Continue reading: Carrie Underwood Is "Really Excited" But Still Feels "Kind Of Weird" About Pregnancy

Randy Jackson's wife has reportedly filed for divorce. Erika Jackson has filed the paperwork to end their 18 year relationship citing irreconcilable differences.  

Randy Jackson and his wife Erika are reportedly divorcing.

Read More: On The Red Carpet At American Idol Season 13 Finale.

Continue reading: Randy Jacksons Wife Reportedly Files For Divorce After 18 Years Of Marriage

Caleb Johnson won’t be following in the footsteps of previous American Idol winners. Johnson, who was crowned as the season 13 victor this past May, is beginning his post Idol career by doing something that a winner has never done before: releasing their debut record only three months after the show’s conclusion. Usually, the album that an American Idol winner releases doesn’t see the light of day until much longer than Johnson’s three month timeframe. In fact, there hasn’t been a winner’s album that came out before October of the calendar that they won in. So, what makes Johnson the exception?

Caleb Johnson will release his debut album, Testify, in August

Since season 13’s finale, Johnson has been in the studio writing and recording for the album, working with established song writers like Sam Hollander and James Michael. "Usually, they just give (the winners) demo songs. I want this to be an artistic statement on my part,” Johnson told USA Today. On his upcoming album, Testify, out August 12, he has a co-writing credit on over half of the album’s tracks. Meanwhile, Candice Glover, winner of last year’s American Idol, only contributed to one of the songs on her album (ironically, one was even written by season three winner, Fantasia Barrino). Glover’s album, Music Speaks, was originally set to release in July 2013 – that would have made it the first album that broke the mold of Idol album release schedules.

Continue reading: American Idol Winner's Album Out In August, But Will It Succeed?

American Idol judges, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr., will all be returning to the 14th season of American Idol, Fox announced on Monday (23rd June). Ryan Seacrest will also be returning as host and his contract was signed earlier this month. 

Jennifer Lopez at the finale of American Idol season 13.

Lopez was a judge on the show from 2011 to 2012 but returned for the 13th season earlier this year. Urban has been a judge for the past two seasons. Connick Jr. joined the other two judges for the 13th season. All three are confirmed to return for the 14th season of the hit show. 

Continue reading: 'American Idol' "Dream Team" - Lopez, Urban, Connick Jr. & Seacrest - Set To Return For 14th Season

Caleb Johnson has been crowned the winner of American Idol Season 13! The 23-year-old was pitted against 17-year-old Jena Irene but was successful in his efforts on Wednesday (21st May). 

Caleb Johnson won American Idol season 13.

As USA Today reports, this is the third time Johnson auditioned for American Idol but the first time he got past the audition rounds. Yet third time's a charm and Johnson has proven critics wrong by winning the 13th season of American Idol. 

Continue reading: On The Red Carpet At 'American Idol' Season 13 Finale [Pictures]

Things are coming to a head on this week’s episode of American Idol. The finale is next week, so naturally, the contestants are pulling out all the stops at this point. To top it all off, Caleb Johnson, Alex Preston and Jenna Irene also had the added pressure of performing on the show’s 500^th episode. No biggie.

Despite his vocal issues, Caleb Johnson delivered a couple of showstopping performances.

To amp up the nostalgic spirit, the show kicked off with a montage of the greatest moments in Idol history. There was Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aken , the transformation of Clay Aiken, KEITH!, William Hung  Bikini Girl (?) and even a video of Simon Cowell that time he was spot on about Carrie Undewood’s record sales. Ah, the good old days.

Continue reading: American Idol Recap: Anniversary And Homecoming

Last night’s American Idol can be summed up in one word: disappointing. It all started when MK Nobilette kicked things off with a rendition of Perfect by Pink. She had the emotion down, only her performance fell apart when she walked out on stage and she just didn’t recover after that.

Dexter Roberts covering Floriga Georgia Line’s “Cruise” was anything but. Not that he was bad, specifically. He was just there. Which is not what we’ve come to expect from the otherwise perky Dexter.

Dexter Roberts' performance was not one of the highlights.

Continue reading: "American Idol" Recap: The Top 10 Sing, Sort Of.

Last night’s American Idol did not start on a promising note. The theme was Movie Night – something that the judges hoped would bring out the stars in the so-far lackluster Season 13 finalists. Audiences were just about to grab some popcorn and look out for the kind of entertainment only Hollywood wood provide. Fifteen minutes in, it looked like just another lackluster night at Idol. For the first hour or so, all the performers hammed it up on stage, including those, who can usually be counted on to deliver the night’s best performance. Case in point: Majesty Rose, whose song choice – Let It Go from Frozen – fell flat.

Majesty Rose delivered on the vocals, but not on the power.
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It was Caleb Johnson, whose Bond-themed performance was the one that finally kicked things into gear. Skyfall was a great, if surprising choice on his part and, according to popular opinion, the first actual popcorn-worthy performance of the night. It may have been that performance that finally turned the night around. By the end - Malaya Watson's rendition of Dreamgirls' I Am Changing, things were looking much more hopeful for the next episode and for this entire season.

Continue reading: American Idol Mini-Recap: Movie Nigtht Disappoints With No Award-Worthy Performances

This week might be the first American Idol round in a while to see an actual twist – and it’s still just the second round of eliminations. The unfortunate Idol wannabe to end up on the chopping block was Emily Piriz, despite getting almost rave reviews for her performance of Jennifer Lopez’ Let’s Get Loud the night before. The other two contestants to end up in the bottom three were Jena Irene and MK Nobilette, who had to sing for her life for the second week in a row.

Competition was tight, but Emily Piriz ended up going home.

Before going home, Emily sang for her life, choosing Stars by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.

Continue reading: American Idol Results Night: Another One Bites The Dust, As Harry Connick Jr. Dishes Out More Tough Love

Last night, American Idol entered its slightly less interesting stage – with the top 13 contestants selected, it’s time to actually remember the names and watch the dwindling group of people for two more months. Hence, last night’s “This Is Me” theme served as the introduction round.

Much like the name games at teambuilding meetings, it was not interesting as intended and many failed to stick out. Kicking things off with the classic “acoustic guitar and moody spotlight” routine, Dexter Roberts’ rendition of Aw Naw by Chris Young was good… just not memorable enough. Judge Keith Urban felt that Roberts failed to “make the song his own” and with it might cost him in the future. Malaya Watson performed a good cover of Bruno Mars’ Runaway Baby. That was it – good. The performance derailed slightly toward the end, but she still got an A+ out of the goodness of Jennifer Lopez’ heart.

Jennifer Lopez proved herself as the warmest judge again.

Continue reading: American Idol "This Is Me" Night Makes Us Think "This Is Familiar"

Randy Jackson thinks American Idol is regaining its form. Sure, the head mentor of the original TV singing competition has a vested interest in promoting the show regardless of its quality, but he really thinks it’s good again, honest. Jackson admitted in a conference call that by last season, Idol was getting a little bit stale. But it got a revamp and now everything is ok. Right…

Jackson thinks the show got the much needed kick in the rear this season.

“But now it’s Idol 2.0,” he said. “It needed a refresh, and it got it.”

Continue reading: Randy Jackson Thinks "American Idol" Is Out Of The Woods, Ratings Beg To Differ

Mariah Carey described her time on American Idol as "like going to work every day with Satan." Carey appeared on Hot 97, a US radio station, and discussed her feud with Nikki Minaj and how she "hated" working on American Idol.

Mariah Carey "hated" working on American Idol.

Carey featured on American Idol as a judge for one season, which was broadcast earlier this year. Season 15 of the show is set to air in January 2014, but owing to her hatred of working on the show, Carey will not be returning to the judging panel.

Continue reading: Mariah Carey "Hated" Her Time Judging On 'American Idol'

Carrie Underwood, the 30-year-old country star, covers the June issue of Marie Claire wearing a Burberry Prorsum swimsuit with a price tag of $1,195! In the accompanying interview, Underwood opened up about life growing up in Oklahoma and her current home life with hockey pro husband Mike Fisher.

"I'm not a mushy person at all. We were never a huggy family. Or a 'let's talk it out' family. Technically, I have siblings, but they are quite a bit older than me. I was the accident, so I have the only-child syndrome going on," she explained. Underwood, who won American Idol in 2005 and went on to become one of America's biggest country stars, said of her rise to fame, "At the beginning of my career, I used to have panic attacks. People were touching me, screaming - it made me really nervous. In public, I just get nervous. It's a physical reaction, feeling like the walls are closing in.The fans are great. It's not their fault. I don't ever want to come across as ungrateful. But on my end, it is hard for me to process because I am still just me."

As for starting her own family, the singer said she doesn't feel old enough to have children yet, admitting, "I know I am mature. But being responsible for another human?"

Continue reading: Carrie Underwood On Oklahoma Upbringing "I Was The Accident"

The Inquisition has commenced at Fox’s American Idol and Randy Jackson, the only remaining original judge will be the first to go. To be fair, Jackson is leaving on his own accord, or at least the head honchos at Idol are letting him make it seem so. Earlier this week he announced his graceful exit: “Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on ‘American Idol’ I have decided it is time to leave after this season,” he said.

“I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry,” said Jackson, who has been on the show since its inception in 2002. The bets are now being placed on who will be next. It’s no secret that ratings have been lower than ever this season (New York Daily News reports a 25% drop since last season). It’s also a widely known fact that should the changes continue, the judging panel to be the first to go. Nicki Minaj addressed the commotion on Ryan Seacrest’s show this Thursday, saying: “That’s a million-dollar question. I have to say this all the time, but I want people to know it’s genuinely from my heart. I love the people on ‘Idol.’ I genuinely do. If I had to do this all over again, I would have done ‘Idol.’ Because it’s fun, it’s laughs.” In might be, but not for very much longer.

The original judge was the first to go.

Continue reading: American Idol's Overhaul Has Begun With Randy Jackson, But Probably Won't Stop There

Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson are all set to be thrown off the American Idol judging panel in a complete remodelling of the singing competition by FOX. The network has seen viewer ratings over the current season drop to 25% lower than last years overall figures.

This years stats are even further from the wonder years of the Simon Cowell-era, but rather than concede that they are flogging a dead horse FOX are steadfast in their loyalty to the show as they look to compete with NBC's The Voice as well as The X Factor, which is also shown on FOX. The Warp broke the news of the plans to ship out this seasons newly installed panel and although the show is struggling, admitted it is still popular and the network's drastic plan could work in their favour.

Mariah Carey might not be coming back next season

Continue reading: FOX Plans Complete Overhaul Of American Idol Judging Panel

Angie Miller - the favorite to win American Idol since the Hollywood rounds - was sensationally booted out of the competition on Thursday (May 9, 2013). Miller stunned the judges earlier in the competition with a performance of her original song 'You Set Me Free' and even changed her name from 'Angela' to 'Angie' as audiences warmed to her.

However, Miller's run on Idol ended at the top three after her elimination last night. It followed Wednesday night performances  of Elton John's 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word,' Pink's 'Try' and Emile Sande's 'Maybe' after which she was deemed to be the round one winner. Following her shocking elimination, she was often unable to sing the lyrics to her exit song after being overcome with emotion.

Miller's exit paves the way for a final including Candice Glover and Kree Harrison, slightly underwhelming for Idol audiences. Once this year's victor is crowned, the show looks set to undergo a major overhaul with veteran judge Randy Jackson already announcing his exit. According to industry website The Wrap, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban are also set to get their marching orders are a season of poor reviews and worse ratings. 

Continue reading: How On Earth Did Angie Miller Get Eliminated From American Idol?

Randy Jackson has confirmed that he is leaving American Idol, adding credence to reports that he and the three judges, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban have been axed from the show in a dramatic shakeup. In a devastating cull, Idol bosses have decided to start over and reportedly told all four judges they would not be returning next season.

"Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol I have decided it is time to leave after this season," Jackson said in a statement, "I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry," he said. "It's been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures."

An insider told The Wrap on Thursday (May 9, 2013) that Fox plans to start the show from scratch after the current season came in for the worst reviews and ratings of the series so far. The website also reported how executive producer Nigel Lythgoe may not be returning, though Ryan Seacrest will probably stick around.

Continue reading: Randy Jackson Leaves American Idol, Carey, Minaj And Urban To Follow

Boston native Angie Miller is the favorite to win this year's American Idol competition heading into tonight's top three challenge. She faces off against South Carolina's Candice Glover, 23, and Texan Kree Harrison, 22, though it appears to be Miller's time to shine.

On Wednesday (May 8, 2013), each woman will perform three songs - a judge's choice, Jimmy Iovine's pick and their own selection. According to the Boston Herald, judge Mariah Carey has been begging Angie to treat the judges to one of her original hits for weeks, given she lit up the auditions round with her pop ballad 'You Set Me Free.' The song has been viewed nearly 4 million times in YouTube and there is speculation that Miller could release the track should she win the title.

Miller's songwriting ability appears to have given the edge over both Glover and Harrison and she's also a skilled pianist, which would help as an Idol winner. Tonight's episode will also highlight the hometown visits of each contestant, with Miller delighting the crowds in her hometown of Beverly on Saturday (May 4, 2014).

Continue reading: Angie Miller On The Brink Of Winning American Idol

Mariah Carey nor Nicki Minaj stopped for post-show backstage interviews following reports that producers had attempted to reshuffle the judging line-up midway through the current season. According to the Hollywood Reporter, bosses had attempted to force Carey out of the show and replace her with Jennifer Lopez, though the diva caught wind of the plan and got her legal team involved. Meanwhile, producers are apparently also on the hunt for a replacement for Nicki Minaj after she failed to connect with audiences.

Sources have since confirmed the replacement reports to E! online, with it now known that producers attempted to have Lopez return to the judging desk to save ratings. After Wednesday's show, contestant Kree Harrison voiced her support for Mariah though didn't exactly dismiss the idea of Lopez returning. "I would love to meet J.Lo.but I don't wanna see [Mariah] go nowhere because I love her, you know." According to E! online, Harrison was "rushed off to another interview by a publicist" after the subject came up.

The other girls in the competition were also quick to stand by the current judging panel, with Angie Miller admitting that it was "so weird hearing [the reports]. I say forget it!" In response to Ryan Seacrest's announcement that a "big surprise" would take place this week, Amber Holcomb hinted at the possibility of Lopez returning, saying, ""I think somebody's coming back!" she said excitedly. 

Continue reading: Mariah Carey Refuses Backstage 'Idol' Interviews After Replacement Reports

You know you’re in trouble in the ratings when you get beaten out by a repeat – ok, a repeat of a hugely popular show, but a repeat nonetheless; let’s not forget either, you’re supposed to be a hugely popular show too, so what’s going wrong? That’s what American Idol producers must be asking themselves after it was revealed that they’d been trumped last night (April 18, 2013) by a re-show of a Big Bang Theory episode on CBS.

The Fox reality singing contest has been struggling for viewers since it returned for yet another season earlier in the Spring, however it had been improving again in recent weeks, only to have the wind knocked out of it last night when it was revealed that Big Bang Theory had scored bigger adult demographic ratings last night. Let’s not get too down in the mouth about Idol, it still took 11.9 million viewers and a 2.9 rating among adults aged 18-49, but it shouldn’t be being eclipsed by a repeat. That’s what happened, with an 8pm encore of BBT scoring 11.2 million viewers but a 3.0 rating, while a 9pm edition took 10.8 million viewers but a 3.2 rating.

Both of these, it should be noted, are doing much better than NBC’s new drama Hannibal, which suffered a calamitous 18% drop in ratings last night, falling to 3.5 million viewers and a 1.4 rating. Ouch.

Continue reading: Beaten By A Repeat! American Idol Embarrassed By Big Bang Theory In Thursday Ratings

Nicki Minaj has certainly been a fiery judge during the live shows of American Idol, though the Young Money rapper insists she will not follow Keith Urban and perform on the show herself. "I don't know if I want to wear the performer hat on Idol" Minaj told MTV News, "I think kudos to Keith for doing it, but I just don't know if I want to wear that hat there."

Nicki is probably aware that both judging and performing on the show comes across as a little, well, greedy. The singer has become a hit with American Idol viewers for her brutally honest opinions of contestants, though she insists everyone in the live round of the show deserves their place. "All of these kids that are left right now, I don't want to see any one of them go now," she said, "To be completely honest, I feel they could all go out and make an album right now and be successful around the world. And also, they put in work, they put in a lot of work and they deserve to be there. I think that's what makes me happy. The people we have left deserve to be there."

There were high hopes for singer R&B singer Burnell Taylor, though he struggled through Bon Jovi's 'You Give Love A Bad Name' and was subsequently eliminated on Thursday. Nevertheless, Minaj remains hopeful for its future in the music business, "Burnell has a real R&B soulful John Legend voice to me. I could completely see myself doing a song with Burnell," Minaj said.

Continue reading: Nicki Minaj Reluctant To Perform Live On American Idol

In an injury-plagued American Idol, Candice Glover and Kree Harrison impressed the judges despite being injured. Harrison belted out Janis Joplin's Piece of My Heart while remaining static due to a pinched nerve.

“I feel like the show finally started tonight,” Randy Jackson said, not really noticing the contestant’s affliction. “That's how you come out and rock the stage. I love seeing this bluesy side of you. This girl can sing. She's in it to win it!” Keith Urban, though, noticed something was up, and forced Harrison into an explanation. “This is me giving you my all with my pinched nerve. I was hoping you wouldn't be able to tell,” she explained. “I knew something was going on,” said Keith. “10 out of 10 for your professionalism, Kree.” Nicki Minaj was equally impressed: “Girl, you could have had a pinched nerve, got on my nerve, got on several nerves. That was magnificent Miss Lady,” she beamed. “You're stunning. It's so natural. I think your voice was unmatched, I'm just obsessed with you.”

Mariah Carey poses for the paps at American Idol

Continue reading: American Idol Recap: Candice Glover And Kree Harrison Deliver Despite Injury

Simon Fuller, the UK-born media mogul behind the massively successful Pop Idol (which ultimately spawned American Idol and the various international variations of the show), has settled a long-standing battle between himself and his production company and the television network Fox and production company FreemantleMedia over copy-write infringement. Fuller began the lawsuit against the two companies in 2011, claiming that the Fox show failed to honour an agreement that would give the Idol creator credit and a fee for the airing of the X Factor.

Simon Fuller managed to settle the case against Fox and FreeMantleMedia outside of court

The Hollywood Reporter were the first to reveal that the lawsuit has come to an end at last as court papers have now been filed in LA Superior Court dismissing the claim made by Fuller with prejudice, meaning no further legal action will be taken. The terms outlined in the the settlement are to remain confidential with both lawyers for Fuller and Fox declining to comment on the arrangement. The recent dispute follows a previous clash of opinions between Fuller and rival talent show titan Simon Cowell back in 2004 over the similarities between Idol and Cowell's first incarnation of The X Factor on UK screens.

Continue reading: American Idol Boss Simon Fuller Settles Copyright Case Against X Factor

Really, American Idol? Another Motown special? You’d think that with so much experience under their belts, and with world-class talent like Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey on board, the folks behind American Idol would be able to think of something a little more… how you say… challenging? or interesting, even, than yet another Motown-themed evening on American Idol. That’s what viewers were faced with last night though and once again, it is via the medium of Motown that the weekly winners and losers shall be decided.

So who were those winners and losers? Well, Nicki Minaj has already stated, unequivocally, that whoever wins this year’s American Idol, it will not be a male contestant. Hanging on by a thread, then, is Lazaro Arbos. Even the presence of a gaggle of backing singers and brass players couldn’t lift Lazaro’s performance above being mediocre. And as for his joint performance with Burnell Taylor and Davin Velez? Well, that was a disaster and he even admitted that he didn’t know the words to the song. It’s not looking good for Lazaro right now. 

Continue reading: Another Motown Special? Predictable Week For American Idol, Janelle Arthur Saves The Day

Julianne Hough reportedly broke up with Ryan Seacrest because he didn't propose to her.

Although the 38-year-old 'American Idol' host was looking at rings, friends believe he took too long to get around to it, leading Julianne to end the two-year relationship.

A source told Us Weekly magazine: "He just wouldn't propose. [However] Ryan was this close to looking for rings. He did want to marry her. Julianne is the only girl Ryan allowed him to get serious with. He's so upset that it's over."

Continue reading: Julianne Hough Wanted To Get Married

Last night’s episode of American Idol saw the nine remaining finalists take on the Beatles catalogue – with varying success.

In preparation for the night, producer and Idol mentor Jimmy Iovine had this to say to the remaining singers: "If you sing these songs well they will deliver for you," he advised. "If you don't sing them well, the whole world is going to know." And they did. The night was mostly filled with ballads from the band’s catalogue, perhaps because those are usually the wider known Beatles tracks, or maybe they were just the safer choices? That didn’t really save some of the Idol wannabes, though.

Clearly, some of the contestants, like Amber Holocomb and Lazaro Arbos, were not familiar and certainly not comfortable with their songs, which didn’t go unnoticed by the judges or the audience. Their performances of She’s Leaving Home and In My Life, respectively, elicited the worst response from the judges, and Arbos’s rendition was dubbed the worst of the night by Randy Jackson. A performance everyone could rally behind turned out to be Jannelle Arthur’s closing rendition of the fairly obscure I Will, off The White Album – yes, another ballad, but this one was actually interesting to listen to. It was certainly more country than rock'n roll, but oddly enough, not bad.

Continue reading: American Idol Recap: Who Managed To Pull Off The Beatles?

America has spoken. The general public have chosen this year's American Idol Top 10, and there's few surprises in the line-up for season eight of the show. Blessed with good looks and a half-decent voice, Paul Jolley was the first to make it through to the live final on Thursday's show, despite receiving only lukewarm support from Nicki Minaj and her fellow judges. It's difficult to imagine Jolley as a frontrunner for the competition and we predict he'll be packing his bags pretty early.

A shoo-in for the Top 10, Curtis Finch Jr duly made it through after his sensational version of John Legend's 'So High' this week, while fan favorites Devin Velez an Lazaro Abros also made it through comfortably. From the girls, Janelle Arthur made it through, singing Dierks Bentley's Home as her 'victory song.' After a couple of so-so performances in recent weeks, home is probably closer than she thinks. 

Strong vocalist Candice Glover and Angie Miller also made it through, with the former singing Mary J. Blige's 'Goin Down' and establishing herself as the competition's most accomplished R&B singer. Filling out the Top 10 were Kree Harrison, Amber Holcomb and Burnell. 

Continue reading: American Idol Chooses It's Top 10: But Are Any Of Them Good Enough?

No one saw Zoanette Johnson – the huge-haired, larger than life, Liberian-born singer – getting this far in American Idol. She made the National Anthem sound like rallying cry during her initial try-outs, and erratic drum-bashing got people wondering how she made it through.

But now she’s through, she’s making the most of it. "First of all, I love that I have no clue what you’re gonna do. I sometimes wonder if you do, said Keith Urban. Forget the king of the jungle. Kudos to the queen of the jungle!" he continued. Nicki Minaj, who started crying (she always cries) told Zoanette, "You just served it. You're unforgettable. You're a superstar.” And Mariah Carey – so often at odds with Minaj but this time in total concurrence: "It's almost like your spirit is too big to be contained." Fellow top 20 Idol Aubrey Cleland took on Beyoncé’s Sweet Dreams while Breanna Steer sang Jazmine Sullivan's Bust Your Windows. "You had your swag on," Minaj said of Steer’s performance. "You're giving me sexy on a stick right now."

Continue reading: Zoanette Johnson Is “Queen Of The Jungle” On American Idol

The news has broken that we have a DWTS Idol Contestant in the making. TMZ have discovered the identity of four of this year’s Dancing With The Stars contestants and one of them is a former American Idol hopeful. 26 year-old Pickler was a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol and has subsequently gone on to sell over 800,000 copies of her debut album Small Town Girl.

Clearly, Pickler’s career needs a little pick-me up, or maybe she just misses the pressure of a TV reality show contest, because she’s now signed up for the dancing program, according to sources close to the show, in a bid to win the nation’s hearts once more. The information that was leaked to TMZ, ahead of Tuesday’s official announcement (February 26, 2013), also reveals that another country music star, Wynonna Judd, will be taking to the boards, as well. The 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Aly Raisman is also rumoured to be amongst the cast members due to be announced tomorrow. And Sean Lowe, former star of The Bachelor will be there to ruffle a few feathers, too.

Raisman’s odds are looking good, to be honest, given that three Olympic champions have won the show in the past; we reckon they’ve got a little bit of an unfair advantage in terms of the training required to take part in the shows, but there you have it. A spokesperson for the show refused to confirm whether or not those four rumours are definitely true, telling TMZ “We do not comment on casting rumors, but tune in to 'GMA' on Tuesday when we reveal the cast live!” 

Continue reading: DWTS Idol Contestant Revealed: American Idol Loser Kellie Pickler Takes On Dance Challenge

Mount Pleasant's Shubha Vedula was axed from American Idol on Wednesday night (February 20, 2013) after being told she sounded like a cross between Christina Aguilera and the "Gangnam Style guy," by influential judge Nicki Minaj. Vedula - still a student - tried her hand at Lady Gaga's Born This Way, but the results were not good.

"It's a bit comical because you have a beautiful strong voice but it's a mash up between Christina Aguilera and that Gangnam Style guy," Minaj told Vedula, with her publicist later confirming to Michigan's Morning Sun that she will not progress into the female Top 20. "She already knows where she stands in the competition," she said. The 17-year-old had sailed through to the latter stages following her performance of Aguilera's 'Something's Got A Hold On Me' in front of judges Randy Jackson and Keith Urban earlier in the month, though it appears she lacked the star-power required to make it through to the knockout stages.

Vedula remained upbeat on her Facebook page following her exit. "American Idol has been one of the highest moments in my life," she said. "I have no regrets! I have enjoyed it every step of the way! Never have I felt so much love and support from my community."

Continue reading: Was American Idol's Shubha Vedula A Cross Between Aguilera And Psy?

Last week TMZ reported that lawyer James Freeman was planning to file a suit against the makers of American Idol for racist discrimination, after he noticed that all the contestants who had ever been publicly disqualified from the show had been black. Now, Fox News has spoken to another Californian lawyer who has ripped his case to shreds before it has even reached court.

Freeman's case is based on the Californian law that prohibits employers from asking a potential employee about prior arrests, or from discriminating against them on account of their race. "[T]he key words here are 'employer' and 'employee'," Anahita Sedaghatfar explained. "The California Fair Employment and Housing Act[s]... which prohibit racial discrimination in employment, simply do not apply because it will be hard to prove that these individuals were employees." Arguably however, the point of the show is for its contestants to find employment by signing a record deal and becoming a singer full time, which is convincing in layman's terms, but in legal jargon perhaps holds less water.

Sedaghatfar goes on to explain that even if the case were done under 'civil rights statutes', Freeman may have little chance of a win because of protection by the First Amendment. 

Continue reading: "Far-Fetched" American Idol Racist Discrimination Lawsuit "Highly Unlikely" To Be Successful

American Idol is at the centre of a racism lawsuit after it was claimed black contestants were booted from the hit talent show as a direct result of discrimination. TMZ.com obtained a letter filed with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by New York lawyer James H Freeman, which accused the show of deliberately exploiting black contestants to improve ratings.

Entertainment lawyer Freeman requested permission to sue American Idol and Fox on behalf of nine former singing contestants who believe they were forced from the competition because of their race. His clients include Corey Clark, Jaered Andrews, Donnie Williams, Terrell Brittenum, Derrell Brittenum, Thomas Daniels, Akron Watson, Ju'Not Joyner and Chris Golightly. Freeman says he noticed something was awry when Jermaine Jones was kicked off the show in March 2012, with producers claiming he was disqualified because he had not told the show there were outstanding warrants for his arrest. Nine other people had been publically disqualified from the show: all were black. 

Three black contestants have won the show, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino and Jordin Sparks, while prominent judge Randy Jackson is black. Season two contestant Corey Clark sued MTV for $40 million in 2012 for their coverage of his disqualification from the show. 

Continue reading: Were American Idol Contestants Booted Because Of The Color Of Their Skin?

American Idol’s troubles with accusations of racism are far from over. Earlier this week, a letter was obtained by the tabloid TMZ, in which New York attorney James Freeman is asking permission from the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) to sue Idol, as well as Fox on behalf of nine of his clients, all of whom have been disqualified from the show.

The plaintiffs, who are all black, have been disqualified publicly, on the grounds that they didn't notify Idol about their previous convictions and the letter claims that this hasn’t happened to any white or non-black contestants. This of course, constitutes discrimination. Additionally, Freeman is claiming that part of the background checks Idol performs on the contestants are unconstitutional – particularly asking about their criminal history. The nine plaintiffs are Corey Clark and Jaered Andrews (season 2), Donnie Williams (season 3), Terrell Brittenum and Derrell Brittenum (season 5), Thomas Daniels and Akron Watson (season 6), Ju'Not Joyner (season 8) and Chris Golightly (season 9), all of whom have been ousted from the show and are now claiming damages to their reputations and personal lives.

Idol reps have vehemently denied any instances of racism on the show and four former contestants have come forward to defend the show as well. Season six finalist Melinda Doolittle adamantly said: “It is shocking to see such allegations. In my experience on the show, the 'Idol' team strives to champion everyone, regardless of race. However, each contestant is explicitly told that the withholding of information that may compromise the show or artist, can and will result in immediate disqualification.”

Continue reading: American Idol Accused Of Racism By Former Contestants

Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden has spoken publicly about the sacking of her former colleague Kelly Brook from the ITV1 show.

The model and actress was cut from the talent show judging panel after only six days in the job last month.

At the time head judge Simon Cowell said it had become clear that the talent show's format did not "support another judge".

And Holden has said Cowell's statement last month was "absolutely right".

"It was one of those unfortunate things where nobody could foresee that it was game over when there were four judges," she told Radio 1's Newsbeat programme.

"Because of the buzzer situation, four judges on our show doesn't work," she continued. "If we didn't have the buzzers then it would definitely work like it does on American Idol and on X Factor.

"It was a really difficult thing to try and work out, when two people pressed the buzzer and two people didn't, then the person on stage didn't know whether to wait for all the buzzers to go.

"Ant and Dec were confused, we were all confused. In the end, the producers and everybody felt that it was jeopardising the show."

Former Wild at Heart actress Holden added: "It was nothing to do with Kelly Brook. She was thrown completely in at the deep end."

The third series of Britain's Got Talent begins in the spring, with a new batch of aspiring performers aiming to follow in the footsteps of previous champions Paul Potts and George Sampson.

Holden explained she and her fellow judges Cowell and Piers Morgan completed filming on the audition process of the show last Saturday.

"We've picked the last 40 acts for the live shows in May. Let's say we should rename the show Britain's Got Self Belief!" she joked.

As well as claiming a £100,000 prize, the winner gets a chance to perform in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance.

Continue reading: Holden Explains Kelly Brook's Britain's Got Talent Exit

Following a strange appearance on American Idol, Prince has come under fire from Simon Cowell for his performance on the show's season finale on 24th May, 2006. The flying visit annoyed Cowell, as the 'Purple Rain' singer arrived very briefly for two songs, before leaving without saying anything to the audience or contestants.  

Simon Cowell hopes his contestants will not repeat Prince's performace

Ryan Seacrest - the host of American Idol, explained how he wasn't even sure that Prince would arrive on the show, as he only arrived at the Kodak Theatre within a matter of minutes before he was scheduled to go on stage to perform. Prince then left, refusing to greet the audience or talk to any of the contestants. 

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Criticises Prince Over American Idol Performance

Brain May, the legendary guitarist from the equally legendary rock band Queen, has revealed that he may have been used by producers of 'American Idol' in order to undermine the potential of one of the contestants. In an entry on his personal blog on Thursday, May explained how on Tuesday night's show, his encounter with the contestant Ace Young was entirely misrepresented. 

Brian May maintains that his conversation was edited to sound more negative.

As part of the show, a conversation between May and Young was recorded, but according to May, "it was edited in such a way that it looked as if I was purely negative." Furthermore, May suggests that his thoughts and comments were made at a completely different time. As part of the editing process, the section appeared to show the two discussing the new composition of 'We Will Rock You', "after we had played together, which was not the way it happened, making me look like I was against the whole thing."

Continue reading: American Idol Edit Brian May To Undermine Contestant

After a number of 'American Idol' contestants have been involved in tangles with the law recently, world famous judge Simon Cowell has admitted that he, too, is without an untarnished reputation with the law. Cowell's crime, however, was hijacking a bus with a gun. This was, supposedly, just a prank, as he and a friend decided at the age of 12 that they were going to hijack a bus with a "pea gun".

Related: Simon Cowell Claims US X Factor "Will Come Back Again" Despite Cancelation

The music industry heavyweight recounted the story of his childish antics, by saying: "When I was 12 years old, I hijacked a bus with a pea gun. It's a gun that fires peas and they go about six feet. Myself and a friend were going on a bus and we thought it would be a joke to put the gun to the driver's head and say take us to where we were going. He believed us and I remember sitting on the bus thinking, 'God, this guy's really playing along with this well,' because he didn't stop for 20 miles. We got to the other end and there were police cars waiting for us and they threw us in jail."

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Reveals His Hilarious Brush With The Law At The Age Of 12