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American Idol Has Contingency Plan If Someone Is Not Able
To Perform During the Dolly Parton theme week on American Idol, finalist David Cook suffered from heart palpitations and high blood pressure and had to be rushed to the hospital. However, his health scare occurred later in the show, so it did not interfere with his performance. What would happen if an American Idol contestant was either too sick to perform or suffered some type of family crisis? When American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe was recently asked if there was a contingency plan if someone was not able to perform, he replied, “It’s only ever happened once, and that was in the UK and we gave him a week out.” Even though no finalist has ever not been able to perform on the American version of Idol, there was a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, who was unable to perform. American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe serves as both a judge and a producer on So You Think You Can Dance. When dancer Jessi Peralta suffered chest pains and was rushed to the hospital, Lythgoe informed viewers that she would have to dance for her life in the next round of the competition if she was able to continue. Jessi Peralta recovered from what she revealed to be dehydration and continued in the competition. However, after the dancing for her life round, she was cut from the competition by the So You Think You Can Dance judges. As an extra bonus, you can now read all of our American Idol Cast Bios! Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta/FOX ShareThis Read more... At Reality TV Magazine, our writers are watching, too. And talking. Guessing. And definitely predicting. Here’s what we think will happen this week on some of your favorite shows: Joe, on American Idol: 1. Because it’s Idol Gives Back week, the judges, in the spirit of charity, will take it easy on the finalists this week. Even Simon Cowell will praise it as being one of the best weeks ever on Idol. 2. There will be an unexpected guest star on Idol Gives Back who will have all the media talking the next day. 3. After a couple of less-than-stellar weeks, it will once again be Brooke White and Jason Castro’s time to shine in the competition. Both of them will excel at inspirational song week. Jen, on American Idol: Okay, not to play favorites here, but don’t you think Idol Gives Back/inspirational song week is just made for David Archuleta? This kid is likely to be passionate about this week and will impress once again. I can also see Brooke White and Jason Castro finding themselves in their comfort zones this week. Michael Johns, however, I think might struggle, as he doesn’t seem to really connect with the songs he sings, nor with the audience he sings to. Jen, on Biggest Loser: At last! What Loser fans have been waiting for! A chance to vote for who gets in the final three! All I have to say is Roger had better hope he stays above the yellow line if he wants to stand a chance of making it in. Mark, who’s mellowed a lot after coming back on the show, will fare much better than his Alpha-Loser counterpart. Unfortunately, I think both girls will end up below the yellow line. Who will you vote for? Jen, on Dancing with the Stars: I wonder if Adam Carolla feels like he’s got a target on his back? With Penn and The Gutte gone, there simply is nobody worse than Adam now. What’s keeping him in the game? His humor, one hundred percent. The guy is hilarious and I think viewers want to see him continue just for the laugh breaks. But this week he’ll struggle again (okay, let’s just be honest. Carolla’s not ever going to improve enough to compete against Kristi Yamaguchi), and… ShareThis Read more... However, things now appear to be looking up for David Cook. An American Idol producer and a former finalist have both spoken out in regards to Cook’s health situation, and it turns out things might not have been as serious as some in the media made it out to be. American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe vehemently denied reports that David Cook didn’t feel like giving his performance during the show. Lythgoe explained, “He had heart palpitations and high blood pressure towards the end of the show. He went to Cedars-Sinai, where he saw a private doctor, and he was given some medication to lower his blood pressure, and then returned to the hotel shortly afterwards.” When asked if the pressure of Idol might have overcome David Cook, recently eliminated American Idol finalist Ramiele Malubay replied, “Well, I’m not sure. He had clearly announced that he had high blood pressure, but he was fine. He went to the hospital and he’s fine. And everybody goes about things totally different and we all break down in totally different ways. So I believe that my breakdown was crying every week for everyone leaving. That’s how I handled the pressure, just letting it all out.” Not only is David Cook doing fine after his hospital visit, but it appears that the band Doxology is pleased with the credit he gave them during his sit down with Ryan Seacrest on the top nine performance show. In a statement from Doxology front man Luke McPherson, he said, “Re-imagining the Beatles is always tough. We worked very hard to do it in a fresh and new way. The band and I were thrilled to hear the mention tonight. We have to give a lot of credit to the folks at 19 Entertainment, and American Idol for working with our management; their mutual commitment to fix this issue was great; the support throughout has been amazing. And, most important we gotta give David Cook massive props. We all just wanted the same thing here, and that was simply to ‘right’ the situation from a few weeks back. David did that on Idol tonight and we thank him for that. Now, we’re excited to just move on and continue recording the new album we are working on.” As an extra bonus, you can now read all of our American Idol Cast Bios! Photo Credit: Michael Becker/FOX ShareThis Read more... When Aiken and his executive producer, Jaymes Foster, began searching for music to fill Aiken’s new album, they ran across a song written by OneRepublic’s Ryan “Alias” Tedder. The song, titled On My Way Here, is all about the lessons we learn while growing up and how they shape the adults we become. The lyrics struck a chord with Aiken, who decided this was the perfect way to describe how he’s felt about his life over the past five years as he’s shot into stardom. “I thought if we could find songs along those lines, that deal with my life over the past five years and what I’ve learned from my experiences, it would be a great concept for an album,” Aiken says. “Since I got into this business, I’ve learned so much about myself and about life and the world. I’m nowhere near an expert, but this album has taken on the form of addressing how far I’ve come in those five years and how I feel like I’ve found myself.” Aiken’s fan-base stretches far and wide, as he’s racked up sales of 6-million copies of his three best-selling albums. Aiken’s success even stretches beyond the limits of music, as he’s also hit the New York Times Bestseller list with his Memoir, Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life. Check back with Reality TV Magazine for an official release date of On My Way Here. ShareThis Read more... Just like the finalists eliminated before her, Ramiele Malubay stressed to the media that all the finalists were just one big, happy family. Ramiele explained, “Honestly, we never really thought of it as a competition until like Wednesdays when someone has to go home.” Ramiele added, “It’s really weird, we’d like help each other. We’re a big family, we’re not out to get the other person kicked off or anything, you know? When we help each other we really help each other. It’s genuine and it comes from the heart. We don’t sugarcoat things just for the camera, do you know what I mean?” What role did Ramiele play in the American Idol family? Perhaps, because she was only four feet and eleven inches tall, Ramiele was often treated like the little sister on the show. Ramiele explained, “I mean I’m older than Archuleta and he walks by me all the time and pats me on the head like I’m his little sister.” David Archuleta wasn’t the only one that Ramiele felt treated her like a sister. When asked if there was any thing that she wasn’t going to miss about the show like maybe sharing a bathroom, Ramiele said, “I mean, Syesha and I are like sisters, so the whole sharing the bathroom, we’ve been together since Hollywood Week, so it’s not really a problem. I’m just going to miss everything. I’m not going to not miss anything. I wish I wasn’t leaving, but I’ll still see those four.” ShareThis Read more... However, it turns out that Kristy Lee Cook and Ryan Seacrest weren’t the only ones to try to comfort Ramiele. After the cameras stopped rolling, Ramiele received sympathy backstage from a very surprising source. Simon Cowell might be harsh in his critique of the contestants while the cameras are rolling, but it turns out there is another side to him. In regards to Simon Cowell, Ramiele revealed, “Oh, he likes me, I know he does. He’s a very nice guy. Backstage when I left the show he came and he was like, ‘oh, cry on my shoulder.’ And I was like, ‘oh, okay.’ And he was telling me, ‘It was the song choice; It was the song choice.’ I’m like, ‘Simon, I know it was the song choice.’” Ramiele also added, “Yes, he’s a really nice guy and I really do believe in my heart that he says the things he says, sometimes he overdoes it; it’s TV, but he just wants us to be better. He didn’t just pick us to pick us, he saw something in us, obviously, and he wanted us to do well.” Photo Credit: Reality TV Magazine ShareThis Read more... Even though Ellen DeGeneres might not be co-hosting, almost every other major celebrity on the planet appears to be lined up to appear. Nigel Lythgoe listed Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus and Robin Williams as a couple of the celebrities who would be appearing. Lythgoe said that he specifically didn’t want to talk about what Robin Williams did, because he wanted to keep it as a surprise. In regards to why there were so many celebrity guests, Lythgoe explained, ‘I think it’s important that they are showing that everybody is going to take responsibility in this. It isn’t just about the Idol. This is about everybody coming together to make this work.’ When Lythgoe was asked if he was worried about people getting donor fatigue over all the different fundraising events out there, Lythgoe responded, ‘We should not be the generation that sits back and says, ‘Are you worried about fatigue of people giving money?’ No, I’m bloody well not worried about that. They’re either going to give or they’re not going to give. We’re going to do some marvelous things with the money that they do give, or if we haven’t got the money then we’re not going to be able to do it. But the fact of the matter is, we’re going to bloody well try to do something, not just sit on our asses, saying, ‘Aren’t we lucky we have the number one show in America. Bullocks to that. Let’s get on and do something about it.’ As previously announced, no one will get voted off the show during Idol Gives Back. The American Idol results show will air on the following night after Idol Gives Back. When asked if he considered creating some other type of carrot to get viewers to tune in, Lythgoe responded, ‘Yeah of course we did. For my money, this isn’t about a carrot. I don’t want to cheat the audience here. This is about a wonderful show with incredible talent involved with it, asking you to do something about what’s going on in the world, end of story. After that, carrots are just misleading the audience and stink. If we get less of an audience, then so be it. But I want to keep this as something very special, and that is asking people to make a difference.” Photo Credit: FOX ShareThis Read more... First, Ryan Seacrest called Michael Johns to center stage and told him that he was safe. Next, Seacrest called David Archuleta to center stage and told him that he was in the top eight. Finally, Seacrest called Carly Smithson to center stage and sent her to the safe seats as well. During a call-in segment, a viewer asked Randy Jackson if there was anybody who he hadn’t worked with before. Randy Jackson answered, ‘I’ll tell you what. I would love to do a song with whoever wins American Idol this year. What a concept.’ Another viewer asked Simon Cowell why he felt it was necessary to apologize after giving a negative critique. Simon Cowell answered, ‘Mary, I like you. You’re right. I’m crazy doing it. I will never, ever apologize again, Mary.’ The Clark Brothers, who won The Next Great American Band, performed ‘This Little Light of Mine.’ In the Ford music video, the American Idol finalists performed ‘It’s Tricky.’ After the video, Ryan Seacrest called David Cook to center stage and told him that he was safe. Next, Seacrest called Ramiele Malubay to center stage and told her that she was in the bottom three. Finally, Seacrest called Kristy Lee Cook to center stage and told her that she was also in the bottom three. In a taped segment, American Idol traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to catch up with Bucky Covington, Phil Stacey, and Bo Bice. After the segment, Ryan Seacrest called Syesha Mercado to center stage and told her that she was safe. Next, Seacrest called both Jason Castro and Brooke White to center stage. Seacrest revealed that Brooke White was in the bottom three and Jason Castro was safe. After a segment on Idol Gives Back, Dolly Parton sang ‘Jesus & Gravity.’ Ryan Seacrest asked Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell if they had a prediction on which of the bottom three would be going home. Randy Jackson predicted Ramiele, and Simon Cowell predicted that it wouldn’t be Brooke. After dimming the lights, Ryan Seacrest sent Brooke White to safety. Seacrest announced, ‘After the nationwide vote, Kristy, you are safe for another week. Ramiele leaves us tonight on American Idol.’ Photo Credit: Reality TV Magazine ShareThis Read more... The American Idol judges have praised David Cook over recent weeks for his risk taking song arrangements. However, controversy has brewed on American Idol message boards and blogs as some viewers felt that David Cook didn’t do enough to credit the artists who had originally created the arrangements. Before David Cook performed “Billie Jean,” Ryan Seacrest credited the version being performed to Chris Cornell. However, some viewers didn’t hear Seacrest’s credit, and they took offense at David Cook not pointing it out when the American Idol judges heaped praise on him for his originality. Before David Cook performed “Day Tripper,” he specifically mentioned that he had found a version that Whitesnake had done. However, the biggest controversy swirled around David Cook’s performance of “Eleanor Rigby.” There was no mention on the American Idol show of where the arrangement originated. The band Doxology put out a press release pointing out that it was their arrangement that David Cook used and asking that they be credited on American Idol. On the American Idol top 9 performance show, David Cook subtly addressed the controversy over the arrangements of some his recent songs. In a sit down with Ryan Seacrest, David Cook was asked how he had chosen his arrangements. Cook responded, “I’ve actually been really fortunate. Throughout this whole process, I’ve tried to find arrangements that fit me, and in most cases, I’ve been able to find them online.” David Cook pointed out that the “Eleanor Rigby” arrangement was a combination of a Doxology version and a Neal ZaZa version, that the “Day Tripper” arrangement was by Whitesnake, and that the “Billie Jean” arrangement was by Chris Cornell. For David Cook’s Dolly Parton week performance, he revealed that he was going to do his own arrangement of “Little Sparrow.” The “Little Sparrow” performance as well as Cook’s new haircut won praise from the judges. Photo Credit: Reality TV Magazine ShareThis Read more... To kick off the American Idol top 9 performance show, Ryan Seacrest announced that due to industrial action by the League of American Vocal Coaches that American Idol was pre-empted. Instead, Seacrest revealed that a celebrity edition of The Moment Of Truth starring Simon Cowell would be airing. Of course, it turned out to be an April fool’s joke. The theme of the night was Dolly Parton songs, and Dolly Parton herself appeared to mentor contestants. Brooke White sang “Jolene.” Randy Jackson said, “I don’t know if that was a stellar performance for me.” Paula Abdul said, “Brooke, what’s great about you is that you’re consistent.” Simon Cowell said, “I think what was lacking on that song was any emotion.” David Cook sang his own arrangement of “Little Sparrow.” Randy Jackson said, “Once again another hot, consistent performance.” Paula Abdul said, “It was fantastic.” Simon Cowell said, “If you can make a song about sparrows good, which actually you did, congratulations.” Ramiele Malubay sang “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind.” Randy Jackson said, “I wasn’t jumping up and down, but I wasn’t mad at you either.” Paula Abdul said, “I’m proud of you, Ramiele. I’m very proud of you.” Simon Cowell said, “Look, we’re not going to remember this in ten years time, are we?” Jason Castro sang “Travelin’ Through.” Randy Jackson said, “It was pretty good.” Paula Abdul said, “To me, this was one of your strongest performances.” Simon Cowell said, “This is the point where I lose my season pass to Dollywood, because I didn’t like that at all.” Carly Smithson sang “Here You Come Again.” Randy Jackson said, “I do believe that will probably be one of the better performances of the night.” Paula Abdul said, “Carly, that was glorious, you are such an amazing talent.” Simon Cowell said, “I thought it was good. I didn’t think it was great.” David Archuleta sang “Smokey Mountain Memories.” Randy Jackson said, “I stand corrected, that was the best performance of the night.” Paula Abdul said, “You’re just glorious.” Simon Cowell said, “David, as you know, I had issues with your choice of song last week. This week, absolutely on the money.” Kristy Lee Cook sang “Coat Of Many Colors.” Randy Jackson said, “Country music is definitely your wheelhouse.” Paula Abdul said, “I think this is your best performance, I do.” Simon Cowell said, “I thought last week was your best performance, and I thought this was pleasant, but forgettable.”
American Idol Catches Up With Bucky Covington, Bo Bice,
and Phil Stacey With the American Idol 7 Top 9 finalists performing songs from Dolly Parton, it’s only appropriate that Idol catches up with a few past finalists with Nashville connections. American Idol 4 runner-up Bo Bice, American Idol 5 finalist Bucky Covington, and American Idol 6 finalist Phil Stacey all now live in the Nashville, Tennessee area. On the American Idol results show airing on Wednesday, April 2 from 9 PM to 10 PM EST, the show will take a trip to Tennessee to catch up with Bice, Covington, and Stacey. The taped segment will update viewers on the current projects of these three American Idol alumni. Bo Bice recently released his second album entitled “See The Light” and is currently touring. Bucky Covington is celebrating his second consecutive top 10 hit with “It’s Good To Be Us” from his self-titled debut CD. The video for the song includes an appearance by freestyle motocross champion Cowboy Kenny Bartram. Covington is also currently touring with Dierks Bentley. Phil Stacey recently completed his self-titled debut CD, which is scheduled for an April 29th release on Lyric Street Records. Stacey also made his Grand Ole Opry debut this past weekend. Photo Credit: Lyric Street Records ShareThis Read more... Last week, Chikezie was eliminated from American Idol 7. This week, the remaining top nine American Idol 7 finalists will perform Dolly Parton Songs. The top nine finalists are Brooke White, Carly Smithson, David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay and Syesha Mercado. The Dolly Parton theme week performance show will air on Tuesday, April 1 from 8 PM to 9 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on FOX. Dolly Parton will appear to coach the finalists. For the record, Chikezie has said that he had planned to perform “9 to 5” if he had made it through to Dolly Parton week. The top nine American Idol results show will air on Wednesday, April 2 from 9 PM to 10 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed. Dolly Parton will perform her single “Jesus & Gravity” on the results show. In addition, The Clark Brothers, who won The Next Great American Band, will perform during the results show. Photo Credit: Michael Becker/FOX ShareThis Read more... During American Idol 6, Chikezie made it all the way to Hollywood, but he failed to make the top twenty-four semifinalists. After being so close but not quite making it, many singers might have been tempted to give it up. However, Chikezie was determined to make it back and do better. During a recent media call, Chikezie explained the difference between the Chikezie who auditioned this year and the Chikezie who had auditioned in previous years. Chikezie explained, “The biggest difference probably is realizing that yes, I can sing, but what else. That was probably what hit me the hardest last year and the previous years that I had auditioned was okay, what’s wrong? Why aren’t I getting anywhere? Why don’t these people get what I’m trying to do and I came to the realization okay, I came to this competition thinking okay, all you’ve got to do is sing. Then you realize, hold on, that’s what everyone else is doing. So you sing, what else can you do? You know, can you perform? Can you work a stage? Can you entertain basically and that’s the realization that I had to come to, to basically step myself up and get to where I got.” It was after last year’s Hollywood that Chikezie realized that he was ready to become a different person. Chikezie explained, “Basically going to Hollywood last year and getting all the way to the very end of Hollywood, only to get sent home. That was probably what told me like okay, there’s something missing. I know there is. So what is it? And I just went home and studied, studied, studied. I studied music styles. I studied artists and I would videotape myself performing and look over it and say, what’s missing. Why aren’t people connecting? Why aren’t I connecting, you know?” Chikezie also added, “Well last year when I had gotten sent home and everything, I went home and as I said before I worked and I worked and I worked and I worked. And all I expected to get out of it was to get to the next step and get to the top twenty four is all I expected to get out of it. So when I got there I was like oh, wow, this is awesome. And it was so much easier. Not to say that it’s the easiest thing in the world. ShareThis Read more... Joe, on American Idol: 1. Kristy Lee Cook will defy the odds and survive another week. After all it is Dolly Parton week, and country music is her strong point. 2. After Jason Castro’s close call last week, he will not take any chances this week. He will play the Sanjaya card and introduce the world to the dread-hawk. 3. Once again, someone named David will have the best performance of the week. Jen, on American Idol: Dolly Parton week?! Is this an April Fool’s joke?! Kristy Lee Cook must be doin’ a happy stomp in her cowboy boots right now. I’ll certainly be curious to see how the guys tackle this one (especially Michael Johns…doesn’t exactly strike me as the Dolly Parton type, you know?), but think it won’t matter. Kristy Lee will take the coveted “best performance of the night” title with her perky blond locks tied behind her back. Oh, and someone will sing 9 to 5. Jen, on Dancing with the Stars: This week the less-committed dancers will begin to get tired from the stringent rehearsal requirements of being on the show. Adam Carolla and The Gutte will wage a close battle for last place, while Kristi Yamaguchi will astound and amaze (and the judges will pretend to be shocked because, after all…she’s…never…done this before…right…?!). Jen, on The Bachelor: Expect lots of drama this week (and every week, as long as Shayne’s still around) and expect the claws to come out. I predict that Matt will send Shayne home this week, but will keep around Marshana. And at least once, he will say something that reminds me of Austin Powers (Yeah, baby!). Jen, on Biggest Loser: Bob may be the zen trainer on Loser, but he apparently forgot to fill his “Team Pride” in on a little concept called karma. It goes something like this: if you’re smug, mean, and a bully, you get to go home (ahem — DAN!). The girls (what few of them are left nowadays) are going to be glowing in this glory like crazy — and it’ll take their eyes off the prize. They’ll lose their tentative spots as top dogs this week and hand the weigh-in back to the guys. A girl will go home this week. Can’t watch the shows? Catch the recaps right here on Reality TV Magazine. Photo Courtesy: Reality TV Magazine ShareThis Read more... It was one of the biggest mysteries of this season of American Idol. Why did Chikezie Eze become just plain Chikezie? Did he think he had become a big enough star that he could go the Madonna route and become known only by one name? Was there some mysterious secret that Chikezie was trying to hide? It turns out that the reason Chikezie stopped using his last name was pretty simple. During a conference call with reporters Chikezie was asked why he stopped using his full name Chikezie Eze, Chikezie replied, “The last name is actually… I dropped it for that exact reason because it was constantly mispronounced.” The reporter had pronounced Chikezie’s last name as rhyming with “easy,” but in reality Chikezie’s last name does not rhyme with “easy.” When asked if he had any regrets about ditching the last name, Chikezie said, “Basically no regrets.” Now, here’s some additional Chikezie name trivia that makes Chikezie’s explanation of why he dropped his last name all the more unusual. It turns out that Chikezie’s first name doesn’t really rhyme with “easy” either, even though that is the way it has usually been pronounced on American Idol. Before one of his American Idol performances, Chikezie talked about the original pronunciation of his first name. Chikezie said that his first name meant “something well created by God” in the Nigerian dialect of Igbo. Chikezie also talked about how all his teachers were constantly mispronouncing his name, so he just kind of let it go and it stuck with him. Chikezie said, “I decided that it would just be easier this way.” So if Chikezie dropped his last name because it was constantly mispronounced, and his first name is also being mispronounced, then why doesn’t he drop his first name as well? Maybe, Chikezie should take the Prince route and change his name to an unpronounceable symbol. At least that way, no one would be able to mispronounce his name. Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta/FOX ShareThis Read more... ExxonMobil and News Corporation are once again returning as lead corporate sponsors for Idol Gives Back. Both companies will be donating to this American Idol special that helps raise money for charities. Charities benefiting from the program include Children’s Defense Fund, The Children’s Health Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More and Save the Children’s U.S. Programs. Last year, Idol Gives Back raised over $76 million for charity and received a Governor’s Award Emmy. This year, numerous celebrities have signed on to appear on Idol Gives Back. Celebrities include Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Mariah Carey, Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart, Gloria Estefan, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia and Amy Adams. Idol Gives Back is also looking for more corporate sponsors to make donations in support of the charities benefiting from the program. The donations will help children in both the United States and around the world. Idol Gives Back airs on Wednesday, April 9 from 7:30 PM to 10 PM ET/PT on FOX. Photo Credit: FOX ShareThis Read more... After Ryan Seacrest told Chikezie that his American Idol dream had ended, Chikezie handled it with grace and was all smiles. In a media call the day after his elimination, Chikezie revealed, “I knew I’d be in the bottom three. I knew I was going home and that was okay with me.” Chikezie explained, “Because I had followed my heart throughout the entire competition and I knew that eventually I’d have to go home at some point. So I was fine that it was at some point where I’d still be able to come back and do the tour.” Chikezie was also relieved that none of his fellow finalists were eliminated instead of him. Chikezie said, “Last night, I was glad that none of the other guys had to go home. Honestly it was because that’s probably the hardest part of the show – saying good-bye to your friends. I mean things couldn’t have gone better. I didn’t have to say good-bye to anybody and in all honesty, no one had to say good-bye to me because they’ll be seeing me again at tour.” In regards to the way the American Idol judges criticized his last performance, Chikezie said, “I didn’t care. I didn’t care honestly. I already knew that Simon wasn’t going to feel it no matter what. I knew that when I picked the song that Simon was not going to like it. So I came in knowing that and I did a song anyway you know. I just had to do what I felt was right and that I felt represented me. So it didn’t make a difference.” As far as what type of music he plans to pursue in the future, Chikezie said, “Basically, I love the idea of fusion. I love the idea of bringing together several different styles to make something – make something new – make something fresh – make something people have never heard before. I really respect artists like Gnarles Barkley who are willing to take risks with music and end up coming out on top because they believe in what they’re doing and they’re dedicated to it.” ShareThis Read more... After Chikezie’s first performance as an American Idol 7 semifinalist, there are not many who would have predicted that he would have had a shot at making the top twelve. Chikezie sang “I Love You More Today Than Yesterday,” and Simon Cowell said, “I absolutely hated the whole performance.” Chikezie also fired back at Cowell in such a way that he came across as rude. However, by the second week of the semifinalists round, a brand new Chikezie had emerged. Chikezie sang “I Believe,” and even Simon Cowell declared, “It was a million times better than last week.” Chikezie didn’t stop there. During his first finalist round performance, Chikezie delivered with “She’s A Woman.” The performance was one of the most thoroughly entertaining performances of the competition to date. Simon Cowell even exclaimed, “I thought you were terrific.” Ryan Seacrest got so excited that he jumped around the stage and grabbed Chikezie’s head. In addition to his performances improving, Chikezie also became more likable to viewers. When talking about his emotions when making the top twelve, Chikezie displayed humbleness and humility while praising Danny Noriega, who was eliminated. Chikezie’s enthusiasm during and after his performances, also helped get the crowd behind him. Even though Chikezie didn’t win Simon Cowell’s praises for his second finalist performance of “I’ve Just Seen A Face,” the performance showed that Chikezie had emerged as a true entertainer. Chikezie had gone from the longshot at making the top twelve to the performer who everyone wanted to see what he was going to do next. During his third and unfortunately last finalist performance, Chikezie sang “If Only For One Night.” The performance earned mix reviews from the judges. Simon Cowell complimented Chikezie on singing it well, but called his performance, “Cheesey.” While Chikezie might be out of the running for the American Idol 7 crown, there is no one who grew more as a singer during American Idol 7. American Idol tour producers should be happy that Chikezie has made the top ten and qualified for the tour, because Chikezie is one of the most entertaining performers out of all of the finalists. Photo Credit: Ray Mickshaw/FOX ShareThis Read more... Add two more American Idol alumni to the list of celebrities appearing on Idol Gives Back. American Idol winner Carrie Underwood and American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry had already been announced as taking part in the musical celebration. Now, American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin and American Idol winner Fantasia have also been added to the appearance list. Idol Gives Back will also feature several non-Idol celebrities. The latest new list of celebrities who have now agreed to appear includes Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, and Amy Adams. These celebrities join previously announced Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart and Gloria Estefan. Idol Gives Back tickets are currently on sale to the general public. The event will be taped on Sunday, April 6 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Idol Gives Back airs on Wednesday, April 9 from 7:30 PM to 10 PM ET/PT on FOX. Photo Credit: FOX ShareThis Read more... The final two celebs, Piers Morgan and Trace Adkins, battle it out tonight with a charity auction and concert event, aimed at raising big dough for charity. The auction is filled with star-studded unique items, including a $10,000 Madison Avenue shopping spree with Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka. Just as the auctioneer gets the bidding started for the shop-til-you-drop-a-thon with Miss Trump, Piers receives a phone call from none other than American Idol’s (and Piers’ fellow Britain’s Got Talent) judge Simon Cowell. After everyone gets a few “boo’s” in for fun, Piers gets down to the business of squeezing some pounds…er, dollars out of Simon. “I need you to deliver a win for Britain,” Piers says. Simon makes it clear that he’s doing this for the charity, not for Piers personally, and then engages in a bidding war with a gentleman at the auction. Shopping trip with Ivanka Trump…Sold, to Simon Cowell, for $100,000! We’ll be looking out for the new Madison Avenue-bought bling on the next AI, Simon!
American Idol’s David Archuleta Swears “You’re
the Voice” Was His Choice! During this week’s performance, Simon Cowell made a comment that he’d “be surprised” to find that Archuleta’s song choice of John Farnham’s “You’re the Voice” was chosen by the young Idol singer himself. The comment was clearly a nod to recent rumors that Archuleta’s father, Jeff, is an ultra-tough “stage dad,” who rules his son with an iron fist. Rumors contend that Jeff was a tyrant when David was a contestant on Star Search — so much so that he was eventually banned from the lot. And, according to Star Search “sources,” the elder Archuleta even harassed his son’s Star Search rival, Tiffany Evans (who eventually went on for the win over David). But regardless of what people might be surmising, David insists that “You’re the Voice” is one of his “favorite songs,” and he’s “confused” why there’s any speculation that he might not have chosen the song himself. American Idol airs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on FOX. Photo Courtesy: Reality TV Magazine ShareThis Read more... But over the last few weeks (ever since Simon made the “gloomy” remark about David’s performance of Another Day in Paradise, has anyone else noticed?), David has been missing lyrics, making poor song choices, and generally underwhelming the judges, and another David has been honing in on Archuleta’s turf — rocker David Cook. In a recent interview, Idol judge Simon Cowell admitted that Cook has been singing in a league of his own. Cook, who has been unafraid to take risks by singing daring song arrangements that best suit his style, has been mesmerizing audiences as he just seems to get better and better every week. Cowell asserts that Cook’s latest performance of Billie Jean (which had Randy raving, Paula stuck in a standing position, and Cowell calling “awesome”) was so far better than the rest of the competitors it made some of their performances, in Cowell’s words, “seem ridiculous.” Cowell also reveals that he’s been a bit relieved to see David Cook’s performances improve, as he was worried that this season would be a “coronation for David Archuleta,” with the only real competition being for second place behind him. With Cook’s recent successes, Cowell surmises, he could take the win yet. American Idol airs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on FOX. Photo Courtesy: Reality TV Magazine ShareThis Read more... During the third American Idol results show, the top ten finalists opened the show with a group song. In a taped segment, the American Idol finalists explained how they did their recordings for iTunes. After highlights from the American Idol top ten performance show, Ryan Seacrest pointed out three stools on stage for the bottom three. First, Seacrest called Chikezie to center stage and told him that he was in the bottom three. Next, Seacrest called Brooke White to center stage and told her that she was safe. Finally, Seacrest called Carly Smithson to center stage and asked her about the news stories that said she was pregnant. Carly said that she was not pregnant, and Seacrest told Carly that she was safe. For the Ford music video, the finalists performed “I Want You To Want Me.” First, Seacrest called David Archuleta to center stage and told him that he was safe. Next, Seacrest called David Cook to center stage and told him that Chris Cornell loved his performance of Cornell’s version of “Billie Jean.” Seacrest also revealed that David Cook was safe. Next, Seacrest called Syesha Mercado to center stage and told her that she was in the bottom three. Finally, Seacrest called Michael Johns to center stage and congratulated him on being safe. An American Idol viewer call-in question, a viewer asked Chikezie if he was single, and Chikezie responded that he was very single. Another viewer questioned David Archuleta why he chose the song he did for the performance show, David said it was one of his favorites and confirmed that he picked it. Another viewer asked Simon Cowell how she could take Ryan Seacrest’s job, and Cowell replied, “The good news is you don’t need a lot of talent.” Another viewer asked Simon Cowell if he considered himself the most attractive person of the show, and Cowell replied, “It’s not what I say, it’s what other people say.” ShareThis Read more... Even though the American Idol results show always crushes
the dreams of one Idol hopeful, there is a silver lining.
With an entire hour to fill for the results, American Idol
producers have taken to bringing back former American Idol
finalists to perform. Last week, Kellie Pickler returned to perform her hit single “Red
High Heels.” This week, American Idol 2 finalist Kimberley
Locke returns to perform her new single “Fall.” After
finishing third on American Idol 2, Kimberly Locke signed
with Curb Records. Her debut album was called “One
Love,” and it contained the number one Billboard Single
Sales hit “8th World Wonder.” In all, Locke has had seven top 10 Adult contemporary hits.
Locke’s newest album is called “Based On A True
Story.” In addition to pursuing her musical career,
Locke has also been very active with a number of charities.
Locke has helped support the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS
Foundation, YouthAIDS, Camp Heartland, the Human Rights Campaign,
Help Is On The Way (AIDS), GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance
Against Defamation), Leeza’s Place (Alzheimer’s)
and What A Pair/Revlon/UCLA (Breast Cancer). The American Idol top ten results show will air on Wednesday, March 26 from 9 PM to 10 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on FOX. Photo Credit: FOX ShareThis Read more... For the American Idol top ten performance show, the theme was songs from the year that the finalists were born. Of course, this theme meant cute baby pictures of the finalists in the background intro segments. After the disaster that was the second Beatles night, several of the finalists rebounded this week. Michael Johns and Kristy Lee Cook gave their best performances of the season so far, but David Cook ultimately stole the show. Ramiele Malubay was born on September 6, 1987. Ramiele sang Heart’s “Alone.” Randy Jackson said, “It wasn’t the right song choice for you for me.” Paula Abdul said, “You’re really sick. I know that. So, I’m hoping that you stay through and keep going, because you’re a very big talent in a little small package.” Simon Cowell said, “I didn’t think it was as bad as Randy said.” Jason Castro was born on March 25, 1987. Jason sang Sting’s “Fragile.” Randy Jackson said, “That was a very good choice of song.” Paula Abdul said, “I think you’re staying true to who you are.” Simon Cowell said, “I think you’ve had two bad weeks, and I think it’s time that you start taking this a little bit more seriously.” Syesha Mercado was born on January 2, 1987. Syesha sang “If I Were Your Woman.” Randy Jackson said, “I think this is the best I’ve ever heard you sing, including when you auditioned.” Paula Abdul said, “This is going to be the moment that everyone remembers, where Syesha flipped it and became the dark horse, who’s going to sail on through.” Simon Cowell said, “It was definitely the best so far, but we’re only three in.” Chikezie was born on September 11, 1985. Chikezie sang “If Only For One Night.” Randy Jackson said, “I didn’t love it for you.” Paula Abdul said, “I think that you did a great job.” Simon Cowell said, “I think that you sang it well. Having said that, I thought the performance actually was very cheesy.” Brooke White was born on June 2, 1983. Brooke sang The Police’s “Every Breath You Take.” Randy Jackson said, “It was just ok for me.” Paula Abdul said, “I enjoyed this performance so much more than last week’s.” Simon Cowell said, “If you had just stayed you on the piano, that actually would have sounded much more cool.” ShareThis Read more... After two solid weeks of The Beatles (one good and one bad), the American Idol finalists are finally moving on to a new theme. The Beatles theme resulted in two controversial eliminations as David Hernandez was sent home the first week and Amanda Overmyer was sent home the second week. The remaining American Idol finalists are Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Chikezie, David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay and Syesha Mercado. These top 10 finalists will perform songs from the year that they were born. The American Idol top 10 finalists performance show will air on Tuesday, March 25 from 8 PM to 9:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on FOX. Reality TV Magazine is your source for American Idol news. For other great American Idol news, please feel free to check out SirLinksALot: American Idol. Photo Credit: FOX ShareThis Read more... During American Idol 6, the show held a competition for songwriters. Over 25,000 songwriters submitted songs online during American Idol 6, and twenty finalists were chosen. Over two million people voted online and helped to select the winning song of “This Is My Now.” “This Is My Now” was written by Jeff Peabody and Scott Krippayne. Jordin Sparks performed the song during the Idol finale, and the song was included on her self-titled, debut album. For American Idol 7, the show is once again holding a songwriting competition. The online submission process is already underway, but songwriters only have until March 31, 2008 to submit their songs. There is a $10 entry fee for songwriters to submit their songs. After the submission phase has closed, Simon Fuller and his 19 Entertainment A&R staff will select the top twenty finalists. On April 10, 2008, the online voting phase will begin. The winning song will be performed on the American Idol 7 finale. “American Idol has been a vehicle for discovering so many great new artists over the years, and with the return of the American Idol Songwriting Competition, we continue our search for the best undiscovered talent in the world,” said American Idol creator Simon Fuller. Full details, rules and restrictions for the American Idol songwriter competition are online at www.americanidol.com. Photo Credit: FOX ShareThis Read more... Phil Stacey will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, March 29. Phil will be performing his first single, “If You Didn’t Love Me.” The single entered into Billboard’s Top 35 this week. Phil will also premiere some material from his new self titled CD, which is due to be released on April 29. Phil Stacey’s debut CD is being released by Disney’s Lyric Street Records. The same record label that is home to fellow American Idol Josh Gracin and Bucky Covington. Phil Stacey’s CD is being produced by Wayne Kirkpatrick. The CD will contain eleven songs, written by some of Nashville’s best songwriters. Photo Credit: FOX ShareThis Read more... In a recent exclusive interview with Reality TV Magazine, Lewis admitted that he’s been watching the current season of American Idol, but insists that he doesn’t play favorites. I have some people that I like. It’s hard for me to choose ‘a favorite.’ I’m a real song guy. So if somebody’s voice is great, for me it’s all about what kind of music are they going to do when it’s all over? I really like Brooke White’s voice a lot. I like Michael Johns’ voice. I like little David [Archuleta]. He’s a nice little guy. I think David has a really good shot.” But Lewis thinks “we’re going to see some upsets” this season, as he senses a possibility that Ramiele Malubay will be sticking around for a long time much the way season 3’s Jasmine Trias did, by appealing to a strong Asian voting demographic, despite being up against singers with much stronger voices. “The end of the Idol is just like a political primary,” claims Lewis. “It’s all about what demographic are you drawing from? How many babies can you kiss and how many times can you thank God in public?” Regardless of who wins, one thing you can bank on is that “JPL” is watching. And he has some advice for the season 7 contestants: “Start putting music together now,” says Lewis, whose CD will be released on June 3rd. “Get ready to release your record and work really hard. And just be prepared to have some fun.” Jon Peter Lewis’ single, Break the Silence, became available online on March 18th (catch the music video on Jon’s myspace page!). Watch for his new CD, as yet untitled, slated to be in stores June 3rd. Hey, young Idol-wannabes! Jon Peter Lewis will be working at Idol Camp again this year! Check out the details here! Catch American Idol on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM (ET) on FOX. Photo Courtesy: FOX ShareThis Read more... Last week, officials announced that Ace Young (season 5) and Bo Bice (season 4) will be on hand to mentor and perform for the campers this year, alongside JPL. And there will be more big names to come (last year, campers were treated to a concert performance and instruction by R&B superstar, Macy Gray!). Both Jon Peter Lewis and Ace Young participated in Idol Camp last year. There will be five 2-week summer sessions of Idol Camp 2008 to choose from, each session accepting 150 campers, ages 10 - 15. Session dates are June 15- June 28, June 29 - July 12, July 13 - July 26, July 27 - August 9, August 10 - August 23. The cost for a two-week session is $2,995. Interested campers will NOT have to audition in order to attend camp. The final application deadline is April 18th. Interested campers can apply online at IdolCamp.com. Use the promotion code: idolfan1 to waive the $35 registration fee.
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