Most of you remember last week's Idol results show when Fantasia busted onto stage like a whirlwind, leaving the cameras no choice but to show Simon's jaw-dropping reaction. Yesterday, the Idol judge explained his shocked expression on Ellen. And in reference to whether or not he thinks Fantasia will ever speak to him again after the incident, his response was in true Simon fashion — jerky! — Gina DiNunno
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What a night! Besides the cheesetastic boxing intro Fox dreamed up (yes, because David Archuleta looked really tough with his fists up), the two finalists gave it their all — and then some! The consensus amongst the judges (besides Paula and her rose-colored glasses) was that David A. nailed it last night. They were obsessed with his performance of Elton's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." Now it's up to America to make the call! — Gina DiNunno
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George Michael by Nathan Shanahan/WireImage.com
Who is "the biggest star in the world right now"? Earlier this week, American Idol exec producer Nigel Lythgoe teased a truly stellar surprise performer for Wednesday night's results show. To those of you who guessed it would be Michael Jackson... well, you may be at least half right. TV Guide hears that George Michael, a chum of both Lythgoe and Simon Cowell, will be on hand for the Season 7 wrap-up, in part to promote his new greatest hits album.But is the former Wham! front man the Big Name we've been hearing about? TMZ is now reporting that "the biggest star in the world" may actually be referring to Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr., who through some computer wizardry and alongside Jack Black and Ben Stiller will sing back-up for a vintage clip of Glady Knight's "Midnight Train to Georgia." Um, OK.Whatever transpires on finale night, you are invited to join Idol blogger Erin here at TVGuidecom, as she live blogs the entire two-hour spectacular! More Idol news and views:• POL...
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One more day until the big two-hour Idol finale extravaganza! Clearly, the judges were all about Archie on Tuesday night, and if I'm being honest, he did "win" the night (voice wise). However, I am still a huge Cook fan, and think he deserves the title for having been such a great performer throughout the entire season. But, the fans will determine the fate of the Davids on Wednesday's big show. Either way, these two have quite the careers ahead of them. Yesterday, we discussed Archie's best and worst performances. Now, it's Cook's turn. BEST"Billy Jean:" Even though the arrangement was borrowed from Chris Cornell, David C. knocked this song outta the park. It was so soulful, dark, cool and so un-pop-like. It was stuck in my head for days afterward.Watch video."Always Be My Baby:" How do you make an old-school pop Mariah Carey song sound cool and rock-like? Turn it into a slow, sensual love song. Nice job, David C… It's no wonder the ladies love rock stars! Watch video."Hello:"...
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David Cook by Frank Micelotta /Fox
Flying in the face of reports that circulated on Monday, David Cook's cancer-battling brother, Adam, will be in the American Idol audience for tonight and Wednesday's shows. Sources tell TV's Extra that Adam flew to California on Monday morning, accompanied by a medic nurse. Due to his illness and the cost involved, Adam has only been able to travel once from Terre Haute, Indiana, to Los Angeles to attend Idol. A fan campaign called "Help Bring Adam Back" was launched last month to raise the $80,000 needed to get Adam to L.A. for the finale, though at this time it is unclear if those efforts played any part in facilitating his Monday trip. — Matt Mitovich
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Before we gather around the tube to watch the battle of the Davids on AI next week, we thought we'd take a trip down memory lane and discuss each contestant's best and worst performances from this season. I know you all love David A. and balk at any mention of a "worst" performance, so let's just say those songs weren't the 17-year-old's brightest moments. David Archuleta's Best"Imagine:" David was at his best with this classic Lennon song, even though he changed some of the words. He sang with emotion and conviction and really impressed not just the judges, but his throngs of fans as well. Watch video."Angels:" Simon considers this one of the greatest pop songs of all times, and thought Archie's performance was brilliant. Archie even played along with the band on the grand piano to make his performance more impressive. Watch video."Long and Winding Road:" Another lovely performance that Randy proclaimed hot and Simon said was fantastic (or one of those buzzwords he uses when he act...
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David Archuleta and David Cook by Michael Becker/Fox
Calling into Ryan Seacrest's radio show, American Idol executive produeer Nigel Lythgoe shed a bit of light on what Davids Archuleta and Cook will sing on Tuesday night in order to cement their fate (one way or the other) in this year's competition.Each finalist will perform three songs: One picked by uberproducer Clive Davis; one selected by viewers from some sort of online "Top 10" list; and one of the singer's own choosing — either a tune they have tackled on Idol before, or something new. (Regarding the latter, Lythgoe revealed that David A. has already opted to give us an encore of "Imagine.")As for Wednesday's results show, Lythgoe teased some Celine-and-Elvis-type videos featuring duets between singers living and not, and appearances by "some young brothers" (Jonas? New Edition?) as well as "the biggest star in the world right now." Awww, I hope Ashlee didn’t have to cut her honeymoon short! — Matt Mitovich, with reporting by Erin FoxRelated:• POLL: Vote f...
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Natasha Bedingfield on American Idol by Ray Mickshaw/Fox
It was almost a throwaway line at Fox's Thursday upfront presentation, but it undoubtedly will be welcome news to most American Idol viewers: One of the first announced changes in place for Season 8 is "predominantly" half-hour results shows, versus hour-long, overstuffed and sometimes painfully bloated build-ups to a simple, "See ya!"Less filler, sounds great!This is but the first tweak in store for the next cycle, in which Fox brass hope to inject new energy, bigger "twists and turns" and better storytelling.What's your take? Will you miss seeing [insert CD-pimping singer not especially relevant to the Idolaudience here] perform on the Wednesday show? — MWM
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Taylor Hicks by Jim Spellman/ WireImage.com
Our favorite gray-haired, funky-dancing, soulful-singing American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will join the Broadway cast of Grease on June 6, reports the AP. You'd think the former Idol, who's been missing in action since losing his deal with J Records after selling a respectable 702K albums, would go after a part like sexy Danny Zuko or troublemaker Kenickie. But, no, this Idol winner wants to be your Teen Angel, and plans to add his trademark soulful sound to his version of "Beauty School Dropout."Hicks joins a growing list of former Idols who have joined Broadway shows, including Fantasia (The Color Purple), Clay Aiken (Spamalot), Tamyra Gray (Rent) and more. Hicks considers his debut "the opportunity of a lifetime," and a great way to season his skills as a performer. And coming up this summer, Hicks will be finishing up his second album where he "had creative freedom and the time to write some of the best music that I've ever writen." And even though he's sans record deal, he add...
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Syesha Mercado courtesy Fox
Wednesday night's Idol was the final one for Syesha Mercado, following a surprising steady improvement over the course of the show. Despite multiple weeks in the bottom three, Syesha outlasted all the other female contestants and stood strong to the final three. Ultimately, though, she hit the end of the road, after a week in which all three judges were down on her selection of "Fever" and lack of range. On Thursday, Mercado spoke to press about her Idol experience, her "Fever" pick, her unexpected longevity and more. Here's what she had to say about:Her Improvement Over the Course of the Show"I consider myself a hard worker. I'm always working, I'm always trying to improve. When I first stepped in to the competition, I was really in a little shell, I was vocal resting and it separated me from everyone else. I don't feel like I was at my full potential, because of the negative mind frame I was in. It was harming my performance. Once I got my mind right again, I felt more comfortable...
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