News

American Idol kicked off Sunday night with its annual promise: to serve as a launching pad for aspiring young musical talent. But some contestants already have a head start with a familiar advantage: the lineage of a famous family.

Season 23 rolled out its first “nepo baby” with Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, who auditioned in front of judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

“There’s something about you that looks familiar,” Underwood said to the 22-year-old Georgia hopeful.

Idol didn’t hide Baylee’s background, it leaned into it: showing footage of dad Brian introducing him onstage and performing, and a photo of Underwood with Backstreet Boys posters on her wall.

Brian Littrell made the case for his son, saying that being the progeny of a famous singer isn’t exactly a perk. Still, it didn’t hurt his chances either, as he earned...

Reality stars like Anna Nicole Smith, Ashley "Minnie" Ross, and Steve Irwin left fans heartbroken when they tragically passed away. Ashley Massaro's struggles before her passing and Corey Haim's battle with addiction make their deaths even more tragic. Nikki McKibbin, Jenni Rivera, Caleb Bankston, Christina Grimmie, and Ben Watkins all had untimely deaths that deeply impacted their fans.

Most reality show fans want to focus on things like MTV's most famous stars, the most celebrated couples, and the most memorable reality stars from the 2000s. Sadly, however, Survivor fans sometimes have to learn about the show's former stars who've passed away after previously being so full of life.

Of course, anytime someone passes away, it is sad. That is especially true when a person takes their final breath far too early in their life. Sadly for reality show fans, the truth is that far too many former...

“American Idol” may be a platform for aspiring unknown singers to showcase their talent outside of their bedrooms, but some contestants may have an advantage over others: being born into famous families.

Season 21 has already shown several so-called “Nepo Babies” — contestants with ties to the entertainment business — competing for the crown, including Kaya Stewart, daughter of Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics (pictured).

“With all your different opportunities and connections and stuff, how did you even land on ‘American Idol?’” Judge Katy Perry asked before her audition.

It’s a fair question, but “nepo babies” competing on “American Idol” is nothing new. In the past, the offspring of parents with varying backgrounds from music, acting, sports, and politics have all found their way in front of the judges.

Actor Jim Carrey’s daughter, Jane, earned a golden ticket in season 11; Aretha Franklin’s granddaughter, Grace, auditioned last season; and Lara Johnston,...

Fair warning: Our Year in Review is about to take a somber turn, as we remember the TV stars that left us in 2020.

In a year defined by heartache and loss, the deaths of so many beloved television personalities hit particularly hard, including the passings of Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire staple Regis Philbin and Seinfeld scene-stealer Jerry Stiller.

More from TVLineAlex Trebek's Last Jeopardy! Episodes Left Producers, Crew 'In Tears'Jeopardy! Shares Heartfelt Holiday Message From Alex Trebek -- WatchJeopardy!: Ken Jennings to Succeed the Late Alex Trebek as First 'Guest Host'

Unexpected losses...

Nikki McKibbin, a finalist on American Idol‘s first season in 2002, died this Sunday in an Arlington, Texas hospital after suffering a brain aneurysm at 42, according to her husband Craig Sadler and son Tristan Langley. “She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us,” Sadler wrote on Facebook. […]

The post Nikki McKibbin, ‘American Idol’ Finalist, Dies At 42 appeared first on uInterview.

In the wake of American Idol singer Nikki McKibbin‘s untimely death on Sunday, her fellow contestants, along with the show’s host and a former judge, have taken to social media to pay tribute.

McKibbin died following complications from a brain aneurysm that occurred Wednesday. According to her husband, Craig Sadler, the singer was kept on life support in order to fulfill her wish of being an organ donor.

More from TVLineNikki McKibbin, American Idol Season 1 Contestant, Dead at 42American Idol: Bobby Bones Returning as In-House Mentor for Season 19American Idol Judges Are All Returning for Season 19 -- But What About.

Texas singer Nikki McKibbin, an American Idol season one finalist, has died. She was 42. Her husband, Craig Sadler, announced on Facebook on Saturday, Oct. 31 that his wife, who also went by Nikki Sadler, had suffered a brain aneurysm on Wednesday, Oct. 28. E! News learned on Sunday morning that Nikki passed away. "Nikki considered her most important roles in life to be wife, mother and grandmother," Craig told E! News in a statement. "Of all the amazing things she did, her devotion to her family soars about the rest. Our lives will never be the same without her." The family is making arrangements for a small, private memorial. "Nikki would...

“American Idol” Season 1 finalist Nikki McKibbin died late Halloween night at age 42. Justin Guarini, who finished No. 2 that season, broke the news on Instagram.

According to Red Eye Radio host, Gary McNamara, McKibbin suffered an aneurysm and had been put on life support.

“I witnessed my friend Nikki (McKibbin) Sadler go from a Karaoke bar to finalist on 1st year of American Idol. She is on life support after suffering an aneurysm. They will end life support tonight. Please pray for her husband Craig and family. I am heartbroken,” he tweeted Saturday evening.

Guarini called McKibbin “a fiery, funny lady who could sing the Hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit. Even in our 20’s when we were on American Idol together I could tell that she’d had a challenging life,...

Nikki McKibbin, who reached the final three on the first season of American Idol, has died at age 42. Her fellow contestant and Season One runner-up Justin Guarini reported the news on Instagram. Her death was attributed to complications from an aneurysm.

McKibbin and Guarini lost to Kelly Clarkson in the first season. Her rendition of Alannah Myles’s song Black Velvet was her most memorable moment. She also performed songs by Alanis Morissette, Bonnie Tyler, Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge.

A native of Grand Prairie, Texas, McKibbin was remembered fondly by Guarini in his Instagram post.

“@realnikkimckibbin was a fiery, funny lady who could sing the Hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit,” he wrote. “Even in our ’20s when we were on American Idol together, I could tell that she’d had a challenging life,...

“American Idol” alum Nikki McKibbin, who reached the final three on the show’s inaugural season in 2002, has died at the age of 42. Season one runner-up Justin Guarini broke the news on his Instagram on Oct. 31.

The Grand Prairie, Texas native famously finished third in the competition behind Guarini and winner Kelly Clarkson on the reality show’s storied first season on Fox. She had reached the finals after impressing judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson with performances of songs by Melissa Etheridge, Alanis Morissette, Bonnie Tyler, Janis Joplin and finally Alannah Myles with her rendition of “Black Velvet.”

According to a tweet by Redeye Radio host Gary McNamara, McKibbon suffered a brain aneurysm and was on life support until the late hours of Oct. 30.

“I witnessed my friend Nikki (McKibbin) Sadler go from a Karaoke bar to finalist on 1st year of American Idol. She is on...

Nikki McKibbin, the second runner-up from American Idol‘s first season, has died, according to a Facebook post by her husband, Craig Sadler. The singer was 42.

“The love of my life Nikki Sadler suffered an aneurysm on Wednesday,” wrote Sadler. “She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us.” (Read his full post here.)

More from TVLineNikki McKibbin, R.I.P.: American Idol's Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul and Justin Guarini Pay Tribute to the Late SingerAmerican Idol: Bobby Bones Returning as In-House Mentor for Season 19American Idol Judges Are All Returning for Season 19 -- But What About.

Nikki McKibbin, a singer best known for placing third during the first season of American Idol, has died. She was 42.

American Idol alum Justin Guarini, who competed alongside McKibbin on the singing competition, paid tribute on Instagram to the singer who he described as a “fiery, funny lady who could sing the Hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit.”

“Even in our 20’s when we were on American Idol together I could tell that she’d had a challenging life, and that ...

Nikki McKibbin, a singer best known for placing third during the first season of American Idol, has died. She was 42.

American Idol alum Justin Guarini, who competed alongside McKibbin on the singing competition, paid tribute on Instagram to the singer who he described as a “fiery, funny lady who could sing the Hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit.”

“Even in our 20’s when we were on American Idol together I could tell that she’d had a challenging life, and that ...

Nearly 14 years have passed since the first season of American Idol. Yup, Kelly Clarkson has been in our lives for over a decade. The fifteenth (and final) season finale airs on Wednesday and Thursday nights, and we're getting nostalgic about it - "it" being the show and the year 2002 in general (a gallon of gas cost $1.61. $1.61!). Here are some of the moments, people, performances and quirks from American Idol Season 1 that we almost forgot about. 1. Calling in to vote.Remember when the only way to vote for our favorite contestants was to pick up the telephone to call? Once again,...

Nearly 14 years have passed since the first season of American Idol. Yup, Kelly Clarkson has been in our lives for over a decade.

The fifteenth (and final) season begins on Wednesday, and we're getting nostalgic about it – "it" being the show and the year 2002 in general (a gallon of gas cost $1.61. $1.61!).

Here are some of the moments, people, performances and quirks from American Idol Season 1 that we almost forgot about.

1. Calling in to vote.

Remember when the only way to vote for our favorite contestants was to pick up the telephone to call? Once again, we are confronted with the...

Nearly 14 years have passed since the first season of American Idol. Yup, Kelly Clarkson has been in our lives for over a decade. The fifteenth (and final) season begins on Wednesday, and we're getting nostalgic about it - "it" being the show and the year 2002 in general (a gallon of gas cost $1.61. $1.61!). Here are some of the moments, people, performances and quirks from American Idol Season 1 that we almost forgot about. 1. Calling in to vote.Remember when the only way to vote for our favorite contestants was to pick up the telephone to call? Once again, we are confronted with...

Elise Testone's debut album, In This Life, hits shelves Tuesday, but the American Idol season 11 singer is giving fans an early treat with the release of her new music video for "I Will Not Break." The clip, directed by David Keller, features Testone and her love interest take a journey on a rowboat under a lush southern backdrop. Video: American Idol Hollywood Week Kicks Off With Nikki McKibbin, Son Tristen Langley Recorded in Charleston, S.C., In This Life--available for pre-order on her website--features appearances by fellow Idol alum Erika Van Pelt and Darius Rucker.  The

read more...

Nikki McKibbin shocked everyone when she appeared on "American Idol" again this season ... showing up with a son who was actually old enough to audition.And they were both happy he didn't have to do it in front of Simon Cowell!"We didn't get along very swimmingly during the show," McKibbin tells toofab's Brian Particelli in a very candid interview via Skype. "The few times I ran into him afterwards were not that amazing either, avoid at all costs!"The "Idol" alum's son, 15-year-old Tristen Langley, made it through to the next round after singing Sublime's "Santeria." His journey continues this week, as the show moves to Hollywood for Wednesday and Thursday night's episodes.While his performance went viral, talk on Twitter also turned to Nikki's appearance and her past with drug abuse. Watch the video above to see what she said about being sober these days. Plus, hear the...

When American Idol's Hollywood Week rounds begin tonight, viewers will get to take another look at two familiar faces: Tristen Langley and his mom, season one alum Nikki McKibbin. Langley made Idol history as the first second-generation hopeful to go to Hollywood after his audition of "Santeria" by Sublime earned the 15-year-old a Golden Ticket. Judge Harry Connick Jr. feared the presence of McKibbin in the audition room would influence the decision, and she said the negativity directed at her child was a bit "heartbreaking." "I think that I was very well prepared for anything that

read more...

If the Atlanta auditions on Thursday night's American Idol are any indication, "Hotlanta" might soon be known as "Totlanta." Kids ruled the roost, with memorable performances from a pair of 15-year-olds and a joyously childlike Ryan Seacrest co-hosting the show with his mother, Connie. Bria Anai, 15, wowed the judges with her voice, singing a stunning rendition of Adele's "One and Only", as well as a mega-watt lipstick that matched her pants. "I love the sparkly on the lips … because you can sing like that," said Jennifer Lopez. "Let me accentuate this mouth so they can focus on the magnificence.

If you're a long-time "American Idol" fan, get ready to feel old. Nikki McKibbin, who finished third behind Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson in Season 1, has a son who wants to audition. "Idol" can't pass up a storyline like that.

On Thursday's (Jan. 16) episode, Tristen Langley and mom Nikki were a featured audition. Video is above, with judge Jennifer Lopez acting like she remembers McKibbin from more than a decade ago. And maybe she does, but we think perhaps there was some prompting on that one.

Anyway, there's some adorable footage of Tristen as a little boy in the audience at "Idol," then he sings "Santeria" by Sublime for his audition. There are some nice moments. He can play the guitar and sing, for sure.

But it wasn't perfect, and Harry Connick Jr. is not afraid to say that: "If mom weren't here and the story weren't here, it wouldn't work for me.

The second night of American Idol featured a few familiar faces and a whole lot of characters.

For the first time, a second-generation Idol hopeful earned a golden ticket: 15-year-old Tristen Langley – the son of season one's rocker girl Nikki McKibbin, who finished third behind Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini – sang a cool version of Sublime's "Santeria" to earn his way to Hollywood.

Langley, who was accompanied into the audition by his mom, is already entrenched in Idol fans' memory banks: At the age of 4, Langley famously presented his mom with a rose after she performed.

Also hoping for another chance was 17-year-old Briana Oakley,...

The second night of American Idol featured a few familiar faces and a whole lot of characters. For the first time, a second-generation Idol hopeful earned a golden ticket: 15-year-old Tristen Langley - the son of season one's rocker girl Nikki McKibbin, who finished third behind Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini - sang a cool version of Sublime's "Santeria" to earn his way to Hollywood. Langley, who was accompanied into the audition by his mom, is already entrenched in Idol fans' memory banks: At the age of 4, Langley famously presented his mom with a rose after she performed. Also hoping...

Get ready to feel reallllllly old -- because one of the Season One "American Idol" contestants has a kid who's old enough to audition for the show now!Nikki McKibbin, who placed third on the Fox show way back in 2002, made a surprise appearance on last night's episode.And she brought her 15-year-old son with her!Fans of the show may actually recognize Tristen. He actually appeared on the show back in the day too, giving his mom a rose after one of her performances when he was only 4.Jennifer Lopez recognized the now-35-year-old -- or at least pretended to -- and ended up giving her son a pass to Hollywood after his performance of Sublime's "Santeria."While Harry Connick Jr. wasn't impressed, saying it "wouldn't work for me" if he had showed up without a semi-famous mother, Keith Urban liked him enough to send him to Hollywood.Since her time on the show,...

It's time for "American Idol" to end, according to former contestant and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson.

While promoting her new movie "The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete," Hudson told Celebuzz that "Everything has its time."

Now in its twelfth season, "American Idol" has seen many judging panel changes and declining ratings. The show that produced chart-toppers and Hollywood successes such as Hudson, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, is now facing stiff competition in the reality singing competition from the likes of "The Voice" and "The X Factor."

However, Hudson -- who will soon appear on "Smash" Season 2 -- isn't ignoring what "American Idol" did for her career and for TV as a whole. "'American Idol' changed the face of television,” she said. “So, not everyone can say that. And, it’s always been a phenomenon. I’m proud to have come from 'American Idol,' so I just say,...

When "American Idol" premiered in 2002, nobody had any idea it would become the juggernaut it is today.With the show's 12th season debuting tonight with Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson, we thought we'd take a look back at the contestants from when it all began ... and see what they've all* been up to since.Over the past 11 years, contestants like Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Nikki McKibbin and Tamyra Gray have given us some amazing music, train wreck reality TV moments and even a movie called "Eating Out" ... seriously.While Kelly has gone on to become the most successful "Idol" alum of all time, what happened to everyone else?Check out the gallery above to see what they look like now ... and what they've been doing since 2002.*All except Christina Christian. We have no clue where she went ... and can't find any recent photos of her anywhere!

Clay Aiken has noticed a shift in "American Idol." Aiken, was the runner up in Season 2 of the Fox singing competition series said the show has shifted its attention in later season.s

While reminiscing with Billboard about his time on the series, Aiken said the first few seasons of "Idol" were "about the contestants."

"Kelly [Clarkson] and Justin [Guarini] and Tamyra [Gray] and Nikki McKibbin, they were all the stars of the show," Aiken said. "And when I was on, Ruben (Studdard) and myself and Kimberly Locke were the stars of the show. Now 'Idol' is about the judges. I don't even know if they remember there are contestants anymore."

Over its 12 years on the air, "American Idol" has seen its judging panel shift. Original judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul have left the series, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi came and went and Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler lasted two seasons.

Clay Aiken has complained that there is now too much focus on the judges on American Idol. The 'Invisible' singer spoke to Billboard about his upcoming tenth anniversary of competing on the Fox reality series, stressing that the show was more focused on music back in 2003. "Idol back in those days was about the contestants," he insisted. "Kelly [Clarkson] and Justin [Guarini] and Tamyra [Gray] and Nikki McKibbin, they were all the stars of the show." Aiken - who finished as a runner-up on the series - continued: "When I was on, Ruben [Studdard] and myself and Kimberley Locke were the stars of the show. Now Idol (more)...

When American Idol first graced our television screens, no one would have known exactly how much of an impact it would make. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon with everyone and their mothers tuning in every week to see the original group of contestants sing, scream, and shriek. It was the season of the original “shocker” elimination (Tamyra Gray) and the season of the original contestant who just wouldn’t go away (Nikki McKibbin). Of course, when Kelly Clarkson was crowned as the winner of American Idol, the country went wild and to this day she remains relevant in the music industry. Over the years, judges left, viewers diminished, and many thought this show was nearing its end, but as it remains at the top of the ratings list, this show is far from over.

It would take a few years for the original UK version of The X Factor...

Say what you want about Ryan Seacrest, but dude has impeccable timing. For a brief moment during American Idol‘s Season 11 Top 4 performance telecast, I feared the hardest-working host on TV was about to propose to girlfriend Julianne Hough (and merge the powerful Idol and DWTS royal houses in the process).

But nope, Seacrest was just kidding around — and simultaneously promoting Hough’s new movie, Rock of Ages (so no hard feelings, okay?).

I, for one, was relieved. Not only would popping the question during Idol have been tackier than a Randy Jackson accessory — honestly, dawg has to stop trying...

There’s this weird part of the week — from Friday morning till Monday evening — when not a single major TV network airs a reality singing competition. It’s terrible, I know, but it also gives me a lot of time to ponder American Idol history. (Everyone does this in their free time, yes?) And my latest flight of Idol fancy got me mulling this question: Was Season 11′s Top 10 the strongest — top to bottom — in show history? Let’s examine:

For starters, I’d automatically rule out the five seasons with three or more Top 10 contestants who probably wouldn’t have outlasted Season 11′s No.

The inaugural live performance episode of NBC’s The Voice was like a mashup of Adam Levine’s magnetism, Cee Lo Green’s missing shades, Christina Aguilera’s cleavage, Blake Shelton’s ad-libs, and Carson Daly’s personality. Which is to say the two-hour telecast was alternately hot, confusing, ridiculous, adorable, and vague.

Indeed, while I was most certainly entertained by the show that describes itself as “the world’s most exciting singing competition,” I’m also left scratching my head about its basic skeleton. Over the last six weeks, The Voice has winnowed its field down to 16 contestants — four...

Baby lock them doors and turn the lights down low, because tonight the tenth insane season of "American Idol" is coming to a close.

It’s a cycle that brought us singing cleaning ladies, a scatting jazz freak, a galloping Nashville indie heartthrob, a growling sex kitten piñata, a pyromaniac rocker, a gospel lovin' spa concierge straight out of Compton, and, ultimately, two country fetus finalists who were born after Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" hit stores. With Simon Cowell on to bigger (and better?) projects, all eyes were on two new judges, more concerned with promoting their new singles than giving honest critiques.

Welcome to "American Idol X: Everybody’s Ridiculous (And Beautiful And Perfect!)"

The two hour seven minute finale spectacular kicks off at 8pm Edt, and I’ll be live-blogging every hot mess moment of it! The random cameos! The jaw-dropping group numbers! Randy Jackson’s sure-to-be-absurd outfit!

Tomorrow night marks American Idol’s Top 3 night, that time during which we wave goodbye to the unwelcome third wheel (see ya, Nikki McKibbin!) or the sentimental favorite we were hoping would miraculously end up in the finals (why’d you have to leave, Elliott Yamin?). Come Thursday night, we’ll learn which season 10 Idol joins the ranks of McKibbin and Yamin — and Locke, Trias, Solomon, Doolittle, Mercado, Gokey, and James — but, before then, why not see what previous Idols did right, and very very wrong, during Top 3 night? Which were the best and worst performances on Idol, and how...

The consensus around PopWatch HQ is that Jacob Lusk’s wildly off-pitch, oddly hip-thrusting performance of the Jordin Sparks/Chris Brown duet “No Air” is easily the gospel diva’s worst ever on the show, and possibly one of the worst of the season period. Which is to say, if he doesn’t go home tonight, Lusk will rank alongside Nikki McKibbin and Jasmine Trias as one of the most tenacious how-has-this-person-stuck-around-this-long Idol contestants ever. (Those words are not easy for me to write, either — many of you will recall my defense of the Lusky Stank five weeks ago, back...

Wednesday night's "American Idol" was supposed to be all about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But leave it to Jimmy Iovine's sleepwalking producers and Nigel Lythgoe's showbiz pizzazz to make it rock softer than an Air Supply acoustic album.

That's not to say the top nine of "American Idol X: Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain" didn't give it their all and then some. This may go down as the sweatiest "Idol" episode ever. Did Idolland's air conditioning break, or is there a fire within these contestants causing them to look like James Brown on Pcp?

As an added challenge this week, producers handicapped the girls by forcing them to wear Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. collection of leopard-print diapers and silk tube-top jumpsuits. I guess they really don't want the Season 10 "Idol" to have a vagina. Paging Gloria Steinem!

Also...

When taking on "Piece of My Heart," on "American Idol," you aren't just putting yourself up against Janis Joplin (and Dusty Springfield, Erma Franklin and Faith Hill), you're singing a tune that's been in heavy rotation on the series since Season 1.

But Haley Reinhart was up to for the challenge during the Top 9 performance night -- and the judges loved it. Jennifer Lopez called her a "contender," Steven Tyler dubbed it "beautiful" and Randy Jackson praised the little touches she put on the iconic tune.

But how does it compare to the Idols that sang it before her? In addition to Haley, we've gather clips of Carrie Underwood, Asia'h Epperson and Crystal Bowersox.

(Nikki McKibbin, who was the first to sing "Piece" in Season 1, is regrettably absent. The only video we could find is on some Eastern European version of YouTube and we don't know the proper translation for "embed code.

Oh Lordy! Monday night's Drag Race Season 3 premiere was expanded into a giant 2 1/2 hour block of Logo programming. At that rate, when will the network ever have time for Buffy re-runs?

Oh well, I can forgo yet another repeat viewing of "Once More With Feeling" in order to see some talented drag queens compete in a reality show. Especially a reality show that's a wild and gay[er] fusion of America's Next Top Model, Project Runway and Sarah Palin's Alaska!"

If this is your first time tuning in to RuPaul's Drag Race, then you're in for a treat!

First up in Logo's Mondays Are a Drag kick-off was a one-hour Drag Race casting special, then we had the first regular episode of the season, and finally there was a half-hour Untucked episode where we got to see the contestants backstage getting Absolut-ly wasted and taking catty swipes at one another.

But you know,...

Former "American Idol" hopeful Nikki McKibbin's pop career was doomed early on when she rebuked Simon Cowell for a comment he made about her eyes, according to a new book. McKibbin was one of the wannabes on the first season of the show - but she blew her big chance when she upset Cowell.

Richard Rushfield, the author of American Idol: The Untold Story, tells BlogTalkRadio.com, "There was a lot more interaction between judges and contestants and Nikki McKibbin, who ended up coming in third place that year, says that Simon Cowell approached her backstage and made a comment about her eyes that she found offensive and creepy."

"She is not one to hold her tongue and lashed out at him and, in no uncertain terms, she says she told him she thought he was a perv. Subsequently, because of this or not, she was Simon's whipping...

The Season 10 premiere of "American Idol" is less than a week away and to make the days go by a bit faster, Zap2it decided to take a stroll down memory lane and re-evaluate the previous nine seasons.

Each day leading up to the premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 19, we will post a retrospective on each season. We're breaking it down into four categories: Best Performance, Worst Performance, Most Underrated Idol and most Overrated Idol. At the end, we will decide how the season stacks up against the rest, rating it as great, good, or not-so-good.

Yesterday, it was a look back at Season 1, the good (Kelly Clarkson!), the bad (Nikki McKibbin) and the ugly (Ryan Starr's wardrobe). Now it's Season 2's turn, which had arguably the most debated finale ever, as only 130,000 votes separated Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. We all know Ruben took home the title, but did he really deserve to him?...

The Season 10 premiere of "American Idol" is only a week away and to make the days go by a bit faster, Zap2it decided to take a stroll down memory lane and re-evaluate the previous nine seasons.

Each day leading up to the premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 19, we will post a retrospective on each season. We're breaking it down into four categories: Best Performance, Worst Performance, Most Underrated Idol and most Overrated Idol. At the end, we will decide how the season stacks up against the rest, rating it as great, good, or not-so-good.

First up, the inaugural 2002 Season. We kind of miss the more intimate, smaller feeling of the show when it was still figuring itself out and had a touch of innocence to it. It produced one of the show's most successful "Idol"  winners ever and had that extremely awkward co-host Brian Dunkleman (remember him? Bueller?) competing with Ryan Seacrest for more screen-time.

With news that producers on the British version of "X Factor" used Auto-Tune software to help sweeten the voices of a few contestants, I can't say I'm that surprised. Like "American Idol," Simon Cowell's "X Factor" aims to find the music industry's next big superstar. If the singers on "X Factor" and "Idol" are going to have to compete with contemporary pop acts — many of whom barely do an interview without a little audio sweetening in post-production — can you blame producers for a little tweaking here and there to polish their product?

In fact, I wonder if Cowell's old show might have gained a bit of shine from some tuning enhancements in the past. Here's my pick for five "American Idol" contestants who would have benefited from some minor pitch-correction.

Nikki McKibbin

If the stripy-haired single mom rocker had a little pitch help during the show's inaugural season, then...

Courtesy of Fox

Click here to view the embedded video.

Dr. Drew Pinsky says that sometimes finalists get depressed after the high of the American Idol finale. Here are his preventative tips for going down a dark path!

Lee DeWyze, Casey James and Crystal Bowersox, it’s going to be tough adjusting to your new lives as famous recording artists post-American Idol — but Celebrity Rehab’s Dr. Drew Pinsky reveals how You can resist temptations and avoid ending up on his show like former contestants Jessica Sierra and Nikki McKibbin.

“We’ve treated a number of the Idol contestants and the one thing they all tell me is that the let-down after the final performance is so profound, they get depressed,” the 51-year-old specialist said on the American Idol finale red carpet May 26, advising, “That’s the thing to watch for — keep your balance…and enjoy the moment.”

Watch...

Opinions have been largely negative surrounding the ninth season of Fox's hit singing competition show -- but is this really the worst season in "American Idol" history? We don't think so.

We think this is more a case of the collective "Idol" viewing audience having some short-term memory loss. Sure, in comparison to the David vs. David showdown of two years ago and the spectacle that was Adam Lambert coupled with whiskey-voiced Allison Iraheta and cutie-pie Kris Allen, Season 9 seemed a little boring.

But let's not forget the seasons prior to seven and eight. Do you even remember the black hole that was Season 3?

Season 9's Paige Miles is arguably the best 11th-place finisher ever, with the possible exception of Alexis Grace. Unfortunately for Paige, the week she was eliminated she was very obviously sick and had had no exposure prior to the Top 24, thus no fan base to get her through the rough patch.

Tila Tequila has reportedly signed up for the next season of VH1's "Celebrity Rehab". TMZ has confirmed on May 23 that Tila Nguyen, who is known also by her stage name Miss Tila, has committed herself to take part in the 4th season of the show. Should the story is proven true, it will be her return to television after quite a long absent.

What reason prompting Tila to commit herself in seeking treatment is still unclear, so does what kinds of personal demon Tila will try to conquer with the help of addiction medicine specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky. Despite Tila's involvement, the series is in jeopardy of being canceled since it was reported that VH1 is having a problem in finding other "celebrities" willing to participate.

"Celebrity Rehab" is a VH1 reality show which was debuted on January 10, 2008. This unscripted series depicted the struggles of celebrities as they try...

Alicia Keys bursts onto the American Idol scene tonight to help the remaining season 9 contestants navigate a bizarre list of 77 "inspirational songs." (Check out my dream set list for tonight's show here.) Before Aaron Kelly can go all "This Is My Now" on our behinds, though, I'm going to rank him and his six rivals in terms of their momentum over the last eight weeks of live performances. Won't you do the same by voting for your favorite in our Power List poll? (Related: 'American Idol' results night recap: Two Blue; for more Idol coverage, follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak.

On 'American Idol,' Bowersox earned big praise for singing Janis Joplin's posthumous hit.

By Kyle Anderson

Crystal Bowersox performs on "American Idol" on Wednesday

Photo: Ray Mickshaw / Fox

Once again, one of the highlights of Tuesday night's episode of "American Idol" — which was focused on songs that had hit No. 1 on the pop charts — was Crystal Bowersox's performance. Armed with her trusty guitar and her disarming voice, the rocker sang "Me and Bobby McGee," which reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971.

There's a bittersweet feeling within the lyrics of "Bobby," as well as in the story surrounding it. The song was written by country legends Kris Kristofferson (who has had a string of hits himself) and Fred Foster (who produced much of Roy Orbison's best work and helped introduce the world to Dolly Parton) and was recorded by "King of the Road" singer...

momlogic's Vivian:

Sorry about the delay in posting our "American Idol" results-show recap, but I've been hard at work formulating my "A.I. Theorum" to share with you, okay? We're talking point spreads, people. The betting grid. An avid follower of this show since the Kelly Clarkson days of yore, I came up with a formula to predict the Top 5 that has been fairly reliable (save for curve balls like Nikki McKibbin from season 1). Anyway, these things take time and capricious cultivation -- elements that aren't readily available to me on a daycare-free Thursday.

But before I let you fine folks in on the data spewed forth by the algorithms afloat in my psyche, let's recap Wednesday night's goings-on, shall we? Both "Big Mike" Lynche and our Gurl, single mom Crystal Bowersox, were declared safe, but the judges unanimously claimed they were overshadowed by one perky Massaholic, a.k.a.

Hello, Idoloonies! Normally, I would be coming to you live from inside the American Idol studio in a week's time, when the Top 12 contestants enter the gaping maw that is the Idoldome and my colleague-in-snark Whitney Pastorek and I soak in the behind-the-scenery for your unceasing bemusement. And we still plan to do that, along with our newest Idol correspondent, the intrepid Mr. John Young. But this year, EW is getting an exclusive chance to sit in on the final week of the Idol semis, when the stage is much smaller, the audience sits in the round, and Cory the...

Some of you may have noticed that there was a little bit of a change in the Top 24 during the Wednesday episode of 'American Idol.' Chris Golightly, who originally auditioned in Los Angeles, made it to the Top 24, and was shown in a group shot toward the end of the episode, but when we had individual shots of the 24 semi-finalists at the very end, he was missing. So what's the story? Turns out, Golightly was less than honest with 'Idol' producers.

After nine seasons, viewers and contestants alike have (or should have) learned one thing: be upfront with 'Idol' producers. Season One contestant Nikki McKibbin was upfront about her stripper past, and was allowed to stay on the show. Frenchie Davis, however, failed to disclose that she posed topless on the web, and was ousted. Golightly's infraction was that he failed to tell producers that he had a record contract.