Members of the American Idol family are speaking out to share tributes for Mandisa, who tragically passed away this week at the age of 47.
Mandisa got her big break on season five of Idol and she went on to become a Grammy-winning Christian Gospel singer.
A rep for the singer confirmed that Mandisa was found deceased in her home on Thursday (April 18) and an investigation into her death has been launched.
Mandisa‘s fellow season five contestants like Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee are speaking out to remember their friend.
Keep reading to find out more…
Read the tributes below…
Taylor Hicks (via Twitter): “.@mandisaofficial was a power house vocalist on our season of Idol and it graduated to a wonderful career in gospel music. Better yet she was a power house person and all of us will miss her dearly.”
Katharine McPhee (via Instagram Stories): “She was...
Mandisa got her big break on season five of Idol and she went on to become a Grammy-winning Christian Gospel singer.
A rep for the singer confirmed that Mandisa was found deceased in her home on Thursday (April 18) and an investigation into her death has been launched.
Mandisa‘s fellow season five contestants like Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee are speaking out to remember their friend.
Keep reading to find out more…
Read the tributes below…
Taylor Hicks (via Twitter): “.@mandisaofficial was a power house vocalist on our season of Idol and it graduated to a wonderful career in gospel music. Better yet she was a power house person and all of us will miss her dearly.”
Katharine McPhee (via Instagram Stories): “She was...
- 4/19/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
It has been confirmed that Grammy Award-winning singer Mandisa is dead at the age of 47. A representative for the American Idol star shared details about her untimely passing, asking for prayers for Mandisa’s family and friends. Continue reading to learn details about Mandisa’s life.
A Career Beyond American Idol
Mandisa was born in Citrus Heights, California. After high school, she studied music before eventually auditioning for American Idol in 2005.
She made it to the Top 10 during the competition show’s fifth season. Mandisa competed alongside some of Idol‘s biggest stars, including Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Katharine McPhee, Elliott Yamin, Paris Bennett, and the Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks. She was eventually eliminated in the Top 9.
Despite being eliminated, Mandisa remained a fan favorite on Idol. She was able to wow the Og judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell with stunning performances of “I’m Every Woman...
A Career Beyond American Idol
Mandisa was born in Citrus Heights, California. After high school, she studied music before eventually auditioning for American Idol in 2005.
She made it to the Top 10 during the competition show’s fifth season. Mandisa competed alongside some of Idol‘s biggest stars, including Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Katharine McPhee, Elliott Yamin, Paris Bennett, and the Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks. She was eventually eliminated in the Top 9.
Despite being eliminated, Mandisa remained a fan favorite on Idol. She was able to wow the Og judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell with stunning performances of “I’m Every Woman...
- 4/19/2024
- by Amanda Blankenship
- TV Shows Ace
The music community is mourning the death of influential figure Debra Byrd, who died on March 5 at the age of 72. Throughout her decades-long career, the singer performed alongside Barry Manilow and Bob Dylan before helping to shape generational talents as a vocal coach on American Idol, including Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, and Jennifer Hudson.
“She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning,” Hudson wrote on Instagram. “I am so grateful for everything she taught us. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless...
“She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning,” Hudson wrote on Instagram. “I am so grateful for everything she taught us. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless...
- 3/7/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
After a so-so revival last year when ABC took over “American Idol,” most fans are in agreement that the talent on display on Season 17 is a giant leap for singing kind. The show overall seems to be more entertaining. Yes, judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan are never going to be as scathingly funny as Simon Cowell in his snide heyday. But their personalities and musical knowledge complement each other and all three seem quite genuine in their quest to help the contestants to up their games.
Very early in this current edition of the show, the words “best season ever” were uttered. It is all subjective, of course, but with just one more episode and the three-hour finale left, No. 17 could go down in “Idol’ ‘history talent-wise once a winner is crowned. Of course, factoring into that assessment will be the winner’s post-show success as well.
Very early in this current edition of the show, the words “best season ever” were uttered. It is all subjective, of course, but with just one more episode and the three-hour finale left, No. 17 could go down in “Idol’ ‘history talent-wise once a winner is crowned. Of course, factoring into that assessment will be the winner’s post-show success as well.
- 5/11/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
“American Idol” has announced the lineup for the season finale, airing Sunday (May 20) and Monday (May 21) on ABC.
The show will feature performances from all three judges, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, along with Bebe Rexha, Nick Jonas and Mustard, Patti Labelle, Darius Rucker, Gary Clark, Jr. and Yolanda Adams. Kermit the Frog, the popular pillar of Disney’s The Muppets franchise, is also set to appear.
The top 10 finalists — Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Maddie Poppe, Gabby Barrett, Cade Foehner, Catie Turner, Michael Woodard, Dennis Lorenzo, Jurnee, Michelle Sussett and Ada Vox — will take the stage as well.
As far as song choices, Turner already revealed on Twitter that she will be performing an original. Songwriter Ely Rise, who has written for “Idol” alums Adam Lambert and Elliott Yamin, also announced on social media that he already contributed a song for Woodard. An ABC rep says there will be no “judges’ picks.
The show will feature performances from all three judges, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, along with Bebe Rexha, Nick Jonas and Mustard, Patti Labelle, Darius Rucker, Gary Clark, Jr. and Yolanda Adams. Kermit the Frog, the popular pillar of Disney’s The Muppets franchise, is also set to appear.
The top 10 finalists — Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Maddie Poppe, Gabby Barrett, Cade Foehner, Catie Turner, Michael Woodard, Dennis Lorenzo, Jurnee, Michelle Sussett and Ada Vox — will take the stage as well.
As far as song choices, Turner already revealed on Twitter that she will be performing an original. Songwriter Ely Rise, who has written for “Idol” alums Adam Lambert and Elliott Yamin, also announced on social media that he already contributed a song for Woodard. An ABC rep says there will be no “judges’ picks.
- 5/16/2018
- by Michele Amabile Angermiller
- Variety Film + TV
American Idol is ending its 15-season run and alum Chris Daughtry has a lot of feelings about it. "It's coming to an end, man," Daughtry told People at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Sunday. "Lights out! Or actually lights up, everybody go home!" He added, "It's bittersweet. I got a lot of good memories about it from the show, my season in particular. I feel like this season, from what I've seen in the last few, has been extremely entertaining. I think they're going out on a high note." Daughtry, who placed fourth in the fifth season, won't be the...
- 4/4/2016
- by Christina Dugan, @Christina_Dugan
- PEOPLE.com
American Idol is ending its 15-season run and alum Chris Daughtry has a lot of feelings about it. "It's coming to an end, man," Daughtry told People at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Sunday. "Lights out! Or actually lights up, everybody go home!" He added, "It's bittersweet. I got a lot of good memories about it from the show, my season in particular. I feel like this season, from what I've seen in the last few, has been extremely entertaining. I think they're going out on a high note." Daughtry, who placed fourth in the fifth season, won't be the...
- 4/4/2016
- by Christina Dugan, @Christina_Dugan
- PEOPLE.com
American Idol is ending its 15-season run and alum Chris Daughtry has a lot of feelings about it.
"It's coming to an end, man," Daughtry told People at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Sunday. "Lights out! Or actually lights up, everybody go home!"
He added, "It's bittersweet. I got a lot of good memories about it from the show, my season in particular. I feel like this season, from what I've seen in the last few, has been extremely entertaining. I think they're going out on a high note."
Daughtry, who placed fourth in the fifth season, won't be the...
"It's coming to an end, man," Daughtry told People at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Sunday. "Lights out! Or actually lights up, everybody go home!"
He added, "It's bittersweet. I got a lot of good memories about it from the show, my season in particular. I feel like this season, from what I've seen in the last few, has been extremely entertaining. I think they're going out on a high note."
Daughtry, who placed fourth in the fifth season, won't be the...
- 4/4/2016
- by Christina Dugan, @Christina_Dugan
- People.com - TV Watch
And we're telling you, she's coming back!
Former American Idol and Dreamgirls star will perform on the upcoming series finale, People can reveal exclusively.
The Academy Award winner first auditioned for the reality singing competition in 2003 and placed seventh on the show's third season.
And Hudson – who will pre-tape her performance because she is currently starring in The Color Purple on Broadway – won't be the only familiar face returning for Idol's fifteenth (and final) farewell.
For more on Idol, pick up People's The Best of American Idol collector's edition issue, on sale now.
Other alumni appearing on the April 7 show will be Carrie Underwood,...
Former American Idol and Dreamgirls star will perform on the upcoming series finale, People can reveal exclusively.
The Academy Award winner first auditioned for the reality singing competition in 2003 and placed seventh on the show's third season.
And Hudson – who will pre-tape her performance because she is currently starring in The Color Purple on Broadway – won't be the only familiar face returning for Idol's fifteenth (and final) farewell.
For more on Idol, pick up People's The Best of American Idol collector's edition issue, on sale now.
Other alumni appearing on the April 7 show will be Carrie Underwood,...
- 3/30/2016
- by Patrick Gomez, @PatrickGomezLA
- People.com - TV Watch
And we're telling you, she's coming back! Former American Idol and Dreamgirls star will perform on the upcoming series finale, People can reveal exclusively. The Academy Award winner first auditioned for the reality singing competition in 2003 and placed seventh on the show's third season.And Hudson - who will pre-tape her performance because she is currently starring in The Color Purple on Broadway - won't be the only familiar face returning for Idol's fifteenth (and final) farewell. For more on Idol, pick up People's The Best of American Idol collector's edition issue, on sale now. Other alumni appearing on...
- 3/30/2016
- by Patrick Gomez, @PatrickGomezLA
- PEOPLE.com
Before crowning its final champion, American Idol will welcome back two of its most successful victors.
Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are set to perform on Idol’s series finale, airing Thursday, April 7, at 8/7c. The divas will take the stage as part of Fox’s three-night Grand Finale event, beginning with the 90-minute retrospective American Idol: American Dream on Tuesday, April 5, at 8 pm.
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Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are set to perform on Idol’s series finale, airing Thursday, April 7, at 8/7c. The divas will take the stage as part of Fox’s three-night Grand Finale event, beginning with the 90-minute retrospective American Idol: American Dream on Tuesday, April 5, at 8 pm.
More from TVLineLaw & Order Recruits Veep's Reid Scott as New Detective for Season 23, Replacing Jeffrey DonovanAhead of Cancellation, Yellowstone Was Set to Introduce a Long-Lost Dutton BrotherTVLine Items: BTS' New Docuseries, MasterChef Junior Holiday Promo and...
- 3/24/2016
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
Before crowning its final champion, American Idol will welcome back two of its most successful victors.
Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are set to perform on Idol’s series finale, airing Thursday, April 7, at 8/7c. The divas will take the stage as part of Fox’s three-night Grand Finale event, beginning with the 90-minute retrospective American Idol: American Dream on Tuesday, April 5, at 8 pm.
RelatedAmerican Idol: Get the Full Set List for Sia Songbook/American Rock Night!
The last-ever performance show will then air April 6 at 8 pm, leading up to Idol‘s swan song the following night.
Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are set to perform on Idol’s series finale, airing Thursday, April 7, at 8/7c. The divas will take the stage as part of Fox’s three-night Grand Finale event, beginning with the 90-minute retrospective American Idol: American Dream on Tuesday, April 5, at 8 pm.
RelatedAmerican Idol: Get the Full Set List for Sia Songbook/American Rock Night!
The last-ever performance show will then air April 6 at 8 pm, leading up to Idol‘s swan song the following night.
- 3/24/2016
- TVLine.com
She's going back to where it all began!
American Idol winner Carrie Underwood will perform on the upcoming series finale, People can reveal exclusively.
The country superstar first auditioned for the reality singing competition in 2004 and became the show's fourth winner.
And Underwood won't be the only familiar face returning for Idol's fifteenth (and final) farewell.
For more on Idol, pick up People's The Best of American Idol collector's edition issue, on sale now.
Other alumni appearing on the April 7 show will be Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, Candice Glover,...
American Idol winner Carrie Underwood will perform on the upcoming series finale, People can reveal exclusively.
The country superstar first auditioned for the reality singing competition in 2004 and became the show's fourth winner.
And Underwood won't be the only familiar face returning for Idol's fifteenth (and final) farewell.
For more on Idol, pick up People's The Best of American Idol collector's edition issue, on sale now.
Other alumni appearing on the April 7 show will be Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, Candice Glover,...
- 3/24/2016
- by Patrick Gomez, @PatrickGomezLA
- People.com - TV Watch
I’m not going to kvetch about American Idol failing to reward one of its dozens of worthy grads with a Thursday-night performance slot — there are only six weeks left, after all! — and instead using it to promote the doing-just-fine-already former X Factor judge Demi Lovato.
Related2016 Renewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Getting Cancelled? What’s on the Bubble?
I won’t complain that the show’s producers learned nothing from last season — and have once again returned to a format where current contestants spend two hours waiting with nervous anticipation to find out which of ’em are at risk of elimination,...
Related2016 Renewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Getting Cancelled? What’s on the Bubble?
I won’t complain that the show’s producers learned nothing from last season — and have once again returned to a format where current contestants spend two hours waiting with nervous anticipation to find out which of ’em are at risk of elimination,...
- 3/4/2016
- TVLine.com
After last week's screwy episode, all bets are off on how Wednesday's (May 6) episode of "American Idol" will handle its performances and its elimination. In theory, we've got three performances coming up from each contestant tonight, but will we get three performances from the Top 3 following a mid-show elimination? If that's the case, does that mean that one contestant will have gotten the visit home, but will still be booted without singing thrice? Or will we have 12 performances and four Hometown Visit clip packages, even though one singer was effectively a Dead Idol Walking on that visit, having already been eliminated by the voting, even if they didn't know it? I have no clue. Click through and follow along as I inevitably become increasingly frustrated and eventually angry... 7:59 p.m. In case you didn't hear, "Idol" is going two nights next week for the finale. Somebody will be eliminated...
- 5/6/2015
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Tonight's elimination show, kicked off with a quick look at some recap footage of last night's performances. Then not too long after that, they showed the Ford commercial, and it featured sneak peeks of the winners' singles, which are: “I Love This Feeling” by Alex Preston, “We Are One” by Jena Irene, and “As Long As You Love Me” by Caleb Johnson. Next, they took a look at Jena Irene's hometown footage in Farmington Hills,Mi. Afterwards, they revealed that Jena will get to perform with Paramore in the finale show next week. Then they talked with past contestants: Elliott Yamin and Danny Gokey for a little bit. From there, past champion, Scotty McCreery, hit the stage to sing his new song called, "Feelin It." After a break, they took a look at Alex Preston's hometown visit in Mont Vernon,Nh. Afterwards, they revealed that Alex would be...
- 5/16/2014
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
One week from now, Season 13 of "American Idol" will be over. Actually, it will have been over for a day, since "Idol" will be shifting to its usual Tuesday/Wednesday Finale schedule, which allows Fox to slip in the season-closer on the last night of the 2013-2014 Nielsen season. Back when "American Idol" was the Biggest Show In All The Land, that used to be really meaningful. Now? Meh. But it doesn't hurt. Tonight's show will feature our Top 3 results, a performance by Scotty McCreery, plus long and tear-filled clip packages about the joys of visiting Fox affiliates in New Hampshire, Michigan and North Carolina. Settle in and enjoy the hour-long ride... 9:01 p.m. Et. After bringing out Grumpy Cat last week, Ryan Seacrest is pandering to dog lovers with an adorable puppy named Georgia. Awwww. 9:02 p.m. Puppy. 9:02 p.m. Jena Irene, Caleb Johnson and Alex Preston look miserable.
- 5/16/2014
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young are making sweet music together -- as husband and wife!The "American Idol" alums tied the knot at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Bel Air, California on Saturday.Diana, the Season 3 runner-up, wore a strapless lace gown with embellished waist. She carried a bouquet of yellow roses. Ace, who competed on Season 5, broke with tradition, wearing a black suit with white lapels and sneakers. "Idol" alumns Elliott Yamin and Michael Johns were in attendance at the wedding.The couple starting dating while costarring in "Hair" on Broadway in 2010. Ace, 35, memorably proposed on stage to Diana, 25, during the Season 11 "American Idol" finale.The singers wrote their first song, "I Do," which Ace told Us Weekly was an emotional process. We wrote 'I Do,' and the first listen all the way through, we’re both looking at the monitor screen, sobbing."Judging by the photos,...
- 6/3/2013
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Former "American Idol" finalists Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo are now husband and wife.
The couple married Saturday (June 1) in front of about 250 guests at a hotel in Beverly Hills. Among those in attendance were several fellow "Idol" alumni, including Elliott Yamin, Kevin Covais and Michael Johns.
DeGarmo, 25, and Young, 32, competed on different seasons of "Idol" -- she was the runner-up in Season 3, and he finished seventh in Season 5 -- and met while performing in a Broadway production of "Hair" in 2009. They got engaged at last year's "Idol" finale.
DeGarmo wore a dress by Sareh Nouri at the ceremony, accessorized with blue cowboy boos. The couple wrote their own vows for the ceremony and also penned a song called "I Do" for the occasion.
The couple married Saturday (June 1) in front of about 250 guests at a hotel in Beverly Hills. Among those in attendance were several fellow "Idol" alumni, including Elliott Yamin, Kevin Covais and Michael Johns.
DeGarmo, 25, and Young, 32, competed on different seasons of "Idol" -- she was the runner-up in Season 3, and he finished seventh in Season 5 -- and met while performing in a Broadway production of "Hair" in 2009. They got engaged at last year's "Idol" finale.
DeGarmo wore a dress by Sareh Nouri at the ceremony, accessorized with blue cowboy boos. The couple wrote their own vows for the ceremony and also penned a song called "I Do" for the occasion.
- 6/2/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Since 2002, American Idol has maintained key sponsorships with Coca-Cola, Ford and At&T, and that’s all good — seeing how it ensures the show’s weekly themes aren’t always variations on “Gregorian Chants” and/or “Tunes That Have Entered the Public Domain.” Still, after yet another gut-wrenching Hometown Visits episode featuring the Season 12 Top 3, I can’t help but wonder: Isn’t Fox long overdue to pursue a partnership with the good folks at Kleenex?
I mean, if you didn’t tear up watching Candice Glover pull up in front of her family’s house in a limousine or...
I mean, if you didn’t tear up watching Candice Glover pull up in front of her family’s house in a limousine or...
- 5/9/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Or could we be in for an Angie Miller shocker? (No.) The elimination carousel continues on American Idol Thursday, and it's difficult to know what to expect on a number of fronts. The first week of results shows featured Bon Jovi and Phillip Phillips, and we got tons of filler, a top 3, rankings from 4-10 and rapid-fire results. Then last week, featuring Michelle Kwan mini-J-Lo Jessica Sanchez and Casey Abrams, we got a ton of filler, a Bottom three and no rankings at all. Who knows what's on tap tonight?
Actually, there are a couple of things that are certain: Lots of filler, performances by American Idol alum (present company included) and a guy going home. Keith Urban, OneRepublic and Katharine McPhee and Colton Dixon will hit the stage, squeezing in three performances around some form of elimination, as the show once again fails to land any outside superstars.
Actually, there are a couple of things that are certain: Lots of filler, performances by American Idol alum (present company included) and a guy going home. Keith Urban, OneRepublic and Katharine McPhee and Colton Dixon will hit the stage, squeezing in three performances around some form of elimination, as the show once again fails to land any outside superstars.
- 3/28/2013
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
As American Idol gets closer to the Season 11 finale, its results shows should — by the laws of reality television — get more and more suspenseful. The only problem is that with fewer dreams hanging in the balance, and fewer contestants for evil kitty Ryan Seacrest to bat about like so many trapped mice, the show’s producers have to pad the telecast with alarming amounts of pink slime to fill out the burger.
Related | American Idol Top 3 Performance Night Recap: Feeling Right at Home(town)
And thus we get multiple promos for Ice Age: Continental Drift, a Ford “Music Video” so...
Related | American Idol Top 3 Performance Night Recap: Feeling Right at Home(town)
And thus we get multiple promos for Ice Age: Continental Drift, a Ford “Music Video” so...
- 5/18/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
American Idol Top 4 Results: The Impossible Dream
I have a lot of feelings about American Idol. As a long time fan it's hard to watch and know the likelihood of your favorite winning, let alone become the next Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson is slimmer each year. Sure, a lot of former contestants are doing quite well for themselves, and success can be measured in many ways, but let's be real. Part of the experience of watching the show is the desire to see your favorite become a megasuperstar. And as a long time viewer, and follower of the show, it's just not going to happen. When you take an excellent cast like season 7, and then realize that only one contestant has a contract, it's a little disappointing. (More on this later.)
The night started out with a brief flash of previous hometown visits. Top three is one of my favorite nights,...
I have a lot of feelings about American Idol. As a long time fan it's hard to watch and know the likelihood of your favorite winning, let alone become the next Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson is slimmer each year. Sure, a lot of former contestants are doing quite well for themselves, and success can be measured in many ways, but let's be real. Part of the experience of watching the show is the desire to see your favorite become a megasuperstar. And as a long time viewer, and follower of the show, it's just not going to happen. When you take an excellent cast like season 7, and then realize that only one contestant has a contract, it's a little disappointing. (More on this later.)
The night started out with a brief flash of previous hometown visits. Top three is one of my favorite nights,...
- 5/11/2012
- by Emily Pray
- TVovermind.com
Body swapping came a week early to Fox. While next Tuesday’s Glee will find the fictional kids of William McKinley High waking up inside each other’s frames, tonight’s American Idol‘s Top 4 results-show telecast brought a number of surprising fliperoos, too.
Video | Idology: Elise Testone on ‘Vienna,’ ‘Whole Lotta Love’ and the Moment J.Lo ‘Crossed the Line’
Joshua Ledet admitted to channeling his inner Phillip Phillips after Ryan Seacrest asked him what language he was speaking during his astonishing Wednesday-night cover of “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” Hollie Cavanagh got a...
Video | Idology: Elise Testone on ‘Vienna,’ ‘Whole Lotta Love’ and the Moment J.Lo ‘Crossed the Line’
Joshua Ledet admitted to channeling his inner Phillip Phillips after Ryan Seacrest asked him what language he was speaking during his astonishing Wednesday-night cover of “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” Hollie Cavanagh got a...
- 5/11/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
So here we go! It is time to really seriously say good-bye to someone tonight, as the judges have used their save and we have to get this thing finished by August. Back in the old days, the post-save week meant two eliminations, but I guess the public shaming of Jermaine Jones bought us an extra week. Taylor Hicks is in the audience! My first thought is: How did that dude get a ticket? Also in the house, the only Idol alumnus whose album I own: Elliott Yamin. (True story! It’s pretty good!) I am delighted to tell you that the group number is not awful; the kids do Martha & the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street,” and it is a billion times more dignified than the Mick Jagger–David Bowie version from 1985. You know what else is more dignified than the Mick Jagger–David Bowie version of “Dancing in...
- 4/20/2012
- by Dave Holmes
- Vulture
It’s another homecoming for an American Idol season 10 alum: Stefano Langone, reveals to E! Online, that he’s scheduled to perform his new single, “I’m On A Roll” on the Thursday, April 26 American Idol results show. ”I’m a little nervous but so excited for the opportunity,” says Stefano about his return. “It will be almost a year to the day since I was last on.” The single drops on iTunes April 24. Hollywood Records is planning to release Stefano’s debut album this summer.
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Daughtry’s new single, “Outta My Head” now has a brand new music video (embedded below), which features frontman,...
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Daughtry’s new single, “Outta My Head” now has a brand new music video (embedded below), which features frontman,...
- 4/13/2012
- by MJ Santilli
- EW - Inside TV
Watching this week’s American Idol performance show was like going to a four-star restaurant for an incredible multi-course meal (under the watchful eye of head chef Stevie Nicks) only to get pestered by the Three Busboys of the Apocalypse to fill up on the stuff jangling around in their white paper McDonald’s bags: “Yes, yes, the Maine Peekytoe Crab with maroon carrot, volcanic garlic, and pickled carrot sorbet looks sublime, but this McRib with a side of McNuggets is what’s going to bring you to your feet with ecstacy!” Say what now?
There are, of course, a...
There are, of course, a...
- 3/29/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
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.
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.
- 3/26/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Former American Idol finalists Jason Castro (Season 7, 4th place), Melinda Doolittle (Season 6, 3rd place) and Elliott Yamin (Season 5, 3rd place) were in Washington, D.C. yesterday on behalf of Malaria No More – a nonprofit organization determined to help end malaria deaths in Africa – to meet with members of Congress to voice American support for the malaria fight and celebrate the contributions of the U.S. Government.
Following a day of meetings with Members of Congress, the Idols performed at an evening reception hosted by Malaria No More and Martha MacCallum, co-host of Fox News Channel’s America’s Newsroom.
Since 2006, American Idol has featured malaria consistently as part of the Idol Gives Back charity specials, which have helped to educate more than 60 million Americans about the malaria issue and raised millions of dollars for the life-saving work of Malaria No More.
Read more...
Following a day of meetings with Members of Congress, the Idols performed at an evening reception hosted by Malaria No More and Martha MacCallum, co-host of Fox News Channel’s America’s Newsroom.
Since 2006, American Idol has featured malaria consistently as part of the Idol Gives Back charity specials, which have helped to educate more than 60 million Americans about the malaria issue and raised millions of dollars for the life-saving work of Malaria No More.
Read more...
- 3/8/2012
- Look to the Stars
This just in from The X Factor: Sponsored by Verizon Wireless: Stevie Wonder is calling Chris Rene! Hollywood is calling Rachel Crow! And wait, Steve Jones’ internal motherboard is transmitting some vaguely worded text message about an “error in communication” regarding this week’s Pepsi viewers’ choice performances. (Next week, by the bye, Steve will be replaced by an AOL Instant Messenger box and a series of cutting-edge emoticons.)
What’s that? You’re not buying Steve’s explanation for the last-minute theme switch? You think Simon Cowell simply wanted to whip up some dramatic backstage footage and test...
What’s that? You’re not buying Steve’s explanation for the last-minute theme switch? You think Simon Cowell simply wanted to whip up some dramatic backstage footage and test...
- 12/8/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Last month, while interviewing executive producer Nigel Lythgoe for a story about possible changes to American Idol for its upcoming eleventh season, I proposed the idea that the show should introduce a list of 11 songs that would be banned from the live performance rounds on the grounds that they’ve been done to death in previous seasons. Lythgoe’s response caught me off guard: “Well, Mike, if you want to write down and send me 11 songs that you don’t want to hear again, I will put them through to the committee.”
Well, sir, you don’t have to ask me twice!
Well, sir, you don’t have to ask me twice!
- 9/4/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Call to say "I love you"? Forget it, that would require too much effort. Today love is all about technology, at least that's what a new viral video is depicting in the parody of Stevie Wonder's classic tune. Need to tell that special someone how you feel? Text it, baby.
The skit features vocals by "American Idol"'s Elliott Yamin, while Sarah Hyland ("Modern Family") and Matt Prokop ("High School Musical 3") play a couple so indulged in social media, video chatting and texting that one of them loses touch of what's happening Irl.
Although we recognize the scenes are an exaggerated interpretation of how today's youth interact, how far is it from the truth? After all, sometimes it's pretty darn difficult to put down that smartphone.
Watch:
Via Break.com...
The skit features vocals by "American Idol"'s Elliott Yamin, while Sarah Hyland ("Modern Family") and Matt Prokop ("High School Musical 3") play a couple so indulged in social media, video chatting and texting that one of them loses touch of what's happening Irl.
Although we recognize the scenes are an exaggerated interpretation of how today's youth interact, how far is it from the truth? After all, sometimes it's pretty darn difficult to put down that smartphone.
Watch:
Via Break.com...
- 8/18/2011
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Regardless of your contestant allegiance heading into the American Idol Top 3 results-show telecast, there were reasons to celebrate by the time the credits stopped rolling and the season finale of [cue imitation of Fox voiceover guy] Bohhhhhhhnzzzz [end imitation of Fox voiceover guy] began.
Fans of country music, the vitality of youth, plaid shirts, denim jackets, sparkly cowboy boots, the Make a Wish for Nigel Lythgoe Foundation, and the act of locking them doors and turning the lights down low had to be psyched to learn that the Season 10 finale will be a battle between 17-year-old Scotty McCreery and 16-year-old Lauren Alaina, the youngest teen-vs.-teen finale in the history of the franchise.
Fans of country music, the vitality of youth, plaid shirts, denim jackets, sparkly cowboy boots, the Make a Wish for Nigel Lythgoe Foundation, and the act of locking them doors and turning the lights down low had to be psyched to learn that the Season 10 finale will be a battle between 17-year-old Scotty McCreery and 16-year-old Lauren Alaina, the youngest teen-vs.-teen finale in the history of the franchise.
- 5/20/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
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...
- 5/17/2011
- by Kate Ward
- EW.com - PopWatch
No matter which contestant ended up going home, Thursday night’s American Idol Top 4 results show was destined to be a tough one. Not since Season 5 — when Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee, Elliott Yamin, and Chris Daughtry were the last singers standing — has an Idol competition boiled down to such a closely matched quartet. And that’s why there’s no shame in James Durbin’s somewhat surprising exit, especially considering Idol tallied some 72 million votes this week — a record for a Top 4 telecast.
Yes, to quote the Journey hit he performed on Wednesday’s performance show, “some will win, some will lose.
Yes, to quote the Journey hit he performed on Wednesday’s performance show, “some will win, some will lose.
- 5/13/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
As Round 3 of TVLine.com’s American Idol All-Time Greatest Performance Bracket Tournament rolls on, you’re probably asking yourself: How could we be so heartless? Indeed, today we’ve got the Season 8 champ going head-to-head with the franchise’s most successful male grad, and a showdown between the much-revered runners-up from Seasons 2 and 7.
But, hey, it shouldn’t be an easy job to decide which eight Idol Moments will advance to the Quarterfinals of our single-elimination, 64-player tourney, right? For the uninitiated, every day around 1:00 p.m. Et over the next few weeks, we’ll launch a new...
But, hey, it shouldn’t be an easy job to decide which eight Idol Moments will advance to the Quarterfinals of our single-elimination, 64-player tourney, right? For the uninitiated, every day around 1:00 p.m. Et over the next few weeks, we’ll launch a new...
- 5/10/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Zap2it has been looking back at the best performances from each stage of the "American Idol" finals and now we're taking a gander at the Top 4. This week on "Idol," the contestants get songs by Leiber and Stoller. But who are you favorites from the Top 5 phase of year's past? Vote below.
As of this writing, you've voted Carrie Underwood's "Alone" as the best Top 11 performance, David Cook's "Billie Jean" as the best Top 10 performance and David Archuleta's "Smoky Mountain Memories" as the best Top 9 performance, Adam Lambert's "Mad World" as the best Top 8 performance, Archie's "When You Believe" as the best Top 7 performance, Clay Aiken's "I Could Not Ask for More" as the best Top 6 performance and Carry's "God Bless the Broken Road" as the best Top 5 performance.
In looking back at the Top 4 performances, we are struck first by how much the...
As of this writing, you've voted Carrie Underwood's "Alone" as the best Top 11 performance, David Cook's "Billie Jean" as the best Top 10 performance and David Archuleta's "Smoky Mountain Memories" as the best Top 9 performance, Adam Lambert's "Mad World" as the best Top 8 performance, Archie's "When You Believe" as the best Top 7 performance, Clay Aiken's "I Could Not Ask for More" as the best Top 6 performance and Carry's "God Bless the Broken Road" as the best Top 5 performance.
In looking back at the Top 4 performances, we are struck first by how much the...
- 5/10/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
The Great Lady Tour is the unofficial theme of today’s Round 3 matchups in TVLine.com’s American Idol All-Time Greatest Performance Bracket Tournament. We’ve got the winners of Season 1 and Season 6 in a head-to-head battle, while Season 3′s champ takes on the shock evictee of the show’s inaugural installment. How many devastating glory notes are delivered over the course of these four performances? Only a math major can tell us for sure.
Anyhow, once you’re done pondering the awesomeness of Kelly, Jordin, Fantasia, and Tamyra, you’ll need to get voting in the latest set of...
Anyhow, once you’re done pondering the awesomeness of Kelly, Jordin, Fantasia, and Tamyra, you’ll need to get voting in the latest set of...
- 5/9/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
TVLine.com’s American Idol All-Time Greatest Performance Bracket Tournament enters the Round of 16 today — which is another way of saying that we’re only 48 hours away from seeing two of the show’s most beloved male voices booted from our competition. But, hey, all is fair when it comes to love of Idol (and the war of Idol), and that’s why we’re forcing you to make such grueling choices.
So wipe away the single tear running poetically down your cheek, and get voting in the latest set of single-elimination faceoffs to decide which Idol Moments will become Quarterfinalists in our 64-player tourney.
So wipe away the single tear running poetically down your cheek, and get voting in the latest set of single-elimination faceoffs to decide which Idol Moments will become Quarterfinalists in our 64-player tourney.
- 5/8/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
If you struggled to pick your favorites in the brutal first-round matchups of TVLine.com’s American Idol All-Time Greatest Performance Bracket Tournament, then Round 2 might leave you paralyzed with indecision. Today, we’ve got a bout between one of the most daring song rearrangements in Idol history and one of the most audacious vocal choices the show has ever seen. We’ve also got a showdown between two of the show’s most revered voices: Ruben Studdard and Elliott Yamin. Plus, there are tough draws for divisional top seeds Adam Lambert and David Cook. But nobody ever said it...
- 5/4/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Zap2it has been looking back at the best performances from each stage of the "American Idol" finals and now we're taking a gander at the Top 6. This week on "Idol," the contestants are taking on Carole King, but what about the past performances at the Top 6 stage?
Who are you favorites? Vote below. As of this writing, you've voted Carrie Underwood's "Alone" as the best Top 11 performance, David Cook's "Billie Jean" as the best Top 10 performance and David Archuleta's "Smoky Mountain Memories" as the best Top 9 performance, Adam Lambert's "Mad World" as the best Top 8 performance and Archie's "When You Believe" is the best Top 7 performance.
We had forgotten how rough Gloria Estefan week was for Season 3 - so much so that we left it out. And who doesn't love Daughtry showing his sensitive side on Love Songs week? Also, Andrew Lloyd Webber week was...
Who are you favorites? Vote below. As of this writing, you've voted Carrie Underwood's "Alone" as the best Top 11 performance, David Cook's "Billie Jean" as the best Top 10 performance and David Archuleta's "Smoky Mountain Memories" as the best Top 9 performance, Adam Lambert's "Mad World" as the best Top 8 performance and Archie's "When You Believe" is the best Top 7 performance.
We had forgotten how rough Gloria Estefan week was for Season 3 - so much so that we left it out. And who doesn't love Daughtry showing his sensitive side on Love Songs week? Also, Andrew Lloyd Webber week was...
- 4/26/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this. Thankfully, though, TVLine.com readers need not display such unmitigated patience, as today we’re launching the American Idol All-Time Greatest Performance Bracket Tournament, featuring 64 of the most goosebump-inducing, Gospel-hand-inspiring, tear-jerking moments in the 10-season history of Fox’s ubiquitous talent competition.
We’ve split our bracket into four distinct divisions: Power Vocalist/Soul Males; Rock/Country/Alternative Males; Soul/Pop Divas; and Pop/Rock/Country Divas. Every day at 1:00 p.m. Et over the next few weeks, we’ll launch a new set of duels to the death...
We’ve split our bracket into four distinct divisions: Power Vocalist/Soul Males; Rock/Country/Alternative Males; Soul/Pop Divas; and Pop/Rock/Country Divas. Every day at 1:00 p.m. Et over the next few weeks, we’ll launch a new set of duels to the death...
- 4/26/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Grab your popcorn: After last night’s fairly entertaining Songs from the Cinema night, we’re about to find out who is still in the running to have a happy Idol ending, and whose journey is about to be stamped with a brutal “Fin.” Based on your votes earlier today, you all think Paul McDonald, Haley Reinhart, and Jacob Lusk are headed to the bottom three. I can’t help but think that Stefano will somehow eke his way into the bottom, especially since any Idol contestant who sings a song called “The End of the Road” seems destined for elimination.
- 4/15/2011
- by Kate Ward
- EW.com - PopWatch
"American Idol's" Michael Johns has kept uber busy performing, auditioning and recording music for his upcoming sophomore album. But one thing Johns is never too busy to do: Lend a helping hand to the "Idol" up and comers.
Zap2it caught up with Johns at the Reality Rocks Expo, where he filled us in on the status of his new music, an upcoming return to his old Fox reality show stomping ground and what project he has most recently been pursuing.
Johns confirms that he returned to his the old stage that turned him into a household during Season 7 just a few weeks ago. "We shot a segment for them. It was myself, Elliott Yamin, Carly Smithson and Mikalah [Gordon]," he says.
The "Idol" alum stopped by to the give the new crop of contestants a little advice which only a fellow "Idol" hopeful kind that only they are capable of giving.
Zap2it caught up with Johns at the Reality Rocks Expo, where he filled us in on the status of his new music, an upcoming return to his old Fox reality show stomping ground and what project he has most recently been pursuing.
Johns confirms that he returned to his the old stage that turned him into a household during Season 7 just a few weeks ago. "We shot a segment for them. It was myself, Elliott Yamin, Carly Smithson and Mikalah [Gordon]," he says.
The "Idol" alum stopped by to the give the new crop of contestants a little advice which only a fellow "Idol" hopeful kind that only they are capable of giving.
- 4/11/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Glue a wig to your head and put Eminem on speed dial because it's Elton John week on "American Idol X: Ballads Or Bust."
The Top 11 returned to primetime because Casey Abrams was saved last week. ("Saved" in the "Idol" sense, mind you. Lord knows if he's accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.) Producers were keen on trumping up the drama as much as possible, even going so far as recapping last week's results show with a graphic that mimicked a screenplay. "Hope has been renewed. But no more second chances," the Courier font typed out. Because if there's one thing us diehard "Idol" freaks love, it's having Nigel Lythgoe imply that last week's intense results were manufactured by a writer. Whoops!
The Top 11 also stopped by Entertainment Weekly for a photo shoot. Some of them even got makeovers. All that was missing from this "America's Next Top Model...
The Top 11 returned to primetime because Casey Abrams was saved last week. ("Saved" in the "Idol" sense, mind you. Lord knows if he's accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.) Producers were keen on trumping up the drama as much as possible, even going so far as recapping last week's results show with a graphic that mimicked a screenplay. "Hope has been renewed. But no more second chances," the Courier font typed out. Because if there's one thing us diehard "Idol" freaks love, it's having Nigel Lythgoe imply that last week's intense results were manufactured by a writer. Whoops!
The Top 11 also stopped by Entertainment Weekly for a photo shoot. Some of them even got makeovers. All that was missing from this "America's Next Top Model...
- 3/31/2011
- by Jim Cantiello
- MTV Newsroom
…”Songs By Your Musical Idol,” according to our Fox sources. Which means all of us can breathe a sigh of relief that we won’t see Scotty McCreery forced to attempt disco (yet). The theme, of course, is a double-edged sword for the contestants: The Top 13 can show us tonight what kind of artists they hope to be — but can they do it without being compared to their much-more-established idols? Contestants in the past few seasons have typically fared better performing songs from artists whose style is remarkably different from their own. Just see: David Cook on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,...
- 3/9/2011
- by Kate Ward
- EW.com - PopWatch
This morning I woke up around 5. I went downstairs. I made coffee. I drank the coffee. I went upstairs and got dressed. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I went downstairs and walked my dog...
Bored yet? Me too. Results shows can go one of two ways. This was the boring route. (Although I have to give credit for using Beethoven at the beginning of the show.) And at least they aren't reinstating the awkward call in questions from season seven (I hope.)
So instead of doing a blow by blow recount, I'll give highlights of the non-results, opinions on the singing, and a list of who is in at the very end.
We found out that everyone loves each other, according to Stefano, and it sucks to say goodbye. We had a video package on how Idol has changed their life. (And Clint showed off yet Another pair of glasses.
Bored yet? Me too. Results shows can go one of two ways. This was the boring route. (Although I have to give credit for using Beethoven at the beginning of the show.) And at least they aren't reinstating the awkward call in questions from season seven (I hope.)
So instead of doing a blow by blow recount, I'll give highlights of the non-results, opinions on the singing, and a list of who is in at the very end.
We found out that everyone loves each other, according to Stefano, and it sucks to say goodbye. We had a video package on how Idol has changed their life. (And Clint showed off yet Another pair of glasses.
- 3/4/2011
- by Emily Pray
- TVovermind.com
What Thursday night’s American Idol telecast lacked in suspense, it more than made up for in terms of surprise.
Ryan Seacrest pulled a Gwyneth Paltrow and went all Country Strong on us, but not before getting lifted like a set of Jersey Shore dumbbells by male and female contestants alike. Rachel Zevita opened up a commanding lead in the Season 10 Millinery Race. A pissed-off rocker chick took home the prize for Most Endearing Contestant (I kid you not!) by candidly flipping off the Idol cameras. And Sam Cooke’s classic civil-rights anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come” underwent radical...
Ryan Seacrest pulled a Gwyneth Paltrow and went all Country Strong on us, but not before getting lifted like a set of Jersey Shore dumbbells by male and female contestants alike. Rachel Zevita opened up a commanding lead in the Season 10 Millinery Race. A pissed-off rocker chick took home the prize for Most Endearing Contestant (I kid you not!) by candidly flipping off the Idol cameras. And Sam Cooke’s classic civil-rights anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come” underwent radical...
- 2/25/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
The picking out of semifinalists on American Idol has to be the most agonizing episode to watch. On one hand, I want to see everyone's reaction. On the other, did we really need to take two hours to tell people yes and no?
Every year, it seems the producers try to outdo themselves in making the contestants travel to and from their final judgment. It's gone from a room, to a mansion, and this year is in the nicest looking airplane hangar I've ever seen. (I'm a military brat, so I've seen quite a few.) What's next year going to be? Will the contestants have to take a small boat to a remote island?
This is a fairly straight-forward episode, so I'm going to go down the line, just as Idol did. (Although I promise to try and keep my word count down.)
Karen "MySpace" Rodriguez: even though I didn't like her song choices,...
Every year, it seems the producers try to outdo themselves in making the contestants travel to and from their final judgment. It's gone from a room, to a mansion, and this year is in the nicest looking airplane hangar I've ever seen. (I'm a military brat, so I've seen quite a few.) What's next year going to be? Will the contestants have to take a small boat to a remote island?
This is a fairly straight-forward episode, so I'm going to go down the line, just as Idol did. (Although I promise to try and keep my word count down.)
Karen "MySpace" Rodriguez: even though I didn't like her song choices,...
- 2/25/2011
- by Emily Pray
- TVovermind.com
One of the main mysteries of Lost centered around a set of inscrutable numbers (4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42), and now American Idol has its own enigmatic digits: 327, 168, 18, 5, and 0. Indeed, try as I might, I’m having a hard time making sense of the mathematical breakdown of tonight’s episode — which followed this season’s wannabe Carrie Underwoods and Kris Allens through the first round of Hollywood Week. Let’s review:
* 327: Golden Ticket recipients that Ryan said showed up for Hollywood Week (though our genial hostbot later told us Days One and Two featured 160 and 163 singers, respectively, for a total of 323 — #MathFail)
* 168:...
* 327: Golden Ticket recipients that Ryan said showed up for Hollywood Week (though our genial hostbot later told us Days One and Two featured 160 and 163 singers, respectively, for a total of 323 — #MathFail)
* 168:...
- 2/11/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
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