American Idol contestant Ashthon Jones has said that she will continue with her musical dreams following her exit from the show. The 25-year-old became the first season ten finalist to be voted off the Fox competition on Thursday night after falling into the bottom three alongside Ashley Rodriguez and Haley Reinhart. Speaking to reporters on a conference call today, she said that being the first to exit the show was not necessarily a bad thing, saying that she will take what she learned and put it into her future career. "This isn't the end," she said. "Some people end right here, but there is no way I can do that. It's always the beginning of something great and you have to continue on. You can't live of, 'I was in American Idol's Top 13' for the rest of your life." The singer went on to say that (more)...
- 3/11/2011
- by By Lara Martin
- Digital Spy
Ashley Rodriguez was the second female to get booted from American Idol season nine last week. She sure was happy when she took the stage looking glamorous and entertaining America with her rendition of Happy by Leona Lewis. Did the judges opinions sway America's vote? Ceck out what they said: Kara DioGuardi: "You had some nice moments there." Randy Jackson: "You did a good job with it." Simon Cowell: "I don't see you as a contemporary recording artist." Ellen DeGeneres: "You're good, you're here, you're beautiful." On a recent American Idol (TV) press call, fallen idol Ashley Rodriguez opened up about her Idol experience, memorable moments, opinions on the judges reactions, and message to her supportive fans. What are you going to be taking with you from the Idol experience? Idol has really shown me that now more than ever I have to fight for what I want.
- 3/6/2010
- by cjoyce@corp.popstar.com (Colleen Joyce)
- TVStar
The "American Idol" semi-finalists have been whittled down to 16 contestants and so far a few trends appear to be emerging during these first two weeks of eliminations.
Wondering why singers like John Park and Joe Munoz have been booted and singers like Tim Urban and Lacey Brown have stuck around?
Some "Idol" writers around the Web have posited some theories about early Top 24 eliminations.
La Times music critic Ann Powers tweeted Thursday night (Mar. 5):
"Watching Idol a little late. All people of color eliminated so far. Boo!" and "What's with the racial purge on Idol tonight?"
Meanwhile, La Times Idol Tracker Shirley Halperin responded in a piece:
"As much as some would like to draw red and blue lines in the sand, there's no denying that all four contestants gave less than stellar performances this week."
Gawker's Richard Lawson wrote:
"So didja notice anything about those four contestants what went packing last night?...
Wondering why singers like John Park and Joe Munoz have been booted and singers like Tim Urban and Lacey Brown have stuck around?
Some "Idol" writers around the Web have posited some theories about early Top 24 eliminations.
La Times music critic Ann Powers tweeted Thursday night (Mar. 5):
"Watching Idol a little late. All people of color eliminated so far. Boo!" and "What's with the racial purge on Idol tonight?"
Meanwhile, La Times Idol Tracker Shirley Halperin responded in a piece:
"As much as some would like to draw red and blue lines in the sand, there's no denying that all four contestants gave less than stellar performances this week."
Gawker's Richard Lawson wrote:
"So didja notice anything about those four contestants what went packing last night?...
- 3/5/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
American Idol hopeful Ashley Rodriguez has reportedly admitted that she was "surprised" to be eliminated from the show last week. The 22-year-old from Boston, who sang Leona Lewis's 'Happy' in her final performance, revealed that she had been hoping to make it another week. "There was a lot of critique but, with the exception of Simon, I think that all the judges - although they weren't the happiest with my performance - thought I was going through to next week, so I was kind of holding on to that," she explained. Joe Munoz, who sang 'You And I Both' by Jason Mraz, said: "The surprising part for me was that I got one of the best comments from the judges, (more)...
- 3/2/2010
- by By Lara Martin
- Digital Spy
America voted and Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, Joe Munoz and Tyler Grady were all eliminated from the ninth season of "American Idol"'s Top 24. Now "The Insider" talks to the ousted "Idol" hopefuls about the disappointment of not making it another week on the singing competition. "If there was any way to go out, I'm so proud of myself in the way that I did. Several of the girls have even texted me and just said, 'Janelle, you had so much poise, you were a class act and we look up to you and we really admire the way that you went out.' I felt like I kept it together, I sang my song better than I sang it the first time and I'm really happy with how it went," Janell says. For his part, Tyler says he isn't clear why he was eliminated, except for the fact that he didn't get enough votes.
- 3/2/2010
- by TheInsider
- TheInsider.com
Eliminated American Idol contestant Tyler Grady has claimed that he is glad he stayed true to his roots whilst performing on the show.
Grady was criticised for being too 70’s and Cowell said he looked like he’d gone to ‘pretend to be a rockstar school.’
According to E! Online, he said: “I definitely respect the judges, and I think that they’re very qualified to be critiquing the contestants on the show, but at the same time, when you are building a fanbase and your fans are supporting you, they’re supporting you because of what you’re doing – you can’t turn on your fans.”
He added: “You can’t change up what you’re doing to the point where you irritate your fans. If they’re supporting you, you need to give them what they want and support them back.”
Grady admitted that he was surprised when...
Grady was criticised for being too 70’s and Cowell said he looked like he’d gone to ‘pretend to be a rockstar school.’
According to E! Online, he said: “I definitely respect the judges, and I think that they’re very qualified to be critiquing the contestants on the show, but at the same time, when you are building a fanbase and your fans are supporting you, they’re supporting you because of what you’re doing – you can’t turn on your fans.”
He added: “You can’t change up what you’re doing to the point where you irritate your fans. If they’re supporting you, you need to give them what they want and support them back.”
Grady admitted that he was surprised when...
- 2/27/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Last night, we said goodbye to four “American Idol” contestants. This morning, I got all the details from them on their future plans. Plus, “The Bachelor’s” Rozyln Papa spills some very juicy, never before told details on just what went down inside the house.
Booted ‘Idols’ Speak
This morning, it was “American Idol” deja vu as I headed across town for my interviews with the four contestants voted out of the show - Janell Wheeler, Tyler Grady, Joe Munoz and Ashley Rodriguez. I’m sad to admit that I was only 1 out of 4 correct in my ...
Copyright 2010 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Booted ‘Idols’ Speak
This morning, it was “American Idol” deja vu as I headed across town for my interviews with the four contestants voted out of the show - Janell Wheeler, Tyler Grady, Joe Munoz and Ashley Rodriguez. I’m sad to admit that I was only 1 out of 4 correct in my ...
Copyright 2010 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- 2/26/2010
- by AccessHollywood.com Editorial Staff
- Access Hollywood
Ashley Rodriguez sang Leona Lewis' "Happy" on Tuesday night, but the 22-year-old contestant certainly wasn't thrilled with last night's results. Though the judges gave the singer lukewarm reviews following her performance -- and lukewarm is hardly bad when you consider the horrible critiques they unleashed on the rest of the girls -- she still couldn't manage to nab enough votes to stay in the competition. But so what if voters hurt her? Rodriguez still plans on trucking on. Here's what she had to say to EW following her exit. EW: You've had a night to soak it all in -- how are you feeling?...
- 2/26/2010
- by Kate Ward
- EW.com - PopWatch
Tyler Grady and Joe Munoz were the first male contestants sent home from season 9 of "American Idol."
Neither contestant was bothered by his lack of airtime prior to the Top 24 and both said they wouldn't do anything differently if they could take their Idol journey all over again.
Tyler Grady
On his "American Idol" experience:
"American Idol" is one of the best education programs you can possible get into. Rickey Minor and the band, the backup singers, the producers, everybody is top of the line and you get a phenomenal crash course into the entertainment business ... It was a great ride, I had the best time of my life on that show.
On his lack of airtime after his initial audition:
I don't want to make excuses and the media is already claiming that I'm making excuses as far as blaming the judges for what happened on the show. I...
Neither contestant was bothered by his lack of airtime prior to the Top 24 and both said they wouldn't do anything differently if they could take their Idol journey all over again.
Tyler Grady
On his "American Idol" experience:
"American Idol" is one of the best education programs you can possible get into. Rickey Minor and the band, the backup singers, the producers, everybody is top of the line and you get a phenomenal crash course into the entertainment business ... It was a great ride, I had the best time of my life on that show.
On his lack of airtime after his initial audition:
I don't want to make excuses and the media is already claiming that I'm making excuses as far as blaming the judges for what happened on the show. I...
- 2/26/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Ashley Rodriguez and Janell Wheeler were the first two female Idols sent home in season 9. They are both beautiful girls who faltered a bit in the first week and couldn't get the votes to stay.
So did they enjoy their "American Idol" journey and take good things away from it? It sounds like they had a great time.
Ashley Rodriguez
On what she has taken from her experience:
"American Idol" has really shown me that now more than ever I have to fight for what I want. It's given me a little taste of the dream and I'm willing to work hard for it.
On her most memorable "Idol" moments:
The Top 24 photo shoot was a blast. We walked into this big L.A. shoot and it was just super-glamorous and just really exciting ... That's definitely probably one of my favorite moments. Also getting to work with Rickey Minor and the band,...
So did they enjoy their "American Idol" journey and take good things away from it? It sounds like they had a great time.
Ashley Rodriguez
On what she has taken from her experience:
"American Idol" has really shown me that now more than ever I have to fight for what I want. It's given me a little taste of the dream and I'm willing to work hard for it.
On her most memorable "Idol" moments:
The Top 24 photo shoot was a blast. We walked into this big L.A. shoot and it was just super-glamorous and just really exciting ... That's definitely probably one of my favorite moments. Also getting to work with Rickey Minor and the band,...
- 2/26/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Adam Lambert is returning to "American Idol" this year.
Adam Lambert tweeted Friday, Feb. 26: "Yes, I have been booked on Idol! Can't reveal the date yet but it's a ways off... So excited. Kris and Allison were awesome last night."
We are so excited at the prospect of Glambert returning to "Idol." He says it's a ways off, so thankfully the producers haven't blown all of last year's big names on the semi-finals. Save some for the Top 12, "Idol" producers! So we don't end up with another Freda-Payne-Thelma-Houston-Kc debacle like last year.
What will Adam Lambert perform? "Whataya Want From Me" is his big number right now but maybe by the time he's on "Idol" he'll have another single picked out.
Follow Zap2it Andrea on Twitter and follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celebrity news
Related
Randy Jackson is the...
Adam Lambert tweeted Friday, Feb. 26: "Yes, I have been booked on Idol! Can't reveal the date yet but it's a ways off... So excited. Kris and Allison were awesome last night."
We are so excited at the prospect of Glambert returning to "Idol." He says it's a ways off, so thankfully the producers haven't blown all of last year's big names on the semi-finals. Save some for the Top 12, "Idol" producers! So we don't end up with another Freda-Payne-Thelma-Houston-Kc debacle like last year.
What will Adam Lambert perform? "Whataya Want From Me" is his big number right now but maybe by the time he's on "Idol" he'll have another single picked out.
Follow Zap2it Andrea on Twitter and follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celebrity news
Related
Randy Jackson is the...
- 2/26/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Tyler Grady, Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, Joe Munoz have become the first four contestants to be voted off this year’s American Idol.
I’m a little bit disappointed by the female result, because I thought both had potential, despite clear first-night nerves. Damn.
Rodriguez, 22, sang Happy by Leona Lewis but met with disappointing comments from the judges. Simon Cowell described the performance as clumsy, and suggested that she was even going backwards. Still, she had a great look and great vocals in the run-up to this.
Janell Wheeler – what a cutie – got dumped after her rendition of What About Love? by Heart. The judges weren’t too critical of her – some comments were that she had chosen a difficult song, with Simon saying that she went sharp when she got too excited.
Jim Morrison lookalike Tyler Grady sang American Woman for his first performance. The judges wanted him to...
I’m a little bit disappointed by the female result, because I thought both had potential, despite clear first-night nerves. Damn.
Rodriguez, 22, sang Happy by Leona Lewis but met with disappointing comments from the judges. Simon Cowell described the performance as clumsy, and suggested that she was even going backwards. Still, she had a great look and great vocals in the run-up to this.
Janell Wheeler – what a cutie – got dumped after her rendition of What About Love? by Heart. The judges weren’t too critical of her – some comments were that she had chosen a difficult song, with Simon saying that she went sharp when she got too excited.
Jim Morrison lookalike Tyler Grady sang American Woman for his first performance. The judges wanted him to...
- 2/26/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
There was a time when grace and dignity ruled the land. When disappointed singers whose "journey" ended on "American Idol" in the first few semi-final rounds shed a crocodile tear (or 20), got their obligatory fake hug from host Ryan Seacrest, sang their most recent karaoke number again (invariably just a bit less terribly than the night or two before) and then shuffled off this mortal coil never to be heard from again.
But on Thursday (February 25) night's first elimination show of season nine, a strange thing happened: The four men and women who got the boot didn't open the fake water works and just go away. They went away mad. Like a mistake had been made, or as if they deserved to be on the show no matter what those dumb 24 million voters thought!
The first boot-ee, Florida beach blonde Janell Wheeler, handled it best when she got the hook over teen Katie Stevens.
But on Thursday (February 25) night's first elimination show of season nine, a strange thing happened: The four men and women who got the boot didn't open the fake water works and just go away. They went away mad. Like a mistake had been made, or as if they deserved to be on the show no matter what those dumb 24 million voters thought!
The first boot-ee, Florida beach blonde Janell Wheeler, handled it best when she got the hook over teen Katie Stevens.
- 2/26/2010
- by Gil Kaufman
- MTV Newsroom
Why did the wrong girl get voted off Idol’s Top 24 last night? I should have voted. Damn!
Soulful, fashion-forward blond Janell Wheeler got prematurely booted from American Idol last night, Feb. 25, and I feel personally responsible for her demise. I actively did not dial 1-888-idol-01 and vote when Ryan Seacrest urged me to — but I should have!
“What’s the point?” I thought. “My measly vote doesn’t make a difference.” Welcome to America, folks, where every voice is heard.
What’s done is done. Janell, a 24-year-old Orlando, Flor. native (who used to date Heisman award-winning college quarterback Tim Tebow), kicked butt during Hollywood week with her rendition of “American Boy.” Unfortunately, she chose to sing Heart’s “What About Love?” during the first live performance and it was weak and pitchy at best.
America didn’t like it, and now she’s gone. But I think...
Soulful, fashion-forward blond Janell Wheeler got prematurely booted from American Idol last night, Feb. 25, and I feel personally responsible for her demise. I actively did not dial 1-888-idol-01 and vote when Ryan Seacrest urged me to — but I should have!
“What’s the point?” I thought. “My measly vote doesn’t make a difference.” Welcome to America, folks, where every voice is heard.
What’s done is done. Janell, a 24-year-old Orlando, Flor. native (who used to date Heisman award-winning college quarterback Tim Tebow), kicked butt during Hollywood week with her rendition of “American Boy.” Unfortunately, she chose to sing Heart’s “What About Love?” during the first live performance and it was weak and pitchy at best.
America didn’t like it, and now she’s gone. But I think...
- 2/26/2010
- by Kirstin Benson
- HollywoodLife
Who was eliminated from 'American Idol'? I can happily say that I've actually been following this season of Fox's hit reality series "American Idol", so yes, when I'm posting updates for the series, for the first time I know what I'm talking about. Of course, I'm only watching because Ellen Degeneres is now part of the show, otherwise, it'd be another year of covering the series without actually knowing what's going on.
In any case, Janelle Wheeler was the first to get the ax from the show. The second contestant to go was Ashley Rodriguez. As for the guys, Joe Munoz and Tyler Grady were the two unfortuante aspiring musicians to be eliminated. Thanks goodness Joe got the ax. I absolutely could not stand that guy and am utterly shocked that he made it as far as he did.
What do you guys think? Do you agree with...
In any case, Janelle Wheeler was the first to get the ax from the show. The second contestant to go was Ashley Rodriguez. As for the guys, Joe Munoz and Tyler Grady were the two unfortuante aspiring musicians to be eliminated. Thanks goodness Joe got the ax. I absolutely could not stand that guy and am utterly shocked that he made it as far as he did.
What do you guys think? Do you agree with...
- 2/26/2010
- Reel Empire
Every Friday, Zap2it is going to look back at the highs and lows of the week in "American Idol."
High note: Bravo, buskers!
Lilly Scott and Crystal Bowersox were the best performances of the week, rocking their guitars and subtle performances. Is this the year of the unwashed homeless person subway station troubadour winner?
Low note: Male melodies, or lack thereof
The entire men's night. The word "good" has never been so relative. Does "Idol" want a female winner so badly that they stacked the men's side with sub-par contestants? We hope the men can come back next week and put forth a night that doesn't make us want to throw our shoe through the television.
High note: Kara has some insight!
Kara DioGuardi's very insightful Katie Stevens comment. When all the judges were taking Katie Stevens to task for her "old" performance, Kara astutely pointed...
High note: Bravo, buskers!
Lilly Scott and Crystal Bowersox were the best performances of the week, rocking their guitars and subtle performances. Is this the year of the unwashed homeless person subway station troubadour winner?
Low note: Male melodies, or lack thereof
The entire men's night. The word "good" has never been so relative. Does "Idol" want a female winner so badly that they stacked the men's side with sub-par contestants? We hope the men can come back next week and put forth a night that doesn't make us want to throw our shoe through the television.
High note: Kara has some insight!
Kara DioGuardi's very insightful Katie Stevens comment. When all the judges were taking Katie Stevens to task for her "old" performance, Kara astutely pointed...
- 2/26/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
The "American Idol" chopping block came down hard on Thursday night, sending four hopefuls packing.
Janell Wheeler, the blonde 24-year-old wine saleswoman from Orlando, Fla., who reportedly has a link to exiting Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow, was first to get the cut.
"I had a feeling," she said after show host Ryan Seacrest delivered the news. "I really wanted a chance to play my guitar and do what I do best one more time."
Also sent away was Eva Longoria Parker look-a-like Ashley Rodriguez, 22, from Chelsea, Mass., who had performed "Happy," a song made famous ...
Copyright 2010 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Janell Wheeler, the blonde 24-year-old wine saleswoman from Orlando, Fla., who reportedly has a link to exiting Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow, was first to get the cut.
"I had a feeling," she said after show host Ryan Seacrest delivered the news. "I really wanted a chance to play my guitar and do what I do best one more time."
Also sent away was Eva Longoria Parker look-a-like Ashley Rodriguez, 22, from Chelsea, Mass., who had performed "Happy," a song made famous ...
Copyright 2010 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- 2/26/2010
- by AccessHollywood.com Editorial Staff
- Access Hollywood
From killer covers to Tyler Grady's angry exit, it's all in the season premiere of 'Idol in 60 Seconds.'
By Jim Cantiello
Ashley Rodriguez, Didi Benami and Ryan Seacrest on Thursday's "American Idol"
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images
"American Idol" in 60 Seconds has fast become an MTV News institution, but it goes by so fast that it's not always easy to catch every golden nugget. So, here we present to you a slightly altered script of the weekly bite-size recap of "Idol" high jinks, plus a joke or two that had to be cut for time!
In the first live-competition week of the ninth season of "American Idol," we met our brand new Top 24. While not everybody choked (Siobhan Magnus' interpretation of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" was wicked cool, Lilly Scott's Beatles cover made me want to sergeant her pepper and Crystal Bowersox spent half of...
By Jim Cantiello
Ashley Rodriguez, Didi Benami and Ryan Seacrest on Thursday's "American Idol"
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images
"American Idol" in 60 Seconds has fast become an MTV News institution, but it goes by so fast that it's not always easy to catch every golden nugget. So, here we present to you a slightly altered script of the weekly bite-size recap of "Idol" high jinks, plus a joke or two that had to be cut for time!
In the first live-competition week of the ninth season of "American Idol," we met our brand new Top 24. While not everybody choked (Siobhan Magnus' interpretation of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" was wicked cool, Lilly Scott's Beatles cover made me want to sergeant her pepper and Crystal Bowersox spent half of...
- 2/26/2010
- MTV Music News
The season's first "American Idol" eliminations are in the books, and now Tyler Grady, Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez and Joe Munoz will have to pursue their dreams of pop stardom on their own. All of the eliminations seemed to make sense (though Tim Urban was arguably worse than Grady) and each one was accompanied by an "Idol" tradition: The exit song.
This season, Will Young's "Leave Right Now" is the tune that will send fallen "Idol" contestants back to the real world. Considering the title and the fact that Young is a former "Pop Idol" winner in the U.K., it's a logical fit (even though it was big on the British charts all the way back in 2003). However, when played over the exit montages last night, it sounded simultaneously harsh and dour, especially considering the chorus: "I think I better leave right now/ Before I fall any deeper...
This season, Will Young's "Leave Right Now" is the tune that will send fallen "Idol" contestants back to the real world. Considering the title and the fact that Young is a former "Pop Idol" winner in the U.K., it's a logical fit (even though it was big on the British charts all the way back in 2003). However, when played over the exit montages last night, it sounded simultaneously harsh and dour, especially considering the chorus: "I think I better leave right now/ Before I fall any deeper...
- 2/26/2010
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
What did we learn from the first American Idol results show of season nine? Well...
America pities a cute singer that gets (properly) lambasted by judges for his lack of singing talent. Visible hand-shaking during a performance is grounds for elimination. Lack of early round attention is harmful for a contestant's chances, no matter how well their sing a live performance. Being hot isn't enough.
In order, these facts relate to the following semifinalists:
Tim Urban: You seem nice, but the shock you expressed after Ryan told you to sit down because you were safe should have been echoed around the country. This guy simply can't sing well enough. He should have been eliminated.
Janell Wheeler: She definitely chose the wrong song, as a Heart rock ballad isn't in her wheelhouse. But the overt nerves shown throughout the performance had to have been to blame for this decision.
America pities a cute singer that gets (properly) lambasted by judges for his lack of singing talent. Visible hand-shaking during a performance is grounds for elimination. Lack of early round attention is harmful for a contestant's chances, no matter how well their sing a live performance. Being hot isn't enough.
In order, these facts relate to the following semifinalists:
Tim Urban: You seem nice, but the shock you expressed after Ryan told you to sit down because you were safe should have been echoed around the country. This guy simply can't sing well enough. He should have been eliminated.
Janell Wheeler: She definitely chose the wrong song, as a Heart rock ballad isn't in her wheelhouse. But the overt nerves shown throughout the performance had to have been to blame for this decision.
- 2/26/2010
- by matt@iscribelimited.com (M.L. House)
- TVfanatic
'Other people didn't get screen time at all, and they got through,' he says.
By Katie Byrne
Jose Munoz performs on Wednesday's "American Idol"
Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox
Joe Muñoz had a lot of ground to make up on "American Idol," having only been shown once toward the end of Hollywood Week before this week's live debut.
Unfortunately, his good-but-not-great take on Jason Mraz's "You and I Both" didn't do the trick, and he was eliminated Thursday along with Tyler Grady, Janell Wheeler and Ashley Rodriguez. We caught up with the soft-spoken singer to talk about what went wrong and what's next.
Q: We didn't hear anything from you until the very end of Hollywood Week. Do you that lack of screen time was your downfall?
A: I don't think so, because other people didn't get screen time at all, and they got through. I try not to think about it that much.
By Katie Byrne
Jose Munoz performs on Wednesday's "American Idol"
Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox
Joe Muñoz had a lot of ground to make up on "American Idol," having only been shown once toward the end of Hollywood Week before this week's live debut.
Unfortunately, his good-but-not-great take on Jason Mraz's "You and I Both" didn't do the trick, and he was eliminated Thursday along with Tyler Grady, Janell Wheeler and Ashley Rodriguez. We caught up with the soft-spoken singer to talk about what went wrong and what's next.
Q: We didn't hear anything from you until the very end of Hollywood Week. Do you that lack of screen time was your downfall?
A: I don't think so, because other people didn't get screen time at all, and they got through. I try not to think about it that much.
- 2/26/2010
- MTV Music News
'I definitely heard a lot of us having pitch problems,' she says of rocky first week.
By Katie Byrne
Janell Wheeler on Wednesday's "American Idol"
Photo: Fox
Janell Wheeler had a standout moment during Hollywood Week when she sang a stripped-down version of Estelle's "American Boy" and played her acoustic guitar.
Unfortunately, she left the guitar at home for her performance of Heart's "What About Love," getting the boot Thursday night along with Tyler Grady, Ashley Rodriguez and Joe Muñoz. We caught up with the bubbly blonde on Friday (February 26) to talk about nerves running rampant and what's next.
Q: The judges seem to be giving a lot of mixed messages this season. Was it hard to figure out what they wanted?
A: I think I knew exactly what they wanted from me. I just was choosing to do it the second week. [Laughs.] The first rehearsal with me and...
By Katie Byrne
Janell Wheeler on Wednesday's "American Idol"
Photo: Fox
Janell Wheeler had a standout moment during Hollywood Week when she sang a stripped-down version of Estelle's "American Boy" and played her acoustic guitar.
Unfortunately, she left the guitar at home for her performance of Heart's "What About Love," getting the boot Thursday night along with Tyler Grady, Ashley Rodriguez and Joe Muñoz. We caught up with the bubbly blonde on Friday (February 26) to talk about nerves running rampant and what's next.
Q: The judges seem to be giving a lot of mixed messages this season. Was it hard to figure out what they wanted?
A: I think I knew exactly what they wanted from me. I just was choosing to do it the second week. [Laughs.] The first rehearsal with me and...
- 2/26/2010
- MTV Music News
'A lot of people thought they would be a little lenient, considering it was our first live show,' eliminated contestant says.
By Katie Byrne
Ashley Rodriguez and Didi Benami on "American Idol"
Photo: Micelotta/ Getty Images
Before the live "American Idol" episodes kicked off this week, Ashley Rodriguez was shaping up to be the season-nine diva. She tackled songs by Alicia Keys, Beyoncé and Jordin Sparks during her audition and Hollywood Week, and pulled them off with flying colors.
Her cover of Leona Lewis' "Happy" wasn't quite as successful, and the 22-year-old Berklee College of Music student got the boot Thursday night, along with Tyler Grady, Janell Wheeler and Joe Muñoz.
So what's next for Ashley? We caught up with her to talk about that and her experience on "Idol."
Q: It was a pretty tough week on "American Idol." Were you surprised by the judges' primarily negative feedback?...
By Katie Byrne
Ashley Rodriguez and Didi Benami on "American Idol"
Photo: Micelotta/ Getty Images
Before the live "American Idol" episodes kicked off this week, Ashley Rodriguez was shaping up to be the season-nine diva. She tackled songs by Alicia Keys, Beyoncé and Jordin Sparks during her audition and Hollywood Week, and pulled them off with flying colors.
Her cover of Leona Lewis' "Happy" wasn't quite as successful, and the 22-year-old Berklee College of Music student got the boot Thursday night, along with Tyler Grady, Janell Wheeler and Joe Muñoz.
So what's next for Ashley? We caught up with her to talk about that and her experience on "Idol."
Q: It was a pretty tough week on "American Idol." Were you surprised by the judges' primarily negative feedback?...
- 2/26/2010
- MTV Music News
But booted contestant wasn't planning to change for them either: 'I probably would've just stuck to my guns.'
By Katie Byrne
Tyler Grady on "American Idol"
Photo: Fox
While Tyler Grady made a lasting impression with his retro "American Idol" audition in Boston, he virtually went missing from the stage during Hollywood Week.
That disappearing act might have marked the end for the 20-year-old from Nazareth, Pennsylvania — who was kicked off "Idol" on Thursday along with Ashley Rodriguez, Janell Wheeler and Joe Muñoz. Before he reprised his performance of the Guess Who's "American Woman," he had some choice words for the judges: "I like all the judges, and I've really had a great time with them, but I feel like I didn't really get much constructive criticism during Hollywood Week, and what they told me was a little too late."
When we caught up with him Friday (February...
By Katie Byrne
Tyler Grady on "American Idol"
Photo: Fox
While Tyler Grady made a lasting impression with his retro "American Idol" audition in Boston, he virtually went missing from the stage during Hollywood Week.
That disappearing act might have marked the end for the 20-year-old from Nazareth, Pennsylvania — who was kicked off "Idol" on Thursday along with Ashley Rodriguez, Janell Wheeler and Joe Muñoz. Before he reprised his performance of the Guess Who's "American Woman," he had some choice words for the judges: "I like all the judges, and I've really had a great time with them, but I feel like I didn't really get much constructive criticism during Hollywood Week, and what they told me was a little too late."
When we caught up with him Friday (February...
- 2/26/2010
- MTV Music News
Forgive my language, but what the bleep just happened?
Ashley Rodriguez was eliminated on American Idol. That, I absolutely don't mind. Her performance Tuesday night was unforgivable, for someone pimped so hard.
Joe Mu??oz was eliminated, too. I feel a bit bad for it--he did churn out a solid performance Wednesday night--but having zero exposure before this week certainly didn't help him.
Ashley Rodriguez was eliminated on American Idol. That, I absolutely don't mind. Her performance Tuesday night was unforgivable, for someone pimped so hard.
Joe Mu??oz was eliminated, too. I feel a bit bad for it--he did churn out a solid performance Wednesday night--but having zero exposure before this week certainly didn't help him.
- 2/26/2010
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
Teen rocker Allison Iraheta has made her return to the "American Idol" stage for the show's Top 24 result show. On Thursday night, February 25, the 17-year-old singer who finished fourth on season 8 got to deliver her first televised performance of "Scars", a new single from debut album "Just Like You".
While Allison brought her new song, season 8 winner Kris Allen took the stage with a mission. Being a part of "Idol Gives Back", the 24-year-old shared about his recent trip to Haiti and the rebuilding. "There's a lot of devastation, a lot of destruction," he went on to say, "but there is some hope."
The "Live Like We're Dying" singer then performed his rendition of The Beatles' "Let It Be" accompanied by his guitar and a pianist. His performance will be available on iTunes and 100% of the proceeds will go to Haiti relief.
On the same night, "American Idol" said goodbye to the first four semifinalists.
While Allison brought her new song, season 8 winner Kris Allen took the stage with a mission. Being a part of "Idol Gives Back", the 24-year-old shared about his recent trip to Haiti and the rebuilding. "There's a lot of devastation, a lot of destruction," he went on to say, "but there is some hope."
The "Live Like We're Dying" singer then performed his rendition of The Beatles' "Let It Be" accompanied by his guitar and a pianist. His performance will be available on iTunes and 100% of the proceeds will go to Haiti relief.
On the same night, "American Idol" said goodbye to the first four semifinalists.
- 2/26/2010
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
Some shocking turns came up on "American Idol" result show. While Tim Urban and Haley Vaughn who did bad on the performance night get to stay in the competition, judges' favorites Joe Munoz and Ashley Rodriguez went home.
Two from the girls and another two from the guys were eliminated from the Top 24 based on the audience vote which clocked in at 24 million on Wednesday, February 24 night. Joining Ashley and Joe as the outcast are Janelle Wheeler and Tyler Grady.
Ashley was the first to be announced to leave the show, being pitted against Didi Benami. She reprised her rendition of "Happy" which Simon Cowell thought was "clumsy" during her performance night. Joe was next, put in the bottom two of the guys with Tim. He also took the stage for the last time singing "You and I Both". Joe's exit is somehow an irony since Kara DioGuardi said in terms of singing,...
Two from the girls and another two from the guys were eliminated from the Top 24 based on the audience vote which clocked in at 24 million on Wednesday, February 24 night. Joining Ashley and Joe as the outcast are Janelle Wheeler and Tyler Grady.
Ashley was the first to be announced to leave the show, being pitted against Didi Benami. She reprised her rendition of "Happy" which Simon Cowell thought was "clumsy" during her performance night. Joe was next, put in the bottom two of the guys with Tim. He also took the stage for the last time singing "You and I Both". Joe's exit is somehow an irony since Kara DioGuardi said in terms of singing,...
- 2/26/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, Joe Munoz and Tyler Grady have become the first four contestants to be eliminated from the ninth season of American Idol. The group were voted off the show during tonight's live results episode after receiving the lowest number of public votes for their performances. The Top 12 females had made their live debut on Tuesday night's show. The Top 12 males took to the stage last night. Tonight's episode also saw the return of two former Idol stars, as last season's winner Kris (more)...
- 2/26/2010
- by By Lara Martin
- Digital Spy
There's a new survey out from Rasmussen Reports that says "American Idol" viewers look most favorably upon judge Randy Jackson.
That comes as a huge surprise to us. It's not that Randy does anything offensive but he's just kinda ... there ... most of the time.
We thought for sure Simon would reign supreme, but his prickliness must rub too many people the wrong way. The entire poll results, from a survey of 1,569 viewers, is as follows:
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
1* Favorables for "American Idol" Judges
Judge
Very Favorable
Somewhat Favorable
Somewhat Unfavorable
Very Unfavorable
Not sure
Ellen DeGeneres
34%
31%
14%
10%
10%
Kara DioGuardi
23%
34%
16%
7%
20%
Simon Cowell
50%
31%
9%
6%
5%
Randy Jackson
51%
36%
6%
1%
6%
Ellen DeGeneres is off to a better start than we would've guessed. We think she's still finding her "Idol" sea legs, but 65% favorable isn't too shabby. We are not at all surprised Kara is last. She has good insight both music and the...
That comes as a huge surprise to us. It's not that Randy does anything offensive but he's just kinda ... there ... most of the time.
We thought for sure Simon would reign supreme, but his prickliness must rub too many people the wrong way. The entire poll results, from a survey of 1,569 viewers, is as follows:
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
1* Favorables for "American Idol" Judges
Judge
Very Favorable
Somewhat Favorable
Somewhat Unfavorable
Very Unfavorable
Not sure
Ellen DeGeneres
34%
31%
14%
10%
10%
Kara DioGuardi
23%
34%
16%
7%
20%
Simon Cowell
50%
31%
9%
6%
5%
Randy Jackson
51%
36%
6%
1%
6%
Ellen DeGeneres is off to a better start than we would've guessed. We think she's still finding her "Idol" sea legs, but 65% favorable isn't too shabby. We are not at all surprised Kara is last. She has good insight both music and the...
- 2/25/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Oh, Allison Iraheta. We love that you're so weird.
We have no context for this picture other than the inimitable Allison Iraheta's tweet: "Band in the shoowweeeerrr , band in the CHowerrrr"
Band in the shower, indeed.
The blonde woman to the left of Allison is her bass player Priscilla Fire, the man in the plaid on the right is guitarist David Immerman, the woman holding Allison's hair is her drummer Valerie Franco and the man to the left is Zoux the keyboard player. Thanks to Alert Commenter Craig for the info.
Allison tweeted another great photo on Jan. 31 that we wanted to share as well:
That's season 8 semi-finalist Jackie Tohn. Don't Jackie and Allison look gorgeous?
Look for Allison to perform "Scars" on the Thursday, Feb. 25 "American Idol" results show. It's a great song, should be an amazing performance.
Follow Zap2it Andrea on Twitter and follow Zap2it...
We have no context for this picture other than the inimitable Allison Iraheta's tweet: "Band in the shoowweeeerrr , band in the CHowerrrr"
Band in the shower, indeed.
The blonde woman to the left of Allison is her bass player Priscilla Fire, the man in the plaid on the right is guitarist David Immerman, the woman holding Allison's hair is her drummer Valerie Franco and the man to the left is Zoux the keyboard player. Thanks to Alert Commenter Craig for the info.
Allison tweeted another great photo on Jan. 31 that we wanted to share as well:
That's season 8 semi-finalist Jackie Tohn. Don't Jackie and Allison look gorgeous?
Look for Allison to perform "Scars" on the Thursday, Feb. 25 "American Idol" results show. It's a great song, should be an amazing performance.
Follow Zap2it Andrea on Twitter and follow Zap2it...
- 2/25/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Check out "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks performing a number off his new album "The Distance."
Taylor talks to Fox 6 about touring with "Grease" as the Teen Angel and then gets to perform a song from his album "The Distance."
He also has some advice for the "Idol" contestants: "If you have that vision and pick the right songs and sing well and you believe in the music" then they can be successful.
"The Distance" was released independently by Hicks on March 10, 2009. It debuted at #58 on the Billboard 200 chart and #5 on the Top Independent Albums chart.
Follow Zap2it Andrea on Twitter and follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celebrity news
Related
Viewer survey says Ashley Rodriguez, Haeley Vaughn headed home
'Idol' Jamar Rogers foregoes show to pursue over musical avenues
Kevin Covais blogs for Zap2it on the Top 24 Idols
Stream Danny Gokey...
Taylor talks to Fox 6 about touring with "Grease" as the Teen Angel and then gets to perform a song from his album "The Distance."
He also has some advice for the "Idol" contestants: "If you have that vision and pick the right songs and sing well and you believe in the music" then they can be successful.
"The Distance" was released independently by Hicks on March 10, 2009. It debuted at #58 on the Billboard 200 chart and #5 on the Top Independent Albums chart.
Follow Zap2it Andrea on Twitter and follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celebrity news
Related
Viewer survey says Ashley Rodriguez, Haeley Vaughn headed home
'Idol' Jamar Rogers foregoes show to pursue over musical avenues
Kevin Covais blogs for Zap2it on the Top 24 Idols
Stream Danny Gokey...
- 2/25/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
An "American Idol" viewer survey says it is Ashley Rodriguez and Haeley Vaughn heading home.
Media Curves, a site that conducts communications research, polled 4,154 "American Idol" viewers on the Top 12 women. The survey is called "Idol Democracy," because each voter is only allowed to vote once.
The results have Crystal Bowersox and Lilly Scott finishing first and second with 16.3% and 12.7% of the vote, respectively. Ashley Rodriguez and Haeley Vaughn are the bottom two, receiving only 5.9% and 4.2% of the vote, respectively.
Spots 3-10 are as follows:
Katie Stevens, 11.1%
Siobhan Magnus, 8.8%
Janell Wheeler, 8.4%
Katelyn Epperly, 7.2%
Michelle Delamor, 6.9%
Lacey Brown, 6.5%
Didi Benami, 6.1%
Paige Miles, 6.0%
We aren't terribly surprised at the results. The one surprise is the placement of Didi Benami and Janell Wheeler -- we would've guessed they would be reversed in that list. We'll post the men's survey results as soon as they become available.
If you'd like to participate in this survey each week,...
Media Curves, a site that conducts communications research, polled 4,154 "American Idol" viewers on the Top 12 women. The survey is called "Idol Democracy," because each voter is only allowed to vote once.
The results have Crystal Bowersox and Lilly Scott finishing first and second with 16.3% and 12.7% of the vote, respectively. Ashley Rodriguez and Haeley Vaughn are the bottom two, receiving only 5.9% and 4.2% of the vote, respectively.
Spots 3-10 are as follows:
Katie Stevens, 11.1%
Siobhan Magnus, 8.8%
Janell Wheeler, 8.4%
Katelyn Epperly, 7.2%
Michelle Delamor, 6.9%
Lacey Brown, 6.5%
Didi Benami, 6.1%
Paige Miles, 6.0%
We aren't terribly surprised at the results. The one surprise is the placement of Didi Benami and Janell Wheeler -- we would've guessed they would be reversed in that list. We'll post the men's survey results as soon as they become available.
If you'd like to participate in this survey each week,...
- 2/25/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta also stop by results show.
By Gil Kaufman
Tyler Grady on "American Idol" Thursday
Photo: Fox
After one of the roughest first rounds in "American Idol" memory, voters appeared to get it right with the initial four eliminations of season nine. Though a few of the shakiest competitors from the debut week of live performances lived to see another day — think Tim Urban and Katie Stevens — Thursday night (February 25) marked the end of the road for Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, Joe Muñoz and Tyler Grady.
Thanks to 24 million votes, the first singers who passed into safety include a glammed-up Siobhan Magnus, cowgirl wannabe Haeley Vaughn, Michelle Delamor, Katelyn Epperly and Stevens. That left all-American Florida girl Janell Wheeler on the outs. "That sucks," she said, snapping her fingers. "I had a feeling ... definitely wrong song choice," she admitted of Heart's "What About Love," which the...
By Gil Kaufman
Tyler Grady on "American Idol" Thursday
Photo: Fox
After one of the roughest first rounds in "American Idol" memory, voters appeared to get it right with the initial four eliminations of season nine. Though a few of the shakiest competitors from the debut week of live performances lived to see another day — think Tim Urban and Katie Stevens — Thursday night (February 25) marked the end of the road for Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, Joe Muñoz and Tyler Grady.
Thanks to 24 million votes, the first singers who passed into safety include a glammed-up Siobhan Magnus, cowgirl wannabe Haeley Vaughn, Michelle Delamor, Katelyn Epperly and Stevens. That left all-American Florida girl Janell Wheeler on the outs. "That sucks," she said, snapping her fingers. "I had a feeling ... definitely wrong song choice," she admitted of Heart's "What About Love," which the...
- 2/25/2010
- MTV Music News
Season-nine semifinalists' rocky live debut has 'Idol' experts and fans concerned.
By Gil Kaufman
Tim Urban
Photo: Fox
The early semifinal rounds of "American Idol" are always difficult. You are bound to have some early hopefuls falling victim to first-time-on-tv jitters, a few dark horses soaring before an eventual crash and a handful of singers proving they were lucky to have gotten there in the first place.
But after the first two nights of mostly panned performances, veteran "Idol" watchers woke up Thursday (February 25) wondering, "Is this the worst top 24 ever?"
The answer is easy for Dave Della Terza, webmaster of the long-running "Idol"-bashing blog VoteForTheWorst.com, which encourages "Idol" watchers to purposely stuff the box with votes for the weakest contestants. "This truly is the worst top 24 in 'American Idol' history," Della Terza said. "If you notice, the only contestant in the entire top...
By Gil Kaufman
Tim Urban
Photo: Fox
The early semifinal rounds of "American Idol" are always difficult. You are bound to have some early hopefuls falling victim to first-time-on-tv jitters, a few dark horses soaring before an eventual crash and a handful of singers proving they were lucky to have gotten there in the first place.
But after the first two nights of mostly panned performances, veteran "Idol" watchers woke up Thursday (February 25) wondering, "Is this the worst top 24 ever?"
The answer is easy for Dave Della Terza, webmaster of the long-running "Idol"-bashing blog VoteForTheWorst.com, which encourages "Idol" watchers to purposely stuff the box with votes for the weakest contestants. "This truly is the worst top 24 in 'American Idol' history," Della Terza said. "If you notice, the only contestant in the entire top...
- 2/25/2010
- MTV Music News
It’s normally a dangerous thing for an American Idol contestant to take on a song by such an accomplished singer as Alicia Keys, it’s up there with singing a Whitney Houston song, you’ve got to be great to pull it off.
So we were worried when we heard that Michelle Delamor would be attempting to sing ‘Falling’ on last night’s show. But we thought that she nailed it. She was sultry and smoky and though she didn’t deviate too much from the original version, she did sound fantastic to us.
Ellen DeGeneres: That was fantastic. It was safe and easy though and I feel like you have more in you.
Simon Cowell: You are a very professional singer. It was close to the original but not as good. There wasn’t one moment when I thought wow but I think you’ve done enough to get through.
So we were worried when we heard that Michelle Delamor would be attempting to sing ‘Falling’ on last night’s show. But we thought that she nailed it. She was sultry and smoky and though she didn’t deviate too much from the original version, she did sound fantastic to us.
Ellen DeGeneres: That was fantastic. It was safe and easy though and I feel like you have more in you.
Simon Cowell: You are a very professional singer. It was close to the original but not as good. There wasn’t one moment when I thought wow but I think you’ve done enough to get through.
- 2/24/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Ashley Rodriguez made the worst song choice on last night’s American Idol live show. She gave a terrible rendition of Leona Lewis’ ‘Happy’ and it’s like singing a Mariah or a Whitney track, you have a to have a really big voice to pull it off.
Simon Cowell blasted Rodruguez saying:
“I thought it was clumsy, your version. I think you’re going backwards, I don’t feel you as a contemporary recording audience. Just somebody who sings somebody else’s song and not very well. I think you could be in trouble tonight.”
Kara thought there were some nice moments when she hit the high notes, but thought there were definitely some that were not great. She advised her to chose more unpredictable songs in the future.
Ellen loves Leona and the song and wants Ashley to step out and do something with a whole different vibe.
Simon Cowell blasted Rodruguez saying:
“I thought it was clumsy, your version. I think you’re going backwards, I don’t feel you as a contemporary recording audience. Just somebody who sings somebody else’s song and not very well. I think you could be in trouble tonight.”
Kara thought there were some nice moments when she hit the high notes, but thought there were definitely some that were not great. She advised her to chose more unpredictable songs in the future.
Ellen loves Leona and the song and wants Ashley to step out and do something with a whole different vibe.
- 2/24/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
American Idol needs to be like Project Runway. Simon Cowell needs to order the best and worst singers to stand in rows and justify their choices, like toddlers who've peed themselves behind the couch. He should reduce his criticisms to Klum-level quips like, "I just don't understand." Randy Jackson needs to tell contestants like Ashley Rodriguez that covering a Leona Lewis song is "tacky and ill-fitting," and guest-judges Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi must be replaced by Diane von Furstenberg and empty space. Most importantly: Every contestant requires a firm mentor with pearly hair, and fast. What a grim evening! I pick the night's top and bottom performances after the jump.
- 2/24/2010
- Movieline - TVline
Not going to lie, ladies – I was disappointed. How does everyone else feel about last night’s episode?
As every single judge has reiterated at one point or another, American Idol isn’t just a singing competition – it’s about originality. So I was more than a little displeased to catch the top 12 girls sounding like there were having a really killer time at karaoke night.
Unfortunately, in Idol world, karaoke just doesn’t cut it.
Admittedly, I truly love some of the girls. I was waiting with bated breath to see what hippy mom Crystal Bowersox, white-haired chanteuse Lilly Scott and Connecticut teen Katie Stevens would do – but enjoyed all of their Hollywood week performances much, much more.
24-year-old Crystal let me down the most. ‘Mama Sox’ can literally sing the phone book – but chose to sing Alanis Morrisette’s Hand In My Pocket – one of the blandest songs...
As every single judge has reiterated at one point or another, American Idol isn’t just a singing competition – it’s about originality. So I was more than a little displeased to catch the top 12 girls sounding like there were having a really killer time at karaoke night.
Unfortunately, in Idol world, karaoke just doesn’t cut it.
Admittedly, I truly love some of the girls. I was waiting with bated breath to see what hippy mom Crystal Bowersox, white-haired chanteuse Lilly Scott and Connecticut teen Katie Stevens would do – but enjoyed all of their Hollywood week performances much, much more.
24-year-old Crystal let me down the most. ‘Mama Sox’ can literally sing the phone book – but chose to sing Alanis Morrisette’s Hand In My Pocket – one of the blandest songs...
- 2/24/2010
- by Laura Schreffler
- HollywoodLife
Lilly, Michelle and Crystal go to the head of the class, but Haeley, Lacey and others are in danger.
By Eric Ditzian
Lilly Scott
Photo: Fox
The top 12 "American Idol" women have arrived. They've sung, they've been judged, and now they await their fate from the voting public: a pass to next week or a plane ticket home. So, how did these "Idol" hopefuls do on Tuesday night? Who surprised us, who disappointed us and who's in danger of going home? Let's take a look at the top 12 women's report card. (And don't miss Jim Cantiello's review of their performances in the Newsroom.)
Excellent
Lilly Scott: While so many contestants tried to mimic pop stars on Tuesday night, Scott was the most prominent example of what the judges have always wanted: a performance that displays your originality rather than your propensity for imitation. Scott's acoustic guitar-driven reworking of the...
By Eric Ditzian
Lilly Scott
Photo: Fox
The top 12 "American Idol" women have arrived. They've sung, they've been judged, and now they await their fate from the voting public: a pass to next week or a plane ticket home. So, how did these "Idol" hopefuls do on Tuesday night? Who surprised us, who disappointed us and who's in danger of going home? Let's take a look at the top 12 women's report card. (And don't miss Jim Cantiello's review of their performances in the Newsroom.)
Excellent
Lilly Scott: While so many contestants tried to mimic pop stars on Tuesday night, Scott was the most prominent example of what the judges have always wanted: a performance that displays your originality rather than your propensity for imitation. Scott's acoustic guitar-driven reworking of the...
- 2/24/2010
- MTV Music News
Simon Cowell has been shown criticising Jordin Sparks's single 'Battlefield' on the latest episode of American Idol. The judge expressed his surprise when contestant Ashley Rodriguez said that she was a fan of Sparks, who won the sixth season of the show. "What, even the single?" Cowell quipped, before mocking the lyrics "Battlefield, I'm on a battlefield". He was (more)...
- 2/24/2010
- by By David Balls
- Digital Spy
Vote for the Worst picked their "American Idol" female Tuesday night (Feb. 23) -- Haeley Vaughn.
We don't really enjoy the fact that Vote for the Worst likes to keep the worst singers in the competition on "Idol," but it's always interesting to see who they are backing -- we don't always agree with them.
Unfortunately, we completely agree this week. Ellen DeGeneres was exactly right about poor, sweet Haeley Vaughn -- she was a hot mess Tuesday night. From the gaudy white outfit to the shrieking on "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," it was a rough performance.
Haeley and Janell Wheeler should both be very worried after their first performances, though Lacey Brown and even Ashley Rodriguez may also be in trouble.
Interestingly, we thought for sure Siobhan Magnus and Paige Miles would be in trouble last night, but they turned in two of the better performances (though Paige picked...
We don't really enjoy the fact that Vote for the Worst likes to keep the worst singers in the competition on "Idol," but it's always interesting to see who they are backing -- we don't always agree with them.
Unfortunately, we completely agree this week. Ellen DeGeneres was exactly right about poor, sweet Haeley Vaughn -- she was a hot mess Tuesday night. From the gaudy white outfit to the shrieking on "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," it was a rough performance.
Haeley and Janell Wheeler should both be very worried after their first performances, though Lacey Brown and even Ashley Rodriguez may also be in trouble.
Interestingly, we thought for sure Siobhan Magnus and Paige Miles would be in trouble last night, but they turned in two of the better performances (though Paige picked...
- 2/24/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
The live shows for American Idol's ninth season kicked off last night with the Top 12 girls making their debut performances. Here's what the judges had to say: Paige Miles - 'All Right Now' by Free Simon: He says she has the best voice out of all the girls but he thinks the song is a "cheap, wedding singer" type song and she could have chosen better. Kara: She disagrees and says the song was "brilliant" and she put her soul into it, but suggests she could have "done more" with the chorus. Randy: Agrees with both. Says the song isn't a right choice because it has a "group, sing-a-long chorus" but she proved she has a great voice. Ellen: Says she "loved" it and that she has a "great look", "sounds fantastic" and pulled off the performance.
Ashley Rodriguez - 'Happy' (more)...
Ashley Rodriguez - 'Happy' (more)...
- 2/24/2010
- by By Lara Martin
- Digital Spy
Andrew Garcia is an early front-runner, while Joe Muñoz has to gain a lot of ground.
By Eric Ditzian
Andrew Garcia
Photo: Michael Becker / Fox
Lilly Scott soared and Ashley Rodriguez bombed on Tuesday during the premiere performances of the top 12 female "American Idol" hopefuls. On Wednesday night (February 24), it's time for the top 12 men to take their turns on the stage. Who's sure to be voted through and who might be going home? Let's take a look at how these 12 gentlemen stack up.
Andrew Garcia
How much does Twitter tell us? Garcia should hope it portends a lot, because the guitar-strumming daddy has 6,500 more followers than the next closest competitor, making him far and away the most popular "Idol" contestant on the social network. Garcia has brought a measure of funky creativity to the show — with his remixes of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" and Adele's "Chasing Pavements" — and...
By Eric Ditzian
Andrew Garcia
Photo: Michael Becker / Fox
Lilly Scott soared and Ashley Rodriguez bombed on Tuesday during the premiere performances of the top 12 female "American Idol" hopefuls. On Wednesday night (February 24), it's time for the top 12 men to take their turns on the stage. Who's sure to be voted through and who might be going home? Let's take a look at how these 12 gentlemen stack up.
Andrew Garcia
How much does Twitter tell us? Garcia should hope it portends a lot, because the guitar-strumming daddy has 6,500 more followers than the next closest competitor, making him far and away the most popular "Idol" contestant on the social network. Garcia has brought a measure of funky creativity to the show — with his remixes of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" and Adele's "Chasing Pavements" — and...
- 2/24/2010
- MTV Music News
The 12 women from "American Idol"'s Top 24 took to the "Idol" stage for the first time Tuesday night to sing Top 10 hits from the Hot 100 chart. Then America voted, and two of the ladies will be sent home on Thursday night's results show. Paige Miles launched the ninth season of "American Idol" with Free's "All Right Now." Simon Cowell said, "I think out of all the girls, you have the best voice. I genuinely do think that. Having said that, I wouldn't have chosen that song, because it is a wedding-singer song. You could have come out with something more original and really made an impression. I think you are going to be fine, but be more careful in your song selection." Kara DioGuardi disagreed, saying, "The song was brilliant because it is a rock song and you got to put your soul into it and you have a lot of soul.
- 2/24/2010
- by TheInsider
- TheInsider.com
Twelve girls have made it to the live stage of "American Idol" this season and they had to overcome stage fright to garner votes from home audience. This is also the first time that judge Ellen DeGeneres, who replaces Paula Abdul, is seen judging live.
The first girl to kick off the night was Paige Miles. She sang "All Right Now" by Free and the judges agreed that it was a bad song choice although Simon Cowell added that she has the best vocal of all the girls. Randy Jackson said, "I think it was a great job" while Kara DioGuardi said she has to put soul in her performance.
Ashley Rodriguez was next, taking the risk to sing a contemporary song "Happy" by Leona Lewis. "I thought it was clumsy, your version. I think you're going backwards, I don't feel you as a contemporary recording audience. Just somebody who...
The first girl to kick off the night was Paige Miles. She sang "All Right Now" by Free and the judges agreed that it was a bad song choice although Simon Cowell added that she has the best vocal of all the girls. Randy Jackson said, "I think it was a great job" while Kara DioGuardi said she has to put soul in her performance.
Ashley Rodriguez was next, taking the risk to sing a contemporary song "Happy" by Leona Lewis. "I thought it was clumsy, your version. I think you're going backwards, I don't feel you as a contemporary recording audience. Just somebody who...
- 2/24/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
"American Idol" starts the live competition tonight with the Top 12 women. How does Zap2it think they'll fare?
There really should be no basis for handicapping the singers other than their vocal abilities. Alas, that is not the case. Some of the women have had much more airtime than others and that is always a factor.
100% Safe
Didi Benami: There are three pretty blondes who kinda blur together (Didi, Janell and Katelyn). We're picking Didi as our choice for Safe Pretty Blonde contestant.
Crystal Bowersox: She's a fan favorite and has been showcased on the show a lot thus far. We also happen to think she has a great voice. She would probably have to lay an actual turd on the stage to get eliminated the first week.
Ashley Rodriguez: She is the Idol female in least need of the makeover. She's gorgeous, put-together and talented. She...
There really should be no basis for handicapping the singers other than their vocal abilities. Alas, that is not the case. Some of the women have had much more airtime than others and that is always a factor.
100% Safe
Didi Benami: There are three pretty blondes who kinda blur together (Didi, Janell and Katelyn). We're picking Didi as our choice for Safe Pretty Blonde contestant.
Crystal Bowersox: She's a fan favorite and has been showcased on the show a lot thus far. We also happen to think she has a great voice. She would probably have to lay an actual turd on the stage to get eliminated the first week.
Ashley Rodriguez: She is the Idol female in least need of the makeover. She's gorgeous, put-together and talented. She...
- 2/23/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
At last, we come to the part of American Idol's ninth season that we've all been waiting for! No, not Randy Jackson's early retirement from the judging panel. Not the unexpected return of Jermaine Purifory and Leneshe Young, either. Nope, not a live performance by Allison Iraheta (you'll have to wait for Thursday for that!) Tonight at 8 p.m. Edt, we kick off the season 9 semifinals with performances by the top 12 ladies! (I'll be live-blogging the event right here at PopWatch.) Until then, however, it's time for me to count down the top 20 contenders based on the prior...
- 2/23/2010
- by Michael Slezak
- EW.com - PopWatch
Underdogs Paige Miles, Lilly Scott and Katelyn Epperly shine during new judge Ellen DeGeneres' first official show.
By Gil Kaufman
Paige Miles on 'American Idol' Tuesday
Photo: Fox
After endless weeks of prep, "American Idol" finally went live Tuesday (February 23), offering fans of the show the first look at the top 12 female performers as well as new judge Ellen DeGeneres, who quickly established that she will be offering up plenty of good advice mixed with comedy chops and support.
DeGeneres, who seemed uncharacteristically nervous at times, set the tone early, setting up a video gag explaining why she was on the opposite end of the judges' table from Simon Cowell, explaining that he "wants" her via a doctored clip in which he appeared to be feeling her leg under the table during Hollywood week.
And then it was on to the real business of the night as preschool teacher Paige Miles,...
By Gil Kaufman
Paige Miles on 'American Idol' Tuesday
Photo: Fox
After endless weeks of prep, "American Idol" finally went live Tuesday (February 23), offering fans of the show the first look at the top 12 female performers as well as new judge Ellen DeGeneres, who quickly established that she will be offering up plenty of good advice mixed with comedy chops and support.
DeGeneres, who seemed uncharacteristically nervous at times, set the tone early, setting up a video gag explaining why she was on the opposite end of the judges' table from Simon Cowell, explaining that he "wants" her via a doctored clip in which he appeared to be feeling her leg under the table during Hollywood week.
And then it was on to the real business of the night as preschool teacher Paige Miles,...
- 2/23/2010
- MTV Music News
New AOL poll finds that fans are digging Ellen DeGeneres but miss Paula Abdul.
By Gil Kaufman
Crystal Bowersox
Photo: Fox
Crystal Bowersox and Andrew Garcia are the early front-runners on this season of "American Idol" according to a new AOL Television poll, which also revealed that, so far, fans are loving new judge Ellen DeGeneres, but still missing their old pal Paula Abdul.
Tuesday night's (February 23) two-hour performance show by the top 12 girls will feature dreadlocked mom Bowersox, 24, while the boys' sing-off on Wednesday will spotlight fellow young parent, 24-year-old Garcia. In the poll, Garcia led all vote-getters with 26.2 percent, barely edging out Bowersox, who was second in the weekend tally at 25.2 percent. The poll ran on the site from February 18-22 and got 57,682 votes.
"American Idol" Top 24 Contestants
Another parent, new dad Michael Lynche, came in a solid third at 15.5 percent, but the personal trainer whose wife gave...
By Gil Kaufman
Crystal Bowersox
Photo: Fox
Crystal Bowersox and Andrew Garcia are the early front-runners on this season of "American Idol" according to a new AOL Television poll, which also revealed that, so far, fans are loving new judge Ellen DeGeneres, but still missing their old pal Paula Abdul.
Tuesday night's (February 23) two-hour performance show by the top 12 girls will feature dreadlocked mom Bowersox, 24, while the boys' sing-off on Wednesday will spotlight fellow young parent, 24-year-old Garcia. In the poll, Garcia led all vote-getters with 26.2 percent, barely edging out Bowersox, who was second in the weekend tally at 25.2 percent. The poll ran on the site from February 18-22 and got 57,682 votes.
"American Idol" Top 24 Contestants
Another parent, new dad Michael Lynche, came in a solid third at 15.5 percent, but the personal trainer whose wife gave...
- 2/23/2010
- MTV Music News
Janell Wheeler and Crystal Bowersox have an edge, while Michelle Belamor and Paige Miles need to make up for a lack of screen time.
By Eric Ditzian
Janell Wheeler
Photo: Fox
And now, the show finally begins. "American Idol" has bid farewell to dudes in bikinis and chicks with whips, to rocker moms and warring groups of singers caught in bad romances. This week brings the start of the semifinals, when the manufactured reality-show drama gives way to 24 singers taking their turn alone on the stage in the hope they'll live to sing another week on TV.
On Tuesday night (February 23), the women kick off this next phase of "Idol" season nine. Who's sure to be voted through and who might be going home? Let's take a look at how these 12 ladies stack up.
Ashley Rodriguez
This 22-year-old Berklee College of Music student is perhaps the most polished of all the female contestants,...
By Eric Ditzian
Janell Wheeler
Photo: Fox
And now, the show finally begins. "American Idol" has bid farewell to dudes in bikinis and chicks with whips, to rocker moms and warring groups of singers caught in bad romances. This week brings the start of the semifinals, when the manufactured reality-show drama gives way to 24 singers taking their turn alone on the stage in the hope they'll live to sing another week on TV.
On Tuesday night (February 23), the women kick off this next phase of "Idol" season nine. Who's sure to be voted through and who might be going home? Let's take a look at how these 12 ladies stack up.
Ashley Rodriguez
This 22-year-old Berklee College of Music student is perhaps the most polished of all the female contestants,...
- 2/23/2010
- MTV Music News
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