IDOL LIVE Blog: 'Idol Gives Back' (4/21/10)

If you thought last night was a star-studded experience, be prepared to be blown away tonight by lots of guest performers and celebrities, including Alicia Keys, Annie Lennox, Ben Stiller, Black Eyed Peas, Carrie Underwood, Elton John, Jim Carrey, Jonah Hill, Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige and many more.

To see who I predict will be leaving tonight, see here. Please feel free to add your two cents throughout the one-hour blogcast, with coverage starting just prior to 8 p.m. ET.

Tonight's blogcast features the music of Danny Gokey, Daughtry, David Archuleta, Diana DeGarmo, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Michael Johns.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

IDOL LIVE predix: Top 7 Results

Although the Top 7 finalists didn't meet expectations last night when they tackled inspirational songs, Crystal Bowersox delivered the moment of the season when she went instrument-less on The Impressions' "People Get Ready." Needless to say, she does not need to worry about being in jeopardy tonight. As for the other six stars-in-the-making, though, Alicia Keys probably didn't do enough to advise them out of the danger zone.

With that said, read my predictions for how tonight will go below:

Bottom 3
Mike, Casey, Aaron

Bottom 2
Casey, Aaron

Eliminated
Aaron

These three bottom three dwellers are nothing new, with the exception of Casey, and so tonight's elimination won't be too distressing. Since the Top 2 is pretty much set in stone as of now, it's all a matter of what order certain competitors leave. Mike, who should already be off this show, will make another appearance in the B3 but will escape by the skin of his teeth.

Casey, who up until now has been fairly consistent about not being in danger, will come the closest he has ever been to being eliminated, yet he'll stick around at least another week to deliver the same performance that Kara and co. have been being disappointed by.

And then Aaron will be the victim of "Idol Gives Back," as the show's youngest remaining contestant will be the most unexpected departee and no one will make a fuss over this. All in all a boring result for what should otherwise be a great night filled with giving and charity.

In my original predictions I had Katie going home 7th, which is definitely not a possibility.

Since the Top 24 I have correctly predicted 6-17 eliminations and since the Top 12 I have correctly predicted 2-5 eliminations.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

IDOL LIVE Blog - Top 7 Perform (4/20/10)

As we have now reached the milestone known as "Idol Gives Back" week, it is only fitting that the remaining seven finalists get to choose from a list of select inspirational songs. And who better to serve as their mentor than Alicia Keys? It's a little surprising that none of Alicia's songs were available to the contestants for this theme.

Please feel free to add your two cents throughout the one-hour blogcast, with coverage starting just prior to 8 p.m. ET.

Tonight's blogcast features the music of Carrie Underwood, David Cook, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks and Kris Allen.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

30 'Idol' alums to partake in Feeding America initiative

Ahead of next week's Idol Gives Back special, FOX today issued a press release with a who's who of former finalists that will be taking part in activities that support Feeding America’s local food banks.

As many as 30 past contestants have signed up to participate in the initiative to sort and prepare food donated to local food banks across the country beginning tomorrow. Below is a full list of scheduled appearances:

TUESDAY, APRIL 13

THE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK, LOS ANGELES – Kimberley Locke, Didi Benami, David Hernandez, Amy Adams, Chikezie, Mikalah Gordon, Elliott Yamin, Kevin Covais, Michael Johns, LaToya London and Brandon Rogers will pack food in boxes for senior citizens and young children in need at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

UTAH FOOD BANK, SALT LAKE CITY – Megan Joy will assist a group of 30 volunteers who will sort through food-drive donations, divide them into categories and prepare food boxes.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14

GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY, CHICAGO – Gina Glocksen and Amanda Overmyer will join a group of volunteers to pack disaster relief boxes for Feeding America.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE –Lacey Brown, Bucky Covington, Melinda Doolittle, Bo Bice, Phil Stacey and Mandisa will work with other volunteers to pack disaster-relief boxes for Feeding America.

FOOD LIFELINE, SEATTLE – Blake Lewis will assist a group of volunteers in sorting and repacking products to be distributed to families in need.

THURSDAY, APRIL 15

JAN HUS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NEW YORK – Ace Young, Diana DeGarmo, Jorge Núñez, Julia DeMato and RJ Helton will lend a helping hand to hungry New Yorkers by delivering food with City Harvest.
HOUSTON FOOD BANK, HOUSTON – LaKisha Jones will be working with a group of volunteers who will inspect donated food and prepare it to be re-distributed to 400 agencies.

FEEDING AMERICA TAMPA BAY, TAMPA – Melissa McGhee will spread hope to people in need by working with a group of volunteers to sort and package food.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16

UNITED WAY COMMUNITY FOOD, BIRMINGHAM – Ruben Studdard will label cans and pack boxes.
THREE SQUARE, LAS VEGAS – Danny Gokey will assist a group of volunteers to sort through donated food that will be used to feed local families in need.

The two-hour Idol Gives Back special airs Wed., April 21, and will feature appearances by President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former President George W. Bush, Brad Pitt, Bono, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Annie Lennox, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, P!nk, Céline Dion, Robin Williams, Ben Stiller and more.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Happy Easter from IDOL LIVE

On this Easter Sunday, here's to hoping everyone who celebrates the holiday enjoys their time with their families and friends. In honor of Easter, let's watch the seventh season's Top 8 finalists perform "Shout to the Lord" from their "Idol Gives Back" special:

Wow, it's amazing to think the show had this kind of talent just two seasons ago. So again, I hope you all enjoy your day (and go on an Easter egg hunt while you're at it!)

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

IDOL LIVE Blog - Top 24 Results (2/25/10)

After two nights in a row of very average, underwhelming exhibitions of performances in a long time. Even though things weren't off to such a great start, some of the contestants show a good amount of promise, and so it will be interesting to see if tonight's boots are deserving or maybe cut a little prematurely.

Also tonight we have performances from Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen, plus Kris helps us kick off "Idol Gives Back" when we see clips of his recent trip to Haiti.

Who do you think will say goodbye tonight?

Please feel free to add your input throughout the one-hour blogcast, with coverage starting just prior to 8 p.m. ET.

Tonight's blogcast features the music of Bo Bice, Chris Richardson, Diana DeGarmo, Lisa Tucker and Ruben Studdard.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Poll of the week: Wild card round makes a comeback

IDOL LIVE readers are sure glad the wild card round is being brought back for the eighth season of Idol, at least that is the conclusion that can be drawn from the results of the latest poll of the week, which was extended by six days due to the Christmas holiday. That change was voted the one fans are most looking forward to regarding the forthcoming season, as it received 32 votes (30%) of the 105 votes cast.

The next most popular change was the addition of Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge, as that option garnered 23 votes (21%). There were some that were unsatisfied with the changes that are being made, however, as 20% of the votes cast were to voice the opinion that some are not looking forward to any of the changes.

In this week's poll of the week, IDOL LIVE readers as asked to vote for their most memorable Idol moment of 2008. You will have exactly eight days to vote.

Kara DioGuardi added as a judge 23 (21%)
Auditions shortened to 3 weeks 5 (4%)
Hollywood extended to 2 weeks 8 (7%)
Wild card round brought back 32 (30%)
Top 36 instead of Top 24 5 (4%)
Elimination of 'Idol Gives Back' 3 (2%)
More behind the scenes footage 8 (7%)
I'm not looking forward to any changes 21 (20%)

Total votes: 105

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

IDOL LIVE's Top 10 most memorable moments of 2008 - Part 1

IDOL LIVE has compiled a list of the 10 most memorable moments of 2008 in relation to everything Idol. Everything from joy to tragedy, odd to oddly a big deal are included in the countdown. The bottom five moments are listed below:

10) Jordin Sparks makes waves at MTV's Video Music Awards

Jordin Sparks had a big year in terms of success and opportunities to wow audiences, from her Grammy nomination to the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XLII. One of her more contentious moments, however, was when she came to the defense of The Jonas Brothers at MTV's 2008 Video Music Awards after host Russell Brand lambasted them in his opening monologue for promising chastity until marriage.

Jordin retorted when it was her turn to present an award, saying that people wear purity rings because "not everyone wants to be a slut," which set off a firestorm of praise and criticism on from everyone, whether on morning shows, blogs or mainstream media outlets. Jordin eventually appeared on FOX News Channel's Hannity & Colmes to clarify her statement.

09) Contestants' pasts come back to haunt them

2008 was the year that the term "plant" took on a whole new meaning. As soon as the Top 24 was announced, stories emerged on certain contestants' musical backgrounds, many of whom had previously been signed to major label deals and released albums. Carly Smithson was the largest target after it was revealed that she only managed to sell 300 copies of her album Ultimate High while on MCA Records as Carly Hennessy despite a $2 million promotional price tag.

Other finalists that had record deals before joining the show with either major or indie labels were Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Brooke White and David Cook, while some like David Archuleta had appeared on talent shows like Star Search.

And then there was David Hernandez, whose stripper past overshadowed his short stay on Idol in similar fashion to the media's fascination with Antonella Barba's racy pics from last year.

If history is any indication, we are only going to see more of the same with the next crop of hopefuls.

08) Michael Johns ousted in "cruel shocker" on "Idol Gives Back"

Australia's Michael Johns was considered by many to be the frontrunner for the title of American Idol winner 2008. But when it came time for the results to be read on "Idol Gives Back" night, everyone seemed to be doubting the warning issued from Ryan that someone would indeed be leaving, unlike the "surprise" that kept Jordin Sparks from going home the same night the previous year (although Jordin did not have the lowest vote totals anyway and was never in danger).

But when the results were read and Ryan held out the possibility that once again the lowest vote-getter would be spared, it was like a dagger to the heart for many fans when he said that Michael would indeed by leaving. This generated much criticism of Ryan from the media for being "cruel." While the fact that Michael was ousted when he was did not put this moment on the countdown on its own, the way it was carried out by all those involved and the circumstances were enough to make this the eighth most memorable Idol moment of 2008.

07) Big changes announced for Season 8

After signs that America's #1 show was waning in popularity became too blatant to ignore, the executives behind Idol announced some sizable changes for the upcoming season of the show, beginning with the firing/departure of executive producer Nigel Lythgoe.

Lythgoe's exit was followed closely by Kara DioGuardi's entrance, as the songwriter was hired as a fourth judge. More substantial changes to the show were announced in December, with the establishment of a Top 36 instead of a Top 24, the bringing back of the popular Wildcard round and the slashing of the "Idol Gives Back" special.

Hopefully these changes are enough to reignite the spark that has been slowly waning in regards to the excitement factor of the show.

06) Paula Abdul flubs her lines on Idol

It was the single most horrific train wreck Idol had ever seen (until Fantasia's screamfest of a performance a few weeks later). Paula Abdul mysteriously critiqued Jason Castro's second song before he had even sung it, sending the contestants, the judges and the millions watching at home into a frenzied confusion. Apparently Paula could not handle the quick adaptations television can prompt its stars to make when under the gun of fitting everything into an hour or two.

But it caused more than just a brief bit of confusion. It reignited the long held suspicion by many that Idol is in fact rigged. Even after many apologies were issued by Paula, her coworkers and the show's execs, there still lingered a feeling that all was not right in the state of California. But just as it has done with the countless other controversies that have emerged, the show weathered the storm and more or less so did Paula's seemingly bulletproof reputation. It is going to take a lot to finally bring her down.

Stay tuned for the remainder of IDOL LIVE's Top 10 most memorable moments of 2008, as moments #5-1 will be revealed tomorrow. Do you agree with the choices for moments #10-6?

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

'Idol' ain't so 'Amazing'...again...

For the sixth year in a row, American Idol could not overtake The Amazing Race, which accepted its now traditional award for the Outstanding Reality-Competition Program category at the 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, which aired on ABC. The CBS stalwart, which averages 10 million viewers per season, has now proved time and time again that it is the only reality program liked by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

In a more surprising upset, Survivor's Jeff Probst outwitted, outplayed and outlasted Ryan Seacrest in the inaugural Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program category. Ryan had widely been considered one of the top contenders for the award, but who really wanted him to win it anyway? IDOL LIVE congratulates Probst on keeping another shiny piece of gold off Ryan's mantle.

And although it is not really Idol-related, we would like to give Josh Groban props for his amazing tribute to television theme songs. Watch it below:



Looks like there's always next year for Idol and Ryan...again....But at least he got to host for the second year in a row (although it only comes out to hosting the show 1 & 1/5 times, but who's counting?)

P.S. Josh did perform at Idol Gives Back during Season 6, so there's a six degrees reason for including him in this post for you.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...