ELLEN DeGENERES NEW AMERICAN IDOL JUDGE

It has just been announce, talk show host ELLEN DeGENERES will be replacing PAULA ABDUL as the 4th AMERICAN IDOL JUDGE. ELLEN DeGENERES has long described herself as a fan of American Idol, will now be judging the AMERICAN IDOL contestants from the Chick #2 judges seat.

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ELLEN DeGENERES will join the American Idol judging team when Season 9 of American Idol rolls through in January of 2010. Speaking about joining the American Idol judges team, Ellen DeGeneres said “I’m thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol, I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote.”

During her talk show this morning, Ellen DeGeneres assured fans she was not quiting the talk show but simply having a Day and night job saying “The times we’re living in, we’re all doing that.” Somehow I don't think Ellen DeGeneres is struggling for cash.

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Talking about how she would contribute to a show typically judged by professionals in the music industry Ellen DeGeneres said “Hopefully, I’m the people’s point of view because I’m just like you, I sit at home and I watch it, and I don’t have that technical … I’m not looking at it in a critical way from the producer’s mind. I’m looking at it as a person who is going to buy the music and is going to relate to that person.” That and I'm sure Ellen will ad some much needed humour into American Idol.

This should end the speculation that Paula Abdul was just playing hardball and would be back for season 9 of American Idol. The coffin has been nailed shut and Ellen DeGeneres is now a Judge on American Idol.

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PAULA ABDUL QUITS AMERICAN IDOL

Paula Abdul's latest Twitter post indicates Paula Abdul has decided to call it quits with American Idol. Since the inception of American Idol, Paula Abdul has been a fixture with the show. The constant almost sibling like rivalry between Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell was part of the Idol formula used in several other Idol programs including Australian Idol as well as Canadian Idol.

Paula Abdul Leaves American Idol

The addition of Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge changed the formula and let many to believe American Idol producers were preparing for the departure of Paula Abdul from American Idol. What happened though, was a sort of partnership, if you will, between the American Idol chicks, Kara DioGuardi and Paula Abdul vs the American Idol boys. Although Randy Jackson's roll has always been more neutral, compared to Simon, there was already a balance and tie breaker situation.

Over the past few months, there has been plenty of speculation regarding the future of Paula Abdul on American Idol. In addition to going through annual contract negotiations with American Idol Producers, American Idol Judge Paula Abdul hired a new manager in David Sonenberg. With her new management in tow, Paula Abdul reportedly demanded $20 million from the American Idol producers to stay on as an American Idol Judge, but her manager David Sonenberg recently said, "Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on Idol."

Paula Abdul Manager - David Sonenberg

Since David Sonenberg's announcement on the possible fate of American Idol Judge Paula Abdul, Fans of Paula Abdul launched several campaign's in support of keeping Paula Abdul on American Idol. Last night, Paula Abdul dashed the hopes of her fans and thanks all her supporters when she announced she will be vacating the Paula Abdul seat on American Idol.

In her Twitter message, regarding her resignation from American Idol, Paula Abdul thanked her friends while displaying some underlying discontent towards American Idol producers in her Twitter statement. Displaying a little ego, Paula Abdul's line "being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon" is an obvious indication of some unresolved conflict or discontent over an apparent producer lack of appreciation of Paula Abdul's contribution towards Americian Idol.

Paula Abdul's Twitter post on Leaving American Idol

"With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to #IDOL. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all ...being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon ... What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me ... It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month ... I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all."

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There are still those out there who are hoping this radical move of Paula Abdul's in resigning from American Idol is a simple contract negotiation ploy. Insider reports, however, indicate Paula Abdul rejected an eight-figure deal from American Idol producers, which in essence represented a 30 percent raise. Whatever the case, as it sites now, the American Idol Judge team for Season 9 of American Idol consists of Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell. It is unclear if American Idol producers will bring on another female judge to replace Paula Abdul or if they will be going back to the 3 judge formula. Season 9 of American Idol will start airing in January of 2010, without longtime American Idol Judge Paula Abdul.

The American Idol Tour continues on across America with the following dates

August 5 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
August 7 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall
August 8 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Newark, NJ Prudential Center
August 9 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Newark, NJ Prudential Center
August 11 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum
August 12 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum
August 14 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Hamilton, ON Copps Coliseum
August 15 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Rochester, NY BlueCross Arena
August 16 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Hartford, CT XL Center
August 18 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
August 19 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Albany, NY Times Union Center
August 20 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
August 22 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena
August 23 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center
August 25 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
August 26 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Auburn Hills, MI Palace at Auburn Hills
August 28 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center
August 29 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
August 30 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
September 1 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Minneapolis, MN Target Center
September 2 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena
September 4 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Madison, WI Alliant Energy Center
September 5 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse
September 6 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
September 8 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Reading, PA Sovereign Center
September 9 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Wilkes Barre, PA Wachovia Arena
September 10 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Bridgeport, CT Arena at Harbor Yard
September 12 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Portland, ME Cumberland County Civic Center
September 13 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Providence, RI Dunkin' Donuts Center
September 14 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Syracuse, NY WarMemorial at OnCenter
September 15 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena

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Alexis Cohen dead at 25

When, after her American Idol rejection, Alexis Cohen ranted about how she would become famous one day I'm sure she did not mean in this manner. The short lived American Idol contestant, 25-year-old Alexis Cohen from Allentown, Pa was found dead on the street and her death is under investigation. No cause of death has been given although some sources are saying it was concluded that Alexis Cohen died from injuries to her chest, abdomen and head, injuries sustained from a collision with a vehicle.

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Alexis Cohen was nicknamed the "Glitter Girl" for all the glittery shinny jewellery and face glitter she wore during her American Idol audition. During a pre-idol interview, Alexis Cohen likened herself to a pirate and admitted she like the looks she got from passers by. “I march to a beat of a different drummer” said Alexis Cohen.

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As if the first rejection wasn't enough, Alexis Cohen came back for another stab at the American Idol dream in season 8. The outspoken Alexis Cohen attempted to pretty up her act with less jewellery and a slightly more feminine look as she performed Madonna in front of the 4 judges. After her performance, which was cut short, the American Idol judges were unanimous in their decision to oust Alexis Cohen yet again. So in true Alexis Cohen style, the middle finger came back out as she walked of the stage as graciously as she could muster.

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PAULA ABDUL LEAVING AMERICAN IDOL?

With Season 9 of American Idol scheduled to start recording in August, the American Idol Rumour Mill is starting to churn with new rumours regarding American Idol Judge Paula Abdul.

News from the Paula Abdul camp indicates Paula may get fired prior to the shooting of Season 9 of American Idol. Over the weekend, Paula Abdul's manager, David Sonenberg, told the Los Angeles Times The American Idol producers have not come forward with a contract proposal for Paula Abdul. This move is even more odd considering the Season 9 American Idol auditions are due to start August 6.

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Shortly after marrying general contractor Mike McCuddy at the beginning of this month, the future of fellow Female judge Kara DioGuardi is also uncertain. Although there is no specific indication regarding the American Idol future of Kara Dioguardi, the fact that "No Boundaries" a song co-written by Kara DioGuardi and performed by American Idol Winner Kris Allen, has been dropped from the American Idol Tour may have spurred some further seeds of discontent as far as Kara DioGuardi goes.

Many fans of American Idol have always had a problem with Kara DioGuardi. Possibly suspecting her as a trial replacement for the overly sugary sweet Paula Abdul, Paula Abdul fans were always quick to roast Kara DioGuardi over her sometimes rambling comments. Fans of Paula Abdul have gone to creating a twitter page in support of Paula Abdul remaining on American Idol. Many websites are standing vigil with lists and reasons as to why Paula Abdul would remain a judge on American Idol.

When asked about the possible firing of fellow judge Paula Abdul from American Idol, Simon Cowell has cast doubt on Paula Abdul's future with American Idol by stating he wanted Paula Abdul to remain a judge on American Idol "I don't get a lot of say. I've just made it clear that I want Paula on the show," said Simon Cowell in an interview on Monday.

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Although there have been indications that the popularity and saleability of American Idol has fallen over the years, the recent contract deal with host Ryan Seacrest would indicate the producers of American Idol are definitely in no shortage of cash. Reports indicate Ryan Seacrest just inked his portion of the American Idol pot with a record $45 Million contract which effectively doubled his salary from the previous season.

Earlier reports rumours American Idol Judge Simon Cowell as demanding over $100 Million for Season 9 of American Idol have been debunked by Simon as "preposterous"

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AMERICAN IDOL TOUR

The 50 state AMERICAN IDOL TOUR kicked off in the Pacific North West with a stop in Portland Oregon last night. The AMERICAN IDOL TOUR consists of top 10 American Idol finalists Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver, and Scott MacIntyre.

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Michael Sarver will open the American Idol top ten tour with “I’m in Love with a Girl” by Gavin Degraw, “Closer” by Ne-Yo.

Megan Joy will be the first Idol to hit the American Idol Top 10 tour stage with her performances of “Put Your Records On” by Corrine Baily Rae and “Tears Dry on Their Own” by Amy Winehouse.

Next on the American Idol Top 10 Tour stage will be Scott MacIntyre who will perform “Bend and Break” by Keane and “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton.

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After Scott finished Lil Rounds will perform “Be Without You” by Mary J Blige, "No One" by Alicia Keys, “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé.

Next up on the American Idol Top 10 tour stage is Anoop Desai with his performances of ”Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson, “Mad” by Ne-Yo, “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown.















Matt Giraud's American Idol top 10 tour performance willconsist of “Hard to Handle” by the Black Crowes, “Georgia” Ray Charles, “I Found You” by the Fray.

Following his solo performances, Matt Giraud will team up with Scott MacIntyre for a dueling pianos performance of "Tell her about it"





Following the boys will be Allison Iraheta who will perform her renditions of “So What” by Pink “Cry Baby” by Janis Joplin, “Barracuda” by Heart.
Reaction: "Cry Baby"

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Next Danny Gokey will country up the American Idol top 10 tour stage with his performances of “P.Y.T.” by Michael Jackson, “Maria Maria” by Santana, “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts, “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.






The favorite of Girls and the sexually confused alike, Adam Lambert will rock the American Idol stage with “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zepplin “Starlight” by Muse, “Mad World” by Tears for Fears/Gary Jules, a Duet with Allison “Slow Ride” by Foghat, and of course a David Bowie Medley consisting of “Life on Mars”, “Fame”, “Let’s Dance.”












Last but not least, American Idol top pick Kris Allen will hit the stage with hos performances of “Heartless” by Kanye West, “No Boundaries”, “Bright Lights” by Matchbox 20, “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers and “Hey Jude” by The Beatles.

The Grand finale of the American Idol top 10 tour concert will be another boring group performance intended to wake the masses “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.

Below is a twitter list of a Seattle viewer of the concert in real time. I would credit the writer, however my computer crashed and I can't find it again.

Megan Joy's looking great in purple. She sang Let your hair down

Scott's second song is Vanessa Carlton's thousand miles. Hels crackong jokes about reaxtions to his blindness.

Lil rounds is finishing her three songs with Alicia Keys. And she's doing it justice.

Anoop's sportin' specs and rockin My Perogative

'6eorgia on my mind' from Matt Giraud.

Matt does that Frays song much better here than on show. Nice job. Surrounded, surrounded ...

Dueling pianos! Matt and Scott - Tell Her About It

Bottom 6 medley. It was cool.

Allison is lights out baby! Cry Baby, Barracuda and 'So What' rocked.

Danny slays Rascal Flatts, Ilm tellin' ya. Yup, it hurts the most. His PYT rocked too. He puts it all out there.

Adam's a crowdpleaser. Duet with Allison on Slow Ride was incredible.

Finale song was Don't stop believin'. Pretty cool stuff.


If there as still ticket available for the American Idol top 10 tour, here is a list of all the the dates for the American Idol top 10 tour.


AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR SCHEDULE

July 5 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Portland, OR Rose Garden
July 7 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
July 8 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Vancouver, BC General Motors Place
July 10 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena
July 11 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
July 12 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
July 14 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR West Valley City, UT The E Center
July 16 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
July 17 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Ontario, CA Citizens Business Bank Arena
July 18 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena
July 20 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Glendale, AZ jobing.com Arena
July 23 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
July 24 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Tulsa, OK BOK Center
July 25 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR N. Little Rock, AR Alltel Arena
July 26 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Memphis, TN FedExForum
July 28 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum
July 29 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Sunrise, FL BankAtlantic Center
July 31 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Duluth, GA Arena at Gwinnett Center
August 1 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena
August 2 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
August 4 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Washington, DC Verizon Center
August 5 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
August 7 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall
August 8 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Newark, NJ Prudential Center
August 9 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Newark, NJ Prudential Center
August 11 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum
August 12 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum
August 14 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Hamilton, ON Copps Coliseum
August 15 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Rochester, NY BlueCross Arena
August 16 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Hartford, CT XL Center
August 18 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
August 19 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Albany, NY Times Union Center
August 20 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
August 22 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena
August 23 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center
August 25 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
August 26 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Auburn Hills, MI Palace at Auburn Hills
August 28 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center
August 29 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
August 30 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
September 1 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Minneapolis, MN Target Center
September 2 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena
September 4 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Madison, WI Alliant Energy Center
September 5 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse
September 6 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
September 8 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Reading, PA Sovereign Center
September 9 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Wilkes Barre, PA Wachovia Arena
September 10 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Bridgeport, CT Arena at Harbor Yard
September 12 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Portland, ME Cumberland County Civic Center
September 13 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Providence, RI Dunkin' Donuts Center
September 14 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Syracuse, NY WarMemorial at OnCenter
September 15 AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10 TOUR Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena

RELATED LINKS

BIKINI GIRL KATRINA DARRELL MAKES A SPLASH
AMERICAN IDOL FIXED???
AMERICAN IDOL JUDGE KARA DIOGUARDI BLOG
POPULAR AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT MEGAN CORKREY's BLOG

KRIS ALLEN, ADAM LAMBERT GENE SIMMONS & BIKINI GIRL KATRINA DARRELL

The FINAL EPISODE OF AMERICAN IDOL was full of surprises as the famous and the wannabe's came out to play.

The first surpise was the amazing upset win of AMERICAN IDOL KRIS ALLEN who wowed the audience with his performances throughout the season. In a pre-AMERICAN IDOL interview, SIMON COWELL went on record to say he felt AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT ADAM LAMBERT was the clear winner. Perhaps it was ADAM LAMBERT's TRANSEXUAL KISS expolits or the over reliance on theatrics. Maybe America stepped up and said they would rather have a "wholesome" AMERICAN IDOL KRIS ALLEN over a sexually unsure ADAM LAMBERT. Whatever the reason, after all the votes were counted, KRIS ALLEN is the new AMERICAN IDOL.

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Due to the worries of AMERICAN IDOL PRODUCERS over potential viewers, the FINAL EPISODE OF AMERICAN IDOL was a star studded even like none before. Aging glam rocker GENE SIMMONS and the rest of KISS made an appearance to do a performance with AMERICAN IDOL RUNNER UP ADAM LAMBERT. CINDI LAUPER came out of the darkness and KATRINA DARRELL, AKA BIKINI GIRL, came out for one last stab at the fame whor... oops Horse.

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Other AMERICAN IDOL HIGHLIGHTS included a QUEEN DUET WITH AMERICAN IDOL RUNNER UP ADAM LAMBERT AND the NEW AMERICAN IDOL KRIS ALLEN.

The best of AMERICAN IDOL has to go to AMERICAN IDOL JUDGE KARA DIOGUARDI BLOG who, during her duet with the infamous BIKINI GIRL KATRINA DARRELL STRIPPED OFF HER TOP TO EXPOSE A SEXY BLACK BIKINI. AMERICAN IDOL JUDGE KARA DIOGUARDI BLOG definately proved she has the stuff in both talent and beauty as she took over the stage from wannabe KATRINA DARRELL.

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RELATED LINKS

BIKINI GIRL KATRINA DARRELL MAKES A SPLASH
AMERICAN IDOL FIXED???
AMERICAN IDOL JUDGE KARA DIOGUARDI BLOG
POPULAR AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT MEGAN CORKREY's BLOG

AMERICAN IDOL TOP 3 NIGHT - ADAM LAMBERT, KRIS ALLEN and DANNY GOKEY

It was performance night for AMERICAN IDOL's TOP 3 ADAM LAMBERT, DANNY GOKEY and KRIS ALLEN or “Our three amigos,” as Ryan called them.

AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT ADAM LAMBERT performed a stellar version of U2 ONE on last nights episode of AMERICAN IDOL. Simon Cowell picked ONE for ADAM LAMBERT to perform and said apparently Bono told Simon it would be their pleasure to hear ADAM LAMBERT SING ONE when he called to get permission.

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The set-up for ADAM LAMBERT's PERFORMANCE OF ONE on AMERICAN IDOL was a very "Mad World"-esque layout, same shade of blue stage, same slow and controlled performance and so powerful. At the end of his stellar performance, ADAM LAMBERT stood on the AMERICAN IDOL stage beaming as his parents look on.

Randy called ADAM LAMBERTS performance of ONE "unbelievable". Kara called ADAM LAMBERT an "amazing strategist," saying he sang the entire thing in a totally different and unbelievable way. Paula said she was miserable sitting next to the gloating Simon, and called it "a brilliant song, superb performance."

Simon said ADAM LAMBERTS performance of ONE was a flat out it's a "brilliant" performance (and a brilliant song choice). Adds if you're not in the finals it'll be one of the biggest upsets.

Here is the VIDEO OF ADAM LAMBERT's Dalbello'esque AMERICAN IDOL performance of ONE

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@ Yahoo! Video

KRIS ALLEN's performance of Kanye West’s “Heartless” was a calculated gamble that redeemed him after the judges were underwhelmed with KRIS ALLEN's performance of Kara and Randy choice, One Republic’s “Apologize”. KRIS ALLEN's performed “Heartless” with no backing other than his own acoustic guitar, which he strummed with a borderline flamencoesque beat. Randy thought it was even better than the original, and Kara called it “bold, brave, fearless.” Simon recognized the moment for what it was — KRIS ALLENS' likely ticket into the final two. “I had written you out” said Cowell “That, however, has all changed.”

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Paula assigned DANNY GOKEY the Terence Trent D’Arby hit “Dance Little Sister.” hoping it would take advantage of “that magic part" of DANNY GOKEY's voice. “That was dope for me, dude,” said Randy. For his own selection DANNY GOKEY chose "You are so beautiful" by Joe Cocker which he sung with a chamber arrangement. “You can really, really REALLY sing,” Randy told him. “Mad vocals!” Simon, unimpressed by the arrangement, nonetheless called the performance “a vocal master class.”

AMERICAN IDOL What was and what is yet to come

The rumours are still flying around regarding AMERICAN IDOL poster babe KELLY CLARKSON. Ever since her recent appearance on AMERICAN IDOL, KELLY CLARKSON's rep has been fighting off the KELLY CLARKSON IS PREGNANT rumours. Whether KELLY CLARKSON GAINED WEIGHT for a weightloss program like Kristie Alley or she got knocked up by a roadie things have been changing in her schedule.

For example, KELLY CLARKSON's Calgary Stampede performance has been put off until the winter... just enough time to deliver a baby?

All that aside, AMERICAN IDOL has been using KELLY CLARKSON as their poster child for quite some time now. Proving that she is more than a flash in the pan, KELLY CLARKSON seems to be able to hold her own with the most of them with her cliche'd poopy (oops poppy) drivel.

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A few years later new country / ac performer CARRIE UNDERWOOD hit the scene running after winning the AMERICAN IDOL top spot. Aside from that, staying power is not on the side of AMERICAN IDOL winners who must both battle and embrace the fame and expectations tossed upon them after winning the AMERICAN IDOL top spot.

This season's consensus favourites are Lambert and 29-year-old church music director Danny Gokey, but Clarkson's choice is a more unlikely pick: just-turned-17 long shot, Allison Iraheta.


Iraheta is the only woman left in the competition. More important, she has a preternaturally mature voice and an old-soul vibe - more rock queen than pop princess. Clarkson has said the key to performing well on Idol is staying determined, being authentic and refusing to compromise, even when the popular winds seem to be blowing the other way. And Iraheta is by far the most unique, uncompromising singer of the final four, even as Gokey and Lambert appear destined to go all the way to the end.


The season's other contender is 23-year-old Conway, Ark., gospel singer Kris Allen.


ADAM LAMBERT is still the overwhelming favourite to win - his landing in the bottom two this week was likely a one-time anomaly. His talent for working the crowd, his Freddie Mercury-tinged vocal stylings and his canny song selection - Johnny Cash, Tears for Fears, Queen, Steppenwolf - give him the edge.

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Iraheta has a shot, however. She scored the second-highest of the 47 million votes cast after the April 28 performance program. (Gokey landed the most votes.) Iraheta has Clarkson and country star Reba McEntire in her corner. She is the youngest contestant, by far.


That, and smart song selection, may yet see her through to May 19's final pairing.


As for what happens after that - KELLY CLARKSON-style longevity or Taylor Hicks-style obscurity - only time, and the Billboard charts, will tell.


AMERICAN IDOL profiles:


ADAM LAMBERT, 27

Hometown: Los Angeles

Odds of winning: Even

ADAM LAMBERT is a seasoned performer on Los Angeles' theatre circuit, and it shows. His musical influences range from Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury - no surprise there, to anyone who's heard him sing - Lenny Kravitz and David Bowie, to Katy Perry, Pink, Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Goldfrapp and, strangely enough, Madonna.

That's an eclectic mix, but one thing ADAM LAMBERT has shown on Idol is a willingness to shake things up and turn conventional wisdom on its head.

Danny Gokey may be the audience favourite, but ADAM LAMBERT is the more interesting performer and Simon Cowell's pick to win.

ADAM LAMBERT has come a long way since Cowell labelled an early performance of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire "indulgent rubbish."

He hit an all-world glory note on Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley's Feeling Good on Rat Pack night, and Cowell told him he was a born entertainer determined to prove a point every time he sings.

ADAM LAMBERT has said on his personal blog that if he doesn't win Idol, he will continue to write and perform.

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DANNY GOKEY, 29

Hometown: Milwaukee

Odds of winning: 3-2

DANNY GOKEY's personal story touched a nerve with AMERICAN IDOL followers early in the season, when it was revealed his wife Sophia died from complications after surgery for congenital heart disease, just four weeks before Gokey auditioned. Gokey said he wanted to try out for Idol, "to find new hope."

A devout evangelical Christian, DANNY GOKEY has said he wants to tap the mainstream music audience rather than focus on contemporary Christian music. He cites Brian McKnight, Kirk Franklin and Lauryn Hill as musical influences, though his Idol song list has ranged from Marvin Gaye and Rascal Flatts to The Temptations and Earth, Wind and Fire.

Of DANNY GOKEY's Rat Pack night performance of Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer's Come Rain or Come Shine, Randy Jackson said, "This is a singing competition and, dude, you can sing."

DANNY GOKEY has said that if he doesn't win AMERICAN IDOL, he will continue to sing and record his own music. He has established a heart-disease foundation in his wife's name, and has vowed to use his music to support the foundation, "to help people."


KRIS ALLEN , 23

Hometown: Conway, Ark.

Odds of winning: 5-1.

KRIS ALLEN is the pure musician in this Idol group. In addition to being an accomplished singer, in Idol terms, KRIS ALLENis also proficient with the guitar, piano, viola and ukulele. Like Gokey, KRIS ALLEN is a devout evangelical Christian. Like Gokey, he, too, wants his music to touch a mainstream audience.

KRIS ALLEN's song list on Idol has ranged from Leon Russell and Michael Jackson to, interestingly, Michael Buble and Marvin Gaye. After KRIS ALLEN's performance last month of Bob Dylan's To Make You Feel My Love (the song became a hit for Garth Brooks), Cowell told him, "I am genuinely beginning to think you have a shot of (winning) this competition."

By Rat Pack night, though, Cowell had changed his tune somewhat, calling Allen's subdued performance of Jerome Kern's The Way You Look Tonight "a little wet."

"It's like taking a well-trained spaniel for a walk," Cowell said. "I don't get the feeling from you tonight that you can win this competition."

If he doesn't win Idol, KRIS ALLEN has said he will stick with his music and do as best he can.


ALLISON IRAHETA, 17

Hometown: Los Angeles

Odds of winning: 10-1

ALLISON IRAHETA is the Cinderella story in this year's group. She turned just 17 the day before Rat Pack night, but her growly, old-soul rocker's voice and stage presence belie her young age. Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire have both cited Iraheta, who's of El Salvadoran descent, as their favourite singer in this year's group.

"You sing like Pink, but with nine thousand more octaves," Randy Jackson told Iraheta after her performance of George and Ira Gershwin's Someone to Watch Over Me.

That was telling, because ALLISON IRAHETA has cited Pink as one of her musical influences, along with Beck, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey and Heart.

ALLISON IRAHETA's not new to TV singing competitions: In 2006, at age 14, she won the Telemundo talent search Quinceanera, earning $60,000 and a recording contract.

ALLISON IRAHETA's Idol song list has ranged from Heart, Patty Loveless and The Temptations, to Bonnie Raitt, Aretha Franklin and, improbably, Aerosmith.

Music has helped her grow and become a better person, she said on her Idol blog, adding Cowell is her favourite judge. ("Who doesn't love Simon? He's fun!") She has vowed she will keep on singing, even if she doesn't win.

Is being GAY what put ADAM LAMBERT in the BOTTOM two in AMERICAN IDOL

A recent rumour which has outed AMERICAN IDOL TOP CONTESTANT ADAM LAMBERT as GAY has the cyber world buzzing. Surfers have varying opinions on the acceptability of a openly GAY, BI or ANDOGINOUS AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT, including one buffoon who compared having a "Black" President to having a GAY AMERICAN IDOL. Stupidity aside, this is not the first time AMERICAN IDOL has had a GAY WINNER. Of course the other came out of the closet after winning AMERICAN IDOL.

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So what does this say about AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT ADAM LAMBERT? Well, first of all, ADAM LAMBERT has not yet admitted to being GAY... he just eluded to it. Perhaps ADAM LAMBERT is channelling his own IDOL, DAVID BOWIE from the ZIGGY STARDUST days. Whatever the case, one has to wonder how this revelation is effecting the ratings of AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT ADAM LAMBERT. With only a few weeks to go in this season of AMERICAN IDOL, we will soon find out.

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ADAM LAMBERT FEELING GOOD - AMERICAN IDOL CROWD FAVORITE

AMERICAN IDOL TOP 5 review

When it comes to AMERICAN IDOL, It seems ADAM LAMBERT was the APRIL 28th TOP 5 favorite among the AMERICAN IDOL JUDGES and audience. AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT ADAM LAMBERT performed an amazing rendition of FEELING GOOD during the AMERICAN IDOL top 5 "RAT PACK" night.

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Although AMERICAN IDOL JUDGE RANDY JACKSON called ADAM LAMBERT “theatrical.” SIMON COWELL responded by saying “It’s like criticizing a cow for mooing.” Strange, I remember SIMON COWELL saying something quite similar a few weeks ago comparing the ADAM LAMBERT AMERICAN IDOL performance to a Rock Opera.

ADAM LAMBERTS song choice FEELING GOOD was a 1966 cover by Sammy Davis Jr., but it has been covered by several other singers. FEELING GOOD was also covered by jazz singer Michael Bublé and also by the Pussycat Dolls. Perhaps the most well-known cover of the ADAM LAMBERT SONG CHOICE FEELING GOOD was sung by Nina Simone on her album, I Put a Spell on You.

With all those versions to pull from, AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT ADAM LAMBERT chose British alt-rock group Muse, whose organ-driven version of "Feeling Good" appeared on their 2001 album Origin of Symmetry. The band, which AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT ADAM LAMBERT did not credit by name on Tuesday, actually once sued Nestlé for an unauthorized use of "Feeling Good" in a TV ad for instant coffee.

Other AMERICAN IDOL TOP 5 performances included ALLISON IRAHETA, who turned 17 Monday, performed “Someone to Watch Over Me.” AMERICAN IDOL judge RANDY JACKSON said he had worried about her ability to sing this genre, being “mad young,” but, he said, “You come out here looking like Brittany Murphy, looking dope, you sing like Pink, except with like 9,000 more octaves.”

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The AMERICAN IDOL performances of DANNY GOKEY who sang “Come Rain or Come Shine” and KRIS ALLEN who sang on “The Way You Look Tonight,” were lack lustre at best when compared the the stellar AMERICAN IDOL performances of ADAM LAMBERT and ALLISON IRAHETA.

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MATT GIRAUD was really not an AMERICAN IDOL favorite for his so-so performance of “My Funny Valentine.” AMERICAN IDOL judge RANDY JACKSON said the slightly “pitchy” song was “a 6 out of 10,” and newbie AMERICAN IDOL judge KARA DIOGUARDI said he seemed emotionally disconnected. Of course, PAULA ABDUL loved it, as that is her job, but then loudmouth AMERICAN IDOL judge SIMON COWELL shocked everybody by disagreeing with RANDY JACKSON. He compared Matt’s phrasing to Nat King Cole, and pronounced him “absolutely brilliant.”

ADAM LAMBERT gets Simon Cowell on his Feet

Something rare and amazing happened last night on "American Idol": The notoriously tough-to-impress judge Simon Cowell rose out of his chair to give ADAM LAMBERT's "MAD WORLD" a standing ovation.

The remaining eight contestants on the Fox singing competition sang songs from the year they were born on last night's show. All but 16-year-old Allison Iraheta were born in the 1980s.

Lambert performed a haunting rendition of the 1982 song "Mad World" by Tears for Fears, though the version he sang was more like composer Michael Andrews' interpretation recorded for the soundtrack for the film "Donnie Darko."

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That version is also featured in a commerical for the video game "Gears of War." The performance - along with the consistent praise Lambert has received - make him the clear frontrunner as the pool of possible winners dwindles.

So far - he's the one they see as (in the words of judge Kara DioGuardi) an "artist."

They liked Iraheta's choice of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me," and applauded Matt Giraud's take on Stevie Wonder's "Part-Time Lover." Anoop Desai got props for his vocals on the Cyndi Lauper song "True Colors."

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Lil Rounds, on the other hand, continued her downward spiral with a karaoke version of "What's Love Got to Do with It" and Cowell called her a second or third rate Tina Turner.

Check out Lambert if you missed him last night and then tell us if you agree with Cowell's standing O.

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CARRIE UNDERWOOD JOINS RANDY TRAVIS ON THE AMERICAN IDOL STAGE FOR A DUET PERFORMANCE

When Jesse Tack's boss came to him in January and asked him to try and blend Carrie Underwood's cover of Randy Travis' 1988 hit "I Told You So" — from her 2007 Carnival Ride album — with the original, Tack never imagined that his creation would lead to an "American Idol" moment.

But there it was Wednesday night (March 18) on the "Idol" stage, where Underwood and Travis got together for the live debut of the recently recorded, official version of the duet. And Tack couldn't have been prouder.

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Soon after Underwood's single version of "I Told You So" dropped in early January, Tack, 26, who works the 7 p.m.-to-midnight shift at Cincinnati country station WUBE-FM (B105.1), got a request from his program director to work on a mash-up. Six hours later, Tack emerged with a blend of the two songs that was seamless, combining Travis' low-register vocals to Underwood's higher voice on the chorus.

The song was an instant hit on the station when it debuted on January 14, and when country music consultant Jaye Albright got her hands on it, she sent it out to 75 other stations she works with. "After I put it together in the studio, within five seconds I thought, 'This is going to be something special,' " said the Iowa-born Tack, whose identical-twin brother, Joey Tack, is a hip-hop radio DJ in Tennessee.

The phones at 'UBE lit up instantly. Tack said he began getting calls from all over the country every night from listeners and DJs praising his work and asking for copies. To date, the YouTube video he created has gotten nearly 100,000 views, but the biggest compliment was when Tack found out the country superstars would be performing the song on "Idol" and had recorded an official version.

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He hasn't heard from either artist so far about his grassroots experiment, but Tack can't help but feel like he helped get the ball rolling. "My hope was that they would record it as a duet, and they have," he said on Tuesday. Tack said he was going to be stuck at work when the show aired, but he would definitely take a break to tune in and that he'd be recording it at home, where he suspected he would probably watch it a "couple hundred" times.

"There will be a bit part of me thinking, 'C'mon, they wouldn't have done this because of some little station in Cincinnati doing a version,' " he said. "But then I'll think back to the hundreds and hundreds of e-mails I've gotten, and I have to think that some of those stations playing it have to have talked to the labels and asked about an official remix or duet.

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"It will be unbelievable," Tack said of seeing the his outlaw creation's official spawn, which will be made available for download right after the show and debut on country radio next week. "I'll have to wonder if I had not put that together, would they be singing it onstage?"