And The Winner of American Idol is . . .

At least my final prediction (here) is correct. And I am really glad that Jordin won... she is young and talented and has a great great voice. I can only imagine the future for her at 17 years old ...

WOW!! She must be the Youngest American Idol!!

Can't wait to catch it on TV tonite!

---

Jordin Sparks crowned as 'American Idol'

Jordin Sparks, a teenager with a big voice and big dreams, was crowned Wednesday as the newest and youngest "American Idol."

Sparks, 17, of Glendale, Ariz., prevailed over beatboxer Blake Lewis, 25, of Bothell, Wash., after a triumphant performance Tuesday that wowed the show's judges and the viewers who gave her the majority of the record 74 million votes cast.

"Mom, Dad, I love you," Sparks, the daughter of retired NFL player Phillippi Sparks, said after hugging Lewis.

Source

[tags : delephant americanidol jordinsparks blakelewis]

I Think .... Jordin Sparks will be the Next American Idol

After watching the American Idol performance tonite, it can only be Jordin Sparks!!

Blake was called the best performer while Jordin was praised for her stellar vocals. But, “Who will win!?”

That's the Million Dollar Question! I need to admit that my initial forecast was wrong. I did target Blake to be in the finals, but I totally missed out Jordin.

I like the Beat Boxing by Blake Lewis .. but i dont think his charms and his Beat Box will win him the American Idol title. His style is fun and I think he can carry a song, but to win the American Idol .... nah .... doubt that.

In comparison, Jordin Sparks... Woo Hoo... she really out-sang Blake in all three songs. And the song that won the User Submitted Song Writing Competition's THIS IS MY NOW ... is simply fabulous! The song was really great and Jordin handled it beautifully!

Can't wait to catch the FINALS for American Idol Season 6 tomorrow!

Watch the video of Jordin singing This is My Now (or here)

Lyrics : THIS IS MY NOW

There was a time I packed my dreams away.
Living in a shell, hiding from myself.

There was a time when I was so afraid.
I thought I'd reached the end,
But baby that was then
I am made of more than my yesterdays.

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment.
Because I look around
I can't believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts
That was then, this is my now.

And I have the courage like never before, yeah.
I've settled for less now I'm ready for more,
Ready for more.

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment.
As I look around I can't believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts.
That was then, this is my now.

I'm living in the moment
I look around I can't believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts.
That was then, this is my now.
This is my now.

Source
[tags : delephant americanidol jordinsparks blakelewis]

American Idol ...... 2 More Contestants Left .. Guess Who Was Kicked Out?

Aiyoh .. i am so so so so sad that Melinda Dolittle was kicked out from American Idol. After last nite's performance, I was so sure she will stay on to the end!!!

Again America choose to befuddle us with the way they vote and decide on things. So sad lah .. she has the best voice of the three, but she got voted out!!

So who will be the next American Idol? Perhpas Blake with his Beat Boxing lah. But then again who knows how American thinks and vote!!

---

Most observers thought she was a lock to go on to the "American Idol" finale, but Melinda Doolittle was eliminated Wednesday night.

The result was a real surprise, considering Doolittle — hands down the best singer there — had the blessing of Simon Cowell. Her departure clears the way for a final showdown between Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis.

"Congratulations to you two. My commiserations, Melinda, 'cause you are one heck of a singer," said a glum Cowell, who covered his face with his hands upon hearing the news.

The acerbic judge had always made clear his affection for the 29-year-old backup singer-turned-diva from Brentwood, Tenn., who delivered knockout performances week after week.

Doolittle, who never hit a bad note during her "Idol" run, seemed resigned to her fate. She belted "I'm A Woman" before leaving the stage.

It's tough to predict who'll win next week's finale. Sparks, 17, of Glendale, Ariz., rose from the bottom ranks to gain much momentum in later weeks, and few would deny her broad appeal to viewers of all ages. The bubbly beauty has charisma for miles — a true American idol, her fans argue.

But the 25-year-old Lewis, who hails from Bothell, Wash., has tricks up his sleeve. As this year's hippest contender, the stylish beatboxer has wooed fans by taking risks with song arrangements and infusing even stale pop songs with contemporary flair.

He had a big "Idol" moment weeks ago when he mixed up Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name" to add fresh beats — a move that secured him a spot in the final four. Even Cowell loved it.

Wednesday's show also featured performances by the band Maroon 5 and former contestant Elliott Yamin, who came in third last year.

Source
[tags : delephant fun stuff]

American Idol - Its down to the LAST 3

Poor thing, Lakisha got kicked out today from American Idol.

What a pity I believe she has the greatest voice from the remaining four idols.

So the "American Idol" title can only fall into the hands of either Blake Lewis, Melinda Dolittle, Jordin Sparks. So who will be next American Idol?

---

A kiss from Simon Cowell turned out to be a kiss goodbye

A week after so impressing the cantankerous Cowell that he kissed her, LaKisha Jones was eliminated Wednesday on "American Idol." The Fox talent show is down to its final three contestants.

A nervous Jones seemed to have an ominous feeling Wednesday. Host Ryan Seacrest noticed she was talking to herself during one of the commercial breaks, and she admitted to overanalyzing things.

Performances of Barry Gibb songs the night before led to a particularly brutal week of Cowell criticism. "No kiss tonight, baby," Cowell had said to Jones.

He was even tougher on Blake Lewis, calling one of his takes "absolutely terrible." But asked to choose whether Lewis or Jones would be going home Wednesday, Cowell correctly predicted the results from the 45 million votes.

Jones, 27, grew up in Flint, Mich., and is the mother of a toddler. She began singing at age 5, has a passion for gospel but was formally trained in classical music. Tears streamed down her face as she said goodbye — but she stayed long enough to get a career kick-start from "American Idol."

Lewis, 25 and the only man left in the competition, overcame Cowell's attack. The fashion police may not forgive his choice of a t-shirt with a painted-on bowtie Wednesday. Lewis is from Bothell, Wash.

He'll compete against 17-year-old Jordin Sparks of Glendale, Ariz., the youngest performer left, and Melinda Doolittle, 29, of Brentwood, Tenn.

Doolittle, already a professional backup singer, was the first one given entrance into the group of three. Cowell had already predicted the night before that her performance had been enough to keep her in.

Gibb, the former Bee Gee, sang his own "To Love Somebody" on Wednesday's show, which was padded with marketing opportunities. There was even a lengthy tie-in to an action movie that isn't debuting until next month, complete with a visit from Jessica Alba.

Source Source2





[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Simon Cowell in the Simpsons (Recent American Idol TV airing)

This is such a funny series from the Simpsons, where Simon Cowell is on the other side of the fence singing "Don't Cha".

And the Judges for his Song Audition is none other than the Simpsons family. :)

This little snippet (1 min) was aired in the recent American Idol show - Idol Gives Back!

Watch and laugh along below with the Video, or click here

---

IN THE NEWS

SIMON Cowell met his match when the Simpsons panned his attempt at singing The Pussycat Dolls’ hit Don’t Cha in a special TV charity show.

A cartoon version of Mr Nasty appeared in a Simpsons skit as an American Idol wannabe.

Homer gave his verdict on Cowell’s singing by saying “Lose the accent, Mary Poppins. This is American Idol."

The show’s charity special featuring Bono and Madonna raised £14.97 million for kids in Africa and America.

Idol Gives Back screened by US TV included live performances from Annie Lennox and Kelly Clarkson as well as the talent show’s contestants.

Ellen DeGeneres, who made a personal donation of nearly £50,000, hosted the event.

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

2 More Kicked Out from American Idol

With no one ousted at the end of last week's charity-focused show, "American Idol" gave the heave-ho to two contestants Wednesday night

— Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson.

The viewer vote tally from last week was added to this week's, with more than 135 million phone and text-message ballots cast in all. Stacey, 29, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Chris Richardson, 22, of Chesapeake, Va., drew the fewest votes. With their departure, the number of finalists is down to four. The winner will be chosen May 23.

Randy Jackson said on Tuesday's program that Stacey's take on Bon Jovi's "Blaze Of Glory" was his "best performance ever." Stacey — a "good man," said host Ryan Seacrest — performed that song one last time on Wednesday, as LaKisha Jones and other finalists wiped away tears.

Richardson, a Justin Timberlake lookalike, hugged "best friend" and finalist Blake Lewis when Seacrest announced he was going home.

"Thank you to everybody for keeping me in this long," said Richardson, before giving a farewell performance of "Wanted Dead Or Alive" — again, by Bon Jovi.

And the final four are — drumroll, please — Jones, Lewis, Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle.

Wednesday's program also featured performances by Robin Thicke and Bon Jovi, the multiplatinum band whose shaggy-haired lead singer was this week's guest coach.

In its sixth season, "American Idol" continues to rule the ratings. It has attracted 26 million to 37 million viewers per telecast this season.

Source1 Source2

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Idol Gives Back Chartiy Promo ... No One Voted Off this week!

Charity was the "American Idol" theme Wednesday night, and the generosity flowed to the contestants, too — no one was voted off the show. After a parade of pop stars, including Kelly Clarkson and Celine Dion, Ryan Seacrest announced the non-result: "All your favorites are still in the competition. How could we let anyone go on a charity night?"

Seacrest said the more than 70 million calls and text messages counted this week will be added to next week's tallies. That means two contestants will be shown the door next Wednesday.

And the six finalists are (still) Melinda Doolittle, Blake Lewis, Phil Stacey, LaKisha Jones, Chris Richardson and Jordin Sparks. The winner will be chosen in May.

The hit Fox show departed from its usual format this week with "Idol Gives Back," a star-filled fundraising effort. The goal was to raise awareness and money for the newly formed Charity Projects Entertainment Fund and other organizations that fund relief programs for children and young people in extreme poverty in America and Africa.

Wednesday's two-hour show — broadcast from the "American Idol" stage and Walt Disney Concert Hall, where Ellen DeGeneres was host — featured performances by Clarkson, Dion, Earth, Wind & Fire, Il Divo, Josh Groban with the African Children's Choir and Annie Lennox.

Jack Black took the stage to croon some verses from Seal's "Kiss From A Rose." That performance was panned by Paula Abdul, who said "the School of Rock called, they want their diploma back."

Stars including Ben Stiller and Madonna appeared in taped segments asking viewers for donations, which could be made by telephone via toll-free pledge lines or on the Internet. On Tuesday's program, viewers voted as usual for the contestants, with donations coming in from corporations.

"If every person who ever voted for Sanjaya could give just one dollar, we could do some good," said actor Eric McCormack.

DeGeneres announced she was donating $100,000.

In its sixth season, "American Idol" continues to rule the ratings. It has attracted 26 million to 37 million viewers per telecast this season.

Source Source2
[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Told You It wasn't the end of Sanjaya Malakar yet

Sanjaya Malakar is so famous, he can't walk anywhere without getting noticed. "It's really weird. I mean, I'm just Sanjaya from Seattle," the 17-year-old "American Idol" cast-off said Monday on "Live With Regis and Kelly."

"It's paparazzi (who) get at you," he said, "and fans come up and try to give you hugs and get autographs. I would love to just be able to hug everyone and give autographs and take pictures, but you can't."

Malakar was voted off the Fox talent competition last week after a long and unlikely run in which he outlasted better singers and captivated millions of TV viewers with his goofy charm and ever-changing hairdos.

He wants to be a triple threat: singer, actor and model.

"Like, I really — what I want to do is experience the whole entertainment business because, I mean, I'm not just a musician, I'm an entertainer," Malakar said.

Fresh off "American Idol," the lanky teen/media It Boy is in demand. Another stop on his post-show publicity tour was David Letterman's "Late Show" on CBS, where Malakar was to read the "Top Ten" list Monday night.

On Saturday, he attended a White House correspondents' dinner in Washington as a guest of People magazine.

"It was really weird because the governor of New York came up to me and said, `I'm a fan, I vote,'" Malakar said.

"That's fantastic," said Kelly Ripa, co-host of the syndicated daytime talk show.

"It was really weird," Malakar said.

Related Post

• Sanjaya May Not Have Lost Yet
• Bye Bye ... Sanjaya ... Finally Off the American Idol
  

Source


[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Sanjaya May Not Have Lost Yet

"American Idol" underdog Sanjaya Malakar has finally joined the ranks of losers but could end up parlaying his fame into a winning career.

Malakar, 17, whose dreamy smile, wacky hair styles and soft, mediocre voice made him "Something To Talk About" across the nation, said on Thursday his months with the popular TV singing contest were the "most amazing experience" of his young life.

"I wouldn't change anything for the world," Malakar told KIIS FM radio on Thursday.

Malakar became the most searched male celebrity on Yahoo!, beating fictional boy wizard Harry Potter, and has reportedly attracted millions of dollars in potential offers.

One pop culture expert said Malakar could be the next tween -- pre-teen -- idol, especially if he teams up with his stunning sister Shyamali, 20, who also auditioned for "American Idol" but failed to make it to the final 24.

"If I were an executive at Disney or Nickelodeon I would be rushing to sign them both up. He is a really cute kid and it is no surprise he has become a breakthrough star," said Robert Thompson, director of the Center for the Study of Popular Television.

Malakar seemed taken aback by the buzz that inspired Internet spoof videos, T-shirts and even a backlash campaign aimed at sabotaging the credibility of the show.

"I'm still just Sanjaya from Seattle," he told KIIS. "It's kind of fun to look in a magazine and see your face, but after a while it's kind of weird."

Asked whether he was aware of a reported $15 million in offers, he said "Wow! Not that I know of."

Malakar has been offered a guest appearance on the hit Disney tween TV show "Hannah Montana" and Kentucky Fried Chicken has offered him a lifetime supply of its chicken bowl dinner if he wears a bowl-style hairdo on national television.

"If all the money that Sanjaya stands to make from CD sales, endorsement deals and TV sitcom appearances is added up, then Sanjaya likely has already won American Idol," said Internet site www.realitytvmagazine.com.

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Bye Bye ... Sanjaya ... Finally Off the American Idol

Sanjaya Malakar, the under-talented but unflappable singer who horrified and captivated millions in his improbable "American Idol" run, was finally voted off the show Wednesday night.

When the result was announced, Malakar wiped away tears and got a big hug from LaKisha Jones, the next lowest vote-getter.

"I'm fine," he told Ryan Seacrest. "It was an amazing experience."

"I can promise you: We won't soon forget you," Seacrest replied.

Malakar then performed one last song, "Something To Talk About." Putting his own twist on the song, the 17-year-old known for his pretty looks and ever-changing hairstyles ad-libbed: "Let's give them something to talk about ... other than hair."

On Tuesday night's show, Simon Cowell had slammed his performance as "utterly horrendous." And for once, the notoriously mean judge was vindicated.

"I'm beginning to sense something here," a grinning Cowell said when Malakar wound up in the bottom three.

Six contestants are now left: Jones, Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Chris Richardson, Melinda Doolittle and Phil Stacey.

Malakar was routinely savaged by Cowell as he developed into one of the weakest, most awkward "Idol" finalists ever. Still, the gangly teen managed to outlast better singers by cultivating an unlikely fan base that helped him survive round after round of viewer elimination.

Though his breathy, childlike singing voice paled in comparison with other finalists, his ability to stand out kept him in the competition. He consistently delivered the season's most talked-about performances, even daring to sport a ponytail mohawk that added pizazz to an otherwise tepid rendition of Gwen Stefani's "Bathwater."

That, of course, wound up fodder for watercooler discussion on G-rated morning programs and smart-alecky Web sites, stoking suspicion that Malakar was self-consciously manipulating the media to carve a place in "American Idol" history.

Many had predicted that he would make it all the way to May finale. Among Malakar's supporters: radio shock jock Howard Stern and the Web site VotefortheWorst.com, which has long promoted the show's tone-deaf candidates. (Previous targets include surly Scott Savol and sweet-natured Kevin Covais. Cult superstar William Hung never even made it to Hollywood.)

Malakar also had the backing of friends and family in his home state of Washington. "He's very handsome. That's most of it," marveled his friend Pat Wright, a gospel choir director in Seattle. "He's a teenager, and young girls and guys really like him."

Malakar seemed buoyed by his widespread fame.

"Welcome to the universe of Sanjaya!" he proudly proclaimed on a recent telecast, following a backhanded compliment from an exasperated Cowell.

Indeed, after panning another of Malakar's performances, Cowell threw up his arms and said there was nothing he could say to prevent people from voting for the oddball-turned-national phenomenon.

But, in the end, Malakar could not win enough votes to join the ranks of Taylor Hicks, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

He will, however, live forever on YouTube.

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Sanjaya survives the cut on "American Idol"

But wasn't Ryan bad, to make Sanjaya stand 3 Times, and then ask him to sit
again before giving him the final results of the Votes for yesterday's
show!! Suspense nya!

The questionably gifted but clearly popular Sanjaya Malakar easily survived another elimination on the hit show "American Idol" on Wednesday after a performance even irascible judge Simon Cowell conceded "wasn't horrible."

Fans instead chose Haley Scarnato, from San Antonio, to go home when she scored the fewest votes among viewers of the nationally televised talent contest. Host Ryan Seacrest said the more than 35 million votes cast represented the season's highest tally.

"Haley heads home tonight on 'American Idol,"' said Seacrest, announcing the result on the live broadcast.

The 24-year-old Scarnato, who sang "Turn the Beat Around" on Tuesday's program, had been snarkily advised by Cowell to wear as little clothing as possible, presumably to distract from her less-than stellar vocal abilities.

But Malakar, who has emerged as the show's star, particularly since radio host Howard Stern exhorted his listeners to vote for the 17-year-old whose wacky hairdos on the show have been as inconsistent as his performances, was again not among the bottom three.

His rendition of "Besame Mucho" on the Latin-themed edition that included a guest appearance by superstar Jennifer Lopez was among his best-received in recent weeks. The judges opined his singing was "really good," smart and smooth, with Cowell saying it pained him to concede the Washington resident's crooning "wasn't horrible."

"American Idol"'s music director has said he thinks Malakar could well win the whole thing.

"I think he could win the show," Ricky Minor told the New York Post this week. "People are pulling for him. ... I can tell you he can sing," Minor said, adding "This isn't a singing competition alone. ... He's a handsome guy, and is really likable. People are pulling for him."

This week's other two bottom-scoring finalists included Chris Richardson and Phil Stacey, but both survived to become one of the final seven of the competition.

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Sanjaya Still Strong on "American Idol 6"

Sanjaya Malakar, the talk of "American Idol" fan sites and blogs, advanced on Wednesday to another round, as a bout with the flu forced crooner Tony Bennett to cancel a live performance on the hit show.

Rocker Gina Glocksen was sent packing from the group of nine finalists on the Fox television show, while Malakar, the 17-year-old whose finalist status has defied shaky performances and criticism from the judges, was easily voted through.

Malakar wasn't even among the bottom three vote-getters in this week's competition, in which contestants performed standards such as "Night and Day" and "Mack the Knife."

Bennett, 80, best known for his rendition of the ballad "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and a multiple Grammy award winner, appeared on Tuesday's show in pre-taped segments coaching the nine singers who made it to this week's round of the talent contest.

"Even legends can come down with the flu," said host Ryan Seacrest, announcing Bennett's absence. "And that's just what Tony has done."

Standing in for Bennett as the featured guest singer on the show was the young, Canadian-born jazz vocalist Michael Buble, singing "Call Me Irresponsible."

The tally that sent Glocksen, from Naperville, Illinois, off "American Idol" was the highest of the show's sixth season, with just under 33 million votes cast, Seacrest said.

Glocksen, whose performance singing the Charlie Chaplin classic "Smile" scored the fewest votes, vowed "I'll be seeing you on tour" before singing the song one more time as the credits rolled.

Haley Scarnato and Phil Stacey joined Glocksen in the bottom three, but survived to sing another week on the country's No. 1 television show.

But it was Malakar's fate that drew the greatest speculation.

In recent weeks he has moved a 13-year-old girl to tears on national television, inspired a one-woman hunger strike, smiled through vicious comments from "Idol" judges, been the butt of late-night comedians' jokes and delivered almost as many different hair-dos as off-key notes.

Acerbic judge Simon Cowell quipped last month that he would quit if Malakar won the competition. This week he said he was going to "try a different tactic," saying simply, "incredible" after Malakar's rendition of "Cheek to Cheek."

Some say Malakar is riding his charms through the competition, but other die-hard fans insist that if he is not eliminated, and soon, the show will have lost its credibility.

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

American Idol - Eight More Finalist ... Good Bye to Yet Another

Gina Glocksen, who had her share of good and bad "American Idol" moments, kissed the show goodbye Wednesday, becoming the latest casualty in viewer voting. The exit of Glocksen, 22, of Naperville, Ill., trimmed the number of finalists to eight. The winner will be chosen in May.

Judge Randy Jackson had said on Tuesday's program that Glocksen — the show's resident rocker girl, with her red highlights and all-black outfits — gave a "nice, controlled performance" of the classic song "Smile."

His colleague Simon Cowell, who has griped that Glocksen was not in the same league as other finalists, sported a frown.

Glocksen let out a sob when she heard the result but managed to sing through her tears while performing on "Idol" for the last time.

Haley Scarnato and Phil Stacey had the next-lowest vote tallies in the phone balloting, which drew about 33 million calls and text messages.

Scarnato, 24, of San Antonio, is not opposed to showing a little skin on "Idol." Though Cowell derided her take on "Ain't Misbehavin'" as a bit "pageant-y," he applauded her "nice legs."

Cowell said Stacey's performance of "Night and Day" was too dark and dreary, while Tony Bennett— this week's venerable guest coach — heaped praise on the 29-year-old Floridian, calling him one of the best singers he's heard.

Wednesday's program also featured a performance by Michael Buble, who sang "Call Me Irresponsible."

Among this week's survivors were favorites Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones and Jordin Sparks. Sanjaya Malakar — the stringbean teen who's anything but a judges' favorite but still manages to rack up viewer votes — also made it through.

In its sixth season, "American Idol" continues to rule the ratings. It has attracted 26 million to 37 million viewers per telecast this season.

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Is Sanjaya getting Weaker or Stronger on American Idol?

He's the weakest singer with the best hair and the cutest smile. He is mocked by late-night TV comedians and has become the target of anti-"American Idol" forces.

But Sanjaya Malakar has lived to see another round of "American Idol," prompting a passionate debate over whether the nation's most watched TV show has lost its credibility or unwittingly created another media superstar.

"Will Sanjaya kill 'American Idol'?" asked one fan in a posting on the www.idol-mania.com Web site on Thursday.

Malakar, 17, easily advanced into the ranks of nine finalists competing in the sixth installment of the Fox network singing contest on Wednesday after becoming one of the most-talked about people on U.S. television.

During the past three weeks, Malakar has moved a 13 year-old girl to tears on national television, inspired a one-woman hunger strike, smiled through vicious comments from "Idol" judges and delivered almost as many different hair-dos as off-key notes.

Far from being voted off the show by members of the public, whose preferences are registered by telephone and text messages to eliminate one contestant each week, Malakar appears to be going from strength to strength.

Even acerbic British judge Simon Cowell, who quipped last month that he would quit if Malakar won the competition, appears to have succumbed.

"Sanjaya, I don't think it matters anymore what we say ... I think you are in your own universe and if people like you, good luck," Cowell said after Malakar's startling mohawk hairdo overshadowed another less-than-stellar singing performance on Tuesday.

Maverick Web site www.votefortheworst.com (VFTW) claims much of the credit for "saving" Malakar on what it calls "America's largest karaoke contest."

The Web site's mission, picked up and promoted by radio shock jock Howard Stern, is to "have fun with 'American Idol' and embrace its suckiness" by encouraging people to vote en masse for the worst contestants.

But popular culture expert Robert Thompson said he doubted Stern's audience had the patience to negotiate the famously busy signals on "Idol" phone lines.

"Sanjaya is a really cute kid with a unique look and an incredibly dreamy smile that can get thirty 12-year old girls to vote a million times apiece on speed dial," said Thompson, director of Syracuse University's Center for the Study of Popular Television.

"I don't think he injures its credibility at all. 'American Idol' has never been about a scientific way of producing the very best vocalist of our time. It has been a silly, fun, really well-produced talent competition, and you never quite know what's going to happen," Thompson said.

Some diehard "Idol" fans, who have seen past contestants find success at the Grammys, the Oscars and the Country Music Awards, were not so convinced.

"Faithful watchers will stop watching if Sanjaya is not sent home. The whole purpose of this show is being undermined by a lot of people who have lost sight of (or more likely couldn't care less about) the ultimate goal. ... for the BEST SINGER to win!!!!," wrote one fan who used the name Kshenk on the www.americanidol.com message board

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Aiyoh .. how can Chris Sligh get Voted Out from American Idol?

BOO HOO .. Chris Sligh got voted out from American Idol! Aiyoh .. how can-nya, so early in the competition. He has a good voice and an interesting attitude! Anyway ... America voted wrongly again last week. And Sanjaya still lives on! :)

Read on .....

It's over for Chris Sligh. Sligh, the curly-haired jokester who once claimed he was "bringing chubby back," said goodbye to "American Idol" on Wednesday, becoming the latest singer bounced in viewer voting.

The sacking of Sligh, 28, who hails from Greenville, S.C., winnowed the number of "Idol" wannabes to nine. The winner will be chosen in May.

"I think it's bye-bye, curly," predicted Simon Cowell, before the results were announced.

Cowell said on Tuesday's program that Sligh's rendition of the Police classic "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" was a "mess."

Haley Scarnato and Phil Stacey had the next-lowest vote tallies in the phone balloting, which drew more than 30 million calls and text messages.

Stacey, 29, of Jacksonville, Fla., managed to get on Cowell's good side after his solid cover of "Every Breath You Take."

"This may surprise you, Phil, but I actually thought that was very good," Cowell said Tuesday.

The acerbic judge was not as nice to Scarnato, deriding the 24-year-old Texas girl's take on "True Colors" as safe and forgettable.

(Question: Will Sanjaya Malakar, who is undoubtedly a national sensation, stick around until the finale? Could happen, as long as the "Idol" oddball keeps stoking watercooler discussion.)

Wednesday's elimination show also featured a get-up-and-dance performance by Gwen Stefani and rapper Akon, who performed Stefani's hit single "The Sweet Escape."

In its sixth season, "American Idol" continues to rule the ratings. It has attracted 26 million to 37 million viewers per telecast this season.

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Oh No!!! What Has America done? They VOTED OFF the wrong person!!

'American Idol' makes a surprise cut

In a surprise, Stephanie Edwards — one of this season's best singers — was voted off the top-rated talent contest on Wednesday, while weak and sometimes unwatchable performers Sanjaya Malakar and Haley Scarnato were allowed to stay. The untimely departure of Edwards, 19, of Savannah, Ga., narrowed the number of "Idol" contestants to 10. The winner will be chosen in May.

Simon Cowell said on Tuesday's show that Edwards' rendition of Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" lacked the edginess and youthful energy that she brought to her previous performances. Paula Abdul echoed that sentiment, telling Edwards she should have "more fun" onstage.

Dodging viewer elimination was Chris Richardson, who had the next-lowest vote tally.

Richardson, 22, of Chesapeake, Va., had impressed judges with his smooth take on "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying." Cowell called it his "best performance so far," while Abdul praised him as "charming and sexy."

Wednesday's show also featured performances by this week's guest coaches:

Peter Noone, who fronted the 1960s British rock band Herman's Hermits, and singer-songwriter Lulu.

In its sixth season, "American Idol" continues to dominate the ratings. It has attracted 26 million to 37 million viewers per telecast this season.

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Will Chris Sligh (American Idol) Stand Strong to his Christian Morals?

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Chris Sligh, the "American Idol" contestant who has won fans thanks to his curly mop of hair and soulful voice, has a few people concerned with his departure from strictly Christian music. But for most others in this city of 56,000 about 100 miles southwest of Charlotte, N.C., Sligh has become a hometown hero.


Jonathan Pait, a spokesman for fundamentalist Bob Jones University where Sligh attended for several years, said: "We really are somewhat disappointed with the direction he has gone musically."

He nonetheless tunes in each week to monitor Sligh's progress.

Local fans — some wearing fake glasses and curly wigs and calling themselves the "Fro Patro" — gather each week at restaurants and bars to cheer Sligh on. The local newspaper has been tracking his progress on its Web site.

Sligh, a 28-year-old son of missionaries who spent much of his childhood overseas, kept his spot among the 11 remaining finalists last week with a rendition of "Endless Love." He'll try to improve on that performance, deemed "unemotional" and "uninspiring" by judge Simon Cowell, this week. The show will announce results Wednesday evening.

People who know Sligh well say that he may be singing rock 'n' roll on television, but he's always clear about the faith that motivates his music.

"He's not going to back away from the fact that he's a Christian," said Chris Surratt, pastor of Seacoast Church, where Sligh has been music leader for more than two years. "He's going to let that shine through in what he does."

Hundreds of people gather each week to hear Sligh's music at Seacoast, where his electric guitar and vocals have become an integral part of services, Surratt said.

Support for Sligh also is strong at North Greenville University, the small Baptist school he attended for several years after leaving Bob Jones in the late 1990s.

Cheryl Greene, the professor who helped Sligh hone his vocal talents, said just because Sligh may not be singing strictly Christian-themed songs shouldn't reflect on the depth of his faith.

"It would be like me being in a jazz band," Greene said. "You can be a Christian or non-Christian. It's a style of music."

But Greene said she still has worries over Sligh's long-term spiritual journey.

"Is he going to stand strong by his true Christian morals?" Greene said. "Christianity is a lifestyle ... and there are things in your life that you do need to stand for."

John Jeter, the owner of a Greenville nightclub where Sligh has performed with his band, said Sligh's wholesome attitude and his faith come through in his music.

"It speaks well to the fact that it's not all blood, guts and trash," said Jeter. "Music doesn't have to be filthy. You can have a good time in a good environment, and Chris is proof of that."

Seacost Church in Greensville

- http://www.seacoast.org/greenville/index.html -

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

Why is Sanjaya still singing on ‘American Idol’?

Is it charm? His hair? The pity vote?

He might have belted out the words "Ain't no mountain high enough/Ain't no valley low enough," but frankly there just ain't no reason good enough to keep Sanjaya Malakar on "American Idol."

So why is this 17-year-old still standing?

"Access Hollywood" investigates the many possible causes keeping Sanjaya's "Idol" dream alive.

"I think people have seen my voice but not necessarily the potential it could be," Sanjaya told Access at the Top 12 party. "I think I have a certain charm."

Charm? Hair? Pity? Or even an anti-Idol' plot?

There are so many possibilities why "So-So" Sanjaya is still in the running. But why?

"Um, is it the hair?" host Ryan Seacrest joked with "Access."

Well, let's ask the man behind the locks — "American Idol" stylist Dean Banowetz.

"He's 17. I think he's got a lot of gumption for just doing what he wants to do," Dean noted. "He wants the Farrah flip. And then he also wants the straight sleek, sexy hair. And then he did say he wanted his hair curled."

No matter what style he chooses, it always ends up being the scene stealer, and typically the focus of the judge's comments.

"Hair 'Idol'! You got it jumping off!" Randy Jackson barked.

And while folks may not envy his vocals, his hair is another story.

"I have many, many women calling me wanting Sanjaya's curls," Dean added.

Straight, curly or puffy — the girls go wild for Sanjaya. Want proof? Just check out the many fan sites chock-full of girls who ask each other, "Do you daydream about Sanjaya?"

Is it because he's the worst?

Booted "Idol" Brandon Rogers may have had the better voice … so how could Sanjaya have gotten more votes?

"How in the world did you get booted and Sanjaya's still there?" "Access' " Billy Bush asked Brandon when he visited our stage.

"The nature of the competition is America is going to vote for who they want to vote for," Brandon said.

Could a Web site be keeping Sanjaya alive?

On VoteForTheWorst.com, they urge their 2 to 3 million visitors to vote for the contestant who should lose under normal circumstances, which irks "Idol" producers and judges.

"We're oftentimes the thing that puts somebody over the edge to stay," VoteForTheWorst founding member Patrick Wells told "Access."

Among their millions of visitors — the King of All Media.

"I've joined, and I am definitely voting for the worst tonight," Howard Stern revealed.

"Any time you can get somebody who has a big following talking about you, it makes a big difference," Wells added.

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

'American Idol' Christian Crew Pumps Up the Church

Christian singers are continuing to show success in the sixth season of American Idol as three Gospel Music Association (GMA) favorites - Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, and Chris Sligh - moved on past the vote last week.

Four Christian artists have moved into the final 11 for this season's Amerian Idol.

Among the contestants, one more vocalist has emerged as having a gospel music background – Phil Stacey, minister of music at First Coast Christian in Jacksonville, Fla.

This places four Christian artists among the final 11, encouraging viewers that this year’s winner may represent Christian talent.

Besides his connection with the church, Stacey also attends Liberty University, an independent fine arts Baptist university located in Lynchburg, Va.

Despite the fact that he passed this week’s vote, Stacey was one of the bottom vote-getters and may have to struggle to stay alive in the competition.

The GMA has been strongly supporting the four contestants, making them a large part of their weekly GMAil - a weekly industry email newsletter that contains weekly charts, news, links to resources, and information about upcoming industry events, available to GMA members only.

Besides the GMA, other groups are spurring on the finalists.

According to GMAil, Christian elite Michael W. Smith is telling his fans to vote for Sparks on his website; Music City is pushing for Doolittle, a graduate of Nashville Christian school Belmont University, as well as the local Fox affiliate; and Sligh’s home church in South Carolina holds weekly American Idol parties to support their favorite.

This past week, contestants sang to a Diana Ross theme night. On the upcoming show on Tuesday, the theme will be the British invasion.

American Idol is viewed by over 30 million Americans each week while 28 million votes were cast this last week.

GMA is also looking for more information on any performers with gospel roots.

Source

[tags : delephant fun stuff]

American Idol 6 - 12 Finalists

Woo Hoo .. its amazing ... its already the Top 12 Finalists of American Idol 6.

I am pretty glad that my guess for those that will be in the Top 12 was pretty accurage.

I was guessing that the following folks would be in the Top 12

For the guys, I was banking on Blake Lewis, Chris Sligh & Sanjaya

For the girls, I was banking on Lakisha Jones, Sabrina Sloan, Melinda Doolittle, Gina Glocksen

Out of the 7 that i was hoping to be in the 12, only one was wrong.

Sabrina Sloan was kicked out yesterday. Pity!!

The Following are the Top 12 Finalists of American Idol 6

Blake Lewis

LaKisha Jones


Chris Sligh


Jordin Sparks


Phil Stacey


Melinda Doolittle


Brandon Rogers


Gina Glocksen


Chris Richardson


Stephanie Edwards


Haley Scarnato


Sanjaya Malakar




More ... Read On

---

"American Idol" slimmed down the competition Thursday night, leaving 12 finalists to compete for the ultimate prize — a record contract. Antonella Barba, Sabrina Sloan, Jared Cotter and Jason "Sundance" Head were cast off Thursday in phone voting, which drew about 37 million calls and text messages.

The performers who made the cut were Blake Lewis, LaKisha Jones, Chris Sligh, Jordin Sparks, Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle, Brandon Rogers, Gina Glocksen, Chris Richardson, Stephanie Edwards, Haley Scarnato and Sanjaya Malakar.

The show's tense final moments belonged to Malakar and Head, who were waiting to find out who would take the competition's 12th spot — and who would go home. Judge Paula Abdul was stunned to hear that Malakar, who is not exactly a judge favorite, was staying.

"I'm speechless," Abdul said. "This is a singing competition, and Sundance, you've been one of our finest."

How'd this happen? "The volume was turned down," quipped Simon Cowell, who has criticized Malakar, 17, of Federal Way, Wash., for his "weird" stage presence.

"Somebody give me a job," the 28-year-old Head, from Porter, Texas, said before leaving the stage. "I need a job."

The elimination of the talented Sloan, 27, from Los Angeles, was another let-down for the judges. "Sabrina should be in that top 12, dawg," lamented Randy Jackson, who said "America got that one wrong."

None of the judges was complaining when Barba, the focus of recent attention over some racy Internet photos, was shown the door. Each week, Cowell could be counted on to tell the 20-year-old Jersey girl that she wasn't good enough to be in the talent contest.

Cotter, a strapping 25-year-old from Kew Gardens, N.Y., told Ryan Seacrest he was "very" surprised to be leaving the show. Cowell had another opinion: "You're a good-looking guy, you've got to work on your vocals," he said.

Thursday's show also featured a performance by "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood, who recently snagged a Grammy for best new artist. She sang "Wasted," a song from her hit country music album "Some Hearts."

So far this season, the show's sixth, men and women have been competing separately, with viewers voting off two of each sex weekly. When the dozen finalists return Tuesday, the sexes will be blended, with one singer voted off each week. The winner will be chosen in May.

"American Idol" continues to dominate the ratings, attracting between 27 million and 37 million viewers per telecast this season.

Source1 Source2

[tags : delephant fun stuff]