Ellen DeGeneres as an American Idol Judge

The newest American Idol judge is Ellen DeGeneris. It will be interesting to see how the show goes now, what with Simon Cowell leaving and Paula Abdul gone...

Ellen DeGeneres' first official American Idol photos were released Tuesday by Fox.

The new judge, 51, is all smiles while leaning on a microphone in the shot.

The 9th season kicks off Jan. 12 with a two-night, four-hour season premiere.

DeGeneres -- who replaced Paula Abdul -- won't appear on the show until February.

In the meantime, celebs like Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry and Shania Twain will judge the auditions.

Find out which Idols have had babies or gotten married

"I'm very excited to be on the show," DeGeneres has said. "I will tell you that right now. I just continue to be excited every single day."

Source: Celebrity Gossip.com

Paula Abdul May Quit American Idol

Hollywood celebrity and American Idol judge, Paula Abdul quit "American Idol" and not return for the ninth season says her manager.

All of the others already have their contracts for the new season of American Idol. Ryan Seacrest has signed a $45 million contract for three years. Randy Jackson is signed up till 2011. Simon Cowell is already involved in negotiations to renew his contract. Paula’s manager has not even received Paula’s new contract. The other female judge, Kara DioGuardi, only signed for one season. Is that possibly because Paula is a woman and has been left till last? Don’t want to question this, but why oh why is Paula left without her contract. It’s understandable she would be pissed.

Paula is not very happy about it to say the least. What would American Idol be like without Paula? She’s a necessary part of the judge’s team, able to soften the blows of nasty Simon. Honestly, she adds balance to the American Idol team.

American Idol begins audtions in August and it will return to us on our television screens in January of 2010. They’d better hurry up and get that contract renewed with Paula. American Idol needs Paula.

Simon Puts His Money on Adam Lambert

I totally agree with Simon's judgement, yesterday, as I've been saying all the time on Celebrity Rag News. Adam Lambert has "IT". He's the whole package, someone with the potential to be a "Star".

"Simon Cowell says he thinks Adam Lambert will win this season of 'American Idol,' telling Oprah Winfrey on Monday that his money is on the belter because the contestant is fearless, unique and "he's got swagger."

He went on: "I think he's got that 'it' and I think he's fearless and unique."

Source: Read more... at Popeater.

American Idol Top Five Judgment

So, if you’ve been watching American Idol, you know there are only five finalists left to go and one of them is going home tonight. There were a record number of votes again, some 47 million people voted.

Performers tonight on the show included Taylor Hicks, American Idol’s Season five winner, singing something kinda blue-sy from his “Distance” album, Jamie Foxx singing his hit “Blame It,” from his “Intuition” album, and Natalie Cole singing “Something’s Gotta Give”.

Ryan Seacrest started the night off by asking Matt Girard to walk to the left of the center stage. Allison Iraheta and Danny Gokey were told to walk to the right side of the stage. They’re safe. The surprise of the night had to be Adam Lambert who, after being asked which side of the stage he thought he belonged on, chose the right side. It was a difficult question posed to Adam and he chose the wrong side. He thought he was in the top three, but, as the world is always full of surprises, is told to walk to the left, he’s in the bottom three. Unbelievable! Oh my God, what happened?!! Kara DioGuardi’s jaw dropped to see Adam in the bottom three.

So that’s that, the bottom three for tonight’s show: Adam Lambert, Matt Girard and Chris Allen.

Simon Cowell said he re-watched the show last night and estimated this group of five to be really talented, that “everybody was good.”

Paula thought the results of America’s votes were crazy. Simon’s saying, “well, someone’s gotta go.” Randy rating these top five as the best the show has ever had. The contestants’ mentor from last night, Jamie Foxx, call these top five “five of the most talented people he’s seen in the last two years.” And “no matter who wins, these five people are not singers, they are artists.”

Chris is sent back to safety and then Adam is sent back to the right side of the stage, safe for another week.

Matt Girard, is going home tonight. He sings his last song, “My Funny Valentine”. Yes, I will download this song. It was good. It’s a sad goodbye but I’m sure we’ll be hearing of him again. And, don’t forget the American Idol summer tour to 50 cities in America. Folks - next week’s theme is Rock and Roll on American Idol.

Rat Pack Night on American Idol

Tonight’s American Idol for the top five finalists was centered on the Rat Pack era, live from Hollywood. Songs sung by the original Rat Pack – Sammy Davis Jr, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, et al.

First observations, my fave – Adam Lambert, whom one could spot from a mile away, wearing a white suit, standing out from the others, yeah, he came with the right suit tonight.

Mystery mentor of the night – none of the five contestants had any idea and neither did we – was Jamie Foxx, who won best actor in 1995 and also starred in “Dream Girls” with American Idol’s own Jennifer Hudson.

Chris Allen sung a lovely version of “The Way You Look Tonight” which Randy Jackson declared as Chris’ best performance. Kara DioGuardi believes he’s “the dark horse in the competition” and Paula Abdul thought he’s transformed into a “sophisticated gentleman” with this song. Simon Cowell, though, found his performance “a little bit wet,” like a “well-trained spaniel”, “nice, but not incredible” and “didn’t think he can win this competition.”

Allison Iraheta who finally turned 17 sung for tonight’s performance, “Someone To Watch Over Me”. She’s got this sexy, rich voice and she’s still so young. Wow! The only girl left in the competition, asked how she found it…. The Girl finds it awesome!

Randy thought it would be tough for Allison to sing something from this era, but he said the girl has “9000 more octaves than Pink” and “that was the bomb!” translated: she was fab!

Kara shared the same thoughts as me: that it had been a crime that Allison had been in the bottom 3 (what was America thinking?) and that Allison was not a “one-trick pony.” She also thought Allison gave us a gut rendition of the song, way beyond her years. Just think what Allison will be able to do with a song after her first heart break. OMG! – She will be rich and famous!

Paula was waiting to see how Allison would approach a ballad, and declared her approach “alluring and very tender.”

Nasty Simon, whom I sort of love, asked Allison if she thought she could win the competition to which she replied, “I think I can, I think we all can win the competition.” Simon said she gave a “great performance,” but was “overshadowed by some of the personalities.” He judged her “in trouble tonight,” and gave her on her commitment and belief a 7/10 rating. Kara then piped in, “Simon, I love you but you are crazy.”

Next up, Matt Girard, singing “My Funny Valentine.” Jamie Foxx recommended that he “change the key.” Randy said this was one of the hardest songs to sing and found the song a bit pitchy and that Matt “didn’t quite get it together.” Kara appreciated what he did but didn’t find Matt emotionally connected to the song. Paula, always the good mother, found it simple and impressive. Simon, contrary to all found it was “believable,” “authentic” and “like Nat King Cole” – “brilliant.” The king has spoken.

Danny Gokey sung “Come Rain or Shine”. Everyone of the judges loved it, but alas, I just don’t see him as THE next American Idol.

Adam Lambert, the one in the white suit, sung “Feeling Good”. Jamie Foxx, the mentor, said that he was incredible and that he would “knock everybody’s head off.”

Well, Adam, for one, knows how to descend a staircase in white suit. Sexy, hot and making the knickers of boys and girls alike: wet. Randy, who will say it again, thought Adam is consistently “in the zone,” but found his performance “a little too theatrical.” Kara judged Adam to be shocking in a good way, sleazy, and over the top. Note: in this instant, sleazy has a positive meaning.

Paula found watching Adam “like watching the Olympics” and “words could not describe,” how good it is to watch Adam. Simon gets the feeling that Adam wants to win (who doesn’t?) and has a way better entrance down that staircase than Ryan Seacrest. Poor Ryan. Am sure Adam can teach him a thing or two.

Gotta wait till tomorrow night to find out who’s staying and who’s a-going on American Idol. I got my fingers crossed. My heart’s gonna be crushed if my favorites are voted off. There are no more Judge’s Saves on American Idol.

American Idol Decision Day for the Group of Seven

It was American Idol Decision Day for the Group of 7 contestants last night. Hmmm… so who do you think got kicked off of American Idol? Did the judge’s use the Judges’ Save? You betcha!

The 7 finalists sung a group number performing the 80s hit, “Maniac” from Flashdance.


Guest stars for the night included former Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson, the first Idol finalist to win an Oscar for her role in “Dream Girls,” recent winner of a Grammy for her first album, singing “If This Isn’t Love”. Remember, Jennifer Hudson was actually eliminated from the American Idol contest, so there is a future after elimination! If not a future, at least the American Idol summer tour will at least keep you working for the summer. Jennifer Hudson looked gorgeous.

Miley Cyrus also looking gorgeous in a long grey beaded gown, performed one of her recent songs.

Over the last week the seven finalists, driven in a limousine, attended their first Hollywood film premiere of the movie “17 Again” starring Zac Efron. They got to meet Zac Efron who also was in the audience for this American Idol night.

Adam Lambert asked if he was insulted by Simon’s comment from last night’s show that he reminded Simon of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show”. Adam said it was a great film and asked if what Simon had said was an insult. Already, Adam has the perfect responses to everything.

Now, to the Bottom Three. The first to be relegated to the Bottom Three was Anoop Desai. Paula Abdul said she was a little surprised but Mr. Contrary, Simon Cowell answered that he wasn’t surprised. Lil found herself in the bottom three, saying she felt like she couldn’t win with the judges. Matt also found himself in the bottom three again.

Kara DioGuardi, asked by Ryan Seacrest if thought the right people were in the bottom three (don't ya just hate these type of questions), answered “yes.”


Out of the other seven American Idol contestants, Chris Allen was safe. Simon said he hadn’t got a chance to say something to Chris about last night’s performance. Simon thought that Chris’ performance had been “brilliant”, Adam Lambert safe (no surprise), Allison Iraheta (no surprise), Danny Gokey: safe. (somewhat surprised).

So, after a nation wide vote of over 36 million people, it was revealed that Lil Rounds would have to suffer another week of competition. Anoop was safe. Left alone on center stage, Matt Girard stood, forced to sing for his life.

Paula and Kara were dancing like mad to Matt’s version of “If you Really Love a Woman”.

The Judges, hotly debated (if you can hotly debate in 30 seconds) whether to use the judge’s save and viola! Here’s the night! Simon announced they would use the judges’ save. Simon stated that although Matt had no chance of winning the competition, the good news was that he was safe. Don't know why they would use the judge's save if there is no chance for a person to win the competition. Can't figure it out.

The bad news, Simon continued, is that next week two people are going home and it’s “DISCO WEEK” next week! Disco? Some of these kids weren't even born then!

Quentin Tarantino on American Idol Night

Well, it was a special, “historic” night on American Idol tonight with director Quentin Tarantino as critic and song director for the evening. It was “cinema night” on American Idol with the last seven contestants singing hits from the movies.

Randy Jackson was labelled “yellow striped” for the night. Paula Abdul named by Ryan Seacrest as “hot”. Kara DioGuardi was called “provocative” (nice frock, Kara!) and Simon Cowell, well, “legendary”, “your highness, Sir Simon Cowell” etc., etc.

The top seven of American Idol had prepped around the clock to audition for Quentin Tarantino at the Alfred Newman Stage, the main music recording sound stage at Fox. Mr. Tarantino said that he would be as tough and critical as he could be to the Idol participants who would sing their songs for him.

The young Allison Iraheta was first up and sung “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” with her powerful voice. Paula reaffirmed Allison’s amazing talent. Simon called her the “girls only hope left in the competition. He added that Allison was getting stronger as a performer and that no one has sung the song so well. Here, here!

Anoop Desai, next up, sung “Everything I Do, I do it for you”, I thought he was not bad, Randy agreed with me and added that Anoop has found himself and “good job” Annop. Kara agreed that Anoop had definitely found his place, that it was one of his best performances as the song was coming from his heart. I agree, he did a good job, but again, he has not been consistent.

My favourite (among the male contestants) Adam Lambert, is just a Star. He sung “Born to be Wild” and wow! Amazing, the guy is a star package. The way he moves and plays with that voice! The audience on American Idol had a hard time stopping their screaming and Paula praised Adam as one who “dares to dance in the path of greatness.” Exactly! Then she went further to call him the “bravest contestant ever.” Simon called Adam vocally incredible, that it was a bit like watching “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” However, Simon, I don’t think you like “rock” that much. He didn’t think Adam’s performance would be as popular as his performance last week, but he liked it after all. Of course, the audience booed Simon just a little. Simon, you are so picky!

Contestant Matt Girard sung “If You Really Love a Woman” with the piano. Randy called it an interesting performance but it got a bit rough because Matt tried to do too much with the song. Kara thought that Matt was still struggling with ‘song type’. Not good at this point on American Idol.

Danny Gokey’s song “My Endless Love” with a harp accompaniment left Paula not sure about Danny’s key and whether it should have lowered but she found his rendition “unique and unforgettable”. Simon could find no fault with the way he sung the song, However, the harp and the way Danny sung the song disappointed him. (Simon does not like harps?). However, Simon congratulated him in that one could see that the song meant a lot to him.

Chris Allen sung beautifully but Randy never quite caught onto the song and found it pitchy at times. Kara called Chris’ performance as one of his “best moments.”

Lil Rounds was the last contestant of the night at the movies American Idol. Paula liked it but Simon was highly critical saying that she was getting this thing “entirely wrong.” He said the song was too soft and not the right one for her. To dig in even further, he said Lil was not the artist they thought she was.

Now Lil the girl, she argued back. And then Paula piped in, encouraging her not to “be afraid to say whatever you believe to those who don’t matter.” Ouch! Simon did not look happy and for once did not say anything. Will they argue after the show?

And there, it ends, American Idol’s movie night. We shall see what tomorrow brings in as far as the votes go and who is “Out”…

American Idol Judgement April 8

Tonight’s American Idol looks again at who’s going and who’s staying.

American Idol started off with a humorous reference by Ryan Seacrest of Simon Cowell as Darth Vader. Simon, it’s the hair-don’t. You are so rich and famous, so get a nice haircut. It’s time.

Randy Jackson stated that the recent performances by some of the contestants had left him disappointed and had been “flat” and “off”. Kara DioGuardi talked of the “early front runners” who now had an identity crisis, kinda late in the schedule of the show for that. Paula Abdul, mother of the team presented another childhood photo of her and Darth, I mean, Simon as children. Nice collage.

The group song of the night was a hit from 2002 – American Idol’s first season – “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”. I noticed the pairing up of Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert – could this be a sign?

Later we got a view of the shooting of a Ford commercial. Again, amid the glitter, I see Adam and Allison together again. A fleeting image of the future…

Ryan then presented the hit playing in the year Simon Cowell was born. Frankie Avalon’s hit “Venus” was hot, way back then. A vintage film of Frankie Avalon morphed into Frankie Avalon in the flesh singing “Venus”. Frankie said it was a hit in 1959. Simon swore he was born in 1969. Wikipedia states his birthdate as October 7, 1959. Truth tells on the internet.

Other performers during tonight’s American Idol show included Flo Rida and Kelly Pickler singing their new hit songs.

The bottom three of the night ended up with Lil, Anoop Desai and Scott MacIntyre seated in the three feared chairs on center stage. Judges said they would use the judges’ save tonight. Moi, I don’t have a clue whom they were referring to in this line-up. However, time ran out tonight for Scott MacIntyre. There was a debate among the judge, two against two as to whether or not to use the judge’s save. However, Darth, I mean, Simon finally ended the debate by saying that although they really liked Scott, there were more talented singers sitting on the benches. Sadly, we must say goodbye to Scott. Lil and Anoop are safe, but it’s probably too late baby.

Adam Lambert is as safe as he should be. Allison is safe as she should be. It’s down to Danny Gokey, Lil Rounds, Anoop Desai, Matt Girard and Chris Allen. Tick, Tock, time is running on American Idol. And as I keep reminding, there is the American Idol tour coming up in the summer. Can't be that bad a summer job to have?

Who’s the Best on American Idol

Who’s the Best on American Idol?

We got to see everyone's baby pictures on American Idol tonight. Most interesting of course was Simon Cowell's photo - he looked really, really mean - even as a toddler.

I’m going to start with the best (Adam Lambert) and end with the worst on American Idol last night. Why? Because most of the other contestants were somewhat mediocre, their time is running out. I was left wondering why so many of the contestants couldn’t make a song from the year of their birth sound just a little bit better than they did. If I had a radio, I would have turned most of them OFF!

Adam Lambert, who, week after week, dazzles the audience with his amazing ability to sing anything in his own style (varied), display true artistry, give us the true talent of his voice with a range from here to there. Simon Cowell, the only one to comment on Adam’s performance said, first the bad news, “We’re running out of time” and the good news is a “Standing Ovation” and he actually stood up and clapped for Adam. Well! Wow! When you get the nastiest of the judges standing up for you and declaring a “Standing Ovation”, I think you’re on your way to the American Idol kingdom. And, if faces of the judges are telling, the look on Kara DioGuardi’s face gave it away as she waited for Adam’s performance to begin. She had said in a previous week, she eagerly awaits Adam’s performance each week. Her face was lit up with expectancy – waiting for The Artist to perform. For me, it’s just another song I would definitely download – Adam’s version of “Mad World”. In fact, I want the whole CD of Adam’s performances on American Idol. For most of the rest of the contestants, if I heard them singing on the radio, I would just turn it off.

Of the female singers, again, the young, talented Allison Iraheta, the best of the female contestants, sung a grown up song. However, she was able to put her heart into it and make the song her own according to Paula Abdul and myself. Simon told her she was very good but she should lighten up a little and make herself a little more likeable to her the voting public. Kara judged Allison a “true talent” and “let’s go make a record”. If she’s in the bottom three tomorrow night, I’m sure she’s the one the judges will save if they need to because, if America can’t see it, this young girl has TALENT. Period.

Matt Girard sung a jazzy number which Randy Jackson called one of the best of the night, Kara called incredible, Paula said deserved a standing ovation and Simon called “well done”. Anoop, did well tonight, but not as well as Matt, Allison or Adam, and lacks that “American Idol” thing, something akin to consistency which Simon likened to a yo-yo.

The other contestants of the night, including Scott MacIntyre without his piano (zzzz), Lil who is still not getting good advice on her song choice, and there was Chris Allen who’s choice of song was rated as indulgent, boring and forgettable.

Looking forward to tomorrow night’s votes on the next American Idol. The finalists could only be Adam Lambert or Allison, but I actually think Adam’s gonna get it. But Allison, there’s a contract in your near future. First, we have to sort out the chaff. Perhaps, they should let about three of them go tomorrow night. There is the American Idol summer tour if they are booted off the show so it’s not really the end of the road.

Megan Joy Doesn’t Care and Neither Does American Idol

The latest gossip on American Idol is that time is a running and has finally run out for American Idol contestant Megan Joy last night. It was rather painful to watch her in the bottom three because she seemed to sense, nervously, when assigned to the bottom three, that it was her turn to go. Watching her sing her goodbye song was very excruciating to watch. Something akin to watching a public execution in the town square circa 1492. Her comment, “I love you Simon Cowell, but I don’t care” was thrown back at her by Simon. “With all due respect, we don’t care either”. My suggestion to all contestants: If you have been living under a rock for the last 10 years, you should now know that Simon is one of the most powerful men in the music business and you have to be careful about what you say to him. He will throw any nasty remark right back in your face. Just a warning.

However, for the American Idol contestants now kicked off the show, I wouldn’t worry too much. You’ve had amazing exposure. You’ll all be performing in the summer on the American Idol summer tour and for Megan Joy, she is so gorgeous, I’m sure Hollywood or New York will be calling for a role in a TV series or some modelling work. She is absolutely beautiful.

Also sharing the bottom three chairs was Anoop Desai. No surprise, he’s about as talented as a lounge singer in an almost empty motel along the highway to nowhere. And the biggest surprise in the bottom three was, yet again, Allison Iraheta.

I just don’t get why Allison found herself for the second time in the bottom three. No doubt, Simon Cowell et al were surprised too when asked by Ryan Seacrest if they would use the “judge’s save” for these bottom three performers. He stated that “yes”, they would use the judge’s save for one of the three singers and he didn’t mean Anoop. I’m not sure why Allison keeps finding herself in the bottom three. She’s the most talented female singer on American Idol this season – with a voice that could sing anything. I can only surmise that it’s the color of her hair, a flaming red. But this is not a hair-do contest America. This is a singing contest. I’m absolutely positive that when she wins, a stylist will be assigned to fix her hair pronto. If it’s the clothes she wore on Tuesday night, same thing goes. She needs a stylist. Again, may I remind you, this is NOT a hair-do or fashion contest, it’s a singing contest. She’s 16 years old and experimenting with her look like any typical 16 year old, but her voice is powerful, a gift from the Gods and she can sing ANYTHING.

Surprises continue. Scott MacIntyre is still in the running, along with Anoop. No other surprises. True American Idol material, Adam Lambert is still on, and again we hear Paula Abdul’s praise comparing him to the likes of Steve Tyler and Mick Jagger. Adam, he’s the package. All done up and ready to go… recording.

Am so looking forward to next Tuesday’s American Idol. Hoping another Presidential address will not interrupt programming. American Idol is more important, we’re getting close to the countdown. Perhaps the President could give his addresses to the nation in the afternoon and we can all miss a few hours of work to watch it. I don’t like missing my American Idol on Tuesday nights.

American Idol Last Night

American Idol’s performances last night really showed who’s a winner and who’s going home. The best by far had to be Adam Lambert who was honestly the best performance last night out of the male performers. He sung "Tracks of My Tears" that caused the legendary Smokey Robinson to give him a standing ovation. Adam already shows signs of superstardom – able to re-invent himself in a little less than a week, wearing slick backed hair, stylish suit and a voice that is still amazing. He’s got the most versatility of all the contestants, by far. Simon Cowell who makes no bones about anything called Adam, “the best performance of the evening”.

Allison Iraheta with her amazing vocal chords at the tender age of 16, was the best female performance, singing, “Papa was a Rolling Stone”. She is has got to be the strongest female performer of the group. How she got to the bottom three last week, I’ll never know.

Anoop Desai did a heartfelt rendition Smokey Robinson's "Oooo Baby Baby" but whether he can continue to show artistry and originality on a consistent bases, we’re not sure. Not rushing out to download the tune for this one or any other of his songs.

Matt Giraud did well. Megan Joy has beauty and talent but she needs to find a new mentor to help her choose her songs to fit her quirky yet very contemporary style. I’m sure she’ll have a great career in the future. Lil Rounds raced through her song to her detriment and the same thing goes for Michael Sarver who has the right attitude since day one. Chris Allen was good along with Danny Gokey, but I don’t think I’m rushing out to by the CD or even download the tune.