American Idol Archives - Page 4 of 17

Harry Connick Jr. is “One Fine Thing” — WATCH NOW

Aside from Harry Connick Jr.’s status as a piano prodigy, he also has some hypnotizing pipes. Plus, he’s easy on the eyes. If you haven’t seen him on American Idol yet, be sure to tune in. This might be the first year in history that the judges give actual criticism instead of useless analogies. Watch Connick sing ‘One Fine Thing’ below.

M.K. Nobilette Wins the Night — American Idol Rush Week

Since American Idol has picked the same type person nearly every year (see Chris Daughty, Lee DeWyze, Kris Allen, and Philip Phillips), it would be wonderful to see M.K. Nobilette win it all. She’s understated, elegant, emotional, and authentic. Watch her sing John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ below.

MK Nobilette – All of Me – American Idol 13… by IdolxMuzic

‘American Idol’ Does “Rush Week” — Hatchet Harry Returns!

In case you doubted Harry Connick Jr.’s well-deserved position on the American Idol panel, take a look at the video below, where Connick criticizes Emily Piriz’s performance of Grace Potter’s ‘Paris (Ooh La La).’ Connick felt the lyrics were a little too racy for an 18 year old and asked that she recite the original two lines which insinuated oral sex. Though Seacrest dubbed his dig “daddy-mode,” it’s a valid critique. We don’t need another Miley Cyrus on our hands.

Emily Piriz – Paris Oh La La – American Idol 13… by IdolxMuzic

X Factor Gets Axed — Sayonara Simon!

When Simon exited American Idol to launch X Factor, I assumed American Idol was doomed. I based this assumption on empirical evidence from the UK, which saw the demise of Pop Idol immediately after Cowell created X Factor, a move that ultimately resulted in a lawsuit with his former friend, Simon Fuller, who rightfully (in my opinion), claimed that Cowell stole Fuller’s format to launch his competing show. But I spoke toO soon.

When I wrote my original prediction, I had yet to watch X Factor, and from the moment it began I knew it would fail in the United States. First, the format was dated. The cheesy backup dancers barely work for major stars, let alone amateurs. Additionally, Simon Cowell’s personal investment in the show skewed his objectivity, and he traded his signature barbs for sappy critiques that served only to make the show feel fraudulent. He attempted to assuage the show’s format issues with beautiful women as judges, a move that might also work more abroad than domestic. Us American’s know a sideshow when we see it, and if you don’t hire someone with inside experience, all else will fail. To be fair, he did hire L.A. Reid, but unlike Harry Connick Jr., Reid was unable to articulate the intricate issues with each contestant, therefore never fully exposing the extent of his industry experience.

It’s unfortunate that X Factor failed, but with The Voice’s very fresh format and American Idol’s historical brand, it’s impossible to compete. And given Cowell’s recent popularity decline, his personality isn’t enough to save a sinking ship. That being said, I’m sure the guy is crying in a big pile of money. It was fun while it lasted.

American Idol Does Hollywood — Ratings Climb

American Idol is up in the ratings, and all the credit goes to the current judging panel, who traded the word “pitchy” for a vocabulary full of other critiques, with Harry Connick Jr. leading the pack. When one contestant asked for a reason he got axed, Connick clarified Jennifer Lopez’s very generic feedback to explain how the contestant, “Looked at the floor the entire time.” As for another group who felt they killed it, Connick squashed their hubris with a very heated critique, explaining that ‘Say My Name’ by Destiny’s Child has “no melody.” Ouch! I wonder what Beyonce will say. Watch a few of my favorite moments below.

3 Mo Days – Group Round – American Idol 13 by IdolxMuzic

Terrica Carmen Emmanuel – Group Round… by IdolxMuzic

Jessica, Nica, Stephanie & Cara – Group Round… by IdolxMuzic

American Idol Does Detroit — How’d it Go?

If you’re not watching this season of American Idol, you must start. For the first time in the show’s history, the judges are actually giving constructive criticism with words other than “pitchy.” I give Harry Connick Jr. sole credit for the drastic change, with Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban following in his footsteps. And JLO’s great sense of style is certainly welcome eye candy. Watch a few of my favorite videos from last night’s show.

Liam Newberry – The Way You Look Tonight… by IdolxMuzic

sara by mjsbigblog

American Idol Premieres: New Judges, New Look

It takes a sharp eye to discover the subtle changes in this season’s American Idol, but it’s enough to elevate the show to its former powerhouse status. For years, the show felt dated. It felt as if the producers were stuck in time, and they rested on their laurels in an attempt to use nostalgia as edge over it’s competitors. Its only attempt at redirection was the Mariah Carey/Nicki Minaj experimental panel, and we all know how that ended. But this time, they got it right.

This year’s panel of judges includes Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. While Jennifer Lopez is a key component for the show’s classy, contemporary status, Harry Connick Jr. is the new star. His musical knowledge is immediately apparent, and he’s less inclined to favor the vocal acrobatics that has become the show’s enduring staple. Plus, it sure is nice to rid American Idol of Randy Jackson’s infamous “pitchy” critique. This is a singing competition, and it finally feels as if the judges have something to offer the contestants. To see their chemistry in action, watch the judges on Ellen below.

Carrie Underwood in The Sound of Music Live! — How’d She Do?!

Risk-takers are worth celebrating, especially when those risks encourage families to take time together, in a world dictated by the demands of multi-tasking, technology, and endless email-checking. For one of the first times in a long time, NBC thought outside the box and produced The Sound of Music Live! with Carrie Underwood as its star. Though there are inevitable assaults on Underwood’s acting chops and unfair comparisons to Julie Andrews, the country crooner held her own and rose to the occasion.

Carrie Underwood’s career trajectory has consistently impressed me. She began on American Idol and could have easily rested on her laurels with expected albums and tours, but she’s instead pushed herself in unpredictable ways. She’s hosted awards shows, poked public fun at her cohorts (see Jimmy Fallon), and now — The Sound of Music Live! There are stories about her insane talent at memorizing lines and devotion to the project, and it showed. Overall, I loved it. And judging from the 18 million viewers, so did the public. If you missed it, check it out below.

Mariah Carey Says American Idol Was “Working in Hell” — LISTEN NOW

Somewhere inside Mariah Carey there’s a girl-next-door New Yorker who tells it like it is. Though she’s perpetuated her diva persona throughout the years, my long-term fandom floats my love. When asked about American Idol, Carey finally came clean, saying it was like working in hell with Satan, and explaining that she signed on the dotted line under the ruse of a 3-person panel, which was later changed despite her objection. Listen to her tell Angie Martinez the true story below.

Jennifer Lopez Spotted at American Idol Looking Hot

It’s twice as nice with Jennifer Lopez’s denim-on-demin power-pairing. The casual-cool diva sported a street-chic look, flaunting her tight tummy and Sunday Somewhere glasses as she strutted her stuff on set of American Idol.