Harry Connick Jr. Returns to American Idol — Signs for Season 14

“Hatchet Harry” will don his judging hat for another installment of ‘American Idol,’ as Season 14 is also expected to see the return of his well-liked cohorts. Though Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez have yet to sign, Idol has made their expectations clear, calling the trio their “dream team.” If you haven’t tuned in this season, you’re missing out. For the first time in years, the judges are actually giving tangible critiques of each contestant, with Harry Connick Jr. leading the charge. For a show that’s been more about insulting the contestants or calling them “pitchy” in excess, it’s a refreshing revamp. Watch an interview with the very handsome Harry below.

Alex Preston Slays ‘Stay’ — Watch #IDOL Performance

I must confess I’ve been secretly rooting against Alex Preston, considering nearly every American Idol winner fits his bill and has not had continued post-show success (see Phillip Philips, Lee Dewyze, David Cook, and a handful of others). Last night, he proved he stands alone, and because he’s a songwriter with a unique look, it’s possible he’ll win the show AND the after-show. Idol needs a breakout star badly, and this is a true test. Watch his chilling performance of ‘Stay’ below.

Tabloid Gossip — Your Dirty Dish

Lindsay Lohan had a miscarriage. NYDN

Dave Grohl is having a third child. People

Zac Efron has a new girl. Wonderwall

Brandy broke off her engagement. Us Magazine

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are going strong. Rumor Fix

Neil Patrick Harris is a hot-tempered transgender. People

Lea Michele and Naya Rivera had some on-set drama. TMZ

Khloe Kardashian is cozying up to French Montana. E! Online

Justin Bartha had a baby. TV Guide

Is Richard Gere pouncing Padma? Page Six

Gwen Stefani is joining The Voice. Cinema Blend

Joey Fatone and Nick Carter can’t stop arguing. In Touch

Jenny McCarthy is engaged to Donnie Wahlberg. HUFFPO

Alex O’Loughlin is married. What’s New

Chelsea Clinton is pregnant. Politico

Ryan Seacrest wants to leave American Idol. ICYDK

American Idol Hits Ratings Low — An Inside Look at What Went Wrong

Many entertainment outlets have widely reported on the decline of American Idol, with The Voice now taking the talent-show crown. While viewer fatigue might explain the end of an era, there has to more. First, this year’s judging panel is the best in years, so it can’t be the cast. Can it be the contestants? American Idol eliminated an essential component of previous years, moving up the start date during “Rush Week.” It’s possible this served to freshen the format, but it also threw the contestants into the deep end of the pool too soon. As a result, the top picks are much less polished. In fact, there’s really no standout performer to take the top spot. This failing can also be attributed to the judges who picked these players to place in the coveted live shows. And though Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban are proven powerhouses in the industry with incredible inside knowledge of music, that doesn’t mean they are adept at A&R. Actually, The Voice is also guilty of this critique, given that after multiple seasons on the air, they have yet to find a star. Simon Cowell might have been liked for his caustic barbs, but he also has a proven A&R track record, which might explain why American Idol has produced a wide array of big-name talent through the years (see Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, and more). And since he’s also responsible for assembling One Direction, it’s clear the man’s still got it. As for whether the show can be saved, I don’t have a solution other than to suggest the format is still not fresh enough in a now-competitive environment. Plus, these singers simply aren’t good enough. Watch the videos below to see the only singers that stand a chance.


Alex Preston – Every Breath You Take – American… by IdolxMuzic


Sam Woolf – Time After Time – American Idol 13… by IdolxMuzic

Alex Preston and Jo Dee Messina are Cousins!????

American Idol front runner Alex Preston sang an original song on tonight’s American Idol, and he killed it. But before you ask yourself how he has yet to be discovered, there’s a little information that somehow slipped by the main press. He’s cousins with Jo Dee Messina! Who knew?! Plus, he’s written songs with her. To see a sample of his talent, watch below.


Alex Preston – Fairytales – American Idol 13… by IdolxMuzic

#ILUHYAPAPI ON #IDOL — JLO Kills It

Jennifer Lopez can show just about any girl how it’s done, tearing down the stage with complicated head bobs, dazzling denim, and throw-back kicks. And to top it off, she got a little help from Idol alums Pia Toscano and Jessica Sanchez. My favorite part of her performance was Harry Connick’s hilarious attempt at her choreography. Watch JLO prove once again why she’s the queen of reinvention.


[HD] JLO – I Luh Ya Papi (Ft Jessica Sanchez… by IdolxMuzic

American Idol Top Ten Perform — How’d They Do?

My favorite part of American Idol is Harry Connick Jr., who is the first judge in history to actually give constructive criticism. The other judges take his lead, upping the ante on their opinions. In fact, it gets even better when Harry challenges his sidekicks, especially Jennifer Lopez, who can easily contend with Harry’s critiques when they involve performance-related feedback. Watch two of my favorite judging moments below, including CJ Harris and Jessica Meuse.


Jessica Meuse – Pumped Up Kicks – American Idol… by IdolxMuzic


CJ Harris – Invisible – American Idol 13 (Top 10) by IdolxMuzic

Harry Connick Jr. Performs ‘One Fine Thing’ on American Idol

What makes Harry Connick Jr. a qualified judge on ‘American Idol?’ His voice, of course! Plus, he’s a known piano prodigy. Watch his performance on ‘American Idol’ below to learn a thing or two about a thing or two.


[HD] Harry Connick Jr.. – Medley – American… by IdolxMuzic

American Idol Top 12: Keith Urban v. Harry Connick Jr.

If you’re not watching this season of American Idol, you must start. Harry Connick Jr.’s arrival has upped the ante for the other judges, who now give specific, constructive feedback to each contestant. My favorite moment from the Top 12 came from their critique of Jessica Meuse, who apathetically sang ‘White Flag’ by Dido, resulting in a harsh critique from “Hatchet Harry,” who explained that it’s essential to sing in tune. Keith Urban then countered Harry’s critique with his own spin, saying that singing with passion can compensate for pitch problems, followed by Urban’s extemporaneous belt into the microphone to illustrate his point. Watch below.


Jessica Meuse – White Flag – American Idol 13… by IdolxMuzic

American Idol Top 13 Performs With Serious Sound Issues

For a show that’s all about music, they certainly had issues with their sound. On last night’s American Idol, Harry Connick Jr. suspected that the performers were singing out of tune because they had trouble hearing themselves. That probably the case, since I also had trouble hearing them, as did the rest of America. In fact, Randy Jackson’s pre-performance advice could not even be heard over the applause. Perhaps the producers can make this sound less like a garage and more like a stage. I’ve attached the only listenable performance below.


Majesty Rose – Tightrope – Americal Idol 13… by IdolxMuzic