The Unofficial Danny Gokey FanSite

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Unofficial Danny Gokey FanSite

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Daughtry’s New Album Goes Platinum

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:04 AM PST

Daughtry has done it again! The rock group, fronted by American Idol alum Chris Daughtry, released their sophomore album Leave This Town in July and the band announced that their album has been certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A.

The album had a strong showing from the start, entering the Billboard 200 chart, the Digital Albums Chart, and the Rock Chart at #1. This made Chris the first American Idol to have two consecutive #1 albums, which Carrie Underwood later accomplished with Play On in November.

Daughtrys self-titled debut album is the fastest selling debut rock album in Soundscan history. During Season 8s rock week, the band gave Idol viewers a first listen to No Surprise, their first single off Leave This Town. After their performance, they were presented with a framed record commemorating 5 million Daughtry records sold. View photos from the show, here.

The band recently returned from touring with Nickelback in Europe. This March, Daughtry will hit up the east coast on another leg of their Leave This Town tour.

Congratulations, Daughtry!

Chris Daughtry has come along way since his time on American Idol in 2006. View photos</… read more
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A Call with Cowell

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:04 AM PST

American Idol judge Simon Cowell opened up on a recent press call. He discussed this years talent, his final season with the show, and more.

Is it the year for a female to take the title? Simon said, Weve had a few years now of guys winning the show and I would say there is definitely a better chance of a girl winning the show this year, certainly than last year. The landscape of women in music right now has shown a trend in women superstars. You want somebody who represents what is going on at the moment. Id love to find a Taylor Swift, somebody whos relevant rather than just a contest winner.

Each season, American Idol welcomes a variety of mentors from all genres of music. For Simons last season with Idol, he suggests, Lady GaGa because she is the most relevant pop artist in the world at the moment. I think she should be number one. Ive met her and shes very smart. I like her.

We spoke with Simon just after the Top 24 semifinalists were revealed. He gave some insight into how and why they chose the contestants they did. The reason we put a variety of people through is I think primarily on talent and interest in them as peopleI think its important that you can recognize talent, personalities, so I think its good that we have a mixed bag this year.

Simon has advice for the Season 9 Top 24. I think you have to be original. I remember David Cook. The reason he did so well and suddenly came into … read more
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Perez Hilton explains his ‘Idol’ video pitch

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:04 AM PST

When it comes to landing the Simon Cowell gig, it seems everybody is making pitch videos these days. Last week, producer extraordinaire Steve Lillywhite took his plea to YouTube and on Tuesday, FunnyOrDie.com premiered "Perez for Idol," a tongue-in-cheek rip-off of a political ad in which celebrity blogger Perez Hilton makes his case for why he should be the next judge on "American Idol" (and butchers each of the sitting panelists in the process).

Perez Or "The X Factor" would do just as well. He's not that choosy.

Like Lillywhite, Perez readily admits that the odds of him getting the judging job are slim, but he has one thing on his side: an endorsement by Simon Cowell, who last week said that Perez has stellar taste in music, is more qualified to talk about music than Howard Stern and would be a funny addition to the panel. Our conversation-turned-job interview with the self-made cewebrity below and continued…

You star in this Funny or Die video, but everyone knows you really want the job. Why not make a serious attempt to submit yourself as a candidate?

Because I don't really think I'm going to get it. They probably want a bigger name or someone more established in the music industry. And that's OK. It doesn't mean I can't campaign for it. It worked for Ellen when she was trying to be on the cover of Oprah's magazine. I do think I would be great in the role of judge on "American Idol," but I don't want to make it seem like I'm taking it too seriously, either. And because I don't expect it to happen, I won't be disappointed when it's announced that Elton John is going to be the new judge, or whomever. Still, I am serious when I say I would do it for free for a year. Or I would give that money to charity for a year. You gotta have a gimmick, right?

More on Perez's pitch, and what the Queen of All Media makes of the King of All Media's campaign, after the jump…

Have there been any official overtures made?

I haven't spoken to Simon Fuller about it, even though he and I are working on this boy band [project] together, because I think word has already gotten back to him that I'm interested in the job, so it's not like I have to put in a call or send an e-mail. On the flip side, since Simon Cowell himself said I would be a good replacement, I'm just as happy to work with him on the U.S. "X Factor." I don't have any allegiance to one Simon or the other.

So there are some pretty heavy disses in the clip, particularly involving Kara DioGuardi whose purpose you say is to "breathe" — spelled incorrectly — and "take up space." Ouch!

The Funny or Die people wrote it for me, but I approved it. I know Kara, she and I work together at Warner Bros. Records where we both consult and we get along really well. She does have a sense of humor and I think she'd laugh at that. [The video] was not meant to be
taken seriously. It was meant to be funny and get attention and I think
it works on both counts.

Besides your deal with Warner Bros., what best qualifies you for the position?

I honestly don't watch "Idol" — maybe I shouldn't say that, but I don't watch any television — and I've only seen the first two seasons back when I had time to watch TV. But I do have time to look at and talk about talent, as I do on my website every day. I can also spot talent, as I'm doing now with the boy band and all the acts I've signed… you really learn to give constructive criticism. And like Simon himself said, I'm not just negative and
critical, if I'm really into someone and praise them then I do it in a
big way. I did that with Leona Lewis; both Simon and Leona
expressed tremendous gratitude for highlighting her on my website, and it's rare that I champion a reality show contestant like that. I was definitely one of the first to talk about Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Mika, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and on and on…

I've also been
throwing music-related events all around the world, from South by Southwest in
Austin to CMJ in New York City, and I think that artists respect me and my ear. I can't mention whom, but recently, I've had
big-name artists who are set to release albums later this year play their music for me because they want to hear what I think. And I give them all great, objective feedback, which I think
they also find refreshing. I'm not a yes person. Even with Gaga,
the first time I heard "Bad Romance," I didn't love it because that
version was very different than the final product. When she finished
the song, I was, like, "OK, now this is a smash." I think honesty is the
key on "Idol" and in life and that's what I'm
all about — keeping it real.

Simon also said your credentials were better than Howard Stern's, who comes with a hefty price tag: 100 million…

I agree. I love Howard Stern, he's been nothing but good to me,
however, until now I've never seen him or his name associated with
anything music-related. Whereas I have repeatedly been associated with
music and have stated it's what I'm most passionate about in
life. And I feel like I bring a lot of experience, expertise, opinions and joie de vivre when it comes to music, singers, entertainers, the whole package…. And Howard doesn't need more money. He's being greedy and I think he should offer to do it for free as well. 

Of course, we all remember your previous judging experiences, particularly Miss U.S.A. in 2009.  Think you could adapt to a mainstream family show like "Idol"?

I think hiring me would be a genius move because it would create so much controversy and drama. There will probably be people boycotting, campaigns to get me kicked off, tons of Facebook pages and petitions saying "we'll never watch 'Idol' again." But hey, "Idol" needs that now. They're going into, what, their 12th season? It can only help. And though I will definitely be hated my first season, if hired, I think that over the course of time, peoples' perception of me will change and they will grow to love me. We forget, but the first season of "Idol," people hated Simon Cowell. Now they love him!

And your comments couldn't be a verbal version of your doodles, you would be OK with the PG speak?

I'm not going to make fun of someone for being fat or ugly, I won't curse, I know how to play by the rules while still staying true to myself. There's me the blogger and me the entertainer and public figure and I can differentiate the two.

If not you, then who?

Then bring back Paula. Because people want her back and "American Idol" is all about what the people want. And if "X Factor" wants her, then there will be a bidding war for Paula — wouldn't that be amazing? Or Gloria Estefan would be a
great pick. Everybody loves her, she's extremely successful as a
performer  and songwriter, she appeals to many different
demographics, from your mainstream American audiences to the Latino market
to the gays. She's kind of like Paula Abdul, but not as crazy. Actually, Gloria is an inspired choice.

Producer Steve Lillywhite is also campaigning for the gig via video. What do you make of that?

I think he and I might have to wrestle for it. But if
they're going for just a musician person, they should at
least pick a Rick Rubin or a Tommy Mottola, whose name has been thrown around. Nobody knows Steve.

Or you could both do it, but then someone else would have to go. Randy Jackson?

Kara
can go, it's OK…. I'm kidding!

Can the show survive without Cowell?

Absolutely, because of Ellen DeGeneres. I think that's one of the reasons they hired her — knowing that Simon would not be around much longer and they needed someone who could be a huge draw. She definitely is. People love Ellen, and from what I've heard and a clip or two that I've seen, she's doing a great job on the show.

We were going to ask you for your pick of front-runners, but if you haven't been watching…

I haven't watched it at all, but I did see a clip of the guy doing the Paula Abdul cover [Andrew Garcia] and I liked that. I'd say him because he's the only one I'm aware of, and awareness on "Idol" is crucial.

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Photo: Perez Hilton in his home/office in 2008 Credit: Stefano Paltera/For The Times

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Today in ‘Idol’: The boys take center stage

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:04 AM PST

AI9_GroupShot-Guys

After a night of several missteps and miscalculations for the girls, the guys should have an easier go of it on their semifinal round. Hopefully Wednesday's two-hour show (Fox, 8 p.m.) will also provide some more background on the 12 fellas, most of whom we still know little about.

One thing we do know? There's already a front-runner, and his name is Andrew Garcia. The Moreno Valley native boasts the largest number of Twitter followers, with Casey James and John Park in a dead heat for a distant second. The three will be competing against the nine additional Top 24 contestants — Lee Dewyze, Tyler Grady, Todrick Hall, Aaron Kelly, Alex Lambert, Michael Lynche, Joe Muñoz,
Jermaine Sellers and Tim Urban — for six spots. Two will go home Thursday.

Whom are you rooting for when it rains men Wednesday night?

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter.

Photo: The Top 12 guys: front row, from left, Andrew Garcia, John Park, Tyler
Grady, Joe Muñoz and Jermaine Sellers; back row, Lee Dewyze,
Aaron Kelly, Tim Urban, Michael Lynche, Todrick Hall, Casey James and
Alex Lambert. Credit: Patrick Ecclestein / Fox

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‘Idol’ on iTunes starts tonight

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:04 AM PST

"American Idol" performances will be back on iTunes this season, it was announced Tuesday. Starting with the  girls' semifinals, fans can pre-order performances on a new "Idol" area of the iTunes store, which will download automatically the day after the performance airs.

And for the first time, iTunes is where we'll find weekly show themes, which the online retailer will reveal in advance along with playlists of the original tracks by the original artists. This week's theme: Top 10 hits of the Billboard 100.

MaryPowers Apple's music store has long been the purveyor of former "Idol" contestants' music, from winners and runner-ups to Top 12 finalists and even Top 50 rejects, like season 9's Mary Powers, who recently debuted her single, "This… Is How I Dream" on iTunes. Check it out here.

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

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Golightly-gate continues: Former manager speaks out

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:04 AM PST

D5

More details are coming to light about circumstances surrounding Chris Golightly's dismissal from "American Idol's" Top 24. Dream Projects Entertainment Chief Executive Lawrence Franklin released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying the orphaned contestant was signed to a contract with his company. In fact, Golightly had re-upped his commitment to the boy band Dream 5 in May 2009, two months before he tried out for "Idol" at the Rose Bowl. Golightly had claimed he was released in June of that year and held a press conference earlier in the day during which he showed proof of a release document signed in June 2009 (Franklin states he did agree to back-date the document).

Franklin also alleges that Golightly got into "a physical altercation" with one of the Dream 5 group members and, on the day he auditioned for "Idol," had lied about his whereabouts by telling them "he had been incarcerated during that time period."

Of course, the latter claims are not germane to Golightly's contract situation, of which he wasn't entirely dishonest. After speaking with Franklin, who provided video showing Golightly signing something, we learned that there was a moment of time — albeit brief — when 19 Entertainment was open to coming up with a way to release Golightly from his contract and have him join the Top 24, and there was talk of Dream Projects signing 19's own release to accomplish that. But for whatever reason, those papers never came, and if we had to guess, we'd surmise that 19 opted to avoid the potential complications and went with someone who had a clean record, contestant Tim Urban.

Our conversation with Dream Projects Entertainment's Lawrence Franklin is below. Read his statement in its entirety after the jump.

What prompted you to put out this statement now?

Well, we meant to put it out earlier, but we were waiting to see if Chris was going to schedule a press conference, which we had advised him not to do. Based on whether or not he did this press conference, that was going to determine whether we would release the statement.

What was it about the press conference?

Because we really didn't want him to continue keeping this media storm going. After he had spoken to a few websites on Feb. 17 and said what he said, we were kind of fed up because we didn't know he was going public like that. And him doing a press conference kind of continues that whole thing and we didn't appreciate it.

Did you feel like he disparaged the company?

Yes, at first. I didn't appreciate the fact that he tried to make it look like we made a mistake and that's how he got kicked off when that was not the case.

Was there any consideration to having him released from the contract?

After we spoke with 19 Entertainment, they told him that our release would be no good for them and that I personally would have to sign one of theirs to release him. We waited on those documents and that's when time ran out for him, because they were never sent over. From the beginning, we wanted him released legally because two contracts couldn't exist [simultaneously]. 

And you contend that he was working on music with Dream 5 at the time?

Yes, when he signed his second contract on May 30, that was the day they recorded their first single, "One Love," at a studio in Los Angeles.

What about this "physical altercation" that was brought up?

One of the group members was upset that Chris was missing rehearsals because it was slowing things down — he had missed a major show we were planning with Ray J — and when the group member questioned Chris about it, Chris pushed him up against the wall and was put on blast for that. 

Any discussions to have him rejoin the group now?

No. We're really done now, for real.

What do you hope happens for Chris?

I want him to do well in whatever he does, and to keep it honest, because the best PR is honest PR.

Is Dream 5 still happening?

It is still a project, but when Chris actually left to audition for "Idol," everything, including the single, got held up. We've been on pause until we can have another search to re-establish the group.

That sounds like a future reality show…

I hope so!

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Photo: Chris Golightly (second from right) and Dream 5. Credit: Courtesy of Dream Projects Entertainment

Read on for an unedited copy of Franklin's full statement…

My name is Lawrence Franklin the CEO and Founder of Dream Projects Entertainment. Our company was established in 2007 with the mission of turning our artists' dream's into actual projects. We are a family orientated business, and we support all of our artist- even if it means losing them to others that can help maximize their desires. Chris Earl Golightly situation is unfortunate, and we here at Dream Projects Entertainment (DPE) cannot express enough empathy for his dismissal at American Idol. Golightly is an extremely talented artist; his passion for music is refreshing. This statement is to address any allegation that Chris Earl Golightly has made about any mistakes that Dream Projects Entertainment have made by bringing up his 2 year exclusive contract. Chris Earl Golightly was in fact a signed artist to Dream Projects Entertainment during his stint with American Idol.

    When I first auditioned Golightly, I knew he would a perfect assets to my group Dream 5. When he signed the first contract in November 2008, he was ecstatic and told me that he could not wait to work with the group. The R&B group consisted of 4 other male artist that held the same passion and aspiring dream of producing "real" music. In the beginning rehearsals went well, but relations between the members turned sour and the group became unstable. On one occasion during a rehearsal, Golightly was involved in a physical altercation with another member. After the incident, he stopped attending rehearsals and missed several recording sessions and performances. At this point, I had to take the appropriate action and terminate him from his first contract.

    Obviously, there was one minus the Dream 5, but we continued rehearsal despite the omission. Several months later in May 2009, Golightly re-established contact with DPE. We met privately and discussed his future with DPE and the possibility of being signed with the group once more. Golightly's background as we all know it, is a triumphal story; one that demonstrates perseverance and how dreams keep one steadfast in the direction of fulfillment. I arranged a group meeting between Dream 5 and Golightly, and he pleaded with the members to allow him to return. The group accepted his apologizes and decided to allow him another opportunity. On that day, May 30, 2009, I created his second contract; A 2 year agreement with Dream Projects Entertainment. However, his words and promises were just empty rhetoric.

    Golightly failed to make any rehearsals and when questioned, he told me that he had been incarcerated during that time period. Later we found that Golightly was audition for American Idol on the days when he was due to record in the studio. After my inquire about his truancies, Golightly discontinued contact with DPE. Months later, Chris Earl Golightly, made it on American Idol's Top 24, while still being my signed artist. We attempted to contact Golightly to resolve these matters as least conspicuous as possible, but he failed to respond. Golightly finally returned our calls after American Idol and 19 Entertainment threatened his viability on the show. Once again Golightly attempted to use his charm to have his way with my company, pleading to be released from his active 2 year contract with DPE. We are not in the business of derailing someone else's dreams for our own selfish motives. I consented  to release Chris from his obligation to Dream Projects Ent, but according to Chris we had to wait on release documents from American Idol for me to sign, those documents never came. Feb 16th Chris called me in tears, explaining that he had been officially disqualified from American Idol, he later called me that night and asked could I bring the release document to him at the Marriott in Sherman oaks, he stated that if I brought the document that he may possibly have a chance to get back on American Idol, so with my security I met Chris and two of his friends, in the lobby he pleaded for me to allow the release agreement to be "back dated" so it may appear to American Idol that he was released, he stated that American Idol is his Dream and his only chance,  out of pitty I allowed Chris to back date the document, that same night his friend faxed the document to everyone in 19ent and American Idol that they had contacts for. The next morning it hit the web hard that Chris was disqualified, but when Chris begin to publicly fabricate to the press I had to speak out. The fact of the matter is that Chris was under an exclusive contract with Dream Projects Ent signed May 30th 2009 the same day Dream5 Recorded their 1st single there is no way I or any recording company would release an artist 1week after the first single had recorded,

It is unfortunate that Golightly will no longer be a part of American Idol or Dream Projects Entertainment, but this is due to his own disingenuous actions. Golightly was aware that American Idol strictly prohibited their contestants to be under any recording contract. This whole situation could have been avoided if Golightly would have been honest and forthcoming with DPE and American Idol. This statement is to address any allegation that Chris Earl Golightly has made about any mistakes that Dream Projects Entertainment have made by bringing up his 2 year exclusive contract. Chris Earl Golightly was in fact a signed artist to Dream Projects Entertainment during his stint with American Idol. Dream Projects Entertainment did not make a mistake with the dates and terms of his contract. It is unfortunate that his chicanery has placed him in his current predicament. We wish him well and hope that he will learn that honesty is always the best policy and learn the importance of keeping promises and honoring his own words. We wish Golightly good luck in all his future endeavors.

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Ann Powers: The girls work the quirkiness, and the smarts

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:04 AM PST

AI9_HaeleyVaughn-outside_0602 Song selection. It's what the judges love to mention, the first true or false step any "Idol" striver makes, before she even opens her well-glossed lips. Sometimes, in truth, it doesn't matter that much: The singer's presence, tone, or sheer power shines through, no matter its vehicle. But on this virgin night of serious "Idol" competition, song selection really did determine the night's best performances – in ways that were sometimes unexpected, and which further suggest that this season will be a tricky, transitional one for the show and its future stars.

In two hours of song padded with the usual feel-good bio segments and (mercifully few) dull gags from the judges table, the top 12 women ranged from the melismatically obvious to the yodel-ishly surprising, generally aiming to fulfill Simon Cowell's mantra: Be contemporary. The ones who managed did so with songs that felt personal and daring, even if they'd been borrowed from the most commercially successful band of all time.

That would be the Beatles. Three songbirds opened the Fab Four songbook in the middle of the show, and it worked for all of them, to varying degrees. The great blessing of a Beatles song is that it can always sound fresh; the group defined pop music modernity, and their melodies and snappy rhythms never sound tired.

Lilly Scott (whose Anglophile touch recalls another sharp-voiced flower girl, Lily Allen) went a little wild on "Fixing a Hole" but made a good impression. Whimsical teen Haeley Vaughn yodeled (!) in the middle of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" — startling for sure, but a nice twist on the Moptops' original Little Richard whoops. And though the judges didn't praise her enough, Katelyn Epperly drew out the soul in Paul's doo-wop flavored "Oh! Darling," delivering the kind of pleasurably dramatic performance that once would have been an "Idol" home run. But maybe not this year.

Instead, the artist's magic touch in this time of Simon's departure and Ellen's ascent may have little do do with conventional chops and more to do with … what? Personality? Style? Musical taste? Some quality akin to all of those but perhaps better captured by that currently overused marketing term, "relatability."

Ellen presented her own "Idol" hiring as a matter of putting a fan in a judge's chair. In fact, "Idol" in general seems a little shrunken this year, and not in a bad way: The stage somehow seems smaller, and the kids occupying it — Big Mike aside — hardly emanate grandiosity. No Glambert here! I'm not sure there's even a Carly Smithson. At this point, the big voices still around are strangely overshadowed by those who have more accessible – let's call it Youtube-sized — charisma.

The Beatles work with this approach, too, because singing along with a Beatles song is a universal experience; invoking them automatically makes you relatable. Fitting the "singer-songwriter" mold is the other obvious way to project scaled-down appeal. There was Crystal Bowersox, the dreadlocked hippie mama, singing one of Alanis Morissette's least rocking songs and playing harmonica. There was Didi Benami with a nice, sweet-and-sour version of Ingrid Michaelson's "The Way I Am." Best of all, there was the heretofore barely present Siobhan Magnus, taking a big risk by highlighting her lower register on Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" and offering a moment that, as Ellen wisely said, felt more like entertainment than "Idol"-style sport.

These ingenues stood out because they dared to be something other than gorgeous. They didn't necessarily fulfill the "Idol" bromide of "being themselves," but they did seem human as they turned inward, showed little vocal tics or let a meaningful lyric take them. There's not a powerhouse among these singers, yet each made a stronger impression than more conventionally impressive ones like Michelle Delamor or the stunning Ashley Rodriguez (I hope she does better next week!). What they do show is intelligence. They chose well; they sang with intention. And they should all survive another round.

– Ann Powers

Related:

So far, these Idols are light on their feet

Photo: Haeley Vaughn. Credit: Patrick Ecclestein / Fox

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Today in ‘Idol’: The girls battle for Top 12 spots; Shelby Dressel has make-up date with ‘Ellen’

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:04 AM PST

AI_9_12_Girls

It's been said time and time again (so far this season, at least) — that 2010's "American Idol" is a girl's race to lose, and with tonight's two-hour episode, we'll see how these 12 fierce females stack up in their first live semifinal round (Fox, 8 p.m.). This week's theme: top 10 songs from the Billboard Hot 100, going all the way back to the Beatles and the Who, according to rumors making their way around the blogosphere.

Hoping to land a coveted spot in the Top 12 will be Didi Benami, Crystal Bowersox, Lacey Brown, Michelle Delamor, Katelyn Epperly, Siobhan Magnus, Paige Miles, Ashley Rodriguez, Lilly Scott, Katie Stevens, Haeley Vaughn and Janell Wheeler. The boys perform on Wednesday, with Season 9's first live results delivered on  Thursday. Presumably, we'll see eliminations of two guys and two girls for the next three weeks, until the Top 12 are revealed on March 11. Exciting!

But if we had to choose today which six girls would make it through, our money would be on Didi Benami, Crystal Bowersox, Siobhan Magnus, Ashley Rodriguez, Lilly Scott and Katie Stevens.

On the flip side, Top 50 finalist Shelby Dressel, who braved her handicap to audition but was cut just shy of the Top 24, will get another moment in the spotlight when she appears on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." You may recall that Simon Cowell declared Dressel's dismissal "a mistake," so it should be interesting to hear more about the judges' un-aired deliberations and to see what career-propelling plan Ellen has in mind for the Florida native. Check your local listings. 

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter 

Photo: The Final 12 girls, (seated, left to right) Katelyn Epperly, Lilly Scott, Ashley
Rodriguez, Lacey Brown, Janell Wheeler and Haeley Vaughn. (Standing,
left to right) Didi Benami, Michelle Delamor, Katie Stevens, Crystal Bowersox,
Paige Miles and Siobhan Magnus. Credit: Fox

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Jason Castro casts his vote for Lilly Scott

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:04 AM PST

AI9_LillyScott-outside_1735 When it comes to the Top 24's silver-haired wonder Lilly Scott, color Jason Castro impressed. The former finalist tells Idol Tracker he happened to sit in on Lilly's Hollywood week audition and now places the 20-year-old Colorado native at the top of his list of standouts. "I was in the room and she was so great," says Jason excitedly. "Her first song sounded amazing."

And what exactly was the Season 7 top four finisher's reason for being at the Kodak Theatre  during the height of Hollywood Week? To cheer on his brother, Michael, of course, who was trying out for the second time but got cut after group night. "His audition went fantastic," Jason defends, "but he was in the wrong group."

As for Jason's own Hollywood Week experience as an observer rather than a participant? "It was cool," he says. "I met Crystal Bowersox in the same area near the food where I met Scott MacIntyre last year. Then two weeks later, he was on the Top 12." Should Crystal enjoy the same fate, we can credit Jason as a good luck charm — or is it something in the dreadlocks?

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Photo: Season 9 Top 24 semifinalist Lilly Scott. Credit: Patrick Ecclestein / Fox

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A sneak peek at Carrie Underwood’s ‘How I Met your Mother’ appearance

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:04 AM PST

"American Idol" season 4 winner Carrie Underwood is about to face a new challenge, although maybe not one as scary as facing Simon Cowell.

Underwood will be making her acting debut on CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" on Monday, as Showtracker previously reported. She will play Tiffany, a pharmaceutical sales rep, who the friends of Ted (Josh Radnor) believe is stringing him along.

Underwood has a good history with the name Tiffany. During her run on "American Idol," she sang Tiffany's "Could've Been," winning over even Cowell, who called her "one of the favorites to win this competition." 

In the first video, she gets smitten with a pig, while Ted is smitten with her. Underwood also gets to play dress-up as she travels through time. It's all part of another important relationship lesson imparted by Barney (Neil Patrick Harris).

Check out more clips of Underwood's acting debut in the episode "Hooked" after the jump.

– Vlada Gelman (Follow my TV ramblings on Twitter: @stayingin)

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Howard Stern fires back at Simon Cowell

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:04 AM PST

Stern Did anyone out there really think Howard Stern was going to just sit there and say nothing after Simon Cowell told reporters he didn't believe the shock jock was qualified to judge "American Idol"? Right. Didn't think so.

On his satellite radio show on Monday, Stern took aim at Cowell's suggestion that he lacked the music-industry experience necessary to be an "Idol" judge. "I'm an American icon.… I changed radio," Stern told his listeners, reports Examiner.com. Ticking off a list of qualifications including the production of books, movies, live specials and TV shows, he added, "Not only that, throughout my career I've been responsible for generating interest and branding a bunch of very longstanding musical artists, musicians and entertainers in this business, and backing them and nurturing them and making sure they had a shot."

In fact, Stern declared, "I'm the creator of 'American Idol,' " citing an award-winning bit he used to do circa 1980.

"I would invite three record company executives in to choose people from my audience who would be worthy of a recording contract and they would audition for them and then these guys would be brutally honest," he said. "Now, if I'm not uniquely qualified to be the judge of 'American Idol,' I suggest to you that Simon Cowell is very afraid of me taking over that franchise, because I'm going to tell you something right now … the show is doomed with him leaving. Doomed."

Then again, said Stern, he's not even sure he wants the gig. "I never said I wanted it," he told listeners. "You're assuming I'll take it…. I don't even know if I want a job! I'm sick of jobs!"

Despite his protestations, it seems, even Stern's fans aren't convinced that he and "Idol" would make a good match. The Howard Stern Show website is currently running a poll asking readers "Which show should Howard save by becoming its host?" The last time I checked, "The Tonight Show" was edging out "American Idol," 58% to 42%. Watch your back, Jay Leno.

– Amy Reiter

Related:

Simon Cowell talks Season 9, wishes Howard Stern 'good luck'

The new Simon Cowell: Howard Stern?

Photo: Howard Stern doing his radio show at Billboard Live in 2007. Credit: Ken Hively / LA Times.

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