The Unofficial Danny Gokey FanSite |  |
- Siobhan Magnus lands VFTW title, and we’re OK with that…
- Tim Urban on being Vote for the Worst pick: ‘It’s nothing to be proud of…. I was sad’
- Allison Iraheta gets backup from Adam Lambert in ‘Latina’ cover story
- ‘Idol Gives Back’ minute-by-minute (extended edition): All the action from the ‘Idol’ studio
- Contestant Wallpapers and Judge & Host Sound Bites
- Carrie Underwood thinks we can change the world
- Randy Jackson makes an ‘American Idol’ finale prediction
- Idol Gives Back Performances on iTunes
- Tim Urban’s Curtain Call
- Siobhan Magnus lands VFTW title, and we’re OK with that…
- ‘Idol’ gives back … then crushes one unlucky contestant’s dreams
- Allison Iraheta gets backup from Adam Lambert in ‘Latina’ cover story
- Tim Urban on being Vote for the Worst pick: ‘It’s nothing to be proud of…. I was sad’
- ‘Idol Gives Back’ minute-by-minute (extended edition): All the action from the ‘Idol’ studio
- Randy Jackson makes an ‘American Idol’ finale prediction
- ‘Idol’ gives back … then crushes one unlucky contestant’s dreams
- Carrie Underwood thinks we can change the world
- The science behind Idol Tracker’s ‘Buzzmeter’
- The science behind Idol Tracker’s ‘Buzzmeter’
| Siobhan Magnus lands VFTW title, and we’re OK with that… Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT With Tim Urban's ouster on Wednesday night, the anti-"Idol" authority VotefortheWorst.com is now throwing its weight behind Siobhan Magnus, citing her "crazy outfits, hilarious screaming" and a few more perceived offenses. Do we agree with the website's verdict? Absolutely not. Lumping Siobhan and Tim together is blasphemous — and where's Aaron Kelly in this scenario? – but we're totally OK with its endorsement, because nothing would make us happier than to see Siobhan advance! Even if only for a couple more weeks. So go for it, vote for the worst, because, in our book, she's one of the best. Disagree? Discuss in the comments… Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter
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| Tim Urban on being Vote for the Worst pick: ‘It’s nothing to be proud of…. I was sad’ Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT Tim Urban may be all smiles 90% of the time but being chosen as Vote for the Worst's No. 1 pick for nine weeks had the Duncanville, Texas, native bummed. "I'm not excited that I was on their website," he told reporters on a Thursday morning conference call. "It's not anything anybody should be proud of. I didn't like being on there, and basically, I was working my hardest to get off of it. I was actually kind of sad I was on that website." The shirtless pictures, which he says he "knew would come out eventually," however, Tim didn't mind. "It probably helped more than it hurt, but I don't know for sure." But don't shed a tear for Turban, he couldn't be happier with his "American Idol" experience, which he described as a "roller-coaster." Indeed, you may recall that Tim was called in at the last-minute to replace Top 24 contender Chris Golightly, who was disqualified because of a preexisting contract. His shaky start seemed to get worse, then better, as the judges and the people came around to his good-natured karaoke. Even insults hurled at him by Simon Cowell, who once likened his performance to a "singing waiter," and Ellen DeGeneres, who compared his stage presence to that of a stranger lurking in your bedroom, didn't faze the 20-year-old (he turns 21 on May 1), who says he always found Ellen's offbeat descriptions to be "funny" and didn't mind Simon's comments, either. "I never had a problem with Simon's critiques," said Tim. "I thought he was just speaking his mind and I took that and tried to use it and apply it." As for the haters on the Web? He took their criticisms with a grain of salt too. "You have to deal with it and shrug it off," said Tim. "I don't perform for the people who don't like me. I perform for the people who want me to be on stage." On the flip side, he added that the thousands of new fans he's made is both "incredible and encouraging." So did Tim sense at all that he was going home on Wednesday night? "It was one of those things where I knew from the judges' comments that it was possible [for me to] be in the bottom three, and it was very possible I could go home," he revealed. "But when I went back and watched my performance on Tuesday night, I was fine with it. I decided that, if I did go home, I wouldn't look back and be really upset about the performance. So my mindset was, 'You never know what's gonna happen.' But I was excited about how far I'd gotten. I was really proud of everything to that point. And being a part of 'Idol Gives Back' kind of lightened the blow a little." With that in mind, Tim answered a burning question from last night's episode: Did he feel jilted by "Idol Gives Back" for not allowing him a chance to perform one last time? In front of an A-list audience, no less? Tim did admit: "I was a little sad that I didn't get to sing one last time on that stage, but … you don't always get what you want. I'll be back for the finale and hopefully get to perform on that stage again. It was a little bittersweet, but overall, it's all right." So what's next for Tim? He doesn't rule out acting, and he's certain to pursue music that's more in the vein of what he's been doing on the show the last few weeks. And, of course, there are lots of smiles on the horizon. "I smile because I have really solid grounding and I know who I am," Tim explained. "And I know that regardless of what happens around me, that'll always be there. So when I get criticized, that's all right. I still know who I am. I still am happy that I get to do what I get to do, and it's such a blessing to be here and to have had this opportunity. I really couldn't help but smile…." – Shirley Halperin Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter Photo: The Top 7 look on as eliminated contestant Tim Urban appears on the
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| Allison Iraheta gets backup from Adam Lambert in ‘Latina’ cover story Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT
In the story, Allison discusses her Salvadoran roots and previous attempts at talent show fame, and though the writer points out that sales of her debut album haven't exactly been stellar, Allison has the full confidence of Adam Lambert when it comes to her future music career. "It's going to take some time, but she'll get there," Adam is quoted as saying. He also jokes about telling Allison she can move in with him if and when she decides to attend college. "Allison's still like my little sister, even though we don't get to see each other as much," he said. Allison's thoughts on the prospect? "My mom loves Adam, but I don't know," she tells the magazine. "That's gonna be a tough one to sell." – Shirley Halperin Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter.
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| ‘Idol Gives Back’ minute-by-minute (extended edition): All the action from the ‘Idol’ studio Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT
Plus, some 2 1/2 hours in, we saw no end in sight, and our lumbar region was starting to feel it. To repeat a phrase one of our colleagues so brilliantly coined earlier in the evening, "Idol" gives back pain — especially when you're confined to a 12-inch-wide piece of foam covered by the thinnest sliver of faux-leather vinyl for more than three hours. The things we do to bring you this minute-by-minute recap. And more importantly, the things "American Idol," its sponsors and viewers do to better the world through donations. Read on for our play by play. 4:49 p.m. With 11 minutes until show time, there are entire rows of seats left empty, leaving all to wonder: Who are they for? Former contestants, duh. And the first one we spot is Todrick Hall. In truth, he's hard to miss, what with his English Beat-issued bleached braids. 4:50 Announcer Jay Flats takes the microphone to warm up the crowd. He's not our usual pep-rally captain Corey, who perhaps has been deemed too manic for this toned-down special. Indeed, the first thing on Jay's agenda isn't jokes, but an explanation: "Tonight there will be some serious moments," he tells the studio audience. "It is OK to be emotional today; I teared up during rehearsal." He then instructs us all on the "golf clap." This reporter, for one, is relieved that it's a form of applause and not a venereal disease. 4:56 Kara is the first judge to make an entrance, looking elegant with her hair swept to the side. Randy Jackson is not far behind. 4:57 Randy bro hugs Elliott while Ellen DeGeneres makes her way to the judges' table. At the same time, the Top 12 Idols are marched out on stage in all their heavenly white glow. Can't help thinking Casey looks a little Bee Gees, but we all know how this charity special works. No surprises there. On the flip side, we're feeling Siobhan Magnus' getup and Didi Benami's dress are beautiful. 4:58 After a quick introduction, the Top 12 take a temporary seat on the couches. Didi does the running man to get there (impressive!) while Crystal Bowersox figures out the best way to walk — and dance and sing — gracefully in her dress. 5:09 Victoria Beckham makes her way to the stage and takes a seat next to Ryan, in preparation for her Save the Children moment. 5:11 When Vic speaks, the world listens. 5:13 Time for the first commercial break, and Ryan is personally escorting Mrs. Beckham off the stage as the Top 7 Idols make their way back on. Meanwhile, down below, Elliott says a cheerful hello to the rest of the Season 9 gang, Katie, Andrew, and, dare we say, did we sense a mild flirtation with Didi? 5:21 While watching the Black Eyed Peas, each of the Top 7 is positioned like the dude from the old Memorex ad, while the sound-and-vision assault has most in the studio audience sitting with mouths agape. One has to wonder why the Peas wouldn't choose a more appropriate, uplifting song from their catalog, like "I Gotta Feeling" or "Where's the Love?" 5:25 Ryan is back at center stage to watch his own video package on the malaria problem in Africa. The Idols also sit up and pay attention. 5:30 Debbie Williams, the stage manager, offers the first hint of what's to come: "We have something happening you don't know about," she teases over the PA.
5:36 Randy is practically falling out of his chair during his own roast, but he's clapping along to Kara's too. The Idols seem to love having the tables turned for a change, as Tim and Casey stand in approval. 5:39 The latest Ford commercial plays, and Siobhan and Mike look pleased with the end result. 5:41 It's Casey and Crystal at center stage, with one destined for the bottom three and those very uncomfortable stools. Casey takes a deep breath, but it's his name that's called over to stage right. 5:43 Lee starts to walk off, then turns around as if realizing he didn't properly console Aaron, but there's no time for do-overs and he takes his spot next to Crystal. Tim moves over to separate himself from the front-runners, almost as if he already knows his fate. 5:58 Casey and Aaron step off and head backstage while Randy introduces the week's mentor, Alicia Keys. 5:59 The Idols are on their feet for Alicia's "Unthinkable" as Big Mike, Siobhan and Crystal sway in unison. 6:01 The popular refrain from "Empire State of Mind" inspires Crystal to sing along while Big Mike is jumping out of his seat, "one hand in the air to the big city" — he is into it! And maybe hoping to land the opening slot on Alicia's next tour? 6:04 Big Mike looks a little winded at the end of Alicia's performance. Good thing it's time for another commercial, which sends him, Siobhan and Tim back to the bottom row of the sofas. Crystal, meanwhile, scans the crowd for familiars. Her dad, however, is seated on the opposite side of the studio, perhaps so as not to trigger another emotional reaction. Though he's still wearing sunglasses. And flip-flops. 6:12 You can always count on Carrie Underwood to deliver at a charity event, and "Idol Gives Back" is no exception. Perhaps the Peas could take a couple of cues from Carrie on venue-appropriate song choice and the concept of less is more. 6:15 Ellen DeGeneres hops up on stage to run over her lines preceding the segment she taped on Monday at the Foothill Unity Center (in Monrovia, not Pasadena, as she says during her introduction). 6:16 As Ellen and David Arquette's package rolls, Kara turns back to see Sister Dominguez lean her head against Elliott's shoulder. It's a long night for all. 6:30 Wanda Sykes heads off to stage right and, in solidarity with Casey and Aaron, takes a seat on the third stool. Few people caught it behind the giant camera boom, but it made us chuckle.
6:35 While Cook's package plays on, and he makes a quick exit joined arm in arm with Debbie, heaps of amps, gear and a giant grand piano are wheeled onto the stage. Must be time for the Mary J. Blige all-star band. 6:52 The all-star band — which includes Randy on bass, Travis Barker on drums, Orianthi and Steve Vai on guitar and producer Ron Fair on piano, takes time allotted during the commercial break quickly to run through "Stairway to Heaven," as oxymoronic as that sounds. While Orianthi smiles at Casey (she is a fan, after all), Mary J. air guitars along to the Aussie virtuoso's solo. 7:01 After a tsunami of master licks, Casey James sheepishly walks over to say hi to Orianthi, then runs to catch up with Steve Vai, who can't really stop to talk, with the show now running a good 15 minutes behind schedule. 7:05 After announcing that $15 million has already been raised, the mood in the room lifts considerably, just in time for Randy to return to the juges' table and receive big props from Kara. 7:07 With an Elton John performance still to come, Aaron sits on the stairs and tinkers with the surrounding lights, while Casey stands to acknowledge his fans, possibly for the last time. With the clock counting down, Casey fixes his hair, Aaron rolls up his sleeve, and Todrick runs over to the Top 7 for a quick hello. 7:19 One final commercial break allows for last embraces (Big Mike and little Aaron, Tim and Siobhan), swigs of water and a wave to the studio audience (Princess Diana-style, in Mike's case). 7:22 With that eternally goofy stare we've all come to know — and, some of us, love — Tim Urban is handed the week's bad news, saddled oddly amid noble efforts to bring good into people's lives. 7:23 Tim's goodbye package is a collection of wide-eyed smiles and boys-will-be-boys high jinks (i.e. running his fingers through Casey's hair, to which Casey can only shake his finger in faux disapproval), and in no time, there are those asserting he has been unceremoniously blown off, but at 23 minutes past the show's end time — and about seven weeks for Tim – isn't it time to just say goodbye? 7:28 And that's all she wrote… until we do it all again next week. And although we had to head straight home to file, the reunited Top 12 got to celebrate at the Mondrian Hotel's Sky Bar (sans Aaron Kelly, as far as we can tell from photos). Our invite must've gotten lost in the mail… – Shirley Halperin Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter
Photos: Mary J. Blige and Randy Jackson team up for a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven." Credit: Michael Becker / Fox Black Eyed Peas dancers pose backstage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Credit: Frank Micelotta / PictureGroup/Fox Ryan Seacrest and George Lopez. Credit: Michael Becker / Fox David Cook. Credit: Michael Becker / Fox Elton John. Credit: Vince Bucci / Fox Siobhan Magnus, Didi Benami and Tim Urban attend the "Idol Gives Back" after-party. Credit: Frank Micelotta / PictureGroup/Fox
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| Contestant Wallpapers and Judge & Host Sound Bites Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT We have all kinds of computer wallpapers available to spruce up your desktop, Idol style! Did you know, every week we create a new wallpaper for each finalist? You can also choose from behind the scenes wallpapers, Ford music video wallpapers, the judges, and many more. Check them all out, here. You can get wallpapers of any of the Top 24 contestants, or click on the following finalists names: If youre in the mood for some funny sound bites from the show, go to the judges and host bio pages and visit the Sounds Off at the bottom of the page to listen to some memorable moments from the show. Click on the names below to visit their soundboards.
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| Carrie Underwood thinks we can change the world Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT
"This is the stuff that really makes a Underwood said she sang "Change," from her album "Play On," because it was about "doing good in the world." "The But while she's been busy touring and doing good, has she She said she thinks the singers this season are "more "I quit having a favorite [contestant]," she said, – Amy Reiter and Yvonne Villarreal Photo: Carrie Underwood poses in the
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| Randy Jackson makes an ‘American Idol’ finale prediction Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT Just before his appearance on "Idol Gives Back" on Wednesday, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson was in Beverly Hills to serve on a reality television producers' panel as part of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society's Newsmaker Luncheon series. Hosted by Chris Harrison of "The Bachelor" franchise, the panel also included Thom Beers ("Deadliest Catch"), Mark Cronin ("The Surreal Life"), Jason Goldberg ("Punk'd), Craig Piligian ("Ghost Hunters"), and SallyAnn Salsano ("Jersey Shore"). Jackson was there in his role as executive producer of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew." We caught him for a few minutes before the panel discussion at the Beverly Hilton and tried to get him to pick the winner of "American Idol's" Season 9. Here's what Big Dawg had to say.
– Maria Elena Fernandez (Follow me on Twitter @writerchica) Video credit: Maria Elena Fernandez
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| Idol Gives Back Performances on iTunes Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT Last nights Idol Gives Back special television event included some amazing and touching performances from music superstars. Many of you have been wondering if the performances will be available on iTunes and they will be! Later today, you can download the following Idol Gives Back performances from iTunes: Also available in the next few days on iTunes: *Its not too late to donate to the Idol Gives Back Foundation. Click here to donate.*
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| Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT At the end of last nights heartbreaking and heartwarming Idol Gives Back show, Tim Urban was eliminated in seventh place. Immediately after the show, the Texas native came out to chat with AmericanIdol.com. In his Curtain Call interview, he shares his thoughts on the show, what hed do differently, and his excitement to go on tour. A quote from the Curtain Call interview that sums up Tims experience well is when he said, I look back and its just smiles. Click here to watch Tims exit interview. Its not too late to donate to the Idol Gives Back Foundation. Go to the Idol Gives Back website to learn more and to make your donation.
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| Siobhan Magnus lands VFTW title, and we’re OK with that… Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT With Tim Urban's ouster on Wednesday night, the anti-"Idol" authority VotefortheWorst.com is now throwing its weight behind Siobhan Magnus, citing her "crazy outfits, hilarious screaming" and a few more perceived offenses. Do we agree with the website's verdict? Absolutely not. Lumping Siobhan and Tim together is blasphemous — and where's Aaron Kelly in this scenario? – but we're totally OK with its endorsement, because nothing would make us happier than to see Siobhan advance! Even if only for a couple more weeks. So go for it, vote for the worst, because, in our book, she's one of the best. Disagree? Discuss in the comments… Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter
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| ‘Idol’ gives back … then crushes one unlucky contestant’s dreams Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT
If, after hearing from the president and Mrs. Obama, Bill and Melinda Gates, Annie Lennox and Elton John and all sorts of famous people about how much suffering is going on in the world … If, after seeing children who live without heat in a two-room trailer in rural America, and children who are dying from AIDS and malaria in Africa, and a family of five in a middle-class California town that might not look too different from yours turn to a food bank to survive, even though the father of said family works in our schools as a math teacher … If, after all that, you still care about who was sent home on "American Idol" on Wednesday night, during the "Idol Gives Back" special, click here … Hello? Is there anybody here? Did anyone click? Seriously, is it just me, or was it pretty hard to get emotionally invested in the fate of the somber-looking "Idol" contestants in the midst of all that real suffering we were shown during "Idol Gives Back" on Wednesday night? I mean, there's nothing like seeing an adorable little girl smiling and coloring as Annie Lennox explains how close the child is to death to snap things into focus about a pop-music competition, albeit one we've come to love. "Idol Gives Back" is important — it raises millions of dollars, and the stories of real people around the world and here at home are eye-opening for many of us. Here's hoping that the next time the producers plan an "Idol Gives Back" special, they realize how much juxtaposing the competition with some of the world's most terrible troubles lowers the stakes and opt not to send someone home in the middle of it all. Save the world! Save the world! But first … let's crush someone's dreams! And whose dreams were crushed tonight? All those teen girls who dig Tim Urban, that's who. Yes, this season's smilingest, most fetching-haired (Casey included), and eerily resilient contestant was finally sent packing. But not before being made to sweat it out with his fellow Bottom Three contestants, Casey James and Aaron Kelly, for … oh, I lost count of how many minutes. "Let's hear it for Tim, the comeback kid on this show," Ryan Seacrest instructed the audience, after delivering the blow at last, noting that Tim was "still smiling" even upon hearing the worst. As the highlight reel of Tim's time on "Idol" rolled to an end and the sentimental music played, bringing closure to his unexpectedly long run, he said: "It's meant everything to me." What do you think? Was Tim's time up? Would you rather have seen one of the other contestants go home instead? Or should the show have taken a break from the contestant heartbreak for one unadulterated, inspirational night of fundraising? – Amy Reiter Photo: The Top 12 contestants perform together on "Idol Gives Back." Credit: Michael Becker / Fox
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| Allison Iraheta gets backup from Adam Lambert in ‘Latina’ cover story Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT
In the story, Allison discusses her Salvadoran roots and previous attempts at talent show fame, and though the writer points out that sales of her debut album haven't exactly been stellar, Allison has the full confidence of Adam Lambert when it comes to her future music career. "It's going to take some time, but she'll get there," Adam is quoted as saying. He also jokes about telling Allison she can move in with him if and when she decides to attend college. "Allison's still like my little sister, even though we don't get to see each other as much," he said. Allison's thoughts on the prospect? "My mom loves Adam, but I don't know," she tells the magazine. "That's gonna be a tough one to sell." – Shirley Halperin Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter.
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| Tim Urban on being Vote for the Worst pick: ‘It’s nothing to be proud of…. I was sad’ Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT Tim Urban may be all smiles 90% of the time but being chosen as Vote for the Worst's No. 1 pick for nine weeks had the Duncanville, Texas, native bummed. "I'm not excited that I was on their website," he told reporters on a Thursday morning conference call. "It's not anything anybody should be proud of. I didn't like being on there, and basically, I was working my hardest to get off of it. I was actually kind of sad I was on that website." The shirtless pictures, which he says he "knew would come out eventually," however, Tim didn't mind. "It probably helped more than it hurt, but I don't know for sure." But don't shed a tear for Turban, he couldn't be happier with his "American Idol" experience, which he described as a "roller-coaster." Indeed, you may recall that Tim was called in at the last-minute to replace Top 24 contender Chris Golightly, who was disqualified because of a preexisting contract. His shaky start seemed to get worse, then better, as the judges and the people came around to his good-natured karaoke. Even insults hurled at him by Simon Cowell, who once likened his performance to a "singing waiter," and Ellen DeGeneres, who compared his stage presence to that of a stranger lurking in your bedroom, didn't faze the 20-year-old (he turns 21 on May 1), who says he always found Ellen's offbeat descriptions to be "funny" and didn't mind Simon's comments, either. "I never had a problem with Simon's critiques," said Tim. "I thought he was just speaking his mind and I took that and tried to use it and apply it." As for the haters on the Web? He took their criticisms with a grain of salt too. "You have to deal with it and shrug it off," said Tim. "I don't perform for the people who don't like me. I perform for the people who want me to be on stage." On the flip side, he added that the thousands of new fans he's made is both "incredible and encouraging." So did Tim sense at all that he was going home on Wednesday night? "It was one of those things where I knew from the judges' comments that it was possible [for me to] be in the bottom three, and it was very possible I could go home," he revealed. "But when I went back and watched my performance on Tuesday night, I was fine with it. I decided that, if I did go home, I wouldn't look back and be really upset about the performance. So my mindset was, 'You never know what's gonna happen.' But I was excited about how far I'd gotten. I was really proud of everything to that point. And being a part of 'Idol Gives Back' kind of lightened the blow a little." With that in mind, Tim answered a burning question from last night's episode: Did he feel jilted by "Idol Gives Back" for not allowing him a chance to perform one last time? In front of an A-list audience, no less? Tim did admit: "I was a little sad that I didn't get to sing one last time on that stage, but … you don't always get what you want. I'll be back for the finale and hopefully get to perform on that stage again. It was a little bittersweet, but overall, it's all right." So what's next for Tim? He doesn't rule out acting, and he's certain to pursue music that's more in the vein of what he's been doing on the show the last few weeks. And, of course, there are lots of smiles on the horizon. "I smile because I have really solid grounding and I know who I am," Tim explained. "And I know that regardless of what happens around me, that'll always be there. So when I get criticized, that's all right. I still know who I am. I still am happy that I get to do what I get to do, and it's such a blessing to be here and to have had this opportunity. I really couldn't help but smile…." – Shirley Halperin Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter Photo: The Top 7 look on as eliminated contestant Tim Urban appears on the
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| ‘Idol Gives Back’ minute-by-minute (extended edition): All the action from the ‘Idol’ studio Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT
Plus, some 2 1/2 hours in, we saw no end in sight, and our lumbar region was starting to feel it. To repeat a phrase one of our colleagues so brilliantly coined earlier in the evening, "Idol" gives back pain — especially when you're confined to a 12-inch-wide piece of foam covered by the thinnest sliver of faux-leather vinyl for more than three hours. The things we do to bring you this minute-by-minute recap. And more importantly, the things "American Idol," its sponsors and viewers do to better the world through donations. Read on for our play by play. 4:49 p.m. With 11 minutes until show time, there are entire rows of seats left empty, leaving all to wonder: Who are they for? Former contestants, duh. And the first one we spot is Todrick Hall. In truth, he's hard to miss, what with his English Beat-issued bleached braids. 4:50 Announcer Jay Flats takes the microphone to warm up the crowd. He's not our usual pep-rally captain Corey, who perhaps has been deemed too manic for this toned-down special. Indeed, the first thing on Jay's agenda isn't jokes, but an explanation: "Tonight there will be some serious moments," he tells the studio audience. "It is OK to be emotional today; I teared up during rehearsal." He then instructs us all on the "golf clap." This reporter, for one, is relieved that it's a form of applause and not a venereal disease. 4:56 Kara is the first judge to make an entrance, looking elegant with her hair swept to the side. Randy Jackson is not far behind. 4:57 Randy bro hugs Elliott while Ellen DeGeneres makes her way to the judges' table. At the same time, the Top 12 Idols are marched out on stage in all their heavenly white glow. Can't help thinking Casey looks a little Bee Gees, but we all know how this charity special works. No surprises there. On the flip side, we're feeling Siobhan Magnus' getup and Didi Benami's dress are beautiful. 4:58 After a quick introduction, the Top 12 take a temporary seat on the couches. Didi does the running man to get there (impressive!) while Crystal Bowersox figures out the best way to walk — and dance and sing — gracefully in her dress. 5:09 Victoria Beckham makes her way to the stage and takes a seat next to Ryan, in preparation for her Save the Children moment. 5:11 When Vic speaks, the world listens. 5:13 Time for the first commercial break, and Ryan is personally escorting Mrs. Beckham off the stage as the Top 7 Idols make their way back on. Meanwhile, down below, Elliott says a cheerful hello to the rest of the Season 9 gang, Katie, Andrew, and, dare we say, did we sense a mild flirtation with Didi? 5:21 While watching the Black Eyed Peas, each of the Top 7 is positioned like the dude from the old Memorex ad, while the sound-and-vision assault has most in the studio audience sitting with mouths agape. One has to wonder why the Peas wouldn't choose a more appropriate, uplifting song from their catalog, like "I Gotta Feeling" or "Where's the Love?" 5:25 Ryan is back at center stage to watch his own video package on the malaria problem in Africa. The Idols also sit up and pay attention. 5:30 Debbie Williams, the stage manager, offers the first hint of what's to come: "We have something happening you don't know about," she teases over the PA.
5:36 Randy is practically falling out of his chair during his own roast, but he's clapping along to Kara's too. The Idols seem to love having the tables turned for a change, as Tim and Casey stand in approval. 5:39 The latest Ford commercial plays, and Siobhan and Mike look pleased with the end result. 5:41 It's Casey and Crystal at center stage, with one destined for the bottom three and those very uncomfortable stools. Casey takes a deep breath, but it's his name that's called over to stage right. 5:43 Lee starts to walk off, then turns around as if realizing he didn't properly console Aaron, but there's no time for do-overs and he takes his spot next to Crystal. Tim moves over to separate himself from the front-runners, almost as if he already knows his fate. 5:58 Casey and Aaron step off and head backstage while Randy introduces the week's mentor, Alicia Keys. 5:59 The Idols are on their feet for Alicia's "Unthinkable" as Big Mike, Siobhan and Crystal sway in unison. 6:01 The popular refrain from "Empire State of Mind" inspires Crystal to sing along while Big Mike is jumping out of his seat, "one hand in the air to the big city" — he is into it! And maybe hoping to land the opening slot on Alicia's next tour? 6:04 Big Mike looks a little winded at the end of Alicia's performance. Good thing it's time for another commercial, which sends him, Siobhan and Tim back to the bottom row of the sofas. Crystal, meanwhile, scans the crowd for familiars. Her dad, however, is seated on the opposite side of the studio, perhaps so as not to trigger another emotional reaction. Though he's still wearing sunglasses. And flip-flops. 6:12 You can always count on Carrie Underwood to deliver at a charity event, and "Idol Gives Back" is no exception. Perhaps the Peas could take a couple of cues from Carrie on venue-appropriate song choice and the concept of less is more. 6:15 Ellen DeGeneres hops up on stage to run over her lines preceding the segment she taped on Monday at the Foothill Unity Center (in Monrovia, not Pasadena, as she says during her introduction). 6:16 As Ellen and David Arquette's package rolls, Kara turns back to see Sister Dominguez lean her head against Elliott's shoulder. It's a long night for all. 6:30 Wanda Sykes heads off to stage right and, in solidarity with Casey and Aaron, takes a seat on the third stool. Few people caught it behind the giant camera boom, but it made us chuckle.
6:35 While Cook's package plays on, and he makes a quick exit joined arm in arm with Debbie, heaps of amps, gear and a giant grand piano are wheeled onto the stage. Must be time for the Mary J. Blige all-star band. 6:52 The all-star band — which includes Randy on bass, Travis Barker on drums, Orianthi and Steve Vai on guitar and producer Ron Fair on piano, takes time allotted during the commercial break quickly to run through "Stairway to Heaven," as oxymoronic as that sounds. While Orianthi smiles at Casey (she is a fan, after all), Mary J. air guitars along to the Aussie virtuoso's solo. 7:01 After a tsunami of master licks, Casey James sheepishly walks over to say hi to Orianthi, then runs to catch up with Steve Vai, who can't really stop to talk, with the show now running a good 15 minutes behind schedule. 7:05 After announcing that $15 million has already been raised, the mood in the room lifts considerably, just in time for Randy to return to the juges' table and receive big props from Kara. 7:07 With an Elton John performance still to come, Aaron sits on the stairs and tinkers with the surrounding lights, while Casey stands to acknowledge his fans, possibly for the last time. With the clock counting down, Casey fixes his hair, Aaron rolls up his sleeve, and Todrick runs over to the Top 7 for a quick hello. 7:19 One final commercial break allows for last embraces (Big Mike and little Aaron, Tim and Siobhan), swigs of water and a wave to the studio audience (Princess Diana-style, in Mike's case). 7:22 With that eternally goofy stare we've all come to know — and, some of us, love — Tim Urban is handed the week's bad news, saddled oddly amid noble efforts to bring good into people's lives. 7:23 Tim's goodbye package is a collection of wide-eyed smiles and boys-will-be-boys high jinks (i.e. running his fingers through Casey's hair, to which Casey can only shake his finger in faux disapproval), and in no time, there are those asserting he has been unceremoniously blown off, but at 23 minutes past the show's end time — and about seven weeks for Tim – isn't it time to just say goodbye? 7:28 And that's all she wrote… until we do it all again next week. And although we had to head straight home to file, the reunited Top 12 got to celebrate at the Mondrian Hotel's Sky Bar (sans Aaron Kelly, as far as we can tell from photos). Our invite must've gotten lost in the mail… – Shirley Halperin Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter
Photos: Mary J. Blige and Randy Jackson team up for a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven." Credit: Michael Becker / Fox Black Eyed Peas dancers pose backstage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Credit: Frank Micelotta / PictureGroup/Fox Ryan Seacrest and George Lopez. Credit: Michael Becker / Fox David Cook. Credit: Michael Becker / Fox Elton John. Credit: Vince Bucci / Fox Siobhan Magnus, Didi Benami and Tim Urban attend the "Idol Gives Back" after-party. Credit: Frank Micelotta / PictureGroup/Fox
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| Randy Jackson makes an ‘American Idol’ finale prediction Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT Just before his appearance on "Idol Gives Back" on Wednesday, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson was in Beverly Hills to serve on a reality television producers' panel as part of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society's Newsmaker Luncheon series. Hosted by Chris Harrison of "The Bachelor" franchise, the panel also included Thom Beers ("Deadliest Catch"), Mark Cronin ("The Surreal Life"), Jason Goldberg ("Punk'd), Craig Piligian ("Ghost Hunters"), and SallyAnn Salsano ("Jersey Shore"). Jackson was there in his role as executive producer of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew." We caught him for a few minutes before the panel discussion at the Beverly Hilton and tried to get him to pick the winner of "American Idol's" Season 9. Here's what Big Dawg had to say.
– Maria Elena Fernandez (Follow me on Twitter @writerchica) Video credit: Maria Elena Fernandez
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| ‘Idol’ gives back … then crushes one unlucky contestant’s dreams Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT
If, after hearing from the president and Mrs. Obama, Bill and Melinda Gates, Annie Lennox and Elton John and all sorts of famous people about how much suffering is going on in the world … If, after seeing children who live without heat in a two-room trailer in rural America, and children who are dying from AIDS and malaria in Africa, and a family of five in a middle-class California town that might not look too different from yours turn to a food bank to survive, even though the father of said family works in our schools as a math teacher … If, after all that, you still care about who was sent home on "American Idol" on Wednesday night, during the "Idol Gives Back" special, click here … Hello? Is there anybody here? Did anyone click? Seriously, is it just me, or was it pretty hard to get emotionally invested in the fate of the somber-looking "Idol" contestants in the midst of all that real suffering we were shown during "Idol Gives Back" on Wednesday night? I mean, there's nothing like seeing an adorable little girl smiling and coloring as Annie Lennox explains how close the child is to death to snap things into focus about a pop-music competition, albeit one we've come to love. "Idol Gives Back" is important — it raises millions of dollars, and the stories of real people around the world and here at home are eye-opening for many of us. Here's hoping that the next time the producers plan an "Idol Gives Back" special, they realize how much juxtaposing the competition with some of the world's most terrible troubles lowers the stakes and opt not to send someone home in the middle of it all. Save the world! Save the world! But first … let's crush someone's dreams! And whose dreams were crushed tonight? All those teen girls who dig Tim Urban, that's who. Yes, this season's smilingest, most fetching-haired (Casey included), and eerily resilient contestant was finally sent packing. But not before being made to sweat it out with his fellow Bottom Three contestants, Casey James and Aaron Kelly, for … oh, I lost count of how many minutes. "Let's hear it for Tim, the comeback kid on this show," Ryan Seacrest instructed the audience, after delivering the blow at last, noting that Tim was "still smiling" even upon hearing the worst. As the highlight reel of Tim's time on "Idol" rolled to an end and the sentimental music played, bringing closure to his unexpectedly long run, he said: "It's meant everything to me." What do you think? Was Tim's time up? Would you rather have seen one of the other contestants go home instead? Or should the show have taken a break from the contestant heartbreak for one unadulterated, inspirational night of fundraising? – Amy Reiter Photo: The Top 12 contestants perform together on "Idol Gives Back." Credit: Michael Becker / Fox
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| Carrie Underwood thinks we can change the world Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT
"This is the stuff that really makes a Underwood said she sang "Change," from her album "Play On," because it was about "doing good in the world." "The But while she's been busy touring and doing good, has she She said she thinks the singers this season are "more "I quit having a favorite [contestant]," she said, – Amy Reiter and Yvonne Villarreal Photo: Carrie Underwood poses in the
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| The science behind Idol Tracker’s ‘Buzzmeter’ Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT All "Idol" experts have their own method for predicting who's going home, and some of us agonize over the decision more than others. But this "Buzzmeter" pundit had a particularly difficult time coming up with the week's biggest loser — Tim and Aaron have the girls' votes and Mike wasn't half bad, in my book — which is why I posed a hypothetical bottom three to my cat, Lemmy, and went with his answer. Check out the telling moment for yourself. Will Tim Urban's overextended "Idol" run finally come to an end, as Lemmy predicts? Tune in tonight to find out. – Shirley Halperin Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter
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| The science behind Idol Tracker’s ‘Buzzmeter’ Posted: 22 Apr 2010 09:18 PM PDT All "Idol" experts have their own method for predicting who's going home, and some of us agonize over the decision more than others. But this "Buzzmeter" pundit had a particularly difficult time coming up with the week's biggest loser — Tim and Aaron have the girls' votes and Mike wasn't half bad, in my book — which is why I posed a hypothetical bottom three to my cat, Lemmy, and went with his answer. Check out the telling moment for yourself. Will Tim Urban's overextended "Idol" run finally come to an end, as Lemmy predicts? Tune in tonight to find out. – Shirley Halperin Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter
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