Worst American Idols

On February 17, American Idol will reveal its 24 finalists.

But The Hollywood Gossip has gotten an early look at most of these aspiring singers. We’ve listed their names below:

MALES
Lee DeWyze
David Duke
Andrew Garcia
Chris Golightly
Tyler Grady
Benjamin Honeycutt
Casey James
Aaron Kelly
Alexander Lambert
Michael Lynche
John Park
Jermaine Sellers

FEMALES
Lacey Brown
Michelle Delamor
Katelyn Epperly
Ashley Rodriguez
Lilly Scott
Katie Stevens
Haeley Vaughn
Janell Wheeler

** For more on the show, visit the American Idol section at TVFanatic.com!

American Idol just got a less less crazy… and entertaining.

Having failed to agree to a new contract with the show, Paula Abdul said goodbye to her fans last night on Twitter. She wrote:

“With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to Idol,” Abdul, 47, writes on her Twitter page. “I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon.

“What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. I do, without any doubt, have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.”

Will you miss Paula as a judge?

This might be great news for some and bad news for others, but it’s been confirmed:

Kara DioGuardi will be back for season nine of American Idol. A source told E! News:

“Her deal is done. There are no ifs, ands or buts. Done. She will be back.”

No word yet on the dollar amount associated with the contract, but DioGuardi is set to start shooting a new round of American Idol auditions in the next week or so.

Are you glad she’s back?

Kris Allen is the new American Idol.

While he was the choice of millions of viewers, how did the soulful register with bloggers around the nation?

AOL asked numerous show experts to give their predictions on the finale, a day before it aired. Who correctly forecasted the Allen upset? Find out now!

Wow. Just… wow!

Perhaps we underestimated him, even as he reached the finals, but we were shocked by tonight’s announcement:

Kris Allen is the new American Idol!

Allen overcame Adam Lambert in the final pairing, as Kris’ recent renditions of “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Heartless” likely propeled him to victory.

But enough from us. Were you happy with the outcome?

Click on the pics above to enlarge photos of the season eight American Idol champion.

Both Adam Lambert and Kris Allen gave it their all on last night’s American Idol finale.

We could rattle on and on about which singer ended the evening on a higher note (we thought it was tied after the pair of opening performances; but Lambert outshined Allen on the final two), but we’d prefer to hear from our readers.

Who do you think did the better job? Who should be crowed the champion tonight?

Sorry, Danny Gokey fans. And the Fox network.

The Gokey/Adam Lambert finals that Simon Cowell and company had clearly hoped would take place have fallen a week short.

Last night, the viewers spoke and Danny was eliminated from the show.

Gokey did nothing wrong during his performances on Monday, but Kris Allen’s version of “Heartless” simply sky-rocketed that singer into next week’s finale. And Lambert had earned a spot on that show a long time ago.

That left Danny as the odd man out. He had the following to say about his journey, which included losing his wife just four weeks before his initial audition:

“This whole experience feels like a dream come true.  American Idol has given me a whole new hope for my life. It’s almost like a fairy tale story.  You read about tragedies, and then you read about the triumph that comes through it - and I’m that person.”

Click on the pics below to relive Danny’s run on the series:

Sorry, Danny Gokey fans.

But next week’s American Idol finale simply has to come down to Kris Allen versus Adam Lambert.

Gokey was solid on his two songs this week - ““Dance Little Sister” and “You Are So Beautiful” - but he doesn’t blow us away at this point.

Lambert, conversely, was his usual, amazing self on “One” and “Cryin,” as Kara summed it up simply with her assessment: “We’ll see you at the finals.”

As for Allen… wow! The following rendition of “Heartless” was easily our favorite non-Lambert performance of the season:

Well, Fox. You wanted a Danny Gokey/Adam Lambert final and you’re gonna get one.

But not before the judges demeaned themselves this week, refusing to criticize Gokey’s ear-splitting rendition of “Dream On” and leading the viewers to vote off Allison Iraheta instead.

We’re too saddened by this development to even go on. Talk amongst yourself, readers…

As has become the norm on American Idol, there was Adam Lambert… and then there was everyone else last night.

The singer kicked off an evening of rock ‘n roll performances with a great rendition of “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin. The only problem, as Simon Cowell said, was that no other contestant would be able to match this opening number.

And none did.

Allison Iraheta did a solid enough job on a Janis Joplin tune; Kris Allen was out of his element, but tried to power through “Come Together” by The Beatles; and Danny Gokey pierced the ears of viewers forever with a painful scream to close Aerosmith’s “Dream On.”

Can we please hand Adam Lambert the title already?!?

Do NOT scare us like that again, voters.

While Matt Giraud was rightfully eliminated last night, he somehow found himself standing next to Adam Lambert in the bottom three. We’re perplexed and angered by this development.

Anyway, back to Giraud. He left the stage with classy, appreciative words:

“I’ll definitely remember being the cat with nine lives up there. It’s definitely not the last time you’ll see me. I want to thank Kalamazoo and Michigan for supporting me, and the judges for seeing something in me. I love you all, so, I can’t wait.”

This was our favorite American Idol performance show of the season.

All five finalists delivered top-notch renditions of Rat Pack classics, while we even liked the advice and enthusiasm of guest mentor Jamie Foxx.

Still, when all was said and done, a pair of singers stood out from the rest: Adam Lambert and Kris Allen.

Paula Abdul compared Lamert to Olympic champion Michael Phelps, while Allen kick started the show and set the bar so high that the following acts seemed to disappoint.

Who was your favorite finalist this week?

Following last week’s save of Matt Giraud, American Idol eliminated a pair of contestants this week.

Viewers weren’t shocked when Anoop Desai and Lil Rounds were sent home, though we were dismayed that Allison Iraheta was included in the bottom three.

Anoop, however, simply didn’t have the talent to match the remaining finalists; while Rounds could hit any note, yet lacked any sort of creativity on stage. We wish them each the best of luck.

Relive the experiences of Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai by clicking on various pics of them throughout season eight, above.

The three most talented finalists on American Idol really made their presence felt this week.

As usual, we gotta start with Adam Lambert. He surpried the crowd with a slow version of “If I Can’t Have You.” Kara DioGuardi said it was her favorite performance of the season by Lambert. We disagree, but only because he’s set the bar so high.

Our other top auditions went to:

• Allison Iraheta, who roared her way through the Donna Summer classic, “Hot Stuff.” Paula Abdul said: “The word compromise does not even belong in your musical vocabulary.” Well… okay then!
• Kris Allen also went with a Donna Summer song, “She Works Hard for the Money.” He slowed it down on acoustic guitar and received enthusiastic thumbs up from all four judges.

Who was your favorite finalist during disco night?

Matt Giraud received the lowest number of votes this week… but the soulful singer was saved from elimination by the first-ever judges’ save!

Do you think it was deserved?

Giraud follow-up performance of “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman” didn’t seem any better than his original rendition, but the crooner was told by Simon Cowell that he would not actually be sent home.

Naturally, Cowell couldn’t allow the singer enjoy the moment for very long.

“I wouldn’t be so quick to congratulate him,” Cowell said as various contestants swarmed him for a group hug. “Two people are going home next week now. And, next week is disco week.”

Kris Allen, Danny Gokey and company seem legitimately happy that Matt Giraud avoided elimination.

There were a couple of unusual aspects to last night’s American Idol:

Quentin Tarantino as the guest mentor? Only two judges critiquing each performance?

One thing remained the same, however: Adam Lambert blew us away with his audition. The singer went with “Born to Be Wild” during an evening where contestants sang songs from the world of movies.

Lambert wasn’t the only finalist to impress, though:

Allison Iraheta, who sang Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” was told by Simon Cowell that she was the only female with a chance to win; while Paula Abdul described Danny Gokey’s performance of “Endless Love” it as “a beautiful, beautiful rendition.”

Who was your favorite?

Scott MacIntyre is a funny, talented, affable human being.

But his vocal skills took him as far as possible on season eight of American Idol. He was eliminated this week.

The singer/songwriter was joined in the bottom three by Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai, but it was no shock to viewers when MacIntyre’s name was announced.

 “You’ve been an inspiration to the entire world through your commitment, through your talent. We love you,” Paula Abdul told Scott upon his elimination.

It was the least crazy thing she’s said all season.

We’re gonna come out and say it:

Adam Lambert is the greatest American Idol contestant of all-time.

Who else has received a standing ovation from Simon Cowell, as Lambert did last night following his incredible rendition of “Mad World?” Who else has the range and the unique style of this former theater performer?

In the interest of fairness to other contestants, we also enjoyed Matt Giraud this week. He looked quite cool in that Justin Timberlake fedora, while turning Stevie Wonder’s “Part-Time Lover” into modern hit.

We also loved Allison Iraheta, who sung far beyond her age with Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”

Click on the photos above to enlarge images of our three favorite American Idol finalists.

Great look, fun personality, average singing voice.

Megan Joy went as far as she could with those attributes this season, but her name was called on this week’s American Idol results show.

Upon her elimination, Joy - who appeared ready to go home and be with her son - said: “Contestants, you are the best! Judges, I love you. America, I love you,” and, to her son, Ryder, “Baby, I’m coing home, baby. I’m coming home!”

Kris Allen comforts Megan Joy after the latter is eliminated from American Idol.

Look, we could praise Adam Lambert after every single audition this season.

The singer is as talented and as original as any singer in the history of American Idol.

For the sake of not boring our readers, though, we’re simply gonna acknowledge another terrific performance by Lambert last night for his rendition of “Play That Funky Music” and move on to the other top crooner of the week:

Kris Allen.

While Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta were also solid, Allen’s arragement of “Ain’t No Sunshine” was easily his best of the season. Watch it for yourself:

Ain’t No Sunshine

Who was your favorite this week?

Not much of an American Idol shocker last night.

While many fans were aghast that Alexis Grace was sent home a week ago, almost everyone saw Michael Sarver’s elimination coming this time around. Nice guy, decent singer, not American Idol material.

We were surprised to see Matt Giraud join Michael Sarver in the bottom two.

So… we’re down to 9 American Idol finalists. Can anyone beat Adam Lambert?

In a word: WOW!

There shouldn’t have been much doubt before, but now we can certainly say for sure: this competition is Adam Lambert’s to lose.

The singer blew away judges and viewers last night with his acoustic rendition of “Tracks of My Tears.” Simon called it the best of the night, and that almost feels like an understatement.

Other performances that caught our attention - in a good way - were Allison Iraheta with “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” and Matt Giraud with “Let’s Get It On.”

But this night was all about Adam Lambert. Don’t you agree?

Need we even ask: Who was your favorite performer last night?

Tuesday’s country night generated more than 31 million votes from viewers, and the surprising results were announced on American Idol Wednesday.

We thought she would be safe, but Alexis Grace instead landed in the back of the pack after delivering a weakish rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”

Because of the newly instituted Judges’ Save rule - and because the judges have liked her so much - Alexis Grace was permitted to sing an encore.

But it wasn’t enough. As they did a week ago, the judges declined to oust her from elimination. Instead it was time for a farewell performance …

NOT SAVING GRACE: The judges declined to, but she had a good run.

The other singers with Alexis in the bottom three were Michael Sarver and Allison Iraheta. The judges told Sarver in no uncertain terms that he would not have been asked to perform an encore had he finished last. Ouch!

In any case, the Idols Live touring roster this summer is now complete, with 10 finalists remaining heading into next week’s third finals episode.

Do you think Alexis Grace deserved to go, or did Michael? Who of these standouts is your favorite now that the field is at 10?

The second week of the American Idol finals featured some surprises, bombs and some steady performances by those we’ve come to expect them from.

The biggest comeback of the week? Anoop Desai, who bounced back strong with Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind.” Megan Joy Corkrey’s cover of “Walking After Midnight” was also an improvement over a week ago.

Most likely on the block? Scott MacIntyre and Michael Sarver. Those two guys laid serious eggs up there, but you never know how America will vote.

It was really hard to differentiate between the top few performances (and the judges are probably glad they don’t have to), but here are our unofficial top 11 rankings from last night, from top to bottom:

1. Matt Giraud
2. Kris Allen (pictured)
3. Anoop Desai
4. Adam Lambert
5. Danny Gokey
6. Allison Iraheta
7. Alexis Grace
8. Lil Rounds
9. Megan Joy Corkrey
10. Michael Sarver
11. Scott MacIntyre

A new twist to the American Idol elimination system was not enough to save Jasmine Murrary or Jorge Nunez.

The contestants were voted off the show last night, even after performing their Michael Jackson renditions for the second consecutive evening. Allow us to explain:

Early in the show, Ryan Seacrest announced the “judges’ save.” Under the new rule, the panel will have the power to save one contestant from being eliminated each week, until the top five finalists are selected.

If the judges unanimously agree, no singers will be eliminated that night, and then a pair will be sent packing the following week.

Unfortunately, this change only served to double the pain for Murray and Nunez. Already aware that they were at the bottom of the viewers’ vote, the twist forced them to sing once again… and then be told by the judges that they were still eliminated. Ouch.

American Idol eliminated two hopefuls last night. Did it make the right choices?

Might American Idol have already found its top two singers? Is there even a reason to continue with the competition?

Okay, we might be exaggerating a big. But, hey, we’re not alone!

Paula Abdul pretty much crowned Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey the final two last night, after each performed a rousing rendition of a Michael Jackson favorite.

• First, Gokey received a standing ovation for his performance of “PYT.” Simon mocked the dance moves, but said the vocals were brilliant. Abdul said: “I think you’re on your way to the finals.”
• Lambert, meanwhile, truly brought the house down. He was confident in his over-the-top performance of “Black and White,” causing Kara to say he hit notes she didn’t think existed, while Cowell admitted he was in a league of his own.

Who else stood out? Only Lil Rounds, really.

Other previous favorites - such as Jorge Nunez and Anoop Desai - failed to impress. We fear that at least one of them gets sent home tonight. What do you think?

Neither Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey nor Lil Rounds are going home tonight. Who was your favorite?

It wasn’t at the level of this season’s controversial finale on The Bachelor.

But American Idol threw a twist at fans this week, as the series named 13 finalists for the first time in the show’s history. 

On last night’s Wild Card round, the judges - not the viewers - decided that a trio of new finalists simply weren’t enough. As a result, Jasmine Murray, Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai have advanced to the finals.

Anoop Desai and Jasmine Murray are two new American Idol finalists. How far do you think they’ll advance?

They join the following, previously-announced season eight finalists:

• Alexis Grace
• Michael Sarver
• Danny Gokey
• Lil Rounds
• Jorge Nunez
• Scott MacIntyre
• Allison Iraheta
• Adam Lambert
• Kris Allen

We’re still irate over the fact that Tatiana del Toro was named to this season’s Wild Card round, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

First, let’s celebrate the fact that America got it right. We agree with all three finalists voted through to the next round:

1. Lil Rounds
2. Scott MacIntyre
3. Jorge Nuñez

Lil Rounds and Jorge Nunez are American Idol finalists. Congrats!

Following this announcement, Ryan Seacrest explained to viewers that the judges had selected eight singers that they believed deserved a second chance to audition for the finals. 

The inclusion of del Toro is nothing short of infuriating. The show is clearly hoping for yet another emotional breakdown from the contestant, as it aims for ratings and drama, as opposed to actual singing talent. For shame.

Here’s the list of Wild Card contestants scheduled to perform tonight: 

• Von Smith
• Anoop Desai
• Jesse Langseth
• Jasmine Murray
• Matt Giraud
• Ricky Braddy
• Megan Joy Corkrey
• Tatiana del Toro

Last night’s third round of semifinal auditions was highlighted by a number of impressive performance.

None was more powerful, however, than Lil Rounds’ rendition of Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You.” Simon Cowell said it was the best audition of the season so far… and we agree!

Take a look and judge for yourself:

Lil Rounds b Audition

To recap the rest of the night:

• Von Smith sang  “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gay and was compared to Clay Aiken. By Simon, no less!

• The judges told Taylor Vaifanua she has little personality, but a great voice on “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.

• The panel agreed: Alex Wagner-Trugman’s “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” was fun to watch, not enjoyable to listen to.

• Bad song choice, Arianna Afsar. The judges didn’t approve of “The Winner Takes it All” by Abba.

• Ju’Not Joyner showed impressive range on “Hey There Delilah” by The Plain White Ts. But he’s overmatched by fellow competitors.

• Kristen McNamara may have chosen a boring song - “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman - but everyone agreed she had major vocal chops.

• Nate Marshall had fun, his admitted goal with his performance, singing “I Would Do Anything for Love” by Meatloaf. But fun won’t be enough to get him through to the finals.

• Felicia Barton is a definite sleeper. We loved her rendition of “No One” by Alicia Keys.

• How can you not root for Scott MacIntyre? The legally blind singer oozed emotion during “Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby.

• Kendall Beard came through for the show’s country fans. Solid performance of “This One’s for the Girls” by Martina McBride.

• Jorge Nunez sang “Don’t Let the Sun go Down on Me” by Elton John… and was reduced to tears after universal approval from the judges.

Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen are officially American Idol finalists. Congrats to the trio!

Here are excerpts of interviews each singer gave this week to TV Guide:

Adam Lambert on…

… his first musical theater role: “It was a production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. I was 10 years old, and I played Linus. It was downtown San Diego, and it was pretty wild!”

… fear of country music: “Range-wise, there isn’t anything I’d be scared to attempt. But as for styles, country week would be a stretch for me.”

Allison Iraheta on…

… American Idol aspirations: “I’ve been wanting to audition since [age] 9! I had my face against the TV screen, wishing I was on the show.”

… Simon’s critiques: “He doesn’t know me. He says I’m boring, but honestly I’m not. I’ll just chill a little bit more because the nerves got to me a little [this week].”

Kris Allen on…

… a theme he’d embrace: “Doing The Beatles would be so amazing. I feel like you can do a lot with their songs. That would be the coolest thing ever.”

… tackling Michael Jackson: “I decided on ["Man in the Mirror"] a while back, so it was a little scary. But I was really confident in what I was dong. I was just happy I didn’t get any compared to him.”