So, I am doing my daily check of the day’s headlines on my day off. I checked several national Web sites earlier in the day, so I decided to check in on my entertainment gossip. I expected to hear more about “Jon and Kate plus 8″ drama. While there is a new story posted, this headline caught my eye.

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will join the judges’ panel on “American Idol” for the show’s ninth season beginning in 2010, a Fox spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday.

WHAT? Is this for real? Shock is going through my body (that may be a little dramatic). However, if you would have asked me yesterday if Ellen would be the fourth judge, I would have just laughed and said “that would be interesting”.

After checking several sources, it sounds like Ellen will be joining American Idol this season! If you are familiar with Ellen, she has been a huge Idol fan for years. I always tuned in a day or two after my favorite contestant was voted off, because they would be invited on her show.  Here’s what she said earlier today:

“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol,” DeGeneres said Wednesday. “I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote.”

 

To be honest, I have been very nervous about this upcoming season. Paula Abdul was such a big part of the show. Like it or not, people don’t like change. It doesn’t really matter who takes over, there will be controversy.

So, I’ve been sitting here trying to imagine Ellen as a judge. First of all, I hope she sits next to Simon. She is the exact opposite of him. She’s kind, hilarious, energetic, understand, talk-ative, and loud. The only thing they have in common: sarcasm.

Fox seems very confident she’s the right choice:

“We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the “American Idol” judges’ table this season. She is truly one of America’s funniest people and a fantastic performer who understands what it’s like to stand up in front of audiences and entertain them every day,” said Mike Darnell, president of Alternative Entertainment for Fox. “We feel that her vast entertainment experience, combined with her quick wit and passion for music, will add a fresh new energy to the show.”

If you can’t tell, I’m very optimistic. I was a little worried there for a while that “Posh Spice” would take over. No thanks.

Is it January yet?

What do you think about Ellen taking over as fourth judge?

Posted under Uncategorized

American Idol is still fresh in our minds, so it ’s hard to believe season 9 has already begun (well, not really that hard to believe!).

Posted under Uncategorized

After 620 million votes, 19 weeks, 100,000 auditions, an extra judge and a bikini girl, Kris Allen is your new American Idol. He just pulled the biggest upset I have ever seen.

Can you believe it? I can’t! I think I am still in shock actually. You know I had a feeling Kris was going on win, simply because Adam was so different and controversial. The thing about Adam was that you either loved him or hated him. With Kris, he just was just the guy next door who didn’t do anything out of the norm. I think this was the most shocking finale, but I am sure there are a lot of happy Kris fans today.

The finale was extremely entertaining. Highlights included Kara DioGuardi showing up Bikini Girl in a vocal duel and then adding salt to the wounds by stripping down to a bikini as an inside joke/charity bet among the judges and Ryan.  Hilarious! Don’t forget about the awards. Norman Gentle and Tatiana made encore appearances accepting their Golden Idols.  Once again, hilarious!

I wish Kris the best with his Idol adventures, but I know we will see my boy Adam again soon.

One last time for the season, I want to hear from you? Were you as shocked as I was? Are you happy with the results?

Bormann OUT! haha

Posted under Uncategorized

Please note my title tonight. Dramatic Ryan used that as his intro to the show, very very clever! ha

Kris won the coin toss, so Adam went first. Here we go!

AP Photo

Round One, Contestant pick: And the winner is… Kris. He had so much control over “Aint no Sunshine” and he made it his own (I could totally be a judge, isn’t that what they always say when they want to sound Idol-ish?). Seriously though, I’m a huge Adam fan but I’m not a fan of that jacket-thing. He did well, but Kris out-shined him.

Round Two, Simon Fuller’s pick: And the winner is…ADAM. Like Simon said, Adam was a million times better. He was able to show off more of his range and emotion. I did not see fireworks with Kris’s performance. I literally felt like I was back in college (go BSU) taking a time out from studying, and sitting outside listening to a group of guys play around with their guitar. I actually just forget what he even sang or how he sang it.

Round three, Kara’s song: And the winner is… No one. Why you ask? Well, that would be because the song was HORRIBLE. Something about mountains and hurricanes and dreams and “boundries.” Kara was even forced to apologize. Thanks, Kara. This was supposed to be the dramatic finale with a record selling song? I think most of us agree, not the best ending. However, it’s been an amazing season. I love this season’s top twelve. I think we have a wide variety of talent.

As for the next American Idol, I think Kris and Adam both deserve it. However, based on their performance abilities and voice range, I think Adam really does deserve it more. I know there are a lot of Kris fans out there who disagree with me strongly (Kevin and Allison you know who you are). Honestly, I think a lot of Danny fans are voting for Kris, so this is going to be a close call. Whatever happens, I know both of them will be successful.

Alright, I want to hear from you! Who do you think is going to win tomorrow?!

By the way, Carrie Underwood has to be the best Idol we’ve ever had. “Home Sweet Home” is amazing and she’s absolutely beautiful.

Posted under Uncategorized

BIG night for the three remaining idol contestants.

Kris Allen was the first to make the final rounds. So the Adam vs. Danny showdown comes a week early (Paula predicted this would be the final outcome since the beginning!).

88 million people voted last night. Only one million votes separated the final contestants (in idol terms, that’s really not that much). Drum roll… Danny Gokey is sent home. As his run on Idol ends, Danny reprises You Are So Beautiful (which by the way was AMAZING and even better than last night’s).

AP Photo/Carrie Antlfinger

I think next week very well might come down to the performances.

Simon says the finale is one the judges did not expect, but Kris’ second performance put him there. The best part of the night is when he adds, “This could be what we call the big ding-dong coming up next week.”

The big ding-dong? Really Simon?

On a side note, not so impressed by Jordan Sparks’ performance. However, Katy Perry mixed things up a bit. At the opening of her performance, her cape read “Adam Lambert”. I feel like Adam is running for office. I didn’t know that was allowed, but I’m sure Katy had a little surprise for idol producers! ha

Ok.. so tonight’s hometown segment was a lot better. Here’s the problem: you see each one of them go home and you see thousands and thousands of people so hopeful that contestant is the next American Idol. After they went through Danny, Kris, and Adam’s hometown visit, I didn’t want to see anyone go home!

Big week ahead! I will be keep you posted on any news or gossip as we reach the final week of American Idol!

For now, I want to hear from you. Do you think some of Danny’s supporters will jump on the Kris bandwagon. Do you think Adam has enough support to stand on his own? Who do you think will be the next American Idol?

Posted under Uncategorized

Tonight, we go back to the idol’s roots. It’s hometown night and there is a lot at stake!

Round one: Judges choice

Danny: His first song was “Dance Little Sister”. Randy said it was a great way to start the show. Kara said the dance was too much for her. Paula loved it (is that because she chose it?). Simon said the dancing was desperate, but the performance was ok. I thought it was decent, but I won’t remember what he sang in ten minutes.

Kris: He sang “Apologize” by One Republic. Randy said he can sell millions of records. Kara said it was good, but at this point, he needs to swing it out of the park. Paula said there was a bum note, but he did a good job. First of all, Simon told Paula she just made my sense (I agree). The best part of the performance was when the judges started fighting! ha

Adam: He took on “one” by U2. Randy said he was in the zone, but didn’t like how he went away from the origional melody. Kara said he proved he can take a song, and make it unbelievable. Paula said it was one brilliant song, one superb perfomance, and one American Idol she was staring at. Simon said it was a brilliant song choice (a little biased).

Ding Ding..Round Two.

Danny: He wanted to end the night with “You are so beautiful”. Randy said he proved that he can really, really, really sing! Kara said it was stunning (He actually made her speechless, and that’s hard to do with Kara). Paula called it magic. Simon called it a vocal masterclass. I personally was blown away! This performance may have given him a spot at the finals!

Kris: He’s singing “Heartless” by Kanye West. Randy said this is going to be one of the toughest voting nights of the year. Kara called him bold. Paula said he did something completely different and pulled it off. Simon said he wrote him out of the competition after the first performance, but now that has changed. I completely agree. I thought it was going to be a Danny vs. Adam showdown, but that performance is leaving me confused! Great, great performance!

Adam: Last but not least, he sang “Crying” by Aerosmith. Randy said Adam is one of the best performers in the history of the competition. Kara said how do you hit those notes? Kara said see you at the finals. Paula said he set the bar high. Simon said they want people to vote for him and not assume everyone else will. I can’t believe he just did that. It’s like the judges are pleading with us to vote for Adam! I am not complaining because I will lose all faith in idol if he does not go through.

Sidenote: I feel like hometown night was rushed. From what I remember, they usually go back and show them walking in parades or visiting their old high schools. I think each “hometown” segement was a good ten seconds. It’s sad because this is usually my favorite week!

Am I wrong?

On a good note, Danny and Kris both stepped up their game tonight. No matter what happens tomorrow, it will be a shocker. I just really hope Adam gets through to the finals (or else!).

Posted under Uncategorized

This is the end of the road for Allison Iraheta. How sad! She took to the stage to sing “Cry, Baby,” one last time. It’s hard to believe the girl is only 17 and can act so professional and even humble.

I was really hoping for her to make the final three, she’s different and has made her mark as a singer.

Everyone’s singing two songs next week — one that the judges pick, the other their personal favorite. I am going to throw this out there: it looks to be an Adam vs. Danny showdown. What do you think? 

As for tonight’s performances, Paula cracked me up. We all know she can sing and dance, but tonight’s performance reminded me a little of Britney Spears! It’s nice to see Nodoubt again, and I absolutely love Chris Daughtry and hope to see more of him!

Now the final three in the boys’ club get to go home for the hometown parades.

Posted under Uncategorized

Idol fans, get ready for a night of Slash, rock ‘n’ roll songs and our “American Idol” Top 4!

Adam: He sang “Whole lot of love”. What a great way to start the show! Randy said, “dude, you are a rock start tonight.” Kara went as far as to call him a rock god. Simon said he agrees with everyone and it was his favorite Adam performance. He said the problem is, no one can top that! Adam has literally been waiting for this day and he definitely lived up to the hype. After last week’s bottom two scare, I think it’s safe to say he’s safe!

Allison: She sang “cry baby”. Randy said he did not love the song choice. Kara said Janice is the right choice, but she wanted to see “Piece of my heart” instead. Paula called her downright fearless. Simon was impressed with the confidence, but did not see any origionality. I thought it was average. I am always impressed by her vocals, but tonight didn’t stand out to me. I do, however, like her hair. She mentioned using Adam’s hair sylist, good choice!

Kris: He sang “Come together” by the Beatles. Randy said he picked the right song and loved how he played the guitar. Kara said he’s the softer side of rock. For her, not a great performance.  Simon said he didn’t like it. He compared it with eating ice for lunch (what?!). He said it was boring and safe. I kind of agree. Rock is not Chris’ cup of tea! I think he may be in trouble this week, even though he doesn’t deserve to go home.

Danny: He took on “Dream on” by Aerosmith. Randy said he gives him an A for effort. Kara liked his edge, but thought he took it too far. Paula didn’t like the song choice. Simon said the last note was like watching a horror movie. He thought it was way over the top. I also thought it was way over the top! 

Also tonight, duets! Interesting twist to the show. I thought Kris and Danny’s duet was entertaining, but only when they sang together. On the other hand, Allison and Adam rocked it out! Simon said Adam may have saved Allison by that performance. Sounds like a possibility to me!

Posted under Uncategorized

It’s rat pack week. Nervous? Don’t be. This group has been waiting for this week…

Kris Allen: Jamie said he would do a record with him right off the bat! Not bad! Randy said at this point, they look at who’s in it to win it. He followed by saying “dude” this was your best performance of the season. He said he took his time and told his story. Kara said he set the bar high. Paula said he started out being the boy next door, and now he is a sophisticated gentleman. Simon said he’s not as enthusiastic.  He said it was too late and it wasn’t incredible. I was very impressed, but I woud not call it his best performance of the season.

Allison Iraheta: She sang “watch over me”. Randy said he was worried about this genre with her, but he said she was bomb and he loved it. Kara said she’s not nervous for her anymore. Simon asked her if she thought she had a chance of winning. He said it was a great performance, but he doesn’t feel like she thinks she can be a star. Allison has been in the bottom three for the past three weeks, and this might have saved her. Is it just me, or is it SHOCKING that she continues to be in the bottom three. I mean, are these people listening to her amazing voice?!!

Matt Giraud: He sang “my funny valentine”. Randy said it was the hardest song to sing, and it sounded a little pitchy. Kara said he needed to be the leader of the pack at this point in the game. Paula said she loved the song and felt the emotional connection. Simon said it was the only believable performance tonight. He called him brilliant! Go Matt! I thought it was fantastic and origional.

Danny Gokey:  He sang “come rain or come shine”. Randy said he could have an album. Kara said what he has been missing is that rat pack swager, and she said tonight he had “swag”. Intersting words from Kara! ha Paula called his performance stellar. Simon felt he came out to prove a point with his vocals. I agree with the judges. He really hit the stage with purpose tonight. He will not be in trouble this week.

Adam Lambert: He sang “feeling good”. Randy said it was a little too theatrical, but it was another good performance. Kara called him shocking and confusing and way over the top. Paula agreed. She said it’s like watching the olympics and Adam is Michael Phellps. Simon said he feels like he wants to win every week, and that’s a good thing. He said it was the best entrance of the year. I loved the entrance (does anyone else get anxiety people will trip and fall down all of those stairs?). Overall, it was a very entertaining performance. Adam will be there at the end!

Side note: Jamie was HILARIOUS! His comments seemed so out of place and semi-inappropriate. Overall, I got a kick out of him!

Stay tuned: I am uploading pictures and a story will follow about my encounter with SCOTT MCINTYRE! Meet him at the Phoenix airport last week and went over some idol gossip and news.

Posted under Uncategorized

  After Simon and the crew saved Matt last week, that meant it was time for two to go home this week.  It came down to Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai. 

  That’s just about how I thought it would play out.  After the performance show, I thought Lil and either Anoop or Matt would get the boot.  Not neccessarily as a direct result of their performance, but at this point in the competition, it is pretty clear who the bottom three were.

  I was so disappointed in Lil, she was one of the top candidates during the tryouts and she just fell apart. Even the fact that she changed her hair. She seemed like she had her own thing going on and completely disappeared!
  

  Anoop-dog turned out to be a really good singer and yes, he probably will end up being a doctor! He had a nice voice, but definitely shouldn’t have won!
 

  I thought Matt was sort of lucky, but it’s just a matter of time. Once he’s gone, things will get interesting!
  

  I can’t believe Allison was in the bottom three again! I don’t think she has the personality and people must not be able to connect, because she has an amazing voice! I actually liked her song she sang.
 

  I liked Kris Allen’s song as well. Very original. I don’t think he will win, but he is ready to put out his own album.
 

  Danny Gokey has also faded for me. Thought he was amazing at first, but now it’s just the same thing. He has a great voice, but no creativity.
  

  And…yes… Adam Lambert is by far, hands down, no doubt… the best! I’m still not really a fan of all the screaming, but he has the ability to make every song he sings his.
  I’m pretty sure that, like him or not, everyone has to be thinking Adam will win!!  Can’t wait to see what Adam brings next week!

PS- Colleen had another run-in with a former Idol contestant.  I’ll let her tell you all about it, but somehow that girl is a magnet for American Idols! 

Posted under Uncategorized