When Katy Perry serves as a guest judge on American Idol, she could turn out to be an ally for Simon Cowell.  Apparently, the singer feels that it’s more important to be honest with contestants than to spare their feelings. 
She said: "I might become a little bit of a buddy with Simon because whenever I watch that show, as much as he’s an asshole, he’s a very truthful, honest a**hole. I don’t want to break their hearts, but how many of us know that one person that has been trying and trying, and doing karaoke and little gigs here …read more

So far, we know that Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige and now Shania Twain have been tapped as guest judges on American Idol and my first question is – what do you think?  I have to say that I don’t really understand why they need the guest judges at all.

Here’s the thing – American Idol started as a three-judge show and now, since Paula Abdul quit, it’s back to being a three-judge show.  If they weren’t willing to fight to keep Paula, why do they need to find a stand-in?  Is it because they are worried that a panel comprised …read more

I’m so sad about this bit of news!  Do you remember Alexis Cohen?  She tried out twice for the show and the first time, her potty-mouthed tirade became legendary after the judges failed to put her through (Simon Cowell even told her that she looked like Willem Dafoe).  They went so far as to call her “scariest woman in Philadelphia" but I actually kinda liked her rendition of “Somebody to Love.”  She said that she was studying to be a vet and was living in a studio apartment with her mom, two cats and a dog.   

She came back for …read more

The lights have only begun to dim on the eighth season of American Idol but, already, they have announced part of the audition schedule and it begins this month!  Can you believe that!?  
Since the auditions are coming up so soon, shouldn’t they have already ironed out a deal with Kara DioGuardi, if they are keeping her?  Isn’t Paula Abdul’s contract also up for negotiation?  I love the fact that this is happening already because the rumors will get put to rest – either people are leaving the show or they have been offered a contract. 
Will you be trying …read more

Honestly, I’ve been busy and now I’m a bit under the weather but I can’t hold my tongue any longer – what is wrong with this current season of American Idol?  Not only have I sat on my couch, shocked by what I’ve been seeing but I’m also getting angry emails from readers (I’ve even had one person ask me to email them when things improve).  So what gives? 
I know the producers are trying to bring a little freshness to the show by adding a new judge (Kara DioGuardi) and revising the Top 36 process but I think something …read more

Yesterday night our lovely American Idol judges announced our top 36 contestants for season 8 and hopeful Joanna Pacitti was one of them. Unfortunately for her, they have decided to take back their decision and have instead given the spot to contestant Felicia Barton.

The reason Joanna was disqualified was due to an already extensive music career. FOX put out a press release saying, “It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition. ‘American Idol’ contestant Felicia Barton has replaced Ms. Pacitti as part of the Top 36.”
According to her Wikipedia and IMDB page (yeah, that’s …read more

We saw the fourth day of Hollywood Week tonight on American Idol and, except for a couple things, I wasn’t really surprised.  What did you think? With 72 contestants competing to be among this year’s finalists, it was good to see some people taking risks.  The Idol hopefuls were allowed to use instruments during their performance (most didn’t).  As usual, the performers were split into four rooms after another day of auditions and, of course, you could see how nervous they all were.
I had a good laugh when Tatiana Del Toro, one of the most emotional contestants I’ve ever seen …read more

American Idol featured the second part of the Hollywood Round and it was an emotional episode.
Inside the auditorium, 107 contestants wait nervously for what comes next.  They must take the stage as a group which means that they not only have to pick the right people, they need to be able to be flexible enough to work as a team.  Some groups definitely look more promising than others.
There was some major drama with Katrina Darrell (a.k.a. Bikini Girl).  She appeared to quit the group and even refused to get out of bed on the morning of the audition but …read more

There were 147 contestants brought to Hollywood and they were treated to the first-ever Idol Bootcamp where they received advice about their hair, clothing and, of course, their voices.  Barry Manilow showed up as a surprise mentor.Dennis Brigham and Lil Rounds from Kansas were among the first group.  Lil sang “I Will Always Love You” and got a standing ovation.  Dennis sang “For Once in my Life” and they didn’t think it was good (it wasn’t). 
Asia, Alexander and Lil were kept from the first group.  Dennis did not go home without an argument.  He even told Simon that he …read more

American Idol showcased auditions from both New York City and San Juan, Puerto Rico.  It was a crazy episode!  What did you think? 
Adeola Adegokie (age 18 from New York) gave up her job to audition for American Idol.  She chose to sing “And I Am Telling You” and I was actually sad for her.  During this recession, she is now unemployed and really doesn’t have singing talent.  Simon chose to call her boss to ask for her job back (she got her job back!).  What a sweetie!
Jorge Nunez (age 20 from Puerto Rico) was actually quite good!!!!  He sang …read more