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 and there at, like, an open mic. And nobody has told them they can’t sing in pitch—for, like, 15 years," Perry said. "You’re like, ‘Somebody needs to say something’ and unfortunately, I might be that gal to tell you the truth."

Katy will be sitting in on the panel during the Los Angeles auditions.  Check out the video of her talking about it below (she also touches briefly on the death of DJ AM):

Post from: Idol Stalker

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

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 of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi is going to be dull?  If they aren’t, they should be because I’m not particularly excited by it.

People love Paula Abdul, especially those who are auditioning.  There have been times when she has swayed the vote and given someone a chance when Simon was too harsh.  She was weird and quirky but usually polite about having the occasional laugh and I will miss her.

Victoria Beckham has some experience.  Yes, she was part of the huge group, the Spice Girls, but that certainly doesn’t make her qualified to judge others.  She was the worst singer in the group (sorry) and the worst dancer.  I know she’s been able to generate a lot of buzz for herself but I do believe that a good part of that is due to the fact that she married one of the world’s most popular (and attractive!) soccer/football players, David Beckham.

Mary J. Blige is an amazing artist.  She brings a soul and depth to her music that I really admire.  She did struggle, however, with live performances until very recently but I can’t tear Mary down.  She’s got some real experience in the business (not gimmicky like Victoria) and I think that she’s kind-hearted but honest enough to do a good job.  I still don’t see the necessity of bringing her on.

Now let’s get to Shania Twain.  I live in Canada and I love her but why in the world was she chosen?  I’m sure that there are far better choices out there.  She’s not all that relevant right now and I’m not even sure that half of the viewers will have even heard of her.  Yes, I know she has some big hits and yes I realize that she has a lot of fans but is she a superstar?  No.

I’m not saying you need to be a superstar to be a judge either but I’m just asking why guest judges are being added at all if we’re not talking about huge household names.  Would I tune in to see Kanye West deliver some tough love?  Absolutely.  Heck, I’d even listen to feedback from Lady GaGa – um, okay I take that back.  It would be interesting and it would bring in some ratings, for sure, but I can’t go there.

So, tell me what you think!  Do you see the importance of guest judges?  Don’t hate on me if you do, I’m just voicing my opinion and I’d love to hear yours.

Post from: Idol Stalker

She came back for the Season 8 auditions and was a lot calmer and refined.  I was really shocked at her transformation!  She sang “Like a Prayer” and, again, I didn’t find her that bad but Simon said she was “fairly horrendous.”  She replied by giving him the finger and calling him an a**hole.

The very sad and tragic news is that Alexis has been found dead.  The Allentown Call said that she was discovered lying “outside around 4 a.m. by two passersby who called 911.  She was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, N.J., where she was pronounced dead around 6:35 a.m.”  They believe that the 25-year-old was the victim of a hit-and-run. 

Post from: Idol Stalker

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 out or going to any of the locations to check out the talent (or lack thereof)?  I’d love to hear from you!

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: FOX

Post from: Idol Stalker

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 else is going on.  How else can you explain some of the contestants who have made it this far?

Let’s talk about Tatiana Del Toro.  I won’t deny that she’s got a decent voice (decent, not great!) but all that we’ve seen of her is really unlikeable.  Whether she was crying, praying or begging, she was almost unbearable to watch during the audition process.  Last night, her subdued behavior was even stranger.  I keep forgetting that this is a 24-year-old woman because she acts like she’s still in high school.  I don’t get it and, what’s more, I don’t want to get it. 

Then there’s Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle.  SERIOUSLY!?  Again, don’t get me wrong.  I like the guy and I even found him amusing during his audition and Hollywood Week but to make it to the Top 36 when Jamar Rogers was cut?  On what planet does that make any kind of sense?

And what was going on with the band and backup singers during last night’s performances?  They really messed up for some people (like Stephen Fowler).  How is that fair?

What do you think?  Are you liking this season?  If not, tell me what you are hating.

images © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX

Post from: Idol Stalker

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 right), Joanna had been signed to A&M records and has given her voice talents on soundtracks for movies such as Legally Blonde and Bratz. She also appeared in an episode of What I Like About You playing Amber, a singer.

Additionally, she had a single that hit radio waves in 2006 called “Let It Slide.” Britney Spears covered her song “Out From Under” which Pacitti sang for the Bratz soundtrack. Britney used it on her most recent album, Circus.

By the way, the photo of Joanna on the right is from when she was invited to the People’s Choice Awards in 2007.

Yeah, I think it’s safe to say she had a bit more of an advantage over the other contestants. Should Joanna have been sent home?

*Written by Lauren Croteau

Post from: Idol Stalker

I had a good laugh when Tatiana Del Toro, one of the most emotional contestants I’ve ever seen on the show (okay, she’s THE most emotional and high-strung person I’ve seen make it this far on the show) was taken from one room and moved to another – when she got to the new room, those people got A LOT more nervous since her behavior makes it hard to tell if the judges like her or not.

Of the groups, only those in Room 3 were eliminated and they included Michael Castro, India Morrison, Kaylan Lloyd, Leneshe Young, Lacey Brown and Ryan Johnson.  I have to admit that I was surprised to see Leneshe eliminated.  I thought her rendition of Sara Bareille’s “Love Song” was actually quite good.  Too bad.

I was glad to see a few of my favorites stick around most notably Anoop Desai (who sang “My Prerogative” which seems like an odd song choice), Lil Rounds (“If I Ain’t Got You”) and Michael Sarver (although, his performance of “All or Nothing” was a bit weak).  I hope they make it to the finals!

Who were your favorites of the night?

images © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: FOX

Post from: Idol Stalker

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 she showed up last-minute and her teammates promptly rose from the table and left her sitting alone.  Wow.  She should have never been put through in the first place.

The judges showed up and announced that “if you forget the words, you’re out.”  Kind of harsh.  What if almost everyone were to forget the lyrics?

Group 1: India, Justin, Chris and Matt.  They sang “I Want You Back” and it was pretty good.  They did a little beatboxing and gave it a fresh, hip spin.  They were all put through to the next round. 

Group 2: Maryn, Austin, J.B., Shelby, Julissa and Nick sang “Get Ready” and they all forgot the words but only the guys got put through.  *not sure about this grouping on this one…

Group 3: Alex, Ryan, Anne Marie and Emily sang “Don’t Stop” and it was almost good.  Emily totally forgot the words.  Alex and Anne Marie made it through to the next round.  Ryan said that he saw an evil in Paula’s eyes that he didn’t know was there – ha ha!

Group 4: Danny, Jamar, Taylor and (?) sang “Somebody to Love” a cappella and it was really, really great.  It was fantastic and the judges loved it.

The stylings of Jeremy, Adam, Matt, Jessica (different groups) were displayed and they all got great news.  I love Jeremy Michael Sarver. 

Group 5: Rose, Katrina, Lauren and Jasmine performed and I was so sad that Rose let the drama in her group get to her.  The only person to make it through to the next round was Jasmine (she was incredible!).

They sent David Osmond home!   Wow!

Group 6: Tatiana, Muna, Kailynn and (?) sang “I Want You Back” and they were all put through to the next round.

Group 7: Nathaniel, Nancy and Kristin sang “Mercy” and Nathaniel and Kristin made it through to the next round.  Nancy was sent home and she was positively crushed.

image © FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker

Post from: Idol Stalker

Asia, Alexander and Lil were kept from the first group.  Dennis did not go home without an argument.  He even told Simon that he wore very, very cheap pants for a man with so much money.  Wow!!!

Nathaniel Marshall did a great job.  I was touched.  The judges didn’t like his song choice.  Anoop, of course, was great.  He’s one of my favorites.  Jasmine Murray did a good job. 

Rose Flack broke down during rehearsals the day before and looked extremely nervous before her audition. 

The entire second group was put through to the next round.

Steven Fowler sang a Stevie Wonder song and it was PHENOMENAL.

Jorge Nunez has an amazing voice.  He reminds me of Clay Aiken sometimes, to be perfectly honest.

Von Smith was yet another great male performer but Simon just ripped him to shreds.

Still they all managed to make it through!  I’m so happy!

Bad song choices cost a lot of potential contestants their chance to remain in Hollywood which, of course, is always sad. 

Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle seemed a little stressed about his audition but he chose to come out as Norman and sang “And I Am Telling you.”  I don’t think he should have come out as his alter ego, in my opinion.  The judges seemed perplexed by him as well but he actually got put through to the next round along with Frankie Jordan.

Jackie Tohn and it was an interesting audition.  I like that she’s so personable and unique so I’d like to see her in the finals.  She made it to the next round – it’s a start!

Jamar Rogers sang “California Dreaming” just like he did in his original audition.  I don’t normally like it when they do that but he did sing it well.  Danny Gokey sang “Kiss From a Rose” and I like him.  They both made it through to the next round.

Katrina Darrell (who you may remember as “Bikini Girl”) was back and kissing Ryan Seacrest again.  She chose to “Breathe” and she started well but I felt it went off at the end.  Kara and Paula heard what I heard but Simon and Randy actually liked her enough to put her through to the next round.

Jeremy Michael Sarver, one of my favorites, did a great job.  I love that guy!!!  WOOHOO!!! He got through to the next round!

Jesus Valenzuela sang “Lately” and he also did a good job but he didn’t make it through.

David Osmond, Erika Wesley and Emily Wynne-Hughes were up next and David sounded good, Erika was okay and Emily made the dumb mistake of changing her song last-minute on stage.  That rarely goes well.  Still, she and David made it through to the next round.  Erika did not take her rejection well and Paula revealed that she hadn’t voted against her. 

In all, 104 contestants made it through the first round.  Tomorrow, they break into groups.  They promise drama that we’ve never seen before!  We love drama!  Can’t wait for tomorrow night!

image © 2007 FOX BROADCASTING CR: FOX

Post from: Idol Stalker

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 “My Way” in Spanish and then performed “What a Wonderful World” and, while I didn’t exactly get what he had done with the arrangement, I agreed when they put him through to the next round.

Jessika Baier (age 20 from Michigan but auditioned in Puerto Rico) sang “I Surrender” By Celine Dion and I thought she was good (but not great).  I was surprised that Simon thought it was horrendous.  Paula said that it bordered on shrilling.  They didn’t put her through to Hollywood.

Melinda Camille (age 21 from Stratford, Connecticut but auditioned in NYC) said that she wants to use her voice to uplift humanity.  She also said that she wants to join a nudist colony.  She chose to sing “Feeling Good” and I loved it.  I like her a whole lot!

Jackie Tohn (age 27 from California but auditioned in New York) used to sing as a kid while her dad played the piano so she’s been involved with music most of her life.  She chose to sing “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz and her singing voice reminded me of a female Mr. Big (remember him?).  As Simon provided feedback, the window almost fell in on him!  Fortunately, he was unfazed and Jackie got four yesses! 

Joel Contreras (from Puerto Rico) was absolutely crazy.  He showed up as an iPod (see above) and started singing “Be With You” which is just insane since I just mentioned Mr. Big!!! Wow!  He just went on a weird rampage and it was definitely a “no” from all of the judges.  He went screaming from the building and then jumped into a pool.  Ha ha!

Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle (27 from Brookfield, CT but auditioned in NYC) came around the corner and Simon was clearly unhappy.  He sang “And I Am Telling You” and it was terrible.  He had some comical banter with Simon and then sang “Amazing Grace” and was positively shocking!  He was great and he was hilarious!  Wow.  Three judges put him through to the next round!!!!!  What a crazy turn of events!

Three yesses were featured: Ashley Hollister, Kenny Haufpupper and Kendall Beard.

Followed by several rejections: Nicole Laraway, Mark Granata and Michael Sconiers.

Monique Garcia Torres (age 16 from Puerto Rico) brought her adorable little brother with her into the audition room.  She sang “You Can’t Hurry Love” by the Supremes and “I Turn to You” by Christina Aguilera.  Paula and Simon put her through to the next round.

Alexis Cohen (age 24 from Philadelphia, PA but auditioned in New York) was back for another audition.  Remember her last year?  She was absolutely nuts!  This year, she looks a lot calmer and refined than the glittered rocker that showed up last season.  She chose to sing “Like a Prayer” by Madonna and it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting but Simon said it was fairly horrendous.  She replied by giving him the finger and calling him an a**hole.

Patricia Lewis Rohman (age 20 from Puerto Rico) auditioned at the site where her parents actually got married (isn’t that cool!?).  She sang “I Want to Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston.  She resembles and sounds like Beyonce to me.  The judges put her through to the next round!  I’m really interested to see how the Hollywood round goes for her!

image © 2007 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

Post from: Idol Stalker