First post-split photo of Jennifer Lopez

Lady Gaga Performing "The Edge of Glory" on American Idol Finale

Haley Reinhart falls on stage on American Idol

American Idol: Who Went Home?

It's JAMES DURBIN!!!

Kelly Clarkson Performs Live on American Idol The Results Tonight

Simon Cowell Talks X Factor US on Good Day LA (and maybe lets it slip Cheryl is a judge)

David Cook Covers Adele

New US X Factor Promo - Have You Got It?

New 'American Idol' Promo w/ JLO, Steven Tyler, & Randy

New promo for American Idol's 10th season featuring new judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, and Randy Jackson.

Sarah Palin calls 'American Idol' contestants 'talent deprived'

Sarah Palin’s latest book, America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag won’t be released until next Thursday, but fightin’ words from it have already leaked, and her American heart does not reflect fondly on the likes of Lee DeWyze.

“Did you ever wonder where the producers of American Idol come up with the seemingly endless supply of people who can’t sing but are deluded enough to get in front of a national television audience and screech out a song anyway?” Palin asks, according to a report on MTV.com.

Contestants on reality talent shows like Idol, she says, are victims of “the cult of self-esteem. No one they have encountered in their lives—from their parents to their teachers to their president—wanted them to feel bad by hearing the truth.”



Simon, however, gets a pass: “Cowell can be a little harsh at times, but he upholds the highest standards and something in us recognizes and responds to that,” she writes. “Unfortunately Cowell is almost alone in his willingness to tell hard truths.”

Without hard-truth tellers like him, she writes, “a growing chorus of voices is trying to convince our kids that hard work isn’t necessary anymore.”

Source: EW

Jennifer Lopez: Don't Sing My Songs

Jennifer Lopez found it “entertaining” when people at the recent Los Angeles auditions performed their versions of her hits, but she's advised hopefuls to try a different approach.

"It was cute, super entertaining and flattering, but no," she said. "I think everyone tried to be as honest as they can without breaking anyone’s spirits. They know we're not out to cut them down or make a joke of them. We're trying to mentor them to the next step."

Although some hopefuls have failed to impress, Jennifer admitted she is excited about the talent so far this season.

“We’ve put a bunch of people through — probably more than they have in the past," she said. "We have about 15-20 real superstars, people who could be recording artists.



Source: Zimbio

Lee De Wyze Spotted at Katsuya

Lee De Wyz Wishes Charlie Sheen well!!!

Official: Jennifer Lopez Finalizes 1-Year, $12 Million 'Idol' Deal

It's finally official: Jennifer Lopez will be one of the 'American Idol''s judges starting this season.
The singer signed a $12 million deal to join Randy Jackson and Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler at the judges' table after Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres left the show and Kara DioGuardi was fired.
People.Com and The New York Post report Jennifer Lopez has signed on for that sum to plug holes that keep springing on that judge's panel. Simon Cowell -- for many the voice of reason -- bailed in May during the lackluster Season 9 finale that saw Lee DeWyze crowned the ninth (and least) Idol. Cowell plans an American version of his British hit show X Factor for the 2011 fall season. Shortly after Cowell left, Ellen DeGeneres, who never worked out well as a judge because she'd parrot Randy Jackson's opinion, announced she was leaving the show.




SOURCE

Looks like Jennifer Lopez is not out of the picture yet!

Jennifer Lopez Agrees to $12M 'Idol' Contract

Jennifer Lopez looks like she'll be spending the next few months as an American Idol judge after all! It's been reported that J.Lo agreed to a $12 million deal to be on the show, following the departures of Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi.



It has been claimed by Deadline.com that Lopez was asking for $15 million to star on the series plus a guaranteed motion picture deal and a number of TV pilots from the companies which produce American Idol - Fox, Fremantle, and 19 Entertainment.

However, her demands for a film and TV programs were refused. An insider said: “She was angling for an overall deal at Fox, including a put picture, to keep her movie career going. But Fox said no."

Lopez’s manager Benny Medina arranged a meeting between the "Jenny From the Block" singer and producers in June and she accepted the judging role in July. She was also allegedly approached by Cowell to be a judge on the US version of his program The X Factor, which will air in autumn 2011 before committing to American Idol.

A source revealed: “I think it was just positioning. In the end, she didn't turn up her nose up at $12 million.”

The 41-year-old star – who was dropped by her record label Sony Music Epic Records last year – has also allegedly asked American Idol bosses to delay announcing the new judging line-up until later this month to coincide with the release of her new single, her first release on Island Def Jam.

source: zimbio

Kris Allen "The Truth" Official Music Video

Experts: Every Single American Idol Rumour Is True

You read that right. Fox bigshot Peter Rice says many reports about the future of American Idol are accurate.

What does that mean? Well, it means that Jennifer Lopez will probably be a judge this year. And it means that Kara DioGuardi probably won’t be a judge this year. It also means that Steven Tyler from Aerosmith will become a new judge, and that Aerosmith will re-record the show’s theme-tune and – to fit with Tyler’s diction – American Idol will be renamed Ammarricuh IdOWWW!, and that HD will be switched off for the duration of each episode so that Steven Tyler’s bizarre old lady face won’t cause America to burst into unstoppable fits of terror-sobs whenever it appears.

We may have made some of these things up. But, hey, since we’re reporting them, and all American Idol reports are accurate, they must be true. FOR THEY HAVE BEEN PROPHESISED.

So here’s what we think we know about this year’s American Idol so far: Ellen DeGeneres is gone and will probably be replaced by Jennifer Lopez, who is just like Ellen except heterosexual and unfunny. Kara DioGuardi is probably leaving and will probably be replaced by Jessica Simpson, who is just like Kara except blonder and marginally less clever. And Simon Cowell’s absence will probably be replaced by Steven Tyler, who would look identical to Simon if Simon was nine million years old, female and lived inside an industrial sandblaster.

And Randy Jackson will still be there, shouting the word ‘dog’ to nobody in particular like a confused toddler.

How do we know all this? Simple – it’s because Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice has indicated that many of the reports about American Idol’s future are basically true. MTV reports:

Rice said he couldn’t provide an update on the ongoing negotiations, except to say that “no one has signed a deal on either side of the camera who wasn’t on the show last year.” As for the Lopez, DioGuardi and Tyler whispers, he offered cryptically, “much of the information that has been written is accurate,” but added that some of the reports have also been “widely inaccurate.”

But however true these reports are, it’s important that American Idol hurries up and sorts out its judging crisis as quickly as possible. Because only then can the show get down to what it’s good at – advertising Ford and Coca-Cola with such ferocity that you fear you’ll be visited by a pack of goons and set upon if you don’t go out and buy a Ford or some Coca-Cola THIS INSTANT.

Oh, and singing. But mainly the Ford and Coca-Cola thing.

SOURCE

Crystal Bowersox talks about Ellen's departure

Ellen DeGeneres has already received plenty of kind words from both Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest following her departure from "American Idol" -- now, the reigning runner-up is also voicing her support.

In a statement to MTV News, Crystal Bowersox had plenty of kind things to say about her experiences with the comedian / talk show host:

"Ellen is an amazing and kind human being, and I respect her and her decision to leave 'American Idol'. She brought a smile to the show and so much more, and I am very happy to have been a part of her time there. I wish nothing but the best for her, and also to 'American Idol'."

Ellen has cited her distaste in handing out negative criticism -- along with a busy schedule -- as the primary reasons for her departure from "Idol". Both Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are reportedly jumping on board to fill a panel along with longtime show staple in Randy Jackson.

TV Rumor: Kara DioGuardi Out as 'American Idol' Judge

It looks as if "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi's seat at the judges' table is in jeopardy. Nigel Lythgoe is in talks to return as executive producer next season, and there may be only three judges at the table. Word on the street is that Lythgoe will take one of the seats himself, with the other two going to Randy Jackson and Ellen DeGeneres.

Lythgoe left "Idol" in 2008 to focus on "So You Think You Can Dance." In April, he told the press he thought "Idol" had become too much about the judges and not enough about the music, which prompted rumors that all the judges would be replaced by less famous names if Lythgoe returned.

Ellen DeGeneres, however, has a multiyear contract, and Randy Jackson is signed with "Idol" through 2011. DioGuardi was the only one who had a year-to-year contract with the show, and as of yet, she hasn't signed one for this season. However, in late July, DioGuardi said she was "ready to find new talent and great talent" on the upcoming season of "Idol," which will be its 10th.

DioGuardi may not get the chance to do so. If there are four judges, and Lythgoe does return, show creator Simon Fuller may want a bigger name in the fourth judge's seat. Names being thrown around include Justin Timberlake, Elton John and Bret Michaels.

A Latin Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and record producer, DioGuardi joined "Idol" in 2008 as a fourth judge. She's currently also Executive Vice President of Talent Development at Warner Bros. Records.

Nigel Lythgoe wants Justin Timberlake and Elton John as new judges!

Big changes are in store for season 10 of "American Idol." You already knew that the age limit has been dropped to 15 and that the #1 show on TV will be setting sail in January without signature judge Simon Cowell for the first time in its history. Now comes news from the Hollywood Reporter that after two years away, former executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is close to signing a deal to return to the show. And that's just one of the shakeups being considered by producer Simon Fuller and Fox.

THR also reports that Fuller is adding to the list of new judge candidates — a list that includes singers Chris Isaak and Harry Connick Jr. Justin Timberlake and pop icon Elton John are now on his wish list. And given Lythgoe's experience as the resident British judge on "So You Think You Can Dance," it's also possible that he could step up to the job himself.

Lythgoe left "Idol" after season seven, and as ratings have slipped and albums by winners Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze have failed to connect with as many fans as previous top finishers, Lythgoe has gone on record criticizing the judging and talent on the show. In April, Lythgoe said that if he were in charge of the show again, he would do a wholesale replacement of the judges' panel, which now includes one original member, musician/producer Randy Jackson, along with newbies Kara DioGuardi and talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres, whose debut season last year met with mixed results. Among the names he mentioned on his short list: Elton John, Usher and former judge Paula Abdul.

Witty British musical legend John has reportedly been on Lythgoe's radar for some time, but coming to financial terms with the "Rocket Man" has apparently proven difficult, likely because of the significant income the singer still generates by touring, a portion of which he would presumably have to give up to work on the show.

The Reporter noted, though, that before such a major change could be undertaken, Fox would need to sign multiple new judges relatively quickly. Unnamed sources said Jackson, who has one year left on his contract, is likely to survive any shakeup and that tossing DeGeneres after one season would be difficult because she has a multiyear deal with Fox. DioGuardi, however, might be easier to cut loose, as she has a one-year-at-a-time deal that has not yet been renewed.

Allison Iraheta on the cover of Latina Magazine:

Allison Iraheta goes old school glamorous in this new shot from the May 2010 issue of Latina magazine. The 18-year-old singer-songwriter opened up about life after American Idol to the mag. She shared, “I don’t have to step onto a stage and get judge every week. Now I get to do my own songs and talk to my fans. There are all these girls writing my on Twitter, a lot of them in Spanish, saying that the love songs like ‘Scars’ because they can totally relate to what I’m singing about. Things are really good right now.”

Good pal Adam Lambert says of his friend, “She’s so freaking talented, I know it’s going to happen. The first time I heard her album, I was in a car with the windows down and I was just dancing and rocking out to it. It’s going to take some time but she’ll get there.”

Alison added on how she wants to be remembered, saying, “I don’t want people to see me and immediately think, ‘Oh, that’s the girl with the red hair who was on American Idol. I want them to say, ‘That’s Allison Iraheta. She’s a great artist who makes real music and has something to say — and she rocks.”