Nigel Lythgoe Joins American Idol Again

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Parisa Michelle

BREAKING NEWS.

Ryan Seacrest just posted the following on Facebook:

“Looks like Nigel Lythgoe is coming back to American Idol. Hit u with the latest tomorrow early…gnite”

Reps from Idol confirmed to USA Today that Lythgoe, who left Idol in 2008 to focus on So You Think You Can Dance as an executive producer and judge, will be back on Idol for the upcoming season. Lythgoe has reportedly signed a two-year contract to revitalize the show alongside creator Simon Fuller and executive producers Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick.

Idol Auditions Continue With Only Ryan Seacrest And No Judges [Video]

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Parisa Michelle

Even Ryan Seacrest has no idea who will be on the American Idol judging panel come Season 10 but says the judges will be in panel by mid-September.

A few days ago, we reported the rumor buzz that Kara DioGuardi has been fired by the show’s producers. If that rumor is in fact true, this would leave Randy Jackson as the only Idol judge possibly returning next year, leaving 2-3 seats yet to be filled by new judges depending on whether Idol continues with a 3 or 4-judge panel.

Since auditions for Season 10 have already started, we also voiced the question: Who the heck is judging the early round of auditions? Well, Ryan answers that question in the video below taken from auditions held yesterday in New Jersey.

In the video, one reporter asked another questions which many of us want answered: “How will Idol replace the distinct personality Simon Cowell brought to the show.

Seacrest is seen responding: “You can’t replace it. You just go in a different direction.”

Kara DioGuardi Fired, DeGeneres Quit, JLo and Steven Tyler Hired?

Posted on July 30, 2010 by Parisa Michelle

American Idol is giving me whiplash. Season 10 auditions have already started despite the fact that we still don’t know who is coming back as a judge next year.

Ryan Seacrest has two years left on his contract as host and is the only one shown on videos of Season 10 auditions. But who in the world is doing the judging?

Out of the four judges from last year, we have this scenario as of today:

Simon Cowell left in May.

Ellen DeGeneres quit Thursday.

And now, TMZ reports that Kara DioGuardi has been fired.

TMZ and a few other sources who are all quoting The Insider report that Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez have both signed on as brand new judges on American Idol.

That would leave Randy Jackson who so far seems to have survived the judges’ panel shakeup that Fox had promised earlier this week.

I don’t know if the Kara, J Lo, Tyler rumors are true, but, someone please buy me a neck brace either way because I can’t take all of this jerking around. I tell you though, if J Lo and Steven Tyler in fact appear on the judging panel once all the rumor dust settles, I will be the first to crown Fox and Idol executives with the “Best Save” award of the decade for having raised the fast-sinking Titanic!

Brilliant moves.

But they kept Randy?

Katelyn Epperly Of American Idol Performs At The Grove [Video] EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Parisa Michelle

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW.

Katelyn Epperly was just ever-so-slightly edged out of American Idol‘s Top 12 last season by some much less talented singers. Oh, what could have possibly been had she not been shockingly ousted some four months ago on March 11.

We will never know how far she could have eventually gone had she secured one of the all-important Top 12 spots for herself. Perhaps her voice could have helped avoid some of the dull drab associated with Season 9 after her and other notable early ousters.

I recently caught up with the extremely poised and beautiful 20-year old singer, songwriter and pianist when she performed at The Grove; Katelyn’s first show in Los Angeles since her run on Idol ended.

Ironically, The Grove is adjacent to the studios from where Idol is broadcast. That proximity did not seem to phase Katelyn as she gave one moving vocal performance after another, to an audience which continued to grow in size as Katelyn sang on.

I will let Katelyn herself tell you what she has been up to since her Idol days in this video interview:

You can keep track of her shows by following her on Twitter: @iamK_Epperly. Meanwhile, enjoy these videos; they are the songs she performed at The Grove July 18, 2010.

American Idol Auditions For Season 10 Begin [Video]

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Parisa Michelle

VIDEO CLIP OF THE DAY.

And just like that, auditions for Season 10 of American Idol have begun!

Second stop on the American Idol auditions, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Simon Cowell’s empty judge’s seat has not yet been filled, though rumors narrow the search down to Chris Isaak, Harry Connick, Jr., and Donald Trump. Yes, The Donald. Sadly, Bret Michaels no longer seems to be in the running, though, one just never knows when it comes to Hollywood.

This makes me wonder how they can start the auditions when they don’t yet have all the judges in place. But, I guess the show must go on.

In the video below, Ryan Seacrest runs us through some of the behind the scenes of what the auditions in Milwaukee look like. I admit, I am getting a bit excited again for Idol’s return. I didn’t think that could ever happen with the lackluster talent of last season and with Cowell’s departure since. But I think I forgot how much of an Idol nerd I really am. I am sure I will be the last one left standing in the fan pit as they one day turn out the lights on my favorite show.

The remaining American Idol auditions will be held as follows:

CITY	DATE	VENUE
New Orleans, LA	Monday, July 26	New Orleans Arena
East Rutherford, NJ	Tuesday, Aug. 3	IZOD Center
Austin, TX	Wednesday, Aug. 11	Frank Erwin Center
San Francisco, CA	Thursday, Aug. 19	AT&T Park

Ryan Seacrest Talks Julianne Hough And Larry King Live [Video]

Posted on July 16, 2010 by Parisa Michelle

This is why I love Ryan Seacrest.

Upon arriving at LAX after a vacation with girlfriend Julianne Hough, Ryan takes time to meet fans and answer questions regarding Julianne, Larry King Live, and American Idol.

He continues to take pictures with fans despite his car waiting to take him home or probably to work since he is entertainment‘s hardest workaholic.

Glad you are well rested Mr. Seacrest. You’re going to have to carry Idol this year! And I think you will be great.

American Idol Cancels Tour Dates

Posted on July 7, 2010 by Parisa Michelle

Oh Boy. The end is near. At least all of the signs are pointing that way.

First, American Idol negligently messed with a proven formula and hired ice-cold Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge for a seat on the much sought-after judge’s panel. Kara was never able to gain fan approval and the situation became even worse when Idol let Paula Abdul walk by refusing to meet her contract demands, but curiously kept Kara for a second season.

If all of that wasn’t bad enough, the judges assembled the least-talented bunch of Idol hopefuls for Season 9. Before the ratings even started to slip as a result of mediocre talent and lack of chemistry between the judges, the ever-astute Simon Cowell saw the writing on the wall and announced at the start of Season 9 that he was abandoning ship, leaving the future of American Idol in a state of disarray.

As if all that isn’t enough bad news for American Idol, there was even more bad news released about the Idol camp today. What do Portland (OR), Omaha, Kansas City, Winnipeg, Toronto, Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Portland (ME) have in common? Well, until today, these were all cities on the American Idol Tour which now have been quietly nixed off of the slated tour schedule.

And other cities’ dates have been rescheduled so the run period of the tour is shortened even more. Although no reason has been given for why the Idol Tour has been truncated, CelebMagnet saw the writing on the wall back in June when Ryan Seacrest announced a temporary drop in price of Tour tickets to $20. We could tell then that the reason for a drop in ticket prices was not a mere special promotion as Ryan mentioned, but more likely an attempt to boost lackluster ticket sales. I guess that price drop did not help as hoped.

For the sake of American Idol, I hope they make the right changes for season 10, or else, my and possibly your favorite show may very well be facing TV extinction land after next season.

Buy American Idol Tour Tickets for $20

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Parisa Michelle

WOW…How badly is the American Idol Tour doing? Ryan Seacrest just announced that for the next 24 hours, you can buy concert tickets to any Idol Tour show for only $20. Here is the link if you’re interested! Just look for the special Live Nation/Ryan Seacrest Special Offers box on the top right once you pick your venue.

Let CelebMagnet know how you like the show.

Adam Lambert Is Not A Diva – He Did Not Bail On American Idol Finale

Posted on May 27, 2010 by Parisa Michelle

BREAKING STORY.

A nasty rumor circulated today about my favorite Glambert…Various news sources reported that Adam Lambert failed to show up for rehearsals today for the American Idol finale without notice or explanation. The rumor also alleged that the producers decided to cut Adam out of the show out of spite and had to scramble last minute on a way to re-work the show’s line up.

Later on in the day, news sources continued on and stated that the reason Adam missed rehearsals was due to doctors’ orders for bed rest. I did not report on this “story” earlier because it did not sound like Adam who has always given 100% of himself to his art and profession and truth be told, rumors should not be circulated until they turn into facts. Adam Lambert himself has just this minute spoken via Twitter. He says he has been in rehearsals all day for his upcoming tour and had not heard the rumors until now. What happened? This is Adam’s version, and I believe him:

HAHA. I have now just been made aware of more gossip and rumormill: First of all, i was never asked to appear on the finale in any capacity. 2nd: I DID come down w a throat bug most likely caught on my flight back from this past weekends’ concert in Boston.
Was put on vocal rest yesterday from MY show’s rehearsals which doubled the work 2 do 2day since all equip. had 2 be sent back east tonight
Sad that Im forced to defend myself bout situation no one pointing fingers knew any factual details about. Im working so hard on this tour!!
All i ever heard was:”you’ve not been asked to perform on finale.Would you like to sit in the audience?” Me:sorry-Too much work to do today.
Sick of certain journalists and jealous people in the industry trying to stir up bullshit drama. Must not be getting laid. GET A LIFE! HAHA
Im blessed 2 be so busy & thrilled to take my nearly SOLD OUT tour on the road promoting love, diversity, peace, bravery & pride.Oh n’ GLAM
🙂 and thanks for your words of support true fans! 🙂 Dont worry, i just had to get it off my chest (publically) Im totally over it now. 🙂

UPDATE 6/10: FOR A THANK YOU TO ADAM FANS! CLICK HERE!

Congrats Lee DeWyze On The American Idol Season 9 Crown