Video: Haley Reinhart Screams Her Way Through MJ’s Earth Song And Then Leaves Us Speechless With Her Second Performance

For her first song on the May 11th American Idol, Haley Reinhart screamed her way through Michael Jackson‘s Earth Song and split the judges 2-1.

After I took out my earplugs, here is what I heard the judges say:

Jennifer Lopez: “I felt that song inspired you…Here’s where we are at the competition right now. James comes out and sets the bar. He does it with a great song and everyone is up on their feet. You have to think about that when you choose a song. That song has a beautiful message. No doubt. But I want you to be thinking about that when choosing a song: What everybody else is doing.”

Randy Jackson then pulled out his “Yo, listen!” phrase which he has barely used this season, so I knew it was gonna be bad news for Haley….”Yo, listen, just keeping it really real. Where we are at the competition is who wants to win this. Who is gonna take it home. The song does not suit you. I feel like you were screaming at the top of your range the same note at the end over and over again. My opinion is I didn’t like it. I felt like you were screaming.”

Steven Tyler interrupted: “Haley, don’t listen to them…They’re both wrong. That’s what you get from that. That song showed me that you can. You nailed it. You nailed the upper register. You pushed it to the top. The audience heard it. And America heard it. Don’t listen to them.”

Ya, Steven, I heard it. And I didn’t like it one bit. And I usually like Haley. How about you all? Did your ears hurt as much as mine or did I miss something? If you missed her performance, here is the video clip:

Instead of lying down and giving up, especially after Randy said Lauren, Scotty, and James had a three-way tie for first place tie after the first song, Haley came out angry and kicking but not screaming on her second song. And as she proved last week, when she sings angry she kicks ass.

Haley’s rendition of I Who Have Nothing by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller left me (and Casey Abrams in the studio audience) breathless. It was one of my favorite performances all season. THIS performance probably saved her from elimination this week. She should send a huge thank you basket of goodies for Lady Gaga for helping her bring out the theatrics in her performance.

Jennifer Lopez: “Look what you’re capable of. It was amazing. One of the best performances of the year.”
Randy Jackson: “Everybody needs a moment tonight. Baby you just had a moment right here that put you in it to win it. That was amazing. One of your best vocals ever.”
Steven Tyler: “I always knew it. It was a classic moment with classic Haley. You just Reinharted your way to middle of next week. That was beautiful.”

Photo Credit: Fox

American Idol 5/5 Live Results & Blogging

We were down to the Top 5 on American Idol at the beginning of the night on May 5.

Here is a LIVE RESULTS AND ELIMINATION SHOW RECAP BLOGGING (EASTERN US TIME):

SPOILER ALERT:

8:00 Dramatic recap video: “They had one night…and two chances…to win your vote…”
8:01 Judges intro. Tour Tickets on sale next Friday…60 Million Votes were cast – highest number for this season
8:03 Top 5 Group Number Happy Together
8:07 The Idols cook with Gordon Ramsey – Video
8:10 Commercial Break
8:15 Lady Antebellum performs new single, Just a Kiss
8:20 Commercial Break
8:25 Video Montage of Idols Talking About themselves
8:26 Ryan Secrest is dividing Idols in two different groups:
Left Side: James Durbin 
Right Side: Lauren Alaina 
8:29 Commercial and Jennifer Lopez to perform after
8:33 Gordon Ramsey is doing test tasting with Idols
8:37 J.LO is performing On The Floor
8:40 Commercial Break
8:44 Teaser of JLo’s next song, I’m Into You

8:46 IDOLS still divided in two groups:


Left Side: James Durbin, Haley Reinhart
Right Side: Lauren Alaina, Jacob Lusk

Scotty McCreery – SAFE!
Ryan Asked Scotty to go stand with group he thinks is “safe”. Scotty told Ryan, “Don’t do that to me man. I can’t do that.” Ryan then lead Scotty next to James and Haley and announced that ALL THREE ARE SAFE!
Lauren and Jacob are bottom two!
8:52 Commercial Break

8:56 JACOB LUSK VOTED OFF AND ELIMINATED! COME BACK TO SEE WHO WAS VOTED OFF, ELIMINATED AND SENT HOME!

Video: Haley Reinhart’s Star Rises & Is Named Best Performance Of The Night

Haley Reinhart nailed her performance of The House of the Rising Sun by The Animals.

This was Haley’s second song for the night and it was the kind of performance which can catapult a contestant to stardom on American Idol
Haley’s performance on May 2nd was so outstanding that Randy Jackson said, “The award tonight for the best performance of the night goes to Haley!”

This was a great come back for her after being less than stellar on her first song of the night, a rendition of the not-yet released You and I by Lady Gaga.

Watch it for yourself:

James Durbin Loses It On Stage – And Brings Us All To Tears

On Wednesday (5/4) night’s American Idol, James Durbin showed us that he is a rocker–but one with a soft, tender heart.

While listening to the lyrics of Without You as performed by Harry Nillson, tears rolled down James’ face and he simply broke down. He later said he is on the show to make a better life for his family and he gets extremely sad when his family comes to briefly visit him but has to leave to allow him to work on reaching his goal and dreams.

SEE MORE: WATCH JAMES’ RENDITION OF CLOSER TO THE EDGE

James was again moved to tears and overcame with emotion during his live performance. Here is what the judges had to say:

Randy Jackson: “As Steven and Jennifer will attest to, this is a mark of truly a great performer. I could feel your emotion as we started, as we were watching the package, and you thinking about your family and the journey that you’re on here and I tell you man, just fighting back through the emotions, for you to give a vocal like you gave, no, it wasn’t perfect, but it was emotionally perfect…I’m telling you right now, this competition is yours to lose.”

Steven Tyler:
“James man, when you sing as good as you do and you can let a song get the best of you. That’s crazy time, that’s a beautiful thing. That’s as beautiful as it gets. I loved that. Pitchy at times in a strange James Durbin kinda way. Your emotions were incredible.”

Jennifer Lopez: “That’s the thing with you. Everyone knows you can sing. You’re not just the guy that can wail right into the stratosphere. You have the heart and soul to back it up. You are an artist. You are a true true artist. He’s amazing you guys. Amazing.”

Video: Scotty McCreery Brings Crowd To Their Feet

Scotty McCreery gave my favorite performance of his this season on Wednesday (5/4) night’s American Idol.

His rendition of Gone by Mongomery Gentry brought the entire studio to their feet. Way to go Scotty!

Here is what the judges said:

Steven Tyler: “Scotty my man, you know [studio audience cheering loudly with a standing O] that’s what America thinks. Up until now, you’ve been a Puritan, but I swear to God I saw you dance with the devil tonight! And that’s a good thing for you. That was really beautiful. It showed a whole new side of you.”

Jennifer Lopez: “I lost it there for a second I was so excited. You just owned that stage. I heard some growling in there too. I liked it. That is some American Idol stuff right there. That’s it baby!”

Randy Jackson: “Steven Tyler, I don’t know about this dancing with the devil thing. I don’t want you to do that right now. I felt like we were sitting there concert Scotty. Who knew you could rock the stage like that. This guy is in it to win it too!”

Video: Lauren Alaina Lands Flat On Her Feet!

Lauren Alaina rocked the house on American Idol Wednesday (5/4) night with her performance of Flat on the Floor by Carrie Underwood.

Here is what the judges had to say:

Steven Tyler: “The way you sing, the way you found your niche, it’s as good as it gets. The sky is the limit. I think you’re it.”

Jennifer Lopez: “That’s what I like to see. That’s what we’ve been pushing for you. And you ate that up.”

Randy Jackson: “That is the direction for you! I love you showing this fun side, energetic side. I thought it was amazing! Lauren is in it y’all.”

Watch her performance below:

Video: James Durbin Edges Closer To The Idol Crown: Watch His Performance

On Wednesday (May 4) night’s American Idol, James Durbin performed like a seasoned musician once again. Not only did he impress the hell out of the judges during his performance of Closer to the Edge by 30 Seconds to Mars, he also had this week’s guest mentor, Sheryl Crow, swooning over him: “I got to sing with James, I can officially retire now!” WOAH, now, THAT’S a compliment.

Here is what the judges said:

Steven Tyler: “James man, I think you kicked that song’s ass. You know, the way you work that audience, you are ready for Freddie I think.”

SEE MORE: PHOTOS OF JARED LETO AND 30 SECONDS TO MARS

Jennifer Lopez: “We talked about who’s gonna come out here and grab it, you’ve been showing us that you want it. And I know America is feeling it. We are feeling it right here. Grab it. Take it. It’s yours to take James.”

Randy Jackson: “Now you’re showing us what kind of artist you are. James is in it to win it America. This guy wants it. He wants it Ryan! He wants it!”

Video: Yes, James Durbin, I Will Still You Love You Tomorrow!

VIDEO CLIP OF THE DAY.

I think I just found my personal next American Idol after watching James Durbin perform Carole King’s Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.

Every Idol top 10 contestant has been sooooo good this year, I haven’t been able to pinpoint my favorite. I liked them all equally.

Until tonight.

When Durbin stole my heart.

AND YES JAMES, I will definitely still love you tomorrow.

Steven Tyler did not disappoint: “That’s the first song I ever made out to a girl with…Oh ya, I was in a bowling alley and no, Randy, I did not strike out!”

J.Lo gushed like I did. “I thought from the begining it was magical, totally magical. You are gonna be the star of the night with that one. James has had a strong week every week. We talk about consistency and that’s what’s gonna win it.”

Randy Jackson went a step further: “Tonight you weren’t just a great rock singer. Tonight you proved you are a great singer. That was not only the performance of the night, this guy just might win the whole thing.” And with that said, Randy rushed the stage and hugged Durbin!

Watch Durbin’s magic for yourself!

Video: Casey Abrams Does The Hi De Ho

Casey Abrams fans – this one is for you!

Casey performed Carole King’s Hi De Ho on Wednesday night’s (April 28) American Idol.

Randy Jackson: “It feels like this song was written for you. It took me back to New Orleans.”

Steven Tyler: “You made my scalp itch it was so good.”

J-Lo: “I’d love to see you loosen up physically.”

Watch Casey’s brilliant performance for yourself:

Video: Casey Abrams Steals A Kiss Off Jennifer Lopez

Casey Abrams finished his performance Wednesday night on American Idol by kissing Jennifer Lopez on the cheek. Steven Tyler squirmed: “Casey! You did what I have been trying to do for four months!” Casey looked proud of himself and Jennifer said, “Casey is not playing fair…Casey got soft lips!”

Casey sang Maroon 5’s Harder to Breathe! And both him and Jennifer had a hard time breathing after that surprise kiss!

J.Lo said, “I Loved it! The performance! The performance! The performance was great. You brought all your Casey’isms to it. You took a pop song and took it all the way rock. It was really great.”

Randy Jackson wasn’t kissed but gushed over Casey anyway: “What I love about Casey is that it’s always surprise, surprise, surprise. I enjoyed it….I loved that you came here and kissed[ J.Lo.]. Amazing job. Keep taking chances, I love it. I can’t wait to see what you do every time.”

Steven Tyler forgot Idol is a family show and called Casey a “cult hero” and said there are “millions of people in America that are really angry because you piss them off you’re so fucking good. You’ve changed so many fucking people’s minds. You’re that kind of artist. I gotta tell you, I love you man.” Of course the F bombs were muted by Fox, but you could read Steven’s lips clear as day. Funny thing, Steven did not even realize what he had done, until Randy told him. “Darn good!” corrected Randy.  Me: I LOVE YOU STEVEN!

Watch Casey perform and kiss the most beautiful woman in the world: