Archive: "American Idol"
'American Idol': Sayonara, Syesha
While Lisa de Moraes is watching the television networks unveil their new season schedules in New York, Designated "American Idol" Pinch-Blogger Teresa Wiltz gives a play-by-play of this week's results show. Another season of "American Idol" rapidly approaches its denouement. Scratch the rapidly. Watching the penultimate results show is the...
By Teresa Wiltz | May 15, 2008; 06:11 AM ET | Comments (60)
"American Idol": Perfectly Dread-ful
Never in this season of "American Idol" has it been so clear who should get the old heave-ho on results-and-product-plug night. The previous night, Jason Castro mutilated Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" and forgot lyrics on Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" -- two songs he said he chose to...
By Lisa de Moraes | May 8, 2008; 07:43 AM ET | Comments (64)
"American Idol": The Unfab Four
Rock-and-roll night on "American Idol" should be a slam-dunk for this year's token rocker, David Cook, right? He starts off Round 1 of this week's competition with Duran Duran's "Hungry Like a Wolf" because, he notes, it came out the year he was born. Contestant David Archuleta performs at the...
By Lisa de Moraes | May 7, 2008; 07:47 AM ET | Comments (88)
"American Idol": "I Am," Nanny Brooke Said. "Nuh-uh," We Replied.
After frightening us with word that we know more about this year's five remaining Idolettes than about any other contestants in "American Idol" history, show host Ryan Seacrest says he's "still out of breath" from previous night's Paula Abdul Goes Psychic Show. "I don't know if it's the strangest...
By Lisa de Moraes | May 1, 2008; 07:20 AM ET | Comments (64)
"American Idol": Holly Holy! It's Neil Diamond Night!
"American Idol" comes unhinged on Neil Diamond Night. For starters, each of the remaining five Idolettes gets to sing not one but two Diamond tunes. Then, to save time, the show's judges -- Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, won't get to critique the Idolettes until each has performed...
By Rose Jacobius | April 30, 2008; 06:37 AM ET | Comments (68)
"American Idol": Survival of the Weakest
Andrew Lloyd Webber Week Results Night on "American Idol" is a shocker from start to finish. Show host Ryan Seacrest kicks things off by kissing judge Simon Cowell, after which he assures Simon, "Relax -- it didn't mean anything." Even though it was only a kiss on the head, Simon...
By Lisa de Moraes | April 24, 2008; 07:02 AM ET | Comments (89)
'American Idol': Phantom of the Idol
Because "American Idol" hasn't yet lost enough of its 18- to 34-year-old viewers, Andrew Lloyd Webber is this week's guest judge and the Idolettes are being forced to sing his show tunes. And yes, that means we, the viewers, must sit through two songs from "The Phantom of the Opera"...
By Lisa de Moraes | April 23, 2008; 06:09 AM ET | Comments (60)
"American Idol": Countdown to Six
In a suspicious show of collegiality and generosity, our real TV columnist once again has given the keys to "American Idol" blogdom this week to Tamara Jones, auxiliary backup Designated Idol Watcher. Sell the horse, suffer the consequences: Kristy Lee Cook is headed back to the Ponderosa, leaving six wannabe...
By Rose Jacobius | April 17, 2008; 06:43 AM ET | Comments (86)
"American Idol": The Guys Have It
In a suspicious show of collegiality and generosity, our real TV columnist once again has given the keys to "American Idol" blogdom this week to Tamara Jones, auxiliary backup Designated Idol Watcher. Yep, Simon and Randy were right all along: These girls are no Mariah Carey. The boys are. With...
By Lisa de Moraes | April 16, 2008; 08:15 AM ET | Comments (54)
"American Idol" Keeps On Giving, Whacks Aussie
After a day's delay so "American Idol" could bring you the Miley Cyrus Queen of All Media Telethon, one of the Idolettes is gonna go. First, show host Ryan Seacrest, who's hair keeps getting pointier, takes us on a walk down memory lane in re the night before. Ben Stiller...
By Lisa de Moraes | April 11, 2008; 09:21 AM ET | Comments (44)
"American Idol": Give Till It Hurts Your Agent
Last year's "Idol Gives Back" fundraiser was so successful the number of celebu-saints wanting to jump on the Do-Gooder Wagon skyrockets to nearly 70, forcing Fox to start the show 30 minutes before prime time, just to fit them all into what turns out to be a 152-minute celebu-thon. They...
By Lisa de Moraes | April 10, 2008; 06:56 AM ET | Comments (27)
'American Idol': 8 Stabs at Inspiration
This week, the Idolettes are charged with singing inspirational songs to warm up the crowd to drop some serious coin less than 24 hours later on "Idol Gives Back," which, judging by the number of celebs who've signed on, promises to be the greatest orgy of excess in the history...
By Lisa de Moraes | April 9, 2008; 06:12 AM ET | Comments (70)
'American Idol': Eight Idolettes Standing
In a suspicious show of collegiality and generosity, our real TV columnist has given the keys to "American Idol" blogdom this week to Tamara Jones, auxiliary backup Designated Idol Watcher. We are certain the very real danger of possibly hearing nine Idolette renditions of "Islands in the Stream" on Dolly...
By Lisa de Moraes | April 3, 2008; 06:06 AM ET | Comments (33)
'American Idol': Dolly Parton Days
In a suspicious show of collegiality and generosity, our real TV columnist has given the keys to "American Idol" blogdom this week to Tamara Jones, auxiliary backup Designated Idol Watcher. We are certain the very real danger of possibly hearing nine Idolette renditions of "Islands in the Stream" on Dolly...
By Lisa de Moraes | April 2, 2008; 06:16 AM ET | Comments (55)
'American Idol': Down to 9
More than 30 million viewer votes were cast this week for the Top 10 Idolettes -- the biggest haul so far this "American Idol" season. As befits the occasion, judges Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell have changed costumes since the previous night. She's no longer a Parisian apache dancer, she's...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 27, 2008; 06:10 AM ET | Comments (39)
'American Idol': The Wave of the Past
A Very Special Night on "American Idol." The traditional Pimping of "'Til Death" is back, only this time Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher & Her Incredible Shoes all have turned out to pitch in. Judge Paula Abdul is wearing what's left of a sparkly silver outfit, the left shoulder of...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 26, 2008; 06:03 AM ET | Comments (56)
'American Idol': Nurse Overmyer Sent Packing
Who's in, who's out, who will get to be part of the "American Idol" tour? Who's in this week's Bottom 3 -- other than Kristy Lee Cook? Someone's number is up, show host Ryan Seacrest reveals at the top of this week's results show. If this is news to you,...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 20, 2008; 07:11 AM ET | Comments (48)
'American Idol': 11 More Beatles Songs Mangled
"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest, the new King of All Media, gushes that this is the very first time in history the show has done the same theme two weeks in a row. Because the Beatles are Just. That. Good. Judge Paula Abdul tells Seacrest that during last week's Beatles...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 19, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (69)
'American Idol': First Finalist to Go
The first "Results Show Product Pimp-athon" of a new "American Idol" edition is always one of the TV season's most eagerly awaited events. Can the producers possibly top last season, fans wonder. Is it possible to jam any more product placement into a one-hour program? Ryan Seacrest waits with the...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 13, 2008; 07:11 AM ET | Comments (42)
'American Idol': Best 12 Ever
We're down to the top 12, folks, on The Very Best "American Idol" Ever. For the occasion, they've built a spectacular "Star Trek"-cum-Vegas set. The audience gives the set a standing ovation. Yes, they really do. Syesha Mercado (Ray Mickshaw - Fox) The new set includes, host Ryan Seacrest says...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 12, 2008; 07:12 AM ET | Comments (63)
'American Idol': Your 12 Finalists
The final 12 will be revealed on "American Idol" tonight, host Ryan Seacrest says. Four people are going home. According to our Completely Unscientific "American Idol" Poll, this week it's Luke Menard on the guys' side and Kady Malloy for the chicks by a landslide. Danny Noriega seems a sure...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 7, 2008; 07:14 AM ET | Comments (48)
'American Idol': Eight Chicks on Embarrassment
On "American Idol" it's the chicks' turn to tackle songs from the '80s -- a decade judge Paula Abdul is reminded was big for her. The age reference would make most women working in TV very insecure, but Paula's still sucking on whatever crazy juice she got into the previous...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 6, 2008; 07:03 AM ET | Comments (47)
"American Idol": Eight Guys' Most Embarrassing Moments
It's the last chance for the eight Idolette guys to try to secure a spot in the "American Idol" Season 7 finals. Show host Ryan Seacrest walks down the curving staircase from the Balcony of Broken Dreams like a Ziegfeld girl, patting the occasional Guy Idolette lining the stairway. It's...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 5, 2008; 06:32 AM ET | Comments (62)
'American Idol': And Then There Were 16
Four more Idolettes have to go. Host Ryan Seacrest asks judge Randy Jackson what the purpose is of the "theme" weeks -- this week being '70s week, one week after '60s week. Randy explains it's because every one of the contestants knows every song that's on the radio these days,...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 29, 2008; 07:55 AM ET | Comments (49)
'American Idol' Chicks: Goin' for the Sweeney
With David Archuleta pretty much stealing the show on guys night -- he was recognized with the competition's very first Crazy Paula Wants to Squeeze Your Head Off and Hang Your Body From Her Rearview Mirror Award, a.k.a. The Sweeney -- it's up to the 10 remaining girls to see...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 28, 2008; 07:07 AM ET | Comments (54)
'American Idol' Guys: 10 Things We Didn't Know About You
The 10 guys still standing last night on "American Idol" sing '70s songs while each reveals the One Thing America Might Not Know About Me. What America Might Not Know About Michael Johns is he's "a bit of a jock" and a lot of his best songs come from playing...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 27, 2008; 07:13 AM ET | Comments (92)
'American Idol': First Four to Go
It's "American Idol's" very first Elimination Costume Party. In honor of it being '60s-music week, the 12 Idolette chicks are all going as the "My Fair Lady" racetrack scene on drugs. The best costume trophy goes to Alaina Whitaker -- or maybe it's Kady Malloy, it's so hard to tell...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 22, 2008; 07:50 AM ET | Comments (46)
'American Idol': Where the Girls Are
Wednesday evening is all about girl power, "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest says. The 12 girls quickly divide into two camps: the good performers and the non-good performers, who, it seems, are victims of mean old nerves and mean old colds, possibly the worst flu in the history of the...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 21, 2008; 07:25 AM ET | Comments (62)
'American Idol': Top-12 Guys Do the '60s
"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest opens Guys Night by reminding us "people are saying this year's talent is the best yet." By "people" he means "Idol" producers. This is our first opportunity to see what they mean. Naturally, the 12 guys are forced to sing tunes from the 1960s --...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 20, 2008; 07:19 AM ET | Comments (87)
'American Idol': The Riddle of the Sphinx
It's Hollywood week, so naturally "American Idol" opens in pretend-Egypt with host Ryan Seacrest sitting atop a sphinx with Hayden Christensen, star of the Fox flick "Jumper," about how the hotness gene is somehow connected to the ability to travel without having to suffer through airport security. Through the miracle...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 14, 2008; 07:24 AM ET | Comments (16)
'American Idol': Rehabbing Hollywood
A roller-coaster week for "American Idol": First, it's going to become a Disney theme park attraction in which tourists who buy tickets can sing for a panel of judges. We like the certain touch of irony that will add to the show going forward each time judge Simon Cowell sniffs...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 13, 2008; 07:24 AM ET | Comments (13)
'American Idol': Sensitivity Training
To the uninitiated, the Best of the Rest auditions episode of "American Idol" may look like leftover bits and scraps collected from earlier episodes in which the competition's judges visited audition cities around the country. And Wednesday night's so-long-it-lasted-into-next-week bit, in which "Idol" judge Simon Cowell learns how to hold...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 7, 2008; 07:20 AM ET | Comments (21)
'American Idol' Auditions: Acts of Charity
The homeless and the orphaned -- and the current reigning Miss South Florida Fair -- are called forth last night to be healed on "American Idol" in Atlanta. But first, show host Ryan Seacrest's parents show up spontaneously, because going to a convention center dressed in a suit and tie...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 6, 2008; 07:52 AM ET | Comments (12)
'American Idol': Miami Sound Machine
Okay, we're adjusting to the idea of a lineup of "American Idol" competitors who've had professional singing experience. But an ex-boyfriend of Britney Spears? Once upon a time, if you covered "Idol" you did a lot of Googling to find out if contestants had police records or porn pasts. These...
By Lisa de Moraes | January 31, 2008; 08:08 AM ET | Comments (7)
'Idol' in Omaha: Corntastic
"American Idol" holds auditions in the country's heartland for the first time, and discovers Omaha is "famous for its corn," which is so important they decide to lead the show with this breaking news. "They grow a lot of corn here," we see Randy Jackson telling fellow "Idol" judge Simon...
By Lisa de Moraes | January 30, 2008; 07:26 AM ET | Comments (14)
'American Idol': Hail, the Virgin Queen
Just when you thought there was nothing new under the sun at "American Idol," along comes the Virgin Dance Captain of Knoxville Catholic High. The Virgin Dance Captain, or, as she likes to call herself, "Amy Catherine, AC, whatev" Flynn, is the 16-year-old captain of the "dance team." Which appears...
By Lisa de Moraes | January 24, 2008; 07:57 AM ET | Comments (17)
'American Idol': Been There, Seen Them
This year, we've been promised we'll get better acquainted with more good auditioners during the early episodes of "American Idol," when judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell crisscross the country to discover their next group of Idolettes. That's so we'll feel more invested in them by the time...
By Lisa de Moraes | January 23, 2008; 07:21 AM ET | Comments (8)
'Idol' Does Dallas
We Watch So You Don't Have To If, as Simon Cowell recently insisted in a phone call with TV critics, this season has produced the best crop of "American Idol" wannabes yet, why did he and fellow judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul feel compelled to send through to Hollywood...
By Lisa de Moraes | January 17, 2008; 07:48 AM ET | Comments (13)
'American Idol' Treacles In
First night of the traditional lousy-auditions phase of "Idol" -- three glorious weeks on the road meeting delusional pop-star wannabes -- takes us to Philadelphia. But why are the judges being so well-behaved? Aspiring veterinarian Alexis Cohen comes in with her face covered in glitter and channels Grace Slick, after...
By Lisa de Moraes | January 16, 2008; 07:08 AM ET | Comments (99)
She Was Just 17.....
How do you keep viewers interested in the final night of an "American Idol" season when there is virtually no suspense as to who is going to win? Here's how: 1) Bring out the two final Idolettes -- Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks -- to sing the Beatles' "I Saw...
By Lisa de Moraes | May 24, 2007; 01:22 AM ET | Comments (30)
My 'American Idol' Coronation Tune
Tonight, on the final performance night of "Idol," the producers perpetrated upon us the latest treacly "American Idol" Coronation Tune. This year, the producers decided to open up the song selection to competition. And the best, the very best, of the bunch, was "This is My Now." Which, so far...
By Lisa de Moraes | May 23, 2007; 01:47 AM ET | Comments (19)
Goodbye, Melinda
John Maynard is filling in for Lisa de Moraes who is in New York covering the annual network upfront presentations. She's back blogging about "Idol" next week. Melinda's gone. Blake is safe! To quote Homer Simpson: "D'oh!" So, how appropriate that the yellow, balding, fat cartoon character would open the...
By Maura McCarthy | May 17, 2007; 09:34 AM ET | Comments (26)
Nine Songs -- One Hour
John Maynard is guest blogging in place of Lisa de Moraes who is in New York this week at the annual network upfront presentations where executives are promising her fabulous TV entertainment for next fall. Don't worry folks -- Lisa will be back next week for the final round. Welcome...
By John Maynard | May 16, 2007; 11:10 AM ET | Comments (11)
LaKisha Out
"The Dreamgirls" semi-finals won't happen next week on "American Idol." LaKisha Jones got the hook after receiving fewer of the 45 million votes cast this week than had Melinda Doolittle, Jordin Sparks, or Beatbox Boy Blake Lewis, who we increasingly suspect is a hologram. The Results show is strangely distressing...
By Lisa de Moraes | May 10, 2007; 08:09 AM ET | Comments (31)
All Hail 'Imperial Idol'
"American Idol" producers finally threw off the pretense they're doing a nice little singing competition and revealed the show for what it has become: "Imperial Idol" -- a bloated, overproduced, marketing barge on which the show's judges, host and contestants are being forced to row faster and faster. There's no...
By Lisa de Moraes | May 9, 2007; 06:00 AM ET | Comments (28)
It's Not About Winning
Idol Gives Back" fallout week on "American Idol." Last week, because none of the Idolettes got whacked in the name of charity, this week the herd will have to be culled. Two Idolettes are going. Phil Stacey is the first. Jordin Sparks, on the other hand, is enjoying very special...
By Maura McCarthy | May 3, 2007; 08:10 AM ET | Comments (40)
'Idol' Rocks Out
Does the fact that "American Idol" has raised at least $70 million for needy children make it less or more cringe-inducing that show host Ryan Seacrest introduces judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell as the show's "three needy children." Does the fact that some of the recipients of...
By Maura McCarthy | May 2, 2007; 08:09 AM ET | Comments (35)
'Idol' Gives Back, We Give Up
The much ballyhooed two-hour "American Idol" charity fundraiser results show is finally here. The phone lines are open -- Let's get started. Show host Ryan Seacrest demonstrates live TV for the kiddies by messing up his very first line of the night, telling the producer he wants a do-over and...
By Maura McCarthy | April 26, 2007; 07:43 AM ET | Comments (78)
Give Back My 'Idol'
Lose Sanjaya Malakar, ditch the cynicism, medicate Simon Cowell, and what have you got left? "Idol Gives Back" -- that's what. "Idol" veered wildly off brand with the first night of its two-night "American Idol" event to raise cash to feed and heal hungry and sick children in Africa and...
By Maura McCarthy | April 25, 2007; 07:46 AM ET | Comments (45)
So Long, Sanjaya
This is John Maynard completing the last day of his two-day stint as guest "American Idol" blogger in place of the vacationing Lisa de Moraes. She's back to the blog next Wednesday. The Sanjaya media tour begins today. No TV show will be safe from the Sanjaya PR machine in...
By Maura McCarthy | April 19, 2007; 08:54 AM ET | Comments (32)
Haley Scarnato!
Great! Just when it looked like Haley Scarnato! might actually heed this week's Simon Cowell advice to wear even less clothing next Tuesday, you go and boot her off the show by giving her the smallest number of votes. Nice work, viewers! This week, freed from the shackles of an...
By Lisa de Moraes | April 12, 2007; 08:01 AM ET | Comments (46)
The Emasculation of Simon
"American Idol" judge Simon Cowell appears to have been neutered since we saw him last. Simon apparently believes the number of votes being cast for Idolette Sanjaya Malakar each week by little girls and older women is directly proportional to how mean Simon is in his review of Sanjaya's performance....
By Lisa de Moraes | April 4, 2007; 08:32 AM ET | Comments (48)
Sanjacko!
"American Idol" is finally making way for Sanjaya Malakar. Once the show's biggest cringe, this week the show suddenly began treating him like a ratings driver. Wednesday's results show opens with two big shout outs to Sanjaya. First, Voice of Ryan Seacrest opens the program, telling viewers that tonight there...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 29, 2007; 07:56 AM ET | Comments (29)
Gwen Stefani Is Very Special
How lucky is l'il ol' "American Idol" to get Gwen Stefani -- a pushing-40 pop star whose latest CD has only so-so sales and whose upcoming tour still has plenty of tickets available -- to be guest mentor to the Idolettes this week. So lucky show host Ryan Seacrest calls...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 28, 2007; 08:51 AM ET | Comments (39)
Sanjaya's Big Night
Thousands of young girls across America are experiencing the sudden onset of puberty, older women are getting over scary Mrs. Robinson flashes, and at least one chick is doomed to starvation -- all because of Sanjaya Malakar deciding to grow into his big hair. It starts off innocently enough on...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 21, 2007; 08:40 AM ET | Comments (52)
Let the Games Begin
*Pre-season's over on "American Idol." We're now down to the final 12, and The Game. This week: The Diana Ross Songbook. BRANDON ROGERS Points to Brandon for being the only "Idol" wannabe to try out a Bust Some Moves strategy. But he discovers mid-way through "Can't Hurry Love" that he...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 14, 2007; 08:13 AM ET | Comments (46)
Stuck in the Middle With You
Who says "American Idol" producers don't have a sense of humor? After all these weeks listening to contestants blather on about how much they love each other and give each other "strength," and weeping crocodile tears when one of their number gets whacked, the producers compel them to open the...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 9, 2007; 02:25 AM ET | Comments (45)
Girls on Top
Scary Things We Can't Get Out of Our Head About Chick Contestants night on "American Idol" Like football is such a big part of Jordin Sparks' life she puts on the face paint. After she belts Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker," judge Randy Jackson says "it's weird for me" because it's "like...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 8, 2007; 08:23 AM ET | Comments (34)
The Weaker Sex
Eight Things I Wish I Didn't Know About the Guy Contestants night on "American Idol." Show host Ryan Seacrest gives us the bad news right away: Each contestant has to share something about himself. But, so it's not a total loss, he promises us a "very big announcement -- one...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 7, 2007; 07:30 AM ET | Comments (25)
'Feelin' Good' -- Bad Idea
Sing "Feelin' Good" on "American Idol" and you are going to get the hook. Leslie Hunt and AJ Tabaldo both sang "Feelin' Good" this week. Both are gone now. We rest our case. Nick Pedro and Alaina Alexander are gone too. True, they didn't sing "Feelin' Good" but they compensated...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 2, 2007; 03:25 AM ET | Comments (34)
Sobbin' Women
Everyone weeps buckets during chicks' night in "American Idol" Dedication Week. Haley Scarnato tears up when judge Simon Cowell says she's vulnerable after singing "Queen of the Night." Gina Glocksen gets weepy in her I Love My Boyfriend tape -- something about being rejected last year but her boyfriend made...
By Lisa de Moraes | March 1, 2007; 08:07 AM ET | Comments (32)
This is Dedicated to the One I Love
Which is worse, four hours of movie stars thanking their agents and publicists at the Academy Awards or two hours of "American Idol" guy contestants dedicating their performances to mom, dad and grandma? In their defense, the "Idol" guys were told they had to dedicate their songs to someone. Phil...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 28, 2007; 08:32 AM ET | Comments (16)
...And Then There Were 20
Four contestants are going to get the hook on "American Idol" and sadly, not all can be guys. "American Idol" has rules about these things, because if you have, say eight women and just four men compete for the top prize, guys won't watch -- or is it chicks who...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 22, 2007; 11:20 PM ET | Comments (11)
Chicks Rule
Lakisha Jones has won "American Idol" 6. Hooray! Oh wait -- you say there are three more months of this? But seriously, even judge Simon Cowell thought she won. His exact words to the show's other 23 contestants about Lakisha's performance were: "I am very tempted to say to...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 21, 2007; 11:34 PM ET | Comments (26)
Idol Comes out Swinging
If twice as many women as men made it to Hollywood Week on "American Idol" this year, but the producers insist on sending exactly 12 women and 12 guys through to the actual start of viewer-voting competition this week, the guys are going to be the weaker group. So how...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 21, 2007; 12:02 AM ET | Comments (30)
The Miracle of Sundance Head
The Miracle of Sundance Head Day on "American Idol," aka Sure You're Talented But He's the Son of 60's Rock 'n Roll Icon Roy Head So He's In And You're Out Day. Remaining "Idol" wannabe's were transferred from downtown Los Angeles to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium where once again we...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 15, 2007; 08:16 AM ET | Comments (22)
Welcome to Hollywood -- Or As Close As We Could Get to the Hotel Where We Got A Good Group Rate
This year's American Idol Bad Auditions Tour is over -- a resounding success: ratings are up, Rosie is appalled, Paula is lucid. Time for "Idol" wannabes to head to Hollywood. Exactly 172 would-be pop stars have made it to Hollywood, show host Ryan Seacrest tells us. Only, the auditions appear...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 14, 2007; 12:04 AM ET | Comments (28)
Idol Lessons
No one loves "American Idol" lousy auditions episodes more than we do. But we draw the line when the producers decide they're going to teach us stuff while we watch. What's next: University of Phoenix course credit? The final lousy auditions episode -- The Best of the Rest, Fox calls...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 8, 2007; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (7)
Simon Needs to Go Back to British
"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest tells us 11,000 showed up to audition in San Antonio. Haven't 11,000 showed up in every city? Don't "Idol" producers know even numbers sound like guesses and odd numbers sound like estimates? Bryan Kyrish says he's not afraid of the judges because they "put on...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 7, 2007; 01:19 AM ET | Comments (20)
Cowell Quells Critics
Bet Rosie O'Donnell feels pretty foolish now that Simon Cowell has let that nice, if slightly odd, older guy sing "You Belong to Me" on "American Idol" just because the guy promised his cancer-stricken lady love he'd audition when the judges came to Los Angeles. In a recent "The View"...
By Lisa de Moraes | February 1, 2007; 02:18 AM ET | Comments (15)
Stars Fell on Alabama
"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul comes unraveled in Birmingham -- home of "Idol" winners Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard and Carrie Underwood-season runner-up Bo Bice. When Erica Skye bludgeons "Unchained Melody," Paula jumps up from her chair, stands in the corner and proclaims herself "kinda shocked." Paula joins fellow judges...
By Lisa de Moraes | January 31, 2007; 09:09 AM ET | Comments (6)
I'm Okay, You're Okay
Having been slashed to one hour the night before to accommodate the President of the United States, "American Idol" returns with two glorious hours of I'm Okay, You're Okay auditioning in Manhattan. And who better to join Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell as guest judge than Carole Bayer...
By Lisa de Moraes | January 25, 2007; 12:16 AM ET | Comments (18)
Ring Around the Rosie
"American Idol" visits Memphis and rates very low on the cruel-o-meter which is no doubt a big disappointment to Rosie O'Donnell, the country's new Vice Principal, Miss Crankypants. True, when cheerleader Frank Byers gets nixed judge Simon Cowell screams at Byers's fan club -- other cheerleaders and a marching band...
By Lisa de Moraes | January 24, 2007; 01:26 AM ET | Comments (7)
'American Idol' Personality Disorder
Talked with Fox reality guru Mike Darnell this afternoon about "Idol's" opening night numbers (show's best ever, more than 37 million viewers) and he promised Seattle would be the best worst-auditions town ever. He did not disappoint. Auditioners weren't just bad, they were Star Trek convention weird. They all appeared...
By Lisa de Moraes | January 18, 2007; 02:26 AM ET | Comments (25)
'American Idol' : Nice Simon, Mean Randy
"American Idol" bad auditions season kicked off with the most bafflingly clueless yet highly resilient tone-deaf wannabes yet. That included the world's only female Bert Lahr/Cowardly Lion imitator, an "urban Amish" guy who claims not to watch television and yet knew all about "American Idol," and an Apollo Creed/Luciano Pavarotti...
By Lisa de Moraes | January 17, 2007; 02:44 AM ET | Comments (17)
