Dolly Parton on ‘American Idol’

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At age 62, the Dorian Gray of mudflap girls is as ambitious in the studio as she is under the knife. Refusing to fade into graceful grandma-hood, Dolly Parton is hellbent on returning to the top of the charts with “Backwoods Barbie,” an album calibrated to capitalize on the country-pop crossover.

Her girlish vibralto intact, Parton storms through a dozen songs, proving that where it counts, she’s still got it. When Carrie Underwood let Jesus take the wheel of her career, it was the smartest thing she (and her producers and handlers) could’ve done. The lesson’s not lost on Parton, whose Pentecostal upbringing pays dividends on the album’s second single, “Jesus and Gravity.”

The first single, “Better Get To Livin’,” a sappy inspirational song that melds every self-help cliché, fared poorly. Much better is Parton’s unlikely but appealing cover of Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drives Me Crazy.” The bulk of the song, arranged as a fiddle-heavy pop song, hews close to the original until the finale, when it crescendos in a rollicking hoedown. It might blow your mind, but the real charmer is the album’s title track. It’s vintage Dolly: playing up her impoverished roots, making fun of her over-the-top-persona and charming a skeptical audience that may not know or care about her classic hits.

I’m just a backwoods Barbie, too much makeup, too much hair.
Don’t be fooled by thinkin’ that the goods are not all there.
Don’t let these false eyelashes lead you to believe
That I’m as shallow as I look, ’cause I run true and deep.

Say what you will about her faith in plastic surgery. There may be no less forgiving measure of aging than the pop charts, and Parton knows it. Tonight, her campaign to win the hearts and minds of American consumers goes into overdrive with a two-night stint on “American Idol.” (Rumors abound that Carly Smithson will sing “Jolene” and Jason Castro will take on “I Will Always Love You.”) Forget the 9 to 5 office set, Parton’s got her sight on her key demographic — the tween girl set, who should relate perfectly to her empowerment through loud and proud femininity.

'American Idol' cuts another contestant

Uneasy lies Chikezie, who won't wear the crown. The one-name singer — who previously worked security at Los Angeles International Airport — was eliminated from "American Idol" as the show narrowed the competition to nine finalists.

Chikezie, 22, of Inglewood, Calif., injected the singing contest with enthusiasm and soul. His performances could be risky and kinetic, as when he sang the Beatles' "She's A Woman," or safe and retro, as seen in his earlier rendition of "More Today than Yesterday."

Simon Cowell criticized Chikezie for singing the ballad "If Only for One Night" on Tuesday's performance show: "You chose the wrong song last night. ... It wasn't original."

The other lowest vote-getters were Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado.

Tattooed finalist Carly Smithson took a moment to address speculation she's expecting a child with her husband. She told host Ryan Seacrest: "Apparently I'm pregnant — but I'm not."

Wednesday's show also featured a performance by "Idol" also-ran Kimberley Locke, who placed third behind Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken in season two.

Michael Johns, David Cook Thrill The 'American Idol' Judges

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"American Idol's" tour group - the Top 10 - took to the stage last night. But it was rockers David Cook and Michael Johns, whose performances helped them get a leg up on the competition.

The contenders were asked to sing songs from the year of their birth as the evening's theme and competition was kicked of with 1987 baby, Ramiele Malubay, who sang Heart's "Alone," despite being under the weather.
Even though she was sick, judge Randy Jackson cut her little slack.

"It was a little pitchy, all over the place," he commented.
Jason Castro took the stage next, singing Sting's 1987 song, "Fragile."

"Jason, I think you've had two bad weeks and I think it's time that you start taking this a little bit more seriously. That was the equivalent of someone busking outside of a subway station," judge Simon Cowell said, before telling Jason he could win if he mixes things up.

Another 1987 baby, Syesha Mercado, sang "If I Was Your Woman," originally made famous by Gladys Knight & The Pips.

"This is a good moment for you… I think this is the best I've ever heard you sing, including when you auditioned," Randy said. "I think it was stellar. I think it was unbelievable. I was shocked. I'm lovin' it."

Chikezie, a child of 1985, took on the Luther Vandross favorite, "If Only For One Night."

"Chikezie, I think you sang it well, having said that, I thought the performance was actually very cheesy," Simon said.

Brooke White, born in 1983, took on The Police's "Every Breath You Take," stumbling at first and restarting the song.

"I like that you started it and said, 'Maybe this is not right.' A lot of good professionalism there," Randy said, though he admitted not loving the arrangement. "It was just OK for me, it was alright."

One of the oldest competitors in this season of "Idol," Aussie Michael Johns, born in 1978, sang Queen's "We Will Rock You" combined with "We Are The Champions."

One of the more thrilling performances of the night, the stage was littered with audience members beating their fists in the air to the first part of the song. And he wowed the judges.

"Finally you believe in yourself and you use that big old voice you got," Randy said.

"This was your moment, your shining moment and I'm so proud of you," Paula Abdul gushed.

"Michael, this is the first time with you that I saw star potential," Simon said.

Carly Smithson, who was born in 1983, revealed she was actually named, by accident after Carly Simon, whose music played in the car as her mother was driven to the hospital in labor.

Her song choice for the evening? Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart."

"You can probably take every song that I'm not crazy about and make me a believer," Paula said. "Carly you could do no wrong tonight."

One of the youngest contenders, 1990 born David Archuleta, took the stage next, performing a song which wasn't a stateside hit - the Australian-penned "You're The Voice."

"David you could sing the phone book and we'd all in love with you," Paula said, but Simon didn't agree.

"I actually didn't like your performance at all. I thought it was actually reminiscent of a theme park performance," Simon said. "It's one of those ghastly songs that you sing when you've got animated creatures dancing around you."

1984 baby Kristy Lee Cook sang "God Bless The USA," and she churned out a performance that - for the first time in weeks - found favor with the judges.

"Kristy, your best performance by a mile," Simon said. "That was the most clever song choice I've heard in years… That's going to keep you in the competition."

Rocker David Cook, born in 1983, took on an acoustic version of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," thrilling the fans and judges with his emotive performance.

"You might be the one to win," Randy said.

"David, that was great. It could have either been insane or amazing and I have to tell you, it was amazing," Simon said as the crowd and David's family erupted in cheers.

American Idol 7: Michael Johns Was Born to Be My Baby (I Don't Know About the Other Na Na Na Nine)

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As I mentioned yesterday, tonight's theme on AI is "Songs From the Year You Were Born." I keep wishing that I could sing so that my old ass could get on this show and impress everyone with my stirring rendition of "Bad Bad Leroy Brown." Actually, I would probably pick either "Little Willy" or "D'Yer Mak'er." Or maybe I would show some true originality and combine them for something along the lines of Oh, oh oh oh oh oh, Little Willy won't go-ho ho ho ho home. I promise you all now that you haven't heard the last of me! I will make it to the "Best of the Worst" special next year!

Randy and Paula are both sick and hoarse tonight. Hmm. I wonder if they were making out like there's no tomorrow? I bet Paula has hickeys all over her arms, which is why she's wearing those weird leather "arm casts" with the little wrist tiaras. Where is Christian Siriano when I need him? I can't tell if that look is fierce or if it's a hot tranny mess.

Ramiele Malubay is up first and no one seems to notice that she's dressed like Eponine from Les Miserables. The little twit defies me immediately. Remember when I told her not to sing Heart's "Alone?" Yeah, well guess what she's singing. I mean, guess what she's screaming. Er, I mean, guess what she's screaming off-key. Luckily for everyone, the background singers are really drowning her out during the chorus. The judges all look at her as if she just bludgeoned the Wilson sisters right in front of them. Good for her. This is what she gets for disregarding my advice. Randy immediately brings up Carly's superior version of this song earlier in the season but, surprisingly, no one mentions how Carrie Underwood completely kicked that song's ass during her season. Simon doesn't have much to say. Paula tries to force everyone to take pity on Ramiele because she's supposedly sick too. Wow, THIS IS THE SICKEST TOP 10 EVER!!

Go Jason, go Castro, it's your birthday, it's your birthday! The dreadlocked wonder celebrates his b-day by singing that '80s party classic, "Fragile" by Sting. Uh huh. I like Jason because he has a nice voice, and I'll be damned if he doesn't look more and more like Barbarino every day, but this is just so dull. Why would he pick this song?? One alternate that I almost picked for him was Sting's "We'll Be Together," which would have been much more fun. Anything would have been more fun than this. It's not bad, but he's just like some dude playing guitar in the quad in between classes or something. Randy and Paula are appropriately lukewarm about the performance and offer up a few meaningless words. Simon, on the other hand, is actually helpful and tries to impress upon Jason the importance of taking this competition a little more seriously. When Ryan asks Jason if he's taking it seriously, he does that goofy goober smile that everyone loves and is like, "eeeeee...yeeeeeeeah?" Well, I can't fault him for that. This is American Idol, not SxSW.

Syesha Mercado is up next and out come the earplugs. This will be loud. I almost fall off my chair when she doesn't sing a Whitney song, but quickly regain my balance when I find out that she's doing the Stephanie Mills version of a Gladys Knight song, "If I Were Your Woman." Men, if Syesha was your woman you would surely be deaf by now. Look, this is all in key and she has a nice voice, but I could hear this same performance from about 200 other wannabe divas. She bores me. Randy and Paula give her way too much credit, while Simon gives her just about the right amount by letting her know she's the best so far but that "we're only three in." My thoughts exactly.

Chikezie forgets that he developed a personality over the last couple of weeks and trudges through Brenda Russell's "If Only For One Night." Oh, if only for one night, no one was allowed to sing these cookie-cutter ballads. That would be wonderful. Much like Syesha before him, Chikezie's vocals sound perfectly fine but he is putting everyone to sleep. The Dawg opens with a "What's going down," and you know what that means! He did not love it. Paula talks until it's Simon's turn, and he blasts Ka-cheezy's lack of originality.

Someone finally takes my advice! Brooke White picks one of my "alternate" song selections, The Police's "Every Breath You Take." She has a false start, starts again and it sounds really nice with just her and the piano. Then, in the middle, the band comes in and ruins everything. Randy and Simon both feel the same way. They think she would've been better off just keeping it simple. For some reason, all the judges talk about how wonderful she is for flubbing the beginning. Apparently, starting off on the wrong note and correcting yourself is super-professional and ultra-hip.

Let the drooling begin - it's Michael Johns. He's wearing a skull cap in his pre-performance video. Wow, that's so gosh-darn cute. His baby pictures are cute. He also looks like he has some cute brothers. I bask in the glow of all this cuteness until I find out that Michael is going against my advice and taking on Queen's "We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions." I'm not mad at him though. He knows he can handle it. I was a little concerned that the judges would give him a hard time for doing this after he already did "Bohemian Rhapsody" during Hollywood week, but as he starts rocking it out I can see that no one is going to have anything bad to say about this performance. (No one who doesn't want me to kick their can all over the place, anyway.) Luckily, he gets away from "We Will Rock You" pretty quickly, because it's not really a good vocal showcase. His vocals during "We Are the Champions" are hot. I always warn these Idols against covering Freddie Mercury unless they're sure they can bring even half of Freddie's charisma, and this is a perfect example of someone who has it. All the judges acknowledge Michael's "it factor" and finally stop griping that he never picks the right songs. The crowd goes wild. The Earth moves. The sky comes tumbling down. My heart starts trembling. My ovaries explode.

Since the AI studio is already a powder keg giving off sparks, it's only fitting that Carly Smithson follows Michael's saucy display with Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart." Carly gets points for sort of listening to me too, as this was one of my alternate picks for her. (This also fulfills my weekly need for a dose of Jim Steinman drama.) Carly sounds great, as usual, but every now and then even the best singers fall apart, and she really jacks up the ending. She conjures up some weird note that I've never heard in my life and shrieks like she's swinging from a vine. That note is enough to sour Randy and Simon on the entire performance, but since Paula has no idea what notes are, she proclaims that Carly can do no wrong.

David Archuleta sings "You're The Voice," a song no one has ever heard by a songwriter no one knows. Way to go, kid! Actually, he sounds good and I'm glad he did something uptempo. Still, it's just kind of "eh" for me. This is one of those annoying "Life is great, so let's all love each other" message songs that make me want to choke someone. Randy also doesn't like the song but praises David's "mad skillz," while Paula says something that sounds like, "zippity glorp glop." Meanwhile, Simon comes up with one of his best critiques in a while. Not content to stop at the "theme park" comparison, he tells David that this is like some "ghastly song" that you would perform with "animated creatures" dancing around. Heh heh. Yeah, Archuleta Enchanted.

Kristy Lee Cook proves that she's smarter than she looks by deciding to sing Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." Is there a more hokey song? I think it might be slightly less hokey than the "Hokey Pokey," but not by much. You put your cowgirl boots in, you whip a patriotic song out, you put your blonde hair in barrettes and you shake it all about. You sing about our country to ensure you don't get thrown out. And that's what it's all about. Simon calls Kristy's song choice "clever," adding that it will definitely keep her in the competition for another week. No kidding.

Closing things out is David Cook, who's not my lover. He's just a guy who says that he is the one who will sing a Jacko song. Well, sort of. David chooses to sing the Chris (yum) Cornell version of "Billie Jean," a move that really irks me. He's becoming too one-dimensional and is turning into Daughtry: Part II. (Except that he actually gives the artists he covers proper credit.) He sounds good, as he always does, but it annoys me that the judges praise him so heavily for being "original" when there was nothing original about the performance! David didn't have to come up with a new "rock" arrangement for the song. Chris Cornell already did it for him. The more the judges blather on about how brave and brilliant David is, the more aggravated I get. It's not that brave or difficult to cover a cover of a cover. It is brave, however, to show your baby pictures on national TV, in which you look like that Batman villain, Egghead.

So, Bottom Three this week? It has to be Jason, Chikezie and Ramiele. Jason is too cute and likeable to go, so it's between Chikezie and Ramiele. Since Chikezie had two good weeks in a row before tonight, and Ramiele's just been kind of floundering, I think she will finally make her exit tomorrow night.

Whatever happens tomorrow night, could someone please make sure Michael finally gets around to singing "Kiss You All Over?" Cut out the damn medley and just let him sing.

Former male stripper voted out of "American Idol"

David Hernandez, the "American Idol" contestant with a reported history as a male stripper, was eliminated on Wednesday from the competition on the hit TV talent show.

More than 29 million viewers cast votes for their favorites this week as the series entered the home stretch of its seventh season, moving from three nights a week to two.

Voters chose Syesha Mercado and Kristy Lee Cook to continue competing. The two singers, along with Hernandez, were the bottom finishers among the 12 remaining contestants.

Hernandez, 24, from Glendale, Arizona, performed the 1960s Beatles hit "I Saw Her Standing There" for the Lennon-McCartney songbook-themed show.

"Idol's judges concurred with viewers' choice of the bottom three finishers. "I think America got this absolutely spot on," said famously blunt judge Simon Cowell on the live broadcast.

But Hernandez, who according to news reports has appeared as a male stripper in a Phoenix nightclub and performed lap dances for a mostly male clientele, was unfazed by his loss.

"Honestly, things happen for a reason," he told host Ryan Seacrest. "We all have a plan, and on top of that you'll see me at the top. This isn't it for me."

"American Idol" pits singers against one another in a months-long competition. Past winners including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have gone on to music stardom. The weekly show draws nearly 30 million viewers, making it the most-watched program on U.S. television.

The other remaining finalists include: David Archuleta, 17; Jason Castro, 20; David Cook, 25; Chikezie Eze, 22; Michael Johns, 29; Ramiele Malubay, 20; Amanda Overmyer, 23; Carly Smithson; 24 and Brooke White, 24.

In the audience and appearing briefly on stage on Wednesday was actor and comedian Jim Carrey, who engaged in a blatant plug for his new animated film "Horton Hears a Who!" by wearing an elephant suit.

Live Blog: American Idol's Top Twelve Announced (UPDATED!)

This week we saw the remaining sixteen American Idol semi-finalists perform and after tonight, they’ll be narrowed down to twelve. Within the hour, we’ll know which four contestants didn’t make the cut and which twelve will be sticking around. We’ll be posting the names of the eliminated contestants here!

The live episode begins with a performance by last year’s runner-up, Blake Lewis. Where has he been, anyway? His voice sounds good and he’s still doing the beat-boxing thing. After the performance, Blake offers some advice to the contestants about taking the criticism from the judges or something. Since we had to listen to Lewis perform, does this mean there’s no group performance tonight? Guess we’ll find out after the commercials.

No group performance! After we get back from commercials, Ryan introduces the judges. They exchange some useless banter and then it’s on to the guys night recap. After listening to the snippets of the guys singing, I’m going to predicting Luke Menard and Danny Noriega are going tonight. The recap is over, the lights are dimmed and Ryan asks David Cook to stand up. He tells David that he spoke to Lyonel Richie, who said he loved his cover of the song. David Cook is safe. David Archuleta is asked to stand up. He’s safe (no surprise there). Jason Castro is next. Ryan goes through the “you sang this, the judges said that” thing. Jason makes the top 12.

It has to feel like an eternity for these guys, waiting to find out their fate while Ryan prattles on about what they sang (like they don’t already know) and what the judges said (as though they could forget). After giving these guys the news they want to hear, we go to commercial. When we come back, Ryan will tell some of the girls whether or not they’re on to the top 12.

Back from commercial and now we get the recap of the girls’ night. I’m predicting Kristy Lee Cook and Amanda Overmyer to be the ones cut, based on last night’s performances. Brooke White is called up first and of course, she’s made it into the top twelve. Syesha Mercado is next and all the judges agree that she’s going next. America agrees with the judges – she’s in the top 12. Kady Malloy goes next and Ryan tells her that she’s been eliminated from the competition. Kady gets to belt out a wobbly off-key version of “Who Wants To Live Forever.” And we’re off to another commercial.

When we return, Ryan says something about them opening up their phonelines to talk to you live on the air next week and to check out the Idol website for more info. Now David Hernandez is asked to stand up. Ryan tells him that he’s safe. Three David’s in the top 12. Michael Johns also makes it through. Luke Menard gets called up next and Ryan tells him that he’s been eliminated. Luke sings “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” one last time and Ryan points out that Danny Noriega and Chikeze are still sitting on the couch waiting. One of them will make it through and one will be going home. We’ll find out which is which later. Off to yet another set of commercials.

Back again. Ramiele Malubay is asked to stand and Ryan tells her that America disagreed with Simon. She’s in the top 12. Carly is asked to stand up. She looks like she’s going to cry and stares at the floor. Ryan tells her that she’s also in the top 12. Amanda Overmyer makes it into the top 12 as well. It’s down to Asia’h Epperson and Kristy Lee Cook for the girls but we won’t find out until after the commercials.

Asia’h and Kristy are still standing on the stage and both look absolutely miserable. Paula is taking forever talking about how she believes in them and it’s just the start of their careers. Just get on with it already! You sang this, you sang that, the judges said this, blah blah blah. America has decided and Asia’h is going home tonight. Kristy Lee Cook makes it into the top 12 and I was totally wrong with my girl predictions. We get to see her montage, which reminds us that Asia’h’s the one who auditioned two days after her father passed away. It’s actually one of the sadder montages. She sings “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and manages to hold it together, although there’s obviously not as much pep in the song as there was last night.

Finally, Danny Noriega and Chikeze no-last-name take the stage after having to sit through the whole episode waiting to learn their fate. Danny’s teary-eyed and playing with his fingers while Ryan goes through the spiel. America voted and Chikeze makes it into the top 12. Danny Noriega is going home.

Ok, so I got the girls wrong but I did manage to accurately predict which two guys would go. That’s something, right? Danny gets one last performance on the Idol stage. He pulls it together and sings his sassy version of “Tainted Love”. The top 12 Idols dance, though some of them are crying.

And that’s that. Next week the top 12 will perform in a two-hour episode on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.. Then one will be eliminated during the results show on Wednesday at 9 p.m.

The Top 12
David Cook
David Archuleta
Jason Castro
Brooke White
Syesha Mercado
David Hernandez
Michael Johns
Ramiele Malubay
Carly Smithson
Amanda Overmyer
Kristy Lee Cook
Chikeze

Eliminated
Kady Malloy
Luke Menard
Asia’h Epperson
Danny Noriega

'American Idol': Top 12 are revealed

Four more will go home this evening on American Idol, leaving us with the 12 finalists.

But first up, last year's runner-up comes out to perform his new single live. Ryan Seacrest asks him for his advice, and he tells the contestants to be true to themselves and listen to the good comments from the judges. OK, then.

Before he starts revealing the Top 12, Ryan says more than 36 million votes were cast on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Ryan also congratulates Paula Abdul for having the No. 1 downloaded video on iTunes. OK, then. Let's get to the results.

First, a montage of the guys' performances from Tuesday (with Randy's references to INXS when Michael Johns was singing a Simple Minds song carefully excised). David Cook is first up, and Ryan tells him 1) that Lionel Richie loved his version of the song, and 2) that he is in the Top 12. David Archuleta is also in. Shall we make it a David trifecta? Not yet. Jason Castro is also through to the finals.

Time to switch it up and make the women nervous. First, montage from Wednesday. Brooke White is in the Top 12. Syesha Mercado is next -- Ryan asks the judges if they think she is through, and they all say yes. They are right. Kady Malloy finds out that she is out. That's not a big surprise. Her exit footage pretty much proves Simon right -- she is funny and engaging on film, but boring live. She reprises "Who Wants to Live Forever," and it's about as off as last night.

After the break Ryan says that during next week's results show, viewers can call in live to ask questions. Huh. That should go well.

David Hernandez is through, so there's our trifecta. Michael Johns stands up next, and he's through to the Top 12, too. Luke Menard, on the other hand, is out. Being and Orlando Bloom lookalike isn't carrying him any further. He unfortunately has to sing "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" again. Danny Noriega and Chikezie look miserable while they continue to wait.

Ramiele Malubay discovers she is safe after Ryan strings her along a little. Carly Smithson? Also in the Top 12. And she also totally ignores Chikezie who is trying to give her a high five as she goes by. Amanda Overmyer is also in the Top 12 (wha?), leaving Asia'h Epperson and Kristy Lee Cook to keep on waiting.

After the break, Asia'h Epperson is out, and Kristy Lee Cook is safe. Aww, shucks, I like Asia'h. In her footage, they replay her singing "How Do I Live" at her audition two days after her father's sudden passing, and seriously, she has to sing after watching that again? That is mean and not very fair. She decides to go for it, and actually, I think she did a better job with it through the tears than she did last night. Paula shouts out: "That was the best vocal you ever did."

Back to the guys. Danny is already crying because his friends are getting sent home. Chikezie is in the Top 12, Danny Noriega is out, and Ramiele is losing it (again).

So, to recap (the recap), Kady Malloy, Asia'h Epperson, Luke Menard and Danny Noriega have been cut, and now it's time for the finals. I'm surprised to see Asia'h out, but otherwise not too shocked. How about you?

American Idol Top 12

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Thank god it's the end of three-times-a-week Idol. Tonight, we lost four more contestants to the ether and said hello to our Top 12. It's been a long road coming, and while I can't say I agree 100% with the Top 12, I will agree that most of the contestants in it deserve to be there.

Honestly, I think the Idol team accomplished their goal of creating the most talented Top 12 in Idol history. Say what you want about their professional pedigree and the lack of true amateurs in this group because in the end it won't really matter. What they will bring is a better more consistent product to the screen. Sure there's early favorites, but who can honestly predict the winner at this point (I know some of you are very certain you know who it will be)? Can you even predict the Top 12?

Blake Lewis, "How Many Words"
The show actually opened with the return of last season's runner-up. He came to debut his new single, and brought back his enigmatic dance moves. It definitely channels the synth-sound of the '80s; he indicated a heavy influence from that era. Yes, I haven't yet bought or heard his entire album, even though I enjoyed tremendously the creativity he brought to song arrangement last year. Overall, though, the song is a little dull for me. Even when he snuck in a little of his trademark beatboxing, it just fell kind of flat for me.

THE TOP TWELVE STARTS TO FILL
36 million votes came in collectively for the Top 16. Ryan has twelve shiny stools set up and the Top 16 divided up into the Top 8 boys and Top 8 girls. Instead of picking out the bottom four, he'll be one by one putting people through into the Top 12.

Ryan started with David Cook, who was extremely popular with the judges. In fact, Lionel Richie said he loved what David did with "Hello." David Cook's in. David Archuleta has been a favorite since day one and his string continues as he too makes the Top 12. Jason Castro brought the house down with "Hallelujah" and secured himself a spot in the Top 12. This left five boys and three spots.

Don't you love how Idol builds drama? Ryan shifted gears at this point to award some silver stools to the girls. Ryan kicked it off with Brooke White, who's folksy rendition of "Love is a Battlefield" was the performance of the night and catapulted her straight into the Top 12. Syesha Mercado was consistently good, if predictable for Simon's tastes. She was definitely good enough for the Top 12.

Kady Malloy NUMBER ONE IS DONE
Kady Malloy stood up next, with incredibly deep cleavage. Too bad she didn't wear it last night as it might have given her enough of a boost to make the Top 12. Her personality in her videos just didn't translate well enough on the screen and she was the first to fall tonight. Even her encore performance was incredibly boring and out of tune. Kady never really shone onstage. While she might do very well on television as she's incredibly photogenic, singing doesn't seem to be her calling.

THE TOP TWELVE CONTINUES TO GROW
David Hernandez, who's been consistently strong vocally, withstood the controversy surrounding his prior profession to dance into the Top 12. Michael Johns has been picked by the judges to sail right through the competition, and he kept right on sailing into the Top 12.

Luke Menard NUMBER TWO IS THROUGH
It was his time, and I don't think it really came as a surprise to anyone when Ryan revealed that it was the end of the road for Luke Menard. For some reason, his approach just never really worked. He had some good vocal performances, and has a nice voice for adult contemporary alternative rock. But there were always so many singers who out performed him week after week.

And again, on his final performance, Luke was good but there was still something missing. Maybe it's a distinctive lack of power in his delivery. Honestly, I can't quite put my finger on it, but I never connected with Luke the way I have with several of the other contestants.

THE TOP TWELVE IS FILLING UP
The next girl up was Ramiele Malubay who may have stumbled a bit in her latest performance, but still found her way into the Top 12. Carly Smithson has been another early favorite since her first audition, and continued her successful run right over to a stool in the Top 12. The next to stand was Amanda Overmyer, who finally found a satisfying groove with Joan Jett. It was enough to get her into the Top 12.

Asia'h Epperson NUMBER THREE IS SET FREE
It had come down to Asia'h Epperson and Kristy Lee Cook for the final spot in the Top 12 from the girls side. After the obligatory commercial break, Ryan turned to the judges for their thoughts. Randy's pick was Asia'h to make it in. Paula, of course, wasn't going to make a decision so instead she did a little cheer for everyone. Simon said it ultimately didn't matter, but he guessed Asia'h would be the one going home. Finally, Ryan finished slowly peeling off the band-aid and cut Asia'h Epperson from the competition.

The only thing I can figure on this one is that Kristy appealed to the large country-and-western-midwest demographic because I think Asia'h can out-sing her any day. In fact, Asia'h is one of the strongest singers on the girls' side when she's on her game. Every season on Idol's stage someone is cut who doesn't deserve to be. Asia'h is this year's Sabrina Sloan.

NUMBER FOUR IS NO MORE
On the guy's side, we've narrowed it down to Danny Noriega and Chikezie. Both have shown sass and attitude with the judges, and both had mid-level at best performances last night (though Chikezie brought it more than Danny in my opinion). Honestly, at this point I don't know that I'd miss either one over the other, though Danny is more entertaining. I think I'm still upset that Asia'h is gone.

Danny NoriegaChikezie didn't wow the judges, while Danny went over better with Randy and Paula than Simon. In the end, Chikezie moved into the Top 12, and Danny Noriega was cut. Of course, considering the close friendship that's been evidently blooming between Ramiele and Danny, the camera immediately cut to her so they could catch her falling apart.

Danny is a good vocalist, but his strength always seemed to lie more in his personality rather than his vocal talent. I think as the weeks passed, we began to see more and more that there was just no way he was going to be able to win this competition. Still, Danny's a great personality and I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see him as a correspondent on E! or some other celebrity trash show as soon as his contract allows.

NEXT WEEK
The theme is songs by The Beatles. Also, they will be talking live to fans on the phone during the results show. That can only go fabulously. The stage set is all new this year as well. From here on out, it's only one elimination per week until we find the next American Idol. And it's one of these twelve...

Need more American Idol? Get an inside look at Season 7's contestants and think back to these scathing (and hilarious) Simon Cowell quotes.
Also: Who do you love? Rank the contestants!

THE TOP TWELVE
Jason Castro
Amanda Overmyer
David Cook
Brooke White
David Hernandez
Syesha Mercado
Michael Johns
Carly Smithson
David Archuleta
Kristy Lee Cook
Chikezie
Ramiele Malubay

RESULTS
Boys Voted Out: Luke Menard & Danny Noriega
Girls Voted Out: Kady Malloy & Asia'h Epperson

Is America ready for a gay 'Idol'?

Is America ready for a gay 'Idol'?

No finalist has ever been portrayed as openly gay during the past six seasons of "American Idol." With more details about contestants' personal lives being exposed — both on the show and unofficially online — that could change, and soon.

Or will it be "Idol" business as usual?

"It feels like we're closer now than ever to having an openly gay contestant on the show," says Jim Verraros, who came out after his run as a finalist on the first season of "Idol."

"I'm not here to name any names, but I feel like there are some definite possibilities for this to happen this year," he said. "Do I think it'll happen? I don't know. I hope it does."

On Thursday, the current 16 semifinalists will be narrowed down to 12 finalists, who will perform live each week until the seventh winner of "American Idol" is selected by the voting public. At its core, "Idol" is a singing competition, but finalists' popularity has always seemed to play a big role in who moves forward.

When reached for comment about this story, Fox and "Idol" producers issued the following statement to The Associated Press: "We do not comment on the personal lives of the show participants." None of the current contestants have been made available for comment.

Over the years, however, "Idol" has devoted plenty of screentime to participants' personal lives, ranging from asking intimate questions of the contestants (this week it's "What was your most embarrassing moment?") to aiming the camera at their sobbing significant others in the audience, to airing fully edited segments about their backgrounds.

"The show hasn't seemed very conducive or gay friendly to contestants coming out," says Michael Jensen, editor of AfterElton.com, a Web site about gay and bisexual men in entertainment and the media. "Simon and Randy have not hesitated to mock effeminate contestants and crack the occasional gay joke. It has not communicated to contestants that it would be a good place to come out."

Every season, blogs and message board users endlessly speculate about the sexuality of contestants. Online clues hinting at their sexual orientation often emerge, but Fox and "Idol" producers have never addressed such rumors or depicted openly gay finalists as such on the show or on AmericanIdol.com.

Such speculation isn't new.

Will Young, the first champion of "American Idol's" British predecessor "Pop Idol," was rumored to be gay — then publicly came out following his win. In 2005, a gay personal ad featuring U.S. season-four finalist Anwar Robinson was discovered on BlackPlanet.com. And second-season runner-up Clay Aiken continues to be a constant source of "is he or isn't he?" gossip — though he's always maintained that he isn't.

"Gay people, like everybody, want to see themselves reflected on television," says Jensen. "I think that when a show hasn't reflected that, and goes on and on not reflecting that, it sort of raises the ante, and each season people begin speculating even more intensely about who may be gay."

This week, a video of flamboyant current semifinalist Danny Noriega lashing out against Santa Claus appeared on MySpace and was posted on several blogs. Another video of Noriega singing Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools" and rapping about being gay — all while wearing a do-rag — was also posted on YouTube.

"Yeah, I'm gay," raps Noriega in the video. "But you eat hay for dinner, 'cause you look like a horse ... ."

Last week, "Idol"-bashing VoteForTheWorst.com posted photos of scantily clad semifinalist David Hernandez working at gay nightclub Burn, as well as rumors that he was a stripper at Dick's Cabaret in Phoenix. Club manager Gordy Bryan told the AP on Monday that Hernandez did indeed dance fully nude and perform lap dances for the club's "mostly male" clientele.

Club manager Bryan says he did not know anything about Hernandez's personal life while he was stripping at Dick's Cabaret. Hernandez's MySpace profile lists his sexual orientation as straight.

First-season finalist Verraros, who says he was out to fellow contestants and "Idol" staff but not on the show, was publicly outed when an online journal he kept in college, which included comments about dating guys, was discovered. "Idol" producers later asked Verraros to take down the LiveJournal.

"The message boards were so homophobic. The gay-bashing was awful," says Verraros. "It was horrible. They said a faggot would never win 'American Idol.' It was pretty intense. I think it's something you have to expect in this industry, whether it's 'American Idol' or a sitcom or Broadway. It's going to happen the more exposed you are."

Verraros decided not to come out until after the show and the subsequent tour, doing so in the pages of gay magazine The Advocate. Since then, Verraros released his first album, starred in the gay-themed indie film "Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds" and his currently working on his second album.

"Regardless of whether or not a contestant is gay, the talent is there," says Verraros. "That should always come first and foremost."

`American Idol' Brings Back Charity Show

The second "American Idol" charity event is set for April 9, with a lineup that includes Bono, Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus, Fergie, Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood.

Last year's "Idol Gives Back" show raised $76 million to benefit underprivileged children.

The Fox network announced the date Monday. Football stars Peyton and Eli Manning are also scheduled, along with John Legend, Mariah Carey, Annie Lennox, Reese Witherspoon and Snoop Dogg. Fox said more names will be added in the coming weeks.

'American Idol' Crown Their Top 24

american idol, american idol season 7, american idol 2008, american idol season 7 top 24, american idol spoiler, Chikezie Eze, Danny Noriega, Jason Yeager, David Cook, David Hernandez, Luke Menard, Michael Johns, Jason Castro, Robbie Carrico, Colton Berry, David Archuleta


"American Idol" unveiled their top 24 on Tuesday night sending through a few early favorites, but letting go some of the contenders fans had already grown attached to.

At the end of the hour-long program, the top 12 male contestants were revealed as:

[ Meet The 'Idol' Stalker - Watch the Video ]

Chikezie Eze
Danny Noriega
Jason Yeager
David Cook
David Hernandez
Luke Menard
Michael Johns
Jason Castro
Robbie Carrico
Colton Berry
David Archuleta

Noticeably absent from the list was Josiah Leming, the 18-year-old Tennessee native who arrived at the Atlanta, living in his Ford Thunderbird.

[ Former 'American Idols' - View the Gallery ]

On Monday night's two-hour show, the teenager covered British pop artist Mika's song "Grace Kelly," before in another round, he kicked off the band as nerves set in during his rendition of "Unchained Melody."

His strategy didn't pay off and the baby-faced blonde who sounds like former Winona Ryder flame, Bright Eyes, was sent home.

[ All Access: American Idol ]

Also packing his bag was Kyle Ensley, the spectacled young man in a pressed shirt and tie, but he wasn't sent home by a vote from judge Simon Cowell.

"I completely and utterly disagree with this decision," Cowell said as Colton Berry was passed through over Ensley. "I think you should have been given a chance. I think you would have had something people would have enjoyed."

[ Meet The 'Idol' Stalker - Watch the Video ]

There were fewer upsets on the female side.

The following ladies made it through to the top 24:

[ Former 'American Idols' - View the Gallery ]

Kristy Lee Cook
Amanda Overmyer
Alexandrea Lushington
Joanne Borgella
Brooke White
Syesha Mercado
Alaina Whitaker
Asia'H Epperson
Amy Davis
Kady Malloy
Carly Smithson
Ramiele Malubay

'Idol' Alumna McPhee Marries Producer Cokas

Former "American Idol" contestant Katharine McPhee has wed producer Nick Cokas.

The pair married Saturday in Beverly Hills, Calif., McPhee's representative, Justin Gray Stone, told People Magazine.

Nick "is the love of my life," McPhee said. "This is a once in a lifetime occasion, and everything is just perfect."

A message left Sunday with McPhee's agent was not immediately returned.

McPhee, 23, and Cokas, 42, met in 2005. Their relationship blossomed when McPhee auditioned for "American Idol" later that year, according to People. They got engaged last year.

McPhee lost the season-five "Idol" sing-off to Taylor Hicks.

Moore Opens Heart To Children

Julianne Moore has a loving new way to help struggling children in America: Send a valentine.

Just before Christmas, the 47-year-old actress read to elementary school students and met with parents in White Oak, Tenn., on behalf of Save the Children. The organization aims to improve children's quality of life through literacy, physical activity and nutrition programs.

Afterward, Moore, a mother of two, was inspired to offer Valentine's Day cards online in return for donations to Save the Children. The cards, featuring children's art, can be printed or e-mailed, and are available through Feb. 14 on the charity's Web site.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday, Moore said she hopes the initiative will catch on in schools where classmates exchange valentines.

Man Who Robbed 'Lost' Star Makes Plea

A man charged with a string of home invasion robberies in 2005, including the holdup of "Lost" star Josh Holloway, has reached a plea agreement that will put him behind bars for 30 years.

Ruben Royce, 23, pleaded guilty Friday to 34 offenses, including kidnapping, first-degree robbery, burglary and auto theft, stemming from four home invasions. He agreed to a 30-year prison term when he's sentenced April 29.

'Rambo' A Rallying Point, Stallone Says

Sylvester Stallone says his latest "Rambo" film and its tag line are inspiring real-life opponents of Myanmar's military rulers.

"Either live for something, die for nothing - it's your choice," the 61-year-old actor-director said Saturday in a phone call from Paris, where he is promoting the movie, the fourth in a series.

"Students have now used this film as a rallying point and are using the quote, thinking maybe the American military will intervene and save them," he said.

"Rambo" has the disaffected Vietnam veteran John Rambo trying to find missionaries captured by Myanmar soldiers.

Myanmar's military crushed pro-democracy protests led by students and Buddhist priests last year.

Stallone filmed "Rambo," which has yet to be released in Asia, on a river bordering Myanmar and neighboring Thailand.

He issued a challenge to the ruling military.

"If they think this movie is a fantasy, I welcome the opportunity to let me come over there and walk around the country without armed guards following me every inch of the way," he said.

Musician Katharine McPhee appears backstage during MTV's 'Total Request Live' show at the MTV Times Square Studios, March 19, 2007, in New York. McPhee has wed producer Nick Cokas. The pair married Saturday, fEB. 2, 2008 in Beverly Hills, McPhee's representative, Justin Gray Stone, told People Magazine

Katharine McPhee and Nick Cokas

Katharine McPhee and actor Nick Cokas wed Saturday in Beverly Hills.

Approximately 300 guests – including a gospel choir – filled the Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church for the 45-minute service.

McPhee's bridesmaids wore floor-length pink dresses.

The flowers included pink, purple, peach and white roses as well as green hydrangea and pink cherry blossoms.

Rumer Willis, McPhee's costar in the upcoming film I Know What Boys Like, was in attendance.

McPhee, 23, and Cokas, 42 – who met in 2005 when they performed in a L.A. theater production of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir – have been dating for more than a year.

They got engaged last year.

The singer has always shrugged off their 19-year age difference.

"I love [older men]," she has said. "They're just wiser, and they're less about themselves and more about you."

Though McPhee was recently dropped from her music label, she may have other plans in store.

"I want to have, like, 15 babies," she told Stuff last year. "I've always wanted to be pregnant. One year for Halloween, I decided to be pregnant, so I got this nun costume, and I put a big belly under it. I showed my parents and said I want to go to school as a pregnant nun. My dad sat me down and said, 'Katharine, you can't!'"

Paula Abdul says new album expected in summer

Paula Abdul, who has a new song with fellow "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson, blames a plane mishap for keeping her out of the musical arena for more than a decade.

"I've been really, really blessed and fortunate and it's really, really poignant for me to come back now," Abdul, who is one of the pre-Super Bowl performers, told The Associated Press on Saturday.

Abdul is featured on the first single off the new album from Jackson, due out next month. The song is titled "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow."

Abdul says an emergency plane landing that caused her injury in 1992 — she calls it a "plane crash" — was a key reason why she abandoned her multiplatinum singing career (she hasn't released a new album since 1995).

"I had four plates and fourteen cervical spinal surgeries," Abdul said while she picked up items Saturday at The Retreat at Super Bowl XLII, a celebrity gifting suite. "It all happened during the time that I disappeared and no one knew where I went. For five and a half years, I went through paralsys, the worst experience, and then I came back on `American Idol,' that was my first time back out there."

Abdul decided to return to music when Jackson asked her to be one of the artists on "Randy Jackson's Musical Club, Vol. 1."

"Everything felt right. The song was amazing," said Abdul, who added that she just finished a video for the song: "I'm dancing — wait to you see me," she said. "I'm doing things that you won't believe, that I don't even believe."

She's already started work on a new album that she expects to be released by the summer.

As for her other job, "American Idol," Abdul claims that this season's talent is the strongest yet.

"All the fat is trimmed, meaning that it's prime rib the whole lot," she said. "If we do it right and America does it right there could be a top twelve that are of the likes of Daughtry, Kelly, Carrie, I'm telling, you're in for an amazing season."

Sparks, Keys, Petty headline Super show

She's just a rookie, and already Jordin Sparks is going further in the NFL than her father. Only 2 1/2 months after the youngest "American Idol" winner released her debut album, the teen is set to perform the national anthem Sunday at the Super Bowl. In nine years as a pro cornerback, pop Phillippi Sparks never reached the big game.

"I said, 'Dad, I'm singing at the Super Bowl,'" she said Thursday. "He said, 'At least one of us made it.'"

No surprise about which team she'll root for when the New York Giants play the New England Patriots. Her dad spent all but one season with the Giants.

"There definitely is a tie with them," the 18-year-old Sparks said. "I got to go for the underdogs."

Sparks considers herself a "huge, humongous football fan." Nine-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, who will provide the pregame entertainment, is less so — most of the time, anyway.

"Even I, who might think the Mighty Ducks and Penguins are playing, love the Super Bowl," Keys said. For the record, she's pulling for her hometown Giants.

Tom Petty, headlining the halftime show with his Heartbreakers, stayed neutral.

"I'm for everybody," he said.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, however, has a fan in Bill Belichick. In a light moment for him, the Patriots coach admitted he was sorry to miss Petty's performance and said he might play the band's CDs while preparing for the game.

"Well, it's never kept anyone from winning," Petty said.

Like previous halftime performers Prince, the Rolling Stones and U2, Petty's greatest challenge will come in whittling down his band's work into a tight set. They have a total of 12 minutes to perform, and that includes moving 56 carts on and off the field.

"There's this football game that has to go on," Petty said.

Petty grew up in Gainesville, Fla., and does root for the Gators. He also wasn't picking any political candidates, even though his "American Girl" was blasting during Hillary Clinton's recent campaign rallies in New Hampshire.

"We weren't aware of it, but we've heard about it," he said. "We're not endorsing any candidates. You wouldn't want to take a guitar player's advice."

Sparks lives in nearby Glendale — convenient, because the Super Bowl will be played there, at the University of Phoenix Stadium. She sang the national anthem before the Arizona Cardinals played their first regular-season game at the stadium in 2006, but the Super Bowl is in another league.

"For me, since my career has been a couple of months, it's way up there," she said.

Sitting next to Sparks, Keys looked forward to a European tour that begins Feb. 25. Coming off her album "As I Am," she also announced the dates and locations of her U.S. tour, starting April 19 in Hampton, Va., and ending June 18 at Madison Square Garden.

Before that, there's Sunday's performance.

"I'm going to take you by the neck and demand that you watch me," Keys said.

"What she said," Sparks echoed.