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Jessica Sanchez 'slays the biggest fish' while Joshua Ledet continues to impress
By Carla Patton
The top 7 are singing songs from this decade this week on "American Idol." And what a decade it's been! These last two and a half years have been legendary in the music business, no? But more importantly, this theme gives the top 7 an opportunity to show what type of artists they'd be if they were to get a record contract but no time machine. How can they handle the hits of today? Is there a place for soul artists like Joshua Ledet?
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To be fair, Skylar Laine had a very adorable hometown and "Grandpaw." Skylar has chosen Kellie Pickler's "Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You." Akon, allegedly, was like, "Yo," when she sang. Skylar offered to play the guitar while she sings this week, and Jimmy said not to do it if it would hold her back because it's not about how many tricks anyone can do. But she's out there with the guitar! I haven't heard this song, but I like it now. If another former contestant can do it, why not Skylar?
Um, can we discuss how Colton Dixon is from a town called Murfreesboro? I like him more already. Jimmy told Colton that he's behind Phillip, which he hated. Colton has chosen to sing Skylar Grey's "Love the Way You Lie" and declares it will be a game changer for him. I don't think you get to declare that, Colton. He sounds a little better than he did in rehearsal, sitting at that white piano. The high notes just weren't floating right, though. I think it will keep him safe this week, but it wasn't a game changer. Colton feels great about it, and the judges seemed to like it, too. This performance -- and his reaction to it -- cancelled out any favor he gained from me being from Murfreesboro. You don't get to say how well it went, Colton! We get to decide!
Oh, no. Dream Team Phillip and Elise are singing "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye, and I'm nervous. This song is right on the cusp of being overplayed, and I still want to like it when all is said and done. Phillip isn't so into the song, but I like the dynamic this clip package is showing between them. It made me like Phillip a lot more. This performance does, too. It's hot! I don't like what they did with the chorus, though. It got too spooky. Is this a Tim Burton-inspired backdrop?
I think they took some of the power and emotion out of the chorus by falling off the end of all the notes and swinging into the next ones. And, naturally, I prefer any rendition with Matt Bomer in it. Randy and Jennifer crowned Elise the winner of this round, and so did Phillip.
Why are fans of Jessica Sanchez called Blue Jays? I must be missing something. Jessica chose the not so popular "Stuttering" by Jazmine Sullivan. Akon wants to steal Jessica Sanchez, but he'll have to wait with everyone else until she either wins or is eliminated. Things are opening up for Jessica! Diva, werk. Jessica manages to sit on the piano and not make it cheesy. I am not familiar with this song, either, but it sounds like it's a good choice for Jessica. And she's making me like it. Ooh, it gave me emotions. Randy thought she slayed the biggest fish of the night. It was so good he's mixing metaphors. Jennifer predicts that Jessica Sanchez will be taking us on a ride, and she wants something even more impactful. Jessica, the fish/whale-slayer. "Not that we want to take down a whale," Ryan noted, doing some quick "Idol" PR. 
Joshua Ledet just had a birthday, and he's in another white suit jacket. For his 20th birthday, Fantasia Barrino wished "Mantasia" a happy birthday. He loved it! He is just too cute. He's singing "Runaway Baby" by Bruno Mars this week to give us a change of pace. Good! I approve of this. The arrangement is super fun, and I'm glad this isn't just a ballad night. Joshua is having fun with it, and I think he might have it in him to take it further than last season's Jacob Lusk. It's not too gospel-y, I don't think. I like his pink socks. The judges were ecstatic. 
For whatever reason, Colton Dixon is being shoved into another country duet with Skylar Laine. I understand wanting to make the girls look good this season, but this just seems blatant. Country is not right for Colton, even though he's from Tennessee. They're singing "Don't You Wanna Stay" by Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson. So, people think they're dating? I never got that. I will say this for Colton: He can hold his own next to Skylar, and he can own the camera like no one else this season. The chemistry is getting weird between them as they duet and simultaneously work hard to convince us that they are not into each other. They wouldn't even look each other in the eye. Colton sounded good on this one, and Skylar sounded natural, since the song favored her anyway. Randy thought it was "just OK." No one was declared the winner by the judges, but I'll say it: Colton!
Uh, oh. Hollie Cavanagh is taking on "Perfect" by P!nk. She pronounces the word, "pehfect," because she has fans in Liverpool, too! Akon and Jimmy seem confident. Hollie is still insecure, though, as she tells us she wants Jimmy to call her a professional as he has done with pretty much every other contestant left. At least her skirt is made of Muppet. They slowed down the song and drained it of its rock 'n' roll. I don't care for this arrangement. This song is way more exciting, usually. Why do they keep doing this to her song choices? "You look beautiful tonight," Jennifer tells her, getting the comments off to a bad start. No standing ovation for you, Hollie. "It kinda laid there a little bit for me," Steven admitted. It got very quiet, probably because everyone's taking a quick nap before the next duet. Even Ryan gave his own little comment: "Well, it was definitely stronger than last week." Ouch!
Isn't Phillip Phillips's father, Phillip Phillips Sr., so cute? What's up, P2 Sr! Confusingly, Phillip is singing "Give a Little More" by Maroon 5. Phillip also doesn't care about being pitted against Colton because "Colton's a good guy." Do you know you're in a competition, Phillip? Or are you just kind of hanging out wondering why so many of your friends are going home each week? This is the Dave Matthews Band arrangement of a Maroon 5 song, but at least this marks the return of my favorite "American Idol" recurring character: Saxophone Lady!
It was great in the moment for Phillip, and I would love to hear it at an outdoor concert. But I feel like he's not changing enough. Steven noted that with each week we can hear more melody and words from Phillip. Yes, both good things! Melody! Words! Jennifer felt like she'd seen this performance before, and I'm proud of her for saying that. He's such a nice guy, though.
Hollie and Joshua are BFFs, and I guess Jessica is just a third wheel in this trio. They're singing "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson, and the girls sounded absolutely terrible walking fast and singing in the beginning. Is this just a song that people don't sound good on? It was weak, and the contestants seemed tired and downtrodden. Hollie looked distracted. This was just a throwaway performance. Oh, and then to assert her dominance as the female diva this season, Jessica outdid Hollie in the runs over the top of the chorus.
To close out the night in the pimp spot, Elise Testone is singing Lady Gaga's "You and I." She should get a better response this season, now that the song is more popular. Look at that outfit. It is epic. She got a personal message from Jason Segel, which was odd. He's a personal friend of Ryan Seacrest, you see. Elise has the best friends, I think -- like that one who made the instructional video on how to vote for her. Elise wanted to start out playing the drums, which was a crazy Reed Grimm idea. You are not Reed, Elise. Thank God.
I will have to go back and re-watch Haley's performance last season, but I feel like I prefer it. Elise flips around on the note a bit too much for my liking. She's getting desperate, nervous. She lost some of the pitch in there, too. I've been an Elise fan in the past, but I think she's slowly losing the hold she once had on things.
"Elise is back!" Randy shouts, tiredly. He needs to end the show on a high note, I suppose. Jennifer liked it, too, calling Elise a "closer," and Steven said it was genius. Maybe I'm just ... hungry?
What did you think of Wednesday night's performances?
"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.
'X Factor' head doesn't rule out working with original 'American Idol' judges in the future
WENN
"X Factor" honcho Simon Cowell is open to reconstructing the original "American Idol" judges panel with Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul sometime in the future. For now, Cowell is slated to judge alongside Demi Lovato and new additions Kelly Rowland and Paula Rubio on "The X Factor" next season. But one day he could see himself reuniting with the team of judges that made "American Idol" a global sensation when it began in 2002.
He told "Extra," "I wouldn’t rule it out. I don't know on what show, but I think we've probably all got a desire to do something together again." As for his current trio of females, Cowell thinks their chemistry -- or perhaps lack of chemistry --- will only intensify the drama. He explained, "Putting a load of girls into one situation and seeing how they get on, I like that. I think it's fun."
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Rep for the Season 1 champ confirms she'll play no part on the show next season
WENN
"American Idol" champ Kelly Clarkson won't join the FOX singing competition show as a judge for Season 13. The "Stronger" singer's rep confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter she will have no part on the panel of the show next season. Clarkson was at the center of rumors suggesting show producers were eyeing an all-alumni judging panel, with Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert also reported to have been contacted.
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FOX network bosses are scrambling to find a fix for the TV contest after the Season 12 finale saw a 33 percent drop in viewers compared to last year. Longtime judge Randy Jackson has jumped ship. Reports suggest that Nicki Minaj won't be returning. The futures of Mariah Carey and Keith Urban uncertain.
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Nick Carter developing series with fiancée, A.J. McLean looking to go 'Dancing'
WENN
Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter is developing his own reality TV series. His untitled series, which will center on the pop star and his fiancée Lauren Kitt as they plan their upcoming wedding, is winning over executives at several cable networks, according to reports. Carter tells blogger Perez Hilton, "It will also be about the growing-up phase of my life."
He isn't the only member of the grown-up boy band with his sights set on reality TV. A.J. McLean is desperate to show off his dancefloor skills on "Dancing With the Stars." Bandmate Howie Dorough explains, "The same year that Nick's brother (Aaron Carter) did it ("Dancing With the Stars"), I was approached about doing it but obviously couldn't do it because of the fact we were embarking on a new record and touring. I know A.J. has always said he's wanted to do it, for sure. He has almost begged to be on the show."
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'The Clintons' will showcase ongoing copyright battle on 'Osbournes'-like series
WENN
Funk icon George Clinton has vowed to use his new reality TV show to highlight his various legal battles over the copyrights to his songs. The Funkadelic legend is embroiled in numerous ongoing lawsuits over the use of his back catalog, and in January he was ordered to hand over the rights to four of his classic tracks to pay off a $1.5 million debt to his former lawyers. Earlier this year he announced he'd be following in the footsteps of rockers Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne by launching his own family-based reality show, called "The Clintons." Now the star has revealed his legal battles will be at the core of the program.
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Clinton tells Uncut magazine, "I'm doing a reality show with my family, with my son Tracy, my six grandkids, Scott Thompson, Brandi ... It's a big family thing. A bit like ("The Osbournes"). But most of them are, like, musicians, rappers and everything ... We got to come up with new ways to get the music across, so we're doing this reality show, so we can expose all the noses out there, stealing the copyrights and taking people's music and money. This is all gonna be part of the reality show, the copyright fight."
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Amy's Baking Company adds immigration proceeding to public relations quagmire
WENN
Amy's Baking Company restaurateur Samy Bouzaglo, made infamous for his stint on Gordon Ramsay's show "Kitchen Nightmares," is facing deportation for withholding information about his criminal past. The Moroccan-born Israeli citizen was apparently less than forthcoming with immigration officials about drug distribution and extortion charges that landed him in prison before he came to the United States 13 years ago.
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Bouzaglo is now mired in ongoing immigration court proceedings that could result in his expulsion from the country, AZ Central reports. His attorney, David Asser, says the matter began two years ago and is unrelated to his unflattering portrayal on FOX's "Kitchen Nightmares." His residency was the subject of a removal hearing on Monday in Arizona. Samy tells the Arizona Republic, "The FBI knows all about me ... The IRS knows. I want people to know about me. But not today, not tomorrow. I have nothing to hide."
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'Starting Strong' to chronicle what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life
WENN
Actor Ricky Schroder and his production company have joined forces with the U.S. Army to produce an unscripted series that will shed light on the different aspects of Army life. "Starting Strong," which is directed, narrated and produced by Schroder, aims to educate Americans about daily life in the Army and potential careers within the organization. Viewers will be introduced to more than 150 military occupational specialties by Army prospects who will share their personal on-the-job experiences. Schroder tells the Hollywood Reporter, "This is sort of new for the Army to give this behind-the-scenes, open-door look at what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life. Viewers are going to see real young men and women getting real experience in living, eating and breathing Army culture and jobs."
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One focus for the series will center around the expectations of military candidates and how they match up with reality. The series will follow trainees through the challenges of their chosen profession until they ultimately decide to join the Army or return to civilian life. Schroder explains, "Sometimes what the families want the young man or woman to do is different than what they end up doing. And the Army's standards are higher than ever. So, in some cases, the Army may not want you because you are just not up to standards. You will see some of that, but it will be handled in a very delicate and gentle way." The 10-week chronicle is set to debut on FOX stations on June 2, with four additional episodes available online.
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'Who Do You Think You Are?' to return in July on TLC
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Lisa Kudrow's family tree-themed "Who Do You Think You Are?" has taken root at a new network after bosses at NBC axed it last year. Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon and Lionel Richie were among the celebrities who investigated their ancestral history on the series, which ran for three seasons and was executive produced by former "Friends" star Kudrow. NBC executives decided to cancel "Who Do You Think You Are?" last May, but it has now been picked up by TLC.
A statement from Kudrow reads, "I've never stopped hearing about how much people love 'Who Do You Think You Are?,' and I've always known that we've had more great stories to share. TLC is a great home for the series, and we join our excited celebrity participants as we unearth some amazing background and surprising histories." The new eight-part reality series will kick off on July 23.
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Former 'America's Got Talent' star headed to Britain's 'X Factor'
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Former "America's Got Talent" star Sharon Osbourne is back in the judge's seat after signing up to return to Britain's "The X Factor." "The Talk" co-host, who is one of the original judges on the TV talent show, will take a seat on the panel alongside singers Nicole Scherzinger and Gary Barlow, as well as Irish music manager Louis Walsh. Announcing her comeback, executive producer Simon Cowell says, "Three words I never thought I'd say ... Welcome back, Sharon!" Osbourne, who starred on "The X Factor" from 2004 to 2007, adds, "I couldn't be happier about coming back for the 10th anniversary of 'X Factor.' I can't wait to give Gary Barlow a big hug, sit next to the gorgeous Nicole and of course throw water on dear Louis. Yay!"
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She later tweeted: "How lucky am I to have 2 jobs @TheTalk_CBS & @TheXFactor? I will be going back & forth all yr (year), best of both worlds!" The news was confirmed on Wednesday following months of speculation about who would replace British pop star Tulisa Contostavlos in the upcoming 10th series. Meanwhile, the judges for the new season of "The X Factor" in the U.S. have now been set: Kelly Rowland and Latin pop star Paulina Rubio will be replacing the departed Britney Spears and L.A. Reid on the show.
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Deanna Barnert | Los Angeles, Calif.
Entertainment journalist Deanna "TVDeeva" Barnert visits sets, interviews industry players and critiques the final product. Buzz's daytime TV queen covers it all for MSN TV, but loves her sitcoms, soaps and any juicy drama that doesn't call itself Reality TV.
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