FEATURED POST
Hollie Cavanagh stages a comeback while Ryan Seacrest battles sickness
By Carla Patton
The name of the game on "American Idol" this week is Queen, followed by Contestant's Choice. Please pretend I said that in a roller-rink deejay voice then played the "Ghostbusters" song.
Bing: More about 'American Idol' | Photos: See the top 6 singers
Ryan Seacrest tells us that this stage has housed "no less than two shocking results." He doesn't think we can take much more -- not if we continue to consume red meat in this way. For me, it has been more than two shocks. I am shocked just by Jennifer's crazy C-3PO's sexy girlfriend look tonight. Can I handle 10 performances on this night? I am too weak!
More: 'American Idol' on BuddyTV | Video: Watch 'American Idol' clips and more
I am also shocked that Randy, not Ryan, is narrating this introduction to Queen. Did Randy insist that he be the voice of definitive music knowledge and connections? Two dudes from Queen stopped by to counsel (very effectively, I might add!) the top 6 contestants before taking on their music. Man, they are cool. 
Roger Taylor and Brian May are playing with the top 6 as they sing a medley of Queen songs. They started with a soulless version of "Fat Bottomed Girls," and then we got a preview of who might do well with this song catalog as they took turns on "Another One Bites the Dust." As I'd hoped, Skylar is doing really well, and Phillip and Elise are doing as well as we had expected. Joshua is a bit out of place, and Jessica is just flat out annoying me on this night, growling out her part of "We Will Rock You." She's just being all 16-years-old about it, you know? I have no thoughts on Hollie during this medley, except "nice pantsuit."
Did Elise mess up when she went to "of the woooorrrrrrld" early on "We Are the Champions"? No matter. I was happy to see Roger Taylor and Brian May just slaying away up there, not caring that these teenagers don't have the life experience to make these songs personal, as they'd suggested.
Allegedly, Ryan Seacrest is ailing in this episode. So, that's why he's sitting on a stool to introduce Jessica Sanchez, singing "Bohemian Rhapsody." All right, Jessica. Where is my color and why did you turn into the great and powerful Oz? It was all right, not as exciting as this song can be, and she didn't get to the fun stuff ("Galileo, Galileo!").
Steven said rock isn't Jessica's forte, but she was still good. Jennifer thought the vocal was beautiful but not so much on the "rock" performance. Randy actually loved it and appreciated the restraint. Randy's pin says, "Yo"! You been reading my diary, Randy? Ryan, please don't touch the contestants. We can't have another Hollywood Week-level epidemic on our hands.
Ryan does not look well, and this is my new obsession for the night. Can he make it?
Skylar Laine sings next, performing "The Show Must Go On." Skylar could really sing any Queen song, and I would enjoy it. She has the edge necessary to take these songs on. She is doing a good job with this song, but I would prefer just a hint more drama. She seems a little tired. But the show must go on, Skylar! It picked up toward the end for a satisfying conclusion. Steven loved it. The droid hooker of Tatooine got goosies, and Randy declared that Skylar's gotta have it. Whatever that means. I think Skylar won the medley, though, for what it's worth.
Joshua Ledet is singing "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," which is an interesting choice for him. I think "Somebody to Love" would have been much better for him, but I guess he has to have fun this week to show some personality. Joshua is great. There is no denying that, but I don't know that this was the right fit for him. It's almost like his voice was too big for the song? The judges rose to their feet, though, so I guess it was good! Randy says Joshua is "so ready" and he loved it. Someone get me that "Yo" pin before I rip it off that powder-blue suit jacket. Jennifer says the Joshua part of the show is her favorite part, which could be the kiss of death for him. Steven thought it was fantastic. I think it was fun, but no one asked me.
Ryan is back on his feet! Could this be a moment of recovery before a Spanish flu-like fall? Stay tuned.
Elise Testone chose "I Want It All" and a red tambourine to play. It doesn't make her seem less nervous or self-conscious, though. I think this competition's got her in her head. This is the right Elise, though -- rocking out, in front of a band. This could keep her around another week, I'd reckon! Steven said this was the right song choice for her. Jennifer said Elise was in her element, and Randy said, "What a night so far!" Are the judges over Elise? I'm not sure. This was the right song, though. Randy called it one of Elise's best performances to date, and I agree.
Phillip Phillips is singing "Fat Bottomed Girls." Yes! This is what I wanted. I love this song, and I think Phillip can have some fun with it. And look at him, wearing oatmeal instead of gray! It is predictably delightful and didn't sound like the same performance he usually delivers -- a nice change of pace from Phillip Phillips. It was a bit too short, but I was also worried about his head exploding, so it worked out. 
He was a little below the note, so I'm not sure it ever got there, but it was fun. Steven liked it, Jessica loves the "different flavors" of Phillip (Fifty Shades of Grey). Randy liked it but didn't love it. It's time for Phillip to get some tough love around here, I reckon.
Closing out the Queen songs, Hollie Cavanagh is singing "Save Me." Does that mean this entire show is closing with "The Climb"? But I'm getting ahead of myself. I had no idea they made pantsuits that small. I think "Save Me" is an appropriate choice for Hollie, who could be on the cusp again this week. It was going well, but her voice cracked at a key moment toward the end. She recovered nicely, and I think she was really feeling the emotions of the song this time. Good work, Hollie. Steven liked it. Jennifer is having trouble telling Hollie to marry robot, good singer Hollie with emotional, sometimes cracking Hollie.
Jennifer declares Skylar the winner of Round 1, and Randy offered that Hollie needs to step it up and that Elise and Joshua were also great. Then Steven reflected on the "new voice today," what with the Internets and the fancy microphones.
Round 2: Personal Choice
The top 6 is confused about Hollie Cavanagh's accent. She's part Texas, part English. They seem to like her, though. I do not like that she's singing "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. People need to stop acting like this song is good. Maybe Hollie can make it good. She definitely sang it better than Miley, but the song is still just OK. God, her vocal clarity is so insane. For whatever reason, the judges and audience rose to their feet at the end of the song. I mean, it was good. But this song is not a good song! A triumph for Hollie, though, I suppose. Randy declared that Hollie is back.
What do you think of Wednesday night's performances?
"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.
Oscar-winning actress first former contestant to land the job
Jennifer Hudson is coming back to "American Idol."
The Oscar-winning actress and one-time contestant will be a judge when the beloved singing competition returns for Season 13, E! Online reports.
Bing: More on 'American Idol' | Jennifer Hudson
As reported earlier this week, FOX and the producers behind "American Idol" are hoping to recruit more past winners and competitors as judges. Other candidates include Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken. But Clarkson's camp told THR the "Stronger" singer will have no part on the judge's panel next season.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
"American Idol" is in need of new judge blood and bringing back former competitors could do the trick. Season 12 lost 33 percent of its viewers from last year and 10 million from 2011, due in part to the success of NBC's "The Voice." According to The Wrap, all four judges from Season 12 -- Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban -- and even producer Nigel Lythgoe are getting the boot. But so far, Jackson has been the only one to officially bow out.
"American Idol" Season 13 returns to FOX in 2014.
| Tags: | American Idol |
'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."
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
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.
Bing: More about 'American Idol'
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.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
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."
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
'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.
Bing: More about George Clinton
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."
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
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.
Bing: More about Amy's Baking Company
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."
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
'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."
Bing: More about Ricky Schroder
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.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
'Who Do You Think You Are?' to return in July on TLC
WENN
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.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
primetime tonight
tv news
- 3 Reasons Lena Dunham Can't Laugh Off 'Girls' Porn Parody
- Latest 'Bachelorette' won't say if she's engaged
- Ronnie Ortiz-Magro opens up about scary health battle
- NBC to air Blake Shelton's Okla. tornado relief concert May 29
- Snooki: NJ Gov Christie 'just doesn't like us'
- Jason Sudeikis says he's still undecided about leaving 'SNL'
- Mark Burnett comments on 'Voice' ratings win over 'Idol': 'It's a kinder show'
- Gov. Christie boosts Jersey shore on 'Today'
- Jennifer Hudson (definitely) in negotiations to judge 'Idol'
- A&E cancels 'Intervention'
meet the bloggers
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.
follow msn tv
