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South Carolina native Elise Testone is the latest to get the hook
By Carla Patton
I sure hope Ryan Seacrest is feeling better! The show just isn't the same when he half-asses it (or would his illness reduce it to quarter-assing?). He certainly looks recovered.
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Before things move forward, "The Queen Extravaganza," hand-picked by Brian May and Roger Taylor themselves, performs "Somebody to Love." I remember hearing about this, and everyone talking about how much this guy looks and sounds like Freddie Mercury. I'm all about that sassy guitar player, though.
I enjoyed this performance very much. I will never get tired of seeing Roger Taylor and Brian May bust out on stage. They are just the coolest! Everybody else, go home.
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Ryan tells us it's hard for the contestants because "their bond is working like magic," and they sing that darned "I've Got the Magic in Me" song that I swear has been covered on a Ford Music Video every single year and maybe twice this year. Don't applaud for that, audience. It does not merit applause. Hollie looks amazing tonight!
And now, the "American Idol" contestants go to TMZ, which tends to be a segment I enjoy. Skylar is just so adorable. It turns out there's a male strip club called "Mantasia." No one had any solutions for Elise, who looks mad by default. Why was Nigel Lythgoe there, though? He must have invited himself.
What did Jimmy think of Elise? He thinks she picked the wrong Queen song (What?! I thought it was great!) and thought it came off as "clubby." Jimmy thought "Bold as Love" was a bad choice because it's more of a performance piece for someone playing the guitar and singing. What did America think? One is safe. One is in the bottom. Jessica is safe. Elise goes back to her stool, which is still warm from her regular spot in the bottom three.
Hollie and Joshua are next. The friends! Hollie is more nervous than Joshua, probably. Who does Jimmy think should be more nervous, though? Jimmy thought Hollie did a good enough job with "Save Me" and thought "The Climb" was a great choice. There was an odd break before we looked at Joshua's highlights. Jimmy thought Joshua did a great job interpreting both songs and choosing them. Smart! "If Joshua gets voted off tonight, there is something wrong with the competition, the voting, the entire ball of wax," Jimmy says. What a dated expression.
Best friends. Who stays? Who goes? Hollie is in the bottom three. Joshua is safe. Jimmy will be relieved to know there's nothing wrong with this ball of wax.
Oh, goodness. Steven Tyler is in a Burger King commercial, immediately followed by Jennifer's Kohl's commercial. But where is Randy's commercial?
Now Katy Perry sings "Part of Me," and Steven Tyler enjoys another chicken tender becoming a part of him. She seems tired. Maybe she caught the Ryan Seacrest too-much-money flu.
Now it's down to Skylar and Phillip. I thought Skylar had a great night, but Phillip is a favorite! Let's see what Jimmy has to say. Jimmy thought her second song was a "little self-indulgent." Jimmy thought she got knocked out in Round 2. Phillip "Lady-killer" Phillips was divisive. Jimmy lets us in on a secret: Phillip was sick this week, too! His energy suffered as a result.
Skylar is in the bottom three. Phillip is safe, and Phillip will probably win this whole thing. Skylar is safe, though, so she heads back to the couches. Whew!
Ryan sends the four contestants who are safe back to their couch. They object, but Ryan is in charge. Elise is eliminated. It had to happen. She was great, but this just wasn't the right place for her. It's too bad that all these contestants have to see their moments play over a twangy Scotty McCreery tune. Goodbye, Elise. Get back with your band!
What do you think of Thursday night's results? Did America get it right?
"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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