FEATURED POST
Phillip Phillips, Joshua Ledet rise to the challenge of a two-song performance night
By Carla Patton
Before you get excited, this week's theme, "Now and Then," does not refer to the movie starring Christina Ricci and Rosie O'Donnell, among others. I wish. No, the top 7 (revisited after the Save) are performing twice -- one song from this century/millennium and the other a "soul" hit from yesteryear. It's pretty wide open.
Bing: More about 'American Idol' | Photos: See the top 7 singers
Will Jessica Sanchez enjoy a week of bottom-two backlash in both her judges' feedback and viewer votes? Will Elise choose a song she likes enough to do well this week? Twice? Will we be able to understand more than 90% of the lyrics of whatever Phillip Phillips chooses to sing? Will Colton Dixon get the standing ovation he practically demanded? Have we already forgotten about Deandre Brackensick? All these questions and more will be answered this week as the "American Idol" top 7 take on songs from "Now" and "Then"!
More: 'American Idol' on BuddyTV | Video: Watch 'American Idol' clips and more
After feeding us some Yoda-level crap about beginnings and endings, this week's episode begins. We do not have time for all this emotion, you guys. We have 14 performances, undoubtedly abridged, to get through. And Kris Allen is ever so dutifully in the audience to witness it. Ryan has the time to mention the sad passing of Dick Clark, though. Sorry, Skylar. We won't have time to watch you ride an ATV in your clip package this week.
The good news is that the top 7 are all dressed absolutely crazy on this night. 
We're starting with "now," and Hollie Cavanagh is going first. Now! She's singing "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele. Oof. Can she overcome her nerves? She starts a cappella, which was really working for her, given her vocal clarity. This is actually a good song for her, something with some energy behind it! Is she wearing a skirt? Is it pants? Is it long or short? What is that cutout in her top? Whatever. The performance was a great way to start off the night, and she really rose to the occasion. Steven Tyler called it "perfect," and Jennifer was so happy Hollie wasn't thinking. Randy said she has arrived.
Colton Dixon has chosen "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga. I think he could make it great, or it could be absolutely insane, like his coat this night. I am all about that coat, y'all. And don't worry. We'll get to how Elise is dressed like a giant yam. All in good time. OK, so this arrangement is absolutely terrible. I'm all for making it your own, but there's a reason no one has done an arrangement of the song like this yet. It took him out of "now" and moved him into Spinal Tap. It almost seemed like a joke at times. He didn't get the standing ovation because, frankly, the performance wasn't quite worthy of it. He changed octaves, like I do when I'm singing along to stuff in the car. I like a kinder, gentler Colton. The judges like Colton, so they complimented his willingness to take chances. Would you take a chance at so much leg sweat so early in the night?
Elise Testone, the bottom three's local sweet potato, has no idea why she keeps falling in the bottom three. She's singing "No One" by Alicia Keys to her fan base (no one! hardy har har). She's the only contestant left who is still being judged week to week. So this week, we're adding wind, which is helping the dress's tendency to look yam-like. This is a mediocre song choice, but her voice is doing her a lot of favors. Good performance. Jennifer tells Elise to smile more. Steven wanted a better chorus, and Randy was glad she didn't take too many liberties with the melody. I am, too, Randy! Where's your bedazzled cartoon-face pin on this night, though?
Phillip Phillips is singing "U Got It Bad" by Usher. I am fuh-reaking out with anticipation. What if it's amazing like I want it to be? What if it is growly and terrible, though? Jimmy loved it, and saxophone lady is back: These are good signs. This is just Phillip's "jam sesh." His new nickname is Fifty Shades of Grey, by the way, because he loves wearing grey, and the middle-aged ladies love him!
I was worried, but I kind of loved it! I think they should lose the saxophone, though, because, as much as I love my saxophone lady, it just reeks of Dave Matthews. This arrangement was really cool and sexy. It's hard to take the sex out of Usher, though. Am I right? Jennifer also thought it was sexy. Randy called Phillip a "true artist." He is unassuming, and he knows who he is! So sexy I could just keel over, regaining consciousness only long enough to ask how old he is again.
Jessica Sanchez is still here. Jimmy just basically crapped his pants when he heard his Jessica was in the bottom. So to regain her footing she's singing "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys. I guess it's recognizable. But bleh. Choose something better, Jessica. I want to root for you! And what's up with these Cirque du Soleil floating, red umbrellas? Why does Jessica always get the weird, red props. Is she in a French film? 
I love her hair but don't care for the grunting and growling on this petite 16-year-old girl. The song is so oversung in general, and I'm not sure this was memorable enough. But the audience freaked out like, "Vote for her! She is a good singer!" Yeah, we know! We knew before, and this song didn't show us anything we didn't already know. The judges adore Jessica and continue to do so in her feedback. She was adorable thinking the judges took her mic in mid-song last week because they didn't like her, though. Do you think her necklace weighs more than she does?
A "country twist on Gaga"? If anyone can do it, it's Skylar Laine, I suppose. She's singing the country version of "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga. I think Jimmy Iovine is coming around on Skylar, although he's still focused on nurturing Jessica and Phillip. Who put all those layers on Skylar? Leather, chiffon, glitter ... and it's all belted. This is an interesting version of "Born This Way," and I'm not sure I love it. But it's a valiant effort. I wouldn't put it on the set list for her concert. She didn't have any big moments, but it was fun! Jennifer loved it and said, "A more perfect song for you does not exist." Steven really enjoyed it, and Randy said Skylar has "crossover appeal" and is "so beyond ready." I agree. Hire this girl!
Joshua "Mantasia" Ledet got a special message from Fantasia, so he's possibly contractually obligated to sing Fantasia Barrino's "I Believe" this week. We all know he's going to tear the roof off this place when "Then" rolls around, though. He is also dressed the least crazy of the first seven performances. I'm not familiar with this song, but it seems to really fit him well. It's big and church-y, and he gets the choir in the background. Good job. But I think it's what we have come to expect from him at this point. We know he will always deliver a big moment. Randy called him one of the most gifted singers they've ever had on this show. He appreciated the restraint Joshua showed, too. Joshua could not have been more adorable than when he was shyly unresponsive to Ryan's questions about why he chose to sing Fantasia's winner song.
Hollie Cavanagh got a special message from the hot and sexy Liverpool Football Club right before her second performance. Thank God she has this intro-to-"Soul Train" clip package to get through so she can refocus. And thank God this is not a tribute to Soul Patrol. Hollie is singing "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield. I thought this might be a better fit for Skylar Laine, and it's hard not to think about how much better she might have sung it. The performance is a bit lackluster, especially in comparison to her "now" performance. It wasn't bad, though. Randy said he liked it better than Round 1, and I'm like, "Huh?" Steven thinks she could push it even more. Regarding Hollie's outfit: Barbie does Pepto-Bismol.
Colton Dixon is Colton-ing up Earth, Wind & Fire's "September." And at first I was like, "No, you can't do that," because I just want to dance to that song for 24 hours straight and Colton made it all slow and modern. But it is working. He demonstrated a really great understanding of the song and also what type of artist he would like to be. The set department is dropping too many leaves on him, though. He should get one of those suspended, red umbrellas. He did not get his standing ovation this time, either. The judges said it wasn't the right song for his voice. Why don't we agree anymore, Randy? He said it was "good but not as exciting as we would have liked." Whatever. I thought it worked.
Elise Testone is singing "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye. And she's starting on what can only be described as a porn couch. I suppose that's fitting since the song is about having sex -- so much so that it's over-played and borderline jokey. Bad song choices this time, Elise. Her performance of the song is jokey, as well, with too much growling. It was nice of her to move off the couch so the saxophone player could have a seat, though. 
Jennifer called Elise out on not being very vulnerable. This performance was a good example of her putting walls up. It was too much like, "Haha, this song is a joke, and it's cheesy and about having sex!" and not enough like, "Let's enter into a meaningful sexual relationship as consenting adults." After the critique, Elise got defensive and it wasn't very charming or vulnerable.
Phillip Phillips is singing "In the Midnight Hour" by Wilson Pickett. What a rapid change of pace, almost awkward after Elise's reaction to her comments. Good for him for singing something so fun and un-Dave Matthews Band. I do like him, but this was 100% growling. I never realized how much I rely on those clip packages to prepare me to hear a contestant. Randy took advantage of this quick pace to compare Phillip and Elise directly. Phillip feels everything from head to toe and just allows himself to be entirely in the moment. The judges were very appreciative of Phillip's character and soul, and forgot to critique the vocal performance at all.
Jessica Sanchez, dressed to confuse, is singing "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding. It's hard to go wrong with this song, but this arrangement is well on its way. It needs to be slower! Just by a couple BPM, you know? Even Jessica seems like she's struggling to keep up. That being said, and her effort to growl too much aside, what a fun song! Too much growling on this night overall, really. But she was having a good time with the song, and she nailed it. Jennifer recommends that Jessica push herself a bit more. She has the voice, but we need some more heart. That is really the essence of this night's performances, isn't it? We know they can sing. We get it. Now it's about whether they can make us love them and feel human emotions.
Skylar Laine looks a lot more comfortable singing a countrified "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye. This is a really adorable country arrangement, frankly. And Skylar is just giving this song a good old-fashioned spanking. I liked it so much more than "Born This Way." This was more fun and had more personality. This is the Skylar Laine concert! Randy acknowledged that Skylar has a brand and no problems showing us who she is. She is a rock 'n' roll party, and we're all invited. Yay!
Joshua Ledet is singing an "emotional Civil Rights anthem." Just what we need from him.
The anthem in question is Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come." Oh, my god. This song, though. He had to do it! It is perfection, and he's the only one who can do this song or this theme justice, really. I know this is what we expect from Joshua, but he might as well deliver! The judges rose to their feet, and Steven said he appreciated the restraint in the beginning. Jennifer begged America not to send Joshua home. She is a desperate woman! Randy said this song was perfect for Joshua, and he took his time with it. Then Joshua said he couldn't help but notice J.Lo's abs coming out the side of her dress, and he was even more likeable to me.
Why did Elise change back into her orange dress? Did something happen to her second outfit? I need answers, Ryan Seacrest!
So, who owned the night? Was "now" or "then" more satisfying for you? Or was Wednesday night just a big, hurried, snooze?
What do you think of Wednesday night's performances? Who's next to go?
"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.
A new panel of judges is only the beginning in revitalizing a stale, complacent show
Despite the premise of the headline, these ideas aren't going to fix "American Idol." Everyone perceives it as past its peak, and you can't erase those kind of perceptions. But it's still a highly valuable television property, with a 10-million-plus viewership, and it's worth salvaging. So, offered in the spirit of altruistic generosity, here are five suggestions that might help arrest the decline -- or at least buy "Idol" some time.
Bing: More about 'American Idol' | Video: Watch clips | Photos: See highlights
Some of these ideas have been out there, of course, but the encouraging thing is that a few have been discussed in quotes attributed to the show's producers or FOX executives. Especially this first one:
1. Shake up the judges
It's already happening. Randy Jackson has announced his departure. Nicki Minaj quickly followed suit. Keith Urban has a career to return to, and another season of Mariah Carey's verbal fumblings and bloated salary would seem out of the question. It would be worth trying to keep Nicki -- the sharpest judge "Idol" has ever had when she was "on" (which was not constant). But she did polarize viewers and, from her own standpoint, has accomplished the mass-market penetration goals her judging tenure granted her. She probably feels she needs to get back to her own proper career. Retaining Keith would be fine, but it's not a must.
Also: Catch a recap of the Season 12 finale
There seems to be a corporate desire to cut the panel back to three judges, find some articulate industry insiders and avoid superstars and their super salaries. If so, why not make the obvious move and let Jimmy Iovine transition from de facto judge to the actual panel? His taste is variable, but he's not afraid to criticize and doesn't shirk controversy. The other prospective judge waiting in the wings is Harry Connick Jr., the show's most candid mentor and someone who would bring a most desirable functioning sense of humor to the proceedings. You'd need a female presence, and it would be smart to sidestep the smothering/mothering types (Paula Abdul, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah). Blake Shelton is the coach who makes "The Voice" tick. Why not give his wife, the undeniably spunky Miranda Lambert (a former TV music-contest graduate to boot), a shot?
Some "Idol" observers have raised the possibility of choosing a former contestant as a judge. Kelly Clarkson, who was as personable as usual in her stint on the short-lived "Duets," would be the most logical, but her omnipresence on other shows (besides "Duets," she was also a mentor on "The Voice" and sang on the "X Factor" UK) may rule her out. The name of Melinda Doolittle has been mentioned, and it's pretty likely that Taylor Hicks would be available. And Clay Aiken was a pretty mean judge on an "Idol" parody during the penultimate episode of "The Office."
One other point: If "X Factor" is canceled after this fall, make a run at Simon Cowell. It might backfire in the long run, but he's the guy who made "Idol" the sensation it became.
2. Open up the song list
That means, first and foremost, ditch the themes. One of the recurring complaints about "Idol" is that the songs are too old and there's a disconnect with many of the singers. The restrictions of certain themes ensure that old songs will be picked, usually the most familiar and well-worn ones. Getting rid of themes (which reportedly is being considered) won't eliminate the oldies, but it's natural that young performers will gravitate to songs from their eras, and the average song age is sure to go down. Wide-open choice has been a secret weapon for "The Voice" in its rise to ratings superiority over "Idol." When you can get a range of music encompassing -- as "The Voice" did in its top 12 show -- the Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way," George Jones' "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" and Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend," it's easy to understand why. If the "Oh, wow" factor is theoretically infinite, a lot of excitement will return to "Idol."
3. Rethink the auditions and Hollywood
"Idol" seasons have been getting off to bad starts for years now thanks to deeply embedded flaws in the audition and Hollywood telecasts. The sheer number of singers trying out may look impressive on screen and attest to the allure of the show, but it seems like a cattle call and a long, dreary trudge to reduce the cast to a number you can actually become familiar with. "Idol" is the last show to require unaccompanied auditions. And while that may be the purest way to evaluate vocal quality, it becomes an ordeal for the viewer to hear four weeks of a cappella tryouts. The contrived audition atrocities break up the monotony a little, but they've become predictable and tedious in their own right.
And finally, because the show is taped in advance all the way up to the semifinals, the producers can play favorites with the standout singers or the heartstring-tuggers, and give them disproportionate airtime. "The Voice" has its share of emotion-provoking back stories, but at least every auditioner shown (except the unfortunates compressed into a montage) gets more or less equal time.
4. Stop manipulating us
Which leads to a larger point: A substantial boost in objectivity on the part of the producers would be a big help. Reduce the favoritism shown to the front-runners. Stop trying to engineer a winner. Too long a winning streak for white guys with guitars is no excuse to make sure they're all gone before the public gets a chance to vote, as happened this season. It's also not good for the long-term health of the show to choose such a hapless group of guys that an all-female finale is practically a done deal.
5. Dump the filler -- or at least improve it
Most "Idol" viewers have watched enough television to realize that certain competition shows and all results episodes require padding to fill out their allotted 60, 90 or 120 minutes. Most "Idol" viewers have also watched enough of this show to realize that group performances and duets are a complete waste of time, seldom if ever doing either the songs or the singers any justice whatsoever. On competition nights, if filler is needed, use mentoring sessions or the generally entertaining interludes in which contestants pile on each other to reveal embarrassing or amusing personality traits. On results shows, add guest stars. And make sure they're the brightest hitmakers of the day or the most legendary performers of the past. This season's nostalgia wallow of endless former-contestant returns was too insular, too self-congratulatory and several miles away from true "event television." Give us more reasons to tune in.
None of these ideas, as stated above, will bring "Idol" back to the days of 25-million-plus audiences. But they can help revitalize a stale show that too often complacently coasts on past glories.
'All-Star' finalists open to collaboration for a future season
WENN
"Celebrity Apprentice" finalists Penn Jillette and Trace Adkins are eyeing a collaboration for a future season. The Las Vegas illusionist and the country superstar will meet in the boardroom for this Sunday's "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" finale, but it may not be their last appearance on the show, the duo tells Zap2it.com. If they have it their way, they will be working together under "Apprentice" boss Donald Trump next time. Jillette says, "I would do it in a second, except for the time -- and if they promised me Trace would be on my team."
Bing: More about 'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice'
Both men had to adjust from their normal lives to survive the competition. Adkins struggled to spend so much time surrounded by people explaining, "They work you for 16 hours a day, and you have to be around people 16 hours a day. That is not how I live my life. I have sanctuaries in my life, and I decompress. And when I don't have the opportunity to do that, I become a little stir crazy and perhaps a little dangerous." Likewise, Jillette found the mental struggle that goes hand in hand with Trump's tasks to be the most difficult part: "There are occasional moments when you are working on something, and you know one on the team is wrong. And everyone knows, and you can't say anything because it will come back and bite you on the ass in the boardroom." The winner of "Celebrity Apprentice" will be revealed this Sunday.
Plus: 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office'
Vivid lists 'used' item, complete with fake tan stains, on eBay
WENN
The bikini "Teen Mom" star Farrah Abraham wore for the photo on her sex tape cover is up for auction. The porn studio behind the release of the tape, Vivid Entertainment, listed the sequin-lined swimsuit on eBay at a starting bid of $500 on Wednesday. At press time, the two-piece's asking price has climbed north of $13,000. The listing advertises the Poolside Collection bikini as "used," complete with fake tan stains and glitter from Abraham's body lotion.
Bing: More about Farrah Abraham
The item was not washed since the "Teen Mom" star wore it for a private photo shoot. The listing reads, "Farrah's bikini ... straight off Farrah's body and into your hands." The online auction runs until next Wednesday at midnight.]]>
Plus: 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office'
Rookie judge has enjoyed experience even despite firing rumors
WENN
"American Idol" judge Keith Urban is eager to return for a second season on the panel, despite rumors show producers are planning a major cast shake-up. Last week, veteran judge Randy Jackson announced he would be leaving the singing competition after 12 seasons with the show, and there is growing speculation that he may not be the only star leaving the four-person panel. His co-judges this year -- Urban, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj -- are all reportedly on the chopping block, as producers struggle to find ways to increase the show's declining ratings. But despite the firing rumors, Urban attests that his freshman year on "Idol" has been a great experience. And if he was asked back, he would have no doubts of returning.
He tells "Access Hollywood," "I would return in a heartbeat. I love all of it, and I've loved this journey. I really have. I've loved watching the journey of all of these artists from these little audition moments we find them in and then seeing them come all this way. It's really extraordinary watching them evolve." While Urban insists he does not have insider info on casting, at least one person who is confirmed to return is host Ryan Seacrest, who has been the emcee of the series since its inception in 2002.
Plus: 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office'
'American Idol' fixture confirms return but would step aside for singer
WENN
Ryan Seacrest has confirmed he will be returning to host "American Idol," but he'll step aside if Justin Bieber wants the gig. Longtime host Seacrest has endorsed the pop sensation to fill his shoes as host of the hit singing competition, should show producers decide not to ask him back. Seacrest tells "Entertainment Tonight," "I think Bieber would make a great host. I think he would be good at the phone numbers, and he would fit in my suits."
Bing: More about Ryan Seacrest
But the current host fully intends to remain with the show: "I don't want to say yes, and then get a call tomorrow. As far as I know, yes, I'm coming. I'm showing up. Hopefully, they'll let me in." Meanwhile, all the rumors about "American Idol" judges departing the show with Randy Jackson make for just another day at the office for Seacrest, who adds,, "Aside from Randy saying he's leaving, this season at the end is really no different than seasons past - with rumors that circulate about the panel." When "Idol" starts up again later this year, Seacrest will be the only star from the show's first season, which he co-hosted with TV personality Brian Dunkleman.
Plus: 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office'
Former contestant eager to show off his slimmer body
WENN
Chaz Bono wants another chance on "Dancing With the Stars" to show off his slimmer body after shedding a staggering 65 pounds in just six months. The activist sported a trimmer physique at Tuesday's "Dancing With the Stars" 300th episode celebration in Hollywood, where he announced his desire to compete on the hit dancing show again. He believes his shrinking waistline will boost his chances of hoisting the Mirrorball Trophy.
He tells People, "I'd love to do 'Dancing' all over again. I'd do it much better now than I did it then. Physically, my body feels just so much better." The 44-year-old embarked on his weight-loss mission in November. As a result, his confidence has grown: "I really like what I see in the mirror (now)." Bono admitted his weight-loss journey is "slowing down now and getting harder," but adds, "It was never really about a number. It was just about getting healthy and feeling and looking better. So I'm just kind of letting my body dictate. I've been eating the same way now for months and months, and that hasn't changed. I'm going to have to eat this way for the rest of my life."
Plus: 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office' | 10 reasons to love 'The Mindy Project'
Judge credits show with getting through 'mental things and some fears'
WENN
Demi Lovato's first season as an "X Factor" judge helped her recover from a stint in rehab. The singer used her panel position on the series to help her get over her health battles but admits that she doubted her mental readiness for the show as she accepted the position just three months after a rehab stint in 2011.
She tells MTV, "I think someone that's recovering from an eating disorder can only be in front of the camera so much before it starts to play mind games." The whole experience influenced Lovato to "get through some mental things and some fears" because the aspiring contestants of the Simon Cowell-led show looked up to her. She adds, "It also held me accountable to still be that light in other people's eyes and an inspiration to people."
Plus: 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office' | 10 reasons to love 'The Mindy Project'
'Dancing With the Star's finalist to share lifestyle and fashion tips with fans
WENN
"Dancing With the Stars" finalist Zendaya is planning to share her top lifestyle and fashion tips with young fans in her new book. The Disney Channel star is only 16-years old. But after years as a working actress in the entertainment industry, she's ready to share what she's learned over the years with her adoring devotees.
Zendaya is keeping her business in the family, by inking her first-ever book deal with Disney Publishing Worldwide. Titled "Between U and Me: How to Rock Your Tween Years With Style and Confidence," the guide will feature her personal photos, recipes, music playlists and more. While her first book doesn't hit shelves until August 6, her fans can continue to vote for her on "Dancing With the Stars," as she heads into the season finale next Monday.
Plus: 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office' | 10 reasons to love 'The Mindy Project'
primetime tonight
tv news
- NBC's 'The Voice' confirms Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton returning
- Bill Hader on leaving 'SNL': Don't expect a Stefon movie
- 'American Idol' finale draws record low ratings
- Inside Bravo's 'Real Housewives of New York' standoff
- Twitter uproar over Mariah's alleged lip syncing on 'Idol'
- Cynthia Nixon to make directorial debut with off-Broadway project
- 'Scandal' cast performs finale live for Academy
- How Candice Glover won 'American Idol'
- 'Hi-de-Hi!' star Paul Shane dead at 72
- 'The Office' ends its eight-year run
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
