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Teenager Shannon Magrane becomes the second finalist to be eliminated this week
By Carla Patton
Thursday night marks a results show that, from the outset, I could care less about. While my colleague John Kubicek predicts that Erika Van Pelt will be going home, I think we'll still go through all the motions, only for Ryan Seacrest to reveal that no one is going home. "American Idol" has a schedule to stick to, people, and a lineup of guest performances for Thursday nights and no outstanding warrants (even four of them) will get in the way of that. Still, "American Idol" is not without its sense of drama or cruelty, so I think Ryan will reveal who would have gone home had the British gods of reality television not smiled upon them this fifteenth of March.
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But, why? Why drag it out so long? Wednesday night's performances were a perfect demonstration of why we need to comb through these contestants a little more: I don't want to have to listen to eight to 11 ballads anymore. I was secretly pleased to not have to hear Jermaine's -- or anyone's -- rendition of "Somewhere Out There." Wednesday night was a tour through Snoozeville, population these guys. As sad as I am to see Jermaine go under such circumstances, I say get rid of another one on this night and save the extra week for when we care a little more. Eliminate six of them and make the show an hour again: I'm feeling crazy!
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Oh, except now with this "11 Finalists" intro, we are just pretending Jermaine never existed. At the very least, we'll get to hear Jimmy Iovine's opinions of the performances. And at the very worst, we'll have to listen to Daughtry grunt out a melody on the "Idol" stage.
"Tonight we reveal the Top 10," Ryan says, emphasizing this elimination's importance and possibly putting us on. Jennifer Lopez's "big news" that we've all been dying to hear is that she has yet another single coming out. In other news that is not news, Tommy Hilfiger is styling the contestants this season. At least they won't be styled by Disney anymore. He somehow cites Carrie Underwood as a "great example" of a style maker. If you say so, Tommy. Do you even know what you're saying or are you just here to pick up your check?
Oh, but "nothing can save our Idols from a visit ... to a haunted house!" Ryan says ominously to introduce a "Ghost Hunters"/"Paranormal Activity"-style Ford Music Video featuring the Top 12. Yes, Jermaine was there. Or at least his ghost was. How fitting. Who made the scariest ghost? No one cares.
Phillip, Skylar, Elise and Joshua are the first to hear results. I'm sure they're all safe. But let's hear what Jimmy has to say! Jimmy says Phillip went far beyond the call of duty. Phillip is clearly Jimmy's favorite. Jimmy still hates the song that Skylar chose for herself but thinks she will stay. He believed Elise Wednesday night and thought she was hip, spectacular, etc. "She stays." Joshua inspired Jimmy to eat crayfish. Jimmy thought he was this week's Jessica. I just noticed Jennifer's pretty gold-sequin dress with stars on it. That would be perfect for a tap number in a USO tour. Hotcha!
Joshua is safe ("Pack your bags ... for the summer tour," Ryan says … unenthusiastically). Phillip is safe. Elise is in the bottom 3 (What?!), and Skylar is safe. Elise killed it, though! I guess America hasn't really come around to her yet. Or maybe the voters don't really relate to being born in 1983.
Poor Elise. She must wait while Demi Lovato sings a song about how great it is to be young and never have lived during the '80s. Look at that "Lion King"-worthy hair on Demi, though! She was just all right, which does not bode well for my enjoyment of a performance by Daughtry.
Colton, Shannon, Deandre and Jessica meet Ryan next. I demand a group number! Jimmy says Deandre didn't deliver on the song like he did in rehearsal and that "this isn't T-ball -- not everyone gets a trophy and an orange slice." He says Colton will be toward the middle of the pack, and "maybe he'll get an orange slice!" Jimmy is killing it, and he clearly thinks this T-ball comparison is hilarious. Because it is! Jimmy agrees with me -- that Shannon pushed too hard and showed her weakness and that it was good for Jessica to do an up-tempo song. He thinks Jessica screamed a little, lost her breath, then lost her rhythm, but, "if she goes home, we should all go home." We should all go home ... to our trophies and orange slices.
After Randy tries to make "sang the I-don't-know-what out of it" a thing again, Ryan announces that Colton is safe. Jessica is safe. Either Deandre or Shannon will be in the bottom (I kinda wish it was both). Deandre is safe. Shannon is in the bottom three. I'm cool with it! Heejun looks exceedingly nervous.
And now, Daughtry. Admittedly, this song sounds way better than their hits from the past. It has more melody, less constipated groaning. Still, I'm pretty sure Daughtry's goal image is smug, sweaty, over-styled guys who wear thumb rings and show up outside your apartment at 4 a.m. and text, "u asleep?"
"u want 2 hang or ...? ;) it's whatevs"
Hollie, Erika and Heejun approach Ryan last. My stream cut out, missing Jimmy's clever orange-slice-related comments, but as it came back, I saw Erika in the bottom 3. I can't believe Heejun is safe! Lucky guy. Ryan sends Elise to safety, after the judges cry outrage. Shannon and Erika are in the bottom 2, and "one of them could lose it all." Just when I was starting to believe they'd actually eliminate someone, too ...
Ryan tells Erika and Shannon that the person going on tour is Erika. Shannon will sing for her life and for the judges' save that won't come. Ryan advises her to "put your heart and soul, everything you have, into this." I think that is bad advice for the girl who pushes too hard to her detriment. She sounds arguably even worse on this night as she sings/pushes for her life. Ouch.
The judges admit that they will not be using the save on this night, and Shannon shrugs cutely. Bye!
But before she goes, there's one last reminder of how Steven called her "hot, humid and happening." Ugh. Ryan makes her thank her fans after watching her clip package, perhaps for not voting enough? Well, they kept her around just long enough, I think. What do you think? Yay?
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.
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.
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"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."
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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.
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.
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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
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.
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