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Georgia native Phillip Phillips bests Jessica Sanchez for Season 11 crown
By Carla Patton
Hundreds of performances later, it has all come down to this. Season 11 of "American Idol" will crown a winner after two hours of complete, star-studded nonsense. I have one question before we let 'er rip, though: Will Lee DeWyze be stewing angrily in the audience?
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A group number right away! This show is already delivering. We see all the eliminated contestants dressed in white performing "Runaway Baby" as though they were sent to "American Idol" purgatory after their elimination. This is a special kind of hell's waiting room, where your clothes turn white after you leave a competition and you have to listen only to Bruno Mars.
More: 'American Idol' on BuddyTV | Photos: Non-winner 'Idol' successes
After the first of many commercial breaks, Phillip Phillips performs "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" poorly with the lead singer of CCR. It's not his fault: His voice just doesn't go that high. As this weren't enough, Phillip introduces a second song, "Bad Moon Rising." We're just going to keep pushing this boy to his limit, humiliating him next to John Fogerty. Phillip sounds better on the second song. It's OK, Phillip. You don't have to pretend to care anymore. Not that you ever did!
Then, we are forced to remember terrible and embarrassing "Idol" audition moments. That was so long ago!
It was not so long ago that Joshua Ledet was eliminated. But now he's back, in a sparkly suit jacket, singing Elton John's fun "Take Me to the Pilot." He took it to church, but not before he brought out Fantasia Barrino in some weird kind of "Spider-Man 3" bodysuit and a mile-long weave. They both jumped and screamed, and I was very concerned for the structural integrity of that bodysuit. Fantasia and Joshua seemed done, but the song kept going. So, they kept screaming into their microphones until the producers had to cut to a commercial break. It was glorious.
Because the show is over two hours long, we have a segment entirely dedicated to how old man Jimmy Iovine could not remember Jennifer Lopez's name. He kept calling her Jessica. He did it so many times -- and I love Jimmy so much -- that I ended up laughing out loud. It was a wacky little thing.
And now, the ladies of the top 12, wearing sparkly "Real Housewives" dresses and singing a Chaka Khan medley! How is it that Jessica Sanchez just popped into the medley so late? Did she think she was exempt? Chaka Khan showed up, but just barely (and I do mean bare-ly! Look at our second bodysuit of the night!). I love Chaka Khan, but she seems maybe drunk. Either way, she's phoning it in. Love you, Chaka!
For the final Ford music video, they found a way to work around Phillip. They simply showed all of the least flattering shots of each of the top 12 from previous FMVs! And Ford has an unceremonious gift for the top 2's mentors: gifts to the "American Idol" finale! They got to see Chaka Khan live! And another surprise for the mentors (Phillip's brother-in-law and some other guy whose position I didn't catch): keys to their new Ford Escapes! Oh. And Phillip and Jessica, you get cars, too! Everyone gets a Ford Escape! Except Jennifer Lopez. She gets a Fiat.
Rihanna performs next, without any members of the top 12. She is a solo act and won't be brought down by the likes of, say, Shannon Magrane. She came in her own space triangle just for the event. Will someone please just tell me whether or not this performance was inspired by "Battlefield Earth"?
Skylar Laine is back to sing "Turn on the Radio." And if she's singing with Reba, I will lose it (in a good way). She is!! I'm freaking out. I am dead. Skylar totally kept up, too. She's got a career ahead of her, and I would love it all the more if that career were playing Reba's country-singing daughter in a new sitcom.
Nothing can follow that. So, we might as well see this jokey video clip about Steven Tyler's dressing room. Haha, the sloth!! They have the same hair. Also, the sloth looks like he is in ecstasy (or on it). 
I need a commercial break to collect myself! But no, Jessica Sanchez is singing "I Will Always Love You." And Whitney Houston will obviously not come on stage, but maybe Jennifer Hudson will? No, it's not that kind of moment. Ahhh, it's just as good as I remember it! You go, girl.
No break for us. We power on through to a performance from the top 12 guys singing a medley. Neil Diamond is always good for an appearance. He probably paid Nigel Lythgoe $25 to appear in the finale. Aww, that's mean to Neil Diamond. Why would I say that? One thing is clear in this medley: Heejun Han does not care.
And another thing: Joshua Ledet is still scream-singing from that last song with Fantasia. No one has the power to resist "Sweet Caroline," though!
I'm glad they had a little clip about Randy always saying the same things, and I really enjoyed the literal singing of the phone book bit, in spite of myself. It even made fun of Joshua taking it to church!
Now Jennifer Lopez gets two song performances as part of her contract -- and two outfits made from the same cheap sequin fabric.
Speaking of cheap sequins, Lauren Alaina is in the house! So are Taylor Hicks, and Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo, our "American Idol" couple! Diana DeGarmo is adorable. I saw her in "9 to 5" on Broadway, and she was amazing. Ace said he thought this would be the right time to ask a "simple question." Diana looked excited, then skeptical. But this is no Ryan Seacrest fake out! There was a little product placement in the proposal, but I don't mind that! I love televised proposals, and I love that they had Kieran dim the lights for it! Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young are engaged now! Did Ace just congratulate himself?
After that, Hollie Cavanagh performs "You'll Never Walk Alone" with Jordin Sparks. If I had to declare a winner of this duet, I think I'd pick Hollie, though she's a bit greener.
Did you like that, Phillip? Are you enjoying your finale? I hope he's feeling OK.
In a tribute to Robin Gibb, the top 12 guys (again, minus Jermaine and Phillip) sing a Bee Gees medley. I think this will be best for DeAndre. Against expectation, it's a relatively good moment for Colton, and everyone else sounds dreadful on it. They sound particularly terrible when they're all singing together.
Another superstar duet, one that I have dreamed of since the top 24: Jessica Sanchez and Jennifer Holliday singing "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." Why is Jessica always late to the stage? Are long drape-y dresses that hard to change in and out of? Oh, and Jennifer Holliday? Girl's still got it. Unlike a lot of the other celebrity guests on this night, she is putting in some major effort. I hope Jessica Sanchez knows what an awesome moment this is. She can always look back on the time Jennifer Holliday wiped the floor with her.
At long last, Aerosmith agrees to perform on "American Idol." Maybe just to fill the slot that Phillip Phillips couldn't due to illness. Liv, your old man's still got it. And Steven wore one of his nicest chiffon robes.
Phillip finally emerged back on stage, wearing a cute cool-guy tux -- no tux shirt, just a T-shirt and a vest. Kind of funky, but whatever. And Jessica looks great in burgundy. They sing "Up Where We Belong," which is actually a perfect duet for them if there ever was one. Phillip is just barely singing, and I hope his kidneys (kidneys? mysterious illness center) don't explode when he wins. They just need to turn his microphone up -- or down. I don't know. There's just a great disparity in vocal range here, but not in heart!
The results are starting now! How exciting! Even though I've never been less unsure of who will win, I'm still happy we've gotten here. Phillip looks good in a V-neck. Jessica's hair is majestic. The finalists have never looked better!
Dim the lights.
The winner of "American Idol" Season 11 is ...
Phillip Phillips!
Phillip Phillips Sr. hugs his wife. Everyone hugs Phillip, led by Heejun. And Scotty McCreery hands Phillip the god-awful, meaningless microphone trophy. Phillips sings his song and seems relatively unfazed. Maybe he's just in shock ...
He sings "Home" under a cascade of pyrotechnics. I hope to hear it on the radio, because I like the song. I hope to hear a lot of this season's contestants on the radio soon. Phillip is overwhelmed and actually shows some emotion! It's completely endearing! If you feel nothing you are dead inside. Phillip breaks into tears, takes off his guitar, tries not to swallow the confetti and goes to hug his family. I can't help but love it!
Goodbye for now, everyone! I hope you had a good Season 11. I thought it was OK.
What do you think of Wednesday night's results? Did America get it right?
Amy's Baking Company adds immigration proceeding to public relations quagmire
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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
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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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Report says FOX has approached Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and others
"American Idol" is in need of a makeover, and that could mean turning past winners and contestants into judges.
FOX and the producers behind "Idol" have approached first-season champion Kelly Clarkson and former contestant Jennifer Hudson to become judges, reports Vulture. While FOX has yet to comment about the show's 13th season and who will be judging, sources tell the website the network has shortlisted Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken as well.
"I'd like to see a past 'American Idol' contestant," Angie Miller, who finished third this season, told TVGuide.com, when talking about future judges. "They really understand what this process is like and what you do during the week. (It should be) someone who gets it."
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Miller's wish could come true. 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 wave goodbye.
But a change in personnel is inevitable. "American Idol" suffered a considerable ratings slump this season. The network and producers are also reportedly fed up with paying out huge sums to big-named stars who don't stick around. Although Clarkson and Hudson wouldn't be cheap, they should be more relatable because they've competed on the show.
They might also presumably attract a broader, younger audience. "Everything is on the table," Kevin Reilly, FOX's entertainment chairman, told reporters last week. And if the Vulture story holds true, that means fans of "Idol" could see a judges' table full of familiar and friendlier faces.
"American Idol" Season 13 returns to FOX in 2014.
| Tags: | American Idol |
Amy's Baking Company cancels press conference, part ways with PR firm
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Lawyers representing Gordon Ramsay's "Kitchen Nightmares" have warned Amy's Baking Company owners to stop discussing their "unflattering portrayal" or face paying $100,000 each. Amy and Samy Bouzaglo were sent a legal notice from the show's attorneys last Friday after "Kitchen Nightmare" bosses learned of the couple's plans to hold a press conference in advance of the restaurant's "grand reopening" to tell their side of the story, according to Radar Online. The couple ended up canceling their press conference. Shortly after receiving the cease and desist from FOX, Amy's Baking Company was dropped by their new PR firm, Rose+Moser+Allyn Public & Online Relations on account of what publicist Jason Rose describes as "differences on public relations strategies."
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According to reports, the letter claims that any media session, especially one derogatory against the show, would constitute a breach of contract and make the couple liable for $100,000 in damages each. It reads, "We understand that you are planning a public event on May 21, 2013, at which you will discuss your experiences and your 'unflattering portrayals' on the show. If you speak about the show without Upper Ground's and FOX's prior approval, and if you disparage the show, its host, or its producers, you will breach your obligations under Paragraph 10 of your Personal Release and Paragraph 14 of your Participant Agreement." The letter goes on to state, "These agreements prohibit you from speaking publicly about Kitchen Nightmares, other than to acknowledge 'the mere fact of your participation in the Series in personal publicity relating to yourself.' Your conduct exposes each of you to liability for liquidated damages of $100,000." In their episode of "Kitchen Nightmares", the Bouzaglos were unwilling to accept chef Gordon Ramsey's attempts to rehabilitate their struggling restaurant.
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'Voice' coach recounts experience at Denny's with fellow bandmate
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"Voice" judge Adam Levine swore off drugs early on in his career after a strange experience on prescription medication Ambien. The Maroon 5 frontman and his bandmate James Valentine mistook the sedatives for stimulants and took them while on tour. But instead of giving a much-needed boost, the drug knocked them out cold -- while they were waiting for dinner.
Levine explains, "We had a brief experience one time with what I guess was Ambien. James Valentine and I, we didn't really know what it was ... It was the first and last time we took this drug. But we were at Denny's at some shady part of the city of whatever part of the country we were in, and we took it and we ordered the food ... and we woke up at the table, what must have been an hour (later) ... I was like, 'Oh, no.' And James had his head down, so I was like, 'Hey, man. Hey, we should get out of here.' We didn't eat our food. We sheepishly paid our bills and walked out, and everyone's looking (at us) like, 'What's wrong with these guys?' And then since then I've never done drugs."
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Soap veteran and pop star join Jon Lovitz, Sebastian Bach, Darrell Hammond, more
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Actress Lisa Rinna and pop singer Debbie Gibson have joined the cast of the upcoming reality show "Sing Your Face Off." ABC recently snapped up the rights to the hit Spanish talent show "Your Face Sounds Familiar," where celebrities take on the identity of a legendary singer each week. Veteran soap star Rinna, comedian Jon Lovitz and former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach have signed on as contestants.
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Toronto Raptors basketball ace Landry Fields and teenage Disney Channel singer/actress China Anne McClain are also gearing up for the challenge. The show will be hosted by "Scandal" star John Barrowman. Their performances will be judged by Gibson and comedian Darrell Hammond. An air date for the show has not yet been set.
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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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