MSN TV Blog - Reality TV

The remaining hopefuls on how it feels to be an 'Idol,' Skylar-Colton rumors and more inside stuff

By MSN TV Apr 17, 2012 9:56AM
'American Idol'/FOX

By Minh Nguyen

Special to MSN TV

 

MSN TV was invited to the "American Idol" press tent to interview the top 7 on a sunny Tuesday, a day when they were rehearsing for their big Wednesday performance.

 

Bing: More about 'American Idol' | Photos: See the top 7 singers

 

All seven are all so unique, nice, talented individuals that we don't want to see anyone go home. And no, we don't ever want to talk about this again, but Skylar Laine and Colton Dixon are not dating.

 

More: 'American Idol' on BuddyTV | Video: Watch 'American Idol' clips and more

 

MSN TV: We got this from a tweet: How does it feel to be on "American Idol" and have a chance to win?

 

Elise Testone: It feels like everything I've worked for is coming to the surface. I want it more than anything, mainly because I've seen how I've affected people in my life. And that's what it's all about --being an inspiration for someone, being an "American Idol", not just being a perfect-pitched singer but being someone that can change lives and bring out positive energy through song.

 

Joshua Ledet: It's definitely a great feeling. It feels so surreal. I can't believe this is actually happening. I've been watching this show on television since I was a little boy. Now that I'm actually living it, and people are watching me, it's ridiculous. It's a privilege and an honor to be here.

 

Phillip Phillips: It's crazy to be on "American Idol." I can't even explain this. Everyone in this competition, we want to have a career in music. If I don't win this thing, it's not going to break my heart. It's going to suck for a little bit, but it's not the end of the world because all of our careers are just starting. You can't look at it as a bad thing. Winning this thing would be awesome. But just being on "American Idol" and having people say we've inspired them, it's really cool to say that because a lot of people inspire me.

 

Colton Dixon: It's such a blessing to be here. Plus, I didn't want to audition this year. My sister dragged me in, and here I am. Every day, I look around, and I see Phil jamming on his guitar upstairs and Skylar wailing. It's like, "Wow, I'm good enough to be here? That's crazy!" Just to think that I have a one out of seven chance is so crazy. Oh, my word!

 

Jessica Sanchez: It's pretty insane knowing the probability. It's so much fun being here with the other contestants and getting the comments from the judges. They're just trying to help us. Even if I did go home now, which I don't want to, I'd be so happy with how far I've made it already.

 

Hollie Cavanaugh: We all feel really blessed to be here. It takes huge artists to sell out to 23-million people, and we did it in a week. We're working with the best producers, musicians and the best of everything.

 

Skylar Laine: Yeah, people work so many years to get this kind of exposure. We've worked hard for this, but we have to be thankful every day. The things we do, people that have worked 20 years in Nashville or L.A. don't even get to do.

 

What kind of messages have you been getting?

 

Elise Testone: I've gotten really sweet messages from people saying I'm their hero or I've inspired them to try out for the school play or my style or clothes, some people saying, "I had the worst day, but I kept playing your song and I felt better." Those are all the reasons I'm doing this, and it just makes me feel so good inside.

 

Phillip Phillips: I've seen a lot of weird tweets -- some nasty ones. It's pretty graphic [laughing], but there's been some good ones too that just say we love you and support you. I love all the people that support me. I've seen a bunch of kind of tweets. I've seen everything. 

 

What is something you didn't know as a viewer that you're now experiencing as a contestant on "American Idol"?

 

Elise Testone: The only thing with that is I never watched the show. I didn't have TV. I always have been working my butt off since college. I've never been in-depth in the process, so I don't know what to compare it to.

 

Joshua Ledet: It's so much more work. It's working seven days a week from eight in the morning to 10 at night. We have our rehearsal time. Then there are shoots and video shoots and wardrobe and meetings -- all kinds of different things we have other than the show. So, it's a lot. This is our life right now. Then we have time to spend with our family and go out and have fun and relax. Most of the time, we're here working.  

 

Do you feel like an "Idol" when you're up there?

 

Elise Testone: Yes, I do. I feel that when I'm on stage. I feel great because I know people are looking up to me, and I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. I feel like there's nothing else I'm supposed to be doing.

 

Colton, you and Skylar Laine … Is the pseudo-romance still lingering out there?

 

Colton Dixon: Yes, it's still lingering. We still get tweets every day about Skylar, not my sister. I'm going to clear that up first. That would be weird. Skylar Laine and I would be weird, too. Neither my sister nor Skylar Laine and I are dating. Skylar Laine and I are great friends. It seems really strange to have people thinking we're dating. We're all equally close. If I have to pick anyone, I'd have to say Phil because we relate on similar levels. We all get together so well. There honestly isn't one person that sticks out too much.

 

Jessica, is it a bit overwhelming because you're younger than the other contestants?

 

Jessica Sanchez: I'm a minor, so I have to go to school. I have to do other stuff. Before this happened, I was a normal teenager and hanging out with my friends. It is a bit of a challenge, but I'm always up for a challenge. I love it so much, and I wouldn't change it for the world for anything else. 

"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.

 

William Levy and Katherine Jenkins dazzle with near perfect routines

By Kate Mulcrone Apr 16, 2012 8:16PM

'Dancing With the Stars'/ABC

Latin Week was pretty darn hot! We saw near perfect Argentine tangos from William and Katherine, and Maria was nipping right at their heels with her stunning salsa, as was Donald with his own smoldering Argentine tango. In fact, the only real hitch this week was Gavin's downright loopy samba.

 

Bing: More about 'Dancing With the Stars' | Photos: Meet the cast of Season 14


Here's a quick look at how the stars did in this round:

 

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Jaleel White

Jaleel's energetic samba was a showstopper! He had the choreography down pat and was having a great time on the floor. The crowd was in his corner and Len praised Jaleel's rhythm. Bruno was a fan of Jaleel's "unstoppable wiggle," but Carrie Ann cautioned him to watch his arm work getting out of hold. Jaleel is going strong, but he has yet to take the top spot on the judges' leaderboard. Maybe next week?


Score: 24/30


Melissa Gilbert

Melissa's hip-shaking shoulder-shimmying salsa was gorgeous, and this is in in spite of the neck brace she sported during rehearsals this week. (She suffered from whiplash after her injury last week.) The routine highlighted her great rhythm – and Maks' addiction to tricky spins! Melissa more than held her own. Bruno called it "wild and untamed," but said she lacked control. Carrie Ann praised Melissa's newfound confidence but agreed that the routine lacked control. Melissa was staging a comeback the last few weeks, but her salsa was a real setback. Let's hope the fans turn out for her.


Score: 21/30


Maria Menounos

Maria's sexy salsa had the crowd on its feet. It was a lively, fun, incredibly sexy routine that she executed beautifully. Also, she and Derek kissed ... again. Just in case the actual dancing wasn't hot enough for us? Maria has really become an extraordinary dancer. Carrie Ann praised her hip action and Len had nothing but love for Maria. This was a knockout routine – Maria is definitely still a contender.


Score: 27/30


Katherine Jenkins

Katherine's Argentine tango was very nearly flawless. The routine showed off her incredible strength and precision. She and Mark moved well together, and there were two stunning, difficult lifts. This routine really brought down the house. Len compared this tango to a rose: beautiful on the outside, but with thorns underneath. Bruno praised both the choreography and the storytelling of the routine. Not to be outdone, Carrie Ann said Katherine's legs are the best she's seen in the history of the show. Katherine was one point away from a perfect score – will she bridge that gap next week?


Score: 29/30


Gavin DeGraw

Gavin's samba ... had some really cool special effects at the beginning? The dance was a bit frenzied and Gavin seemed lost pretty much throughout the routine. None of the judges had anything positive to say. Bruno said that Gavin "really went for it," but he didn't mean that in a good way. Carrie Ann just shook her head and praised Gavin's energy. Len didn't mince words – he called the routine a "sham-ba." (See, Bruno has not cornered the market on puns.) Gavin has escaped elimination twice, but I wouldn't bet on a third reprieve.


Score: 19/30


William Levy

William's Argentine tango was smoldering and intense! His rhythm was very nearly perfect and he and Cheryl got in a couple of jaw-dropping lifts. This routine made for a nice comeback after William's disastrous jive last week. Carrie Ann called it "ridiculously amazing," and Len praised the routine's sensuality and color. Bruno was beside himself – I think he was actually purring. William was actually dancing on a stressed ligament, so it's all the more amazing that he turned in such an exceptional performance.


Score: 29/30


Gladys Knight

Gladys' spirited samba was a real departure from her usual stately, elegant routines. She really had fun with this one! Gladys can't pull off the same fireworks we're seeing from the leaders of the pack, but she's got her own special magic. Len called the dance "simple but effective," and Bruno praised her for playing to the audience. Carrie Ann pointed out a few mistakes Gladys made but echoed the other judges when she said Gladys is a joy to watch.


Score: 22/30


Roshon Fegan

Roshon's salsa capitalized on his two greatest strengths in this competition: energy and hip-hop action. The pace of the routine was brutal, but Roshon held up his end of the stick admirably. Bruno praised Roshon's timing and Carrie Ann was a fan of his mojo. She said the routine was charming words "sexy in a Disney way," which sounds about right to me. Len did caution Roshon to slow down a bit and see that sometimes "less is more." This was another excellent performance from Roshon, but he doesn't seem to have quite the fan base as some of his competitors. Let's hope the votes come in for him this week.


Score: 26/30


Donald Driver

Donald's Argentine tango was measured and very, very sexy. He and Peta moved seamlessly together – you'd have thought they were long-standing tango partners, in fact. Donald's rhythm was excellent. Carrie Ann called the routine "divine," and praised his control during the routine's lifts. Len agreed that the lifts were spectacular, but wasn't totally sold on the routine as a whole. Bruno liked the routine but thought Donald's "supermodel walk" broke up the overall flow. Another fabulous performance from the man who topped the leaderboard last week!


Score: 27/30


Who won over the judges: William and Katherine
Who won over the crowd: William and Katherine

Who needs to step it up: Gavin and Melissa

"Dancing With the Stars" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. 

 

Jesse Campbell and Jordis Unga are instantly eliminated

By Vinnie Penn Apr 16, 2012 8:08PM

'The Voice'/NBC

"For the first time ever," Carson kept saying during the opening of this latest episode. "Ever," he stressed. It's...um...the second season, dude.

 

 Bing: More about 'The Voice' | Photos: Meet the contestants

 

Anyway, the "first time" he was referring to at this quarterfinals point was "instant eliminations": One person from each team being bounced by their respective coaches, as opposed to by America, over the next 24 hours. "If I knew who to kick tonight I'd kick 'em" was Blake's response to this development. Christina, who had the same chore as Shelton (and looked a bit Snooki-esque early on until she later took the stage with her team and rocked out with hit "Fighter"), was nonplused. 

 

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Shelton's tiny tornado, RaeLynn, came out first, taking a Jason Aldean ditty to the next level and effortlessly winning the crowd over, particularly every time she snarled "countryyyy!"

 

Next was Christina's Jesse Campbell, trying Beyonce's "Halo" on for size. I think he got a bit desperate during the performance ... vocally, that is. Not the pictures of his daughter hung in the background. (Although, in retrospect, that is a bit desperate in and of itself.)

 

Jordis Unga, told to tap into the songwriter inside by coach Shelton, got understated with "A Little Bit Stronger."

 

Ashley De La Rosa was handed an inspired version of Jewel's "Foolish Games" by Christina, here an Alanis-style rocker. But, did the arrangement exceed the performance?

 

Erin Willett got the requisite Adele number (seriously, will we get one episode without an Adele song?). C'mon Blake! 

 

Lindsay Pavao did a song no one seemed to know (even her coach, Christina) and, frankly, the way she conducts herself during the critiques borders on unwatchable. (Not that several of the critiques weren't delivered awkwardly, especially by Adam.)

 

Jermaine Paul did the timeless (yes, I wrote that) Phil Collins ballad "Against All Odds," and did it justice, too.  

 

Classically-trained Chris Mann capped the night's performances with Coldplay's "Viva La Vida." How this guy is still around is beyond me, but the song was a nice choice, even if the ending belonged on Broadway.

 

As for the episode's ending ... bye-bye, Jesse Campbell (which I suspected), and bye-bye, Jordis Unga (which I didn't suspect). Who I did suspect? Well, we'll see if America agrees, very soon.

 

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"The Voice" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

 

 

Two teams are U Turned while Jamie and Nary struggle to stay in

By MSN TV Apr 16, 2012 6:44PM
'The Amazing Race'/CBSBy Diane Vadino

Special to MSN TV

 

Last week: Nearly done in by a tent-building challenge, undercover feds Jamie and Nary survived -- just barely -- thanks to a non-elimination leg. 

 

Bing: More about 'The Amazing Race' | Photos: Meet the teams

 

This week: We're still in Tanzania's Ngorongoro crater -- "regarded as a Garden of Eden," Phil says. "It's just absolutely beautiful," Mark says. "I want to stay here and forget about the race," Rachel (of "Big Brother") says. Tanzania's tourism department, assuming they assisted in bringing the race here (Phil tweets at them during the show's broadcast), is certainly getting their money's worth with this gorgeous segment, showing the teams driving 1600 feet down into the Ngorongoro Crater, past elephants, gazelles, napping lions, galloping wildebeests, “bamboons” (according to Rachel), and the rest. It may be the show's most effective travel-porn segment ever, since the pressure's off and the teams can actually enjoy it -- they're being driven in safari vehicles, and presumably all at the same speed. The leading teams discuss the upcoming U Turns and targeting Rachel and Brendon. "Dave and Rachel gave us their word," J.J. says. "Everyone is in agreement strategy-wise -- everyone wants Team Big Brother out. They're malcontents." Crying in every episode will earn a team that reputation. 

 

Last Night on TV: Watch recaps | Video: Watch clips and more

 

Once at Safari Junction, teams first need to find a souvenir stand named Hillary Clington (it's right near Barack Obama) to discover the Detour: Air Supply or Water Supply, "two chores that are a vital part of living in Tanzania," Phil says. For the former, teams need to patch a leaky bike tire; for the latter, teams have to collect a bunch of empty containers and stand in a very long line to wait to fill them. Of course, they can't see the line until they get there -- bad news for Art and J.J., who are basically starring in a P.S.A. about how incredibly time-consuming just getting water is in Tanzania -- the border patrol agents do the math and estimate that they're looking at a wait of 30 to 40 minutes -- and "it's going to take us 20 to 30 minutes to find [the Air Supply challenge.]" So they stay put -- allowing Dave and Rachel and Mark and Bopper to increase their leads. The Kentuckians, in fact, absolutely speed through this task, perhaps not least because Bopper's a mechanic in real life. "See these hands? They're mechanic hands. Just like a NASCAR pitstop, baby." Rachel and Dave, meanwhile, start bickering again: "Stop being a jackass," Rachel says. "Shush, we're a team," Dave replies. It's not hard to figure out why people are rooting for the teams not in romantic relationships this season. Mark and Bopper are the first ones to set off on foot for the next route marker, at Jack Selzer Pub, three kilometers away. (The one advantage that teams choosing the Water Supply task have is that their walk to the pub is less than half that.) 

 

At the pub, teams have the option of U Turning one behind them -- something Mark and Bopper refuse, and Dave and Rachel do as well, after a bit of contemplation. They'd promised Art and J.J. they would U Turn Rachel and Brendon if given the opportunity -- but they don't, obviously preferring to let the border patrol agents do the dirty deed. The border patrol agents spend a significant amount of time brooding about this: "We're honoring our word -- hopefully Dave and Rachel will come up behind and U Turn the teachers or the cops or whatever else they are," J.J. says. Teams proceed to the Gem Gallery and Art (which will later be the site of the Speedbump) and then on to the Roadblock, at Margaret's Farm. "We just want to stay in the game, but we'd love to have one first place to see what it feels like," Bopper says, en route. Their very ambitious taxi driver then proceeds to give them a lead: "In front of [Rachel and Dave]?" the driver says. "No problem, no problem, no problem."  

 

At this point, the show divides into two segments: the race for first (with Mark, Bopper, Dave, Rachel, and less impressively, Art and J.J.) and the race to stay in -- between Team Big Brother, Vanessa and Ralph, and Jamie and Nary, who leave around three hours after Dave and Rachel set off and are wearing adorable "I'm With My BFF" t-shirts. Vanessa and Ralph are beset by problems from the get-go -- including their inability to find Hillary Clington -- they actually go so far past it that they wander into the Air Supply challenge, where Rachel and Brendon are there to laugh at them. Of course, the joke's on Team Big Brother when they arrive at the pub and discover that the border patrol agents have U Turned them. ("Shocker!" Rachel says.) This gives them, though, the chance to "U Turn our favorite people in the world, Vanessa and Ralph." 

 

Mark and Bopper are first to the Roadblock at Margaret's Farm. Phil reminds us that "more than 50% of Tanzania's economy is centered around agriculture" -- and honey is a big part of it. One team member needs to put on a protective bee suit and harvest 500 grams of honey from a hive, a task that looks a tiny bit scary but really not that incredibly hard -- it's clear that none of the team positioning is going to change much here. Mark takes the challenge, and we learn that a limping Bopper recently had knee surgery -- not what fans of the team want to hear. But they eke out enough of a lead that even though Rachel and Dave look to be only minutes behind them, they arrive at the Pitstop at Lake Manyana first, winning a trip for two to Hawaii. I would have rather seen them win, say, $20,000, but this first-place finish will have to suffice for now. "I'm just a country boy from Kentucky, and I never thought I'd have a chance to stand in the middle of Africa with my best friend," Bopper says. Rachel and a grumbling Dave are second (Phil: "You have to give her props, Dave"), followed, at a distance, by Art and J.J., who are still steaming about the U Turn: "If I could do it all again and jump in front of them, I'd tag [Rachel and Dave] for the U Turn. It makes me sick to my stomach," J.J. says. "It's just you and me racing," he tells Art.  

 

Thanks to the double U Turn, all the conditions are ripe for Jamie and Nary to stay in the game -- but it looks like their finish in last week's episode was actually a mortal wound that took an extra episode to kill them, sort of like William on "Downton Abbey." Even though Ralph and Vanessa get a flat tire, the federal agents still have a Speedbump to do, arranging art at a roadside stall according to a painted guide, and it takes just enough time to knock them out -- thanks, as well, to the no-challenge challenge with the bee collecting. It's a shame -- they were a hardworking team that supported each other and rarely complained -- but they're out.

 

Next: India!

 

"The Amazing Race" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

 

Undercover agents on their last-place finish, matching T-shirts and more

By MSN TV Apr 16, 2012 2:17PM
'The Amazing Race'/CBS

By Diane Vadino

Special to MSN TV

 

The season's only remaining all-female team exited "The Amazing Race" last night, after a challenge on the previous episode put them so far back they couldn't catch up -- even after two other trailing teams were U Turned.

 

Bing: More about 'The Amazing Race' | Photos: Meet the teams

 

We spoke to Nary Ebeid and Jamie Graetz about their undercover stint as kindergarten teachers, the border patrol agents' aggro investigation into their true identities, and Bopper's crush on Jamie. 

 

Last Night on TV: Watch recaps | Video: Watch clips and more

 

MSN TV: You guys wore matching "I'm with my BFF" T-shirts last night. Were you saving them for what you thought might be your last leg? 

 

Nary: That was a completely Jamie's idea -- not mine at all. She was just like, "There's these really cute shirts with an arrow [pointing at each other].”

 

Jamie: I saw them online and was like, Holy cow, these are so awesome. 

 

Nary: We knew that this could potentially be our last leg, and we didn't want to go home without wearing them. 

 

What was so impossible about the tent-building challenge from last week?  

 

Jamie:  It really was a height thing. We had a really hard time getting the base set up -- one person would have to hold several of the angles [poles] while the other person grabbed [another one] -- that was really hard for us, being as small as we were. Once we got the base, though, we were chugging. 

 

Nary: It was really tough. I thought I was going to break a finger. Even the guys were having some problems -- maybe if there was a male on the team, we would have gotten through it a little faster. And if there was another all-woman team, they might have struggled with it like we did. 

 

Looking back now, what do you make of your decision not to tell the other teams your real occupations? 

 

Jamie: It was funny. There happened to be several teams in law enforcement and military -- they might say, "Hey, let's stick together," or "I don't want to be compared to them, I want to get rid of them ASAP." The U Turns [where they might have been penalized for being feds] came later in the game, and [by then] it was kind of irrelevant.

 

Art and J.J. were so bullying about pinning down your occupations. 

 

Nary: They were very arrogant. Once they won three legs, the arrogance just went through the roof. I don't necessarily think they were bullying us -- just trying to intimidate us or steer us. We were, like -- guess what, dudes, we don't care what you know. We were just annoyed that they took that approach, rather than a professional approach. 

 

So what about that Bopper crush on Jamie, which Mark told Nary about? 

 

Jamie: It was all in good fun. I love those guys -- I would have done anything in my power -- besides us losing -- to have helped them along. They're just genuinely great people.

 

Nary: It wasn't, like, "Oh, I'm in love with Jamie," in a nasty way. Bopper gave us his jacket when it was freezing cold out -- he was just such a gentleman; he was all about helping us. He always said, "You girls are such great girls." 

 

What do you think the race meant for your friendship? 

 

Nary: I think it was great to begin with. Jamie is like my sister -- we were dreading this last episode, but we went out well, and we left knowing that there was nothing also we could have done. 

"The Amazing Race" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

 

Stern expected to lure millions to 'America's Got Talent'

By Corey Levitan Apr 16, 2012 9:44AM
accesshollywood.com

It is clear that "America's Got Talent" will create at least one new multimillion-dollar career this season. Whether it will also launch an unknown into show biz is another matter.


Millions are expected to tune in when the show returns for its seventh season to judge only the talent possessed by Howard Stern. Fans of the polarizing radio host will want to see if their hero -- who replaces departed judge Piers Morgan -- can still be funny when limited to G-rated entertainment criticism. (In the line outside a recent New York audition taping, MTV News found that most were there solely to see Stern -- and some had never seen an "AGT" episode.)

 

Bing: More about 'America's Got Talent'

 

At the same time, "AGT" fans who hate Stern -- or at least think they do -- will tune in to see how badly he tarnishes the franchise. And many are likely to be disappointed. A Daily Beast reporter present at the New York taping said that Stern, while taking the occasional juvenile stab at his co-judges, "clearly takes the job seriously," taking copious notes and sticking mostly to the script of choosing acts with the most talent.

“You can’t be mean to be the mean judge," Stern told Access Hollywood at the New York taping. "You can’t be funny to be the funny judge. You’ve gotta come from an honest place [and] offer people criticism that they can take home and use. And that’s what I do.”

In fact, Stern is a safe bet to dominate every aspect of the show, not only due to his star power --  a good thing in light of the J-Lo/Christina Aguilera bar raised by the competition -- but because fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel are both confirmed Stern fans. Each has made dozens of appearances, all deferential, on his airwaves over the decades. In fact, it was Stern who first suggested the idea of a reality show based on the Osbournes' home life, and it was to Stern that Mandel came out as an acute sufferer of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

"America's Got Talent" returns Monday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

 

The male model admits he was foolish to follow the ladies

By Sona Charaipotra Apr 13, 2012 9:56PM
'Survivor: One World'/CBS
To hear the castaways voted out already tell it, "Survivor: One World" player Jay Byars could've been a contender for the title. But the South Carolina-born model made one fatal mistake this week -- and it was the one that got him sent packing. "Looking back, I obviously shouldn't have trusted my Salani people," he admits. "But I really thought I was in tight with Kim, Sabrina and Chelsea. Guess not."


We caught up with Jay to chat about strategy, Troyzan's idol angst, and what's next.

MSN: So you're from South Carolina. What was the first thing you ate when you got home?

Jay: My mom picked me up from the airport and we stopped at Cracker Barrel on the way home for a big Southern breakfast, waffles, sausage, the works. I missed it. 

But you were already eating well at Ponderosa. 

Oh yeah, Ponderosa is like a whole different world. You get to relax, enjoy the island and eat as much as you'd like. You're not starving and struggling. You get to know your fellow castaways in a very different manner, because there isn't the stress of the game hanging over you.

Speaking of stress, last week, when they first mentioned Mike, you distrusted the girls. This week, you were blindsided. What gives?

I let myself be lulled by my interactions with them -- I was definitely too trusting. It was just the conversations, how Kim and Chelsea would seriously just look me in the eyes and tell me I was safe. I couldn't believe it. But I should have seen it coming. Troy definitely saw it coming. But I thought it would be him. I didn't think I'd go this week. I thought there was a long list of people before me.

Mike said last week that he thought you had it in you to turn things around.

That's what I should have done. I keep thinking to myself, "I should have listened to Troy. I should have pulled in Tarzan and Christina and blindsided the girls." I mean, I even revealed that Troy had the idol! What was I doing? Once they knew that, it sort of set the stage for me. And then, in the challenge, I stepped down for a plate of food. I felt that safe! Hindsight is 20/20.

What made you trust the ladies over Troyzan and the other men?

Well, really, right from day one, the men just could not get it together -- Colton, Matt, Troyzan, Tarzan, it was all a mess. There were too many agendas, too many big egos. So I didn't want to throw my lot in with them. And I knew Troy was seriously worried this week, but I still couldn't bring myself to give up on my Salani tribe mates. I knew they'd come after me eventually, I just didn't think it would be this soon. I really should have listened to Troy. I think we could have gone to the end.

What's next for you?

Well, I'm down in New York a lot because I'm still modeling, but I'm also hoping "Survivor" will open doors for me in the acting world. Let's see how it goes.

"Survivor: One World" airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
 

Judges save Jessica Sanchez from elimination in shocking results show

By MSN TV Apr 12, 2012 7:18PM
'American Idol'/FOX

By Carla Patton

BuddyTV

 

On Wednesday night, at the end of a string of mixed performances, Jennifer Lopez admitted that viewers are probably just voting for their favorites at this point. Does that mean there's little a contestant can do to fall out of favor with their fans? Will Jessica Sanchez's fans forgive her for wearing that terrible white bodysuit thing during her trio performance? Or does it just mean that underdogs need to give them a reason to vote? Also, as a side note, I simply don't agree with Jimmy's comparison of Colton and Phillip. They are completely different artists, and Colton cares way more about this whole thing than Phillip.

 

Bing: More about 'American Idol' | Photos: See the top 7 singers

 

"Idol" alums James Durbin and Jennifer Hudson are performing in this episode, so I will enjoy at least one of those performances! I hope James goes right up to Colton, says, "I invented standing on pianos," then turns to the audience and asks, "What do you guys think?!"

 

More: 'American Idol' on BuddyTV | Video: Watch 'American Idol' clips and more

 

"So, let me fill you in," Ryan says, not filling us in on anything of value. Let me fill you in: Jennifer looks stunning on this night, Randy is still wearing those giant sparkly pins and the group number is back! It is a terrible rendition of P!nk's "Raise Your Glass." These kids look sad and wiped -- except Elise, surprisingly. Look at those "dirty little freaks" up there, pumping their fists to the sounds of overgrown Kidz Bop.
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Aah!! The best thing happened. Ryan Seacrest got in at the very end of the group number! He slid in front of the final tableau, legs inexplicably in the air, raising his red Coca-Cola cup above his head. How much did they have to pay him to do that? Whoever had that idea, I love them forever.


I don't even care about the terrible, "Napoleon Dynamite"-inspired Ford music video this week. Ryan Seacrest just made my night. The contestants got some half-hearted celeb tweets. Colton got invited to prom by Katie of Wichita, Kan. Hollie got an invite to spring formal from a surprisingly hot dude. Elise got some feather jewelry for herself and Steven. Ryan made a funny joke about Quinceañera invitations. He is really on a roll again in this episode.

Hollie and Jessica are going head-to-head for the first results of the night. Will Hollie fulfill our expectations by heading for the bottom three, or will Jessica be penalized for singing a song we weren't super familiar with? Jimmy called Hollie stiff and contrived, and called Jessica the effortless, winner of the night. Hollie? Ya burnt. Gosh, Jessica's legs are thin.

Hollie starts a group on the right side of the stage. Jessica starts a group on the left. I know whose group I would prefer to be in on this night. Although, she was wearing that jumpsuit ...

James Durbin is performing a song from his album, which is titled "Memories of a Beautiful Disaster." So overwrought. He's got blond hair now, y'all. Take that, Colton. He probably did it first. He's singing into a vocal modifier, which works for the song but not for the context. Give us the real James! The people demand it! While we're making requests, can I ask that he take off those blinding white sneakers? He screamed a lot. And when he was finished screaming, the contestants clapped slowly, reservedly.

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Oh, my gosh. Of course James Durbin is touring with Evanescence. It's a match made in gothic heellllll yeaaahhh. (That was me screaming into a distorter).

Back to the groups. Phillip and Elise hear results next. Do you think Ryan practices this with his Beanie Babies at home? So many Beanie Babies, I bet. The judges raved about Elise and not so much about Phillip. Jimmy says they're both singer/songwriters and "character singers." Jimmy thinks Phillip will be in the bottom 3 on this night and that Elise might also be, despite being "technically correct." So either of them moving to a group won't answer anything for us. Phillip joins Hollie, and Elise joins Jessica.

Just stopping by on her way to an EGOT, it's Jennifer Hudson! Oh, my gosh. She looks stunning. Weight Watchers is the way! And her hair is fierce. And Ne-Yo? Shut up. This is awesome. Jennifer Hudson is showing off that acting ability in this performance, giving Ne-Yo all kinds of looks. Can she be Whitney Houston in the biopic everyone's discussing?

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Colton and Joshua hit the stage next. So it is Skylar who must choose. Jimmy thinks they both did well, and he's "in" on both of them. Colton still hasn't gotten the ubiquitous standing ovation? What's going on with that? Even Jennifer Lopez can't believe it. "I thought we stood for everyone!"

Joshua stands with Jessica and Elise, which the audience has already determined is the winning group, demonstrated by applause. Colton joins Hollie and Phillip. Uh, oh. Colton and Phillip!

Skylar is up last. Jimmy thinks she is just great, not to be left behind. He was floored and hopes Skylar doesn't get left behind. He predicts Phillip, Elise and Hollie will be the bottom three. Skylar is safe, and Ryan graciously didn't make her choose a group. Oops, I spoke too soon because Ryan asked her to pick the group she belongs with. Skylar said, "No!" and walked away. Good girl, not acknowledging that. He places her with Hollie, Colton and Phillip in a big twist. Joshua, Jessica and Elise are in the bottom three.

Time to use the Save! Jimmy thinks this is wrong, wrong, wrong. But I kind of get it. I wonder if Joshua and Jessica are getting too advanced, too mature, too boring for the viewers. Randy says this is messed up. I only sort of agree.

No one can offer up an explanation (Except me! Let's talk later. Text me or something, Ryan). Joshua is safe. Jennifer looks like she's ready to solve a murder. The person at risk is Jessica Sanchez. The judges freak out. I wish I had gotten a screen cap of Jennifer's face. It was great. I can't even believe it! Before the judges can interrupt with "we will save her!" Ryan hands Jessica the microphone.

The judges go up on stage like this was all scripted. Jennifer grabs the microphone, "Gimme that mic! Of course we're using the Save! Go sit down." I teared up a little. I love when stuff happens like this.
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"We are saving Jessica without any doubt," Randy declares. Ryan doesn't like when he's not in control of things. "She is one of the best singers in America. Are you kidding me!" Randy shouts.

"I don't expect anything," Jessica says winningly. She was almost Pia Toscano-ed right outta here! But I love that girl. For filler, Ryan has Jessica sing us out. The top 7 remain for another week!

What a whirlwind five minutes! Did you collapse from all the excitement? Will you suffer from PTSD?

What do you think of Thursday night's results? Did America and the judges get it right?

"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.