Maddie Poppe is American Idol 2018

Maddie Poppe, 20, female troubadour from Iowa, is American Idol (AI) 2018. She bested country balladeer Caleb Lee Hutchinson, 19, from Georgia. This makes her the first female finalist to win the contest in ages. I think Jordin Sparks was the last one. After that, there came a succession of male singers, most of them of the bland, forgettable variety which I believe contributed to the first American Idol’s diminished viewership and which brought about its eventual death.

Actually this revival edition also went in that direction when Maddie, Caleb and third placer Gabby Barrett, 17, from Pennsylvania became the consistent top-notchers during the elimination rounds. They were getting the most votes from viewers. White America was voting in a big way and making very white choices just like this final trio. Truth to tell, I thought the show lost a lot of edge when it was those three contestants who were left in the finals.

It honestly felt like there was this unwritten rule hovering over the voters to keep American Idol white and singing country. Get rid of the rockers, the soul men, the Africans, the Hispanics, the half-breeds, the transgender, the short, the fat, etc. I have a feeling that judge Katy Perry realized this during the finals show when she blurted out that it was a disaster. I think she was referring to the performances and the nondescript original songs chosen for the finalists. All plain and dull.

This is not to say that Maddie does not deserve the title. Though always low-key, she was consistently good in her performances. She has her own style. She shows a lot of promise as a songwriter. And she is no rip-off like Caleb, who has too much of Johnny Cash and Scotty Mccreery or of Gabby who channels Carrie Underwood all the time. I liked her sweet moment singing Rainbow Connection with Kermit The Frog. She seems nice. But I want more dazzle. I want spellbinding star quality that she seems to lack.

Anyway, I hope Maddie becomes a success. Also Caleb and Gabby and all those fantastic, definitely more interesting talents that the show lost because the judges kicked them out or they did not get enough votes from the viewers. Besides if Maddie becomes a big star, then American Idol stays on air. And it is a fun show to watch. I love judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie and I am glad that they all signed on for the next season.

Now, make sure you tune in to the replays of this year’s finals night and most of all to the announcement of winners which came the next day. I may not agree with the viewers’ choices but the AI producers did put on a most enjoyable show. I would have loved Richie in a ballad duet with Michael J. Woodward but that All Night Long (Night Long) with the Top 10 finalists was a real rouser. Besides they gave Michael J. to the great Yolanda Adams to duet with in What The World Needs Now Is Love, Sweet Love and it was really great.

Other numbers you must also catch are Luke in a duet of Most People Are Good with Gabby; Nick Jonas singing Jealous with Top 7’s Jurnee; the sweet moment of Katy and Catie Turner from Top 5, together in Part Of Me; Top 24 contestant Layla Spring and her baby sister Dyxie singing Blue with original artist LeAnn Rimes. Oh and wasn’t it nice of American Idol to bring back Ada Vox to sing Lady Marmalade with no other but the legendary Patti Labelle, who I must say, still rides those vocal curls effortlessly.
Now adopting an alpaca was sweet of American Idol. It was for contestant Noah Davis. But bringing back Sendaya, the heartthrob from Season Six looking like that, was not. Oh and did you know that Maddie and Caleb are dating? Watching them sing together makes one wonder how their love story will play out. I hope they stay happy and in love forever.

And if you are feeling sad and blah or just feeling plain nothing, check out that rendition of Hello by Ada Vox, Noah and that James Franco look-alike, Katy’s crush Trevor Holmes. It is just plain hilarious.

source: philstar.com

Is singer Adam Lambert just too sexy for strait-laced Singapore?

SINGAPORE | Adam Lambert may have been a hit on American Idol but rival petitions in Singapore have gathered thousands of online votes in a lively debate over whether he is too sexy to be allowed to perform at the city-state’s largest New Year’s eve concert.

The petition against Lambert, addressed to concert organizer Mediacorp and the government, has gathered around 14,000 signatures to back its case that a performance by the openly gay singer did not align with Singaporean values.

However, two rival petitions backing Lambert had gathered more than 11,000 votes by Friday arguing that allowing the performance would show that Singapore shunned discrimination and promoted diversity.

The concert organizer said it was sticking with Lambert, a runner-up on American idol who caused controversy during his 2009 American Music Awards performance when he kissed his male keyboard player and stimulated sexual acts with dancers.

Sex between men is illegal in Singapore.

“We urge the organizers of Countdown 2016 to recognize and respect the values of the majority of Singapore that has voiced its desire to preserve our nation’s moral fiber,” reads the protest petition, which was posted anonymously by a group saying it represented concerned parents. (bit.ly/1lNoM5N)

The petitioners argue that having Lambert at the concert would bring a sour note to the end of the conservative city-state’s 50th birthday celebrations.

State TV company Mediacorp maintained Lambert would perform, and said the televised concert would be suitable for family audiences and conform with broadcast regulations.

source: interaksyon.com

Simon Cowell’s girlfriend gives birth to boy in New York

NEW YORK | British TV and music mogul Simon Cowell, who had long said fatherhood was not in his plans, welcomed a son on Friday, his representative AnnMarie Thomson said.

The former “American Idol” judge’s girlfriend, Lauren Silverman, gave birth to the 6 pound, 7 ounce (2.9 kilograms) boy in New York. It is her second child and Cowell’s first.

Cowell, 54, who gained fame as an acid-tongued judge on television singing contests in the United States and his native Britain, has never married.

“I’m not brilliant with babies,” Cowell told U.S. magazine Parade last October. “I never know what to do. But (once he’s older) I think I’ll be a good dad in terms of advice.”

Silverman’s pregnancy first came to light last year when her ex-husband filed for divorce in New York and naming Cowell as a co-respondent.

Cowell’s “The X Factor” contest was canceled last week by U.S. broadcaster Fox, and he said that he would return to the judges panel on its UK counterpart amid sagging ratings.

source: interaksyon.com

Singer Kelly Clarkson pregnant with first child

LOS ANGELES | Pop singer Kelly Clarkson is pregnant with her first child, the 31-year-old Grammy winner announced on Twitter on Tuesday.

“I’m pregnant!!! Brandon and I are so excited! Best early Christmas present ever :) ,” Clarkson tweeted.

Clarkson, the first contestant to win the Fox singing competition “American Idol,” married talent manager Brandon Blackstock in October.

The Texas-born singer is one of the most successful winners of the show, having crossed over from country to pop music with hits such as “Since U Been Gone” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).”

Clarkson is the stepmother to Blackstock’s two children from a prior marriage.

source: interaksyon.com

Country singer Keith Urban returning as ‘American Idol’ judge

LOS ANGELES - Country singer Keith Urban will be returning to “American Idol” as a judge when the Fox singing contest returns for its 13th season next year, Fox Broadcasting Company said on Thursday.

“I will confirm one thing, Keith is going to return to the show, you could see how much he loved the show,” Kevin Reilly, chairman of entertainment at Fox told reporters at a Television Critics Association meeting.

“Idol,” once a ratings juggernaut for Fox, has slumped in recent years and is in the midst of revamping its judging panel after high-priced talent Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj failed to boost viewership last season.

Pop singer Carey and rapper Minaj announced after the “Idol” May finale that they were leaving the talent show, while longtime judge Randy Jackson also bowed out.

Singer Jennifer Lopez, who left the show in 2012 after two seasons as a judge, may return to the panel when “Idol” begins in January, Reilly said.

“There is no deal with her or with anybody else,” he said after saying Fox has had discussions with Lopez about a return.

“Idol,” which premiered in 2002 and drew more than 30 million viewers during its peak years of 2006 and 2007, attracted only 14.2 million viewers for its finale, in which vocal powerhouse Candice Glover won the competition.

The show’s longtime producer, Nigel Lythgoe, was let go in June and replaced by Swedish producer Per Blankens, who was most recently the producer of Sweden’s version of the show.

source: interaksyon.com

Colton Dixon impresses fans with soaring originals at Jessica Sanchez’s V-Day concert

Other than belonging to the same “American Idol” batch where they cultivated a lingering friendship that extended to their well-received Valentine’s Day concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the difference between Jessica Sanchez and Colton Dixon is like night and day.

Pandering to the near-sellout crowd, Jessica’s repertoire consisted of her covers of the songs that brought her to a runner-up finish at “AI”, including Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father”, Jennifer Holliday’s “And I Am Telling You”, “Beyonce’s “Love On Top” and, of course, “I Will Always Love You”.

She did debut a couple of original songs — “Fairytale” from her upcoming full-length album and the Smart jingle “Jump In”, her oft-viewed collaboration with apl.de.ap.

Colton, on the other hand, made the most of his 30-minute set that opened Jessica’s concert. Performing only two covers, namely Switchfoot’s “Meant To Live” and Lifehouse’s “Everything”, the song he performed at the end of his elimination at “AI”, the young Christian rocker still managed to impress the crowd with the hook-laden original songs (“Rise”, “Never Gone”, “You Are”) from his newly released debut album, “A Messenger”.

In a roundtable media gathering that preceded the concert Tuesday, Colton was very animated whenever the topic focused on his own original material. Aware that Christian music has the tendency to be on the preachy side at times, he pointed out that many of the songs in “A Messenger” can be interpreted in other different ways.

“These songs are not necessarily based on one’s religion or another. I just really want to inspire and share what I’ve been through. Even with ‘American Idol’ I didn’t want to be preachy,” he noted. “I can write songs that are more abstract and open to interpretation. But at the same time, my music has to be based on who I am and what I believe in.”


Colton’s face lit up when he was informed that the Philippines is a predominantly Christian nation as he was also quick to announce that outside of his hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, most of his fans are actually from here.

“I didn’t know how much big the Christian population is here. That’s amazing and encouraging to me,” he exclaimed. Although he is never shy to talk about his faith and write songs about it, his music actually has a very mainstream rock feel to it with influences of artists like Coldplay, The Fray, Snow Patrol and, yes, Switchfoot very much evident in their engaging and often pulsating tempo.

“Headbanging is definitely something I’d love to see people do in my concerts. Just the feeling of being encouraged and feeling like they’re not alone, that is the biggest message that I want to share. You know, just, whatever the situation you are going through, God said ‘He will never overload you’. That is definitely what I want fans to feel,” he enthused.

As far as the lyrics of his songs are concerned, Colton said they don’t necessarily have to be based on biblical passages. He pointed that even people with different religious beliefs can relate to them.

“I didn’t want to necessarily seclude anybody. I just want to put something positive out there. I’ve heard music that talks about all the wrong things. It may be great music to some people, but lyrically it might strike a wrong chord. Personally, I just want to put something out there to encourage you and wake up every morning with a smile,” he concluded.

source: interaksyon.com

Colton Dixon arrives in Manila for V-Day concert with Jessica Sanchez

“American Idol” Season 11 finalist Colton Dixon landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Los Angeles, California aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR103 at 5:15AM on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old singer-songwriter is in Manila to perform as the special guest of his “AI” batchmate Jessica Sanchez at her Valentine’s Day concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

source: interaksyon.com

Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey fail to boost 'American Idol' audience

LOS ANGELES - The audience for "American Idol" slumped 19 percent to 17.9 million viewers, its lowest season opener, despite the debut of judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, according to early ratings data released on Thursday.

The two-hour premiere of the show's 12th season on Fox television also lost 19 percent of the 18-49 age group most coveted by advertisers, Nielsen figures showed. Total viewers dropped to 17.9 million from 21.9 million in 2012.

Despite the drop, "American Idol" was still the most watched show by a huge margin on US television Wednesday night, beating all shows combined in the 18-49 demographic on the three other biggest TV networks.

Fox executives also noted that "Idol" beat the 2012 September premiere of NBC singing show rival "The Voice" by some 46 percent in total viewers.

"American Idol," long a ratings juggernaut for Fox, lost its eight-year crown as the most watched show on US television last year to "Sunday Night Football."

Singers Carey, Minaj and country artist Keith Urban joined the show as judges after Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler left last year.

Fox is a unit of News Corp.

source: interaksyon.com

Mariah Carey increased security after ‘Idol’ feud with Nicki Minaj

NEW YORK – Pop diva Mariah Carey said she hired increased security following what she described as threats reportedly made against her by fellow ‘American Idol’ judge Nicki Minaj, according to an interview on ABC News.

Carey, 42, one of three new judges to join the “American Idol” panel for the hit talent show’s new season on January 16, told Barbara Walters in an interview airing on Monday, “it felt like an unsafe work environment.”

“Anytime anybody’s reeling threats at somebody, you know, it’s not appropriate,” Carey said.

“I’m a professional. I’m not used to that type of environment,” she said, adding that she hired extra security.

The diva was alluding to widely reported tension between her and Minaj, who were seen arguing with one another in a video from the show’s audition phase.

Walters has reported that, according to Carey, others on the “Idol” set heard Minaj go further and say, off-camera, “If I had a gun, I would shoot that bitch.”

Minaj, a Trinidadian-born singer and songwriter, previously denied making any remarks about firearms, but Carey told Walters that beefing up her security “was the appropriate thing to do.”

“Sitting there on the road with two babies, I’m not going to take any chances,” she said, referring to her 20-month old twins with husband Nick Cannon.

But in a sign of media savvy, she noted that “for all the drama, I hope it helps the show.”

Walters also asked Carey about reports she is being paid $18 million for each “Idol” season.

“I think we’re in the ballpark, (but) I can’t even talk about those things,” the singer replied.

source: interaksyon.com

Jessica Sanchez, other top 9 American Idol finalists arrive at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino-American Top 5 Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez arrived at the NAIA terminal 2 5:30 a.m. today on board PAL flight PR103 from Los Angeles, California.

Seventeen-year-old Sanchez, together with American Idol Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips and eight other finalists Joshua Ledet, Colton Dixon, Skylar Laine, Hollie Cavanagh, Elsie Testone, Heejun Han, DeAndre Brackensick, and Erika Van Pelt, was mobbed by adoring airport fans upon entering the arrival area.

They are scheduled to perform in a one-night concert dubbed "American Idol Live! Tour 2012"on Friday, September 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This is the group’s first Asian concert tour after completing a 45-day tour across the US mainland.

Tickets - ranging from VIP seats priced at P11,090 to General Admission at P845 - are reportedly sold out.

The group was immediately whisked away by the concert organizer’s security personnel to their hotel, but Sanchez according to sources will reportedly make a side trip to her mother’s hometown in Samal, Bataan to meet her grandparents and other relatives. Major networks are waiting for her appearance there.

Fans waited for hours at the airport for their idols’ arrival, and were happy to meet and greet them. Some managed to catch a glimpse and have souvenir photos taken with their idols. Joshua Ledet and Heejun Han were the most accommodating to fans.

A Sta.Monica, California recording studio Interscope Records signed up Sanchez for her debut album scheduled for release before Christmas.

source: interaksyon.com

Jessica Sanchez, nagtanghal sa Democratic National Convention

Tuluy-tuloy na ang pagsikat ng American Idol Season 11 1st runner-up at recording artist na si Jessica Sanchez.

Maliban sa kanyang paparating na solo album, muling ipinamalas ni Jessica ang kanyang galing sa pag-awit nang magtanghal siya sa 2012 Democratic National Convention nitong Miyerkules (Huwebes sa Pilipinas) sa Charlotte, North Carolina.

Suot ang kanyang blue sequined peplum top, tinanghal ni Jessica ang awiting “All I Need To Get By” kasama ang God’s Appointed People Choir, ayon sa Rickey.org (video link).

Samantala, nagpasalamat ang mang-aawit para sa pagkakataong mapasama sa naturang event.

Ayon kay Jessica sa kanyang opisyal na Twitter account, "Thank you so much for having me @demconvention. It was an honor to perform tonight!"

Maliban dito, nagpasalamat din ang mang-aawit sa Gods Appointed People Choir na kasama niyang nagtanghal.


"Special thanks to Gods Appointed People Choir @inspirethefire. It was honor to share the stage with you tonight," saad niya. — BM, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Jessica Sanchez, too young to vote but excited to perform at Democratic convention

"American Idol" Season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez said she may not be old enough to vote yet but that she was excited to perform on September 5, Wednesday (Thursday PHL time) during the 2012 Democratic National Convention in North Carolina.

On Twitter, Filipino-Mexican-American Sanchez said last week: “I might not be old enough to vote, but I'm so honored and excited to perform at @BarackObama's big party in Charlotte next week! #DNC2012!”

Sanchez turned 17 on August 4.

Sanchez will perform during the Democratic convention at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina.

United States President Barack Obama will be attending the convention to accept the Democratic nomination for President, the Dem Con site said.

The 2012 Democratic National Convention is a political event that consists of various performances and speeches from different Democratic candidates.

Sanchez will be performing on Day 2 of the convention to the mix of DJ Cassidy and jazz master Branford Marsalis who will be singing the American national anthem, Dem Con said.

The other performers include nine-time Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige, alternative rock band Foo Fighters and funk-rock soul band Earth, Wind & Fire.

“This roster of performances only adds to the excitement building in Charlotte for the historic week ahead of us,” Los Angeles Mayor and 2012 Democratic National Convention Chairperson Los Antonio Villaraigosa.

“The tens of thousands who will attend Convention events in person, and all those tuning in across the country, should be ready for quite a show,” he added.

Performing at ‘home’

Meanwhile, Sanchez will be visiting the Philippines with the other Season 11 top 10 finalists on September 21 for their “American Idol World Tour.”

They will be performing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

On Twitter, some of the posts about the event said:

Kyla^Syrios.^_^: “Can’t wait to see Jessica Sanchez this coming September 21 :] Addicted to @JSanchezAI11”

aguilor karen :3: “September 18. Maroon 5. September 21. American Idol Finalists (Jessica Sanchez Batch) . MAGLAWAY na lang tayo. Huhuhuhuhu.”

Geiane Joy Tria: “Good eve :)) Jessica Sanchez is coming to Manila!!! Sept. 21 at the Araneta Coliseum for the AI World tour :D #nice” - VVP, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Jessica Sanchez Owns US National Anthem During Her NBA Finals Performance

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-Mexican Jessica Sanchez could very well be touted as the “official national anthem singer” of the “American Idol Season 11” batch as she has performed the American national anthem no less than thrice at several big occasions.

The 16-year-old “little girl with the big voice” kicked off Game 1 of the NBA basketball finals between the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 12 in Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City with her stellar performance of the “The Star-Spangled Banner."

The performance came right on the heels of her stint at the controversial Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley fight last June 9 [US Time] at MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas where she sang the US National Anthem; and at the US Memorial Day Concert at the White House in Washington, D.C. on May 28 [US Time].

Sanchez clearly left a lot of Heat and Thunder fans in awe as deafening applause filled the arena after she sang the last note. Online, countless Netizens affirmed Sanchez’ singing prowess once more as praises about her performance on the opening of the first out of the seven part game rained on Twitter. Sometime after her performance, the hashtag “#JessicaonNBA” even landed on the top trending topics locally.

Twitter User Rissa Piano ‏(@ucancallmerissa) piped out how her performance surely made the Filipino community proud and said, “What a shining moment for @JSanchezAI11!She makes the Filipino community proud! Go Jessica!: http://youtu.be/5FJm_AINaAU via @youtube #JessicaonNBA.”

While Jovel wrote, (‏@HaleysAndroid), “Jessica Sanchez nailed it again!!! #JessicaOnNBA @JSanchezAI11 Hahaahahah!!”

Kapuso actress Say Alonzo, on the other hand, also thought that Sanchez did a “great job” as she retweeted the post, “RT @anemoraine: RT @JSanchezCrew: @JSanchezAI11 is the Queen of the US National Anthem. #JessicaOnNBA - Great job Jessica!:)”

Speaking of national anthems, Sanchez’ was reportedly invited by the Sarangani representative himself to sing the Philippine national anthem on his upcoming rematch with Bradley. Sanchez confessed in a Bombo report that she’s praying for Pacman to win back his belt by then.

Recall that the “Idol” runner-up wasn’t able to contain her dismay over the result of Pacman-Bradley match, tweeting: “Congrats to the new winner but I'm still really upset about the results :(“

article source: mb.com.ph

Phillip Phillips FINALLY Has Surgery For Massive Kidney Stones

Phillip Phillips finally went under the knife to remove the enormous kidney stones that almost derailed his run to the "American Idol" title ... TMZ has learned.

We're told Phillip had the 6 and a half hour long surgery in L.A. yesterday -- and he is recovering well today. The stones that were removed were so huge there was no chance he could've passed them on his own.



As TMZ first reported, Phil was scheduled to have the surgery last week ... but it was delayed because he had a fever and sinus infection.

Phillip suffered through excruciating pain during the entire season of 'Idol.' It obviously paid off.

Oh what a relief.

source: TMZ

What Could’ve Cost Jessica Sanchez The 'Idol' Crown

MANILA, Philippines – Many deemed that Jessica Sanchez would bag the coveted “American Idol” crown, but could it be that she ruined her own chance with her choice of coronation song and potential first single?

“AI” mentor and Interscope Records founder/chairman Jimmy Iovine admitted to The Hollywood Reporter, “It did bomb, didn’t it? The song didn’t work well live.”

The 16-year-old Filipino-Mexican Jessica performed “Change Nothing” as one of her three songs during the final showdown night (May 22 in the US), to the apparent dismay of judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson. They collectively felt that the straight pop ballad didn’t bring out the soulful swag and urban vibe in Jessica.

Iovine said Jessica had “three or four different songs” to choose from, and that “we don’t force the kids to do anything.” The latter did intimate after her performance that “Change Nothing” was her choice.

Foreign scribes put in not-so-pleasant reviews on “Change Nothing.” Entertainment Weekly, for one, wrote that the song “just feels too old for a 16-year-old to be singing.”

“This disconnect between content and personal experience reveals Sanchez’s biggest weakness—although she has some serious pipes, she’s clearly not sure what she wants to say (or if she has anything to say) musically just yet, and the generic drum-machine beat doesn’t help make the song feel any more organic. “

USA Today, meanwhile, deemed that Jessica “made a grave tactical error at precisely the wrong time, choosing to sing a pop ballad—and a not particularly good one—as her potential first single.”

Jessica got “sucker-punched” with “Change Nothing,” MTV wrote, adding that “the song was too poppy and tame and completely stalled any momentum Jessica built up.”

The budding young diva, born in Chula Vista, California to a Filipino mother and Mexican-American father, acknowledged the judges’ reaction to the song in an interview after “American Idol” final show on May 23.

She was quoted by The Hollywood Reporter as saying, “I kind of agreed with them. We only had one day to pick a single. Now that I have time to put myself into my music, it’s going to be all me—100 percent me.”

The “100 percent me” that Jessica refers to is “like a Rihanna-Beyoncé kind of thing,” but pointed out that she doesn’t want to compare herself to anybody.

“I want to be somebody new, too,” she added.

Jessica has also expressed how happy she is over Phillip Phillips’ win, maintaining that he deserves the title. For her fans, though, she is not only an “American Idol” but a “World Idol,” as seen on the comments that poured in on Twitter after the result was revealed.

Some of the tweets read:

@Micolicious: “If Phillip Phillips is the season 11's AI then I guess Jessica Sanchez is the World Idol of all seasons! #WorldIdol @JSanchezAI11.”

@iLikeMariah: “Title or no title, @JSanchezAI11 our #worldIdol has raised the bar of #americanidol 's next season or shld I say raisd dbar of AmericanIdol!”

‏@Angeliquebruna: “Jessica is our winner, Jessica is our winner.She was the toughest among them all. :) 2 Thumbs up Jessica's our winner.#WorldIdol #idolfinale.”

@lyzafionaborjal: “I just can't wait to buy @JSanchezAI11's album! I'm gonna listen to all her AI songs so that I can put this feeling into sleep. #WorldIdol.”

‏@TheBarsss: “@JSanchezAI11 doesn't deserve to become American Idol. She deserves to become #WorldIdol. #JessicaSanchezWorldIdol.”

source: mb.com.ph

Is American Idol a falling star?

Since its debut in 2002, the singing contest "American Idol" on Fox network has been a giant in television ratings.

Now on its 11th season, the network still claims to have the nation's most-watched show even with “Idol” losing 23 percent of its total audience this year, according to Reuters. The report came out May 23, a day before the latest winner was announced.

Over the years, however, the show has lost viewers due to a variety of reasons. Predictability is one of them, as proven once again when Phillip Phillips, who shares his "White Guy With Guitar" quality with the winners of the past four seasons, getting the highest number of votes in this season's competition

Phillips, 21, from Georgia beat ballad singer Jessica Sanchez, 16, of California in the public vote. Interestingly, Sanchez had a 17 percent lead in Yahoo! searches and generated 60 percent more mentions in social media than Phillips, according to a survey by analytics company General Sentiment.

The decline in ratings has prompted some soul-searching among those involved in the show, who are wondering what went wrong, Brian Stelter wrote in the New York Times.

Sanchez "would have been the first Latina to win, visibly representing change for a program that some TV critics have labeled boring," Stelter wrote.

Once derisively described as the "death star" by rival television executives, American Idol has instead eclipsed everything in prime-time TV as Fox topped ratings in 2007. Nielsen Media Research said the talent contest's season premiere that year was the most-watched in its six-year history, with around 37.3 million viewers.

But 2008 saw an 11 percent decline in the popular series, which nevertheless kept its rank as the most-watched show of the TV season, excluding sports. That year was seen as a dull season for American Idol, with viewers finding the show boring and predictable.

"Because the talent level was so high, nothing anyone did was surprising," regular "Idol" viewer Mike Anderson said in a previous report.

The show suffered a decline in TV viewership, particularly among teenagers and women from 18 to 34.

Things changed on the show after that, with less time featuring tryouts and more contestants brought to Hollywood. According to executive producer Ken Warwick, however, these changes were not in response to the previous season's 7 percent ratings dip.

In 2009, Paula Abdul left after eight seasons of being the “craziest judge” on the show. Abdul's departure came as "Idol" steadily lost viewers.

The show had 25.5 million viewers in 2009, less than 26.8 million in 2007-2008, and 30 million in both 2006-2007 and 2005-2006.

In 2010, caustic judge Simon Cowell left the show to focus on "The X Factor."

Fox executives promised to boost the show, which would feature Cowell's replacement.

2011 was a year of changes as the show welcomed new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. The 10th season also saw a switch in its time slot, which was moved from Tuesday and Wednesday night broadcasts to Wednesday and Thursday.

Meanwhile, Cowell continued on "Britain's Got Talent," which found a rival in newcomer "The Voice" in 2012. "The Voice" also turned out to be serious competition for "Idol," especially after getting superstar ratings early this year.

In March 2012, LA Times blog Show Tracker said it was clear that "Idol" had handed its ratings crown to "The Voice."

Citing figures released by Nielsen, the blog said "Idol" had lost its viewers ages 18 to 49 to "The Voice," which drew a 6.2 rating. "Idol" was given a 5.7 rating, but still managed to be the most-watched program among all viewers.

The New York Times’ Stelter wrote that "Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe cited "The Voice" when asked to explain the ratings drop the week before this season's finale. Lythgoe also mentioned Cowell's "The X Factor," another Fox show.

Although "Idol" is still No. 1 after 11 seasons, it will have to fight to keep its position, Stelter said, quoting Entertainment Weekly managing editor Jess Cagle.

“While the show still does solid numbers for us online, it’s no longer the juggernaut it once was,” Cagle told Stelter.


"Americal Idol" will have some "creative reinvigoration" next season, Stelter quoted Fox president of entertainment Kevin Reilly. Auditions for season 12 begin on June 7 in Los Angeles. - YA, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo Get Engaged on American Idol Finale

It's an American Idol shocker – but it's not what you think!

Show alumni Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young got engaged on stage at the show's season 11 finale on Wednesday night.

Before announcing the results of the competition between finalists Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips, Ryan Seacrest acknowledged former contestants, including the couple whom PEOPLE first reported moved in together in January.

Seacrest called them both to the stage and said, "dim the lights," like he does at every results show. As the elimination night music played, Young said, "This has always been home to us and I felt that this would be the perfect place to ask a simple question."

Then he got down on one knee and continued: "We have conquered Broadway together. We have created our new music together. We have an amazing group of people around us. And with the help of David Webb jewelry I have a way to make this last forever. Are you ready?

"I love you to death. You're my best friend. I want to make this last forever and I will do anything in my power to have the most ... amazing life together if you will have me. Diana Nicole DeGarmo, will you marry me?"

A tearful DeGarmo nodded and said yes.

"I'm so speechless right now," she said with a new ring on her finger. "Wow, babe, you picked a good one! My makeup's running."

And just like that the show continued.

source: people.com

For fans, Jessica Sanchez is still the winner of 'American Idol'

Filipino-Mexican-American Jessica Sanchez may have lost the competition but for her fans, she is still the "American Idol."

Sanchez, 16, of Chula Vista, California, lost to Phillip Phillips, 21, of Leesburg, Georgia.

Sanchez's mother is Filipina, while her father is Mexican.

Sanchez's fans on Twitter said they believe Sanchez is still a winner:
@tonyatayde: "Phillip Phillips can have the title of American Idol. Jessica Sanchez is already a GLOBAL Idol."

@FrianneAslahon: "@AmericanIdol Para samen si JESSICA SANCHEZ ANG PANALO !!!!!!"

@adolfooe: "Jessica Sanchez is a global super star like Adam Lambert, #runneruppower!"

Many of her fans have also been saying on Twitter that the Philippines and Mexico have been separated by boxing but united by music.

Twitter user @MgaKasabihan said: "PHILIPPINES & MEXICO, Separated by Boxing, United by Music. That's Jessica Sanchez!"

The Philippines' foremost boxer — Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao — has been called the "Mexicutioner" after having won over many Mexican boxers.

Among "American Idol" contestants with Filipino heritage, Sanchez has so far made the best achievement.

Filipino-American Jasmine Trias made it to the top three of AI's Season 3, while Ramiele Malubay, another Fil-Am, placed ninth in Season 7.

Thia Megia, another Filipino-American, meanwhile, finished in the top 11 of last year's competition. - VVP/KG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Jessica Simpson Rooting for Phillip Phillips to Win American Idol

The new mom, who welcomed daughter Maxwell Drew Johnson on May 1, is rooting for crooner Phillip Phillips to win Wednesday night.

"Crossing my fingers for hot stuff Phillip Phillips!!" she Tweeted Wednesday afternoon.

Phillips, 21, performed three songs alongside another Jessica – 16-year-old Sanchez – Tuesday on the show's final night of competition.

POLL: Who Do You Want to Win American Idol?

And Simpson, it seems, is ready for some new music (lullabies excluded, of course).

"I want his record NOW!!!" she continued in her Tweet.

source: people.com

Power balladeer Jessica vs. ‘genius’ Philip on ‘Idol’ finale

LOS ANGELES – Jessica Sanchez, the teen with the big voice, chose power ballads while Phillip Phillips went with an indie vibe as the two diverse “American Idol” finalists sang on Tuesday for the hearts and votes of America.

Sanchez, 16, bidding to become the youngest ever winner of America’s most-watched TV show, was deemed ahead after performing songs made famous by Whitney Houston and Celine Dion.
But it was acoustic guitar-playing Phillips who brought all three judges to their feet at the end of the performance finale.

“You were perfect tonight, and I think you are the man,” said judge Steven Tyler as Phillips closed the show with his potential first single “Home”—a song that mixed the style of folk-rock band Mumford and Sons with Paul Simon and featured a marching band.

Randy Jackson called the Georgia singer’s performance “brilliant, genius” and added “Dude I loved the song! I loved you. I loved the production … Everything about that was perfect.”

Phillips, 21, also put his own spin on his two other songs—Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out” and the classic “Stand By Me”—earning screams of adulation from the audience of 7,000 in Los Angeles. But he failed to convince the three judges.

“This is a tough one,” said Jennifer Lopez. “It’s like a battle of the opposites.”
Sanchez, a home-schooled California teen, won praise for her renditions of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” and Celine Dion’s “The Prayer.”

But her potential first single, a pop ballad called “Change Nothing,” fell flat with the judges, bringing tears to the eyes of the young singer.
Jackson thought the song was “just okay” while Tyler said “It didn’t feel like the proper song for you to sing.”

But the judges’ impact is limited to potentially swaying audience votes. America’s “Idol” will be chosen by viewers and fans who have four hours to vote by phone, text and online after the show ended on Tuesday.

Results will be announced at the end of a star-studded two hour finale Wednesday (Thursday morning in the Philippines).

Based on social media buzz and Twitter postings going into Tuesday’s final, Sanchez had a 17 percent lead in Yahoo! searches, the Internet search engine said.

She also generated 60 percent more mentions in social media than Phillips, according to a survey by analytics company General Sentiment.

But Phillips, whose goofball humor has charmed millions of young female viewers, has never been in “Idol”s bottom three.

Sanchez, who is sometimes criticized for failing to connect emotionally with her lyrics, was saved by the judges from elimination in April after coming bottom in the public vote.

The young girl of Mexican and Filipino descent has millions of supporters in the Philippines, while Phillips has won sympathy for a kidney problem that has plagued his health during the show.
“Pheel Better Phillip” read one poster in Tuesday’s audience.

The winner will receive a guaranteed recording contract, putting him or her on a potential road to the stardom enjoyed by early champions Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

But more recent winners have fared less well and audiences for “American Idol”, now in its 11th season, have fallen by 23 percent to an average 19.2 million viewers.

article source: interaksyon.com