American Idol
News (Page 7)

More than 31 million votes were counted after Tuesday night's country performances and the results announced Wednesday on American Idol, with Alexis Grace, considered an early favorite by many, at the bottom of the heap.

The judges, again, had a chance to reverse this fate, but as was the case a week ago, decided her encore performance wasn't good enough and bid her adieu.

The other singers with Alexis in the bottom two were Michael Sarver (not a shock there) and while Allison Iraheta (a bit of a shock there). But they survived.

OUSTED: Alexis Grace gets a hug goodbye from Michael Sarver.

Last night was country night on American Idol. Each singer sang a hit from Nashville legends young and old (there was Johnny Cash as well as Carrie Underwood).

A surprising performance by Anoop Desai (below) may have been the night's biggest hit, while performers such as Adam Lambert and Matt Giraud were steady.

Megan Joy Corkrey also turned in a decent effort after tanking, as Anoop, on her previous Michael Jackson cover. Good for these underdogs for bouncing back.

Danny Gokey and Lil Rounds also held their own, despite not feeling comfortable in the genre, while Michael Sarver and Scott McIntyre may be done for.

Who do you think should go home on American Idol tonight?

Country stars Brad Paisley, Randy Travis and beloved season four champion Carrie Underwood grace the American Idol stage on Tuesday and Wednesday for Grand Ole Opry week.

In what ought to be an interesting series of performances, the remaining 11 singers will perform songs popularized by the members of the Opry, a weekly radio and stage show that has been a Nashville institution for decades.

Can you picture Lil Rounds (pictured) or Anoop Desai going country? Neither can we.

On the March 18 elimination show, Underwood will perform “I Told You So” with fellow Opry member Travis. The latter will act as the show’s mentor for the week.

Paisley will perform his new song “Then” the same night.

American Idol announced a significant change to its elimination rules last night.

But it wasn't enough to save Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez.

These contestants received the lowest number of viewers votes, following less-than-impressive Michael Jackson renditions on Tuesday night. However, in a twist deemed the "judges' save," Ryan Seacrest stated that the panel would receive one opportunity this season to overturn the viewers and keep a singer around.

This meant that Murry and Nunez each auditioned again for the panel... only to be told by the judges that it was, indeed, time to go home.

Did the viewers, and then the judges, make the right call in elimination Jorge Nunez and Jasmine Murray?

"The whole point of this competition is America votes for who they want to save," Simon Cowell said. "If someone happens to be at the bottom, and we think they deserve another chance, we're going to give them another chance."

That wasn't the case last night, though. Sorry, Jorge and Jasmine.

Last night was Michael Jackson night on American Idol. Each singer auditioned with a hit by the King of Pop.

In actuality, though, it was Adam Lambert night.

The theatrical performer caused Paula Abdul to cry - and Simon Cowell to label him as being in a league by himself - following an incredible rendition of "Black and White." The crowd gave him a prolonged standing ovation.

Also impressive, and a lock for next week: Danny Gokey and Lil Rounds.

Sadly, previous fan favorites such as Anoop Desai and Jorge Nunez were let-downs last night, failing to impress with their versions of "Beat It" and "Never Can Say Goodbye," respectively. We're afraid one of them might be sent home tonight.

Who is your preferred finalist: Danny Gokey or Adam Lambert?

Following last night's Wild Card round on American Idol, a few of the finalists sat down with Entertainment Weekly.

They were were asked about the show's unexpected twist, as a baker's dozen now comprises the final round, as opposed to the typical number of 12 contestant vying for the top prize.

Here's what each had to say about the surprise:

Lil Rounds: I'm excited! I think we made a little history here tonight.

Danny Gokey: I think American Idol did it right. When it got down to [Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai], how the heck do you split those two people up?

Who is your favorite American Idol finalist?

Adam Lambert: I think it's really exciting, because I think both Anoop and Matt are incredibly talented, and I'm glad they're both part of the crew this year. It was a surprise - we had no idea. Our mouths just dropped open.

Matt Giraud: This is a bad bunch, man. Some of these cats are so talented. I'm just honored to be considered. That's how I feel right now.

Scott MacIntyre: That threw me for a loop. How are they going to fit that in the schedule? I'm waiting to find that out.

American Idol didn't go the route of The Bachelor last night; no finalist was named, only to be replaced by a fellow contestant minutes later.

But the show did come up with a surprise for viewers: an additional singer was added to the customary dozen finalists.

Indeed, at the end of last night's Wild Card round, the judges - not the fans - decided that a trio of new finalists simply weren't enough.

There, Jasmine Murray, Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai were all named to the finals. They join the following crooners there:

• Alexis Grace
• Michael Sarver
• Danny Gokey
• Jorge Nunez
• Scott MacIntyre
• Lil Rounds
• Allison Iraheta
• Adam Lambert
• Kris Allen

Kris Allen and Megan Joy Corkrey are two of 13 - yes, 13! - American Idol finalists this season.

And then there were nine.

Three-quarters of the season eight finalists on American Idol have been named, following last night's results show. The final trio will be selected by fans after tonight's Wild Card round.

Those three will join the singers voted through last night, which were:

• Lil Rounds (pictured)
• Scott MacIntyre
• Jorge Nunez

Say hello to Lil Rounds, aka "the clear favorite on season eight of American Idol."

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting your season eight winner on American Idol: Lil Rounds!

Okay, that might be a bit premature. But just a bit.

The 23-year old mother of three blew viewers away last night with her rendition of Mary J. Blige's “Be Without You." Watch it for yourself:

It's safe to assume that Lil Rounds will have her ticket punched for the finals when results are announced tonight.

Who will join her there? Our best guesss are:

• Jorge Nunez, who broke down in tears and could only think/speak in Spanish after receiving universal praise from the judges for “Don’t Let the Sun go Down on Me” by Elton John;
• And Scott MacIntyre. Dude is legally blind! He oozed with emotion and talent during performance of “Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby.

Still, Lil Rounds stole the show. Here's a photo of her during last night's performance:

One-half of the eventual 12 finalists on American Idol have been chosen.

Last week, Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert became the latest trio to receive the nod from viewers.

Following the news that they had advanced to the finals, each of the aspiring singers took part in a conference call with reporters. Here are a few highlights from it:

Kris Allen, on lack of airtime prior to semifinal audition: "I wasn't looking for the cameras and trying to put my face in there."

Adam Lambert, on being pigeonholed as a theater performer: "I don't listen to show tunes on my downtime"

Allison Iraheta, on experience of winning "Quinceanera", a 2006 Telemundo contest: "It helped me out with being on the stage in front of cameras a little. [But] it's nothing compared to this."

Which of this trio is your favorite American Idol finalist?