It took over five months. It consisted of over thousands and thousands of singers. It introduced the world to the humor of Harry Connick Jr. And now American Idol Season 13 has come to an end. Following a theatrical, elongated finale that included performances by all three judges, did long-haired rocker Caleb Johnson come out on top? Or did piano-playing beauty Jena Irene earn the title? SPOILER ALERT : We’re about to discuss the results of American Idol. If you’re spoiler-averse, avert your gaze. After two hours of performances and theatrics, Caleb Johnson is the American Idol Season 13 champion! He bested Jena Irene to win, making his third time auditioning the charm. Caleb Johnson auditioned for Seasons 10 and 11, making it to Hollywood each time. Each time he was sent home having made it farther than his previous year. Lucky number 13 proved to be his season after taking a year off to focus on his music career in Asheville, NC and decide who he wanted to be as an artist. And who does he want to be? A rock god. Caleb has treated audiences to classic rock and roll numbers all season, earning himself a following which tonight crowned him their king. Congrats, Caleb Johnson! What do you think, THGers? Did Caleb Johnson deserve to win American Idol? Yes! He’s totally awesome! No! He’s terrible! Jena got robbed! View Poll » Caleb Johnson American Idol Performances 1. Caleb Johnson – “As Long As You Love Me” Caleb Johnson is trying to win it all. He sings “As Long As You Love Me” on the American Idol finale here.
Caleb Johnson was crowned winner of season 13 of ‘American Idol,” besting Jena Irene in a finale that featured music from Paramore, John Legend and Demi Lovato.
Hardcore Game of Thrones fans know that George R.R. Martin has drawn inspiration for his beloved A Song of Ice and Fire series from actual historical events such as the War of the Roses and the Hundred Years War. But Martin doesn’t rely only on grand-scale events as fodder for his novels, he also pays tribute to more isolated, less-well-known figures and events of the past. 7 Game of Thrones Events Inspired By History! 1. In 1300, Winter Was Coming… For reasons that continue to baffle scientists and historians to this day, Western Europe enjoyed several years of high temperatures and dry weather toward the end of the 13th Century. This “Medieval Warm Period” concluded around 1300 and when the cold weather came, it brought storms and starvation with it, in an era now known as The Little Ice Age. Fortunately, the Starks were well prepared. While large portions of Westerosi lore may be based upon British medieval history, It’s Martin’s ability to draw from different eras and varying parts of the world to select the most fascinating (and horrifying) tidbits that have helped make GoT such a consistently engrossing smash hit. Some have even gone so far as to suggest that if we pay close enough attention to the history-based clues Martin’s sprinkled throughout his epic-length tale, we might be able to figure out which character will eventually triumph in the the battle for the Iron Throne: Hint: it’s not Theon Greyjoy…Sorry, Reek. Warning: possible spoilers lie ahead, so if you’re not caught up on the show and/or don’t want to be exposed to speculation on how the series might end, we suggest you stop reading here and refrain from checking out the gallery above. (Even though you know you want to!) First, a little background on medieval British politics to bring you up to speed. (Don’t worry we’ll get to the blood and boobs stuff soon enough.) The War of the Roses refers to a series of battles fought for control of the British crown in the 15th Century. The principal claimants to the throne were the houses of York and Lancaster (Sound familiar?) and combat raged on and off for almost 32 years (about how long it takes to read a George R.R. Martin book). Martin has stated in interviews that his research on the War of the Roses has profoundly influenced the ASOIAF series and allusions to that bloody period in history make countless appearances in both the books and the television series they inspired. While the connection may not be as readily apparent as some of the more obvious parallels, some observant GoT fans have noticed a lot of similarities between Daenerys Targaryen and War of the Roses victor Henry VII. Like the Khaleesi, Henry lived much of his life in exile on the far side the English Channel (a sort of “narrow sea,” if you will), where he used his charisma and claims of being the rightful heir to the throne to help him raise a foreign army, crush his opposition, and declare himself king. Granted Henry wasn’t quite so badass as to ride a dragon into battle, but he did have a fire-breathing beast on his coat of arms: Some have suggested that all those similarities are Martin’s way of hinting that Daenerys will emerge victorious when she eventually swoops into Westeros on the winged back of one of her “children.” Others have astutely pointed out that there are few things GRRM enjoys more than shocking his audience, and it seems unlikely that he would foreshadow an ending so clearly, so early on in the tale. Either way, since Martin hasn’t even started writing the final book in the series, guesses like that may be the closest we’ll get to a satisfactory ending this decade. So check out the gallery above for other similarities between the events in Westeros and actual European history, and see if you can spot more possible clues about what’s in store. Then watch Game of Thrones online at TV Fanatic to forget about the real world for a while and enjoy some good old-fashioned medieval sexy-time. Game of Thrones Characters In Real Life 1. Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen Clarke plays Daenerys Targaryen on the hit series Game of Thrones. The show’s fourth season debuts April sixth.
We’ve reached the end of the line on American Idol Season 13. We’re down to the final two. The best of the best. The pairing that will go head to head next week in a battle for an iconic crown previously held by Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and many other successful artists. Will it be Caleb Johnson or Jena Irene ? The former had to overcome a bout of sinusitis and a small vocal cord hemorrhage just to make it this far, needing a doctor’s approval before he could take the stage this week. Will it incredible journey end in a hail of confetti? Caleb Johnson American Idol Performances
Oh, James Franco. Does your ability to involve yourself in weird scandals know no bounds? Fresh off his scandalous flirtation with teenager Lucy Clode , Franco finds himself at the center of another controversy – this one involving his personal attack of New York Times theater critic Ben Brantley. The Times published a review of Brantley’s that featured some extremely negative comments about Franco’s performance in the Broadway revival of the play Of Mice and Men , and the temperamental actor quickly took to Twitter to express his displeasure. “SADLY BEN BRANTLEY AND NYT EMBARASSED THEMSELVES,” Franco tweeted (yes, he’s adopted the Kanye-style all-caps approach to online expression). “BRANTLEY IS SUCH A LITTLE B!TCH HE SHOULD BE WORKING FOR GAWKER.COM INSTEAD OF THE PAPER OF RECORD. THE THEATER COMMUNITY HATES HIM, and for good reason HE’s an idiot.” Harsh words. But in case you were wondering, Brantley didn’t exactly hold back on Franco in his review: “Though he sports a Yosemite Sam accent,” Brantley wrote. “Mr. Franco is understated to the point of near invisibility.” Also harsh words! But the difference is – Ben Brantley is a critic who said negative things about Franco’s performance . On the other hand, Franco is douchebag who attacked Brantley as a person . See the difference? Remember last week when Franco said he planned to stay off social media altogether? Maybe he should’ve stuck with that idea.
According to the singer herself, Miley Cyrus can’t stop crying during her ongoing hospitalization. And we now know why: THE SINGER IS ON THE VERGE OF DEATH. Miley was placed under doctor’s care on Tuesday due to what her rep has described as an allergic reaction to sinus infection medicine. But In Touch Weekly makes it pretty clear on the following cover: Cyrus actually has a heart condition that gets worse when she does drugs – and it may prove to be her fatal downfall. Indeed, Cyrus was “born with a heart defect” and the 21-year old needs to “change [her] life or [she’ll] die,” physicians supposedly say. The artist’s family is in a “desperate race” to save their loved one’s life and fans can only pray they are successful. While we somehow doubt the veracity of this story, it is true that Miley is stuck in the hospital for an unknown period of time. She’s already canceled two stops on her Bangerz tour and may need to axe a few more in the near future. There are conflicting reports over just how she arrived in this place, although insiders tell TMZ it all started with her dog’s death, as Miley has been off the rails ever since. What is true and what is a lie meant to boost magazine sales? We ask ourselves that same question every time we look through the following covers: 28 Hilariously Untrue Tabloid Stories Open Slideshow 1. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Tabloid Cover Tim McGraw and Faith Hill aren’t doing too well. Jealousy is to blame, according to this tabloid. View As List 1. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Tabloid Cover Tim McGraw and Faith Hill aren’t doing too well. Jealousy is to blame, according to this tabloid. 2. Kate Middleton Tabloid Report Is Kate Middleton pregnant again? According to this (false) tabloid report, you bet. 3. Miranda Lambert Tabloid Cover Miranda Lambert is on the cover of the new issue of Life & Style. 4. OJ as Khloe Kardashian’s Father? Bombshell alert! OJ Simpson may be Khloe Kardashian’s father. Do you believe this rumor? 5. Jennifer Aniston Pregnant, Alone Jennifer Aniston is pregnant and alone. That does not sound like a good combination. 6. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart Are Getting Married! Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are getting married! It’s amazing, really. 7. Will Smith and Margot Robbie Cover Will Smith and Margot Robbie are featured on this Star cover. Are they having an affair? 8. Gwyneth Paltrow Cheating! In Touch wants you to read all about Gwyneth Paltrow cheating. That doesn’t make it true, of course. 9. Angelina Jolie Risking Her Life Is Angelina Jolie risking her life for another baby? So the celebrity gossip reports say. 10. Tim McGraw Gay Cover Is Tim McGraw? Yes, totally… if you somehow believe this National Enquirer cover story. 11. Miley Cyrus Drug Problem? Miley Cyrus has a serious drug problem. If this Star cover is to be believed, that is. 12. Luke Kirby Tabloid Cover Katie Holmes is not dating co-star Luke Kirby. But try telling that to OK! Weekly. 13. Mason Dash Cover Story Sorry, Scott Disick! But according to this made-up cover story, you are not the father of Mason Dash. 14. Kanye West: Gay?!? Oh my God! Kanye West may be gay! No wonder Kim Kardashian is freaking out. 15. Justin Bieber and Rihanna?!? Justin Bieber had an affair with Rihanna!!! According to this tabloid, at least. 16. Brangelina Engaged! Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are engaged, according to OK! And for once, they’re actually correct! 17. Royal Scandal Pippa Middleton is under fire for her friend pulling a firearm on a photographer. But is it all overblown? 18. Will Smith Tabloid Cover No, Will Smith is not having an affair with another man. That’s what this tabloid story suggests. 19. Wedding AND a Baby! Jennifer Aniston is getting neither, but a wedding and a baby are both good things, so Life & Style felt she should have them. How kind. 20. Kim Kardashian: Cheater?!? Does Kris Humphries possess proof that Kim Kardashian cheated on him? Only if you believe this cover story. 21. Suri Cruise Abandoned Suri Cruise has been abandoned by her dad. At least according to this publication. 22. Farewell, Scott Disick! See ya, Scott Disick! According to this cover story, Kourtney Kardashian has thrown her baby daddy out. 23. Kim Kardashian Threesome Story Kim Kardashian was involved in a threesome with two porn stars. So this Star cover story alleges. 24. Selena Gomez: Destroyed by Love! Selena Gomez was destroyed by love! It prompted her to check into rehab, if you buy this cover story. 25. Miley Cyrus: Pregnant and Scared? Is Miley Cyrus pregnant and scared? No. But this tabloid wants you to think otherwise. 26. Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert: Over? Is it all over for Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert? Yes, if this tabloid story is to be believed. 27. Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman Divorce Cover Are Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman headed for a divorce? Yes… if you believe this tabloid cover story. 28. Miley Cyrus Heart Problems? Does Miley Cyrus have a heart problem? Is she placing her own life in danger by drinking too much?
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a Nobel Prize-winning author and one of the most respected voices of the 20th century, died in Mexico City. He was 87 years old. According to The Associated Press, Garcia Marquez was hospitalized for an infection on April 9 and then released to convalesce at his home. Over the course of an impressive lifetime, the writer published six novels and seven nonfiction books, along with countless novellas and short story collections. His most famous novel, “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” was inspired by his grandmother. It has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. A native of Colombia, Garcia Marquez started his career as a journalist, eventually branching into literary nonfiction, mixing in narrative fiction elements to his reporting. In 1982, 15 years after “One Hundred Years of Solitude” he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Three years later, he released another huge hit, “Love in the Time of Cholera,” which was made into a movie in 2007 starring Javier Bardem. Our condolences go out to his loved ones. Celebrities We Lost in 2014 Open Slideshow 1. Philip Seymour Hoffman R.I.P. Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014). He will forever be missed! View As List 1. Philip Seymour Hoffman R.I.P. Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014). He will forever be missed! 2. James Avery James Avery has passed away. The beloved star of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was 65. 3. Pete Seeger Pete Seeger has passed away. The late singer and activist was 94. 4. Shirley Temple Shirley Temple was a childhood star in the 1930s. She passed away at the age of 85. 5. Phil Everly A photo of the late Phil Everly. He passed away in early 2014. 6. Anna Gordy Gaye Anna Gordy Gaye passed away in early 2014. She was the sister of Berry Gordy and the wife of Marvin Gaye. 7. Eric Lawson Eric Lawson stars here as The Marloboro Man. He died from lung cancer at the age of 72. 8. Roy Garber Roy Garber passed away in January 2014. He was a star on Shipping Wars. 9. Cassandra Lynn Hensley Rest in peace, Cassandra Lynn Hensley. The Playboy Playmate was found dead in January 2014. 10. Darryl Robinson Darryl Robinson of Cooking Channel fame has died. He was just 50. 11. Sid Caesar Sid Caesar has died. He was 91 years old and will be missed. 12. Ralph Waite Ralph Waite is seen here on NCIS. The actor died at the age of 86. 13. John Henson Picture Rest in peace, John Henson. This member of The Muppets family died in early 2014. 14. Jamie Coots Jamie Coots has died from a snake bite. The reality star appeared on the series Snake Salvation. 15. Michele Savoia Michele Savoia, a famed Broadway costume designer, has passed away at the age of 55. 16. Bob Casale Bob Casale, second from right, was the guitarist for the ’80s band Devo, best known for the hit song “Whip It.” R.I.P. 17. Harold Ramis Harold Ramis passed away at the age of 69. We’ll always adore the actor for his role in Ghostbusters. 18. Jim Lange Jim Lange has passed away. The Dating Game host was 81. 19. Tim Wilson Comedian Tim Wilson, who incorporated NASCAR into his routines, has died. R.I.P. 20. Speaker Knockerz Speaker Knockerz has passed away. The young emerging rapper was only 19. 21. Sheila MacRae Sheila MacRae, best known as Alice from The Honeymooners, died in March 2014 at the age of 92. 22. Cynthia Lynn Cynthia Lynn has died. The Hogan’s Heroes star was 76. 23. Bob Thomas Veteran journalist Bob Thomas has passed away at the age of 92. R.I.P. 24. Wesley Warren Wesley Warren, The Man with the 132-Pound Scrotum, died in March 2014 of a non-scrotum related injury. 25. David Brenner David Brenner has died. The fixture on The Tonight Show was 78. 26. L’Wren Scott L’Wren Scott, a fashion designer and the girlfriend of Mick Jagger, is dead. She was 49. 27. Scott Asheton Scott Asheton of The Stooges has died. The drummer was 64. 28. James Rebhorn James Rebhorn enjoyed a long, impressive acting career. He died at the age of 65. 29. Kate O’Mara Kate O’Mara of Dynasty fame has died at the age of 74. R.I.P. 30. Frankie Knuckles Frankie Knuckles, acclaimed DJ and house music mastermind, died March 31 at age 59. 31. Mickey Rooney Mickey Rooney passed away at the age of 93. He lost a battle with an undisclosed illness. 32. Peaches Geldof Peaches Geldof was only 25. 33. The Ultimate Warrior Days after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, The Ultimate Warrior died at the age of 54. 34. Gabriel Garcia Marquez Beloved author Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez passed away in April 2014 at the age of 87.
Following an American Idol performance show that displayed two of this season’s best covers to date, another contestant was sent home this week. We knew it wouldn’t be Jena Irene or Alex Preston , not after their vocals on Wednesday, and at least Ryan Seacrest didn’t drag out the drama. These were the first two to move on to the final six. Caleb Johnson then got the green light, with C.J. Harris next and then Sam Woolf moving on. So, it came down to Jessica Meuse and Dexter Roberts and the finalist going home is… DEXTER ROBERTS. No song. No chance for a save. Just many hugs from his fellow singers. Did viewers make the right call? Yes, but what a run! No, it should have been Jessica! No, it should have been Sam! View Poll » American Idol Season 13: Who’s Left? Open Slideshow 1. Sam Woolf Sam Woolf has the look of an American Idol winner, doesn’t he? This is a cute young white guy who plays guitar. View As List 1. Sam Woolf Sam Woolf has the look of an American Idol winner, doesn’t he? This is a cute young white guy who plays guitar. 2. Jessica Meuse Jessica Meuse is a 23-year old native of Alabama. She has done quite well for herself on American Idol Season 13. 3. Jena Irene Jena Irene could be your next American Idol champion. She has reached the round of 13. 4. CJ Harris CJ Harris is 23-year old Alabama resident. Will he be the next American Idol? 5. Caleb Johnson Caleb Johnson is a 22-year old native of North Carolina. He is doing very well for himself on American Idol. 6. Alex Preston Alex Preston has advanced to the American Idol Season 13 finals. We wish him the best of luck!
Selena Gomez made headlines a few days ago for grinding all over the artist behind “Baby.” But now she’s in the news for posing on Instagram with a baby. Her baby sister, that is! The young superstar made followers melt on Wednesday by giving them a look at Gracie, the nine-month girl born to her mother and stepfather on June. Gomez used a one word caption (“Sissy”) for the image because, really, what is there to say? It’s cuteness personified. And it’s a nice break from all Justin Bieber -related rumors circulating around the star, don’t you think? Are they getting back together? Are they going on tour? Are they friends with benefits? As long as Gomez, who entered rehab earlier this year, is safe, happy and healthy… then we are happy for her. Selena Gomez adidas NEO: Spring/Summer 2014 Campaign Open Slideshow 1. Selena Gomez adidas Neo Model Selena’s got modeling chops and this sexy photo proves it! View As List 1. Selena Gomez adidas Neo Model Selena’s got modeling chops and this sexy photo proves it! 2. Selena Gomez adidas Neo We would love to know what Selena is pondering in this photo… 3. Selena Gomez adidas Neo pretty Ah, spring is in the air. Selena looks cute and feminine in a dress/jacket combo. 4. Selena Gomez adidas Neo Flower Dress Selena’s all about flower power this coming season. 5. Selena Gomez adidas Neo Flower Selena welcomes florals for the Spring/Summer line. 6. Selena Gomez adidas Neo Black Tank Selena models for her adidas Neo line in skinny jeans and a blank tank. 7. Selena Gomez adidas Neo legs Selena puts her best foot (and entire leg) forward showing off an edgier look. 8. Selena Gomez adidas Neo Stripes Selena strikes a director’s pose in fun black and white stripes. 9. Selena Gomez adidas Neo Scream A messy-haired Selena lets out a scream. Get it out, girl!
