Director behind ‘Water for Elephants’ and classic music videos is set to take over for Gary Ross. By Kara Warner Francis Lawrence Photo: Ian Gavan/ Getty Images Just last week, the “Hunger Games” fandom was sent into a bit of a tailspin when director Gary Ross announced he would not direct the film’s sequel , “Catching Fire.” Jaws dropped, heads were scratched and new names were thrown out and analyzed . Now, it appears Francis Lawrence will be stepping into Ross’ shoes to direct the highly anticipated sequel to the record-breaking first film. According to a very brief report from Deadline , Lionsgate has decided to go with Lawrence over “Moneyball” helmer Bennett Miller, the other recently rumored Ross replacement. There is no official word from the studio about the done deal, but by all appearances, they have found their man. For those not familiar with Lawrence’s r
Seeming front-runner shockingly voted off the show, joined in the bottom three by Elise Testone and Hollie Cavanagh. By Adam Graham Colton Dixon on “American Idol” Photo: Fox “Bad Romance” turned out just plain bad for Colton Dixon on Thursday (April 19), as the 20-year-old Tennessean — who had never before landed in the bottom three — was voted off “American Idol.” Dixon found himself at the bottom of the 53 million votes cast following Wednesday’s performance episode . Dixon, the Mohawk-mullet-wearing emo-rocker who entered “Idol” initially only as a show of moral support for his sister, performed a goth-lite version of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” on Wednesday’s show, as well as an emo reading of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” When given the news he had been voted off — and would indeed be going home, since the judges used their one-and-only save for the season last week to rescue Jessica Sanchez from oblivion — Dixon said sorry to his fans. “I need to apologize. I wasn’t myself last night, and I get it,” he said, turning to the judges. “I appreciate what you told me last night. I’ll take that when I’m making a record, and I’ll choose songs … ” He was cut off by Jennifer Lopez, who told him, “You’ll make many records,” and Randy Jackson, who offered, “You have a huge career ahead of you, man.” Dixon had received generally favorable remarks from the judges throughout the season but was dinged for his performances Wednesday, in particular for the Earth, Wind & Fire tune. In a video that aired Thursday (April 19) that caught him backstage, Dixon reacted to the criticism. “Ouch, that kind of stung a little bit,” he said. “But honestly, I’m not trying to sound cocky, but I don’t care.” Dixon was in the bottom three along with Hollie Cavanagh and perpetual bottom-dweller Elise Testone. Testone was sent back to safety first, leaving Dixon and Cavanagh to sweat it out. Host Ryan Seacrest was up to even more tricks than usual when handing contestants their fate Thursday; at one point he told Joshua Ledet, “I’m afraid … you didn’t get the right number of votes … to put you in the bottom three. You are safe!” (C’mon, Seacrest, that barely even makes sense.) Regarding Ledet, “Idol” mentor Jimmy Iovine remarked, “He could end up in the finale.” In a video package, Seacrest paid tribute to his mentor Dick Clark, who died Wednesday at age 82. The evening also saw performances from Kris Allen, who sang his new song “The Vision of Love,” and party rockers LMFAO, who apologized for their party-rocking ways with a typically raucous rendition of “Sorry for Party Rocking.” What did you think of “Idol” on Thursday? Let us know in the comments! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos Most Shocking ‘American Idol’ Exits ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Performances
American Idol executives have reportedly offered a bit of advice to Colton Dixon, and it’s not about his pitch or his song choice or his weekly on-stage outfits. The season 11 finalist told Today.com that producers warned him about coming across as overly religion online, fearing this would alienate a segment of viewerso. “When we first started the Twitter and Facebook stuff, they said beware of political and religious tweets,” Dixon said. “Just because it can turn off voters or whatever. But, you know, being a Christian is who I am. It is a part of me musically. It is what I want to do after the show – go into Christian music.” Dixon has found himself in a couple Twitter wars as a result of his open views, however. One user recently suggested the crooner “can’t Tebow his way to a win,” referencing the Denver Broncos quarterback who led his team to the NFL playoffs admits controversy of his frequent references to God and post-game prayer celebrations. “I don’t follow Tebow,” Dixon Tweeted in response. “I follow a guy named Jesus. I’m just trusting His plans. Whatever that may be.” In the end, of course, Dixon and all contestants will mostly be judged on their ability. To get a look at all finalists in action, visit our American Idol video section now!
It’s not hard to imagine Colton Dixon on Broadway, is it? This American Idol veteran – who tried out for both previous seasons and hadn’t even planned on giving it a third go until the judges convinced him during his sister’s opening audition this year – covered “Decode” on last night’s live audition show, leaping atop a piano to close the performance and looking like he belongs in “American Idiot” or “Rock of Ages.” That’s not a diss. Just an observation. Jennifer Lopez told Colton he sings “from the heart,” but she told that to pretty much every contestant last night. Watch Dixon’s performance now and decide how he compares to other season 11hopefuls such as Deandre Brackensick . Colton Dixon – “Decode”
A short week at Movieline calls for a short Week in Review, so let’s just go ahead and jump on in. Tune in this weekend for more coverage of the Toronto Film Festival and, as always, scintillating news and commentary from Dixon Gaines. The rest of the gang will be back Monday. Toodles!
Things are about to go downhill for 90210’s Tristan Wilds. At least for Dixon, the character he plays on the prime-time soap opera. Last we saw, Dixon found out that his…
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