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If You Love ‘American Idol,’ Vote For Jessica Sanchez

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

With the ‘Idol’ finale upon us, and Phillip Phillips the likely winner, Bigger Than the Sound tries to save the show from itself. By James Montgomery Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips on “American Idol” Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox Unlike in previous years, when I called David Cook “a sociopolitical barometer with an awesome comb-over” and “Idol” predictions piece by declaring “a white guy will win anyway” — and (probably) disappearing very quietly into the night. He seems like a nice enough dude, but he’s certainly no superstar, and his win will only send “Idol” further down the relevancy scale, if that’s even possible. It will just be more of the same, which, for a show currently on life support, might prove fatal. And when the confetti falls on Wednesday night, and Phillips cracks that same goofy grin, I will shed a tear for this once-proud show and promise myself that I will never watch again. Of course, I will anyway. So, “Idol” voters, if you love this show like I do (for whatever reason: unintentional comedy, overwrought balladry, you are contractually obligated to write about it, etc.), I urge you to set aside your emotions and vote for Jessica Sanchez. It’s the only way we can save “American Idol” from itself. Was she the best contestant this season? Of course not. But she’s still standing, and she’s our only hope. No offense to Phillips, but in our hour of desperation, we don’t need Kris Allen 2.0. We need a glimmer of hope, we need someone to believe in … we need BeBe Chez. Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Performances

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Phillip Phillips ‘Excited’ For ‘American Idol’ Finale

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Oddsmakers think Jessica Sanchez’s chances of winning are slim. By Gil Kaufman Phillip Phillips on “American Idol” Photo: Michael Becker/ FOX From his no-nonsense stage attire to his humble attitude and meat-and-potatoes taste in music, “American Idol” finalist Phillip Phillips 
 isn’t that different from many of you. And, like you, the guy doesn’t always feel like showing up to work when he’s feeling sick. But when attendance means a shot at a major-label recording contract and potential stardom, you suck it up and punch the clock even when you aren’t feeling it. With just one more performance before Wednesday night’s coronation show, Phillips, 21, who has struggled with a painful case of kidney stones the entire season, is happy that the end is near. “Yeah, I’ve been sick the whole show,” said Phillips in a press conference on Monday, according to The Hollywood Reporter . Seated next to his rival, 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, Phillips admitted that the painful condition has affected his singing on the show at times. “I’m doing all right. It’s almost over, so I’m excited.” As viewers may have noticed, Phillips has been absent from the weekly Ford video segments. A source close to the show telling the magazine that the singer has been experiencing pain that is “so severe” that he’s been given special permission to sit out the physically exhausting shoots. TMZ reported last week that Phillips’ doctors ordered him to undergo “immediate surgery” or face further complications. The singer said he wanted to put off the procedure to make it through the show’s finale, despite the fact that the medication he’s taking causes dry mouth, which has had some impact on his singing. Citing several sources, the site reported that when Phillips returned to Georgia for his “Idol” home visit, his doctor was alarmed at the pawn shop worker’s condition. Recovery from the kidney surgery would take at least six weeks. Phillips has taken a firm stand on the surgery, but he appears to be loosening up a bit when it comes to his equally adamant rejection of “Idol”‘s attempts to get him to jazz up his bland jeans and t-shirt wardrobe. He told the Reporter that he might switch things up a bit for Tuesday (May 22) night’s show. “You might be intrigued,” he said. “I might be looking a little sexy.” Phillips has been struggling 
, but rival Sanchez has also been making some serious sacrifices. “Right now people my age are going to prom and getting ready for homecoming,” she said. “I’m here performing in front of celebrities, singing with celebrities … singing in front of millions of people.” The Chula Vista, California native, who has a chance to be the youngest “Idol” champ and the first female to win 
 in five season, is happy to miss prom to get a chance to sing with original “Dreamgirls” star Jennifer Holliday on Wednesday night’s two-hour finale. But Sanchez might want also want to dodge the many online oddsmaker’s sites if she wants to keep her hopes up for Tuesday’s last singing round. Deadline Hollywood reported that betting sites are tipping heavily in favor of Phillips, with Ireland’s Intrade giving him a 78 percent chance of winning, while an “Idol”-focused wagering site puts him as the favorite with 4 to 13 odds over Jessica’s 5 to 2 odds. That means that you will get a $4 profit for every $13 you bet on Phillips, while Jessica will earn a $5 profit for every $2 bet. Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ : “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Performances

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‘American Idol’ Enters ‘This Decade’: What Should They Sing?

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Gil Kaufman and James Montgomery face off on what ‘Songs From This Decade’ the top seven should tackle. By Gil Kaufman and James Montgomery Jessica Sanchez Photo: FOX For weeks, it’s felt like we’ve been screaming into the void. We keep begging “American Idol” to get with the program and borrow a page from rivals like “The Voice” and “X Factor” by having the finalists sing songs that were released in the decades since Randy Jackson played bass for Carlos Santana. It’s a novel concept, we know. Seriously, enough with the Billy Joel and Michael Jackson theme nights! Not another collection of Elton John, disco or Frank Sinatra songs, please! Give us something contemporary, dudes — or at least something that may give our aunt in Virginia pause. Finally, “Idol” producers seem to have heard our pleas and given the top seven a shot at sounding halfway relevant this week with “Songs From This Decade” night. Now, the reality singing gods giveth and they taketh away, so while we’re in mortal fear of hearing Jason Mraz and Train songs, we’re also a bit torn about what is likely to turn into an Adele-valanche. Be careful what you wish for. But we’ll take it. So here’s what songs MTV News’ resident “Idol” experts think the remaining contestants should tackle. They failed to take our advice on last week’s ’80-themed show , and look how that one turned out … DeAndre . Read on for our picks! Joshua Ledet Josh smashed it last week and is once again at the top of his game. But here’s the thing: The guy remains an R&B tabula rasa, personality-wise. It’s hard to see him headlining an arena tour or filming an iconic video. Since we hear he’s way more confident off-camera than on, L-Deezy needs to get a little grimy, and what better way to do that than with Usher’s “OMG”? Or, if he must, I offer a one-time-only Adele dispensation for “Someone Like You.” — Kaufman I see him going one of two ways tonight: Either he embraces his brassy, sassy side and does Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” — which he’d kill,

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Katy Perry Says New Album Will Be ‘Real F—ing Dark’

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Star also reveals she was set to appear in award-winning film ‘The Help.’ By Zachary Swickey Katy Perry Photo: Michael Becker / FOX Many fans have been curious about what pop star Katy Perry ‘s next record will sound like — especially considering her much-publicized divorce from comedian Russell Brand and the heavy recent single “Part of Me.” Well, Perry herself is here to tell you the album is going to be “real f—ing dark.” Talking to The Sun, the singer was rather blunt about her feelings toward her failed marriage, saying, “I’d like to use a time machine and go back to a specific date, please.” (Ouch!) “My music is about to get real f—ing dark. You’d never see my face because my hair would be in it,” she continued. In other Perry news, while the singer has yet to dive into the acting game — outside of cameo appearances and voicing Smurfette in last year’s “The Smurfs” — she’s revealed that she almost got a bit part in last year’s Academy Award-winning film “The Help.” “There was a time when I was going to be involved in ‘The Help’ — just a small part, I wasn’t going to be Emma Stone or anything — but I couldn’t because the shooting schedule conflicted with the release of my record,” she lamented to Teen Vogue. “And I was upset about that; I knew it was going to be an important film.” Although she didn’t get to appear in “The Help,” Perry has her very own 3-D film coming out this summer. “Katy Perry: Part of Me” is a documentary as well as a live concert film, much in the vein of Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never.” “I wanted to show people this parade that surrounds me. I wanted them to see the engine. I wanted people to be able to experience the tour and all the joy it brought, which is why we shot it in 3-D,” Perry said about the film. “Katy Perry: Part of Me” is expected to hit the big screen this upcoming Fourth of July weekend. Are you ready for the dark side of Katy Perry? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos MTV First: Katy Perry’s ‘Part Of Me’ Related Artists Katy Perry

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‘American Idol’ Premiere Suffers 27 Percent Ratings Drop

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Show’s debut saw biggest year-over-year ratings drop ever. By Gil Kaufman Ryan Seacrest and contestant Shaun Kraisman on Wednesday’s season premiere of “American Idol” Photo: Michael Becker / FOX How do you celebrate crushing the competition in the ratings but still facing one of the worst drop-offs in memory? That’s the conundrum ” American Idol ” brass faced on Thursday (January 19) morning when ratings for the season 11 debut of the #1 program in prime time showed a steep decline from last year’s bow even as “Idol” easily won the night. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wednesday night’s two-hour premiere represented the biggest year-over-year ratings drop for a season opener in the show’s decade-long history. Despite pulling in a formidable 21.6 million viewers, the season 11 bow was down 27 percent from last year in ratings and 18 percent in total viewership. Even before the season began, pundits had predicted that “Idol” would likely continue its slow ratings slide while remaining the highest-rated program in prime time. Ratings for the season premiere peaked in 2007 (when it drew a 15.8 rating in the crucial adult demo) and have been on the decline since then. Though there was a marginal bump in 2010 when Ellen DeGeneres joined the judging panel, Wednesday night’s show pulled in a 7.2 rating in the adult (18-49) demo. “Idol” has gotten the usual promotional push from Fox, but considering the full-court press employed to hype former judge Simon Cowell’s “X Factor” in the fall, the buzz surrounding the latest season of “Idol” appears tame by comparison. The show is also likely to get even more of a ratings challenge when rival “The Voice” debuts on NBC following next month’s Super Bowl. Wednesday night’s show went easy on the typical cavalcade of wacky, tone-deaf singers, focusing on more promising contestants such as Phillip Phillips and David Leathers Jr. Once again, though, producers also placed the spotlight on the judging panel, lavishing attention on Steven Tyler’s fangirls’ rapt looks of attention and stolen kisses (not to mention his fianc

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Pia Toscano Brings ‘American Idol’ Audience To Its Feet

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Judges praise 21-year-old’s powerhouse Performance of the Pretenders’ ‘I’ll Stand By You.’ By Adam Graham Pia Toscano Photo: Michael Becker / FOX On a night when Thia Megia gave a quiet, confident performance well beyond her 15 years and teen Lauren Alaina was compared to both Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, it was nevertheless Pia Toscano who stole the show on Wednesday’s (March 2) “American Idol.” Toscano, who anchored the episode with the final performance of the evening, took on the Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You” and knocked it out of the park, building to a series of powerful glory notes in the closing moments that brought the entire studio audience — her fellow contestants and the judges included — to its feet. The soaring anthem, from the Pretenders’ 1994 album Last of the Independents, has a bit of “Idol” history of its own: Gina Glocksen sang it as a contestant back in season six, but more memorably, Carrie Underwood sang it during the “Idol Gives Back” special that same year. The song became a top 10 single for Underwood, peaking at #6 on Billboard ‘s Hot 100; it remains her second-highest charting Hot 100 single to date. (Underwood took it higher than even the Pretenders did; their version topped out at #16.) Toscano, the 21-year-old New Yorker who tried out for “Idol” during the New Jersey auditions, was resplendent on Wednesday in a sleek, black mini-dress. Following her performance, which was as assured as it was controlled, she held her hands in front of her mouth as Randy Jackson reminded her of the standing O she had just received and then told her that her performance immediately ranked among the best performances in the show’s history. “That was unbelievable,” the Dawg told her. “That’s how you do it!” Steven Tyler, after invoking one of his more nonsensical Tyler-isms (“You know, after Monday and Tuesday, even a week says WTF” — WTF??), agreed with Jackson’s assertion that she was “unbelievable,” adding as well that it was “gorgeous.” Jennifer Lopez kicked it up a notch, calling the performance “out of this world.” “You were saving that for when it counts!” she teased her. Heading into the show, Toscano wasn’t necessarily a name on the tip of the tongues of many viewers, but it definitely was afterward. And on a night when she needed to bring it, she brought it, and in doing so brought the house down with her. What did you think of Pia Toscano’s performance? Let us know in the comments! Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” at 10 p.m. Thursday on MTV.com, following the “American Idol” results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty ! In the meantime, get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances

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‘American Idol’ Unveils Season 10 Top 24

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

The show moves on, sending some early favorites packing. By James Montgomery Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez on “American Idol” on Feb. 24 Photo: Michael Becker / FOX After Wednesday night’s drama-filled cliffhanger — in which we saw three cities, a whole lot of shocking eliminations, the partial reveal of this season’s top 24 and one truly epic meltdown by judge Jennifer Lopez — “American Idol” cut down on the theatrics Thursday night (February 24) and got down to the business of unveiling the remaining finalists. That’s not to say there still weren’t tears (there were, mostly from Lopez), but most of the names the “Idol” judges chose for the top 24 were drama-free: front-runners like Julie Zorilla, Lauren Alaina, Jordan Dorsey, Pia Toscano and Jacob Lusk all breezed through, though Lusk earned the highest praise, as Randy Jackson told him his performance of “God Bless the Child” was “the single best performance on ‘Idol,’ ever.” And even some of the tight decisions weren’t really all that suspenseful. Karen Rodriguez, Robbie Rosen, country crooner Scotty McCreery and Casey Abrams all earned spots in the top 24, even if they had to sit through a few minutes of psych-out tactics by the judges. Kendra Chantell, Lauren Turner, a tearful Tatynisa Wilson, Jovany Barreto, Tim Halperin and Stefano Langone also moved on to the “Idol” semifinals. In fact, there were really only two shock inclusions in the top 24: quirky opera singer Rachel Zevita (who swayed the judges with her final performance, a searing take on Lady Gaga’s “Speechless”) and rocker James Durbin, who wailed through the Sam Cooke classic “A Change Is Gonna Come.” There were, however, more than a few shocking exclusions. Not really the likes of John Wayne Schulz or Jackie Wilson (who took umbrage with the judges’ decision, asking them bluntly, “Really? Why?”), but in the final cuts, which saw the show bid adieu to some favorites. Seven-time “Idol” auditioner Jessica Cunningham and 15-year-old prodigy Thia Megia were the last two female singers left standing, but only one of them would move on to the top 24. In the end, the judges took Megia, sending Cunningham packing once again, on her birthday no less (she thanked them with a pair of middle fingers). And that left three guys competing for the final spot in the top 24: teen favorite Jacee Badeaux , wiry-haired Brett Loewenstern and dour rocker Colton Dixon. All three held hands as they walked toward their final judgment, and, after some serious moments of tension, Loewenstern’s name was called, leaving Badeaux and Dixon on the outside looking in. All in all, 19 singers were selected Thursday night, joining Naima Adedapo, Haley Reinhard, Paul McDonald, Clint Jun Gamboa and Ashthon Jones in the top 24. And the competition goes live next week, with the guys kicking things off Tuesday. Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10’s Most Memorable Contestants

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‘American Idol’ Experts Say Lee DeWyze Will Beat Crystal Bowersox

Posted on May 26, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

While Bowersox nailed the final performance night, there’s no beating DeWyze’s late surge. By Gil Kaufman Lee Dewyze performs on “American Idol” on Tuesday Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox It could be d

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Inside ‘American Idol’ Finale, Fans Urge Simon Cowell: ‘Don’t Go!’

Posted on May 25, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Idol’ alumni Michael Lynche, Megan Joy and Justin Guarini show up for judge’s penultimate show. By Kelley L. Carter Crystal Bowersox performs on “American Idol” on Tuesday Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox LOS ANGELES — The party got started long before the final “American Idol” performance show kicked off. “Idol” contestants from seasons past were right at home and accepted cheers and catcalling from the 7,000 fans inside the Nokia Theatre. About an hour before the show started, season-one runner-up Justin Guarini held court. The curly-haired singer was outside near the talent check-in, taking cell phone shots with fans, shaking hands and laughing with friends he called out to. Scott MacIntyre, the blind piano-playing contestant from season eight, was taken aback when the crowd whistled and applauded his arrival. Megan Joy — who got rid of the long, lush locks we remember from the same season — ran her fingers through her cropped blond ‘do and smiled when a fan complimented her on the new look as she tried to scurry to her seat before the lights went up and the show began. Oh, and she was barefoot! An ear-busting scream went out when Simon Cowell was introduced, especially when the crowd was reminded that this was his second-to-last day as an “Idol” judge . “You getting emotional already?” the warm-up comic asked a fan who was bawling during a commercial break. “It’s not even the results show!” Over another break, Michael “Big Mike” Lynche was razzed by the warm-up guy, who claimed the personal trainer/ singer was an over-exuberant Justin Bieber fan. “You had the Bieber fever,” he joked with Lynche “You couldn’t sleep the night before he performed here . OK, I need to be careful. You might crush me.” Host Ryan Seacrest cruised the aisles before the finalists’ second songs of the night, slapping high-fives with fans and holding hands with a show producer as they ran back down toward the stage. While the crowd’s signs are typically meant to cheer on the contestants, most of Tuesday night’s (May 25) posters were aimed at Cowell. “Please don’t go, Simon!” one sign read. Who are you rooting for to win this season of “American Idol”: Crystal or Lee? 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 ‘American Idol’ Season Nine Performances

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Green Day’s ‘Last Of The American Girls’ Video: Theatrics, Explosions And Gloria

Posted on April 1, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Dramatic new clip follows Green Day’s trip to Broadway with ‘American Idiot.’ By James Montgomery Billie Joe Armstrong in “Last of the American Girls” Photo: Reprise Records Given that their “American Idiot” musical is currently previewing on Broadway before its April 20 opening and they’re already (sorta) at work on a “back to the basics” new album , it makes sense that Green Day would chose to shoot a video for “Last of the American Girls,” a standout track on last year’s 21st Century Breakdown album. After all, it’s probably the most theatrical and retro-leaning song on the album, a sort of revved-up take on something from “Bye Bye Birdie” or “West Side Story.” And the video — directed by frequent collaborator Marc Webb — is in much the same style, featuring a kinda punky gal and a pair of bopping, popping backup dancers. The girl, of course, is actress Lisa Stelly, reprising her role of Gloria (one of the two central characters in Breakdown ) from the band’s bombastic “21 Guns” clip. Flying solo here — she is, after all, the titular last American girl — Stelly spits and struts across the set, which, in theory, is supposed to be her apartment but is actually a widescreen swath of desert wasteland. She flicks through channels on the TV, scans a book (“Fun With Psychoanalysis” by Brett Marx, which may or may not be an actual publication), does the dishes and generally appears to be trapped — and bored. That is until, perhaps drawing inspiration from a pair of blond dancers (who may or may not exist only in her mind), she decides to start blowing things away: first a shooting-range target and then, more prominently, a car. At clip’s end, as flames erupt from the hood of the vehicle, she cracks a satisfied smile. None of this may have actually happened, but perhaps the message here is that our minds offer us the ultimate escape from the banality of life in the 21st century, that our imaginations are the way to blast through the walls we’ve built around ourselves (or the cars, whatever). Or, perhaps, Green Day just wanted some explosions in the video. After all, they’re a pretty theatrical group these days. What did you think of the “Last of the American Girls” video? Let us know in the comments below! Related Videos Green Day’s ‘The Last American Girls’ Premieres

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