Tag Archives: contestants

‘American Idol’ Hollywood Week Ends With A Ticket To Vegas

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Clint Jun Gamboa, Jacee Badeaux, John Wayne Schulz and Julie Zorrilla among the 50 moving on. By Gil Kaufman Contestants audition on “American Idol” Thursday Photo: FOX And then there were 50. If you thought Wednesday night’s “American Idol” was harsh, the final night of Hollywood Week really brought down the hammer. Unlike the previous night, when the show dithered away with group dynamics, Thursday night’s (February 17) show jumped right into it, presenting what host Ryan Seacrest promised was one of the most talented group of Hollywood finalists ever assembled. And, for once, he wasn’t just blowing smoke, as some of season 10’s standout singers brought it and punched their ticket to next week’s Vegas round. Haley Reinhart, 20, barely made it through the previous round after forgetting her lyrics, but the 20-year-old Wheeling, Illinois, student was back on track Thursday night, growling out a gritty and bombastic “God Bless the Child.” Though we’d barely met Tennessee’s 24-year old Ashton Jones before — she was in Ashley Sullivan’s group the night before — she killed it with a soulful “Idol” favorite “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Confident 15-year-old Thia Megia got no shine Wednesday, but when she got back in the spotlight, she did it again, showing some supple vocal beauty with a cool “What a Wonderful World.” The girls definitely brought it, so it was up to the boys to prove they had it too. One of the rising stars, karaoke host Clint Jun Gamboa, peeled the paint off the walls with his dynamic cover of Ray Charles’ “Georgia,” a feat almost equaled on the same tune by sultry 22-year-old Tennessee office manager Kendra Chantelle, who traded bombast for buttery softness. Chris Medina went out of the box with an acoustic ramble through Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative,” which was also picked by onetime groupmate Carson Higgins. The blond beach bum played it straight with the band, doing a high-energy, slightly spastic soul shout, while Medina did a Dave Matthews-like folk strum take that didn’t go over as well. Able to play their instruments for the first time, a number of the contestants took the opportunity, including Los Angeles student Julie Zorrilla, getting jazzy at the keyboard on Sara Bareilles’ “Love Song.” Murfreesboro, Tennessee, emo kid Colton Dixon, who came on strong during group night, emoted his way through a dramatic version of Daughtry’s “What About Now,” while 16-year-old Florida student Brett Loewenstern strapped on his acoustic for a fragile stroll through Brandi Carlile’s “The Story.” Melodica-blowing soul man Casey Abrams keeps surprising, and he continued his streak by being the first “Idol” contestant to bust out a stand-up bass for a finger-snapping jazzbo dig at Ray Charles’ “Georgia on my Mind” that earned a standing ovation. Already without her ex-boyfriend by her side, Chelsee Oaks seemed distraught when former groupmate Jacqueline Dunford was forced to bow out of the competition due to illness. The Nashville waitress pulled it together and dug down deep for an emotional “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson, but her nerves were evident. After producers dropped the age limit to 15, a number of teens have proven their worth, none more than 15-year-old Lauren Alaina, whose big personality and charming smile have worked their magic on the judges. The savvy high-schooler kept in judge Steven Tyler’s good graces by reprising her cover of his band’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” putting a cocktail-lounge spin on the bombastic ballad, complete with a piled-on-top curly hairstyle. We just met Jacob Lusk the night before, and the Bobby McFerrin-like master of vocal tics and tricks did his thing again with a whisper-to-a-scream gospel throwdown on “God Bless the Child.” It’s been awhile since we saw real-life cowboy John Wayne Schulz , but his strummy aw-shucks cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” mesmerized the crowd and inspired judge Jennifer Lopez to harmonize along. The unpredictable Sullivan proved to be the bundle of nerves she’s promised, falling apart singing Michael Bubl

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‘American Idol’ Hollywood Week Ends With A Ticket To Vegas

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Clint Jun Gamboa, Jacee Badeaux, John Wayne Schulz and Julie Zorrilla among the 50 moving on. By Gil Kaufman Contestants audition on “American Idol” Thursday Photo: FOX And then there were 50. If you thought Wednesday night’s “American Idol” was harsh, the final night of Hollywood Week really brought down the hammer. Unlike the previous night, when the show dithered away with group dynamics, Thursday night’s (February 17) show jumped right into it, presenting what host Ryan Seacrest promised was one of the most talented group of Hollywood finalists ever assembled. And, for once, he wasn’t just blowing smoke, as some of season 10’s standout singers brought it and punched their ticket to next week’s Vegas round. Haley Reinhart, 20, barely made it through the previous round after forgetting her lyrics, but the 20-year-old Wheeling, Illinois, student was back on track Thursday night, growling out a gritty and bombastic “God Bless the Child.” Though we’d barely met Tennessee’s 24-year old Ashton Jones before — she was in Ashley Sullivan’s group the night before — she killed it with a soulful “Idol” favorite “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Confident 15-year-old Thia Megia got no shine Wednesday, but when she got back in the spotlight, she did it again, showing some supple vocal beauty with a cool “What a Wonderful World.” The girls definitely brought it, so it was up to the boys to prove they had it too. One of the rising stars, karaoke host Clint Jun Gamboa, peeled the paint off the walls with his dynamic cover of Ray Charles’ “Georgia,” a feat almost equaled on the same tune by sultry 22-year-old Tennessee office manager Kendra Chantelle, who traded bombast for buttery softness. Chris Medina went out of the box with an acoustic ramble through Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative,” which was also picked by onetime groupmate Carson Higgins. The blond beach bum played it straight with the band, doing a high-energy, slightly spastic soul shout, while Medina did a Dave Matthews-like folk strum take that didn’t go over as well. Able to play their instruments for the first time, a number of the contestants took the opportunity, including Los Angeles student Julie Zorrilla, getting jazzy at the keyboard on Sara Bareilles’ “Love Song.” Murfreesboro, Tennessee, emo kid Colton Dixon, who came on strong during group night, emoted his way through a dramatic version of Daughtry’s “What About Now,” while 16-year-old Florida student Brett Loewenstern strapped on his acoustic for a fragile stroll through Brandi Carlile’s “The Story.” Melodica-blowing soul man Casey Abrams keeps surprising, and he continued his streak by being the first “Idol” contestant to bust out a stand-up bass for a finger-snapping jazzbo dig at Ray Charles’ “Georgia on my Mind” that earned a standing ovation. Already without her ex-boyfriend by her side, Chelsee Oaks seemed distraught when former groupmate Jacqueline Dunford was forced to bow out of the competition due to illness. The Nashville waitress pulled it together and dug down deep for an emotional “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson, but her nerves were evident. After producers dropped the age limit to 15, a number of teens have proven their worth, none more than 15-year-old Lauren Alaina, whose big personality and charming smile have worked their magic on the judges. The savvy high-schooler kept in judge Steven Tyler’s good graces by reprising her cover of his band’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” putting a cocktail-lounge spin on the bombastic ballad, complete with a piled-on-top curly hairstyle. We just met Jacob Lusk the night before, and the Bobby McFerrin-like master of vocal tics and tricks did his thing again with a whisper-to-a-scream gospel throwdown on “God Bless the Child.” It’s been awhile since we saw real-life cowboy John Wayne Schulz , but his strummy aw-shucks cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” mesmerized the crowd and inspired judge Jennifer Lopez to harmonize along. The unpredictable Sullivan proved to be the bundle of nerves she’s promised, falling apart singing Michael Bubl

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‘American Idol’ Alum Matt Giraud Thinks Steven Tyler Was ‘Really Funny’

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘To sit in front of an icon like that has got to be ridiculous,’ the season eight finalist says. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Jim Cantiello Matt Giraud via streaming video on Wednesday Photo: MTV News On Wednesday night, the new and revamped “American Idol” debuted. It was Simon Cowell-free and featured new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler . So, what did season 8 contestant Matt Giraud think of the show without Cowell? “I did kind of miss him. I was kind of thinking, ‘Oh yeah, can’t wait to hear what Simon says … oh yeah, there’s no Simon.’ [But] I think they did pretty well,” he told MTV News on Wednesday night during “Judging the Judges.” “We missed him. He adds something for sure.” While he was mourning the loss of Cowell, as did fellow Season 8 contestant Allison Iraheta , Giraud did have an interesting analysis of one new judge’s style. “I know the producers are worried about Steven Tyler ‘s mouth,” he joked. “I thought he was really funny, how he was checking out all the contestants. Watch when they go live. He’s going to look like a puppy on a leash.” Regarding Tyler’s somewhat animated judging style, Giraud says that he may have scatted right back at him if given the chance. “I would do the same thing back! I would probably want to sing an Aerosmith song,” he laughed. “To sit in front of an icon like that has got to be ridiculous. I think the judges this year, it’s kind of cool to see actual entertainers who are still relevant.” With the judges’ table completely revamped save for “Idol” vet Randy Jackson, does it even matter who sits at the table in the long run? “They do give you advice. I think in the beginning rounds, every word they say is so important. It means a lot in the beginning,” he explained. “But I think as you go along and you know you have fans out there, they matter less and less.” Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos ‘American Idol:’ Judging The Judges Related Photos Before Steven Tyler Was An ‘American Idol’ Judge … Jennifer Lopez: From The Block To ‘American Idol’

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We Watched American Idol Last Night And That Sh*t Was _________

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

The new judges for American Idol made their debut last night with millions of people watching. The reviews are in and most people think the show was ____________. A judgeless mess. Steven Tyler and J Lo joined Randy to do everything BUT judge the talent. It was evident to anyone watching last night that the one thing missing was the mean. Critics weighed in throughout the show and flooded blogs with opinions throughout the night and the consensus is in. The talent is meh and the judges are blah. The first time new gatekeeper Jennifer Lopez had to face the essential task of delivering less than sunny news, she threw up her hands and cried, “This is awful. I can’t do this.” Even if a contestant had the voice of a deaf yak, she would simply look away, or default to a “deer-in-the-headlights” stare. When called on to deal with a similar unfortunate situation, fellow newbie Steven Tyler would fashion a pre-set look of empathy and offer a canned suggestion that the kid plow a less daunting path. For much of the show, Steven Tyler lusted after everything with 2 legs and for a second, you could almost forget he’s in his mid sixties. (Maybe he’s been mummified and preserved by drugs and alcohol.) But for the most part, his plastic face and and impromptu rocker squeals provided the lions share of the comic relief. (And there was very little.) Thankfully, Randy didn’t “dawg” us to death, but then again he didn’t dog anybody, all night. He never even said someone was ‘ehhhh, kinda pitchy’ which is usually what he ALWAYS says. J-Lo spent most of the evening whining about telling the contestants they sucked. Considering the fact that she was never known for her vocals, we’re not surprised she had a hard time telling people the truth. She obviously has a hard time telling it to herself. Overall it gets about a 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 10. What y’all think? Source

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Robert Pattinson Says ‘Water For Elephants’ Felt Like ‘Big Movie’

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘It felt totally different from doing something within the ‘Twilight’ world,’ he tells MTV News of stretching beyond vampire role. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson in “Water for Elephants” Photo: Fame Pictures For all of the Robert Pattinson fans counting down the days until your favorite actor hits the big screen again, know that there’s now just about three months (94 days, to be exact) until the “Twilight” hunk’s next movie, “Water for Elephants,” opens. When MTV News caught up with Pattinson at Sunday’s Golden Globes (he co-presented the award for Best Foreign Film), we asked whether he thought “Elephants” was a big stepping stone for him, acting-wise. “I think so,” he said. “It definitely felt like I was doing a big movie when I was doing it and it felt totally different from doing something within the ‘Twilight’ world because now it just seems so familiar, the ‘Twilight’ stuff. It’s just like going to a normal job, doing that,” he explained of playing vampire Edward Cullen in the franchise. Pattinson’s “Elephants” co-star Reese Witherspoon told MTV News recently that she couldn’t help but agree with millions of fans about one thing: “He is extraordinarily attractive,” she told us. “I’m not gonna lie.” Witherspoon shares a kiss with Rpattz in the upcoming film and a new photo of the two in a lip-lock may make more than a few “Twilight” fans jealous. But Witherspoon was quick to add that Pattinson is attractive both inside — and out. “Robert is such a great guy from a great family,” she told us last month. “That’s the thing that’s so funny. He’s not really this bad boy; he’s just a great guy and really worked hard on ‘Water for Elephants.’ He really worked long hours, long days. He looks totally different in the movie.” Are you looking forward to how Reese compares to KStew as an onscreen leading lady to RPattz? Tell us in the comments! Check out everything we’ve got on “Water for Elephants.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos Robert Pattinson On The 2011 Golden Globes Red Carpet Related Photos Robert Pattinson’s 10 Smoldering Looks In The ‘Water For Elephants’ Trailer

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Robert Pattinson Says ‘Water For Elephants’ Felt Like ‘Big Movie’

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘It felt totally different from doing something within the ‘Twilight’ world,’ he tells MTV News of stretching beyond vampire role. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson in “Water for Elephants” Photo: Fame Pictures For all of the Robert Pattinson fans counting down the days until your favorite actor hits the big screen again, know that there’s now just about three months (94 days, to be exact) until the “Twilight” hunk’s next movie, “Water for Elephants,” opens. When MTV News caught up with Pattinson at Sunday’s Golden Globes (he co-presented the award for Best Foreign Film), we asked whether he thought “Elephants” was a big stepping stone for him, acting-wise. “I think so,” he said. “It definitely felt like I was doing a big movie when I was doing it and it felt totally different from doing something within the ‘Twilight’ world because now it just seems so familiar, the ‘Twilight’ stuff. It’s just like going to a normal job, doing that,” he explained of playing vampire Edward Cullen in the franchise. Pattinson’s “Elephants” co-star Reese Witherspoon told MTV News recently that she couldn’t help but agree with millions of fans about one thing: “He is extraordinarily attractive,” she told us. “I’m not gonna lie.” Witherspoon shares a kiss with Rpattz in the upcoming film and a new photo of the two in a lip-lock may make more than a few “Twilight” fans jealous. But Witherspoon was quick to add that Pattinson is attractive both inside — and out. “Robert is such a great guy from a great family,” she told us last month. “That’s the thing that’s so funny. He’s not really this bad boy; he’s just a great guy and really worked hard on ‘Water for Elephants.’ He really worked long hours, long days. He looks totally different in the movie.” Are you looking forward to how Reese compares to KStew as an onscreen leading lady to RPattz? Tell us in the comments! Check out everything we’ve got on “Water for Elephants.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos Robert Pattinson On The 2011 Golden Globes Red Carpet Related Photos Robert Pattinson’s 10 Smoldering Looks In The ‘Water For Elephants’ Trailer

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Robert Pattinson Says ‘Water For Elephants’ Felt Like ‘Big Movie’

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘It felt totally different from doing something within the ‘Twilight’ world,’ he tells MTV News of stretching beyond vampire role. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson in “Water for Elephants” Photo: Fame Pictures For all of the Robert Pattinson fans counting down the days until your favorite actor hits the big screen again, know that there’s now just about three months (94 days, to be exact) until the “Twilight” hunk’s next movie, “Water for Elephants,” opens. When MTV News caught up with Pattinson at Sunday’s Golden Globes (he co-presented the award for Best Foreign Film), we asked whether he thought “Elephants” was a big stepping stone for him, acting-wise. “I think so,” he said. “It definitely felt like I was doing a big movie when I was doing it and it felt totally different from doing something within the ‘Twilight’ world because now it just seems so familiar, the ‘Twilight’ stuff. It’s just like going to a normal job, doing that,” he explained of playing vampire Edward Cullen in the franchise. Pattinson’s “Elephants” co-star Reese Witherspoon told MTV News recently that she couldn’t help but agree with millions of fans about one thing: “He is extraordinarily attractive,” she told us. “I’m not gonna lie.” Witherspoon shares a kiss with Rpattz in the upcoming film and a new photo of the two in a lip-lock may make more than a few “Twilight” fans jealous. But Witherspoon was quick to add that Pattinson is attractive both inside — and out. “Robert is such a great guy from a great family,” she told us last month. “That’s the thing that’s so funny. He’s not really this bad boy; he’s just a great guy and really worked hard on ‘Water for Elephants.’ He really worked long hours, long days. He looks totally different in the movie.” Are you looking forward to how Reese compares to KStew as an onscreen leading lady to RPattz? Tell us in the comments! Check out everything we’ve got on “Water for Elephants.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos Robert Pattinson On The 2011 Golden Globes Red Carpet Related Photos Robert Pattinson’s 10 Smoldering Looks In The ‘Water For Elephants’ Trailer

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‘American Idol’ Experts Weigh In On New Season

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I hope that it can be, if not a train wreck, then at least not boring,’ Entertainment Weekly ‘s Annie Barrett tells MTV News. By Gil Kaufman “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson Photo: Tony Duran/ FOX In some ways, the 10th season of “American Idol” is a whole new show. With legendary meanie judge Simon Cowell not on hand to offer up his cutting putdowns for the first time in the show’s history and Jennie-come-lately panelists Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres off the panel as well, there’s a chance for “Idol” to reboot after a lackluster season nine that saw ratings slip. There are quite a few changes in store , many of which have gotten professional “Idol” watchers excited for the show for the first time in a long time. When the new season boots up Wednesday night (January 19), MTV News’ “Idol” expert and “Idol in 60 Seconds” host Jim Cantiello said he’ll be even more amped up than he usually is (which is super-duper amped up). “I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for ‘Idol’ to start,” said Cantiello, who will host the live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon” right after “Idol” airs, at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.com. “There’s a lot on the line for the show, with Simon Cowell’s ‘X Factor’ waiting in the wings. ‘Idol’ producers are no dummies. They know if they don’t become part of America’s water-cooler buzz each week that their show is officially done. I’m sure they’ve painstakingly cast the show and truly kept their eyes peeled for the best talent out there, not just the best backstories. After nine seasons, America is burnt out. They’re ready to shake things up, and I, for one, cannot wait.” As much as he’s going to miss Cowell’s acerbic wit, Cantiello said he’s really looking forward to new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. “I can’t wait to see the insane energy Steven brings to the table,” he said. “He’s going to make for some great live TV. And then there’s Lopez, who I imagine being deadly serious. I’m thinking business suits, furrowed brow. She’s going to want to be taken seriously, especially next to crazy Steven.” After a few seasons of lackluster performers and stagnant ratings, Entertainment Weekly “Idol” writer Annie Barrett said she’s just looking forward to what feels like a whole new show. “It will have to be, because there’s no Simon,” she said. “I have no idea what to expect, but I hope that it can be, if not a train wreck, then at least not boring. Without someone to be the villain, it’s great if they all get along, but will that work on TV? Will it be compelling?” Barrett said she’d love it, frankly, if it was a train wreck, if only because it would make the show more interesting. But she’ll definitely miss Cowell, who for her was the main reason to watch the show in the past. “He was so adept at taking down people and everything he said got to the real heart of what was wrong with that person,” she said. “If there’s no one to do that and it’s all sugarcoated, I will be disappointed.” Both Barrett and Cantiello said they were a bit concerned about the show’s decision to drop the age limit down to 15. “I definitely don’t think the show needs younger contestants,” Barrett said. “It’s already pretty painful to watch some teenagers who are so expertly molded into reality-show creatures … it can be kind of creepy. … I don’t think ‘Idol’ was hurting for more youth.” Cantiello was also worried about the new youth movement, noting that some of the 16-year-old contestants “really choked” on live TV after making it into the top 12. “Opening the doors to 15-year-olds may only exacerbate that problem,” he said. “As much as they want to find the next [Justin] Bieber, they better figure out a way to ensure that the kids don’t crack under the pressure.” There was also some concern that the two new superstar judges might distract from the promised return to a focus on the contestants. “My biggest hope is that ‘Idol’ finds one-of-a-kind talent this season,” Cantiello said. “Ellen DeGeneres proved that a big star on the judges’ panel does not necessarily ensure a must-see ‘Idol.’ The show lives and dies by the contestants it highlights. If they don’t find the most compelling, the most interesting and the most talented group of singers, the show is going to be as culturally relevant as ‘Skating With the Celebrities.’ ” Don’t miss our “American Idol” live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon,” featuring post-show analysis from Jim Cantiello and special guests, on MTV.com tonight at 10 p.m. ET. Tweet your “Idol” commentary with the hashtag #idolwithoutsimon, and we could quote you on the show! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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‘American Idol’ Experts Weigh In On New Season

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I hope that it can be, if not a train wreck, then at least not boring,’ Entertainment Weekly ‘s Annie Barrett tells MTV News. By Gil Kaufman “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson Photo: Tony Duran/ FOX In some ways, the 10th season of “American Idol” is a whole new show. With legendary meanie judge Simon Cowell not on hand to offer up his cutting putdowns for the first time in the show’s history and Jennie-come-lately panelists Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres off the panel as well, there’s a chance for “Idol” to reboot after a lackluster season nine that saw ratings slip. There are quite a few changes in store , many of which have gotten professional “Idol” watchers excited for the show for the first time in a long time. When the new season boots up Wednesday night (January 19), MTV News’ “Idol” expert and “Idol in 60 Seconds” host Jim Cantiello said he’ll be even more amped up than he usually is (which is super-duper amped up). “I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for ‘Idol’ to start,” said Cantiello, who will host the live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon” right after “Idol” airs, at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.com. “There’s a lot on the line for the show, with Simon Cowell’s ‘X Factor’ waiting in the wings. ‘Idol’ producers are no dummies. They know if they don’t become part of America’s water-cooler buzz each week that their show is officially done. I’m sure they’ve painstakingly cast the show and truly kept their eyes peeled for the best talent out there, not just the best backstories. After nine seasons, America is burnt out. They’re ready to shake things up, and I, for one, cannot wait.” As much as he’s going to miss Cowell’s acerbic wit, Cantiello said he’s really looking forward to new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. “I can’t wait to see the insane energy Steven brings to the table,” he said. “He’s going to make for some great live TV. And then there’s Lopez, who I imagine being deadly serious. I’m thinking business suits, furrowed brow. She’s going to want to be taken seriously, especially next to crazy Steven.” After a few seasons of lackluster performers and stagnant ratings, Entertainment Weekly “Idol” writer Annie Barrett said she’s just looking forward to what feels like a whole new show. “It will have to be, because there’s no Simon,” she said. “I have no idea what to expect, but I hope that it can be, if not a train wreck, then at least not boring. Without someone to be the villain, it’s great if they all get along, but will that work on TV? Will it be compelling?” Barrett said she’d love it, frankly, if it was a train wreck, if only because it would make the show more interesting. But she’ll definitely miss Cowell, who for her was the main reason to watch the show in the past. “He was so adept at taking down people and everything he said got to the real heart of what was wrong with that person,” she said. “If there’s no one to do that and it’s all sugarcoated, I will be disappointed.” Both Barrett and Cantiello said they were a bit concerned about the show’s decision to drop the age limit down to 15. “I definitely don’t think the show needs younger contestants,” Barrett said. “It’s already pretty painful to watch some teenagers who are so expertly molded into reality-show creatures … it can be kind of creepy. … I don’t think ‘Idol’ was hurting for more youth.” Cantiello was also worried about the new youth movement, noting that some of the 16-year-old contestants “really choked” on live TV after making it into the top 12. “Opening the doors to 15-year-olds may only exacerbate that problem,” he said. “As much as they want to find the next [Justin] Bieber, they better figure out a way to ensure that the kids don’t crack under the pressure.” There was also some concern that the two new superstar judges might distract from the promised return to a focus on the contestants. “My biggest hope is that ‘Idol’ finds one-of-a-kind talent this season,” Cantiello said. “Ellen DeGeneres proved that a big star on the judges’ panel does not necessarily ensure a must-see ‘Idol.’ The show lives and dies by the contestants it highlights. If they don’t find the most compelling, the most interesting and the most talented group of singers, the show is going to be as culturally relevant as ‘Skating With the Celebrities.’ ” Don’t miss our “American Idol” live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon,” featuring post-show analysis from Jim Cantiello and special guests, on MTV.com tonight at 10 p.m. ET. Tweet your “Idol” commentary with the hashtag #idolwithoutsimon, and we could quote you on the show! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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‘American Idol’ Experts Weigh In On New Season

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I hope that it can be, if not a train wreck, then at least not boring,’ Entertainment Weekly ‘s Annie Barrett tells MTV News. By Gil Kaufman “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson Photo: Tony Duran/ FOX In some ways, the 10th season of “American Idol” is a whole new show. With legendary meanie judge Simon Cowell not on hand to offer up his cutting putdowns for the first time in the show’s history and Jennie-come-lately panelists Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres off the panel as well, there’s a chance for “Idol” to reboot after a lackluster season nine that saw ratings slip. There are quite a few changes in store , many of which have gotten professional “Idol” watchers excited for the show for the first time in a long time. When the new season boots up Wednesday night (January 19), MTV News’ “Idol” expert and “Idol in 60 Seconds” host Jim Cantiello said he’ll be even more amped up than he usually is (which is super-duper amped up). “I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for ‘Idol’ to start,” said Cantiello, who will host the live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon” right after “Idol” airs, at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.com. “There’s a lot on the line for the show, with Simon Cowell’s ‘X Factor’ waiting in the wings. ‘Idol’ producers are no dummies. They know if they don’t become part of America’s water-cooler buzz each week that their show is officially done. I’m sure they’ve painstakingly cast the show and truly kept their eyes peeled for the best talent out there, not just the best backstories. After nine seasons, America is burnt out. They’re ready to shake things up, and I, for one, cannot wait.” As much as he’s going to miss Cowell’s acerbic wit, Cantiello said he’s really looking forward to new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. “I can’t wait to see the insane energy Steven brings to the table,” he said. “He’s going to make for some great live TV. And then there’s Lopez, who I imagine being deadly serious. I’m thinking business suits, furrowed brow. She’s going to want to be taken seriously, especially next to crazy Steven.” After a few seasons of lackluster performers and stagnant ratings, Entertainment Weekly “Idol” writer Annie Barrett said she’s just looking forward to what feels like a whole new show. “It will have to be, because there’s no Simon,” she said. “I have no idea what to expect, but I hope that it can be, if not a train wreck, then at least not boring. Without someone to be the villain, it’s great if they all get along, but will that work on TV? Will it be compelling?” Barrett said she’d love it, frankly, if it was a train wreck, if only because it would make the show more interesting. But she’ll definitely miss Cowell, who for her was the main reason to watch the show in the past. “He was so adept at taking down people and everything he said got to the real heart of what was wrong with that person,” she said. “If there’s no one to do that and it’s all sugarcoated, I will be disappointed.” Both Barrett and Cantiello said they were a bit concerned about the show’s decision to drop the age limit down to 15. “I definitely don’t think the show needs younger contestants,” Barrett said. “It’s already pretty painful to watch some teenagers who are so expertly molded into reality-show creatures … it can be kind of creepy. … I don’t think ‘Idol’ was hurting for more youth.” Cantiello was also worried about the new youth movement, noting that some of the 16-year-old contestants “really choked” on live TV after making it into the top 12. “Opening the doors to 15-year-olds may only exacerbate that problem,” he said. “As much as they want to find the next [Justin] Bieber, they better figure out a way to ensure that the kids don’t crack under the pressure.” There was also some concern that the two new superstar judges might distract from the promised return to a focus on the contestants. “My biggest hope is that ‘Idol’ finds one-of-a-kind talent this season,” Cantiello said. “Ellen DeGeneres proved that a big star on the judges’ panel does not necessarily ensure a must-see ‘Idol.’ The show lives and dies by the contestants it highlights. If they don’t find the most compelling, the most interesting and the most talented group of singers, the show is going to be as culturally relevant as ‘Skating With the Celebrities.’ ” Don’t miss our “American Idol” live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon,” featuring post-show analysis from Jim Cantiello and special guests, on MTV.com tonight at 10 p.m. ET. Tweet your “Idol” commentary with the hashtag #idolwithoutsimon, and we could quote you on the show! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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‘American Idol’ Experts Weigh In On New Season

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