American Idol traveled back to the 1980s last night. But the remaining eight finalists were forced to look ahead on Thursdays results show, as America voted and revealed an unfortunate future for one contestant: He or she is going home. Who received the bad news? It appeared briefly that fan favorite Phillip Phillips might be in danger, but it came down to Elise Testone and DeAndre Brackensick in the bottom two. The contestant getting the boot this week was … DeAndre. The audience, predictably, began chanting “Save! Save! Save! Save!” Unfortunately for the falsetto-singing teen, only one of the judges would’ve done so. Jennifer broke the bad news: “This boy right here, we’ve been watching him for two years. You’re an amazing performer. I stand by that,” she told him. However, “I only get one vote. I’m sorry … we’re not saving you tonight.” Ryan puts her on the spot, asking if J. Lo voted to save him while Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson didn’t. “Yes,” she replies, “that’s what I’m saying.” Think she was serious? It’s a good cover story if not. Every week could be a 2-1 decision against the eliminated singer. Anyway, best of luck, DeAndre. What do you think? Did America (and the judges) get it right?
But other judges opt to boot springy-haired singer, who was joined by Hollie Cavanagh and Elise Testone in the bottom three. By Adam Graham DeAndre Brackensick on “American Idol” Photo: Fox DeAndre Brackensick sang “I Like It” on Wednesday’s ’80s-themed episode of “American Idol,” but America didn’t like it and sent the springy-haired singer packing on Thursday’s (April 5) elimination episode. The 17-year-old from San Jose, California, came the closest so far this season to being a recipient of a judges’ save, after performing Stevie Wonder’s “Master Blaster” following the news he received the lowest number of America’s votes. “This boy right here, we’ve been watching him for two years. You’re an amazing performer, and I stand by that,” Jennifer Lopez told him. “I think you have an amazing voice, and you’re gonna share a lot with the world, I really do believe that. [But] I only get one vote. I’m sorry, we’re not saving you tonight. I’m sorry, baby.” Host Ryan Seacrest asked Lopez if that meant she voted to save him and the other two judges didn’t. “Yes, that’s what I’m saying,” she said. Brackensick wound up in the doghouse despite receiving positive remarks from the judges Wednesday. Lopez called his performance “natural” and Steven Tyler called it “amazing,” while Randy Jackson told him, “It was one of my best performances from you.” Idol mentor Jimmy Iovine, however, had a different take. “DeAndre was not great!” he barked. “DeAndre needs to come out and grow at a much faster pace. If you look at the boys, Joshua [Ledet] is growing in leaps and bounds, and DeAndre is growing marginally.” Iovine called him the “weakest of the boys” on Wednesday. Iovine had harsh words for several of the contestants Thursday; he said Hollie Cavanagh “is approaching this like a high school performer, and last night wasn’t even a great high school performance,” while he said Elise Testone delivered “an old-fashioned choke.” (It goes without saying that Iovine has become by far the most interesting, honest judge on the show, even though he’s technically not even a judge. Can someone go ahead and change that, please?) It was Cavanagh and Testone, in fact, who joined Brackensick in the week’s bottom three. Brackensick was the first contestant sent to those lonely chairs, followed by Cavanagh and then Testone. Cavanagh was sent back to safety first, leaving Brackensick and Testone to sweat it out. Also on the show, the Wanted performed their hit “Glad You Came” and Kellie Pickler ran through her new single “Where’s Tammy Wynette,” while Jennifer Lopez debuted her “Dance Again” video . What did you think of Brackensick’s elimination? 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 11 Top 13 Contestants
Joshua Ledet, Jessica Sanchez and Skylar Laine shine during the top eight’s trip back in time. By Adam Graham Joshua Ledet and Jessica Sanchez on “American Idol” Photo: Fox The “American Idol” top eight traveled back to the ’80s on Wednesday (April 4), and were helped along the way by guest mentors Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal. Each contestant took the stage twice — once for a solo and once for a duet with a fellow contestant. The trip back in time paid off big for Skylar Laine, who made a huge surge forward in the competition. Laine said that after winding up in the bottom three last week, she was hesitant to return with another upbeat song, so she bagged doing Dolly Parton’s “Nine to Five” in favor of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings.” The gamble paid off: Laine received a standing ovation from the judges, and cameras caught Lopez mouthing, “That was so beautiful!” as the song was ending. “You know what you just said to America with that performance? Do not count me out,” Lopez told her. “You just told ’em you could sing with the best of everybody who’s here, and you can. Amazing!” Jackson called it Laine’s “best performance on the show to date” and Tyler called it “the beginning of a great career.” Laine received one of three standing ovations Wednesday; the other two belonged to Joshua Ledet. He earned the evening’s first standing O with his version of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” and later earned the second for his duet of George Michael and Aretha Franklin’s “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” with Jessica Sanchez. His take on Simply Red’s 1989 hit — a cover of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ 1972 original — had Lopez gushing, “Lord, lord, lordy lordy lordy, it was spectacular!” while Jackson raved, “I wanted to stand up from beginning to end!” Tyler’s judgment was positive but wrapped in mystery; “It wasn’t too much over-the-top, and it was way over-the-top, so it was just perfect,” he said. (Say what?) On her own, Sanchez — or was it her alter ego, “BB Chez”? — revisited the songbook of Whitney Houston, which originally brought her frontrunner status back when she knocked “I Will Always Love You” out of the park. This time she took on Houston’s 1985 #1 smash “How Will I Know,” earning another set of raves from the judges in the process. “Your vocals just make everything go away for me,” Lopez told her, while Tyler said, “Everything you do is beautiful, everything you do is great.” Jackson dubbed her one of the evening’s “gotta have it” performers, the term he was using for the evening for performers with the most gusto. DeAndre Brackensick got positive remarks for his version of DeBarge’s “I Like It,” which he started out singing in the crowd before making his way up to the stage. The judges called it “natural” (Lopez) and “captivating” (Tyler), with Jackson calling it “amazing” and comparing Brackensick to a 2012 version of DeBarge. “It was one of my best performances from you,” he told him. Phillip Phillips was called “great” by all three judges for his version of Genesis’ “That’s All,” which he performed alongside his brother on guitar. “You’re just a wildflower, aren’t you?” Tyler told him. “You just love being who you are, and that transcends.” (Coherence, you see, isn’t exactly Tyler’s strong suit these days.) Colton Dixon’s version of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” was lifted mostly from Quietdrive’s cover of the song, which Dixon copped to at the end of the performance. It didn’t matter: He scored with the judges. “You could do a record right now,” Tyler told him, while Jackson told him he made it his own and celebrated him for being “current.” The song’s drummer also earned a fair amount of praise for his performance on the song. Elise Testone, who had scored big in recent weeks after a decidedly rocky start, suffered a setback with her lackluster version of Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is,” which never quite found its footing. While Lopez gave it a qualified “really great,” Tyler said it wasn’t the right song for her and Jackson said she was pitchy throughout and “out of tune everywhere for me.” But the evening’s most poorly received performance came from Hollie Cavanagh. Not only did the 18-year-old Texan get slammed by the judges for her version of the “Flashdance” theme “What a Feeling,” but something strange happened while she was being critiqued: The “Idol” audience, which usually boos at the first hint of criticism, was dead silent throughout the process. It was the most quiet an “Idol” crowd has been all season, and it was almost disconcerting to watch. “Your pitch was all over the place, I’m sorry to tell you,” Tyler told her, silence filling the studio, while both Jackson and Lopez told her she needs to stop listening to her advisers and feel the songs. But of any feelings gathered on the show, it feels like the fate of Cavanagh — who landed in the bottom two last week — could be sealed. What did you think of “Idol” on Wednesday? 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 11 Top 13 Contestants
Opera singer scored 29 out of 30 on night when contestants danced to music from their ‘most memorable years.’ By Kelley L. Carter Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas on “Dancing With the Stars” Photo: ABC Monday night’s “Dancing With the Stars” episode was an emotional one. No was one given the boot — that’ll happen Tuesday night (April 3) with the second elimination of the season — but the theme was “most memorable year,” and the celebrity contestants got deep and personal. And then some. At the top of the pack was singer Katherine Jenkins , who took us back to 1996 — the year she learned her dad had lung cancer. She and her partner Mark Ballas did the waltz, and by the end of the routine, she was in tears. And she wasn’t alone. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba cried with her and told her the dance was like magic. She scored the first pair of 10s of the season, earning 29/30 . Here’s how everyone else fared: William Levy and Cheryl Burke The sexy soap star picked 1995, which was the year he arrived in the U.S. from his native Cuba. He told the story of his stepdad, who was a political prisoner before finding asylum in the States. His salsa impressed the judges. “You put a whole new meaning into free Willy!” head judge Len Goodman told him. 28/30 Maria Menounos and Derek Hough The TV host picked 1988 as her most memorable year. That’s when she was 10 years old and realized just how hard her Greek-immigrant parents worked to make a better life for their children. She did the rumba to a slow version of Madonna’s “Material Girl,” and the judges loved her sensual routine. Hard-to-please Goodman told her the dance was “a mix of the ballroom with a touch of the bedroom.” 27/30 Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd The football star picked 2010, which was when his best friend died of cancer. In his video before he performed live, he became teary-eyed, saying, “I can never get it out of my mind because he died in my arms.” He danced the rumba, and Inaba said she was touched by his story and performance. Goodman thought the dance was top-notch. 26/30 Jaleel White and Kym Johnson The moment old-school TV nerds have been waiting for: White picked the year he got to play Stefan Urquelle, the alter ego to his longtime nerdy character Steve Urkel on “Family Matters.” He took on the rumba, and the judges said that he was back in the game and improved greatly from last week’s performance. Judge Bruno Tonioli called him cool and smooth. 25/30 Roshon Fegan’s and Chelsie Hightower The Disney kid picked 1996, which is the year that he saw his idol and legend Michael Jackson onstage. He danced the samba, and Goodman said he had flair, but Inaba took issue with his timing, saying it was off. 25/30 Melissa Gilbert and Maks Chmerkovskiy The actress picked 2010, the year that she fell and broke her back. She called the experience gut-wrenching and tearfully explained that following the accident, she could barely walk, much less dance. She danced the jive, and Goodman said she was back in the competition. 24/30 Gladys Knight and Tristan MacManus The soul legend picked 1957 because it was the year of her first tour and the year she met James Brown. She said it was the beginning of her career education and that it was a happy memory, not a sad one. She did the foxtrot to a Sam Cook song — noting that Cook taught her about performing back in the day — and Inaba thought the dance was sensuous and soulful. Tonioli said he thought she performed it with grace. 24/30 Sherri Shepard and Val Chmerkovskiy The talk-show co-host picked 2005, the year her son Jeffrey was born, weighing only 1 pound, 10 ounces. She cried, saying that she was so thankful, considering that the prognosis at the time was that he might have cerebral palsy and paralysis. She danced the rumba, with Goodman saying he appreciated the emotion she put into the dance. 24/30 Jack Wagner and Anna Trebunskaya The actor picked a more recent year: 2011. He said that was the year he met a daughter — she’s 23 now — that he never knew he had. He danced the samba, crying still. Goodman said he like the rhythm and said it was his best dance so far. 24/30 Gavin DeGraw and Karina Smirnoff The singer picked 1998 because he moved to New York City that year to give it a go as a musician. Inaba said her heart got all fluttery watching him. The judges overall thought he was progressing. 24/30 Which celebrity are you rooting for on “Dancing With the Stars”? Tell us in the comments!
‘There were so many people that still believed in me and supported me, that’s when I realized I really want to do this,’ Han says. By Kelly Marino Heejun Han Photo: MTV News LOS ANGELES — The “American Idol” top nine took the stage once again Wednesday night hoping to avoid yet another elimination by singing their hearts out … and did they ever. Taking on songs by their own personal idols, the two-hour broadcast was filled with tearful moments, five standing ovations and, in Mr. Randy “In It to Win It” Jackson’s words, strong contenders for the title. Heejun Han may have made the biggest surprise comeback after being blasted last week by Jimmy Iovine and Steven Tyler for not taking the show seriously. Not to mention his leaving half of America scratching their heads as to why he was still in the competition after his goofball antics. This week it was obvious Han had a wake-up call as he took to the stage with a sincere rendition of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You,” ultimately bringing the judges to their feet. “What I can tell you at this point,” Han explained backstage after the show, “is that when someone doesn’t believe in himself and at that point someone said, ‘You don’t belong here. I’m not going to sign you. You’re not going to win,’ then my automatic reaction has to be ‘I know. I don’t want this.’ I never actually believed in myself anymore and even before. But from last week there were so many people that still believed in me and supported me, that’s when I realized I really want to do this. I’m not going to let anyone down anymore and that was a turning point.” And speaking of turning points, let’s not forget “Idol” contestant DeAndre Brackensick, who was also one of the five performers to get a standing ovation from the judges after being in last week’s bottom three. Taking on Eric Benet’s “Sometimes I Cry,” Brackensick even had J.Lo begging the audience to pick up their phones and vote. So, with some finalists back on the “Idol” radar while other’s outshined their own performances from the week before, who will America vote for to stay in the competition? Will this be yet another shocking results week, bringing the final nine down to eight, or will the judges finally be forced to use their one and only save for this week’s stellar performances? “No matter who is in the bottom three tomorrow [Thursday] night, they are going to be shockers because there were five standing ovations,” Colton Dixon, who sang himself to tears opening the show with Lifehouse’s “Everything,” explained. “Tonight was a great night for ‘American Idol.’ It was for every single one of us. We all left everything we had on the table and on the stage.” “I definitely think [Thursday] night will be shocking,” added Joshua Ledet, who brought the house down once again singing Mariah Carey’s version of “Without You.” “Honestly, I think everyone was so great tonight that the judges might use their save tomorrow because it would be crazy if they didn’t.” “It’s gonna be hard for us because, you know, when you get a standing ovation, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are gonna go pass through,” Han said. “It’s not really a matter of who’s on bottom three, but it’s really a matter of who’s going home and who’s gonna stay. At this point, I’m really happy with what I did, and if I were to go home, then this is the happiest moment where I can go.” Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
‘I think a lot of your fate rides on what sort of light [the judges] shed on you,’ latest castoff tells MTV News. By Christina Garibaldi Photo: FOX “American Idol” fans might still be scratching their heads as to why Erika Van Pelt was sent home on last week’s episode. With a brand-new makeover , the singer took on Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” and received mostly positive feedback from the judges, so when she was eliminated, it not only shocked fans, but Van Pelt as well. “I’ve been in the bottom [for] four consecutive weeks. I wasn’t surprised at that. Getting eliminated, I felt a little robbed, I can’t lie,” she told MTV News on Monday (March 26). “Everything happens for a reason.” Looking back at her time on “Idol,” Van Pelt said she felt “confused” by the judges’ remarks , especially for her latest performance, and feels that their changing critiques may have swayed voters. “I think a lot of your fate rides on what sort of light [the judges] shed on you,” Van Pelt said. “For me, I was doing ‘New York State of Mind,’ which is a ballad, and every time Billy Joel has ever performed it, he’s been sitting behind a piano, he’s not dancing around, and [Jennifer Lopez] made some comments about me planting my feet. I just wasn’t feeling it. I don’t feel like I need to jump around to sing. There are a few other contestants on the show that do nothing but stand there and sing, and they don’t say anything to them. [At] the very least, they get standing O’s, and they like that. I just felt it was a constant struggle for me.” Yet Van Pelt doesn’t feel like she was the only contestant receiving contradicting feedback week after week. “There are a lot of really great performers,” Van Pelt said. “Even my personal favorites have gotten some really sort of questionable feedback. I thought their performances were great, and they’d get slammed by the judges. It’s a weird thing. I feel like you never really know.” This summer, Van Pelt will join the other top 10 contestants on tour, where she said she will finally be able to show fans who she really is. “I felt like I was kind of kept in a box a little bit,” Van Pelt said of her time on “Idol.” “It’s just reality, just the structure of the show didn’t allow me to show who I really am as an artist. I have a lot of facets, and I’ve felt like they may have pegged me as this one thing and pushed me in that one direction, but I got a lot going on.” Were you surprised Erika was eliminated? 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.
Magrane becomes the second ‘Idol’ booted this week after her version of ‘One Sweet Day’ fails to land her a save from the judges. By Adam Graham Shannon Magrane on “American Idol” Photo: Fox It was anything but “One Sweet Day” for Shannon Magrane, as the 16-year-old “pride of Tampa” was sent packing on Thursday’s (March 15) episode of “American Idol.” With her elimination, Magrane missed the opportunity to go on the road with the “Idol” summer tour. Her version of Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day,” which received decent marks from the judges on Wednesday’s performance episode , landed her dead last following America’s votes. Magrane was given a chance to sing for her life to be the recipient of the judges’ save, but her reprise of “One Sweet Day” was not enough to sway the judges. She became the second contestant eliminated this week, following Jermaine Jones’ exit on Wednesday , after executives discovered he had several warrants out that he failed to disclose. Though it’s largely thought to be the ladies’ year on “Idol,” Thursday’s episode saw an all-female bottom three. Along with Magrane, Elise Testone and Erika Van Pelt also found themselves facing elimination. Testone, who received a welcome attitude check and recovered from a near-disastrous performance the week prior, was the first let back to safety by host Ryan Seacrest. In addition to Testone and Van Pelt, the other “Idols” who will be hitting the road this summer are Colton Dixon, Skylar Laine, Joshua Ledet, Deandre Brackensick, Phillip Phillips, Hollie Cavanagh, Heejun Han and Jessica Sanchez. In defending Sanchez, who stole the show last week with her version of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” but was brought slightly back down to earth this week with her screamy version of Gloria Estefan’s “Turn the Beat Around,” mentor Jimmy Iovine said, “If she goes home, we should all go home.” Also during the show, Tommy Hilfiger was introduced as the contestants’ “image adviser.” The fashion icon will work with them to help “shape them toward stardom,” he explained. Demi Lovato also appeared and performed her latest single, “Give Your Heart a Break,” while Daughtry was on hand to debut the band’s new single, “Out of My Head.” Do you agree with America’s decision to send home Shannon Magrane? 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 11 Top 13 Contestants
The show’s latest finalists leave this writer wondering where the Kelly or Carrie will come from. By Gil Kaufman “American Idol” Top 13 contestants Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty images Dear America, You don’t know me, but I’m the guy who’s been sitting on his couch for several hours each week for nearly 10 years yelling things like, “Are you effing kidding me?,” “Seriously, that guy/girl?” and “Oh, come on, how is it possible that we’re even watching the same show?” I did it because, like you, I was entranced by “American Idol” and the drama of watching potential stars climb their way to the top each week. I held on because I knew the payoff would be that triumphant final night when the confetti falls, Lionel Richie (or Kiss, or some other act your mom loves) sings a duet with a finalist and we get to hear that awful coronation song one more time before it disappears into history’s musical dustbin. But I can’t take it anymore. It’s definitely not me; it’s you. I realize I’ve been pretty judgmental this year, complaining about how “Idol” is showing its age , is blatantly stealing trick from former meanie judge Simon Cowell’s “X Factor” and just generally feels out-of-touch. I’ve been exasperated at the “everyone gets a first-place ribbon!” attitude displayed by the checking-their-watches judges, who are acting like they’re coaches at a first-grade soccer tournament and not the nation’s ratings-giant (for now) singing talent program. But after watching Thursday night’s results show , there is no one left to blame but you. What are you thinking? I get that it’s always fun to put a few ringers into the mix to make things interesting. Who didn’t enjoy the weekly yuks provided by Sanjaya? But this cast is one of the most laughable in the show’s history. And not in the good way. Yes, you passed on toothy other-other-other blonde Baylie Brown; other-other country singer Chelsea Sorell; forgettable “hot” one Chase Likens; maniacal musical Tom Cruise Reed Grimm; annoying, tear-stained Adam Brock; and “street artist” Creighton Fraker, who I was convinced was punking the show anyway. But for god’s sake, you said yes to “funny” man Heejun Han and “Idol” Lazarus Jermaine Jones? And Jimmy Iovine — c’mon, man, you’re one of the most respected men in music! You’re honestly telling me you would make an album with Jones “right now”? I can’t imagine listening to him even one more time, not to mention for 55 minutes. I defy you to find any contemporary artist on the planet who is putting up numbers groaning in that kind of death-howl baritone. And Han? I could throw a pebble in an empty karaoke bar and hit 15 drunken frat boys with more talent. I’m sure Iovine has a way better sound system on his TV at home, but no Beats by Dre subwoofer known to man explains how he believes that foot-stomping, face-making, Dave Matthews impersonator Phillip Phillips is one of the most original voices of our time. I’ve met Matthews, and he’s a very sweet, mellow guy, and even I suspect he’s chilling somewhere going, “Really?” America, I stopped being mad that you’ve failed to vote a female winner into the mix since season six. I can’t totally hate on you for the female finalists, though I continue to be mystified by your embrace of gangly teen Shannon Magrane, who strikes me as average at best. At a time when “Factor” crowned a legitimately powerful soul diva in winner Melanie Amaro and showcased a fascinating redemption story in rapper/crooner Chris Rene, contemporary R&B singer Marcus Canty, white blues man Josh Krajcik, high school cutie Rachel Crow and buzzed-about teen rapper Astro, “Idol” is offering up a warmed-over plate of potential winners whose commercial prospects feel limited at best. I’m not a TV producer, but even I thought the judges missed a potential opportunity to at least create some great reality-show drama when they passed on Brielle Von Hugel and her tenacious stage mom. Yes, Brielle, who, like a boxer, speaks of herself in the third person, is a decent singer at best. But I am willing to put a year’s salary on the line if curly crooner and wild-card survivor DeAndre Brackensick has even an iota of the success the judges and Jimmy said he did — outside of being a hair model or a joke appearance on “The Simpsons” in a Sideshow Bob gag. It’s ironic that the shiny, happy panel saved one of their only negative assessments so far this year for Von Hugel, the one person who could put some “show” into their business. Frankly, the only contestants in the mix I think are even halfway relevant are emo-ish Colton Dixon, soul man Joshua Ledet and power belter Elise Testone. Among those, only Dixon looks or sounds like someone a record label could legitimately turn into a star, and I have a sinking feeling you’ll boot him well before May. Lopez told “Access Hollywood” that she thinks this season’s finalists are “even stronger than last year.” In my world, that is somewhere below faint praise and just north of wishful thinking. I like to see and hear a variety of sounds — hip-hop, blues, rock, etc. — and see a diverse top 13. While you clearly pine for a bumper crop of blondes who sound like county fair stage-fillers and Adele-abees and generic male crooners or “quirky” vocalists who are kinda like, but no better, than the established stars they grew up imitating in their bedrooms. Conventional wisdom has it that, as a show ages, so does its audience. So, I dunno, America, maybe we just want different things. You love theme shows like next week’s Stevie Wonder tribute, while I’m more interested in hearing the contestants sing the songs of today (though not the same one twice in one show) and edgier, more relatable acts that can break the drought of platinum-selling “Idol” winners. Think about it. Until last year’s winner Scotty McCreery, only three “Idol” winners’ debuts had hit the #1 spot on the Billboard 200, and those were from season-one winner Kelly Clarkson, season two’s Ruben Studdard and season four’s Carrie Underwood. I call that a serious rut and you’re in it, and at this point you can’t blame the judges anymore. You voted for these folks, and since I don’t see another Carrie or Kelly in this mix, the best I can hope for at this point is that you prove me wrong. 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 Top 13 Contestants
Shannon Magrane is a tall, All-American girl. That was how she was portrayed on last night’s American Idol audition show, as Ryan Seacrest once again interviewed her World Series-hurling father and once again brought up a certain awkward incident from a few weeks ago. But can she sing? We think so. While the judges questioned Magrane’s song choice a bit, Randy Jackson delivered very high praise in saying Shannon possesses a “Lauryn Hill vibrato.” That reference may be lost on younger viewers, but trust us. It’s a big compliment. What did you think of Magrane’s performance? Shannon Magrane – “Go Light Your World”
Sherri Shepherd, Maria Menounos and tennis great Martina Navratilova join the list of celebrities who will shimmy and shake starting on March 19. By Jocelyn Vena Sherri Shepherd Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images The cast for the 14th season of “Dancing With the Stars” was announced Tuesday, and it features athletes, former child stars, TV hosts and more. With the show set to kick off on March 19, the new crop of celebrity dancers strutted their way onto the “Good Morning America” set in Los Angeles with their sights set on the coveted Mirror Ball trophy. So, what celebrities will be dancing this season and with whom will they be dancing? Here’s the rundown: Jack Wagner The actor is best known for his work on soapy dramas like “General Hospital” and “Melrose Place.” He has also dabbled in music, having recorded several albums, and plays often in celebrity golf tournaments. “I’m going, ‘OK, I’d better get it together fast,’ ” he said when he eyed his competition backstage at “GMA.” He will dance with Anna Trebunskaya. Melissa Gilbert Gilbert is an Emmy-nominated actress best known for her work as Laura Ingalls on “Little House on the Prairie.” She rose to fame in the 1970s as a child star and has appeared in a number of television shows in her decades-long career. When asked if she was still feeling nervous about the gig, she said, “I feel better because the veil of mystery is lifted.” She will be partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Donald Driver Driver is a Super Bowl champion and plays for the Green Bay Packers as a receiver. He is also a children’s book author, whose books center on the character “Quickie.” He will be dancing with Peta Murgatroyd. William Levy Levy is a telenovela star who is frequently dubbed “the Brad Pitt of Mexico.” He recently made headlines playing Jennifer Lopez’s steamy love interest in her “I’m Into You” video. He will be partnered with Cheryl Burke. Sherri Shepherd “The View” host, actress and comedian has appeared on shows like “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “30 Rock.” She also appeared in the film “One for the Money.” She’ll dance with Val Chmerkovskiy. “I’m scared to death!” she laughed. “I need Barbara Walters.” Roshon Fegan The singer and actor currently stars on the Disney channel show “Shake It Up!” He also appeared in the hit movies “Camp Rock” and “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.” He will be partnered with Chelsie Hightower. Maria Menounos The longtime TV host of shows like “Extra,” Menounos is also a former beauty queen and wrote the best-selling book “The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life.” She will be shaking it with Derek Hough. Jaleel White He is the former star of “Family Matters,” best known for playing the dorky next-door neighbor Steve Urkel. He has since gone on to nab roles in films like “Dreamgirls” and recently starred in Cee Lo Green’s “Cry Baby” video. He will be partnered with Kym Johnson. “The fans have asked me to do this,” he said. “And I’m kind of doing it for my mom too.” Gladys Knight She is the legendary soul singer who rose to fame during Motown’s heyday with her group Gladys Knight and the Pips with iconic songs like “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Every Beat of My Heart” and “If I Were Your Woman.” She’ll be shimmying with Tristan MacManus. She said she wanted to dance because of the Pips. Gavin DeGraw The singer/songwriter has released hits like “I Don’t Want to Be,” “Follow Through” and “Chariot.” In 2011 he released his album Sweeter, which features the Ryan Tedder-produced “Not Over You.” Tedder accidentally spilled the beans about DeGraw’s casting at the Grammys earlier this month. He’ll be partnered with last season’s champ, Karina Smirnoff. Katherine Jenkins She is an opera star who has sold more than 4 million records. The Welsh-born singer has performed for the British royal family and with opera icons Placido Domingo and Andrea Bocelli. She also sang on the 12th season of “DWTS.” She is partnered with Mark Ballas. Martina Navratilova She is a world-renowned tennis player who has 59 Grand Slam championships under her belt. Additionally, she had nine Wimbledon singles championships. She is partnered with Tony Dovolani. “Tennis is all closed up,” she said of taking her athletic abilities to the ballroom. “It’s a learning experience.”
