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‘American Idol’ Music Director Rickey Minor To Join ‘Tonight Show’

Following Kevin Eubanks’ departure, Minor will join Jay Leno in June. By Gil Kaufman Rickey Minor Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images The late-night talk show turnover machine keeps churning, as Tuesday brought news that one day after Jay Leno lost longtime bandleader Kevin Eubanks, he quickly picked up a replacement: “American Idol” music director Rickey Minor. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Minor will make his debut on “The Tonight Show” on June 7, just after Eubanks’ departure in May and the season-nine finale of “Idol” on May 26. “It is a privilege for all of us to have Rickey on board,” said Debbie Vickers, “Tonight Show” executive producer. “We couldn’t be more excited. The ‘Tonight Show’ has a long tradition of acclaimed musicians in this role, and it’s great to now include Rickey alongside Kevin and Branford [Marsalis].” Minor, a mostly off-camera presence on “Idol,” does bring a musical pedigree, with a long r

Tim Urban’s ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ Wows ‘American Idol’ Judges

‘I can’t help falling in love with you, ‘ Ellen DeGeneres tells Urban after his Elvis cover. By Josh Wigler Tim Urban on “American Idol” Tuesday Photo: Fox Sometimes, it’s not always wisest to listen to words of wisdom; sometimes, it’s best to have faith in your own instincts. Such was the case with Texas-born Tim Urban on Tuesday night’s (April 13) “American Idol” when the singer lent his signature soulful voice to a subdued rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” during the latest round of competition. Season-eight finalist Adam Lambert served as the guest mentor for the Elvis-themed competition, urging Urban to tap into his falsetto voice for the conclusion of the song. But Urban resisted the advice and relied instead on his familiar tenor tone — a decision that clearly paid off, as his performance resulted in an outpouring of praise from the judges. “This may surprise you,” veteran judge Randy Jackson began, “but I actually liked it!” Ellen DeGeneres, in typically comical fashion, likened Urban’s “American Idol” trajectory to her first time drinking tequila — she had to take one shot, then another and another still before she decided that she liked it. In Urban’s case, the singer/guitarist struggled through several weeks in the bottom three before emerging so strongly with the night’s performance. “I can’t help falling in love with you, ” DeGeneres said at the conclusion of her appraisal. Kara DioGuardi told Urban that this was her “favorite Tim performance ever. It was authentic, real and from your heart.” She also commented on the fact that Urban remained seated through his performance, saying: “You didn’t have to do a lot — you didn’t have to move all over the stage — because it was that meaningful.” Urban’s performance was so well-received that even outgoing judge Simon Cowell paid the singer a high compliment, telling Urban that he went from “zero to hero in two weeks.” What did you think of Tim Urban’s performance on “American Idol”? 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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Tim Urban’s ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ Wows ‘American Idol’ Judges

Adam Lambert Will Be ‘Really Great’ As ‘American Idol’ Mentor, Randy Jackson Says

‘He’s going to be one of the best mentors, I think, all season,’ Jackson says. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Tim Kash Randy Jackson and Tim Kash Photo: MTV News It might be tough to think of who could be the perfect person to replace Simon Cowell on “American Idol,” but Randy Jackson said that he’s excited to have Adam Lambert return to the show just one season after placing second to Kris Allen. Lambert will appear on Tuesday’s show as a mentor to the contestants and will perform his hit “Whataya Want From Me” on Wednesday. Jackson thinks this crop of “Idol” hopefuls can learn a lot from the show’s latest superstar. “Yeah!” he laughed to MTV News about having Lambert return as a mentor. “Adam is great, man! He’s

American Idol: Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest Are Real Friends

The American Idol host Ryan Seacrest and judge Simon Cowell are always arguing on the show, making fun with each other and contriving insults around. On The Ellen DeGeneres Show aired on Tuesday, Seacrest was the celebrity guest. Seacrest said that they are actually friendly. They never hold a grudge to each other. They might both have a very competitive spirit and attitude on the show, but at the end of the day, they’re still friends. The host said that there will be a small change to the show that allowed him to beleaguer Cowell this season. A great little bridge is designed for the set. Before, it used to be a fosse between the stage and the judges’ table, but now, there is something that connects them and it’s the bridge. The bridge lets Seacrest get closer to the mean and notorious judge Cowell. While Cowell is uncomfortable with this change, Seacrest on the other hand, feels happy. American Idol: Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest Are Real Friends is a post from: Daily World Buzz Continue reading

Kellie Pickler Is Rooting For Ellen DeGeneres On ‘American Idol’

‘I’m sure she’s doing great,’ the ‘Idol’ alum says of the show’s newest judge. By Jocelyn Vena Kellie Pickler Photo: MTV News NEW YORK — This season, Ellen DeGeneres joined “American Idol” as the fourth judge, replacing Paula Abdul. And while she’s still getting her footing on the show alongside veteran “Idol” judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, and even Kara DioGuardi in her second season, former “American Idol” contestant and CMT Awards nominee Kellie Pickler is rooting for DeGeneres as the show’s newest star. “I’ve not seen the show, but I love Ellen,” Pickler gushed to MTV News on Monday night on the Dressed to Kilt red carpet , where she strutted her stuff on the runway alongside Gerard Butler, Joan Jett and Sean Connery. “She’s like my favorite person in the world,” Pickler said. “I’m sure she’s doing great.” Why hasn’t Pickler been watching the show that kick-started her career? Well, asked that question a year ago at the same event, Pickler chalked it up to a hectic touring schedule . “I have not been able to watch it religiously, ’cause I’m on the road a lot,” she explained. “So I don’t really get to follow any television show, but I do love the show.” At last year’s event, Pickler took time out to give some advice to the “Idol” hopefuls, pointers that seem just as useful for this year’s competition. “I think it’s all about having a good time, and as long as you’re enjoying yourself, success is defined by happiness,” she said. “So just have fun and enjoy it, and pick songs that you love and just have a good time.” What do you think of Ellen DeGeneres’ judging skills so far this season? Tell us 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’ Top 12 Party ‘American Idol’ Season Nine Performances

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Kellie Pickler Is Rooting For Ellen DeGeneres On ‘American Idol’

Ryan Seacrest Says He And Simon Cowell Are ‘Actually Friendly’

‘We have a very competitive spirit and attitude on the show,’ ‘American Idol’ host says on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show. By Jocelyn Vena Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell Photo: Kevin Parry/ WireImage When Ryan Seacrest stopped by “American Idol” judge Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show for an episode airing on Tuesday (April 6), he answered some of the fans’ burning questions and addressed his antagonistic relationship with Simon Cowell. “We’re roommates,” Seacrest joked, before explaining that their relationship this season is no different than in past seasons, but the difference in the audience’s perception might just be visual. “They built this great little bridge — it used to be like a moat between the stage and the judges’ table. But now there is this bridge, and sometimes it is hard to hear in there, so I approached … the bench a few times, which makes [Simon] really uncomfortable … which makes me happy.” Seacrest said despite their animosity on the show, he and Cowell actually get along better than people might expect. “We’re actually friendly. We don’t hold a grudge,” he said. “We have a very competitive spirit and attitude on the show, but we’re friends. I would be there for him if he needed a loan or something… because he’s really hurting.” Fans also wanted to know what the judges do when the show goes on commercial breaks. Seacrest and DeGeneres revealed that the judges leave the studio to go outside and get some fresh air — something that initially surprised DeGeneres. “I thought we would just sit there, like I do during commercial breaks,” she said. “[On my show] there’s dancing; there’s all kinds of stuff. [On ‘Idol’] they all just get up and walk out, so I’m like, ‘I’m not just going to sit here,’ so I get up. Simon goes out to smoke a cigarette, and Kara’s doing something and Randy. And I’m just kind of out there because I don’t want to be by myself. And they start walking back when they’re counting down, 9, 8, literally 1, and we’re sitting in our chair.” What do you think of the fan queries? What would you like to know about the show? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos ‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season Nine Performances

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Ryan Seacrest Says He And Simon Cowell Are ‘Actually Friendly’

Justin Bieber Does American Idol…on His Own Time

We’re not sure if you’ve heard the news, but this Justin Bieber fella is kind of a big deal. Such a big deal, in fact, he graced last night’s American Idol stage not once,…

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Justin Bieber Does American Idol…on His Own Time

Justin Bieber, Breaking Dawn and Other April Fools’

Justin Bieber is going mad with power. Breaking Dawn is breaking all sorts of odd—and conflicting—news. And Simon Cowell is, um, “wacking and vogueing?!?” Say, did we…

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Justin Bieber, Breaking Dawn and Other April Fools’

American Idol Didi March 31 Diddy Dirty Money, Usher and Ruben Studdard

Diddy’s group, the Diddy Dirty Money entertains the millions of viewers and the crowds at American Idol but the real story is about how the 10 finalists to American Idol are now reduced to 9. They sang the song “Helo Good Morning.” Diddy, Diddy Dirty Money, Usher and Ruben Studdard performed at the Top 10 final for American Idol season 9. Didi Benami, who sang What Becomes of the Broken Hearted went home with a broken heart. She was always the weaker member of the crew and many expected her to go home. Though she did have a strong following of loyalists, it was her time. Simon Cowell gave Didi Benami the news. It’s quite a coincidence that the day Diddy and his new group the Diddy Dirty Money comes onto the American Idol stage, that it would also be Didi that would go home. Maybe Didi can join Diddy’s group and they can call it the Diddy Didi Dirty Money or Didi Diddy Dirty Money. I apologize for that lame joke and will keep my day job. Diddy Dirty Money and Didi Go Home on American Idol American Idol Didi Diddy Dirty Money American Idol Didi Diddy Dirty Money, Usher and Ruben Studdard American Idol Didi March 31 Diddy Dirty Money, Usher and Ruben Studdard is a post from: Daily World Buzz Continue reading

Simon Cowell Receives Emmy Honors

Simon Cowell will be honored with an International Emmy award in acknowledgement of his television work. The showman is best known for The X Factor and American Idol. He is also the man behind the Britain and America’s Got Talent. Organizers of the event said that he had reshaped 21st century television and music around the world. Cowell was delighted after hearing the news. Bruce Paisner, International Academy president, considers Simon as a great entrepreneur and a performer, who can balance his career equally. He has constructed an international empire, and because of this, he has changed the face of television around the world. The International Emmy Founders Awards acknowledges people who have made a huge impact on the television industry which cuts through cultural boundaries. Simon Cowell Receives Emmy Honors is a post from: Daily World Buzz Continue reading