American Idol Finalists: The Top 24 Revealed!
It took us longer than usual - because Hollywood week started taping later on a later date than past seasons - but our American Idol sources have come through yet again:
They’ve uncovered the names of the 24 season nine finalists.
Shockingly, General Larry Platt and his viral classic “Pants on the Ground” did not make the cut. But the following contestants did, and you’ll see them all in Hollywood on February 9:
MEN:
Lee DeWyze
David Duke
Andrew Garcia
Chris Golightly (pictured)
Tyler Grady
Benjamin Honeycutt
Casey James
Aaron Kelly
Alexander Lambert
Michael Lynche
John Park
Jermaine Sellers (pictured)
Read on for the names of the female hopefuls that will be judged by Ellen DeGeneres and company in Hollywood.
WOMEN
Lacey Brown
Michelle Delamor
Katelyn Epperly
Ashley Rodriguez
Lilly Scott
Katie Stevens
Haeley Vaughn
Janell Wheeler
American Idol Finalists: Revealed!
It took us longer than usual - because Hollywood week started taping later on a later date than past seasons - but our American Idol sources have come through yet again:
They’ve uncovered the names of most of the 24 season nine finalists.
Shockingly, General Larry Platt and his viral classic “Pants on the Ground” did not make the cut. But the following contestants did, and you’ll see them all in Hollywood on February 9:
MEN:
Lee DeWyze
David Duke
Andrew Garcia
Chris Golightly (pictured)
Tyler Grady
Benjamin Honeycutt
Casey James
Aaron Kelly
Alexander Lambert
Michael Lynche
John Park
Jermaine Sellers (pictured)
Read on for the names of the female hopefuls that will be judged by Ellen DeGeneres and company in Hollywood.
WOMEN
Lacey Brown
Michelle Delamor
Katelyn Epperly
Ashley Rodriguez
Lilly Scott
Katie Stevens
Haeley Vaughn
Janell Wheeler
American Idol First Look: Celebrity Judges Galore!
Yes, Ellen DeGeneres is coming on board American Idol as a season nine judge.
But not until February 9, when the world’s most popular television show moves to Hollywood.
Until then, Idol will feature its three main judges - Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi - along with a special celebrity judge each week. These guest panelists will include:
Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Katy Perry, Victoria Beckham and Joe Jonas.
But don’t just take our word for it. Check out shots of these actors and singers in their unique roles below. (And let us know if you can figure out what Victoria Beckham knows about singing.)
Is Paula Abdul Exit an American Idol PR Stunt?
Despite Paula Abdul’s farewell Tweet and Fox wishing her happy trails, the latest American Idol conspiracy theory suggests she’s not going anywhere.
Here are a few bits of evidence (albeit circumstantial) that make us wonder if the reality show and the wacky, but entertaining judge are really parting ways:
- Within an hour of Abdul’s bombshell, celebrity gossip maven Bonnie Fuller, late of HollywoodLife.com, tweeted that “Abdul has already signed her new deal [with American Idol]. The whole sob story was a pure publicity stunt.”
- Asked to comment if there was no way Abdul wouldn’t be back on American Idol come the winter and the launch of the new season, Fox reps didn’t respond.
- On his radio show this morning, Ryan Seacrest said Abdul’s departure was real, “as far as I know.” Randy Jackson, meanwhile, said “It looks to be true.”
- Asked to comment if it was possible for a star and network to cook up a scheme, entertainment attorney John J. Tormey III said, “Anything’s possible.”
- Unnamed “television industry executives” told the New York Times they believe “Ms. Abdul’s combative stance is simply a negotiating tactic.” Of course, it could well be a one-sided tactic, if she really wants $20 million a year.
- Tormey didn’t think it was a reach to suggest Paul Abdul would appear to walk away from a deal in order to sweeten it. “In television,” the lawyer said, “it’s not uncommon for talent to take a hiatus in the event of negotiations.”
So? What do you think? While it sounds obvious, the only way we’ll know is with the passage of time … or the instant American Idol get a new judge (today’s rumored replacement is Victoria Beckham), or Paula Abdul gets a new gig.
Until then, we say let the conspiracy theories pile up!
Would you miss Paula on American Idol?