Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery to battle it out in American Idol final... as Haley Reinhart is eliminated

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Life-changing: The next American Idol will be Lauren Alaina or Scotty McCreery as the two made it through to next week's final


Record 95 million votes put teenagers through

The next American Idol will be Lauren Alaina or Scotty McCreery - after Haley Reinhart was eliminated from the show.

Alaina, 16, and McCreery, 17, will go head to head for the tenth American Idol title next Tuesday.

A record 95m votes were recorded after the semi-final show last night.

Country crooner Scotty McCreery was the first to find out he had made it through followed by Lauren Alaina.


In... and out: Alaina celebrates as Haley Reinhart learns she has been eliminated from the show


Haley Reinhart, 20, kept her cool belting out Bennie And The Jets, without shedding a tear.

At the end of the song Haley said: 'You'll be seeing me, this ain't the end of this, this ain't the end of this thing - see you later!'

She then embraced her mother and father in the audience.

Reinhart had always seemed doomed on Idol. Unlike her remaining rivals the wavy-haired singer had been less definable and garnered fewer votes, landing at the bottom as one of the show's low vote-getters four times after weak performances of such songs as LeAnn Rimes' Blue and Blondie's Call Me.


No tears: Haley Reinhart, 20, kept her cool belting out Bennie And The Jets, without shedding a tear


This season's femme fatale found recent success by boldly tackling classic rock tunes.

She earned a standing ovation from the judges two weeks ago for a rousing rendition of The Animals' version of The House of the Rising Sun, and she was lauded again Wednesday for her performances of Fleetwood Mac's Rhiannon and Led Zeppelin's What Is and What Should Never Be.

It was apparently too little, too late for Reinhart after 95 million viewer votes were cast Wednesday.


Well done: After her performance Haley ran to embrace her parents in the audience


While she was finding her groove throughout the finals, McCreery and Alaina had been delivering consistent country and pop performances since their attention-grabbing auditions.

McCreery never appeared at the bottom, and Alaina only did once two weeks ago.
Earlier in the evening as each of the three finalists were filmed visiting their hometowns.


I'll be back: Haley vowed that viewers hadn't seen the last of her


The show also featured a sizzling live performance by Nicole Scherzinger and 50 Cent and the U.S. debut of Italian boy-band and tenor trio Il Volo.

Haley Reinhart made a tearful return to her hometown of Wheeling, Illinois a village 30 miles north of Chicago where she was overwhelmed by the number of fans who came out to see her despite a downpour.

Scotty McCreery returned to his hometown of Garner, North Carolina for an all out concert performance - crying on camera as he was pictured leaving in his limousine.


Homecoming: Scotty McCreery sobs as he makes his triumphant return to him hometown


Emotional: McReery sobbed as he prepared for an all out concert performance in Garner, North Carolina


But the perhaps the most emotional return was for Southern belle Lauren Alaina returned to Rossville, Georgia to visit her old high-school before taking a tour of the nearby area, which was devastated by recent storms and tornadoes.

She wept as she past through the devastated communities meeting with some of the families whose lives had been torn apart by the disaster.

'I'm doing this for you guys,' she told the crowd.


Disbelief: Lauren Alaina returned to Rossville, Georgia to visit her old high-school before taking a tour of the nearby area, which was devastated by recent storms and tornadoes


I'm doing this for you: She wept as she past through the devastated communities meeting with some of the families whose lives had been torn apart by the disaster


McCreery and Alaina will face off Tuesday, with the 10th season Idol champion crowned on Wednesday.

It will mark the youngest finale matchup in Idol history.

Producers lowered the minimum age requirement to 15 years old this season, which allowed Alaina, who's been compared to fourth season Idol winner Carrie Underwood, the chance to audition last year.


Success: The judges are also winners, with a record 95-million votes were recorded after the semi-final show last night


The show featured a sizzling live performance by Nicole Scherzinger, she will co-host the U.S. X Factor


source: dailymail

Break a leg! Haley Reinhart takes a tumble in American Idol semi-final

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Ooops: Haley Reinhart takes a spill on the stage as she performs her first song of the night on last night's American Idol


In a week where perfection is expected on American Idol, Haley Reinhart will be wishing she kept her feet on the ground.

The contestant, who made it into the final three, had an unfortunate slip-up halfway through her first performance of the evening as she tripped on the stairs on stage.

The accident made her falter on her lyrics briefly - but showing she was the consummate professional she recovered in a split second and continued with her song.


Ouch: Haley rubs her knee as she continues her song


The show opened with a montage of clips from the three contestants homecoming visits.

All three got to head home for a brief trip back to their home towns, which they have been away from since the live shows began two months ago in Los Angeles.

The reception that Haley, Scotty and Lauren received was overwhelming with the clips showing hordes of people lining the streets as the contestants go paraded like superstars through their hometowns.

The show's host Ryan Seacrest then introduced this week's superstar mentor - Grammy award winning artist Beyonce.


Crooner: Scotty was consistently good in all three of his performances and the judges said he 'is in it to win it'


'I think all three of the contestants are unbelievable and there is something very unique about each of them, Beyonce said of the three finalists.

' I think America is going to have a tough decision.'

After a glowing review from Beyonce, Scotty McCreedy kicked of the first of his three performances with a powerful rendition of Lonestar's 'Amazed.'

'I think you just keep getting better and better,' Steven told him, copying the song's lyrics in his commentary.

'I'm sure there are a million girls out there wishing you were singing that song to them,' Jennifer told him.


Belting it out: Lauren, who is only 16-years-old sang a selection of songs that highlighted her powerful voice


This was followed by Lauren singing She's A Wild One, which she told Beyonce she chose because she used to sing it with her best friend as a child.

The 16-year-old belted the song out and appeared to be enjoying the moment with Jennifer telling her she 'attacked it.'

'I could tell you were loving it and had a connection with it,' Randy told her.

Haley chose a risky song for her first song in Led Zepplin's What Is And What Should Never Be.


Mentor: The superstar helper this week was Beyonce who talked each performer through their first song choice


Inspiration: Beyonce said that America is going to have a tough choice because all three contestants are 'unbelievable'


She was joined on stage by her father playing the electric guitar, the first time a parent has even joined a contestant on stage in the history of Idol.

Despite her minor stumble halfway through the song, the judges loved her performance.

'This was one of your best performances EVER!' shouted Randy. 'This girl is in it to win it!'

The other judges echoed his sentiment, both agreeing that she nailed the song even though she took a risk with it.

After the first round of songs, both Jennifer and Randy picked her as the best performer so far.


Smooth: Scotty was chosen a Kenny Rogers song which got the audience on their feet


Helping hand: Lauren got some bronzer applied to her legs last minute after a wardrobe malfunction that ripped her tights


Round two was songs picked by Jimmy Iovine and back on the stage was Scotty singing Thompson Square's Are You Going To Kiss Me Or Not.

The 16-year-old crooner played the acoustic guitar whilst singing and managed to get the audience on their feet.

'Real character showing through,' Randy told him.

Jennifer loved the performance but became very embarrassed after asking him if he could shave his head for the finale.

'Didn't everyone else like him with that shaved head and those rosy cheeks,' she gushed.

Tennessee native Lauren had the second slip up of the night but this one was a wardrobe malfunction.


Heart-warming: Lauren said she chose her first song because it reminded her of her best friend a home


She accidentally snagged her tights on the way to the stage and required a quick make-up touch up with bronzer to her legs.

For Lauren's second song Jimmy Iovine chose If I Die Young by The Band Perry.

The performance was moving but she forget a key change towards the end of the song, however, as Haley did earlier in the night, she recovered quickly and her mistake was barely noticeable.

'You have the most beautiful tone to your voice,' Jennifer tells the 16-year-old singer.

'You nailed it again,' Steven cheered.

For Haley's second song she took on Fleetwood Mac's Rhiannon, a difficult choice of song irrespective of the singer.

The slowed down version showed off Haley's raspy voice and the addition of a wind machine upped the eerie effect of the performance.



Cheers: All three of the judges had glowing reviews for the contestants three performances


Randy said her pitch was 'perfect' and she did 'a good job' but the other comments were fairly underwhelming.

'It was a nice way to slow it down after your last performance,' Steven told her with Jennifer admiting, 'I thought you were going to take it further at the end.'

Steven thought that Lauren won that round but neither of the others agreed with him.
'Scotty, Scotty, Scotty, Scotty,' said both Jennifer and Randy.

The show then had a brief intermission while they aired the world première Beyonce's new music video for Run The World.

All three contestants nailed their round three performances.

The judges picked the Kenny Rogers classic She Believes In Me for Scotty, Lee Ann Womack's I Hope You Dance for Lauren and Alanis Morrissette's You Outta Know for Haley.

Lauren came out on top with both Jennifer and Randy choosing her as the winner of the round, meaning each contestant, appropriately, each won a round.

Tomorrow the public vote will determine which two contestants go through to the live finale next week


source: dailymail

'Make love to that microphone': Lady Gaga pushes American Idol contestants to their theatrical best

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Theatrical: Lady Gaga tutored the four remaining American Idol contestants, advising them to add a touch of theatre to their performance


Lady Gaga is not known for her restrained approach to performing - whether it be emerging from an egg or dousing herself with blood onstage.

So perhaps she was just what American Idol needed to liven it up as the final four contestants performed last night.

The eccentric pop superstar pushed the Fox singing competition's finalists to add theatrics to their renditions of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller songs.


Intimidating? Gaga tutors the religious country singer Scotty McCreery, who kissed his crucifix when she told him to act like the microphone was his girlfriend


Her advice that Scotty McCreery should pretend that the microphone is his girlfriend prompted the deep-voiced 17-year-old country crooner to kiss the cross around his neck.

'You've got to get right in the center of that hot dog,' she advised the conservative singer.


Ready for super stardom: McCreery received plaudits from the judges for his performance


Lady Gaga's steamy direction didn't seem to deter McCreery, who impressed the judges with both his rollicking take on The Coasters' Young Blood and heartfelt rendition of Alan Jackson's Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) during the beginning of Wednesday's episode when the finalists were tasked with performing inspirational tunes.

'You're ready for superstardom, and I hope you make it,' Randy Jackson told McCreery afterward.


Popular: The singer has the audience on their feet


Lauren Alaina also seemed poised for greatness with her inspirational ballad of Martina McBride's Anyway, but she wasn't ready to proclaim that she was 'evil,' as noted in the lyrics to Elvis Presley's Trouble, until she received some motivation from Lady Gaga, who directed the 16-year-old singer to sing the ditty in character.

'When I was 16, I was way too weird to be on American Idol,' Lady Gaga admitted.
The result was apparently delicious, with Steven Tyler noting that Alaina 'delivers a song like a blue plate special.'


Intense: Gaga stares at Lauren Alaina as she performs her version of Elvis' Trouble



What an outfit: Lauren Alaina and the other contestants performed songs by writers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller


Haley Reinhart, 20, wasn't quite as yummy.

The judges bickered about her interpretation of Michael Jackson's Earth Song.
Tyler was a fan, but Jackson and Jennifer Lopez didn't eat it up.

'I felt like you were just screaming,' Jackson said over a chorus of boos from the crowd.

Reinhart returned with a vengeance - and a string orchestra - with Ben E King's I (Who Have Nothing).


Taking her advice: Gaga tutors Hayley Reinhart, who then had her stand-out performance of the season


Two different sides: Hayley sang 'Earth Song' by Michael Jackson then Ben E King's I (Who Have Nothing)


Lady Gaga directed her to let out a dramatic exhale in the middle of the song.

The judges were floored. Jackson dubbed it 'her moment' of the night, and Tyler informed her that she 'just Reinharted yourself into the middle of next week.'

'That was amazing,' said Lopez. 'One of the best performances of the year.'

James Durbin, the wailing 22-year-old rocker, opened the show clad in tails with Journey's Don't Stop Believin' and closed it down with a metal-tinged take on The Clovers' Love Potion No 9.


Getting into it: Gaga and James Durbin share a love of performance


Hands on: Gaga shows James how to move


Jackson, who formerly played bass with Journey, said Durbin was 'paying homage to my friends,' and Tyler attested that he 'did it right.'

'You can sing anything,' Lopez told Durbin after Love Potion No. 9.
One of the four finalists will be eliminated tomorrow night.



The final four: The judges look on as their contestants line up with host Ryan Seacrest


source: dailymail

Belly dancer Jennifer Lopez steals the show with her toned stomach... but it's the end of his American Idol dream for Jacob Lusk

By Daily Mail Reporter


Shaking her stuff: Jennifer Lopez performs her new single On The Floor, dressed in a stomach baring gold fringed outfit


She's there to help find the stars of the future.

But Jennifer Lopez took the opportunity for a bit of self-promotion tonight, revealing her toned stomach in a fringed gold belly dancer outfit as she took to the stage on American Idol.

But while Lopez was having a blast performing her single On The Floor, it wasn't such a good night for Jacob Lusk.

As the contestants were whittled down to a final four, Lusk found himself no longer part of the talent show.

Gold singer: Jennifer revealed her toned stomach in a fringed gold harem trouser outfit as she took to the stage on American Idol


The booming 23-year-old vocalist from Compton, California, was revealed to have received the fewest viewer votes on the Fox talent contest.

A day earlier, he had unsuccessfully attempted both parts of No Air, the duet of Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown, and a tender rendition of Love Hurts, the classic tune made famous by Nazareth and Roy Orbison.

'I got to share a little bit with America, and I think America's fallen in love with me,' said Lusk after his elimination.

'Now I can go and put out that good-feeling R&B music that reminds you of Luther (Vandross) or those great old singers.'

Composed: Jacob Lusk kept his emotions in check as he was sent home from Idol

Bottom two: Lauren Alaina broke down in tears when she learned she could be facing the chop


Lauren Alaina, the soaring 16-year-old songstress of Rossville, Georgia, joined Lusk as one of the bottom two vote-getters.

She broke down on learning that she was in the bottom two, sobbing as she waited to learn her fate.

Despite her position, Alania had impressed the Idol judges with her performances of Carrie Underwood's Flat on the Floor and The Righteous Brothers' Unchained Melody on Wednesday's installment of current and classic tunes.

'Jacob had a rough night last night,' said Idol mentor and Interscope Records chief Jimmy Iovine. 'I think his nerves are getting the best of him.'

Final song: When Lusk performed on stage for one last time, he was joined by his fellow contestants as his family watched from the audience

The final five: Jacob's departure leaves Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart


Besides Alaina, the other remaining finalists are over-the-top 22-year-old rocker James Durbin deep-voiced 17-year-old country crooner Scotty McCreery, and bluesey 20-year-old singer Haley Reinhart.

The singers will return to the stage next week with another finalist dismissed next Thursday.

The 10th season Idol champion is scheduled to be crowned on the May 26 finale.

Time out: Hell's Kitchen star Gordon Ramsay got the finalists to cook him an omelette

Well done: Steve Tyler, Lopez and Randy Jackson applaud Lusk






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Jennifer Hudson and Ashton Kutcher Tweet their shock after Pia Toscano is eliminated from American Idol

By Daily Mail Reporter


Shock: In the biggest shock of American Idol so far this season, 22-year old Pia Toscano was eliminated from the competition last night


Hollywood fans of American Idol were up in arms last night after the shock elimination of Pia Toscano last night.

Despite her stunning looks and incredible voice, the 22-year-old New York received the least public votes, despite being named favourite to win by all three judges.

Celebrities including Tom Hanks, Ashton Kutcher, Ellen DeGeneres and Idol alumni Jennifer Hudson Tweeted their shock at the results.


Hanks wrote: 'Don't have an Idol habit, but how could the USA vote Pia off? I may be done for the season.'

Kutcher Tweeted: 'Who are the people that vote on American idol? That's just crazy! That Pia girl is dope.'

Chat show host DeGeneres - who was a judge last season - said she was 'shocked and sad', while Hudson wrote: 'I can not believe they just eliminated Pia ! ReAlly..????'

Judge Jennifer Lopez was lost for words and clearly furious after the results were read out during the live show.

'I can't believe what just happened here,' she said. 'I'm shocked and angry... I don't know what to say.'

Out of three: The elimination came after Pia was in the bottom three with Jacob Lusk, left and Stefano Langone, right

Still smiling: The raven-haired beauty still managed to compose herself during most of the elimination


Randy Jackson was equally bemused and told Pia: 'I'm with Jennifer, all in shock. You were one of the best singers in this.

He reiterated that no matter how much talent and wow factor the contestants had, they still had to watch their backs

'No one is safe and you've got to vote for the ones you love.'

Aerosmith rocker Steve Tyler simply complimented the brunette stunner.

Talented : Pia who hails from Queens, New York, had sang Tina Turner's River Deep - Mountain High on Wednesday night


'You look so beautiful when you sing - like a bird,' he said.

Pia who hails from Queens, New York had sang Tina Turner's River Deep - Mountain High on Wednesday night.

Jennifer had said afterwards that she loved the performance but wanted more from her: 'That was amazing,' she said.

'Vocally you proved to us you can sing up tempo. But I'm going to keep pushing you - what I want you to do now is start.'

Angry: Both Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson were horrified with the outcome


Joining Pia in the bottom three last night were Stefano Langone and Jacob Lusk, both of whom were forecast as a good bet for elimination this week.

Upon finding out the results from host Ryan Seacrest, Pia still managed a smile.

She then went home to a standing ovation from the judges following her performance of I'll Stand by You.

But after the song she broke down in tears and needed to be comforted by the fellow idol contestants.

Pia's elimination wasn't the only thing to generate shocked looks.

Powerful: Pia got a standing ovation from the judges following her performance of I'll Stand by You

Tears: But following the song she broke down in tears and needed to be comforted by the fellow idol contestants


Jennifer Lopez blushed and had to look away during Iggy Pop's performance of Wild One as he gyrated his hips just inches from her face.

She was the last judge to her feet to applaud the legendary punk rocker.

Arthur star Russell Brand also made a surprise appearance as a charisma coach for contestants.

Watch out: Iggy approached the judges midway through his performance
The pre-taped segment showed Brand meeting with contestants and offering advice.


The show also featured a performance of Unchained Melody by season four contestant Constantine Maroulis.

The other remaining finalists include Casey Abrams, who last month scored the judges' once-per-season save, Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and Paul McDonald.

Antics: Arthur star Russell Brand also made a surprise appearance as a charisma coach for contestants




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Russell Brand sets out to prove his comedic abilities on American Idol after critics pan his Arthur remake

By Daily Mail Reporter


Defiant: After his panned performance in the new film Arthur, Russell Brand was intent on proving his comedic abilities as he appeared on American Idol tonight


He has endured a slew of slatings for his performance in the new movie Arthur this week.

But Russell Brand was intent on proving his comedic abilities as he appeared on American Idol tonight.

The 35-year-old actor and comedian made a surprise appearance on the reality show, ironically as a charisma coach for contestants.


The pre-taped segment showed Brand meeting with contestants and offering advice.

He singled out contestant Casey Abraham for praise.

'Casey, I'm very happy you are here,' he said. 'I think you're a gorgeous hairball of wonder.'

Mentor:The 35-year-old actor and comedian made a surprise appearance on the reality show as a charisma coach for contestants


Brand then tried to get the Idol gang to relax with some stretching exercises and telling the boys to concentrate on their crotches.

'I think you need to be limber,' he told them. 'Steven Tyler can still do this I think.

'The great rock frontmen, not being rude, comes from this area here.'

Amusing advice: Brand then tried to get the Idol gang to relax with some stretching exercises and telling the boys to concentrate on their crotches


He then jumped behind the judges table with the singers.

'I think the fear comes from them judges judging us, who the hell bloody hell do they think they are,' he said.

His eagerness to please, comes after critics this week ripped into Brand's remake of the late Dudley Moore's famous role as Arthur, with one even describing Brand as 'just not that funny' and that the movie 'should put a nail in the coffin' of his film career.

Funny or die: His eagerness to please on the show comes after critics this week ripped into Russell's remake of the late Dudley Moore's famous role as Arthur


The film, also stars 65-year-old Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner, 38, and Nick Nolte, 70 - but it is Brand's appearance which has drawn the most opprobrium.

Writing on the Huffington Post website, film critic Marshall Fine slammed Brand saying: 'If anything, this movie should put a nail in the coffin of Russell Brand's career as a movie comic because, well, the guy's just not that funny.

Not top hole: The overall view from American critics has not been positive though it's unclear if Brand is concerned

Co-stars: Dame Helen Mirren also stars in the film alongside Russell


Particularly not when he assays an entire role in that high, whiny, little-boy voice that he uses here.'

He added: 'I've seen him do stand-up and that didn't make me laugh. He's really only amusing in small doses.'

And Kirk Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter said: 'Director Jason Winer turns things over to Brand but it's a rough, out-of-focus performance.

Forlorn: Brand was spotted leaving his New York apartment, which he shares with wife Katy Perry, looking downcast today

Chic: He strolled the streets of Tribeca in a stylish trench coat which he paired with a black and blue striped cardigan and jeans


'Brand goes full bore in every scene, almost as if the movie isn't so much about a drunk as an eccentric billionaire who would be loopy if he drank only lemonade.'

The U.S. version of OK! magazine meanwhile reckons that Brand will earn a Razzie for the movie, and dismissing him as 'channeling Johnny Depp channeling Keith Richards channeling a lifetime of chemical abuse.'

Los Angeles newspaper Century City News meanwhile bemoans Brand's character as a 'shadow' of that portrayed in the original, and continues: 'Dudley Moore made the most adorable drunk but Brand doesn’t even get the slur right and the self-indulgent behaviour that once beguiled is irritating this time around.

Shy? Katy, 26, was also seen leaving their abode separately dressed all in black


'It’s also a mystery why an actor with a cockney accent was given the part of an upper class "toff", who should be speaking with the same plum in his mouth as the royal family.

'Having M’Lord’s nanny (Helen Mirren) sounding posher than M’Lord himself is rather like Prince William chatting to the Queen in a Michael Caine accent. It’s just too odd to contemplate.'

Dame Helen, who plays Arthur's nanny in the film, said of Brand: 'He's got a good heart. He's kind, generous and fantastic to work with.'

Meanwhile Russell was spotted leaving his New York apartment, which he shares with wife Katy Perry, today.

Together again: Katy jetted into New York from Glasgow yesterday, where she was performing in her California Dreams tour, especially to be reunited with Russell


Looking downcast he strolled the street of Tribeca in a stylish trench coat which he paired with a black and blue striped cardigan and jeans.


Katy, 26, was also seen leaving their abode separately dressed all in black.

Their outing comes after the pop star jetted into New York from Glasgow yesterday, where she was performing in her California Dreams tour, especially to be reunited with Russell.

The two were spotted walking into a Manhattan hotel after Russell picked his wife up from the airport.




source:dailymail