TV Watch American Idol
The American Idol judges repeatedly said how difficult it was, how this was their hardest day, how much it "sucked" to make the tough decisions.
But just imagine how the 42 remaining contestants felt as they waited to hear whether they'd be performing in the live shows next week as part of season 11's top 24.
Well, there was good news and bad news. Keep reading to find out the results revealed on Wednesday's episode.
Permalink | Filed Under: American Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Steven Tyler
It's going to get ugly.
After cutting – and cutting again – in Las Vegas, American Idol is down to 42 contestants. And on Wednesday's episode, they're all hoping for one of the 24 spots in the upcoming live shows.
At this point in the competition, talented singers will be sent home heartbroken before they ever have a chance to take the Idol stage. So the question is ... for whom are you rooting?
We've seen some outstanding performances and heard some heartbreaking stories so far. Reed Grimm, Elise Testone, Haley Johnsen and Eben Franckewitz all sailed through the Vegas group round with a colorful version of "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes."
Jennifer Lopez told Lauren Gray, "You're one of the best female voices we've heard," when she auditioned in St. Louis with Adele's "One and Only."
Permalink | Filed Under: American Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Steven Tyler
Credit: Michael becker/FOX
What happened in Vegas? American Idol revealed its top 42 contestants.
It was a tough night as the 70 remaining singers were asked to perform tunes from the '50s or '60s in groups. "It isn't just about the vigorous vocal rehearsals," Ryan Seacrest said. Contestants had to put together a "complete performance package," including choreography and costumes before taking the stage in front of the judges.
Some sailed through as a group, like youngsters David Leathers, Jr., Jeremy Rosado, Ariel Sprague and Gabi Carrubba, who sang "Rocking Robin" in a "job well done," according to Randy Jackson.
Adam Brock, Erika Van Pelt, Angie Zeiderman and Shelby Tweten sang "Great Balls of Fire," which Jennifer Lopez said was "a lot of fun." "You're a skinny little girl," Steven Tyler told Angie. "You don't have many tail feathers but you sure shook them."
Permalink | Filed Under: American Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Steven Tyler
Credit: Michael Becker/FOX
Did Simon spike the Coca-Cola?
During Wednesday's Group Week rounds of American Idol, illness ran rampant among the contestants. And it resulted in an episode that was packed with tears, on-stage fainting and group in-fighting – the only thing that kept the first half of the two-hour episode remotely interesting. Spoilers ahead!
For the first half, contestants Amy Brumfield, Imani Handy and Jacquie Cero struggled with various illnesses. All summoned the strength to perform – though Handy passed out mid-song – but neither managed to sway judges Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez. "If you send me through, I will show you," Handy pleaded. "I promise you." She was sent packing.
Permalink | Filed Under: American Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Steven Tyler
Credit: Michael Becker/FOX
Ryan Seacrest calls the group round on American Idol "the most infamous night in Hollywood Week." That may be because it's the most challenging.
Last week, the 185 remaining contestants were asked to form teams of four or five, pick a song from a list of 20 and come up with a performance, choreography included, all in one night. On Wednesday, they'll take the stage before the judges in hopes of making it to the next round.
The group numbers are notoriously difficult for the contestants, who often perform them under extreme pressure on very little sleep with virtual strangers. Even the Idol website asks, "Who will still be standing after the carnage of Hollywood Week group round?"
Permalink | Filed Under: American Idol, Ryan Seacrest
The American Idol contestant who tumbled off the stage during her Hollywood Week audition made a full recovery on Thursday's show.
After singing "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding, Symone Black was talking to the judges when she blacked out and fell. It was a scary moment but she woke up and was able to walk on her own to seek medical attention with her sense of humor intact.
"Does this means I get a yes?" she said on her way out. The doctor's diagnosis: dehydration. The judges' determination: she's still in the game.
Permalink | Filed Under: American Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Steven Tyler
Was it nerves? Exhaustion? A simple slip?
Whatever the case, 16-year-old American Idol contestant Symone Black took a scary-looking fall off the front of the stage on Wednesday's night show, Fox offered no update on her condition, instead using the accident as a cliffhanger for Thursday's program. (See the fall at the end of the clip below.)
"Medic, please!" stagehands cried out, as Black lay crumpled on the floor, having tumbled off the stage, which looked to be a good 5 feet high, after apparently passing out.
Credit: Todd Williamson/WireImage
It's Hollywood Week on American Idol!
On Wednesday's episode, more than 300 singers arrived in Los Angeles, hoping to keep their dream alive. Each contestant performed an a cappella song of their choice in front of judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson, who offered very little feedback other than telling them whether or not they're still in the competition.
Many of the standouts from auditions are still in the game but others, including Jim Carrey's daughter Jane, were sent home.
Permalink | Filed Under: American Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler
Credit: Will Hart/NBC
With Monday's premiere of NBC's heavily promoted Smash, season-five American Idol alum Katharine McPhee finally got to show herself off as a triple threat: singer, dancer, actor.
While her vocalizing had already helped give her fans something called McPhever, and her acting chops were put on display in the 2008 movie comedy House Bunny, the performer still harbored some pre-Smash regrets for some roles that got away. Specifically, one in the biggest comedy of 2009.
"It was between me and the girl who got it for The Hangover [as] the bride," McPhee, 27, recently told PEOPLE. After meeting with director Todd Phillips, "I didn't get it, but I went all the way. I would have loved to play that part."
Credit: Warwick Saint/FOX; Michael Becker/FOX
Thursday's American Idol started out with footage of a young Carrie Underwood on a road trip from Checotah, Okla., to audition for the show in St. Louis.
"Now a new crop of talent will take that same trip, hoping to create the magic all over again," Ryan Seacrest said. "Can they do it?"
Lauren Gray of Arkansas certainly has a chance. "It would mean the world me to go to Hollywood," the self-described "daddy's girl" said. "It's been a dream of mine, always. But also my father's dream, as well."
"You're one of the best female voices we've heard," Jennifer Lopez said after the seasoned singer, 22, performed Adele's "One and Only."
Permalink | Filed Under: American Idol, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Steven Tyler
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