Posts Tagged ‘Kara DioGuardi’

A lot were surprised, I included, to the latest American Idol news that has been going around for a couple of days already. Yes, Ellen DeGeneres is joining American Idol as the hit reality show’s fourth judge replacing Paula Abdul! Joe Jonas and Victoria Beckham filed the empty judge spot while producers were looking for Abdul’s replacement.

DeGeneres was announced as the show’s newest judge on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 after signing a 5-year contract with the producers. She will be joining the rest of the judging panel Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi.

Although singer/songwriter DioGuardi – who joined the panel last year – can’t wait to work with the beloved comic, she insists it can be tough at first. “I’m a huge Ellen DeGeneres fan; I think she’s going to bring so much to the show. She’s somebody who loves music, she’s positive, she loves kids… she is somebody who has watched the show from the beginning, knows everything there is to know about American Idol and I think ultimately it’s going to be a great new energy.

“It (joining the show) was pretty hellish. I got slagged… it was difficult for them to accept the change. It was difficult for them to understand why somebody who nobody had ever heard of could kind of come out of nowhere and sit next to these iconic figures,” Kara DioGuardi said.

Meanwhile, the former American Idol judge Paula Abdul has also given her blessing to the new member of Idol’s judging panel. Abdul posted on her Twitter account: “I think Ellen will b a gr8 (sic) judge on Idol. She is wildly funny, talented and I wish her the best of luck!”

The ninth season of American Idol will premiere in January 2010.

Victoria Beckham is “beyond excited” to be joining reality TV show American Idol as a guest judge because she’s long been a fan of the series.

The former Spice Girl will appear alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for a one-off episode when the hit show returns to TV screens next year (2010).

Beckham is overjoyed to have been offered the role, because she and her kids with husband David Beckham are regulars at the show’s Los Angeles tapings.

In an interview with radio DJ Ryan Seacrest, who is also host of American Idol, she says, “When I got the phone call, I just couldn’t believe it. I feel like I’ve got the best job that there is.

“I come to the shows with the kids and David loves the show so, it’s just great. I’m going to try hard to pout and try not to shatter that illusion that I’m a moody cow, but I’m just so happy.”

Beckham is looking forward to having words with Cowell too, who has earned himself a reputation as Mr. Nasty, thanks to his sharp tongue: “I like that fact that’s he’s honest. I think he’s very funny. He has a very tongue-in-cheek British sense of humour, which I have too. I’m looking forward to a bit of banter. I hope he does give me a little bit of a hard time. I love that. I feed off of that.”

The singer-turned-fashion designer will appear in place of Paula Abdul after she quit the show.

And Beckham has nothing but kind words for the star: “I hope she does something that’s bigger and better. I’m a big fan of Paula’s, I always have been, of her music. She’s going to be great at whatever she does.”

Katy Perry has also been announced as a guest judge.

UPDATE – After the nationwide vote, Kris Allen from Conway, Arkansas has been declared as the new American Idol during the American Idol results show, Wednesday night (Thursday morning, Philippine time) at the Nokia Theatre, LA.

Allen bested Adam Lambert, a theater actor from San Diego, CA.

Ryan Seacrest also announced that nearly 100 million votes were cast to determine this year’s winner.

“No Boundaries,” a song co-written by American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi is this year’s winner’s song.

Biggest personalities in the industry also performed during the 2-hour results show including Lionel Richie, Keith Urban, Rod Stewart, Fergie, Black Eyed Peas, KISS, Cyndi Lauper, Carlos Santana, Queen, Queen Latifah, Steve Martin and Jason Mraz.

“It feels good, but Adam deserves this,” Allen, 23 said. “I don’t even know what to feel right now. This is crazy.”

“I think that hopefully me and my wife will get some more time together, not being in Arkansas as much as I was,” he told Hollyscoop.com.

“I’m just happy that I have a music career,” said Kris. “Since I was 13 years old, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” he added.

When asked if he was ready for stardom, he said, “I feel like I’m ready. American Idol boot camp got me ready,” he joked.

More info about the American Idol Finale – Results at our live blog post. With reports from Jeric Peña of Brink Notes Entertainment Daily and Ani Esmailian of Hollyscoop.com.

Hi there! Please refresh this page for the latest update on the American Idol Season 8 Finale – Performance Night. American Idol season finale updates can also be seen at Twitter, Plurk, RSS Feeds, and  iTunes (podcasts). Please be reminded the all times indicated are in GMT+08:00 (Philippine Standard Time). Post is photo heavy.

07:45 AM – Show starts in a few minutes. Stay tuned!

08:00 AM – The show is ON! A VTR is being played – Kris vs Adam. Kris and Adam are both wearing white. More than 100 million votes came in! Ryan is now introducing the judges.

08:06 AM – Adam and Kris now onstage. Live video from the finalists’ hometown. The Top 13 performs “So What.” Great to Allison, again! It’s pre-recorded!

08:15 AM - American Idol 2008 Winner David Cook performs “Permament.”

08:18 AM – Ryan interviews David Cook about his new song and brother, Adam. The performance would be up on iTunes in a while and proceeds will go to ABC Squared.

08:19 AM – It’s the Golden Idol Awards! First Award goes to the guys – Outstanding Male. The first award goes to… Nick Mitchell and he actually performed!

08:25 AM – Top 13 Finalist Lil Rounds performs ”Cue the Rain” with Queen Latifah.

08: 33 AM – Anoop Desai is onstage performing “I’m Yours” together with Alexis Grace, Jason Mraz and the rest of the Top 13! They’re showing a video montage of Kris’ Idol journey

08:37 AM – Kris Allen now performing “Kiss A Girl” with Keith Urban.

08:44 AM – Megan, Jasmine, Alexis, Lil and Alexis performing “Glamorous.” Fergie joins the female Idol finalist onstage with “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” Black Eyed Peas now onstage with “Boom Boom Pow.”

08:50 AM – Back to the Golden Idol Awards… Best Attitude Award. The Golden Idol goes to Katrina Darrell. Bikini Girl is performing a duet with judge Kara DioGuardi (who’s in bikini, too)!

09:00 AM - We’re on the second hour of the show! Allison Iraheta is performing “Time after Time” with Cyndi Lauper. I love Allison! Ryan is interviewing Kris Allen’s parents. On the other side of theater is the Lamberts!

09:05 AM – Danny Gokey onstage performing “Hello.” Lionel Richie onstage too! They’re performing “Just Go” and “All Night Long.”

09:14 AM – Ryan reminds about the American Idol Summer Tour. A video montage of Adam’s Idol journey is being shown. And, Adam is performing with KISS.

09:25 AM – Carlos Santana onstage now with the rest of the Top 13 (with Kris and Adam, of course).

09:29 AM – Final Ford Music video for the season – “I Will Remember You”

09:30 AM – David Cook (in behalf of Ford) gave Kris Allen and Adam Lambert new cars.

09:31 AM – Megan Joy and Michael Sarver with Steve Martin performing “Pretty Flowers.”

09:39 AM - Michael, Danny, Kris, Anoop, Scott, Adam, Matt, and George performing “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.” Rod Stewart onstage, too.

09:44 AM – Last Golden Idol… Outstanding Female. The Golden Idol goes to Tatiana del Toro.

09:52 AM – Adam Lambert and Kris Allen performing “We Are the Champions” together with Queen.

10:00 AM – And now the results! Kris Allen is the American Idol!

Last night, we have seen the American Idol Top 3 finalists sing two songs?first is the judge’s choice and second is their personal choice.

Danny Gokey performed first and sang “Dance Little Sister,” the song Paula has chosen for him. Randy said that Danny’s performance was “dope” and had a lot of energy. Kara thought the singing was too gyrating but liked Paula’s song choice. Paul believes that Danny did really good while Simon said that the dancing was a bit desperate but also said that it was very good vocally.

Randy and Kara chose “Apologize” for Kris Allen to sing. He didn’t change the arrangement of the song and I find the performance a bit plain, it was just like his previous performance – nothing special. Randy said that Kris has showed what kind of artist he could be in the business. Paula is very proud of Kris Allen but pointed out that there was a really loud bum note. Kara wishes that Kris Allen made the song his own. But Simon said that Kris shouldn’t be blamed for not reinventing a song he (being Kris) didn’t choose.

And to wrap-up the first round, Adam Lambert sang “One,” the song Simon has chosen. Randy said that Adam has been hot since day one. Kara then said that Adam’s performance was unbelievable. On the other hand, Paula called Adam “the American Idol.” Simon said it was a brilliant performance.

After the performances, Carrie Underwood who was in Africa gave update on Idol Gives Back.

Danny Gokey sang “You Are So Beautiful,” which Randy loved and said that Danny can really, really, really sing. Kara described the performance to be stunning and amazing. Paula said Danny made the song beautiful by changing its structure and that she was left breathless. Simon commented that it was “vocal master class.”

Kris Allen sang “Heartless” by Kanye West while playing the guitar. The judges all agreed that it was a great performance. Randy even said that he liked Kris Allen’s version than the original. Kara described the performance to be bold, brave and fearless. Paula commended Kris for doing something “current.” Simon said that the first song was a lame choice.

Singing “Crying” is Adam Lambert. Randy liked this performance more than the first performance. Kara was shocked at Adam’s ability to hit high notes. Paula said, “if Steven Tyler was the mentor, he wouldn’t have anything to say.” Simon said that Adam would sail through the next round.

Tonight, we will all found out how makes it to the finale.

It’s ROCK week on American Idol and Slash was the Top Four finalists’ mentor.

Adam Lambert was the first to perform with the song “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin. Randy described Adam’s performance as hot while Kara called Adam a rock god. Paula said the performance was “whole lotta perfect.” On the other hand, Simon jokingly said that the performance was a little “understated” and said that it’s his favorite performance from Adam. He also added that nobody could top his performance.

Allison Iraheta sang next with the song “Cry Baby” popularized by Janis Joplin. Randy didn’t like the song choice but said that Allison can sing. Kara agreed with Randy and said that Allison “becomes larger in life on stage.” Paula described Allison as fearless while Simon said that Allison showed complete confidence, but her version was almost same as the original.

After Adam and Allison performed, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey performed a duet of Styx’s “Renegade.”

Kris Allen performed The Beatles’ “Come Together.” Randy loved the guitar playing and appreciated Kris’ song choice. Kara described the performance to be “trying too hard” and said that it wasn’t Kris’ best performance. Paula said that Kris need more energy. Simon said that Kris Allen’s performance is boring and was like eating an ice for lunch.

Danny Gokey was the last to perform with the song “Dream On” popularized by Aerosmith. Randy gave Danny an A+ for effort but said the performance was not perfect. Kara commended Danny for taking chances. Paula thought it wasn’t the right song for Danny. Simon agreed with the rest of the judges but commented that the last note was like a scene from a horror movie.

Before the show ended, Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert performed a duet of “Slow Ride.”

Who will be sent home tomorrow? Tell us what you think!

Few weeks after the judges saved him from elimination, American Idol finalist Matt Giraud finally said goodbye Wednesday night (Thursday, Philippine time).

Matt who sang “My Funny Valentine” during the performance night got mixed reviews from the judges. Randy Jackson described the performance to be “pitchy.” Kara DioGuardi felt that Matt isn’t emotionally committed to the song. But, Paula Abdul loved the performance. Meanwhile, Simon Cowell said that the performance was absolutely brilliant.

Forty-seven million votes were cast but Giraud got the lowest. What shocked the audience is that Adam Lambert was in the bottom two with Matt, which I think is a wake up call for his fans not to be complacent but to vote every week even how great his performance is.

Natalie Cole performed on the results show with American Idol past winner Taylor Hicks. This week’s mentor, Jamie Foxx also performed his new song “Blame It”

Tell us what you think by commenting below, e-mailing us at
info@brinknotes.net or calling our US feedback number +1 206 350 2546.

American Idol finalists explored the standards from the Rat Pack era with Jamie Foxx as their mentor.

Kris Allen was the first to sing during the performance who sang “The Way You Look Tonight.” Randy thought it was Kris Allen’s best performance to date. Kara said that Kris set the standards high that night. Paula said that Kris turned from the boy-next-door image to handsome. Simon described the performance to be a little bit “wet.”

Singing “Someone to Watch Over Me” is Allison Iraheta, which the judges all agreed to be a great performance. Randy said that Allison sounded like Pink “with more octaves.” Kara said the performance would be enough to get her to the finals. Paula thought that Allison delivered an innocent performance.

“My Funny Valentine” is Matt Giraud’s song choice for this week. Randy described the performance to be pitchy. Kara felt that Matt isn’t emotionally committed to the song. But, Paula loved the performance. Meanwhile, Simon said that the performance was absolutely brilliant.

Danny Gokey performed “Come Rain or Come Shine,” which impressed the Idol judges. Randy said that Danny could have an album out of the era and still win. Kara said that it was the most creative that Danny has ever been with a melody. Simon said that the performance was outstanding.

Adam Lambert was the last to perform with the song “Feeling Good.” Randy described the performance to be too “theatrical.” Kara said that her jaw drops every time Adam performs. Paula said that words cannot describe Adam. Simon feels that Adam is determined to win and entertain.

Who will be sent home this week? I think it’s Matt’s turn to go home. Tell us what you think by commenting below, e-mailing us at info@brinknotes.net or calling our US feedback number +1 206 350 2546.

Two of the seven American Idol finalists would be sent home on the results show because judges chose to save Matt Giraud from elimination last week; hence, the double elimination this week.

This week, Idol finalists were asked to sing “disco hits.”

Lil Rounds opened the “disco night” with the song “I’m Every Woman.” Randy thought the performance sounded wild and failed to show her “artist side.” Simon predicted that this would Lil’s last week on the show. He also said that there was no originality on her performance and was a mess.

Kris Allen’s version of “She Works Hard for the Money” impressed the judges because of its originality. Kara thought that the risk Kris took with the song’s arrangement really paid off. While Paula said that the arrangement has a Santana feel to it. Simon thought the performance was not karaoke, original and fantastic. Randy believes that Kris has proven that he is ready for the big time.

Danny Gokey performed “September,” which the judges thought to be a good performance. Randy thought that the song worked for Danny. Kara said that Danny’s pitch is right on. Paula said that Danny’s voice is one of the sexiest voices she has heard. Simon thought the performance was good but not special.

Allison Iraheta’s version of “Hot Stuff” impressed the judges but some didn’t like the song’s arrangement. Randy said that Allison is one the best singers in the competition. Kara said that Allison picked the right song but the arrangement failed. Paula said that Allison is authentic and hit the last note “off the chart.” Simon thought it was a brilliant performance.

“If I Can’t Have You” is Adam Lambert’s song choice for this week. Kara said Adam’s performance was brilliant. Randy thinks that Adam is ready and that he has it majorly going on. Paula liked that Adam didn’t make the disco song cliche?. Simon liked that Adam did something that no one is expecting.

Matt Giraud sang “Stayin’ Alive” but Randy and Simon didn’t like the performance. Randy didn’t like the arrangement but said that Matt can really sing. Kara commented that Matt brought back the disco feel and thought that Matt gave a “solid” performance. Paula said that Matt saved his life on the show. Simon thought the performance was a little bit desperate.

Anoop Desai was the last to perform with the song “Dim All the Lights.” Randy said that Anoop can really sing but said that he didn’t love the song’s arrangement. Kara said that Anoop’s last two performances were his best. Paula said that Anoop’s vocals are magical and that he looked fantastic. But, Simon said the performance was mediocre and that it was a horrible version of the song.

Who will go home this week? Tell us what you think by commenting below or e-mail us at info@brinknotes.net and you could also call our US feedback number + 1 (206) 350 2546.

American Idol Top 8 finalists sang songs from the year they were born on the Tuesday performance night.

Adam Lambert, born in 1982 sang “Mad World,”which impressed the judges. Simon Cowell even gave Adam a standing ovation.

Matt Giraud who was born in 1985 sang “Part-time Lover.” Randy Jackson said that his performance is one of the best that night, vocally. Kara called it “incredible” while Paula thought that performance deserved a standing ovation. Simon said that his performance this week was a million times better than last week.

“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is Allison Iraheta’s song choice for this week (born in 1992). Paula loved the “tenderness” that Allison put into the song. Simon thought the performance was good. Randy compared Allison with American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. Kara commended Allison for making the song sound like “young.”

Scott MacIntyre (born in 1985) sang “The Search is Over.” Kara appreciated Scott playing the guitar but said that he has some off moments. Paula admired Scott’s effort to step away from the piano; but said that some high notes sounded rough. Simon thought that Scott should go back to the piano next week. Randy said that the performance didn’t have a “star quality.”

Kris Allen (born in 1985) sang “All She Wants to Do is Dance.” Kara was happy that Kris Allen picked an upbeat song. Paula said that Kris Allen is one of the “most likable” contestants. But, Simon said that the performance was indulgent, boring and forgettable. Randy thought that the arrangement was a little self-indulgent.

“Stand By Me” is Danny Gokey’s (born in 1980) song choice for this week. Randy didn’t like the arrangement that much. Kara said that Danny made it a three level performance, and he made the song his own. Paula said that Danny set the bar really high that night.

Anoop Desai (born in 1986) performed “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper, which the judges praised. But, Simon said that Anoop is like a singing yo-yo.

Lil Rounds (born in 1984) failed to impress the judges with her performance of “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Simon said that Lil is a second- or third-rate version of Tina Turner.

On the Wednesday results night, another finalist would be sent home unless the judges decided to use their “save.”