American Idol - Zap2it's Guide to American Idol

'American Idol' news is moving!

2009-08-05T18:33:21Z

Zap2It's "American Idol" blog is moving to join the Cool Kids Table at From Inside the Box.

Never fear, all your news, rumors and interviews for "American Idol" will still be posted, you'll just have to find them over at From Inside the Box. So change your bookmarks because this is no longer the home base of all our "American Idol" news.

You can still follow Zap2It Idol on twitter for the latest "American Idol" updates and be sure to follow Zap2It's general feed for all your movies, TV and celebrity news

Also check out Small Screen Scoop -- Andrea's other TV stomping ground

Paula Abdul not coming back to 'American Idol'

2009-08-05T03:37:37Z

Paula Abdul officially announced via Twitter tonight that she is no longer going to be a judge on "American Idol."

Her full statement -- 140 characters at a time -- is as follows:

With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to IDOL. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon. What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month. I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.

FOX, FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment had this to say:
"Paula Abdul has been an important part of the AMERICAN IDOL family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she's a tremendous talent and we wish her the best."

Paula's personal representative had no statement at this time.

I'm actually surprised. I thought for sure the hold out was just for a better contract. I guess it's now Simon, Randy and Kara.

Sniffle. Who will make word-salad and clap like a seal now? But seriously, it won't be the same without her.

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'American Idol' judge Kara DioGuardi officially returning

2009-08-03T15:35:32Z

FOX has made it official today with the announcement that Kara DioGuardi is returning as an "American Idol" judge.

From the official press release: "We are so happy to welcome back Kara for her second season with IDOL," said Simon Fuller, Creator/Executive Producer, AMERICAN IDOL. "She is a breath of fresh air, and her passion for music and her understanding of talent is invaluable. This show is all about discovering new talent, and Kara's championing of Adam Lambert is proof positive of her great instinct."

DioGuardi was recently honored with the 2009 Icon Award, which is granted by the National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) to outstanding songwriters for personal achievement. She is also a Grammy Award nominee, the 2007 BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year and a 2007 SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) Award winner.

I'm actually happy about this. I know most people fall into either the Paula Camp or the Kara Camp, but I happen to like both ladies as judges. They bring different things to the table. The four-judge system definitely has some kinks but I'm okay with all four judges returning. If they decide to go back to three judges, I think Randy Jackson can hit the road. He doesn't contribute as much as the other judges, in my opinion.

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Also check out Small Screen Scoop -- Andrea's other TV stomping ground

Related Links
Cheryl Cole offered Paula's "American Idol" job?
Paula Abdul unlikely to return to "American Idol"
Abdul can always join "So You Think You Can Dance"

'American Idol' contestant Ju'not Joyner says show is rigged

2009-07-30T16:32:20Z

Former "American Idol" semi-finalist Ju'not Joyner has some pretty strong words about the popular reality show.

Joyner told Yahoo that he "was labeled a "troublemaker" by Idol producers for questioning the contract (which he dubbed a 'slavetract') that all auditioners are required by Fox/19 to sign, and was allegedly told by Idol bigwig Ken Warwick, 'You're not going to ruin my show'--explained that he wanted to set the record straight today. He stated that he wanted to reveal 'truth of Idol' because 'Idol ain't all it is cracked up to be...It's certainly not the fairytale most think it is.'" The full article can be found here.

I don't think any of us think "American Idol" is any kind of fairytale, but I can't decide if this is a case of someone finally speaking out against The Man or if it's a severe case of sour grapes. You'll have to read the article and decide for youself.

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Daniel Bark charged with Alexis Cohen's death

2009-07-27T17:10:11Z

23 year-old Daniel Bark of Toms River, New Jersey has been arrested in the death of "American Idol" Glitter Girl Alexis Cohen.

Bark has been charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident, which could nab him up to 15 years in jail if convicted. He's currently in jail on a $35,000 bond. I'm surprised the charge isn't vehicular homicide, but the actual charges depend on several different state laws.

Cohen was most likely returning to her vehicle, which was parked just 350 yards away, when she was struck and killed early Saturday morning. I've also read that Alexis auditioned for "American Idol" a third time this year. I hope there is footage and perhaps they could air her greatest hits when the show is on next spring. I will say this: the first time she auditioned, I kind-of thought she should go through. The comparisons to Grace Slick and Janis Joplin are not entirely unwarranted.

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UPDATED: 'American Idol' Glitter Girl Alexis Cohen found dead

2009-07-25T21:30:38Z

According to the Asbury Park Press, Alexis Cohen, the crazy "Glitter Girl" who auditioned twice for "American Idol," has been found dead in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, the victim of an apparent homicide.

Cohen, from Allentown, PA, was found dead outside at about 4 a.m. Saturday (July 25) at Dupont Avenue and Bay Boulevard. Authorities have determined that Cohen was struck and killed by a motor vehicle, which fled the scene. Video of one of her auditions is below.

I'm starting to think Idol is cursed. First the poor family killed on the way to the Orlando auditions, then the poor dog that died in the car in Denver, now Alexis Cohen. Has anybody seen Randy Jackson lately?

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'American Idol' tour interview with Kris Allen

2009-07-23T18:24:18Z

Exclusive video interview with Kris Allen on the "American Idol" tour after the jump.

The Idols are firmly entrenched in their whirlwind 50-city tour. We caught up with Kris Allen to see how life on the road is going for the popular winner of "American Idol" season 8.

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Adam Lambert interview on 'American Idol' tour

2009-07-23T18:17:29Z

Exclusive video interview with Adam Lambert on the "American Idol" tour after the jump.

The Idols are firmly entrenched in their whirlwind 50-city tour. We caught up with Adam Lambert to see how life on the road is going for the popular runner-up.

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Check out Small Screen Scoop -- Andrea's other TV stomping ground

Allison Iraheta 'American Idol' tour interview

2009-07-23T18:08:22Z

Exclusive video interview with Allison Iraheta on the "American Idol" tour after the jump.

The Idols are firmly entrenched in their whirlwind 50-city tour. We caught up with 4th-place finisher Allison Iraheta to see how life on the road is going for her.

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Check out Small Screen Scoop -- Andrea's other TV stomping ground

Brit singer offered Paula's 'American Idol' job?

2009-07-23T17:38:18Z

Jam! Television (via Wenn.com) is reporting that British singer Cheryl Cole has turned down $6 million to take over for Paula Abdul on "American Idol."

Cole is no stranger to judging, as she took over for Sharon Osbourne on British show "The X Factor" last year. Reportedly, "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell has offered the 26 year-old Brit a spot beside him on the Idol judging panel, but she turned it down because her husband, soccer player Ashley Cole, would be in England.

This seems awfully weird in the wake of Simon reportedly throwing his support behind Paula Abdul.

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Check out Small Screen Scoop -- Andrea's other TV stomping ground

VIDEO: 'American Idol' tour Danny Gokey interview

2009-07-22T19:29:47Z

After the jump, exclusive video interview with "American Idol" third-place finisher Danny Gokey on the Idol tour.

The Idols are firmly entrenched in their 50-city whirlwind summer tour. We caught up with Danny Gokey to see how life on the road is treating him so far.

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VIDEO: 'American Idol' tour Lil Rounds interview

2009-07-22T19:17:08Z

After the jump, see the video of an exclusive interview with Lil Rounds on the "American Idol" tour.

The Idols are firmly entrenched in their 50-city whirlwind summer tour. See how life on the road is treating Lil Rounds.

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Check out Small Screen Scoop -- Andrea's other TV stomping ground

VIDEO: 'American Idol' tour Matt Giraud interview

2009-07-22T19:07:51Z

After the jump, see the video of an exclusive interview with Matt Giraud on the "American Idol" tour.

The Idols are firmly entrenched in their 50-city whirlwind summer tour. See how life on the road is treating Matt Giraud.

Paula Abdul can always join 'So You Think You Can Dance'

2009-07-22T15:40:31Z

If the popular "American Idol" judge can't finalize a contract, Nigel Lythgoe is sure they could find room on "So You Think You Can Dance."

Lythgoe is a former executive producer of Idol and told the New York Daily News yesterday, "We would certainly consider [Abdul as] a guest judge. Without question."

Now, before everyone gets their panties in a twist about screaming Mary Murphy teaming up with babbling Paula Abdul, I think Lythgoe is probably just showing support for a colleague.

However, it's not exactly out of the realm of possibility. Paula was quite the dancer back in the day and as we saw this past season, she's still got some moves. I loved the disco number she choreographed for the Idols. Do you know what would be awesome? If she choreographed a number for the "So You Think You Can Dance" ladies that was a throw-back pom routine, a la the Laker Girls. I would love that.

Follow Zap2It American Idol on Twitter and follow Zap2It's general feed for all your movies, TV and celebrity news

Check out Small Screen Scoop -- Andrea's other TV stomping ground

Related Links
Paula Abdul unlikely to return to "American Idol"
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'American Idol's' Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest support Abdul

2009-07-21T15:24:01Z

Yesterday "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell went on record saying that he wants Paula Abdul to remain on FOX's biggest show.

Cowell reassured fans that "She'll be fine. She'll be on the show. I don't get a lot of say. I've just made it clear that I want Paula on the show."

Personally, I think Simon probably has more say than he'd admit, so hopefully he'll keep the original judges panel intact.

Simon wasn't the only one weighing in. Host Ryan Seacrest twittered about Paula yesterday. I follow him (he's hilarious to follow on Twitter) and he said, "I connected with Paula Abdul today...love you. PA. Can't imagine doing Idol without you!" Seacrest also told Zap2It's Hollywood Press TV at the "Funny People" premiere, "I hope so. Believe me, I hope so. I don't want to do it without her." Video can be seen here.

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