Lee DeWyze, 2nd song on Top 3, “Hallelujah”, American Idol 2010

Lee Dewyze Hallelujah Video:

American Idol judge Ellen DeGeneres had her socks knocked off by a young woman finalist with a curious name.

Crystal Bowersox, 24, of Toledo, Ohio delighted judges across the panel of this week’s edition of the reality talent show with her rendition of the Janis Joplin classic Me and Bobby McGee.

“These people love you. Take it all in and respond,” declared DeGeneres.

DeGeneres said she thought of Bowersox when she heard the Kris Kristofferson-penned song on the radio. She qualified her praise with a request for “a little more connection”.

Bowersox, a single mother and musician who accompanies herself on guitar, and rolls out a “homey carpet” on-stage, responded by noting she had big plans for next week, USA Today reports.

Kara DioGuardi asked Bowersox if she had considered putting down her guitar – to which the singer reiterated: “I just told Ellen that I have big plans for next week.”

Simon Cowell said he would not change a thing about the act. “Up until now, we’ve been listening to a karaoke competition. You just took a song, nailed it, and your only gimmick is a carpet.”

Source: Splash News

TV’s Mr Nasty Simon Cowell is showing off his softer side – after buying his fiancée an expensive car.

Cowell is reportedly set to spend a whopping £65,000 on a Jaguar XK convertible for make-up artist Mezghan Hussainy.

American Idol judge Cowell, who is set to marry Mezghan later this year, has been spotted in Los Angeles, looking around car showrooms.

It is believed he has been looking at classic cars ready for her 37th birthday.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “Money is clearly no object, but he’s considering buying her something that little bit special. He’s obviously a big fan of cars but she is, too.”

Cowell – who is also known for being vain – recently bought her a joke his-and-hers diamond encrusted mirror for £7,000.

The source added: “Simon also has a wicked sense of humour and decided to present her with a mirror so they could both check their reflections. It’s a running joke between them.”

But the source revealed that Cowell, who is taking his popular X-Factor to the US, also constantly buys Mezghan smaller romantic gifts.

The source said: “Red roses, French lingerie, Prada bags, you name it. He gives her something new practically every day. One particularly sweet surprise was private his-and-hers Swedish massages in their London hotel room.”

Source: Splash News

And there is little chance for the American Idol contestant to sit on one of the top ten seats. For her performance Paige Miles went with Phil Collins’ “Against all odds”… a rather ironic choice, especially if she doesn’t get voted off given the level of her performance. Simon Cowell probably had a lot of fun with her last night. He didn’t even try to be subtle: “I think you’re going to be in serious, serious trouble tonight, sweetheart.” Kara DioGuardi comes in with a real confidence booster too: “It was the worst vocal I have ever heard from you, and possibly the worst of the season,” Well, unless the public thinks differently than the judges, it seems that Paige Miles will be taking the long road home… against all odds.

Simon Cowell’s girlfriend has reportedly confirmed that the two are getting married soon.

The music mogul gave make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy a dazzling ring on Valentine’s Day and was quoted as saying she is “the one”.

Now, after days of rumours, she has reportedly said that the two are officially engaged.

The couple met on American Idol several years ago, and what began as friendship grew into love after Cowell’s previous relationship ended.

Although no quotes were published, RadarOnline.com claim Hussainy told its executive vice-president David Perel that they are getting married. The website did not reveal the wedding date but hinted that it is very soon.

A part of the story read: “And the wedding date? Well, we promised we wouldn’t give everything away, but let’s just say don’t put off shopping for their wedding gift too long.”

Mezhgan, 36, is an Afghanistan native and has been dating Simon for nearly a year, according to previous statements by Cowell’s publicist Max Clifford.

“They are very suited,” Clifford said earlier. “She is someone who is independent and says what she thinks and feels, and he likes that. He’s probably the happiest I have ever known him in the nine years I’ve been working with him.”

American Idol hopeful General Larry Platt just took in-flight entertainment to the next level as the wannabe singer recently busted out and impromptu performance of ‘Pants on the Ground’ during a flight from LA to Atlanta the morning after the Grammys. Apparently, passengers recognized the General and then begged him to do it. Larry performed the song in the aisle in coach. He was even the last person to get off the plane because the pilots and flight attendants wanted to meet him. He’s such a cool guy really. He most definitely beats William Hung’s popularity by miles! Heck, he might even get better recognition than the other Idol rejects.

I don’t care how many times Kara DioGuardi says otherwise, I still say she was brought on to replace Paula Abdul as a judge on American Idol. The new judge recently talked to Ryan Seacrest on his radio show saying “The way I’m understanding it is that it was her choice to leave. I never was here to replace her. It would be impossible to replace Paula Abdul. She’s an incredible talent. She is somebody who helped make the show as big as it is. How could you ever replace that?…If anything, she was really somebody who helped me because it was awkward at times being the fourth person.”

Katharine McPhee is a natural brunette who recently turned chemically blonde. The American Idol alum has a new look to accompany her new album called ‘Unbroken’. The singer said “I’ve never dyed my hair before so this was a pretty drastic change. I’ve always been known as a brunette but I’ve been thinking about it for a long time and it kind of just fit with all of the searching with the music and experimenting that I would do the same thing with my look. The look has affected the way I dress, it’s inspired me to be more adventurous with what I decide to wear. It’s silly that something so simple as changing your hair could have such a big effect.”

While most are calling Kris Allen’s win over Adam Lambert an American Idol upset and some are thinking that Kris was the right choice when it comes to the marketability, some are also saying that Adam was done a big favor by not being named the winner. Adam won’t be stuck singing the song ‘No Boundaries’ for the next six months to a year. Considering that it was co-written by Kara DioGuardi,. It’s pretty much a given that Adam is going to get a record deal. The challenge now is for him to make a great album that not only has his stamp but is also marketable.

The American Idol contestant managed to redeem himself over the relative failure of the duet he did with Kris Allen by performing Aerosmith’s “Dream On”. Apparently the key to the whole song was the final scream which Danny Gokey managed to nail very… luckily. In the rehearsals he does it cool and by the books, but during the performance, it apparently spirals out of proportion… which is good as far as the judges are concerned. Regardless of Simon Cowell’s comment on it and namely that it was like watching a horror movie, it seems Danny Gokey is safe for the time being. Now ain’t that just peachy: a horror scream finally saving somebody for a change.

Another American Idol alum has gotten himself a record deal as last year’s third runner up, Jason Castro, has signed on with Atlantic Records to release his debut album later this year. Jason was able to reach the top spot on iTunes last year with his rendition of ‘Over the Rainbow’ after performing it on stage. His upcoming album will even feature tracks written by current Idol judge Kara DioGuardi and Grammy award-winning songwriter John Fields as well as a slew of other song writing giants in the industry. It sounds to me that they really want to push him. I hope he doesn’t bomb.

American Idol champion Jordin Sparks belted out the national anthem at the first game of the LA Dodgers’ new spring training stadium in Phoenix, Arizona last Sunday afternoon. The 19-year old singer donned a Dodgers baseball cap at Camelback Ranch as they hosted the Chicago White Sox in a 3-2 loss. The Dodgers are looking to improve on their successful season from last year, after capturing the NL West Crown and playing in the NL League Championship Series. I wonder when Jordin’s going to improve on her career standing with a new record. I also wonder if she’s going to make an appearance on American Idol.

Singer Kelly Clarkson has promised herself that she will never attempt to make a big screen appearance that because her foray into acting was ‘awful’ and she does not want to repeat the act anytime again.

Kelly starred in the musical comedy From Justin to Kelly which she got to do as part of her winning the American Idol contest. Everyone who was the movie had something negative about the film be it her fans or critics and that has promoted her to give up the idea for good.

Speaking to Attitude magazine she says, “Oh it was a movie I had to do, and it was so horrible. Whoever won (American Idol) had to do it. I tried to get out of it legally, because I have no desire to be an actress. My favorite actresses are like Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett and I always hate when I go to movies and I think you just shouldn’t be an actress. It was horrible. I am a horrible actress”.

That’s really great attitude because most other actors would not care of what the audiences or critics would think all that matters to them is landing the role and getting hands on the money. She knows she does not fit in and accepts that with ease. I’m your new fans Kelly but please do not getting into acting just because I’ve praised you a little bit. Best stick to your music sweetie!

Tune in tomorrow morning, February 12th, to Live With Regis and Kelly to see ten lucky girls vying for a date with Taylor Hicks! The American Idol alum is participating in the show’s “Dating With The Stars” contest which will score one winner a date with the soulful singer. The audience will then vote on which three ladies can compete to win a date with Taylor on Thursday, February 19th.

Taylor Hicks is currently touring with Grease, performing select solo dates and gearing up to release his album, The Distance, on March 10th. For more information please visits TaylorHicks.com.

American Idol season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino is making the smart decision to go back to school. Apparently, she wants to set a good example for her 7-year old daughter and 15-year old brother as she now plans to earn her degree after dropping out of high school in the 9th grade over a decade ago. The singer explained further saying “I’ve been talking about it for so long, I have a lot of young people who look up to me… It’s something that I really need to do and that I want to do.” I’m not sure if she’s the ideal role model but it’s a step in the right direction.

Taylor Hicks’ new single, “What’s Right Is Right,” is available at all digital retailers today!  The track will appear on Hicks’ forthcoming album, The Distance, which is set for release on March 10th.

The American Idol Season 5 winner is keeping plenty busy on the road playing the role of Teen Angel on a national US tour of Grease.  In addition to the Grease performances, he will be headlining shows in select markets.  Check out confirmed dates below, and head over to iTunes to download ’What’s Right Is Right” today.

Please visit taylorhicks.com for more info.

Upcoming Taylor Hicks Tour Dates

Headlining Show in tour market

Jan. 20-Feb. 1                Proctor & Gamble Hall                Cincinnati, OH
**Jan. 24        20th Century                           Cincinnati OH
Feb. 3-8                        Hippodrome Theatre                  Baltimore, MD
**Feb. 7          Rams Head Live                      Baltimore, MD
Feb. 24-March 1             Music Hall                                  Tucson, AZ
March 3-8                      Civic Theatre                             San Diego, CA
**Mar. 5          Belly Up                                  San Diego, CA
March 10-22                  Pantages Theatre                       Los Angeles, CA
**Mar. 18        Roxy Theatre                          Los Angeles, CA
March 24-April 19           Golden Gate Theatre                  San Francisco, CA
April 21-26                    Keller Auditorium                       Portland, OR
April 28-May 10             Orange County PAC                    Costa Mesa, CA
May 12-30                     5th Avenue Theatre                    Seattle, WA
June 2-7                        Fox Cities PAC                            Appleton, WI
June 9-28                      Fisher Theatre                           Detroit, MI
July 7-19                       Kimmel Academy Music              Philadelphia, PA
July 21-26                     National Arts Centre                   Ottawa, CANADA
July 29-Aug. 2                Broward Center                         Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Aug. 11-16                    The Fox                                     Atlanta, GA
Aug. 18-23                    Tampa PAC                               Tampa, FL
Aug. 25-30                    Orpheum Theatre                       Memphis, TN
Sept. 1-6                       Bass Hall                                   Ft. Worth, TX
Sept. 8-20                     Hobby Center                            Houston, TX
Sept. 22-27                    BJCC                                         Birmingham, AL
Sept. 29-Oct. 1               Durham PAC                              Durham, NC
Oct. 12-18                     The Long Center                        Austin, TX
Oct. 20-25                     Bob Carr PAC                             Orlando, FL
Oct. 27-Nov. 1               Times Union                              Jacksonville, FL
Nov. 3-8                        Barbara Mann PAC                     Ft. Myers, FL
Nov. 10-15                    Kravis Center                             West Palm Beach, FL
Nov. 17-22                    Landmark                                  Richmond, VA
Dec. 1-6                        Ovens                                       Charlotte, NC
Dec. 8-13                      King Center                               Melbourn, FL
Dec. 15-20                    Chevrolet Theatre                      Wallingford, CT
Dec. 22-23, 26-27          Civic Center                               Des Moines, IA

Gary Barlow says that Simon Cowell feels a bit sorry about not singing in Take That many years ago. Gary denied that Simon Cowell ever insisted that Gary leave the band for him to join. He said: “No, Simon didn’t say that. I can see it’s a great story and he gets quoted saying it but I’ve asked him and it’s not true. He pointed us towards RCA. And you know what? I think he’s gutted he did that.” That might be so, but hey, Simon Cowell has a lot more fun nowadays shattering people’s hopes and dreams. Who knows, maybe not singing in Take That made him chose the path he still walks on today, like a sociopath who never got any hugs from his parents when he was a kid, and now runs around skinning people alive for a living.

If American Idol wannabe Emily Wynne-Hughes, the one who was willing to sell out her band for a chance at the show, manages to stick around for a while, you might get to see the first contestant perform with an alcohol monitoring bracelet. It turns out that the singer is smack in the middle of a DUI fiasco and has been ordered to wear a SCRAM bracelet. She’s also been placed on 3 years probation. The whole thing is over an arrest last summer where cops arrested her for allegedly driving drunk in West Hollywood. She copped a plea to a lesser charge of reckless driving.

David Cook, winner of American Idol Season 7 and the newest rock crooner in the block, is finally a free man after he separated with girlfriend Kimberly Caldwell. Caldwell is Cook’s fellow alumni at the American Idol talent search show and they in fact started dating after Cook won in 2008. Sources said the split up happened just before the holidays but the two have remained friends.

The separation came as a surprise to their friends considering that Cook was allegedly scouting for a ring to give his girlfriend. Among the selections included a 2-carat ring made of diamond and platinum which reportedly costs $54,000 at Tiffany’s. Rumor-mongers however claim the split-up was a result of Caldwell’s flirting and making out with handsome bar manager Ryan Der last December. Apparently, the cheating issue was enough for Cook to slam the door on Caldwell. This raunchy news might as well be a good opener for Season 8 of American Idol which will air Tuesday night on FOX.

Fox’s Jill Hudson is refusing to comment on reports from an American Idol fan site that American Idol is canceling its annual charity event, Idol Gives Back. For the past two years, the Idol Gives Back special has collected donations to benefit needy kids in the US and in Africa. The specials have included such big acts as Bono and Miley Cyrus. The rumor is that the event has been canceled for this year. Why? Apart from the finale, it’s probably their most watched show. More viewers means more ratings means more money. They’re going to be losing on that one if they do decide to nix the special.