American Idol finalists Jason Castro, David Archuleta, Brooke White and Syesha Mercado were all smiles at the launch of BritWeek 2008 in Los Angeles last week.
The event, which is the brainchild of American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, celebrates British contributions to the world of entertainment.
It wasn't as shocking as the elimination of Michael Johns, but we didn't imagine anyone except Brooke White would get ousted from American Idol this week.
Instead, Carly Smithson was shown the door.
We're flabbergasted. It's nice viewers felt bad for Brooke after she forgot the lyrics Tuesday night and all, but come on - it was her time to go. Smithson's performance of "Jesus Christ Superstar" was inspired in our view.
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It was the end of the line for Carly Smithson tonight. Do you think she deserved to go?
Have you had time to think about your favorite performance from last night's Andrew Lloyd Webber-themed American Idol?
While we felt terrible for Brooke White after she forgot the lyrics to "You Must Love Me," the lasting impression from the evening was Syesha Mercado showing personality - and sexiness - with her rendition of "Rock n Roll Too Many." Check it out:
We were also blown away by David Cook serenading the audience with the ballad "Music of the Night." This guy really can sing anything:
Take a look and a listen at the other American Idol finalists singing show tunes now. Which was your favorite?
We'll review tonight's American Idol broadcast in more detail later on - complete with photos, videos and more - but, for now, we have one simple question:
Who do you think did the best job? Leave a comment. Let us know.
The American Idol finalists, pictured here with Andrew Lloyd Webber, sang Broadway show tunes this week.
American Idol made big news today in The New York Times. Just not the sort of news those associated with the show probably want made public.
Here's an excerpt from a feature story on the reality competition:
From the placement of local sorority members along camera sight lines to the instructions to the audience members about when to stand and how to wave their hands, American Idol is as scripted as a ârealityâ show dare be.
At the end of every performance you will stand on your feet.
That is one of the commandments offered by Cory Almeida, the indefatigable warm-up man who exhorts and instructs the audience for 15 minutes before each performance and during the numerous commercial breaks.
For the audience members who stand in the âmosh pit,â the area immediately in front of the stage, special instructions are required.
âWhen you are applauding after a performance, we need your hands above your head,â Mr. Almeida said before a recent Tuesday performance. âOtherwise we canât see that youâre clapping.â
As he spoke other stage technicians offered more individualized guidance to mosh pit enthusiasts, including how to wave their arms from side to side over their heads during slow songs.
Read the full article now (subscription may be required) - and then answer this question: Do you care if these elements of the show are staged?
Tonight, the six remaining finalists on American Idol will tackle Broadway musical numbers!
That's right, it's Andrew Lloyd Webber night on the show. And while that name alone may mean little to many young fans, what about these names?
Those are just a few of the musicals Webber has penned the music for - and that you'll hear tonight from David Cook, Syesha Mercado and company on American Idol!
Come back tomorrow for a full review of the show and leave comments at any time with your thoughts.
Us Weekly hosted its annual Hot Hollywood Bash last week. A pair of former American Idol finalists were in attendance. Check a photo of Michael Johns and Chikezie enjoying the festivities now:
Regarding his style, Johns said: "My wife's given me a lot of tips over the last few years, and I just keep it casual chic. Sometimes I rock it up, but I don't generally go for name brands."
How do you think he looks?
We're still in awe of the performance of David Cook from last night.
But perhaps you're wondering how or why he chose to sing "Always Be My Baby." Well, USA Today has published an article that details the song selection process on American Idol. A few excerpts from it:
Each week, Idol's executive producers give contestants a list of songs licensed and approved for the show. The singers get more choices some weeks than others. Past finalists say the lists vary from fewer than two dozen options to a hundred-plus.
"Sometimes it would be four pages, sometimes it could be one page," says Josh Gracin, a Season 2 finalist.
David Archuleta - and his leather pants - went with "When You Believe" during Mariah Carey night.
The lists can contain minefields. The catalogs of technically accomplished vocalistsâ like Mariah Carey, Tuesday night's mentor â present problems. So do songs known to bring criticism from the judges (anything associated with a previous Idol) or ones that have a history of sending people home ("Wanna Dance With Somebody").
"The producers aren't out to get anybody," says Season 6 finalist Phil Stacey, "but they're not going to stop you from making a fool out of yourself."
Read the full article now.
We'll post a more detailed review tomorrow, but tonight we simply wanna know:
Which was your favorite American Idol performance on Mariah Carey night? Leave a comment. Let us know.
Mariah Carey is the guest mentor on American Idol tonight. Syesha Mercado must be psyched. She can match pipes with one of the best vocalists alive.
How will the other finalists react to this diva? What songs will they sing? We're just a few hours away from finding out.
For now, check out the following thumbnail images of all seven remaining contestants. Click on each for a larger version...
