The End Of ‘Idol’: There Are No More Songs Left To Be Sung – Tonight, when Ryan Seacrest announces who has won the 11th season of American Idol — when the confetti falls and Jennifer Lopez sheds a perfect dewy teardrop and Randy Jackson’s thought bubble explodes with “Dude, that was a moment moment MOMENT” and Steven Tyler purses his immortal lips in that vampire-connoisseur way he does, smelling the perfume of another sweet young victory — I will be out to dinner with friends, far from the agony and ecstasy finalists Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips will endure. After six seasons of following Idol as a critic and unashamed enthusiast, I’ve finally found myself truly bored while watching the show. Not even the soul ministrations of my latest favorite, third-place finalist Joshua Ledet, could cure my disaffection. – Listen at NPR
‘American Idol’ Final 2 Performance Night: 10 Things You Didn’t See On TV – After four months of competition, only Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips remain. Who will be declared victor on Wednesday’s American Idol finale? That decision is in the hands of America, and Tuesday’s performance episode certainly didn’t make it an easy choice as both singers gave it their all. Viewers saw it all go down on television, but what didn’t they catch? Read on for THR’s glimpse inside Los Angeles’ Nokia Theater. – Read more at Hollywood Reporter
American Idol Backstage Scoop: Who Was Scared to Death?! – “We’re just excited to see what happens,” Phillip told us. “Whatever happens happens. We’re two completely different artists and we just wish each other the best throughout our careers.” Although he seemed his regular cool and collected self onstage, Phillip admitted he was suffering stage fright before the start of the show. “I was scared to death,” Phillip spilled. “But I went out there and finally loosened up throughout ‘Stand By Me’ and the rest of the show. It was so, so fun.” – Read more at EOnline
Nigel Lythgoe previews ‘Idol’ finale, big ‘SYTYCD’ changes – “It would be very nice to remain at the top for the next 20 years,” he said. “We’ve been at the top for 11 years. We’ve got to go somewhere, and the only place we can go is either stay there or go down. I still can’t believe that we’re still No. 1 after 11 years. The public does get bored with singing shows, and unless you produce the talent, like I believe we’ve done this year, we’ll go down again next year.” Lythgoe also didn’t mince words when it came to Joshua Ledet, who looked like a favorite for Tuesday night’s final performance show. Why did he get eliminated? “He didn’t get enough votes,” he said. “At the end of the day it doesn’t matter if I think he’s the best, if you think he’s the best – if not enough people do, then he doesn’t get the votes.” – Read more at CNN
‘American Idol’: The Story Behind Phillip Phillips’ Coronation Song (Exclusive) – “Home” was written by songwriter Drew Pearson, who’s worked with more than his share of Idol alums before, including Adam Lambert, Casey Abrams and Lee DeWyze. It was originally meant for British artist Greg Holden, but was submitted to Idol as a possible finale number by Pearson’s publishing company, Pulse Recordings. “Pulse has a relationship with Jimmy Iovine and were able to pitch the song directly to him,” Pearson tells The Hollywood Reporter exclusively. “Jimmy heard it and loved it and that was it.” – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter
‘American Idol’: Pop Power Couple Jordin Sparks and Jason Derulo Bet on Who Will Win – After American Idol’s finale performance show on Tuesday, Derulo revealed that he is a Jessica Sanchez fan and Sparks, who won season 6 of Idol, is rooting for Phillip Phillips.
“We have a bet,” he told reporters after the show. “If she wins, I have to cook her a nice meal.” Doesn’t sound so challenging, unless you’re Jason Derulo. “I can’t even cook a hot dog, let alone an actual meal,” he cracked. And if Sanchez — and by proxy Derulo — wins? “Jordin has to give me a 10-minute foot massage,” he said. “And she hates feet.” – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter
Jason Derulo says Jordin Sparks kept him from sinking into depression following neck fracture – Jason Derulo says girlfriend Jordin Sparks kept him from sinking into depression following a serious spine injury. And after four and a half months of being in a neck brace, Derulo said performing his new single “Undefeated” during the “American Idol” finale performance show Wednesday felt like a second chance. “I am two weeks removed [from the neck brace] and tonight’s performance was invigorating,” he told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column. “It was like a second chance at life, I had a great time up there.” Derulo shared how the last four months have held their challenges. – Read more at FOX News
Kris Allen Answers Your Tweets About New Album & Ring Tattoos – “It’s more personal,” said the singer. “It’s more about me; i got to spend a lot of time on this. I didn’t get to be in the studio on the last album, so this one, I was kind of anal about the lyrics, production and everything. When people listen to the record, it’s like, ‘Oh, this is Chris. This is what he wants to do.'” Allen also speaks on potential plans for a world tour, coming up with the intro for “Monster” and why he has a wedding ring tattoo. – Read more at FUSE
Donald Driver: Dancing Win Feels the ‘Same’ as Winning Super Bowl – When Donald Driver walked away with the coveted mirror-ball trophy on Tuesday night’s Dancing with the Stars finale, it wasn’t the first time he’d won a big competition. But he says it felt just as good. “I think it’s the same,” the football pro told PEOPLE backstage after the show, comparing his most recent feat to when his Green Bay Packers team won the Super Bowl in 2011. – Read more at People
DWTS Champ Donald Driver Plans To Keep Mirrorball Trophy Next To Super Bowl Trophy – “It’s going right next to the Vince Lombardi Trophy in my office,” the “DWTS” champ, who won the Super Bowl in 2011 with the Packers, told Access. “I already have a spot for it.” Though the NFL star was still wrapping his head around his big win, he was quick to thank his professional partner Peta Murgatroyd for leading him to victory. “It’s special… I won the Vince Lombardi Trophy, I followed my dreams, it took me 13 years to get it. To think that it took me, it only took me three months to get the mirrorball, so a shorter ride, but it’s the exact same experience. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he told Access. “I thank Peta, because without her, this wouldn’t have happened.” – Access Hollywood
‘Glee’ Star Darren Criss Wanted ‘A Little Drama’ In Season Four – “You basically have the kids who have graduated and their story lines, as well as the kids back in high school,” she said. “I think it’ll be really great because it gives us the opportunity for the characters who have been on the show for a while to move on and to start new story lines, but then the kids who are newer on the show will get to continue on.” “I think it’ll add more to the show,” Chris Colfer added, noting that with guest stars like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Hudson signed on to make cameos, fans should expect a lot of “awesomeness.” – Read more at MTV
