Idol Recap: Top 12 Results Show Shocks Us All

Photos: Fox

Oh what a night…

This season of American Idol is the most bizarre one, yet! I don’t understand what is going on this year with the lack of talented finalists. They simply do not compare to contestants from seasons past.

Tonight, the Top 12 were announced, which means 4 contestants were sent home. The results were nothing short of shocking. Lilly Scott, Katelyn Epperly, Alex Lambert, and Todrick Hall were eliminated.

How in the world did Paige Miles make it through? What a joke. I’ll stand by that remark until the night she actually delivers a solid, noteworthy performance. Until then, I’m in shock.

Poor Alex Lambert. Sure he lacked confidence, but he stood out for his unique vocal style. Sure, I hated his mullet, but if I closed my eyes, I enjoyed listening to his past 2 performances.

I don’t really care that Todrick’s gone. He annoyed me.

I thought Katelyn would last a little longer. You already know I’ve got a soft spot for anyone who plays the piano, but I thought she was talented.

Lilly was the ugly duckling of the competition. I think she was just too far out there for the Idol audience this year.

I’ll probably be in shock for a few more hours over tonight’s results.

Who do you think deserved to go home?

Taio Cruz Makes Billboard History: Hits #1 On Hot 100

British import Taio Cruz made Billboard history this week when his single ‘Break Your Heart’ jumped from #53 to #1 on the Hot 100. The previous record for the largest jump to #1 was held by the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson’s single ‘A Moment Like This’.

Check out the video for his chart-topping single ‘Break Your Heart’ -

Chris Brown Begs Fans To Help Get His Music On The Radio

Chris Brown is begging his fans to help with his comeback. He doesn’t know what else he can do besides reach out to his fans and get them to request his music on the radio.

Brown is still trying to rebuild his image after he brutally attacked Rihanna. He claims to be a better man, or does he just want more money in his pocket?

He feels like he has done all he can do following the famous incident, so he decided to record some audio (listen below) to make him sound even more desperate.

In a message uploaded to SayNow.com, Brown says, “I ain’t (sic) never really did this but right now I need all of my fans’ help. It’s crazy because a lot of radio stations aren’t playing my records. They’re not being that supportive and I wouldn’t expect them to. It’s on the fans and what you guys do in your power to bring me back because that’s all I need. Nothing else will do that except for the fans. There’s nothing else that I can do. I’m doing everything that I need to do. I’m doing me as a person and I’m a better guy.”

“My singing and my music I do it for you guys and everything else but it won’t be possible if I’m not relevant on the radio and it wouldn’t be possible for me to be an artist if I don’t have any support. I can’t be an underground mix-tape artist. That’s where we are. I just want all my fans to help me. I love y’all. Peace.”

Artist To Watch: Palomino Blitz

Photo: Alexandra Dean Grossi

You’ve got to check out the band, Palomino Blitz!

Their music is creative and fun and the lyrics tell unusual tales that stick in your mind long after the song ends. They’re from Rome, Italy of all places, but lead singer, Mia Julia is half-American, that’s why you won’t detect a hint of an accent. In fact, her voice sounds much like Gwen Stefani in some songs and like Shirley Manson in others.

They’ve just produced their first album, “Nothing Wrong” coming soon to iTunes. In the meantime ,you can hear the whole album on their myspace: www.myspace.com/palominoblitz. Highlights are “I Can’t Recall” “Your Playground” “Nothing Wrong” and “Come and Go.”

This is definitely a band to watch!

Danny Gokey Makes Impressive Country Debut

Season 8 American Idol contestant Danny Gokey just released his debut album, My Best Days, and debuted at #3 country album-sales chart. Gokey sold over 65,000 copies of his CD landing his album at #4 on the Billboard 200.

Taking first or second on Idol doesn’t mean anything anymore. Your appeal to the middle american consumer is what counts.

Congratulations!

Idol Recap: Top 8 Guys Finally Realize It’s Time To Compete

Photo: Fox

Tonight, the guys finally woke up and realized this is a competition.

Lee Dewyze – ‘Fireflies’ – Owl City – I wasn’t sure how this was going to turn out, but I knew that Lee would put his rocker spin on it and he pulled it off. The original song became popular because it’s gimmicky production, but Lee’s version brought the focus on the vocal and he worked it out.

Alex Lambert – ‘Trouble’ – Ray LaMontagne – God I hate his hair. He’s totally the underdog this year who’s been improving each week. I’m starting to think the deer in headlights look is an act. Lol. Great song choice for him. I’m not sure picturing Randy Jackson in a bikini is going to help him relax.

Tim Urban – ‘Hallelujah’ – Jeff Buckley – How is he still here? I just don’t get it. Is it because of the shirtless picture of him that spread around the internet? I feel like I’m looking at the Partridge family. It’s time for him to go. He has no range as an artist and I don’t understand what the judges are talking about. And why did Ellen make such a big scene and give him a hug?

Andrew Garcia – ‘Genie In A Bottle’ – Christina Aguilera – I hate it when the first thing Randy comments about is what someone is wearing. And Andrew wasn’t pitchy. I’m beginning to the think that Randy can’t hear. But it’s true, he did peak early in the competition and has failed to find his place. I really hope he makes it through to the top 12. I’d love to see what he does with each week’s theme.

Casey James – ‘You’ll Think of Me’ – Keith Urban – Tonight I liked Casey so much more than I have in the past. That’s probably because we didn’t have to put up with the stupid cougar banter with Kara. It might have been a safe choice, but I’d rather hear a solid safe performance than a horrible risk. This season has been filled with a lot of horrible songs.

Aaron Kelly – ‘I’m Already There’ – Lonestar – Haley Joel Osment Jr. chose a great song, but his voice was pretty shaky from the start of the song. He had some nice moments, but overall, the song proved to be too big for him.

Todrick Hall – ‘Somebody To Love’ – Queen – Up until tonight, I was sure he’d be going home this week. Will have to see what happens with the vote, but he may have saved himself with this performance. He’s too dramatic for my taste, but his performance was entertaining. I still prefer the Glee version.

Michael Lynche – ‘This Woman’s Work’ – Maxwell – It was great. But tears? Really, Kara? You are so dramatic. Michael has nothing to worry about. He’s been a favorite from the beginning and tonight he delivered the best performance so far this season.

So, there you have it. Did Todrick save himself? Is Aaron in danger? What about Andrew?

Tune in tomorrow for the results.

Happy Birthday Carrie Underwood!

Happy Birthday Carrie Underwood! The American Idol winner turned country-singing-superstar turns 27 today!!!

I don’t think she needs any birthday presents. She’s sold over 10 Million albums, that’s rewarding enough!

Justin Bieber On QVC

This one cracked me up when I found out.

Justing Bieber performed on QVC. It’s not like he was hurting for album sales. I’ve never known a pop star to perform on QVC and sell their album. Has any other major pop star done this?

Check out Bieber’s performance of ‘One Less Lonely Girl’ –

DMX Arrested For Illegal Drug Use

Famous rapper DMX was arrested in Arizona for violating his probation. DMX was allegedly using illegal drugs and it’s been only about a year since DMX spent time in jail on charges of drug possession, and cruelty to animals.

Gary Jenkins (DMX’s Attorney) tells TMZ.com, “He’s been battling addiction for some time and he’s in need of treatment. We’re hoping that maybe Dr. Drew might be able to help him. He’s a talented man… We’re praying for him.”

Hahaha is Dr. Drew his only hope?

Amy Lee Reveals New Details On Upcoming Evanescence Album

Amy Lee, the lead singer of Evanescence, is back with a new album, but don’t expect the same sound that you’re used to. Amy is the only original member of the band remaining on this album. Amy and her band parted ways awhile ago. The band has gone on to form a new band, We Are The Fallen, with lead singer Carly Smithson from American Idol.

As for the sound of the record, Amy says:

“It’s not an organic record. Our idea is to take synthetic and atmospheric sounds and find a way to blur the line between organic and synthetic… There is something really cool happening in music right now. There are bands that sound like they’re from another time — it’s like ’80s throwback music with analogue synthesizers and Moogs. I love it. I’ve been listening to a lot of La Roux.”

Do you think fans will like the new direction the band has taken?

Idol Recap: Top 8 Women Start To Deliver

Photo: Fox

Tonight, the top 8 women took the stage on American Idol and finally started to deliver a few memorable performances.

Katie Stevens – ‘Breakaway’ – Kelly Clarkson – What’s up with those pants? She seemed nervous tonight and her voice wasn’t as solid as it has been. I definitely didn’t feel any sort of connection between her and the song, but I understand why she chose it. The judges weren’t too hard on her and Simon even gave her a 10 out of 10 for effort. I just want her to let loose and have fun. She’s losing herself in this competition.

Siobhan Magnus – ‘House Of The Rising Son’ – The Animals – I say it every week, but she’s so weird! And Simon agrees, so I must be right. Ha. Her vocals were great, she made the song her own by starting off a cappella and slowing it down.

Lacey Brown – ‘The Story’ – Belinda Carlile – This was her best performance so far. She finally reminded us how she got to this point, because, up until now, she’s failed to deliver. I just don’t think her voice belongs in this competition.

Katelyn Epperly – ‘I Feel The Earth Move’ – Carole King – So maybe no one liked the song and she wasn’t as impressive as last week, but there’s something about this chick. I’m a sucker for anyone who plays the piano. Maybe that’s why I like her so much.

Didi Benami – ‘Rhiannon’ – Fleetwood Mac – She nailed it! And she needed to this week. She’s had a rough couple of weeks so far and tonight she stood out. Randy needs to clean his ears out. Didi needs to stick with the guitar. With it, she’s incredible.

Paige Miles – ‘Smile’ – Charlie Chaplin – Horrible. The judges have always said she has such an amazing voice and so much potential, but I’ve never seen it. She sucked tonight. And if it was such a hard and emotional song for her to sing, then why on earth did she choose it! I really hope she goes home this week.

Crystal Bowersox – ‘Give Me One Reason’ – Tracy Chapman – She truly is in the zone when she performs. I didn’t feel like I was watching Idol anymore. Crystal has a way of drawing you into her performance, which makes her stand out easily from the rest of the contestants. She makes this season interesting.

Lilly Scott – ‘I Fall To Pieces’ – Patsy Cline – Her voice seemed somewhat shaky tonight and I didn’t like her song choice. She added her own funky style to it and I’m sure she’ll make it through to the top 12, but I just didn’t think it was anything special.

And there you have it. Thank God Idol was only an hour tonight. I was beginning to feel tortured during the 2 hour shows.

Didi and Crystal were my favorites.

Who do you think is going home? Paige? Lacey? Katie?

Jessica Simpson Releases New Song ‘Who We Are’

With the upcoming premier of her new reality tv series ‘The Price of Beauty’, Jessica Simpson has recorded the theme song to the show and premiered it on Ryan Seacrest’s KIISfm morning radio show.

Simpson told Seacrest:

“I was inspired to write whenever I got back from traveling the world. It’s about the discoveries I found within myself and realizing that I defined my own beauty for myself. We all struggle with the same issues. We all battle self-esteem. It’s just about being good enough for yourself.”

The Price Of Beauty premieres @ 10PM ET/PT on March 15 on VH1.