American Idol - Top 12 guys take to the stage

The guys took to the stage last night and seemed to be able to get rid of the nerves much more effectively than the girls in their Tuesday performances.

The highest praise seemed to go to Casey James, who sang the Brian Adams song, “Heaven.” Kara called him eye candy and also ear candy. Simon Cowell considered it honest and sincere.

Simon and Ellen were split on Aaron Kelly, who sang the Rascall Flatts hit, “Here Comes Goodbye.” Cowell commented, “You look at the moment as if you are embarrassed to be there.” However, Ellen acknowledged that as part of his appeal stating, “I love how humble you are.”

Some of the crash and burn performances included Todrick Hall, who sang “Since U Been Gone.” Randy called it a complete obliteration of the origina and Cowell incorporated the words “murder,” “stupid” and “torture” in his opinion of the performance. Also included in this category are Alex Lambert and John Park. Let’s see who goes home…

American Idol - 12 female finalists performed for your votes

The top 12 females performed last night and received mixed results. When Seacrest asked Simon Cowell for his take on the overall female talent, Simon said, “Some are good. Some are not.”

Lilly Scott received stellar compliments from the newest addition to Idol, Ellen Degeneres who said, “You stand out because you’re not like everyone else.” Katelyn Eppery received similar praise from Cowell for her piece, Oh Darling. He said, “You’re kind of quirky,” said Simon. “I like you a lot.” Kara told the singer she knows her voice very well.

Some of the weaker performances were from Lacey Brown who sang “Landslide.” Randy commented, “I thought that was terrible.” Simon felt “it was quite depressing.” Ashley Rodriguez sang “Happy” and the judges commented about how unhappy they were with her performance. We will see who gets booted on Thursday.

Simon Cowell:Perez Hilton ‘could work’ on ‘Idol’

Simon Cowell says neither Howard Stern nor Madonna is the right choice to take his place on American Idol.

In a press call yesterday evening, he dismissed talk about Stern and doubted Madonna would have the time, but said gossip blogger Perez Hilton, who has his own music label under Warner Music Group, might be a good fit.

“Perez would be funny,” Cowell said. “He’s got good taste in music, he’s got a personality, that could work.”

And he would love to have Lady Gaga as a mentor for the contestants. “She is the most relevant pop artist in the world right now,” said Cowell. “And she’s very smart. I like her.”

USA TODAY

Idol: Kate Perry and Avril Lavigne Guest Judge

Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry joined the American Idol judges Tuesday in Los Angeles, and the starlets showed sass, saying no to hopeful singers when the judges — even Simon Cowell — said yes. Katy even clashed with Kara DioGuardi, mocking her at times and threatening to throw a Coke in her face when she shot back.

But the real battle was for golden tickets. Jim Ranger, a 27-year-old pastor with three kids, sang his own song, “Drive.” and made it through despite concern from a devilish Avril that he wouldn’t be able to handle being a pop star.

Simon said Mary Powers, who sang a Pat Benatar song, was “a little cliché.” But she got unanimous praise for her stylish voice and scored a ride to Hollywood. She then brought her 8-year-old daughter into the audition room to say hello to her favorite judge, Simon. It was a cute moment from the bristly Brit.

Musician Andrew Garcia, who is also a parent, blew the panel away with his soulful performance. Simon said he was “the only person [of the day] who I believe is genuinely good singer.” Katy told him, “You gave me chills,” and he was sent through to the next round.

PEOPLE

Reaction: Simon says goodbye to American Idol

Longtime American Idol judge Simon Cowell announced that hes leaving the popular Fox talent show at the end of the season. Does this news surprise you? Are you more or less likely to watch American Idol following his departure? Who should replace Cowell as a judge?

Fox Plans More ‘Idol’ W/O Simon

Fox is near a deal to order more seasons of “American Idol” — with or without its most popular judge, Simon Cowell.

The network’s current contract with “Idol” producers 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia extends through the end of the 2011. But the network is working on a new deal that includes three more seasons of “Idol,” though that number could change.

An announcement is expected to demonstrate Fox’s commitment to its top-rated series, even as “Idol” faces its biggest challenge yet.

The “Idol” franchise has been rocked by rumors that Cowell will depart the show after the upcoming season as he prepares to bring his hit UK music competition series “X-Factor” to the United States.

Cowell’s brother Tony announced Tuesday on his weekly podcast that Simon will leave “Idol” at the end of 2010. The move could have a double impact on “Idol” — the loss of a key personality to the series, and the addition of another music competition show on Fox that may lead to fewer “Idol” viewers.

But before anything is finalized at the network, the “Idol” judge still needs to sign his new contract with “Factor” owner Sony. Once that’s out of the way, Sony will allow Cowell to make a deal with Fox to bring “Factor” stateside.

Read More at ABC NEWS

Simon Cowell to Leave ‘American Idol’

“American Idol” judge Simon Cowell has decided to quit the top-rated TV talent show when his contract ends in 2010, according to a report in British tabloid The Sun, which would deal a blow to the Fox network.

Cowell, 50, has been with the TV juggernaut since the start of “American Idol” in 2002 but his contract expires after the end of Season 9, which starts in January and ends in May 2010, and in the past he has hinted at being bored with his role.

His insults to tone-deaf singers are a key factor in luring viewers to the competition that over the past three years has seen its ratings slip, and this season already sees the departure of another original judge, popular Paula Abdul.

Cowell’s brother Tony, who hosts a weekly radio podcast called “The Cowell Factor”, said in a broadcast on Tuesday that Simon was preparing for his last season of “Idol”.

ABC NEWS

Simon Cowell predicts Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert as ‘Idol’ Final 2

As the season finale of American Idol draws near, Judge Simon Cowell is offering his opinion on who should make it all the way to the end.

“I would put my money on Adam [Lambert] and Danny[Gokey] … It is going to be Adam and somebody,” Cowell shared on Monday afternoon at an NBC press conference.

Cowell went on to say, “I would like to see Adam and Danny because I think they are the best two singers, and at the end of the day that is what should happen.”

Do you agree with Simon? Should it be Danny and Adam in the end?

Kate Thornton Doesnt like Simon Cowell

Kate Thornton says Simon Cowell fired her to drum up publicity for the ‘X Factor’ show. Kate refuses to watch the show, saying, “I’ll never talk to Simon again.”

Sounds to me like someone is just bitter that she got fired. Seriously, does Kate think she is the reason why people watched the show? Get over it already.

Link Roundup and Young Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell & His Chesticles - pop on the pop

Tom and Katie Dine in Rio - celebrity smack blog

Al Pacino To Be The World’s Shoutiest-Ever King Lear - heckler spray

Brit Brit’s secret diary stolen? - PoorBritney

Cate Blanchett Plays With Her Family At The Park - Glam Baby Bumps

Alien Princess Suri Is Not Amused - Amy Grindhouse

Angelina Jolie Gets Juicy With Nightline - celebrity vip lounge

Joven Pineda Deala: Black Eyed Peas apl.de.ap’s Brother Shot and Killed - bitten and bound

He’s Just Not That Into You: Marie Claire Photo Shoot - the evil beet

Who Wore it Best: Amanda Bynes vs. Denise Richards - Sugar Slam