American Idol

Ellen DeGeneres joins the band during the Oscars. The daytime host will be in primetime Wednesday for “Idol Gives Back.”

After a successful job hosting at the Oscars, daytime favorite Ellen DeGeneres is taking on primetime, again.

DeGeneres is hosting Wednesday’s live two-hour “Idol Gives Back” special at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Ryan Seacrest still will host the elimination portion of the show from the regular “Idol” stage. This week’s theme is life anthems.

Season 1 “Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson is among the list of stars appearing on the Wednesday special. Celine Dion, Pink and a long list of others also are scheduled to appear.

American Idol, Idol Gives Back, Ellen DeGeneres, Celine Dion, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Ryan Seacrest

With Sanjaya gone, the competition can get down to business. Sure there still are a couple of weaker contestants, but everyone left stands some chance of winning the title of “American Idol.”

Here is the breakdown of why any of the remaining six contestants could win. And why each of them is at risk of being the next one to fall.

Melinda Doolittle
She has been leading the pack for several weeks. There has been no other contestant as consistent as Melinda. She’s a professional. Literally, actually. She has the most on-stage experience of those in the competition (even if it was in the background), and she certainly knows who she is as an artist.
Why she may be in trouble: Melinda was a little slow to pull in the personality. A lot of attention has been given to her “Who, me?” routine. I think some people may be turned off by her surprise looks when she is given a compliment.

Jordin Sparks
If she doesn’t win, she certainly will get the “most improved” award. Jordin is a strong competitor, especially considering the young ones often fall earlier in the competition. The only teenage contestant to make it too far into the show was Diana DeGarmo, who lost to Fantasia Barrino in the finals.
Why she may be in trouble: Age aside, Jordin could be at risk with one bad week. Because she wasn’t an immediate favorite, her starting fan base likely was smaller than some of her competitors. In other words, fans have not been with her as long as the others. And time brings loyalty.

LaKisha Jones
She was the strongest competitor — at least that’s what it looked like — in the first week of the semifinals. She seemed like the obvious winner. She has a powerful voice and a strong stance when she takes the middle of the stage.
Why she may be in trouble: LaKisha has not been steadily improving, nor maintaining her power from the beginning. The proof of that was her being in the bottom two this week. Another concern is the fact she may share some of the same group of fans as Melinda and Jordin.

Blake Lewis
He brings something unlike any male contestant ever has on “Idol.” His beatbox technique made him stand apart, and he (to the surprise of some) actually can sing.
Why he may be in trouble: Blake, for whatever reason, is getting overlooked by America. For whatever reason, he doesn’t have a huge group of fans continuing to support him week after week.

Phil Stacey
He’s spent a lot of time in the center of the “Idol” stage — mostly as one of the bottom three contestants each week. That was until last week. It could be that Phil’s fans really are pushing forward. He has survived this long, after all.
Why he may be in trouble: There’s only one country music week, and that already happened. And people seem to have forgotten that military factor I thought would be the reason Phil was carried so far in the competition.

Chris Richardson
The Justin Timberlake comparisons are debatable, but Chris has delivered some commendable performances. No, he’s not the best in the competition, but he certainly has plenty of potential.
Why he may be in trouble: He’s spent some quality time in the bottom three, and he isn’t doing much to help his personality shine. In other words, it just doesn’t seem like he wants it enough for America to support him.

American Idol, Chris Richardson, Phil Stacey, Blake Lewis, Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones, Jordin Sparks

Celine Dion is among a list of stars appearing this week on “American Idol.”

“Idol Gives Back” week is upon us. The list of celebrities — singers, actors and others — who will stop by at either the performance show and/or the results show include Sacha Baron Cohen, Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, “Il Divo,” Josh Groban, Annie Lennox, Pink and Gwen Stefani.

In case you forgot, voting Tuesday night is how you can help. Corporate sponsors will make a donation to Charity Projects Entertainment Fund for each phone vote cast. The event is being sponsored to raise awareness and a little cash for the poor children in the United States and Africa.

You also can make a donation online at americanidol.com.

Celine Dion, American Idol, Idol Gives Back, Charity Projects Entertainment Fund

Sanjaya Malakar performs during his last week on “American Idol.” Of his latest hair style, Sanjaya told Jay Leno, “That’s my version of country.”

Six months ago, he was studying for his GED.

“I passed with flying colors,” Sanjaya Malakar told Jay Leno on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.”

The latest “Idol” casualty said he expected to be going home this week after seeing the country music performance episode. And, even though he and Simon Cowell didn’t see eye to eye this season, Sanjaya said he has no hard feelings.

“I think that he saw potential in me, and I didn’t necessarily live up to that potential,” he said.

Sanjaya had at least one celebrity fan, though.

“You had a great ride, Sanjaya,” Leno guest Jack Black said. “I didn’t vote, but had I voted, it would have been for you.”

As for the many crazy hair styles, Sanjaya gave a shout-out to “Idol” stylist Dean Banowetz, who he said was to credit for the now famous ponytail mohawk. All the attention the show has brought his way doesn’t seem to be giving Sanjaya a big head.

“I’m just a kid from Seattle,” he said. “I’m not a celebrity, but people know me. It’s really weird.”

American Idol, Sanjaya Malakar, Jay Leno, Jack Black, Simon Cowell, Dean Banowetz

Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund

April 16, 2007, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the Virginia Tech community and the world beyond.

To remember and honor the victims of those tragic events, the university has established the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to aid in the healing process and generate financial support.

The fund will be used to cover expenses including but not limited to:

• Grief counseling
• Memorials
• Communication expenses
• Comfort expenses
• Incidental needs

If you plan to give, please click the link below:

Sanjaya Malakar

I honestly didn’t know if it would happen. At least not this week. But now I feel like there can be an actual competition.

Sanjaya is gone, which made me do a little happy dance. I feel (even though it is the world’s tiniest bit) bad. I’m sure he’s a nice kid. He cried. But the entire thing was getting to him, too.

In the last several weeks, you could tell Sanjaya thought it was funny. It was almost like he was in on the joke. He believed he still should be there. He thought he deserved to win.

But he didn’t. And now he won’t. But who will win?

It’s interesting, especially considering this week’s bottom three seemed a bit shocking.

Why Blake was there and not Phil or Chris is a complete mystery to me. But LaKisha? Honestly, I was less surprised about that than the fact Sanjaya actually got the boot.

Here’s why.

LaKisha blew us away with her rendition of “And I Am Telling You” in the first week of real competition. If a winner had to be chosen that night, it would have been her. There’s no doubt. People loved it. And the timing coincided with America’s love affair for Jennifer Hudson.

But it’s all kind of slid down from there. Even Simon said something about that this week.

While LaKisha continues to be one of the stronger singers, her personality has gone flat. She doesn’t really perform the songs — at least not when you compare her to folks like Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle.

Don’t get me wrong. LaKisha can sing. She’ll record an album. I’ll buy it. But her chance of winning the show may be shot. Here’s the good news for her, though. Being in the bottom two this week certainly will give her biggest fans even more steam to call in with the power votes.

So, it’s down to six. And the next to go will be …

Sanjaya Malakar, American Idol, Phil Stacey, LaKisha Jones, Chris Richardson, Simon Cowell, Melinda Doolittle, Jordin Sparks

Sanjaya Malakar finally goes home.

A performance from mentor Martina McBride. A performance from Fergie. An elimination — possibly a surprising one — and who knows what else. It’s all coming up in the next hour. So, who will be going home?

Before we get too far, though, let’s clear things up. Simon Cowell, certainly, didn’t disrespect the folks at Virginia Tech. After an explanation of his side, a tape of the eye rolling incident was shown in the correct context. See, Simon isn’t a completely heartless man.

Now, on to the rest of the show.

The first guest performance (after one of those dreadful group numbers) is Fergie singing her “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” It’s interesting to have so many guest performers this season. Even though the result is longer, drawn-out results shows, it does give fans another reason to tune in on Wednesday nights.

So, it’s time for the results. No. Wait. Another promotion for “Idol Gives Back.”

This time Ryan promises a duet that “you’ll have to see to believe.” I know I shouldn’t be so hard on this charity effort, but something just doesn’t quite add up. I am intrigued by the surprise duet. Will it involve Michael Jackson? Mariah Carey? Any of the other rumored guest stars? Hmm. I guess we’ll see.

Now, down to the elimination.

Two groups. One will have the highest number of votes.

Sanjaya Malakar goes to the right.

Phil Stacey goes to the left.

Jordin Sparks joins Phil.

LaKisha Jones visits Sanjaya.

Blake Lewis? He joins LaKisha and Sanjaya.

Chris goes to side with Phil and Jordin.

The person left is Melinda. And she’s the first to be given safety.

Of course, in true “Idol” fashion, she is asked to pick the group that is also safe. It’s a tough choice, and it’s not really nice to make the nice girl choose sides. But, instead, she takes a seat in the middle of the stage. Smart move, Melinda.

In a definite shocker, Phil, Chris and Jordin are safe. Well, OK. It’s not a complete shock. I am surprised to see Blake Lewis in the bottom three. Melinda and Sanjaya, though. Not at all.

So, who’s going home? I’m actually freaking out in anticipation. It looks like we’ll find out … after the break.

Of course, there’s more stalling. And a performance from mentor Martina McBride. She seemed to dedicate it to the “Idol” finalists, as she kept looking their direction during the performance. It seems like McBride really may have made a connection with the finalists.

Now, back to this week’s elimination. First, one will go back to safety. And that person is Blake Lewis.

Leaving tonight is Sanjaya Malakar. Finally!

COMING TOMORROW: Why LaKisha was in the bottom two. And more on finally seeing Sanjaya gone. HOORAY!

American Idol, Fergie, Martina McBride, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell, Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones, Sanjaya Malakar, Blake Lewis, Phil Stacey, Chris Richardson, Jordin Sparks

Simon Cowell is the center of another little controversy. This time, a few folks are complaining about the fact Cowell was shown rolling his eyes after contestant Chris Richardson, a native of Virginia, made remarks in support of those dealing with the Virginia Tech massacre.

“My hearts and prayers go out to Virginia Tech. I have a lot of friends over there. … Be strong,” Richardson said.

This controversy is crazy, especially since Ryan Seacrest opened the show with a somber thought about the situation. Cowell even said a few words on behalf of the judging table.

The misunderstanding came when Cowell was talking to Paula Abdul about Richardson saying his song was meant to be “nasally.”

“I was saying to Paula, ‘What does he mean, he sang nasally on purpose? I didn’t understand what he was saying.’ So I hadn’t even heard what he did. Then my eye rolled, given what I was saying to Paula,” Cowell told Seacrest on his morning radio show.

“I did want to clear this one up because, you know, this is a very very sensitive subject. The irony is that we did want to try and set the right tone on the show. And then something like this happens, and it just starts fanning the flames,” Cowell went on to say. “And people need to understand, there are families involved. It’s not right.”

For the complete story from The Associated Press, click here.

American Idol, Simon Cowell, Virginia Tech, Ryan Seacrest, Chris Richardson

It’s country music week, and Ryan Seacrest started the show on a less energetic note. He sent out thoughts to the victims and families of Virginia Tech. It was short and sweet, but it was nice to see “Idol” stop for a second to recognize the deadliest shooting in America’s history.

Martina McBride is tonight’s guest mentor. She’s a multi-platinum recording artist who certainly has a lot to provide to the top seven finalists. So, let’s get down to it.

Phil Stacey

Phil Stacey
“Where the Blacktop Ends”

Phil lived in Wichita, Kan., for a short time. It’s McBride’s home state (and mine, in fact), but does he have the country voice to make it work? The performance certainly was a lot better for Phil than some of his more recent offerings. In fact, it may have been the best he’s done this season. But, honestly, is it too late?

“Dude, you could have a career, a country music career,” Randy said.

“Well, it’s only taken 10 weeks Phil,” Simon said, going on to compliment the singer. “I don’t know if it’s going to be enough to save you, Phil.”

Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks
“Broken Wing”

“I can only imagine what it’s like to perform a song in front of the artist who recorded it,” McBride said.

Jordin has brought herself a long way in the competition, and the song choice certain was a good one. It seems she has been making all the right moves. This performance certainly was as stellar — if not better — than any of her other best weeks. Jordin is in it to win it, and she just might do it.

“Probably one of the most difficult songs to sing,” Randy said. “… Dude, that was the bomb. Another great performance.”

“I think you did a fantastic job, I really do,” Paula said. “… You built the song, and you did tell a story.”

“This is the first time since we have met where I actually believe, based on that performance, you could win ‘American Idol,’” Simon said. “It was that good.”

Sanjaya Malakar

Sanjaya Malakar
“Something to Talk About”

“My goal this week is to just do Bonnie Raitt justice,” Sanjaya said. So, why are you dressed like you’re about ready to clean houses? I’m not even sure what to say about the look. Or performance. It’s just creepy at this point. I can’t take this seriously. In fact, there’s nothing to talk about.

“That was just really like karaoke, dude,” Randy said. “It was very bland and boring for me.”

“Utterly horrendous,” Simon said. “I’m being serious. … It was as bad as anything we’ve seen at the beginning of ‘American Idol.’”

LaKisha Jones

LaKisha Jones
“Jesus Take the Wheel”

I’m not sure choosing songs by a former “Idol” winner is a good idea, especially when it’s basically a current hit by the most successful country “Idol.” But LaKisha did just that tonight. Her performance was decent, but it didn’t come close to comparing to the original version by Carrie Underwood. I’m not sure what to think about some of the choices LaKisha has made in the last few weeks.

“For me, this had some pitch problems in the beginning,” Randy said. “I think you could have done more with it.”

“Coming from where we’re sitting, I’m going to have to agree with what Randy said,” Paula said.

“It’s like eating a hamburger for breakfast,” Simon said. “It doesn’t go together. … It actually ended up like you were shouting at us.”

Chris Richardson

Chris Richardson
“Mayberry”

Choosing a Rascal Flatts song was smart. And, I think, choosing a lesser-known song by the country trio was an even better choice. Chris handled the song fairly well. I certainly think he may have helped himself, though I think he’ll still find himself among the bottom three contestants. But what do the judges think?

“You sang it OK,” Randy said. “… I just didn’t feel any connection, any sense of emotion.”

“The joy and the love you have on stage didn’t come through,” Paula said.

“I think sometimes this audience and me are hearing different things,” Simon said. “… What I heard was a very non-descript, nasally vocal.”

Melinda Doolittle

Melinda Doolittle
“Trouble is a Woman”

Is that Jennifer Hudson? OK, so Melinda definitely is back to a younger look this week. And she made a brilliant move by choosing a song that’s not extremely well known. Melinda can handle the music week after week. Her personality is starting to shine, again, too. So, I’d say this girl may be making some moves to position herself in the top spot.

“That’s another solid performance from our resident pro, Ms. Melinda Doolittle,” Randy said.

“Way to go,” Paula added.

“Melinda, I’m about to compliment you. And I’m going to ask you to lose the surprise,” Simon said. “It was fantastic. And I’ll tell you why. It was a great choice of song, I think you look … better than last week.”

Blake Lewis

Blake Lewis
“When the Stars Go Blue”

Country week certainly was going to be trouble for Blake more than anyone else. But, like a pro, Blake made this Tim McGraw song sound more like a pop ballad than a country song. There’s no doubt this guy deserves to be where he’s at in the competition. He is the best male singer this season.

“The arrangement suited you,” Randy said. “That was nice.”

“You kind of have the whole package,” Paula said. “You do. … It’s always fun to watch you.”

“It wasn’t a jumping-out-of-my-chair performance, Blake,” Simon said. “… It was OK.”

Who should get your votes? Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle. These two should be battling it out for the title.

Who should go home? Sanjaya. There’s nothing else to say.

Who deserves another chance? Phil Stacey. But this is it.

American Idol, Martina McBride, Phil Stacey, Jordin Sparks, Sanjaya Malakar, LaKisha Jones, Chris Richardson, Melinda Doolittle, Blake Lewis

Did you grab a copy of Bucky Covington’s self-titled debut? The CD was released today, the same day country music night hits “American Idol.” Share your thoughts here on the CD. What’s your favorite track? What can other fans expect to hear?

Click here to hear tracks from the CD.

Bucky Covington, American Idol

Carrie Underwood presents the award — a giant belt buckle — to Taylor Swift in the Breakthrough Video of the Year category.

Season 4 “Idol” winner and multi-platinum country star Carrie Underwood won all three awards in which she was a nominee for her “Before He Cheats” video at the 2007 CMT Music Awards in Nashville.

Carrie performed the single, the fourth No. 1 off her debut CD, after accepting awards for Female Video of the Year and alongside director Roman White, who accepted the award in the Video Director of the Year category.

The video also took home the biggest award of the night, Video of the Year, at the fan-voted ceremony.

“Everybody around me has just been so amazing,” Carrie said, noting she started her career on a fan-based show and continues to rely on her fans for support.

American Idol, Carrie Underwood, CMT Music Awards, Before He Cheats, Roman White

Carrie Underwood arrives at hte 2007 CMT Music Awards. She is nominated for three awards.

Bucky Covington arrives at the 2007 CMT Music Awards.

Kellie Pickler works the red carpet at the fan-voted CMT Music Awards.

The 2007 CMT Music Awards premiere at 8/7c, and a few “Idol” finalists have been working the red carpet. Check back later tonight for updates on award wins and more about Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington.

American Idol, CMT Music Awards, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington

Country superstar Martina McBride is this week’s guest mentor on “American Idol.”

I had high expectations from Latin week. Maybe it was J. Lo. In the end, the finalists let me down.

This week, I’m uncertain it will be any better. Country week, featuring multi-platinum recording artist Martina McBride as the guest mentor, traditionally has been a chance for a few singers to really show their talent.

In past seasons, there have been one or two contestants that really are a little more country than, say, rock ‘n’ roll. Josh Gracin. Carrie Underwood. Bucky Covington. Even Kelly Clarkson. But with this season’s top seven, I’m not sure there’s a real country voice left.

Had Haley Scarnato made it just one more week, I think she could have shined. She has a country edge. But Sanjaya? Melinda? Blake? I don’t see a country crooner among any of them. Of course, I had faith in the Latin stuff, and that didn’t turn out as expected.

So, what do you think? Who’s going to hit the high notes? And who’s going to struggle?

American Idol, Martina McBride, Josh Gracin, Carrie Underwood, Bucky Covington, Kelly Clarkson, Haley Scarnato

A seemingly slimmer Kimberly Locke works the red carpet at the April 10 premiere of “Perfect Stranger” in New York. Could “Celebrity Fit Club” have been the answer?

Starting April 22 on VH1, former “Idol” finalist Kimberly Locke will jump on the giant scales in the next installment of “Celebrity Fit Club.”

The show’s fifth season will have Kimberly joining Maureen McCormick (”The Brady Bunch”), Da Brat and pop star Tiffany on the women’s team in the first battle of the sexes. On the men’s side are Dustin “Screech” Diamond, Cledus T. Judd, Ross “The Intern” Mathews and rapper Warren G.

Judging by recent pictures of Kimberly at the New York premiere of “Perfect Stranger,” the new film starring Halle Berry and Bruce Willis, it seems like the show may have been a success.

If the previews of “Celebrity Fit Club” are any indication, it seems “Screech” may throw some harsh words Kimberly’s way. Oh, the drama.

Kimberly Locke, Celebrity Fit Club, American Idol, Screech, Dustin Diamond, Perfect Stranger, Hally Berry, Bruce Willis, Ross Mathews, Warren G, Cledus T. Judd, Maureen McCormick, Tiffany, Da Brat