'Make love to that microphone': Lady Gaga pushes American Idol contestants to their theatrical best

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Theatrical: Lady Gaga tutored the four remaining American Idol contestants, advising them to add a touch of theatre to their performance


Lady Gaga is not known for her restrained approach to performing - whether it be emerging from an egg or dousing herself with blood onstage.

So perhaps she was just what American Idol needed to liven it up as the final four contestants performed last night.

The eccentric pop superstar pushed the Fox singing competition's finalists to add theatrics to their renditions of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller songs.


Intimidating? Gaga tutors the religious country singer Scotty McCreery, who kissed his crucifix when she told him to act like the microphone was his girlfriend


Her advice that Scotty McCreery should pretend that the microphone is his girlfriend prompted the deep-voiced 17-year-old country crooner to kiss the cross around his neck.

'You've got to get right in the center of that hot dog,' she advised the conservative singer.


Ready for super stardom: McCreery received plaudits from the judges for his performance


Lady Gaga's steamy direction didn't seem to deter McCreery, who impressed the judges with both his rollicking take on The Coasters' Young Blood and heartfelt rendition of Alan Jackson's Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) during the beginning of Wednesday's episode when the finalists were tasked with performing inspirational tunes.

'You're ready for superstardom, and I hope you make it,' Randy Jackson told McCreery afterward.


Popular: The singer has the audience on their feet


Lauren Alaina also seemed poised for greatness with her inspirational ballad of Martina McBride's Anyway, but she wasn't ready to proclaim that she was 'evil,' as noted in the lyrics to Elvis Presley's Trouble, until she received some motivation from Lady Gaga, who directed the 16-year-old singer to sing the ditty in character.

'When I was 16, I was way too weird to be on American Idol,' Lady Gaga admitted.
The result was apparently delicious, with Steven Tyler noting that Alaina 'delivers a song like a blue plate special.'


Intense: Gaga stares at Lauren Alaina as she performs her version of Elvis' Trouble



What an outfit: Lauren Alaina and the other contestants performed songs by writers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller


Haley Reinhart, 20, wasn't quite as yummy.

The judges bickered about her interpretation of Michael Jackson's Earth Song.
Tyler was a fan, but Jackson and Jennifer Lopez didn't eat it up.

'I felt like you were just screaming,' Jackson said over a chorus of boos from the crowd.

Reinhart returned with a vengeance - and a string orchestra - with Ben E King's I (Who Have Nothing).


Taking her advice: Gaga tutors Hayley Reinhart, who then had her stand-out performance of the season


Two different sides: Hayley sang 'Earth Song' by Michael Jackson then Ben E King's I (Who Have Nothing)


Lady Gaga directed her to let out a dramatic exhale in the middle of the song.

The judges were floored. Jackson dubbed it 'her moment' of the night, and Tyler informed her that she 'just Reinharted yourself into the middle of next week.'

'That was amazing,' said Lopez. 'One of the best performances of the year.'

James Durbin, the wailing 22-year-old rocker, opened the show clad in tails with Journey's Don't Stop Believin' and closed it down with a metal-tinged take on The Clovers' Love Potion No 9.


Getting into it: Gaga and James Durbin share a love of performance


Hands on: Gaga shows James how to move


Jackson, who formerly played bass with Journey, said Durbin was 'paying homage to my friends,' and Tyler attested that he 'did it right.'

'You can sing anything,' Lopez told Durbin after Love Potion No. 9.
One of the four finalists will be eliminated tomorrow night.



The final four: The judges look on as their contestants line up with host Ryan Seacrest


source: dailymail

Belly dancer Jennifer Lopez steals the show with her toned stomach... but it's the end of his American Idol dream for Jacob Lusk

By Daily Mail Reporter


Shaking her stuff: Jennifer Lopez performs her new single On The Floor, dressed in a stomach baring gold fringed outfit


She's there to help find the stars of the future.

But Jennifer Lopez took the opportunity for a bit of self-promotion tonight, revealing her toned stomach in a fringed gold belly dancer outfit as she took to the stage on American Idol.

But while Lopez was having a blast performing her single On The Floor, it wasn't such a good night for Jacob Lusk.

As the contestants were whittled down to a final four, Lusk found himself no longer part of the talent show.

Gold singer: Jennifer revealed her toned stomach in a fringed gold harem trouser outfit as she took to the stage on American Idol


The booming 23-year-old vocalist from Compton, California, was revealed to have received the fewest viewer votes on the Fox talent contest.

A day earlier, he had unsuccessfully attempted both parts of No Air, the duet of Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown, and a tender rendition of Love Hurts, the classic tune made famous by Nazareth and Roy Orbison.

'I got to share a little bit with America, and I think America's fallen in love with me,' said Lusk after his elimination.

'Now I can go and put out that good-feeling R&B music that reminds you of Luther (Vandross) or those great old singers.'

Composed: Jacob Lusk kept his emotions in check as he was sent home from Idol

Bottom two: Lauren Alaina broke down in tears when she learned she could be facing the chop


Lauren Alaina, the soaring 16-year-old songstress of Rossville, Georgia, joined Lusk as one of the bottom two vote-getters.

She broke down on learning that she was in the bottom two, sobbing as she waited to learn her fate.

Despite her position, Alania had impressed the Idol judges with her performances of Carrie Underwood's Flat on the Floor and The Righteous Brothers' Unchained Melody on Wednesday's installment of current and classic tunes.

'Jacob had a rough night last night,' said Idol mentor and Interscope Records chief Jimmy Iovine. 'I think his nerves are getting the best of him.'

Final song: When Lusk performed on stage for one last time, he was joined by his fellow contestants as his family watched from the audience

The final five: Jacob's departure leaves Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart


Besides Alaina, the other remaining finalists are over-the-top 22-year-old rocker James Durbin deep-voiced 17-year-old country crooner Scotty McCreery, and bluesey 20-year-old singer Haley Reinhart.

The singers will return to the stage next week with another finalist dismissed next Thursday.

The 10th season Idol champion is scheduled to be crowned on the May 26 finale.

Time out: Hell's Kitchen star Gordon Ramsay got the finalists to cook him an omelette

Well done: Steve Tyler, Lopez and Randy Jackson applaud Lusk






source;dailymail

It was all too much: American Idol contestant Casey Abrams 'collapses in hallway' after being saved by the judges

By Daily Mail Reporter


All too much: An emotional Casey Abrams reportedly collapsed backstage and began hyperventilating after being saved by the American Idol judges


He could not believe his luck when the American Idol judges used their only save of the season to save him.

And Casey Abrams was very emotional on stage when given the news that despite getting the least amount of votes, the three judges were going to let him stay on.

He slipped onto his knees, grabbed his head and was trembling with disbelief at his good fortune.

Crumbled: The drama continued off stage when Abrams became so overwrought with emotion he had to be helped onto a chair by the show's staffers


But it appears the drama did not end on stage and continued behind the scenes as well.

Abrams was so overwrought with emotion after the show that he apparently began hyperventilating and then crumbled onto the floor in the hallway.

TMZ are reporting that American Idol staffers had to help Casey up and put him in a chair so he could sit down and catch his nerves.

It seems ironic that his save song choice on Thursday was I Don't Need No Doctor - it clearly appeared that he did.

Ironic: The singer's save song on Thursday night was I Don't Need No Doctor - but clearly he did and Jennifer Lopez was stunned at the results of the vote

Lucky: Abrams received the least amount of votes and was headed home but was saved by Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson


An insider told the site that Casey feels guilty that the judges used the only save of the season on keeping him on the hit TV show.

'I feel really bad that other [contestants] might have to go home now because they [the judges] used the save on me'.

Abrams has had ongoing health problems and even had to have a blood transfusion on Thursday morning because of ongoing issues he suffers with internal bleeding.

Judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler dramatically decided to rescue the hairy singer from elimination in the emotional results show.

But while nobody went home this week, the remaining 11 finalists are now at the mercy of the viewing public with the judges having used up the once chance to save a contestant.

Upset: Insiders say Abrams now feels guilty that the judges used the only save of the season on him meaning no one else will have the opportunity now if voted off


And host Ryan Seacrest announced the bombshell that now two contestants will be leaving the show next week because of the decision.

Upon hearing news he had been saved, Casey collapsed to his knees and with shaking hands went to hug and thank the judges.

'Are you kidding? Are you really,' he squealed.

The save card was brought in recently in a bid to give the judges the power to overrule the public decision.

It can be implemented up until the top five contestants are eliminated and it must be a unanimous decision between the three judges.

Headed to the stools: Casey fell into the bottom three alongside Thia Megia and Stefano Langone


Casey, 20, fell into the bottom three alongside Thia Megia and Stefano Langone following their performances on Wednesday night's Motown live show.

On Wednesday's programme, Casey performed a rousing rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic I Heard It Through The Grapevine.

However he only made it half way through his save song before Randy dramatically stopped him, saying the audience didn't need convincing that he was a star singer.

He called it 'crazy' that Abrams was in danger of being booted from the show.

'We've made a decision together here,'Tyler said. 'We're going to keep you.'

A shocked Lopez added 'We were wondering what was going on and why you were in the bottom and we don't know.

Money maker: Casey's save also means that he will be able to be a part of the summer tour that the top 10 contestants enjoy


'You've had a rough couple of weeks and a lot of stuff going on but we want you to get back to the artist you are. You deserve to be here!'

Earlier in the contest, Casey missed one of the results show after being rushed to hospital for two blood transfusions.

The drama came in the first week of the live shows with the hopeful being taken to Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles after suffering crippling stomach pains.

Casey suffers from the condition ulcerative colitis - a form of irritable bowel disease - which causes sores on the colon and intestine.

The singers still in the running along with Abrams are Lauren Alaina, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Haley Reinhart, Thia Megia, Stefano Langone, Naima Adedapo and Scotty McCreery.






source:dailymail

Jennifer Lopez masks her natural beauty with too much blush and green eyeshadow on American Idol

By Daily Mail Reporter


Jacob Lusk raised the roof with Marvin Gaye's All I Need to Get By
Favourite Pia Toscano looked stunning in a long black fitted gown

Clown show: J.Lo looked as though she had raided the make-up box of Steve Tyler with her over-the-top green eye-shadow and full on rosy cheeks


She's a natural beauty, one of the most gorgeous woman in the world.

But Jennifer Lopez managed to hide her good looks under a cake of make-up on last night's American Idol.

She looked like she had raided the make-up box of fellow judge Steve Tyler with her over-the-top green eye-shadow and full blown rosy cheeks.


Pretty in pink: The singer's sparkly top was however pretty and a more softer choice for the 41-year-old who normally goes for bolder choices, such as the leopard print dress she wore last week

Luckily she salvaged her look with a pretty sparkly top, a softer choice for the 41-year-old, who normally goes for bolder attire, such as the loud leopard print dress she wore on last week's show.

Her outfit, which she paired with pleated pink skirt, complemented the theme of the night - Motown - a music movement that originated in the 50s.

Jennifer's poor make-up choice came as the remaining 11 contestants tried to impress her and fellow judges Randy Jackson and Tyler with their soulful sounds.

And it was Jacob Lusk that stole the show with his 'flawless' rendition of All I Need To Get By by Marvin Gaye.

His roof-raising performance prompted Tyler to get up from the panel and embrace Lusk on-stage.

Randy Jackson was equally impressed telling the audience: ' Do you know what was wrong with that performance? Absolutely nothing!'

And Jennifer was simply left quivering in her Christian Louboutins.

'You made us beg!' she cried. 'You made us beg for those notes! We were like, 'Give it to us, Jacob! Give it to us, Jacob!' You know what it is? You move me. You move us...You just took your time with it and you made us beg! Crazy!'

But close on Husk's tail was favourite Pia Toscano, who has so far outshone her fellow contestants.

Yet again it was a confident and polished performance from the singer, who performed All In Love Is Fair by Stevie Wonder.

Show stopper: Jacob Lusk stole the show with his 'flawless' rendition of All I Need To Get By by Marvin Gaye

Blown away: His roof raising performance impressed all three of the judges


'So again you kill us with one of your killer ballads,' Lopez said. 'But I need you to start to incorporate more that other part into your performance.'

Randy also loved the song but told her that next time he wanted something different: 'The only thing for me... bring me something different. You can't live on ballads alone.'

But Tyler was simply blown away.

Perfect: Yet again it was a confident and polished performance from the Pia Toscano, who performed All In Love Is Fair by Stevie Wonder


'Right now you are the closest star in the American Idol universe,' he said.

Recovering from his failed Nirvana performance last week, Casey Abrams gave a growling rendition of another Marvin Gaye classic, I Heard It Through The Grapevine.

Fellow rocker Tyler was clearly impressed. 'I think you are the perfect entertainer. You're beautiful and I love it.'

Growling: Recovering from his failed Nirvana performance last week, Casey Abrams gave a growling rendition of another Marvin Gaye classic, I Heard Through The Grapevine


James Durbin also had the crowd at their knees with Living In The City by Stevie Wonder.

'Omg, omg, omg, you are serious business up there,' exclaimed Jennifer. 'I mean it's just an incredible thing to watch... You leave me speechless and that is not easy to do.'

Randy added:'To be honest when you started, it was a little bit rough for me,.. When you finally hit your pocket, your stride, you were unbelievable.

Animated: James Durbin also had the crowd at their knees with Living In The City by Stevie Wonder


And Tyler agreed: 'I think sometimes it takes being a little bit of crazy to make it in this world... You nailed it.'

Brunette stunner Thia Megia appeared to have overcome some her stage freeze as she performed Heat Wave by Martha and The Vandellas .

'It was great to see you let loose like that,' smiled J. Lo.

Confident: Brunette stunner Thia Megia appeared to have overcome some her stage freeze as she performed Heat Wave by Martha and The Vandellas


And after being in the bottom three last week, Haley Reinhart got back in the game with You Really Got A Hold On Me by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.

Her perfect pitching and persistent purring impressed all three of the judges.

'It started a little bit rough but I tell you what by the middle of the song, the Haley that we love... came roaring back. I am happy to see you return,' said Randy.

Steven chimed in: 'I feel you and I felt her... You don;t look a day over fabulous. That is the Haley I have been looking for the first time I saw you.'

Back on top: Haley Reinhart got back in the game with You Really Got A Hold On Me by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles


Jennifer also agreed: 'You can do anything with your voice probably more than anyone in the competition.'

Paul McDonald brought the raspy tones of Rod Steward to the table as he belted out another Smokey Robinson track, The Tracks of My Tears.

Tyler compared the voice to two other very famous singers.

'Like Dylan, like Willie Nelson, your voice is that different,' he said.

Rock on: Paul McDonald brought the raspy tones of Rod Steward to the table as he belted out another Smokey Robinson track, The Tracks of My Tears


Lauren Alaina serenaded judges by getting off the stage and strolling over to the panel to sing The Supremes classic, You Keep Me Hangin' On.

Quick witted Tyler came up with the perfect comment to round out the impressive recital.

'You ripped that song another beauty spot, didn't you?' he exclaimed.

J.Lo was more impressed with the teenagers appearance.

'This is the most beautiful I have seen you on the show,' she remarked.

Off-stage antics: Lauren Alaina serenaded the judges with The Supremes, You Keep Me Hangin' On


Country crooner Scotty McCreery pulled off the impossible by singing a perfect rendition For Once in My Life by Stevie Wonder.

Many thought that the 17-year-old would bomb in this week's theme.
But the judges were blown away.

'Scotty that was beautiful... So you took a bit chance in doing that and I love that you really ripped it,' said Tyler.

Jennifer was impressed with his rendition: 'This was a great version of this song... you really made it your most. I don't know if it was your best performance vocally Every time you hit that low note at the end, you got me all over again.

And Randy agreed: 'That is a young lady killer note!'

Low notes: Country crooner Scotty McCreery pulled off the impossible by singing a perfect rendition For Once in My Life by Stevie Wonder


For her performance of Martha And The Vandellas' Dancing In The Street, Naima Adedapo slipped into some bell bottoms and busted out some tribal moves to the beat of the drum.

The judges were impressed with all of her theatrics, especially Jennifer who told the 26-year-old that she gave her 'gooseys'.

'I am going to be totally honest, it was my first goosebumps of the night... You are my mover and my shaker up there... you have that litttle extra something on the stage.

'I heard you came up with drum and the whole thing... Once again we see the whole package,' mused Steve.

Randy admitted that he had been harsh in the past but that he had changed his tune: 'I have been a little rough on you in the past shows... but tonight the whole of Naima turned up. Everything was very smart that you did tonight.'

Variety: For her performance of Aretha Franklin's Dancing In The Street, Naima Adedapo slipped into some bell bottoms and busted out some tribal moves to the beat of the drum


Surprisingly the most criticised performance came from judge favourite Stefano Langone.

For his rendition of Lionel Richie's Hello, both Jennifer and Randy agreed that he failed to connect with the audience.

'You sounded good, but there was no real connection,' Randy concurred.

J.Lo said 'I want you to connect. I want the intensity to come from like my heart is breaking.'

'I want you to connect... I still love you anyway.'

No connection: For his rendition of Lionel Richie's Hello, both J.Lo and Randy agreed that Stefano Langone did not connect with the audience enough


Meanwhile the audience once again had some famous faces.

Actress Liv Tyler came along in support of her Aerosmith rocker father.

Host Ryan Secreast teased the 33-year-old saying: 'You'll will need earmuffs for part of the show.'

British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey was also spotted in the crowd.

Celebrity guests: Steve Tyler's daughter actress Liv Tyler and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey were both among the audience members



James Durbin Top 11 American Idol 2011


Naima Adedapo Top 11 American Idol 2011


Paul McDonald Top 11 American Idol 2011


Pia Toscano Top 11 American Idol 2011


Haley Reinhart Top 11 American Idol 2011


Scotty McCreery Top 11 American Idol 2011


Lauren Alaina Top 11 American Idol 2011


Thia Megia Top 11 American Idol 2011


Casey Abrams Top 11 American Idol 2011


Jacob Lusk Top 11 American Idol 2011




source:dailymail

He's wheely something: Inventor who can Transform himself into the famous toy car

By MAIL FOREIGN SERVICE

Revved up: Drew Beaumier created his real-life Transformer outfit in his garage at home in Fountain Valley, California, armed with a tool box, a Power Wheels car and spare parts from Walmart


This is the man who has turned himself into a real life Transformer - by creating a fully functional Autobot costume out of a children's toy.

The must-have gadget for any die-hard Transformer fan was the brainchild of Californian Drew Beaumier.

He's already wowed the judges on American Idol and now he's created the crazy costume in his garage armed with just a beginner's tool box.


Animated fun: The part-time bar tender has taken to re-enacting famous scenes from the Transformer series for tourists on Hollywood Boulevard


It took eight weeks of constant trial and error to piece it together using a second-hand Power Wheels car to form the body and spare parts as well as glue bought at WalMart.

Transformer fanatic Drew then ripped the children's car apart leaving him with each separate section.

He then meticulously pieced the parts back together with hinges and glued it to a sports undergarment so he could wear it like a suit.

The robot costume comes complete with wheels attached to his arms and legs so he can fold down into a car and roll along.


Coming soon: Drew hopes to roll out his costume on mail order by 2012


But when he stands up, the costume springs back out into the superhero pose famed by Optimus Prime and Co.

The part-time bar tender has now taken to re-enacting famous scenes from the Transformer series along Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard.

And his street performances have already paid off the $300 he spent making his crazy creation after eager tourists began tipping him to have photos taken next to the real-life action hero.

Drew, 25, said: 'I've always been a big Transformers fan ever since I was a tiny kid. I remember I was struggling for money, working a few rubbish bar jobs and then it hit me - make a Transformer costume and go and entertain all the tourists.


Full-on action scene from the 2007 Transformers film showing Decepticon Bonecrusher battling with Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots


'But the idea never really got off the ground until a few years after the idea first came to me.

'It was only when a good condition Power Wheels car was advertised for sale that I snapped it up and began making it.

'Within two months I had a prototype built and fully working.



source: dailymail

America Idol's Ashthon Jones is first to be sent packing as 'stressed out' Casey Abrams fails to show due to hospital dash

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Time to go home: Ashthon Jones is comforted by American Idol host Ryan Seacrest after being voted off


It turned out that axed contestant Ashthon Jones's was not the only casualty of American Idol last night.

The 25-year-old hopeful was sent packing in last night's results show as it emerged that fellow contestant Casey Abrams was unable to attend the show due to a hospital dash.

According to internet reports, 20-year-old Casey, from Illinois, needed to medical treatment for a stress-induced bleeding stomach ulcer.

He suffered a similar set back a few weeks ago just before the Top 24 was revealed.
Host Ryan Seacret was scant with details, only revealing he was in hospital and wished him to 'get back here soon'.

But the show must go on, so it was left to the remaining 12 to perform a cover of Michael Jackson hits.


Awaiting their fate: Ashthon waits with Karen Rodriguez and Haley Reinhart to find out who's going home


Too much to handle: Ashthon and Haley comfort each other as they wait for the judges' decision


The performance was somewhat sketchy, however, with pre-recorded vocals and some poor examples of lip syncing.

But it wasn't long before the cohort of finalists was cut down to size with Haley Reinhart and Karen Rodriguez joining Ashthon in the bottom three.

Later in the show Ryan sends Karen to safety, before revealing Ashthon, who sang Diana Ross' When You Tell Me That You Love Me in Wednesday night's show, has the least number of public votes.


Hospital dash: Casey Abrams, seen here performing in Wednesday night's programme, was unable to make the results show due to a 'stress-induced stomach ulcer', according to reports


Early indications show around 30million votes were cast by the public.

After performing When You Tell Me That You Love Me, the judges vote unanimously to eliminate Ashthon and decided not to use their 'save' vote.

The save card was brought in recently and allows all four judges to save one contestant from being eliminated.


Judgement time: American Idol judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson sit on the panel


Teary-eyed: Jennifer appeared to be finding it difficult to decide which of the contestants go home


It can be used up until the top five contestants are eliminated and only once.

It has to be an unanimous decision and once used up it cannot be brought into effect again for the rest of the season.

Last night's result show also featured a performance from former American Idol winner Adam Lambert.


Swan song: Ashthon performs for the final time as she's watched by the rest of the American Idol contestants



Sad to see her go: The remaining contestants applaud after Ashthon's emotional final performance


In the the first of the studio shows of the season on Wednesday, the contestants had just a minute and a half to try and persuade America to vote for them - but even that was too long for some.

The 'live' America Idol show - recorded a day early to allow the new judges time to settle in - didn't go well for everyone, with lacklustre performances and dull song choices slowing things down.

The boys were more on form, with Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams, Jacob Lusk and James Durbin all exciting the judges.


Who are you backing? Amanada also attended the contestants performances and chatted to Seacrest


Of the girls Pia Toscano lived up to last week's stunning performance, but many of her fellow females failed to deliver.

Naima Adedapo at least had some energy as she offered up an imitation of Rihanna, but Karen Rodriguez struggled to do justice to her choice of Selena's I Could Fall in Love and Haley Reinhart was simply labelled 'boring' by Randy Jackson.

The finalists had paid tribute to their own Idols as they performed songs by their very favourite artists.


Famous faces: P Diddy performed his track Coming Home on the programme last night


"Casey Abrams - With a little help of my friends" American Idol 2011 Top 13



source: dailymail