American Idol – The NY Independent

High-Priced Range Rover May Have Contributed to Rasual Butler Death (Video)

Keith GirardJanuary 31, 2018

Former NBA star Rasual Butler and wife, Leah LaBelle, a former “American Idol contestant,” were killed early today in Los Angeles after their high-priced Range Rover SUV flipped over. The accident raises questions about the car’s handling and whether it contributed to the accident. Sport Utility Vehicles, or SUVs for short, have been under a cloud in recent years because of the penchant to roll over in a crash....

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American Idol Requiem: The Good, Bad & Ugly of a Pop Culture Touchstone

David FaginApril 6, 2016

“American Idol”, like most hit TV shows that eventually crash and burn, is (thankfully) closing out its historic 15-season run on Fox tomorrow night. Let’s face it, the horse is dead. It’s been dead for quite some time now. So what will future generations, 2,000 years from now, make of this pop culture touchstone? ...

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Robert Pattinson Sis on ‘X Factor’ Bubble; Find Out What Happened

Keith GirardOctober 5, 2014

Lizzy Pattinson tried out with great fanfare for Simon Cowell’s “X Factor.” After all, little bro’ is “Twilight” hunk Robert Pattinson. But was her talent and celebrity connection enough to put her over the top? Lizzie, 31, has a keen interest in music just like Robert, so she decided to showcase her talent on the UK reality music show. But she’s struggled almost from the beginning. So what was her fate?...

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Julianne Hough Fuels New Talk About Ryan Seacrest Gayness

Keith GirardJuly 1, 2014

Julianne Hough opened up about her failed relationship with “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, and inadvertently or not, she fueled new speculation about Seacrest’s sexual orientation. Seacrest, 39, and Hough dated for more than two years. But the way Hough explains it in the latest issue of Redbook magazine, there never really was a spark between them. ...

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Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj Feud After Videos Debut Same Day (see!)

Keith GirardFebruary 13, 2014

Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, who rubbed each other the wrong way as “American Idol” judges, are at it again after the two singers released new videos on the same day. Both stars appear nearly nude. Mariah showed there’s been no loved lost between the two in a wide-ranging interview on The Breakfast Club, a morning show on Power 105.1, a New York Hip-Hop and R&B radio station....

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Carrie Underwood in the Sound of Music: Was She That Bad? (Video)

Keith GirardDecember 6, 2013

Carrie Underwood knew she had it coming when she tried to usurp the role of Julie Andrews in the classic 1965 American musical film. But criticism of her acting, if not her singing, on NBC’s “The Sound of Music: Live!” has hit a fevered pitch. Was it really that bad? Underwood soared to super-stardom as a country singer after winning the fourth season of “American Idol” in 2005. But this has to be the first serious setback in her career....

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How Simon Cowell Got Played by NY Socialite Lauren Silverman

Keith GirardAugust 1, 2013

Simon Cowell has it all a booming career, substantial wealth, and at 53, he’s holding up fairly well in the looks department. But wily socialite Lauren Silverman played him like an “American Idol” wannabe. The only question is, why did he fall for it. Silverman’s pursuit of Cowell is no surprise. It happens every day in New York City’s wealthy enclave. Polished women sharpen their stilettos and prowl for wealthy older men in bars, clubs, posh hotels and the tony Hamptons. Like NBA groupies, the goal is to get pregnant and cash in on child support, which can range from $20,000 to $50,000 a month depending on the individual....

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Selena Gomez, Mariah Carey Clash Over Album Debut Dates

Keith GirardJune 7, 2013

Mariah Carey needs to send a memo to marketing and fire the person who scheduled her album to come out the same day as Selena Gomez’s. The comparisons are already starting, and someone will likely end up embarrassed and hurt....

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Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey One Season Wonders on American Idol

Keith GirardMay 31, 2013

Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey may be more than one-hit wonders musically, but both turned out to be one-season wonders on “American Idol.” The two stars, who were brought in to spice things up both confirmed their departures on Twitter....

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Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart Reunion at Teen Choice Awards?

Keith GirardMay 23, 2013

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart may be on the rocks in real life, but their eternal on-screen romance in “Twilight” lives on and is getting a big send-off at the Tenn Choice Awards. Could the event provide an opportunity for Rob and Kristen to reunite?...

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Mariah Carey Lip-Syncing on American Idol? Say It Ain’t So!

Keith GirardMay 17, 2013

Mariah Carey, who is noted for her five octave vocal range, may have committed a cardinal sin for an “American Idol” judge. She is being accused of lip-syncing her performance of hit songs on the finale of the show, which, of course, emphasizes live singing. To make matters worse she also dissed Jennifer Lopez....

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Candice Glover Dodges Country Bias to Win American Idol

Keith GirardMay 17, 2013

Candice Glover won American Idol Season 12, overcoming powerful demographic forces that tend to favor country artists like final opponent Kree Harrison. But in the end, her power vocals could not be denied....

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Burnell Taylor Exits, Lazaro Arbos Rises on American Idol

Keith GirardApril 5, 2013

Burnell Taylor turned out to be the unlucky one on “American Idol,” last night. It was a toss up who would go after a round of weak showings on classic rock night. Still Burnell was somewhat of a surprise, but not the only shocker....

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Nicki Minaj vs. Mariah Carey: Who’s Killing It on American Idol?

Keith GirardMarch 29, 2013

Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey have turned out to be more hype than hot mess on “American Idol.” Producers hinted at sensational cat fights before the season started, but they largely haven’t materialized. One of Idol judges, thought, is killing it and it may shock you....

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American Idol Facing Legal Action For Alleged Racial Discrimination

Keith GirardJanuary 25, 2013

“American Idol” is facing a potentially explosive lawsuit for allegedly discriminating against nine former black contestants. Their disqualification for having criminal backgrounds amounted to a “cruel and inhumane” play for ratings, they alleged. ...

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Was Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj Feud Faked by American Idol?

Keith GirardJanuary 24, 2013

Mariah Carey’s much ballyhooed “American Idol” feud with Nicki Minaj appears to have been way over-hyped by the show if not totally faked, judging by the interaction of judges at Wednesday’s show. The back-story that also circulated was that the two divas were jealous of each other. But Randy Jackson appears to have triggered the blowup. ...

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Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey Take American Idol to New Low (watch)

Keith GirardJanuary 17, 2013

Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey were the center of attention on the debut of “American Idol’s” 12th season, marking a new low-point for the show, which is now all about the theatrics of the judges. Contestants? What contestants? ...

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Is Ryan Seacrest Ready to Replace Matt Lauer on NBC’s ‘Today Show?’

Keith GirardNovember 24, 2012

Matt Lauer has been caught in the eye of the storm at NBC’s “Today Show” ever since the controversial ouster of co-host Anne Curry. Now the bulls-eye may be on him, with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest waiting in the wings. Lauer, 54, became a polarizing figure after reports surfaced that he engineered the popular Curry’s exit from the co-host’s chair. She was replaced by the younger and prettier Savannah Guthrie....

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Nicki Minaj Blow Up: Has ‘American Idol’ Veered Off Course? (watch!)

Keith GirardOctober 3, 2012

Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey fight light Real Housewives of New Jersey on “American Idol” while Britney Spears and Demi Lovato are the meek sisters on “X-Factor.” Have the reality music shows veered too far off course? The most radical lineup of judges in the history of the “American Idol” franchise is proving to be incendiary to say the least. Minaj’s now infamous meltdown at co-judge Carey may be just what the producers hoped for to add spark to the show. But is her style and profanity-laced vocabulary ready for primetime?...

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American Idol Axes Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler Over Money, Ratings

Keith GirardJuly 15, 2012

Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler were dumped by "American Idol," according to a new report. Money and flagging ratings appea to be the root causes. Were they too greedy? Was the show that bad? Yes and no. The show's problem, in part, is its own success. It has spawned competitors with snappier formats and more lucrative deals for contestants....

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Jennifer Lopez Follows Steven Tyler Out American Idol Door

Keith GirardJuly 13, 2012

Jennifer Lopez has decided to call it quits on Fox’s hit show ‘American Idol,” following by one day Steven Tyler’s decision to do the same. The move may open the door to sweeping changes that breathe new life into the long-running series. Lopez got off to a bumpy start on the show, but eventually grew into her role and provided some softness to the Tyler's and long-time Judge Randy Jackson's rough edges. Lopez made the announcement during a call in to Ryan Seacrest’s radio show this morning....

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Jennifer Lopez Kicks It at 42 on Dance Again Tour (video!)

Keith GirardJune 15, 2012

ennifer Lopez kicked off her Dance Again world tour at the Figali Convention Center in Panama City last night with a high energy show that would put female performers half her age to shame....

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Kelly Clarkson: How I Lost 30 Pounds in Six Months

Keith GirardJune 5, 2012

American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson lost an amazing 30 pounds in six months by eating smaller portions and doing lots of cardio exercise. While Kelly, 29, has always insisted she’s happy with her curves, the Grammy winner decided to slim down after she began dating fitness-minded talented manager Brandon Blackstock, 35, the son of her longtime manager....

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Rihanna Goes All the Way (Almost) For 'Nude' Perfume (photos)

Keith GirardMay 26, 2012

Rihanna gave a racy preview of her new campaign to promote her latest perfume. The scent is called “Nude,” and the pop singer is taking the name to heart. The 24-year-old singer, sporting blonde hair again, posted photos showing her topless with her hands and arms strategically placed to avoid any possible exposure of her private parts....

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Ace Young Pops Question to Diana DeCarlo on Idol (watch!)

Keith GirardMay 24, 2012

Former “American Idol” contestant Ace Young popped the question on the Fox show finale last night (May 23) and it wasn’t who won? He proposed to another Idol alum Diana DeGarmo on stage....

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