Randy Jackson – The NY Independent

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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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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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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Amber Holcomb Lifts American Idol on Dismal Rock Night (watch)

Keith GirardApril 4, 2013

Chris Daughtry proved way back in season five that “American Idol” was never about rock. The show is about finding the next “pop” idol, yet for some reason it forced its seven saccharin finalists to be something they definitely are not–rock stars. Hence, last night’s “rock” performances were well-worn tunes from Queen, Billy Joel, Heart and Janice Joplin. ...

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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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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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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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Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez Vie for American Idol Crown

Keith GirardMay 17, 2012

Joshua Ledet had to have that sinking feeling on tonight’s “American Idol.” Despite strong performances over course of the show, he seemed to be nearly everyone’s pick to go home, and he did. Now Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez will face off for the crown....

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Hollie Cavanagh Couldn't Dodge Bulls Eye on Her Back

Keith GirardMay 11, 2012

If Hollie Cavanagh couldn’t see the end coming, “American Idol” viewers could, as she struggled through uneven performances and critical comments from the judges, once again, last night. Was anyone surprised she was sent home? ...

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Simon Cowell Eyes Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato for X-Factor

Keith GirardMay 2, 2012

Simon Cowell reportedly is going younger in his search for judges on the U.S. version of his music show “X Factor.” Miley Cyrus, Fergie, Avril Lavigne, and Demi Lovato are all getting big mentions in the sweepstakes. Even Britney Spears! On the hit Fox show, Jennifer Lopez is the youngster, yet she’s over 40, while Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler is 63, and Randy Jackson is in his 50s. How many kids remember Journey, anyway?...

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Jessica Sanchez Gets a Big Scare on American Idol

Keith GirardApril 13, 2012

Jessica Sanchez got the scare of her life on "American Idol" last night. Fans booted her from the contest, but the judges used their only save to bring her back. That's how close the competition is among the finalists. While Jessica has one of the best voices on the show and is poised on stage, she may be lacking the necessary pop idol presence to stay much longer. As always, the best singer doesn't always win on this show and she wouldn't be the first to go, despite her voice. Remember Jennifer Hudson?...

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Demi Lovato Shows American Idol Hopefuls How Its Done (watch)

Keith GirardMarch 15, 2012

Demi Lovato was the consummate pro on “American Idol,” despite all of her issues. She rocked the house with “Give Your Heart a Break.” Her supremely inspiring performance (a little pitchy) brought the audience to its feet. Lovato should give Idol contestants a lot to think about. Although some of the contestants probably have more raw talent than the former Disney teen queen, none come close to matching her polish and stage presence....

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Joshua Ledet Shines on American Idol; Jones Booted (video)

Keith GirardMarch 15, 2012

Jessica Sanchez left the door open to the “American Idol” crown last night (Mar. 14) after she failed to overwhelm the judges with their performances on a so-so night that saw Joshua Ledet and Phillip Phillips rise to the top. The show was overshadowed, somewhat, by the departure of contestant Jermaine Jones, who failed to reveal he had four outstanding arrest warrants pending against him....

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Jessica Sanchez Perfect on Whitney Houston Classic (listen!)

Keith GirardMarch 8, 2012

Jessica Sanchez, a 16-year-old “American Idol” contestant, shocked judges and the show’s audience with a stirring rendition of Whitney Houston’s classic “I Will Alaways Love You.” It was pitch perfect and she didn’t miss note. The performance was gutsy in more ways than none. Not only was Houston’s a singular talent with a soaring vocal range, the song is one of the most difficult to sing in popular music....

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American Idol Finalists to Perform Whitney Houston Tribute

Keith GirardMarch 2, 2012

Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez and the newest crop of “American Idol” finalists will get down to business on Wednesday (Mar 7). They group will pay tribute to the late Whitney Houston, whose songs are soaring up the charts since her death. More than 33 million votes were cast, according to host Ryan Seacrest to whittle the 25 semi-finalists down to the latest round of contenders....

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Symone Black Tumbles, Literally, on American Idol (watch)

Keith GirardFebruary 9, 2012

Symone Black, a promising young singer on American Idol, got the judge’s attention in more ways than one when she fell off the stage during Hollywood tryouts. Oddly, none of the judges rushed to her aid. Was it an act? It definitely didn’t look like it. But Black definitely got last night’s sympathy vote. The 16-year-old was singing a rendition of Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay....

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Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger X-Out in X Factor Bloodbath

Keith GirardJanuary 31, 2012

Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger are paying the price for a less-than-stellar inaugural season for Simon Cowell’s U.S. version of “X-Factor,” the widely popular UK music talent show. X-Factor host Steve Jones is also out, but that comes as no surprise given his spotty performance during Season One. Cowell’s show stumbled in its premiere season, with controversy over judges and Jones widely panned by critics....

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Steven Tyler Makes American Idol Premiere a Kick (video)

Keith GirardJanuary 19, 2012

Steven Tyler was loosey goosey, Jennifer Lopez was radiant and Randy Jackson was rock solid. American Idol’s premiere had perfect chemistry last night; the 11th season could be fun....

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Pia Toscano Spreads Wings With New Song, Video (watch!)

Keith GirardAugust 10, 2011

Pia Toscano is getting her shot at a music career with a debut single and video, even though fans brutally dismissed her last season from “American Idol.” Can you really argue with the fans?...

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Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul Spoof American Idol in New Promo (watch)

Keith GirardJuly 13, 2011

Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul have declared war on "American Idol." They're promoting their own hyped up version of a television singing contest that offers a co...

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Stefano Langone Gone on American Idol; Fair? Or Not? (Video)

Keith GirardApril 22, 2011

What does American Idol’s Haley Reinhart have that Stefano Langone doesn’t? Apparently a vagina. Idol judge Jennifer Lopez, sent a clear message to fans: No more girls! That put Stefano and Jacob Lusk on the bubble....

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AI's Paul McDonald Out; Fans Shove Aside Sappy Judges (video)

Keith GirardApril 15, 2011

“American Idol” contestant Paul McDonald drew a lot of sappy praise from judges for his screechy rendition of “Old Time Rock and Role,” but viewers did the dirty work and axed the singer in last night’s elimination round....

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American Idol Shocker: Pia Toscano Sent Home (Video)

Keith GirardApril 7, 2011

Pia Toscano, the fetching brunette singer with the power vocals, was eliminated from American Idol Thursday (Apr. 7) in a shocking development — to the judges. But Pia had a bullseye on her back after her performance Wednesday....

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