American Idol Finals: Kris Allen

In the American Idol Finals, Kris Allen performed first.

In round 1, Kris sang Ain't No Sunshine, a song he personally picked. He sang a Simon Fuller pick, What's Going On in the second.

Returning this year is a winner's single song. Written by Kara DioGuardi, No Boundaries was performed by both Kris and Adam Lambert.

No Boundaries




What's Going On




Ain't No Sunshine

American Idol Finals: Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert performed next to Kris Allen in the American Idol Finals.

In round 1, Adam sang Mad World, a song he personally picked. He sang a Simon Fuller pick, A Change Is Gonna Come in the second.

Returning this year is a winner's single song. Written by Kara DioGuardi, No Boundaries was performed by both Adam and Kris Allen.

No Boundaries




A Change Is Gonna Come




Mad World

American Idol Performances: Adam Lambert

The epitome of performance in this season is Adam Lambert. Whether rocking his lungs out or singing mellow tunes, he is the person to beat.

Adam Lambert videos for the fans. From the American Idol website.

Cryin'



One

American Idol Performances: Danny Gokey

Sure, Danny Gokey went home but he was one of the early favorites in the competition. In fact, he never entered the bottom group until his elimination.

Danny Gokey performs. From the American Idol website.

You Are So Beautiful



Dance Little Sister

American Idol Performances: Kris Allen

Kris Allen did a wonderful job in his performances last night. Perhaps, his best rendition was One Republic's Apologize.

For fans out there, here are Kris Allen's performances. from the American Idol website.

Heartless



Apologize

American Idol: Top 3 Results

So there were three, but now only two remain.

Danny Gokey bade farewell to his millions of fans leaving Kris Allen and Adam Lambert to face off in next week's competition on American Idol.

Here are the judges' choices for the top 3:

Danny Gokey - Dance Little Sister

Kris Allen - Apologize

Adam Lambert - One


And here are their personal choices:

Danny Gokey - You Are So Beautiful

Kris Allen - Heartless

Adam Lambert - Cryin'


Studio downloads available here.


So it's the third time that American Idol will have a face-off between two guys.

An American Idol Birthday Party?

I absolutely love American Idol. It is currently one of the American shows enjoying a cult following in the Philippines. In fact, the top two of last year's season--David Cook and David Archuleta--are coming over to Manila to perform in a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza.

It would be so nice to have David Cook come over to sing for you on your birthday. He's enjoying the time of his life now that's he's on top. Or would you like Kelly Clarkson to sing to you on your special day? Moments like these are indeed special. It's as if being inside heaven. Carrie Underwood could not have said it any better. I believe Fantasia Barrino, Reuben Studdard and Taylor Hicks are also a welcome addition to a memorable party—because it is, after all, your now.

The good news is, you can spend your birthday party the American Idol way! An American Idol Party is certain to draw in a lot of people. It'll definitely be amazing! Imagine getting all your birthday party supplies prepared for that American Idol theme! You'll be the star of the show—the American Idol! But where can you purchase your supplies? To stage a party as big as this one needs a topnotch supplier of birthday party needs. In the past it was very difficult to look for party hats, music, invites and many would actually take great lengths to purchase their needed supplies from various stores.

But now, Birthdayexpress.com has it all for you. A one-stop shop for all your birthday party supplies, Birthdayexpress.com has a huge assortment of different themed party favors, including American Idol!

So stop dreaming your dream party and start living out your dream! Be the star of your own birthday party!

American Idol: Classic Rock Week

It was Classic Rock on American Idol this week. The remaining four sang their own renditions of rock tunes that made their mark in the music industry. There were also two duet performances from the top four.

Studio versions of the following songs are available here.

Adam Lambert - Whole Lotta Love

Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby

Danny Gokey and Kris Allen - Renegade

Kris Allen - Come Together

Danny Gokey - Dream On

Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta - Slowride


It was Allison Iraheta who was sent home this week despite her good performances during the performance show.

American Idol: Rock Pat Week

It was Rock Pat Week on top-rating reality series American Idol last week.

The remaining five contestants performed their own renditions of popular Jazz tunes. Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx served as mentor to the top 5. The songs are available here.

Kris Allen - The Way You Look Tonight

Allison Iraheta - Someone To Watch Over Me

Matt Giraud - My Funny Valentine

Adam Lambert - Feeling Good

Danny Gokey - Come Rain Come Shine

It was Matt Giraud who went home after getting the lowest number of votes the second time. The biggest surprise for the night was that Adam Lambert and Kris Allen had entered the bottom three. Kris was first declared safe. Adam and Matt composed the bottom two contestants for the evening.

Of the remaining contestants, only Danny Gokey has yet to enter the bottom three.

American Idol: Disco Week

Last week was Disco Week at American Idol.

Because Matt Giraud was saved from eviction, two contestants were removed. Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai weren't that fortunate to merit a nod from the viewers or a save from the judges.

Here are the performances last week. Downloads available here.

Kris Allen - She Works Hard for the Money

Lil Rounds - I’m Every Woman

Danny Gokey - September

Allison Iraheta - Hot Stuff

Adam Lambert - If I Can't Have You

Anoop Desai - Dim All The Lights

Matt Giraud - Stayin' Alive


Next week, the remaining five will be doing their own covers of Jazz tunes.

American Idol: Movie Theme Songs Week

On American Idol this week, the remaining seven contenders render their versions of hit movie theme songs.

Kris Allen - Falling Slowly

Allison Iraheta - I Don't Want Miss A Thing

Anoop Desai - Everything I Do (I Do It for You)

Adam Lambert - Born To Be Wild

Matt Giraud - Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman

Danny Gokey - Endless Love

Lil Rounds - The Rose

Studio version downloads are available here.


Matt Giraud, Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai entered the bottom three this week. Matt Giraud got the boot but he was saved by the judges. Next week, two contenders will be removed from the "disco week" of the top reality TV show as Paula Abdul choreographs a production number involving the final seven.

American Idol: Songs from their Birth Year

The remaining top 8 contenders in the hit reality TV series American Idol battle each other out in their versions of songs taken from the year they were born.

Adam Lambert - Mad World

Allison Iraheta - I Can't Make You Love Me

Danny Gokey - Stand By Me

Anoop Desai - True Colors

Kris Allen - All She Wants to Do Is Dance

Matt Giraud - Part-Time Lover

Scott MacIntyre - The Search Is Over

Lil Rounds - What's Love Got to Do With It

Studio version downloads are available here.

Anoop Desai, Scott MacIntyre, and Lil Rounds landed in the bottom three this week. Scott bid farewell while the judges opted not to use their save.

American Idol: Top Downloads Week

This week on American Idol, the remaining 9 contestants make their own renditions of songs which have become top downloads.

Megan Joy - Turn Your Lights Down Low

Anoop Desai - Caught Up

Allison Iraheta - Don't Speak

Danny Gokey - What Hurts The Most

Scott MacIntyre - Just the Way You Are

Adam Lambert - Play That Funky Music

Lil Rounds - I Surrender

Matt Giraud - You Found Me

Kris Allen - Ain't No Sunshine


Studio version download available here.

Anoop Desai, Allison Iraheta and Megan Joy entered the bottom three this week. Megan left the competition without the judges saving her.

Next week, the top 8 will be singing songs from the year they were born.

American Idol: Motown Week

Motown has produced some of the most successful songs of all time. It's no wonder that top-rating reality series, American Idol gave a fitting tribute to Motown's 50th Anniversary.

Last week, the top 10 contenders sang Motown songs with Smokey Robinson as mentor. Here are their song choices for American Idol Motown Week.

Matt Giraud - Let’s Get it On

Kris Allen - How Sweet it Is

Scott MacIntyre - You Can’t Hurry Love

Megan Joy Corkrey - For Once in My Life

Anoop Desai - Ohh Baby Baby

Michael Sarver - Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

Lil Rounds - Heatwave

Adam Lambert - Tracks of my Tears

Danny Gokey - Get Ready

Allison Iraheta - Papa was a Rolling Stone


Studio versions of the performances can be downloaded here.

Scott McIntyre, Matt Giraud and Michael Sarver entered the bottom three group with Michael Sarver getting voted off.. Next week, top downloads is the rumored theme of the competition.

American Idol: Grand Ole Opry Week

Only 10 contestants remain in the biggest reality singing competition. This is American Idol!

The remaining top 11 contenders performed songs from the Grand Ole Opry Tuesday last week. Here are the songs performed by the American Idol top 11:

Michael Sarver - Ain't Goin Down Til The Sun Comes Up

Allison Iraheta - Blame It On Your Heart

Kris Allen - To Make You Feel My Love

Lil Rounds - Independence Day

Adam Lambert - Ring Of Fire

Scott MacIntyre - Wild Angels

Alexis Grace - Jolene

Danny Gokey - Jesus Take the Wheel

Anoop Desai - Always On My Mind

Megan Joy Corkrey - Walkin After Midnight

Matt Giraud - So Small

Studio performances of the top 11 may be downloaded here.

Michael Sarver, Allison Iraheta and Alexis Grace failed to get the support of the viewers putting them in the bottom three. Alexis Grace vowed out of the competition. The judges did not exercise their new prerogative in saving Alexis Grace.

American Idol: Michael Jackson Week

Thirteen hopefuls battling it out to be one step closer to their dream of becoming America's next top singing superstar. A grand stage with millions of viewers and fans watching. Four judges who will help in the decision. This is American Idol, season 8!

Singing the hit singles of Michael Jackson, the thirteen finalists face the decision of not only all of America but also all of the judges. Beginning this season, the show will feature “The Judges’ Save,” a new twist that will give the four judges a one-time opportunity to save one contestant that would have otherwise been eliminated based on home viewer voting.

Here are the songs performed by the thirteen contestants:

Lil Rounds - The Way You Make Me Feel

Scott MacIntyre - Keep the Faith

Danny Gokey - Pretty Young Thing

Michael Sarver - You’re Not Alone

Jasmine Murray - I’ll Be There

Kris Allen - Remember the Time

Allison Iraheta - Give it to Me

Anoop Desai - Beat It

Jorge Nunez - Never Can Say Goodbye

Megan Joy Corkrey - Rockin’ Robin

Adam Lambert - Black and White

Matt Giraud - Human Nature

Alexis Grace - Dirty Diana

You may download the studio version of the songs available here.

At the end of the results night last Thursday, two contestants were voted off. Both Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez were removed in a surprise double elimination night.

It's American Idol Season 8 Top 36 Tonight!

What's twelve contestants facing against each other in front of millions of viewers worldwide? It's the semifinals for top-rating reality show American Idol!

The top 36 compete for only 12 slots in the finals. This year, for three weeks, the 36 semifinalists will be divided into groups of 12. Only three of the twelve will advance to the finals. The remaining three contestants to complete the top 12 will be decided by a Wild Card round.

Here are the top 36 semifinalists:

1. Alexis Grace
2. Allison Iraheta
3. Ann Marie Boskovich
4. Arianna Afsar
5. Casey Carlson
6. Felicia Barton
7. Jackie Tohn
8. Jasmine Murray
9. Jeanine Vailes
10. Jessie Langseth
11. Kendall Beard
12. Kristen McNamara
13. Lil Rounds
14. Megan Corkrey
15. Mishavonna Henson
16. Stevie Wright
17. Tatiana Nicole Del Toro
18. Taylor Vaifanua
19. Adam Lambert
20. Alexander Wagner-Trugman
21. Anoop Desai
22. Brent Keith
23. Danny Gokey
24. Jorge Nunez
25. Ju'Not Joyner
26. Kai Kalama
27. Kris Allen
28. Matt Breitzke
29. Matt Giraud
30. Michael Sarver
31. Nathaniel Marshall
32. Nick Mitchell
33. Ricky Braddy
34. Scott MacIntyre
35. Stephen Fowler
36. Von Smith

Who will you vote for? Visit http://www.americanidol.com for details!

American Idol versus Pinoy Idol

In this post, I attempt to present the differences and similarities of the American Idol and Pinoy Idol franchises.

1. LCD Background



Here, both Ryan Seacrest and Raymond Gutierrez stand in front of the main Idol LCD background on the stage for the semifinals (Top 24). The American Idol LCD is brighter and the colors more alive than the local counterpart.

2. Stage size, height and platform



Notice that the although the local version retains the circular platform, as well as the layout of the stage, the American version is larger and higher. There are also more lights in the Pinoy Idol stage.



In this view, the second-storey waiting area can be seen. Notice that the lights have been turned off, or probably darkened in the foreign counterpart, while the local stage is too bright.




Here's a view of the pillars on the sides of the main LCD on the stage. Since the American Idol stage is bigger, the pillars are similarly larger. Despite the size though, the American Idol stage uses light efficiently, and lighting is focused on the performer, not on the entire set.



Two views of the design of the upper waiting room. Both have TV monitors (not evident in the second picture), a couch and a regular tiled pattern on the wall. Instead of using a white couch, the American Idol Top 24 stage opted for a red couch (obviously sponsored by Coke). The pattern on the Pinoy Idol wall is the logo of Pantene.

3. Judge area background



The three judges are situated in the same area in both shows. One major difference is the fact that the wall behind the judges is not simply a tarpaulin in the American version.

4. Use of text effects



The official typeface for the Idol franchise is Copperplate Gothic Light. Observe the upper picture, the size is just right, not too big or irregularly sized. There should only be one size for the typeface for all names. Another size for the hotline numbers. And maybe another size for the subtitles.

5. Judges' comments

After the contestants have sung their piece, in American Idol, the camera is shifted immediately to the judges. There is no need for the introduction of the judges. That dramatically cuts down the time for comments by 5-10 seconds which adds to the time the judges speak, allowing all three judges to say their comments in succession--first Randy Jackson, then Paula Abdul and finally Simon Cowell. After all of them have spoken, only then will Ryan Seacrest invite the viewers to vote after the show.

David Archuleta's Top 2 Interview

David Archuleta's interview on being in the Top 2 courtesy of the American Idol website.

David Cook's Top 2 Interview

David Cook's interview on being in the Top 2 courtesy of the American Idol website.