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Scotty McCreery Wins American Idol

Christian Allaire — Thu, 26 May 2011 02:21:00 +0000

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Scotty McCreery is ultimate winner of ‘American Idol’ after Wednesday night’s finale.

After the public votes were counted, the country singer beat out competitor Lauren Alaina, despite an emotional performance that she dedicated to her mother.

20 million viewers tuned in to watch the country teen singers duke it out. Now in its 10th year, ‘American Idol’ has been a ratings boost for Fox and the nation’s most-watched TV show for the last seven years.

The winner was announced in a two-hour broadcast which featured performances by Lady Gaga, U2, Judas Priest, Tony Bennett and country superstar Tim McGraw, among others. New ‘Idol’ judges Jennifer Lopez and ‘Aerosmith’ frontman Steven Tyler also took the stage in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

McCreery, 17, was predicted the winner by a clear margin by DialIdol.com, which measures the busy signals on telephones used to cast votes and text messages.

I see a bright future for both stars. McCreery is so different from any past winners, so I’m glad he won. The runner-ups always go on to do huge things too, so I don’t think Alaina should be too disappointed in herself. They both deserved to be there and did a great job.

American Idol: The Final Performances

Christian Allaire — Wed, 25 May 2011 02:21:12 +0000

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They’re the youngest final two in the history of ‘American Idol,’ but Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina both showed they deserve to be there tonight for the final showdown.

Both high-schooler country singers duked it out once last time, for the top prize to be announced tomorrow night.

The first round had both singers reprising their favorite song of the season. McCreery went with Montgomery Gentry’s country song ‘Gone,’ while Alaina sang Carrie Underwood’s ‘Flat on the Floor.’

McCreery worked the room with some swagger, ending with a powerful golf swing and more high-fives for the kids down front. Alaina sounded in fine form as well, adding some rasp to her voice and ending with a big, rich note that proved she was in it to win it.

The second round had the contestants’ own idols offering up their choice, with Country Hall of Famer George Strait suggesting one of his own hits, ‘Check Yes or No,’ for Scotty. Alaina’s idol, Underwood, suggested the 1991 version of ‘Maybe it Was Memphis’ by Pam Tillis. McCreery crooned his signature bullfrog voice, while Alaina went more theatrical and put some smoky emotion into the vocals. Both played what works for them.

McCreery’s final song of the night was the single he’ll release if he wins the competition, “‘Love You This Big,’ a swaying ballad. The camera even panned to his mother shedding a tear – a sure-to-win-votes tactic.

Alaina’s last song was ‘Like My Mother Does,’ a song mentor Jimmy Iovine said is the perfect encapsulation of Alaina’s journey on the show. The uplifting ode to maternal love and strength was also sure to catch votes. Nicely played.

Over all, the judges had favourites throughout the show, but all three say it’s too close to call at this point. Who do you think will win the top prize?

Tomorrow night’s finale will feature performances from this season’s top 13, as well as judge Steven Tyler and a number of yet-unannounced special guests.

Haley Reinhart To Debut Single On ‘American Idol’ Finale?

Christian Allaire — Tue, 24 May 2011 14:55:07 +0000

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Can a record deal and single be on the way for American Idol’s Haley Reinhart?

According to the ‘Idol’ Top 3 finalist’s parents Harry and Patti, she has already recorded a single and plans to debut it on the season 10 finale this Wednesday.

Dad Harry revealed at a concert held at Haley’s alma mater Wheeling High School that the song will be used as a barometer of sorts, to “test it out and see what happens” after Wednesday’s finale.

“She likes the song she’s doing, and we hope you like it too,” Haley’s mom told an audience of several hundred gathered to support Relay For Life, adding that her “little spitfire” rejected two compositions before settling on the single.

No one in the Reinhart clan is crying over Haley’s elimination, either. “No. 3 is pretty darn good,” said Harry, pointing out that “you don’t have to be so tied to the company that way.”

All “Idol” finalists are optioned to 19 Recordings and Interscope Records, should either company wish to sign and release their music. Scott McCreery will face Lauren Alaina in the finale.

I think it’s a little soon for Reinhart to be releasing a single, if you ask me. She just got eliminated, and then a week later she has a single? Either the single will be rushed and not very good, or it’ll be so-so. Can’t be greatness.

U2 Confirms ‘American Idol’ Finale Performance

Christian Allaire — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:20:59 +0000

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U2 is set to perform on the ‘American Idol’ season 10 finale this Wednesday, reports Billboard.

While backstage at the Billboard Music Awards, the band’s longtime manager, Paul McGuinness, revealed that the group would be rehearsing for the ‘Idol’ finale on Monday before performing on the show two days later.

In between the rehearsal and performance, U2 will perform at Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium on Tuesday. Talk about a busy schedule!

The four members of U2 also took the stage yesterday at the Billboard Music Awards to accept the Top Touring Artist Award for its record-breaking 360° tour. U2 guitarist the Edge admitted that it was an honor receiving the award.

“It’s always a thrill to win an award, but something about this really connected when I realized that more people had come to this tour any previous tour. Seven million people — I still can’t quite get my head around that figure. It’s so astonishing, and just feels really good.”

U2′s ‘Idol’ performance will be part of the episode that reveals whether Scotty McCreery or Lauren Alaina is the season 10 champ. It’s going to be an exciting episode, so be sure to tune in to see which country star will win the title.

How Will ‘The Office’ Survive Without Steve Carell?

andPOP Staff — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 15:44:14 +0000

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It’s been very well publicized that Steve Carell’s character Michael Scott on “The Office” would be killed off this season. But what is shocking is the timing.

Michael Scott apparently will not last the entire season, and will be killed off before the finale in May. Why? The last weeks of the season will see the crew at Dunder-Mifflin “scrambling to replace him,” according to the Huffington Post.

Michael Scott’s last scenes will probably air in April. However Steve Carell will be keeping busy with an onslaught of movie rolls and he will be both a nominee and a presenter at this year’s Golden Globes.

‘The Hills’ Finale Is The Most Watched Show in MTV History

andPOP Staff — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:48:04 +0000

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This just shows what a huge phenomenon “The Hills” really were to pop culture and TV. The finale of the series which aired Tuesday night was the most watched program in MTV history, attracting nearly a half a million viewers.

So let’s think about this for a second. Of all the programming MTV has produced since 1981, “The Hills” is the most watched program out of all of them. That’s pretty astonishing and quite a reflection on today’s society. It turns out what really gets youth excited is watching “mockumentary” programming of a bunch of young and rich 20 somethings run around L.A., and hear them talk about their “devastating” social problems.

So well done for MTV on delivering what their audience wants, and here’s hoping the next generation of youth are looking for something a tad more thought provoking.

‘American Idol’ Band Leader Upset He Was Snubbed – Now He’s Heading Over to Jay Leno

andPOP Staff — Thu, 27 May 2010 19:00:25 +0000

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Former “American Idol” band leader Rickey Minor was upset he was basically “snubbed” on the season finale of the Fox show.

Minor has been the band leader for the past 6 years and is leaving “American Idol” to lead Jay Leno’s band on “The Tonight Show.”

Minor was upset after nobody recognized or acknowledged him during last night’s episode, reports TMZ. After taping, Rickey apparently started yelling at producers, explaining how insulted he was.

Initially he refused to attend the after party, however Randy Jackson was able to convince him to come. However there was obvious tension in the air.

Disbanding With Disband

Ilan Mester — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:03:47 +0000

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They range in number of Myspace friends and music genres. Some are fans of Disney stars like Demi Lovato. Others are hooked on “The Jersey Shore” and head-banging.

Putting aside these major differences, the six finalists on “Disband” share one goal: to have their careers launched on the show.

If there’s one band who can understand where the contestants are coming from, it’s Stereos. Last season, they walked away from “Disband” with a record deal from Universal and thousands of fans.

“Living in Edmonton, trying to make it as a band and then coming out to Toronto to do the same thing and try and make it was a grind,” said Stereos bassist Dan Johnson at the season two finale. “So I definitely feel where they’re coming from, the nerves and everything backstage.”

Having just wrapped up a national headlining tour, Johnsnon still can’t believe the success Stereos has experienced in such a short amount of time. “I always told the guys that I would make this happen and that you know, we would do it no matter what. But I don’t think any of us knew to the extent of the amount of singles and albums sold,” he shared. “So it definitely surprises us when we see our album going gold,”

Next up for Stereos is another cross-Canada tour — this time with Hedley and Boys Like Girls. Johnson also revealed they’re working on a follow-up to the first album. He also dished on one of his favourite “Disband” groups this season.

“I’m a big fan of Abandon All Ships,” shared Johnson. “I think they’re definitely bringing something original to the table and I think they’re a great band.”

There’s no question Abandon All Ships is bringing something new to the table. After all, the show has never seen a band that describes their sound as Euro-hardcore. The self-proclaimed Guidos know they’re music is heavier than most bands who try their luck at “Disband.” But that didn’t stop them from competing.

“To move forward in life you have to kind of push the door, push the boundaries, push the lines and things can work out good for you,” said Abandon All Ships vocalist Angelo Aita at Toronto’s Tattoo Rock Parlour.

Out of the six finalists, Abandon All Ships is likely the band with the largest following. “We do a lot of shows like this in our own city,” said Aita referring to the finale performance. “It’s just cool to know it’s gonna be on TV, you know what I mean?”

While playing a show in Toronto isn’t as much of a big deal for Abandon All Ships, it’s a whole other story for Vancouver-based These Kids Wear Crowns.

“Without stepping on anyone’s toes or making anyone upset from where we’re from; for our sound anyways, the East is where we should be,” said vocalist Alex Johnson. “That’s not to say there isn’t good music out West.”

They describe themselves as a band who likes to have a good time. “We like to have fun,” said drummer Josh Mitchinson. “I know a lot of bands do that on Myspace. It goes: ‘Sounds like: fun.’ But honestly, it just sounds like a good time, you know? Like rock n’ roll, dance.”

The last band is the more pop-based of the three. “We’re a pop-rock style. A little bit like Paramore, but a little bit more poppy,” said vocalist Marissa Dattoli. “I like to think Paramore meets Avril Lavigne,” continued Jared Franklin, the other half of the duo that makes up Good and Broken.

The two were originally in separate bands. Dattoli’s old group played an opening gig for none other than Jared’s dad at a concert. He later introduced Dattoli to his son. “We ended up booking a show together and we started talking and jamming,” shared Dattoli. “The rest is history!”

Now, their history involves being on “Disband.” “It was a roller coaster of emotions,” said Dattoli about her “Disband” episode. “I think that’s for everyone though, but it was totally amazing and it was really good to meet all the industry people and to just get our name out there.”

Like Stereos, some of these bands will emerge with record deals and a following — in fact, some of them are already working on albums. Catch the finale to see their stories unveil and visit their Myspace pages to check out their music.

Abandon All Ships -www.myspace.com/abandonallships

These Kids Wear Crowns – www.myspace.com/thesekidswearcrowns

Good and Broken – www.myspace.com/goodandbrokenmusic

Nine Inch Nails To Disband

Plans In The Works for The Last Episode of ‘Lost’

andPOP Staff — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:55:28 +0000

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Good news “Lost” fans! Although many of you are having problems dealing with the finale of the series on May 23, there are some big plans in the works to say goodbye.

Executive Producer Carlton Cuse sent a tweet last week that ”Lost Live: The Final Celebration,” will take place at UCLA’s Royce Hall on May 13.

Variety reports that ABC hasn’t officially announced any plans for the event, but according to Cuse, the event will feature a live orchestra — conducted by Oscar winner Michael Giacchino (who serves as “Lost’s” composer) — performing music from the show.

Additionally during final broadcast on the 23rd, ABC will be dedicating five hours of programming to the show. The night will include a two hour retrospective, the two-hour episode, and then a special all “Lost” episode of Jimmy Kimmelat midnight.

’24′ Series Ends This Season But Movie In The Works

andPOP Staff — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:19:25 +0000

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Although there have been rumors and debate about the future of Fox’s hit series “24,” the official word came down today that the series will be coming to an end.

EW.com reports that Kiefer Sutherland said that “24″ will not be moving to NBC, despite earlier talks. Sutherland and executive producer Howard Gordon decided it was time to end the TV run.

“The writers are producing the equivalent of 12 films a year, which is unheard of, and Howard felt to do a ninth would be potentially damaging,” said Sutherland. “We both felt strongly that there has been a demand and an interest in a 24 film, which would be a two-hour representation of a 24-hour day, so we felt it was time to move in that direction.”

Sutherland promises that the finale for the “24″ will queue up the movie that is currently in the works. “We wanted to create a definitive end for Jack Bauer,” explains Sutherland. “Since we do have the intention to make the feature film, it would lead into that and certainly set that up.”

‘The Hills’ Finale December 22

Ilan Mester — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:55:17 +0000

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It all comes down to the season finale. Lauren and Heidi have a run in, Heidi’s mom comes to L.A.,and Justin has a shocking surprise in store for Audrina. Will Lauren and Heidi end their Feud and become friends again? Will Spencer make Heidi’s mom cry? All these questions will be answered in “The Hills” Season Four Finale on December 22.

Also, keep an eye out for “The Hills Finale Live From NYC” Pre-Show at 8:00 PM ET/PT. The show will be hosted by MTV News’ Tim Kash and fans will be able to see their favourite cast members walk down the red carpet. The finale follows at 10 PM ET/PT.

If you still can’t get enough of “The Hills,” stick around after the finale for “The Hills” Live After Show. The Pussycat Dolls will be there to perform their latest hit “I Hate This Part” and of course, “After Show” hosts Jessi Cruickshank and Dan Levy will get the reactions from the cast members, and fans will have a chance to ask the questions that are on everyone’s mind.

And in case you want to relive the drama, “The Hills: The Complete Fourth Season” will be available on DVD on March 3. But if you can’t wait that long, order the DVD on December 22 because TheHills.mtv.com is offering fans the option to pre-order the fourth season and receive the DVD set up to three weeks before it hit stores. The first 5000 fans to purchase the season four box set will receive a free limited-collectors disk.

SYTYCD Canada: Nico Archambault Crowned Winner

Irene Ogrodnik — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:23:11 +0000

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After three months of impressive performances, everything from hip-hop to jazz funk to contemporary and krump, Canada’s favourite dancer was finally announced in a two-hour finale last night.

And, like I have secretly predicted since the Top 20 were revealed, Nico Archambault– the 24-year-old sexy contemporary and hip-hop dancer from Montreal, Quebec–was crowned the winner.

“It’s too much,” he said the moment the results were revealed. “I can’t find words strong enough to express it – I’m just so happy.”

“I’m so proud of you,” said host Leah Miller. “You deserve this.”

And she is right. Sure it’s painstakingly obvious that Nico has it all physically (the smile, the body, the hair). On top of that, the boy is humble. But, most importantly, he CAN dance.

Every week, since his audition in Montreal, he impressed the judges and audiences alike. He was versatile, artistic and passionate. And, in the last few weeks, he performed every routine effortlessly.

For all those boys who get teased for taking dance lessons instead of hockey—Nico just made them super cool among their peers.

Nico also proved boys with Mohawks are still sexy. But besides carrying the title of Canada’s first favourite dancer, he also receives the prize of $100,000 and a brand new Mercedes C230.

Doesn’t get sweeter that, does it?

While Natalli Reznik won fourth place and Miles Faber won third, Allie Bertram, 19, made it to the bottom two. The second place winner was happy that Nico won. “I’m just so proud of Nico. He’s been so amazing since the beginning and he hasn’t had a bad week. He totally deserves it!”

Nearly 3.5 million Canadians cast votes to choose the winner. Earlier in the evening, the Top 20 reunited to perform two all-new group routines with the season’s top duets.

Special guest judges Mary Murphy, Rex Harrington, Mia Michaels joined judges Tré Armstrong, Jean Marc Genereux, Blake McGrath and Luther Brown.

In the end, Nico took a bow to a huge standing ovation from the audience.
And he deserved it. The win. The money. And the car. Although I wouldn’t mind a piece of it all.

Theo Tams Crowned Canadian Idol

andPOP Staff — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:42:14 +0000

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After a seemingly never ending two hour finale, Theo Tams of Lethbridge, AB was crowned the sixth Canadian Idol.

Theo was named the winner after a nationwide vote, with Mitch MacDonald of Port Hood, NS named runner-up.

The evening was filled with over-the-top performances from the Idol castoffs and revisiting of old favourites (Theo performed “Sweet One” and Mitch sang “I Love This Town” again).

Jully Black was finally given her rightful praise after being a sidekick to Ben Mulroney all year. She performed for the first time on the show, easily the best of the night.

To top the night off, musical heavyweights John Legend and Mariah Carey also performed. After the confetti had fallen, Theo fought back tears after being announced the winner. “I want to thank Mitch who has become a great friend. Thanks so much,” said Theo.

Theo Tams’ first single “Sing” will be heard soon enough across Canadian airwaves.

Canadian Idol Recap – And Then There Were Two

andPOP Staff — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:28:07 +0000

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As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Canadian Idol is ending, but whether or not if it’s a good thing, well, I’ll let you decide.

On tonight’s show, Theo Tams and Mitch MacDonald square off in one last attempt to win the votes of the Canadian public before one is crowned the Canadian Idol on Wednesday night.

Theo and Mitch will sing three songs; their own choice, the judge’s choice and the potential winner’s single.

After banter with the judges, Ben brings out the top two, who flew to New York this week to work with John Legend.

After a coin toss, Mitch decided to go first, a questionable move as Theo will now be closing the show. After a session with John Legend, where Legend tells Mitch to control his tone, Mitch MacDonald sings “Paris” by Gordie Sampson.

“What I really like about the performance of that song, the dynamics. Really good job,” says Jake. “I think it had a lot to do with the dynamics of the emotion in it which you portrayed beautifully,” says Sass. “There’s certain things you did with that, that I think are really good. At your best, you do compare favourably to Paul Simon. On the other hand, your signature scoops are a little obnoxious around the edges,” says Zack.

Finishing out round one, Theo Tams chooses “Good Mother” by Jann Arden. Theo ends on the ironic line “I’ve never wanted anything so bad.” “You did a really good job with that. You sing so well,” says Farley. “While I thought it was convincing, I could feel a lot of nerve,” says Zack. “I actually sat here listening to that ‘Wow, this would sound great if you were just singing acapella, that’s how good it was,” says Jake.

Mitch MacDonald is back with his potential winning single, “Where We Begin.” “It’s really refreshing for me to hear you sing loud for so long,” says Farley. “I like your voice when you sing loud. The fact is that your tone is consistent to when you sing quiet and loud. You represent a Mitch lifestyle and I think that’s a valid option,” says Zack. “For me, you didn’t [sell] that song. I don’t think you’re wedded to that song yet,” says Jake. “I think everybody here might agree, how could anyone not love you?” says Sass.

Theo Tams performs his second song; his potential winning single called “Sing.” “You used every trick you had in the book. While it wasn’t as unique as you’ve done, you could’ve sold snow to the Inuit with that,” says Zack. “I don’t know if you put that in yourself or they gave you the song that way, it works for you. Songwise, same as Mitch’s song. Neither are my favourites,” says Jake. “That, to me, was a killer, killer performance,” says Sass. “You just do it well. You’re singing through a prism and all this colour comes out of the other side,” says Farley.

Performing his last song selected by the judges, Mitch MacDonald sings “If” by Bread. “Tonally, it worked for you. The last note, you hit it the way it was meant to be hit,” says Jake. “I thought you did a beautiful job with that song,” says Sass. “If you got flaws and you make it to the finale, those flaws are virtue. The tone was perfect,” says Farley. “I see in your eyes that you don’t think that was your best performance. From top to bottom on this show, were you to be the next Canadian Idol, we’d be proud to have you,” says Zack.

Ending the show with the judge’s pick “I Want To Know What Love Is” by The Foreigners is Theo Tams. “Although that wasn’t my favourite arrangement of that song ever, you still sang it like the pro that you are,” says Sass. “I wasn’t blown by the arrangement off the top, but you can’t go wrong with anything you do,” says Farley. “It’s hard to differentiate between singing something as an artist and singing something that you’re in a competition to win. You’re the best male vocalist we’ve ever had on the show,” says Zack. “It’s going to be a matter of taste. And people have to vote on the one that they like, not who was better tonight,” says Jake.

And that’s a wrap. The two-hour finale, where Theo Tams or Mitch MacDonald will be crowned the next Canadian Idol starts Wednesday night at 8 p.m. EST with performances by Jully Black, Hedley, John Legend and Mariah Carey.

Big Brother 8 Season Finale Tonight: Which Donato Will Win?

andPOP Staff — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:49:13 +0000

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After 10 weeks in the Alice in Wonderland-themed Big Brother house, the competition has come down to father-daughter alliance Richard “Evel Dick” and Daniele Donato.

The pair came into the house as enemies, a twist to the game called “Greatest Nemesis.” Six of the 14 house guests were enemies: Carol and Jessica are ex-best friends; Joe and Dustin are ex-boyfriends; and Dick and Daniele had been estranged from each other for several years, though they have never revealed exactly what occured between them.

However, the twist quickly failed. Both Carol and Joe were voted out in the first two weeks, and Dick and Daniele have become close as the game went on, despite numerous arguments.

The final two are the cause of much controversy. Despite being very popular with the general public (according to CBS.com polls), Dick, 44, is the most hated person amongst the house guests. He has been both verbally and physically abusive to the the others, attacking their families, sexual preferences and religious beliefs. Though the editing of the show is sympathetic, focusing on the rebuilding of his relationship with his 21-year-old daughter, the live online feeds have revealed Dick’s true aggressive behaviour.

Dick’s popularity has been good for Big Brother‘s ratings, pulling in an average of 8 million viewers.

Last week’s competitions followed a frantic battle between the Donato family and 30-year-old Zach Swerdzewski. Tensions were high after Zach won Head of Household the previous week, giving him the power to nominate two people for eviction. Betraying his alliance with the Donatos, Zach put them both up, saying that he was “the muscle” that was brave enough to separate Dick and Daniele. But he failed to win the Power of Veto against Dick in a house guest trivia game, and was sent packing.

Zach has now joined the last six guests to leave the house (Jameka, Eric, Jessica, Amber, Jen and Dustin) as a member of the Jury. Tonight at 9 p.m., aired live on CBS, they will choose who will win the $500,000 grand prize. The jurors have a shared hatred for Dick, so he will likely lose; however, both Dick and Daniele have vowed to share the money no matter what happens.

In the finale, Eric will also be revealed as “America’s Player” to his unknowing housemates. Eric was given missions and voted in evictions based on viewer polls on CBS.com, earning money for successfully completed tasks.