ABOUT THE SHOW
AMERICAN IDOL returns for the much-anticipated eighth season on January 13. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the No. 1 hit series empowers contestants and viewers to share their voice in deciding who will be America's next singing superstar. This season promises to be one of the best yet with new talent, a new judge and plenty of surprises along the way.
Every year, tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the nation audition for a shot at stardom. The show's judges – Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and recent addition Kara DioGuardi - traveled to East Rutherford, NJ; Jacksonville, FL; Kansas City, MO; Louisville, KY; Phoenix, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; San Francisco, CA; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, in search of the next American Idol. They winnow down the competitors to a select group of semifinalists who sing their hearts out each week for a studio audience and television viewers.
The judges have their say after every performance, but it's the viewing public that determines who will advance to the next round of competition and who will go home. Voting via telephone and text-messaging begins immediately after each performance show, and the results are announced during the following night's broadcast.
Eventually the competition is narrowed down to two finalists who compete for a major recording contract and the American Idol title. Past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and recently crowned David Cook have become household names and have risen to the top of the recording industry.
Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment. The series is executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.
INTRODUCTION
THE JUDGES
BIOGRAPHY OF THE JUDGES
SIMON COWELL
birthplace: Brighton, England
Simon Cowell's honesty on American Idol has made him a household name in America. His U.K.-based production company, SYCO, produces the BAFTA Award-winning show, The X Factor, which has also topped the charts in the U.K. Additionally, Simon created and served as executive producer on American Inventor and America's Got Talent.
As a judge, Simon is notorious for his unsparingly blunt and often controversial criticisms, insults and wisecracks about contestants and their singing abilities - or lack thereof. He is often parodied in pop culture. He is known for his work in both the television and music industries, having promoted singles and records for various artists, including television personalities.
In 2008, Simon was named No. 22 on Forbes Magazine's "Celebrity 100 Power List" and No. 29 in 2006. He was named one of People Magazine's 25 Most Eligible Bachelors in 2004, while Entertainment Weekly named him one of the Top Entertainers of the Year. A 20-year veteran of the music industry, Simon is an executive with Sony Records, and has helped to shape the modern pop music industry. Over the last 15 years, his acts have achieved sales of more than 100 million albums, and he has had over 70 No. 1 records.
Simon lives in Los Angeles and the U.K.
RANDY JACKSONbirthplace: Baton Rouge, LA
Randy Jackson, a Grammy Award-winning producer, is a 20-year music industry veteran. He started out playing bass at the age of 13, and got his big break when he joined the band Journey. Randy also spent eight years as Vice President of A&R at Columbia Records, followed by four years as Senior V.P. of A&R at MCA Records.
Randy has recorded, toured and performed with the likes of: Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, *NSYNC, Madonna, Elton John and Destiny's Child, among others. He has worked on over 1,000 gold and multi-platinum albums. His contributions have helped to sell over 200 million albums worldwide. With his talent, immense studio knowledge and record company experience, Randy is one of today's most highly regarded music industry experts.
Last fall, Randy launched his own radio countdown show, Randy Jackson's Hit List, for the Westwood One Radio Network.
Randy lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children
PAULA ABDULbirthplace: San Fernando, CA
Paula Abdul is one of the most recognized pop singers and choreographers of our day. Her celebrated work in choreography for television includes Emmy-winning contributions to The Tracey Ullman Show, Paula's own performance on The American Music Awards and her choreography for The Academy Awards, for which she earned an Emmy nomination. Paula's choreography contributions in feature films include the Academy Award-winning American Beauty, working with Cuba Gooding Jr. on his Academy Award-winning performance in Jerry Maguire, and transforming Val Kilmer into Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's The Doors.
Paula's music career encompasses worldwide album sales exceeding 30 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People's Choice Awards and two Kids' Choice Awards. She has been honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard, and was inducted into Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Hall of Fame.
Contestants and viewers alike praise Paula's positive feedback on American Idol. She has even designed good-luck jewelry for the Idols, which provided the inspiration for her Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection on QVC, which opened to record-breaking sales. The collection consists of charms, pendants, earrings and bracelets adorned with meaningful phrases.
Other triumphs include her award-winning work with Janet Jackson, which garnered two MTV Video Awards; and working with such music legends as Aretha Franklin, Heart and Prince.
Paula continues to honor her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs throughout the country. She lives in Los Angeles.
KARA DIOGUARDIbirthplace: New Rochelle, NY
One of the industry's most sought after songwriters and producers, Kara DioGuardi's songs have appeared on more than 100 million records. They have been recorded by Grammy award-winning artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, and many more.
Over the last four years, she has been awarded 10 BMI Pop Awards for having written the most performed songs on radio. From her catalog of several hundred songs, over 264 have been released on major labels worldwide; and over 165 have appeared on multi-platinum selling albums. Kara co-owns Arthouse Entertainment, where she develops and mentors fellow hit writers, producers and artists.
"We are turning the heat up on Idol this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges' table," said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America's most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show."
"We had originally intended for American Idol to have four judges," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "We've seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers."
Mike Darnell, President, Alternative Programming of FOX, added, "With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more 'girl power' on the show."
RYAN SEACRESTbirthplace: Atlanta, GA
With his thriving broadcasting career and multiple ventures in media, it's no wonder Ryan Seacrest is at the forefront of entertainment. While hosting and producing multiple television and radio programs, building his Ryan Seacrest Production Company (RSP) into a viable entity that creates content for all media platforms, and investing in a myriad of restaurant ventures, Ryan is redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur. Ryan was bestowed a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in radio. In 2006, 2007, and 2008, Ryan was included in Forbes Magazine's annual "Celebrity 100 Power List," joining the likes of Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey and Tiger Woods.
With his winning personality, the American Idol series has continued to climb in ratings to become a bona fide cultural phenomenon, making Ryan Seacrest a household name in the process. He also currently serves as managing editor and lead anchor for "E! News," with Giuliana DePandi.
Ryan took over the most coveted radio position in L.A. four years ago on its Top 40 radio powerhouse 102.7 KIIS-FM. Since the February 2004 debut of "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," the program has become the No. 1 most popular morning show in L.A. Ryan has also doubled listenership for American Top 40 since he inherited it from radio legend Casey Kasem.
Television veteran Larry King has even named Ryan as his first choice as his successor when he decides to step down from hosting Larry King Live.
Ryan currently lives in Los Angeles.
THE AUDITIONS
Jacksonville Preview - Auditions - American Idol
Kansas City Preview - Auditions - American Idol
Louisville Preview - Auditions - American Idol
Phoenix Preview - Auditions - American Idol
Salt Lake City Preview - Auditions - American Idol
PROFILES AND PHOTOS OF TOP 36 FINALISTS
Adam Lambert
26 years old
Home: Los Angeles, CA
Audition: San Francisco, CA
Alex Wagner-Trugman
19 years old
Home: Studio City, CA
Audition: Phoenix, AZ
Alexis Grace
20 years old
Home: Memphis, TN
Audition: Louisville, KY
Allison Iraheta
16 years old
Home: Los Angeles, CA
Audition: San Francisco, CA
Anne Marie Boskovich
22 years old
Home: Nashville, TN
Audition: Jacksonville, FL
Anoop Desai
21 years old
Home: Chapel Hill, NC
Audition: Kansas City, MO
Arianna Afsar
16 years old
Home: San Diego, CA
Audition: Phoenix, AZ
Brent Keith
28 years old
Home: Blanchester, OH
Audition: Louisville, KY
Casey Carlson
20 years old
Home: Minneapolis, MN
Audition: Kansas City, MO
Danny Gokey
28 years old
Home: Milwaukee, WI
Audition: Kansas City, MO
Felicia Barton
26 years old
Home: Virginia Beach, VA
Audition: Louisville, KY
Jackie Tohn
27 years old
Home: Silver Lake, CA
Audition: New York, NY
Jasmine Murray
16 years old
Home: Starkville, MS
Audition: Jacksonville, FL
Jeanine Vailes
27 years old
Home: Sherman Oaks, CA
Audition: San Francisco, CA
Jesse Langseth
25 years old
Home: Minneapolis, MN
Audition: Kansas City, MO
Jorge Nunez-Mendez
20 years old
Home: Carolina, PR
Audition: San Juan, PR
Ju'Not Joyner
26 years old
Home: Bowie, MD
Audition: New York, NY
Kai Kalama
26 years old
Home: San Clemente, CA
Audition: San Francisco, CA
Kendall Beard
23 years old
Home: Austin, TX
Audition: San Juan, PR
Kris Allen
23 years old
Home: Conway, AR
Audition: Louisville, KY
Kristen McNamara
22 years old
Home: Napa Valley, CA
Audition: Louisville, KY
Lil Rounds23 years old
Home: Memphis, TN
Audition: Kansas City, MO
Matt Breitzke
27 years old
Home: Bixby, OK
Audition: Kansas City, MO
Matt Giraud
23 years old
Home: Kalamazoo, MI
Audition: Louisville, KY
Megan Corkrey
22 years old
Home: Sandy, UT
Audition: Salt Lake City, UT
Michael Sarver
27 years old
Home: Jasper, TX
Audition: Phoenix, AZ
Mishavonna Henson
18 years old
Home: Irvine, CA
Audition: Phoenix, AZ
Nathaniel Marshall
18 years old
Home: Malone, NY
Audition: New York, NY
Nick Mitchell
27 years old
Home: Brookfield, CT
Audition: New York, NY
Ricky Braddy
25 years old
Home: Nashville, TN
Audition: Louisville, KY
Scott Macintyre
23 years old
Home: Scottsdale, AZ
Audition: Phoenix, AZ
Stephen Fowler
26 years old
Home: Beachwood, OH
Audition: New York, NY
Stevie Wright
16 years old
Home: Phelan, CA
Audition: Phoenix, AZ
Tatiana Nicole Del Toro
23 years old
Home: Los Angeles, CA
Audition: San Francisco, CA
Taylor Vaifanua
16 years old
Home: Hurricane, UT
Audition: Salt Lake City, UT
Von Smith
22 years old
Home: Kansas City, MO
Audition: Kansas City, MO
CLICK THE LINKS BELOW FOR VIEWING THE FOLLOWING EPISODES:
EPISODE 13
EPISODE 14
EPISODE 15
EPISODE 16
EPISODE 17
EPISODE 18
EPISODE 19
EPISODE 20
EPISODE 21 (07/04/09 & 08/04/09)
EPISODE 22 (14/04/09 & 15/04/09)
EPISODE 23 (21/04/09 & 22/04/09)
EPISODE 24 (28/04/09 & 29/04/09)
EPISODE 25 (05/05/09 & 06/05/09)
EPISODE 26 (05/12/09 & 05/13/09)
GRAND FINALE ON 05/19/09 & 05/20/09
Thanks and credits to the source http://www.americanidol.com/
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