American Idol
Gossip (Page 10)

From 147 to 36.

That's the number of contestants that were approved for Hollywood this season, along with the number that will advance to this season's final 36.

Following last night's first set of American Idol auditions in the city, we can name two locks for the top 36 already; and perhaps even the top 12.

Lil Rounds, for starters, received a standing ovation after belting out "I Will Always Love You." Check out the incredible vocals now:

Next up, watch Stephen Fowler discuss the butterflies in his stomach, only to overcome them and impress the judges with a smooth, controlled audition:

Think Fowler has top 12 potential? What about Jorge Nunez and Danny Gokey? Those were the other two crooners that stood out last night.

Let us know who you think is mostly likely to still be singing in May!

Arianna Afsar is only 16 years old.

But the aspiring singer has already packed a lot into her short time on Earth.

This San Diego high school student competed in numerous beauty pageants as a child. Her home town also honored her with Arianna Afsar Day in 2005, in recognition of her efforts as a sixth grader for founding an "Adopt a Grandfriend" program.

Now, Afsar can add American Idol Finalist to this resume, as spoilers have revealed she's one of this season's final 36 contestants. Way to go, girl!

Does she deserve this honor? Watch Arianna's audition and let us know...

First, Slumdog Millionaire.

Now, Anoop Desai.

Indians and Indian-Americans are all the rage in Hollywood these days, as evidenced by the Best Picture nomination for the aforementioned movie; and the rumor that Desai is one of this season's final 36 contestants on American Idol.

Upon seeing Desai in his flop-flops and shorts, Simon Cowell remarked that the singer looked like he just came from “meeting with Bill Gates." 

Come on, Simon. As the following audition proves, not all people of Indian decent work in Silicon Valley...

Alexis Grace successfully auditioned for American Idol during the show's stop in Louisville.

According to the latest round of spoilers, though, this 20-year old mother didn't merely make it to Hollywood:

She'll be part of season eight's top 36 contestants!

Watch Grace's audition below and let us know if you think she's deserving of this spot:

Welcome, celebrity gossip fans, to The Hollywood Gossip Caption Contest, a Friday tradition, now in its 67th week. How does one play the Caption Contest?

This week's contest - featuring an American Idol that needs no introduction - was won by Alan Hochbaum. Congratulations! Thanks to all for playing this week!

What's the matter Simon? Not Randy?

Jorge Nunez.

Remember that name.

According to the latest round of American Idol spoilers, this aspiring singer has moved on to the final 36 of season eight.

Anyone that watched last night's audition can understand why. Check it out now:

How far do you think Jorge Nunez can go this season?

With Hollywood auditions set to premiere next week on American Idol, the unofficial list of this season's final 36 contestants has been leaked.

Courtesy of the same blogger that provided us with a few finalists yesterday, here's a full look at everyone that reportedly moves on to the fan-voting rounds:

• Adam Lambert
• Alexander Wagner-Trugman
• Alexis Grace
• Allison Iraheta
• Anne Marie Boskovich (pictured)
• Anoop Desai
• Arianna Ayesha Afsar
• Brent Keith
• Casey Carlson
• Danny Gokey
• Jackie Tohn
• Jasmine Murray
• Jeanine Vailes
• Michael Bartul
• Jessica Langseth
• Joanna Pacitti
• Jorge Nunez
• Junot Joyner
• Kai Kalama
• Kendall Beard
• Kristen McNamara
• Kris Allen
• Lil Rounds
• Matt Breitzke

Continue Reading...

American Idol finally heads to Hollywood next week, as the initial series of mostly crappy auditions are left behind.

We're already looking beyond the next round, however.

According to blogger "JoesPlace," who successfully named a majority of finalists last year prior to their official announcement, the following contestants will be included in season eight's top 36:

• Adam Lambert: Sung "Bohemian Rhapsody" as part of San Francisco auditions. Recently completed starring turn in stage production of Wicked.

• Felicia Barton: Made brief appearance during Louisville auditions. Hails from Virginia Beach, Virgina. Her music videos and photos have been removed from MySpace, a typical sign of advancement on the show.

• Lil Rounds: Auditioned in St. Louis and received the most raucous praise so far of any contestant. Personal story includes a home lost in a tornado. Randy Jackson compared her to Mary J. Blige.

Continue Reading...

Salt Lake City, Utah has produced a pair of singing sensations: David Archuleta and the High School Musical franchise.

Might Taylor Vaifanua be next in line?

The 16-year old singer conjured up memories of Jordin Sparks for any American Idol fan last night, as she wowed judges with a rendition of "Joyful, Joyful."

Watch the impressive audition below:

In all, seven contestants from this round of auditions received a ticket to Hollywood. Others that stood out were:

• Meghan Corkrey
• David Osmond
• Rose Flack

No offense, Leneshe Young, Joanna Pacitti and other season eight contestants we've seen so far.

But Anne Marie Boskovich looks to be the first American Idol hopeful we can confidently say has a shot to win it all this year.

The beauty auditioned in Jacksonville last night and immediately impressed judges with a quick rendition of a Kara DioGuardi song.

Simon Cowell and company were impressed, asking something of the contender we had never seen before: leave, and return later with a more professional appearance. Boskovich followed this request, came back at the end of the hour with make-up on and truly blew away viewers.

Watch her audition now:

Some background on Anne Marie Boskovich:

• At age 13, she appeared on the soundtrack for Disney's direct-to-video cartoon, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea. She sang "Part of Your World" over the closing credits;
• She sang "God Bless America" at the 2003 NBA All-Star Game.
• She lives in Nashville and works as a waitress/nanny.

Also receiving golden tickets to Hollywood last night were T.K. Hash and Jasmine Murray.