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Phillip Phillips Is America's New Idol

Katie Henry — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:30:22 PDT

American Idol closed out its 11th season in LA tonight and crowned Phillip Phillips the winner! The two-hour season finale brought out some of music's biggest stars like Rihanna, Chaka Khan, John Fogerty, and Dream Girls legend Jennifer Holliday, who joined finalist Jessica Sanchez on stage for an unforgettable duet of "And I'm Telling You." The judges also got in on the action. Steven Tyler and Aerosmith performed a medley of songs while Jennifer Lopez flashed her abs in a studded bra and got the crowd on their feet with her latest dance track, "Follow the Leader." The evening was packed with exciting moments, including a marriage proposal. Former contestant Ace Young got down on one knee and popped the question to girlfriend, and Idol's season three runner-up, Diana DeGarmo.

Following the results and Phillips's emotional performance of his first single, "Home," he headed backstage to chat with press about his long road to tonight's finale, and how he's processing the win. Phillip said of his big win, "It's so unreal . . . it hasn't sunk in yet, it's just such a blessing to have." Phillip was humble talking about his own success, but Jessica was quick to compliment her competitor, saying, "When they announced it was Phillip I was so happy. I love him so much; he deserved it. He's been having to keep up with his health issues; he's been through a lot more than us, both mentally and physically." Season 11 was full of excitement for the contestants and the judges. However, we'll have to wait and see if J Lo returns for season 12.

American Idol Gets Ready to Crown a Winner and to Possibly Say Goodbye to Jennifer Lopez

Katie Henry — Wed, 23 May 2012 02:22:45 PDT

American Idol finalists Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips went out on a high note last night, with each hopeful singing their heart out for the judges, studio audience, and fans watching at home. Each contestant performed three songs, one chosen by the show's producer, Simon Fuller; one of their choice; and an original single they'll release should they win. Jessica kicked things off by belting out Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing" followed by Celine Dion's "The Prayer," and she took her final turn on Idol singing her potential single, "Change Nothing." Phillip, who won the coin toss and chose to perform last, began his night with Ben E. King's "Stand by Me," followed it up with Billy Joel's "Movin' Out," and closed the show with his coronation song, "Home."

All eyes were on the finalists. However, Jennifer Lopez stole a moment of the spotlight in a sexy, asymmetrical see-through bodysuit. Jen will be back on the stage again tonight to perform her latest track, "Follow the Leader." It could be J Lo's final curtain call, as her future on the show is still undecided. Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery briefly spoke about J Lo's rumored departure from Idol, saying, "I'd hate to see her go. Whatever happens happens. She's got a lot going for her, so she'll be fine."

Jennifer Lopez Sparkles on Idol as Ryan Secreast Pulls a Marriage Prank

Katie Henry — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:15:01 PDT

Jennifer Lopez got a lift to the American Idol sound stage in West Hollywood yesterday in a white Bentley driven by boyfriend Casper Smart. In addition to her Idol judging duties, Jennifer has What to Expect When You're Expecting out May 18. We chatted with Jennifer at the film's LA junket, where she opened up about her own pregnancy and talked about her upcoming music tour - stay tuned for more from our exclusive chat! Jen's hitting the road this Summer with Enrique Iglesias as well as Casper. She's been perfecting her choreography with Casper's help, and fans will see the fruits of their labor when the tour kicks off in Panama on June 14.

There are only two weeks left until American Idol's season 11 winner is crowned, and the four remaining hopefuls took the stage last night. J Lo, Randy Jackson, and Steven Tyler joined Ryan Seacrest, who had a special guest, girlfriend Julianne Hough, in the audience. Julianne and her Rock of Ages director Adam Shankman went onstage with Ryan mid-show to talk about their upcoming movie. Ryan, though, decided to have a little fun with Julianne. Ryan pretended to propose by reaching into his pocket! Instead of pulling out a ring, Ryan produced a piece of paper. He said, "It's a question I've been meaning to ask you and I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. Will you. . . give this note I wrote to Tom Cruise? I'm such a big fan."

J Lo Wears Sexy Sequins and Says Goodbye to Elise Testone on Idol

Katie Henry — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:16:53 PDT

Jennifer Lopez made her way to the set of American Idol in Hollywood last night in a short, sequin minidress. It's her second sexy outfit of the week following her Wednesday appearance in an ab-baring ensemble. Idol hopeful Elise Testone was the latest to be sent home - do you agree with the results? - which leaves five contestants still in the running for this year's title. Katy Perry dropped by earlier in the week and taped a performance of her hot track "Part of Me," which aired during the results show.

J Lo's been mentoring the singers all season, and next week she'll take the stage and show off her own singing and dancing skills. She's planning to perform her latest track, "Dance Again," alongside boyfriend Casper Smart. Jen's been practicing the choreography with her dancers and even invited them to her home last weekend for a shirtless and bikini-filled barbecue!

Jennifer Lopez Picks Her Idol Favorite and Preps to Dance With Casper

Katie Henry — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:54:32 PDT

American Idol experienced some new drama last night when reports surfaced that Ryan Seacrest might miss his first show in 11 seasons of hosting the program. Ryan, suffering from flu-like symptoms, skipped dress rehearsal, but when the cameras started rolling he was on stage and ready to work with judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, and Steven Tyler. Jennifer showed her abs in her latest eye-catching ensemble, wearing head-to-toe gold. Her cropped top was a jacket from Temperley London.

The contestants were also on point last night and belted out personal favorites and hits from rock band Queen. The judges sat back and enjoyed the show with the Idol hopefuls nailing song after song throughout the evening. Jennifer confessed her undying lover for Joshua Ledet and gave him a standing ovation following his chilling performance of "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and “Ready for Love." Jessica Sanchez was pitch perfect on her rendition of Luther Vandross’s “Dance with My Father” and Hollie Cavanagh closed out the night with a cover of Miley Cyrus’s “The Climb" - who are you rooting for on Idol? Idol is back tonight with the results, and next week on May 3 fans will get a treat when J Lo takes the stage with boyfriend, and backup dancer, Casper Smart to perform "Dance Again."

Jennifer Lopez and the American Idol Judges Say Goodbye to Colton Dixon

Katie Henry — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:20:44 PDT

American Idol rocked its West Hollywood studios last night with performances from LMFAO and former winner Kris Allen. The program closed by sending home Colton Dixon. Colton received the fewest amount of votes following his Wednesday night arrangements of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" and Earth, Wind & Fire's "September." Next week the six remaining hopefuls return to face the judges, inching closer to the May 24 finale when the next Idol is crowned.

LMFAO got the crowd on their feet last night, and today they have even more reason to celebrate. The 2012 Billboard Music Award nominees were announced this morning, and just behind Adele, who earned 18 nods, was LMFAO with a staggering 17 nominations for their Party Rockers album. The Billboard Music Awards take place May 20 with major acts in the music industry expected to perform their chart-topping hits.

Sexy Jennifer Lopez Cheers Up Ryan Seacrest on an Emotional Idol Night

Katie Henry — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:28:27 PDT

Ryan Seacrest kicked off yesterday's episode of American Idol with a touching tribute to his close friend, Dick Clark. Dick Clark passed away yesterday at the age of 82, and Ryan, noticeably somber, said to the audience, "We can't begin tonight's show without acknowledging the passing of a television pioneer and my dear friend, Dick Clark. Without Dick, a show like this would not exist. He will be missed greatly." The energy level only rose from that point forward, with the contestants singing two songs each. The show's first hour was packed with post-millennium number one hits, followed by a second hour full of soulful classics.

Judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler were on point with their critiques, but it wasn't what J Lo said, more what she wore, that got viewers attention. Jennifer entered in a Hervé Leger dress that seemed to put a smile on Ryan's face! Last week, Randy, Jennifer, and Steven used their only save following 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez's shocking elimination. Tonight, though, one of the remaining seven contestants will certainly be sent packing. It will be another exciting evening, featuring performances from LMFAO and previous Idol winner Kris Allen. Who do you think will be sent home this week?

American Idol's J Lo, Steven, and Randy Use Their Wild Card to Save Jessica Sanchez From Elimination

Katie Henry — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:10:36 PDT

American Idol had fans on the edge of their seat last night as the top seven contestants faced elimination. Judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, and Randy Jackson were forced to use their one-time save on Jessica Sanchez, who received the fewest number of votes this week. Sanchez took to the stage to perform her last-chance song, and after belting out only a few notes, J Lo, Randy, and Steven raced to the stage to show their support. Lopez grabbed the microphone from Sanchez and announced to the audience, "This is crazy . . . you ain't going home! Go sit down!" Lopez and Sanchez weren't the only Jennifers gracing the stage during last night's one-hour show. Idol alumna Jennifer Hudson stopped by and performed her latest single, "Think Like a Man."

Jennifer Lopez Wows in a Sexy, See-Through LBD on American Idol

Katie Henry — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:14:18 PDT

Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, and Steven Tyler were back behind the judging table last night on the latest nerve-wracking episode of American Idol. The seven remaining contestants performed songs from 2010 to present day including covers of popular tracks by Kellie Pickler, Maroon 5, and Lady Gaga. The judges had a hard time predicting who might go home, but we'll find out later today when the results are revealed. Fan favorite Phillip Phillips had a less than stellar performance while Elise Testone, who's been in and out of the bottom three each week, got high marks from the judges.

J Lo often has friends, family, and boyfriend Casper Smart visiting her on the set or sitting in the audience and last night was no exception. J Lo was joined by best friend, and actress, Leah Remini, who chatted with her before and after the taping. Leah watched the show from backstage, tweeting photos and joking with her followers, "Backstage at American Idol watching my annoyingly pretty and talented friend do her thang'."

American Idol Goes '80s and Jennifer Lopez Is Moved to Tears

Katie Henry — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:23:15 PDT

Jennifer Lopez waved to the crowd as she took the stage for last night's episode of American Idol. She was joined by her fellow judges Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler, as well as host Ryan Seacrest, for this week's two-hour live production. The contestants entertained the crowd with songs from the '80s, and were mentored by No Doubt's Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal.

Things kicked off with a soulful performance of "I Like It" from DeAndre Brackensick and wrapped with Skylar Laine's "Wind Beneath My Wings" that moved Jennifer to tears. The eight remaining contestants return tonight for the results. J Lo will share some of her own music tonight with the world premiere of her video for "Dance Again" that features a blindfolded J Lo alongside boyfriend Casper Smart. Don't forget, you can win a chance to meet and interview Jennifer Lopez before her next film, What to Expect When You're Expecting, hits theaters on May 18.