American Idol | featured news

I've always thought David Archuleta's "Imagine" performance was one of the riskiest choices a contestant has made on American Idol. There were so many ways that February 2008 performance could have backfired. But it turns out that "Imagine" wasn't David's first choice that week.

Teen power won out on "American Idol" as Katie Stevens claimed a place in the top 12 while a more experienced singer got the ax....

"American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi (dee-oh-GWAHR'-dee) may still be drying her tears after a moving performance by contestant Michael "Big Mike" Lynche....

Simon Cowell scowling -- typical. Simon Cowell blushing?

Move over, Frank Sinatra -- there's a new man in Sin City and he goes by the name of Gen. Larry Platt. The genius behind "Pants on the Ground" performed at JET nightclub at the Mirage Hotel last night -- and judging by the bevy of women who surrounded the General ...

Even before Ellen DeGeneres took her seat on "American Idol," the roar began. Cries of "What does she know about music" and "Bring back Paula Abdul" lit up blogs and message boards. Then the next shoe dropped -- anchor judge Simon Cowell announced that the ninth season would be his last.

The first four "American Idol" semifinalists have been sent packing. "Idol" contestants Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, Joe Munoz and Tyler Grady were revealed Thursday to be the two female and male semifinalists with the fewest viewer votes, leaving 20 singers to compete in the popular Fox singing competition's ninth season.

Tim Urban tripped up his second shot at "American Idol" fame. The shaggy-haired 20-year-old singer, who served as a last-minute replacement for 25-year-old shoe salesman Chris Golightly in the top 24 semifinalists, was derided by the Fox singing contest's judges for his screechy rendition of OneRepublic's "Apologize" during Wednesday's episode featuring performances from the top 12 male semifinalists.

Two dozen singers are now confirmed and angling for season 9 crown; see Michael Slezak's scouting report

Chris Golightly, who was replaced on "American Idol" after making the top 24, tells his side of the story.