Singing | featured news

As the folks at “Idol” reminded us constantly, this week was a Big Deal because only the top 10 finalists make it onto the summer tour, and whoever gets sent home would come in 11th.

After the wackiness of last week’s semifinal round that saw Lilly Scott among the surprising eliminations, it was a relief that there were no big shocks in this week’s “Idol” voting.

The "American Idol" season-nine top 12 made it to the big stage Tuesday night (March 16) to take on the songs of the Rolling Stones. And, in a wakeup call on the first night of mixed-gender competition, the women served notice that they really are the ones to beat this year as Siobhan Magnus drew more raves and Crystal Bowersox had yet another solid performance.

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....

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

Simon Cowell believes a woman is likely to win his final season on "American Idol." The acerbic British judge told a teleconference Thursday he thinks one of the 12 women among the ninth season's 24 semifinalists has a good shot to win the Fox singing contest....