America Idol's Ashthon Jones is first to be sent packing as 'stressed out' Casey Abrams fails to show due to hospital dash

Time to go home: Ashthon Jones is comforted by American Idol host Ryan Seacrest after being voted off


It turned out that axed contestant Ashthon Jones's was not the only casualty of American Idol last night.

The 25-year-old hopeful was sent packing in last night's results show as it emerged that fellow contestant Casey Abrams was unable to attend the show due to a hospital dash.

According to internet reports, 20-year-old Casey, from Illinois, needed to medical treatment for a stress-induced bleeding stomach ulcer.

He suffered a similar set back a few weeks ago just before the Top 24 was revealed.
Host Ryan Seacret was scant with details, only revealing he was in hospital and wished him to 'get back here soon'.

But the show must go on, so it was left to the remaining 12 to perform a cover of Michael Jackson hits.


Awaiting their fate: Ashthon waits with Karen Rodriguez and Haley Reinhart to find out who's going home


Too much to handle: Ashthon and Haley comfort each other as they wait for the judges' decision


The performance was somewhat sketchy, however, with pre-recorded vocals and some poor examples of lip syncing.

But it wasn't long before the cohort of finalists was cut down to size with Haley Reinhart and Karen Rodriguez joining Ashthon in the bottom three.

Later in the show Ryan sends Karen to safety, before revealing Ashthon, who sang Diana Ross' When You Tell Me That You Love Me in Wednesday night's show, has the least number of public votes.


Hospital dash: Casey Abrams, seen here performing in Wednesday night's programme, was unable to make the results show due to a 'stress-induced stomach ulcer', according to reports


Early indications show around 30million votes were cast by the public.

After performing When You Tell Me That You Love Me, the judges vote unanimously to eliminate Ashthon and decided not to use their 'save' vote.

The save card was brought in recently and allows all four judges to save one contestant from being eliminated.


Judgement time: American Idol judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson sit on the panel


Teary-eyed: Jennifer appeared to be finding it difficult to decide which of the contestants go home


It can be used up until the top five contestants are eliminated and only once.

It has to be an unanimous decision and once used up it cannot be brought into effect again for the rest of the season.

Last night's result show also featured a performance from former American Idol winner Adam Lambert.


Swan song: Ashthon performs for the final time as she's watched by the rest of the American Idol contestants



Sad to see her go: The remaining contestants applaud after Ashthon's emotional final performance


In the the first of the studio shows of the season on Wednesday, the contestants had just a minute and a half to try and persuade America to vote for them - but even that was too long for some.

The 'live' America Idol show - recorded a day early to allow the new judges time to settle in - didn't go well for everyone, with lacklustre performances and dull song choices slowing things down.

The boys were more on form, with Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams, Jacob Lusk and James Durbin all exciting the judges.


Who are you backing? Amanada also attended the contestants performances and chatted to Seacrest


Of the girls Pia Toscano lived up to last week's stunning performance, but many of her fellow females failed to deliver.

Naima Adedapo at least had some energy as she offered up an imitation of Rihanna, but Karen Rodriguez struggled to do justice to her choice of Selena's I Could Fall in Love and Haley Reinhart was simply labelled 'boring' by Randy Jackson.

The finalists had paid tribute to their own Idols as they performed songs by their very favourite artists.


Famous faces: P Diddy performed his track Coming Home on the programme last night


"Casey Abrams - With a little help of my friends" American Idol 2011 Top 13

'American Idol' Top 13 Standouts: Pia Toscano and James Durbin

These two, along with Jacob Lusk and Casey Abrams, received the highest praises from the judges in 'personal idol' week.

The Top 13 round of "American Idol" separated the good from the mediocre. Among those who stood out on the pre-taped episode were Pia Toscano and most of the guys. Pia belted out Celine Dion's "All by Myself" with her signature high and diva-like notes and got praised by Randy Jackson for nailing one of the dreaded big-three female singers.


James Durbin also charmed his way to the judges' heart with his rendition of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed". "Yo, this dude can do anything man," Randy said, adding "James Durbin is dangerous!" Jacob Lusk was also triumphant with the uplifting single from R. Kelly, "I Believe I Can Fly". Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez both said it's hard to judge someone who is so good. "Pure passion, pure music, I can't even judge ya, that's how good you are," Steven noted.

Other stand-outs included Scotty McCreery who stood by his country flavor and Casey Abrams who did Joe Cocker's cover of The Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends". About the former, Randy commented, "If it ain't broke, don't even consider fixin' it" and about the latter Steven said, "You are a rainbow of talent, man ... and you are a plethora of passion."

Meanwhile, Lauren Alaina who is expected to do well, struggled through her performance and so did Ashthon Jones and Paul McDonald. The others were just given mediocre reviews from the judges but none did drastically bad.

Thursday would be the result night which has invited "Idol" alum Adam Lambert and Diddy-Dirty Money.

Victoria Pops in for "Idol Gives Back"

After serving as a guest judge for the beginning of the season, Victoria Beckham returned to American Idol for the show's charity episode, Idol Gives Back, with two young friends that she met in Kentucky when she took her son Brooklyn to visit needy children.


On the show, Victoria wore her favorite dress of the new fall 2010 collection, the twisted drape dress, which she has worn atleast four times now. On her feet were new Louboutin Lolo suede ballerina pumps, which you can purchase here for $795.

source: Style and SSI

Video: Victoria's American Idol Introduction

Victoria Beckham on the Premier of American Idol

Last night was the highly anticipated season 9 premier of American Idol and Victoria was the first guest judge of the season.  The fashionista joined Simon, Kara, Randy, and Ryan in Boston for the first and second round of auditions.

I thought she did well but I wish we could've heard a bit more from her.  Most of the time, she sat there and the camera flashed to her watching the contestants but when she did speak, it was usually something positive or about how they looked.

On the other hand, I personally thought that the red ensemble with the caked on make up was awful - even more so on the TV than in the photos.  However, on day 2, I think she looked a million times better!!!

Did any of you catch the episode last night?  If so what did you think?  Leave a comment and let me know because she is certainly getting mixed reviews from the press:

Los Angeles Times: "The night's saddest failure, however, was guest judge Victoria Beckham, who actually made plenty of appealing comments and bonded beautifully with fellow judge Kara DioGuardi but whose gaunt appearance was so off-putting it might have cost her the slot DeGeneres eventually won."

Village Voice's blog: "Victoria Beckham does look sharp, if rather Jackie O. Barbie, tonight in a trim red suit. But her face is just too crazy for the close-up, and she has nothing to add to the commentary. I always thought a British accent made people sound smart but I guess I was wrong. Simon really does have that X-Factor."

The Washington Post: "Beckham-Spice appears to have cracked open her head, because it seemed to be held together with a strip of lace she found in her granny's closet.  The other Idol judges politely pretended not to notice."

I certainly didn't find her to be as bad as the above referenced sources did... and neither did this kind critic:  "I've always had the impression that Victoria Beckham was rather pretentious and unapproachable, but clearly it was a false impression, for I found her to be kind and supportive to the contestants.  That she also happens to be very easy on the eyes did not hurt either."

 

What I did find a bit comical was when Randy asked the first contestant who Victoria was to which the girl responded with: "That's err... Victoria Beckham. David Beckham's wife." And Kara laughed to Victoria: "That's all you are honey, sorry."  Umm, I'd be totally OK with that :)
source: DailyMail

Victoria Beckham Talks to Ryan Seacrest

Since American Idol returned this yesterday and Victoria was the first guest judge, host Ryan Seacrest had her on his KIIS FM radio show earlier this week to talk about her experience on idol.

Some of the interview I'm sure you've heard before but it was cute.. you can listen to it here.
*Thanks to Adrian for the link!

Victoria Speaks About her American Idol Experience

Victoria Beckham will be one of the guest judges on the upcoming season of American Idol which premiers next week. The fashionista said: “It was very exciting to be asked to do Idol. [My husband] David and the boys are all big fans of the show. It was a real privilege to be a part of something so huge!”

As for the other judges, "Everybody was very nice. I’ve known Simon for many years. Kara and Randy were very sweet. I have a lot of respect for them all as individuals and together they are a great team. I enjoyed working with and getting to know Kara — she’s a real girl’s girl, like me. We went for dinner and she seems like a genuinely nice, down-to earth-girl. I felt each of the four of us brought a different role to the auditions and we complemented each other.”

For her own judging style, Victoria says, “I believe in constructive criticism and I am a very positive person, so I always tried to find something good and helpful to focus on, be it someone’s singing, their looks or their overall style. Having been a performer, I know how difficult it is to be that person standing there being judged. I didn’t want to trample on people’s dreams. She also mentioned she check th overall appearance of the contestants: "I wanted an overall look. For me, image is important as that helps sell records. I wouldn’t judge someone just on their looks alone, or what they were wearing; it takes the whole package of vocal, personality and a personal style."

She was even touched by some of the performances she witnessed. “There was one girl in Denver. She brought her niece along to her audition as the family didn’t have childcare. She was beautiful, well-dressed and she could really, really sing. She had a real aura and star quality.”

Victoria also talked about those contestants who make those first few episodes so funny... the ones without the actual talent. "There were plenty of break-out laughing moments. You can’t help but laugh. It’s a joyous, natural reaction. And whilst you don’t want to appear rude or upset anybody, people and their comedy moments are just as important as the really talented singers are, because they make great TV!”

And about "arguing" with Simon: “Yes, I can give as good as I get. I have a dry sense of humor which worked very well alongside his acerbic wit and I really enjoyed working with Simon. I enjoyed the banter we created and the fact that we could laugh together — most of the time!”
source: Cynthia Wang

American Idol Premiers Next Week!

The buzz on television is that the much anticipated season 9 premier of American Idol is taking place next week. This season is full of twists as new judge Ellen DeGeneres fills Paula Abdul's chair and several celebrities, including our beloved Victoria, take turns guest judging.

The two-night season premiere will air next Tuesday, January 12th at 8:00pm/7c on FOX and Wednesday, January 13th. Victoria's guest spots (she had 3 of them) should be airing the first week as well.
source: EOnline

Victoria Beckham say she's Happy for Ellen & Never Wanted to Replace Paula

Even though Victoria did three appearances on American Idol, she said she never wanted to permanently fill Paula Abdul's seat and she is thrilled for the newest judge, Ellen DeGeneres.

"Ellen [DeGeneres] is going to be fantastic," said Victoria. "For me, I just love the fact that I could dip in and dip out. It was great," she said. "I saw so much talent, and to be a part of making someone's dream come true was exciting for me."

Like Paual, Victoria did her best to be the more optimistic judge on the panel. "I found something good to say about most people," she said. "I'm a very spiritual person and I believe you get back what you put out there. I believe in positivity. So even if someone was really not that great, they might have a great pair of shoes on that I really appreciated. I can find something good to say about most people."
source: E! Online

Victoria Beckham Arrives Back in Los Angeles

Dressed in yet another spring 2009 design, the #6 - Camargue, Victoria Beckham made her way through LAX yesterday. She wore her cropped Alaia cardigan, her black YSLs, and carried her Valextra handbag (I will do an outfit post tomorrow). I love this look too!

In related news, it is now rumored that Victoria has been given the nod from American Idol creator Simon Fuller and judge Simon Cowell to replace Paula Abdul after two trial auditions. An insider reported that, "She was a revelation at the second audition and is now top of the list to permanently replace Paula." Apparently, if this is true, Victoria will recieve a £3million salary to judge the competition.
source: www.zigazig-ha.com and DailyMail

Victoria Beckham is a Hit with American Idol Judges

Victoria Beckham has proved a hit with American Idol judges.. especially Simon Cowell. He loves her wit and thinks she is hilarious. Posh also gets along well with Randy and Kara and has been warm with the contestants.

Even though she is getting along well with the judges and contestants, and really enjoying herself, her representative insists that she will not become a permanent replacement for Paula Abdul. "There are no talks of her being a permanent judge. She has (New York) Fashion Week coming up and she is focused on that. They asked her back because it went so well and she was so natural with the judges and the contestants."

I watch American Idol each season but missed it last year due to class scheduling. I am honestly really looking forward to Victoria's appearance this time around. I know many think this judging stint contradicts her fashion designer status but honestly, in my opinion, she seems happier than ever at American Idol.

Victoria Beckham Arrives for Round 3 of Idol Auditions

Ahh redemption! After yesterday's red ensemble and heavy makeup, which many of you disliked, Victoria Beckham proves that she still got it! Looking amazing in the Rousillion, or dress #9, from her spring 2009 collection and another fabulous pair of YSL Trib Two pumps, Victoria arrived for the second day of Idol auditions in Boston, Massachusetts. Is it just me or does she appear to be happier than ever at American Idol?

source: Faded Youth Blog

Victoria Beckham is Beautiful in Boston

Victoria Beckham looked radiant in red at the American Idol auditions today in Boston, Massachusetts. (coinidentally red is the city's color). She wore her Carmontelle dress with a lace headband and a pair of red pantent YSL Trib Two pumps. I think she is really enjoying her time with American Idol!

source: Celebrity Gossip

Victoria Beckham on the AI Panel

Here is a photo from the Denver American Idol auditions featuring a glowing Victoria Beckham on the judges panel. Looks like Denver was not the only stop on the Idol tour for Mrs. B. E!Online is reporting that she joined AI staffers aboard an American Airlines flight bound for Boston which is the site of this week's round of American Idol auditions.

Natalie Eshaya, a producer for Idol host Ryan Seacrest's syndicated KIIS-FM radio show, offered a play-by-play via Twitter: "Hmmm victoria beckham on our flight to boston....hmmm! We are going for idol....she must be too! Interesting!! Posh has boarded our plane to Boston! Last one on..but hey, at least she flies commercial! LOVE it. Love her more now!!!"

Could this mean this might be a more permanent gig than we all expected??
source: EOnline & MelVice2M at DenDen

Video: Sky News Reports About Victoria's Idol Appearance

Video: Victoria Beckham is VERY Excited About Idol

Here is a video from the Denver auditions for American Idol yesterday. While Randy, Simon, and Kara spoke about Paula's departure from the show, guest judge Victoria Beckham exclaimed how excited she was. If you'd like to fast forward to Victoria, she comes in towards the end around the 1:20 mark and then again at the 1:44.

Victoria Beckham Arrives in Denver

Well, all of you who speculated that Victoria Beckham was jetting out of LA for the taping of her American Idol guest judging appearance were correct! Here she is arriving at a Denver hotel. She looked absolutely amazing in a violet version of the Giral dress from her fall 2009 collection! L-O-V-E the COLOR! Although, in some photos she looks painfully thin!

source: dailymail, kdvr, radar, www.zigazig-ha.com