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Former American Idol alum Dexter Roberts has revealed he was forced to drop out of this summer tour after being diagnosed with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).
“After months of hospital and doctor visits, I finally have a diagnosis. I have Rocky Mountain spotted tick fever, with symptoms of fever, rash, headache, abdominal issues, shortness of breath and muscle pain,” the country singer wrote on his Facebook page on July 31.
Dexter Roberts has revealed he was diagnosed with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (photo Getty Images)
Dexter Roberts made it to the Top 7 on the most recent season of American Idol before being eliminated. He believes he contracted the disease shortly after the American Idol Season 13 finale in May, while on a turkey hunt in Kentucky.
“I found several ticks on me throughout the four-day hunt, but that is nothing unusual for turkey hunting,” he wrote.
“Shortly after the <<American Idol>> tour started, I started having severe headaches, chest pains and muscle weakness on my left side, along with tremendous abdominal issues and shortness of breath. The medical facilities, while on tour, were unable to make a diagnosis. After my return home from the tour I found myself, once again, back at a hospital emergency room, where the doctor discovered a rash in my head from the tick bite.”
RMSF is a commonly reported yet potentially fatal disease.
Dexter Roberts said he started taking medication last week.
Former American Idol finalist Michael Johns has died at the age of 35.
Michael Johns’ death was confirmed via Twitter by an administrator of his official fansite.
Michael Johns finished in eight place in American Idol’s seventh season (photo Getty Images)
“It is with a heavy heart and inconsolable sadness that we confirm the passing of our friend Michael Johns. No other details will b avail at this time,” he wrote.
Fellow American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle also tweeted her condolences.
Michael Johns finished in eight place in American Idol‘s seventh season, which ended in 2008.
According to TMZ, Michael Johns died from a blood clot in his ankle.
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The X Factor show has been cancelled in the US after three seasons following judge Simon Cowell’s decision to return to the UK show.
The Fox network show has been unable to match the ratings success of Simon Cowell’s previous singing contest American Idol.
The X Factor‘s audience dropped from 12 million in 2011 to six million last year.
The X Factor show has been cancelled in the US after three seasons following judge Simon Cowell’s decision to return to the UK show
The news follows Simon Cowell’s announcement that he will be back on the UK version in the autumn after three years away.
“I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on The X Factor and American Idol,” Simon Cowell said in a statement about the US show’s cancellation.
“And apart from being lucky enough to find some amazing talent on the shows, I have always had an incredible welcome from the American public – most of the time!”
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj are leaving American Idol after one season as judges on the talent show.
The announcement comes in the same month as original judge Randy Jackson also left the panel.
Nicki Minaj told her 16 million Twitter followers: “Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn’t trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!”
Mariah Carey’s departure was also announced on Twitter.
Her spokesperson said the singer was now working on a world tour.
Mariah Carey, 43, and Nicki Minaj, 30, joined country singer Keith Urban and Randy Jackson for the show’s 12th season.
It is unclear whether Keith Urban will return for the show’s next series.
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj are leaving American Idol after one season as judges on the talent show
Mariah Carey reportedly earned $18 million while Nicki Minaj’s salary was reported to have been $12 million.
American Idol‘s ratings fell to their lowest point in 12 years this series with 14.2 million watching the season finale, which was won by Candice Glover.
Fox, which broadcasts the show, said Mariah Carey was a “true global icon” and that they felt “extremely fortunate” that she was part of the show.
In a joint statement with American Idol‘s production company, FremantleMedia, the network added: “Nicki Minaj is a superstar who brought a level of honesty and passion to American Idol and who had a tremendous positive impact on so many contestants this season.
“Given her extremely busy career, we understand and respect her decision and wish her the best.”
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Kelly Clarkson arrived at this year ACM Awards in a complementary purple fit and flare dress but as she took to the stage at the event, her costume change wasn’t quite as flattering.
The 48th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards ceremony was held at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
Kelly Clarkson’s light blue mid sleeve mini dress appeared a tad too small on the 30-year-old American Idol star.
Kelly Clarkson’s light blue mid sleeve mini dress appeared a tad too small on the 30-year-old American Idol star
Bunching up around her middle area, the fabric of the attire appeared restrictive.
Nonetheless, Kelly Clarkson beamed as she performed her hit song Don’t Rush at the star-studded awards show.
Earlier Kelly Clarkson arrived at the event on the arm of her fiancé Brandon Blackstock.
She looked pretty in her purple dress which she wore with nude colored tights and a pair of peep toe polka dot platform heels.
Kelly Clarkson accessorized with a black clutch bag and wore her blonde locks out in a straight style.
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Keith Urban went straight to LAX following his stint on American Idol on Thursday night.
Keith Urban, 45, who is married to Nicole Kidman, was accompanied by his daughters, 4-year-old Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret,2.
Keith Urban is a judge on American Idol and last night showed the hopefuls how things were done as he took to the stage for a performance of his own.
Both Faith and Sunday were clutching on to cosy cuddle blankets, no doubt ready to put to use for their long haul flight to London.
Last weekend Nicole Kidman revealed that she encourages her children to daydream.
Nicole Kidman, 45, has always enjoyed indulging her imagination and in the busy world we now live in, Nicole thinks it’s important for her children – to have time to just relax and have “creative time”.
New Zealand country singer Keith Urban is a judge on American Idol and last night showed the hopefuls how things were done as he took to the stage for a performance of his own.
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Nicki Minaj has threatened to quit American Idol on live TV during Thursday’s edition.
Nicki Minaj was furious to learn that her favorite contestant Curtis Finch Jr. – who at one point was being tipped as a possible winner – had landed in the bottom two of the Top 10.
Curtis Finch Jr. and Devin Velez received the fewest votes from viewers.
And when she discovered that the 24-year-old from St Louis, Missouri might be out, Nicki Minaj said she would quit the show.
“I definitely think Curtis should not be in the bottom two. I mean, I love Devin but I think that Curtis, if you look at every one of his performances, I mean – come on, America, are you kidding me?” she said.
“I didn’t think that your performance last night was your best, I think it was your worst.”
“Curtis, if you go home, I go home,” the singer said.
Fellow judge Keith Urban agreed in part, saying he was “a little shocked”.
But Nicki Minaj’s fears were realized after it was revealed that Curtis Finch Jr. actually got the fewest votes of all the contestants.
The revelation caused Nicki Minaj to jump out of her seat and approach the stage, only to seemingly be advised to return to the judge’s panel by Randy Jackson, who could be seen shaking his head, and beckoning her back.
Nicki Minaj was furious to learn that her favorite American Idol contestant Curtis Finch Jr. had landed in the bottom two of the Top 10
Curtis Finch Jr. was then able to sing one last time to save himself – but only if all four judges agreed unanimously to keep him on.They didn’t – and he was kicked off the Fox show.
Curtis Finch Jr. gave a heartfelt and emotional performance of R Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly, showing off his impressive vocal range.
He previously sang the song on the show to get him into the top 10.
Nicki Minaj looked like she was sulking as Randy Jackson and Keith Urban had an intense discussion on either side of her, while Mariah Carey concentrated on his make or break performance, that saw the audience go wild.
“The judges have got to be unanimous,” said Ryan Seacrest, who explained that they can “save” only one contestant once throughout the season.
“Save, save, save,” chanted the crowd.
“I’m completely shocked that this is where we’re at,” said Mariah Carey.
“This entire situation has been about Curtis, in a lot of ways, for me. We have had a connection. We still do, no matter what happens.”
“We are not unanimous, unfortunately,” Randy Jackson revealed, as some of the audience members began to boo.
The previous night Nicki Minaj had missed Curtis Finch Jr.’s singing because she was late to the live show in Hollywood, blaming bad traffic.
The show claimed over 26 million votes had been cast. But producers changed up the usual format by first revealing who was in the top three, but not what order they came in.
It was good news for Candice, Kree and Angie.
In fourth place was Lazaro Arbos. Amber Holcomb came fifth, while Janelle Arthur came in sixth place.
Burnell Taylor came in seventh place, followed by Paul Jolley.
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Nicki Minaj has opened up on Jimmy Kimmel show about her reported American Idol feud with Mariah Carey.
The singers have been at loggerheads ever since they first started working together on American Idol.
Nicki Minaj wore a garish trouser suit for her appearance on the show, which Jimmy Kimmel immediately commented on.
“Where do you get stuff like this? Do you have to make it?”
“No! It’s Roberto Cavalli, you can buy it in stores,” she said.
Jimmy Kimmel went on to praise her judging skills on the talent show, saying that she seems solid and reasonable, which is the opposite of her public persona.
“A lot of people don’t like their co-workers at their offices, but your office is on television and so when you have skirmishes everyone sees them. And clearly, you and Mariah Carey do not like each other,” Jimmy Kimmel probed.
Nicki Minaj has opened up on Jimmy Kimmel show about her reported American Idol feud with Mariah Carey
“I wouldn’t say I don’t like her, I definitely don’t think she likes me,” Nicki Minaj replied, adding that despite this, she makes a fair bit of effort to be friendly.
“I try, as I looked up to her for a long time, so I don’t want to hate on this lady, but she had an issue from the beginning. We’re having fun though.
“I genuinely like going there, even Mariah and I, we really do have fun.”
But while she might be making waves on reality TV, Nicki Minaj was there to do what she does best – perform.
Nicki Minaj took to a special outdoor stage to perform Va Va Voom and Freedom in front of an overexcited audience.
Writhing and singing to the music of a live band, Nicki Minaj added a jaunty leopard print hat to her already clashing outfit.
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On last night American Idol it was a four-judge blow up – leading to Nicki Minaj storming out in a torrent of F Bombs.
After a long day of auditions in Charlotte, North Carolina, tempers were wearing thin.
The argument exploded after the usually placid judge Keith Urban got irritated by a contestant’s comments about country music.
“Where do you see yourself as a singer?” Keith Urban asked Summer Cunningham, a 20-year-old student from Warner Robins, Georgia, after she had sung Lean on Me by Bill Withers.
“I did the country thing so maybe a soulful county thing is what I have been doing,” she said nervously.
“I always get thrown when people say they have <<done the county thing>>, it’s like saying you <<did the brain surgeon thing>>. Either you are a brain surgeon or you’re not,” said Keith Urban moodily.
“When you said you <<did the county thing>> you annoyed Keith,” smiled Mariah Carey who gave praised the girl and gave her a “yes”.
On last night American Idol it was a four-judge blow up at the show auditions in Charlotte, leading to Nicki Minaj storming out in a torrent of F Bombs
As the other judges debated the best genre for Summer Cunningham, Nicki Minaj grew visibly annoyed before throwing her hands in the air.
“Why are we picking her apart because of a country comment? You guys make comments about everybody in popular music all day,” she jibed.
“Not you Keith… Randy and Mariah,” berated Nicki Minaj, staring daggers at the Butterfly hit-maker.
“Oh really, is that what I do?” said Mariah Carey incredulously.
“I’m trying to help her as opposed to just talking about her outfit,” she retorted as the judges bickered on top of each other.
“I’m just trying to help you, a little bit, 30 years. Insight,” said Randy Jackson, drawing attention to his long career in the industry.
“Oh, you’re right. I’m sorry I can’t help her. Maybe I should just get off the f****ing panel,” said Nicki Minaj, throwing her seat out behind her and making a dramatic exit in her white mini dress.
“Let me get off the panel,” she chipped on her way out.
“That was my move. I was gonna do that the next time she bagged on me,” joked Mariah Carey sarcastically.
“Shut the f*** up,” screeched Nicki Minaj from the sidelines.
“Finish the show. I’m done.”
But fortunately the feud didn’t hinder the judges’ ability on the panel and Summer Cunningham joined a host of other southern contestants making it through to Hollywood.
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It looks like Mariah Carey may be grooming her daughter Monroe for a possible career as her make-up artist given this cute Instagram photo.
Mariah Carey, 42, uploaded an adorable set of photos of her 20-month-old daughter Monroe applying powder to her famous mother’s face.
The singer wrote: “Beauty school hour 01 lol.”
Missing out on the make-up lesson was Monroe’s twin brother Moroccan.
Meanwhile, Mariah Carey has been speaking about her infamous argument with fellow American Idol judge Nicki Minaj last year.
She said: “Anytime somebody’s reeling threats at somebody, you know, it’s not appropriate.
“I’ve got two babies… I’m not going to take any chances.
“I did hire more security. I felt it was the appropriate thing to do.”
Mariah Carey uploaded an adorable set of photos of her 20-month-old daughter Monroe applying powder to her famous mother’s face
Mariah Carey’s attempts to call their feud “one-sided” didn’t go down well with Nicki Minaj at the Television Critics Association panel of American Idol in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
The rapper hit back: “No, it wasn’t!. See? They don’t want a rising star, they want drama.”
The talent show’s producers denied that the feud between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj is a publicity stunt.
Nigel Lythgoe, the show’s executive producer, said: “Whatever feuds there have been – and this isn’t just between Nicki and Mariah but Keith [Urban] and Randy [Jackson] as well – are genuine.
“Whenever you’re in this sort of passionate situation, these things happen.”
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj have revealed that their cat fighting on American Idol isn’t an act – and their latest public snipe-fest is proof.
The judges of the hit singing show were at a press conference for the Television Critics Association Winter Tour on Tuesday morning and while things started out pleasantly enough with the two stars complementing each other, the atmosphere soon soured.
When asked if their sparring was real or merely a ploy to generate more buzz about the show, Mariah Carey, said: “It’s a passionate panel. The fight is what it is.”
According to the blog Vulture.com, a journalist then asked the warring women to say something nice about each other.
Nicki Minaj, 30, went first and said: “I say nice things about Mariah all the time. She is one of my favorite artists of all time.
“To be on a panel with her, it’s kind of crazy. All the singers come in aspiring to be Mariah, in terms of talent and in terms of career length.”
Mariah Carey apparently “flinched” before replying: “That was a very sweet thing to say.
“We did a song that was from my album and it was called, ironically, Up Out My Face. It was one of my favorite songs.”
Mariah Carey added: “And I did feel like she was going to go very far and still have that feeling. I am grateful for anything nice that she or anyone has to say.”
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj have revealed that their cat fighting on American Idol isn’t an act, and their latest public snipe-fest is proof
The stars both agreed that their fighting – most sensationally seen on leaked footage from an audition last October – “distracts” from the show so they decided to put in behind them.
However, it wasn’t long before the simmering animosity between the two resurfaced.
“It was sort of a one-sided thing,” Mariah Carey said.
“No, it wasn’t!” Nicki Minaj snapped back.
“See? They don’t want a rising star, they want drama.”
Throughout the rest of the press conference the pair rolled their eyes at each other’s comments, sneered or just stared daggers at each other.
Separated by the other judges, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson who tried to keep the peace, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey also seemed to be competing in the style and cleavage displaying stakes too.
Both were pouring out of their dresses – Mariah Carey opted for a strapless, emerald green mini dress with strappy Louboutins while Nicki Minaj wore a short gold, grey and white number.
The Make Me Proud singer also sported skyscraper Louboutins and both went for big, voluminous hair and fierce jewellery.
And to make things even more awkward, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj each said they neither of them would ever have entered a reality singing contest at the start of their careers.
Meanwhile, Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy shared a bromantic kiss during the TCA panel for their new show The Following.
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj catfight reached boiling point when Nicki was caught on camera hurling a torrent of abuse at fellow American Idol judge Mariah.
And, with Mariah Carey said to be in fear of her safety on the show, it has emerged that Nicki Minaj was “supremely disrespectful” to Mariah two years before she exploded on the Idol set earlier this week.
According to TMZ, Nicki Minaj was allegedly “rude” to Mariah Carey on the set of the music video Up Out My Face back in 2010.
The video shows Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj happily performing the song together, dressed in identical nurses outfits and red dresses, giggling away and drinking champagne.
But it was a different story off set, according to TMZ, with B. Scott, who appeared alongside Mariah Carey in the video, alleging that: “Nicki was making faces at her [Mariah] laced with rude comments under her breath.
“Mariah went out of her way to be nice to Nicki and make her comfortable,” B. Scott added, with the website reporting that Mariah Carey felt like she was helping launch Nicki Minaj’s career by appearing in the video.”
TMZ claims B. Scott told Mariah Carey what was going on with the Super Bass singer, but says: “Mariah decided not to confront Nicki and acted as if nothing had happened.”
However, a source close to Nicki Minaj said: “Scott works as Mariah’s stunt double and of course he would say things like that. He’s worked for her for years.”
Meanwhile, B. Scott told the website that he stays in touch with Mariah Carey and spoke with her on Thursday night.
He said that Mariah Carey “wants to bury the hatchet with Nicki on American Idol and focus on the contestants”.
Meanwhile, former American Idol judge Steven Tyler seemed a little skeptical about the row when a TMZ cameraman caught him outside an LA restaurant last night and asked him if the Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj feud was “bs”.
“Of course, are you kidding?” he replied.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Mariah Carey was keen to hire extra security after Nicki Minaj apparently threatened to shoot her.
The singer arrived for American Idol auditions in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Friday with a police escort, several bodyguards and minders in tow.
The 42-year-old, who is a new judge on the panel alongside the rapper, country singer Keith Urban and veteran Randy Jackson, lived up to her diva reputation as she strutted in for her day on set in Baton Rouge.
One burly bodyguard helped her keep her balance by holding onto her arm while another had the rather important task of shielding her from the sun with an umbrella.
She appeared rather uptight over the recent feud, constantly looking over her shoulder with a worried expression on her face.
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Nicki Minaj is said to have threatened Mariah Carey after her American Idol co-star called her a “b****” – it is now being claimed.
Show bosses cancelled filming in Charlotte, North Carolina for the day on Tuesday after a huge blow up between the pair where Nicki Minaj allegedly threatened and swore at Mariah Carey.
But witnesses insist Mariah Carey started it, according to reports.
A source told Mouthtoears.com: “Nicki Minaj walked off of set because Mariah Carey kept making jabs at her.
“Nicki’s manager and team convinced her to come back to the show. Mariah kept at it and called Nicki <<a b****>> and then proceeded to cuss her out. Producers had to stop filming and call it a night.”
It was previously reported how Nicki Minaj fumed she was sick of her co-judge, labelling Mariah Carey her “f*****g highness”.
Their fellow panelists Keith Urban and Randy Jackson were caught in the middle of the row, according to TMZ, which is running a video of the row, where Nicki Minaj can be heard ranting at Mariah Carey.
A source told the website: “[Nicki said to Mariah] <<I’m gonna knock you out>> – although this was not caught on tape.”
In the video being run by TMZ, Nicki Minaj can be heard saying: “I told them I’m not f*****g putting up with her f*****g highness over there [Referring to Mariah]. Figure it the f*** out. Figure it out.”
Mariah Carey can also be heard answering back in the video – but it is difficult to make out exactly what she is saying.
The row is said to have started due to a disagreement over a contestant’s performance.
As he headed to bed on Tuesday night, host Ryan Seacrest wrote on Twitter: “Going to bed in Charlotte after an anything but dull day at #idol auditions. Hit u in morn.”
Producers are now said to be concerned about how the pair will manage to work together for the rest of the season, TMZ reports.
Mariah Carey was said to be unhappy with Nicki Minaj joining American Idol because she was worried it would turn the reality TV programme into a “freak show”.
A source previously told Hollywoodlife: “Nicki isn’t established enough to qualify as a judge.
“Mariah wants a panel of bright, inspirational and constructive judges. Not some freak show!
“Mariah thinks Nicki will just be a distraction and it will all be about her and her outrageous behavior. Mariah will not be happy if Nicki joins the panel and she has let the producers know just how she feels!”
While Mariah Carey has 22 years experience in the industry, relative newcomer Nicki Minaj only leaped to fame two years ago.
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj have apparently not been getting along since auditions first started in New York last month.
During their first taping of the talent reality show the pair were said to have talked over one other in a bid to be the most vocal judge.
The drama began when 29-year-old Super Bass singer Nicki Minaj starting critiquing a contestant, but despite it being her moment to reign, Mariah Carey, 42, couldn’t resist butting in on several occasions.
But according to TMZ, each time the Dreamlover star intervened, feisty Nicki Minaj just spoke louder.
A source said at the time: “These girls just don’t like each other.”
Following the first day of shenanigans in New York, a fan tweeted Nicki Minaj to ask how the judging had gone, to which she cryptically responded: “It was… interesting… “
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This year MDA Telethon featured pop singers Carrie Underwood and Paula Abdul among other Hollywood celebrities at the September 2 TV event.
Former American Idol judge Paula Abdul and Idol winner Carrie Underwood had a special reunion. With their star power, much awareness was raised for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Carrie Underwood performed Nobody Ever Told You from the chart-topping Blown Away album.
Before she took the stage, Carrie Underwood was introduced by Paula Abdul: “Well, I’m not surprised our next guest’s tour is called <<Blown Away>>. I think back to where our journey first began on <<American Idol>> and I’m literally blown away by this beautiful talent. What a blessing it has been for me to be an up close and personal eyewitness to your youth, your talent, your passion and your amazing success.”
This year MDA Telethon featured pop singers Carrie Underwood and Paula Abdul among other Hollywood celebrities at the September 2 TV event
The telethon renamed as MDA Show of Strength played three hours of performances that were pre-taped. Viewers were encouraged to donate to support the continuous search for treatments and cures for the disease.
Muscular dystrophy affects over 1 million Americans. It is a disorder that weakens the muscles to the point of disability. Up until 2011, Jerry Lewis was the main spokesperson and chairman of MDA. He had dedicated his life to find a cure for the disease and have raised more than $2.5 billion dollars.
For many, this Labor Day is just not the same without Jerry Lewis. However, Carrie Underwood and many other performances were warmly welcomed as the potential for raising greater awareness of the disease is great.
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Despite reports that Jennifer Lopez was pushed out of American Idol by Fox network brass, the singer says Steven Tyler’s exit from the singing competition is the real reason she decided to call it quits.
“We had magic,” Jennifer Lopez revealed in a new interview with ABC News reporter Amy Robach on Sunday in Montreal, Canada.
“I don’t know, with him gone, it might be a different formula,” Jennifer Lopez said during a break from her concert at Bell Centre in Montreal.
Steven Tyler, 64, announced his departure on Thursday, saying he was leaving to return to his “first love”, Aerosmith.
A day later, Jennifer Lopez, 42, announced she would not be returning to American Idol because she wanted to resume her music and acting career.
Jennifer Lopez announced she would not be returning to American Idol because she wanted to resume her music and acting career
Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez joined the hit series judges for the 2011 season, alongside Randy Jackson who has been part of the original judges’ table since the show first began in 2002.
But over the weekend, The Los Angeles Times and Hollywood trade website Thewrap.com, both reported that Jennifer Lopez was “dumped by [U.S. network] Fox after asking for a $2 million raise in salary”, which would have taken her pay to a whopping $17 million.
Sources told The Wrap that Fox also opted not to pick up fellow judge Steven Tyler’s option to appear on the next season of the show.
According to thewrap.com, Jennifer Lopez was surprised that Fox did not try to negotiate with a counter offer when she asked for the extra cash.
Along with Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, several reports are also hinting that long serving judge Randy Jackson, 56, is also considering departing the show.
However, Randy Jackson has remained mum about the speculation surrounding his future on the series.
With her American Idol days done, Jennifer Lopez has taken to the road for her North American tour with singer Enrique Iglesias.
“I wouldn’t be a good judge,” the superstar singer told ABC News.
“It’s a lot of pressure, just thinking about, <<Oh my god, I just ruined this person’s career>>.”
Jennifer Lopez says no matter where she goes next in her own career she’ll never forgot the time she spent on American Idol.
“It got me back in touch with who I was, watching the contestants and singers,” she said.
“That’s why it’s hard to walk away.”
After years of dominating the U.S. ratings, American Idol has slipped in recent years, losing out to NBC’s Sunday Night Football last season, with ratings slipping by 23%.
The rest of Jennifer Lopez’s interview will air tomorrow in the U.S. on Good Morning America and Nightline.
Steven Tyler has announced he is quitting American Idol show to concentrate on his band.
Aerosmith frontman has been a judge on the US show since 2010 and was due to continue for its 12th season this autumn.
Steven Tyler’s departure comes as ratings continue to fall and fellow judge Jennifer Lopez considers her future.
The rocker said he thought “long” and “hard” about whether to continue but said the time was right to return to his “first love”, his band.
“I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress American Idol before she boils my rabbit.
“I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I’m back – but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I’ve got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band.”
Steven Tyler has announced he is quitting American Idol show to concentrate on his band
Aerosmith is on a nationwide tour with Steven Tyler and has an album due out in the autumn.
Based on the UK show Pop Idol, American Idol first aired in 2002 and quickly became a major success, transforming music hopefuls such as Jennifer Hudson into stars.
By 2005 it had become the biggest show on US television.
However it has struggled to keep viewers hooked since the departure of Simon Cowell in 2010 to launch American X-Factor, which aired for the first time last year.
The season 11 finale drew 21.5 million viewers – a record low – and ended the season at No. 2 in the ratings, with an average 20 million viewers for the mid-week shows.
There is now a question mark over whether Jennifer Lopez will return for the 12th season, despite a contract worth a reported $12 million and the show’s undoubted boost to her career.
Speaking to the Press Association after Steven Tyler’s announcement, Jennifer Lopez said she was saddened to hear that he was leaving and was weighing up her own decision.
“I can’t even imagine anyone else there right now because I’ve just spent two years sitting next to him,” she said.
“I love Steven, and we became close during that time. We were a great support for each other, on an adventure that neither one of us knew what it was going to be. So it’s hard to hear that he won’t be doing it.”
Jennifer Lopez has already indicated that there is a strong likelihood that she will not return.
“All hope is never lost – not all hope – but at the same time, there are too many things that I need to think about,” she said.
Speculation about potential new panelists has focused on Mariah Carey, with former Idol runner-up Adam Lambert a popular choice among fans.
Commenting on Steven Tyler’s departure, Mark Darnell at Fox, said: “We are very sad that Steven has chosen to focus more on his music, but we always knew when we hired a rock ‘n’ roll legend, he would go back to music.”
American Idol contestant Jessica Sanchez wasn’t even born when Whitney Houston released her hit How Will I Know, but she sang the song like a pro on Wednesday night.
It was the second time Jessica Sanchez, 16, has covered Whitney Houston on American Idol (she sang I Will Always Love You on the first finalist live show), and the judges lavished on the praise.
Guest mentor Gwen Stefani called Jessica Sanchez’s voice ridiculous while Randy Jackson praised her maturity.
In her intro segment, Jessica Sanchez talked about being a regular teen into boys and shopping.
It was the second time Jessica Sanchez, 16, has covered Whitney Houston on American Idol
At age 11, Jessica Sanchez had already appeared on America’s Got Talent. She already has a stage persona named Bebe Chez, much like Beyonce’s Sasha Fierce. In other words, she’s a seasoned pro.
Jessica Sanchez later teamed up for powerhouse singer Joshua Ledet for a rousing duet to I Knew You Were Waiting On Me, for which they earned a standing ovation.
Jennifer Lopez even postulated Jessica Sanchez and Joshua Ledet could be the final two.
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American Idol’s last remaining contestants offered a great show last night, as song choices were limited to Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston hits.
Jessica Sanchez created shock and awe in equal measure when she brought the house down with Whitney Houston’s greatest hit, I Will Always Love You.
Joshua Ledet did kick off the show with an incredible performance of I Wish, but Elise Testone brought the mood down when she failed horribly with I’m Your Baby Tonight.
“Whitney’s a beast,” Jennifer Lopez stated oddly, though it was clear to understand what she meant despite the odd choice of metaphor.
Whitney Houston’s vocals seemed insurmountable to the spirited young girls struggling desperately to emulate her.
A similar fate befell Shannon Magrane, who was understandably having trouble catching her breath throughout I Have Nothing.
“I think your nerves got the best of you, baby,” Steven Tyler told Shannon Magrane.
“You kind of crashed and burned.”
Jeremy Rosado’s beautiful voice struggled last night on Ribbon in the Sky, which was the song Stevie Wonder himself sung at Whitney Houston’s funeral last month and therefore probably doomed to failure by comparison.
Even “gentle giant” Jermaine Jones was nitpicked for “forcing” the chorus on Knocks Me Off My Feet.
Heejun Han turned in an adequate All in Love Is Fair, and Colton Dixon ably sailed through Lately, looking every bit the pin-up.
“The song started out shaky for me, but by the last eight bars, you were flawless,” critiqued Randy Jackson, who said that Colton had the most trouble staying on pitch when he was singing “soft and low”.
Jessica Sanchez created shock and awe in equal measure when she brought the house down with Whitney Houston's greatest hit, I Will Always Love You
Jessica Sanchez and Hollie Cavanagh fared the best.
Jessica Sanchez had a surprisingly good performance of Whitney Houston’s best-known hit, I Will Always Love You, while Hollie Cavanagh gave a heartening performance of All the Man That I Need.
Randy Jackson told Jessica Sanchez that it was one of the most difficult songs to sing and that she was the best “vocal of the night and one of the best vocal talents” in America.
While Steven Tyler added: “You may be the one. You just made 40 million people cry.”
Skylar Laine turned Where Do Broken Hearts Go into a lilting country ballad which worked better for this personal touch, though Jennifer Lopez felt she got “nasally” despite her offering the “biggest moment of the night” up to that point.
While Erika Van Pelt on I Believe in You and Me gave the judges goosebumps.
DeAndre Brackensick showed a different side of his voice with a reggae version of Master Blaster and was praised for his “Jamaican patois” by Steven Tyler.
Phillip Phillips gave Superstition a rock makeover.
The first elimination will run a little differently than in year’s past.
On tomorrow’s show, host Ryan Seacrest will announce the boy and the girl who got the least votes, then let the judges pick which one stays and which goes.
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Top 13 finalists of American Idol will perform songs by Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder on next week’s milestone 400th episode.
Season 11’s finalists were announced on last night episode following two nights of live performances from the Top 13 boys and Top 12 girls who made it to the semi-final.
Ten contestants were voted through to the next stage by the American public, while judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson chose three more acts as their wildcard picks.
Fox has now confirmed that the Top 13 will perform tracks by Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder on Wednesday, March 7. The female contestants will take on the Whitney Houston’s songs, while the men will tackle the Stevie Wonder tracks.
Mary J. Blige will mentor all contestants throughout the week.
Top 13 finalists of American Idol will perform songs by Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder on next week's milestone 400th episode
Whitney Houston passed away at the age of 48 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 11.
American Idol’s host Ryan Seacrest had previously hinted that the show planned to honour Whitney Houston’s impact on the music industry, saying: “We are trying to figure out how we can go in and obviously pay tribute [to Whitney Houston] in some way and acknowledge the impact that she had on popular singers, popular music and young singers that are trying to make it.”
The Top 13 contestants are: Hollie Cavanagh, Colton Dixon, Heejun Han, Jermaine Jones, Skylar Laine, Joshua Ledet, Shannon Magraine, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Elise Testone, Erika Van Pelt, Jeremy Rosado and DeAndre Brackensick.
