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Scotty McCreery on American Idol Finale: "This Isn't a Competition"

2011-05-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

Michael Becker / FOX

With only a little more than 48 hours to go until a new American Idol is crowned, nerves are running high and expectations even higher for a star-studded blowout and a fierce sing-off between finalists Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. We caught up with the two teen country singers at an Idol press conference Monday afternoon, and they told us winning isn't their first priority.

So how are they prepping for the two biggest days of their lives? Is Scotty going to shave his head? And why is Lauren's toe cocooned in Band-Aids?

MORE: Dancing With the Stars Finals: Kirstie Alley Falls Short, but She Can Still Win...Right?

It's hard to believe 12 weeks have gone by, but after shocking eliminations, laughs, plenty of tears and controversy, we're down to the final two, and they seem more like BFFs than stiff competition. After making it this far, they admit they would be excited to win, but are no longer looking at it as a competition.

"We're friends. This isn't a competition, we're just singing our hearts out," Scotty told us. "We're both going in full steam ahead." Lauren definitely agreed with her foe friend. "I think whatever is meant to happen will happen. I think if Scotty wins, I'll be happy for him because he's one of my best friends."

Coming from small towns and being thrust into the Hollywood spotlight, Scotty and Lauren have stopped competing and instead, turned to each other for support and to help keep their nerves at bay.

Michael Becker / FOX

"It's tough for us because we're both from small towns and nowhere around L.A.," Scotty laughed. "This is all new for us. We just try to stay true to ourselves and stay in our boots. That's what I always tell myself. To stay grounded and just take it one day at a time. We'll see where it leads us."

Lauren added, "You know this place is completely different from where I'm from. I went home and realized how small the buildings are and how everything is like a little dollhouse compared to here. It's such a great experience and I'm so glad to be here."

Even though they seem composed, cool and totally together, they admitted to being nervous, and they're even stressing over little things like, should Scotty shave his head for the finale?

"This has been the biggest thing on my mind," he told us. "Every time I look in the mirror I think, Should I? Should I not? I used to have short hair. That was me and the boys back home. We said, 'Short hair don't care.' I'm torn. If J.Lo cuts it, I might. How many chances do you get to have the most beautiful woman in the world cut your hair? I don't know. I might. Tune in to see. I still don't know."

Lauren has her own image impasse to deal with as well. When asked why her right big toe was swathed in bandages, she jokingly rolled her eyes and said it was because of boy!

"There was this cute guy, and I wasn't paying attention and I was waving, and I didn't see this concrete step, and I face-planted into the concrete and skinned the top of my toe completely," she said. "That's my story. Period."

Regardless of how they look on the Idol finale stage, both are excited to for what's to come.

"We're both country," Scotty said. "I'm going to go in there and try to make a country record. That's what I love. That's what I've grown up with, and if that crosses over, great. But if not, country is what I want to focus on. Country music is hip. Country fans are loyal. They've gotten us here so we owe all of this to them."

Who do you think will be announced as the new American Idol this week? Do you think Scotty should shave his head? Who are you voting for? Let us know in the comments!

With 'Idol' Finale A Day Away, Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery Meet the Press

2011-05-24T06:44:00.001-07:00

With the finale just 24 hours away, Scotty McCreery andLauren Alaina experienced an American Idol rite of passage on Monday -- the Hollywood press conference.

The two teen country singers spoke with journalists outside the Nokia Theater, where one will be crowned Idol on Wednesday night, and handled themselves like seasoned professionals, answering a battery of questions ranging from how they are coping with the pressure of Idol’s biggest night to the burning hot topic of how Scotty will style his hair. Lauren also had some explaining to do concerning her feet, which were plastered in Band-Aids. And why the heck is Ryan Seacrest calling Scotty “The Body?” Read on...

On competing against each other:

Scotty: "We're friends. This isn't a competition, we're just singing our hearts out. We're both going in full steam ahead."

Lauren: "I think whatever is meant to happen will happen. I think if Scotty wins, I'll be happy for him because he's one of my best friends."

On living the American Idol dream:

Lauren: “I’ve dreamed of being the next American idol since I was 6. Either way, I feel like I’m going to win, even if Scotty wins.”

Scotty : “She’s too nice.”

Lauren: “I’m not too nice.”

On being nicknamed “Scotty The Body” by Ryan Seacrest:

Scotty: “He said he’s done it in the past with the other Scotty’s. He’s just keeping with tradition.”

On going from a small town to Hollywood:

Scotty: "It's tough for us because we're both from small towns and nowhere around L.A.This is all new for us. We just try to stay true to ourselves and stay in our boots. That's what I always tell myself. To stay grounded and just take it one day at a time. We'll see where it leads us."

Lauren: "You know this place is completely different from where I'm from. I went home and realized how small the buildings are and how everything is like a little dollhouse compared to here. It's such a great experience and I'm so glad to be here."

Will he or won’t he? On shaving his head:

Scotty: "This has been the biggest thing on my mind. Every time I look in the mirror I think, Should I? Should I not? I used to have short hair. That was me and the boys back home. We said, 'Short hair don't care.' I'm torn. If J.Lo cuts it, I might. How many chances do you get to have the most beautiful woman in the world cut your hair? I don't know. I might. Tune in to see. I still don't know."

On making a country album:

Scotty: “We're both country. I'm going to go in there and try to make a country record. That's what I love. That's what I've grown up with, and if that crosses over, great. But if not, country is what I want to focus on. Country music is hip. Country fans are loyal. They've gotten us here so we owe all of this to them."

On keeping perspective:

Lauren: “Once I walk on stage, I just forget everything else and sing.”

Scotty : “I stay in my boots. I stay grounded.”

Just how did Lauren get covered in Band-Aids?

Lauren: "There was this cute guy, and I wasn't paying attention and I was waving, and I didn't see this concrete step, and I face-planted into the concrete and skinned the top of my toe completely... That's my story. Period."

'Idol' winner will be country-singing teen

2011-05-24T06:38:00.001-07:00

Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery, Idol's youngest finale pairing, will each perform three songs: their favorite from the season, a new single chosen by producers and a song picked by their idols (Carrie Underwood and George Strait, respectively). USA TODAY's Bill Keveney sizes up the competition, with insights from music producer Tricky Stewart, who has worked with both, and Idol executive producer Ken Warwick.

By Michael Becker, Fox, via AP
Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery will face off in the season finale Tuesday night.

Enlarge

By Michael Becker, Fox, via AP

Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery will face off in the season finale Tuesday night.

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Lauren Alaina, 16, of Rossville, Ga.

Your singing style:

"It's country with a little bit of pop. But I would say it's more country than anything. It just has a little bit of pop influence."

What kind of album would you make?

"I want to have mostly upbeat songs — I like to move around a lot on stage. But then I want to have some sweet, laid-back ballads. Just mix it up a little, countrify it. … I love Miranda Lambert. She's like rock-solid country. And then I love Carrie Underwood. So I would say in between those two."

Describe your fellow finalist:

"Scotty is one of my best friends. We'll be friends for the rest of our lives. I can talk to him about anything, and when I'm upset, he makes me feel better. … Scotty is definitely a ladies' man. All the girls love him."

As a singer, "he doesn't realize how absolutely amazing he is. He's got a beautiful voice. He thinks because he doesn't sing high notes all the time that he's not as good as other people, but that isn't true at all because he's got this beautiful talent."

On having two country singers in the finale:

"Country's coming back. We haven't had a country winner in a while. Now they're guaranteed to have one."

Who's the front-runner for the title?

"Scotty and I have a lot of the same fans, so I think it just depends on our performances. Scotty has teenage girls rooting for him; I have little girls rooting for me. Scotty is going to be tough to beat."

Why should viewers vote for you?

"I want people to vote for me because that's what they want to do. If they like Scotty better, I want them to vote for Scotty. I want whatever's supposed to happen to happen."

Tricky Stewart's take:

"Lauren just has a very special voice. It's one of those things that is pure. You don't have to do a whole lot to make it great."

"Those eyes, that smile, that voice, the way she delivers a song" are all part of her appeal.

"She's still very young, (but) you want her to know, 'You've done something not a lot of people in the world even have the courage to begin to do. (And) when you go out there, just be a little more sure of yourself.' Sometimes, she can get in her own head just a little bit."

Ken Warwick's take:

"She's the girl next door … which is what every country girl who ever made it is. She's pretty. Big heart. Cries at the drop of a hat. Wears her heart on her sleeve. She's the kid that just wants to be there, wants to win it and loves it all."

Scotty McCreery, 17,of Garner, N.C.

Your singing style:

"I have a little bit of old country in me. I listened to Hank Williams growing up and Conway Twitty. I grew up listening to Elvis Presley, definitely. I like to have that old flavor in my voice but with a contemporary feeling to it."

What kind of album would you make?

"Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not, I love that song. That's the kind of song I'd like to put out, a song that everybody can connect with."

Describe your fellow finalist.

"Bubbly. She's always got something to talk about. She's just such a sweetheart. Me and her, we're always there to pick each other up.

"She has an unbelievable talent. … Her singing is just impeccable. I'm just glad I got to be on this ride and share it with her."

On having two country singers in the finale:

"Country fans, they're great, they're loyal. They've been by me and her side since day one. A lot of people thought we'd be splitting votes and one would go home early, but they've kept us around and we're just glad to be here."

Who's the front-runner for the title?

"I don't think of myself as a front-runner. Anybody could have won it this year. The talent was that good, from the top 40 on."

Why should viewers vote for you?

"A lot of the reason I connect with people is because I'm just normal. I was just a 17-year-old kid in high school bagging groceries for a living and now I'm on this show, trying to sing for a living. I'm still the same Scotty who left Garner a couple of months ago."

Tricky Stewart's take:

"Scotty has a voice beyond his years. That's initially what made people pay such close attention to him, because his voice sounds like hit records. It's the first time America is seeing a young superstar country artist develop in front of their eyes.

"He has an ability to make you feel you're the only one watching him when he's singing. … He's always had a surety about himself. That's what I call 'country swag.'

"If he takes that competitive edge he has and applies it to music, he will be an awesome treasure for the music business."

Ken Warwick's take:

"He's everybody's boyfriend. He's got the voice. He's mature. He's cute. He's got that deep voice so he sounds like he's in charge of everything, which every girl loves. He's a genuinely nice guy. He's got the crossover between athleticism and the heart of an artist, which is what every heartthrob since the beginning of time has had."

Idol Creator, Simon Fuller Hollywood Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony – PHOTOS

2011-05-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

Simon Fuller, the creator of American Idol, received a star on the Hollywood Walkof Fame today. (May 23)

He was flanked by American Idols both old and new, including the Top 13, David Cook, Kris Allen and Carrie Underwood plus Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony,Ryan Seacrest, Victoria Beckham and more.

Check out the photo gallery below. See more photos from Scott HERE. Plus watch out for recaps!

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina – Singles REVEALED! (Plus Carrie Underwood & George Strait Pick Songs)

2011-05-23T17:56:00.001-07:00

Update: According to Idol Chatter, Carrie Underwood will pick a song forLauren Alaina and George Strait will choose for Scotty McCreery. No word on what those songs are. A third song will be a favorite performance chosen by Lauren and Scotty.

Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina’s coronation singles have LEAKED courtesy of the Taste of Country blog!

Country fans won’t have to wait long to hear Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina on the radio. Both plan to officially release their debut singles on Thursday, May 26, one day after the ‘American Idol‘ winner is announced. Taste of Country was tipped by a source at Universal Music Group, who tells us that McCreery’s song is called ‘Love You This Big’ and Alaina’s is titled ‘Like My Mother Does.’

Both singers will premiere their new singles during this week’s ‘Idol’ performance show on Tuesday, May 24. Our source didn’t provide further details about either teenager’s new music, but added that both performances will be available on iTunes on Tuesday night.

I wonder if country music songwriter, Tim Nichols co-wrote Scotty’s song? He tweeted recently, “American Idol finalist Scotty McCreery recorded one of my songs tonight in L.A.!” Nichols wrote “Live Like You Were Dying” and other songs.

Lauren’s single was recorded by Kristy Lee Cook for her ill-fated album, “Why Wait”. Hm. Listen below:

Carrie Lauren and Scotty

2011-05-23T17:51:00.001-07:00

STEVEN TYLER HOPES THAT SCOTTY MCCREERY AND LAUREN ALAINA DELIVER ONE MORE GREAT PERFORMANCE ON IDOL FINALE

2011-05-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday night, the start of the two night American Idol finale begins when Scotty McCreery andLauren Alaina fight it out to see who will win the competition. Backstage after the show Thursday night, Idol judge Steven Tyler said that he hopes that Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina will give America one more great performance, just like they have both done over the past three months.

In Garner, Scotty really is boy next door

2011-05-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

GARNER For months, Scotty McCreery had been ringing up customers just like any other high school cashier at the Lowes Foods in Garner.

But one day last February, store manager Terry Mascaro noticed that everything had changed. Scotty had just been featured on TV as a singing hopeful for this season of "American Idol," and Lowes patrons had taken notice.

"Once they realized who it was, they all went to his register," Mascaro recalled. Four checkout lines were soon empty, while Scotty's stretched 30 customers deep - all the way to the back of the store.

Scotty, 17, patiently posed for pictures and signed autographs for all of them. But the scene was a stark reminder that the life he had known - high school baseball player, member of the school chorus and the church youth group, afterschool employee at the grocery store - was going away. He was on his way to celebrity and would soon be singing for a national audience on TV's top-rated show.

Since that day, Scotty has temporarily relocated to Los Angeles for "Idol's" live shows. He wasn't allowed to return home until a week ago, when he got a hero's welcome as one of the season's three "Idol" finalists. In Hollywood, he has attended movie premieres and met celebrities at events for the show. He has been mentored by the likes of Sheryl Crow, Beyonce andLady Gaga.

This week, he'll be in the "American Idol" finals, hoping to be named Wednesday night as the show's 10th winner.

All this for a small-town boy more accustomed to hanging out with friends, cheering for the N.C. State Wolfpack and getting sweet tea and fried chicken at Bojangles'.

"It's kind of crazy how fast things have happened," said Kyle Wiggins, a Garner High School senior and Scotty's best friend.

Kyle, who has talked to his friend every day in California, said Scotty is trying to stay grounded. His deep religious faith helps, according to Kyle. Scotty, a member of First Baptist Church of Garner, reads his Bible regularly and is never seen without his cross necklace.

"He knows where he came from and who he is," Kyle said.

Because Scotty is a minor, he has to have one of his parents with him in California, usually his mother, Judy. After a brief period in which the 13 finalists had to live in a Hollywood mansion, Scotty and his mother now have their own apartment.

One homesick teen

Although "Idol" has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the McCreery family, there have been plenty of sacrifices. Mike McCreery, Scotty's father, has shuttled back and forth to Los Angeles, attending some "Idol" live shows but also taking care of things at home and in his job as senior manufacturing systems analyst at Schneider Electric in Raleigh.

Judy has been away from her real-estate work with Fonville Morisey and the tanning salon she owns in Clayton. Scotty is missing this year's Garner High School baseball season, where he probably would be pitching for the Trojans.

He is tutored in Los Angeles, along with his fellow finalist, 16-year-old Lauren Alaina of Rossville, Ga. Though he's doing well in his junior year - Judy is happy to tell you that he made the honor roll - it's just not the same.

It has all made Scotty and Judy terribly homesick. He famously said on "Idol" that he would "kiss the grass" if he made the show's final three and got to come to Garner for the homecoming trip. He did, several times, during the whirlwind visit May 14. The "Idol" cameras were rolling.

That trip reinforced how much different Scotty's life is now. Crowds gathered to see the teen all day, from his early morning visits to radio stations to a secret nighttime drop-in at the Garner High prom. About 30,000 people gathered in Garner's Lake Benson Park to catch a glimpse of the hometown hero and hear him sing.

"Idol" producers controlled most every stop, sometimes making Scotty repeat events for the cameras. He wasn't even allowed to spend the night in his own bed, though the camera crew filmed him lying on it briefly.

"That's the doubled-edged sword of it all," said Allison Byrd, a McCreery family friend who works at Judy's tanning salon, At the Beach. "They miss Garner. With Scotty, it's not, 'I can't wait to get out of this town.' What he's saying about the town - it's heartfelt."

'Who is that?'

As with most small towns where somebody becomes famous, Garner is full of people eager to talk about their Scotty connections. Some knew him from the grocery store. Others met him when he was singing at church. A few caught a baseball from him one time.

Most of the stories describe Scotty as a wholesome boy next door - but one who always had something special about him, too. Jaime Baker, Scotty's kindergarten teacher at Timber Drive Elementary School in Garner, remembers a self-assured youngster who shook her hand on the first day of class and said, "My name is Scott McCreery. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Baker."

Cathy King, who taught Scotty in eighth grade at West Lake Middle School in Apex, had her students write a biography of themselves. She still has part of Scotty's: "My philosophy of life is simple. Please God, work, provide for your family and help others."

Scotty also showed his musical side back then. King remembers him bringing his guitar in and performing during an eighth-grade awards ceremony. The song choice foreshadowed Scotty's future: "The Time of My Life" by David Cook, the winner of the seventh season of "American Idol."

"Scotty is extraordinary - he was the very first day I saw him," said Gary Epperson, who began teaching Scotty guitar at age 9.

As he grew older, Scotty performed often at church. He won "Clayton Idol," a local singing contest. And he starred last year in Garner High's production of the musical "Bye Bye Birdie." Scotty played the role of Conrad Birdie, a thinly disguised version of Elvis Presley - Scotty's own childhood idol.

His performance was a revelation to many who hadn't heard Scotty sing yet, Garner High Principal Drew Cook said.

"My wife ... looked over at me and said, 'Who in the world is that?'" Cook recalled.

Still, Scotty didn't tell many people he was going to try out for "Idol."

He traveled last summer to auditions in Milwaukee, where he sang Josh Turner's "Your Man" and Travis Tritt's "Put Some Drive In Your Country" before "Idol" judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

The deep voice coming out of the young face surprised the judges, with Tyler, the Aerosmith front man, uttering an obscenity that producers had to bleep. (Scotty good-naturedly said it was nothing he hadn't heard before at school.)

Idol Finalists Tour Contract – $1000 per Show

2011-05-21T09:20:00.001-07:00

The figures TMZ is quoting from the Idol tour contracts they supposedly got a hold of are significantly lower than what I’ve heard in the past–$3k per show, with the winners earning more than the also rans.

It’s hard to believe, frankly, that everyone on the tour is making the same. The winner and runner-ups are the stars of the show, with more stage time than the others.

So, grain of salt and all that. (Via TMZ)

“American Idol’s” top 11 finalists are set to make bank over the summer — because TMZ has learned they’ll each get paid $1,000 for EVERY show they perform during the American Idol Live Tour.

TMZ obtained a copy of the contract all Idol finalists had to sign before the show — which spells out exactly how much dough they’ll pull in if they’re invited to participate on the international tour.

In addition to the $1,000-per-concert — the documents show each finalist will share in merchandise profits from the tour … and will also receive $50 in spending cash for non-concert days.

Finalists are also guaranteed to stay in “Marriott/Hyatt style” hotel accommodations while on the road — and will fly coach between tour stops.

According to the contract, the tour will kick off immediately after the Season 10 winner is announced on May 25 — and will go until the end of September.

Not bad for a summer job.

Haley Reinhart eliminated; the two-part finale of Fox's singing competition airs Tuesday and Wednesday from the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles

2011-05-20T09:45:00.001-07:00

On Thursday's American Idol, the raspy-voiced underdog finally met her match. After finding herself in the bottom three numerous weeks in a row earlier this season (but hitting her stride in recent weeks), Haley Reinhart was eliminated from Idol.

May

20. After finding herself in the bottom three numerous weeks in a row earlier this season (but hitting her stride in recent weeks), Haley Reinhart was eliminated from Idol.

This leaves teenaged country singers Scotty McCreery andLauren Alaina to duke it out in the show's Season 10 finale, airing Tuesday with the results to follow Wednesday. Host Ryan Seacrest boasted to the crowd that this week's voting numbers reached 95 million, the most votes of any nonseason finale in Idol'shistory.

As her final song, the Wheeling, Ill., native returned to Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets," which the rock songstress performed earlier this season.

Also performing on Thursday night's Idol were Pussycat Dolls leader Nicole Scherzinger, with an assist from 50 Cent on her single "Right There," as well as Italian tenor trio Il Volo with "O Sole Mio."

Thursday night's show also saw the three contestants travel back to their respective hometowns for reunion shows and confidence-boosting fanfare.

'American Idol' on the scene for Top 3 results show: Who won the finale coin toss, and who does Scotty want to shave his head?

2011-05-20T09:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday’s result show sent former jazz student Haley Reinhart packing while setting up Idol‘s youngest finale ever. To give you an idea of how youngwe’re talking, Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery’s combined age of 33 is still three years younger than the eternally youthful Ryan Seacrest. In my opinion, Haley deserved a crack at the title more than Lauren, but at least Haley’s elimination paved the way for an exuberant farewell rendition of Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets.” Overall, the hour-long program flew by in a hurry, but there are quite a few behind-the-scene observations I’d like to highlight. In chronological order, here’s what went down in the Idoldome:

Elle Fanning alert: I have two comments regarding the young actress. First, she’s quite tall. Ryan Seacrest, whose height is the preferred unit of measurement for 13-year-old girls, had to look up to Fanning. Second, Fanning actually stayed for the entire show, which is rarely something you see from the on-camera celebrities who visit Idol. At Wednesday’s performance show, for instance, Jimmy Iovine sat in the audience for only the songs that he selected. But Fanning’s a trouper. Or, like many 13-year-old girls, she’s fallen under the blue-eyed spell of Scotty McCreery.

Where to find your Top 13: This season’s eliminated finalists were in the audience, and Jay the Warm-Up Host announced that they’d all be visiting Hollywood Boulevard on May 23 whenAmerican Idol creator Simon Fuller receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Paul McDonald had a confused look on his face, as if this was the first time he heard about this particular engagement.

Right on, Debbie: The Idoldome is normally an assault on your ears, but during one commercial break it became uncommonly silent. “It’s eerily quiet in here,” said stage manager Debbie Williams, a statement that the audience interpreted as a command to start cheering. “No, I meant I liked it [quiet],” Williams shouted.

How to tip a bodyguard: At the end of Haley’s hometown video clip, her bodyguard, Aaron, appeared onstage pretending to cry. Once we went to commercial, Aaron came back onstage, and Nigel Lythgoe rushed over to hand him what I’m 99 percent sure was a wad of cash. Aaron took the money and discretely slipped it in his back pocket. Somebody’s going to Legoland this weekend.

The Flight: The teenage Italian group Il Volo, whom I cannot find on Wikipedia and therefore could be a figment of my imagination, won the hearts of the Idoldome. Haley was bobbing her head, and Lauren leaned forward with her mouth open in awe. But my favorite moment of Il Volomania was seeing Casey Abrams sing along as the group performed “O Sole Mio.” Casey actually knew the Neapolitan lyrics, which, when coupled with his love for Back to the Future, essentially made him the coolest guy in the Idoldome. At the commercial break, the Top 3 walked over to say hello to Il Volo. Lauren was particularly interested in meeting all three guys and learning their names.

“Best day of my life”: Scotty sat on the golden stool while his hometown-visit clip played. When he broke down and started crying in the clip, the Idoldome loudly applauded for the singer. Debbie the Stage Manager then whisked Scotty and Seacrest to the seats next to the contestant’s parents. The decision to move him to the audience could have been planned from the beginning, but it seemed like a spur-of-the-moment decision by Debbie to milk the emotional atmosphere to its fullest. (For instance, the cameramen had to rush to set up the new shot. Had they known they’d be filming Scotty’s parents next, wouldn’t they have been setting up during the video clip?) After the interview with Scotty’s parents, the 17-year-old singer walked to the judges’ table and started a lengthy conversation with Randy, Steven, and Jennifer. He then finally returned to the blue couch and received compassionate hugs from Haley and Lauren.

Promo pro bono: At various commercial breaks, Randy, Steven, and J.Lo individually shot promo spots for MDA, the Muscular Dystrophy Association. J.Lo was the smoothest at reading from the teleprompter. Although she had trouble with the word “progressive,” she nailed the entire speech on her second try. Randy, however, required four takes. “It’s not easy, is it?” joked the teleprompter-savvy Seacrest. I particularly appreciated that whoever wrote the script for the promo decided that Randy should start off by saying, “Yo, this is Randy Jackson.” The word “yo” was included on the teleprompter.

Haley’s farewell: After the Growler finished her smashing performance of “Bennie and the Jets” and returned to center stage, the judges strolled up to offer their condolences. J.Lo hugged Haley, while Casey, who was on his way out of the Idoldome, stopped to hug everyIdol parent in the audience he could find. Lauren was in a hopping mood — literally. She and J.Lo started jumping up and down together, and then Lauren walked over to Tyler, and they started hopping together. (Lauren, you have every right to be thrilled about making the finale, but maybe you shouldn’t be jumping for joy in front of the person who was just eliminated).

J.Lo the Barber: While everyone was still onstage, Debbie announced that Scotty was thinking about shaving his head for the finale. Scotty quickly said something to Debbie, who relayed his message to the audience: “But only if Jennifer shaves it.”

The coin toss: After Haley left the stage, it was time for the coin toss to determine who would get to choose the finale’s performance order. Seacrest flipped a coin that had a photo of Scotty on one side and a photo of Lauren on the other. Scotty won the toss, but in a sweet gesture, he allowed Lauren to pick the order. She chose to perform second, which means Scotty will have the theoretical handicap of singing first next Tuesday. (Not that it truly matters, as Scotty’s victory has been sewed up for some time now, right?)

Goodbye, Idoldome: After the audience left the studio, the crew didn’t waste any time breaking down the set and getting parts of it ready to be shipped to the Nokia Theatre for the finale. I sat on a bench outside while waiting for my exit interview with Haley, which will be published on our Inside TV blog Friday morning. Haley’s parents sat nearby, anxiously waiting to embrace their daughter. But there was one other guy here too, and he was the first person Haley hugged when she stepped outside. His name: Casey Abrams.

PopWatchers, how do you feel about a double dose of country crooners for the finale? And does anyone see a scenario in which Lauren actually wins over Scotty?

Live at American Idol: An Oddly Unemotional Exit

2011-05-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

And then there were two.

Week after week, we've watched the top 13 dwindle down to three, and in Idol history, the Top Three elimination is always seen as the toughest.

But after making it this far, no one wants to go home! As sad as it seems to be eliminated thisclose to the finale, Thursday night was oddly unemotional. So what was the mood post-show and how did the top two celebrate?

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This season we've seen it all: Pia Toscano being carried off stage by medics after her elimination, James Durbin crying, Paul McDonald commanding the Idol audience to celebrate his exit, Jacob Lusk turning the stage into a church of his own and Karen Rodriguez admitting she wants to be like Jennifer Lopez.

Every eliminated Idol has gone out with a bang, but Haley Reinhart's step out of the spotlight was met with something akin to indifference as she treated it like it was no big deal.

From our seat behind the judges table, it was obvious the audience wasn't sure what to do from the get-go. From their mild response to the usual preshow antics to having to be prompted to applause at the start of the show, it was clear they just wanted the results already!

As we sat through an amaze-balls performance by Il Vono (who knocked all the Idol singers out of the water) and the pretaped Nicole Scherzinger-50cent song and dance, the mood on-stage was totally chill. None of the contestants looked nervous. Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and Haley all lounged on the couch with an "I've got this" attitude.

Michael Becker / FOX

Then things got rowdy.

Steven Tyler sat at the judges table snacking and throwing t-shirts into the audience. Screams, shouts and near manic excitement was flowing through the crowd before it was cut short so that Jennifer and Randy Jackson could film promo spots for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. While Jennifer nailed it in two takes, Randy had a rough time and needed the span of more than one commercial break to finally get it right! Of course, Ryan Seacrest had fun razzing Randy for his less than perfect presenting skills.

After Haley's elimination, we spied all of the finalists' parents hugging. It was totally sweet. Everyone was showing support for Haley, who was handling everything like a pro. Post-show, taking photos with everyone on stage!

Even though the night didn't end in Haley's favor, Scotty and Lauren couldn't contain their excitement and were jumping around and hugging. Our heart kind of melted when Scotty won the coin toss to pick if he wanted to perform first or second at the finale, because he handed the choice over to Lauren. What a southern gentleman! We love him!

Next Tuesday is the final performance night and choosing a winner isn't going to be easy.

Who do you want to win? Are you happy with the Idol finalists? Do you think Haley would have been a better finalist than Scotty or Lauren? Let us know in the comments!

Nigel Lythgoe Hints Haley Reinhart Record Contract! Plus She Received 25M Votes

2011-05-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Is Interscope planning to sign Haley Reinhart? It appears the answer is YES!

Nigel attempts to respond to nasty tweets and cheer up Haley’s fans with thefollowing tweets (@dizzyfeet):

With over 25 million votes for Haley I was expecting disappointment from passionate people. I find it upsetting it creates personal hatred!

Jimmy played me a song for Haley’s record yesterday. Let’s hope all the people that are professing love buy it and give her a great start.

Will Interscope be signing Pia Toscano, Haley Reinhart, Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery? Are there other Top 13 contestants in line for a recording contract?

As far as Haley’s record is concerned, I hope Jimmy keeps her in the bluesy vein a la Adele, rather than turn her into another Katy Perry pop tart…

American Idol 10 Top 3 – The Results!

2011-05-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

Your Top 2: Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina – Youngest matchup in Idol history. Yipee. All country All teen finale. I couldn’t be more excited. /sarcasm.

Eliminated: Haley Reinhart

Live blogging the American Idol 10 Top 3 results right here! Who will be eliminated tonight? Will it be Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina or Haley Reinhart.

Plus HOMETOWN VISITS!!!!

Video clip of Jimmy accessing the strengths of each of the contenders. Jimmy says there will be a guy in the finale. Going out on a limb there Jimmy?

Top 13 in the audience! Tonight the news of the season is delivered!

Over 95 million votes came in last night. 15 million voted more than last year’s finale. I think the addition of online voting has something to do with that.

Now, a completely old piece of video that includes James. They visit the Bad Robot company to see clips from the movie Super 8. Just a fancy way to present a trailer. He gives all 4 Super 8 cameras to use on their hometown visits. Scotty and James mock Randy saying “You’re in it to win it”. Some chick who stars in Super 8 gets all geeky over Scotty in the audience.

Haley’s hometown visit is first! She heads back to the Chicago area in a jet. “Gimme Shelter” plays in the background. Rain rain go away! People show up anyway. “Thank you for freaking out.” Har. Haley reunites with her family at home after three months. She’s off to her high school. “I said I wasn’t going to cry,” says Haley.

Now, off to the Arlington Race Track for a concert. Haley and her family JAM! After, with Ryan, security guard Aaron fake cries with a box of tissues. Ha.

Adorable little girl helps Ryan introduce the next video segment–The Top 3 frolic on the beach for the FORD music video.

Il Volo sing O Sole Mio. A trio of Italian teenagers sing opera. ReallyIdol? Really? You surely are willing to go to great lengths to pimp Jimmy’s sh*t. Simon did this first with Il Divo…no? Having said all that I have 0 interest in teenybopper opera lite.

Scotty McCreery is next:

Better lock them doors! I’m back in Carolina! says Scotty. “Hunk of Burning Love”! Scotty goes to his house to reunite with his family. He jumps happily on his bad. Hollywood seems light years away, says Scotty.

Garner high is next. Scotty throws a pitch. He breaks down sobbing in the limo. A stop at the grocery store where he used to work. Scotty takes his super 8 movies. Little girls are cryiing. More crying Scotty. Now, in front of a huge crowd getting ready to sing. Josh Turner joins Scotty on stage. “This might be the best day of my life,” says Scotty. “Scotty and I were in tears a good part of the day,” says Scotty’s mom.

Nicole Scherzinger and 50 cent sing her single “Right There”. The performance was taped last night after the performance show. Wow. Her singing is really really mediocre. Zzzzz.

Finally it’s Lauren Alaina:

“Flat on the Floor” “Going to jail! Oh no” jokes Lauren at the police detail. She’s on her way to her high school. It’s Lauren Alaina day! Lauren tearfully surveys storm damage with “Anyway” playing in the background. Lauren meets Tyler in the shelter. He saved his whole family. Now…on her way to Coolidge Park. Lauren tells the crowd how sorry she is for the people affected by the storm damage. She sings “Anyway”. Lauren throws out the first pitch. “I just had the best day of my life. I love you guys.” says Lauren.

RESULTS. All 3 take center stage. After the nationwide vote…the results after the break! ARGH. We’re back. DIM THE LIGHTS! After 95 million votes…the first person with a shot at the title is SCOTTY MCCREERY. Who will join him in the finale?Lauren Alaina! OMG the look on Haley’s face. Like somebody farted. Wow. Roll goodbye package…

Haley sings out with “Bennie and the Jets”. Haley makes her rounds, to the judges, the audience, her fellow contestants and finally her parents. Dang.

Will Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina Be Welcomed at Country Radio?

2011-05-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

When Season 10 wraps up, and the record contracts are signed, will Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina be welcomed at country radio? Here’s an industry insider who believes…maybe not.

We turned again to Facebook to gauge the industry’s reaction to McCreery and Alaina, asking people for their thoughts on the future of these two teens in the country format. The reaction was largely negative, particularly toward McCreery. But one widely respected programmer, KEEY (K102) Minneapolis’ Gregg Swedberg, had a completely different view.

Rivers predicts both Idols will have a “one and done” career, a reference to the number of albums they’ll ever get to release.

Two programmers, WFRE Frederick, Md., PD Jess Wright and KUZZ Bakersfield, Calif., MD Toni-Marie, already have other plans for the day a label rep wants to bring McCreery by their stations for a visit.

Says Wright, “If Scotty McCreery gets signed, I’m gonna need to change myphone number.”

YIKES. Wright goes on to explain, “Carrie Underwood actually had talent from the beginning. Scotty really doesn’t. For him, being on ‘American Idol’ is only a blessing because it’s the only thing the label will be able to point to as a reason to play his music.” DOUBLE YIKES.

Adds Toni-Marie, “I wish people would quit comparing this kid to Josh Turner. He attempts to sound like him, but the only thing he is successful at is looking like the kid on MAD magazines . . . Maybe Scotty does have some potential. I don’t see it, but he needs someone to teach him to be who Scotty is. Quit doing JT covers and doing that weird eye thing that only Queen Reba can get away with.”

Adds KIIM Tucson, Ariz., PD Buzz Jackson, “Scotty hasn’t demonstrated that he can be anything but creepy.”

The assessment of Lauren Alaina isn’t quite so negative–PDs recognize her talent, but believe she’s still too inexperienced, “I think Lauren could take it, but she is still very young and I don’t know that she can handle it yet, says Toni-Marie, ” Maybe with the right people behind her and parents who hopefully brought her up well, she can do it.”

KJJY Des Moines, Iowa, MD Eddie Hatfield agrees. “Lauren has a shot if she’s handled correctly. People seem to like her. There will be a curiosity factor on Scotty’s first single. If it isn’t great, that will be it for him.”

One widely respected programmer, KEEY (K102) Minneapolis’ Gregg Swedberg, had a completely different view, “Maybe I’m nuts, but I love both of them,” he says. “Scotty is more than just a Josh Turner clone . . . Lauren still needs to get some experience, but the girl can sing. It all comes down to the songs. If they’re smart (and they are), they’ll get the best songs they can, because a 25 million person launch pad is nothing to sneeze at.”

The consensus seems to be: Country music is NOT a dumping ground for Idol contestants. Carrie succeeded, but she’s a one-in-a-million talent. Both Scotty and Lauren are going to have to prove themselves to country PDs, just like everyone else. Unfortunatly, both–especially Scotty-are going into the game with some negative perceptions.

While Carrie succeeded spectacularly, there are your Phil Staceys and Kristie Lee Cooks who failed right out of the gate–getting dropped by their respective labels after only one album. Danny Gokey is chugging along in the format, but the jury is still out on whether he’s got a long career in country radio or not. We’ll see if Scotty and Lauren can eventually win the PDs over.

Randy Jackson, James Durbin Jam with Jimmy Fallon!

2011-05-18T06:47:00.000-07:00

Randy Jackson dropped by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday for an appearance that was full of win.

After discussing Randy’s new social media site, Next, they dig into a hilarious discussion about Idol.

Jimmy goes through photos of the remaining Top 3, and his reactions are priceless. When he gets to Haley’s photo he says to Randy, “You don’t like Haley you hate her. You were mean to her and everyone turned on you.” Jimmy Fallon is obviously an Idol fan, which makes his interviews with Idol related people totally fun. Randy predicts a boy and a girl in the final. Jimmy is predicting a Lauren Alaina win.

After looking at funny photos of Randy in Journey, Jimmy invites the dawg to play bass with the Roots. Randy says he “brought a special friend along,” and James Durbin takes the stage to join Jimmy and Randy in an awesome jam. Pretty cool stuff. Watch the fun below.

Video below

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