BANTER WITH BEN AND LISA #54: ‘American Idol’ Behind The Scenes! Also, Katie Perry and Amy’s Baking Company

You guys — this was a fun one! This week on Banter with Ben and Lisa, Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) talks about his experience going to the live finale taping of American Idol. Observations about Mariah Carey and Colton Dixon ensue. Then Lisa Timmons (wherelisalives.com) spills the tea about her brush with a big time, real …

BANTER WITH BEN AND LISA #49: Famous Siblings We Love; Also, American Idol, Tiger Woods, and A Shout-Out To SoundCloud!

New Banter with Ben and Lisa is up, and this episode is really funny, if I do say so myself. Here’s the official description: This week on “Banter with Ben and Lisa,” Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) and Lisa Timmons (idolator.com) embrace Siblings Day by discussing the famous siblings they like most. From Kim Richards to Bambi …

VIDEO: Past ‘American Idol’ Contestants Give Us ‘Beauty and the Beat’

People often wonder whatever happened to beloved American Idol songbird Vonzell Solomon, and I’m happy to report that she has resurfaced in a pretty amusing viral video called “Beauty and the Beat!” I won’t ruin the surprise of the video, but it’s not half bad. Plus, Vonzell’s not the only Idol alum on board. Forgotten …

See ‘American Idol’ Cast-Off Antonella Barba Now

Back in season six of American Idol, Antonella Barba made a splash for both her shaky voice and also her off-camera racy pics. She lasted for three weeks in the semifinals before being cut, never making it to the Big Stage. Jordin Sparks went on to win the season. That was back in 2007. Now …

‘American Idol’ Serves Up Most Boring Final Three Episode Of All Time

Last year, when American Idol served us up Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox, and Casey James, I complained about the boring state of affairs on the show, but little did I realize how much worse it could get. At least Lee, Crystal, and Casey all had strong talent to make up for their general lack of …

‘American Idol’ Final Four Sing Inspirational Songs, Fail To Inspire

We’re down to four wannabe superstars on American Idol, and for what felt like the second time all season, the judges actually gave some harsh criticism to one of the singers. It was a move in the right direction, but unfortunately, they also praised several boring, off-key, and generally lackluster tunes as well. Who’ll go …

AMERICAN IDOL: Something Old, Something New, Something Atonal, Something Awful

I think it’s time to officially stick a fork in American Idol. I never say that about TV shows. If anything, I stick by their side way longer than I ever should (read: Gossip Girl). But Idol is the pits. And contrary to what most people are saying, it’s not the singers’ faults. Sure, we …

AMERICAN IDOL RECAP: Carole King Week Leaves Us Demanding a Better Voice

The last time I wrote about American Idol, I was on a plane to NY, about to embark on a 12 day family vacation. I was going to weigh in with my thoughts on the previous night’s performance episode, but after having endured yet another week of softball critiques from the judges, I decided to …

10 Things The ‘American Idol’ Judges Might As Well Be Judging Instead

Watching last night’s episode of American Idol, I was shocked by how many average to subpar performances the judges (Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson) adored. Even more notable was how rote all their criticisms seemed to be. I really enjoy the judges’ personalities, but week in and week out, the three have lavished …

Shocking ‘American Idol’ Results Finally Push Show Over Cliff and Into a Void of Pointlessness

It happens every season. Well, maybe not LAST season when NOTHING happened. But every other season, there’s been someone who’s gone home way too early — perhaps most famously Jennifer Hudson, who didn’t even break the top five (or Chris Daughtry who missed the top three). Now this tenth season has been marred by a …