American Idolfinalist Caleb Kennedy exits show after controversial video surfaces

Caleb Kennedy’s journey onAmerican Idolhas come to an abrupt end. I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that’s not an excuse." I’m so sorry! Caleb Kennedy on ‘American Idol’.Christopher Willard/abc I pray that I can one day regain your trust in who I am and have your respect! Thank you for supporting me." Caleb doesn’t have a racist bone in his body." EW has confirmed that Kennedy will definitively not be continuing onIdol....

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 94 words · Lauren Meyer

American Idolfrontrunner Kenedi Anderson suddenly drops out over 'personal reasons'

What’sAmerican Idolwithout a few twists to the game along the way? Anderson later released a statement on her Instagram page saying she’s “unable to continue onAmerican Idol.” She sat at the piano to deliver a soulful cover of Lady Gaga’s “Applause.” ‘American Idol’ frontrunner Kenedi Anderson drops out of the competition, citing “personal reasons.".Karen Neal/ABC “I need two backstage passes right now,” Richie said after hearing her perform. “I believe you might be the biggest star we’ve ever seen,” Bryan said....

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 104 words · Nicholas Jones

American Idolmentor Bobby Bones says he won't return for the show's upcoming 20th season

He’ll end his run on the singing competition after four seasons. American Idolwill have no Bones about it next season. “Some of you noticed I’m not in theIdolpromos this season,” he wrote. Bobby Bones on ‘American Idol’.Eric McCandless/Getty Images “My contract [with] my new data pipe won’t let me do another show right now. Was a great 4 years.” A representative forAmerican Idolnetwork ABC did not immediately respond to EW’s request for comment....

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 96 words · Phillip Riley

American Idolpremiere recap: Getting the band back together

American Idolis back in business, baby. You know, the changes you’d expect at this point. So who got to pluck a golden ticket off the Hollywood ticket rack? Let’s meet the first group ofAmerican Idolseason 19 contestants. No, it’s Benson Boone! He’s very believable! “They’re gonna swoon over Benson Boone,” Katy exclaims. She isn’t wrong. The judges have their fingers crossed that Alex sings like he talks their wishes are granted....

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 406 words · Marilyn Hodge

American Idolrecap: 10 former contestants attempt a comeback in thisIdoltwist

Somebody’s getting a comeback story, people. Let’s talk performances. Cyniah Elise was in that group. Katy “loved those last couple of runs” but wanted more earlier. Luke thought Cyniah was “searching a little bit in the front” but eventually found her footing. Nick Merico, “City Lights” Nick Merico Will the third time be the charm for Nick Merico? Tonight, he’s singing an original. Aliana Jester, “I’ll Never Love Again” Lady Gaga...

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 384 words · Darius Austin

American Idolrecap: A 'we knew you when' audition comes along

It’s a real “we knew you when” trip all these years later. We’ll get to that audition later. Carrie Underwood inspired season 16’s Gabby Barrett, who has inspired Miss Laila Mach here. What really impressed the judges, however, is how much confidence she has in her talent. Re’H / 27 / Houston, Tex. “Bad Girl” by Donna Summer Oh, okay Re’H. Sparkles and feather boa included. She puts on ashow....

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 424 words · Crystal Miller

American Idolrecap: Chris Martin mentors the Top 7 on first-ever Coldplay Night

We’re getting so close to the finale, people! Who will get this thing done in the end? He thinks one day Coldplay will be opening for her. In rehearsal, they work on stripping it down and making Willie shine. It gives new layers to the song. Caleb Kennedy, “Violet Hill” by Coldplay Caleb seems so disconnected and uncomfortable during this performance. He sees music as “an ongoing conversation” and isn’t protective of his songs....

May 1, 2025 · 3 min · 442 words · Laura Williamson

American Idolrecap: Hollywood Week comes to a close with the Solo Round

The contestants are singing for their lives, and a spot in the Top 40. Welcome to the Solo Round onAmerican Idol, folks. And second, SONG CHOICE. Credit: Eric McCandless/ABC Katy is especially enthused about Kimmys song choice (I told you it was important!). Her performance of Shawn Mendes In My Blood should allow that to happen. Shes never seemed so connected, both to the song and to her audience, as she does here....

May 1, 2025 · 3 min · 584 words · Monica Watson

American Idolrecap: Katy Perry channels her inner (and outer!) Tinker Bell on Disney songbook night

He’ll be tossed into season 19 just as it’s getting Disney-fied. So, that’s fun! But the fun can’t last forever, folks. By the end of the night, this Top 10 will become the Top 7. Let’s get into it. That element still seems to be missing from his performance, but all three judges felt the energy. His voice seems a little more shredded than usual, but Luke and Lionel couldn’t be more proud....

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 282 words · Brooke Martinez

American Idolrecap: Katy Perry declares a contestant 'dangerous' as the Top 16 is revealed

From a group of 24 hopefuls down to just 16,American Idolis making some big cuts tonight. Let’s take a look. “You were an artist for the first time in my eyes today,” Katy says. Lionel especially praises her ability to build dynamics in the performance. She’s improving each week. The judges are pleased with this performance. Grace Kinstler, “Elastic Heart” Sia As if there was any chance Grace wouldn’t be here!...

May 1, 2025 · 3 min · 631 words · Mike Skinner

American Idolrecap: Lionel Richie performs one of his own to kick off Oscar-nominated songs night

That math doesn’t add up, you say? Now, letLionel Richie’s “Say You, Say Me” performance wash over you. You might as well feel the love while you could becauseIdolisn’t messing around tonight. Wild, but true. There is no rest for the vocally-weary. What the judges are looking for now is more identity and artistry from Grace. They want Grace to show them what a Grace Kinstler album would be. Lionel wants her to select songs that portray who she is as an artist....

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 391 words · Sara Reed

American Idolrecap: Luke Bryan calls one voice 'life-saving' as the Top 3 is revealed

We’re so close to crowning a season 19 champion, can’t you feel it? But before we get to that, we have to wade through absolute chaos. That is all well and good and feels right, doesn’t it? Why they couldn’t split these up into two separate rounds (perhaps one for the finale?) so that the artists could, you know, really dig into these songs (especially their singles! ), no one knows....

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 396 words · John Ward

American Idolrecap: Meet your Top 11

This round of cuts really stings. Prepare yourselves, people!American Idolgoes from 20 artists to 10. Speaking of awful, do we think its better or worse to be cut in this remote format? ABC This one is the toughest of all. So who makes it through to the Top 10 and what do they sing for us next? Lets take a look. Louis Knight // In My Place by Coldplay The English heartthrob nabs the first spot in the Top 10!...

May 1, 2025 · 3 min · 457 words · Kelly Richards