The 15th and final season of American Idol is coming to an end! Next week is the finale and the ‘Final Idol’ will be announced. Last night Mackenzie Bourg was sadly eliminated after a great season. The 23-year-old from Lafayette, Louisiana put on quite the performance for his hometown visit before being cut. Bourg who was first seen on season three of The Voice on team CeeLo Green, also plays the guitar and piano. In our celebrity interview with this Idol star, Bourg opened up about the way in which he channels emotion while singing love songs, who he would like to perform a duet with and his plans to tour in the future.
In our celebrity interview, 'American Idol' star Joey Cook discusses her celebrity engagement and what she learned from the reality TV show. Photo: Michael Becker / FOX
Joey Cook will not only leave the reality TV show American Idol having gained experience and knowledge in the music industry, but she’s also walking away with a celebrity engagement! Cook’s longtime boyfriend Evan Higgins proposed a few weeks ago, and the now-famous couple shared the news on Twitter on Thursday, Mar. 26. In our celebrity interview, the performer opens up about the special moment, saying, “The proposal was really sweet. He’s the love of my life!”
In this celebrity interview, Maddie Walker discusses her time on the reality TV show 'American Idol,' her elimination, & her future plans. Photo: Michael Becker/FOX
By Jenna Bagcal
From the tender age of three, Maddie Walker has been pursing her passion for music. The 17-year-old singer from Ankeny, Iowa, first auditioned for American Idol in season 13 but was sent home during Hollywood Week. However, this minor setback didn’t stop her from auditioning again, and she made it to the Top 11 on season 14 of the reality TV show. Last week, she sang “Let’s Hear It For the Boy” from the film Footloose, which earned her a place in the bottom three. Unfortunately, her journey ended on Wednesday when was sent home in a double elimination along with fellow contestant Adanna Duru.
American Idol runner-up Jena Irene Asciutto almost didn’t make it onto the show. The 17-year-old singer didn’t have enough votes to make it to the Top 10, but the judges saved her, and she is the first wild card contestant since Clay Aiken to make it to the finale. Each week, she proved the decision to save her right and was in the bottom only once during her amazing run. She did admit that almost going home shook her up. “My confidence wasn’t that high in the beginning because America didn’t vote me in, but that lit a fire under me to prove that I could do it.”
Once she made it to the top 10, Asciutto’s star quality was undeniable. Although still young, she’s a seasoned performer. From the ages of 12 to 16, she was the front woman for the band Infinity Hour. “Being in a band had a huge impact on me,” she says. “I played all around the metro Detroit area, and we played with other bands and kind of did different music depending on which venue we were playing. That definitely influenced me, and to be around all these local artists was fun because I saw what made them unique.” Unfortunately, she had to quit the band a few months before her audition, but her bandmates have continued to support her from the sidelines.
Despite avoiding the bottom all but once, the runner-up says that she didn’t realize just how far she had made it until the top five. “Once there were only five of us left, that’s when it started to sink in that this was real.” Every competitor had a distinct style, and she knew that it was anybody’s game. “I just remember laying in bed one night wondering how I was there. I was just so excited.”
Although she became friends with all of the finalists, Asciutto has become especially close with 23-year-old Caleb Johnson, who was announced the winner last night. She said she was grateful for his support during the show. “It was a positive effect,” she shares of their friendship. “Even the production team who’ve been doing this for 12 years said they haven’t seen as good of a connection as Caleb and I have. The stress was taken down a couple notches, and performing with my best friend made it better. You don’t get to experience this with just anybody, so I’m glad we did it together.”
In fact, they are taking their BFF-ship to the next level, and Johnson will be Asciutto’s date for prom. Fans got to watch the footage of her “prom-posal,” and it was just as sweet as they imagined. “It started out as a joke a couple months ago, and as we got closer to the finale, I realized that I actually didn’t have a date to the prom,” she explains. “He was serious about going the whole time, so I decided why not? Our schedules were able to accommodate the prom date, so I’m really excited.”
And while they’re not as daunting as singing on national television, Asciutto has the typical concerns of any teenage girl going to prom. “I still don’t have a dress — I’m freaking out!”
Despite wowing the judges and America with her powerhouse vocals, the talented singer remains a humble. She still worries about her grades and has plans to go to a performing arts college. As for her future in music? “The fact that I got this far being so young and a wild card gives me hope,” she says. “I am a unique artist, and I’m still trying to figure out who I am. My music has been evolving for the past three years, and I can’t wait to see where I end up. I can’t say for sure what my album will sound like, but that’s the fun part!”
American Idol may be over, but you can still catch Jena on the summer tour! Until then, keep up with her on Twitter @JenaAsciutto1. Check back tomorrow for our interview with winner Caleb Johnson!
Even before making it to the top three on American Idol, 21-year-old Alex Preston had a pretty impressive background in music. He can play up to 12 instruments (none of which he took lessons for) and has opened for Of Monsters and Men, Gavin DeGraw, and the Backstreet Boys. Music must be in his blood because he’s also cousins with country music star Jo Dee Messina, who he’s even written songs for.
Week after week, the judges praised him for this artistry, and he managed to avoid being in the bottom up until the end. A common criticism Idol contestants hear is about making each performance seem like an original, but this musician never struggled with that. “When I hear a song, I think of how I would do it, and then I usually take and hour or so and run through the song and run through alternative chords and chordal structures,” he says of his process. “I had the most fun arranging songs and making them my own.”
This week, the singer broke out of his comfort zone, and during his performance of Bastille’s “Pompeii,” he played both the drums and the guitar. “This competition has really taken my out of my shell, and I’ve learned a lot of myself as a performer. I’ve become more confident.”
Although covering popular songs can be a fun challenge, Preston truly enjoys performing his own music and believes allowing more original content will improveAmerican Idol. “Playing original music on the show was definitely an amazing opportunity because it’s in front of millions of people,” he shares. “It’s your own lyrics and composition, and playing your own music on a show like Idol pushes it to the next level because it shows artistry.”
Preston was especially excited to show off his talents when he and his fellow competitors were welcomed back to their hometowns. He went home to Mount Vernon, New Hampshire and gave an “incredible” concert for over 6,000 fans. “I got to show people who I really am outside the show, and that was probably the coolest experience for me.”
Despite all of his achievements, the rising star remains humble. “I was expecting to be eliminated this week because Jena and Caleb are so good and their performances are so big,” he explains. “I knew deep down that it was going to be them in the finale, but I’m proud to have been in the top three.” His strategy during the competition was to take it week by week. “But once I hit top three, I did start thinking about the months ahead, where I want to be, and long term goals outside of the show.”
Beyond improving his musical skills, Idol is also where Preston met his girlfriend Jillian Jensen, who fans might remember from season two of The X Factor. The couple met during Hollywood Week, and while being apart has been difficult, the couple are making it work. “It’s tough because we live on opposite sides of the country, but it works out because we can always talk and Skype. She came to the shows a lot too,” he shares. “It sucks because we can’t see each other as much as we’d like to, but since we’re both musicians, we understand each other’s schedules.”
Being a reality television veteran herself, Jensen was a great source of advice. “She always kept me positive. She was completely honest with me whether it was good or bad and told me what she thought. She helped me through a lot in that aspect and kept me going.”
Preston’s time on the Idol stage may be up, but he knows that this is just the beginning. “I’m already starting to try to figure out a way to plan my record. I have a couple co-writes lined up that I do want to get on the album as well,” he says. “If I could release a single, that would be awesome. I want to release something as soon as I can and kind of take advantage of the wave of publicity that the show has given me.”
Want more of Preston? You can catch him on the American Idol summer tour, but until then, follow him on his Twitter @RealAlexPreston!
Jessica Meuse, 23, stood out on this season of American Idol — and not just because of her trademark pink hair. The singer from Slapout, Alabama, personified cool-rocker-chick, and her honest and easygoing attitude made her a favorite to both fans and judges. Many competitors get pigeonholed into a single genre, but she admits to being influenced by every genre of music. Her singing style is a mix of gritty rock with metal and country notes.
The singer said her ultimate goal was to stay true to herself and bare her soul to the audience — especially when she sang her original song “Blue-Eyed Lie” this week. “I lived it; that happened to me, word for word. It’s like taking my diary and reading it on national television.”
In 2011, she self-released an album called “What’s So Hard About Bein’ a Man.” All of the songs were influenced by her own life experiences, and most of them focus on dark and serious subjects. Meuse has said this is because she wants her music to give hope to others in similar situations. “Writing my own songs about heartbreak and tough situations teaches me how to let go and just not worry about things you can’t control anymore.”
The contestant’s vocals were praised each week, but the judges repeatedly criticized her on her lack of stage presence and connection with the audience. Keith Urban even said she didn’t have enough “release.” Fans complained that she was picked on more than the other singers, but she chalks it up to part of the experience. “At times, I felt picked on, but it’s part of the game. I know I have bigger things ahead of me, and I’m going to make them happen,” she shares.
She does wish she could have sang more original material though. “I didn’t let not singing originals frustrate me because I do know a lot of cover songs from singing three to four hour gigs at home, but I really would’ve liked to do originals — at least one a week just because that’s who I am as an artist.”
Meuse also agrees that stage presence was most difficult for her — but she did improve during her time on stage. “I believe that I have shown emotion, and I’m growing as an artist,” she explains. “There’s always stuff to work on, but I think I’ve grown a lot on the show. It’s definitely different from singing in a bar where you’re kind of just in the corner and only the bartender is looking at you.”
It’s no surprise that the scrutiny can be unnerving. “You’re on national television, and everyone is looking at how your eye twitches. So it’s definitely something you have to get used to,” she says. “But I feel like I came into my own, and I figured myself out on the stage, so I’m very proud of that.”
When you’re in an environment like Idol, it’s stressful to say the least. And when you’re also in a relationship, being apart for that long can create a rift. Unfortunately, that’s what happened to Meuse and her boyfriend, Steven Atkins. Although he came to support her during a few of the live shows, ultimately, they went their separate ways. “Being on the show did affect my relationship to the point where it didn’t work anymore, and we’ve actually been apart for about a month now,” she shares. “It’s just not the right time, but he’s a good guy. Sometimes, situations just bring out the worst in people.”
But heartache and stress are nothing new for the talented musician, and she’s determined to achieve all of her goals. “The limits that you have are only the ones you put on yourself. If you really want something, you just have to work for it. After all, I went from singing in a smoky bar with pneumonia to singing on national television.”
This isn’t the last you’ll see of Jess! You can catch her on the American Idol summer tour. Until then, keep up with her on Twitter @JessMeuse.
At only 16 years old, Malaya Watson is the youngest contestant ever to compete on American Idol. She dominated the competition from early on, and viewers quickly forgot how young she was after listening to her powerhouse vocals. Her positive attitude, confidence, and jokes garnered a lot of fans, so it was no surprise that the singer’s elimination caused controversy with many who stated that the judges use of the save last week was a joke and that Watson deserved it more than Sam Woolf. Some have also said the she deserved to win and that the votes were miscounted, while others announced that they would no longer watch the show.
Twenty-one year old Rochelle York — better known as Majesty Rose — was an early standout on American Idol. Her quirkiness charmed fans, and her diverse tastes in music always surprised the judges. “When I picked my songs, I wasn’t really thinking about what America likes; I was thinking about what I like,” she said. “Yes, America was voting for me, but it was really my time to present myself, and so I thought about what made me most happy and most comfortable.”
Ryan Seacrest and MK Nobillette. Photo: Michael Becker / FOX
By Louisa Gonzales
MK Nobilette made headlines early on during this season of American Idol when she became the first openly gay contestant. Of the attention on her sexual orientation instead of her singing skills, she says, “I was definitely a little taken aback at first, but I get that it plays a role. I’m a singer, and I’m also gay. I felt like it was important to address that. I’m very proud of it and open about it.”
Ben Briley quickly became a fan favorite on American Idol this season during rush week when the judges couldn’t decide between him and Neco Starr to advance to the top 13. They put the decision in America’s hands, and Briley was voted to move forward. From his southern drawl to his love for everything Tennessee, he might seem like the token country singer, but one look at the 24 -year-old’s YouTube channel, and you’ll quickly learn that he enjoys music ranging from John Mayer to James Taylor.
Emily Piriz may be done on the American Idol stage, but she believes this is only the beginning of her music career. The 18-year-old is no stranger to reality television, having auditioned for The X-Factor, America’s Got Talent, and The Voice before finally making it through on Idol. She made the brave decision to sing Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud” this week, a song that she used “to sing along to, hairbrush in hand.” Of her final performance, she says, “I don’t regret doing it. That song is home to me.”
This week, American Idol decided to let the audience get a better sense of the thirteen finalists by giving the singers free rein in terms of song choice. Kristen O’Connor, a 24-year old nurse tech, chose Kelly Clarkson’s “Beautiful Disaster.” On Wednesday night’s show, she explained, “This song is typically about a boy, but I interpreted this song to be about me.” Judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. gave generally positive — but slightly underwhelmed — feedback.
Soul singer Candice Glover has been a frontrunner since the start of season 12 of American Idol, so it wasn’t surprising when she took home the crown on last night’s finale. Glover, though, was sure to take things slow. “My goal was to make it to the top 20. If I got that far, I knew I’d have a fan base that would keep voting for me,” she shares. “Then, I made it to the top ten, the top five, and finally the top two. That’s when I knew I could win this whole thing.”
Kree Harrison talks about her journey on 'American Idol.' Photo: Andrew Evans / PR Photos
By Kerri Sheehan
After a long season of strained vocal cords and sad goodbyes, we finally have a new American Idol, Candice Glover. But she’s not the only one headed for stardom: runner-up Kree Harrison has a bright future ahead of her as well. Viewers first became acquainted with the songstress when she performed with three other country crooners during Hollywood week. During the Idol segment, “Kree Harrison Comes Home,” fans learned that the 22-year-old singer lost both parents, her mother to an accident at age 19 and her father to a plane crash at age 12. Many found it refreshing to see the stunning brunette return to her roots in Texas.
The American Idolroad ended last night for 19-year-old Massachusetts native Angie Miller. Known for winning over the judges during her first audition by performing an original song and playing the piano during many of the live shows, fans were surprised to see her go. She sobbed throughout her goodbye song “Never Gone,” originally sung by Idol alum Colton Dixon, as Mariah Carey encouraged her from the judges’ table.
American Idol viewers were disappointed to say goodbye to 19-year-old Texas native Amber Holcomb last night. After her elimination from the competition was announced, Holcomb broke down in tears as she belted out her last song “I Believe In You and Me,” originally sung by Whitney Houston. “Before the performance, we watched the video of memorable clips, and that always gets to me every single week. It was just a lot. It was really overwhelming.”
Lazaro Arbos was a fan favorite on this season of American Idol from his first audition, capturing our hearts with his rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” He struggles with stuttering when he speaks, but when he sings, it’s not an issue. Ultimately, his talent carried him to a sixth-place finish, outlasting the other male contestants and leaving an all-female top five for the first time in the show’s history.
American Idol viewers were surprised to see New Orleans native Burnell Taylor sent home last night. Even mentor Jimmy Iovine predicted that he would be the last guy standing, saying at the start of the elimination show that Lazaro Arbos should be voted off. Taylor, though, says he “had a feeling it was going to be me this week. I was prepared — it’s always a possibility.”
Many viewers were disappointed to see Paul Jolley eliminated on last Thursday’s American Idol episode. The sweet Southern boy from Palmersville, Tennessee, knew that it would be his final week though. “I was just so ready for it,” the performer said of leaving the show. “I talked about it throughout the day. Everybody could see that I was going to be okay no matter what.”
If you ask Erin Andrews about her place in the pantheon of women’s sportscasters, she will graciously credit the ladies who came before her. However, there’s no doubt that she is a trail blazer in sports broadcasting. She has gained notoriety and admiration for her work ethic, knowledge, and natural on-camera abilities. All of this, she says, is part of being an “unapologetically strong woman.” Recently, Lori Bizzoco had the chance to chat with Erin about her new career path, touting her father’s influence as a main proponent of pushing her as far as she’s come. Further, she says, her father stands as a standard for when she’s dating. “He [her father] is a strong man by my side, and I think that’s why I can’t find anyone on the other side yet because they have to compete with my old man!”
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