Watch – Idol Winner Scotty McCreery Releases "I Love You This Big" Music Video

It’s here!

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery has finally released his music video for his first single “I Love You This Big”.

McCreery, who walked away with the Idol top prize this year, is currently on the road with his fellow contestants with the “American Idol Live Tour 2011” and from what we hear is bringing down the house.

His first single is now #1 on iTunes and on the Billboards 100 Hot Ten list.

Watch Scotty McCreery “I Love You This Big” Music Video


“I Love You This Big” will also be featured on his first album due out later this year.

Scotty told reporters,

“I’m really excited to let people hear what we’ve been working on and putting so much effort and energy and time into. It’s something that I’m really proud of. I can’t wait for them to hear it! Hopefully they’ll feel what I was feeling in the studio.”

I got to say, after watching this video he seems so natural, like he has been in the country music business for years.

He just has that magic touch.

Related: Watch Scotty perform in the Idol 2011 Summer Tour - Video

Scotty has also just opened a new official web site at “ScottyMccreery-Official” where you can pre-order his album, see his latest blog posts and photos, and read about his experience this summer while on tour with the rest of the American Idol contestants.

Watch Scotty's AI Win!

The summer concert tour runs through September and then you can expect to see him in the studio fulltime finishing up his album says his manager.

He also has plans to make the rounds on late night television visiting with Jay Leno and David Letterman as well as daytime stops with Ellen and The View to help promote his new project.

Way to go Scotty – you made Garner North Carolina proud!

What do you think? Will you buy his album when it comes out?

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Video - Pia Toscano Performs First Single "This Time" on SYTYCD

Our favorite American Idol contestant Pia Toscano belted out her first new single last night on “So You Think You Can Dance” – and she nailed it.

It is Toscano’s first single since being voted off the show in an early and controversial vote.

Her early elimination over Stefano Langone sparked a grassroots effort to have her reinstated by angry fans who felt she had been voted out too early.

Since then, Pia has amassed a huge following of fans who have been anxious to hear her new material.

After leaving American Idol, Pia was quickly signed to Jimmy Iovine’s Interscope records and started working with other talented artists in preparation for her first album.

Interscope says,

“Pia has been working with several artists and producers including Rock Mafia and is proud of her first single ‘This Time’. We look forward to a long relationship with Pia, and other Idol contestants.”

Pia has told reporters that she plans to have her first album out by years end and says it will be a big, diva sounding record.

Watch Pia Toscano sing “This Time” on SYTYCD


We were impressed with Pia’s first major performance and if this is any indication of what we can expect from her new album we will buy it.

We really missed not seeing her compete up to the end of American Idol, and were not surprised to hear that her and Stefano may have had more than, let’s say a business relationship during the show.

Related: Pia Toscano and Stefano Langone Entangled In American Idol Drama Off the Set.

Whatever you say about American Idol, Simon Cowell, or the new judges, last season produced more hit makers and was so much more fun to watch than previous seasons - a huge improvement.

We can’t wait till the next season!

Go Pia!

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Scotty McCreery Talks about His First Album and New Music Video

Season 10 Winner Scotty

Season 10 American Idol winner and country music crooner Scotty McCreery sure has been busy since his big win.

While McCreery has been on tour this summer with the “American Idol Live Tour 2011”, he has
also been working hard behind the scenes on his first feature album and new music video.

Scotty, who was signed a record deal with Mercury Nashville and Jimmy Iovine’s Interscope Records shortly after his win, says his first music video for “I Love You This Big” will be out on August 9th and his first album will be released later this Fall.

He also announced the creation of his new official website at “ScottyMccreery-Official” and says he will be releasing new tracks, news, and videos before the album comes out so his fans can see and hear what he has been working on.

Scotty talked about his new album saying,

“I’m really excited to let people hear what we’ve been working on and putting so much effort and energy and time into. It’s something that I’m really proud of. I can’t wait for them to hear it! Hopefully they’ll feel what I was feeling in the studio.”

Watch Scotty's Win Video

Visitors who register at the website and pre-order his new album will also receive an autographed photo of Scotty along with a signed poster and a free digital download of his new music video “I Love You This Big”.

The Garner North Carolina native was the youngest person to ever take home the American Idol crown and within weeks had shattered the Billboard 200 charts with his first single.

“At his age, Scotty has the chance to become one of the first teen idol type celebrities born from the country music genre. There are thousands of young girls who would pay any price for a poster of a shirtless Scotty McCreery hanging in their bedrooms. And their parents would be happy to buy it for them because he is a fantastic role model for any teen.”

Scotty McCreery has been packing in the fans this summer on the American Idol Tour with fellow contestants James Durbin, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Casey Abrams, Lauren Elaina, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, and Hailey Reinhart.

Related: American Idol Live Tour 2011 Update – Scotty Rules, Durbin Rocks “Guns and Roses” – Video

McCreery hits the stage midway through the show and sings Josh Turner's "Your Man”, “Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not”, and his signature hit “I Love You This Big”.

Insiders say this has been one of the best summer tours by American Idol contestants ever, and that the crowd goes absolutely crazy when Scotty McCreery takes the stage.

The tour runs through mid-September and you can buy tickets and check for concert dates in your city on the American Idol Summer Tour official Website.

Can’t wait to hear what young Scotty has cooked up for us!

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Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Split – Announce Divorce After Seven Years of Marriage

We’re going to have to file this one under “didn’t see that one coming…”

After seven years of what appeared to the World as a blissful Hollywood marriage, the two power musicians have announced they are splitting up.

Their rep took to the airwaves today to release a joint statement saying,

"We have decided to end our marriage. This was a very difficult decision. We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters. It is a painful time for all involved, and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time."

After a month of speculation, Lopez announced just last week that she had decided to return to her position as judge on “American Idol”.

Related: Jennifer Lopez announces return to American Idol

The couple was married in 2004 and had renewed their wedding vows twice – once in 2008 and again last year.

They have two children - fraternal twins, Max and Emme, who are three years old.

Lopez appeared with Marc last season on “American Idol” in a sexually driven duet that brought down the house and gave no clues as to their crumbling marriage.



This is Lopez’s third marriage after being married to Ben Affleck and P. Diddy Sean Puffy Combs.

She is currently filming the animated comedy “Ice Age: Continental Drift” due in theaters next year.

She voices the character Shira alongside an A-list group of cast mates including Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, and Aziz Ansari.

We haven’t heard what went wrong but I bet the first episode of Idol later this year will be a bit awkward.

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American Idol Live Tour 2011 Update – Scotty Rules, Durbin Rocks “Guns and Roses” – Video

For all you American Idol fans who thought this year’s shows ended too soon you still have a chance to see your favorite idol live in concert in one of their 47 concert shows that run through September.

The 2011 Summer American Idol Live Tour kicked off last week in West Valley City Utah and all indications are that producers have put together one heck of a show.

The show rundown seems pretty well mixed between individual numbers and lots of duets, and crescendos with a group performance at the end.

Hard rocker James Durbin gets the crowd warmed up with Guns and Roses “Sweet Child of Mine before the entire ensemble bounces in and out doing individual and small group numbers.

Watch James Durbin Sing Sweet Child of Mine Live


Our spy’s on the inside say that Pia Toscano and Stefano Langone do a duet of Rihanna’s "California King Bed”, and Casey Abrams hits it out of the park with a version of Santana's "Smooth" while playing his signature stand-up bass.

All the girls join together for a tribute to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”, and of course runner up Lauren Elaina gets the stage to herself for “Like my Mother Does.”

Related: Lauren Elaina sings “Like My Mother Does” - Video

Hailey Reinhart also gets a moment alone on stage for Elton John’s “Benny and the Jets”, and Pia Toscano blows away the crowd with “Empire State of Mind.”

Watch Idol Live Show Compilation Concert Video


Leading off for the guys is veteran singer Paul McDonald with his version of Rod Stewarts “Maggie Mae” followed by heart-throb Stefano Langone playing the piano while performing Bruno Mars “Grenade.”

Watch Paul McDonald Sing Maggie Mae Live


After a few mare solos, all the guys join on stage for a group rendition of “Animal” by Neon Trees. This was probably the worst and most awkward performance of the night.

But one of the best performances, and the one wanted by the crowd, was by odd man Casey Abrams who brought out his standup bass to croon to Santana’s “Smooth.”

Watch Casey Abrams sing Santana's "Smooth" Live


Once Casey hit the stage you could definitely hear a change in the tone of the crowd – they started to really get into the groove and as you know, Casey has that unusual groove that plays out well in front of an arena crowd.

After a short intermission Thia Megia belted out “Who Says” by Selena Gomez and Stefano brings out the rest of the girls for Usher’s “DJ Got Us Falling in Love.”

James Durbin gets the crowd wound up again with “Uprising” by Muse before Jacob Lusk performs “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross, and then is joined by Pia, Naima and Stefano for “You’re All I Need To Get By” by Marvin Gaye.

Related: American Idol Jacob Lusk Arrested

And then it happens.

Scotty McCreery comes on stage for a group number and the crowed explodes. Scotty then starts his own private little musical set and gets the crowd on their feet with Josh Turner's "Your Man.”

Watch Scotty McCreery sing "Your Man"


McCreery follows with “Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not” by Thompson Square before launching into his hot single “I Love You This Big.”

Watch Scotty sing "I Love You This Big"


The crowd goes wild.

Scotty then joins with Lauren for a duet of “When You Say Nothing At All” by Alison Krause before the entire ensemble comes back on stage for the huge finale.

Watch American Idol Live Tour 2011 Group Finale


The American Idol Live Tour 2011 has only just started and tickets are still available for Los Angeles, Ontario, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Grand Prairie, Houston, New Orleans, Orlando, Duluth, Raleigh, Charlotte, Nashville, St. Louis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Rosemont, Detroit, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Atlantic City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.

As for next season, the American Idol producers have already hit the road for Idol season 11 auditions in Pittsburg, Detroit, Denver, St. Louis, Portland, and San Diego.

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Jennifer Lopez Announcing Return to American Idol for Season 11

Well, it sounds like the whole gang of judges will be returning for season 11 of American Idol.

We knew Steven Tyler was under a multi-year contract, and Randy Jackson has already told the media he would be back, and we all knew Ryan Seacrest wasn't going anywhere.

The only hold-out seemed to be Jennifer Lopez.

She had recently told reporters that she was “on the fence” about returning for season 11 and had not made up her mind yet saying,

"I had an amazing time doing it and I loved it, but I have a lot of other things happening, and it's going to come down to making a choice of really what I want to do for the next year. We're not really at the breaking point of 'You have to make a decision right now!' So I'm not.”

But today, E! News Online is reporting that Lopez will be making an announcement as soon as this week that she will be returning as a judge on American Idol season 11.

That’s good news.

Jennifer was a great addition as was Steven Tyler, and losing her after just a year would have been a blow to the show.

Some insiders say she was holding out for more money – asking for $20 million per season instead of her $12 million she got her first year.

But all you have to do is look at her schedule to see that this woman is as busy as it gets and fitting Idol into her schedule really is going to be difficult.

Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony are producing a Latin American singing competition show called Que Viva that has consumed a great amount of her time this summer.

She has also just been cast alongside Cameron Diaz in the romantic comedy “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”.

The movie is scheduled to start filming in 2011 with a 2012 Mother’s Day release date and will follow the lives of four couples as they prepare to become parents.

Lopez is also currently filming the animated comedy “Ice Age: Continental Drift” with Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Aziz Ansari, and comedian Wanda Sykes.

The movie is currently being filmed and has a projected release date of July 13, 2012. Plot details are top secret but producers have released the following “Ice Age 4” trailer.

Watch Ice Age Continental Drift Movie Trailer


And if those projects aren’t enough to keep J-Lo busy she is also preparing to star alongside Jason Statham in the movie “Parker” - a crime thriller centered on a thief who lives by a code of honor that includes never stealing money from people who need it.

While "Parker", with a $25 million production budget is still in pre-production, it is slated for release sometime on 2012 which means Lopez will need to find time over the next 10 months for filming.

And don't forget, Lopez also has a very active singing career going full tilt.

Whew… Now I can see why she was on the fence!

We’re glad she decided to come back for another season of American Idol and look forward to another year as exciting as last year’s revamped improvement.

Funny, we didn’t miss Simon Cowell for a minute.

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American Idol’s Pia Toscano Finally Signs Record Deal with Jimmy Iovine and Interscope Records

American Idol contestant Pia Toscano can finally say she has a record deal.

After Pia’s shocking elimination from American Idol it was announced that she had signed a record deal but her reps later said it was all just rumor.

Today, Jimmy Iovine and his Interscope Records announced that Pia Toscano has officially signed to the label and is now under management with Red Light Management.

Ex-Idol contestants Haley Reinhart and James Durbin are also under contract with Red Light.

Related: Did AI’s James Durbin Really Get Arrested?

Toscano’s first single, “This Time” has already been recorded and is set to release on July 15, 2011.

“Pia has been working with several artists and producers including Rock Mafia and is proud of her first single “This Time”. We look forward to a long relationship with Pia, and other Idol contestants.”

Pia was a viewer favorite before being booted from the show before Stefano Langone. There were also subsequent tales of a romance between the two.

Related: Pia and Stefano share off-set excitement

If you recall, Jimmy Iovine played a crucial role in last season’s Idol competition. It was speculated that any good talent would be snapped up by his Interscope records after the season was completed.

Pia told reporters after the announcement,

"I'm looking forward to working with him and everyone at Interscope Records and 19 Recordings. This is a dream come true."

She also said she will have a new album out before the end of the year and it will be a “huge, big diva sounding album.”

Watch Pia Toscano and Lauren Alaina Backstage Interview


Jimmy Iovine and Interscope also represent 50 Cent, Travis Barker, The Black Eyed Peas, Greyson Chance, Mary J. Blige, P. Diddy, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Fergie, Lady Gaga, new Kids on the Block, Pussycat Dolls, Soulja Boy, Sting, Timbaland, U2, Will.i.am, and others.

Pia seems to be in good company with Jimmy and we can’t wait to hear what she has to bring to the table.

Go get ‘em Pia.

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Nikki Reed and Paul McDonald Engaged

We know Nikki Reed from the “Twilight” series.

We know Paul McDonald from American Idol.

Soon we will get to know them as husband and wife.

Just 6 months ago nobody knew who Paul McDonald was, but after his audition on American Idol that all changed.

The raspy voiced “Rod Stewart” sound-alike was eliminated midway through the season, but not before building a huge fan base.

When news broke midseason that Paul and Nikki were dating it took us by surprise as they had just recently met and both had busy schedules.

By the end of American Idol they were dating and appearing in public together, and just last night they attended the MTV Movie Awards together where she flashed a big fat engagement ring.

And today they announced they are engaged and have plans to get married.

Wow, things sure do move fast in Hollywood!

McDonald admits that he has never seen any of the Twilight flicks but now plans to watch them and see what they’re all about.

Nikki told E! News,

"He's the one. I love him and I don't care. I've never met anyone like him. I've never met anyone who has such a good solid heart and comes from such a good solid family and is just a genuine person. We have the exact same sense of humor. I've never laughed so much with anyone as I do with him."

Paul will hit the road later this month with the American Idol Summer Concert tour and Nikki is gearing up for the next “Twilight” Breaking Dawn release.



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Kara DioGuardi Debuts Reality Show “Platinum Hit” On Bravo

Before American Idol nobody knew who Kara DioGuardi was.

And since she left the show… everybody has forgotten about her.

But now she is back in a new reality show on the Brava network taking us deep inside the music industry to see how hit songs are created.

The show is called “Platinum Hit” and stars not only DioGuardi but pop rock music icon Jewel.

The premise of the show is that a group of twelve unknowns has three hours to write a hit song, perform it in front of the judges (Kara and Jewel), and then await their fate.

Kara says that she understands that not all hit songs are rushed through a three hour process but says,

"Good new songs are the backbone of the music industry. There isn't an artist out there who could survive without hit songs. That's how it happens - you have to make an album, but you're touring and you're busy and your life is crazy. So they clear three hours on a Thursday night and they put you together with a writer and you come out with a song. That is the real world for today’s artists, and that’s what we’re going to show in Platinum Hit”.

Platinum will break the group up into teams where one team will write the “hook” for a new song, and the other team will complete the song and hope it passes muster with the judges.

But a lot of people are asking why Kara DioGuardi? Why not some big named music producer we have all heard of?

Kara DioGuardi IS one of those big wigs. You just didn’t know it!

So what songs has Kara DioGuardi written?

Not a lot of people truly understood her background and credentials when she appeared on American Idol – and she has spoken out publicly about that.

Songs that Kara has written or produced have sold more than 150 million copies, and she has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry.

She collaborated with Christina Aguilera on her album Back to Basics in 2006, co-writing 12 of the 13 tracks on the album, and DioGuardi wrote and produced "Ooh Ooh Baby" and co-produced "Heaven on Earth" on Britney Spears album Blackout.

She co-wrote and produced Pink's "Sober", Kelly Clarkson's "I Do Not Hook Up", Katharine McPhee's "Had It All", Carrie Underwood's "Undo It", and Theory of a Deadman's "Not Meant to Be", among others.

She wrote much of The Hannah Montana Season 3 Soundtrack including "Mixed Up", "He Could Be the One" and "Don't Wanna Be Torn".

Then there was Demi Lovato's song "The Middle", and "If I Can't Have You" for Meat Loaf's 2010 album.

DioGuardi also co-owns Arthouse Entertainment – a production company that provides songs, music, writers, performers, and complete compositions for other companies and artists.

Arthouse has been responsible for B.O.B’s “Nothin’ On You”, Bruno Mars “Just The Way You Are” and “Grenade”, Cee-Lo Green’s “Forget You”, Flo Rida’s “Club Can’t Handle Me”, Jim Jones' "We Fly High", Nick Lachey's "What's Left of Me", David Archuleta's single "Crush", Mika's "Grace Kelly", OneRepublic's "Apologize" and "Stop and Stare”, Faith Hill's "Lost", "Sober" by P!nk, "Pieces of Me" by Ashlee Simpson, and "He Could Be The One" by Hannah Montana.

See what we mean? But why are we telling you all of this?

We’re telling you this so when you watch the show you can understand that Kara really does pack a powerful industry background and actually knows what she is talking about.

Regardless of what her American Idol fans thought.

Platinum hit airs on Monday nights on the Bravo channel.

Watch Platinum Hit Producer Sneak Peek Interview


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American Idol’s Lee DeWyze Feuds with Creator Nigel Lythgoe. Snubbed During Finale?

Last week’s American Idol finale showed ratings climbed almost twenty percent over last year.

The winner and runner-up may already be in love.

But there was another matter happening behind the scenes that nobody ever saw, or new about – until now.

Last year’s Idol winner Lee DeWyze and creator Nigel Lythgoe were embraced in a bitter feud.

What started the war?

It seems that moments after the finale taping was over, creator and Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe took to twitter saying,

"I was so upset Lee DeWyze wouldn't present the winner’s trophy to Scotty. Especially as he'd been on the show this season. I guess he was shy."

It has become somewhat of a tradition for the previous year’s winner to be on stage and present the new winner with the American Idol trophy. But last year’s winner Lee DeWyze was nowhere to be seen.

In fact, while DeWyze was in the audience for the taping, he was never shown on camera and host Ryan Seacrest actually stood in front of him at one point blocking him from the shot. Seacrest never mentioned Lee or pointed him out to the viewers.

So what really went down?

Lee says he was never asked to be part of the final show until the very last minute – about two minutes before country singer Scotty McCreery was crowned champion.

Lee informed his fans by tweeting,

"Hey guys, no I'm not performing at the Finale. I wasn't asked to. A lot of questions so I thought I'd fill you in. Talk to you soon,"

DeWyze elaborated later when asked by reporters what was happening saying,

"I was not asked to be involved in the finale. It wasn't until about two minutes before they announced the winner that Nigel approached me and asked if he could 'borrow' me for a second. I didn't feel a last-second jump on stage was appropriate. It was Scotty's moment."

But Lee’s brother Michael was not as politically correct about the matter and took to twitter to voice is opinion saying,

"American idol producers have no respect... that is all... serious b.s., Nigel Lythgoe a no soul scumbag."

Michael later apologized tweeting,

“People may think I'm being rude but it’s just very obvious when someone is being treated disrespectfully... sorry bout angry tweets. Heat of moment,"

DeWyze did perform earlier in the season but says it was rehearsed and very formal and he had no problem with that appearance.

At the end of the day, Lee seemed to have gotten over his initial unhappiness and sent one final tweet on the matter saying,

"I appreciate American Idol and the opportunity it has given me. And the people who have made that show possible. I am not angry or bitter etc. It was an amazing finale, and I would have loved to be a part of it. I just wasn't asked."

Both Kris Allen and Adam Lambert who were the winner and runner-up during season 8 were in the audience but did not take the stage during the evening either.

Related: Adam Lambert sports some bizarre facial hair

It’s not unusual, and almost customary, for previous contestants and winners to be part of the final show. Most contestants that participated in this year’s competition were in the audience with the one notable exception of Chris Medina.

Related: Chris Medina snubbed at Idol finale

One reason producers may not have wanted Lee onstage is that his debut album “Live it up” flopped. Not only were sales well below expectations but reviews were also negative.

Entertainment Weekly said the album suffers from vague production that strips his Adam Duritz-y growl of all humor, anger, and sexuality.

We may never know exactly what went down. But we suspect it was a heat-of-the-moment situation that was taken out of context by all involved.

We should just be happy for Scotty “The Body” McCreery and look forward to his first album.

Because after all, the real question on everybody’s mind is if Scotty and Lauren are in love.

Related: American Idol's Scotty McCreery - "I Fell in Love"

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Scotty McCreery – “I Fell in Love” – Relationship has Been Building All Year.

American Idol always delivers a few surprises.

But this year the big story seems to be the relationship between winner Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina.

Maybe we should have seen it coming, but producers didn’t want it out for public consumption until the competition was over.

One insider says,

“We didn’t want it to effect the voting. It was something that happened over time and we knew it would get out eventually. Now that the show is over it will just add to their popularity and success.”

Indeed, Scotty and Lauren have become close, and Scotty even told E! Online that he had fallen in love.

After hearing his name Wednesday night the two quickly embraced each other with hugs and kisses and the rumor mill went into Hollywood overdrive.

But are they dating? Are they a couple? Is there really a relationship there? Insiders say yes.

In fact, after announcing the winner, host Ryan Seacrest ask "Scotty the Body" how he felt and he replied,

"It's been a year since me and Lauren Alaina have tried out now. Me and her have been together since day one and we're gonna stay together."

This was the first time most fans had heard such words from the 17-year-old country singer, but suddenly it seemed everybody wanted to know how serious things were.

For her part, Lauren told Entertainment Tonight when asked if they were boyfriend and girlfriend,

"He might be my boyfriend, ask him."

When asked by reporters about the on-air kiss and possible relationship after the show she said,

"I kissed him on the lips, yeah. He might be my boyfriend, he might not be my boyfriend."

Scotty on the other hand is being a bit more subtle with his remarks and comments. After the show he told reporters,

"I'm sure those rumors are spreading, but we're just really good friends. We've been friends since day one in Hollywood. We've been in class together in school. We've gotten really close, but I don't know about the more than friends stuff. I'm still single, but me and Lauren are really really really close friends."

That’s how it starts kids. Think back to when you were in High School and imagine how you would feel with 50 news cameras stuffed in your face and only 10 seconds to think of your answer.

From here, McCreery is already slated to be back in the studio to record his first single “I love you this big”, and Lauren is recording her first song “Like my mother did”.

Related: Watch Lauren Alaina sing “Like my mother did”

The couple will also appear together starting next month in the “American Idol Summer Tour” and have said they plan to record at least one duet together on each other’s first album.

We think this is a perfectly tender moment for the two and wish them nothing but the best. In terms of conspiracy and intrigue there were far more sinister moments that fans never got to see or hear about this season.

Related: Jacob Lusk arrested in L.A. – Mug Shot
Related: Was James Durbin really arrested?
Related: Chris Medina snubbed during Idol Finale



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Scotty McCreery Wins American Idol 2011 Crown - Video

We’ve seen some of the best go home.

We’ve met two new judges this season.

We’ve learned we don’t miss Simon after all.

And now we know the winner of American Idol 2011 season 10.

17-Year-old country crooner Scotty McCreery took home the gold tonight and is the new American Idol 2011 winner.

Even after last night’s last minute scare, 30 minutes before going live, that Lauren Alaina had lost her voice and Haley Reinhart would be his new competitor.

Scotty made his hometown of Garner North Carolina proud by winning the tenth season’s top prize after a record breaking 122 million votes put him over the top. 

“Scotty had what it took to go the distance and everybody in Garner is very proud of him. The entire town went into shock when we heard that Scotty had won.”

Scotty beat out 17-year-old country singer Lauren Alaina, and emerged as a frontrunner after the eliminations of Jacob Lusk, Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Stefano Langone, Casey Abrams, Paul McDonald, and Pia Toscano.



So what prize does the winner of American Idol get?

The winner receives a record deal with a major recording label for up to six albums. All previous winners have reportedly earned at least $1 million in their first year after being named winner. Several have gone on to become superstars.

In addition, the top ten finalists go on the road with the “American Idol Summer Tour” kicking off this June and making each contestant a nice six-figure income.

This season of American Idol was a vast improvement over prior seasons. The ousting of bad guy Simon Cowell and the addition of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez ignited a fresh fire under the show.

Not that this season was without problems and drama.

Related: Was Idol’s James Durbin Arrested?

Things got a bit rocky when Pia Toscano was voted off before smooth operator Stefano Langone. Fans revolted and started a grass roots effort to have her reinstated - but ultimately failed in their attempt.

Fans were ecstatic when Pia announced she had signed a record deal only two days after being voted off the show.

Related: The Pia Toscano and Stefano Langone Drama

And fans cheered when alt-rock sensation Casey Abrams was welcomed back after the judges used their one “save” of the season.

However, some viewers felt that the addition of famous record producer Jimmy Iovine may have led some Idols astray by giving bad advice or pushing them towards a particular song.

Jacob Lusk for example, criticized Iovine for giving him bad advice that Jacob felt ultimately cost him his chance at winning. 

Related: AI’s Jacob Lusk Arrested in L.A. – Mug Shot

And Chris Medina lashed out at producers when he was not invited to the finale live show. He felt that the show really played up his sad story about his fiancée, who suffered a debilitating brain injury, and then dumped him after he was eliminated.

Related: Chris Medina not invited to Idol Finale?

But all-in-all it was a great season. We really believe the changing of the guard propelled American Idol back to what it was in the early days.
And we congratulate Scotty for going the distance and bringing home the win.

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Video - Lauren Alaina Sings “Like My Mother Does” on American Idol – Impresses Judges

American Idol finalist Lauren Alaina may be closer to winning then she thinks.

Fans around the country are rushing to the internet today in hopes of learning more about the Rossville Georgia native who has country music in her blood.

Last night on the season 10 finals, 16-year-old Lauren blew away the judges, and viewers, with her version of Kristy Lee Cook’s “Like My Mother Does”.

Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler all seemed to agree that it was the best performance of the evening and would most likely propel Alaina into the winning spot.

If Lauren wins this year’s American Idol competition, “Like My Mother Does” will become her first single on her first album.

During her performance, Lauren moved through the audience and stopped in front of her own mother to sing a few bars. By the time she returned to the stage her mother was in tear as was most of the audience.

It was the cutest thing we’ve ever seen on an Idol show.

Watch Lauren sing “Like My Mother Does on AI”


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Lauren Alaina Loses Her Voice and May Quit Idol and be Replaced by Haley Reinhart During Final

Update 2: Looks like it was all a ratings grab. Lauren is live and ready to sing. Good luck Lauren and Scotty!

Update 1: Lauren is in makeup and is not speaking. Haley is on-set and prepared to perform.

- Original Post -

Bad news for American Idol finalist Lauren Alaina.

After all these weeks of competition, Lauren is supposed to be competing with fellow country finalist Scotty McCreery in this week’s final show.

But TMZ is reporting that the singer has lost her voice.

Lauren was scheduled to sing three songs Tuesday night but was only able to get through two of them during rehearsal. A doctor was called and Lauren was told not to sing or speak.

If she loses it during the live performance it could be the end of the road for Lauren.

Producers have said that if Lauren is unable to compete during the live show that they will have Haley Reinhart return to compete with Scotty McCreery.

Tuesday evening was supposed to be a night of country music with songs selected by Carrie Underwood and George Strait.

Lauren and Scotty were also allowed to each sing a song they personally selected from season 10.

No word yet if Haley Reinhart has had time to get up to speed with three separate songs for Tuesday, so we will be watching just like everybody else to see what goes down.

We will be updating as the night unfolds.

Related: Idol's Jacob Lusk Arrested in L.A. - Mug Shot
Related: American Idol James Durbin Arrested? 

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Videos - Haley Reinhart Voted Off American Idol – Two Finalists Remain

Poor Haley Reinhart.

She tried so hard, and even had her dad on stage to rock out a little Led Zeppelin.

Last night on American Idol Singer Haley Reinhart was eliminated leaving Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina to take home the gold during next week’s finale.

This is where things are going to get hard, and we are torn between Scotty and Lauren and could see either of them going all the way.



InfoStar had a feeling that out of the three remaining contestants Haley had the best chance of going home. This is the first year that the top three finalists all had terrific talent.



Last night’s show was also full of firsts.

It was the first time we got to see McCreery cry as he journeyed home to Garner North Carolina and visited his fans and old High School. It was one of the sweetest moments we have ever seen.

We found out that there were over 95 million votes – a new American Idol record.

And we got to see the first ever Italian boy band singing “O sole mio” – we’re still not really sure why we had to see that.

So this is it. It comes down to Scotty and Lauren.

Who do you think will win?

Related: Idol's Jacob Lusk Arrested in L.A. – Mug Shot
Related: Idol's James Durbin Arrested – NO. It’s a hoax

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American Idol James Durbin Arrested? NO – It’s a Hoax

Okay American Idol Fans. No need to get excited.

Everybody calm down. Take a deep breath.

The current rumor mill of the day has suggested that American Idol contestant James Durbin has been - or was arrested.

NOT TRUE. It is a hoax.

This is similar to the rumors that had Justin Bieber being a 50 year old man, and Lady Gaga as a hermaphrodite, and Lindsay Lohan dying in a car crash.

It just aint true folks.

However, since we’re talking about American Idol contestants, perhaps everybody has James confused with this season's Jacob Lusk.

It is TRUE that American Idol contestant Jacob Lusk was arrested in L.A. before the season started taping and InfoStar even has the mug shot!

Related: American Idol Jacob Lusk Arrested in L.A. – Mug Shot

So there, everybody can relax because the arrest of James is nothing but a rumor.




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American Idol’s Chris Medina Not Invited to Finale Show – Shame on A.I.

Remember Chris Medina from American Idol?

Sure you do.

He was the Milwaukee contestant who told the sad story about his Fiancee Juliana Ramos being in a car accident, suffering life threatening brain injuries, and now confined to a wheelchair.

The story brought Jennifer Lopez to tears. Chris made it through the elimination rounds and made it into the top 40 before he was sent home.

Early on, American Idol seemed to focus on Medina and Juliana's story like a laser beam, even going as far as having Juliana come into the audition room to meet the judges.

It really is a tragic story and the producers at Idol really played it up – some say for the ratings. But how far are they willing to go to show the love now?

Not very far.

Chris says he has not heard from Idol since he was eliminated, and that he has not been asked to be in the audience during the finale show like many of the other contestants.

He does say that the opportunity to share his story has helped get the word out about his fiancee and the incredible medical bills that are mounting.

Since his exit from A.I he has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Live with Regis and Kelly, Good Morning America, and On-Air with Ryan Seacrest.

In fact, the day after he was eliminated he released a single on iTunes called “What are words” that has sold over 75,000 copies to date. The song is about his relationship with Juliana and the emotions that erupt with these types of brain injuries.

Even though the producers of American Idol seem to be missing in action, host Ryan Seacrest has done something for the young couple.

In a radio interview with Chris, Ryan announced $35,000 worth of donations for his Juliana’s medical bills. It brought the singer to tears and is really a touching video – it even had actor Topher Grace entering the studio early to say he would match the donation for a total of $70,000.

Watch Ryan Seacrest Radio interview with Chris Medina


Medina’s latest video for his single “What are words” is very touching and we can see why he made it into the American Idol top 40. He really does have a great voice.

Watch Chris Medina Music Video “What are words”


Hopefully, American Idol will get wind of all the press about this and offer Chris and Juliana a front row seat next week during the final show of the season.

So, was American Idol just using Chris Medina for ratings?

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Steven Tyler’s New Book, “I Blew $20 Million on Cocaine and Heroin”

Steven Tyler has lived a hard life.

He is the front man for the band Aerosmith, and has a new job as judge on American Idol.

But dig deep into his past and you will see some of the shocking events that got him to where he is today.

In his new book, “Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?” Tyler talks about his youth and how he was just a normal kid spending most of his days outside,

“I was a mountain boy, barefoot and wild. I’d come back after an afternoon of killing with my slingshot and Red Ryder BB gun with a string of blue jays tied to my belt.”

During his teen years he met fellow band mates Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton and after attending Woodstock decided they should start a band – and the rest is history.

The one constant in the book is Tyler’s outrageous drug use, rehab, drug use, rehab pattern. At age 63 he says drugs are still a struggle and looks back at the years of use and the money spent saying,

“I kept drugs in the drum kits on stage so they would always be near me. I’ve blown $20 million on cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs. I snorted my plane, I snorted my house. I just couldn’t stop.”

Tyler says he has been in and out of a dozen different rehabs but it always ended the same way – doing more drugs.

He writes that in Aerosmith’s heyday he was buying pounds of coke for $20,000 and snorting massive quantities off the top of bass amps in the studio and on stage. Once the cocaine didn’t satisfy his urges he started buying heroin and injecting it directly into his butt.

After finally getting away from the cocaine and heroin, he says he became addicted to prescription medication which was just as bad, if not worse, then using illegal drugs.

“Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?” is a great read for anybody who likes Aerosmith and the 1970-1980’s rock band lifestyle. But for those American Idol fans new to Steven Tyler you may be a little disappointed since he only talks briefly about the show.

But what a walk down memory lane it is for me. As a teenager I attended an Aerosmith concert at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis on July 4th, 1980. To this day I remember it. I was still in high school and Aerosmith was at their pinnacle of success.

It was classic, unlike anything bands do today. “Walk this way”, “Sweet Emotion”, “Walk the Dog”, “Toys in the Attic”. And that funny smell in the arena was so thick that we all felt the love.

No Steven - the noise in your head does not bother me. In fact as I write this post, a little voice in my head is singing the words to “Sweet Emotion”.

Man, I feel old now…

Watch Aerosmith Perform ‘Sweet Emotion’ Live


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Lady Gaga To Mentor American Idols Final Four Contestants This Week - Steven Tyler to Perform

Is Jimmy Iovine getting the week off?

Is it time to bring in some new blood to the mentoring mix?

Big news this week for Lady Gaga and American Idol fans as Miss Gaga herself is scheduled to mentor the remaining four Idols during this week’s May 11th show.

James Durbin, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart are the sole remaining 4 contestants after Jacob Lusk was voted off last week.

And when I heard Haley sing Gaga’s unreleased single “You and I” last week I suspected it was not a coincidence. And I think some folks are getting tired of listening to Jimmy Iovine week after week.

Lusk is tired of him – and even blamed Jimmy for his poor performance last week that ultimately sent him packing.

Related: Idol Jacob Lusk Arrested in L.A. – Mug Shot

Gaga is riding high with her just released music video “Judas”, but is coming under fire from some fans that her hit “Born this way” is a knock-off of Madonna’s “Express Yourself”. We have to admit, they do sound almost identical.

Related: Lady Gaga Releases “Judas” Music Video – Watch
Related: Gaga under fire for Madonna rip-off - Video

But we don’t really want to see Scotty McCreery emerge from some type of country style giant egg contraption, or watch James Durbin rock out wearing a tuxedo made of meat.

So we hope Gaga is gentle with our last four contestants as the stakes this year could not be greater.

But you can tell that an hour show is way more than necessary for simply revealing the voting results, and producers are having to fill the time with other performances.

Last week each contestant sang TWO songs and Jennifer Lopez graced us with a performance.

This Thursday, Steven Tyler will belt out his new single “It Feels So Good” and word has leaked out that Aerosmith will be performing during finale week.

Related: Steven Tyler releases new book and talks Idol

The theme this week is songs by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who wrote most of Elvis Presley’s hit songs.

Really? Lady Gaga and Elvis?

Please Miss Gaga, no meat dresses, giant eggs, crown of thorns, nun outfits, or lesbian kisses – let’s keep things civil. After all, this is family hour. At least they didn’t go with Justin Bieber as mentor.

Related: Lady Gaga takes big fall on stage during concert – Video

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Steven Tyler Releases New Book - Talks about Idol, and Doing Drugs with Joe Perry in Rolling Stone Cover

Remember back in 2008 when Aerosmith announced they were working on a new album?

Remember when they said the project had been scrapped, and so had the tour, and that the band was breaking up?

Now we are getting a little more insight on what was happening to the band during those years in Tyler’s new book “Does the noise in my head bother you?”

The Aerosmith front man and American Idol judge will be on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine next month and said the book was,

"the unbridled truth, the in-your-face, up-close and prodigious tale of Steven Tyler straight from the horse's lips ... All the unexpurgated, brain-jangling tales of debauchery, sex & drugs, transcendence & chemical dependence you will ever want to hear."

Tyler, 63, also says that he did drugs with guitarist Joe Perry in 2008 after many years of both of them being sober.

“Joe Perry was so impaired by snorting prescription pills, he couldn't even play his instrument. But I was no better - I couldn't sing.”

Tyler says he is sober now and enjoying his time as the newest American Idol judge, and would like to get the guys of Aerosmith back together for another run at making an album.

Tyler last appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone's Magazine in the August 1976 issue.

Watch Steven Tyler Sing Medley of Beatles Songs for Paul McCartney