“Idol” celebrated its 450th episode last night, sending Devin Velez packing and leaving only Burnell Taylor and Lazaro Arbos as the remaining boys in the competition. Following the show, Billboard caught up with Velez, who discussed his future plans and his time on the show.
Devin Velez, whose alluring tone and ability to shift seamlessly between English and Spanish in a song made him a favorite for some, was the third eliminated guy in a row on "American Idol."
The good news with "American Idol" this week? Apparently 'Motown Week' means less ballads on the singing competition, which after the last few weeks is a welcome respite indeed (let's thank Smokey Robinson, the mentor this evening). The bad? It's down to the top eight and still needs to fill two hours, so it's time for group performances!
Billboard caught up with Paul Jolley who revealed his post-"American Idol" plans of continuing to pursue a career as a country/pop vocalist (no straight pop!), his thoughts on the judges being so hard on him, and his plans for returning home and eating "anything but a salad."
Paul Jolley pegged himself early on as a contestant looking to align himself within the same side of country that produced artists such as Rascal Flatts and Lonestar -- that is, country, but more on the pop side of it. Twang, but not overpowering or at times noticeable at all. Jolley himself even professed a hope to become a male version of Taylor Swift.
The Beatles have a fairly sizable song catalog that ranges from up-tempo, high-energy tunes to slower, more intimate selections. "American Idol" is often known for its singers tending to choose the latter when it comes to song selection; apparently, singing a ballad pays far more dividends than a barn burner that gets the crowd moving.
"The Voice" has set its schedule for the coming season, which starts March 25, goes into "knockout" rounds on April 30 and wraps up with a winner being crowned on June 18.
Billboard caught up with Curtis Finch, Jr to discuss his reaction to being the first finalist booted from "American Idol,"Nicki Minaj's support, post-"Idol" plans, and how he's already preparing for the Top 10 tour.
Despite the undeniable singing talent of Curtis Finch Jr., questions persisted about the Missouri native's ability to connect with a large portion of the "American Idol" voting public. Big-voiced gospel each week on a show known for its pop leanings? Jimmy Iovine in particular expressed concerns that such a thing could get old, and fast.
It's been said a hundred times by a hundred different people, but the ladies of "American Idol" are certainly the season's strongest, laying down the gauntlet each and every week for a fairly unspectacular -- aside from Burnell Taylor, of course -- group of boys.
Season 12’s Top 10 on American Idol spent last night in Los Angeles at The Grove spanning the Red Carpet, posing for photos and answering press questions. Billboard spent some quality time with the new contestants to get the scoop on their favorite Idol alums and performances.
"American Idol" has a new top ten, and no doubt viewers at home have strong opinions on whether the right crop was picked. Billboard caught up with two of the judges on the red carpet last night to glean how they were feeling about the picks.
