Access Hollywood

Former ‘Idol’ Taylor Hicks To Launch Vegas Show

April 20, 2012

LAS VEGAS, Nev.

“American Idol” Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks is getting his own short-term show on the Las Vegas Strip.

Top 5 Artists ‘American Idol’ Finalists Should Avoid Covering

March 08, 2012

By Josanta Gray

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

On Wednesday night’s “American Idol,” the Top 13 took on songs from Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston, as the competition to find America’s next reality singing superstar rolls along.

And while the performance will prove to be the swan song for this week’s eliminated contestant – they shouldn’t feel too bad. As it turns out, singing songs by Stevie and Whitney have sent more “Idol” hopefuls home than any other artists over the show’s previous 10 seasons!

‘American Idol’ Crowns A Winner, Simon Cowell Says Goodbye

May 27, 2010

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

Dozens of superstar celebrities and almost all of the former “American Idols” were on hand on Wednesday night as the FOX reality show crowned its Season 9 winner and judge Simon Cowell said goodbye to the show he launched and helped make a hit.

Dish Of Salt: Monday TV Dish (Jersey ‘Housewives’ Return With More Drama)

May 03, 2010

By Laura Saltman

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

“The Real Housewives of New Jersey” are back with some garden state bitchery tonight on Bravo. NBC picks up its first drama for the new TV season, but what’s the connection to ABC’s “Lost”? Another “American Idol” winner hits Broadway.

Plus, the debut of my new daily TV addict segments - “In Case You Missed It” and “Tune In/Tune Out.” What did you miss on TV and what should and shouldn’t you watch tonight? It’s all in today’s Dish.

Top 10 Best Selling ‘American Idols’

March 31, 2010

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

Over its eight seasons, “American Idol” has turned dozens of amateur singers into superstars. Kelly Clarkson went from blushing 20-something with a big voice to international sensation thanks to her top spot on the show, while the quiet, but commanding Carrie Underwood scored Grammys, country music accolades and millions of album sales after winning the crown.

Simon Cowell Departure Another Jolt To Weakening ‘Idol’

January 12, 2010

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

With Simon Cowell’s days numbered and Paula Abdul already gone, this season is shaping up to be the end of an era for the nation’s most-popular show, Fox’s “American Idol.”

But when it comes to living up to its title — creating a superstar act that captures the imagination of millions — the power of “Idol” has been ebbing for years. (The new season of “Idol” starts Tuesday night (8 p.m. EST.) While the show produced multiplatinum sensations in its earlier days, starting with Kelly Clarkson and ending with Carrie Underwood, recent “Idol” winners or runners-up have not had similar chart success.