While couch critics across the country watched American Idol on the old boob tube, Hollywood.com was on the scene to see the unveiling of the show’s new stage and the long-awaited Beatles night.
Here are just a few of the highlights from AI’s Top 12 episode …
Perfect Pitch: While some Idol hopefuls gave a new twist on their favorite hits from the Lennon-McCartney songbook (Randy Jackson called Chikezie’s “She’s A Woman” a “smash”), others faced harsh criticism from the judges. Even Kristy Lee Cook, who performed a country rendition of “8 Days a Week,” managed to keep her composure on and off camera, after Simon Cowell quipped “you sounded like Dolly Parton on helium.”
New Digs: We got a first-hand look at AI’s new set, decked out with an arched plasma backdrop, a penthouse for the band and a mosh pit for the contestants’ adoring fans. The two towers flanking the stage make for a multi-level entertainment center with flat screens, staircases, and even a crow’s nest for resident bass player Ricky Minor.[PAGEBREAK]
A-list Audience: We were pleased to see Taye Diggs walking into the studio, looking dapper in blue jeans, a long-sleeved v-neck t-shirt, glasses and a hat. The Private Practice star, who later took a seat in the audience, knows a thing or two about singing–he portrayed Benny in both the Broadway and big screen productions of Rent.
Give Me A Break: If you thought the contestants were in the hot seat, you should see how quickly the judges jump out of their own when it was time for a commercial break. Simon, Randy and Paula Abdul took time to talk amongst themselves, check in with producer Nigel Lythgoe and greet their fans.
Hollywood’s hardest working host Ryan Seacrest, who used most of his time to prep for the show and chat with contestants, found himself in a debacle when a fan from the crowd asked him if he wanted to hang out after the show. Like a pro, Seacrest laughed off the invite just before the show went back on air.
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Idol Chit Chat: With so many friends and family in town to support their loved ones, it’s no surprise we met David Cook’s brother and step father while waiting in line for the show. One fun tid bit we learned about Cook’s past; his former band Axium, actually started as a high school garage band in his hometown of Blue Springs, Missouri. The now defunct band later went on to tour and release two albums.
