Lythgoe Says American Idol More Diverse Without Simon Cowell

While JLo may have had her “Randy who?” moment. It’s American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe’s turn with “Simon who?”

Lythgoe told US that not only has Simon’s exit allowed for a more diverse crowd of American Idol hopefuls, but the emotional level of the show has been raised. Yikes. That’s pretty rough on ol’ Simon.

“We’ve had some incredible country voices — in truth, Simon would have gotten rid of them straight-away because he wasn’t a country fan,” Lythgoe told Us. “This season we have a 16-year-old kid with an incredible voice and a jazz kid who does this fabulous scat-singing. Again, we wouldn’t have had him on the show because Simon would have said, ‘He’s not an American Idol! Get rid of him!’ … What you are definitely going to get this season is an American voice and American music.”

With Cowell gone, “The energy in the audition rooms is totally different,” Lythgoe told Us. “You aren’t tired at the end of the day, even though we are seeing twice as many kids as we did in the past. We are enjoying it; we are laughing.”

Nigel goes on with more details on how each judge is handling their roles. He cites Steven Tyler for his kind way of letting down singers, Lopez is giving strong direction, but it’s Randy who’s really stepping up his game from past seasons. Maybe Jennifer will have a little competition for the lead after all.

Do you think American Idol can pull through without Simon Cowell?

Source: MSNBC

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American Music Awards 2010: Carrie Underwood Earns Two Noms, Only Idol Nominated

From today's press conference Danny Gokey second from left

Recording artists Taio Cruz and Demi Lovato will announce the nominations for the 2010 annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles at 9:30pt/12:30et today.

Carrie Underwood got TWO nominations:? Favorite Country Female Artist and Favorite Country Album forPlay On.? She’s the only Idol nominated for an AMA. Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers nominated for Favorite Soundtrack Album.

Danny Gokey, Jennette McCurdy, Lance Bass and Whitney Port will host a digital, red carpet pre-show. Danny Gokey and Lance Bass were “on hand to discuss digital aspects of the show this year.”

Lady Antebellum and Eminem lead the nominations this year with 5 nominations each.? Justin Bieber was next with 4 noms.

Bon Jovi, Pink and Usher are confirmed to perform.

Check out all the nominees (and vote)? HERE.? Read the Press Release HERE.

The American Music Awards air November 21 8/7c on ABC.

UPDATE: FULL list of nominations after the jump.

POP or ROCK MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist
Justin Bieber
Eminem
Usher

Favorite Female Artist
Ke$ha
Lady Gaga
Katy Perry

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
The Black Eyed Peas
Lady Antebellum
Train

Favorite Album
Justin Bieber/ My World 2.0
Eminem/ Recovery
Katy Perry/ Teenage Dream

COUNTRY MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Brad Paisley

Favorite Female Artist
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Zac Brown Band
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts

Favorite Album
Jason Aldean/ Wide Open
Lady Antebellum/ Need You Now
Carrie Underwood/ Play On

RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist
B.o.B.
Drake
Eminem

Favorite Album
B.o.B./ B.o.B. Presents
Drake/ Thank Me Later
Eminem/ Recovery

SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist
Chris Brown
Trey Songz
Usher

Favorite Female Artist
Alicia Keys
Rihanna
Sade

Favorite Album
Alicia Keys/ The Element of Freedom
Sade/ Soldier of Love
Usher/ Raymond v. Raymond

SOUNDTRACKS

Favorite Album
AC/DC / Iron Man 2
Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC

Favorite Artist
Muse
Phoenix
Vampire Weekend

ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Favorite Artist
Michael Buble
Lady Antebellum
Train

LATIN MUSIC
Favorite Artist
Daddy Yankee
Enrique Iglesias
Shakira

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL

Favorite Artist
Casting Crowns
MercyMe
TobyMac

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justin Bieber
Eminem
Ke$ha
Lady Gaga
Katy Perry

T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist Nominations
B.o.B
Justin Bieber
Taio Cruz
Jason Derulo
Ke$ha
Lady Antebellum
Travie McCoy
Mike Posner

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American Idol’s Jason Castro has a New Christian Music Album

Remember Jason Castro from American Idol? Well, now he’s with Word Entertainment, which represents some of the top names and brands in christian music, including Point Of Grace, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, and is releasing a new christian music album on November 9. The christian album, titled Who I Am, will be released exclusively on his website and at all christian retailers.

This album is a unique collection of songs; featuring five fresh tracks including the new single “You Are” to hit the Christian AC airwaves in October, alongside five fan-favorites from his self-titled debut album released this past spring. It includes tracks produced by both Eric Rosse (Tori Amos
, Sara Bareilles) and Ian Eskelin (All Star United, Francesca Battistelli, Remedy Drive). Castro also collaborated with a host of top-notch songwriters, including Marc Roberge of O.A.R., Gregg Wattenberg (Five For Fighting), Zac Maloy (David Cook) and Espionage (Train).

The end result is a exceptional collection of truly heartfelt songs about love that relays what Castro calls a positive message of love and acceptance, including his hit single “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again” and his stunning version of the Leonard Cohen classic “Hallelujah.” Who I Am is an extension of the successful release of his self-titled album, which debuted at the #18 spot on the Billboard Top 200.

Also coming out on November 9 is the digital only five song EP entitled Changing Colors: Live From Studio 1290, which features live, full band acoustic versions of the songs “Changing Colors,” “If I Were You,” “It Matters To Me,” “Love Uncompromised” and his version of the Tom Petty tune ““Learning To Fly.”

Here’s the list of songs on Who I Am (Atlantic Records/Word Entertainment):

1. What If I Fall
2. You Are
3. That’s What I’m Here For
4. Changing Colors
5. Wait For a Miracle
6. Who I Really Am
7. It Matters To Me
8. Let’s Just Fall In Love Again
9. This Heart Of Mine
10. Hallelujah

Changing Colors: Live From Studio 1290 songs (Atlantic Records):

1. Changing Colors
2. If I Were You
3. It Matters To Me
4. Learning To Fly
5. Love Uncompromised

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Lythgoe praises ‘American Idol’ chemistry

Nigel Lythgoe has reportedly praised the chemistry between American Idol judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

The trio have been filming the audition stage of the Fox competition this summer, following the announcement that Lopez and Tyler had been signed as judges.

Speaking to TV Guide, executive producer Lythgoe said: “I love three [judges] first off, and I think the chemistry is great in comparison to where it went [in the last few seasons].

“Randy’s come out of the shadows, I’m really happy with Randy. Randy is Simon Cowell now. Stephen is a lot of fun. And Jennifer just cares. She is like Paula [Abdul] with the caring but she’s a little tougher.”

Lopez recently spoke out about her experience as a judge so far, saying that she was having a great time and laughing off rumors of feuding behind the scenes. However, she also admitted that she found it hard at times to say no to certain contestants.

American Idol returns to Fox in January 2011.

Source: Digital Spy

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Carrie Underwood only ‘Idol’ nominated for American Music Awards

A sign of the times: Carrie Underwood was the lone “Idol” nominee for the American Music Awards.

The two categories: Favorite Country Female Artist and Favorite Country Album. She has won five AMAs in the past.

Among those with Georgia ties, Lady Antebellum got five, Justin Bieber got four, B.o.B and Usher got three.

- Katharine McPhee’s Christmas album is out today and you can buy it on Amazon. It’s called “Christmas is the Time… (To Say I Love You).”

- Simon Cowell is considering a Pepsi sponsorship for “The X Factor” to counter the long-time Coke sponsorship with “Idol,” according to the New York Post.

- Adam Lambert is toning his show down (no male-on-male kissing) for the Malaysian crowd.

Read further at: Carrie Underwood only ‘Idol’ nominated for American Music Awards

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