News

On Wednesday night, Broadway’s Marquis Theatre celebrated the official opening of the highly anticipated revival of The Wiz.

After a successful pre-Broadway tour that began last year, this new production breathes new life into the beloved musical. Under the direction of Schele Williams, known for her work on The Notebook and with choreography by JaQuel Knight, this revival promises an exciting and contemporary take on an enduring classic.

Taking on the iconic role of Dorothy is newcomer Nichelle Lewis, who brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the stage. Joining her is a star-studded cast that includes Wayne Brady as The Wiz, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.

The ensemble comprises talented performers, including Allyson Kaye Daniel as Addaperle and Anthony Murphyas Lord High Underling.

American Idol season 21 features the first-ever America's Platinum Ticket, and the winner of this coveted prize is North Carolina resident Elijah McCormick, who auditioned in Nashville. The vote for the American Idol season 21 America's Platinum Ticket occurred during the American Music Awards, which aired on November 20. Fans had 24 hours to vote for their favorite of three contestants to earn a platinum ticket.

In an Instagram post, American Idol announced that Elijah had won America's platinum ticket, posting his picture and a video of him accepting it. The caption read, "Congratulations to America's Platinum Ticket Winner @musicbyelijahmc! Follow his entire journey when #AmericanIdol premieres Feb. 19 on ABC!" Elijah, who is from Pinecrest, North Carolina, sang a soulful rendition of "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts for his audition. He competed against Matt Wilson, who sang "For Tonight" by Giveon, and Haven Madison, who sang "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence. All three...

During the 2022 American Music Awards, American Idol showcased three Hollywood hopefuls competing for a platinum ticket. Their performances for judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie served as a public plea for the acclaimed platinum power. Throughout the broadcast, America had the opportunity to vote for one lucky recipient

Unlike the infamous golden ticket from the start of the series, the American Idol platinum ticket was introduced during American Idol season 20. The recipient of the ticket gets to fast-forward through the first round of Hollywood week, which is notoriously the most grueling leg of the American Idol competition. During the American Music Awards, three contenders performed to see who would get this sought-after ticket.

Related: American Idol: Katy Perry, Lionel Richie & Luke Bryan Returning As Judges

American Idol's First Performance of The Night View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matt Wilson (@mattwilson_tv)

First, Matt Wilson...

Spoiler Alert: The following reveals the winner of Season 20 of American Idol.

It’s been a long and difficult journey for the American Idol Season 20 competitors but only one can take home top honors. But first, the ABC series took the season out on a high note with a variety of performances from top talent in collaboration with contestants.

They included:

Flo Rida + Top 10 Contestants – “Good Feeling”

Earth, Wind & Fire + Jay Copeland – “Shining Star,” “Let’s Groove,” “September” Medley

Deana Carter + Mike Parker – “Strawberry Wine”

Ben Platt + Lady K – “Take Me To The Pilot”

Gabby Barrett + Emyrson Flora – “Pick Me Up,” “The Good Ones” Medley

Tai Verdes + Mike Parker, Emyrson Flora, Jay Copeland, Lady K, Christian – “A-o-K”

Sara Bareilles + Nicolina Bozzo – “She Used To Be Mine”

Katy Perry + Thomas Rhett – “Where We Started”

James Arthur + Fritz Hager – “Can I Be Him”

Michael Bublé + Christian Guardino – “Smile”

Melissa Etheridge + Noah Thompson...

American Idol’s top-three contestants — Tennessee’s HunterGirl (Hunter Wolkonowski), Kentucky’s Noah Thompson and Leah Marlene of Illinois — will journey to “Idol” glory including a rest stop on the New Jersey turnpike. The top three will take on the music of Bruce Springsteen for the three-hour finale on Sunday at 8 p.m. Et/5 p.m. Pt on ABC.

For the finale, the top three will also join judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie for duets following the ceremonial airing of the “Hometown” episode.

In a video released Thursday, Perry surprised Marlene by revealing she and Marlene will join together for a song she only reserves for “inaugural occasions”: “Firework.” Kerry was touched by an old video of the then-9-year old “Idol” contestant performing the song and will be joining her for the special finale duet.

HunterGirl will pair with Bryan for “I Told You So,...

Last week on “American Idol’s” Top 7 episode, viewers were outraged when child phenom Christian Guardino was eliminated from the competition. In our poll results, a whopping 59 of fans said he was most robbed of making it into the Top 5, compared to platinum ticket holder Jay Copeland at 29 and “Neither of them” at 12. The remaining five singers are Fritz Hager, Noah Thompson, Leah Marlene, HunterGirl and Nicolina.

SEEKaty Perry’s Disney costumes on ‘American Idol’ including Snow White, Ursula, Tinker Bell …

On the live stage, Christian took on “Lonely” by Justin Bieber & benny blanco for his TikTok song and “Dear God” by Smokie Norful for his Mother’s Day tune. While “American Idol” judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan gave him standing ovations, his performances unfortunately didn’t wow voters at home and he was sent packing.

The 21-year-old New Yorker originally broke onto the reality TV scene...

The Top 5 finalists for Season 20 of “American Idol” will sing for America’s vote on Sunday, May 15 on ABC. All-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will offer insights. The remaining “Idol” hopefuls travel to the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, to be mentored by eight-time Grammy Award-winning country superstar and 2005 “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood.

Each contestant will perform two songs, leaving it all on the stage in hopes of earning America’s vote and landing a spot in the Grand Finale. Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Finneas will also perform his new single “Naked.” View our gallery of the Season 20 Top 5 finalists above.

See ‘American Idol’ Episode 18 performances ranked: Sunday’s Top 5 singers from worst to best

The Season 20 Top 24 were chosen from those who survived Hollywood Week. In turn, each of these “American Idol” Season 20 finalists performed for America’s vote from Aulani,...

This week on “American Idol’s” combined TikTok/Mother’s Day show, the final seven singers performed, but only five received enough votes from America to advance to the next round. The two contestants who were eliminated on live television were child phenom Christian Guardino and platinum ticket holder Jay Copeland. Of this talented duo, who do You think was most robbed of a spot in the Top 5? Vote in our eliminated “American Idol” Top 7 singers poll below and then defend your choice down in the comments section.

SEEKaty Perry’s Disney costumes on ‘American Idol’ including Snow White, Ursula, Tinker Bell …

Due to contracting Covid, both Fritz Hager and Noah Thompson had to be quarantined away from the rest of the cast and crew this week. Fritz’s pre-taped rehearsal footage was shown to audiences while Noah performed live from his hotel room. At the end of the show,...

“American Idol’s” Disney Night turned out to be the end of the road for three talented contestants: country crooner Mike Parker, pop artist Emyrson Flora and soul singer Lady K. In our recent poll, we asked “Idol” viewers to tell us which of three eliminees was most robbed of a spot in next week’s Top 7, and the poll results are in. Mike led with 35 of the vote, compared to Emyrson at 27 and Lady K at 24; the other 14 of respondents chose the “None of them” option.

In our comments section, “American Idol” watcher Donna A Gerken said, “Mike got robbed … love his voice.” Fellow fan Elaine Hamilton chimed in, “I am so so sorry Mike Parker was eliminated. I say to Mike, please keep going this is not the end for you, when God closes a door he opens a window. Keep achieving and aiming high. You will get there.

This week on “American Idol’s” highly anticipated Disney Night, the Top 10 singers performed, but only seven received enough votes from America to advance to the next round. The three contestants who were eliminated on live television were soul singer Lady K, pop artist Emyrson Flora and country crooner Mike Parker. Of this talented trio, who do You think was most robbed of a spot in the Top 7? Vote in our eliminated “American Idol” Top 10 singers poll below and then defend your choice down in the comments section.

SEEKaty Perry’s Disney costumes on ‘American Idol’ including Snow White, Ursula, Tinker Bell …

After all 10 singers performed on the big stage, host Ryan Seacrest announced which seven earned enough viewer votes to remain in the competition. In no particular order, the following artists all heard good news on Sunday, May 1: Leah Marlene, Jay Copeland, Noah Thompson, Fritz Hager, HunterGirl, Nicolina and Christian Guardino.

Who better to mentor the American Idol Top 14 than Gabby Barrett? The alum placed third in 2018 and parlayed her success from the singing competition into superstardom. Today the 22-year-old is one of country music’s hottest emerging artists. The multi-platinum star lent her knowledge to the hopefuls before they performed for judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry. The contestants were tasked to select breakout songs of some of the biggest names in music. Ultimately, three leave the show after America’s coast-to-coast vote to fill out the Top 11. Which ones of the “Good Ones” made it through? Find out below. Jay Copeland “Jay with the nice teeth” was Gabby’s first words upon their introduction. The platinum ticket holder talked about his song choice of “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars in honor of mom. Her tip was to lower the register the bit as a...

Hey, "American Idol" fans. Tonight, April 24, 2022, another Live performance/results show for American Idol's current season 20 did indeed air, and we found out who the top 11 singers are at the end. All the judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan were on hand to give their usual critiques and compliments. The singers were mentored by American Idol season 16 country star Gabby Barrett. The theme for tonight's show was “Breakout Hits." To kick off tonight's performances, Jay Copeland hit the stage to sing, "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars. Afterwards, Lionel said, "It's amazing. You are showing up on stage, singing songs you should sing.” Katy said, "I like that you took Gabby’s advice and landed in a cool spot.” Luke said, "It’s important you let America know who you are."...

Last week on “American Idol,” a whopping six contestants were eliminated after America voted for its Top 10 and the judges saved four more, creating a Top 14. Of the half-dozen singers who left the competition, fans are most upset about Jacob Moran and Cameron Whitcomb. They both topped our recent poll asking who was most robbed of a chance of making it to the next round in this landmark 20th season. Here are the complete “American Idol” poll results:

23 — Jacob Moran

23 — Cameron Whitcomb

16 — Cadence Baker

12 — None of Them

11 — Katyrah Love

8 — Sage

7 — Elli Rowe

See‘American Idol’ Winners List (All Seasons)

Jacob is a registered nurse from Dansville, Mi who originally made it to Hollywood Week during the 2019 season. Now 28 years old, he spent the past three years honing his craft and becoming a more confident person. This time around, he auditioned with Katy Perry‘s song “Rise” and earned a standing ovation from her.

Monday night on ABC turned out to be a bloodbath on “American Idol” as six talented singers were eliminated on live television: Cameron Whitcomb, Katyrah Love, Cadence Baker, Sage, Jacob Moran and Elli Rowe. That left just 14 artists still in the running to join the show’s iconic winners list at the end of this landmark 20th season. Vote in our “American Idol” Top 14 reveal poll below to let us know which eliminated contestant was robbed. Then be sure to defend your choice down in the comments section.

The two-hour episode started with 10 singers learning they had been chosen as America’s favorites after their performances on Sunday night. They were: Ava Maybee, Christian Guardino, Lady K, HunterGirl, Dan Marshall, Leah Marlene, Nicolina, Noah Thompson, Emyrson Flora and Fritz Hager.

“Idol” judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan then got to “save” four of the 10 remaining at-risk artists by...

Following the eliminations of Scarlet, Danielle Finn and Sir Blayke on Sunday night, only the Top 20 singers remain in the running to win this landmark 20th season of “American Idol” on ABC. Viewers voted in our overnight poll that asked which of these three ousted artists was most robbed of a spot in the Top 20, and the results are in. With 25, Scarlet nabbed more votes than her fellow contestants. Danielle followed at 22, and then Sir Blayke trailed at 16. However, the plurality of respondents (37) actually thought that “None of them” were robbed this week. Here are the complete poll results:

37 — None of them

25 — Scarlet

22 — Danielle Finn

16 — Sir Blayke

See ‘American Idol’ Winners List (All Seasons)

In lieu of an exit interview, Scarlet simply stated, “I knew,” when host Ryan Seacrest gave her the bad news. Danielle told the host, “That’s all right,” as she tried to make light of the bad situation.

Regrettably, “American Idol” powerhouse singer Sir Blayke has just been eliminated from the reality TV show. The ouster came at the end of Sunday’s three-hour Top 20 reveal episode, with Ryan Seacrest delivering the bad news to the formerly homeless singer. “We heart you, too!” Ryan told Sir Blayke after he held up his hands in the shape of a heart for all of his fans to see. At 28 years old, he was the most experienced singer still in the competition. Did the voters mess up by cutting Sir Blayke from the Top 24? Vote in our poll below that asks which eliminated contestant was most robbed.

See ‘American Idol’ Winners List (All Seasons)

Sir Blayke’s “American Idol” audition was shown in full during the fifth episode of the season. He explained to the judges how he had experienced homelessness in his life, but didn’t want that setback to...

And just like that, Danielle Finn‘s journey on “American Idol” has come to an end. This 17-year-old from Los Angeles learned the unfortunate news during Sunday’s three-hour Top 20 reveal episode. “That’s all right,” Danielle told Ryan Seacrest with a smile, trying to make light of the bad situation. The host thanked Danielle for being a part of the reality TV show’s 20th season, adding, “It was a pleasure meeting you. I’m sorry it didn’t go any further, but it wouldn’t be the same without you. So thank you.” Did America get it wrong by cutting Danielle from the Top 24? Vote in our poll below that asks which eliminated contestant was most robbed.

See ‘American Idol’ Winners List (All Seasons)

Only a portion of Danielle’s audition was shown in the season premiere of “American Idol,” suggesting she was never someone the producers wanted to really focus on.

Even though some viewers at home may have been shocked when Scarlet was eliminated on “American Idol,” Scarlet herself seemed at peace with the situation. “I knew,” the 18-year-old chuckled after Ryan Seacrest made the big announcement. “Thank you so much for being here,” the host told Scarlet after revealing she was cut from the Top 24 during Sunday’s Top 20 reveal episode. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I’m sorry it didn’t go any further, but it wouldn’t be the same without you. So thank you.” Did America get it wrong? Vote in our poll below that asks which eliminated contestant was most robbed.

See ‘American Idol’ Winners List (All Seasons)

Scarlet started out her “American Idol” journey under the radar. Her initial audition wasn’t shown in one of the main audition episodes, though she was later spotlighted during the post-Oscars episode. That’s when viewers...

“American Idol” continues on April 17 for its fifth season on ABC and 20th overall. As always, Ryan Seacrest hosts the reality TV competition series while country superstar Luke Bryan, pop princess Katy Perry and Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Lionel Richie make up the judging panel. In this episode, the Top 20 are revealed and perform for America’s vote.

See Meet the Top 24 finalists competing for America’s vote [Photos]

This season the judges embark on yet another nationwide search for America’s next singing sensation. Auditions were held in Nashville, Tennessee, Austin, Texas and Los Angeles, California. If given a golden ticket, hopeful idols advanced to the Hollywood round. In a new twist this season, three contestants were given a Platinum Ticket, which allowed them to skip the first phase of Hollywood week. Huntergirl, Kenedi Anderson and Jay Copeland. Each of them made the Top 24.

See Everything to know about ‘American Idol’ Season 20

Below,...

“American Idol” continues on April 11 for its fifth season on ABC and 20th overall. As always, Ryan Seacrest hosts the reality TV competition series while country superstar Luke Bryan, pop princess Katy Perry and Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Lionel Richie make up the judging panel. In this episode, half of the Top 24 perform for America’s vote for the first time from Hawaii. If they survive this round they will return to Hollywood as part of this season’s Top 20.

See Meet the Top 24 finalists competing for America’s vote [Photos]

This season the judges embark on yet another nationwide search for America’s next singing sensation. Auditions were held in Nashville, Tennessee, Austin, Texas and Los Angeles, California. If given a golden ticket, hopeful idols advanced to the Hollywood round. In a new twist this season, three contestants were given a Platinum Ticket, which allowed them to skip the first phase of Hollywood week.

“American Idol” continues on April 10 for its fifth season on ABC and 20th overall. As always, Ryan Seacrest hosts the reality TV competition series while country superstar Luke Bryan, pop princess Katy Perry and Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Lionel Richie make up the judging panel. In this episode, half of the Top 24 perform for America’s vote for the first time from Hawaii. If they survive this round they will return to Hollywood as part of this season’s Top 20.

See Meet the Top 24 finalists competing for America’s vote [Photos]

This season the judges embark on yet another nationwide search for America’s next singing sensation. Auditions were held in Nashville, Tennessee, Austin, Texas and Los Angeles, California. If given a golden ticket, hopeful idols advanced to the Hollywood round. In a new twist this season, three contestants were given a Platinum Ticket, which allowed them to skip the first phase of Hollywood week.

American Idol says aloha to the Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii as the Top 24 take the stage surrounded by paradise. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie gave the normal feedback. Though now it’s ultimately up to America to decide who makes it through. The two nights kicked off Sunday with Season 10 alum Jimmie Allen serving as mentor. The country star and Grammy-nominated artist performed “Down Home” in honor of his late father. Who out of the first 12 hopefuls impressed? Who made Jimmie tear up? Let’s hula on to how the night unfolded. Jay Copeland ABC/Karen Neal The platinum ticket holder performed “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5. Jimmie appreciated what he could do with his voice. He pushed being authentic with his vocals. Jay showcased his showmanship and football sidestep dance moves, which brought a smile to Lionel. Lionel appreciated the energy.