Tommy's #1 SHANIA TWAIN SuperSite Message Board

PurplePeopleEater · Guru

Shania to guest judge on American Idol! - Jan 19 (8:00-9:00pm ET)

Tommy · Guru

RE: Shania to guest judge on American Idol! - Commercial p. 5

PurplePeopleEater · Guru

Two hours??

Tommy · Guru

PurplePeopleEater wrote:

Two hours??

The article says one hour:

Tuesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM) Chicago Auditions Episode

PurplePeopleEater · Guru

RE: Shania to guest judge on American Idol! - Jan 19 (8:00-9:00pm ET)

Tommy · Guru

PurplePeopleEater wrote:

Tommy wrote:

PurplePeopleEater wrote:

Two hours??

The article says one hour:

Tuesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM) Chicago Auditions Episode

Not the article I posted.

Yes it's in that article. They have the schedule through March listed.

twain2country · Guru

The information has now been posted on Shania's official Facebook page.

PurplePeopleEater · Guru

Tommy wrote:

PurplePeopleEater wrote:

Tommy wrote:

PurplePeopleEater wrote:

Two hours??

The article says one hour:

Tuesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM) Chicago Auditions Episode

Not the article I posted.

Yes it's in that article. They have the schedule through March listed.

Ah so they updated it - thanks!

Tommy · Guru

'American Idol' ninth season dates announced

Nevermind all this holiday stuff. Let's look ahead to American Idol. Oh yeah. Here it comes, complete with Ellen DeGeneres and all. Fox has just announced all the dates for everything, so get ready:

The ninth season premiere kicks off on Fox with the Boston audition round on Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8 0- 10 p.m. ET/PT) and the Atlanta auditions on Wednesday, Jan. 13 (8:00-9:15 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

After the two-night premiere, auditions will continue for three weeks:

Chicago on Tuesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT)
Orlando on Wednesday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT)
Dallas auditions will air Tuesday, Jan. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT)
Los Angeles on Wednesday, Jan. 27 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)
Denver on Tuesday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and
"The Road to Hollywood" auditions on Wednesday, Feb. 3 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Don't forget: In the audition cities, host Ryan Seacrest and judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi are joined by rotating guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain who will help select the hopefuls worthy of the "Golden Ticket" to Hollywood.

To see the times for the rest of the season, hit Read more.

Once in Hollywood, Ellen joins Simon, Randy and Kara as they continue to winnow down the competitors to a select group of performers who will get to sing their hearts out each week in front of a studio audience and television viewers.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2009/12/american-idol-ninth-season-dates-announced/1

Tommy · Guru

RE: Shania to guest judge on American Idol! - Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00pm ET) - Commercial p. 5

twain2country · Guru

New 'American Idol' in the news already

By WALT BELCHER

wbelcher@tampatrib.com

Published: December 24, 2009

Updated: 04:00 am

It's about three weeks until the biggest show on television returns, and "American Idol" already is making news.

There are reports buzzing around the Internet that persnickety judge Simon Cowell will depart "American Idol" after the 2010 season wraps.

His brother Tony Cowell leaked the information that Simon wants to devote more time to creating an American version of his British talent show "The X Factor."

Simon Cowell has been unavailable for comment. But didn't he sign on for three more seasons of "American Idol" at $45 million a year?

Meanwhile, Fox has released the "American Idol" schedule for 2010, and there will be 12 weeks of audition rounds before the 24 semifinalists are revealed.

That's a lot of bad singing, folks. In fact, about one-third of the episodes in this ninth season will be audition rounds. The auditions held in Orlando this past summer will be featured on the Jan. 20 episode.

"Idol" returns Jan. 12 with a two-hour special featuring the Boston auditions and no Paula Abdul. Ellen DeGeneres joins the fray at some point. If you miss Paula, you can catch her on the Home Shopping Network where she's been selling a line of jewelry.

In the audition cities, Ryan Seacrest hosts, and Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi are joined by rotating guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.

The 24 semifinalists will be announced on the Feb. 17 episode. The field will be narrowed to 12 by March 16. The winner will be crowned in May.

VIDBITS: Joan Rivers is returning to the E! network to host the network's post-Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards editions of "Fashion Police" next month. Rivers left E! in 2003 to join TV Guide Network, but she was dropped in 2007.

• NBC's "The Sing-Off" ended its short run on a high note, winning its 8 p.m. hour Monday and finishing a respectable second at 9 p.m. against CBS comedies. The a cappella competition might have earned a chance to come back.

• The canceled TNT legal drama "Raising the Bar" concludes its two-season stint with a three-episode run beginning at 8 tonight.

• Elvis Presley would have turned 75 on Jan. 8, so Turner Classic Movies is planning a 20-hour marathon. His ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, and longtime friend Jerry Schilling will join TCM host Robert Osborne during the event, which will include 10 movies and two specials.

• Country singer and Fort Myers native Mindy McCready is among those seeking help from Drew Pinsky on the third season of "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew," which debuts at 10 p.m. Jan. 7 on VH1.

Also in the house will be Mackenzie Phillips, Heidi Fleiss, Tom Sizemore and Dennis Rodman.

McCready had two hit albums before she turned 20, but her career hit the skids during years of alcohol and painkiller abuse, arrests and suicide attempts.

CHANNEL FLIPPING: On a special holiday episode of "Modern Family" at 9 tonight on ABC, various members of the family are being naughty this Christmas. It's enough to drive a mall Santa mad.

TUNE IN TONIGHT: "It's a Wonderful Life," at 8 on NBC. Director Frank Capra's 1946 classic offers the simple message that no man is a failure if he has friends. Small-town banker George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) learns that he has had a wonderful life after all.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/dec/24/240400/na-new-american-idol-in-the-news-already/

Tommy · Guru

Shania Twain's Episode of American Idol Will Air Jan. 19

December 24, 2009

Shania Twain will appear as a celebrity judge on American Idol on Jan. 19 during the series' ninth season. Twain stepped in as a preliminary judge in Chicago in August, along with judges Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson, as well as host Ryan Seacrest. The ninth season debuts Jan. 12 on the Fox network, with the first four weeks devoted to auditions in various cities. The Hollywood rounds will begin Feb. 9. Other guest judges include Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry.

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1628815/shania-twains-episode-of-american-idol-will-air-jan-19.jhtml

twain2country · Guru

I've just seen a commericial for American Idol on ITV2, and they showed a clip of Shania. It starts on January 13 in the UK.

Tommy · Guru

Randy Jackson Talks 'Idol' As Season Nine Nears

With a new judge (Ellen DeGeneres) on the panel, Randy Jackson predicts that "American Idol's" ninth season will be "interesting" as well as "a very, very cool, nice year...an exciting, different time."

"Hopefully we can find a girl who can take the crown from the boys who won the last two years," Jackson tells Billboard.com, referring to 2009 champ Kris Allen and 2008 winner David Cook. "I'd love to see a girl come up."

Though DeGeneres won't be part of the "Idol" judging process until the Jan. 12 premiere on Fox, Jackson expects her to be a "fun" addition to the show. He adds that he and returning judges Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi enjoyed having guest judges for the regional auditions in June and July and call-backs in August and September, a corps that included Mary J. Blige, Joe Jonas, Shania Twain, Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne, the Spice Girls' Victoria Beckham, Neil Patrick Harris and Kristin Chenoweth.

"They all really did their thing," Jackson recalls. "Of course, Mary J. Blige was really amazing. I was impressed with Joe Jonas; I didn't really know how he would be, but he was great. Shania was brilliant...Even Neil Patrick Harris and Kristin Chenoweth, who were both from the theater world, were really amazing and had great things to say."

Jackson was also surprised by what he heard in front of the judges table during the audition process. "I think generally what happens is whoever wins that season, you get more and more of that. But this season's a little different. I would've thought you'd have a trillion Adam Lamberts show up, or a trillion Kris Allens. But that's not what happened. It was very interesting. This is a whole different bunch."

Jackson says he'll miss Paula Abdul this year -- "She started this thing with us. It's a sad thing...not to have her there." -- but noted that DioGuardi seems more comfortable after having an "Idol" year under her belt. "I think she's got a different grasp on understanding what it is and what happens and how to do it," he says. "It's one of those things, like golf or tennis; it looks easy on the outside, then when you try and actually hit the ball you go, 'Whoa, OK, it's a little different than what I thought.' But, yeah, she's having a good time."

As for rumors about Cowell leaving "Idol" to bring his British "X-Factor" to the U.S., Jackson says that "I won't believe it 'til I see it. I haven't spoken to him about it. You just never really know; there are a lot of alleged things going on, but who knows, right? We'll see what happens."

http://www.billboard.com/news/randy-jackson-talks-idol-as-season-nine-1004056788.story#/news/randy-jackson-talks-idol-as-season-nine-1004056788.story

twain2country · Guru

'American Idol' guest judge lineup includes Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, Joe Jonas, Mary J. Blige, Neil Patrick Harris, Shania Twain

By Marcia White
January 06, 2010,

Fox logoTidbits about “American Idol” season nine keep emerging as we head toward Tuesday night’s premiere.

The latest “Fox Insider” newsletter I receive has some details about the special guest judges who will be featured in the first few weeks’ audition shows. That’s a bit of good news as I know I will miss Paula, both for her sweetness and antics.

The guest judges include: Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, Joe Jonas, Mary J. Blige, Neil Patrick Harris and Shania Twain. And, as you know, replacing Paula will be comedy talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. I’m just not as excited as I usually am heading into another season of “American Idol.” Maybe when the audition shows get rolling, I’ll get my enthusiasm back.

Bo Bice
“Idol” fans also have the chance to see two former contestants sing in the flesh in the next week. At 7 p.m. Friday, Elliott Yamin will headline an all-ages show at Crocodile Rock Café in Allentown.

And, one of my all-time faves, Bo Bice, will be at the Sellersville Theater in Bucks County on Jan. 14 and the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg on Jan. 15. That could mean a double-shot of Bo for you really motivated fans.

Stay tuned to lehighvalleylive.com/entertainment as “Idol” season gets under way. Here are some after-‘Idol’ tunes from the talented Bo and Elliott:

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/music/index.ssf/2010/01/american_idol_guest_judge_line.html

-- Edited by twain2country on Wednesday 6th of January 2010 05:28:00 PM

Tommy · Guru

http://media2.myfoxphilly.com/slideshows/idol2010/1/lg/Shania_Twain.htm

twain2country · Guru

Jan 12 2010 4:27 PM EST

'American Idol' Guest Judges Are An 'Eye-Opener,' Randy Jackson Says

'They actually know how to critique,' he says of Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne and other celeb judges.

By Katie Byrne

Back in August, long before Simon Cowell's departure was the big story surrounding the "American Idol" judges' panel, Paula Abdul announced her exit from the show. The move left producers scrambling to fill her seat for the soon-to-tape auditions, and they rounded up an impressive roster of guest judges for the job.

With season nine set to start Tuesday night (January 12), we'll get our first glimpse of the celeb judges in action, with Victoria Beckham kicking things off at the Boston tryouts. Randy Jackson was impressed with Posh Spice, even giving her a new moniker.

"I gave her the nickname 'Lady V,' " he laughed. "So hopefully she goes out into the world and uses that. ... People know of her fame from the Spice Girls — they probably know more of it as being Mrs. David Beckham — but [the guest judges] are all performers in their own right that have achieved high acclaim and massive success in the entertainment field."

Those judges also include Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne and Joe Jonas, all of whom brought something different to the table, Jackson said.

"If you sat down and you watched Katy or you watched Avril or any of these people we had as guest judges, you realize that their success is based on that they actually know what they're doing," he said. "They actually know how to critique, because, in order to make it to any of these levels where Katy or Avril, for instance, have made it, you gotta be able to critique yourself first so you're able to improve. I think it's just an eye-opener. People take for granted that, 'Yeah, well, they just had a hit song. Whatever. What do they know?' But they actually really know what they're doing. It wasn't an eye-opener for me, but I think for a lot of people watching, they're gonna realize, 'Wow, they really do know what they're doing.' "

One judge the auditioners really stepped up their game for was Mary J. Blige, Jackson recalled.

"Mary is a serious, stand-in-your-shoes performer," he said. "She is not a performer that is gonna use a lot of props to make you enjoy the show more; you're really gonna enjoy her voice. I was just driving in the car the other day, and her version of [U2's] 'One' with Bono came on the radio. You're not seeing different weird outfits or weird dance moves; it's not about that. She's this stand-in-the-shoes kind of singer. I think a lot of kids that came in know that, and they were like, 'Whoa, this is Mary J.! We gotta show and prove now.' It was a good thing for these kids to step up and rev up to."

Shania Twain, Kristin Chenoweth and Neil Patrick Harris will also appear as guest judges until the audition episodes wrap up February 3.

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629536/20100112/story.jhtml

-- Edited by twain2country on Tuesday 12th of January 2010 04:38:34 PM

Tommy · Guru

They just showed a few clips of Shania on the preview of next week's "American Idol." She looked like she was having fun!

Tommy · Guru

.....Next week, more craziness. A few good singers (we hope). And SHANIA TWAIN. How I've missed you.

http://blogs.chron.com/tubular/archives/2010/01/idol_country_gi.html

Tommy · Guru

Tuesday, Jan. 19

•Can Shania Twain hold it together during the dreadful auditions on American Idol tonight? The superstar singer from Timmins, Ont., is the guest judge during casting in Chicago. Last week, guest judge Mary J. Blige broke down in tearful fits of laughter over the auditions (“Pants on the ground,” anyone?), and Twain will likely have a hard time keeping a straight face as well. Twain apparently enjoyed the experience, writing on her blog: “I had a blast and was touched by the warm welcome that Simon, Kara, Randy and Ryan extended to me.” (CTV, Fox)

http://news.therecord.com/arts/article/657067

Tommy · Guru

Tuesday's TV Highlights: Shania Twain on 'American Idol'

SERIES

American Idol: Auditions continue in Chicago, with Shania Twain serving as a guest judge (8 p.m. Fox).

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/01/tuesdays-tv-highlights-shania-twain-on-american-idol.html

Tommy · Guru

TONIGHT ON TV

Can Shania Twain hold it together during the dreadful auditions on American Idol tonight? The superstar singer from Timmins, Ont., is the guest judge in Chicago (CTV, Fox at 8).

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/hotbox/article/752467--hot-box-tv-worth-talking-about

Tommy · Guru

Jan. 19: Shania Twain, The HD Hottie
The singer stars tonight on American Idol.
By Allison Moore

Washington, D.C. (January 19, 2010) -- Following our extremely popular contest, 'HD Hottie Hysteria,' we've started a new feature in which we will highlight a top female star every day. The gorgeous female will come from a program that can be seen in gorgeous high-def that very day.

Today's 'HD Hottie' is Shania Twain, who stars tonight on American Idol at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

The 44-year-old country/western singer, who was born in Canada, bounced around the Nashville music scene for eight years before cutting her debut album in 1993. The LP was a mild hit, but led to her breakout (and breakthrough) album in 1995, The Woman In Me. The CW singer crossed over to mainstream audiences with a collection of catchy tunes such as Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under and the title song.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/hottwain011910.htm

Tommy · Guru

Tonight's 'American Idol' Auditions: Shania Twain in Chicago
Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Staff Writer, BuddyTV

Add as BuddyTV Friend »

Last week was American Idol's first week, and already we were treated to sob stories, annoyed contestants, and the ubiquitous "Pants on the Ground", with some good singing scattered in between. This week, I expect things to stay the same. Well, except for the viral hit. And there's the benefit of those spoilers we've been getting our hands on over the weekend--it'd be interesting seeing some of those names impress us on TV rather than on YouTube.

Tonight, we head to Chicago, that windy city that Oprah calls home. The show hasn't been there too many times--they've held auditions twice there, I think, including that little bit about Mandisa confronting Simon after his quips during audition. Random fact you probably know already: she was never in the bottom three until she was eliminated. That week, she sang a song from Shania Twain, who happens to be tonight's guest judge. Wasn't that a convenient transition?

It's been a while since she released an album, but I still remember her biggest hits. I remember my childhood with "You're Still The One" and "From This Moment On" in the background, although I never really memorized them. Twain, of course, established herself first in country, after successfully crossing over to pop markets with her 1997 album Come on Over.

But her career goes way, way back--and her sob story, if we can call it that. Her childhood wasn't a comfortable one, as her parents earned little, and she had to pitch in to make ends meet. She began singing in bars at eight years old, and got her biggest break at 13, when she performed on Canadian television. Earning a reputation for her impressive vocal range, she became part of several bands before she was signed by Mercury Nashville and released her eponymous debut album in 1993.

Twain's success in the country charts became bigger, with, of course, Come on Over. After her first major tour, she released Up! in 2002, which also saw international success. That would be her last studio album to date, although she included three new songs with a compilation of her best hits in 2004. While she's been working on new songs, that new album has been getting delayed, and delayed, and delayed...

...which explains why the newest photos of her I could find are three years old. That one up there, it's three years old. Of course, there's a photo of her with the Idol judges, but I'll put that up tomorrow, when I write down her report card. Fingers crossed she does well on the panel, and we get good talent, too.

http://www.buddytv.com/articles/american-idol/tonights-american-idol-auditio-33829.aspx

He obviously doesn't check out my website!

Tommy · Guru

Shania Twain On American Idol Tonight

(RTTNews) - Shania Twain will appear as the guest judge on tonight's episode of American Idol. The Canadian country star temporarily filled in as a judge for tapings of the show following Paula Abdul's departure in August.

Shania served as one of several celebrity guest judges brought in by producers to fill the open seat before signing a deal with new judge Ellen DeGeneres.

"What we need to find is someone who has great chemistry," said Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice. "It's really a casting job . . . There are multiple right answers and there are multiple wrong answers. Our job in the next four to five months is to really consider what makes this the most fun and the most entertaining."

Shania also made recent headlines for her participation in carrying the Olympic torch through her hometown of Timmins, Ontario, Canada, on January 1.

"It's a highlight of my life to be able to carry the flame, to light the cauldron," the singer said in an interview with Canada's News 24.

American Idol airs tonight at 8 PM on Fox.

http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1183603&SMap=1

Tommy · Guru

Shania Twain Heats Up American Idol For Chicago Auditions

But will she announce a new album?

January 19, 2010 by saul relative

The beautiful Shania Twain will hold down Ellen DeGeneres' chair on American Idol Tuesday evening as the auditions move to Chicago. Hopefully, the judges will fare a bit better there than they did in Atlanta, where, out of 10,000 potential finalists, the judges, aided by R&B singer Mary J. Blige, could only agree on 25 potential American Idols. Simon Cowell developed a migraine and Blige couldn't stop laughing at some of the would-be singers. Perhaps Shania Twain will act as muse in Chicago, although the Windy City is known more for its blues than for country music. Still, they just might raise the performance bar for the rest of the auditions. To do so, they'll have to produce 32 gold ticket holders to beat Boston's total (31). But whether they find great singers for future American Idol episodes or not, they'll have to go a long way to top General Larry Platt's "Pants On The Ground," which has enjoyed a week-long run as a viral video and sing-along fad, even popping up when the Minnesota Vikings celebrated their win over the Dallas Cowboys after the NFC Divisional playoff game.

Shania Twain comes to American Idol after nearly an 8-year hiatus from any major recording. The Canadian singing sensation has sold over 48 million albums in the United States and over 68 million worldwide. Seven of her songs have reached the top spot on the Billboard Country singles chart with 15 more reaching the Top 40. All her success has basically come from three studio albums (her first, "Shania Twain," did not sell until after "The Woman In Me," her sophomore effort, began producing hits). Twain's third album, "Come On Over," is the bestselling album ever for a solo female performer. charts

Besides three new tracks for a "Greatest Hits" album in 2005, Shania Twain has done very little studio work. She's worked on compilations and tributes albums, like the Dolly Parton tribute album, "Just Because I'm A Woman," whereon she sang "Coat of Many Colors," and Anne Murray's compilation, "Anne Murray Duets: Friends and Legends," on which she performed "You Needed Me." There have been several rumors over the last couple years that she was working on a new album, but as of 2010 there has been no official confirmation of a new studio release. No doubt Shania Twain fans will anxiously follow every word the singer says, hoping for some indication of new music.

Who knows? Maybe judges Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson can get the songstress to lead a round of "Pants On The Ground"?

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2606705/shania_twain_heats_up_american_idol.html?cat=33

UpUpUp · Guru

Tommy wrote:

Who knows? Maybe judges Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson can get the songstress to lead a round of "Pants On The Ground"?

Shania must really be getting into the American Idol spirit. She obviously left her Pants On The Ground during her latest photoshoot! biggrin

Loonie Echo · Senior Member

From Shania's reaction at the first girl on American Idol declaring that she was going to sing a 'Duffy' song - I would guess that Shania is a Duffy fan. Duffy is cool - and Bernard Butler (ex Suede guitarist) produced Duffy's album. Cool!

UpUpUp · Guru

Shania has been a pretty good judge so far. Much better than Mary J Blige, who I thought was awful, and Posh, who was boring.

Tommy · Guru

UpUpUp wrote:

Shania has been a pretty good judge so far. Much better than Mary J Blige, who I thought was awful, and Posh, who was boring.

I agree.

Tommy · Guru

That was so funny with John and Shania! LOL!

Shaniafanforever · Veteran Member

Yes I thought she was great and she didn't laugh at the person sing even thought they didn't sing well she did a great job.

EveryBodyLovesKevy · Guru

I don't get it here for another hour and a half but I saw most of it online.
I thought she did a fantastic job and they gave her an amazing introduction fit for a Queen at the start about how she changed the face of music.

But she did seem a little drunk when that John guy was done singing lol!!

UpUpUp · Guru

Shania is being called a Cougar on Twitter because of her comments to John. biggrin

Tonto · Guru

She was very considerate of the people who were auditioning as I am sure she knows just how it feels to stand in front of people you've never met and have them tell you whether or not your dream is something that is possible for you to achieve.
That has to hurt to be told you don't have the talent when more than likely others around you have told you you do just to keep from hurting your feelings or killing your hope. Shania was very understanding and funny and had no problems fitting in with the other judges. They all seemed as if they had known each other for years instead of just days. very cool. She did a super job.

Warmest regards as always,
Tonto

PurplePeopleEater · Guru

The Twitterers

Tonto · Guru

RE: Shania to guest judge on American Idol! - Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00pm ET) - Commercial p. 5

Tommy · Guru

Shania to guest judge on American Idol! - Jan. 19th - Commercial p. 5

Tommy · Guru

Shania Twain Eyes the Bottom Line on American Idol

Today 8:05 PM PST by Natalie Finn

"I was very surprised and, yes, you have a beautiful bottom end," Shania Twain told American Idol auditioner John Park.

And then it got weirder from there.

Maybe because the Canadian country star was finally saying something, Kara, Randy and Simon more or less jumped down her throat on tonight's Idol when her longest critique in two days wandered into double-entendre territory.

"You have nice lips," Twiain continued, perhaps not realizing that she was digging a deeper hole for herself.

The 20-year-old Park was pretty thrilled, though, and he was good enough to join not too many others who impressed the judges enough in Chicago to score a ticket to Hollywood.

Among them were single mom Angela Martin, who has successfully auditioned for Idol twice before and at 28 has no more chances in case a court date or family crisis gets in the way again; asthma sufferer Paige Dechausse, who's going to have to bring more personality to her performance to make it to Hollywood; and Charity Vance, 16, whose unique rendition of "Summertime" really impressed the panel.

VIDEO HERE!

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b162890_shania_twain_eyes_bottom_line_on.html

Tommy · Guru

'Idol' Chicago auditions: slim pickings

January 19, 2010

It was slim pickings in Chicago -- only 13 contestants went through to Hollywood, most of them girls -- and for once, it was Ryan Seacrest who looked bored. Even fainting spells (Amy Lang, pictured) and crying fits couldn't amp up the energy on this episode. And to think, this is the city that brought us Jennifer Hudson and Mandisa. Still, Shania Twain was entertaining in all her guest judge goofiness. And there were a handful of highlights, such as:

Katelyn Epperly: Randy praised her smoky vocals on Duffy's "Syrup and Honey," and with so many soundalikes (he says that like it's a bad thing), she managed to stand out from the pack and impress an especially tough panel.

Charity Vance: This sweet thing was no Fantasia, but she competently delivered "Summertime" and the judges responded in kind. Still, will that little voice shine in such fierce competition? Time will tell.

Angela Martin: She had auditioned twice before, made it to Hollywood and all the way to the Top 50, then had to bolt due to a court date. To her credit, Angela's had a rough couple of years and her moving version of Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine" put those emotions on full display. Will the third try be the charm?

John Park: Shania Twain was plain old tongue-tied in the presence of this Asian hottie. She complemented his "beautiful bottom end" on Donny Hathaway's “If I Ever Leave You Baby,” and we're loving his overall demeanor. John is already rumored to have made the Top 24, to which we say, hallelujah!

Honorable mentions: We agree with Simon that her rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" came off "a little indulgent," but Paige Dechausse shows promise, as does Marcus Jones, who wasn't given a special segment but delivered a soulful audition.

-- Shirley Halperin (Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter)

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2010/01/idol-chicago-auditions-slim-pickings.html

Tommy · Guru

'American Idol' in Chicago: Shania Twain impressed us much!

by Michael Slezak

Categories: American Idol, Reality TV

It’s a bad sign when you don’t even need the fingers on one hand to count the number of truly talented contestants on an American Idol tryout show. Yet while tonight’s Chicago audition episode was to talent what Randy Jackson is to coherent critique, the hour was miraculously rescued by a secret weapon that made everything go down a little easier: Guest judge Shania Twain. In fact, I enjoyed the country superstar’s performance in the Paula Abdul Faded Glory Chair so much, I wrote a tribute song to her, set to the tune of her 1998 hit “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Click here to get some musical accompaniment, then sing along at home!

I listened to some guys tonight who thought they could sing
Watched Randy and Simon bust up laughing
Well Kara’s no genius — with her “sweetie” refrain
She condescends reflexively, she’s ultra hein
Oh-oh but, Shania’s special
Oh-oh yeah, I think she’s something else

Okay, so she’s a chalet owner
Ms. Twain impressed me much
Yes she had the brains, and had a gentle touch
Hire her quick, yeah a permanent seat
And send the Dawg and Dio-Gwarrd back onto the streets
Ms. Twain impressed me much

What did you think of Shania’s performance? Did any of the contestants impress you tonight? Post your thoughts now, then check back in the early morning for my full TV Watch recap! And to get updates on all my Idol ramblings, follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak. (Oh, and if you missed it, check out my recap of the Atlanta audition episode, and vote for your favorite on my list of the Top 20 Idol Contenders from Boston and Atlanta.)

http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/01/19/american-idol-chicago-shania-twain/

Tommy · Guru

I made 84 vid caps.

Tommy's #1 SHANIA TWAIN SuperSite - Guest Judge for "American Idol" Auditions

Tommy · Guru

American Idol's Guest Judge, Shania Twain Helps Pick Chicago's Finest

American Idol judges were in the mood to see what Chicago's talent had to offer. Almost 12,000 hopefuls were on their way to stardom but according to many of the judges, only a chosen few were picked to continue to Hollywood.

Kaitlyan Epperly, 19 from Des Moines, Iowa, 16-year-old Charity Vance and Shania's favorite hopeful, John Park from Northbrook, Illinois, were standouts who made the cut from Chicago's auditions. Only 13 contestants were chosen from Chicago.

Stay tuned on FOX 13 when American Idol heads to Orlando, Florida Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. MST.

FOX 13's Kelly Chapman reports.

VIDEO HERE

http://www.fox13now.com/news/kstu-american-idol-shania-ta,0,350821.story

Tommy · Guru

'American Idol' Chicago Auditions Offer Very Few Golden Tickets

A familiar face gets a third chance and guest judge Shania Twain compliments one contestant's 'bottom end.'

By James Montgomery

On Wednesday night (January 19), "American Idol" headed to Chicago, hoping to find talent on par with last week's Atlanta auditions. And while there were some serious pipes on display in Chi-Town, there were also more than a few misfires. And a whole lot of misfits too.

Chicago definitely let its freak flag fly, rolling out a series of bow-tie-clad Tom Jones enthusiasts, mealy-mouthed Tiny Tim impersonators, accordion players, angry mothers and one rather buxom "Idol" contestant who showed off a move she (pretty aptly) described as "the boob flex."

All in all, it was an interesting show — only 13 golden tickets were handed out to some 12,000 auditioners — and though guest judge Shania Twain tried to play nice, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson were more than ready to let it rip.

"Do you find that when you sing at home, a lot of animals turn up outside the house?" Simon chuckled to one warbly wannabe, who crashed and burned attempting Maxwell's version of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Worth."

"Swear on your mother's life that was not a joke," Cowell hissed after another particularly brutal audition.

It wasn't all bad, though. Katelyn Epperly, a 19-year-old from West Des Moines, Iowa, earned high praise (and the show's first golden ticket) with her soulful take on Duffy's "Syrup and Honey." Paige Dechausse — who nearly died after an asthma attack — got through to Hollywood with a smoky cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come." And John Park, a 20-year-old college student, earned raves — and had Twain blushing (she told him "You have a beautiful bottom end") — with a sexualized version of Gary Moore's "I'll Love You More Than You'll Ever Know."

Angela Martin, who had made it to Hollywood Week in each of the previous two "Idol" seasons but could never quite make it over the hump (once due to having a warrant out for her arrest) made it back for a third time, wowing the judges with her take on Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine."

Other contestants who made it through to Hollywood included big-voiced (and even bigger-haired) Justin Ray; Keith Semple, a Simple Plan lookalike with a raspy voice; and the soulful Marcus Jones.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1630026/20100119/index.jhtml

Tommy · Guru

Chicago auditions hardly special

by pinella

OK, on Tuesday night, while I was looking around for General Larry and some “Pants On The Ground”, I discovered a horrific rendition of Tiny Tim’s “Tiptoe Through The Tulips” and not much else during the hour-long Chicago auditions.

All I could think of was that Wednesday night’s auditions will be from Orlando and that is the spot that Randy Jackson termed as “really strange.”

Some facts along the way to some not-so-good performances. If the winner comes out of these … OMG…

- Shania Twain was the guest judge. At least she seemed to be honest and much better than Victoria or Mary J last week.

- Largest crowd of Boston, Atlanta and Chicago. 12,000 showed up in the Windy City.

- Show opened with the obligatory “Yes, we can,” chant. Guess why?

- Shania proclaimed if she had to do an audition like this she would “pee herself” and said when she was younger she actually did once. Now, there is a visual.

On to the contestants…

Katelyn Epperley (19) – Des Moines, Iowa

“Syrup and Honey” by Duffy

– Yes, the evening’s obligatory sob story. She’s OK with a soulful sort of voice. Four yeses send her to Hollywood where she won’t have a chance.

Amy Lang (26) – Franklin, Ohio

“Dr. Feelgood” by Aretha Franklin

– Proclaims she had a dream about Ryan the night before the audition and she can do something with her breasts that she calls a “boob-flex.” She drops to the floor at the beginning of her song. That was a nice flop as was her entire performance. Amy is sent back to Ohio.

Charity Vance (16) – Little Rock, Ark.

“Summertime”

– Simon says she has a unique tone. She works in her parents hair salon. She gets four yes votes, jumps up and down and receives a Hollywood ticket. Another one who won’t last in Hollywood.

Angela Martin (28) – Chicago

“Just Fine” – Mary J. Blige

– Been there, done that a couple of times. Made the Top 50 a year ago but had to skip Hollywood cause of a court appearance to settle a speeding ticket. Liked her better than Lil Rounds last year. This will be it for Angela and she just might make the Top 10. Just wonder how fast she was driving.

After another commercial break they move on to Day 2…

Curly Newbern (26) – Chicago

“A Women’s Work” by Maxwell

– Small, falsetto voice that prompts Simon to say: “When you sing at home do animals show up?”

Simon and Randy laugh at him. He stays in Chicago.

Alannah Halbert (19) – Chicago

She walks away with four nos saying, “I have no idea what I was doing.” No argument here.

Brian Krause (27) – Pittsburgh

– “Tip Toe Through the Tulips” by Tiny Tim

– Says he was in the Army and served in Korea. Who knows. This isn’t even a good imitation of a bad song. Actually hurt to listen to him and he was on way too long. Claimed he wasn’t joking. Guess we should just be thankful he didn’t try to sing “Pants On The Floor” with that voice.

Harold Davis (25) – Chicago

– “Nice and Slow” by Usher

Harold came out saying he’s been eating microwave long enough and wanted to start eating steak. He cries when the No votes come in. This morning he’s probably eating microwave pancakes in Chicago.

John Park (20) – Northbrook, Ill.

– Soulful, reminds you a little of Anoop. Could go a long way with the right mentoring and correct songs. Said he was a little bit surprised at getting the Yellow ticket. He shouldn’t have been.

Paige Dechausse (21) – Morris, Ill.

“Change Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke

- Entire family came to the audition in a limo thanks to granny Roxy. There, she got a shout-out. Her granddaughter had a decent voice, but not Idol/Hollywood worthy. Shania and Kara convice Randy to give her a pass. though, and much to Simon’s chagrine she is off to Hollywood.

In all, 13 will be boarding a plane from O’Hare to LAX. Two may back into the Top 10. Of course, we didn’t see all 13 and maybe that’s a blessing.

http://idol.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/10795/chicago-auditions-hardly-special/

Tommy · Guru

Twain Meets 'Idol' in Chicago

By Roger Catlin on January 20, 2010 2:13 AM

Country star Shania Twain, emerging from some multi-year hiatus to be guest judge on "American Idol" Tuesday, proved the friskiest of those asked to sit in this season. She championed singers and got Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson to her side to offset Simon Cowell's "no" vote. She even stepped in as mentor, suggesting a lower key for a singer whom they eliminated anyway (though the singer never seemed to know why).

Truth be told, though, there wasn't anything all that interesting about the Chicago auditions. It had the biggest turnout of the season, and yet seemed to have the fewest advancing to Hollywood. The hour long show had neither the promise of the season premiere or the cult status of the second night's "Pants on the Ground."

The Obama theme, because of his hometown, seemed strained, even on the one-year anniversary of his inauguration.

Again there were only a dozen of the 12,000 who showed up who were actually featured in the episode. Among those advancing were:

Katelyn Epperly, 19, of Iowa, who sang Duffy and seemed to be auditioning to cheer up her recently divorced mother. "We're going to Hollywood!" her mom said).
The 16 year old Charity Vance, who grew up in a beauty shop, sang "Summertime" and advanced.
The return shot of Angela Martin, 28, of Chicago, who stalled in Hollywood the last two seasons.
John Park, 20, whom Shania flirted with ("you have a beautiful bottom end").
And asthma patient Paige Dechausse, 21, as well three quick ones at the end Justin Ray, 20; Keith Semple, 27; and Marcus Jones, 18.

The rejects included boob flexer Amy Lang, 26, of Ohio; ridiculously high-voiced Curly Newbern, 26, of Chicago; Alana Halbert, 19 (who got Twain's help); exceedingly goofy and polite Brian Krause, 27, who did Tiny Tim; soul man Harold Davis, 25, who cried upon being rejected.

Next up: Orlando on Wednesday with Kristen Chenoweth as guest judge.

http://blogs.courant.com/roger_catlin_tv_eye/2010/01/twain-meets-idol-in-chicago.html

Tommy · Guru

John Park, the one-man swoon platoon

By Nick Castele

Been ignoring your friends’ tweets, status updates and “Support John” messages scrawled on dorm room white boards? Take a moment to acquaint yourself with Weinberg junior John Park. Watch this Purple Hazer (Purple Hazian?) magnetize Shania Twain’s restive sex drive. By 1:44, she goes full-giddy-schoolgirl. Hard to resist his granite man-jaw and vibrant baritone pipes.

Good news is he’s going to Hollywood. Bad news is he’ll have to sleep each night afraid of falling into Twain’s cougarly grasp.

Good luck, John!

VIDEO HERE

http://www.northbynorthwestern.com/2010/01/64222/john-park-the-one-man-swoon-platoon/

Tommy · Guru

Shania Twain makes 'American Idol' debut

Wednesday, January 20 2010, 4:57am EST

By Lara Martin, News Editor

Shania Twain makes 'American Idol' debut

Rex Features

Shania Twain made her American Idol debut as a guest judge this week.

The 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman' star joined panellists Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson at the Chiacgo auditions last night.

"This is a once in a lifetime chance for so many of these people. Honestly, I think I'd pee myself if I was standing there!" she said.

While host Ryan Seacrest revealed that thousands had turned up to audition, just 13 performers were handed an elusive Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week.

Among those who made it to the next stage was college student John Park. The 20-year-old performed Donny Hathaway's 'If I Ever Leave You Baby', prompting Twain to remark on his "beautiful bottom end" before having to backtrack and say that she was talking about his tone.

American Idol continues tonight on Fox.

http://www.digitalspy.com/americanidol/news/a197794/shania-twain-makes-american-idol-debut.html

Tommy · Guru

'American Idol' Season 9: Chicago auditions feature Shania Twain, 'boob boxing' and very few tickets

By Len Melisurgo

American Idol

American Idol's long and winding road to Hollywood included a bumpy ride through Chicago. Make that a very bumpy ride.

The Windy City - the third stop for the season 9 auditions - generated only a weak breeze of talent. A whopping 12,000 contestants, the biggest batch of all the audition venues this season, tried out in Chicago. But only 13 people emerged with golden tickets to the competitive Hollywood rounds.

Last night's show on Fox was a revolving door of rejected singers (if you can call them that), screechers and attention-seekers. Some, like a woman who called herself "the crazy accordion lady," were outright silly and didn't even deserve a chuckle. Others, like bubbly Ohio waitress and Broadway wannabe Amy Lang, were entertaining and will likely end up on a YouTube highlight reel.

Lang, who claims she had "inappropriate dreams" about host Ryan Seacrest, flaunted her two biggest assets and had the judges roaring with laughter. Guest judge Shania Twain aptly described Lang's routine as "boob boxing."

The superstar country singer also drew laughs, and gasps, later on when she seemed to be infatuated with an Asian college student named John Park. The 20-year-old dazzled all of the judges with his refreshingly good voice, but Twain seemed fixated on his looks.

"You have a beautiful bottom end," she told the stunned contestant. "You have a nice tone down there."

Twain also complimented his "nice lips" before finally remembering this reality show is not a model search but a singing competition. "Anyway, I think you have a nice voice."

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2010/01/american_idol_season_9_chicago.html

-- Edited by Tommy on Wednesday 20th of January 2010 01:59:08 PM

Tommy · Guru

'American Idol': Shania Twain doesn't find much to impress her, but shines as Chicago guest judge

By Olivia Smith
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Shania Twain gave views a lot to be impressed with as a guest judge on 'American Idol,' even if the Chicago auditioners were less than impressive.

It might have been a gimme that we'd be hearing Shania Twain's "That Don't Impress Me Much" during her appearance as a guest judge on "American Idol."

If only she'd serenaded some especially sad sack auditioner with her hit, it would have been enough to make "Idol" fans forget all about last week's "Pants on the Ground."

But while that was too much to hope for, no one could have predicted her ode to overrated, self-inflated lovers it would be so spot-on for "Idol's" Chicago auditions, where a mere 13 out of 12,000 hopefuls rated a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Not much to be impressed with, indeed.

Viewers were only treated to an hour of country-pop crossover Twain's pronouncements on Chicago's mostly talentless hordes, but she succeeded in making as much of an impression as Posh Spice Victoria Beckham and Mary J. Blige did in their two-hour premiere week shows last week.

And while Twain was more generous than her hit song would have suggested, she still came across as a direct, no-nonsense assessor of singing chops.

Always looking alert and attentive, she often sat forward in her chair, elbows propped up on the table and chin resting in her hands, and she was given to open expressions of surprise - shaded with dismay or delight - at contestants' efforts. Her signature look had her eyebrows raised, and eyes wide in happy, or more often appalled disbelief.

One thing that really made her stand out from her guest judge predecessors was her chemistry with Simon. It wasn't that they didn't have it, but her easy rapport with him is something that had been missing in Boston and Atlanta last week.

After Kara told the first contestant, Katelyn Epperly, that she wanted to see her be brighter, Simon said "It's all a little bit like the lights are off," to which Twain instantly responded, "But something's home!" It was the closest thing to repartee between the judges that we've gotten this season, and the moment of spontaneity between them was refreshing.

In the end Epperly was deemed worthy and she was sent through.

Twain and Simon looked like they clicked at other times during the proceedings, with her turning to him and laughing and touching him on the arm. But their judging styles couldn't have been more different. Twain in fact may go down as the most gracious judge in "Idol" history.

When one male singer treated the panel to an ear-splitting, unrecognizable audition song, she diplomatically said afterwards, "You have a high voice!" before Simon quipped, "Do you enjoy causing people pain?"

In the moment fans are likely to remember from Twain's stint as a guest judge, however, her politeness was undercut by her choice of words.

After his confident "I Love You More than You'll ever Know," she told the tall, handsome John Park, dark hair falling across his face, "You have a beautiful bottom end."

Of course she was referring to the lower range of his voice. But that wasn't how the other judges took it, especially when she also said he had nice lips, and then tried to correct her first remark (and end the snickering from her colleagues) by correcting herself: "You have a nice tone down there, okay?"

Which really didn't make it any better.

When Simon later told her she was going to regret that little exchange, Twain replied, "I don't regret anything."

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2010/01/20/2010-01-20_american_idol_shaina_twain_doesnt_find_much_to_be_impress_her_but_shines_as_chic.html