Well, American Idol has whittled it’s way down to the top three: Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart and Scotty McCreery. James Durbin was sent packing last night, which in my opinion, was pretty surprising. In fact, just based on the poll here, it seems it surprised many. This season has actually surprised many with their eliminations. Pia was a surprise elimination that seemed to irritate many of the Idol watchers. In fact, many stopped watching from that point forward. Between the judges not being critical of anyone, the push of certain performers, etc. this season has kinda been a drag to many. In fact, the first time I have heard the judges actually be critical was this week’s performance night, to Haley.

So, why was James eliminated? What made someone who has never found himself in the bottom three suddenly eliminated, and another Idol who has been in the bottom three repeatedly, not only safe from elimination, but not even in the bottom two?

My theory? It comes down to two words: Adam Lambert.

Yes, our old Idol friend Adam Lambert last week endorsed Haley. This came as a surprise to many, since many have been comparing Durbin to Lambert, including James who tried to model himself a bit after him, so we thought Lambert would return the favor and either endorse James, or endorse no one. Well, he endorsed Haley. Many of us have wondered why? That is not to say Haley is not a great singer by any means, but when you ask around, there are many that think Adam may have shown his preference for her because of the competition James may bring him, or that he was tired (or jealous) of hearing people compare James to him. Some of James’ fans have even gone so far as to say he is better than Lambert. So, taking all the chatter around the net about James, it seems Adam made the choice to try and distance himself from The Durbin.

Lambert endorsed Haley all over Twitter. Lambert has over a million followers. So, coincidence? I think not. Did loyal Lambert fans send the rocker packing?

Quite frankly, I don’t think that former Idols should endorse the current contestants, as it gives an unfair advantage, but, that’s just me.

What do you think? Let us know below, then come on in the the FORUM where we are discussing James’ Elimination and have a poll HERE to see if you think Lambert had anything to do with it!

Here is tonight’s recap of American Idol, including who was eliminated tonight, so stop reading if you are on the West Coast and don’t want to know!

Ryan started the show with a few announcements – Diddy Dirty Money (who performed Coming Home featuring Skylar Grey) and Adam Lambert (who sang an acoustic version of Aftermath) would be taking the stage tonight; a whopping 30,000,000 votes came in this week; and the judges, again this season, will have one save to use until the top 5. Will they be using it tonight?

Only twelve Idols graced the stage for the group number which was a Michael Jackson tribute. Unfortunately, Casey was sick and in the hospital again this time with stomach bleeding which may be caused by stress. (Heal quick Casey!)

We got a tour of this year’s American Idol house. It was ENORMOUS! It seems that the girls have one huge room and the boys have their own huge room. They are also spoiled with a fully stocked refrigerator, a grand piano, a pool table, a pool, and the list goes on and on and on…  I was a little jealous, until I remembered that some of these contestants are teens, and well, I have my own! No need to add any!

As in previous season, the contestants starred in their own Ford Focus commercial and to give them a taste of the Hollywood lifestyle, they were treated to the Little Red Riding Hood movie premiere, none of which seemed that thrilled with the movie. Oh well.

Jacob, Karen and Stefano were called to the center stage first. Jacob felt like he messed up on his performance, but was able to pull it back together. Karen felt like there were some technical difficulties when she was on stage because she couldn’t hear herself, but she promised that she will do better next time. Stefano felt like he was able to show another side of himself and is blessed to be there. Ryan got their hopes up by saying “You’re all safe this evening” Then paused and said, “Except Karen. Karen is in the bottom three.” NOT nice Ryan. In fact, many fans in the forum, on Facebook AND on Twitter wanted to do things to you that, well, things I can’t say here.

Lauren, Ashton, and Haley up next – Lauren felt like the judges criticisms of her Shania Twain song were fair and that she had a bad performance. Since Lauren was getting emotional, Ryan immediately announced that she was safe. Ashton and Haley were both in the bottom three.

Instead of allowing all of the contestants to have a voice at center stage, Ryan said that everyone who wasn’t called to the center of the stage was safe. The group seemed stunned and Ryan had to encourage them to applaud for themselves. It was quite an interesting way to go about it I guess, although you would think everyone would have to have their moment to sweat it out.

We had a couple of mixed review performances tonight. Adam Lambert, subdued and without make-up went acoustic, and Diddy sang with Skylar Grey, who many will remember from her performance on the Grammy’s with Eminem, and of course a spotlight of one of the Yak’s Melodic Mondays! We also got to hear the new “kick off” tune for American Idol this year, “Don’t You Forget About Me” sung by former Idol David Cook.

On to the bottom three, Ryan wasted no time declaring that Karen was safe this week, as was Haley. Ashton had the least amount of votes and needed to sing to try to convince the judges to use the save. Ashton’s final song was the same Diana Ross song that she sang last night, and fans of the show were none too pleased. Many thought it was even worse than last nights performance. The judges decided not to use the save on her and Ashton was the first of the Top 13 to be eliminated from American Idol 2011.

I’m thinking Idol had a TON of filler tonight for their first elimination show, with two performances, the commercial, the musical number, that they rushed the results a bit. Oh well. An elimination show being an hour long was way too long for many anyway.

What did you think? Did Ashton deserve to go? Was your favorite in the bottom three? Let us know below, then come join us in the FORUM where we are discussing all things Idol!

Here is your ‘readers digest’ version of some breaking music news this past week. Hopefully this will help get you all caught up!

Original ‘Love the Way You Lie’

If you haven’t heard this version of the song by the original writer, it’s a must listen. It’s kinda like acoustic candy for your ears. Skylar Grey, (formerly Holly Brook) the original writer of the tune is currently making a big splash on the music scene, piping up on some big artist records, from Dr. Dre to Lupe Fiasco. Skylar states that she never really was a writer for others, but an artist in her own right. The song was originally written for her to perform, but once Rihanna and her team heard the track, they asked her for the hit. Skylar agreed to let it go, but thought it would be great if people could still hear her version of it. So, here you go, and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments below!

The White Stripes are No More, Sales Rise Substantially

The White Stripes are calling it quits, according to a statement made by Jack and Meg White on their site last Thursday, the band “has officially ended and will make no further records or perform live.” According to the statement, both Jack and Meg are “feeling fine and in good health,” and the decision comes instead from a desire to “preserve what is beautiful and special about the band.” There were no creative differences, no lack of wanting to continue, no health issues, no in-fighting. They added that they want to thank every one of their fans and admirers for the incredible support they have given throughout the 13 plus years of The White Stripes’ intense and incredible career. “The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.”

Mick Jagger to Hit the Grammy Stage for the First Time

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is finally giving in to the Grammy’s for the first time in his long, long career. Jagger will perform on the stage February 13th with soul singer Raphael Saadiq as part of a tribute to soul singer Solomon Burke who died last year. Burke opened several times in his late career for the band, and Jagger feels a strong connection to him.

American Idol Releases ‘Greatest Hits’ Album

Scheduled to be released on March 15th, American Idol is releases their first ‘Greatest Hits’ album. Named “American Idol 10th Anniversary – The Hits”, the album will feature songs by Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Adam Lambert, Fantasia and David Cook.

We have done our research, and are 95% sure we had ourselves an Adam Lambert sighting at Starbucks in Malibu Ca.  Note the black nail polish, sunglasses, pompadour hairdo, earrings and the purple in the hair (as seen on AI this last week).  What you are unable to note is the height and voice, however trust me when I tell you it was right on.  He was with two people, a male and a female, one of them named “Sam” (as stated on Starbucks cup)… weren’t we lucky!!  (Yep, sarcasm coming from me who is not the biggest fan of Adam, but I KNOW there are many of you that are.)  Come come come discuss in the forum!  Here is our sneaky pic:  (Click the pic to make bigger)

More and more on the internets, I am finding that Crystal already has several original songs written by none other than herself.  It would be nice if these songs were already for sale, or an album to be had!  Alas, they are not yet available, but hopefully, in the near future, they will be.

This Yakster (and many others in the forum) are big fans of hers.  She is a “modern” throwback if you will, with the soul to sing songs from the likes of Janis Joplin to Melissa Etheridge, Bonnie Raitt to Alanis Morrisette.  I wouldn’t mind hearing her belt out a meaningful Pink ballad as well.  She is current, and quite frankly, too good for the AI amateur stage.  Don’t get me wrong, I am so glad she found her way there, and I really hope she can use this experience and platform to push her up to the stardom she so rightly deserves.  I am truly jealous of those who had the honor of hearing her play on the street.  She fills the gap for the young acoustic hippie that this tree hugger was definitely missing.  She is looking to have her guitar signed by powerful women, and I’m most confident that she should be signing it herself as well.

This coming week, Adam Lambert is the mentor on the show.  Now I know, there are MANY Lambert fans out there, (of which I am not one…sorry) but I gotta say, huh?  How is he even remotely qualified to be a mentor?  He has not even been off the show a full year, isn’t that widely successful (yet) and didn’t even win… So I really don’t get it.  This should be interesting, especially for an artist like Crystal.  What advice could he possibly have for her?  I guess we will see??  Just weird.  I will say I am very happy that Crystal continues to do her own thing.  She already knows who she is, the artist she is, and needs to change nothing.  Kara has from the start given her the wrong advice. Hopefully she continues to listen to herself, and even Simon Cowell has agreed.

Here is another treat, an original by Crystal called “Mama” – A big thanks to the Crystal Bowersox Blog who posts all these gems from her.  Would love to know if we will ever be able to get our hands on these songs.  I would really like to put them on my ipod to take with me on my drives and chill time!  Give it a listen, then come join us in the forum to let us know what you think!

Oh and… let’s throw some votes over to Big Mike this week as well peeps!  This wonderful positive soul should NOT be leaving this show this early!

Come on in the forum and look around! We have updates and spoilers on other reality shows, primetime shows, and an arcade to kill the time in as well!  We need your voice in there!

Well, Mr. Lambert, American Idol’s latest runner-up, is getting exactly what he wanted. People talking about him. ABC announced today that they canceled his appearances on both the Jimmy Kimmel Show, as well as his appearance on Dick Clark’s Rocking New Year’s Eve Special.  All this on the heels of his provocative performance at the American Music Awards last month on ABC. What do you Yakksters think? Is ABC taking it too far or should they keep him off their network until the drama dies down?? Join in our forums and let us know!

Greetings one and all please allow me to introduce myself.  I am Saint Dagame, patron saint of reality shows as well as high priest of the Church of Gina Gershon and today starts a new era for the Yak.  This is the first of many sermons that I will be giving to you, my adoring congregation, so remember this day because it will be one you will rejoice for decades to come.

I have decided to make this first sermon about tainting victories.  Did Apollo Creed ruin Rcoky’s title win?  Did the Patriots come up with conspiracy theories when they lost the Superbowl to the Giants?  Did Arnold Jackson make up excuses why he lost his fight with The Gooch?  The answer to all of the above is a resounding no, yet so many of you out there want to taint Kris Allen’s victory over Adam Lambert on American Idol by coming up with crazy conspiracy theories and downright nonsense so I’m here to set you straight.

Conspiracy Theory 1: People Voted Against Adam Because of His Ambiguous Nature
I personally despise this one the most because that’s a dangerous card to play because it discredits real discrimination.  Did Clay Aiken’s people throw this one out there even though there were the same rumors swirling around him?  No they didn’t.  Let’s face it your final three were all white males so where was the outrage then?  Why didn’t Jesse Jackson, Edward James Olmos, Gloria Allred or the people making this claim take to the streets in protest because of this injustice?  It was either because they were blinded by their manscara or they thought it was fair then so in theory it must be fair now.  N’est pas?

Conspiracy Theory 2: Kris Got 20 Gajillionbillion Votes From Arkansas
Here’s a fun Census fact for you; Arkansas has a population 2.8 million where as California has a population 36.75 million so if anything young master Kris should’ve been at a major disadvantage.  There was nothing wrong with the phone lines or cell phones in California Tuesday night so it leaves us with one cold hard fact; that people in California just didn’t like Adam enough to vote for him.  Period.  End of story.

Conspiracy Theory 3: The Backlash Vote
Yes I’ll admit the judges, Entertainment Weekly and even Katy Perry pimped Adam out like Patty the daytime hooker but there’s two holes in this theory.  The first one being that those people who actually voted Tuesday night know how hard it was to get a vote in to count.  I don’t know of many people who will sit and hit redial for hours to get such limited anti votes, but those who really like somebody will do, through all of that, to get their positive votes in with a smile on their face.  The second hole is that there are certain websites out there dedicated to get the lesser talented ones through and guess what, they usually fail miserably. There’s one out there that had to change the one they deemed the worst more times than Kristie Alley visits Chinese buffets in a day.

The Big Lie: I’m Glad Adam Didn’t Win/The Title Means Nothing
I’m allowed one curse word per sermon and I’m gonna use it here; Bullshit!  Most people that are familiar with how the show works know that the final two are indentured servants with varying lengths of service where as everybody eliminated before are free after the tour ends.  If you really feel this way why did people even vote Adam in the final two instead of freeing him from those oppressive constraints and allow him to be the free Kunta Kinte of music?  The answer is simple, they thought the title meant something along with the gilded cage that comes with it

What Is The Lesson Learned?
In life the one who you want to win won’t always do so but that doesn’t mean you have to taint the winner.  Now take your newfound knowledge into the world so you can be a better person and remember Saint Dagame and Gina Gershon loves each and every one of you.

First things first, congratulations go out to Kris Allen, winner of American Idol, Season 8, 2009!!!! Kris bested front runner and judges lovechild Adam Lambert, talented in his own right, by capturing just a reported 1% more of the 100 MILLION PLUS votes cast after last night’s final performances.

There’s going to be a LOT of debate on why Kris won and why Adam lost over the next several days, weeks and maybe months but I decided to write my own little letter to the judges of American Idol; Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Kara Dioguardi (please don’t bring her back next season!), to let them know my thoughts and before y’all assume something, NO I DON’T expect any will actually read this (but if someone wants to get it to them feel free! ).

“Dear Simon, Randy, Paula and Kara;

When the next season of American Idol rolls around you might want to make note of your behavior during Season 8. Why? Two words. Adam Lambert. That man is an awesome talent and will have a fantastic career but the reason he lost American Idol Season 8 was because of YOU FOUR. WEEK AFTER WEEK AFTER WEEK we, the viewers, even Adam fans, had to endure your incessant touting of the man, you practically handed him the title in the first few weeks.

Your job on American Idol is to judge the performances, NOT TO PICK THE WINNER and when you say to a contestant that this is theirs to win, this is their year, they will be at the end, they will win……….well let’s just say it ticks off the viewers that wear their redial buttons down to nubs because THIS IS OUR CHOICE. It’s called American Idol, NOT Who The Judges Want To Win Idol. So next year, even if you love someone as much as you did Adam, simply tell them that they did a great job in their performance but stop making it so obvious that you want them and only them to win. THAT’S why Adam lost and THAT’S why Chris Daughtry lost. The good thing is that Chris has a great career going and Adam will have a great career too.

The even better thing is that the soft voice, the underdog won this year. Kris Allen. And he DID deserve it no matter what you, the judges, say. He is a true talent and will go far.

May this be a lesson to you judges. Stop deciding who you think we should vote for. Let us decide. Or you may keep getting this year after year. ”

Now, let’s not forget Adam. Adam Lambert is a TRUE talent and he has a BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT future in this industry so he deserves accolades for what he’s done and will do in the future. Our congrats to him as well.

So we just had the showdown between Kris Allen and Adam Lambert on the finale of Season Eight of American Idol and I have to admit, despite media proclamations, this SHOULD  be a close race. But what I REALLY want to talk about here is the burning question of when is enough, enough with American Idol? The judges, the entire season, have been SO obvious in their idolistic adoration of Adam Lambert, it’s hard to imagine why the season was even allowed to continue. If the judges had their way they probably would’ve given the title to Adam weeks ago.

My problem with this isn’t that I don’t think Adam should win or that I don’t think he has talent. That man has MAD talent, is such a performer and was obviously born to be on stage BUT my problem is that Randy, Paula, Kara and Simon are paid to be judges. This season, it seems like they were Adam Lambert cheerleaders rather than objective judges. And they SHOULD be OBJECTIVE, taking the approach of a journalist rather than who THEY want to win. This isnt’ about them, it’s about the viewing audience, those paying to vote and who THEY want to win. The judges should give honest critiques, not something aimed at either getting or  taking votes in regards to a particular contestant.

For example, the predictably cheesy winner’s song tonight. Both Adam and Kris had pitch and key problems during it. Randy kind of pointed it out with Adam, definitely pointed it out with Kris. The rest of the judges, with Adam, basically ignored the pitch problems and proclaimed him king of the American Idol world. When Kris came up, while they didn’t tear him apart the way I thought, they didn’t slobber lusciously over him the way they did Adam, so basically while saying he deserved to be there, they also gave the subliminal message that he should give up any thought of winning.

I liked both of them tonight. I thought they both did equally well. I voted for Kris. Why? Because I geniunely think he has come from behind and taken this on with full force and deserves to win. Adam doesn’t need the win, like Allison Iraheta, he WILL get signed and will be a star. But just once I want a season of American Idol where it’s not who the judges want, but who the voters actually want. And Kris Allen very well could win this. Remember Season Five? The judges were the same way with Chris Daughtry, had basically proclaimed him the winner long before the season was over. The fans had enough of it and thusly he got voted off. Didnt’ stop him either but it showed the judges that when they push and push and PUSH who THEY want on the voters too much, the voters can throw it right back at them.

Either way, out of this season, I think that Adam, Kris, Allison and Danny should find viable careers. But I HOPE that in the coming seasons the producers say enough is enough with the judges slobbering. Please note however, we here at YakkityYaks are not out to derail American Idol or the enjoyment of it by purposely trying to mess with the show the way other sites do. We just want it fair to all of the contestants.

Yes, I know I am late on this… but with all the hubbub of moving down to the final 2, Gokey leaving, and my other annoyances with the whole shebang, I completely let something slip from my mind, only to have it pop up again in my little brain today… and all I have to say is… WTF American Idol?

What am I talking about? Well, the Katy Perry performance last Wednesday night, when, at the beginning, she opens the back of her cape to reveal the name “Adam Lambert.” When did American Idol allow this blatant BS? I mean, it’s not hard to see that the judges have been pushing the Lambert win all damn season long, but now we have performers allowed to do this as well? It’s a load of crap. If she wanted to push him so much, then why not in an outside interview, or on her website… The whole season has had me pretty damn annoyed with this push for the winner, but that was definitely over the top. If that didn’t give a reason for people to shift votes to Kris, I don’t know what would. Do they think people are really a herd of sheep that should follow whatever they say? Maybe they are. I guess we will see. Come talk about it here.

Let me start by telling you, before I start my ramble about American Idol tonight, that we WILL be getting more writers for the site soon. Why am I telling you this? Well, I am pretty sure with the popularity of Adam Lambert, that you are getting kinda sick and tired of my rants about dislike for this guy. So, keep that in mind… new writers, many that love him just like you do, coming soon to a YakkityYaks near you.

Ok, time for my critique, not that I am the connoisseur, especially when it comes to Rat Pack night. I am a pure rocker chick at heart… so this one is a little hard for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Frank and Dean sometimes. But… FRANK and DEAN, not people singing Frank and Dean. I thought I was gonna be bored, and sometimes I was… just not as bored as I thought I would be. We will start with:

Kris Allen – The Way You Look Tonight – Kris did okay. I wasn’t overly impressed, but wasn’t throwing things at the TV either. That has to be a good thing right? I don’t want my TV to look like those phony YouTube videos of the Wii remote cracking the screen. I mean, that would suck! Wait… I got off track there. Oh yeah, Kris… ummm… Decent start to the show I guess.

Allison Iraheta – Someone to Watch Over Me – Ok this girl should never be in the bottom three. I personally think she is amazing, and for the first time, Randy brought up the name Pink when commenting on her. I have been saying this from the start of this thing. This girl is the new pink, in a Devil Wears Prada kinda way. No one can replace Pink. This girl can leave the show now and I would be fine with it, because she has a career to get going with. She needs this show like NY needed a low unexpected flyover, or like Mexico needs pigs… ok, that was pretty distasteful. What can I say? I’m good at that.

Matt Giraud – My Funny Valentine – They saved this guy? Why again was that? Yeah alright, it wasn’t that horrid, but it wasn’t wonderful either. And just because Paula wants to boink the guy doesn’t mean he should stay on the show. If I had to make a guesstimate, if the preteen girls who vote decide to give Allison a break this time, it will be him singing My Funny Valentine again for your pleasure tomorrow night.

Danny Gokey – Come Rain Come Shine – Now I like this guy. I like the tone of his voice, the bluesy feel… He reminds me of an updated Michael McDonald… oh crap, I think I am showing my age. The problem with Danny is that he has no uniqueness to him. He is the definition of Karaoke. Every week, he sings, well, someone elses song. Tonight was a bit different though, and it was about time. Good for Danny… I hope he keeps it up.

Adam Lambert – Feeling Good – I’m sure you are all dying to read what I thought about him tonight. Well, I can sum it up in one word, Broadway. Randy FINALLY touched on that tonight, slightly, but the judges don’t want to push that too hard… I mean, he is their horse for the win… can’t ever not like something about his performance now can they? I have been saying all along this guy belongs on Broadway, will have a STELLAR career on Broadway. Let him go to Broadway people! Keeping Adam on this show is halting his wonderful Broadway career!! Yeah okay, I know my pleas will not get heard, at least not until his record doesn’t sell like they thought it would, and NY brings him home to the stage. However, I do want to point out that as innovative, refreshing and artistic that many think Adam is for changing the songs to suit him… he didn’t. What he did tonight is already out there in this format by a really great band called Muse. If you haven’t heard of them, go get yourself some. Now that’s some stuff worth listening to.

Let me just also throw this out there real quick… I will probably elaborate on this with a video later… but anyone here old enough to remember the guy from Star Search… Sam something? Hold on, let me look up his name…. Sam Harris! Yeah… that’s the guy. This is who Adam reminds me of, and according to the place I just looked up his name, he has a pretty nice career on Broadway of all places! He can be Adam’s mentor! Or… maybe he already is???

Yes, more writers soon.  Also, sorry about no pics with this post.  I was feeling testy, so the pics would have been maybe one of those Lambert making out with another guy photos floating around on the internet.  I thought I would try to remain somewhat tasteful, since I already spent my distasteful comment up above.  If you wanna see those photos, it’s REAL easy to just type into Google!

Yep, crap, at least I think so. This is Adam Lambert from American Idol… Having Randy compare him to My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy… seriously… what the hell is he smoking? Maybe I need some? He reminds me more of the sucky band that won “Battle of the Bands” in School of Rock…. and their “hot” (read NOT) guitar player… or was it bass… Can’t remember… blame it on, well, distraction.

Special thanks to Vote for the Worst for this video… take a whiff… I mean, take a look…

Then come talk about it here