The Season 9 contestants react to the shift in the judging panel but remain sure the show will go on!

Next season’s judging panel for American Idol may be up in the air, with Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, and Kara DioGuardi out, rumored to be replaced by names including Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, and Jessica Simpson, but last season’s contestants feel like the show will go on no matter what! Former contestant Lee DeWyze told HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY, “I don’t think anyone is going to ruin the show, the show is going to be successful as long as people are doing there own thing and not trying to copy anyone else, they’ll be fine.” And everyone else seems to agree!

Michael Lynche echoed Lee’s statement, saying, “Well I think this season coming up has a chance to be really special because its going to be so new, I think people are going to be very interested to see who these judges are and how they are going to interact and mesh. It’s going to be a great year. I think it will be a great year. Just like last year with all the rumors that Paula wasn’t going to be there and that it was going to be Simon’s last year.”

As for how big of an impact Simon’s departure will have, Katie Stevens told us, “Well Simon did play a big role but I think a lot of people will watch to see the different dynamic to see how it is going to be, and I think if they have a couple judges that they are talking about then they are not going to have an issue. A lot of things for the show are going to change but I think people are going to watch because they are going to be interested to see what happens.”

Among the celebs former contestants hope to see take over the judges chairs, Didi Benami picked Jennifer Lopez while Katie called the possibility of having Elton John be a judge, “awesome!”

What do you think HollywoodLifers, will Idol stand a chance with the new judging panel?

-reporting by Russ Weakland

You all saw last night’s double elimination and Adam Lambert’s laser show — but I was there for the Idol taping and can dish everything you missed!

April 14 was a HUGE night for American Idol – double elimination night – and I was there to catch all the action! So get ready, BFF’s — here’s what you definitely didn’t see on TV!

• Put all those Simon Cowell/Ellen DeGeneres enemy stories to rest: these two judges actually like each other! In fact, when Simon, 50, came on stage, he hugged Ellen, 52, and wrapped his arm around her until the show started!

• Simon literally BOOKS it every time there’s a commercial break. Why? As host Ryan Seacrest says, it’s so Simon can take a much-needed cigarette break. I counted six ciggies in the hour-long show alone!

• Ellen DeGeneres is really the most lovely human being on television. She took the time to console both Katie Stevens AND Andrew Garcia for a lengthy time after they got the boot last night. What a sweetheart. I’m obsessed.

• Casey James is a loner. Surprised? The super-tall (and super sexy) 27-year-old singer kept mostly to himself and looked broody. So hot – in a very Robert Pattinson kind of way.

• Lee DeWyze was so upset that BFF Andrew Garcia was kicked off the show that he literally didn’t speak – and sat there during commercial breaks looking emotional.

• Yes, Tim Urban DOES stop smiling – sometimes. But only when he’s really, really focusing.

• Adam Lambert and Crystal Bowersox seem like besties already. After his kick-butt performance of “What Do You Want From Me” (with lasers!) the two reunited like long lost lovers. But who wouldn’t like Mama Sox?

• Former Idol Elliot Yamin wore sunglasses. Throughout THE ENTIRE PERFORMANCE. Er – so rock star? Or not.

• The Idol stage is SMALL. You’d be surprised at how intimate the performances can be — not at all the huge set-up you see on TV!

• Siobhan Magnus REALLY thought she was getting kicked off last night! After being announced as ‘safe’, she ran over to the couches and put her head in her hands to collect herself.

• Adam Lambert , 28, was wearing bejeweled ear pieces. For real. But who’s really all that surprised?

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Get the scoop on the hottest reality show in America here!

1. Blake Lewis Loves Michael Lynche!
2. EXCLUSIVE! American Idol Vocal Coach Dorian Holley Gives Inside Look At Top 24
3. EXCLUSIVE! Former ‘American Idol’ Jason Castro Gives Advice To American Idol Top 24
4. Watch Ellen’s First Night On American Idol
5. Simon Cowell To Be Replaced By Howard Stern?
6. Carrie Underwood: I Could Never Be A Diva

Courtesy of Fox (3), Getty Images

Wondering how your fave Idol’s go from girl next door to totally gorgeous? With the help of a seasoned stylist, of course!

I always think it’s fun to watch American Idol contestants totally transform their looks — whether it’s watching the current contestants from week to week or looking back at the super famous Idol winners — star power isn’t just about singing, a killer look is crucial for these performers! I got to catch up with Soyon An, the stylist for American Idol and designer (she crafted Carrie Underwood’s tour wardrobe), where she told me all about how she helps the Idol girls get glam! “All three girls that are left are so different,” Soyon said about the remaining ladies, Crystal Bowersox, Katie Stevens, and Siobhan Magnus.

Soyon said she has been working with the girls since they secured spots in the top 24 contestants. “At first consultation was seeing what they had and taking it slowly to the next level. When I first met with them I was helping them put together looks that they had in their suitcases!” Now the Idol girls get to go shopping with Soyon, where they collaborate on their look for the upcoming week. Soyon said going shopping with them is much more valuable than just pulling looks, “It’s important for them to get to see these stores so they know where they can go to get stuff, it opens so many different doors for them.”

So, what did she think of their initial looks? “Each of them came with a certain sense of style, and it might not have been the most fashionable style, but it was a style,” Soyon said. So how does she help? By “grooming and tailoring that style and making it to be more trend setting and fashionable.” Soyon said out of the remaining ladies, Sibohan may be the one to watch — at least in the wardrobe department! “Sibohan is definitely going through the biggest style transformation,” she said. “She has things up her sleeve that she really wants to do and I’m like, ‘lets tone it down girlfriend!’ She needs someone to steer her in the right direction.”

Here’s her take on how the girls dress!

Soyon’s take on Crystal’s style:
“When she first came to me she was all in black and all she wanted to wear was black clothes with boots. She told me, ‘I’m not gonna change my look, I’m wearing this jacket every week,’ so I bought her different tops and she’s like, ‘Oh, maybe I’ll try that on.’”

Soyon’s take on Sibohan’s style:
“She told me her greatest fashion advice that she got was from her mom, you can’t go wrong with leather or lace — looking through her suitcase she had a lot of vintage pieces so I brought her to vintage stores in LA where pieces were refurbished.”

Soyon’s take on Katie’s style:
“Katie is a minor, and she was dressing a little bit older and other times she looked younger. Some of her dresses were a little too pageant girl. I’m bringing in vibrant colors and tailoring some of her more casual looks. Her mom is very trusting too.”

-Katrina Mitzeliotis

Read More on American Idol!

1. Blake Lewis Loves Michael Lynche!
2. EXCLUSIVE! American Idol Vocal Coach Dorian Holley Gives Inside Look At Top 24
3. EXCLUSIVE! Former ‘American Idol’ Jason Castro Gives Advice To American Idol Top 24
4. Watch Ellen’s First Night On American Idol
5. I’m Psyched ‘Big’ Mike Was Saved Last Night – He’s One of the Only Contestants Worth Keeping On ‘American Idol’

Do you think Didi should have gotten the boot over Tim Urban and Katie Stevens last night? I don’t!

Bye, bye Didi Benami – you’ll be missed (by Ryan Seacrest, at least). In fact, the American Idol host was the only person who will seemingly miss the presence of Didi, who utterly ruined a perfectly good song – “What Becomes of the Broken-Hearted” on the Idol stage March 30. Yep, that means the judges could have used their ‘save’ last night – but didn’t.

I actually liked Didi. Her voice was different – and miles apart from all the high-pitched teenage junk that’s found it’s way onto the Idol stage this season. However, I was sick to death of all her crying. She cried when she was happy, she cried when she was sad. If Simon Cowell looked at the girl wrong, she’d burst into tears (although to be fair, I might do that too if he turned his evil eye on me)!

But did she deserve to go home? That’s up for debate, and I want to know what YOU think. Tim Urban found himself in the bottom two – yet again – but, like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps on going…and continues to make my ears bleed when he sings.

As Simon said to the 20-year-old cutie, “No matter what I say, you’re probably going to be here next week.” Yet again, Mr. Cowell, you were right! But pretty please, can you send Tim home next week, America? I’m begging you!

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Get the scoop on the hottest reality show in America here!

1. Blake Lewis Loves Michael Lynche!
2. EXCLUSIVE! American Idol Vocal Coach Dorian Holley Gives Inside Look At Top 24
3. EXCLUSIVE! Former ‘American Idol’ Jason Castro Gives Advice To American Idol Top 24
4. Watch Ellen’s First Night On American Idol
5. Simon Cowell To Be Replaced By Howard Stern?
6. Carrie Underwood: I Could Never Be A Diva

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Courtesy of Fox

Bye-bye Paige, your time on the Idol stage is officially up! But was it your time to go?

I’ve been on the fence about Paige Miles for awhile now, but after her truly horrific rendition of “Against All Odds” on March 23, I truly believe she deserved to be sent home from American Idol.

The 24-year-old Houston, Texas resident missed out on breaking the top 10 this season, which means she won’t be appearing on the Idol tour this summer, which is a pity because that means the completely tone deaf Tim Urban will be breaking ear drums around America in her place!

Tim, 20, was – quite naturally – in the bottom three AGAIN this week. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: his pretty face has kept him in the contest. Which just sucks, given that American Idol is a singing competition (lest Simon Cowell remind you again) and not a beauty pageant.

Katie Stevens rounded out the bottom three, and I’m glad she didn’t go the way of the gun. Although she’s young – just 17 – the girl has potential. She just needs to figure out “what kind of artist she’s going to be” (or so says every single Idol judge).

My thought: Paige had the better voice, and should have been the person to go on tour. Sorry to all you Tim fans, but next week that boy HAS TO GO!

Email me! | Follow Hollywoodlife.com on | Become a fan

Get the scoop on the hottest reality show in America here!

1. Blake Lewis Loves Michael Lynche!
2. EXCLUSIVE! American Idol Vocal Coach Dorian Holley Gives Inside Look At Top 24
3. EXCLUSIVE! Former ‘American Idol’ Jason Castro Gives Advice To American Idol Top 24
4. Watch Ellen’s First Night On American Idol
5. Simon Cowell To Be Replaced By Howard Stern?
6. Carrie Underwood: I Could Never Be A Diva

Courtesy of Fox

How do YOU think Miley did as an Idol instructor last night?

I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive when I heard Miley Cyrus was going to be doling out advice to the American Idol contestants, but surprise, surprise! Ms. Hannah Montana was an amazingly effective musical coach!

Miley seemed much older than her seventeen years as she gave out sensible and constructive advice to contestants like Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze and Tim Urban on March 23.

In fact, The Last Song starlet seemed to be pushing the contestants to be their best singer selves. American Idol IS all about ‘The Climb’, after all.

I loved when Miley told cutie Tim Urban, 20, that everyone thought he was boring, but that in person he had a huge personality and should let it shine. Completely constructive AND honest (because let’s face it, besides a pretty face, I’m still not quite sure what else Tim can offer me).

Miley’s assessment of 17-year-old Katie Stevens was dead accurate when she said her fellow teen can certainly sing, but lacks confidence. I mean, what has Simon Cowell been saying for weeks? Katie doesn’t really know who she is, and doesn’t have the confidence to make herself a presence on the Idol stage. Go, Miley! You’re dead on!

You all know by now I’ve got a special place in my heart for Crystal Bowersox – so I was ready to get my boxing gloves out if Ms. Cyrus dissed my girl. But Miley again offered a sensible critique – and told my favorite hippy that she was hiding some serious range behind her pretty dreadlocks. Lo and behold, Crystal, 24, was – hands down – (and that’s according to ALL the judges) the best performer of the night with her rendition of Janis Joplin’s ‘Me & Bobby McGee’.

Most impressive, Miley! It looks like you may have a new career path ahead of you – if you should decide to take it!

Email me! | Follow Hollywoodlife.com on | Become a fan

Get the scoop on the hottest reality show in America here!

1. Blake Lewis Loves Michael Lynche!
2. EXCLUSIVE! American Idol Vocal Coach Dorian Holley Gives Inside Look At Top 24
3. EXCLUSIVE! Former ‘American Idol’ Jason Castro Gives Advice To American Idol Top 24
4. Watch Ellen’s First Night On American Idol
5. Simon Cowell To Be Replaced By Howard Stern?
6. Carrie Underwood: I Could Never Be A Diva

Miley is Everywhere… find out on Ministry of Gossip

Big Mike totally killed it last night. But he’s been working professionally for years! Do you think that’s a turn off, or a sure sign he’s meant to be a working artist?

I know that American Idols don’t actually fall off the turnip truck and jump into super-stardom. Adam Lambert was on Broadway and Kelly Clarkson had shopped around records for years before she hit the big time. Really, the best ‘Idols’ have been groomed their entire lives to suddenly be discovered. Nevertheless, it kind of takes the fun out of it for me when I realize someone like Big Mike has not only worked professionally, but also has an album and wrote a song for the Tyler Perry movie, Madea Goes To Jail.

Talk about a buzz kill. It’s no wonder than the 26-year-old St. Petersburg, Fla. native Michael “Big Mike” Lynche wowed us and made us cry with his rendition of “This Woman’s Work” last night. He should have with all of his experience!

Honestly, I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer here. I love Big Mike! He was my favorite of all the top eight guys. There’s just something that doesn’t sit right with me feeling like we (America) “discovered” this guy, when in actuality, he was “discovered” long ago. I’d almost rather someone like little newbie Katie Stevens (who totally bombed, by the way) to take the prize. Isn’t that what American Idol is supposed to be about, discovering raw, untapped talent?

Does it matter where our next American Idol comes from as long as he/she is the best we can find?

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Get more American Idol:

1. EXCLUSIVE! American Idol Vocal Coach Dorian Holley Gives Inside Look At Top 24
2. EXCLUSIVE! Former ‘American Idol’ Jason Castro Gives Advice To American Idol Top 24
3. Watch Ellen’s First Night On American Idol
4. Simon Cowell To Be Replaced By Howard Stern?
5. Carrie Underwood: I Could Never Be A Diva

After watching the top 10 ladies perform last night, I’m convinced the guys don’t have a chance!

Sorry boys! Some of you may be slated for greatness this season on American Idol (ahem, I love you Andrew Garcia!) but after watching the top 10 girls perform March 3, it’s looking pretty damn likely that this season is about girl power. If you don’t believe me, trust Simon Cowell – because he thinks the very same thing!

Case in point: Crystal Bowersox – who was in the hospital the day before, mind you – completely killed it with her version of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Long as I Can See the Light.” All the judges agreed that she was fabulous – and Simon even compared her talent to ultimate Idol Kelly Clarkson!

Platinum blond Lilly Scott drew nearly as many raves for her version of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come.”

I’ve got to give some hometown pride to fellow New Englander-er Siobhan Magnus, who could have completely sucked the life out of Aretha Franklin’s “Think” but rocked out instead. She hit this final note that had every single judge waking up from the near coma that the (admittedly terrible) Haeley Vaughn put them in with her rendition of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb.” Randy – despite failing to mention the ‘dog pound’ still declared, “It was dope! You slayed it! I loved it, dude. I loved it!”

And although Simon & co. are continually telling Katie Stevens to go younger, I was impressed with her solid performance of Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Put Your Records On.” Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi keep on telling her to “go younger” – but if the girl has an old soul and refuses to fit into a Justin Bieber or Miley mold, that makes me love her even more. Give this girl a break, please – she’s got mad talent!

I’ve said it once, and I’m sticking with it. I’ve got to give it up to my girls this season!

Email me! | Follow Hollywoodlife.com on | Become a fan

Get more American Idol:

1. EXCLUSIVE! American Idol Vocal Coach Dorian Holley Gives Inside Look At Top 24
2. EXCLUSIVE! Former ‘American Idol’ Jason Castro Gives Advice To American Idol Top 24
3. Watch Ellen’s First Night On American Idol
4. Simon Cowell To Be Replaced By Howard Stern?
5. Carrie Underwood: I Could Never Be A Diva