Nov 4, 2016
Mar 11, 2015
Meet the American Idol Top 12
Here they are America, your Top 12!
After weeks of auditions and hard cuts by the judges, American Idol has revealed final 12 contestants.
But who has what it takes to actually become the fourteenth winner of the Fox reality series?
PEOPLE breaks down the contestants:
QUENTIN ALEXANDER, 21
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Audition City: New Orleans
Audition Song: "Royals", originally performed by Lorde
Why He Might Win: The Big Easy's own Harry Connick, Jr. has said that Alexander encapsulates the music scene of his hometown and his unique fashion and song choices certainly make him stand out from the crowd.
Why He Might Not: After an impressive first audition, Alexander has had a slow burn on the show with solid but quiet performances. And some viewers may not connect with his fearless fashions.
CLARK BECKHAM, 22
Hometown: White House, Tennessee
Audition City: Nashville
Audition Song: "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World", originally performed by James Brown
Why He Might Win: Beckham is an experienced street performer who has already released his own EP. Having taught himself the guitar at the age of 12 and the piano at age 15, he's got a lot of ways to entertain the crowd aside from his bluesy vocals. Plus, there's that smile.
Why He Might Not: Beckham has not always gotten the best critiques from the judges, especially Connick, Jr., who didn't even think Beckham was ready to get a golden ticket to Hollywood.
JOEY COOK, 23
Hometown: Woodbridge, Virginia
Audition City: Kansas City
Audition Song: "King of Spain", originally performed by The Tallest Man on Earth
Why She Might Win: Cook definitely stands out in the crowd with her hair-of-a-different-color and quirky personality. Both her style and singing voice are reminiscent of another Fox talent, New Girl's Zooey Deschanel.
Why She Might Not: Cook's adorkableness her mission to make sure accordions become known for "more than just polka music" will immediately endear her to some but not others.
SARINA-JOI CROWE, 19
Hometown: Columbia, Tennessee
Audition City: Kansas City
Audition Song: "Love Runs Out", originally by OneRepublic
Why She Might Win: Crowe has the pipes of a Motown diva and the bubbly personality of someone you want to be your best friend. In other words, she's everything a classic Idol fan is looking for in a frontrunner.
Why She Might Not: Honestly, she's yet to stumble. But this would not be the first time Crowe was eliminated from the competition. This was Crowe's fourth time auditioning for Idol. Last season, she was eliminated at the Green Mile.
ADANNA DURU, 18
Hometown: Diamond Bar, California
Audition City: San Francisco
Audition Song: "You and I", originally performed by Lady Gaga
Why She Might Win: The experienced singer has already weathered the stresses of a reality competition as a contestant on NBC's The Voice and has proven she is willing to take risks and change up songs to create interesting performances. Plus, Duru was personally selected by the judges to be put in the Top 12 as a wildcard.
Why She Might Not: As a wildcard, Duru was not voted into the Top 12 by America and therefore might not have the fan base necessary to make it to the finale. Then again, season 2 finalist Clay Aiken was a wildcard.
NICK FRADIANI, 29
Hometown: Guilford, Connecticut
Audition City: Brooklyn
Audition Song: "In Your Eyes", originally performed by Peter Gabriel
Why He Might Win: Fradiani previously competed with his band Beach Avenue on NBC's America's Got Talent and now he has gone solo with his Adam Levine-esque good looks and cool, rocker swagger that is sure to get the audience swooning.
Why He Might Not: Fradiani is the most experienced of the Top 12 contestants, but that is because he is the oldest – by many years. Younger Idol voters may not easily identify with the 29-year-old.
JACKIE "JAX" COLE, 18
Hometown: East Brunswick, New Jersey
Audition City: Brooklyn
Audition Song: "I Want to Hold Your Hand", originally performed by The Beatles
Why She Might Win: The teenager already has a rabid fan base complete with a name (" The Jax Pax") and a symbol (crossing their forearms into an X). And she has the musicality to back-up the adoration.
Why She Might Not: Cole's face bling and alternative image is part of why some viewers love her, but it could also cost her some potential votes.
TYANNA JONES, 16Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Audition City: San Francisco
Audition Song: "Wings", originally performed by Little Mix
Why She Might Win: Jones has a voice with a richness far beyond her 16 years. And her youthful energy is infectious.
Why She Might Not: Her energy (and nerves) often results in performances that can come off a little wild. She'll need to learn to rein in and harness her power if she wants to take the title.
QAASIM MIDDLETON, 19
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Audition City: Brooklyn
Audition Song: "Sir Duke", originally performed by Stevie Wonder
Why He Might Win: Middleton is the showman of the group. Audiences have come to expect a high-energy, crowd-pleasing performance from him – and he has yet to disappoint.
Why He Might Not: The judges have already asked Middleton to show a different side of his talents and to choose songs that actually show off his vocal abilities rather than just his showmanship.
RAYVON OWEN, 23
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Audition City: San Francisco
Audition Song: "Wide Awake", originally performed by Katy Perry
Why He Might Win: With his silky smooth voice and range for days, Owen might have the most commercially viable sound among his fellow male contestants. Also, it's already evident he can write a catchy tune!
Why He Might Not: Though Owen is clearly gifted, his quietness may get lost among the more boisterous performers.
DANIEL SEAVEY, 15
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Audition City: San Francisco
Audition Song: "Hallelujah", originally performed by Jeff Buckley and "Straight Up", originally performed by Paula Abdul
Why He Might Win: The young girls in the audience go CRAZY for this talented – and adorable – teen. And though he is only 15, Seavey has already mastered multiple instruments and has been diligently working on his vocals as his voice changes.
Why He Might Not: Throughout the audition process, the judges frequently debated whether Seavey is old enough to handle the competition. Connick, Jr. is always quick to point out that Seavey does not have the same polish as his older competitors.
MADDIE WALKER, 17
Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa
Audition City: Brooklyn
Audition Song: "Suitcase", originally performed by Gwen Sebastian
Why She Might Win: Walker has the unusual distinction of being the only country artist in the Top 12. This gives her a built-in fan base but she has the vocal chops to earn their votes and isn't afraid to tackle other genres, which will serve her well as the competition goes forward.
Why She Might Not: The judges had Walker do a sing-off against another contestant and she barely won out. And the judges eliminated her last season because of inexperience. Has she grown enough over the past year to win the whole thing?
American Idol airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
After weeks of auditions and hard cuts by the judges, American Idol has revealed final 12 contestants.
But who has what it takes to actually become the fourteenth winner of the Fox reality series?
PEOPLE breaks down the contestants:
Quentin Alexander
Michael Becker / FOX
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Audition City: New Orleans
Audition Song: "Royals", originally performed by Lorde
Why He Might Win: The Big Easy's own Harry Connick, Jr. has said that Alexander encapsulates the music scene of his hometown and his unique fashion and song choices certainly make him stand out from the crowd.
Why He Might Not: After an impressive first audition, Alexander has had a slow burn on the show with solid but quiet performances. And some viewers may not connect with his fearless fashions.
Clark Beckham
Michael Becker / FOX
Hometown: White House, Tennessee
Audition City: Nashville
Audition Song: "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World", originally performed by James Brown
Why He Might Win: Beckham is an experienced street performer who has already released his own EP. Having taught himself the guitar at the age of 12 and the piano at age 15, he's got a lot of ways to entertain the crowd aside from his bluesy vocals. Plus, there's that smile.
Why He Might Not: Beckham has not always gotten the best critiques from the judges, especially Connick, Jr., who didn't even think Beckham was ready to get a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Joey Cook
Michael Becker / FOX
Hometown: Woodbridge, Virginia
Audition City: Kansas City
Audition Song: "King of Spain", originally performed by The Tallest Man on Earth
Why She Might Win: Cook definitely stands out in the crowd with her hair-of-a-different-color and quirky personality. Both her style and singing voice are reminiscent of another Fox talent, New Girl's Zooey Deschanel.
Why She Might Not: Cook's adorkableness her mission to make sure accordions become known for "more than just polka music" will immediately endear her to some but not others.
Sarina-Joi Crowe
Michael Becker / FOX
Hometown: Columbia, Tennessee
Audition City: Kansas City
Audition Song: "Love Runs Out", originally by OneRepublic
Why She Might Win: Crowe has the pipes of a Motown diva and the bubbly personality of someone you want to be your best friend. In other words, she's everything a classic Idol fan is looking for in a frontrunner.
Why She Might Not: Honestly, she's yet to stumble. But this would not be the first time Crowe was eliminated from the competition. This was Crowe's fourth time auditioning for Idol. Last season, she was eliminated at the Green Mile.
Adanna Duru
Michael Becker / FOX
Hometown: Diamond Bar, California
Audition City: San Francisco
Audition Song: "You and I", originally performed by Lady Gaga
Why She Might Win: The experienced singer has already weathered the stresses of a reality competition as a contestant on NBC's The Voice and has proven she is willing to take risks and change up songs to create interesting performances. Plus, Duru was personally selected by the judges to be put in the Top 12 as a wildcard.
Why She Might Not: As a wildcard, Duru was not voted into the Top 12 by America and therefore might not have the fan base necessary to make it to the finale. Then again, season 2 finalist Clay Aiken was a wildcard.
Nick Fradiani
Michael Becker / FOX
Hometown: Guilford, Connecticut
Audition City: Brooklyn
Audition Song: "In Your Eyes", originally performed by Peter Gabriel
Why He Might Win: Fradiani previously competed with his band Beach Avenue on NBC's America's Got Talent and now he has gone solo with his Adam Levine-esque good looks and cool, rocker swagger that is sure to get the audience swooning.
Why He Might Not: Fradiani is the most experienced of the Top 12 contestants, but that is because he is the oldest – by many years. Younger Idol voters may not easily identify with the 29-year-old.
Jackie "Jax" Cole
Michael Becker / FOX
Hometown: East Brunswick, New Jersey
Audition City: Brooklyn
Audition Song: "I Want to Hold Your Hand", originally performed by The Beatles
Why She Might Win: The teenager already has a rabid fan base complete with a name (" The Jax Pax") and a symbol (crossing their forearms into an X). And she has the musicality to back-up the adoration.
Why She Might Not: Cole's face bling and alternative image is part of why some viewers love her, but it could also cost her some potential votes.
Tyanna Jones
Michael Becker / FOX
Audition City: San Francisco
Audition Song: "Wings", originally performed by Little Mix
Why She Might Win: Jones has a voice with a richness far beyond her 16 years. And her youthful energy is infectious.
Why She Might Not: Her energy (and nerves) often results in performances that can come off a little wild. She'll need to learn to rein in and harness her power if she wants to take the title.
Qaasim Middleton
Michael Becker / FOX
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Audition City: Brooklyn
Audition Song: "Sir Duke", originally performed by Stevie Wonder
Why He Might Win: Middleton is the showman of the group. Audiences have come to expect a high-energy, crowd-pleasing performance from him – and he has yet to disappoint.
Why He Might Not: The judges have already asked Middleton to show a different side of his talents and to choose songs that actually show off his vocal abilities rather than just his showmanship.
Rayvon Owen
Michael Becker / FOX
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Audition City: San Francisco
Audition Song: "Wide Awake", originally performed by Katy Perry
Why He Might Win: With his silky smooth voice and range for days, Owen might have the most commercially viable sound among his fellow male contestants. Also, it's already evident he can write a catchy tune!
Why He Might Not: Though Owen is clearly gifted, his quietness may get lost among the more boisterous performers.
Daniel Seavey
Michael Becker / FOX
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Audition City: San Francisco
Audition Song: "Hallelujah", originally performed by Jeff Buckley and "Straight Up", originally performed by Paula Abdul
Why He Might Win: The young girls in the audience go CRAZY for this talented – and adorable – teen. And though he is only 15, Seavey has already mastered multiple instruments and has been diligently working on his vocals as his voice changes.
Why He Might Not: Throughout the audition process, the judges frequently debated whether Seavey is old enough to handle the competition. Connick, Jr. is always quick to point out that Seavey does not have the same polish as his older competitors.
Maddie Walker
Michael Becker / FOX
Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa
Audition City: Brooklyn
Audition Song: "Suitcase", originally performed by Gwen Sebastian
Why She Might Win: Walker has the unusual distinction of being the only country artist in the Top 12. This gives her a built-in fan base but she has the vocal chops to earn their votes and isn't afraid to tackle other genres, which will serve her well as the competition goes forward.
Why She Might Not: The judges had Walker do a sing-off against another contestant and she barely won out. And the judges eliminated her last season because of inexperience. Has she grown enough over the past year to win the whole thing?
American Idol airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
Tyson Beckford Is Joining the Chippendales!
Tyson Beckford just upped your bachelorette party game.
The model and actor (featured in PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive 2013 issue – see below!) will be joining the Chippendales in Las Vegas as their celebrity guest host this spring.
"I am really excited to join the Chippendales show in Las Vegas," Beckford tells PEOPLE exclusively. "These guys provide a flirty and sexy yet playful experience for women, and being a part of that party each night just seems like fun."
Beckford, 44, will hit the stage and show some skin with the iconic male revue from April 30 to May 24 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Sin City.
He follows previous celebrity guest host Ian Ziering, who sold out two engagements in June 2013. Also featured in the Chippendales' newly-revamped Vegas production? Veteran Chipps (and Amazing Race alumni) Jaymes Vaughan and James Davis.
See you in Vegas.
The model and actor (featured in PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive 2013 issue – see below!) will be joining the Chippendales in Las Vegas as their celebrity guest host this spring.
"I am really excited to join the Chippendales show in Las Vegas," Beckford tells PEOPLE exclusively. "These guys provide a flirty and sexy yet playful experience for women, and being a part of that party each night just seems like fun."
Beckford, 44, will hit the stage and show some skin with the iconic male revue from April 30 to May 24 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Sin City.
He follows previous celebrity guest host Ian Ziering, who sold out two engagements in June 2013. Also featured in the Chippendales' newly-revamped Vegas production? Veteran Chipps (and Amazing Race alumni) Jaymes Vaughan and James Davis.
See you in Vegas.
Mar 10, 2015
ÉquipeCéline vous informe Comments for this News article
Le Président et Chef de la direction des Productions Feeling, Aldo Giampaolo, confirme la nouvelle que les musiciens Claude « Mégo » Lemay, Yves Frulla, André Coutu et Jean-Seb Carré ne feront plus partie du band de Céline, leur contrat se terminant le 15 mars cette année.
« C’est une décision qui a été des plus difficiles à prendre mais que j’ai jugé nécessaire pour donner un souffle nouveau au spectacle », commente Aldo. « Céline et René se joignent à moi pour les remercier d’avoir partagé leur grand talent au cours des dernières années et nous leur souhaitons à tous les quatre le meilleur des succès dans leurs projets futurs ».
Par ailleurs, M. Giampaolo tient à rassurer le public et les fans de Céline quant à son retour prochain sur scène. Pour l’instant aucune date n’est déterminée.
Hillary Clinton Defends Use of Private Email Account: 'It Was More Convenient'
Hillary Clinton has responded to critics accusing her of not being transparent in using a private email system, saying it was simply easier to rely on one phone.
"When I got to work as secretary of state, I opted for convenience to use my personal email account, which was allowed," Clinton, 67, said during a televised news conference Tuesday. "I thought it would be easier to carry just one device ... looking back, it would have been better if I simply used one [email account]."
The politician addressed the controversy after giving a speech on women's empowerment at the United Nations. Clinton came under fire earlier this month when the public learned she had used a private email address and "home-brew network" during her time in President Barack Obama's cabinet from 2009-13.
That's a problem for journalists requesting records through the Freedom of Information Act and Benghazi investigators who have subpoenaed Clinton.
But Clinton insisted it is "undisputed" that the State Department okayed her email arrangement. Furthermore, she said most of her messages were sent to federal government employees to be "captured and preserved immediately," and that she already supplied officials with nearly 55,000 pages of work-related emails – and went a step further by urging the department to publicly release them.
"We went through a thorough process," she said. "At the end, I chose not to keep my private, personal emails, about planning [my daughter] Chelsea's wedding or my mother's funeral arrangements."
In the end, the likely 2016 presidential candidate said even though she didn't break any rules and never sent classified information over her private email, hindsight is 20/20.
"Looking back, it would have been better ... to use two separate phones," she said. "I thought one device would be simpler, and obviously, it hasn't worked out that way."
Until Tuesday, Clinton had only addressed the controversy with a brief Tweet.
When she took the podium Tuesday, Clinton first spoke about her passion for gender equality ("There has never been a better time in history to be female") and blasted a group of Republicans for writing an open letter to Iran about nuclear negotiations.
"The recent letter from Republican senators was out of step with the best traditions of American leadership, and one has to ask what the purpose of this letter was," she said. "Either these senators were trying to be helpful to Iranians, or harmful to the commander in chief."
"When I got to work as secretary of state, I opted for convenience to use my personal email account, which was allowed," Clinton, 67, said during a televised news conference Tuesday. "I thought it would be easier to carry just one device ... looking back, it would have been better if I simply used one [email account]."
The politician addressed the controversy after giving a speech on women's empowerment at the United Nations. Clinton came under fire earlier this month when the public learned she had used a private email address and "home-brew network" during her time in President Barack Obama's cabinet from 2009-13.
That's a problem for journalists requesting records through the Freedom of Information Act and Benghazi investigators who have subpoenaed Clinton.
But Clinton insisted it is "undisputed" that the State Department okayed her email arrangement. Furthermore, she said most of her messages were sent to federal government employees to be "captured and preserved immediately," and that she already supplied officials with nearly 55,000 pages of work-related emails – and went a step further by urging the department to publicly release them.
"We went through a thorough process," she said. "At the end, I chose not to keep my private, personal emails, about planning [my daughter] Chelsea's wedding or my mother's funeral arrangements."
In the end, the likely 2016 presidential candidate said even though she didn't break any rules and never sent classified information over her private email, hindsight is 20/20.
"Looking back, it would have been better ... to use two separate phones," she said. "I thought one device would be simpler, and obviously, it hasn't worked out that way."
Until Tuesday, Clinton had only addressed the controversy with a brief Tweet.
I want the public to see my email. I asked State to release them. They said they will review them for release as soon as possible.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 5, 2015 When she took the podium Tuesday, Clinton first spoke about her passion for gender equality ("There has never been a better time in history to be female") and blasted a group of Republicans for writing an open letter to Iran about nuclear negotiations.
"The recent letter from Republican senators was out of step with the best traditions of American leadership, and one has to ask what the purpose of this letter was," she said. "Either these senators were trying to be helpful to Iranians, or harmful to the commander in chief."
Mar 9, 2015
Is Kaitlyn or Britt the Next Bachelorette?
So … who's the next Bachelorette?
Stop reading now if you don't want spoilers about Monday's finale of The Bachelor or who will be handing out the roses on the next season of The Bachelorette.
After we learned which lady Chris Soules is now calling his "soulmate," another question remained: Who among the rest of the women would be chosen for her own journey to find love.
Well, if you've been wondering whether it would be Britt Nilsson or Kaitlyn Bristowe for season 11, you've been asking the wrong question – it's not an either/or scenario.
Both ladies will be kicking off next season of ABC's hit reality romance franchise.
For the first time in Bachelorette history, the premiere of season 11 will have 25 potential suitors choosing whether they want to get to know one woman or the other.
Host Chris Harrison announced the big news during the After the Final Rose special on Monday. "See, sometimes I'm actually being honest when I say it's a shocking moment," he joked.
Though they'll ultimately be opponents, Britt and Kaitlyn walked onstage hand-in-hand. When she learned that she wouldn't be the sole Bachelorette, Kaitlyn said, laughing: "I think what went through my mind was, 'That's not ideal.' "
"I'm super grateful," said Britt. "I think it's an amazing opportunity."
Get your applications ready, gentlemen – Britt and Kaitlyn promised to spend some time in the same hot tub together. "It will be fun," said Britt. "It will be a lot of things," Kaitlyn added. "Fun might be one of them."
Ever since Britt's departure from The Bachelor in advance of the hometown dates, she has been a polarizing figure. Love her or hate her, there's no way you don't have an opinion on Britt (and her fabulous array of lip colors).
Equally equipped with a dazzling collection of lipstick was Kaitlyn, whose casual beauty and absurd – sometimes dirty – sense of humor made her an easy favorite.
That said, given this dramatic new twist, it's clear that either Britt or Kaitlyn's next chance at Bachelorette fame will be as short as Jillian's shorts.
This is the second time that the franchise has pulled this trick. All the way back in 2004, season 6 of The Bachelor held a "Ladies' Choice Ceremony," where 25 women were offered the choice between Jay Overbye and Byron Velvick.
As any Bachelor scholar knows, Velvick ended up being the ladies' choice. He proposed to Mary Delgado in the finale, and the couple split five years later.
Now that the Bachelorettes have kind of been chosen, we're left with the same question as before: Britt or Kaitlyn? Who do you want to see for an entire season of The Bachelorette?
Stop reading now if you don't want spoilers about Monday's finale of The Bachelor or who will be handing out the roses on the next season of The Bachelorette.
After we learned which lady Chris Soules is now calling his "soulmate," another question remained: Who among the rest of the women would be chosen for her own journey to find love.
Well, if you've been wondering whether it would be Britt Nilsson or Kaitlyn Bristowe for season 11, you've been asking the wrong question – it's not an either/or scenario.
Both ladies will be kicking off next season of ABC's hit reality romance franchise.
For the first time in Bachelorette history, the premiere of season 11 will have 25 potential suitors choosing whether they want to get to know one woman or the other.
Host Chris Harrison announced the big news during the After the Final Rose special on Monday. "See, sometimes I'm actually being honest when I say it's a shocking moment," he joked.
Though they'll ultimately be opponents, Britt and Kaitlyn walked onstage hand-in-hand. When she learned that she wouldn't be the sole Bachelorette, Kaitlyn said, laughing: "I think what went through my mind was, 'That's not ideal.' "
"I'm super grateful," said Britt. "I think it's an amazing opportunity."
Get your applications ready, gentlemen – Britt and Kaitlyn promised to spend some time in the same hot tub together. "It will be fun," said Britt. "It will be a lot of things," Kaitlyn added. "Fun might be one of them."
Ever since Britt's departure from The Bachelor in advance of the hometown dates, she has been a polarizing figure. Love her or hate her, there's no way you don't have an opinion on Britt (and her fabulous array of lip colors).
Equally equipped with a dazzling collection of lipstick was Kaitlyn, whose casual beauty and absurd – sometimes dirty – sense of humor made her an easy favorite.
That said, given this dramatic new twist, it's clear that either Britt or Kaitlyn's next chance at Bachelorette fame will be as short as Jillian's shorts.
This is the second time that the franchise has pulled this trick. All the way back in 2004, season 6 of The Bachelor held a "Ladies' Choice Ceremony," where 25 women were offered the choice between Jay Overbye and Byron Velvick.
As any Bachelor scholar knows, Velvick ended up being the ladies' choice. He proposed to Mary Delgado in the finale, and the couple split five years later.
Now that the Bachelorettes have kind of been chosen, we're left with the same question as before: Britt or Kaitlyn? Who do you want to see for an entire season of The Bachelorette?
Lena Dunham: I Won't Marry Jack Antonoff Until Everyone Can Get Married in All 50 States (VIDEO)
Lena Dunham and Jack Antonoff have been dating for three years, but don't expect them to get married any time soon.
The actress and producer, 28, revealed to Ellen DeGeneres that she doesn't intend to wed until gay marriage is legal in all 50 states.
"Well, it's something that … the idea of having a celebration that can't be fully shared among all the people in my life and all the people that we love just doesn't really feel like a celebration at all," Dunham shared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Monday.
"So, until that's something that everyone can join into with no sense of being left out on any level, politically, emotionally, it's just not something that we're gonna do," she said.
Earlier this year, Dunham and Antonoff were dogged by engagement rumors when she stepped out wearing a ring on her engagement finger. However, it was just a friendship ring she shared with friend and co-executive producer on Girls, Jenni Konner.
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