End of the line for American Idol's Casey James

Did anyone think that Casey would survive this week's American Idol cut? Notes posted throughout the Internet overwhelmingly opined that it was time for Casey to leave -- and, indeed, the Idol judges seemed to be ready to lead him to the door.

But what a run it has been for North Texas' Casey James!

"I'm so thankful for the opportunity," smiled James -- even after his elimination. "It's been an amazing, amazing journey and I'm so thankful that I'm here.

As with departing contestants, James got to sing a farewell song. He chose John Mayer's Daughters -- which had been judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi's choice for him in this week's competition. Confident, smiling and seemingly still happy, James delivered the song with ample tenderness and style.

There was a sense that Casey may have expected that it was his week to go -- and that he was ready to move on to the Idol tour and showing America that he deserves to be a star.

Indeed, elimination from the American Idol competition often signals less about defeat and more about moving ahead in a career. Runner-up Adam Lambert has become a super star -- as has Chris Daughtry. And how about Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Clay Aiken and Kimberley Locke -- none of whom won the American Idol coveted crown!

“I never thought I'd get this far,” Casey admitted to host Ryan Seacrest. “But to me, it's like winning $10 million in the lottery and $100 million in the lottery. It's so much more than I expected, so it can't be bad.”

As the Dallas News reports: "For a guy who doesn't own a TV — and drove all night to auditions in Denver at the urging of his mom, who lent him her truck because there was no way his would make the trip — landing in the semifinals of the world's most popular talent show proved a bit overwhelming. As James Casey watched footage of last week's screaming-filled visit to North Texas Dallas/Fort Worth and his hometown of Cool, he fought back tears." Sphere: Related Content

American Idol, the final countdown -- and the Influence of Simon Cowell

Two "American Idol" top talents will battle for the crown and the throne -- but after last night's performance, it seems that the royal title might actually be determined by the shows judges instead of the performances of the contestants themselves.

Casey James, Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze each opened the show with a song they chose themselves. James delivered a bland "OK, It's Alright With Me." The judges twisted their faces and words into an eventual assessment that while he sang well, the song choice was not the best and not equal to this stage of the competition when he needed "a moment."

Bowersox, complete with guitar and harmonica holder, belted a powerful version of Melissa Etheridge's "Come to My Window." As judge Simon Cowell opined, it was classic Bowersox -- who is always true to herself. The judges said that they generally liked the performance, but felt it was not the best version of the song and at times the song seemed so big that it got away from her.

DeWyze sang "Simple Man" -- and judge Randy Jackson enthused that the singer not only lived up to the song, but showed that he had confidence that he could really win. The judges handed to first round to DeWyze.

But there was still another chance to shine -- as the vocalists performed songs chosen by the judges. And this seems where results might actually have been solidified -- by the judges.

On "Do or die night," James sang a "sensitive" "Daughters" -- because his fans are largely women and girls. He sang well -- nothing wrong, but the song, chosen by Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, was not impressive or powerful enough to offer James a shot. What could he do? It seemed that there was never meant to be a "moment" in the song.

Bowersox belted Ellen DeGeneres' choice of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed." She filled the stage with an emotional journey, a captivating Janis Joplin-soulful version that brought the audience to its feet. Jackson declared that that it was terrific and proved that she was "in it to win it." Wow!

But DeWyze had the deck stacked in his favor -- last spot, the memorable spot and judge Simon Cowell, legendary for his talent in song choice, picking for him. During the break, Cowell chatted with DeWyze -- and it was obvious that the pair had strategized with Lee likely receiving the best in advice and guidance from Cowell all week. Cowell gave DeWyze what is probably the greatest song choices of all time -- Leonard Cohen's "Halleluhah." DeWyze's version was gritty, magical -- and he was the only performer backed up by a multi-member, volume-raising choir. The song, the "help" from Cowell and the choir gave DeWyze an absolute edge -- and the judges responded by oozing compliments and declaring that the evening belonged to DeWyze.

With that one song, Lee DeWyze surged into the spot of front-runner, and Bowersox suffered from being out-manuvered (thanks to an assignment of Ellen as her judge instead of Simon) despite a spectacular performance. Although DeWyze clearly was up to his task, there was a sense that the most powerful performance and win of the evening was orchestrated by Simon Cowell who was a king while the other players performed for their singers as pawns.

Clearly Cowell groomed DeWyze to win -- and DeWyze became the luckiest songman in the world, for that evening at least!

Except for a freaky surprise, Bowersox and DeWyze will be the contestants with the final shot at the American Idol title and crown! Sphere: Related Content

MASS. SEN. SCOTT BROWN'S DAUGHTER, AYLA -- FORMER AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT

Shortly after Massachusetts voters cast enough ballots to send Scott Brown to Washington as the state's newest Senator, his daughter, Ayla Brown, became one of the top searches on search engines.

During Brown's victory speech, he mentioned that his two daughters -- Ayla and Arianna -- were available. Quickly former American Idol contestant Ayla's name was being typed at computers -- probably by a lot of eligible bachelors -- seeking more information about her.

At 17 Ayla graced the stage of American Idol after garnering praise at the show's Boston audition. The Boston College basketball star has appeared with The Boston Pops and performed the National Anthem at a Boston Red Sox game. Sphere: Related Content

SINON COWELL ANNOUNCES THAT HE'LL LEAVE AMERICAN IDOL!

American Idol judge Simon Cowell, who has been with the show from the very beginning, has announced that this will be his final season on American Idol.

Often considered the most respectd and hardest to please among American Idol judges, Cowell's remarks to contestants have often been termed too harsh -- but also the most accurate.

Cowell's decision is one more chapter in a year of drama and changes. Judge Paula Abdul, who had said that she wanted to return to the show, was never able to get a contract extension. And Abdul has been replaced by Ellen DeGeneres -- considered by some folks to be an illogical choice since she is a comedian without a music background.

Cowell, who created British hit show "The X Factor," said that this show will be in the line-up in the U.S. next year, and he feels that it is important to devote his time and energy to ensuring that show's success. Sphere: Related Content

SIMON COWELL WILL BE A GRUMPY CHARACTER

American Idol super judge Simon Cowell is expected to delight audiences in a second cameo appearance in "The Simpsons"!

While Cowell has agreed to lend his voice to a cartoon character even though his initial attempt back in 2004 was, he reportedly said, not a whole lot of fun. "They obviously hated me as I had to do it over and over again. I could actually feel the rolling eyeballs," he told ok.co.uk. "It was like, 'After take 57, Simon could we have a little more reality'. It was painful."

This time around Cowell will play a grumpy character who upsets Maggie -- which, in turn, angers Homer. "I was very happy to do that. I criticise the daughter and she cries so Homer punches me in the face and I criticise the punch because it wasn't a very good punch," Cowell explained. Sphere: Related Content

SIMON COWELL HITS OUT AT BBC OVER X FACTOR SCHEDULE CLASH

(Article by Ian Johnston, Telegraph.co.uk)

The BBC has moved its hit ballroom dancing show to a later time and it will now be on when X-factor begins on ITV.

Mr Cowell said it was wrong to force viewers to choose between two of the most popular programmes on television, adding that he and members of his family were “frustrated” by the change.


CLICK TO READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE Sphere: Related Content

WHO'S THE LUCKY LADY KISSING SIMON?

How many ladies have had their secret dreams of kissing Simon? More than a few ladies have probably kissed him in real life, but certainly there many been many more who have dreamed of reaching their lips to Simon's cheer in their secret, silent dreams.

Such seems the case for 80-year-old Eileen Chapman -- who actually had her dreams come true. The special lady, who said that she early on practiced her singing in air raid shelters, sang Elvis Presley's song The Wonder of You, and then set about having her very brief and very public romance with Simon.

"I think you're really hunky," she explained. "I'd love you for my joy toy." And then she ran down and gave Simon a big kiss on the cheek!

Judges Danni, Cheryl and Louis didn't feel that Chapman was right for The X Factor competition -- but Simon, likely under the spell of her charms, thought that she had an appeal that audiences would enjoy and asked her to return for another audition with a more current song. Sphere: Related Content

SIMON COWELL'S 50TH BIRTHDAY BASH!

Article by Katie Nicholl, Dailymail.co.uk)

When a billionaire throws a party for a millionaire, the lucky guests might rightly be expecting a night with plenty of X Factor.

And those who turn out for Simon Cowell’s 50th birthday bash will surely not be disappointed.

CLICK HERE TO READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE Sphere: Related Content

DOES SIMON THINK SEACREST WILL WIN EMMY?

"Simon has placed himself as far away from Los Angeles on Emmy night as possible, just in case I happen to get lucky enough to win one," American Idol host Ryan Seacrest told eonline recently at Santa Monica's Huntley Hotel. He was there to celebrate his ad campaign for Scope Outlast and Crest Plus Scope Outlast toothpaste.

Seacrest is nominated for Outstanding Reality Host.

"He's confirmed he will be in London just so he's not there in case of the little possibility that I walk away with it," Seacrest laughed. Sphere: Related Content

SAMPSON 'DROPPED BY SIMON COWELL' -- BY MAYER NISSIM, digital spy

George Sampson has reportedly been dropped by Simon Cowell's Syco label.

The 2008 Britain's Got Talent winner has been released by the company amid reports of a falling out between Sampson and Cowell, the Daily Mail reports.

A source said: "George just didn't prove as marketable as Simon had hoped.

CLICK TITLE OR HERE TO READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE Sphere: Related Content

RANDY JACKSON THINKS THAT ELLEN DeGENERES BRINGS THE PEOPLE'S VOICE TO THE SHOW

“I think we reached out a little bit,” American Idol judge Randy Jackson told PEOPLE Thursday. “We’re all friends with Ellen, and Ryan [Seacrest] and I are pretty close with her. She’s just mad cool."

Jackson opined that he thinks that DeGeneres will be good for Idol. “There’s so much music industry insider talk with me and Simon [Cowell] and Kara [DioGuardi] that I didn’t think we needed any more of that,” he told People. “Ellen hit it right on the head — I think she could be the voice of the people. It’s like somebody in the home audience watching and going, ‘What would I say [about this contestant]?’ Ellen’s going to be saying it for [them].”

But Jackson also lamented that Paula Abdul will no longer sitting at the Idol juding table. "She’s our dear friend,” he explained. "“Paula started this whole battle with us many seasons ago, before we all knew the show could be hot, and we love her and miss her. We were doing the auditions and I was looking across the table and it was like, ‘Where’s Paula? What’s going on?’ But you know, things happen, life is full of change sometimes. You know, I’m still sad about that." Sphere: Related Content

SIMON SAYS

Several online sites gushed with the news that Simon Cowell had finally spoken about what it is like at American Idol auditions now that Paula Abdul is gone. No doubt, fans could hardly wait to hear what Simon had to say.

But the websites quoted Cowell as saying that the audition process is "different" without Paula -- that "it's like comparing a carrot to a banana." And he apparently added, "I miss her, of course."

What is amazing is that any fan would have already sensed that auditions are "different" without popular Paula -- and Cowell had already revealed that he missed her.

So it seems that Cowell is still staying quite silent on the subject of Abdul's departure from the popular vocal talent show. There was nothing new here. But when Simon speaks, people listen -- even if he is saying basically nothing at all. Sphere: Related Content

BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT WINNER GEORGE SAMPSON SPOKE ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH SIMON COWELL

Britain's Got Talent winner George Sampson, a breakdancer who won the competition in 2008, told The Sun that he feels "let down" by Simon Cowell, according to stv.

Sampson revealed that he feels that Cowell "lost interest" in him, stv reports.

"Things aren't going so well with me and Simon," Sampson said, according to stv. "I suppose he's realised he can make more money out of other people. ... I had one of the best-selling DVDs at the start of the year. We sold loads of copies. But I've just found out that Simon's company takes ninety per cent of the revenue. I get ten per cent. But I have to pay the production costs out of that. So I ended up owing them money." Sphere: Related Content

CONTESTANT DARYL MARKHAM TOUCHES THE X FACTOR'S HEARTS

"This show can change your life forever, simple as that," X Factor judge Simon Cowell told dailymail. "One minute you're sitting in your bedroom, suddenly you're a star. That's what can happen to you. It can change your life forever."

If fate can be influenced by fine character, one competitor who should be among those topping the leaderboard would be 40-year-old carpenter Daryl Markham.

Last year Markham was anxious for X Factor auditions, but when he learned that the auditions would coincide with his plans to stand at his brother Gary's side as best man at his wedding, he made the easy decision that the auditions would have to wait. Then, not long after the wedding, Markham's brother was diagnosed with lung cancer and six weeks later passed away.

Clad in jeans and a t-shirt, Markham emotionally told the judges about his brother and best friend. "Last year I applied to The X Factor, but unfortunately it was my brother's wedding day. Well, not unfortunately -- it was fortunate. I was very proud to be his best man," Markham explained.

"Unfortunately, shortly after his wedding, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and six weeks later he passed away," Markham continued, choking back tears. "Me and my brother were inseparable. We did everything together. He was my best friend. Only six weeks after being told, he died. He was only 37. We had a business together, two benches next to each other, me and Gary. All his tools are still there."

And along for the auditions was his brother's young son. "I promised my brother I'd look after his young nine-year-old boy, Kian. He's a very bright boy, but goes back into himself. He doesn't like to express himself too much, so we all have to be strong for him. That's why I'm here today, to make him proud."

"I've always wanted to sing," Markham continued. "My dream would be to perform before an audience and hopefully I can go on stage, give my all and hopefully my voice will do the talking."

The audience cheered as a very nervous Markham sang I Don't Want to Talk About It -- and proved that, as well as a story, he has talent. He seems likely he will move on.

Also impressing the judges was 33-year-old Jamie Archer, also known as Jamie Afro. "Today is the most important thing I've ever done -- I'm 33 years old -- it's now or never really."

Archer performed Sex on Fire -- which drew praise from the judges and even had Simon Cowell singing along! Sphere: Related Content

DANYL JOHNSON, WHO WOWED X FACTOR JUDGE SIMON COWELL, "JUST WANTED TO HAVE FUN ONSTAGE"

"My dream is to get an album out there, write songs, really enjoy this," school teach and The X Factor hopeful Danyl Johnson explained in a satellite interview with mtv. "That's what I wanted for so long. I've been singing for about 10 years now, and I didn't have that much interest before, and now loads of interest has come in. It's just really amazing. I'm having a really good time. It's so humbling."

During Johnson's initial X Factor audition, he wowed the show's always blunt judge Simon Cowell -- a feat not easily accomplished. Cowell was grinning from ear to ear during Johnson's performance, and then exclaimed, "Danyl, that was single-handedly the best first audition I have ever heard!"

Johnson has some experience. He has been in boy bands -- and performed with a rock band on television. But never did he attract the kind of attention that he has received since his audition that had the audience on their feet in applause and Cowell offering a standing ovation too!

When Today host Ann Curry asked where he has been hiding all this time, Johnson laughed and said, "I don't know, probably in the shower. Annoying neighbors."

Johnson said that he actually never intended to audition for The X Factor, but that his students actually talked him into it.

"I thought that dream had gone past. And the kids have been so supportive, and they said I should go in for the competition," he said. "I thought, 'OK, I'll send off an application, and if I get one back, see what happens from there.' And I'm so glad they got me to do it. I just wanted to have fun onstage and not just sing a song, but entertain the crowd because it's the first time we've had a crowd at 'X Factor.' "

Johnson's appearance was on the first episode of the current X Factor season so that this is just his beginning on the popular English television program. But for now, he said that he is just trying to return as much as possible to a normal life.

"It's just been pretty mental, pretty nice," Johnson told Today. "I've just done the normal things. I've been hanging with my friends, and I went to the pub quiz yesterday. I've just done normal things and kept my friends really close. And my family as well are so proud."

Sphere: Related Content

A BIRTHDAY GIFT FROM SIMON COWELL

The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke had an incredible 21st birthday! The X Factor and American Idol judge was able to skip a year-long waiting list and bought Alexandra her a designer Chanel handbag!

In fact, Cowell gave her the Chanel handbag, and fellow judge Dannii Minogue gave her a grey bag designed by Tabitha.

It was reported that Alexandra celebrated turning 21 in style by partying with last year's runners up JLS at the trendy London venue Nobu. Sphere: Related Content

THE BEST FIRST AUDITION THAT SIMON COWELL HAS EVER HEARD -- DANYL JOHNSON'S AUDITION ON THE X FACTOR

CLICK HERE TO WATCH DANYL JOHNSON'S AUDITION/THE X FACTOR Sphere: Related Content

SIMON COWELL EXCLAIMS DANYL JOHNSON'S AUDITION, BEST FIRST AUDITION I'VE EVER HEARD"

"That was single-handedly the best first audition I have ever heard," exclaimed Simon Cowell on The X Factor after 27-year-old school teacher Danyl Johnson performed a soulful version of the Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends."

The X Factor is holding auditions in front of a live audience. Cowell explained to thesun, "Susan Boyle changed auditions forever. If she had walked on to The X Factor like it used to be, it would not have been as dramatic. Giving people a crowd to perform in front of makes it harder and more exciting. It makes or breaks you. It can turn a good performance into an incredible one."

And that is what happened when Johnson sang. "You watch it and it immediately has the wow factor," Cowell said. "The show has stepped up a gear."

But The X Factor was not Johnson's first time in front of an audience. He had already "starred in three bands and won a national karaoke competition," the mirror reported. Sphere: Related Content

SIMON COWELL HAS A SPECIAL PLACE IN HIS HEART FOR DOGS

American Idol's Simon Cowell, known for his sometimes harsh "tell-it-like-it-is" judging style, actually has a soft spot in his heart -- for puppies!

Cowell is donating about $165,000 a year to fund a dogs' home run by former Exorcist star, Linda Blair, according to The Sun newspaper. "He doesn't like talking about it as he sees it as a private arrangement," a source told thesun. The shelter provides care for neglected and abandoned dogs.

"Simon is a huge dog lover," a source told thaindiannews. "But because he's always travelling, he can't have one. He thought it would be a great idea to help Linda out."

Cowell has a history of helping animals, and has reportedly claimed that he expects to leave the bulk of his multi-million dollar fortune to pet shelters, states thaindiannews. Sphere: Related Content

SIMON COWELL CALLED POLICE AFTER LEONA LEWIS TRACK WAS LEAKED

Simon Cowell reportedly notified police after Leona Lewis' new single appeared without permission on the Internet, reports Britain's The Sun.

Cowell reportedly called police after discovering computers at his record company, Syco, were being hacked by people trying to illegally obtain the music.

Syco is said to have had artists' tracks hacked previously -- the newest breach listed as "Bleeding Love" singer Leona Lewis' single, "Don't Let Me Down" which also features Justin Timberlake.

However, several of Leona Lewis' tracks, not just the collaboration with Timberlake, were taken through hacking, according to The Telegraph.

"We will certainly look to bring charges against those who are responsible," a Syco spokesman told the paper. "We cannot give anny more details at this stage for operational reasons."

The BBC reports that the anti-piracy sing of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is working with Syco to "minimize the damage." Sphere: Related Content