American Idol Season 9 | featured news

The first four "American Idol" semifinalists have been sent packing. "Idol" contestants Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, Joe Munoz and Tyler Grady were revealed Thursday to be the two female and male semifinalists with the fewest viewer votes, leaving 20 singers to compete in the popular Fox singing competition's ninth season.

Tim Urban tripped up his second shot at "American Idol" fame. The shaggy-haired 20-year-old singer, who served as a last-minute replacement for 25-year-old shoe salesman Chris Golightly in the top 24 semifinalists, was derided by the Fox singing contest's judges for his screechy rendition of OneRepublic's "Apologize" during Wednesday's episode featuring performances from the top 12 male semifinalists.

Two dozen singers are now confirmed and angling for season 9 crown; see Michael Slezak's scouting report

Chris Golightly, who was replaced on "American Idol" after making the top 24, tells his side of the story.

Simon Cowell believes a woman is likely to win his final season on "American Idol." The acerbic British judge told a teleconference Thursday he thinks one of the 12 women among the ninth season's 24 semifinalists has a good shot to win the Fox singing contest....

Seven "American Idol" contestants can stop worrying, for now: They're in the top 24....

The "American Idol" group auditions proved to be a drama of two dads....

Ellen DeGeneres hit the right notes with "American Idol" viewers. Fans took to the Internet to express their pleasant surprise over the 52-year-old funnylady's debut as the singing competition's fourth judge. DeGeneres assumed her judging panel post for Tuesday's episode chronicling the first round of "Hollywood Week," the cutthroat post-audition phase in which 181 contestants will be narrowed down to 24 semifinalists.

It’s a shame that Neil Patrick Harris has a pretty good day job, what with that “How I Met Your Mother” show and all, because he was the best of the guest judges to grace the “Idol” stage so far this season.

Ryan Seacrest reported that 12,000 hopefuls auditioned in Chicago over a two-day period, with only 13 making it to the next round. Those may seem like long odds, and a good reason for parents to get their kids to do homework instead of working on their voices.