American Idol season 8

American Idol season 8
Created by	Simon Fuller
Directed by	Ken Warwick Bruce Gowers
Starring	Simon Cowell Paula Abdul Randy Jackson Kara DioGuardi Ryan Seacrest
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	20
Production
Executive producers	Ken Warwick Simon Fuller
Running time	Varies
Original release
Network	Fox Broadcasting Company
Release	January 13 – May 20, 2009

The eighth season of American Idol premiered on January 13, 2009. Judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson are judges once again, along with Ryan Seacrest as host. This season introduced Kara DioGuardi as the fourth judge on the Idol panel.

Changes from Season 7

Several changes were planned for season 8. Fox Entertainment president Kevin Reilly stated that Idol would feature fewer "William Hung-like" contestants and "funny auditions," and would quickly move its focus to the potential singers during the earlier stages of the competition, thus moving the season at a faster pace. The results shows were cut down to a half-hour, as they had been before season five. Mike Darnell, president of Fox's alternative programming, said the contestants would be more emotional and that viewers would learn more about them and their pasts than they had in the previous season. Songwriter and record producer Kara DioGuardi was added as a permanent fourth judge on the panel. She had previously collaborated with Celine Dion, Hilary Duff, Enrique Iglesias, Leona Lewis and Christina Aguilera, and produced several Top 40 hits. As a songwriter, she had already worked with several American Idol alumni and winners, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, David Archuleta and David Cook. Meanwhile, Ken Warwick became the new executive producer, as Nigel Lythgoe had left the show to focus on So You Think You Can Dance and his new show with Simon Fuller, Superstars of Dance. Idol Gives Back was canceled for season 8, as the ongoing economic crisis and recession, left Idol officials uncomfortable asking financially struggling viewers to donate. The semifinals saw the biggest change as the wild card round returned for the first time since the third season. After voters picked three finalists from each of three groups of 12 semi-finalists, the judges selected eight of the previously eliminated 27 semifinalists to return and perform a song on the March 5, 2009, show. They were judged by the panel, instead of a vote by the viewers, with four advancing to the finals. Although the finals had been billed from the beginning of the season as a set of 12 contestants, the judges announced at the last minute that they would be advancing a thirteenth contestant, Anoop Desai, as well.

Another change in the Idol format, which was revealed on March 11, 2009, that the judges are eligible to exercise a veto power on one eliminated contestant at any given point of the competition and spare them from elimination for that particular week. This can only be invoked up until the Final 5. The following week two contestants will be eliminated if the save is used because nobody is eliminated on the week that the save is used.

Early process

Regional auditions phase

Locations

Auditions were held in the following cities:

Audition City	Date	Audition Venue
San Francisco, California	July 17, 2008	Cow Palace
Louisville, Kentucky	July 21, 2008	Freedom Hall
Glendale, Arizona	July 25, 2008	Jobing.com Arena
Salt Lake City, Utah	July 29, 2008	EnergySolutions Arena
San Juan, Puerto Rico	August 2, 2008	Coliseo de Puerto Rico
Kansas City, Missouri	August 8, 2008	Kemper Arena
Jacksonville, Florida	August 13, 2008	Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
East Rutherford, New Jersey	August 19, 2008	Izod Center

Contestants are required to be between the ages 16 and 28 on July 15, 2008 and eligible to work in the United States. Contestants are ineligible if they were part of the top 40 from previous seasons (exception being for those who reached the top 50 from season 7), if they hold recording or management contracts or if they are not U.S. citizens or landed immigrants (i.e. temporary residents).

Hollywood phase

For this season, the Hollywood round moved to the Kodak Theatre, which was previously used for the season finale from seasons 1 and 3–6, from the Orpheum Theatre. In addition, the Hollywood round was extended to two weeks. In the first round, the 147 contestants each sang a short solo performance of any song. The next part had the remaining 107 contestants performing in a group performance. The 72 contestants that passed group day, performed one more solo song, and then the judges split them into four groups, and only left 54. The final 54 then went to the "judges' mansion" in Los Angeles for the final results, and the Top 36 were announced. Some contestants had a sing-off to determine who would go through the top 36.

Semi-finalists

The top 36 were announced in a special two-hour broadcast on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.
The song theme is shared by 3 groups of performers: Billboard Hot 100 Hits

Semi-Final #1

• Ann Marie Boskovich, 23 (born February 11, 1986) from Nashville, Tennessee – a waitress who auditioned in Jacksonville, Florida.

1. "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (Aretha Franklin)

• Casey Carlson, 20 (born April 29, 1988) from Minneapolis, Minnesota – a tea shop employee who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri, sang "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton for her audition.

1. "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" (The Police)

• Stephen Fowler, 26 (born October 12, 1982) from Beachwood, Ohio – a musician who auditioned in New York. His version of "Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)" by Stevie Wonder impressed the judges in Hollywood. However on the last day, he gave up mid-way through his performance of "The Time of My Life" by David Cook after he forgot his lyrics, restarted and forget them a second time at the keyboard.

1. "Rock with You" (Michael Jackson)

• Brent Keith, 29 (born November 6, 1979) from Blanchester, Ohio – a singer who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a sixth place finalist on the second season of Nashville Star and recorded a song for the soundtrack to the documentary Dale.

1. "Hicktown" (Jason Aldean)

• Jackie Tohn, 28 (born August 24, 1980) from Silver Lake, California – an actress/musician who auditioned in East Rutherford, New Jersey with the song "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz for her audition. She has appeared on such TV shows as The Nanny, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Sopranos, and starred in the cult classic Postal.

1. "A Little Less Conversation" (Elvis Presley)

• Stevie Wright, 16 (born June 5, 1992) from Phelan, California – a high school student who auditioned in Phoenix, Arizona and sang "At Last" by Etta James.

1. "You Belong with Me" (Taylor Swift)

Semi-Final #2

• Matt Breitzke, 27 (born July 23, 1981) from Bixby, Oklahoma – a welder who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri.

1. "If You Could Only See" (Tonic)

• Mishavonna Henson, 18 (born July 25, 1990) from Irvine, California – an actress who auditioned on her birthday in Phoenix, Arizona. She previously auditioned in San Diego for Season 7 and made it to Hollywood Week, but she was cut in the second round. Before auditioning for American Idol, she was best known for her acting appearances in Frasier, and Charlie Lawrence[2]. She is also the sister of young actor, Micah Henson. Although Mishavonna failed to get passed semi final, her performance of Train's Drops Of Jupiter prompted many viewers to download the original song which quickly after entered somewhere in iTunes Top 50.

1. "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" (Train)

• Kai Kalama, 27 (born January 8, 1982) - from San Clemente, California – a musician who auditioned in San Francisco, California. His mother has a seizure disorder that forced him to abandon his social life to take care of her.

1. "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" (Jimmy Ruffin)

• Nick Mitchell ("Normund Gentle"), 27 (born April 24, 1981) from Brookfield, Connecticut – a comedian who auditioned in New York. Normund Gentle is the name of the character that Nick auditioned as. He advanced into the Top 36, much to the chagrin of Simon, who is not a fan.

1. "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" (Jennifer Holliday)

• Jeanine Vailes, 28 (born September 22, 1980) from Sherman Oaks, California – a bartender who auditioned in San Francisco, California.

1. "This Love" (Maroon 5)

Semi-Final #3

• Arianna Afsar, 17 (born October 22, 1991) from San Diego, California – a high school student who auditioned in Phoenix, Arizona, singing "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae. When she was 12 years old, she founded a program called "Adopt A Grand-Friend," where teenagers visit nursing homes to spend time with the elderly and perform for them. Afsar is a former Miss California's Outstanding Teen and placed first runner-up at the 2006 Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant. She is half Bangladeshi and half European American.

1. "The Winner Takes It All" (ABBA)

• Felicia Barton, 26 (born March 6, 1982) from Virginia Beach, Virginia – a stay-at-home mom who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky, singing "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae. She made it to the Top 54 and was eliminated, but was brought back to replace Joanna Pacitti, who was disqualified.

1. "No One" (Alicia Keys)

• Kendall Beard, 24 (born October 18, 1984) from Austin, Texas – a college student who auditioned in San Juan, Puerto Rico, singing "The Ashes" by Martina McBride. She is dyslexic and had previously wanted to audition for the show but decided to wait until she finished college.

1. "This One's for the Girls" (Martina McBride)

• Ju'Not Joyner, 26 (born November 6, 1982) from Bowie, Maryland – a businessman who auditioned in New York. He previously auditioned in Philadelphia for Season 7 and made it to Hollywood Week, but he was cut in the second round.

1. "Hey There Delilah" (Plain White T's)

• Nathaniel Marshall, 19 (born September 19, 1989) from Malone, New York – a college student who auditioned in New York. He grew up with various family members in New York because his mother was in jail for most of his life.

1. "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" (Meat Loaf)

• Kristen McNamara, 23 (born August 5, 1985) from Napa Valley, California – a karaoke host who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. She was a sixth place finalist on the fourth season of Nashville Star, and also previously competed on Star Search.

1. "Give Me One Reason" (Tracy Chapman)

• Taylor Vaifanua, 17 (born January 12, 1992) from Hurricane, Utah – a high school student who auditioned in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her family is from Samoa.

1. "If I Ain't Got You" (Alicia Keys)

• Alex Wagner-Trugman, 19 (born June 4, 1989) from Studio City, California – a sophomore at the University of Miami who auditioned in Phoenix, Arizona. At his audition, he mentioned he had previously sung in his closet so he wouldn't disturb his family, but was forced to stop because of an infection caused by the mold inside. His semifinal performance became known when he knocked over the microphone stand and made a growl while singing.

1. "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" (Elton John)

Wild Card

• Ricky Braddy, 26 (born February 1, 1983) from Nashville, Tennessee – a fast food employee who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky.

1. "A Song for You" (Donny Hathaway)
2. "Superstition" (Stevie Wonder)

• Tatiana Nicole Del Toro, 24 (born October 17, 1984) from San Juan, Puerto Rico – a self-proclaimed "singer/model/actress" who auditioned in San Francisco, California. During the February 17 episode, Paula Abdul called her "the most talked about contestant" on the show so far and Simon Cowell called her a "drama queen."

1. "Saving All My Love for You" (Whitney Houston)
2. "Saving All My Love for You" (Whitney Houston)

• Jesse Langseth, 25 (born April 13, 1983) from Minneapolis, Minnesota – a secretary who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri. She is the sister of blues singer Jonny Lang.

1. "Bette Davis Eyes" (Kim Carnes)
2. "Tell Me Something Good" (Rufus and Chaka Khan)

• Von Smith, 22 (born June 15, 1986) from Kansas City, Missouri – a singer who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri. He gained some success via his YouTube videos that garnered him national attention, leading to an appearance on The View in 2007. Soon thereafter he was offered, and eventually signed, a recording contract with Kon Live Distribution.

1. "You're All I Need to Get By" (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell)
2. "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" (Elton John)

Finalists

• Kris Allen, 23 (born June 21, 1985) from Conway, Arkansas – a college student who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. He's best known for his group performance of "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5 during Hollywood week with a group called White Chocolate. He was married about five months before competing in the top-13.

1. "Man in the Mirror" (Michael Jackson)
2. "Remember the Time" (Michael Jackson)

• Anoop Desai, 22 (born December 20, 1986) from Chapel Hill, North Carolina – a college student who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri. He impressed the judges when he auditioned in Kansas City. While at school he was one of the lead singers of the UNC Clef Hangers, an a cappella vocal group that covered multiple genres of music. Desai was announced as the 13th finalist after the judges increased the finals into a Top 13. He is of Indian descent and is an only child.

1. "Angel of Mine" (Monica)
2. "My Prerogative" (Bobby Brown)
3. "Beat It" (Michael Jackson)

• Matt Giraud, 23 (born May 11, 1985) from Kalamazoo, Michigan – a dueling pianist who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. For his audition, he sang "I Don't Want to Be" by Gavin Degraw. His rendition of "Georgia on My Mind" in Hollywood made him a judge favorite.

1. "Viva la Vida" (Coldplay)
2. "Who's Lovin' You" (The Miracles)
3. "Human Nature" (Michael Jackson)

• Danny Gokey, 28 (born April 24, 1980) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin – a praise and worship music director who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri along with best friend Jamar Rogers. Both made it to the Hollywood rounds, but Rogers was eliminated at week's end. Four weeks before the audition, Gokey's wife, Sophia, diagnosed with a congenital heart disease, passed away. His wife had motivated him to try out before she died. He is a judge favorite.

1. "Hero" (Mariah Carey)
2. "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" (Michael Jackson)

• Alexis Grace, 21 (born June 9, 1987), from Memphis, Tennessee – a stay-at-home mom who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky with the song Doctor Feelgood by Mötley Crüe. Has a young daughter and is engaged to marry the child's father. After her Top 36 performance, Cowell compared her to Kelly Clarkson.

1. "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" (Aretha Franklin)
2. "Dirty Diana" (Michael Jackson)

• Allison Iraheta, 16 (born April 27, 1992) from Los Angeles, California – a high school student who auditioned in San Francisco, California. In 2006, she won $50,000 and a recording contract after competing in a Telemundo reality show, Quinceañera. Both Cowell and Jackson have declared Iraheta is "one to watch in this competition".

1. "Alone" (Heart)
2. "Give In to Me" (Michael Jackson)

• Megan Joy, 23 (born August 5, 1985) from Sandy, Utah – a font designer/single mom who auditioned in Salt Lake City, Utah with the song "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man." Cowell has expressed numerous times that she is one of his favorites. After the Wildcard episode, she dropped her last name Corkrey because it belonged to her ex-husband.

1. "Put Your Records On" (Corinne Bailey Rae)
2. "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" (KT Tunstall)
3. "Rockin' Robin" (Michael Jackson)

• Adam Lambert, 27 (born January 29, 1982) from San Francisco, California – a stage actor who auditioned in San Francisco, California. Before auditioning for American Idol, he was in the touring and Los Angeles casts of Wicked. His renditions of "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "Believe" made him a judge favorite.

1. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" (The Rolling Stones)
2. "Black or White" (Michael Jackson)

• Scott MacIntyre, 23 (born June 22, 1985) from Scottsdale, Arizona – a visually impaired pianist who auditioned in Phoenix, Arizona. MacIntyre plays several instruments including the piano. Classically trained, he has been internationally profiled on various TV affiliates such as CNN, national and local news, radio, and print media as pianist, vocalist, and songwriter. His sister was also born blind.

1. "Mandolin Rain" (Bruce Hornsby and the Range)
2. "Keep the Faith" (Michael Jackson)

• Lil Rounds, 24 (born November 14, 1984) from Memphis, Tennessee – a stay-at-home mom who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri. Her house in Memphis was previously destroyed by a tornado on February 5, 2008. She is married with three children. Since her audition, Rounds has been a judge favorite.

1. "Be Without You" (Mary J. Blige)
2. "The Way You Make Me Feel" (Michael Jackson)

• Michael Sarver, 28 (born February 9, 1981), from Jasper, Texas – an oil rig roughneck worker who auditioned in Phoenix, Arizona. Is married, and has two children.

1. "I Don't Want to Be" (Gavin DeGraw)
2. "You Are Not Alone" (Michael Jackson)

• Jorge Nuñez, 20 (born May 12, 1988) from Cidra, Puerto Rico – a college student who auditioned in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is fluent in English, French, and Spanish. He is the first Puerto Rican to reach the finals. His influences include Luis Fonsi and Marc Anthony. Although the show states he is from the city of Carolina, he only boarded there. He was one of the first two to leave the Top 13, as he was voted off on March 11, 2009.

1. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" (Elton John)
2. "Never Can Say Goodbye" (The Jackson 5) - Eliminated March 11, 2009

• Jasmine Murray, 16 (born March 14, 1992) from Starkville, Mississippi – a high school student who auditioned in Jacksonville, Florida with the song "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie. She was Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen 2007. She was eliminated on March 11, 2009 in a double elimination at the Top 13 stage.

1. "Love Song" (Sara Bareilles)
2. "Reflection" (Christina Aguilera)
3. "I'll Be There" (The Jackson 5) - Eliminated March 11, 2009

Weekly song themes

• Top 36 (February 18, February 26th, March 4th): Billboard Hot 100 hits
• Week 1 (March 10th): Michael Jackson
• Week 2 (March 17th) Grand Ole Opry

Results night performances

For the finals, season 4 winner Carrie Underwood remade Mötley Crüe's "Home Sweet Home" as the exit song.

Group song

• Top 36/Group 1: "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
• Top 36/Group 2: "Closer" by Ne-Yo
• Top 36/Group 3: "Hot N Cold" by Katy Perry
• Top 13: "I Want You Back/ABC Medley" by The Jackson 5

Other performances

In addition, songs are played during the elimination night to promote an artist, single, album, or the show itself. Included is a list of those songs with their Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Digital Songs reactions.

Week	Performer(s)	Title	Hot 100 Reaction	Hot Digital Songs Reaction	Notes
Top 36/Group 1	Carly Smithson Michael Johns	"The Letter"	Was Never Released	Ineligible to chart (No legal digital release)	live performance
Top 36/Group 2	Brooke White	"Hold Up My Heart"	47 (debut)	27 (+999%)	live performance
Top 36/Group 3	No performer
Top 13	Kelly Clarkson	"My Life Would Suck Without You"	N/A	N/A	live performance
	Kanye West	"Heartless"	N/A	N/A	pre-recorded
Top 11	Carrie Underwood Randy Travis	"I Told You So"	N/A	N/A	N/A
	Brad Paisley	"Then"	N/A	N/A	N/A
Top 10	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Top 9	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Top 8	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Top 7	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Top 6	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Top 5	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Top 4	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Top 3	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Top 2	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

• Idol alumni Jason Castro was scheduled to perform his single "Love Uncompromised" during the results show of the Group 3 week, but ended up cancelling.

Elimination chart

Legend

Did Not Perform

Female

Male

Top 36

Wild Card

Top 13

Winner

Safe

Bottom Three

Eliminated

Saved by judges

Stage:		Semi-Finals			Wild Card	Finals
Week:		2/18	2/26*	3/4	3/5	3/11	3/18	3/25	4/1	4/8	4/15	4/22	4/29	5/6	5/13	5/20
Place	Contestant	Result
	Kris Allen		Top 13
	Anoop Desai	WC			Top 13
	Matt Giraud		WC		Top 13
	Danny Gokey	Top 13
	Alexis Grace	Top 13
	Allison Iraheta		Top 13
	Megan Joy		WC		Top 13
	Adam Lambert		Top 13
	Scott MacIntyre			Top 13
	Lil Rounds			Top 13
	Michael Sarver	Top 13
12-13	Jorge Nuñez			Top 13		Elim
	Jasmine Murray		WC		Top 13
Wild Card	Ricky Braddy	WC			Elim
	Tatiana Del Toro	WC
	Jesse Langseth		WC
	Von Smith			WC
Semi- Final 3	Arianna Afsar			Elim
	Felicia Barton
	Kendall Beard
	Ju'Not Joyner
	Nathaniel Marshall
	Kristen McNamara
	Taylor Vaifanua
	Alex Wagner-Trugman
Semi- Final 2	Matt Breitzke		Elim
	Mishavonna Henson
	Kai Kalama
	Nick Mitchell
	Jeanine Vailes
Semi- Final 1	Anne Marie Boskovich	Elim
	Casey Carlson
	Stephen Fowler
	Brent Keith
	Jackie Tohn
	Stevie Wright

*Due to the 2009 Speech to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, the performance show was moved to Wednesday, February 25 and the results show was moved to Thursday, February 26.

Controversies

• Joanna Pacitti, who was originally selected as a semi-finalist, created controversy due to her being previously signed to A&M and Geffen Records. Later, she was found to have been having a "private relationship" with 19 Management. She was later disqualified, and replaced by Felicia Barton.

Releases

iTunes

Same as the previous season, American Idol exclusively partnered with iTunes. To keep the competition fair, and prevent any revealing of the number of songs bought during voting, they are not available until the result show (Wednesdays). The iTunes exclusives includes:

• Top 36 live performances videos and audios

• Top 13 live performances videos and audios, as well as studio recordings

Songs from guest performers, such as Brooke White, are also available on the American Idol portion of iTunes.

External links

• American Idol Official Website
• MTV's American Idol Coverage
• American Idol (Season 8) at IMDb
• Template:Tv.com