American Idol 7 (Courtesy Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

The seventh season of American Idol, which premiered on January 15, 2008, is the current season of the annual popular reality show and singing competition. Ryan Seacrest continues to host the show with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson returning as judges.

Early process

Regional auditions

For Season 7, auditions were held in the following cities:

• San Diego, California: Qualcomm Stadium - July 30 & July 31
• Dallas, Texas: Texas Stadium - August 6 & August 7
• Omaha, Nebraska: Qwest Center Omaha - August 10 & August 11
• Atlanta, Georgia: Georgia Dome - August 14 & August 15
• Charleston, South Carolina: North Charleston Coliseum - August 18 & August 19
• Miami, Florida: American Airlines Arena - August 22 & August 23
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Wachovia Center - August 27 & August 28

Contestants were required to be between the ages of 16 and 28 on July 28, 2007, and eligible to work in the United States. Those ineligible include former contestants who reached the top 40 of past seasons, those holding recording or management contracts, or those who are not US citizens or landed immigrants (i.e. permanent residents).

Hollywood phase

As in years past, the Hollywood round took place at the Pasadena Civic Center in Pasadena over a period of four days. A total of 164 contestants were invited from the seven audition cities. This year the process was altered slightly to ensure that no talent would be prematurely dismissed.

On the first day, all of the contestants took the stage individually and sang for the judges. For the first time ever, contestants had the option of either being accompanied by the band or playing an instrument themselves. Some were shown playing the keyboard, guitar, or even the drums. If the judges approved of the contestant's performance, they received a "free pass" to the third day of auditions. Unlike previous seasons, contestants whose performances were not considered good enough were given a second chance on day two. They were required to line up on stage in small groups, and sing a short segment of a song a cappella. After each group had finished, the judges then cut all of those who they felt were not talented enough. Those who were not cut joined the recipients of the free passes on day three of the Hollywood round. Each of these remaining contestants sang with not only a band, but with three backup singers. This is a similar setup to that which is used in the semifinals and finals and replaced the group performances required in past seasons. After each performance, the judges decided whether or not to cut the contestant. By the end of the day, only 50 contestants were remaining.

Semi-finals

Weekly song themes

• Week 1: 1960s
• Week 2: 1970s
• Week 3: 1980s

Male semi-finalists

Danny Noriega (born September 29, 1989 in Azusa, California) is an 18-year-old who auditioned in San Diego. He previously auditioned for Idol in season 6 and made it to Hollywood week, but was cut in the first round. "Jailhouse Rock" (Elvis Presley) "Superstar" (The Carpenters) "Tainted Love" (Soft Cell) - Eliminated March 6, 2008

Luke Menard (born December 1, 1978 in Crawfordsville, Indiana) is a 29-year-old who auditioned in Omaha. Previously, he auditioned for the sixth season in Memphis and sang "How Deep Is Your Love" which did not make it to Hollywood. Prior to Season 7 of Idol, he was a member of the a cappella group Chapter 6 and has toured with them for the past 6 years, as well as appearing on their albums and DVD. "Everybody's Talkin'" (Harry Nilsson) "Killer Queen" (Queen) "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" (Wham!) - Eliminated March 6, 2008

Robert "Robbie" Carrico (born November 13, 1981 in Beckley, West Virginia) is a 26-year-old from Melbourne, Florida who auditioned for the show in Miami. His professional singing career prior to American Idol includes being a member of the pop group Boyz N Girlz United, which opened for Britney Spears during her "...Baby One More Time" tour in 1999. The band's song "Messed Around" was written and produced by JC Chasez from *NSYNC. It was revealed that he also dated Britney Spears briefly around that time. "One" (Three Dog Night) "Hot Blooded" (Foreigner) - Eliminated February 28, 2008

Jason Yeager is a 28-year-old from Grand Prairie, Texas who auditioned in Dallas. He appeared and was a finalist on the first season of Making The Band, the MTV reality show that led to the formation of boy band O-Town. "Moon River" (Andy Williams) "Long Train Running" (The Doobie Brothers) - Eliminated February 28, 2008

Colton Berry is an 18-year-old from Staunton, Virginia who auditioned in Charleston. "Suspicious Minds" (Elvis Presley) - Eliminated February 21, 2008

Garrett Haley is a 17-year-old from Elida, Ohio, who auditioned in San Diego. "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" (Neil Sedaka) - Eliminated February 21, 2008

Female semi-finalists

Asia'h Epperson is a 19-year-old from Joplin, Missouri who auditioned in Atlanta. Two days before the auditions, her father died in a car accident. "Piece of My Heart" (Janis Joplin) "All by Myself" (Eric Carmen) "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" (Whitney Houston) - Eliminated March 6, 2008

Kady Malloy (born May 9, 1989) is an 18-year old from Houston, Texas who auditioned in Dallas. She became known on the show for her impersonation of Britney Spears and can also impersonate several other artists. Malloy is trained in opera singing. "A Groovy Kind of Love" (The Mindbenders) "Magic Man" (Heart) - Bottom 3 February 28, 2008 "Who Wants to Live Forever" (Queen) - Eliminated March 6, 2008

Alaina Whitaker (born February 21, 1991) is a 17-year-old contestant from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who auditioned in Dallas. "More Today Than Yesterday" (The Spiral Starecase) "Hopelessly Devoted to You" (Olivia Newton-John) - Eliminated February 28, 2008

Alexandréa Lushington (born February 13, 1991) is a 17-year-old from Douglasville, Georgia who auditioned in Atlanta. In 2004, she sang against fellow Idol semi-finalist David Archuleta on an episode of the television show Star Search. "Spinning Wheel" (Blood, Sweat and Tears) "If You Leave Me Now" (Chicago) - Eliminated February 28, 2008

Joanne Borgella (born May 29, 1982) is a 25-year-old model from Hoboken, New Jersey who auditioned in Philadelphia. Before auditioning for Idol, she appeared in and won Mo'Nique's Fat Chance. "I Say a Little Prayer" (Dionne Warwick) - Eliminated February 21, 2008

Amy Davis is a 25-year-old professional model and a former contestant on Nashville Star from Lowell, Indiana. She auditioned in Dallas. "Where the Boys Are" (Connie Francis) - Eliminated February 21, 2008

Finals

Weekly song themes

• Week 1 (March 11): Lennon/McCartney Songbook, Part 1
• Week 2 (March 18): Lennon/McCartney Songbook, Part 2

Finalists

David Archuleta (born December 28, 1990 in Miami, Florida) is a 17-year-old from Murray, Utah who auditioned in San Diego. In 2003, at the age of 12, he sang on several episodes of the television show Star Search and went on to win the season finale and the $100,000 grand prize. On one episode, he competed against Alexandréa Lushington, who was a fellow semi-finalist this season. "Shop Around" (The Miracles) "Imagine" (John Lennon) "Another Day in Paradise" (Phil Collins) "We Can Work It Out" (The Beatles)

Jason Castro (born March 25, 1987) is a 20-year-old from Rockwall, Texas who auditioned in Dallas. In 2006, he appeared on Cheyenne Kimball's MTV reality TV series, as her real-life dating interest. Castro is the first person in his family, which is originally from Colombia, to be born in the United States. He is a student at Texas A&M University, with a construction science major and music minor. He began growing his hair out for dreadlocks during his senior year of high school. "Daydream" (The Lovin' Spoonful) "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" (Andy Gibb) "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen) "If I Fell" (The Beatles)

Chikezie (born Chikezie Eze on September 11, 1985 in Inglewood, California) is a 22 year old from Inglewood, California who auditioned in San Diego. He previously auditioned for the show's sixth season, and made into the Hollywood Round, where he was cut before the top 44. Before auditioning for Idol, he worked as a TSA officer at Los Angeles International Airport. "More Today Than Yesterday" (The Spiral Starecase) "I Believe to My Soul" (Donny Hathaway) "All the Woman That I Need" (Luther Vandross) "She's a Woman" (The Beatles)

David Cook (born December 20, 1982 in Tulsa, Oklahoma) is a native of Blue Springs, Missouri. Prior to Idol he worked as a bartender in Tulsa, where he would also occasionally play shows. He enjoys doing crossword puzzles in his spare time and calls himself a "word nerd." "Happy Together" (The Turtles) "All Right Now" (Free) "Hello" (Lionel Richie) "Eleanor Rigby" (The Beatles)

Kristy Lee Cook (born January 14, 1984) is a 24-year-old horse trainer from Selma, Oregon who sold her prized horse in order to afford the trip to audition in Philadelphia. In 2001, she was signed to a major label, Arista Nashville. Cook also signed with Britney Spears' production company, and Spears herself was supposed to have a cameo in Cook's first video. At the time of signing, she was managed by the former manager of LeAnn Rimes. In 2005, she released a CD called Devoted with Ren-Hen Records. "Rescue Me" (Fontella Bass) "You're No Good" (Linda Ronstadt) "Faithfully" (Journey) "Eight Days a Week" (The Beatles) - Bottom 2 March 12, 2008

Michael Johns (born on October 20, 1978 in Perth, Western Australia) is an Australian rock/soul singer/songwriter. He moved to the United States from Australia in 1998 and lived in Buckhead (Atlanta) for 6 years, performing at local venues solo and with local band Film. He has since lived in Los Angeles, California. After recording a demo and traveling to Los Angeles to showcase for a number of labels in 2001, Johns signed with Maverick Records and formed a rock band called The Rising. Before focusing on his singing career, Johns was a sportsman. He won a tennis scholarship to become a professional tennis player and coaches the sport. He also played Australian rules football for the USAFL club Atlanta Kookaburras. "Light My Fire" (The Doors) "Go Your Own Way" (Fleetwood Mac) "Don't You (Forget About Me)" (Simple Minds) "Across the Universe" (The Beatles)

Ramiele Malubay (born September 6, 1987 in Saudi Arabia) is a 20-year-old from Miramar, Florida who auditioned in Miami. She was raised in the Philippines. Prior to auditioning to Idol, she worked at a sushi restaurant, pouring take-out cups of soy sauce. "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" (Dusty Springfield) "Don't Leave Me This Way" (Thelma Houston) "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" (Phil Collins) "In My Life" (The Beatles)

Syesha Mercado (born January 2, 1987) is a 21-year-old from Sarasota, Florida who auditioned in Miami. She is a student at Florida International University and has been singing and dancing since she was a child. During Hollywood week, she became ill and almost completely lost her voice. In preparation for her final audition, she went on voice rest and wrote down everything she had to say on a pad of paper. Prior to American Idol, she appeared on The One: Making a Music Star, a short-lived program on ABC. The show was cancelled after two weeks due to low ratings. "Tobacco Road" (The Nashville Teens) "Me and Mrs. Jones" (Billy Paul) "Saving All My Love for You" (Whitney Houston) "Got to Get You into My Life" (The Beatles) - Bottom 3 March 12, 2008

Amanda Overmyer (born October 26, 1984) is a Harley-riding nurse from Mulberry, Indiana who auditioned in Atlanta. Before Hollywood week, she was in a near fatal car accident. "Baby, Please Don't Go" (Van Morrison) "Carry On Wayward Son" (Kansas) "I Hate Myself for Loving You" (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts) "You Can't Do That" (The Beatles)

Carly Smithson (born September 12, 1983 in Dublin, Ireland) is a 24-year-old professional singer and bartender/waitress from San Diego, California, where she has been living for the past three years. Smithson previously signed a recording contract with major USA label MCA Records and released an album in 2002 entitled Ultimate High under her maiden name, Carly Hennessy. The album sold approximately 300 copies. Smithson was also a contestant in season 5, but was dropped from the show due to a problem with her visa. "The Shadow of Your Smile" (Tony Bennett) "Crazy on You" (Heart) "I Drove All Night" (Cyndi Lauper) "Come Together" (The Beatles)

Brooke White (born June 2, 1983 in Mesa, Arizona) is a 24-year-old nanny from Van Nuys, California who auditioned in Philadelphia. During her audition, she admitted to never having seen a R-rated movie due to having strict parents, prompting Cowell to state that the show will "bring her over to the dark side." In 2005, she released an album titled Songs From the Attic under New Millenium Records. "Happy Together" (The Turtles) "You're So Vain" (Carly Simon) "Love Is a Battlefield" (Pat Benatar) "Let It Be" (The Beatles)

David Hernandez (born May 31, 1983 in Glendale, Arizona) is a 24-year-old from Glendale, Arizona and a student at Arizona State University with a major in Broadcast Journalism. He gave up his apartment to move to Hollywood. Until September 30, 2007, Hernandez worked as a male stripper named "Caden" at Dick's Cabaret in Phoenix, Arizona, performing fully nude and giving lap dances to male patrons. He was allowed to remain on the show.

Results night performances

During the Hollywood weeks, "Hollywood's Not America" by Ferras played when contestants were eliminated, while "Best Days" by Graham Colton was the elimination song for the semi-finals round. For the finals, season 2 winner Ruben Studdard will remake "Celebrate Me Home" to be used as the exit song.

The contestants also perform medleys of songs from that week's theme.

• Top 24: A medley of songs from the 1960's, including "Needles and Pins" and "When You Walk in the Room" by The Searchers, "Spanish Harlem" by Ben E. King, and "Bend Me, Shape Me" by The American Breed
• Top 20: A medley of songs from the 1970's, including "I Saw the Light" by Todd Rundgren, "It's a Heartache" by Bonnie Tyler, "The Things We Do for Love" by 10cc, and "I Feel the Earth Move" by Carole King
• Top 12: A medley of songs by The Beatles including "All My Loving", "I Feel Fine", "Can't Buy Me Love", and "Help!"

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	Title	Hot 100 Reaction	Hot Digital Songs Reaction	Notes
Top 24	Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson	"Dance Like There's No Tomorrow"	#80 (debut)	#36 (32,215 copies sold)	music video premiere
Top 20	No performer	No song	N/A	N/A	no song was played
Top 16	Blake Lewis	"How Many Words"	Failed to chart	#128 (10,182 copies sold)	performed live
Top 12	Katharine McPhee and David Foster	"Something"	TBA March 20, 2008	Not legally released digitally	McPhee performed live Foster on piano
Top 11
Top 10
Top 9
Top 8
Top 7
Top 6
Top 5
Top 4
Top 3

This list does not include the Idol Gives Back or season finale performances.

Elimination grid

Note: Bottom 2 indicates that the contestant was 'saved' last. This may or may not indicate his or her actual vote rank. Sometimes, Seacrest will announce that the contestant is in the bottom 2, sometimes he will not.

Legend

Female

Male

Top 12

Top 24

Stage:		Semi-Finals			Finals
Week:		2/21	2/28	3/6	3/12	3/19	3/26	4/2	4/9	4/16	4/23	4/30	5/7	5/14	5/21
Place	Contestant	Result
	Jason Castro
	Chikezie
	David Cook
	Michael Johns
	Syesha Mercado
	Carly Smithson
	Brooke White
12	David Hernandez				Elim
13-16	Danny Noriega			Elim
	Asia'h Epperson
	Luke Menard
	Kady Malloy
17-20	Robbie Carrico		Elim
	Alaina Whitaker
	Jason Yeager
21-24	Colton Berry	Elim
	Joanne Borgella
	Amy Davis
	Garrett Haley

Changes from past seasons

The show has made a few changes this year, including allowing contestants to use musical instruments, an element that originated on Australian Idol and can also be seen on Norwegian Idol and Canadian Idol, building a brand new set, and creating a new introduction credit sequence. This year's season finale will be moved from the Kodak Theatre to the larger Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Also, due to last year's rampant criticism and media accusation of the judges and producers being very harsh and disrespectful during last season's auditions, this year the judges are noticeably more compassionate and were not as "mean" during the auditions to the contestants.

Nigel Lythgoe acknowledged that the show suffered last year when finalists failed to top the excitement and star quality of performers from previous seasons; on the other hand, he said producers erred by giving too much air time to famous mentors like Jennifer Lopez with individual projects to promote rather than delving deep into contestants' back stories to foster a stronger connection with viewers. "We felt as though we made mistakes last year with not really pushing and introducing the talent as well as we have done in the past," he said. According to Lythgoe, the number of mentors will be reduced, in an effort to provide more emphasis to the contestants.

Simon Cowell said during a recent telephone news conference, "The most important thing is the show has got to look better." "It's got to be more fun as a show, and if it is, I think more people will watch. I think it absolutely comes down to the content of what we provide the viewers."

In past seasons, weekly themes were started during the first week of the top 12; as of this season, they start with the top 24.

Beginning with the top 12, viewers at home will be permitted to phone in and provide their opinions and feedback on results night prior to eliminations.

Idol Gives Back

The "Idol Gives Back" initiative will return on April 9 for a second year. Producers are hoping to exceed last year's $76US million raised. Again, proceeds will go to children's charities in Africa and the United States.

The following celebrities have been confirmed to appear: Bono, Brad Pitt, Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, Annie Lennox, Reese Witherspoon, Fergie, John Legend, and Snoop Dogg. As well, Idol alumni Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, and Chris Daughtry (with his band) are scheduled to perform. More names are to be announced in the coming weeks.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.It uses material from the Wikipedia article "American Idol (season 7)". Reality TV World is not responsible for any errors or omissions this article may contain.