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|valign="top"|[[Image:ChikezieEze.jpg|thumb|100px|right|Chikezie]]
|valign="top"|[[Image:ChikezieEze.jpg|thumb|100px|right|Chikezie]]
'''[[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 [[American Idol (season 6)|sixth season]], and made into the Hollywood Round, where he was cut before the top 44. Before auditioning for ''Idol'', he worked as a [[Transportation Security Administration|TSA]] officer at [[Los Angeles International Airport]]. He is the only African-American male to make it to the top-12.
'''[[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 [[American Idol (season 6)|sixth season]], and made into the Hollywood Round, where he was cut before the top 44. Before auditioning for ''Idol'', he worked as a [[Transportation Security Administration|TSA]] officer at [[Los Angeles International Airport]].
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
#"[[More Today Than Yesterday]]" ([[The Spiral Starecase]])
#"[[More Today Than Yesterday]]" ([[The Spiral Starecase]])
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}}
</ref>.
</ref>.
Before focusing on his singing career, Johns was a keen sportsman. He won a tennis scholarship<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Johns interview (updated) |first=Rodney |last=Ho |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |publisher=Access Atlanta |date=2008-02-15 |url=http://www.accessatlanta.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/idol/entries/2008/02/15/215_talking_wit_1.html }}</ref> to become a professional tennis player and coaches the sport. He also played [[Australian rules football]] for the [[USAFL]] club Atlanta Kookaburras.<ref>{{cite news |title=Could a former USAFL player be the next American Idol? |last=Sean |work=World Footy News |date=2008-02-18 |url=http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/20080218195156977 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mike goes his own way |work=Atlanta Kookaburras
Before focusing on his singing career, Johns was a sportsman. He won a tennis scholarship<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Johns interview (updated) |first=Rodney |last=Ho |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |publisher=Access Atlanta |date=2008-02-15 |url=http://www.accessatlanta.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/idol/entries/2008/02/15/215_talking_wit_1.html }}</ref> to become a professional tennis player and coaches the sport. He also played [[Australian rules football]] for the [[USAFL]] club Atlanta Kookaburras.<ref>{{cite news |title=Could a former USAFL player be the next American Idol? |last=Sean |work=World Footy News |date=2008-02-18 |url=http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/20080218195156977 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mike goes his own way |work=Atlanta Kookaburras
Australian Rules Football Club |date=2008-02-27 |url=http://www.atlantafooty.com/content/view/168/1/ }}</ref>
Australian Rules Football Club |date=2008-02-27 |url=http://www.atlantafooty.com/content/view/168/1/ }}</ref>
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|valign="top"|[[Image:SyeshaMercado.jpg|thumb|100px|right|Syesha Mercado]]
|valign="top"|[[Image:SyeshaMercado.jpg|thumb|100px|right|Syesha Mercado]]
'''[[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.<ref name="Herald">{{cite news |title=Sing from the Soul, Hope for Best |first=Thomas |last=Becnel |date=2008-02-20 |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |url=http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080220/NEWS/802200333 }}</ref> The show was cancelled after two weeks due to low ratings.<ref name="Herald">{{cite news |title=Sing from the Soul, Hope for Best |first=Thomas |last=Becnel |date=2008-02-20 |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |url=http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080220/NEWS/802200333 }}</ref> She is the only female African-American this season to make it to the top 12.
'''[[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.<ref name="Herald">{{cite news |title=Sing from the Soul, Hope for Best |first=Thomas |last=Becnel |date=2008-02-20 |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |url=http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080220/NEWS/802200333 }}</ref> The show was cancelled after two weeks due to low ratings.<ref name="Herald">{{cite news |title=Sing from the Soul, Hope for Best |first=Thomas |last=Becnel |date=2008-02-20 |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |url=http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080220/NEWS/802200333 }}</ref>
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<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
#"[[Tobacco Road (song)|Tobacco Road]]" ([[The Nashville Teens]])
#"[[Tobacco Road (song)|Tobacco Road]]" ([[The Nashville Teens]])

Revision as of 03:21, 13 March 2008

American Idol season 7
File:AmericanIdoltitlecard.jpg
Created bySimon Fuller
Directed byBruce Gowers
StarringRyan Seacrest
Paula Abdul
Simon Cowell
Randy Jackson
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes20 (as of March 11, 2008)
Production
Executive producersNigel Lythgoe
Ken Warwick
Simon Fuller
Running timeVaries
Original release
NetworkFox Broadcasting Company
ReleaseJanuary 15, 2008 –
May 21, 2008

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:[1]

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

Semi-finalists Danny Noriega and Kady Malloy

Weekly song themes

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. Danny Created a Huge Fan Base on the Show and Has already Recieved an Offer from Rosie O'Donnel To Come Sing on her Cruise and Maybe Work With Cyndi Lauper. Danny Plans on going on the cruise and Soon after would Like to Work on an Album and stay on tv.
  1. "Jailhouse Rock" (Elvis Presley)
  2. "Superstar" (The Carpenters)
  3. "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, but 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.
  1. "Everybody's Talkin'" (Harry Nilsson)
  2. "Killer Queen" (Queen)
  3. "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" (Wham!) - Eliminated March 6, 2008
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.[7][8][9] The band's song "Messed Around" was written and produced by JC Chasez from *NSYNC.[7] It was revealed that he also dated Britney Spears briefly around that time.
  1. "One" (Three Dog Night)
  2. "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.
  1. "Moon River" (Andy Williams)
  2. "Long Train Running" (The Doobie Brothers) - Eliminated February 28, 2008
Colton Berry is an 18-year-old from Staunton, Virginia who auditioned in Charleston.
  1. "Suspicious Minds" (Elvis Presley) - Eliminated February 21, 2008
Garrett Haley is a 17-year-old from Elida, Ohio,[10] who auditioned in San Diego.
  1. "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.
  1. "Piece of My Heart" (Janis Joplin)
  2. "All by Myself" (Eric Carmen)
  3. "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.
  1. "A Groovy Kind of Love" (The Mindbenders)
  2. "Magic Man" (Heart) - Bottom 3 February 28, 2008
  3. "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.
  1. "More Today Than Yesterday" (The Spiral Starecase)
  2. "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.[9]
  1. "Spinning Wheel" (Blood, Sweat and Tears)
  2. "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.
  1. "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.
  1. "Where the Boys Are" (Connie Francis) - Eliminated February 21, 2008

Finals

Weekly song themes

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[9] and went on to win the season finale and the $100,000 grand prize.[11] On one episode, he competed against Alexandréa Lushington, who was a fellow semi-finalist this season.[9]

  1. "Shop Around" (The Miracles)
  2. "Imagine" (John Lennon)
  3. "Another Day in Paradise" (Phil Collins)
  4. "We Can Work It Out" (The Beatles)
Jason Castro

Jason Castro (born March 25, 1987) is a 20-year-old from Rockwall, Texas who auditioned in Dallas. The show was unable to air his audition of "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley, which Nigel Lythgoe noted was "one of the best performances [the show] ever had," because one of the three rights-holders to the song declined clearance.[12] In 2006, he appeared on Cheyenne Kimball's MTV reality TV series, as her real-life dating interest.[12] 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.

  1. "Daydream" (The Lovin' Spoonful)
  2. "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" (Andy Gibb)
  3. "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen)
  4. "If I Fell" (The Beatles)
Chikezie

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.

  1. "More Today Than Yesterday" (The Spiral Starecase)
  2. "I Believe to My Soul" (Donny Hathaway)
  3. "All the Woman That I Need" (Whitney Houston/Luther Vandross)
  4. "She's a Woman" (The Beatles)
David Cook (born December 20, 1982 in Tulsa, Oklahoma) is a native of Blue Springs, Missouri.[13] 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."[13]
  1. "Happy Together" (The Turtles)
  2. "All Right Now" (Free)
  3. "Hello" (Lionel Richie)
  4. "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.[14][9] Cook also signed with Britney Spears' production company, and Spears herself was supposed to have a cameo in Cook's first video.[14][9] At the time of signing, she was managed by the former manager of LeAnn Rimes.[14][9] In 2005, she released a CD called Devoted with Ren-Hen Records.[15]
  1. "Rescue Me" (Fontella Bass)
  2. "You're No Good" (Linda Ronstadt)
  3. "Faithfully" (Journey)
  4. "Eight Days a Week" (The Beatles)
- Bottom 2 March 12, 2008
Michael Johns

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[16]. Before focusing on his singing career, Johns was a sportsman. He won a tennis scholarship[17] to become a professional tennis player and coaches the sport. He also played Australian rules football for the USAFL club Atlanta Kookaburras.[18][19]

  1. "Light My Fire" (The Doors)
  2. "Go Your Own Way" (Fleetwood Mac)
  3. "Don't You (Forget About Me)" (Simple Minds)
  4. "Across the Universe" (The Beatles)
Ramiele Malubay

Ramiele Malubay (born September 6, 1987 in Saudi Arabia[20]) is a 20-year-old from Miramar, Florida who auditioned in Miami. Raised in the Philippines, she is the only Asian American to make it the finals this season. Prior to auditioning to Idol, she worked at a sushi restaurant, pouring take-out cups of soy sauce.

  1. "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" (Dusty Springfield)
  2. "Don't Leave Me This Way" (Thelma Houston)
  3. "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" (Phil Collins)
  4. "In My Life" (The Beatles)
Syesha Mercado

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.[21] The show was cancelled after two weeks due to low ratings.[21]

  1. "Tobacco Road" (The Nashville Teens)
  2. "Me and Mrs. Jones" (Billy Paul)
  3. "Saving All My Love for You" (Whitney Houston)
  4. "Got to Get You into My Life" (The Beatles)
-Bottom 3 March 12, 2008
Amanda Overmyer

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.

  1. "Baby, Please Don't Go" (Van Morrison)
  2. "Carry On Wayward Son" (Kansas)
  3. "I Hate Myself for Loving You" (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts)
  4. "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.
  1. "The Shadow of Your Smile" (Tony Bennett)
  2. "Crazy on You" (Heart)
  3. "I Drove All Night" (Cyndi Lauper)
  4. "Come Together" (The Beatles)
Brooke White

Brooke White is a 24-year-old nanny from Mesa, Arizona 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.[22]

  1. "Happy Together" (The Turtles)
  2. "You're So Vain" (Carly Simon)
  3. "Love Is a Battlefield" (Pat Benatar)
  4. "Let It Be" (The Beatles)

Eliminated Finalists

David Hernandez

David Hernandez 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.[23] He will be allowed to remain on the show.[24][25]

  1. "In the Midnight Hour" (Wilson Pickett)
  2. "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (The Temptations)
  3. "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" (Pandora's Box)
  4. "I Saw Her Standing There" (The Beatles) - Eliminated March 12, 2008




Results nights 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. The Top 24 sang 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. The Top 20 sang 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.

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)[26] music video premiere
Top 20 No performer No song N/A N/A no song was played
Top 16 Blake Lewis "How Many Words" TBA March 13, 2008 #128 (10,182 copies sold)[27] performed live
Top 12 Katharine McPhee "Something" TBA March 20, 2008 TBA March 19, 2008 performed live
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

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
David Archuleta
Jason Castro
Chikezie
David Cook
Kristy Lee Cook Btm 2
Michael Johns
Ramiele Malubay
Syesha Mercado Btm 3
Amanda Overmyer
Carly Smithson
Brooke White
12 David Hernandez Elim
13-16 Danny Noriega Elim
Asia'h Epperson
Luke Menard
Kady Malloy Btm 3
17-20 Robbie Carrico Elim
Alaina Whitaker
Alexandrea Lushington
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[28]—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.[29]

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.[30] According to Lythgoe, the number of mentors will be reduced, in an effort to provide more emphasis to the contestants. [31]

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."[32]

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.

References

  1. ^ "Season 7 Auditions Begin July 30 in San Diego". American Idol Official Site. FOX. 2007-06-25.
  2. ^ Wilkens, John (2007-0730). "Thousands audition in S.D. for 'American Idol'". Union-Tribune. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ "Singers swarm Dallas for 'Idol' auditions". Associated Press. MSNBC. 2007-08-06.
  4. ^ Stickney, Dane (2007-08-09). "'Idol' audition crowd thins out in the afternoon". Omaha World Herald. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ WRCB TV - Channel 3 - Chattanooga, Tennessee[dead link‍]
  6. ^ News - South Carolina Now (SCNow.com)[dead link‍]
  7. ^ a b Cantiello, Jim (2008-01-31). "Britney Spears' Ex-Boyfriend: The Next American Idol?". MTV.
  8. ^ Hickman, Breuse (2008-02-14). "Melbourne man makes cut on 'Idol'". Florida Today.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Delaveris, Lea (2008-02-19). "Ringer Singers: Some 'Idol' Contestants Aren't Novices". Columbus Dispatch.
  10. ^ Byrne, Katie (2008-02-22). "'American Idol' Castoffs Speak: Garrett Isn't Worried About Being Pale, Colton Tells Ellen To Give Him A Call". MTV. MTV Networks.
  11. ^ "David Archuleta is New Junior Singer Star". 2003-03-19.
  12. ^ a b Atlas, Darla (2008-02-19). "'Idol' hopeful from Rockwall has had more hair-time than airtime". Dallas Morning News.
  13. ^ a b Aspinwall, Cary (2008-02-27). "'Word nerd' spars with Simon". Tulsa World.
  14. ^ a b c "Kristy Lee Signs In Triplicate with Arista, Britney, and BMI". BMI. 2001-08-07.
  15. ^ "Devoted on Amazon.com". Retrieved 2008-02-23.
  16. ^ "Music Morsels". www.serge.org. Retrieved 2008-01-13.
  17. ^ Ho, Rodney (2008-02-15). "Michael Johns interview (updated)". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Access Atlanta.
  18. ^ Sean (2008-02-18). "Could a former USAFL player be the next American Idol?". World Footy News.
  19. ^ "Mike goes his own way". Atlanta Kookaburras Australian Rules Football Club. 2008-02-27. {{cite news}}: line feed character in |work= at position 20 (help)
  20. ^ Rocchio (2008-03-08). "'American Idol' cuts final four semifinalists, reveals Top 12 finalists". Reality TV World.
  21. ^ a b Becnel, Thomas (2008-02-20). "Sing from the Soul, Hope for Best". Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
  22. ^ "Songs From the Attic on Amazon.com". Retrieved 2008-02-23.
  23. ^ Lang, Derrik J. (2008-03-04). "Strip Club: 'Idol' Once Danced Here". Associated Press. Google News.
  24. ^ Lang, Derrik J. (2008-03-04), Hernandez to stay on 'Idol' despite past, Associated Press, Yahoo! News, retrieved 2008-03-04 {{citation}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ Lambert, Suzanne Condie (2008-03-05). "Ariz. 'Idol' contestant disregards idle buzz". The Arizona Republic. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ "Hot Digital Songs." UKMIX. 28 Feb. 2008.
  27. ^ "Hot Digital Songs." UKMIX. 12 Feb. 2008.
  28. ^ Starr, Michael (2007-11-05). "'American Idol' Shake Up". New York Post.
  29. ^ The Associated Press: 'Idol' Ratings Down From Last Year[dead link‍]
  30. ^ [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iwXD4BoO2HF6nbttn2FU7Cw_ZtowD8U6DNUO1 The Associated Press: `American Idol' Returning for Season 7][dead link‍]
  31. ^ ""American Idol" Adding Guitar Strumming, Subtracting Mentors". Rolling Stone. 2007-11-05.
  32. ^ The Associated Press: `American Idol' Returning for Season 7[dead link‍]
Preceded by American Idol
Season 7 (2008) 		Succeeded by
TBA
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