American Idol

Zoanette Johnson was a confident, room-filling diva who wore a color-blocked outfit and sang the national anthem on tonight's (Jan. 31) Oklahoma City edition of the 'American Idol' auditions. She forgot the words. She messed up the melody, but at least she didn't lip-sync a la Beyonce. We'd have rather watched Bey fake it than hear Zoanette live, but she still got a pass to the next round because

Kayden Stephenson, 16, looks like your typical teenage boy. Cute, blonde hair, a billion dollar smile. The Tulsa-based teen auditioned on tonight's (Jan. 31) episode of 'American Idol' in Oklahoma City, revealing that he has been singing since he was four and that this is his dream. Standard 'Idol' stuff, right? Not even close, since he suffers from cystic fibrosis.

Nate Tao delivered an effortlessly beautiful rendition of Stevie Wonder's 'For Once in My Life' on tonight's (Jan. 31) audition episode of 'American Idol,' which took place in Oklahoma City. Tao, who is from Virginia, was unique not just because of his melodious voice, but because he is the son of two deaf parents. So he communicates with his hands as effectively as he does his voice.

On 'American Idol,' the gimmicks don't always work. Texas beauty Halie Hilburn learned that lesson on tonight's (Jan. 31) audition episode, which took place in Oklahoma City. Hilburn is a ventriloquist and she took the stage with Oscar, her hand puppet. He held her back, since they dueted and she yodeled on '(I Want to Be) A Cowboy's Sweetheart.' She was inches from dismissal when she ditched Osca

Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson is the richest 'American Idol' alum, according to Forbes, which places her yearly earnings at $8 million.

By now, you've probably heard about the seriously scandalous story of nine former 'American Idol' contestants suing the show because they believe it's a racist attempt at a ratings boost. Well, some other former 'Idol,' four as a matter of fact, recently came out to defend the show that projected them into the limelight, claiming that it's not the least bit racist.

Nicki Minaj took over 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' last night (Jan. 25), not in the Matt Damon way, but in the simultaneous musical guest and major interview guest way. Not only was the Harajuku Barbie supremely entertaining, but she also revealed just how the 'American Idol' panel works together. Hint: She doesn't think Mariah Carey is a big fan of hers.

Nine former 'American Idol' contestants are suing the singing competition, claiming that they were forced off the show in a racist attempt to boost ratings.

Isabel Gonzalez just about charmed the pants off of the ‘American Idol’ judges during Wednesday night's audition episode (Jan. 23). At only 16, she has a rich and powerful voice is undeniably easy on the ears. Where on earth did this talented singer come from?

On tonight's (Jan. 24) audition episode of 'American Idol,' Season 12 headed to judge Randy Jackon's hometown of Baton Rouge, La. The "dawg" looked extra beautiful on camera, with Mariah Carey doing his makeup. On this ep, we met an injured beauty queen with a belter's lungs and a singing doctor with a butter smooth voice. There was more good than bad, including an awkward teen who uses

Here's something you don't see (or hear) every day during the 'American Idol' audition phase: a singing doctor! Dr. Calvin Peters, who is in his third year of residency, specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation of spine, brain, burn and muscular injuries, showed us that he is a man of many amazing talents at tonight's (Jan. 24) Baton Rouge, La. audition.

Charlie Askew, a 17-year-old hopeful from Little Rock, Ark., auditioned for Season 12 of 'American Idol' in Baton Rouge, La.,which aired tonight (Jan. 24). He was clearly an awkward teen with a shy charm. His parents even said he suffers from 'Charlie Askew Syndrome,' since he doesn't fit a traditional diagnosis and has some trouble connecting, but he bridges that communicative gap through music.

Blown. Away. That was the judge's panel and the viewing audience when Burnell Taylor, a Louisiana native, closed tonight's (Jan. 24) Baton Rouge audition episode of 'American Idol' with a rousing and soulful rendition of 'I'm Here' from 'The Color Purple.'

Miss Greater Baton Rouge Megan Miller was a walking wounded contestant. She had an accident, injured her leg, and it got infected, requiring surgery. But that wasn't going to stop this beauty with a belter's voice from making her 'American Idol' audition in Baton Rouge, La., which aired tonight (Jan. 24).

The rumors of friction on the set of 'American Idol' were definitely true, as we saw last night. Nicki Minaj stormed off the set during the Charlotte auditions when the other three judges disregard her helpful advice for an auditioning contestant. Check out the video to see what set her off.

Tonight’s round of ‘American Idol’ auditions took North Carolina by storm, sweeping through the famous Charlotte Motor Speedway. The episode was filled with talent, laughter, tears and, of course, a healthy dose of drama.