American Idol

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.

A highlight of tonight’s audition episode of ‘American Idol’ in Charlotte, N.C. was 22-year-old Candice Glover, who sang a powerful – yet appropriately sweet – version of Duffy’s ‘Syrup and Honey.’

On tonight’s audition episode of ‘American Idol’ (Jan. 23) at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, 16-year-old Isabel Gonzalez delivered a stunning rendition of Sam Cooke’s ‘Nothing Can Change This Love.’ Her talent and youthful charm won over judges Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Mariah Carey, who happily sent her on to Hollywood.

In the second night of 'American Idol' audition episodes, the panel took their talents -- and their talent -- to the Windy City.

Welcome to the thousandth season of 'American Idol' everyone! Okay we kid, it's only the 12th season, but let's do some math: we're 25, show's been on 12 years = it started when we were just mere 13-year-olds arguing with our friends over who the hottest member of the Backstreet Boys was.

When we first heard about a supposed feud between 'American Idol' judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, we couldn't help but smile. Why? Because we knew it was going to make for great television, that's why!

Well this Jersey girl just warmed our hearts on Season 12 of 'American Idol.' Sarah Restuccio, the 17-year-old from Hammontown, N.J. is country strong, and was quick to note that her town in the Garden State was different than "those up north," and probably those south of her a la 'Jersey Shore...

Is it really Season 12 of 'American Idol?' Wow! Tonight, Ryan Seacrest & Randy Jackson return but we get to see how Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban will make out as new judges. Are you looking forward to the re-vamped 'Idol' or do you think it's run it's course?

Nicki Minaj stopped by 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' on Monday (Jan. 14), where she dished on her feud with 'American Idol' co-judge Mariah Carey.

The 'American Idol' judges and host Ryan Seacrest cover the new issue of TV Guide in advance of the Season 12 premiere next week.

High up on the list of things that shouldn't concern Nicki Minaj: becoming “too famous.” Yet the singer is incredibly worried that her new role as judge on 'American Idol' could do just that, even though it opens her up to whole a new audience of exactly no one since 'Idol' watchers already know who she is.

Though 'American Idol' may have suffered in the ratings for the past few seasons, the fresh judging panel of Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban may be just what the show needs. In new promo clips, we get a glimpse of the 'Pound the Alarm' MC in action, and she's an absolute thrill to behold.