Making his triumphant return to the show that made him famous, rising country star Scotty McCreery was on hand on Wednesday night (Jan. 23) to help 'American Idol' kick off its twelfth season audition rounds in Charlotte, NC.
Obviously, Scotty McCreery is no stranger to 'American Idol.' The 19-year-old singer was crowned the winner in the show's tenth season, and has since embarked on a successful recording and touring career as a country artist. This Wednesday (Jan. 23), he will return to the show for an appearance during the audition rounds in Charlotte, in his home state of North Carolina.
Keith Urban is the perfect representative for country music on 'American Idol,' according to Carrie Underwood. Of course Underwood's opinion matters, since she is one of the most successful 'Idol' alums in the show's storied history.
Brandy Neelly wowed the judges on 'American Idol' with a very strong version of the Hank Williams classic 'Your Cheatin' Heart' to win her way to Hollywood -- for the second time.
Keith Urban briefly had the tables turned on him on Thursday night (Jan. 17) when a contestant auditioning for 'American Idol' got the country star to duet with her on 'Baby, It's Cold Outside.'
Seventeen-year-old country singer Mackenzie Wasner owned the Chicago auditions on the second night of the 'American Idol' premiere, easily winning her way to Hollywood Week with a stellar rendition of the Vince Gill classic 'Whenever You Come Around.'
The 12th season of 'American Idol' began Wednesday night (Jan. 16), with Keith Urban taking the judge's chair for the first time. He spent most of the show dodging barbs between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey. The two pop stars seem to be stealing most of the day-after press, but at least one country singer received a golden ticket. Can country music dominate 'American Idol' in 2013 like it did in 2011?
Seventeen-year-old aspiring country singer Sarah Restuccio auditioned for 'American Idol' by singing Carrie Underwood's hit single 'Mama's Song,' and despite some uncertainty among the judges, she won her way to Hollywood.
Things may not always be hearts and flowers on the set of 'American Idol,' but new judge Keith Urban isn't going to let that phase him. In an appearance on 'Ellen' on Monday (Jan. 14), the country star laughed off reports of tension on the show, saying it's not that different from joining a band.
Nashville's own Jimmy Smith is rumored to be one of the hopefuls traveling to Hollywood for his big break in the upcoming Season 12 of 'American Idol,' which is set to debut on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
Keith Urban may sometimes serve as the referee between warring fellow 'American Idol' judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, but that doesn't mean it's all sweetness and light for the country superstar. In fact, 'Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe says Urban has sparred with all of the judges on the panel, including a huge blow-up with Minaj.
Skylar Laine's boyfriend during her time on 'American Idol' has pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime. Joseph Dominick, 21, was charged with targeting and injuring African Americans by throwing beer bottles and shooting metal ball bearings at them.
