<![CDATA[Entertainment news from metro.us/philadelphia]]> en-us <![CDATA[The Word: Britney Spears' 'X Factor' contract includes Doritos and fried chicken]]> Britney Spears may be making $15 million for gracing the judges table on "The X Factor," but she still doesn't intend to put out her own snack money.

Details from the singer's contract have leaked, and she has some very specific requests as far as dressing room needs are concerned. Every day, she'll require fried chicken (legs and breasts only), 12 Snickers bars, 24 cans of Coke, 10 snack size bags of Doritos and 12 vases of magnolia blossoms — give or take a basket of baby white lion cubs, depending what source you're going with.

Not that all of this junk food is exclusively for Spears, who has reportedly been hitting the gym before cameras start rolling. She's also requested a 24-member staff that includes a beauty team, a massage therapist and a "spiritual adviser."

How sweet would it be to serve as Spears' spiritual adviser? You know you could just toss this chick a couple mood rings and spend the next seven-and-a-half hours eating her Doritos.

Clarkson’s just too happy

Now that Kelly Clarkson is in a stable relationship, she fears her art will suffer.

"It is killing me. I'm trying to write a tough song and it is coming out like butterflies and rainbows," the singer tells People magazine. "It is ruining my creativity."

You’ve got to make sacrifices for love, Kelly. But then again, most of us couldn’t write lyrics as lame as these after, say, junior year:

"I used to stand so tall
I used to be so strong
Your arms around me tight
Everything, it felt so right"

Today in Kardashians

Khloe Kardashian is dishing out some tough love. According to Australia's NW magazine, after finding a stash of Kim's Valium and sleeping pills, she told her sister to clean it up or she was telling mom.

"Khloe's really freaked out by it: She found a bottle of pills and knew straight away what Kim was doing," says a source, adding that Kim began self-medicating after splitting from Reggie Bush two years ago.

Oh, Khloe — if you only knew what we started swallowing after her four-hour wedding special.

Colbert Nation speaks

Maxim magazine let readers vote on this year’s list of the 100 hottest women, which is why Stephen Colbert — who launched a massive write-in campaign — comes in at number 69. The comedian beat out Word favorites including Sophie Vergara (at 71) and Christina Hendricks (an unacceptable 77). ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143895--the-word-britney-spears-x-factor-contract-includes-doritos-and-fried-chicken Wed, 23 May 2012 18:33:17 -0400 MONICA WEYMOUTH, PHILADELPHIA http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143895--the-word-britney-spears-x-factor-contract-includes-doritos-and-fried-chicken <![CDATA[Santigold: Master of her 'Make-Believe']]>
"That was amazing," says White, reflecting back on the moment. "When we were onstage, we noticed something far off in the distance and just saw this huge part of the crowd running across the field, and I remember afterward we were like, 'Did you see that? What happened?' And then when somebody sent it to me on YouTube I couldn't believe it. I've heard that the video has been used in leadership classes."

This moment is a good metaphor for everything that the music of Santigold represents. The songs are playful and fun, but they are firmly rooted in the notion of spreading positivity. Releasing a self-titled debut in 2009, Santigold toured for two years and built a loyal following, so that when she released her sophomore album, "Master of My Make-Believe" earlier this month, the response was not entirely unlike the dancers running across the field to join in on the fun.

"It's great as an artist, starting out, to just spend some time building a fan base," she says. "I was really grateful that the demand was there for so long."

The live show is equally deserving of that demand, with its cross of high energy and high camp. Robotic backup singers flank White and occasionally bust into funny, old-school dance moves. Backup musicians wear rubber flat-top wigs, making them look like comic book versions of ancient Egyptians. Oh, and there's also a two-person horsey that comes out to dance.

"I just closed my eyes one day and I saw lassos and a horse, and I was like, 'We need lassos and a horse!' and everybody looked at me like I was crazy," she says of the eureka moment. "And then me and my girls went online and we found this cool horse outfit and we were like, 'That's the one!' I wanted it to be theatrical in a very do-it-yourself sort of way, like a high school play."

'GO!' for it

"Master of My Make-Believe" opens in a call to arms, with the song, "GO!" Against electronic pulses and jungle drums, Santi White sings about how haters have tried to steal her power away, "but they couldn't take it."

"There's truth to all of these songs," she says, "and this one is just watching people in the super mainstream pick and choose and take bits of what's going on in the underground. ... Also, that song is kind of like a tongue-in-cheek fun song. They're kind of like mantra songs for me, where you just need to be like, 'I'm the best!' Especially when you're working on a new record, and you really don't feel like that. There's just times when you don't feel like that, and it's nice to be able to sing songs like that to make you feel good." ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143890--santigold-master-of-her-make-believe Wed, 23 May 2012 18:03:05 -0400 PAT HEALY, BOSTON http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143890--santigold-master-of-her-make-believe <![CDATA[TV picks: Wednesday, May 23]]> "American Idol"
REALITY. Can teen sensation Jessica Sanchez become the first gal to win the title of "American Idol" since Jordin Sparks in 2007? Or will Dave Matthew doppelganger Phillip Phillips strum his way to victory (and a lifetime on the summer festival circuit, though that already seems to be a given). The votes are tallied and the Season 11 champ is revealed tonight.
Season finale, 8 p.m., Fox

"The Middle"
COMEDY. The Hecks are caught off guard when they receive an invitation to Mike's brother's (returning guest star Norm Macdonald) wedding. They're even more surprised when they realize the ceremony is taking place at their house.
Season finale, 8 p.m., ABC

"Man-Eating Super Croc"
REALITY. What sounds like a Syfy Original Movie is actually a chronicle of one team's hunt for a creature that has been terrorizing a Philippine village.
8 p.m., Animal Planet

"Law & Order: SVU"
DRAMA. An underage escort is murdered. Please, please, please let this be a crossover episode with "The Killing" so we can finally know who killed Rosie Larsen. (Sorry, folks — it's not.)
Season finale, 10 p.m., NBC ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143887--tv-picks-wednesday-may-23 Wed, 23 May 2012 17:56:42 -0400 AMBER M RAY, NEW YORK http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143887--tv-picks-wednesday-may-23 <![CDATA[Music festivals; The best of the fests]]>
Wakarusa
May 31-June 3, Ozark, Ark.
www.wakarusa.com
Supersized festivals like this one are usually just as much for die-hard music fans as they are for tent and dirt enthusiasts, which has made this long-running music and camping festival in Arkan-sas such a hit. That and the eclectic lineups -- this year the slate runs the gamut from heady electronic bro Pretty Lights, to neo-mod soul act Fitz and the Tant-rums, to indie beardos Blitzen Trapper, who were probably going to be hanging around nearby in the woods already anyway.

Electric Daisy Carnival
June 8-10, Las Vegas
www.electricdaisycarnival.com
For almost 15 years this has been one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the country. Now that EDC is bigger than ever, it makes sense that the festival would expand exponentially too. Big names like Avicii, Tiesto, Afrojack and David Guetta headline.

All Good Festival
July 19-22, Thornville, Ohio
www.allgoodfestival.com
Old people like music too, and while they may not do as many drugs as they used to, sometimes it's nice to go back and relive the glory days, if only for a weekend. Phil Lesh & Friends, The Flaming Lips, Bob Weir and Bruce Hornsby with Branford Marsalis, The Allman Brothers Band and your dad will all be there.

Pitchfork Music Festival
July 13-15, Chicago
Lollapalooza
Aug. 3-5, Chicago
www.pitchfork.com/festivals/chicago/2012
www.lollapalooza.com
The old marketing brand returns with a lineup that reads like the ghosts of Lollapalooza past (Red Hot Chili Peppers, At the Drive-In), present (Black Keys, Florence + the Machine) and future (Twin Shadow, SBTRKT). The stacked bill almost seems more Pitchforkian than the actual Pitchfork fest going on a couple weeks earlier featuring Grimes, Clams Casino, Sleigh Bells and Beach House.

Bonnaroo
June 7-10
Manchester, Tenn.
www.bonnaroo.com
In the past decade, Bonnaroo has become the ideal by which all other fests are judged, and a great example of what happens when you realize, whoops, you’ve become superpopular and need to book more than just jam bands. This year the likes of Skrillex, Radiohead, Mogwai, Das Racist, GZA, Santi-gold, The Roots and Foster the People give the nation’s hipsters a really confusing idea of what Tennessee is actually like. Luke O’Neil
]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143886--music-festivals-the-best-of-the-fests Wed, 23 May 2012 17:56:18 -0400 LUKE O'NEIL, BOSTON http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143886--music-festivals-the-best-of-the-fests <![CDATA[Adam Lambert becomes first openly gay artist with no. 1 hit]]>
Lambert's second studio album sold 77,000 copies in its first week, a significantly lower debut than Underwood's "Blown Away" debut two weeks ago, which sold 267,000 copies to score the top spot on the chart.

"Blown Away" fell to No. 3 this week, behind Adele's juggernaut "21," which added a further 63,000 copies to its phenomenal sales record this week.

Lambert joins six other former "Idol" contestants who have topped the album chart -- Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry and Scotty McCreery.

Comedy rockers Tenacious D, comprising actors Jack Black and Kyle Gass, made an impressive debut at No. 5 with their third studio album "Rize of the Fenix," selling 44,000. Baltimore atmospheric pop band Beach House scored their highest debut to date with their fourth studio album "Bloom" at No. 7.

Fox's musical TV show "Glee" made its lowest chart debut to date, as their season 3 finale's "Graduation Album" sold 39,000 copies and clocked in at No. 8.

Newcomer Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen broke Gotye's long-running streak at No. 1 on the Digital Songs chart with her infectious single "Call Me Maybe," which she performed at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" featuring Kimbra fell to No. 2, while the rest of the top five was rounded out by Maroon 5's "Payphone" featuring Wiz Khalifa, Nicki Minaj's "Starships" and fun.'s "We Are Young," featuring Janelle Monae, in that order. ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143861--adam-lambert-becomes-first-openly-gay-artist-with-no-1-hit Wed, 23 May 2012 14:20:23 -0400 REUTERS http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143861--adam-lambert-becomes-first-openly-gay-artist-with-no-1-hit <![CDATA[Cannes: Brad Pitt talks about "Killing Me Softly"]]>
Based on a novel by George V. Higgins, the film is set in the middle of the 2006 U.S election campaign. In a small anonymous town, crippled by the financial meltdown, gangster, Jackie Cogan (a slick Brad Pitt) is made to find the men behind a recent hold up following an illegal poker game.
“Although on the surface the film is a bit old school, we wanted the story to reflect events that are happening today,” Brad Pitt told the press at Cannes.

What Dominik’s comical-philosophical dialogue helps paint is the picture of an America that is losing its values. Pitt denies that the film praises violence. On the contrary.

"We live in a world where violence is a constant presence. For gangsters, it’s the norm. I admit I would find it harder playing a racist than a man that shoots people in the head,” he laughs.
When asked about the inclusion of some of Obama’s speeches in the film, Brad Pitt explained it was more of "a message of hope more than a cynical critic on the failures of America.”

Is it a plug for the next U.S elections?

"I am scared that American TV networks choose to broadcast a lot of negative press more than they have done in the past. Personally, I lean towards the left. And I think that the ideals that make up the United States of America: innovation, integrity and justice – more than ever have to be defended. It’s very easy for things to get out of control.” ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143860--cannes-brad-pitt-talks-about-killing-me-softly Wed, 23 May 2012 13:40:39 -0400 Jérôme Vermelin, METRO WORLD NEWS IN CANNES http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143860--cannes-brad-pitt-talks-about-killing-me-softly <![CDATA[Wednesday gossip roundup: Britney Spears wants a spiritual advisor (and chicken)]]> Megan Fox is reportedly pregnant — and it's a girl, according to Star magazine. "She's been helping to raise [husband] Brian [Austin Green]'s 10-year-old son, Kassius, for years, and now she'll have the experience of being mommy to a little girl," a source says. "Obviously, Megan and Brian would be happy with a healthy baby of either gender, but they're beyond thrilled that Kassius is going to have a little sister." It looks like it'll be a busy autumn for the "Transformers" star. "She'll be due at the very end of September or the first week in October," the source adds. "Megan is attached to a movie called 'Swindle,' but it's in rewrites and probably won't even begin filming until next year. So right now her plate is totally clean, and she can devote herself to her baby."

Britney Spears reportedly wants more than just the $15 million she's being paid for her first season as a judge on "the X Factor," if the details of her contract are any indication. Spears allegedly requested daily supplies of fried chicken — legs and breasts only — as well as a dozen Snickers bars two dozen cans of Coke a day, according to Closer magazine. More importantly, Spears wants a 24-member support staff that has nothing to do with the actual show — including a "spiritual advisor" — so that she does not have "random people approaching her," a source says. But odd demands aside, producer Simon Cowell apparently built some protection for himself into the contract: "Insiders say the deal Simon has struck means he's only paying her per episode," the source adds. "So if she's not performing, then she'll be replaced, just like Cheryl Cole was last year."

At a tour stop in Manila, Lady Gaga took a moment to address the recent protests that have been waged against her — leading to her not being allowed to perform in Jakarta, India. She's also drawn protest from Biblemode Youth, a Christian group that called for an end to her shows in the Philippines. "Some people think that I stand for like, really inappropriate things," she told the crowd, according to Hollyscoop. "The truth is I want the f---ing best for you. I want the best for every single one of you. I love you with all of my heart and all my soul, I really do." As for stirring up controversy while in the Philippines, Gaga doesn't seem too concerned: "Don't worry, if I get thrown in jail in Manila, Beyonce will just bail me out," she posted on Twitter this week. "Sold out night two in the Philippines. I love it here!"

Katy Perry knew it would be impossible to avoid mention of her 14-month marriage to Russell Brand in her upcoming tour documentary, "Katy Perry: Part of Me," so she addressed it head-on. "I thought it was important to show everything in between. I think sometimes people think that we're perfect, and we know we're not perfect, at all," Perry explains to Ellen DeGeneres in an interview. "It's important to start breaking down the idea that to achieve your dreams, you always have to be perfect or flawless or live in some kind of fantasy world. That's why I decided to put everything into the film. In the most tasteful way."

Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's relationship is still going strong, even if he reportedly isn't quite ready to move in with her, according to Us Weekly. "He says he wants to slow down and not live with her yet," the source close to Mendes says. "But he doesn't want to lose her." And apparently there was something behind the breakup rumors last month, when Gosling started to get a bit distant, but Mendes' friend says she confronted him about it and they're happier than ever now.

Kelly Clarkson has gotten some her best material for songs from bad breakups, and now that she's in a happy, stable relationship, she worries her work is suffering. "It is killing me. I'm trying to write a tough song and it is coming out like butterflies and rainbows," Clarkson, who has been in a relationship since late last year, tells People magazine. "It is ruining my creativity. I'm writing all this happy [stuff]. People are going to be, like, 'What the hell happened to you?'" It has been really difficult. I love it. It's an awesome problem to have."

]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143849--wednesday-gossip-roundup-britney-spears-wants-a-spiritual-advisor-and-chicken Wed, 23 May 2012 11:20:48 -0400 METRO WORLD NEWS, HOLLYWOOD http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143849--wednesday-gossip-roundup-britney-spears-wants-a-spiritual-advisor-and-chicken <![CDATA[Who won 'Dancing with the Stars' last night? Donald Driver?]]>
An ecstatic Driver leapt for joy, then rolled around on the dance floor seemingly unable to contain himself.

Dancing with professional partner Peta Murgatroyd, Driver was cited by the judges for his intensity and determination in the competition, as well as his willingness to listen and learn from them during the course of the TV ballroom dance competition.

Driver, 37, triumphed over finalists Telenovela star William Levy who placed third and runner-up, classical music singer Katherine Jenkins, a season-long standout.

"Amazing, this is awesome!" Driver exclaimed before accepting the coveted mirror ball trophy, which he raised aloft, whooping and screaming.

Driver's cliffhanger win followed a season that host Tom Bergeron on Monday called the hit series' most competitive ever, with a razor-thin single point margin out of a possible 60 separating the couples after Monday's dances brought several perfect-30 scores.

On Tuesday all three couples got perfect 30s for their one last dance. The two nights' numbers were weighted equally with fan votes to determine the winner.

For Levi the final dance was a Salsa, leading judges to laud his star quality, while Jenkins did the Jive.

Driver, wearing an oversized, sleeveless deep-pink shirt — which he doffed seconds into his final dance — and matching pants, turned out his spectacular Cha-cha-cha.

Ironically that was the same dance that gave the wide receiver his lowest score of the competition, a 21, earlier in the season. But he came on strong for the finals, with 30s for that as well as his Freestyle on Monday.

The competition had seemed like it was Jenkins' to lose, after she dominated many weeks throughout the 14th season, winning strong fan support and going into Tuesday's final dance with a perfect 60 from the judges.

Goodman called her "one of the most technically advanced dancers" the show had ever seen, and "the complete package."

"It's been an absolute dream," she said afterward, offering her congratulations to Driver and saying "Well done Donald, we love you."

All 12 competitors from the season, all the way back to tennis star Martina Navratilova, who was the first eliminated, returned to dance on the live two-hour finale.

Other dancers included soap star Jack Wagner, singer Gladys Knight, talk show host Sherri Shepherd, actress Melissa Gilbert and musician Gavin DeGraw, as well as Disney Channel star Roshon Fegen, actor Jaleel White and TV host and actress Maria Menounos.

Highlights of the finale included musical performances by "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson, and Gladys Knight.

"Dancing With the Stars" has been among the top-rated U.S. TV shows of this season and is ABC's most-watched program, drawing 18 million viewers on average this season.

But ratings for the seven-year-old program have slipped in recent seasons, and an All-Star edition featuring past contestant favorites has been ordered for fall.

]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143840--who-won-dancing-with-the-stars-last-night-donald-driver Wed, 23 May 2012 09:50:39 -0400 REUTERS http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143840--who-won-dancing-with-the-stars-last-night-donald-driver <![CDATA[Who won 'Dancing with the Stars' last night? Donald Driver!]]>
An ecstatic Driver leapt for joy, then rolled around on the dance floor seemingly unable to contain himself.

Dancing with professional partner Peta Murgatroyd, Driver was cited by the judges for his intensity and determination in the competition, as well as his willingness to listen and learn from them during the course of the TV ballroom dance competition.

Driver, 37, triumphed over finalists Telenovela star William Levy who placed third and runner-up, classical music singer Katherine Jenkins, a season-long standout.

"Amazing, this is awesome!" Driver exclaimed before accepting the coveted mirror ball trophy, which he raised aloft, whooping and screaming.

Driver's cliffhanger win followed a season that host Tom Bergeron on Monday called the hit series' most competitive ever, with a razor-thin single point margin out of a possible 60 separating the couples after Monday's dances brought several perfect-30 scores.

On Tuesday all three couples got perfect 30s for their one last dance. The two nights' numbers were weighted equally with fan votes to determine the winner.

For Levi the final dance was a Salsa, leading judges to laud his star quality, while Jenkins did the Jive.

Driver, wearing an oversized, sleeveless deep-pink shirt - which he doffed seconds into his final dance - and matching pants, turned out his spectacular Cha-cha-cha.

Ironically that was the same dance that gave the wide receiver his lowest score of the competition, a 21, earlier in the season. But he came on strong for the finals, with 30s for that as well as his Freestyle on Monday.

The competition had seemed like it was Jenkins' to lose, after she dominated many weeks throughout the 14th season, winning strong fan support and going into Tuesday's final dance with a perfect 60 from the judges.

Goodman called her "one of the most technically advanced dancers" the show had ever seen, and "the complete package."

"It's been an absolute dream," she said afterward, offering her congratulations to Driver and saying "Well done Donald, we love you."

All 12 competitors from the season, all the way back to tennis star Martina Navratilova, who was the first eliminated, returned to dance on the live two-hour finale.

Other dancers included soap star Jack Wagner, singer Gladys Knight, talk show host Sherri Shepherd, actress Melissa Gilbert and musician Gavin DeGraw, as well as Disney Channel star Roshon Fegen, actor Jaleel White and TV host and actress Maria Menounos.

Highlights of the finale included musical performances by "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson, and Gladys Knight.

"Dancing With the Stars" has been among the top-rated U.S. TV shows of this season and is ABC's most-watched program, drawing 18 million viewers on average this season.

But ratings for the seven-year-old program have slipped in recent seasons, and an All-Star edition featuring past contestant favorites has been ordered for fall.

]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143839--who-won-dancing-with-the-stars-last-night-donald-driver Wed, 23 May 2012 09:40:32 -0400 REUTERS http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143839--who-won-dancing-with-the-stars-last-night-donald-driver <![CDATA['American Idol' recap: Phil Phillips will probably win, but who cares?]]>
The final showdown was billed as the battle of opposites: He’s a "21-year-old pawn shop worker and she's a 16-year-old powerhouse." Huh? Who writes this drivel?

After the judges made their grand entrance, the contestants began a grueling (for the audience) three round sing-off with little commentary from the panel (which was really a nice change).

In round one, they sang something chosen by the show's executive producer Simon Fuller. He must stand in line at the bank all day depositing his money. How else would you come up with Whitney Houston's 1993 single "I Have Nothing" for Jessica Sanchez? And why would you put her in a dress that she was so afraid to trip over she clutched it like a life rope tossed to a drowning man? Foreshadowing? Stay tuned.

Fuller chose the 1961 Ben E. King classic "Stand By Me" for Phillip Phillips. Must be another one of the muzak rotations in the bank. It's a 50 year-old song that’s been sung by everyone from John Lennon to Jimi Hendrix. He did a fine job, but it was hard not to wonder who would pay money to hear him sing this. Everyone who's ever strummed a guitar already has their own rendition.

Judges agreed round one went to Celine (er, Jessica) Sanchez. The rest of us were too busy yawning to care.

But before we go on, it's time for Jason Derulo’s triumphant return with his new song "Undefeated." The guy broke his neck rehearsing for a world tour. First night back he's covered in fog, standing on a folding chair and doing all sorts of things to prove he's in tip-top shape. The song, "Undefeated," is dreadful, but Coca-Cola is offering 10,000 free downloads. Based on this performance, it might hit 10,001 if girlfriend and "Idol" winner Jordin Sparks supports his work.

On to round two where the young pop-star wannabe chooses her favorite number from the season, "The Prayer." Again with the middle-aged woman music and the long dress. If she keeps this up, she'll be doing senior cruises before she finishes high school. Yes, she does have a great voice, but it takes more than that to make it. Ask Melinda Doolittle, if you can find her.

Of course, Phil Phil's choice for round two is the performance anyone of a certain age thinks he should be arrested for. You don't mess with Billy Joel's "Movin' Out." And if you must, it's "heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack. You ought to know by now." Judge Tyler mumbled "hatch or go bad." Nobody really knows what he was talking about. Round two was a split decision.

Following an ad for some new show called "The Choice," a hybrid of everything that's great about "The Dating Game" and "The Voice," it was time for the dueling duo to perform the song that will be their first single.

Typically, this has always been a horrific song that you'd have to be paid a million dollars to sing. Jessica's nightmare is called "Change Nothing." J. Lo called it a pop-ballad. Her eardrums must've popped. It actually sounds like dinner music on a cruise ship. Maybe Jessica should hang on to it after all.

Phil Phil fared much better with a song called "Home." It has a bit of a Simon & Garfunkel feel to it and we all know how contemporary that is. They pulled out all the stops for this one, however. Half way through the song 12 drummers drumming walked on stage in marching band formation and provided enough rhythm to wake the sleeping viewers just in time to vote.

Last year's winner, (see if you can name him), closed the show with a video montage. When it was all over, this viewer's phone was in the other room. Wasn't worth getting up just to vote. Looks easier to call than Reagan vs. Mondale. Game, set, match pawn shop boy. He's cute and he's got a guitar.

When it's all said and done, if the best thing you can say is that Seacrest is getting good at this job, perhaps it's time for “American Idol” to say farewell.

]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143829--american-idol-recap-phil-phillips-will-probably-win-but-who-cares Tue, 22 May 2012 23:31:56 -0400 NICK DUSSAULT http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143829--american-idol-recap-phil-phillips-will-probably-win-but-who-cares