American Idol

Harry Connick Jr. Cradles Munfarid Zaidi After Standout Audition on American Idol

Shari Weiss

Truth rating: 10

10:17 pm, January 15th, 2014

VIDEO

(FOX/Twitter)

(FOX/Twitter)

Munfarid Zaidi didn’t just meet his idol, Harry Connick Jr., on Wednesday’s season 13 premiere of “American Idol.”

He also got held by the new judge… twice.

The Pakistani-born 19-year-old, who now lives in Texas, kicked off his audition by revealing his love for Connick.

The singer-actor responded by getting out of his seat and lifting Zaidi in the air  — and vowed to cradle the contestant if he nailed his performance.

Both men amusingly and amazingly held up their end of the deal.

“This is phenomenal. Give him his ticket,” declared Connick.

Check out the funny video below!

Follow @GossipCop on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!

WATCH:

Start at 3:40 mark.

Sign up for Gossip Cop’s daily newsletter.

You might like:

Continue Reading →

Kaitlyn Jackson, 15, Stuns With Emotional Original Song “Another Angel” on Idol

Shari Weiss

Truth rating: 10

9:07 pm, January 15th, 2014

VIDEO

(FOX/Twitter)

(FOX/Twitter)

Kaitlyn Jackson turned personal tragedy into a heartbreakingly beautiful moment on Wednesday’s “American Idol” season 13 premiere.

The 15-year-old New York student performed an original song called “Another Angel,” which she wrote after her grandfather suffered a heart attack while watching her sing at a county fair.

Jackson’s grandpa was able to be saved that day — but didn’t live to hear the moving track she was inspired to write about the incident.

The contestant’s powerful lyrics and smooth vocals stunned the judges, who became visibly emotional while watching the audition.

“I love that,” Jennifer Lopez exclaimed afterwards.

Keith Urban pointed out, “If you can write a song like that, and be inspired by that, and need to write about that — and you’re 15. Wow!”

And new judge Harry Connick Jr. told Jackson, “You mentioned that your grandpa never heard it. I disagree,” suggesting he was listening from up above.

“I can start the voting process by saying 100 percent absolutely,” he added.

Needless to say, Lopez and Urban agreed.

Check out the video below!

Follow @GossipCop on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!

WATCH:

Sign up for Gossip Cop’s daily newsletter.

You might like:

Continue Reading →

It’s Official: Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. Added As American Idol Judges

Gossip Cop

Truth rating: 10

10:19 am, September 3rd, 2013

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

It’s official: Jennifer Lopez is returning to “American Idol.”

Harry Connick Jr. will also be joining the judges’ panel for season 13, alongside season 12 judge Keith Urban, FOX announced on Tuesday.

Ryan Seacrest will return as the show’s host, and Randy Jackson will serve as a mentor on the singing competition.

“American Idol” begins auditions in Boston on September 3, and debuts on FOX in January 2014.

What do you think of the new judges’ panel?

Follow @GossipCop on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!

Sign up for Gossip Cop’s daily newsletter.

You might like:


Continue Reading →