Ramiele Says Idol Played Fair
Los Angeles (E! Online) - Ramiele Malubay's fellow American Idol finalists stood head and shoulders above her, but she says she never felt overmatched.
"I feel it was all an even playing field. We all had our weaknesses and strengths," she told reporters on the morning after her elimination from the competition. "We were picked for a reason."
At 4 feet, 11 inches, Malubay was the shortest Idol. And compared to the likes of former Star Search champ David Archuleta and former MCA recording artist Carly Smithson, she was one of the least-seasoned singers.
"I knew they all had experience. [But] I had as much experience as I thought I was going to need," Malubay said. "We're all learning what I'm learning."
Malubay finished ninth, her run coming to an end after her Dolly Parton week performance of "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind."
And, yes, it totally crossed Malubay's mind that she was the doomed one on Wednesday's results show.
Bye bye to Ramiele Malubay!
LOS ANGELES - Say goodbye, Malubay. Ramiele Malubay — the diminutive singer with the big voice — was booted from "American Idol" as the show trimmed the competition to eight hopefuls.
Malubay, 20, of Miramar, Fla., crooned Dolly Parton's "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" on Tuesday night's show. Paula Abdul enjoyed the performance. Randy Jackson thought it was OK. But Simon Cowell — not so much.
"Overall I thought it was forgettable, and I think it was very reminiscent of something you would see and hear on a cruise ship," the acerbic judge told Malubay.
Brooke White and Kristy Lee Cook were the other lowest vote-getters.
Idol Rocker Cook "Fine" after Health Scare
Los Angeles (E! Online) - For the first time, David Cook wasn't able to rock steady.
The American Idol contestant was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital following Tuesday night's performance show after experiencing what were likely stress-related heart palpitations.
"He was feeling light-headed," a source on set told E! News, adding that paramedics were called to check the singer's blood pressure during a commercial break just prior to his performance.
Despite his palpitations, Cook insisted he go on with his performance and only after his minute-and-a-half in the spotlight did he get proper treatment.
"He went on and afterwards he went to the hospital to be checked out for high blood pressure and high anxiety."
After examining the young singer, who was suffering from an accelerated heart rate and a spike in blood pressure, a doctor gave him medication to bring his blood pressure down and Cook was discharged.
He's currently back at the L.A.-area hotel where he and his fellow contestants are staying this season. "He is fine and not at the hospital," another source told E! News.
While the timeframe surrounding Cook's ailments is currently unclear, TMZ reports that producers wanted the 25-year-old Missouri bartender to head to the emergency room before the show, which starts taping at 5 p.m. PT, was over, but that Cook wanted to stay until the end.
More Stars Align for Idol Special!
Los Angeles (E! Online) - Idol hands-on-deck are Fox's playthings.
The network has unveiled a second impressive batch of stars who have signed on to appear in American Idol's second annual "Idol Gives Back" charity special next month, which will once again raise funds for U.S. and international causes.
Forest Whitaker, who appeared last year as well, will be back to make a plea for viewer donations, to be joined by Jennifer Connolly, Amy Adams and the network's own Kiefer Sutherland.
Robin Williams and Billy Crystal will also make guest spots on the one-night, two-hour special, along with fellow funnyman Dane Cook.
As Simon Cowell is so keen to remind contestants, American Idol is, above all else, a singing competition, and as such some impressive musically inclined stars have also joined the guest spot ranks. Friend of the show Celine Dion will appear, as will High School Musical stars Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale.
NEW YORK - Uneasy lies Chikezie, who won't wear the crown. The one-name singer — who previously worked security at Los Angeles International Airport — was eliminated from "American Idol" as the show narrowed the competition to nine finalists.
Chikezie, 22, of Inglewood, Calif., injected the singing contest with enthusiasm and soul. His performances could be risky and kinetic, as when he sang the Beatles' "She's A Woman," or safe and retro, as seen in his earlier rendition of "More Today than Yesterday."
Simon Cowell criticized Chikezie for singing the ballad "If Only for One Night" on Tuesday's performance show: "You chose the wrong song last night. ... It wasn't original."
The other lowest vote-getters were Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado.
Tattooed finalist Carly Smithson took a moment to address speculation she's expecting a child with her husband. She told host Ryan Seacrest: "Apparently I'm pregnant — but I'm not."