American Idol season 9 explained

Module1:
Network:Fox

The ninth season of American Idol premiered on Fox on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, and concluded on Wednesday, May 26, 2010.[1] Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, and Randy Jackson returned as judges and were joined by Ellen DeGeneres, who was brought on as a replacement for Paula Abdul after a series of guest judges filled in during the auditions. Idol Gives Back also returned on April 21, 2010.[2] The top 24 semifinal format used in the fourth through seventh seasons also returned this season.[3] Cowell, DioGuardi, and DeGeneres all left the show after this season, although only Cowell's departure was announced in advance.[4] [5] [6]

Lee DeWyze, a folk rocker from Mount Prospect, Illinois, won the competition, beating out fellow folk rocker Crystal Bowersox, who was the runner-up. Multiple contestants from this season were signed to record deals, including DeWyze, Bowersox, Casey James, Michael Lynche, and Siobhan Magnus.

Changes from previous seasons

Paula Abdul did not return to the judges panel, having announced in the beginning of August 2009 that she was leaving the show due to unresolved contract negotiations.[7] Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, and Kristin Chenoweth were brought on as guest judges during the auditions.[8] [9] [10] [11]

After making the decision to utilize guest judges in Abdul's absence, Fox chairman Peter Rice stated that they would find a permanent fourth judge before the season premiere in January 2010.[12] Ellen DeGeneres confirmed on September 9, 2009, that she would be joining the show as the new permanent fourth judge for the rounds held at CBS Television City for Hollywood Week and thereafter.[13]

Additionally, Simon Cowell announced shortly before the ninth season began that it would be his last season on American Idol. Cowell left the show to begin preparations for an American version of his singing competition The X Factor.[14] Ellen DeGeneres also announced on July 29, 2010, that she would not return to the judges panel because it was not the "right fit" for her.[15] Kara DioGuardi also announced on September 3, 2010, that she would not return as a judge for the tenth season.[16]

Regional auditions

Auditions began on June 14, 2009, less than a month after the previous season's finale. During this stage, a series of guest judges filled in on the judging panel.[17] Auditions were held in the following cities.[18]

City! scope="col"
Preliminary datePreliminary venueFilming date(s)Filming venueGuest judgeGolden tickets
Boston, MassachusettsJune 14, 2009Gillette StadiumAugust 13–14, 200960 State Street[19] Victoria Beckham32
Atlanta, GeorgiaJune 18, 2009Georgia DomeAugust 16–17, 2009W Hotel Atlanta Midtown[20] Mary J. Blige25
Chicago, IllinoisJune 22, 2009United CenterAugust 31 – September 1, 2009Hyatt Regency Chicago[21] Shania Twain13
Dallas, TexasJune 26, 2009Cowboys StadiumAugust 24, 2009[22] W Hotel Dallas VictoryJoe Jonas31
August 25, 2009[23] Neil Patrick Harris
Los Angeles, CaliforniaJune 30, 2009Rose Bowl StadiumSeptember 3, 2009Marina del Rey Marriott[24] Katy Perry23
September 4, 2009Avril Lavigne
Orlando, FloridaJuly 9, 2009Amway ArenaAugust 28–29, 2009Rosen Shingle Creek Resort[25] Kristin Chenoweth31
Denver, ColoradoJuly 14, 2009Invesco FieldAugust 7–8, 2009Grand Hyatt[26] Victoria Beckham26
Total number of tickets to Hollywood181

Hollywood week

Held at the Kodak Theatre for the second straight year, the first day of Hollywood Week featured the 181 contestants from the auditions round[27] singing solo with the option of playing an instrument.[28] Ellen DeGeneres made her first appearance as a judge at this time. 96 contestants advanced. The next round required the contestants to split into groups and perform. 71 advanced to the final round of Hollywood requiring a solo performance. 46 made it to the final round, where the judges spoke to the contestants one-by-one to tell them whether they had made the final 24.[29]

Semifinals

The semifinal format used during the fourth through seventh seasons was revived for this season. Starting with twelve women and twelve men, the women and men performed weekly on separate shows, each performing a Billboard Hot 100 song, and on the results show, the bottom two contestants from each group were eliminated from the competition. The semifinals took place over three weeks, meaning that six men and six women were eliminated, leaving the other six men and six women to form the top 12. The women performed on the first night, and the males the next night. However, the men and women switched on March 2 and March 3, because Crystal Bowersox had been hospitalized due to complications from diabetes.[30] [31]

Color key:

Top 24

Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant! scope="col"
SongResult
Paige Miles"All Right Now" Safe
Ashley Rodriguez"Happy" Eliminated
Janell Wheeler"What About Love" Eliminated
Lilly Scott"Fixing a Hole" Safe
Katelyn Epperly"Oh! Darling" Safe
Haeley Vaughn"I Want to Hold Your Hand" Safe
Lacey Brown"Landslide"Safe
Michelle Delamor"Fallin'" Safe
Didi Benami"The Way I Am" Safe
Siobhan Magnus"Wicked Game" Safe
Crystal Bowersox"Hand in My Pocket" Safe
Katie Stevens"Feeling Good" Safe
Contestant! scope="col"
SongResult
Todrick Hall"Since U Been Gone" Safe
Aaron Kelly"Here Comes Goodbye" Safe
Jermaine Sellers"Get Here" Safe
Tim Urban"Apologize" Safe
Joe Muñoz"You and I Both" Eliminated
Tyler Grady"American Woman" Eliminated
Lee DeWyze"Chasing Cars" Safe
John Park"God Bless the Child"Safe
Michael Lynche"This Love" Safe
Alex Lambert"Wonderful World"Safe
Casey James"Heaven" Safe
Andrew Garcia"Sugar, We're Goin Down" Safe
Non-competition performance
PerformersSong
Top 24"American Boy"
"Scars"
"Let It Be"

Top 20

Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant! scope="col"
SongResult
Michael Lynche "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" Safe
John Park "Gravity"Eliminated
Casey James "I Don't Want to Be" Safe
Alex Lambert "Everybody Knows" Safe
Todrick Hall "What's Love Got to Do with It" Safe
Jermaine Sellers"What's Going On"Eliminated
Andrew Garcia "You Give Me Something" Safe
Aaron Kelly "My Girl" Safe
Tim Urban"Come On Get Higher" Safe
Lee DeWyze"Lips of an Angel" Safe
Contestant! scope="col"
SongResult
Crystal Bowersox "Long As I Can See the Light" Safe
Haeley Vaughn"The Climb" Eliminated
Lacey Brown "Kiss Me" Safe
Katie Stevens "Put Your Records On" Safe
Didi Benami"Lean on Me" Safe
Michelle Delamor "With Arms Wide Open" Eliminated
Lilly Scott "A Change Is Gonna Come" Safe
Katelyn Epperly "The Scientist" Safe
Paige Miles "Walk Away" Safe
Siobhan Magnus "Think" Safe
Non-competition performance
PerformersSong
Top 20"I Gotta Feeling"
"My Best Days Are Ahead of Me"

Top 16

Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant! scope="col"
SongResult
Katie Stevens "Breakaway" Safe
Siobhan Magnus "The House of the Rising Sun"Safe
Lacey Brown "The Story" Safe
Katelyn Epperly "I Feel the Earth Move" Eliminated
Didi Benami "Rhiannon" Safe
Paige Miles "Smile"Safe
Crystal Bowersox "Give Me One Reason" Safe
Lilly Scott "I Fall to Pieces" Eliminated
Contestant! scope="col"
SongResult
Lee DeWyze "Fireflies" Safe
Alex Lambert "Trouble" Eliminated
Tim Urban "Hallelujah" Safe
Andrew Garcia "Genie in a Bottle" Safe
Casey James "You'll Think of Me" Safe
Aaron Kelly "I'm Already There" Safe
Todrick Hall "Somebody to Love" Eliminated
Michael Lynche "This Woman's Work" Safe
Non-competition performance
PerformersSong
Top 16"Haven't Met You Yet"
"Tell Her About It"

Top 12 finalists

Finals

There were eleven weeks of finals with twelve contestants competing. At least one contestant was eliminated every week based on the public's votes, although the judges could veto one elimination through the use of the "judges' save."

Color key:

Top 12 – The Rolling Stones

Contestants performed one song each from the Rolling Stones discography, and are listed in the order they performed.

ContestantRolling Stones songResult
Michael Lynche "Miss You" Safe
Didi Benami "Play with Fire" Safe
Casey James "It's All Over Now" Safe
Lacey Brown "Ruby Tuesday" Eliminated
Andrew Garcia "Gimme Shelter" Safe
Katie Stevens "Wild Horses" Safe
Tim Urban "Under My Thumb" Bottom three
Siobhan Magnus "Paint It Black" Safe
Lee DeWyze "Beast of Burden" Safe
Paige Miles "Honky Tonk Women" Bottom three
Aaron Kelly "Angie" Safe
Crystal Bowersox "You Can't Always Get What You Want" Safe
Non-competition performance
PerformersSong
"Jumpin' Jack Flash"
"According to You"
"Blah Blah Blah"

Top 11 – Billboard number ones

Miley Cyrus served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed one song each from the list of Billboard number one hits, and are listed in the order they performed.

ContestantSongResult
Lee DeWyze "The Letter" Safe
Paige Miles "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" Eliminated
Tim Urban "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" Bottom three
Aaron Kelly "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" Safe
Crystal Bowersox "Me and Bobby McGee" Safe
Michael Lynche "When a Man Loves a Woman" Safe
Andrew Garcia "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" Safe
Katie Stevens "Big Girls Don't Cry" Bottom three
Casey James "The Power of Love" Safe
Didi Benami "You're No Good" Safe
Siobhan Magnus "Superstition" Safe
Non-competition performance
PerformersSong
Top 11"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go"
"When I Look at You"
"Make a Wave"

Top 10 – R&B/Soul

Usher served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

ContestantR&B/Soul songResult
Siobhan Magnus "Through the Fire" Safe
Casey James "Hold On, I'm Comin'"Safe
Michael Lynche "Ready for Love" Safe
Didi Benami "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" Eliminated
Tim Urban "Sweet Love" Bottom three
Andrew Garcia "Forever" Safe
Katie Stevens "Chain of Fools"Bottom three
Lee DeWyze "Treat Her Like a Lady" Safe
Crystal Bowersox "Midnight Train to Georgia" Safe
Aaron Kelly "Ain't No Sunshine" Safe
Non-competition performance
PerformersSong
"Don't Make 'Em Like U No More"
"OMG"
"Hello Good Morning"

Top 9 (April 6th) – Lennon–McCartney

Contestants chose songs from the Lennon–McCartney discography, and are listed in the order they performed. The judges chose to use their "judges' save" when Michael Lynche was announced as the performer to be eliminated. As a result, no one was eliminated this week.

ContestantSongResult
Aaron Kelly "The Long and Winding Road" Bottom three
Katie Stevens "Let It Be" Safe
Andrew Garcia "Can't Buy Me Love" Bottom three
Michael Lynche "Eleanor Rigby" Saved by the judges
Crystal Bowersox "Come Together" Safe
Tim Urban "All My Loving" Safe
Casey James "Jealous Guy" Safe
Siobhan Magnus "Across the Universe" Safe
Lee DeWyze "Hey Jude" Safe
Non-competition performance
PerformersSong
Top 9Lennon–McCartney medley:
"Here, There and Everywhere"
"Got to Get You into My Life"
"The Fool on the Hill"
"All You Need Is Love"
"She Loves You"
"The End"
"In My Head"
"Imagine"
"Rockstar 101"

Top 9 (April 13th) – Elvis Presley

Adam Lambert served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed one song each from the Elvis Presley discography, and are listed in the order they performed. Two contestants were eliminated.

ContestantElvis Presley songResult
Crystal Bowersox "Saved" Safe
Andrew Garcia "Hound Dog" Eliminated
Tim Urban "Can't Help Falling in Love" Safe
Lee DeWyze "A Little Less Conversation" Safe
Aaron Kelly "Blue Suede Shoes" Safe
Siobhan Magnus "Suspicious Minds"Safe
Michael Lynche "In the Ghetto" Safe
Katie Stevens "Baby What You Want Me to Do" Eliminated
Casey James "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" Safe
Non-competition performance
PerformersSong
Top 9Elvis Presley medley:
"(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear"
"Burning Love"
"Return to Sender"
"Viva Las Vegas"
Brooke White & Justin Gaston"If I Can Dream"
"Whataya Want from Me"

Top 7 – Inspirational music

Alicia Keys served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

ContestantSongResult
Casey James"Don't Stop" Bottom three
Lee DeWyze"The Boxer" Safe
Tim Urban "Better Days" Eliminated
Aaron Kelly "I Believe I Can Fly" Bottom three
Siobhan Magnus"When You Believe" Safe
Michael Lynche"Hero" Safe
Crystal Bowersox"People Get Ready" Safe
Performers! scope="col"
Song
Top 7"Keeping the Dream Alive"
"Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)"
"Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down"
"Rock That Body"
"Change"
"Your Song"
Mary J. Blige"Stairway to Heaven"

Top 6 – Shania Twain

Shania Twain served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed one song each from her discography, and are listed in the order they performed.

ContestantShania Twain songResult
Lee DeWyze "You're Still the One" Safe
Michael Lynche "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing" Bottom three
Casey James "Don't!" Bottom three
Crystal Bowersox "No One Needs to Know" Safe
Aaron Kelly "You've Got a Way" Safe
Siobhan Magnus "Any Man of Mine" Eliminated
Performers! scope="col"
Song
"Unstoppable"
"Love Left to Lose"
"Need You Now"
"Gypsy"

Top 5 – Frank Sinatra

Harry Connick, Jr. served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed one song each from the Frank Sinatra discography, and are listed in the order they performed.

ContestantFrank Sinatra songResult
Aaron Kelly"Fly Me to the Moon" Eliminated
Casey James "Blue Skies" Safe
Crystal Bowersox "Summer Wind" Safe
Michael Lynche "The Way You Look Tonight" Bottom two
Lee DeWyze "That's Life" Safe
Performers! scope="col"
Song
Top 5Frank Sinatra medley:
"The Lady Is a Tramp"
"It Was a Very Good Year"
"I've Got the World on a String"
"Night and Day"
Harry Connick, Jr. medley:
"We Are in Love"
"Come by Me"
"Hear Me in the Harmony"
"Bad Romance"
"Alejandro"
"And I Love Her"

Top 4 – Movie soundtracks

Jamie Foxx served as a guest mentor this week. Each contestant performed two songs: one solo and one duet with a fellow contestant. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

ContestantOrderSongFilmResult
Lee DeWyze1"Kiss from a Rose"Batman Forever Safe
Michael Lynche2"Will You Be There" Free Willy Eliminated
Casey James 4"Mrs. Robinson" The GraduateSafe
Crystal Bowersox5"I'm Alright" CaddyshackSafe
Crystal Bowersox
& Lee DeWyze
3"Falling Slowly"Once
Casey James &<br>Michael Lynche6"Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?"Don Juan DeMarco
Non-competition performance
PerformersSong
"Bittersweet"
"September"
"Superman Tonight"

Top 3 — Contestant's Choice/Judges' Choice

Each contestant performed two songs: one chosen by the judges and one chosen by the contestant. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

ContestantOrderSongResult
Casey James1"OK, It's Alright with Me"Eliminated
4"Daughters"
Crystal Bowersox2"Come to My Window"Safe
5"Maybe I'm Amazed"
Lee DeWyze3"Simple Man"Safe
6"Hallelujah"
Performers! scope="col"
Song
"Believe"
"U Smile"
"Baby"

Top 2 – Finale

Each contestant performed three songs, one of which was chosen by producer Simon Fuller, and are listed in the order they performed.

ContestantOrderSongResult
Lee DeWyze1"The Boxer" Winner
3"Everybody Hurts"
5"Beautiful Day"
Crystal Bowersox2"Me and Bobby McGee" Runner-up
4"Black Velvet"
6"Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)"
Performers! scope="col"
Song
"Leave Right Now"
Siobhan Magnus & Aaron Kelly
with Barry Gibb & Robin Gibb
"How Deep Is Your Love"
Michael Lynche
with Michael McDonald
"Takin' It to the Streets"
Crystal Bowersox, Siobhan Magnus, Katie Stevens
Didi Benami, Paige Miles & Lacey Brown
with Christina Aguilera
"Beautiful"
"Fighter"
Lee DeWyze, Casey James, Michael Lynche
Aaron Kelly, Tim Urban & Andrew Garcia
with Daryl Hall & John Oates
"I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)"
"Maneater"
"You Make My Dreams"
Crystal Bowersox
with Alanis Morissette
"Ironic"
"You Oughta Know"
Casey James
with Bret Michaels
"Every Rose Has Its Thorn"
Lee DeWyze
with Chicago
"Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?"
"If You Leave Me Now"
"25 or 6 to 4"
Lee DeWyze & Crystal Bowersox
with Joe Cocker
"With a Little Help from My Friends"
"School's Out"
"The Truth"
"Simon Said"
"You Lost Me"
"Undo It"
Larry Platt & William Hung"Pants on the Ground"
Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard,
Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood,
Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks & Kris Allen
"Together We Are One"
Top 12
with Janet Jackson
"Again"
"Nothing"
"Nasty"

Elimination chart

Color key:

Contestant! scope="col" rowspan="2"
SemifinalsTop 12Top 11Top 10Top 9Top 7Top 6Top 5Top 4Top 3Finale
2/253/43/113/183/254/14/84/154/224/295/55/125/195/26
Lee DeWyze1SafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeWinner
Crystal Bowersox2SafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeRunner-up
Casey James3SafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeBottom threeBottom threeSafeSafeEliminated
Michael Lynche4SafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSavedSafeSafeBottom threeBottom twoEliminated
Aaron Kelly5SafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeBottom threeSafeBottom threeSafeEliminated
Siobhan Magnus6SafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeEliminated
Tim Urban7SafeSafeSafeBottom threeBottom threeBottom threeSafeSafeEliminated
Andrew Garcia8SafeSafeSafeSafeSafeSafeBottom threeEliminated
Katie StevensSafeSafeSafeSafeBottom threeBottom threeSafe
Didi Benami10SafeSafeSafeSafeSafeEliminated
Paige Miles11SafeSafeSafeBottom threeEliminated
Lacey Brown12SafeSafeSafeEliminated
Katelyn EpperlySafeSafeEliminated
Todrick HallSafeSafe
Alex LambertSafeSafe
Lilly ScottSafeSafe
Michelle DelamorSafeEliminated
John ParkSafe
Jermaine SellersSafe
Haeley VaughnSafe
Tyler GradyEliminated
Ashley Rodriguez
Joe Muñoz
Janell Wheeler

Controversies

Chris Golightly was originally selected as semi-finalist. According to reports, Golightly was disqualified on February 17, 2010, after already being told he was in the top 24, over an old contract. The contract had expired by the time the top 24 began to tape, but they disqualified him because he was under contract at the time of the tryouts, in violation of Idol rules. He was later replaced by Tim Urban at the last minute of the last part of Hollywood Week.[33]

Ryan Seacrest was criticized by TheWrap and MSNBC Entertainment for "critiquing the judges’ comments" and becoming more aggressive.[34] [35] Ratings for this season dropped significantly compared to the previous two seasons,[36] leading to speculation that it might be coming to a close.[37] It was speculated that reasons for the decline might have included the pending departure of Simon Cowell and the more unpredictable behavior of Ryan Seacrest.[38]

U.S. Nielsen ratings

This season of American Idol was the top show for the 2009–10 season of broadcast primetime shows. Its Tuesday and Wednesday episodes occupied the top two spots of the season. Viewership for the Tuesday episodes averaged 22.974 million, while the Wednesday episodes averaged 21.951 million.[39]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Kate Stanhope. Fox Lines Up Midseason Premieres. TVGuide.com. November 30, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091129044059/http://www.tvguide.com/news/fox-lines-midseason-1012574.aspx. November 29, 2009. live.
  2. Web site: Mitchell . Wendy . 'Idol Gives Back' will return to 'American Idol' on April 21 . Entertainment Weekly. October 6, 2009. February 29, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20100105163145/http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/10/06/idol-gives-back-will-return-to-american-idol-on-april-21/. January 5, 2010 . live.
  3. News: 'American Idol' season 9: 24 semifinalists, no 'Wild Card' round, and a February 23 voting kickoff. Michael. Slezak. Entertainment Weekly. December 22, 2009. January 2, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100114050148/http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/12/22/american-idol-season-9-dates-details/. January 14, 2010 . live.
  4. Web site: Simon Cowell Leaving American Idol . People . January 11, 2010 . February 29, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110417180550/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20421555.html . April 17, 2011 . live .
  5. Barrett . Annie . Kara DioGuardi not returning to 'American Idol': It's (finally) official . Entertainment Weekly . September 3, 2010 . February 29, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120410124512/http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/09/03/kara-dioguardi-not-returning-to-american-idol-its-finally-official/ . April 10, 2012 . live .
  6. Web site: Ellen DeGeneres Bows Out of American Idol . People. July 29, 2010 . February 29, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100811040400/http://tvwatch.people.com/2010/07/29/ellen-degeneres-bows-out-of-american-idol/ . August 11, 2010 . dead .
  7. News: Abdul Walks Off Television's Biggest Stage . The New York Times . August 5, 2009 . Wyatt . Edward . February 24, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180414012431/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/arts/television/06abdul.html?_r=1&src=twt&twt=nytimes . April 14, 2018 . live .
  8. "American Idol": Shania Twain will be the next guest judge.. Entertainment Weekly. February 29, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20090821180231/http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/08/17/american-idol-shania-twain-rumored-next-guest-judge/. August 21, 2009. live.
  9. Web site: Mary J. Blige to Be a Guest Judge on American Idol . People . August 14, 2009 . February 29, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20091215094156/http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/08/14/mary-j-blige-to-be-a-guest-judge-on-american-idol/ . December 15, 2009 . dead .
  10. News: Neil Patrick Harris signs on to guest judge 'American Idol' . Los Angeles Times . August 25, 2009 . January 21, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090828062506/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/08/neil-patrick-harris-signs-on-to-judge-american-idol.html . August 28, 2009 . live .
  11. Web site: American Idol's Next Guest Judge Revealed . People . August 27, 2009 . January 21, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091031202357/http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/08/27/american-idols-next-guest-judge-revealed/ . October 31, 2009.
  12. Web site: Ausiello . Michael . Press Tour Diary: Katy Perry, Posh Spice to (temporarily) replace Abdul on 'Idol' . https://web.archive.org/web/20090808205219/http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/08/06/press-tour-diary-executive-session/ . dead . August 8, 2009 . Entertainment Weekly. August 6, 2009 . January 21, 2010 .
  13. Web site: Ellen DeGeneres Joins American Idol as Fourth Judge . Americanidol.com . September 9, 2009 . January 21, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100309084752/http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/1841/ . March 9, 2010 . live .
  14. Daniel Kreps . Simon Cowell Near New Deal to Stay On "Idol," Import "X Factor". Rolling Stone . September 24, 2009. February 29, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20100105211209/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/09/24/simon-cowell-near-new-deal-to-stay-on-idol-import-x-factor/. January 5, 2010 . live.
  15. News: Stelter . Brian . 2010-07-30 . Ellen DeGeneres Leaving 'American Idol' . en-US . The New York Times . 2023-05-15 . 0362-4331.
  16. Web site: Kara DioGuardi Is Leaving American Idol . 2023-05-15 . Peoplemag . en.
  17. https://archive.today/20120904022513/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1620572/avril-lavigne-guestjudge-idol-la.jhtml Avril Lavigne To Guest-Judge 'American Idol' In Los Angeles
  18. Web site: Season 9 Auditions – American Idol News . Americanidol.com . June 3, 2009 . January 21, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100526103407/http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/1737/ . May 26, 2010 . live .
  19. Web site: Baltrusis . Sam . Fox's 'American Idol' returns to Boston this week . Loadedgunboston.com . August 13, 2009 . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120422022717/http://www.loadedgunboston.com/2009/08/foxs-american-idol-returns-to-boston.html . April 22, 2012 . dead .
  20. Web site: Richard Eldredge . "American Idol" auditions hit Atlanta, Leaving Our Jaws, Pants on Ground . Atlantamagazine.com . January 14, 2010 . April 19, 2012.
  21. Web site: At Chicago auditions, Shania is an 'American Idol' diva in Twaining . Oocities.org . September 2, 2009 . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160128040011/http://www.oocities.org/tommy3069/shania_news_suntimes090209.html . January 28, 2016 . live .
  22. Web site: February 22, 1999 . Joe Jonas meets Brewer High teens before first day of classes . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120426082233/http://www.disneychannel-tv.com/jonas/joe-jonas-meets-brewer-high-teens-before-first-day-of-classes/ . April 26, 2012 . April 19, 2012 . Disneychannel-tv.com.
  23. Web site: Neil Patrick Harris is your latest 'American Idol' guest judge . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121104113138/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2009/08/neil-patrick-harris-is-your-latest-american-idol-guest-judge.html . November 4, 2012 . April 19, 2012 . Blog.zap2it.com . mdy-all.
  24. Web site: February 12, 2010 . A Starring Role for the Marina Del Rey Marriott . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120514170542/http://news.marriott.com/2010/02/a-starring-role-for-the-marina-del-rey-marriott.html . May 14, 2012 . April 19, 2012 . News.marriott.com.
  25. Web site: "American Idol" Reject Donald Jarrod Norrell Hauled Away In Handcuffs . September 8, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110908153111/http://www.popcrunch.com/american-idol-reject-donald-jarrod-norrell-hauled-away-in-handcuffs/ . September 8, 2011 . dead .
  26. http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-idol-audition-line-071409,0,7151416.photogallery American Idol in Denver – Photo Gallery
  27. http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_9/golden_ticket_interviews/ Golden Ticket Interviews
  28. News: "American Idol" hopeful from Seattle did not make it to Hollywood afterall. Payne. Bob. February 8, 2010. The Seattle Times. February 10, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100212103920/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/idolconfessions/2011019702_idolhayes08.html. February 12, 2010 . live.
  29. Web site: Top 24 Revealed: Feb 17, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141129105841/http://archive.americanidol.com/recaps/season_9/feb_17 . dead . November 29, 2014 . . November 17, 2014 . mdy-all .
  30. Web site: Doris Dickson says . Despite American Idol Loss, Bowersox a Boon for Diabetes Awareness . Diabetesnewshound.com . May 28, 2010 . February 24, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101208133018/http://diabetesnewshound.com/type1/crystal-bowersox/ . December 8, 2010 . dead .
  31. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2010/03/crystal-bowersox-could-be-a-game-time-decision-tonight/1?csp=34 Crystal Bowersox could be a game-time decision tonight
  32. Although the American Idol website lists Siobhan Magnus' hometown as Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Siobhan is specifically from Marstons Mills, Massachusetts, a village in the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts within Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Web site: 'American Idol' worship at Barnstable High . CapeCodOnline.com . March 13, 2010 . March 16, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100315012052/http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20100313%2FNEWS%2F3130311 . March 15, 2010 . dead . mdy-all .
  33. Web site: Chris Golightly Disqualified From 'American Idol' Top 24. MTV. Kaufman. Gil. February 18, 2010. February 8, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100325155629/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1632112/20100218/story.jhtml. March 25, 2010 . dead.
  34. News: 'Idol's' problem isn't Ellen anymore – it's Ryan. Today.com. June 5, 2010.
  35. News: Forget Simon — 'Idol's' all about Ryan now. Today.com. June 5, 2010.
  36. Web site: American Idol" Ratings Down, but Ad Sales Seen Up . ABC . USA . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100707080225/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=10545374 . July 7, 2010 . live .
  37. News: 'American Idol' Ratings Hit a Low Mark . The New York Times . April 7, 2010 . February 24, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170111152259/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/arts/television/08arts-AMERICANIDOL_BRF.html . January 11, 2017 . live . Carter . Bill .
  38. Web site: Bianco . Robert . It's time for producers to fix 'American Idol,' and here's how . USA Today . May 5, 2010 . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100507080047/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2010-05-04-idolfix04_ST_N.htm . May 7, 2010 . live .
  39. Web site: Final 2009–10 Broadcast Primetime Show Average Viewership . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . June 16, 2010 . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130517091357/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/06/16/final-2009-10-broadcast-primetime-show-average-viewership/54336/ . May 17, 2013 . dead .
  40. Web site: tvbythenumbers Jan 20, 2010 . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121018231755/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/01/20/tv-ratings-american-idol-ny-jets-ncis-and-the-big-bang-theory-top-weekly-viewing/39495/ . October 18, 2012 . dead .
  41. Web site: tvbythenumbers Jan 26, 2010 . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121104190901/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/01/26/tv-ratings-nfc-championship-american-idol-dominate-weekly-viewing/40204/ . November 4, 2012 . dead .
  42. Web site: tvbythenumbers Feb 2, 2010 . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121023164213/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/02/02/tv-ratings-grammy-awards-american-idol-house-and-ncis-top-weekly-viewing/40816/ . October 23, 2012 . dead .
  43. Web site: tvbythenumbers Feb 9, 2010 . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120415205332/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/02/09/tv-ratings-super-bowl-xliv-post-game-and-undercover-boss-dominate-weekly-viewing/41481/ . April 15, 2012 . dead .
  44. Web site: Listings – AMERICAN IDOL on FOX . The Futon Critic . January 21, 2010.
  45. Web site: tvbythenumbers Feb 17, 2010 . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121018212119/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/02/17/tv-ratings-top-25-olympics-and-american-idol-battle-for-weekly-supremacy/42196/ . October 18, 2012 . dead .
  46. Web site: tvbythenumbers Feb 23, 2010 . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110407074211/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/02/23/tv-ratings-top-25-american-idol-still-top-show-of-week-with-adults-18-49/42827 . April 7, 2011 . dead .
  47. Web site: tvbythenumbers March 2, 2010 . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120422025706/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/03/02/tv-ratings-top-25-american-idol-olympics-top-weekly-broadcast-network-viewing/43704/ . April 22, 2012 . dead .
  48. Web site: TV Ratings Top 25: Oscars, American Idol & The Big Bang Theory Top Weekly Broadcast Charts . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121009124424/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/03/09/tv-ratings-top-25-oscars-american-idol-the-big-bang-theory-top-weekly-broadcast-charts/44441/ . October 9, 2012 . dead .
  49. Web site: TV Ratings Top 25: American Idol, Big Bang Theory, NCIS Top Weekly Broadcast Charts . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120530014508/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/03/16/tv-ratings-top-25-american-idol-big-bang-theory-ncis-top-weekly-broadcast-charts/45185/ . May 30, 2012 . dead .
  50. Web site: TV Ratings Top 25: American Idol, NCIS, Undercover Boss, House Top Weekly Broadcast Charts . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121018212429/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/03/23/tv-ratings-top-25-american-idol-ncis-undercover-boss-house-top-weekly-broadcast-charts/45840/ . October 18, 2012 . dead .
  51. Web site: Wednesday Broadcast Finals: "Ugly Betty, Gary Unmarried" Inch Up . Robert . Seidman . TV by the Numbers . March 18, 2010 . May 25, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100322191459/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/03/18/tv-ratings-idol-paces-fox-human-target-on-the-bubble-ugly-betty-sinks-to-lows/45371 . March 22, 2010 .
  52. Web site: Tuesday Finals: Lost, American Idol Up; V Clip Show Falls . TV by the Numbers . Bill . Gorman . March 24, 2010 . May 25, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100328123846/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/03/24/tuesday-finals-lost-up-v-clip-show-falls/46017 . March 28, 2010 .
  53. Web site: Broadcast Finals: The Middle, Modern Family, Idol, Survivor, ANTM Rise . Robert . Seidman . TV by the Numbers . March 25, 2010 . May 25, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100401043305/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/03/25/broadcast-finals-the-middle-modern-family-idol-survivor-antm-rise/46117 . April 1, 2010 .
  54. Web site: TV Ratings Top 25: Dancing; "Idol" & "Lost" Top Weekly Broadcast Charts. April 6, 2010. April 1, 2010. TV by the Numbers. Robert. Seidman. https://web.archive.org/web/20131105001747/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/04/06/tv-ratings-top-25-dancing-idol-lost-top-weekly-broadcast-charts/47530/. November 5, 2013. dead.
  55. Web site: "The Middle," "Modern Family," and "American Idol" Rise In Wednesday Broadcast Finals. March 31, 2010. April 1, 2010. TV by the Numbers. Robert. Seidman. https://web.archive.org/web/20100403233829/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/01/the-middle-modern-family-and-american-idol-rise-in-wednesday-broadcast-finals/47069. April 3, 2010. dead.
  56. Web site: Broadcast Finals: "Lost," "NCIS," "NCIS: LA" Tick Up; "V," "The Good Wife" Tick Down . Robert . Seidman . April 7, 2010 . TV by the Numbers . May 25, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100412182343/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/07/broadcast-finals-lost-ncis-ncis-la-tick-up-v-the-good-wife-tick-down/47689 . April 12, 2010 . dead .
  57. Web site: Wednesday Finals: "CSI: NY" Dips Further + "South Park," "In Plain Sight" and More . April 8, 2010 . Robert . Seidman . TV by the Numbers . May 25, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100414163049/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/08/wednesday-finals-csi-ny-dips-further-south-park-in-plain-sight-and-more/47783 . April 14, 2010 . dead .
  58. Web site: Broadcast Finals Tuesday: Dancing, Lost Adjusted Up; V Adjusted Down . Bill . Gorman . April 14, 2010 . TV by the Numbers . May 25, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100420181136/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/14/broadcast-finals-tuesday-dancing-lost-adjusted-up-v-adjusted-down/48563 . April 20, 2010 . dead .
  59. Web site: Wednesday Broadcast Finals: The Middle, Modern Family, Cougar Town Adjusted Up; Ugly Betty Down . Bill . Gorman . April 15, 2010 . TV by the Numbers . May 25, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100421065655/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/15/wednesday-broadcast-finals-the-middle-modern-family-cougar-town-adjusted-up-ugly-betty-down/48734 . April 21, 2010 . dead .
  60. Web site: Broadcast Finals Tuesday: Lost, Idol Adjusted Up; Glee, V Adjusted Down . Bill . Gorman . April 21, 2010 . TV by the Numbers . May 25, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100427043915/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/21/broadcast-finals-tuesday-lost-idol-adjusted-up-glee-v-adjusted-down/49348 . April 27, 2010 . dead .
  61. Web site: Wednesday Broadcast Finals: Idol, L&O: SVU Adjusted Up; Accidentally On Purpose Down . Bill . Gorman . April 22, 2010 . May 25, 2010 . TV by the Numbers . https://web.archive.org/web/20100428012306/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/22/wednesday-broadcast-finals-idol-l-accidentally-on-purpose-down/49489 . April 28, 2010 . dead .
  62. Web site: Broadcast Finals Tuesday: Idol, Dancing, NCIS Adjusted Up; Glee Adjusted Down . Bill . Gorman . TV by the Numbers . April 28, 2010 . May 25, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100504100625/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/28/broadcast-finals-tuesday-idol-dancing-ncis-adjusted-up-glee-adjusted-down/50003 . May 4, 2010 . dead .
  63. Web site: Wednesday Broadcast Finals: Modern Family, American Idol, Top Model Adjusted Up; High Society Down . Bill . Gorman . April 29, 2010 . TV by the Numbers . May 25, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100506015650/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/29/wednesday-broadcast-finals-modern-family-american-idol-top-model-adjusted-up-high-society-down/50112 . May 6, 2010 . dead .
  64. Web site: Broadcast Finals Tuesday: Idol, Lost, 90210 Adjusted Up; Good Wife, V, Parenthood Adjusted Down . Bill . Gorman . TV by the Numbers . May 5, 2010 . May 25, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100511050345/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/05/broadcast-finals-tuesday-idol-lost-90210-adjusted-up-good-wife-v-parenthood-adjusted-down/50683 . May 11, 2010 . dead .
  65. Web site: Wednesday Finals: "American Idol," "The Middle," "Modern Family," "Cougar Town" and "CSI: NY" Adjusted Up . Robert . Seidman . TV by the Numbers . May 6, 2010 . May 25, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100510005113/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/06/wednesday-finals-american-idol-the-middle-modern-family-cougar-town-and-csi-ny-adjusted-up/50751 . May 10, 2010 . dead .
  66. Web site: Tuesday Finals: Lost, NCIS Adjusted Up; Good Wife, V, Glee Adjusted Down . TV by the Numbers . Seidman . Robert . May 12, 2010 . May 25, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100516021229/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/12/lost-ncis-adjusted-up-good-wife-v-glee-adjusted-down/51230 . May 16, 2010 . dead .
  67. Web site: Wednesday Finals: American Idol, Modern Family, Cougar Town Adjusted Up; Old Christine, Happy Town Adjusted Down . Bill . Gorman . May 13, 2010 . May 25, 2010 . TV by the Numbers . https://web.archive.org/web/20100516015142/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/13/wednesday-finals-american-idol-modern-family-cougar-town-adjusted-up-old-christine-happy-town-adjusted-down/51324 . May 16, 2010 . dead .
  68. Web site: TV Ratings Top 25: Dancing Tops Idol With Viewers Again, Lost Finale Wins With Adults 18–49 . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121017171036/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/05/25/tv-ratings-top-25-dancing-tops-idol-with-viewers-again-lost-finale-wins-with-adults-18-49/52328/ . October 17, 2012 .
  69. Web site: TV Ratings Top 25: American Idol, Big Bang Theory, Two And A Half Men Top 18–49 Ratings . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120417090512/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/06/02/tv-ratings-top-25-american-idol-big-bang-theory-two-and-a-half-men-top-18-49-ratings/52800/ . April 17, 2012 . dead .