American Idol

Having a bit of a break between the U.S. and European legs of her Set the World On Fire tour, Alicia Keys stopped by 'American Idol' last night (May 9) to debut her latest single, 'Tears Always Win.'

Earlier today (May 9), we learned that ‘American Idol’ producers reportedly plan to replace judges Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban with a new set of panelists next season due to low ratings. Never one to bite her tongue, Minaj responded to the rumors and Jackson confirmed that he has, in fact, decided to call it quits.

In an emotion-filled episode, the Top 3 finalists returned to their hometowns to perform for the first time off of the 'American Idol' stage. The girls made their way through the crowded poster-filled streets of their cities and were met by ecstatic parents and family in a teary reunion. Kree Harrison was greeted only by her sister, after we learned she lost both of her parents.

Singer Amber Holcomb was eliminated on tonight's (May 2) episode of 'American Idol.' That means the all-female Top 3 is comprised of Candice Glover, Kree Harrison and Angie Miller.

Candice Glover can do no wrong. Both of her performances last night were incredible. Her first song choice, Bruno Mars' 'When I Was Your Man,' proved that she's even capable of crossing gender boundaries. "I love you on any kind of song,' Mariah Carey told the singing star.

Nigel Lythgoe, producer of 'American Idol' (and just about every other FOX reality show), insists that smackdown between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj was very real and wasn't conjured up by the publicity-hungry suits at the network. Not because they'd never do such a thing, but because the timing is way off.