With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
LA Native, Chikezie, Ousted from American Idol
()
Chikezie Eze was voted off "American Idol" last night, "taking with him 50 percent of this year's Idolette Top-10 personality pool," Lisa de Morales sniped in her Washington Post TV column. For the second week in a row, Chikezie chose to sing a ballad -- “If Only For One Night” by Luther Vandross -- after judges warned him last week that song choice is of the upmost importance at this stage in the contest. Last week, judges were not impressed with his ballad choice of "I've Just Seen A Face," and Tuesday night's performance was called "old school" by Randy and "cheesy" by Simon. The 22-year-old Inglewood native then explained that he did not listen to the judges' advice because his voice coach told him to follow his heart. It obviously didn't work.
Entertainment Weekly live blogged Tuesday's show and said they preferred Chikezie's usual active energy, jumping around stage and being that "country crooner guy" like he was two week's ago when all signs pointed to Chikezie making a turn around. "I thought you were terrific," Simone told him and Randy was so excited, he screamed "Chikeze Smashed It!" moments after he finished a southern version of "She's A Woman" by The Beatles.
Chikezie is an El Camino College student and previously held a job as a TSA screener at LAX. Earlier this month, TMZ got a hold of pictures of him singing in the TSA Choir (they have a choir?!?). Two other California residents are still competing in the show -- Brooke White of Los Angeles via Mesa and from Ireland, Carly Smithson of San Diego.
Support for LAist comes from
Bonus Fact for reality TV addicts: Project Runway Season 4 winner Christian Siriano supposedly designed Season 2 "Idol" wannabeen Kimberley Locke's dress for last night's performance
Headshot image of Chikezie
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to declare immigration enforcement actions a local emergency. -
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain.
Best of LAist