Mexican-American Singer Jenni Rivera Dead in Plane Crash; Body Recovered

Latin singing superstar Jenni Rivera was killed in a plane crash earlier today. The singer was leaving the Mexican city of Monterrey heading for Toluca in a private chartered jet..  Plane wreckage has been found near Los Tejocotes, with reportedly no survivors.  Two pilots and four other passengers were on the plane along with Rivera.

The 43 year old Rivera, born in Long Beach, California to Mexican immigrants, has sold over 15 million records. She also starred in her own reality series I Love Jenni.

UPDATE: 10:45PM

The remains of Jenni Rivera have been recovered from the plane wreckage.

American Midol: Nicki Minaj’s “Idol” Tirade Caught on Tape

And who said Nicki Minaj wouldn’t be a good addition to American Idol?  Tempers are flaring between the rapper and diva Mariah Carey, with Keith Urban and Randy Jackson caught in the middle. See the video below, courtesy of TMZ.

How Did I Miss Emmanuel Kelly from Australian “X Factor”?

The new season of X Factor is starting up this week, so I did a little Googling to help prepare myself.  I found this clip on YouTube. See below:

How did I miss this?  Emmanuel Kelly was on the Australian version of X Factor last year. It’s been an entire year and I just stumbled upon this clip now. Regardless, he’s amazing. Even without his inspiring story, the kid can sing. It’s sad that he was eliminated from the show before they got the live rounds. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more from Mr. Kelly.

By the way, his brother, Ahmet, is a champion swimmer who represented Australia at the Paralympics Games in London.

 

Idol Exodus: Steven Tyler, J-Lo OUT; Randy Jackson on the Fence

And then there was one. At least for now.  Last week Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez each bowed out of the upcoming season of American Idol, leaving Randy Jackson as the last judge standing. Jackson, however, is rumored to be on his way out as a judge, but not off of Idol. Reports have surfaced stating that Jackson will become the show’s “mentor” to the contestants, a role currently filled by Jimmy Iovine.  Will Ryan Seacrest be the only on-air personality still in the same capacity when the show’s new season airs in January?

With ratings down and competition from The Voice and The X-Factor heating up, the Idol producers have their hands full.

Are you less interested in watching American Idol in January without Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler?

Is ABC Planning a “Dancing with the Stars” All Stars Season?

Mario Lopez confided to Kelly Ripa on Live yesterday that ABC has contacted him about appearing on an all-stars season of Dancing with the Stars. While ABC has no comment, it would be a great idea to bring some of the best also-rans back to compete all over again. Would you watch an all-star season of Dancing with the Stars?