IN PHOTOS: 'American Idol' crowns final winner

MANILA – “American Idol” named its final winner on Friday (Manila time) as the singing competition ended its 15-year run.

Trent Harmon, 24, tumbled to the stage as host Ryan Seacrest announced him as the final winner of “American Idol”, beating La’Porsha Renae.

“I know that I have a God-given ability, but I didn’t want to take it for granted. I wanted to work so, so hard, and she pushed me to do it,” Harmon said, referring to Renae.

The final show of “American Idol” featured previous winners and contenders such as Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, David Cook, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks and Kimberley Locke.

The contest’s celebrated contestants, Sanjaya Malakar and William Hung, also made an appearance.

There was also a reunion of original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, who joined Seacrest on stage.

View the slideshow to get a glimpse of the last show of “American Idol”.

Mobile users can view the desktop version of the slideshow here.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinay makes it to 'The Voice US' blind auditions

MANILA – A Filipina singer has made it through the blind auditions of the ninth season of “The Voice” in the United States.

The audition of 26-year-old Amy Vachal, who is based in Brooklyn, New York, was aired on Monday (Tuesday in Manila). She performed the classic “Dream A Little Dream of Me.”

Although only three out of four coaches turned for her -- Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams -- even Adam Levine agreed that Vachal is an exceptional talent.

“My team is full. Otherwise, I would have turned around first because not only am I sad that I didn’t get to turn around for you but you could win this whole thing,” Levine said.

Shelton even compared Vachal to Norah Jones and Colbie Caillat. “Thank you for bringing what you do in our show. I’m so impressed,” he said.

As for Stefani, she vowed to help Vachal in her journey on “The Voice” should she choose to join her team.

Williams, for his part, said Vachal could pick any team but he “would be unbelievably appreciative to have the opportunity to aid you in this journey.”

Eventually, Vachal decided to join Team Pharrell. On Facebook, she shared how honored she feels now that Williams is now her coach.

According to reports from Cebu media, Vachall is the niece of Cebu Representative Gwendolyn Garcia.


Watch Vachal's audition

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Tonight Show's' Jimmy Fallon says almost lost finger in accident

Jimmy Fallon returned to host "The Tonight Show" on Monday after a two-week break and said he almost lost a finger in an accident at his New York apartment that turned out to be much more serious than first thought.

Fallon, 40, told his TV talk show audience on Monday that he needed six hours of micro-surgery on his finger after catching his wedding ring in a kitchen countertop when he tripped and fell in June.

Doctors said he had suffered "ring avulsion" that almost pulled his finger off. They took a vein from his foot and re-connected it with tissue from his finger, the comedian said.

"Apparently the odds aren’t great with these things,” said Fallon, brandishing a heavily bandaged hand. "Usually they just cut your finger off."

Fallon said he spent 10 days in intensive care and that he is not expected to get the feeing back in his finger for about two months.

Fallon thanked medical staff for his care and fans for their well-wishes. The accident, he said, made him realize how much he loved his job.

"This is the meaning of my life. I belong on TV... This is my job. I’m here to make you laugh," he said to cheers from the audience.

Comcast-owned NBC ran repeats of "The Tonight Show" during Fallon's absence.

(Reporting By Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bill Trott)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com