“American Idol’s” Season 11 Top 13 has been revealed Thursday night (March 1). Ryan Seacrest presided over the ouster of nearly half the competition, leaving the lucky top 13 to sing it out next week.

Now, five guys and five girls made it through solely based on votes. But it was up to Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson, who admitted to being too easy on fellows and somewhat tougher on the ladies, to pick three wild cards. From the Dave Matthews-esque Phillip Phillips to dramatic piano-driven rocker Colton Dixon and standout crooner Heejun Han — they have all made the cut. Also making it from the men’s side were Joshua Ledet (known as “Man-Tasia”) and the one contestant they brought back after initially being passed on – baritone Jermaine Jones. Among the singers continuing on from the women’s side this season are smiley Hollie Cavanagh and 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez. Elise Testone, 28, also joined the Top 13 alongside Skylar Laine and Shannon Magrane.

Of the 15 hopefuls America cast aside, the judges picked six of them—Jen Hirsh, Jeremy Rosado, Brielle Von Hugel, Deandre Brackensick, Erika Van Pelt and Reed Grimm—to sing for their lives, and of those six, they settled on three wild cards. Randy Jackson picked the big-voiced Erika Van Pelt; Jennifer Lopez chose Jeremy Rosado, and Steven Tyler chose 17-year-old curly haired crooner DeAndre Brackensick. First off, however, so long Adam Brock, Haley Johnsen, Creighton Fraker, Chelsea Sorrell, Baylie Brown, Hallie Day, Eben Franckewitz, Chase Likens and Aaron Marcellus.

Thursday night’s results show had many Idol alumni tweeting like crazy. Carrie Underwood said that Idol night is truly a nail-biter and congratulates the top 13 saying they are all so talented and she can’t wait ‘till next week. Brett Leowenstern give his message to those who got cut asking them to keep going saying this is only the beginning. Naima Adedapo also goes gave her message to those who didn’t make the top 13 telling them to keep fighting. Melinda Doolittle said she is so proud and excited for the top 13 but sad about a couple who are not in saying that happens every season. Michael Orland (musical director for American Idol) said that it is such a hard night there at idol noting that it is so hard to say goodbye to 12 people in one night. He said that it used to be so much easier to spread it out over 3 weeks.

That said, the top 13 is a talented bunch, and I think there are some real future artists in this group. Next week the guys get to sing Stevie Wonder, while the girls have the higher degree of difficulty tackling the songbook of Whitney Houston. Mary J Blige will be the first guest mentor. “American Idol” returns Tuesday at 8/7c on FOX.

American Idol Season 11 top 13 are as follows:

1.    Phil Philips
2.    Jessica Sanchez
3.    Hollie Cavanagh
4.    Joshua Ledet
5.    Heejun Han
6.    Shannon Magrane
7.    Skylar Laine
8.    Colton Dixon
9.    Jermaine Jones
10.    Elise Testone
11.    Erika Van Pelt
12.    Jeremy Rosado
13.    DeAndre Brackensick

American Idol has formally announced its Top 24 eleventh-season semifinalists and revealed a special twist in which the competition will feature a thirteenth male semifinalist.

After the “Hollywood Week” and Las Vegas performance rounds, “Idol” judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler narrowed the field from 42 contestants to 24 semifinalists on Wednesday’s installment of the Fox singing competition, but they apparently cut too many. At the end of the episode, “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest revealed in a voice over that the judges felt compelled to reinstate another guy. He teased that Jermaine Jones, Johnny Keyser, Richie Law or David Leathers would be among the male semifinalists next week.

The 10 American Idol semifinalists, consisting of six male and four female singers, were unveiled during last night’s “Final Judgment” broadcast after the season’s 42 remaining hopefuls took to the stage in Las Vegas and performed one final song of their choice accompanied by only one musician playing one instrument.

The six guys who advanced to American Idol’s semifinals were Eban Franckewitz, a 15-year-old from Loveland, OH; Deandre Brackensick, a 17-year-old from San Jose, CA; Aaron Marcellus, a 27-year-old from Atlanta, GA; Chase Likens, a 21-year-old from Point Pleasant, WV; Adam Brock, a 27-year-old from Washington, PA; and Jeremy Rosado, a 19-year-old from Valrico, FL. The four girls who also made the cut were Hollie Cavanagh, an 18-year-old from McKinney, TX; Hallie Day, a 24-year-old from Baltimore, MD; Skylar Laine, an 18-year-old from Brandon, MS; and Shannon Magrane, a 16-year-old from Tampa, FL.

With the selection of the Top 24 now over, American Idol’s eleventh season will feature a single semifinals round similar to last season in which the show will air a pair of Tuesday and Wednesday performance shows in February 28 and 29 and a live results show that will reveal the season’s finalists on Thursday, March 1. The 13 male semifinalists — including one of the four singers who will be selected to re-enter the competition next week — will perform during Tuesday’s broadcast, which will air from 8-10PM ET/PT, while the 12 female semifinalists will perform during Wednesday’s episode, which will also air from 8-10PM ET/PT. The results show — which will be a special live, two-hour broadcast — will then follow on Thursday and air from 8-10PM ET/PT.

American Idol’s 13 male eleventh-season semifinalists — and their biographical information — are:

- Deandre Brackensick, a 17-year-old from San Jose, CA

- Adam Brock, a 27-year-old from Washington, PA

- Colton Dixon, a 20-year-old from Murfreesboro, TN

- Creighton Fraker, a 28-year-old from Queens, NY

- Eban Franckewitz, a 15-year-old from Loveland, OH

- Reed Grimm, a 26-year-old from Ellsworth, WI

- Heejun Han, a 22-year-old from Flushing, NY

- Joshua Ledet, a 19-year-old from Westlake, LA

- Chase Likens, a 21-year-old from Point Pleasant, WV

- Aaron Marcellus, a 27-year-old from Atlanta, GA

- Phillip Phillips, a 21-year-old from Leesburg, GA

- Jeremy Rosado, a 19-year-old from Valrico, FL

- To be announced: Jermaine Jones, David Leathers Jr., Johnny Keyser, or Richie Law

American Idol’s 12 female eleventh-season semifinalists — and their Fox-released biographical information — are:

- Baylie Brown, a 22-year-old from Krum, TX

- Hollie Cavanagh, an 18-year-old from McKinney, TX

- Hallie Day, a 24-year-old from Baltimore, MD

- Jen Hirsh, a 25-year-old from Agoura Hills, CA

- Haley Johnsen, a 23-year-old from Beaverton, OR

- Skylar Laine, an 18-year-old from Brandon, MS

- Shannon Magrane, a 16-year-old from Tampa, FL

- Jessica Sanchez, a 16-year-old from San Diego, CA

- Chelsea Sorrell, a 23-year-old from Stokesdale, NC

- Elise Testone, a 28-year-old from Charleston, SC

- Erika Van Pelt, a 26-year-old from South Kingstown, RI

- Brielle Von Hugel, a 17-year-old from Staten Island, NY

Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart spent their New Year’s Weekend hitting up a slew of hot spots across Miami.

The couple was spotted partying at a Miami Beach club named Amnesia.  People magazine said J.Lo, 42, and her boy toy, 24, boogied puckered up into the wee hours after arriving at the hot spot on Thursday night.  A bystander said that they were very sexy with each other, dancing and bouncing around and making out adding that they could not help but attract attention, although Jennifer was trying to lie low from onlookers.  Another source observed that the American Idol judge looked very happy.

The next day, J.Lo treated Casper and her (other) kids, 3-year-old twins Emme and Max, to a cruise on a friend’s $10 million yacht.  A source said that Jennifer and Casper held hands and had their arms around each other.  In addition, the twins were having fun and everyone seemed to get along.  The age-mismatched couple of two-plus months reportedly rang in the New Year over dinner with pals at the Soho Beach House, and on Monday, a tank-topped, dressed-down J.Lo was snapped holding hands with Smart during a shopping expedition.  The star and her backing dancing beau, who were both wearing shades, popped into a store on Lincoln Road where they checked out designer sunglasses.  “Jennifer wants to keep a low-profile,” adds a snitch, explaining that she has been hiding behind sunglasses and eschewing makeup to escape detection.  Both looked in great shape following the festive period, with curvaceous Jennifer parading her figure in a skin-tight outfit.

The Latino lady kept it basic as she donned a nude ensemble consisting of strappy vest top and skinny jeans.  She accessorized her outfit with a gold bangle on each wrist plus large hoop earrings and white sandals to complete the look.  Meanwhile, her tattooed toy boy’s style was not as sleek as the star, who announced her split from estranged husband Marc Anthony in July.  He covered up in a beanie hat which he wore with loose jeans and a T-shirt.  The couple has been enjoying an extended holiday together with a nanny to take care of her 3-year-old twins Max and Emmie while the pair enjoy some grown-up time.

Despite that the two seems to spend time with each other the most, Smart spent some of his time driving go-karts with some of his friends.  Given his love of go-karting it is ironic that today his love thrills landed him in legal hot water.  He pleaded no contest to exhibition of speeding at L.A.’s Van Nuys Superior Court Tuesday following his arrest for drag racing in April 2010.  L.A. City Attorney’s Office spokesperson Frank Mateljan told Us Weekly that his attorney came in and advanced the case this morning.  According to him, Smart’s attorney entered a no contest plea and was sentenced to 12 months summary probation and ordered to pay a $500 fine.  Smart has been citied three times for driving without a license, but was not required to appear in court today.

Jennifer Lopez reportedly brought her new guy, Casper Smart, on the set of American Idol.  American Idol has been holding auditions in Pasadena, California, where Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler have been checking out the talent.  Casper, 24, stopped by the set to visit J.Lo Friday morning.

Some may have dismissed Casper Smart as a simple fling for Jennifer Lopez, but she trusts him enough to borrow her Bentley.  The backup dancer looked sexy in his simple grey shirt, well-fitting trousers and fancy shoes.  Casper made a low-key entrance through a back door.  Although he may look good, Jennifer’s ex, Marc Anthony, does not trust her new fling.  According to various sources, Anthony does not want Casper around his kids because the back-up dancer was arrested for drag racing and has had warrants out of his arrest in the past.  Anthony has reportedly banned Smart from driving his three year-old twins, Max and Emme, anywhere.  Lopez and Anthony have continued on in their Latin American talent show endeavor, Q’Viva!. However, Anthony is said to be skirting his duties as producer for the show because he is angry about J.Lo’s new man.

Meanwhile, J.Lo is wearing divorce well.  The singer was recently named “world’s greatest musical comeback act” by Google.  The ranking results came from Accuracast, a digital search agency that analyzed 1 billion online Google searches from 2004 to 2011.  In addition, Lopez has been looking lovely since she and Marc announced their split earlier this year.  She looked stunning Friday morning in a flowing green dress and thigh-high black suede Louboutin boots.  She also brought with her a black cardigan to wrap up against the breezy LA weather.  Gold bangles, oversize earrings and an oversized black bag completed the look.  Wearing sunglasses, the star looked cheerful and smiled as she was captured on camera while arriving for filming the show.  She has been sporting a rosy glow since taking up with the young dancer.

However, friends of the singer are apparently less than enamoured with her new toy boy.  A source close to the singer told US Magazine that they do not feel Casper is good enough for her.  They are worried because she really puts her heart out there for love.  J Lo and Casper’s relationship seems to be going strong following their romantic Thanksgiving trip to Hawaii.  Jennifer Lopez has only been dating dancer Casper Smart for a month.  But there’s no doubt the singer/actress is smitten with her toyboy after they enjoyed a public kissing session in the street.  The PDA session came just days before Smart accompanied Lopez and her children for a Thanksgiving family holiday to Hawaii last weekend.

The auditions for J-Lo’s second season of American Idol began in Pasadena earlier this week, with Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson also arriving to take their seats at the judge’s table.  The new series of American Idol will air in the U.S. early next year.

Jennifer Lopez has found love again, just four months after splitting from husband Marc Anthony.  The mother-of-two (3-year-old Emme and Max) is reportedly dating male dancer Casper Smart from Anaheim, California.  The Insider first broke the news Friday that Lopez was dating the backup dancer.  Lopez and Smart reportedly spent the first few months as just friends, flirting, talking and just hanging out but lately they have been touchy-feely in front if JLo’s other dancers.  It has been told that the mood of rehearsals has shifted and she was more focused on Caper who is 24.  An insider confirms that Smart dances at Club Boulevard in L.A. and he is popular with the ladies because he goes shirtless.

The pair are said to have been quietly dating for weeks, after he was hired to work on her San Francisco show but an insider said that their relationship is nothing serious.  Earlier this month, the duo was snapped trying to remain incognito in New York City.  Lopez, 42, famously married one of her back up dancers, Chris Judd, before becoming engaged to Ben Affleck then tying the knot with Anthony.  She married Judd, a dancer on the set of her “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” music video, in Sept. 2001.

The marriage, however, ended in 2002; the same year, Lopez and Ben Affleck began a public romance. Lopez and Affleck, 39, got engaged in November 2002, but split in January 2004 just hours before their Santa Barbara wedding was scheduled.  (Affleck married Jennifer Garner in 2005 and the couple is now expecting their third child.)  After separating from Anthony, 43, following seven years of marriage, Lopez moved on with Bradley Cooper.

A source told Us the Hangover star, 36, was really trying to woo Jennifer in a big way and the actor had been after Jennifer, calling her, for ages.  In addition to a super romantic candlelit Sept. 10 dinner at NYC’s Per Se eatery, the charming Limitless actor stepped up his seduction game again with a secret flight to Boca Raton.  Lopez liked the thrill and the fact that Bradley has been pursuing her, but a source said she has really been trying to concentrate on her kids and work.  However, Bradley has been especially eager.  Lopez told Us last year prior to her split that you have to communicate if you want it to keep on working.

Smart might not have J-Lo’s level of acting credits, but he is certainly in the movie business.  According to Smart’s personal website caspersmart.com, he had a role in Honey 2 and was a dancer in Step Up 3D. (Smart took down his site late Saturday.)  His special skills include “krumping, acrobatics, breaking [and] popping.”  The 5’8″ star lists his weight as between 160 and 170 pounds, and he was one of Beyonce’s dancers during her 2010 Grammy Awards performance.  He even played one of the “Single Ladies” dancers in a 2010 episode of Glee paying homage to Jay-Z’s wife.

According to his site, he was an alternate dancer for Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” world tour.  The rehearsals, interviews and backstage footage of the tour were made into a 2009 film following Jackson’s death in June of the same year.

Jennifer Lynn Lopez or simply J. Lo is an American singer-songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, fashion designer, television personality/producer, and record producer. She was born on July 24, 1969 in Bronx, New York. Lopez was raised by her parents Guadalupe and David Lopez. Her two siblings were Lynda and Leslie Lopez. At the age of nineteen, Lopez was able to support her singing and dancing lessons. She attended college at Baruch College, however, she only studied for one semester because she started working in a legal office and dance performances in the clubs in Manhattan.

In 1990, Lopez was chosen as a backup dancer for the New Kids on the Block. She got her first dance career in the comedy program entitled “In Living Color” from year 1991-1993. She played as a fly dancer in the comedy program.

In 1997, Lopez got her first break when she portrayed the title role in the biographical film “Selena”. She was praised for her magnificent performance in the movie. She was nominated as Best Actress (Motion Picture Musical or Comedy) in Golden Globe Award. She won an ALMA Award as an Outstanding Actress.

The following year, Selena was casted in the film “Out of Sight” with actor George Clooney. Her role was a deputy federal marshal who fell in love with a criminal. Lopez won her second ALMA Award in this film. She was also casted in the film “Anaconda” together with Ice Cube and Jon Voight. She played the role of Terri Flores who was then shooting a documentary while in the Amazon River.

In year 2001, she was casted with Matthew McConaughey in the romantic comedy film “The Wedding Planner”. Lopez played the role of Marisa Ventura in the film “Maid in Manhattan” in year 2002. She was paired with actor Ralph Fiennes.

Lopez also produced two independent films “El Cantante” and “Bordertown” that did wekk in film festivals. Lopez is one of the most paid actresses in Hollywood. She was also considered to be the most paid Latina actress in the history of Hollywood. In year 2007, she was listed in the ninth spot in the Forbes’ magazine “The 20 Richest Women in Entertainment”. Her wealth reached $110 million at that time.

Lopez also made a name in the music industry. On June 1, 1999, her first album was entitled “On the 6”. The hit singles were “If you had my love” and “Waiting for Tonight”. The last single of the album which was “Let’s get Loud” got a Grammy Award nomination in the category “Best Dance Recording” in 2001.

Her second album was released on January 23, 2001 entitled “J. Lo”. It reached the number one spot in the Billboard 200. Her film “The Wedding Planner” also became a box office hit at that time which made Lopez the first singer-actress to have an album and a film in the number one spot at the same time. Her lead single in the “J. Lo” album was the song Love Don’t Cost a Thing which became number one in United Kingdom. Lopez continually succeeded in her music career with the release of her albums “This is Me..Then” (2002), “Rebirth” (2005), “Como ama una Mujer” and “Brave” (2007).

Lopez relationship with long time husband Marc Anthony has ended in July 2011. She had relationships with Ojani Noa, Sean Combs, Cris Judd, and Ben Affleck.

Lopez was currently included in the American Reality show “American Idol” as a judge. It was formally announced on September 2010 that Lopez enters the Season 10 of American Idol.

Jennifer Lopez Photo Gallery

Jennifer Lopez was honored at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards last night (08.11.11).  The 21st annual Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards ceremony took place at Carnegie Hall in New York City.  Jennifer Lopez took the highest honor as Glamour Magazine’s Woman of the Year.  Lopez also scored the cover of the magazine’s Dec. issue, looking gorgeous as ever.

Some of the most recognized women in the world today came out to celebrate girl power.  In attendance were Hollywood starlets Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, and Emma Stone along with political heavyweights Condoleezza Rice, Laura Bush and her two daughters, and Ariana Huffington and her two daughters.

Lopez accepted her award with a speech that appeared to leave her on the verge of tears.  The American Idol judge told the audience that it is the women, through the ups and not so ups noting that it was the one thing that got her through.  According to Lopez, her grandmother taught her to cook and not be afraid to serve and be humble and to go out looking nice because people like that and then they will respect you.

Jennifer Lopez reveals her source of inspiration saying that her daughter Emme inspires her to be a better human being.  The top Glamour honoree also has a son Max.  She later wrote on Twitter saying what an amazing evening filled with love and beautiful women she had thanking Glamour Magazine for the honor she truly had.  Lopez has hit many highs and lows this year as her judging on “American Idol” was a success, but her crumbled marriage to Marc Anthony was a very public failure.   She said to Us Weekly afterwards that they all felt a little overwhelmed that night.

Honoree Ariana Huffington spoke about how life may not always go your way, but in the end, it everything happens for a reason.  According to her, she was living in London and had been dating this guy for 7 years.  She said she wanted children and he wanted cats so she broke up with him and moved to New York when she was 30.  She added that she have everything in her life now, her daughters, her site and her career noting that she has it all because a guy would not marry her.  According to Ariana, the biggest heartbreaks in life that seem insurmountable; when you look back, you see that it was all for a reason.  This empowering message resonates with women around the world who might face obstacles and feel there is no brighter tomorrow to have.

The awards ceremony recognized 21 inspiring and courageous women who have changed and still are changing the world each and every day.  Legendary women’s rights activist Gloria Steinem was introduced by Anita Hill and received the Lifetime Achievement Award.  “Facebook Girl” Esraa Abdel Fattah was praised by actress Kerry Washington for her pivotal role in starting the Arab Spring movement in Egypt.  Signer Debbie Harry, 66, was honored at the event and performed as well.

Jennifer Lopez has had a roller coaster ride of a year. In January, the singer took over one of the vacant judges’ seats on “American Idol,” scored a hit single with “On the Floor” off her album Love? a few months later, and saw her seven-year marriage to Marc Anthony come to an end in the summer.

Jennifer Lopez now covers Glamour magazine’s December issue and in a low-cut skin-tight red top tucked into curve-hugging sailor pants, the star, 42, flaunts a lot more cleavage than she customarily does.  The singer-songwriter, actress and American Idol judge was named 2011 Women of the Year in the annual issue which will be on newsstands on Nov. 8.  Lopez is being honored as an “All-Star Woman” for her numerous achievements this year in television, music, fashion and charity.

J.Lo wears a red bustier by Chloe Sevigny for opening ceremony, pants and a Swarovski crystal anchor necklace by Salvatore Ferragamo plus a Michael Kors gold necklace, Verudura gold bracelet, two Chanel Fine Jewelry gold, black onyx and diamond bracelets, a Lorraine Schwartz white gold diamond bracelet, a Verdura gold, platinum, and diamond wide link bracelet and a Pomellato rose gold and diamond bracelet.  Inside the issue, J.Lo wears a Salvatore Ferragamo bandeau top, an Enza Costa tank and a Chris Benz skirt.

Inside the magazine, the star that has been dating Bradley Cooper of late opens up about a new relationship in the wake of her split with husband Marc Anthony.  She said that she thinks to give something a chance, to really get to know somebody, she want to do it out of the public eye since the media wants to rush everything.  Lopez, however, said that she is ready for whatever romance comes.  She explained that she have finally learned the biggest lesson of all.  She said one got to love herself first, one needs to be ok on his/her own before he/she can be ok with somebody else.  One need to value himself/herself and know that he/she is worth everything and until you value yourself enough and love yourself enough to know that you cannot really have a healthy relationship.

She may seem like she has it all, but J.Lo is still Jenny from the block. After going through a very public breakup, J.Lo tells Glamour magazine that her next relationship will be “out of the public eye” and she is humbled by everything that has happened to her in the last year.

The American idol judge also shared things about her style.  according to her, the things that she like when she was 16 and in the Bronx were jeans, cut-up T-shirts which she still like up to present.  However, she said that she has been exposed to so much now from travelling the world and seeing couture clothes.  She claimed that she used all of that when she created her new line for Kohl’s saying that her style has come from everything, from where she started and where she is today.

Jennifer Lopez is indeed very upset over her broken marriage with husband of seven years Marc Anthony in July.  At her jam-packed Mohegan Sun concert in Montville, Connecticut, the 42-year-old singer was seen in tears while singing a slow guitar friendly rendition of  ‘If You Had My Love,’  which is her 1999 breakthrough single.  She paused during the song and reportedly wiped tears when the lights were dimmed.  Before the singer broke out with her hit song, she said during a heartfelt speech to the audience that if they want to talk about love she could talk about love all day since she got stories.   According to J.Lo, it seems like from the very first record, it was always about love. Ever since then, every single one is the same thing.  Afterwards she said that that is the first song she wrote about love and that is the last song she wrote about love.  According to the singer, a lot has happened since then.

As she belted out one of her newer songs, a montage of male and female dance pairs whirled behind her. They paid homage to her past romances: her with a Diddy-esque person, her and a Ben Affleck type and lastly her and a Marc Anthony lookalike.  As the singer paused and looked down, she talked about a little trip down memory lane.  She looks out into the crowd, and flashes her left hand in the air, revealing that she is still wearing a diamond band on her wedding ring finger.  When the camera zoomed in and showed her starting to tear up, the crowd gave her a standing ovation.  The singer said while brushing away tears that it is all about love though it was not all about sadness.

During her performance of “Let’s Get Loud,” the American Idol judge lost a hair extension, which was promptly whisked off stage by attending security.  But the high emotions of the night may have been too much for Jennifer, who stayed at the resort with her mom Guadalupe and three-year-old twins, Emme and Max, for the week.  She was a no-show to the afterparty held in her honor at Ballo Italian Restaurant. Still, Lea Michele, Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo, Kelly Bensimon, Maria Menounos, Jaime Pressly and boyfriend, Terrence Howard, Bobby Flay and Vincent Piazza attend.

The people in the party applauded her decision to incorporate her personal life into her craft.  Lea said that the singer was such an inspiration and she is so incredible explaining that she did one of her songs and she had her dancers come out dressed like all the relationships she has been in.  According to Lea, she put her guard down and was upfront with her fans.  She loved the honesty that the singer showed.   With a backstage encounter with the star, she reportedly said what really triggered her to cry harder.  According to the person who did the interview, the mood of J.Lo was incredible and she is definitely inspirational confirming that it is not an act.  The singer also said that her mom is the source of her strength and thinks that she is a really special lady.