Before we get to the results, a shocking development. I honestly thought Randy Jackson was the cockroach you couldn’t get rid of. Turns out I was wrong. The last original American Idol judge standing announced via E! News that he’s leaving the FOX talent show.

“Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol I have decided it is time to leave after this season,” Randy told E! News. “I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It’s been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures.”

With him officially going, plus rumors that FOX isn’t exercising any of the second year options on Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj or Mariah Carey, the network has a lot of hiring to do. To boot, there’s also speculation that Nigel Lythgoe isn’t being asked back. Season 13 could either be the end of the veteran singing competition or the dawning of a new era. It all depends on what direction production goes with casting.

Apologies for not recapping Wednesday’s performance show. I was at a restaurant opening and too tired to watch the show when I got home. When I finished watching it, I felt it was ridiculous to post it so late. Instead, I’m going to quickly give my thoughts on last night’s performances. I agree with Jimmy Iovine that Angie won Round 1, but I have to disagree with him and put Candice on top during the second round and again for the last round. If she goes home tonight, it’ll be a huge travesty.

I wholly believe Kree is going home. Though I think it’s time for Harrison to go, she was sabotaged big time last night. All three song choices picked for her didn’t allow her to shine. I can’t believe production is so evil to not let the contestants pick at least one song of their own. To have no power at this stage of the game is completely ridiculous. Without further ado, let’s get to the results.

find out who was eliminated after the jump

When I heard Alicia Keys recorded a duet with Maxwell, I could barely contain my excitement. For me, Maxwell’s voice is pure butter and melts me every single time. Love his unplugged album from years back. As expected, their vocals complement and meld perfectly with each other. I’m ecstatic they actually filmed a music video for it. Didn’t think she’d pick this as the third single off her latest effort.

Sizzling doesn’t even begin to describe the video. Set in New Orleans, the Chris Robinson-directed clip perfectly captures the sensual vibe of “Fire We Make.” With the warm lighting and intimate camera angles, Keys and Maxwell’s lustful yearning hit scorching levels. Even with a bowl of ice cubes and blowing fan, Alicia can’t seem to cool herself down. Check out their steamy duet below. This is some serious baby-making music if I ever heard it.

watch the music video after the jump

A few days ago, I shared Elle magazine’s 2013 Women In Music issue featuring Adele on the cover. In addition to her, this year the fashion publication honors 12 of the record industry’s top singing sensations. Five of them have uncovered, but you’ll have to pick up the May 2013 issue to find out the other seven. The ones revealed include Alicia Keys (above) and HAIM- a sister trio which Nic recently featured. Check out the others featured in the issue below.

check out more pics after the jump

If Thursday’s Glee episode is anything like that wicked Beyonce-Off Ryan Murphy leaked last week, it’s going to be beyond divalicious. With covers of Madonna, Alicia Keys, Barbra Streisand, Tina Turner and Beyonce on deck, the episode is appropriately titled, “Diva.” I can’t wait. Personally, I think the fourth season of the FOX musical is its best one since the first season. I like the mix of the old and new crew, plus the musical performances have been on point.

In addition to the cast battling it out to be top Diva, the episode finds Santana (Naya Rivera) returning back to Lima to sing three numbers. When she finds out that Brittany (Heather Morris) and Sam (Chord Overstreet) are now dating, she decides to cause problems for the new couple. She even challenges Sam on a sing-off on Barbra Streisand’s “Make No Mistake, She’s Mine.”

Check out that duet below along with all the performances for Glee‘s upcoming episode. Once again, Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) gets another solo. Miss Tina Cohen-Chang has certainly been blessed with more vocal responsibility this season. I wonder what she did to get in the producers’ good graces.

listen to all the performances after the jump

The 32-year-old singer just premiered a brand new international video version of her latest hit. This one is specifically targeted to her Japanese fans. In case you were keeping count, this is Alicia Keys’ third music clip for “Girl On Fire.” There’s the regular version and one featuring a brunette Nicki Minaj.

The new clip was directed by photographer Mika Ninagawa. If you Google her work, you’ll definitely notice she has a certain style and most noticeably… a thing for flowers. Using a vibrant floral wall as a backdrop, she directs Alicia in a room filled with multicolored light changes. Given the amount of bloom, Keys might want to rename the track to “Flower on Fire.” One particular flower singes to its fiery death. Insert sad face :(

Don’t forget, Alicia Keys is performing at this week’s Super Bowl. Even though Beyonce and the rumored Destiny’s Child reunion have been dominating all the headlines, Keys will kick things off by singing the Star-Spangled Banner. I’m sure she’s going to slay her lip synch at the event ;) Check out Keys’ Japanese clip below. You’ll definitely appreciate all the slick imagery.

check out the Japanese version of the video after the jump

How can you tell RuPaul’s Drag Race is starting up today? New releases from former and current contestants!

The Drag trio of Willam, Detox and Vicky Vox have released the follow up to their MASSIVE hit Chow Down (at Chick-fil-a), a hilarious parody of Alicia Keys’ “Girl On Fire” song called, “Boy Is A Bottom“. I have to tell you these three have it. They are all funny, don’t take themselves too seriously, and can all pretty much sing. I have to give major props to Vicky on this one, in the “Chow Down” video we didn’t get to see much of her and she pretty much steals the video in this one.

And don’t forgot to watch Drag Race tonight on Logo (in the US) and OUTtv (in Canada) at 9pm, then tomorrow check back for my full review where I cut these bitches down! Enjoy the video below!

Video after the jump…

Alicia Keys just celebrated her 32nd birthday yesterday. Guess now that she’s an old lady (NOT), she’s reminiscing about her childhood and her favorite tunes back in the day. The R&B singer headed way, way back to the vaults to remix her current single, “Brand New Me.”

“I’ve been so overwhelmed by all of your birthday love that I HAD to do something extra special for you! Love to you!!! Big shout to Crystal Waters for your inspiration!… New Music!! B.N.M Part 2!!!!” – Alicia Keys

Using Crystal Waters’ breakout hit, “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)“, Keys’ new take on her single gives it a nice throwback vibe. If you were around at all during the 90s, you’ll definitely appreciate it. I know I do. Love Crystal and that track. Check out the brand new, newer version of Alicia. Apparently, she’s homeless and now a gypsy woman ;)

listen to the remix after the jump

During the day, Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce sang their little hearts out at President Obama’s inauguration. When it came to party time at the Presidential Inaugural Ball, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys were two big names brought in for the celebration. Even with these two music superstars, Obama’s second inauguration was much more low-key than his first one. Back in 2009, there were a whopping 10 official balls as opposed to a much more manageable two this time around.

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson performed an amazing cover of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” for the Presidential couple’s first dance. Side note: Michelle Obama wore a gorgeous Jason Wu gown during their adorable moment. When Barack danced with Michelle for his first inauguration, Beyonce serenaded them with her cover of Etta James’ classic, “At Last.” Later in the evening Alicia Keys reworked a few lyrics from her recent hit “Girl On Fire” to “Obama On Fire.” The 31-year-old singer who looked smashing in a red Michael Kors gown also incorporated Michelle’s name during the verses. Check out both performances below.

watch the performances after the jump