Mackenzie Wasner is up first as “American Idol” brings its auditions to Chicago; her dad plays piano and keyboard for Vince Gill. Singing Gill's “Whenever You Come Around" -- has a good voice, seems like a nice person too. 
 “I loved her voice and I think she's beautiful,“ says Mariah Carey. 
 Nicki Minaj says “someone like you walks into the room once every few years.“ Off she goes to Hollywood; Minaj says afterward, “that gave me chills.“ 
 Kiara Lanier next; she sang for President Barack Obama at his birthday fundraiser, she says. She gushes over Mariah Carey&nbsp;then says she's singing Celine Dion's “The Prayer.“ Pure voice, with some nice emotion. 
 “Wow” says Randy Jackson and the other judges, with Minaj saying “you have so much control.“ 
 Keith Urban agrees, adds, “you look right, like a star.“ Off to Hollywood for her, too; looking forward to seeing more of Lanier, she definitely has star quality. 
 Stephanie Schimel&nbsp;follows, doing “Dream A Little Dream,“ in a breathy, Marilyn Monroeish voice; interesting, but not great for me. 
 “Like a Carrie Underwood-Gwen Stefani blend,“ says Urban. Minaj “wasn't wowed,“ says “nothing jumped out at me.“&nbsp; She gets a yes from everyone but Minaj, and is on to Hollywood. 
 Afterward Minaj and Carey are talking over each other; I guess the beginnings of the feud we've seen all the promos for. Fox strings together a few clips of them sniping a bit at each other, with Urban adding, “I feel like a scratching post.“ 
 It doesn't seem that serious to me, just some random trash talking, with lots of odd smiles thrown in. 
 Awkward Melissa Bush shows up to finish off the segment, sings “Downtown” sincerely but not well.

Mackenzie Wasner is up first as “American Idol” brings its auditions to Chicago; her dad plays piano and keyboard for Vince Gill. Singing Gill's “Whenever You Come Around" -- has a good voice, seems like a nice person too. “I loved her voice and I think she's beautiful,“ says Mariah Carey. Nicki Minaj says “someone like you walks into the room once every few years.“ Off she goes to Hollywood; Minaj says afterward, “that gave me chills.“ Kiara Lanier next; she sang for President Barack Obama at his birthday fundraiser, she says. She gushes over Mariah Carey then says she's singing Celine Dion's “The Prayer.“ Pure voice, with some nice emotion. “Wow” says Randy Jackson and the other judges, with Minaj saying “you have so much control.“ Keith Urban agrees, adds, “you look right, like a star.“ Off to Hollywood for her, too; looking forward to seeing more of Lanier, she definitely has star quality. Stephanie Schimel follows, doing “Dream A Little Dream,“ in a breathy, Marilyn Monroeish voice; interesting, but not great for me. “Like a Carrie Underwood-Gwen Stefani blend,“ says Urban. Minaj “wasn't wowed,“ says “nothing jumped out at me.“ She gets a yes from everyone but Minaj, and is on to Hollywood. Afterward Minaj and Carey are talking over each other; I guess the beginnings of the feud we've seen all the promos for. Fox strings together a few clips of them sniping a bit at each other, with Urban adding, “I feel like a scratching post.“ It doesn't seem that serious to me, just some random trash talking, with lots of odd smiles thrown in. Awkward Melissa Bush shows up to finish off the segment, sings “Downtown” sincerely but not well.

Entertainment

Kiara Lanier -- who sang for Obama -- and Mackenzie Wasner star on 'American Idol'

Newsday

Entertainment trending

Take our quizzes

34 must-see fall concerts

Fall theater preview

Too much 'Jeopardy'?

Most Popular

Entertainment Rail Module

On the centennial of the jazz legend, we look at how he influenced rappers and rockers.

Public Enemy and others owe a debt to LI resident John Coltrane

The trio will put their own spin on Cream classics at Boulton Center on Sunday.

Just like their fathers: Sons of Cream to rock Bay Shore

"Jungle Red" takes a deep dive into the making of the 1939 comedy classic.

Illeana Douglas goes behind the scenes of 'The Women'

The outcry of support for Torra was "absolutely unprecedented."

Quiet Riot fans 'going nuts' for new singer from LI, band says

The Piano Man tells fans he's doing well during Thursday's live call-in show on Sirius XM.

Billy Joel talks about his health and favorite LI pizza on SiriusXM

From the wizarding world to what's new on Netflix, Newsday TV writer and critic Verne Gay previews the fall season,

'Harry Potter is the most important series of the decade'

Sign up for Newsday's Entertainment newsletter

Entertainment newsletter widget

More Entertainment

Entertainment Article Bottom Module

HBO's new "Harry Potter" series is one of several new spellbinding shows.

Fall TV Preview: 13 shows you won't want to miss

He'll make his debut on Tuesday's edition of "Jesse Watters Primetime."

Fox News adds Billy Bush

Catch Long Island's Michael Catuosco on the Fox culinary competition Thursday night.

Commack chef to compete on 'Hell's Kitchen'

The 'Angels' went to prison, boogied and had more fun in these memorable shows.

Remember these 'classic' 'Charlie's Angels' episodes?

The gang's all here, but does a radio show really work on TV?

3 takeaways from Howard Stern's HBO show

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

Newsday sports reporter Ben Dickson tasted some of the new menu items at UBS Arena for the 2026-2027 Islanders season.

Taste-testing UBS Arena's new food options

Ken Buffa sees what it takes to make signs glow at Going Sign & Servicing in Plainview in this week's LI Works.

LI Works: Ken is all aglow at neon sign maker

NewsdayTV's Marie Elena Martinez got a sneak peek at the new Babylon Whiskey Down Dine, which plans to open in the fall.

Take a peek inside Whiskey Down Diner's new location

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits a unique sanctuary in Calverton where veterans and first responders find healing through equine therapy with rescue horses.

Out East: Warrior Ranch Foundation

NewsdayTV's Andi Berlin visits No Good Burger Joint in Baldwin.

Newsday's Top 50 restaurants: A burger joint joins the list

Floyd twin seniors Anabel and Lydia Van Cott are double trouble for the competition on the tennis courts, NewsdayTV's Tess Fergurson reports.

Double trouble on the tennis court for Floyd

Residents say deer have been spotted in backyards and local streets as a result of the uptick in population. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

Nassau's North Shore fights exploding deer population

A renovated Belmont Park unveils new amenities on Friday, as it reopens after more than three years and $550 million in renovations, NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Horse racing returns to Belmont Park after renovation

The Long Island Sound water quality is improving, nonprofit Save the Sound says, but there's more to be done. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Long Island Sound water quality: See what the latest report card says

Supporters of "through-running" would like to see LIRR trains adding stops beyond Long Island. NewsdayTV's Alfonso Castillo reports.

What is through-running and will it work at Penn Station?

Sitewide Video Playlist

NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger talks to Freeport residents about the flooded roads caused by Saturday's nor'easter.

'It's nature, there's nothing I can do about it'

At Jones Beach Long Islanders can already see the effects of the nor'easter. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Anywhere from moderate flooding to major flooding'.

An early-season nor'easter will impact Long Island this weekend. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.

Friday will see winds up to 55 mph

The verdict is the second $5.5 million judgment against Townhouse Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing this year.

'This has to stop'

Long Island is seeing an uptick in trade school enrollment amid growing concern from young adults about job insecurity, financial prospects and the impacts of artificial intelligence on the job market. NewsdayTV's Izzy Mignardi reports.

'You're gonna have consistency'

A Siena research poll found that Long Islanders overwhelmingly want officials to crackdown on illicit spas. Newsday politics reporter Bahar Ostadan has the story.

'Looking for a more comprehensive solution'

By embracing his mother, Joshua Wilck violated a court order for him to stay away from his parents. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Man charged with attacking parents arrested after hugging mother in court

'Making the grade in many places'

The rankings saw a shake-up this year, as U.S. News focused on how well schools prepare a wide range of students to thrive in their careers and financial lives after graduation. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'More of a focus on post-graduate outcomes'

The board designed to investigate detainees' concerns hasn't met since early 2021, public records show. Newsday investigative reporter Peter D' Auria explains.

'It didn't really do a whole lot'

Nassau County police said Nolan Gaugler, 34, was conducting a chemical experiment when the mixture "reacted violently." NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Of course it was dangerous'

Hampton Shipyard was bought by a new ownership group two years ago and it is seeking to expand. But nearby residents say the expansion would not fit their neighborhood. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'We want smart development. We want it environmentally sensitive'

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

TV - megaslot

Newsday TV critic Verne Gay reviews new TV shows and series from Netflix, Max, Hulu and more. Plus, what Long Island actors are working on and Long Island filming locations.

Kiara Lanier -- who sang for Obama -- and Mackenzie Wasner star on 'American Idol'

Most Popular

Top Stories

Stay logged in.