Phillip Phillips doing Wilson Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour" on "American Idol" -- doing his thing, strutting around on stage with his nearly-maniacal smile. Good energy and putting his all into it, but just not my cup of tea, feels forced and vocally weak. 
 Randy Jackson likes how "we feel your emotion every time .?.?. I love it!" Jennifer Lopez wanted to go up there and dance around with him. 
 "Brilliantly awkward, beautiful!" says Steven Tyler. 
 Agree? Disagree? Tell us in the comments below, or on Twitter using #ndidol.

Phillip Phillips doing Wilson Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour" on "American Idol" -- doing his thing, strutting around on stage with his nearly-maniacal smile. Good energy and putting his all into it, but just not my cup of tea, feels forced and vocally weak. Randy Jackson likes how "we feel your emotion every time .?.?. I love it!" Jennifer Lopez wanted to go up there and dance around with him. "Brilliantly awkward, beautiful!" says Steven Tyler. Agree? Disagree? Tell us in the comments below, or on Twitter using #ndidol.

Entertainment

Phillip Phillips 'brilliantly awkward' on 'American Idol'

Newsday

Entertainment trending

Take our quizzes

50 best LI movies

AI's effect on entertainment

Jones Beach summer 2026 concerts

Most Popular

Entertainment Rail Module

The venerable CBS news-magazine has tried to reach new audiences many times over the years.

Six '60 Minutes' spinoffs you probably don't remember: For teens, sports fans, Quibi users (come again?)

Keys kicked off her City Hall performance with "New York State of Mind."

Alicia Keys sings (a bit of) Billy Joel classic at Knicks' celebration

Ticket prices range from $194 for general-admission standing room to $1,120 for ultra-VIP tickets.

Lauryn Hill in concert at the Clubhouse Hamptons in July

The Babylon theater's new season to also include "Mary Poppins" and more.

Argyle Theatre sets 'Cher,' 'Jimmy Buffett' musicals

"Once Upon My Mother," "Hello Betty" among selections at July 16-25 competition.

2026 Stony Brook Film Festival sets full lineup

Erik the Reptile Guy bubbles over with enthusiasm for wildlife from the Island and across the globe for his PBS show

Hanging with PBS host and LI native Erik the Reptile Guy: 'Let's go!!!!'

Sign up for Newsday's Entertainment newsletter

Entertainment newsletter widget

More Entertainment

Entertainment Article Bottom Module

Sarah McCleskey parlayed her background in Classical languages, archaeology and politics to win an appearance on the quiz show.

Hofstra librarian/vice dean competes on 'Jeopardy!'

Ritter's first reaction was to think of his father, who also had Alzheimer's.

Former 'Eyewitness News' anchor Bill Ritter talks about his Alzheimer's diagnosis

From Glen Campbell to Bobby Darin, it seemed like everyone had a summer show in the '60s and '70s.

'The Jacksons,' 'Sonny and Cher' and more sunny summer variety shows

WABC anchor Bill Ritter stepping down due to Alzheimer's diagnosis

"The Hamptons" aired for one month in the summer of 1983.

Do you remember this LI-set prime-time soap? It lasted 5 episodes.

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

"I beat people up during the day and then I talk about their feelings at night," he said.

Long Island boxer Pete Latorre's one-two punch

As we head into summer, NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen looks back at Long Island's hurricane history and prospects for the 2026 season.

A look back at LI's hurricane history

Knicks fans traveled to New York City on Thursday to be a part of the excitement as the Knicks paraded down the Canyon of Heroes to celebrate their NBA championship. NewsdayTV's Jamie Stuart reports.

Fans line the streets for Knicks parade

Admitted Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann on Wednesday was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the killing of 8 women. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

Rex Heuermann sentenced to life without parole

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits an historic home in Jamesport, that was recently renovated and you can visit and enjoy some wine.

Out East: Main & Mill House

Newsday travel reporter Carissa Kellman takes the pedicab from Robert Moses to Kismet.

Fire Island daycation: Visiting Kismet via pedicab

Long Beach's Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez throws first pitch before the Yankees-White Sox game on Tuesday.

Long Beach's Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez throws first pitch at Yankee Stadium

The Waldorf School of Garden City is taking a new approach to teaching students, by delaying the use of technology in the classroom.

Tech-free learning at The Waldorf School of Garden City

Family's fourth generation takes posession of The Selina II, a century-old sailboat built in Greenport.

Set sail in piece of maritime history

The "Long Island in the '70s" exhibit at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook shows toys, fashion and other items to "stoke the nostalgia," according to Long Island Museum collections and programming co-executive director Joshua Ruff.

Long Island in the '70s exhibit in Stony Brook

Sitewide Video Playlist

Rex Heuermann's Attorney Michael Brown sat down with Newsday following his client's sentencing to discuss the case. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

'I do think he saw the writing on the wall'

Hockey dad back on ice after surviving blood cancer thanks to bone marrow donation from son. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'I consider myself an incredibly lucky man'

'A once-in-a lifetime opportunity'

'Get him out of here'

Knicks forward-guard OG Anunoby in the parade.

OG Anunoby at the Knicks parade

Knicks coach Mike Brown celebrates with fans during the parade.

Knicks coach celebrates with fans

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa sat down for an exclusive interview with Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr, who said he didn't want Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann to "attempt any self-harm."

'He had this serial killer mentality'

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney sat down with Newsday following Rex Heuermann's sentencing. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

'They never leave you'

Mack's family stood in the courtroom on Wednesday as Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Beyond what words can express'

Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann spoke in court on Wednesday before Judge Timothy Mazzei sentenced him to life without parole.

Heuermann speaks: 'I am responsible'

Rex Heuermann sentenced to life in prison. DA Tierney said Heuermann believed he couldn't be traced when he was searching for information about his victims' families. "He thought he was smart. He was wrong."

Suffolk DA Ray TIerney speaks after Rex Heuermann's sentencing

Relatives of the victims of Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann are speaking at his sentencing in a Riverhead courtroom. Newsday courts reporter Grant Parpan has more.

A day decades in the making

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.

Phillip Phillips 'brilliantly awkward' on 'American Idol'

Most Popular

Top Stories

Stay logged in.