Video: Joshua & Hollie (Holledet) Interview

Video: Lucky Charm?

Video: Strange Talents & Tricks

Video: Zombies or Vampires?

Videos - Full Video & The Making of "I Wanna Rock"

Making of "I Wanna Rock"

Video: Idols on Working with Stevie Nicks

Mariah Thanks Joshua on Twitter!

After hearing Joshua's stellar performance of "Without You" from last night, Mariah tweeted this:

Reviews of Joshua's Performance Last Night

Source: NOLA.com










Lisa de Moraes @ WashingtonPost.com:

Iovine pronounces Joshua Ledet’s song choice, Harry Nilsson’s “Without You,” “one of the most challenging five songs you could ever sing in pop music.” “That chorus is a magic trick,” Iovine warns. He doesn’t sound too confident about Joshua’s ability to pull it off. But Joshua, who’d picked the tune because his idol is Mariah Carey who’d covered it, runs through the difficult changes effortlessly and with so much emotion he has trouble finishing the number.

Another standing O at the judges’ table. “It was Mariah’s birthday yesterday and I was talking to her,” Randy begins. That’s all we heard. “You’re a phenom,” JLo adds.

Annie Barrett @ EW.com:

Joshua Ledet's cover of Mariah Carey's version of "Without You" started off a little shaky, but I could have been disoriented by all the weird "unfinished trees" he had to navigate onstage. There were even some digital hack-job trees in the giant oval behind him. Pretty scary stuff. I had no idea this song required an eerie doomsday forest.

Perhaps the theme of the segment was "sap." After Joshua took us to church again with a hearty helping of vocal acrobatics, he became extremely emotional and even wiped his nose in the middle of the last line of the song. Unheard of! Standing O from the judges! So at this point they had stood up for every guy, and J. Lo would soon be forced against her will to rise to her feet for Elise. That seems fair.

Anyway, I liked this from Joshua -- it reminded me of last week's "She's Got a Way," but in this case the song actually did warrant his histrionics and a big crescendo.

Chuck Barney @ MercuryNews.com:

Joshua Ledet: He sang himself into tears, and he sang the judges into a standing ovation. This is love, and Joshua can sing to me any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

Video: American Idol Top 9 React to a Night of "Connecting"

Joshua Q & A

This was taken from Joshua's official American Idol page.

---

Question: Who has influenced your personal musical style?

Answer: My Mother.




Question: Who is your favorite male artist and why?
Answer: Michael Jackson, because his style in music is unique and genius.




Question: Who is your favorite female artist and why?

Answer: Whitney Houston, because her voice is unreal.




Question: What was the first concert you attended?
Answer: Beyonce.




Question: If you could perform in any venue?
Answer: Madison Square Garden, it's every artist's dream.




Question: How has music inspired you?
Answer: In every way, from my life to everything I do.




Question: Do you have any formal singing training?
Answer: No, I've never had any training.




Question: What album would your friends be surprised you own?
Answer: Earth, Wind and Fire.




Question: If you could perform with any person or group, who would it be and why?

Answer: Fantasia Barrino. She's my favorite Idol and singer. She's amazing.




Question: What do you do to unwind after a performance?
Answer: I slowly collect myself and talk to myself.




Question: What do you do to unwind after a performance?

Answer: I slowly collect myself and talk to myself.




Question: Which theme week would be most challenging to you and why?

Answer: Michael Jackson. His music cannot be cloned, only he can sing it.




Question: What theme week would you love to have for Season 11?

Answer: Tina Turner theme.




Question: What's your dream song to perform?
Answer: 'I Will Always Love You'.




Question: What makes a great performer?
Answer: A great spirit and person.




Question: How do you combat stage fright?
Answer: I tune everything out.




Question: How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?
Answer: By staying true to who I really am as an artist.




Question: If you could model your career after an artist, who would it be and why?

Answer: Michael Jackson because he touched so many lives.




Question: If you couldn't sing, what other talent would you most like to have?
Answer: Acting.




Question: What has been the most unique job/chore you've ever had?

Answer: Singing at a huge concert.




Question: What has been the most unique job/chore you've ever had?
Answer: Singing at a huge concert.




Question: How would you define success in life?
Answer: Touching others lives.




Question: What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever seen or experienced?
Answer: Slipping and falling in front of hundreds of people.




Question: What's your proudest moment in life outside of American Idol?

Answer: Being an uncle to all my nieces and nephews.




Question: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Answer: I only eat spicy food.




Question: If you have 24 hours to do anything you wanted, what would you do?
Answer: Travel the whole world.




Question: Who is the person that you would most like to meet?

Answer: Fantasia Barrino.




Question: Do you have a favorite quote, phrase or personal motto / words to live by?
Answer: Live, Laugh, Love.




Question: What's been the most surprising part of the Idol experience so far?
Answer: Seeing amazing singers go home.




Question: What have you learned about yourself by going through the Idol audition process?
Answer: Just stay true to yourself.




Question: What are you hoping to get out of your Idol experience?
Answer: Becoming a better artist.

Joshua Q&A

This was taken from Joshua's official American Idol page.

---

Question: Who has influenced your personal musical style?
Answer: My Mother.



Question: Who is your favorite male artist and why?
Answer: Michael Jackson, because his style in music is unique and genius.




Question: Who is your favorite female artist and why? Answer: Whitney Houston, because her voice is unreal.

Question: What was the first concert you attended? Answer: Beyonce.

Question: If you could perform in any venue? Answer: Madison Square Garden, it's every artist's dream.

Question: How has music inspired you? Answer: In every way, from my life to everything I do.

Question: Do you have any formal singing training? Answer: No, I've never had any training.

Question: What album would your friends be surprised you own? Answer: Earth, Wind and Fire.

Question: If you could perform with any person or group, who would it be and why? Answer: Fantasia Barrino. She's my favorite Idol and singer. She's amazing.

Question: What do you do to unwind after a performance? Answer: I slowly collect myself and talk to myself.

Question: What do you do to unwind after a performance? Answer: I slowly collect myself and talk to myself.

Question: Which theme week would be most challenging to you and why? Answer: Michael Jackson. His music cannot be cloned, only he can sing it.

Question: What theme week would you love to have for Season 11? Answer: Tina Turner theme.

Question: What's your dream song to perform? Answer: 'I Will Always Love You'.

Question: What makes a great performer? Answer: A great spirit and person.

Question: How do you combat stage fright? Answer: I tune everything out.

Question: How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition? Answer: By staying true to who I really am as an artist.

Question: If you could model your career after an artist, who would it be and why? Answer: Michael Jackson because he touched so many lives.

Question: If you couldn't sing, what other talent would you most like to have? Answer: Acting.

Question: What has been the most unique job/chore you've ever had? Answer: Singing at a huge concert.

Question: What has been the most unique job/chore you've ever had? Answer: Singing at a huge concert.

Question: How would you define success in life? Answer: Touching other's lives.

Question: What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever seen or experienced?? Answer: Slipping and falling in front of hundreds of people.

Question: What's your proudest moment in life outside of American Idol? Answer: Being an uncle to all my nieces and nephews.

Question: What would people be surprised to learn about you? Answer: I only eat spicy food.

Question: If you have 24 hours to do anything you wanted, what would you do? Answer: Travel the whole world.

Question: Who is the person that you would most like to meet? Answer: Fantasia Barrino.

Question: Do you have a favorite quote, phrase or personal motto / words to live by? Answer: Live, Laugh, Love.

Question: What's been the most surprising part of the Idol experience so far? Answer: Seeing amazing singers go home.

Question: What have you learned about yourself by going through the Idol audition process? Answer: Just stay true to yourself.

Question: What are you hoping to get out of your Idol experience? Answer: Becoming a better artist.

Audio: Joshua Ledet - "Without You" (Studio Recording)

Video: Joshua Tour Talk

Videos: Joshua's Idol Performances (3/28) + Lyrics Update

Solo Performance


Joshua Ledet, Top 9 Compete ~ American Idol 2012

Trio Performance


Heejun, DeAndre & Joshua, Top 9 Compete ~...




I have also updated the Lyrics section.

Photos: American Idol Mansion

Source: EW.com

The Top 9 singers on American Idol — Jessica, Colton, Phillip, Hollie, Elise, Skylar, Joshua, DeAndre, and Heejun, in Power List order — moved into their Hollywood Hills mansion this week. It’s all tricked out with a workout/weight room, a dance party room, ping pong, a pool table, an actual pool, and more so that the kiddos never get bored (or any sleep).



[gallery link="file"]



See more photos here: Photo Gallery > American Idol > American Idol Mansion

How Joshua Gets A Taste of Louisiana in LA

Source: NOLA.com




BATON ROUGE - First, it was crawfish, then boudin. Now it's jambalaya. And there will be more Louisiana home-cooking on its way to Joshua Ledet for every week he remains a contestant on the Fox Television reality show, "American Idol," Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne said.

Dardenne said the Louisiana exports to Hollywood started a few weeks ago when Ledet, a singer and resident Westlake near Lake Charles mentioned on the show that he missed Louisiana food.

Dardenne and the state's Seafood and Marketing Board got Randol's, a Lafayette restaurant to ship him 60 pounds of crawfish which he peeled and ate on the air and showed some of the non-Louisiana judges how to do it.

Last week, the singer got boudin sausage and this week some spicy south Louisiana jambalaya will be on its way to Hollywood.

Dardenne calls the program "Feed the Dream" and promised that every week Ledet is in contention to be the next American Idol some more Lousiana food will be en route to him.

"We wanted to be supportive of him," Dardenne said.

He said his office has incurred minimal expense, mainly the cost of shipping.The products have been donated by Louisiana restaurants and food manufacturers, he said.

Dardenne, whose office oversees tourism promotion and advertising, said the show is not only a good opportunity to showcase Louisiana's musical talent but Louisiana products.

He said that if his office had to buy the air time to promote Louisiana on the highly -rated prime-time weekly show it could not afford it.

He estimated the state received $2.5 million to $3 million in national exposure when Ledet and the judges chowed down on crawfish.

Video: American Idol Top 13 Photoshoot (Behind the Scenes)

Video: Music Runs in the Ledet Family

Source: KPLCTV





WESTLAKE, LA (KPLC) - Leading up to the public showing of American Idol, live music was played by Joshua Ledet's cousin.

Brandon Ledet is Joshua's first cousin and is proof music runs in the Ledet family because he plays in a zydeco band. Brandon is the accordion player and lead vocals.

"As far as Creole culture, that runs deep in our family and in our roots," Brandon said. "I'm glad to say that I'm keeping that going as well."

Brandon said it's good seeing his cousin making it this far in American Idol. "I hope he goes all the way," he said.

But playing with his band, Brandon Ledet and Creole Touch, getting the party started with some music and dancing is where it's at.

"It's real nice to see them get into the music and it pumps you up as you play, so it's a plus," he said.

And keeping it all in the family. "It seems we have a lot more "cousins" on a daily basis...saying that they're cousins," Brandon said. "But it's fine. It's a nice thing you know...We're just having fun with it."

Joshua's performance of She's Got a Way by Billy Joel pleased the judges who said he made the song come to life.

Watch the attached video for more reaction from Brandon and fans.

Dress Like Joshua!

Wanna dress like Joshua? Like what he's wearing on the show? Well, now you can get a little piece of Joshua's style! Over on Soyon An's blog, she has broken down the American Idols' style from last week's show (and more to come each week)! Below is Joshua's look, but click on the link above to see more!

Joshua Ledet really shined in this monochromatic ensemble. He wore a Zara shirt and pants and a Simon Spurr jacket. [If you loved the jacket, check out this wallet-friendly option from H&M.] He wore Franceschetti shoes, and his look was completed with a custom Kizmit tie.

Video: Local Westlake Supporters of Joshua

Businesses, schools and residents of Westlake are showing their support for their hometown American Idol contestant, Joshua Ledet. Signs along Sampson Street show support for Ledet and nearly 100 people gathered in Westlake's Manigan Center to watch him perform during Wednesday's show (March 15, 2012).

Video: Joshua being Interviewed by Hollywood Reporter

Video: Top 13 Performs "As" By Stevie Wonder

Video: The Challenge of Choosing Birth Year Songs

Video: Idol Top 11 Responds to Jermaine's Departure

Video: Top 10 Performs on Thursday's Results Show

Video: The American Idol Top 10 - The Hunger Games Edition!

Video: Joshua Talks About Being in the Top 13 & His College Major

Video: Would Your Rather...

Video: How Joshua Describe His Life... Right Now in One Word

Video: If Joshua Wasn't Singing...

American Idol Update: Wednesday, March 28, 2012

After three weeks in a row of less-than-contemporary music on "American Idol," the Top 9 will have a chance to liven things up when they sing songs from their own idols.



That's not to say the finalists won't choose artists from before their time, but considering the fact that Whitney Houston/Stevie Wonder week, songs from the year you were born week and Billy Joel week have all proven difficult for many of the contestants, this might be a great opportunity to liven things up a little bit.

Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe tweeted after the Top 10 results show that saw 26-year-old Erika Van Pelt flying back home to New England (new haircut and all) that the Top 9 would be singing songs from artists like "Beyonce, Mariah, Miranda, Lifehouse, Daughtry, Led Zeppelin."

Well, we all know what that means for Mr. Ledet!
:D

Video: Fan Posing with Joshua & Other Idol Contestants at The GROVE in LA

Credit: JosiahTrue

Joshua's Got A Way

Source: [NOLA.com]

Billy Joel music was the theme of Wednesday’s (March 21) performance episode of “American Idol.” Louisiana’s Joshua Ledet got stuck with “She’s Got a Way,” and struggled a bit until a choir took the stage to elevate the concluding bars.



Recapper Kevin Rutherford @ Billboard.com nonetheless put Ledet in his “Definitely In” category to survive Thursday’s vote-off episode, scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on WVUE-TV.

"Here's the thing about Joshua's performance: if you've heard the original, it's probably not your bag. If it was your first time hearing the tune, you probably found it to be yet another astounding performance from the singer. So, take your pick. I thought Joshua did the best he could with "She's Got a Way" considering he'd never heard the song before -- not surprisingly, Billy Joel isn't his forte. Jennifer didn't think he felt the lyrics, while Steven thought he sang his life into the song. The performance is polarizing, but I think the general consensus will be positive."

More reviews/commentary on Joshua's performance:



Amy Reiter @ LATimes.com:

Really, Mr. Tyler, you've never heard Billy Joel's "She's Got a Way"? Aren't you the same guy Ryan Seacrest portrayed as some kind of Billy Joel expert at the top of the show? (They've shared the stage; Joel has introduced Tyler as his "old friend.") Aren't you a musician? Weren't you alive in the '80s? Have the intervening years of enthusiastically hard living obliterated a few memory cells?

Lisa de Moraes @ WashingtonPost.com:

Joshua does not wear a tux on stage. He is, however, wearing a dark jacket. He is a bit lost in the song until a gospel choir comes on stage to back him and this simple little love song begins to sound like the road to redemption.
JLo says he lacked conviction; Randy calls it half a good performance. Tyler follows along the same lines. Then they spend exactly as much time as they’d spent giving pointers in apologizing for giving pointers.

Melissa Locker @ RollingStone.com:

Joshua Ledet is more special than an all-black outfit, according to Tommy Hilfiger. But Joshua must have low self-esteem, because when he shows up on stage to sing "She's Got a Way," he's still wearing all black. His performance with a backing choir is a crowd-pleaser, but when they cut to the judges Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson are deep in conversation. Turns out J.Lo didn't think Joshua really connected with the lyrics. Luckily Steven Tyler disagrees and says the complete opposite. Randy agrees with them both. This is undoubtedly extremely helpful to the young singer. The judges then swear they love him and that he is also one of the best singers on the competition.

Video: Joshua Performs Blue Suede Shoes

Video: Joshua on Family Traditions

Video: Big Time & The Making of Big Time

Video: "Ghost Town" & The Making of "Ghost Town"

Video: "You Found Me" & The Making of "YFM"

Video: Joshua Ledet - Life in LA

When Crawfish Makes An American Idol Appearance...

Source: Houma Today

When Westlake native and “American Idol” finalist Joshua Ledet said on national television that he was homesick for Louisiana cooking, local seafood-industry representatives sprang into action.

Mike Voisin, CEO of Motivatit Seafood processors in Houma, called Ewell Smith, executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, and said, “You’re not going to believe what I’m watching.”

The seafood board teamed up with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and sent 60 pounds of boiled Louisiana crawfish from Randol’s Restaurant in Lafayette to the Lake Charles-area resident who is among those participating in the popular televised singing competition.

The crawfish was brought on stage during the show, and Ledet taught host Ryan Seacrest how to peel it.

“When the window of opportunity opens like that, you’ve got to jump through it. And the timing couldn’t have been better: right in the middle of crawfish season,” Smith said. He estimates the shellfish’s cameo appearance had a public-relations value of $3.5 million.

“ ‘American Idol’ is as good as it gets, aside from the Super Bowl,” Smith said.

After Ledet earned a standing ovation for his rendition of “When a Man Loves a Woman” that night, “Idol” judge Randy Jackson, a Baton Rouge native, said, “You know what makes this vocal special? It’s that crawfish he was singing for.”

Hilfiger Polishes Ledet's Style

Source: Examiner - Celebrity News

Joshua Ledet looked good to the public on Wednesday thanks to Tommy Hilfiger. The celebrity stylist was on scene for the contestants showing how they could shape their image with the fashion worn on the American Idol stage. Joshua Ledet took the stage strong and performed She's Got A Way.

For Joshua Ledet, the image stylist wanted to “polish” the contestant. Sharing that wearing a tuxedo or suit the entertainer would be helped in the American Idol competition; the contestant came on stage looking dapper and ready to sing his heart out.

"I think Joshua has a chance to be polished. I think by dressing him up it will help him,” said Tommy Hilfiger on American Idol. After dishing the advice, the contestant looked handsome when he walked on stage wearing the outfit suggested by Hilfiger.

With the image being equally as important as the music, the evolution of American Idol is now including the fashion that the contestants wear along with the looks. From Erika Van Pelt’s new hair to looking dapper, Tommy Hilfiger is dishing out plenty of advice.

5 Facts About Joshua (107 Jamz)

This list was complied by Lake Charles' local radio station, 107 Jamz.


1. This is not the first time Joshua tried out for American Idol.
Believe it or not this is his first merry-go-round with American Idol. He auditioned before and was sent packing. But, you know what they say…”if at first you fail try, try again.

2. He’s a great cook.
Like most Louisiana men, Joshua knows his way around the kitchen and loves to cook. In Louisiana it’s customary for men to cook. As a matter of fact, in some families the man is the only cook or his cooking is better than his wife’s.

3. Though he’s humble on stage, Joshua is not shy.
Those who know him best will tell you, he’s not quiet or shy. He’s actually very loud, outspoken and funny with family and friends.

4. He loves to hunt and ride dirt bikes.
Joshua is a country boy at heart. Louisiana isn’t called the “sportsman’s paradise” for nothing and Joshua falls right in with that saying, because he loves to go hunting and ride dirt bikes.

5. He was a lifeguard.
It takes a special type of person to be a lifeguard. Yeah it’s a lot of fun in the sun, but if an emergency occurs it can be a pretty tough job.

Audio: Joshua's Brother Jason Stops by 107 Jamz (Lake Charles)

Source: 107 Jamz

♪ CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE AUDIO

What a wonderful surprise! Jason Ledet stopped by the studio this morning to remind people to vote for his baby brother Joshua Ledet tonight on American Idol. The evening beginning at 5:30 Jason and the Ledet family along with the city of Westlake are inviting everyone to stop by the Multi-Purpose Complex Gymfor live entertainment, food, and a live viewing of American Idol. Wifi will be available, so feel free to bring your laptops, iPads etc, so that you can vote for our very own Joshua Ledet.

In case you didn’t know, Joshua has 7 brothers and sisters and as Jason put it….he’s “dead last”. Yep, he’s the baby, however don’t be surprised if another Ledet grabs the worlds attention. According to Jason, all of them can sing. As they say, the apple doesn’t fall from the tree…..mom and dad are just as gifted.

Right now their main focus is Joshua and like Jason said, it’s gonna take prayer and votes to see him through. Make sure you watch American Idol tonight and join us as we vote for our own Joshua Ledet!

Joshua Ledet - "She's Got A Way" (Studio Recording)

Video: Joshua Sings "She's Got A Way"

Visit JOSHUA-LEDET.NET

Be sure to visit

Joshua-Ledet.net

!!!

OFFICIAL JOSHUA-LEDET.NET WEBSITE LAUNCH!

Hello, my fellow JJewels! This is my OFFICIAL website launch, so without further ado….

WELCOME to Joshua-Ledet.net – Your newest & 1st fan website dedicated to American Idol's Joshua Ledet!

My name is Joyce and I have been a fan of Joshua since the audition phase of Season 11.

I am super excited to be opening this fansite in dedication to Joshua! Joshua-Ledet.net offers news (of course!), an occasional blog, photos, videos, audio, a small, but growing fan community, a forum (coming soon), and lots more!

I am still working on a few minor kinks, sections, and website pages, so bare with me. If something isn’t working correctly, please inform me of the issue(s) so I can get it fixed promptly! If you see older tweets appearing in your timeline, it’s because the website was on maintenance mode and the feed didn’t update. I chat with fans and answer questions on the twitter account, so to keep the confusion down, all new tweets regarding news & updates will be tweeted with a { • } in front of it.

Please spread the word about the website and let me know what you think by leaving your comments below, taking the visitors poll, and/or tagging #JoshuaLedetNet @JoshuaLedetNet on Twitter. I hope you guys like it. Been working on it quite a while now! Thank you all!

An all new American Idol is on tonight (check your local listings)! Be sure to vote for Joshua (#Vote4Josh, #VoteForJoshua), and also and the end of the show, they will be taking questions from the fans via Twitter (#AskTheIdols) - be sure to use the hashtag, or your question will not qualify!

ENJOY, Jewels!




- Joyce
Webmaster & Creator of Joshua-Ledet.net

American Idol 2012 Finale Date

Source: American Idol Net

If you’re wondering when is the American Idol 2012 finale then you’ll be glad to know FOX has set a date to crown its next American Idol winner.

The two-night Season 11 finale will stretch across Tuesday, May 22 for the final performance show featuring an undefined number of finalist singers and Wednesday, May 23 for the big results reveal. Note the shift from Idol’s usual Wednesday and Thursday air times for its last round of episodes.

Photos: Candids - Joshua & Colton Shopping

Joshua & Colton Dixon shopping at The Grove in Hollywood (Los Angeles, California) - March 15, 2012

Video (Access Hollywood): Joshua Responds to J.Lo's Comment

Source: Access Hollywood

Video (Access Hollywood): Jennifer Stands By Her Comment on Joshua's Performance

On Wednesday night's new episode of "American Idol," we saw Jennifer Lopez make a rather controversial comment about Joshua Ledet's performance of "When a Man Loves a Woman," specifically in that it was one of the best ever on the show.

Joshua Takes The Heat Off of American Idol

Source: Contact Music

Soul singer Joshua Ledet took the heat off American Idol producers after a tumultuous week that saw producers disqualifying the 'gentle giant' Jermaine Jones after it was discovered he had a violent criminal record. Jermaine's axing was part of Wednesday's show, though all eyes soon turned to another contestant.

According to USA Today, Joshua opted to sing Michael Bolton's version of 'When a Man Loves a Woman' and received high praise from the judges, with Jimmy saying, "I felt I was in his house". The entire audience were on their feet for the young soul singer, with Steven Tyler commenting, "That was so good we were up halfway through it". The highest praise came from Jennifer Lopez who had no problems summarising, "The best thing I've ever seen on American Idol. The best thing I've ever seen". The stand-out performance will have come as a welcome relief for American Idol bosses, who had to disqualify baritone singer Jermaine Jones after it emerged that he had been arrested twice in 2011, once for a violent offense. Though some influential figures were reportedly keen to keep Jones in the competition - the fact that he is still wanted by police left them with no option but to axe him.

Meanwhile on last night's show, Colton Dixon, Shannon Magrane and Skylar Laine also impressed the judges and Hollie Cavanagh emerged as the frontrunner after a powerful rendition of Celine Dion's 'Power of Love'.

Louisiana Seafood Board Sends Crawfish to Joshua + Video

Source: Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board

NEW ORLEANS, March 15, 2012 (PRNewswire) - The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board (LSPMB) sent 60 pounds of boiled crawfish to American Idol Top 11 Finalist Joshua Ledet, from Westlake, Louisiana, as a surprise on last night's (03/14/2012) live American Idol program.

According to Executive Director Ewell Smith, LSPMB sprang into action as soon as Ledet said that he missed Louisiana food and asked judge Randy Jackson, also from Louisiana, to help him out. Randol's Restaurant of Lafayette, Louisiana, supplied the crawfish and LSPMB put together a Louisiana care package to accompany the crawfish.

Working with the American Idol producers, and collaborating with the Louisiana Office of Tourism to include a letter from Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, the Seafood Board arranged for a surprise onstage "crawfish boil" for Ledet. When the crawfish were presented, several young audience members were also onstage and Ledet was asked to show them how to peel and eat crawfish.

Smith said, "We were delighted with the opportunity to support Joshua, not only as an American Idol finalist but also as someone who appreciates the uniqueness of Louisiana seafood. The chance to show the world how to eat Louisiana crawfish was priceless, and we were so happy to be able to help out."

Joshua Ledet - "I Wish" (Studio Recording)

Joshua Ledet - "When A Man Loves A Woman" (Studio Recording)

Video: Westlake's Joshua Ledet Makes it into American Idol's Top 10

Source: KPLCTV

WESTLAKE, LA (KPLC) - Congratulations to local American Idol contestant, Joshua Ledet, for advancing to the next level in Thursday night's elimination round. Ledet has secured his spot in the top ten, which means that he will be touring with the other finalists in American Idol's summer tour. Ledet and the other contestants will return to the stage for viewer votes next Wednesday.

HollywoodLife.com Commentary: Joshua Ledet Shines

Here's what Hollywood Life had to say about Joshua's performance from last night:

Joshua Ledet: Joshua means business! He’s so soft spoken in real life and then he gets on the stage and wails. I loved hearing him sing Michael Bolton‘s version of “When a Man Loves a Woman,” because it felt like it was second nature to him. He stayed true to the song and didn’t try to switch it up a ton, which I also appreciated. Turns out, the judges loved it too and gave him a standing ovation. “Joshua! That was so good, we were up half way through it!” Stephen yelled, over Jennifer’s screaming. “That was phenomenal and incredible on every level,” Randy said. Jennifer interrupted, raving, “That was the best thing I’ve ever seen on American Idol.” If Joshua’s performance tonight didn’t save him from the bottom three, I don’t know what will.

MTV: American Idol Report Card: Joshua Ledet Lays It Down

Source: MTV.com

Joshua Ledet: It's easy to score a lay-up when everyone else is clanking nothing but iron. It's hard to see how pastor's kid Ledet could have missed with Michael Bolton's "When a Man Loves a Woman." He had the killer white jacket with a red rose, the Sam Cooke-like vocal histrionics (nice "A Change is Gonna Come" callback), a too-cool-for-school swagger and those high notes. Oh man, those high notes. "The best thing I've ever seen on 'American Idol,' " Lopez said. Preach on, JL! We mean you, Josh — not Jennifer.


Grade: A

Video: Joshua Ledet - When A Man Loves A Woman (Top 12)

Video: Meet Joshua

Video: Joshua - Top 25

Video: Joshua - Top 13

Video: Joshua in 60 Seconds

Video: Joshua in 60 Seconds