Paul McDonald off 'American Idol'? Nikki Reed is cool with that
Paul McDonald, the first male "American Idol" finalist to be voted out this season, seems to be following Pia Toscano down the path to a swell social life -- with Nikki Reed, in this case.
Toscano was of course spotted out on the town with Mark Ballas of "Dancing With the Stars" the night after her elimination, while on his morning after, McDonald revealed that "Twilight" gal Reed is "pumped" that he's been cut loose.
"She said, 'Dude, you finally get to do your thing and be yourself and be the artist you are,' " the singer said Friday. "She is happy about the whole situation. She has been nothing but cool to me."
Unlike Toscano, who despite some smooching rumors insisted that she and Ballas are "just good friends," 26-year-old McDonald confirmed during a press call Friday that he and Reed -- whose 23rd birthday is next month -- are in fact dating.
"It's officially true," the Grand Magnolias singer said. "She's super cool, man, she's super smart, really cool girl. I'm happy about it. We've been hanging out, here and there, you know we're both pretty busy, but it's been fun so far."
There's more fun to come -- on his way to sit down with Jay Leno on Friday, McDonald tweeted a picture of the ID on his "Tonight Show" perch.
Though some might have tagged Paul the worst -- and you know who you are -- this Ministry minion counted McDonald and his suits and boots among her faves this "Idol" season; we would listen to that scratchy voice any time. Anyone else out there going to miss Mr. "Maggie May"?
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-- Christie D'Zurilla
Photo: Paul McDonald performing in his boots and trademark suit for "American Idol" on March 30. Credit: Michael Becker / Fox / Associated Press
I will super miss paul. Literally the coolest contestent they've had in 10 years. In my family, he bridged the generation gap...three generations pulling for him. We are now "grand magnolias" followers! Thanks paul!
Posted by: barbiemom | Apr 15, 2011 at 05:02 PM
Wow once again America got it wrong. first Pia now Paul ? I do not understand this season at all. I loved Paul he knows how to entertain,
a TRUE artist who loves and appreciates his fans. He is an entertainer and a very classy guy. UNLIKE the very boring un-entertaining Jacob Lusk every time he sings it sounds the same, I was bored of Lusk the 2nd time I saw him sing.
I am not knocking gospel music but enough is enough PLEEEEEEEASE get rid of Lusk, so the true entertainers can show their stuff.
Posted by: DAVID S | Apr 15, 2011 at 05:49 PM
LOVE you for posting the grand magnolias video. that audio isn't the best, so it's worth a trip to itunes to get the recording. but congrats to paul for his good ride on idol. very happy to see how idol has translated into paul and his band doing well on the itunes charts. can't wait for more from them....
Posted by: gradeditude | Apr 15, 2011 at 05:52 PM
Really going to miss Paul. My husband is glad he's gone but thats just because I sat on the couch like a giddy school girl. I just love his scratchy voice and unique style. I hope America will embrace the Grand Magnolias and that they will have the success they deserve. And congrats to Nikki and Paul, super cute couple
Posted by: Laura Johnson | Apr 15, 2011 at 07:17 PM
Paul McDonald reminds me of a cross of Rod Stewart and Kenny Loggins. Paul is definitely unique in his voice and has great stage presence. I think we'll be hearing from and about him for a long time.
Posted by: Katheryn | Apr 15, 2011 at 07:30 PM
I don't understand those who say Paul has a unique style. He sounds like a Rod Stewart imitator only with less than half of Rod's vocal range. I do have to give him props though for being pretty entertaining given his 3 or 4 note range.
Posted by: Kathy | Apr 15, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Did Paul even sing? Most of the time he was jumping around-and talking, not singing. Not even close to Rod Steward's voice-possibly a pale shadow of it. I agree-He made some "flashy" appearances on stage and knew how to work the crowd. I like the remaining contestants - they too have unique styles, I have to disagree with David S.-Jacob has an amazing voice and style, which is really not gospel. Compared to Paul----he can sing. Isn't that what Idol is looking for???
Posted by: Katz | Apr 15, 2011 at 09:52 PM
I'll miss his smile, but not his voice. Seems like a nice guy though and I wish him well.
Posted by: PamE | Apr 16, 2011 at 01:18 AM
If you think Paul can't sing you need to go to Itunes and download the Grand Magnolias CD--I don't think of him as a Rod Stewart type at all--listen to it and think...Train...Amos Lee...Damien Rice....James Blunt...if you don't listen to those people then you truly won't get him...but I think he will be fine....he just didn't do so well at singing other people's songs,,,his own songs are awesome.
Posted by: Ginger | Apr 16, 2011 at 04:28 AM
Go home Lusk. Boring!
Posted by: Hdogg | Apr 16, 2011 at 06:00 AM
I'm definitely going to miss seeing Paul on Idol. He was my favorite this season from the start. Love his voice, his personality and of course his smile. I've listened to all his pre-Idol music with his band The Grand Magnolias and it is really good. There will be a lot more great music to come and I can't wait!
And now that Paul has some free time, maybe he and Nikki can have a real date. I wish them the best.
Posted by: Glamouse | Apr 16, 2011 at 06:37 AM
@ katz: we all have our own preferences. that's why there are so many musical genres, so many singers. i'm certain i would never buy jacob's or scotty's or even pia's albums, because i don't enjoy their style, but ALL the idols can sing. i don't doubt that they'll all make and sell records, and they all have fans who love their music.
but by far, i enjoy paul's music the most. i love all of his idol studio recordings, and i love his grand magnolias album. and judging by how well it's doing on itunes, i'm not the only one.
Posted by: gradeditude | Apr 16, 2011 at 07:02 AM
Paul is right, he's much better when he sings his own songs.
Posted by: davey | Apr 16, 2011 at 08:34 AM
I'm not particularly upset with Paul's dismissal. He's a very good entertainer with decent stage presence, but if we're looking for a true pop idol, Paul ain't it. And, just like Pia, he's not under the constraints of the Idol machine anymore, so he now gets to do whatever he wants musically and artistically. We'll see just how far that takes him.
Posted by: k | Apr 16, 2011 at 08:46 AM
He has very commercial appeal, obviously. If he can find the right material, he'll have a career. He's the type of engaging performer that one hit song will keep him up there for a lifetime of touring. Personally, I think Stefano should have gone in his place. This is a very talented bunch this year, and Stefano is by far the weakest performer. This year has the very first really great artist - Casey. With or without the show, he's going to be around for a long time. Doubt if the dimwads that do most of the voting will recognize that level of sophistication and artistry, but no matter. Now that Casey has had the showcase he can move on.
Posted by: Mike | Apr 16, 2011 at 10:29 AM
The talent this year has been extremely amazing.In my own opinion,paul is unique and I will miss him.He should've been one of the last two finalists standing.Him and Scotty.Now that Paul is gone,the last two finalists should be either, Scotty & Lauren or Scotty & James.I don't feel it was Stefano's time to go yet,either.And,as for Pia,even though she could sing,I think America made the right choice.Just not at the right time.I think the next American Idol winner should be Scotty Mccreery,and the next contestant to be eliminated should be Jacob.But,as we know, America doesn't always get it right.Regardless of who wins though,they all have amazing talent and I wish them all the best of luck!
Posted by: Tina | Apr 25, 2011 at 01:37 PM