Alex Lambert, Lilly Scott Join ‘American Idol’ Most Shocking Eliminations
March 12, 2010
However, the two don't rank with Jennifer Hudson, La Toya London.
By James Montgomery, with additional reporting by Sohyung Kang
Katelyn Epperly and Lilly Scott on "American Idol" on Thursday
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images
While we've only reached the Top 12, season nine of "American Idol" is already shaping up to be quite a doozy, especially after Thursday night's befuddling results show, which saw Lilly Scott, Katelyn Epperly and Alex Lambert kicked to the curb in favor of far inferior talent (and we mean, like, faaaaar).
And while those early exits were pretty shocking, "Idol" fans should be used to having their jaws hit the floor by now, particularly when it comes to the voting whims of the American public. Over the course of eight and a half seasons, those dastardly dialers have provided viewers with no shortage of shocking eliminations ... ignoring things like genuine talent and common sense in favor of good-looks and, well, more good looks.
We've compiled a list of the five most shocking "American Idol" eliminations to date, and while we'll missy Lilly (and her earrings), her exit doesn't even make the list. But give it a year or two ... who knows how hard we'll be kicking ourselves then?
#5: Chris Daughtry At the time, his exit was slightly unexpected, but in hindsight, it was a slight of epic proportions. Daughtry finished fourth on the rather disastrous fifth season of "Idol" (he was booted in favor of Elliott Yamin, Katherine McPhee and eventual champ Taylor Hicks), and all he's done in the time since is sell more albums than all of them combined, land a Grammy nomination and generally become one of the most popular guys on modern rock radio. Also, one could argue that his exit — and his subsequent success — was part of the reason David Cook won the seventh season of "Idol." Not too shabby.
#4: Michael Johns A good-looking, golden-voiced Australian sorta-rocker, Johns was a presumptive favorite during the show's seventh season. When he was voted off the show — viewers decided they preferred the flag-waiving histrionics of Kristy Lee Cook, the bong-glazed vibes of Jason Castro and the milquetoast stylings of Brooke White instead — it was definitely a shock. He's never really recovered from his eighth-place finish, and last year, his self-titled album sold just 7,000 copies in its first week of release.
#3: Clay Aiken The second-season "Idol" finals came down to the gawky, supremely talented Aiken and the big-voiced, loveable Ruben Studdard. In the end, it was Studdard who came out on top — in one of the closest (and most controversial) votes in show history — and though that decision raised eyebrows at the time, it's only become more questionable as the years pass. Aiken still commands an undyingly loyal fanbase and has become a sort of catty cult figure (he still sells records too), while Studdard has struggled to take his career to the stratosphere.
#2: La Toya London She finished in fourth place in season three, despite earning raves from the judges for her performances. During her time on the show, she also landed in the bottom three — along with eventual champ Fantasia Barrino and Jennifer Hudson — which sparked outcries from the public (and Elton John). Despite her supreme talents, she was axed in favor of the likes of Jasmine Trias and Diana DeGarmo, and her farewell performance of "Don't Rain on My Parade" remains one of the most memorable in "Idol" history.
#1: Jennifer Hudson London's fellow contestant on season three, Hudson's early exit from "Idol" — she finished seventh, in favor of folks like John Stevens — is the most shocking elimination in show history, not just because of her performances (standouts included John's "Circle of Life" and Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing") but because of everything she's accomplished since (you know, like winning an Oscar). She was brought back as a wild-card performer but didn't stick. And as a result, we've never looked at the American public the same way.
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related Videos Related PhotosMatt Giraud Working On ‘Soulful Rock’ Debut
March 12, 2010
'American Idol' vet duetted with Scott MacIntyre on Thursday night.
By Gil Kaufman
Matt Giraud performs on "American Idol" Thursday
Photo: F Micelotta/American Idol 2010/Getty Images
It's been a while since America has seen Matt Giraud. The JT-like soul man who was a wild card "American Idol" finalist and recipient of last season's controversial judge's save has been working hard off-the-radar since his fifth-place finish on season eight.
Since his "Idol" run ended, Giraud's been writing songs in Nashville for his debut album, working with such well-known songwriters as Marcus Hummon (Rascal Flatts, Dixie Chicks) and Monty Powell (Keith Urban). "I'm not really going country," he told MTV News last month, "but they appreciate soul down there and I've been playing with them and making great music." So far, he's recorded 15 songs, many of which he co-wrote, and is hoping to amass at least 30 before he starts shopping an album around.
First he plans to release an EP sometime later this year to capitalize on the buzz he's gotten since notching a #1 hit on the iTunes jazz chart with Nashville singer Anna Wilson on "You Don't Know Me." He also made his triumphant return to the "Idol" stage during Thursday night's elimination show, teaming up with fellow finalist Scott MacIntyre on a spirited dueling piano cover of Billy Joel's "Tell Her About It."
"I'm just learning the craft of songwriting," Giraud said of the writers he's been working with in Nashville and Los Angeles, including Leah Haywood, who wrote "Pieces" for Allison Iraheta's debut album. He was also planning on hooking up with singer/songwriter Graham Colton, whose "Best Days" has been featured on "Idol," and which Giraud sang when he made it to Hollywood during season eight.
"For them, it's their job. One day they're working with John Legend and Carrie Underwood and the next they're with me. They know I don't have a big record deal, but they want to work with me because they see something in me."
For now, the singer who made his bones with his smooth blue-eyed soul style, said he's putting together an arsenal of songs that will hopefully surprise his fans, including some of his signature soul, plus some bluesier numbers, a few Maroon 5-style pop tunes and a handful of tracks that mine the Legend vein of buttery R&B.
"Every time I work with a new writer something different comes out," he said, describing the overarching sound as "soulful rock." He hasn't signed a label deal yet, but there's been some interest and for now he said he's just taking his time and playing live shows in between studio sessions.
Related Videos Related PhotosLacey Brown Profile: Can Her Sometimes-’Sleepy’ Performances Stand Up To The ‘Idol’ Competition?
March 12, 2010
'American Idol' Top 12 cheat sheet looks at Brown's strengths and weaknesses.
By Jim Cantiello
Lacey Brown at the "American Idol" top 12 party
Photo: Jesse Grant/ WireImage
On Thursday night, "American Idol" revealed its Top 12 Finalists for the ninth season of the hit show. MTV News "Idol" expert Jim Cantiello whipped up a handy cheat sheet for each finalist, breaking down each candidate's journey thus far. He also got the "Idol" hopefuls to weigh in when he caught up with them at Thursday night's Top 12 Party in Hollywood.
Lacey Brown
With her fiery red hair, icy cool blue eyes and a flair for animal prints, "American Idol" contestant Lacey Brown stands out in a lineup. And when she opens her mouth, Lacey gets even more interesting. In a 90-second performance, Brown's high-pitched tone can recall everyone from Patsy Cline to Gwen Stefani to Cyndi Lauper.
Best Performance: Lacey's recent Brandi Carlile performance proved that the girl with the squeaky voice is capable of quiet triumphs. Sitting still on the side of the stage, crooning "The Story" like she lived every word, Lacey finally showed America why she deserved a spot in the Top 24.
Weakest Performance: A bout of nerves turned Lacey's "Landslide" into a natural disaster. "Idol" is lucky Fleetwood Mac didn't call and ask for their song rights back.
Sad Backstory: Lacey just missed out on being part of the eighth season of "Idol," where she was cut in favor of another offbeat pretty girl, Megan Joy.
Why She Will Win: Lacey's ability to play to the camera is effortless. Her hypnotic gaze and irresistible smile lull you in and make you forget you're watching "American Idol."
Why She Will Lose: Lacey Brown's performances may be too subtle for the "Idol" stage. When Siobhan Magnus is wailing like a banshee, Lacey's sleepy offerings run the risk of putting viewers to sleep.
What She Should Sing: I've said it before, I'll say it again. Lacey should study Yael Naim's music-box version of Britney Spears' "Toxic."
On Her Strategy To Navigate The Upcoming Theme Weeks: "What I try to do is stay true to myself, stay true to my voice ... pick songs that I really like to perform and be creative with the arrangements and really just do it for the people watching, because that's what's really important."
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related Videos Related PhotosExclusive: Lloyd’s New Song, ‘Set Me Free’ — Check It Out Here!
March 12, 2010
Singer signs with Interscope instead of Young Money.
By Shaheem Reid
Lloyd
Photo: Universal Motown
Coming off the success of Young Money's "Bed Rock" and factoring in their previous track record of hit singles like "Every Girl," everyone figured that singer Lloyd and his good friend and fellow New Orleans native Lil Wayne would officially join forces. Since Lloyd got his release from the Inc. last year, his going to Young Money seemed like a foregone conclusion. However, a deal could not be worked out — but the 25-year-old MC is excited about his new deal with Interscope.
"Baby and Wayne were definitely the first people to reach out to me. I talked to them about a deal. That's who I thought I'd end up with in my heart," Lloyd explained to MTV News. "The problem is that Young Money/ Cash Money is exclusive to Universal/ Motown. As you and I know, that's where I did my last two albums. I wasn't excited about going back. I tried to do a Young Money/ Cash Money deal through another distributor, but it couldn't be done. At the end of the day, I'm still family, though."
The singer says not signing with his "family" doesn't hamper any chances of future collaborations. Lloyd is currently assessing who he'll get in the lab with.
"I don't feel the need to rush to release an album. It'll be out later this year. I got a couple of title options, but I'm not 100 percent sure yet," he explained. "I love the way Interscope gets down. I love the way Jimmy [Iovine, label head] gets down. I've always had a good working relationship with Polow [da Don, producer]. Having that creative partner is something I wanted to have, since the very beginning, to have that one creative partner. Mike [Jackson] had it with Quincy [Jones], Janet [Jackson] had it with Jimmy [Jam] and Terry [Lewis]. Justin has it with Timbaland. I feel that me and Polow have something special. I'm really looking forward to that. I also admire Jimmy [Iovine] as a producer. He loves producers. He's got Will.I.Am, Dr. Dre, Polow, the Neptunes, Timbaland. That's what he does. I'm looking forward to it."
MTV News exclusively received a copy of a new Lloyd single. It's called "Set Me Free" and features Mystikal. It's Mystikal's first song since going to jail for sexual assault six years ago. The MC was released in January.
"I'm a beast, I'm a dog," Lloyd sings. "Let me off the leash so I can set it off/...Feels like I got the whole world in my pants/ Girl you can set me free/ I'm feeling like Ali/ In his prime/ I'm a P.I.M.P. "
Mystikal comes in towards the end of the record with his famous southern howl. Myst also address his incarceration:
"Stop lyin' on me/ I smash these rappers and pick up trash at the same time, homie/ Young Lloyd called me and told me to sick the dog on 'em ... I got meaner from being behind that fence ... I hit the streets and rappers ran like shouts in the crowd/ Y'all was out here eating shrimp/ I was on that workout bench/ But I'm back on the beach/ Muscle up!"
"The N.O. is gonna love me for this one," Lloyd said. "The world is gonna love me for that song. It is the first of many [singles]. Since the album won't be coming out until later this year, that's more than enough time to get many songs out. We're gonna start hitting them pretty hard.
"I had two major goals in 2009," he added. "One was to get off the Inc., which I did. The other was to get back on radio and TV, which I did with 'Bedrock.' "
His plan for 2010 is laid flat as well.
"Signing with Interscope was just a small step," the Atlanta transplant offered. "This year I'm really focused on a classic album and staying in the public eye with more guest features. I have a few surprise collaborations coming. In the past two months I've recorded some really surprising features that will shake up the game a little bit."
Related Videos Related Artists‘American Idol’ Eliminations Shock And Disappoint Fans
March 12, 2010
'Idol' watchers are torn up over Thursday's ousters of Lilly Scott, Alex Lambert and Katelyn Epperly.
By Gil Kaufman
Alex Lambert and Katie Stevens on "American Idol" on Thursday
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images
The sound of jaws dropping across the country after Thursday night's shocking "American Idol" vote-off was mirrored in the comments left by MTV News readers in the wake of the eliminations of Katelyn Epperly, Lilly Scott, Alex Lambert and Todrick Hall.
"I can't believe they sent this group away," wrote a dumbfounded Dprk7r79 on Friday morning. "Did America really vote like this? I liked Lilly and Alex a lot."
Others were just mad that voters appeared to just get it all wrong again. "How disappointing. Three of the four best contestants were sent home," said Green Eggs and Ham. "I hope that Lilly, Alex and Todrick's contracts allow them to produce albums now, because I will buy them. As for American Idol ... You lost me tonight. I won't be watching your show for the balance of this season."
Some suggested that the nefarious spoilsports at VoteForTheWorst.com are having a real impact on season nine and throwing the vote. "Lilly and Alex should NOT have gone home, they were two of the best," argued Fortunefox. "Shocked really. I think VFTW is having an unfortunate impact this season. Crystal [Bowersox], Michael [Lynche] & Lee [Dewyze] should be afraid ... very afraid because as good as they are - tonight proves that NO ONE IS SAFE."
Quite a few said they thought Scott and Epperly should have been saved in favor of teen Katie Stevens and Paige Miles, with the latter having her roughest week to date with a poorly received cover of "Smile" and the former continuing to struggle to sound contemporary and find her artistic niche. And, like quite a few angry posters, RockChick suggested that Lambert deserved to stay over onetime front-runner Andrew Garcia, who she said has been on a downward slide since his lauded "Straight Up" cover, even as Lambert has been steadily improving.
As for commenter Stampede, well, disbelief is the only way to describe it. "I'm still in shock from the eliminations tonight on 'American Idol,' " read Stampede's response. "Absolutely as usual America gets in wrong. I mean this is the 9th season of 'American Idol,' and in the 8 already finished, only 3 of the winners were the right choice. Lilly Scott is amazing, Alex Lambert has a great soulful voice, Andrew Garcia should have been the one to go. And for the girls, Didi [Benami] or Paige should have been the ones to go. Absolute outrage."
Stampede even suggested that next year the power should be taken out of viewers' hands and the judges should decide who gets eliminated each week. Ann Isabel is holding out hope that there's a wild-card round this year, providing the opportunity for one the semi-finalists to return. And while many fans wrote in giving props to Scott and Lambert for their unique skills, one poster, Rachel, was just mad.
"I can understand everyone's disappointment when some of the true talent got sent home last night," she said. "So when did the audience of this show turn into idiots? Probably last season after they picked the wrong winner yet again! I know why Crystal didn't get super excited when she got in the top twelve, when you are a true artist on a show voted on by kids who have Hannah Montana on their TiVo you can't expect real talent to be realized!!! I mean Tim [Urban] Really!???!!! And Katie!???!! Yeah sure they could make it on a Disney Channel special but ... 'American Idol?' I think NOT!!!!!!!"
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related Videos Related PhotosMichael Lynche Profile: ‘Idol’ Finalist ‘Plans On Being Around For A Long Time’
March 12, 2010
'American Idol' Top 12 cheat sheet looks at Lynche's strengths and weaknesses.
By Jim Cantiello
Michael Lynche at the "American Idol" top 12 party
Photo: Jesse Grant/ WireImage
On Thursday night, "American Idol" revealed its Top 12 finalists for the ninth season of the hit show. MTV News "Idol" expert Jim Cantiello whipped up a handy cheat sheet for each finalist, breaking down each candidate's journey thus far. He also got the "Idol" hopefuls to weigh in when he caught up with them at Thursday night's Top 12 Party in Hollywood.
Michael Lynche
Michael "Big Mike" Lynche is like a cross between season three's goofball Matt Rogers and the Velvet Teddy Bear, Ruben Studdard. On steroids. Not literally, since Big Mike is a personal trainer, not a juice-taker. As far as we know.
Best Performance: Big Mike's a rare example of an "Idol" contestant who shines brighter without an instrument. A confident take on James Brown's "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" was entertaining, but his go-for-broke version of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work," which moved Kara DioGuardi to tears, was a game changer.
Weakest Performance: Week one's Jason Mraz impression didn't win him any fans. He sang "I'm Yours" but he wasn't ours. Not by a mile.
Tragic Backstory: Big Mike's wife went into labor with their first child during Hollywood Week. Extended phone call montages and conversations about her birth canal followed. We're not sure who will need more therapy: his daughter, whose birth her dad missed because he was auditioning for a televised karaoke competition, or his wife, whose birth was documented in eye-opening detail by "Idol" cameras.
Why He Will Win: Big Mike has a fun nickname, a newborn baby and a charming personality. Ellen DeGeneres deemed him the one to beat this week. If he continues to pick smart songs, he could muscle his way into the finale.
Why He Will Lose: He's likable, but in a TV host kind of way, not an "I wanna run out and buy that guy's album" kind of way.
What He Should Sing: Mike's personal goal should be to make every single judge cry at least once this season. We know Simon's mourning the loss of his dad. If Lynche turned John Lennon's "Mother" into a soul tour de force, Cowell would lose it.
On Being Called "The One To Beat" By Ellen: "I think it's way too early for anybody to be 'the one to beat,' " Lynche said. "It's a long season. I plan on being around for a long time, so you can't take any of that stuff to heart, negative or positive."
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related Videos Related PhotosLee Dewyze Profile: What Are The Rocker’s ‘Idol’ Chances?
March 12, 2010
'American Idol' Top 12 cheat sheet looks at Dewyze's strengths and weaknesses.
By Jim Cantiello
Lee DeWyze at the "American Idol" top 12 party
Photo: Jesse Grant/ WireImage
On Thursday night, "American Idol" revealed its Top 12 finalists for the ninth season of the hit show. MTV News "Idol" expert Jim Cantiello whipped up a handy cheat sheet for each finalist, breaking down each candidate's journey thus far. He also got the "Idol" hopefuls to weigh in when he caught up with them at Thursday night's Top 12 Party in Hollywood.
Lee Dewyze
With angsty rock vocals and a troubled-youth past, Lee Dewyze is the brooding bad boy of this "Idol" season. Lee's weathered voice shares traits with rock superstars like Chad Kroeger and Daughtry, which might explain why the judges are especially supportive of Dewyze's "Idol" journey.
Best Performance: Simon may have loved Lee's "Chasing Cars," but we thought his unexpected take on Owl City's "Fireflies" showed more promise. Plus, it was the only time the former paint salesman looked like he was having fun onstage.
Weakest Performance: Dewyze struggled to stay on pitch during Hinder's "Lips of an Angel." He also struggled to keep his pants up, making him look like a low-level amateur.
Tragic Backstory: We found out last week that Lee was kicked out of public school ... for something. In a sincere interview package, Dewyze pointed to music (and his teachers) as an inspiration to change his troubled ways.
Why He Will Win: Lee's voice is a slam dunk for radio, and the only thing "Idol" fans like more than voting for their fave is to see their fave's music move up the charts. It appears Simon Cowell has picked Lee to be his pet project, too, yet he talks about him as if he's the dark horse of the season. A dark horse who's also getting plugged by Cowell? It seems foolproof! Finally, Dewyze is starting to attract a heavily female cougar fanbase, and it wouldn't be the first time those ladies have pushed a dude to the top of the heap.
Why He Will Lose: Lee's constant battle with pitch may prevent him from ever having a true "moment."
What He Should Sing: If given the chance, Dewyze should return to the modern rock format, but deviate from vocalists who share a similar rasp. How about the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Under the Bridge"?
On His Least Favorite Performance, "Chasing Cars": "I was so nervous and [the judges] said I was pitchy and I knew I was. It was nerve-wracking, you know? And I looked at myself and was like, 'What are you doing?' But I'm kind of one of those guys that just gets up there and jams."
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related Videos Related PhotosLady Gaga’s Fans Praise ‘Amazing’ ‘Telephone’ Video
March 12, 2010
'I can't wait to see what else she has hidden up the sleeve of one of her outrageous outfits,' writes one fan
By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga in her "Telephone" video
Photo: Interscope
Lady Gaga's splashy "Telephone" video premiered Thursday night. The nearly 10-minute clip, which co-stars Beyoncé, is epic. It has amazing costumes, and it also has Lady Gaga naked. It was everything the singer said it would be. It was, as the Haus of Gaga recently declared it, "a masterpiece."
Judging by the comments on MTVNews.com, it seems that Gaga's little monsters agree with the Haus about the quality of the clip. "I thought the video for 'Telephone' was great. Lady Gaga is super-talented but she is also a phenomenal entertainer," Nikki817 wrote. "I think that she is just what the music world needs and I can't wait to see what else she has hidden up the sleeve of one of her outrageous outfits. Yay for Gaga."
LoveAsh87 wrote, "OMFG. That was such an amazing video. I love LADY GAGA, she is so freakin' talent[ed]. And I'm glad I'm one of her lil monsters. I can't wait to see what she brings next. That was freak[in'] rad!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Jhonny loved the video the first time and every time since that he's seen it. "LOVE IT. OMG. It was so comical at the same time too. I was laughing a lot and she was so fierce with her makeup," he wrote. "I first watched it and was like, huh? But watch it three more times and you'll see you missed things you didn't see the first time. Her sister is also in there btw for like a second, and it was just funny and she outdid herself again."
S loved the video, but still can't deny the quality of Gaga's previous video effort. "It was a super-fun, funny, colorful and quirky music video," S wrote. "But 'Bad Romance' still remains her best video. But this is only the beginning; she'll get greater as she goes on."
Perhaps CityBoyfromNY summed it up best for Gaga fans when he wrote, "Who needs crack when you have Lady Gaga!!!!"
Related ArtistsLady Gaga’s Fans Praise ‘Amazing’ ‘Telephone’ Video
March 12, 2010
'I can't wait to see what else she has hidden up the sleeve of one of her outrageous outfits,' writes one fan
By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga in her "Telephone" video
Photo: Interscope/ LadyGaga.com
Lady Gaga's splashy "Telephone" video premiered Thursday night. The nearly 10-minute clip, which co-stars Beyoncé, is epic. It has amazing costumes, and it also has Lady Gaga naked. It was everything the singer said it would be. It was, as the Haus of Gaga recently declared it, "a masterpiece."
Judging by the comments on MTVNews.com, it seems that Gaga's little monsters agree with the Haus about the quality of the clip. "I thought the video for 'Telephone' was great. Lady Gaga is super-talented but she is also a phenomenal entertainer," Nikki817 wrote. "I think that she is just what the music world needs and I can't wait to see what else she has hidden up the sleeve of one of her outrageous outfits. Yay for Gaga."
LoveAsh87 wrote, "OMFG. That was such an amazing video. I love LADY GAGA, she is so freakin' talent[ed]. And I'm glad I'm one of her lil monsters. I can't wait to see what she brings next. That was freak[in'] rad!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Jhonny loved the video the first time and every time since that he's seen it. "LOVE IT. OMG. It was so comical at the same time too. I was laughing a lot and she was so fierce with her makeup," he wrote. "I first watched it and was like, huh? But watch it three more times and you'll see you missed things you didn't see the first time. Her sister is also in there btw for like a second, and it was just funny and she outdid herself again."
S loved the video, but still can't deny the quality of Gaga's previous video effort. "It was a super-fun, funny, colorful and quirky music video," S wrote. "But 'Bad Romance' still remains her best video. But this is only the beginning; she'll get greater as she goes on."
Perhaps CityBoyfromNY summed it up best for Gaga fans when he wrote, "Who needs crack when you have Lady Gaga!!!!"
Related ArtistsCorey Haim Might Have Been Involved In Illegal Prescription-Drug Ring
March 12, 2010
Late actor's name was found on a fraudulent prescription obtained through a drug ring, authorities tell the AP.
By MTV News staff
Corey Haim in 2009
Photo: Joey Foley/ Getty Images
Corey Haim may have been involved in a major drug ring that provided him with an illegal prescription for a painkiller, authorities told The Associated Press on Friday (March 12).
During an investigation of the ring, the California attorney general's office found records of the fraudulent prescription in the late actor's name. Law-enforcement officials were investigating the drug ring and whether Haim himself actually filed the prescription or if someone used his name to obtain it.
Haim was found dead Wednesday, but coroner's officials have not yet determined his cause of death. According to the actor's manager, preliminary reports reveal that he died of an enlarged heart with water-filled lungs. The Los Angeles County coroner told Haim's mother that the culprit was pulmonary congestion, manager Mark Heaslip said.
The initial buzz of what might have actually killed Haim came from the 1980s teen icon's decades-long struggle with drug addiction. Longtime friend and frequent co-star Corey Feldman asked Wednesday that people not "jump the gun" to conclude a drug overdose killed Haim.
Heaslip, manager to both Feldman and Haim, said he seemed to be winning his battle against drug abuse in the weeks before his death. Haim was "weaned down to literally zero medications" in the past two weeks by an addiction specialist, Heaslip said Wednesday on CNN's "Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell."
The doctor "put him on a new line of medications," Feldman said on "Larry King Live" on Wednesday.
Related Videos Related Photos
