Music Blogs

By Jon Wiederhorn

photo: Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesFollowing a week of speculation that Slayer’s co-founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman died May 2 of complications arising from a recluse spider bite, the official cause of death was announced today (Thursday, May 9) to be alcohol-related cirrhosis.

"We've just learned that the official cause of Jeff's death was alcohol-related cirrhosis," read a statement on Slayer's website. "While he had his health struggles over the years, including the recent necrotizing fasciitis infection that devastated his well-being, Jeff and those close to him were not aware of the true extent of his liver condition until the last days of his life."

Last night, "The Voice" aired its first live results show of Season 4, and while the overall outcome was basically what my "The Day After" co-host Matt Whitfield and I had predicted, it was still a little surprising to see which contestants made it to the top 12 via the public vote, and which ones made it through only because they were their respective coaches' picks.

Last night's "American Idol" top three show was one of the strongest "Idol" episodes in weeks, as all three finalists experienced magical moments onstage. But unfortunately, the offstage drama surrounding the judges (namely news that all four of them--including Randy Jackson, who actually quit "Idol" today--may be leaving the show) cast a pall over what should have been a triumphant homecoming week for Angie, Candice, and Kree.

Today, my "The Day After" co-host Matt Whitfield and I talk about last night's episode and make our predictions for which ladies will be the last two standing (or singing). Enjoy the "Idol" chatter!

By Jon Wiederhorn

(Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jonathan Phillips)Friends and family of Kris Kross's Chris Kelly gathered in Atlanta Thursday to say goodbye to the rapper, who died May 1 from a suspected drug overdose at the age of 34.

Kelly’s musical partner and childhood friend Chris "Daddy Mac" Smith, Da Brat, members of Xscape, and Jermaine Dupri attended the funeral, which was held at Jackson Baptist Memorial Church.

Smith was visibly shaken when speaking about his childhood friend. Supported at the podium by his sister, he said, "This has been a struggle for me every day." He repeatedly broke into tears during his touching eulogy, at one point turning to Kelly’s mother and saying, "Donna, you've always been like a mother to me. I know I can't fill Chris's shoes, but I'll always be there for you."

photo: Michael Becker/FoxIt's the end of an era, dawg. After a dozen seasons of faithful (dawgged?) service, "American Idol's" only constant judge, Randy Jackson, is no longer in it to win it. Randy has confirmed to E! News that he will be leaving "Idol" after Season 12.

"Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on 'American Idol' I have decided it is time to leave after this season," Randy announced in his characteristically colorful manner. "I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It's been a life-changing opportunity, but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures."

Randy's announcement comes the day after The Wrap reported that Fox supposedly intends to fire all of the current judges (and maybe even longtime producer Nigel Lythgoe) next season--so it's possible that this is a case of Randy jumping before he is pushed. This news also comes right after Yahoo!'s Reality Rocks reported that Randy is no longer managing the career of fellow judge Mariah Carey.

I have mixed feelings about this news. It can be argued--and it has been argued, by me, many times

Sarah in the kitchen [photo: Justin Goode]Season 10 "American Idol" alum and cool food blogger Sarah Sellers has been posting her viewing-party snack recipes in Reality Rocks for two "Idol" seasons now, and she's back this year to get your mouth watering every night of Season 12.

This week's "Idol" has a homecoming theme, so Texas-based Sarah is inspired by her favorite down-home comfort food. "This is definitely a homey recipe for me," she says. "Nothing says comfort like some cheesy quesadillas!"