Paul McDonald Wasn't 'Comfortable' Singing Covers On 'American Idol'
Plus: Latest castoff confirms he's dating 'Twilight' actress Nikki Reed.
By Gil Kaufman
Before he was sent packing Thursday night, something seemed a bit off with Paul McDonald. The fire and spark the veteran Nashville singer showed in earlier rounds seemed to have left.
While talking to reporters Friday (April 15) about his ouster, McDonald, 26, explained that there was a very good reason that — despite five years of road work with his band the Grand Magnolias and the release of an album just months before his "Idol" journey began — he only made it to eighth place.
A number of the women who've been booted off so far lamented that it was the big teen and tween girl contingent of voters who were causing the early exits of girl singers. McDonald confirmed that, when he walked out onstage, the audience definitely seemed to be stacked with screaming girls holding up signs, most of which were for Scotty McCreery.
But perhaps the thing reporters wanted to know more than such burning questions as to whether he's had work done on his brilliantly white teeth — he hasn't , they're naturally shiny — is whether the rumors of him dating "Twilight" star Nikki Reed are true. "Me and Nikki Reed are dating, it's officially true," McDonald said of Reed, 22. "She's super cool, she's super smart and a really cool girl. ... I'm happy with it. We've been hanging out here and there. We're both pretty busy, but it's been fun so far."
Don't miss "Idol Party Live" every Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
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