MK Nobilette’s “American Idol” run came to an end tonight.

After hurriedly conferring with the band after being told she’d received the fewest votes for the week, the openly lesbian singer from San Francisco reprised her “Rush Week” performance of John Legend’s “All of Me” in an attempt to sway the judges to use their single save for the season. Despite what appeared to be an emphatic plea from an emotional Jennifer Lopez, the three judges could not reach the unanimous decision necessary to keep the young singer in the competition.

With fellow judges Lopez and Keith Urban looking on, Harry Connick, Jr., delivered the news to an anxious Nobilette.

Fans can look for Nobilette on the “American Idol” tour this summer which will feature the Top 10 finalists from the season.

Watch Nobilette’s “Rush Week” performance of “All of Me” here.

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“American Idol” featured Top 10 songs from the remaining Top 10 contestants tonight and MK Nobilette paid homage to Pink with “F*ckin’ Perfect.”

The post MK Nobilette: ‘Perfect’ for ‘American Idol’ Top 10 theme night first appeared on Lesbian.com.

MK Nobilette performed Garth Brooks’ hit song “To Make You Feel My Love” from the movie “Hope Floats” as “American Idol” celebrated movie night. The performance propelled Nobilette into the Top 10, ensuring she’ll be part of the “American Idol” summer tour.

The post MK Nobilette performs ‘To Make You Feel My Love’ first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Casey Ellis

BY CANDY PARKER
Lesbian.com

MK Nobilette, an openly lesbian 20-year-old singer from San Francisco, will be among the Top 12 taking the stage tonight on “American Idol.” Nobilette received high praise from the judges with her performance of Allen Stone’s “Satisfaction” last week, but had to dodge a bullet after landing in the bottom three as determined by America’s votes.

One of Nobilette’s most vocal proponents is her girlfriend, Casey Ellis, a talented singer/actress who tirelessly lobbies to get out the vote for MK each Wednesday night after the “American Idol” live performances. We caught up with Ellis to get the scoop on the couple’s relationship, how MK’s performances have changed since she started the show and to see if Ellis could offer any perspective on why lesbians love country singer and “American Idol” judge Keith Urban so much.

How did you and MK meet?
We met through a mutual friend and it was very much a love at first sight situation. We were immediately inseparable.

How long have you been together?
Nine months, the length of a pregnancy. (Haha)

Do you and MK share the same taste in music?
Yes! We love a lot of the same music and we always introduce each other to new music.

What song was in heavy rotation at the Ellis/Nobilette household before all the “Idol” craziness got started?
Probably “Dump Truck” by E-40 and Too Short (Haha) or “Say So” by Allen Stone because we have an unhealthy obsession with every one of his songs

What role did you play in encouraging MK to audition for “American Idol”? Was she hesitant to go for it?
My biggest role was being a human alarm clock. She will never wake up! For the audition with the celebrity judges, we were running so late because I made the mistake of trying to get ready while thinking she was getting out of bed and dressed. During Hollywood week, I called her really early every day to make sure she didn’t sleep through her alarm and she usually did, so I’m glad I did that. I also helped her with her song choices, but ultimately she was pretty independent and wanted it, so she did it!

If our research proves true and you’re the Casey Ellis we found on Linkedin, you’re quite the accomplished performer yourself. You studied vocal performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and are active in musical theater. Did you consider auditioning for the show, too?
I didn’t actually; I’m more of an actress and classical singer, so I didn’t think I would have the right kind of style they would be looking for. But now I wish I would have after seeing all the cool things MK gets to do and experience every day.

When MK was named to the Top 30 on the show, she announced to the judges and the world that she was “obviously gay.” Did she ever consider attempting to hide her sexuality on the show?
No. MK and I talked about that. We didn’t think there was any hiding it, especially since I kissed her on camera right when she got through on the first round, which they didn’t show. And I thought it was so awesome that she didn’t hide it in such a historical way. She called me right after and she told me what she said and I was so proud. I was actually at a work party and starting screaming in the corner. I couldn’t wait to see how they would edit it or if they would choose to show it.

Do you think that, as Jennifer Lopez said on the show, “the world is changing” enough that America could name an openly lesbian contestant as the winner this year?
I really hope so, like with everything in me. Even if it wasn’t the love of my life up there in the running, I would be so happy and proud if we could, especially if they had those vocal cords that MK possesses.

After being named to the Top 13, MK gave a video interview in which she credited you as her vocal coach. What’s the most notable vocal adjustment MK’s made since working with you that way?
I think opening her mouth more. It’s such a weird thing but a lot of singers sometimes just won’t open their mouths when they get up in the higher register. Also, I try to calm her nerves about being onstage but she has gotten through that obstacle all on her own. It makes me so happy to see her up there looking like she belongs there.

Have you seen any changes in her vocal performances since she’s been on the show?
She gets more and more confident with every performance. I love it!

There was a lot of attention given to MK’s styling on the most recent episode of “American Idol.” She seems to be letting the stylists do their thing while staying true to who she is. What do you think of her modified look?
I love it! I used to do her makeup whenever I was bored because she has such long eyelashes and such a gorgeous face, I called her “femmekay.” But on the show, I think they are just accentuating her already beautiful mug and she still gets to wear cute snapbacks! She looks hot; I’m sad I can’t be there to see her in person.

Last week on “American Idol,” MK was ambushed by the show’s crew and asked to tell viewers five things about herself that people wouldn’t know. She shared that she’s a mediocre snowboarder, an awesome goalkeeper, loves Beyonce’s “Single Ladies,” wishes she was a dancer and loves dogs. What five things would you have shared about MK, if the camera crew had asked you instead?
I would have kept the love of dogs and awesome goalkeeper, but I think I would have added that she is such an amazing, caring friend; that she likes to be read to; and that she’s the best anniversary gift-giver.

We’ve seen MK’s moms in the “American Idol” audience and MK has acknowledged their support, as she has with yours. Will we be seeing you holding up “We love MK signs” in the audience at some point?
I’m trying to get down there as soon as possible! My work schedule is pretty demanding though, so it’s rough. I’m there sometimes, but not on camera though,

What about this entire “American Idol” experience has surprised you the most?
The fans who are either allies or LGBTQ have written the most wonderful messages to MK and me about how they were inspired to come out or stand up for friends. There are still a lot of places that aren’t San Francisco, and I think MK and I forget that sometimes. Queer youth need a role model and I think MK is becoming that. Also, I love the fan pages for mine and MK’s relationship — so adorable.

Keeping in mind that our website is open to readers of all ages, what are you most looking forward to once the “American Idol” experience is over?
Getting to hang out and play music with my best friend again. And cuddles. Lots of cuddles.

We all want to see MK standing on stage in May with confetti raining down as she’s named the Season 13 winner. What can our readers do to help make that happen?
Vote every week, in every way you can. Tell your friends why you’re voting for MK and encourage others to as well. Send out videos of MKs performances. MK (@Mknobilette) and I (@salsaconcasey) also post a lot of info on Twitter and Instagram, so follow us on there, and just tell everyone you know. I think people forget how powerful word of mouth can be.

Final random question: Why do you think so many lesbians love Keith Urban so much?
His hair. And maybe the accent.

The post Casey Ellis: Behind the scenes with MK Nobilette’s biggest fan first appeared on Lesbian.com.

“American Idol” finalist MK Nobilette talks about preparing for “Idol” success, how her girlfriend has been instrumental in her journey and her uncanny likeness to Justin Bieber.

The post Behind the scenes interview with MK Nobilette first appeared on Lesbian.com.

MK Nobilette performs Allen Stone’s “Satisfaction” on “American Idol’s” Top 13 episode.

The post MK Nobilette: ‘American Idol’ Top 13 performance, ‘Satisfaction’ first appeared on Lesbian.com.

M.K. Nobilette after the “American Idol” Rush Week performance that landed her in the Top 13

BY CANDY PARKER
Lesbian.com

“American Idol” revealed its Top 13 contestants Thursday night and MK Nobilette was among them.

Perhaps demonstrating that the country is ready for its first openly gay “Idol,” Nobilette was one of the 10 contestants named to the final group based on votes received after performances earlier in the week. Rounding out the Top 13 were wild card picks selected by the judges, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr.

Earlier this season Nobilette publicly came out, telling the judges, “I’m very obviously gay. And there are always going to be people in America and everywhere else who are definitely going to hate. But I think in the last two years there have been a lot of things that have definitely changed that, and have really made it a positive thing.”

Lopez responded by telling the San Francisco-based singer that, “The world is changing, I think,” a phrase now echoed by Nobilette fans online.

It remains to be seen how much the world has changed and if America can accept a lesbian contestant who clearly isn’t letting the Hollywood stylists change who she is. Nobilette accepted her appointment to the Final 13 donned in jeans, a white t-shirt, black leather jacket, black baseball capped with the bill turned to the back and what appeared to be Timberland boots, jubilantly high-stepping her way across stage to join the other finalists.

“American Idol” continues next Wednesday on FOX at 8p.m. ET/PT when the Final 13 perform.

The post ‘American Idol’ journey continues for Nobilette first appeared on Lesbian.com.

MK Nobilette was named to the Top 10 female performers on “American Idol” tonight as the show kicked off its three-night Rush Week feature. Nobilette, a 20-year-old street singer and guitarist from San Francisco, is the first openly gay contestant to be featured on the show.

“I’m very obviously gay,” Nobilette told judges last week as the Top 30 performers were selected.

Nobilette gave an emotional performance of John Legend’s “All of Me” and gained unanimous praise from the “American Idol” judges.

Jennifer Lopez got a little misty after the performance as the audience applause made it difficult for the judges to immediately provide feedback. “Getting up there can be so daunting but at the end of the day it’s just about making people feel something … It’s so easy to pick the big singers, but then somebody comes and you realize that’s not what it’s about.”

“It was the perfect song choice, it really was. There’s a transparency in your vulnerability and your humanness,” Keith Urban told her, adding, “That was a really beautiful performance.”

Harry Connick Jr. continued the praise calling Nobilette an “elegant and articulate singer.”

“You belong here,” Connick told her after commenting that it was the first time he’d seen her perform without a “defeatist attitude.”

The post First openly lesbian ‘American Idol’ contestant gives us her all first appeared on Lesbian.com.

‘American Idol’ contestant M.K. Nobilette

BY JASON HUGHES
Huffington Post Gay Voices

“American Idol” has had gay contestants in the past, but none of them have come out publicly until their time on the show was done. This week, though, MK Nobilette made “Idol” history by being the first contestant to be openly gay on the show.

“I’m very obviously gay,” she told the judges. “And there are always going to be people in America and everywhere else who are definitely going to hate. But I think in the last two years there have been a lot of things that have definitely changed that, and have really made it a positive thing.”

Read more at Huffington Post Gay Voices

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