Books, TV & Radio

Coach Usher picked “Love Runs Out” by OneRepublic, which was an excellent decision matched with perfect timing. America finally saw a comfortable Josh Kaufman meander about the stage as if it’s where he belongs—and it is.

The five remaining contestants will each perform two songs live for America with hopes of seizing a coveted spot in the finals. Follow along with us!

Ron Swanson’s Pyramid of Greatness will soon be ancient history.

Kaufman controlled Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with pitch perfection. When he mixes gospel roots with that soulful jazz tone, it’s hard to think he won’t make the show’s Top 2.

Follow our (runaway) train of thoughts as one of Indy’s own performs for America, his sights set on seizing a spot in the program’s Top 5.

“[Usher] told me to practice in the mirror—once facing it, once in profile one way, and once in profile the other way, occasionally making eye contact with myself,” Kaufman tell IM. “It really helped me focus on connecting with the audience.”

We’re talking all things Kaufman during Monday’s live episode. Join us.

Indy’s own delivered the best overall vocal of the night. It’s belted high notes that get America’s votes, and Kaufman delivered his own with a side of Hoosier humility.

Host Carson Daly called Kaufman’s take on a Bruno Mars tune “the performance of the night.” Here’s a look at his top four foes going into the live shows.

Via @Hasselbeck, “Every time I get tested for steroids reminds me of the elderly lady at the airport that TSA pulls out of line for a pat down.”

Watch the clip to find out why Julian Batts—an honor student and a Carmel High alum—is being called The Worst Wheel of Fortune Contestant Ever.

He should probably get used to the fame, as The Fault in Our Stars will surely be a juggernaut at next year’s MTV Movie Awards.

Letterman has amassed a record 32 years of infiltrating living-room screens from a late-night perch.

The soulful singer has jumped from Team Adam Levine to Team Usher. Assuming he makes it to the final 12, it will be viewer votes that determine his fate—so if ever there was a time to rally behind this guy, Indy dwellers, it’s now.

As you can see, his signature gap-toothed look hasn’t wandered over the years. Trivia: Jeff Smulyan, CEO of Emmis Communications, IM’s parent company, was Letterman’s second boss after the future star graduated from Ball State University.