American Duos musical number, only to have Nigel, no longer having to force them through the competition, calling it one of the worst performances he ever saw. Star James Roday, who plays Shawn Spencer, co-wrote this episode. It is a send up of "American Idol", and Tim Curry plays the Simon Cowell-esque British judge Nigel St. Nigel. Gina Gershon plays Emilina Saffron, who is a caricature of Paula Abdul. In the episode, Gus says (of Randy Jackson), "That guy's not black, he's Latino. There's a difference," comparing Jackson and the third "Duos" judge, Zapato. According to Roday, "American Duos" has the highest
American Idol (season 10) crowned the winner of the tenth season of "American Idol", making him the youngest male winner at 17 years and seven months old, and the second youngest winner ever behind season 6 winner Jordin Sparks. Season 10 was the first season where 11 contestants went on tour instead of 10. Eight contestants from this season were signed to record labels. The signed artists are Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Casey Abrams, Stefano Langone, Pia Toscano and Naima Adedapo. Simon Cowell, who had been a judge since the first episode of the first season, announced on January 11,