AI notes and information from MJ's Big Blog

[sonyab1974]

Idol Headlines for 02/03/10

Ellen on “American Idol”

CBS Evening News Anchor Katie Couric recently sat down with talk show host, comedian and new “American Idol” judge Ellen DeGeneres.

DeGeneres dismissed any controversy about her new gig on “Idol” saying, “I’m just someone who also has an opinion.” “There’s a big music element in my life,” she said. Ellen replaced Paula Abdul as judge on the hit singing show.”Will you have a hard time being brutally honest,” Couric asked. “I won’t have a hard time being brutally honest,” Ellen replied. “But I won’t be mean. You don’t have to be mean to be honest.”

If you want to see the full @katiecouric interview, including Ellen’s definition of beauty, and future family plans, click here.

CBS News

Ellen DeGeneres: Simon’s Meaner than I Thought

Ellen DeGeneres dishes on her new gig as a judge on “American Idol.”

In this new video from an “Idol” photo shoot with Ellen’s fellow judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, and host Ryan Seacrest, Ellen says, “I had one idea of Simon when I came in, and it’s changed. He’s actually meaner than I thought. … It’s hard to listen to him tell people things and me not to go, ‘You poor thing!’”

She says, however: “I’m getting good at delivering bad news, myself, but I’m trying to do it in a tender way. … I hate hurting people’s feelings, so that, I think, is the hardest part.”

When it comes to the quality of the talent this season, Ellen discloses, “I think we have good people … I’m going to fight very, very hard to keep the people that I believe in, so that we have a wide variety … somebody for everybody, I hope.”

ET Online

Randy Jackson: Simon and Ellen are getting along fine

Don’t believe the hype. That’s what “American Idol’s” Randy Jackson had to say about rumors that his fellow judges Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell were clashing.

We ran into the dawg man at Capitol Studios on Tuesday, where he was a session player on a new Mary J. Blige track (a fierce cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”) and asked him straight up: Do Ellen and Simon hate each other? “No, they’re actually really getting along,” he said. “They’ve known each other for a really long time. Don’t believe everything you hear or read.”

Randy did, however, acknowledge that the “Idol” day is long, which takes some getting used to. “Hollywood week was a longer week and her first time, but she did a really good job,” he said. “I think people will be amazed and are really going to like her.”

LA Times

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Talks between Paula Abdul and local hotels are reaching critical mass. She was spotted in the valet area of Planet Hollywood Resort on Monday chatting with Hilton exec Ken Ciancimino, who confirmed that he’s been shaping a deal with Abdul for quite some time. “She’s got a lot of irons in the fire, a lot of offers,” Ciancimino said. It was over lunch in 2002 that Abdul mentioned Barry Manilow was road weary and recommended him to Ciancimino. “Paula gave us the idea. David Brenner gave us the phone number.” From all indications, some major announcements involving Abdul are imminent. …

LVRJ.com

More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…


Bikini Boy: Better known as “Intern Ty”

The judges walked out one line into Ty Hemmerling’s rendition of Achy Breaky Heart, leaving him standing alone in his bikini. Yet “Bikini Boy” seems to be pleased with the exposure. A Facebook update from yesterday reads, “Excited about American Idol tomorrow!!! Why you ask?????? watch and find out!!”

Hemmerling works at the Jesse & Shotgun morning show at Denver radio station 92.5 The Wolf. And it looks like he’s gone through some hazing as “Intern Ty.” As for his audition, the show had this to say on its Facebook page: “you all ready for the Jesse and Shotgun invasion! Tomorrow night….Watch Idol…I told you 6 months ago, we were getting on! I apologize for any long term damage it may cause to you and your family!!! Lol”

USA Today

Guess Who’s (Possibly) Coming to the Oscars?

As you’ll recall, Mr. Lambert was booted from various ABC shows, including “Good Morning America,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” after giving a sexually charged performance on the American Music Awards, which was also shown on that network. He was nonetheless allowed to appear on a Barbara Walters special and “The View,” in recorded segments. At that time, ABC said it would more carefully scrutinize performances by artists who appear on its live broadcasts.

But will the network also start scrutinizing the guest list for the Academy Awards, which it is showing on March 7?

As Kyle Buchanan at Movieline.com reported, there’s a chance that Mr. Lambert could still end up at the Oscars — as the guest of Anna Kendrick, a newly minted Oscar nominee for “Up in the Air,” who’s been Mr. Lambert’s longtime friend. (That’s according to a Tweet from Ryan Seacrest, who is a host of both “American Idol” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” and whose dual loyalties have clearly been tested by this whole affair.)

NY Times

‘Idol’ Judge Accused of Stealing Dance Show

Randy Jackson isn’t used to stealing the show — but according to a new lawsuit, that’s exactly what he did with “America’s Best Dance Crew.”

The Dawg and MTV are being sued by a guy named Dwight McGhee — who claims the two powerhouses ripped off his idea for a reality show about a dance crew … called “International Breakerz League.”

According to the lawsuit, filed last week in L.A. County Superior Court, McGhee claims he pitched his show idea — which he calls “uncannily similar” to ABDC — to MTV back in 2004.

Fast forward four years later — ABDC premiers on MTV … and McGhee is pissed, claiming he and MTV struck an “implied” contract when he pitched his concept.

Now, McGhee wants Randy and MTV to pay more than $2,000,000 for his trouble. Good luck with that.

TMZ

More on Jimmy Charles — and how he met Danny Gokey

As I mentioned before, the guy yelling into his iPhone at the end of the Denver show is a Nashville-based country singer named Jimmy Charles. Jimmy was featured in one of this season’s early promotional spots. Jimmy and I have mutual friends, so I found out pretty quickly who he was. Actually finding Jimmy was even easier — he played regularly at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a famous downtown Nashville nightspot that’s right across the alley from the Ryman Auditorium. It’s a place where folks like Willie Nelson and Roger Miller used to hang out.

Back on January 8, Jimmy was playing his last show at Tootsie’s before leaving for Hollywood. Danny Gokey was making his Grand Ole Opry debut at the Ryman at exactly the same time. Since I was going to see Danny anyway, I figured I’d drop in and introduce myself to Jimmy.

USA Today

Randy Travis Offers Carrie Underwood ‘BIG’ Thanks

Randy Travis won his first Grammy in 21 years on Sunday, for his collaboration with Carrie Underwood on his 1988 self-penned hit, ‘I Told You So.’

Unfortunately, the legendary singer was unable to attend the ceremony due to a snow storm that hit his hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico. But he took to his website to express his gratitude to Carrie for the win.

“This is the first time that I was not able to be on hand to accept a Grammy,” says the singer. “If it wasn’t for the weather I would have thanked all the people who voted for us. a BIG thank you to Carrie for asking me to be part of this recording. She is an amazing talent and I am honored to win this with her.”

The Boot

Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher Planning Big Wedding ‘But Nothing Overblown’

It’s a big year for pop singer Carrie Underwood – fresh from impressing style experts with her look at the Grammy Awards, the one-time ‘American Idol’ will sing the national anthem at the 2010 Super Bowl. After that? A “big hair and eyeliner” wedding with pro hockey player Mike Fisher, Underwood says.

Life & Style magazine spoke to Fisher about the big day, and shared the wedding updates exclusively with PopEater. Get details on the power couple’s nuptials after the jump.

“It’s going to be a good size wedding with plenty of good food and an open bar,” Fisher told Life & Style. “But nothing too overblown. It’s still in the planning stages, so a lot of the details haven’t been finalized.”

PopEater

John Legend collaborates in studio with Jennifer Hudson

John Legend has been in the studio with Jennifer Hudson after penning a number of tracks for the Dreamgirls star.

The 31-year-old musician revealed on his Twitter page that he has been working with Hudson, 28, in an LA recording studio.

Hudson is currently working on her upcoming album but will soon start filming on the new movie Winnie, which is about the life of Nelson Mandela’s former wife.

Monsters and Critics

Kelly Clarkson: Not your average Pop Idol

AMERICAN Idol, double Grammy winner and multi-platinum singer-songwriter, Kelly Clarkson is the very definition of a pop phenomenon.

But it doesn’t guarantee everyone knows who she is.

“People always come up to me and say ‘Oh my God you won Idol’. I go ‘Yes I’m that girl!’ and they say ‘You’re that country singer’. I say ‘I’m a huge Carrie Underwood fan but that’s not me’. I’m always mistaken for her,” Kelly laughs.

She melted viewers with her Southern charm but it was soon clear she was made of steelier stuff than your average conveyor belt star. She transformed standard issue Idol numbers with her force of voice and personality, then though the charts with her self-penned hits like Because of You.

Concert-goers can look forward to two hours of undiluted Kelly.

Formby Time.co.uk

Fantasia’s ‘Even Angels’: The best ‘American Idol’ victory anthem the show has never had!

Full disclosure: I’m one of the world’s biggest fans of Fantasia Barrino. Play me YouTube footage of her singing “I Believe” on the American Idol season 3 performance finale, and I’m guaranteed to cry like it’s the final scene of Six Feet Under. Fire up that rendition of “Lady Marmalade” she delivered at a Patti LaBelle tribute concert, and I assure you I’ll throw a minimum of one hand in the air (then wave it ’round like I’m totally square). But even I have to admit the shortcomings of some of ‘Tasia’s post-Idol output. For every electrifying romp like “Hood Boy,” there’ve been meandering midtempo jams with about as much flavor and distinctiveness as corn-starch thickener in a mass-market bisque. For every “uh-huh this girl knows how to murder it” ballad like “Free Yourself,” there’ve been melody-free compositions that left our Idol heroine to wail to no avail.

ew.com

Fantasia Says Her Career Is Her ‘First Love’

It was a classic tale of famous boy meets famous girl — they fell in love only to have the music industry come between them. Fantasia said her two-year relationship with Young Dro dissolved because she couldn’t focus on her career and be in a relationship simultaneously.

“I manly just focus on my career right now,” the singer said. “When love comes to me, it has to be right this time. Everybody wants love — right now it’s not my main focus. When I let it be my main focus, it interfered with everything else I had going on. I kinda stopped performing. I became kinda like a housewife. People were like, ‘What are you doing? You married, you have kids?’ I’m a cancer woman — I love very hard. I feel right now I had to make [my career] my first love because I fought so hard for it — this is my boo right now.”

MTV

Jordin Sparks Ignites the Tropicana Showroom on April 24th; Tickets on Sale This Friday

The Tropicana Casino and Resort invites you to feel the electricity as Grammy-nominated recording artist Jordin Sparks performs live at 9 p.m. in the Tropicana Showroom, Saturday, April 24, 2010.

“A couple years ago I was just a happy-go-lucky, quirky 17-year old. I still feel that way after experiencing so many amazing things,” Sparks said. “I’m learning more every day, but one thing I know for sure is that to sing for my job is the best thing in the world.”

City Guide NY

Media Day sponsorships show why NFL product (placement) can’t be beat

Oh, the cross-promotion! Colts player Jamie Thomas sings with Kimberly Caldwell during media day for — as is plastered on the wall behind them — Entertainment Tonight and a segment called “Super Bowl Idol.”

Palm Beach Post

EXCLUSIVE! ‘American Idol’ Makeup Artist Mezhgan Hussainy Reveals Her Top 5 Favorite Idol Makeovers!

Want to know all about Jennifer Hudson’s Beyonce beauty obsession, Adam Lambert’s bronzer addiction and how Clay Aiken loved his makeup so much he slept in it?

Ever wonder how American Idol contestants go from drab to fab? It’s all thanks to makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy . “I get to see them from the auditions on day one. I get an idea of what they’re really like and what we can do to make them really feel their best,” she says of the transformation process.

American Idol contestants are basically on their beauty own until they get to the top 24. At that point, Mezhgan, along with four assistants, work with the contestants on an as needed basis. It’s not until they reach the top 12 that Mezhgan and her glam squad give their full makeovers. “I try to get to know them and their personalities. I don’t like changing them, I like polishing them and coming up with a look they’re happy with,” Mezhgan says.

Hollywood Life

‘Idol’: 25 Biggest Scandals!

Voting controversies. Risque photos. Brushes with the law. ”American Idol” has dealt with ‘em all and more. Why we couldn’t stop talking about Frenchie Davis, Sanjaya, Scott Savol, and more

EW

‘Idol’ goes to the kids in the Mile High City

“American Idol” finished its auditions with a trip to Denver, and the Mile High City did not disappoint. There were enough “Idol” hopefuls who brought along cute little kids that it was sometimes hard to tell whether this was a singing competition or the waiting area for “SuperNanny.”

MSNBC

‘American Idol’ recap: Skin Show!

LOS ANGELES — American Idol, the nation’s No. 1 television program for eight seasons running, signed a two-year deal today with DermaFab Corp., to join its longstanding troika of sponsors, Coca-Cola, Ford, and AT&T. The upstart skin-care company’s CEO brainstormed the partnership after watching Idol’s Denver audition episode and marveling at guest judge Victoria Beckham’s unexpected revelation that ”beautiful skin” trumps actual vocal ability when it comes to discovering the nation’s next superstar singer. After a subsequent half-striptease by a well-groomed male contestant led to his receiving a Golden Ticket, DermaFab execs committed to a reported eight-figure contract that will allow the company to promote both its face- and body-care lines to some 20 million viewers every week.

EW.com

‘Idol’ Denver auditions: not the usual suspects

In her second turn as guest judge, Victoria Beckham proved she truly belongs in the Paula Abdul chair, because, like her predecessor, Posh found something positive to say about even the worst performances (i.e. complimenting delusional screamer Kenny Everett for his song choice). It makes you wonder why Vic, who shows more personality at the judges’ table than we’ve ever seen, looks so sour all the time.

As for the Denver auditions, they too had plenty of attitude — and altitude — but also a higher-than-average talent turnout, which was a welcome change after the last couple of weeks. The singers who went through to Hollywood (and there seemed to be stacks of golden tickets handed out) were not the usual suspects. Dare we say, they were different in a good way.

So here’s to nonconformity, best demonstrated by these three girls and two guys…

LA Times

‘American Idol’ in Denver

Victoria Beckham has been asked to rejoin “American Idol” auditions in Denver to reprise her role as Pretend Paula, even though she did a lame job last time.Why not more Neil Patrick Harris? How about a Fox sitcom star instead? Seth MacFarlane? Brad Garrett?

Wannabe Idolette Mark Labriola says he gets mistaken for Jack Black at least once a day but he’s okay with that because he’s sure Jack Black “gets girls.” He tells the judges he loves cheese when asked to name one interesting thing about himself. Yeah, this guy’s a total chick magnet. He mentions his mother allegedly abducted him when he was just four years old and he spent six years on the lam — which apparently he doesn’t think is as interesting as his love of cheese. The judges are so relieved he didn’t audition like Jack Black they put him through to Hollywood. Labriola, who is a dad, tells the camera, with his little son in his arms, that he’s 28 and has this child so he thought his “dream was done.” Hopefully, the tot is not old enough to understand his father just dissed him on national TV.

Washington Post

‘American Idol’ Strips Down In The Mile High City

Last night, ‘American Idol‘ aired its final city-specific audition episode of Season Nine with an hour set in Denver, the Mile High City that in the ‘Idol’ universe is most notable for hosting post-grunger Chris Daughtry’s Season Five audition. The episode brought Victoria Beckham back to the judges’ table, and while her presence wasn’t as grating as Avril Lavigne’s or as barely there as Joe Jonas’, the idea of the most vocally challenged Spice Girl judging someone based on the quality of their pipes is still hilarious. (If you feel like you still need to add a little Spice to the auditions next year, guys, at least get Melanie C?)

Fancast

‘American Idol’ Recap: Tiny Tots, Poshbot-2000 Overshadow Denver Hopefuls

“American Idol” made a fatal flaw Tuesday night during its Denver audition show. No, not by inviting back Victoria Beckham as a guest judge. (The Poshbot-2000 was actually pretty engaging this episode. She must have been rewired since the premiere.) “Idol” producers erred by reminding viewers of Daughtry’s classic Denver audition right at the top of the show. Nothing in the remaining 59 minutes of “Idol” would come close to that star-making moment.

And if you just uttered the words “Bikini Boy,” I kindly ask that you close this Internet window and never read one of my recaps again. Honestly, it’s not worth your time because I don’t speak the language on Planet Idiot.

MTV.com

19 Entertainment Names New CEO

NEW YORK: Robert Dodds has been appointed as the CEO of 19 Entertainment, following Simon Fuller’s decision to start up a new entertainment company.

Last month, the American Idol creator said he was planning to start up a new venture, but would remain involved with 19, which he founded, by executive producing and providing overall global executive direction for American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance and the recently unveiled If I Can Dream, a multiplatform talent search, in return for a share of the profits.

Dodds now takes on the post of CEO of 19 Entertainment after serving as president since August 2006. He joined 19 when it acquired his firm, Freedom Media. Dodds will assume day-to-day responsibility for 19 Entertainment, which is owned by CKX.

Worldscreen.com

[sonyab1974]

Fantasia Performs Her New Single ‘Even Angels’ On Oprah

Fantasia appears on the Oprah show today, and here she is, on Oprah, performing her new single “Even Angels”. I’m sure there was a sit down with Oprah–as soon as that video is available, I’ll post it here.

I’m not all that crazy about pop Fantasia–I like her all wild and crazy. But, I can’t begrudge her a chance at a pop hit, which this pretty ballad could give her. Yeah, it’s a little generic, but I’m hearing hit potential. What do you think?

You can catch Fantasia’s reality show Fantasia For Real on VH1.
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Fantasia fans go to MJ's and watch the video.

[sonyab1974]

Adam Lambert – Yahoo Music Interview and More

Check out part 2 of Lyndsey Parker’s “back porch” interview with Adam Lambert. Part 2 is all about the music. A couple of interesting tidbits: The Sam Sparrow song “Voodoo” that was left off the album will be included in an upcoming EP of remixes. And that rumor about a possible Justin Timberlake collaboration? Not true.

I’ve included Part 1, in case you missed it.

BONUS: Dave and Jimmy Grammy interview. Adam’s brother, who traveled to LA from Brooklyn to help celebrate Adam’s birthday, surprised him on air. Very cute.
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Lamby fans go to MJ's and watch the videos.

[sonyab1974]

Allison Iraheta on Idol, Her Debut Album and Her Upcoming Tour

Finally, some brand new Allison Iraheta interviews!

Allison tells interviewer Josh Skinner that she hopes to perform on the new season of Idol, plans to sing some rad covers on the road, and is looking forward to reuniting with Kris Allen and Adam Lambert when they all play the Ryan Seacrest Rock My Town concert in New York City in a couple of weeks…

Although she’s excited about all her songs, “No One Else”, “Holiday” and “Just Like You” are three songs she namechecked as songs she’d like to see released as singles.

She also reveals that she was sick while recording stand-out track “Scars” from her debut album Just Like You, and childhood experiences inform “You Don’t Know Me”, the song she co-wrote with David Hodges.

Check out the interview, after the Jump!

Bonus: Allison’s Cosmetic Confessional with Teen.com
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Allison fans go to MJ's and watch the videos.

[sonyab1974]

David Archuleta and Jordin Sparks ‘No Air’ Duet!

From today’s Jordin Sparks Experience concert: Jordin Sparks and David Archuleta duet on “No Air”! Pretty awesome.

Plus, David sings “Crush” and “Apologize”. Jordin, of course, performed solo as well–I’ll post videos of her performances when I find them.
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Archie fans and Jordin fans go to MJ's and watch the videos.

[sonyab1974]

   
Carrie Underwood Set to Star in Surfer Film

First there was Carrie Underwood’s Christmas special, featuring the Idol winner in several comedy skits.

Next, was Carrie’s turn as Tiffany the Pharma girl in an upcoming episode of How I Met Your Mother (set to air March 1), Now, Variety is reporting, the newly engaged Carrie nabbed a role on the big screen:

    Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb and Carrie Underwood will star in the indie drama “Soul Surfer,” about teen surfing champ and shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton.

    Being directed by Sean McNamara, the project marks country music star Underwood’s bigscreen debut.

    Based on Hamilton’s autobiography, biopic centers on the surf icon (Robb) who defied all odds to compete and win professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at age 13. Quaid and Hunt play Hamilton’s parents, and Underwood has taken on the role of a church youth leader.

    McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk penned the screenplay.

Carrie begins a concert tour on March 11th, and will be performing the National Anthem at Sunday’s Superbowl. Busy girl, when is she going to find time to get married?
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Yeah Carrie is busy.

[sonyab1974]

Idol Headlines for 02/04/10

Adam Lambert Making Two Trips To The UK

The latest news from the people at Sony UK, who have generously been keeping Brit fans abreast of progress with Operation AdamStorm UK, is that Adam will make 2 visits to these shores, one in March and one in April.

The administrators of several UK fan groups received an email yesterday, beginning:

“Wow, things are getting exciting here at Sony HQ! It looks like Adam will be coming into the UK in both March AND April!! Dates are still to be confirmed, but it will probably be the last week of each month.”

Rock Star Weekly

AI winner Kris Allen to meet fans on Monday

PETALING JAYA: American Idol Season 8 winner Kris Allen will be in town next Monday to meet fans and showcase songs from his debut album, Kris Allen.

The 24-year-old Arkansas native, who beat his flamboyant competitor Adam Lambert last year, is on a three-city Asian tour and will arrive in Kuala Lumpur from Manila late Sunday before heading off to Singapore on Tuesday.

While in KL, fans will be able to meet the Idol at an autograph-signing at Mid Valley Megamall (Ground Floor, Centre Court) at 6pm. The session is open to all.

The Star.com

Special waiver for Kris Allen

WELL, it’s more for his fans. Midas Promotions, the organisers for Kris Allen’s gig at Zirca has announced that there will be NO MINIMUM AGE LIMIT AT ZIRCA for his gig on Feb 10. Yes, this is a special waiver, and it’s due to “overwhelming demand”.

Yup, so kids under 18 can enter. BUT those under 14 must be accompanied by their parents, whom we assume, will be allocated a special parents’ corner so that they won’t cramp their kids’ cool factor. Ha ha!

TodayOnline.com

More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…

Rejected on ‘American Idol’: Austin Paul, aka CU Buffs’ Austin Bisnow

Tuesday night’s episode of “American Idol” didn’t go as planned for University of Colorado senior Austin Bisnow (who goes by Austin Paul).

Simon Cowell said he thought Bisnow “could be very annoying” and Kara DioGuardi said he “comes off a bit cocky.”

All four judges axed the CU football player.

“I don’t hold anything against them,” said Bisnow. “It’s their job to be critics. It’s hard finding a balance between confidence and arrogance. I guess I just struck the wrong balance and rubbed the judges the wrong way.”

CU senior Channing Spiro watched the show Tuesday night and sided with the judges’ decision.

“It was so bad,” said Spiro. “I mean really bad. I don’t know what else to say other than it was just bad.”

Daily Camera

Love’s in the air for Jason Castro

He’s the dreadlocked hearthrob who caught the attention of female fans during Season 7 of “American Idol.”

Now, Jason Castro, the laid back singer/songwriter with the piercing blue eyes, is preparing to debut his first album this spring and taking his show on the road as well.

Castro will appear in concert at Schubas at 9 tonight. He’ll entertain on a bill with Matt Hires and Caitlin Crosby.

“I’m playing an acoustic set and being accompanied by a guitarist. It’s really cool because we’re playing in small venues and just having a good time,” Castro said.

NWTimes

Greased Lightning

Taylor Hicks has morphed from “American Idol” to “Teen Angel” in a new Broadway production of “Grease” at National Theatre Feb. 9 to 21. This rock ’n’ roll celebration of coming of age in 1959 America combines hits from the 1978 movie like “Hopelessly Devoted to You” with songs from the original 1972 stage production like “Summer Nights.” Hicks, who wowed more than 63.4 million voters to win the fifth season of Fox’s competition, aims to bring a “crisp, fresh approach to the signature role” originally played by Alan Paul.

WhereTraveler.com

‘Idol’ goes to 7 cities, but offers 8 audition days

Fox devoted eight days to the “American Idol” audition round, but there were only seven cities on this year’s cross-country vacation for host Ryan Seacrest and the judges. That gave the show an extra hour to fill, which made Wednesday a clip show that focused mainly on singers who did well enough to make it to Hollywood.

Sixty more minutes of heartwarming tales and nervous-sounding voices … who could ask for anything more?

MSNBC

‘American Idol’ recap: Twelve for the Road!

It took four weeks and eight episodes to get there, but last night, as American Idol presented the last of its season 9 audition episodes, the show finally began to resemble a search for the nation’s next singing sensation, not some act that’s destined to be wedged between the tilt-a-whirl and a display of prize-winning peppers at a two-bit county fair. This sudden influx of talent arrived just in the nick of time: I mean, going into this evening’s telecast, I was more attached to the Sims people from Idol’s unflinchingly low-budget opening credits than I was to most of the Golden Ticket-getters we’d seen in Boston, Atlanta, Orlando, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Denver.

EW.com

‘Idol’ season 9 auditions: It’s a wrap!

Well, we’ve made it to the end of the city auditions, with 181 hopefuls stamped to go through to the next phase of competition. What did we learn? That the “Road to Hollywood” is paved with bold — 16-year-olds who can belt with the best of them, the once rejected coming back for a second chance, and the truly talented few who really have something to prove.

The show rushed an unusually large number of auditioners through this last pre-Hollywood week episode, so it was a little harder to connect with these candidates, but a few did stand out. Namely, girls. Here are our top five picks. Who were your favorites?

LA Times

The Final American Idol Auditions: Flower Power & Girl Power

Well, it’s the end of the road. The road to Hollywood, that is. Next week marks the start of Hollywood Week–and, perhaps even more importantly, the start of Ellen DeGeneres’s tenure as American Idol’s new permanent judge–so tonight’s Idol episode was the last chance for the other three judges to find some truly deserving new talent. After a somewhat lackluster audition rounds with (in my not-so-humble opinion) precious few real standouts, tonight’s episode–a roundup of unseen clips from all the previous audition cities–was a do-or-die event. And fortunately, it seemed like the Idol producers cleverly saved some of the best singers for last. Also, tonight’s episode was all about the ladies (along with one remarkable dude who sounded like a lady), finally delivering on all the hype about the season 9 Idol title being a girl’s for the taking.

Here were the more memorable auditioners of the evening…

Yahoo Music

‘American Idol’ looks back at the auditions

We like to think of the We Saved the Best For Last auditions night as “American Idol’s” way of saying “the joke’s on you” to all those die-hard fans who’ve slogged through the eight-ish hours of cross-country auditions the singing competition Fox has aired so far. But first, ” ‘Idol’ has to play catch-up on the General Larry Plant phenom. Mister Pants on the Ground is the only wanna-be Idolette anyone’s talking about so far this season. Is that sad? “Idol” introduced him to America and now shows us some of the people who have been covering his tune since. First best-for-last wannabe Idolette, Jessica Furney chooses to sing “Footprints in the Sand,” which sounds like one of those glutinous tunes ‘Idol’ judge Simon Cowell would mock — except he co-wrote this one, which shocks guest judge Posh Spice. Simon, naturally, loves it and everyone else falls into line.

Washington Post

Simon Wants to Topple ‘We Are the World’

Simon Cowell is the top dog at many things — ‘Idol,’ ‘X Factor’ and so forth, and now the music mogul wants to be the titan of another industry — the Haiti charity song biz. Simon’s competitive side has him gearing up for a fight with fellow music honcho Quincy Jones as they unleash dueling Haiti benefit tunes. Healthy competition for a good cause is just fine by us.

Even when doing good, Simon Cowell can’t let go of his competitive nature, and wants to make sure his all-star Haiti single is a bigger hit than Quincy Jones’ re-recording of ‘We Are The World.’

“Simon is competitive about everything he does. He has to clean his teeth better than anyone, he has to earn more money than anyone — and he is determined that his single to benefit Haiti has to outsell Quincy Jones record,” a friend of the ‘Idol’ judge tells me.

PopEater

Sick Simon Cowell asks Louis Walsh to judge Britain’s Got Talent in his place

Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell has fallen foul of the flu and missed a day’s auditions.

X Factor judge Louis Walsh stepped in at the last minute to take his place next to TV’s Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden.

Joker Louis, 57, appeared on stage with a Simon Cowell mask over his face.

And Amanda sent Simon a pink fluffy hot water bottle to speed his recovery.

It’s the first time Simon, 50, has missed TV auditions and BGT hopes he will be fit for some of the show’s three day stint in Birmingham.

Mirror.co.uk

[sonyab1974]

Kelly Clarkson Responds to Taylor Swift’s Label Chief

Uh oh. Kelly Clarkson is pissed. In an attempt to defend Taylor Swift from recent criticisms of her melody-challenged Grammy performance, the head of her label, Scott Borchetta, took a swipe at American Idol and it’s singers:

    She is the voice of this generation. She speaks directly to (her fans), and they speak directly back to her,” said Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta in a phone interview. “This is not `American Idol.’ This is not a competition of getting up and seeing who can sing the highest note. This is about a true artist and writer and communicator. It’s not about that technically perfect performance.

Kelly fired back on her blog:

    Wow …..Dear Scott Borchetta,

    I understand defending your artist obviously because I have done the same in the past for artists I like, including Taylor, so you might see why its upsetting to read you attacking American Idol for producing simply vocalists that hit ‘the high notes’. Thank you for that ‘Captain Obvious’ sense of humor because you know what, we not only hit the high notes, you forgot to mention we generally hit the ‘right’ notes as well. Every artist has a bad performance or two and that is understandable, but throwing blame will not make the situation at hand any better. I have been criticized left and right for having shaky performances before (and they were shaky) and what my manager or label executives say to me and the public is “I’ll kick butt next time” or “every performance isn’t going to be perfect” ……I bring this up because you should take a lesson from these people and instead of lashing out at other artists (that in your ‘humble’ opinion lack true artistry), you should simply take a breath and realize that sometimes things won’t go according to plan or work out and that’s okay.

    Sincerely,

    One of those contestants from American Idol who only made it because of her high notes

Ha ha. I love me some Kelly when she’s pissed!

There’s been a lot of criticism in the past few days of Taylor Swift’s off-key performance at Sunday’s Grammy’s. Anybody who pays attention to these things realizes that, although Taylor is undoubtedly a talented songwriter, she couldn’t sing her way out of a paper bag if her life depended on it. Praise be the autotune.

In my opinion, the fact that her live performances suck really has no bearing on whether her album, Fearless deserved to win the big prize or not. But for some folks, her inability to warble should somehow make her ineligible.

Having said that, I gotta say I’m on Team Kelly in this argument. Dude, defend Taylor all you want, but if you’ve got to take swipes at others, there is a problem with your argument.

The irony here? Borchetta was one of the judges on the last season of the CMT and 19 Entertainment competition reality show, Can You Duet?. Country duos competed for the grand prize–a deal with Borchetta’s record label. I could dig it up, but there was plenty o talk about the importance of good sangin’ in those critiques…
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Go to MJ's and clcick on the links.

[sonyab1974]

Jordin Sparks and David Archuleta at the Jordin Sparks Experience – PHOTOS

Jordin Sparks and David Archuleta performed yesterday and last night as part of Jordin’s 3 day pre-superbowl Jordin Sparks Experience.

    * Watch Jordin and David sing “No Air”, plus more performances HERE.

Today, the pair visited Miami Children’s Hospital to deliver teddy bears to the young patients there.

Jordin tweeted earlier today, “Just left Miami Childrens Hospital…visited some amazing kids w/ @stephjonesmusic, @djbabeydrew, @mo_wonderland, @phisparks & @jodisparks…I love kids & had so much fun visiting them! The Teddy Bears were a success! Thanks for those who helped out with the bears! …”

Oops, Jordin almost forgot…

“…Aaaaaand @davidarchie was there with us! It was awesome for him to come along too! ”

The Jordin Sparks Experience concludes tomorrow night with the Red, White, and Black Rock N’ Roll After Party. More information about the event HERE.  Event proceeds help fund the Sparks Charities, a foundation started by Jordin and her family.
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Jordin and Archie fans go to MJ's and click on the links and also check out the pictures.

[sonyab1974]

Adam Lambert Birthday Photos!

Adam Lambert celebrated his 28th birthday in grand style at the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles Friday Night (Jan 29), and thanks to the Zodiac Show’s Lee Cherry, we’ve got some photos of the big event. Check the cool pics after the jump.

Lee has also posted a few of his beautiful photos on his blog HERE. And for more of Lee Cherry’s photography work, check out his website HERE.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAMBY! Go to MJ's and check out the pictures and click on the links!

[sonyab1974]

Allison Iraheta AOL Sessions Are Up (Yay!)

It’s taken forever, but finally, AOL has posted the Sessions Allison Iraheta recorded in New York back in December. Geez. Also, Sessions for Kris Allen and Adam Lambert are in the can. Hopefully we’ll be getting those soon.

I’m pretty sure I posted some bootleg You Tubes of these when they accidentally leaked awhile back, but in case you missed them, here they are again. But now? It’s legit!
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Oh Allison fans check out the goodies. Go to MJ's and watch the videos.

[sonyab1974]

Howard Stern To Replace Simon Cowell on American Idol? Seriously??

I’m sorry, but the lastest rumored replacement for Simon Cowell on Idol? Howard Stern? Seriously? The New York Post says so!

Via Page6

    “American Idol” producers are eager to hire Howard Stern to replace Simon Cowell as the show’s tough-talking judge, sources tell Page Six.

    An insider said that producers of the hit Fox show say Stern, America’s highest-paid radio personality, is their top choice to take over from Cowell, who leaves at the end of this season. They approached the King of All Media after he repeatedly mentioned on-air that his exclusive Sirius XM Radio deal expires next January and he was open to other offers. Cowell was paid $50 million a year.

I find it hard to believe Idol producers would hire a personality as polarizing as Stern’s–especially amongst their core audience of women–as their replacement for Cowell. And the dude’s not exactly family friendly, either. WTF?

Sources tell Page 6 that Stern is only negotiating with FOX as a ploy to get his current employers, Sirius Satellite Radio to pony up enough dough to keep him on the air.

Err. Whatever. I’m still not buying it.

The parade of Cowell replacement rumors between now and Season 10 is going to be fun to watch, considering how ridiculous it’s gotten already.
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ROFL! Oh boy! 

[sonyab1974]

Idol Headlines for 02/05/10

EXCLUSIVE: American Idol Hopeful Casey James’ Jailbird Past

American Idol hopeful Casey James wowed the women judges on Tuesday night when he auditioned in Denver Colorado, stripping off his shirt and letting loose his long locks.

RadarOnline.com has learned exclusively that James has a criminal background and has served time in county jail following offenses of driving while intoxicated, driving with an invalid license and reckless driving.

Radaronline

Didi Benami: The backstory on her best friend

During her audition for American Idol that aired Wednesday, Didi Benami talked about singing for the memory of her best friend, Rebecca Joy Lear.

The two girls were roommates at Nashville’s Belmont University, the same school Melinda Doolittle and Ricky Braddy attended. (In fact, Didi, Rebecca and Ricky should have all been at Belmont at the same time.)

Rebecca died in a car wreck while driving back home to Kansas for Christmas break in 2005. She had just finished her first semester.

USA Today

Daughtry Kicks Off Super Bowl at Super Tailgate This Sunday February 7, 2010

MIAMI, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ — After finishing its successful European tour Monday, Daughtry announces it will perform this Sunday at the NFL’s Super Tailgate Party outside Sun Life Stadium before the kick off of Super Bowl XLIV.

Singer Chris Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, and guitarists Brian Craddock and Josh Steely plan to perform a 45 minute set of music including their current hit single “Life After You” and material from the band’s second #1 album Leave This Town.

Daughtry’s performance will be broadcast on CBS during the network’s extensive pregame coverage and is expected to air at approximately 3:45 pm Eastern. The multi-platinum quintet joins a star-studded lineup that includes Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Steve Winwood.

PR Newswire

You heard it here first peeps! Hee.

More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…

‘American Idol’: Nicole ‘Nicci Nix’ Palmeri a reality show vet

If “American Idol” contestant Nicci Nix set off alarm bells when her Denver audition aired on Tuesday (Feb. 2), you’re not alone. It seems there’s much more — or less — to Miss Nicci than it would appear.

Nix’s story was that she has flown 14 hours from Italy to audition. Judge Simon Cowell admired her drive and also called her a “funny little thing,” largely because of her helium-influenced speaking voice.

Turns out Nix has been on several reality shows, including MTV’s “Date My Mom,” “Next,” “Exposed,” “Making the Band” and NBC’s “Fear Factor.” She also goes by the name Nicole Palmeri.

Zap2it

‘American Idol’ — Duped by a Phoney???

It seems one high-pitched “American Idol” favorite is not who she appears to be — at least when it comes to her accent — because Nicci Nix has been on all sorts of reality shows before … with a completely different voice.

When Nix appeared on “Fear Factor”, not only did she go by another name (Nicci Palmeri) — but she claimed to be from California and talked without the slightest hint of an Italian accent. The accent was also MIA when she appeared on “Making the Band” … plus her voice sounded deeper back then too.

TMZ

‘Idolatry’: Pesky children, scary overshares, and wayyy too much skin this week on ‘American Idol’

Idoloonies, you’re goin’ to Hollywood! But not until next Tuesday, when American Idol’s ninth season incarnation of Hell Week — with new permanent judge Ellen DeGeneres – gets underway in earnest. Before we get to all the tears and rage and beauty of group performances and a capella chicanery*, however, why not join my cohost Annie Barrett and me to review the fourth and final week of auditions? We delve into the show’s new and bizarre position that children are nothing more than adorable dream-crushers, examine the last-minute burst of manflesh that defined the Denver auditions, and look at the handful of legitimate contenders who emerged during the Denver and “Road to Hollywood” telecasts.

Entertainment Weekly

‘American Idol’ Audition Favorites: From ‘Pants On The Ground’ To ‘The Climb’

Thousands of hopefuls. Hundreds of songs. Seven cities. Four excruciating weeks. A dude in a two-piece bikini. One pair of pants on the ground. On Wednesday, “American Idol” wrapped up the auditions for its ninth season, and judging by the numbers — or, really, any other quantifier — it was a pretty interesting ride.

From the news that Simon Cowell would be leaving the show at season’s end, to the spate of celebrity judges lined up by show producers (Neil Patrick Harris, we love you), “Idol” generated more than a few headlines, and in the auditioners rolled out for our viewing, uncovered some genuine diamonds in the rough.

MTV

‘Footprints In The Sand’: The Story Behind The ‘American Idol’ Audition

By now, it should be obvious what kinds of things capture “American Idol” lead judge Simon Cowell’s attention: very attractive, slightly dippy young women, scrawny teenage boys with slightly raspy voices and emotional backstories, and oh, yeah, people who sing songs he wrote.

The latter category took center stage on Wednesday night’s final season-nine audition-round show, as repeat auditioner Jessica Furney traded in her Janis Joplin repertoire from season eight for a little ditty called “Footprints in the Sand,” which just happens to be a Simon Cowell joint.

MTV

Carrie Underwood, Queen Latifah put their ‘Pants on the Ground’ at the Super Bowl

Underwood, a former winner of American Idol, was joking asked about the cultural significance of the song:

“As a songwriter I know we all aspire to write something that is catchy and has a message. And I think the youth of America can learn a lot from Pants on the Ground. And they can pull their pants up … because it causes all kinds of back problems. I’ve seen the studies.”

USA Today

Carrie Underwood Feared Mike Fisher Would Be “Weird”

Was it love at first sight when Carrie Underwood met her future fiance Mike Fisher in October 2008?

The country star isn’t saying, but when the pair were set up by friends to meet backstage at a Toronto concert, Underwood fretted about the hockey player.

“I made sure he came in with some other people,” she says in the March issue of Cosmopolitan magazine. “I was like, ‘what if he’s weird?’”

US Magazine

Carrie Underwood Covers ‘Cosmopolitan’ March 2010

On fiance Mike Fisher and his influence on Play On: “He provided a lot of inspiration for songs, whether it was something he said or just by being supportive.”

On meeting Mike for the first time after being set up by friends: “I made sure he came in with some other people. I was, like, ‘what if he’s weird?’”

On balancing work and life: “I didn’t want to be one of those people who has an amazing career but ends up alone and unhappy. I want to be happy. I want it all.”

Just Jared

Manning says good ZZZ’s help with X’s & O’s

Singers Carrie Underwood, who’ll sing the national anthem, and Queen Latifah, who’ll perform “America the Beautiful,” both said during a news conference that they’re pulling for the Saints in the Super Bowl. Underwood didn’t want to upset either side and said she was 51% for New Orleans because Saints coach Sean Payton came to one of her concerts. Latifah said she loves Manning and the Colts, but can’t resist pulling for the underdogs.

Charlotte Observer

From Grammy win to Super Bowl performance, Carrie Underwood having a big week

Fans can also be looking for the Checotah-bred star on the cover of the March issue of Cosmopolitan, on stands early this month, with an Allure cover feature hitting stands for their April issue.

Looking ahead, Underwood will make her first appearance at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl on Oct. 2, with a concert performance that will involve the renowned Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Tickets for the performance go on sale Sunday, Feb. 14. For more information, go to www.hollywoodbowl.com.

NewsOK

Katharine McPhee will sing national anthem at NASCAR

“American Idol” fifth season runner-up Katharine McPhee will sing the national anthem on Feb. 21 for the Auto Club 500 NSCS race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

The race, at noon, will be aired on Fox, with coverage beginning at 11 a.m., according to a press release from the speedway.

Styx will perform the pre-race concert at 10:15 a.m. For information and tickets, call 800-944-RACE visit http://www.autoclubspeedway.com

Inland SoCal

Earthy Angel: Taylor Hicks

SILVER-MANED SINGER Taylor Hicks made his name by winning the fifth season of “American Idol” in 2006, fueled by the support of his fans, dubbed the Soul Patrol. Since then, the 33-year-old has released two albums and parlayed his “Idol” success into a stint on stages across the country as the Teen Angel in the national tour of “Grease.” Hicks and company land at the National Theatre Feb. 9-21.

Express Night Out

Lenders Seize Sillerman Resort

Lenders holding the $180 million mortgage on U.S. entertainment mogul Robert Sillerman’s luxury resort on the Caribbean island of Anguilla have taken over the half-built project and appointed a receiver to manage it.

Construction of Mr. Sillerman’s Temenos resort, which was to include a 32-room hotel and 78 for-sale villas, was suspended in 2008 when the project ran out of financing amid cost overruns.

WSJ.com

[sonyab1974]

Anoop Desai on Good Morning Atlanta and Other News

On this morning’s, Good Day Atlanta, Anoop Desai talks about his love of R&B, his upcoming single, “My Name” (written with S6 Idol, Brandon Rogers) coming out in March and his EP, All is Fair expected in May.

The album will mix  R&B with  Hindu influences. Sounds intriguing!

Check out Anoop’s brand-new website HERE.
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Anoop fans go to MJ's and watch the video and click on the link.

[sonyab1974]

Adam Lambert: Ellen Degeneres Underwear Auction Goes for $8,500 on Ebay!

Holy crap, Adam Lambert has some wealthy fans. Or, I hope they are wealthy, and not ransacking their 401Ks…

The Ebay auction for the signed Ellen Degeneres underwear and photo given to Ellen by Adam during his recent appearance on her birthday show has a final bid of $8500!  Bidding finished this morning at 6 am PST.

Yowza! And totally good for the Red Cross–the organization will get the proceeds on behalf of those still suffering the effects of the earthquake in Haiti!

Bonus Video: After the jump, watch Adam’s AOL Sessions preview!
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Go to MJ's and watch the video.

[sonyab1974]

Kris Allen – Cebu Philippines Concert

Kris Allen just wrapped up the first of two concerts he has scheduled in the Philippines.   The concert, which took place in Cebu, also featured Boyce Avenue and Jabbawockeez.  Tomorrow, Kris is headed back to Manila to perform at McKinley Hill Concert Grounds

Here’s the setlist, put together from various tweets:

1. Heartless 2. The Truth 3. Man in the Mirror 4. Written All Over My Face 5. Red Guitar 6. Is It Over 7. Falling Slowly
8 . Live Like We’re Dying Encore: Ain’t No Sunshine, Come Together, Alright With Me.

Stay tuned for videos!  I’ll post them here as soon as they arrive.

After the jump, check out a short news report that’s mostly in tagalog. Kris mis-hears one of the questions with hilarious results.
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Go to MJ's and watch the video. There might be more so keep going back to MJ's.

[sonyab1974]

Carrie Underwood on the Cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine

Carrie Underwood graces the cover of the March issue of Cosmopolitan magazine. As female lifestyle magazines typically do, Cosmo has airbrushed the life out of Carrie’s photo. It doesn’t look like her.

The cover headlines are spectacular, aren’t they? “How to Touch a Naked Man”? Gotta give it up for Cosmo, they manage to stay in the game with material that seems increasingly retro.

More News: Carrie is singing the National Anthem at Sunday’s Superbowl, her guest-starring episode of How I Met Your Mother airs March 1, she’s got a starring role in an Independent film, Soul Surfer, she’s scheduled to perform at the Hollywood Bowl on October 1st, and it’s just been announced that she’ll appear at the CMA Festival in June.

Plus, she’s getting married! And, her “Temporary Home” music video went to #1 on iTunes (it’s currently #1)

Bonus: Check out Carrie videos from her NFL press conference in Miami yesterday, HERE and HERE.  A reporter asks her about “Pants on the  Ground”.  Carrie’s deadpan answer is awesome. (She and Queen Latifah sing a verse!)

Plus, more from Cosmo after the jump, including a behind-the-scenes video…

From the cover article:

    An Oklahoma girl like me wouldn’t even know how to be a diva,” she explains. “I’m just a person who has a cool job. I love to be at home. I rarely go to clubs…and I always wear underwear! I just know I’d fall down, and that’s not for everyone to see.
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Carrie fans go to MJ's and click on links, watch video, and see the cover.

[sonyab1974]

Source Close to Idol Says Howard Stern Not a Front Runner

Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Slezak spoke to an Idol insider, and here’s what they had to say about the possibility of Howard Stern taking Simon Cowell’s seat at the American Idol judges panel (as reported in the New York Post this morning)

    a source close to the show tells EW that “the search has just begun, nor are there any front-runners at this time.” Furthermore, “nobody’s going to be offered a job [as a permanent Idol judge] for a while,” the source added. “We’re doing a very thorough search.” A call to Stern’s PR rep was not immediately returned.

I’ll bet Stern’s people planted the story as a publicity stunt and negotiating ploy…
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Hmmm publicity stunt and negotiating ploy.  Well, that make sense.

[sonyab1974]

Danny Gokey – Life On Ya – Nolas Rochester – VIDEO

After the jump, Danny Gokey performs a new song, “Life On Ya” from his upcoming album, “My Best Days” at Nola’s in Rochester on February 2.

Danny is currently on a radio tour, promoting his upcoming album, My Best Days, set to be released on March 2. His single, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” is currently #41 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and climbing.

Tour dates are firming up–it looks like Danny will be hitting the road with Sugarland this summer. He’s got a handful of dates booked already in Canandaigua, NY, Colorado Springs, CO, Sioux Falls, SD, and West Valley City, UT.

Plus, Danny will be performing on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, March 13.
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Go to MJ's and watch the video.

[sonyab1974]

Kris Allen Live Like We’re Dying Takes Back #1 Spot on VH1 Countdown

via Water Cooler Convo:

After losing his #1 spot last week to Adam Lambert’s “Whataya Want From Me”, Kris Allen is back in the #1 spot with his video, “Live Like We’re Dying”

Are these guys going to trade off the spot from week to week? That would be sorta cool!

“Whataya Want from Me” is #2 this week and Daughtry’s “Life After You” slipped a spot to #4.

Kris’s #1 gives Idol alums 4 straight weeks in the #1 spot. It went like this: Daughtry, Kris, Adam Kris…

After the jump, VH1’s Jim Shearer introduces the #1 video
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Go to MJ's and watch the video.

[sonyab1974]

Idol Headlines for 02/06/10

THE JET SET

Looks who’s on vacation! Adam Lambert escapes the wintry weather Friday, touching down in Mexico for a getaway with his guy friends. Soon, though, it’s back to work for the glam rocker, who will perform at a Ryan Seacrest -hosted concert in New York City on Feb. 12.

People.com

Kristen Stewart’s Help for Haiti Continues

In other celebrities-helping-Haiti news, Kris Allen tells us he will make a trip there, but he promises not to turn it into a photo op. “I’m going to go in March,” the American Idol winner says. “Simon Fuller asked me, ‘You want to go to Haiti?’ and I was like, ‘Absolutely!’ I want to help out in any way I can.”

EOnline

More Idol Headlines After the JUMP…

Kris Allen: Newfound Pinoy idol!

“American Idol” Kris Allen may seem like the quiet unassuming one, especially standing side-by-side a glammed up Adam Lambert during the Season 8 finals, but he does manage to turn up the heat.

As he takes the stage at the press conference for Musicfest 2010 at the Eastwood Mall Open Park on Feb. 3, the excited local fans that turned up on a breezy Wednesday afternoon welcome their idol with all sorts of cameras clicking up in the air.

MB.com

‘American Idol’ auditions that will keep me watching

I don’t think the audition weeks of American Idol tell us a lot, in most cases. All a good audition has to do, after all, is convince the judges they want to see more of you in a different setting. Some people put everything they’ve got into the audition — there’s nothing left for Hollywood. Other people show a spark of something unique that never develops quite enough. Still others reveal their strengths over time, each performance just good enough to get them to the next one.

A few auditions, though, reveal quite a bit about the performers — especially these days, when there’s often enough background information online to give their stories and their performances more context than a three-minute television package can.

USA Today

Anoop Desai of ‘American Idol’ recording in Nashville

Add Anoop Desai to the increasingly long list of American Idol finalists making connections in Music City.

Desai, who came in 6th place in last year’s season of Idol, is in Nashville this week wrapping up work on his upcoming single, “My Name.”

“Name” will be featured on All Is Fair, a 6-song EP due in May. Desai plans to release a new EP every six months.

The North Carolina native isn’t in town to stay, however — he’s now based in Los Angeles. Still, he wouldn’t be out of place in Nashville, as he’s well known for his smooth soul version of the country standard “Always On My Mind.”

Tennessean.com

‘American Idol Rewind’: Go ‘Country’ with Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry and Bucky Covington

Can you think back as far as “Country Week” on season 5 of “American Idol”?

Well, whether you remember it or or not isn’t an issue, since “American Idol Rewind” is taking a look back at the events featuring season 5 stars Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry and Bucky Covington.

Watch, in the clip below, as Kellie tackles a Reba McEntire tune with Kenny Rogers as a mentor, as Bucky just kills the genre — we mean that as a compliment — and as Chris gets criticized by Mr. Simon Cowell…

Zap2it.com

Lighting eclipses true soul of ‘Dreamgirls’

But aside from a few truly show-stopping moments, Longbottom’s production is all glitter and no spark. Though this version of Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger’s musical seems to have it all, it doesn’t move the way it should. Blame it on Longbottom’s stilted choreography, or the fact that an LED simulation is no replacement for the shimmer of a real tinsel curtain.

Boston Herald

‘Dreamgirls’ looks, sounds great but lacks emotional depth

BOSTON — The song won a Tony Award for Jennifer Holliday. It won an Oscar for Jennifer Hudson. And on Thursday night, the anthemic “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” brought a deservedly rousing standing ovation to Moya Angela. She brought enough power and raw emotion to the song’s swooping notes and its agonizing anger and despair that the audience was on its collective feet even before her Effie finished the last “You’re gonna love me…” that closes Act 1 of “Dreamgirls.”

The 1981 musical about the making of a girl group, loosely based on the story of the Supremes, may draw bigger names for the Diana Ross-inspired role: Beyonce in the 2006 film; “American Idol” second runner-up (season seven) Syesha Mercado — impressive in her professional theater debut — on this national tour.

Cape Cod Online

Big voice, big heart

Nearly 30 years after the Broadway original and four years after Bill Condon’s movie version, a revamped “Dreamgirls’’ is back onstage where it belongs. The tour, which opened at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in November, plays the Colonial Theatre through Feb. 14 – and I am telling you, you’re going.

At least, you’re going if you want to hear the latest powerful rendition of the song that made Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson famous, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.’’ Moya Angela follows in their footsteps as Effie, the singer with the big figure and even bigger voice who’s displaced by the more telegenic Deena as the show’s more-or-less-fictional ’60s girl group climbs the charts.

Boston.com

Adam Lambert’s ‘Oldest Fan’ Going to Indio Concert

INDIO – Through a story idea submitted to us on Twitter, an 89-year-old woman in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has tickets to see her “idol,” Adam Lambert.

Isabel Paquette spoke to her daughter, who taped the interview, and put it on the internet. She told the camera that her family loves Lambert’s music; they play it all the time, and the family gets quiet whenever it comes on the radio.

With that, a campaign started online to get Isabel the chance to see Lambert in-person.

Friday morning, two tickets had been purchased for Isabel and her daughter to attend the concert at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on February 27th.

KESQ

[sonyab1974]

Carrie Underwood Superbowl Soundcheck

A visitor at the Sunlife Stadium in Miami, Fl yesterday managed to capture Carrie Underwood’s souncheck on Video. She sounds awesome.

But the question is, will she be lip syncing to a pre-recorded track? That’s typically how the Superbowl anthem works. Jennifer Hudson in 2009, and Jordin Sparks in 2008, lip synced their versions of the National Anthem. And eveb the classic Whitney Houston version from the early 90’s was pre-recorded.

You can catch the real thing tomorrow at 6:25 pm et on CBS. And at 3:45 pm, tune in to see Daughtry perform at the Superbowl tailgate party.
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Go to MJ's and watch the video.

[sonyab1974]

Kelly Clarkson – All I Ever Wanted – Dublin Ireland – VIDEO

Kelly Clarkson kicked off her world-wide tour in Dublin, Ireland last night (Feb 5).  And of course, we’ve got some video of the concert!

Here’s Kelly performing  “All I Ever Wanted”–the tune that could be her next single, according to a recent tweet.

For more Dublin videos check out: Chicaoassis, and KTOC.

Manchester is the next stop on Kelly’s tour (tonight) with more UK dates to follow.  The rest of the tour includes dates in Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
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Kelly Clarkson fans go to MJ's and watch the video.

[sonyab1974]

Melinda Doolittle to Star in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

The amazing Season 6 Idol, Melinda Doolittle has a new gig.

She’s been cast in an upcoming production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Melinda will star as “The Narrator” beginning March 1 and running through April 9

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the second musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, the team behind Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, and re-tells the biblical story of Joseph and his 12 brothers.

Melinda Doolittle came in 3rd, American Idol Season 6.  The former backup singer released her debut album, Coming Back to You in 2009, and spent the year touring with her band.

Melinda has some musical theater under her belt. Pre-Idol, she starred in a Tennessee production of Nunsense.  She was a music major at Belmont University in  Nashville.

For more information and tickets, click this link.
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Melinda fans go to MJ's and click on the link to get more info and tickets.

[sonyab1974]

Kris Allen – Manila, Philippines – VIDEO


photo credit: Oatmeal_Cookie

Kris Allen and his band wrapped up their second concert in the Philippines a few hours ago. The band performed at the McKinley Hill Concert Grounds in Manilla.

Manila setlist: (same songs as Cebu but he tweaked the order) 1. Heartless / Gangsta’s Paradise; 2. Can’t Stay Away; 3. Written All Over My Face; 4. Before We Come Undone; 5. The Truth; 6. Man in the Mirror; 7. Is It Over; 8. Red Guitar; 9. Falling Slowly / With or Without You; 10. Alright With Me; 11. Live Like We’re Dying; encore 12. ANS; 13. Come Together
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Kris fans go to MJ's and watch the videos and check out the picture.