http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/news.shtml Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:15:58 EDT The latest news from The Official Soul Patrol. en-us Copyright The Official Soul Patrol Coranto using the Feed Builder Addon Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:50:04 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEykFZlpufZjixPFD http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEykFZlpufZjixPFD Alabama native and season five American Idol Taylor Hicks, who has both professional and family ties to Pleasure Island, has gone Broadway. The Soul Patrol leader is currently playing Teen Angel in the Broadway production of Grease. The role has only one song, "Beauty School Dropout." But it's a flashy song that has Taylor's name written all over it, according to published reviews. Taylor's role on Broadway has also been played by Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker and Al Jarreau over the years, a Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:44:38 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEVZlZuZlseWyLdEp http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEVZlZuZlseWyLdEp By Chris Harris, with reporting by Jim Cantiello Soulful singer says he's close to signing label deal for sophomore LP. In 2006, when salt-and-pepper-pelted soul singer Taylor Hicks won the fifth season of "American Idol," he probably never imagined he'd be popping out of an ice-cream cone, singing "Beauty School Dropout." Now Hicks is doing just that, playing the Teen Angel - a role made famous by Frankie Avalon in the 1978 film version of "Grease" - in the musical's latest Broadway revival. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:27:38 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEVZlyuVlbSCOGClD http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEVZlyuVlbSCOGClD By Garth Bardsley On Tuesday night, we swung around the corner from our Times Square offices to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where "American Idol" season-five champ Taylor Hicks is cutting his teeth on Broadway, playing the part of the Teen Angel in the most recent revival of "Grease." The silver-haired "Soul Patrol" leader gave us a tour around the theater, which is actually a bit of a reality-show mecca. Besides Hicks, the show's two leads, Max Crumm (Danny) and Laura Osnes (Sandy) were foun Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:57:47 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEVVkVuyZMMxPUBuy http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEVVkVuyZMMxPUBuy Paul Marturano, the off-the-wall comic/accomplished pianist from Philadelphia who recently appeared on American Idol and caught the nation's attention as Paula Abdul's 'Stalker' is reaping the benefits. His company, Off The Edge Productions, LLC has generated thousands of dollars on the internet with CD and digital song sales through his website www.paulpiano.net. Marturano has signed a ringtone deal. Stalker and his other songs are available on most major carriers and he has released new audio Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:32:57 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEVuuEEZZQFsdAvru http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEVuuEEZZQFsdAvru Early Works Release date: 8/19/2008 NEW!!! Taylor's pre-Idol music is being re-released through his own Modern Whomp Music label and distributed through Vanguard Records. Available at: Amazon.com Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:47:07 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEVkyVykZVqjwhbxI http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEVkyVykZVqjwhbxI Thousands of Fourth of July revelers watched fireworks on the National Mall, and threatening skies failed to dampen the celebration. The forecast was iffy all day, and some rain fell on the Mall in the early evening. But it quickly passed, and heavy storms that struck parts of the region did not make it downtown during the festivities. Officials were ready to evacuate the Mall in case of lightning - something they've had to do in recent years. Before the fireworks, there was a concert on the Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:45:00 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEulVlZppuIofcYve http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEulVlZppuIofcYve ROBERT KAHN Season 5 "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks is a little more Elvis, a little less Frankie Avalon than his predecessor in the Broadway revival of "Grease," now nearing its first anniversary at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. When Hicks signed on earlier this month as "Teen Angel," the first order of business was a costume redesign for his big moment as Frenchy's mentor in "Beauty School Dropout." Actor Stephen Buntrock, the earlier "Angel," had worn a bright white suit with silver gli Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:29:49 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEulVZZlAfTobVEhg http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEulVZZlAfTobVEhg American Idol champ Ruben Studdard has something to sing about. The season two winner married Surata Zuri McCants, his girlfriend of two years, in his hometown of Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday. It's the first marriage for the Velvet Teddy Bear. The ceremony took place at Canterbury United Methodist Church and Studdard reportedly had 20 groomsmen by his side. The newlyweds had just filed for a marriage license in Alabama on Monday. Studdard, 29, and McCants, 30, met in October 2006 at a Wal-Ma Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:59:47 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEulVVAlZbaoJyjeA http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEulVVAlZbaoJyjeA DESPITE PANS, REVIVAL GETS BOOST FROM 'IDOL' TWO shows that shouldn't be making it - but are - must be given their due today. First, "Grease" - which vaulted right over the critics to box office glory. It's playing to sold-out houses and is grossing nearly $800,000 a week. It got a little lift from the Tonys, but its real draw this summer is "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, who's playing Teen Angel. An insider says Hicks is worth at least $150,000 in extra ticket sales a week. (Make Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:14:53 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEulVFkAFefnhSXMq http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEulVFkAFefnhSXMq Warren Haynes Presents: The Benefit Concert Volume 8 Release date: 6/24/2008 NEW!!! The Christmas 2006 Warren Haynes Benefit Concert, with music from Dave Matthews, New Orleans Social Club, Marty Stuart & his Fabulous Superlatives, Taj Mahal Trio, and the John Popper Project. Taylor Hicks was a special guest on three numbers. Available at: Amazon.com Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:45:29 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuluZAkACtCXMmdn http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuluZAkACtCXMmdn 'I guess in the world of radio, selling 300,000 is not a success. I beg to differ,' beatboxing singer says. By Chris Harris, with reporting by Jim Cantiello As far as Blake Lewis is concerned, selling close to 300,000 copies of his debut LP, A.D.D. (Audio Day Dream), was a "huge success" - at least on a personal level. Apparently, Arista Records has a different definition of success. The atypical "American Idol" alumnus (he was the season-six runner-up, ultimately losing out to Jordin Sparks) Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:36:23 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuluZFlFsETzHWNC http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuluZFlFsETzHWNC By Steve Rogers Fox has announced the dates and locations for American Idol's eighth season open auditions. Despite some talk that the show might modify its age eligiblity for the upcoming season, American Idol's eighth season will use the same 16 to 28 years old age range that the reality competition has used since its fourth season. (Prior to Idol's fourth season, age 26 had been the maximum age.) More specifically, all contestants must be between 16 and 28 years old on July 15, 2008 -- me Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:07:39 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuluVyVAUDZnHtEJ http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuluVyVAUDZnHtEJ Mandy's Blog - As Mandy was driving to work recently, listening to Taylor Hicks' music, natuarally, his song "On Broadway" started playing. This got Mandy thinking about where Taylor is now: On Broadway. So Mandy takes a look at what being on Broadway now might mean to Taylor. Click on the link above to read Mandy's Blog. As always, we invite you to leave behind your thoughts and comments on all of our TOSP blogs. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:13:20 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZAkpppSlKtIrXD http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZAkpppSlKtIrXD By Christopher Rocchio Taylor Hicks has found someone to distribute his upcoming album. The American Idol fifth-season champ has signed a distribution agreement with Vanguard Records, The New York Post reported Friday. Vanguard's current talent roster includes mostly jazz, blues and folk artists, which is more in-tune with Hicks' own musical creations. The album will be released on Hicks' own record label -- Modern Whomp Records -- and is expected to comprise mostly of his pre-Idol recording Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:50:36 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZApyFyuDQfiMFD http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZApyFyuDQfiMFD By Andrew Gans Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Jimmy Smits, who made his Broadway debut in Anna in the Tropics, will host the annual PBS special "A Capitol Fourth." The fireworks extravaganza - filmed live at the U.S. Capitol - will air on PBS stations around the country July 4 from 8-9:30 PM ET; check local listings. The 90-minute special will boast performances by Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, "American Idol" winner and current Grease star Taylor Hicks, opera singer Harolyn Bl Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:25:19 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZlAEEAFRwqdqEs http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZlAEEAFRwqdqEs Anne Lu - Celebrity News Service News Writer Former "American Idol" crown holder Ruben Studdard has acquired a marriage license in Alabama on Monday. A source says the 29-year-old pop/R&B singer arrived at the Shelby County Probate Office in Birmingham with fiance Surata Zuri McCants. They left the establishment with the license secured. An Alabama marriage permit is valid for 30 days. Studdard, 29, and McCants, 30, would have to get married before then. Studdard won the hit reality tal Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:16:52 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZllyEkufWVxlAI http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZllyEkufWVxlAI By BRYANNA LINDBLOM The 2008 'American Idol' winner, David Cook, has given more than pride to his hometown. He has given it ice cream. Custard's Last Stand, a chain of ice cream stands in the Kansas City area, has introduced its June flavor of the month: the David Cook-ie concrete. Co- owner Susan Julo said her husband came up with the idea for a David Cook concrete. "We've been avid 'American Idol' watchers since the beginning," Julo said. "When he won, we were pretty excited, so that's wh Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:56:44 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZlZupupdxZTDZN http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZlZupupdxZTDZN Written by Sherry L With a record breaking television finale, American Idol, has proved it remains just as popular as ever. The top two contestants, David Cook and David Archuleta, brought in an impressive 97 million votes from the show's viewers. Season seven of American Idol boasted several popular contestants aside from the two David's, which promises to make for an entertaining summer tour. I had the opportunity to speak with one of these contestants while tour rehearsals were underway in Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:12:53 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZZFAZFRhhOeKLN http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZZFAZFRhhOeKLN Blake Lewis, the "American Idol" runner-up to Jordin Sparks last year, is the latest to lose his record contract, according to reports. Lewis, the beat-boxing singer who was a fan fave during the competition, said in an internet radio interview posted over the weekend that his label, Arista, did not want to do a second CD with him. Lewis first CD, "Audio Day Dream," failed to produce a hit single and has sold only a modest - for an "Idol" alum - 300,000 copies since it was released last Chri Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:58:05 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZZFplVxZdMpSXv http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZZFplVxZdMpSXv by Kathy Henderson Frenchy's got a new muse at Grease, and this time around, her guardian angel is a silver-haired crooner with rhinestone wings sewn into the pattern of his midnight blue suit. When a giant ice cream cone descends from the heavens at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, Taylor Hicks emerges to sing "Beauty School Dropout" in his Broadway debut. By now, audiences have gotten used to reality show winners turning up in musicals (Grease alone has four, with leads Max Crumm and Laura Osnes, Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:18:34 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZZpZEuwshdkNjh http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZZpZEuwshdkNjh Posted by Donna Reynolds American Idol Season 5 winner, Taylor Hicks, has signed a distribution deal with Vanguard Records. Taylor will release a compilation CD this summer that will include tracks from his first two indie CDs, Under the Radar and In Your Time. Taylor has formed his own label, Modern Whomp Records, which will actually release the CD. Vanguard is responsible for distribution of the disc, but it will be up to Taylor to promote it. After winning Idol in 2006, Taylor signed with Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:03:40 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZyAlkpkeyzwYGX http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZyAlkpkeyzwYGX Simon Cowell admits that Josiah Leming should have been an American Idol seventh-season semifinalist, however he's placing the blame for why it didn't happen on his fellow judges. "We should have put him through," Cowell told the Knoxville News Sentinel in a Friday report. "I was all for it. I wanted him in the competition." Leming auditioned for Idol's seventh season last summer in Atlanta and wowed the judges with "To Run," a song he wrote. He made it through to the Hollywood Round and co Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:12:45 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZyFEyVBBdSnxgg http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZyFEyVBBdSnxgg 'AMERICAN Idol" winner Taylor Hicks has finally landed with a record label more in-tune with his personality. Vanguard Records, the longtime purveyor of jazz, blues and folk, has agreed to distribute Hicks' next album, which he plans to cut on his own label, Modern Whomp Records. The disc is expected to be comprised mostly of Hicks' pre-"Idol" tunes and is slated for release in August. Hicks is currently appearing as the "Teen Angel" in Broadway's "Grease." You can discuss this article o Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:02:11 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZykVFEzPWnfeev http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZykVFEzPWnfeev by Natalie Finn Brooke White will be taking the stage with a message this summer. The season-seven American Idol finalist has teamed with Idol Gives Back and the aid group Malaria No More to encourage kids to spend their vacations not only having fun but to do their part to make the world a better place, as well. In addition to doling out tips on how they can help those less fortunate, the Save the World Summer campaign is offering two tickets to next year's Idol finale for the youngster who Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:37:44 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZVZuyuDpjHvbbl http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEuZVZuyuDpjHvbbl On a day when Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate battled for the U.S. Open title in California, singer Taylor Hicks was one of dozens of celebrities at Winged Foot Golf Club yesterday to raise an estimated $1 million for the Autism Speaks charity. Hicks, who won the fifth season of "American Idol" and is guest-starring in "Grease" on Broadway, said the cause is important to him. "One of my dad's best friend's sons has autism," he said, moments before practicing his swing at the driving range. "When Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:49:56 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFykZZAyzZiysPtY http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFykZZAyzZiysPtY By Tina Sims Will David Archuleta make an appearance with Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens? That's the subject of an item from Mike Walker of the Enquirer and he reports that Disney is driving strong to the hoop to get an cameo of the American idol runner up for the big screen movie High School Musical 3. It seems like a pretty shrewd move by Disney to try and grad Archuleta for the film but can they pull it off? Walker writes that David is "up for grabs, and Disney's grabbing the cute-as-a-but Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:22:35 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFulkEVVQFLYPjtJ http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFulkEVVQFLYPjtJ by Mike Hughes For some singers, the "Capitol Fourth" experience can be imposing. Behind them is the massive National Symphony. In front of them are 300,000 people, plus more watching on PBS. Then again, some people are used to such commotions. Just ask Taylor Hicks. Even before his "American Idol" fame, he sang at the Talladega Superspeedway. "It's like Mardi Gras times 10," he said. Or ask Brian Stokes Mitchell. Lately, he's been singing with the symphonies in Boston, Pittsburgh, Los Ange Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:50:52 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFFlFpVkvGrmxkxG http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFFlFpVkvGrmxkxG A musicians union has filed a federal lawsuit against the producers of "American Idol," claiming musicians were underpaid because the show's live music was re-recorded for reruns. The American Federation of Musicians filed the suit seeking unspecified damages Thursday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, alleging that American Idol Productions Inc. and its subsidiary Tick Tock Productions Inc. violated a collective bargaining agreement. That contract says the show's musicians should be paid Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:15:26 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFFlpAkyFxEdMRqu http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFFlpAkyFxEdMRqu By Monica Rizzo Taylor Hicks is used to being the object of adoring fans - but when the Jonas Brothers made a TV appearance in New York, the American Idol swapped roles. Hicks, who is currently starring in Grease on Broadway, couldn't resist partaking in Jonas Brothers mania with thousands of other fans outside of the Live With Regis & Kelly studios in New York City Thursday morning, he told PEOPLE. "Once I arrived and saw all the Jonas Brothers fans, I got in on the screaming. We were Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:27:49 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFFpAyyAUOVLZWoO http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFFpAyyAUOVLZWoO By PR Newswire The Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation at UCLA, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising private funds for highest priority cancer research, hosts its 13th annual Taste for a Cure, Saturday, June 21, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. FOX Broadcasting Company President of Entertainment Kevin Reilly receives the Gil Nickel Humanitarian Award. Jimmy Kimmel hosts the event and 2008 "American Idol" winner David Cook performs. Event co-chairs are Barbara Fairchild - Editor-in-Chief, B Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:31:49 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFkkFVpAOOgsFLdN http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFkkFVpAOOgsFLdN by Eddie Varley "American Idol" Season Five winner, Taylor Hicks, made his Broadway debut when he joined the cast of GREASE in the role of "Teen Angel" on Friday, June 6, 2008 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Immediately following his Broadway debut, he appeared along with Max Crumm ("Danny"), Laura Osnes ("Sandy") and other GREASE cast mates at Planet Hollywood Times Square to celebrate with a celebrity handprint ceremony in the restaurant's main dining room. His handprints will later be disp Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:20:49 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFEEuluAzRMxVPGG http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFEEuluAzRMxVPGG By Greg Hernandez, Staff Writer After winning "American Idol" a couple years back, Taylor Hicks didn't go on to sell nearly as many records as fellow "Idol" champs Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson. But the silver-haired singer from Birmingham, Ala., remains upbeat and is following in the footsteps of Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino ("The Color Purple") by making his Broadway debut in "Grease." Taylor called from Manhattan on Monday afternoon to talk about his latest gig, which kicked of Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:14:28 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFpuypylvgYOpuxG http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFpuypylvgYOpuxG By Matthew Blank "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks stopped by the Times Square Planet Hollywood May 6 for a Handprint Ceremony to commemorate his Broadway debut in Grease. Hicks, who began performances as Teen Angel on June 6, left his handprint and signature in concrete for display in the popular theme restaurant. Following the ceremony, he posed for photos with fellow Grease co-stars Laura Osnes and Max Crumm and greeted a crowd of his fans, known as the Soul Patrol. Also in attendance we Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:43:56 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFpuukFyOTNVrPVU http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEFpuukFyOTNVrPVU If anybody knows how hard it can be to turn an American Idol win into a hot music career, it's Taylor Hicks. So the season six champ speaks with some authority when he says that this year's winner, David Cook, could be a huge star. "I think he has a great shot [at success]," Hicks, 31, told OK! at a ceremony at Planet Hollywood where he made a hand-print in concrete to commemorate his Broadway debut in Grease. Taylor, from Birmingham, Alabama, says that by sticking with his grungy, indie rock Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:04:21 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkAyykyEEzltrXLZ http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkAyykyEEzltrXLZ By Andrew Gans Taylor Hicks, the "American Idol" winner who has joined the Broadway company of Grease, will perform on the June 13 broadcast of "Live with Regis & Kelly." Hicks will be joined by members of the Grease company to perform "Beauty School Dropout," as part of the syndicated talk show's "Broadway Week 2008." The theatre-themed "Regis & Kelly" week will kick off June 9 with Sierra Boggess performing "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid. June 10 will feature Cry-Baby' Sun, 08 Jun 2008 17:51:07 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkAyVuyZMdMuNgsD http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkAyVuyZMdMuNgsD 'I'm really excited to start working on everything,' teen crooner says of record deal. By Gil Kaufman What's good enough for one David is good enough for the other. "American Idol" runner-up David Archuleta has inked a deal with 19 Recordings/ Jive Records, the same label that signed his onetime rival, David Cook. Archuleta, 17 - who is rehearsing for the American Idols Live! Tour, which kicks off July 1 - said in a statement that he is excited to release his major-label debut later this y Thu, 29 May 2008 11:13:04 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkpZZVluGbMNBJLD http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkpZZVluGbMNBJLD It's been a week since David Cook was named the seventh American Idol, and in the midst of his media tour, word has come that he has signed with 19 Recordings / RCA Records. According to his MySpace, he has already begun planning his first album, due out in the fall. David plans on recording the album on off days during the Idols' summer tour. "I am extremely happy to be signed by 19 Recordings / RCA Records. Signing this deal is truly a dream come true. I am looking forward to the recording pr Thu, 29 May 2008 11:05:56 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkpZZEVyiGdiltsX http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkpZZEVyiGdiltsX 'American Idol' winner David Cook will set a new record tomorrow for debut entries on the US charts. Billboard reports that 11 songs performed by Cook will debut on the Billboard Hot 100 with 14 tracks also appearing on the Hot Digital Songs chart. Cook's original song 'The Time of My Life' will debut at Number Three on the Billboard Hot 100 and will be in the Number One spot on the Hot Digital Songs chart with 236,000 downloads. This year's runner-up David Archuleta has three songs on both c Wed, 28 May 2008 16:10:24 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkppApkuMBnnPWJi http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkppApkuMBnnPWJi By EDWARD WYATT Ever since NBC cut off the end of the 1968 Jets-Raiders football game in order to start the television movie on time, people who watch live television events have occasionally suffered emotional trauma over missing the end of a captivating contest. So it was on Wednesday night, when the finale of "American Idol" extended past its two-hour time slot, leaving some viewers who saved the program on digital video recorders with a version that ended just as the winner was being annou Wed, 28 May 2008 15:58:49 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkpplFkAlJVHcfsh http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkpplFkAlJVHcfsh The early 'Idol' castoff says he wouldn't be where he is today if he'd made the cut. By James Montgomery, with reporting by Jim Cantiello When we last saw Josiah Leming, he was sleeping in his parents' basement in Morristown, Tennessee, hammering out otherworldly tunes on a rickety old piano and licking his wounds from his recent "American Idol" ouster. He was "the kid who slept in his car," the homeless scamp who cried buckets on a televised singing competition, the scrappy underdog with th Wed, 28 May 2008 15:47:12 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkppZyFkQcsiqzFs http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkppZyFkQcsiqzFs By Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Former American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar has signed with Nationwide to star in the latest installment of the insurer's popular "Life Comes At You Fast" campaign. The 18-year old Indian-American, known for his lack of singing talent and wild hairstyles, follows in the footsteps of other entertainer-turned-punchlines who have made fun of themselves in the Nationwide spots. In a spot that debuted during last year's Super Bowl, for example, Britne Wed, 28 May 2008 15:20:22 EDT http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkppypkkTrxMUdrl http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/cgi-bin/coranto3/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEkppypkkTrxMUdrl The inspirational autobiography titled "Heart Full Of Soul" by Taylor Hicks are being sent to patients at Walter Reed Military Hospital. North Haven, CT, May 26, 2008 - Part 5 of the Proud Of Our Troops drive has begun. Jewelry Sprout is sponsoring the Proud Of Our Troops drive. They are asking everyone to please support and uplift US troops who are patients at Walter Reed military hospital in Washington, DC by sending them the inspirational book by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. The autobi