David Cook was recently spotted at the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation’s ‘Taste for a Cure’ event which was held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday, most likely to show his support for his brother Adam who is battling brain cancer. Jimmy Kimmel hosted the event while the American Idol champ took the stage to perform at the annual fundraiser. At the event, David confirmed to E! that he is still with fellow Idol alum Kimberly Caldwell saying “Email, text, all of that is pretty much going to be my life for the next few months.”
American Idol champ David Cook, along with the rest of the Idol finalists, was at CNN studios to get interviewed on Larry King Live. David was asked if he felt relieved that the whole experience was over to which he replied “Yes, in a way. The whole show, the eight-month process from first audition to this, it feels like you’re holding your breath a little bit. And I’ve been asked a few times why I cried at the end. And for me, that was just an exhale, to step back and really think about what just happened. It’s pretty heavy. So, yes, I am relieved, because, now I get to move on to the next phase of all this, which is a record and a tour and all the good stuff.”
Fresh off of her second consecutive win as Top Female Vocalist at the Academy of Country Music Awards which was held at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas on Sunday, it has been confirmed that Carrie Underwood will be returning to the American Idol stage to perform on Wednesday night’s season 7 finale. The 25-year old will perform her current smash hit ‘Last Name’. She joins the Jonas Brothers, who will perform their hit song ‘SOS’, as performers on the show which will determine which David – the young Archuleta or the phenomenal Cook – will be crowned this year’s American Idol.
The top three contestants for American Idol has just been revealed as Jason Castro becomes the latest Idol castoff. Considering his all too predictable performance of ‘I Shot the Sheriff’ and forgetting lyrics to ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ on Tuesday night, it was pretty much inevitable. Syesha Mercado joined Jason in the bottom two. Next week’s theme will be judges’ choice with contestants paying a visit to their hometowns. Maroon 5 and former Idol runner up Bo Bice performed on the show with their respective singles ‘If I Never See Your Face Again’ and ‘Witness’. Congratulations go out to Bo who’s expecting a little boy with his wife soon.
American Idol’s most recent castoff Kristy Lee Cook was spotted as she was leaving ABC studios after appearing on ‘Live with Regis and Kelly’ in New York City on Monday. Kristy’s journey on the Idol stage has gotten more attention lately as she had to sell her horse to get money to travel to the audition. Now that she’s made it as big as she could get, she wants her horse back. Unfortunately, the guy she sold it to is not open to selling the horse back to Kristy. Come on man! She was eliminated already. At least give her the horse as a consolation.
Carrie Underwood took some time to strike some poses backstage during the taping of ‘Idol Gives Back’ which was held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday. The American Idol alum and former champion also performed on the show by covering the George Michael original ‘Praying for Time’. It is also being reported that Carrie came out on stage when ‘Desperate Housewives’ star Teri Hatcher performed her rendition of Carrie’s hit ‘Before He Cheats’. I guess we’ll find out if that’s true as ‘Idol Gives Back’ airs April 9th at 7:30 to 10 PM ET/PT on FOX. That’s tonight folks so keep tuned in.
Former American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin is dealing with the loss of his mother Claudette at age 65.
She was hospitalized this weekend, but no cause of death has been released at this time.
A message was posted on Elliott’s website by friend Brandon Crowe, “The world lost a beautiful soul. I can’t go into any details at this time except to say that she went peacefully. Elliott wanted me to let you all know, but we are asking that you please respect the family’s privacy at this time. We are all aware of your prayers, and we thank you. In lieu of sending flowers, we ask that donations be sent to the local chapter of the Richmond JDRF. Thanks again for all your support and prayers…it’s helped us through the day.”
The remaining nine American Idol wannabes were spotted as they filmed a promotional video in the downtown area of Los Angeles on Sunday. While most Idol controversies have already been laid to rest, there’s still something revolving around David Cook. A Seattle rock-soul group called Doxology claimed that the Idol rocker performed their arrangement of the Beatles’ classic ‘Eleanor Rigby’ without crediting them. Their main issue was that they want to be given some credit by David and the show. I’m wondering why they won’t because they credited Chris Cornell on his arrangement of David’s last performance of ‘Billie Jean’. Is it because he’s more famous and has a lot of money to sue them with?
He may have been kicked out of American Idol early but that’s not going to stop former stripper David Hernandez’s hopes of making a name for himself. It’s being said that David has gone to the Big Apple to audition for the cast of Broadway’s ‘Rent’. Paparazzi caught up to the Idol castoff and they say that he seemed a little bewildered by the big city. He kept asking random strangers for help finding a car and even asked a Hasidic Jew whether he was a ‘Pilgrim’. Ok. Moving on, there’s no word whether he got to his audition or is already in. The Broadway production of ‘Rent’ ends its amazing 12-year run on June 1.
If you were to make a decision between joining American Idol or helping a group of orphans in Honduras, which would you chose? Soft-spoken Idol wannabe Jason Castro, a junior at Texas A&M, was inducted into the Aggie Men’s Club, an organization that provides a “social atmosphere of Christian fellowship and brotherhood this past fall. The club is currently on a trip to Honduras, donating time and money to build homes and orphanages. The club’s president Chris spoke highly of Jason saying that the contestant would likely have joined the 14 guys currently in Honduras – but he’s got the show to do.
The bar where American Idol contestant Carly Smithson used to work at doesn’t want her back, not because she was a crappy employee but because they want her to win. Some of her co-workers at popular San Diego Irish bar The Field says that Carly is easy-going and good-natured. Her specialty as the bartender was serving Guinness beer with hearts and shamrock shapes in the foam. They also say that Carly would often sing at the bar after her Saturday night. She was practicing for Idol, I’d say. Singing in front of a room full of drunks probably isn’t any different than performing in front of Paula.
Well, the votes were cast and the results are in. Last Thuesday’s episode of American Idol had many fans rejoicing - and a few sad.
The revealing of American Idol’s Top 12 meant four more contestants had to be cut. Leaving the ladies were Kady Malloy and Asia’h Epperson (a tad bit of a surprise!). People seem to like Amanda more than once thought. For the guys, it was Luke Menard and a very emotional Danny Noriega.
Ladies and gentlemen, here are your American Idols: Amanda Overmyer, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Chikezie, David Archuleta, David Cook, David Hernandez, Jason Castro, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, and Syesha Mercado.
American Idol is definitely for everyone – whether you’re a reject or a convict, this show is for you! AI finalist Amanda Overmyer falls into the second category as she once plead guilty to a DUI back in October 2006 near her hometown of Mulberry, Indiana. She received a suspended sentence of 60 days and was placed on 180 days probation which ended in August 2007. The National Enquirer is saying that on the night of Amanda’s arrest, she had a blood alcohol level of 0.108 and spent 6 hours in the Montgomery County Jail before her fiancé posted her bail.
If you’re saying, “Who?”, you aren’t alone. You probably only know the name Michael Johns if you are an American Idol fan. But did you know that’s not his real name?
The 29 year old future star has already recorded in Australia under the name Michael Lee Johns. Why the change? He explains, “I stopped talking to my real father when I was about 15, and it was a real kind of poisonous relationship. And my stepfather, his name is John and he came in and not only saved not only my life but also my family with his positivity.”
He continues, “When I made my new record, I really wanted to get rid of my last name Lee…And my middle name is John, and my stepfather’s name is John, so it’s like two John’s in the family. So, that’s why I picked Michael Johns. That’s what makes it so big to me.”
Is anything sacred anymore? It seems like a season of AI can’t get underway without scandal or controversy.
The lastest for Season 2008 is alledging that several Idol contestants are more experienced than allowed. It seems Michael Johns’ band was signed with Madonna’s Maverick label. Kristy Lee Cook was also signed with Britney’s production company. Finally, rocker Carly Smithson actually released an album with MCA but was dropped because sales were poor.
But it seems that isn’t a problem. Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says that it is ok for contestants to have been previously signed. The only rule is that they cannot be under contract currently. He says, “We are looking for great, and yes, those people in all likelihood have had dealings with the industry before.”
Kellie Pickler congratulate all of those who have already made it so far on the latest season of American Idol. However, she feels compelled to give them some advice as well.
She says, “Going through that whole process and literally overnight you’re on 30-40 million television sets every week - it’s not necessarily you that changes but it’s the people around you that change.”
She goes on to talk about the importance of good friends. She is proud to have become such good friends with fellow Idol contestant and roommate Katharine McPhee. She was even in her recent wedding to producer Nick Cokas. Kellie says, “Stay away from mean people! Of course that’s with any profession, but surround yourself with people that support you and pray for you.”
The Top 24 contestants of American Idol for the seventh season:
The Top 12 Guys are Chikezie Eze, Colton Berry, Danny Noriega, David Archuleta, David Cook, David Hernandez, Garrett Haley, Jason Castro, Jason Yeager, Luke Menard, Michael Lee Johns and Robbie Carrico.
While the Top 12 Girls are Alaina Whitaker, Alexandrea “Alex” Lushington, Amanda L. Overmyer, Amy Davis, Asiah Epperson, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Joanne Borgella, Kady Malloy, Kristy Lee Cook, Ramiele Malubay and Syesha Mercado.
Chris Daughtry is one of the most successful American Idol alums in years yet the rocker is now trashing the show which made him famous.
Chris says to Rolling Stone “I feel like [American Idol] it’s definitely lacking some credibility at this point. It’s in a state of decline and if they don’t do something about it, it’s probably not gonna last too much longer. I’m sure that’ll be used against me, but that’s the truth, you know? People get tired of seeing people that suck. It’s funny at first, but come on. They spend three weeks on people that can’t sing, and that’s what they’re banking it on. [They should] find some people that you can really invest in.”
You win some, you lose some. In the case of American Idol alums Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard, both champions of their respective seasons, they ultimately lost because they have been dropped by their record label. Joining their ranks as the most recently dropped Idol is Katharine McPhee, Taylor’s runner up.
It seems that the Idol machine is falling apart. That or they are just producing some really good kick outs. But with all the news of Idol champs being dropped when the new season is just about to debut, my enthusiasm for the new season of the show is dropping by the second.
It just goes to show that just because you win American Idol doesn’t mean you are America’s Idol. J Records just dropped one Idol winner in the shape of plus-sized 29-year old velvet teddy bear Ruben Studdard last month and they’ve done it again this month. American Idol champ Taylor Hicks is the most recent Idol dropped by J Records. So early in the New Year too. Not a good sign for other Idol alums.
Who do you think will be the next to get the ax from the record label? If you ask me, it’s a toss up between Fantasia and Clay Aiken.
Kimberly Locke celebrated a big birthday just this past week. The American Idol alum rang in her big 30th bash at The Plumm in New York City. And judging by what went on at that party, she has a lot to celebrate about.
First, she got to snuggle up to Joseph Cross, the cutie pie from ‘Running with Scissors’. Actually, she got to snuggle up with a lot of men that night, even the club’s owner. Second, her amazing new singled ‘Band of Gold’ just went to the top spot on the Billboard club play charts. Finally, she can now say that her career is going much better than that of Clay Aiken’s.
American Idol runner up Blake Lewis was once rumored to have been dating the winner Jordin Sparks but the beat-boxing blonde was seen outside Tenjune in New York on New Year’s Eve with another Idol castoff, Haley Scarnato.
Just as they were leaving the New York hotspot, Blake mouthed off a compelling new catchphrase – “Titties in your mouth!” What? Well, you can’t go wrong with that one I guess. It’s definitely more memorable than anything off his new album. To be honest, I wasn’t even aware that he did an album. Just hope that it catches on Blake, for your sake.
For those of you wondering, Blake is still on the market - and on the prowl.
He recently told MSNBC that, since being an American Idol finalist, he’s been pursued by older women. And quite honestly, he wouldn’t mind settling down with one of them.
“I got a little bit of that, some cougars definitely….I love older women, so it was fantastic.”
He’s even gotten some antique negligee thrown at him during shows. “I finally got my first pair of panties and they were huge gigantic grandma panties. It was awesome.” Umm, someone must really like Blake and his beatboxing self.
For the Blake fans out there, his album Audio Day Dream is in stores December 4.
Just because you won a singing contest doesn’t mean you’d be a guaranteed success. Just ask Taylor Hicks if you don’t believe me.
16 months since he won American Idol and the biggest place he’s probably been to is the opening of an Alabama housing development. Wow!
During the weekend of October 26, people who have purchased land in The Oaks development in Lake Guntersville have the chance to enjoy ‘an intimate dinner with Taylor Hicks and several other celebrities’. Taylor incidentally owns land in the area.
That’s sad. While runner up Kat McPhee is off filming movies, he has to buy himself in at an event.
It seems like everything is going from bad to worse for Kelly Clarkson. The sales of her newest album, “My December” are not doing well. The first single didn’t ever break number one on the charts and only stayed in the top 20 a few weeks. A rumor that record mogul Clive Davis didn’t like the direction the album was going was followed by the loss of her manager and the cancellation of her summer tour due to slow ticket sales. Kelly has played a large role in pop music since her big win on the very first American Idol. She never fit the image of the diva and was a positive role model for youth in comparison to the Britney’s and Fergie’s out there. It’s unfortunate for Clarkson to see such a drastic fall in her success but that hardly guarantees any long term failure. I’m sure it won’t be long until she re-gains our attention and reminds the world that there is more to look at then the same blonde heiress each week in the news.
She is sexy and we cannot put a question mark on that but being crowned Sexiest Vegetarian is just another feather in the cap for the lovely looking lass. Country star Carrie Underwood has been crowed the World’s Sexiest Vegetarian in a new People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) poll. The former American Idol winner beat Natalie Portman and Shania Twain to reclaim the title she won in 2005. Underwood has been a vegetarian since she was 13, and admits, “I don’t like to watch commercials where they have meat. It weirds me out.” Surely all veggies out there shall support her saying that any sign of meet or even a commercial can be a turn off. Shania Twain too is a lovely singer and being a veggie makes her more attractive.
Looking at it realistically, American Idol doesn’t need to improve itself. The show is fine the way it is. If you were the most successful reality show in the history of the medium, if you were by far the most watched TV show on the planet, if you had created and nurtured a number of current pop stars, would you change? No, probably not. There’s no need, right?
Actually, there’s something to be said for constant change and improvement. Although Idol has still been the number one primetime TV show in the US this past year, the ratings have stumbled a bit. American Idol would be served well if they decided to add some new wrinkles to the show. TV longevity is often borne out of a show’s willingness to change throughout the years. There’s a reason the shelf life of prime time game shows is so low: they stay the same. Never underestimate the short attention span of us TV viewers.
Survivor is a prime example of a reality show that has persevered and remained popular throughout the years by make slight alterations to the game and keeping things fresh. Perhaps American Idol is content with the viewer numbers they are getting. There are certainly FOX ratings gurus who have studied the trends from season to season and know more than we do. It’s possible that Idol reached a peak viewership in earlier seasons and are now settling into a ratings plateau.
As the top-rated show in the world, it would take brass balls to make any serious changes to the fabric of American Idol. But, in the past, FOX has not shied from making changes from season to season on Idol. Hell, after the initial breakout season, they fired co-host Brian Dunkleman. While it may have been obvious to anyone with fully-functioning motor skills that The Dunkleman was dead weight, it still was a bold move by FOX to mess with something that was so popular. Recently, Idol has moved away from skits featuring the contestants and cheesy group dance numbers. Both were welcome changes.
The pervading question, though, remains: if you can improve a TV show, regardless of how popular it is, why not go ahead and make those changes? The fan base of American Idol, after six long seasons, is solid and unmoving. It’s going to take something earth-shattering to turn fans away at this point. The show is flawed, and there are some changes that could help Idol age better than some of its reality counterparts.
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