Pia Toscano to sing anthem for L.A. Kings’ opener – The National Hockey League begins its lockout-shortened season this weekend, and former American Idol contestant Pia Toscano will perform the U.S. national anthem for the Los Angeles Kings’ home opener. Toscano, a Season 10 finalist, has become a favorite anthem performer for the reigning Stanley Cup champions, and NBC will air the King’s banner-raising ceremony starting at 3 p.m. ET, followed by regional coverage of either the Kings hosting the Chicago Blackhawks (puck drop at 3:25 p.m. ET) or the Philadelphia Flyers hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins (3:35 p.m. ET). – Read more at USA Today

Kelly Clarkson’s inauguration performance comes with political baggage – When Kelly Clarkson belts out the patriotic standard “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” at President Obama’s second inauguration on Monday, it’s safe to assume the performance will be memorable, considering Clarkson’s well-documented vocal prowess. However, the moment could further justify use of the overwrought cliché, “What a difference a year makes,” considering the political baggage that comes with Clarkson’s appearance. Early last year the singer was embroiled in controversy after she drew the ire of some fans when she offered endorsement for controversial Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul. – Read more at LA Times

Brad Paisley, Kelly Clarkson Included On President Obama’s Inaugural Mixtape – As President Obama prepares for his second inauguration on Monday (Jan. 21), he dropped the Presidential Inauguration playlist on Spotify. The list of songs cuts across demographic divides, including rock, country, soul and R&B. A few highlights include “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder, James Taylor‘s “Your Smiling Face,” and Kelly Clarkson’s ”Breakaway.” – Read more at CBS Local

Carrie Underwood Thinks Keith Urban Is the Perfect Fit for ‘American Idol’ = “If anyone can be objective, constructive and tell people what it’s gonna take, it’s gonna be him,” Underwood says of Urban’s qualifications (quote via WZTV). “I am excited ‘American Idol’ is my world. It’s my family and it’s so nice to have someone from Nashville be a part of my ‘American Idol’ family.” As coincidence would have it, a young hopeful belted out Underwood’s ‘Mama’s Song’ during the season premiere last week. The young lady made it to Hollywood, but it was actually Urban who voiced the most concern about the aspiring country singer. “When you sang the first song, I didn’t quite feel it from you,” Urban told the singer. – Read more at The Taste of Country

CARRIE’S TWO BLACK CADILLACS VIDEO

Carrie Underwood talks about the inspiration for her “Two Black Cadillacs” video, dropping on Wednesday.

Destiny’s Child Reunion Is Jennifer Hudson’s ‘Dream Come True’ – Destiny’s Child are back, and their army of celebrity fans are rejoicing. Just last week, Beyoncé, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland got fans feeling nostalgic when they dropped “Nuclear,” a new track off their upcoming compilation album. “Oh my God, that is a dream come true,” fellow diva Jennifer Hudson told MTV News at the Sundance Film Festival, where she is promoting her new movie, the drama “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.” – Read more at MTV.com

Prince to Be Honored at Billboard Music Awards on May 19 – The 2013 Billboard Music Awards are returning to Las Vegas on Sunday, May 19 and will honor the legendary artist Prince during a live ABC broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Prince will be honored with the Billboard Icon Award and is set to deliver what will likely be an unforgettable performance during the broadcast, produced by Don Mischer and sponsored by Chevrolet and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. – Read more at Billboard.com

A.1. to Nicki Minaj You’ll NEVER Go Sauceless Again! – The Nicki Minaj/A.1. Steaksauce love affair isn’t a one way thing … because it turns out the folks behind the tasty, tasty sauce are as big a fan of her as she is of them. If you’ll recall … our photogs spotted Minaj out this week at Boa — a super-fancy steakhouse in Hollywood — where shehad someone bring her a bottle of A.1. into the restaurant. The rep tells, “We’re so glad to hear that Nicki Minaj loves our sauce just as much as we love her and her music. To make sure she’s never ‘sauceless’ again, we sent Nicki some of our A.1. Original Steak Sauce. Now she’ll have A.1. wherever she goes.” – Read more at TMZ.com

 
  • Jordana33

    I saw a very recent interview where Astro mentioned that he was going to be in an upcoming movie but could not discuss the details. He also mentioned plans to release a mix-album in 1-2 months. During the interview, there was no mention of being dropped by his label, so I can’t explain the absence of his picture on the Epic Records site. . 

  • asifclueless

    Awww.  Cute Mash-up -Shine Bright Like a Diamond.  LOL

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekxJo8u9ZWk&feature=youtu.be

  • girlygirltoo

    In case anyone wants to bid on this shirt Kris signed or just wants to check out the organization and its upcoming silent auction

    American Idol Winner Kris Allen signing a MAG T-shirt to be used in an upcoming silent auction to raise funds for… http://fb.me/T1ZSlFvg 

  • http://twitter.com/eilonwya10 Eilonwy

    Yeah, but it was just 16 days ago that Melanie Amaro tweeted the track list and release date for her album (3/12/13), and she’s sure not on the artist list.

    The common reaction among the news-ish sources (those that appear in response to Googling) was mild derision and predictions of failure. Epic may have realized that it had already made so many mistakes — starting with releasing and sticking with a lead single that got lots of nastily negative reviews — that no amount of promo could save the project now.

    It is a long, long way from “we’re finding the next global superstar” to “we bailed on our first winner before releasing her debut album.” Really sad for Amaro — no matter what her talents, she deserved better than this.

  • justmefornow

    Never liked Melanie really, but I agree, she deserved better. Simon is a real d*ck. That is all.

    On another note seeing it’s such a slow news day there’s a thread about Adam on his treadmill, lol, James came home last night from his trip to NYC. Still waiting to hear what he’s recording for the WWE, (a hint would be nice!!)

    Anyway, here’s a sweet pic Heidi tweeted.

    Heidi Durbin ?@MrsHeidiDurbinSo nice to have Daddy home…goodnight twitter friends ;)
    pic.twitter.com/UNXoxRi7

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/IYMZ43XMLLAE6RVHJS4M6KNC5Y Dennis

     News about Melanie really doesn’t surprise me. They gave up on her before anything could even happen. The songs were not good and she was absent for a year almost. She deserves better than this but again it goes to show you if they don’t think you worth it, you winning the show doesn’t matter. If they don’t think you could be really successful they’re not going to put that much effort into you.

    Also it was surprising to me that Astro never put out an official single but I guess it makes sense now since he doesn’t look like he’s on the roster.

  • tripp_ncwy

    Kris just finished his first show at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA. Anoop Desai in the house for the second show. Kranoop rules. No request song for the first session.

  • girlygirltoo

    Nice that Anoop’s there to support Kris. Kranoooop!!!

    From the tweets, people loved the 1st show. Tour mgr said it was sold out. 2nd one may be sold out as well 

    I’m thinking there was no song request, and his set was shorter than normal, because of the tight turnaround between the 2 shows.

  • tripp_ncwy

    They seemed to have them packed in like sardines from the few pics. ;)

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/HWRPW434YQTROZ3J5E4BSLWEYM H.A.

    theseanporter
    ?@Bigdaddysays

    Sold out show at #eddiesattic. Killin it. #outalivetour @KrisAllen http://instagr.am/p/UukPJuzTLC/

    Nice diverse crowd at Kris’ show. I read John Mayer played there also.

  • Axxxel

    I think there is a  thread about Adam Lambert is also because he was singing a popular popsong in the video…

    Remember the Madonna song he sang in VH1  Diva’s ?  Once there was an  amateur video on youtube when Adam was goofing around with that song during a soundcheck.

  • justmefornow

    I actually found it very funny myself, worthy of it’s own thread?, that’s debatable.
    Funny thing is, in normal clothes, with no makeup, that’s the best I’ve ever seen him look, lol.

  • girlygirltoo

    The song request Kris is doing for his 2nd show tonight is Hey! Ho! 

    (The Lumineers’ song, if anyone is unfamiliar with the title)

  • tripp_ncwy

    Good view of Kris & crew’s new transport, the new Dotty http://instagram.com/p/UugagfSsDi/

  • mjsbigblog

    Reminder:

    What’s SO TOTALLY NOT THE TOPIC? What is or is not a post on this blog. No meta comments please. Particularly when they are passive-aggressively fanwarish.

  • tripp_ncwy

    Video: Colton Dixon introduces his band.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn6yQAwzJWs

  • durbesque

    Love it!!!  Makes me want to go to the show.  I’ll lie down until the urge passes.

  • tripp_ncwy

    People:  Danny Gokey Welcomes Son Daniel Emanuel

    “Weighing in at 8 lbs. 11 oz., Daniel arrived at 9:52 p.m. on his due date.”

    http://celebritybabies.people.com/2013/01/21/american-idol-danny-gokey-welcomes-son-daniel-emanuel/

  • girlygirltoo

    Danny and his wife’s baby was born today. A boy, named Daniel.  Congrats!!

    http://celebritybabies.people.com/2013/01/21/american-idol-danny-gokey-welcomes-son-daniel-emanuel/

  • Nadine_Bitch

    Wow, I’d love to watch a concert that this intimate. I have a friend who attended 3 concerts with 1 VIP and she said she could touch his face if she wished to that it’s almost like he’s doing a private gig and Kris is just singing in her living room. That’s how near she was to him and that was a standing crowd unlike this one. She was taking pictures and he looked at her cam and made funny faces in almost all the pictures. cute!

    Wonder what’s the capacity for his tour this time around?

  • CB40

    Kelly will be performing at 12:21 pm today:

    – SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 11:55 a.m.: Obama takes the presidential oath: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
    — 11:56 a.m.: The U.S. Marine Band performs “Hail to the Chief,” which is followed by a 21-gun military salute.
    — 12:00 p.m.: The president gives inaugural address.
    — 12:21 p.m.: Kelly Clarkson performs.
    — 12:26 p.m.: Richard Blanco reads poem.
    — 12:30 p.m.: The Rev. Luis Leon delivers the benediction.
    — 12:34 p.m.: Beyonce performs the National Anthem.
    — 2:32 p.m.: Obama reviews the troops, then departs with his wife and the Bidens for the luncheon

  • jpfan2

    NO videos of P2′s first shows on his tour? All. I know is the set includes covering some rap songs.

  • tripp_ncwy

    Kris request song of the day last night at Eddies Attic Decatur, GA. A cover of 
    The Lumineers - Ho Hey

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kVGjcEMnHc&feature=youtu.be

    Complete set: https://www.youtube.com/kmt8871

  • justmefornow

    No rabid fan show videos yet? I wouldn’t worry, the kids from PS 22 are singing “Home” right now on the steps of the Capital in the pre-Inaugural coverage. 
    I think it’s safe to say P2″s music has moved beyond the bubble.

  • revolution

    The amazing Crystal Bowersox performs 3 songs (confirmed) from her upcoming album and a fourth I think will be on the album. The show was at Sundance, where she will be performing again tonight.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu-o4ANYKmY