Idol breakup
In Touch has confirmed the once fairy-tale romance of American Idol stars Kimberly Caldwell and David Cook is kaput. A rep for Kimberly confirms, “Kimberly and David ended their relationship just before the holidays. The couple remain good friends and being very private people, appreciate their privacy at this time.”
There’s more new on ‘American Idol’ than Kara DioGuardi
At the center of the media whirlwind is the man who arguably has done more to shape reality television than anyone else: Fox’s head of alternative programming, Mike Darnell. The executive said he’s excited as he anticipates the reaction to the shake-up within America’s most popular television program.
But the new judge is one of a host of alterations made to the show in response to last year’s midseason stall in the ratings. This season there will be a shuffling of the midround rules — including a wild-card round — and the use of more backstage footage to underscore the young contestants’ emotional agonies.
“We’re going back to sort of a raw feel, ” he said. In the middle rounds, after singing and being judged, the contestants will immediately be confronted by host Ryan Seacrest rather than being allowed to retreat backstage, as in the past.
“So you see if they’re upset with what Simon said, you get to see it right away instead of them going backstage, ” explained Darnell. “It’s really the rawness of what’s happening. How do they feel right after? How do they feel stepping off that stage? They can’t hide it. They can’t cover it up.”LA Times
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
For ‹Idol, More Hope and Less Humiliation
LOS ANGELES ‘ On the new season of …American Idol, humiliation is out, aspiration is in.
Whether a reflection of the dynamic times in which we live or an indication that its formula was feeling a little long in the tooth, …American Idol has plenty of changes in store for its eighth season, which begins Tuesday on Fox.
Along with a new, fourth judge, more semifinalists and a …wild-card round that gives some contestants a second chance to go to the finals, commercials promoting the new season have shown fewer of the bizarre and obviously untalented contestants than in previous years.
The next ‹American Idol? Ask your computer
Could a computer pick the next …American Idol? The next Ludacris or Madonna?
New software by Israeli researchers promises to take much of the guesswork (and endless cover songs) out of figuring out which hip-hop or R & B artist will be the next “it” star in the United States. Using a mathematical formula to sort music requests logged by the massive Gnutella peer-to-peer file-sharing network, the researchers have boasted an enviable 15 percent to 30 percent success rate in automatically choosing artists or bands with breakout potential.
The solution, according to Tel Aviv University electrical engineer Yuval Shavitt and his colleagues, …is based on the observation that emerging artists, especially rappers, have a discernable stronghold of fans in their hometown area, where they are able to perform and market their music.
Fox Faces Steep Climb in Mid-season, but Has Fully Stocked Arsenal
Fox has a tough mid-season ahead if it wants to catch and surpass CBS and keep its title as most-watched network for another year.
Midway through the season, Fox total audience is down 9.6% from a year earlier, according to Nielsen (per Bloomberg). CBS, which is the leader in ratings so far, is the only broadcast net to maintain its total audience, though it is down 4.8% in the 18-49 demo.
Still, Fox has American Idol beginning tonight, which has, in the past four seasons, given the network enough of a boost to make it the top net in 18-49s. On the other hand, the show executive producer admitted that the eighth season of Idol is unlikely to match season seven.
Aging ‘Idol’ Ventures Fourth
After tonight’s season debut she’ll be a household name, but on a recent afternoon, Kara DioGuardi is spinning circles in a chair at Fox’s Manhattan offices, imagining an alternate reality. What if “American Idol” had existed during her days as a wannabe pop star?
Swivel, swivel, back and forth — it’s hard to tell whether she is daydreaming or cringing.
“A younger version of me meeting Simon Cowell? That would be funny, ” DioGuardi says, turning a full 360 degrees before spinning back to the conversation. “I wonder what he would have thought?” She clicks her fingernails on a nearby tabletop as if visualizing the worst. Then, a playful shrug. “I won’t lose any sleep over it.”
Confessions of an “Idol” addictSo you’ve seen all the commercials on Fox and you know the “American Idol” season premiere is coming. Maybe you’ve heard your co-workers talking about the show and either felt left out or, alternatively, annoyed.
If you think it’s time to finally enter the heaven/hell of reality TV and tune in, here’s what you need to know:
1. If there’s one word to sum up the whole experience, it’s MANIPULATION. Contestants are toyed with, and so are you, the viewer. Strangely, many viewers get a kind of perverse thrill out of being manipulated, but I won’t get into that here.
Best ‘American Idol’ Performances Ever
Kelly… Ruben … Carrie … David … They may all own the title of ‘American Idol, ‘ but winning is one thing — turning in one of the show’s most memorable performances is something else entirely. We scoured through the past seven seasons to come up with the 16 best. Click through our choices and vote for your favorites. Then come back Jan. 20 to see the No. 1 greatest ‘Idol’ performance of all time.
Local singer competing on ‘American Idol’
WAYNE TWP. ‘ Season 8 of “American Idol, ” the hugely popular talent competition, begins tonight, Jan. 13, and fans of the local band Instereo will be tuning in to see how far singer Ryan P.A. Johnson makes it.
According to his agreement with the producers and the Fox television network, Johnson isn’t allowed to speak to the media until he is eliminated or wins the competition. But sources close to the band say that Johnson traveled to California last fall for taping after winning a local competition and a regional audition in Louisville.
Also, Internet “spoiler” sites are reporting that Johnson has at least made it to the top 50 performers.
`American Idol’ back with new tune for season 8
Dave Della Terza enjoys kicking “American Idol” around on his Web site that encourages viewers to vote for the most awful contestant.
But even Della Terza is rooting for television’s top-rated show when it returns for its eighth season Tuesday. The two-hour debut airs at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.
“Last year really bored me. The show seemed really desperate. I want it to go back to being the good, cheesy fun it was, ” said Della Terza.
The singing contest remained TV’s No. 1 program last season but saw a dip in viewership, averaging about 28 million weekly viewers vs. the previous year’s nearly 31 million weekly average.
Revealing the secrets of ‹American Idol
“American Idol, ” which returns Jan. 13 for its seventh season, has generated billions of dollars in revenue, and been watched by millions of people, many of whom have questions about some behind-the-scenes details of the number-one show in the U.S.
Here’s a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about the series. Note that some of our answers are based upon information from previous seasons; with “American Idol 8” making a number of changes this year, there’s always the possibility that the show and contestants’ experience might change.
Could Newnan High senior be the next ‘American Idol’?
Music lovers across America may be shaking their heads in confusion tonight when they hear “Alan Jackson” and “Newnan, Georgia” mentioned on the last show they’d expect– “American Idol.”
But it’s not a mistake. When TV’s monster hit show kicks off its eighth season tonight, another Alan Jackson from Newnan will be trying to add his name to the short list of local entertainers who made it to the top of the music world like the country music star.
Tonight’s two-hour premiere focuses mainly on Idol’s Phoenix, Ariz., auditions. Wednesday night, another two-hour show reveals what happened at the Kansas City audition.
Local rumored to be American Idol contestant
American Idol, the popular Fox television talent series, may shroud its contestants in secrecy, clamping down on any communication with the press. But that hasnt stopped speculation that a local man will be appearing on the show.
Several sources claim Elizabeth City native Ricky Braddy will be among contestants when the blockbuster talent show airs tonight and Wednesday.
Speculation that Braddy is a contestant began after he appeared on several FOX …American Idol TV ads and on several Web sites.
Anti-‘Idol’ site hurls stones at reality giant
Since the show’s third season, Dave Della Terza, 26, has been throwing a wrench in the mega-hit’s machinery with his immensely popular Web site, www.votefortheworst.com.
For the sake of humor, he encourages fans to vote for the corniest, most controversial contestants and helps keep the Sanjaya Malakars and Scott Savols on far past their expiration date.
“There aren’t a lot of Web sites that say ‘ “American Idol” is stupid, ‘ ” he says. “We’re one of the only Web sites that tries to disprove the show.”
Della Terza also breaks “Idol” scandals and offers hysterical commentary.
‘American Idol’ by the numbers
If you’re expecting the same-old, same-old from “American Idol” this year, well, you’ll only be partly right. In an effort to spice up the yearly talent competition, “Idol” (7 p.m. Tuesday and 7 p.m. Wednesday, WFLD-Ch. 32) has made a few changes. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know, by the numbers:
Meet the new ‘Idol’
Reinvention is a necessity in the record industry. Top stars like Madonna, Britney Spears and others seem to craft new personas each season.
“American Idol, ” the top-rated show that attempts each year to find the next pop star, also is no stranger to changes. Last season saw the addition of instruments. Season 8, which kicks off at 7 tonight with the first round of auditions on WFLD-Channel 32, will feature a fourth judge and a wild-card format enabling a judge to bring back a previously eliminated contestant.
A few questions to be answered this season on “American Idol”:
Will Birmingham produce another Idol’?
You could, of course, just flip on the television, flop on the couch and settle into the season premiere of “American Idol.”
The popular reality show and vocal contest – which, lest we forget, has produced two winners and two runners-up from the Birmingham area – will launch its 2009 edition at 7 p.m. today on Fox 6.
But why zone out in front of the tube, being passively entertained, when it’s so much more fun to be actively and aggressively engaged? “Idol” is filled with tricks and treats, subtleties and subtexts, that viewers won’t want to miss.
Here are five ways to increase your enjoyment of the show and prompt more effective scrutiny:
American Idol: Welcome Back
It Idol time again! And just like when the show first debuted nearly a year after 9/11, the ratings behemoth could be just what the doctor ordered during …these economic times. What could possibly warm the old cockles more than a bevy of fame hungry single parents quitting their jobs at Don Pablos to follow their dreams of being the next Gina Glocksen or Ace Young? Or young kids foregoing their junior proms to realize their goals of being the next Kevin Covais, while their chaperone parents eyes are glazed over with dollar signs, only their trucker hats hiding secret fears that their precious babies might not be as un-annoyingly precocious as David Archuleta?
Ah, Idol. How weve missed you.
Fremont’s ‘Idol’ wannabe sticks up for hosts
David Cook ended up being the biggest “American Idol” to audition for the show in Omaha.
But who can forget Chris Bernheisel, the bubbly kid from Fremont who grabbed a bunch of face time during the “Idol” episode that featured Omaha a year ago?
His few minutes of fame ended with that episode, while Cook, of course, went on to win the competition. But Bernheisel, 26, is still loving “Idol” – which starts its eighth season tonight on Fox at 7 p.m. – and still getting recognized for his role in the show.
Some of the highlights:
The American Idol Chart!
Today, Im debuting something I hope to make a weekly feature on Idol Chatter — an American Idol-specific airplay chart. Im still working out my methodology, but it a cross-format ranking of new and old tracks by American Idol finalists using Mediabase The Big Picture chart.
If Ive done this right, it should be a ranking of every Idol finalist track that received 250 or more spins from Mediabase published panel during the week ending Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009
I’m living the ‘Idol’ dream. Who’s next?
Bon Jovi and I have jammed. Tom Cruise and I hung out at a party. Ive been featured at the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall. I have shared the stage with the most prominent country and Christian artists of our time. I am Phil Stacey, and I owe it all to American Idol.
Oh yeah, Ive also been on a CD with Miley Cyrus. If that doesnt make me cool, then nothing will (at least that is what my daughter tells me . . .).
This time two years ago, I had no idea what the future held for me. I was sitting at home in Jacksonville trying to keep it a secret that I was still a contestant on American Idol. I knew my life was getting ready to change, if only for a second. An Idol commercial aired that showed my face for less than a second. I received phone calls for days, some from friends I had not heard from since elementary school.
David Archuleta thrills NY fans
David Archuleta gave fans a night to remember when he played at the In-Tune concert at the Hard Rock Cafà © in Times Square, New York.
The American Idol finalist gave over 100 lucky readers from J-14, M and Twist teen magazines an exclusive performance, and was joined by rising star Nolan Gerard Funk, who sang songs from his upcoming Nickelodeon TV movie, Spectacular!
The hour-long special concert, organised by Bauer Publishing’s Teen Group, wasn’t enough for the fans, who screamed for more.
“I’m very excited, ” David revealed on the red carpet.
“I’m feeling good. I’m a little nervous right now, but it’ll be great.
David Cook on The American Idol Experience
Next month the exciting new American Idol Experience will open at Disney Hollywood Studios Theme Park at Walt Disney World!
When it opens to the public on February 14, The American Idol Experience will take its inspiration from TV …American Idol and invite park guests to take a shot at performing or take their place in a state-of-the-art theater and vote for their favorite singer. In the finale performance each day, the singer getting the most votes gets a …golden ticket a.k.a. priority access to a regional audition for the TV show.
Love Affair With Jasmine
Is it any wonder that Hawaii fell in love with Jasmine Trias, the highest-placing contestant from the islands in the history of “American Idol” (and thus the answer to yesterday’s quiz in Hawaii Insider?)
Let’s see: In addition to placing third in the show’s third season (2004), the beautiful Jasmine wore a pua in her hair, talked about her training in hula and in general represented her hapa roots — Filipino, Chinese and Spanish — with grace. Her very name recalls Hawaii’s fragrant pikake lei of white jasmine. (The flower earned its local moniker from the peacocks that strolled Princess Ka’iulani’s jasmine-laden estate at Ainahau, now subsumed by Waikiki.) Congratulations to reader Jim Kelly of Castro Valley for being the first to respond with the correct answer to the Hawaii Insider Quiz.
Katy singer looks beyond Britney impersonation
Kady Malloy still gets asked to …do Britney.
The Houston singer appeared on the seventh season of American Idol and quickly made her mark with dead-on impersonations of pop superstar Britney Spears, down to the breathy voice cracks. Malloy is also able to mimic Shakira, Rascal Flatts Gary LeVox and Cher ‘ but Spears is the one that naturally stuck.
…It does come up a lot. Whenever somebody realizes who I am, they always go, ‹Do Britney!ƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Malloy says with a laugh.
…Ill do Britney. I dont care. Now I have more songs to choose from. I love (Circus, Spears new album).
But impersonations werent what got Malloy into Idol top 24. Simon Cowell said he had …a feeling about her after the first audition. He dubbed Malloy …the best so far and …super, super talented after a smoky reading of Unchained Melody.
Josh Gracin Prepped for “Idol”
Jan. 12, 2009 ‘ When Josh Gracin made his first appearance on “American Idol, ” he had a leg up on much of the rest of his competition.
Many of the contestants who try to sway Simon Cowell and crew have never seriously performed anywhere outside of their bedrooms, but Josh already had performed numerous times for people in his homestate.
“I did fairs and festivals in Michigan when I was 16 years old, so I was used to performing in front of an audience, ” Josh told The Jackson Clarion-Ledger of Mississippi. “It was still a shock knowing there was 30 million people watching [‹Idol], but it’s done in a small studio, so the audience there isn’t that big.”
U rah!
If they’d lost, they would’ve had to drop the pompoms over their school emblem, and that was not an option for the University of Hawaii cheerleading squad.
“We have so much pride in the H and our school, ” said George McGuire, a member of the squad for four years. “We needed to make sure it didn’t get covered up.”
So the H remained visible to the end on “RAH! Paula Abdul’s Cheerleading Bowl, ” as the UH team won the MTV competition with a combination of athletic moves and stylish routines. Guys lifted girls, bodies flew — there were flips, spins, kicks, dance moves, mind-boggling balancing acts and human pyramids. The team even made a grand entrance on a surfboard. In the end viewers understood — this is a sport.
