‘Idol’ favorite would continue winner monotony – LOS ANGELES (AP) — “American Idol” viewers could be in for a serious case of deja vu if Phillip Phillips wins on the Fox talent contest’s 11th season finale next week. While the soulful strummer from Leesburg, Ga., has certainly proved he can be a risk-taking showman by transforming songs like Usher’s “U Got It Bad” into searing acoustic covers, a victory for the 21-year-old would prove something that everyone has suspected for a while: “Idol” voters prefer humble Caucasian heartthrobs over, well, anyone else. – Read more at the Associated Press
Dateline’s 20th Anniversary Special To Air Tuesday, May 22 at 10p/9c – Highlights Featured From the Work of Esteemed Correspondents Chris Hansen, Hoda Kotb, Josh Mankiewicz, Keith Morrison and Dennis Murphy. (The special will air Hoda’s interview with Carrie Underwood) – Read more at Futon Critic
Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, and Carrie Underwood to perform at 2012 Walmart Shareholders meeting – In just a few short weeks, Fayetteville will be full of folks from all over the world visiting during the annual Walmart shareholders meeting on Friday, June 1. As usual, the world’s largest retailer has booked a few concerts in the days leading up to the event, and Walmart spokesperson Dianna Gee confirmed that Carrie Underwood, Aerosmith and Cheap Trick will perform during the festivities at Bud Walton Arena this year. Underwood and an unnamed “special guest” will perform at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, and Aerosmith and Cheap Trick will perform at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30. – Read more at FayettevilleFlyer.com
‘Duets’ Cast on Britney Hosting ‘X Factor’ – At the Entertainment Weekly/ABC upfront party on Tuesday night we chatted with the superstars of the upcoming reality show Duets, getting their take on Britney Spears’ new job on The X Factor. “I think it’s cool,” said Kelly Clarkson. “People love her. Everybody wants to root for her. “I’ve always been a Britney Spears fan,” Robin Thicke added. “You’d be hard pressed to get me to not like Britney Spears.” – Read more at ET
Kelly Clarkson with Modern Family Stars Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet
Kelly Clarkson & Robin Thicke’s Upfront “Duets” Duo – Excitedly attending the press event for her new network television home, Kelly Clarkson was spotted working the black carpet at the Entertainment Weekly & ABC-TV Upfront VIP party on Tuesday night (May 15). Joined by Robin Thicke, the former “American Idol” winner looked stunning in a v-neck colorful knee length dress and nude platform sandals as she flashed a big smile for the awaiting photographers. See the Photos at celebrity-gossip
Carole King Named BMI Icon at 60th Annual BMI Pop Music Awards – LOS ANGELES, May 16, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Global music rights leader Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) honored the songwriters and music publishers behind the year’s most-performed songs tonight at the organization’s 60th annual Pop Awards, held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.
Carole King received the BMI Icon Award recognizing her “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” The tribute to King featured Haley Reinhart, who delivered an inspiring performance of “Beautiful”; Colbie Caillat offering a soulful rendition of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”; and Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits capping off the tribute with “I’m into Something Good.” – Read more at Marketwatch
Carrie Underwood was presented with a plaque at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, May 12, to celebrate the No. 1 Billboard debut of her new album, Blown Away. – See the Photo at GACTV
Carrie Underwood Blown Away playlist
Carrie Underwood discusses “Blown Away” track by track
American Idol’s Michael Lynche Releases First Single – (Stache) American Idol finalist Michael Lynche has delivered his debut single “Who’s Gonna Love You More”. Lynche co-wrote “Who’s Gonna Love You More” with Jason Pennock (Babyface, Far East Movement, Natasha Bedingfield) and Jamie Jones (Michelle Williams, The Pussycat Dolls) who also produced the track. Known as “Big Mike” to America and deemed “a versatile stand-out” on season nine of Idol by Blog Critics, Michael became the front-runner after bringing one of the judges to tears during his performance of “This Woman’s Work.” – Read more at Anti-Music
William Levy Surprised by Success on Dancing with the Stars – “Being born in Cuba and being raised in that kind of country and that kind of life, you never expect anything from life,” he says. “You just go out there and give your best shot, and whatever happens, happens. I never thought about any of this.”? “I just knew when I came to this country that I had any chance to do what I decided to do,” Levy, 31, says. – Read more at People
Dancing With the Stars Backstage Scoop: Eliminated Couple Sound Off! Plus, Who Shared a Kiss? – Dancing With the Stars whittled the intense competition for the mirror-ball trophy down to the final three couples tonight, eliminating a fan favorite (and truly talented) celeb hoofer in the process! We caught up with the eliminated couple after the show to talk about their shocking elimination so close to the finale! Plus, who was kissing? And what does Peta Murgatroyd have to say about those pesky rumors that she’s dating Maksim Chemrkovskiy?! – Read more at EOnline
