Concert review: American Idols Live at American Airlines Center
The last half-hour of the American Idols Live Tour on Thursday night was a study in contrasts.
By the time third-place finisher Danny Gokey wrapped up his set with Rascal Flatts’ “My Wish, ” the vibe inside American Airlines Center felt like a church revival. A sea of arms floated from side to side in support of the former worship leader’s soaring voice.
Nigel Lythgoe on Reports of Paula Abdul Leaving ‘American Idol’
Former “American Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe spoke to ET at the 100th episode party for “So You Think You Can Dance” about the possibility of Paula Abdul exiting the hit FOX series.
“I don’t think we should give up yet, ” he tells ET. “Negotiations are a game. You want this; I want to give you that. You know what you will take at the end of the day. I know how far I can go. It is the same as buying a house, you just keep bantering away. At the end of the day, I think it is fair to say ‘American Idol’ needs Paula Abdul and Paula Abdul needs ‘American Idol.’ They sit very comfortably together. Neither one should feel that they have been pushed too far.”
Fans pack BOK Center for “American Idols Live”
While a rock show thundered on the other side of downtown Friday night, pop music had its moment at ‘American Idols Live’ in the BOK Center.
Fans packed the arena to cheer for their favorite singers from the top 10 finalists of America’s most popular TV show’s eighth season.
Winner and Arkansas homeboy Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert closed the show and drew the biggest cheers Ԡbut their sets could not have been more different.
Allen played stripped-down, soulful versions of pop and rock favorites, while Lambert played a sexed-up set of metal-infused, artsy glam rock.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
The King of Arkansas returns
Two and a half months ago, Kris Allen returned to Arkansas a star. We welcomed him with red carpets, widespread truancy, high-pitched screams, homemade signs, a town-sized parade and round-the-clock news coverage. And that was before he became the latest ‘American Idol.’ So go ahead and count on pandemonium on Saturday, as the newly christened Verizon Arena welcomes Kris back to Arkansas for the first time since he became the state’s biggest pop star since, well, ever?
It’s the opening month of ‘American Idols Live, ‘ the annual post-show tour that sends the top 10 finalists across North America to reprise songs they sang in the competition. This year’s top 10 includes, in addition to Kris, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy (who’s apparently serious about the no last name thing), Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre.
‘Idol’ chatter: Kris Allen talks up tour
No tabloid-ready rivalry, no behind-the-scenes sniping and recrimination, no senseless drama ‘†in short, Season 8 of “American Idol’ was nicer than nice. And this year’s champion, Kris Allen, couldn’t be happier.
“I think a lot of people have seen that, and that’s where I think this year was kind of cool: No one was just trying to go out there and beat the other person, ‘ said Allen, who performs with his fellow finalists in “American Idols Live’ at 7 tonight at Tulsa’s BOK Center. “They were just trying to do their best. If you won, you won, and if you didn’t, hopefully cool things would happen for you.’
ABS-CBN Interviews
Lil Rounds, Danny Gokey, Scott MacIntyre, Matt Giraud
‘American Idol Vet Anoop Desai Gets a Present
Sure, Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey have especially ‘†how do I say this politely? ‘†devoted fans, but only one recent “American Idol” contestant has a following so hardcore that some have dedicated entire blog posts just to his shoe size.
Anoop Desai sent fans into a tizzy when he tweeted the size of his shoe in response to a question. His size ‘†a fairly unremarkable 10.5, if you ask me ‘†quickly turned into a talking point on “Idol” blogs and message boards. Yeah, I don’t get it either.
So congrats Anoop! You win the prize for causing the weirdest subculture on the Internet since little kids started smoking Smarties.
David Cook, The American Idol Bachelor: ‘Yeah, I’m Available’
WITI-TV, WEST BEND – Watch out, ladies. David Cook confirmed his bachelor status before his performance at the Washington County fair on Wednesday night. Cook, who most recently was linked to scene queen Lana Jade, also dated American Idol alum Kimberly Caldwell after his big win a year ago.
Cook also talked to WITI on Wednesday night about some of his stage fright during Idol and what is next for the singer, including possibly getting to work on a new album.
Cook was ‘Idol’ worthy on stage
David Cook, “American Idol” 2008, meet Kara DioGuardi, “American Idol” judge in 2009.
Because she didn’t get to critique his run on “Idol” last year, we’d like to imagine what DioGuardi might have said about Cook’s sold-out concert Friday night at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake.
Carrie Underwood to perform at the Grand Ole Opry this Saturday night
Country music superstar Carrie Underwood takes the stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville tomorrow night for the 7:00 and 9:30 performances. Carrie will be joined by Opry legends Clay Walker, Cherryholmes, Jimmy C. Newman, Connie Smith and The Whites. This will be Underwood’s fourth appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in 2009.
Jordin Sparks Is Just As Amused By Jonas Brothers’ Costumes As Fans
Jordin Sparks is just as amused by all those unusual Jonas Brothers tour costumes as the rest of us. It’s hard not to love seeing Joe Jonas dressed up as grapes while rehearsing during their big summer tour.
And Sparks, who is warming up for the brothers on the tour, can’t really explain this new phenomenon.
“I have witnessed it, and I don’t know where it came from, ” the season-six “American Idol” champ told MTV News. “[Joe] just started that maybe a couple days ago, a week ago. I think the first time, he’s like, ‘You got to check out my outfit; you gotta be sure you watch the soundcheck!’ … I was like, ‘What are you doing?’ ”
Jordin Sparks’ Supreme Makeover
I admit I was pretty harsh when describing Jordin Sparks’ line of bargain prom dresses for Wet Seal last year. But I just checked out this fashion video she did for Yahoo! Shine, and I have to say, the girl is lookin’ goooooood.
She’s slimmed down a bit (while still proud to “not be a size 2”), she’s rocking some “life-changing” hair extensions and newly prominent cheekbones, she’s bursting with self-confidence…and like a true fashionista, she’s learned to mix high-end designers with some H&M (and maybe even Wet Seal) finds.
It’s nice to see the youngest American Idol ever blossom into a well-dressed, well-tressed lady right before my eyes:
Rockaway woman met “Idol” fiance on Broadway
ROCKAWAY — Rockaway’s Allison Fischer met her fiance while they performing on Broadway in the musical “Grease” and she did not want to fall in love with him.
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Fischer, 20, was in her second year of playing Patty Simcox, the peppy head cheerleader, when Ace Young came on board the show for the last six months of its run, which ended in January. Young, 28, who took the role of gang member Kenickie, came in with a bit of fanfare having recently performed and done well on “American Idol.”
Photo Flash: GREASE Is the Word in Canada! Hicks Meets Harper In Ottawa
Taylor Hicks, currently starring the in the Broadway tour of GREASE had a visit from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper last night, after the opening performance at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, ONT. Take a look at some fun pictures of the meeting right here on BroadwayWorld.com!
After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, Danny Zuko’s world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock n’ roll celebration of growin’ up, cruisin’ with friends and goin’ steady. The new production of GREASE features songs from the smash hit 1978 motion picture for the first time ever in a Broadway production including “Sandy, ” the Academy Award nominated song “Hopelessly Devoted to You, ” “Grease” and “You’re the One That I Want” – both of which were #1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 list. These songs will be heard in addition to the Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the original stage production including “Summer Nights, ” “Greased Lightnin'” and “We Go Together.”
Lyric Theatre’s ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
COLORADO SPRINGS READY TO HOST THE 2009 STATE GAMES OF AMERICA IN ONE WEEK
Colorado Springs—– One week from today, as many as 10, 000 athletes from 43 states with unique and compelling stories and achievements will be starting their medal quests at some of two dozen fields and arenas of play in Colorado Springs for the opening day of the 2009 State Games of America.
Some 6, 000 of them will be marching in the Parade of the States during the Games’ Opening Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. next Thursday evening at the Colorado Springs World Arena, with an appreciative crowd approaching 10, 000 on hand. The evening features rock star Carly Smithson, an appearance by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, BMX and Gymnastics sports demonstrations, and music and pageantry right out of the Olympic Games book.
So You Think You Can Dance Season 5: Conference Call with Jason Glover
It was a very special episode of So You Think You Can Dance last night. Besides being the usual Thursday night live results show, it was also the 100th episode. Dancers and choreographers from the previous seasons were on hand to perform some of the most memorable routines. Unfortunately, two dancers still had to be eliminated from the competition. Contemporary dancer Jason Glover was the male dancer who received the lowest number of votes and was sent packing. Today, he spoke to the press in a conference call. Read on to find out what he told RealityWanted about the Bollywood routine and what he thinks he could have done differently as well as his thoughts on Michael Jackson and his dream dance job.
Requiem for Janette
Okay, so Katie Holmes’ big “So You Think You Can Dance” Judy Garland tribute was a big fat mess. Yes, she was lip-synching. And yes, her dancing was just a couple steps up from sitting. You could practically hear the Internet snickering around 8:47 p.m. last night as the routine premiered, but let’s remember an important thing: It was for charity!
Katie never pretended to be a singer/dancer (although in a short interview before the performance, she did say she likes to do both) so why were we expecting the next Cyd Charisse? Mrs. Tom Cruise wanted to bring awareness to the Dizzy Feet Foundation, a non-profit Katie created with a bunch of “So You Think You Can Dance” regulars, and you know what? It worked. Ratings aren’t in yet, but I won’t be surprised if the “SYTYCD 100th Show Celebration” ends up one of the highest rated episodes.
Katie Holmes’ SYTYCD Performance Draws Mixed Reviews From Critics
Critics are mixed on Katie Holmes’ Judy Garland-inspired performance on last night’s So You Think You Can Dance.
“When all is said and done, it was a competent job, ” Robert Thompson, the director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University, tells Usmagazine.com.
“She has long legs, she had a couple of moves — although most of the real movement was done by the real dancers, ” he continues. “It was by no means Michael Jackson on Motown 25. It wasn’t even a real triumphant senior performing in her high school talent show.”
Adds Mediaweek’s senior TV editor Marc Berman: “It was absolutely a ratings ploy.” Her appearance spiked viewership by 17 percent.
Katie Holmes dances Fox to ratings win
With guest star Katie Holmes making an appearance on its 100th episode, “So You Think You Can Dance” defeated its primetime competition to give Fox another Thursday night win.
“Dance” (2.9 rating/9 share in the 18-49 demo, 8.4 million viewers) improved slightly upon last week’s numbers but was the second-most watched of the evening behind a repeat of CBS’ 10 p.m. summer stalwart “The Mentalist” (2.0/6, 9.5m). The Eye’s reality player “Big Brother” (2.0/7, 6.4m) won the 8 o’clock hour.
NBC finished out the Thursday run of “The Listener” (0.9/3, 3.3m) with the venerable “Law & Order” taking over the 10 o’clock slot for the Peacock next week.
BURN THE FLOOR Begins Performances Tomorrow Night 7/25 At Broadway’s Longacre Theatre
BURN THE FLOOR, the electrifying Latin and Ballroom dance spectacular, begins performances tomorrow night Saturday July 25 at 8 PM at Broadway’s Longacre Theatre (220 W. 48 Street). BURN THE FLOOR has thrilled audiences in over 30 countries, and will be the first show of the new Broadway season, playing a limited 12-week engagement. Opening night is Sunday August 2, running through October 18.
Joining The company for three weeks only will be special guest stars Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. BURN THE FLOOR offers the rare opportunity to see Maks & Karina make their Broadway debuts together.
Gilles Marini Working On First Album
LOS ANGELES, Calif. —
Gilles Marini is going from the dance floor to the recording studio.
The ‘Dancing With The Stars’ runner-up broke the news to Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell that he’s working on his debut album.
On Thursday, while participating in the ALS Association’s Fifth Annual CytRX Strike Out Lou Gehrig’s Disease All-Star Tournament charity softball game in Los Angeles alongside Nancy, Gilles told Access he was headed from the field to the recording studio following the game.
‘I’m going to collaborate with very famous and top of the line producers and songwriters, ‘ he said, explaining what fans can expect. ‘Personally, I love ballads. I love romantic songs, I love a beat. Soft rock. We’re going to mix it all and try to do something pretty cool and hopefully for Thanksgiving.’
NBC Benches a Heavy Hitter for Fall
But there is one current summer show that is putting up some power numbers this year. NBC’s ‘America’s Got Talent, ‘ a somewhat old-fashioned variety show competition featuring singers, dancers, jugglers and ventriloquists, is the undisputed ratings champ of the summer. It dominates every hour it is on, posting viewer totals ‘†more than 13 million ‘†that would rank it among the top shows at any time of the year. Tuesday’s edition, with 13.7 million, had more viewers than any nonsports show since the ‘Idol’ finale last May.
So surely the time has come for NBC to elevate its summer hit to television’s top rung of competition. Yet NBC remains hesitant to take the show to the big time of regular season television competition.
‘We program year-round, ‘ said Ben Silverman, the co-chairman of NBC Entertainment, arguing for keeping the show as a summer powerhouse.
Dance director at home with the Stars
First, he danced with the stars. Now, he directs them.
Raj Kapoor, an Edmonton-born dancer who won NBC’s Star Search 18 years ago and has shared the stage with icons like Cher, Madonna and Paula Abdul, works behind the scenes as a successful director and producer of live events, including the tours of American Idol and Dancing With the Stars.
Kapoor is also a video producer, whose talents landed him work with Michael Jackson’s sold-out London concert run, This Is It. His Los Angelesbased company, It Creative Services, was hired to create a piece to run with Jackson’s performance of the ballad I Just Can’t Stop Loving You. Alas, the King of Pop’s sudden death in June meant Kapoor’s video never made its debut at the O2 arena.
“We were just finishing the piece, just a couple of days from completion when he died, ” Kapoor said in a recent telephone interview.
