‘Idol’ show lights up Bradley Center, with biggest cheers for hometown top 10 finalist
The glitz, high energy and product placement of the “American Idol” tour landed at the Bradley Center on Friday night, and while the top 10 singers from Season 8 performed, this crowd had eyes only for Gokey.
Even the sight of Milwaukee native Danny Gokey on screens showing Ford-sponsored videos caused a frantic response. They were just plain twitchy when it came to Gokey.
But just like on the Fox show, the producers saved the best for last. The show had a countdown format, beginning with Michael Sarver, who finished number 10. “What’s up, Milwaukee? Or should I say Gokeyland?” Sarver said.
Artifact or Artifice?
The announcement that the Smithsonian was accepting the “American Idol” desk into its collection was the opposite of old-fashioned pomp and ceremony.
“Last night, Ryan Seacrest was injured in a horrible bikini-waxing accident, ” began Ben Stiller, making a guest appearance on “American Idol” in May. In Seacrest’s stead, Stiller brought important news: The nation’s attic had a new treasure. Stiller, of course, was appearing on the Fox-produced “Idol” to plug his Twentieth Century Fox-produced movie, “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, ” and he was joined by fellow cast members who pitched in to give the whole thing a mock-heroic sense of irony.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
“Idol” champ Kris Allen sets release date for album
NEW YORK (Billboard) – “American Idol” winner Kris Allen will release his debut album on November 17, the singer announced Thursday night on his official Twitter page.
A rep for 19 Entertainment has confirmed the news in a statement to Billboard.com.
Allen broke the news with a straightforward tweet: “Hey guys! The album is set to release November 17.” Amazon.com made Allen’s “New Release 2009” available for pre-order last week and listed the same release date, setting off speculation among “Idol” fans.
American Idols share thoughts before show
They came bearing cameras and signs, screams and sighs.
A few hundred “American Idol” fans gathered outside the Bradley Center on Friday afternoon, hours before the tour landed for a 7 p.m. performance that would include Milwaukee’s own Danny Gokey.
They held signs that read “Welcome Home Danny, ” “Gokey Gang” and “Go Gokey – Dream On!” The top 10 singers from Season 8 were to perform, but fans of the bespectacled Gokey (who came this close to landing in the top two) were really out in force.
“I’m a fan of, like, both Danny and Adam, ” said April Dunisch, who came from Fond du Lac for the show. She held a hand-lettered sign that said, “Real Idols Come from Wisconsin.”
Idol’s true identies are revealed
A long time ago, back when Simon Cowell drove a used Honda and people thought Justin Guarini had talent, “American Idol” was about innocence, dreams and good-hearted pluck. My, how things have changed. With the top 10 from Season 8 on tour, it’s abundantly clear that today’s “amateurs” are slick, wily talents who know exactly who they want to be. The kids wear the mask of naivet, but here we reveal their true selves.
This Week In Twitter: Pete Wentz Hates The Internet
“Idol” Anoop doesn’t want to talk about “Slumdog, ” Michelle Branch is getting ready for Halloween and more! (8.28.09)
Idols hold steady on the Billboard charts
Album sales were slow last week for everyone, including the Idols still on the charts. Daughtry’s Leave This Town sold an additional 33, 000 copies, a 12 percent drop over last week. Despite the drop in sales, however, the album is down just one spot to No. 9 on the Billboard 200.
What’s interesting is that sales for the band’s first album are up 4 percent this week and moves up one spot from No. 105 to No. 104.
Sanjaya Malakar to Perform at BB King Blues Club & Grill
Season 6 finalist Sanjaya Malakar will celebrate his 20th birthday by performing at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill in New York City. The event will take place at 8:00PM on September 9, 2009.
“American Idol” Finalist David Hernandez Joins ENVY at Sunset Station
David Hernandez, finalist from ‘American Idol’ season 7, joins the band ENVY as its co-lead singer. Hailing from Glendale, Ariz., Hernandez quickly became one of the judges’ favorites at the beginning of the competition and flew through to the Top 12 where he was unexpectedly eliminated. Now 26 years old, he is making his claim in the entertainment capital of the world as a singer for ENVY.
ENVY performs every Friday night at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station, bringing the hottest in contemporary hits and Hip Hop to the stage. The diverse sound the group already delivers will reach a whole new level with Hernandez on the bill. This free show is open to the public for those 21 years and older.
‘SYTYCD’ Stars Hok, Phillip & Moon Know How To Work It
It’s Friday, and so, and much as I love my job, I am definitely looking forward to the weekend.
But I’d put in extra overtime at Yahoo! if my office environment was as awesome as the one depicted in the new viral video set to Laurent Wolf’s club banger “No Stress.”
In this “Office Life” clip, Hok from So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Best Dance Crew champs QuestCrew, SYTYCD alum Phillip Chbeeb, and Phillip’s Marvelous Motion crewmate Di “Moon” Zhang really get the TGIF party started, as they bust a move all throughout a fluorescent-lit corporate highrise, making a Dunder/Miflin-style office space seem more fun than the hottest club in Ibiza.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ Makeover Pics!
Professional snowboarder Louie Vito, 21, and his “Dancing with the Stars” pro partner Chelsie Hightower took a break from their ballroom blitz for a little bit of glamour! The pair took their old looks from drab to fab with a fun-filled trip to the Parlour on 3rd salon in Los Angeles. Take a look at their saucy new ‘dos!
‘Dancing With The Stars’ Cast Photos Revealed
Last week, the celebrities Ԡincluding Kelly Osbourne, Melissa Joan Hart, Kathy Ireland, Donny Osmond, Chuck Liddell and Debi Mazar Ԡdonned the elaborate costumes worn in ballroom dancing, and took their Season 9 class portraits.
Kelly opted for a Spanish-themed royal blue outfit for her picture with professional partner Louis van Amstel, while football legend Michael Irvin wore a frilly red satin shirt in his pics with his professional ‘ ‘DWTS’ newcomer Anna Demidova.
X Factor singer’s heart-breaking audition story
Until we saw this week’s. That’s right, it’s the return of the overblown, heartbreaking, reach-for-the-tissues sob story.
It’s only week two, but contestant Daryl Markham’s tale of loss is as sad as anything from previous series.
And his heartfelt audition will leave millions of viewers red-eyed.
The 40-year-old carpenter had planned to try last year but the date coincided with his brother’s wedding.
And fame had to wait while he was best man. But soon after the joyful day his brother was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. And six short weeks later Gary passed away, aged just 37.
