Idol Headlines for 11/04/08

David Cook Celebrates the Release of His Self-Titled Debut Album on 11/18 With a Special Fan Only Performance in NYC

NEW YORK, Nov 03, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — American Idol winner David Cook is teaming with the Times Square Virgin Megastore and Hard Rock Cafe New York for a special fan event to celebrate the release of his self-titled debut album.
Beginning on Tuesday, November 18th at 8AM purchase David Cook’s self titled debut album at the Times Square Virgin Megastore location only, to receive a wristband to attend the super exclusive concert at Hard Rock Cafe New York that evening followed immediately by an album signing. Space is limited and there is a 1 wristband per customer limit.

Market Watch

David Archuleta talks about his loooooong liner notes

We got a lot of flack for allegedly poking fun at young David for his long-winded list of acknowledgments. Admittedly, we did find them amusing but really didn’t mean any harm. We were simply pointing out that his 3,500-word tomeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ which doesn’t include any lyricsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ was more what you’d expect of a veteran’s box set, not a first time artist. Yes, we realize he’s only 17, and maybe he imagined the liner notes as his very own Idol yearbook, which certainly explains the abundance of “lol”s. Anyway, Archie didn’t take any offense. We talked about it.

Popwatch

THE GIRL IN THE FANTASTIC BUBBLE

Carrie Underwood always sleeps with the bathroom light on in her hotel room everywhere she goes because often she wakes up in the middle of the night having no idea where she is, and no one is there to tell her. Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been on the road since February supporting her double-platinum sophomore album, Carni ­val Ride, traveling by bus almost every day, hitting the stage most nights at another big arena in another middlesize city, and is scheduled to play about 140 gigs by the end of this year.

ELLE

Sightings: It’s All Greek to David Archuleta

IDOL THOUGHT: David Archuleta, hitting Jason Mraz’s concert at the Greek Theatre in Hollywood.

EOnline

Student voices: Teens attend Kristy Lee Cook press conference at WIVK

Last week singer Kristy Lee Cook held a press conference for several area teens at WIVK studios. Two of them responded to textme’s invitation to write about the experience. Here are their reports.

Kristy Lee Cook is not a name you hear often, but it will be. Some people may remember her as the top seventh contestant on “American Idol” this past season. However, after speaking with the her this past Wednesday, I know her as the country singer who plans to change the charts.

Cook, who was born in Seattle and raised in Selma, Ore., fell in love with music at an early age. With a grandfather who played with Liberace and the musical talent within her immediate family, she was exposed to the life of music.

Knox News

‘Eric the Midget,’ Howard Stern, Diana DeGarmo all meet

Eric Lynch, a fixture on Stern’s show, flew across the country to appear on air for the first time after years of calling in on a daily basis.

Stern then announced he had arranged two surprise guests for Lynch, who refers to himself as Eric the Actor after landing several roles. He quickly said he knew famous wrestler Kurt Angle would be in the studio for the segment, but could not guess the other.

After a few hints, Lynch surmised that Diana DeGarmo would be showing face in the studio to meet Eric. DeGarmo, who achieved fame on American Idol, has been a topic of discussion between Stern and Lynch for years, as Lynch has made it no secret he admired DeGarmo.

The singer, who admitted she does not listen to Stern much but knew of Lynch’s admiration, then came into the studio and stood by Eric while receiving questions from the gang. DeGarmo said the experience went well, even taking into account the stereotypical hi-jinx of the show.

Newsday

Second report on Kurt Angle’s appearance on Howard Stern

Diana DeGarmo of American Idol fame was also in studio. Apparently she is going to do something with TNA but said it was “top secret.” Most of the interview revolved around Eric the Midget asking Diana out on a date. Kurt was egging him on, to which Diana jokingly said, she was wrestling Kurt on TNA.

Pro Wrestling.net

What You’re American Idol Also-Rans are up to: A Guide

Sure, this weekend saw reigning American Idol champ continue Saturday Night Live’s run of making even the most technically proficient musicians sound like they were plucked from some third-tier cover band night right before they went onstage. And the whole Jennifer Hudson tragedy is stomach-churningly sad, although Hudson herself is apparently “staying very, very strong.” With that in mind, here’s what other members of the Idol extended family are up to these days…

Idolator

Carrie Underwood: ‘I Haven’t Talked’ to Tony Romo Since May

Carrie Underwood has a message for Jessica Simpson: She and ex Tony Romo have not spoken in months.

“I haven’t talked to him since, like, May,” Underwood, 25, tells Elle in its December issue.

“It was just something that was said in passing,” the country singer says, referring to an interview in which she said Romo still called her. “I would never mean to say anything to hurt anybody or to stir up anything because I’m just not about drama à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ at all.”

People.com

CARRIE nation

Singer Carrie Underwood tries to be modest about her success since winning American Idol in 2005, but there’s no denying that she has the total package of talent, looks, attitude and songs needed to become a crossover superstar like Shania Twain.

Despite selling nearly 11 million albums in her short post-Idol career, Underwood makes a believable case that she isn’t obsessed with entering the realm of Twain, who used sexy looks, sassy attitude and a slick country-pop sound to go global in the mid-’90s.

AZ Central

Underwood proves she’s Las Cruces’ Idol

LAS CRUCES – There’s no doubt Carrie Underwood can belt out some high notes.

The Checotaw, Oklahoma, native proved her popularity Monday night at the Pan American Center as hundreds of Las Crucens sang along to chart topping hits such as “Before he Cheats,” “Wasted” and “I’ll Stand by You.”

I couldn’t help but want to sing along with the crowd too. Being an avid country fan my entire life, I had heard several of Underwood’s well-known hits since her rise to fame on American Idol. But it seems as if her voice was stronger, more confident and ready to take on the world than I had ever recalled hearing.

Sun-News

Review: Carrie Underwood finds the magic at Pan Am

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – What a difference six months makes. When country-pop superstar Carrie Underwood rolled through El Paso last May 6, she was new to this headlining thing, turning in a stiff performance at UTEP’s Don Haskins Center that was more mechanical than magical.

A couple more hits and a half-year’s worth of touring at the top of the bill later and the Carrie Underwood who performed Monday night at NMSU’s Pan American Center was much more confident, comfortable, assured, even a bit chattier than her last swing through. The result was a performance that was more magical than mechanical.

El Paso Times

Fantasia Sings At Funeral For Jennifer Hudson’s Family Members

On Monday morning (November 3), a private funeral service was held at the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago for Jennifer Hudson’s nephew Julian King, mother Darnell Donerson and brother Jason Hudson, who were murdered last month in Chicago.

According to the Chicago Tribune, at the end of the two-hour wake, Hudson spent a few moments at each of the coffins. She reportedly kissed her mother before returning to her seat.

MTV

Friends, Classmates Pay Respects At Hudson Family Memorial

Mourners paid their respects to the Hudson family on Sunday at the Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church, more than a week after Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew were found murdered in a still-unsolved crime. A private service attended by 100 people was followed by a parade of thousands of mourners, who filed into the small hall to write condolence notes on cards with the images of nephew Julian King, mother Darnell Donerson and brother Jason Hudson, according to the Chicago Tribune.

MTV

Family Tie to Hudson Murder Weapon?

Who owned the gun that was used to kill Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and seven-year-old nephew? A report says police are investigating a new lead.

Police are exploring the possibility that the .45-calibur pistol recovered Wednesday once belonged to Jennifer’s slain brother Jason Hudson, says the Chicago Tribune. Law-enforcement sources tell the paper Jason allegedly owned an “identical gun” which he believed was stolen from the family home some months ago.

The Tribune also reports that Jason was shot in the leg months ago but “refused” to pursue medical treatment, according to friends and family. The wound forced him to walk with a cane, says the paper.

ET Online

Angels Undercover showcases staples

Angels Undercover marks Josiah Leming’s first professional work as a singer/songwriter. And Leming seems to have avoided the “American Idol” curse with this original and raw, though sometimes over-produced, EP.

Oftentimes, “American Idol” contestants attract attention for their talent while on the show but, when they get in the studio, their music tends to resonate as over-produced, extraneous pop (i.e. Justin Guarini, Ruben Studdard, Blake Lewis, Ryan Starr, Nikki McKibbin and countless others).

The Maneater

Review of Rock of Ages

You wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find any Def Leppard songs in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Rock of Ages.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  We are warned at the start that the showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s producers couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t gain the rights.

But have no fear. This relentlessly silly, surprisingly sincere jukebox musical offers a wide spread of 1980s big hair band memories including Reo Speedwagon, Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Poison, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Whitesnake, Night Ranger, Quaterflash, Asia and Damn Yankees.

Maroulis, a former à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  contestant, is unexpectedly charming. Will Swenson, who played Berger last summer in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Hair,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  plays the rocker Stacie Jaxx, who temporarily breaks up the young lovers, as a gleefully flamboyant, ridiculous combination of David Lee Roth and Axl Rose.

AM New York

Interview: ‘American Idol’ finalist from Jersey in off-Broadway 80s musical

How do you relate to your character in “Rock of Ages?”

In many ways I was a guy like him when I was in school. We all have dreams and aspirations so I tried to reach back to when I was younger to get that feeling again.

What’s your favorite part of being in this rock musical?

I must say that it really is the cast and the friendships I have made here. I am blessed to work with all of them. It is that sense that we are all together and a part of something very special. The crew and band rule too!!

NJ.com

Simon Cowell Dumped Over the Phone By Girlfriend

The ‘king of the kiss-off,’ Simon Cowell, was unceremoniously given the old heave-ho by longtime girlfriend Terri Seymour.

The American Idol’s controversial judge was dumped over the phone, his rep tells People Magazine. “Terri phoned Simon and finished it in September, about six weeks ago,” said Max Clifford. “They are going to remain close friends. Simon thinks the world of Terri and that isn’t going to change. He also understands her reason for ending it.”

Fox News

‘Dancing with the Stars’ swings across the country

While the pool of celebrities continues to dwindle on ABC-TV’s “Dancing with Stars,” fans can take heart in knowing many of their favorites will return to the dance floor during the show’s fourth annual tour.

“Dancing with the Stars – The Tour” is set to launch Dec. 17 in San Diego, CA, and make its way across the US, wrapping Feb. 8 in Philadelphia. The 37-city outing includes a stop in Toronto and a two-night stand in Uncasville, CT. Tickets go on sale beginning Nov. 10 and the full itinerary is listed below.

Live Daily

How can we vote Samantha Harris off “Dancing”?

Every week, “Dancing With the Stars” votes off another celebrity dancer. A combination of judges’ votes and viewer calls determine who goes home. But there’s one “Dancing” participant who can never get the boot, and sadly, she’s the one person many viewers would most like to see leave the show: Co-host Samantha Harris.

I came late to the charms of Tom Bergeron. The main “Dancing” host struck me as smarmy at first, but now that I have to regularly watch “Dancing” for work, Bergeron has really grown on me. It can’t be easy to listen to an incomprehensible Italian-accented speech from judge Bruno Tonioli and respond quickly and wittily, yet Bergeron manages to do just that every single week.

MSNBC

Dancing With The Stars: Week 7

(S07E14) I can only speak for myself here, but I was really looking forward to the return to the ballroom as week 7 approached. If you’ve been playing along with the home game, you know that the whole Cloris thing was working a nerve with me. With that bit of business dealt with, and the return of my favorite dancer, Edyta, this week was shaping up to be a great show. And in many respects, it really was. There was a performance judged worthy of a coveted 30, as well as a handful of 9s tossed about. But then we got to the new group face off, and I’ve got some issues with that one. I’ll get to that, and a rundown of all the performances, after the jump.

TV Squad

‘Dancing With the Stars’: Brooke Burke scores a perfect 30

Going into tonightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Dancing With the Starsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  competition, my money was on Susan Lucci to land at the bottom of the judgesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ scoreboard. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a good thing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“my moneyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  was just a turn of phrase and not actual money because Susanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s paso doble pleased the judges enough to earn three eights. The stories of this week were interpersonal conflict and reversals of fortune (again).

And tonight brought a new feature to the competition à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’- the Team Dance. The six pairs were divided into two teams: Team Cha-Cha versus Team Paso Doble. These scores were combined with each coupleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s individual dance score to give us a new, bigger total score for the week. It was a nice touch, in my opinion, and I am in favor of it going forward. Producers, make a note of it.

LA Times

‘Dancing With the Stars’: Team Building

On last night’s Dancing With the Stars, two teams danced against each other in a much-touted ballroom battle for the first time in the series. ‘Twas one for the ages, dance masters. Look for Monday’s date in an upcoming advanced U.S. history book, in a section just above ”Election Day 2008.”

Team Paso (led by Warren Sapp) and Team Cha-cha (”led,” or better yet, doomed by Susan Lucci) faced off at the end of the show, an orange-fringed and blue-taffeta’ed spectacle that might have left viewers struggling to remember the stars’ individual efforts. Scores from the team and solo efforts were combined, which basically means that Lance Bass gets to be in fourth place instead of second because his teammate Susan Lucci has no rhythm. Or soul. Or time to practice. Or…skill, whatsoever. Anyway. Here’s how the couples ranked:

EW.com