Idol Headlines for 1/21/09

Coroner: Abdul fan died from overdose

A coroner in Los Angeles has found that an “American Idol” hopeful found dead outside Paula Abdul’s home committed suicide with prescription drugs.

Assistant Chief of Coroner Ed Winter says Paula Goodspeed died in November after of a prescription drug overdose. The report didn’t specify which drugs.

Officials had suspected suicide, but the coroner’s office had been waiting on toxicology tests. Winter said Goodspeed did not leave a note.

Associated Press

Wicked’s Lambert Will Advance to Hollywood Week on “American Idol”

Adam Lambert, who was part of the cast of the Los Angeles production of Wicked, auditioned for the current season of “American Idol” in San Francisco.

Lambert’s audition was broadcast on the Jan. 20 episode of the hit FOX series, and the young singing actor has advanced to Hollywood Week.

Lambert sang Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” for his audition, and received a “yes” from all four “American Idol” judges.

Playbill

Raquel Houghton: Current American Idol Contestant, Former Dane Cook Girlfriend

We heard Raquel Houghton sing for the first time tonight.

But we can already say this about the American Idol contestant: she has better vocal chops than taste in men.

The aspiring crooner dated unfunny comedian Dane Cook for over two years. The couple was first spotted together at the September 2006 premiere of Cook’s horrific movie, Employee of the Month.

The Hollywood Gossip

More Idol Headllines after the JUMP…

FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY, 19 ENTERTAINMENT AND FREMANTLEMEDIA ANNOUNCE SPONSORS FOR EIGHTH SEASON OF “AMERICAN IDOL”

Ford, Coca-Cola and AT&T Return as Official Sponsors of Television’s No. 1 Show

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), 19 Entertainment Ltd. and FremantleMedia North America today announced they have re-teamed with Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola and AT&T as official sponsors of this year’s AMERICAN IDOL which continues with auditions in San Francisco Tuesday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and in Louisville Wednesday, Jan. 21 (8:00-9:03 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

The Futon Critic

Watching the San Francisco audition’s was for the first time a somewhat eye-opening audition as it was the first time I was seeing an audition I had attended, or at least stood outside of. You can read the complete report here of the magical day last July when I ventured to San Francisco and struggled my way to the Cow Palace in the pre-dawn hours. I began my report:

LA Times

‘American Idol’ recap: Finding Hacks in Cali

This morning, while eating breakfast and watching some coverage of the presidential inauguration, I came to the realization that I’ve got a little bit of an American Idol problem. I could tell you all the ways that Fox’s ubiquitous talent competition dominates my work life, overtakes my social life, and occasionally invades my dream life from January to May each year, but I think the core of my downward psychological spiral can be summed up by sharing the Facebook profile status I posted right after my last bite of Nature Valley Oats ‘n Honey cereal: ”Michael hopes the Obamas have their White House DVR installed in time to record tonight’s American Idol.”

Entertainment Weekly

Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re Live-Blogging The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ San Francisco Auditions!

At long last, today has arrived. The dark clouds hanging over our nation have cleared, and the sun is shining over all of us. We no longer have to hang our heads in shame. We no longer have to live in fear. We can all hope and dream again!

Rejoice! Today is the day that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s audition episodes go down to only one hour per night!

What? You thought I was referring to something else?

MTV

Inspiring stories help à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ wannabes advance

Aspiring singers who watched “American Idol’s” trip to San Francisco got a crash course in how to ensure success when Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi arrive in their hometown.

Bringing small children is good. Bringing medical diagrams is bad. Heartwarming stories are good. Voices that make the judges think of new ways to insult the singer are bad. And wearing a coat that looks like a repurposed sofa is definitely bad, bad, bad.

MSNBC

Phil Stacey Blog: No heart left in San Francisco

We are down to a one-hour shows in the city that introduced us to William Hung -San Francisco. Hate to say it but Northern California really didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have much to offer this season except maybe Adam Lambert. Most of those making it to Hollywood are just fuel for the drama and arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t real contenders. I am trying to find some positive things to sayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll let you know if I do.

LA Times

“American Idol” Hits San Francisco, Doesn’t Quite Find Its Heart

Yesterday was a heady day, one where a well-known historian praised the country’s new President by saying that he “made [the inaugural] his own” while the ever-grinning Ryan Seacrest asserted his dominance over the radio airwaves through the sheer brute force of his corporate parent’s balance sheet. So it would of course fit that, while ABC was showing Barack and Michelle Obama twirling to “At Last,” Fox went back to the American Idol well, knowing that even in times of hope and putting our noses to the grindstone, there are still some people out there hoping to find the next William Hung, or at least to watch Simon Cowell tussle with newly installed judge Kara DioGuardi.

Idolator

Tampa Dress Shop Sends Sparks Inaugural Gowns

Even when you’re a celebrity, finding something to wear to an inaugural ball can be tough.

When “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks was invited to perform at President Barack Obama’s Commander-in-Chief Ball tonight, she couldn’t find time to look for a dress.

Sparks called her godmother, Christa Watson of Tampa, for help.

Watson got in touch with Georgette Diaz, owner of Georgette’s and the Shoe Salon in South Tampa. Diaz, who has owned Georgette’s for more than 20 years, knows a thing or two about fashion.

“I knew [the dress] has to have a ‘wow’ factor, it had to be in good taste, and it had to be age-appropriate,” Diaz said.

It also had to fit Sparks’ 5-foot-11-inch frame.

TBO.com

American Idol’s Chris Sligh pens new Rascal Flatts single

Brash Recording Artist and American Idol Season 6 finalist Chris Sligh got some great news this week when he found out a song he penned will become Rascal Flatts’ new single.

“Here Comes Goodbye”, written by Sligh and Clint Lagerberg, will go to radio next week with an add date of January 26 and appear on Rascal Flatt’s upcoming new album, Unstoppable, out April 7.

Christian Today

Reading Sanjaya’s book

Memoirs of the Peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Idol over the weekend. It reminded me why, with very few exceptions, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t like interviewing teenagers.

Dancing_to_the_music_in_my_head_b_2 In the memoir, Sanjaya, now 19, comes off as a basically nice kid, if a bit of a pest (both Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle relate that he had a thing for licking their faces). Like most teenagers Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve interviewed, though, Sanjayaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not much of a storyteller. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s also so wrapped up in whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going on inside his head (re: the bookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s title) that he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seem to have a good sense for what other people will find interesting.

USA Today

Danny Noriega Needs Your Help

Remember Danny Noriega, folks? He made it to the top 24 of season 7, only to be cut right before the top 12. He was a decent singer, kinda looked like the male version of Jessica Alba and had a serious attitude problem (who could forget the eye-rolling at the judge’s comments?!).

But Danny didn’t vanish into obscurity after his 15 minutes of fame, oh no, he’s still around. And he even has a fan site! Maybe even two! This was sent out in his January newsletter, to his fans and one of his fan sites were courteous enough to post it for all of our viewing pleasure:

AOL.com

Kelly Clarksonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My Life Would Suck Without Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Hits Radio

Although it wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t slated to hit radio until January 19th, Kelly Clarksonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My Life Would Suck Without Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  debuted this morning on New York Top 40 station Z100. As you would expect from Clarksonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s glossy, lollipop-embracing new look, as well as the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Kissed a Girlà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  production tag team of Max Martin and Dr. Luke, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My Life Would Suckà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is straight-up pop. The opening chords are reminiscent of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Since U Been Gone,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  but the track soon cascades into an avalanche of synths and a steady beat as Clarkson sings on the chorus à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Cause we belong together now, Forever united here somehow, You got a piece of me, And honestly, My life would suck without you.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Rolling Stone.com

American Idol Alum Justin Guarini Plans Wedding, Watching New Judge Kara DioGuardi

“American Idol” alum Justin Guarini has had a TV resurgence thanks to a hosting gig on the TV Guide Network, and now the season one runner-up has even more to celebrate. He’s engaged, and he tells us wedding plans are keeping him and his fiancà © busy.

“I’m engaged to a sweetheart of mine from back home,” gushes the Pennsylvania native. “We’ve known each other since I was 18. Her mom was my English teacher in school. We found each other again and fell in love. We’re getting married this summer so we’ve got a lot to plan, but fortunately my fiancà © is on top of things.”

National Ledger

An à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ in concert

Last season’s “American Idol” winner David Cook will headline a 9 p.m. Feb. 20 concert at the Weidner Center in Green Bay. The show is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s Good Times Programming.

Cook, 26, who is touring in support of his self-titled album released in November, was interested in playing small venues on college campuses. Only main floor seating at the Weidner, less than 1,000 seats, will be used.

UWGB students will get first crack at walk-up only tickets for $8 Jan. 26. Tickets will go on sale to the public Jan. 30 for $13 by calling 800-328-8587, clicking on www.weidnercenter.com or at University Ticketing Services in University Union on campus.

Northwestern.com

Cheers for Biden at C in C Ball

Our colleague Jackie Trescott reports:

Arriving at 8:50 p.m. to speak to the 2,000 military personnel at the Commander in Chief’s Ball at the National Building Museum, Vice President Biden said that it was a “greater honor” to be the father of a son stationed in Iraq than “being the vice president.” He was drowned out by cheers.

After the dance, it was back to MC George Lopez and singer Jordin Sparks.

National Post

Vote for the worst ‘Idol’ finalist

Undoubtedly there are at least a dozen more fleeting faces that could be added to this roundup. (Anyone else remember Scott Savol? Bobby Bennett? Sundance Head? Does Taylor Hicks count?)

But to help narrow your focus, we’ve limited this runoff to just these 10 golden throats. Which one was the finalist with the least vocal power? You decide.

OC Register

Paula Abdul embraces ‘American Idol,’ survives controversy

The glittering frenzy of the Paula Abdul Road Show moves swiftly through the lobby of the Universal Hilton, trailing publicists, managers, assistants and a miniature dog.

At the center of the promotional sideshow — a flashy and inescapable satellite component of the relentless publicity machine behind Fox’s ” American Idol” behemoth — is Abdul, smiling as she listens closely to her minders, who whisk her from one hurried appointment to another.

LA Times

‘Gay Mafia’ Made Clay Aiken Gay, Says Apparent Cat Lady

“American Idol” winner Clay Aiken only became gay because “the gay mafia” made him, said a “whacked-out” commentor on a recent blog post.

The “Pop Life” blog over at Tampabay.com has a unique reader named “BibleBanginBeulah” and as of late, this person posted some hateful comments about the homosexual community “turning Clay Aiken” gay. Yeah, that’s it, he up and choose to be chastised by the world. Check out the quote:

NY Post

Abdul: ‘I’ve Influenced Rihanna & Beyonce’

Paula Abdul believes she has been heavy influence on pop stars like Beyonce and Rihanna.

The American Idol judge, 46, says the the former Destiny’s Child star and the Umbrella hitmaker owe a lot to her days as a pop star and her duet with a cartoon cat in the video for hit song Opposites Attract.

She says, “My videos stand the test of time.

“They are like the almanac for every performer. Even Rhianna has come up to me and said ‘I hope you don’t mind.’ And Beyonce. You can see the influence of what I’ve done.

Showbizspy.com

Cowell to Pay Brook  £200k After Talent Show Axe

That’s gotta hurt!

Simon Cowell is going to have to pony up a whopping  £200,000 to Kelly Brook after axing her from Britain’s Got Talent, according to reports.

Simon agreed that Kelly, 29, would receive the amount – which is said to be her full salary – after she was kicked off the show after just six days of filming.

But despite the fact she will bank the giant windfall, sources tells British newspaper the Daily Mirror that Kelly feels stitched up by Cowell.

A source tells the publication, “People close to Kelly are furious about this. She has been royally screwed over and stitched up by Simon.

Showbizspy.com