Idol Headlines for 6/12/08

Gun found in luggage of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Baby Và ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ at Southwest Florida International Airport

Former à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  contestant and Fort Myers resident Vonzell à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Baby Và ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Solomon, 24, was detained Tuesday after security at Southwest Florida International Airport discovered a gun in her luggage.

Lee Port Authority spokeswoman Barbara-Ann Urrutia said the gun was not loaded, and Solomon had reportedly forgotten she had it in her luggage. The weapon was found as Solomon was making her way through the TSA checkpoint on a U.S. Airways flight around 12:15 p.m.
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The gun was confiscated, and Solomon was issued a notice to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge of carrying a weapon into an airport. Solomon does have a concealed weapons permit, but carrying it into an airport is a violation of that permit.

news-press.com

America’s Accidental Idol

Less than a week after winning American Idol, David Cook is sitting in a glitzy restaurant on the south tip of Manhattan’s Central Park. The chef, who proudly says he was among the 55 million who phoned in a vote for Cook during Idol’s finals, presents the singer with an off-the-menu treat à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  foie gras on toast à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  that leaves Cook unnerved. “That looks dangerous,” he says. “I’m a little scared.” Tossing the bite-size morsel in his mouth, he chews slowly and quickly lunges for his Sprite to drown out the taste. Later, when the chef returns with a delicate flan of purà ©ed peas, Cook looks at the plate, picks it up and sets it aside to be cleared.

RollingStone.com – Video

“Idol” Winner David Cook To Perform At “Taste For A Cure”

Hollywood, CA (CNS) – This year’s “American Idol” winner, David Cook, will perform at the thirteenth annual “Taste for a Cure,” hosted by the The Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation at UCLA.

The Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises private funds for the highest priority cancer research, according to their Web site.

“We are so thrilled to have David Cook performing fresh from his spectacular win on American Idol,” said Jon Holman, president of the Holman Group.

The event, which will be held June 21 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, will include a wine and food tasting reception followed by a seated dinner. The menu will be prepared by award-winning chefs.

Allheadlinesnews.com

What’s cooking? Newest ‘American Idol’ talks about his post-win plans

After a quick trip last week to his hometown of Blue Springs, Mo., “American Idol” winner David Cook is back in Los Angeles, where he started work this week on his first post-”Idol” album. He talked with us about that record, his hometown and other “Idol”-related issues.

Q. What can you tell us about the record?

A. It’ll be a jazz calypso record. No, I’m lying. It’ll be a rock record. The goal is to put some twists and turns in it and make it a little interesting. We’re actually in the writing process now. I have songs that I’ve done in the past that have been submitted.

KansasCity.com

David Cook Fan Group: Making of the WordNerds

KANSAS CITY, MO. — American Idol David Cook has some devoted fans out there. You may have heard of the Cougars, who some say helped win him the Idol title. But, have you heard of the WordNerds?

The WordNerds started early on during the seventh season of American Idol. Apparently during one of the American Idol interviews, David Cook was asked what people don’t know about him. His answer was that he was “sort of a word nerd” because he enjoys crossword puzzles and other word games.

MyFoxKC.com

Groveland boy fighting cancer meets ‘American Idol’ winner David Cook invited him to New York

After all he has been through, no one could question Ryan Reardon’s courage.

When the 8-year-old cancer patient from Groveland visited New York City, the heart of Yankees territory, he didn’t hesitate to wear both his Red Sox cap and T-shirt.

That caught the eye of David Cook, the most recent winner of Ryan’s favorite reality TV show, “American Idol.”

“You’ve got guts to be wearing that around here,” said Cook, when he spotted Ryan in the crowd two weeks ago.

Cook sent invitations to children being treated for neuroblastoma at New York’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to come meet him on the “Early Show,” a popular morning TV show. Ryan happened to be going to New York that morning for his cancer treatment, so he accepted the invitation.

Eagle Tribune.com

Singing star ‘reins’ at GPD

GRANTS PASS à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  Kristy Lee Cook arrived early at Grants Pass Downs last Wednesday to see her racehorse work.

The “American Idol” star appeared pleased with how Coly Trail performed, though no doubt Idol judge “Snarly” Simon would have found the gelding to be totally lacking in spirit.
KRISTY LEE COOK

WHO: Selma resident who recently starred on the popular “American Idol” television show.

“He’s bred pretty good,” said Cook, noting that Coly is a grandson of the legendary sire Mr. Prospector.

“Andy, my fiance, is partners on him,” Cook added. “Andy is taking care of him really well. He likes having a racehorse à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  this is his first one.”

Andy said nothing. He was busy having a good time mucking out stalls.

Cook is not new to Grants Pass Downs, which opens its nine-day season Saturday with a 1 p.m. post time.

mailtribune.com

Fans pack Chevy Centre to see à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ star Carrie Underwood

YOUNGSTOWN à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  With an eight-piece band behind her and more than 6,000 fans in front of her, Carrie Underwood sang her way into the Valley when she performed at the Chevrolet Centre downtown.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m expecting loud, awesome, amazing singing,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  said Ashley Likens, 15, of Cortland.

The Underwood concert Wednesday night was Ashleyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s first concert, and she was sharing it with her mother, Joan Ashton, and friend Kaylee Miller, who is visiting from Alabama. All three wore different colored cowboy hats and said they thought Underwood was the best of the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“America Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  contestants.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s amazing that she was just a small town girl,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  said Ashley.

vindy.com

Carrie Underwood Extends ‘Carnival’ Tour

Carrie Underwood has extended her maiden headlining tour, dubbed Carnival Ride, through mid-December. The new leg begins Sept. 23 in Cleveland and wraps Dec. 14 in Gainesville, Fla., with support from Little Big Town.

Underwood is also celebrating her latest No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Last Name,” which jumps from No. 5 this week. The inspiration for the tour, “Carnival Ride” the album has sold 2.16 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Billboard.com

American Idol star headed for London?

Former American Idol winner and country star Carrie Underwood has her eye on a date in downtown London, concert industry website Pollstar says.

Pollstar lists an Underwood concert on Oct. 6 at the John Labatt Centre. “I have not yet seen a confirmation sheet on that show,” the downtown London arena’s marketing director Dave Harris said today.

The American Idol fourth season champ has sold seven million copies of her debut album Some Hearts and shot to superstardom with hits including Before He Cheats and Jesus, Take the Wheel. Her follow-up album, Carnival Ride, came out last fall and has produced two No. 1s in So Small and All-American Girl.

The London Free Press

Carrie Underwood: “I Scare Guys Off!”

Nashville’s golden girl Carrie Underwood is one of the hottest country acts around, and yet despite her undisputed beauty and talent, the former American Idol can’t seem to find love.

At this CMA Music Festival, there was buzz mounting that Carrie had a new man, 26-year-old Ryan O’Nan, whom she met through his employer and Carrie’s tourmate, Keith Urban.

OK Magazine

Six-year absence changes course for Course of Nature

When Mark Wilkerson co-wrote the lyrics to Chris Daughtry’s “It’s Not Over,” a love song is not what he had in mind.

“To me the song was about my ex-manager and my version of it was ‘it’s over.’ My version was negative, and they changed a few pronouns to change it into a love song,” Wilkerson said during a recent phone interview.

“I wrote the song as a way to get rid of that part of my life. Lyrically, they replaced a couple of words, and it was interesting to hear how they did that without changing the song a whole lot.”

Shrevepoint Times.com

Sightings: J.T. & Jessica, Chace and Ashley Tisdale

SHINING STAR: Jamie Lee Curtis, Maria Shriver and American Idol finalist Michael Johns, coming out for Susan Saint Jamesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ star unveiling on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Eonline.com

Clay Aiken Wants Even More Kids

It was shocking news that Clay Aiken was having one baby, but In Touch can reveal he wants another! The singer, 29, is expecting a child with his best friend, 50-year-old music producer Jaymes Foster, and theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re already planning to do it again. Clay and Jaymes used advanced IVF therapy to conceive, and the insider reports that theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve already frozen eggs and sperm so they can have a second baby next year. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Jaymes is due in August, so sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d like to conceive again next March,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  the insider says. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“That way, she would give birth in December 2009.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  The insider adds that Clay and Jaymes were hoping for twins so that they wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have to go through the intense procedure for a second time. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Clay and Jaymes are committed to having at least two children,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  the insider says.

Intouch.com

Randy Jackson Talks About Dad-To-Be Clay!

RANDY JACKSON reveals what he thinks of the news that CLAY AIKEN is a father-to-be in this all-new ET video! ET is with the “American Idol” judge today as he’s honored at the 67th Annual “Father of the Year Awards” in New York.

The National Father’s Day Council honored Randy — as well as Ron Klein, Chairman of Macy’s East, Paul O’Neill, a YES Network Announcer and Former New York Yankee and Mark Shriver, Vice-President and Managing Director of U.S. Programs, Save the Children — for their success in balancing their careers with the demands of fatherhood. Proceeds from the event will benefit Save the Children U.S. Programs.

News4Jax.com

Former à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Nikki McKibbin Heads To à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Celebrity Rehabà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢

LOS ANGELES, Calif. –

American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Season One finalist Nikki McKibbin is heading to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Celebrity Rehab.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

The flame-haired petite singer, who made it to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢sà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  original final three alongside Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, was confirmed as a member of Dr. Drewà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s VH1 reality show, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Celebrity Rehab,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  according to the Associated Press.

No information about why McKibbin was joining the program was available, when the cast announcement was released.

In March, McKibbin broke her foot, a rep for the singer previously told Access. She was given pain medication that prompted a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“very bad reaction,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  her rep said at the time. She was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, given new pain medication and released.

Access Hollywood.com

Rehab for Idol’s Nikki McKibbin

Nikki McKibbin, the flame-headed singer from the first season of American Idol is out for another taste of reality à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew!

Three months after trying to commit suicide, a story Star told you about first, Nikki has signed on to appear on Dr. Drew Pinsky’s rehab program.

Star Magazine.com

BWW TV Exclusive: Idol’s Taylor Hicks’ Broadway Debut In GREASE

“American Idol” Season Five winner, Taylor Hicks, made his Broadway debut when he joined the cast of GREASE in the role of “Teen Angel” on Friday, June 6, 2008 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

Immediately following his Broadway debut, he appeared along with Max Crumm (“Danny”), Laura Osnes (“Sandy”) and other GREASE cast mates at Planet Hollywood Times Square to celebrate with a celebrity handprint ceremony in the restaurant’s main dining room. His handprints will later be displayed on the walls of the New York Planet Hollywood location.

Broadway World.com

St. Louis Prom looking for its king and queen

Missed out on getting crowned king or queen of your prom, or maybe you didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t go to prom at all?

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not too late. St. Louis Prom is at 9 p.m. Thursday at Home nightclub at the Ameristar Casino, bringing you the prom you never had.

Vote for your favorite prom king and queen candidate, among the 40 choices listed, at www.stlprom.com.

Some of those up for king or queen include Nikko Smith, Gilberto Pinela, Jeanne Roberts, Beth Werner, Andy Crouppen, and Jay E.

St. Louis Today.com

Sounds Open Fun-Filled Homestand On Tuesday At Greer

The final game of the series with the RedHawks will be on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. with the Sounds hosting another Purity Faith Night. Fans can invite their youth group, singles group, Sunday school class, or any other church-related function to a fun-filled family environment at Greer Stadium! A pre-game concert will take place at 5:30 featuring recording artist and American Idol alum Chris Sligh, and a dazzling fireworks display will fill the sky immediately following the game.

Our Sports Central.com

COUNTRY CONNECTION: Does à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Nashville Starà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ measure up?

With the summer season in full swing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  and apparently in full sweat, if the last week or so is any indication à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  some of us are soaking up the sun, fishing and hiking and camping until we run out of drinkable water. Well, drinkable liquid, at least. Others might be hiding in the comfort of air-conditioned coolness, looking for something to take their minds off the breakfast of bacon and eggs frying on the sidewalk. (I tried this on Sunday afternoon; all I got was a very angry neighbor with very messy shoes.)

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Nashville Starà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  might just do the trick, but for all the wrong reasons.

Stafford County Sun.com

‘Nashville Star’ Charley Jenkins exit interview

NBC’s “Nashville Star” is underway and has said goodbye to the first cut – determined by the judges after a two-hour premiere on Monday night.

Nashville Star contestant Charley Jenkins was the first to get his walking papers from show judges Jewel, John Rich and Jeffrey Steele.

Jenkins, the 29-year-old from Roosevelt, Utah who currently resides in Murray, Utah was pragmatic about the whole experience.

Monsters and Critics.com

Cat Deeley, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’

SURE, Cat Deeley, the British host of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” now in its fourth season, is easy on the eyes, but what really makes her stand out as a host is her infectious enthusiasm and empathy. She doesn’t only interview the contestants: She dances with them, lets them cry on her shoulder (literally) and cheers them on.

“When I first started the show, I said that I’d really like to be involved in the audition process. I wanted to develop a relationship with the dancers right from the beginning. I didn’t want them to suddenly turn up to the studio eight weeks into the process and say, ‘Hold on a second, who’s the English bird?’ If it’s 5 a.m. and freezing cold and snowing in New York City and they’re lining up outside for auditions, I am too.”

LA Times

‘So You Think You Can Dance’ starts off on a high note

After so many weeks of overture, the curtain’s finally coming up on Act I of So You Think You Can Dance. And it’s a mighty fine one at that.

Zap2it.com

So You Think You Can Dance – The Top 20 Perform

Of course it’s the job of the producers to hype the newest season of whatever show they work on as the “best yet,” but they might be on to something with the fourth installment of “So You Think You Can Dance.” Judge Mary Murphy noted that the dancers were pulled from a pool of more than 200 who made it to Las Vegas compared to the pool of 50 the first season, so of course it makes sense that the group of dancers is stronger. This particular crop of dancers seems like it has a lot more ability across genres — while some dancers were stronger in their particular performances, nobody seemed completely out of their element: hip-hop dancer Twitch looked at home doing a Tyce D’orio Broadway routine and Comfort Fedoke lit up the stage doing a jive.

LA Times