Season 8′s Nick Mitchell aka Normund Gentle spoke with his local paper, the Danbury News Times. Not only is he recording a satirical single called “Brit Slap” written by some folks who worked with Billy Joel and Paul McCartney, but he says that he’s headed for Vegas:

The other thing I wanted to tell you about, I got called to do a show in Las Vegas and it will be a four-month show. I’m not allowed to say the casino yet, but it’s going to be with two “Idol” winners and a couple of finalists, and I’m just going to be hosting it.

So, who do you think the Idol winners are? I’d bet Taylor Hicks is one. With the Grease tour winding down in May (he plays the Teen Angel in the producton), he’ll be ready for a new gig. Ruben Studdard will be the other, maybe.

Currently, Nick is the special Idol correspondent on the Wendy Williams show.

Read more  HERE.

Tagged with:
 
  • Kirsten

    I’ve thought for a long time that Idol contestants should band together to create a Vegas show. Vegas is cheesy, so this cheesy shows seems to be a natural fit. Idols know how to perform to an audience and if Celine, fake Pirates and Wayne Newton can pack them in, why not Idols? Vegas is an alternative universe where good taste takes a back seat. People are willing to do things in Vegas that they would normally resist, so all inhibitions about seeing Idol are gone. If you can cheer fake Elvises and eat lord knows what an all-you-can-eat buffet, you can let yourselves go and cheer for the Idols. Plus, there is the “whatever happened to so-and-so element”.

    I agree that Taylor is a natural fit. The other person who can probably make a splash in Vegas and put on a show is Fantasia, but she seems to be a little busy with her reality show. Ruben just doesn’t seem charasmatic enough for Vegas, but maybe he will be there to add texture to the show (not everything can be at 11 like Fantasia likes to go). I’m sure that Diana and Clay would be good additions and David Hernandez seems to show up everywhere (he may not be the most memorable, but he is steady and would have lasted longer if circumstances were different). Michael Johns would also probably be up for this and how about Kimberley? Just add Frenchie because.

    One could even revolve some of the other Idols through as they have time. 19E might object at first since they own the name, but I think that they should embrace this. If the AI Experience hasn’t hurt them, AI the Vegas Show shouldn’t either.

  • http://twitter.com/maxsmom61 CathyMK

    ITA, Kirsten. I’ve also thought for a while that we’ll eventually see touring Idol revue shows featuring rotating finalists. There have been a few small scale ones already. If every one-hit-wonder from the 60s and 70s can do it, why not the Idols? In Vegas or on tour, Idols who aren’t a big enough draw on their own would draw a bigger crowd when they’re combined. A Vegas show looks better for the AI image than having them all end up in theater instead of music.

  • TwigLA

    Very cool for Nick!

    Taylor does seem a good fit for this, as does Fantasia and Clay. I agree on Michael Johns. Heck, I can see Jordan Sparks doing this too. 4 months isn’t that long.

    I think the various Idols could put on a really nice showcase. Nick is perfect for the MC.

  • Lu

    I think Taylor is a shoe in. Going through the winners.. hmmm… I think maybe Rueben too. Other finalists? Could be anyone!

    ETA: confession… if this happens, I want to see it.

  • Daytripper73

    I’m sure that Diana and Clay would be good additions

    I don’t know or care about Clay but I do know Diana has better things to do—like star in a Broadway show called “Hair” starting Tuesday. She’s contractually obligated for the next six months. Besides, it would be a huge step back and a dumb move for a girl who has worked her ass off to establish herself in theatre. Leave the Nick Mitchell associations to people who need the work.

  • JudyL

    While I don’t even have a guess as to who will appear in this show, it actually will probably do okay. I have been to Vegas many times and the shows with ‘real’ stars are ridiculously overpriced (and still sell out). Most people just like the idea of going to a show while in Vegas so if they put on an entertaining show at a reasonable price and as long as they are appearing at a popular casino, might do very well.

    Some of the shows in Vegas that have several performers have a ‘theme’….like imitating famous singers. Or maybe they will perform some type of Broadway show. I think they do need to have something that ties the entire thing together, not just have each one come out and sing.

  • mmb

    If by “idol” winners he means american idol then the only possibilities are Taylor rueben and tasks . Everyone else is busy with other things. But if not limited to American idol then there are lots of potential winners from lots of countries with idol shows and winners to choose from

  • http://www.huckleberryfriendmusic.com/ huckleberryfriend

    I’ve always thought Taylor, Bo, and Ruben should tour as the Bama Boys

  • dhunken

    Kirsten I agree with you whole assessment. I do think Clay will be one of them as he is going to be putting out an album and this would be a venue for him to thrive and do well. Taylor for sure. The other Idol could be Fantasia, Ruben, or Jordin. Kelly, Carrie, David C, and Kris are doing well with their music careers to be part of this show. IMHO

    Here is who I think may be in by Season

    Season 1

    Justin Guarini
    Tamyra Gray
    Ryan Starr

    Season 2

    Kimberley Locke (Though I hope she doesn’t as she better then this IMHO)
    Clay Aiken
    Ruben Studdard
    Josh Gracin (This is a maybe as he is big in Country new Album coming)

    Season 3

    Fantasia (Good chance no based on Kirsten’s reason’s)
    LaToya London
    George Huff
    Jasmine Trias

    Season 4

    Vonzell Solomon
    Mikalah Gordon
    Scott Savol

    Season 5

    Paris Bennett
    Kevin Covais

    Season 6

    Jordin Sparks (Possible but maybe not)
    Gina Glocksen
    Brandon Rogers
    Chris Richardson

    Season 7

    Brooke White
    Chikezie (Would have been a shoe in until his arrest. Depends on outcome.)
    Kristy Lee Cook
    David Hernandez

    Season 8

    Michael Sarver
    Alexis Grace
    Lil Rounds
    Scott MacIntyre
    Jasmine Murry

    So that is my picks for who will be in the Vegas Show. Obviously not all of them can be. But I do think the people in the show will be from the list I have compiled. Who are other posters choices?

  • babybelle32

    Nick is cute, but it still ticks me off that tptb let him get as far as he did in the competition, when there were other contestants who actually took the show seriously, and wanted it more.

  • hicksaholic

    Taylor in Vegas? Might have to go on a road trip.

  • hicksaholic

    Dingo needs to hear about this if Taylor and Nick are in. She loves both of them.

  • dhunken

    BTW I am happy for Nick and the gigs and opportunities he is getting. He has talent. I agree that he shouldn’t have gotten as far as he did but it sort of goes along with the idea that they already know who they want and who will be iin the top 12 so having him in the top 36 really did not bump anyone. Because anyone they put in his place was never going to make the top 12 (13) that year. Congrats Nick/Norman. This MC of the Vegas is a perfect gig for him. He will be hysterical. I am sure.

  • offside

    Nick is cute, but it still ticks me off that tptb let him get as far as he did in the competition, when there were other contestants who actually took the show seriously, and wanted it more

    .
    I think he did take it seriously, and he got what he wanted out of it; exposure.Mission accomplished. Isn’t that what many of them expect to get out of it anymore?
    My bets are on Taylor Hicks and Michael Johns.

  • Little Boy Blue

    Taylor Hicks did Vegas when he was on his 50 City Solo Concert Tour several years ago. But he did it for only a day or two if I remember.

    There’s no reason why he can’t do it for a longer period of time.

  • hicksaholic

    I guess this is a good gig for Taylor if it’s true. I hope though it doesn’t get the press that this is all Taylor can get. Hopefully he will gain some fans if he is playing live every night in Vegas.

    Taylor had been hinting at tv and movies for a while. I don’t guess he could do either of those plus Vegas but maybe he has something else lined up after the 4 months is up.

  • RowZee824

    Taylor is a performer. Seems like a good fit for Vegas. Michael Johns – not as sure.

  • ClayCounty

    Clay and Ruben already have two booked shows together so I don’t know how the dates would work out. Here is a link to one of the two shows that I can remember. The other date is in August. http://www.biltmore.com/visit/calendar/concerts.asp

  • KmA

    You can definitely rule out Clay Aiken for this Vegas Show. He’s got way too much going on with his new label, new cd, tours, and other events that are coming up.

  • Sandi

    The second date for Clay and Ruben is August 6th in Chautauqua in the 5,000-seat, open-air amphitheater:

    “Two “American Idol” legends join forces for this special tour.” Doesn’t sound like either one will be heading to Las Vegas.

    Clay is doing a concert this coming Friday that will be aired on public TV this coming June.

  • manny

    You can definitely rule out Clay Aiken for this Vegas Show. He’s got way too much going on with his new label, new cd, tours, and other events that are coming up.

    Thank God. I’d love to see Taylor but could never sit through Clay Aiken,

  • n3mover

    Whoever gets the gig will have some serious money in hand from this. Vegas pays VERY well.

    As someone pointed out, Aiken is just gearing up for his own special and CD promo, as well as a Disney TV movie this summer. Some tour dates are out there, so I think he’s going to be pretty busy.

  • clayfandango

    You know if this says Idol winners then Clay Aiken won’t be on this gig. Plus as KmA says above he is waaay too busy. If it is winners then I think Taylor Hicks and Fantasia makes the best sense for Vegas.

  • cochem

    It says “to be with two “Idol” winners and a couple of finalists”… Maybe Elliott would be involved..

  • outback

    I could see:
    Justin Guarini
    Tamyra Gray
    Kimberley Locke (She has a new single coming out, but has not been able to sell albums or tour)
    Kimberly Caldwell (Finally getting her music out after 7 years, this might help her to get herself out there)
    Fantasia (I think she would LOVE this, she would sell some seats!)
    LaToya London (I would love to see her get a chance at this!)
    George Huff (George and Vegas don’t seem to go together to me) LOL
    Vonzell Solomon (Would love to see her get the chance also)
    Mikalah Gordon
    Paris Bennett (Right up her alley)
    Jordin Sparks (She would be one of the headliners!)
    Gina Glocksen
    Brooke White
    Chikezie (If he is not in jail)
    Kristy Lee Cook
    David Hernandez
    Michael Sarver
    Alexis Grace
    Lil Rounds
    David Archuletta would be good. He has done touring with idols before I think.
    Taylor Hicks (since he has finished touring with Grease, he would be a hoot)

    Would love to see Clay and Ruben, but they are supposed to be doing a tour together.

    You have to be able to sell tickets to get a Vegas show. I’m not sure how this will do. They would have to have a slickly produced show with extremely talented Idols. It will be interesting to see who gets the gig and how it does.

  • joanie

    I was fortunate to have seen Clay in concert a few times. The guy is very charismatic live. You can feel the excitement when the opening music starts and when he makes an entrance the place explodes. It reminded me of Elvis.

    One of the times I saw him was in 2004 when he toured with Kelly Clarkson. They’d each do half of the concert, then do a duet at the end. Kelly seemed very shy on stage compared to Clay. The guy can start a conversation with someone in the audience and it’s hilarious. He also banters with his backup singers. His comedic talent and timing are spot on, and add alot to the concert. He doesn’t just stand there and sing.

    Clay could definitely carry four months in Vegas, if his schedule would permit. He’s already done concerts at other casinos, including Caesars and the Borgata in Atlantic City and Mohegan Sun.

  • hoodathunk

    My gut says that Clay and Ruben will be involved. I wouldn’t be so sure about Taylor. He’s planning on doing his next album this summer, and according to a chat on TaylorHicks.com, he has some summer gigs booked and some sort of TV show under development.

    In any case, it wouldn’t be Kelly, who is doing Lilith, Kris and David, who still have idol momentum (and management), or Carrie who is being sustained full throttle by the country music establishment.

  • phdrmom

    I don’t see Clay & Ruben being involved with this though Clay certainly could carry the show. He is very charismatic on stage & is a natural comedian. His concert shows combine his great voice with what becomes almost a stand up comedy routine. No two shows are ever the same.

    That said, Clay has a new major label deal & new cd coming this spring/summer. He’s taping a pbs special this Friday that is to be used for PBS fund raising in June. There are already 2 venues that have included Clay & Ruben in their Summer concert schedule. If these 2 venues are an indication the tour will be similar to Clay’s last summer tour in 2007.

    David Hernandez & Trenyce have been performing in Ballroom with a Twist shows. I don’t know what kind of committment that tour requires.

    Kim Locke & Kim Caldwell are both working with Randy Jackson. I don’t know if this show is something he would be involved with.

    Several previous idol finalists have toured with Michael Orland during Christmas for the last several years.

    As far as idol winners I say odds are Taylor & Fantasia would be the most likely ones.

  • Lu

    It says “to be with two “Idol” winners and a couple of finalists”… Maybe Elliott would be involved..

    If there’s any chance I could see Taylor and Elliott on a stage together, I’m going to Vegas! Katharine robbed me of it the first time… still bitter…….

  • abbysee

    That said, Clay has a new major label deal & new cd coming this spring/summer. He’s taping a pbs special this Friday that is to be used for PBS fund raising in June. There are already 2 venues that have included Clay & Ruben in their Summer concert schedule. If these 2 venues are an indication the tour will be similar to Clay’s last summer tour in 2007.

    I guess Clay needs some help with it this time, cause that last tour wasn’t exactly a sell out as many of the last couple of tours, he’s had trouble filling the venue. I could actually see Clay doing this as I don’t see him having a full scale tour for this cd that is covers of 50s and 60s music, isn’t it? I could see Ruben and even Taylor doing it too. I would be amazing to see the dynamic of the loony fanbases, lol.

  • http://mjsbigblog.com/luvadamlamberts-american-idol-tour-2009-washington-dc-re-cap.htm luvadamlambert

    cool I like him

  • Lulu2

    Norman’s my main man! So hilarious during Season 8. I don’t know who the other two AI people are, but good chance that’s he’s the reason I would go see the show. Team him up with Adam, Kris and Alison and there’s a Vega’s show for ya.

  • musical

    Clay’s really busy, gearing up to ‘season 2′ of his career…he took some time off to recover from serious jaw alignment surgery, make the transition to his new label and be a hand’s on father during his baby son’s infancy. Just prior to that, his run in Spamalot produced record attendance figures.

    Vegas shows are quite entertaining, I wish Clay had the time to appear there. At least AI idols are booking performances in casinos…which makes for near by concerts for California fans thereby avoiding airline hassles/expenses.

  • phdrmom

    I saw Clay at the casino in Indio (where Adam just performed) in 2007. I’m pretty sure it was a sold out show for Clay. That tour was in support of his 2006 cover album. From 2004-2007 Clay had 8 concert tours. He did Spamalot in 2008 & spent most of last year recovering from major jaw surgery.

    I have no idea what his plans are for touring with this next album. I did read that Ruben tweeted a few months ago that he & Clay would be sharing a stage together this summer & now the 2 venues that published their summer concert tour shows that include Clay & Ruben makes it look like it’s a tour. Personally I hope it is a full tour because there is nothing like Clay & Ruben sharing a stage. They are great friends, have such great on stage rapport, & they sound fanstastic together. I’m just grateful Kim Locke won’t be part of it.

  • hicksaholic

    I really hope if Taylor does it, Elliott does too. That would be even more reason to go.

    I’m betting on Taylor. If there’s good money involved and a chance to increase the fanbase I think he’s in. He says he’s got to make it while he can. He hasn’t taken a break since Idol.

  • Cari

    I have a feeling the two winners will be Taylor and Fantasia. Don’t think I’d pay vegas prices to see either of them, though…

  • Sandi

    Fantasia is doing her reality show so that may not leave her time to be in Vegas for 4 months. Maybe Jordin and Taylor?

  • jdanton2

    Jordin has a few shows around the USA announced already over the next few months and there is a rumor she is starting a tour on March 31st though no details as of yet.

  • dejavu

    Kim Locke & Kim Caldwell are both working with Randy Jackson. I don’t know if this show is something he would be involved with.

    Kim Caldwell is NOT working with Randy Jackson. Kim Caldwell is signed to a major label deal with Capitol Records. She would be perfect for a show like this.

    I hope that Clay Aiken goes no where near this show. He sings boring music for older people. He doesn’t match to that funny and campy humor that Nick has. Kim, Fantasia, singers like Jasmine or Elliott, Melinda would be perfect for this show.