Bandleader Pissed Over ‘American Idol’ Snub
TMZ has learned … one of the key players who made “American ldol” a success was so pissed last night after the show, he chewed out “A.I.” producers backstage.
Rickey Minor — who has been the bandleader for 6 seasons — is leaving A.I. to head up Jay Leno’s band on “The Tonight Show.”
Minor was fit to be tied after no one thanked him or wished him well — hell, they didn’t even acknowledge him during last night’s finale.
Our A.I. spies tell us … when the show was over Minor went off on producers, angrily telling them how insulted he was by their silent dis.
Another ‘Idol’ Player Jumps Ship for Jay
Simon Cowell wasn’t the only one who bid sayonara to “American Idol” last night.
Dorian Holley — the Vocal Coach and Associate Musical Director — said farewell last night as well, and he’s heading for “The Tonight Show.”
Holley was also the Vocal Director for Michael Jackson and was a key player in the London tour that never happened. He was with Jackson hours before he died.
Holley will become the lead singer in “The Tonight Show” band. And he’s not the only “A.I.” musical guru who’s jumping ship — Rickey Minor will take over Jay’s band.
American Idol: Everyone–and No One!–Will Take Over for Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell’s coveted judging slot on American Idol is now up for grabs, but who’s really, truly getting the Idol gig next season? Names are being thrown around willy-nilly (Madonna?!), but we’re here to tell you things are not at all what they seem…
Very reliable Idol insiders tell us that, as of now, show producers plan on replacing the chesty Brit with…no one?!
Says one source: “They most likely will have ‘guest judges, ‘ and not a single new Simon.”
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
‘American Idol’ finalist Aaron Kelly honored with day named in his honor
While all the attention is now focused on ‘American Idol’ finalists Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze as they enter tonight’s crowning of the singing competition’s winner, another finalist in that competition stole the spotlight from them on the Pennsylvania House floor today.
The House passed a resolution designating June 4, 2010, “Aaron Kelly Day” in honor of the 17-year-old Pennsylvanian who finished in the top five in the ‘Idol’ competition.
Paula Deen, Kara DioGuardi Among Presenters at CMT Music Awards
The first round of presenters for the 2010 CMT Music Awards were revealed Wednesday (May 26), including celebrity cook Paula Deen, American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, NFL player Terrell Owens, actress Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), NASCAR legend Richard Petty, Saturday Night Live actor Kenan Thompson and country artists Trisha Yearwood and the Zac Brown Band. The show airs live June 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CMT. Hosted by Kid Rock, the 2010 CMT Music Awards will also feature performances from country music’s biggest stars, including Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and the Zac Brown Band, with more to be announced.
The 12 Worst Moments in ‘Idol’s’ Worst Season
It was the worst season ever of “Idol.” From the introduction of Jamie Foxx’s T-shirts to Teflon Tim Urban to the Simon & Ryan show — not to mention a ho-hum group of finalists — it’s pretty clear why ratings have been down.
So what better way to send off Season 9 – and Simon Cowell — than with this “best of the worst?” The hardest part of putting the list together? Narrowing it down to 12.
Photo Flash: Bloomberg Honors HAIR at Gracie Mansion
New York City saw a different side of its typically conservative Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, when he donned extensions and hippie garb on stage with Broadway’s cast of HAIR at the Inner Circle fundraiser dinner on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at The Hilton Hotel. In thanks, on Sunday May 23, Mayor Bloomberg honored the company with a celebration at Gracie Mansion.
Bloomberg’s appearance at the Inner Circle event, for which he sang and danced alongside the Broadway Tribe, marked his eighth year at the annual event, which raises money for a number of causes including the Coalition for the Homeless, the Museum of the City of New York and the American Heart Association. Past performances by Bloomberg have included numbers with the Broadway casts of The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins and Spamalot.
Ballroom with a Twist Comes To Soundboard At Motorcity Casino 8/14
Ballroom with a Twist is an extravagant evening of entertainment highlighted by stunning costumes, magnificent music, and breathtaking performances. Mario Lopez, co-host of Extra, who appeared in Dancing with the Stars in Season 3, will co-host the event. The show is selling out across the country and is not to be missed.
This ground-breaking show, starring Gilles Marini (Sex In The City movie, ABC-TV’s Brothers and Sisters, and Dancing with the Stars runner up), American Idol finalists David Hernandez (Season 7) and Trenyce Cobbins (Season 2) and fabulous young dancers from So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With the Stars, and High School Musical, pushes the boundaries of ballroom dance. Their performances are infused with the energy and intensity of the hottest new dance styles.
‘Idol’ finalist Gokey returning to Milwaukee
“American Idol” season eight finalist Danny Gokey comes back to Milwaukee Wednesday, greeting fans at Wisconsin Vision’s Elm Grove store.
Fans can meet Gokey and pose for pictures with him from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the store, 12876 W. Blue Mound Road. The event is free.
While they’re there, fans have the chance to win prizes by spinning the WMIL-FM (106.1) “prize wheel.” Prizes include an autographed copy of Gokey’s debut CD, “My Best Days, ” tickets to his Summerfest concert July 4 on the Briggs and Stratton Stage, and other Gokey memorabilia and Wisconsin Vision merchandise.
‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Season 7 preview
Ready for “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 7?
Check out the preview for the new season, which kicks off with a two-hour episode on Thursday, May 27 at 8 p.m ET/PT on FOX.
This time around, it’s even more competitive because only 10 dancers will make it to the show, paired with all-star dancers from previous seasons. Auditions were held in Miami, Chicago, New York, Nahsville, Dallas and Los Angeles.
