Idol Headlines for 1/19/13

Pia Toscano to sing anthem for L.A. Kings’ opener – The National Hockey League begins its lockout-shortened season this weekend, and former American Idol contestant Pia Toscano will perform the U.S. national anthem for the Los Angeles Kings’ home opener. Toscano, a Season 10 finalist, has become a favorite anthem performer for the reigning Stanley Cup champions, and NBC will air the King’s banner-raising ceremony starting at 3 p.m. ET, followed by regional coverage of either the Kings hosting the Chicago Blackhawks (puck drop at 3:25 p.m. ET) or the Philadelphia Flyers hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins (3:35 p.m. ET). – Read more at USA Today

Kelly Clarkson’s inauguration performance comes with political baggage – When Kelly Clarkson belts out the patriotic standard “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” at President Obama’s second inauguration on Monday, it’s safe to assume the performance will be memorable, considering Clarkson’s well-documented vocal prowess. However, the moment could further justify use of the overwrought cliché, “What a difference a year makes,” considering the political baggage that comes with Clarkson’s appearance. Early last year the singer was embroiled in controversy after she drew the ire of some fans when she offered endorsement for controversial Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul. – Read more at LA Times

Brad Paisley, Kelly Clarkson Included On President Obama’s Inaugural Mixtape – As President Obama prepares for his second inauguration on Monday (Jan. 21), he dropped the Presidential Inauguration playlist on Spotify. The list of songs cuts across demographic divides, including rock, country, soul and R&B. A few highlights include “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder, James Taylor‘s “Your Smiling Face,” and Kelly Clarkson’s ”Breakaway.” – Read more at CBS Local

Carrie Underwood Thinks Keith Urban Is the Perfect Fit for ‘American Idol’ = “If anyone can be objective, constructive and tell people what it’s gonna take, it’s gonna be him,” Underwood says of Urban’s qualifications (quote via WZTV). “I am excited ‘American Idol’ is my world. It’s my family and it’s so nice to have someone from Nashville be a part of my ‘American Idol’ family.” As coincidence would have it, a young hopeful belted out Underwood’s ‘Mama’s Song’ during the season premiere last week. The young lady made it to Hollywood, but it was actually Urban who voiced the most concern about the aspiring country singer. “When you sang the first song, I didn’t quite feel it from you,” Urban told the singer. – Read more at The Taste of Country

CARRIE’S TWO BLACK CADILLACS VIDEO

Carrie Underwood talks about the inspiration for her “Two Black Cadillacs” video, dropping on Wednesday.

Destiny’s Child Reunion Is Jennifer Hudson’s ‘Dream Come True’ – Destiny’s Child are back, and their army of celebrity fans are rejoicing. Just last week, Beyoncé, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland got fans feeling nostalgic when they dropped “Nuclear,” a new track off their upcoming compilation album. “Oh my God, that is a dream come true,” fellow diva Jennifer Hudson told MTV News at the Sundance Film Festival, where she is promoting her new movie, the drama “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.” – Read more at MTV.com

Prince to Be Honored at Billboard Music Awards on May 19 – The 2013 Billboard Music Awards are returning to Las Vegas on Sunday, May 19 and will honor the legendary artist Prince during a live ABC broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Prince will be honored with the Billboard Icon Award and is set to deliver what will likely be an unforgettable performance during the broadcast, produced by Don Mischer and sponsored by Chevrolet and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. – Read more at Billboard.com

A.1. to Nicki Minaj You’ll NEVER Go Sauceless Again! – The Nicki Minaj/A.1. Steaksauce love affair isn’t a one way thing … because it turns out the folks behind the tasty, tasty sauce are as big a fan of her as she is of them. If you’ll recall … our photogs spotted Minaj out this week at Boa — a super-fancy steakhouse in Hollywood — where shehad someone bring her a bottle of A.1. into the restaurant. The rep tells, “We’re so glad to hear that Nicki Minaj loves our sauce just as much as we love her and her music. To make sure she’s never ‘sauceless’ again, we sent Nicki some of our A.1. Original Steak Sauce. Now she’ll have A.1. wherever she goes.” – Read more at TMZ.com

About mj santilli 34838 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!