Fox Seeks to Dismiss $240 Million Lawsuit by ‘American Idol’ Lenders – Looking to save itself in a lawsuit that demands $240 million in compensatory damages and more in punitive damages, 21st Century Fox has told a judge that American Idol lenders are seeking to blame others for their high-risk loans that didn’t pan out. The complaint was filed in December 2016 by the litigation trustee of former Idol producer Core Media Group, which declared bankruptcy and was then taken over by financial firms that had once extended $360 million in loans. Core filed for Chapter 11 after ratings for Idol tanked, causing Fox to cancel the singing competition show. Idol will soon reboot on ABC, but the real drama might now be taking place between Core’s lenders: Fox, Endemol and Apollo Global Management, one of the world’s biggest private equity firms. – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter
American Idol 15 Winner Trent Harmon to Make Big Announcement at Opry
The @opry is such a special place 2me. This Sat. is going 2b xtra special. I’ll b sharing some rly exciting news from my dressing room b4 I take the stage! Can’t wait!!!! Talk2 yall Sat nite! pic.twitter.com/GvUa4OIVUS
— trent (@trentharmon) February 1, 2018
Carrie Underwood’s Husband Mike Fisher Un-Retires from Hockey
This is happening! Fish is back! So proud of you, baby! We want the cup!!! https://t.co/ohP7zPtT1s
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) January 31, 2018
After walking away from the game of hockey last summer, Mike Fisher has decided that maybe he isn’t quite done just yet. On Wednesday morning at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Fisher took to the ice in what is the first step toward the former Predators centerman rejoining the club he captained to within two wins of a Stanley Cup last spring – with hopes of getting just a little bit further this time around. It’s a virtually unprecedented move – only a handful of former NHLers have stepped out of retirement and back onto the ice to give it one more try. – More at NHL.com
It took a lunch with Roman Josi, encouragement from Carrie Underwood and a realization that some business just can’t go unfinished for Mike Fisher to say aloud what he had accepted only a few weeks before: I’m coming back. “I asked my son and he’s like, ‘no, no,’ and I don’t even know if he knew what he was saying no to,” Fisher laughed in regard to asking his family if he should lace up the skates again. “But to be honest, [my wife] Carrie [Underwood] was, she kept asking me almost every day what I was going to do and she wanted me to do it. She’s usually right, and people that I just have discussions with, their eyes light up.” – More at NHL.com
Phillip Phillips Eliminates Mumford & Sons in ‘1 Has 2 Go’ – Singer-songwriter Phillip Phillips stopped by the Billboard office to play a round of “1 Has 2 Go,” choosing between dance moves, bands, game shows and foods. For anyone who has ever wanted to see Phillips do the running man, now is your chance. When asked to eliminate either that, the Macarena or the salsa, he initially chooses the running man, but changes his mind after busting out some moves, ultimately nixing the Macarena. – See the Video at Billboard
Lauren Alaina on Her Long Road to Becoming a Fresh Face In Country – She notched a Country Airplay No. 1 with “Road Less Traveled,” and topped Hot Country Songs alongside Kane Brown with “What Ifs” in October. She was also voted by radio programmers onto the prestigious New Faces Show, which closes out the Country Radio Seminar next Wednesday (Feb. 7) in Nashville. – Read more at Billboard
Interview: ‘The Voice’ star Anthony Alexander talks Team Adam Levine – “The Voice” star Anthony Alexander gained popularity and a global fan base as a member of Team Adam Levine. After singing “Redbone,” his smooth vocals took him from the auditions to Team Adam and then to Season 13’s live playoffs. Life after “The Voice” continues to be exciting for Alexander thanks to his loyal fans and newfound success. In a recent interview with AXS, Alexander shared about his experience as an artist on the hit singing competition. “It was so amazing working with Adam Levine and being a part of his team. He’s such a great coach. He and I became friends and then we grew to be more like brothers,” says Anthony Alexander. – Read more at AXS
Jordin Sparks’ 16-Year-Old Step-Sister Dies from Sickle Cell Anemia Complications – The singer’s step-sister Bryanna Jackson-Frias, 16, died Tuesday evening of complications from her lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia, which causes red blood cells to stick to vessel walls, blocking blood flow and preventing oxygen from reaching tissues; the lack of oxygen can damage organs and cause pain so severe it requires hospitalization. “Bry went peacefully to Heaven,” Sparks’s mom, Jodi Jackson, wrote on Facebook Wednesday alongside a photo of her late step-daughter. “I can’t help to think [that] she’s smiling just like this. Thank you all for your prayers.” – Read more at People
