Headlines: Gabby Barrett to Play Steelers Benefit, Kellie Pickler Announces Talk Show Premiere

Opening Night at Tennis’ US Open with First-Ever “Double Doubleheader” – The 50th Anniversary US Open will double your evening pleasure starting Monday, Aug. 27, with the first-ever scheduled night session doubleheaders on the new Louis Armstrong Stadium alongside the matches on Arthur Ashe Stadium on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET. ESPN2’s live coverage of the opening Monday night will include a performance from Arthur Ashe Stadium by Kelly Clarkson. – Read more at ESPNMediaZone

Steelers announce Rock Steelers Style 2018: A Signature Night – The Steelers announced Rock Steelers Style 2018: A Signature Night, presented by Peoples Gas, PNC Bank, Neighborhood Ford Store and UPMC, will take place on Friday, October 5, at Stage AE. Pittsburgh’s own Gabby Barrett, who appeared on season 16 of American Idol, has also been announced as a performer at this year’s Rock Steelers Style. Co-chaired by Greta and Art Rooney II, and Kiya and Mike Tomlin, Rock Steelers Style is the team’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and Cancer Caring Center. – Read more at Steelers.com

Kellie Pickler Talk Show – Season 2 of Pickler & Ben to Premiere Monday September 17

https://twitter.com/kelliepickler/status/1034076638567428098

Carrie Underwood Joins Keith Urban Onstage in Nashville – Carrie Underwood is expecting her second child, but the superstar isn’t letting it slow her down. The visibly pregnant star joined Keith Urban on stage at his concert in Nashville on Friday night (Aug. 24) to sing “The Fighter.” – More at Taste of Country

Kris Allen, other ‘American Idol’ singers, to perform at DeJoria Center – Allen is fond of his time on “American Idol.” “I’m incredibly grateful for the people who found me through the show,” he said. “I love that I have a career because of the show.” While he enjoyed the process, Allen struggled with songwriting. “It’s been a learning process for me, and since I’ve had to work hard at it, I do take pride in my songwriting today,” he said. “I love a good story, and I love a great lyric and melody. And since I respect those things so much, I’ve tried to work so hard over the past nine years to become good.” – Read more at ParkRecord.com

Everyone’s favorite ‘American Idol’ couple is coming to Utah – “It’s been a lot of fun being on the road with the top seven because we all get to experience this post-‘Idol’ life for the first time together, with a new city and a new audience every day,” Poppe told the Deseret News in a recent interview. For both Poppe and Hutchinson, what they love most about post-“Idol” life and the tour is the people — really seeing the people that voted for them for the first time and letting their fans see and interact with them as people rather than just performers. “I have a lot of time when I talk to the crowd and interact,” Hutchinson added. “We’ve had some incredible crowds and when the crowd is great, the performance is great.” – Read more at Deseretnews.com

Asia Argento Fired From ‘X Factor Italy’ Following Sexual Assault Accusation – Asia Argento has been let go from “X Factor Italy,” according to the Australian AP. The actress will not appear on the current season’s upcoming live shows after a report last week said Argento paid $380,000 to a 17-year-old boy she is accused of having a sexual encounter with in 2013. Last Sunday, the New York Times reported that Argento, who was one of the first to publicly accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, secretly paid a settlement to a young male actor who accused her of sexual assault. – Read more at The Wrap

NBC Threw Back to America’s Got Talent Saturday Night at an Unfortunate Moment

On Saturday night, NBC interrupted a repeat of America’s Got Talent to announce the death of Arizona senator, John McCain. Perhaps the interns were in charge that night. Once the report finished, instead of cutting to a network logo, PSA or black screen, the show immediately cut to the joke act, Yumbo Dump, still in progress. The Japanese “comic” duo make stupid noises with their bodies. And as you cans see here…hm. John McCain seemed to have a sense of humor. Perhaps he’s somewhere having a chuckle. May he rest in peace.

About mj santilli 35132 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!