‘American Idol’ Final Season to Audition Karaoke-Video Contest Winners – Variety reports a new American Idol partnership that will give fans a new opportunity to auditions for the fifteenth and final season of the show. “FremantleMedia North America, which produces “American Idol” with 19 Entertainment, has teamed with startup StarMaker Interactive, whose app lets users record and post karaoke videos of themselves using backing tracks licensed from music publishers. Under the partnership, StarMaker is running a contest inviting users to share their best videos to get a chance to land an “American Idol” audition slot; other members of the service can then vote for their favorite performances through Sept. 30 — and 11 winners will be selected for in-person auditions.” Ten winners will be invited to callbacks in front of producers. One hopeful will earn a “last chance” audition in front of the judges. Read more at Variety
Josh Kaufman plays a free concert tonight – at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, as part of the Indiana Derby Festival. Josh tells the Shelby News he hopes fans can connect to his music “on a deeper level…because when that happens, I think the music is at its best.” – Read more at the Shelby News
ABC to debut a Bachelor in Paradise after-show – As if we don’t get enough Bachelor goodness! The upcoming Bachelor in Paradise will air a one hour post show at 10 pm after the monday edition. On Aug. 3, according to EW, ABC will debut After Paradise, a live, one-hour weekly after-show that will immediately follow the two-night premiere of Bachelor in Paradise. Chris Harrison will host alongside author and “Bachelor Enthusiast” Jenny Mollen. – Read more at Entertainment Weekly
‘Big Brother 17’: Third Evictee Responds to Hate From Past Players and Calls Out This Season’s Floaters – Big Brother’s 3rd evictee, Jeff, talks about floater and reacts to his superfan haters – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter
