Headlines: Kaleb Lee & Kelly Clarkson, Danny Gokey Feels Ignored

11/30/2019 mj santilli Headlines 35

Event Pick: The Hollywood Christmas Parade Returns to Tinseltown – If you stand in one place along various parts of Hollywood and Sunset boulevards, Hollywood comes to you, in a nighttime promenade of marching bands, floats, gigantic cartoonlike balloons, and a constellation of stars (and semi-stars) perched in vintage cars. The grand marshal of The 88th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade is Extra/Saved by the Bell’s Mario Lopez, and the co-hosts are Elizabeth Stanton, Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Dean Cain and Montel Williams, with appearances by Lorenzo Lamas, Finola Hughes, Lidya Jewett, Burt Ward, Lacey Evans and others. The eternally cool and elegant Dionne Warwick presides over a group of musical performers that includes David Archuleta, Sheléa, The Boo Crew, Brandon Jenner, Ace Young & Diana DeGarmo, and Phil Vassar. While the quaint choice of celebrities tends to favor actors from the distant past rather than the more charismatic forces in Hollywood today, it’s always a kick to see the streets of Tinseltown shut down for an evening of glitzy pomp and kitschy circumstance. The parade starts at Hollywood Boulevard & Orange Drive, continues east to Vine Street and then south to Sunset Boulevard; Sun., Dec. 1, 5 p.m.; free (grandstand seats $65 & $85). (866) 727-2331, thehollywoodchristmasparade.org. – Read more at LAWeekly.com

Kaleb Lee Duet with Kelly Clarkson Drops Dec 6

Kelly Clarkson has remained involved in team member Kaleb Lee’s career, even recording a duet with The Voice season 14 alum. The song comes out on Friday Dec 6.

‘Winter in the Air’: David Archuleta says Christmas concerts are his ‘favorite shows’ – Archuleta has embraced his new writing process. “I let it flow more,” he says. “I still feel like I use a lot of my head and I want to use more of my heart when I write. I don’t know if it’s just a safety guard and I’m afraid of being too vulnerable.” Archuleta plans on releasing a few more singles before deciding his next move. He has enough material written now for his next album. “People listen to singles and playlists more now,” he says. “I’m leaning that way.” – Read more at ABQJournal.com

David Archuleta interview (City Winery Atlanta 12/10) – Archuleta has done multiple Christmas tours in recent years and it works for him. “It’s become a thing I do and I love it,” he said. “I like to provide a place where people can gather and have fun and sing along while also having some more sacred moments as well.” He has plans for an album of originals in 2020 he has largely finished. But he said he has struggled with indecision, a major bugaboo of his. – Read more at AJC.com

Danny Gokey on Christmas, fulfilling the Great Commission through music – “I don’t know of any contestant that lost a record deal and is now doing better,” he said. “It shows me that God’s hand is on what I do and it’s about Him. That’s why my goal is to show Him and His glory through my music.” Unabashedly professing his faith in a predominantly secular industry doesn’t come without drawbacks. Gokey admitted that sometimes, it can feel like he and other Christian artists are the “red-headed stepchildren” of the music world. “Christian music, in general, is shrugged off a lot,” he said. “When it comes to ‘American Idol,’ [season five contestant] Mandisa and I have moved tons of music, more so than many in our field, but we’re just not invited to the table. We’re not celebrated. I’m not sure why that is, but I’m OK with it.” – Read more at Christian Post.com

Danielle Bradbery: ‘I’m in a Happy Place Now’ – Danielle Bradbery’s sophomore album, 2017’s I Don’t Believe We’ve Met, featured quite a bit of heartbreak — but don’t expect it to continue on her next project. “I’m in a happy place now,” the singer insists, and her new music will reflect it. “Still, you’ll have the raw, real, honest music,” Bradbery told Taste of Country ahead of the 2019 CMA Awards, “and I’m throwing it back a little back on some songs and having it authentic country, so I’m excited about that.” – Read more at Taste of Country

David Foster and Katharine McPhee-Foster talk ‘An Intimate Evening’ – Composer David Foster and his wife, singer Katharine McPhee-Foster, sit down with Hoda and Jenna for a chat about “An Intimate Evening,” a new album by Foster that McPhee-Foster lends her vocals to. McPhee-Foster also discusses her return to Broadway’s “Waitress.” (An Intimate Evening airs on select PBS stations tonight Nov 30. Check times and channel).

American Idol’s Jessica Meuse Joins forces with AL News Network for the Salvation Army

Happy Thanksgiving from Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie – American Idol

Simon Fuller’s Now United Launches New Member Search in Middle East, North Africa – Now United, the international pop group formed by “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller, has initiated a search for a new member the Middle East and North Africa. The group, comprised of 14 young artists, each from different countries, was founded with the mission of “supporting emerging music artists globally.” Countries currently represented in Now United include India, Brazil, the UK, Mexico, Philippines, Finland, South Korea, Senegal, China, Japan, Germany, Russia, Canada and the United States. The group has following of 20 million fans worldwide. – Read more at Variety

Hungary Exits 2020 Eurovision Over Contest’s LGBT-Friendly Policies: Report – Hungary has dropped out of Eurovision 2020 amid reports that the country’s conservative government was unhappy with the song contest’s LGBTQ-friendly policies. Hungary’s boycott would be the first known case of a country deciding not to participate in Eurovision because of a stance on social issues. The government has not provided an official explanation for the pull-out. But British media outlets, including The Guardian, quoted unnamed sources at Hungarian public service broadcaster MTVA as saying the government’s anti-LGBTQ stance was a deciding factor. – Read more at Billboard.com

About mj santilli 34829 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!
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