Headlines: Nick Fradiani, Lauren Alaina, Jennifer Hudson

Adam Lambert performs “Faith” by George Michael on the Greatest Hits Live finale at 9/8c PM on ABC.

Nick Fradiani Talks ‘Hurricane,’ Provocative Lyrics & Nashville – While he exudes confidence and pride in his work, there is an air of worry in his voice. It has been nearly a year and half since his confetti shower on FOX’s now-canceled singing show. As he tells it, a depletion in his hardcore fan base did cross his mind. “One good thing about [waiting so long] is we did have a pre-order up since the day I won. So, thousands of people, luckily, did get to pre-order it. There’s pros and cons to taking a year and four months,” he shares with Popdust over the phone last week. “If this were about eight or nine years ago with ‘Idol,’ it would have been a huge mistake because the buzz is so crazy from the show. At this point, the last few ‘Idol’ albums haven’t done exceptionally great, whether they were rushed out or they took their time with it. Basically, we tried to make the best album. Also, I think I’m the first person who wrote the entire album post-show. That definitely made it take a little longer. I had to find the kind of genre I wanted and what the label was cool with. At the end of the day, I’m happy with it. That’s really what’s the most important.” – Read more at Popdust

Lauren Alaina Put Her Life Into a Country Song – Alaina is literally lived a country song, so why not write one about her exact experiences? “The song is called ‘Doin’ Fine’ and it’s about my dad,” Alaina told Sounds Like Nashville. “My dad’s an alcoholic and he went to rehab a couple years ago, and then my parents got divorced and it was crazy. My mom married a family friend and my dad married someone that’s eight years older than me, so it was just like, these like … I literally live a country song, so I had to write one. You know?” – Read more at SoundsLikeNashville

Harvey Fierstein and Jennifer Hudson on ‘Hairspray Live’ and the Song That Almost Never Was – Motormouth Maybelle, who runs a record shop frequented by African-American kids, becomes instrumental in integrating The Corny Collins Show, a teenage TV dance program. Fans of the 2007 movie remember Queen Latifah in the role, which Hudson will tackle in the new cast. “I like to have my own touch, my own approach on it, but I do like to reference it and look back just to get the gist of it,” says Hudson of previous interpretations. Her big number in the second act, “I Know Where I’ve Been,” an anthemic reflection on repression, is a song that almost never made the original Broadway musical. “The original producers said it’s a light comedy and we can’t do heavy here,” recalls Fierstein, who dug his heels in to save the song, banding together with composer Marc Shaiman, lyricist Scott Wittman and librettist Mark O’Donnell. “We just kept fighting and fighting. We had a producer who said, ‘Before we go to Broadway, you’re taking that out.’ And of course it stopped the show every night.” – Read more at Hollywood Reporter

NBCUNIVERSAL EVENTS -- NBCUniversal Summer Press Tour, August 2, 2016 -- NBC's "Hairspray Live!" cast -- Pictured: (l-r) Derek Hough, Kristin Chenoweth, Harvey Fierstein, Maddie Baillio, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande -- (Photo by: Chris Haston/NBCUniversal)

‘Hairspray Live!’ Star Derek Hough Says Julianne’s ‘Grease’ Performance ‘Raised the Bar’ for TV Musicals – “Grease definitely raised the bar as far as the way it was shot and the way it was done,” a clean-shaven Hough, 31, told ET’s Leanne Aguilera at NBC’s Television Critics Association press day on Tuesday. “And for this musical, it kind of lends itself to that similar style, I suppose.” In the holiday telecast, Hough will play Corny Collins, the eccentric host of The Corny Collins Show. “We have a great team, amazing directors, amazing camera operators,” he said, revealing that “they’re actually building a studio for us just for this. It’s pretty incredible.” Hairspray Live! will take a page out of Grease: Live’s book, utilizing Universal’s backlot in Universal City, California, and embracing whatever natural elements may come in December. – Read more at ETOnline

Idol winner performing Friday – In an email to the Daily Bee, Hicks said he has been to North Idaho before, calling it “one of hte greatest secrets on Earth,” — and he’s not telling anybody. “I’ve been very lucky to do TV, Broadway, music, to publish my life story, have a residence in Vegas,” Hicks said. “All of that came from that stage.” Hicks’ most recent album was “The Distance” in 2009. He is currently working on a new album while filming for his new show, “State Plate,” where he brings together his love of food and travel as he tours the country and works on the new album. Although he is not filming while in the area, he is filming in a different state almost every week. – Read more at BonnerCountyDailyBee

Harry Connick, Jr. Stresses Spontaneity, No Games on Daytime Show – The result is a program “structured for Harry” that is a combination of both formal and spontaneous performances with a house band — yes, Connick wrote the show’s theme himself — man-on-the-street segments, desk segments and interviews with both celebrities and everyday people. “It’s going to be different everyday,” he said. “The surprises will be situational.” A few things not on the itinerary? “We’re not going to play games. I’m not going to put them in dunk tanks,” said Connick. Also gone, for the most part, are pre-interviews. “This idea of not having pre-interview is pretty liberating to me,” he said, but added, “the option is there for them if they want it.” – Read more at Hollywood Reporter

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About mj santilli 34841 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!