Graceful Kelly Clarkson’s everywoman appeal just grows stronger – Clarkson is such a Plain Jane, it would be hard to pick her out of a crowd. But put the original “American Idol” next to Beyonce, Britney and Lady Gaga, and suddenly one of these things is not like the other. This is the trick to Clarkson’s repeated rebounds. – Read more at The Boston Herald
Katharine McPhee starring in NBC’s ‘Smash,’ debuting Feb. 6, calling her journey packed with ‘heartbreak’ and ‘frustration’ – I’ve now sampled the first four episodes. It’s a lush, well-written show that could have been edgier if it were on Showtime, which considered “Smash” but ultimately passed. McPhee, though, said if it were a Showtime production, she wouldn’t have made the cut because the show would have involved far more seamier scenes than she would want to do. The music, both the covers and originals, are top notch and immaculately choreographed. And while McPhee only showed glimpses of her dance skills on “Idol” (”Black Horse & the Cherry Tree,” anybody?), she really can dance on “Smash.” – Read more at the Atlanta Journal Constitution
Kellie Pickler Shares ’100 Proof’ Story – Exclusive Cut-by-Cut – Kellie Pickler releases her third studio album today (Jan. 24) and is sharing the stories behind each of the 11 tracks exclusively with Taste of Country. ’100 Proof’ plays almost like an autobiography of Pickler. There’s a song dedicated to her new husband and her father, as well as one inspired by her struggles to accept what’s left of her relationship with her mother. – Read more at Taste of Country
Bravo Releases Sneak Peek of Ryan Seacrest’s ‘Shahs of Sunset’: ‘Hello, We’re Persian’ – Just as The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is ending its Season 2 run, Bravo and Ryan Seacrest deliver a whole different take on Beverly Hills. Meet the cast of Shahs of Sunset, Bravo’s new reality series premiering Sunday, March 11 at 10 p.m. – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter
How far can Steven Tyler go with icky comments on ‘Idol’? – Steven Tyler’s had a number of memorable moments already this season as a judge on “American Idol,” mostly related to the ridiculous hats he’s been wearing at auditions. But the one that was most notable was when 15-year-old Shannon Magrane showed up for the Savannah tryouts. Her parents and sisters were brought into the room, and her dad asked Tyler how it was going. “Hot, humid and happening — just like your daughter,” Tyler replied. – Read more at MSNBC
