EXCLUSIVE: American Idol Hopeful Casey James’ Jailbird Past
American Idol hopeful Casey James wowed the women judges on Tuesday night when he auditioned in Denver Colorado, stripping off his shirt and letting loose his long locks.
RadarOnline.com has learned exclusively that James has a criminal background and has served time in county jail following offenses of driving while intoxicated, driving with an invalid license and reckless driving.
Didi Benami: The backstory on her best friend
During her audition for American Idol that aired Wednesday, Didi Benami talked about singing for the memory of her best friend, Rebecca Joy Lear.
The two girls were roommates at Nashville’s Belmont University, the same school Melinda Doolittle and Ricky Braddy attended. (In fact, Didi, Rebecca and Ricky should have all been at Belmont at the same time.)
Rebecca died in a car wreck while driving back home to Kansas for Christmas break in 2005. She had just finished her first semester.
Daughtry Kicks Off Super Bowl at Super Tailgate This Sunday February 7, 2010
MIAMI, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ — After finishing its successful European tour Monday, Daughtry announces it will perform this Sunday at the NFL’s Super Tailgate Party outside Sun Life Stadium before the kick off of Super Bowl XLIV.
Singer Chris Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, and guitarists Brian Craddock and Josh Steely plan to perform a 45 minute set of music including their current hit single “Life After You” and material from the band’s second #1 album Leave This Town.
Daughtry’s performance will be broadcast on CBS during the network’s extensive pregame coverage and is expected to air at approximately 3:45 pm Eastern. The multi-platinum quintet joins a star-studded lineup that includes Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Steve Winwood.
You heard it here first peeps! Hee.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
‘American Idol’: Nicole ‘Nicci Nix’ Palmeri a reality show vet
If “American Idol” contestant Nicci Nix set off alarm bells when her Denver audition aired on Tuesday (Feb. 2), you’re not alone. It seems there’s much more — or less — to Miss Nicci than it would appear.
Nix’s story was that she has flown 14 hours from Italy to audition. Judge Simon Cowell admired her drive and also called her a “funny little thing, ” largely because of her helium-influenced speaking voice.
Turns out Nix has been on several reality shows, including MTV’s “Date My Mom, ” “Next, ” “Exposed, ” “Making the Band” and NBC’s “Fear Factor.” She also goes by the name Nicole Palmeri.
‘American Idol’ — Duped by a Phoney???
It seems one high-pitched “American Idol” favorite is not who she appears to be — at least when it comes to her accent — because Nicci Nix has been on all sorts of reality shows before … with a completely different voice.
When Nix appeared on “Fear Factor”, not only did she go by another name (Nicci Palmeri) — but she claimed to be from California and talked without the slightest hint of an Italian accent. The accent was also MIA when she appeared on “Making the Band” … plus her voice sounded deeper back then too.
‘Idolatry’: Pesky children, scary overshares, and wayyy too much skin this week on ‘American Idol’
Idoloonies, you’re goin’ to Hollywood! But not until next Tuesday, when American Idol’s ninth season incarnation of Hell Week — with new permanent judge Ellen DeGeneres – gets underway in earnest. Before we get to all the tears and rage and beauty of group performances and a capella chicanery*, however, why not join my cohost Annie Barrett and me to review the fourth and final week of auditions? We delve into the show’s new and bizarre position that children are nothing more than adorable dream-crushers, examine the last-minute burst of manflesh that defined the Denver auditions, and look at the handful of legitimate contenders who emerged during the Denver and “Road to Hollywood” telecasts.
‘American Idol’ Audition Favorites: From ‘Pants On The Ground’ To ‘The Climb’
Thousands of hopefuls. Hundreds of songs. Seven cities. Four excruciating weeks. A dude in a two-piece bikini. One pair of pants on the ground. On Wednesday, “American Idol” wrapped up the auditions for its ninth season, and judging by the numbers — or, really, any other quantifier — it was a pretty interesting ride.
From the news that Simon Cowell would be leaving the show at season’s end, to the spate of celebrity judges lined up by show producers (Neil Patrick Harris, we love you), “Idol” generated more than a few headlines, and in the auditioners rolled out for our viewing, uncovered some genuine diamonds in the rough.
‘Footprints In The Sand’: The Story Behind The ‘American Idol’ Audition
By now, it should be obvious what kinds of things capture “American Idol” lead judge Simon Cowell’s attention: very attractive, slightly dippy young women, scrawny teenage boys with slightly raspy voices and emotional backstories, and oh, yeah, people who sing songs he wrote.
The latter category took center stage on Wednesday night’s final season-nine audition-round show, as repeat auditioner Jessica Furney traded in her Janis Joplin repertoire from season eight for a little ditty called “Footprints in the Sand, ” which just happens to be a Simon Cowell joint.
Carrie Underwood, Queen Latifah put their ‘Pants on the Ground’ at the Super Bowl
Underwood, a former winner of American Idol, was joking asked about the cultural significance of the song:
“As a songwriter I know we all aspire to write something that is catchy and has a message. And I think the youth of America can learn a lot from Pants on the Ground. And they can pull their pants up … because it causes all kinds of back problems. I’ve seen the studies.”
Carrie Underwood Feared Mike Fisher Would Be “Weird”
Was it love at first sight when Carrie Underwood met her future fiance Mike Fisher in October 2008?
The country star isn’t saying, but when the pair were set up by friends to meet backstage at a Toronto concert, Underwood fretted about the hockey player.
“I made sure he came in with some other people, ” she says in the March issue of Cosmopolitan magazine. “I was like, ‘what if he’s weird?'”
Carrie Underwood Covers ‘Cosmopolitan’ March 2010
On fiance Mike Fisher and his influence on Play On: “He provided a lot of inspiration for songs, whether it was something he said or just by being supportive.”
On meeting Mike for the first time after being set up by friends: “I made sure he came in with some other people. I was, like, ‘what if he’s weird?’”
On balancing work and life: “I didn’t want to be one of those people who has an amazing career but ends up alone and unhappy. I want to be happy. I want it all.”
Manning says good ZZZ’s help with X’s & O’s
Singers Carrie Underwood, who’ll sing the national anthem, and Queen Latifah, who’ll perform “America the Beautiful, ” both said during a news conference that they’re pulling for the Saints in the Super Bowl. Underwood didn’t want to upset either side and said she was 51% for New Orleans because Saints coach Sean Payton came to one of her concerts. Latifah said she loves Manning and the Colts, but can’t resist pulling for the underdogs.
From Grammy win to Super Bowl performance, Carrie Underwood having a big week
Fans can also be looking for the Checotah-bred star on the cover of the March issue of Cosmopolitan, on stands early this month, with an Allure cover feature hitting stands for their April issue.
Looking ahead, Underwood will make her first appearance at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl on Oct. 2, with a concert performance that will involve the renowned Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Tickets for the performance go on sale Sunday, Feb. 14. For more information, go to www.hollywoodbowl.com.
Katharine McPhee will sing national anthem at NASCAR
“American Idol” fifth season runner-up Katharine McPhee will sing the national anthem on Feb. 21 for the Auto Club 500 NSCS race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.
The race, at noon, will be aired on Fox, with coverage beginning at 11 a.m., according to a press release from the speedway.
Styx will perform the pre-race concert at 10:15 a.m. For information and tickets, call 800-944-RACE visit http://www.autoclubspeedway.com
Earthy Angel: Taylor Hicks
SILVER-MANED SINGER Taylor Hicks made his name by winning the fifth season of “American Idol” in 2006, fueled by the support of his fans, dubbed the Soul Patrol. Since then, the 33-year-old has released two albums and parlayed his “Idol” success into a stint on stages across the country as the Teen Angel in the national tour of “Grease.” Hicks and company land at the National Theatre Feb. 9-21.
Lenders Seize Sillerman Resort
Lenders holding the $180 million mortgage on U.S. entertainment mogul Robert Sillerman’s luxury resort on the Caribbean island of Anguilla have taken over the half-built project and appointed a receiver to manage it.
Construction of Mr. Sillerman’s Temenos resort, which was to include a 32-room hotel and 78 for-sale villas, was suspended in 2008 when the project ran out of financing amid cost overruns.
Edited to Add:
The Show Girl Has Scoop on ‘Modern Family, ‘ Adam Lambert on ‘Weeds’ & ‘Past Life’ – VIDEO
This week’s Valentine’s Day episode of ‘Modern Family’ is sure to be amazing — star Julie Bowen gives me a little tease, then her TV kids talk about a hilarious upcoming guest star you won’t want to miss. I also have ‘Weeds’ star Justin Kirk dishing about Adam Lambert and guyliner, and I chat with Emmy winner Richard Schiff about his new show ‘Past Life’ and … ‘Saved By the Bell’?
Taylor Swift Can’t Sing? No, Duh.
The truth is, Swift can work at becoming a better live singer, but a Juilliard-trained vocalist cannot work at becoming a better package. You either have been touched by magical fairy dust or you haven’t. The talented guy on the cruise ship, the fabulous wedding singer or maybe Carly Smithson could tell you the same.
Super Bowl star sightings
The week started off slow, but we’re happy to report the party scene is in full swing.
On Wednesday, we spotted Jordin Sparks at the Eden Roc. The Battlefield singer chose the hotel to kick off a series of charity events dubbed the Jordin Sparks Super Bowl Experience.
Sparks, 20, and some of her closest celeb buddies hosted a teddy bear picnic for kids, a live auction and an intimate concert.
“I’ve always wanted to do something even before American Idol, and now that all this stuff happened I can use my name for something good.”
Danny Gokey Draws Fans To Radio Tour
19/RCA/NASHVILLE artist DANNY GOKEY is currently on a busy radio tour. An event at CITADEL Country WIOV/LANCASTER on WEDNESDAY (2/3) attracted more than 250 people. The previous evening (2/2) a show with ENTERCOM Country WBEE/ROCHESTER, NY set a new attendance record for the station, with some fans traveling from as far away as MADISON, WI.
Idol’s Danny Gokey: Obama should replace Simon
Change is good for American Idol, according to Danny Gokey. While many fans are dreading Simon Cowell’s impending exit, the Season 8 third-place finisher tells TVGuide.com that playing musical judging chairs is necessary for the aging Fox juggernaut. “I think in order for Idol to stay alive, they need to reinvent the wheel, ” he says. “He is irreplaceable, and when you bring someone new on, you don’t want them to copycat exactly what Simon did. But you should let their qualities take over and start fresh.” Gokey, who will release his debut album, My Best Days, on March 2, already has some people in mind to take Cowell’s seat. Find out who he’d nominate for the judges’ table, how he hopes to give back through his organization, Sophia’s Heart Foundation, and more.
Kelly Clarkson talks music, Idol and those rumours
IF YOU searched in the dictionary for a definition of pop sensation, you might very well find two words. Kelly Clarkson.
She’s the original American Idol, two-time Grammy winner, sometime actress and double platinum album singer. It doesn’t guarantee people know who she is, however.
“People always come up to me and say ‘Oh my God, you won Idol’” gushes Kelly in her beguiling Texan twang. “I go ‘Yes, I’m that girl!’ and they say ‘You’re that country singer’“.” She pauses. “I say I’m a huge Carrie Underwood fan – but that’s not me.”
Of course, she shares little with her fellow Idol alumni lookswise or anything else. Even soppy post-Idol fare, she wrestled her sound into something distinctively Kelly Clarkson-shaped. Then she ripped though the charts with gustsy self-penned hits like My Life Would Suck Without You.
Carrie Underwood First Artist Announced For CMA Fest
ARISTA/NASHVILLE star CARRIE UNDERWOOD is the first performer to be announced for this year’s CMA MUSIC FEST, which will be held JUNE 10th-13th in NASHVILLE. UNDERWOOD called 15-year-old RILEY AHLSTRAND, an ardent fan of the festival, to tell her the news first. AHLSTRAND was being interviewed by BRAD SCHMITT from WKRN-TV (Channel 2)/NASHVILLE at the time.
Even Carrie Underwood Has Super Bowl Jitters
Sure, there will be football – and commercials – to watch at Sunday’s Super Bowl, but Carrie Underwood says the real on-field drama could begin before kick-off.
“I am going to be extremely nervous, ” the busy star, 26, tells CMT Insider about performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the big game between the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts. “If I look like I am about to get sick on the field, I may at any moment during that song.”
Howard Stern: ‘Idol’s New Simon Cowell?
An item in today’s New York Post claims that the producers of ‘American Idol‘ are looking to replace sharp-tongued, soon-to-be-departing judge Simon Cowell with none other than Howard Stern.
While Stern and Cowell definitely have strong, entertainingly expressed opinions in common, this story seems a little far-fetched. Would the strenuously family-friendly ‘Idol’ really make room for the notoriously blue Stern?
Neil Patrick Harris inches closer to ‘Glee.’ Sing-off time!
Neil Patrick Harris is one step closer to getting his Glee on. CBS, home of Harris’ regular gig How I Met Your Mother, has signed off on a deal that would have Harris guest starring on the Fox series, Ausiello confirms. While nothing has officially been announced yet, it seems inevitable. Back in January, Ausiello reported that Harris and Glee creator Ryan Murphy both wanted to make it happen. With Joss Whedon, who directed Harris in the web musical Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, helming an episode, it seems like all the stars have aligned for a reunion.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell makes surprise return… by auditioning for the panel (and then removing Louis Walsh)
For the thousands of aspiring stars whose hopes he has crushed over the years it could have been the perfect opportunity for revenge.
Simon Cowell stunned Britain’s Got Talent fans by strolling on to the stage on the last day of auditions in Birmingham.
The 50 year-old music mogul had missed two days from the show after suffering a bout of flu.
Louis Walsh, who he works alongside on The X Factor, had been standing in for Cowell on the judging panel with Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden.
An onlooker said: ‘He just turned up by walking on stage and auditioning for Amanda, Piers and Louis.
‘He said my name is Simon and I am from London and today I am here to remove Louis Walsh from the panel. The audience went barmy. Everybody went wild. ’
Walsh and Morgan promptly pressed the red buzzer on him as he was standing on stage.
