Fantasia Barrino — High Alert After Hate Mail
Fantasia Barrino is under a self-imposed lockdown — after the “American Idol” champ received a threatening letter.
It all started last night at the Pantages Theater in L.A. — Fantasia was reading her fan mail after a performance of “The Color Purple.”
Fantasia’s manager tells us Barrino became alarmed over a disturbing letter loaded with racial slurs — including the n-word — and a line that read, “go back where you came from and die.”
We’re told the person who wrote the letter claims he used to work as a security guard for Fox while Fantasia was on “A.I.”
Fantasia’s manager tells us the singer immediately contacted theater security — which then contacted the LAPD.
Parents Angry at ‘American Idol’ Contestant
Hall, who on Tuesday made it into the top 24 on “American Idol, ” wrote “Oz, The Musical, ” which he billed on its Facebook page as “a contemporary twist on the classic story, with all new music.”
He had been putting on small productions of the show since he was 17, using local, nonprofessional actors for the lead roles and casting local children as munchkins and flying monkeys.
“They were fabulous, just wonderful productions, and the kids just really loved them, ” said Dallas businessman Greg Money, who had three daughters in the shows.
Then in August 2008, Money agreed to finance a production of “Oz” in Lubbock, Texas, that used a professional cast for the lead roles. That led to a small tour of Texas cities in early 2009 Money says was a “financial disaster.”
Reached by phone Friday, Hall said “American Idol” rules do not allow him to participate in any media interviews, however, he did generally confirm Money’s account of events. Hall is scheduled to perform Wednesday on “Idol” with the top 12 male semifinalists.
‘Idolatry’: Semifinalist missteps, the power of Bower(sox), and a Ruben-esque problem on ‘American Idol’
After six weeks of caterwauling, pants-on-the-grounding, and Mary Powers-ing, American Idol has announced the 24 semifinalists of season 9. Yes, Idoloonies, the power to name Kelly Clarkson 9.0 rests in your extremely capable hands. Before you pick up the phone to speed-dial, however, (and keeping in mind you can’t do that before 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday anyhow), why not press play below and check out this week’s Idolatry?
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Idol: Interview with Andrew Garcia
Moreno Valley’s Andrew Garcia is in the top 24 of “American Idol” and I just had a chance to do a quick interview with him. Here are the highlights.
Garcia, who attended Canyon Springs High School, didn’t start playing guitar until he was 18. His father George also played guitar and one day Garcia just picked up the instrument and without knowing how to play, just connected with it.
He was always into R&B and rap but then started getting into rock and different kinds of music.
He named Stevie Wonder and Thrice among his biggest musical influences.
How Tim Urban found out he’d made the ‘American Idol’ Top 24
Tim Urban found out Tuesday afternoon that he’d made the Top 24 for this season’s American Idol, after having thought since January that he’d been cut from the show. He got a call from an Idol producer Tuesday asking him if he wanted to be in the Top 24, then flew to Los Angeles first thing Wednesday morning.
Idol’s Angela Martin Upbeat After Elimination, Hopeful Mom Will Be Found
For someone eliminated a third time from American Idol’s Hollywood rounds, Angela Martin is surprisingly upbeat and not bitter. “I’m okay, I’m okay, ” she tells PEOPLE. “I’ve had a great experience.”
As fans of the show reacted with shock at Martin’s dismissal, the 28-year-old Chicago singer says the judges let her down easy. “The way it was edited was great for me, ” Martin says. “I was actually the last person in the room. I was the 25th person. After the 12th girl came out, I already knew I didn’t make it, so I prepared myself for hearing the news directly from the judges.”
Who Is Aaron Kelly?
(MYFOX NATIONAL) – Hailing from Sonestown, Pa., 16-year-old Aaron Kelly is one of the youngest and “nicest” contestants to make it to the top 24 on season nine of “American Idol.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer describes the country crooner as “babyfaced” and “shy”, but says he “sang with enough confidence and style to survive the cut.”
It was his rendition of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” that won the judges over on the final night of auditions.
Who Is Didi Benami?
(MYFOX NATIONAL) – “American Idol” hopeful Didi Benami’s dream of making it big in music isn’t just for her, it’s also for the memory of her close friend, Rebecca Joy Lear, who died in a car wreck.
“With a Rebecca forever on my mind, and the world at my fingertips attitude, Didi is a woman on a mission to get Rebecca Joy’s music, as well as her own out into the world, ” states Benami’s MySpace page. “The music is so beautiful and the lyrics are captivating. … If it’s the last thing I do, I want to make sure that happens.”
So far, so good.
Interview with ‘American Idol’ semifinalist Katelyn Epperly
Katelyn Epperly, the curly blonde-haired singer with the soulful voice, is ready to sing her heart out Tuesday on “American Idol.”
“We’ve had one rehearsal and it was good, ” the West Des Moines native said in a phone interview from California on Friday.
Last Tuesday, Epperly was named a top 24 semifinalist on “American Idol, ” and on this coming Tuesday, she sings live as one of the top 12 female finalists.
“The support has been overwhelming, ” the 19-year-old said of the outpouring from her hometown fans.
‘American Idol’ finalist Siobhan Magnus has ties to the Lehigh Valley
Siobhan Magnus, 19, is one of 12 female finalists who made it through Hollywood into the semifinal round of the reality TV show. Magnus is a resident of Cape Cod, Mass., but has family ties to the Lehigh Valley — including relatives in Moore and Forks townships.
“Everyone’s over the moon about it, ” said Magnus’ great aunt, Lorraine Lynch James, of Alexandria, Va., a 1964 graduate of Notre Dame High School. “The phone lines were buzzing (with excitement) from here to the West Coast … It was no surprise to us the she made it to the semifinals. She’s an extraordinary talent.”
Adam Lambert Concert Sold-Out At Fantasy Springs
INDIO – Tickets sold out today for Adam Lambert’s Feb. 27 concert at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, a casino spokeswoman said.
Lambert’s popularity has soared since his loss to Kris Allen on “American Idol” last May.
Fans will be coming from all over the world, including Thailand, Australia, Canada and Mexico, to see Lambert headline the 8 p.m. show at the casino’s Special Events Center, said Fantasy Springs spokeswoman Ciara Green.
The casino will host a two-hour pre-concert party for fans, which is also sold-out, Green said.
More with Adam Lambert: Johnny Weir and NYC Fashion Week
Tell us a little about fashion week.
Oh my God, I had so much fun! I went to the Blonds show and they’ve actually designed some pieces for me. There was this jacket with spikes on the shoulders that I wore for my album shoot. And then I ended up taking off one of the epaulets and wearing it for the “For Your Entertainment” video. So I really like their aesthetic. It’s awesome, and they gave me this glove thing to wear, so I had a blast.
Have you seen Johnny Weir on the Olympics?
People keep asking me about him, but I don’t know much about him. I think it’s funny that I keep getting asked about him. It’s probably because he’s gay. [Weir, it should be noted, prefers privacy on the matter of his sexuality.] He’s not really my type, but I’ve seen a couple of photos, I should look him up. I heard he skated to Lady Gaga music, which I think is awesome.
Adam Lambert Eyes ‘Cutting-Edge’ Fashions For Tour
Adam Lambert is ready to take his over-the-top performance all over the world to promote his debut album, For Your Entertainment. And as the image-conscious “Idol” runner-up plans a tour for later this year, one big question remains: Who will design his stage outfits?
At the G-Star Raw show during New York Fashion Week, Lambert did dish to MTV News that he already has a designer in mind. “Oh, wow, I think Gareth Pugh is really, really talented, ” he said of the English designer whose goth-chic designs could be a perfect fit for the glam rocker. “It’s kind of futuristic and cutting edge.”
American Idol runner up Adam Lambert thinks fur looks great
During a recent interview with BLI in the Morning, American Idol runner up Adam Lambert was asked if he was opposed to fur.
Lambert: “I know this is the most un-pc way to put it but I didn’t kill the thing so I don’t see why I can’t wear it.”
BLI In The Morning co-host Randy: “I love fur too. I mean, really, I eat cow!”
Lambert: “You know, we eat meat. I don’t like cruelty to animals obviously, anything that can be done to prevent that but I think fur looks great.”
Randy: “I do too, Adam. I say line ‘em up, kill ‘em, and sew ‘em together.”
Katharine McPhee Photos On NBC’s COMMUNITY Episode 17
Check out photos of Katharine McPhee guest starring as Mike on NBC’s COMMUNITY “Basic Genealogy” Episode 17 airing Thursday March 4 (9:30-10 p.m. ET). Also check out a video of McPhee talking about her role on the show.
Episode Synopsis: COMMUNITY “Basic Genealogy” Episode 17 – Jeff tries to help Pierce connect with his stepdaughter (Katharine McPhee) on Greendale’s Family Day.
EXCLUSIVE! Jason Castro To Idol Hopefuls: ‘Think Long And Hard About Your Song Choices!’
American Idol’s top 24 contestants will start performing live in less than a week, and season seven’s Jason Castro has one piece of advice for them — pick the right songs.
Jason Castro, the hippy hottie from American Idol’s seventh season, says even though he placed fourth in 2008, he wouldn’t have changed a thing about his own performances. But there is one very important piece of advice he wants to give to this season’s Idol hopefuls as they prepare to go live: choose your sings wisely.
“Bounce ideas off people. Ask your friends, ‘Am I going to be an idiot if I do this or is it cool?’” the 22-year-old newlywed Dallas native told HollywoodLife.com exclusively Feb. 18 at FremantleMedia Enterprises, 19 Entertainment and Samsung’s American Idol Top 24 Semi-Finalist event in West Hollywood.
American Idol 2010: Betting Odds Released for Season 9 Winner!
The top 24 contestants on American Idol’s season 9 have been released, and now the 2010 betting odds on the eventual winner are out.
Andrew Garcia debuts as the favorite to eventually to become the 2010 American Idol winner according to the betting odds that 5Dimes Sportsbook has put up for season 9 of this incredible reality singing FOX show. You might remember Garcia from the Los Angeles auditions. His tattoos and large ear gauges make it hard to miss the guitar-playing singer with a voice that stands out all by itself. Andrew Garcia will return $100 for every $20 bet on him if he goes on to claim the title of American Idol winner for season 9.
Do not disturb! Simon Cowell and new fiancée pin note to door asking not to be woken until midday
Simon Cowell’s relationship with his new girlfriend is obviously going from strength to strength.
Days after allowing himself to be photographed taking Mezghan Hussainy into his new home in Beverly Hills, the couple have been pictured actually touching.
The lovebirds strolled arm in arm round the neighbourhood, chatting to passers-by, before retiring into the $14 mansion and sticking a do not disturb note on the intercom.
The polite message read: ‘Do not press the intercom before 12pm. Thank You.’
