Idol Headlines for 02/28/12

New details surface in the 2008 slayings of Jennifer Hudson’s relatives – Jennifer Hudson’s career was soaring in the fall of 2008, but the Oscar-winning actress and singer still found time to check in with her mother back in Chicago every day between 9 and 11 a.m. So when Hudson hadn’t heard from her mom by late in the morning of Oct. 24, 2008, she sent her a text. There was no response. That was the moment she realized something was wrong, according to a new court filing by Cook County prosecutors. – Read more at the Chicago Tribune

News Corp. COO: ‘American Idol’ Needs ‘Fresh Energy’ – NEW YORK – American Idol is “still a big franchise” and has “a lot of legs left in it,” but “ratings today are a bit disappointing” amid increased competition from the likes of The Voice, News Corp. president, COO and deputy chairman Chase Carey told an investor conference on Tuesday. Discussing Idol, Carey said that the show “right now is clearly a glass half full,” but it needs “freshness and excitement and originality” that Fox must focus on injecting. He later used similar phrases to describe what Idol is lacking this season, speaking of the need to bring “fresh energy” and “new dimensions and aspects” to the show. Financially, Carey said that the media conglomerate factored Idol’s ratings weakness into its most recent financial outlook, but highlighted that it is “still a big hit any way you measure TV series.” Asked if the show can reduce costs to offset weaker ratings, he said yes, but the key focus is to inject more excitement. – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter

La. teen competes on ‘American Idol’ – Joshua Ledet was eliminated by “American Idol” judges during auditions last season. Now, in the Fox reality singing competition series’ 11th season, the Louisiana teen finds himself in the top 24. “They (the judges) told me I needed another year, and I’m glad they did,” Ledet, of Westlake near Lake Charles, said during a break from “Idol” rehearsals in Los Angeles on Friday. – Read more at The Advocate

Milford backs American Idol contestant Eben Christian Franckewitz – Milford High School freshman Eben Christian Franckewitz is prepping for the biggest week of his life as an American Idol contestant. The 15-year-old advanced to the Top 24 last week on season 11 of the hit FOX reality show. The city of Milford is throwing its support behind the teenage star in an attempt to get out the vote and put Eben in the Top 12. Local businesses are turning their marquees into campaign signs for Eben. See the Photos at FOX 19

Star Traveler: Country singer shows off her anniversary destination – Though Kellie Pickler’s first album paints her a “Small Town Girl,” she may very well be an island girl at heart. The country star talked with Fox411 and dished on her romantic anniversary getaway of St. Lucia. Pickler, 25, got her career jump started after making it to the final 6 on Fox’s hit singing competition show “American Idol”. Taking advantage of her new found fame, the country crooner released her first studio album “Small Town Girl” which debuted at number one on the Billboard Country Album charts and number 9 on the Billboard 200. Pickler followed up with a successful self-titled album and is preparing to take her latest work “100 Proof” on the road. – Read more at FOX News

‘Glee’ Hits Digital Sales Music Milestone (Exclusive) – With more than 32 million songs from the Fox series digitally downloaded in the U.S., the cast of Glee has become the No. 8 digital artist of all time, according to SoundScan, joining the likes of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and The Black Eyed Peas, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively. – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter

About mj santilli 34833 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!