Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift Nab Album of the Year Nominations from Academy of Country Music
Will this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards be a ladies’ night? Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are nominated for album of the year for their albums Fearless and Carnival Ride respectively, the Academy announced Thursday. George Strait (for Troubadour), Jamey Johnson (That Lonesome Song) and Montgomery Gentry (Back When I Knew It All) round out the category.
The 44th annual ACM Awards will be hosted ‘ for a record eleventh time ‘ by Reba McEntire on Sunday, April 5, and be broadcast live on CBS from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
‘Dancing With the Stars’: Jewel, Nancy O’Dell withdraw
Singer-songwriter Jewel and Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell will not compete in season 8 of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars. Jewel suffered tibia fractures in both of her legs, while O’Dell’s torn meniscus will require knee surgery. Both women will appear Monday night on DWTS’ season premiere, during which casting changes will be announced. Rumors that Holly Madison would replace Jewel surfaced late Wednesday.
Billboard 100 Hot Shot Debut for Brooke White
The hot shot debut on the chart this week goes to “American Idol” alum Brooke White, whose self-released “Hold Up My Heart” comes in at No. 47.
Clarkson and Kanye to take Idol stage
The American Idol season is about to kick off with a bang – at least as far as guest performers go. No sooner had the show unveiled its freshly baked unprecedented Top 13 then it announced a powerful 1 – 2 punch of guest performers, revealing that both musical sensation Kayne West and Idol’s prodigal daughter Kelly Clarkson will take the Idoldome stage to perform on March 11th results show.
According to the release from Fox, West will perform his platinum selling single “Heartless” while Clarkson will perform her recent smash hit “My Life Would Suck Without You.”
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds
This week’s wild-card show ended with a twist ‘ a top 13 instead of the traditional top 12. (3.6.09)
Fun & Drama at American Idol After Party
After surprising viewers by making it a Top 13, not Top 12, last night, the folks at American Idol headed to local club Area to celebrate and RadarOnline.com was there. No one seemed to be having more fun than Paula Abdul who busted a few dance moves and even took time to help fix one girl’s hair.
One thing Paula wasn’t doing however was talking to fellow judge Kara DioGuardi, who chilled by the bar drinking a glass of champagne. It could just be us but it doesn’t look like the two judges share any love!
Kimberly Caldwell showed up and flirted with most of the male finalists, especially Anoop Dog (Anoop Desai). And Alexis Grace got dagger-like stares from her fellow Final 13 when she introduced herself as “The next American Idol.”
Chapel Hill Student Eve Carson Remembered On ‘American Idol’
“It’s been a tough day, we’re all thinking of Eve, and I love you, Chapel Hill, ” Anoop announced, perplexing millions upon millions of viewers at home ‘ and even Simon Cowell, who, in what might be an “Idol” first, was seen asking fellow judge Paula Abdul for clarification.
It turns out Desai was referring to Eve Carson, the student body president of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who, in an incident that garnered national media attention, was tragically kidnapped and murdered one year ago today. The 22-year-old former valedictorian of her high school class had been shot several times. Her body was found at approximately 5 a.m. on March 5, 2008, lying in a Chapel Hill street, and $1, 400 was withdrawn from various ATM’s using Carson’s debit card in the days after she was killed.
Anoop’s lucky 13 — with more surprises in store
Anoop Desai thought he was a goner when American Idol judges chose Matt Giraud over him for the last spot in the Top 12. Then they made an unprecedented move, making Desai the first-ever 13th finalist in the final moments of Thursday’s runover show.
“It was literally going from having all your dreams dashed to complete euphoria. It was the biggest emotional turnaround I think I’ve ever been through in my life, ” Desai said just three hours later, posing for photographers with his fellow finalists at an Idol party at the Los Angeles nightspot Area.
‹Idol adds extra finalist spot, saves Anoop
When does 12 equal 13? Apparently, the answer is …When ‘American Idol’ selects its finalists.
Thursday wild-card round was supposed to send three singers on to complete the traditional group of 12 finalists. But a last-minute curveball delivered by Simon Cowell offered up extra-special news for one of the audience favorites.
‘American Idol’ recap: Boys gone Wild Card!
If you’re confused or upset about the results of tonight’s American Idol Wild Card episode, it’s time to take a deep breath: You’re just not looking at things the right way. Oh, sure, the best pure vocalist among the eight featured performers got treated like an old toothbrush, enlisted for one final usage, then tossed in the trash bin. And at the same time, a ”commercial” teenager whose performance contained more sharps than a Ginsu factory sailed into the top 12. Er, 13.
But like I said, all you need is a change of perspective, which can be best achieved by listening to a direct quote from Simon Cowell about how he and his fellow judges viewed their task of choosing the final four season 8 semifinalists: ”One of the jobs we’re gonna have to do tonight is that we’ve gotta cast this next stage, so that we’re not just gonna put the boring singers through. We’ve gotta put some personality through as well.”
Phil Stacey blog: Surprise wild card ending
I cant believe we have our Top 13.
That is right — 13. Getting here was a bit rough. I havent really enjoyed the process used for the semifinalist.
I think having each contestant sing only once then on to the finals really disconnected the fans from the Idols. I think that the surprise ending of adding a 13th Idol at least helped make the process a bit less painful. At least the voters will have more of a say on who moves on. Simon said the decision to add the 13th finalist was semi-spontaneous, but it seems to fulfill the shocker talked about by Fox execs at the beginning of the season.
“American Idol” Pledges Allegiance To The Commercial And The Crazy
In addition to sending Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre, and Jorge Nunez through to the Top 12, last night’s peppy-for-an-elimination-episode edition of American Idol set the field for tonight’s Wild Card round. And… well, it’s more than a little disappointing. People who completely botched their initial performance’ Matt Giraud? Jasmine Murray??’ made it through while the velvety-voiced Ju’Not Joyner, who actually sang well on Tuesday night and brought something different to a Dullsville track, sat on the sidelines. Could he be this year’s Alex Lushington, an R & B smoothie who was just too understated for Idol? Given that Tatiana Del Toro, who seemed to have been driven back to madness (perhaps from staring at the nightmarish collision of patterns splashed across her dress for too long), also made it into tonight’s pool, I’m going to say “Probably!”
“American Idol” Is Short On Suspense, Long On Groan-Worthy Moments
Last night’s American Idol showcased the varying talents of eight singers who the judges liked but who for whatever reason (demographics, tattoos, outrigth lousy performances) weren’t embraced by the calling and texting public. Only three of them were supposed to make it into this year’s group of Idol finalists’ or so the viewers thought, until Simon Cowell revealed that this year, the “top” would number 13, not 12. Ooh, Idol, you really mixed it up! Especially for those people who DVR’d the show and missed the big “actually, we’re going to have a top 13 this year” announcement because your judges were too busy braying about commercialism and making questionable decisions to notice that they were running over the allotted time slot. (Never would I thought I’d be professionally relieved about being a Hell’s Kitchen fan.)
American Idol Crashes into Grain Silo, Millions Killed
The show that has entertained millions for so long has finally died, in this its eighth year. We mourn those who’ve been killed in this tragedy, and celebrate those who managed to escape it.
Many watched in horror last night as Paula banked steeply and had her left wing torn off and Randy was sucked out into the the merciless thin air. Many wept as Ryan Seacrest’s body was battered by the impact’ still alive, but unable to move because of his broken legs, he was engulfed in flames and died in that ruined fuselage.
Some Bloggers Say Danny Gokey Is Using Tragedy For Personal Gain
WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee’s very own Danny Gokey has created a lot of buzz on TV and online. But it’s not all “good” buzz. Some are saying that Gokey is using personal tragedy to his own advantage on American Idol.
FOX 6’s Chrystina Head has more.
Fans wonder: Have ‘American Idol’ judges been too easy on blind contestant Scott MacIntyre?
“American Idol” has chosen its final 13 competitors for season eight, and already the fans are rumbling over whether certain singers ‘ including the show’s first blind finalist Scott MacIntyre ‘ really deserve to be there.
This query appeared Thursday on the Fox show’s hugely popular online fan forum: “If Scott wasn’t blind do you think he would still be getting all that praise?”
Headlines: Fantasia Barrino to Star in The Color Purple at the Kennedy Center
American Idol champ Fantasia Barrino will reprise her starring role as Celie when the national tour of The Color Purple begins a five-week engagement at the Kennedy Center this summer. She will join the production for the Washington DC run of the show, which will run from June 30 to August 2.
Fantasia made her Broadway debut in The Color Purple on April 10, 2007, and received unanimous rave reviews. The season three winner of American Idol, she has released two solo albums, wrote the best-selling autobiography Life Is Not a Fairy Tale and starred in a TV movie based on her book. Fantasia has amassed more than 20 award nominations including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Vibe Awards, Soul Train Awards and Soul Train …Lady of Soul Awards, Billboard Music Awards and R&B & Hip Hop Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and Teen Choice Awards.
David Cook hits college circuit
“With the economy the way it is, everybody’s budget is a little tighter. To have that many people go out and invest themselves in this record, it means the world to me. You know, I don’t take that lightly at all.”
— Singer David Cook
I can’t lie — I might have bid in an eBay auction for one of David Cook’s pre-“American Idol” CDs over the weekend.
And this is a little out of character because the past “Idol” contestants whose CDs I’ve liked included mostly pretty country singers — Carmen Rasmusen, Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood and Kristy Lee Cook. Even Kelly Clarkson has been doing shows with country superstar Reba McEntire.
John Mayer To Duet With Jordin Sparks For Charity
Grammy winner John Mayer & platinum artist Jordin Sparks will duet on March 26, 2009, when Carnival Cruise Lines and Mayercraft Carrier 2 present One Splendid Evening, a special concert event to benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.
Proceeds will help restore instrumental music education in America public schools and raise awareness about the importance of music as part of a child complete education.
One Splendid Evening will be held on board the new Carnival Splendor, Carnival largest and most innovative ship, while the vessel is docked at the Port of San Pedro in Los Angeles. The evening will include performances by Gavin Rossdale, Sara Bareilles, Erin McCarley, O.A.R., Guster and DJ Logic, as well as a meet and greet with all the artists. Guests will enjoy dinner, an open bar and additional live entertainment throughout the ship. The next day, the ship sets sail on a special four-day music cruise ‘ the …Mayercraft Carrier 2: Even Crafter voyage.
Hollywood Exclusive: Christian Bale’s costar Shawn Hatosy comes to his defense – Aussie Celebs impress with soccer match for bushfire victims
OZ FOR A CAUSE: It was a treat to see Hollywood’s Aussies come together this past weekend at a high school in Pacific Palisades to play soccer to raise money for the Australian Red Cross, which is aiding the residents of Victoria after their devastating bushfires. “Without A Trace” star Anthony LaPaglia helped coordinate the event and also showed some major skills on the field as goalie. Fellow Aussie Simon Baker from “The Mentalist” worked hard scoring goals and afterwards walked around the stadium barefoot while taking pictures with young fans. However, “American Idol” star Michael Johns was feeling the affects of the heat. “It’s the hottest day of the year. I feel like I’m going to puke, ” he told his wife in between games. After getting some love from his dog, he pushed through and joined the other celebrities on the field including “True Blood’s” Anna Paquin, The Cult’s Billy Duffy and Donal Logue from “Life.”
Bo Bice: Norfolk Is Nice
Bo Bice was in Norfolk Thursday, taping a segment of “American Idol Extra.” (MARYELLEN FILLO / HARTFORD COURANT / March 5, 2009)
If you tune in to “American Idol Extra” later this month, don’t be surprised when you see some familiar sights besides former “Idol” rocker Bo Bice.
Parts of the show will feature the rolling hills of Norfolk, as well as the Infinity Music Hall, where “Idol” shot the Bice portion of the program Thursday.
“We got the call after Bo was already booked to perform, ” said Kim Yaffa, entertainment manager for the intimate Victorian music hall, which opened last year. “People coming to the show tonight aren’t going to know until they get here that they might be on television.”
CD review: Taylor Hicks, The Distance, 2 out of 4 stars
Has Taylor Hicks become Michael Bolton yet?
Oh, maybe that’s harsh. Maybe. Still, I can’t help thinking that Hicks is co-opting blue-eyed soul in that same calculated way that the Boltster once hitched himself to Otis Redding and Percy Sledge.
Or maybe he’s Michael McDonald.
The Distance, in stores March 10, offers more of the singer’s glossy, not-too-dangerous pop. Every note’s in its place, but a few rough edges might have lifted stuff such as “What’s Right Is Right” out of the generic, easy-listening realm.
The Distance isn’t worth the trip.
Taylor Hicks’ comments on each track of new CD The Distance’
Taylor Hicks offered a few comments on each track of his new CD, “The Distance”:
Taylor Hicks ready to go ‘The Distance’ with new CD, national tour of ‘Grease’
If you’ve seen Taylor Hicks in “Grease, ” you’ll know that his Teen Angel character plummets down from the heavens in a giant ice-cream cone.
The Hoover native, 32, also has earned fame for his flamboyant dance moves, Ray Charles dip and shout-outs to fans in the Soul Patrol.
But Hicks has a serious side. He harbors earnest notions about relationships. His social conscience, although well developed, isn’t worn on his sleeve. And he certainly downplayed his gravitas on “American Idol, ” as viewers spluttered and squealed over the prematurely gray hair and purple velvet jacket.
Is there a Taylor Hicks known by few, except for his family, his band and his intimates? That guy, Hicks says, is the one who’ll release an 11-track CD on Tuesday, “The Distance.”
Book and CD show a different side of Sanjaya
Despite the impression given off by “American Idol, ” Sanjaya Malakar is no one-trick ponyhawk.
For one thing, the Seattle native really can sing, even when he has a cold. His peers on the show, who are quoted in his new book of memoirs, “Dancing to the Music in My Head, ” say so, too.
