SomethingPitchy Broadcast: 12 Steps to Recovery
In preparation for tonight’s episode, SomethingPitchy host Andy Scott sits down with Rickey (Rickey.org), Maura (Fancast.com), Rae (AOL Music) and MJ (MJ’sBigBlog) to analyze last week’s shocking eliminations, Rolling Stones week and whether this is the worst season of ‘American Idol’ ever.
‘Idol’ aging gracelessly
Has American Idol lingered past its expiration date? There is certainly a bad-dairy air wafting off TV’s top show in its ninth season.
The singing competition gets down to brass tacks tonight with the newly installed Final 12 contestants performing music from the Rolling Stones catalog.
But fans can’t seem to get no satisfaction.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
In wide-open race, 12 ‘Idol’ finalists hit unpredictable note
At first glance, this season’s final American Idol lineup comes across as pretty weak. After a couple of seasons in which several seasoned performers arrived in Hollywood as diamonds in the rough, Season 9’s top 12 just looks rough. It’s hard to tell if there’s a diamond in the bunch.
Many of the ragtag dozen are having a hard time just hitting their notes, much less finding their onstage footing and remembering where the cameras are. Singers of questionable skill have skated through by stepping up at just the right moment, while one poor performance has felled more promising talents. Last week, even the contestants appeared shocked by which of their number made the cut and which got the ax.
‘American Idol’: The Real Drama Is Offstage
Cherish every last moment with Simon Cowell. No one crushes the human spirit quite as brilliantly as he does.
Cowell is planning on bringing his signature blend of good cheer and loving kindness to a new show, X Factor. That’s bad enough for Idol, but what’s worse is that’s not the only problem the show has at the judges’ table. New judge Ellen DeGeneres is … well, I’ll put it as delicately as Cowell would: She’s horrible.
Family Of Katie Stevens’ Fans Keep ‘Idol’ Phone Lines Hopping
The Rychalsky family of Seymour has a standing date each week this time of year. Mom and dad Konnie and Helen and their adult daughters, pharmacists Michelle and Kristen, get together to watch “American Idol.”
This year that means calling in as many votes as possible for their favorite, Middlebury’s Katie Stevens. The family night is not only a tradition but a casual competition, which includes spread sheets and statistical data, as the family tries to progressively increase the number of calls and the votes they make the old-fashioned way, on their home-phone land line.
‘American Idol’ contestant Katie Stevens talks about pleasing the judges, making it to the top and more
(Editor’s note: The News-Times caught up Monday with 17-year-old Pomperaug High School senior Katie Stevens, who is among the final 12 on American Idol, and asked her how she feels about her experience on the show.)
Katie, how do you feel about the whole experience of being on “American Idol, ” and about making it to the top 12?
It’s been amazing here. Never in a million years did I think I could make it this far. I’ve met so many wonderful people.
Astoria resident part of ‘American Idol’ top 12
Astoria resident Michael Lynche made it to “American Idol’s” top 12 last week and wants people to just have a good time when they watch him perform.
“It feels amazing, ” Lynche told The Queens Courier on Monday, March 15 in between rehearsals. “It’s just a really big checkpoint in my journey and my goals.”
Area ‘Idol’ singer reassures fans
Lighten up, America. Crystal Bowersox is having fun.
The 24-year-old American Idol contestant from northwest Ohio appeared upset and teary-eyed during Thursday night’s results show – even after learning viewers had voted her into the top 12 finalists.
Her appearance had some worried that she was bored with the show or simply didn’t want to be there.
None of the above.
EXCLUSIVE: American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox Was Bullied At School
She may be on the cusp of fame and fortune, but American Idol favorite Crystal Bowersox knows what it’s like to be unpopular because she was humiliated in high school for being poor, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned.
The single mom from Ohio has been wowing the judges with her Janis Joplin style vocals and last week after she performed Tracy Chapman’s Give Me A Reason Simon Cowell told her: “You are the one everybody has to beat, I am telling you. It’s yours to lose.”
‘American Idol’s’ Lacey Brown: ‘Who even knew?’
Lacey Brown is a little stunned to even be in the “American Idol” Top 12. “I’m feeling awesome. Who even knew? … It’s just ridiculous.”
She’s excited about the Rolling Stones, but Lacey tells Zap2it that her dream theme is country. “I haven’t really done a lot of country, I’m a little more on the folk/indie side … I think it could be really fun.”
‘Idol’ contestant thankful for Tulsa fans
Lacey Brown knows that contestants on “American Idol” depend on their fans to stay afloat in the singing competition.
Which is why she’s glad to be getting support from her hometown — Amarillo, Texas — and Tulsa, where she lived for several years while attending bible school and interning at GUTS Church.
“I really love Tulsa, ” Brown said in a phone interview from Los Angeles. “I miss it so bad. I have a lot of friends there.”
‘American Idol’ Contestant, Pa. Native Aaron Kelly Has Performed At Pittsburgh Area Events
PITTSBURGH — “American Idol” contestant Aaron Kelly is no stranger to the Pittsburgh area. It turns out, the Sonestown, Pa., native has performed here.
For years, Kelly, 16, has made the four-hour drive from his hometown to perform at Charleroi American Legion Post 22’s annual picnic. Tim Brannon, who has performed with Kelly, and Michelle Tegtmeier, an American Legion auxiliary member, gave me the scoop and sent me the video below.
Idol chatter: Sonestown’s Aaron Kelly among top 12 finalists on American Idol
On March 11, American Idol revealed the season’s Top 12 finalists. Among those finalists was Sonestown, Pa.’s Aaron Kelly, a 16-year-old whose story of a struggling childhood won over the hearts of judges during audition week last summer in Orlando, Fla.
And Kelly has been stirring a buzz in his small hometown of Sonestown, Pa., where many of the locals already familiarized themselves with Kelly’s stage presence at area events such as the Troy Fair in 2008, and performances at the Bloomsburg Fair for two of the past three years.
‘American Idol’s’ Lee Dewyze: ‘I dabble on the piano’
Lee Dewyze tells Zap2it of making the “American Idol” Top 12 that “it’s really overwhelming … ‘American Idol’ has helped so many artists and musicians get to where they need to be.”
When asked if we’ll see the guitar most weeks, Lee says it all depends on how he’s feeling that particular morning.
‘American Idol’s’ Michael Lynche: ‘You gotta take everything to your world’
Michael Lynche says that he and fellow “American Idol” finalist Paige may be fighting over the same song if the show lets them do a Michael Jackson week.
Does that mean he wants to sing “Dancin’ Machine” too?
Lynche laughs and says, “I think Michael Jackson would be an amazing time for all of us, especially for all of us who really, really loved Michael.”
Famous fan gives Siobhan shout-out
A call from one of her idols is sending Cape Cod’s “American Idol” finalist Siobhan Magnus into tonight’s final round on a high note.
Magnus, one of the remaining 12 contestants, received a message several days ago from Taylor Hanson, lead singer of the rock band Hanson – one of her favorite musical acts – wishing her luck.
“It basically said, ‘We’re really excited to hear that you’re a fan’ . . . and told me they were rooting for me, ” she said yesterday after she left a rehearsal.
‘Idol’ Reject — I’m the Next J-Hud!
Lilly was walking around W. 3rd Street in L.A. with fellow “Idol” wannabeen Alex Lambert — when she told us she will be doing “big things” and she’s aiming for Daughtry or J-Hud level success.
FYI — Hudson placed 7th, Daughtry was 4th … Lilly didn’t even crack the Top 12.
Bucky Covington Talks About American Idol And His Upcoming Second Album
It’s easy to think of Bucky Covington only as the crazy-haired blonde guy who finished in 8th place on Season 5 of American Idol. But after Covington signed a recording contract with Lyric Street Records, his self-titled debut became the best-selling debut artist from the country music class of 2007, opening at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and producing three hit singles (“A Different World.” “I’ll Walk” and “It’s Good To Be Us”).
Bucky was kind enough to speak with The 9513 about what fans can expect on his upcoming sophomore album, I’m Alright, his new single, “A Father’s Love, ” his recent USO tour and his thoughts on American Idol.
Taylor Hicks back in Birmingham, helping Habitat for Humanity
Birmingham’s Taylor Hicks is entirely comfortable with a microphone or harmonica in his hands. But what about a tool belt?
Taylor Hicks 031510.jpgTaylor Hicks (Special / Taylor Hicks Web site)We’ll find out on Thursday, March 18, when the singer and former “American Idol” winner returns to his hometown to help Habitat for Humanity.
Hicks will participate in a build at 4817 Michigan Ave., in the Wylam Oaks subdivision. He’ll be painting and putting siding on a house for the Thompson family, according to a Habitat spokesman.
‘Glee’ scoop: Fox to super-size season 2!
In what’s sure to be music to the ears of Gleeks everywhere, Fox is said to be finalizing a deal to amplify Glee’s second season.
“Season 2 will be much bigger and much longer, ” series creator Ryan Murphy confirmed to us over the weekend at PaleyFest ‘10. “We are talking about doing 25 episodes as opposed to [the customary] 22.”
Get the Glee-ful Dish on Hit Show’s New Episodes
The 27th Annual William S. Paley Television Festival hit an attendance high on March 13 when 2, 000 “Gleeks” descended on the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills for a presentation with the cast and producers of Glee.
Fans got all the gossip on the second half of the show’s smash first season. “I keep saying, bigger, better, and no pregnancies!” jokes co-creator and executive producer Ryan Murphy. “In the first 13 [episodes], we did three or four musical numbers an episode, and in the back nine, we do 6-8 numbers on average, with more music, more comedy, and more Jane Lynch!”
Dish Of Salt: Monday TV Dish (‘Glee’ Is Back!)
LOS ANGELES, Calif. —
I was one of the lucky few hundred folks that had a chance to see the first brand new episode of “Glee” over the weekend. And let me tell you, it was every bit as brilliant as the first 13 episodes! The entire cast (minus Lea Michele, who was in NYC) gathered at the annual Paley Television Festival where fans got a chance to hear all about their favorite show. Creator/Executive Producer Ryan Murphy was free flowing with great spoilers. Here’s what I learned inside the panel and on the red carpet with the stars of the show:
‘Glee’ cast and creators meet the Gleeks
Episode No. 14 is screened: Virginal germaphobe teacher Emma Pillsbury turns out to be an actual virgin. Oh yeah – Spoiler Alert. And, steel yourselves for the next chapter in Sarah Palin’s symbiotic You Publicize Me/I Publicize You relationship with the Fox “Hollywood” network.
When the episode is over, cast members are brought out on stage, minus star Lea Michele, but including Matthew Morrison, who plays optimistic teacher/Glee Club leader Will Schuester, and Jane Lynch, who plays scheming cheerleader coach Sue Sylvester. Also brought out are the executive producers, and co-creators, including Ryan Murphy of “Nip/Tuck” fame. Murphy’s the guy who made this show happen when he pitched it during a What Do You Want to Do Next? meeting with Fox suits, with whom he had just signed a development deal. Murphy does most of the talking for the rest of the night.
‘Dancing With the Stars’: Who Waltzes Away With a Win?
This year, there aren’t any outsized fan bases among the participants, as there was last season with Donny Osmond, who took home the show’s mirror-ball trophy over competition that was a little more polished on the dance floor. Hopefully, that means the results will be decided more by dance ability than popularity. Here’s how we rank the season 10 contestants and their odds of winning:
CKX, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results
NEW YORK, March 16, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — CKX, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!ckxe/quotes/nls/ckxe (CKXE 4.88, +0.20, +4.27%) today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2009.
Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2009 grew $42.5 million, or 113.7%, to $79.9 million as compared to the prior year period. Operating income before depreciation, amortization and non-cash stock compensation (“OIBDAN”) declined to $6.5 million from $10.3 million in the prior year period. The decline in OIBDAN reflects an unfavorable swing between the 2009 and 2008 periods of $10.0 million in non-cash foreign exchange gains and losses and the prior year’s net gain of $7.7 million from the terminated merger, which was partially offset by a decline in acquisition-related costs of $2.2 million in 2009. Excluding these items, adjusted OIBDAN in the fourth quarter of 2009 was $6.7 million as compared to a loss of $5.3 million in 2008.
Don’t Let Simon Cowell Fool You – He’s Just Shy, Says Friend
He may blush and seem “uncomfortable” as he sits beside and kisses his girlfriend on The Tonight Show, but Simon Cowell is really “giddy” with when it comes to rumored fiancée Mezghan Hussainy.
Cowell, 50, has been acting “teenagery and happy and light, ” British actress Amanda Holden tells PEOPLE. “They are like Tweedledee and Tweedledum. You can’t separate them really. ”
‘American Idol’ Dad to Take On Gillibrand for Senate Seat
Move over, Scott Brown, you’re not the only politician with an “Idol” connection.
Former New York Rep. Joe DioGuardi on Tuesday is announcing his bid for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, returning to politics less known as a former GOP congressman than as the father of “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi.
DioGuardi served two terms in Congress during the 1980s and has since written a book, but recently has been asked more about his famous daughter, who just did a racy photo shoot for Maxim magazine, than his political ambitions.
“What am I, chopped liver here?” DioGuardi asked Fox News after being regaled with his daughter’s accomplishments.
Seriously, though, DioGuardi said Kara was a big source of support during his campaigns two decades ago and “of course” backs his run this time around.
Carrie Underwood: Her Allure Photo Shoot
At her shoot at the Glen Leven Estate, a historic farm in Nashville, singer Carrie Underwood managed to make a bale of hay look as comfortable as a featherbed. Check out these outtakes from the singer’s session with photographer Carter Smith, and for more of our interview with Underwood, pick up the April issue of Allure, on newsstands March 23.
Carrie Underwood: Her Style Timeline
Carrie Underwood looks back on some of her most notable fashion moments—including some gold lamé. For more of our exclusive interview with the singer, pick up the April issue of Allure, on newsstands March 23.
American Idol’ Top 12 Can Step It Up On Rolling Stones Night
Forget everything we’ve heard up until now. On Tuesday night (March 16), the top 12 finalists will step out onto the new and improved “American Idol” thunder dome stage to try to make us fall in love all over again. Some will try to make us forget about last week’s surprise eliminations, while others will dig deep to cement their status as the ones to beat this year.
And they’ll do it all while singing the songs of the Rolling Stones. It’s a tall order and a few singers, such as teens Katie Stevens and Aaron Kelly, not to mention the seemingly on-the-bubble Paige Miles and Tim Urban, who will seriously have to step up their game.
Review: Underwood knows how to put on a show
PROVIDENCE — “My job is fun, ” Carrie Underwood said Saturday night at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, and all you could do was agree.
Her quip came after she swung from a giant porch swing during the war-widow ballad “Just A Dream, ” but it could just have easily come when she opened the show by rising from underneath the stage wearing a tuxedo, seated on a red divan, singing “Cowboy Casanova” (one of nine songs in the 90-minute show from last year’s “Play On” album). Or when she sang “Take Me Home Country Roads” while standing in the back of a pickup truck flying over the audience.
Or when she sang “Change” wearing a dress that doubled as a video screen.
