Kelly Clarkson Likely To Keep Top Spot On Albums Chart
Next week’s Billboard 200 albums chart should find Kelly Clarkson’s “All I Ever Wanted” (19/RCA) holding for a second week at No. 1, but with likely less than 100, 000 units. The album debuted atop the tally this week with 255, 000.
Clarkson leads the Nielsen SoundScan Building chart that was released on March 18, which reflected unweighted sales through the close of business on Tuesday, March 11. Billboard estimates the seven merchants who report to Nielsen SoundScan’s Building chart — Trans World Entertainment, Best Buy, iTunes, Starbucks, Borders, Target and Anderson Merchandisers — comprise about 60% of all U.S. album sales.
Flo Rida Tops Hot 100 As Carrie Underwood’s ‘Home’ Debuts High
As Flo Rida, Lady GaGa and Kelly Clarkson continue their chart feats in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 this week, it Carrie Underwood who scores the top debut.
Underwood …Home Sweet Home, the new elimination theme song for …American Idol, debuted at No. 21 on the Hot 100′ propelled by 112, 000 digital downloads. Proceeds from the downloads benefit the Humane Society of the United States.
In this week top 10, Flo Rida …Right Round is in its fifth week at No. 1, followed by T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake …Dead and Gone, which continues to hold at No. 2. Lady GaGa …Poker Face held at No. 3 but was the chart greatest airplay gainer. Soulja Boy feat. Sammie …Kiss Me Through the Phone also remains in its No. 4 position, but Kelly Clarkson …My Life Would Suck Without You leaps four spots to No. 5.
Clarkson single got a 38% download gain, moving 141, 000 tracks, with the release of her new album …All I Ever Wanted.
American Idol: What You Didn’t See (Paula and Simon Kiss!)
Upcoming on Idol: Last year’s winner Cookie (as the stage manager called David Cook) performed his new single, “Come Back To Me, ” with a 12-piece band that included a string section. The performance–along with the presentation of a platinum plaque for his self-titled debut album–will air on the April 1 Idol. David’s guitar was adorned with the initials of his brother Adam Cook, who has cancer. (Speaking of taped performances, Carrie Underwood’s performance tonight was recorded last night. It’s done all the time and still considered live, so let’s not get our panties in a bunch.)
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Live from the Idoldome: goodbye, Alexis Grace
…American Idol Season 8 showed its fangs, severing a major artery for the first time in the final rounds as Angel of Death Ryan Seacrest paid a house call on Alexis Grace Wednesday night, removing her from the competition. Coming after the non-shocking eliminations last week of two second-tier contestants, Jorge Nuà ±ez and Jasmine Murray, Grace fall from …Idol took the competition to a much-higher-stakes level for those who remain.
The 21-year-old pixie-like contestant from Memphis, Tenn., earned an early legion of supporters with the surprising combination of her size (just under 5 feet) and powerful vocals. Grace was also one of a crop of young and/or single mothers, endearing herself to viewers with the commitment to her infant daughter.
Phil Stacey Blog: A surprise but not a shock
Alexis Grace was booted off tonight show after Simon teased her with the judges save. The judges chose not to keep her around, stating that the second time around for Dolly Parton …Jolene just wasnt good enough. I thought Alexis did fine but I dont believe her exit is the shocker of the season deserving of the judges’ interfering.
In a radio interview today, I was informed that several blogs have been questioning the legitimacy of “American Idol.” It’s been rumored that someone leaked that the Top 4 had already been chosen and would be: Lil Rounds, Alexis Grace, Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert.
‹Idol sends one of judges’ favorites home
Show lacks Grace: So much for that story about …American Idol already being decided.
It didnt take a genius to see that Alexis Grace was one of the judges early favorites, and a New York Daily News report this week had her already ticketed for the final four. But a funny thing happened on the way to that perch. She received the fewest number of votes this week, and when the judges failed to save her, she became the third finalist voted off the show.
‘American Idol’ Recap: No Safe Passage
Someone in the Idol universe had one tough night last night. And I’m not talking about our ousted contestant, or even our dear, vacationing Slezak, who likely curled into a fetal position after hearing Ryan announce that Allison was in the bottom three (For shame, America!). Nope, I’m referring to Kara ”I want to maul Alexis” DioGuardi, who, during last night’s episode, watched her naughty little minx get booted off the Idol stage in a somewhat shocking elimination. Perhaps choosing ”Jolene” for Grand Ole Opry night was Alexis’ downfall, since her performance only reminded us how much better Brooke White sang it last year.
Danny Gokey The New American Idol Favorite?
Following a “bizarre” performance by goth ladies man (and man’s man) Adam Lambert, his stock appears to have gone down if we are to believe the results of Dial Idol. Both Danny Gokey and Anoop Desai were believed to have been among the largest vote-getters following Tuesday night’s American Idol.
Heading into this week’s Country themed show, Gokey was listed with 7/2 odds (for a payout of $7 on every $2 bet). Desai had much longer odds of 16/1 (paying $16 for every $1 bet at Sportsinteraction.com).
Adam Lambert’s Johnny Cash ‘Ring of Fire’ cover on ‘American Idol’ came from ‘Rock Star: Supernova’
When Adam Lambert brought an Eastern flavor to Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” on Tuesday’s American Idol, Simon Cowell called it “indulgent rubbish” and guest coach Randy Travis called it “unique.”
Clearly, Travis did not watch the CBS show “Rock Star: Supernova, ” because back in 2006 a contestant in that televised singing competition – South African singer Dilana Robichaux – delivered the same freaky rendition.
An American Idol Dilemma: Adam Lambert or Kris Allen?
What to do, what to do? After last night’s American Idol, I’m in a pickle. Last week I was all about Adam Lambert, but now, a new voice beckons me. The voice of Kris Allen.
One is a flamboyant theater queen with a glam-rock edge, the other is a sugary good ol’ boy with soothing pop vocals and, goddamn it, a wife. Normally I’d go with the one who makes me feel more excited in my “special place, ” but since I’d have a better shot of making it to Hollywood Week than I would at getting into either of these guys’ pants, I’m going to make my decision on who I would’ve voted for, if I actually had cared enough to vote, based on their performances alone.
Why Is “American Idol” Conspiring Against Allison Iraheta?
Hola, Sound Check-ers! I’m about to hop on a flight to Austin, Texas (my first time in the Lone Star State) to check out the SXSW Music Conference and what will surely be a nonstop week of concerts, parties and lots of yummy Mexican food. I’ll be blogging about it all later in the week…but before I dive into indie music festival-land, can we talk about Idol? Because I need to.
You see, I can’t figure out whether I should be happy or fuming over last night’s “Grand Ole Opry” episode. The Top 11 gave their best shot at covering country classics, and all things considered, it was a really satisfying show. The favorites (Adam Lambert, Lil Rounds and Danny Gokey’ or as EW “Idolatry” chica Kristen Baldwin so awesomely refers to him, the “dead wife pimper”) all fell off their pedestals, which was great for me because those happen to be my least favorite contestants. Their crimes? Butchering Johnny Cash, making a misguided attempt to “honor country music, ” and wearing an atrocious astronaut-hipster jacket.
VIDEO: Jasmine and Jorge Reflect on their Idol Run
Not long after being trimmed from American Idol’s Top 13, Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez came by the TVGuide.com offices to reflect on their admittedly brief experience on America’s No. 1 TV program.
Michael Jackson to “American Idol” Someday?Here’s what I know so far, and will fill in details as they come: As Jackson fans know, tickets for his London concert series this summer went on sale earlier this week and the Brit press – occasionally prone to absolutely insane hyperbole, which is why it’s so fun – is reporting that the series that’ll stretch over 50 shows has already sold out and is now the hottest selling concert series IN BRITISH HISTORY.
Judging Kara…it’s time to get tough
It’s time for the judge to be judged. American Idol is toodling along this year, and after tonight we’ll be down to ten performers (presuming that the new-fangled Judge’s Save rule isn’t employed). So, now that we are where we are, it seems about the right time to note that the new judge is a dud.
Okay, maybe not a total dud, but she really isn’t bringing much to the table. Timidity gets you nowhere on American Idol. She needs to get tougher. She needs more attitude. Apparently, I’m not the only scribe who feels this way.
Michael Johns Announces His Debut Single “Heart On My Sleeve”
As promised in several of my previous articles, I’m back with the news we’ve all been waiting to hear. Michael Johns has just confirmed that the first single from his debut album is “Heart On My Sleeve”, which will be released on March 31, 2009. Michael says that radio play for the new single should be added the following week. His debut album is titled Hold Back My Heart and will drop on June 2, 2009. You can listen to an interview and snippet of the new single on Virgin Radio 99.9.
‘Idol’ finalist performs at American Ireland Fund’s gala
Last month, the American Ireland Fund hosted its 26th annual gala and auction – themed “Toast of the Town” – at the Manchester Grand Hyatt downtown.
The evening included a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, a live auction and entertainment.
Carly Smithson, San Diego’s “American Idol” finalist, entertained guests and also received the Robert A. MacNamara Literary & Arts Award.
The following people received the fund’s Heritage Award: Shannon Reidy Diltz, Molly Manchester Eldredge, Kathryn Riley Grasso, Kara Lynch Guthrie, Julie Mulvihill Mayer, Bridget McDonald and Riley Sexton.
David Archuleta debuts his solo show
David Archuleta bounced on stage at the Glass House in Pomona on Tuesday and gone was the shy boy who finished second on “American Idol” last season.
Oh, sure, the 18-year-old still has a bit of the golly-gee-whiz about him: nine different times Archuleta told the audience how awesome they and the night were. (We’re so awesome that we actually counted each awesome!)
But there’s a confidence now that you seldom saw on “Idol” and ‘ what’s this? ‘ a showmanship that seemed far more mature than what you remembered from his TV appearances.
Kelly Clarkson is Number One With(out) A Bullet, Trounces U2 and The-Dream
She’s baaaack! Kelly pulled it off, she went to number one on the Billboard 200 with All I Ever Wanted. Last week, she performed on “Good Morning America, ” “Live With Regis and Kelly, ” “American Idol” and “Saturday Night Live.” And how many units did she move for all that effort? 255, 000. In contrast, her debut album Thankful sold 297, 000 copies in its first week in 2003. Forty thousand-ish copies may not seem like a huge deal, but when former multi-platinum artists are struggling to maintain sales (hello, U2!), this is not a good sign of the health of the industry ‘ but is anything, really? Then again, All I Ever Wanted doesn’t seem to have the makings of being a My December-weight flop, so there’s that, I suppose. And how went the rest of the chart?
Will Kelly Clarkson win any Grammys for her No. 1 album ‘All I Ever Wanted’?
As another one of the hopefuls gets booted off of “American Idol” tonight, consider which of the remaining 10 is likely to match the achievements of Season 1 champ Kelly Clarkson. Her fourth album ‘ “All I Ever Wanted” ‘ just entered the Billboard charts at No. 1.That bounced U2 from the top of the perch. The Irish band ended up in the third position for the second week of sales for “No Line on the Horizon.”
Kelly Clarkson pulled off this impressive feat with a flurry of promotional appearances, including singing her No. 1 single “My Life Would Suck Without You” on last week’s live “American Idol.” Back in January, she broke a Billboard record when that first cut from the album jumped 97 places in just one week. And while critics are divided about her return to a more familiar style, the impressive sales of that single, and to some extent the album, could help raise Clarkson’s profile come Grammy nominations time.
FOX21 airs Ruben Studdard documentary on Sunday
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. — Ruben Studdard of American Idol fame is the subject of a 30-minute documentary that airs Sunday, March 22, on FOX21, at 11 a.m. The program is a behind-the-scenes look at Studdard’s life. It airs with no commercial interruptions.
Studdard won the popular competition in 2003, and has been in the Top 10 on music charts ever since.
He visits Colorado Springs on April 1 and 2 when he appears at the Pikes Peak Center in the touring show of the Fats Waller musical, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
The tour coincides with the release of Studdard’s fourth album, “Love IS, ” and also with his first wedding anniversary. The album is set to release on May 19.
Former ‘Idols’ Get New Slim Chance!
Fantasia Barrino, Diana DeGarmo, Carly Smithson and Mandisa have slimmed down since their time on “American Idol”! Find out how these gals went down in size!
“Idol” finalist turned county singer Josh Gracin revealed to People magazine deprivation diets worked short-term, but he would gain all the weight back. The 28-year-old confessed he would avoid some of his favorite foods and exercise more. “Do I have cupcakes all the time? No, ” he says. “But as far as meat, eggs, and cheeses? If you work out, it’s okay.”
Kimberly Caldwell tells ifitandhealthy.com she lost 20 pounds and says, “I just want to be in shape.” The 27-year-old trained with Carly Marino — and now she enjoys working out!
Steve Wozniak retracts ‘Dancing with the Stars’ allegations, apologizes
Steve Wozniak has apparently had a change of heart in regards to his Dancing with the Stars conspiracy theory.
The billionaire Apple Computer co-founder has retracted and apologized for a Monday night email to his Facebook support group in which he accused Dancing with the Stars’ producers of potentially manipulating home viewer voting results to attract more viewers.
“We know how easy it is to espouse a lot of ideas and build conspiracy theory. No conspiracy theory can be proven wrong, so there are always plenty of die-hard followers, ” Wozniak wrote in a Tuesday night posting to his Facebook group. “I have been around the Internet conspiracy theory forums for too long.”
“Yesterday I wrote my suspicions of the secret Dancing with the Stars audience vote tabulations. I wrote that the producers were liars, simply because I truly believed in that possibility, not because I had a shred of evidence, ” Wozniak said in the message, which he wrote just before Dancing with the Stars’ Tuesday night results show began.
“I hurt a lot of honest people. Today, a storm kicked up over my allegations. I started my apologies but it has to go further than that.”
Woz in ABC ‘outright lie’ accusation
Everyone says Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is a nice man. He’s Polish, of course.
However, in an e-mail to his Facebook Support Group, posted at 6 a.m. PST Tuesday, the Woz appears to be getting very, very ratty. And the rodent that he’s smelling is the ABC production team of “Dancing with the Stars.”
He is suspicious that the true voting numbers, both from telephone and online voting, are never revealed. This leads him to believe that he may be forced into the two-couple dance-off, just to boost ratings.
“The producers play games to get viewers and don’t disclose the numbers. If they disclosed the numbers, it would be less of a game, but still suspect. If tomorrow, they claim I’m in the bottom 2 dance teams, including viewer votes, I believe that it’s an outright lie, ” he said.
He has begun to make his accusations in ABC interviews too.
“I called it fake about 20 times today on camera, ” he said. “Each time in the same sentence as whatever comment they wanted about doing a dance-off tomorrow. That way, they couldn’t edit it easily to say what they wanted. They kept trying to get me to say what I’d do if I was in the dance-off without using the word fake.”
