Conan-Fox talks resume amid ‘Idol’ offer
After a two-week stall, Fox and Conan O’Brien have resumed talks about a potential late-night talk show fronted by the former “Tonight Show” host.
But a wrinkle in the courtship has emerged that involves the biggest show on television: O’Brien has been approached to take part in Fox’s “Idol Gives Back” special April 21.
Sources close to both camps stress that the offer is not related to the ongoing late-night discussions and in no way means the two sides expect to have a deal by April 21. In fact, the invitation to O’Brien came not from Fox but from “American Idol” producer 19 Entertainment, which is reaching out to several celebrities for the charity special.
The “Idol Gives Back” invitation was taken to NBC to determine whether that network would allow it under its settlement with the talk show host.
The answer was no, as the moratorium on any TV appearances by O’Brien doesn’t expire until May 1. He can, however, launch a show as early as September.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Beer pong in the Hollywood Hills with David Cook? Sign us up!
Needless to say (and anyone watching probably noticed it as well), there’s a weirdly uneasy feeling when you first get situated in the “Dream” house. Certainly David took notice of it almost immediately, this sense that you’re being watched. And of course, we were, by probably around the same number of people David and the Anthemic might play to in an arena. Fortunately, David, ever the mannered house guest, brought wine! A bottle of 2007 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, to be specific, and like most reality TV, once the cork is popped, people relax, start to forget the cameras and the party gets going.
But first, pizza and a Twitter Q&A. David took nearly an hour to answer all sorts of questions from fans and viewers (most of which we’ve included after the jump), and afterwards, a round of beer pong!
Idol airplay: Kris Allen, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, more
Looks like Kris Allen’s Live Like We’re Dying has peaked. It retains the top slot on our American Idol airplay chart, but it drops more than 300 spins, according to MediaBase, and it falls out of the Top 40 top 10. It does, however, pick up a new chart, entering the top 40 at Christian AC for the first time.
Carrie Underwood’s Temporary Home leapfrogs Daughtry’s Life After You, moving from No. 4 to No. 3 on the Idol chart, though both continue to add spins — as does Adam Lambert’s Whataya Want From Me, which remains at No. 5.
American Idol 2010: Tim Urban tipped to go next
Crystal Bowersox and Siobhan Magnus continue to head the betting on who will win American Idol 2010 but of more immediate interest to punters is the next eviction market.
Lacey Brown’s departure has left us with 11 contestants and Tim Urban and Paige Miles are the favourites to crash out this week after joining her in the bottom three last time.
Tim failed to impress with his reggae version of Under My Thumb and the 20-year-old from Duncanville, Texas is 2/1 with Boylesports to be sent packing next.
Has ‘American Idol’ Lost Its Way?
Ever since Season 1 of ‘American Idol‘ debuted to transfixed audiences, there has been no shortage of commentary and controversy. It appeared that there was no set “type” of ‘Idol’ judges were looking for, with winners ranging from the wildly successful Carrie Underwood to the lackluster Ruben Studdard. The appeal was the diverse range of raw talent, the judges’ banter, and the cutting words of Simon Cowell.
Idolized Underwood overdoes it
WORCESTER — On second thought, the question probably should not have been asked.
“How many of you like real country music?’’ asked Craig Morgan, one of the two openers for Carrie Underwood last night at DCU Center.
By the time Underwood took the stage, Mötley Crüe and Foo Fighters recordings had been played between sets, and Underwood’s hard-charging performance often owed more to Def Leppard than Tammy Wynette.
Daughtry a rock idol onstage
Chris Daughtry must be doing something right.
While many of his fellow “American Idol” alums are barely treading pop water, Daughtry is selling out arenas and dropping No. 1, multiplatinum albums as part of his five-piece rock outfit.
Sure enough, the North Carolina native’s sold-out show at Agganis Arena on Saturday night proved why he’s got rock fans of all ages in his pocket. But it also shed some light on the singer’s limitations.
Melinda Doolittle to Headline Benefit Concert for Boiler Room Theatre
Boiler Room Theatre alumna and American Idol Season 6 finalist Melinda Doolittle returns to Franklin for a one-night-only concert event with all proceeds going to the Boiler Room Theatre on Monday, April 12 at 7 p.m. in Liberty Hall at The Factory.
Acclaimed contemporary gospel performers Point of Grace will share the stage for the fundraising concert for Williamson County’s only professional theatre company.
With a critically-acclaimed debut album (Coming Back To You) released in 2009, Melinda Doolittle is forging a career as one of today’s most gifted vocalists.
Rise and shine
CURRENT American Idol contestants may want to heed these words of wisdom from 28-year-old alumnus Adam Lambert: “I learned to trust my instincts on the show; to really make sure I was doing just what I felt was right and not let other people influence me – not the judges, or the audience. I learned to just do my thing.”
We Are The Fallen Talk Inspiration Ahead Of Debut UK Show
“I don’t hear Evanescence in our music, ” says Smithson. “OK, there are small parts, but I wrote ‘Bury Me Alive’ before I met the boys. The influences I had when I was making the song – like Iron Maiden, those choruses – that’s what I hear… when I met the boys I didn’t know much about the band before because I wasn’t a big Evanescence fan. I’m more stuck in the 80s. I didn’t know their story when I came into the band and they had to explain that. I don’t hear Evanescence, and when people hear the record they’ll hear that. They’ll hear We Are The Fallen, and we are a new band.
“If Tim Burton made a record, it would sound like this.”
Camp Fire receives grant, honors child care pros
Fort Worth-based Camp Fire USA First Texas Council has been awarded a $12, 500 grant from the National Inclusion Project to expand its “Let’s ALL Play” recreational program at Camp El Tesoro summer resident camp.
The National Inclusion Project, a charitable foundation founded by recording artist Clay Aiken, provides inclusion curriculum, training and financial assistance with partnering communities and programs.
Camp El Tesoro is for children ages 6-16 and features canoeing, horseback riding, swimming and other traditional activities.
Kara’s ‘Idol’ Outfit — How Much It Cost?
Kara DioGuardi stood out on the judge’s panel by shimmering in this silver and gray number this week on “American Idol.”
The 39-year-old judge sat next to Simon in a $415 Shoshanna beaded necklace dress.
No word on what Casey James thought of the ensemble.
Meet the all-new ‘Dancing’ crew
ABC’s Dancing With the Stars returns tonight (8 ET/PT) for its 10th season. USA TODAY talks with the 11 celebrities in competition this go-round for the coveted disco ball:
Buzz Aldrin Among Stars Set For ‘Dancing’ Debut
LOS ANGELES — Buzz Aldrin has done the moonwalk, but the cha-cha isn’t coming quite so easy.
The astronaut has been practicing the fast-paced Latin dance for three weeks in preparation for his debut on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’
“It’s not so easy when things are rapidly moving, ” Aldrin, 80, said on his way to a rehearsal Friday with professional partner Ashly Costa. “I enjoy the slower music that I’m very familiar with the words and know what’s coming next.”
‘Dancing With the Stars’: Can the New Cast Really Dance?
The new season of “Dancing With the Stars” kicks off tonight, and 11 celebrities and their dancing partners are getting ready to waltz, cha cha and hit the floor. The star-studded cast includes actors, musicians, and athletes. And there’s even a man from the moon, but former astronaut Buzz Aldrin says dancing is nothing like walking on the moon. “It’s flat, it’s not dusty, it’s not gray, ” he joked.
Melissa Rycroft chats with the season ten contestants.
Shelter dog and cat stamps get a nod from DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres is working with the U.S. Postal Service and Halo, Purely for Pets, her holistic pet care company to promote a stamp campaign for shelter pets.
“This is a subject that I am extremely passionate about. By working together, we can find good homes for millions of adoptable, homeless and abandoned pets, ” said DeGeneres. “And until they get adopted, I’m happy to say that Halo and I are giving one million meals to shelter pets that are waiting for you.”
Kara DioGuardi: Posing in a Bikini on Idol “Saved My Job”
Kara DioGuardi is all about the bikini!
Nearly a year after strutting around in a black two-piece on stage at last season’s American Idol finale, the judge — who poses in a white bikini in April’s Women’s Health magazine — admits the stunt “probably saved my job.”
“I kept saying no, ” the songwriter, 39, tells Women’s Health, recalling the plan to face off against “Bikini Girl” Katrina Darrell. “I mean, what crazy nut is gonna go out there in a bikini at almost 40 years of age against a girl who is 20 and probably cosmetically enhanced?”
Kara DioGuardi: LAX Lady
Racking up the frequent flyer miles, Kara DioGuardi was spotted catching a departing flight at LAX International Airport yesterday afternoon (March 21).
The “American Idol” judge made sure to stay hydrated pre-flight with a Vita Coco beverage as she strolled through the terminal.
