Idol Worship: Alexis Makes A Graceful Exit
It’s hard to describe how crushed we were to hear the news on Wednesday. We weren’t able to watch the elimination episode live, no thanks to an assignment on the other side of town. Not that it makes much of a difference anyway, since the East Coast Twitters always ruin the surprise. And in this case, the results also ruined our night.
OK, we may be exaggerating just a bit. Alexis Grace was our favorite of the females, but we don’t begrudge her sister contestants. And, let’s be honest, the girl definitely had an off night. In retrospect (and on second performance), there was a hint of sacrilege in her reworking of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” After all, she tweaked what’s arguably the hookiest moment in the song ‘ the sort of thing that would have country loyalists up in arms.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Mandisa Credits Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan For ‘Natural’ Inspiration
American Idol alum and Inspirational recording star Mandisa credits Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan for providing ‘soulful’ inspiration growing up, but insists the word of God was more important than taking a crack at mainstream success.
Mandisa, after being seen by millions on American Idol, made what can be seen as surprising — the decision to record an Inspirational album instead of focusing on mainstream/R&B success like several of her counterparts.
Julia Hudson says she must move on
March 22, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) — Julia Hudson, the sister of singer and actress Jennifer Hudson, is speaking publicly for the first time since her mother, brother and son were murdered.
She is participating in a fashion show Sunday night and has had a makeover for the occasion.
Hudson says she has been recovering since the tragedy and credits her strong support system, that includes her sister Jennifer, and also the power of prayer.
Julia Hudson says she had no choice but to go on with her life. Her former boyfriend, William Balfour, has been charged with the killings.
Jennifer Hudson Attends FCW Show, Candice Returns, More
Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as a Grammy Award winner Jennifer Hudson was in attendance at Florida Championship Wrestling’s show in Orlando on Friday night. Hudson is engaged to WWE developmental wrestler David Otunga (who is best known as “Punk” from I Love New York 2), who worked the show under the name Dawson Alexander, Esq. Otunga took part in a tag match, garnering a win alongside Jon Cutler and Barry Allen over Abraham Saddam Washington and The Secret Service.
For Taylor Hicks, ‘Grease’ is the word
Winning top honors on …American Idol may have been heaven-sent, but from the looks of it, the blessings keep flowing for Taylor Hicks.
The 2006 …Idol winner spreads his wings as the Teen Angel in a robust reinvention of one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time. That would be …Grease, which comes to life at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco this week.
…This was a wonderful opportunity for me to study and understand great musical theater, Hicks says of the show. He says the most difficult part of his learning curve was absorbing the creative rhythms of actors and actresses in general.
Awakening of Angel DeLuna Reading, with Guarini, Austin, O’Donnell, Offered March 23
By-invitation-only readings of the new musical The Awakening of Angel DeLuna will be held March 23 at Theater 80 in Manhattan.
Directed by Tracy Bersley, the 3 and 7 PM readings feature the talents of “American Idol” runner-up Justin Guarini as well as Bethe B. Austin (in the title role), Vayu O’Donnell, Dan Sharkey and Kirby Ward.
The Awakening was penned by Judylynn Schmidt (book and lyrics) and Lee Ellis (music and lyrics). Barbara Anselmi is the musical director.
‘IDOL’ Finalist Adam Lambert Featured in NY Post’s ‘TV WEEK’
AMERICAN IDOL “Wild Child” Adam Lambert continues to stand out this season, the young Los Angeles based singer, who is now member of the top 10 finalists, is featured in The Sunday New York Post’s TV WEEK magazine.
BroadwayWorld.com’s own Upright Cabaret boys are quoted during the article on Lambert as the Idol performer is a regular at the club, stating that, “He’s a complete professional”, says executive producer Chris Isaacson, “he always knows his music and he’s always on time.”
Idol Worship: This Week In ‘AI’ History
This week last year, Chikezie took his final bow on March 26. The soft-spoken soul-man, who was David Archuleta’s roommate for his short time on season 7, failed to impress voters with his take on Luther Vandross’ “If Only For One Night, ” the song he chose for the Year They Were Born week. Of course, that was the same week David Cook sparked serious contender chatter (and a bit of controversy) with his show-stopping performance of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” (rearranged the Chris Cornell way). Chikezie may have been knocked out early, but he did make it one step further than this season’s Alexis Grace ‘ he at least joined the lineup for Idol’s 2008 summer tour.
Cowell’s £15m ‘dream home’ unveiled
Simon Cowell’s £15 million Beverly Hills “dream home” is apparently nearing completion and includes a custom designed tanning salon.
Butler’s quarters, a pool, spa, solarium and a suite for his ex-girlfriend Terri Seymour are also present in the 11, 550 sq ft mansion, says the Mail On Sunday.
The X Factor judge purchased the property for £8.2 million two years ago and has rebuilt the house to his modern specifications.
WIN IT: American Idol Gift Bag!
Hooked on American Idol? Enter Us’ Idol sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes courtesy of the hit FOX reality show!
Three lucky Idol fanatics will score a prize package worth $150 — including a Karaoke Revolution ® Presents: American Idol ® Encore 2 video game, t-shirts, a fleece hoodie, duffel bag, cap and water bottle.
Will Steve-O beat his back injury and return to ‘Dancing with the Stars’?
Dancing with the Stars” fans voted to save him, but should Steve-O come back for another round of fancy footwork after last week’s dangerous wipeout?
Professional dancers and pain specialists say he’ll likely be hurting and could be putting himself at risk for a more serious injury if he returns Monday night as promised.
Stephen “Steve-O” Glover ‘ half of one of the ABC show’s 12 remaining couples – rose to fame as a daredevil on MTV’s “Jackass” and seemed to thrive on pain-inflicting stunts.
Cloris Leachman back on ‘Dancing With The Stars!’
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Wacky antics alert! Cloris Leachman is coming back to “Dancing With the Stars.” She’ll be there tomorrow.
She and her dance partner from last year, Corky Ballas, will show this year’s contestants what they will be doing the following week. They’ll dance the Argentine Tango and the Lindy Hop.
Meanwhile, actor John O’Hurley thinks too many celebrities are using “Dancing With the Stars” as a stepping stone now, as opposed to when he won the competition in 2005.
Holly Madison: Melissa Rycroft Is My Biggest Threat on DWTS
Dancing With the Stars’ Holly Madison says she worries most about Melissa Rycroft on the dance floor.
“I think the biggest competition is Melissa from The Bachelor, ” she told Usmagazine.com Saturday at a bash at Prive Las Vegas. “She is an amazing dancer and everybody loves her, including me.”
