Jennifer Hudson Sets Wedding Date, Returns to Idol
Five months after the tragic murders of three of her family members, Jennifer Hudson is moving forward with planning her wedding to David Otunga ‘ and returning to the American Idol stage.
After Idol tribute to Motown Wednesday, Hudson ‘ who finished in 7th place in season 3 ‘ pre-taped a performance for a future episode of the show. Host Ryan Seacrest then chatted with Hudson and asked her if she had set a date for her wedding. …Yeah, but it a secret, she replied. …I cant tell anybody.
‘American Idol’: On the scene for Top 10 results night
Sometimes, when I am sitting in the audience for the taping of American Idol, I forget that I am holding a notebook in my lap. I forget that I go on TV and talk about American Idol from time to time, and that my name and place of employment are emblazoned under my head when I do. I forget that since both of these things amount to a giant blinky neon “REPORTER” sign hanging over my head, I should at least try to maintain the appearance of emotional separation from my subject matter. But sometimes, PopWatchers, I forget myself completely.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Live from the Idoldome: No more white bread
America has voted — and sent a ringing command: NO MORE WHITE BREAD.
That’s the quick 411 after seeing Michael Sarver, Scott MacIntyre and Matt Giraud land in the bottom three. The latter two hadn’t even been all bad the night before dutifully crooning Motown oldies — it’s just that the parade of well-scrubbed, comely young men singing earnestly are beginning to merge together into a gelatinous mass of unthreatening, unmemorable manhood.
Call it the Gokey-Allen-Desai-Giraud-MacIntyre pile-up.
‘American Idol’ Recap: Oil’s Well That Ends Well
If I didn’t know better, I’d suspect someone snuck into my apartment while I was eating dinner tonight and slipped a mickey into my Blue Moon. The whole evening is something of a blur ‘ hey now, don’t jump to conclusions; I only had one bottle! ‘ but here’s the patchwork of memories floating around in my brain: Ruben Studdard singing ”Gonna Make You Sweat.” Megan (Joy and Pain) Corkrey reclining on the safety couches. Matt Giraud flirting with elimination. A possessed (and ravenous) Smokey Robinson repeatedly menacing a caterwauling Joss Stone. Paula Abdul’s cleavage being only a flimsy strap and decorative buckle away from escaping the Idol soundstage and going off to fulfill its destiny as part of the cast of season 9 of Dancing With the Stars. And Adam Lambert emerging from the midst of a horribly choreographed dance routine to clutch the mic stand and belt portions of ”Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
Phil Stacey Blog: Michael Sarver’s classy farewell
Despite his song choice, …Aint Too Proud to Beg, Michael Sarver accepted his fate in a very classy manner as the latest Idol cast off. The judges chose not to save the oil-rigger, and he will soon be reunited with his babies after a weeklong bicoastal media frenzy.
Now that the American Idols Live Tour roster has been set, this daddy is relieved he gets to go home to his family. Trust me, I know from personal experience.
‹Idol sends oil roughneck Michael Sarver home
The journey from the oil rig to Hollywood ended on Thursday for Michael Sarver, as he became the fourth of this season 13 finalists voted off the show.
Sarver was the lowest vote-getter on Motown night, and though he sang well in his sing-for-your-life performance, having to get onstage right after Stevie Wonder didnt help. The judges took every second they had to make a decision on whether or not to save him, before the great and powerful Simon Cowell unilaterally decided to send him home.
Judge Dread – Will American Idol’s new rules ruin the show’ or save it?
Two weeks ago, I fell asleep during the Idol results show, and when I woke up, everything was different. While I was snoozing, Anoop Desai had become the first 13th finalist and the judges had claimed the right to rescue a contestant from elimination. It’s a twist whose significance has since been hotly debated online: Is it unfair? Is it un-American? Is it May 19 yet? What it is, in any case, is a very big deal, because the entire premise of American Idol has centered on the feeling of power (real or imagined) in the viewers’ hands. The new order shifts the balance more obviously toward the judges, whose ranks have swelled this season to include a second and less weepy female presence in Kara Dioguardi, and toward the producers, who are, literally, running the show. It’s a jarring reminder that Idol’s version of democracy, as I’ve noted here before, camouflages consumer choice as democratic voice. No matter how furiously you vote on your phone, your other phone, and your boyfriend’s phone (what? I only have two phones!), the industry is ultimately a marketplace, not a polling place.
Tiny Alexis Grace Has Big Musical Plans
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – She reached the top 11 on “American Idol” and made Memphis proud. Now the soulful Alexis Grace is back home. Though her departure was a shock, Grace said she’s ready to take what she learned and move forward with her musical career.
Mid-Southerners were sad to watch Alexis leave “American Idol, ” but rest assured, Memphis and the world hasn’t seen the last of her.
In addition to returning to LA for a few “Idol” shows, Grace plans on making music and continuing her career and said “Idol” was the opportunity to help her do that.
‘Idol’ Doc Keeps the Flu Away!
“Extra” Lifechanger and Ear, Nose and Throat specialist Dr. Shawn Nasseri knows how to stop the flu in its tracks — and helped the singers from “American Idol” go from sickness to stardom with his get-well tips!
Plus, were any of the “Idol” hopefuls Dr. Nasseri treated hypochondriacs?
‘Idol’ pursuits
While it remains to be seen if Clinton cast the deciding vote that ensured the Blue Springs, Mo., native’s eventual “American Idol” victory (Cook incidentally sang one of Clinton’s favorite songs, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, ” during the Top 3 week on Idol), Cook feels a little guilty about distracting the former first lady.
“Somebody made some joke about she was so busy voting for me that I probably cost her the election, ” he said, but he said there was one advantage to having her as a fan. “If I get in any trouble, I could just call the Secretary of State.”
David Cook Was Uncomfortable With Kissing Scene In New Video
American Idol champ David Cook wasn’t very comfortable shooting the kissing scene in his new video for the song “Come Back To Me.” He tells Life & Style magazine, “You watch stuff growing up, and I always thought I couldn’t imagine how uncomfortable that would be. Now I know!” He adds that (Disturbia star Sarah Roemer) “knew what she was doing. I kept apologizing the whole time.” Cook also seems a little uneasy with other aspects of his new stardom. He recently asked overly-eager fans to keep their distance from him while he’s on tour. He was getting fed up with the calls and visits to his hotel rooms. But there are parts of fame that the 26-year-old singer does seem to enjoy. He says, “It’s been nuts. I’ve gotten to do some amazing things, like perform for the troops in the Middle East and throw out the first pitch at a Kansas City Royals baseball game.”
American Idol David Cook Visits Hurricanes Fans
The RBC Center rocked to a packed house last night thanks not only to the Carolina Hurricanes win over the Ottawa Senators 2-1 but also thanks to the presence of reigning American Idol, David Cook, as he signed autographs and met fans prior to the game. This was part of 96Rock FM’s “Rock ‘N Roll” night promotion. Cook was available to visit with fans from 6pm-6:45pm, just 45 minutes. But, that didn’t stop his fans from running to get into line with even just 10 minutes left to spare.
‘Idol’ cooks at Campbell
Rock chameleon David Cook performed to a sold-out crowd at Campbell University on Thursday night as part of his first solo tour since winning the seventh season of …American Idol.
The roughly 1, 000 people in attendance included college students, families and even some cat-calling cougars. One and all, however, stood for Cook entire 11-song set, which included an encore.
Cook was touring to support his first post-…Idol album, a self-titled affair that made its debut at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and has sold more than 1 million copies in the United States.
Home run: ‘American Idol’ runner-up headlining his own tour
A year ago today, David Archuleta was just one of the top nine finalists on “American Idol.”
Tonight, the 18-year-old from Murray brings his first headlining concert tour to a close, performing for local fans at the E Center. Next month, he’s off to the United Kingdom for his first British tour.
The homecoming marks the end of a tour that began Feb. 24 in Virginia Beach, Va., and continued along the East Coast, before cutting cross-country in March.
Archie here
With his debut self-titled album in hand, post-Idol Archuleta completes his early 2009 tour in the United States today and will head over to Britain, supporting British band McFly on its upcoming …Up close … and this time it personal tour from April 21 through to May 10.
And in between? Well, youve probably already heard ‘ if youre a huge fan, that is ‘ that the boy from Murray, Utah, is headed this way.
Yep, he making Kuala Lumpur one of the stops for his Asian promo tour, and is confirmed to hit our shores from April 8 to 12 for a series of promotional activities, including a live performance.
Jason Castro returns to Aggieland
“American Idol” contestant and Aggieland’s own Jason Castro will perform Saturday in conjunction with Big Event. “I am pumped to perform in Aggieland, ” Castro said.
He said this will be his only concert for the next few months.
“I’m in writing mode, but I wanted to try some of my new stuff out that I’ve been working on, ” he said. “It’s kind-of a special show, it’s a way of thanking my fans here.” His brother, Michael, who auditioned for the 2009 season of American Idol, is opening for him.
Castro said he wanted to be a part of The Big Event.
‘Idol’ winner Studdard explains how he came to star in a musical
Ruben Studdard got married in June, turned 30 in September and hit the road starring in the Tony Award-winning musical “Ain’t Misbehavin'” in November.
Dubbed the “Velvet Teddy Bear, ” the singer won the second season of the wildly popular “American Idol” TV show in 2003, and it changed his life forever. Since then, he’s released three albums and received a Grammy Award nomination in 2004 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Superstar.”
Ruben Studdard Covers Michael Jackson, Bryan Adams On Love Is
It’s been almost three years since former “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard has released an album. But the man they call the Velvet Teddy Bear has spent that time cooking up some new tunes and unique covers for his upcoming album, Love Is, which he thinks will lure back his longtime admirers.
“A lot of people will be pleasantly surprised. … The music is really good, ” said the laid-back singer, who performed the silky first single “Together” on “Idol” Thursday night. After parting ways with his longtime label following the disappointing sales of 2006’s The Return, Studdard, 30, regrouped and hooked up with two of the most accomplished R&B producers in the business, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (Janet Jackson, Usher, Mariah Carey), who produced the majority of the new album.
John Mayer & Jordin Sparks Rock the Boat for Charity
ET was there as John Mayer teamed up with “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks and other musicians to raise money for a good cause.
The One Splendid Evening event took place Thursday night aboard the spectacular (Carvinal) Splendor — the cruise company’s largest and most innovative ship to date — which was docked at the Port of Los Angeles. Other performers delighting the crowd were Gavin Rossdale, O.A.R., Sara Bareilles, Guster and Erin McCarley.
Stars expected at Celebrity Fight Night
Thought you saw what’s-his-name at your favorite restaurant today? You may have. Saturday is Celebrity Fight Night, when celebrities fly in to support Muhammad Ali in his annual charity fundraiser. The private jets are already parked at Scottsdale Airport.
Country singer Reba McEntire returns as the evening’s emcee for the fourth year. Jon Bon Jovi is scheduled to perform during the evening and Jordin Sparks will perform at the after party. Previous year’s attendees have included Jim Carrey, Donald Trump, Tony Hawk, Faith Hill, Shaquille O’Neal, Diana Ross, Sharon Stone, Garth Brooks and Celine Dion.
‘Idol’ Season 6 Finalist To Appear At Store Opening
American Idol” finalist Chris Richardson (from Season 6) is scheduled to be at the grand opening celebration Saturday of a new AT&T store in Clearwater.
Chris Richardson, 25, was the fifth-place finalist on the same season that Jordin Sparks won the competition. He has remained pals with fellow finalists Phil Stacy and Blake Lewis.
Richardson, who has recorded an album, will sign autographs and pose for photos with fans from noon to 2 p.m.
Review: ‘Grease’ is still the word in musical theater
“Grease, ” the Satchel Paige of American musical comedy, returned to San Francisco on Wednesday, still throwing high-energy heat.
It seems now, at least to those of us who have been around since near the beginning, that “Grease” has taken on a sort of pageant feel. It’s almost as if those involved know the story has to cover certain things, but aren’t quite sure exactly why.
The saving grace of “Grease, ” though, is that the musical is just so much fun. The current production is a spirited retelling of the story with some terrific cast members, including Hicks, who turns his fairly small role of “Teen Angel” into a wonderfully inventive bit of comedy.
‘Grease’ is no longer the word
A pop culture oil slick spilled into San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theatre on Wednesday night under the guise of a revival of “Grease.”
In a rare bright spot, the personable Hicks lives up to his reputation as a silver-haired Southern fox. As Teen Angel, the velvet-voiced crooner gives the musical a much needed jolt of charisma that points out the va-va-va-voom factor that the rest of the production is missing.
Rock of Ages Cast Launches Online Web Series
Cast members of Broadway’s Rock of Ages have created a new “mocumentary” web series that offers a backstage look at the 1980’s rock-fueled musical.
Created by cast members Mitch Jarvis (Fiddler on the Roof) and Lauren Molina (Sweeney Todd), the series ‘ entitled “ROA Productions” ‘ comprises improvised scenes that capture company members portraying exaggerated versions of their own personalities as they go about the daily life of performing your not-so-typical Broadway show.
The series, which captures the cast and crew of Rock of Ages Off-Broadway (including original cast member Will Swenson, now in Hair) and on Broadway, is available by visiting RockofAgesProd.
Naperville Idol comes to St. Charles
Gina Glocksen loves being a part of the current “American Idol” tour except for one small issue — she’s a newlywed.
“It’s so awful, ” she said of being separated from her husband of nearly four months, Neuqua Valley biology teacher Joe Ruzicka. “We’ll argue just because we miss each other so much. I didn’t even have a chance to be a newlywed. We’re going on a honeymoon in July so that’s something to look forward to.”
She’ll see him March 28 when “American Stars in Concert: Spring Break” tour stops at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. The tour features former “American Idol” finalists Melinda Doolittle (Season 6), Chikezie (Season 7), Glocksen (Season 6), and Phil Stacey (Season 6.)
Get Ready For ‘Hannah Montana The Movie’
Supporting cast members Billy Ray Cyrus, Emily Osment, Margo Martindale, Melora Hardin and Vanessa Williams all come across so incredible, warm and engaging. And watch out for newcomer Lucas Till – this young man is going to set many teenage hearts aflutter when this movie comes out. And see if you can spot the cameo from former “American Idol” finalist Bucky Covington.
Lindsay Lohan’s “Labor Pains” Goes Straight To Cable
Los Angeles, CA (CNS) – Bad news for Lindsay Lohan. Her upcoming comedy film won’t be hitting theaters anymore; “Labor Pains” has been announced to be released on cable TV instead.
The comedy, which finished production in August 2008, will premiere on ABC Family in July this year, while its DVD will be released the following month, production house Nu Image/Millennium Films told Access Hollywood.
The film stars the 22-year-old actress as a publishing house employee who avoids being fired by pretending to be pregnant. It also stars Cheryl Hines, Chris Parnell, Luke Kirby, and Kevin Covais. Lara Shapiro directed the movie.
EXCLUSIVE: DWTS’ Holly Madison Injured But Expected to Return Monday
Holly Madison is the latest Dancing With the Stars competitor to get injured!
She was experiencing pain before performing on this week’s show, and while rehearsing for the tango on Thursday, the pain got significantly worse. She received medical attention and a broken rib was ruled out.
“While she is not suffering from a broken rib, she does continue to feel a great deal of discomfort and was prescribed pain medication, ” Madison’s rep tells Usmagazine.com exclusively. “She is committed to the show and her partner, Dmitry and will rest when she can. She fully hopes and, at this time, expects to dance on Monday.”
Shawn Johnson Fan Charged With Stalking
Shawn Johnson’s fan Robert O’Ryan has been charged with one felony count of stalking and two misdemeanor counts of carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.
O’Ryan, 34, of Florida, was arrested Tuesday after he jumped a fence at CBS Studios in Los Angeles where Dancing With the Stars was filming. Police later found two loaded guns in the man’s car, as well as duct tape and love letters to Johnson, 17.
Dancing’s Ty Murray Wants Two Kids for Him and Jewel
When leg injuries forced Jewel to drop out of this season’s Dancing With the Stars, she promised she would be back one day.
But from the sound of it, her husband, fellow DWTS competitor Ty Murray, would like to start a family first.
“We’ll see what the future holds, but it’ll be hard to do [DWTS] if her belly is out to here, ” Murray says while stretching out his arms and hands to outline a big baby bump.
The Woz Dancing Fan Base Continues Growing
Steve Wozniak has somehow wormed his way into America heart.
After receiving a drubbing from the judges ‘ he scored a perfect 10 ¦out of a possible 30 ‘ after his samba performance (which featured a break-dance move, …the worm) on Monday Dancing with the Stars, he landed in last place and was expected to face elimination.
Whether it was a judging backlash (the audience audibly booed the judges for their harsh comments, including Bruno Tonioli exclamation, …on your knees and beg for forgiveness!) or pro Woz sites like VoteWoz.com (and its similarly named Twitter account) that is keeping the Apple co-founder in the competition, one thing is certain: The Woz survived and lives to dance another week.
