DioGuardi on being `Idol’ judge: It’s not easy
NEW YORK (AP) ‘ When Kara DioGuardi accepted her job as the fourth judge on “American Idol, ” she did not immediately grasp the enormity of a full-time gig on the most-watched TV show in the nation.
“I probably in my own way didn’t really take in what a huge thing it was, just `cause it would be so overwhelming, ” she said. “Until I kind of showed up and was like, `Omigod, what am I doing here? This is, like, huge!’ And then it really hit me when we went live that, wow, `I got to speak live in front of 30 million people?'”
Since joining the judges’ panel, DioGuardi has weathered the curve balls of live television, eye rolls from Simon Cowell and criticism of her judging abilities by the viewer peanut gallery. As the eighth season progresses to a showdown between Adam Lambert and Someone Else, the 38-year-old songwriter and producer’s “saving grace” has been connecting with the finalists and helping steer them in the right direction, by way of her industry expertise.
ADAM BEFORE ‘IDOL’
‘AMERICAN Idol”-fa vorite Adam Lambert is about to rewrite the mythology of TV’s most successful talent show ever.
He was not a waitress or a college student or a church singer before becoming the run-away choice to win this year’s edition of “Idol.”
Before there was “Ring of Fire” and “Tracks of My Tears, ” Adam Lambert put himself through the Hollywood school of hard knocks.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Adam Lambert Odds On To Win American Idol
Adam Lambert is the odds on favourite in the American Idol betting odds and it looks as though not even the other contestants expect their to be an upset in the American Idol final.
Adam Lambert Looks As Though He Cant Be Stopped
Adam Lambert is one of just seven contestants still in with a chance in the competition but he is by far the most likely winner. Lambert can be backed to win American Idol at 4/9 with Boylesports, Blue Square and William Hill and he has been the long time favourite in the show.
What Should ‘American Idol’ Top Seven Sing For Disco Week?
It’s Disco Week on “American Idol” (don’t even get me started), and the top seven hopefuls have a huge challenge ahead of them: How do they sound contemporary while sticking to a genre that hasn’t been popular since the pre-MTV era? Song selection is more important than ever, and with two people going home Wednesday night, thanks to the “judge’s save” being used last week on Matt Giraud, the stakes are even higher!
Rest easy, Idols. No reason to get those Camile Velasco butterflies. We’ve got you covered. As long as you skirt the obvious picks and listen to our suggestions, you’re in the clear.
Jennifer Hudson big voice fills the Landmark
Though technically a double bill of two young, respected soul singers, there was little doubt who ruled the Landmark Theater stage last night.
Jennifer Hudson and Robin Thicke are a well-matched touring pair, with each bringing an arsenal of charms — a roaring voice and personable stage demeanor for her, a sweeping falsetto and loverboy charisma for him.
But while the sold-out crowd of more than 3, 500 mostly sat and nodded politely during Thicke’s uneven hour-long set, the audience was on its feet to give Hudson, 27, an ovation the moment she sang the opening lines of “One Night Only” while descending a staircase.
Her too-brief 60 minutes on stage were mostly spent showcasing a voice that is so giant, it sometimes bordered on shrill.
Britney Spears’ Peeper Defends Her Snooping
As Britney Spears continues her Circus tour throughout California this week, Spears’ alleged trespasser Miranda Tozier-Robbins spoke exclusively to E! News about why she snuck onto the pop star’s property and the reason she believes things have been blown out of proportion.
Tozier-Robbins, 26, is a former American Idol hopeful who says she has been in Los Angeles for about a month and a half and is actively pursing an entertainment industry career in numerous fields, one being paparazzi-like documentary filmmaking.
According to Tozier-Robbins, Britney’s house was simply chosen because of its convenient location and perfect timing’ she knew Spears would be in L.A. for her tour this week and apparently her address is available online.
“The documentary is more or less just, [me] on the way to Britney’s house, going on the bicycle ride, the camping out in the woods, ” says Tozier-Robbins.
‘Idol’ documentary to air on Gospel Music Channel
LOS ANGELES (AP) ‘ The Gospel Music Channel will shine the spotlight on “American Idol.”
Filmmaker David Lewis’ “From Idol to Inspiration” will premiere Thursday before the Gospel Music Association’s 40th annual Dove Awards telecast. The one-hour documentary explores the effect of the Fox network singing competition on Christian music.
The documentary features interviews with several former “Idol” finalists and with Maria Santiago, sister-in-law of current finalist Danny Gokey, who has worked for eight years at Faith Builders International in Milwaukee and at its sister congregation in Beloit, Wis.
Mandisa Hundley, Chris Sligh, Phil Stacey and Melinda Doolittle are the ex-“Idol” finalists featured in the documentary.
Idol Chartwatch, April 20: Kelly Moves Up, Jason Castro Signs a Deal, and More
Nothing new from American Idol on the charts this week, but we do have news about Season 7 Jason Castro. Kelly Clarkson album is still going strong and another Idol reenters the Billboard 200. Read on for more.
Simon Cowell declares he loves Cardiff
It the top question on the lips of everyone in Cardiff. What prompted television Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, to end Saturday night edition of Britain Got Talent with a declaration of love for Wales capital? More than 13 million viewers across the UK watched as the notoriously prickly record mogul told the cameras as the show closed: …I dont know what it is about here. I just love it. RACHEL QUIGLEY suggests six reasons why the toxic-tongued music maestro might have gone weak at the knees for Cardiff
‘Talent’ singer denies Cowell set-up
Shaheen Jafargholi has denied claims that the false start in his Britain’s Got Talent audition had been pre-planned.
The 12-year-old singer from Swansea began his performance by singing Amy Winehouse’s version of The Zutons’ ‘Valerie’ before it was brought to an abrupt halt by judge Simon Cowell.
Cowell said “You’ve got this really wrong”, and asked Jafargholi if he had any other tracks prepared. He then performed The Jackson 5’s ‘Who’s Lovin’ You’ to a standing ovation.
Jafargholi told WalesOnline: “I thought to myself that this was my one chance and I’d blown it. I stood there and thought: ‘What’s gone wrong?’
More Dove Award performers added to live show at Opry House on April 23
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced more artists who have confirmed to perform on the Dove Awards, which will be live from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. and broadcast nationwide on the awards exclusive television home, the Gospel Music Channel television network, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. ET on April 23.
The Blind Boys of Alabama, Kierra Sheard and Sandi Patty are among the newest artists confirmed for performances. Previously announced performers include Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant, Brandon Heath, Mary Mary, MercyMe, Third Day and Chris Tomlin.
Rosie O’Donnell: Susan Boyle Brought Out Simon Cowell’s Humanity
Rosie O’Donnell finally sees the human side of Simon Cowell after his response to hearing the Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle.
“Simon Cowell was genuinely moved when he heard Susan Boyle sing, ” O’Donnell, 47, told PEOPLE Saturday night at a Florida showcase of her artwork in Boca Raton’s Wentworth Gallery. “He showed his humanity, and I actually liked him. It was a moment in time.”
Here’s Susan Boyle’s competition… and he’s 12 year-old Shaheen Jafargholi
It looks like Susan Boyle’s got competition as Britain’s new singing sensation. WalesOnline is reporting that last night, a 12 year-old boy named Shaheen Jafargholi, who is said to have “blown away” the judges on Britain’s Got Talent with his performance of a Michael Jackson song, “Who’s Loving You.” The boy from Mount Pleasant, Swansea, sang a rich, gospel-inflected version of the song. An interesting moment occurs early on in this clip, as judge Simon Cowell stops Jafargholi’s initial song-choice and asks him if he’s got something better to sing. He does. Click here to check it out on the Britain’s Got Talent website.
‘Dancing With the Stars’ judge Bruno Tonioli reveals his favorites!
Who are Bruno Tonioli’s picks from this season’s “Dancing With the Stars” competition?
“At the moment, they are all very much … anything can happen, ” said Tonioli, who had come directly from the set of “DWTS” to the GLAAD Media Awards last night. “So you have to keep watching.”
A reporter asked if he had any favorite contestants. “I don’t have any favorites!” he insisted, adding, “I’m totally partial!”
