Kelly Clarkson’s “Darkside” music video is now in production. “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)” director, Shane Drake, is at the helm. (Video Static)
Scotty McCreery will play the Vermont State Fair on Saturday, September 8th. (Vermont State Fair Facebook)
The American Idol11 winner and runner up are set to play the Today Show summer series on May 31. (Today Show)
Jennifer Hudson to headline Taste of Chicago – CHICAGO — Jennifer Hudson, Chaka Khan, Death Cab for Cutie and Dierks Bentley are among the headliners for this year’s Taste of Chicago. Oscar-winning Chicago native Jennifer Hudson will open the Taste on July 11. The festival will close with country star Dierks Bentley on July 15. – Read more at Huffington Post
Carrie Underwood Goes Dark for Start of New Album – The album starts with “Good Girl,” “Blown Away” and “Two Black Cadillacs,” which are the most aggressive and darkest songs on the album, and a definite departure from Carrie’s familiar sound. We asked Carrie why she chose to start the album this way and she told us, “Well it wasn’t intentional to have the dark stuff all up front, but to me, I couldn’t split those songs up. I couldn’t sandwich them in between two like happy … type songs. It would have hurt me to do that.” – Listen to the audio at The Country Vibe
Carrie Underwood Co-Hosts GAC’s Top 20 Countdown!
CMT Insider – Carrie Underwood
Taylor Hicks: People Keep Mistaking Me For George Clooney!
Backstage at “American Idol,” Taylor Hicks shares a laugh with AccessHollywood.com’s Laura Saltman when they chat about how people mistake him for George Clooney. Also, he talks about headlining his own show at Bally’s Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
A Song For Blu Improved by Casey Abrams and Didi Benami
Cowell team plays down tensions at ITV, revelations – According to Tom Bower, whose unauthorized biography of Cowell has been serialized this week in the Sun tabloid and hits the shelves on Friday, ITV bosses failed to respect Cowell and properly appreciate what he had done for the channel. But Max Clifford, Cowell’s publicist, played down any rift. “Simon and ITV have had a very close and hugely successful relationship for many years,” he told Reuters, when asked about Bower’s comments. “Inevitably they don’t agree on everything all the time, but the overall situation is as healthy, good and mutually beneficial as it’s ever been.” – Read more at Reuters.com
American Idol 3D Recap – Jessica Sanchez SAVED!
Hot legs and an exorcist are in store for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Season 9 – A tornado of rhinestones and tan legs is headed right for me. She spins, spins, spins and snaps to the floor in a pose a superhero might strike right before knocking your lights out. If I had lights, trust me, they would be toast. It’s So You Think You Can Dance callbacks for Season 9 at Planet Hollywood, and I’m not even inside the auditorium yet. Dancers are everywhere, doing last-ditch leaps, pirouettes and head-spins before they march under the hot lights to perform for judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Lil’ C, Tyce Diorio, Debbie Allen and Adam Shankman. – Read more at Las Vegas Weekly
Bill O’Reilly: ‘Glee’ Might Encourage Kids To Experiment With ‘Alternative Lifestyles’ (VIDEO) – He began by saying that “Glee” was a “good show” with “lots of talent” and “positive messages.” However, he took issue with what he said was the program’s “recurring theme that alternative lifestyles may be a big positive.” After watching a clip of one character cross-dressing, guest Gretchen Carlson heaved a huge sigh. “Here we go again, pandering to .3% of the American population that considers themselves transgender,” she said. “Now I get to explain this to my 8-year-old, if i want her to see a nice family show with some nice music.” – See the Video at Huffington Post
Minaj turned down X Factor USA? – Nicki Minaj has apparently revealed that she turned down an offer to be a judge on X Factor USA. The 29-year-old Trinidadian singer said she was approached for the role, but chose not to sign on. She told ITV’s The Hot Desk that TV mogul Simon Cowell had contacted her about joining the US version of The X Factor, saying: “Yes. Well, I don’t think I can talk about that.” Nicki, who is promoting her new album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, added: “I think we both decided together that it wouldn’t work out. I think it was the best decision.” – Press Association
