‘Danny Gokey Day’ plan humming along in case our Idol makes finals
Plans are taking shape for a day of activities next week to honor “American Idol” finalist Danny Gokey in his hometown of Milwaukee.
Everything depends on whether Gokey makes it through next week’s competition and becomes one of the last three singers standing in Fox’s top-rated singing competition.
Milwaukee’s “Danny Gokey Day” probably would be Friday, with plenty of local face time on Channel 6, the Fox affiliate. But it also would be a public event, with “Idol” cameras recording the hoopla for inclusion in the following week’s shows.
On ‹American Idol, strength can be a weakness
The big news from last week’s “American Idol” elimination was not the actual elimination, but the two people who were next in line to be eliminated.
Adam Lambert was all but being christened the next “American Idol” by the judges and apparently by viewers, but he ended up in the bottom two along with eventually ousted Matt Giraud. Joining them in the bottom three? Surprisingly, not Allison Iraheta, who’s been among the least-popular finalists, but Kris Allen, who’s been strong recently.
History shows the results shouldn’t have been all that unexpected. “American Idol” punishes those who peak early, and favors those who improve throughout the competition. If you don’t grow, you’ve got to go.
Data: Adam Lambert Has Edge on Danny Gokey In American Idol Finals
Adam Lambert is the most appealing American Idol finalist, followed in order by Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen — according to data from a brand marketing index.
Not only that, but Carrie Underwood is the most popular of past American Idol contestants, just behind overall entertainer leaders, Will Smith, George Clooney and Angelina Jolie. Followed by Kelly Clarkson and then Clay Aiken. Poor Fantasia is all the way at the bottom.
So we can all stop arguing about which American Idol is most popular–we finally have some real data to work with. The information comes courtesy of The Davie Brown Index ® (DBI), which marketing companies and ad agencies use to figure out which celebrities can best get you to buy stuff.
IDOL BEAT: We bid farewell to Matt Giraud
After 47 million votes were cast, the bottom two vote getters stood on the stage next to Ryan Seacrest and awaited their fate on Wednesday night results show. The bottom two, in my opinion, should have been the two in the finale.
Adam Lambert, who has been the clear frontrunner found himself standing next to Matt Giraud, the season multi-talented underdog. I have liked most of Adam performances but on Tuesday night, I didnt think he had the strongest performance. Matt, on the other hand, sang one of his finest according to judge Simon Cowell, who called his performance of …My Funny Valentine, …brilliant.
‘Anoop Day’ in Chapel Hill
“American Idol” finalist Anoop Desai, now home in Chapel Hill after a top-six finish on the hit TV show, will have his day. Both UNC and Chapel Hill have declared Monday “Anoop Day.”
From 5:30 to 7 p.m., a reception will be hosted by the General Alumni Association at the Carolina Club. Chancellor Holden Thorp will express his thanks to Desai on behalf of the university. Doug Dibbert, president of the General Alumni Association, will speak. The event is open to the public.
At 7 p.m., Desai will head to Chapel Hill Town Hall, where Mayor Kevin Foy and the Chapel Hill Town Council will present a proclamation declaring May 4 “Anoop Day in Chapel Hill” and hand Desai a key to the city.
Is he? Isn’t he? Why we should and shouldn’t care
I’ve never been into American Idol. Too many kids belting bad songs with barroom gusto and then the predictable conflict between Paula’s gush and Cowell’s scowl.
Until I got wind of Adam Lambert, the potato-faced kid with an unnerving ability to inhabit the deep places in pop songs. Retooling “Mad World, ” he turned the old Tears for Fears song into an instant classic, a heartbreaking anthem of emotional confusion, instability and despair.
After years of listening to prepackaged pop hits (cue drumbeat, insert computer modulation), Lambert’s theatrical sincerity was a revelation. I was amazed.
The Star
Could Adam Lambert become the first gay or bisexual ‘American Idol’?
With just a handful of finalists left on this year’s “American Idol”, could flamboyant favorite Adam Lambert become the first gay or bisexual winner of the hit talent show?
“Some people are saying, wouldn’t it be amazing that in the same year that the first African-American president took office in the U.S., we also elected the first gay and/or bisexual ‘American Idol’, ” Robert Thompson, professor of popular culture at Syracuse University in New York told Reuters.
Ann Powers: Thank you, Adam Lambert World Fan Club. But where are the rest of you?
I’m astounded by the many heartfelt comments that have greeted my post about my emotional roller coaster ride during and after Adam Lambert’s near-dismissal from “Idol” this past week. What can I say? The passion, sincerity and hopefulness of your words, Glambert fans, inspire me. What I got from your testimonies wasn’t just support for Adam, but joy in the power art can have in our lives, even when we’re a bit jaded, preoccupied with family and spouses and work, and even somewhat sheepish about the particular setting where the breakthrough happens; in this case, a television program that many “serious” music lovers (including a few critics I know!) scorn as trite and superficial.
Glambert Nation, you have spoken. I think you’ve made a case that Adam’s emergence on the national stage transcends the circumstances of “Idol” itself. But I am curious: Are there people out there who feel this strongly about the other three remaining strivers? Or does Adam stand alone, a misfit still, if now a blessed one?
Adam Lambert’s Rat Pack White Suit Didn’t Come Cheap
Adam Lambert’s gleaming white suit on Rat Pack night was worked to maximum effect as the backlights created a true star halo around the contestant.
Oh you want one of those for your next big gig too?
Reports say that the satin suit, a tux actually, was by Dolce & Gabbana — and will run you a cool $2, 000.
At what price fame?
American Idol David Cook Headlines National Race for Hope
WASHINGTON, May 1 /PRNewswire/ — Millions were moved by his voice, now thousands more will lend theirs to his as American Idol(R) winner David Cook takes to a different kind of stage, leading walkers and runners; volunteers and survivors at the 2009 Cassidy & Pinkard Colliers National Race for Hope, this Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 9:00 am in Washington, D.C.
Last season on American Idol(R), Cook spoke frequently of his brother Adam, and his ongoing, valiant battle with brain cancer. The Cook family now unites as one, to walk Pennsylvania Avenue — America’s Main Street — and send a message of hope and resilience to the millions of families currently facing the same experience.
David Cook will be leading survivors to the start line at 8:30 am and following the race will be available for media interviews at approximately 9:45 am. Cook will address the walkers and runners at a special ceremony beginning at 10:30 am.
Justin Guarini Makes A Play For The ‹New Moon Soundtrack
Were pretty certain that …New Moon is gonna be a big deal ¦ so we cant blame …American Idol runner-up/TV Guide Network talking head Justin Guarini for trying to get involved with the film. It just that, well, there got to be a better way of going about it.
For those who dont keep abreast of Guarini every move (which is probably 99.9 percent of you), the curly-haired crooner just posted a song called …I Cant Live on his official site, which he …wrote specifically for ‹New Moon.ƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ He even made a video for the track ‘ basically just a series of still photographs of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart ‘ and told fans …If you like it, make sure to spread the word and ask Stephenie Meyer to put it on the soundtrack.
He also posted the video on his official YouTube channel ‘ tagging it with every conceivable …Twilight theme imaginable, not to mention …Swine Flu for added search-engine oomph ‘ and let fans have their say on the track.
And, well, that where things get a little ugly.
Animal-Lover Kelly Clarkson Wont Perform At Calgary Stampede
Kelly Clarkson has cancelled her July 9th performance at the Calgary Stampede. You see, she knows, like we do, that rodeo are NEVER cool.
This same kind of thing seems to happen every year. A VEGtastic animal-loving celebrity gets booked at a rodeo unbeknownst to them. The VEGtastic animal-loving celebrity finds out that rodeos = animal exploitation and refuses to perform at the venue. The story usually ends with the rodeo suing the celeb, but hopefully that wont happen this time.
Were pleased as punched that Kelly wont be supporting the rodeo. According to PETA:
Carrie Underwood Says She a Brat
Those are her words, not mine. In a recent fun-lovin 10-minute interview with Chicago US 99.5 county radio station, Carrie Underwood admits that she is a brat. …My dad more likely to [scold me] because Im a brat, and my mom knows Im a brat. Dad would definitely lay the smack down a lot faster than mom would. But it wasnt all dissing dad. She talked about pretty much everything. On the swine flu: …My mom horrified [and said], ‹Youre not going to New York any time soon.ƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ On watching hockey: …They need to make the puck neon pink. On her most treasured possession: …My dog. It hard to call him a possession because he my dog, but Im his human. On her huge achievements: …Becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry but also graduating college. On splurges: …Im not a car person. Im not a big house person. I do enjoy some shoes.
Tony Rulings:
The Tony Awards Administration Committee assembled for the fifth and final time this season May 1 to discuss the eligibility of 17 Broadway productions for the 2009 Tony Awards, presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.
The committee’s rulings follow:
Constantine Maroulis and Amy Spanger will be considered eligible in their respective Best Performance by a Leading Actor/Actress in a Musical categories for their performances in Rock of Ages.
Amy Grant, Vince Gill host Challenge America benefit concert
Multiple award-winning husband and wife singer-songwriters Amy Grant and Vince Gill will launch a nationwide initiative for Challenge America on June 8. The couple will headline and host the one-night musical event at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
The charity’s initiative will work to develop recreational and occupational programs for wounded service men and women, as well their families. In the past nine years, Grant and Gill have raised more than $3.5 million through a variety of events for the regional Challenge Aspen, which has since grown nationally into Challenge America.
Special musical guests for the event include Michael McDonald, Alison Krauss, Darius Rucker, Melinda Doolittle and Mac McAnally, with an appearance by New York Times best selling author Stephen Mansfield.
Randy Jackson’s America’s Best Dance Crew Back for Season 4
Casting calls will begin on June 6 in Los Angeles before heading to Chicago, Orlando and New York City, where producers hope to find the nine crews ready to take the title away from current champs Quest Crew.
“I am excited about season four and looking forward to seeing all of the amazingly hot talent out there, ” executive producer Randy Jackson tells PEOPLE. “Every season just keeps getting better.”
In March, L.A.-based Quest Crew beat out the all-female Beat Freaks to win the title of America’s Best Dance Crew. Quest’s leader Hok, 24, who also achieved fame on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance, told PEOPLE his win felt like “seeing a dream.”
Jewel backpedals on Melissa ‹Dancing criticism
LOS ANGELES – Jewel has taken to her MySpace page to set the record straight after making comments Wednesday on husband Ty Murray MySpace about …Dancing With the Stars contestant Melissa Rycroft.
…Gossip columns hijacked and put words in my mouth! she wrote on Friday. …I like Melissa and think she gifted ¦ and I adore Steve-O. My comment had nothing to do with either of them.
On Wednesday, Jewel, who left …Dancing due to injuries prior to the season premiere, seemed confused about the show judges grading Melissa rehearsal, as she was too injured to perform. The same system was applied to Steve-O earlier this season.
Dancing’s Cheryl Burke: Gilles Will Stay Clothed… For Now
With Julianne Hough out of the picture, Cheryl Burke now has a better chance of making Dancing with the Stars history as the first pro to win three Mirrorball trophies. But don’t think she was excited to see her fellow two-time winner eliminated. “We’re all really close and we’re sad to see her leave, ” Burke tells TVGuide.com. Spoken like a true champ. See what else Burke, who will dance the foxtrot and rumba Monday with Gilles Marini, has to say about her competition, her new projects and when Marini will strip down again.
ETA:
Matt Giraud: ‘I’m Willing to Pay My Dues’
The amazing ride of Matt Giraud has finally come to an end, but not before he made it into the American Idol history book by receiving the judges’ first Save, and earned a standing ovation from them with his goodbye performance of ”My Funny Valentine” Wednesday night. Here, the 23-year-old from Kalamazoo, Mich., talks about celebrity fans (Kristen Bell!), why he wimped out during that food fight, and his one demand for the Idol Top 10 tour.
