Ever wonder why the producers don’t show the backstory of every semifinalist?
And now you understand why. It’s because pimp pieces are the most devastating long-range weapons in the producers’ arsenal of manipulation. They give 19E up to a 50-50 shot of getting a preferred candidate deep into the competition. They’ll never relinquish control of that raw power. It’s why Bikini Girl, a mediocre piece of fluff who had no prayer of making the Top 36, got over 20 minutes of prime airtime this winter, enough for at least ten promotional segments. And, as long as millions of gullible Idol viewers willingly take the bait hook, line, and sinker every year, nothing will ever change! What’s that? “Two words: This Totally Sucks!”? Oh no, now you really sound like Kara!!
Carrie Underwood: American Idol’s perfect “10”!
Carrie Underwood hits the top of USA TODAY’s Mediabase-powered country chart today with I Told You So. That makes her the first artist in country music history to have 10 Number One singles off her first two albums.
For a little comparison, Shania Twain hit Number One four times with singles from her The Woman in Me album in 1995 and 1996, and her Come On Over album yielded three more. Also, It was a huge deal in Nashville back in the late ’80s when Rodney Crowell’s Diamonds & Dirt yielded five straight Number One hits. And when Alabama was racking up its string of chart-toppers in the ’80s and early ’90s, it was releasing albums much more frequently than Carrie has.
American Idol’s Phil Stacey Eyes August 25th Release
Top 5 Finalist To Display Soaring Vocals and Songwriting on Debut Pop Album
American Idol Season 6 finalist Phil Stacey recently finished recording his new 11-track album, Into the Light, which bows August 25. Stacey, an Idol Top 5 contestant, will showcase his acclaimed power vocals and songwriting chops with this first modern pop offering on Reunion Records.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
American Idol Meter: An unrivaled singer in top 3?
Adam Lambert: Unbeatable?
Adam, scoring 85 out of 100 points, is the only finalist coming off a strong performance and is in the enviable ‘ but treacherous ‘ catbird seat. If he continues at his Whole Lotta Love/Mad World standard and is given a song by the judges that lets him do what he does best, he’s the odds-on favorite. If he indulges his penchants for oddball arrangements (Ã la Ring of Fire) or ludicrous excess (Play That Funky Music), the regular-guy appeal of Danny, Kris or both could send Adam packing in a Chris Daughtry-esque upset.
‘American Idol’ Power List: Who’s your favorite from the top three?
1. Adam Lambert: (Last week: No. 1) There seem to be only two things that could stop Glambert’s march to the finale: voter complacency or a disastrous vocal on Tuesday. But seeing how Adam graced the bottom two only two weeks ago, it’s unfathomable that his fan base isn’t still in panicky speed-dial mode. And as for the latter scenario, that seems unlikely, too, seeing how Adam has barely missed a note in 10 consecutive live performances. At this point, Adam seems to be transitioning out of competition mode and treating the Idol stage like it’s his own weekly concert venue, which reminds us a little of David Cook’s season 7 trajectory. And we all know how that worked out for Mr. Cook ¦
Ranking the Top 3
1. Kris Allen (Last week: 3) – The key to Kris’ success has been choosing songs and creating arrangements that perfectly fit his style. He’ll get to do the chance at least once and probably twice Tuesday night, which will help overcome negative comments from the judges who never expected him to make this far. And as much as Simon may bemoan it, Kris’ humility and his quiet confidence appeal to a lot of people. Plus, should he land in the finale, he’ll be in an strong position to expand his support base. Danny’s fans and Adam’s fans are on opposite sides of the spectrum. The majority of folks in both camps will be lining up to vote for Kris, as likeable as they come and sitting right down the middle, if their guy is eliminated this week.
Who will win ‘American Idol’? We tell you why Adam Lambert won’t
If you believe the pop-culture peeps at Entertainment Weekly, this week’s cover boy Adam Lambert isn’t just the favorite to win season eight of American Idol, the guy-linered howler is also a sexually ambiguous revolutionary. It’s a pretty drooly endorsement from EW. But don’t go engraving that trophy just yet: Danny Gokey and Kris Allen, also in the Final Three, might have even bigger fan bases. With tonight’s judges’ choice theme ‘ each contestant will warble one song selected by the judges, then one song selected by themselves ‘ we handicap Idol’s remaining boys club:
Adam Lambert returns to musical theater roots
He walked in when he was eight years old, a strawberry blond, freckle-faced kid. He left at 17 looking pretty much the same. But in between, Adam Lambert developed into a charismatic triple-threat, which in musical theater terms means he could sing, act and dance extremely well.
In case youve been living under a rock, here the big scoop: the …American Idol finalist who grew up in San Diego returned for his …Hometown Day last Friday. During his tightly scheduled sojourn, he made a special visit to MET2, the Metropolitan Educational Theatre where he cut his singing/acting/dancing teeth and developed his performing skills. At the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, he met with about 200 child performers, and the 45-minute visit turned into 90 minutes.
Gokey Poised as Next Christian ‹Idol Star
Another season of American Idol is coming to an end.
Regardless of the final outcome of Season 8, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen will join the alumni of Christian artists who have topped the charts due to the unparalleled success and exposure of the show.
Danny is a church music teacher from Milwaukee. He founded Sophia Heart Foundation dedicated to his wife who passed away four weeks prior to his audition.
Allen is a worship pastor with roots in Conway, Ark., although his direct relationship with church has been lower profile than Gokey on the show.
Idol created several successful Christian artists.
Christians dominate in ‘American Idol’
It was a busy weekend in Milwaukee, San Diego and Conway, Ark., as each city played host to their “American Idol” finalists.
Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen are home for parades and celebrations that will be shown on next week’s episode of “American Idol.”
While Idol-mania is heating up as the season heads into the home stretch, some viewers have noticed an interesting phenomenon that began way back during the audition season: There have been a lot of Christian singers competing this year.
OK! Interview: Allison Iraheta
What advice did your mom give you before you started?
She just told me to do your best. She was just proud of me for trying out and do your best and stay true to yourself.
Tell us a little about your hair.
It was weird. Red is my favorite color. It was two years ago when they decided to do a makeover thing to me. I had long, brown highlighted hair. They just cut it short and dyed it red. Then my mom started getting used to it and slowly I started adding other colors.
Recap: Danny Gokey Day
Never one to miss out on a local pop culture clusterf**k, Decider followed the madness of Danny Gokey Day for a few hours on Friday as the American Idol contestant made his way from the bronze Fonz to a …mini-concert at the Summerfest grounds. Gokey provoked a media orgasm so mammoth it would take Brett Favre committing a triple murder in a massive snowstorm to top it, and we wanted to find out what all the fuss was about. Instead, we only found cougars, Adam Lambert haters, and a decent-ish cover act.
Allen: ‹I have the best fans in the world
…Youre going to get hungry if you eat ice for lunch, said …American Idol Kris Allen, who was referring to the chants of …we eat ice coming from the hundreds of fans who were on hand to see him perform at the Riverfest Amphitheater in Little Rock. The fans were referring to …American Idol judge Simon Cowell remark that Allen performance last week was …like eating ice for lunch.
Allen, formerly of Jacksonville, found out Wednesday he made it into the top three on the show.
Chris and Susan Rodriquez of Conway were …completely excited.
…We both jumped up and down, says Chris. …I did the famous ‹Tiger Woods fist pump.
Jordin Sparks set to Rock Out on ‘American Idol’
ET has learned that “American Idol” champ Jordin Sparks will return to “Idol” for a performance with a special guest.
The vocal powerhouse will perform her new song “Battlefield” on Wednesday’s “Idol, ” alongside singer/songwriter Ryan Tedder, who will play the guitar during Jordin’s performance.
Ryan, who is the lead singer of the rock band OneRepublic, wrote “Battlefield, ” as well as hits like Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love.”
You can catch Jordin and Ryan’s performance on Wednesday night’s “American Idol” at 9 p.m., but first, check out the final three contestants battle it out on “Idol” Tuesday night at 8 p.m. on FOX.
David A. is a Regine fan
BEVERLY HILLS, California ‘ It Saturday here, May 9, and Sunday in Manila, May 10.
First, Im requesting Funfare readers to say a prayer for Adam Cook, the 36-year-old lawyer-brother of David Cook, who was buried today in their home state. Adam, who died of the brain cancer he fought for over 10 years, was the same brother for whom David shed copious tears throughout last year season of American Idol in which David C. emerged the champion and in which another David ‘ Archuleta, that is ‘ was among the Top 3 with yet another Filipina, Ramiele Malubay, competing but not lucky enough to make it to the finals as did the two Filipinas before her, Camille Velasco (semi-finals) and Jasmine Trias (among the Top 3).
American Idols Cook, Archuleta arrive in town
MANILA, Philippines – American Idol Season 7 winners David Cook and David Archuleta arrived in Manila on Tuesday.
Cook set foot at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 at around 1 p.m. Archuleta came at around 3 p.m.
On May 16, at 8 p.m., the two Idols will hold a back-to-back concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, produced by local actor Jomari Yllana Fearless Productions.
Cook was a 25-year-old bartender and long-time struggling artist who became the victor of the 7th season of American Idol. He was noticed for his original version of pop songs, most notably of Michael Jackson …Billie Jean” and Mariah Carey …Always Be My Baby.”
Ace Young, Chikezie to Visit Idol Tonight
Set your DVRs: Idol Tonight is welcoming not one, but two American Idol alums this week.
Ace Young (Season 5, 7th place) and Chikezie (Season 7, 10th place) will drop by TV Guide Network’s Idol Tonight on Wednesday (8 pm/ET) to offer their two cents on Season 8’s final three.
The singers will also discuss their latest projects ‘ and perhaps compare notes ‘ with hosts Kimberly Caldwell and Justin Guarini. Young currently hosts FOX Reality Channel’s American Idol Extra, while Chikezie is prepping for his first album’s release.
TV Guide Network Celebrates “American Idol” Finale Week with Seven Nights of Original Programming
LOS ANGELES, May 12, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — TVGIA | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating — TV Guide Network, home of the exclusive live pre-show for America’s top-rated TV sensation, celebrates “American Idol” finale week with seven nights of original programming premieres, including the two-hour live finale Red Carpet special “Idol Tonight: Live at the Finale” premiering Wednesday, May 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Underwood combats malaria in Africa
Monday, May 11, 2009 ‘ Carrie Underwood made her second trip to Africa earlier this month visiting orphanages and health centers near Luanda, Angola where she participated in the area’s cause to help fight malaria. Her visit was part of American Idol’s “Idol Gives Back” charitable endeavors and a special video package will air on American Idol Tuesday, May 12 to help show viewers how their donations have helped with various relief programs.
While in Angola, Underwood visited an all-girl orphanage in Luanda where the girls performed songs and poetry for her after she delivered bed nets and backpacks with school supplies to the orphanage. Underwood also participated in a community bed net giveaway in Ngangula, and wrapped up her three-day trip by visiting a health center in Luanda where pregnant women received malaria counseling and treatment.
CMA Awards set for Nov. 11
Not happy that “American Idol”-turned country star Carrie Underwood bested Kenny Chesney for entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards? Stressed out because it’s been a few weeks without seeing Taylor Swift win an award?
Then mark your calendar for Nov. 11, when the County Music Assn. Awards will be broadcast live on ABC from Nashville. The awards will once again be held on a Wednesday night, which worked well for the network in 2008. The CMAs brought in 15.9 million total viewers, just a little bit ahead of the rival ACM Awards last month.
CD reviews: Elliott Yamin; Chrisette Michelle
In 2006, Yamin finished third on “American Idol” during the show’s fifth (and highest-rated) season. His soulful voice is “Idol”-worthy, although there’s not much soul to “Fight for Love, ” a mercenary-feeling product that’s unabashedly commercial after his self-titled 2007 indie release.
The new CD is a superficial success — well-produced, mostly contemporary-R&B-minded, flush with infectious hooks. And Yamin’s vocals are distinct and strong, enriching the bumping vibe of “Let Love Be” and hitching a ride on the dance groove of “Don’t Be Afraid.” He hits his stride with rare excursions into timelessness, including on the natural-sounding hot soul of “Cold Heart.”
A Q&A with Taylor Hicks, who plays Teen Angel in “Grease” at the 5th Avenue Theatre
Along with getting you a record deal, winning “American Idol” can also get you fast-tracked to Broadway.
That’s what happened for Taylor Hicks, the silver-haired soulster who scored the “Idol” crown in 2006, in the popular TV singing contest’s fifth season. Hicks drew fire and plaudits for his all-out, sometimes outrageous showmanship on the program.
For a few months last year, he brought that irrepressible energy (and some much-needed box-office mojo) to the cameo role of Teen Angel, in a now-closed Broadway revival of the retro-teen musical comedy, “Grease.”
LaKisha Jones of ‹American Idol debuts ‹So Glad Im Me album with exciting contest promotion
…American Idol top four contestant LaKisha Jones has come a long way since the Season Six tour rocked First Mariner Arena. Jones, a former resident of Ft. Meade, can add another notch to her ambitious belt when debut album, …So Glad Im Me drops on May 19th. The album combines R&B, soul, gospel and pop to create a sound showcasing the new LaKisha.
…Singing makes me feel good, says the Michigan native. …It the food for my soul and gets me through each day and night. If I touch just one person who can relate to what Im singing, then Ive done my job. Music is my ministry.
Her 14-track debut includes previously released single, …So Glad Im Me, …Beautiful Girl, a love song to six-year old daughter Brionne, and the upbeat girls night out anthem, …Let Go Celebrate.
Ryan Seacrest’s new food show: Is it just ‘The Biggest Loser 2.0’?
Today, Ryan Seacrest furthered his quest for total entertainment-sphere domination by announcing his burgeoning production company is partnering with British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver for a six-episode ABC reality series focused on healthy eating. Say what? A food show? With Seacrest’s grinning face?
Don’t fret, American Idol fans — it doesn’t appear that our generation’s version of Dick Clark is going the Padma Lakshmi route…at least not yet. As far as I can tell from the information out there about this unnamed show, Seacrest will just produce, like he did with NBC’s reality flop Momma’s Boys and E!’s reality mess Denise Richards: It’s Complicated. Which is to say, he won’t be on screen.
Jewel: My Husband Knows He’s Not the Best Dancer
Singer Jewel says she knows exactly what it going to take to keep her husband, rodeo star Ty Murray, waltzing through as Dancing with the Stars moves closer to its big finish: …The fans.
…He knows he not the best dancer, she told PEOPLE while attending the annual Race to Erase MS charity event on Saturday. …It like comparing apples and oranges for him with the other dancers. He just a cowboy. So youre watching a guy go from zero and seeing how far he can get ¦And I guess youve got to just pick your horse and what you like as a fan.
Bruno Is ‘Gutted’ Over Lil’ Kim Elimination
In a weekly feature here at PopEater, ‘Dancing With the Stars’ judge Bruno Tonioli has been giving us his take on all of the biggest entertainment stories of the week in his always-exuberant style. This week, the enigmatic ‘Dancing’ star waxes on Lil’ Kim, Rihanna and ‘Jon & Kate Plus 8.’
Everyone was surprised at Lil’ Kim’s elimination, how did you feel?
“There is one word we use in the UK: gutted. Shocked and gutted. I am bewildered because she was a great performer. Lil’ Kim’s last dance wasn’t one of the best dances, but overall Lil’ Kim has been much better than Ty. As much as I like Ty — and I really do like him — I think, at this stage, we should keep the best dancers in so I don’t know what people are looking at. Maybe it’s because Ty took his top off. Who knows.”
‘Dancing With the Stars’: The final four
It’s not too late to dive into ABC’s quicksand-like cesspool of sequins. Season 8’s penultimate performance round begins tonight at 8 ET….liiiiiiiiive! Below, a crash course in Dancing With the Stars’ final four contestants…
Shawn Johnson: Olympic gymnast/tiny dancer. She and partner Mark Ballas have taken to calling each other “baby, ” but it may be because she’s only 17 and the producers WILL NOT LET US FORGET IT. Appears in dictionary next to the word “spry.” Smiley. Seems to have no concept of how badly the stylists consistently murder her hair. Routines would look phenomenal on a balance beam. Standout dance: Cha cha cha.
‘Dancing With the Stars’: The final four
115636_0483a_pre It the final four, ballroom fans! After all the leader changes and last week shocking elimination, it has never been more crucial for the stars to be at the top of their game and deliver two perfect performances. And Monday’s dances were a real treat. So considering all this excitement leading to next week finale, wasnt it a little surprising to see all that filler between the stellar pro dance and the actual competition itself? The couples’ DVD-commentary-esque critiques of their breakthrough dances were likable enough, but did they have to come at the beginning of the program? Actually, did they even have to come at all? It seemed like this show could easily have been shortened to an hour and a half, rather than be stretched into two (gone so soon, …Surviving Suburbia?).
