Today Idol headlines after the jump ¦
Indie calls McPhee for feature bow
“American Idol” runner-up Katharine McPhee is set to make her feature film debut as the star of the indie dark romantic comedy “The Last Caller.”
Penned by Michael Albanese, the story is described as a coming-of-age tale about a self-obsessed woman (McPhee) who searches for love, hope and meaning during a few random events with other urban seekers…..
Getting the ‘Idol’ boot put Daughtry on a roll
….Daughtry recorded the CD with session musicians, including top-flight drummer Josh Freese, and has only recently assembled his touring group, known as Daughtry. That means the music is taking on a different feel in the live shows.
“I think the band captures the integrity of the album, but I wanted to make sure that they didn’t feel confined to it and that they were able to kind of do their own thing with it. Obviously, the single (‘It’s Not Over’) is what it is. We pretty much stay on the script on that one.”
But on the other songs, ” we kind of just change it up, because we don’t want the audience or the fans to see exactly and hear exactly what they heard on the album. I want them to feel like they walked away with something different, or even better.”
Gospel show closes festival
…The Elvis Presley tribute artist competition, the performance by 2006 …American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and the gospel show were all highlights, Parden said…
Simon Cowell ‘sick With Envy’ Over Dancing With The Stars’ Success.
…The actress explains, “He has a little routine before every show, with his hairdryer, but it’s pointless – he looks exactly the same afterwards.
“I can only assume it has become a sort of superstitious ritual. Just as Madonna prays before a performance, Simon worships at the alter of his Babyliss hairdryer.
“He likes to be assured he looks good and we always tell him he does.”
Broadway box office takes a dip
Rialto shows suffer post-holiday blues
Broadway biz slid last week, following a couple of strong frames boosted by Tony-nom fever and Memorial Day tourism.
Total sales dropped off about $1.9 million to $18.7 million for 36 shows on the boards. Such a dip isn’t unusual after the seasonal bump in sales that often follows the announcement of the Tony nominations.
“The Color Purple” ($882, 883), starring “American Idol” alum Fantasia, was the hardest hit last week, falling by more than $200, 000…..
What’s next for Mindy Doo?
The finalist stops by the EW.com offices to tell us about some plans for her post-”Idol” album
NOTES ON HOLLYWOOD: Jada, Paula & Mariah
…Hope you didn’t think Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell would be the only judges reaping rewards from the ‘American Idol’ frenzy. The show’s femme fatale Paula Abdul, is the center of docu-drama series titled ‘Hey Paula, ‘ premiering on the Bravo network June 28 at 10:00 PM ET/PT. The show, which airs regularly every Thursday, paints a three-dimensional portrait of the 45-year-old former pop singer and her “Crazy Cool” world ‘ from the stressed celebrity and tough business woman to the comedic prankster. According to production notes, viewers will see Abdul up close 24/7 as she battles insomnia during the much-talked-about “American Idol” satellite media tour interviews; bumps heads with QVC execs; develops her own fragrance and plays practical jokes on her assistants. Okay … enough with that…
American Idol, The King and The Greatest go private
…The company is attempting to grow its Presley line by enlisting the help of Cirque du Soleil in creating Presley-themed shows. It already has a deal with MGM Mirage to stage a permanent, live Presley show on the Strip in Las Vegas beginning in 2009. CKX also operates the Heartbreak Hotel, near Graceland, which might be a good place for the stockholders who feel the sale price was low to commiserate.
The company also plans to extend its Idol franchise worldwide. Since Simon (who needs a last name?) is contracted to the company, as well as holding a seat on the board of directors, we can safely assume his involvement won’t be affected by the transition.
TONY AWARDS: Black on the Great White Way
…’American Idol’ champ Fantasia Barrino will take a break from her box-office revitalizing performance as Celie in ‘Purple’ on Sunday so she can join in the festivities, too — also becoming a part of Tony Award history. She’ll be in great company, considering her own R&B diva idols have performed on the same stage just a couple of years before her.
According to an insider, Barrino will perform the show’s torch ballad ‘I’m Here, ‘ which was composed by Allee Willis, Stephen Bray and Brenda Russell. This would be a treat, indeed. Every time the High Point, North Carolina native sings the song, she brings audiences to their feet…
Seacrest a Laughmaker in ‘Knocked Up’
Ryan Seacrest is known as a lot of things – slick “American Idol” ringmaster, hotshot radio deejay, ubiquitous E! channel host – but funny guy’s not one of them. Which makes his scene-stealing cameo in “Knocked Up” such an amusing surprise. Even more so because he’s the butt of the joke……..
Catching Up with Mandisa’s ‘World’
…In related news, HearItFirst.com’s “Where in the World is Mandisa?” contest deadline is June 5. Visit the site now to watch a series of short videos where Mandisa gives clues about what city she’s in at that moment on her coast-to-coast tour promoting the July 31 release of her debut album, TRUE BEAUTY. Send in the correct answers, and you’ll qualify to win a $150 iTunes gift card, autographed merchandise, and even a personalized video greeting from Mandisa.
Waitress’ big break with music mogul ‘surreal’
…Within 12 hours of her impromptu performance, Greenway was in Calgary performing with Beverley Mahood and former American Idol finalist Clay Aiken — who was with Foster at the restaurant the night before — at a David Foster Foundation event on Friday…
American Idol Helping Radio Stations
It’s no secret, “American Idol” is the most successful show on TV. And that success is filtering down, all the way to your radio.
No matter what radio station you listen to, odds are you’ll hear something about “American Idol”.
Bruce Kayser a DJ for Sunny 101.5 says, “When “American Idol” comes down to the end, then the calls start coming in and people come in every day for weeks until the excitement wears down. So it’s effected radio everywhere…
Young Redding musician
heads to American Idol camp
…Instruction is given by …respected professionals, with a series of special master classes featuring guest artists such as …favorite former American Idol contestants, recording artists, and other top industry professionals, according to the camp Web site.
Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Kimberley Locke, Vonzell Solomon, Jon Peter Lewis and Carmen Rasmusen are all former contestants confirmed to be teaching classes this summer…
Tony Romo & Carrie Underwood still dating
…PerezHilton.com debunks the claim after a reader spotted the Dallas Cowboys quarterback and the American Idol winner on Saturday night at Logan’s in North Dallas.
PBS’ Ella Fitzgerald special: S’Wonderful
…Speaking of “Amercian Idol” … former victor Ruben Studdard is here, delivering a smooth version of “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me, ” with solid backing by saxophonist Dave Koz…
Jessica Simpson Out: Carrie Underwood Looking at Wedding Dresses
…The magazine reports: The former American Idol winner – who wore a Badgley Mischka dress at the Academy of County Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 15 – (the aforementioned coming out party) also tried on several of the designer wedding gowns at a private fitting in LA, says the insider…
American Idol Chooses Supplier Firm For Celebration
Top-rated television program American Idol selected Images Printed On Chocolate (asi/62242) as the maker of its party favors (2, 000 chocolate coins) for a party last week celebrating the 2007 winner, Jordin Sparks. “It was absolutely amazing, ” says Tracy Michele, president of Images Printed On Chocolate. “The Fox people were very good to work with. I personally love American Idol and watch it all the time, so it was extra special being part of the celebration. It was an incredible opportunity for us.”
The company was also on-site for an American Idol celebration earlier in the season that included taking pictures of party guests and printing their photos on chocolate lollipops that were handed out…
‘American Idol’ finalists, other acts set for MontanaFair
…MontanaFair will kick off Aug. 10 with country-music artists Phil Vassar and Josh Gracin…
…At 7 p.m. Aug. 11, the main act is Daughtry, the five-man rock band fronted by Chris Daughtry, another top 10 finalist on “American Idol.”…
‘Idol’ runner-up adds electronics to show
It looks as if Blake Lewis isn’t content just bringing beat boxing to a wider audience. The “American Idol” runner-up plans to take a whole suite of electronics on this summer’s tour that will allow him to record loops live onstage and then use them as the backdrop of his performance.
He unveiled the process on “Live With Regis and Kelly” last week, using the loops as the backbeat for Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved” and then using other loops to sing harmony with himself. Lewis says he had been using the electronics setup before “Idol” and is looking forward to using it on the tour.
It will undoubtedly be a new musical technique to most of his audience. Just like beat boxing, though, it didn’t start with Lewis….
Catching up with Jordin and Blake ‘Idol’ stars are on the go
You know you’re famous when you can find your profile — and a profile of your high school — on Wikipedia. That’s the case for newly famous Jordin Sparks, 17, the youngest ever winner of “American Idol, ” and runner-up Blake Lewis, the talented beat boxer.
The sixth season of “Idol” is over, but Jordin’s and Blake’s new, busy lives as super stars are just beginning. We had a chance to hear from the stars during a recent telephone press conference. Here’s what the talented two shared…
Don’t be a fathead
…But I’m raising the issue anyway, but it’s not because the size of Jordin’s thighs matters a hoot. I want to illustrate the point that you can’t judge a person’s health based solely on looks…
A deep Idol talent pool
A new rule allowing performers to play instruments has opened the summer talent show to a new type of performer, writes Alex Strachan.
…This year’s typical Canadian Idol wannabe is a “23-year-old who’s been doing this for four years.” And that’s a good thing, Gold says. Good for the competition, and good for his or her nerves. It’s tough to be young — say, 16 — and have to bring life experience to a song that the singer may not have experienced in life.
Gold says that what impressed him the most about Jordin Sparks, this year’s American Idol winner, was that she was just 17.
“There’s a world of difference between 17 and 19, ” Gold said. “It isn’t two years — it’s incalculable.”
There was an important lesson to be learned from Sparks’s advancing to the American Idol final over older, arguably more technically sound singers, Gold says.
“The other two (LaKisha Jones and Melinda Doolittle) placed too old, and they didn’t have the personality. Jordin Sparks was almost as good a singer as LaKisha and Melinda, but she had a way better back story and way more going for her. She had that sparkle that the other two didn’t. They were such pros, but they were too much pro.”…
Sideshow | Hilton checks in to hoosegow
…Constantine to deliver
Product hype: American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis will release his solo record, Constantine, Aug. 7. The Brooklyn-born Greek American is also an actor. He was like a featured player on The Bold and the Beautiful for an episode that also debuted his single, “Everybody Loves.” C. has also starred on Broadway in The Wedding Singer ….
ANTHRAX Members To Jam With WHITFIELD CRANE In New York City
…Rumored candidates include Crane, ARMORED SAINT/ex-ANTHRAX vocalist John Bush, …American Idol runner-up Bo Bice and STONE SOUR/SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor, according to various Internet message boards
