Today Idol headlines after the jump ¦
Idol Video Interviews
On Tour with American Idol: The Jordin Sparks Q&A
Thirty-one million viewers watched live as she became the reigning American Idol. But, despite the Nielsen ratings, Jordin Sparks still insists her face isn’t nearly as recognizable as her name. Hours before she took the stage in Sunrise, Florida, with the American Idols Live tour, the Season 6 winner spoke with TV Guide…
‘American Idol’ finalists sweep Sommet Center’s stage
Just when your memories of Sanjaya Malakar were becoming pleasantly faint, the American Idol arena extravaganza is once again rolling into town, carting along this year’s top 12 Idol finalists.
Even with Malakar’s caterwauling included, tonight’s show at the Sommet Center should feel like heaven for Idol fans. Not only will you see faves such as winner Jordin Sparks and beat-boxing runner-up Blake Lewis, you’ll also have the chance to re-appreciate those contestants who were given the boot earlier than they deserved, including Brentwood’s own Melinda Doolittle…..
FANTASIA IN TALKS FOR ANOTHER BROADWAY SHOW: Singer eyes musical about African-American expatriate in Paris.
…The Color Purple star Fantasia Barrino is looking to build upon her breakout success on Broadway with a lead role in another African American-themed musical currently in the works, reports New York Daily News columnists Rush & Malloy….
TV pioneers reflect on industry’s past, future
….It’s certainly harder for performers such as Orlando; his kind of variety show has basically faded away. Still, he said, the genre lives on, re-created as American Idol and Dancing With the Stars…
My Dream Stays Alive: Epilogue
Tomorrow afternoon, I venture into the unknown: the American Idol Tour press hour. As I have made abundantly (and embarrassingly) clear over the last few months, I dig the Idol and even went so far as to write a story about it. But something about this press event makes me strangely anxious. There are just so many questions: will Phil Stacey be as creepy in person? Will Haley be wearing hot pants? Will Chris Sligh pummel me with his bible for only using one quote after a 20-minute interview? Will Sanjaya…SANJAYA!?! My goal is to get my picture taken with at least one of the finalists (though not Gina’ totally bore-core), and to observe as many silly things as possible for the sake of the Cream readers who happen to give a damn’ they may not be many, but they’re out there…
FORT LEE NATIVE BYRON ZANOS LATEST SINGLE RELEASE “SECRETS AND LIES” IS AN AMERICAN IDOL SONGWRITER FINALIST IS SET TO PERFORM AT JONES BEACH
Byron Zanos and co-writer Drew Yowell’s song “Secrets and Lies” was selected out of 25, 000 entries as a Top 20 finalist in the first-ever American Idol Songwriting Competition. Finalists in the contest were chosen by American Idol Executive Producer Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment…..
Kelly Clarkson gets rocks off
KELLY CLARKSON looks smokin hot on the front cover of next month Blender magazine.
Looking very rock chick in a black bustier, heavy make-up and dishevelled hair, the singer looks a shadow of the cute All-American youngster who shot to fame on American Idol in 2002….
It’s an ‘American Idol’ reunion
In a cosmic confluence of celebrity concerts, Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry, two of the biggest stars of “American Idol, ” will perform back-to-back shows in Biloxi next month.
Hicks will perform Aug. 3 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Tickets went on sale May 18 and are still available. Prices start at $40 for the cheap seats. The one-night-only show comes the night before Daughtry performs at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. That show sold out in mere hours, and is the third appearance the rocker has made in Biloxi in less than a month. Daughtry was one of many celebrities who participated in opening ceremonies at the Hard Rock last week and headlined the sold-out CPR Fest XI at the Coliseum later the same evening….
Ask Fantasia a Question
“The Color Purple” Star Will Perform in GMA Summer Concert Series Friday.
…Barrino is now winning rave reviews as Celie in the Broadway version of “The Color Purple.” On Friday, July 13, she’ll perform live on “Good Morning America.” Now’s your chance to ask her a question…
50% Stake in 18 Acres on Strip Fetches $180M
…In June, a 50% stake in FXLR was acquired for $100 million by publicly held CKX Inc., which owns the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali, and proprietary rights to the American Idol television series. Also that month, CKX agreed to be acquired for $13.75 per share by 19X Inc., a private company owned and controlled by CKX chairman Robert F.X. Sillerman and CKX director Simon R. Fuller, who is also CEO of CKX subsidiary 19 Entertainment Ltd…
Two Taylors put on a great show
Taylor Hicks, on stage, belted out a tune as the sun set over the field at Belmont Country Club on July 8. Taylor Love, 2, in the front row, danced around in her pink, orange and white sundress with her family — mom Aimee, dad Mike, brothers Adam and Kyle, and Nana Sue…..
Turtles, Jones mix music with humor
…During the Turtles’ nine-song, 51-minute set, they competently re-created their ’60s hits, but their between-song kibitzing was a blast.
Kaylan: “I am Taylor Hicks’ dad. This, of course, is Sanjaya’s mom.”…
Lavigne clash widens
Songwriters, lawyers, musicologists and PR people get into the debate over the genesis of ‘Girlfriend.’
…”I never heard of the Rubinoos before the lawsuit, ” said Gottwald, an in-demand producer who has crafted hits for Kelly Clarkson, Pink and Daughtry, among others. “I never heard of the song and neither has Avril. I would take a polygraph on that in front of them.”…
Ex-‘Idol’ may sell out local concert
Former “American Idol” contestant Chris Daughtry finished fourth on the show last year, but the rocker still has the spotlight.
His self-titled CD, “Daughtry, ” is the fastest-selling rock debut in SoundScan history and recently went triple platinum. And now Daughtry and his band are coming to Jackson…..
Katharine McPhee “Love Story”
We’ve got the latest “Story” from this almost-American Idol. Get the full scoop on this premiere now!
