Today Idol headlines after the jump ¦
‘American Idols Live’ at Jobing.com Arena
At the “American Idols Live” concert tour, a lot of big questions surrounded hometown girl and Idol winner Jordin Sparks. For instance, can she rule the concert stage? Is she going to be a huge star? And does she sound as good as she does on TV?
Well, after Wednesday show at Jobing.com Arena, the answers to most of the questions remain rather fuzzy……
Sparks big draw at ‘Idols’ concert
For years, Olivia Nunley simply walked upstairs to a home nursery to watch close family friend Jordin Sparks sing and play guitar for her three young daughters.
To get the same show this time around, Nunley followed slightly different protocol: she stood in line and bought tickets.
“It’s so foreign . . . its like our Jordin isn’t our Jordin anymore, ” the Peoria resident said.
On Wednesday night, thousands of concertgoers embraced Sparks as their own when they saw the hometown girl sing as part of the 2007 American Idols Live concert tour when it stopped at Glendale’s Jobing.com Arena……
MTV parks Pimp My Ride
…”Ride” will be paired up with new car-makeover competition series, “Trick It Out, ” hosted by former “American Idol” contestant Becky O’Donohue, which debuts at 10 p.m. Sunday.
Victoria …Posh Spice Beckham will host NBC Comedies Thurs with Posh Show Re-run
…The special is produced by 19 Entertainment, a fully owned subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (NASDAQ: CKXE). Simon Fuller (American Idol), Kim Fuller (Tracey Takes On) and Mike Nichols (High School Reunion) are the executive producers.
Reba Sings Kelly’s Praises
Country star says Clarkson reminds her of herself
Reba McEntire met with the Nashville Press esterday in advance of the release of her upcoming duets album, featuring 11 songs with some of the greatest music stars of two centuries. Reba was happy to talk to us about the debut single, “Because of You, ” with Kelly Clarkson, a person she says reminded her a lot of herself…….
On Tour with American Idol: The Melinda Doolittle Q&A
They’re visiting 42 cities in just 68 days. But touring as a performer with American Idols Live isn’t all work and no play. Speaking with TV Guide during her Nashville, Tennessee, homecoming, Melinda Doolittle spoke of massages on demand, an abundance of toaster pastries and her hankering for some 24…….
‘Idol’ winner in Branson
“American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks said he’s heard about Branson, where he’ll perform July 30.
“Isn’t it kind of like a country version of Las Vegas on steroids?” asked Hicks in a recent telephone interview while he was waiting to perform in St. Louis…..
Teen fights juvenile diabetes with fundraising
St. Cloud middle-schooler Hannah Gilbert was a Children’s Conference delegate in Washington.
…At the Children’s Congress, Hannah was one of eight delegates from Florida. She met with lawmakers and performed a song called “Promise to Remember Me” with country music star Trisha Yearwood and American Idol finalist Elliot Yamin…
It’s far from over for Daughtry
Daughtry to hit the stage at the Delaware State Fair
…”Daughtry, ” the fastest-selling rock debut since SoundScan began tabulating sales in 1991, sold 1.9 million copies in its first 16 weeks, and first single “It’s Not Over” was a top 10 smash on multiple formats with sales of more than 871, 500 downloads to date. His ballad “Home” replaced Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day” as this season’s exit anthem, which goosed sales even more.
This post-Idol course, less a career path than his fantasy stairway to heaven, “has far exceeded anything I ever expected, ” Daughtry, 27, said.
The same could be said for a music industry reeling from declining album sales. It’s now trailing 2006 by 16 percent…
In Review
The appearance of “American Idol” 2003 second-place winner Clay Aiken before 1, 600 screaming “Claymates” – well, about 600 or so were screaming – has given your obedient servant new insight into the reviews of earlier days.
I can now imagine myself trying to review the hysteria of the bobby socks and saddle shoes set when young Frank Sinatra first came on the scene, or writing a critique of the hordes when Elvis first appeared, or the shrieks that arose when The Beatles were just getting started.
And much like those fabled critics of yore, I simply don’t get it. All of this large-scale Clayemotion confounds me, I fear…..
Attention, Claymates
Nashua Symphony Orchestra will provide the musical backdrop for Clay Aiken when the pop singer visits the picturesque Lakes Region for an 8 p.m. concert Wednesday, July 25, at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford.
“Meadowbrook contacted us and invited us to perform with Clay Aiken, ” said Caroline Mardiasmenos, spokeswoman for the orchestra.
As the runner-up in Fox TV second “American Idol” singing competition, Aiken garnered scores of fans — or devoted “Claymates” — in 2003 with his Southern charm, easygoing demeanor and bright voice…
Indie group Main Drag gets a continental effort
…Ayla Brown to sing at Shamrock Idol
Shamrock Idol continues Thursday with the help of a former …American Idol contestant.
Ayla Brown will sing a few notes at Bad Abbots, 1546 Hancock St., Quincy, kicking off the second of three nights of preliminary competition. Last Thursday, 32 guys and gals took the stage, with eight moving on to round two. Another eight are slated to advance tonight and next Thursday. In the end, six finalists will compete at the Half-Way to St. Patrick Day party on Sept. 14 at Freeport Hall in Dorchester.
The winner will take home $2, 500 and sing at Symphony Hall with the Border Orchestra of Ireland on Nov. 3.
Shamrock Idol is the creation of Patrick McDonough, the man behind Irish networking group Shamrock Nation. And it not too late to enter: Register in person Thursday or online at www.shamrockidol.com.
Another hotel planned for downtown entertainment district
..Last month, Performa representatives were reportedly discussing plans for several restaurants, nightclubs and retailers to join the district, including negotiations for a nightclub with former “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard.
BEHIND THE MUSIC
`Never in a million years.”
That’s Taylor Hicks talking, expressing amazement about two upcoming appearances this week in Birmingham.
It’s not that he’ll be in Birmingham – Hicks has returned many times since winning “American Idol” last season. It’s that this time, he’s coming as Taylor Hicks, author, not Taylor Hicks, singer….
‘Idol’ alum Daughtry to play BayFest
The latest addition to the BayFest lineup is a familiar face from the 2006 season of “American Idol.”
No, not that one. As yet, there’s been no hint that Taylor Hicks will return to Lower Alabama on the first weekend in October. (It’s not like Gulf Coast fans are going begging, considering he’ll play the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi on Aug. 3 and the Amphitheater at the Wharf in Orange Beach on Sept. 2; see “Upcoming Events” on page 9D for ticket details.)
But over the weekend, BayFest’s secret-keepers conceded that another cat was out of the bag: Chris Daughtry, who finished in fourth place behind Hicks, will headline on the festival’s second night, Oct. 6……….
Noone brings Hermits to Mobile
…But the music, and Noone’s presence, endures. In addition to regular concert tours, Noone’s experience includes at least one major Broadway role and numerous TV guest appearances, including a recurring role on the daytime soap “As the World Turns.” He also appeared on the most recent season of “American Idol, ” serving as a mentor to male finalists.
“Oh, yeah. I was like the stage mommy to those guys, ” he said. And from the sound of it, a somewhat frustrated mother.
Despite the judges’ oft-repeated mantra that “this is a singing competition, ” Noone said he feels contestants serve themselves best when they try to deliver the “total package, ” developing themselves as overall entertainers.
“I don’t think it really is a singing competition, ” Noone said. “I don’t think the best singer wins that show or becomes an idol because they’re a good singer. I think it’s really a total thing.”
He tried to pass along his experience, he said, despite “static” from the show’s overseers….
