Today Idol headlines after the jump ¦
Sanjaya, Blake bring it home
Sanjaya Malakar and Blake Lewis, the two Seattle-based runners-up on “American Idol, ” are coming home tonight. “American Idols Live, ” the three-month, 56-stop tour, featuring the top 10 contestants from last season’s show, will be at the Tacoma Dome tonight and back on the road Saturday morning.
The two-hour show will highlight at least one appearance by each of the top 10 idols, including all-female and all-male ensembles. The show’s set list is the same for each stop on the tour, with the exception that all contestants will perform solos in his or her hometown….
Reuniting the ‘American Idol’ family
Ten finalists from FOX’s “American Idol” are reunited and touring the nation as part of the network’s concert series that will come to Salt Lake City next Tuesday.
The singers’ musical backgrounds are as varied as Sanjaya’s hairstyles, but when they’re all together it’s “like one big happy family, ” says Haley Scarnato, who was voted off the TV show on April 11.
The program’s stressful nature, which thrust the young performers into the public eye beginning in January, was a bonding experience for the contestants, Scarnato says. All but one of the artists faced disappointment as they were each voted off the show week by week after receiving the fewest votes. Seventeen-year-old Jordin Sparks was the winning contestant…..
The many styles of Sanjaya
During the early rounds of this year’s “American Idol” competition, faithful viewers were not talking about who might get kicked off.
The real question each week was: “What will Sanjaya do with his hair?”
On one episode, 17-year-old Sanjaya Malakar arrived onstage with his brown curly locks tied into a frizzy Mohawk. On the next show, he greased back his hair like a gangster wannabe. Later, he swept his hair out of his face with a red cowboy bandanna.
“I kind of did it and then realized what a fool I looked like afterward, ” Sanjaya admitted during a recent telephone interview from his home in Federal Way, Wash. But wearing those distinctive coiffures with confidence won over million of fans….
How to become an Idol finalist
Vocal cords are warming up as the nation’s Mariah and Stevie wannabes prepare to swarm seven American Idol audition sites. The first trials take place Monday in San Diego, nearly six months before Season 7 begins.
Last year, 103, 000 hopefuls tried out, but only a handful heard the golden phrase “You’re going to Hollywood!” USA TODAY asks seven of last season’s top 10 finalists to recall their auditions and offer advice to new entrants….
S.H. Jamboree adds artists
SWEET HOME n American Idol contender Bucky Covington and country artist Hal Ketchum have been added to the Oregon Jamboree Saturday lineup of performers, according to event manager Peter LaPonte…..
@genda
…SATURDAY When the cast of season 5 of “American Idol” performed at the Rose Garden arena last summer, most (aside from Elvis impersonator Taylor Hicks) proved their worth. This summer’s tour includes power-belters Melinda Doolittle and winner Jordin Sparks. And, of course, Sanjaya Malakar, whose hair tends to reach higher than his voice….
Will these `Idols’ last?
SEASON SIX STARS SHOW THEIR STUFF IN S.J. CONCERT
After watching the “American Idols Live!” tour Tuesday at HP Pavilion in San Jose, it’s no clearer whether any contestant from Season Six has true star potential….
Artist portrays urban life at Fort Lauderdale exhibit
…He paints an array of Afrocentric murals, portraits and multidimensional urban scenes. Some include faces from contemporary pop culture such as American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, hip-hop star 50 Cent and actor William H. Macy…
‹Idol finalist Daughtry brings band to Evansville
American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry brings his band, DAUGHTRY, and songs from their self-titled double-platinum debut album to The Centre in Evansville, Ind., on Sept. 3….
Yamin co-chairs diabetes campaign, George Jones in town and more
Along with being a pop star and “American Idol” finalist, Elliott Yamin has a new title to tack onto his rà ©sumà © — co-chairman of a diabetes campaign.
Former Richmonder Yamin will head to Washington on Wednesday to champion the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s “Promise to Remember Me” campaign and to ask Rep. Eric I. Cantor, R-7th, to support the renewal of the Special Diabetes Program….
Concert Review: Nickelback
Saddledome, Calgary – July 26, 2007
…Vancouver-based State of Shock and Missouri’s Puddle Of Mudd started the whole thing off with well-received short sets before former American Idol-turned-rock-star Chris Daughtry took the stage.
The bald, buff singer was greeted by high-pitched screams, normally reserved for well-marketed boy bands and George Clooney.
He seemed to revel in the attention, playing the part of a modern-day heartthrob to a tee with his over-sexed slow stage moves and gradual striptease down to a tank top.
Much like Nickelback, Daughtry knows how to play to the masses….
See fast, furious bull riding at Chris Shivers Invitational
…A post-event concert called the Bull Riding Bash, starring American Idol finalist Lindsey Cardinale of Ponchatoula, La., will add to the excitement…
‘Idol’s’ Kellie Pickler performs in Richmond
Playful Pickler offers smooth sound
The girl Simon Cowell called a “naughty little minx” is really more of a kitten. An adorable kitten who is an erratic singer, but a darling presence…….
Josh Gracin lights up Adams County Fairfest
It was another big night at the Adams County Fair and former American Idol runner up Josh Gracin took the stage. Since his debut on American Idol Gracin has had a number of country hits…….
AV Voice Changer Software Version 6.0 and American Idol Parody Voices
In addition to the Background Effects feature that has just been added into their latest Voice Changer Software version, AVnex has also focused on other special features of their products – the Parody Voice Maker and Parody Voice Mixer, which allow customers to mimic anyone voice. According to Helen Le, Sales and Marketing Manager, their ongoing plan is expanding the add-on library so that customers can freely download the packages to improve the software. ‹We have just uploaded a series of parody voice packages of many famous American Idol contestants such as Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Justin Guarini, etc., said Helen…….
July 27: Gossip! Weekly Rag Mag Wrap-Up!
…Did you ever notice that stars who are carrying around a few extra pounds always say theyre really comfortable in their own skin, then go out and lose a ton of weight?
Look for …American Idol winner Jordin Sparks to wear a size 4 any day now. Oh, and her …touring schedule will be he reason for the …slim down….
Chicagoan Jim Verraros to Sign Autographs on Saturday
First Season American Idol Finalist Jim Verraros is reprising his starring role of Kyle in the sequel Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds now available on DVD through Artiztical Entertainment. Verraros, who delighted audiences as the endearingly awkward underdog, returns in the comedy that has been making HUGE buzz across the country.
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, Verraros will join gay film icon Mink Stole and other cast members at Borders Lakeview Store, 2817 North Clark Street . The cast will be signing autographs and promoting the film…….
What’s new in entertainment
…Mandisa, True Beauty”: The “American Idol” finalist makes her album debut. Released by Sparrow Records. In stores July 31…
`Idol’ reject from Alabama headed to federal prison
A south Alabama man who earned notoriety for his “American Idol” rejection and run-ins with the law was sentenced Thursday to nearly four year in prison.
Mobile Federal Judge William Steele ordered 25-year-old Leroy Wells of Grand Bay to serve three years and 10 months for being a convicted felon in possession of a pistol….
Taylor Hicks: Soul Man
American Idol winner to stop in San Marcos to promote book
The origins of Taylor Hicks musical career date back much further than onstage at the Kodak Theatre in L.A., awaiting feedback from Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell….
Plain White T’s and Fergie lead singles chart
…The physical tally is the most for that format since “American Idol” veteran Taylor Hicks moved 190, 000 units of “Do I Make You Proud” in late June 2006. The “High School Musical 2” album hits stores August 14, and the movie premieres three days later on the Disney Channel…
Kelly Clarkson Gets the Message, Returns to Pop
Kelly Clarkson gets the picture, finally. There was no bucking the system, and no going against Clive Davis. Sources tell me that she has agreed, through her wise new manager Narvel Blackstock, to make a pop album for release in 2008 with songs selected by Davis and his team…
Chokeout a finalist for band competition
Local metal band Chokeout is one of five finalists in an online vote that will determine who represents the Tri-Cities in “The Search for the Next Great American Band, ” a new musical competition on Fox from the producers of “American Idol.” …
Parade Magazine’s Pop Culture Survey
…9.. Show viewers were most sad to see go:
Many television shows recently aired their series finales or went on hiatus until next season, but viewers were most sad to see The King of Queens leave the small screen (26%). No one will fugettabout THE SOPRANOS, in second place with 24%. The Gilmore Girls (19%) came in third. Fifteen percent of respondents were most sad to see American Idol go on hiatus, wishing instead that it would go on all year long. Ten percent will miss The O.C., while 6% were most sad to see Veronica Mars head out of the universe.
Heart to heart with Herman
Noone will perform hits with orchestra
…You were featured on “American Idol” in March as a mentor for the male finalists. Who were your favorites?…….
