Today Idol headlines after the jump ¦
Diverse ‘American Idol’ cast mixes it up at the X
Has “American Idol” lost its luster? Not only did sixth season ratings sag, the attendance of Saturday night’s “American Idols Live” tour stop at the Xcel Energy Center rang in at about 11, 000 folks – 5, 000 fewer than last year.
It’s unfortunate if 2007’s group marks the beginning of the end for the franchise. Sure, the season lacked a breakout star like Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood or even Clay Aiken. (Believe it or not, I spotted one woman at the show wearing a “Where’s Clay?” shirt.) But the 10 finalists on hand Saturday night proved to be a varied and mostly entertaining bunch. …
An ‘American Idol’ tour to forget
Attendance was down and so was the star appeal as Season 6’s finalists hit the Xcel Center.
Saturday night’s “American Idols Live” concert at Xcel Energy Center proved this year’s crop of wannabe pop stars was actually a pretty talented bunch. But as the season’s gawky, hair-abusing standout Sanjaya Malakar coyly pointed out mid-show, “It takes a lot more than an amazing voice to make it on ‘American Idol.'”……
Meet three ‘Idol’ audition-bound Omahans
…Her family’s financial woes are a big motivator for Forrester. They pushed her to enter Omaha’s “Heartland Idol” competition last year. She won the contest and a chance to audition for “American Idol” last year. She sang for executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, but didn’t make it any further…
Some musicians immune to ‘Idol’ fever
“American Idol.”
For many aspiring singers, those words conjure dreams of record deals, radio hits and rabid fans.
But for others, it’s enough to make them shudder. For them, the Fox network’s singing competition brings to mind another two words: sell out.
While thousands will wait hours in line when “American Idol” auditions take over Qwest Center Omaha for later this week, several local musicians will stay far, far away from the frenzy.
Call them the anti-Idols……..
Merry Jane
Monheit pleased with jazz career
…The slender, dark-haired chanteuse looks beautiful and glamorous in videos, including a lighthearted duet with Canadian sensation Michael Bublà © on the Jerome Kern standard “I Won’t Dance, ” and a rendition of “Over the Rainbow, ” which was included on the “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” soundtrack. (The heart-tugging arrangement was later “borrowed” by “American Idol” runner-up Katherine McPhee.)…
WEEK AHEAD: The Beyoncà © Experience Takes Over N.Y.
…Constantine
What: Former American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis celebrates his debut solo album with a listening party in New York.
When: Aug. 7
Highlights: If you can’t be one of the lucky VIPs invited to the bash with the singer ‘ and count on American Idol alums to make a strong showing ‘ here’s good news: You can own his record yourself. It’s in stores the same day…
Am I dead? I must be dead
…At the middle of the bridge, cars began to move a little more easily. And then, over the blare of a Chris Daughtry CD, West heard an odd rumble…
