This Week In Twitter: Pink Serves Kanye
Shannon Elizabeth introduces us to chocolate pop rocks, Yoko Ono tweets dolphins and more! (9.18.09)
Michael Sarver: The End-Of-Tour Interview
There is perhaps no Idol in this season’s top 10 that’s given as much of himself to the fans as Michael Sarver. Whether it’s the “Twitter parties” he hosts in which he answers random questions from fans, or his impeccable attendance of pre- and after-show meet-and-greets, Michael really puts himself out there and never fails to show his love and appreciation for the people who spent hours on the phone voting him into the American Idol top 10.
Scott MacIntyre: The End-Of-Tour Interview
When Scott MacIntyre competed on American Idol this year, some detractors claimed that he’d only made it so far on the show because of his blindness, which lent him a sympathetic (read: ratings-garnering) back story and a “gimmick.” I admit such cynical thoughts even crossed my own mind. But it turns out Scott was not at all angling for the sympathy vote. His back story was in fact was more complicated than most viewers ever realized, but because he hoped to be judged on his musicality alone, he kept mum about his difficult past.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Making Noise, Joyful or Otherwise
A diva doesn’t bow out gracefully, or quietly, which is why Paula Abdul, weeks after detaching herself from ‘American Idol, ‘ found herself on a stage in Brooklyn, holding a series of microphones in the general area of her face, lip-synching a four-song medley of her two-decades-old hits.
It took gumption to do that, knowing full well that everyone who was to take the stage in the next two hours would be a vocal titan. (Well, almost everyone.) But above all, a diva makes a scene.
Theatre Review: The Color Purple
I remember reading some time ago that Barbara Cook, the venerable Broadway and concert singer, had attended the musical ‘The Color Purple’ on Broadway and was so moved by Fantasia’s performance as Celie that she saw the show twice. I now know why. For it is this young woman’s performance that transforms an excellent show into a truly compelling, not-to-be-missed event. The Theater of the Stars is presenting the show at the Fox through September 27.
Jennifer Hudson: Back Out in the Big Apple
Enjoying the pre-fall weather of the East Coast, Jennifer Hudson was spotted out and about in New York City this morning (September 18).
Joined by her husband, wrestler David Otunga, the ‘American Idol’ alum looked a bit tuckered out as she left her Manhattan hotel sporting a grey v-neck top and black trousers.
Paula Abdul as ‘VH1: Divas’ host: Don’t quit your day job! (Oh wait…)
I’d have tuned in to VH1: Divas last night just for that show-closing Kelly Clarkson-Melissa Etheridge duet, but I was also curious to see how Paula Abdul would fare in her first high-profile gig since officially exiting American Idol. And, well, if I were in the role of ‘nurturing judge’ right now, I guess I’d have to put it this way: ‘Paula, you looked beautiful last night. And Liza Minnelli was right: Your shoes were sensational.’ Sad to say, however, I can’t say the same for the portions of the telecast where sound was coming out of Paula’s mouth, as each uncomfortable between-performance bit seemed to paint the ‘Promise of a New Day’ singer as a doddering buffoon.
Who Wants a Whitney & Jennifer Hudson Duet?
And speaking of favorite singers, Ne-Yo says he may be executive producing Jennifer Hudson’s next album. “She said she wants this one to be a lot more personal, ” says Ne-Yo, who collaborated with J.Hud on her first solo single, “Spotlight.” “I’m pretty good at writing personal records’ ¦It starts with her idea and her thoughts.”
“She’s gone through a lot over the last year, so she has a lot to talk about, ” he continues. “She’s definitely gotten stronger. The things that she’s gone through and for her to still be upbeat and happy, it’s amazing.”
We say it’s time for Houston and Hudson to hit the studio together, don’t you?
Spazzing out at VH1 Divas
Last night, every single woman I have ever lip-synced to in the shower was under one big tent. On a red carpet. In fancy dresses. And I wasn’t dreaming.
VH1 Divas, hosted by the loopier than ever Paula Abdul, is an event that celebrates the very best women in music. In attendance were Adele, Jordan Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Leona Lewis and so many others.
I got some great stuff from the gals, including Adele filling me in on her new CD “being prepped in January of 2010” and “True Blood’s” Sam Trammel saying that next season he thinks his character “will find his shape shifter parents.” Here are a few zingers from last night’s red carpet that couldn’t make the video and photo gallery that should keep your eyes happy as well.
Jennifer Hudson Talks Baby Son: ‘He’s So Precious’
Jennifer Hudson tore herself away from her 1-month-old son to perform at ‘VH1 Divas’ on Thursday night, but baby Daniel David Otunga, named after his dad, was still on her mind.
‘It’s always hard, ‘ Jennifer told Access Hollywood of leaving her baby behind for the night. ‘I [have got to] get adjusted to it because, it’s like, I don’t [want to] ever leave him. He’s so precious.’
In fact, Jennifer has been so into being a new mom that she only just found out Ellen DeGeneres is filling the ‘American Idol’ judge’s chair, which was vacated this summer by ‘VH1 Divas’ host Paula Abdul.
‘I am just now hearing about that. I guess I’ve been tucked away with the baby because I was like, ‘Really?” Jennifer said of her stunned reaction. ‘I love Ellen.’
Carrie Underwood Discusses High School & New Album
MUSKOGEE, OK– Three people are new members of the Oklahoma Music Hall of fame. They were inducted on Thursday night and include Carrie Underwood. She had a lot of interesting things to say about the induction, her high school and new album.
After seeing a video of her life from small town girl to country super star, Carrie Underwood told the Muskogee audience she’s an emotional person and the whole experience made her teary eyed. Before her concert, Underwood talked about everything from her new album to the Checotah Wildcats.
“I know they had a good year last year and took down some Ironheads, ” said Carrie Underwood.
Concert review: Carrie Underwood credits, rocks Oklahoma in Hall of Fame show
MUSKOGEE — Carrie Underwood was in her element and in the biggest venue within a 30-minute radius of her hometown, Checotah. As the most successful champion in the history of “American Idol” and the proud owner of the best commercial track record of any country artist in the past five years, her induction Thursday into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame was always a near-certainty. But her total investment in delivering a great show indicated that nothing was being taken for granted. She was, after all, nearly a half-century younger than the two other musicians, Rocky Frisco and Ramona Reed, who were honored that night. So, in front of 3, 500 fans assembled in the Muskogee Civic Center, Underwood proved why she was worthy of the honor.
Photo gallery: Carrie Underwood’s induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame
Carrie Underwood performs at her Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame induction Thursday in Muskogee. (Photos by Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman)
Country music star Carrie Underwood was one of three performers inducted Thursday into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. The concert and ceremony took place in Muskogee, and The Oklahoman photographer Bryan Terry captured several great shots of the event.
Also inducted into the state Music Hall of Fame Thursday were Rocky Frisco, a longtime J.J. Cale keyboardist, and Western swing yodeler Ramona Reed. C.H. Parker, longtime music instructor and director at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, received the Governor’s Award.
Katharine McPhee Dishes On Going Blonde
It’s been over a month since Katharine McPhee gave PEOPLE an exclusive sneak peek at her new platinum look on her album cover. Yet she still managed to wait until Fashion Week to reveal the look on the red carpet. Katharine spoke with PEOPLE backstage at the Tommy Hilfiger show in Manhattan’s Bryant Park tents about what prompted her to trade her signature sexy brunette style for being a blonde-bobbed bombshell. ‘I have a record coming out in January called Unbroken, ‘ she explains, ‘and I’ve been working on it for the last year and it’s been a big artistic development. It sort of felt like I was shedding skin, so I was literally shedding layers of hair.
New Artist Spotlight: Phil Stacey
Mike Donehey, lead singer for Tenth Avenue North (GMA’s reigning “New Artist of the Year”) interviews new Reunion Records recording artist and “American Idol” alum Phil Stacey.
Mike Donehey (Tenth Avenue North): Hey CCM listeners! This is Mike from Tenth Avenue North. I am on the phone with new Reunion recording artist Phil Stacey. You might remember him from “American Idol” Season 6. What’s going on Phil?
Phil Stacey: First of all, let me say it is a joy to be talking to you. I’m a big Tenth Avenue North fan. I love the whole record, and the new single at radio, “Hold My Heart, ” is really blessing me.
2010 Olympic contenders to join music stars Jordin Sparks, Charice, Honor Society, and KSM in “Skate for the Heart.”
Reigning World Champion Evan Lysacek, 2006 Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen and 2009 Ice Dancing World silver medalists Ben Agosto & Tanith Belbin are just a few contenders for the upcoming 2010 Winter Games featured in Disson Skating’s “Skate for the Heart, ” with live performances from music stars Jordin Sparks, Charice, Honor Society and KSM. Sparks, the winner of the sixth season of American Idol, appeared on this season’s American Idol Wednesday, May 13 to introduce the exciting new single “Battlefield” from her upcoming sophomore album.
“Skate for the Heart, ” is a high-energy show that brings top music and figure skating talent together to raise awareness of heart disease. The live show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Sears Centre Arena, Hoffman Estates.
First Ever Broadway ‘TweetUp’ Takes Place Sunday with Stamos, Maroulis, BWW and More!
September Back2Broadway Month continues with Broadway’s first ever TweetUp! Everyone is invited to go to www.ILoveNYTheater.com/connect to watch Broadway shows and actors who will be tweeting with each other and their fans, via the Broadway League’s Twitter Watch. The Twitter Watch feed (powered by www.BroadwayWorld.com) displays the Tweets of the participants in real-time.
The Broadway League will be taking questions from followers and submitting them to the proper shows, who will answer in real time. Theatergoers can watch on the website (or on the Spectacolor screen in Times Square) as it’s happening.
In addition to John Stamos (Bye Bye Birdie) and Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages), Burn the Floor, cast members from Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, Fela!, Memphis, Finian’s Rainbow, Hair, The 39 Steps, and Shrek will also be tweeting.
Diana Degarmo To Star in LIBERTY: A NEW MUSICAL at the NYMF Festival
Diana DeGarmo, star of the Off-Broadway hit THE TOXIC AVENGER; will play the title role in a one-night-only, concert presentation of LIBERTY: A NEW MUSICAL. Produced by the New York Musical Theater Festival and Theresa Wozunk, LIBERTY: A NEW MUSICAL will make its premiere at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at Theatre Row’s Acorn Theatre. Additional casting will be announced shortly.
How much is that doggy? Simon Cowell eyes up a stray mutt on the red carpet
Big-hearted Simon Cowell appeared enamoured with a new friend at a charity event in London last night.
The jet-setting X Factor judge, 50, arrived with date Sinitta, 40, and as they posed up, he seemed to be quite taken with a black and white mutt that was also walking the red carpet.
And for the millionaire mogul, money is certainly no object, just maybe the issue of whether he would be around the walk the dog.
The pair were out at the Collars And Cuffs Ball, a fundraiser for Battersea Dogs’ Home at the Royal Opera House in London.
‘Dancing with the Stars” Debi Mazar & Mark Dacascos Are Ready to Cha Cha
Get ready for more glitter and glitz when “Dancing with the Stars” premieres its new season Monday night with more contestants than ever before competing for the disco-ball trophy!
Two of those in the new cast of twinkletoes are “Entourage” star Debi Mazar and “Iron Chef America”‘s Chairman Mark Dacascos, who tell us that they are almost ready — but not quite.
“I don’t have my spray tan yet so I am not ready, ” Debi jokes.
Each of the couples will be required to perform one complete dance and then take part in a relay dance with three other teams. The men dance on Monday; the women on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, two couples will be sent home during the results show.
‘America’s Got Talent’: A chat with season 4 winner Kevin Skinner
Kevin-Skinner_lHe started the fourth season of America’s Got Talent telling the judges wild stories from his days as a chicken-catcher. He finished it’ ¦as the million dollar winner, preparing to headline a Vegas show in a little over a month. Only in America! Kevin Skinner, the singer/guitarist from Mayfield, KY, beat out opera singer Barbara Padilla and music group Recycled Percussion (among other competition) to take home AGT’s top prize Wednesday night. He took some time today to chat about his victory, as well as his upcoming Vegas show.
