Scotty McCreery performs at Giant Center in Hershey, PA.
Carrie Underwood performs at Key Arena in Seattle, WA.
Fantasia performs at Finish Live Sports Grill in Pomona, CA.
Lauren Alaina performs at The American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kanasas City, MO.
Kellie Pickler performs at Georgia National Fair in Perry, GA.
Casey Abrams performs at Suffolk County Peanut Fest in Suffolk, VA.
Bucky Covington performs at Kentucky Apple Fest in Paintsville, KY.
Constantine Maroulis performs in Jekyll & Hyde (two shows) in San Diego, CA.
Melinda Doolittle performs in Smokey Joe’s Cafe (two shows) at The Franklin Theater in Franklin, TN.
Jason Castro performs in Williamsport, MD.
Phil Stacey performs at a student conference in Boise, ID.
Mandisa performs at Women of Faith – Celebrate in Milwaukee, WI. – Via AmericanIdol.com
Jessica Sanchez tweets, “Big plans ahead. Very excited :)”
Jordin Sparks tweets, “19 possible amazing tracks in my pocket 4 a new album…excited! Headed back into the studio this week 4 more! You ready for new music??”
LaKisha Jones talks touring, preps for return to Flint for “Super Talent Show” – FLINT, MI — Since becoming a finalist on hit music competition show “American Idol” in 2007, LaKisha Jones has traveled around the world to sing with different symphonies and orchestras. But she said that coming back to her hometown of Flint for Saturday’s “Super Talent Show” at the University of Michigan-Flint Theatre, 303 E. Kearsley, Flint, was “a no brainer.” – Read more at MLive.com
Smash Producer Teases Season 2 – The curtains closed on Smash’s first season with mediocre reviews, but the show must go on. With a major cast overhaul, including Jennifer Hudson headlining some big-name guest stars, things are looking up for Season 2, which returns to NBC in January. Executive producer Neil Meron, who also produced the remake of Lifetime’s Steel Magnolias, spilled some details at Magnolia’s premiere. Hudson will appear in at least three episodes, playing a two-time Tony-award winner looking to change the direction of her career. She has ties to Karen (Katharine McPhee), Ivy (Megan Hilty) and Derek (Jack Davenport). The Oscar and Grammy winner will be “singing a lot” of original songs, says Meron, but he raved that the “really big high point in the first episode” is a classic – the recently released “On Broadway” duet with McPhee. – Read more at SeattlePI
Nicki Minaj’s ‘American Idol’ Buzz and Fragrance Launch Stirs Social Buzz – The “Idol” judge’s first fragrance, appropriately titled Pink Friday and presented in a container bearing her likeness, was released Sept. 22 via a Macy’s-sponsored event in New York. She appeared for the first time on ABC’s “The View” the following Monday (the 24th) to further promote the fragrance launch and converse about being a judge on “American Idol.” The appearances paid off, and her Social 50 chart jump was fueled by a 34% bump in overall fan acquisition made possible by 79,000 new Facebook fans and 46,000 Twitter followers. – Read more at Billboard
What will Cowell say? Simon Fuller plans to steal the music mogul’s crown by putting in a £350million bid for EMI – They’ve been rivals in the industry for years, but Simon Fuller is about to ignite his competition with Simon Cowell once again. The 52-year-old entrepreneur, who discovered the Spice Girls, is planning to buy 60% of the record label EMI and it’s businesses in Europe. If Fuller’s £350million bid is accepted, the father-of-one will not only be in control of some of music’s biggest artists, but he will be a serious threat to Cowell’s own label, Syco. – Read more at The Daily Mail
