David Archuleta
Most teen Disney heroes have got nothing on David Archuleta. The 17-year-old who was one of the most exciting “American Idol” contenders has one of those once-in-a-decade pop voices: A silky tenor with a natural melancholy that makes him a heartbreaker by default. His charming debut exploits that very quality with some strokes of pop genius, like “Touch My Hand, ” a temporary love ballad to the pretty girl in the front row, and “Your Eyes Don’t Lie, ” a Jonas Brothers-do-“No Diggity” ditty with a fair amount of crooner slink. But Archie is at his best on the bleeders, like piano ballad “To Be With You, ” and “Angels, ” the Robbie Williams cover he saved from obscurity on “Idol.” These are the kinds of performances meant for arenas.
“Idol” champ David Cook set to release debut album
Now Cook and the team at 19 Recordings/RCA are trying to keep the momentum going with his self-titled debut, due November 18. On “Idol, ” he received rave reviews and millions of votes for his hard rock makeovers of pop songs like Lionel Richie’s “Hello” and Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby.” Some controversy arose as to where the arrangements came from, particularly concerning his rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean, ” which was based on a version done by Chris Cornell, but it didn’t deter fans from crowning him the winner.
More Idol Headlines after the Jump…
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Josiah Leming’s story is somewhat different. He auditioned during the seventh season of Idol, and impressed the judges enough to win a trip to Hollywood. He made an impact on viewers with his vocal prowess and also for living in his car and breaking down in tears during an emotional moment. Many were surprised when he was sent home without making it into the top 24. More people were surprised when he signed a recording deal with Warner Bros. Records.
Leming has released an EP, “Angels Undercover, ” on Reprise and that set debuts on the Top Heatseekers chart at No. 26. That makes Leming the 39th “Idol” to appear on a Billboard chart. If you just consider singers who became finalists by making the top 12, the number of “Idols” who have charted remains at 37.
David Archuleta ‘Giddy’ About Solo Career
David Archuleta is ready to move beyond “American Idol.”
The “Idol” runner-up wants his first album to prove he is more than just a pretty face. Reuters is reporting the 17-year-old is still giddy and excited about launching his solo music career just six months after his second-place “Idol” win.
Insider: ‘Idol’ finalist eyes CMA red carpet, Chesney
“American Idol” finalist Kristy Lee Cook needs a date – fast.
Yes, she’s engaged (no date set yet, however), but she jokingly says she may need a date for the Country Music Association Awards on Wednesday night in Nashville.
Though she is signed to a major label (only one of three performers from this year’s “Idol” to say that) and appeared regularly on the most-watched TV show this year, Cook may not be able to go to the awards show on her own merits. There’s a chance she can walk the event’s red carpet if her current single does well enough.
“It has to be top 20 ¦ or I can’t walk down the red carpet, ” Cook moaned during a recent visit to the WIVK-FM, 107.7, studios.
5 CMA contenders for New Artist of the Year honors
Kellie Pickler – A former contestant on American Idol (2005), Pickler delivered a show-stopping performance of her emotional I Wonder at last year’s CMA Awards. She’s scored hits with that tune, as well as Red High Heels and Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind. This is the second year she has been nominated in the new-artist category.
Idol star coming to town
Just four short years ago, Bo Bice was a breakout star on the immensely popular reality competition show, American Idol.
The Alabama native brought his southern rock style to the show fourth season and became an immediate fan favorite. He made it through to the show final round before losing to Carrie Underwood, who has gone on to become a country music queen.
For Bo Bice, the show end was just the beginning.
Since his Idol days, he has released two albums and toured the world with the same rock flair fans fell in love with on the show.
Catching Up With Bo Bice
To celebrate the latest season of American Idol Rewind , I’ve been catching up with some of the most memorable contestants from the third and fourth seasons of American Idol. One of those unforgettable contestants is Bo Bice, the first rocker to make it to the Idol finale when he faced off with country star Carrie Underwood during season four. This week, Bo fills us in on what he’s been up to lately. Here’s what he had to say via email:
McEntire, Clarkson a powerful duo
ALBANY Country star Reba McEntire teamed up with pop star Kelly Clarkson for a show filled with simply spectacular singing.
McEntire had positioned herself to be the queen of country music, but slipped a bit in the ’90s, smartly sidestepping into television (“Reba”) and Broadway (“Annie Get Your Gun”).
Now McEntire’s riding the coattails of “American Idol” sensation Kelly Clarkson, who’s half her age. Clarkson who barely survived a dust-up with legendary record man Clive Davis is now managed by McEntire’s husband, Narvel Blackstock, hence this matchup.
Reba and Kelly create a more perfect union
Fifty-three-year-old Reba McEntire was paying dues in bars, dance halls and honky tonks before Kelly Clarkson was potty trained. Clearly, other than near perfect pitch, the two of them have nothing in common.
Except, of course, that when they teamed up for the 2 Worlds, 2 Voices Tour stop at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center Friday night, they delivered what is arguably the best country concert the North Coast has seen in years. And because of the diversity in Clarkson’s music, it could even be called the best in any genre.
Give TOTP to Simon Cowell
Can somebody tell me why the BBC wont sell the format of Top of the Pops to Simon Cowell?
Is it because they know he will make a huge success of it?
What I dont understand is he will have to pay royalties for the right to use it. Isnt it their duty to lease it to bring in more revenue to a struggling BBC instead of leaving it on the shelf, gathering dust?
After all, the money could go towards one of the many salaries. Anything from Graham Norton £2.6m to Gary Lineker’s £1.5m or even towards one of the many controllers of vision, whatever they are, who earn anything from £190k to £250k.
‘So You Think You Can Dance’ reinvented as a road show
Someday, perhaps not long in the future, television audiences will discover the satisfaction of watching master dancers command a stage. High definition promises to revolutionize the way dance appears on screen.
In the meantime, “So You Think You Can Dance, ” the hokey contest for aspiring hoofers, already attracts millions of viewers.
Reinvented as a road show, the program cheered a crowd of fans at the Prudential Center in Newark on Thursday. While this pixelated spectacle will never offer the mental and emotional stimulation that dance lovers receive from movement more subtly designed and executed, “So You Think You Can Dance” has improved.
