Today Idol headlines after the jump ¦
Locke ‘Sparkles’ at benefit
American Idol star Kimberley Locke gave a dazzling performance at Under One Roof’s Sparkle SF benefit at the St. Regis Hotel last week, and received an award for her work raising awareness about AIDS……….
Under One Roof Sparkles With Champagne Fundraiser
…Kimberley Locke, a finalist from TV American Idol who has recorded three albums, received the first annual Jonathan Parks Fader …Red Ribbon Award for her outstanding work in the HIV/AIDS community. She specifically works with Camp Heartland, the largest national charity organization that sends children with HIV/AIDS to camp. Most of them live below the poverty line. Locke said at a press conference during the event that one of her very first charities she worked with was with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. She went to South Africa with that organization, spending 11 days …in the most emotional rollercoaster I had ever been on in my entire life. She said she was 24 and was there with 30 strangers in what became a life changing experience. She has since sung and participated at many different HIV/AIDS fundraisers. Locke later told me she is thrilled to be singing at …Help Is on the Way for the Holidays fundraiser. She closed the evening singing several of her most requested songs, including …Change and an amazing rendition of …Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
World Diabetes Day
The International Diabetes Federation established World Diabetes Day back in 1991, but this year observance has a special significance ‘ it is the first time the event will also be officially observed by the United Nations and its member countries. Today in Manhattan, thousands will form a human blue circle in front of the United Nations, walk down 1st Avenue, and then join a diabetes education rally featuring American Idol Elliott Yamin and other performers. This evening, the Empire State Building will be one of over 250 landmarks around the globe that will light up in blue to mark the day. dLife Medical Advisory Board member and noted endocrinologist Dr. Francine Kaufman chairs the IDF section on childhood and adolescent diabetes, which is the theme of this year World Diabetes Day campaign.
Why November 14th? It the birth date of Frederick Banting, one of the discoverers of insulin.
Bears receive surprise visit from celebrities
John Marshall got a taste of Hollywood Friday when cast members from Heaven I Need A Hug practiced in the auditorium. The play was performed at Rose State Theater Nov. 10-11.
Cast members were unable to practice on the Rose State campus, so they donated money to our drama department to use our facilities.
The play is written by Kendrick D. Young and is about a championship boxer whose tragic circumstances are ready to explode as he begins the fight of his life to save his marriage, family and future.
Heaven I Need A Hug showcases the talent of the legendary and beautiful actress Robin Givens. American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, Judy Peterson (Tyler Perry Madea Goes To Jail), Anthony Grant (Why Did I Get Married) and Pierre Edwards (Baps).
…It was so neat to see people I see on TV and at the movies in real person, exclaimed Quinn Huddleston, …I even got some autographs. ……….
Paula Abdul: A Judge’s Work Is Never Done
One of our TMZ cameramen ticked off “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul by suggesting she would know about plastic surgery from her own experience. She was clearly miffed……..
Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson to Perform in Morgantown
West Virginia University Arts and Entertainment has released plans for a concert featuring longtime country star Reba McEntire and pop star Kelly Clarkson.
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the WVU Coliseum. It is part of the “2 Worlds 2 Voices 2008 Tour………
Zaxby’s expansion clucking
Athens-based chicken restaurant now has more than 400 stores
….The privately held company, which owns about 70 of its own stores and anticipates sales of $560 million this year, will soon expand into Texas and Ohio. Zaxby’s has cranked up a new television advertising campaign featuring celebrities such as former American Idol contestant Melinda Doolittle and Atlanta’s own former boxing champion Evander Holyfield….
Leona Lewis wants an Oscar
X Factor winner sets sights on Hollywood
Leona Lewis has set her sights on acting glory.
‘Look at Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for Dreamgirls after being on 2004’s American Idol, ‘ she says.
‘I’ve done drama and dance, so who knows where things might lead.’
The X Factor winner, 22, admits that she’s ambitious………
Big Names in Christian Music Help Launch The Kitchen Sink
….The series premiere features American Idol Season 7 finalist Chris Sligh and artist/songwriter (and former member of dcTalk) Kevin Max as the show first in-studio guests. Controversial Irish songstress Sinead OConnor will be featured in a profile and interview about her recent Old Testament inspired CD Theology, her first CD to be sold in Christian retail stores. OConnor also performs songs from the record at a private show shot at Joe Pub in New York City….
Kellie Pickler To Appear On Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?
Two weeks ago American Idol 2 runner-up Clay Aiken made a guest appearance on Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? This week, another American Idol finalist will be making an appearance on the popular game show……
OTHER EVENTS
Rodeo offers bucking broncos, music
….The concert will feature country music singer and “American Idol” star Kellie Pickler. Martin said that Pickler will sing “I Wonder, ” her popular song about her mother, who abandoned her when she was 2. Pickler, who was nominated for the Horizon Award at the CMA Awards this year, broke down singing the song during the award show in Nashville this month.
Katie Holmes, Carrie Underwood Top Us Weekly’s 20 Best Makeovers List
Sometimes a star isn’t just born, she’s styled.
Us Weekly has compiled the 20 best celebrity makeovers, and sharing the cover are Katie Holmes for “Most Improved” and country star Carrie Underwood for “Sexiest New Style.”……..
Little Big Fest this week adds an acoustic stage
….The unplugged stage will also feature Jon Peter Lewis, who finished in the top 10 in the third season of “American Idol.” He’ll tell stories using his stylized voice and nuanced guitar playing. He is touring in support of his latest album, “Stories From Hollywood.”….
