Idol Headlines for 11/18/11

Lauren Alaina will flip the switch on the Christmas tree lights at Graceland in Memphis, TN. Watch Lauren live HERE.
Pia Toscano performs at the Dream Foundation Gala
Kelly Clarkson’s
VH1 Unplugged debuts, 11 pm
Matt Giraud performs at the Ironwood Theater, Ironwood MI

Tony Bennett Special Featuring Carrie Underwood Airs on PBS

On January 27 at 9:00 p.m., the 90-minute “Tony Bennett: Duets II” (w.t.) captures the legendary singer with a diverse roster of contemporary artists, including Lady Gaga, John Mayer, Michael Buble, k.d. lang, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Queen Latifah, Norah Jones, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Faith Hill, Alejandro Sanz, Carrie Underwood and the late Amy Winehouse in her last recording.

Read more at Futon Critic

Ruben Studdard Celebration Weekend

Birmingham, AL (WIAT) It’s that time of year again for the Ruben Studdard Celebration Weekend!

The event kicks off November 18, 2011. This benefits the Ruben Studdard Foundation. You can expect some great music and different runs for all ages!

All of these events will take place in Downtown Birmingham around the historic Linn Park City Center.

See a video at CBS42

A ‘Stronger’ Kelly Clarkson Talks Love: The Single Guys I Meet Are ‘Just Giant Tools’

“People don’t realize — I work a lot,” she said. “While I’m working and when I’m not working, I’m always around married people. Literally, I maybe run across three single people a year.

“Usually, when the single people do come around, they’re just giant tools,” Kelly added. “I will find every tool in the shed. Just watch.”

Read more at Access Hollywood

Kelly Clarkson schedules down time

The ‘Mr. Know It All’ hitmaker – who shot to fame after winning ‘American Idol’ in 2002 – hit a low point when she started to struggle with the pressures of fame five years ago, so her manager now makes sure she takes rest days.

She exclusively told BANG Showbiz: “It’s a worry, that’s why I really make a point to put time in the schedule. My manager does that for me now, he’s like, ‘No, you should take a break soon so you’re not doing the same thing over and over, you need a break.’ So he’ll put it in the schedule for me too.

Read more at Winnipeg Free Press

Jennifer Hudson on becoming weight loss motivator: ‘Huh?’

“It is unbelievable,” the friendly Chicago native tells Zap2it about the response to her dieting results. “I did not expect such a reaction, and it’s been an overall, drastic change. It’s such a life-changing decision that I made, and then to see so many other lives inspired by one little thing I decided to do for myself, it’s been incredible.

“It’s just so bizarre for me to hear people say, ‘I’m gonna go get my Jennifer Hudson on’ … meaning they’re going to go and work out. I’m like this advocate of health now, and it’s like, ‘Huh?’ It’s just a complete 180. I never would have guessed in a million years that I would be somebody’s motivation to get up and go to the gym.”

Read more at Zap2it

‘X Factor’ Burning Questions: Why Did Drew Shorten Her Name, Was Rock Theme Too Loosely Defined and How Upset was Stacy Francis?

X Factor’s rock night was the stuff of some controversy both on the show and long after Marcus Canty sang the last notes to Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart.” It appears that the rules were, yet again, up for debate, at least where the judges and song choice was concerned. Should a ballad by R.E.M. or U2 count? Is Bob Marley a rock star? And how were the Foo Fighters convinced to clear a song for a TV talent show?

Read more at the Hollywood Reporter

‘The X Factor’ on the scene: A look behind all that Astro and Stacy drama

Before the break ended, the crowd started shouting both Astro and Stacy’s names, but the chants for Astro definitely sounded louder. That would all change in a few minutes. Back on the air, L.A. Reid proceeded to question Astro’s attitude and yet opted to send Stacy home. The crowd booed. A little bit later, Paula also chose to pick Stacy for elimination. The boos got louder. And then during Simon’s critique, Astro delivered his now infamous line about not wanting to perform “for people who don’t want me here.” The Xanadome was furious! Now, instead of yelling both Astro and Stacy’s names, the audience was fully committed to rooting for Stacy. Persuade Simon, we could not, as he opted to send Stacy packing anyway.

Read more at EW

‘Dancing With the Stars’: Ricki Lake and Derek Hough Prepare for ‘Amicable Divorce’

Ricki Lake was happy about making it to the finale backstage at Dancing With the Stars on Tuesday, but she won’t be playing any tiny violins when her tenure on the series ends next week.

“He’s my husband,” Lake said, clutching partner Derek Hough, “but we’re about to go through an amicable divorce. It will all be OK.”

Read more at the Hollywood Reporter

‘Glee’ Ratings Decline: Does Show’s Audience Prefer Less Sex, More Music?

Last season the theatrical dramedy “Glee” generated massive buzz around much-hyped, artist-themed shows that paid tribute to mega pop stars like Britney Spears and Lady Gaga.

But that was Season 2.

“Glee” co-creator Ryan Murphy promised this year’s show, Season 3, would feature fewer of these tributes, and fewer guest celebrities, and would focus instead on heavier storylines involving its high-school aged characters.

A big ratings drop followed.

Read more at FOX News

Howard Stern Talks ‘America’s Got Talent’: ‘I’d Be Better Than the Hoff’

“I think I’d be better than the Hoff [David Hasselhoff], but who knows?,” the paper quoted him as saying at this week’s New York premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1. “But now, there’s nothing to report about it.”

Added Stern: “No one’s told me anything. I heard that they want me for the job . . . I’m honored that they would consider me.”

Read more at The Hollywood Reporter

About mj santilli 34833 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!