Today Idol headlines after the jump ¦
Tim MacMahon’s In the Know
Pride of Burleson has had better performances
I’m not ashamed to admit that I sung along with “Since U Been Gone” a few times despite the grammatical incorrectness of Kelly Clarkson’s hit.
OK, actually, it is kind of embarrassing to admit that. Almost as embarrassing as falling on your rear end with a stadium full of people watching.
That’s what happened to one of Clarkson’s backup singers as they went on stage during halftime Thursday. Some might not have seen it through the smoke, but I’m pretty sure it left Clarkson rattled.
Or maybe Clarkson, a Burleson native, was thrown off by the cold weather. Whatever it was, something wasn’t right with the ex-American Idol star. I’d hate to hear what Simon Cowell would have said about Clarkson’s off-key halftime performance.
I hate to write about a local gal without saying something nice, so I’ll mention that Clarkson was outstanding the other time I saw her perform. She ran a crisp out route and showed soft hands while catching a pass from Tony Romo in a Valley Ranch appearance to promote the Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas Campaign.
Jordin Sparks at Thanksgiving Parade
Hundreds of thousands of cheering and smiling spectators soaked up the sights and sounds of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York. They came to see the balloons, floats and celebrities. Among them was “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks. Anne Craig caught up with the singer, whose debut album recently came out…..
CARRIE’S CARE BEAR LEADS CHARITY TOY AUCTION
Country queen CARRIE UNDERWOOD has found something new to hug in the shape of a cuddly Care Bear she designed for charity.
And the pretty singer’s ‘Bling Bear’ is proving to be quite the Christmas must-have as her teddy competes with stuffed toys given makeovers by Faith Hill, Cindy Crawford, Daisy Fuentes and Lara Flynn Boyle.
Bosses at CharityBuzz who are offering up the decorated Care Bears, as part of an online auction, expect American Idol star Underwood’s teddy to be the headlining item, when the auction ends on 30 November (07).
Internet bidding was expected to end this week (ends23Nov07) but charity bosses have decided to extend the sale after receiving new Care Bears from Courteney Cox and The Hills’ Lauren Conrad.
In the certificate that comes with her rhinestone-clad country bear, Underwood reveals she played stylist to the cuddly toy on the same day her last album was released.
She writes, “She (bear) represents everything that sparkles and shines.”
Aiken finds it’s hip to be square
The former “Idol” runner-up will perform a holiday concert at Central Christian Church.
Clay Aiken – despite the stylishly shaggy ‘do – still isn’t hip.
“I’m never going to be, and I’m fine with that. We all must embrace our inner dork, ” he says with a laugh.
Aiken has still managed a successful post-“American Idol” career as the soundtrack of choice for enthusiastic grandmothers.
“People always come up to me and say, ‘My grandmother’s your biggest fan, ‘ ” says Aiken, 28. “There’s a misconception among these ladies that I’m cool and hip and now. And they think that by liking me, it makes them cool and hip and now.
“But shhh. We aren’t going to tell them that I’m not cool and hip at all.”
Aiken, whose holiday tour brings him to Central Christian Church on Monday, took time recently to answer a few questions.
Fans still get worked up over you. What’s with the enduring Claymania?……
A prince, his court and Saudi justice
….Faisal and Asyia were novelties in local society. Invited to speak to the Rotary Club of Columbus, he lambasted the country that was his host. The royal couple were godparents to WTVM news director Kathy Pepino’s baby. You know him as Justin Guarini of “American Idol” fame….
Idol Sparks aims for all ages with 1st album
….To that end, the “Jordin Sparks” CD is decidedly family-friendly – much like the talent competition that launched her career. Thanks to her “American Idol” success, and her age, Sparks’ fan base has a large kid contingent, but also includes the parents and grandparents who, along with their children, watched as the Arizona teen went from a potential also-ran to the odds-on favorite to win it all.
Sparks wanted to make sure that she didn’t alienate any age group with the material she chose.
“I never really thought of targeting a specific audience. I just want to make music and whoever likes it likes it, ” said Sparks, speaking via phone a few days prior to the CD’s release.
“I do love the little girls who come up to me and they are just so excited, and I like meeting the older women who are like, ‘Oh, my gosh, we love you . . . ‘ It’s really cool, ” she said. “I’m kind of just making good music, so hopefully there’s sort of a balance there to where adults will like it but it’s not so adult that little kids won’t be able to listen to it.”….
Holiday TV preview
Seasons greetings from TV land
Dec. 24:
Christmas at Belmont 2007 (9 p.m., KUED Ch. 7). “American Idol’s” Melinda Doolittle hosts the annual musical special from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Gotta love it!
…READ: …A Murderin Idol! in …Tales from the Crypt
The classic 1950s horror comic …Tales from the Crypt is back from the dead and putting a modern spin on creepy doings in the best possible way. In …A Murderin Idol, a would-be singing star resorts to using demons and murder to win …American Idol, but finds that show business can literally be hell when he comes up against the show British judge. Along with chills and laughs, this tale delivers a smart, sharp jab at celebrity obsession – proving once again that comics are for smart kids. $3.95, where ever comic books are sold….
Hey, Sparks, sing a song at Glendale Glitters
Today is Black Friday, when malls are at capacity and credit cards fly out of purses and wallets. Take a break from running up debt and head to the Glendale Glitters Spectacular and its 1.5 million twinkling Christmas lights. Jordin Sparks of American Idol fame will flip the switch in the downtown area. Glendale officials are mum on whether she’ll sing. I have a piece of advice: She had better or there’ll be thousands of disappointed fans.
Music to boost your spirits
….Smith is celebrating Christmas with the release of a new Yuletide CD, “It’s A Wonderful Christmas.” This CD will set bells ringing in your heart as you hear classics ranging from “What Child Is This” to “Sing Noel, Sing Hallelujah” that have that peace-on-earth-good-will-toward-men feel to them.
Smith’s soothing tones team up with those of former “American Idol” diva Mandisa for the tune “Christmas Day.” This song will paint images in your mind about warm, cozy fireplaces, stockings and a house full of family on Christmas morning…..
Jingle All the Way
Sing along with ‘Messiah’ this holiday season
….The Ides of March will present its Christmas show at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at The Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road in St. Charles.
The Chicago rock band, best known for its 1970 hit Vehicle, will be joined on stage by American Idol finalist Leslie Hunt and the St. Charles East High School Choir….
