Hudson suspect has hearing today
William Balfour, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson’s brother-in-law, is to appear today before a review board that will determine whether he will remain behind bars while police investigate the Oct. 24 slayings of her mother, brother and nephew. Balfour, 27, is a suspect but has not been charged. He was jailed after the killings for allegedly violating parole on a 1999 conviction.
David Cook has an ‘American Idol’ flashback at the AMAs
It wasn’t the first time that David Cook had been back to L.A.’s Nokia Theatre since he won season 7 of American Idol there last spring. But performing at the American Music Awards pre-show on Sunday still brought out the jitters. “I actually get panic attacks whenever I’m in a five-mile radius of this place, ” he told EW.com following his two-song set in the courtyard, a stone’s throw away from the Idol finale showdown stage. “It’s home to one of the most nerve-wracking moments in my life.”
Archuleta, for one, said he’s content with his album’s performance. “I’m quite comfortable with second place, ” he quipped. “Right behind Taylor Swift is not a bad place to be.”
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
JC Chasez on Working With David Archuleta
Hollyscoop caught up with JC Chasez on the red carpet to get the scoop on his cameo with David Archuleta.
What can we expect from the album? JC said, “I did the last song that was on his record. We did it very last minute, but I think the song is good. Working with him is amazing. He has such a strong feeling about who he is as an artist. I did background vocals on the song I did with him.”
David Cook – David Cook Bland anthems and ballads galore.
There is no question that Cook has a solid set of pipes but what he does with them is utterly bland. The bombastic ready for Top 40 prime-time production doesn’t add to the mix much, either. Producer Rob Cavello–a longtime Hollywood studio whiz who has a penchant for taking band and turning them into popular hit machines (he helmed Green Day’s Dookie, My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade, and has worked with The Goo Goo Dolls, amongst others)’ has instilled Cook’s 11 song opus with enough slickness to make it bona fide pop radio fodder without any questions or hesitations. Songs bleed into one another with little or no distinction between them, Cook often belting out the lyrics as if he were crooning on overdrive.
Jonas Brothers Wanna Make Music With Kanye
And speaking of collaborations, American Idol winner, David Cook, says Sarah McLachlan is on the top of his list. “I’m a huge fan of hers, ” Cook said on the red carpet before the show. “I think we could do something very cool.”
He continued, “I think she’s here tonight. Maybe I’ll have to give her an elbow nudge or something.”
No word if he ever got a nudge in.
David Cook’s Mother on the Family’s Thanksgiving Plans
KANSAS CITY, MO — David Cook’s mother, Beth Foraker, told myfoxkc.com about a typical Thanksgiving at her house. But, this year is anything but typical.
For starters, the family usually travels to Indiana for Thanksgiving. But, this year, her son, American Idol David Cook is promoting his brand new album and he’ll be in Kansas City to light the Plaza Lights during the Thanksgiving ceremony. That means the whole family is coming home for Turkey day.
‘American Idol’ Daily: Idol Nation invades the American Music Awards
The steady takeover of the music industry by “American Idol” was on full display Sunday night at the American Music Awards. “Idol” alums may not have taken home every last trophy, but Idol Nation has become the largest caucus to be reckoned with in any music conclave. Out on the red carpet was David Cook entertaining the fans, and presenter David Archuleta worked the rope line. Inside Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry and Jordin Sparks all awaited their respective envelopes, with Carrie taking home the Favorite Country Album prize, and Daughtry sweeping up the Favorite Pop/Rock Group. (Our colleague Stephanie Lysaght thought David A. was shortchanged on his rightful stage time.)
‘IDOL’ H’WOOD ROUND-UP
Yes–he’s one of those Osmonds.
David Osmond, Donny and Marie’s nephew, is among the “American Idol” wannabes who’ve made it to LA for a shot at on-air stardom, according to mjsbigblog.com, which covers all-things-“Idol.”
Osmond, the son of Alan Osmond–one of the original Osmond Family singers and sib to Donny and Marie–is the lead singer for the “Osmond Second Generation” group.
Idol Attracts Notables
According to the NY Post, David Osmond, nephew of Donny and Marie, made it through the first batch of eliminations. Michael Castro, brother dreadlocked “Idol” alum Jason Castro, is another superstar hopeful. Anna Kaelin, daughter of David Archuleta’s vocal coach, is also said to be in the running, and Miss New York 2008, Danni Roundtree, joins the ranks of newsworthy applicants hoping to compete for the “Idol” title.
Donny and Marie Osmond nephew, Jason Castro brother made it to Hollywood
The semi-final rounds for American Idol 8 took place in Hollywood last week, which means it time for information about the contestants to leak out, including some quasi-familiar names.
Once again, a message board poster who goes by Joesplace has revealed more than 20 people who made it to Hollywood, and many others who performed in front of the judges at various auditions. (Last year, Joesplace revealed the top 24 after revealing the top 50.)
Prepare Ye: Godspell, with “Idol” Finalist Robinson, Begins Syracuse Stage Run
The Syracuse Stage production of Stephen Schwartz’s biblical pop musical Godspell, starring “American Idol” finalist Anwar Robinson, begins performances Nov. 25.
Syracuse Stage associate artistic director Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj directs the freshly envisioned production that features choreography by Anthony Salatino. Godspell will run through Dec. 28.
Rosie Hosts Benefit Gala, Dishes On New Variety Show
Rosie’s pal Clay Aiken expressed his support for Rosie’s show.
“I think that really we’re in a place in our country now where people need some excitement and some family fun and something to watch together to cheer them up, ” Clay says. “And I think there’s no better person to do that than Rosie.”
The “American Idol” alum also tells ET about his new son, saying, “He’s doing well — we’re looking forward to our first Christmas together.”
Clay Aiken’s Bubel/Aiken Foundation Raises Over $500, 000 to Benefit Children With Disabilities at Gala Honoring the 2008 ‘Champions Of Change’
RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Supporters of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation helped to raise over $500, 000 at its recent gala honoring the 2008 “Champions of Change.” The inspirational evening was held on October 18, 2008 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center in North Carolina. The moneys raised will be used to provide children with disabilities the opportunity to play, learn and grow side-by-side with their typical peers.
The gala benefit celebration featured dinner and addresses by Foundation co-founders Diane Bubel and Clay Aiken. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in both a silent and a live auction in support of the Foundation’s programs. The night was capped with a special performance by Clay Aiken, including songs from his newest release On My Way Here.
Jordin Sparks Turns Designer
American Idol season 6 winner Jordin Sparks is turning designer! She trying her hand in the fashion world by debuting a line of junior dresses
at Wet Seal. The line, called Sparks, will be available just in time for the holidays.
Jordin said in a statement, …I am so excited that Wet Seal and I have been able to create a line of clothing that will appeal to more girls than ever before! The holiday season is my favorite time of year, and I cant wait to see girls look cute, feel good and celebrate in style!
The X Factor and Leonard Cohen? Hallelujah!
It’s great news that this year’s X Factor winner will release a version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. It’s perfect for Diana, the best remaining contestant in this year’s series, and as well as being a tremendous tune it’ll make perfect sense as a Christmas number one, particularly with a ridiculous, glossy production and some choirs a-wailin’ for the big final chorus. Simple.
Except it’s not really that simple, unfortunately, because already people are banging on about the whole thing being deeply inappropriate, lacking in respect (at least one of the people who has sung this song in the past is dead. It’s very sad) and just, like, totally cheap and commercial, man.
Simon Cowell Bows To Britney Spears’ Diva Demands
When Britney Spears clicks her fingers Simon Cowell comes running – or so it’s rumoured as she gears up for the X Factor this weekend.
The pop princess is apparently back to her former bratty ways, demanding two Winnebagos and a private green room backstage.
The luxury motorhomes and chill-out area for Brit to change costumes even surpasses diva Mariah Careys requests for her appearance on the show two weeks ago.
Cowell and ex talk five times a day
Simon Cowell’s ex-girlfriend Terri Seymour has revealed she still chats to her ex five times a day.
She also told Hello! magazine how the straight-talking X Factor judge, who doesn’t pull any punches with contestants, did not like arguing and would try to make her laugh instead.
Seymour also scotched rumours that multi-millionaire Cowell gave her a big cash settlement when they split up.
She told Hello! magazine: “I was horrified when I read that he’s supposed to have given me 10 million dollars or whatever. I was like, ‘Why?’ I’ve worked myself since I was 12 years old. I’ve always been very independent and I’m lucky that I still work like I do.”
‘Dancing With the Stars’: The finalists perform
Dwts_7_10_1_p1 Tonight, our …Dancing With the Stars finalists -‘ Lance Bass, Brooke Burke and Warren Sapp ‘- participated in a …samba smackdown, and we also got to see the much-anticipated freestyle round. We also got some early bonus filler, but dont worry -‘ well still have nearly two hours worth on Tuesday. Based on the judges scores tonight, Brooke regained her position in the lead, with Lance and Warren tied for second. But now the time when the votes really count, fans, so Brooke is hardly guaranteed to capture the …most reflective trophy in television, as co-host Tom Bergeron described it. As an important aside, I should note that after recovering last week, whoever is styling co-host Samantha Harris hair went off his/her medication this week. Or perhaps he/she time-traveled back to the 1980s in New Jersey and couldnt shake the experience when returning to the present.
‘Dancing With the Stars’: The Final Countdown
It’s finals week, starring Brooke Burke, Lance Bass, Warren Sapp, and my favorite singer lady with the larger-than-ever jewels on her forehead! I love finals week for two main reasons. (1) The season’s almost over. You know I love me some fringe, and I currently sleep on a pillow of old fringed leotards I sewed myself, but enough is enough! I’m officially on DWTS overload. Hey, I’m allowed. At least it’s not week 2. Speaking of 2, (2) finals week marks the semi-annual return of giant disco balls as key props and graphics! I was basking in ’em, from the rotating mirror-ball graphic featuring the three finalists’ noggins, to the extreme close-ups of the mirror-ball ”sculptures” flanking the judges’ table, to the big-screen images of balls the size of four entire Tom Bergerons displayed behind the real Tom Bergeron as he spoke! In the absence of a finalist I truly care about, this is the crap that makes DWTS most lovable.
Warren Sapp, a voteworthy dancer
I admit it.
If I was a “Dancing With The Stars” voter (and I’m not, really), Warren Sapp just might get my ballot. In Monday’s throwdown freestyle dance, when the final three couples could go crazy with jumps and lifts and were generally charged with dazzling the audience and the three dance judges, Sapp and his Aussie partner Kym Johnson threw themselves into a snappy series of hops, skips, jumps, throws, leaps, tippy-toe spins and had a generally good time.
In football talk Sapp played until the final buzzer.
Video: Brooke Burke and Warren Sapp Prepare for ‘DWTS’ Finale!
Tonight starts “Dancing with the Stars”‘ big season finale — how did Brooke Burke and Warren Sapp prepare for the momentous occasion?
We were behind the scenes at one of Brooke’s last rehearsals, and also caught up with Warren as he went into a rehearsal. Hear what they have to say on how they’re preparing for tonight!
‘DWTS’ Finalists Size Up The Competition!
ET’s Thea Andrews was backstage at tonight’s “Dancing With The Stars, ” the first installment of this season’s finale. Find out how the remaining contestants feel about their chances as they go into the final show!
After tonight’s show the couple to beat is “Dancing” pro Derek Hough and celebrity contestant Brooke Burke, who received a perfect score after one of their performances this evening.
But the dancing duo is not counting out any of their competition just yet.
Dancing Pros: Julianne Hough Quickstepped Off DWTS Too Hastily
Watch out, Bruno and Carrie Ann. Dancing With the Stars pros Alec Mazo and Edyta Sliwinska have been judging Julianne Hough’s departure…and they feel her timing is off.
“I think she needs to be a little bit more careful about how she represents herself, ” Mazo told E! News at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Grove Sunday. “That’s her fan base. The last thing you want to say is ‘I’m not coming back.’ It’s an ultimatum.”
Hough told E! Ryan Seacrest Thursday she is leaving the show “to focus on the music and, you know, kind of be taken seriously.”
But Sliwinska said she thinks Hough shouldn’t forget her roots. …I think that the show brought her up, the show is where she started. If I was her, I would be doing both’ dancing and singing.
Julianne Hough Looking Forward to Life After Dancing
After becoming a household name on Dancing with the Stars, Julianne Hough is concentrating on the next stage of her career.
…Im actually going to take next season off and really focus on my music, Hough told PEOPLE backstage at the 36th annual American Music Awards in L.A. Sunday. …Get ready for the next record, start writing, going on tour, [and] promoting this record.
In fact, after Thanksgiving, Hough, 20, plans to go to Nashville to record and settle into her new place. …Im so excited to go back, said Hough, who just bought a condo down South.
Julianne Hough Gets ‘Family’ Friendly
What do Julianne Hough, Jennie Garth and John Ratzenberger have in common besides “Dancing with the Stars”?
They are joining ET’s Mary Hart and a host of other celebs for the “2008 Family Entertainment Awards, ” airing on Friday, Dec. 12 at 9 p.m. on The CW. The award show honors actors, actresses, producers, programming, and digital media that support quality family content.
Also turning out for the star-studded event are Blake Lively, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jennie Garth, Derek Hough, Cody Linley, Leona Lewis, Camryn Manheim, Kaley Cuoco, Laura Ziskin, Phylicia Rashad and Michael Phelps’ mother Debbie Phelps.
EXCLUSIVE: DWTS’ Lance Bass Takes Us Inside Tonight’s Season Finale
Lance Bass is keeping an exclusive diary only on Usmagazine.com about his experience competing on Dancing With the Stars. Here are his thoughts on tonight’s season finale.
WELCOME TO THE FINALE!
This journey has definitely been a difficult one for me ‘ I’m physically, mentally and emotionally worn out ‘ but to know that all my hard work paid off makes me so happy! Being sent through to the finals first last week was such an honor and it just tells me that the judges really believe in me. It was the first time I thought to myself ‹wow, we could win this! Maybe it isnt just Brooke [Burke] competition. I don’t really have any fears going into tonight.
Cloris is Back!
Cloris Leachman is making her return to “DWTS” with her usual bang! Check out her “Extra” Raw interview to find out the details of her recent illness — and what it’s like returning to the show.
FATONE THE CRITIC
JOEY Fatone is no fan of Kim Kardashian. The for mer “Dancing With the Stars” contestant was at the Borgata in Atlantic City for a private screening of the show this weekend. When asked who shouldn’t have been kicked off, Fatone told the crowd: “Toni Brax ton for sure. But . . . it’s not just about dancing. It’s about personality, too. And that Kim Kardashian, ugh, she has no personality at all. It was painful to watch.” He also said former his former ‘NSYNC bandmate Lance Bass (now in the finals) “can’t point his toe for [bleep] . . . he had to have two Red Bulls before doing the jive.”
