Nicki Minaj tweets, “Is Idol really gonna play themselves and show that shit? Smdh. Wow”
‘American Idol’ Contestant Sikh Org. Thrilled Over THE TURBANATOR! – It was judgement day for a singer dubbed “The Turbanator” on “American Idol” Wednesday night … and TMZ has learned the Sikh community is already hailing the guy as a MASSIVE success. In case you missed it … The Turbanator — aka Gurpreet Singh Sarin — won himself a ticket to Hollywood, while proudly sporting one of 50 turbans he claims to own. Dude says he color coordinates his turbans with his outfits. TMZ spoke to a rep from The Sikh Coalition who tells us they’re totally stoked for Sarin … saying, “The Sikh American community is celebrating Gurpreet’s achievement every step of the way.” – Read more at TMZ
American Idol: Fox’s Mike Darnell Talks Unlimited Voting, New Theme Nights, Honest Judging – American Idol is back, and while Season 12?s initial numbers may be down compared to last year, Fox’s reality boss Mike Darnell insists he’s not worried. He’s got a buzzy new panel of judges, ideas for fresh theme nights, and a Susan Boyle-esque audition at his disposal over the next few months. TVLine caught up with Darnell to talk about Idol‘s early returns, the idea of limiting viewer votes, and the challenge of making sure A-list judges can still excel at their jobs once the live telecasts begin. – Read more at TV Line
‘American Idol’ Season 11: Where Are They Now? – Though season 11 will be marked by Phillips’ taking of America (long or short as it may last) and the discovery of a potential future superstar in the young, diva-voiced Jessica Sanchez, so far it has little else to say for itself. It was the last season for judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, whose tenure on the show was marked by little more than Tyler’s odd quotations. Ryan Seacrest got punched by an elated contestant. Heejun Han stole everyone’s hearts during the Hollywood rounds. Ryan Seacrest got punched by an elated contestant. There were finalists, too — 13 of them, in fact — as well as a score of wannabes who didn’t make it to the live shows. Here’s a look at their careers since the “Idol” ride ended. – Read more at Billboard
Carrie Underwood Joins Songwriters to Celebrate “Blown Away” – “You changed our lives,” songwriter Josh Kear told Carrie Underwood as the two faced each other onstage Wednesday (Jan. 16) at the Country Music Association building in Nashville. They were there — along with a house full of celebrants — to toast the success of Underwood’s latest megahit, “Blown Away.” Kear was speaking on behalf of himself and his “Blown Away” co-writer, Chris Tompkins. They also crafted Underwood’s Grammy-winning 2007 single “Before He Cheats,” the song that launched them into the musical stratosphere. – Read more at CMT
OFFSTAGE: Kelly Clarkson’s Favorite Miranda Lambert Song – Kelly Clarkson and I have this in common: We are currently obsessed with Miranda Lambert’s “Mama’s Broken Heart.” I can’t stop singing it, turning it up, dancing to it and quoting it incessantly (“Run and hide your crazy and start acting like a lady” and “I numbed the pain at the expense of my liver” come up in everyday conversation quite often.) And Clarkson can’t stop talking about it to Lambert. – Read more at CMT
Former Idol Syesha Mercado shoots for the stars – SARASOTA (FOX 13) – As Syesha Mercado warms up her voice with her mother, it’s clear that the gifted voice runs in the family. “Her mom is a great singer, excellent singer,” said Syesha’s childhood friend Etienne Porter. Zelda Mercado said her daughter has had a bright future since American Idol. “She’s a go-getter and that’s what I like about Syesha. She wants something, she goes after it.” Syesha is currently on Broadway in Chicago performing in Book of Mormon. Next month, she will release her first single entitled, “You Don’t Even Know Me.” – Read more at My Fox Tampa Bay
Nikki Reed: My Husband Steals My Jewelry — and Clothes – He steals all my stuff!” Reed told PEOPLE at Gillette’s Kiss and Tell event in N.Y.C. on Wednesday. “He steals my necklaces. If I can’t find a T-shirt, it’s because he’s got it on.” And the style admiration is mutual. “I’m so inspired by Paul — I mean, he’s such a fashionista,” the Twilight star said. In fact, Reed is so impressed by McDonald’s look that the budding jewelry designer is considering creating a guy’s collection. “Maybe I’ll do a men’s line for him with belts and other cool, masculine accessories.” – Read more at People
