Idol Headlines for 12/11/08

Castro preps for Garland concert

Rockwall Jason Castro is preparing to perform his first full concert back in his own back yard since the end of his run on American Idol. Castro will be the performing with Grammy legend Patti LaBelle in a concert on Saturday night at the Garland Special Events Center. Doors will open for the event at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.

His first post-Idol solo performance actually took place in Oklahoma on Nov. 29 at the Flytrap Music Hall, which was also the grand opening for the venue.

…The concert was great, Castro said in retrospect. …It was so exciting to be doing my own music again! It a totally different vibe than the arena shows I did all summer. There a connection that hard to keep when there thousands of people in front of you. At this show, we where so close that I could reach out and touch the people in the first row!

Rockwall Herald Banner

Britney Spears Is Back On Top As Circus Sells More Than 500, 000 Copies

Her Circus album will debut at #1 on next week’s Billboard albums chart, selling just under 505, 100 copies. It’s Spears’ fifth album to debut at #1 on the chart, and it sold nearly twice as many copies as last year’s Blackout album, which was denied the top spot on the chart by the Eagles’ Long Road Out of Eden.

Circus’ first-week sales total is certainly big, but it’s only the sixth biggest opening of 2008, behind albums like Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, AC/DC’s Black Ice, Coldplay’s Viva la Vida, Taylor Swift’s Fearless and T.I.’s Paper Trail. Still, it outpaced the first-week numbers of some of Brit’s pop peers, including Beyoncà ©’s I Am … Sasha Fierce, Mariah Carey’s E = MC2 and Miley Cyrus’ Breakout.

Interestingly enough, the Brit-sanity was so high among album buyers that Blackout also managed to return to the charts, selling more than 4, 600 copies to land at #198.

MTV

David Archuleta on his new single, turning 18 and what it’s like to be him for a day

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – American Idol singer David Archuleta speaks about his latest single, turning 18 and what it’s like to be him for the day! David was performing at the free tree lighting ceremony event at the Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood, California to raise awareness and money for the charity, One Heartland. Saturday, December 6, 2008.

The Newsroom

David Archuleta: You Can! You Can! You Can!

American Idol alum David Archuleta recently dished about his favorite song on his debut album ‘  and it not …Crush!

The 17-year-old performer told Popstar that …You Can is his fav. He shares, …It a really simple song and there not a whole lot to it. But that what makes it really cool. I just love what the song is about ‘  it really simple. A simple, but great love song.

David second single set to release soon is …A Little Too Not Over You.

Just Jared Jr.

Jason Mraz Talks Grammys, Archuleta and Avocados

I spoke to David Archuleta the other day, and he told me he’d love to work with you some day, but he thinks he has some growing up and maturing to do before then.
I’d be happy to [work with him] ¦If Archuleta is a young man who has that awareness already’ that I have some growing up to do’ that’s amazing. That awareness is the first step. That’s the first tool that one needs to be a songwriter.

E Online

‘American Idol’ Daily: the Idol Christmas invasion

All in all, it makes sense that custody of America’s favorite holiday would fall into the hands of its No. 1 show. While “Idol” is often decried by its foes as a harbinger of civilization’s imminent collapse, it is in fact, rather than the shape of things to come, a last look at what has been. Its format ‘  a singing contest ‘  dates back at least to the dawn of television and probably to the first days when a few people perched on rocks to shriek at masses huddling in caves. “American Idol” stands as the last outpost of what was once known as family programming: television shows designed for multiple generations to gather around and gape at campfire-like. (Working as an Idolwatcher, the comment one most commonly hears is, “It’s the only show I can watch with my entire family.”)

LA Times

Country singer Carrie Underwood closes out ‘Carnival Ride’ tour at O’Dome on Sunday

Carrie Underwood’s measure of success for her first solo tour – which included 37 performances across the U.S. and ends Sunday in Gainesville – might have been set a little low.

“People showed up and that’s important, ” Underwood said with a laugh during a telephone interview with The Sun.

“I think in the beginning it was just very nerve racking when you are in control. There is a lot of pressure that comes with being a headliner. You want things to be good.”

The tour, promoting Underwood’s second and latest album “Carnival Ride, ” began in February and has led the wholesome Oklahoman and “American Idol” winner across the nation.

Gainesville.com

Ryan Seacrest Talks Dating and ‘American Idol’

Ryan admits that his closeness to his own mother helped him come up with the concept for “Momma’s Boys” — a new dating series that poses the question: “Who is really the most important woman in every man’s life?”

So what kind of woman would Ryan’s mother want him to date?

“One that is under her spell — one that is under her control, ” the “American Idol” host says. “I tend to like girls that are more provocative than my mother would approve of. She would definitely want the one that continues to go to church every Sunday. I might want the one that skips every Sunday.”

On “Momma’s Boys, ” 32 single women vie for the attention of three eligible bachelors and their mothers, who live with them throughout the show, and uncover the conflicts between a mother’s wishes and a son’s desires.

ET Online

Ryan Seacrest – Whether at home in California or broadcasting in New York, the easygoing host always counts on his favorite eats.

On December 31, Seacrest will co-host New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC with Dick Clark, ringing in 2009 with the traditional countdown from Times Square. The affable host of American Idol talks about what’s in his kitchen, what he eats to ring in the New Year, and which chefs are his American idols.

What are people surprised to find in your kitchen?
On my walls, a collection of menus from restaurants all over the world, signed by the chefs and framed. I relive great memories through the menus’ many times the best stories happen over dinner.

Bon Appetit

Idols offered up some surprises, but not all of them good

It wasn’t a show to remember, but when four former American Idols came to town this week, they did offer up some surprises to a sparse crowd of less than 900 people at Toyota Center.

Diana DeGarmo, Kimberley Locke, Chikezie Eze and David Hernandez all trotted on stage to begin the show with a medley of Christmas faves including “Winter Wonderland” and “Let it Snow.” Then DeGarmo and Hernandez did a duet of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” where DeGarmo, dressed in a stunning knee-high red sequined dress, sang the pants off the barely average Hernandez. Seriously, there is nothing notable about Hernandez’s voice ‘  he consistently proved to be the weak link in the show.

Tri-City Herald

“The Marvelous Wonderettes”, “Rock Of Ages” Bring Jukebox Hits To Life

“Rock of Ages” is another jukebox musical currently on the boards Off-Broadway where Motown gives way to metal in an homage to 80’s rock.

In the show , the music of Bon Jovi, Journey and Pat Benatar all help set the scene for the Bourbon rock club, which is about to be demolished. American Idol’s Constantine Maroulis plays the young aspiring rock star/bar back in the club who is chasing after the new girl in town played by Kelli Barrett.

“I get to sing some of the songs that I grew up worshipping. Everything from White Snake, you know, lots of high notes. And what else do I get to sing? Journey, lots of Journey. And you know my voice happens to sit up there so it’s just an honor to be able to sing Steve Perry every night and all these great artists. You know, people come down of all ages to check out our show and they really sort of get invested right from beginning, ” said Maroulis.

NY 1.com

American Idol Finalist Kellie Pickler Announces January & February Performances

Finalist from season five of American Idol, Kellie Pickler has announced her January and February live performance dates.

These are the scheduled dates:

Reality Tickets

‘American Idol’ winner to perform, host dinner for local nonprofit

R&B soulstress Fantasia is coming to town for a two day-engagement: a VIP meet-and-greet at the Francis Marion Hotel and a concert at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.

Fantasia won fame by claiming the “American Idol” title during the program’s third season in 2004. A High Point, N.C., native, she’s at work on her third album, out in 2009.

Fantasia, 24, also will play Celie in the film adaptation of “The Color Purple” musical, set to begin production following her third album’s release. She played Celie in the Broadway musical as well.

Tickets cost $39.50, available at www.coliseumpac.com or Ticketmaster. Saturday’s performance will include a fashion show from LaKarZan Fashions ATL.

On Friday, Fantasia will host a dinner, the proceeds from both evenings to benefit the nonprofit organization, Bailey’s BASH, according to founder Joseph Bailey.

Charleston.net

Harlow Winter Kate Madden Voted Best Celebrity Baby Girl Name Of The Year; Bronx Mowgli Wentz Is The Worst Celebrity Boy’s Name

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) – Nicole Richie and Joel Madden’s daughter Harlow Winter Kate has been voted the best baby girl name of 2008, according to website BabyNames.com.

According to over 5, 000 members of the infant-friendly site, Harlow, born January 11, 2008 to her socialite mom and rocker dad, has the best girl name given to a celebrity baby born this year.

Former “American Idol” runner-up Bo Bice and wife Caroline’s son, Caleb James Bice, has nabbed the best baby boy’s name.

All Headline News

Simon Cowell enjoys another bachelor night out as he wines and dines until 4am

Bachelor Simon Cowell made the most of his newfound freedom with a late night out at London’s China Tang restaurant.

The X Factor judge looked in high spirits as he emerged from the celebrity haunt at 4am this morning after a long sit-in with friends.

Simon, who split from long-term girlfriend Teri Seymour last month, admitted on Sunday that hitting the town as a free agent is a welcome relief.

He said: ‘You know the best thing about being single? Those latenight calls I don’t have to make anymore, like “Darling, I’ll be late home again”.

Daily Mail.co.uk

Toni Braxton skips ‘Dancing with the Stars’ finale to have tumor removed

Toni Braxton skipped the “Dancing With the Stars” finale, but it wasn’t because of any hard feelings or achy feet. The singer was recovering after having a tumor removed from her breast.

“I was worried about what they would find, ” she tells Us Weekly. “But it was benign.”

Braxton’s doctor first discovered the lump in August during a check up but didn’t feel the need to operate, and cleared her to compete in DWTS. It was only after she and partner Alex Mazo were eliminated on October 20 that she went back for a follow up appointment.

New York Daily News

Is Stevie Wonder Putting on His ‘Dancing’ Shoes?

Legendary entertainer Stevie Wonder was a guest Wednesday on 104.3 MY fm’s “Valentine in the Morning, ” and host Sean Valentine got the word from the singer himself on rumors that he will be on the 8th season of “Dancing With the Stars.”

The musical mastermind tells the talk-show host that he likes the idea but nothing has been decided. “It’d be fun, ” Stevie says. “It’s not impossible, but right now it’s just a thought.” Valentine also asked the singer about his dancing ability.

“Come on, ” Stevie says. “You’ve got to think. If I have 7 children, I’ve got to be able to dance right?”

To listen to the interview visit 104.3 Myfm

ET Online

Lacey Schwimmer: I’d “Totally” Dance With Steve-O on DWTS

Dancing With the Stars’ Lacey Schwimmer says she wouldn’t mind doing the Paso Doble with Steve-O.

Asked about rumors that the former Jackass star may appear on the ABC show’s eighth season, Schwimmer tells Usmagazine.com, “There’s obviously no confirmation. We don’t even know until a few days before the show, but it would be awesome if it were true. I would be totally down to dance with him! I’m not kidding.”

Even if he did his own stunts?

“I would join in on the stunts! I am totally down for that, ” she adds. “I am a fan of his movies and everything. I find him really fun and outgoing and silly.”

The eighth season of Dancing With the Stars premieres on March 9.

US

About mj santilli 34832 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!