The end of ‘Idol’?
Simon Cowell will be leaving “American Idol” at the end of the season and starring in an American version of his British hit music show, “X Factor, ” starting in 2011, according to reports.
Cowell, whose “Idol” contract expires in May and who has been in talks with Fox since last summer, is preparing to announce the new arrangement with Fox early next year, the Times Of London reports.
The future of “Idol” would be thrown into serious doubt if the show’s indisputable star leaves, it would appear.
Officials from Fox, “Idol” and Cowell’s own company yesterday refused comment.
Enjoy the new season of “Idol” because it will probably be the last.
No one in charge of the show — or of the network that airs it, Fox — is saying that.
But if reports that Simon Cowell will end his run on “Idol” after this season and bring his monster Brit hit “X Factor” to the US in 2011 are true, then it’s curtains for the TV show that defined the decade.
‘American Idol’: Daughtry added to ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’
Chris Daughtry will have a reunion of sorts with “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest on New Year’s Eve.
The season 5 “Idol” finalist and his band, Daughtry, have been booked for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” Jennifer Lopez has also joined the party; both with be performing from Times Square in New York.
Additionally, former “Bachelor” and “Dancing with the Stars” contestant and newlywed Melissa Rycroft will serve as the show’s Times Square correspondent. So sorry, Melissa’s husband, if you were planning a romantic first New Year’s Eve with your wife.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Adam Lambert Breaks Through To #3 Man Of The Year
3. Adam Lambert
When season eight of “American Idol” premiered January 13, no one knew who Adam Lambert was or what he’d become. Sure, his first audition ‘†he took on Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” ‘†raised a few eyebrows, but in the early stages of the show, Lambert was outshined by the likes of Normund Gentle and that chick who wore a bikini.
That all changed with a vamping take on Michael Jackson’s “Black or White, ” a decidedly demure version of the Smokey Robinson-penned “Tracks of My Tears” and, of course, his now-legendary cover of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World.” Suddenly, improbably, Lambert ‘†the theater kid with the 100-octave voice and the penchant for dangly jewelry ‘†became the “Idol” front-runner.
Danny Gokey previews new material for Nashville
Danny Gokey previewed some of his new songs — and sang a Christmas favorite — for record-company staff and members of the Nashville media Monday night at a holiday-themed event at Sony Music’s Nashville offices.
“I’m just so excited about where my life is headed, from where I was just a year and a half ago, ” said Danny, who was flanked by three musicians and a female backing singer.
“I feel like this is a great reflection of where I’m at in my life, ” Danny said, introducing single My Best Days Are Ahead of Me — which was the second-most added country single (behind Carrie Underwood’s Temporary Home) this week. “You know, American Idol was this huge platform, but it’s only getting better from here.”
No Stopping Susan Boyle’s ‘Dream’ On Billboard 200
Susan Boyle remains atop the Billboard 200 chart for a third week with “I Dreamed a Dream, ” selling 582, 000 copies (up 10%), according to Nielsen SoundScan. So far, “I Dreamed a Dream” has sold 1.8 million and is racing after Taylor Swift’s “Fearless, ” currently the top selling album of 2009 with 2.7 million.
Along with “Fearless, ” Boyle’s “Dream” is just the second album to spend three weeks at No. 1 this year. Swift’s album spent seven weeks at No. 1 in the 2009 calendar year, in addition to three weeks atop the chart in late 2008.
“I Dreamed a Dream” is also just the eighth album to sell at least 500, 000 copies in each of its first three weeks of release, since SoundScan began tracking data in 1991. And, it’s the only album by a woman to do so. The last set to charge through 500, 000 in each of its first three weeks was 50 Cent’s “Get Rich Or Die Tryin, ” in March of 2003.
Album Sales: Susan Boyle, Glee, Carrie Underwood–and a surprise appearance from David Cook
Say what you want about Carrie Underwood’s holiday special, but two hours on prime-time TV accomplished what it was supposed to from an album-selling perspective. Sales of Play On increased 32 percent, to nearly 107, 000, putting Carrie’s latest at almost 844, 000 cumulative sales. Carrie’s catalog sales saw a spike, too. The special also helped our boy David Cook: His album saw a whopping 89 percent week-to-week sales increase, enough to bring it back into the Top 200.
Kris Allen outpaces other Idols’ track sales; ‘Suck’ gets second wind
Kris Allen has the best-selling American Idol track this week — unless, that is, you count the Glee cast version of Kelly Clarkson’s My Life Would Suck Without You, which sold 45, 000 copies its first week out, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
The resurgence of My Life Would Suck Without You extends to Kelly Clarkson’s version. It sees a 147 percent increase in weekly sales, bringing its cumulative total to 2.158 million.
Also more than doubling its week-to-week sales is Carrie Underwood’s Temporary Home, which sold about 6, 000 copies, bringing its release-to-date total to 40, 000.
Best Of 2009: Part 2
August
Daughtry makes it two-for-two atop the Billboard 200, as its sophomore set, “Leave This Town, ” arrives at No. 1 (Aug. 1). Having reigned with its self-titled debut album, Daughtry is just the third group in the 2000s to begin with two No. 1s, following D12 and Danity Kane …
September
Carrie Underwood collects the highest debut by a female artist this year on Country Songs, as “Cowboy Casanova” ropes a No. 26 start (Sept. 19). Among all acts, Underwood’s new hit ties Brad Paisley’s “Then” for the year’s second-best bow; Kenny Chesney’s “Out Last Night” began at No. 25 in April …
December
Kelly Clarkson collects her second No. 1 on Adult Pop Songs, as “Already Gone” pushes 2-1 (Dec. 5). Clarkson ruled for five weeks with “Behind These Hazel Eyes” in 2005. “Already Gone” is the third No. 1 on the chart for the song’s co-writer, Ryan Tedder, who co-authored Timbaland’s “Apologize, ” featuring his band OneRepublic, and Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love” …
Adam Lambert kissed a girl and he liked it!
Adam Lambert sparked quite the controversy when he kissed a man on stage at the American Music Awards last month, but it turns out that the ‘American Idol’ runner up actually learned how to kiss from a girl.
Fox411 caught up with Lambert Friday Night at Z100’s Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden where he told us (and some adoring fans) all about how he wasn’t always into boys.
‘When I was 14 yes, I had a girlfriend. She was 18 and her name was BJ and she was from Compton. Can you imagine this little red head kid and a big black girl? She taught me how to make out.’
‘American Idol’s’ Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta: Adam Lambert doesn’t surprise them
“American Idol” finalists Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta are performing live from Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve. Read what they had to say about their music, the concert and fellow finalist Adam Lambert.
This interview was a conference call and it took until the seventh questioner for Adam Lambert to be brought up. We’re surprised it took that long. Kris and Allison both expressed their lack of surprise at Lambert’s recent headlines and moved on to talk about their own New Year’s Eve memories.
Jordin Sparks: Lightsaber War!
Jordin Sparks and Just Jared prepare for battle in a Lightsaber War backstage during Y100’s Jingle Ball 2009 concert on Saturday (December 12) held at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
The 19-year-old American Idol champ told JustJared.com that she’ll be back in Miami in February to hold a fundraiser for her charity, ‘I’m M.A.D, Are You?’ Jordin also talked about taking a nice long vacation in Cabo for New Year’s with one of her BFFs, musician Steph Jones!
Happy Holidays ‘ An interview with David Archuleta
You’ve hinted that the next album might include different styles of music. I know that Latin music was a big part of your background growing up. Is there a chance that some of the new material might have a bit of a Latin influence?
I haven’t thought about that really. I think the album’s still going to be pop, but with more of my personality instead of someone else’s personality. I don’t know how much of my own material will make it on the album, because in the end, they’re concerned about the best songs being on there. I’m just trying my best to see if any of the songs I write end up being among those best songs. I’m hoping for that, because I feel like the more of me that’s on the album, the more honest it is, and the more people can relate to it, because people can feel that connection with you and your songs. So, I’m just hoping for the best in the writing process.
Jason Castro playing “Christmas Benefit for Megan” this evening
Tonight’s the night for American Idol artist Jason Castro’s performance to raise funds for a Colorado Springs girl who’s spent six of her nine years suffering from leukemia.
The ‘Christmas Miracle for Megan’ benefit was put together by ‘Magic’ 98.9 KKMG-FM after the station received a letter from the local Children’s Hospital for Cancer and Blood Disorders about Megan’s need for a bone marrow transplant.
Katharine McPhee: City of Hope Charity Chick
Always up for a charitable outing, Katharine McPhee stepped out for the City of Hope’s ’12 Stops of Christmas’ at Hollywood and Highland in Hollywood on Wednesday (December 16).
The ‘American Idol’ alum was in quite the cheerful mood, smiling away as she got a haircut from a dressed-up Edward Scissorhands.
DAILYMOTION AND AMERICAN IDOL KATHARINE MCPHEE LAUNCH ‘I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS’ KARAOKE CONTEST
Verve recording artists Katharine McPhee today announced the launch of an exclusive contest running on Dailymotion, one of the leading websites for sharing videos. The contest can be found at http://www.dailymotion.com/group/katskaraokechallenge.
Following McPhee’s recent release of holiday classic ‘I’ll be Home for Christmas, ‘ fans are asked to record their own vocals for McPhee’s rendition, uploading the finished product to Dailymotion. The grand prize winner will be determined according to the total number of times the video is selected as a ‘favorite, ‘ and the creator of the selected video will receive an iPod TouchTM as well as a personal phone call from McPhee.
Woofs hosts ‘Reel Gay’ national holiday party
There’s only one place in Atlanta to see Thursday’s nationwide, one-time-only ‘Reel Gay TV’ holiday show featuring Adam Lambert, Lady Gaga and more to raise awareness against hate crimes.
In gay bars across America, the live broadcast benefits the Gay American Heroes Foundation, a national memorial for victims of LGBT-motivated hate crimes.
And the ‘Reel Gay TV’ talent and entertainment doesn’t stop with Glambert and Gaga (photo). Not by a longshot. Other guest performances and appearances include Leann Rhimes, Gossip, Wanda Sykes, Ke$ha, Kimberley Locke, Chelsea Handler, Natalie Cole, Gossip, Michael Johns, Jon Secada, Sherry Wolf, Erika Jayne, Katherine McPhee and LoneStar.
IDOL TIME
“American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard is set to perform at a free event Friday at Without Walls International Church in Tampa.
Also appearing will be gospel singers Delores “Mom” Winans and Marvin Winans Jr.
They will be featured in a musical play “A Home for Christmas” at 7 p.m. The church is at 2511 N. Grady Ave.
Alice Cooper’s yearly benefit is Friday night at the Dodge
Alice Cooper has invited some hard-rocking pals to stir the pot at his ninth annual Christmas Pudding concert, a benefit for Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation.
Solid Rock is a Christian organization whose sole mission is to work with teens. Proceeds from the annual concert will go toward building The Rock Teen Center in Phoenix.
The concert will include appearances by “American Idol” contestant Scott Macintyre and comedian Gary Mule Deer, River of Life Choir and Runaway Phoenix, a Christian rock band featuring Cooper’s son Dash.
Idol creator’s new show to launch online
Simon Fuller, the creator of American Idol, will premiere his new entertainment show on Hulu, the online video site, several months before its expected airing on network television, in a move that signals a shift in the dynamics of US broadcasting.
The media industry has been keenly awaiting Mr Fuller’s next move following his success with American Idol, the most-watched show in the US for the past eight years.
The latest venture from his 19 Entertainment group is If I Can Dream, which will follow the efforts of five young people trying to break into the entertainment industry. Their every move will be streamed online, with the audience able to interact with them via video messages and social networking sites such as MySpace and Twitter.
X Factor boss Simon Cowell does Jedward tribute at show wrap party
Simon Cowell proved he would fail one of his own X Factor auditions when he performed for the show’s farewell party.
In a nod to Jedward and their Vanilla Ice quiffs he performed a hilarious old-school 90s track complete with dodgy dance moves.
One partygoer said: ‘The biggest laugh was for Simon, who started rapping to Ice Ice Baby. He has no right to slate anyone’s singing after hearing that.’
No, Simon Cowell is not a saviour
All hail Simon Cowell, saviour of democracy. This all sounds a bit familiar. During the height of the Big Brother phenomenon, the then Endemol producer Peter Bazalgette was similarly feted and even wrote a couple of pamphlets on behalf of the Hansard Society on how to give parliament a kick up its Mother of All Bottoms. Anyone who, at the time, suggested that maybe the appeal of Big Brother would pass after a while and that parliament should perhaps be looking at more than gimmicks risked being dismissed as elitist and out of touch. Yet, to the astonishment of everyone involved, Big Brother is now just a few months from being cancelled while parliament ‘ warts and all ‘ somehow endures.
Rage Against The Machine slam ‘X Factor’, Simon Cowell and swear live on radio
Rage Against The Machine performed ‘Killing In The Name’ live on British radio this morning (December 17) – including full swearing in the chorus – as their Christmas Number One battle with The X Factor escalated.
Interviewed on BBC 5live, the band took the opportunity to criticise Simon Cowell before playing their song live down from the line from Los Angeles.
Despite being asked to perform a “radio edit”, singer Zack de la Rocha slipped into the full “Fuck you I won’t do what you tell me” lyrics, resulting in the station pulling the plug.
Speaking about the race, de la Rocha attacked Cowell, saying: “Simon is an interesting character. He seems to have profited greatly off humiliating people on live television and has a unique position of capturing the attention of people on television, but also the airwaves. We see this [campaign] as a necessary break of that control.”
Former X Factor Winner Steve Brookstein: ‘Simon Cowell Ruined Christmas’
Of Killing In The Name, he wrote: ‘Before X Factor gimps have a go I will tell will tell you this and I sware on my son’s life. I was not bothered that my single ‘against all odds’ went to number one and I wasn’t bother that my album went to number one. I just wanted to make good music – and not the pop schlop associated with Cowell. Unfortunately I was dropped because I wouldn’t play the game. Now to my point –
X Factor is on for 4 months – surely winning the show and getting a deal is enough for any artist. To release for Christmas is just mega rich Simon Cowell doing a fuck you to Santa Claus, Rudolph, all the little elves, Frosty and not forgetting Baby Jesus.
‘So You Think You Can Dance’: the fanciful creations of costume designer Soyon An
The perfect costume is like icing on a cupcake when it comes to ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’ Sure, the performances would be great on their own, but what would a Bollywood dance be without the colorful sequins, a pasodoble without a flouncy gown, a Latin dance without fringe to shake? Costume designer Soyon An has been designing for the show’s tours for five seasons and the TV show for three and this year won a Primetime Emmy for her efforts in Season 4. We caught up with her to learn more about what she does:
Exclusive Q&A: Choreographer Stacey Tookey Can ‘Dance’
The sixth season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ comes to a close Wednesday night when a winner is crowned.
Choreographer Stacey Tookey didn’t have any routines in the finale, but the Edmonton native continued to break into the American version of the show this season, after two seasons as one of the top choreographers on ‘So You Think You Can Dance Canada.’
So You Think You Can Dance Backstage Scoop: What Really Happened to New Champ Russell?
Amid injury and so-called dance style limitations, a humbled Russell had this to say: “Everything is so perfect right now, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Mere minutes before we chatted with the winner backstage, Russell took a tumble during the live broadcast, and was sidelined for the remainder of the finale. “I went to jump back up on stage during my three-man piece and I came down on my leg wrong. It got really numb and swollen and felt like something had gotten sprained, ” the Bean Town boogier told us.
Even worse than the pain was the fact he didn’t get the chance to perform his final routines onstage. “It hurt, but I was fine enough to walk, so I thought I could dance. After they tested me backstage, they told me I couldn’t dance. That was the worst feeling because my family came all the way from Boston.”
‘So You Think You Can Dance’: America’s favorite krumper and more
Of course, tonight’s finale didn’t really need to be two hours long: cut out the flashbacks and the Jennifer Lopez lip-synched song that some of my favorite snarky bloggers call “Failboutins” and the show would have been just as good. I did enjoy seeing the reprises of the judges’ favorite selections, like “Beggin, ” from the hip-hop boys, Jakob and Ellenore’s Sonya Tayeh dance and Mollee Gray and Nathan Trasora’s Bollywood routine (was it me or did they seem more mature this time onstage than the first time they did it?) I also think Mary Murphy was reading my mind last night because she requested a Ryan and Ashleigh Di Lello ballroom dance, which, if it was an audition for them to serve as choreographers for the show, made me pity their future dancers because those two do not mess around. Physically, they seem like a very competitive duo. Impressive, but a little intimidating. Also, Kelly Abbey’s opening number for the Top 20 seemed to combine hip-hop with some Fosse-esque moves, and it was sexy and cool.
