Today Idol headlines after the jump ¦
REVIEW: Blake Lewis @ Showbox at the Market
*** Note: Below is an unedited copy of a review that is scheduled to be printed in Saturday’s Seattle P-I. ***
….Every time he flashed his dreamy smile, he melted the hearts of all the 12-year-old girls in the crowd (and there were lots of them). His voice held up relatively well, going from smooth crooner to squeaky, funky falsetto.
As could be predicted, Lewis’ set ended with “Break Anotha, ” his record’s first single. Prior to the song, Lewis, Ra Scion of Common Market, and A.D.D. broke into a 10-minute freestyle jam.
It was the highlight of the night because it showcased Lewis’ genre-melding tendencies, starting as a Phish-style romp then taking a turn into hip-hop territory and ending on a ragtime note, complete with a horn section.
The musical hodgepodge was like a mini-episode of “Idol” because it crossed multiple styles, perhaps an ode to the program that launched his career.
LiveDaily Interview: Slash of Velvet Revolver
….You appear on Chris Daughtry’s song “What I Want.” How did that relationship come about?
Um, there’s not really what you call a relationship there. We’re on the same label, and the label asked me to do it. But I never met him before. I knew he was an American Idol guy, so I was reluctant to even get involved with him. But I did it as a favor to the record company, then when I went down and met him, I was pleasantly surprised. He’s a really down-to-earth guy and a really good vocalist. A little bit too commercial for my tastes, but he’s doing very well. That’s what he wants to do. That’s what the record company wants. So he’s fine. We don’t really relate on that level. [Laughs]….
Clay it again
…..Now, for year two, Aiken said he’s been trying to think of how he can add some old and new traditions to his stage show.
“My problem is, my family never really had all that many Christmas traditions that stand out in my mind, ” said Aiken, speaking by telephone in early November from his recording studio near his home in Raleigh, N.C.
“We did most of the usual things, but mostly, it was just a time to get everyone together.”
However, one of his favorite family traditions involves food.
In early October, he was in New York appearing on Martha Stewart’s daytime show “Martha, ” helping the kitchen diva whip up his grandma’s recipe for “Hot Pineapple Salad.”
“I know the recipe sounds weird and even Martha seemed a little worried about making it, but that stuff is so good, ” Aiken gushed.
“I think even she (Martha) was surprised. I love that recipe. We always have it for the holidays and family get-togethers.”
Even though Thanksgiving was still days away at the time of The Times’ interview with Aiken, he was already busy rehearsing Christmas songs with his background singers to prepare for his holiday tour.
“I’m embarrassed to say I’m really the only one who needs any rehearsing, ” said Aiken, punctuating his answers with a nervous giggle.
“The singers already know all of these songs, and I’m the one that needs to get them down.”…..
CULTURE-ART Year in Review- Visual recollection
….Daughtry comes home: The former Fluvanna County resident returns to Charlottesville for the first time since his run on American Idol as part of a “warm up” tour with his new bandmates, who are deliberately playing at tiny venues until they can find their sea legs. Starr Hill proves to be far too small– the show sells out in seven minutes. Daughtry’s album, on the other hand, stays on top of the charts for several agonizing months. [April]….
Holiday Football Magic
This year’s AutoZone Liberty Bowl needed a mere 10 days to sell out, hitting the stadium capacity of 62, 598 tickets sold on Dec. 12.
The game between Mississippi State University and the University of Central Florida (UCF) is set for Dec. 29 at 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast nationwide on ESPN….
STAR QUALITY: Country music singer Leann Rimes performs at halftime of last year’s AutoZone Liberty Bowl. This year’s sellout crowd will be treated to a performance by American Idol sensation Taylor Hicks.
He’s done us proud – even if we won’t admit it
This is what we dream about,
But the only question with me now,
Is do I make you proud,
Stronger than I’ve ever been now,
Never been afraid of standing out,
Do I make you proud
THE chorus of Do I Make You Proud, American Idol 5 victor Taylor Hicks’ winning song which was perfomed by the grey-haired soul singer and the six contenders at the Asian Idol results show, is fitting reflection of Hady Mirza’s current situation…
Patrick Dempsey named “Star Of ’07” by People mag
….Country singer Carrie Underwood, winner of the fourth season of “American Idol, ” was named “The Chart Topper, ” while Will Smith was named “The Biggest Legend, ” and TV actress Christina Applegate was “Comeback of the Year.”….
Celebrity flashback: Famous residents busy in 2007
* PHIL STACEY — The Lee University alumnus made his alma mater proud when he made it into the 12 finalists from more than 100, 000 singers who auditioned for Season 6 of “American Idol.” Stacey finished the top-rated reality TV talent show in sixth place.
Since “American Idol, ” Stacey has performed as a special guest at Carnegie Hall with the New York Young People’s Chorus, was a featured soloist along with Melinda Doolittle at Scott Hamilton’s annual ice-skating benefit, raised nearly $100, 000 in a benefit concert for Kansas tornado victims, and sang at two different NFL football games, according to Wikipedia.
He signed with Lyric Street Records and is currently working on his debut country CD. Look for him Jan. 1 when he will be grand marshall of the Gator Bowl parade and sing the national anthem at the bowl game.
NASCAR Daily News Headlines * December 21, 2007
….New to next month lineup of country stars is Josh Gracin, the former American Idol contestant who is one of only three country artists in recent times to release a debut album with three top-five hits, including the No. 1 hit …Nothin to Lose, Bryan White, platinum recording artist who burst into the country music scene in the mid-90s with a string of four No. 1 singles, including …Someone Else Star and …Rebecca Lynn, and The Wrights, whose 2005 debut album, Down This Road, captured the attention of the industry and spring-boarded the husband-and-wife team into touring dates with Jackson and appearances on the Grand Ole Opry….
….Celebrities previously announced as participants in autograph and question-answer sessions during Sprint Sound & Speed Presented by SunTrust are country artist and recent inductee into the Grand Ole Opry, Josh Turner (Long Black Train sold over a million copies, garnering multiple nominations from the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. Your Man attained double-platinum status and earned two Grammy ® nominations), Marty Roe and Jimmy Olander of Diamond Rio (over 10 million albums sold to date, whose hits include …Meet in the Middle, …Norma Jean Riley, …Unbelievable and …One More Day), Danielle Peck (most-played debut female country artist of 2006, whose hits include …I Dont, — …Isnt That Everything, — …Findin a Good Man, and the new single, …Bad for Me, impacting radio now), and Bucky Covington, whose self-titled CD opened at No. 1 on Billboard Top Country Albums chart with not only 2007 biggest unit debut from a new country artist, but also the best first-week sales and highest Top 200 debut for any new male country artist since Billy Ray Cyrus in 1992.
Covington new single …It Good To Be Us, is climbing the country radio charts on the heels of the top-five success of his first single …A Different World. The most recent additions to the country music celebrity lineup are Craig Morgan (…Tough, …That What I Love About Sunday, …Redneck Yacht Club) and Richie McDonald (former voice of award-winning group Lonestar, whose hits include …Amazed, and …Im Already There)…..
‘Idol’ runner-up makes diverse first impression
As an avid “American Idol” viewer, I was curious about how the debut album by sixth season runner-up Blake Lewis would turn out.
Some people were annoyed by the Seattle native’s constant beatboxing on the show.
I thought it was a breath of fresh air – especially the unique take on Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
His non-mainstream song choices (Ryan Adams, 311, Keane) also impressed me.
Lewis’ musically diverse “Audio Day Dream” (Arista/19 Recordings) recently arrived in stores.
Justin Timberlake better watch his back. There’s a new heir to the pop chart throne…….
Remy Ma’s Request To Tour Europe Is Denied; Plus Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Rihanna, Josh Hartnett & More, In For The Record
….Being an “American Idol” finalist ain’t what it used to be. For proof, look at the depressed mug on curly haired season-six wonder Chris Sligh, 29, who is the main attraction for the alcohol-free First Night Westerly New Year’s Eve celebration in the tiny Rhode Island town. After a day of face-painting, extreme sports video-gaming, karate demos, magicians, mimes, hayrides and swing-dance lessons, Sligh is slated to take the stage at the YMCA gym just before midnight. …
Former ‘American Idol’ star
Rasmusen shines at Christmas Fest
Two-day event featured about 100 vendors, dozens of entertainers
About 100 vendors and dozens of entertainers were on hand to lend the Equestrian Center a holiday feeling. Headlining the fest was former “American Idol” contestant Carmen Rasmusen, there to promote her latest compact disc, “Nothin’ Like Summer, ” on the Lofton Creek record label.
“She has that big, beautiful voice that comes out of this little body, ” Bowcut said. “She sounds like an angel when she sings. When we found out we could get her for this show, we were ecstatic.”
Rasmusen sang several sets of three songs each from her CD, then greeted fans and signed copies of her CD.
Rasmusen’s vocal prowess has matured since her “American Idol” days. She sings with more power, depth, soul and sophistication. Rasmusen co-wrote three of the songs on her CD: “Nothin’ Like Summer, ” “Gather Me Up” and “You Scare Me to Death.” The latter song was written as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to one of the most difficult experiences of her life – an appearance on another reality show, “Fear Factor.” ………………….
Finding a high note
….”I’ve been singing Christmas songs since June, ” the 26-year-old Los Angeles native said this week with a mock moan. “I’m ready to move on. I’m sure the album will be in the bargain bin by Dec. 26.”
That’s false modesty: “Noà «l” has already assured itself a spot in music history by breaking a 50-year-old record by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. “Elvis’ Christmas Album, ” by Elvis Presley, logged three consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard album charts in 1957, and no holiday collection matched that until this week. Groban’s album has now spent four weeks at No. 1 and just posted its strongest week (669, 000 copies sold) since its October release.
It has also eclipsed the other top-sellers of 2007: the soundtrack to the Disney Channel’s “High School Musical 2” (2.7 million copies sold in the U.S. since its August release) and “Daughtry” (more than 2 million this year, in addition to the 1.1 million copies sold in 2006) by “American Idol” alumnus Chris Daughtry and his namesake band.
All three bestsellers were success stories that started on television, not radio — the traditional physics of the music business don’t apply anymore.
Groban pointed to the recent pay-what-you-want initiative by the esteemed rock band Radiohead as an example of the novel ways that artist need to approach the marketplace.
“It’s a revolutionary time. Look at Radiohead — you have to find ways to get out there, ” Groban said Thursday by phone from a promotional stop in Paris. Groban’s style is a burnished throwback of sorts to operatic pop tenors such as Mario Lanza — hardly the type of music that gets embraced by mainstream pop radio. But he has sold more than 16 million albums since his 2001 debut album by using television, be it his singing-and-acting role on “Ally McBeal, ” his PBS music special or his six visits to the career-shaping soundstage of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”…….
Jennifer Hudson Continues Picking Dream Roles
….Since winning the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2007, Hudson film choices have been put her alongside some very celebrated casts.
Hudson first post-…Dreamgirls role, as Kathy Hammet in the 2008-due …Winged Creatures, put her in the prestigious company of Fanning, fellow Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, and 2007 Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley (…Little Children…).
Her second project, though unlikely to win any Oscars, was a dream role in itself. Hudson, herself a muse for Vogue Andre Leon Talley, plays the assistant of sex columnist and fashionista, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker).
The move, Blacklow said, is a good one.
…J-Hud the only newcomer to the ‹Sex and The City movie and so she the sole new actor joining a franchise that has a built-in fan base and industry cred. It a no-lose proposition casting move for her, Blacklow added. …Weve all seen the leaked stills from the set ‘ she going to be perfect fashion icon complement to Sarah Jessica Parker.
Fans first got to know Hudson on Season 3 of …American Idol, and she is finally returning to her love of singing. Access Hollywood has learned Hudson is currently in the studio recording her debut album for a 2008 release.
Is your favorite singer just paying you lip service?
A Mitchell Report for pop singers could root out cheaters
….What would a similar list in the music industry look like?
I’m imagining something called “The Dunkleman Report.”
Named after its author, former “American Idol” host Brian Dunkleman, and massive in size, the 5, 329 page document was submitted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Friday morning as evidence to the ongoing scourge of vocal cheating in pop music.
Its contents were eye-opening, exposing a gargantuan list of pop singers who, allegedly, augment their natural singing skills by using concert backing tracks or in-studio alterations by audio programs like Pro Tools.
Among the names in Dunkleman’s report: Bono, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna, Cher, Fergie, Josh Groban, Carrie Underwood, Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, Zac Efron, Hannah Montana, Janet Jackson, Nelly, Rob Zombie, Britney Spears, Hillary Duff, Lindsey Lohan, James Hetfield, Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Shakira, Mya, Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, all the Rascal Flatts guys and, surprisingly, former Attorney General John Ashcroft……..
11 Most Influential Women of 2007
the end of the year, which means a lot of ‘Best Of’ polls are being published. MSN just released their “Most Influential Women” list for 2007 with their commentaries. Honestly, I haven’t heard of half the people on this list so I don’t quite agree with their choices. Check out the list and let us know what your thoughts are.
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood’s amazingly successful 2007 makes her star-studded American Idol days seem downright amateur. This year she won three American Music Awards, three Country Music Awards, two Grammy, and her sophomore album, Carnival Ride, hit No. 1 almost immediately upon release…….
Our top 10 ‹Idol faves
As the year comes to a close, it seems everyone making a list.
So, of course, we want in on the action.
Without further delay, here our list of the top 10 songs from singers with ties to …American Idol:
Maria show helps Lloyd Webber overtake Macca in rich list
….Bolstered by the huge success of American Idol, Simon Fuller’s wealth has risen by 50% in the past year from £300 million in 2006 to £450 million.
At joint fourth place in the music millionaires list with Sir Cameron Mackintosh, his wealth is now more than four times that of David Beckham, who he manages and for whom he negotiated the huge transfer this summer from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy.
David and Victoria Beckham are up from 25th place last year to 22nd place, with £112 million. Madonna and Guy Ritchie remain static in sixth place even though their wealth has increased from £248 million last year to £275 million this year….
The Worst Album Cover Of The Year Tournament Is Under Attack By The Photoshopped Purple People Eaters
The final battle in our Bad Photoshop bracket is dominated by a certain color, but which pukey purple powerhouse will go on to be crowned the winner? Personally, my bet’s on Perry Farrell payload of pure puce poo-poo, one of the few covers in our tournament that can make the vile violet of Blake Lewis’ Audio Daydream look pleasing to the eye.
Scrapbook 2007: Memories that made the cut
….2007 was a year of memorable musical homecomings. The biggest of the bunch would have to be “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks’ show Feb. 27 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. The excitement level was so high that Hicks’ grandmother got a standing ovation when she made her way to her seat before the show’s start….
Former ‘American Idol’ semifinalist Candie Coleman looks to the future
Life after Idol includes her music and family
Everyone knows the heroes of American Idol’s second season: Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. But don’t forget about Toledo’s contribution to the pop culture phenomenon. Start High School graduate Candie Coleman – a feisty brunette with a big voice who was known to viewers as Candice – was one of 32 semifinalists that year……..
From ‘American Idol’ to a different sort of performance
…..”This title contains the most explicit sex we’ve ever seen in a celebrity video, ” said Steven Hirsch, co-chairman of Vivid in a statement. “Jessica clearly has more talent than just singing.”
According to Vivid spokesperson Jackie Markham, the video was shot sometime this year. Vivid purchased it two months ago through a third party. Sierra’s attorney has not contacted Vivid. It is not known if Sierra is benefiting financially from the sex tape sale, Markham said.
The DVD also features Sierra bad-mouthing her rival American Idol finalists, especially Carrie Underwood, who has since become a country music phenomenon.
Loni Anderson Lookin’ Better than Pam
….Loni wasn’t the only hottie at the swank store — cameras also snapped “American Idol” wannabeen Katharine McPhee, and Rose McGowan with a terrible new hair color gettin’ her lip gloss on….
