Plant/Krauss, Lil Wayne Win Big At 51st Grammys
Whitney Houston made a surprise appearance to present Jennifer Hudson with the trophy for best R&B album for her self-titled Arista debut. Hudson, whose mother, brother and nephew were murdered in Chicago last fall, was overwhelmed by emotion as she accepted the Grammy. “I would like to thank my family in heaven and those who are here today, ” she said. The artist later performed “You Pulled Me Through” with the help of a choir.
Jennifer Hudson to Kick Off Tour in April
After a week of rousing performances, including her knockout appearance at Sunday’s Grammys, Jennifer Hudson is ready to take her show on the road.
The Grammy winner, 27, will kick off her first solo tour on April 2 in Philadelphia alongside R&B singer Robin Thicke.
The duo will co-headline a five-week U.S. tour that will wrap up ends in Houston on May 8.
“I am so grateful ‘ my first Grammy and my first tour. It doesn’t get better than that, ” Hudson told PEOPLE in an exclusive statement.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
RIHANNA HIT BY CHRIS: REPORT
LOS ANGELES – Singer Chris Brown was arrested yesterday after allegedly roughing up a woman – and his longtime girlfriend, Rihanna, a no-show at last night’s Grammy Awards, was reportedly the victim.
Brown, a 19-year-old R&B star who had been scheduled to perform his love song “Forever” at the show, allegedly attacked 2007 Grammy-winner Rihanna, 20, after an argument in his car, according to E! News
Jennifer Hudson Thanks “Family in Heaven” After Grammy Win
Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to her slain family members while accepting the Grammy for best R&B album at Sunday’s show.
“I am just in awe right now, ” she said after Whitney Houston handed her the Grammy. “God has brought me through [so much].”
Added Hudson (whose mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew were shot to death last October): “I would like to thank my family in heaven and those who are here today … everybody, thank you all.”
Jordin Sparks Gets Her Hair Done Before The Grammy Awards
Jordin Sparks checked in with fans hours before heading to the Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday (February 8). The ‘American Idol’ season six winner was joined by her family and stylist as her hair was being done. “Very excited, ” Sparks said. “Keep your fingers crossed for me.” Watch the video below.
Backstage Report: Tears’ and an Awfully Loud Silence
Carrie Underwood was scared. Jennifer Hudson was riveting. Chris Brown and Rihanna were MIA and almost as loud in their joint absence as Coldplay was on percussion.
The night’s backstage doings’ and sayings’ at an emotional and powerful 51st Annual Grammy Awards:
Backstage at the 51st Grammys
Carrie Underwood, who plans to soon start on a new album, talked about the increase in country acts on the telecast. “Two years ago we were doing tributes to Bob Wills and the Eagles. This year it just flooded with country artists. Its huge testament to country music. I would never take a break from country music.”
Grammys 2009: Check The Winners List, Watch Videos
Lots of oddball mash-ups and fun performances at this year Grammys show. Never thought wed see Stevie Wonder rocking it with the Jonas Brothers. Ditto for Jay-Z and Coldplay. And Radiohead was channeling Fleetwood Mac with that parade band. Speaking of parades, that Lil Wayne/Allen Toussaint brass band romp was a blast. Say New Orleans! Weigh in on the evening choices in the comments section.
Here a list of all the winners. Click on their names to see videos by each of them.
Carrie Underwood On Jennifer Hudson Performance: ‹I Think It Was Very Healing
Carrie Underwood commended her fellow …American Idol alumni, Jennifer Hudson, for the performance the grieving singer put on at the Grammys on Sunday night.
…I think it was very healing, Carrie told reporters backstage at the big show after she picked up her own Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal. …She handled herself so wonderfully with all the media attention on her family and her personal stuff that she dealing with, but I think she handled herself with grace.
Sparks wears dress by Scottsdale designer
Jordin Sparks wore a black-and-gray rose-print dress by Scottsdale fashion designer Debra Davenport to the Grammy awards.
The full-length strapless gown with a short train was custom-made for Sparks, a Glendale native and American Idol winner. Sparks is a first-time Grammy nominee, up for best pop collaboration with vocals for …No Air with Chris Brown.
…I think it wonderful that a local girl would choose another local girl, said Davenport, who showed a collection last fall at fashion week in Los Angeles.
The dress has one of Davenport signature design elements that looked a bit puzzling on camera: A swirl-shaped piece of fabric that can be worn flat against the chest as Sparks did, or coiled into a rosette.
Simon and Paula not idle?
Are Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul dating?
My God, that would be like Darth Vader and Princess Leia hooking up.
During E!’s red-carpet coverage at the Grammy Awards last night (the actual ceremony aired on Global and CBS), seemingly lubricated interviewer Ryan Seacrest confronted the always seemingly lubricated Abdul about Cowell’s alleged advances. Seacrest, Abdul and Cowell, of course, appear together on American Idol (CTV, Fox).
The exchange went like this:
Idol Chartwatch, February 9: Kelly Clarkson Tops the Charts Again
Last week, Kelly Clarkson new single made Billboard history for having the biggest one-week jump in the history of the charts. This week, the single remains at the top of several charts. Find out all the details about Kelly and your other favorites from American Idol right here.
American Idol 8: Paula Abdul Predictions
While American Idol judge Paula Abdul was walking the walk on the red carpet at the Grammys last night, she was also talking the talk on the juicy tidbits for Season 8.
…It going to be a colorful season. Lots of fun, Abdul told the LA Times. …I think a guy is going to win’ there are more guys than girls. Paula went on to say, …there are a handful of great girls, but the guys are really great.
So what if ‘Idol’ picks semi-pros?
But Pacitti is only one of many wannabe “Idols” this year who’ve already felt the heat of the spotlight. There’s an Osmond, a Miss New York USA, a “Sopranos” actress, an actor from “Wicked, ” Jonny Lang’s sister, and more.
It’s hard to blame the producers. If they’re really supposedly looking for someone to sign to a record contract, it helps to have some singers who’ve proven they have the discipline to sing in a musical or work on a record, even if they don’t manage to make it big.
Jordin Sparks & The Rhythm Riders Mix It Up For Charity Concert Phoenix Az Feb 20th
Phoenix, AZ – The surviving friends and family of Phoenix resident Toni Davenport who recently passed away from cancer wished to do something in her memory to help others as she had done in life. The idea of having a concert in the Phoenix area to raise money for a great cause in her name was developed. The Shriner Children Hospitals was selected as the beneficiary of this show.
The Rhythm Riders from Auburn California, a world class Johnny Cash & Patsy Cline Tribute band and friends of the Davenport group were invited to head up the show. The Rhythm Riders manager Anthony Kessman contacted Jordin Sparks management and invited her to participate and she agreed to perform a full set with her band. From there a variety show format and friends list was developed and the show is now growing in scope and size.
‹Idol finalist in concert at Centre
A 2007 …American Idol finalist is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Chris tian Family Centre auditorium.
Chris Sligh, 30, said he is looking forward to his first trip to Adrian to bring his mix of rock and roll, alternative and Christian music to the Centre stage, 1800 W. U.S. 223.
…We put on a show that entertaining, and our focus is to put on a rock and roll show that includes moments of worship, Sligh said in a telephone interview from Nashville, Tenn.
…My goal is to have fun and have people enjoy themselves, he added.
“Dancing With the Stars” Announces New Cast
The coveted mirrorball trophy is up for grabs once again as 13 superstars prepare to team up with professional dancers and face off on television’s hit ballroom competition, “Dancing With the Stars.” Past seasons have given actors, a racecar driver and two disabled contestants an opportunity to samba, fox trot and tango their way to victory.
Season eight, which begins March 9, brings seven men and six women the chance to hoist the super-silvery prize above their heads. And for the first time three real-life couples will face-off on the dance floor.
But first: Julianne Hough is back. I know I’m not the only one whose bedazzled heart lost a little luster when Julianne said she was going to take this season off to focus on her music. But by the sparkly magic that is reality TV, this appendix-less pro will, in fact, return for Season 8. Not only that, she’ll be partnering with none other than her real-life boyfriend, country singer Chuck Wicks. Could there be any more happiness in this world?
And back on the pro side, a “So You Think You Can Dance” crossover alert: Dewy “SYTYCD” contender and fan favorite Chelsie Hightower (check out her fantastic “Bleeding Love” routine) will no doubt bring a much-needed gust of youthful energy as she joins fellow alum Lacey Schwimmer on the show.
ETA:
‘Idolatry’: All in favor of more singing, say ‘aye!’
Week one of American Idol’s season 8 Hollywood rounds was decidedly disappointing. Promising singers were booted with little or no explanation. Gimmicky fame-seekers received inordinate amounts of screen time. The show’s producers got off to an early start in choosing medal contenders in their all important Contestant Pimping Olympics. And, worst of all, there wasn’t much in the way of singing going on. But fret not: This week’s episode of Idolatry not only packs in the choicest Hell Week audition clips, but also features cameo appearances from Tarzan and Porky Pig, plus our own Idol-centric tribute to Beyoncà ©’s “Single Ladies” shuffle. If ya like it…then you should press play below, then share your own take on Hollywood Week in the comments section below.
Fantasia: Pal Jennifer Hudson “Sounds Good, Looks Good”
“She’s my baby, ” Fantasia tells Usmagazine.com of Hudson. “She sounds good, she looks good, and it’s just a blessing, you know, after everything she’s been through.”
Fantasia adds: “She’s still a strong woman, and she hasn’t fulfilled her destiny yet. And she has a long way to go.”
And although she had her fair share of squabbles with Cowell before winning the 2004 Idol competition, she enjoys going back to the show for visits.
