American Idol: The Crying Girl prefers last season
Ferl mom, Stacy, called me back before handing the phone to her daughter (now a freshman in high school!), saying I wasnt the very first to track down the emotive Ashley this year. She had also been interviewed by the TV Guide Channel for a segment called …Idols: Where are they now?
…I told her that how you know youre a has-been, when you show up on a countdown list, she said.
I assured her that Ashley Ferl could never be a has-been. …Oh, she going to like you, Mom said.
It will come as no surprise to those familiar with Ferl effusive all-Idol-contestant-loving ways that she currently has five favorites among the top 11. …I am rooting for Jason Castro, David Cook, Kristy Lee Cook, Brooke White and David Archuleta, she said.
On the Scene: ‘Idol’ Top 12 results show
That wasn’t Katherine McPhee singing live last night. Well, I mean, it was Kat McPhee, but she wasn’t singing live. Her performance, along with that fascinating viewer questions segment, was pre-taped about an hour before the show. And I would love to tell you all about it, but unfortunately, I got shut out of the studio. Fox didn’t so much inform me that McPheever and David Foster were not doing their oh-so-energizing rendition of “Something” live, and so I arrived, as per usual, 45 minutes before the show was due to start. And so I missed it.
Ten Secrets About An American Idol Taping
Sure, for most people, “American Idol” is a fun way to spend two nights a week on the couch, groaning at every off-key note and appalling fashion choice. But for the studio audience, it is a lot more intense – a combination of a live concert, a sporting event and a glammy movie premiere. Billboard.com was in the audience at the results show on March 12 (we barely avoided being stabbed by Jim Carrey’s elephant ears) and got the inside scoop on what goes on behind the scenes of a taping at CBS Television City. To up the dramatic tension ala Ryan Seacrest, here are Top Ten Secrets You’ll Only Know If You Were At AI Live.
‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds
MTV News’ ‘Idol’ expert Jim Cantiello boils down a week’s worth of stunning performances, pitchy notes and shocking eliminations to a bite-size minute
“Moment, ” “Idol” give Fox a ratings win
Fox’s lie detector game show “Moment of Truth” bested all competition leading into “American Idol” Wednesday night, dominating its new time period without the benefit of an “Idol” lead-in.
But “Moment” was Fox’s highest-rated non-“Idol” series in the time period in more than a year and was up 17% from when it aired as an 8 p.m. special without “Idol” on Monday, Feb 25. At 9 p.m., “Idol” (26.6 million, 10.1/25) was roughly on par.
Moonves: ‘American Idol’ a ‘monster’
With CBS close to losing the total viewers race for the first time in five years, CEO Leslie Moonves called Fox’s ratings hit “American Idol” a “monster” and urged somebody to “kill that show.”
“While we’re in repeats, ‘American Idol’ continues to be a monster, ” Moonves said Thursday at the McGraw-Hill Media Summit in New York City. “It’s a phenomenon. If somebody would kill that show, I’d really appreciate it. But it’s a national phenomenon, and it continues to do extremely well. It’s tough to compete with it.”
Fox has won the past three broadcast seasons among the adults 18-49 demographic and is expected to win this season as well. CBS has many crime procedurals popular with older audiences and has won among total viewers the past six seasons.
Syesha Mercado is more than ready for fame
Syesha Mercado is one of those determined …American Idol contestants who realized her gift early, jumped on the path to stardom and didnt stop trudging until she reached television biggest stage.
The striking 21-year-old singer, dancer and actress grew up performing in the Sarasota area before moving to Miami for college. She been singing since she was a toddler in a musical family that included three sisters and mother Zelda, a former Motown backup singer.
Last words: Fallen Idol David Hernandez says goodbye
…In my eyes, I did the best I could, said recently eliminated …Idol contestant David Hernandez in a conference call with the media this morning. David was in good spirits throughout the call, even when questions turned to his past as an exotic dancer. …If this is the worst thing that people say about me in my career, then I think i’ll be OK, said David.
David also revealed that …Idol producers were well aware of his interesting past. …If they werent comfortable with it I wouldnt have been on the show. The ever-confident contestant made the best of his recent media attention, saying, …I think adversity is my best friend. By staying away from the Internet and blocking out the gossip, David managed to get through the shaky period unscathed. …Ive learned how to have a thick skin and still get on stage and perform.
Did David A.’s Stage Dad Cause Him to Stumble?
As if the poor kid doesnt have enough pressure on him what with his early emergence as a front-runner, now it seems that David Archuleta’s father may have been behind his shaky and uncharacteristically lackluster performance on Tuesday night. Apparently, like many kids in showbiz, David has quite the stage dad. According to ET Online, Jeff Archuleta yelled at his son during a recording session leading up to the performance show. Furthermore, “Dad wasn’t happy with his singing ‘ and even brought him to tears.”
Utah’s ‘American Idol’ stumbles over Beatles’ lyrics, but it all works out
America’s favorite “American Idol” crooner, Utah’s own David Archuleta, stood on stage in front of nearly 30 million television watchers Tuesday night – and choked.
The 17-year-old Murray High School student – who has developed a typhoon-like swell of viewers nationwide – forgot the lyrics to one of the Beatles’ more popular hits, “We Can Work It Out.”
Twice, he mumbled through some lines. Later in the song, he did a better job of “masking” his memory loss.
AI Aftermath: 12th place finishers – VIDEOS
Hello and welcome to a new weekly feature here on TV Squad. As this is the year in which American Idol is focusing more on current and past contestants, I thought we should do no less. So each week, as one more Idol hopeful is eliminated from the competition, we’ll take a look back at contestants past who were eliminated in the same week. We’ll examine how they did on the show and what they’ve been up to since their elimination.
This week: 12th place finishers, featuring Vanessa Olivarez (Season 2), Leah LaBelle (Season 3), Lindsey Cardinale (Season 4), Melissa McGhee (Season 5) and Brandon Rogers (Season 6). Season 1 broke at the Top 10 so we don’t have 11th and 12th place finishers to examine.
The Latest on Josh Gracin’s Next Album
After delivering a gold-selling debut and three consecutive top 5 singles to country radio, Josh Gracin will release his much anticipated sophomore album, We Weren’t Crazy, on April 1, 2008.
Concert Review: Bon Jovi ‘Lost Highway Tour’
As for former American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry, who like his fellow rock front-man Jon Bon Jovi, also names his band after his own last name, his most memorable moment of the evening was his duet with Jon when returning on stage without his band for one song.
For a pure second, the crowd was left questioning who was singing what as their voices melded perfectly. As an opening band, such a large crowd may have overwhelmed them at first glance. At times the band showed discomfort by withholding eye contact from the crowd. A bit more interaction could soften the barrier that shielded Daughtry from truly wowing the crowd. All in all they received the approval of the crowd and time will tell if they can one day command such large audiences as a headliner.
Years in the works, ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ heads to big screen
The setting sun reflects on the porch of a garish pink farmhouse as Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys stand, in ’60s dress, gazing toward the west.
Dakota Fanning runs down a path toward them while a film crew struggles to capture the moment in the fading light. After several takes, they resort to bringing in a spotlight as filming on “The Secret Life of Bees” nears its conclusion.
A setting sun was fitting.
2008 CMA Music Festival Artist Lineup Grows With Star-Powered Concerts at Greased Lightning Daytime Stages
Admission to the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages is included in CMA Music Festival four-day ticket packages. Single-day tickets for the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages will be sold the day of each show at the gate for $16 each. Children 6 and younger are admitted free of charge, making the Riverfront concerts a popular destination for families who want to enjoy great musical performances while relaxing on the sloping bank of the Cumberland River. The concerts are fun in the sun within easy walking distance of all the Festival event sites, with food vendors, activities and more.
But the fun doesn’t end there. Performers announced for the nightly concerts at LP Field include Rodney Atkins, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, and Dwight Yoakam. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks, and surprise artist performances – a hallmark of the event – are also being planned.
Sierra Continuing Drug Treatment In California
TAMPA “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sierra has returned to a California to continue her drug rehabilitation, her attorney said today.
In January, a judge ordered Sierra to enter drug treatment. She opted to attend a program at the Pasadena Recovery Center, where she had previously filmed the VH-1 reality show “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.”
California probation officials, however, said Sierra should have applied for California probation status before relocating. The west-coast officials wanted her to come back to Florida, apply for California status, then return.
Earlier this week, upon Sierra’s return to Florida, Circuit Judge Daniel Perry agreed to ask Florida probation officials to e-mail California probation officials and set up an expedited application process. Sierra’s attorney, John Fitzgibbons, said she officially is under California status now.
Carrie Underwood coming to state fair
Two of country music hottest acts are bringing their chart-topping hits to the 2008 Indiana State Fair. Carrie Underwood, the best-selling female country artist each of the last three years, will take the fair Grandstand stage Friday, Aug. 8. Sugarland, the Country Music Association …Duo of the Year and the American Music Awards …Breakthrough Favorite New Artist, will perform Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Tickets for Underwood show are $40.50, $57.50 and $75.50 and include State Fair admission.
Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood lead charts
Alan Jackson enjoyed the best selling album in the U.S. this past week with “Good Thing, ” taking over from Janet Jackson’s “Discipline” on the Billboard chart for the week ending March 22.
On the country song chart, Carrie Underwood once again was first with “All-American Girl.”
Jackson took over the top of the country album chart from Taylor Swift’s self-titled debut, which slipped to second Garth Brooks remained third with “The Ultimate Hits.” Underwood was up one to fourth with “Carnival Ride, ” switching spots with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ “Raising Sand.”
Idol winner, the Osmonds to celebrate charity’s 25th anniversary
The Children’s Miracle Network is holding its 25th anniversary bash in Orlando tonight.
Last season’s American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will be taking the stage. Also scheduled to perform are brother and sister duo Donny and Marie Osmond.
Marie is a co-founder of the charity. The Children’s Miracle Network raises funds for children’s hospitals and helps 17 million kids every year.
Celebration 2008
Children’s Miracle Network hospital, sponsor, and media partners and celebrities have all converged in Orlando, Fla., this week to celebrate the miracles happening at 170 children’s hospitals throughout the world. The annual Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event brings together the organization’s diverse partners to share best practices, celebrate achievements and honor the children who benefit from their tireless fund raising efforts.
Celebration will conclude with a special medal ceremony for children who were selected for their courage in overcoming medical obstacles and represent every state in the United States, every province in Canada, and new hospitals in Ireland and the United Kingdom. American Idol-winner Taylor Hicks and special performance by Cirque Dreams will conclude the evening.
Sara Bareilles to Receive ASCAP Vanguard Award at 25th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards
Performances by Steve Miller, Lionel Richie, Sara Bareilles, American Idol’s Elliott Yamin, and “Before He Cheats” Songwriters Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear
The invitation-only event will also feature performances by ASCAP Golden Note Award honorees Steve Miller and Lionel Richie, as well as American Idol-turned-pop sensation Elliott Yamin, and Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear who co-wrote the hit song “Before He Cheats” for Carrie Underwood.
Previous ASCAP Vanguard Award honorees include The All-American Rejects, The Arcade Fire, Bat For Lashes, Beck, Modest Mouse, the Strokes, Built to Spill, the Mars Volta, Joseph Arthur and Jack Johnson, among others.
CMT One Country, Youth Service America Re-Unite For Global Youth Service Day
CMT One Country, the pro-social initiative for cable network CMT, and Youth Service America have joined forces for the second year in a row to help motivate youth in America for Global Youth Service Day on April 25-27, the largest volunteering event in the world. Recording artist Diana DeGarmo will be the honorary spokesperson.
…On behalf of CMT One Country and Youth Service America, I am delighted to speak to youth about the importance of volunteering, says DeGarmo. …I am inspired and honored to be part of a generation that is recognizing more than ever the importance of giving back.
Shooting to fame on “American Idol” in 2004, Diana DeGarmo has thus far enjoyed a fruitful career; releasing an album, touring across the country and the world and even acting on Broadway all before the tender age of 18. After auditioning on …American Idol at age 16, DeGarmo went through weeks of auditions before making it to the top 32, where she first sang before a national TV audience. After making it to the final two on Idol in 2004, DeGarmo went on tour with the rest of the top 10 and released her single “Dreams, ” which became the third best selling single of the year.
Reynolds, ‹Idols bring ‹Ballroom to Grand
Debbie Reynolds has been on stages and screens for the last six decades, starring in such American movie classics as …Singin in the Rain and …The Unsinkable Molly Brown.
So if she says a show is amazing, she knows what she talking about. But you can find out for yourself Saturday at The Grand 1894 Opera House when Reynolds and castmates will perform …Simply Ballroom.
…Ive never been a part of a show like this, Reynolds said. …The dancers in this show were all world champions of where theyre from.
Katharine McPhee: Don’t Get Carried Away at Wedding
After tying the knot last month in Beverly Hills, singer-actress Katharine McPhee shares details in the new, spring issue of InStyle Weddings about the ceremony when she married producer Nick Cokas ‘ and offers advice to other brides.
The American Idol season-five runner-up’s tip: “Remember that it’s your wedding ¦ At the end of the day, it’s really about the expression of commitment in love and marriage. So don’t get too carried away. A wedding is about the commitment of love that you’re making to your partner. It’s that simple.”
Yo, dawg — can’t give you props for this
Producer and American Idol judge Randy Jackson aspires to be his generation’s Quincy Jones. To that end, he has fashioned for himself a Quincy-like compilation album — ala Back on the Block — by cobbling together a few artists with marquee names along with newcomers he’s trying to introduce to the masses.
The major difference? Jones was a brilliant mega-producer renowned for his work with such true visionaries as Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Michael Jackson. Until Idol, Randy Jackson was known as a session bass player with Journey in the late ’80s when the band was declining commercially. He also did some behind-the-scenes production work for Mariah Carey.
No marriage plans for Paula?
Paula Abdul has apparently revealed she has no immediate plans to tie the knot with her boyfriend, restaurant owner JT Torregiani, although she says she’s in a “happy place right now”.
“I’m very sceptical about having to have a document that binds your love together, ” the American Idol judge apparently told People magazine.
“I know for him, marriage is an important thing, so it’s kind of one of those things I have to balance out.”
Bob Dylan Wore Disguise To Two ‘American Idol’ Tapings
Legendary rocker Bob Dylan twice tried to sneak into tapings of American Idol in disguise, according to the talent show’s co-judge Paula Abdul.
The singer donned a fake beard in a bid to try and go unnoticed during the recording of the reality TV hit’s fourth season in 2005 – but Abdul spotted him.
Abdul says, “He (Dylan) had a beard and tried to be in disguise. But I knew it was him.”
‘American Idol’ Recap: David Hernandez Sent Packing, Perhaps Due To Strip-Club Scandal
At the conclusion of Wednesday evening’s “American Idol” results show, 24-year-old contender David Hernandez — who’d been one of the competition’s earliest frontrunners, along with adorable 17-year-old David Archuleta ‘ was banished to the annals of “Idol” lore, in what was one of this season’s first real shockers.
Hernandez, who hails from Glendale, Arizona, became this year’s token sex scandal last week, when it was revealed he used to work at a male strip club. Reports claimed that Hernandez, in addition to dancing at the club, also provided lap dances to its customers.
American Idol: Results: Horton Hears a Whore
Jim Carrey, what happened to you? You’re a whore for peddling your new Fox movie, but hey, you appear to hate it as much as I hate drawn-out results shows, contestants who channel Alvin and the Chipmunks on downers, and handles on doors that are meant to be pushed, not pulled open (amirite?). Yay for massive conglomerate parent companies! We have to synergize backward overflow, American Idol!
We’re treated to a Horton intro of excited Whos needing the elephant to get off his fat ass and fix their antenna, ’cause Seacrest is looking fuzzy on the TV set. Really. And then we’re supposed to ooh and ahh over Nigel shelling out some more bucks for the opening special effects, since it makes last week’s stuff look like the first episodes of South Park. It’s a bit creepy, actually, and looks like rejected snippets from the intro of The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
American Idol says Hello Goodbye to David Hernandez
Veteran Idol watchers love the drama of the “shocking elimination, ” but does David H.’s exit qualify as “shocking”? A minor shock, at least: there were only maybe four memorable-in-the-good-way performances on Tuesday night (Chikezie, Carly, David C., Brooke), so any of the remaining eight could have been in trouble. Most writers — this one included — thought that Kristy Lee was clearly a goner after the hatchet job she put on “Eight Days A Week”; I had David H. in 8th place, safe for the week but not long for the show. I also mocked DialIdol for being an outdated predictor that misses key demographics, but lookie here:
American Idol Week Four: The Beatles? Really?
So: the Beatles. The most important band in the history of the universe ever. I like maybe seven of their songs. Those of us born after the band’s breakup have spent our entire lives being continually blasted with information about how great and world-changing they were, information that most recently took the form of a ghastly, endless Cirque du Soleil tribute at this year’s Grammys. This week, American Idol jumped on board, Ryan Seacrest constantly declaiming what a coup it was when the show secured the rights to the Lennon/McCartney songbook while the top twelve contestants desperately tried to find ways to make these songs work. Most important band ever or not, does anyone ever listen to the Beatles for the vocals? At least in the context of today’s scenery-chewing robo-virtuosos, were Lennon and McCartney even good singers? Or, more to the point, were their songs conceived as showcases for vocal pyrotechnics? If we’re to believe Simon Cowell, the American Idol competitors are chosen above all for their technical abilities, but how do you put those technical abilities on display when you’re singing, say, “I Saw Her Standing There”?
