American Idol welcomes back Phil Stacey, Bucky Covington
American Idol season 6 finalist Phil Stacey and season five finalist Bucky Covington will step into the AI spotlight again this week as the subject of a special segment on Fox Television’s top-rated show. Fans can tune into American Idol on the Fox network on Wednesday night, April 2, at 9 p.m. eastern.
The Idol crew caught up with Stacey and his family for a shoot earlier this month on a farm outside of Nashville. He updated the show on his life since Idol, his family and talks all about his self-titled debut CD, set for an April 29th release on Lyric Street Records. The segment also features fellow AI Bo Bice.
More Talent, Sponsors for ‘Idol’ Gives Back
Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly and Amy Adams, plus American Idol veterans Elliott Yamin and Fantasia, will appear along with the previously announced Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart and Gloria Estefan.
Much of the Idol Gives Back festivities will tape on Sunday, April 6 and tickets are available to the general public via the American Idol website.
Pitt Stop in Hollywood for Idol Gives Back?
Despite reports that they were tying the knot in New Orleans, the Hollywood power couple apparently wasn’t even in the Big Easy this weekend.
So if he’s not getting married, what is Pitt up to? Im told the star will be at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood Sunday to appear on American Idol big charity fundraising event, Idol Gives Back.
A portion of Idol Gives Back will shoot on Sunday to air three days later during the live broadcast April 9.
No word yet if Jolie will also be on hand.
‘Idol’ Power List: The Top 9
The Aussie and the Irish lass are looking a little stronger — but will they survive Dolly Parton week? See where Michael Slezak ranks your favorite, then vote in our weekly poll.
‘Idol’ Cook Has Friends in the Kitchen
Born in the Seattle area, Cook, 24, moved to a log house here as a 14-year-old, when her parents, Larry and Carlene Cook, were looking for a place that split the distance between Reno, Nev., where one daughter was a swimmer at the University of Nevada, and Eugene, Ore., where a son was a wide receiver at the University of Oregon.
None would comment for this story because “Idol” has confidentiality agreements from family and friends of contestants.
The Grants Pass Daily Courier has followed Cook’s career, reporting that she got her big break in 1998, when she opened at a nearby music festival for Glen Campbell. That led to a record deal and an album. Her dad, a softball coach at a junior college in Northern California, told the newspaper that after failing an “Idol” audition in San Diego Kristy sold a horse to pay for a second try in Philadelphia, where her rendition of “Amazing Grace” got her in.
Donny tells David to enjoy the ‘American Idol’ ride
Donny Osmond knows something about what David Archuleta is going through right now.
After all, Osmond was a nice, clean-cut Mormon boy from Utah who suddenly found himself a teen idol with a big singing career and thousands of girls screaming his name.
And Archuleta, the 17-year-old “American Idol” finalist from Murray, appears to be in the first stages of the same trajectory.
“I just talked to David a couple of days ago, ” Osmond said in a conference call with TV critics to promote his upcoming stint as co-host, with his sister, Marie, of the Miss USA Pageant. “I think that he can have an amazing career. It’s an exciting ride that he’s going on.”
‘Idol’ finalist Cook cut his rock chops in the gritty clubs
Beneath the shaggy hair and mild-mannered demeanor of “American Idol” finalist David Cook is a seasoned musician who’s rocked his way through the gritty club scene in America’s heartland.
The 25-year-old native of Blue Springs, Mo., brought his aspiring music career to Tulsa two years ago after graduating from Central Missouri State University with a degree in graphic design. But despite a college degree and even a few career opportunities, Cook’s friends and band mates from Tulsa say there’s nothing Cook would rather be doing than performing and making music.
Get Ready for David Cook to Rip Off Jack White on Tomorrow’s American Idol
This week’s American Idol will be devoted to the songs of Dolly Parton, a theme that will allow for lots of Dolly facetime on the broadcast and Kristy Lee Cook saving herself for another week with a good-old-girl performance of a country song. While there are some song choices that seem to be gimmes (does anyone think that Syesha Mercado won’t bring Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” to the table?), others are more mysterious (what the heck is Michael Johns going to sing’ ”9 to 5″?). But one thing’s for sure: If David Cook whips out a take on “Jolene, ” get ready for White Stripes fans far and wide to complain about one of their favorite covers being massacred by this guy’ and for the Idol judges to wax rhapsodic about how “original” old Davey is because he draws inspiration from Chris Cornell and Incubus instead of Clive Davis and his proteges for the 10, 000th time.
American Idol Finalist Chikezie Eze on March 31 Regis and Kelly (Video)
American Idol finalist (and now, castoff) Chikezie Eze stopped by the March 31 Regis and Kelly in this video clip.
Check out Chikezie performance on Regis and Kelly after the jump.
Dolly Parton, in town for ‘American Idol, ‘ works ‘9 to 5’
Dolly Parton is in Hollywood this week to show those American Idol kids how it’s done (watch for her on the show Wednesday night). But the most intriguing appearance she’s made during her time in L.A. these last few days was a brief concert at the House of Blues for a theatrical “group sales” event, where she was touting the wonders of an upcoming Broadway show, 9 to 5, for which she’s written a full song score. And let’s just get this out of the way now now: It’s a given that any new Broadway musical is a long shot, given how most of them lose money ‘ and lots of it. But 9 to 5 on the Great White Way with this particular team has got to be the shortest long shot of all time.
Paula Names Her Picks for Idol’s Final Four
As the Idol clock ticks toward the end of the road for the contestants, the stakes grow higher with each passing week. Paula Abdul, though, already has her sights set on the final moments. In an appearance Tuesday on Fox’s Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, she makes some big predictions: Abdul names Carly Smithson, David Archuleta, David Cook and Michael Johns as her picks for this year’s final four.
‘Idol’ songwriting contest hits resounding flat note in Arizona
American Idol is running a contest looking for a song for this year’s winner to perform. However, if you live in Arizona, don’t bother. State residents are not eligible to compete.
The news came as a surprise to Apple, which held workshops in its Valley stores last week to help songwriters prepare for the contest. Once corporate headquarters heard about the snafu, they let local stores know.
Gabe Lugo, a trainer at the Biltmore Apple store, got word from corporate two hours before a workshop.
“It’s kind of disappointing, ” said Lugo, who still conducted the workshop. “Some people really want to enter.”
Phil’s Pages: Chapter 10
Well, folks, it been such an amazing week that Im not really sure where to start. We continued our radio tour promoting my debut single If You Didnt Love Me around my stomping grounds. We started in Des Moines and continued to Omaha, Kansas City, Wichita and finally Oklahoma City. I was able to see many dear friends, three of whom were in my wedding nearly 10 years ago, and I got to hang with my in-laws in Oklahoma, which is always great.
My week concluded on Saturday with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. For those of you who dont know, the Grand Ole Opry is the oldest radio program in the country. My grandma, Myrtle Horn, came in along with several family members to watch me sing on the Opry stage. Her parents actually listened to the program, probably as far back as the 1930s, and watched it on television when it first aired. It was a big night for all of us.
Diana DeGarmo at Braves opener
Season three runnerup Diana DeGarmo spoke with on and off for about 20 minutes in section 107 at Turner Field near the Braves dugout before the hometown opening day game tonight as she prepped to do the National Anthem. Here are some photos I took:
Who Does Jordin Sparks Want to Win American Idol?
Who does Jordin Sparks want to follow in her footsteps on American Idol?
Rocker David Cook!
“Based on last week, David Cook went way up in my book, ” she tells Usmagazine.com of the Missouri native, 25, who impressed her with his performance of Michael Jackson …Billie Jean.”
“I’m an Idol freak!” she adds. “I watched the show before I was on it, and I watch now.
“I can’t vote as much as I would like to, but I vote.”
Sparks, Caillat, Flo Rida headed for PSU
This month, Penn State students will be able to “get low” to the sounds of Flo Rida, come up for “air” with American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and “crinkle their nose” alongside pop artist Colbie Caillat.
Each will be making a State College visit in the coming weeks.
Flo Rida and Sparks will be performing together at 7:30 p.m. April 20, the Sunday following the spring Blue-White game, in the Bryce Jordan Center. Tickets will go on sale at noon Thursday for Penn State students and at 10 a.m. Friday for the public, said Bernie Punt, the BJC’s public relations director.
Tickets are $20 for students with Penn State ID and $37.50 for the public.
Josh Gracin’s crazy ride
Gracin’s career seemed to be taking off, but a funny thing happened on the way to his second album. Singles were released to radio and quickly fizzled, and more than two years of release dates — an eternity in the music biz — came and went. The album, originally titled “All About Y’All, ” was eventually scrapped and re-recorded.
Now — on April Fools’ Day, of all days — Gracin’s second album, “We Weren’t Crazy, ” is finally hitting stores, and Gracin is hoping the joke’s not on him.
“I was very disappointed when it didn’t come out, but like everything else in my life, it seems to have worked out for my benefit, ” says Gracin, 27, munching on a burger at Red Robin earlier this month. “If I would have come out and had two hits in a row, a lot of the problems I had — as far as people around me, as far as myself, where my head was at — it would have been a disaster.”
He avoids getting into specifics, but he hints at butting heads with those in his inner circle as the “We Weren’t Crazy” drama unfolded, as well as the near-decimation of his marriage to his high school sweetheart in the same time period. Ultimately, he says, the situation humbled him, made him re-evaluate his attitude, and helped him avoid being dragged through “a downplayed, countrified version of what Britney Spears is going through now” — a mess that would have wiped him out physically, mentally and creatively.
Behind the Scenes on Daughtry Photo Shoot
I trek up to Connecticut Mohegan Sun to interview Daughtry when the band is in town to open for Bon Jovi. Questions about American Idol are off-limits, and Chris Daughtry, who has a bodyguard, makes nice with a tight-squeeze bear hug after tempers flare.
Backstage at Mohegan Sun Arena, he sips Red Bull and bonds with group members including mohawked bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Brian Craddock and lead guitarist Josh Steeley.
Underwood brings ‘Carnival’ show to Columbus
…American Idol sweetheart and country-pop sensation Carrie Underwood is bringing her …Carnival Ride Tour to Value City Arena on Friday night.
Underwood is out promoting her double-platinum sophomore album, …Carnival Ride, featuring the hit …All American Girl and recent single …Last Name.
She also plans to join Keith Urban on the …Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Carnival Ride Tour throughout April.
Screaming crowd greets Underwood
Wearing thigh-high black boots and black tunic, Carrie Underwood emerged on a rising stage floor, belting out her hit, ”Flat on the Floor, ” to a screaming sellout crowd Sunday night at TheDow Event Center’s Wendler Arena.
The energy of the former ”American Idol” came through with ”Wasted” and ”Before He Cheats.” Then, with a more rock-than-country feel, Underwood grabbed an electric guitar and sang ”Get out of This Town.”
Later, she donned a heavenly type dress to perform her soul-searching ”Jesus Take the Wheel.” Then she ripped off part of her outfit to reveal a shorter version and sang about her small town, ”So Small.”
Carrie Underwood gives memorable performance
Three-quarters of the way through her show Monday night at Van Andel Arena, Carrie Underwood sat on a stool and sang the thoughtful “Don’t Forget to Remember Me.”
Not much chance of that happening, Carrie.
With her Carnival Ride Tour in full swing, the country music superstar returned to Van Andel Arena — the first time as a headliner — and dazzled a sold-out crowd of nearly 8, 000 fans. There could have been many more, however, the stage was positioned so only about two-thirds of the arena was available for seating.
Cowell Orchestrates Lewis’s Success
Simon Cowell has spent the last few months telling America that he thinks Leona Lewis will be a big star–now he going to put his money where his mouth is by buying her a $5 million luxury house in Los Angeles.
Cowell recently came in third in Forbes list of top TV earners, so his estimated annual income of $45 million makes him well able to afford the property. But that doesnt change the fact that Cowell really believes that Lewis can join the select ranks of British female pop stars that have cracked America.
Former contestants receive ‹Idol boost By Ayla Brown
Fox …American Idol has been a fantastic venue for former contestants.
Last month, season five contender Kellie Pickler performed her country single …Red High Heels. She released the song in 2006, but it wasnt until her performance on …Idol that the song became popular. Pickler helped her efforts by wearing a short red dress and matching red stiletto heels.
Similarly, season two contestant Kimberley Locke recently performed the song …Fall from her latest CD. Locke run on …Idol was five years ago, so some kids who watch the show might not remember she finished third behind Clay Aiken and winner Ruben Studdard.
RENT – the Broadway musical hits Chrysler Hall
Seven Venues will host the last national tour of the Broadway show, RENT, at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk April 1-3.
The performance will feature American Idol finalist Anwar Robinson as “Tom Collins” and South African Idol Winner Heinz Winckler as “Roger.”
FOX Sends “American Idol” Contestants To Star On “Bones”
The Fox show “Bones” will return in April and feature guest appearances by former “American Idol” contestants Ace Young and Brandon Rogers. The two singers will appear in one episode as talent-night contestants at a local eatery.
Singers who will perform for pope consider it a singular experience
Kelly Clarkson, 25, a pop singer who gained national attention by winning the inaugural “American Idol” competition in 2002, will sing several of her standards for the youths awaiting the pope in Yonkers April 19.
When the pope arrives, she will sing “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert. Through her publicist, she said, “I was so excited to be asked to sing for the pope! I grew up singing church music, and it’s always been a dream of mine to perform ‘Ave Maria.’ To have that dream come true on such a special occasion is truly a blessing.”
Stars in Orbit:
SING OUT: American Idol alums Kimberly Caldwell, Gina Glocksen, Alaina Alexander and Amanda Avila, performing at the Stoli Hotel Music Series during Tom Whitman Size party at Here Lounge on Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood.
Performers named for music award show
The list of performers for the 2008 Texas Music Awards, which will be held on May 3 at the Palestine Civic Center. has been named.
Also scheduled to appear are 2007 Male Vocalist of the Year, John Evans, and sixth season contestant from FOX Television’s American Idol, Haley Scarnato. FOX Television is expected to be at the event filming for a future American Idol episode, according to a Texas Music Awards news release.
