American Idol Workers Demand Fair Pay
Looks like American Idol isn’t just annoying the fans this year, the workers at Fremantle aren’t too happy either. In a press release sent to Vote for the Worst by the Writer’s Guild of America West, a claim was filed by a dozen workers alleging that certain companies “owe them unpaid overtime that could total over $500, 000”. Surprise, surprise, the majority of people filing the complaint worked for FremantleMedia.
Cardboard Cut-Out to Stand In for ‘Idol’ Brooke White at Sister’s Wedding
Always a bridesmaid? Well, not always ¦ Sometimes a cardboard clone can get the job done, too.
Brooke White wont be dabbing damp eyes as she watches her sister exchange vows on Saturday; instead, shell be polishing her singing skills with the other contestants as a cardboard cut-out of the “American Idol” hopeful takes her place in the wedding party,
‘American Idol’ runner-up predicts this season’s final 2
Had a chance to chat with “American Idol” runner-up Diana DeGarmo while we were both at Dollywood today. She looks marvelous — all grown up (she’s 20 years old now), a brunett and so poised! She was even graceful as we stood in a garbage pick up area for the interview. She’s moved to Nashville and is pursuing country music. She wanted an audience with Dolly Parton, but I don’t know if that ever worked out. Naturally, our conversation turned to “Idol” this season. She gave me her prediction for the final 2 and why it seems to be a season favoring the men rather than the women (at least talent wise).
Here are her thoughts on the season:
WHO’LL BE IN THE FINAL 2? “I think it will come down to the two Davids, ” Diana told me. She’s referring to, of course, David Archuleta and David Cook. Interesting final 2! She might just be right.
Dolly pays glittering musical tribute to duet partner and mentor Porter Wagoner
On Saturday, Parton performed a musical tribute to her old friend at Dollywood. The packed house included Wagoner’s three children; Parton’s husband, Carl Dean; Grand Ole Opry performers Jeannie Seely and Jack Greene; “Brady Bunch” actress Maureen McCormick; and “American Idol” runner-up Diana DeGarmo.
FIVE QUESTIONS WITH … BLAKE LEWIS
Last year’s American Idol runner-up, Blake Lewis, recently hit town to display his musical chops, collaborating with DJs and other musicians at various Winter Music Conference shows. He also was seen trying to gain — and being denied — entrance at various parties. Guess there really is a difference between first and second place.
What have you been up to since Idol?
‘I have been working my a– off, recording my album, doing some remixes. . . . I have been wanting to come here for like 10 years and all my friends who are DJs have been like `Why aren’t you here?’ It’s been amazing to be embraced by the electronic community, because that’s what I am all about — underground raves and MCs all the time.”
The Voice – Idol puts ‘Sparks’ in teenager’s life
Last year, Jordin Sparks became the youngest ever person to win American Idol, aged just 17. The Arizona native has finished working on her debut album and her next single features Chris Brown. Now 18, she tells Emmanuel Ezugwu about how she is dealing with fame, her views on Chris Brown and Rihanna’s relationship, and why she has never had a boyfriend before.
Voice: It’s been almost a year since you won American Idol. How has it been for you?
Jordin Sparks: It’s been very exciting, very exhilarating and exhausting, all at the same time. Everything has turned upside down, which is crazy. I haven’t been home very much – I think in 2007 I was at home for a total of 12 days! I got a two-week break for Christmas and New Year’s and I started it up over again. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Britain’s Got Talent: Audition shows begin!
The second series of Britain’s Got Talent. has made its debut, with the first of seven weeks worth of auditions from across the UK.
Presenters Ant and Dec have returned to the show, along with judges Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden. The trio have the job of choosing which acts to put through to the next round, where they will face the public vote.
The eventual series winner will have the opportunity to perform in front of the Prince Of Wales at this year’s Royal Variety Performance – and hopefully follow the success of the 2007 series winner Paul Potts.
Love Our Children Auctions off American Idol Tickets, Charity Of The Day
For almost a decade Love Our Children USA has been committed to stopping all forms of violence and neglect against children. Their goal is to keep children safe and strengthen families. Programs range from education and advocacy, to raising awareness and financial support for at risk children. One of the fun ways you can help is by supporting their exciting online auctions. This week they are selling 2 front row tickets to the April 14th taping of American Idol ! Bidding starts at $3, 750, and proceeds go directly to the Love Our Children programs.
Local songwriter gets his ‘Idol’ shot
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this. This is his now. And, yes, he does make us proud.
Aaron Sidwell, a local singer-songwriter, could soon be a part of “American Idol” history.
He learned last week that his original song, titled “Something Like Heaven, ” is one of 20 finalists in the show’s “American Idol Songwriter” competition.
Between now and April 23, fans can listen to all of the songs and rate them on the show’s Web site, americanidol.com. The song that scores the highest will be performed by “Idol’s” winner on finale night and will be released as the winner’s first official single.
The chosen songwriter not only will get $10, 000 and a publishing deal, but his or her song will become as recognizable as Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This, ” Taylor Hicks’ “Do I Make You Proud” and Jordin Sparks’ “This Is My Now.”
Sidwell’s entry includes all the requisite components of an “Idol” finale song: The big key change, a soaring high note and those inspirational “I CAN’T BELIEVE I WON!” lyrics.
On the Scene: ‘Idol’ Top 8 results show
The mood in the Idol studio going into elimination night on Thursday? Somber. From the CBS Television City pages to the cameramen, Debbie the stage manager to, yes, even Corey the warm-up comic, everyone just looked wiped out. This being their fourth Idol commitment in just as many days, it seemed like much of the crew had by this point OD’d on contestants, charity and gospel choirs. There certainly wasn’t the same buzz in the air that I felt at the start of Tuesday’s show, but then again, this is the day we all dread, and I’m not talking about Jason Castro’s hair, either. (We’ll get to his female hair-alike later.) Idol may give back, but it also taketh away, and tonight, one person’s dream would be snatched from their clutches.
