The “Idol” winner talks about music with Rolling Stone.
“The overnight thing is nice and romantic, ” Cook says in an interview during his first trip to New York City, continuing, “But in this particular instance, it’s not the case.”
Cook explains that he had musical aspirations from a young age — he first sang in public in second grade, and he played first the violin, and next, the guitar, during his childhood. He also participated in talent competitions, and went on to form his first band at age 15. It was only after years of being in bands and doing solo projects that he took the “Idol” stage.
NATASHA BEDINGFIELD, KENNY CHESNEY, KATHARINE MCPHEE, AND JORDIN SPARKS KICK OFF NBC’S ANNUAL ‘MACY’S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR, ‘ FRIDAY, JULY 4TH (9-10 P.M. EST)
NEW YORK June 9, 2008 – NBC celebrates the nation’s 232nd birthday extravaganza with performances by chart topping Natasha Bedingfield, country music superstar Kenny Chesney, ‘American Idol’s’ recording artist/actress Katharine McPhee, and pop sensation Jordin Sparks on the live broadcast of the “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.” Hosted by Natalie Morales, NBC’s “Today” National Correspondent and Tiki Barber, “Today” Correspondent and “Football Night in America” Studio Analyst, the show will air in high definition on Friday, July 4th, 9-10 p.m. EST (all time zones).
Clay Aiken Tried to Keep Baby News, Jaymes Foster Relationship Quiet
The story from Star Magazine claims that the source says that Clay, 29, was hoping that having a baby with Jaymes – Brody Jenner’s aunt – would stifle those pesky gay rumors once and for all. But, says one source, “since it came out that they used artificial insemination, he and Jaymes have been very upset. They aren’t going to deny how the baby was conceived, but they are embarrassed that people know they didn’t have sex.”
Oscar-winning Hudson is already used to the ‘Spotlight’
Jennifer Hudson may have taken longer than fans wished before officially announcing the release of her self-titled debut album, due Sept. 30 via Arista Records. But early chart movement indicates it mightve been worth the wait.
Hudson lead single, the Ne-Yo-penned and Stargate-produced ‹‹Spotlight, ƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ has jumped from No. 99 to No. 51 in its first three weeks on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Jessica Simpson is jealous of Carrie Underwood
As it turns out, Jessica Simpson meddling father wasnt the only factor in her recent relationship woes with Tony Romo. Although the two are now back together for …a trial thing, a friend of the singer-turned-actress spoke to In Touch about Jessica jealousy issues.
…Jessica can be so insecure when she is with Tony, and it only gets worse when he is around women, said the friend.
While the pal insists that any female competition is bound to upset Jessica, the subject of Tony ex-girlfriend Carrie Underwood is what really riles her.
Carrie Underwood Adds Tour Dates With Little Big Town
Carrie Underwood has added several months of concert dates to her Carnival Ride tour. Little Big Town will open the shows beginning Sept. 23 in Cleveland, Ohio, and concluding Dec. 14 in Gainesville, Fla. Underwood has performed for almost 600, 000 fans so far this year. The current leg of her tour concludes June 24 in New Orleans although she will perform at select fairs and festivals this summer, including Country Thunder USA in Twin Lakes, Wis., and the Country Jam Festival in Eau Claire, Wis., both in July.
Tens of thousands attend CMA Music Fest
NASHVILLE, June 9 (UPI) — Organizers estimate tens of thousands of country music fans attended Nashville’s CMA Music Festival, which ran from last Wednesday through Sunday.
USA Today said Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam kicked off the festival and featured performances by Charlie Daniels, Gretchen Wilson, Kathy Mattea and Big & Rich’s John Rich.
Webbcam Tour of CMA Music Festival
Country Music’s party of the year, CMA Music Festival, finished a record-setting attendance 4-day run Sunday night. CountryHound’s Webbcam was on hand for all the nightly concerts at LP Field. If you couldn’t be there, enjoy the tour:
Thursday night’s performances at LP Field included Jewel, Sugarland, and Taylor Swift
For The Record: Warren G, Justin Guarine, iPhones and More
Guess who got their own radio show (kind of)? …American Idol season-one runner-up Justin Guarini. On Tuesday, the co-star of …From Justin to Kelly will debut …The Justin Guarini Show on BlogTalkRadio.com, where hell …take to the Internet airwaves to help aspiring musicians find their inner idol by playing unsigned artists and interviewing producers, managers and agents. Whew, at least he not still skating along on the whole …Idol thing.
PHOTO CALL: Grease’s Taylor Hicks Leaves His Handprint at Planet Hollywood
“American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks stopped by the Times Square Planet Hollywood May 6 for a Handprint Ceremony to commemorate his Broadway debut in Grease.
Hicks, who began performances as Teen Angel on June 6, left his handprint and signature in concrete for display in the popular theme restaurant. Following the ceremony, he posed for photos with fellow Grease co-stars Laura Osnes and Max Crumm and greeted a crowd of his fans, known as the Soul Patrol.
Hicks `Taylorizes’ Teen Angel role
Taylor called from Manhattan on Monday afternoon to talk about his latest gig, which kicked off last Friday.
“It’s definitely country come to town, ” he said of his presence in the Big Apple. “The traffic, all the people and the fast pace that New York is an adjustment. But I love it and I’m starting to become more comfortable with my role in the show.”
The role is that of Teen Angel, played by Frankie Avalon in the 1978 movie version, and Taylor gets a nice, big solo in the production.
“The music is classic and the part is a perfect fit, ” he said. “I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to perform on Broadway for the first time.”
Taylor’s High Hopes For David Cook
If anybody knows how hard it can be to turn an American Idol win into a hot music career, it’s Taylor Hicks.
So the season six champ speaks with some authority when he says that this year’s winner, David Cook, could be a huge star.
“I think he has a great shot [at success], ” Hicks, 31, told OK! at a ceremony at Planet Hollywood where he made a hand-print in concrete to commemorate his Broadway debut in Grease.
SUMMER IDOLS, HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS
Broadway bus trippers may not bat an eyelash at the prospect of Brooke Shields or Brady Bunch Brothers filling in for two-week runs in their favorite musicals, but when someone tells you that notorious American Idol runner-up Constantine Maroulis will be appearing as Judas in a local community production of Jesus Christ Superstar ‘ with Jesus himself portrayed by the frontman for the tri-state’s pre-eminent Queen tribute act ‘ well, you’ve just gotta spit-take your MiJovi.
