Read more Idol interviews from last week’s tour junket from Reality Rocks. Andre, Heejun and Erika, Skylar, Elise and Colton, Jessica, Joshua and Hollie
‘American Idol’s’ Casey Abrams’ Debut Album: Track-By-Track (Exclusive) – Abrams co-wrote and sang every song (fellow Idol alum Haley Reinhart joins him for one cover, “Hit the Road Jack”) as well as played bass, acoustic guitar, drums, Wurlitzer and even recorder on the album. With singles “Get Out, and “Simple Life” available on iTunes early, Abrams runs through the rest of his self-titled debut (out this week) in this exclusive track-by-track. – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter
Exclusive Pics! Kelly Clarkson Hits Up The Cheesecake Factory With New Boyfriend Brandon Blackstock! – We caught up with makeup-free Kelly Clarkson and her new boyfriend Brandon Blackstock as the two enjoyed a long lunch at The Cheesecake Factory at the Sherman Oaks Galleria Mall. Kelly has admitted that she lost weight for Brandon – we’re guessing the Cheesecake Factory wasn’t a part of that plan! But hey, Kelly’s looking great and is clearly happy – an occasional 2,000 calorie meal isn’t the end of the world, right? – See the photos at InfDaily.com
Kellie Pickler packs lunches, fights child hunger at Second Harvest Food Bank – Country star Kellie Pickler paid a visit to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee on Tuesday to help spread the word about child hunger in the United States. Picker is the national spokesperson for the ConAgra Foods Foundation Hunger-Free Summer program, which provides children from low-income families with nutritious meal in the summer months. “I was really surprised at how many kids go hungry during the summertime, just because they rely on the school meals for food,” Pickler said.
Why Kellie Pickler Loves Going Glam — But Prefers to Be ‘Just Kellie’ – “If you could just walk down the red carpet in your PJs and a ponytail that would be much more comfortable,” she jokes in the clip above. “I save my glamorous looks for work. And when I’m not working, I’m just Kellie.” – Read more at People.com
Taylor Hicks begins eight-week summer run at Bally’s – When “American Idol” Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks takes the stage at Bally’s tonight to start an eight-week summer run, not only does a dream come true for him, but he also becomes the first winner or finalist of the Fox hit to also have a Strip residency. Until now, the kid who purchased his first harmonica for $2 when he was 16 has only played one-night guest gigs here for corporate parties. Taylor will play the Indigo at Bally’s five nights a week for eight weeks, and insiders tell me that if Taylor and Bally’s are happy with the results, the run could be extended. He promises some “American Idol” hits and some Las Vegas show tunes for his “Soul Patrol” fans. – Read more at Las Vegas Sun
Ford taps Ryan Seacrest for 2013 Fusion campaign – Ford Motor Co. has teamed with radio and television star Ryan Seacrest to pitch the revamped 2013 Ford Fusion. Seacrest, host of “American Idol,” will drive an advertising and social media campaign known as “Random Acts of Fusion.” The campaign aims to introduce the Fusion prior to its fall launch by playing out a story on the Web, radio and TV. – Read more at The Detroit News
Rachel Crow Calls Tearful ‘X Factor’ Elimination a ‘Highlight’, Talks Touring With Big Time Rush (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO) –
Celebuzz caught up with Crow and talked about what life has been like for her over the last six months, and believe it or not, she referred to her shocking elimination as a “highlight.” Crow told us, “I think it was one of the strongest performances I’ve ever done, and so hopefully I went out on top. It was really important to me that I got my music out, and going on tour this summer, I’m so excited. I hope everything turns out well.” – See the Video at Celebuzz
The Glee Project co-winner Samuel Larson is an addition to the cast of Claire’s Cambodia. The sibling comedy-drama, produced by The Hunger Games screenwriter Billy Ray and directed by Stacy Sherman, stars the recently signed Shannon Woodward as well as Mary Kay Place and Sarah Paulson. Larson, who will play the boyfriend of the youngest of the three sisters, is repped by SDB Partners. – Read more at Deadline
