‘Idol’ star and teenager Paris Bennett is pregnant
“American Idol” 2006 contestant Princess P is becoming a mommy.
Paris Bennett is expecting a baby girl in October and will be 20 when mommyhood arrives.
“This makes five generations, ” an overjoyed Jamecia Bennett, told me Thursday.
Jamecia, who like her daughter and mother is a singer, is absolutely over the moon about being a first-time grandmother.
“I’m proud of how she did it. I was 16 when I got pregnant, ” said Jamecia.
HICKS IGNITES ‘GREASE’
First, “Grease” – which vaulted right over the critics to box office glory. It’s playing to sold-out houses and is grossing nearly $800, 000 a week.
It got a little lift from the Tonys, but its real draw this summer is “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks, who’s playing Teen Angel.
An insider says Hicks is worth at least $150, 000 in extra ticket sales a week.
For the Record: American Idol
Here we go again ¦ already? Fox has announced the eight audition cities for the upcoming eighth season of …American Idol. Hopefuls can start lining up for their shot at instant fame, with auditions hitting San Francisco, Phoenix and the first-ever location outside the contiguous 48 states ‘ San Juan, Puerto Rico.
‹Idol Boogie Back In Time
What got David Cook, Syesha Mercado, Brooke White and the rest of the …American Idol gang in polyester?
The finalists donned the synthetic duds and wigs for a new promotional photo for their upcoming …American Idols Live Tour 2008.
The group dressed up for a halftime Guitar Hero World Tour rockumentary, which screens during the trek.
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, the …Idol tour kicks off July 1 in Glendale, Arizona.
‘American Idol’ auditions
Perhaps owing to the success of Jordin Sparks and Brooke White, American Idol will hold auditions on July 25 at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale. This is the first time the show has held Valley tryouts.
Doors will open at 6 a.m., though additional details have yet to be released. Audition information, including forms and requirements, were not available on AmericanIdol.com as of Thursday morning.
‘American Idol’ auditions returning to Bay Area
After a two-year absence, the television juggernaut known as “American Idol” will return to the Bay Area next month.
Auditions for the 2009 season of TV’s most-watched series will be held July 17 at the Cow Palace in Daly City. The last Bay Area tryouts for the show were held there in 2005.
‘American Idol’ Comes To Louisville
On July 21, people from across the region will stand in line for what could be a 10-second shot at stardom. Potential contestants are tuning up, and business leaders are singing a happy tune.
“It’s the only thing I can find meaning in, ” said hopeful Bobby Wilson, who plans to give back to music what it’s given to him.
‘American Idol’ auditions coming back to Jersey
It’s summer, which means it’s almost time for another round of “American Idol” auditions, and this year, the show will make another stop (its first since the season six auditions two years ago) at the Meadowlands.
Auditions for ‘Idol’ coming to First Coast
For the first time, auditions for the nation’s most popular TV show and its best-known shortcut to stardom will be held here.
On Wednesday, Aug. 13, thousands of hopefuls will get their chance at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
‘American Idol’ to hold auditions in Salt Lake on July 29
We knew that “American Idol” would hold auditions in Salt Lake City this summer. Now we know when and where.
According to Fox, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and the “Idol” team will be at the EnergySolutions Arena on Tuesday, July 29.
‹American Idol auditions are coming to Kansas City
The producers of …American Idol are rewarding the city that produced David Cook, this season winner.
The show announced Thursday the eight audition sites for season eight, and Kansas City is one of them. Auditions will be held Aug. 8 at Sprint Center. Salt Lake City, home of runner-up David Archuleta, is also on the list.
American Idol Auditions Coming to KC
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Auditions for the eighth season of AMERICAN IDOL begin Thursday, July 17, at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA, and will continue in seven other cities – including Kansas City at the Sprint Center.
David Cook
American Idol winner David Cook answers Seventeen’s juicy questions, including why he’d like to trade places with his dog!
1. When was your first kiss?
I was in seventh grade, so that makes me how old? Twelve or 13.
No Wonder Kellie Pickler Likes High-Glam Style
When she first appeared on American Idol, Kellie Pickler looked like the farm-girl next door, with a sweet smile, long hair and tight jeans. Fast forward a few years (and a few sessions with pro stylists) and the smile is still there, but Pickler is now a glamour goddess, favoring high heels and haute couture gowns. …My hair is a lot shorter now, she says as she describes her new high-glam style, which includes a variety of sassy hairstyles and more defined makeup. …I just have the greatest team of people around me, and theyve helped me develop a look that fits me. Im happy with it, and it most important that youre happy with what you see when you look in the mirror.
Idols Open in Branson to Energetic Fans
Six young performers, who were thrust into the world of fans and fame as …American Idol contestants, sat and talked about their personal goals, their fears and their faith with about 40 guests at the Radisson Hotel on Friday, June 20, before their show opened at the Grand Palace.
These six past Idol contestants will be performing through the end of June. A parade of Idol contestants will make up the …American Idol show at the Grand Palace through Oct. 26, on Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Studdard embraces change
American Idol-turned-stage performer Ruben Studdard will take another turn Saturday by marrying his girlfriend of two years, Surata Zuri McCants, at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook.
But Studdard, who crooned and rocked his way to the top of the star-making reality show in 2003, said marriage isn’t the only change in his life these days.
“I worked for about two months with (super producers) Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis putting together some new music, ” Studdard said Thursday in a phone interview. “I’ll have a new album coming out by the end of the year.”
Blake Lewis talks about split with Arista
“Leaving Arista is a positive, ” Lewis tells EW.com about his recent split with the label. “The industry is eating itself and I’m not trying to eat off their plate.” Yesterday, the American Idol season 6 runner-up blogged about the news, and how he became aware of it, on his MySpace page, writing: “I was just wishing they would have put the word out to me over the last couple months, because let’s face it…. Waiting SUCKS!!!! Oh well. I guess the right time was now. No biggy. I’m still with 19 Recordings and I got a tour and new record on the way. Now all I need is a home for my music. Some place warm and tropical…”
Valley a hotbed for reality-TV stars
Forget about copper: The Valley’s best-known export could be reality-TV stars.
The Real World’s Rachel Campos was the first modern reality star to capture national attention. The past 10 years have seen even more locals follow in her designer footprints, with Brooke White’s tearful stint on American Idol being the latest to win the hearts of viewers. For all the (guilty) pleasure they have given us, here is a grateful look at some of our favorite TV faces.
‘Heroes’ honors ordinary who do the extraordinary
A new awards show has been born in Hollywood. I was privileged to be present at the Universal Hilton June 13 for the taping of an inspiring evening honoring ordinary people who have done — and continue to do — extraordinary things.
These stories and more are linked by the reflections of such celebrities as Bryant Gumbel, Joan Lunden and Iron Man’s Faran Tahir. Musical performances — “The Rainbow Connection” by composer Paul Williams, songs by American Idol contestants Bo Bice and Ace Young, and the title song “Heroes” by the Greater Los Angeles Gospel Choir — round out the show.
Recap of the 2008 BET Awards
The 2008 BET Awards proved to be another interesting star-studded event, with plenty of eye candy and more than a few eyebrow-raising experiences. From the red carpet to the stage, celebs Nu Skool and Old Skool came out to represent the evening’s shiniest stars.
Following Usher’s lip-synching session on stage was the Incredibly Uncomfortable Duo, Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard. Despite both of their fairly commendable skills in music and on screen, the two appeared at a loss where any real chemistry is concerned.
Coming Attractions: Honey, let Hudson tell you about ‘Secret Life of Bees’
After playing Carrie Bradshaw’s loyal assistant in Sex and the City: The Movie, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson next buzzes into theaters in The Secret Life of Bees. In the film, based on Sue Monk Kidd’s beloved novel, Hudson is the friend and caretaker of Dakota Fanning, who flees her love-barren home to live with a trio of beekeeping sisters (Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo and Alicia Keys).
Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift stay number one
Kenny Chesney’s “Better as a Memory” and Taylor Swift’s debut CD topped the Billboard country song and album charts for the week ending July 5 for the second straight week.
On the song chart, Blake Shelton moved up one to second with “Home, ” while Montgomery Gentry’s “Back When I Knew It All” was third, up three. Carrie Underwood was down two to fourth with “Last Name, ” while Alan Jackson’s “Good Time” was up two to fifth.
Chris Daughtry returns home
A former Fluvanna County resident who went from …American Idolƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ finalist to the top of the charts will be back on his home turf for a concert next month.
Daughtry, featuring singer Chris Daughtry, will perform at the Paramount Theater at 7 p.m. July 21.
Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.
All-day music fest set for Saturday in St. Johns County
It’s been an up and down couple of years for Bo Bice.
Back in 2005, in Season 4 of American Idol, he was the seasoned rocker, the long-haired Southern guy, in a show that specializes in bright and shiny new pop faces and voices. But he lasted long enough to come in second to Carrie Underwood and cleared the path for Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry, a couple of other seasoned rockers, the next year.
Rock Against Diabetes Lineup
Rock Against Diabetes announce the main event lineup, that will be performing in Las Vega is now complete. The lineup is as follows: The winner of the 2008 Opening Band Competition, Cliff Morrison and the Lizard Sun Band, Magnetico, featuring Rafael Moreira, LA Gun, LEatherwolf, Y&T, Richie Kotzen and Guns N’ Roses guitarist Bumblefoot and hi All Star Band consisting of Jeff Berlin, Lez Warner, Constantine Maroulis, Paul Mirkovich and many more. The event will be hosted by Big Brother 8 winner, and CBS.com personality Evel Dick Donato.”
Storms Wash Out Opening Night of Country Stampede
Weather put a damper on Thursday night’s big acts at Country Stampede at Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan.
Due to heavy rain and lightning, organizers pulled the plug on the headliners, cancelling Kellie Pickler, .38 Special and Charlie Daniels.
Fortunately, most in the crowd seemed to take it in stride. Tthey said the weekend’s about more than the music – it’s also about hanging out with friends and relaxing.
Blake Shelton guests on Nashville Star
Blake Shelton will be making an appearance on NBC’s Nashville Star this Monday, June 30. “Family Week” is the show’s emphasis, and Shelton will be performing his current hit “Home, ” from his recently released “Pure BS Deluxe Edition” album. The 2-hour special will air live on NBC 9-11 p.m. eastern and again on CMT on July 4 from 9-11 p.m. eastern. Shelton’s “Home” is currently second on the R&R Country Singles Chart.
‘So You Think You Can Dance’: Learning Disorder
We learned about the ”hidden” talents/quirks/tattoos of the dancers during last night’s So You Think You Can Dance, but, oh, did we learn so much more than that. We learned that some 40 years ago Nigel once lifted the late dancing legend Cyd Charisse. We learned that guest judge Adam Shankman can exceed Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy both in insight and in borderline obnoxiousness. We learned that no one, ever, will be able to make the quickstep anything more than the SYTYCD equivalent of brussels sprouts.
Canadian Idol Recap – Wednesday
In an effort to avoid boring viewers with dragged out results drama, the season first results show features all of the contestants performing group numbers. And tonight results have the girls dropping like flies.
Martin Kerr, Shaun Francisco, Lindsay Robins and Paul Clifford perform …Have You Ever See The Rain? and Lindsay Barr and Adam Castelli perform …Midnight Hour. Jessica Sheppard, Mookie Morris, Earl Stevenson and Mark Day perform …Old Time Rock And Roll.
Canadian Idol: I Left My Heart With Shaun Francisco
Canadian Idol made its first round of cuts from the top 24 on Wednesday night, and the already stacked male-female imbalance was increased again. Three women and one man (who shouldn’t have been cut) got the axe.
Lindsay Barr, Tetiana Ostapowych, Lindsay Robins and Shaun Francisco were all sent packing. The crowd was quiet as the results were revealed, which led me to believe they also shared my surprise. I guess I don’t know what Canada’s looking for in a singer, because my picks were way off.
Canadian Idol Recap: The Top 24 Results Show
In a departure from its typical results show format, this week Canadian Idol decided to have the top 24 perform a musical showcase first before the results are announced.
First up was Lindsay Robins, Paul, Shaun and Mark singing …Have You Ever Seen the Rain? It was very well done. It was nice to see no one really trying to outshine the others when they sang in unison, but rather the four embracing the group format and working together.
According to Ben, the performers picked their group, which kind of surprises me.
