Registration continues for the American Idol 12 auditions in New Orleans today
The American Idol Live Tour heads to West Valley City, Utah 7 pm MDT
Is ‘American Idol’ Nearing End? – Now that both Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez have confirmed that they will not return next season, “American Idol” is looking for a few good judges. But even an injection of new talent might not be enough to save the aging show. “I think this is the real beginning of the end,” USA Today’s “Idol” commentator Brian Mansfield told ABCNews.com. “You could look at it as when Simon left, but coming off a year where the ratings were down as much as they were and this revolving door of judges, I think we will look back and say this is were the slide started.” – Read more at ABCNews
At ‘American Idol,’ help wanted signs abound – American Idol is scouting for replacements after Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez bolted late last week after two-year runs on TV’s top-rated talent show. Singer Mariah Carey is on a short list of candidates in talks with the show, says an executive familiar with the discussions who isn’t authorized to speak publicly. Carey could replace her manager, Randy Jackson, who isn’t guaranteed to return to the judges’ table and might take on a new role as a mentor. Other names being floated include Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige and even Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert, who told a U.K. radio station that “if they were to approach me … I would jump at the chance.” – Read more at USA Today
Randy Jackson & Simon Cowell You Hiring, Dawg? – With “American Idol” judges dropping like flies, it’s quite interesting that Randy Jackson caught up with old pal Simon Cowell over dinner in West Hollywood last night. The former co-workers posed for a pic with a fan before grabbing a little late dinner at Ceconni’s, showing up around 11:30 PM. It’s unclear what the topic of conversation was, but we’re told Randy and Simon have remained good friends since Simon jumped ship in 2010. – Read more at TMZ
‘American Idol’ Can’t Afford Mariah Carey! – If “American Idol” wants Mariah Carey to be one of their new judges, they are going to have to break the bank … this according to Mr. Carey himself, Nick Cannon. Mariah is one of the big names that has surfaced since Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler announced they were not coming back to “Idol” next season.
Cannon told our photog yesterday that it’s going to take a HUGE payday to get Mimi to fill Lopez’s vacant seat. He told us, “I don’t know if they can afford Mariah Carey. That’s a lot of money. If they gave JLo $20 million, they might have to double that!” – Read more at TMZ
Interview: Singer-Songwriter Casey Abrams On Why Music is In His Blood – On season 10 of American Idol, Casey Abrams was known for his fearless performances of jazz, rock, and blues tunes. He was initially eliminated from the competition before reaching the top 10, but the judges used their one save to keep him in the competition. Abrams stuck around for several more weeks, eventually being voted off in sixth place. He has kept busy since that time. Following the American Idol LIVE! tour in the summer of 2011, Abrams began further honing his skills as a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. – Read more at Blogcritics
Exclusive Q and A: Bucky Covington Proves ‘I’m Alright,’ with New Album, Sold Out Tour, and More – Bucky Covington was riding high in 2007 when his self-titled debut album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Top 75 chart, the biggest unit debut from a country artist that year. Covington’s album also had the best first week sales and was the highest Top 200 debut from any new country artist in 15 years. Several singles from that album hit the Top 10 on the charts. But the finalist from the fifth season of American Idol hit bumps early in his career when his label Lyric Street Records closed and he was unsigned for more than a year. Now signed with E One Entertainment, he is touring behind his new single “I Wanna Be That Feeling,” from his next album I’m Alright that will be released later this year. Fans can hear the new songs and his hits this summer as he travels the U.S. on his Hometown Tour. – Read more at OurStage.com
Chris Colfer of ‘Glee’ to sign fantasy novel in Ridgewood on Tuesday – “I always have a lot of things going on and I keep my tasks secret,” Colfer says as he discusses his hectic schedule. “The book is something I’ve wanted to do forever, and I finally wrote it last year. I’d say ‘The Wishing Spell’ is for anyone ages 7 to 20 who likes fairy tales, magic and books about big adventures.” “Kurt really did nothing but lose last year, so I’d like to see him win something,” Colfer says. “He didn’t get the school play, didn’t get president, and didn’t get into his college. He didn’t get anything. So I’d like to see him get something that makes him happy.” – Read more at North Jersey.com
100 & Single: The R&B/Hip-Hop Factor In The Music Business’s Endless Slump – Here are a few recent data points from chart bible Billboard and data provider Nielsen Soundscan as we move into the second half of 2012:- Read more at The Village Voice
With ‘Idol’ behind her, Lopez eyes more films – “I do miss doing films. I feel like the last two years with ‘(American) Idol,’ I’ve really, really focused on, you know, my music. … It was all kind of very synergistic, it worked really well together,” said Lopez, whose movie hits include “Maid in Manhattan” and “Selena,” and who was in “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” earlier this year. “But (film) is something that I really loved, it’s how I kind of started in this business, and it doesn’t leave you. I am an actress, I need to do that, too.” – Read more at the Providence Journal
Justin Guarini, Mamie Parris and Austin Miller Will Lead St. Louis Muny Production of Joseph – “American Idol” runner up and stage actor Justin Guarini will play the title role in the St. Louis Muny’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which will run July 23-29 as part of the company’s 94th season. – Read more at Playbill
