For the Latest ‹American Idol Finalists, Another 15 Minutes of Fame
UNIONDALE, N.Y. ‘ Syesha Mercado, a k a No. 3, was working herself flush performing …Listen, from …Dreamgirls, to an almost sold-out Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday night, pretending that she was not killing time. It was the third song of a three-song set, her not-quite-15 minutes of stage time on the American Idols Live Tour 2008, and she intended to milk it, even as Jeff Archuleta, father of David (No. 2), was making his way through the crowd to the sound board at the back of the arena, preparing to watch his son steal her thunder.
For this concert, which featured the top 10 finalists from the seventh season of …American Idol in the country largest covers revue, the singers were announced by their names and numbers ‘ what place they came in on the show ‘ on screens hanging high above the stage. They performed in order of elimination, leading up to the two Davids: Archuleta and Cook (No. 1).
More Idol Headlines After the Jump…
Lower finishing American Idols outshine more heralded singers
ALBANY ‘ Reality TV biggest phenomenon brought its well known brand of verisimilitude to the Times Union Center Wednesday night with The American Idols (AI) Live Tour 2008. Keeping it real at the show were 2008 AI winner David Cook and nine other high-place finishers for the season.
It was a countdown from 10 to 1 so Cook closed the second half of the show. While not the best singer of the night, he had the biggest rock star attitude and presence by far with his shouting voice giving shades of Eddie Vedder. Cook was all about distorted guitars and solid backbeats. He reworked two classic decades of old pop songs into his heavy, rock ballad anthem style: Michael Jackson‹s …Billie Jean and Lionel Ritchie …Hello. Artistically debatable for sure, but Cook made it work.
Some memorable ‘Idol’ moments
ALBANY — After seven seasons of “American Idol” and seven concert tours by the 10 top finishers, there are more than five dozen briefly famous singers whose names most of America has since forgotten. But though this past season had enough suspense and surprising eliminations to deliver huge TV ratings, it also had the largest batch of forgettable singers even while they were onstage performing.
On Wednesday night, before a crowd of more than 10, 000 at the Times Union Center, the only two Idols who really mattered were the Davids: precocious vocalist 17-year-old David Archuleta and rocker David Cook, born eight years and eight days earlier. (Third-place finalist Syesha Mercado sang her heart out, channeling Beyonce to perfection on “Listen” from the movie version of “Dreamgirls, ” but she seems a more skilled mimic than distinctive singer.)
YOUR AMERICAN IDOL WHEN A TV SHOW BECOMES A POP CULTURE PHENOMENON, THE WORLD MAY NEVER BE THE SAME.
THE U.S. ECONOMY has been steadily going insane. While the government works diligently to restrain it, the rest of America hides at home, crossing its fingers and throwing salt over its collective shoulder.
It’s that feeling of a lack of control that can turn a television show into a television empire. Even six years ago, when the Dow was up, a competitive reality show–Fox’s “American Idol”–was able to massacre its primetime competition by allowing America to be the ultimate decider.
Idol tour stops in Hartford, Worcester
There doesn’t seem to be anything “idle” about being chosen the “American Idol.”
Or even being a runner-up, for that matter.
After any given season ends, the winner and a gaggle of other contestants on the Cover story popular FOX show are herded off to do a whirlwind tour of the country: more than 40 cities in just over two months. The latest version of this live tour stops at two area venues this week: The XL Center in Hartford tomorrow night and the DCU Center in Worcester on Saturday.
‘Idol’ time: Top 10 contestants from Fox show perform area concerts this weekend
When David Cook found out he passed his initial audition for “American Idol” and would advance in the competition on the hit Fox television series, he felt something besides happiness and anticipation.
He also felt uncomfortable about the situation.
That’s because he hadn’t even come to the Omaha, Neb., audition to participate. Rather, he had intended to provide moral support for his brother, Andrew, who was trying out for the show. At the prodding of Andrew and his mother, however, Cook decided to give it a go.
American Idol hopefuls gather at Kemper ahead of auditions
Hundreds of people lined up outside Kemper Arena this morning for a chance to audition for …American Idol.
Each time people were allowed into the building, they screamed as they entered the doorways. Others posed in front of a paper sign reading …American Idol auditions as their friends snapped photos.
And, if you ask them, they are all going to win.
…Im ready to go to Hollywood, said Wendell Miller of Kansas City, Mo.
Mad Mugz: Andrew Cook Helps Find the Next American Idol
KANSAS CITY, MO. — The current American Idol’s brother, Andrew Cook, joined FOX 4’s web team as we hit the American Idol lines Wednesday morning. We took a sample of Kansas City’s talent and gave us a few reviews. You can join a live chat with Andrew on Thursday at Noon. Plus, see more of our Mad Mugz videos and photos on Thursday and Friday.
‹American Idol Runner-Up David Archuleta Getting Made By the Mafia ¦ Rock Mafia, That Is
It seems safe to assume that …American Idol runner-up David Archuleta is sprinting in the opposite direction from …Idol champ David Cook. While the …Idol winner is working with renowned rock producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls) and writing with members of the rock bands Our Lady Peace and Collective Soul, according to E! News Archadorable, 17, is hunkering down to work on songs for his debut with Rock Mafia Records, the Santa Monica, California-based production duo who have whacked out hits for Aly & AJ, Vanessa Hudgens, Mariah Carey and, most recently, Miley Cyrus with …7 Things.
Bo Bice & Wife Welcome Baby No. 2
Bo Bice and his wife Caroline Fisher welcomed their second son on Tuesday, his rep confirms to PEOPLE.
The baby boy, named Caleb, was born in Nashville. He joins big brother Aidan, who will be 3 in September.
David Hernandez joins ‘Idols in Concert’ at the Rrazz Room
“I always feel most at home onstage, much more than in an interview.”
David Hernandez just wants to sing. He’ll do just that when he performs at the Nikko Hotel’s intimate Rrazz Room with fellow American Idol alumni Constantine Maroulis and Vonzell Solomon, August 12-16, part of an extensive tour of popular finalists in the hit TV show.
‘Gone Country 2’ Featuring SEBASTIAN BACH To Premiere Next Week – Aug. 6, 2008
Former SKID ROW frontman Sebastian Bach will vie for the top prize on CMT’s “Gone Country 2”, the follow-up to the network’s highest rated series ever.
John Rich returns as host and judge of the show, which will premiere Friday, August 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Other members of “Gone Country”‘s second-season cast are Grammy- and Academy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Irene Cara; former “American Idol” fourth-season finalist Mikalah Gordon; former THE JACKSON 5 lead singer and 2007 “Celebrity Big Brother” UK houseguest Jermaine Jackson; ex-N SYNC member Chris Kirkpatrick; actor and former “Are You Hot?” judge Lorenzo Lamas; and actress Sean Young.
BV Scene: Terry Crews, George Huff, Armstrong Williams, Frenchie Davis & more
The WOW Cafà © & Wingery at The Boulevard at The Capital Centre in Largo had some star power drop into its karaoke night this past Saturday. Season three ‘American Idol’ finalist, George Huff and Jermaine Sellers, a finalist on the BET reality series ‘Sunday Best, ‘ both dropped in and serenaded the crowd with some classic R&B songs. Huff dazzled the crowd with his smooth rendition of Luther Vandross’ ‘Here & Now, ‘ while Sellers brought the crowd down with his cover of Peabo Bryson’s ‘Feel The Fire.’ Both singers were in town to tape appearances on BET’s ‘Bobby Jones Gospel, ‘ which taped its upcoming fall season this past weekend.
‘American Idol’ finalists Trenyce, Rickey Smith and Julia DeMato, with special guest Frenchie Davis, performed in the Rrazz Room at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco . The show is called, ‘Idols in Concert, ‘ and was put together ‘American Idol’s’ music director Michael Orland. ‘Idols in Concert’ will play Hotel Nikko until Aug. 30 with various ‘A.I.’ finalists headlining the show.
Before She Cheats: Did Carrie Underwood Do the Dirty With Romo?
It looks as though Carrie Underwood former flame Oliver Trevena still isnt over the country crooner. According to an insider, the British singer still talks a lot about the break-up, and he claims Carrie had already started seeing Dallas QB Tony Romo before theyd even ended things.
Trevena and Underwood were spotted kissing in Los Angeles in February of last year, but by April the romance between Underwood and Romo was going strong. Reports at the time stated that the singing sweethearts had broken up a couple of weeks before the Underwood/Romo relationship started. Perhaps Underwood just “forgot” to tell Trevena shed moved on. …
Carrie, LeAnn and More to Duet with Elvis
Some of Country’s queens are getting the chance to sing with the King on an upcoming album of Christmas tracks.
“Elvis Presley Christmas Duets” pairs the voice of Presley with the likes of Carrie Underwood and LeAnn Rimes ‘ both of whom were born after the musical legend had died. Martina McBride, Sara Evans, and Wynonna Judd also lend their voices to the tunes. Underwood ‘duets’ with Presley on “I’ll be Home for Christmas, ” while Rimes takes on “Here Comes Santa Claus” and McBride croons with the King on the Presley favorite “Blue Christmas.”
Idol turns loss into winning career
Bucky Covington may not have become the “American Idol, ” but the contestant on the fifth season of the hit Fox series is working his way toward country idol.
Covington is one of the short list of “Idol” contestants who have gone on to produce hit records, and his self-titled CD already has produced a couple of hits, including “A Different World” and “It’s Good to Be Us.”
Covington will perform at 9 p.m. tonight at the Painted Pony Rodeo in Lake Luzerne as part of Kickin’ Country ’08.
Sophisticated Southern charm
When Kellie Pickler takes the Pepsi Stage at the Grays Harbor County Fair on Thursday night, dont expect the ditzy, doe-eyed Southern belle who charmed …American Idol audiences for most of the mega-hit TV show fifth season in 2006.
Pickler has come a long way from …American Idol ‘ and her challenging childhood ‘ to become an articulate, young artist and business woman with a blossoming country music career that already boasts several hit songs, a top-selling album with a second just around the corner and armloads of music and entertainment industry awards.
‘American Idol’s’ Bo Bice brings rockin’ style to The Canyon
“American Idol” alumnus Bo Bice rocked The Canyon club in Agoura Hills July 25 with songs from his second album, “See The Light.”
Bice, who continues to opt for the Jesus in the ’70s look with a beard and long flowing locks, demonstrated the same clear vocals and pedaltothemetal style that made him a sensation on television’s popular talent show. Bice came in second behind Carrie Underwood in the 2005 Idol competition.
Bice said his “See the Light” album, released in 2007, is “genuinely Bo.” The Southernstyle rock ‘n’ roll sound and lyrics were a departure from his first post-Idol album, “The Real Thing, ” which gave fans a taste of his range.
At The Canyon, Bice showed proof of his wide versatility. In, “Take the Country Outta Me, ” he played guitar and harmonica and sang the lyrics that recalled his Idol experience:
This Cat cradles her contestants
Cat Deeley knew from the age of 7 she wanted to either grow up to be a television host or Julie Andrews.
And Julie Andrews was taken.
So Deeley became a host. Besides hosting a slew of programs in England, Deeley is the host of the Fox competition series So You Think You Can Dance. After Wednesday’s last dance-off, the season finale takes place at 7 tonight.
The perpetually smiling blonde has a lot to say about the program and her career. There’s just one problem. She’s standing less than 10 feet from the Bumper Cars ride at the Santa Monica pier in California.
‘So You Think You Can Dance’ finalist thanks N.Y. for stepping up
“So You Think You Can Dance” finalist Courtney Galiano wants to thank New York for all the support.
The former Knicks City Dancer from Commack, L.I., said her friends and family have been doing everything they can to drum up votes for their hometown girl.
FW’s Joshua Allen feels the pressure as finalist on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’
A few weeks ago, as the pack of contenders on So You Think You Can Dance neared the single digits, Fort Worth’s Joshua Allen was feeling the pressure.
“I’m not really getting a lot of sleep, ” he said during a phone interview last month. “You practice 90 percent of the time and sleep the other 10 percent. It’s really hard. Physically and mentally, it’s a challenge.”
That pressure has since increased. Last weekend, he and another contestant in the final four were sent to the hospital to be treated for dehydration.
Where are past ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ winners?
With “So You Think You Can Dance” crowning its newest champion tonight, we wondered what has happened to some of the show’s past winners and finalists. Have they shuffled off to Buffalo, or are they still in vogue? Here’s a look:
Nick Lazzarini The show’s first winner (2005), the Los Angeles-based Lazzarini is a member of the Dance Masters of America, an organization of certified dance instructors. He performed with Tyne Daly, Michele Lee and Susan Anton at the 2006 “Help Is on the Way” AIDS benefit in San Francisco.
Destination ‘So You Think You Can Dance’: Please don’t make them dance anymore
“Whoever’s standing at the end of this marathon recording deserves the crown, ” sighs “Dance” titan Nigel Lythgoe at around 11 p.m. The audience has been in the studio since 5 p.m., and although the specifics of the backstage kinks aren’t clear from the bleachers, it’s apparent that this typically well-oiled machine is somehow malfunctioning.
During the lengthy breaks between segments, the audience amuses itself as best it can. At one point, two cheerleading squads enliven the crowd with an impromptu cheer-off. During another break, uber-choreographer Tice Diorio sings a song. “If I make a wrong note, just clap, okay?” He pleads, before belting out Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely.” After the ditty, Diorio holds out the microphone, proclaiming, “take this from me!”
U.S. ‘Dance’ popper, Robert Muraine dances with couches
From those who’ve been dancing since before they could walk to those who’ve never busted a move in their lives, Robert Muraine had everyone talking about dance this spring. He blew everyone’s mind with his hilarious and extraordinary popping in the So You Think You Can Dance auditions.
The entire routine was mesmerizing, but the highlight was an extreme backbend that inspired series executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe to call Muraine his “favourite dancer of 2008”. Muraine starts standing in this crazy move, and alternates between pushing his chin and sternum backwards until he is all the way on the floor.
Nine Ways ‹So You Think You Can Dance Is Better Than ‹American Idol
Yesterday, we told you that …American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is leaving the singing competition to focus on his other show, …So You Think You Can Dance. I only wonder why he didnt do it sooner. Ive never been a fan of …AI, but I cant get enough of the summer dance show, which is airing its season-four finale tonight and tomorrow on Fox. Here are nine reasons why the dancers put the singers to shame.
No theme nights ‘ A bad theme can ruin an entire episode. …SYTYCD fans can rest assured that if (God forbid) …Music of the Night pops up in a routine, itll be the only Andrew Lloyd Webber song they hear all night.
Canadian Idol: Chatting with Mark Day
Mark Day was not expecting all the attention over the fact that he rode in his first cab ride when he got to the Top 200 in Toronto. Though St. John’s has cabs, he said his town doesn’t have any cab companies and before Toronto he never needed to ride in one.
“I didn’t need cabs when I was younger because I used to take the bus to school – the school bus. And then when I went to high school in St. John’s, I had my own car … so I was never in a cab, so it was really exciting to be in one, ” Day said, adding he did take the subway during the Top 24 round with some of the competitors.
Gabe Garcia: Melissa Lawson deserved to be ‘Nashville Star’ champ
Gabe Garcia feels there was nothing wrong with finishing second to Nashville Star’s sixth-season champ Melissa Lawson.
“I think Melissa has been doing really awesome, ” Garcia told Reality TV World during a Tuesday conference call. “I think she deserved to win and everything, and I think she’ll be very successful.”
The 28-year-old from Lyle, TX who currently resides in Dickson, TN was a Nashville Star Top 3 sixth-season finalist heading into Monday night’s live finale broadcast, along with Lawson and Shawn Mayer.
Nashville Star Melissa Lawson Hopes It Goes Right
Melissa Lawson is the latest winner of Nashville Star, and she already vying for a spot at country radio with …What If It All Goes Right. It an uptempo song about making the tough choices, even if there a chance it wont work out. Like, auditioning for a reality show, for example. Or being a mother of five and jumping into a more-than-full-time career in country music. Listen to the new song.
‘Nashville Star’ Melissa Lawson on her ‘Idol’ past, Katie Cook’s cleavage, and that songwriting controversy
On Monday night, Melissa Lawson, a 32-year-old mother of five from Arlington, Texas, triumphed over fellow Lone Star Stater Gabe Garcia to win NBC’s country music talent competition Nashville Star. Her first single, “What If It All Goes Right, ” is already at the top of the iTunes country chart; next, she’ll record an album with show judge John “Big &” Rich, head out on tour with her fellow Nashville Star finalists, and travel to Beijing, China, to sing at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. We grabbed her at dinnertime on the day after her big win, and hassled her with all our burning questions about the finale, the kind of album she’d like to make, and why she thinks she’ll be the first Nashville Star to actually, like, succeed.
So You Think You Can Dance Yields The Ultimate Summer Playlist
So You Think You Can Dance has been TV’s tastiest summer treat thanks to its cast of high-quality hoofers, but this year, I’ve discovered a second reason to love the show. Indeed, watching SYTYCD (which has its season finale tonight on Fox…sadness!) is now my favorite way to find new songs, and to rediscover great oldies (Viennese waltzes set to the Goo Goo Dolls not included). Below, you’ll find my Top 10 Dance Playlist from SYTYCD’s fourth season*. Press play and enjoy ’em, then post your favorite songs from the show in the comments section below.
