Bay Area Contestants Bust Out of American Idol Auditions at Parc 55 Hotel
All Shook Down’s Jackie Lopez stopped by Parc 55 this morning to talk to some American Idol aspirants from the Bay Area who were on the hotel’s fourth floor for the show’s second round of auditions. Security wasn’t letting anyone off the listed family and friends in for the taping, so she hung around the lobby and the curb outside, where she met nail-biting, defeat-shrugging, mascara-streaming contestants and family members — well, not in that order.
CONCERT REVIEW: ‘Idol’ troupe presents seasoned show
Thursday at Roberts Stadium, on the second to last night of their summerlong tour, the top 10 contestants of “American Idol” season seven took the stage. The great thing about seeing this show so late in the tour is they have all become seasoned at performing in front of large live audiences. Every performer worked the stage from one end to the other, encouraging crowd participation.
Kicking things off was Chikezie, who received a warm welcome. It was, however, his rendition of “So High” by John Legend that showed why he was meant to be on that stage. With a clear feeling for the song, Chikezie delivered beautiful notes all the way through to the end.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
10 American Idol finalists thrill a screaming coliseum crowd
I can say that the crowd and I certainly were pumped as the …American Idols Live! Tour, one of the hottest and most-anticipated of the year, hit the stage Wednesday at the nearly sold-out Memorial Coliseum.
In true NASA style, the concert counted down last season’s final 10 ‘ from No. 10, Chikezie, to No. 1, David Cook, and thousands of screaming fans provided the perfect climate for blastoff.
While the finalists performed, everyone was reminded of their finishing order by the lighted numbers flashing behind them on the giant TV screens. Finalists were either raised through the floor to the stage above them or entered from the side.
American Idol rocks crowds in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS ‘ Booted by the Republicans from its usual annual venue at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, the top 10 performers from American Idol presented their touring show to a deafening crowd of about 12, 000 at the Minneapolis Target Center on Aug. 31.
Starting with No. 10, the singers performed in order of the date each left the show, and each sang several numbers ‘ most of them songs originally performed on the FOX TV hit series.
An exception to that was David Archuleta, who brought thunderous applause and screaming from the Minneapolis gathering. Archuleta did not perform John Lennon …Imagine, a favorite on the TV show; but instead sang a song he said he wasnt allowed to sing in the contest: …When You Say You Love Me, released previously by Josh Groban.
A Jason Castro Christmas…he’s coming to town!
Im dreaming of a Jason Castro Christmas, and the jingle jangle of Patti LaBelle. Could it be that my Christmas wish is coming true? Is the American Idol finalist from Rockwall really joining Grammy award-winning recording artist Patti LaBelle live on stage, right here in Garland?
A little elf told neighborsgo it so…Jason Castro’s coming to town!
See Patti LaBelle and special guest Jason Castro at 7:30 pm Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Special Events Center Arena in Garland. Proceeds benefit BEST Education Foundation. Stay tuned to neighborsgo for more details!
Jennifer Hudson’s Wig Situation
I love Ms. Hudson and all but that wig is not a good look. Am I seeing things, or do you see it too?
Exclusive: Jordin Sparks defends abstinence pledge
SEAN HANNITY, CO-HOST: That was British so-called comedian Russell Brand, hosting MTV’s annual Video Music Awards this past Sunday. And he took a swipe at the Jonas Brothers for wearing promise rings, but there was one celebrity that was willing to come to their defense.
Russell Brand Says MTV Wants Him for ’09 VMAs; Sparks Defends Remarks
Despite the controversy ‘ or perhaps because of it ‘ Russell Brand says MTV has already invited him back to host next year’s Video Music Awards.
…MTV told me they want me to do it again, ” he told the Sun. “Afterward they were really thrilled. There was a 20 percent increase in viewers from last year show and, wow, isnt life exciting.
Clay Aiken Offers Fans Chance to Write His Playbill Biography for ‘Spamalot’ Return
Clay Aiken, who will be making his anticipated return to Monty Python SPAMALOT on Friday, September 19, has offered members of his fan club the chance to write his official Playbill biography. This marks the first time a Broadway actor has held a contest allowing fans to write their official Playbill biography through their official fan website.
The selected winner will see the biography they wrote appear in Playbill, two tickets to SPAMALOT courtesy of Aiken, and a backstage tour hosted by the music idol himself.
The contest is open to all members of Aiken official fan club. To join the fan club, please visit: www.ClayOnline.com/join.
Operation Smile to Honor Mario Lopez, American Idol: ‘Idol Gives Back, ‘ Roma Downey & Mark Burnett Family and Vicky Mense at Smile Gala in Los Angeles Elliott Yamin To Perform
LOS ANGELES, Sept 11, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Operation Smile, a worldwide children’s medical charity dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults, will honor Mario Lopez, American Idol: “Idol Gives Back” and Vicky Mense at its 7th Annual Smile Gala, September 18, 2008 at the Beverly Hilton. A Founders Circle presentation will be made to Roma Downey and Mark Burnett Family. “E! News” host Giuliana Rancic emcees and former “American Idol” contestant Elliott Yamin will perform.
When the Celebrity Is the Joke (and Is In on It)
A YOUNG man with an unusual perspective on the ups and downs of life is singing the praises of being prepared financially.
Nationwide Financial campaign uses humor to reach its desired audience of Americans who are of South Asian descent.
The verb in that sentence may help you guess his identity. He is Sanjaya Malakar, who may be the most talked-about contestant to appear on the popular reality series …American Idol.
Mr. Malakar, who turned 19 on Wednesday, is featured in a commercial for Nationwide Financial that is part of the next installment of a campaign carrying the theme …Life comes at you fast.
Filipino art show features dancing under the stars
Nonprofit organization Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts presents “Magkaugnay, ” or “Interconnectedness, ” a show that weaves together elements of traditional Filipino dance and music with modern twists. The performance will take place Saturday as part of the Ford Amphitheatre’s summer L.A.’s Oasis series.
Within the presentation of different Filipino styles of music and dance will be a special guest vocal performance by Camile Velasco, who appeared as a top ten finalist on season three of “American Idol.”
Daughtry brings gritty rock to Allegan County Fair
ALLEGAN — From the fifth season of “American Idol” to the fairgrounds of Allegan County comes rocker Chris Daughtry, backed by his band Daughtry.
The North Carolina native rose to fame on the popular show in 2006 with his gritty rock style and powerful charisma. Though he left the contest in fourth place, Daughtry, 28, managed to impress fans and judges (even Simon Cowell) and land a record deal.
“It certainly is a strong act, that’s for sure, ” said fair manager Terry Bonnell, who booked the act.
Daughtry at Allegan County Fair: This bar band has grown up
ALLEGAN — In the 15 months since I last saw Chris Daughtry, he’s gone from leading a glorified bar band to heading up a tight, sturdy rock outfit with a much more cohesive performance that even featured a spiffy light show.
Under a spattering of rain Thursday night, Daughtry, the guy, and Daughtry, the band, powered through a string of hits interspersed with new material for a rowdy crowd of 5, 600 at Allegan County Fairgrounds.
“You’re a fantastic looking crowd, Allegan, ” the former “American Idol” contestant said. The audience responded with hoots and hollers, and half the crowd stood on the chairless area in front of the grandstand all night long.
On every song, Underwood out to prove herself
The music industry has had little to celebrate lately, faced with declining revenues, illegal file sharing and general irrelevance.
But beacons exist, and one of the brightest of the past three years has been country-pop superstar Carrie Underwood. Bucking the trend of most musicians, Underwood’s CD sales and awards have rolled in with the regularity of the gulf tide. More important, her wholesome image has connected with people in a genuine way, providing an antidote to the slick, forced personas of most would-be pop stars.
Cloris Leachman Talks Hitting The ‹Dancing Ballroom At 82
LOS ANGELES, Calif. —
She an octogenarian, but Cloris Leachman has the wit of a naughty twenty-something and shell be bringing that wit and attitude to this season …Dancing With the Stars.
The spunky 82-year-old star, who was nicknamed …Perky Polly by her co-stars on the set of …The Women, is ready to take to the ballroom. And Cloris explained to Access Hollywood Nancy ODell how she was cast for …Dancing Season 7.
…Well, my people called their people and they said no, Cloris said.
‘America’s Got Talent’ recap: 4 hours down, 2 to go…
I’m not even going to bother with a witty intro. You know the deal. Final 20, second out of three shows this week. The battle continues. Let’s see what happens. To switch it up tonight, Terry Fator gave us a special performance. I can see why he won. Who doesn’t love a turtle singing “Let’s Get it On”? And his Elvis-impersonating puppet probably had twice as good a voice as Joseph Hall.
‘America’s Got Talent’: Top 10, baby!
Welcome to our special half-hour results show for America’s Got Talent. To recap, I think the following acts should be the Top 10: Donald Braswell, Nuttin’ but Stringz, Eli Mattson, Jonathan Burkin, Sarah Lenore, the Tapping Dads, SickStep, the Cadence, Xtreme Dance FX and then ONE of Queen Emily or Neal E. Boyd, Opera Singer. Hopefully those are the 10 who make it through.
Jerry welcomes us to the show and we say hello to the judges. Sharon is wearing a white sweater! With sparkles! What is going on here? Where’s the black? Weird. We get an unnecessary recap of the first night and then they bring out those 10 to narrow down to 5. WTF? I thought it would be the best 10 out of BOTH nights? Dammit.
America’s Got Talent: Episode 314B
America’s Got Talent’s Mr. Voice-Over Guy was right, someone’s life changed this week. Well, technically 10 lives changed during the results as Jerry announced the acts that made it to the Top 10. These ten amazing and not-so-amazing acts now have a chance to win a million dollars and headline a show in Vegas (I’m sure you were able to finish my sentence before completely reading it since Jerry said the latter part of it 10 times tonight!).
There were some surprises, a heart-stopping moment, and some “what were they thinking” moments during this rather dry but to the point 30-minute results show.
2nd Annual Canadian Idol Top 3 Tour Announced
Youve seen them on TV. Now you can see them live. CTV announced today that Canadian Idol final three competitors will head out on a 29-date, cross-country concert tour this fall. Featuring The Top 3 finalists Mitch McDonald, Theo Tams and Drew Wright, the tour promises to deliver an amazing concert experience for fans of all ages . Tickets for the concert tour go on sale today, following last night two-hour, star-studded Canadian Idol finale featuring performances by Mariah Carey, John Legend, Brian Melo, Hedley and Jully Black.
The Top 3 concert tour begins Sunday, Nov. 9 in Fredericton , NB and visits cities in Nova Scotia , New Brunswick , PEI , Ontario , Manitoba , Saskatchewan and Alberta before wrapping up in Hamilton on Dec. 22. The concerts will feature favourite songs performed this season on Idol as well as the winner single and one original composition from each of the Top 3. The three singers will perform together, in combinations and alone, backed by a superb live band that includes some of the this country premiere musicians. Visit the Canadian Idol website at idol.ctv.ca for complete concert details and tour dates.
Mariah Carey Rocks Canadian Idol
Here in the States, we love our American Idol! And just to our north, the Canadians were celebrating their Canadian Idol season finale with a little help from one of America favorite singers – Mariah Carey.
The …Touch My Body babe looked amazing as she took the stage, sporting a sexy sparkling black minidress teamed with a pair of stiletto high heels. She sang her disco-esque hit …Im that Chick as well as her classic …We Belong Together.
Mitch: Bid for star status ‹a blur
WHOD HAVE THOUGHT a last-minute decision by a small-town virtual nobody would end up whipping the province and the country into a frenzy?
Not Mitch MacDonald, that for sure.
The 22-year-old Port Hood singer lost to Theo Tams of Alberta in the Canadian Idol final on Wednesday night but told The Chronicle Herald on Thursday that he still cant believe he made it that far in the national talent contest, which started with about 10, 000 entries.
Out singer Theo Tams wins “Canadian Idol”
Big congratulations to Theo Tams, who has just won Canadian Idol! What makes Theo’s story so special is that not only is he cute and talented, but he came out on the show, something that did nothing to diminish his immense popularity with the viewing audience:
As wonderful as this is, I can’t help but speculate what would happen if a contestant on American Idol came out on the show. Would he receive the same kind of support, even if he was just as talented as Theo?
Canadian Idol: Theo Tams speaks about his win
There are no words to really describe Theo Tams. He is everything that Canadian Idol viewers saw on screen all summer.
Talking with Tams about an hour after he was crowned the Canadian Idol, he is articulate, touching, funny and himself. He comes across as genuine, and perhaps as a truly deserving winner ‘ no one in the history of the show has shown as much emotion as Tams did when Ben Mulroney called his name as the winner. As he reflected on his win, he admitted he too was at a loss for words.
Canadian Idol: Mitch MacDonald on being the runner up
As he came into the press room after placing second on Canadian Idol Wednesday night, Mitch MacDonald had a smile that went ear to ear.
“Hey guys, how’s it going?” the Port Hood, N.S. native asked the press that was waiting for him, before he sat down to talk to everyone.
“I’m feelin’ really good, ” MacDonald insisted as our conversation started.
“To be honest, it’s been an amazing ride; this whole experience. I never, ever envisioned myself being here at the finale. But here I am. So I just have to say a big thanks to everyone who’s gotten me here. I’ve had an absolute blast and I’ve got the chance to perform in front of the country and do what I love to do.”
