Former Idol Contestants Show Support for Clay
Although Clay Aiken says his decision to come out might lose him a few fans, three of his former American Idol competitors have his back.
“This news does not change my opinion of him or my friendship with him, ” says Carmen Rasmusen, 23, who competed alongside Aiken during the show’s second season. But she admits she was somewhat shocked by the news. “I’m surprised, I guess because he kept it quiet for so long!”
David Cook to flip the switch on Plaza lights
…Light On is David Cook new single, but the Blue Springs native and …American Idol winner can say it to thousands of Kansas Citians on Thanksgiving night.
Cook will be the honored guest flipping the switch at the 79th annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony. His role will be strictly that ‘ no performance.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
David Cook: American Idol or America’s Top Model
OK, first of all: The picture at left is the promotional picture that Sony/BMG is distributing with material regarding American Idol winner David Cook, and, um, what happened? It’s like they decided to blast away his bartender-next-door looks (and his apple cheeks!) with Photoshop’s “airbrushed makeup” filter.
Archuleta cut into corn maze
Brett Herbst wanted his massive corn maze just behind Thanksgiving Point to take on a presidential tone this fall. But he says it took time to figure out what they wanted.
“We kind of didn’t really care for either one of the candidates, so we’re like, ‹Let’s do Archuleta 4 President, ‘” he says.
Clay Aiken On Coming Out: ‘I Cannot Raise A Child To Lie Or To Hide Things’
“It was the first decision I made as a father, ” Clay Aiken told People magazine of his decision to stop dodging questions about his sexuality. The article’s headline said it all: “Yes, I’m Gay.” “I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things, ” the singer said. “I wasn’t raised that way, and I’m not going to raise a child to do that.”
Appearing on the cover of this week’s magazine cradling the newborn baby, Parker, who was conceived through in vitro fertilization with the singer’s best friend, record producer Jaymes Foster, Aiken told the magazine that his son will be raised in an environment that he described as “accepting and allowing him to be happy.”
Clay’s Aiken’s Overdue Honesty
Last January, I sat down for an interview with Clay Aiken as he was rehearsing for his Broadway debut in “Spamalot.” Aiken, at 29, looked like he’d put on some weight, and he was wearing sweats and pair of mismatched socks. He said he cared so little about fashion, he didn’t even pay attention anymore. Aiken was chatty in a dorky kind of way, until you brought up questions about his past, which of course I did.
David Foster on Clay Aiken’s Family Life
Clay Aiken revealed only this week that he is gay, and now his baby son’s uncle, music producer David Foster, is revealing new details about family life at home.
David’s sister Jaymes gave birth to Clay’s son, Parker, in August. “They’ve found a way to make it work for the three of them, ” he tells ET Canada in a new interview. “It’s the perfect, perfect situation — they’re going to co-parent and they’re best friends.”
What Now, Clay Aiken?
Career? Eh? Does he have one of those? Hold one, lemme check …
Looks like Aiken has sold just over half the number of the albums that Kelly Clarkson has’ 4.8 million versus Clarkson’s 9.4 million. That ranks him higher than Fantasia and Daughtry, but below Carrie Underwood, who ranks just under Clarkson in album sales. USA Today has given his career so far a “B” grade, better then Ruben Studdard, but then again, the lead singer from Sublime has a better career than Studdard’ and he’s dead.
So, the future of Aiken’s career, in one word, is…
Up.
Clay’s baby pics didn’t sell for Brangelina bucks
Initially, the big celebrity news this week was Clay Aiken coming out story, published exclusively in People magazine.
While Aiken’s announcement was interesting in and of itself, more compelling is the backstory behind the People deal. Apparently, the economy isnt just having an impact on Wall Street ‘ it’s affecting the celebrity magazine world, too.
After Birth of His Son, Aiken Says It’s Time to ‘Let the Guard Down’
In his first television interview since revealing he is gay, Clay Aiken told “Good Morning America” that after the birth of his son it was “time to let the guard down.”
“I can’t raise a kid and teach him how to lie, teach him to hide things. I can’t raise a kid and teach him to keep secrets, ” Aiken told Diane Sawyer. “And at the same time, I also don’t ever want to raise him in an environment where it’s not OK for him to be exactly who he is, no matter what.”
Exclusive: David Hernandez from American Idol
Exclusive Breaking News: I just got informed that Barcelona in North Scottsdale, AZ have finalized a deal with former American Idol star David Hernandez. David will be performing three nights a week at the nightclub (Thursday, Friday and Saturday). He will be heading the new band which has yet to be named.
**Update: I verified this information with Barcelona executives ¦ David Hernandez opening night will be October 9, 2008.
Confirmed, Britney Spears to Perform ‘Womanizer’ in ‘The X Factor’
Simon Cowell recently confirms that Britney Spears will appear in “The X Factor” to sing her eagerly-anticipated comeback single, “Womanizer”. The reality TV show’s judge says, “We have the number one show in England. It’s the best show for her to perform on. We’re absolutely thrilled to have her.”
John McCain gets made up, ‘American Idol’-style
John McCain wants to be your American idol. And he is prepared to look the part.
The Republican presidential nominee got a touch-up from an “American Idol” makeup artist before a recent TV appearance, US Weekly magazine reports.
Makeup artist Tifanie White was paid $5, 583.43 to make McCain, 72, look spiffy for the small screen, according to the Federal Election Commission
Jennifer Hudson Sheds ‘Effie’ For Aretha, Thanks Whitney Houston
If you were wondering if Jennifer Hudson’s debut would sound like an extension of ‘Effie White (Dreamgirls)’ you’ll be in for a surprise according to the Academy Award-winning singer/actress.
“I took my time to find the right songs. I have been blessed by being able to work with great songwriters on my album like Diane Warren, Robin Thicke and Ne-Yo” says Hudson whose self titled debut hits stores.
Jennifer Hudson Gets a Visit from ‘Extreme Makeover’
Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson guest stars on the sixth season premiere of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ” which is traveling to Maryland to help a single mother keep her promise to her dying sister to take care of her 10 nieces and nephews and keep them out of foster care.
“We went to visit Jennifer in Chicago, ” Eduardo Xol, a designer and lifestyle expert for the series reveals to ET. “We did a room for the girls — a pop star room and Jennifer is a role model.”
Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson star in Obama spot
Queen Latifah and Jennifer Hudson are the latest A-list singers/actresses to join up with Team Obama.
They appear in this Obama Web video along with Sophie Okonedo and Alicia Keys to urge people to register to vote.
The clip sends YouTubers over to the Obama campaign’s Vote for Change site, which details a simple voter registration checklist.
Studdard in Chicago
R&B singer and American Idol winner Ruben Studdard was in the Chicagoland area recently speaking on sickle cell, as part of the “Be Sickle Smart” national campaign. The disease is prevalent in the Black community. Studdard is currently working on his fourth album and will be onstage in November as Fats Waller in the “Ain’t Misbehavin'” musical.
County fair begins Thursday
He’s ready to come home. Lyric Street recording artist and former top finalist from “American Idol” Phil Stacey will take to the stage at Tri-State Exhibition Center Saturday evening as the featured act of the fifth annual Foothills Country Fair.
“I am so excited to come back to Cleveland! After traveling all over the country, it is always nice to come home to friends and family who have supported me from the very beginning, ” said Stacey, a former Lee University student who got a jumpstart to a rolling country music career by joining the sixth season of “American Idol” and making it into the top five.
‘First audience, first band … good stuff’
Country star Carrie Underwood drew a near-sellout crowd to the brand-new venue, located on the campus of Northern Kentucky University.
Representatives of the venue did not release attendance figures, but the room utilized a 6, 800-seat, three-quarter setup for the show, and there were only a handful of empty rows in the upper level of seats.
…We are extremely honored and very proud to be playing at the Bank of Kentucky Center, Underwood told the crowd. …Youre the first audience, and were the first band. It good stuff.
Kellie Pickler at North Georgia State Fair, Jennifer Hudson new album
I may be on the verge of stalking Kellie Pickler. Not counting the …Idol tour, Ive now seen her four times ‘ at a Douglasville mall in spring 2007, opening for Rascal Flatts a year ago, the Etowah High School text messaging contest four months ago and now at the North Georgia State Fair tonight in Marietta. That not excessive, is it?
Here are some photos I took at the packed concert, which was included in the $5 entry fee, a good deal! I got there just as it was starting and I could only get about 40 feet away at the start, 30 feet by the end.
A mansion fit for a TV king: Simon Cowell’s £4m dream home is finally ready… FOUR YEARS after he bought it
It taken two years of renovation but it seems that Simon Cowell luxury Beverly Hills mansion is finally ready to live in.
Work began on the enormous home in 2006 after the American Idol judge bought the site for $8million in 2004.
He promptly demolished the existing six-bedroom house and set to work on building his dream home.
“So You Think You Can Dance” Tour in Utah
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — The “So You Think You Can Dance” tour was at West Valley City’s E-Center Tuesday. The tour began Saturday and will go until November. Utah was the third stop in the tour. Fox 13’s Joe Wren was with the show’s 10 finalist, including Utahns Chelsie, Gev and Thayne. And they each gave a little preview of what lies ahead for the rest of the tour.
‘America’s Got Talent’: Nuttin’ but Stringz rules all
I hope you aren’t expecting a recap of President Bush’s address. I’m way too excited about the Top 5 on America’s Got Talent to pay much attention to him; he sort of sounded like the teacher from Charlie Brown to me. Who do you think will win it all guys? I’m rooting for Nuttin’ but Stringz, but let’s see how the performances go. Jerry welcomes us and we get a recap of how each of the Top 5 made it there. The plinky-plunky strains of dreams and hope play. Doesn’t it just tug at your heartstrings?
America’s Got Talent: Episode 316
Having watched America’s Got Talent all summer long, I should have been looking forward to this week’s episode, especially since we were treated to the final performances. Somehow, I found myself not caring. I actually ended up surfing the web while watching the episode, something I usually never do. Could it be because the presidential address to the nation on the economy killed the mood? Or maybe it was because the finalists basically gave performances that were similar to what they’ve been giving us all season?
America’s Got Talent Launching First Live Stage Spectacular for One Night Only on Friday, October 17th MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
America’s Got Talent, the #1 rated show on television, today announced plans to bring a spectacular live stage version of the international phenomenon to Las Vegas for one night only. On Friday, October 17th, America’s Got Talent Live will debut at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, featuring the dynamic top five competitors from season three of the show; the program’s winner, crowned at the show’s October 1st finale, is set to headline. This exciting night of entertainment, promoted by AEG Live, will feature host Jerry Springer and a special guest performance from Terry Fator, the multi-talented winner of season two, as well as several more of the show’s hottest stars, in addition to the Top 5 finalists, to be announced shortly.
‘Dancing With the Stars’: Steppin’ it Up
Welcome back to round 2 of Princess Sparkles’ Dancing With the Stars premiere-week TV Watch marathon! Princess Sparkles will have to ask you to stand on a platform in the middle of the room, and take two hours to read this entire recap. You will do so under the assumption that there will be very little payoff at the end, other than a silly screen grab and a vague remembrance of the Jeffrey Ross formerly known as a ballroom dancer. Still want to go through with this? Stand up straighter! And would it kill you to keep smiling as you become completely overtaken by a nameless sense of dread? I don’t think so. Are you a woman? Don’t forget your bedazzled four-inch heels! Fabulous. Places, please. And…cue spotlight! You all look great, as usual. Let’s start the show….
‘Dancing With the Stars’: Working for the Week-End
Let’s all take a moment of silence (to immediately be interrupted by Cloris Leachman) for the adorable, devastated, really young-looking Ted McGinley. It’s always tragic when a contestant who’s actually a historian of the show and wants to be there more than anyone comes up short…and a little sparkly…and seemingly surprised that his fan base turned out to be even weaker than Jefferson D’Arcy’s work ethic.
‹Dancing with the Stars: Jeffrey Ross is out; is Kim Kardashian next to go?
I think my love affair with Cloris Leachman might be over. Yes, yes, it was only one day long, but in the age of the Internet, that was real commitment. You see, while on Monday night she served as a welcome loose cannon, on Tuesday night she just struck me as a one-trick gadfly. And dont tell me gadflies cant do tricks. Anyway, this isnt to say I didnt get some laughs from her presence ‘- like when she was informed that the mambo was created in 1940, and she replied, …Im older than the mambo ‘- that a strike to the heart! And this isnt to say I dont wish Im one-third as sharp as she is when Im 82, assuming I even live to 82, which, frankly, doesnt seem all that likely given that soon well all be living in a post-apocalyptic world where everything is tainted with melamine and hurricanes are the size of the former Greenland and the American dollar is worth less than the paper it’s printed on. My point is simply that Cloris cant last too much longer. Or will her fans keep her in? I wont underestimate her. But she did end Tuesday night competition in last place with 16/30. She also referred to judge Carrie Ann by using a slang term for, let say, …shrew.
“Dancing with the Stars” Winner Julianne Hough to Blog Exclusively on Fancast.com
PHILADELPHIA, Sep 24, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Fancast ( www.fancast.com), the ultimate, next generation entertainment site where users can watch free premium TV and movie content, today announced that two-time “Dancing with the Stars” winner and recording artist Julianne Hough will be blogging exclusively on the site each day following the bi-weekly airing of the show.
Hough, will share her thoughts on the seventh season competitions and reveal behind-the-scenes views of the hit ABC show. The Emmy-nominated star, who this year is partnered with “Hannah Montana’s” Cody Linley, had this to say in her first post about Monday’s season opener:
Which Dancing With the Stars Judge Deserves an Emmy?
However, the judges have been the true winners on this contest show, considering how well they’ve coped with such crazy antics as Cloris Leachman putting her leg in front of Bruno Tonioli’s face and her derriere down in Carrie Ann Inaba’s lap?
Don’t they deserve to be considered for their own Emmy? After all, the hosts of reality shows just got their own award. Why not judges?
Yes, says ATAS Chairman John Shaffner, they should be honored. Last weekend he confirmed to reporters that the Emmys will soon create an award for judges on reality TV shows like “Dancing With the Stars, ” “American Idol” and “Top Chef, ” but not for contestants!
