Jennifer Hudson, David Cook and the Problem with Big Empty Voices
What do Jennifer Hudson and David Cook have in common, besides attention-grabbing new singles and an “American Idol” past? They’re famous — fashioned into celebrities before our eyes within reality television’s metamorphosis machine — and yet vividly human, with edges most “Idol” alums lack. Their charisma comes from a rare combination of assertive vocal talent and an underdog mystique.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Clay Aiken Discusses Family, Raising a Child and the Future
After acknowledging his homosexuality during an interview with “Good Morning America, ” which aired Thursday, pop star Clay Aiken talked today about how his unconventional family came to be and what he sees when he looks to the future.
Aiken said that the thought of having a child with longtime friend Jaymes Foster by in-vitro fertilization produced laughs at first, before his son, Parker Foster Aiken, came along six weeks ago.
Watch Kellie Pickler on Top 20
With her self-titled sophomore album due in stores next week, Kellie Pickler joins host Nan Kelley on this week edition of GAC Top 20 Country Countdown.
It just one of numerous TV appearances that been on Kellie calendar since the month started. She joined Taylor Swift and Julianne Hough as co-hosts of the recent special “CMA Music Fest: Country Night To Rock, ” shell appear on NBC “Today” show on both Tuesday and Wednesday, she appears Wednesday on “Live With Regis And Kelly, ” and she has additional television interviews in the works on FOX and “Access Hollywood.” If that not enough, she set to end 2008 with Ryan Seacrest in Times Square on “Dick Clark New Year Rockin Eve.” Before that, shell likely appear on the 42nd annual CMA Awards, where she in the running for New Artist of the Year.
Pop Star Showdown: Kellie Pickler Vs. Carrie Underwood
Elvis hated The Beatles. Sinatra hated Elvis. And that Hollywood producer really hated Johnny Fontane in The Godfather. “Johnny Fontane never gets that movie!”
The point being, the music world has seen many rivalries over the years, from the deadly East Coast vs. West Coast battles of Tupac and Biggie to the allegedly equally fatal competition between Mozart and Salieri centuries ago. But now, in the 21st century, such disputes can be settled in a far less bloody fashion: by the power of the people. That’s right — you, the IGN Music reader, can decide who is the rightful champion in any musical showdown, be it of the rap, rock, or even elevator-music variety!
Jennifer Hudson joins the in crowd
Jennifer Hudson probably has a good chance of being a presenter at next year’s Academy Awards. She has an “in” with the show’s new producers. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has picked Laurence Mark and Bill Condon to run the next Oscars show.
Mark and Condon worked together on “Dreamgirls.” That’s the movie for which Hudson won her Oscar. The Oscars will be on Sunday, February 22nd.
Jennifer Hudson: The Triple Threat
Jennifer Hudson doesn’t drink coffee. Doesn’t like it, she says. Doesn’t need it, counters her manager, Miguel Melendez.
It’s 6:20 a.m. on a Monday morning in July, and an uncaffeinated Hudson is busting full throttle through her warm-ups during a sound check for a performance on “Good Morning America.” It was her first TV appearance in support of “Spotlight, ” the debut single from her first album.
LAND OF THE GIANTS
Even though Jordin Sparks lives in Glendale, Ariz., she is often reminded of her connection to New Jersey, where the pop singer grew up. Sparks lived most of the year in the Garden State from 1992 to 2000 because her dad, Phillippi Sparks, played for the New York Giants.
When the 2007 “American Idol” winner was selected to sing the national anthem at Super Bowl XLII in Glendale seven months ago, the Cinderella Giants shocked the nation by pulling off an incredible upset of the New England Patriots.
Review: McEntire, Clarkson showcase different styles
They are separated by age, experience and even genre, but Friday’s Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire concert proved both women are true performers, even though their songs lack compatibility.
The Friday night show drew a mixed – and nearly sold-out – crowd, but on first glance it appeared the McEntire fan base made up the majority of concertgoers. Throughout the show, the 53-year-old country veteran’s songs garnered a bit more applause.
Carrie Underwood performs at CSU Wolstein Center – review
Cleveland- Carrie Underwood has sold almost 10 million albums between her “Some Hearts” debut and her “Carnival Ride” sophomore effort since winning Season 4 of “American Idol.” She’s toured as a supporting act with Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and more since then.
Right now, the young Oklahoma singer is headlining her first arena tour, which on Tuesday made the first stop of its fall leg at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center. Since everybody likes to play judge during “Idol, ” I thought I’d put myself in that position for the review of that show.
American Idol finalist performs at the Race for the Cure
American Idol finalist and adult contemporary and R&B recording artist, Kimberley Locke will take the stage and perform in Grant Park at the culmination of the 2008 Chicago Komen Race for the Cure. Kimberley’s mother is a cancer survivor and she is donating her time to the Race for the Cure. So far over 10, 000 people have registered for the race, which was first run in 1997.
Chicago on Saturday: Pink in the Park
If you are anywhere near Grant Park tomorrow, expect to find plenty of pink on runners and walkers alike. It’s time for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure ®. The 5K run, walk and 1 mile fun walk starts at 8:30 am. If you still haven’t signed up, you can get down there and register starting at 6:30 am.
O.C. reality dance show stars perform in Anaheim
The “So You Think You Can Dance” tour has just gotten started ‘ its appearance at Anaheim’s Honda Center Saturday is early in the show’s 42-city itinerary ‘ so it’s not surprising that the cast still sounds wildly enthusiastic. Nobody’s been worn down by the road yet.
Still, after talking to the three Orange County members of the 10-person crew (all of them finalists from the fourth season of the wildly popular Fox TV dance-competition show), you get the feeling that talent isn’t enough. High-wattage energy and fearlessness are prerequisites to reaching the top of this particular Mount Everest.
Dance review: ‘Dance’ fever in San Jose
Katee Shean got her due Thursday night at HP Pavilion. The San Jose native should have won Season 4 of the wildly popular “American Idol” spin-off “So You Think You Can Dance, ” but by call-in vote that crown went to hip-hop dancer Joshua Allen, with Katee receiving third place and $50, 000. You would never have guessed Katee was anything but a champion, as friends and family in the packed stadium waved “Team Katee” flags during this fourth stop (Oakland is up next) on a 42-city live tour.
