Catch up with your favorite Idols
People Magazine has published a new book that features glimpses into the current lives of every Idol from Season 1 through the present. Called American Idol: Where Are They Now?, it’s available on newsstands as we speak. I’m such a lame-o, I’ll be totally running out to my local bookstore to pick up a copy tomorrow. For a sneak peak, check out the picture gallery at People.com featuring 10 past idols including Diana DeGarmo, Jon Peter Lewis, Trenyce and Julia DeMato.
Idol Record News
Kelly Clarkson has decided to release “Never Again” as her first single from her third album, “My December, ” due to be released this summer. Elliott Yamin’s self-titled album sold 90K it’s first week out–bolstered by promotion that included TV and in-store appearances. You can read details of Elliott’s unusual independent record and promotion deal in this Hits Daily Double piece. Check out the video for Kellie Picker’s latest single “I Wonder” here. Mandisa will release her first single “Only The World” on May 22. Her debut album, produced by Shaun Shankel (Destiny’s Child, Kimberly Locke), Doubledutch–Robert Marvin and Josiah Bell (tobyMac, Mat Kearney) will be released this July. She’s also writing a book, called “Idoleyes” due out on June 1. Finally, Carmen Rasumsen from Season 2 has signed a record deal with Lofton Creek Records out of Nashville. Carmen’s album is set to be released this summer.
More Golf for Taylor
Taylor Hicks was once thrown out of a hospitality tent at the Regions Charity Classic for lack of proper credentials. This year, he’ll be headlining the tournament’s Charter Telephone Pro-Am golf tournament. Kid One Transport and Studio By the Tracks, two of Taylor’s favorite charities, will each receive $7, 500 from the tournament proceeds in Taylor’s name.
Idols on TV and the Big Screen
Constantine Maroulis will join the cast of “The Bold and the Beautiful” this summer. According to Executive Producer, Brad Bell, Constantine will play a fictional version of himself. He’ll be involved in the Phoebe/Rick storyline as a possible music producer for Phoebe. Whatever all that means… According to Constantine’s My Space, his first episode will air May 14. Jennifer Hudson is playing fellow Oscar winner Forest Whitaker’s daughter in Winged Creatures, now shooting in Los Angeles. The film, directed by Rowan Woods (Little Fish), also features Kate Beckinsale, Dakota Fanning, Guy Pearce, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Embeth Davidtz. Lisa Tucker has booked a role in the Fox network’s drama pilot “Born in the USA.” The pilot is being produced by 19 Entertainment (surprise, surprise) and revolves around the lives of blue collar families in Philadelphia.
Keeping up with the Judges
Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul are headed to New Orleans the weekend of April 14 to film in the Mississippi delta and work with Hurricane Katrina survivors for the “Idol Gives Back” special. Randy Jackson is expected to join X-Factor, the British talent-reality show produced by Simon Cowell, as a judge. He’ll be joining Sharon Osborne and Simon Cowell on the panel. And, Paula Abdul has signed with APA. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the agency will “work with her on developing multigenerational, international lifestyle branding opportunities.” Alrighty then…
