Headlines: Chris Blue Alicia Keys Collab? Constantine Casting Controversy

09/12/2017 mj santilli Headlines 22

Haley Reinhart drops by American Idol auditions in Chicago

The Voice Winner Chris Blue and His Mentor Alicia Keys Working Together?

The Voice Season 8 runner-up Meghan Linsey Reveals Album Title, Art

Casting controversy surrounds North Shore Music Theatre’s ‘Evita’ – The casting of non-Latino actors in the lead roles of North Shore Music Theatre’s “Evita’’ has opened another front in an increasingly heated national debate over onstage diversity, representation, and cultural authenticity. Activists have taken their battle online — even to the theater’s own Facebook page, where their comments have been summarily deleted — as they contend that casting non-Latino performers in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical about Argentine first lady Eva Peron is a case of “whitewashing’’ akin to casting a white actor as Othello. Slated to play Che Guevara is Constantine Maroulis, a former “American Idol’’ contestant who earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance on Broadway in “Rock of Ages.’’ Maroulis is Greek-American. In a recent Globe interview, Maroulis said he believes concerns about him playing Che are not justified. Saying “I’m not exactly a loaf of Wonder Bread,’’ he cited the discrimination encountered by his grandparents when they immigrated to the United States. – Read more at Boston Globe

American Idol’s La’Porsha Renae returns to Memphis as host of plus size fashion show – MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) – Lights. Action. Fashion. Ashley Dean, owner of The Dean of Fashion Glamtique will present The Weight Is Over Fashion Show at the Halloran Centre in downtown Memphis, TN. This plus size fashion show will showcase women sizes 12 and up. Dean is strutting into the seventh year of this fun, fashion-filled show with special guest host, La’Porsha Renae, American Idol season 15 runner-up. – Read more at WMCAActionNews

Kelly Clarkson fact-checks fans’ interpretations of her lyrics – In EW’s new cover story about Clarkson, the singer revealed that the song fans stop to talk to her about the most is “Piece by Piece.” “Anywhere I go, that’s the only song people mention,” she says. “Which says something about society because it’s a very dark song. I’m always like, ‘Thank you, and I’m sorry,’ because it’s not a particularly great song to relate to. But it’s nice to know you’re not alone.” – Read more at Entertainment Weekly

Q&A: Paula Abdul talks ‘American Idol,’ Atlanta music, American Cancer Society – ABC: What do you think about the return of ‘American Idol’ this year? PA: I wish it well. I really do. I love the people at ABC so I hope it goes well for them. I’m a little concerned that it’s a little too early but I always say this: There are never too many incredible platforms to discover new talent and help set them up for success. There’s never too much of that. Hopefully, people will like it, respect it and hopefully they’ll churn out a bunch of great stars like we did. – Read more at BizJournals.com

Disney Channel Star Mollee Gray Weds Jeka Jane in South Lake Tahoe Ceremony – Former So You Think You Can Dance competitor and Disney channel star Mollee Gray is officially a Mrs. The actress married dancer and choreographer Jeka Jane on Saturday at the Landing Spa and Resort in South Lake Tahoe, California. “Our wedding day couldn’t have been more magical,” Gray, 26, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “The love we received from all of our family and friends was remarkable, and we feel so grateful. We can’t wait to experience this life as the new HERsband and wife.” – Read more at People.com

About mj santilli 34829 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!
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