‘American Idol’ Spotlight On Christian Singers Reels In Religious Viewers
“Even if contestants don’t come out and say it, we can all spot someone [who is Christian]. The more that there are contestants that we can connect with ‘ who we can say, ‘That person is like me’ ‘ the more it will probably help drive viewership this year, ” Brokaw said, pointing to a moment on Tuesday’s performance show when the judges praised Allen for helping other contestants work on their songs, which Brokaw said brought a knowing nod from Christians who know of his church background.
“We see what kind of person he is, and if you talk to people in his church they’ll say they’re not surprised.” Brokaw said. “But people who don’t know that he’s a worship leader or actively involved in a Christian church might say, ‘Why is he doing that? This is a competition!’ Those are the values people want. We love it as much as anyone when Simon gets snarky, but watching a contestant perform with integrity and treating fellow contestants with grace and dignity speaks to us.”
‘American Idol’: Why are you afraid of being gay? (When you already are.)
But this year we’ve got Adam Lambert on deck. Could he be the great hope for gays on Idol? He hasn’t specifically addressed his sexuality (and it’s a good guess that Idol producers are telling him not to), but judging by those photos that surfaced last week, it’s certainly a great possibility that this boy could be into boys. (I mean, he’s kissing other boys in some of the photos and dressed in some quite fabulous drag in others.)
The big question is: Why does it all matter so much? Idol is, by nature, a gay-friendly concept: Wannabe pop stars get up and stage rather theatrical performances. Sometimes they even — gasp! — are required to sing show tunes. And dance, too! It’s no shocker that the music industry, because of its creative nature, attracts folks of all stripes — including homosexuals.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Feature: They Knew Him When: Broadway Stars Cheer On American Idol Hopeful Adam Lambert
It no longer a secret: we love Adam Lambert, the emo-haired, rock-styled, self-assured Californian with the stratospheric range now making headlines and winning millions of votes as one of the front-runners on hit FOX mega-series American Idol. So why do we dote (besides the obvious talent crush)? The 27-year-old San Diego native is a veteran of the stage, a former community theater kid who gone on to play roles in the European tour of Hair, the cast of Los Angeles musical The Ten Commandments (opposite film star Val Kilmer), and the touring and Los Angeles casts of Wicked (…I was the understudy for Fiyero so ¦ basically, I was in the back, he recently joked to Idol producers). So how did the former super trouper step off the stage and into the AI limelight?
Ousted ‘American Idol’ Hopefuls Talk Future Plans
Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nuà ±ez tell ET what it feels like to be the first contestants from the Top 13 on this season’s “American Idol” to be sent home — and they reveal what their plans are after “Idol.”
“Well, actually, I’m still wondering why is it that I’m so happy, ” Nuà ±ez tells ET. ” ¦What I thought was, you know, I did my best. I worked really hard, and I did something that not everyone does.”
The 20-year-old contestant from Puerto Rico tells ET he plans to finish college, saying he has just one semester left to be finished with his degree.
David Cook Does Finnish Magazine MeNaiset
David Cook has interview in an article of Finnish magazine called MeNaiset. The magazine indicated that he won the American Idol, sold more than a million albums and made friends with his own idol.
Here are the highlights of his interview:
Cook serves his audience with charm, good voice
NIAGARA FALLS ‘ David Cook leads what can only be called a charmed life, at least in terms of his career in music. He never intended to audition for …American Idol, reportedly attending tryouts for the televised popularity contest only to offer support for his brother, who didnt make the cut.
Cook gave it a shot’ heck, he was there, so why not? He not only made it, but went on to win the show seventh season. In a matter of months, Cook went from struggling singer/ songwriter/bartender to rock star.
We Heart Her – Why it’s cool to love Kelly Clarkson.
March 13, 2009 – We used to keep it a secret… our love for Kelly Clarkson. Afraid of endangering our street cred, or being made fun of by our music snob friends, our true feelings for the world’s most likable pop star stayed pent up inside. But we can’t hide it any longer. Kelly Clarkson, if lovin’ you is wrong we don’t wanna be right.
There are more like us out there — we’re sure of it. Living a double life. Secretly Googling “Kelly Clarkson” in the wee hours, while stealthily copying her latest release on to their iPods. Praying they won’t be found out.
Are you one of these closet Clarkson fans? IGN can help. We’re here to assure you that it’s cool to like Kelly Clarkson. Here are some reasons why…
My Conflicted Love for Kelly Clarkson’s New Album
You guys, I’m conflicted about liking Kelly Clarkson’s new album. Check that: For loving her new album. Every track on All I Ever Wanted is at least pop silver, and most are pop gold. In fact, after inspecting them with my jeweler’s loop, I’m here to tell you that “Don’t Let Me Stop You, ” “Long Shot, ” and “Already Gone” are pop platinum.
Jason Aldean, LeAnn Rimes Offer Free Shows During ACM Awards
Jason Aldean and LeAnn Rimes will perform free concerts at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas prior to the Academy of Country Music Awards. Aldean will headline the April 3 lineup with Jake Owen, Julianne Hough and Matt Stillwell. On April 4, Rimes will perform along with Kellie Pickler, the Zac Brown Band and Gloriana. As previously announced, Hough, Owen and the Zac Brown Band are competing in the ACM top new artist category after winning top new female vocalist, top new male vocalist and top new vocal group, respectively. Rimes has been named this year’s recipient of The Home Depot Humanitarian Award. The ACM Awards will be held April 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Justin Stein Supports Malaria No More By Participating As A Panelist & Performer At Change The World
Mar 13, 2009 ‘ Minnetonka, MN – On April 18th, 2009 at 7:30PM, pop singer Justin Stein will be a celebrity judge and performer for the Change the World event sponsored by Brooke Bandwagon (a support association for 2008 …American Idol finalist Brooke White). The event is set to raise awareness and financial support for the Malaria No More non-profit organization. Stein will be judging talent from all over Minnesota among his fellow celebrity panel of judges including: Paris Bennett (…American Idol), Twitch (So You Think You Can Dance), Allison Holker (…High School Musical, …So You Think You Can Dance), Wendi Russo (Mrs. Minnesota America/TV host) and Megan Herickhoff (Miss Teen Minnesota International). Stein will be putting on a special performance among …So You Think You Can Dance finalist Twitch and the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders.
Birdsong, DeGarmo, Lowe and Thomas to Star in Back to Bacharach and David
Casting has been announced for Back to Bacharach and David, the musical revue featuring the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David that will make its Los Angeles debut April 15 at the Music Box @ Fonda on Hollywood Blvd.
Actress-comic Kathy Najimy will direct the production, which will run through May 17 at the L.A. venue. Opening night is scheduled for April 19.
The cast will comprise Theatre World Award winner Mary Birdsong, “American Idol” finalist and former Hairspray star Diana DeGarmo, West End musical actor and “American Idol” contestant Tom Lowe, and musical and film actress Tressa Thomas.
Slimmed-down singer Mandisa sings of “Freedom”
NASHVILLE (Billboard) – Longtime fans of former “American Idol” contestant Mandisa will notice a number of positive changes on the singer’s new album, “Freedom.” In addition to a more self-assured sound, the singer is sporting a more fit physique.
“I’ve come into my own, ” she says. “This album is more personal. I’ve identified my style and I’m not working with as many producers, which I think brought more focus to this album.”
Steve-O Talks Back Injury, ‹Dancing With The Stars Appearance
LOS ANGELES ‘ While MTV News visit to the set of …Dancing With the Stars Thursday didnt feature a lot of dancing, we did get to speak with …Jackass star Steve-O about his recent back injury, which will probably complicate his appearance on the show next week.
…Were working on figuring out the routine ‘ and not doing a whole lot of it because my back hurting me a lot, Steve-O told MTV News. He said he not sure exactly how the injury happened. …My back is spasming and a nerve been pinched and it a big nightmare. Weve got this really physical routine that loaded up with stunts and tricks, and were kinda waiting to practice them, maybe until were on live TV, he said.
New Blog: Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough Aim to Impress on ‘DWTS’
Coming up Monday on ET, “Dancing with the Stars” partners Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough interview each other about first impressions, nicknames, injuries, music and more on the ET stage! Until then, they’re blogging just for ETonline about what they’re doing on “DWTS” Monday night! What surprises are in store? Check out the video!
Denver hosts “So You Think You Can Dance” tryouts
DENVER (AP) – They braved the cold to face the producers. Now, a lucky few are getting a chance to impress the judges of “So You Think You Can Dance.”
The hit Fox television program is holding callbacks today at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center for some of the show hopefuls who auditioned yesterday. Another round of first-time auditions and callbacks will take place tomorrow.
Judge Nigel Lythgoe says he’s been a little disappointed, calling some of the would-be contestants good social dancers, but not cut out for a very, very tough professional competition.
