Leona For Idol!
Leona Lewis will appear on the next series of American Idol in a bid to crack the US. The X Factor babe hopes to repeat her record-breaking chart antics across the pond this year, and mentor Simon Cowell, 48, believes his other TV talent show is the ideal place to launch her.
An American Idol insider said: “We always like to invite established guests onto the show to give the contestants an idea of the level they need to reach. Leona, with her incredible voice, fits the bill perfectly.”
Sugarland, Underwood Videos Most Viewed on CMT.com
Music videos by Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood filled out the Top 5 most-watched videos on CMT.com in 2007, making a strong showing for new female artists in country music. Sugarland’s “Stay,” written and performed by lead singer Jennifer Nettles, topped the year-end list, followed by Underwood’s “So Small” at No. 2 and “Before He Cheats” at No. 3. Swift’s “Our Song” ranked No. 4, while Underwood’s “Wasted” entered at No. 5. Kenny Chesney’s “Don’t Blink,” Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You,” Brad Paisley’s “Online,” Kellie Pickler’s “Red High Heels” and Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most” landed at No. 6 to 10, respectively
More Headlines After the Jump…
Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban Take on New York with Show at Madison Square Garden Feb. 13
Two of country music’s biggest names, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, will continue their “Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Carnival Ride” tour on Feb. 13 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Kimberley Locked and Loaded with Married Guy?
She lost 28 lbs. during her stint on “Celebrity Fit Club” — but did Kimberley Locke gain 190 lbs. of boyfriend from the experience?
TMZ caught the barely unrecognizable “American Idol” wannabeen attending a New Year’s Eve party at Mr. Chow Tuesday night, with her trainer from the VH1 show, hardass Sgt. Harvey E. Walden IV.
Though a rep says the Sarge is still married to wife Sherry, he and Kimberley looked very close … and it doesn’t look like he’s wearing a wedding ring.
Fruit of the Zoom
Oh, and on that newly single Dylan McDermott, he hosted a New Year’s Eve bash at the Setai, where Oscar owner and chicken wing aficionado Jennifer Hudson was crooning. But apparently, Dylan failed to impress the crowd. “He was totally lacking in energy when he came on stage to introduce her,” bitched one sandy, hard-to-please partyer. Thankfully, Jen Hudson knows how to work a crowd. She was rocking a tight red dress and a chic new bob for her performance and even invited a gay on stage to sing with her.
Ted Casablancas - The Awful Truth
J.Hud looks a dream as she sings in 2008
Poured into a long, red DKNY dress that would have made Jessica Rabbit jealous, modern-day Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson sang her way into the New Year.
The Chicago native ditched her city’s frost to heat up fans at her ”Beyond Paradise” New Year’s Eve party at The Setai in Miami Beach.
Well-heeled guests spent $1,000 for a five-course meal and to hear Hudson belt out four songs.
Three of the four songs came from the Dreamgirls soundtrack. And yes, she sang And I’m Telling You . . . while guests belted — well, warbled — along while wearing stilettos, diamonds and fitted gowns.
Fashion Good News, Bad News: White Doesn’t Work For Everyone
Exhibit # 1 this week is the good news, for those who prefer to binge before they purge. Jennifer Hudson looks like she finally ditched Andre Leon Talley, because for once she doesn’t look ridiculous. Although breathtakingly tight, her outfit actually fits for a change, and the longer length is more complimentary to her full figure.
STARRLIGHT: Fantasia at the Alhambra Palace
On Dec. 18, 2007, the very amiable, sweet and talented Fantasia wowed the dazzling crowd at Chicago’s Alhambra Palace, 1240 W. Randolph, where she performed for dozens of luminaries that included television anchors Robin Robinson and Art Norman; members of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team; models; producers; photographers; and social arbiters who mingled for hours while celebrating George Reynolds’ birthday amid the opulence of the gorgeous enclave.
Not just another Idol runner-up Robinson movies on to musical theater
While he’ll always be known as the “music teacher” from American Idol Season 4, Anwar Robinson is not taking his 15 minutes of fame for granted. Since getting notoriety on the popular talent show — Judge Paula Abdul touted him as “technically the best singer of the competition” - Robinson has been busy taking on the role of Tom Collins in a touring company of Rent.
“It’s been a tremendous experience finding ways to make such a well-known role my own,” Robinson said. “Sometimes I have the liberty to do some original things and some things I’ve been given by the director because he knows from past experience what works in the show.”
‘Rent’ comes through with roles for two ‘Idol’ winners
In 2002, South African Heinz Winckler was a student at Stellenbosch University in Capetown looking forward to a career in the law. But then he auditioned for a television show, the ”M-Net Idols” competition, the South African equivalent of ”American Idol,” and won first place.
Not only did this change his life, but it launched him in a completely new career direction. Suddenly he was in show business, attracting audiences with his singing. Winckler went on to receive a major recording contract with Sony BMG Records, where he recorded several top-selling singles and albums. In 2003, he competed in England, finishing fourth in the 2003 inaugural ”World Idol” competition, and soon became an internationally known singer.
Despite earlier intentions, World Arena won’t be celebrating its 10th any time soon
Bad news for the dozens of people who were surely looking forward to helping the World Arena celebrate its 10th birthday next week: There will be no such celebration — at least not in the original incarnation. As recently as the middle of last week, the World Arena was ready to par-tay. On its event calendar, it listed Jan. 10, 2008, as its “Birthday Bash.” The event was meant to celebrate 10 years of the sports/concert/family-event venue. And to help ring in the awkward tween-age years, the venue’s booking agents secured a lineup of country acts including Sawyer Brown, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Chris Young, Rissi Palmer and — hey, look! — sixth-place American Idol runner-up Phil Stacey!
But, for undisclosed reasons, the little-publicized birthday event is now off. Well, sorta.
Perhaps it would be more appropriate to say the event’s been changed. The all-country lineup: still coming to town. Now, though, everyone will be playing the much smaller Pikes Peak Center. And the title “Birthday Bash” has been changed, too. It’s now the “Winter Bash” because, well, who doesn’t like sore throats and frozen toes?
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How is she an established star? She’s only just released her album in the UK and she’s an unknown in the US. Methinks you need a few more hits/albums/years before you can be called “established” (as opposed to a “One Hit Wonder”).
Translation:
‘An American insider said: “We always like to use the show to pimp artists that we have a vested interest in. None of the audience will know who the heck this girl is, but Simon said he was going to throw a hissy fit and Clive threatened to make the AI7 winner record a CD full of Diane Warren songs and Michael Bolton covers unless we agreed to let this chick sing on the show. So, we caved. But tune in anyway because we’ll have a nice segment where Ryan will interview the tourists at the Knotts Berry Farm’s Camp Snoopy. Kids say the darndest things! Don’t forget to buy their jam at a leading grocery stores near you!!!! Oh, and Coke! Ford! AT&T! Did I forget anyone? Contestants? Who gives a fig about them?”‘
I love the new format, MJ. Thanks for all your hard work :)
haha, Kristen. Right on!
I’m hoping for a Clark Brothers appearance. :)
LMAO!!!
That=all.
I’m surprised they waited this long to have Leona on the show. I don’t really mind if they bring on younger singers rather than those way past their prime like Diana Ross.
This is from today’s Billboard chart talking about albums that dropped:
“…Blake Lewis’ “Audio Day Dream” (44-76, down 64) and Chris Botti’s “Italia” (58-92, down 65%). All of the albums are perceived to appeal to a broad base of consumers — especially those difficult-to-shop-for aunts or grandmothers.
Blake’s album for aunts and grandmothers????
There were lots of rumours about her being on last year, but Clive and Simon wanted to take their time creating an album for Leona (no rush job). Thus, her album was not released in the UK until October. Far too late for her to capitalize on an AI6 appearance.
Her CD is being released January 29th in the US. Her appearance on AI will help her to reach new audiences and “skyrocket” her to success. Or so the plan likely goes.
BTW We now have some download numbers in the numbers thread.
Thanks for the laugh and the info, Kirsten. Can’t wait to see Leona (/sarcasm)
Blake’s album for aunts and grandmothers????
Not this grandmother :) I’d rather have a sharp stick in the
eye; but that is JMO
So that would put Blakes sales numbers at 20K? And the January plunge hasn’t even begun yet.
I’m not a grandmother, but I am an aunt and I totally agree with Nola.
Hmmm, well I think Leona has a terrific voice and I actually will be looking forward to her appearance. I love her “Bleeding Love” song.
As someone said above, I would much rather hear new artists singing on the show than washed up has beens. If they insist on having outside performers, then bring the newer peeps. Also, since she has the Simon Cowell connection, it makes sense.
Leona is talented and could easily break into the US market (imo), but doing so on American Idol could be risky. Sure, she’ll get massive exposure, but there will always be the naysayers who will refuse to support her career simply because she appeared on AI. I know it’s hard for British artists to “cross the Atlantic” to this market at times, but their efforts prove to be more fruitful when they do it in the style of Lily Allen or Amy Winehouse (building an audience based on positive buzz of good albums)
I’m not objecting to her performance. I just find the AI spin amusing. I know why the producers use spin, but it’s still fun to call them on it.
Good to see you posting again, B.
Blake and grandmothers?
At least they can turn off their hearing aids.
Good News: This is the second week in a row that Blake has ended up getting mentioned in the BB Chart Beat
Bad News: Both times it has been to highlight his problems with sales.
Good News: Blake fans are no longer being stereotyped as tweener girls
Bad News: Blake fans are now being stereotyped as cranky aunts and grandmas.
Is it just me, or does it seem like there’s less buzz about the show this season? Maybe my memory isn’t serving me correctly, but it seems like in the past, there was more written about the show in the weeks leading up to its premiere, including speculation about possible theme weeks and guest coaches. I’m just hoping the theme weeks won’t be as constricting as last season so that each contestant has every possible opportunity to perform at his or peak. No Latin night please (although I do love me some good Latin music)
***wondering how many cranky aunts and grandmas go around saying “titties in your mouth”*** Maybe I’m just out of the loop.
Kirsten…you crack me up! Thanks for a good laugh.
The numbers are in for the top 20 albums of 2007 and Idols did fairly well. Carrie appears on the list twice moving a total of 3.23 million units. Daughtry manages to fend of Disney Kid Hannah Montana to snag the last spot in the top 5 by just a rounded 10K. Josh the Eagles and Alicia all did very well to finish in the top 4 considering that they were all released in the last quarter of 2007
Here from the Ken Barnes Listen Up are the top 20 albums:
1. Josh Groban, Noel: 3.70 million
2. High School Musical 2: 2.96 million
3. Eagles, Long Road Out of Eden: 2.61 million
4. Alicia Keys, As I Am: 2.54 million
5. Daughtry: 2.50 million
6. Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus: 2.49 million
7. Linkin Park, Minutes to Midnight: 2.10 million
8. Fergie, The Dutchess: 2.06 million
9. Taylor Swift: 1.95 million
10. Kanye West, Graduation: 1.89 million
11. Nickelback, All the Right Reasons: 1.85 million
12. Carrie Underwood, Carnival Ride: 1.69 million
13. Akon, Konvicted: 1.63 million
14. Rascal Flatts, Still Feels Good: 1.61 million
15. Justin Timberlake, FutureSex/LoveSounds: 1.59 million
16. Maroon 5, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long: 1.57 million
17. Carrie Underwood, Some Hearts: 1.54 million
18. Norah Jones, Not Too Late: 1.50 million
19. Amy Winehouse, Back to Black: 1.44 million
20. Avril Lavigne, Best Damn Thing: 1.40 million
Overall, music sales wer up 14% from 2006, but album sales were down 9.5%.
Ken has lots of other fun facts: http://blogs.usatoday.com/listenup/2008/01/2007-album-sale.html#more
Clive cleans house in readiness for Season 7?
Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard dropped from J Records?
Now the Hollywood Insider hears that season 5 winner Taylor Hicks has also lost his J Records deal. “Taylor is going to record his next album on his own,” said a label rep. “He is no longer on the J Records roster.”
http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/
Hurry up and move those units Jordin!!!!
Well, this ole grandma is only lamenting about *itties on the floor! Heh…. Pix
Not surprsing about Taylor I not surprised maybe going indie will be good for him..Who knows. Taylor is not who they wanted in the first place and he knew it. Yes it is bad but it is business ..Jorgan being dropped too young and liked ..
jordan not jorgan
This has been a rumor since September. Taylor is better off being out from under TPTB.
Wow. I’m shocked to read that news about Taylor. I can’t believe they won’t give him a second album. I’m sure Taylor wanted out but the artists don’t have the option. Only the label can release them. This is very sucky news.
Next shoe to drop has to be McPhee. Her album sales with all that promo were really terrible. I actually thought she’d be dropped before Taylor.
To Chrissy58, from the other day…..
I am sure I like Allman Brothers’ music, but I really can’t recall any particular song; the real reason I chose this screen name is that traveling to Dallas on Interstate 20 often, I see this town by that name, and I think it’s a beautiful, romantic-sounding name. :)
In other news…. if the news about j records and Taylor is truly accurate, I am happy for Taylor to be out from under them. They never wanted him to win, didn’t treat him like the winner, and did not one thing to promote his cd. They promoted him as the winner as they do all of them after the show ended, but hurt more than helped his cd sales. Their loss as far as most of his fans are concerned. Now he can make the cd he wants to make.
It would be odd if Clive dropped the AI Season 5 winner and kept the AI Season 5 “co-winner” since he sold almost twice as many units as she did. I wish them all well.
If this is true or not for Taylor, people and the media are going to run with this and it will support their theory that Taylor is a failure and that we all got it wrong in season 5. This may be something Taylor wanted all along….seems like he was someone to be reckoned with right out of the gate. (This was briefly discussed in his book). What I seem to think about him is that he will make this a right decision, whether he had a hand in this or not. I am disheartened though for the negativity that is about to begin. I hate this for any of he idols that are just trying to find their way.
*sigh*……Pix
Those damned Yankee’s.
We’re used to Wars of Northern Aggression.
The South Will Rise Again!
(pfffft. .. good for Taylor !)
She’s doing pretty well, I think. Plus, she’s on Jive, so she may be safe.
*hopes the NYE eve gig and the upcoming late shows help Blake’s sales*
Re: Taylor leaving J/Arista, this has been in the works by Taylor for a while now. One of his people let it slip to a fan during a conversation several months ago. He gave a kiss-off tribute to Clive in a radio interview last week. He’s been dropping not so subtle hints in a recent concert tag in Manilla.
Why in the World would anybody put chains on me?
I’ve paid my dues to make it
Everbody wants me to be what they want me to be
I’m not happy when I try to fake it.”
He’s sold the amount of units he needed to recoup. There were no expensive videos or radio payola spent (obviously) LOL. Nothing to pay back, so he is free to walk away. Champagne is flowing freely over at the Boogie and speculation is rampant. Many think he’s been signed to Stax (more hints on the Elvis Radio interview). We’ll have to wait and see what happens.
What is Stax?
Hopefully, Taylor’s next Cd will be better. Bo’s new CD is so much better, IMO.
It’s all good.
Taylor is no longer under the control of a certain someone we have come to unlike. Initials C.D! He & they were not giving him much respect in the 1st place so buhbye to them! He (Taylor) may have bought his way out of the contract since a 3 record deal was set for the winner. I’m speculating of course.
Taylors 2 previous independant CD’s are getting much attention.
Taylor is in the process of writing w/ a very well known associate from Stax!
Do we hear of a Stax signing in the future?
Taylor has said in interviews that a new cd & tour is coming in the new year, so things are in motion.
All for the good!
I like Leona very much. I do not have a problem with Leona performing on “Idol Gives Back”, but if they showcase her during a regular segment I will scream my head off.
The show is for the contestants… and the “has beens”, some of whom were as sweet as pie to the kids. Stevie Wonder? He was perfect.
RE: What is Stax ?
See here :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stax_Records
They are historically famous for producing great SOUL MUSIC from great Soul Artists. See here :
http://www.soulsvilleusa.com/about-stax/
Regarding Taylor’s separation from Clive Davis’ label, I have some thoughts :
* Taylor was number 74 on the 200 best Albums for 2007 based on Billboard (out of thousands of other albums). No video, no payola, very little money spent on promo… I bet Clive didn’t make many millions from a tiny portion of Taylor’s sales. His expensive company, without the good old payola machine going on, has to screw over the little guys—new artists— to function profitably, if not so much radio play.
If being #74 in 2007 isn’t what J Records wants and they consider it bad, I guess they have a different take on what success is.
* I think Taylor might just have bought out his contract or made some sort of agreement with J Records. Perhaps Taylor was being difficult with them. I’m not saying it is bad, but I tend to believe artist right or wrong that speaks against their label , will be cut off sooner than later.
* The news we of the Soul Patrol are getting recently is that Taylor will be working with Steve Cropper. If so, It’s a great fit. Steve, a staple of early Stax records, was a featured player in the Blues Brothers movie and music.
* Stax records started life as the Satellite label in 1959, it was founded by a white Banker, Jim Stewart. He later went into partnership with his sister Estelle Axton, she owned the Satellite Record Shop, which was located at the front of a theatre, this was later turned into the Stax studio. The name Stax was formed by the first two letters of Stewart and Axton. Stax records was important in Black American music in the mid sixties with it’s production of Southern soul music, also it had a mix of both black and white musicians and production staff. The first record on the Stax label was 112 Morning After by the Mar-Keys, who had previously recorded “Last Night” on Satellite 107 in June 1961.
Stax was distributed by Atlantic records who had a first refusal on any Stax recordings. The company issued other labels mainly Volt, which had Otis Redding as the main artist with 17 singles.
I didn’t know that their label was still functioning, but I’m not from Memphis so what do I know ?