Today’s Idol headlines after the jump…
Indie calls McPhee for feature bow
“American Idol” runner-up Katharine McPhee is set to make her feature film debut as the star of the indie dark romantic comedy “The Last Caller.”
Penned by Michael Albanese, the story is described as a coming-of-age tale about a self-obsessed woman (McPhee) who searches for love, hope and meaning during a few random events with other urban seekers…..
Getting the ‘Idol’ boot put Daughtry on a roll
….Daughtry recorded the CD with session musicians, including top-flight drummer Josh Freese, and has only recently assembled his touring group, known as Daughtry. That means the music is taking on a different feel in the live shows.
“I think the band captures the integrity of the album, but I wanted to make sure that they didn’t feel confined to it and that they were able to kind of do their own thing with it. Obviously, the single (’It’s Not Over’) is what it is. We pretty much stay on the script on that one.”
But on the other songs, ” we kind of just change it up, because we don’t want the audience or the fans to see exactly and hear exactly what they heard on the album. I want them to feel like they walked away with something different, or even better.”
Gospel show closes festival
…The Elvis Presley tribute artist competition, the performance by 2006 “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks and the gospel show were all highlights, Parden said…
Simon Cowell ’sick With Envy’ Over Dancing With The Stars’ Success.
…The actress explains, “He has a little routine before every show, with his hairdryer, but it’s pointless - he looks exactly the same afterwards.
“I can only assume it has become a sort of superstitious ritual. Just as Madonna prays before a performance, Simon worships at the alter of his Babyliss hairdryer.
“He likes to be assured he looks good and we always tell him he does.”
Broadway box office takes a dip
Rialto shows suffer post-holiday blues
Broadway biz slid last week, following a couple of strong frames boosted by Tony-nom fever and Memorial Day tourism.
Total sales dropped off about $1.9 million to $18.7 million for 36 shows on the boards. Such a dip isn’t unusual after the seasonal bump in sales that often follows the announcement of the Tony nominations.
“The Color Purple” ($882,883), starring “American Idol” alum Fantasia, was the hardest hit last week, falling by more than $200,000…..
What’s next for Mindy Doo?
The finalist stops by the EW.com offices to tell us about some plans for her post-”Idol” album
NOTES ON HOLLYWOOD: Jada, Paula & Mariah
…Hope you didn’t think Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell would be the only judges reaping rewards from the ‘American Idol’ frenzy. The show’s femme fatale Paula Abdul, is the center of docu-drama series titled ‘Hey Paula,’ premiering on the Bravo network June 28 at 10:00 PM ET/PT. The show, which airs regularly every Thursday, paints a three-dimensional portrait of the 45-year-old former pop singer and her “Crazy Cool” world – from the stressed celebrity and tough business woman to the comedic prankster. According to production notes, viewers will see Abdul up close 24/7 as she battles insomnia during the much-talked-about “American Idol” satellite media tour interviews; bumps heads with QVC execs; develops her own fragrance and plays practical jokes on her assistants. Okay … enough with that…
American Idol, The King and The Greatest go private
…The company is attempting to grow its Presley line by enlisting the help of Cirque du Soleil in creating Presley-themed shows. It already has a deal with MGM Mirage to stage a permanent, live Presley show on the Strip in Las Vegas beginning in 2009. CKX also operates the Heartbreak Hotel, near Graceland, which might be a good place for the stockholders who feel the sale price was low to commiserate.
The company also plans to extend its Idol franchise worldwide. Since Simon (who needs a last name?) is contracted to the company, as well as holding a seat on the board of directors, we can safely assume his involvement won’t be affected by the transition.
TONY AWARDS: Black on the Great White Way
…’American Idol’ champ Fantasia Barrino will take a break from her box-office revitalizing performance as Celie in ‘Purple’ on Sunday so she can join in the festivities, too — also becoming a part of Tony Award history. She’ll be in great company, considering her own R&B diva idols have performed on the same stage just a couple of years before her.
According to an insider, Barrino will perform the show’s torch ballad ‘I’m Here,’ which was composed by Allee Willis, Stephen Bray and Brenda Russell. This would be a treat, indeed. Every time the High Point, North Carolina native sings the song, she brings audiences to their feet…
Seacrest a Laughmaker in ‘Knocked Up’
Ryan Seacrest is known as a lot of things - slick “American Idol” ringmaster, hotshot radio deejay, ubiquitous E! channel host - but funny guy’s not one of them. Which makes his scene-stealing cameo in “Knocked Up” such an amusing surprise. Even more so because he’s the butt of the joke……..
Catching Up with Mandisa’s ‘World’
…In related news, HearItFirst.com’s “Where in the World is Mandisa?” contest deadline is June 5. Visit the site now to watch a series of short videos where Mandisa gives clues about what city she’s in at that moment on her coast-to-coast tour promoting the July 31 release of her debut album, TRUE BEAUTY. Send in the correct answers, and you’ll qualify to win a $150 iTunes gift card, autographed merchandise, and even a personalized video greeting from Mandisa.
Waitress’ big break with music mogul ’surreal’
…Within 12 hours of her impromptu performance, Greenway was in Calgary performing with Beverley Mahood and former American Idol finalist Clay Aiken — who was with Foster at the restaurant the night before — at a David Foster Foundation event on Friday…
American Idol Helping Radio Stations
It’s no secret, “American Idol” is the most successful show on TV. And that success is filtering down, all the way to your radio.
No matter what radio station you listen to, odds are you’ll hear something about “American Idol”.
Bruce Kayser a DJ for Sunny 101.5 says, “When “American Idol” comes down to the end, then the calls start coming in and people come in every day for weeks until the excitement wears down. So it’s effected radio everywhere…
Young Redding musician
heads to American Idol camp
…Instruction is given by “respected professionals,” with a series of special master classes featuring guest artists such as “favorite former American Idol contestants, recording artists, and other top industry professionals,” according to the camp’s Web site.
Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Kimberley Locke, Vonzell Solomon, Jon Peter Lewis and Carmen Rasmusen are all former contestants confirmed to be teaching classes this summer…
Tony Romo & Carrie Underwood still dating
…PerezHilton.com debunks the claim after a reader spotted the Dallas Cowboys quarterback and the American Idol winner on Saturday night at Logan’s in North Dallas.
PBS’ Ella Fitzgerald special: S’Wonderful
…Speaking of “Amercian Idol” … former victor Ruben Studdard is here, delivering a smooth version of “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me,” with solid backing by saxophonist Dave Koz…
Jessica Simpson Out: Carrie Underwood Looking at Wedding Dresses
…The magazine reports: The former American Idol winner - who wore a Badgley Mischka dress at the Academy of County Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 15 - (the aforementioned coming out party) also tried on several of the designer’s wedding gowns at a private fitting in LA, says the insider…
American Idol Chooses Supplier Firm For Celebration
Top-rated television program American Idol selected Images Printed On Chocolate (asi/62242) as the maker of its party favors (2,000 chocolate coins) for a party last week celebrating the 2007 winner, Jordin Sparks. “It was absolutely amazing,” says Tracy Michele, president of Images Printed On Chocolate. “The Fox people were very good to work with. I personally love American Idol and watch it all the time, so it was extra special being part of the celebration. It was an incredible opportunity for us.”
The company was also on-site for an American Idol celebration earlier in the season that included taking pictures of party guests and printing their photos on chocolate lollipops that were handed out…
‘American Idol’ finalists, other acts set for MontanaFair
…MontanaFair will kick off Aug. 10 with country-music artists Phil Vassar and Josh Gracin…
…At 7 p.m. Aug. 11, the main act is Daughtry, the five-man rock band fronted by Chris Daughtry, another top 10 finalist on “American Idol.”…
‘Idol’ runner-up adds electronics to show
It looks as if Blake Lewis isn’t content just bringing beat boxing to a wider audience. The “American Idol” runner-up plans to take a whole suite of electronics on this summer’s tour that will allow him to record loops live onstage and then use them as the backdrop of his performance.
He unveiled the process on “Live With Regis and Kelly” last week, using the loops as the backbeat for Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved” and then using other loops to sing harmony with himself. Lewis says he had been using the electronics setup before “Idol” and is looking forward to using it on the tour.
It will undoubtedly be a new musical technique to most of his audience. Just like beat boxing, though, it didn’t start with Lewis….
Catching up with Jordin and Blake ‘Idol’ stars are on the go
You know you’re famous when you can find your profile — and a profile of your high school — on Wikipedia. That’s the case for newly famous Jordin Sparks, 17, the youngest ever winner of “American Idol,” and runner-up Blake Lewis, the talented beat boxer.
The sixth season of “Idol” is over, but Jordin’s and Blake’s new, busy lives as super stars are just beginning. We had a chance to hear from the stars during a recent telephone press conference. Here’s what the talented two shared…
Don’t be a fathead
…But I’m raising the issue anyway, but it’s not because the size of Jordin’s thighs matters a hoot. I want to illustrate the point that you can’t judge a person’s health based solely on looks…
A deep Idol talent pool
A new rule allowing performers to play instruments has opened the summer talent show to a new type of performer, writes Alex Strachan.
…This year’s typical Canadian Idol wannabe is a “23-year-old who’s been doing this for four years.” And that’s a good thing, Gold says. Good for the competition, and good for his or her nerves. It’s tough to be young — say, 16 — and have to bring life experience to a song that the singer may not have experienced in life.
Gold says that what impressed him the most about Jordin Sparks, this year’s American Idol winner, was that she was just 17.
“There’s a world of difference between 17 and 19,” Gold said. “It isn’t two years — it’s incalculable.”
There was an important lesson to be learned from Sparks’s advancing to the American Idol final over older, arguably more technically sound singers, Gold says.
“The other two (LaKisha Jones and Melinda Doolittle) placed too old, and they didn’t have the personality. Jordin Sparks was almost as good a singer as LaKisha and Melinda, but she had a way better back story and way more going for her. She had that sparkle that the other two didn’t. They were such pros, but they were too much pro.”…
Sideshow | Hilton checks in to hoosegow
…Constantine to deliver
Product hype: American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis will release his solo record, Constantine, Aug. 7. The Brooklyn-born Greek American is also an actor. He was like a featured player on The Bold and the Beautiful for an episode that also debuted his single, “Everybody Loves.” C. has also starred on Broadway in The Wedding Singer ….
ANTHRAX Members To Jam With WHITFIELD CRANE In New York City
…Rumored candidates include Crane, ARMORED SAINT/ex-ANTHRAX vocalist John Bush, “American Idol” runner-up Bo Bice and STONE SOUR/SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor, according to various Internet message boards
Related Posts
Yeah.. wasn’t there a rumor about the re-make of “WonderWoman” with ***?.. That isn’t that bad of a choice, though. The article about *** for some reason reminds me of a really dark movie “Boxing Helena” that what’s -her -face starred in. It was supposed to be Kim Basinger… That what’s-her-face kinda reminds me of ***….what was that chick’s name???..phooey, can not remember.. grrrrrr….
It’s my understanding that ALL the contestants are assigned management by 19E while they’re on the show and through the tour. Chris has said in interview that he had a choice to go elsewhere for management once the tour was over but decided to stick with 19E because he thought they did a good job with all the Idols.
Sherilynn Fenn (not sure if I spelled that right)
That’s also the movie that they sued Kim B. for not appearing in - and she had to pay them back some crazy sum like $10 million or something like that. Now I have veered severely off topic.
Relating this to today’s news? Sherilynn Fenn is far better looking and a much better actress than I can imagine Kat to be.
I don’t know about anyone else, but all this fracas surrounding Kelly’s album is making me want to buy it - just for her sake.
Maybe Kat’s movie will be good? As creepy as Clive is, I wouldn’t buy Kelly’s CD to prove a point.Plus I really don’t like the single.
Gwen D… love that word “fracas”.. always have. I bought Kelly’s cd 2 days ago.. it’s okay… I bought it for that same reason..fracas. SHERILYNN FENN….. Spence… owe you one. Well, today was an interesting, news-worthy day.. longer threads, too, I’ve noticed.. cool beans
This whole thing with Clive, I believe was started by Kelly’s group. Clive, I don’t think, would start tearing apart one of this artists just to prove a point. That would be “bad business”. But he also wants to defend himself. It’s a power struggle and not “artist integrity” issue.
sarah - do you mean Kelly’s single? I think the cd comes out on the 24th or something like that. Do I have the date wrong?
Kirsten !
Why my only two favorite idols- Kelly and Taylor- are at odds with Clive dirty Davis? My head is going to explode.
Is it too harsh that I wish Clive got a stoke? Clive sure can manufacture average easy listening music.. but I don’t think he can make a star on his own. Instead, he’s goot at killing their spirits. Good service for fans..
AZIdolfan — all I need to remember re: who is on first is….Clive completely ignoring Kelly during his Cornation of Carrie speech.
Many times it’s the little things that lead to the truth.
Clive also loves being the King and people bow in his presence. Apparently Kelly didn’t. I think he’s punishing her.
(No wonder the goon isn’t married!)
jersey… my nephew helped me.. well, let’s just say… he had the songs.. I don’t ask .. ya know what I mean?
Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul
Available December 17!
MJ said:
Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul
Available December 17!
I know Jersey…hilarious.
I already pre-ordered mine. LOL.
Look, there’s a contest!
Paula Abdul wrote the foreward..LMAO.
Hmmm..that title is so…surreal.
Just pre-ordered LOL - I’ve got to read this. Oh, how I hope we get to see the contest submissions. That would be priceless.
I hope Paula had a good editor. We have almost a whole year to come up with a great entry to get MJ tix to next year’s AI finale, gang. Let’s get writing!
I may just give that a miss.
Although it could be worth it for Paula’s foreward.
HDD Final Numbers: Idols plus Robin Thicke (for his fans here)
6 5 DAUGHTRY RCA/RMG 65,399 -15%
DAUGHTRY
29 10 ROBIN THICKE STAR TRAK/INTERSCOPE 46,783 146%
THE EVOLUTION OF ROBIN THICKE
8 11 CARRIE UNDERWOOD ARISTA/RMG 44,972 -15%
SOME HEARTS
31 43 ELLIOTT YAMIN HICKORY RECORDS 13,665 -24%
ELLIOTT YAMIN
Katharine McPhee lands feature film debut
….However, it won’t be the first acting gig for McPhee, had a part alongside Ali Larter and Lane Garrison in the 2005 film “Crazy,” the story of guitar player Hank Garland who emerged from Nashville in the 1950’s.
She also had a guest-starring role in ABC’s hit comedy “Ugly Betty.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19054376/
Crazy (2006)
Katharine McPhee … Paramount Girl
http://imdb.com/title/tt0443474/
Me too.
Please tell me it’s snark. Please. Hmmm… It must be.
American Idol does not have a soul.
I hope Pauler has NO editor.
You beat me to it. It seems like an oxymoron, doesn’t it - “American Idol Soul”. I really hope we get to read the winning entry in that essay contest. My money is on a Claymate.
LOL, cheese, good point. That would make a much better read!
Oh ….. my ….. Gawd!
I thought Idol was doing its best to cut that “soul” right out of its show this year, no?
And I am sure Pauler will “work” “very hard” on “writing” that foreword.
Hot! Imagine the Snark!
Taylor, Well Dear, I just send flowers.
Daughtry: I find when whining doesn’t work, screaming helps to soothes my inner demons.
kat: well, like, duh! Everyone knows there’s nothing better
than a photo shoot!
Bucky — couple a beers and I’m good to go!
Elliott, I really want everyone to know that pot is not the answer.
Kelly, usually Ah cry but these false eyelashes turn into goop so I call my new BFF, Dolly, and we talk about the latest in augmentation!
Forward - excerpt:
“The world is a big beautiful rainbow-colored oyster on American Idol! If only you believe in yourself, the show can make your happy, fluffy bunny dreams come true!!!! I love puppies!”
Oh I forgot Blake:
Blake: bo bop bit bif pfffft whoosh di do da bip bap — now, don’t you feel better too?
MJ………..when I first saw the title of that book, I thought that it was the one that was inspired by a Soul Patroller on the AI boards who had collected stories from the fans etc. She also had contacted that publisher about the book. I wonder if AI got the idea from her or if it is a collaboration?
Not a mate, but don’t tempt me…
Just another example of how deeply entrenched AI has become in the collective American psyche.
Anyways, this is a good thing for fans of AI. Good and enlightening stories, and the snark that ensues should be as entertaining as the book itself.
I’m sorry, I know that Kelly is part of the AI world. But in the real world, what Kelly is going throught is typical of any singer whose whole existance was for the purpose of selling cds. Wasn’t it noted that Clive sees these Idols as “commerce.” Even the successful ones. Do we really feel Kelly, Carrie and Chris are immuned from being preceived as “commerce.” If anything, they are even more “commerce” because of their cd instant success. Does one really feel that TPTB are going to sacrifice the golden goose by allowing these singers to feel that they really have talent. What I find so funny is, Kelly was always said to have written or co-written most of her second cd. If she did and it was so successful, why wouldn’t Clive trust her to have full control over this cd. Maybe she really didn’t write most of those songs. Sorry, but it is possible for a singer to take writer’s credit to fluff up their image. Not saying that’s what Kelly did but it has been done..
The reality of the game is, hate him or love him, Clive calls the shots. Why do you think you have not heard Alicia Key’s new cd as yet. Sorry to bust any the bubble but what Kelly is going through is not new nor should we be surprise. I really feel the big deal is a publicity stunt to push her cd sales. They really want this cd to sell. They have already pushed up her cd date because this single is not doing too well..
The artist fighting the record company’s Execs for writer’s control. Been there, done that. The next thing will be Kelly wanting to get out of her contract or not renewing with the record company.
When was Taylor at odds with Clive. Man, we just believe whatever we want to believe in the AI world don’t we..The reality means nothing to us anymore.
need to turn off bold..
LMAO. I have missed you, my dear Spense.
The bedazzler is ready. Green shirt (Rich’s color) with plaid lettering. “Cake” on the front, and “The New Chrace” on the back.
So… *** has moved on to the 2nd phase of her “fame” plan it seems. How far behind must the “knocked up married woman” part of the plan be? Anyone care to place bets???
It’s fine if Clive wants to battle with Kelly and axe her CD and what-not. But once he’s made the decision to release a CD, he should try to sell the darn thing. If he can’t say anything nice about it, don’t say anything at all.
The shareholders of Sony/BMG pay Clive a LOT of money to sell CDs, not so that he can settle his own personal vendettas. Don’t fight the battles after they have already been lost, fight them before you begin pressing the CDs. It’s too late. The content of the CD is settled. Now is the time for a united front to maximize sales.
Instead, Sony/BMG’s office is leaking like Titanic telling everybody how wretched this CD is. A CEO should support the product his company is selling, not try to prove to everybody that he is always right.
BTW Kelly Clarkson has apparently posted on her fanclub that her second single “Sober” is being released to radio tomorrow (so she is getting some support because her team is reacting quickly to a stalled single).
WORD to everything you posted, Kirsten.
Once again, a big thank you goes out to the SNARK GODS.
LMAO
My love for you knows no bounds Sarah.
I’ll take November.
While I will agree that Ace is semi-hot, I am appalled at the degree it has been discussed! Seriously, is he just an object to you old hagggs? What about his ART!!!??? He’s all about the music, but you guys ignore his artistry for his biceps and tight t-shirts.
Frankly, I’m offended.
But whatev! Ace is an artist and above all that.
Signed…
SpenserJ!
Wow! Just WOW.
I arrive to find a headlines thread with an atypical >140 comments - on a Tuesday no less - and I just know that it is something worthy, likely someone that generates lots of comments here at mj’s. Could it be? Yes? Yes! ROFLMAO it’s Katharine.
I am enthralled. Intrigued. It appears that Kat McMeeeeee and Nick Cokass are poised to become the Ali McGraw and Robert Evans of our time. Maybe Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks, Linda Hamilton and James Cameron. Wait - no - a Liv Ullman and Ingmar Bergman for the 21st century. Complete with subtitles. I hope Kat can read fast enough for subtitles. I fear she cannot.
All you loyal, core fans should reign in your Katgasms just a tad, because it is a long and often incomplete road to an actual theatre screen near you (or via a flight to LA or New York only). It may not even achieve the dreaded status of “direct to DVD.”
Then again it could be brilliant…a potential milestone in the annals of cinematic history.
HAHAHHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!
I believe Paula Abdul is the only person in publishing history who had to hire a ghostwriter to pen a Forward.
RightSaidFred:
I HEART YOU