Today’s Idol headlines after the jump…
Jennifers,Mo’Nique,Beyonce are big at BETs
“They sang their butts off.”
A friend of mine hollered that out only minutes into last night’s BET Awards. And while my girl’s characterization was crude, she was right. If you saw the show, you know exactly what she meant….
Kelly Clarkson gets intimate with her inner badass
….Or, if you’re like me, after having read all the self-possessed, strong-minded things Kelly has said lately, you couldn’t wait to get your hands on the actual album and make your own judgments about Miss Independent’s third album. Now that I’ve carefully listened to it (you can too at AOL or MuchMusic), I have to say that I agree with Blender and Entertainment Weekly, who gave the CD quite positive reviews. My December is certainly not the pop album that Breakaway was, but anybody who expected her to repeat “Since U Been Gone” has been smoking too much fantasy crack……..
Former American Idol participant to perform at fair
American Idol enthusiasts saw him on TV last year. Others heard him on the radio.
Come August, fairgoers will see Bucky Covington at the Ross County Fair.
The fairboard, for the first time, partnered with Rock For Tots Children’s Charities and Southern Ohio Events to bring Covington, whose single, “A Different World,” debuted in January, to the grandstand on Aug. 9….
SHOWBIZ 7′S: Best reality TV convention moments
Their 15 minutes of fame is bringing them to Nashville to celebrate for the second year running. See what you missed last year.
Come on kids! We’ve got us some reality stars to see!
That’s right. The second annual Reality TV convention takes place this weekend at the Radisson Hotel in Opryland, Nashville, Tennessee. $25 bucks gets you two tickets and a t-shirt. Single day tickets are $10.
It’s fixing up to be a great convention with special guests the “very friendly” Tonya Cooley (”The Real World”), songbird of Ohio Scott Soval (”American Idol”) and the conveniently named Jonny Fairplay (”Survivor”).
For a taste of what’s to come, we asked Joe Reality (that’s what he calls himself) of Reality TV Magazine to give us a list of the best moments from Reality TV Con 1…
My December is a clean break
Kelly Clarkson’s third album shows growth, leaves room for more
I can’t completely hate on Kelly Clarkson.
When I reviewed her sophomore album, Breakaway, two years ago, there was a “woman waiting to be awakened in Clarkson,” and I called the album “a stepping stone in the quest to realizing the artist she truly is.”
Her latest album, My December, really is a coming-of-age record. She fought for it to see the light of day, and despite pressure from her management to stay true to her signature sound, Clarkson took a route that can’t be called anything but her own…
Reality Stars Will Come Together for “Reality All-Stars” Event
A special event will give reality TV fans the opportunity to mingle with their favorite reality stars this Saturday.
The Reality Cares’ “Reality All-Stars” Event, which will be held in Hollywood, California, will raise money and awareness for Operation Smile. The evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks and entertainment will be hosted by Janice Dickinson and will feature performances by singers including former American Idol finalists Frenchie Davis and Sabrina Sloan. Confirmed attendees include Mario Lopez (Dancing with the Stars), Nick Carter (House of Carters), and Tiffany “New York” Pollard (I Love New York).
Carrie Underwood, Kevin Eubanks named sexiest vegetarians
Jay Leno’s sidekick Kevin Eubanks and the country American Idol Carrie Underwood have been named the “world’s sexiest vegetarians” in PETA’s annual contest…
A rewarding breakaway for Clarkson
Seldom has a pop album hit the stores under such a cloud: Kelly Clarkson, formerly a tool of the American Idol machinery, decided she’d cowrite all of the songs on her third album and not craft a carbon copy of her six-million-seller Breakaway.
She clashed with Clive Davis, head of her label — he didn’t hear ”hits” on her darker, angry rock record My December. She fired her manager, canceled her tour because of poor ticket sales and delayed the release of the album.
Until Tuesday.
The result? Score one for artistic integrity. An American Idolcan grow up and move on. The controversial My December is the first Kelly Clarkson album that sounds as if it wasn’t crafted by committee. And its reputation for being a drastic departure and hookless is unfounded.
Charleston Music News
HICKS IN TOWN
Post-American Idol chart-topper Taylor Hicks (the new generation’s Michael McDonald) headlines a “soulful” concert at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. on Sat. June 30. Maybe he’ll charm his way through a version of “Do I Make You Feel Proud.”
20TH ANNIVERSARY ASCAP RHYTHM & SOUL MUSIC AWARDS: Blige, Dupri and Austin Among Top Honorees.
…Honorees and notables in attendance included: Mary J. Blige, Johntá Austin, Jermaine “JD” Dupri, Akon, Chingy, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Alicia Keys, Biz Markie, Kandi Burruss, Chamillionaire, Keyshia Cole, Dem Franchize Boyz, Dre & Vidal, Ron Fair, Dave “Jam” Hall, Andre Harrell, Lalah Hathaway, Keri Hilson, Jimmy Iovine, Krayzie Bone, L.A. Reid, Letoya, LRoc, Lyfe Jennings, Mary Mary, MC Lyte, Ne-Yo, Papoose, Play N Skillz, Polow Da Don, Rah Digga, Sylvia Rhone, Rock City, Patrice Rushen, Karen Clark Sheard, American Idol’s Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, Lakisha Jones and Melinda Doolittle, Stargate, Swizz Beatz, Tank, T.I., The Underdogs, Narada Michael Walden, Michelle Williams, Ted Winn and Young Dro, among others….
Ellen Gray | Lens is on Abdul in Bravo’s ‘Hey Paula’
HEY PAULA. 10 p.m. tomorrow, Bravo.
YOU KNOW those I.Q. tests that occasionally pop up online?
Here’s a much easier way to find out if you might be Mensa material….
CBS’ “Early Show” to broadcast from CityWalk on July 6; show will offer songs by Katharine McPhee of “American Idol”
Universal CityWalk will be the backdrop for CBS’ “The Early Show” on July 6.
Harry Smith, Hannah Storm and Dave Price will be in Central Florida to bring the show to the nation. Julie Chen won’t. Her other duties include hosting “Big Brother,” which starts a new season July 5.
Here are other incentives to tune in “The Early Show” on July 6: Katharine McPhee of “American Idol” will sing in the 8 a.m. hour. The program will look at the local animation industry. “The Early Show” airs 7 to 9 a.m. weekdays on WKMG-Channel 6.
IDOL CHATTER
Ken Barnes
Idols on the radio — checking the format charts
…Finally, in the overall national picture (based on the more updated 100-position national radio airplay audience chart), Daughtry is No. 6 in the country with Home, same as last week, with a slight gain in total audience. Carrie’s Before He Cheats is No. 8, again with a slight audience gain. Fantasia’s When I See U roars up to 13 from 17. Elliott’s doing well, up 54-45 with Wait for You. Daughtry’s It’s Not Over is up 48-46 but that’s a mirage; it continues to decline in total audience. Bucky’s A Different World drops 73-75, but that’s also a mirage; it’s up 5% in total audience. Carrie’s Wasted drops 70-81, and that’s not a mirage; it’s done. Kelly’s Never Again has fallen off the top 100, but she’s back on the chart with her new duet with Reba McEntire on Because of You, new at 87. And Kellie’s I Wonder finally makes the national chart at 97.
Thanks to Purps.
Related Posts
Just for fun:
The Ultimate Cheesy-Ballad Playlist
On EW’s PopWatch blog, many of you confessed the sappy songs and artists you can’t help loving — here are a few of your picks
EW.com
Eureka! Labels Finally Discover They Can Sell Music On The Internet
Call it the Summer of Digital Love: This season may go down as the moment record companies woke up and started figuring out how to sell music on the Web…
RollingStone.com
The 20 Best Angry Love Songs Ever
This weekend’s rock list drew an especially large number of impassioned responses. For those of you prone to nursing broken hearts via eviscerating love songs, this one is for you….
RollingStone.com
Ask A Rock Star: What’s Your Favorite Children’s Book or Movie?
Yes, even those dudes from Mastodon read Shel Silverstein books once…
RollingStone.com
Wonder what some of the ‘idols’ would choose?
Purplesmile :)
Elliott’s latest blog:
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Hey!..What I’ve been up to…What’s coming up!
Current mood: happy
Hey everybody!….I hope all is well, and I want to apologize for taking so long since my last blog!…So, let me just start off by saying THANK YOU!!!!..My first ever solo tour was a major success!..What an amzing experience!…and I couldn’t have done it w/better people!….MAD PROPS to Ollie, Aaron, Russell, Joonie, Felix, Ron Mussara, Josh Hoge, and Steve Miller!…I”m totally missing that stage guys!…THANKS to all of you who came out and showed so much love and support!….good news is we’re all(including Josh…whoohoo!) coming back out for the 2nd leg in early October….a little later than expected because my schedule is pretty jam-packed til then!…I’m already back in the studio recording Christmas songs for my Target exclusive record….on July 3rd, I’ll be performing acoustically in Orlando w/my good buddy Tony Reyes @the XL 106.7 “Red Hot & Boom” 2007 @ Crane’s Roost Lake Park…then, I’ll be in D.C to perform live on PBS for “A Capitol Fourth”-the countries biggest 4th of July celebration!…check your local listings for the specific airing times!…another acoustic performance is set for a radio event in Portland, OR on July 26……National Anthem @the San Francisco Giants game on July 29th….. then, I’m probably going to release my 2nd single sometime in August…maybe Sept…then, I’m trying to block out a tentative TV tour schedule during the month of August…I’ve also planned a 5 show tour in the Phillipines in late September!….and in between all of that, I’ll be lending my time and support to the Oscar Meyer “Sing The Jingle, Be A Star” contest….as well as the JDRF and Childrens Congress here in the U.S and in the UK!….whew!…okay, so I know that’s a lot to take in all @once….but trust me, all dates…along w/new pics, videos, and songs will be posted right here on my page in due time!**************************************
I also want to take the time to thank all of radio, and most of all YOU, the fans for making my 1st single a bonafide HIT!…it’s been a magical ride thus far and I couldn’t have done it without yall!..”Wait for You” is going to be featured on the next “NOW25″ album to release later this summer!….also ned to thank yall who have been voting for my video on the vspot on VH1!…you are the reason it actually debuted in the #1 spot!
Until nxt time….Take care and God Bless all of you!
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=61700104&blogID=281146301
Good morning, Lisa. :)
Whoa! Did I read that right? Elliott is coming to the Philippines!!!
What does it matter that he cannot spell my country’s name right? He is coming. Woo-hoo! Yahoo! Yay!
I obviously posted before reading Elliott’s blog. Can you say excited? Heh. ;-D
Wait…a 5-show tour? Hmmm…I will see Elliott 5 times? I will have to start saving up ora mismo.
(Team Hands-Off? Pffft. Nevada would be so disappointed in me…lol)
All I can say is WAY TO GO ELLIOTT!!!! He deserves it. I hope Our Dread Lord Clivecraps his depends everytime he sees a report of how well Elliott’s doing.
Hey, jp, did you post the same thing I did? ;-D
This is all very exciting, isn’t it? I read WFY is back at #10 at mediabase(?), too. :)
Sorry, I will stop being a fangirl now. :)
I am so happy for you purplesmile!
I think we posted at the same time purplesmile. Wait for You is back at #10 as of today. And I think it actually still has some life in it and could go higher. The album is doing fine but the single is turning into a very big hit. (I’ll stop beeing a fangirl now too.)
Purple, have fun being an Elliott groupie. We have to wait for October.
Thank you, Nancy. :)
Thanks, too, jpfan, for giving way to my post even if you apparently posted earlier, as I would not have been able to edit my post from this PC. :)
Awwww….I love a lot of those cheesy songs on that list.
Purplesmile - Very cool you are going to get to see Elliot in concert.
Purple! E’s going to PI!
Dang it, September?? Why can’t it be October? I’m going home on October and that would have been a perfect opportunity to see Elliott since he did not come anywhere near me for his tour here in US. Damnit damnit damnit!
Okay…so my daughter played a few of Kelly’s new songs via her cell phone from her car yesterday because I have not had a chance to get it…I taped her appearance on GMA yesterday and watched it last night…God, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE “Sober”! Certainly don’t hear the “screeching/screaming” some have referenced. For me, that is the sudden, totally unexpected, powerhouse “big note” so classic of Kelly! True, I have not listened to the whole CD yet, but I sure do love what I have heard thus far. GOOD FOR YOU Kelly!!! And may you have many happy returns!!!
When did he record a song with this title :)
Purple, I’m so, *so* happy to hear that Elliott will be visiting the Philippines. Hope you get the chance to see him all five time. :)
Since E’s a topic today, would like to add that his audience impressions are almost up to 30 million per week in Pop and 1 million per week in Hot AC, AC and Rhythmic, each. Not too shabby for an Indie.
I can see Sober being a hit for Kelly. It’s a nice song..
I am happy for you Purple that he is comming to where you live for Five shows.
“For an Indie” tired of this like “only 17″.Who cares what Clive thinks about him. He got a great deal with a branch of sony and a good pop songwriter (who matched songs with his good voice) that would make other Ai indie alum salvate. Idol invited him back to the show, he is doing a promo for the wiener mobile and going to entertain the troops and he has a hit single ,which I might add is good….Thier is no tire tracks on him and he is happy..
He also has great fans in Purple and LU to name a few…Carp I am jelous of his big fans.
I was just happy when Elliott got a deal so I never paid much attention to the details. His “indy” deal is very unusual but I think the album was done fairly cheaply. I always thought he put his own $ into the album since he’s a partner but I have no idea if that’s true.
The only mystery is how much did they pay Stargate for the two songs they did (including WFY). Stargate are massive hitmakers who don’t come cheap. I was amazed when I saw they had two songs on E’s album. Without the Sony name behind him, I’m sure Elliott would get no radio play at all but I don’t think they actually promote the song. He did that all on his own via a radio tour and insane numbers on radio market research. His tour is not sponsored by the label so he’s on his own there as well.
Don’t be too jellus. I think Bucky will outsell E by alot in CD sales this week. The single is selling the downloads more than the album. Oh boy, I want to find that Newsday prediction column from a year ago. You know the one that predicted Elliott and Bucky would be heading back to nowheresville in a year.
Ignore what I just said about Bucky and Elliott’s album sales:
74 Elliot Yamin
9,570 down 18%
total 283,176
75 Bucky Covington
9,366 down 31%
total 186,620
Purple, I am so happy for you!!!! You get to see E-dub!
I enjoyed the Rolling Stone list, but these to songs came to my mind:
Kelis:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VoYXzFblq6g
Ani:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SjK8zPO1HkM
Here’s more info on Blake’s album. He says he laid down his first track and that BT has signed on to produce.
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Tv-Guide-News/American-Idols-Blake/700017962
Okay, so where’s the press release?
ETA: I think that the fact that BT has signed on as a producer is a good sign they are going to let let Blake do what he wants. He has mentioned wanting to work with him.
That’s great news, PJ. I’m very excited to see what Blake comes up with . I wonder why there hasn’t been any announcement about the record deals. I can only think that Jordin is holding things up because they won’t give out news of the others before hers.
Thank you, everyone. The Filipino fans are really excited. :)
I have calmed down a bit, though, to realize that Elliott did say he has “planned” a 5-show Philippine tour, which means nothing is definite yet. Therefore, I beseech you all to please pray and/or cross your fingers with me that this one happens for us. Thanks (again). ;-D
Congrats to the Filipino fans who might get to see Elliott “live” !!!!! I know how exciting that is. I want to say that he is now getting play on KOST in L.A. which is a big thing too. They have not played many Idols in the past except for Kelly C., Taylor, and Clay. Elliott has the right people with the right contacts.
Taped the BET Awards last night and watched it this morning. Absolutely LOVED Jennifer and Jennifer singing “And I am Telling You”.
Didn’t mind the weird faces that the Jennifers made (particularly Holliday’s faces) because that is part of that song’s appeal to put your heart/soul/gut into it which includes weird expressions. Great way to open the show for it gave me chills.
Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday Live Duet
Duet with Jennifer Hudson & Jennifer Holliday @ the 2007 BET Awards singing And I am Telling You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap6Pqsg6JnQ
AI made it onto EW’s “25 Things We Hate” list…twice:
10. Teenage stars who talk about how they’ve been waiting their entire lives for a moment like this. (We’ll blame it on youthful overexuberance, Ms. Sparks…)
[picture of Jordin]
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20041669_20041686_20043806_10,00.html
16. The word “pitchy”
[picture of Randy and Paula]
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20041669_20041686_20043806_16,00.html
I’m excited for all of the great news posted in Elliott’s blog. He’s going to be a very busy man.
I’m thrilled that BT will produce Blake’s CD. I LOVE BT. He’s a great guy. He really knows music and knows how to bring out the best in other artists. Dance and Trance music will never be the same because of BT. Good for Blake for getting him to produce his CD because that is a major accomplishment. Wonder if he already knew BT.
Thanks LisaB for the link to the live duet. I forgot that the BET Awards show was on last night so I missed it.
WTG Elliot!!! Glad he and Bucky both got the right people looking out for them. One of the show hosts on CMT stated day before yesterday that the hottest song in eastern Tenn. this week is Bucky’s Different World. That song, to me, is like Jesus Take the Wheel in that you instantly love it and can instantly identify it once you have heard it.
Re. the reality covention. I sure hope it has more class then last years. It was on the Fox Reality channel on satellite and it was the grossest piece of work I have seen broadcast that wouldnt be called porn. The Surreal people and some of the Amazing Race people were totally skanks, if you can call a male skank lol. I can forsee Jordin, Melinda and Lakisha, if they go, being totally embarrassed.
I saw the rerun of the Opry last night with Carrie. That girl is soooooooo thin her legs and arms looked like toothpicks. She sounded better then I’ve seen her live on tv since Idol though. The host of the show showed a clip at the beginning of the broad cast of Idols who have been to the Ryman. Melinda was shown first, then a bit on Bucky, Kellie and of course Carrie.
I was really surprised at the article about Pickler and Jessica Simpson being buds, if that is true. I hope Kellie P finds better friends.
YAY Purple! I am so glad you will get to see Elliott!
Crap, I can’t find where to edit so I will just add Thank you LisaB for the cheesy sappy ballad article. I have about 95% of those in my cd/cassette collection! LOL
Kelly is going to be on the Video channel FUSE tonight at 10 PM.
This NY Post reporter saw Kelly perform and says she was amazing.
FUSE, Sundance - yet another damn channel I don’t get.
“…her breakup with bad boyfriend David Hodges (formerly of Evanescence).” My apologies if this has been covered here, but I never knew who the unfortunate subject of all the Kelly wrath was. So I go googling and find THIS.
What ever happened to breaking up and MOVING ON?
June 27, 2007. Live Freee or Die Hard day. Show your guy your appreciation ladies and take him to a movie without animation or romantic subplots.
Yippee-kai-yea motherf&*%er.
mj
Jun 27th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
This NY Post reporter saw Kelly perform and says she was amazing. And he “gets” it!
RightSaidFred: In a recent interview (before Clive and his assiness), Kelly said she wrote the song ages ago right after the breakup. That in fact, it had been so long ago, she never even thinks about it and HAD moved on.
Yea! I love the Die Hard series!
RSF, thanks for the link. I’d heard rumors it might have been Hodges, but now he confirms it.
The song is no longer posted on the band’s myspace, but you can read the lyrics.
He’s probably hoping the publicity helps his band. They appear to be without a label at this time. Heh.
RCA MUSIC GROUP PULLS OUT THE STOPS ON CLARKSON
And when Clive Davis and the RCA troops decide to go for something, watch out.
Insiders report that Davis himself is personally overseeing the campaign to make sure everything is done right, and every opportunity is taken so Clarkson gets the exposure she needs for a successful chart debut.
The album is being supported with an iTunes pre-order campaign, along with a “360” Media Ad push. There is also aggressive price and positioning as well as circular advertising at Target and Best Buy, with programs also in effect at Anderson, Trans World, Borders, Circuit City and Amazon….
http://www.hitsdailydouble.com/news/newsPage.cgi?news06718
R S F… “yeah..come to the coast… we’ll have a few laughs….” Bruce Willis rocks !!
lol @ Blake and BT. To be fair the only producing i’ve seen from him is for boybands, so it’ll be interesting to see what he does with Blake.
I don’t know a thing about BT but he seems to have worked with others and not just boybands, Radname.
I finally watched some of Kelly C from GMA the other day and enjoyed “Sober”. It’s a good song.
I don’t know BT all that well, but I noticed he’s worked with Tori Amos and has done a tone of movie scores. I trust Blake’s judgement.
Here’s an interview with Blake that has set some in his fanbase on fire.
I think it’s hilarious.
http://www.kzzp.com/cc-common/podcast.html
RSF, what time do you want me to pick you up?
Elliott’s Philippine shows will apparently be by way of mall tours. Four dates in Manila and one in the southern city of Cebu. Since they will be free, I can perfectly be a groupie/stalker. Heheh! *leers*
For Elliott fans and other interested parties…
Elliott’s Upcoming Shows (from his myspace):
Jul 3 2007 4:00P
XL 106.7 “Red Hot & Boom” 2007 @ Crane’s Roost Lake Park Orlando, Florida
Jul 4 2007 8:00P
Elliott Performs Live on PBS - “A Capitol Fourth” Concert Washington DC, Washington DC
Jul 26 2007 9:00P
Baracuda’s Portland, Oregon
Jul 31 2007 8:00P
JDRF Children’s Congress Kickoff Washington DC, Washington DC
Aug 1 2007 8:00P
JDRF Children’s Congress Kickoff Washington DC, Washington DC
Aug 29 2007 1:00P
AT&T Park - Home of the Giants San Fransisco, California
Sep 15 2007 12:00P
JDRF Appearance - UK London
Sep 16 2007 12:00P
JDRF Appearance - UK London
Sep 21 2007 8:00P
Trinoma - Philippines Manila
Sep 22 2007 8:00P
Glorietta - Philippines Manila
Sep 23 2007 8:00P
Alabang Town Center - Philippines Manila
Sep 26 2007 8:00P
Ayala Mall - Philippines Cebu
Sep 28 2007 8:00P
Market! Market! Mall - Philippines Manila
Nov 14 2007 12:00P
Global Diabetes Day - NY New York, New York