Today’s Idol headlines after the jump…
‘Idol’ top 3 outshine rest of cast on tour
The annual tour of “American Idol” finalists is what it is: an ensemble company with varying levels of talent performing songs they did on the top-rated Fox show.
Some of Sunday night’s stop at the Bradley Center was entertaining, some was mediocre - but all of it was packaged professionally with a talented band and backup singers to fill in the weak spots….
Heat taps some during tryouts
Several contestants require first aid, but the shows go on
In addition to dealing with nerves and judges, thousands of hopefuls trying out for next season’s American Idol had to deal with searing sun and oppressive humidity. It was enough to cause a handful to be overcome by the heat and seek first aid.
The exact number of persons who may have been assisted because of the heat was unknown.
Texas Stadium officials referred questions about the first-aid situation to American Idol officials who would say only that the heat had not presented any major problems for contestants or organizers.
Several people outside the stadium, however, said a few people had fainted when the throng was still lined up in the unprotected parking lot around 8 a.m., and a few more were treated inside the stadium after tryouts began….
BEST OF THE BLOG Outtakes from the ‘American Idol’ auditions
In the beginning
5:22 a.m.: Apparently the secret to making it on American Idol is to show up four hours before the sun comes up. (Shauntoris Jones of Oklahoma City was the first contestant in line.) I’m coming to Texas Stadium from the north (via I-35). Traffic started to back up long before I could see the stadium. But I think I just found a shortcut: cutting through the University of Dallas……..
‘Idol’ stories
Everyone who attended Dallas’ ‘American Idol’ audition had a tale to tell, and we were there to listen
Family Ties
One of the most buzzed-about people to walk up the winner’s ramp was Ricco Barrino, otherwise known as Fantasia’s brother. Ricco, 24, was in town for a show and decided to audition at the last minute.
It wasn’t the first time he’d shown up for the Idol cattle call; he’d planned to audition with Fantasia in Atlanta. Just one problem: He forgot his ID.
“So he and Fantasia left; she was the last one to perform,” says his publicist, Linda Luna. “The security guard was nice enough to let her back in.”
This time, luck (and a recognizable last name) were on his side. After singing “A Change Is Gonna Come,” he was told he was moving on up….
‘American Idol’ Auditions Sizzle in Dallas
Thousands of “American Idol” hopefuls braved long lines (video: MyFoxDFW), sizzling summer temperatures and even hotter competition at the Texas Stadium audition on Monday.
An estimated 15,000 people turned out in the 98-degree heat to compete in the auditions, which began at about 8 a.m….
12,000 bring dreams to ‘Idol’ tryouts at Texas Stadium
…By the time the TV show’s seventh season gets under way early next year, almost half a million fame-seekers will have auditioned. This season alone is expected to draw more than 100,000 nationwide.
Patrick Lynn, the show’s senior producer, says American Idol wanted to return to Dallas not only because this is where the show found 2002 winner – and a show favorite – Kelly Clarkson of Burleson, but also because the show revels in the enthusiasm of North Texas wannabes.
“We’ve come to Texas this year because it’s the biggest state in the union!” he announced proudly, apparently forgetting Alaska.
American Idol auditions draw contestants from all over the country, and Monday’s event was no exception….
Constantine Maroulis Puts Impressive Pipes on Display
Constantine Maroulis, “Constantine” (Sixth Place Records)
The fourth season of “American Idol” had two standouts: country singer Carrie Underwood, who went on to win a Grammy and sell millions of CDs, and rocker Bo Bice, who has faded into oblivion.
Then there was Constantine Maroulis — remember him?…….
Passion by the boatload
The Bold And The Beautiful has a simple formula for longevity in the soap-opera game: Volume
….Guest stars and stunts diminish the monotony of this routine. Yesterday, Canada’s own Alan Thicke reprised his role as unscrupulous talk-show host Rich Ginger (named, by the way, after B&B’s chief financial officer). And on Aug. 24, there’ll be a sing-off involving Constantine Maroulis, a B&B cast member who finished sixth on American Idol two years ago…
Thousands Line Up For ‘Idol’ Auditions
…Producers wouldn’t immediately give an estimate on the turnout at Texas Stadium, but the line stretched as wide as 30 people and snaked around a fourth of the building.
They sang (though not always well), waited (for several hours to be herded inside) and sometimes wilted under a stifling morning sun in the parking lot. Ice packs were given to some would-be contestants who struggled with temperatures that climbed past 90 degrees…
Getting ready for ‘Idol’ tryout
Jessie Nunn, a rising senior at Salem High School in Virginia Beach, is heading for “American Idol” auditions Aug. 14 in Atlanta.
He prepped last week by performing at a stage at the Oceanfront and singing the national anthem at Norfolk’s Harbor Park.
Jessie performs as “j.none” because “I’m like none other,” he claims on his MySpace Web page.
Jessie, 17, will sing “As” by Stevie Wonder for the “Idol” judges…
Tarrytown ice cream crooner tries out for “Idol”
On a sweltering afternoon, Chelsea White stands behind the counter of Main Street Sweets and belts out a classic over butter pecan.
The 16-year-old’s rendition of “Over the Rainbow” fills the ice- cream shop with her strong, creamy voice, and for a moment, the customers put down their spoons and listen.
When White finishes, another sound fills the room - one of cheers mixed with applause….
Twin Falls Teen to Try Out for American Idol
A 17-year-old from Idaho has been patiently waiting for her chance to try out for the hit television show American Idol.
Now that she’s officially old enough to be a contestant, she isn’t holding anything back…
Idol Aspirations? i-Sing(TM) Helps Singers Reach For The Stars … and Hollywood!
Hit the High Notes with World’s First Interactive, Handheld MP3-Karaoke Player
There are some things you’re just not born with -Sanjaya’s hair, Jordin’s dimples and Blake’s beat-boxing skills-but aspiring Idols have a new secret weapon: i-Sing(TM). i-Sing is the world’s first interactive, handheld MP3-Karaoke player, and it is the perfect tool to help you stay in tune and stand out from the crowd. i-Sing allows users to sing along to their favorite tunes, listen to top hits, and record their own voices all at the same time.
This ultimate portable device is the ideal partner for American Idol hopefuls. More than 12,000 singers swarmed San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium to kickoff national auditions for the seventh season of American Idol. Now these aspiring stars (and singers at home!) can prepare for their big break by singing their hearts out with i-Sing….
‘Idol Gives Back’ and ‘Addiction Project’ earn top Academy honors
Fox’s “Idol Gives Back” and H-B-O’s “The Addiction Project” will receive the television academy’s 2007 Governors award.
“Idol Gives Back” joined “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and Ellen DeGeneres with musicians, humanitarians and corporate sponsors to raise more than 74 million dollars for poor, homeless and sick children in the United States and Africa….
Grim Publicity
…Winning At Mohegan
Kellie Pickler was at Mohegan Sun Friday night as part of the Hershey-sponsored Brad Paisley Bonfires and Amplifiers national tour.
The show features Paisley, Pickler, Jack Ingram and new teenage sensation Taylor Swift.
After performing, the former “American Idol” Top 10 finalist from Season 5 won $500 on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine…
Toby Keith Closes Three-Day We Fest
Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban Also Star at Minnesota Event
….American Idol champ Underwood may have the biggest selling country album of the past two years, but she received the most enthusiastic crowd reaction with a cover of Guns ‘N Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine.” She also did well-received versions of hits by Skid Row and the Pretenders, as well as her new single, “So Small.”
We Fest had an unexpected Idol moment when Bucky Covington did an unadvertised five-song cameo during Sawyer Brown’s set. Mark Miller produced Covington’s best-selling debut. The newcomer did a goofy impression of Miller’s dancing and later made a big impression with some fans by making a late-night visit to the VIP campgrounds (though he didn’t create the kind of commotion that Big & Rich and Rascal Flatts did last year when they partied with campers)…
Elliott Yamin Is 3rd American Idol Alum to Make Pop Radio Top 5
It’s been a quiet, long, and slow climb, but Elliott Yamin’s single “Wait for You”, the oldest single on the chart still making upward progress, climbed to the #4 spot this past week in pop radio airplay. This puts Yamin in the elite group of only 3 past American Idol contestants to reach the top 5 in pop radio airplay. The other 2 are Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry with his band Daughtry. It is unlikely, but there is a chance that “Wait for You” could climb all the way to #1.
Elliott Yamin’s debut self-titled album is currently resting at #84 after over 4 months on the album chart. The debut albums of both Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee, the two competitors on American Idol who finished higher than Yamin, disappeared from the chart some time back with neither spending as long on the chart as Elliott Yamin.
Rock Candy
Daughtry
…Fronted by Chris Daughtry, who finished in fourth place on Season 5 of American Idol, the band’s self-titled album sold more than a million copies in its first five weeks making it the fastest-selling debut rock album of all time, thanks to his AI worshippers. On his website’s forum, there are hundreds of posts like this one - from teeny-bopper to grown-up fans alike:
American Idol Camp Confidential
Myfoxkc.com teamed up with local Idol Camper Preston O’ffill to get a behind-the-scenes look at the first ever Idol Camp!
Click on the image to view the video.
Look who’s talking
What’s hot on talk TV
10:00 Rachael Ray. Katharine McPhee performs and talks about how she won her battle with bulimia; inside the Good Housekeeping test kitchen; at-home product testing. 7
America Has Voted: Edy’s Slow Churned(R) Take the Cake Light Ice Cream Melts Competition in American Idol Flavor Vote
…With the chance to win Idol finale tickets, a plasma screen TV and even a visit from former American Idol contestant Ace Young, approximately 600,000 online votes were tallied. After five months of campaigning, Take the Cake froze out its four competitors scooping up an official spot as a year-round flavor. The remaining flavors will exit the retail stage in September, leaving Take the Cake to bask in the spotlight among more than 30 Edy’s Slow Churned Light Ice Cream flavors…..
Former ‘Idol’ star Frenchie Davis does Broadway
THEATER: The former ‘Idol’ star will play Mahalia Jackson
Frenchie Davis was hesitant when she was offered the title role in Mahalia: A Gospel Musical because, she said, “Well, Mahalia Jackson is a legend.”
Indeed, mention Ms. Jackson’s name, and there’s a reverent hush in respect for the woman who brought gospel music to a wide audience beginning in the 1930s and continuing until her death in 1972 at 60. Ms. Jackson’s inspirational singing and spiritual presence was also an iconic part of the civil rights movement….
American Idol surprises students with opportunities beyond singing
…”It’s a chance for people not out of New York or L.A. to get a crack at it,” said Senior Producer Patrick Lynn in an interview with the Lincoln Journal-Star. “We took a look at the map and asked ourselves, ‘Where haven’t we been?’”
The stop in the Midwest, while surprising, is a welcome recognition of talent in the area, said Sade Townsell, a senior Journalism major who will be trying her hand, and voice, at the Qwest center Friday…
This week’s reviews: UGK, Kat, Jonas, Zap, Grace, Emerson & Constantine
… Ex-Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis has a “promising, wildly uneven album” that at one point, oddly, sounds like The Strokes, according to me, anyway.
Full reviews and some clips follow…
Exclusive Interview: Constantine Maroulis from ‘American Idol’ and ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’
Constantine Maroulis gained fame on the fourth season of American Idol for his sultry, smoldering looks to the camera. Now his debut, self-titled solo album will finally be released tomorrow, August 7, two years in the making…..
QUICK SPINS | NEW ON CD
Who is the real Constantine? `Idol’ finalist won’t pick a style
CONSTANTINE
For its contestants, “American Idol” is an exercise in adapting to disparate styles (Mandisa giving country a go). On his independently released debut disc, Season 4 finalist and recent “Bold & the Beautiful” star Constantine Maroulis illustrates his ability as a musical chameleon. Aside from his hearty vocals, “Constantine” is like hitting shuffle on your iPod and letting it ride. There’s Marc Anthony next to Velvet Revolver, the Strokes, the lazy shuffle of Sublime, and Hall & Oates. It’s not that he doesn’t do each style well. His version of Hedwig and the Angry Inch’s “Midnight Radio” is brilliant and moving. It’s just difficult to get a feel for his true style and personality.
Related Posts
I came across this on the Washington Post this afternoon and it illustrates what seems to happen to some female entertainers:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=397803&in_page_id=1773
She burst on the music scene three years ago lampooning the image-obsessed world of celebrity.
But after taking up an alarming fitness regime, Amy Winehouse has dropped four dress sizes and there are fears that the 22-year-old has succumbed to the pressures of showbusiness.
Take note, too, that if Amy “burst on the music scene three years ago,” she would appear to be rather late coming to the VMA Best New Artist party.
Even Carrie has been on the music scene less than three years, depending on whether that pivotal moment occurred on (1) January 2005 when AI4 premiered; (2) May 25, 2005 when she won AI4; (3) June 14, 2005 when her first single “Inside Your Heaven” was released; (4) October 31, 2005 when AOL debuted her first video for “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” or (5) November 15, 2005 when her debut album “Some Hearts” was released.
Yeah, how the heck is House going to go on without the three kids? I can’t wait to see how they resolve that. I’m also really loving the new Saving Grace that’s on Monday nights after The Closer.
Karen, I dont think it would be hard for House to carry the show without the 3 stooges. They can always get more interesting young doctors he can mentor. IMO I think they out grew their appeal.
I think Gregory House is the real draw. I like the other characters better than the interns and of the interns I liked whats his face, the Black doctor who was afraid of becoming House. He was the most interesting for me.
But after taking up an alarming fitness regime, Amy Winehouse has dropped four dress sizes and there are fears that the 22-year-old has succumbed to the pressures of showbusiness.
Sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll.
IMO, this girl is a wreck waiting to happen.
Wow…Carrie Underwood’s going to have another #1 album on her hands based on the sound of that first single. The girl had absolutely NO charisma on idol but dear Lord does she have tons on record/CD. Great voice.
Re: House and the 3 kids … The 3 kids aren’t going anywhere. They can’t get rid of half the cast at once, especially one that has intertwining, unresolved storylines in spades. Yes, people watch to see House say the things that every doctor probably WANTS to say but can’t, but it’s the way he interacts with the 3 cubs that is interesting too. They might add another doc, but I don’t think they should fix what isn’t broken.
I like Amy Winehouse. I think she is fantastic!
I agree that she is a wreck waiting to happen. That before and after pic is truly scary. Hopefully Amy will get it together.
I heard that the 3 docs aren’t leaving but will be back in different capacities. Great to see you, Dingo! I saw Clay recently in a shorter concert during our city’s 4th of July celebration. He was really good and also very personable & funny.
I went to my sisters house for a few days of vacation. While there, I veiwed their local FOX station. In Indiana there are no national tryouts for the AI competition. This local FOX station is going to hold their own auditions and accepting only 500 wannabees. The lucky winner of this competition will be sent out to Pennsylvania, and be put forward automatically(no waiting in long lines) for the finals there. Has anyone out there ever heard of this being done?
Yes, it’s happened before. Jordin won an Arizona Idol contest sponsored by a local stataion last year and was given a free pass to the second round (or judging round?) of the Seattle auditions (and went on to win the whole thing). This was after failing to get past the first rounds in the California auditions. I seem to recall that Carmen Rasmussen also passed automatically on to the second round after winning a Utah concert.
Producers have also been “encouraging” certain contestants to apply again this year. I wonder if those “encouragements” include an automatic pass from the first round cattle call.
Now there is an understatement if I ever saw one.
Honestly, I did not even realize Amy was so young. She seems like the perfect candidate for the Hollywood bunch…comprised of Lindsey, Britney, and the more sane one, Paris..
Clay will be around forever. His cd sales will ebb and flow but his concerts will surely pack them in. He is a real good entertainer.
I can’t believe Carrie is nominated over Chris for the New Artist award when both his videos aired longer than hers on VH1. How long was he at number one with those videos? Did Carrie even get to number one. Even more unbelievable, Home is nominated over It’s not over for the Monster single catagory. Now there is a catagory title made up just because…LOL
Dingo!!! Can’t believe you are back! Did you ever get to any of the Season 5 or Season 6 concerts or any individual idol’s concerts?
I knew Clay was very popular but had no idea he was still selling out concerts with that many people! Very impressive!
Just goes to show to ya that Clay is probably doing better, financially, by touring than having a top 40 hit - that musicians like him can be extremely successful despite being shunned by radio. As we all know, touring is where the money is, and since there’s only 1 of Clay, he gets it all - minus the overhead for the musicians and whatnot.
Clay isn’t my musical cup of tea, but it’s nice to hear he’s going along on his merry way.
Amy Winehouse may have been on the music scene as a whole for 3 years, but she’s pretty new to America. I don’t believe her first cd was ever released here. Just the latest one - “Back to Black”.
I hope she can get it all together, because she’s immensely talented and I love her voice and music. I don’t want to watch her fall apart.
AFAN - if you are out there reading this - get thee to Joe’s on Weed St tonight for the AI afterparty! Gina’s bf’s band is playing later on and some of the Idols may attend!!!
I’m posting updates from PJ, who’s at tonight’s concert in Chicago at Team Plaid for anyone who’s interested.
So, I just listened to Carrie’s new single…
and wow, what a voice. The bridge is a truly impressive display of vocal talent… great, great song. It’s bound to be huge (and ruined by woeful karaoke-ers everywhere!).
Hasn’t Carrie already won every award possible for her first cd? How many years can one cd be nominated? Talk about squeezing all of the milk out of a product. Seriously, I just don’t understand how she keeps being nominated for the same cd. It’s a good cd, but seriously, it’s sooooooooooooo played out IMO.
Brad Paisely is on Hannity & Colmes right now talking about if Kellie has been physically enhanced, LOL.
I think I’m the only person in the world who doesn’t like Carrie’s new single, lol. But I just don’t… and I love her voice and her first cd. Oh well.
Truth be told, Carrie has yet to really explode. Her cd has sold really well but she is not over exposed like the way LeAnne Rhimes (??)was when she had her time in the spotlight. And, Carrie is really just getting mainstream attention. It’s scary to realize that her cd is now getting some mainstream exposure with all that it has already sold.
I must be the only person in the USA that does not have her first CD and won’t be buying the second one either. She’s got a good voice, but her presentation and style don’t ruffle my skirt - she’s still robotic and I find her quite boring, honestly - oh yea, I really hate country music too.
I have HUGE scoop from the concert from PJ!
After Phil and Gina’s duet, Phil introduced Gina’s boyfriend Joe, who came out onstage and proposed to her!
Congratulations, Gina and Joe! :)
Dingo, so good to see you, hope all is well. “Battle of the Bands” sounds a lot cooler than the lame “The Next Great American Band”, lol.
Great for Gina! Hope someone eventually signs her up.
The question is……
Did Gina accept?
I don’t think PJ would have been calling me excited about the scoop if Gina didn’t accept. ;)
Carrie has grown on me. I actually prefer not to see her and just hear her sing. She comes across much better on record.
Clay and Taylor are the opposite…they are at their best live.
Amy Winehouse is phenomenal, but those before and after pix are pretty sad. I hope she can pull herself together.
You’re not the only one that doesn’t have Carrie’s CD, Griz. I love country music, but to me she is boring.
I don’t have Carrie’s CD either,and, don’t plan on buying it. I like 3 songs from her album, and, that’s it. I heard her new single, and, blech - I don’t really like it. But, to each his/her own.
For some reason, I can’t access the new headline thread. :(
New Elliott blog:
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
August 1, 2007 Experience
Wow, today was amazing! I am so glad that I was able to contribute to the successful start of the Promise Campaign. As the Promise to Remember Me Campaign’s International Co-Chair, I’ve been busy promoting the campaign on my music tour, and was very excited for it to finally begin.
To launch the Promise campaign on August 1, I flew into DC for a meeting with the representative from my hometown of Richmond, VA, Rep. Eric Cantor. Some other JDRF advocates from his district, the Schutt family and Mike Anderson, joined me and Congressman Cantor to officially launch the campaign.
During the event, I was able to share my story of living with diabetes, along with seven year old Ned Schutt and Mike Anderson who was diagnosed with type 1 in his 30s. We were able to make the points that you can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child, as a teenager, or as an adult, and it is with you every minute of every day. I also had the opportunity to talk about the importance of renewing the Special Diabetes Program in order to avoid a 35% drop in funding for type 1 diabetes research. Congressman Cantor expressed his strong support for working with me and JDRF to renew the program this year. It was awesome to hear first-hand of his commitment to helping with this important effort in Congress. The event couldn’t have been better, as we are so close to finding a cure! Congressman Cantor gave Ned, Mike, and me his “promise” to remember us and be a leader on working to increase federal support for diabetes research.
So after this meeting, I blitzed Capitol Hill to visit with other Representatives who will play important roles in extending the Special Diabetes Program. It was great to be able to thank them for their efforts in person and tell them my story. It was clear that all of them understand the challenges of living with type 1 diabetes and are committed to this important effort. I met with Rep. Lois Capps (CA), Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD), and Rep. Zack Space (OH). I also talked about the role that they can play in the Promise Campaign by hosting JDRF families in their district offices for meetings.
Now, I’m headed back on the road, but I’m definitely counting on you to register for a Promise meeting in your area today. I’ll be cheering you on and getting more kids and families to participate in the Promise Campaign by making announcements about the program while I’m on tour. I’ll also be checking the Promise Website to read about the meetings that are taking place all over the country. So let’s all keep working — together we can make this Promise a reality!
I encourage you to get involved and to meet or get in contact with your individual congressmen.
To learn more, please visit http://promise.jdrf.org/video-welcome.aspx
I look forward to hearing back from you…
Elliott
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=61700104&blogID=296969009
(I’m thinking Elliott did not personally write this one.)
Thanks for the blog post. Elliott is actually very well spoken. When posting his normal blogs, which are really to his “friends” it’s not as important to use spell check and complete sentences. This JDRF campaign, which he co-chairs, is very important to him. He was also writing a blog for the official JDRF campaign so he had be professional about it.
It’s great that he is working so hard for this cause. I hope that Congress “remembers” when it’s time for them to vote on the bill(s) to extend the funding for diabetes research.