DAUGHTRY TO KICK-OFF SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN AT DALLAS COWBOYS THANKSGIVING GAME
On Friday, October 30th, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones and The Salvation Army’s Major George Hood announced the featured artist for the 2009 Thanksgiving Day Red Kettle Kick-off will be Grammy-nominated Daughtry. The rock band will perform live during the nationally televised halftime show during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the Oakland Raiders. This will be the first Thanksgiving game to be played in the new, $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX.
For the past 12 years, the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game halftime show has officially launched the Red Kettle Christmas campaign on a national stage, becoming an annual holiday tradition. Since the partnership began in 1997, the annual Red Kettle campaign has raised more than $1.17 billion, which has helped the army serve nearly 30 million people each year nationwide. Last year, the campaign raised a record $130 million.
American Idol’s Anoop Desai On Adam Lambert’s Rejected, ‘Edgier’ Album Covers
Whatever you think of American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert’s debut album cover, it was supposed to be that way. Aight, bro/mom? But as Movieline discovered last night when talking to Idol sixth-place finisher Anoop Desai at Gen Art’s 12th annual ‘Fresh Faces in Fashion’ runway show in Los Angeles, the now-famous sleeve could’ve ended up much different ‘†and funnier.
The 22-year-old balladeer (and hardcore Swingers fan) told Movieline that he not only saw the final For Your Consideration’s artwork, but he saw other contenders.
‘I have seen the album, I have,’ he said. ‘He was in between two album covers, and I actually picked the one that didn’t get chosen. I liked the other one a lot; I don’t know if he wants me to talk about it ‘†but it was edgier. His album cover now is totally the glam thing, what he’s going for. I’m proud of it.’
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Adam Lambert Debuts New Single, ‘For Your Entertainment’”
After unveiling his debut-album cover earlier this week ‘†which depicts a look he called “deliberately campy” ‘†Adam Lambert made an appearance on “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” to present his first single, “For Your Entertainment,” and chat with the host.
“I am so excited, I popped right out of bed,” he said. “Turn it up really loud, guys! I know it’s really early, but turn it up!” Seacrest then hit play. “For Your Entertainment” is a synth-heavy pop club tune or, as Lambert put it, “dance music with a glam rock shuffle beat.” There are echoes of Lady Gaga, countless ’80s tunes and, during the chorus, “Fame.” He doesn’t show off his vocal range until the end, when he unleashes some of his signature yells.
Adam Lambert Debuts Disco-Glam Single ‘For Your Entertainment’
Adam Lambert premiered ‘For Your Entertainment,’ the first single from his debut album of the same name, on On Air with Ryan Seacrest this morning. A press release promises that ‘For Your Entertainment’ will be available as a stream on the AdamOfficial Website and a download on digital music services later in the day. ‘Hope you’re gonna wanna blast it while you’re gettin ready for Halloween!! Then at the club!!!,’ Lambert tweeted minutes before the song’s first radio spin.
Alice Cooper Schedules Christmas Pudding 2009: Warrant, Lita Ford, Dee Snider Coming
Phoenix-based shock rock icon Alice Cooper has scheduled his ninth annual holiday show, Christmas Pudding. The Christmas-themed variety show is a blend of comedy, music, and dance and will take place on Friday, December 18 at Dodge Theatre.
This year’s acts has a heavily hair-metal bent. Besides Alice Cooper and fellow Valley-dwellers Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, the show has Warrant, Dee Snider from Twisted Sister, and Lita Ford.
Former TV personality and current Celebrity Theatre announcer Brad Perry’s band and American Idol contestant and valley native Scott MacIntyre also join in.
Carrie Underwood Opens Up to Robin Roberts
You have to wait 12 more days until the actual special premieres on Nov. 10. But right this minute you can get some very cool behind-the-scenes interview footage from In The Spotlight With Robin Roberts on ABC. She went down south to get the inside scoop on Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw and more. But in a special section on their Web site today are great mini-clips with plenty of stand-out moments.
Pathos, Pride and The Color Purple at the Arsht Center
As the curtain rose on The Color Purple’s long-awaited Miami run, a young woman on stage suffered labor pains as a joyous church congregation sang of the glories of the Lord. Then the gossiping church ladies and bombastic preacher disappeared as Celie, the play’s protagonist surrendered her newborn son to her rapist father.
These opening scenes were the production’s attempt to balance the weight of Celie’s struggle as a poor black girl in rural Georgia with the celebration and humor audiences expect from musicals. At the Arsht until November 1, the production generally succeeds despite flawed performances and pacing. The vocals and music, based on the Alice Walker’s 1983 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name and produced by Oprah Winfrey, were excellent, with performers belting out their joy and sorrow in a way that felt right for the characters.
Natalie Grant, Melinda Doolittle join The Katinas for benefit concert to aid Samoa tsunami victims
Natalie Grant and American Idol’s Melinda Doolittle are just two of the artists who joined The Katinas for a benefit concert last month to help the tsunami-ravaged islands of Samoa and American Samoa. The Katinas are natives of American Samoa and lost extended family in the disaster. The brothers have been scheduling benefit concerts to help raise $60,000 in aid. The Katinas have been doing regular mission trips to their native homeland, and before the tsunami hit had a trip already scheduled for this month. To find out how to help, visit The Katinas’ Web sites, www.TheKatinas.com or www.Hope4Samoa.com.
‘Grease’s’ Teen Angel is an Idol
Few people write their memoirs at age 31. But few people are Taylor Hicks, who for the record turned 33 on Oct. 7.
He was season five’s “American Idol” winner. But beyond that, who is he?
Beginning Tuesday at Barbara B. Mann Hall in Fort Myers, he’s the Teen Angel in “Grease.”
Growing up, he was the only son of Alabama high school sweethearts who lost that lovin’ feeling early on, if you believe “Heart Full of Soul,” that autobiography published in 2007.
From the first chapter,
Pride beat ‘Idol’ veteran Blake Lewis brings his unique style to Pride stage
When Atlanta Pride unveiled this year’s entertainment lineup, one name stood out for its marquee value and its novelty ‘†‘American Idol’ veteran Blake Lewis.
Lewis was runner-up to Jordin Sparks on the sixth season of the show back in 2007. Although he is not gay, he certainly has his share of gay fans.
Known primarily for his beatboxing numbers and his unorthodox style, Lewis will perform numbers from his new album ‘Heartbreak on Vinyl’ as Sunday’s headlining act.
David Archuleta Is Writing A Book ‘Chords Of Strength’
A new product on Amazon has just been announced that we are beyond excited for, and we bet a lot of you will be too!
It has just been confirmed that David Archuleta is penning a memoir titled ‘Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance’ phew, that title is a mouthful!
The hardcover price is $22.95 and can currently be pre-ordered at Amazon.com.
The release date is currently set for March 4, 2010.
Who’s buying a copy?
Review: Clarkson proves vocal prowess
A half-packed Pershing Center rocked out to the indestructible vocal range of Kelly Clarkson on Thursday night following an enthusiastic Eric Hutchinson opener.
Pop soul singer Hutchinson succeeded in getting the crowd to its feet with his witty banter and raw voice, which tripped up and down the scale in his bass-driven tunes.
His on-the-spot songwriting was sure to impress and definitely was a highlight of his set.
But as soon as the original “American Idol” winner hit the stage with the title track off her latest album, “All I Ever Wanted,” Clarkson took the show to a whole new level.
Life is good for ‘loser’
It’s not just first-place winners who reap rewards.
Good things happen to also-rans, too, such as Chris Daughtry, the fourth-place finisher on the fifth season of American Idol.
The 29-year-old rocker from North Carolina lost out to Efraym Yamin (third), Katharine McPhee (runner-up), and Taylor Hicks (winner).
Maksim: ‘DWTS’ not working
‘Dancing With the Stars” hoofer Maksim Chmerkovskiy took a shot at the ABC reality show — calling this season’s workload “insane.”
“On top of preparing a knockout dance, everyone has their main dance and the mambo group number,” he wrote on his blog at tvguide.com.
“It’s insane. This season is one of the hardest things ever,” Chmerkovskiy continued. “I think it will be re-thought during the off-season.”
The Russian-born professional dancer, who was teamed with since-eliminated actress Debi Mazar this season, went on to say that he believes ABC is working everyone on the show too hard.
Cowell praying for ‘Jedward’ exit
X Factor judge Simon Cowell says he is “praying” Irish twins John and Edward Grimes do not win the ITV talent show.
“If they win, it will be a complete and utter disaster,” he said. “I’d probably sulk for about six months [and] get on a very fast plane out of the country.”
The 18-year-old duo – dubbed ‘Jedward’ by their many fans – are one of nine acts left in this year’s series.
“I don’t dislike them as people,” added Cowell. “I just don’t think they are the act we were looking for.”
Getting to know Orianthi
She’s performed with Steve Vai and Santana, and Pop & Hiss has already raved about her scene-stealing appearance with Carrie Underwood at this year’s Grammy Awards.
Right now, filmgoers across the country are seeing her in “Michael Jackson’s This Is It.” Had Jackson’s comeback concerts gone on as planned, Orianthi would be the guitar slinger next to the King of Pop. Her debut album, “Believe,” was released this week, and she’ll be featured in Friday’s Calendar section.
Here is an excerpt of Orianthi discussing her time rehearsing with Jackson. Steve Appleford wrote the story. After the jump, view rehearsal footage of Jackson and Orianthi.
DWTS’ Karina Scolds Aaron for His Twilight Blunder
Aaron Carter didn’t exactly get spanked by Karina Smirnoff because he’s lacking in the Twilight appreciation department, but she did give him a good talkin’.
Earlier this week, Carter got a lot of flack from Twi fans because not only didn’t he do cartwheels for being compared to Robert Pattinson on Dancing With the Stars, but he admitted he still hadn’t seen Twilight.
“I told Aaron, ‘Don’t put that out there. What if Rob does the next season of Dancing With the Stars?! I want him to come and dance,’ ” laughed Smirnoff.
just got in from a day away from computer & caught up w/MJs. Cookie’s twitter made me teary too; can’t exactly say why. I hope this coming year is another fantastic one for him, the band, and us fans.
re his December break – it sure seems I remember DC saying in some interview that Andrew graduates college this month.
I think it’s cool that TOML is still being heard. I walked into a clothing store with my daughter today & heard CBTM on the sound system.
just saw on Twitter that some of the guys from Cook’s band are at the Viper Room watching the CrashKings. Ah, twitter stalking.
lydia, I think you should always be semi-drunk when posting, because you smacked some nails right on the head with that one!
Ever since I saw Allison’s pre-Idol live performance of Piece Of My Heart, I’ve been drooling over the idea of a Cook/Iraheta tour! Meanwhile, certain other AI alumni can go do musically mediocre pop craptastic songs if they want, to borrow your colorful phrase.
JohnM, funny you are mentioning Cook and Allison. Check out this tweet from Cook.
#thedavidcook
@Allison4Realzzz when and where are you guys playing?
Two women in her band, I guess Cookie got interested. (j/k)
But that’s really cool if he has the chance to see her live.
I swear I hear that song everywhere I go. David, you might try to run from the Rainbow but… I don’t think you can really, truly hide
For some reason I just love the idea of him going to see Allison’s show. Aw.
#KrisAllen4Real What’s everyone gonna be for H-Ween? That’s right I said H-Ween!
LOL. H-Ween, eh?
He’s definitely a fan. I’m still hoping for a rocking duet at some point down the line. Maybe when she’s a legal adult, we don’t want Cookie squeaked out by her being 17…just ask Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Yes, I saw that, and I’m trying not to get too excited by it. Somebody like him can bring along another artist’s career by being interested enough to add them as an opening act.
Ha! Great obscure reference! Okay, I suppose it’s not that obscure to Cook fanatics and their spouses — not that I fall into the latter category or anything…
After all, you never come to the end of a Rainbow…
Some of us are still here
I’ve been here since Season 5, and this happens every year. The summer and fall after Season 5 was all about Taylor and a bunch of Taylor vs. Kat or Taylor vs. daughtry fan wars. After Season 6, it seemed all about Blake (although no one seemed to have bought that CD – so I don’t know what happend to all of those fans LOL). Season 7, this place turned into Cooktard central with lots of David vs. David fanwars. This stuff is all par for the course.
MJ posts the news, and clearly Adam is making a lot of it. That brings more of his fans over here, who weren’t necessarily MJ visitors beforehand.
But, in looking to the right, I see posts about David A, JPL, Pickler, Kelly Clarkson, Danny Gokey, Kris & Adam. And, the headlines thread always include any past contestant mentioned in a news article that day.
Once the new season starts, we’ll be back to picking those new people apart with a fine tooth comb and we won’t have as much time to spend on any one previous contestant. At that point, the people who actually need a news item on their favorite every day, spend more time at their fansites and less time here.
Also, in case you haven’t noticed, MJ is also covering DWTS & SYTYCD right now. Those posts show up the evenings when those shows are on.
Since this blog is an American Idol Blog I post because I became interested in the idols through the show. And I have had my favorites over the years…and have watched many that I were very thankful that they crashed and burned.
I personally read all of the threads because what the idols are doing interests me….and sometimes that entails reading a lot of trivial stuff. It’s funny to me how peeps keep a thread going by talking endlessly about an Idol’s new haircut or the absurd twitter they sent…but it’s really interesting to see how idols are perceived when they really do something…like release an album cover or a new single or perform on tour.
So, to be fair, in order for an idol to be talked about they really need to do something and keep the interest up. If they fall off the visibility radar its pretty hard to just talk about an idol to be just talking about them…that isn’t comment worthy IMHO.
Not to mention all the space given to Glee.
ANOTHER DEMO GUYS:
If I Had You
http://www.ainow.org/index.php/tidbits/1252-adam-lambert-qfor-your-entertainmentq-tracklisting
Hmm, informative.
Very Josie-and-the-Pussycats of her.
I don’t quite get that. It is a scripted dramedy, so it doesn’t feel as compelling to me to follow them. If these “kids” don’t make it, they just move on to their next acting gig.
Speaking of this, what’s going on with Allison’s Friday I’ll Be Over U? Any word on the itunes release or release to radio??
LOL
The free iTunes downloads of the 2012 TIme for Miracles music video, in all resoluions from iPod up to 1080p, are spectacular.
Watch out for file sizes on the high def versions. The 720p version, which fills a 21 inch monitor at actual size, is 175 megabytes. Click for previews and figure out what size you need before getting the free download.
I forget about how much I love Cookie till I see him doing an interview or tweeting and then I remember why I voted about 1000 times for him in the finale. He is the most earnest guy I’ve ever seen. He just seems to be having a good time wherever he is. And of course, he is killer in concert. WTF with Lie, tho? Is RCA ever going to release that song? Geez. I am one of those ppl who love and always have loved ToML (sorry, David), and clearly I am not the only one, given the bazillion spins it gets every week. I also have to say that I would like less band, more acoustic David, but then I am a sucker for acoustic music, and I mean from Cook to Daughtry.
I saw the B+ rating for Adam’s TfM; it got the highest marks except for the one for Leona *yawn* Lewis. Maybe this will get iTunes or someone to release it? I lurrrve it. Come on, RCA/19. I want to download it LEGALLY.
Shhhh, don’t let RCA know we actually want a live tour CD. If we bitch and moan that releasing a Live at XXXX DeTour CD for the holidays is a horrible idea and possibly career suicide for Cookie, then and only then am I sure it will actually happen. Unlike Santa Fuller *smooches for Cookwood* and the tour fairy *thx for the Florida date woo hoo*, the grinchy label seems to respond best to reverse psychology. (Course, the truth is that I want a live DeTour CD/DVD for Christmas more than I want world peace and a magical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flying car, and all three seem equally likely at this point, she says, trying not to jinx it…)
In other words, I like you Headlines Thread and Imma let you finish, but David Cook is the greatest Idol of all time. Of ALL TIME. Lydia, you are not an angry drunk or a sloppy drunk…you are totes a Kanye drunk! Ha ha. Loves it.
Zombie VooDoo Magic Rainbow interrupts this thread to wish everyone an H-Ween pumpkin full of Skittles. And also, mmmm, brainz.
Ohhhh, snapppp!!!! Somehow I have this vague feeling you don’t actually want to know….
oops
Eh, I don’t want Lava Girl touring with David Cook. She’s going for a pop/rock/punk sound. Not post-grunge stuff like him.