American Idol’s Josh Gracin Welcomes a Daughter!
American Idol finalist Josh Gracin is a dad for the fourth time!
The country singer, 28, and his wife, Ann Marie Stevens, welcomed daughter Isabella Sophia Wednesday afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee, a rep for the singer confirms Usmagazine.com.
Isabella joins sisters Briana, 6, and Gabby, 23 months, and brother Landon, 3.
Chesney, Paisley, Sugarland are winners at Country Music Awards
There was no changing of the guard at the 42nd annual Country Music Assn. Awards on Wednesday night at the Sommet Center in Nashville.
Kenny Chesney repeated as entertainer of the year, winning the top prize for the fourth time in five years. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood also repeated in the male and female vocalist of the year categories.
For the third consecutive time in her young career, “American Idol” champ Underwood won female vocalist of the year. She took the stage to receive her award minutes after singing the tragic war ballad “Just a Dream.”
“Mom, it’s real hard to sing when you’re in the second row crying,” Underwood said from the podium.
Country star Taylor Swift set to rule album chart
Country sensation Taylor Swift is on course to earn her first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart when data are released next Wednesday.
Universal Music Group, which is distributing “Fearless,” is projecting that it could move upwards of 600,000 copies by the close of business on Sunday. That would easily rank as the best sales week for a country album this year.
Other albums set to debut within the top 10 on the Billboard 200 next week include “American Idol” runner-up David Archuleta’s self-titled debut, hip-hop star T-Pain’s “Thr33 Ringz,” the “Now 29″ compilation, and Irish singer Enya’s “And Winter Came…”
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
2008 CMAs: The Best (ahem, Sugarland) and Worst
Hey, the CMAs happened. It’s country music’s biggest night! Except for that other big night they have in Vegas in May where they rearrange the acronym and do it all over again! And dear god, PopWatchers, was it loooong. Why was it soooo looooong? My esteemed colleague Chris Willman was there in person, and I can only hope that at some point today he’ll weigh in on that question for us. Because from my couch in L.A., it was like a Chevy commercial that wouldn’t end but instead kept bumping up against an ad for Ambien starring Jewel. To misquote an old proverb employed by host Brad Paisley in order to introduce the Eagles in the dullest way possible: When you drink from a well, and that well was dug by the CMAs, don’t operate heavy machinery.
David Archuleta’s Album Debut’s
With the highest-ranking debut single release of any American Idol contestant ever, the expectations for David Archuleta’s newly-released self-titled album, are high, to say the least. But after spending time with David and Jeff Archuleta this summer working on tracks for David’s original songs, my perspective is that as his album battles it out for the top rankings on Billboard’s charts, the battle before the album was even released was arguably far more brutal.
David Archuleta’s future revenge: Grammys galore?
Take heart, David Archuleta fans. Just shrug off the ridicule and insults being heaped on your hero by cynical music journalists now that Archuleta’s debut CD is out. You knew it was coming. It doesn’t mean they’re right — or that David Archuleta will not get ultimate revenge.
Music journos tend to be guys with a desperate, inexplicable need to prove their masculinity by trying to assassinate anybody who croons great schmaltz. Remember how they tried to lynch James Blunt just for the audacity of singing “You’re Beautiful” so well — and meaning it? These are the same dudes who have to go into loud gagging fits whenever they hear a Celine Dion song.
All of those chaps don’t whine in their songs about “me, me, me,” but they enthusiastically sell their adoration for “you, you, you.” As the Vulture blog at New York Magazine points out, 11 of the 12 songs on David Archuleta’s debut CD are addressed to “you.” Smart.
Also, the songs are truly smart, as musical compositions go. “Crush” — the CD’s first single spinoff — is a terrific, well-crafted tune, like other winners on the disc, such as “A Little Too Not Over You” and “Barriers.”
Exclusive David Cook Pictures at Sessions
It’s been a wild ride for David Cook since winning ‘American Idol’ in May. The Texas-born singer broke Billboard chart records with a slew of singles, including the aptly-titled ‘Time of My Life,’ and has since been in the throes of promotion, landing the big prize last month with the coveted ‘SNL’ musical guest spot.
We wanted in on the fun, too. So, in anticipation of the release of Cook’s self-titled album on Nov. 18, we invited the singer to our Sessions studio, where AOL Music freelance photographer Sebastian Mlynarsky said Cook was “a charismatic and an energetic chap. At first he was very guarded and relied on his entourage for support. [But] when we started shooting he immediately relaxed and was up for some good fun. He loves the camera and the camera seems to return the favor.” Get a sneak peek at the event with exclusive pictures of ‘Idol’s’ Season Seven king, and check back next week for his live performance and interview.
“Idol” David Cook says CD comes out “guns blazing”
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A year ago David Cook was a struggling musician with just $30 in the bank, competing for a spot on top-rated television talent show “American Idol.”
On November 18, “Idol” winner Cook debuts his self-titled album that he said was made by his own rules and “comes out of the gates with all guns blazing.”
“The record is different from what people saw on ‘American Idol.’ I was able to make a rock record that to me is eclectic. But I don’t think I have completely alienated the people who supported me,” said Cook.
David Cook (2008)
If you’re expecting Daughtry 2: Post-Grunge Boogaloo, well…you’re about right. Cook is clearly built in the guy-linered mold of that earlier Idol alum, though his debut owes just as much to the expert hands that craft it, including producers Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance) and Brian Howes (Hinder, Chris Cornell). They give David Cook’s clutch of bombastic verse-chorus- verse rockers an impressive melodic sheen, one well suited to Cook’s husky, expressive vocals. If anything, the series of booming midtempo anthems (most notable among them “Bar-ba-sol” and “Mr. Sensitive”) could use a little sandpapering around the edges. B
American Idol Daily: Let the giving back begin
With all “American Idol” has given us as a nation, America should feel guilty about taking anything more. But take we must, because “Idol” is giving back once again.
Today, Idol Gives Back, the charitable arm of the “American Idol” complex, announced the disbursements of funds raised in its 2008 telethon. The show, which aired in April featuring guest appearances by a multitude of stars such as Bono and Ben Stiller, raised $64 million to benefit children-centric charities in the U.S. and Africa. In a press release to be issued today, IGB announced it had selected the following groups as this year’s beneficiaries of the telethon: Children’s Defense Fund; Children’s Health Fund; The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Make It Right; Malaria No More; and the U.S. Programs of Save the Children.
“The fact that ‘American Idol’ has the ability to inspire millions, create hope and change lives is simply remarkable,†said “Idol” creator, executive producer and IGB mastermind Simon Fuller in the press statement. “We are extremely thankful to our viewers, sponsors and outstanding talent who continue to motivate each and every one of us to contribute to those who need it the most.â€
Former ‘Idol’ Stars React to Paula Abdul Fan Tragedy
Former “American Idol” stars Carrie Underwood and Diana DeGarmo took a moment at Wednesday night’s Country Music Awards to reflect on Paula Goodspeed, the “Idol” hopeful who apparently committed suicide near judge Paula Abdul’s house Tuesday night. Do they think fans sometimes take their idols too seriously?
“Nobody knows what was going on in that person’s life, and nobody knows if there were things outside of her fandom that were causing her to want to end it,” Carrie tells ET, “so it’s really hard to analyze a situation like that and know why somebody did that. The only person that knows is that person. It’s very, very unfortunate.”
NBC announces stars for Christmas tree telecast
NEW YORK (AP) — Lots of talent will be present for NBC’s annual “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” telecast.
Hosted by Al Roker, this 76th formal tree lighting ceremony will feature Beyonce, Tony Bennett, the Jonas Brothers, Harry Connick Jr., David Cook and Rosie O’Donnell, the network said Wednesday.
Other scheduled performers include Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, “America’s Got Talent” winner Neal E. Boyd and singer-songwriter Solange Knowles, as well as the Broadway Kids, students in a performing arts program founded by O’Donnell.
They will perform from Rockefeller Center’s Art Deco plaza in the heart of Manhattan.
The live, hourlong special airs 8 p.m. EST Dec. 3.
‘American Idol’ Alum Josiah Leming Says Recording Album Has Been ‘Humbling’
And it’s in moments like this that you catch a glimpse of the old Josiah — the fresh-faced, slightly cocky kid from rural Tennessee, the one who wouldn’t take “no” for an answer, slept in his car and dismissed the band on “American Idol.” It’s a fleeting moment, of course, because for the most part, that Josiah is gone. He was shelved on the day Leming inked a major-label deal with Warner Music Group’s Reprise Records and realized that flying off the handle, raging against the machine and biting the hand that feeds him are no longer options.
“It’s definitely taken a personal re-evaluation,” he said. “I’ve had to grow up. I’m not a kid anymore. I can’t be running around, sticking my hands in sh–, you know? I’ve got to be a bit more mature about things, and handle things the right way. Because I’m not only in the public eye, I’m in the eye of a lot of people who are putting a lot of effort, time, passion and money into me. If I f— up, it makes my label look bad, it makes the management look bad, it makes the fans look bad. So, really, a lot of responsibility has been added.
Ruben Studdard Stops By WETM
Elmira, N.Y. (WETM-TV) - A celebrity’s in town, and we’re a little bit star-struck here at WETM-TV.
American Idol winner (2003) and Grammy nominee Ruben Studdard joined us live in our studio Thursday morning during WETM 18 News Today to talk about his big stage debut in Elmira.
Studdard, along with two other former American Idol contestants (Frenchie Davis and Trenyce Cobbins) are among a cast of five in “Ain’t Misbehavin,’” which premiers at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Clemens Center.
‘Just me being Chris’ For Chris Sligh, it’s not so bad being voted off ‘Idol’: ‘There’s a relief, and you can sleep.’
Imagine being kicked out of Vanderbilt University in Nashville for liking Alan Jackson or getting the heave-ho from Jack Black’s School of Rock for seeing AC/DC.
That’s pretty much what happened to Chris Sligh, the former “American Idol” finalist who’ll perform tonight in Erie at Forward Hall. He was thrown out of Bob Jones University, a Protestant fundamentalist school, after he saw Christian rock band 4Him.
Programs like “Meal or No Meal” and “My Street 16″ Promote National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
Viewers can go to www.homelessyouthTV.com and “sponsor” their favorite program on the network for $1, the proceeds of which will be donated to various Virgin Mobile USA charity partners supporting homeless youth, such as Green Chimneys and StandUp For Kids. Viewers who sponsor a show will have their names listed in the show’s “credits” and have the opportunity to promote the program to friends. Virgin Mobile USA will match the first $10,000 in total donations.
In addition, two winners (and their friends) will be selected at random from a text-to-win campaign to participate in the HYTV’s first-ever “real” reality show: an opportunity to spend “24 Hours on the Street” with former reality TV star and 2006 “American Idol” contestant, Ace Young. Interested contestants can text “REAL” to 99464 for the opportunity to win (standard text messaging rates apply). The video project, examining the world of homeless youth, will debut at www.VirginMobileUSA.com/regeneration in 2009.
Cheryl Burke: My Partner “Made Me Forget About” My Weight Scandal
Maurice Greene - the latest Dancing With the Stars casualty - tells Usmagazine.com his time on the ABC show has been “a rollercoaster ride.
“It’s a lot of ups and downs. But at the end of every rollercoaster, you always feel good!” he told Us Tuesday after his elimination.
The 34-year-old Olympic gold medalist and partner Cheryl Burke received a total score of 48 out of 60 from judges for their quickstep and paso doble routines Monday.
Marie Osmond’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Prediction!
In a whirlwind of excitement, Marie — the Las Vegas star and “DWTS” self-proclaimed “fourth unofficial judge” — takes a quick break from performing on stage with her brother Donny, to watch the hit ABC series with ET. The always bubbly Marie gives her backstage “DWTS” tips that viewers at home might not know!
“As you get into the semi-finals you make more money. That means a lot to the pros so they get tougher and tougher on the celebrity,” the mother of eight reveals. “And it’s important to the celebrity because all the extra money that we might make goes into physical therapy,” she jokes.
Tour brings reality dancers to Tampa
The great thing about reality TV contests is that it creates a cult phenomenon out of a simple concept while turning ordinary people into stars.
For instance, the hit show “So You Think You Can Dance,†has surged a large interest in dance while making people like 26-year-old Stephen Boss — better known as Twitch — a household name in the industry. “The exposure is incredible,†said Twitch, who was runner-up to 19-year-old Joshua Allen last season. “It’s one of those life experiences that is like nothing else. It’s a good time for dancing with the media giving it attention. I just hope it still remains authentic.â€
Authentic as in not too commercialized. Not too watered down for television. True dance is inspired from the heart.
New Review for Archie
MJO is reporting that Michael’s Christmas song, “Another Christmasâ€, will be released on iTunes on Tuesday, December 9th, with proceeds therefrom going to charity. MJO says it will put up artwork and song snippet later.
Rolling Stone review for Archie.
2 1/2 stars
It sounds to me like Josiah is admitting that the rumors of AI threatening to sue him if he were to release his album are in fact not true.
About.com review for Archie.
4 stars (out of 5)
Am I missing something? So the blurb made it sound like the photographer had a full-on session with DC prior to the AOL Sessions, but there were only 2 rather tame posed pictures and one live-action shot of him singing… I was expecting more =P.
ETA: I am putting my post in the thread it apparently belongs. Heh. :b
This line in this review succintly sums up all we’ve been trying to express about David:
http://top40.about.com/od/albums/fr/davidarchuleta.htm
I’ve no need to read another review… That VOICE is what sets him apart on the pop charts. David is the first male pop teen star to emerge from Idol, and his addition in the world of Pop-ular music will be indeed welcome. It will be wonderful to watch him grow and mature artistically, and the possibility of watching his teens fans grow and follow him into that maturity opens the door to a very successful career… So much to look forward to with David, and I’m so glad to be a part of this excitement.
Rollingstone review for David Cook.
I have to agree somewhat about the song “I Did it For You”. I like it, but I would have preferred a more rocking out song like Bar-ba-sol!
I didn’t see this posted here but I’m on 106.7 Lite FM’s mailing list and just got this
http://www.1067litefm.com/pages/news/davidcook/
They also pimp Archie’s CD to stream and play up the whole “Do you love the Davids?”angle LOL
Well at least they BOTH got 2 1/2 stars from Rolling Stone…
So the Davids got the same pretty harsh and hard to understand reviews from RS…
Beside this one there’s nice bunch of interesting and positive articles about DA, especially LAT put a smile on my face.
AP interview with Archie. Here’s a little teaser…
^Nice article, Thanks Ozarka…
KTU 103.5 FM radio interview with Archie which aired yesterday.
Photo Gallery
LMAO at this article!!!!
David Archuleta: PG Playboy
snip-
And while David hasn’t exactly become one of the great rock ‘n’ roll womanizers, it sounds like he’s getting around a bit — in the most innocent way possible, of course.
“I’m not, like, seriously dating — I’ll go on fun dates,” he told NYTimes.com.
MTV Article and video
‘American Idol’ Runner-Up David Archuleta Shows His Range On Debut Album
‘I tried to give as much as a variety as I could, just to show different sides,’ singer says of self-titled LP.
“If I did any more ballads, I didn’t want to fall into that little place where I [was] stuck on the show. I wanted to show that I’m not just Mr. Ballad. I’m 17 and I love music. Maybe in the future the music will mature as I mature.”
——————
Mi TRL performance(videoed from a tv, lol)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMYT6kvVfvQ
LOL Froggie, that articles is to much…
Thanks for those posts, froggie! Below are a couple of better quality videos of the miTRL show, courtesy of Fans of David…
David Archuleta Crush miTRL 11/13/08
David Archuleta miTRL interview 11/13/08
Thanks Ozarka I was wating for that. aww I thought he would at least say a few words in Spanish. Loved the performance! Voice as good as recorded David haha.
Yes, it’s too bad. As I’m sure you know, David is very self-conscious of his “broken†Spanish. I wish someone would help him to realize that people are not going to be judgmental if he messes up a few words here and there. They will just find it endearing that he even makes the attempt.
people magazine review of the davids albums
http://fansofdavid.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/picture-38.png
cook: 2.5/4 stars
archie: 3/4 stars
^They could have pic a better picture of Cook for the magazine… he remind me of a pirate in that picture IMHO… Good grades for both D´s
Usually, I’m suspicious of celebrities who take to the streets to try to “understand” what it’s like to be homeless. I mean, it’s not like they can’t go back to their comfortable lifestyles.
But, since this is billed as raising awareness, I’m down with it. I even entered. ;-)
^Good luck!!!!!
No hotlinking from FOD. This works:
http://i38.tinypic.com/rh7csj.png
Why didn’t they just use the album cover like they did for Archie? Or actually, that’s from the cover photo shoot… but still.
Doesn’t that picture remind you a little of those drunk guys that thinks he super sexy and hits on you while you’re waiting at the bar trying to get the bartender’s attention because it took you a half hour just to get up to the bar due to the massive crowd of people who never seem to move out of the way after they get their drinks. And the guy says something really lame like, “you don’t really want that girly drink do you?” with this smirky smile on his face, as if you were just turning 21 and didn’t know anything about ordering a drink. And you’re still completely sober so you notice that, for some reason, there’s one too many buttons unbuttoned on his shirt and this strange curly chest hair is sticking out, making you think of your creepy color-blind science teacher from the 11th grade who never quite got that leaving your shirt partially unbuttoned when teaching at an all-girls school probably isn’t the best idea. Now you’re having damaging high school flashbacks, you still haven’t gotten your drink, and your friends are too far away to save you from this guy, who is now telling you all about how his last girlfriend was an underwear model, as if that’s something a girl really wants to have a conversation about. By this time your heels are killing you and you’ve been stork standing for about 40 minutes, switching from one leg to another, hoping your drink will arrive so you can gracefully get lost in the large crowd of people, half of whom are also guys with one too many buttons unbuttoned on their shirts.
Or is that just me?
At least they didn’t use the stupid AI boxing pictures for the David’s. I’ve been anticipating them popping back up. LOL!
LOL lisa…… haha
Side-by-side, it looks like he’s slyly stepping on Archie’s wee little toe with his big bad elf boots and Archie is about to cry. Eh, I like that picture of Cook, at least he has an expression on his face. I thought it was going to be the Light On cover before I clicked on it. I like pirates.
What I’m gathering from reviewers so far about Cook’s album is that they expected him to make the alternative rock album of the year. (Never mind that alternative rock would never play his music even if he came up with, well “Nevermind.”) By saying he holds his own against bands like Daughtry, but they need something more, I think they’ve really set the bar too high. I’m not hearing a whole lot of innovation from “rock” bands that play on HAC and Top 40. Or maybe I just need a cup of coffee.
No, we all have been there…
lol…
Nothing wrong with pirates, Go Jhonny Depp, but certanly you will agree with me that there is a lot of better pictures of Mr. Cook out there…
I have being getting the impresion that some reviewers were exoecting to much of both Davids, the best pop or rock, the best vocals, it seem like they forget that they have literally like 5 months to make an album and almost three of those months both Davids were in the tour…
Well good luck to both Davids…
Critics don’t usually care how long it took to make an album. They’re judging the finished product. Idol people usually get a harder time in general but since winners/runners up from the show get top notch producers and songwriters to work with, I’d say it’s a wash. There’s actually less David v. David stuff than I thought. I guess they’re so different it makes no sense.
David made it in to trendhunters