Rock of Ages Aims for Spring Bow on Broadway
Rock of Ages, the off-Broadway musical that rocks out to the sound of ‘80s so-called hair bands, is eyeing a Broadway run. The show, written by Chris D’Arienzo and directed by Kristin Hanggi, is aiming for a spring bow, possibly at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
The musical currently plays at New World Stages and features American Idol alum Constantine Maroulis, Will Swenson, Kelli Barrett, Nova Bergeron, Adam, Mitchell Jarvis, Michele Mais, Lauren Molina, Brian Munn, Angel Reed, Paul Schoeffler, Wesley Taylor, Savannah Wise, Jackie Burns, Lara Janine, Tad Wilson and Jeremy Woodward.
Ramiele Malubay Arrives in the Philippines
Ramiele Malubay arrived yesterday to perform in The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings with the Idols, slated for Dec. 20 and 21 at Aliw Theater, which is topbilled by Ogie Alcasid and also features Pinoy Idol grand winner Gretchen Espina and Brian’s band Menaya.
Of course, you remember Ramiele as one of the two Filipinos (the other being Reynaldo Lapuz) who competed in this year’s American Idol (Season 7) search.
Is Ramiele going back to rejoin her family in L.A. after the concert?
“No,†Ramiele told Funfare during an exclusive interview last week at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. where she watched the Let’s Celebrate concert of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, “I’m staying for three months and try my luck (there).â€
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
2008: The year politics saturated our pop culture
MAY: HARRISON FORD returns as Indiana Jones — at age 65! We doubt Hollywood would be so kind to a 65-year-old actress. And speaking of older women, they’re said to be behind the “American Idol” victory of 25-year-old DAVID COOK, who beats the baby-faced 17-year-old, DAVID ARCHULETA, breaking the hearts of countless tween girls.
David Cook on the rise; Kristy Lee Cook…eh, not so much
Two Cook’s go on the highest rated TV show–one is breaking records all over the place, with 11 songs from his first album debuting on Billboard’s Hot 100, while the other was given her second chance on a major label, yet has already been dropped. A harrowing riddle? Nope. Just the unfortunate truth of what can happen once you’ve been on Idol.
According to americanidol.com, David Cook has had the highest number of new entries in a single week by an artist since The Beatles in 1964. His self-titled major-label debut entered the Billboard charts at No. 3, and is currently the No. 1 album on the digital album chart. Kristy Lee Cook, on the other hand, released a single called “15 Minutes Of Shame,” which was eerily accurate in predicting her future. The USA Today blog, Idol Chatter, has the scoop:
Jingle Ball is a packed party
LOWELL - A concert sponsored by a radio station is the perfect snapshot of who’s hot right now. Sets usually last 20 minutes, giving performers the spotlight long enough to peddle the song that got them on the bill in the first place. For some of them, 20 minutes is just right.
Oddly enough, there’s little regard for who plays these shows; often the artists have absolutely nothing in common except a radio hit. Only at KISS 108’s Jingle Ball Thursday night at Tsongas Arena could you watch tween sensation David Archuleta flash his open-mouthed smile one minute and then witness emo rockers Hinder take the stage and announce, “This one’s called ‘Get Stoned.’ ”
AI Takes Back Instead Of Gives Back
Paula what have you done!
Fox’s Jill Hudson is refusing to comment on reports from an AI fansite that the reality TV show is canceling its annual charity event.
For the past 2 years the Idol Gives Back special has collected donations to benefit needy kids in the US and in Africa. The specials have included such big acts as Bono and Miley Cyrus.
The rumor is that the event is canceled for this year.
‘American Idol’ may ax its charity after 2 years
NEW YORK (AP) — For two years, “American Idol” was giving back. Now it may be taking back.
The Fox network’s Jill Hudson isn’t commenting on a report from an “Idol” fan Web site that the annual “Idol Gives Back” charity event has been canceled.
Earlier this week, mjsbigblog.com quoted from what it said was an internal Fox memo declaring, “there will be no Idol Gives Back.”
Finally, an American Idol Contestant Who Moves Up in The World
When Zachary Travis appeared on Fox’s perennial paean to pop, American Idol in 2006, Simon Cowell took one look at the long haired boy singing Whitney Houston’s “Queen of the Night” in a blouse and high heels and declared him to be “confused.” Well, Travis never made it to Hollywood, but like many a failed actor before him, he made it to the San Fernando Valley, home of oranges and porn.
And he’s not growing oranges. Working under the name Kirk Cummings, Travis has been seen in videos for Falcon, Channel 1, Hot House and Studio 2000 and on the cover of Freshmen.
The Sword, which broke the story, reports that Travis isn’t all that shy about his new career and that even his Mom supports it:
Amanda Overmyer rocks!
I seldom really promote Idols’ albums anymore - quite honestly, other than Bo Bice’s See the Light, there haven’t been many in the past few years that I can say I’m all that crazy about. So, when I heard Season 7 11th place finisher Amanda Overmyer had released an indie CD, I said, “So what.”
Man, was I wrong. Solidify is an eclectic mix of thumping guitar, southern tinged rock, with just a taste of metal that makes me bop my head and smile! What’s cool is that Amanda was able to put out something authentic the first time out, unlike other Idols whose first albums were totally homogenized (can you say Bo Bice). Yup, this one’s a keeper.
Will Paula Abdul Stay on Idol?
“With all the heat that has been put on the show and producers for what they did, believe it or not, the ball might be in Paula’s court,” says the source, who confirms that conversations with producers have been ongoing. “She started talking to FOX about her contract a few weeks ago and they’re in the middle of negotiating right now. She’s now planning on going back [after this eighth season]. Expect an announcement fairly soon once they hammer everything out.”
As the eighth season of Idol approaches, Abdul, who is launching her jewelry line on HSN Friday, plans to report for duty.
A rep for Abdul confirms, “She’s going on the show. Absolutely. She’s looking forward to it, she’s doing press to promote it. She’s going to be as big of a part of American Idol as she’s always been. It’s going to be an exciting season.”
Paula Abdul Jewelry Line Discounted Before Sales Begin
Paula Abdul is launching her new jewelry line on the Home Shopping Network on Friday (December 12th) night, and the products have already been discounted. The New York Daily News reports that earrings, bracelets and necklaces from her HSN Forever Your Girl line are all marked down by up to 25 percent. Her branding manager Rob Bailey and a HSN rep said they’re unsure why a markdown has been issued already. The current collection features 23 items ranging in pre-sale price from $29 to $200.
OK, now to the substance of this post - Paula Abdul is not leaving “American Idol.”
Here’s why: Fox, 19 Entertainment (headed by Dr. Evil), and Fremantle are negotiating with her agents/managers/handlers at this moment for a $3 million raise, on top of her $7 mill per annum salary.
Radar reported this exclusively just yesterday.
I believe Radar; I’m less apt to believe MSNBC, which has her out the door, if only because money always, always, ALWAYS trumps everything in the TV biz.
Paula still pee-ohed about the sad Paula Goodspeed business? She’ll get over it the minute the check arrives.
Why Paula Abdul is forever ‘American Idol’s’ girl
Paula Abdul has been telling people that the producers of “American Idol” have failed to protect her.
If this is true, it’s shocking. Shocking that the producers would let a valuable asset like Abdul be in jeopardy for even one second. They should build a fortress around her and have it guarded by the most battle-hardened Marines. Because every time Paula opens her mouth (and sometimes she doesn’t even have to expend the energy to do that), controversy is stirred. Celebrity reporters feel their pulses quicken. Stories erupt. And this makes the PR job much easier for her main employer, Fox’s “American Idol” (back for Season 8 next month, in what is surely just a coincidence). This woman is worth more gold than any Senate seat.
Nigel Lythgoe Defends ‘Idol’ In Wake Of Criticisms From Paula Abdul
Nigel, however, said he does not remember things happening that way and said they would not have knowingly put a stalker on the show.
“Not to my awareness, Billy,†he said. “I can’t go back and deny that didn’t happen. We are talking about three years ago and many, many hundreds of auditions later.
“However, if that did happen it was still not the thought that she was dangerous to Paula or dangerous to herself,†Nigel continued. “That was three years ago and when Goodspeed did what she did [last month], the unfortunate actions that she took, [were] three years later. To sort of tie that to an audition on ‘American Idol’ I find… upsetting.â€
‘Idols’ sing with Ogie
AFTER the presentation, ‘Ogie Sings with the Idols’, there shall be no more distinction between ‘Pinoy Idol’ and ‘Philippine Idol’.
Participants from the two shows, both patterned after the international hit series, ‘American Idol’, have been tapped to perform with Ogie Alcasid in a landmark two- night concert series on Dec. 20 and 21 at the Aliw Theater in Pasay.
Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Michael W. Smith paid tribute to the season on Tuesday at the Wells Fargo Theatre.
Smith was also backed by a number of talented vocalists, most notably George Huff of “American Idol†fame, who belted out a number that made me feel like calling him dog. However, it was the traditional Christmas songs that were the most disappointing. I have always felt that Christian music was cheesy, but oddly enough the few overtly Christian songs he performed felt visceral and powerful while “Gloria in Excelsis Deo†felt forced and superficial.
JPL for the Holidays
Jon Peter Lewis will be kicking off a night of great music for an equally great cause at the legendary Mint club in Los Angeles on December 21. The annual Rock 4 Food event will be taking donations of clothing, blankets and food for the homeless. Bring in something to donate, and you’ll get a break on the ticket price! Jon takes the stage at 7 PM.
The Latest on Phil Stacey
Phil Stacey has been anything but idle since “Idol”–with a country album under his belt as well as a tour to promote it, the season six contestant’s career is going strong. This Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars are bringing Phil back to perform the National Anthem. He will also be performing in a concert with Julianne Hough of “Dancing with the Stars” on April 23, 2009, in Huntington, West Virginia. Tickets for the show at the Veterans Memorial Fieldhouse go on sale this Monday, December 15, at ticketmaster.com.
Phil is also one of the many former Idols to get in on the holiday fun. He is featured on the CD, CoolSide of Yuletide, which is put out by the Young People’s Chorus out of New York City. According the YPC’s blog, they will be putting a “unique twist on holiday favorites,” as well as including some original songs. Phil sings the latter, performing with the YPC on a song called “How Many Angels”.
‘Idol’ alum Sligh working hard for Lord
Sligh, 30, was eliminated from American Idol’s Season 6 on March 28, 2007.
Since then, he has climbed the ranks of contemporary Christian music. His single “Empty Me” rose to number six on the Christian music charts.
The Franklin, Tenn., resident said the NewSong Christmas Tour Celebration, which stopped at Brookhaven’s Easthaven Baptist Church Thursday night, has been a great opportunity to get to know his fellow artists. The tour also includes contemporary Christian artists NewSong, Rush of Fools and Ayiesha Woods.
The country rocker
I have this theory about Carrie Underwood, the Oklahoma-born Barbie who won American Idol a few years back. Beneath the perfect blond locks and sleeping-beauty smile there lurks a rogue rock chick dying to claw out. Don’t believe me? Her show setlists and iPod playlist are peppered with metal heroes. Her brassy high notes belong in a Heart song, not a hoedown. Her band is well-versed in the Who. And she loves lasers. Loves them. Not enough evidence? Just wait for her encore.
X Factor finalists set for showdown in Britain
LONDON (AFP) — A Northern Irish teenager, a modern day Whitney Houston and a boyband will battle on British television on Saturday for a million pound recording contract and the chance at music stardom.
Up to 15 million viewers are set to watch the X Factor final in Britain with the three remaining finalists hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of past successful winners Leona Lewis and Leon Jackson.
Although the final has been billed as one of the most closely contested in years, the bookies’ favourite is Alexandra Burke, the 20-year-old powerful singer from north London attracting odds of 8/13 at Ladbrokes.
Redlands native tapped for ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Lacey Schwimmer practically grew up in her dad’s dance studio in Redlands, spending years learning the trade and competing. When she was asked to join the cast of last season’s “Dancing with the Stars” she jumped at the opportunity.
Viewers watched the ABC show as Lacey and her partner, former ‘N Sync boy-band celebrity Lance Bass, competed with the two other couples for the Mirror Ball trophy during the show’s season finale in November.
They finished in third place.
Cheryl Burke: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ tour
Two-time “Dancing With the Stars” champion Cheryl Burke has all the right moves, but she also has her heart in the right place when it comes to dancing. For Burke, 24 - who’s been nominated twice for Emmys for her choreography - that means giving back to the community she grew up in, as well as teaching at her new dance studio in San Francisco and using her celebrity charm to promote one of the causes she holds dear: physical fitness. We caught up with Burke before she embarked on a 38-city “Dancing With the Stars” tour with partner Maurice Greene.
Dancing With The Stars: Exclusive Interview with Corky Ballas
Corky Ballas became a household name this September when he was partnered with the talented and funny Cloris Leachman on Dancing With The Stars. However, long before he and his son Mark joined the hit show, he was very well known in the ballroom world, winning several championships with his partner and ex-wife Shirley Ballas. Corky was kind enough to let me interview him about his experiences on the show, what it was like working with a legendary actress and being a teacher to three of the show’s most popular dancers.
HOW DID CORKY GET INVOLVED IN THE BALLROOM WORLD?
WOW…a former auditioner going the porn route.
How does one tell his/her parents that your new career path in life revolves around getting paid to screw strangers…on film??? I’m thinking my parental units would not have been so understanding and supportive…let alone excited about attending the Porn Awards….gah!!! What does one wear to the Porn Awards???
I can always count on MJ to bring me all the news….LOL!! Thanks MJ
Heh, I was wondering how long it’ll take someone to jump on the “Cooks” angle to highlight KLC’s drop. Not very long.
Someone on another board used an ambiguous title to announce the news, something like “Cook dropped by label”, and people were flailing all over the place. Evil!
So I guess it’s safe to assume that things didn’t work out for Ramiele with Disney?
Cool review of Carrie’s concert. I’m intrigued about her show for the first time. Not a country fan, but I really dig her voice, and it sounds like she rocks out a bit, which I can definitely get behind. If I get the chance, I’d have to check her out live.
TMZ is reporting that Jennifer Hudson cancelled her video shoot…still not ready to go back to work. Too bad, I hope she overcomes.
That item has been sitting out on my front page since last night.
Archie is number 6 in the Top Leading Man in VH1….
Jason Mraz is Number 1
I don’t quite understand that list. Why is Kid Rock on there twice?
I think it’s just a collection of videos with men in them that they like. They’re not ranked or numbered, just listed in a little group.
Slezak posted his list of Top 16 Idol performances ever over on EW.com. The list is very much Slezak. Three S7 Idols make his list and it’s probably not much a surprise based on his tastes.
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20171835_20189900,00.html
The term “leading man” is used to refer to an actor who plays the principal male role in a movie or play. So I think this is a list of male artists who have played an acting role in their own videos. Kid Rock had two videos.
Adding to the list of S7 folks releasing Christmas music, looks like Jason has a version of White Christmas that will be available to download from Amazon starting Monday.
http://www.amazon.com/White-Christmas/dp/B001NR8FMY/ref=sr_f3_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1229219731&sr=103-1
The preview is up. The pic looks weirdly photoshopped, but the song seems nice.
Mandisa from Season 5 was just on Huckabee, a show on Foxs News. She sang, “Little Drummer Boy.” It will be rebroadcast later, is someone cares to capture it. She is magnificent!
Are the Michael Johns fans watching the David Foster special on PBS tonight?
Oh, OK. That makes sense! Thanks ozarka.
I am watching Pauler on HSN right now selling her jewelry. It is “interesting”.
I think this was posted around 2 weeks before this season finale…
Cruz, nevermind then. I don’t remember ever seeing this one before. I remember Slezak doing one of his top S7 performances at the end of the show. Either way, no big deal.
Awww, why can’t this be on itunes?
According to the peeps at Jason’s concert tonight, White Christmas will be a free download. He played it tonight. If you can’t tell, it’s with the uke.
Thanks for the clip of Jason’s version of White Christmas. Looking forward to the full version. I definitely recognized the uke.
In other news, Blake was in NYC recently. At the beginning of this clip, he mentions signing a new deal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxQl73py3mg
I saw the David Foster and Friends special on Great Performances on PBS (in Chicago) tonight. Two of Foster’s “friends” are Michael Johns and Katherine McPhee. Both did an excellent job.
Johns sang the theme from St Elmo’s Fire. McPhee sang Somewhere (There’s a Place for Us) from West Side Story. Later, she came back and did a duet (The Prayer) with Andria Bochelli.
Check out #5:
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/hot-guys/hottest-guys-2008
“From sweet to downright delicious, we take a look at the eye candy that got us through the year and left us aching for more.”
Woot. Well, of course a cookie is sweet and delicious! We’ve known that for a long time now. I’m not even going to talk about the aching for more. :)
“He then went on to produce a great album.”
Why yes he did.
Well, Cosmo knows its facts. Minus the Jonas Brothers (who left me aching for less) and a few others, they put together a pretty decent list.
Video from Jason’s Garland stint…
Sweet Medicine
Just listened to the little snip of Jason’s White Christmas. He is playing the ukulele in it, and I actually liked it (with the ukulele). I think I’ll purchase it.
White Christmas at Garland
According to reports, this is Jason’s set list (not in order):
Hallelujah
Its Alright With Me
So Fast
Daydream
Sweet Medicine
*new song*
Love Uncompromised
Shine your Light
White Christmas
Look what I found on the front page of Yahoo!
“Big changes for ‘ Idol’”
You click the link and it takes you to “OMG!” Yahoo. Lookie what I found:
“In a memo from FOX Network Program Executive Council, leaked on the Internet and published on mjsbigblog.com, “Idol” is expanding.”
http://omg.yahoo.com/news/changes-coming-to-american-idols-season-8/16537?nc
MJ has most definitely made the big times, hehehe.
Way to go DC for making the “Hottest Guys of 2008″ in Cosmo no less!!!
Thank you for the link FolkFan.
Thanks for Jason, Purplesmile! I like his rendition of White Christmas, uke & the falsetto and the Jason phrasing - good stuff.
MJ’s THE SOURCE. Hehehehe. Hilarious. Nobody else has this info. I love it.
I hear that Ken Warwick is holding a press conference Monday… :).
Agreed, Gwen - MJ rules! :)