What does `American Idol’ have to do with the Super Bowl?
It starts with Ryan Seacrest, a guy who just makes you think football, interviewing celebrities (undoubtedly from Fox shows) on a red carpet. A red carpet. For football. Is nothing sacred? Later, Paula Abdul will debut her new video in which she attempts to talk coherently, and, I agree, that was too mean. Paula’s video, by the way, was produced by Randy Jackson. The mind reels.
The national anthem will be sung by last year’s “Idol” champ, Jordan Sparks. Simon Cowell is staying away, probably because he’s smart but possibly because he’s British.
Paula Planning Big Comeback
Paula Abdul is not content to just release a song on American Idol judge Randy Jackson’s upcoming compilation.
The Straight Up singer, who hasn’t released an album in over a ten years, has announced on her official website that she’s working on a new CD.
“New Paula Abdul album coming summer 2008,” the site promises.
Sanjaya Malakar - Jordin Sparks - Superbowl Charity Event
Thanks to the super-sleuthjayas at Dazeoffire here are some links to news and performances from the Jordin Sparks SuperBowl Charity Event in Arizona yesterday.
With slackers in the mix, ‘American Idol’s’ true talent can’t really shine
And so the understated “American Idol” Season 7 audition tour glides to an understated final stop in Miami.
Co-executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has dangled the very specific number three as the quantity of unmistakable earth-shattering talents we would meet in the preseason. Though this critic is more of a theater gourmand than a licensed arbiter of musical abilities, I nonetheless am not quite sure which three he was talking about. Along this audition trail we have met a good number, perhaps as many as 20, of very credible talents with great growth potential (not to mention tear-jerking back stories). But I can’t say I’ve had the “Oh my God” moment that I remember when first watching Katharine McPhee or Melinda Doolittle sing.
Jordin Sparks at the Super Bowl
PHOENIX (AP) — She’s just a rookie, and already Jordin Sparks is going further in the NFL than her father. Only 2 1/2 months after the youngest “American Idol” winner released her debut album, the teen is set to perform the national anthem Sunday at the Super Bowl. In nine years as a pro cornerback, pop Phillippi Sparks never reached the big game.
“I said, ‘Dad, I’m singing at the Super Bowl,’” she said Thursday. “He said, ‘At least one of us made it.’”
No surprise about which team she’ll root for when the New York Giants play the New England Patriots. Her dad spent all but one season with the Giants.
“There definitely is a tie with them,” the 18-year-old Sparks said. “I got to go for the underdogs.”
LiveDaily Interview: Jordin Sparks
During an interview before the “American Idols Live!” show in Jordin Sparks [ tickets ]’ hometown of Glendale, AZ, last summer, the sixth-season winner said there’s nothing she wanted more than to sing the national anthem at the 2008 Super Bowl. Clad at the time in an Arizona Cardinals jersey, she was ready to play the part.
Since then, her dream has come true. The daughter of ex-football star Phillippi Sparks will kick off Sunday’s Super Bowl in Glendale.
American TV, Fil-Ams and the Filipinos
PHILADELPHIA, PA — We squirm when American TV murderously criticizes our nurses and medical practitioners in the US. We are riled and endlessly annoyed when American TV criticizes our country, our people or any of our professionals.
Yet we totally adore it when a Filipino or a Fil-Am is embraced by American media and toasted as someone extremely gifted. But we do nothing when one of our own “murders” himself on the same show that lent fame to another some years back.
On the road: A full house greets Urban, Underwood
Location: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.
Attendance: A sellout crowd of 7,600
The event: Country superstars Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood opened their co-headlining Love, Pain & the whole crazy Carnival Ride tour Thursday night with the first of two concerts at the Mohegan Sun Casino.
The De-Idolizing of Phil Stacey
Country stars always talk about paying their dues, playing for tip jars night after night in Nashville’s honkytonks. But to go country after you’ve done American Idol, you have to work that much harder to break on through to the other side.
That’s what former AI contestant Phil Stacey’s up to now: courting county radio, one conference room at a time. If you thought it was hard to shine when you sang for 18,000 fans in an arena, try doing it in a 20’ x 20’ meeting room at 10 a.m. He has the vocal chops and the easy charm to pull it off, but it ain’t easy singing to an industry crowd. Actually, “crowd” is the wrong word. More like 20 employees sitting around a conference table with bagels and coffee. It couldn’t possibly be as nerve-wracking as auditioning for Simon, Paula and Randy. Still, it is an audition of sorts. Just more like a try-out for country radio success.
The Forge chosen as name for Birmingham entertainment district
Birmingham’s downtown entertainment district will be called The Forge, a name that links the city’s past with its future.
The $40 million district, which includes clubs, restaurants, and shops, is being developed by Performa Entertainment Real Estate in partnership with the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). Alabama American Idols Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard each plan to open a club in The Forge.
Gone Country Is Rich in Ratings
CMT’s Gone Country ratings are big — no, make that rich! The show, hosted by John Rich of Big & Rich, drew more than 10.5 million total viewers during the premiere and repeat telecasts this past weekend. The premiere ranks as the network’s highest-rated series debut since the launch of The Ultimate Coyote Ugly Search in 2006.
The first episode of Gone Country introduced the seven singers - Bobby Brown, Carnie Wilson, Dee Snider, Diana DeGarmo, Julio Iglesias Jr., Maureen McCormick and Sisqo - to each other and to viewers.
Kellie’s ‘USO Diary’ airdate set; Kimberley on ‘Lyrics’
Idol news bites to start the day. Kellie spent four days in Baghdad on a USO tour, and Great American Country cameras followed her around to create a “video diary” called, fittingly, Kellie Pickler: My USO Diary. It premieres Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. ET and encores Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Here’s to you, Mr. Robinson
Who can say that they know a finalist from one of the highest-rated reality television shows of the past decade and a cast member of a critically acclaimed production being seen by thousands of people around the country?
A proud number of students and faculty on both Rider campuses, that’s who.
Anwar Robinson, a 2001 graduate of Westminster Choir College (WCC), was a finalist on season four of American Idol and now portrays Tom Collins in a multi-city tour of the Broadway musical RENT.
“All musicians have to be reminded that if you know what you want, you have to keep looking up to achieve that goal and Anwar is a perfect example of that,” said senior Edward Whittle, SGA vice president on the Princeton campus.
‘American Idol’: At auditions’ end
And so the understated audition tour glides to an understated final stop in Miami. In interviews, Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe dangled the very specific number three as the quantity of unmistakable earth-shattering talents we would meet in the pre-season.
Though admittedly, this critic is more of a theater gourmand than a licensed arbiter of musical abilities, I nonetheless am not quite sure of which three he was talking about. I feel that along this audition trail we have met a good number, as many as 20 or so, of very credible talents with great growth potential (not to mention tear-jerking back stories). But I can’t say I’ve had the “Oh My God” moment that I remember when first gazing upon Katharine McPhee or Melinda Doolittle.
‘American Idol’ Recap: Show Rediscovers Britney’s Ex, Reality-TV Vets, Simon’s Mean Streak
Viewers miffed that Simon has been more Dr. Phil than Dr. Evil so far this season will be delighted to hear that the Cowell Scowl returned with a vengeance on Wednesday night’s Miami audition show. Whether he was calling Paula’s short dress “really slutty” or sarcastically praising the failed “Idol” spinoff “American Juniors” (”I just love hearing children that age sing”), it was clear that the bratty Brit was in no mood to be patient or Paula-like.
Things got off to a deliciously retro start with an homage to the “Miami Vice” opening credits (the TV show, not the “realistic” 2006 Michael Mann movie). Seacrest stood before the 10,000 aspiring Idols in the same exact spot where we rolled out the red (and white) carpets when the VMAs were in Miami. Pssst, Ryan, did you find an iPod containing an ungodly number of Meat Loaf songs down there? I left mine in one of the production trucks back in ‘05. If so, please return to me. Not all of us make your ridonculous salary.
American Idol: Welcome to Miami
In Miami, Simon finally dared to ask the question that has been on the minds of “American Idol” viewers for over six years now: What is in Paula’s Coke cup? Alas, we may never know.
The Miami audition show was far more interesting than that of Omaha. Many of the good performers were pretty darn good, and the bad were entertainingly bad. Except for the “I’ll Make Love to You” guy. They built him up too much, and the result was more tedious than hilarious.
Here’s the rundown:
American Idol: Miami Auditions
It looks like Idol may have listened to me; I always knew I had that kind of pull. What made last night’s episode such an improvement on the season thus far was continued tonight. We spent a lot less time on pointless back stories and a lot more time on the singing. In all honesty, I bet these changes really are in response to the feedback and reviews the show’s been getting this year so far. After all, the footage is already shot, so how hard would it be to do some last minute editing before it goes to air.
American Idol: 24 Hours Later, Chris Still on Cloud Nine
And just when Chris didn’t think things could get any better, TV Guide called, and will fly him out next week for a gig.
“Friday morning I’m going to be filming Idol wrap with Justin Guarini and Kimberly Caldwell, they’re past Idol contestants and we’re just going to talk about AI next week and stuff about auditions and everything. I can’t believe they chose me and it’s crazy.” TV Guide will be flying him out next Thursday to tape the Idol wrap.
Two from Jacksonville on Way to American Idol Competition
Two Northeast Florida people found friendship really is golden, with American Idol judges Simon Crowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson giving them both golden tickets for this year’s competition.
The two, Corliss Smith, 20, and Brittany Wescott, 20, of Jacksonville, were among 17 contestants chosen from the hundreds at American Idol’s auditions in Miami to go to the first round of competition in Hollywood.
Iowa man advances on American Idol
JoAnn Grimm always knew that someone from Charlotte would finally put the tiny Clinton County town on the map.
Grimm, the owner of Dad’s Place bar and restaurant, said she is not surprised that it turned out to be 24-year-old Leo Marlowe, who wowed “American Idol” judges on Tuesday night’s show with his smooth voice and friendly personality.
“He always said he was going to go into acting,” Grimm said Wednesday as the town reveled over Marlowe’s successful audition on the most-watched program in America. “Every time he would get up to sing karaoke here, the people would get really quiet so they could hear him.”
Christina Tolisano Maury Makeover February 13th
American Idol Season 7 Princess Leia reject Christina Tolisano is getting a makeover on You Are Not The Father!, perhaps better known as the Maury Show. The twenty-four year old Connecticut native, who tanked during her Philly Idol audition, will receive a head to toe makeover on the February 13th episode of the syndicated talk show. And get this-Christina’s singing again! Look out for a performance of Melissa Etheridge’s “I’m the Only One” during the Star Wars fanatic’s Maury appearance.
Idol’s Most Memorable Auditions
The freaks, the stalkers and the ones who got away. Here are the best moments so far from this year’s American Idol auditions
Stratham teen says Idol judges ‘mean’ and ‘rude’
To millions of television viewers Wednesday, 17-year-old Julie Dubela’s audition for “American Idol” appeared to go badly, very badly, with the judges rejecting and insulting her.
But Dubela, a well known and popular local singer, said the edited version of events presented by the show distorted what really happened.
“I feel like they tried to make the judges look like God and me the fool of the century,” she said. “They make it look like (the judges) were giving me constructive criticism and I broke out in this diva fit. But it’s like, what do you do then? They were being rude and I was trying to get that constructive criticism.”
This summer she began working with Mercury/Universal Records in New York and Boston on recording and artist development and is currently working to get a record deal.
“That’s one bugaboo I have with ‘American Idol.’ It’s like, congratulations, you’re a singer. But that’s where it ends,” she said. “I’m trying to refine myself as an artist. I plan on expanding my horizons so I am a marketable asset, not another American Idol.”
Melbourne singer advances on ‘American Idol’
Robbie Carrico is headed to Hollywood.
On the Wednesday night episode of “American Idol,” all three judges gave the 25-year-old Melbourne man a “yes” after hearing his version of Lynryd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.”
Simon Cowell said, “It was quite good,” and Randy Jackson said, “You got a nice voice. It was kind of cool.”
Carrico, frontman for rock band Missing Picket, already knows a little of what to expect in the music business, not only from playing local shows and touring with his band for five years, but also from his boy band beginnings. He was a member of the Orlando-based Boyz N Girlz United in 1999 and 2000.
DUAL DIVAS: Jacksonville ’sisters’ win over those Idol judges
Two Jacksonville women won the hearts of the judges and a trip to Hollywood and American Idol.
In the Idol episode that aired Wednesday, Corliss Smith, 20, and Brittany Wescott, 21, were among 17 contestants chosen from the hundreds at American Idol auditions in Miami to go to the first round of competition in Hollywood.
The episode was actually filmed about two months ago, and the women have already spent their week in Hollywood, where about 160 contestants are narrowed to 24. They’re back in Jacksonville, but are prohibited from talking about the show and whether they made it as two of the 24 finalists.
Episodes that air on Feb. 12 and 13 will show elimination down to those final 24.
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OMG, I have been looking forward to watching Abdul for days now. All I want to know is at what specific time (down to the second) the train wreck will begin.
The anthem is being sung by JORDIN? How anti climatic is that. I tune in to watch stars and they give me Jordin and Abdul. now Im depressed.
I also tune in to watch the Giants kick ass but thats another topic for another day.
Boy, the LA Times writer doesn’t even know that there is one more stop in Atlanta, calling Miami the final audition stop. A simple fact check would be nice. I hope they do a better job of checking facts on articles about things that really matter.
ETA: Go Giants!!!
Sweet satisfaction. Julie Dubela pays the price for making me watch American Juniors!!!
p.s. Lucy — if you are out there, you should try out next year. You were the best little American Junior evah!
This self-amusement thing can’t be good for me, can it?
Askmen.com just listed their top 99 women. Two idols made the list:
Carrie Underwood #23
Kat McPhee #43
Quite a few models on the list. I didn’t know guys were so into fashion *heh*
#1 was Katherine Heigl of Grey’s Anatomy and Knocked Up.
Judging American Idols as real people
by Tony Nauroth
February 01, 2008
This has been a subject stuck in my craw for some time now, and it perhaps opens a small window into what we go through as a news organization from time to time.
Some celebrities think they’re such hot stuff they don’t want to bother talking to the little people who have made idols of them. In this case, it’s American Idols.
Christina getting a makeover on Maury gives me the creeps for some reason. Maybe it’s Maury that gives me the creeps.
Oh and good luck Miss Refined Artist. *rolls eyes*
A red carpet at the superbowl noo it is not an award show…it is a sporting event and I hope “American Idol” is not written on the field. Imo it just tarnishes the game it just does not seem right and I hope fox does not have it on next year.
Yes I hope the Giants do well and thier secondary is in better shape because New England with Brady at the helm is playing for the 19-0.
What do Jordin and Chris D. have in common (other than being the TPTB’s supposed chosen ones)? Well, Jordin has a big pop hit, Tattoo; Chris has a (big) tattoo. Jordin will be singing at the Super Bowl; Chris will be on your toilet bowl. ;)
Celebs Sign eBay ‘Toilet Tattoos’ to Fight Cancer
“Toilet Tattoos” are removable, reusable and (get your giggles out now) wipe-clean toilet lid decorations that offer a variety of patterns and themes….Famous folk lending their “John Hancocks” to these “john covers” include Joe Montegna, Chris Daughtry, Ernest Borgnine and John Salley.
wired blog network
Wow, I thought this was going to be just another AI blurb on the local popular daily but I was surprised to see it is a long, “analytical” piece on the subject(s). My surprise was short-lived, though, for when I glanced at the by-line, I realized that the author is a former schoolmate of mine, one of the brighter ones in his law class. I’m not sure I agree with all of his views (I thought he might have been a bit too harsh on Renaldo Lapuz), but I especially noticed he isn’t exactly well-versed on the, err, Jasmine Trias “phenomenon” in America. (He obviously didn’t read MJ’s Miami recap. Heh. :p)
I do agree, though, that, modesty aside, my country is indeed “a wonderful source of (musical) talent.” ;) Heck, I’m probably one of only a handful here who can’t sing to save their lives. (Not that I don’t try, but that’s another story. LOL)
Wednesday night Fox according to Nielsenestimates, the Fox program delivered the nightlargest audiences by far, 25.3 million viewers at 8 for American Idol,
NYTimes
The ratings still would have others shows dream for but I am sure Ai producers thought be better with the writters strike.
From yesterday’s “The Scoop”
Sneak peak at Abdul’s halftime show
Despite the disappointing news that Paula Abdul’s upcoming Super Bowl performance had to be pretaped, there’s still plenty of buzz surrounding the “Idol” judge’s stage presence.
According to a source involved with the pretape, Abdul is excited to unveil a new look by makeup artist Mezhgan that will leave viewers “shocked.” What can you expect? “She’ll be wildly sexy” is all the source would say.
But one thing is certain: Abdul’s relationship with QVC played a part in the transformation. If you saw Abdul’s reality show “Hey Paula,” you know that her relationship with the television retailer seemed, um, contentious at times. However, Abdul must have had some cache with the network because Mezhgan will appear on QVC after the big game to sell the products she used on Abdul.
MSNBC
That’s funny. Mezghan was in the Paula post pimping her makeup. lol.
Chris Daughtry is sure getting his name out there…….but toilet lid tattoos? A much classier effort he’s involved in is The Celebrity Italian Table Cookbook Program.
http://www.barillaus.com/Pages/Home.aspx
There’s a downloadable cookbook with recipes from various celebrities that Mario Batali made into “real” recipes. He then added an appetizer and dessert. For each cookbook that is downloaded Barilla will donate $1.00 to Second Harvest. The goal? To eradicate hunger in America. Great cause and very classy presentation!
Wow! Class-y. I guess tacky people want to fight cancer too. Good on them. Money is money and cancer needs a cure.
For the celebs, I suppose that being on the lid is better than being in the bowl. On the other hand, I need to go buy some brain bleach because I’m starting to create the Top 10 Most Disturbing Celebrity Charity Fundraisers and I’m creeping myself out.
That post cracked me up. She also said Paula invited her to the Superbowl where she would be performing live - NOT.
Kat McPhee is very attractive, physically, and I think she should concentrate on modelling while trying to hone some other skills for a future livelihood. I do think her boobs looked weird in that last shot in that link tho.
Is Phil getting his single played on the country charts? I was reading the article about him and was wondering…. he seem like a really good guy and I like his voice. I dont ever listen to country stations though.
He’s debuted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart this week at #55…
Speaking of Paula getting a new *wildly sexy* look, they needed to do something because she was looking wildly old. Is it just me or is she really starting to look hagard here lately?
Thanks MJ. That’s great news about Phil! He’s definitely got a terrific voice!
All this talk about bitty d and tiolets seats made me start thinking —
You know, his head is shaped like a tiolet seat. Really. Think about it.