SWORN NOT TO TELLAS the opening sequence of last Wednesday’s crucial episode of “American Idol” began to air, Felicia Barton started to tear up.
The 26-year-old mom from Virginia Beach, Va., was about to re-live being sent home a month earlier by the show’s famously contentious panel of judges – after coming thisclose to making the semi-final Top 36.
In a long and emotional posting on her Facebook page over the weekend, Barton’s husband Loren told how she got a startling phone call in the middle of the show telling her that she was back in.
American Idol Experience awards first full day ‹Dream Ticket
Yesterday was Valentines Day at Disney Hollywood Studios and the park celebrated the grand opening of its newest attraction. By the end of the night a dream had come true for one talented singer dressed appropriately in red.
But there was only one winner voted the best of the day by the attraction audience at Disney Hollywood Studios. Vanessa Quillao took home the ‹Dream Ticket with her rendition of …No One by Alicia Keys. Many props to Vanessa for really owning that song and impressing the crowd with her recording star quality performance.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Hopefuls line up for Disney’s ‘American Idol Experience’
ORLANDO ‘ Vanessa Quiallo got up at 5 a.m. Saturday to drive with her mother from St. Petersburg, Fla., for the grand opening of Walt Disney World’s The American Idol Experience. The all-day trip turned out to be an efficient use of the Quiallos’ time.
The 16-year-old high-school sophomore beat out five other singers in a competition modeled after the American Idol television show. She won a Dream Ticket ‘ a chance to sing before producers for the TV show at a future Idol audition.
Kimberley Locke Discusses ‹The American Idol Experience
There a new attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida. ‹The American Idol Experience, where park guests can can audition and sing in a packed theatre identical to the real ‹American Idol stage. Kimberley Locke was there and spoke with ‹Good Day LA about the new attraction. Watch the interview below.
Disney Opens “American Idol Experience”
The newest attraction at Disney, the “American Idol Experience”, is a knockoff of the hit TV show, and a slew of former winners and finalists recently came out for the star-studded premiere.
The Idols walked the blue carpet, keeping with the color scheme for the show. In fact, the elaborate attraction itself, with its 1, 000-seat theater, has the same set design as its California counterpart.
“Absolutely just like the one on the real stage, ” said Phil Stacey, a Season 6 finalist.
See Chapel Hill ‘Idol’ contestant Tuesday
CHAPEL HILL With only a few days to go before his first live performance on …American Idol, Chapel Hill resident Anoop Desai says he’s been a little homesick but is making the most of his Hollywood experience.
…I miss the small things ‘ like trees, the 22-year-old said. …I was watching a basketball game and they showed a shot of the Carolina campus, and that made me so homesick. But I’m here for a reason, and I’m pretty focused on that.
ASU alum still in running for American Idol prize
Every year, American Idol gives a new season of contestants a shot at stardom, and this season, viewers have seen two ASU alumni on the show ‘ and one of them is still in the running for the big prize.
Brianna Quijada, 23, who graduated in December, auditioned for the show during the summer, but was eliminated during Hollywood Week on Feb. 3.
Scott MacIntyre, 23, who attended ASU at the age of 14 and graduated in 2006, is still in the running to become the next American Idol.
Even though it is not yet determined when MacIntyre will sing next, he is expected to perform either on February 24 or March 3 to see if hell get enough votes to move on in the show.
Transporters Rocked By USO Concert Featuring American Idol’s David Cook
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers of the 1538th Transportation Company, 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, had the opportunity to relax and enjoy a USO show with musician David Cook.
The 1538th Soldiers, an Indiana National Guard company from Elkhart, Ind., are nearing the end of their yearlong deployment to Iraq and this was an event that definitely brought sunshine to the troops who are deployed.
“It was very exciting to separate myself from Iraq for a moment and enjoy the concert, ” said Capt. Phillip Anderson, form Plainfield, Ind., who is the commander of the 1538th Transportation Company. “David Cook rocked the stage and reminded us of the support we have back home, ” said Anderson
Archuleta: I’m weird-looking
David Archuleta has revealed he hates seeing himself on screen and hearing his own voice.
The fresh-faced American Idol singer has gained thousands of fans since he took part in the hit US show, in which he was voted runner-up.
But at the launch of the American Idol Experience in Disney World, Florida, David said: “I’m looking forward to seeing how it all came together, even though I hope they don’t show very much of me because I hate seeing myself.”
Fantasia Talks Foreclosure, Heading Back To School For Her High School Diploma
Fantasia Barrino has a little something to clear up.
Despite December reports that her $1.3 million North Carolina home was in foreclosure, Fantasia told Access Hollywood she is still safely living in her abode.
…Were still in my home. I take care of my whole family so there no way I could [let] anybody take it, she said. …It wasnt a foreclosure, it was just somebody trying to take it away from me, but that the industry and there a lot of people out here, but as you can see Im still a strong tough cookie, I got that from Miss Celie.
Miss Celie, the character Fantasia has played in …The Color Purple is something the …American Idol Season 3 winner is returning to, she also revealed.
…Yes, Miss Celie. [Im] going back, end of June around my birthday time, so another birthday with Miss Celie, she said.
Video: Jordin Sparks Singing National Anthem at NBA All-Star Game
In addition to performing National Anthem on Sunday, Jordin Sparks was also seen attending Saturday slam-dunk contest, which was conducted at the venue as part of the pre-game festivities. Along with Eva Longoria, Corbin Bleu, Ludacris, Maria Shriver, Spike Lee and Elliott Yamin, she showed support to Rihanna, promptly cheering when Rihanna’s hit single “Umbrella” was played during a break in between the competition.
Jordin Sparks singing’ “Star-Spangled Banner”:
American Idol Rewind Takes A Look At Season 4
The fourth season of American Idol still ranks as one of the best if not the best season ever of the show. American Idol 4 also produced one of the biggest stars to ever appear on the show in the form of country superstar Carrie Underwood. Now, Idol fans can relive America Idol 4 on American Idol Rewind.
American Idol Rewind returns to syndication on Saturday, February 28 with the 196 contestants that made it to Hollywood Week during season four. Instead of being a straight replay of previously aired episodes, American Idol Rewind offers up never-before-seen performances.
Lindsay Lohan, etc. give the luke-warm shoulder
The most annoying blow-off was season five “American Idol” runner-up Katharine McPhee, who said she would only discuss fashion. The gist of our convo: She loves Matthew Williamson, wants lots of clutches for spring and isn’t curbing her shopping habits because of a little thing called the recession. How nice for her.
Idol Chartwatch, February 16: New American Idol Music on the Charts
It seems weve been in somewhat of a drought as far as new American Idol music is concerned, but no more! This week, several new singles debuted on the charts along with one new album. Read on to find out who ended up where!
Photos: Cast of ‘Dancing with the Stars 8’ in Rehearsal
The date is approaching and the contestants are on full throttle. Thirteen pairs of this season’s “Dancing with the Stars” have been in rehearsals for the premiere episode of the dancing competition show and some of them have been photographed as promotional means.
Spotted working their moves are couples: Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough, Denise Richards and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Steve Wozniak and Karina Smirnoff, and seven others. Missing from the pictures are couples Jewel Kilcher and Dmitry Chaplin, Nancy O’Dell and Tony Dovolani, as well as real-life couple Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough. The competition will begin March 9 on ABC.
