Idol Headlines for 2/16/09
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 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Dream Ticketà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢
Yesterday was Valentines Day at Disneyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s 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 Disneyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Hollywood Studios. Vanessa Quillao took home the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Dream Ticketà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ with her rendition of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“No Oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 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 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ 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 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ a chance to sing before producers for the TV show at a future Idol audition.
Kimberley Locke Discusses à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹The American Idol Experienceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢
Thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a new attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹The American Idol Experienceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢, where park guests can can audition and sing in a packed theatre identical to the real à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ stage. Kimberley Locke was there and spoke with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Good Day LAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ 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 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idol,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Chapel Hill resident Anoop Desai says he’s been a little homesick but is making the most of his Hollywood experience.
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I miss the small things à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ like trees,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ the 22-year-old said. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“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.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬
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 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ 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 heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll 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.
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re still in my home. I take care of my whole family so thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s no way I could [let] anybody take it,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ she said. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“It wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t a foreclosure, it was just somebody trying to take it away from me, but thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the industry and thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a lot of people out here, but as you can see Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m still a strong tough cookie, I got that from Miss Celie.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬
Miss Celie, the character Fantasia has played in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The Color Purpleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ is something the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Season 3 winner is returning to, she also revealed.
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Yes, Miss Celie. [Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m] going back, end of June around my birthday time, so another birthday with Miss Celie,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 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 weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve 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.
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40 Responses to “Idol Headlines for 2/16/09”
Thanks, MJ! I like it better when it’s live. Maybe we can hear some song spoilers tomorrow afternoon.
Okay, so does this mean that not all of the shows are live? My husband and I had a huge discussion on this and he told me to ask on here. I told him I would when the the time seemed appropriate.
Looks like it’s appropriate. LOL.
Thanks for this mj! I saw this. (I think widz) posted this at the end of yesterday’s headlines thread and I commented on it there. I’m just glad that Danny seems to no longer be an employee of that church! I’m also glad Sophia’s Heart seems legit too. (However, I didn’t and hadn’t/haven’t planned on giving money.)
501(3)c. But – the 501(3)c designation is simply how a nonprofit is designated under the tax code. It doesn’t automatically mean that they’re a charity you want to give your money to. Most of the services that rate charities based on how much actually goes out to the needy vs. how much is spent on administration costs are doing so based on voluntary reporting. Most of the larger, well rated charities run a completely transparent operation. At any time they’ll tell you where every penny they collect goes. And, they’ll allow anyone with a legitimate reason to audit their books.
There are rules and reporting requirements for all 501(3)c’s, but as has been reported many times in the press, those rules do not necessarily keep a charity from spending 70% of the monies collected on salaries and administration and 20% on supplies and only giving 10% to the charity they’re collecting for. The veteran’s charities are a prime example. For every legitimate veteran’s charity there are 20 that are nothing more than profit centers for some scumbag. And, their names always closely resemble those of the organizations that actually help people.
There are a lot of charities out there that spend 75 to 90 cents in costs per dollar they raise, which is the exact opposite of the ratio a good charity should have. Those charities are nothing more than fronts for the guy running the call center.
This agency is very good at getting to the nitty gritty of how charities are allocating their funds, and the top rated charities are those that spend 25 cents or less to raise a dollar. Therefore, at least 75 cents of every dollar they raise goes to the program they are supporting. It’s a good formula to follow if you want your money to actually help people as opposed to lining some dirtbag’s pockets.
Again, I wouldn’t donate to any charity without first seeing their financial report. I’d want to know how much was spent on programs and how much was spent on administrative costs. It’s not a hard thing to report in this day and age. Many charities update this info in real time on their web sites.
I don’t have an opinion on whether Danny’s charity is “legit” or not at this point, as they don’t present any evidence either way. It’s very new, so there’s no history and their web site doesn’t tell you how much they’ve spent on any of their programs so far.
This question is a point of confusion every single Idol year.
Typically, the first few “live” performance shows are taped to broadcast. Which shows are taped are different every year.
Last year I think only the first week’s performance shows were taped. The year before it may have been the first two. Season three, the Top 12 and Top 11 were taped to broadcast.
There is no telling what will happen from year to year.
While this week will be live. Next week will probably be tape to broadcast, because the shows are moving up a day to accommodate the State of the Union address.
^^^^Thanks mj!!!!! I thought they were live, so it’s nice to know what’s going on. Hee! I was right for the majority of them (maybe). LOL!
That makes sense for next week, but how do we know in the future? (Not that it REALLY matters, I guess.) Do you have the inside scoop for each show as they are coming up?
Not really. I expect most of the performance shows will be live after next week.
Taylor’s video What’s Right Is Right up at Yahoo…
http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/–205814483
Taylor’s video is Awesome!
Thanks for that link on charities, Spense. I have a few I donate to regularly, but they are well-established (like the Chicago Food Depository). That’s very useful information, though.
cochem, the link doesn’t work for me.
I especially want to see it since it was filmed at the Clipper! LOL.
PJ- try this link to see if it works..
http://new.music.yahoo.com/singleVideo/?vid=205814483
Opps same link…. that link is no working here either that well.
Pop, your link worked. Thanks! Not a bad vid. Can’t see much of the Clipper or all the peeps who showed up for the casting call. It actually looks way more sophisticated than it is. Nice vid. Not sold on the song, but hey.
Spense, that site doesn’t show local charities, I guess? It needs a search function.
Hey pop thanks. Your link worked for me as well.
PJ- I agree with you. Liked the video…but not the song.
Good information SpenserJ, thank you!
This one has a search function
A lot of local Better Business Bureau offices do reports on local charities as well. And, they usually know if one is not on the level.
The Chicago Food Bank is a member of the “Feeding America” network (formerly America’s Second Harvest). They wouldn’t be a member if they weren’t giving out a whole lot of food to a whole bunch of hungry people, so I’d say you’ve made a good choice