Will Jordin Sparks nail or fail ‘The Star Spangled Banner’?
When the Valley’s own Jordin Sparks sings the national anthem before today’s Super Bowl, she has a chance to make a memorable impression — good or bad — on the nation’s collective conscious.
Everything about the Super Bowl, from media attention to TV ratings, is a big deal: There’s even an over/under (1 minute, 42 seconds) on betting Web site Bodog as to how long it will take the reigning “American Idol” to sing “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Will Sparks go straight-ahead with the anthem, or put her own stamp on it like late Motown superstar Marvin Gaye, who (controversially) sang the anthem with funk and soul elements at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game?
Everybody has heard the song a million times, performed beautifully or horribly. Here’s a countdown of the most memorable national anthem moments.
Paula Abdul blames injury for keeping her away from musical arena
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Paula Abdul, who has a new song with fellow “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson, blames a plane mishap for keeping her out of the musical arena for more than a decade.
“I’ve been really really blessed and fortunate and it’s really really poignant for me to come back now,” Abdul, who is one of the pre-Super Bowl performers, told The Associated Press on Saturday.
Abdul is featured on the first single off the new album from Jackson, due next month. The song is titled “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow.”
But Abdul says an emergency plane landing that caused her injury in 1992 - she calls it a “plane crash” - was a key reason why she abandoned her multiplatinum singing career (she hasn’t released a new album since 1995).
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Fox pregame show gives the boot to windy analysis
If all you care about Sunday are the commercials, pizza and beer, check out the pregame extravaganza on the Fox network.
“To me, four hours on one game just doing football is pretty narrowcasting,” said Scott Ackerson, the four-hour show’s producer. “There will be plenty of football, but it’s not your basic pregame show. There are a lot of celebrities and a lot of stars, so let’s get them on the air, take advantage of that. The NFL Network alone is doing 240 hours on the game. Really, what can we possibly say that hasn’t been said already?”
Remote Controlled: ‘Idol’ finalist now an Ace for MDA
“American Idol” finalist Ace Young was in Tucson visiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s national headquarters last week.
The 27-year-old vocalist was selected as a celebrity ambassador for MDA, joining scores of actors, writers and musicians who have helped the organization since its founding in 1950.
Young spent his three days in Tucson meeting with MDA leaders, filming public-service announcements and mapping out his responsibilities for 2008.
His appointment comes at a busy time. Young’s debut album will be out this spring, and he is attending the Grammy Awards next Sunday night. He co-wrote Chris Daughtry’s “It’s Not Over,” which has earned a nomination for best rock song.
He and Daughtry were both contestants during Season Five of “American Idol.” We talked to Young on Tuesday at MDA headquarters.
Spotlight on Celebrity Role Model Ace Young
In a world of high-profile celebrity misbehavior, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for parents to feel good about the music their children are listening to or the shows their kids are watching. With the glamour of the rich and famous appealing to kids and teens seeking to emulate the lifestyles of celebrities that are not setting a good example, it’s always a cause for celebration when parents discover a performer who is a genuinely good role model for their young fans.
Brett Asa Young, better known to his fans as “Ace”, is a newly Grammy-nominated songwriter, accomplished singer, and aspiring actor who is proving that becoming a celebrity doesn’t mean forgetting about where you came from. For the past decade, he’s been dedicated to helping raise funds for The Children’s Hospital in Denver, and he still visits the kids regularly. This former American Idol contestant is proof that variety is the spice of life, and “idol” in no way means “idle”.
Britney’s Ex Appears On American Idol - Makes It To Hollywood
Before Carrico was some hardcore rocker dude he was actually a member of some super cheesy boy/girl band who sang songs written and produced by JC Chasez. The name of the band was… brace yourself… Boyz-And-Girlz United.
Carrico met Spears when his ‘band’ opened for her during her …Baby One More Time tour way back in 1999.
Tulsa’s David Cook will rock season’s ‘Idol’
Easy-on-the-eyes farm boy Jason Rich actually can sing, but he has a little trouble remembering the lyrics to “When You Say Nothing at All” (It’s OK; just stand there and look pretty, Jason). Thankfully, he remembers so we can see him again in Hollywood.
Rachael Wicker should have sung a Dixie Chicks song instead of Lee Ann Womack, because she’s fiddler Martie Maguire’s doppleganger. But she’s a good arm wrestler and singer, so we’re gonna see her in Hollywood.
Then we must sit through many painful auditions, including angry goth girl/wrestler Lady Morgue (Do teens really still do the “goth” thing? Or is 1994 just now making its way to Nebraska?)
But all we really care about is finally getting to see Tulsa’s David Cook rock his audition with a little Bon Jovi (wise move taking a hint from last season’s Blake Lewis, ’cause Bon Jovi is like catnip for the ladies). Cook is going to make this season so much more fun.
Studdard Sues — Not Everything Peachy Keen
Fallen “Idol” Ruben Studdard can barely find a place to sing for his supper these days, and now he’s suing a concert promoter called Peachez Inc., and he’s asking for more than lunch money!
In a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court, the “Idol” star wants $45,000 from Peachez, alleging breach of contract. The Dallas-based company describes itself as “a specialty marketing company” with clients in the “entertainment industry.” We’ve called Ruben’s lawyers and Peachez, but so far, we haven’t gotten a response.
‘American Idol’ inspires locals to sing, try out for show
HARTLAND - “American Idol” returned Jan. 15 for its seventh season, and its positive impacts are already being felt at Hartland Music, home to the Waukesha County Conservatory of Music.
“It is a real motivation for students, both for adults and kids,” said Ellen McDonald, owner and president of Hartland Music.
She said currently there is a two-page waiting list for voice lessons, which she contributes partly to the hit television show.
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Nice to see Ace in the news.
It’s been way too long since we’ve seen some red carpet pics, so looking forward to the Grammys.
Here’s the cover of the LA Family mag.
Can’t wait for his album!
Umm, they ALL sang Bon Jovi songs. LOL.
I enjoyed Ace’s being recognized as a good role model and a decent guy who is making a difference, unlike so many of his contemporaries. I think it is wonderful how he and his “High Rollers” have raised much needed cash for charities like the Denver Children’s Hospital; they are to be commended for this. I am anxious to hear his album at long last and wish him much success. Good luck to you, Ace!
Well said angelia. I totally agree. Ace is awesome. I hope he totally blows people away with his cd. I know I’ll be buying it.
TOUCHDOWN Jordin Sparks!!!!!
Go GIANTS!
Jordin did awesome on singing the national anthem. Very nice arrangement.
Jordin’s anthem: Lovely and heartfelt. Just great!
But… why did the cameramen have to get so close and up in her face showing her exhaling deeply before she took her walk to sing, and again after she nailed it? Give a girl a few seconds of space to relax. I wanted to see more of that beautiful smile, and a glimpse of her family’s reaction. Did I see Jordin wipe away a tear?