Atlanta offers heartbreaking stories on ‘Idol’ Sunday’s
You may have noticed an emphasis on heart-wrenching stories during this year’s “American Idol” auditions. And in that regard, Atlanta did not disappoint.
The contestant most people will be talking about is Josiah Leming. The 18-year-old from Morristown, Tenn., has been living in his car for months, but his family had no idea — they thought he was staying with friends. That’s probably no longer true, assuming there are any televisions within driving distance of his hometown.
”American Idol”: Tales, You Win
”We’re returning to a city that in previous seasons’ auditions yielded a cruise-ship singer illiterate single mother who conquered Broadway…”
”Welcome to Atlanta. THIS [dramatic pause] is Backstory Idol.”
Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how Ryan Seacrest kicked off season 7’s latest audition episode. But for those of you who got caught up with the nation’s other big contest and spent the night watching Super Tuesday results roll in (instead of the popular singing competition that precedes House), you missed an hour that rivaled an airport arrivals area for its pileup of baggage.
More Idol Headlines After the Jump
‘American Idol’ Atlanta auditions
Am I the only one disappointed that after a week of FOX promos for the Hollywood round — Generic Idol Blonde Brooke White is much more interesting in front of a keyboard, it turns out — Tuesday (Feb. 5) night’s Idol was just a return to audition episodes?
At the very least, Atlanta turned out an assortment of interesting and relatively diverse vocalists. I’m not sure if I can remember any audition city in which the balance of talent was so heavily weighed toward the successful performers rather than the freaks and geeks.
American Idol: Atlanta Auditions
The last stop of “Idol Train 2008″ hit Atlanta tonight. There were some good singers and some bad singers but no real extremes on either side for me. I think I’m just getting kind of tired of this round of the competition. Here we are in week four and it’s the same old thing just with different faces.
At least the new and improved Idol machine keeps on trucking along. I’m glad they read my letter and addressed my concerns. It really has improved the show tremendously. Let’s just get on to the good stuff now. Thank god they don’t go to more than seven cities each year or we’d be at this forever!
‘American Idol’ Auditions: 13 Reader Favorites
Michael Slezak recently named his favorite ”Idol” tryouts, and PopWatchers responded in kind: You granted Jennifer Hudson, Katherine McPhee, and several unexpected underdogs entry to the ”American Idol” Audition Hall of Fame
Superbowl XLII Breaks records in 42 year history
Sunday’s Super Bowl XLII on FOX was the most-watched Super Bowl game in 42 years of Super Bowls and also ranks as the second most-watched program in TV history with 97.5 million viewers, surpassing the 1996 Super Bowl game which drew in 94.1 million viewers.
That Bowl followed the final episode of M*A*S*H which aired February 28, 1983 and drew in 106 million viewers.
Ads that featured Madonna, Justin Timberlake and Timbaland with half-time performance by Paula Abdul and beautiful American Idol winner Jordin Sparks opening with the national Anthem also were part of the day.
Jordin Sparks’s Super Bowl Gig a Family Affair
Jordin Sparks’s singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at Sunday’s Super Bowl was one big family affair.
Jordin’s mother Jodi lent her 18-year-old daughter jewelry to complement her Dolce & Gabbana sleeveless dress, her grandparents were on hand, as was her younger brother to keep her company.
And then there was her father’s contribution. Until he retired from the team in 2001, Phillippi Sparks played for the New York Giants – who just happened to beat the “unbeatable” New England Patriots on Sunday, 17-14.
Where did the fun, the humility, the Sanjaya go?
It’s amusing to peruse Chicken Soup For The American Idol Soul — a noxiously feel-good doorstopper that arrived on my desk a week ago — and discover that one of the smartest, savviest contenders in the show’s six year history is the one who, with the exception of Sanjaya Malakar, took the most abuse from judges.
I’m speaking, of course, about Chicken Little, the adenoidal pubescent warbler I uncharitably described as a “human-poultry hybrid”, “a hilariously untalented croaker” and “a lisping Woody Allen clone yet to achieve puberty.” And I was one of the more lenient critics.
CMT Announces First Round Finalists for the ‘2008 CMT Music Awards’ Country Music’s Only Fan-Voted Awards Show
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Voting begins today for the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS, country music’s only fan-voted award show, with the announcement of this year’s first round finalists. Beginning today, Tuesday, February 5 at 5:00 p.m., ET, fans can vote on CMT.com for their favorite artists to determine the final nominees for CMT’s seventh annual awards show. Country music’s biggest stars will rock Nashville’s Curb Event Center at Belmont University when the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS premieres LIVE on Monday, April 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT* on CMT and CMT.com.
Katharine McPhee’s Hawaiian Romance
Now that they’ve landed and settled in, Katharine McPhee and husband Nick Cokas embarked on a little Honeymoon fun throughout the day on Monday.
The newlyweds, who opted to spend their romantic getaway in the tropical setting of Oahu, Hawaii, headed out for a little shopping at the local Gucci store.
The local-fave band has a new outlook and album - and it’s about time
And just recently, Bazilian got a call from producer/writing-pal Desmond Child to play guitar on a project for Ace Young - yes, the “American Idol” season-five semi-finalist. “I went online to a server, downloaded the tracks, recorded my parts and then uploaded the results,” Bazilian said. “It’s a new day. That’s how you often make music nowadays, communicating from studio to studio with iChat, although I’m much happier actually being in the same room with the other players.”
Crawfordsville native advances on ‘American Idol’
Another Lafayette-area native has reportedly advanced in the current season of American Idol.
Luke Menard, 27, a 1997 Crawfordsville High School graduate, was featured on the Omaha, Neb., American Idol audition, which aired Jan. 29 on FOX and was taped on Aug. 10.
Menard, 27, is currently living in Bloomington, Ill., where he is a member of the a cappella singing group Chapter 6. Posts on www.myspace.com/lukemenardfans and www.myspace.com/chaptersix have friends’ comments congratulating the singer on his American Idol appearance.
A picture of Menard at the Omaha audition can be seen at www.americanidol.com/photos.
‘Idol’ spotlight may find Indiana singer
Frankfort’s Amanda Overmyer will appear on tonight’s edition of American Idol, confirmed Casey Taylor, the singer’s fiancé.
“She’s definitely unique. She’s a rocker chick. There’s not too many of those on American Idol every year,” said Chad Lester, general manager of Jerilee’s Pub. The Lafayette venue housed some of Overmyer’s first performances when she sang in Steeleto, a local hard rock band. “She shows good range, and if she picks good songs, I think she has a good chance.”
A Sneak Peak Inside the Big Brother House
To kick off the ninth season of Big Brother (which premieres next Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 9 pm/ET), CBS invited eight members of the media to experience life in the house for 12 hours. We sent TV Guide Network’s Kimberly Caldwell, cohost of Idol Tonight and Reality Chat. Here, the former American Idol finalist shares her experience.
I’m not just a huge fan of Big Brother — I’m a huge psycho fan! So when I was asked to live in the house, I was like, “Wow, OK, cool!” Then I got scared. Twelve hours? Who are they gonna put me with? What’s gonna happen to me? I mean, I really like watching the show, but I don’t want to be one of those people! Do I?
Kat McPhee Gets Lei’d
Hiding beneath a lampshade, 23-year-old former “American Idol” wannabeen Katharine McPhee was snapped on her Hawaiian honeymoon on Monday — with her 42-year-old daddy husband, Nick Cokas.
Dad’s help with food bank can carry on today
Another way to help raise money for Second Harvest is by downloading the online cookbook “The Celebrity Italian Table” sponsored by Barilla America, in partnership with restaurant owner, cookbook author and Food Network chef Mario Batali and entertaining expert David Tutera.
A $1 donation will be given to America’s Second Harvest for each download from www.barillaus.com
The book features recipes from a number of celebrities, including Debra Messing, Marisa Tomei, Chris Daughtry and Natalie Portman.
Some nominees at this year’s Grammy Awards might sound familiar
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Even if you only occasionally listen to radio, you’ve probably heard Carrie Underwood’s revenge anthem “Before He Cheats” . . . and heard it, and heard it, and heard it.
The tune is on Underwood’s 2005 debut album, “Some Hearts,” and it first hit the charts back in February 2006. So why now, two years later, is “Before He Cheats” up for song of the year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday?
Because the Grammy rules allow it.
Indeed, Underwood’s megahit isn’t the only song of the year nominee that could, at least to fans, feel stale. “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s was on the group’s 2005 album, “All That We Needed,” though it didn’t become a hit until two years later.
“Like a Star” by Corinne Bailey Rae was released as a single in 2005 then re-released the following year.
For most nominees, the music must be released in the eligibility year, which in this case is Oct. 1, 2006, through Sept. 30, 2007. But there are exceptions, and two of them are song of the year (awarded to the songwriter) and record of the year (awarded to the performer and production team).
In those categories, a single is still eligible if it was released in the preceding eligibility year but “achieved prominence” in the current one.
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Loved Atlanta auditions, can’t wait for Hollywood Week. Liked the girls, the boys sucked.
Tom Petty preformed at the half-time show get it right I know they both have long hair. I guess just watch the game or listen to the commercial would of helped a bit.
This is from “Rhome is Burning” ESPn his opinion the halftime show was staged did not like it. If that was stage so was the NA because face if pretaped I am sure they checked it to make it sound good. My point is it is allot harder singing it live with out technology fixing it for you. Jordan the mini me of Juhd in a disney package? It does give kudos to Elliott who sang it live and the same version.
Yes Jordan will be around for awhile just not a wow factor to me.
The media mostly mags say things about Idols to sell thier mags or get hits to make money thats all what are the fans excuse for doing it?
I’m sure she is, in every sense of the word too…
Per Regis and Kelly this morning, Taylor will sing “The Right Place” at the wedding this week!
How shocking and titillating — a woman having sex with her husband!
Call me when an Internet tabloid discovers that Nick Cokas is actually a professional actor who was placed on the McPhee payroll to cover up a one-time dalliance with a sixty-year-old.
Pop, is that you?!? LOL (You know I kid…) ;)
LOL
You are missing a key part of the puzzle. It wasn’t just any 60-year-old. It was a 60-year-old male escort! That’s who was REALLY in those pool pictures!!!1!1 They kept Kat under wrap for 3 weeks until they could find a look-alike actor. That’s the real reason she missed the initial part of the tour. Then, Nigel had to get groups of people to come into the theatre so they could snap photos/footage of Nick in the audience so that they could claim that he existed all along. If he HAD existed all along, don’t you think that we would have heard more about him during the competition? Don’t you think he would have been featured in her backstory?
I can’t believe we didn’t see this all before!!!!!!! Now that my eyes have been opened, nothing is as simple as it once seemed.
Does anybody have her e-mail? Perhaps we can get her to help us check out all the female escorts in Hawaii so we can finally discover who the mystery female was. Surely she won’t mind giving up her valuable honeymoon time to help out some dedicated Idol fans? Unless she’s mad at us for figuring out the truth about her.
PS Are we sure those are Phil’s kids? Is it possible he rented them? Are there call-baby companies? Who knew there was such variety in the escort biz?
I wonder if Kat calls the photogs to let them know when she goes shopping. I think that’s how the game works even on your “honeymoon”. Anyway, work it girl.
Jordin has a good pop voice and is very pretty but she is just too boring to really make it big. Even with two big pop hits, I’ think she’ll struggle to equal Taylor’s numbers.
I’m hoping Hollywood week is interesting but none of the auditions have intrigued me. I wish Idol would shake it up and put opera and Broadway talent through. I’m not sure a season of teens and “rockers” are going to reverse the ratings slide either.
Kat and Nick look so happy!!! She as always looks so beautiful, and I know he’s just so ancient, (not) but he looks super cute too.
I’m so happy for them.
Kirsten….LOL!!!!! You are still on fire girl!!!!!….I just got done reading all the 99 posts from yesterday’s daily news thread and see once again that Taylor can inspire many posts and SNARK.
Actually, I am really looking forward to us all getting back (old and new) to Season7 comments. I guess we are all primed now….wow…99 posts! I loved it!
I am ready to get this party started! Pix
P.S. Sorry Mj…the cheerleader is back!:)
purp-Yeah it is me sort of with a headache. I am a stickler for the NA doing it by the book.. The guy did sing it live .Hey I am also a devils advocte ,speak generalities and do take cheese with my wine.. How can I not like a guy whom names I used in the same sentence as Bret Farve? I would like to see him sing at a GreenBay game because Taylor sorry guy you sing they lose.
Actually, in the pictures I’ve seen of them since the wedding, they look bored and annoyed (probably at the people snapping their pictures, and while I do believe that even celebrities deserve their privacy, Kat’s career has been built more on her ability to take an attractive photo than her viability as a true singing talent).
I hope that they ARE happy, and I’m SURE they are, but I’ve yet to see evidence of it in their photos. Maybe when the actual wedding ones come out. LOL.
Kat and Kirsten….too funny!
LOL
I did not see this posted:
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/02-06-2008/0004750615&EDATE=
American Idol Finalist Elliott Yamin to Embark on 10-Day USO Tour to Germany, Belgium and the UK in Support of Troops
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel on a USO entertainment
tour,” says Yamin. “When I think about how much our men and women in uniform sacrifice and how much courage they possess, it’s remarkable. I’m anxious to perform for them, it’s the very least I can do.”
Why was she hiding her face under that giant hat? Embarrassed to be been with her new hubby? lol. Some of the comments on TMZ are uncalled for. BTW, what’s the age difference between Ashton Kuchar and Demi Moore?
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TV-Show-Blog/American-Idol/Sanjaya-Hosts-American/800032641
Sanjaya Hosts Idol TV Guide Special
In case you ever wondered where you favorite Idols of years past have ended up, now’s your chance to find out. And one of them, the infamous Sanjaya Malakar, is actually hosting the TV Guide Network special: “Idol Stars: Where Are They Now?” The show will premiere on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 8:00pm ET/PT, and will highlight some of American Idol’s most memorable and loveable contestants.
There will be exclusive interview and updates on everyone from Kelly Clarkson, to Chris Daughtry, Jordin Sparks, Bo Bice, Melinda Doolittle, Ruben Studdard, Blake Lewis and many more. You may be asking, why is Sanjaya hosting? Well, insane fans like “crying-girl” Asley Feri, can tell you that they “heart” Sanjaya big time, and want to see him light up the small screen again.
Did you click on the link to the pictures?? The ones where they are holding each other in that store? They look very happy to me.
I know that was sarcasm, but me thinks it’s because of the photogs, just a guess.
All the hateful Mcphee comments are uncalled for, she’s done nothing to deserve them. IMO
I hope this hasn’t been posted, I just found it. I thought some of you might enjoy it.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/tvguide/350084_idolblog5.html?source=rss
Best Idol Auditions.
Yep, wearing a babydoll dress and high heels while shopping with your hubby is a sure fire way to fool the photogs. As long as you have the hat on I guess.
But I think selling your wedding pictures to the tabs is the first sign that privacy is really not your main concern.
She is in HAWAII!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why would she wear anything else? Should she wear a burlap sack to hide from them?
Nevermind this is a moot point, carry on with the “snark”
Mmm what to wear in Hawaii and blend in - shorts, sunglasses, flip flops, baseball hat, sundress. But her outfit worked well with the older hubby, so Kat - mission accomplished. Anyway, moving right along.
This Saturday is the famous Grammy party that Clive hosts. I think we see Jordin, Daughtry and Carrie this year.
For the Soul Patrolers who don’t know what the heck this wedding is all about and why Taylor is singing, watch the video of the back story here :
Regis and Kelly
No, Nanny, I actually did not click every single link to every single Kat photo and scrutinize her body language and facial expressions to minute detail. I glanced at a few photos where she looked kind of bored and made a snarky remark. It’s…really not that serious.
Do we really have to go down the “Kat is the most perfect individual who’s never done anything in her life to merit someone disliking her” road again?
Interesting that they include Ruben, but not the two latest castoffs from BMG Island. It’ll be fun to see Sanjaya again, though :)
Nope, we sure don’t, but the comments are ridiculous. I don’t think she’s perfect, never have.
I didn’t take it that “seriously” I was just wondering if all the pictures had been looked at, there are ones where they are very happy, but they just get looked over.
I’m so not arguing with you about Kat either, you loathe her, I get it, everyone gets it. I love her, you get it, everyone gets it.
I will stop talking about this now. Sorry MJ, I know you hate it.
It’s not so surprising that they include Ruben as it seems he is back in their good graces. Last year his picture was almost as obsured as Taylor’s, this year it’s much more obvious. As I read he is recording his cd for some form of 19 entertainment, so they will now promote him more fully. My take is that he has finally decided to go the Luther route, therefore they think he has a shot at a hit. I read in one of the articles posted that he was in Denmark at one point recording with someone that produced Luther in the past.
That is good news for Ruben. I think the R&B/Soul genre is definitely where he needs to focus, because his voice is just perfect for it.
I have waited and waited for Ruben to make that kind of cd. I have his clip of Kiss and Say Goodbye from season 2 and I still get chillbumps when I listen to it. He has a gorgeous voice for Luther/Barry White kind of music. I was so disappointed with his urban cds he put out but did love his gospel cd. WTG Ruben! Now, if only Fantasia would put out some soulful and rocking music like she sung on the show.