Is America ready for a gay ‘Idol’?
No finalist has ever been portrayed as openly gay during the past six seasons of “American Idol.†With more details about contestants’ personal lives being exposed — both on the show and unofficially online — that could change, and soon.
Or will it be “Idol†business as usual?
“It feels like we’re closer now than ever to having an openly gay contestant on the show,†says Jim Verraos, who came out after his run as a finalist on the first season of “Idol.â€
Fantasia and Oprah Bring the Color Purple Back to Hollywood as a Musical
Given that he’s the most popular and successful director of all time, not many people would have the chutzpah to re-make a Steven Spielberg classic, let alone one that was nominated for eleven Academy Awards.
But, then, Oprah Winfrey ain’t exactly most people, Fantasia Barrino told MTV News, revealing that a movie adaptation of “The Color Purple†musical was in the works.
“That’s going to happen and I’m going to do it,†the former “Idol†champ said, smiling broadly.
What’s Worth More? Elvis’s Image or American Idol?
Thankfully, if you’re a stockholder in CKX, a company dedicated to “ownership, development and commercial utilization of entertainment content”, the answer isn’t important, since all that revenue goes to the same bottom line. Nonetheless, it’s a little shocking how much the CKX-controlled portion of Elvis’ estate generates in income, especially since they don’t control most of his musical catalog. According to the company’s SEC filing, dead Elvis will bring in $68.8 million for them this year from the operation of Graceland, licensed Pez dispensers, velvet painting royalties, etc. Things are looking up for the King further on down the road, as Elvis casinos, hotels, and listings for somewhat disconcerting “Cirque shows” will bring projected revenues to $137 million by 2011. Somewhere in Chicago, Oprah’s likely considering how a fake death might accelerate growth in her own portfolio.
”American Idol”: Houston, We Have a Problem
If I could vote any two women off the American Idol stage on Thursday night, I’d choose Whitney Houston and Paula Abdul.
Let’s be real here. Whitney and Idol are not, like the key ingredients in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, two great tastes that taste great together. The problem, to me, isn’t really a product of the size or the iconic status of Houston’s voice; rather it stems from the fact that the show’s aspiring singers treat the diva’s numbers like sacred texts, refusing to tamper with a single note or turn of phrase or vocal run. And that, of course, yields invariably depressing results.
‘Idol’ girls just wanna have fun on ’80s night
For the second night in a row, the “American Idol†judges were faced with a controversial candidate who’s been in the news for something other than musical talent. Again, the judges sent the clear message to the viewers that if the singer’s transgressions were that offensive, it was up to them to vote the miscreant off.
Recap: ‘American Idol’ Top Eight Women Perform
If you were a Hillary Clinton groupie, Tuesday was Ladies Night, but if you’re an American Idol fan, the Women didn’t come out to play until Wednesday (March 5). Last week, the ’70s proved quite the challenge for the Top 10 Idol Women. Would the Top Eight do any better with the ’80s?
American Idol: Top 8 Girls Perform
This ’80s theme has been very good with the contestants this week as these past two episodes have been the most satisfying of the season so far. And other than a heavy leaning on Whitney Houston, I think the girls really stepped up their game this week. Honestly, the way it’s looking, we may honestly be able to believe the hype that this could be the best Top 12 ever. Just get the vote right, America!
American Idol: Girls Just Wanna Sing Whitney and Celine Songs
Man, the miniature sprites that live on unicorn rainbows inside Paula’s Coke cup were in rare form tonight. Can I have some of what she’s having?
Again, it was a disappointing night for ‘80s music. Like the gentlemen, many of the ladies chose songs made famous more recently by other artists, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey, such as. Now, correct me if I’m wrong as I was fairly young during the ‘80s, but I’m pretty sure that the Whitney Houston songs and songs to be covered by Celine and/or Mariah in the ‘90s were not the only musical choices available at that time. Right? There were other songs, weren’t there? You’d never know it from the past two evenings.
Prayze Jebus Blake Lewis is performing tomorrow night. I miss you so, Blake, you and your unique and different original uniqueness. No sarcasm there. Really, I do. Him and Melinda and Taylor and any other “Idol†contestant who tried to do something out of the ordinary.
But here’s what the very bland ladies put forth tonight:
Jason Castro Drags Leonard Cohen into the American Idol SpotlightAmerican Idol hopeful Jason Castro performed his take on the Jeff Buckley interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” that won huzzahs from the judges tonight, thus continuing the long, strange journey of Cohen’s song from hyperserious-to-an-almost-satirical-point track to something that everyone, even Simon Cowell, can be moved by. Frequent Idolator guestblogger Mike Barthel wrote a paper on the trajectory of the song–complete with graph!–for last year’s EMP Pop Music Conference, and it’s pretty key reading for anyone who wants to know more about this track that, judging by our Google hits over the past 30 minutes, has been “hidden in plain sight” since its first release some 20-or-so years ago.
Chikezie Has Major Baggage in Past
Chikezie didn’t score with Simon last night, but he was a big hit at Terminal 4 at LAX. We’ve turned up pictures of Chikizzle when he was working at the Transportation Security Administration at the Los Angeles International Airport, where he was a baggage screener.
Small-town charm not enough
ON the first night of her Australian tour Kelly Clarkson and her seven-piece band delivered a performance that occasionally smoked but never really caught fire.
In front of a mostly female crowd that sang, stomped and shouted with the slightest encouragement, the American Idol winner showed enough to convince that she deserves the ongoing success that has followed the wide exposure of the television show. But there’s a nagging doubt that Clarkson is playing out a too-much-too-soon scenario.
Kellie Pickler nominated for Top New Female Vocalist
The nominations for the 43rd Academy of Music were announced Tuesday morning in Nashville and Albemarle’s Kellie Pickler was among the nominees.
Kenny Chesney led with 11 nominations, including Entertainer of the Year and top male vocalist.
Rodney Atkins followed with six nominations, including top male vocalist. Brad Paisley, Big & Rich and Sugarland all got four apiece.
Pickler was nominated for Top New Female Vocalist.
Jessica Sierra and Daniel Baldwin skip ‘Celebrity Rehab’ reunion
The former American Idol fourth-season finalist was a no show at VH1’s Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew reunion special taping, David Drew “Dr. Drew” Pinsky told The New York Post in a Wednesday report.
Actor Daniel Baldwin — who quit the 21-day round-the-clock program after asking to see naked photos of porn star and fellow participant Mary Carey — was the only other Celebrity Rehab subject to not partake in the reunion show, Pinsky told The Post.
Sample flavors fit for an ‘Idol’
Can’t get enough “American Idol?” Now you can stuff your face with it.
Edy’s ice cream is debuting five new “American Idol”-inspired flavors to accompany the Fox rating juggernaut’s latest search for a pop star. Following the interactive “Idol” format, ice cream fans will be asked to vote for their favorite flavor at www.slowchurned.com.
Those who enter by 1 p.m. April 29 will be eligible to win a private, living-room concert and ice cream party with Chris Richardson (Season 6 finalist) on April 30.
Dolly Parton scores highest debut; Carrie Underwood reaches the top
Dolly Parton scored the highest debuting CD of her career with the release of “Backwoods Barbie,” her first country CD in 17 years. She sold about 27,000 units, good for second on the country charts and 17th overall.
Carrie Underwood took over the top of the song chart with “All-American Girl.”
New Carrie Underwood Video on GAC
Carrie Underwood premiered a specially released video of “How Great Thou Art” last night during GAC Nights.
Filmed at the Grand Ole Opry House in January, the performance originally aired last month in the GAC special How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites Live From The Grand Ole Opry. The song is also the title track for an RCA album of the same name, which features additional material by Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, Loretta Lynn, Dierks Bentley and Sara Evans, among others.
Beginning today, the “How Great Thou Art” video begins airing in regular rotation at 6:30 a.m., 12:11 p.m. and 6:37 p.m. ET. The video will be available later this month on GACTV.com.
Reigning Idol Sparks’ advice to teen contenders: ‘Go with your gut’
As American Idol narrows its field to 12 Thursday (Fox, 8 ET/PT), last year’s winner is having to play catch-up.
Jordin Sparks says she has missed most of Season 7 except for the first week’s audition rounds.
‘IDOL’ CHATTER: How did this year’s girls do on 80s night?
“But since I was part of it, I’ve got my connections,” says the 18-year-old singer, who has top-40 airplay hits with her singles Tattoo and No Air, a duet with Chris Brown. The show’s producers sent her a DVD of “the top 50-ish” auditions.
“I really like David Archuleta,” she says. “He’s so adorable, and I’m like, ‘Oh, look at him! He’s so cute!’ ”
Get your hee-haws
What? You’re not a fan of “Gone Country†on CMT? It’s the craziest show you’re not watching.
The season finale is Friday, but as with most cable channels, reruns are on all the time so you can catch up. Carnie Wilson, Dee Snider, Diana DeGarmo, Julio Iglesias Jr., Maureen “Marcia Brady†McCormick, Sisqó and Bobby Brown (yes, Bobby Brown) are in Nashville competing to be crossover country stars. You’ll find out:
Concert Report: Bon Jovi thrills fans with a big show
Opening the show was Chris Daughtry of “American Idol” fame. People like to slag on the Idols, but Daughtry is an authentic take-off of bands like Nickelback and Three Doors Down. His backing musicians are grungy and muscular, just like him, and he played the tormented rocker to perfection.
‘The View’ isn’t wooing Cindy Crawford
In other “View†news, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson are coming on the show together March 10 to promote “American Idol.†This is the first time the pair has made an appearance since Rosie O’Donnell was a host. If you recall, O’Donnell accused Abdul of drinking during the show and often lashed out against “Idol†for how it treated contestants.
“There was no way they were ever coming on again as long as Rosie was on the show,†said a source close to “Idol.†“She just wouldn’t give it a rest. It wasn’t going to happen.â€
From London’s West End to Rialto Square Theatre
Before “Dancing With the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” was the show that started it all - BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing!”
The creatives behind the United Kingdom TV hit are also being “Simply Ballroom,” which will be performed on Wednesday at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet.
The ballroom dance spectacular has been playing to sold-out audiences.
“Simply Ballroom” stars “American Idol” singers Vonzell Solomon and Anthony Fedorov and an international cast of world-class dance champions in a show full of glitz and glamour.
Billy Ray Cyrus joins Country Thunder lineup
Billy Ray Cyrus, hot on a comeback track after the release late last year of his Walt Disney Records debut, joins the lineup at the 15th annual Country Thunder USA next month.
Also on the lineup for the festival, which runs April 17-20 in Florence, is super duo Sugarland, songwriting phenom Phil Vassar, former Arizonan and emerging superhunk Dierks Bentley, classic crooner Joe Nichols, Texas frat boy Pat Green, and the wonderful string ensemble of Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband.
Newcomers Chuck Wicks, Luke Bryan, Bucky Covington, Jason Michael Carroll, Heartland, Kellie Pickler, Bluefield and Danielle Peck will get a shot on the main stage.
‘LIVE FOR CRS 39’
The Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is now happening all over town through the end of the week, as representatives from around the nation plus current and emerging stars converge in Nashville.
Among the various showcases, parties and events is a concert tonight billed as “Live For CRS 39†which includes one of the finest pure honky-tonk and Texas country vocalists of the past two decades, Mark Chesnutt.
Though he’s also done his share of crossover outings, Chesnutt’s at his best on hard-driving, stomping pieces; ballads; and drinking songs; and he’s recently returned to that material. But he’s just one among many excellent performers in tonight’s show at the Wildhorse Saloon (6 p.m., 120 2nd Ave. N., 902-8222, $20-$30). The other performers include Rockie Lynne, Stephen Cochran, Phil Stacey, The Roys, Laura Bryna, Katie Arminger, April Taylor and Beth Cayhall.
‘America Idol’ Extra: Chris Sligh
Chris talks about how the doors fly open for “American Idol” contestants, regardless of whether you win or not. Plus, Chris talks about his new album and how it is getting good play on Christian radio.
‘America Idol’ Extra: Bo Bice
Bo talks about his new album that has just been released called “See The Light.” Plus, Bo goes into how he is able to balance family life with his busy career.
‘America Idol’ Extra: Sanjaya Malakar
Sanjaya talks about moving to California with his sister to pursue music. Plus, is Sanjaya still getting the offers to act and is that something he would consider?
‘America Idol’ Extra: LaToya London
LaToya talks about being a part of the “American Idol” family and how it is something for life. Plus, LaToya talks about touring with the production of “The Color Purple,” and what an amazing experience it has been for her.
‘America Idol’ Extra: Melinda Doolittle
Melinda recounts an exciting experience of meeting President Bush. Plus, Melinda talks about how “American Idol” is a win-win situation for all who are involved.
‘America Idol’ Extra: Haley Scarnato
Haley talks about moving to Nashville, Tennessee after finishing the “American Idol” tour and cutting her first single.
Former ‘Idol’ Contender Haley Scarnato Scared Out Of Nashville By Stalker
A year ago, leggy Haley Scarnato was on top of the world, performing as one of the final ten contestants on Season 6 of “American Idol.â€
But now, the brunette singer revealed to Access Hollywood that her fame came with a price.
Scarnato is currently being forced to leave Nashville, Tennessee, the place she’s made her home, because of a stalker.
“That’s probably the main reason why I’m leaving,†Haley told Access. “I’ve had a few scary moments at the house.â€
American Idol: Let’s Hear it for the Boys. A few of them anyway
In honor of ‘80s night, Paula had her hair feathered and Randy came up with a brand new word: “Prowness,†which apparently means ability to wear tight pants and trick pre-teen girls into thinking you might someday want to take them to prom. You’d be pretty in pink, of course.
And some boys sang some really, really lame “’80s†songs*.
*By the by, I thought most of their song choices were momentously disappointing. And after Flo threw out so many delightful choices. They need to start paying attention.
‘Idol’ Tracker: The Boys have their bar mitzvah
If when the exploits of Season 7 are at last recorded in the Book of Life, it may well be remembered by the ages that this was the year that the “Idol” men stepped forward and met in combat more ferocious than anything the nation had ever known. And if, as seems possible, history remembers this as the great epic season long promised in “Idol” scriptures, then for the warriors of this winter, Tuesday night was their bar mitzvah -– the night they stepped forward after a shaky start and became, at last, men, and titans of competitive singing.
‘Idol’ Banter: Copy Cats’ Cradle
Am I really going to have to dwell on this point every week? Let’s get it over with: hairdo-challenged would-be Daughtry David Cook’s “brave,†grungy version of Lionel Richie’s dirge “Hello†was borrowed. The Calabasas-based band Incubus has been covering the song in a similar fashion since at least Lollapalooza 2003.
I am not a huge Incubus fan. I’ve never seen the band perform Richie’s song in concert. However, I do have this little tool of democracy called Internet access. “Hello†shouldn’t be that easy to search (it’s a common name, like “David Cookâ€), but I found Incubus’ version in about two minutes.
In literature, we call this plagiarism. In singing it’s obviously a different thing.
American Idol’ Recap: David Archuleta Gains Momentum, But Danny Noriega Almost As Bad As Sanjaya
Unlike the last few weeks, when it was previously recorded, “Idol” was brought to us live Tuesday night! And in a week of Internet scandal, we were treated to the boys’ most embarrassing moments. For some, the confessions were just too damn easy. Makes me yearn for what Robbie Carrico might have admitted aloud.
Now we could chatter about Danny’s surreal, vulgar pre-”Idol” goth Christmas greeting or take it for what it is: a teenager trying to be outrageous in a video that was probably meant for his friends’ eyes only. Then there’s the “shocking” reveal that David Hernandez is a former stripper. But in the age of Perez Hilton and the paparazzi, do either of these “outrages” really count as disreputable? I’ll not partake in such rumblings as you’ve probably read about them ad nauseam.
‘American Idol’: Nadia Turner Plays Judge
”THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL.” I know that slogan oh so well.
I actually haven’t watched AI much since I left the show. Looking back on my AI experience, I still can’t believe it. It’s a wonder to me that they call AI reality TV. The moment you reach top 24, the cameras are no longer behind the scenes to see the nerves, conversations, stress, tears, and relationships. This was beyond intense and very surreal to watch it on TV and know I had been there. WOW! Right there! It’s still crazy! In the middle of that stage…amazing!
American Idol Blazes a Purple Trail Through the 80’s
We all got hosed on those American Idol spoilers that leaked out yesterday with one exception: Danny Noriega did, in fact, sing “Tainted Love,” and he brought out the purple-streaked hair and a few well-placed hip bumps. (Perhaps he learned them from David Hernandez?) Last night’s show was sort of 1980s night, although a bunch of the songs picked were actually from decades all over the American Idol pop map. But hey, who needs specificity about dates when you’ve got one judge who thinks she’s living on Planet Zorg in the year 3.14? After the jump, my weekly ranking of last night’s top eight men, plus predictions about who’s going home.
Figured it out… Duke rhymes with Luke and they both sang George Michael or Wham songs.
If Luke stayed, it wouldn’t be too much of a shocker. I think we saw this last year…
Good looking? Check.
Average/poor voice? Check.
Simon totally ragging on them top 16 night? Check.
Haley Scarnato 2.0…
David H can be his Sabrina Sloan.
Maybe they mistaken David H for David C? I can see a label interested in David C. There is no way that Jason will be successful in the outside world imo.
Luke must be big in Hawaii.
He’s more like the Haley of this season. Maybe he’ll wear shorts next week.
ETA Preston made the case better than I did.
Thanks, cheese. That worked.
Can someone please fill me in on who Aunt Edna is?
The TMZ story and the riddle seem bogus. David H is not such a phenom that Warners will be writing music in the hope that by Fall, 08, he’ll be available. Especially, if he gets booted off Idol tonight. It’s out of sight, out of mind. I think Jason needs great songs and Cook needs a great band to sell CDs. David A is a surer bet if I’m a music mogul so I believe he’ll get signed no matter what.
I would not be shocked if Danny and David got sent home. Not at all. But it would SUCK, majorly. If it’s true though, Luke will not make the tour.
That could mean 2 divas go. I think Syesha and Asiah better be scared. I would add Ramielle but the other clues indicate she’s safe.
I don’t get the “2 sons” reference at all.
Do I recall that Aunt Edna a) was wrong as much as “she” was right and b) only had access to phone votes?
If BOTH Luke and Chickeze make it into the top 12, I call foul right now without even knowing who gets the boot. Honestly I can make a case for one OR the other making it to the top 12, but if BOTH make it then IMO TPTB are just working to make it easier for the top 4 to succeed.
Oh yes, I own several very large sized plots on the Grassy Knoll.
Aunt Edna is someone with access to supposedly accurate inside info. There are a lot of posers though…..
Oh, I see. Well text votes tend to skew younger, so looking at that guy list, it would seem that perhaps Damny would get a boost. That would put Luke and David H out. That doesn’t sound too far off, in theory anyway.
Duke-John Wayne man I thought he died years ago… Now that would be a shocking elimantion.
(not responisible for bad jokes)
OMG, what to do. If I believe the spoilers and change my pool votes, I could make a killing. If I’m wrong, I’ll get creamed. What to do, what to do.
I may change my votes before the show, but I’m not going to base it on the riddles. There seems to be some question about whether these are legit “Aunt Edna” spoilers. It’s fun, though.
Zabasearch is saying Luke and Chikezie have the least amount of votes, but I think they base their predictions on web search numbers.
Me, I’m gonna make a cup of tea….I’ll report back on what the tea leaves say.
LOL, I’ll have one more chance to change my votes before the show. I have to teach a class from 5:30 to 6:30 - so I’ll have a little time to do it when I get home. It’ll give me time to ponder.
ETA: zabasearch is definitely inaccurate, based on prior years.
Ah, I think I may know where the Duke comes from, other than just rhyming with Luke — Matthew Metzger (from Season 3?), who Luke kind of resembles, played DUKE Buchanan on “One Life to Live.”
AHHHHHH I’m faced with the same dilemma…
I think I’m going to change my vote from Chikezie to David H and from Kristy to Syesha.
I’ll probably stick with Luke and Kady though. Haven’t made up my mind yet. Could Danny really go?
As for the overall pick, I changed it from Michael to little D in mj’s pool and from Michael to David Cook in Rickey’s. Hopefully, I’ll get one right ;)
I agree and damn. Damn. Damn. Damn.
Danny entertains me and David Hernandez is probably my favorite male voice this season. Damn.
I have a hard enough time getting through the elimiantion rounds and I don’t think I can watch at all tonight.
If TMZ is right (aren’t they are pretty dubious?), David A is a no brainer and I can absolutely believe there would be interest in David Hernandez. He knows how to work a song and I personally think his voice is reminiscent of singers like Amos Lee, Ben Harper or Elliott Yamin, that neo-soul vibe. His past isn’t going to be a problem either for the kind of audience he’d appeal to.
primeminister, I just did that same thing. I may change back though, before the show
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO - not David H! I hate it when the good ones get kicked off.
Karen — I on the Hernandez train with ya. The boy can sing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dotv49dv3no&feature=user
FUNNY NORIEGA SPOOF!!
I’m not surprised if there is interest in David H. He may not have the most hype, he may not get pimped, may not be a pretty boy like Michael or Luke, but the boy can flat out SING. IMO he’s right up there as one of the best vocalists out of everyone remaining.
Ace Duke - clever. Ace and Luke are both cute and both sang George Michael songs.
Duke, as in Luke Duke, from the Dukes of Hazzard.
I really hope that the clues are not correct and that Luke leaves instead of David H. I have a feeling that I will be sad tonight. David H and Danny are two of my favorites, after Jason C, of course.
Now Joesplace is confirming that the Aunt Edna riddles are fake.
Back to ordinary speculation!
(though I still think, like I have since Tuesday night, that David H is quite vulnerable… it’s just a feeling.)
I can live with Luke Menard being this season’s Haley Scarnato.
He might look good in hot pants.
here is a recent performance by last years winner Jordin Sparks of the Whitney song Asia’h did last night .Asia’h did a good job but as Simon says if you are going to do Whitney you have to be as good and Jordin comes close .
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kBPe2Yrz7ns
Who is Aunt Edna for the uninformed?
ETA: Sorry, I was on the first page when I posted.
Aunt Edna is *supposed* to be an insider in the know but I don’t remember that her/his track record was that good.
There was a guy on mj’s way back when - Fred - who did seem to be in the know. Maybe Edna is Fred.
Anyway, I do enjoy the stir Aunt Edna’s causes~!
No WAY Luke is staying. No WAY chekezie is either.
I don’t care as long as David C, Michael, Jason, and Carly stay. David H has a nice voice but I haven’t liked his song choices. I’d like to hear them all sing a song that could be out there now and see what they sound like instead of the boring songs that many of them are picking.
YEAH!
Going to change my picks one last time!
http://perezhilton.com/2008-03-06-in-the-psych-ward
Season 1 contestant Nikki McKibbin was recently placed under psychiatric observation for 72 hours after suffering a severe breakdown in late February.
According to a police report, Nikki called a friend and told her that she was feeling depressed and wanted to kill herself The friend called the police who arrived to find the fallen Idol with a number of pills in her hand.
That is soo sad I hope she gets the help she needs…I am also glad her friend called the police……