Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler Are Top Winners at CMT Music Awards
Taylor Swift passed the newcomer’s torch to Kellie Pickler during the 2008 CMT Music Awards in Nashville. While doing so, the two became multiple winners Monday night (April 14) at the show hosted by Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus.
Pickler’s “I Wonder” won three awards, including the USA Weekend breakthrough video of the year honor. Swift, who went home with two trophies Monday, won last year’s breakthrough video award for “Tim McGraw.”
Swift expressed excitement in announcing Pickler’s win in the breakthrough video division. Pickler, who was unable to attend the awards show because of a private concert previously scheduled in Scottsdale, Ariz., accepted her first award via satellite.
“Oh, my gosh,” Pickler said. “This is the first time I’ve ever won anything in my life. I’m so excited. I don’t know what to say. Thank you, American Idol. You are the rocket that launched my career.” After thanking her record label, management company, songwriters and video directors, Pickler said, “If I forget to say your name, it’s not because I forgot you. Well, it is because I forgot, but I don’t know what to say right now.”
‘American Idol’ Power List: The Top 7
Kristy Lee and Jason Castro inch up the chart… See where Michael Slezak ranks your favorite singer, as the finalists head into Mariah Carey week
CMT Music Awards - live blog
7:50 p.m.: And we’re out. Taylor Swift was already on the verge of stardom. Two wins at the Country Music Television Music Awards in Nashville, for video of the year and female video for her single “Our Song,” may not define her career, but it will provide a nice sales boost heading into next week.
More TV exposure can only help broaden Swift’s already ardent fanbase. Same holds true for newcomer Kelly Pickler who took home three awards during Monday’s CMT awards. Pickler won breakthrough video, tearjerker video and performance of the year for “I Wonder.” Last year, Swift took home the breakthrough artist prize.
Top 7 Power Rankings: Jason Wins as Michael Loses
Jason seemed to be the biggest benefactor of Michael’s surprising exit from the American Idol competition, boosting his status in the weekly TVGuide.com Power Rankings to a decided third place (with 16.9 percent of your votes). Syesha, meanwhile, dodged yet another bullet when Michael took one. Simon’s slam may have cost Carly her long-awaited tie with Brooke, as the Celtic crooner drifted back into the No. 5 spot.
American Idol: Latest Odds to Win
With only seven Idols left, the American Idol latest odds to win Season 7 may shed some light on who stands the best shot of becoming the next big Taylor Hicks (Taylor Who?) and what the payout would be.
Because David Cook and David Archuleta are pretty much competing against each other at this point, neither are big enough favorites to discourage a bet on the David of your choice.
It’s all based on opinion. Some would say that Archuleta appears to the younger American Idol crowd and will therefore reel in more votes. Others suggest that David Cook is among the most original Idols to appear on the show and he could garner votes from older fans (as well as some younger).
Last week, American Idol Season 7 experienced its first shock elimination with Australian Michael Johns being shown the door. Gambling911.com had Johns pegged to finish among the Top 3.
Kiss up? Break down? Or talk back? Reality TV is a study in how to answer your critics
Tonight on “American Idol,” we’ll get heartfelt singing of varying quality, ongoing bad jokes about Simon Cowell’s hair, and, most likely, some back talk that gets everybody buzzing. Will Brooke White make a point of forgiving the judges when they tell her she was mediocre? Will Carly Smithson keep describing herself as a feeble spirit, crushed by the cruel music industry? Will David Archuleta once again be sheepish about his technical perfection?
‘American Idol’ Contender David Cook’s Brother, Who Is Battling Cancer, Will Attend Show This Week
“American Idol” rocker David Cook has not talked much about the stress of being away from home as his brother battles cancer, but it was reportedly that extra anxiety that helped land the singer in the hospital a few weeks ago. This week, in addition to the show’s usual elimination drama, there could be another level of emotion. The Terre Haute Tribune-Star reported on Sunday that Adam Cook, 36, boarded a Learjet over the weekend to make the 2,000-mile trip from Indiana to watch his younger brother compete as one of the seven finalists on the show.
David Cook could take ‘Idol’ title; but does he want it?
In the “American Idol” universe, David Cook is already a big star.
In a recent survey of 1,100 viewers by E-Poll/Reuters, the vocalist/musician from Blue Springs was voted the most talented performer among the final eight contestants.
Viewers aren’t the only ones who see stardom in Cook’s future. On “Larry King Live” recently, “Idol” judge Simon Cowell told King that Cook was his favorite contestant.
However, his consensus rise into the top two or three prompts a question: Does Cook really need to win? Or more specifically: Would he be better off not winning?
David Cook Dating ‘Dance’ Star!
Could it be that David Cook turned in a lackluster performance last week because his mind has been on other things?
OK! has learned that a romance has been brewing between the American Idol finalist and So You Think You Can Dance runner-up Lacey Schwimmer.
We hear the Idol front-runner has been missing his curfew to hang out with his new sweetheart and that he has been sneaking away to see her during the day.
Booted ‘Idol’ Michael Johns Performs For Access
Fresh off of his “Idol” dismissal, Michael Johns comes to the Access Hollywood stage to perform “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” with the help and constructive criticism of our “Idol” expert David Foster.
Booted ‘Idol’ Michael Johns Visits Access Hollywood
Booted ‘Idol’ Michael Johns visits Access Hollywood
Family, friends, fans cheer Brooke White TV viewings in Mesa
Most of us can watch “American Idol” with a sense of impersonal detachment, rooting for our favorite singers on the Fox talent competition to do well — but if they get voted off, so be it.
But for the 100 or so people who gathered around the big-screen TV last Tuesday at Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill in Mesa to watch “American Idol,” most have a vested interest in the show — and, in particular, Mesa’s own Brooke White.
“I went to school with Brooke, elementary and high school,” says Staci Allen of Mesa, who watched Brooke’s “Idol” performance Tuesday with her own family at the restaurant. “She wasn’t always a singer — she got into it in high school — then she went to beauty school, but dropped out to (become a singer).”
Taylor Swift’s Photo Blog: An Idol Moment
The one of us pointing to the wall. I ran into Kristy Lee Cook from American Idol at the mall in Beverly Hills the other day, and she invited me to come watch American Idol that night! It was a blast, and she’s SO sweet!
Note to ‘Idol’s’ David: Please marry my daughter
My son-in-law, the American Idol, has a nice ring to it. No?
Such a nice boy, this David Archuleta of “American Idol” fame. He plays the piano and performs such songs as “Imagine” and “Waiting on the World to Change” because he likes their “good messages.”
Several years from now — say, after Natalie is out of college — I would happily welcome David into our family as a son-in-law. David’s dream is to become the next pop sensation — and, unwittingly, the teenager has become the gold standard as “Dream Date” material.
I believe it was David’s third appearance on the show when I turned to Natalie and told her, “That’s the kind of boy you can bring home.”
Local duo makes ‘American Idol’ cut
Lebanon songwriter Mendy Shaw could be on the verge of that big break to make her quit her full-time job selling pharmaceuticals.
“Stronger,” a song Shaw wrote with Hamilton County native Jason Phelps, is a top 20 finalist in the “American Idol” songwriting competition.
The winning song - determined by online voting through April 23 at www.Americanidol.com - will be recorded by the “Idol” winner announced May 21.
“It’s exciting and fun to see that something you’ve been working on a decade is finally being recognized. It’s vindication,” says Shaw, a Maineville native and 1987 Little Miami High School graduate.
Britain’s Got Talent - Scala are friends of Simon Cowell
Scala were invited to audition by Simon Cowell.
Scala became one of the favourites to win Britain’s Got Talent after their performance on Saturday night.
The attractive string quartet are actually professionals unlike school boy Anthony Johnston and Kate, the girl with the dancing dog.
Victoria, Izzy, Chantal and Tasya have performed alongside McFly and were chosen to perform at the X Factor wrap party.
Boss Idol Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell and Donald Trump were voted the best bosses in a new survey by Parade.com.
The ‘American Idol’ judge and business executive Trump topped the list of the best possible employers, with Trump receiving 31 per cent of the vote and Cowell following close behind with 30 per cent in the magazine’s Careers and Money Survey.
DAUGHTRY plays charity gig in Vegas
DAUGHTRY performed an intimate show in Las Vegas last night to raise money for The One Campaign, which fights global AIDS and extreme poverty. The show took place at the BEATLES-themed Revolution Lounge in the Mirage casino. Tickets were auctioned off on eBay, and organizers say enough money was raised to feed 1,538 children for a year. LIVE singer ED KOWALCZYK was on hand, and he and CHRIS DAUGHTRY performed together for the crowd, including covering JOHNNY CASH’s “I Walk the Line” and THE BEATLES’ “Helter Skelter.” Daughtry said he invited Kowalczyk to join him a few weeks ago — quote, “Ed’s a good friend of mine, and…any time that I can get him on stage with me is a big deal for me. So I just said hey, come on out.”
George Huff to perform before the opening of Karle’s new film
American Idol finalist George Huff will bring his soulful sounds to Huntington on Thursday night.
The singer will perform during the festivities preceding the world premier of Francesca Karle’s new documentary film about substance abuse titled “Back to the Bottle.” The film will be shown in conjunction with the annual Appalachian Film Festival, which is scheduled for April 17-19, but it is not a competing film.
The red carpet arrivals for the premier will start at 7:15 p.m. with the evening’s program beginning at 7:45 p.m. Performances by local and national artists, including Huff, will be followed by the premiere showing of “Back to the Bottle” at 9 p.m.
V-Day celebration a show of solidarity among the world’s women
It was a love fest, plain and simple.
Wait. Plain and simple aren’t the right words for an event that filled up most of the New Orleans Arena Saturday night, replacing the teal neon of the Hornets with hot pink and words you’ve never seen there before and never will again.
And it doesn’t describe the two-hour-and-40-minute, 1960s-style, in-your-face show that ended with Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson belting out “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” along with Faith Hill and Charmaine Neville and Jennifer Beals, while Doris Roberts — Ray Romano’s TV mama — was dancing on stage with actresses Jane Fonda, Christine Lahti, Kerry Washington, Shirley Knight, Amber Tamblyn, Didi Conn, Rosario Dawson and who knows who else, all of them moving to Aretha Franklin’s theme and singing and feeling the vibe.
Ex-’Idol’ finalist Paris Bennett auditions for Broadway’s ‘Legally Blonde’
The former Idol fifth-season finalist auditioned late last week for a role in the Broadway musical Legally Blonde, The New York Post reported Monday.
“I sang for ‘Pilar,’” Bennett told The Post.
The role is one of lead character Elle Wood’s sorority sisters and comes with featured parts in five of Legally Blonde’s musical numbers, The Post reported.
While she’s no stranger to the stage thanks to her Spring 2006 Idol run, Bennett realizes she would be increasing her workload if cast for the musical since she’d be expected to perform eight times a week.
BWW TV Exclusive: Clay Aiken Webisode - Spamalot And In The Studio Recording
BroadwayWorld brings you this special exclusive webisode featuring American Idol and Broadway Star - Clay Aiken as he talks about Spamalot and recording his latest CD. Click now to watch!
Multi-platinum selling pop singer Clay Aiken will release his fourth album, On My Way Here, on RCA Records/19 Entertainment on May 6th, 2008. The collection is the 29-year-old Raleigh, NC, native’s first album of original songs since his 2003 chart-topping, double-platinum debut Measure of a Man.
Phil’s Pages: Chapter 11 (no bankruptcy implications intended)
Here’s the latest from Phil (and a substantial contribution from his wife, Kendra):
I’ve got to admit that I was a little shocked that Michael went home this past week on Idol. I don’t think that the judges ever gave him the credit he deserved for his vocals, and I wish him nothing but the very best. But I also want to give the remaining Idols props for making it through to another week!
Speaking of remaining Idols, my band and I played in Sarasota, Fla., on Saturday and it is the hometown of none other than Syesha. Got to tell you that the locals are very proud of their girl, and with good reason. She is doing a great job and I expect to see her shine again this week.
Children’s harmonic workshop set for May
Participants will receive a Hohner harmonica with a case, a specially designed Bluzkat instruction book and a surprise gift from Taylor Hicks.
“Taylor gave us some new items to (include) in the ‘American Idol’ showcase,” said Dixie Connell, the museum’s director of marketing and education programs.
She said the showcase already has items donated by 2005 “American Idol” runner-up Bo Bice and from Hicks, but so far no items belonging to 2003 “Idol” winner Reuben Studdard.
“We’re doing this thing to honor Taylor Hicks,” Hitchcock said. “Over the years, Taylor has used the harmonica very effectively with his music.”
Ace Young Performs Addicted
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http://www.votefortheworst.com/20080415/carly_already_knows_mariah_carey
Okay, Michael. I’m so sorry I neglected voting for you. I’m sorry. I’m sorry! Please stop torturing us with what we’re missing now that you’re gone. Wah!!!
Can’t wait for the tour…..HOT!!!
Hopefully Carly will be bright enough to say something along the lines of “I met Mariah once YEARS ago, but I’m sure she wouldn’t remember me” or something to that effect. Of course, they edit those segments so even if she did mention it, we might not see it.
It’s strange seeing and hearing all of these facets of Michael Johns. He is one of the few who admit to watching every season of idol yet he didn’t seem to play the game well at all. He should have played up what got him past auditions in the first place and it wasn’t rock. While I think he does both well, he just sizzles doing the bluesy, soulful thing. That is his box, and I am stuffing his sexy a$$ back in it!
I really hate VFTW. In it’s intentions to bring light to the manipulations of idol it has become a spurious, nasty, little website as far as I am concerned. At this point Carly knowing or should I say meeting Mariah previously means nothing as Mariah will not be voting. So they can both pretend and what does it really mean?
She doesn’t seem to be a very good liar … she does try, nevertheless:
http://www.votefortheworst.com/20080311/lies_carly_smithson
I wonder if the rumors are true about David C and that dancer. If it’s true will it help him or hurt him?
I loved SYTYCD the season Lacey was on. She and Cook seem like an odd couple but what do I know. But didn’t he get the memo to save the hook ups for after the finale (or boot)? If you do it during the season it can affect the fangirl vote.
He was on the Mike & Juliet show as well..with his guitar..singing Across The Universe. It was so beautiful it made me sad. Between that and the Aint No Sunshine clip I feel like we are being tortured
I always wondered why MJ didn’t play guitar on the show. I always found his performance style off-putting and the guitar would have taken care of that, IMO.
I’m looking forward to seeing him on the tour and hope he doesn’t get shafted and only get one song. I would also like to see MJ and DC on stage bumping hips and doing chest bumps during other people’s songs. : )
As for the rumored DC-Lacey hookup, my initial reaction was that it would affect the fangirl vote, but I think deep down, the fangirls just want to keep him on teevee and will keep voting. If it’s true, I’m more worried about the distraction, on top of his brother’s health, his own health, the general crazy pressure of the show, etc., affecting his performances. I thought they had no free time to begin with.
I did think he looked awkward onstage - like he didn’t know what to do with his hands…..
I don’t know if they’re true or not, but boy-oh-boy are people in an uproar. What is he - a monk?!!
I assumed he didn’t play an instrument. I never liked how he always kept raising his hand up around his face. Like he didn’t know what to do with them. But I like him when he sings bluesy stuff. Where is the link to the Ain’t No Sunshine? - Never mind, found it up above. I liked it. I like Taylor Hicks’ version of it better, but Michael is no slouch. I do wish he stayed on a few more weeks.
“Ain’t No Sunshine” right here.
If Cookie is going to date anyone from SYTYCD, I would rather it be Danny Tidwell (
) than horse face Lacey Schwimmer.
Lacey = tension release??? Just thinking…
MN Sue, what kind of tension? I don’t get it
This is the first night I haven’t looked forward to this season. The only thing that will be worse is if I have to hear Mariah whistle with her throat Wednesday……. I have no hope.. *cries*
The MichaelJ - Foster video from Access Hollywood is nothing short off fascinating, the way they work through ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ the type of song he should have sang on Idol.
I thnk the soulful pop thng will work.
And MichaelJ has charisma, and that’s somethng you can’t teach.
What did Joni say, ‘You don’t know what you got till its gone,’ and in reference to Michael I think he was the glue that held this group together. Every one performed a little better, knowing Michael was in their corner. Now that shoulder to lean on is gone and they all lesser for it.
ITA. Although…Carly seems to find Archie to lean on/touch/ in every photo op, now, doesn’t she?
I loved the David Foster video too. I was really surprised after David seemed so meh on MJ previously.
Hey, it works for my husband. I know, TMI
I like Taylor Hicks’ version of it better, but Michael is no slouch.
I like Taylor’s version better too.
Okay, Michael. I’m so sorry I neglected to ask people to vote for you for me. (I only asked for Jason votes) :(
I know we’re not big on tribute videos here, but my friend (a David C fan) made this one and the chest bump is there, so I’m posting it, anyway. ;p
David and Michael (music: DC’s Silver)
Final HDD
LW TW artist / album label power index % change
– 1 LEONA LEWIS J RECORDS/RMG 208,688 —
SPIRIT
32 15 JORDIN SPARKS 19/JIVE/ZLG 24,889 31%
JORDIN SPARKS
38 16 DAUGHTRY RCA/RMG 24,755 43%
DAUGHTRY
39 32 CARRIE UNDERWOOD ARISTA/RMG 17,085 3%
CARNIVAL RIDE
Jordin and Daughtry get big boosts from Idol. I’m starting to get the Some Hearts feeling about Daughtry. Who the heck is buying his album?
Darn, Simon has the magic touch. Just about everything/everyone he’s associated with turns successful. Leona is lucky that Simon found her to be talented. She’s being embraced by the music industry and the buying public.
That Boston.com article had some excellent points. I hope that the contestants read it. They really need to just STFU more often when the judges are doing their jobs. No justifying; no excuses.