Today’s Idol headlines after the jump…
The 2007 Tonys: The Day-After Dish
See our picks for the most-deserved award, best speech, biggest shocker, funniest line, and 10 other spotlight moments and head-scratchers from Broadway’s big night
…
WEIRDEST PASSING OF THE TORCH
The regal Jane Alexander introducing none other than The Color Purple’s Fantasia to perform. Well, if American Idol castoffs can win Academy Awards nowadays (something Alexander has sadly never been able to do), why not?
…
Kelly Clarkson rocks my world
….I’ve officially upgraded my like to love. And just when you thought she couldn’t be any cooler, she goes and cements her status as the perfect antidote to all the BritneyLindsayParises of the world.
A short list of things Clarkson doesn’t want:
A clothing line.
A fragrance with her name on the bottle.
A television show.
A movie role.
A toy dog in a leather jacket.
Like I said, rock on.
Michigan’s `Idol’ star honored at state Capitol
Flint native and “American Idol” performer LaKisha Jones was greeted by Gov. Jennifer Granholm and hundreds of other fans Monday at the state Capitol, where she continued a homecoming trip through Michigan before leaving to rehearse for an upcoming tour.
Jones wowed the crowed by singing “And I’m Telling You” from the film “Dreamgirls” and “God Bless the Child” — both songs she performed on the top-rated Fox TV show. Fans held signs, snapped photos and cheered her along.
Jones said “never in a million years” did she dream she would be on the Capitol steps with the governor…….
The Summer’s Hottest Tickets
…In addition to time-tested oldies groups, promoters are also turning to concert versions of popular television shows to bring fresh material to the stage. An “American Idol Live” tour has sellers asking $500 and up in Nashville, San Antonio and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., for floor seats that originally retailed for less than $100…
Constantine Maroulis Releases Solo Album, August 7
Broadway and “American Idol” star Constantine Maroulis will release his debut solo album on August 7th, 2007. The albums is on the Sixth Place Records / Sony RED label.
Maroulis debuted “Everybody Loves,” the first song off the album, on “The Bold & The Beautiful” on Wednesday, May 15th 2007. “Everybody Loves” is currently available on iTunes….
FRANKLIN (Somerset): Star 99.1 announces STARstock 2007
The Christian music station Star 99.1-FM will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love and the 38th anniversary of Woodstock with its own peace-and-love concert: STARstock 2007.
In the fields of Zarephath, an all-day festival and concert will take place July 21that will include performances by Sanctus Real, “American Idol” finalist Mandisa and Britt Nicole, all of whom record for event sponsor EMI/CMG Records….
American Idol’s Clay Aiken’s Sexual Orientation Sparks War
…The war got so bad that the Official Fan Club at Clayonline felt compelled to shut down its message board, noting…”Due to reports of extensive unrest and disrespect amongst members that has been carrying on for several weeks, the Official Fan Club Message Board will be shut down until further notice. Please note that should tensions continue on other areas of the fan club, severe consequence!”
Play nice ‘Claymates’
Mandisa Continues to Gain Spotlight
Former American Idol finalist Mandisa and her single “Only the World” continues to soar in the charts in the United States, sitting at #2 for the Billboard Overall Single Sales alongside Beyonce last week.
Mandisa recently made an appearance at the CBS Early Show Weekend Second Cup Café and Fox & Friends.
Her debut album will release 31 July on Sparrow Records…….
Fantasia Barrino Sings the Praises of Literacy and Education
More than 30 million adults in the United States have below basic literacy skills and are unable to comprehend and use written information(1), yet the increasingly competitive job market makes education and literacy more important than ever. This is why beauty brand Suave(R) and Dollar General(R) stores are teaming up with American Idol winner, recording artist and Broadway star Fantasia Barrino to award scholarships to students who are dedicated to education, as well as to recognize their invaluable role models — especially mom’s who have encouraged others to pursue their dreams through education. The “Suave Essay Contest” invites students to write about how someone has helped them improve their life through education for the chance to win a $10,000 scholarship and a trip to New York to meet Fantasia….
Lansing honors LaKisha Jones
American Idol” performer LaKisha Jones of Flint entertained hundreds of fans on the state Capitol lawn Monday, following a homecoming ceremony during which Gov. Jennifer Granholm declared it LaKisha Jones Day in Michigan……..
2007 CMA Music Festival Breaks Attendance Record With More Than 191,000 Country Music Fans Attending
…Surprise appearances are a hallmark of this event. And 2007 didn’t disappoint. The first night at LP Field included an unannounced appearance by first season “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, who joined Reba McEntire on two songs — “Does He Love You” and their recent duet release “Because of You.”…
Dodgers get Posh treatment
Victoria Beckham, who was to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, works out at the stadium and films scenes for her upcoming reality series.
…The reality show might air this summer. It will be produced by Simon Fuller, the “American Idol” magnate who managed the Spice Girls pop group that included Beckham.
Fuller manages both Beckhams and helped negotiate the famed athlete’s lucrative soccer deal.
Wapello County Regional Fair ready to kick off on Wednesday
Annual event returns with improvements
…This year’s country concert will be a big one, too. Featured entertainers will be Blaine Larsen, American Idol finalist Bucky Covington and Sawyer Brown…
Mika’s passion for pop illustrated in ‘Cartoon’
…Indeed, much toil went into reworking the arrangements in Miami with producer/songwriter Jodi Marr (sometimes called the Latin Linda Perry) after Mika endured repeated rejections peddling his demos, including one from “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell…
‘Don’t Stop Believin’, but please stop usin’ that song
– The song was played on the performance night of the finale of season 5 of American Idol in a video montage featuring finalists Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee showing their paths from the auditions to the finale…
American Idol: Kelly Clarkson speaks out
Nothing you are about to read is surprising. A record label wants to control a young, profitable artist. A studio head is only interested in making money. We’ve been here before, and it all makes sense, and former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson isn’t a hero for calling out Clive Davis and RCA in the July issue of Elle magazine (which she has). One way or another, it’s all publicity, and controversy in the name of record sales. Clarkson is probably correct in everything word she says, but that doesn’t mean she had to say them….
Live Review: Keith Urban in Phoenix
…In between sets, DJ Debonair performed to keep the crowd–which included American Idol winner Jordin Sparks–in the mood.
SplashDown Beach Launches Pepsi Summer Beach Concert Series
Starts June 22, with American Idol’s Paris Bennett
June 22nd marks the launch of the Pepsi Beach Summer Concert Series at SplashDown Beach in Fishkill, NY. Paris Bennett from American Idol’s season five will be performing live at the water park. Paris released her debut album Princess P on May 8, 2007. Paris said “The album is based on my experiences before, on, and after American Idol.”…
Daughtry Gave A Wonderful Performance - And Reply
Many people flocked to Riverbend over the weekend to see Daughtry, and many claim they were disappointed. I fail to see why. Daughtry gave a wonderful performance.
Yes, it was rather short, but what do you expect from an American Idol guy who has just broken onto the music scene and who only has one CD out so far? Daughtry has the potential to be a major act, but they’re the new guys. They aren’t a major act yet…..
Standout Hair and Follicle Follies
Jordin Sparks may have won American Idol, but the real star this season was Sanjaya—in the hair world, that is. From crazy curls to straightened locks to that infamous pohawk, the once shy teen stood out among the other contestants and captured the heart of America.
An extravagant hair change like Sanjaya’s is a perfect way to get noticed at a party, as long as it’s done correctly. For fresh ideas, I’ve decided to talk to the American Idol hairstylist himself, Dean Banowetz…….
Clay’s Fans Are Aiken To Get Into A Scrap
Long known for shutting out those who disagree with them, Clay Aiken’s fans, no doubt because of their insularity, have now turned on each other:
Claymates Bring the Hate
DARE WE CALL IT CLAY-MYDIA? We hear there’s a rumblin’ and a grumblin’ in Claynation…
Taylor Hicks: Where Is He Now?
He was the hottest bachelor of 2006 – but what’s his romantic status now? Catch up with the American Idol in our exclusive video!
WATCH IT
Towers coughs up Bonds’s 747th career homer
…Witness the appearance of somebody called Elliott Yamin - apparently last seen finishing third on the culturally bereft American Idol - butchering Take Me Out To The Ballgame during the seventh-inning stretch…
Legendary funk band to take Oakland higher with fundraiser
…The funky masters of New Orleans jazz, blues and zydeco, St. Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band, will open the show, along with American Idol finalist Donny Williams, backed by Park Place…
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I’m a little confused by some of these selections myself, but in the interest of fun for those of you contemplating purchasing this, I’ll give my take on the recorded versions that I’ve heard. (Not that you care about my opinion, but at this very moment, I have nothing better to do).
Blake - You Give Love A Bad Name - equally as awesome as the live version.
Gina - Paint It Black - I haven’t heard it, but her recorded version of Smile is achingly pretty.
Melinda - As Long As He Needs Me - pitch perfect, but just as uninteresting as the live version.
Chris S. - She’s Not There - MUCH better than the live version.
Sanjaya - Besame Mucho - haven’t heard it.
Lakisha - This Ain’t A Love Song - Her studio version is a hard rockin’ ball of fun - highly recommended.
Chris R. - Smooth - exponentially better than the live version (the magic of Protools I guess) but if you listen really hard you can still hear some nasal.
Haley - Turn The Beat Around - don’t know, don’t care.
Stephanie - Love Hangover - haven’t heard it (sorry Dave).
Brandon - You Can’t Hurry Love - not earth shattering, but a nice little ditty.
Phil - Blaze Of Glory - seriously, seriously good with a capital G.
Jordin - This Is My Now - Yeah, like I’d pay a buck ninety-nine for that drivel. I’ll be happy to never hear this tune again. On tour, without a doubt, if she sings this, I’ll be making a booze or potty run - whatever the need may be.
See, I told you guys I spent far too much money on those downloads. I have a lot of them. I need help.
I wonder how many people felt like I did about Idol Season 6? :
–Mostly bored with the show and the contestants this year. But watched anyway. Mostly out of habit.
–Not even slightly interested in purchasing any singles/songs/compilations from this year.
–Not going to the Idol tour and probably would not go even with a free ticket.
If many did, then we have the resultant less-than-stellar ratings, song sales, and tour ticket sales.
Just sayin’ …
Funny. I’ll enjoy most of the contestants on tour this year. Which is the same as last year. Most of them I’ll enjoy, one or two I don’t care to see, but it won’t be torture.
I guess it’s all in your perspective.
I guess Kelly Clarkson fired her manager last night, Jeff Kwatinetz of the management company the Firm, over songs and the direction of the album.
http://www.usmagazine.com/kelly_clarkson_fires_manager
Kirsten, if you count Jordin’s song as coming from the finale week, the 12 songs came from only five weeks (out of 11).
Blake’s, Lakisha’s and Phil’s all came from Bon Jovi week.
Melinda’s, Gina’s and Chris S’s came from British Invasion week.
Chris R’s, Sanjaya’s and Haley’s came from Latin Week
Stephanie’s and Brandon’s came from Diana Ross’s week.
And Jordin’s came from the finale.
Nothing from the top three (and we had some original songs in the top three this year), inspirational songs, standards, Gwen Stefani or Bee Gees week.
Wow, Kelly’s not fooling around. But, she’s right she should be allowed to have a lot of input on HER album. Good for her, I love seeing a woman with guts and fighting for what she wants. You go Kelly!
DVR Alert:
Taylor Hicks will be singing the National Anthem game 4 of the NBA finals (Thursday, 6/14 on ABC at 9PM).
Wow, that’s kind of interesting. I hadn’t noticed that.
Bon Jovi was probably the best week for the show this season(IMO) and British Invasion was up there as well. Latin week was a HUGE disaster (except for Sanjaya who had his best week and, possibly, Blake who was at least good if a bit derivative). Diana Ross night was not good and neither was the finale. Of course, Stephanie and Brandon didn’t have much of a choice.
Those rumours have been swirling all day, so it’s interesting to see a confirmation. I’m puzzled as to this. I thought that Kelly liked the album, so why fire Jeff now? He is said to be listed as one of the Executive Producers on the album Shouldn’t he have been fired during production?
I’ve been reading an interesting book about the music industry (although it is from 1997). One of the things that it says is that Managers are typically entitled to revenue generated by works that were produced while they were the manager. It kind of makes sense. If you’ve done all the work to help put together an album or a tour, you should get a piece of the proceeds. Switching a manager just before a major revenue generation event like this can cause you to have to pay managers twice (your old one and your new one), but some new managers will take a reduced rate on the existing work. Kelly is about to embark on a tour and release an album.
IIRC, Kelly fired her manager the last time her album came out (19M just before Breakaway was released), so this seems to be a bit of a pattern for her. Perhaps she is a tad difficult to work with. Or perhaps the Firm is not as good as it’s reputation.
BTW Is there anybody Kelly is not fighting with? Her ex-boyfriend, Clive and now Jeff. If I were her dog walker, I’d be keeping my ears open for new employment opportunities.
From EW:
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20038840_20038841_20042259,00.html
”He exacerbated a thermonuclear situation,” says one source close to the situation. ”Jeff did everything he could to control Kelly and her career suffered. He should have steered her in the right direction.”
….
but another insider says there were bigger problems than just specific songs. ”It’s been a poor setup,” claims the source. ”Tour markets were misread and all the fighting with the label has taken attention away from the one thing that matters: her music.”
In fact, another source suggests that the album, if it hasn’t made its way to the pressing plant yet, may actually get shelved so that Clarkson and her label, headed by music legend Clive Davis, can reconsider some of the tracks. ”It’s not too late,” says the source. ”The label was supportive of Kelly in terms of putting the song out, but this album can’t flop. She needs to get the right advice and counsel.”
The one thing that I can say about all this My December controversy is that at in this day and age it’s amazing the controversy is over the music and not something stupid that the artist has done like go out and get drunk or high and go to jail. It’s say a lot about Kelly. Go to Kelly’s myspace and listen to Sober and you will hear a beautiful song.
”The label was supportive of Kelly in terms of putting the song out, but this album can’t flop. She needs to get the right advice and counsel.”
Why is this album SO crucial? If it doesn’t sell 5 million copies, I highly doubt Kelly’s career will end. Is this the last album she’s signed to do? I’m really confused here.
Wow.
So “My December” may be shelved after all. I actually like many of the songs on the album that I heard. I think if the album gets released that it will sell well into the 2 million range which is DEFINITELY nothing to sneeze out (Hey I shouldn’t make any more predictions…LOL!).
I wish Kelly success and more power to her!
I guess Kelly is not a WIZARD like chris daughtry…..at least not anymore and in the eye of clive. Maybe Kelly refused to accept the UNIT as her Savior.
Hi………just dropping off a recent headline posted on the boogie that I don’t think LisaB has put up. This will be Taylors third golf tournament and he did well in the second one.
Interesting reading about Kelly C. and her troubles. I hope things turn out OK for her.
Happy to see that Elliott is getting more good gigs and that Kat is with him on the Red, White and Boom thing. Taylor is doing one too.
http://suburbarazzi.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/12/matt-lauer-stone-phillips-taylor-hicks-to-tee-off-at-mamaroneck-charity-outing/
Good one, Coco!
I got kicked out of chat (my first time for the new one!) and it won’t let me back in. I did not abandon you guys. But, it’s just as well, as I have some preparation to do for my guests tomorrow. So, I’ll see you all in the a.m.
I don’t know about “terrible, terrible” but they are pretty strange choices. At least, they are not my favorites. Heh. Except Lakisha’s “This Aint A Love Song” which I absolutely love. I’d buy the album just for that. :) If only I could. Dang iTunes. Sigh.
But maybe it is, Kirsten, that the studio versions are much, much better than the performances.
Ex-’Idol’ Maroulis Finds His Voice On Debut Disc
…After appearing in the Broadway production of “The Wedding Singer” and the off-Broadway play “Jacques Brel is Alive and Living in Paris,” Maroulis teamed with co-producers Jim Boggia and Marc Copley for his debut, “Constantine,” which drops Aug. 7 via the singer’s own Sixth Place Records. The first single, “Everybody Loves,” is available on iTunes and was recently featured on the daytime soap “The Bold and the Beautiful…”
…Maroulis reports that he co-wrote four of the songs on “Constantine,” which dabbles in hard rock, dance tunes and ballads. Even with the variety of sounds, Maroulis says he took a more commercial approach to the record’s sound, as evidenced by the anthemic, Train-like first single. Elsewhere, “Girl Like You” is a “more uptempo dance-rock track” with a hooky chorus, and the ballad “Sister Sister” is “very Beatles-esque, and it hits close to home…”
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003597892
New ‘American Idol’ champ Jordin Sparks saving herself for marriage
…the 17-year-old Glendale, AZ-native said she’s worn the “purity ring” with the inscription “True Love Waits” since she was 13…
“…I haven’t been in love yet,” she told US. “I am saving myself for marriage.”
Due to her Christian upbringing, virginity is just one of the values that Sparks says she believes in. “I think that [abortion] is wrong,” Sparks told Us. “I’m not going to try to debate people on it; that’s just my opinion… I believe what I believe.”
http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/amerrican-idol-champ-jordin-sparks-saving-herself-for-marriage-5330.php
Good for you and good luck on the vow, Jordin. :)
Sigh. I cannot get into chat.
Sorry if this is off-topic. :)
Jordin’s parents married after she was born…
Yep, something tells me that Kelly C blames everyone but herself for anything. You’re right, if I was that dog I will finding a new home soon..
I guess Kelly has officially become a star. Anytime there’s problems with a cd everyone knows the mamager is the first to go and receive the brunt of the blame for it’s direction.
Hmmm. Interesting. But of course, Jordin is her own person. :)
Last year, on this same date I purchased a ticket to the AI5 tour(I could only get one).Tickets were sold out for all six shows in my area - PA/NJ. More tickets became available as the concert date approached and I got more.They are not playing at the same venues this year.
Good one mj.
Today, for the first time, I heard Jordin on local radio (the same station - Magic 89.9 - that plays a lot of Idol songs and where Elliott’s Wait For You is currently number 1 on the daily countdown). The song is, of course, This Is My Now, but I wonder why it’s the AI performance version and not the studio version. Anyway, the song was played immediately after I requested (by text) that they play Blake’s This Love. Some very responsive DJs there, eh? Pfft. Anyway, afterwards, the DJs talked lengthily about Jordin (and Blake). The male DJ asked his female co-host whether or not she thought Jordin’s tears on the (finale) show were real, saying he thought maybe it was staged and that perhaps Jordin is an Oscar-worthy actress. The female DJ said she didn’t think so and that, to her, Jordin really did seem overwhelmed. The two then joked that maybe Jordin became emotional after she heard Blake’s This Is My Now performance and knew then that the crown was definitely hers.
I guess the daily news here is that Jordin and Blake (and other Idols) are getting some international (Philippine) radio play. Heh. ;-D
American Idol celebrates fifth birthday
Kelly, Ruben, Fantasia, Carrie, Taylor and Jordin have an anniversary to celebrate this month. For that matter, so do Justin, Clay, Diana, Bo, Katharine and Blake.
“American Idol,” the massively popular talent competition reality show on FOX, debuted five years ago in June 2002.
In the past five years, “Idol” has launched the careers of dozens of participants, become a fan favorite and, according to some industry insiders, changed the face of television production…
http://www.suffolknewsherald.com/articles/2007/06/13/news/news4.txt
I remember the AI tour sold out in minutes here in Richmnond, Va. I’m sure our hometown boy Elliott had a lot to do with that. This year the tour isn’t even coming to Richmond. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
Yes, that’s exactly how it is with me.