Combination Locke
Kimberley Locke became a part of the national consciousness when she was a finalist on season two of TV’s “American Idol,†finishing third to Clay Aiken and eventual champion Ruben Studdard. She’s since parlayed that result into being a successful entertainer, combining careers in music ( including the smash single “8th World Wonder†) ; television ( “Celebrity Fit Club,†co-hosting “The View†) ; and modeling/endorsements ( Jenny Craig ) . She also has become quite the gay icon, and will perform at Chicago PrideFest Sat., June 28.
WCT: Of course, I have to ask about “American Idol.†What I want to know, though, is if you caught this past season [ which David Cook won ] ?
KL: I thought this past season was very boring. I was very unimpressed with most of the contestants.
WCT: I’m still wondering how Jason Castro made it to the final four.
KL: He’s cute; that’s all. He looks good in a pair of jeans—you gotta give it to him. But he was as dumb as a box of rocks.
WCT: Yeah, and that’s usually how I like ‘em [ Locke laughs loudly: “I love that!†] , but not on “AI.â€
KL: It’ll be interesting to see what they do next year. I’d like to see them go back to the basics and stop giving them so much in the beginning. It’s like they have nowhere to grow to. Make [ the contestants ] sing the track; when you have a 20-piece band behind you, anyone can sound good.
WCT: It might be interesting if they incorporated a little choreography.
KL: Hmmm. But those people—did you see them in the finale?
WCT: Yes. Poor Brooke White …
KL: They looked a mess.
U.S. pop star appeals for world attention on Somalia
U.S. pop star Clay Aiken appealed on Wednesday for the world not to forget Somalia, where conflict and hunger have created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Aiken said U.S. and international interest in Somalia had been minimal since failed military intervention in the early 1990s.
“There hasn’t been much discussion of Somalia since the early 1990s in the U.S.,” said Aiken, a U.N. goodwill ambassador, on a visit to Somalia. “The American population kind of got a bad taste of Somalia in the early 90’s and hasn’t really had much interest in the country since.”
David Cook Hoping for Teen Support to Win Award
KANSAS CITY, MO. — David Cook is up for his first award since winning the title of American Idol. The rising star known for his older, female fan base, the Cougars, is now hoping for support from teenagers.
Cook is up for a Teen Choice Award for best male reality star. His competition includes The JabbaWockeeZ from America’s Best Dance Crew, Brody Jenner from The Hills, Rob & Big, and Ryan Sheckler from Life of Ryan.
‘Idols’ will find worship at Sports Arena
According to many television critics and diehard fans of the show, “American Idol†season seven boasted the best talent that the incredibly popular competition has seen – so far. The “American Idols Live! Tour 2008†offers fans the chance to find out for themselves, as the second stop on the tour is at the San Diego Sports Arena on Wednesday, July 2.
Simon Fuller, creator and executive producer of “American Idol,†stated, “One of the key factors in the success story of ‘American Idol’ is the unique experience of seeing today’s best undiscovered talent perform live on stage each and every week. We are truly excited that the American Idols Live! Tour will once again give fans the chance to see the TV show come to life in their hometown.â€
American Idol finalists roll into Branson
The Idols are in Branson this year. The top 12 contestants from the first six seasons of American Idol are performing at The Grand Palace.
R. J. Helton finished as a top five finalist in the show’s first season. He performed on Ozarks Today on Wednesday morning.
Here’s more information on the show from The Grand Palace: Six of your favorite performers from the #1 smash-hit television show “American Idol” will be featured in 2 to 4 week runs with different performers rotating in and out every 4 weeks. The show runs through October 26.
Song List for Radio Broadway Concert on 6/30 Announced
The complete song list for Radio Broadway Presents “The Radio Hits of 1958,” sponsored by BroadwayWorld.com, has been announced. The show will feature a variety of Broadway stars, American Idol’s Constantine Maroulis and alumni from American Bandstand and will be presented on Monday, June 30 at 8 p.m. at The Town Hall, Times Square’s landmark concert venue.
‘American Idol’ Alum Blake Lewis Parts With Label, Says He ‘Couldn’t Be Happier’ With Debut LP’s Performance
“My contract with Arista is up, and they didn’t option me, so I’m with 19 Recordings and we’re working on booking a tour,” he explained. “Arista went through a lot of changes. The person who was working on my record was fired. … I guess in the world of radio, selling 300,000 is not a success. I beg to differ. I couldn’t be happier, and my fans are amazing and super-supportive.”
The label setback isn’t about to deter Lewis from continuing his music career. He said he’s already written four songs for his sophomore LP, which he’s working on with his band’s drummer, Kevin “KJ” Sawka. The pair will be co-producing the effort, which Lewis describes as “Massive Attack meets Zero 7 — drum-and-bass with a little pop influence.”
But who will release the record when it’s in the bag? Lewis said he may release the disc through his own label, which he’s in the process of getting off the ground. “I’m super-passionate about this record,” he said. “Who knows what’s in store? Half the year’s over, and it’s only going to keep going.”
Colliding with the Real World at the Canal Room
Last night was one of those beautiful city nights, when Manhattan can do no wrong. The thick but gentle wind tickled my hoop earrings as I walked along Canal Street toward Canal Room, where I was about to watch Brianna Taylor from “The Real World,†who said “but I don’t like hard work of any kind,†followed by Blake Lewis from “â€American Idol,†famous for creative use of mouth noises and being rumored as one of Lindsay Lohan’s chew toys. You’re right; I have GOT to find a way to spin this for this column. It’ll come to me…
I Met Blake Lewis, Jealous?
I am a ginormous reality TV junkie that’s why it was so much fun to sit down and chat with “American Idol’s” Blake Lewis and “The Real World’s” Brianna Taylor, who performed last night at The Canal Room in New York City.
Blake spills the real deal on getting dropped from his label and what is playing on his iPod right now, while Brianna threatens to put some of her former houseguests on blast!
ATLANTA COUPLE WED AT ‘TODAY’ LIVE TV ALTAR
“American Idol†contestant (and the bride’s cousin!) Melinda Doolittle surprised the couple at their 65th floor Rainbow Room wedding reception by singing “Never Felt This Way†for the couple’s first dance.
“Today†then temporarily transformed into “Dancing With the Stars†as Suggs and Bradford cut loose with a carefully choreographed dance routine featuring dips and lifts.
As Vieira observed: “You now have the best wedding video out of all of your friends!â€
Chicago NFL Alumni and Sinai co-hosting benefit
Chicago NFL Alumni and Sinai Community Institute will present “Gala 2008: Celebrating 15 Years of Going the Distance†Sat., June 28, 6-11 p.m., at Cadillac Club at Soldier Field, 1400 S. Museum Campus. The event is black-tie optional.
There will be a VIP reception, Latin-inspired cuisine and a silent auction. In addition, former “American Idol†finalist Melinda Doolittle will perform.
Sparks lights up stage at SCERA
When Jordin Sparks took the stage at the SCERA Outdoor Theatre Wednesday night, she did it without an extravagant set or special effects. In actuality, the concert was all about Sparks displaying her voice—and the large crowd that piled into the theater should have left the show feeling it got its money’s worth.
Sparks took the stage just before 9 p.m. and had the crowd engaged from the get-go. She swayed onto stage in a bright floral summer dress and wasted no time in doing what she does best.
Hicks, Mitchell and More to Perform on PBS’ “A Capitol Fourth”; Smits Hosts
The fireworks extravaganza — filmed live at the U.S. Capitol — will air on PBS stations around the country July 4 from 8-9:30 PM ET; check local listings.
The 90-minute special will boast performances by Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, “American Idol” winner and current Grease star Taylor Hicks, opera singer Harolyn Blackwell, Huey Lewis & The News, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hayley Westenra and figure skater Scott Hamilton. Erich Kunzel will conduct the National Symphony Orchestra.
Ace has a new album up his sleeve
Ace Young, a season five “American Idol” finalist, called recently from the road. He’s touring with his band and visiting radio stations to drum up interest to a fever pitch for his self-titled debut CD out July 15.
Ace only finished seventh on “A.I.” but he points out that the same season, top-selling rocker Chris Daughtry finished fourth. For the record, Taylor Hicks won that year. Ace’s good looks and long flowing hair made him a heartthrob and his dedication to his craft could make him a rock star.
Chicago Pride Fest to Kick Off with Pet Parade at Noon
Entertainment kicks off on the main stage at 1:00 p.m., and includes American Idol Winner Kimberly Locke at 2 p.m., American Idol Contestant and Broadway Star Frenchie Davis at 3:30 p.m., Dance Diva Inaya Day at 5:15 p.m., Legendary Martha Wash (C+C Music Factory, Black Box, Weather Girls) at 6:15 p.m. and 80’s pop superstar Tiffany at 7:00 p.m. A special Pride Drag Show will occur between acts at 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. featuring performers from The Baton, Hydrate Chicago, Circuit Night Club, Roscoe’s and the Kit Kat Club.
2008 Gay Pride Parade and Festival
The Civic Center will welcome a wide variety of entertainment to multiple stages featuring everything from political speakers to live bands to a variety of DJ areas. This year’s performance areas include the Trans Stage (focusing on transgender entertainers), the Soul of Pride African American Stage, the Asian and Pacific Islander Stage (headlined by American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias) and the Homo Hip Hop Stage. In addition to the many live acts performing including Saturday headliner Meshell Ndegeocello, there will be no less than eight different sound systems pumping everything from house and techno to swing and country music in the Civic Center area.
Clay Aiken Calls Attention to Somalia
Clay Aiken is urging the world not to forget about Somalia.
The American Idol runner-up and a U.N. goodwill ambassador, appealed for world attention on the war-torn and hunger-stricken country on Wednesday.
“There hasn’t been much discussion of Somalia since the early 1990s in the U.S.,” Clay said during a visit to Somalia. “The American population kind of got a bad taste of Somalia in the early 90s and hasn’t really had much interest in the country since.”
Paramount Takes a ‘Chance’ on Simon Cowell
Paramount is moving forward on a Simon Cowell-produced movie that the studio clearly hopes will be less “From Justin to Kelly” and more… anything other than “From Justin to Kelly.”
The project, titled “One Chance,” is based on Paul Potts’ rise from opera singing mobile phone salesman to international music sensation thanks to the reality hit “Britain’s Got Talent.”
‘So You Think You Can Dance’: It’s a dead audience’s party…
It must be really difficult for the remaining So You Think You Can Dance to perform to the unresponsive group that populated the audience tonight. Sometimes it was so quite in there, you’d think it was a dress rehearsal.
So You Think You Can Dance A Love Story
Look around the studio during a taping of “So You Think You Can Dance†and read the signs. “Kherington and Twitch!†raves one. “Courtney and Gev!†shouts another. Although at the end of the season just one person will be crowned “America’s favorite dancer,†the audience is falling in love with whole couples at the moment, and not individual contestants. For this reason, it is absolutely essential for each pair to display a believable and relatable relationship, both during their dances and during their video segments.
Twitch and Kherington Payne knew what they were doing when they renamed themselves “Twitchington†early in the season. They marketed themselves as a package deal. A power couple. And thus, they were the first pair to secure a spot in the collective consciousness. At SYTYCD High, Kherington and Twitch are the homecoming king and queen.
Twenty Remain: First Canadian Idol Results of Season Revealed
TORONTO, June 25 /CNW/ - The season’s first four competitors have been eliminated from Canadian Idol, leaving 20 to compete next week for a covetedspot in the Canadian Idol Top 10. The following competitors have received the fewest votes following performances on Monday and Tuesday and will not bemoving forward in the competition:
“Nashville Star” cancels Pussycat Dolls
When I tuned in late to Monday’s “Nashville Star,” I thought I caught a performance of the scantily-clad female pop group Pussycat Dolls. I was wrong, but only because the NBC reality show cancelled the pop group’s booking — and replaced them with a similar group.
“We booked the Pussycat Dolls last Thursday, and then Friday (their label, Interscope) wanted to add Clique Girlz, which didn’t make sense for the show,” says the show’s publicist, Carrie Simons.
She says the show cancelled the Dolls and replaced them with Danity Kane. That’s the group that won Diddy’s MTV reality show, “Making the Band 3.”
Nashville Star: NBC Is Ruining A Perfectly Good Show
Unfortunately, what has run for the last three weeks on NBC bears little resemblance to anything in the first five seasons of Nashville Star, and the series might just be the worst thing airing on network television right now. The problems are many. Billy Ray Cyrus, who can actually be likable when not asked to do too much, is hopelessly out of his depth in the Ryan Seacrest role. John Rich, the lead judge in demeanor, if not in name, is overbearing and seems unable to prevent himself from making inappropriate comments about teenage girls. While the premiere episode dispensed with most of the American Idol-style bad audition filler, everything since then has seemed horribly bloated, with two hours on Monday devoted to only ten contestants.
Nashville Star: Catching Up with Country Cast-Off Justin Gaston
After what looked to be an easy first few rounds of competition for wanna-be Nashville Star, Justin Gaston, the fans took matters into their own hands and sent the part-time model packing. Although we thought Justin was a few years away from a Nashville Star type victory in country music, we did think it was possible the female teen generation would give the dreamy good looking dude a bye into the top three just for being Justin Gaston. The following day after Gaston belted out a rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanted to Have Fun,” we caught up with the ambitious music industry hopeful on the conference call to see if he, himself, had any fun and what he took away from his time on Nashville Star.
Kimberly is certainly entitled to her opinion, but she could have been more respectful. I always liked her, but I will no longer use my hard-earned money to support her because she has lost my respect.
19M dropped Fantasia
But this makes no sense:
Clay hasnt been with 19 in a long time, could they have mistaken him for Archie? And I thought Ruben was still in the 19 family?
I don’t know for sure but Clay might still have some connection with 19 but not entirely. The 19 logo is on the back of his new CD. 19 has so many subsidiaries. They have 19M, 19E, etc.
Blake Lewis remains intact? Wasn’t he dropped?
delete
Spense - Nah, I’m not worried about it. It would make me sad if Jason heard about it and it hurt his feelings though. He’s such a sweet guy. That’s the part that bothers me the most.
Blake was dropped by his record label, Arista, but is still, and will continue to be managed by 19, Simon Fuller’s company. It is a little confusing. Fantasia’s situation is just the opposite, her label has not dropped her, it’s 19 Management that’s letting her go.
More David Cook randomness, this time taping something for the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney World:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2008/06/david-cook-does.html
Ahhh for a second there I thought that meant he was IN Orlando, AT Disney and I was about to be furious with my SIL and/or old roommates for not informing me of this. LOL Not that it would have mattered - I wouldn’t have seen him. But still. It’s the principle of the thing. :)
You’re right MJ - too confusing!
Where does that leave Ruben and Taylor? Are they still involved with 19 even though RCA dropped them?
I think Ruben is still with 19M, but, Taylor never was. He went with the Firm, but, later dropped them. Not sure who he’s with now. Maybe CAA?
Wow, sort of cookie overload today, but I’m going to post that out front, too.
Thanks cheese, trina et al for bringing the good stuff!
Taylor is with Career Artist management.
Kim Lock seems to be opionated but not the first or last the media,AI or others to make a crass personal attack on a contestant/artist/singer maybe either to get attention or interview read.. My adivce to her put a cigar in mouth and smoke it.
Thanks for the Brooke article…
Hmmmm. My three favorite idols of all time? Taylor, David Cook, and Jason. None of them have ever said a bad word about another contestant. I had to think for a while to even remember who Kimberly Locke is. I was thinking of Kimberly Caldwell for a minute and was surprised she wasn’t saying nicer things about last season. LOL. Kimberly Locke truly is dumber than a box of rocks.
I never really liked Kim Locke so I don’t really care that she’s getting a little bit back. I guess you guys haven’t listened to her interviews over the years. She’s always been a bit condescending and bitchy. That being said, she has a right to an opinion, and not everyone is tactful, or has to be. Some of her insights were dead on.
I dont think very many of them have ever said bad words about other contestants. It’s just that the ones that do say things get publicity.
I don’t think this has been posted. Carly Smithson interview. The Idols will be in her adopted hometown of San Diego on July 2. She said David Cook wanted to do his own laundry.
http://www.sdnews.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/06/25/4862c8c212d5c
Archie’s new myspace blog
He said the first four seasons were more about discovering talented amateurs and that the AI producers had changed things so much that it was not the same show any more.
He is right. With the showcasing of non AI contestants, the self congratulatory promofest that is Idol Gives Back and the ringers and people with previous recording contracts that dominated the top 12, the show in the last few years has had too many contestants who have studied the show and are on it for exposure more than in it to win. It has changed and it has lost its charm. Everyone was complaining about the same thing on the boards and in the media, this year especially.
Reminder: Leave the modding to me. Thank you.
Yeah, I heard that talk too. I just don’t agree. Idol was never about true “amateurs”, many of the contestants in those 1st 4 seasons had more experience that the producers let on. (Carrie and her opening for major country acts, Kelly and her time in LA as a demo singer, Reuben as lead singer in a working band, etc) The only people this season who really had recording contracts as opposed to self releases were Carly, Kristy and Michael - and Kristy was dropped before anything was recorded. I don’t think Michael’s was ever released either. As for contestants not invested in winning anymore, you can blame Daughtry for that IMO… not 19E. And that was only season 6, since everyone this season except for arguably Jason seemed pretty invested in winning to me. I chalk a lot of that stuff up to the typical Idol bitching that goes on personally.
Daughtry was season 5 and if you’re using him as the example for not needing to win and becoming the defacto winner, Clay was the one that set the precedent. Chris is just the most recent.
Dish Of Salt: Idols Talk ‘Idol’ Tour
David Cook & Kristy Lee Cook
Chikezie & Brooke White
Jason Castro & Syesha Mercado
(I can’t view the videos. Ugh!)
I don’t know if this article had been posted elsewhere here already, but this is the first time I read it. This part, in particular, interests me…
Uh, Rami, can you try and be BFFs with Jasonnn, too, during the tour, so you can also bring him along when you come here in December? Heh.
New Jason Castro myspace blog
(He’s really enjoying this thing, no? lol)
He also sent out this bulletin:
Thanks for the links, purplesmile!
How awkward/funny that they asked everyone about DC’s “Sexiest Bachelor” status? LOL at the guys reactions.
I wonder when the other two segment will go up.
Thanks purple. I said yesterday that I could see KLC in Nashville. In that interview she says she and Andy are going to buy a house there. Andy’s excited, but asked KLC if “there are woods in Tennessee”. lol Yes, Andy, there are plenty of woods in Tennessee. Nashville is being overrun with Idols, but the more the merrier. I think Kristy will fit right in.
This might end up showing up later in chart news, but I thought I would pass it along FWIW!
6/22/08 Hot AC Chart: David Cook goes top 20, 3 Doors Down top 5
http://hotacguru.wordpress.com/2008/06/26/62208-hot-ac-chart-david-cook-goes-top-20-3-doors-down-top-5/