Thousands jump on the ‘Idol’ express in S.L.
Several thousand young people got a chance to be part of “American Idol” on Tuesday — and for most of them it was short and bittersweet.
Out of the estimated 4,000-6,000 who showed up to audition at the EnergySolutions Arena, only about 200-400 were expected to make it to the second of three rounds. Those who did, however, could hardly contain their excitement.
“I was freaking out. I was so nervous. I started shaking like crazy,” said 18-year-old Skyler Holman of Salt Lake City. “I was so happy, because I’ve dreamed about this forever. Ever since the show came on.”
Celebrities vow to conquer cancer with ‘Stand Up’ performances
Jennifer Aniston, America Ferrera, David Cook, Casey Affleck, Meryl Streep, Lance Armstrong, Scarlett Johansson and Forest Whitaker are just some of the celebrities who are taking a stand against cancer during a one-hour television special to be aired on ABC, CBS and NBC on Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Stand Up to Cancer has attracted A-list names to participate in the broadcast.
More Idol Headlines After the JUMP…
Armstrong, Streep among cancer telethon volunteers
During the telethon, viewers will be invited to make donations by calling the celebrity-staffed phone bank or by texting.
Musicians and other participants are to be announced, according to a “Stand Up To Cancer” release.
Such network cooperation is rare but not unprecedented. In 2005, the six biggest broadcasters, along with cable channels, carried a Hurricane Katrina benefit program. In 2001, ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox aired a telethon for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Fox was invited to participate in the cancer telethon but declined.
In a statement Tuesday, Fox called the telethon worthy but said it was focusing on “the global outreach of `Idol Gives Back,’” its charity effort tied to its hit singing contest “American Idol.”
‘American Idol’ auditions: You’ve got the makings of a star
Two weeks from today, thousands of would-be stars will gather in the predawn hours outside Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. The lines will snake up one way and back the other, full of people waiting for that one big chance.
As the day moves along, they’ll each get their shot, their audition for American Idol.
‘Idol’ hopefuls confident going into auditions
The auditions have begun for “American Idol” in Utah, and the thousands of people going through EnergySolutions Arena all think they have what it takes.
Zach Sampson came from Cheyenne, barely slept overnight, but he thinks he’s got what it takes. Titianna Grigg thinks the song “I Have Soul” from a video game will send her on to the next round.
American Idol: More than 4,000 Utahns make audition bids
They say three times are a charm, but for 26-year-old Heather Elmer, it took six times.
Elmer had auditioned five times before to be a contestant on America’s top-rated television show, “American Idol” - in seasons two, four, five, six and seven. But it wasn’t until Tuesday at EnergySolutions Arena that the South Jordan resident finally was successful - as auditions for the country’s top-rated TV show arrived in Utah for the first time.
“My dad and I have a saying,” she said. ” ‘No’ means ‘Not yet.’ ”
American Idol also-ran Jason Castro recorded track for upcoming Mexican film
TORONTO — “American Idol” crooner Jason Castro made good use of his time in Toronto by recording a song for an upcoming movie.
The dreadlocked 21-year-old, who placed fourth on the singing show earlier this year, was in town last weekend to perform at the Air Canada Centre with his fellow Top 10 finalists.
The day before the show, Castro popped by a lakeside studio to record a track for an upcoming Mexican film, “Tierra de Tigres.”
Recording studio Cherry Beach Sound says the film is currently being shot in Mexico and is due to be released there next spring.
NOW That’s What I Call Country Coming Soon
NOW That’s What I Call Music!, the world’s top-selling multi-artist album series, has announced plans to release its first compilation featuring only Country Music. The album will hit stores August 26.
NOW That’s What I Call Country will feature 20 hit songs, including 15 Top-5 singles. Country superstars Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift are among the artists included.
Purchasing the compilation will allow fans to unlock songs from some of Country Music’s up-and-coming artists. Tracks from Eric Church, Jamey Johnson, The Lost Trailers, Ashton Shepherd, Emily West and Chuck Wicks will be available for free download for those who buy the album.
American Idol’s Chris Daughtry and band rock Eastwood City
American band Daughtry on Tuesday night rocked the country during their one-night performance at the Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, according to a report in QTV’s News on Q.
In the television report, Audrey Carampel said this is the first time the band, led by Grammy nominated singer and American Idol alumnus Chris Daughtry, staged a concert in the country.
The audience reportedly got wild as the band performed their hits.
Earlier in the evening, the rock band held an autograph signing session where 100 lucky fans got the chance to have their Daughtry CDs signed by the band members.
Oh, Daughtry!
WHAT a lasting first impression! American band Daughtry, which visited Malaysia recently, made the Malaysian media wait two hours before giving only a 10-minute interview session.
“Why are you guys quiet?,†asked Chris Daughtry of American Idol fame (vocals) as he and the other band members — Josh Paul (bass), Joey Barnes (drums), Brian Craddock (guitar) and Josh Steely (guitar) — entered the Press conference room. (Later it apologised that it was delayed due to sound checks).
“Life is good. Our journey in the music business has been a great experience for us and we have met a lot of wonderful people along the way,†said Daughtry, when asked about his experiences post-American Idol.
Kansas City Blogger Gets Backstage on Broadway
A Kansas City blogger recently made his way to Broadway. Not to act, to report. Djramsey managed to get backstage to talk to former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and Janine DiVita from Grease. Hicks plays the Teen Angel in the Broadway show. You can watch his report on Youtube. The link is in the sidebar to this story.
Former Idol in Top Christian Charts
CBNNews.com - Former American Idol contestant Chris Sligh has reached No. 8 on the Christian charts.
“Empty Me” is the first single off Sligh’s new album, “Running Back to You,” which first made its way into the top 10, July 21.
Sligh says fans tell him all the time how the song has touched them.
More Jennifer Hudson Promo Photos
Last week we posted some new promo photos for Jennifer Hudson’s album. Here are a few more. J-Hud will drop her self-titled debut on September 30th.
Bo Bice To Host 5th Annual Armed Forces Poker Run
Bo Bice, American Idol runner-up, will be hosting the 5th Annual Armed Forces Poker Run in Pelham, Alabama on August 2, 2008, benefiting the Readiness & Family Support Organization.
The charity ride will start at American Classic Motorcycles and will end back at Pub 261 after a 60 mile loop. The event will take participants on a multiple stop journey where they will draw a card, collect a t-shirt or other prizes in hopes at the end to have the best poker hand in play. Local band Five-O will entertain at the conclusion of the event and Bo Bice will be on-hand for a meet and greet with riders.
Singer, Plus-Size Model Locke to Reach Out to Job Corps Students
Kimberly Locke, a popular R&B singer and plus-size fashion model, will make a special appearance Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay on Monday, speaking to and performing for the hundreds of young vocational trainees enrolled at the Job Corps Center there.
Bucky Covington here Saturday
Bucky Covington’s latest hit song “I’ll Walk,” is still climbing the charts, and the success of yet another single for the North Carolina native makes the title of his previous hit all the more appropriate: “It’s Good to be Us.”
Musically, it’s been good to be Bucky ever since he heard “Angel Eyes” by Jeff Healey. Covington was 19 at the time and, inspired by the song and the singer, he bought an electric guitar and was consumed by his new passion.
At first he went in the direction of rock music but then began looking for a country band after he realized “rock just wasn’t speaking to me.”
Genius Products Expands into Music Content Through Multi-Year Distribution Agreement with Record Label Hi Fi Recordings, a Division of The Music Publishing Company of America
Genius Products, LLC, a leading independent home entertainment distribution company, today announced a multi-year distribution agreement with Hi Fi Recordings, the record label subsidiary of The Music Publishing Company of America (“MPCAâ€), an independent publisher founded in May 2006. Hi Fi Recordings, founded in 1995, has built a deep and profound roster of artists including Donnie Osmond, Marie Osmond, Donnie and Marie Osmond as a duo act, Melinda Doolittle, Todd Rundgren, Dionne Warwick and Smash Mouth. The history of Hi Fi Recordings boasts the releases of successful hit albums from the likes of Avril Lavigne and Spacehog among others. Now acting as the recorded music label arm of MPCA, Hi Fi Recordings is dedicated to working with marquee recording artists while also achieving synergies with its vast collection of publishing copyrights.
Simon Cowell: I haven’t split with Terri Seymour
Simon Cowell’s rep has rubbished claims The X Factor judge has broken up with his squeeze Terri Seymour. A mag reported he had a massive row with his long-term girlfriend, which resulted in him banning her from a holiday. Simon allegedly ditched TV presenter Terri to go to St Tropez with his ex Sinitta, 39, and hypnotist Paul McKenna, 44, And he was said to have bought her a £2.3million LA home as a ‘parting gift’.
But his rep insists everything’s fine between the pair.
A TRAVESTY ON ‘SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE’
Last Thursday morning, I turned to TV editor Gael Fashingbauer Cooper and said, “Next week, I’m going to write about how Will is going to win ‘So You Think You Dance.’†Little did I realize the travesty that was in store that evening when the sweet (and, thankfully, often shirtless) Will got sent packing, along with female contestant Comfort.
OK, full disclosure here. I am one of those reality show watchers who never votes, yet always complains if the results don’t go my way. Annoying yes, but somehow, I think that if I don’t vote during the show, I somehow hang on to my fragile dignity (which tends to erode with some reality TV viewing, um, “Two Coreys,†anyone?).
‘So You Think You Can Dance’ gives Norman Lear’s DeclareYourself.com a twirl
IF ANYONE could bridge the gap between the golden age of television comedy and today’s reality shows, it’s probably Norman Lear.
But who would have thought that he could get young Americans dancing to the polls?
That’s exactly what happened last week when producer Nigel Lythgoe, a judge on Fox’s ” So You Think You Can Dance,” urged viewers to visit Lear’s DeclareYourself.com website, where they could register to vote in this November’s presidential election.
Lythgoe and Mike Darnell, head of Fox’s reality show division, were so impressed by Lear’s nonpartisan effort that they decided to mention the website on the show last Wednesday.
Lear was traveling when the show aired. But it didn’t take him long to find out about it.
Seven left after Toronto’s Sebastian Pigott eliminated from Canadian Idol
A Toronto man is the latest to be eliminated from Canadian Idol.
The exit of singer, actor and writer Sebastian Pigott, 25, leaves seven contestants trying to sing their way to the top.
Pigott sang and played harmonica for his version of Little Richard’s “Lucille” in Monday night’s “Unplugged” episode.
He was sent packing after learning Tuesday night that he received the fewest of 2.3 million votes cast.
Toronto man Mookie Morris, 18, and Newfoundland’s Mark Day, 20, were also in the bottom three.
Canadian Idol Recap: And then there were seven
We kick off this week’s results show not with a group medley, but a group song. Which is a nice change. The Top 8 sang “an accoustic version” of My Generation by The Who. Interesting choice especially since the first line is “they try to put me down,” which can easily be addressed to Idol critics. And while I’m not his biggest fan, I liked when Sebastian hopped on the judges table to sing in Zack’s face (”I hope you die before I get old”) as payback for Zack’s comment from Monday night. I also thought the back and forth between Earl and Mookie was great.
Legendary Songstress Anne Murray to Mentor and Perform on Canadian Idol
She has sold more than 50 million albums and is one of Canada’s most enduring national treasures – and she’s coming to Canadian Idol. CTV announced tonight that multiple Grammy and JUNO Award winning singer Anne Murray will become the latest powerhouse mentor to share her considerable expertise and work with the Canadian Idol finalists as they perform selections from her legendary songbook on Monday, August 18 at 9 p.m. ET on CTV. Murray will then perform on the Canadian Idol results episode on Tuesday, August 19 at 8 p.m. ET when the remaining Top 4 are revealed (visit idol.CTV.ca to confirm local listings).
‘Nashville Star’ recap: Patricia Heaton and Sinbad watch this show?
Last night’s Nashville Star saw the final four return to their hometowns to put on a concert, be treated like a rock star, and if you’re Coffey, to meet fans Patricia Heaton and Sinbad. Heaton said she’s been watching him every week; Sinbad insisted that he’s been voting. (How hard did NBC have to work to find out that Sinbad was a Coffey fan?) Our thoughts go out to those celebs this morning because their pick got the boot. Let’s break the performances down.
NBC ‘Nashville Star’ exit interview with Coffey
Monday’s “Nashville Star” was themed for hometown reunions. The final four remained: Shawn Mayer, Coffey, Gabe Garcia, and Melissa Lawson who were all local heroes returning to their stomping grounds to rally their base.
JHud looks pretty in those photos.
I’m so thrilled will be participating in the “Stand up to Cancer” event! He really wants to do that kind of thing, doesn’t he? What a great opportunity!
In other news…, what’s the deal with reports that Simon Cowell is always buying people houses?
Re the USA Today Stand Up to Cancer article, I’m so proud of DC being lumped together with the arguably more famous first batch of A-List celebrities mentioned as participating in the broadcast. His name wasn’t even preceded with “American Idol winner . . .” LOL!!!
Since DC appears to be the only singer of the group, wonder if he’ll be performing? That should be so exciting for him, rubbing elbows with the best of them! Plus, it’s for a cause important to him. Considering how busy he is at the moment, it just shows his character that he’s making the time for this. : )
I noticed this too and was going to Edit to add it onto my comment^.:)
Oh and how did I forget to put DC in my first line!:(
A new article about Amanda Overmyer:
Life after ‘American Idol’
Back in Indiana, Overmyer works on new album, plans wedding
After competing in the most recent season of “American Idol,†Amanda Overmyer’s main focus is pursuing a career in music.
Overmyer is currently in Mulberry putting together a new album, which she describes as “southern rock.†Her single “Play On†will be released on Apple iTunes at the end of September. The album, which has not been signed by a record label, is tentatively set to be released in December.
Pharos Tribune
It’s a cute video with some very good clips of Taylor, including the entire “grand finale” with harp. If you haven’t seen Taylor’s “Teen Angel” here’s the direct link to the blog.
http://ramseymohsen.com/2008/07/video-blog-backstage-grease-on-broadway/
I just got back from NYC. MJ, if you haven’t yet seen Grease, I recommend you plan to do so. It’s most cheesetastic. I couldn’t stop giggling at Taylor’s get-up, but he does quite a fine job at singing the “Beauty School DropOut” number. He says that he’s getting other Broadway offers, but he’s “the band guy” who wants to finish his CD and get back on the bus.
Wow, that’s great for Amanda! I wonder if she is signed but can’t publicly disclose it?
Seems like the numbers for Idol auditions are down. Like wayyy down.
Coffey grew on me and after reading that interview, I really like him as a person.
Good luck in your career Coffey!
I love that David will get to take part in SUTC. When I first heard about the event, I thought he must be involved, but then remembered the tour and figured it won’t happen. Lucky thing it’s on a day off.
I’ve heard rumors they’re filming in both LA and NY, and if that’s the case, I hope David does whatever he’ll be doing in NY. The constant flying around can’t be good for him.
Also - hope he’ll get to sing. I wonder if we’ll know in advance.
It’s not surprising the numbers are down a fair bit because of gas and travel prices that have skyrocketed in the last year.
Finally! Lakisha Jones has her myspace functioning, with several songs from her new album, which is listed as coming out this October. There are also several enjoyable videos.
http://www.myspace.com/lakishajones
The music playing on her myspace jukebox is neo-soul, smooth & creamy variety, not as good for me as her gutbucket retro R & B, but this is probably more commercial. Also too tame for me in terms of using the power and versatility big ol’ voice of her’s.
Favorite cut, that allows you to hear what’s got is “Just Like I Am,” I gospel tune that she previewed on Idol Extra.
Anyway, I wish girlfriend many many great successes. Still one of the most talented singers Idol has ever had, IMO……
Oh, one more think about Ms. Jones: she’s engaged to be married, I heard. Details, anybody?
I was one of the lucky ones. I got my two CDs (the jackets, actually) signed. It was funny…when he slid one of the CD jackets across the table towards him (from in front of the band member seated beside him), it completely slid under one end of the tablecloth so we laughed, especially as he struggled to pull it back out. So I didn’t just see Chris D smile, I heard him laugh, heh. He didn’t seem arrogant at all that time. ;)
Daughtry made the Manila concert-goers wait for an hour, too. The show was supposed to start at 8, but Daughtry didn’t come on stage until it was almost 9. They did a 75-minute set, though, so the fans were sufficiently appeased, I think. :)
One of my favorites from the concert…
What About Now - Daughtry Live in Manila
*Please excuse the back up vocals…that wasn’t me, though (I only sang two lines). lol*
In related matters, word back here is that VIP tickets to Cookie’s upcoming Philippine concert would cost from $200 to $300 each. Aaack! I’m not sure I would like Cookie enough that day to shell out that much, if ever. :s
Well, if that’s for VIP tickets, the regular ones would probably cost alot less, right? I thought the prices were pure speculation, because from what I’ve heard there’s still no official word who booked David and where he might perform. I’m curious, though.
Also - that was a great clip of Daughtry. Made me realize how much I hope that DCs show will be documented. It will likely be the first time he’ll perform at least some of his songs publically.
I guess you’ve not heard the minimum monthly wage back here is about half of the higher amount mentioned there? Heh. It’s true these are only rumors so far, but the devoted (online) fans are anxious because most of them are students yet, who, of course, want the VIP seats.
Don’t worry about documentation, Jolene. I bet you’ll be overwhelmed. We do love our cameras here and use them, too. ;)
I had not seen this article posted, although I believe the topic had been discussed before…
Colbie Caillat: From ‘American Idol’ Reject To John Mayer Tourmate
Rejection has never felt so good.
Before her “Bubbly” hit, Colbie Caillat was an unknown singer/songwriter hoping that “American Idol” might be her ticket to a recording contract. Unfortunately, whoever was screening contestants that day was a bit shortsighted — Colbie was turned down at the pre-auditions (that’s right, she didn’t even make it in front of Simon).
But fortunately, there was life after “Idol…”
Hi guys I’ve been lurking for along time and only posted couple of times .. the point is while i was looking for some songs that i missed for idol gives back, i found this studio version of shout to the lord. Im pretty sure it wasn’t in itunes at the time but i could be wrong :) .. anyway for those who missed it like i did enjoy
I hope this is the right place to post this in. If not im sorry.
David Cook Makes Headway With New Album
Link
Note the November 19th there, that’s a Wednesday btw lol
Oh, I can relate. I’m a poor college student as well, and I don’t even make minimun wage because I don’t have the time for full employment.
I guess that just goes to show how much of a nutjob DC makes me, because I actually checked online to see if there was any chance I could fly to Manila for David’s concert. Alas - it’s even more expensive for me than flying to the US, so no dice.
I guess there would be plenty who find the price too steep and choose not to go, but as someone who has no way of going to a Cookie concert anytime in the near future… I just really wish steep prices were my only problem.
DITTO
Okay, I guess I got my answer too. I hope for all who want to see him the prices are only a rumor…
Hmm, even in the US, only the most legendary, multi-platinum touring acts can fetch that kind of cash for a face-value ticket. That seems like far too high a price to see a rookie, especially in a country with a relatively lower average wage. I have a hard time believing that these prices are correct. Hopefully, it’s just a rumor.
Hmmm…no love for LaKisha here? No wonder she didn’t win! Anybody got some feedback on her first album?
hear samples of the Oct. release at http://www.myspace.com/lakishajones)
I adore Lakisha, and I think she sounds fabulous on the myspace samples. I’ll be first in line in October :)
I’m very happy that Bucky is doing so well. Love him.
I wonder if the AI people were kicking themselves for not putting Colbie Caillat through to the judges. I’m glad that they changed their way of thinking or we would not have gotten Brooke and Jason.
Speaking of Jason, I hope that the song he recorded for the movie will be available to purchase next spring. Can’t wait.
Congrats to Lakisha.
Don’t even talk to me. That’s nothing, LOL. I had to stand in 3 inch heel boots for at least 2 hours (through 3 opening acts, none of which were advertised in ANY promo stuff). But the second they launched into their first song, my friend and I knew it was worth it, even as annoyed as we’d been. :)
Ok so Jason C is doing a Mexcan film “Tierra de Tigre” transalted means “Land of tigers”. Yes ,just happy I remembered some spanish from High School way back in the jurastic stage…I also hope that if the song is in spanish that some will be exposed to the cd or even maybe a forgien film with subtitles.
Hi Momo in chat tonight? Hopefully?
Hi Colette, thanks so much for the Lakisha link! She gave me chills on a few of her songs on season 6 and was always my favorite. These songs definitely sound like they’d do well on commercial radio. I never figured out why she placed so low with so much talent??
I remember your recap, Sarah. Haha. Yes, so we were lucky then, after all. In fact, there was supposed to be an opening act for Daughtry here - the Top 10 of Pinoy Idol - but they never showed up. I don’t have any idea why. Perhaps the organizers got word that we weren’t exactly excited to see these people. Heh.
From MyFox KC
David Cook Heading Overseas for Tour
During a radio interview with a Toronto station, David Cook announced his first post-American Idol booking. He’ll be heading overseas to the Philippines.
Web sites are already buzzing with excitement from Cook’s overseas fans. Some of those fans even chat right here on www.myfoxkc.com. You can watch the Cook radio interview below…
kelly clarksons cd is slated to release november 18th
Amazon
The first post was sufficient. If folks want to comment they will. If not, please don’t badger people. Generally, I delete duplicate posts.
Sorry MJ, I just wondered what was up.
Momo: I don’t understand why Kiki didn’t do better either, except I think people confused both her nervousness and musical confidence with arrogance. She wasn’t as warm and fuzzy as some of the other Idol contestants, and ultimately it was the young’uns who had the most appeal that year.
It’s interesting to me that the judges pretty much avoided putting anyone like Kiki or MindyDoo into the mix this season. I’m curious whether that was very deliberate, or they really didn’t see that kind of more mature soul-oriented singer in the auditions?
Any insight into how the earlier people are cut, before the top tier is scene by the AI judges? Could they have directives about what’s wanted in a particular year — you know: age, ethnicity, music style, certain look, personal backstory?
Sounds like a good concert purplesmile, and you had a good time!
After talking with some folks tonight, I wondering do you know if DC will be alone in the Phillipines? Just thinking about future DC concerts in the USA…