Posts Tagged ‘Randy Jackson’

Randy Jackson, Jordin Sparks and Michael Johns all took part in last night’s (March 21) Mohammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night XVI at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix, Ariz.

Jordin and Micheal also performed at the event.  Michael duetted with Sam Moore, of Sam and Dave a the main event, and also performed the night before at the Founders Dinner.

Check out photos from both events after the jump!  More information at RapUP and Michael Johns Online.
Photos after the JUMP…

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The world premiere of the ‘We Are The World 25 For Haiti’ video aired during NBC’s coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics tonight.

Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Katharine McPhee and Randy Jackson took part in the recording, and Idol music director, Rickey Minor was a co-producer.

Jennifer got several major solos (sads she was forced to sing with the Bieber, but whatcha gonna do)

Proceeds of the video goes to the ongoing post-earthquake relief efforts for Haiti. For more information on how to donate, check out this LINK.

Watch the video after the jump…

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Ellen Degeneres called into the Ryan Seacrest KIIS-FM radio show this morning to chat about her debut as Idol judge. The Hollywood Rounds kick off on American Idol tonight.

She didn’t directly address the rumors that she and Simon aren’t getting along, but she certainly is playing up the differences in their personalities and judging styles. She calls Simon a smart, funny guy and admits he’s going to be “a challenge”. And then candidly states, “It’ll be good TV.”

Makes me wonder if TPTB are the peeps planting the Ellen-Simon rumors to drum up interest in the show. Hm.

Commenting on the talent, Ellen says the judges have advanced a “very great eclectic group of people.” and she’s surprised by how little experience some of them have. She knows from experience that it’s a very hard process for somebody who hasn’t auditioned before to hear “no”.

She plans to be honest, but with humor to cushion the blow. As a comedian, Ellen knows what it’s like to try to impress a room full of people, and then get judged harshly.

The live shows will be fun and exciting, Ellen thinks, and the plan is to travel next summer to all the audition cities.

Ellen’s got empathy for these kids, but she’s going to be a very different judge than Paula Abdul. If a contestant stinks, Ellen won’t be telling them they look nice. And I don’t think she’ll be taking any condescending crap from Simon. Should be interesting.

I was pretty tough on Ellen when the news first broke, but I’m willing to keep an open mind for now. What do you think?

Listen to the interview after the jump…

BONUS Video: Randy Jackson talks to FOX Atlanta about Ellen, Hollywood Week. And, of course a Girl Will Win (for the “Zen Oneness of it All” (!!!)

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2nd Update: I just saw the entire list of participants, and Carrie was not on the list. Jordin Sparks, Katharine McPhee and Randy Jackson were all on the list.

UPDATE:  CNN removed Carrie Underwood’s name from their report (It’s still in the sidebar) and other outlets do not have her on their lists, so I would say, at this point, her involvement it NOT confirmed.

The recording session for the remake of “We Are the World” is happening in Los Angeles tonight (Feb 1), and you can add Jordin Sparks and Carrie Underwood to the list of stars set to participate in the re-recording of the Michael Jackson classic for Haiti relief.

Jennifer Hudson and Katharine McPhee were previously confirmed for the event. Idol judge, Randy Jackson is also involved.

“We Are the World” is produced by Quincy Jones who also helmed the original back in 1985 with Michael Jackson. Idol music director, Rickey Minor is directing the remake, so I would not be surprised if there were even more Idols amongst the 100+ stars tapped for the single.

Jordin tweeted, “Being apart of the We Are The World remake is such an honor. So much talent together for a great cause. I will never forget tonight. <3″

Some of the big names involved in the effort: Barbra Streisand, Pink, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Fergie, Brian Wilson, Akon, wil.i.am, Tony Bennett, Rob Thomas, Jeff Bridges, Heart and more.

Via Entertainment Tonight and CNN.

If there are other Idol sightings at the recording, I’ll add them to this post…

It’s Grammy weekend, and the Idols are out in full force for the pre-awards festivities that include gifting suites and lots and lots of media interviews…

For Adam Lambert, first up is Westwood Radio One with Randy Jackson where the Idol judge spends a good portion of interview blathering about ancient history (last season? We’re over that!).

After, Randy lets loose a torrent of praise for Adam’s new album For Your Entertainment (which Randy pretty much dissed in a recent MTV interview). Alrighty then!

Keep checking this space, as I’ll be adding more Grammy interviews and bonus birthday material as it becomes available!

Update: Added Adam birthday stalkarazi video from outside the Mondrian Hotel where Adam’s birthday party too place (Lindsey Lohan, Sam Ronson, Simon Fuller plus a super-long Anoop Desai hug at the 8:30 mark!). PLUS a new vid from Entertainment Tonight: Adam promises to be a tough Fashion Correspondent when he hits the red carpet for them at the Grammys. He’s really looking forward to the “Divas”: Beyonce, Gaga etc…

2nd Update: Added interview with 104.3 My Kiss FM – The give Adam a birthday cake and sing Happy Birthday.

3rd Update: Check out around 19 photos taken by hanging around the Mondrian Hotel before Adam’s birthday party HERE.

4th Update:  Allison Iraheta and Adam bandmember Tommy Joe Ratliff at Adam’s birthday party HERE. Jackie Tohn and Allison Iraheta HERE.  Megan Joy getting ready for the party HERE.  Kris Allen attended the party too, but no evidence yet!

The 52nd Annual Grammy awards air Sunday night on CBS at 8 pm. Adam is set to be the special Fashion Correspondent for Entertainment Tonight.

Video after the JUMP…

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The Idols were out in full force at Pre-Grammy activities in Los Angeles yesterday. Not only were they sampling the wares at gifting suites, the twitterverse was abuzz with tidbits from various interviews.

The first interviews to pop up are from Randy Jackson and Westwood One radio.  Kris Allen’s interview with Randy is filled with scintillating details about…last summer’s tour?  Ancient history? Hello?

Whatevs. Anyway, I’ll be posting all the pre-Grammy goodies for Kris Allen that pop up today in this space, so watch for updates. And of course, post anything good you find in comments.

The Grammy Awards air Sunday at 8 pm on CBS.

More Video after the JUMP…

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Randy Jackson talks American Idol with MTV’s Jim Cantiello in this 7-part interview, after the jump.

In parts 3 and 4 of the interview, Randy argues that the female contestants have made better records than the guys. And the reason the likes of Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson pwn the guys? The girls know who they are, and have made better choices.

Also, Randy is all for keeping song selection in the competition focused on the mouldy oldies. He thinks contemporary material isn’t challenging enough for the contestants, and like many baby boomers (erm, not me) he believes the old stuff is better.

And he repeats and repeats: A girl is gonna win American Idol Season 9

Video after the JUMP…

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Randy Jackson topped of a week of talk show appearances with a visit to Late Night with Jimmy Kimmel. After some Idol chit-chat, Jimmy and Randy joined the Roots, the house band, for a funky version of…wait for it…”Pants on the Ground.”

Bonus: Randy Jackson interview on Good Day New York.

Video after the JUMP…

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Randy Jackson is hot on the talk show circuit this week. After the jump, check out his appearances on Live with Regis and Kelly (this morning) and Late Show with David Letterman (last night).

Randy reiterates the meme that a girl will win this season, talks about missing Paula Abdul (of course) and shares his thoughts on Simon Cowell leaving next year (he needs a new challenge!)

Also, on Regis, Randy offers his opinion on the Adam Lambert AMA controversy (peeps are still asking about that?)

Letterman is hilarious, asking Randy when Idol is going to get of Ryan Seacrest. Also Letterman doesn’t envy Ellen Degeneres, noting the haterade she received after the announcement was made she’d be taking Paula Abdul’s place on the panel (I swear, Letterman reads the blogs! Heh)

Videos after the JUMP…

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Idol judge, Randy Jackson is on a tour of the talk shows this week, including appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Live with Regis and Kelly.

Adam Lambert appears on Oprah Tuesday with Susan Boyle, and on Sunday, Kris Allen sings the National Anthem before the Vikings/Saints NFC football championship.

Plus, Jason Castro’s tour, opening for Matt Hires begins on Wednesday in Jacksonville FL.

ETA: Adam Lambert spins his favorite music, every night this week at 104.3MyFM, 7-8 PM PT.  And, Allison Iraheta co-hosts The Top 30 Countdown on Radio Disney Saturday and Sunday.

For more appearance and tour info, check out the Idol Appearances page. (If I’m missing something, post it in comments!)

This week’s schedule after the jump.

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No juicy soundbites to be had from this afternoon’s Randy Jackson press conference call.   Much of it is rehash from the Idol judge’s   recent Billboard interview.

Calling audition city Orlando “strange” without much explanation was probably the most notable quote.   More below:

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Randy Jackson shares a few of his thoughts on the upcoming Season of American Idol with Billboard Magazine:

“Hopefully we can find a girl who can take the crown from the boys who won the last two years,” Jackson tells Billboard.com, referring to 2009 champ Kris Allen and 2008 winner David Cook. “I’d love to see a girl come up.”

Jackson was also surprised by what he heard in front of the judges table during the audition process. “I think generally what happens is whoever wins that season, you get more and more of that. But this season’s a little different. I would’ve thought you’d have a trillion Adam Lamberts show up, or a trillion Kris Allens. But that’s not what happened. It was very interesting. This is a whole different bunch.”

A girl WILL win idol this year. At least that’s what TPTB will be gunning for–there hasn’t been a girl winner since Season 6’s Jordin Sparks. If Randy didn’t see copycat contestants, it’s because the producers didn’t let them through to the judges. Yo.

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Eligible to vote for the Grammy’s but you haven’t got a clue who to vote for?

Easy peasy! When it’s time to turn in that Grammy ballot there’s no reason to waste valuable time, you know, listening to the music of the nominees.   Not when you’ve got an army of twitter followers ready to give you advice!

Take Idol judge Randy Jackson, for instance:

@YO_RANDYJACKSON tweets:

Yo happy monday.. about to put my vote in for the Grammy’s!! Who should win Record of the year??

who should win album of the year?? Gaga, Beyonce, Taylor swift, black eye peas or Dave matthews band!! help me!! c’mon

Lady Gaga… is winning… how about best new Artist???

New Artist … Zac Brown Band, Keri Hilson, MGMT, SILVERSUN PICKUP, the ting tings which one!! hahahahahahah!! C’mon!!

Zac Brown and MGMT are going head to head

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Jordin Sparks performed “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” at last night’s White House Tree Lighting Ceremony. She also got to meet the entire first family.

President Barak Obama was introduced by none other than Idol judge, Randy Jackson, and I hope he was a tiny bit more articulate than he typically is on Idol…

After the jump, video of the finale number, with the Obama family and all the performers and participants on stage. Sheryl Crowe, Common and Ray LaMontagne also perfomed.

via Just Jared

Video after the JUMP…

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Carrie Underwood hit the red carpet tonight (Nov 22) for the 2009 CNN Heroes Awards. Carrie will be performing a special orchestral arrangement of   “Change” from her new album Play On.

Leona Lewis and Maxwell will also be singing on the program.   Idol judge, Randy Jackson, will appear as a presenter.

The top CNN Hero of the Year and a grant of $100,000 went to Efren Penaflorida, who rejected gang life and embraced education for himself and other Filipinos as an escape from poverty. He and the other honorees received $25,000 each.

The CNN Heroes Awards will be televised on CNN, November 26.

More photos after the JUMP…

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