‘American Idol’ winner, boyfriend runner-up perform atop Empire State Building – “There were a lot of times when I didn’t think I could do it, and I didn’t believe in myself,” she said. “But he definitely believed in me the whole way and was always there to reassure me. And when I got homesick, he was always there to comfort me.” They also sang Carole King’s tune, “You’ve Got a Friend,” like they meant it. – Read more at ABC7
Maddie Poppe, ‘American Idol’ 2018 winner, talks life on the road – I want to change it up almost every show or every other show. Honestly, it gets boring after you’re doing the same thing over and over and over again. You don’t really put the same kind of passion into it every time as you do the first time you’re doing it. You kind of feel like you’re going through the motions. So when I do my own, I’m definitely going to change it up. That’s what I’ve done at all my other shows in the past. I change the set list every night. – Read more at Cincinnati.com
Local American Idol stars come home for concert in Upper Darby – Read more at 6abc.com
Jennifer Hudson Hosts Back-To-School Giveaway In Honor Of Slain Nephew – Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson is back home in Chicago today for “Hatch Day,” her annual back-to-school giveaway honoring her slain nephew. “Look at all these kids, and seeing them being blessed from his blessings, and then for it to be centered around education and positivity, that’s who Julian was. He always had a book in his hand. He was very smart and studious. So that’s why we wanted to give back in his honor,” she said. Hudson said, every time there’s a senseless shooting, she relives Julian’s death, and wonders when it will end. – Read more at CBSLocal
See It: ‘The Voice’ Winner Jordan Smith Returns With Sophomore Album ‘Only Love’ – How has your sound progressed from your first album to this sophomore effort? Smith: I think if you listen to the album you can definitely hear a progression in the sound. For me this was just a matter of slowing down, taking my time and making this album perfect. I’ve worked on it for almost two years and I co-wrote about 50 percent of the album, so its something that was different for me from what I did on “The Voice” or what I did on my first album… to kind of flex that songwriting muscle. And I think you can hear that in the sound… it’s more personal to me. I found ways to make it my own signature thing and not just a karaoke version of another song. – Read more at 7 SanDiego
David Cook on American Idol and Kinky Boots
David Cook Says He Loved His Time on ‘American Idol’ — ‘Except for That Haircut!’ #PeopleNow https://t.co/kK2z0Jppp1 pic.twitter.com/fLHEgqIeYK
— People (@people) August 15, 2018
Even though she’s expecting her second baby, Carrie Underwood is “super excited” to juggle pregnancy and hosting the CMA Awards for the 11th time – “We were super excited to get the phone call to ask Brad [Paisley] and me to come back for an 11th year of the CMAs of hosting,” she says. “We just always have a lot of fun. It’s definitely a lot of pressure and it’s a lot of work working on the CMAs.” After more than a decade leading country music’s most prestigious night, Carrie says everyone on the show has become a family. “At the end of the day, I love the team that we work with,” she explains. “We have a lot of fun, and we kinda get to be the ones that represent country music and we take our jobs very seriously, but we love what we do.” – Read more at KWBE.com
Jordin Sparks and David Archuleta – Could They Join Forces?
The American Idol season 7 runner up namechecked the season 6 winner as a vocalist he’d love to sing with. (as well as season 9 alum Tori Kelly).
Yassssssss! Let’s do it! https://t.co/xVpMbBwIfP
— Jordin Sparks (@JordinSparks) August 15, 2018
Hummin’ since he was 1, Scotty McCreery ready to play Bureau County Fair – Scotty McCreery has been hummin’ since he was one. The first time his mother can remember hearing him, she was bringing her son home from his one-year-old check-up at the doctor’s office. “I think it’s just always been in my blood,” said the now 24-year-old country music star who quickly rose to fame after winning Season 10 of American Idol in 2011. – Read more at BCRNews
Popdust Presents | Paul McDonald Interview – From Popdust
Luke Bryan Found a New Audience With ‘American Idol’ Judging Gig – “When I hop in a cab somewhere and the cab driver is like, ‘I know your voice, you’re a judge on American Idol’ — It’s just a whole other segment of people,” Bryan goes on to say about his broadening fame following his role on the show. Idol means much more to him than the added recognition, though: “I truly enjoyed every aspect of it: the learning curve, working with Lionel [Richie] and Katy [Perry],” he adds. However, for Bryan, the most important part of being an Idol judge is his role as a mentor for up-and-coming singers. “I think the people at home can tell that we really are in there for the good of these kids, and to get them going,” he continues. “We don’t just roll in and punch our two hours. We truly care about what happens to them. Any chance we have to help them, we will.” – Read more at The Boot
Steve Perry Returns With ‘No Erasin’,’ First New Song in 20 Years – Perry has been an elusive figure since the ‘90s following his last album with Journey, 1996’s Trial by Fire, and 1998’s “I Stand Alone,” a solo song from the soundtrack to the animated film Quest for Camelot. Perry attended Journey’s 2017 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but did not perform with the band. So Perry’s appearance with Gabby Barrett on Idol wasn’t a random thing… – Read more at Billboard.com
