West Haven’s Nick Fradiani trying to make his mark on American Idol – “It was pretty nerve wracking,” he said. “It’s a surreal experience. You walk in and see the celebrity judges, but you have to slow down the moment and just enjoy the song you’re playing. It’s hard because it goes by so fast, but it’s a lot of fun at the same time.”. On America’s Got Talent, the band was eliminated in the first round, but this time Fradiani is appearing solo on the popular Fox talent show that features host Ryan Seacrest and celebrity judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. For him, making music is second nature, Fradiani said. “I’ve been around music my whole life,” he said, adding that his father, Nick Fradiani III, also is a musician. – Read more at New Haven Register
‘The Runner-Up’: Is Clay Aiken Quitting Music? – “I am still trying to determine what it is that I want to do next,” he tells me. In order to go back to music, it becomes a little superficial, I think at some point. I don’t know that I want everything to be about people clapping for me.” Clay, 36, says he is also concerned that his staunch left-leaning politics may have cost him the loyalty of some fans. “When I decided to run, I recognized that if I am going to do this, I am going to alienate people,” he says. “That is how divisive politics is in this country. “I flew through Atlanta on the way [to Los Angeles] and the lady at the counter when I went into the Delta Club said, ‘You know, I was such a supporter of yours until you became a Democrat.’” – Read more at The TV Page
Constantine Maroulis Leaves Behind Record-Breaking Rock of Ages, Talks “Idol” Stardom, Fatherhood and Haters – Did “American Idol” prepare you at all for the mainstream success you’ve found since that show and with Rock of Ages? CM: It was a completely new experience, but it felt like a natural progression. I knew I wasn’t ready for college right out of high school, or a conservatory at 17. I hustled for a few years. I worked full time. I auditioned a lot. I was a very young 21-22; younger than most people, even though I kind of grew up in the New York area. I went to college later and then had the experience after that with Rent. So, by the time I got to “Idol,” it felt like a progression in my life and career, not so much like a lotto ticket the way so many of these kids approach it. It felt like where I belonged. I worked for ten years, essentially, before “American Idol,” to get myself on TV, to get on that platform. Even the Rent experience on the road, the show was still a huge title at the time. I was doing TV and press in every market, and that prepared me for “Idol” and going to The Boston Conservatory prepared me for “Idol.” “Idol” sort of prepared me for the real work ahead, which was essentially Rock of Ages. – Read more at Playbill
She’s over it! Jordin Sparks jets into Los Angeles sporting a loud statement on her chest hinting at drama with ex Jason Derulo – She recently claimed she discovered the BMW her ex-boyfriend Jason Derulo gave her last Christmas was leased and not an outright gift. And it seems Jordin Sparks is determined not to let the drama haunt her. The 25-year-old hinted at her rocky relationship with the Talk Dirty singer as she touched down into Los Angeles sporting a top that bore the phrase, ‘Inhale the good s***, exhale the bulls***’. – See the Photos at the Daily News
‘American Idol’ winner Kris Allen talks about life after the show – Question: You’re on tour right now. You’ve been at it for a while now. Do you still enjoy it as much as you did? Answer: I think I enjoy it more now. I feel like myself and it seems like the band that I play with have really come into our own. We are a lot more comfortable and proud of the show that we play now more than ever. – Read more at Palm Beach Post
‘American Idol’s New Mentor Scott Borchetta Critiques The Judges – TCA – “I can tell you about Keith Urban in real time,” Borchetta enthused. “I watched his development…That first record, I was so disappointed.” “They didn’t capture him,” Borchetta said, explaining “no guitar.” It’s a common pitfall for young artists, Borchetta warned – making the album “the producer insists you make” or the artist “thinks they have to make.” Fortunately, Borchetta added quickly, Urban was brave enough to power through that mistake. He was more reserved talking about Connick, Jr., saying the artist “made very specific choices” to be a jazz musician instead of “working to pop.” – Read more at Deadline
Teenage Dream! Darren Criss Surprises Thousands of Young Students at the Junior Theater Festival – “Glee” star Darren Criss, seen on Broadway in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, surprised over 4,000 students at the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, GA, Jan. 17. “First of all, the only person that’s more excited than them is probably me because this is something that I wish I had made it to when I was a kid,” Criss told Playbill.com hours before the big surprise. “It’s a theatre convention, where these kids are already outgoing, already excited, already motivated and enthusiastic, so you put them all together in a big room, and it’s just a big ball of joy. That is just an infectious thing to be a part of. Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that? – Read more at Playbill
‘Empire’ Cast Tackles Diversity, ‘Dynasty’ and Terrence Howard During Presser Victory Lap – “I think you’re seeing shows with people of color can make money,” surmised Taraji P. Henson, referring to both Empire’s success and the warm reception for other diverse series. “When you can make money, people are interested.” Their aggressive tackling of homophobia in the black community and the show’s campy leanings — “Black Dynasty” is an affectionate nickname — were popular subjects over the ensuing Q&A, the latter prompting a variety of responses a panel not entirely ready to commit to the label of “soap.” – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter
