Desai declares independence
Listen to a preview of Anoop Desai’s new single “My Name”
Anoop Desai was in town last week, at Raleigh’s Osceola Studios finishing the vocals on an EP titled “All is Fair, ” which he’ll release in May. A single, “My Name, ” comes out March 23. (You can follow him on twitter and at www.anoopdesai.com.)
Although he lives part time in Los Angeles, Desai produced the EP in Raleigh and will release the music without the help of a record label. It’s his choice, he says.
Simon Cowell Cracks Engagement Jokes
Simon Cowell may be keeping mum on whether he really put an engagement ring on makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy’s finger, but one thing’s undeniable: The normally cantankerous American Idol host is in an awfully good mood lately!
Last night, he stepped out for a late dinner with his girlfriend at Ago and had some unusually mild commentary to offer when asked how the taping went.
“I think it went alright, ” he offered. And once the paps asked to see the reportedly huge rock he bought his ladylove, Simon joked around…
“Where’s my ring?” he deadpanned, before borrowing a waiter’s silver band and showing it off to the photogs.
Kris Allen’s ‘Let It Be’ debuts with 46K downloads
Kris Allen didn’t quite break a million last week (though he’s probably done so by now). Live Like We’re Dying showed no change last week, so it came up a few hundred short.
Adam Lambert, on the other hand, did hit the half-million mark for Whataya Want From Me.
Let It Be, the song Kris performed on American Idol last Thursday, had the best Idol debut for the week, selling more than 46, 000 copies — proceeds from which will go to Haiti relief.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Elliott Yamin, Diabetics Face Medical Danger After Earthquake
Yamin said he has been able to get a six-day restock for his insulin pump through the U.S. Embassy and the manufacturer of the pump that he hopes will last him until he is able to get a flight.
“The important thing now is getting emergency supplies, testing kits and insulin, to victims on the ground, ” he said, because “for those with Type 1 diabetes, running out of insulin becomes extremely dangerous within a day or two.
“Obviously injured people need attention as well, ” he said. “But people tend to put on a back burner those with chronic disease like diabetes.”
Coming soon: Ellen, the comic book
Ellen DeGeneres will have her life story told in comic-book form at the end of this month. The comedian, talk-show host and “American Idol” judge joins the ranks of accomplished women including Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Stephenie Meyer, J.K. Rowling, Judge Sonia Sotomayor and Barbara Walters, who all have been subjects of the “Female Force” series, published by Bluewater Productions.
Video: DJ Dan & Uberzone’s ‘Operator’ feat. Blake Lewis
Blake Lewis, who is guest-blogging for Idol Chatter throughout Season 9, is the featured vocalist on DJ Dan & Überzone’s new single Operator — and USA TODAY has the exclusive premiere of the video.
Adam Lambert, Sarah Palin Don’t Cross Paths On ‘The Tonight Show’
If this whole not running for office thing doesn’t work out, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin really should consider taking a shot at hosting a cable chat show. The 2009 Republican vice presidential candidate sat on the couch on Tuesday night for Jay Leno’s second night back on “The Tonight Show, ” on a stacked program that also featured a somewhat sedate visit from Adam Lambert and a chat with Olympic gold medal snowboarder Shaun White.
Post-Paula Depression
How do you replace Paula Abdul? You don’t. That’s no knock on Ellen DeGeneres — it’s just that absurd Hollywood creatures like Paula are rare and precious flukes of the universe, like the Loch Ness monster in sequined capri pants. Without Paula, American Idol loses its crazy factor, the suspenseful thrill that you’re never more than a few minutes away from seeing a grade-A display of batshit antics on live TV. And what is American Idol without a dose of crazy?
Sending Ellen in to take over Paula’s seat — that’s like if Queen decided to carry on without Freddie Mercury, but they replaced him with Phil Collins. It’s like giving John Bonham’s drum stool to Bosley from Charlie’s Angels.
Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta see post-‘Idol’ album bump
Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta sold a couple thousand extra albums each last week in the wake of their appearance on American Idol, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Kris’ week-over-week album sales jumped 66 percent to more than 7, 000 for the week, while Allison’s nearly tripled, putting her back in the Billboard Top 200 with more than 3, 000 sales.
Exclusive Interview with Danny Gokey
This is a big week for Season 8’s third place finalist Danny Gokey. He released his debut album, My Best Days, today. On Thursday, Danny will return to the American Idol stage to perform on the live results show. We caught up with the country crooner this afternoon to find out more about his album, his upcoming tour, his Idol performance, and more.
Danny Gokey Ready for His Best Days
When Danny Gokey wove his way into the final three slots on last year’s “American Idol” competition, he made a connection with America through a big, soulful voice and through a personal story about overcoming tragedy.
The loss of his wife represented the lowest point in Danny’s life, but — as Wynonna Judd once sang — a dead-end street is just a place to turn around. One marker on his rebound comes Tuesday with the release of his debut album, My Best Days. It comes out Tuesday, showcasing his dynamic range and a series of songs that embrace resilience. It naturally includes the title track, “My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me, ” currently positioned at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The song connected with Danny in ways that he learned only after he had recorded it.
Danny Gokey
My Best Days
Country (19/RCA Nashville)
“Nobody wants to be a nobody, ” sings Danny Gokey on his post-Idol debut, and that hunger for attention no doubt explains why the growly gospel guy submits to a mall-country makeover here. Yet if My Best Days feels a little impersonal, it’s also stocked with crafty contributions from some of Nashville’s most dependable song doctors, including the guys of Lady Antebellum, whose “It’s Only” mines a dreamy melancholy well suited to Gokey’s rough-honey vocals. Another highlight: “I Still Believe, ” a chewy bit of cheeseball inspiration by Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. B- —Mikael Wood
Download These: piano-laced ballad “It’s Only”; hard-grooving “Be Somebody”
Danny Gokey at Best Buy at Mall of Georgia
Danny Gokey is on a whirlwind promotion tour to boost his new country album “My Best Days.”
Digital advance sales have been very strong in metro Atlanta so Best Buy at Mall of Georgia in Buford got Gokey on opening day of the album.
Unfortunately, the weather was dicey and it clearly affected attendance. Maybe 100 people were there. I’m sure it would have been double. The good news for me is traffic up I-85 was actually not bad and it took me only about 50 minutes from downtown. Bill Celler, former mid-day host and now on-line editor for Kicks 101.5, was there to chronicle the event and introduce Gokey.
Gokey sang a six-song set, including his most popular “Idol” song “What Hurts the Most” and his top 40 country hit “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me.” He looked a little tired, wearing a bit of scruff and his signature glasses. But he was in good spirits, joking with the crowd about buying 100 copies and promising to kiss babies galore.
Oreo Jingle Contest with Idol finalists
(FOX Providence) – Two finalists from last year’s American Idol are involved in another friendly competition.
Anoop Desai and Matt Giraud are deciding if Oreo Cakesters (the Oreo of snack cakes) should be dunked in milk or not.
Both Anoop and Matt have selected a side on the debate and have recorded a jingle to support their position.
The Oreo Jingle Contest is giving everyone the chance to professionally record and to meet the former finalists.
A rare ‘Idol’ re-shuffle, plus the latest on Crystal Bowersox
Of course, it’s not the first time “American Idol” has had to make last-minute adjustments to its broadcast — back in 2005, the show displayed incorrect phone numbers for three Top 11 contestants, Anwar Robinson, Mikalah Gordon and Jessica Sierra, which prompted a new performance episode and all the original votes to be thrown out. And Crystal is not the first “Idol” contender to take the 1.3 mile trip from the “Idol” studio to the hospital. While competing on season 7, David Cook spent some David_Cook_1
time at L.A.’s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for high blood pressure and heart palpitations. Cook had also reportedly collapsed earlier in the competition but decided to continue on, and was coping with his brother’s battle with cancer (Adam Cook succumbed to the disease in May 2009).
Jennifer Hudson headlining Bob Costas benefit at the Fox
Jennifer Hudson will headline the 22nd Annual Bob Costas Benefit for SSM Cardinal Glennon Medical Center at 8 p.m. April 17 at the Fox Theatre.
Hudson joins previously-announced comedic headliner Jimmy Fallon.
Tickets are $25, $35, $50, $75, and $100 and are on sale now by calling 314-577-5605 or online at www.glennon.org.
Syesha Mercado & Adrienne Warren: Broadway’s New ‘Dreamgirls’
Syesha and Adrienne talk with Access about starring in the Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls.” Have they talked to any of the cast from the movie? And, how do they keep their performances fresh every night? “Dreamgirls” is playing at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles through April 4.
INTERVIEW: FELICIA BARTON
I sat down with American Idol former contestant Felicia Barton and talked about her
experience on Idol, future plans, current season, and much more…
‘Glee’ guy Harry Shum heading to the Oscars, White House and on tour
“Glee’s” Harry Shum, Jr. may be jokingly called “Other Asian” on the show, but he’s not just any generic Asian face in the crowd.
The performer who plays Mike Chang on “Glee” is also a dancer and choreographer known for his work in the iconic iPod silhouette ad campaign, in “Step Up 2: The Streets” and as part of the Legion of Extraordinary Dancers (LXD) crew. In fact, it’s this skill that has earned him a ticket to the Oscars.
Evan Lysacek Is Willing to Endure Spray Tans for DWTS
Simon Cowell puts the X Factor into ITV as it bounces back to £25m profit
Reality TV stars SuBo and Jedward were today hailed as the unlikely saviours of ITV after the broadcaster bounced back from a £2.7billion loss.
The success of Saturday night spectaculars Britain’s Got Talent and The
X Factor — both co-produced and judged by Simon Cowell — helped draw advertisers back after the worst year in ITV’s history.
The company made a £25?million profit last year when its share of peak viewing hours only dropped from 23.9 to 23.7 per cent, much less than its main terrestrial rivals.
ITV said it had been boosted by “an exceptional year” for its headline entertainment formats, helped by media interest in Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle and X Factor finalists John and Edward Grimes.
Adam Lambert
If you’ve been doing things the Bonnie Tyler way and holding out for a hero, the wait is over. Allow us to introduce Adam Lambert, a slap-sportin’, rawk-warblin’, straight-talkin’, man-snoggin’, stage-hoggin’ proper popstar who’s already sold half a million albums Stateside. He came from – well, landed on – American Idol last year, but this 28-year-old from San Diego really ain’t no Leona. Ahead of his first trip to the UK later this month, we gave him a call.
How are you feeling about your first trip to the UK?
“Oh my gosh! I can’t even describe how excited I am! One of the things I’ve always wanted with this dream career is to travel and I’m getting it now.”
Do you have any live dates planned while you’ve over here?
“Um… I’m not sure what the schedule is. I think the first trip over there is mainly radio appearances and a little bit of television. But the second time I come back, in late April, there should be some performances planned. I have two UK trips on my calendar!”
One-on-one with Danny Gokey: Full un-cut Interview
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. — During last season of american idol, Danny Gokey captured the attention of millions of viewers on the biggest television show in the country.
With his gospel background and soulful sound — he would light up any format of music thrown his way. Fans of Idol could not wait to hear what he would sing next, and all of this while struggling through personal tragedy, the loss of his his wife Sophia.
FOX21’s Craig Coffey sat down and got personal with Danny as he opens up on what he went through and how his life has changed from tragedy to hope.
His debut c.d. “My Best Days” is due out March 2nd. Danny Gokey, Julianne Hough and Sugarland will be in concert at the World Arena on May 8th.
Was ‘Idol’ schedule switch fair to male singers?
Anyone turning to “American Idol” last night expected to see the women perform got a rude surprise. Crystal Bowersox was not medically cleared to perform — reportedly because of hospitalization for complications from diabetes — so the men got moved up a day in order to allow her to sing.
That was eminently fair to Bowersox, one of the early favorites who has impressed with her coffeehouse style and strong vocals. But it wasn’t so fair to the 10 guys who had their schedules adjusted on the fly.
Lambert reacts to Jackson album criticism
Although Lambert insisted that he accepts Jackson’s comments, he defended his decision to make an “eclectic” debut album.
“For me, I was just so excited that I had the opportunity to make an album that I wanted to experiment and put a lot of different colours into it, ” he told Digital Spy.
“If you look at my Idol run, from week to week I changed it up a lot, in terms of going for a different sound or look. Having done that, if I’d come out with an album that was one colour, I’d have been throwing away all the diversity I showed I could have.”
