Top 9 Power Rankings: David Cook’s a Thriller
This could become like a ping-pong match, folks. The lead in TVGuide.com’s Idol Power Rankings changed again this week, as Davids Cook and Archuleta traded places. Fueled by his show-stopping delivery of “Billie Jean, ” Cook commanded 48.1 percent of our readers’ votes, while Archuleta slid back to a mere 18.7 percent. But has a third horse entered this race? Making significant strides this week was Michael Johns, who at No. 3 hit his highest spot in a month.
Has Omaha ushered in next ‘Idol’?
David Cook, a rocker from Blue Springs, Mo., is the only remaining contestant who auditioned in Omaha. He seems the early favorite to win the Fox singing competition this season.
Over the past few weeks, his hard-edged covers of Beatles and Michael Jackson songs have made the “Idol” judges gush and the voting viewers take notice.
American Idol Comes to Archuleta’s Side
When American Idol judge Simon Cowell Tuesday said on the show that he didn’t believe David Archuleta chose the song “You’re The Voice” for himself, the gossip sites were quick to blame father Jeff Archuleta and stir the angry stage dad rumors again.
The intensity of the coverage concerned American Idol executives enough to do something about it, said a friend of father Jeff Archuleta. As a result, Wednesday’s show dedicated airtime to allow David Archuleta to explain why he chose the song himself. While the show steered away from directly addressing the rumors or mentioning father Jeff Archuleta, the conversation on song choice was intended to stop the negative stories about Jeff, the friend said.
For ‘Idol’s’ Cowell, live TV has the edge
“American Idol’s” Simon Cowell says his sometimes caustic interaction with host Ryan Seacrest and fellow judge Paula Abdul is part of the magic appeal of the Fox series.
“It’s a live show, and these things happen, ” Cowell told “Morning Show With Mike and Juliet” hosts Mike Jerrick and Juliet Huddy in an interview airing today on WNYW.
Achin’ For More Aiken CD Details?
If you’ve been achin’ for more info on Clay Aiken’s new CD, On My Way Here, which hits stores on May 8th, we have some for you- including the tracklist and some words from Clay about where the title came from.
When Clay Aiken and his executive producer Jaymes Foster began the search for songs to record for Aiken’s first album of original material since his 2003 debut Measure of A Man, they both fell in love with a song written by OneRepublic frontman Ryan “Alias” Tedder called “On My Way Here.” The message of the lyrics ‘ how the lessons we learn while growing up shape us into who we become as adults ‘ struck such a deep chord with Aiken that it wound up inspiring the theme (and title) of his new collection.
Cherry Blossoms Welcome Spring to Washington
The festival will culminate with the …Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival and the annual Cherry Blossom Parade on Saturday, April 12. The street festival is the largest Japanese street fair in the nation and will take up six blocks of downtown Washington. The parade will feature marching bands, floats, balloons and celebrity guests, including performers such as Ugly Betty Mark Indelicato, Kathy Sledge of the group Sister Sledge, American Idol finalist Anwar Robinson and Miss America 2008, Kristen Haglund.
Leona Lewis leaps from U.K. sensation to U.S. star
A couple of weeks ago, Leona Lewis had just finished her hit Bleeding Love on The Oprah WinfreyShow when the host exclaimed, “Wow! Talk about a star is born. You’re the real deal, girl.”
Winfrey isn’t the only one convinced by the 22-year-old former X-Factor winner (American Idol’s British cousin), who has drawn comparisons to Whitney Houston. Simon Cowell, who judges both shows, and RCA Music Group chairman Clive Davis are overseeing her album, Spirit, which arrives April 8 in the USA and is already the biggest-selling debut in British history.
Simon Cowell buys Leona Lewis $5million home in LA
The X Factor winner went to No1 in the US this week with her single ‹Bleeding Love and according to the People newspaper, the music executive believes it just the start of her career stateside and is buying her a $5million home in Los Angeles.
Ventriloquist: Dummy ditties
When even one of “American Idol” front-runner David Archuleta’s performances is called a “mess” by judge Simon Cowell, it is interesting to see who can do no wrong in Cowell’s eyes.
That person is Terry Fator, who will perform at the Capitol Theatre on Wednesday.
Fator is, of all things, a family-friendly ventriloquist, and Cowell has called him one of the most talented people in the world.
Fator was featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” on March 17 during an episode called, “Simon Cowell Reveals Some of the Most Talented People in the World, ” and the prickly Cowell said the Texan comic and impersonator was one of the greatest performers he’d ever seen.
Be an American Idol at home
Over the past six years, “American Idol” has made names like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Sanjaya household names. It has wooed top celebrity performers to its stage, given millions to charity and brought families together in front of the TV on a weeknight. “American Idol Encore” may make you want to get on stage and sing your heart out and beg for a Simon Cowell tirade in your own living room.
