Well “Hello” David Cook and Welcome To American Idol Season 7 Top 12
I have to admit that David Cook was not on my artistic radar when American Idol Top 24 premiered three weeks ago. It was initially difficult to sort through these 24 singers and the only singer that seemed to be creating any …buzz was 17-year-old vocal prodigy, David Archuleta.
However, this week, David Cook cemented his place in the Top 12 by performing an outstanding rock-inspired version of Lionel Richie, …Hello. After his memorable performance, the accolades came pouring in, first from judge Simon Cowell who stated that …Lionel Richie would be very pleased with his performance.
More Idol Headlines After the Jump…
Fil-Am Malubay Lands In ‘American Idol’s’ Top 12
Filipino-American Ramiel Malubay made it as one of the Top 12 of this year’s “American Idol, ” no mean feat for this woman with a small physique but with a great voice.
Malubay started strong in her first performance during the elimination round when she impressed judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell with her rendition of “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” by Dusty Springfield. Her next two performances were not as strong with the judges, however.
Still, Malubay got her share of the over 36 million votes cast to select the Top 12.
“Idol” Michael Johns: Big Ballin’
Before the Aussie hottie was on “American Idol, ” Michael Johns used to get sweaty with a group of burly men — his Australian rules football team!
In 2001-2002, Johns played centre half-forward for the Atlanta Kookaburras. The position is a physically demanding one, where he kicked 24 goals, including 11 in one game, which TMZ is told is the equivalent of 6 or 7 touchdowns.
The Kookas have been holding “AI” viewing parties each week at a local Atlanta bar to raise support and have also encouraged voting on their website. Also, the local FOX channel, WAGA, will have an interview with Johns about playing footy on Tuesday.
Hernandez Works Hard (and Wide) for the Money
David Hernandez isn’t just earning his keep at strip clubs and on cruise ships. TMZ has learned that he’s also been on the Bar Mitzvah-Wedding-Convention-Pretty-Much-Wherever-There’s-a-Buck tour as well.
The “AI” hunk used to sing with a local Phoenix cover group called Tribe 7. Their mantra: “To consistently deliver a high standard of musical entertainment, with a professional work ethic.” Does that mean he keeps his clothes on?
“Idol” Johns Ditched College, Last Name
Michael Johns used to go by the name Michael Lee … and Lee was one young, hottie of a tennis player.
In 1998, Michael was a student on a tennis scholarship at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Georgia. According to a program from the school’s tennis department, his major was drama!
David Archuleta — Pap-Struck?
Future finalist David Archuleta was seen outside a photo shoot today, adjusting to his newfound fame by snapping pics at our snapping paps.
“Idol” Wannabes Play TMZ Dodgeball
TMZ got in the Top 12’s faces and didn’t hold back — asking David Hernandez about his stripper past, Brooke White on porn and David Archuleta on his unwavering perfection.
Bat mitzvah girl gets stars, lesson in giving
The last time former “American Idol” contestant Sanjaya Malakar, 18, got his lustrous locks shorn was in April 2007. But yesterday, the lanky teen, known for being among Idol’s worst yet most beloved finalists, got the royal treatment at chic hairdo hub NuBest Salon & Spa in Manhasset.
Arriving at noon with his hair pulled into a tight topknot, Malakar was impressed with the glitzy salon. “It’s great. It’s beautiful. I’ve never been to a salon like this.”
He was readying for another first. Last evening, he would entertain at 12-year-old Rachel Lader’s black-tie, 300-guest bat mitzvah at Oheka Castle in Huntington. She planned to donate her bat mitzvah gifts to charities including Best Buddies, Willie Randolph Foundation, Realizing The Dream and DeWayne Murcer Memorial Foundation.
‘Lights, Camera, Take Action’
The Central Virginia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation hosted its eighth annual gala, “Lights, Camera, Take Action, ” in the ballroom of The Jefferson Hotel on March 1. About 420 guests attended this sold-out event, which was a fundraiser to support research of Type 1 diabetes in children.
Newcomer leads Riverfest lineup
Up-and-coming pop singer Colbie Caillat will headline the opening concert at this year’s Wichita River Festival.
The lineup:
May 14, 7:45 p.m.: Phil Stacey from “American Idol” and Tracy Lawrence
More ‘Idols’ in Sarasota for Van Wezel in 2009
“Ain’t Misbehavin’, ” the Fats Waller-penned musical starring 2003 “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard and former contestant Frenchie Davis, will headline the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall”s 2008-2009 Broadway season. The 30th anniversary Broadway tour of the musical will be presented Jan. 3 and 4.
Studdard will debut his “farewell song” for “American Idol” on the TV show Wednesday night; the song will then be used on the show this week. Local fans of the show have been watching Booker High School graduate Syesha Mercado compete in this year’s “Idol;” she made it to the top 12 finalists Thursday.
No Week for Blonde Jokes as Underwood and Swift Prevail on Charts
It’s the attack of the killer blondes, at least on Billboard’s country chart this week, as Carrie Underwood smacks down Rodney Atkins while Taylor Swift trips up all her competition to reclaim dominion over the album chart. Bubbling up, too, are five first-time songs and three new albums.
Underwood’s “All-American Girl” leapfrogs from No. 5 to No. 1, shoving Atkins’ “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)” back to No. 2 after its two-week stay on top. Among the albums, Swift’s self-titled package takes back the throne that Chris Cagle momentarily usurped last week with his newest CD, My Life’s Been a Country Song. It falls to No. 9.
Carrie’s success story
Carrie Underwood is more American than apple pie. Heck, the smiley country music star behind the current No. 1 single “All-American Girl” is more American than McDonald’s French fries.
Underwood looks like an all-American girl, sure, with her dyed-blond flowing locks, sculpted eyebrows and aw-shucks Southern appeal. But this Oklahoma gal’s rise to stardom is also distinctly American. It’s one of those only-in-the-USA stories that brings on the goose bumps ‘ or gag reflex, depending on your relationship with pop-culture juggernauts like “American Idol” and FM country radio.
