Interview: Tour Talk with American Idol’s DeAndre Brackensick – It’s that time of year when American Idol’s Top 10 hit the road, free from the pressure of performing for votes, and perform in arenas around the U.S. for the fans that voted for them each week. For 17-year-old San Jose, Calif. native, DeAndre Brackensick, this moment has been about two years in the making. After just barely missing the cut for the Top 24 during season 10, Brackensick proved he was ready to take season 11 by storm with performances like Buddy Holly’s “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” from the Las Vegas group round and Stevie Wonder’s “Master Blaster” from Top 13 week. – Read more at Seattlepi
‘American Idols Live Tour’ Kicks Off, Brings Contestants to Fans – “I’ve never been to different states or anything like that,” Phillip told ABC News Radio. “Before, all I’d been to is Georgia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, all the really Southern states. So I’m really, really excited to see the whole country and just take a bunch of pictures!”
As for his health, the “Idol” champ, who underwent major surgery to correct the kidney problem that nearly ended his run on the show, said he’s on the mend. “The doctors are taking care of me and I’m doing a lot better than I was on the show,” he said. “I’m still gonna have to take it easy for a little bit but I’m doing really well. So, I’m excited about that. The doctors were surprised of how well I’m doing.” – Read more at ABC News Radio
Phillip Phillips with Jay Tower in The Morning
We Have Smash Scoop from Katharine McPhee (And Deets on the Show’s Sexy Makeover Next Season!) – Glamour: Like Jennifer Hudson, right? Well, she’s coming for three or four episodes. That was a surprise! My producer sent me an email, and he was like, “I just want you to see this before it comes out. We’re really excited!” Also, I’ve met Jennifer a couple of times, and I love her. She’s incredibly talented, and I’m obviously really excited to have her on the show. Hopefully they’ll give us some stuff to do together. So, that’s really the scoop! New everything. I’m excited to kind of revamp. I think we’re going to try and make the clothes a little bit more interesting. – Read more at Glamour.com
‘American Idol’ Finalist Haley Reinhart Recalls Season 10 Critiques: It Put A Few Layers of Skin On Me (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW)
Read more at Celebuzz
Ace Young, Diana DeGarmo ‘living a dream’ on Branson stage – “I was the last one to get the memo about the proposal,” the 25-year-old “American Idol” runner-up said. “As a girl we all kind of visualize what it will be like when it happens, if it happens. I had no expectation. Then I met Ace. The fact that he proposed to me on national television in front of millions of people was shocking. It was beautiful and I only saw him in that moment.” – Read more at Joplin Globe
Niall from One Directions Calls His Fans a Bad Word – After finishing off their Up All Night tour this week, the boys of One Direction have returned home for some R&R and the opportunity to bask in the love of their fans. A lot has changed since their arrival here in the States in February, but after making chart history and gaining dozens of free bras, are the guys still the same, humble lads we first met on The X Factor? Yes, but with a deeper vocabulary than we previously had realized. Niall Horan greeted fans upon his arrival in Ireland today, addressing them with what he considers to be a term of endearment: “Remember the last time I walked out here?” Niall asked of those gathered at the Dublin airport. “Remember the last time I walked out here and sprained my knee, you shower of c–ts!” Um, no, should they? – Watch the Video at Popdust
Susan Boyle Gets Honorary Doctorate From Scottish University – LONDON, U.K. — Singing sensation Susan Boyle has been awarded an honorary doctorate from a Scottish university. Boyle, who shot to fame on a TV talent show, wore blue-and-white academic robes as she accepted the degree Friday from Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University in recognition of her “contribution to the creative industries.” The singer once studied for a higher education certificate at the university. – Read more at Access Hollywood
