Kris Allen new music video: Live Like We’re Dying
Elliott Yamin will answer fans questions
Season 5 “American Idol” contestant Elliott Yamin will answer questions from his fans Monday (Oct. 26).
Fans can submit their questions and hear Yamin’s answers on the “American Idol” Web site. Yamin placed third on the talent show in 2006.
He is currently promoting his second CD titled “Fight For Love.” He recently finished his USO Tour where he performed for troops stationed around the world.
Click here to submit questions.
Adam Lambert new music video: Time For Miracles
American Idol News
Jennifer Hudson attends a movie premiere in Beverly Hills (AP photo by Chris Pizzello)
Carrie Underwood accepting her award at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman)
–Season three contestant Jennifer Hudson’s Christmas concert special titled “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” will air on ABC in December.
–Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood will receive the Harmony Award on Dec. 12 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The award is given to individuals demonstrate a continued interest in Nashville music.
–Season 8 contestant Allison Iraheta’s debut album will be in stores Dec. 1. The first single is “Friday I’ll Be Over U.”
–After a one-year hiatus the “Idol Gives Back” episode will return to American Idol. The episode will air April 21.
–Season 7 contestant Jason Castro’s album release has been delayed until early 2010. The album was originally scheduled for Nov. 17
–Season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis released a new music video titled “Sad Song” from his CD “Heartbreak on Vinyl. The music video is posted below.
Khloe Kardashian, Jaime Pressly, Justin Guarini married during weekend
Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom attended the premiere of the film "Whiteout." (AP photo by Chris Pizzello)
Three celebrity couples walked down the aisle during the weekend.
Actress Jaime Pressly married entertainment lawyer Simran Singh in Malibu on Saturday; Seasone one “American Idol” contestant Justin Guarini married his high school friend Reina Capodici on Saturday; And Khloe Kardashian married Los Angeles Lakers player Lamar Odom on Sunday in Beverly Hills.
Congratulations to the happy couples.
American Idol contestant is getting married
Justin Guarinia and Kelly Clarkson competing on "American Idol" during the first season in 2002. (AP photo by Lucy Nicholson)
The original “American Idol” runner-up is getting married this weekend. Justin Guarini will marry Reina Capodici on Saturday in Pennsylvania.
According to US Weekly magazine, the pair began dating since 2006, but they’ve known each other since high school.
Guarini was the early favorite to win the first season of “American Idol” 2002, but he was defeated by Kelly Clarkson for the title.
He eventually rebounded and became a television personality on the TV Guide Channel.
Kelly Clarkson slams Kanye West
Pop singer Kelly Clarkson is the latest celebrity to have harsh words toward Kanye West after the incident with Taylor Swift at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Clarkson wrote a lengthy blog on her Web site criticizing Kanye, and she used profanities too. The full blog is posted below.
Dear Kanye,
“What happened to you as a child?? Did you not get hugged enough?? Something must have happened to make you this way and I think we’re all just curious as to what would make a grown man go on national television and make a talented artist, let alone teenager, feel like sh*t. I mean, I’ve seen you do some pretty shi**y things, but you just keep amazing me with your tactless, a**hole ways.”
“It’s absolutely fascinating how much I don’t like you. I like everyone. I even like my a**hole ex that cheated on me over you…which is pretty odd since I don’t even personally know you.”
“The best part of this evening is that you weren’t even up for THIS award and yet you still have a problem with the outcome. Is winning a moon man that much of a life goal?? You can have mine if it will shut you up. Is it that important, really??”
“I was actually nominated in the same category that Taylor won and I was excited for her…so why can’t you be?? I’m not even mad at you for being an a**hole…I just pity you because you’re a sad human being.”
“On a side note, Beyonce has always been a class act and proved again tonight that she still is. Go TEXAS!!
Taylor Swift, you outsell him ….that’s why he’s bitter. You know I love your work! Keep it up girl!”
From Kelly Clarkson
Kellie Pickler new music video: Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You
Ellen DeGeneres replaces Paula Abdul on American Idol
Daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is replacing Paula Abdul on the upcoming season of “American Idol.”
Fox television made the announcement Wednesday (Sept. 9). Although I was hoping Paula would eventually return to the show, I am willing to give Ellen a chance for now.
The full Associated Press story is posted below.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ellen DeGeneres is dancing her way into the fourth judge’s seat on “American Idol.”
Fox announced Wednesday the talk show host and comedian, who admittedly has no formal music experience, just a passion for tunes, will join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for the ninth season. The announcement all but seals the departure of Paula Abdul, the original third judge who announced she was quitting amid a contract dispute in July.
Wednesday’s announcement came as a shock to many of the singing competition’s fans, who did not expect the Emmy-winning talk show host to fill Abdul’s spot. DeGeneres told her talk show audience in an episode scheduled to air Thursday that she had been “dying to tell everyone” and would not abandon her chatfest. Instead, she will have “a day job and a night job.”
“The times we’re living in,” she quipped, “we’re all doing that.”
Abdul had been replaced by a succession of guest judges across the country as “Idol” started next season’s auditions, which will air in January. Among them: Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Katy Perry and Shania Twain — but not the 51-year-old DeGeneres, who will join the ninth season following the show’s tryout rounds.
“Hopefully, I’m the people’s point of view because I’m just like you,” DeGeneres said on her talk show. “I sit at home and I watch it, and I don’t have that technical … I’m not looking at it in a critical way from the producer’s mind. I’m looking at it as a person who is going to buy the music and is going to relate to that person.”
It won’t be DeGeneres’ first time in a reality TV judge’s seat — or on “Idol.” She served as a guest judge earlier this summer on “So You Think You Can Dance,” critiquing the dancing competition’s top eight finalists. In 2007, she was the co-host of “Idol Gives Back,” the singing contest’s charity event. She returned the next year in a pre-taped segment.
DeGeneres’ has enjoyed a successful reign as the host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” for the past six years, although her four-year streak as the talk show host Daytime Emmy winner ended this year when Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Sherri Shepherd and Barbara Walters from ABC’s “The View” were awarded the prize for the first time.
“Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable,” said “Idol” executive producer and FremantleMedia North America CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz in a statement. “She is one of America’s foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team.”
With the four judges’ seats now filled, it’s highly unlikely Abdul will return to her post on “Idol.” Known for her sugary sweet but often obscure evaluations, Abdul had served as judge alongside Cowell and Jackson since the show’s debut in 2002. Producers attempted to shake up the franchise last season by adding songwriter DioGuardi as a fourth judge.
Since departing “Idol,” Abdul has gone diva, filming a cameo for Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva” as a gavel-banging, glammed-up version of herself and signing on to host the live “VH1 Divas” concert Sept. 17. Abdul has yet to announce a steady job to replace her role on the Fox singing contest, but she told TV Guide last week she’d like to host a talk show.
Paula Abdul to host VH1 special
In her first job since resigning from “American Idol,” Paula Abdul will host the VH1 Divas special set to air Sept. 17 on VH1.
Abdul made the announcement on her Twitter page. The televised concert spotlights female musicians, and raises money for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
This year’s performers include Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Miley Cyrus, Jordin Sparks and Adele.
The show will air live from the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Chris Daughtry tour dates announced
Rock singer Chris Daughtry’s band are taking their show on the road with a fall and winter tour.
The tour will kick off Oct. 18 in Topeka, Kansas.
The band will stop in Tulsa on Dec. 15 at the Bank of Oklahoma Center, and the tour will conclude Dec. 20 in Evansville, Indiana.
The group’s lead singer Chris Daughtry placed fourth on “American Idol” season five. The group is currently promoting their new CD “Leave This Town.”
The tour schedule is posted below. Ticket information is available at www.daughtryofficial.com/us/home
Oct. 19: Topeka, KS (Kansas ExpoCentre)
Oct. 21: Omaha, NE (Omaha Civic Auditorium)
Oct. 22: Ames, IA (Hilton Coliseum)
Oct. 24: Madison, WI (Alliant Energy Center)
Oct. 25: Peoria, IL (Peoria Civic Center)
Oct. 26: Ft. Wayne, IN (Allen County War Memorial Coliseum)
Oct. 28: Lansing, MI (Breslin Events Center)
Oct. 29: Saginaw, MI (Dow Events Center)
Oct. 31: Toledo, OH (Lucas County Arena)
Nov. 2: Toronto, ON (Air Canada Centre)
Nov. 4: Youngstown, OH (Covelli Centre)
Nov. 5: Reading, PA (Sovereign Center)
Nov. 6: Atlantic City, NJ (Trump Taj Mahal)
Nov. 12: Greensboro, NC (Greensboro Coliseum)
Nov. 13: Highland Heights, KY (The Bank of Kentucky Center)
Nov. 14: Huntington, WV (Big Sandy Superstore Arena)
Nov. 16: Wilkes-Barre, PA (Wachovia Arena)
Nov. 17: Bridgeport, CT (Arena at HarborYard)
Nov. 19: Fairfax, VA (Patriot Center)
Nov. 20: Charlottesville, VA (John Paul Jones Arena)
Nov. 30: Gainesville, FL (Stephen Connell Center)
Dec. 1: Tallahassee, FL (Tallahassee County Civic Center)
Dec. 2: Pensacola, FL (Pensacola Civic Center)
Dec. 4: Birmingham, AL (BJCC Arena)
Dec. 5: Louisville, KY (Broadbent Arena)
Dec. 7: Tupelo, MS (BancorpSouth Arena)
Dec. 8: Bossier City, LA (CenturyTel Center)
Dec. 9: Lafayette, LA (Cajundome)
Dec. 11: Corpus Christi, TX (American Bank Center)
Dec. 12: San Antonio, TX (Freeman Coliseum)
Dec. 13: Austin, TX (Frank Erwin Center)
Dec. 15: Tulsa, OK (BOK Center)
Dec. 16: Jonesboro, AR (ASU Convocation Center)
Dec. 18: Little Rock, AR (Verizon Arena)
Dec. 19: Southaven, MS (DeSoto Civic Center)
Dec. 20: Evansville, IN (Roberts Stadium)
Kelly Clarkson defends her weight gain
If you have followed Kelly Clarkson’s career since when she won the first season of “American Idol,” you probably noticed how her weight fluctuates.
Sometimes it’s way up, sometimes it’s way down. Media critics have been critical of Clarkson’s weight as she makes her rounds on the circuit to promote her CD.
In the latest issue of Self magazine, Clarkson responds to her critics. She said “Of course celebrities have cellulite. When people talk about my weight, I’m like, ‘You seem to have a problem with it. I don’t. I’m fine. My happy weight changes. Sometimes I eat more. sometimes I play more.”
For the record, I think the whispers about Clarkson’s weight is nonsense. Yes, she has gained a few pounds, but she isn’t obese.
In Hollywood, she probably is considered to be fatso. But in the real world, she’s actually considered skinny.
Tim Henley
Kara DioGuardi says she didn’t replace Paula Abdul
Kara DioGuardi appeared on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show to discuss Paula Abdul’s departure from American Idol.
I’ve always speculated that Idol producers brought Kara to the show last year as a fourth judge because they wanted to slowly push Paula out of the door.
Kara dismisses those rumors and says she wasn’t there to replace Paula. An excerpt from the interview is posted below.
“The kind of heart she treated the contestants with she treated me with last year. She was so kind to me and made me feel immediately like part of the panel.”
“I’ve left her a lot of messages. I talked to her last week. I haven’t spoken to her this week.
“The way I’m understanding it is that it was her choice to leave. I never was here to replace her. It would be impossible to replace Paula Abdul. She’s an incredible talent. She is somebody who helped make the show as big as it is. How could you ever replace that?”
“If anything, she was really somebody who helped me because it was awkward at times being the fourth person.”
American Idol contestants, judges react to Paula Abdul’s departure
As you already know, “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul will not return to the show for a ninth season. “American Idol” staff and former contestants react to the shocking news.
“I am shocked and saddened about Paula. Idol and the cast have grown with each other over the last 8 seasons. I can’t imagine the panel without Paula. She’s a star and a great friend.” — American Idol host Ryan Seacrest (Twitter).
“I am shocked.” Paula is a dear friend and will be missed.” — American Idol judge Randy Jackson (US Weekly).
“Not having Paula back for the ninth season of Idol is a huge mistake. Paula, I love you and thank you for making me feel worthy. The show will be nothing without you.” — Season 1 contestant Jim Verraros (Facebook).
“I was shocked. I definitely think the show will be different without Paula. “The truth is, we don’t spend a lot of time with the judges. However, Paula was the one every elimination show that came backstage to visit with us. was truly concerned about our well-being. I think because, on that panel of judges, she was the performer, she was the one who experienced what it was like to be on the front lines, she had the empathy for us. She provided a little softness to the table.” — Season 7 contestant Brooke White (MTV News)
“We love you! Glad I was able to be a part of your last season on the show. You showed us so much love.” — Season 8 winner Kris Allen (Twitter).
“I’m really sad to see Paula Abdul not coming back to Idol. She was the judge with the biggest heart! She really will be missed.” — Season 8 contestant Danny Gokey (Twitter).
“Paula leaving American Idol is like a honeycomb without the honey. She brought a sweetness to ‘AI’ that no one can replace. She will be forever our girl.” – Season 6 contestant Blake Lewis (Entertainment Weekly).
Paula Abdul is leaving American Idol
It’s official. Paula Abdul is leaving the talent show “American Idol” after eight seasons.
Paula made the announcement on her Twitter page Aug. 4. She said “With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to Idol. “I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon. What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. I do, without any doubt, have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.”
Last month, Paula’s manager said she was angry and hurt that executives haven’t offered her a contract yet.
The Fox Network released a statement that said “Paula Abdul has been an important part of the American Idol family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.”
I don’t think Idol executives had any intention of renewing Paula’s contract. That’s probably why they brought Kara DioGuardi to the show during the eight season.
Yes, Paula acted a little loopy and annoying from time to time, but she still brought something extra to the show. It’s going to be odd watching the show without seeing her sitting next to Simon.
Tim Henley
Kara DioGuardi will return to American Idol
Kara DioGuardi will return for another season of “American Idol.”
Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, Ryan Seacrest and DioGuardi have all been offered contracts.
But no contract for Paula Abdul yet. Abdul’s spokesperson previously said Abdul was angry at “American Idol” executives because they haven’t offered her a contract. (Click here to read the full statement).
I can’t imagine the show without Abdul. Although some people say she is crazy, she still makes the show interesting.
Abdul is one of the original judges, so they should have offered her a contract before DioGuardi.
Tim Henley
Former American Idol contestant found dead
Former American Idol contestant Alexis Cohen was found dead on a street Saturday morning (July 25)
Cohen, 25, was the victim of an apparent hit-and-run accident, according to APP. Her body was found by a driver, and she was taken to a local hospital.
Cohen suffered from chest, abdominal and head injuries.
Daniel Bark, 23, was arrested Sunday evening in connection with her death. He’s accused of aggravated manslaughter, leaving the scene of accident and reckless driving.
Cohen auditioned during the seventh and eighth seasons of American Idol but she failed to advance to the next rounds.
Her first audition segment aired in January 2008. The clip is posted below.
Jennifer Hudson really is pregnant
Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson has repeatedly denied that she was pregnant.
During the past few months, anytime a magazine reporter would print an article saying she was pregnant, the singer would immediately issue a press statement denying the pregnancy and basically calling the magazines a lie.
However, if you saw her perform at Michael Jackson’s memorial service Tuesday, you will know that Jennifer Hudson is the real liar.
Hudson performed Jackson’s song “Will You Be There” during the memorial service. She looked more pregnant than anyone I’ve ever seen.
After her appearance, hopefully she won’t lie to us about her pregnancy anymore. The photos are posted below.
The father of her child is her husband reality show star David Otunga.
Tim Henley
Carrie Underwood’s new CD
There’s no resting for country singer and American Idol winner Carrie Underwood.
Her next CD will be released Nov. 3. This will be her third CD since she won American Idol in 1995.
Click here to read the full story from The Oklahoman’s Brandy McDonnell.
Celebrity briefs (July 7)
–American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi married contractor Mike McCuddy on July 5.
–Rumer Willis will guest star during the upcoming season of “90210.” Rumer is the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.
–Actor Kal Penn started his new job in the White House as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison. Penn was appointed by President Obama. Penn starred in the raunchy “Harold and Kumar” films.
–Michael Jackson’s best celebrity friend Elizabeth Taylor won’t be attending his funeral today because she doesn’t want to share her grief with millions of people.
Chris Daughtry tour dates announced
Chris Daughtry and his band members are going on a club/theatre tour this summer to promote their new album titled “Leave This Town.”
The tour will kick off Aug. 2 in Orlando and conclude at Club Pure in Las Vegas on Aug. 22.
Chris Daughtry placed fourth on American Idol in 2006. Although he lost the competition, he is one of the biggest selling contestants.
The tour dates are posted below.
August 2: Orlando, Fla. (House of Blues)
August 4: Boston (Showcase Live)
August 7: Columbus, Ohio (LC Pavilion)
August 9: Minneapolis (The Cabooze)
August 11: Nashville (Cannery Ballroom)
August 12: Memphis (Minglewood Hall)
August 14: Houston (Warehouse Live)
August 16: Denver (The Gothic Theatre)
August 18: Phoenix (Marquee Theatre)
August 19: Los Angeles (Henry Fonda Theatre)
August 20: San Francisco(The Fillmore)
August 22: Las Vegas (Club Pure)
American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi is engaged
American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi will have a new husband this summer.
DioGuardi appeared on “Live With Regis and Kelly” and said she is engaged to be married to Mike McDuddy in about two weeks.
The story of how they met is interesting. McDuddy is a contractor who worked on a house next door to DioGuardi’s home in Maine.
She went next door to complain to McDuddy that the house he was building was too close to hers, and she thought he was attractive when she saw him. The rest is history.
DioGuardi declined to say where she will be married. I’m guessing she wants to avoid the papparrazzi.
I doubt if the papparrazzi would ever stalk her wedding anyway. She’s not that famous, and nobody cares.
Tim Henley
Adam Lambert album release this summer
Adam Lambert came in second place on “American Idol” this year, but he will be the first contestant from the current season to release an album.
Lambert’s debut album titled “On With The Show” will be released this summer. Before you Lambert fans get too excited, you should know the song on the album are old. They were recored four years ago, before he competed on “American Idol.”
Also, Lambert says he will not support that album because he doesn’ t want the album released.
Lambert said in a press release, “Back in 2005 when I was a struggling artist, I was hired as a studio singer to lend my vocals to tracks written by someone else. I was broke at the time and this was my chance to make a few bucks, so I jumped at the opportunity to record for my first time in a professional studio.”
“The work I did back then in no way reflects the music I am currently in the studio working on. I’m thrilled to be working with some of today’s hottest songwriters and producers and can’t wait for people to hear what my music really sounds like.”
Instead of purchasing those old songs, Lambert wants his fans to focus on his album that will be released in the fall on RCA records.
Tim Henley
Ryan Seacrest partied with Lindsay Lohan
Paparazzi cameras filmed “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and Linsday Lohan hanging out together at various nightlife locations in Los Angeles.
When asked by a TMZ cameraman why he’s hanging out with Lohan, Seacrest replied “I’m trying to, you know, give her guidance. She wants to sing. She loves to sing. Dude, you know she’s a singer. Come on.”
Seacrest also said he’s impressed with Lohan’s singing ability.
The court system couldn’t successfully give Lohan “guidance,” and neither could the rehab counselors. I seriously doubt if Ryan Seacrest can give her guidance.
Also, he’s lying through his teeth when he said he’s impressed with Lohan’s singing ability. I’ve her sing too, and she cannot sing whatsoever.
Tim Henley
American Idol winner Kris Allen signs record deal
It’s no surprise, but American Idol winner Kris Allen has signed a record deal with 19 Recordings/Jive Records.
His debut album is expected to be released in the fall.
Allen beat runner-up Adam Lambert during the finale May 20.
Although I was glad that Allen beat Lambert in the competition, I’m still not happy that Allen was named the American Idol winner.
Allen is a good singer, but I don’t think he was better than Anoop Desai, Allison Iraheta, Danny Gokey or Matt Giraud.
Again, I’m not saying Allen isn’t talented. I know he’s talened.
However, in my humble opinion, I believe any of those four that I listed above would have made a better American Idol.
Tim Henley
