September 2006 News Archive (Page 4)

The 15th annual Cumberland County, N.C., Fair kicked off last Thursday, with the sweet taste of cotton candy on the midway and the even weeter sounds of Carrie Underwood at the Crown Coliseum.

Fair fans flocked to tilt-a-whirls and bumper cars and tossed rings to win stuffed bears and live rabbits. They were rocked by “Pharaoh’s Fury” and dropped by the “1001 Nights” ride. They ate cake, hot dogs and even exotic alligator tail.

Inside the Coliseum, the 23-year-old Carrie crooned to “We’re Young and Beautiful” and a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”

With her hair in a loose ponytail and dressed in blue jeans and knee-high boots, the American Idol winner waited until later in her set to sing her hit, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”

According to the Fayetteville Observer, fans ate it up. Nicole Steele, Teresa McGuire and Leah Fantauzzo -- students from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro -- cheered as they showed off the sorority letters on their T-shirts -- Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Underwood, as many fans may know, was a member of the same sorority, at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.

Before Carrie took the stage, 8-year-old Hannah Pritchard and her 6-year-old brother, Harrison, warmed up nearby concert goers with an all-Carrie serenade. Both hope to audition for American Idol when they are older. Hannah says she'd sing Underwood’s music.

“She’s a really big fan of me,” Hannah said.

“No, you’re a really big fan of her,” parents Pam and Byron Pritchard corrected, laughing.

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American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, often known as the busiest man in Hollywood, found some time in between his many jobs to hit the town with on-again, off-again girlfriend Shana Wall.

In this picture, the two certainly appear to be enjoying their time together at the swanky Locanda Veneta Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Friday night.

Ryan and Shana dated for several months back in 2004, and have been seen together a few times randomly since then. Is the flame burning once again? You be the judge. Actually, Ryan will be! All we can say for sure is that our favorite 31-year-old radio and TV personality will be back when American Idol 6 debuts this winter.

American Idol Season Two finalist Corey Clark has been arrested in Yuma, Ariz., sources tell AIW. According to police, Clark, 26, was arrested on July 23 for violating a court order and trespassing at his father-in-law's residence.

The court order was issued as a result of a previous domestic violence incident. Clark reportedly spent 24 hours in the slammer before being released on bond.

According to TMZ, the Yuma Sheriff's Department confirms the arrest: "Mr. Clark was charged with two misdemeanors, one for criminal trespassing and the other for violating a court order. Mr. Clark missed his court hearing and a warrant for his arrest could be coming."

According to published reports, Justice of the Peace Pro Tem Yolanda Torok said prosecutors filed charges of interfering with a judicial proceeding.

"This will be sent back to the county attorney's office for a warrant to be issued for his appearance," Torok said.

Fans may remember Clark as a serious contender on the second season (won eventually by Ruben Studdard), but also for his alleged tryst with American Idol's much-maligned judge, Paula Abdul, that surfaced after the season's conclusion.

Not sure why he's so happy in this mug shot, seeing as he was just thrown in jail. Because he's in the news again? Because he got with Paula Abdul? We may never know.

Becoming an American Idol can lead to sold out stadiums across the U.S., millions in royalties and even Grammy Awards. Or the state fair, or the local food festival.

Yes, for every Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken album gobbled up by eager fans, there are those of dozens of releases by the show's contestants that do not fare quite as well.

Former Idol non-winner Constantine Maroulis may have an acting career to fall back on, but his once buzz-generating music career may be hitting the skids.

While he is slated to co-host a new MTV show and has scored a role in the Broadway musical "The Wedding Singer," Maroulis is rocking out... in local food festivals.

Or at least once of them. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native and fourth season American Idol finalist is scheduled to be at the Greek Food Festival of Dallas at the end of the month. For $10, hungry fans get entrance to the festival, lunch and Constantine's performance.

Hey, whatever works. He is of Greek descent, at least. We think.

Sources tell AIW that Taylor Hicks' album, the release date of which had gotten a little squishy, is back on track for November 14.

Here's hoping that the Soul Patrol king has time to get it done (and done right). It's a tight squeeze for all the Idols. Kellie Pickler still on schedule for her October 31 date, having bumped it up from November 14.

Chris Daughtry, meanwhile, is still slated for November 21. Only Katharine McPhee of the current Clive Davis empire crop is still not scheduled for a definite date, though sometime in November is the goal.

Which of the upcoming albums will have the most success among this new crew? Moreover, how will American Idol vets Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino fare?

Tell us what you think!

The new issue of Entertainment Weekly features brief rundowns of the seven Idol-affiliated album releases this fall (not counting Mario Vazquez, the Idol dropout)! The column takes its best guesses at the albums' prospects. Here's the essence of what they said about each:

Clay Aiken: "It appears those Claymates follow their leader no matter where his hair takes them."

[Translation: It's going to me a smash!]

Ruben Studdard: "The disc is still pretty standard R&B ... we're not counting out Celebrity Fit Club just yet."

[Translation: Not so sure about its potential success.]

Kellie Pickler: "Simple but sweet."

[Translation: They haven't heard any of it yet, are somewhat skeptical of Kellie's talent, but find her charming, and have no real idea how it will play in the country market.]

Fantasia Barrino: "Sounds promising, but plese, no more Lifetime flicks."

[Translation rendered unnecessary.]

Taylor Hicks: "'There's gonna be horns. I like to say brass with ass,'" Hicks is quoted as saying.

[Translation: Since it hasn't been recorded yet, they're a bit concerned, but who's really going to count out the Soul Patrol?]

Katharine McPhee: Quoting KIIS-FM/Los Angeles program director John Ivey: "'Katharine is a complete wild card.'"

[Translation: Diana DeGarmo redux? Let's hope not!]

Chris Daughtry: Quoting Ivey again: "'You can't come of American Idol and be this rock God.'"

[Translation: Chris may have a tough time getting airplay from credibility-obsessed rock radio stations that think anyone associated with Idol is a gimmick.]

The American Idol disaster who became a household name after his national TV rejection is bringing his "talent" to Wayne County, Indiana.

Yes, folks, William Hung is still around. Even non-American Idol fans are likely to remember his performance on the popular Fox show.

His rendition of the Ricky Martin song "She Bangs" sent Hung went out with... well, a bang.

He'll hit Indiana with a bang at 7 p.m., November 29, in a concert at Fountain City Wesleyan Church. Despite an off-key singing voice, the lovable Asian-American gained more popularity than most Idols who went further in the competition.

Nearly three years after his abominable audition, Hung books concerts at shopping malls, charity events, halftime shows and in November, a church near you.

"This is one of the biggest things to ever happen in Richmond," event organizer Adam Cappa said. "We're trying to do something that will benefit both the teens and the community."

The idea to book Hung came from the FCWC Youth Group planning events to help get more people involved in the organization. When planning events for the youth group, the idea of a concert was put on the table.

Youth Pastor Greg Boyce mentioned having Christian singer John Ruben come to the church but Cappa had other ideas. The suggestion of Hung came up and Cappa e-mailed him. He received a response that night.

The church is calling the event "Hung' In Out." Wow.

Hung also will sign autographs and pose for pictures.

Road trip, anyone?

Former American Idol finalist Josh Gracin has announced that he and his wife, Ann Marie, will be welcoming their third child, a girl, in mid-November.

The country singer and fourth-place finisher on the second season of Idol, who lost out to winner Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aiken, now has two albums in circulation. The Michigan native and ex-Marine, 25, has sold more albums (over 850,000) than any American Idol contestant who did not finish in the top two.

The new baby will join siblings Briana, 4, and Landon, nine months. From all of us here at American Idol Worship, congratulations to Josh and to the whole Gracin family!

Kellie Pickler brings us more thoughts (some of them deep, others not so much) from the road. In her previous journal entry, Kellie talked about what a thrill it was to be on tour, and what a strange trip it's been for her since her first auditions. Now she's back for round two of her tour exclusive, courtesy of USA Today. Here's what K.P. has to say:

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Hi again! Thanks to all of you who read my first online diary entry and posted your comments. It’s great to have your support and encouragement! Here’s the latest on where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to.

After Carolina it was off to Georgia!!! We had a lot of fun there because it was our own Georgia peach, Paris Bennett's hometown! You could tell that Georgia was very proud of Paris! Unfortunately for me I was under strict doctors orders to be on vocal rest for the next three shows! I guess I was overdoing it when we were in Carolina -- of course I wanted to show off in my hometown!

So in the meantime I focused my attention on writing songs for my album. Even though I was on vocal rest for shows in Georgia and Florida, I still wanted to say hello to all the fans, so after Bucky performed I would go out and wave to the crowd so everyone knew that I was there and appreciated their support.

After that, I would change into all black and a hoodie and I’d sit right in front of the stage and enjoy watching the others perform. And I have to say that they put on a great show!

When we left Florida I was so excited about the next stop that I couldn’t sleep. Finally we were headed to my future hometown... NASHVILLE, TN!!!!! As soon as we arrived I went straight to the doctor for a checkup to see if I was fit to sing in the tour again. Thankfully she said that I was ready to join the other Idols and perform again!

I think that Nashville was the biggest show of the whole American Idol tour for me because after all, Nashville is Music City! Everyone welcomed me with open arms and really made me feel at home.

Plus, not only were we touring there, I began recording the album too, which comes out October 31. Yeah, my first time in the studio recording for my album, I will never forget that feeling! During my first session this man walks in the door and I looked over my shoulder and quickly took a second look. I was so excited when I realized who it was... Kenny Chesney!!!!!

I couldn’t believe that he was standing next to me! It was so weird because just last year I went to one of his concerts and after his show I remember going home and calling my friend Summer and telling her that after seeing Kenny on the stage that night, I knew that that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Until next time!
Love Kellie

Reigning American Idol winner Taylor Hicks is high on life these days. The champ sat down with EW last week and talked about working with John Mayer, keeping the Soul Patrol happy, his new album, and his aspirations of becoming a legend -- all, of course, in the span of half a year. The full transcript of the modern-day Soul Man's interview appears below.
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EW: So you're on the American Idol tour right now, but what's going on with your new album?
TAYLOR HICKS: I'm collecting and writing music. I'm starting to put ideas together for the record to have a similar thread, and I'm using one producer as opposed to 50. It's going to be soulful, very old-school-R&B-flavored, but it's also going to have a new-wave edge to it. I'm trying to fuse both of those sounds.

EW: New-wave sounds, eh?
TAYLOR HICKS: I'm gonna leave that up to Matt Serleti [the producer]. He was able to incorporate that with [Carlos Santana's] "Smooth" [with] his effects and stuff like that. We just really have to get into the laboratory and make it work.

EW: And are you writing some of the songs?
TAYLOR HICKS: I've got a song that I'm writing that's going to go on the album, and I'm working with a couple of people. You can write with the greatest songwriter in the world, but the formula for writing a hit is different no matter who you're writing it with.

EW: It's all about chemistry, right?
TAYLOR HICKS: Exactly — the chemistry of the song. I could write with famous people until I'm blue in the face 'cause of their track records with hits, but it doesn't lend itself to being a hit.

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