October 2006 News Archive

Here's some information we've come across from around the world of American Idol. There's certainly a lot going on with our favorite stars, and we try our best to keep you updated! Below is our breakdown...

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

As you’ve probably heard, Carrie Underwood will perform at the Charleston Municipal Auditorium December 9. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m.

Speaking of Carrie, we caught her video for "Before He Cheats" the other day. Though she’s come a long way from her simpler American Idol days, it is still not easy to believe she's the kind of girl who would bash her boyfriend’s headlights in with a baseball bat.

Look at her! She's just too sweet! We don't buy the vengeful angle... we will, however, buy her music!

KELLIE PICKLER

Kellie Pickler’s CD, Small Town Girl, is in stores as of today! Be sure to check out our review in a separate post, coming very soon. Kellie will perform her first single, "Red High Heels" on The Tonight Show Friday.

BUCKY COVINGTON

Bucky Covington and his wife are moving to Nashville today. We hear he plans to go straight to the studio to record some tunes. Good luck, Bucky!

ACE YOUNG

The new single from Ace Young, “Scattered,” is officialy available for download on iTunes. We thought it was a little cheesy, to be sure, but it grows on you. And yes, his falsetto is on full display. As far as we know, though, Ace has not signed with any record label.

KATHARINE MCPHEE

Looks like Katharine McPhee’s a little gutsier than I gave her credit for. Katharine was scheduled to sing “Over the Rainbow” at the Carousel of Hope Gala, but when she saw Whitney Houston in the audience, she changed to “I Have Nothing.”

Considering the performance of that song that she gave on American Idol, it was certainly a testament to McPhee's courage to get up there and try it a second time. It paid off, though, as Whitney nodded her head in approval at the performance.

You might remember that Katharine (seen here with beau Nick Cokas, right, at the event in Beverly Hills) was roundly criticized by the judges after performing "I Have Nothing" On American Idol. The viewing audience, however, disagreed and voted her into the Top 2. Simon Cowell apologized to her on that week's results show.

TAYLOR HICKS

Taylor Hicks’ CD release date has been moved to December 5, which means he will be after Katharine (November 28) and on the same date as Fantasia. According to GrayCharles.com, he continues to work on his upcoming album, 75 percent of which is complete.

The producers are beginning to mix some of the songs. If you, like many of his fans, are eagerly looking forward to seeing Taylor Hicks in concert, the Soul Man will start a three-month tour in February and plans to "play lots of different size towns, even smaller ones."

Hopefully, that's going to be a town near you.

CHRIS DAUGHTRY

Chris Daughtry’s release date is still set for November 21, but he's ditching the first name thing... the release will come from Daughtry -- the Bon Jovi-esque name of his new band. Howard Benson, who worked with All-American Rejects and My Chemical Romance, is the producer. Chris says he realizes not winning Idol was better for him.

According to a blurb posted on puretonemusic.com, here are all 12 confirmed song titles (in sequence): It's Not Over, Used To, Home, Over You, Crashed, Feels Like Tonight, What I Want (featuring Slash), Breakdown, Gone, There And Back Again, All These Lives, and What About Now.

The site also reported that the song, "Sorry" will be exclusive to iTunes and the newly recorded acoustic versions of "Home" and "Crashed" will be exclusive to WalMart.

JOSH GRACIN

Josh Gracin’s next CD, All About Y’all will be released in early 2007. I was a little worried about Josh since his original release date came and went and his website had not been updated in months. His new single, "I Keep Coming Back" is from the same songwriting team that wrote "What Hurts the Most."

KIMBERLEY LOCKE

The second CD released by Kimberley Locke, Based on a True Story, will hit the shelves of record stores in March 2007. It will be great to hear what the Supawoman has in store for us then!

CLAY AIKEN

The one and only Clay Aiken is scheduled to appear on The Megan Mullally Show this Thursday, November 2.

And, as we reported last week, Clay will also appear on Days of Our Lives as himself December 22, serenading Steve and Kayla with “Everything I Have.” Clay’s version of “O, Holy Night” will also be featured in the episode.

FANTASIA BARRINO

Fantasia Barrino's single, "Hood Boy" is being released to radio. Her album is set to be released on December 12. You can listen to a stream at her MySpace. Lastly, Season 5 semi-finalist Patrick Hall releases his single "One For the Ages" tomorrow. The album, One For the Ages, will be available February 2007.

Who's that southern belle? Typically, that title belongs to Carrie Underwood, but in this case, it's the original American Idol who takes the honor.

Native Texan Kelly Clarkson plays up her Southern roots in her ruffled dress Thursday at the CMT Giants event at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood honoring country crooner Reba McEntire. She looks beautiful! The inaugural American Idol winner and its most successful artist later took the stage to raise her voice in tribute.

Things are looking up for American Idol judge and former Los Angeles Lakers choreographer Paula Abdul as she, NBA legend Magic Johnson and Snoop Dogg (who was recently arrested for drug possession) pay tribute to Lakers owner Jerry Buss at a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Monday. 

Either our favorite American Idol music critic is really short... or Magic Johnson and Snoop Dogg are really tall. Probably a combination thereof. Suffice it to say, Snoop may be a successful musician and pop culture icon, but after his recent drug bust, he may be threatening his status as Randy Jackson's dawg.

Ruben Studdard recently sat down with The Associated Press to talk about his music, weight loss and why he is looking for love.

Q: How hard has it been to break away from the American Idol typecast?
RUBEN STUDDARD: Honestly, I never want people to forget I won the show but I do want people to take me seriously as an artist outside of American Idol.

Q: Do you look at Kelly Clarkson as a model since she is now a Grammy-winning, multiplatinum star with cred?
STUDDARD: Of course. I think everybody who has left that show looks at her as a model for what we want to do to further our career. It wasn't easy for her to get that American Idol stigma changed. She really had to work hard for it. The hard work paid off.

(For me), on the first album, I really didn't have to go out and do radio promos and in-stores because people already knew who we were. With these sophomore projects in the mainstream, we have to reintroduce ourselves to the market.

Q: Did you anticipate that you would have to work so hard to promote this album?
STUDDARD: Every time an artist comes out they have to reinvent themselves and that is why it was necessary for me to come in and get in shape just to have something different going to promote this album.

Q: You've lost weight; did you do it because the album was coming out?
STUDDARD: I really wanted to get in shape because I have a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure and things of that nature. I felt like it was necessary for me to combat those issues at a young age before it became a bigger issue. I went to this place called Duke Diet & Fitness Center for a month and learned how to change my eating habits. Two weeks after leaving there I turned to a vegetarian diet. It's been wonderful.

Q: The Today show reported that you lost 100 pounds.
STUDDARD: They said 100 pounds. I told them 70. They kept saying, "Ruben's lost 100 pounds." I only lost 70.

Q: What has been the hardest food to give up?
STUDDARD: I think the hardest thing for me to give up was chicken. Right now I am trying my hardest to stay away from french fries.

Continue Reading...

She didn't sing, but Whitney Houston's presence alone made her shine among a room full of glittering stars at Saturday's 17th Carousel of Hope Ball in Beverly Hills, Calif.

According to USA Today, it was the singer's first step back into the spotlight since seeking treatment for substance abuse and leaving longtime husband Bobby Brown.

"I feel great," said a blond Houston, wearing diamonds and black Armani, sounding more calm and focused than she has in year.

"She's looking at the light, instead of darkness," said Houston's pal and the evening's honoree, Quincy Jones, who has known Houston since she was 16.

Houston was escorted to the event by music producer Clive Davis, the night's other honoree.

"She's been through emotional trauma, and everybody's rooting for her. We're going to make a killer album," Davis said.

Houston sat at the main table, where Halle Berry (in gold Elie Saab) was seated with boyfriend Gabriel Aubry. The semi-annual event has raised more than $70 million for childhood diabetes, and Berry, a diabetic, said she has been feeling well and remains hopeful for a cure.

Also in attendance were Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Brooke Shields, Teri Hatcher, Sidney Poitier, Minnie Driver, Kristin Davis, Hilary Duff and the evening's host, Jay Leno. And a certain American Idol finalist, of course.

Houston's surprise appearance led American Idol finalist Katharine McPhee to abandon plans to sing her signature "Over the Rainbow" in place of Houston's "I Have Nothing."

"It's her first big appearance since the breakup. "I would love to sing with her, but unfortunately all eyes are on me," said McPhee.

Houston nodded her head during McPhee's performance and led a standing ovation. Afterward, Davis brought McPhee over to meet Houston, who took McPhee's hands in hers.

"She said she was really proud of me," said a tickled McPhee.

The event's founder, Barbara Davis, sparkling in $12.5 million in Leviev diamonds, guided Stevie Wonder over to sit with Houston.

"This is my baby," said Houston, taking Wonder's hand.

"He's my baby, too!" piped Barbara Davis.

Later, Barbara Davis ran over to Houston and pointed to a large screen replaying one of Houston's previous Carousel performances (The Greatest Love of All).

"Look," said Barbara Davis, "that's you!"

Houston smiled, appearing pleased with a reminder of her glory years.

Barbara Davis, a huge American Idol fan, also invited former Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson to preview one of her songs from this December's big-screen Dreamgirls. American Idol judge Randy Jackson expressed pride in seeing two of his discoveries invited to share this year's Carousel bill with such established performers.

As for Hudson's dream, it was one shared by all: "It would be a dream to hear Whitney perform again. She had the greatest voice of all time."

Looks like Clay Nation will get a special Christmas present this year.

That's right, the one and only Clay Aiken will be appearing on the NBC daytime drama Days of Our Lives as himself. To quote the Claymate who brought this fact to our attention, "OMG!" Clay will be playing himself, People has learned exclusively.

What could be better, really?

On the show, the American Idol phenomenon will perform "Everything I Have," a song from his new album, as part of a private concert for Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) in the local Salem club called Dune.

Aiken, whose album A Thousand Different Ways was released last month, will also have his version of "O, Holy Night" from his hit 2004 album, Merry Christmas with Love featured in the episode, which will tape November 14 and air on December 22.

Somehow we're predicting a spike in TiVo sales around then...

Chris Daughtry is a wanted man (dead or alive).

First, he performed the national anthem at an Arizona Cardinals football game.

Now, promoters from North Carolina State are reporting that the American Idol crooner will be playing at the school's homecoming event - called the Pack Howl Pep Rally and Concert.

The show will be held at Reynolds Coliseum on Friday, November 3rd with the pep rally starting at 8pm and the concert starting at 9:30pm.

Daughtry, 26, hails from McLeansville, NC. He's set to release his first album entitled "Daughtry" on November 21st on 19 Recordings/RCA Records.

The festivities won't just include Chris, of course. The NC State marching band, cheerleaders and dance team are scheduled to be there, along with Mike Morse from G105's Showgram Radio Show.

Tickets start at $10 for students and up to $20 for the general public.

"We are extremely excited about having Chris Daughtry perform at the concert and are looking forward to a great turnout," said Brooklyn Winters, Director of Special Interest & Campus Programs of the NC State Alumni Association in a released statement. "All of the activities add to the pageantry of Homecoming and we are anticipating an unforgettable weekend."

With a new show and a new album on the horizon, one of our favorite Idol finalists, Kimberley Locke, is back and busier than ever.

As a judge on MTV's biggest Little Talent Show, Locke dispenses singing advice - while attempting to keep a straight face. Her new album, Based on a True Story, is ready for release "God-willing" this March.

The TV blog TV with MeeVee had the pleasure of interviewing Locke over the phone this week. With the help of some of her most diehard fans, here is the scoop on what's now and what's next for this bona fide "Supawoman."

TV with MeeVee: Tell us about your new show, MTV's Little Talent Show.
Kimberley Locke: The show is a lot of fun, the contestants have to sing, dance, and act. I have to say that the title is indicative of the talent. These contestants come on the show and tell us how great they are, comparing themselves to Mariah and J. Lo and Justin. It just goes to show that people’s perceptions of themselves are everything.

TV with MeeVee: It kind of reminds me of the early rounds of American Idol.
Kimberley Locke: That’s exactly what it is.

TV with MeeVee: I love your reaction shots, they keep cutting back to you, what’s going through your mind?
Kimberley Locke: Sometimes I have to ask, can these people not really hear themselves? And by doing this show I realized that they can’t. That’s what being tone deaf is.

TV with MeeVee: You’ve hosted a show on Game Show Network, and now you’re doing MTV. Is this something you want to continue with, television?
Kimberley Locke: For me, yeah absolutely. From the very beginning, even when I was on Idol, I wasn’t really focusing on winning the show. Yes, I would have loved it if I had won. Everyone wants to win, but I focused on staying on the show as long as I could to get the exposure. I realized being able to stay in this industry over the long-term means you have to diversify.

TV with MeeVee: It sounds like that business degree has really come in handy – that and a lot of E! True Hollywood Stories...
Kimberley Locke: It’s nice to be known for something other than singing, because people know me and will always know me as a singer first. I was a model for Lane Bryant.

DeNeva: How’s that going? Are you going to continue being one of their spokesmodels?
Kimberley Locke: I’ve been with them for a year and a half. I haven’t renewed the contract yet. Just the fact that I got to do it for a year or two - I was very excited.

Continue Reading...

“I never, ever had my heart set on being a singer,” says Carrie Underwood. “That was something I thought I would like to do, but I always knew most likely it would never happen.”

But, oh, how it happened.

It was only two years ago that Underwood took her very first airplane trip — to fly to the American Idol tryouts in L.A. She showed the world she was a singer and won the TV contest, turning instantly from small-town girl into a star.

On the strength of the American Idol win, Underwood’s debut album, Some Hearts, went triple platinum, launching her into the forefront of country music. At the 40th annual Country Music Association Awards, to be held in Nashville on November 6, Underwood will be looking to win in no less than four categories:

1. Female Vocalist of the Year
2. Single of the Year (for “Jesus, Take the Wheel”)
3. Music Video of the Year
4. The Horizon Award for breakthrough artist.

“I always told my mom, ‘If I am supposed to sing, then the doors will open,’” Carrie said. “I feel like God totally stepped in and opened these doors for me.”

And they have opened fast and wide.

“I’ve started out in a place that new artists just don’t start out in,” Underwood tells Parade magazine in an interview in Pennsylvania. “Hardly any people actually have a fan base before they have an album.”

For her wide and possessive public, Underwood has become something more than a music star. Radiating sincerity, simplicity and accessibility, the petite blonde with the big voice is a surrogate best friend, sister or daughter. Underwood is the real deal -- a girl next door, a little goofy around the edges.

Continue Reading...

The first two games of the World Series have been a virtual Idol-fest.

First, finalist Jennifer Hudson was the designated celebrity singer of God Bless America in the middle of the seventh inning of Game One in Detroit Saturday night. Yesterday, another American Idol finalist, Josh Gracin, was tapped to perform the song.

Since we spend an inordinate amount of time watching postseason baseball, much to the delight of my wife, we were able to catch both renditions. Suffice it to say, these American Idol stars were probably helped by the fact that Fox is carrying the games (and beginning to promote Season 6), but still, they handled it well.

In typical fashion, Jennifer, the Dreamgirls star, went all-out, going for it on every spectacular high note she could aim for, and pretty much hitting them -- even in weather that is bordering on freezing.

Gracin, meanwhile, kept it low-key, with no glory notes, and turned in one of the more tolerable versions of this "classic" (personally, we think it could be more fun if they mixed in some other seventh-inning stretch songs from time to time).