Just kidding.
Nick Cokas has not knocked up this American Idol second place finisher.
Instead, this is just a look at the fake belly Katharine McPhee will be sporting in her upcoming movie, House Bunny.
She's an American Idol finalist, on tour with her friends AND engaged. Life is good for Gina Glocksen.
Let's read what she had to say about it to TV Guide recently...
TV Guide: How's the tour going?
Gina Glocksen: I'm having an amazing time.
TV Guide: Is it different than you expected?
Gina: It's absolutely completely different than what I expected.
TV Guide: How so?
Gina: I was expecting to be tired all of the time and not get any sleep. Also, we're a really close group and I thought that the bad parts about us would come out on tour. But so far, nothing has happened. If anything, we're closer, so it's kind of weird.
TV Guide: What do you like to do when you're on the bus headed towards the next stop?
Gina: We'll just put in movies. We'll watch Friends or The Devil Wears Prada.
TV Guide: You're lucky. A lot of people on the road complain that they miss their friends and family.
Gina: And mine get to come with me.... It is cool.
TV Guide: What do you do when you're not performing?
Gina: Every show we go to, there's a massage therapist. I definitely try to get into those as much as possible. But mostly I just try to get to know everyone who's involved with Idol. When people think of the Idol tour, they just think of the 10 Idols who are performing. But there's so many people. There's the backstage crew and the road staff....
TV Guide: Is there anyone in that group you've gotten to know well?
Gina: Yeah. There's this guy Matt. He's totally awesome. He's kind of spunky and unique like me, and we kind of enjoy the same things.
TV Guide: Have you given any thought to what you want to do when the tour is over? I'm sure you've been getting lots of offers.
Gina: I have not yet, actually.
TV Guide: Really?
Gina: Not yet. But I have a friend who's put together some songs for me. I listened to them for the first time the other day and I loved them, so I'm going to record them as soon as I go home.
TV Guide: How would you describe the songs?
Gina: They're very, very hard-rock songs. It's hard because [my friend has been] singing them and when he does it, it sounds like Alice in Chains, which is not the route I want to go.
TV Guide: I can't really see you doing that.
Gina: No. I'm going to try to make it as punk as possible.
TV Guide: Season 7 auditions are starting. What advice do you have for people who want to be where you are right now?
Gina: Not to get overwhelmed, because they are going to get overwhelmed going into an arena where there are thousands of people who are there for the same reason. They all have the same dream, so make yourself stand out in some possible way. Always smile. The judges smell fear.
TV Guide: Especially Simon?
Gina: Yeah. Well, there's a couple of rounds [with the producers of Idol] you have to make it through before you even see Randy, Simon and [Paula Abdul]. Also, don't sing Etta James. Don't sing Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston. They hear it all of the time, so they just get bored with it.
TV Guide: A lot of people sleep outside to audition. Any words of wisdom about camping out all night?
Gina: Just be ready for any kind of weather. Dress in layers. Bring an umbrella. Anything can happen. The first time I auditioned for the second season, it was pouring rain and I had nothing, so I was completely sick the next day.
TV Guide: At tour stops, do people recognize you in the mall?
Gina: Yeah. If I didn't have the red in my hair, no one would know who I was. When I wear a hat, no one knows who I am. They'll all go up to [Blake Lewis] or [Jordin Sparks]. They give me the camera and they'll be like, "Can you take a picture of us?" [Laughs]
TV Guide: Is it nice to be able to hide if you don't want to be recognized?
Gina: Yeah. The thing about me, though, is I love it. I love the attention. If someone comes up to me and asks to take a picture, I'll never brush them away. I'll take out my camera and ask for one, too. Remember the Crying Girl? She came up to me at the meet-and-greet after a show and was like [Mock sobs], "Will you take a picture with me?" She was bawling. I was like, "Only if you take one with me."
As they see the end of this year's American Idols Live tour, Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis are hard at work on their debut albums.
Both singers told Billboard.com they've been using off-days for recording, and both hope to have their efforts out before Thanksgiving. Sparks' is untitled so far, while Lewis' has dubbed his "Audio Daydream (ADD)."
"I'm feeling a little bit of pressure because it's coming up so fast," said Sparks. "But I have full confidence that we'll finish it by the time we have to."
She's recorded four songs so far - including one with the production team Stargate - in Los Angeles, Omaha, Neb., and Chicago, with a session scheduled for this week in Pittsburgh. She plans to do the bulk of the recording back in Los Angeles after the Idols Live! tour finishes on Sept. 22.
"It'd kind of Kelly Clarkson's pop edge, a little bit," Sparks said, "and I recorded a ballad-y type song, like a power vocal song, and then I recorded just a really fun, fast one. I'm trying to mix everything together. I'm loving all the songs I'm recording, so hopefully that will come off the album when you listen to it and you'll be able to feel the emotion."
Idols Live! tour mate Chris Richardson has been writing songs with both Sparks and Lewis for their albums, which wukk be submitted for consideration. Lewis says he's recorded eight songs so far, working with producers such as Sam Hollander, Mike Elizondo and J.R. Rottem.
"It's your favorite '80s mix tape," Lewis said, "very inspired by Michael Jackson, Prince, Erasure, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, the Cure. It's all over the map, really - very influenced by '80s hip-hop, old school breaks, whatever."
"They're letting me down the album I've always wanted to make," said Blake, who's written 11 of his own songs for the set.
Sparks and Lewis are both signed with Sony BMG by virtue of their Idol finishes, but the rest of the crew is awaiting word on whether they'll receive an offer later this month.
Richardson, meanwhile, is also planning a "rock and soul" album he says will be "a mixture of Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz." He's also writing for Phil Stacey who, like Haley Scarnato, plans to make a country album.
Gina Glocksen hopes to record "something pop/rock, like ... Pink," while LaKisha Jones has her eye on a gospel/spiritual album.
The Freno Bee recently sat down with American Idol finalist Lakisha Jones. Here are highlights from the interview:
On if the right person won American Idol this year: "I think LaKisha Jones should have won," she says with a laugh. "I think whoever was meant to win Idol won it. I think we all came to American Idol for our own individual reasons. We were there for the time that we were supposed to be there. Everything happens for a reason. No. 4 isn't a bad spot - look at Chris Daughtry."
On her post-Idol music plans: "I have a couple things in the works, but we can't do anything until after the tour. We're still under contract with them."
On what people can expect from the live show: "It's gonna be fantastic. We have a lot of group numbers. We have duets, trios, and we have solo numbers. Some of the stuff is stuff that you've never heard us sing in the show. So it's not like you're gonna be bored because you're hearing us do everything we did on the show. We have a lot of new material and some choreography."
On her big-sister-like relationship with Sanjaya Malakar: "He really is a sweet guy. He's 17 years old, he came out here, and he did the best that he could do. He just got caught up in the media. Beyond that, he's a nice person, and he has a nice spirit, and I really like that about him. Sometimes I have to tell him to sit down somewhere because he's jumping all over the place. He kisses me on the cheek or he wants a hug, and I'm like, "Sanjaya! Sit down! Stop" But he really is so sweet."
On host Ryan Seacrest: "Ryan is sweet, and he's sexy. I wouldn't mind going out with Ryan."
On her sharpest criticism from many, not listening to some of the mentors on American Idol, namely Tony Bennett: "At the end of the day, the decision has to be up to the vocalist. I'm presenting the song, so I have to sing the song the way I think it will come across good. You do listen to what the mentors say, but I don't feel like you have to do everything that they tell you to do."
On regrets: "The only one would probably be Bee Gees week. I would have selected two different songs. I don't know what songs those would have been, but they would have been two different songs."
On her relationship with the rest of the top 10: "It's like a family. Sometimes they get on your nerves. You'll be like 'OK, you know what? I don't want to talk to y'all today. I've had enough.' And then there's times when it's like 'Hey, what you doing? What's going on?' Throughout the whole show, you live together, you eat together, you sleep together. You have no choice but to become close because you work as a unit, you become one family. It's like any family; you have your ups and downs, and you have your good days and bad days."
On how Idol has changed her life: "I'm going on tour - never in my life have I got to say that. I'm waking up everyday doing something I love to do and I'm able now to take care of my daughter better than I ever have in my life."
Ryan Seacrest doesn't just host American Idol.
He also leads a radio show on an L.A. radio station - and was stuck doing an interview with the bane of reality television existence earlier this week.
Yes, that's Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, stars of MTV's The Hills, by the side of our favorite metrosexual host. We hope he took a long shower after this photo was taken...
Katharine McPhee is excited about her first movie role.
She happily told People that for Adam Sandler's House Bunny she'll wear a Nicole Kidman hand-me-down. A very unique hand-me-down.
"I tried on [Knocked Up star] Katherine Heigl's belly. I tried on Nicole Kidman's belly. And they said, 'Oh, this one fits perfectly. We don't need to try any more.' I was so happy, because I didn't have to sit through hours of prosthetic fitting," the American Idol runner-up said.
"There was nothing wrong with Katherine Heigl's belly," continued McPhee. "But every stomach is different. It's light foam, but it makes you sweat. Heigl's felt funny on my stomach and sat higher. [In this project], I'm in my ninth month, so I should be hanging kind of low."
Dispelling any possible pregnancy rumors, McPhee was enjoying a glass of red wine and the company of her boyfriend, Nick Cokas.
"In Stuff magazine, they said I want to have 15 kids." She added, "I was obviously exaggerating."
Also in Stuff? Some very hot Katharine McPhee photos. You should check them out.
Ashley Jones stars on The Bold and The Beautiful.
But after meeting Elliott Yamin, it's obvious that this former American Idol finalist also stars in her hearts, just a tiny bit at least.
Here's their exchange backstage at the soap opera...
Ashley Jones: Let me see if I have my camera! I am so psyched. I literally watched the show to watch you. Iâd stay up on my cell phone and my home phone voting for you. I would hit redial all night long. My husband thought I was crazy. Oh, my God, Iâm so bummed â I canât find my camera. How was shooting?
Elliot Yamin: It was fun. I didnât expect the studio audience. It was cool to interact with them. I had a good time out there. I love doing things like this. We actually just did another show.
Jones: Which show?
Yamin: Lincoln Heights. Itâs a similar thing, where I come in and sing.
Jones: You have no interest in acting?
Yamin: Iâd like to try my hand at whatever I can dip into.
Jones: I just talked to my mom in the parking lot on my way to work. She said, âTell him I love his song! I bought it and everything.â
Yamin: Thatâs great.
Jones: And youâre on my iPod. Of course you are! Who would vote for you 200 times and then not download your song? Are you still with your girlfriend? (everyone laughs) Iâm not asking for myself! (rolls her eyes)
Yamin: Why, you interested? (winks)
Jones: I just read an article on you two recently.
Yamin: Yeah. Jamie and I have been together almost a year-and-a-half. Itâs been great.
Jones: Howâs your mom?
Yamin: Sheâs doing well. Thanks for asking. Iâll get to see her [this month] for the first time in about five months. I miss her to pieces.
Jones: Sheâs the sweetest. Not that I know her! But sheâs so cute. If she ever watches the show, let her know Bridget loves her.
Yamin: Iâll let her know.
Jones: It was lovely to meet you. Thank you so much.
Yamin: It was my pleasure. Sorry for annoying your husband!
Dallas contestant Antoria Gillon showed all others at a recent American Idol audition what true dedication to this reality show is all about:
While waiting with 13,500 other hopefuls at the Texas Stadium on Monday, Gillon realized she was going to have a baby... but continued to perform for the panel!
We would've liked to see Blake Lewis attempt to beat box through that sort of pain.
Whether or not the pain helped her hit the high notes, the tryout turned out to be a success: Gillon will be back for the next round of the show.
She was taken to a local hospital, where she gave birth to a healthy son she named Jamil Labarron Idol McCowan. Congrats!
Here's a subpar review of the first album from Constantine Maroulis. The apparent message from The Chicago Tribune?
Perhaps he ought to stick to The Bold and The Beautiful.
Backstory: Remember Constantine Maroulis? Finished in sixth place two years ago on American Idol? Did the rock thing, Ã la Bo Bice and Chris Daughtry? Greek? Off-Broadway actor/singer?
Why you should care: Because if runner-ups like Daughtry and Clay Aiken can put out better (and better-selling records) than some of the actual Idol winners, that means there's room for everyone. And Maroulis, while not possessing the most distinctive voice in the world, pleasantly emulates Rob Thomas, John Mayer and the late great Brad Delp (Boston), among others.
Verdict: And yet, these songs⦠Wow. Lead single "Everybody Loves" mixes rock guitar, some upbeat piano, soulful back-up vocals and enough "nah nah nahs" to worm its way into your head. Sadly, lyrics like "you can drink champagne with the president of Spain / or be a poor man walking in the rain" destroy the album's one chance of creating a decent pop single.
Elsewhere, Maroulis channels mall metal circa 1989 ("Child of the Revolution"), latter-day Santana ("Girl Like You") and, uh, a petulant teen girl ("Favorite T-shirt," where Maroulis demands his favorite outerwear back).
X-Factor: If you have problems finding the record, send your complaints to Maroulis' record company, Sixth Place Records. He owns it.
LaKisha Jones describes life on the American Idols Live! tour in terms that are upbeat but no-nonsense.
"Every day, I see a new hotel, and every day, I wake up doing something I love to do, so I can't complain about that," she says.
The tour is coming to the Palace of Auburn Hills on Sunday. Besides Jones, the lineup includes winner Jordin Sparks, runner-up Blake Lewis, fan favorite Sanjaya Malakar and the rest of the top 10 finalists.
LaKisha says she's looking forward to returning to Michigan: "I have a special surprise for my hometown toward the end of the show," she says. "It involves what I'm singing."
So... what is it?
"I'd like to keep it a surprise," she says.
The former bank teller, who's been earning good reviews on the tour, says she hasn't been nervous about singing for thousands of fans at big arenas.
"I'm calmer now than I was on the show because we're not competing for anything anymore. We don't have to impress the judges and hear that constructive criticism they give us week after week," she says, sounding as if she doesn't miss Simon Cowell's snippy critiques of her wardrobe one bit.
The hardest part of crisscrossing the country is missing her daughter, though. Jones says Brionne, who's 4, visits her every few weeks and stays in Flint with LaKisha's mother the rest of the time.
"If there was anything I could change, it would be having my daughter with me more often and having help with me on the tour to take care of her. When I'm able to call the shots, then she'll be there."
And now for the big question. Has she met any good celebrities as a result of being on Idol? "I did," she says, citing Tom Cruise, Queen Latifah, Taye Diggs and Eva Longoria.
"I look at them like, oh my gosh, they're the stars," she says. "They have that same response when they see me. It's kind of cool."
SOURCE: The Detroit Free Press
