January 2008 News Archive (Page 2)

Chris Daughtry recently took a slight swipe at American Idol, saying it had lost a lot of momentum.

While the singer retracted those comments a bit, we'd imagine they still stung folks like Randy Jackson. But the American Idol judge said the following in response:

“I love Chris. I think he made an amazing record that he sold extremely well,” Jackson said. “He’s a testament to the fact that no matter where you finish on Idol - even if you finish twelfth - if you make a great record and you got that kind of exposure, the public will resoundingly buy it. But the bottom line is there would be no Chris Daughtry if there wasn’t American Idol.”

Jackson went on to say that American Idol is still a great opportunity for young singers trying to break in to the business:

“I did A&R at record companies for fifteen years. No company was out looking for these kids. I’m sure you can ask any of the winners or the runners-up: were you trying to get a record deal before American Idol? I’m sure they will all say ‘Yes.’ Were you successful? I’m sure they’ll all say ‘No.’

So now we’ve got all these people, and guess what brought them here? The quickest rocket ship to the top.”

Breaking American Idol news: Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul are having an affair! Sort of!

It's early. It's very, very early.

But here's a quick ranking of our favorite top five contestants - along with their audition videos - from the initial couple episodes of American Idol. All made it through to Hollywood:

1. Kady Malloy: Young, cute, able to impersonate Britney Spears and Carrie Underwood. What's not to like? Except for the way she spells her first name perhaps.

2. Angela Martin: A single mother whose child suffers from a rare disease similar to Cerebral Palsy, Martin was more than a sob story. She can sing! Be careful with how cheesy you get, though, such as inserting Simon's name into a song.

3. Kristy Lee Cook: Confidence was not an issue for this crooner. Simon said she isn't as good as she thinks, but there should be time to improve during her days in Hollywood.

4. Colton Swon: It may just be his name. But the fact that this solid singer also plays the guitar opens up an exciting new world for someone who reminds us of Chris Daughtry.

5. Pia Easley: An atypical personality, look and name. This model/musician brings a different element than most contestants.

Another impressive American Idol audition, another growing controversy.

On the heels of Kristy Lee Cook moving on to Hollywood - despite signing a record contract in 2001 - it turns out that the (VERY) early American Idol favorite also has a professional background.

Kady Malloy came out with an album a few years ago, although it's been whitewashed from the Internet, likely by the Idol Powers That Be.

A post on the MySpace blog of indie music store Amie Street sums up Malloy as such: "Kady Malloy's powerful voice and Hip Hop-influenced pop songs bring to mind a cross between Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, and The Pussycat Dolls.

Kady's been working with Nick Trevisick, a producer and writer for artists like Mandy Moore and Natalie Imbruglia, so remember: you heard her on Amie Street first!"

So, what do you think, fans? Do you mind that so many American Idol contestants this season have a professional resume?

Pia Easley - also known as "Zpia" - certainly has a unique look.

Take a look at her American Idol audition in Dallas below:

Here's our favorite contestant of the young American Idol season so far: Kady Malloy.

Check out her Britney Spears impression below, as well as her actual singing talent:

American Idol treated viewers to the usual train wrecks during its second night of auditions last night.

But here are three names from Dallas that stood out after the Simon Cowell insults and Paula Abdul compliments were complete:

- Colton Swon (pictured) sounds like a character on Days of Our Lives, but his rendition of Little Big Town's ''Boondocks'' reminded us a bit of Chris Daughtry. Know what we mean? American Idol spoilers have revealed that he plays the guitar in Hollywood, too. Cool.

- Kady Mallow was from Houston. She made us laugh with her imitation of Britney Spears' vocal technique - but then really blew the judges away with her rendition of The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody." Simon went so far as to tell her: "I think, of all the people we've seen so far this year, you're the best."

- Alaina Whitaker possesses a voice of depth at the age of sizteen that was amazing. She didn't lack for confidence, either, as she compared herself to Carrie Underwood. Or, to be precise, Carrie Underwood to her. We liked the sass.

American Idol spoilers have revealed that Robbie Carrico is one of a handful hopefuls this season to receive a ticket to Hollywood.

The young singer used to be a part of pop group Boyz N Girlz United. But that's not all we know about Carrico.

As the photo below reveals, he used to date Britney Spears! Might be hard for Kristy Lee Cook to compete with that.

Just because the latest season of American Idol has kicked off, it doesn't mean we've forgotten our past favorites.

Here is your first look at Clay Aiken as Sir Robin in Monty Python’s Spamalot:

“Clay is amazing, beyond that glorious voice,” said director Mike Nichols. “Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People are going to be surprised by his wide-ranging talent, since the first impression is of great country charm and a singer to remember. This guy is not only a star; he is a lot more. We’re lucky to get him for Spamalot!”

Clay hits the Broadway stage for the first time this Friday, January 18.

Here's our favorite American Idol audition from the show's season premiere: Kristy Lee Cook does an incredible job on "Amazing Grace."