February 2008 News Archive (Page 2)

Forget the potential of Michael Johns or David Archuleta for a moment.

An American Idol that has already established himself is coming out with a new album: Clay Aiken:

"We're hoping the next album will be out about May 6," Aiken, who is currently starring in the Broadway run of Monty Python's Spamalot as Sir Robin, told People magazine recently.

Aiken has been recording tracks for the RCA Records album when he's not on stage.

"We've picked most of the songs," he said."Sonically, I don't know that we're going down any path that's crazy. I'm not trying to be cool, I'm not trying to be hip. I'm not trying to do anything other than sing stuff that I'm good at."

What about an image overhaul, tied to the album, Clay?? The former Idol runner-up has gone through with that in the past.

"Last time I came out with dark crazy hair. We did that intentionally. But I'm just going to do what I do this time. We don't have any plans this time. But I've got the red wig [from Spamalot] – maybe I'll do that!"

The American Idol semifinals kicked off last night with performances from the top 12 men. While David Archuleta remains the sentimental favorite, here's a look at who we thought was the best, the worst and the most original on the night:

The Best: Michael Johns. Australian sensation sang "Light My Fire" by The Doors and proved once again that his background of singing with a band called The Rising is paying off. Seems relaxed, mature and polished.

The Worst: Garrett Haley has to be going home tomorrow night, right? The crazy-haired singer went with "Breaking Up is Hard to Do," and - as Simon pretty much said - listening to this tune was hard to do. The British judge graded Haley with: "It was boring. Your voice sounded a bit whiny. You looked terrified ... verging on haunted."

Most Original: Danny Noriega won't make the finals, but he'll entertain viewers in the meantime. This 18-year old certainly got into his version of "Jailhouse Rock." He just looked sort of like a young woman while doing it. Oddly enough, Randy Jackson said: "Loved the performance... It was kinda hot."

Months of performing on American Idol couldn't prepare Katharine McPhee for the stage of her wedding to Nick Cokas.

"I was so emotional and moved by the whole thing," said McPhee in People's February 18 issue.

As the fifth season runner-up explained, she was trying hard to control herself. But it was a difficult task when faced with such an occasion.

"I had been holding onto my dad, trying not to cry," McPhee saidadding her father Daniel was "happy" to give her away.  "Then the doors opened, and I was blown away."

McPhee and Cokas - who had been dating for two years before he popped the question last spring - exchanged vows in front of 305 guests. But the 42-year-old groom only noticed his beautiful bride.

"Her beauty and the beauty of the moment exceeded anything I could have ever dreamed of," Cokas said.  "It was incredible."

Awwww!!! 

We interrupt our season seven coverage of American Idol contestants, such as Robbie Carrico, to update fans about a singer from last year:

Chris Sligh, the curly haired crooner who was a fan favorite on season six, has signed a record deal with Atlanta-based independent label Brash Music. He has also announced plans to release his first album, titled Running Back to You, on May 6.

Sligh's first single, ''Empty Me,'' will hit the airwaves later this week.

Starting tomorrow night - when the top 12 males perform on American Idol - viewers will be in control of the vote. As MSNBC reports, however, these votes will now be based on a new semifinal format.

In the past, contestants have selected songs after being given a CD with hundreds of tunes that meet that night's theme; they were allowed to pick any song, though, even those not on the pre-selected album.

This year, however, singers such as Luke Menard will be forced to choose from just 50 songs. For example, the theme for the first semifinal round is 1960s music and we're likely to hear many of the same selections.

When Garrett Haley takes to the stage tomorrow night, he'll be singing a song from the 1960's.

Last Friday, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told reporters that forcing them to choose a song from a list of 50 is a result of both bad song choices during past seasons and producers' desire to speed up the clearance process.

The producers also want to make the best TV show possible, one that appeals to its wide range of viewers. Hence, the reason why moder artists are asked to date themselves with older songs.

"Asking America to vote on a performer they don't know with the possibility of a song they don't know we felt was not right, and there were some strange songs," Lythgoe said.

How do you feel about this new American Idol format?

This can only help American Idol winner Jordin Sparks get noticed:

The young singer will open for Alicia Keys on her As I Am tour of North America. The concerts kick off April 19 in Virginia and wrap up June 18 at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Both artists have had songs on Billboard's Hot 100 recently: Keys ''No One'' hit Number-one, while Sparks' ''Tattoo'' peaked at number-eight. Many consider Alicia to be the most talented R&B crooner out there, so this ought to be major exposure for Jordin.

The final 24 contestants on this season of American Idol can do a lot more than just carry a tune: the group can party!

On Friday, at the Day After Lounge in Hollywood, these finalists got together with Ryan Seacrest, Ace Young and Justin Guarini to celebrate their impressive feat. Guarini, at least, was quite impressed with the talent in the room:

"The judges have always been saying, 'this is the best year ever' and so on, but this year I really think they got it right," he told Us Weekly during the festivities.

Inside, the contestants posed for photos and flirted with each other, witnesses said.

Kady Malloy, for example was actually spotted holding hands with Colton Berry, the last person selected to advance to the finals.

Meanwhile, Kristy Lee Cook, known for her a capella rendition of "Amazing Grace" strutted around the room with a few girlfriends. Everyone had a good time.

The competition picks up again Tuesday night when the guys take the stage for a handful of live performances.

Congratulations to Jordin Sparks!

The American Idol champion won the Outstanding New Artist award at this year's NAACP Image Awards.

Our previously posted American Idol Top 24 spoilers were dead on, but here's an official look at this season's finalists. The group was announced last night.

From Carly Smithson to Michael Johns and David Archuleta, it's a talented bunch. Who is your favorite?

Kellie Pickler has the following message for this season's American Idol finalists:

“Going through that whole process and literally overnight you’re on 30-40 million television sets ever week — it’s not necessarily you that changes but it’s the people around you that change,” Pickler told People magazine.

Her advice to this season's top 24?

“Stay away from mean people! Of course that’s with any profession,” she said, noting that it’s important to “surround yourself with people that support you and pray for you.”

Since her success on American Idol, Pickler added that she has “ lost so many people. No one that I was close with before am I even remotely close to now. I have maybe three people in my life now that have been amazing through the whole process.”

Meanwhile, Pickler was “honored” to have been a bridesmaid at Katharine's McPhee’s recent wedding to producer Nick Cokas.

“Kat and I were roommates (on Idol) and built a bond that I was not able to build with anyone else on the show,” said Pickler. “She instantly became like a big sister to me and Nick became like a big brother. I’m so blessed to have them in my life.”