December 2008 News Archive

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kara Dioguardi speaks on the challenges facing her for season eight of American Idol.

A few excerpts:

On her personality: "Oh, I'm not gonna be this nice on the show"

On advice for contestants: "Don't cheese me out. It's not a wedding band. And emote. Make me feel like you mean it. Don't just sing the way the song was written. That was Mariah's interpretation. Now what are you gonna do?"

On fellow judges: "They're like brothers and sisters at this point. And I'm like the long-lost cousin who they're not sure they wanted to see, but now they're like, Okay, you can stay for dinner."

On viewer reaction: "They may think my intensity and my boldness are bitchy. I hope not. I don't think I'm bitchy."

Are you excited to see Kara Dioguardi on American Idol?

2009 is gearing up to be a big year for Kelly Clarkson.

The American Idol champion will  launch a new single, "My Life Would Suck Without You," in January, followed by a new album dropping in March.

Fans of Clarkson ought to be excited for these efforts.

The singer's forgettable 2007 included poor buzz for My December, the scrapping of her tour due to faltering ticket sales and several much-publicized feuds, including one with record boss Clive Davis and another with her managers.

He may not have had the top-grossing album of the year, but 2008 was pretty darn good to Clay Aiken.

That's because he welcome son Parker into the world.

"At the end of the day, Parker is the most important thing of the year, and of my life, without question," Aiken told People Magazine recently. "Having a son and that type of responsibility is obviously going to be something that I remember forever."

As for then Claymates may enjoy new songs from the artist? Give him some time.

"We'll take a little bit of time, we're not quitting or anything, we're just gonna take it slow for a month or so and recollect once I get back," Clay said. "I may never have any free time once Parker starts walking and talking!"

Simon Cowell  is a big fan of Britney Spears.

Despite the lukewarm reception the singer received in England during her appearance on The X Factor, Cowell said he’d welcome Britney as a an American Idol:

“I would love to see her mentor the contestants. If she doesn't want to do that, but wants to perform on the show – I would welcome that at any time. She would, literally, be first on the list, as far as I'm concerned in any capacity. She was a riot. I loved it.

The buzz we had on our show was extraordinary. And even with all that stuff that's gone on with her the past two years, there was more excitement and interest in her than I've seen in anyone in years. She would be very, very welcome.”

According to an internal Fox memo posted online, American Idol will have several changes to its format when it debuts next month.

The memo reveals the following:

• For its semifinal round, the eighth season will have 36 contestants instead of 24;
• The audition episodes will be reduced, while the pre-semifinal Hollywood round episodes will be increased;
• The wild card round will return, giving eliminated contestants the chance to compete for one of the top 12 finalist spots;
• The show's focus on bad auditions will be minimized;
• And “Idol Gives Back,” the show's charity telethon, will not air this year due to the economy.

David Cook is featured in the following preview for season eight of American Idol.

The premiere we've all been waiting for airs on January 13.

Season Eight Preview

Naturally, we can't for for the eighth season of American Idol to debut in January.

But the following commercial simply has us more excited than ever for the series to return.

In it, a bikini-clad singer, who lacks vocal chops according to Paula Abdul and Kara Dioguardi, gets her ticket to Hollywood. Check out Simon's grin at the conclusion of the clip:

Season Eight Promo

If Simon Cowell gets his way - and, seriously, how often does he not? -  Britney Spears would guest star on American Idol. All the time.

Our favorite judge raved about the singer after she performed last week the Great Britian talent show X Factor.

"Of all the artists I have ever had on any of these shows, there was more buzz, more excitement for this girl [than anyone else]," Cowell told Ryan Seacrest on the latter's KIIS-FM radio show. "It was as if the president was on the show. I love it. I think if you're going to be a star, be a star."

Spears sang her latest single, "Womanizer," on the series and Cowell said it would be crazy to not ask the performer to be on American Idol when it returns in January.

"I would literally have her on my show every week for the next 10 years," he said.