Miscellaneous News (Page 4)

David Della Terza is the creator of the website VoteForTheWorst.com. To say he doesn't like American Idol would be putting it lightly.

The man hates our favorite show.

He recently talked to Buddytv.com about reasons why. Click here to read the entire interview - and read more below to find out whether or not he hates ALL Idols:

We don't loathe all of the contestants, we love certain people from the show. We love the Brenna Gethers, the Kevin Covaises... people who just entertain us and remember this is just a silly television show. I personally love Brenna, Kevin, Taylor, Scott Savol... just about everyone we've voted for. I hate Kellie Pickler though. She's obnoxious.

And as much as I love bad music, there's absolutely no way I would subject my poor ears to Claiken's Christmas music. Though just so I don't get an inbox full of angry letters from idiot Claymates... Man, I love Clay Aiken's album. It's so... OK, I can't do it.

By now it's an understatement to say that American Idol is a smash hit that has produced its share of icons.

Kelly Clarkson (right) is one of the biggest stars in music. Also from the show's early years came Clay Aiken, whose every move is scrutinized by the press - and adored by his millions of devoted fans.

In 2006, Carrie Underwood became a bona fide country sensation, while we got to know two new talented youngsters by the names of Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks.

Past champions Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino, meanwhile, returned to the spotlight with new records - and, in her case, a hit TV biopic. Jennifer Hudson will be a contender for an Academy Award for her role in Dreamgirls.
But what about those who came up just short? Or the singers we got to know briefly on American Idol, but who were gone in the blink of an eye? Here's a list, compiled by Reality TV World, of what the rest of the finalists - some much better known than others - are up to now. Hopefully, this will get you up to date and you can finally become the American Idol expert you already claim to be!

AMERICAN IDOL: SEASON ONE

Christina Christian: Living in Florida with husband and son and working as a songwriter. Received her real estate license and has a successful career selling real estate.
Elijah Day: Living in Georgia when he's not singing on cruise ships.
Justin Guarini: Living in the Hollywood Hills and recently finished a jazz/soul album. Has hooked up with small record label and is now working on an R&B album.
A.J. Gil: Living in California and working on a R&B album.
Tamyra Gray: Recently married former Color Me Badd singer Sam Watters in Italy.
R.J. Helton: Came out of the closet in October and enjoying life with boyfriend.
Nikki McKibbin: Bartending in Texas, planning her July wedding, and working on a rock CD.
Ryan Starr: Living in California and pitching a reality show about landing a record deal.
Jim Verraros: Living in Chicago with his partner Bill and working on his second pop album.

AMERICAN IDOL: SEASON TWO

Kimberly Caldwell: Working for TV Guide Channel in Los Angeles and planning a country album, having dropped the rock album she was working on for three years. The issue at hand it that is being done in conjuction with Randy and Diane Warren, and they have limited availablity to work on this project - they are now involved with other past American Idol stars.
Corey Clark: Working construction in Nashville and separated from his wife. Was arrested last year in Arizona for trespassing.
Julia Demato: Working as a cosmetologist and raising her new son as a single mom in Connecticut.
Josh Gracin (right): Living in Nashville with wife and three kids and performing at shows (about 130 in 2006). He has toured to promote his successful, self-titled debut record and is rumored to be working on another.
Charles Grigsby: Taking a break at his Ohio home after losing a cousin to diabetes.
Kimberly Locke: Living in New York City and working on a second pop album and Christmas album that are both due out in 2007.
Carmen Rasmusen: Living in her native Utah with her new husband, and recording a country album.
Rickey Smith: Bartending in Oklahoma and recording a R&B album after graduating from college in June.
Trenyce: Living in Los Angeles and getting ready to appear in the musical Invisible Life.
Vanessa Olivarez: Living in Atlanta and singing country with South 70.

AMERICAN IDOL: SEASON THREE

Amy Adams: Living in California with her husband and son after touring with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Diana DeGarmo: Having endured a recent stalking scandal, she is living in New York City and performing in Broadway's Hairspray.
Leah LaBelle: Studying at Boston's Berklee College of Music.
Jon Peter Lewis: Living in Los Angeles and promoting his recently released his debut album.
La Toya London: Living in Oakland and starring in stage version of The Color Purple in Chicago.
Matt Rogers: Living in California with wife and son and hosting the Discovery Channel's upcoming Really Big Things series.
John Stevens: Attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Jasmine Trias: Moving to Los Angeles and working on an album and auditioning for movies.
Camile Velasco: Living in Los Angeles and recording an urban R&B album.

AMERICAN IDOL: SEASON FOUR

Bo Bice: Promoting his debut album, The Real Thing, and recovering from intestinal surgery.
Lindsey Cardinale: Working on a country album and living in Louisiana.
Mikalah Gordon: Singing in a Randy Jackson-produced girl group. Was mugged last year in Las Vegas.
Anthony Fedorov: Recording his debut album and dealing with losing his brother, 28-year-old Denis, to a rare form of cancer.
Constantine Maroulis: Performing in Broadway and off-Broadway productions after his ABC sitcom project fell through. Was recently spotted partying with troubled Miss USA, Tara Conner.
Anwar Robinson: Working on an R&B CD, living in New Jersey and enjoying his privacy.
Jessica Sierra: Living in Nashville and recovering from terrifying stalker experience.
Scott Savol: Recording an R&B CD in Nashville, spending time with his wife, son and stepdaughter.
Nikko Smith: Living in St. Louis and talking to some record labels.
Vonzell Solomon: Living in Florida, finishing an R&B album and breaking into acting.
Nadia Turner: Living in Miami and working on her album and clothing line and caring for her 7-year-old daughter.
Mario Vazquez: Promoting his debut album and rebuilding his relationship with his estranged father.

AMERICAN IDOL: SEASON FIVE

Paris Bennett: Wrapping up her debut album, entitled Princess P, that's due out in January.
Kevin Covais: Planning to "give movies and TV a go" after graduating high school. That's right. High school.
Bucky Covington: Living in Nashville with his wife and putting the finishing touches on his country album.
Chris Daughtry: Maybe you remember this guy (pictured). He's promoting his debut album, Daughtry, which has already sold several hundred thousand copies, and enjoying a new $690,000 North Carolina home with his wife and kids.
Mandisa: Finishing her Christian album that's due out in April and penning an American Idol book that comes out in June.
Melissa McGhee: Working on a southern-rock CD and living in Land O'Lakes, Florida. Yes, that's a real place!
Kellie Pickler: Promoting her debut album, Small Town Girl, and working on her Fox sitcom project. Recently went public with more about her troubled family life and abusive childhood.
Lisa Tucker: Graduated from high school and planning to attend college
Elliott Yamin: Dating a model, Jamie Paetz, and recording a soul album in Los Angeles. Needs some dental work, though!
Ace Young (pictured, with Daughtry): Living in Los Angeles and working a debut album that he plans to release in 2007.

Heard any additional news about these American Idol stars that you'd like to share with us? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Everyone has their own weight-loss secrets, including several American Idol finalists who recently dished how they stay fit to Us Weekly.

"Touring gave me the kick-start to eat healthy and start exercising," season five winner Taylor Hicks told Us after the 30-year-old shed nearly 20 pounds since his victory in May.

In addition, Hicks said he rid french fries and other fatty foods from his diet in an effort to eat healthier, a move that was also used by 23-year-old another champ, Carrie Underwood, who is a vegetarian.

"I find that the more health food I have, the more health food I eat."

American Idol season two winner Ruben Studdard, who has a history of diabetes in his family, is also trying to lower his weight and increase his health by becoming a vegetarian. "It's been working," Studdard told Us.

Some eschew the whole idea of dieting, such as original Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, who travels on tour with a personal chef.

"It's all about portion control," the two-time Grammy winner told Us. "If you deprive yourself, you'll just go nuts and eat way too much."

Meanwhile, Katharine McPhee said she simply stops eating when she's full.

"I eat what I want - pizza, pasta with marinara sauce, ice cream, bread - but now I pay attention to how I feel while I'm eating."

Aside from what's on their plate, the American Idol stars also said exercising was key in slimming down and staying fit. Both Underwood and McPhee said they have trouble finding time to exercise, but still make sure it's a regular part of their schedule. Underwood said she's her own trainer, utilizing personal exercise machines and workout DVDs.

"If I can get myself to get up, I'll go on the cross-training machine or do an outdoor activity like swimming," Underwood said. "Any activity is better than nothing!"

A high-school track athlete, Clarkson said she tries to chose fun workouts like playing tennis and boogie-boarding, but still puts in 90-minute treadmill runs daily. "You have to have endurance and be at your utmost health," Clarkson told Us. "I enjoy working out."

Perhaps the most gains made by a former American Idol contestant in an effort to lose weight was by Idol season three finalist Jennifer Hudson, who lost 60 pounds and shed 12 dress sizes since her 2004 appearance on the show. Eliminating fried foods from her diet, jogging regularly and receiving some encouragement from her mom were all things that Hudson said contributed to her new figure.

"It's all about healthy living," Hudson told Us.

As we wish readers a very happy holiday season, we also wanted to remind everyone that we've updated our American Idol Music section.

It now includes recent releases, such as:

• Daughtry, by Daughtry Band
• Various Fantasia Barrino lyrics
• The Clay Aiken Christmas - just in time for December 25!

We hope everyone has a safe, healthy holiday. And remember: the new season of American Idol kicks off January 16. We can't wait.

Wanna have Taylor Hicks at your wedding?

What about Daughtry band at your Bar Mitzvah?

For the right price, American Idol castoffs, finalists and past champions will pay a visit to the personal occasion of your choice.

"The average going rate for an American Idol finalist can be as little as $15,000 or as much as $150,000," a source familiar with the business of brokering singers, bands and other talent for corporate functions and exclusive private parties told The New York Post.

"But it really depends on what you want them to do. Are they just going to show up at the party or are they going to sing? Do they have a song on the charts right now, or are they yesterday's news?"

A wealthy entertainment mogul once shelled out big bucks - more than $30,000 - to hire second-season champ Ruben Studdard to sing just three songs at a party for his wife.

For gigs booked by less well-connected individuals, Studdard reportedly rakes in around $75,000 or more.

Hicks, the latest winner, fetches as much as $150,000 for a private performance. He'll be able to demand more if he ever becomes as popular as the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, who sources say is paid as much as $300,000 to put on a private mini-concert.

Carrie Underwood, who won the Fox TV talent show last year, commands approximately $250,000 to show up at a party and sing.

On the lower end of the American Idol pay scale are acts such as second-season finalist Kimberly Caldwell, who garners around $2,000 a gig. She received $7,500 in the past for an autograph session, however.

Not bad for a few hours of work.

Thanks to The Philadelphia Inquirer, here's a little update of what our favorite American Idol stars were up to this week:

• Carrie Underwood is giving back in a big way with her first USO tour of the Persian Gulf, which will have the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year entertaining and meeting with troops at various undisclosed locations. "She is completely excited about it," Carrie's rep said.

• Taylor Hicks' 12-track, self-titled album, Taylor Hicks, hit the streets Tuesday, and includes a cover of "Wherever I Lay My Hat," by Hicks' hero Marvin Gaye. "The thread of this album is groove," Hicks said.

• Clay Aiken, who performed in Easton Monday night, showed up that morning at a school assembly in Nazareth to read from Our Friend Mikayla, a biography of Mikayla Resh, a third grader with cerebral palsy. The book was written by her classmates at Lower Nazareth Elementary School and published by the Bubel/Aiken Foundation.

American Idol is meant to inspire future singers, not future felons.

Someone forgot to tell Cory Favreau of that, however.

The 25-year old, from Plattsburgh, New York pleaded guilty to third-degree assault recently. He also pleaded guilty to a contempt charge for violating a court order to stay away from his mother.

The charges stemmed from an ugly incident this past spring. Favreau hit his mother with a novelty bike chain in May after she expressed praise for Katherine McPhee. The mother was treated for a cut on her head and released, police reported.

Needless to say, we hope this is the last violent act we need to relay based on the show or anyone involved in it.

When music legend, Tony Bennett, talks, people listen. That's why his comments on the process American Idol contestants go through have drawn attention.

Bennett talked about reality TV bug that's sweeping the world - and in particular the ever-popular FOX contest, comparing modern day winners to pop's golden days.

According to the 80-year-old crooner, he and singer Rosemary Clooney paved the way for other singers by launching their careers on TV, laying their future in the lap of the record-buying public.

"You watch American Idol and see the talent these kids have now, the potential," he says. "Rosemary Clooney and I were the first American Idols; we got started on a show. But that era was different.

"Now you've got to make money right away. If the first record makes it, the artist has to spend a lot of money on promotion, accountants, lawyers, managers, agents. Then if the second album doesn't make it, they just set the artist down and go with the next overdog. To me, that's very cruel."

We'll see if Mr. Bennett is right or not. With seven Idols, including Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks, coming out with records this fall, it should be interesting to note how they fare.

Really. San Luis Obispo County, Calif., is about to be featured in a new reality series entitled Corkscrewed: The Wrath of Grapes.

The series follows two executive producers of American Idol, Nigel Lythgoe (right) and Ken Warwick, as they learn about owning a vineyard and making wine. The two friends purchased a 168-acre vineyard in San Miguel in the fall of 2005 and the show was born of their experiences.

The series will be made up of eight 30-minute segments and will launch on Fox Reality on November 22. Our only regret? No Simon Cowell berating their wine when it's not up to snuff! Now that would be worth watching.

The series began taping this past summer and is currently recording the exploits of Lythgoe’s and Warwick’s first harvest. At the vineyard, which they have renamed Villa San Michelle, they are growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The partners have retained Kent Terry, the previous owner of the vineyard, as a consultant.

Most recently, Lythgoe was an executive producer and judge on the Fox show So You Think You Can Dance and Warwick was the executive producer of NBC’s America’s Got Talent. The partners continue to be executive producers on American Idol as the highly rated show heads into its sixth season.

Ever wonder what happened to Justin Guarini? Vonzell Solomon? Brian Dunkleman? Contrary to popular belief, the American Idol rejects are all still around. In fact, they're all about to become huge stars, all over again.

Last night the victims of the wrath of Simon Cowell came out to celebrate the show that changed their lives forever and promote a new American Idol-based project at the exclusive Spyder Club in Hollywood.

Fremantle Media, the company behind American Idol, has just announced the creation of a new show called, American Idol Rewind which gives viewers a never-before-seen look into American Idol.

As the former cast-offs rolled in to the party, which featured a live performance from Guarini. The poofy haired singer serenaded the crowd with a few cuts from his soon-to-be-released CD, "Stranger Things Have Happened."

So if you're anything like us and crave these pop-culture flashbacks, check out American Idol Rewind, which airs in syndication starting September 30.