American Idol Worship

Clay Aiken is a UNICEF Ambassador, Blogger

matt@iscribelimited.com (ClayMate) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:57:36 EST

UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken just completed a trip to the East African countries of Somalia and Kenya. There, the former American Idol finalist provided children with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation.

The 29-year-old American Idol alum has written a series of blogs about his experience in the field. Here's a snippet from one of them:

“Getting children back to school is vital for their protection, and helps build a sense of normalcy in their lives. The re-establishment of schools in the most difficult circumstances is a testament to the commitment of UNICEF and to Kenyans. Many displaced parents told UNICEF that getting their children back to school was their top priority.

“Every child has the right to an education. Education transforms lives and breaks the cycle of poverty that so many children are caught in. And an educated child will make sure his or her own children receive an education too. This is just another one of the many amazing ways UNICEF is helping children today, while also building a safer Kenya tomorrow.”

Read all of Clay Aiken’s blog entries at UNICEFUSA.org. (Click on the “Permalinks” to view the full entries.)

American Idol Auditions: Hopefuls Line Up in San Francisco

matt@iscribelimited.com (ClayMate) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:04:50 EST

Auditions for next season's American Idol got underway in San Francisco last week.

Here's a look at some of the hopefuls. Remember, your next American Idol might be pictured here...

Kellie Pickler Album: Release Date Set

matt@iscribelimited.com (ClayMate) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:07:39 EST

Kellie Pickler's second album will hit stores on September 30.

“I’m so excited and proud of the new album,” said Pickler. “The material on the new album is part small town girl, but also a reflection of the experiences I’ve had over the last two years. I’ve matured, some, seen a lot more of the world, and naming the album Kellie Pickler says, ‘this album is me, this is who I am and where I am.’”

Pickler is off to a good start with the single “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful.” Listen to it now

Carrie Underwood Nominated for Two Inspirational Country Music Award Show

matt@iscribelimited.com (ClayMate) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:35:59 EST

Carrie Underwood has been nominated in the “Mainstream Country Artist” and “Video of the Year” categories at the 14th Annual Inspirational Country Music Award Show.

The show will take place on October 16, 2008 at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

The event is described as:

“The annual Inspirational Country Music Awards are dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent among artists who perform Christian and Inspirational Country music.”

Kimberly Caldwell to Host New Reality Show

matt@iscribelimited.com (ClayMate) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:26:28 EST

For a changce, here's some Kimberly Caldwell news that does not involve her dating David Cook.

The season two American Idol finalist Kimberly Caldwell is set to host Jingles, a series that asks contestants to write and perform jingles about a wide variety of products. The show is produced by Survivor creator and reality TV show guru Mark Burnett.

No premiere date has been announced yet.

Kristy Lee Cook, Carly Smithson: Missing Their man

matt@iscribelimited.com (ClayMate) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:11:17 EST

Don't get Kristy Lee Cook and Carly Smithson wrong: each American Idol finalist is thrilled to be on tour this summer.

But each also confided to TV Guide that it's hard on their relationships.

Kristy Lee, who got engaged during Season 7 to Andrew Dobner, said she hasn't seen her man at all.

"I get to see him on the 10th, but I don't know if he's going to any of the other shows," she said. "It's tough. We've had a few 'moments,' because he doesn't understand what's going on, but he's starting to get the picture when I'm like, 'I can't handle this!' But he's getting the picture that he needs to be supportive. He's starting to come around."

Kristy Lee Cook is missing her man while on tour.

Smithson also admitted that her ongoing tour and rehearsal schedule has been hard for both her and her husband.

"The whole [thing of] not being able to hang out with him as much is just awful. For me, [L.A.'s] my last city where I'm going to get to see him," she said.

However, Smithson also sees the humor in some of the Idols' whirlwind lives: "He's been amazingly understanding. Like 'I can't talk to you right now. I'm putting on an eyelash.' Weird things like that!"

David Cook Focused, Working on Debut Album

matt@iscribelimited.com (ClayMate) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:12:29 EST

American Idol winner David Cook is currently at work on his debut. It's due in November and he recently spke on his goal for the CD:

''Something that's undeniably me... I got to write with Ed Roland from Collective Soul, Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace.... I'm gonna keep a few close to the vest. I like surprises.''

Here's a look at Cook, hard at work in the studio:

The Jennifer Hudson Album Cover

matt@iscribelimited.com (ClayMate) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:10:26 EST

On September 30, Jennifer Hudson releases a self-titled CD.

Rumored collaborators on the album include: Akon, R. Kelly, John Legend, Jack Splash, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, Robin Thicke, Timbaland, T-Pain, The Underdogs and Diane Warren.

Here's a look at the cover for "Jennifer Hudson."

What do you think?

American Idols Comment on Summer Tour

matt@iscribelimited.com (ClayMate) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:56:44 EST

American Idol’s top 10 finalists hit the road July 1. Below, the singers comment on life on the road:

David Cook: “So far so good. We’re getting our feet wet a little bit and the crowds have been amazing!”

David Archuleta: “It’s been great at every city [so far] and so much fun … to watch other people perform and see how [the audiences] react to them.”

Michael Johns (pictured), who is also married, sees his wife as much as possible: “She’s coming tonight and she went to Phoenix. She’s going to go to New York and Miami and Dallas,” he says. “The touch of a woman is never too far away.”

Brooke White: “When we’re on the bus, we’re asleep or eating a bowl of Lucky Charms."

Kristy Lee Cook Signs Record Deal

matt@iscribelimited.com (ClayMate) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:21:43 EST

Kristy Lee Cook is joining Arista Nashville records... for the second time!

Yes, this is the same label that signed Kristy Lee when she was 17 years old, only to drop the young musician before she recorded any albums.

The Oregon native is currently on the road with American Idols Live! Tour 2008. Her first single - the playful, up-tempo “15 Minutes of Shame” - will hit country radio on August 11.

“I’ve wanted this for so many years," Cook said. "To have the chance to be a country singer, to make the music I love, and to have enjoyed the support of so many American Idol fans this past season, it all means more than I can put into words. Thank you so much to everyone. I’ll do my best to make you proud!"