Adam Lambert Stalker in Tampa?

Source: Idol Chit Chat

I found this on the Idol Chit Chat blog:

Evidently there are some people who are wearing some insulting Adam t-shirts and there is some girl outside by the buses who they are concerned about. So Adam didn't come out to see the fans. He's fine, they just didn't want to risk anything. But still...yikes!

The security guard said the producers were saying some girl is following Adam and is dangerous and/or armed so he needed to leave. He also said the stalker had been following him since early this morning.

I have no idea whether the guard was lying or not, but it seems like a weird thing to lie about. He said people backstage were freaking out. Security said he got in a car with someone and left as soon as the show ended.

This is really scary! Some fans take things way too far. Since Adam is now afraid for his life, he's not coming out to sign autographs for fans before or after the shows. I also heard that he hasn't been at the past two after parties. Why do some fans always ruin it for others?

Driver to Fight Idol Hit-and-Run Charges

Source: People
By Diane Herbst

Daniel Bark, the 23-year-old accused of striking and killing American Idol contestant Alexis Cohen while allegedly fleeing police, is mounting a vigorous defense, his attorney tells PEOPLE.

"There will be a not guilty plea entered across the board for all of the complaints," says Freehold, N.J.-based lawyer Daniel Glassman, noting that no one has come forward as a witness to the hit-and-run.

"We don't have anything in regards to the mechanics of how this young woman was killed," Glassman adds. "There are a lot of unanswered questions regarding how the accident occurred."

Bark was charged with aggravated manslaughter, death by vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident after his arrest last weekend in Seaside Heights, N.J.

He remains in an Ocean County Jail on $150,000 bail and is on medication and suicide watch, Glassman says. "He's having a very difficult time being charged with killing someone," he says. "It's an emotional overload."

Glassman says that Cohen, 25, was in a bar called Hemingway's prior to her death and that it is "under an investigation to determine what Alexis's activities were before she left."

"We don't know what her state of affairs were, her physical condition was, if she walked into the vehicle," says the lawyer. "We don't know about the lighting in the area, there are a myriad of factors."

Authorities declined to reveal the specifics of the investigation. "We don't share the investigation with the defense attorney until it's completed," says Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office. "At this juncture we don't tell him what we're doing."

Glassman, meanwhile, voiced the Bark family's condolences to Cohen's family. "It's a horrible situation," he says, "and they want to make sure the victim's family knows how sorry they are that their daughter was killed."

Kara DioGuardi Will Be Back on American Idol

Source: E! Online


Guessing which of the judges will be back on American Idol next season has become a popular game.

And yeah, we're having trouble keeping track of the rumors, reports and whispers, too.

However, we can tell ya that Kara DioGuardi will be back for season nine of the hit reality show...

"Her deal is done. There are no ifs, ands or buts," a source said. "Done. She will be back."

No surprise, but the source reports that DioGuardi's new deal doesn't even come close to what the other judges are getting or, in Paula Abdul's case, asking for.

DioGuardi is set to start shooting a new season of auditions in the next week or so. Reps for DioGuardi and the show declined to comment.

Even if Ms. Abdul is still hammering out a deal, we have a feeling all will be worked out in the end and all four judges will return.

Kelly Clarkson in Hot Water with Clive Davis and RCA

Source: Vote For The Worst

It looks like Kelly speaking out about Ryan Tedder's duplicity got her into trouble with living dead Clive Davis and her record label, RCA. According to The Prophet blog, Kelly was warned prior to Already Gone being released that if she spoke up against the song and made it known that it was a knock-off of Beyonce's Halo, all promotion for the album would be pulled. Now that she has, it looks like there may be no more music videos, no more appearances, and no more money spent on promoting the album to try to spite her.

Ryan Tedder’s Official Statement on the Kelly Clarkson/Beyonce Controversy

Source: MJ's Big Blog

Tedder deleted his prior MySpace message to make sure his carefully-worded PR statement was the one that stands. Tedder defends himself, while complimenting Kelly at the same time. He never mentions the phone call he and Kelly had, which I suspect went down exactly as she said.

I don’t expect Kelly or her label to respond. The idea, I imagine, is to allow the story to die as quick a death as possible. I can already feel the press is losing interest.

I don’t believe Perez Hilton’s unsubstantiated bit of gossip HERE for a minute. Kelly will keep supporting the song, and it will sink or swim on it’s own merits. Maybe the recent publicity will give it a little boost.

Producer/songwriter, Ryan Tedder has released a statement today on the Kelly Clarkson/Beyonce controversy:

“Already Gone” is one of the best song I’ve written or produced since “Bleeding Love” and stands tall on it’s own merits apart from “Halo”.

They are two entirely different songs conceptually, melodically, & lyrically and I would never try to dupe an artist such as Kelly Clarkson or Beyoncé into recording over the same musical track, the idea is both hurtful & absurd.

I think when people hear “Already Gone” they will hear what I hear-one of the greatest female vocalists on earth giving her most haunting and heart-breaking performance on a song she helped write.

I challenge people to listen and form their own opinions.”

Tedder made an initial statement yesterday, that he later deleted from his myspace.

Ju`Not Joyner Drops "Idol" Bombshells

Source: AI Now


Ousted Season 8 "American Idol" Finalist Ju`Not Joyner joined AI Now LIVE today to speak out about the "truth of Idol" for the first time and share his opinion on why he thinks "Idol ain't all it is cracked up to be."

Ju`Not didn't waste any time getting into the controversial details. He began saying, "Well...first of all, let me say that I'm grateful that I was on the show. Now that that's out the way, I hated L.A. I met some cool folks but overall, it's a fixed thing if I every saw one."

He then elaborated saying, "The producers know who they want and they slant it to reflect that. They fix it in a way that makes you surprised but it's still manipulated." He added, "Think about it...ADAM, ADAM, ADAM then...Kris....SURPRISE SMITHCHES!!!!"

Joyner went on to clarify saying, "What I mean is that people think AI is a talent show. No. It's a reality show with writers!! We're all actors. All these shows have writers that guide the public opinion. The Hills, Real World. All of them." He even went on to say that "Judges comments are scripted (sorta). It's a sitcom."

Fans reacted with comments like: "GASP", "SAY IT AIN'T SO" & "Are you kidding?! That's crazy!".

When asked about the validity of fan voting Ju`Not said, "I don't know about those. They sit us down and tell us it's fair blah..blah...but who knows. Do you think a billion dollar enterprise is subject to the whim of the public?"

One fan was extremely thrown by Ju`Not's comments and said, "I'M SHAKING AND CRYING RIGHT NOW!"

But Joyner wanted to make it clear that the right person did win Idol. "As far as Kris, he's talented. He got what he deserved."

When asked about how race played into his Idol journey Ju`Not said, "As far as being a black man on the show.....I don't really focus on that. They wanted too though. Even though I'm from the hood, they wanted me to put that out to the world and expose my personal business for ratings. I wouldn't do it. Then they pulled me aside and told me I was a trouble maker for asking questions about the gazillion slavetracts we were signing."

But Ju`Not was not done just yet. He went on to add, "I debated on telling this but, the hell with it. They pay for our lawyers to negotiate against their lawyer (which is BS). They make us COLLECTIVELY choose the lawyer, then they act like it's in our best interest. Craziest stuff i've ever seen. I have a son to feed. I HAD to ask questions and know what I was signing. Plus I write my own songs and I needed to know details...Some folks were like "just shutup and sign on the dotted line." I know better than that."

Joyner went on to explain, "We all had one lawyer and a few hours to go over the details of about 6 or 7 contracts, that we didn't even get a copy of...and we didn't get an opportunity to send to an outside attorney...and if we didn't sign, we couldn't be on the show...So, naturally I wanted to know what I was signing, and I asked good questions (my fiancee is an attorney). I guess that makes me a "troublemaker" which is complete BS and has nothing to do with my talent."

And when we asked him how this affected his time on Idol, he responded saying, "I definitely believed that affected my time on the show. They didn't like the fact that I wouldn't sign "just anything" and that other contestants were coming asking me questions. So I think they ousted me the first chance they could get...Even if I didn't get in on votes...how did I not get picked for the Wildcard show when I received comments from the "judges" that were better than most of the contestants who were picked for the Wildcard show."

Facing criticism from some viewers about why Joyner is releasing these details, he replied, "I wasn't complaining...I was asking basic legal questions. There's a huge difference between the two."

Several fans asked if releasing these controversial details was going to hurt Joyner's future music career, including his new album set to release this winter. Joyner replied, "I don't think me speaking on it will harm image...the truth is the truth..I'm a straight up person."

One fan asked, "IS IDOL GOING TO BURN DOWN YOUR HOUSE NOW THAT YOU'VE TOLD US THESE THINGS?" Joyner jokingly replied, "If so...."someone please call 911"!!!"

Joyner then went on to explain that he thinks Idol has already hurt his post-show career. "Certain things are supposed to go through Idol's PR department. Needless to say, I had opportunities to come up. I called them and tried to play by "their" rules...and I couldn't even get a return call. Then I found out that other Idols were allowed to participate in activities that the expressly prohibited me from....and that's not me being bitter...once again that's da truth!"

Several fans asked about why he is the only one speaking out about the "truth of Idol." He replied, "No one else is complaining because alot of the contestants don't understand how this business works. They've never had record deals or seen a record contract...I have. So I knew what questions to ask. It's kinda like ignorance is bliss. Some contestants may have thought it was just cool to be on TV, but this is my career. I take this thing "VERY" seriously...Very few people spoke up. They saw me as the ring leader. I'm not naming names. Because I have nothing against the other Idols."

When asked about Idol Producer Ken Warwick's impact on the show Joyner said, "As far as Ken....I like Nigel. Next lol." Joyner then added, "Ken was the one who pulled me aside and basically told me to stop askin' questions, shut up and "you're not going to ruin my show."

But Joyner did leave on a good note saying, "I'm just telling the truth. I'm a real person like ya'll and I'm real about my experience. I'm pretty sure none of the other contestants went through what I did so I would expect them to have a different account....Overall, Idol was a "net positive." I got exposed and I get to talk to you guys. It's certainly not the fairy tail most think it is. It's showbiz... I just been focusing on making my project as hot as possible. Success is the ultimate goal. They can't stop that."

Buy A Kris Allen T-Shirt & Fund A Scholarship

Source: KATV


Conway - The celebration is not over.

Kris Allen fans can purchase T-shirts celebrating his victory as the 2009 “American Idol” champion and supporting a scholarship in his honor.

Glenn Crockett, a member of the Kris Allen Task Force, said shirts are available at ACE Hardware in Conway or at www.eventsales.org. The victory shirt is light blue with image of Allen singing and bears his signature and “Thanks for your support.” Also for sale are the original “Conway Backs Kris Allen” T-shirts that were popular during the competition. They are available in pink, green and gray. Youth and adult sizes are available in the victory shirts, but only adult sizes are available in the original shirts. The cost is $15 per shirt.

“Surprisingly, I’m selling more of the original than the new,” Crockett said.

A scholarship for performing arts is being established at the University of Central Arkansas for performing arts. The task force is working with the UCA Foundation to set up the scholarship. From each $15 purchase, a portion goes to the scholarship fund. The amount depends on the quantity of shirts the task force orders, Crockett said.

“If it really kicks off, it will be more,” he said. “I thought about hats … There may be other items we can order to help with the scholarship.”

He noted donors do not have to purchase a shirt to donate to the scholarship fund.

“Once they have something set up on the UCA site, we will put a link on eventsales.org,” Crockett said.

“We’re still kicking around ideas on the actual name (of the scholarship), but we’re accepting donations right away,” he said.

(By Rachel Parker Dickerson, Log Cabin Staff Writer.)

Paula Abdul’s ‘Idol’ deal still up in the air

Source: MSNBC
By Courtney Hazlett
The Scoop


Peter Kramer / AP file

“American Idol” auditions are just two weeks away, and a deal for judge Paula Abdul has at best, stalled, and at worst is all but D.O.A.

“There’s an offer on the table, but it’s not one that Paula is happy with,” said a source close to the singer. “She sees the big money Ryan Seacrest got, she knows that Simon is close to a huge deal, too. She feels like it’s personal that she’s not getting the same big numbers,” said the source. (Abdul’s manager, David Sonenberg, did not return calls for comment.)

Some wonder if Abdul’s past difficult behavior might have something to do with the pace at which things are moving. “There are times where she’d be running late, times when she’d be tired of traveling, there were times, frankly, when it seemed like she could be on the verge of quitting,” says a former assistant of Abdul’s. “I’m sure she has never wanted to leave the show in a literal sense, but sometimes there is that appearance.”

Sources close to “Idol” have said that the show says they will walk away from Abdul if she can’t agree to their offer, but that might not totally be the case. “They know she’s irreplaceable, to walk away would be at most, a ratings disaster, at the least, a frightening prospect going into the next season,” according to a source close to the production.

19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia, which produce “Idol,” both said they had “no comment.”

Man Who Allegedly Hit & Killed Alexis Cohen Charged

Source: AI Now


We have now learned that Daniel Bark, the 23-year-old NJ man arrested in connection with Alexis Cohen's death, is being charged with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, eluding police and fleeing the scene of an accident. Bark's bail has also been raised to $150,000.

Bark's attorney, David Glassman, is calling the incident a "tragedy" and says his client is on suicide watch at the jail. "He's having an extremely difficult time mentally coming to terms with the fact there's an allegation that he caused a death," Glassman said. "His family wants the victim's family to know their heartfelt condolences go out to the victim."

People Magazine is reporting Bark already had a DUI on his record and he was fleeing police at the time of the alleged fatal collision with Cohen. Bark allegedly collided with a parked car in a lot next to a bar and when police ordered him to stop, he took off. Minutes later he allegedly struck and killed Cohen.

Cohen will be put to rest on Friday at 9:00 a.m. at Knopp Funeral Home at 46 Susquehann St. in Allentown, Pa, according to reports.

Is this Simon Cowell's new girlfriend?

Source: Daily Mail
By Lizzie Smith


When you're one of the world's most eligible bachelors there is little hope of remaining single for long.

And so, a year after making public his split from long-term love Terri Seymour, Simon Cowell appears to have been snapped up.

A peek at the guest list for his surprise 50th birthday bash at the weekend revealed that his plus one was Mezghan Hussainy, a U.S. make-up artist who works on American Idol.

The 36-year-old had flown into London for the party, hosted by Simon's former flame, and fellow 50th birthday girl, Jackie St Clair.

And, with her brunette hair, tanned skin, slim good looks and dark brown eyes, the beauty certainly looks his type.

A friend said that Cowell had developed a close bond with Mezghan, with whom he shared the same sense of humour.

'Mezghan is gorgeous. She has it all - looks, charm, warmth and an incredible sense of humour,' the source told the Mirror.

'She and Simon enjoy each other's company and the pair of them go for lunch or dinner.'

If indeed Simon has fallen for Mezghan, she is a lucky lady.

Despite his Mr Nasty TV persona, the X Factor supremo enjoys using his fortune to spoil his friends, treating them to generous holidays, gifts and support.

Perhaps as a result he remains friends with his ex-lovers, with ten attending his party this weekend.

And, on breaking up with Seymour, he ensured she was comfortably settled in a new luxury home, along with a wad of cash in a rumoured £5million golden goodbye.

When "Halo" Is, "Already Gone"

Source: AI Now
Written By AI Now Writer Ashley Surkin


Since its March 13th release Kelly Clarkson’s album, All I Ever Wanted, has been on top of the charts and is in the hands of over 634,000 people in the United States alone. A string of number one hits reside on this disc including Clarkson’s latest single, Already Gone. Now if you haven’t gotten the chance to hear the song, relax, I assure you if you haven’t been living under a rock lately its catchy sound will seem all too familiar. That’s because, Ryan Tedder, a producer who collaborated with Clarkson on the new tune also produced Beyonce’s popular anthem, Halo. Tedder created dramatic ballads for both ladies, both with skeptically comparable elements. Though the tracks tell two completely different tales, the resemblance between them is uncanny.

Clarkson talks about working with Tedder and how their instant bonding over similar influences and backgrounds made for smooth writing sessions, “…we wrote about six songs together, four or five of them made the album. It was all fine and dandy. I’d never heard of a song called Halo. Her album came out when my album was already being printed. No-one’s gonna be sittin’ at home, thinking ‘Man, Ryan Tedder gave Beyonce and Kelly the same track to write to.’ No, they’re just gonna be saying I ripped someone off. I called Ryan and said, ‘I don’t understand. Why would you do that?’”

A frustrated Clarkson was determined to fight the release of the song as her third single out of respect for Beyonce and her mega-hit, nevertheless RCA plans to release Already Gone on August 11, 2009. The American Idol sweetheart says, “It sucks, but it’s one of those things I have no control over. I already made my album. At this point, the record company can do whatever they want with it…You know, you learn.”

If you need to hear it for yourself check out ‘Halo’ and ‘Already Gone’. Even better, try playing them at the same time. Freaky Friday right?

Police Make An Arrest In Alexis Cohen's Death

Source: AI Now

Police have reportedly made an arrest in the case! A 23-year-old man named Toms River has been arrested for "connection with the death of Alexis Cohen." Police allege he was driving recklessly when he hit Cohen and then he fled the scene. River was picked up at 6pm Sunday in Atlantic Highlands. River is currently being held in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River on $35,000 bail. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail.

Cohen will be put to rest on Friday at 9:00 a.m. at Knopp Funeral Home at 46 Susquehann St. in Allentown, Pa, according to reports.

Danny Meets Carrie

Danny Gokey posted this picture on Twitter today. He wrote, "Call me nerdy but I'm a huge fan." I don't think that's nerdy at all! I'm a huge fan, too!

The Idols Tour Graceland

Danny Gokey posted this picture on his Twitter page of all the Idols at Graceland today.

Michael Sarver said, "So we just finished touring Graceland. Really amazing. Although the tourists forgot where they were cause they took pics of us the whole time."

Later he stated, "Nevertheless it was very special to share our first trip to Graceland with my friends. It was everyone's first time."

Matt Giraud added, "Just walked through the Graceland mansion. It was like walking through Motown. I'm glad this place is still around. My dad = BIG FAN."

Scott MacIntyre wrote, "Just toured Graceland and did a magazine shoot around the grounds. Fun stuff :) and breath-taking at the same time."

Alexis Cohen: A Hit-And-Run Victim

Source: AI Now


Photo Courtesy of Fox

The Associated Press is now reporting Cohen was struck and killed by a vehicle. US Magazine confirms it was a hit-and-run. Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said the autopsy revealed Cohen suffered chest, head and abdominal injuries. TMZ is reporting authorities are calling it homicide.

Just minutes after we posted this story on our site, American Idol Season 8 Semi-Finalist Ju`Not Joyner sent AI Now a comment about the news via twitter. Joyner told us, "Damn....I knew Alexis. She auditioned with me in NY and Phily. She was cool despite how they made her look. R.I.P."

Avid Idol Auditioner Alexis Cohen Found Dead

Source: AI Now


While the name Alexis Cohen might not be enough to jog your memory, we are sure the picture can! Alexis Cohen was the girl armed with glitter and an attitude who auditioned for the show in seasons 7 and 8. Sadly, today she was found dead.

She was only 25-years-old and resided in Pennsylvania. The Allentown Call reports Cohen was found by two passerbys who saw her lying outside of a house just after 4am this morning in Seaside Heights, NJ. We are told she was taken to the Community Medical Center in Toms River, N.J and was pronounced dead at 6:35am.

Police are investigating and an autopsy was scheduled for today.

Alexis stole the spotlight back in season 7 for her outrageous response to the judges' rejection of her version of Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody to Love." Her most famous words ever said were probably "Take it, take it, take!" The recognition even got her appearances on "Live with Regis & Kelly," "The View" & "Extra."

A more subdued Cohen returned in season 8, where she was again turned down. Although before the audition was over, those Idol logos had to be edited in again to cover her "display of affection" for the judges.

British Singer & "X Factor" Judge Offered Abdul's Job

Source: AI Now


Reports are just surfacing that "American Idol" producers have taken a major step in negotiations with Paula Abdul by offering a British singer & "X Factor" judge Paula's spot on the panel.

Jam! TV was the first to break the new details reporting that Cheryl Cole has been offered $6 million to take over for Abdul on America's #1 show.

Reports even allege that Simon Cowell was the one who offered Cole the spot on "Idol" after working with her on "The X Factor" last year.

However, reports say that Cole has turned down the offer because her husband, Ashley Cole, will be playing soccer in England.

This comes just days after Abdul's manager told the L.A. Times that Paula will not likely return to "Idol."

Cole got her start in a British pop group called Girls Aloud. Girls Aloud recorded 21 singles that made the UK's Top Ten. Cole has also appeared in one of will.i.am's music videos and she is currently working on solo material, according to Buddy TV.

Chris Daughtry releases his sophomore album and makes American Idol history

On July 14, Chris Daughtry and his band “Daughtry” (real original, right?) released their second album titled Leave This Town. The album skyrocketed up the charts, debuting in the number one position on the Billboard Top 200. Daughtry is the first American Idol contestants to ever have two albums debut at number one back to back. Kelly Clarkson has also released two albums debuting at number one, but they weren’t back to back. Her second and third album released both skyrocketed to the top of the charts (and stayed there for a while) but her first and third album were unable to do so. The funny part about it all? Chris Daughtry didn’t even win. He wasn’t even the runner up contestant... Chris Daughtry finished his American Idol journey at number five in the spring of 2006.

But don’t count Chris Daughtry as the only successful non-American Idol winner (or even runner up for that matter) from their season. In season five alone, four other contestants that didn’t make it past the top three have gone on to become major successes in different genres. Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington (both current Nashville residents) have had several hit singles in the country music industry, while Elliot Yamin released his second album in February of this year. Coming in at eleveth place didn’t stop Kevin Covais, Chicken Little, from pursing his career. Kevin is now working as an actor in California, staring alongside Drake Bell in College and Labor Pains with Lindsay Lohan. With such a talented group of contestants, one would think that the winner would be having huge success right about now. So who is it? Kelly Clarkson? Carrie Underwood? No. The winner of season five of American Idol is none other than... Taylor Hicks. So where is he now? On March 10, 2009, Hicks released his second solo album. It debuted at number 58 (it’s highest position to date) on the Billboard 200 and sold a total of 37,000 albums to date. Ouch.

Danny Gokey Wants His And Adam Lambert's Fans To Get Along

Source: MTV news
By Jim Cantiello

'They tend to bash each other,' the 'American Idol' finalist tells MTV News.

LOS ANGELES — One's a makeup-wearing, "Twilight"-loving gay man, and the other's a devoutly religious worship leader from a small town in Wisconsin. Nope, it's not the pitch for a new sitcom, but rather the reality of "American Idol" finalists Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey, currently on the road for the American Idols Live! tour.

With such a disparity between the two performers, it's not surprising that the singers' fanbases have as much in common with each other as Paula Abdul and MC Skat Kat. Sadly, instead of singing and dancing about their differences, the rival fans are screaming at each other on the Internet. And Danny Gokey thinks it's gone too far.

"It's not cool. They tend to bash each other," Gokey told MTV News at the recent "Idol" tour stop in L.A.

In fact, Gokey cites the unfortunate fan friction as the main reason stories began surfacing about a supposed Adam/Danny feud.

"There's a lot of made-up stories about how me and Adam are behind the scenes, like, punching each other and fighting. And me and Adam are like, 'Uh, hi, guys! We're buddies! We're cool!' " Gokey insisted.

Gokey and Lambert even took to Twitter, telling their fans to take a chill pill. Gokey said their fans' response was frustrating. "They [didn't] believe it! 'That's a false Adam, that's a false Danny! It's not them.' "

The reluctant Danny and Adam fans finally came around when Lambert's Twitter account was hacked (in an unrelated incident) and saw that Adam chose Danny's account to spread the news. The two singers also began appearing in several video BubbleTweets together.

"Since the BubbleTweets, things are calming down," Gokey said. "I've seen on my Twitter account some people are saying, 'Oh! You and Adam are cool. OK, we're fine with that!' "

Nigel Lythgoe On Paula Abdul’s Contract

By Cristina Kinon
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER


Lombard / News, Harrison / Getty

First of all, Nigel tells the Daily News that Paula would have at least one job offer if she doesn’t return to Idol. “We would certainly consider [Abdul as] a guest judge. Without question.”

Nigel then offered his take on what is going on with negotiations:

“I’d never been involved in negotiations when I was with the show, but having spoken with [Fox president of alternative programming] Mike Darnell, I know Fox wants to keep Paula,” said Lythgoe. “The figures that have been quoted for Simon [Cowell] and Ryan [Seacrest] are great figures. I don’t know if they’re true, but Paula seeing those figures would make her pretty upset.”

“They will talk and try to iron things out, and if they don’t come to an agreement, then Paula will move on.”

“At the end of the day, that program is bigger than any individual. Even Simon.”

Allison Iraheta With “Crying Girl” - Pic

Source: VoteForTheWorst.com


It’s Season 8 finalist Allison Iraheta with “Crying Girl” (aka Ashley Ferl) back stage on tour!

Source: Billboard.com
by Keith Caulfield, L.A.


After three weeks of Michael Jackson owning the top selling album in the U.S., the late King of Pop steps aside as Daughtry reigns with “Leave This Town,” which tops the Billboard 200 after selling 269,000 units, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

For Daughtry, “Leave This Town” is the band’s second No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Its self-titled freshman set debuted at No. 2 with 304,000 upon its release in November 2006. It went to No. 1 in its ninth week on the list, an incredible feat considering the vast majority of No. 1 albums get to No. 1 by debuting there. The new album’s first single, “No Surprise,” is the act’s sixth-straight top five hit on the Adult Top 40 radio airplay chart, where it ranks at No. 5 this week.

Adam Lambert Working On A Soundtrack?

Adam Lambert told E! Online last week that he had spent part of a day in a secret recording session:

I recorded all day yesterday [Wednesday] in L.A. But that’s a secret. It’s not for my record, possibly for a soundtrack. That’s all I can say. It’s not for New Moon, but that would be cool.

The confirmation came from Meatloaf’s drummer, John Miceli, and his blog:

I just finished a track with Adam Lambert and Rob Cavallo (producer) for the movie 2012. What a great tune and amazing vocals.

Robert Cavallo has reportedly worked with David Cook, Green Day and My Chemical Romance.

According to Wikipedia, 2012 is a “science fiction disaster film” directed by Roland Emmerich. John Cusack, Danny Glover, Thandie Newton, and Woody Harrelson also reportedly star in the film.

2012 is set for a worldwide release on November 13, 2009, according to the film’s website. Interestingly, it is also reported that Columbia Pictures, which is producing the movie, is owned by Sony Entertainment. Sony is also the parent company of RCA, Adam’s record label.

Kelly Clarkson To Appear On “VH1 Divas”

Source: AI Now


“VH1 Divas” is back after being off the air for 4 years. And this season will include performances from Adele, Leona Lewis, Miley Cyrus and Season 1 Idol Champ Kelly Clarkson!

Press release:

NEW YORK, July 21 /PRNewswire/ — After a four-year hiatus, VH1 will bring back the legendary live concert event “VH1 Divas” by featuring some of pop music’s most talented female artists - Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus. The “VH1 Divas” concert will be televised live on VH1 on Thursday, September 17 at 9:00pm.*

For the first time ever, these leading ladies at the top of their musical game will perform together live at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. Continuing in true “Divas” tradition, the evening will feature a night of unforgettable performances from various performers, presenters and special guests. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

As in previous years, this “VH1 Divas” specials will raise funds for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. Since VH1 Save The Music was created in 1997, more than $43 million worth of musical instruments have been donated to 1,600 public schools in 100 cities, improving the lives of more than 1.2 million children.

Exclusive VH1 Save The Music VIP tickets and Gold Circle ticket packages will offer premium seating to the live “VH1 Divas” concert plus pre and post party access and an exclusive gift bag. Event sponsorship opportunities are also available to the two distinctively different “VH1 Divas” Parties on the same night. For more information on tickets or to sponsor an event, please contact: Nia.Mack@vh1savethemusic.com or at 212-846-7324

Kimberly Caldwell Signs Record Contract

Source: AI Now


Getty Images

The official press release:

Vanguard Records announced today that it has signed Kimberly Caldwell to its prestigious artist roster. Kimberly is currently in the studio with producer Marshall Altman (Matt Nathanson, Trevor Hall, Marc Broussard) writing and recording songs for her debut CD expected to be released in early 2010.

Kevin Welk, President of the Welk Music Group, stated “Kimberly’s undeniable talent and work ethic is the formula for a long and successful musical career. We are thrilled to join Kimberly in pursuing her dream.”

Kimberly stated, “There are no words that can truly express how thrilled I am about joining the Vanguard Records family. Music has always been my first love so I’m beyond excited to release my debut album and it’s such an honor to get to do so alongside the amazing artists who call Vanguard home.”

Kimberly Caldwell, singer, actress and television personality, first gained national recognition as one of the top finalists in the second season of “American Idol.” She also joined her fellow ‘Idol’ finalists for the 2003 “Idol Live!” national tour.

Shortly thereafter she went on become national correspondent for the program “54321” on the Fox Sports Network and later as correspondent and host for the TV Guide Network. Currently, Kimberly is the brand ambassador for the 2009 YMI Jeanswear campaign and will soon be seen as the host of the new MTV series, “P. Diddy’s Starmaker” debuting on August 16th.

EXCLUSIVE: Paula Abdul Demands $20 Million From American Idol

Source: Radar Online


Paula Abdul has 20 million reasons to be angry at American Idol - one for every dollar that she wants (and hasn't received) to return to the hit show.

RadarOnline.com has learned exclusively that Paula is asking for a $20 million deal to come back to the hit Fox show - a demand that has been turned down so far.

Her manager David Sonenberg is playing tough, and probably made a few network execs squirm this weekend when he told the Los Angeles Times, "Very sadly, it does not appear she's going to be back on Idol."

The story behind Sonenberg's comments, RadarOnline.com has learned from sources close to the situation, is that the former Laker Girl and hit recording star is demanding $20 million and the other side has floated the idea of $10 million. And while Paula has regularly renegotiated her contract with dire threats of not returning, Sonenberg is talking tough and hasn't given anyone on the network side reason to believe he's bluffing.

Paula was reportedly miffed that Ryan Seacrest got a staggering new deal ($45 million over 3 years!) before she did. The inimitable Simon Cowell is engaged in larger negotiations that could keep him on the hit show for years and tie him exclusively to Fox with a new TV production company he's forming.

And let's not forget Kara DioGuardi, aka "the fourth judge." Sources tell RadarOnline.com she's extremely miffed at the show and the production company because they axed one of her songs from the set list of the American Idols summer tour.

Carrie Underwood is Idol's Wealthiest

Photo by Photo Agency

Carrie Underwood may have won American Idol’s fourth season, but she is definitely Idol’s first with her paycheck. According to a recent study by Forbes, Carrie Underwood is the highest paid American Idol. She earned this title after grossing a total of $14 million in 2008 alone.

Since taking the 2005 winning crown on Idol, Underwood has been on a non-stop flight of success. Shortly after her win, she landed an endorsement deal with Skechers shoes. Her two albums have sold close to 10 million copies and produced 10 chart-topping singles making her the first country artist to have 10 #1 singles from their first two albums. Her first album Some Hearts is the best-selling female solo debut album in country music history.

Winning on Idol was only the tip of the iceberg for wins for the Oklahoma native. Underwood has won a good amount of prestigious music awards including four Grammys, five American music awards, and14 Billboard awards just to name a few. Most recently her eighth Academy of country music award landed her the highest honor of entertainer of the year.

Her top earnings may also have something to do with the over 300 concerts Underwood has played since her Idol victory. Don’t assume though her hefty paycheck has turned this country star into a diva; Underwood’s next concert will be free as she is scheduled to perform in a special Salute to the Troops show at Fort Campbell in August.

Coming in after Underwood in Idol alum earnings is season three contestant, Jennifer Hudson, who may not have won the Idol title, but did win the Oscar for her performance in Dream Girls. This past year Hudson earned a total of $5 million.

Following Hudson in third place is the original Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, who made $4.2 million in 2008. Like Underwood, Clarkson is also a multiple Grammy winner and her latest single “All I ever wanted” debuted at No.1 on the Billboard music charts.

Will Carrie Underwood hold the top paycheck next year as well? Only time will tell, but if she continues to go at the rate she’s going; odds are most definitely in her favor.

Looks like 2009 Idol winner Kris Allen has a lot to live up to amongst his fellow idols.

For a complete list of the top ten American Idol earners visit; http://blogs.nypost.com/popwrap/archives/2009/05/top_10_american_idols.html

More Anti-Gay Protests Planned For Idol Concerts

Source: AI Now


We were the first Idol news site to bring you details of the San Jose anti-gay protests and now we are told more protests are likely.

The homophobic Westboro Baptist Church plans to picket several upcoming Idol concerts. Obviously, they plan to specifically target Adam Lambert. However, as we saw in San Jose, the group also reaches out to other finalists and even fans who are trying to enjoy the concert.

The group is known for their offensive signs. Phrases like “God Hates Fags” and "Fag Enabler" are common and were spotted in San Jose. The group also runs GodHatesFags.com, GodHatesAmerica.com and several other websites which regularly post offensive content.

This church, which only consists of a dozen or so members, has also been reportedly spotted at funerals across the country, including Mr. Rogers's ceremony.

The schedule for WBC (please note, the linked PDF file contains offensive language and ideas) includes visits to Idol tour concerts in Dallas, Tulsa, Washington DC, Baltimore, St. Louis and Kansas City.

If these protesters ruin my American Idol concert experience, I'm going to be so extremely mad! They plan on coming to my city. Leave Adam alone! (I sound like the "Leave Britney alone" guy!) He's a great singer and entertainer. That's all that matters. Protesting is not going to change anything!

Idol's Brooke White Readies for Album Release

Source: TV Guide
By Joyce Eng


Hard to believe, but Randy Jackson — despite incessantly trumpeting his music-producer cred on the show — has never collaborated with an Idol alum — until now, that is.

Which Idol judges will be back next season?

Jackson has lent his talents to Season 7 fifth-place finisher Brooke White , whose debut album, High Hopes & Heartbreak, is out Tuesday, July 21. The pair also cofounded the indie label on which it will be released. "I'm very appreciative of Randy taking on this project and to have him on my team," White tells TVGuide.com. "I don't know why he's working with me!"

The collaboration was not planned. White and Jackson ran into each other at a guitar store months after her Idol run had ended and started chatting. "We talked for over an hour. He was so nice. My husband was there and he talked to him too," she says. "And then he said, 'If there's anything I can do to help you out, let me know,' which I just thought he was saying to be nice."

But a dawg of his word, Jackson did help White out a few months later — unsolicited — to work on the breezy, folksy and "California-style" tunes on Heartbreak. Jackson, the "sounding board," hooked her up with producer Dave Cobb and gave her advice on every song. The duo, along with White's manager, Carl Stubner, launched June Baby Records (White's birthday is June 2) after the singer-songwriter concluded a major label wasn't the right fit for her.

"It was the right decision and it felt good. Music is such a personal thing and now I'm attaching it to a business," she says. I take my art, my love, and I attach it to record sales and all this stuff so that people know that it is there. I'm excited for people to hear it, but of course you get nervous. I'd like to say I don't care what people think, but of course I do!"

Relive all the Season 8 Idol action with our recaps

White hopes to launch a tour soon in support of the album, possibly with fellow Season 7 finalist Michael Johns. The two have recorded a song together, "Life Is Okay," and White is already looking to future duets — with another Idol grad.

"I'd love to duet with Kris [Allen]," she says. "He can call me up any time. It'll be us and our guitars!"

Copyright © 2009 TV Guide All rights reserved.

Adam Lambert Has a Secret

Source: E! Online
Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna

What got Adam Lambert talking about funky panties, Kris Allen gabbing about digestion problems and Megan Joy and Anoop Desai saying, "no way"? Your questions, that's what.

We sat down with the touring 10 yesterday and asked them some of the charming questions you'd submitted, and they were kind enough to answer. The gang talks about upcoming projects, life on the road and tease some super secret projects.

Here we go...

Kate: Ask Allison to talk about how she felt about the bra incident in Vancouver.
Allison Iraheta: Adam and I were singing "Slow Ride," and all of a sudden a bigass pink bra is thrown on the stage, and I picked it up with my foot and threw it to him and we had fun.

Adam Lambert: That was my favorite moment on tour so far. It cracked me up. And then wadded-up panties came onstage, and it looked a bit funky. I picked up the bra and flung it back out in the audience. But the panty, I just slid it around the stage with my foot. I didn't want to touch it.

Zizim: The one question on everyone's minds: Is Anoop really dating Megan Joy?
Megan Joy: No way. That's not true, and that's an old rumor! No one is dating anyone on this tour.

Anoop Desai: We are all just friends.

Jackie: Kris, what made you eat 10 plums that fateful day?
Kris Allen: Oh, Twitter. I tweeted it. It was 14 plums, not 10. I was at the studio in a house in L.A., and there was a plum tree there. And they were so good I just kept eating them. Don't ever do that. It's not a good thing. Plums turn into prunes and you know what prunes are used for. It was pretty rough. But they were so good.

Kristina: Allison, what is your debut album going to be like, and who are you working with?
Allison: It's definitely rock. I'm getting some recording and writing with other awesome writers done out there. I wish I could name them all, but some of them are David Hodges, Kevin Rudolf and Kara DioGuardi. Kara's songs are amazing. Lyrically, I'm focusing in reality and the world out there right now, my life and what's happened to me in my life.

Anonymous: Question for all Idols: How did you feel about that ridiculous protest outside the San Jose concert on July 12?
Adam: Oh, that was fun. It was six people, and I don't give a s--t. The amount of support, even in Utah of all places, everywhere else has been overwhelming. There will always be people who have their opinions. I don't care.

Leo: Adam, how are you working on the record on the road?
Adam: It's been double duty, and it's been rough. I recorded all day yesterday [Wednesday] in L.A. But that's a secret. It's not for my record, possibly for a soundtrack. That's all I can say. It's not for New Moon, but that would be cool. It's a lot of work. It's like, OK go tour, go record, go write, go do press and photo shoots. But I stay pretty cool under pressure. They have a masseuse backstage, and that helps.

T.T.: Are you guys reading the reviews of the Idol concert tour? Have they created any discussion or friction among the Idols?
Lil Rounds: I don't read the reviews. Some of the other guys definitely do. I hear it's going great. And in USA Today I was in the headline, but I wouldn't have known that if someone didn't tell me, because I try to stay away from the reviews.

Catira: Matt, you've been killing it on tour! Amazing set. You are so talented! Also wanted to say I am pretty sure you will get signed by a major label after the tour ends. Have you received some label offers already? Any meetings?
Matt Giraud: I've been talking to people, and I'm writing music. I just got hired on for the Michigan-based Yobi.tv for an online singing competition called Make the Cut. I'm the host/judge/mentor. Auditions are going on right now. I'm looking for people who are passionate and different. It's kind of cool to be on the opposite side now. I'm going to channel Paula [Abdul] a bit and be the nicer guy and try to help them out.

Annie: Are the Idols partying like rock stars on tour?
Michael Sarver: We don't go out much. If we get together and have a drink, we go in one of our hotel rooms. But it's too difficult to go out. Our schedule is pretty busy, so when we have a night off, I like to sit in my hotel room and do nothing.

IdolFan1: Is it true the Idols check into hotels under fake names?
Danny Gokey: Yes. I can't say what mine is, but I can say it's just a made-up, random name that sounds Italian. Some of them are funny. Some of them are sayings, and one person's is something you have to say in a special way.

MelBear: What is more fun, doing the TV show or touring?
Scott MacIntyre: The tour is much more fun, and it's easier. As far as workload, there is nothing more stressful than being on the American Idol show. We were getting maybe three or four hours of sleep a night some weeks. I'm getting a lot more sleep on tour.

Kris Allen & Adam Lambert Talk About “No Boundaries”

Source: E! Online
Marc Malkin


Janette Pellegrini/Getty Images, FOX

Cutting Kara DioGuardi's "No Boundaries" from the American Idol tour was a no-brainer for Kris Allen.

"Taking that out is kind of helping my set a little bit," Allen explained to us this morning as he and Adam Lambert picked up their new Ford vehicles at Galpin Ford just outside of Los Angeles. "It gave it a little but more energy…It just felt like a better fit to put something else in."

Critics and fans have pretty much trashed "No Boundaries," which DioGuardi cowrote, ever since it debuted as the American Idol victory song during the finale in May. Allen has replaced it with The Killers' "All These Things That I've Done."

"Everyone knows that song," Lambert said. "It's really great."

Our favorite singing bromancers also talked about which Idol alums they'd like to work with...

"I love Kelly Clarkson," Allen said. "She's incredible, so that's who I'd want to work with."

Lambert is a big fan, too. "The album Kelly just came out with is fantastic," he said. "Great writers, great producers. She wrote a bunch of songs on there, and Katy Perry—my girl—wrote songs on there, too. It's great."

But then Lambert added, "I want to work with Fantasia, just hollerin' back and forth."

On a more serious not, the openly gay Lambert said he's trying not to think too much about protesters who showed up at one of the recent Idol tour stops. "I don't think I'm going to change their minds," he said. "I respect their opinion, but they didn't need to come to a concert and spread negativity...Go use your energy for something productive."

—Reporting by Dahvi Shira

Paula Abdul's manager: She'll leave 'Idol' if 'rude' producers don't step up new deal

Source: Los Angeles Times


Paula Abdul is unhappy. And unless the producers of "American Idol" change her frown to a smile soon, she'll dance like there's no tomorrow away from TV's No. 1 show.

"Very sadly, it does not appear that she's going to be back on 'Idol,' " David Sonenberg, Abdul's manager, told The Times when contacted about the judge's contract negotiations.

With auditions for the ninth season due to start Aug. 6, Sonenberg says he doesn't even have a proposal for a new contract from FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, the production companies behind the show. The new season is scheduled to premiere in January.

"I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful," he said of the contract holdup. "I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."

Representatives for Fremantle, 19 and Fox all separately declined to comment.

When TV stars (or their reps) air contract-renewal gripes in the media, it's often a sign that negotiations are entering a more active phase. Abdul -- whose tearful, tongue-tied feedback to contestants have made her a kind of batty sister figure to star "Idol" judge Simon Cowell -- may have special reasons to want to push the ball forward now, given that "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest just signed a deal worth a reported $45 million that will keep him on the job for at least the next three years. That pact effectively doubled Seacrest's salary.

Meanwhile, Cowell has a contract that expires next year and is jockeying for his own rich new payday. Published reports have floated a mind-blowing figure of $144 million, which Cowell has scoffed at, saying that talks are ongoing. (Fellow judge Randy Jackson is booked through 2011.)

But the situation is more complicated for Abdul. Last season, the producers added a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi. Producers have not announced a deal with DioGuardi either, but the speculation is that her presence at the judging table may have been a shrewd move to tamp down any outsize contract demands that Abdul and her team might make. For their parts, both DioGuardi and Abdul have said recently that they want to return to the show. (DioGuardi's publicist did not respond to a request for comment.)

But in Abdul's case, that seems dependent on getting the right dollar amount. Sonenberg has said his client has not been well-compensated in the past.

She's already looking toward an "Idol"-less future, he says, though Abdul's foray into non-"Idol" programming, the 2007 Bravo show "Hey Paula," was not a success.

"She's not a happy camper as a result of what's going on. She's hurt. She's angry," Sonenberg said. "I think at this point we're going to be considering everything, including some kind of a competition show. She has tremendous ideas for a whole variety of shows."

(Photo by Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

New Danny Gokey Record Details

Via MTV News:
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Jim Cantiello


Photo: FOX

Late last month, Danny Gokey — the only top-four "American Idol" contestant who doesn't have a record deal yet — got fans buzzing when he tweeted that he was headed to Nashville for a series of meetings that had "nothing to do" with his charity, the Sophia's Heart Foundation.

It seemed like news of Gokey signing to a Nashville label would break any day. Then the weeks went by, and nothing happened. But from the sound of things, that might be changing. Soon.

On Thursday — just hours before the American Idols Live! tour invaded the Staples Center in Los Angeles — MTV News spoke to Gokey, who made it sound like he was not just very close to signing with a label, but to getting fitted for a 10-gallon hat too.

"I have a record label coming out [to Friday night's (July 17) tour stop in Ontario, California] to see me perform, and I found a producer I want to work with. His name is Mark Bright. He produced Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts," Gokey said. "There's no twang in me, but I love the message that country [has]. ... Like, could you honestly see me talking about, like, booty and shakin' it, being like, 'Hey, girl!' I'm just not that type of artist.

"Country music kind of houses the message that I like, and I can still talk about the things in my music that still goes on in that genre," he added. "And it carries a lot of meaning for me. So I never thought about it before, but I could see myself doing it, if we could just get the twang right."

Country might seem like an odd fit for Gokey, who won over legions of fans on "Idol" with his husky voice and soulful takes on Michael Jackson, Seal and Ben E. King, but he was quick to point out that he performed an Underwood song on the show and has been working some Rascal Flatts tunes into his Idols Live! set. And, looking at the current country landscape, he sees himself fitting in perfectly.

"You can talk about just about anything in the country theme," he said. "Think about it: Rascal Flatts, they're like really soul/country. And Taylor Swift, there's not a lot of country in her; she's got some pop to her. ... So I want to do something like that, like a soul/pop/country thing. It makes sense to me."

Kris Allen & Adam Lambert Get New Rides

Source: AI Now


Do you remember the cars presented to Adam and Kris at the finale by Season 7 Idol David Cook?

Well the Idols finally got their new rides today in L.A.!

One surprise is that Adam Lambert went with a convertible Mustang instead of the Hybrids he and Kris were supposed to receive?

Megan Joy Gets Sick On Tour, Misses Final Performance

Source: AI Now


Season 8 finalist Megan Joy was noticeably missing from “Don’t Stop Believing,” the finale number, last night at the L.A. stop of the Idols Live Summer Tour.

Another very interesting point is that while Megan performed her set earlier in the evening, she bumped her mouth with the microphone.

At the press events earlier that day, Megan reportedly was in high spirits. Megan even explained why having a great show in NYC and LA are so important to her. “[Those two shows] are kind of big determiners of showing people what we can really do. There is pressure. It’s a bigger deal tonight than other nights, but I’m confident and happy and know I have a bright future regardless."

Fellow Idol finalist Michael Sarver issued some well wishes via twitter last night. "Hey guys Megan is going to be fine. She is just under the weather but nothing major. Just be in prayer that she wakes up feeling better."

Rumor has it that Megan has come down with food poisoning. While we can't confirm this just yet, we will continue to check our sources for new info.

Top 10 Tell Secrets From Tour

Via ET Online:


Copyright 2009 Craig DeCristo / FOX

ET caught up with the Top 10 -- Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Michael Sarver, Megan Joy, Scott MacIntyre and this year's "American Idol," Kris Allen -- on the "American Idol 2009 Summer Tour." Find out what they told ET about what is going on behind the scenes!

Kris Allen, who just rejoined the tour in Los Angeles, following the death of his grandmother and a quick trip home to be with his family at this tragic time, said, “I have actually done the forgotten-the-lyrics thing. I was singing ‘Heartless’ and I sang the verse twice. When I started it, I started the second verse, and I started freaking out. I said, ‘Oh, crap.’ But the band started playing along with me. I felt really bad for that show.”

Adam Lambert: “We have been having a really good time backstage with the Bubble Tweet feature on Twitter. Michael, Danny, Kris, Matt and I open up the laptop and we like doing these really silly Bubble Tweets, which is basically a video you can post on your Twitter. That has been a source of endless entertainment. We usually do five takes before we decide on the one we are going to post. It is a little glimpse into us being goofy backstage. It is what keeps us going.”

Danny Gokey: “Me and Matt are constantly joking around. We are constantly doing stuff behind the scenes. I think the funniest thing we have done on our Twitter account is Bubble Tweets. They are random and weird. We are like little boys.”

Allison Iraheta: “There was a bra incident in Vancouver. Adam and I dueted on ‘Slow Ride’ and there was a bra onstage. I picked it up with my foot and threw it at him, and he picks it up and starts twirling it over his head. It was pretty hilarious. I don’t want to know whose bra it is.”

Anoop Desai: “We have a lot of fun when we are sitting in the dressing room talking about how much weight we have all gained. I am getting flabbier. We go to all these hotels and sometimes the gyms aren’t the best in the world. By the time we get home, it is midnight, so you have to work out in the morning and sometimes you don’t feel like getting up.”

Lil Rounds: “So far, we have been doing really good. We haven’t had anything to happen yet that was, ‘I can’t believe that really happened.’ But everything has been working out. Me and the girls one time got on the bus and decided to come up with any word that came to our minds and rap it. So we were coming up with different things to rap about. We came up with a song called ‘Zig Zag.’ It was really funny.”

Matt Giraud: “Every night for me is like stepping into a crazy dream. I am trying to soak it up because you never know if you will be back here again. One night I came out and the spotlight hit me and I didn’t have a microphone. I had left it on the table, so I just lip-synced and then the back-up singers started singing, so everybody thought my mike wasn’t working because I was faking it.”

Megan Joy: “My son has been out with me twice. He is out with me right now. He is so stoked [to see me on stage]. He is all about it. He can’t come to every show because it is too hard on my mom to chase him around the arena. He loves watching me.”

Scott MacIntyre: “It has been such a whirlwind. The sweetest thing that happened, someone came through at one of the ‘Meet & Greets’ before the show, and they were actually crying out of joy and happiness. That touched my heart. I am honored that people would be so excited to meet us.”

Michael Sarver: “The coolest story about this tour is we fly into LAX yesterday and this lady is carrying a baby kangaroo in her purse. The thing that the ‘Idols’ do — we are supposed to be on this nationwide tour and all cool — but we all melt. We all want to hold the kangaroo.”

Death In Allen Family Cancels Kris' "Tonight Show" Appearance

Source: AI Now


The news of a death in Kris Allen's family and the cancellation of his appearance on “The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien” came straight from the season 8 winner's twitter Monday night.

“I know I was supposed to do conan on wed, but there was a death in my family,” Kris tweeted.

Access Hollywood reports Kris' grandmother has passed away.

Season 8 finalist Allison Iraheta “is filling in,” for Kris On "The Tonight Show." Kris added, “And by filling in I mean [Allison] is gonna rock Conan’s face off on Wednesday.”

An Allen rep told Access that Kris still plans on being at every Idol Summer Tour spot.

Fellow American Idol finalists took to twitter to talk about the sad news and give their best wishes to Kris and his family:

“love ya man .. Keep yo head up,” Allison tweeted.

“I know kris appreciates all the concern-- keep his family in your thoughts,” Anoop Desai twittered.

Michael Sarver also tweeted about the sad news. "We are in prayer for Kris Allen and his family during this time. We love you Kris."

Following the well wishes from his Idol finalists and Allen fans across the world, Kris tweeted "Thanks everyone for the love" this morning.

We here at AI Now extend our condolences and prayers to the entire Allen family.

Idols in Utah

This is the latest picture from Matt Giraud. He posted it on Twitter last night. Scott added later that the five of them went to the Olive Garden together. It looks like they're having a great time on tour.

American Idol: Jason Castro Gets Album Ready (And, Well, Kris Allen, Too)

Quick question: you a Jason Castro fan? Well, then, August is the month you should be waiting for. Oh, wait, that's next month already!

Because that's when the dreadlocked dark horse from American Idol's seventh season will be releasing his debut single, with the album coming shortly after. You might want to recall that he signed up with Atlantic Records last April, almost a year since he ended his run on Idol (and watched David Cook win in the process).

"If you fell in love with Jason on the show, this is exactly the record you'd want him to make," Atlantic's A&R head Pete Ganberg said. "It's introspective, playful and very much a combination of his influences, which range from Jeff Buckley to Jack Johnson."

There aren't many details regarding his release, but there'll be 14 tracks on it. Castro's co-written 11 of them, and one of the contributors is new Idol judge (and "artistry!" expert) Kara DioGuardi.

"I'm really excited about the music we've written," Castro said. "I'm ready to get out there and show it to the world."

And while we're at it, perhaps I should mention Idol's latest winner, Kris Allen? Sure? Okay. There's something interesting I've heard as he gets his album ready, all while touring. Anyway. He's set to bring us a record which sounds a bit like Jason Mraz and John Mayer, with a bit of urban sensibility.

"Each writing session has been a learning experience," he said. "I think that we are trying to figure it out and that it's going the right way, and I'm really excited about that. I can't wait."

He isn't recording yet, but it seems many are interested to have Kris record their material. Songwriters David Hodges (Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry), Salaam Remi (Nas, Amy Winehouse), and Claude Kelly (Akon, Leona Lewis) have submitted their material, and it's all for the picking. Now, that's a pretty lofty situation.

Henrik Batallones, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Reuters
(Image courtesy of Fox)

Review: Adam Lambert the star of 'American Idols Live!' in Oakland

By Jim Harrington
Oakland Tribune


Adam Lambert performs during the American Idols Live concert tour stop Saturday July 11, 2009 at Oracle Arena, in Oakland, Calif. The 50 city tour features finalists from the popular reality show. (Anda Chu/Staff)

The "American Idols Live! Tour 2009" features nine vocalists not named Adam Lambert and one that is.

The latter is the person who matters — at least that's what Bay Area "Idol" watchers have told me repeatedly over the last few months. Of course, some of those same people said that past winners Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard would maintain lengthy, high-profile careers. I'll be sure to pass those words on to Hicks and Studdard when I see them performing at some future county fair.

The thing is, however, those viewers may just be right this time around.

The one thing that was evident from watching Saturday's "Idols" show at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, one of three tour stops over the weekend in Northern California, is that the 27-year-old Lambert is a bona-fide star.

No matter what a person thinks of Lambert's dramatic vocal style — I find it more than a tad nauseating — it's still nearly impossible to deny his almost limitless potential. Indeed, just how the singer goes about trying to make good on all that promise should make for one of pop culture's most fascinating story lines over the next few years.

Unfortunately, the rest of the top 10 finalists that performed on this night weren't nearly as interesting as Lambert. That definitely included Kris Allen, who ended up besting Lambert to win the title of "American Idol." Whatever the voting public saw in this "average Joe" vocalist — who comes across as a blander version of John Mayer, if indeed, that's even possible — certainly didn't translate at Oracle.

Overall, the show was a snoozer, much more boring than the 2008 version. This tour simply lacks the Vegas-style razzmatazz of earlier "Idol" treks. It was designed to be a straightforward affair, one that shuns all the fun stuff like wild wardrobe changes, theatrical elements and thematic musical skits in favor of strictly spotlighting the vocalists' raw talent. As it turned out, there wasn't much worth spotlighting.

The Idols appeared in reverse order of how they finished, starting at 10th place with Michael Sarver and ending with Allen. The bottom six were pretty weak, but they did serve a purpose. They set the bar so low that the big guns had no trouble clearing it.

The first singer to really connect with the crowd was fourth place finisher Allison Iraheta, a 17-year-old Ashlee Simpson wannabe that delivered Radio Disney-appropriate versions of such rockers as Pink's "So What" and Heart's "Barracuda." She was followed by Danny Gokey, who has a nice scratchy and soulful voice, but who also lacks any type of real stage presence.

Next up was the man that seemingly every one in the three-quarter-full house had been waiting for: Lambert. The crowd went bonkers when the goth-rock Idol, recently featured on a cover of Rolling Stone magazine, appeared in his black leather outfit and began belting out Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love."

He then turned his operatic voice, so ripe for the Broadway stage, on Muse's "Starlight" and Tears for Fears' "Mad World," which turned out to be the two best songs of the night. The one major misstep of the set — and the decision can't be blamed on Lambert — was when Iraheta was called out for an unbelievably hokey duet of Foghat's "Slow Ride." Yet, he recovered nicely by ending his set with a David Bowie medley.

In direct comparison, Allen's set felt absolutely anticlimactic as he moved through folksy pop renditions of such tunes as Kanye West's "Heartless" and the Beatles' "Hey Jude." The show provided no clues to what might happen with the singer's career. It seems equally plausible that he might become the next John Mayer or that we will never hear from him again.

Far be it from me to argue with the approximately 100 million voters who decided that Allen deserved the 2009 "Idol" crown. On this night, however, he was simply one of nine performers not named Adam Lambert.

Reach Jim Harrington at jharrington@bayareanewsgroup.com. Read his Concert Blog at blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/category/concerts/.

"No Boundaries" Reaches Its Limit On Idol Tour

Source: AI Now


Big news from the Idol tour. It has been a long standing tradition that the winner's single is sang on tour. That tradition ended Friday night as Kris Allen has dropped "No Boundaries" from his song set.

"No Boundaries," was co-written by Idol judge Kara DioGuardi and according to many people, was never quite right for Allen's unique singing style. Even in the videos from the first tour spots, some reviews for "No Boundaries" have been critical.

Tour producers confirmed the rumor that starting Friday in Sacramento, "No Boundaries" would disappear from Allen's set.

UPDATE: Kris has added "All These Things I've Done" by The Killers to his song set.

Rumor had it the new song would be by The Killers & thus something we didn't hear on the show. Tour drummer Aaron Spears confirmed this rumor on Twitter. He tweeted, "Kris is doing the song by the Killers...It's called...Yikes!! I'm late getting to the stage...Hit you later..."

Protests Outside American Idol San Jose Concert

Source: AI Now


The rumors began swirling on twitter Sunday evening and it appears they were true to some extent.

It was RUMORED that some people (we are hearing 2-4 individuals) hit the streets near the San Jose American Idol Tour protesting Adam Lambert’s sexuality. Some sources are even telling us that the protesters are saying anyone who watches the concert will go to hell.

Some disturbing reports even say Adam’s fellow Idols are being criticized for being (and we quote) “Fag Enablers." Specifically, we hear that Allison and Kris are also being targeted.

Michael Sarver was the first Idol finalist to speak out about tonight's incident tweeting: “For those outside protesting I say do not judge less ye be judged yourself. Guys don’t mind these people we are a strong family.”

Michael later added, “We are together in this thing. You mess with one you mess with all ten. We are strong and we are 1."

And as word continued to spread, Michael in a round about way confirmed Adam was the target of the protests. He tweets, "Funny how people think it's a good idea to mess with a big Texan and his AI family. Lol Adam is just fine, shakes it off and so should we."

Another picture of the rumored protesters: