Justin Guarini Says "I Do"

Source: AI Now


Justin Guarini's manager has confirmed to AI Now that the season one "American Idol" runner-up tied the knot this weekend.
Justin Guarini, 30, runner-up to Kelly Clarkson in season one of "American Idol," married fiancee Reina Capodici, 27, this past Saturday.

The couple have know each other since high school but only started dating a few years ago.

Ms. Capodici has a four year old daughter, Lola, from a prior relationship.

They decided to get married in December of last year, when Justin was in Florida at Disney's EPCOT Center filming his "hosting clips" for the "American Idol Experience" ride at the Orlando theme park.

The intimate family wedding was held on a private estate along the Delaware River, not far from both their families' homes in Pennsylvania.

Forgoing traditional wedding music, special arrangements by the Vitamin String Quartet, featuring artists like Radiohead, Paramore and Peter Gabriel were performed.

A female minister from the Universal Church presided over the ceremony, and the couple wrote their own vows for the "spiritual" service.

"Justin is one of the most deserving people of happiness and love," Kimberly Caldwell, Guarini's co-host on the TV Guide Network's Idol Tonight, tells PEOPLE. "I know he will be an amazing hubby."
Photo courtesy of Stephen Brown.

Congrats Justin and Reina!

Ellen DeGeneres Defends Judging Qualifications

Source: The Insider


After she made headlines for replacing Paula Abdul on the judges' panel of next season's "American Idol," Ellen DeGeneres is taking on critics who have questioned how qualified she is to judge the hit singing competition.

On Tuesday's episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," the comedienne and talk show host said:

"Apparently, there's a lot of debate going on right now, whether I'm qualified or not to be the new judge on 'American Idol'... I'll tell you right now, how I know I'm going to be a great judge -- because I've spent my whole life being judged. So, I know what it's like. So, I will be kind. I will be compassionate. I will be empathetic, and I will be truthful. I will be an honest judge without being mean.”

Ellen went on to say:

"I'm very excited to be on the show. I will tell you that right now. I just continue to be excited every single day. I knew people would have opinions, and I did not want to know what they were because why should I take that stuff in? I try not to watch anything that I think is going to be talking about me…."

As for Paula's impersonation of her on last week's "VH1 Diva's Live," Ellen joked: "And, I have nothing but love for you too Paula -- but I want my wig back. I really do. Give it back."

The new season of "American Idol" kicks off next January on FOX.

"Live Like We’re Dying" Lyrics

Source: Rickey.Org

These are lyrics for Kris Allen's new single "Live Like We're Dying."

Sometime we fall down and can’t get back up
We’re hiding behind skin that’s too tough
How come we don’t say I love you enough
Till it’s too late, it’s not too late

Our hearts are hungry for a food that won’t come
We could make a feast from these crumbs
And we’re all staring down the barrel of a gun
So if your life flashed before you, what would you wish you would’ve done

Yeah… gotta start
Looking at the hand of the time we’ve been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start thinkin’ it
Every second counts on a clock that’s tickin'
Gotta live like we’re dying

We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
To turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say, Gotta live like we’re dying

Well if you plane fell out of the skies
Who would you call with your last goodbyes
Should be so careful who we live out of our lives
So when we long for absolution, there’ll be no one on the line

Yeah… we gotta start lookin’ at the hand of the time we’ve been given here
This all we got and we gotta start thinkin' it
Every second count on a clock that’s tickin'
Gotta live like we’re dying

We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
to turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we’re dying

Like we’re dying oh…
Like we’re dying
Like we’re dying oh…
Like we’re dying

We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
to turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we’re dying

You never know a good thing until it’s gone
you never see a crash until its head on
All these people right when we’re dead wrong,
You never know a good thing till it’s gone

Yeah… we gotta start lookin’ at the hand of the time we’ve been given here
this all we got and we gotta start thinkin' it
Every second count on a clock that’s tickin'
Gotta live like we’re dying

We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
to turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we’re dying

Like we’re dying oh…
Like we’re dying
Like we’re dying oh…
Like we’re dying

We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
to turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we’re dying

Adam Lambert & Boyfriend Spotted At Pink Concert

Source: Celebrity Gossip


Looking very much the happy couple, Adam Lambert and boyfriend Drake LaBry were spotted leaving the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday night (September 18).

The 27-year-old “American Idol” runner-up and his interior designer boyfriend smiled it up for paparazzi after checking out the latest stop on Pink’s “Funhouse” tour.

Meanwhile, the latest issue of Rolling Stone magazine recently confirmed that Lambert has written a song called “Strut” with “Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi.

“I love that stuff that makes you feel sexy, puts you in a good mood,” Lambert told. “The song is supposed to be a confidence booster. The message is ‘be yourself. Let it all hang out’.”

While no release date has been set for the new tune, Lambert will be dropping his post-Idol album across States on November 24.

In Case You Missed It: Michael Sarver Album Coming In 2010

Source: AI Now


In the fast paced world that is "American Idol" news you can sometimes forget things. It goes in one ear and out the other. However, a recent interview jogged our memory.

A big congratulations is in order for Michael Sarver, the inventor of the twitter party, who has apparently signed a record deal!

The news came from his twitter the day after the tour ended.

He tweeted, "What an amazing ride. I am so thankful to have fans like u guys and I will miss the road so much. Thank u guys for so many amazing memories...U have not seen the last of Michael Sarver and there will be an album next year. I will sell out to giving u guys the best music possible."

We will surely learn more in the coming months. But again, congrats Michael, you deserve it!

Man Chokes Security While Trying To Get In Car With Seacrest

Source: Yahoo News


ORANGE, Calif. – Police in Southern California say a man has been arrested for assaulting a security guard who tried to stop him from getting into a car with "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest.

Orange police Sgt. Dan Adams said Thursday that Chidi Benjamin Uzomah Jr. tried to enter Seacrest's vehicle on Tuesday as Seacrest left a charity appearance at Children's Hospital of Orange County.

Adams says security guards tried to stop Uzomah and a scuffle broke out. He says Uzomah is accused of choking one of the guards, who nearly became unconscious.

Adams says Seacrest pulled away and was not involved.

Adams says Uzomah was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury. He's expected to be arraigned Friday.

LaKisha Jones Gives Birth

Source: AI Now


Lakisha Jones is once again a mother. Congrats!

Wednesday evening she tweeted, "Baby Ava LaRynn has been born !! She was late but so worth the wait. At home getting back into baby mode, it's been 6yrs."

Lakisha also has a daughter named Brionne from a previous relationship. Brionne was born on February 20, 2003.

Back on October 5, 2008 Lakisha married financial adviser Larry Davis.

Bo Bice and Wife Expecting Third Son

Source: People
By Sarah Michaud


Photo by: Randi Radcliff

The baby American Idol alum Bo Bice and wife Caroline will welcome early next year is a third boy, his rep tells PEOPLE.

The season four runner-up’s new addition will join big brothers Caleb James, 13 months, and Aidan Michael, 4 this month.

"The rock triad will now be complete," Bice's rep jokes. "Watch out for the 'Brothers Bice' or ‘Bo Bice Brothers Band’ release later this year!"

Married for four years, Bice, 33, and his wife expect their new son on Jan. 31 – right around the time Idol returns for its ninth season.

Kris Allen & Adam Lambert To Attend Ford Motor Company Day

Source: AI Now


"American Idol" season 8 champ Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert will both be appearing at the annual Ford Motor Company Day this Friday (the 18th).

See the official flier here.

Performances are set to begin at 12:30pm.

The American Idols Live Tour ends tomorrow.

David Archuleta Performs At The U.S. Open - Video

David Archuleta performs America the Beautiful at the Women’s Singles Final of the U.S. Open in New York.

Nigel Lythgoe on Ellen DeGeneres: 'Idol stole her from us'

Source: EW.com
by Lynette Rice


So You Think You Can Dance judge and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told EW that American Idol “stole” Ellen DeGeneres from his show so he’ll “steal” Paula Abdul as a guest judge in the future. Talking from the red carpet of Saturday’s Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles, Lythgoe said though he “loved” having DeGeneres on the Fox dance show (”We hope she will still be able to come and help us out from time to time”) Lythgoe said it would be a “great idea” to have Abdul join the SYTYCD team in the near future. ”I’d prefer Paula,” he said. “I think it is a great idea to put her on.”

But Lythgoe was quick to add that DeGeneres will be a valued addition to Idol. “What it does is give the public, who are the people who decide in the end who is crowned the victor, a voice on the judges panel and they have never had that before,” the former Idol producer told EW. “They already have industry experts, musicians and producers and songwriters represented and Ellen will be that judge who comes at it from a fan perspective. She loves music and she will be able to speak about what people will like and what would sound good on the radio. And she’s funny. And I also think she is strong enough to keep Simon in his place, which I am always worried about.” —With reporting from Carrie Bell

Kelly Clarkson To Kanye: "What Happened To You As A Child?"

Source: AI Now


In response to Kanye's outburst at the VMAs last night, Kelly Clarkson blogs....

Dear Kanye,

What happened to you as a child?? Did you not get hugged enough?? Something must have happened to make you this way and I think we’re all just curious as to what would make a grown man go on national television and make a talented artist, let alone teenager, feel like shit. I mean, I’ve seen you do some pretty shitty things, but you just keep amazing me with your tactless, asshole ways. It’s absolutely fascinating how much I don’t like you. I like everyone. I even like my asshole ex that cheated on me over you…which is pretty odd since I don’t even personally know you. The best part of this evening is that you weren’t even up for THIS award and yet you still have a problem with the outcome. Is winning a moon man that much of a life goal?? You can have mine if it will shut you up. Is it that important, really??

I was actually nominated in the same category that Taylor won and I was excited for her…so why can’t you be?? I’m not even mad at you for being an asshole…I just pity you because you’re a sad human being.

On a side note, Beyonce has always been a class act and proved again tonight that she still is. Go TEXAS!!

Taylor Swift, you outsell him ….that’s why he’s bitter. You know I love your work! Keep it up girl!

Kanye also took to his blog apologizing for the incident:

I’M SOOOOO SORRY TO TAYLOR SWIFT AND HER FANS AND HER MOM. I SPOKE TO HER MOTHER RIGHT AFTER AND SHE SAID THE SAME THING MY MOTHER WOULD’VE SAID. SHE IS VERY TALENTED! I LIKE THE LYRICS ABOUT BEING A CHEERLEADER AND SHE’S IN THE BLEACHERS! …………………… I’M IN THE WRONG FOR GOING ON STAGE AND TAKING AWAY FROM HER MOMENT!…………….. BEYONCE’S VIDEO WAS THE BEST OF THIS DECADE!!!! I’M SORRY TO MY FANS IF I LET YOU GUYS DOWN!!!! I’M SORRY TO MY FRIENDS AT MTV. I WILL APOLOGIZE TO TAYLOR 2MRW. WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD!!!! EVERYBODY WANNA BOOOOO ME BUT I’M A FAN OF REAL POP CULTURE!!! NO DISRESPECT BUT WE WATCHIN’ THE SHOW AT THE CRIB RIGHT NOW CAUSE … WELL YOU KNOW!!!! I’M STILL HAPPY FOR TAYLOR!!!! BOOOYAAAWWWW!!!! YOU ARE VERY VERY TALENTED!!! I GAVE MY AWARDS TO OUTKAST WHEN THEY DESERVED IT OVER ME… THAT’S WHAT IT IS!!!!!!! I’M NOT CRAZY YALL, I’M JUST REAL. SORRY FOR THAT!!! I REALLY FEEL BAD FOR TAYLOR AND I’M SINCERELY SORRY!!! MUCH RESPECT!!!!!

Adam Lambert dines with family at SUSHISAMBA rio

Source: Chicago Tribune


Adam Lambert took advantage of his day off from the "American Idols Live" tour on Thursday by staying in Chicago an extra day and having a quiet dinner at SUSHISAMBA rio (504 N Wells).

Unlike the previous night at the Allstate Arena, where fans squealed for the "American Idol" runner-up, Lambert went mostly unnoticed as he dined with his parents and cousin at the River North restaurant. This probably had more to do with the fact that the majority of the people there were hanging out at the bar upstairs and didn't see him.

The group ordered a variety of items off the menu, including Kobe beef empanadas (sounds good), the Shrimp Tempura Roll (sounds healthy) and Unagi Tamago (who?). They saved room for dessert -- keep in mind Lambert is a big dude -- and had chocolate fondue and chocolate banana cake, among other things.

After they were done eating, I caught up with Lambert outside and asked if I could take a picture of him.

"Sure," responded Lambert. "But don't you want to get in the picture?"

Truth be told, I don't love getting in the pictures. And as long as we're being honest, I probably saw one episode of "American Idol" this past season. Still, I got in the picture anyway.

Speaking of "Idol," Anoop Desai was seen eating at Sunda on Thursday while Danny Gokey was spotted at Trump Tower. Allison Iraheta ate at David Burke's Primehouse inside The James Hotel and Scott MacIntyre and Michael Sarver hung out at the hotel's JBar. The Idols stayed at The James on Wednesday and Thursday night.

The next stop on the tour is Madison, WI on Friday.

'Idol' label signs last of top 4, country-leaning Gokey

Source: USA Today
By Brian Mansfield

American Idol's bespectacled third-place finisher, Danny Gokey, has cut a record deal with 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville, marking the first time in the show's history that Idol's recording arm has signed the entire final four.

Contracts for winner Kris Allen, runner-up Adam Lambert and fourth-place finisher Allison Iraheta were announced in June.

"We absolutely love Danny," says Sony Music Nashville chairman Joe Galante, who praises the "soulful edge" in the 29-year-old singer's gravelly voice. "We haven't had anybody like that (in country) since Ronnie Milsap or T. Graham Brown."

Though no producer is attached to Gokey's album yet, he'll go into a Nashville studio shortly after the Idols Live tour ends Sept. 15. Galante expects a single in late fall and an album to follow, most likely in March.

When Gokey was on Idol, "I was so wet behind the ears, I didn't know where I wanted to go," the singer says. "But I most related to the message and the music of country."

Gokey sang three country tunes during his Idol run and is performing Rascal Flatts' What Hurts the Most and My Wish on tour. He counts Wynonna Judd, Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn among his favorite country acts.

Idol's track record as a reliable generator of mainstream hits has become more appealing as album sales continue to slide. Eleven Idol alumni now have singles in the top 40 at some radio format, and three —Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry— are among the few acts that have sold more than half a million albums this year.

Any of Season 8's final four could have won, and they all deserve their deals, says music consultant Tom Vickers, a former A&R executive. "Each had the chops, the personality," he says. "Each was distinctly different."

Last week, Allen announced via Twitter that his album would arrive Nov. 17. As he did on the show, Allen could combine blue-eyed soul and singer/songwriter pop on his album, since he's been working with The Fray's Joe King, Mat Kearney and R&B writers Claude Kelly and Salaam Remi.

Release dates for Lambert's and Iraheta's albums are planned for November but have not yet been set. Lambert has promised a mix of glam-rock and dance music in his collaborations with RedOne, Max Martin, Linda Perry and Greg Wells, and the teenage Iraheta aims for an energetic rock sound and writing with Kevin Rudolf and David Hodges.

Shania Twain Is "A Great Addition" Says Sources

Source: AI Now
By AI Now Senior Writer Ashley Surkin


Country-twanging love songstress, Shania Twain, has made herself quite cozy in the vacant judge’s seat for the "American Idol" auditions in Chicago. “She’s loving American Idol. She’s having the best time,” says a source close to the singer. “She and Simon have a really great rapport with each other. They’re funny together.”

However Cowell is not the only one enjoying Twain’s company. "Idol’s" producers and crew also agree that she has been a great addition to the show. "The crew loved working with her...Everyone thought she was a great addition to the judges’ table. She showed up in good spirits and had a lot of fun. She was clearly really excited to be a part of the day,” says an Idol source.

It’s been a quiet year for Twain, who only recently went public with her relationship with Thiébaud. “She’s the happiest I’ve seen her in years. I know [he] has a lot to do with it,” says the Twain source, adding, “She’s really pleased to be in the public eye again.”

Shania’s stint on "Idol" will wrap up on Tuesday, where she will then return home to Switzerland and her 8-year-old son, Eja. Could there be more Shania in the season 9 forecast?