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‘Idol’ gets 5 Emmy nods
Is Ryan Seacrest the host with the most?
We’re about to find out.
You see, Mr. Perky’s one of five nominees in a brand new Emmy category: best host of a reality or reality competition show.
“American Idol’s” main man is up against unflappable “Dancing with the Stars” host Tom Bergeron, bald but beautiful “Deal or No Deal” ringmaster Howie Mandel, “Project Runway’s” oh-so-fashionable Heidi Klum and “Survivor” stud Jeff Probst.
Ryan got the news as he hosted his Los Angeles-based radio show this morning.
“I am grateful to be nominated in this new category,” he told listeners, “and am thrilled that the academy is continuing to recognize unscripted programs.”
“Idol” was also nominated — yet again — for best reality competition program. Then there were three other slightly less glamorous nods:
Best picture editing of clip packages for talk, performance, award or reality competition programs
Best sound mixing for a variety or music series or special
Best technical direction, camerawork, video for a miniseries, movie or a special
See if Ryan — and “Idol” — prove victorious when the Emmy ceremony airs Sept. 21 on ABC.
Idol chatter …
- Jason Castro’s CD arrived in the mail earlier this week.
We’re still trying to muster the strength to listen.
Maybe this weekend. Check back … if you dare.
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Kimberly Caldwell’s new TV show in jeopardy
David Cook’s special lady has landed a TV gig.
The news, however, isn’t all good for “American Idol” alum Kimberly Caldwell.
“Jingles,” the show she’s set to host, was abruptly yanked from the CBS summer schedule earlier today. Originally set to debut July 27, the latest reality series from “Survivor’s” Mark Burnett has been delayed until … well, we don’t know just yet.
Honestly, we’re not surprised. The show sounded rather lame from the get-go. Teams of contestants battle to see who can craft the best jingle, which may — or may not — be featured in a commercial. Talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel …
Judges include KISS’s Gene Simmons, plus a couple alleged “advertising legends” we’ve never heard of. We’re guessing the same is true for you, too.
If it ever does make it to the airwaves, “Jingles” might actually be worth a moment or two of your time. Not because it’s quality TV, but because the show held auditions right here in Austin. So, it’s entirely possible we could see our friends and neighbors on the big screen.
In the interim, we’ll have to amuse ourselves watching actual commercials, as opposed to fake ones.
Drats.
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Coming Tuesday: Ace Young’s new CD
Ace Young can sing.
He can act.
But can he sell CDs?
We should know very, very soon. As in tomorrow. That’s when the “American Idol” fan favorite releases his self-titled album, described as a “rock/R&B/funk collaboration drawing from Ace’s experiences and observations of life.”
Ace has been hard at work in the studio for more than a year. He even co-wrote seven of the CD’s 11 songs, according to a news release. The heartthrob did, however, step out of the recording booth a time or two, including long enough to appear on a recent episode of Fox’s “Bones.”
The reviews we found while scouring the Web were, as always, mixed. Pick your pleasure.
The nice, courtesy of Denver’s Rocky Mountain News: Fans of Ace Young’s vocals on American Idol in 2006 will find plenty to like on his full-length debut, a concise set of songs true to his talent but carving out an identity the TV show denied him.
And the not-so-nice, from the pages of the Dallas Morning News: “A fairly stout debut, but because Mr. Young tackles too much he fails to stand up — or out. Hey, Blake Lewis: You have company.”
You, of course, will ultimately decide if “Ace Young” flies off the shelves or flops into the discount bin. Either way, we’ll be here to pass along sales figures.
Stay tuned …
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Albums, albums and more albums for ‘Idol’ alums
Don’t be fooled by several recent high-profile flops involving “American Idol” alums.
Record labels realize there’s still money — lots and lots of money — to be made, and they’re forging ahead with a ton of new projects featuring familiar faces.
A quick rundown of what’s in the works:
Look for Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta’s first single, “Crush,” to make a splash on Top 40 radio stations beginning Aug. 11. It’ll be followed by an album in November featuring works penned by The Underdogs, Kara DioGuardi and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic.
Kristy Lee Cook’s also got a new single, “15 Minutes of Shame,” coming out Aug. 11. Hear it here. We’d tell you more, but we’ve already given the no-talent hack too much ink.
Jennifer Hudson has a self-titled album due out Sept. 30 that features collaborations with Akon, R. Kelly, John Legend, Robin Thicke, Timbaland and more. The cover art is already floating around the Web, and she looks so amazing that some folks — not us though — are claiming it was Photoshopped.
In between stops on the “Idols Live!” tour, Season 7 champ David Cook is hard at work on his debut album, which is expected to drop in November. He tells Entertainment Weekly he’s co-written songs with Ed Roland from Collective Soul, Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace and a few other folks he won’t divulge just yet.
Texan Kelly Clarkson’s got a new one heading our way just in time for Christmas. Not a lot of details have emerged just yet.
Chris Daughtry’s taking his time, hoping to avoid a sophomore slump. His next album — expected in spring 2009 at the earliest — is going to be a “big huge rock album.”
Got all that?
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David Cook shilling for Skechers
Expect to see even more of David Cook in the coming weeks and months.
This year’s “American Idol” champ, whose face is already inescapable, has signed an endorsement deal with Skechers.
Look for David in magazines and on billboards and in-store displays wearing a variety of Skechers gear that “reflects his interests and style.” The campaign kicks off this fall, according to Business Week, and will run through 2009.
“I have always viewed Skechers as a cool company, so I am excited to be a part of their campaign,” he said in a news release touting the deal.
Sure didn’t take long for him to sell out, did it?
Idol chatter …
- Kellie Pickler really, really wants to be on the next installment of “Dancing with the Stars.”
If she makes it, Kellie would be the first “Idol” alum to appear on the show. And, judging by the “stars” ABC has tapped in recent seasons, that wouldn’t exactly be a bad thing.
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Spend Halloween with Carrie Underwood
We’ve got a real treat for all you Carrie Underwood fans out there.
The “American Idol” champ is coming to Austin. On Halloween. For serious.
Yes, her “Carnival Ride” tour will be making a stop at UT’s Frank Erwin Center. Tickets, ranging in price from $35 to $55, go on sale this Saturday at Texas Box Office locations, including several H-E-B stores in Central Texas.
Little Big Town (who?) will be the opening act.
More than 600,000 fans have caught Carrie in action so far, and she’s got 51 more stops in the U.S. and Canada planned for the fall, according to Erwin Center’s Kelly Brademan.
No shock here: The show looks to be a good one, according to various reviews. The set list — always subject to change, of course — features a whopping 19 songs. And if you want to hear “Before He Cheats,” you’re going to have to stay till the very end.
See you in the ticket line …
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Gah! Kristy Lee Cook gets a record deal
The contracts keep on coming for Season 7 singers.
Kristy Lee Cook — the gal we loved to hate this year — is the latest “American Idol” alum to sign on the dotted line. She joins David Archuleta, David Cook and Josiah Leming.
The Baltimore Sun reports Kristy Lee’s got a deal with 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville. A single, “15 Minutes of Shame,” is due next month.
How … appropriate. That title pretty much sums up her career to date.
Idol chatter …
- Got plans for the Fourth?
Three “Idol” fan favorites do.
Josh Gracin’s playing just up the road at the Craig Ranch in McKinney; Bucky Covington will take the stage at the Red, White and Boom Festival in Lexington, Ky.; and Phil Stacey’s got a gig at the Wild West Fest in Hays, Kan.
- “Idol’s” got a pretty broad fan base.
No shock there.
Still, we were a bit surprised to see Derek Jeter tell Sports Illustrated he’s a fan of the show.
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‘Idols Live!’ tour kicks off
The “Idols Live!” tour is off and running.
Glendale, Ariz., home of Season 6 “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks, was this year’s first stop — and the reviews from Tuesday night’s show are (mostly) good.
First and foremost, you should know those annoying group sings have largely been eliminated. There are just two this time around. The rest of the show — all two-plus hours of it — features solo numbers from this year’s top 10 finalists: five from champ David Cook, four from runner-up David Archuleta and three each from the remaining eight.
The night’s weakest link?
“Ramiele Malubay was dressed like an exile from a Michael Jackson video, as she sported black patent leather boots, tight black pants and black wrist cuffs,” wrote Arizona Republic critic Randy Cordova. “It was oddly appropriate, because she sang the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” in bland karaoke fashion. She attempted some choreographed steps with two backing singers, but never appeared entirely comfortable.”
No surprise there.
Quick hits on the rest of the crew, courtesy of the Republic:
Chikezie Eze: “Worked the large stage like a pro.”
Michael Johns: “Capable but bland.”
Kristy Lee Cook: “A sassy, hip-wriggling presentation.”
Carly Smithson: “Prettier than she appears on TV.”
Brooke White: “Her personality was infectious.”
Jason Castro: “So unslick and well-meaning, it is hard not to like him.”
Syesha Mercado: “Every move she made appeared to be choreographed down to her last hand gesture.”
David Archuleta: “The purity and range of his voice was breathtaking.”
David Cook: “He can come off as cocky on stage; constantly exerting the crowd to get up by waving his arms.”
Don’t forget the tour swings through Texas next month, with stops in Houston Aug. 24 and Dallas Aug. 25.
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So long, Fantasia!
When it rains, it really does pour.
The labels have dropped yet another “American Idol” alum. The latest victim is Fantasia Barrino, whose time with 19 Management has come to an end due to “creative differences.”
For those of you without your recording-industry-jargon-to-English dictionaries, that means she didn’t sell enough albums.
Season 7 “Idol” reject Josiah Leming, meanwhile, just inked a deal with Warner Bros.
Who’s that, you ask? He’s the homeless kid from Tennessee who, for reasons that still aren’t clear, insisted on singing with a fake British accent.
In any event, he’s got a recording contract while dear, sweet Fantasia joins the ranks of “Idol’s” unemployed: Taylor Hicks, Blake Lewis, Katherine McPhee and Ruben Studdard, among others. Who’s next? Well, that’s anyone’s guess at this point …
Idol chatter …
- Congrats are in order for fan favorite Paris Bennett, who’s expecting her first child.
Paris’ mother broke the news to a Minneapolis gossip columnist.
Gee, thanks mom.
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David Archuleta: Never been kissed
OK, girls … the line to kiss David Archuleta forms here.
You see, the pocket-size “American Idol” wunderkind tells Seventeen magazine he’s still waiting for his first kiss.
That sound you hear right about now is thousands upon thousands of teen and tween girls across this great nation sighing.
Wee David — who is 17 and still in high school, in case you’re keeping track — also claims he’s never, ever had a crush. And he doesn’t expect to have one any time soon.
“I’ve always been against that because it’s like you don’t even know who they are,” he said. “It’s like when people have a crush on me, it’s just weird when they’ve never even met me. So for me to do that to someone else, it’s kind of weird.”
Sheltered much?
In case you haven’t realized it yet, David’s a dork. But in the kinda-sorta-cute way. Here’s what he said when asked which fast food he can’t live without: “Does Subway count? I love Subway. ‘Eat fresh!’ “
So what have we learned here? David A. is one boring, lonely dude. But, if Jared Fogle ever hangs up those size 54 pants, Archie could have quite the career working as Subway’s pitchman.
Hey, a guy can dream.
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Ruben Studdard’s a married man!
There were no cold feet and everything went off just as planned.
That’s the word from Birmingham, Ala., where “American Idol’s” own Ruben Studdard and sweetie Surata Zuri McCants got hitched earlier today.
The Birmingham News managed to score a seat at the quick, midday ceremony at Canterbury United Methodist Church.
From reporter Sherrel Stewart:
“The bride wore a white and ivory Casablanca wedding gown. The groom wore a custom-made black tuxedo, white vest and a white hand tied bow tie. And like the bride and groom, the wedding party and most of the the 300 or so family and friends were dressed in black and white.
“After taking pictures at the church, the couple left in a cream-colored Cadillac Escalade XL en route to the reception at Rosewood Hall at SoHo Square in Homewood.”
Click here to watch video from Fox station WBRC.
One surprise: There was no singing at the wedding. Not from Ruben. Not from anyone. Hmmm …
In any event, the happy — we assume — couple plans to call Birmingham home for now. (She’s an Atlanta girl.) After their honeymoon, the Velvet Teddy Bear will get to work on a new CD set to debut later this year. He’ll also make the rounds in the 30th anniversary tour of “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again … good luck, Ruben and Surata!
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‘Idol’ producers snub Texas
It’s a long, long road to Hollywood.
Especially this year.
That’s because “American Idol” won’t be coming to Texas for Season 8 auditions. In fact, the closest location — Kansas City, Mo. — is more than 700 miles away.
This marks only the second time in the show’s history that there hasn’t been a Lone Star stop. Season 4 was the other. Austin — a favorite place for producers to find undiscovered talent — has been in the spotlight twice: Seasons 2 and 5.
So, if you’re up for a really, really long drive in hopes of scoring a precious golden ticket, here’s where you’ll need to head:
July 17: Cow Palace, San Francisco (1,757 miles away)
July 21: Freedom Hall, Louisville, Ky. (1,032 miles away)
July 25: Jobing.com Arena, Phoenix (1,006 miles away)
July 29: EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City (1,462 miles away)
Aug. 2: Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico (too freakin’ far to calculate)
Aug. 8: Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo. (736 miles away)
Aug. 13: Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Fla. (1,034 miles away)
Aug. 19: IZOD Center at the Meadowlands Sports Complex, East Rutherford, N.J. (1,744 miles away)
Plan on hitting the highways this summer to sing your heart out? Drop us a line. We’d love to follow your progress. All the best …
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Blake Lewis gets the boot
To the surprise of absolutely no one, Season 6 “American Idol” runner-up Blake Lewis has been dropped by Arista Records.
Beat-boxing Blake made the announcent on “Maximum Threshold,” an Internet radio show. He told listeners — all two of them — he never wanted to sign with Arista in the first place, but his “Idol” contract left no other option.
Folks at the record label were a smidge kinder, saying they wish him “the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
Of course they do.
“Audio Day Dream,” Blake’s debut album, sold 300,000 copies — not horrid, but certainly not a chart-buster either.
He becomes the show’s fourth high-profile alum to be dumped in recent months, joining Taylor Hicks, Katherine McPhee and Ruben Studdard.
What’s next? Well, we hear Burger King is hiring …
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Wedding bells for Ruben Studdard
The Velvet Teddy Bear’s off the market, gals.
Sorry to disappoint.
Yep, Season 2 “American Idol” champ Ruben Studdard is set to walk down the aisle this weekend, according to The Associated Press.
Ruben and fiancee Surata Zuri McCants applied for a marriage license Monday in his home state of Alabama, and will tie the knot Saturday evening.
“They looked really happy,” an eyewitness told People magazine.
And they should. Congrats, Ruben and Surata! Here’s hoping your union withstands the test of time.
Idol chatter …
Guys will want to grab a copy to see Season 7’s third-place finisher model an array of skimpy swisuits. Gals, meanwhile, will enjoy reading Syesha’s tips for staying in “bikini shape.”
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New record deal for Taylor Hicks
Members of the Soul Patrol have a reason to cheer this weekend.
Their main man, Taylor Hicks, has inked a new recording deal. Vanguard Records, his label, will waste no time, releasing Taylor’s next album at summer’s end.
Oh, joy.
Idol chatter …
- In Houston for the weekend, we couldn’t seem to escape “American Idol” champ David Cook.
His “The Time of My Life” was in heavy rotation on powerhouse radio station KRBE. He’s also apparently a huge hit on Radio Disney. Not so much on the Austin airwaves.
Not that we mind.
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David Cook: Single and sexy?
David Cook is everywhere these days.
At the NBA Finals. On late-night TV. And, now, the newly crowned “American Idol” champ is featured in People magazine’s just-released “Single & Sexy” issue.
Sure, most folks would agree he’s sexy. But is he really single?
After all, David’s been spending an awful lot of time with “Idol” alum Kimberly Caldwell. Heck, he even asked her out on live TV. And he’s gushed about her in more than one interview lately.
But why should the facts get in the way of selling a few magazines?
Pick up the magazine at the grocery checkout stand and, right beside a disgustingly cute pic of David, you’ll find this gem of a quote: “Looking a pretty woman in the eye and convincing her I’m worth taking a chance on is different. It takes a specific brand of guts, and it’s not the kind I have.”
All signs point to … nausea.
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Simon Cowell, Ryan Seacrest makes Forbes Celebrity 100 list
This just in: Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest are still filthy rich.
The two fellas — love ‘em or loathe ‘em — with ties to “American Idol” both made the Forbes Celebrity 100 again this year. The annual list features Hollywood’s wealthiest celebs.
Mean ol’ Simon made $45 million last year, good enough for 21st place. Ryan’s not exactly hurting for cash, either. The $14 million he made in 2007 landed him in 76th place.
Oprah Winfrey tops the list. Again. There were 29 newcomers this year, in case you care, including Jay-Z. Forty unfortunate souls dropped out of the Top 100 — Jennifer Lopez being among the most notable of the bunch.
Sigh. Perhaps we got into the wrong line of work …
Idol chatter …
- Season 2’s Josh Gracin is gonna be a daddy. For the fourth time.
“We’re all excited about the new addition to the Gracin clan,” Josh announced on the official “Idol” site. “And Briana, Landon and Gabriella can’t wait to meet their new brother or sister.”
A due date has yet to be announced.
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‘America’s Best Dance Crew’ returns this week
“American Idol” isn’t Randy Jackson’s only TV gig.
He’s also got his own dance competition on MTV.
“Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew” returns for a second season this Thursday. The show features 10 street dance crews vying for $100,000.
Mario Lopez, Layla Kayleigh and DJ Rashida host; JC Chasez, Shane Sparks and Lil’ Mama serve as judges.
This year’s competition features 2 Texas teams — SoReal and Distorted X — both from Houston.
From MTV’s press material:
“SoReal (top) describes their dancing as aggressive pop and say the boys contribute to the sexy swag stylings. Most of the members attended the University of Houston, making them a well-rounded crew who might just be the ones to beat. The crew recalls their most desperate time was rehearsing in a Denny’s parking.”
“Distorted X (bottom) is a dose of fun, sass and confidence that performs with high-energy and sultry precision. These studio dancers are trained in everything from ballet to hip hop, lyrical to tap, salsa to contemporary. They’ve coined themselves ‘The Houston Socialites — Paris and Nicole Without Money.’ Two of the members are former WNBA dancers and another member danced for President Bush at the 2004 Inauguration Ball.”
Will Texans be triumphant? Tune in Thursday night at 9 to find out.
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Clay Aiken wants more babies!
One baby just isn’t enough for Clay Aiken.
His firstborn hasn’t even popped out of the womb yet and he’s already talking about plans to have more kiddos.
An insider tells InTouch Weekly Clay and friend Jaymes Foster have banked eggs and sperm and hope to conceive a second child in March of next year.
“Clay and Jaymes are committed to having at least two children,” reported the magazine’s spy. “They’re both incredibly successful and wealthy, so money is certainly no object. And he just adores children. He is going to make a wonderful and caring father. There’s no doubt about that.”
So does this mean Clay’s off the market? Or was he ever on the market to begin with? Discuss …
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David Cook gets face time at NBA Finals
The reviews are mixed for “American Idol” champ David Cook, who sang the National Anthem last night at Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Surprisingly, some of the highest praise comes from the jocks over at ESPN.com:
“Really, only one thing stood out: David Cook singing the national anthem with ‘I love being famous, I am getting laid non-stop’ vigor,” Bill Simmons blogged. “I have to say, the kid is a star. He carried himself like one of the biggest stars in the building (and maybe he was). Still, I couldn’t help but think about how much fun it would have been had David Archuleta won ‘Idol’ and gotten the Game 3 assignment, then sang the Anthem and done his sheepish, overwhelmed, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe you guys liked it, I’m fighting back the tears’ routine as KG stared him down and waited for him to get off the court. That would have been fantastic.”
What do you think? Check it out here, courtesy of the wonder that is YouTube.
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Another ‘Idol’ alum heads for rehab
It seems Jessica Sierra isn’t the only troubled “American Idol” castoff.
Joining her is Season 1 hopeful Nikki McKibbin, whose failed suicide attempt made headlines a few months back. Now Nikki’s in the news again, after signing up for the second season of “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.”
Also set to appear when the show returns to VH1 this November are Aaron Carter, Sean Stewart and Jeff Conway. Gary Busey, for reasons beyond our comprehension, has been tapped as a counselor. Ha!
Let’s hope Nikki fares better than Jessica, who abruptly departed “Rehab” midseason after running afoul of the law yet again. She’s now pregnant and expected to deliver while serving a one-year stint at a Pasadena, Calif., treatment facility.
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Do you not like country music? Do you dislike Kristy Lee for reasons other than musical talent or vocal quality? She’s every bit as good as a lot of people who are making a lot of money in country music. She may not be particularly unique but she
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Sell out? What do you mean “sell out”? He’s participating in a business. Revenue is a big part of that … at least if you want to be able to do it long term.
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