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October 2007
Tony Romo gets a lap dance from Britney Spears?!?
Carrie Underwood has a new man in her life and, now, former beau Tony Romo appears to have a new gal pal.
The lucky lady? The one and only Ms. Britney Spears.
No, Cowboys fans, we’re not making this up. And, yes, this might be a good time to pop an antacid or two.
The two apparently connected Friday night, when Brit and friend Alli Sims joined Tony for dinner at Ketchup, an oh-so-chic West Hollywood eatery.
The trio — joined by various hangers-on — later moved to Les Deux, where People magazine’s spies report they spent the night dancing and mingling with pretty people, including “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest.
On his Los Angeles-based radio show this morning, Ryan told listeners he got quite an eyeful. Here’s how he described things, courtesy of Us Weekly:
Ryan: “I spoke to her for a minute. She seemed to be in a very, very good mood. She had her sunglasses on. I said, ‘Busy day, huh?’ She kind of smiled and laughed and said, ‘Yeah.’ And then I believe I saw her and Tony Romo frolicking.”
Co-host: “Lap dancing?”
Ryan: “I mean some would say.”
Co-host: “She’s on his lap.”
Ryan: “Yeah.”
Take that, Carrie!
Seriously, though, what a start to the week! The possibility of a Tony-Britney union has gossipmongers — ourselves included — drooling. The questions are endless:
Was this a one-time-only deal?
If not, will she prove a distraction to Tony and his teammates, jeopardizing the Cowboys’ Super Bowl chances?
And, pure and simple, why? Why would a guy who can have anyone — yes, anyone — want to spend time with someone loaded with more baggage than an American Airlines jumbo jet?
Thoughts? Come on … you know you want to say something.
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Where your ‘Idol’ dollars are going …
Millions of dollars raised earlier this year as part of Fox’s “Idol Gives Back” special are trickling down to people in need around the globe.
Across Africa, an Associated Press writer found chunks of cash being used to battle ailments such as AIDS and malaria. In Rwanda, your money is at work helping heal the wounds caused by years of genocide. In Kenya, it’s making the future a little brighter for children living in slums.
“Idol Gives Back” is busy here in the U.S., where hungry children are getting nourishing meals they need to survive. After-school programs are also beneficiaries.
Are we solving the world’s problems? No, but every penny helps. And “Idol’s” showrunners deserve major kudos for bringing these problems — and more — to the attention of millions of Americans.
Idol chatter …
- The news is even worse this week for “The Next Great American Band.”
The show’s second episode was once again fifth in its time slot, beaten by offerings on the Big Three networks, as well as The CW. As if that’s not bad enough, even fewer folks tuned in this week.
Watch it while you can, folks. This one’s on its death bed. No doubt about it.
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Good news for Carrie Underwood
Somewhere out there Carrie Underwood’s got a big ol’ smile on her face.
Why? More than 400,000 copies of “Carnival Ride,” her newly released second CD, flew off store shelves Tuesday, according to preliminary first-day sales figures.
For a track-by-track review from USA Today, click here.
Meanwhile, her budding romance with “Gossip Girl” stud Chace Crawford continues to draw ink — and plenty of it.
People’s spies claim they were “pretty lovey dovey” while chowing down on barbecue at Justin Timberlake’s fancy New York eatery earlier this week.
They were also sighted together at another Big Apple restaurant, and Chase was reportedly lurking backstage while Carrie made an appearance on “Live! With Regis and Kelly” Wednesday morning.
Idol chatter …
- Fox gives us an ever-so-quick break from Major League Baseball Friday night, when it will air the second installment of “The Next Great Amereican Band.”
Catch it at 7 p.m. — and keep your fingers crossed the show attracts a bigger audience this time around. Otherwise, it could become the latest casualty of the still young fall TV season.
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2 ‘Idol’ phenoms release CDs today
Look for new albums from “American Idol” favs Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood in stores today.
Click here to check out — and rate — tracks from Bo’s “See the Light.” They’re a big departure from what we heard on his first CD, which was almost universally panned by fans — and even the artist himself.
Here’s how Bo describes his latest offering: “It’s undiluted. It’s straight from me to the fans. It’s my point of view.
“It’s Southern rock, pure and simple. That’s what the fans wanted. To be honest, I compromised my spirit more on ‘The Real Thing’ than I ever did on ‘Idol.’ “
Like what you’ve heard? A bizarro distribution deal means you’ll have to stop by Wal-Mart to grab a copy — or head to Amazon.com to download it.
“Carnival Ride” is Carrie’s sophomore album and it, too, is a departure from the CD she rushed to release two years ago.
From the Los Angeles Times: “Producer Mark Bright, who handled half the duties on the first album, including all the singles, packs a lot more instrumentation into a far bigger sound this time around. Frenzied strings abound, which Underwood’s manager, ‘Idol’ creator Simon Fuller, defends as providing the sophistication needed to match Underwood’s development as an artist.
“The production, Fuller offers, is ‘just more tailored. It’s the difference between buying a dress off the rack or having one made especially for you. The second album feels like it’s just been made carefully for Carrie right now.’ “
After you pry that pesky cellophane wrapper off one — or both — of these new CDs, stop by to let us know what you think. And, just as soon as sales figures are available, count on us to pass them along.
Hey, it’s the least we can do for you, loyal reader.
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‘The Next Great American Band’: Ratings disaster
We’re guessing the mood today at Fox HQ isn’t exactly bright and cheery.
After all, wouldn’t you be concerned if the debut of your latest, greatest primetime offering scored fifth in its time slot — yes, fifth! — according to ratings released by Nielsen Media Research? Ouch!
Did we mention “The Next Great American Band” was even beaten by “Friday Night Smackdown!” on The CW? Double ouch.
To be fair, Friday night isn’t exactly a breeding ground for hit TV shows. Most folks are out on the town, not parked on their couches — especially the younger viewers Fox craves.
Still, a fifth-place finish is cause for concern. In fact, if this keeps up, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the show is yanked before it even wraps up.
Looks like everything the “American Idol” producers touch doesn’t turn to gold after all.
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Tonight’s the night
It seems like we’ve been talking about “The Next Great American Band” forever.
After all, the show was announced back in the spring when “American Idol” had us glued to the tube Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Ah, the joys of having no life. But we digress …
“The Next Great American Band” finally makes its debut tonight on Fox. Tune in at 7 p.m. for two straight hours of the best — and worst — music has to offer.
Been living in a cave? Read up on the show here and here and here.
After watching, stop by and let us know what you thought. We’ll be waiting …
Idol chatter …
- Catch “American Idol” alum Elliot Yamin Saturday night at 8 at The Parish, 214 E. Sixth St.
Advance tickets are $25.
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Carrie Underwood’s got a new man … maybe
OK, OK … maybe Carrie Underwood isn’t Tony Romo’s best gal.
Color us shocked.
Several sites now have her linked with actor Chace Crawford.
Who? Yeah, we’d never heard of him either. But apparently he’s a Texan — born in Lubbock, raised in Dallas — and has a starring role on the new CW series “Gossip Girl.”
Anyway … the two were allegedly spotted making out at a posh New York City club Friday evening.
“They were canoodling all night and stayed until close,” an anonymous tipster told OK! magazine.
Saturday, they hit multiple Big Apple hot spots, according to witnesses, never straying far from each other.
Could it be? Is this really the end of the relationship that never was?
Let’s just say Carrie’s Thanksgiving Day performance at Texas Stadium just got a lot more interesting. Stay tuned …
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Kelly Clarkson kicks off tour
After more starts and stops than rush-hour traffic on Mopac, Kelly Clarkson’s tour is finally under way.
First stop: New York’s Beacon Theatre for three straight sold-out shows.
The reviews? A mixed bag.
New York Daily News critic Jim Farber says the first half of the show featured “dour lighting, black clothing and a stage set that looked like something rejected by ‘Wicked.’ ” Queen Kelly sounded whiny, or so Farber claims.
Then, once the band left, the night turned magical.
“For part two, it seemed like someone slipped the entire crew happy pills: Clarkson bounced through the festive hits that made her earlier work fun. From the Pat Benatar-like pop-rock of ‘Miss Independent’ to the car-commercial catchiness of ‘Since U Been Gone,’ Clarkson had everything a teen idol needs, from great hooks to a consistent persona — the hurt girl who strikes back.”
The New York Post, Rupert Murdoch’s scandalous tab, says our gal is “green but still great.”
According to Newsday, Kelly “turned up the volume but rarely channeled the true spirit of rock and roll.”
And The New York Times, the grandaddy of them all? They apparently couldn’t be bothered to attend.
Catch Kelly next month in Dallas or Houston and form your opinion.
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Guilty plea for ex-‘Idol’ contestant
Corey, Corey, Corey … when will you learn?
Corey Clark, who was booted from “American Idol’s” second season after producers learned of his criminal past, is adding yet another charge to his growing rap sheet.
The Associated Press reports he has pleaded guilty to a felony harassment charge as part of a deal with Arizona prosecutors. In exchange, four other charges will be dismissed.
According to court documents, Corey violated a domestic violence protective order by placing multiple calls to his father-in-law. His wife sought the order after telling police she was being abused.
Sentencing has not yet been set, but the deal reportedly calls for probation. Had the case gone to trial, a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $150,000 fine could have been imposed.
Keep it classy, Corey!
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AMA nods for ‘Idol’ alums
Good news! Several musicians with ties to “American Idol” have been nominated for American Music Awards:
Carrie Underwood is up against Martina McBride and Taylor Swift in the Favorite Female Country Artist category. Carrie also scored a nod for Favorite Country Album, along with Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts.
Daughtry, the group formed by — duh! — Chris Daughtry will duke it out with Linkin Park and Justin Timberlake for Favorite Rock Album. Daughtry scored another nod in the Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist category. Challengers are Norah Jones and John Mayer. And, yes, Daughtry’s up for a third award, as well. They’ll tussle with the gag-inducing Plain White T’s (Sorry, couldn’t help that one!) and Robin Thicke.
The race for Favorite Female Artist features three one-name wonders: Fantasia, Beyonce and Rihanna.
Who will win? Well, that’s up to you. Cast a vote at abc.com between now and Nov. 2 … after you go through a painfully long registration process. Sorry ‘bout that.
The ceremony airs live on ABC Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.
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And the Ultimate Idol is …
The good news just keeps on coming Kelly Clarkson’s way.
Her CD sales have been better than expected, her canceled tour was resurrected, she’s been booked to perform at the Dallas Cowboys’ Turkey Day matchup against the New York Jets … and, now, she’s been crowned winner of USA Today’s Ultimate Idol competition.
OK, maybe that last one’s not that huge in the big scheme of things. But it’s still a nice vote of confidence from more than 20,000 diehard “American Idol” fans.
Queen Kelly was followed by Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry, Melinda Doolittle, Bo Bice, Elliott Yamin, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Tamyra Gray, Kimberley Locke, Blake Lewis and Diana DeGarmo.
Agree? Disagree? Let us know what you think …
Idol chatter …
- Speaking of Kelly, her latest video’s out.
Check out “Don’t Waste Your Time” here.
Super gig for Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson plans to spend Thanksgiving Day at Texas Stadium with 65,675 of her closest friends.
The Burleson native will keep fans entertained during halftime of the Dallas Cowboys-New York Jets matchup.
Another “American Idol” alum, Carrie Underwood, was last year’s featured performer. Ever since, she’s been romantically linked to Dallas QB Tony Romo.
Hmmm … does that mean bitter Kelly is about to luck out in the Love Department? Stay tunned …
Idol chatter …
- Release dates are out for albums from Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis.
Look for Jordin’s musical debut Nov. 20. Blake’s first offering to the masses drops a week later on Nov. 27.
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Hellos and goodbyes
Hello, Dolly!
That’s what “American Idol” viewers will be saying next season.
Yep, the one and only Dolly Parton is set to make an appearance on the hit show. She’ll reportedly perform a song or two, but has no plans to serve as a guest judge.
“I can’t tell people they aren’t doing a good job even if they ask me,” she told one site. “To tell someone if they’re good or bad, or if they suck isn’t me.”
Nice to know there’s at least one nice person left in this cruel, cruel world.
Idol chatter …
- “Hey Paula” is history.
And not a moment too soon.
Paula Abdul tells USA Today she’s pulling the plug because she didn’t like being portrayed as a “demanding diva.”
Nevermind the show, which tanked in the ratings, was a major snoozefest and probably wouldn’t have been renewed anyway …
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