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Fans attack Archie’s gal pal
Girls can be jealous.
Very, very jealous.
Just ask a female friend who accompanied pocket-sized “American Idol” runner-up David Archuleta to a recent concert.
Archie reports the unidentified gal pal has been deluged with hate mail since photos of the two surfaced on the Internet.
“I’m just afraid to mention anything now,” David said. “They said (to her), ‘You’re not good enough for him, and you’re ugly.’
“I can see why people (celebrities) want to keep things to themselves.”
Attacking a teenage girl’s looks? Wow, some people have all the class …
Update: Several of you seem to have taken issue with our characterization of David Archuleta as “pocket-sized.” Anyone who checks this blog regularly — and we’re guessing most of those who are griping aren’t regulars — knows we like Archie. Pocket-sized, in our book at least, is a term of endearment, not an insult.
Idol chatter …
- Season 7 “Idol” champ Jordin Sparks doesn’t hold grudges.
Really.
She’s campaigning to record a duet with Leona Lewis, whose “Bleeding Love” kept her “No Air” from becoming the nation’s top single earlier this year.
- We now know why Fantasia Barrino abandoned her spot in “The Color Purple” cast: She had a tumor in her throat.
Ouch!
The revelation puts an end — hopefully — to all sorts of crazy rumors that started to spread after Fantasia missed a slew of curtain calls.
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Kellie Pickler is OK! cover girl
Sweet, sweet Kellie Pickler is getting some major face time in OK! magazine.
Read the hard-hitting — cough, cough — interview and you’ll find that Kellie is a drugstore makeup junkie who confesses to owning 40,000 tubes of mascara. Seriously.
She also sheds some light on her budding relationship with rising Nashville star Kyle Jacobs.
“When I come in off the road, I like to crash and be a bum and sit at home on the couch and just talk,” she told the mag. “We don’t really have to be doing anything. We usually just enjoy each other’s company and make each other laugh.”
After reading up on Kellie, be sure to set your Tivo for the “CMA Music Festival” special, airing Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. on KVUE. She’ll be sharing hosting duties with Taylor Swift and Julianne Hough.
Idol chatter …
- Missed Jennifer Hudson’s performance at the Democratic National Convention Thursday night?
Don’t fret. Watch her sing the National Anthem here, courtesy of YouTube.
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Details emerge on Kelly Clarkson’s new album
Undeterred by disappointing sales for “My December,” Kelly Clarkson is back in the studio, recording her fourth album.
The Texan is working with OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, who offered some hints on what to expect in an interview with ABC radio.
“She’s gonna have really aggressive, in-your-face rock/pop, but she’s also gonna have orchestral, Mozart moments of classical rhythmic stuff,” he said. “It’s great.”
Kelly thinks the album will be her best yet, according to Ryan, who describes it as being “all over the place.”
“I’ve never been more excited about material that I’ve worked on with any artist, to be quite frank.”
Sounds promising. Very promising. Especially when you consider Ryan’s track record. The OneRepublic frontman is in high demand these days, after crafting Leona Lewis’s “Bleeding Love” and Natasha Bedingfield’s “Love Like This,” along with “Apologize” from his own band. Currently, in addition to Kelly, he’s also working with fellow “American Idol” alums Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson.
Look for the album to hit stores in November.
Idol chatter …
- Speaking of new albums, “Idol” reject Paris Bennet has one on the way.
“A Royal Christmas” drops in October, the same month Paris is expecting her first child.
As the title indicates, “Christmas” features holiday tunes — a mix of remakes and a couple original numbers, including one penned by her mom.
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Shock! Paula Abdul has ‘concerns’ about new ‘Idol’ judge
Gee, we surely didn’t see this coming: “American Idol” veteran Paula Abdul has “concerns” about newly appointed judge Kara DioGuardi.
Not!
Paula spoke up during an interview on a Phoenix radio station, just hours after the announcement was made. She’s “thrilled” about Kara, but …
“I am concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We’ll see.
“That’s gonna be weird if it’s a split decision. I’m sure Simon will get to make the final call. It takes the fun out of all the hard work I do to push those kids through.”
Cat fight, anyone?
Idol chatter …
- Hottie Ace Young is the latest “Idol” alum to land a role on Broadway.
Look for him to pop up in “Grease” beginning Sept. 9.
- The star-studded lineup of performers at the Democratic National Convention includes an “Idol” alum.
Watch for “Dreamgirls” star Jennifer Hudson’s performance Thursday night.
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‘Idol’ adds a fourth judge
The changes just keep on coming for “American Idol.”
Showrunners announced today a fourth judge — Kara DioGuardi — will be added when the Fox hit returns in January for its eighth season.
Who?
Kara, The Associated Press reports, is a songwriter extraordinaire who has penned tunes for “Idol” alums Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, as well as Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Pink and Gwen Stefani. She’s currently working with Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta.
“I’m maybe not a household name, but people know of me in the industry,” she told an AP reporter.
Adding a fourth judge “creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers,” according to executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. Several fan sites, however, predict Kara’s arrival could be the beginning of the end for the much-maligned Paula Abdul.
The newest judge begins work Tuesday — yes, tomorrow — so we should have our answer soon enough.
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The tax man cometh for Ruben Studdard
The Velvet Teddy Bear’s got some ‘splaining to do.
Seems Ruben Studdard owes nearly $200,000 in back taxes to the federal government and the state of Alabama, according to a story in The Birmingham News.
The newspaper reports liens have been place on all of the “American Idol” alum’s belongings. Sounds bad, but Ruben’s lawyer insists the singer’s got enough cash to make things right.
Taking a look at his paltry album sales, we find that pretty hard to believe.
Ahem.
Idol chatter …
- While the cable news networks are devoting the bulk of their time to covering the presidential elections, Larry King is tackling a far weightier topic: “Idol.”
CNN’s resident dinosaur chatted it up earlier this week with Season 7’s Top 10 finalists, who are in the middle of this year’s “Idols Live!” tour. You can view a portion of the hour-long show below.
Speaking of “Idols Live!” … the show rolls into Houston Sunday, followed by a stop in Dallas Monday. Halfway through the tour, this year’s crop of crooners has brought in more than $12 million — and even managed to sell out a couple venues.
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In theaters today: Katharine McPhee
“An exiled Playboy bunny tries to help socially clueless sorority sisters attract pledges and keep their house by teaching them about makeup and men.”
That’s our description of “The House Bunny,” a new flick (briefly) featuring “American Idol” alum Katharine McPhee that hops into theaters today.
Doesn’t exactly sound like an award-winning production. And it’s not. But our critic says it’s worth a look if you’re in need of a laugh — and willing to lower your standards. Just a smidge, of course.
Click here to view scenes from “The House Bunny,” or watch the trailer below.
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‘Idol’ auditions are over … finally
If you haven’t auditioned yet for “American Idol’s” eighth season, you’re out of luck.
The final round of preliminary tryouts happened Monday in East Rutherford, N.J. More than 10,000 hopefuls — some from as far away as California — showed up at the Izod Center, hoping to make the cut.
Few did. Of course, that’s part of the show’s appeal.
“We come to New York because we know we’re going to get good talent and we know we’re going to get good attitude,” senior producer Patrick Lynn told The Associated Press. “We’ve seen a lot of good New York confidence.”
Among the hopefuls: New Haven, Conn., firefighter Reggie Blakely. No word yet whether he made it to the next round … but “Idol” returns to the New York area next week for the first round of callbacks, so we should know soon enough.
| American Idol auditions: Angie Irwin |
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Chris Daughtry wants you to vote
Chris Daughtry.
And CNN.
Sounds like a match made … in a dimly lit boardroom.
But this oddball pairing just might work. The fiercely popular “American Idol” alum and the cable net have teamed up for “The League of First Time Voters,” a campaign targeting teens who are eligible to head to the polls this fall for the first time ever.
Chris recorded the theme song, a remake of Foreigner’s “Feels Like the First Time,” which debuts tonight at 7 on CNN. Don’t want to wait? We’ve got it for you right now. Just click here.
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Michael Johns parts ways with record label
Breaking up is hard to do. Usually.
Not this time though.
Season 7’s Michael Johns says he asked to be released from his super-restrictive contract with 19 Entertainment and got his wish — without a fight.
“I want control back,” he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s not like I need a label to get me noticed. This is one of my last shots to be in this situation.”
The Aussie import plans to go the indie route and “find distribution any way he can,” just like fellow “Idol” Elliott Yamin. With eight songs already recorded and nearly 20 more in the works, Michael hopes to pick the best 12 for an album that’ll be out early next year.
Idol chatter …
- Good news for all you Claymates out there: Clay Aiken’s returning to “Spamalot.”
Look for him in the Broadway hit Sept. 19 through Jan. 4.
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Jacksonville loves ‘Idol’
This season’s “American Idol” auditions are almost over … but not before a stop in Jacksonville, Fla.
More than 7,000 folks — double what producers expected — turned out Wednesday at Veterans Memorial Arena, jamming city streets and filling most of the city’s hotel rooms.
“The South has really delivered this year,” senior producer Patrick Lynn told the Florida Times-Union.
Next up: East Rutherford, N.J.
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Is Simon Cowell sick of ‘Idol’?
Changes are coming to “American Idol” next season. There’s no doubt about that.
Showrunners are eager to stabilize the sagging hit before ratings dip even lower. Heck, even Simon Cowell’s had enough, if reports on the Web are to be believed.
Gossip Sauce reports Mr. Mean was ready to walk … until Fox and company coughed up a boatload of cash.
Producer Nigel Lythgoe, however, was deemed expendable. While published reports out last week indicated he left on his own, Gossip Sauce claims Nigel was fired, along with two other “Idol” veterans.
Gee, is this a reality show … or a soap opera?
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Kansas City auditions draw 10,000
Last month “American Idol” made a stop in David Archuleta’s hometown.
This month Season 7 champ David Cook’s hometown is in the spotlight.
“Idol” rolled into Kansas City’s Kemper Arena Friday, drawing a crowd of more than 10,000 hopefuls. Those who wowed showrunners will make an encore appearance before judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson in October.
The rest? Well, you know by now …
Next stop: Jacksonville, Fla.
Idol chatter …
- “Idol” has many, many fans … but presidential contender Barack Obama isn’t one of them.
That makes things at the Obama household mighty interesting, since wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha love the show.
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Clay Aiken’s a proud papa
Hope you’re done eating lunch cuz we’ve got some news that just might make you queasy: Clay Aiken’s a daddy!
Aiken’s wonder child — a product of artificial insemination — was born at 8:08 this morning at an “undisclosed location” in North Carolina. (8:08 on 08/08/08? That’s awfully convenient … but we digress.) Longtime friend and record exec Jaymes Foster is the baby boy’s mother.
Parker Foster Aiken — “No hyphens. One first name. One middle name. One last name.” — weighed in at 6 pounds 2 ounces and was 19 inches long, according to The Associated Press. Raleigh TV station WRAL reports Parker’s got dark hair. No frosted tips … yet.
“The little man is healthy, happy, and as loud as his daddy,” Clay wrote in a message on his Web site. “Mama Jaymes is doing quite well also.”
Congrats to Clay and Jaymes. Now … let the bidding war begin for the first photos of Baby A. For comparison’s sake, the newborn twins belonging to the slightly more famous Brangelina recently fetched $14 million.
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Yet another gig for Ryan Seacrest
Ryan Seacrest really is the hardest-working man in Hollywood.
And now he’s lined up even more work.
Ryan and Dick Clark will be spending New Year’s Eve together for the next three years, co-hosting “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” on ABC.
Dick has had to scale back his role on the nearly 40-year-old show following a devastating stroke in late 2004 that impaired his speech. Regis Philbin stepped in as host for the Dec. 31, 2004, broadcast, but Dick was back — with Ryan’s help — the following year. The two have been paired together every year since.
Idol chatter …
- Bo Bice is a daddy. Again.
Us Weekly reports Bo’s second child, a bouncing baby boy named Caleb, was born Tuesday.
- Brooke White’s long-forgotten CD is once again available for purchase.
Download “Songs From the Attic,” which was recorded back in 2006, on iTunes.
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Texan is ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ champ
Texans are two for two this week on reality TV.
Arlington’s Melissa Lawson is the newest “Nashville Star” champ and, now, Fort Worth’s Joshua Allen has been crowned this season’s “So You Think You Can Dance” winner. (See his audition video below.)
The super-talented street dancer — who was rushed to the hospital over the weekend after becoming severely dehydrated — heads home with a cool $250,000, plus a role in the upcoming production of “Step Up 3-D,” according to E! News.
“I just want to say that never let anybody tell you you can’t do anything, because no matter what you do, you can always go forward,” a teary-eyed Joshua told the crowd tuned in to Thursday night’s live finale on Fox. “The sky’s the limit!”
In yet another Texas twist, the show also featured a performance by the Jonas Brothers, who recently purchased a home in Dallas.
Other Lone Star State residents in the reality TV spotlight this summer include: Houston’s Jerell on “Project Runway” and Jerry and Libra — both from the Houston area — on “Big Brother.” (Another Texan, Steven from Dallas, has already been eliminated.)
Got all that? Good.
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‘Nashville Star’ winner crowned
A Texan is the newest “Nashville Star.”
Melissa Lawson, mom to five growing boys and, at 32, the oldest female contestant this season, scored the keys to a Toyota Tundra and — more importantly — a recording contract with Warner Bros. live Monday night on NBC.
Back home in Arlington, Melissa’s hubby had to be grinning from ear to ear. After all, his wife’s got a promising career in country music — complete with an appearance at the Olympics Aug. 12 — and that shiny red truck is all his.
“He has been driving a crummy little truck for so long so we could buy a car for me that was big enough to haul all the boys around,” she told People magazine. “He deserves this truck!”
Like “American Idol,” “Star” has launched the careers of several well-known musicians, including local favorite Miranda Lambert.
Will that trend continue? We’ll soon find out …
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‘Idol’ showrunner stepping down
One of the biggest names behind “American Idol” is walking away from the show he helped create.
Details on the next chapter in Nigel Lythgoe’s successful career are fairly scarce right now. We know he’ll be working on film, stage and TV projects with “Idol” creator Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment, but we don’t know much more than that.
“I will step back from my day-to-day producing work on ‘American Idol’ and will be devoting my time” to the new enterprise, Lythgoe said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press.
The parting, on the surface at least, appears amicable. Fox issued the obligatory statement wishing him nothing but the best: “He is an extraordinarily talented producer whose creative contributions to the No. 1 show on television have been immeasurable.”
But rumors have been swirling that network execs are eager to make changes to the show after seeing ratings slip somewhat last season. We’ll see what — if any — tweaks have been made when “Idol” returns to Fox in January.
Idol chatter …
“Idol” snagged top honors in four categories at the Teen Choice Awards:
Choice TV Reality Music Competition.
Choice Hook-Up: Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown, “No Air.”
Choice TV Male Reality/Variety Star: David Cook.
Choice Most Fanatic Fans: David Archuleta.
The ceremony, which was taped Sunday, airs at 7 tonight on Fox 7. Click here to check out our photos.
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Few show for Puerto Rico auditions
Seems inconceivable, but what would happen if you held an “American Idol” audition … and no one showed?
The was almost the case Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A paltry 300 people showed, according to multiple sites. For comparison’s sake, auditions last month in Louisville, Ky., drew 10,000 wouldbe warblers.
¡Dios mio!
Idol chatter …
- We’ve got some good news for Melinda Doolittle fans.
Last season’s sweetheart (She was robbed!) has a record deal, according to Entertainment Weekly, and should have an album in stores this fall.
While you wait, check out “My Funny Valentine,” a single she released earlier this year.
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David Archuleta’s new single hits the airwaves
The wait is over for David Archuleta’s debut single.
Archie was on hand this morning when New York City’s Z100 played “Crush” for the very first time. Station reps claimed fans from as far away as Guam called in to see when the song would air.
David, true to form, was reportedly shaking as “Crush” played, and told host Elvis Duran he’d been “jittery” in the hours leading up to the song’s world premiere.
So, what’s the verdict? Well, thankfully, it’s not one of his trademark ballads. Not much of a market for those on the radio airwaves. Still, we weren’t that impressed. It’s a little too … sanitized. And, considering Archie’s previous comments on crushes and love in general, it’s fairly obvious this song’s not based on personal experience.
In case you forgot, here’s what he told Seventeen magazine a few weeks ago: “I’ve always been against (crushes) because it’s like you don’t even know who they are. 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.”
But enough of what we think. What about you? Weigh in now. And, if you happen to like what you hear, keep an eye out for Archie’s album this November.
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‘Idol’ auditions roll into Utah
More than 6,000 David Archuleta wannabes — their words, not ours — turned out Tuesday for the “American Idol” auditions in Salt Lake City.
Utah, of course, is home to David, Season 7’s runner-up. Archie, though, was nowhere to be found. Instead the huddled masses at EnergySolutions Arena had to settle for the likes of Ryan Seacrest and Justin Guarini.
The Salt Lake Tribune caught up with Heather Elmer, 26, who advanced to the next round this year after failing to impress judges in five previous attempts.
“My dad and I have a saying,” she told the paper. ” ‘No’ means ‘Not yet.’ ”
Heather joins a few hundred other hopefuls who will advance to the next round. Everyone else … well, you know.
Next stop: San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Latest comments
So you like Archie? Great - how about talking about his new hit single CRUSH?? The fanmail to his friend is an old issue; love to hear something new. Thanks.
... read the full comment by tawni | Comment on Fans attack Archie's gal pal Read Fans attack Archie's gal pal
What’s with the pocket-sized comment re: David Archuleta? He’s 5’7”…if that’s pocket size, then fill mine up please. The comment is as silly as your rework of the “girlfriend” angle made ages ago and has
... read the full comment by pastel | Comment on Fans attack Archie's gal pal Read Fans attack Archie's gal pal
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