Idol judge Kara DioGuardi latest news 08/27/08

Paula Actually Looks Forward to Newbie Judge
Yesterday, the Internet was buzzing that Paula Abdul didn’t approve of American Idol’s decision to hire a fourth judge, songwriter Kara DioGuardi.

But judging from the A.I. queen’s conversation with Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS-FM show today, it seems as though Paula couldn’t be more thrilled to have her pal Kara—whose career she claims to have launched—join her, Simon and Randy at the judges’ table.

Paula tells Ryan she met Kara outside a restaurant in New York when Kara was a Billboard magazine employee with songwriting dreams. After meeting her that day, Paula convinced Idol’s newbie judge to drop everything and move to L.A. with her. via E Online

Paula Abdul Changes Her Tune, Says ‘It’s About Time Another Girl Joined’ Her On ‘American Idol’
She said that DioGuardi was added because the show’s producers “wanted to try a change,” noting that the show had “always tried for a fourth judge because it followed the format of the original show, ‘Pop Idol.’ We haven’t had much luck with that working, but we’re gonna give it another try.”

But Abdul has apparently changed her tune, insisting that she is anything but concerned about having another female sitting on the judges’ panel with her. “This is great for the show,” she said. “I’ve been waiting for this. I really have. And people will love her. She’s great!” via MTV

‘Idol’s’ fourth judge may be one too many
The growing backlash among viewers and critics this year made it plain: Fox needs to upgrade American Idol before the franchise gets seriously stale. So why have the first two changes announced for the network’s top-rated reality TV singing competition focused on stuff that doesn’t need alteration — namely, the departure of savvy producer Nigel Lythgoe and the addition of a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi? The arrival at Idol’s New York auditions Monday by DioGuardi — a singer-songwriter who has worked with the Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, Paris Hilton and fellow judge Paula Abdul — is particularly puzzling. Given that the judges’ remarks are often the show’s most leaden part, that’s the last thing that needs expansion. Whatever. Here are five ways we hope DioGaurdi actually improves American Idol. via Tampa Bay

‘American Idol’: Which judge should leave?

Is Paula Abdul on the way out at “American Idol”?
She said in a radio interview yesterday that she is “concerned” about the recent addition of fourth judge Kara DioGuardi, a successful pop songwriter.

Maybe she should be concerned. The “Idol” judging panel has seemed tired for some time. Paula’s outbursts and emotional meltdowns have become a little too predictable and tiresome. And though he’s a likable guy, Randy Jackson, at times, seems to be phoning it in from somewhere else in the galaxy.

Simon Cowell has said that he’s gone after the 2010 season, so it makes sense that the “Idol” producers to start tinkering with the panel now. via Chicago Tribune

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Jason Castro new website

Jason Castro now has a new website. Jason also gives us update with his Date Night videos.

More Jason Castro on the sidebar.

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Blake Lewis latest tour updates

Blake Lewis updates us all of his upcoming tour schedules via his MySpace blog. He blogs:

TOURRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!! The dates are up. So freaking ready to come out and rock mics all over this great country. I'm still trying to solidify dates for the West Coast. But so far, our first date is Sept. 29th in Providence, Rhode Island. We are heading out on the road with a band called Carlotta. Visit them here www.myspace.com/carlotta. The boys and I are STOKED and we are ready to get going on this.

I just got back from an amazing trip to Iceland and Norway, with The Hollywood Knights, a non-profit organization to help raise money for cancer. We went to Norway to play some B.Ball against the Norwegian National Team. Man did I suck. Bshorty is no baller! It was an amazing, short trip and I met some pretty amazing people. It was a little strange, cause I felt a little bit at home in Bergen, Norway. Its a port and reminded me a lot like home, here in Washington. Posted some pics for your viewing pleasure.

More news to come soon..... but on the down low. I'll be signing with a new record label and will have a new single out soon. I mean brand spank me new! Can't wait for you to hear it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally, a label that wants to work.... Whattt???? It can't be.. So stoked! The new record is going to be on the lines of How Many Words and Surrender. Rock/Electro/Pop with a little Bshorty love.



Tour Dates and The Beauty of Norway.
Current mood: geeky
Category: Travel and Places

Hello guys and gals,
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-The Beauty of Bergen, Norway


TOURRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!! The dates are up. So freaking ready to come out and rock mics all over this great country. I'm still trying to solidify dates for the West Coast. But so far, our first date is Sept. 29th in Providence, Rhode Island. We are heading out on the road with a band called Carlotta. Visit them here www.myspace.com/carlotta. The boys and I are STOKED and we are ready to get going on this.

I just got back from an amazing trip to Iceland and Norway, with The Hollywood Knights, a non-profit organization to help raise money for cancer. We went to Norway to play some B.Ball against the Norwegian National Team. Man did I suck. Bshorty is no baller! It was an amazing, short trip and I met some pretty amazing people. It was a little strange, cause I felt a little bit at home in Bergen, Norway. Its a port and reminded me a lot like home, here in Washington. Posted some pics for your viewing pleasure.
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-Josh Henderson, Chris Rich and I, trying to figure what to jam on.... You Dig?!

More news to come soon..... but on the down low. I'll be signing with a new record label and will have a new single out soon. I mean brand spank me new! Can't wait for you to hear it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally, a label that wants to work.... Whattt???? It can't be.. So stoked! The new record is going to be on the lines of How Many Words and Surrender. Rock/Electro/Pop with a little Bshorty love.
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-Three Norwegians blending in perfect harmony.

This summer has been pretty chill, but I've still managed to work pretty hard on some new music. I have 4 tracks in the works with Darude, DJ Dan/Uberzone and BT. From now till December, they should all be out there waiting for your ears to bless them.

Much Love and Happiness - Blake

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American Idol Latest News 08/26/08

David Cook Fans Host Power & Light Benefit for American Cancer Society
American Idol David Cook has inspired lots of fans to unite to fight cancer. Cook’s brother Adam is battling brain cancer.

This weekend, Cook will be performing with the American Idols Live Tour at the Sprint Center August 29 & 30.

On Saturday before the concert, organizers with David-Cook.org are putting together a fundraiser at the Power and Light District to benefit the American Cancer Society. via My FoxKC

CNS Exclusive: David Cook Talks About “Idol” Tour, Skechers Endorsement And New Album
Which David - Archuleta or Cook? That was the critical question earlier this year on “American Idol.” What most don’t know is that David Cook actually has a David Archuleta wristband.

“It was given to me in Utah,” Cook tells the Celebrity News Service. “It says ‘David is my idol.’ He’s a good kid.”

Cook, 25, won “American Idol” earlier this year, beating out the other David - 17-year-old Archuleta. Though Archuleta was incredibly talented and irresistibly adorable, Cook impressed “Idol” audiences with his unique, radio-ready arrangements of songs like Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” and The Who’s “Baba O’Riley.” via
All Headlines News

Jason Castro, other American Idols discuss new realities
Hours before he took the stage at American Airlines Center, Jason Castro already knew that this stop on the American Idol tour would be his highlight.”I’m excited and nervous,” the Rockwall resident said. “You never know how you’ll be received.”

Yep, he’s still modest. But the guy who had close to zero experience onstage before the Idol auditions is now embracing his fast-paced, famed life.

“Now I feel like a regular” in the spotlight, he says. “And it’s pretty cool; I like it.” via Dallas News

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Canadian Idol - Top 4 Performance - VIDEO

Watch the Canadian Idol Top 4 Performance videos. Videos after the jump.

Mitch MacDonald - “Cotton Jenny” by Anne Murray and “Between the Bars” by Elliott Smith

Earl Stevenson - “Killing Me Softly” by Anne Murray and “The Joker” by the Steve Miller Band

Drew Wright - “Hey Daddy” by Anne Murray and “Gravity” by John Mayer

Theo Tams - “You Don’t Know Me” and “Chariot” by Gavin DeGraw

Thanks to Mjblog

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Paula Abdul on Kara DioGuardio

Paula Abdul talks about the addition of songwriter Kara DioGuardi as the fourth judge on American Idol.

Paula tells perezhilton.com: "This is gonna be a good thing. I'm really thrilled! For me, I'm excited as can be. I think this time around, it's gonna work adding a new judge. A lot of surprises are in store that are gonna make it more exciting to watch the show".

"I met Kara literally on the streets of New York, in 1999, in front of the Brooklyn Diner."

"I was an instant fan of hers," says Paula. "I moved her out to L.A. to live with me. I introduced her to music publishers. Kara and I wrote Spinning Around for Kylie Minogue when we were living together."

"I've been talking about her for years," Abdul tells us. "I hope the audience gets excited and accepts it. Sometimes its been hard when we've had four judges in the past. They always wanted four judges since the beginning. It'll be good to have two girls, and two guys. Kara's like a sister to me."

source.

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Ace Young to join cast of Grease

Ace Young will be the latest "American Idol" finalist to make his Broadway debut.

The former "Idol" contestant will join the Tony-nominated revival of Grease at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre Sept. 9, according to a ticket offer. Young will step into the role of Kenickie.

Tickets for Grease, priced $71.50-$121.50, are available by calling (212) 307-4100 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit www.greaseonbroadway.com.

Source.

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Kara DioGuardi, as 4th American Idol Judge

The new American Idol judge is no other than Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi. She will sit as the 4th Idol judge alongside Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

According to the executive producer Simon Fuller, "She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America's most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show."

The eighth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January, 2009, on FOX.

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Elliott Yamin video blogs too!

Elliott Yamin video blogs and answers questions he got from all his fans.

He has a new album coming. Watch out for it.

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Syesha Mercado latest video blog

Syesha Mercado posted a fun video blog with Chikezie, Jason Castro, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Ramiele Malubay and Kristy Lee Cook. Love them all.

More Syesha news on the sidebar.

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American Idol Latest News 08/23/08

Simon Cowell: Very Big Changes Ahead On ‘American Idol’, So Long Top 24?
With auditions for season eight of “American Idol” already underway you can expect a major overhaul for the new season, according to everyone’s favorite snarky judge, Simon Cowell. In a conference call from London with reporters this afternoon, Cowell said he and “Idol” producers have already begun meetings in the UK with the production team and Fox executives to discuss what he would like to see happen.

With the exit of executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe recently announced, Simon thinks the show will get a much-needed face-lift.

“You must never depend on one person. I don’t think we would have had the success initially without Nigel but we are onto our eighth season. It feels like it’s going to be a different show this year because of it and we will see whether that’s an advantage or a negative." via Access Hollywood

Covais hospitalized for undisclosed illness
“American Idol” veteran and Levittown native Kevin Covais is in an undisclosed New York-area hospital for tests. He had been promoting his big-screen debut, “College,” which opens Friday.

Celebrity gossip Web site TMZ.com first reported that Covais developed Bell’s palsy - which causes a partial paralysis of the face - but the singer-actor’s publicist, Cindy Collins, would not say what was ailing the 19-year-old. “We cannot officially say either way until tests are done,” Collins said from Los Angeles. via Newsday.com

Who’s a Big Pop Star? Yes, You Are! David Archuleta’s Post-Idol Chart Debut
During the two weeks I was vacationing, Billboard reported changes atop all three of its flagship charts—including the blessed end of Katy Perry’s No. 1 reign on the Hot 100, which was displaced by a Rihanna song I like a lot. Even more amazingly, a song that may be the most left-field hit of the decade—”Paper Planes” by M.I.A.—soared into the Top Five.

Now that I’m back, the M.I.A. song is down a bit, and the biggest news on the charts is the post-American Idol debut by tween-and-grandma fave David Archuleta. via Idolator

Checking in with Jason
Life has been a whirlwind of activity for Jason Castro since Season 7 Finale, and americanidol.com was lucky to catch up with him from the road for a report on how things are going halfway through the 2008 Live Tour. Not surprising, the cool and collected Jason was very positive about the tour. “Seeing the country and getting to sing every night has been awesome, I’m having a blast!” via American Idol

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Brooke White on Eliza Magazine cover

Brooke White blogs about her photo on the cover of Eliza Magazine.

Brooke White writes:
Just wanted to update y’all about something kinda fun, I just received this photo of my first magazine cover, from the editor of Eliza Magazine! She said it was completely cool to put it up here on myspace before it releases as next month’s Fall Issue. Eliza Magazine is a gorgeous magazine dedicated to modest high fashion as well as other interesting and relevant topics, I love it because it is SO classy.

As you can imagine I was so excited when they asked me to be apart of the Fall Issue, I had a great experience on the shoot… the clothes were very fall-ish…lovely and feminine, the photographer (Angela Pierce) is amazing, and then I just recently caught up with Gretta for the interview while I’ve been on the road.

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American Idol Latest News 08/22/08

Exclusive Interview: David Archuleta’s ‘Crush’ tops charts
So, I just had to ask: Does Archuleta have a “Crush” of his own? “I’m just afraid to mention anything now,” confessed Archuleta. And he’s right to be afraid. Recently, after one of Archuleta’s female friends attended his show, she received a deluge of hate mail from Archuleta’s fans. “They said, ‘You’re not good enough for him, and you’re ugly,” Archuleta said, shuddering. “You can see why people want to keep things to themselves.” Despite the fact that his rabid fans harassed his guest, however, Archuleta continued to defend them. “They’re just really protective,” he concluded.

It was one of Archuleta’s loyal fans, in fact, who first informed him of his chart-topping success. “She told me and I was like, ‘Are you serious?’ ” Archuleta recalled. He never dreamed his first single would debut at No. 2. “I was like, maybe it will get to the top 40. I just can’t believe it.” via LA Times

“American Idol” Extra - Interviews with the Idols, Part One
So many interesting things you can find out in five minutes-worth of conversation! I’m not saying that a bite-sized bit of interaction with David Cook, Ramiela Malubay, Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado and Brooke White, in town yesterday for the “American Idols Live” show at BankAtlantic Center, allowed me some deep glimpse into their souls or anything. But I did find out some stuff that never came across in the several months we spent with them on TV. via Palm Beach Post

“American Idol’s” Ramiele Malubay Returns Home To South Florida For “Idols” Show
Ramiele Malubay finished in ninth place earlier this year on “American Idol,” but she can still stand tall and hold her head high.

Well, maybe not stand tall. The 20-year-old is not even five feet - she stands at 4 feet 11 inches. Though Malubay is short, she bubbles over with energy.

“I’m a kid at heart,” Malubay tells the Celebrity News Service. “Seriously, it’s kinda sad - I’m 20, almost 21, and my TV’s all Disney channel.” via AHN

Review: American Idol winner and finalists come to Sunrise
In the road-show version of American Idol, the winner and nine finalists take three- or four-song turns on stage, assemble for a couple of group singalongs, and work with a set list that changes little, if at all.

The performance that season seven’s finalists gave on Wednesday night at BankAtlantic Center, the 36th of a 53-date run, was essentially the first they gave in Arizona in July and the last they’ll give in Oklahoma next month.

Under the circumstances, “American Idols Live” can only tell an audience so much about the abilities of the young entertainers who competed to get this far. It has the formula and repetition of a revue, but not the staging, storybook or length. It has the tools of a pop concert, but no single vocalist is required to hold a crowd’s attention for more than 20 minutes. via Sun-sentinal.com

Season 7 winner David Cook talks about ‘Idols’ tour
Aug. 11 marked the one-year anniversary of David Cook’s first “American Idol” audition in Omaha, Neb.

As Cook looks back now, the year to come was more than the 25-year-old Midwesterner could have expected. The former bar singer was crowned “Idol’s” Season 7 winner, he’s embarked on a tour stretching to more than 50 U.S. cities, and his debut album is set for release in November.

In an interview with The Times, Cook talks about music, touring, golf and a mysterious pair of pink panties. via Shrevepoint Times

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David Archuleta - Crush - rules The Billboard Hot 100

It's official. David Archuleta's "Crush" debuts at No. 2 on Hot 100, becoming the highest debut ever for an "American Idol" song not performed on the series.
David Cook's peak position to date on the Hot 100 is No. 3, the debut rank for "The Time of My Life." While Cook could still earn his first No. 1 on the Hot 100, for now, Archuleta is the second runner-up to outperform the "Idol" winner from the same season. The first was Clay Aiken, who went to No. 1 in 2003 with "This Is the Night" while second season champ Ruben Studdard peaked at No. 2 with "Flying Without Wings."

"Crush," which debuts at No. 1 on Hot Digital Songs, is the fourth entry for Archuleta on the Hot 100. His first three all debuted the week of June 7 and spent one week each on the tally: his version of John Lennon's "Imagine" at No. 36, Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" at No. 58 and "In This Moment" at No. 60.

"Crush" is the seventh single to debut inside the top 10 of the Hot 100 in 2008, including Taylor Swift's "Change," which enters this week at No. 10. Here is a summary of these high-flying seven:

No. 2: "Crush," David Archuleta (Aug. 30)
No. 3: "The Time of My Life," David Cook (June 7)
No. 5: "Burnin' Up," Jonas Brothers (July 12)
No. 8: "Tonight," Jonas Brothers (Aug. 16)
No. 9: "New Soul," Yael Naim (Feb. 16)
No. 9: "Forever," Chris Brown (May 10)
No. 10: "Change," Taylor Swift (Aug. 30)

"Crush" is the highest-debuting single since the No. 2 bow of Fall Out Boy's "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" the week of Feb. 3, 2007.

And here is a summary of songs recorded by "American Finalists" but not performed during the course of competition that have debuted in the top 10:

No. 2: "Crush," David Archuleta (Aug. 30, 2008)
No. 4: "Solitaire," Clay Aiken (April 3, 2004)
No. 6: "I'll Stand By You," Carrie Underwood (May 12, 2007)
No. 8: "Never Again," Kelly Clarkson (May 12, 2007)

Carrie Underwood performed "I'll Stand By You" on the "Idol Gives Back" episode of season six, but as a former contestant, was not in competition.

One final "Crush" note: two previous songs with "Crush" in the title peaked at No. 3, so Archuleta's "Crush" has bested both of them. The Jets' "Crush on You" found its way to third place the week of June 21, 1986, and Jennifer Paige's "Crush" landed at No. 3 the week of Sept. 5, 1998.

Source: Billboard

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Sanjaya Malakar - Nationwide Insurance ad

Former American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar is pitching Nationwide Insurance. He's in a new ad that's part of the company's "Life Comes at You Fast" campaign.

He says he thinks the ad is "really funny" and he knows from personal experience life comes at you fast. He says he went from being an unknown singer to appearing before of millions of people as an "American Idol" contestant, and now he's doing a commercial for Nationwide.

In the ad, Sanjaya visits India to seek advice from a wise man who tells him he needs a retirement plan — and a haircut.

Sanjaya sports a hairstyle similar to the ones he made famous while on American Idol.

Other celebrities who have poked fun at themselves in the campaign include Kevin Federline, Fabio and MC Hammer.

Source: USA Today

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Fantasia to perform September 20th in Bossier City

American Idol season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino will be performing Saturday, September 20th in Bossier City, Louisiana at the CenturyTel Center at 8pm.

Fantasia received three Grammy nominations for her sophomore release, Fantasia and is currently in the studio working on her third album to be released early 2009. She stated on the red carpet of the 2008 Grammy Awards that the style of her new album will be a blending of the avenues she has touched musically, which include, American Idol and Broadway. She also revealed that she will be writing songs and will collaborate again with Missy Elliott, The Underdogs and Midi Mafia, who produced one of her bigger hits, "When I See U."

Buy Fantasia Barrino's "Free Yourself" album from Amazon Store only $1.22 (best price).

Source: http://www.realitytvtickets.com

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