American Idol news today 3/29/08

Jason Castro draws local Idol following
On one of the highest rated shows in U.S. television history, America makes the ultimate decision on who will be this years American Idol.

On Tuesday night, supporters of Jason Castro, a 2005 graduate of Rowlett High School, gathered at Family Cathedral of Praise Church in Mesquite to demonstrate that they have already decided Jason is their idol.

“We decided to have the event in Mesquite to show Jason how much support he has here,” said Laurie Tramel-Alvarez, who along with Samantha Krantz organized the watch party on the occasion of Castro’s 21st birthday.

The crowd in attendance was ready to cheer on Castro as soon as the opening for the show began. A resounding cheer erupted when it was Castro’s time to perform. via www.courier-gazette.com

American Idol is...Ramiele Malubay?
FOR the third time, a Filipino makes it to the top 10 of American Idol!

Her name is Ramiele Malubay, a 4-feet and 11-inch native of Florida, tagged as a “small girl with a huge voice, funky hair and dynamic personality.”

And for the nth time, she survived the elimination last Thursday—enduring the cruelty of Randy Jackson while charming Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. via www.manilastandardtoday.com

There Were No Good Songs the Year You Were Born
Before I talk about this week’s performances and Chikezielimination, I’d like to implore you to watch ’Til Death. I mean, I never have. But you should, if for no other reason than I don’t want to have to look at Brad-Garrett-as-product-placement anymore. He’s here tonight in the audience with what’s-her-erface and that other guy. All three of them are on the show. I think. Anyway, if only Amy Sherman-Palladino, Parker Posey, and Lauren Ambrose had consented to stand in the mosh pit and scream for Kristy Lee Cook, maybe their show would have been spared. via www.advocate.com

Attack of the Stage Parents!
David Archuleta's father is reputedly pushing obscure Australian pop songs on his American Idol contender son. Parental units are making scenes on I Know My Kid's a Star. Mama Rose is telling Louise to sing out nightly on Broadway.

Stage parents are back. via www.eonline.com

Soldiers Slam David Archuleta, Still Suspicious Of Kristy Lee Cook
Major label reject, Kristy Lee Cook, has been teetering on the brink of elimination all season long, though she hit a high note this week performing Lee Greenwood’s red-state-rousing “God Bless the USA.” Randy, Paula and Simon lauded the “smart” song choice, with Cowell calling it Cook’s “best performance by a mile.” But how did the patriotic anthem play with our judges in uniform? The song resonated with the troops but Kristy’s rendition did not. “We did not really buy it… We were more motivated by [Michael Johns’] “We Are the Champions,” 19-year-old Nathan wrote. “I think after hearing that song we were all ready to go fight.”And they came gunning for early “Idol” favorite David Archuleta, whose confusing song choice left the military men at a loss, though they had little trouble finding some strong words in their curt condemnation – “hate” being the one that stands out the most (we suspect they won’t get caught up in David Archuleta PromGate 2008). via newsroom.mtv.com

AFL QB has rooting interest in 'American Idol'
Colorado Crush quarterback John Dutton has a special rooting interest in the outcome of the seventh season of Fox's "American Idol" series.

His sister-in-law, Kristy Lee Cook, is a finalist.

Cook, a 24-year-old singer from Selma, Ore., auditioned for the competition at the Wachovia Center, which serves as the home stadium for the Arena Football League's Philadelphia Soul, in August. via blog.mlive.com