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‘American Idol’ Winner Scotty McCreery’s New Song Leaks

Christian Allaire — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:18:43 +0000

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American Idol’ winner Scotty McCreery’s newest song has leaked, reports E Online.

The track, ‘Out of Summertime,’ is a relaxed country song that is rumoured be the follow-up to his current hit ‘I Love You This Big.’

McCreery won ‘Idol’ this year against Lauren Alaina, and won over judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson.

The song is a little dull, but it’s perfect for summer and country lovers. I think it suits him perfectly.

Listen to the track below!

The Voice Vs. American Idol

Christian Allaire — Sat, 07 May 2011 20:24:58 +0000

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I had a feeling there would be some competition between these shows. Let the reality-singing-catfight begin.

The Voice’s Adam Levine, who front runs Maroon 5, was the first to fire a verbal shot when he said on the last episode:

“The people that we’re not turning our chairs around for could win American Idol.”

Ouch.

American Idol’s Randy Jackson was quick to fire back, though. Here’s what he had to say:

“It’s a great thing when talent can be simple, honest and revered as opposed to spinning around with gimmicky chairs. Maybe Simon Cowell should have people opening doors. Like, ‘Knock, knock; Who’s singing? I can’t see you!’”

Jackson continued, saying ”Look, none of these other shows could exist without somebody forging the path before them. I’m happy to say that Idol did that and paved the way.”

Listen, I think there’s room for both shows. I’m sure anyone who tunes into American Idol will tune into The Voice, and vice versa, so let’s all be friendly, K?

‘The Rock’ To Play Country Legend

Christian Allaire — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:25:24 +0000

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Well this is certainly a different role for him.

The Rock, otherwise known as Dwayne Johnson, is preparing to produce and star in biopic of black country music star Charley Pride, reports Variety.

The former wrestler will produce alongside Dany Garcia, Idol judge Randy Jackson and Pride’s manager John Daines. The film is in association with Sony ATV Music Publishing.

Pride is a Country Music Hall of Famer, has charted more than three dozen No. 1 singles, and has sold more than 70 million records.

The Rock is currently starring in Universal’s “Fast Five,” which opens this weekend, and is starring in New Line’s “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.” He hasn’t ever really done a serious, dramatic role, so this will be a first for him.

I’m a little skeptical about this. I’ve never seen him in this kind of role, so I can’t judge if he will be able to pull it off or not. This kind of role can either be a career-changer or career-ender, so let’s hope its the first. Prove us wrong, Rock.

New ‘American Idol’ Judges Being Unveiled Now

andPOP Staff — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:59:35 +0000

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“American Idol” is having a live unveiling for the show’s newest judges. At 10pm PT, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson will step on stage at the Forum in Los Angeles. Check out TMZ for a live stream.

Mariah Carey a Possible Judge for American Idol Next Season

Jacob Morris — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:48:35 +0000

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Perez Hilton is reporting that Mariah Carey is in negotiations to become a judge for the upcoming season of American Idol.

The ratings-owning singing competition is restructuring its judging table this year, after Kara DioGuardi was let go and Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres stepped down.

There’s only one spot left to fill as Randy Jackson and (likely) Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler already have places at the table. Although it was reported that Jennifer Lopez was very close to getting the spot as the third judge, Mariah Carey might be a better option for the show.

Although nothing is official, sources tell Perez Hilton that Mariah “wants it” and that “she’s seen what America’s Got Talent has done for [Nick Cannon] and thinks it will be a good career move.”

Randy Jackson Nearly Fired from ‘American Idol’

andPOP Staff — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:40:30 +0000

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How could you ever consider firing Randy Jackson from “American Idol?” The guy is just so lovable and cool!

However, TMZ reports that was almost the case for Mr. Jackson. Sources tell the website that “American Idol” producers were considering a clean sweep of the judging panel, now that all the original judges are gone with the exception of Jackson.

After some intense discussions, it was decided to keep Jackson in order to keep some connection to the original show.

Excellent decision because in our opinion Jackson was the most logical, charming and down to earth judge the show has ever had. It would be crazy to fire the dawg!

Adam Lambert Expected To Be Awesome Mentor on ‘American Idol’

andPOP Staff — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:38:21 +0000

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Randy Jackson is a man who tells it like it is. So when he says that Adam Lambert is a great mentor for the newest contestants on “American Idol,” we tend to believe him.

During a recent interview with MTV News, Jackson explained his feelings. “You know, I think he’s gonna be really great because he knows, first and foremost, what they’re going through [as contestants] and what the feelings are and what’s happening and what’s gonna happen,” he explained. “So he’s going to be one of the best mentors, I think, all season.”

Adam will appear on tonight’s episode as a mentor, and on Wednesday night he returns to perform “Whataya Want From Me” from his debut album.

MTV Shows

Randy Jackson Upset With Court Treatment At Doctor Murray Hearing

Jeremy Singer — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:18:56 +0000

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Part of the Jackson family was present at the Los Angeles Superior Court in downtown LA today for Dr. Conrad Murray’s hearing over his plead of not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter related to the death of legendary pop singer Michael Jackson.

But as they endured the almost two-hour hearing, younger brother Randy Jackson was a bit upset with the way the Jackson family was treated in the court room.

According to Access Hollywood, Jackson was rattled by the fact that the press recieved better treatment over the Jackson family members that were present- including Katherine, Joe, Jermaine, Janet and himself.

“Inside the courtroom,” he tweeted. “The press is getting preferential treatment and seating over us. They seem to have forgotten that we are a family.”

“The court informed us there’s nothing they could do,” he added.

The hearing was to determine the judge for the case, the preliminary hearing date and if Murray’s medical license will be revoked.

After the case was assigned to Judge Michael Pastor -for his experience handling “more complex cases”- Pastor announced that the time of the next hearing for Murray will be on June 14, 2010, at 12:30 p.m. If convicted, Murray would face a maximum sentence of four years in prison.

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 at 50, when he was found unconscious at his rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive in the Hombly Hills district of Los Angeles. Attempts at resuscitating him by Murray, his personal physician were unsuccessful. However on February 8, 2010, Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter by prosecutors in LA, after finding certain drugs in Jackson’s body at the time of his death- including propofol, lorazepam and midazolam.

Mary J. Blige Guest Judge on American Idol

Vanessa Baker — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:29:41 +0000

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Mary J. Blige will sit on the American Idol judges’ panel for auditions in Atlanta, Georgia, reports Perez Hilton.

Friday, regular judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi were joined by former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, who helped judge auditions in Boston.

“The judges and production team have been having a lot of fun with Victoria,” said a source for the show. “She’s had a great response so far, and has been really warm with the contestants.”

Season nine of the Fox reality show will premiere in January. Paula Abdul, who has judged alongside Cowell and Jackson since season one, will not be returning to the show.

Paula Abdul May Be Next to Dance with the Stars

Vanessa Baker — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:29:27 +0000

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President of ABC Entertainment Stephen McPherson said he would absolutely love to have Paula Abdul as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, reports Perez Hilton.

“We would love to have her on Dancing whether it’s as a contestant, or a participant, judge, etc.,” McPherson said of the former American Idol judge. “I was a little stunned by the decision,” he said about her recent departure from the Fox reality show where she worked for eight seasons. “I think she’s a huge talent. There’s a sensitivity and emotion in her that balances out Idol and we’d love to get a piece of that.”

Abdul has also been offered a spot as a guest judge on Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance.

Season nine of American Idol, which will premiere in January, will return to the show’s three-judge format with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi all resuming their spots at the judges’ table. Ryan Seacrest will remain as host.

Paula Abdul Won’t Be Judging Season 9 Of A. I.

Ilan Mester — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:28:03 +0000

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It’s official: Paula Abdul is leaving “American Idol”. The former “Idol” judge tweeted about leaving the popular TV show.

With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to ‘Idol,’” Abdul wrote. “I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon. What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. I do, without any doubt, have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.”

In light of her departure, Fox TV has released a statement. “Paula Abdul has been an important part of the ‘American Idol’ family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show,” read the statement. “While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.”

The show will return to its original three-judge format as Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi are set to return for season nine.

Abdul Threatens to Leave Idol

Vanessa Baker — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:27:24 +0000

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Paula Abdul is threatening to quit her job as a judge on American Idol, reports TMZ.

“Very sadly, it does not appear that she’s going to be back on Idol,” her manager, David Sonnenberg, told the L.A. Times.

Auditions for the show’s ninth season begin August 6, but Abdul has not yet heard from the show regarding her contract.

“I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful,” continued Sonnenberg, who has managed Abdul since the end of June. “I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven’t stepped up and said what they want to do.”

Last year, Abdul earned $2.5 million from the show. Host Ryan Seacrest recently signed a contract giving him $15 million per year for the next three years, while fellow judge Randy Jackson has signed on to the show until 2011. Simon Cowell’s contract expires next year, and he has reportedly scoffed at figured nearing $144 million.

In an attempt to step away from the Idol scene, Abdul did a reality show with Bravo in 2007 titled Hey Paula. The series only lasted seven episodes.

“She’s not a happy camper as a result of what’s going on,” said Sonnenberg. “She’s hurt. She’s angry. I think at this point we’re going to be considering everything, including some kind of a competition show. She has tremendous ideas for a whole variety of shows.”

American Idol Recap: Coming to America(n Idol): Neil Diamond Week

andPOP Staff — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:10:21 +0000

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When I think cool and contemporary, I think Neil Diamond. Except not at all. (Unless we’re talking about Will Farrell as Neil Diamond which is kind of hilarious). So Neil seems like kind of an odd choice for a show that is desperately trying to recapture the attention of the crucial under-25 demographic. But obviously someone important at Idol headquarters disagrees as Diamond plays musical mentor this week to the top 5 contestants.

In a cruel twist of fate, Ryan Seacrest reveals that the “American Idol” contestants are each to sing 2 songs tonight from Neil Diamond’s musical catalogue. Two Neil Diamond songs?! That’s rough. I feel your pain, kids.

Jason Castro starts things off singing “Forever in Blue Jeans” and later, “September Morn”. He sings the former with his guitar and the latter without and it seems like he always does a lot worse sans guitar. “Michelle” in Beatles week? Brutal. The judges think it was all bad though as Randy Jackson calls both songs “just ok, whatever”, Paula Abdul advises him to get out of his comfort zone, and Simon Cowell says he doesn’t even recognize him anymore.

David Cook chose the songs “I’m Alive” and “All I Really Need is You”, neither of which I have ever heard, but both of which he makes sound kind of cool. And how can you not respect a guy that makes random Neil Diamond songs sound cool? Neil himself says Cook gave him goosebumps but he’s so monotone that it sounds like he’s lying. Randy calls his performances “blazin”, Paula says she’s already looking at the american idol, and all the judges agree that it’s Cook’s ability to make songs contemporary that makes him appealing.

Brooke White is wearing what looks like an old costume from my low-budget youth theatre company (sparkly super-wide bell-bottoms and a frilly shirt. Belted of course), and she’s singing “I’m a Believer” (which Diamond apparently wrote for The Monkees) and a song called “I Am I Said”. “I’m a Believer” comes off super corny and karaoke-esque, but she plays piano for “I Am I Said” and the singer-songwriter at the piano thing usually works for her. None of the judges praised her first performance (Simon called it a nightmare), but they all agree that the second one brought out the Brooke White that they like.

Next up is David Archuleta, who Neil Diamond calls “kind of a prodigy.” Only kind of? I wonder what it takes to be considered a full-blown prodigy. I’ll have to ask Neil the next time I see him. Archuleta is back to dressing like a kid this week and he does fine with his first song, “Sweet Caroline”, but his second song, “Coming to America”, is more his style. The gigantic American flag waving on the screen behind him doesn’t hurt. Randy thinks he is “the bomb”, Paula tells him, “I love you, you were brilliant, have fun” (umm what?), and Simon says that his performance “ticked all the boxes”, whatever that means.

Closing the show is Syesha Mercado singing “Hello Again” and “Thank the Lord for the Nighttime”. More songs I have never heard of. Awesome. She clearly agrees with Dane Cook’s perspective on shoes as she is not wearing any. For the entire show. Her first song is fairly boring (Simon calls it old-fashioned), but the jazzy vibe of her second song works with her performance style. Neil monotone-ly says she’s infectious and makes me really miss Andrew Lloyd Webber. Randy believes she’s finally realizing who she is, Paula compares her to Corinne Bailey Rae and another singer from the 60s whose name I have never heard, and Simon believes she might be in trouble vote-wise.

It seems that only the Davids are safe for results night, while Neil Diamond is set to perform. Get ready with your fast forward button as Mr. Diamond may be a classic but it turns out he is super dull.

American Idol Recap: Everything Sounds Wiser in an English Accent: Andrew Lloyd Webber Night

andPOP Staff — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:40:49 +0000

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Ryan Seacrest’s fauxhawk is sitting at about a 4.5 on the pointiness scale tonight as he declares it the “toughest test yet” on American Idol.He eventually informs us that it’s Andrew Lloyd Webber week and we get the obligatory video clip summing up his career in 4 minutes, during which my mom exclaims that “he looks like the grinch!” And he kind of does.

The top 6 are introduced and Syesha Mercado starts off the show singing a song called One Rock and Roll Too Many. Wikipedia tells me it’s from a play called Starlight Express which was apparently performed on roller skates. No wonder I’ve never heard of it. Syesha looks really elevated and I can’t figure out why until I realize she is standing on the piano. Um, risky much? She doesn’t sound as good as she usually does but Randy Jackson thinks it’s her best yet, Paula Abdul tells her she’s in her “happy place” and makes me want to watch Happy Gilmore, and Simon Cowell says theatre is her thing.

Jason Castro is next and he’s singing Memory from Cats. He admits he’s never seen an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, which is not even remotely shocking coming from this guy. Andrew Lloyd Webber never thought Memory would be sung by a person with dreadlocks and Jason Castro was apparently unaware that the song was sung by a cat. Nonetheless, he goes ahead with it. It’s clearly too much for him as Randy calls it a “train wreck”, Paula falls back on the “you made it your own” thing, and Simon gets to use his favourite wedding analogy when he says it seems like Castro’s parents forced him to sing it at one.

Brooke White chose You Must Love Me from Evita and has to re-start her song for the second time this season. While the first time was kind of endearing, this time it’s just plain awkward since she has to stop the whole band. Once she gets into it she looks like she’s in pain throughout the entire song and I’m not sure if it’s because she’s trying to look like she’s dying (because Webber told her that’s what’s happening to the character in the play) or if she’s actually literally dying of embarrassment. All the judges agree that the mistake at the beginning really threw her and ruined the remainder of the song.

David Archuleta is dressed like a waiter in some new, hip restaurant and before he sings Ryan invites a handful of random girls up on stage to hug him. He laughs awkwardly, because what else does one do whilst being hugged by strange children on national TV? He’s singing Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera and actually makes it into kind of a cool pop-soul song. Sir Andrew and my mom love it (“Wasn’t that beautiful?! It was beautiful!”). As for the judges, Randy says he’s the one to beat and Paula says it was perfect, but Simon plays the bitter British dude role and says it was one of his weakest performances.

Carly Smithson is up next and Webber advises her to choose Jesus Christ Superstar, reasoning that “you’ve got to find a song that suits your voice, a song that you can live in, you can inhabit,” and the English accent makes it sound like the sagest advice anyone has given in the history of ever. She takes his suggestion (obviously, he’s British…and Andrew Lloyd Webber) and comes out rocking, although I’m pretty sure she’s wearing a beaded rug that was previously displayed on my living room wall as a dress. Randy likes the outfit (this from a guy who was seen in public wearing this) and says the performance was “good”, Paula is basically incoherent, and Simon claims it was one of the best of the night.

David Cook closes out the show, choosing yet another song from Phantom of the Opera: Music of the Night. The stylists have slicked his hair down to his head a bit more for this performance, possibly to make him look less rocker-ish and more musical theatre-ish, and he proves that he actually can pull off the musical theatre thing because he does have a good voice. Randy calls the performance a “hot, molten hot, lava bomb” (genius), Paula repeats what she’s said to everyone else on the show, and Simon says he prefers David unslicked but that he did well with what he was given.

Jason Castro and Brooke White are probably at risk on results night and Andrew Lloyd Webber is set to perform. Here’s hoping he comes out wearing those stylish red corduroy pants he was sporting throughout Tuesday’s episode. What a stand-up guy.