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Former ‘American Idol’ Contestant Kimberly Locke Struggling to Get Paid

andPOP Staff — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 13:19:08 +0000

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The music business can be a rough place, even if you were on ‘American Idol.’ Former contestant Kimberly Locke, who finished 3rd in 2002, has unfortunately had a rough time in the music business, after her stint on ‘Idol.’

Locke performed in a 2008 “American Stars in Concert” tour — featuring several AI alums, but never was paid by promoter Scott Stander, even after he was issued a court order.

Locke tells AI Now, “I worked very hard on that tour, and I was disappointed that Stander failed to pay me. This was not only unprofessional, but very insulting and completely unacceptable.”

So unless you are Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson, ‘Idol’ isn’t necessarily the path to riches.

Justin Timberlake’s Car Wins Indy 500

Kimberly Rupnarain — Mon, 30 May 2011 01:02:35 +0000

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Justin Timberlake is one of those celebrities that just can’t sit still.

Whether it be singing, acting, making tequila or designing a clothing line, the man simply can’t stick to one enterprise. It should probably come as no surprise then, that the singer (I will always refer to him as a singer) sponsored a car that won the Indy 500 in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sunday.

“What a Memorial Day weekend!” the singer tweeted. “The William Rast car just won the Indy 500!”

The winning car was driven by racing pro Dan Wheldon, who beat out 32 other drivers to win the Borg-Warner Trophy.

William Rast refers to the 30-year-old singer’s clothing line, which he founded in 2006 with best friend Trace Ayala. The line, which was named after a combination of the both Timberlake and Ayala’s grandfather’s names, sells premium denim as well as jackets and tops.

Even though JT is good at a lot of things, every time I hear about a new enterprise I can’t help but to think back to the 2007 MTV Music Video Awards, when he snubbed the cast of The Hills while accepting an award.

“Play more damn music videos,” said Timberlake, with presenters Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge and Whitney Port standing just behind him. “We don’t want to see the Simpsons on reality television. Play more videos!”

Well, Justin – make more damn music. We don’t want to drink your tequila or buy your expensive jeans. Make more music!

Lee DeWyze Talks About ‘American Idol’ Finale

andPOP Staff — Sat, 28 May 2011 14:49:37 +0000

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Were you disappointed not to see Lee DeWyze included in the ‘American Idol’ finale? Well there are mixed stories on why that occurred.

Tradition for the show generally includes the last year’s winner presenting the winner’s trophy to this year’s winner. However that did not occur. You could only see DeWyze tucked away behind Ryan Seacrest’s shoulder.

Nigel Lythgoe took to Twitter to make clear that he had, in fact, asked DeWyze to join in the fun. “I was so upset Lee DeWyze wouldn’t present the winner’s trophy to Scotty,” he wrote. “Especially as he’d been on the show this season. I guess he was shy.”

DeWzye quickly shot back via Twitter.

“Hey everyone, first off I want to say congrats to Scotty & Lauren, awesome job,” Lee began. “Well done, Scotty! Secondly, just for the record… I was not asked to be involved in the finale. It wasn’t until about 2 minutes before they announced that Nigel had approached me and asked if he could ‘borrow’ me for a second.

“I didn’t feel a last second jump onstage was appropriate,” he continued. “It was Scotty’s moment. I appreciate ‘American Idol,’ and the opportunity it has given me. And the people who have made that show possible. I am not angry, or bitter etc. It was an amazing finale, and I would have loved to be a part of it. I just wasn’t asked.”

DeWyze concluded his tweet, “Good luck to all the contestants and stay true to yourself. Thanks everyone for your support, tour coming up… Good times I’ll talk to you all soon. Love ya!”

‘American Idol’ Winner Scotty McCreery’s Single On iTunes Now

Christian Allaire — Thu, 26 May 2011 20:17:56 +0000

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17 year old ‘American Idol’ winner Scotty McCreery has released his single on iTunes.

The Season 10 winner of the hit singing show has released his single “I Love You This Big” along with his Season 10 compilation album, which features full-length versions of 13 tracks that he performed while competing on the show.

Runner-up Lauren Alaina’s new single “Like My Mother Does” is also available for download, on its own or part of her c ompilation album as well.

That was quick – but I guess people want them while they’re hot! Download the singles and let us know what you think of them. Will they be hits, or duds?

Scotty McCreery Wins American Idol

Christian Allaire — Thu, 26 May 2011 02:21:00 +0000

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Scotty McCreery is ultimate winner of ‘American Idol’ after Wednesday night’s finale.

After the public votes were counted, the country singer beat out competitor Lauren Alaina, despite an emotional performance that she dedicated to her mother.

20 million viewers tuned in to watch the country teen singers duke it out. Now in its 10th year, ‘American Idol’ has been a ratings boost for Fox and the nation’s most-watched TV show for the last seven years.

The winner was announced in a two-hour broadcast which featured performances by Lady Gaga, U2, Judas Priest, Tony Bennett and country superstar Tim McGraw, among others. New ‘Idol’ judges Jennifer Lopez and ‘Aerosmith’ frontman Steven Tyler also took the stage in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

McCreery, 17, was predicted the winner by a clear margin by DialIdol.com, which measures the busy signals on telephones used to cast votes and text messages.

I see a bright future for both stars. McCreery is so different from any past winners, so I’m glad he won. The runner-ups always go on to do huge things too, so I don’t think Alaina should be too disappointed in herself. They both deserved to be there and did a great job.

U2 Confirms ‘American Idol’ Finale Performance

Christian Allaire — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:20:59 +0000

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U2 is set to perform on the ‘American Idol’ season 10 finale this Wednesday, reports Billboard.

While backstage at the Billboard Music Awards, the band’s longtime manager, Paul McGuinness, revealed that the group would be rehearsing for the ‘Idol’ finale on Monday before performing on the show two days later.

In between the rehearsal and performance, U2 will perform at Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium on Tuesday. Talk about a busy schedule!

The four members of U2 also took the stage yesterday at the Billboard Music Awards to accept the Top Touring Artist Award for its record-breaking 360° tour. U2 guitarist the Edge admitted that it was an honor receiving the award.

“It’s always a thrill to win an award, but something about this really connected when I realized that more people had come to this tour any previous tour. Seven million people — I still can’t quite get my head around that figure. It’s so astonishing, and just feels really good.”

U2′s ‘Idol’ performance will be part of the episode that reveals whether Scotty McCreery or Lauren Alaina is the season 10 champ. It’s going to be an exciting episode, so be sure to tune in to see which country star will win the title.

John Rich Wins ‘Celebrity Apprentice’

Christian Allaire — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:50:44 +0000

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Country singer John Rich went all the way to winning ‘The Celebrity Apprentice,’ reports Billboard. Rich won $250,000 for charity.

Rich was up against actress Marlee Matlin on Sunday’s finale of the NBC reality show, but proved victorious.

Host Donald Trump said it was his toughest ‘Apprentice’ ruling yet. ”I’ve never had to go through something like this… You’ve both been amazing,” Trump told the pair before announcing his choice on the live portion of the program.

This season began in March with 16 contestants, each competing in business-oriented tasks around Manhattan to raise money for and publicize their favorite causes. The final challenge had called for competing promotional campaigns for a brand of soda.

Rich of the duo ‘Big & Rich’ won a $250,000 check for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Matlin had been playing for the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

‘Celebrity Apprentice’ will be back yet again next season. I personally wanted Star Jones to win this season – her ruthlessness was both admirable and entertaining.

Kathryn Bigelow Becomes First Woman to Win Best Director

Graham Slaughter — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:53:09 +0000

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“Well, the time has come!” announced actress Barbra Streisand as she pulled the winner’s name out of the small white envelope.

Last night at the Oscars, history was made as Kathryn Bigelow became the first female director to win an Academy Award for directing The Hurt Locker.

Bigelow beat out Canadian ex-husband James Cameron, director of Avatar, to win both Best Director and Best Picture. In addition, her nomination last night was the very first time she was recognized by the academy.

Bigelow’s voice shook with emotion as she spoke to the Hollywood Kodak Theatre packed with Hollywood’s biggest and brightest.

“There is no other way to describe it but the moment of a lifetime.”

Other first-time nominees that won an Oscar last night include Sandra Bullock for Best Actress (The Blind Side), Monique for Best Supporting Actress (Precious), and Jeff Bridges for Best Actor (Crazy Heart.)

Jersey Boys Capture Top Tony

andPOP Staff — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:34:18 +0000

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“Jersey Boys,” the musical about Franki Valli and The Four Seasons, topped the 60th annual Tony Awards last night to win Best Musical, Reuters reports.

Winner of the best play went to “The History Boys.” The play set a record for the most awards won by a dramatic play. It also won for leading actor for Richard Griffiths, set for Bob Crowley, lighting for Mark Henderson, director for Nicholas Hytner and featured actress for Frances de la Tour.

Despite not winning best musical the Canadian production, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” did not walk away empty handed. It won awards for best set, costumes and best featured actress for Beth Leavel.

Besides winning best musical, “Jersey Boys” also won for best performance by a leading actor in a musical for John Lloyd Young, Christian Hoff won for best supporting actor in a musical and Howell Binkley took home the award for best lighting.

Other award winners include:
- Kathleen Marshall for choreography for the musical “The Pajama Game,” which also won as best revival of a musical.
- John Doyle won for his direction of “Sweeney Todd,” Sarah Travis for her orchestrations of the musical.
- Best leading actress in a musical went to LaChanze for “The Color Purple”
- Cynthia Nixon won best leading actress in a play for “Rabbit Hole”
- Ian McDiarmid won best featured actor in a play for “Faith Heale”
- Lincoln Centre Theatre won for their production of “Awake and Sing!” which was also named best revival of a play and best costume design for a play.