American Idol News | News on American Idol

Denise Jackson - american Idol 6

2007-01-21T21:02:00.000-05:00

Sixteen year old Denise Jackson was the first singer to make it through to Hollywood on the American Idol 6 premiere. Denise was from Madison, Wisconsin, and she revealed an inspiring background story. Denise said that she had been born a crack baby and was going to be sent to a foster home, but her grandmother came and rescued her.

Denise said, “Knowing that I was born that way, I thank God, you know because many people have disabilities from these things, and there’s nothing wrong with me, I was actually born with a gift, you know a wonderful gift, I can sing.”

Denise Jackson sang Billie Holiday’s “You’re Gonna Love Me.” After her audition, Paula Abdul said “Pretty powerful, pretty powerful, pretty adorable.” Simon Cowell said “Well, you did everything right. You’ve got two minutes to audition, you came in, belted it out, proved at sixteen you can do that, good on you. I think you’re a very good singer potentially.” All four judges agreed on putting Denise through to Hollywood.

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Denise Jackson

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Perla Meneses - American Idol 6

2007-01-21T20:59:00.000-05:00

Ryan Seacrest said that Perla Meneses was prepared to flirt her way to Hollywood, and she told Ryan that she was wondering if he had a girlfriend. Perla asked Ryan if he liked Spanish girls, and he said “yes.” However, Ryan took offense to Perla saying they were both kind of short, and he responded that she was short and he was average.

Perla Meneses is originally from Columbia, but she currently lives in Margate, Florida. Perla revealed that she came to this country when she was fifteen with two backpacks, her teddy bear, and her guitar. Perla also said that at one point during her life she was homeless and living out of her car. Perla insisted “It’s not a sob story, it’s a survival story.”

Twenty-five year old Perla Meneses sang Blondie’s “Call Me.” After her first song, Randy Jackson requested that she sing Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie.” Randy Jackson said “There’s something about you I like. You’ve got this kind of spunky, kind of crazy, wild attitude. I feel like you can jump out of your skin at any minute. I like daredevils. I kind of like you.” Jewel said “I think you’re cute and perky. You have a cute personality. I think your singing is a little bit in the middle as far as talent goes right now. I do think the second song was a little bit better.” Paula Abdul said “I much preferred you doing Hips Don’t Lie.” Simon Cowell said “You are great doing that Shakira thing, the problem is that when you did the Blondie song it’s so heavily accented it does sound a bit odd, so your choice of songs are going to be difficult for you. Ok, but you know that, you’re great fun.” All four judges agreed on putting Perla through to Hollywood.

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Perla Meneses

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Michelle Steingas - American Idol 6

2007-01-21T20:53:00.000-05:00

Nineteen year old Michelle Steingas from Exclesior, Minnesota sang Deana Carter’s “If This Is Love. Jewel said “So you like country music, that sounded a little bit country. I thought it was pretty good, [turning to Randy] did you hate it?” Randy Jackson said, “No, I actually liked your voice, when it got going.”

Simon Cowell said “I thought that was a very good audition. I thought it was an odd choice of song, but I think the public are really going to like you, because you’re confident without being irritatingly precocious.” All four judges put Michelle through to Hollywood.

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Michelle Steingas

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Rachel Jenkins - American Idol 6

2007-01-21T20:49:00.000-05:00

Twenty-one year old Rachel Jenkins is from Minnetonka, Minnesota, and she works for her parents’ body shop. Rachel’s husband Daniel is with the 4th Infantry division in Iraq. Rachel and Daniel were married for two months before he left to serve overseas. Rachel is also a member of the United States Army Reserves.

Rachel Jenkins sang “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.” Randy Jackson said “Ahh, you stopped. Simon, what do you think man?” Simon Cowell said “Rachel, you started off well on the song, and then it kind of fell apart towards the end, but when it started I liked you. You’re not one of the best singers, but I think people would like you.”

Jewel said “I’m with Simon. It started out it was a pretty quality tier voice, and then it sounded like you started floating between keys.” Randy Jackson said “I like the tone of your voice, kind of a husky, smokey tone. I was actually surprised when you opened your mouth and started singing, I was like wow, she might have something here.” All four judges decided to put Rachel through to Hollywood. Rachel told Simon that she loved his personality, and she kissed a picture of her husband.

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Rachel Jenkins

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Shyamali Malakar - American Idol 6

2007-01-21T20:46:00.000-05:00

Nineteen year old Shyamali Malakar from Lacey, Washington attended the auditions with her brother Sanjaya. Sanjaya’s father was a classical Indian musician, so she was raised around music.

Shyamali Malakar sang Summertime. Paula Abdul said “You’re better than you give yourself credit. You’re very nervous, and you don’t have reason to be. You’re very good, very subtle, but great. You have energy about you, I think your voice is really pretty.”

Simon Cowell said “Nothing unique, nothing different, very pretty, but nothing unusual.” Randy Jackson said “I like you. I think you’ve got a nice voice. I think you’ve still got to find out who you are and where it should fit, but I think you’ve got a good voice though, I like it.” Both Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul said “yes,” which was enough to put Shyamali through to Hollywood.

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Shyamali Malakar

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Rudy Cardenas - American Idol 6

2007-01-21T20:43:00.000-05:00

Twenty-eight year old Rudy Cardenas, who currently lives in North Hollywood, California, is originally from Venezuela, South America. Rudy is in a band based out of L.A. called m-pact. According to m-pact’s website, they won Billboard’s prestigious “Best Unsigned Band” contest and signed with indie specialty label Primarily A Capella.

According to Rudy Cardenas’ bio on m-pact’s website, he graduated in vocal performance from the University of Northern Colorado. Rudy sang Journey’s “Open Arms.” Simon Cowell said “It’s a no.” Paula Abdul said “Are you kidding me? 1 million percent yes without question.”

Randy Jackson said “I do love the song you know. It is an amazing song. Yeah, someone may have played base in the band. I do think that you’ve got a good voice, so I’m going to say ‘yes, welcome to Hollywood’”

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Rudy Cardenas

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Anna Kearns - American Idol 6

2007-01-21T20:36:00.000-05:00

Twenty year old Anna Kearns is a waitress from Wichita Falls, Texas. Anna is also 6’4” tall (6’7” in heels). Anna told Ryan Seacrest, “I’m here to prove that tall people can be singers to.” Anna was in the Air Force for awhile, but she was kicked out because she has a weak heart, which was caught a week before her graduation date.

Before Anna auditioned, Simon Cowell said “I think she’s the tallest girl I’ve ever seen in my life.” Anna Kearns sang Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” Randy Jackson said “Actually, I thought your voice was pretty good, little loud, very loud, probably could tone it down, but it’s a little tall where she’s singing from so..”

Simon Cowell said “Anna, you’re interesting, I thought you were very old fashion, very cabaret, very over the top, but you have..” Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson then started to growl at Simon. Simon refused to continue, but Randy and Paula put Anna through to Hollywood. After Anna left, Simon quipped, “You just put through a giraffe.”

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Anna Kearns

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Jordin Sparks - American Idol

2007-01-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

Sixteen year old Jordin Sparks from Glendale, Arizona is the daughter of Phillipi Sparks who played professional football for the New York Giants. Jordin said that she had been waiting to get old enough for her chance to audition for American Idol.

Jordin Sparks sang Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me.” Paula Abdul said “You’re beautiful. I loved you, love your voice.” Randy Jackson said “I was blown away, sixteen, wow.” Simon Cowell said “Sometimes, I like to put one sugar in my coffee to make it sweeter, that was the equivalent of putting eleven spoonfuls in. It was all a bit too cutesy, a bit over the top, you know that weird smile thing you were doing throughout.”

After Paula and Randy protested, Simon added “All I’m saying is it was a little bit too sugary for my taste. I like you, I was just trying to give you some constructive advice. It was a compliment.” All three judges agreed to put Jordin through to Hollywood.

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Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks

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Rosie O'Donnell Attacks American Idol For "Bush Baby" Remark

2007-01-19T12:28:00.000-05:00

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Rosie O'Donnell has opened her mouth again and is now bashing 'American Idol'. Rosie O'Donnell, who seems to have a problem with everyone but herself, hit out at 'American Idol's much loved judges, Simon, Paula and Randy, on 'The View' Thursday morning.

Rosie is known for sticking her nose in everyone else's business but her own, and this includes America's favorite show - 'American Idol'.

Rosie grumbled, "If you keep serving people crap, they're eventually going to think it's a meal."

"Three millionaires...one probably intoxicated. So sad."

Rosie's latest complaint comes after 32M Americans watched the debut episodes of the new season of 'Idol'. Rosie's anger came about when she saw Simon make fun of contestant Kenneth Briggs, who did not win a gold ticket, by telling him he looked like a monkey.

Simon told cynical Briggs, "You look like one of those creatures in the jungle with those massive eyes, what are they called? Bush baby."

Rosie fumed, "To make fun of someone's physical appearance, is this what America thinks is entertainment?"

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Madison teen, self-described "crack baby," part of American Idol

2007-01-18T20:10:00.000-05:00

MADISON, Wis. - Denise Jackson describes herself as a "crack baby," but the 16-year-old junior is now one of 17 contestants chosen in the Midwest to go to the semifinals for a chance to be the next "American Idol."

"There's a lot of controversy about what I said on 'American Idol.' Some people asked me, Why would you say that?'" Jackson said of her description of her upbringing. "It's the truth. I'm not ashamed of what I am. I'm a young lady."

Jackson, who goes to La Follette High School, has spent a chunk of her time with TV camera crews and answering phone calls about her success after being plucked out of more than 18,000 who auditioned. The show aired Tuesday in front of 30 million viewers, and she'll return to Los Angeles on Feb. 14 for the semifinals.

Jackson credits her brother, 28-year-old Rafael Jackson, as being instrumental in her decision to audition.

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"American Idol" Judge Gets Own Reality TV Show

2007-01-15T13:17:00.000-05:00

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Eighties pop star-turned-American Idol judge Paula Abdul is set to become a reality TV queen in her own right after landing a deal to put her life on television.

The former dancer has agreed to a deal with bosses at Bravo to turn her "hectic" life into a new reality series.

The unnamed show will focus on Abdul's work on American Idol as well as her private life and her new role as executive producer of the new film 'Bratz: The Movie' - based on the popular dolls for kids.

The singer says, "I'm excited to open the doors to Bravo and have all my fans see the other sides to me, beyond what they see on American Idol."

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American Idol Season Six: Booze and Sex Tales Emerge

2007-01-14T14:40:00.000-05:00

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America's number one reality TV show is set to surge on to television screens this week. Fans are pumped as a whole new set of American idol wannabes line up for our entertainment. And as if the program needed any more of a boost two jucy tidbits have emerged just before the first show airs on Tuesday.

Nothing like some sex and booze stories emerging to get the buzz stated.

First, judge Paula Abdul was on camera in Seattle slurring her words and many have accused the judge of being drunk or otherwise inebriated. The video of Paula Abdul promoting the new season of American Idol simply cannot be disregarded.

Stone Martindale writes, the various videos shows Paula acting "not normally," and looking inebriated on something. Paula’s flack is now blaming “technical issues” and “exhaustion” for her wacky on air behavior

He said, “She was exhausted. This was at the end of three days of press (interviews and appearances), and she has had cameras following her around for a reality TV show too. She was sitting in a room with just a camera and a mic on, and the controllers dropped the sound twice, which is why she rolled her eyes. She never drinks. I have known Paula Abdul since she was 13, and I have never seen her drink.”

The video is here.

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''American Idol'': Questions from the auditions

2007-01-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - There are separate lines for coffee, hot dogs, parking, pretzels and the bathroom at the New York-area auditions for the sixth season of Fox's ''American Idol.''

Oh. And there's a line to audition, too.

Thousands of wannabe Kelly Clarksons and Carrie Underwoods lined up at the Continental Airlines Arena at the Meadowlands Sports Complex last August for their chance to shine in front of producers.

While an arena spokeswoman counted 9,263 people inside -- that includes auditioners and their one allotted guest each -- a Fox spokeswoman said 13,000 people were present.

Despite the talent competition's new wristband-and-ticket audition process -- a numerical system that eliminated the need for crooners to camp outside of audition locales across the country -- thousands of participants began lining up in New Jersey on the day of auditions way before 5 a.m.

Here's questions many wondered before they arrived, with answers most had to figure out for themselves.

WHERE DO I GO TO THE BATHROOM?

Before auditioners were allowed inside the Continental Airlines Arena, the only place to do their business was in one of the portable toilets in the parking lot. Along with the 10 commodes usually stationed in the parking lot, 22 more Mr. Johns were brought in for relief, according to Ron VanDeVeen, associate general manager of the arena. Once inside, indoor plumbing was readily available to all.
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HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION?

Wannabe Idols were required to register the day before the first-round audition. Then, they and their one allotted guest received a ticket, wristband and instructions to bring two songs, two forms of identification and completed release forms. Auditioners were also told not to wear anything with a logo and be prepared to sing ''Can't Smile Without You'' by Barry Manilow in a group.

WHERE DO I PARK?

The New Jersey Turnpike off-ramp looked like a parking lot at 5 a.m. as caravans of singers made their way to the auditions. But actual parking was available at the site for $10 per vehicle. Because of the mass number of commuters, shuttle buses brought participants to the arena from the sprawling parking lot.

WHERE DO I THROW THIS AWAY?

Oh, anywhere. That's what most people seemed to do as refuse piled up on the pavement outside of the arena. Despite large blue trash bins with wheels that lined the roped-off section of the sidewalk -- guess aspiring Idols don't need to recycle -- the parking lot looked more like a war zone than a Hollywood set after participants moved inside the arena.

WHAT CAN I BRING?

According to instructions passed out the day before auditions, ''Idol'' producers allowed the following: banners, blankets, bottled water, cell phones, folding chairs, cameras, flashlights, hats, coolers, pillows, sleeping bags, backpacks, umbrellas, sunglasses and sunscreen. Stuff such as hair dryers, fireworks, candles, animals and camcorders were prohibited and possessing them could lead to ''immediate disqualification.''

GOT ANYTHING TO EAT?

Unless they packed lunches, the same stuff they'd scarf down during a professional basketball game. Outside of the arena in the morning, auditioners could purchase Dunkin Donuts coffee and assorted pastries from portable carts. Typically pricey concessions -- bottled water for $4, hot dogs for $3.75 -- were sold throughout the day of the first-round audition.

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WILD TIMES OFF SET OF AMERICAN IDOL

2007-01-14T10:55:00.000-05:00

January 14, 2007 -- As Season Six of "American Idol" debuts Tuesday, it turns out that the drama onstage is nothing compared to the soap-opera antics offstage - in the luxury bunkhouses where finalists share bedrooms, bathrooms, meals and a general disdain for the onerous rules and curfews.

Based on interviews with 10 past contestants from different seasons, The Post can reveal what life is like in the "American Idol" dorm.

Katharine McPhee repeatedly sneaked out to visit her boyfriend. Ryan Starr spied on neighbor Jennifer Lopez's house. Scott Savol and pals made frequent trips to Hooters. And Bucky Covington says the boys' rooms were stinking pigsties.

On the other hand, Josh Gracin often cooked breakfast.

Each season, contestants who make it past the national auditions are flown to Los Angeles, where they live two to a room in a hotel. Once Simon, Paula and Randy winnow the group to 12 finalists, they're moved into private accommodations.

During the first three seasons, home was a four-story mansion on Mulholland Drive in Bel-Air. Since then, contestants have lived in a luxury apartment complex just three miles from the studio.

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Rumors of Paula Abdul Spread

2007-01-14T10:25:00.000-05:00

Everyone should be getting into gear for the all new season of American Idol which will feature brand new voices from across the U.S. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Isn't it funny after 5 years the show is still leading the ratings and there's no doubt that this time around it may be even bigger. According to reports American Idol is so good that the night the Grammy Awards aired they got pushed off to the side big time.

For those who haven't been keeping up, this season auditions were held in Memphis, Tenn., San Antonio, Los Angeles, Birmingham, Ala., Minneapolis, Seattle and New York where tons of hopefuls displayed not only singing talent but ambition in front of celebrity judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

For season 6 you should also be expecting some special guest judges like every season of American Idol always does. This time around, guest judges will include Olivia Newton John, Jewel, Carole Bayer Sager and maybe a few others.

Now with Paula Abdul, alot of people have been saying alot about her after she appeared on TV on Thursday. Right now, people have been questioning as to whether she was drunk or drugged up or something. As many may not know the choregrapher/pop star has had some battles and health issues which will always arise every now and then such as her stated spinal injury and other health problems.

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Due to someone posting a video online and it getting a bunch of criticism, the pop singer/choregrapher cancelled a media interview on Friday. The video showed her slurring. Paula's reps did state that she couldn't hear during her interview and the the TV station did ackowledge that there was some technical difficulties during the interview which may have contributed to her alleged slurring.

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American Idol Audition Dates To Know - Season 6

2007-01-09T16:05:00.000-05:00

# Tuesday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 1 – Minneapolis Auditions

# Wednesday, Jan. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 2 – Seattle Auditions

# Tuesday, Jan. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM) Memphis Auditions

# Wednesday, Jan. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM) New York City Auditions

# Tuesday, Jan. 30 (8:00-9:00 PM) Birmingham Auditions

# Wednesday, Jan. 31 (9:00-10:00 PM) San Antonio Auditions

# Tuesday, Feb. 6 (8:00-9:00 PM) Los Angeles Auditions

# Wednesday, Feb. 7 (9:00-10:00 PM) “Rest of the Best” Auditions

# Tuesday, Feb. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 1

# Wednesday, Feb. 14 (9:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 2 – Top 24 Semifinalists Announced

# Tuesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Male Singers Perform

# Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Female Singers Perform

# Thursday, Feb. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM) First Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) – Two Male and Two Female Contestants Voted Off

# Tuesday, Feb. 27 (8:00-9:30 PM) Top 10 Male Singers Perform

# Wednesday, Feb. 28 (8:00-9:30 PM) Top 10 Female Singers Perform

# Thursday, March 1 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) – Two Male and Two Female Contestants Voted Off

# Tuesday, March 6 (8:00-9:00 PM) Top 8 Male Singers Perform

# Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-9:00 PM) Top 8 Female Singers Perform

# Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) – Two Male and Two Female Contestants Voted Off; Top 12 Finalists Revealed

# Tuesday, March 13 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Finalists Perform

# Wednesday, March 14 (9:00-9:30 PM) Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) – One Contestant Voted Off

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'American Idol' Kelly Clarkson And Reba Team Up For Sitcom

2007-01-04T14:34:00.000-05:00

Grammy award winner and 'American Idol' Kelly Clarkson will make a guest appearance on country music star Reba McEntire's hit US TV show.

The 24-year-old Walk Away singer will guest star as a ditzy local TV station intern in the sitcom Reba on 14 January (07).

This isn't the first time the pair have worked together - they sang a duet on US reality talent competition American Idol when Clarkson was a contestant in 2002.

Clarkson, who also performed at a televised tribute to McEntire late last year (06), adds, "I love her... She's just a really great person."

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SOHH Soulful: Former "American Idol" Paris Bennett Releases Debut

2006-12-26T23:50:00.000-05:00

As "American Idol" preps its sixth season, former finalist, Paris Bennett, independently plans her own tour and the release of her debut CD, Princess P.

Bennett, niece of inspirational singer Anne Nesby originally from the Sounds of Blackness, signed with 306 Entertainment for her debut set. "Dreamin'," the autobiographical first single, is slated to impact iTunes and radio in January of 2007. The 18-year-old co-wrote the majority of the songs on the album which also boasts production from Jon Jon TraXX, Darren Lightey and Rodney Jerkins.

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American Idol Carrie Underwood Dating Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo

2006-12-26T23:45:00.000-05:00

Forget about those rumors placing Jessica Simpson with Dallas Cowboys rising star QB Tony Romo. A new published report claims that the Cowboys signal caller is dating former American idol winner and rising country music star Carrie Underwood.

Cue Faith Hill: What?!? The pair were all the buzz during Monday's NBC broadcast of the nationally televised game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cowboys prompting veteran analyst John Madden to question exactly what was going on when the NBC cameras caught the pair hugging on the field before the game.

***

In Touch Weekly is reporting that Tony, 26, has confirmed that he and Carrie, 23 are a couple in an interview with a small-town paper in Charleston, Ill., where he played college football. The article will appear in Wednesday’s Journal Gazette/Times-Courier.

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"American Idol" Tops Nielsen List Of Popular Shows

2006-12-21T12:14:00.000-05:00

Nielsen has just released the most popular media trends in 2006. The list includes movie hits, television programs and music entertainment. Music related competitions proved to be the winners of the year.

In first and second place was the reality show extravaganza "American Idol," which aired on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights and saw Taylor Hicks taking the crown.

Another reality competition also secured its spot in the top five. "Dancing With The Stars," which included celebrities Joey Lawrence and Mario Lopez came in at No. 3.

Top 10 TV Shows - Regularly Scheduled:

1. American Idol-Tuesday - FOX
2. American Idol-Wednesday - FOX
3. Dancing With The Stars - ABC
4. CSI - CBS
5. Dancing W/Stars Results - ABC
6. NBC Sunday Night Football - NBC
7. CSI: Miami - CBS
8. Desperate Housewives - ABC
9. House - FOX
10. Deal Or No Deal-Mon - NBC
11. Without A Trace - CBS

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American Idol Hicks to marshal Carnival

2006-12-21T07:57:00.000-05:00

American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will reign as the Krewe of Endymion's grand marshal for the 2007 Carnival season. The gray-haired, 30-year-old soul singer from Birmingham, Ala., won over audiences this year with his vocal performances and curious dancing style on the hit reality TV show.

Singer Al Green and the musical groups Journey and Styx will also ride in the parade.

Hicks was in New Orleans for a wedding just before Hurricane Katrina struck on Aug. 29, 2005. With his flight out of town canceled, he took a cab to West Monroe and turned his free plane ticket into an Idol audition trip to Las Vegas.

Before ousting fellow Idol finalist Katherine McPhee in May, Hicks was a struggling musician unknown outside the small Southern clubs where he performed. His first single "Do I Make You Proud" sold more than 190,000 copies in the first week of release, according to Billboard magazine.

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Katharine McPhee's Near Crotch Shot

2006-12-16T16:41:00.000-05:00

In her first album cover, the gorgeous American Idol runner-up is riding the coat-tails of the "Year of the Beaver," and transforming herself into a Flashdance-inspired temptress.

Unlike most of today's artists, who rarely produce a track alone, Katharine is giving us 100 percent McPhee; there are no collaborations. Distancing herself from her giggly American Idol image may be just what the highly-tressed songstress needs to make her career soar. It worked for Kelly Clarkson!

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IDOL STAR UNDERWOOD HEADS FOR THE PERSIAN GULF

2006-12-13T16:54:00.000-05:00

AMERICAN IDOL winner-turned-country superstar CARRIE UNDERWOOD is hoping to spread a little Christmas cheer to US troops stationed overseas after signing up for her first United Services Organizations (USO) tour of duty.

The JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL singer will jet off to the Persian Gulf in the next few days to meet, greet and perform for soldiers. Underwood's spokesperson JESSIE SCHMIDT says, "There are no details and no dates for safety and security reasons. They never release exactly where the tours are happening, or exactly when they're happening. All I can share is that it is sometime before too long from now." Schmidt adds, "She's completely excited about it. She does have some band members that are able to go with her over there, so they're all just really jazzed." The trip will end an amazing year for the singer, who won American Idol in 2005 - her debut album,

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American Idol’ Hicks ready for the big time

2006-12-11T20:16:00.000-05:00

LOS ANGELES - Kicking back on a couch with a hot cup of tea, Taylor Hicks looks as comfortable backstage at the “Tonight Show” as he might in his own home. When Jay Leno pops into Hicks’ dressing room to say hello, the gray-haired soul singer is unfazed — a moment that reflects just how much “American Idol” has changed the 30-year-old’s life.

A year ago, Hicks was a struggling musician unknown to those outside the small Southern clubs where he performed. Today, he is a bona fide TV star and major-label recording artist whose self-titled solo debut hits stores Tuesday.

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Paris Bennett - American Idol

2006-02-15T17:35:00.000-05:00

The 24 "American Idol" finalists won't be announced until tonight, but entertainment magazines are already calling 17-year-old Paris Bennett the favorite in the reality show competition.

"She would have to set a kitten on fire onstage not to make it to the final 12," said Entertainment Weekly's Michael Slezak, who writes a blog about the show for EW.com.

That's a sentiment echoed by the many Twin Citians who have worked with the former Edina High School student or seen her perform on local stages.

On the show, Bennett is identified as a Fayetteville, Ga., resident, because she has lived there with her grandmother since last year. But her gigantic voice is familiar to locals who have seen her in recent productions at Penumbra Theatre Company in St. Paul and Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis.

Bennett, who as a sophomore starred in Edina High School's production of "The Wiz," comes from a musically gifted family. Her mother, Jamecia Bennett, and her grandmother, Ann Nesby, are past members of the Twin Cities-based Grammy-winning gospel group Sounds of Blackness.

"They are really something," said Penumbra founder and artistic director Lou Bellamy, who directed Paris and Jamecia in 2004's "Reflections of Black Nativity." "When (Paris) auditioned, it was clear that she was very special."

Bennett first showed national television audiences how special she was when her "American Idol" audition aired to more than 30 million viewers in late January. The tiny teen seemed to catch the trio of judges by surprise with her vocal power as she sang the Dixie Chicks' "Cowboy Take Me Away" and Billie Holiday's "Take Five."

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Paula Abdul called her performance "phenomenal." Cranky Simon Cowell called it "unbelievable" — and this time he meant it in a good way.

Locals who have worked with Bennett agree with the judges.

Edina High School theater adviser Tony Matthes remembers when Bennett tried out for "The Wiz."

"I had four senior girls going for the lead role of Dorothy, and they all had great auditions," Matthes said. "Then Paris got up there and hit a high C that was improvised. I could see the other girls step back, and then I saw the look of disappointment on their faces. A couple of them got on their cell phones to say, 'Mom, I'm not going to play Dorothy.' "

Christopher "Kit" Treece, who co-starred with Bennett in "The Wiz," said she was a hard worker.

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