Former Idol 411

Clay Aiken - News New Album “On My Way Here” Out on May 6

2008-03-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

American Idol’s Clay Aiken will release his fourth album “On My Way Here” on May 6, 2008. You can pre-order now on Amazon.com. The album was produced by Kipper, best known for his work with Sting and Chris Botti. “On My Way Here” will include the title track and a song called “Ashes”.

Clay Aiken can currently be seen on “Spamalot” on Broadway.

Chris Richardson performs “All Alone” on American Idol Extra.

2008-03-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Chris Richardson performs “All Alone” on American Idol Extra.

Blake Lewis Thinks David Archuleta is Boring

2008-03-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Here’s audio of Blake Lewis’s radio interview on “Two Girls and a Guy”.

Blake Lewis said that David Archuleta is boring. And confirms that David Cook “stole” from his friends Doxology.

Blake Lewis’ favorite contestant on American Idol this year is Chikezie.

Katharine McPhee "emotional and moved" by wedding to Nick Cokas

2008-03-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

Katharine McPhee initially awoke "peaceful and calm," however since it was her wedding day, that would soon change.

"I was so emotional and moved by the whole thing," said McPhee in People's February 18 issue.

The American Idol fifth season runner-up tied the knot with Nick Cokas in a late afternoon ceremony on February 2 at Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church.

"I had been holding onto my dad, trying not to cry," McPhee told People, adding her father Daniel was "happy" to give her away. "Then the doors opened, and I was blown away."

McPhee and Cokas -- who had been dating for two years before he popped the question last spring -- exchanged "I dos" in-front of 305 guests, however the 42-year-old only noticed his 23-year-old bride.

"Her beauty and the beauty of the moment exceeded anything I could have ever dreamed of," Cokas told People. "It was incredible."

Once the ceremony was over, McPhee and Cokas' wedding reception was held at St. Viviana's, a former cathedral that is currently used for private parties. Cokas then sang Bill Joel's "She's Got a Way" to his new wife, while she sang Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable" for him.

"We're a perfect fit," Cokas told People.

The whole affair was also apparently unforgettable for McPhee's fellow Idol 5 finalist Kellie Pickler, who roomed with the bride during the show's Summer 2006 installment and formed a personal relationship with her.

"I was so honored when Katharine asked me to be a bridesmaid," Pickler told People. "[The day] was so magical. It was like a fairy tale. I didn't want it to end."

Diana DeGarmo among CMT's 'Gone Country' reality competition cast

2008-03-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

Diana DeGarmo came up short in her bid to become American Idol's third-season champ, but she's ready to take another stab at winning a reality singing competition.

CMT has announced that the 20-year-old former Idol 3 runner-up is one of seven celebrities who will attempt to become a country music singer via Gone Country, a new reality competition series.

DeGarmo isn't the only Gone Country participant with reality television roles already on her resume. The currently-filming series will also feature former Being Bobby Brown star Bobby Brown; former Celebrity Fit Club contestants Carnie Wilson and Maureen McCormick; as well as pop singer Julio Iglesias Jr. -- who appeared on the Spanish version of Dancing with the Stars -- titled Â¡Mira quien baila!.

In addition, Gone Country's cast will also include former Twisted Sister frontman and radio personality Dee Snider as well as R&B singer Sisqo.

Gone Country will follow the seven musicians as they move to Nashville, TN for two weeks and are paired with an established country songwriter, who will prepare them for a career in the musical genre. Each episode of Gone Country will see the contestants participating in a challenge that tests them musically and also sees if they've been able to adapt to the country-music lifestyle.

Gone Country's six-episode run will conclude with one of the seven contestants recording and releasing a country song. John Rich, who makes up half of the country duo Big & Rich, will serve as Gone Country's host and will also determine which of the show's participants will win the grand prize.

Gone Country recently began production in Nashville and is scheduled to premiere in January 2008. The series is executive produced by David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe of Renegade 83 Productions. Marc Oswald also serves as executive producer. Melanie Moreau and Bob Kusbit serve as executive producers for CMT.

Former 'Idol 3' finalist LaToya London wants to be just "London"

2008-03-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Fantasia Barrino and LaToya London share a few similarities.

Both appeared on American Idol's third season -- with Barrino being crowned champ and London finishing fourth -- and both were cast for Oprah Winfrey's Tony Award-winning show The Color Purple, with Barrino starring on Broadway and London doing the same in Chicago.

Now London apparently wants a one-word moniker like Fantasia.

"I love the name I was born with, but as an artist, I prefer to be called London," she told The Oakland Tribune in a recent interview.

The 28-year-old is also taking her new name and returning to her roots, as London and her The Color Purple cast mates began a month-long run of the show at San Francisco's Orpheum Theater on October 9.

"The thing I miss about Oakland is the scenery," the Bay Area-native told The Tribune. "The lake, the Bay, the bridge, driving down 80 and seeing the bridge over the water and that whole view when the sun is about to set."

While Fantasia plays the role of Miss Celie -- the abused young woman played by Whoopi Goldberg in Steven Spielberg's 1985 big-screen adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel -- London plays Celie's sister Nettie. Despite performing in up to eight shows a week, which London said is the "hardest part" of the gig, she's also come to enjoy acting.

"Every night I discover something different about myself, and I feel my capability," she told The Tribune. "I just can't wait to go further with different characters. Nettie is close to who I am, so it's easy to relate. To challenge myself, I hope my next role is completely different."

London released her first album -- "Love & Life" -- in September 2005, and she's already got her sights set on the follow-up, which she told The Tribune will "definitely [be] soulful but fun and funny and spunky, more of who I am."

She's also planning to follow in the footsteps of another Idol third-season finalist: Oscar Award-winning Dreamgirls actress Jennifer Hudson.

"I'd like to work with Quentin Tarantino and do some drama or action," London told The Tribune. "We'll see what comes along."

Jennifer Hudson in Sex in the City Trailer

2008-03-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Hudson is looking great in the new sex in the city trailer

I don't know how I feel her playing a assistant though....

Ex-'Idol 3' finalist Jennifer Hudson lands 'Sex and the City' movie role

2008-03-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Hudson's Oscar-winning Dreamgirls performance has led to her landing a role in a potential box-office blockbuster.

The American Idol 3 seventh-place finisher has joined the cast of New Line Cinema's Sex and the City: The Movie, The Hollywood Reporter reported Tuesday. Hudson will play Louise, the assistant of Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw character. Former Sex and the City stars Kim Cattrall, Kristen Davis, Cynthia Davis and Chris North will all also be part of the film's cast.

Hudson portrayed powerhouse singer Effie White in director Bill Condon's critically-acclaimed 2006 film adaptation of Broadway's Dreamgirls musical. The performance has been a best supporting actress goldmine for the 25-year-old, as she has claimed numerous awards -- from the Golden Globe and Oscar to the Screen Actors Guild and British Academy of Film and Television Arts -- for her portrayal of White.

She recently completed production on Roman Woods' ensemble drama Winged Creatures, according to The Reporter, which also stars Kate Beckinsale, Forrest Whitaker, Jackie Earle Haley and Dakota Fanning. In addition, Hudson is currently in the studio working on her debut album, which Arista Records is expected to release early next year.

Sex and the City: The Movie, which is based on the Emmy Award-winning HBO comedy series that aired from 1998 to 2004, is set four years after the show ended. Filming begins next week in New York, according to The Reporter.

'American Idol 3' champ Fantasia Barinno dishes on 'Color Purple'

2008-03-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

When Fantasia Barrino captured American Idol's third-season crown in May 2004, she presumably envisioned a long music career was ahead. While she's had the chance to show-off her vocal abilities, Fantasia has also given her acting chops a try in The Color Purple on Broadway.

"I never thought I'd be on Broadway!" said Fantasia in the September 10 issue of OK! Weekly. "The Color Purple was the first show I ever saw. It's hard work, but it's an amazing thing to do."

The 23-year-old joined the cast of Oprah Winfrey's Tony Award-winning Broadway show The Color Purple in April, playing the role of Miss Celie -- the abused young woman played by Whoopi Goldberg in Steven Spielberg's 1985 big-screen adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

"I know how it feels to think you're nothing or ugly, so I put myself back into the time when I felt that way," Fantasia told OK! about how she relates to Celie. "Sometimes I don't want to do that, but it makes it easier to play her."

Fantasia's original run in The Color Purple was only supposed to last until October, however the show's producers extended her stay in the cast until January 2008 because it received a box-office boost after she joined the production.

"Sometimes I don't know how I make it through," Fantasia told OK! about performing up to eight shows a week. "When my body wants to quit, I have to say, 'Okay, just keep pushing.' Once I get on stage and I see and hear the audience, I get some energy."

In addition to a boost from the show's live audiences, Fantasia said she's able to keep performing because she thinks The Color Purple's plot "can touch someone else." Her role has already resonated with one young fan, her 6-year-old daughter Zion.

"I didn't think she was going to get it. I sat her down and tried to tell her, 'Mommy's not really being hit, Mommy's just acting,'" Fantasia told OK!. "After the show, she told me, 'Mommy, you are beautiful.' She's very proud of what Mommy's doing, and that makes me very happy."

American Idol judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul have already seen Fantasia's Broadway debut in The Color Purple, however fellow judge Simon Cowell has yet to make an appearance.

"Maybe he's afraid he's going to watch it and shed a tear!" Fantasia told OK!.

Despite her busy performance schedule, Fantasia said she still has time for a romantic relationship because "everybody's got a little time for some love."

"I do have a crush on somebody right now, but I can't tell it," she told OK!. "He's a rapper. He's pretty tough and hard, just like I like 'em. But he's always on the road and I'm always on the road, so I don't know. He's cute to me, though, and he knows I like him."

Following her run in The Color Purple, Fantasia said she plans on going on tour in the U.S. and abroad.

"Music is my first love," she told OK!. "I really miss it."

Ex-'American Idol' finalist Nikki McKibbin denies suicide attempt report

2008-03-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

Nikki McKibbin's recent 72-hour psychiatric observation was apparently because she refused medical treatment after a bad reaction to pain medication -- not due to fears that she was suicidal.

"Nikki did not attempt suicide nor does she have any plans on doing so!" the American Idol first-season finalist's representative told Extra in a Monday report.

Last week, Star magazine reported the 29-year-old Grand Prairie, TX native was undergoing psychiatric evaluation after contemplating suicide due to her mother's sudden death last summer, according to Extra.

After McKibbin's friends feared her depression due to her mother's passing "bordered on suicidal" they contacted police and Star allegedly obtained a copy of the subsequent police report, Extra reported.

"I want to live with my mom in heaven," McKibbin is quoted as saying in the police report, according to Star, which added the former Idol finalist said she used migraine medication to "dull the pain."

"Nikki was indeed close to her mom, we were all extremely affected by her loss," McKibbin's representative told Extra. "However, Nikki loves life and understands how important it is, not only to her family and friends but to herself as well."

The alleged police report states officers arrived at McKibbin's home, where she was standing outside half-dressed and clutching a bottle of pills. In addition, McKibbin allegedly tried to kick-out the patrol car's windows on her way to Fort Worth's John Peter Smith Hospital for psychiatric evaluation.

However McKibbin's representative told Extra that the former Idol finalist wasn't taken in for observation due to her mental state and instead refused medical treatment after experiencing a "bad reaction" to her pain medication for a broken foot.

"Nikki felt that she didn't need to go to a hospital so she refused to go with the ambulance," her representative explained to Extra. "Apparently the police stepped in and decided that it was in Nikki's best interest to go to the hospital so they took her. If the police take you, psychiatric observation is mandatory!"

McKibbin finished third during Idol's first season and subsequently appeared on Bravo's Battle of the Network Reality Stars competition series and E!'s Kill Reality reality series in 2005. Her debut album "Unleashed" was released last May.

Clay Aiken recording fourth album that's set for early May release

2008-03-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken is busy on Broadway -- but fear not Claymates, as the American Idol second-season runner-up is apparently good at multitasking.

"We're hoping the next album will be out about May 6," Aiken told People in a Wednesday report. "We've picked most of the songs. Sonically, I don't know that we're going down any path that's crazy. I'm not trying to be cool, I'm not trying to be hip. I'm not trying to do anything other than sing stuff that I'm good at."

Aiken is currently playing the role of Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot at the Shubert Theatre -- a gig that is scheduled to conclude May 4 -- just in time for him to promote his fourth album and first since Fall 2006's "A Thousand Different Ways," which consisted mostly of covers.

"In the past five years there's a lot I've learned about life, and I think people learn a lot in the twenties," he told People. "So we found a lot of songs that speak to that. I would like to wrap a lot of the music around that theme. It's early to promise that, but it's a goal."

Some of Aiken's fellow former Idol finalists -- including Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson -- have received recognition for performing duets with other artists, however that's a road he apparently has no plans to go down on his next album. But if he did?

"I've always wanted to do a duet with Martina McBride," Aiken told People. "I think she has one of the best voices."

Aiken added since he has an established fan base, he doesn't think his image will receive a makeover.

"Last time I came out with dark crazy hair. We did that intentionally," he told People. "But I'm just going to do what I do this time. We don't have any plans this time. But I've got the red wig [from Spamalot] -- maybe I'll do that!"

Ruben Studdard recording 'American Idol' seventh-season exit song

2008-03-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

The American Idol second-season champ's rendition of Kenny Loggins' 1977 song "Celebrate Me Home" will serve as the seventh-season "farewell song" heard after each of the Top 12 finalists is eliminated from the competition, The Hollywood Reporter reported Friday.

"It's very soulful, very heartfelt," Terry Lewis -- who is producing the song with Jimmy Jam -- told The Reporter. "Ruben is singing his pants off."

While Studdard was dropped by his J Records label in December -- the "Velvet Teddy Bear" is still signed to 19 Entertainment, the production/management company behind Idol. Studdard's "Celebrate Me Home" represents the first time a recording was done for the sole purpose of being used as Idol's exit song.

"Ruben has never left our fold," Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told Billboard. "[With] the success that we've had with the play-off song, I wanted to keep it in-house."

The success Lythgoe is referencing began during Idol's Spring 2006 fifth season when Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" served as the "farewell song" and eventually sold 1.9 million copies and was the year's top digital download.

Last season, former fifth-season finalist Chris Daughtry's "Home" served as Idol's "farewell song." It went on to receive a Grammy nod and helped his band's self-titled debut album sell more than 3.6 million copies since its release last November.

Ian Pirie, head of 19 Entertainment's U.S. division, thought "Home" had the "perfect sentiment" to be Idol's sixth-season "farewell song," and he feels the same way about Studdard's "Celebrate Me Home."

"Each year we think about what's going to reflect that really special TV moment," Pirie told Billboard. "Musically and lyrically, it fits it perfectly."

Due to Apple's new Idol sponsorship "Celebrate Me Home" will be available via iTunes starting March 12 -- the night Idol 7's first Top 12 finalist is eliminated. In addition, Pirie told Billboard that Studdard's rendition of the song is expected to be included on one of the annual Idol compilation albums and he is also "in negotiations" to perform it during Fox's Idol Gives Back broadcast on April 9.

One of the reasons Pirie said Studdard was chosen to record the "farewell song" was because of the "warm reception" he received from fans during Idol 6's finale broadcast, Billboard reported.

Since Loggins' original "Celebrate Me Home" recording is traditionally viewed as a Christmas song due to its first line -- "Home for the holidays" -- Lythgoe told Billboard the mention has been "excised" to make it less seasonal and added Studdard has also given it an "updated feel."

Studdard's song will be the third exit song used during American Idol's seventh season. Ferras' "Hollywood's Not America" was used as the "farewell song" during Idol 7's Hollywood Round, while Graham Colton's "Best Days" is currently being used after semifinalists are cut from the competition.

Amanda Overmyer - Interview - Entertainment Weekly 3/20/08

2008-03-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

The plug has been pulled on the Rock & Roll Nurse. In the first shocker of the American Idol season, Janis Joplin soundalike Amanda Overmyer got sent home after singing ''Back in the USSR'' during Beatles week II. She may not be smiling, but she sure isn't crying either. Amanda called EW to talk about why she might go back to nursing and whether or not she'll bother watching the rest of the competition.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Amanda, how on earth did you get voted off instead of Kristy Lee Cook?
AMANDA OVERMYER: That's been the general consensus so far today. That's awesome that everybody's surprised.

Surely you must have been surprised when Ryan said you were in the bottom three. You seem to get a lot of cheers every time you perform.
I wasn't really surprised. I didn't have any preconceived notions about what place I would land in. I knew I was going to be in the bottom half of the top 12. It was just a matter of what week I was going to go. When they called me to the bottom three, I thought that at least I gave it a good run and I got some exposure.

Why did you think you'd be in the bottom of the top 12?
Just because of how different I am. And the demographics of the people that like me don't necessarily correlate with American Idol fans and viewers. I think I turned a few heads to the show that typically wouldn't have watched but that doesn't mean they voted. As long as I got enough hype in the underbelly of pop culture I accomplished what I wanted to. Getting that popular vote would have required me to change a few things.

Like singing a ballad?
Yeah, and the answer is no, I wouldn't have done it. If we got to do four or five songs, sure, I'll throw a ballad in there. But when you've got people like Carly and Syesha and big ballads are what they do, I'm not even going to try to do a big ballad. Take Chris Daughtry's song ''Home.'' Excellent song. But put it right there next to a Celine Dion ballad and whose is going to be better?

Chris Daughtry's?
Well, that's what my opinion would be. But for the general pop culture viewing public there's a different answer.

Sometimes you had this look on your face like ''What the hell am I doing here?'' Is that what you were feeling?
I thought that every day. But I wouldn't have gotten recognized if I had not done the show. I don't have it in me to come to L.A. and beat the pavement to be a rock star. That's why I went to college and got a mortgage and got a career.

Why do you think the judges were so obsessed with you smiling? What was up with Simon saying ''It's okay to smile'' to you?
That particular day I had caught the bug that everyone else had already. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to sound like, ''Oh, woe is me. I am sick.'' Now that I'm off the show I can tell you I just didn't feel good and wanted to get off the stage as quick as I could.

Do you think that little spat you had with Simon on Tuesday night when he scolded you that ''you haven't sold any tickets yet'' hurt you?
I was just being honest with him. With Simon, the only thing with him is he's a male and men have huge egos and pride and they gotta have the last word but he didn't get the last word. I did. I didn't consider that an argument. I was just being honest when I said it's fine if I'm selling 50 tickets in a bar in Lafayette

I'll probably give it a good six months or so and beat the pavement. This will not be the unicorn I will chase for the rest of my life.''

Would you ever go back to being a nurse?
AMANDA OVERMYER: I might have to. You never know. Number 11 is still pretty far down there on the food chain. Hopefully I created enough attention that somebody wants to pick me up and let me do something with music. But chances are they won't and I might end up right back where I started. I'll probably give it a good six months or so and beat the pavement. If this ends up being my 15 minutes of fame I will gracefully bow out and move on to do something different. This will not be the unicorn I will chase for the rest of my life.

Wow. That is so refreshing to hear. Usually when I do these interviews the contestant talks on and on about how he or she is destined to be a star.
I hate those f---king answers. Are you kidding me?

Sad but true. So do you think you'll stay in L.A. for a while?
I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't know if it'll be a back and forth thing. I haven't had any conversations with the lawyer or 19 [Entertainment]. I am so green at this. I don't know what to do next. I have a lot of questions and am going to need somebody to take me by the hand and say, ''Okay, Amanda...''

Are you going to treat yourself to a gift — maybe a new Harley — to reward yourself for coming this far?
You know, the only thing I've bought myself this whole time is the jacket I wore last night. I got it on Venice Beach for $20.

What did the Idol in-house shrink make of you?
Every time I got ripped on the show he would meet me immediately afterwards and be like, ''Are you okay?'' I used to always joke with him, ''I'll call you later when I'm jumping off the building. You'll have to convince me not to jump.'' I'm so mouthy sometimes. I haven't been emotional over this. I pretty much made his job easy.

Anyone you're most looking forward to hearing as the show progresses?
I don't know. Give me four or five more weeks. I think some of them are showing potential.

Will you be watching the rest of the season?
[Looooooong, uncomfortable pause] Hmmmmm. Yeah?

That doesn't sound very convincing.
I don't know. I wasn't, like, a fan of the show before. I'll watch it more now because I know the people so yeah, I'll try to watch.

You sound very grounded and normal about this whole experience. Good for you.
That's the attitude I've had with all of this. I'm thankful to be here and feel very privileged to have come this far. But I absolutely refuse to be nostalgic about it. You know why? That's when you lose a sense of reality. I saw it happen with a few people. It's just ridiculous. We have the potential to be stars right now. We're not stars. All we are now is recognizable. That's it. I've got a hell of a lot more work in front of me before I can exhale and say, ''Alright. I've made it.''

Fox News Interview with Amanda Overmyer

2008-03-20T15:16:00.001-07:00

Watch this Fox News interview with Amanda Overmyer.

A very tired Amanda calls her self a “square peg in a round hole”

5 Contestants to Vie for 11th Spot on This Summer’s Idol Tour During Idol Gives Back

2008-03-20T15:15:00.001-07:00

Do you miss Danny Noriega? David Heranandez? Asia’h Epperson? Do you wish Amanda Overmyer had been put through to the Top 10 last night? It looks like some of them may get a second chance…

From the Season 7 Spoiler Forum on Idol Forums:

5 contestants compete for 1 WildCard Tour Spot (12th 11th 3 others from the top 24). The double-result show will take place on Thursday. Voting might be free or AI might charge $0.10 (or more) for each vote. All proceeds will go directly to the IGB charity.

IGB has been extended to 2 hours and 30 minutes to make room for more Could this be a sign that they are giving the go ahead??

A tour spot is very lucrative. USA Today reports that it is at least a 6 figure salary ($100,000). They might want to have it because WildCard Tour winner = selling more tickets for the tour.

The contestants will compete during Idol Gives Back, and be chosen during Thursday’s elimination show…

The rumor has been confirmed by Idol Spoiler Joesplace, who knows the skinny…

Kimberley Locke Set To Perform on Top 10 Results Show

2008-03-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

Nearly five years after she landed in 3rd place, the Last-Girl-Standing: KIMBERLEY LOCKE, will return to the American Idol stage for a live performance of her new single, "Fall," on the Fox series March 26th. Lifted from her "Based On A True Story" album (Curb Records), the song received a rave from Billboard stating it's "a stunning showcase for the versatile vocalist, as she delivers a powerhouse ballad—perhaps alongside '8th World Wonder,' her most satisfying single yet—complete with production and melody bells and whistles that will leave listeners swaying as Locke serenades, 'Go and fall apart, fall into these arms of mine, I'll catch you everytime.' The track builds to a diva-worthy climax—making upcoming dance remixes all the more propitious."

Locke has scored seven top 10 Billboard AC hits over the last four years beginning with "8th World Wonder" up to the recent "Band of Gold." Often receiving a tough-time from Simon Cowell while on the show, Locke recently dropped 40 pounds on Jenny Craig. (Cowell refered to her as an "overweight librarian," in his 2004 book.) Well, success is indeed the best revenge!

Project Runway's recent winner, Christian "Fierce" Siriano, is designing a dress for Locke's Idol return.

ALSO coming up for Locke: a full hour on Fox's "Don't Forget The Lyrics" this May. Locke sings tunes she knows (and doesn't) to win money for Camp Heartland - a camp for kids w/ HIV & AIDS. (Campheartland. org)

Also she was showcased on What Perez Sez.

The American Idol alum talks trash about Clay Aiken (we love her!), opens up about her new boyfriend (the trainer on Celebrity Fit Club) and talks about life as a reality TV star.

It's a fun fun time!

What Perez Sez…about Reality Stars
airs tonight, Tuesday, March 18th
at 10:00 P.M.
on Vh1

Idol gives back see returning idol alumni

2008-03-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Ellen DeGeneres will once again co-host Idol Gives Back with Ryan Seacrest when the show airs during Top 8 week on April 9. Musical guests include, Maroon 5, Heart,Miley Cyrus, Gloria Estefan, Boyz II Men, The Clark Brothers, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, John Legend and Snoop Dogg. Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon and Eli Manning will also appear.

Idol Sales News Week Ending 03/16/08

2008-03-20T03:01:00.000-07:00

Daughtry moves up from No. 23 to No. 21 this week after falling from 20 the previous week. Last week it sold 21,000 (mid-20,000 range, actually, but I have to round figures, you recall); this week it's right around 21,000, a 3% increase. Total is 3.88 million.

Jordin had a sparkling 49-34 jump last week and continues its upward trend by moving to 32 this week. Sales went from 16,000 last week to mid-17,000s this week, an 8% boost following a 10% jump last week. Total is 572,000.

Carrie's Carnival Ride fell 30-33 last week but held at 33 this week, increasing from the mid-16,000s to the low 17,000s for a 4% increase. Total is 1.93 million. Her Some Hearts went 58-58 last week but moves up to 57 this week, increasing sales from the mid-11,000s to the high 11,000s, a 3% jump. Total is 6.33 million.

Blake had a comeback thanks to his appearance on the show March 5; his album returned to the chart at 154 last week with 4,700 and remains on at 166 this week, with 4,300 sold. Total is 278,000.

Finally, Randy Jackson's Music Club Vol. 1 makes its debut at No. 50 this week, selling 13,000.

Jordin is the top Idol proper again, with No Air holding at No. 3 after selling 111,000 copies, down 3% from last week. Total is 706,000. Tattoo slips 30-34 with 29,000, an 8% decrease, for a total of 1.41 million.

Carrie's All-American Girl holds at 27 despite an 8% sales slide to 31,000. Total is 308,000. Before He Cheats plunges 96-135, with a 28% drop in sales to just under 10,000. Total is 2.23 million.

Daughtry continues to reserve four positions on the top 200. Feels Like Tonight is at 51, up from 52 despite a 5% drop in sales to 21,000. Total is 226,000. Over You slides 101-106, dropping 6% to 12,000 for a total of 933,000. Home sales fall 9% to 9,000, precipitating a 129-140 chart move. Total is 1.39 million. It's Not Over falls 171-178, selling in the mid-7,000s, off 8%, for a total of 1.70 million.

Related Idol phenomena include Leona Lewis' Bleeding Love zooming 12-2, selling 120,000 for a total of 318,000. Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah follows its Jason Castro-fueled No. 1 debut last week by selling 71,000 more downloads, although it drops to No. 10. Total is 636,000. Paula's Dance Like There's No Tomorrow has an excellent week, jumping 26-21 with a 13% increase in sales to 39,000. Total is now 189,000. Since The Beatles still don't have their tracks available for downloading, there's no impact visible on the download chart. The LOVE album did jump from 190-121 on the album chart with a 57% boost to 6,000.

Katherine McPhee- American Idol 7- "SOMETHING" 03/12/2008

2008-03-20T02:54:00.000-07:00

Katherine McPhee makes an appearance on the 2008 version of American Idol, singing "Something" by George Harrison of the Beatles on 03/12/2008

Kellie Pickler - "Red High Heels" - American Idol 03/19/2008

2008-03-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

American Idol 7- The Final 11 - 03/19/2008
Kellie Pickler sings "Red High Heels" on the American Idol elimination show on March 19, 2008.

Carrie Underwood-All-American Girl Music Video

2008-03-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

Carrie Underwood All-American Girl

Jordin Sparks - One Step at a Time

2008-03-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

What do you guys think of Jordin's next single? "One Step at a Time"?

Chris Richardson - Music - Single "All Alone"

2008-03-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

So what do you guys think of Chris Richardson single "All Alone"?

Also check out the sample of "Guilty"

Alicia Keys, Jordin Sparks Team For Tour

2008-03-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys will embark on a two-month North American tour April 19 in Hampton, Va., with support from 2007 "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks. The run comes in support of Keys' latest J album, "As I Am," which has spawned two big hits.

First single "No One" logged time at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Like You'll Never See Me Again" was a long-running chart-topper on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

As for Sparks, debut single "Tattoo" peaked at No. 8 on the Hot 100 and is No. 16 there this week. Second single "No Air" featuring Chris Brown jumps 25-19 this week on the Pop 100; a Chris Robinson-directed video for the track will arrive in late February.

Here are Alicia Keys/Jordin Sparks' tour dates:

April 19: Hampton, Va. (Hampton Coliseum)
April 20: Philadelphia (Liacouras Center)

April 22: Pittsburgh (Petersen Events Center)
April 24: Chicago (Allstate Arena)
April 26: Columbus, Ohio (Value City Arena)
April 27: St. Louis (Scottrade Center)
April 30: Minneapolis (Target Center)
May 1: Kansas City, Mo. (Sprint Center)
May 5: Los Angeles (TBA)
May 9: Las Vegas (MGM Grand Garden)
May 10: San Jose, Calif. (HP Pavilion)
May 12: Phoenix (Jobing.com Arena)
May 14: Dallas (Nokia Theatre)
May 18: Houston (Toyota Center)
May 22: New Orleans (New Orleans Arena)
May 24: Tampa, Fla. (St. Pete Times Forum)
May 25: Miami (American Airlines Arena)
May 28: Atlanta (Philips Arena)
May 30: Greensboro, N.C. (Coliseum)
May 31: Cincinnati (U.S. Bank Arena)
June 3: Detroit (Joe Louis Arena)
June 5: Cleveland (Wolstein Center)
June 6: Toronto (Air Canada Centre)
June 8: Montreal (Bell Centre)
June 11: Boston (TD Bank North Garden)
June 13: Washington, D.C. (Verizon Center)
June 15: Baltimore (1st Mariner Arena)
June 17: Newark, N.J. (Prudential Center)
June 18: New York (Madison Square Garden)

Jordin Sparks - A Day in the Life Of (Part 1 & 2)

2008-03-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

See what a day in the life of Jordin Sparks in like!

Part 1

Part 2