mjsbigblog

AMA Update: Carrie Underwood and Adam Lambert Rehearse, Kris Allen Will Present with Demi Lovato

mj — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:20:17 +0000

Check out Carrie Underwood rehearsing for the American Music Awards, set to air Sunday November 22 on ABC. Carrie fans speculate she’ll sing her single, “Cowboy Casanova”. (The choreography looks similar to her performance last week at the CMAs)

There’s footage of Adam Lambert rehearsing HERE (check out the dancer complaining about her stilettos–that’s Courtney Galiano from So You Think You Can Dance Season 4).

And if you haven’t seen it– more footage from Adam’s AMA rehearsals, plus behind the scenes at the “For Your Entertainment” music video shoot HERE.

And Kris Allen is set to present at the AMAs with…Demi Lovato (Demi toured with David Archuleta this past summer) Kris discusses presenting at the AMAs in this video HERE.

Kris Allen and Adam Lambert: Billboard Magazine Cover

mj — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:37:37 +0000

Here’s the cover of the new issue of Billboard Magazine featuring Kris Allen and Adam Lambert on the cover.

For more, check out Billboard.com: Adam Q&A HERE. Kris’s Q&A HERE.

Kris Allen: Billboard Cover Interview

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:04:50 +0000

Kris Allen and Adam Lambert are on the cover of the next issue of Billboard Magazine. A Q&A and video is posted on the Billboard.com site for both Idols.

Check out an excerpt from Kris’s interview below. Read the entire interview HERE.

On the album, you worked with everyone from Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman to producer Mike Elizondo. Is there anyone out there you’d like to collaborate with?

It would be fun to write with Adele, actually. She seems like a fun girl to write with. I’m still new in the music business-it was funny, they would be like, “You’re going to write and produce with this guy,” and I’d be like, “OK!” I didn’t know who it was, so I would look them up on Wikipedia. When I went to work with Mike Elizondo, I had no idea who he was. I went on the Internet and it was like-Dr. Dre, Eminem, Switchfoot, Maroon 5, Fiona Apple and a bunch of people, and I was like, “What’s he doing with me?” [laughs] I ended up going to his house many, many times and working on a lot of songs with him.

How did fans respond when you previewed a few of the songs off the album at a tailgate party for a Miami Dolphins game in October?

“Can’t Stay Away” is a really, really fun song to perform, really funky, really groovy. I think people can really get into it. It was kind of crazy, because the first time anybody heard that song it was in that crowd-and people started singing along. That’s a good thing. I had a huge smile on my face the whole time.

Watch an interview Kris gave right after the Idol season wrapped up HERE.

Danny Gokey Debuts Another New Song – “Tiny Life”

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:57:37 +0000

Danny Gokey, debuted yet another song today, the ballad, “Tiny Life” written by Jeffrey Steele and Marv Green (who also co-wrote “My Best Days”). Danny debuted it live in the the studio with the Johnson & Johnson Morning show on K-Bull 93 in Salt Lake City, UT.

“Tiny Life” has been around for awhile. This blog mentions that Steele sang the song at the Bluebird Cafe in January 2005.

The song sounds a lot like Danny’s almost-single, “It’s Only”. The inspirational ballad is going to be Danny’s thing, me thinks, upbeat new single, notwithstanding.

Check out Danny’s new single “My Best Days Are Ahead” HERE.

Thanks windmills

Video after the JUMP…

Adam Lambert Billboard Cover Interview: New Year’s Rockin Eve and Barbara Walter’s Interview Coming Up

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:30:18 +0000

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen are on the cover of the next issue of Billboard Magazine. A Q&A and video is posted on the Billboard.com site for both Idols.

Watch Adam’s interview after the jump.

An excerpt from the Q&A below. Read it HERE. (Good news: Adam will appear on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and will be one of Barbara Walter’s Most Fascinating People of 2009. And if I’m reading correctly, he may be closing act Sunday night at the AMAs)

The interview took place right before the 2012 premiere.

The title track-which was produced by Dr. Luke, who co-wrote it with Claude Kelly-is now being worked to top 40 and hot AC radio. “I wanted to release something that would be played in a club, that would make you dance on New Year’s,” Lambert says.

He means that literally-”Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve With Ryan Seacrest” is one of the TV appearances lined up for Lambert in the coming months; the campaign starts Nov. 22 with his show-closing performance at the American Music Awards. Besides the typical rounds of morning and late-night talk shows, Lambert will be interviewed as one of the “Most Fascinating People” of 2009. “Adam is so telegenic. It’s going to be a visual launch,” Corson says.

A video for “For Your Entertainment” is forthcoming. It’s directed by Ray Kay, who did the video for Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.”

Kris Allen – KRIM Cake: Snaapppss!

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:19:13 +0000

Jim Cantiello’s entire video series with Kris Allen is up at MTV news right now. The video posted after the jump, has Jim and Kris sharing a little KRIM cake. Heh.

What I love about these videos is the way Jim and Kris riff off each other. Kris’s dry, low-humor is all over these videos, and it’s pretty awesome. Snapppss!

Plus, they get into some deep discussion about Kris’s new, self-titled album.

Check out the entire series HERE. Kris explains why he changed his twitter name HERE.

More:

Video after the JUMP…

MTV Shows

Jordin Sparks Leaves the Hospital on The Second Anniversary of Her Debut Album

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:25:53 +0000

Jordan Sparks tweeted as she was released from the hospital today. She had an emergency appendectomy Wednesday night. A little scary, but she’s doing fine now:

Released from the hospital on the 2 year anniversary of my first album! Im still hurting but it’s gonna be a good day.

Jordin’s debut album, Jordin Sparks, released on November 20, 2007, spawned 3 hits, “Tattoo” (peaked at #8, Billboard Hot 100), the massive “No Air” with Chris Brown (#3) and “One Step at a Time” (#17).

You go girl! Get well soon. And, congrats on that anniversary.

ETA: Good new for Jordin! She tweets: “I knew it was gonna be a good day! I just found out I’m NUMBER ONE on the Billboard Dance Chart!! Thank you guys so much! Eeeeeeee! ”

Elliott Yamin Update for 2010!

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:22:03 +0000

Elliott Yamin posted an update on his fan board the ETrain a few days ago. Here’s what Elliott has coming up in the near future:

Elliott is booking a tour for January-February — northeast to midwest to west coast to southwest to southeast. It looks like he’ll be kicking off at the Birchmere in DC on Jan. 2. (A Jan. 1 date at the Highline Ballroom in NYC has been canceled, for some reason.)

Also in the pipeline: a live, acoustic EP that will include “B-sides and maybe a song or two.” He hopes to have it ready by early 2010. (acoustic Elliott…Yay!)

Plus, Elliott will play his first South American gig at a music festival in Chile in February, and in March he’ll be heading back to Angola to do charity work for the orphanage he visited a couple of years ago and an anti-malaria initiative, this time backed by Exxon Mobil cash.

Thanks Lucy!

Michael Sarver – Signing Party and Performance at the Dream Center, LA

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:34:49 +0000

Michael, his wife Tiffany, and Dream Center co-founder, Pastor Matthew Barnett pose at Michael’s signing party

Michael Sarver celebrated his signing with Dream Records/Universal at the Dream Center in Los Angeles yesterday (Nov. 19). Later, he performed a few songs for the Dream Center’s congregation, including a new tune, “Cinderella Girl”

The Dream Center is the faith-based organization releasing Michael’s country album (in partnership with Universal Records) in 2010.

Besides “Cinderella Girl”, Michael performed his new single, “You Are” and a praise and worship song.

Michael tweeted last night, “Well today was an amazing day and tonight was an amazing night. I am blessed beyond words. Thanks to all that tuned in tonight. U guys rock”

After the Jump, Michael performs “You Are” and a praise song. Still looking for a recording or video of “Cinderella Girl”…

“You Are” and “Cinderella Girl” will be released as digital downloads on December 8.

Videos after the JUMP…

Matt Giraud Performs Two Shows at the Cornerstone Church, Saturday 11/21

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:37:59 +0000

Matt Giraud will perform two shows at the Cornerstone Church, Caledonia MI at 3:30 and 7:30 pm to celebrate the church’s grand opening. Folks who hit the 7:30 show will be treated to a fireworks display.

An excited Matt tweeted yesterday, “I’m so excited about this Saturdays shows..like a bird who found a French fry (little twitter-past joke) the super secret set list is done!!”

He also tell fans to get ready for an after-party, “Anyone who is coming to the shows Saturday in GR, there will be an afterparty where we can all hang. wanna meet the fans yo! more info soon”

Those of you who can’t make the trip to Michigan this weekend, can check out both shows via cell cast, courtesy of mattgiraudfans.net.

Matt Giraud – Cornerstone Church concert – Cellcast

Videos people, I want videos later…

Adam Lambert: More On the AMA Rehearsals

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:46:57 +0000

According to the LA Times, reporters were let into Adam Lambert’s AMA rehearsal for a few minutes yesterday, but then were quickly ushered out:

For about five minutes, this reporter was allowed to write notes from a cushy blue chair in the audience during Lambert’s rehearsal, watching as dancers sashayed across the floor in spangly harem pants, leotards with torn tights and in one particular eye-catching costume, leather pants topped off with a few leather suspender-straps and silvery chains on an otherwise bare-chested male dancer. A Lambert performance, we were reminded, is not a place for demure displays of postmodern dance. As for the panther himself, he took a few leisurely leaps to various levels of scaffolding, singing into a phantom mic and writhing with whatever dancer was around. On the top level of the scaffolding, a band of indeterminate numbers played keyboards, a flying V guitar and other gadgets, all of which collude to formulate the glam-rock pyramid that Lambert mightily prays to on a seemingly daily basis.

I’m sure there will be a few more reports today, I’ll post them here when they are available. Also, check out the preview I posted last night from ABC news HERE.

The American Music Awards will be broadcast Sunday, November 22 on ABC. I’ll be live-blogging, of course!

More Photos after the JUMP…

Idol Headlines for 11/20/09

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:46:30 +0000

Adam Lambert kicks off rehearsals for American Music Awards

For about five minutes, this reporter was allowed to write notes from a cushy blue chair in the audience during Lambert’s rehearsal, watching as dancers sashayed across the floor in spangly harem pants, leotards with torn tights and in one particular eye-catching costume, leather pants topped off with a few leather suspender-straps and silvery chains on an otherwise bare-chested male dancer. A Lambert performance, we were reminded, is not a place for demure displays of postmodern dance. As for the panther himself, he took a few leisurely leaps to various levels of scaffolding, singing into a phantom mic and writhing with whatever dancer was around. On the top level of the scaffolding, a band of indeterminate numbers played keyboards, a flying V guitar and other gadgets, all of which collude to formulate the glam-rock pyramid that Lambert mightily prays to on a seemingly daily basis.

LA Times

Carrie Underwood’s gift hits write note with museum

MUSKOGEE — Country music superstar Carrie Underwood has donated original sheet music of her song “I Ain’t in Checotah Anymore” to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The hall of fame unveiled the gift from the Checotah native Thursday evening at the hall of fame and museum, where officials also talked about plans for a multimillion-dollar expansion and statewide music trail.

Underwood, keyboardist Rocky Frisco and yodeler Ramona Reed were inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in September.

NewsOK.com

More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…

Adam Lambert Gives ET a Sneak Peek at His AMA Performance

ET is with Adam Lambert as he gets ready for his big AMA performance!

Adam says his fans can expect “fireworks” when he takes the stage at the big event: “The dancers on stage are amazing, there’s a great band playing along, we have pyro, the fashion is off the hook … It’s a really cool performance. I’m really proud of it.”

Watch the video for more of our interview with the “American Idol” runner-up! Then, catch the AMAs on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Jennifer Lopez, Adam Lambert ready for AMA stage

Lambert, 27, said he’s eager to see how the star-studded crowd responds to his provocative performance, a sexed-up rendition of “For Your Entertainment,” the first single off his upcoming album of the same name.

“I can’t wait to see people I look up to as artists in the audience watching. I think that will be a trip, and exciting and motivating all at the same time,” he said after his rehearsal. “It will be really interesting to see what kind of reaction the number gets. It’s different. It really does have an edge to it.”

The performance is heavy on leather and chains and includes Lambert dragging a shackled woman across the stage.

Associated Press

Review: Finally, a True `Idol’ Emerges in Lambert

This vocal chameleon can be all things to all listeners, and he kills at whatever he sings. Lambert is equally adept at hard rock, pop, disco, and power ballads, often blending ingredients of several in a single track to produce unforgettable results.

A perfect example is “Sure Fire Winners,” a hip-hop-infused track with scratches and weird sound effects, yet just enough heavy guitar and drums to appeal to the rockers, and a sing-along chorus to tie it all together.

ABC News

Album review: Adam Lambert’s ‘For Your Entertainment’

The ‘Idol’ runner-up goes for it all in his major label debut, with the help of the Hollywood pop A-list. The results are mixed, but never a bummer.

To point out Adam Lambert’s boutique addiction is to reinforce a gay stereotype, but Lambert himself enjoys playing around with preconceived notions, and that includes proudly showing that there’s depth and self-awareness beyond those stereotypes. Lambert’s other clear goal as a newly minted pop star is to celebrate all aspects of the word “play”: pleasure, performance, flirtation, virtuosity, masquerade. That’s what he does on this quickly assembled yet purposeful major label debut.

LA Times

Dear Adam Lambert I Do Not Want to Tickle You

“That’s a little creepy, Jim,” you said. “I think it’s a private fantasy of his. I’m unaware of it.”

If you need me, I’ll be crawling into a hole and dying.

Dude, I assure you I’m not a creep. I don’t have tickle fantasies.

In any case, I can’t wait to talk to you about your excellent new album next week. And I promise that you will realize as soon as you meet me again that I’m not a psycho, and that this whole tickle thing was a big, silly misunderstanding.

MTV

For your entertainment (and, sure, ours too), we caught up with Adam Lambert and Kris Allen at the Us Weekly Hot in Hollywood party at Voyeur nightclub last night. (The magazine honored both guys in its “Stars of the Year” coverage—Adam was named “Glam God of the Year” and Kris “Victor of the Year.”) Tomorrow we’ll be posting our interview with the adorable and subdued Allen, but for now, check out our heart-to-heart with the delicious little space alien known as @adamlambert:

Idolator

Torrid, The Destination For Plus-Size Fashion, Partners With Allison Iraheta, American Idol Season 8 Contestant, To Host Nationwide Event

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Torrid, the destination for fashion in sizes 12+, Jive Records and Allison Iraheta are excited to announce the release of Just Like You, Iraheta’s highly-anticipated debut album. To celebrate, Torrid stores nationwide will host listening parties where shoppers can preview and pre-order the album. The first 25 shoppers to arrive at the listening party will also receive a special goodie with their album purchase.

During her participation on the American Idol Live tour, Iraheta began writing and recording songs for the album with pop and rock hit makers such as Kevin Rudolf, Howard Benson, Max Martin, David Hodges, Kara DioGuardi and P!nk. Fellow American Idol alumni Chris Daughtry also contributed a track for the deluxe version of the album. In partnering with Allison Iraheta, Torrid is providing young women VIP access to on-trend fashion and music. Hope to see you there!

dbusinessnews.com

No Grinch will ruin Carrie Underwood’s Holiday

If only those Grinches disguised as tabloid gossips weren’t around to spill the eggnog. Underwood, during a Monday conference call to promote her special, took time to set the record straight when asked about the ending of the very entertaining CMAs last week.

“I just want to say that was really hurtful,” Underwood said of tabloid reports and Internet gossip that she was miffed with Swift’s runaway success that night and interrupted Paisley’s closing comments in order to turn the spotlight back on herself. “My brain would never operate that way at all. I have so much respect for every single person that is in that room. Whether they’re, I mean ’cause most of the people there are in the music industry. They are part of it. I would never dream of doing anything like that.”

Huffington Post

Kelly Clarkson brings shiny, happy, club-worthy hits to Seattle

Her new album is aptly titled “All I Ever Wanted,” and at the ripe old age of 27, Kelly Clarkson has achieved what just about every girl singing into her hairbrush might dream of.

Ask the “American-Idol”-winner-turned-superstar, and it’s likely she’d say she’s far from having it all. The humble gal-next-door is known for her sincerity, charm and modesty as much as her roof-shattering voice. And while it’s true that the shape-shifting star has plenty more avenues to explore in what will likely be a long and successful career, she is on top of the world right now.

Seattle Times

Review: Cook shows what idols are made of

A lot of the time David Cook could have been singing songs at his Peoria show Thursday night was spent waiting for the screaming to stop.

“How we doing tonight?” he’d ask the Civic Center theater crowd of about 1,500, and they’d erupt in a chorus of ear-splitting screams. He’d laugh impishly, then more screams. He didn’t even have to sing or thrash on his guitar; a sigh into the mic would bring on waves of high-pitched sound. The crowd remained on its feet for the Season 7 “American Idol” winner’s entire show.

“Thank you so much for coming out tonight, I’m loving this crowd. But, where are the aisles?” he asked, to the laughter of an audience used to scrambling over other concertgoers to get to a middle seat.

PJStar.com

No place like home for Archuleta

Nothing says Christmas like coming home. That’s where David Archuleta hopes he’ll be this year — where his heart is, in Murray, Utah.

“In this business, if you get a little time off here and there, many people will stay out where they are working and just relax,” said Archuleta, who is currently in Los Angeles. “But I say if I have time off, even if it is just a few days, I try to get home.

“I am not sure where I will be at Christmas. The tour schedule goes until right before Christmas, and the fact is, there isn’t really just one place I live right now. But I still call Utah home, and try to spend as much time as I can there.”

At the very least, Archuleta will make it home during Thanksgiving week. He plays two shows at Abravanel Hall, on Tuesday and Wednesday. He has played the venue before, once at an event for Sen, Orrin Hatch, and once, this past summer, for a pops concert.

Standard.net

Archuleta returns to Utah for holiday concerts

When David Archuleta performed in Utah for the first time after he finished second in the 2008 season of “American Idol,” the concert sold out.

When he performed in Utah this past March, the concert sold out.

So this November, tour organizers scheduled two concerts for Archuleta’s home state. The 18-year-old Murray pop singer will perform selections from his recently released “Christmas From the Heart.”

“To call Los Angeles home — I could never do that,” Archuleta said in a Tribune interview. “I like Utah too much.”

Archuleta is spending plenty of time in L.A. these days, writing songs for his second pop album, which his label hopes will be released in 2010. But Archuleta said that as much as he loves his fans to hear his music, he wants to make his sophomore effort count.

Salt Lake Tribune

‘Dreamgirl’ Sheryl Lee Ralph on Newcomer Syesha Mercado

The original “Dreamgirl” and Broadway veteran Sheryl Lee Ralph is sharing her thoughts on former “American Idol” contestant Syesha Mercado, who plays Deena Jones in the revival of the stage production.

“Either way, I’m looking forward to seeing Mercado as the latest reincarnation of Deena Jones in yet another United States national tour of Dreamgirls, starting at the world famous Apollo. We’re both Capricorns with Connecticut roots. We both love Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill …and now we share Deena Jones. ‘Wonderful, what can I say but wonderful.’”

ETOnline

Holiday happenings

The stars of the small screen will shine brightly at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora this December.

“American Stars In Concert for the Holidays” on Dec. 19 features four “American Idol” Top 10 contestants from the first eight seasons, including hometown girl Gina Glocksen of Naperville.

Their final number will feature a combined choir from Marmion Academy and Rosary High School.

“With the ‘American Idol’ show, we’re having some fun and experiencing traditional Christmas carols in a whole new way with rock and dancing,” said Melissa Mercado, marketing manager with the Paramount. “Anyone who loves that TV show is really going to like this show.”

Suburban Chicago News

Glee Star Amber Riley: Cast Romances “Would Be Like Incest”

Glee star Mark Salling may have gotten cozy with Audrina Patridge at Thursday’s Us Weekly Hot Hollywood party at L.A.’s Voyeur — but if the rest of Glee’s cast are getting romantic, it’s not with each other.

Amber Riley, who plays Mercedes on Fox’s musical hit, insisted to Usmagazine.com that castmates Lea Michele and Cory Monteith are not an item — despite flirtatious chemistry on the show and off-set rumors.

US Magazine

Yay Glee!: The Cast Interview

Perhaps not since American Idol or the invention of Guitar Hero and Rock Band has there been a mainstream pop-cultural force that so readily introduces music of the past to the young generation as does Fox’s Glee. Whether it’s old-skool hip-hop hits like Young MC’s “Bust A Move” and Salt N Pepa’s “Push It”; classic rock cuts like Queen’s “Somebody To Love,” Heart’s “Alone,” and REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling”; the entire Madonna catalog (an all-Madge Glee episode is thrillingly in the works); or even Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” the irresistible glee-club singalongs on this groundbreaking program are creating a whole new curriculum of Music Appreciation across the nation.

Yahoo Music

X Factor star Danyl Johnson wins row with Simon Cowell over song

Simon Cowell last night caved in to Danyl Johnson and changed his song for this week’s show.

The stroppy drama teacher had a hissy fit and stormed out of rehearsals when asked to sing George Michael’s Praying for Time.

But after crisis talks Cowell agreed he could perform the star’s classic hit Careless Whisper.

And the X Factor judge brushed off their row as a “storm in a teacup” blaming 27-year-old Danyl’s meltdown on the pressure of competing for the top prize. He said: “The frustration got to him and he boiled over but when we talked it through he was as good as gold.

Mirror.co.uk

Susan Boyle, “I Dreamed a Dream” (Columbia) [1.5 STARS out of 4]

Arranged for maximum orchestral bombast and drenched in schmaltz, the material clearly was chosen for the broadest marketing appeal. There are Baby Boomer-friendly pop songs (”Wild Horses,” “Daydream Believer,” “The End of the World”), traditional hymns (”Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art”), the tunes she sang on television and even, in consideration of the season, a closing version of “Silent Night.”

None of these can fairly be considered the definitive reading of the song, as artful as the work of a Charlotte Church, or even anything beyond the capabilities of a thousand gifted mezzo-sopranos regularly appearing in musicals staged by community theaters around the world. The difference is that Boyle, for better or worse, is in the midst of Andy Warhol’s fabled 15 minutes of fame.

Chicago Sun Times

X Factor’s Danyl Johnson brought to heel by Simon Cowell after threatening to quit show

He has been his staunchest defender throughout the X Factor.

But now even Simon Cowell has lost patience with Danyl Johnson over his arrogant and smug attitude.

Cowell felt forced to have a one-on-one meeting with Johnson after he threw a tantrum over his choice of song for this weekend – and continued causing tension in the X Factor house.

Johnson’s latest outburst saw him threatening to quit the show, but he was quickly brought to heel by some choice words from his mentor.

Cowell reminded the 27-year-old that he cannot expect any special treatment and will be judged on the same basis as all other contestants.
Simon Cowell

Tensions are running high between the singer and his very powerful mentor

Johnson, a bisexual drama teacher from Kent, left rehearsals for the ITV talent show after demanding that his song for this week’s programme had to be changed.

The theme for the show is 1980s band Wham!

Daily Mail.co.uk

Carrie Underwood – Jimmy Kimmel Live – VIDEO

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:45:14 +0000

American Idol, uberfans, and vegetarianism were some of the subjects that came up when Carrie Underwood sat down for a chat with Jimmy Kimmel on his talk show last night.

Carrie was pretty amused when Jimmy presented an avocado turkey to her, in honor of her vegetarian lifestyle. Looks appetizing doesn’t it? Erm. No.

Later, Carrie took the stage to perform “Undo it” from her new album Play On. Those who attended her outdoor mini-concert were also treated to a performance of her single, “Cowboy Casanova”.

Get Carrie:

Carrie Underwood – Play On – Amazon
Carrie Underwood – Play On – iTunes
Carrie Underwood – “Undo It” – iTunes

Video after the JUMP…

Carrie Underwood – Jimmy Kimmel – Interview

car kim 1 @ Yahoo! Video

Carrie Underwood – Jimmy Kimmel – “Undo It”

carrie kim @ Yahoo! Video

Danny Gokey – New Single – My Best Days Are Ahead of Me

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:49:03 +0000

Brian Mansfield from Idol Chatter has confirmed what I reported this morning, that Danny Gokey’s label, RCA Nashville has decided to go with the uptempo “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” rather than the ballad, “It’s Only”.

The song was written by Marv Green (Lonestar’s Amazed, Reba McEntire’s Consider Me Gone) and Kent Blazy (Garth Brooks’ (Ain’t Goin’ Down) ‘Til the Sun Comes Up, Chris Young’s Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song).

The single will go to country radio soon. A digital single will be available Dec. 22.

Danny posted the official version of the song to his MySpace. Listen to it right here:

Adam Lambert Responds to Out Magazine

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:10:06 +0000

UPDATE: I am SO not going to start a new post on this subject, but Aaron Hicklin repsonded to Adam’s response. Check it out HERE.

In his interview with Entertainment Weekly, reprinted in full below, Adam says, “the letter that Aaron wrote is holding us back. Because it’s recognizing the big difference as opposed to letting us all ignore preference and just be people.” We’re glad he’s sees sexuality that way. So do we — it’s why we were so dismayed by his management whose actions reinforced those distinctions rather than erased them. This was never about turning Adam into a political figure, or about whether he should have been on the cover of Rolling Stone first (of course he should have — what pop star wouldn’t want that?). It was, however, about challenging the double standard applied to gay and mainstream media, or to use Adam’s words, moving past those distinctions between gay and straight.

In an exclusive interview with Adam Lambert today at the rehearsals for the American Music Awards, Entertainment Weekly got his reaction to editor Aaron Hinklin’s Out Magazine editorial

What people don’t realize is, I am managing my image, more than maybe the editor of OUT magazine likes to give anybody credit for. My team is a team. And I really feel fortunate that 19 Management and Simon Fuller said to me, from the get-go, “We want to do what you want to do. You need to tell us how you want to do things, what interests you have,” and they’ve been incredibly supportive of me. I really mean it. I’m not being puppeted around. I didn’t want to jump onto a gay magazine as my first thing, because I feel like that’s putting myself in a box and limiting myself.

It was my desire to stay away from talking about certain political and civil rights issues because I’m not a politician. I’m an entertainer. That is not my area of expertise. I can talk about relationships and personal experiences because as an artist those things involve writing lyrics and that part of my process. But I didn’t feel comfortable talking about the March on Washington. I didn’t feel comfortable, so I asked my publicist to ask the interviewer to stay away from the political questions. I take full responsibility for that. I think that the editor has his agenda and has his opinions, which I respect, but they’re not necessarily my opinions. And I wish there was a little respect for that. Not every gay man is the same gay man.

Adam also says that if there are things going on behind the scenes with his management, it has nothing to do with the interview conducted with Out.

Adam Lambert: ‘For Your Entertainment’ Video Behind the Scenes

mj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:53:52 +0000

Tonight’s Access Hollywood featured a behind the scenes look at Adam Lambert’s “For Your Entertainment” music video.

Leather and fetish on parade peeps. Check it out after the jump.

Bonus: AMA Rehearsals! Also after the jump.

Video after the JUMP…

AH behind the scenes at FYE video shoot

Behind the scenes at AMA rehearsal

Allison Iraheta – Don’t Waste the Pretty – VIDEO

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:25:01 +0000

Watch Allison Iraheta perform a stunning acoustic version of “Don’t Waste the Pretty” live at the Hot 99.5 studios in Maryland, outside of Washington DC.

Holy sh*t, this girl can sang. Her raspy, throaty vocals are in full display here. Do. Not. Miss. After the jump.

The tune is from Allison’s debut album, Just Like Me, set to be released December1.

ETA: “Don’t Waste the Pretty” and “Just Like You”, performed at the B104 studios in PA:

Allison Iraheta – Just Like You – iTunes Pre-order
Allison Iraheta - Just Like You – Amazon
Friday I’ll Be Over U – iTunes
Friday I’ll Be Over U – Amazon

Video after the Jump…

David Archuleta Vlogs: Kaleidoscope Special and Christmas Tour

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:10:22 +0000

David Archuleta vlogs from his home in Utah, where he is getting ready for his Christmas from the Heart tour, set to begin in Salt Lake City on November 24th.

He just filmed an ice skating special, Kaleidoscope, in Washington DC, with Katharine McPhee that will air on Thanksgiving Day.

Plus, he took a train to NY, where he sang in a Harlem school, for Spanish cable network, Univision. The segment will air on December 10.

Right before heading home, he was in LA writing songs for his next studio album, scheduled to be released next year.

Video after the JUMP…

Kris Allen – Entertainment Weekly Interview

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:32:42 +0000

Michael Slezak interviewed Kris Allen for Entertainment Weekly in a new 7-part video series. They discuss the album, track by track, how Kris managed to record a record under the unique conditions of a newly-minted American Idol, and the compromises that needed to be made along the way.

Check out the Kris Allen Entertainment Weekly interview HERE.

Danny Gokey Performs New Songs at Wolf 95.7

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:37:02 +0000

Danny Gokey stopped by the Wolf 95.7 San Fransisco radio studios yesterday to perform two songs, “My Best Days” and “It’s Only”.

Which song will be the first single off his debut album due to hit stores in March? Danny announced “It’s Only” as his new single, but I’m hearing that he told DJs this morning his new single will be “My Best Days.”

Record labels change course all the time, so it’s possible RCA Nashville had a change of heart about which song should lead off the new album. More will be revealed soon, I’m sure.

Videos after the JUMP…

My Best Days

It’s Only

Jordin Sparks Out of Surgery For Appendicitis and Doing Well

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:04:32 +0000

ETA: Jordin is all smiles from her hospital bed…”Smiling, resting & takin it easy!…” she tweets…

Jordin Sparks had to cancel a trip to Australia due to a bout of acute appendicitis. According to a tweet from her Nana, she is out of surgery and doing well.

Jordin was set to sing a duet with former Idol, Guy Sebastian on the Australian Idol telecast, when the program’s producers received word from Jordin’s label that she was ill with appendicitis and would have to cancel the trip.

Yesterday, Jordin tweeted that she wasn’t feeling well and needed prayer.

But later, according to reports, Jordin’s Nana tweeted that Jordin was out of surgery, “doing great” and ” is very disappointed she wont be singing with guy on aus. idol”

Good to know the surgery was successful. Get well soon Jordin! You’ll be back on your feet before you know it…

via Idol Forums

UPDATE: Jordin is feeling well enough to tweet:

Was struck w/ acute appendicitis…took out that appendix last night. Recovering today & the next week or so…Feeling a little better but very sore. Thank you so much for your thoughts & prayers. It means so much & it’s so powerful.

David Cook Plays Entire Album to Celebrate One Year Anniversary

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:32:26 +0000

The one year anniversary of David Cook, the album was yesterday (November 18) and to celebrate, David performed the entire album live from beginning to end for lucky concert-goers in Indiana last night.

After the jump, check out a few tunes he rarely plays in concert: “Avalanche”, the powerful “Permanent” and “Life on the Moon”

After the show, @thedavidcook tweeted, “lofty idea, playing the whole record tonight. Worth it. Vocal rest tonight to get through the next few days, but worth it. Thx, Indiana!”

Happy anniversary David!

Videos after the JUMP…

Permanent

Avalanche

Life on the Moon

Adam Lambert, Kris Allen Attend the Us Weekly Hot Hollywood Event

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:47:03 +0000

Last night’s (Nov 18) Hot Hollywood 2009 party in Los Angeles found Adam Lambert (Glam God of the Year) and Kris Allen (Victor of the Year) reuniting on the red carpet. Kris’s wife, Katy, was there too.

Kris’s self-titled album, Kris Allen was released on Tuesday, while Adam’s debut, For Your Entertainment, will be available everywhere, November 23.

MTV has a rather awkward video of Adam and Kris on the red carpet, HERE. Adam’s “special” ring is mentioned. Ahem.

Bonus: Glee’s Mark Salling on the red carpet, after the jump…

More Photos After the JUMP…

Idol Headlines for 11/19/09

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:02:27 +0000

‘GMA’ Presents Free Adam Lambert Concert!

“Good Morning America” announced today that “American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert will be playing a live, free, intimate concert on Nov. 25 as part of “GMA’s” Fall Concert Series and you’re invited!

If you live in the New York area, come down to the Hudson Theatre on 44th street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, to see the star perform live. Seats are first come, first serve.

ABC News

Jordin Sparks cancels

We were looking forward to having Jordin Sparks on our show but we have just received this notice from Sony, Jordin’s music label.

JORDIN SPARKS CANCELS PROMOTIONAL TRIP DUE TO ILLNESS

Sony Music artist Jordin Sparks has had to cancel her planned promotional trip to Australia due to acute appendicitis for which she is currently receiving treatment.

Jordin’s management has released the following statement from Jordin:

“I want to apologize to all of my fans and Guy Sebastian for not being able to travel to Australia. I really hope to see you guys soon and get back to the land down under. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.”

au.lifestyle.yahoo.com

More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…

Adam Lambert: Hot Hollywood Hunk

Tending to press duties as he gears up for his debut album’s release, Adam Lambert attended US Weekly’s Hot Hollywood 2009 Party in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (November 18).

Held at Voyeur, the “American Idol” hunk was all glammed up as he mingled with fellow guests including Kris Allen and Katy O’Connell.

celebrity-gossip.net

A Minute With: Adam Lambert “For Your Entertainment”

LOS ANGELES (Reuters Life!) – Adam Lambert may have lost the battle to be crowned “American Idol” but the glam rocker with soaring vocals says he got what he wanted from the TV singing contest — an album deal, exposure and a chance to make and present music his way.

Lambert’s debut album “For Your Entertainment” will be released on Nov 23. The 27 year-old from California spoke to Reuters about his music, his hopes and how his life has changed.

Q: How would you describe the music on the album?

Reuters.com

Adam Lambert: Who’s outraged by the OUT cover controversy?

As you may have read yesterday, Aaron Hicklin, editor of OUT magazine, wrote an open letter to American Idol season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert, accusing the singer and his management team of the following: only agreeing to the OUT cover shoot if it included a straight woman*; demanding they not make Adam look “too gay”; and not agreeing to be on OUT’s cover while the Idol season was going on. (Little known fact: The Gay Mafia bylaws state that any gay celeb who doesn’t immediately agree to an OUT cover request can have his/her membership card** revoked. Fact that somehow seems to have been lost on Hicklin: The folks at Fox don’t cooperate with solo contestant covers/interviews till after the Idol season has wrapped.)

Entertainment Weekly

Adam Lambert’s Debut Album ‘For Your Entertainment’ Is Simply Mediocre

Adam Lambert’s Debut Album ‘For Your Entertainment’ Is Simply Mediocre Life after American Idol is a delicate dance on coals for most who pass through the talent show. Customarily, winners/runners-up are called upon to record a crap forgettable single designed to accrue a modest number of spins on radio, and if they’re lucky, they start to come into their own, then are allowed a chance to misstep for the sake of artistic growth. Then they finally hit their stride. It’s here that we finally begin to regard this kind of Idol alum independently of the show that vaulted her to success. To that end, Adam Lambert’s got a long, twisty path to pop stardom ahead of him. For Your Entertainment may make that ascent even more difficult.

Black Book Magazine

For Your Entertainment

It was the album-cover shot shown ’round the world — or rather, the hydra-headed gossip-sphere: Adam Lambert in full gender-bent regalia, a black-leathered, blue-follicled flashpoint of next-level snazzy-dazzlement. And it seemed to make a certain promise: This special snowflake would not tamp down his fabulosity for the masses. He would let his kohl-rimmed light shine, American Idol’s sterile starmaker machinery be damned — nobody puts Glammy in a corner!

Entertainment Weekly

Adam Lambert’s debut, ‘For Your Entertainment,’ has plenty of flash, and plenty to offer

Like the man himself, Adam Lambert’s post-“American Idol” debut album is over the top and heavily accessorized. But beneath the flashy trappings lurks a trippy hippie heart, and Lambert’s sunny affirmations help make “For Your Entertainment” a shiny party album worth keeping on the morning after.

Written and produced by a slew of industry big shots that includes Pink, Lady Gaga, One Republic singer Ryan Tedder and members of Muse, Lambert’s album suffers from the same glossy professionalism that makes most “Idol” CDs seem permanently shrink-wrapped. Lambert’s crazy, octave-vaulting vocals were like nothing we had heard on “Idol” before, but the blandly bombastic “Time for Miracles” and the generically bouncy “Sure Fire Winners” could have been recorded by anybody.

SignOnSanDiego

Fabulous, yes — you were expecting different?

So, it looks like Adam Lambert’s just going to go for it.

Will you look at this pretty-pretty princess album cover and how it sparkles with fabulousness? Take a minute to appreciate the shade of his blue hair, the detail in his feline-inspired eye makeup, the glistening of the outer space background.

It’s perfection.

For an “American Idol” contestant who most likely lost the competition for being gay, this cover sure feels like Lambert’s making a statement. Imagine this sitting on the shelves in Conway, Ark., home of “American Idol” winner Kris Allen. It’s as uncomfortably flamboyant as you can get.

SignOnSanDiego

Adam Lambert CD Review: WOAH

You guys know it’s not like me to be at a loss for words…

But that’s exactly what I was after hearing just one track from Adam Lambert’s “For Your Entertainment.” And then I thought of so many words it’s hard to get them all down.

So I’ll just start with one—WOAH!

I hate to use a cliché to describe something so fresh and original but a breath of fresh air really is a great way to say it. Only maybe I would say it’s a gust instead of a breath…

Media.Herald-dispatch.com

Engine still set at ‘Idol’

They’ve been all over Broadway, so it’s no surprise to find “American Idol” alumni doing cabaret. Exhibit A: Melinda Doolittle, a Season 6 finalist whose elimination was one of the show’s more egregious verdicts, just opened at Feinstein’s.

The engaging singer’s first nightclub stint reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of many an “Idol” contestant: Undeniably talented, with a powerful voice and a soulful delivery, she’s a little too big for the room.

Clearly excited about making her big-city debut Tuesday night, she started out strongly, with a winning rendition of “Hooray for Love” and a jazzy “I Got Rhythm.”

But as the evening wore on, the showboating style encouraged on TV began to break through.

NY Post

Keeping the faith with Mandisa

Contemporary Christian singer and former “American Idol” contestant Mandisa loves performing at women’s conferences. She’s been doing a lot of them this fall, appearing on the Women of Faith and the Extraordinary Women Conference tours across the country.

On Friday, the Extraordinary Women Conference comes to the Municipal Auditorium, and Mandisa brings her voice.

“It’s my favorite audience in the world,” Mandisa said. “There’s just something where thousands of women get together. There’s a freedom. There’s vulnerability. We tend to share our lives when we’re in a community like that.”

SundayGazetteMail.com

Mercado: Too Broadway for ‘Idol,’ perfect for ‘Dreamgirls’

On American Idol, being “too Broadway” has become synonymous with a ticket home.

But for Season 7’s third-place finisher, Syesha Mercado, being Broadway is a good thing. She’s taking the stage as Deena Jones in the national tour of Dreamgirls, a musical about a girl group that encounters fame, fortune and heartache, which opens Sunday at the Apollo Theater in New York and wraps up July 25 in Kansas City.

“(The judges) say a lot of things about Broadway, but it’s OK,” says Mercado, 22. “Broadway is a good thing. I love Broadway.”

USA Today

The Weekend List: Matt Giraud, Asylum Street Spankers, Steppin’ In It and more

The Big Show: “American Idol” fans, especially of the West Michigan variety, are gearing up for this: Finalist Matt Giraud, of Kalamazoo, plays two concerts Saturday at Cornerstone Church, 1675 84th St. SE, part of the church’s grand opening celebration. Shows are at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, but the late show (which will be followed by fireworks) already is sold out. General admission tickets for the early show are $10, available at the church office or at Kava House, 6333 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Giraud will greet fans between shows; call 698-3170 for information. And for who can’t make this performance, Giraud performs at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29. (Details online at fhfineartscenter.com.) Here’s Giraud performing his version of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”

mlive.com

PHOTOFLASH: Paula Abdul Attends Radio City Christmas Spectacular Opening

Choreographer and television personality Paula Abdul was on hand for the opening of the 2009 edition of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular on Tuesday, November 17. At the event, The Make-a-Wish Foundation honored the Garden of Dreams Foundation with the Chris Grecious Award for exceptional dedication at Radio City Music Hall.

The Spectacular, which runs through December 30, features numerous numbers by the world-famous Rockettes, including “The 12 Days of Christmas” and “New York at Christmas,” use of the giant LED screen, and such longtime favorites as “The Living Nativity” and “The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.”

Theater Mania

Country music awards boost ABC in the ratings

NEW YORK — Country music is a good friend to ABC.

The network had its strongest ratings week in more than a year last week.

One big reason was its telecast of the Country Music Association Awards, which the Nielsen Co. says brought more than 17 million people to the network.

Also doing well for ABC was a special with Robin Roberts interviewing country stars including Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw.

Associated Press

Emmy Awards move to earlier date

The Emmy Awards, which are usually held in the middle of September, will move next year to Aug. 29, executives announced Wednesday.

NBC’s early announcement that it will air the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards a few weeks earlier than usual will give the network and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences a “head start on creative discussions,” said Paul Telegdy, executive vice president of alternative programming for NBC and Universal Media Studios.

LA Times

‘So You Think You Can Dance’ recap: Make it Memorable

Well, she made an effort to come out of her cage, but not even a brilliantly quirky Tyce Diorio jazz routine about birds could stop Channing Cooke from getting her wings clipped and pecked out of the competition. And while it seemed that the talented yet benign dancer had been targeted for elimination from the beginning, I was a little sad to see her let go. Despite my inherent wariness of feathered creatures and puckish Tyce Diorios alike, I, like Kate Ward, loved Channing and Victor’s blackbird routine Tuesday night. I also hoped that it would help get them to the hot tamale station — or at least let them stick around for one more week. It also made me wish that there were more oversize bird cages around — you know, just to hang out on or jump through.

Entertainment Weekly

“So You Think You Can Dance”: Pirouette overload!

I don’t think anyone was surprised by the guy who went home tonight: The judges last night warned Kevin Hunte and Karen Hauer that they’d probably be in the bottom three couples after their Broadway dance, and they were proved right. I had a feeling that no matter who else was in the bottom with Kevin, he’d be going home — he just hasn’t proved himself as promising as Nathan Trasoras or Victor Smalley. I do like Victor, but I’m glad that Nigel warned him about his dangerous pirouette habit.

LA Times

‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Exclusive: Judges, Elimated Contestant Reactions

In last night’s episode of “So You Think You Can Dance,” contestants Kevin Hunte and Channing Cooke went home.

Fox News caught up with Hunte to ask him how he felt about the decision from judges Nigel Lithgoe, Adam Shankman and Mary Murphy.

“[I'm] a little upset but you know just got to move on,” Hunte told Fox News. “This is God’s will, you got to brush it up and keep it moving. I’ve got a lot out of this competition, Met a lot of beautiful people and I am blessed I am blessed that’s how I feel I am blessed.”

FOX News

ETA:

Kelly Clarkson wows Victoria crowd

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Kelly Clarkson’s concert Wednesday night at the arena was heavy on cover songs. She did, after all, win the American Idol title in 2002 by tackling everyone from Aretha Franklin to Céline Dion.

Clarkson’s choices were more esoteric during her Victoria debut. The 27 year-old from Fort Worth, Tex., touched on everything from alt-rock to classic country with amazing precision during 90 hit-packed minutes.

She opened with the title track of her fourth album, All I Ever Wanted, a brassy blast which must have given the soundman fits. The shrill sound wasn’t solved in time for the Grammy-nominated Miss Independent, a rocker that showcased her major league pipes, but by the night’s third song, I Do Not Hook Up, Clarkson and her 11-piece band were rolling big-time.

Times Colonist

Album review: Adam Lambert, ‘For Your Entertainment’

For those reasons, there was hope that “For Your Entertainment” would be the first post-“Idol” debut to break the mold of industry-manicured pap. Instead, it’s a series of hedged bets. It stuffs Lambert into a box of formulas that keep his musical flamboyance in check.

Rob Cavallo, Dr. Luke, Ryan Tedder, Max Martin — among the most successful songwriters and producers of the decade, experts at manipulating the industry machine — keep him firmly in the middle of the road. The most exciting moments arrive when he veers off, little explosions of individuality that suggest Lambert has a lot more to give than this album and his small army of handlers will allow.

Chicago Tribune

X Factor: Jamie Archer reveals the truth behind Danyl Johnson’s meltdown over Simon Cowell’s song choice

Jamie Archer has explained the real reason behind Danyl Johnson’s meltdown over this weekend’s X Factor performance.

Yesterday, Danyl stormed out of rehearsals because he was furious with Simon Cowell’s song choice – Praying For Time by George Michael.

The 27-year-old disappeared for hours, before ending up at the Sony BMG offices in London, where Simon works, for crisis talks.

But in an exclusive interview with Mirror.co.uk, Jamie revealed that he has since spoken to Danyl and knows the truth behind his breakdown.

Mirror.co.uk

Carrie Underwood Will Serenade CNN Heroes

Oh great. Just what you want to see after you’ve stuffed yourself with turkey, gravy, cranberries, pumpkin pie and every kind of carbohydrate casserole known to man: the slim, trim and gorgeous Carrie Underwood doing what she does best. She’ll be on CNN on Thanksgiving night performing for CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. With Anderson Cooper as host, the event will honor those selected by CNN’s Blue Ribbon Panel and each hero will go home with $25,000 in recognition of their work.

CMT

Allison Iraheta’s ‘Friday I’ll Be Over U’ video: When performance and fashion trump concept and execution

Make no mistake: Allison is exuberant and lovely as always — the girl is a total rock star, and her youthful joy at making her video debut bursts (adorably) through the computer screen. But much like the dude in the A-Ha video that this clip attempts to pay homage to, Allison is trapped in a concept that’s flat and one-dimensional. The opening 20 seconds, with Allison and disembodied portions of her bandmates popping up on what looks like a crumpled piece of loose-leaf paper, is not the way to get the party started. Meanwhile, the clip’s director (I’ve got a call in to Allison’s publicist to find out who) uses an entire bag of ’80s tricks like a chef hurling a box of uncooked spaghetti at the wall and hoping it’ll stick: There are Allison’s eyes randomly appearing above a giant, lips-shaped couch! There’s primary Allison shot at peculiar angle while a second Allison does jump-cut dance moves by an amp stack in the background! Hey, let’s toss some random colors and sample lyrics in there, just for kicks! I half-expected to see Chaka Khan boogying next to a chain-link fence.

Entertainment Weekly

Allison Iraheta – “Friday I’ll Be Over U” – Music Video Premiere

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:23:05 +0000

Eightiespalooza baby!

Check out Allison Iraheta’s music video for her single, “Friday I’ll Be Over U” after the jump. It brings together all the coolest elements of your favorite 80’s music videos. I’m liking this vid A LOT.

Allison’s debut album, Just Like You, drops December 1.

Go go red-headed rocker!

Allison Iraheta – Just Like You – iTunes Pre-order
Allison Iraheta - Just Like You – Amazon

Friday I’ll Be Over U – iTunes
Friday I’ll Be Over U – Amazon

Video after the JUMP…

Glee – Episode 10 – “Ballad” – VIDEO

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:00:43 +0000

UPDATE: Videos of all the musical numbers, after the jump…

OMG I LOVE GLEE!!! Even without the presence of the deliciously evil Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) this was another fantastic episode of Glee!

Rachel (Lea Michele) crushes on Mr. Shue, but gets over it after a lecture from the skeery girl who used to crush on Will. Kurt (Chris Colfer) crushes on Finn (Cory Monteith) but he’s totally NOT over it. Puck (Mark Salling) tells Mercedes (Amber Riley) that he’s really Quinn’s (Diana Agron) baby daddy. And Finn sings the news of Quinn’s impending motherhood to her Glenn Beck-loving father, who promptly throws Quinn out of the house. Nice guy. Now, when is Finn going to figure out that sex is required to get a girl pregnant? Sex Ed isn’t taught at McKinley High?

Loved the bittersweet scenes between Finn and Kurt. Poor Kurt is marching straight into heartbreak. I don’t want to look. And total lulz at Mrs. Shue putting the heartsick Rachel to work, cleaning and cooking for the Schuester household. There were some great musical numbers (after the jump!), including Finn’s heartfelt “I’ll Stand By You”, Rachel and Will’s hilarious “Endless Love” and the joyful final number, “Lean on Me”

“Endless Love” – Rachel and Will - iTunes
“I’ll Stand By You” – Finn - iTunes
“Crush” – Rachel – iTunes
“Don’t Stand So Close to Me/Young Girls” – Will - iTunes
“Having My Baby” – Finn - iTunes
“Lean on Me” – Glee Cast - iTunes
More GLEE
Glee – Season 1

Videos after the JUMP…

Endless Love – Rachel and Mr. Shue

gl 10 endless @ Yahoo! Video

Stand by Me – Finn

gl 10 stand @ Yahoo! Video

Having My Baby – Finn

gl 10 baby @ Yahoo! Video

“Don’t Stand So Close To Me/Young Girl” – Mr. Shue

gl 10 masha @ Yahoo! Video

Lean on Me – Glee Cast

gl 10 leanona @ Yahoo! Video

So You Think You Can Dance 6 – Top 14 Results – VIDEO

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:25 +0000

Channing Cooke and Kevin Hunte are eliminated – VIDEO

Tonight’s results weren’t surprising on any level. Even the bottom 3 tonight–Mollee and Nathan, Channing and Victor and Karen and Kevin–were predictable.

Not surprised Channing and Kevin ultimately went home, either. With 3 B-boys left, it was time for one to go home. Bye-bye Kevin. You were a competent dancer, but you didn’t have the personality. Ditto Channing. And, when Karen strutted out on stage to The Doors, dressed in black leather, that was all the reminder Nigel needed of Karen’s sexiness. Oh yeah, she’ll be dancing next week.

Next week, Karen and Victor pair up, and we find out who makes the Top 10….

Videos and Recap, after the JUMP…

Group routine by Wade and Amanda Robson – “Aha” by Imogene Heap – Really dug that. A great piece from Wade and Amanda. – VIDEO

Nigel says some of the less technically proficient dancers are stepping it up. Next week, the dancers will perform two routines.

First two couples: Ashleigh and Jakob and Karen and Kevin. Ashleigh and Jakob are SAFE, Karen and Kevin are in danger. Adam calls them “elegant and poised” – VIDEO

2nd three couples: Ellenore and Ryan are safe (Yay). Noelle and Russell are safe. Channing and Victor are in danger. No surprises so far… – VIDEO.

3rd two couples: Mollee and Nathan and Kathryn and Legacy Kathryn and Legacy are SAFE. Mollee and Nathan are in danger. Nigel is looking forward to Mollee and Nathan’s solos–he doesn’t believe they belong in the B3 this week. – VIDEO

Bollywood by Nakul! - “Desi Girl” Dostana (Original Soundtrack) – Fantastic and fun. – VIDEO

Solos: Karen (“Break on Through” by the Doors), Kevin (“Freeze” by T. Pain feat. Chris Brown,), Channing (“The Face” by RyanDan), Victor (“Baby’s Romance” by Chris Garneau) – VIDEO
Solos: Mollee (“Let Me Think About It – Radio Edit by Ida Corr vs. Eddie Le Grand), Nathan (“So Insane” by Discovery) – VIDEO

Nigel says he was pleased with a few of the solos, Mollee and Nathan in particular. (Nathan had the spin that would. not. end!)

Guitar sensation, Orianthi (She’s played for Carrie Underwood, Michael Jackson and Adam Lambert) performs “According to You”! – VIDEO

Elimination: – VIDEO

Girls: Nigel says the decision is unanimous, all are good enough to be in the Top 10. Nigel says Mollee now dances like a woman. She is SAFE. Nigels calls Karen a star, says Channing didn’t reveal her personality. Karen is SAFE. Channing Cooke is eliminated.

Boys: Again, the judges are unanimous. Nigel thinks Nathan learned “a hell of a lesson”. Nathan is SAFE. Nigel tells Kevin he looks uncomfortable in his routines. Says he’s got a long way to go. Victor is safe. Kevin Hunte is eliminated

Safe:

Ashleigh and Jakob
Ellenore and Ryan
Noelle and Russell
Kathryn and Legacy

In Danger

Karen and Kevin
Channing and Victor
Mollee and Nathan

Kris Allen Album Originally Titled ‘Translate Your Soul’

mj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:47:48 +0000

Kris Allen reveals to Jim Cantiello of MTV News, the reason some songs were left off of his post-Idol debut, Kris Allen:

Speaking of missing acoustic songs, Allen his cut collaboration with singer/songwriter Mat Kearney, “Top of the World.” “It had like a dance beat to it … but not in a bad way,” Allen said. “I thought it was great. I think the song’s awesome. You’ll hear the song sometime.”

Aside from Kearney, the “Idol” alum worked with Kevin Rudolf on the track “Better Than That,” which also didn’t make the album. Allen described Rudolf as a “super cool guy” and talked about how he forged a connection with the songwriter. “It was kind of funny, man, because he worked a lot with Lifehouse on their new album,” Allen said. “Lifehouse and Kevin Rudolf, they actually wrote a song for me. But it just didn’t end up on the album.” Will the track ever see the day of light? “I don’t know,” he said.

The album might have been called, Translate Your Soul, but cooler heads prevailed. Kris is happy with a self titled disc. Plus, Kris promises acoustic numbers in the future–maybe on an EP.

Watch the MTV interview, after the JUMP…

Get Kris Allen: Amazon iTunes

Video after the JUMP…

MTV Shows

Kris Allen Predicted Less than 100K First Week Sales

mj — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:23:23 +0000

UPDATE: Hits has revised their original prediction up to 85-90k

Industry mag, Hits Daily Double one-day sales predictions are in, and the news ain’t great for Kris Allen, who is predicted to sell between 75-80K his first week out.

Those numbers would make him the Idol winner with the lowest first week sells, taking the crown away from Jordin Sparks, who sold 119K her first week.

Here’s how the week will shake out, according to HHD

John Mayer – 275k-300k
Norah Jones – 150k-160k
50 Cent – 140k-150k
Casting Crowns – 140k-150k
Andrea Bocelli – 140k-150k
Justin Bieber – 110k-120k
Kris Allen – 75k-80k – 85-90k
Leona Lewis – 60-65k

Note Simon Cowell’s X Factor protege, Leona Lewis isn’t exactly busting up the charts either…

Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry – People’s Sexiest Men Alive

mj — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:01:49 +0000

Johnny Depp will grace the cover of the upcoming People magazine “Sexiest Men Alive” issue, but Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry will also be featured within the pages of the magazine’s popular issue.

Check out a sneak peek of the issue right HERE.
Behind the Scenes of the Chris Daughtry photo shoot HERE.

From the magazine: “I love people with good energy,” says Adam, “It’s even better when you can hook up with one of them.” Chris is so happy to be included, he writes a poem, “‘Sexiest man alive?’/Am I at least Top 5?/I know being bald/won’t get me the cover/I just hope it’s not page twentysomething or other.”

Also included? The Men of Glee and, for you DWTS fans, Giles Marini.