American Idol has found its new Paula: Ellen DeGeneres.
The Fox series has announced a deal that would make the talk show host/comic the new fourth judge on America's top-rated show. She would replace Paula Abdul, who quit "Idol" over the summer due to a salary scuffle.
"I'm thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol," said DeGeneres in Fox's news release. "I've watched since the beginning, and I've always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I'll save from not having to text in my vote."
"I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the American Idol family," said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can't wait for this next season to begin."
"We're all delighted to have Ellen join our ninth season of American Idol," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable. She is one of America's foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team."
DeGeneres has been a major "Idol" fan, featuring contestants from the show on her daytime chatfest on a regular basis. She also came close to guest co-host the show's "Idol Gives Back" charity special last year, but dropped out due to a scheduling conflict.
More recently, however, DeGeneres served as a guest judge on "So You Think You Can Dance," the sister show to "Idol" that airs in the summer.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
SOOOOOOOOO Much Idol news!!!
There's quite a bit going in the world of our Miss American Idol favorites:
We already know that Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks and Paula Abdul will be performing at this year's VH1 DIVAS Concert, but there has been a new exciting addition. Turns out that Season Three finalist and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson will now be joining them. Looks like when VH1 can't get Legendary Divas like Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross or Mariah Carey for the concert the next best thing is our fantastic Miss American Idols. :)
The only addition left that would elevate the VH1 DIVAS Concert to an even higher stratosphere would the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood. Even if that doesn't happen, Carrie is keeping herself quite busy finishing up her tour and gearing up for the release of her third album, Play On, on November 3, 2009. The first single from the new album, Cowboy Casanova, was sent to radio this week and it is already blowing up big. She collects the highest debut by a female artist this year on Billboard Country Songs chart, as "Cowboy Casanova" ropes a debut at #26. It's a very fun up tempo toe tapper that is sure to keep her millions of fans happy.
The nominations for the CMA Awards were announced today and Carrie is once again in the running for the Female Vocalist of the Year honor. She has already received this award in 2006, 2007 and 2008 so this could become her fourth win in a row. Carrie is also nominated along with Randy Travis for the Vocal Event of the Year honor for their performance of I Told You So. The winners of the CMA's will be announced on November 11, 2009 with Brad Paisley will hosting the show along with Carrie Underwood.
The only unfortunate omission from the CMA nominations is that Season Five finalist Kellie Pickler was completely shut out even though her smash hit Best Days of Your Life is one of the best songs of the year.
We already know that Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks and Paula Abdul will be performing at this year's VH1 DIVAS Concert, but there has been a new exciting addition. Turns out that Season Three finalist and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson will now be joining them. Looks like when VH1 can't get Legendary Divas like Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross or Mariah Carey for the concert the next best thing is our fantastic Miss American Idols. :)
The only addition left that would elevate the VH1 DIVAS Concert to an even higher stratosphere would the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood. Even if that doesn't happen, Carrie is keeping herself quite busy finishing up her tour and gearing up for the release of her third album, Play On, on November 3, 2009. The first single from the new album, Cowboy Casanova, was sent to radio this week and it is already blowing up big. She collects the highest debut by a female artist this year on Billboard Country Songs chart, as "Cowboy Casanova" ropes a debut at #26. It's a very fun up tempo toe tapper that is sure to keep her millions of fans happy.
The nominations for the CMA Awards were announced today and Carrie is once again in the running for the Female Vocalist of the Year honor. She has already received this award in 2006, 2007 and 2008 so this could become her fourth win in a row. Carrie is also nominated along with Randy Travis for the Vocal Event of the Year honor for their performance of I Told You So. The winners of the CMA's will be announced on November 11, 2009 with Brad Paisley will hosting the show along with Carrie Underwood.
The only unfortunate omission from the CMA nominations is that Season Five finalist Kellie Pickler was completely shut out even though her smash hit Best Days of Your Life is one of the best songs of the year.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Carrie Underwood - LIVE In Concert!
While the Miss American Idol positions on the current Billboard charts are somewhat less than stellar, that is all soon to be changing as the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood is putting the finishing touches on her third album. It's going to hit stores on November 3rd and it will be called Play On. It is sure to continue the record breaking multi-platinum success of her previous releases, Some Hearts and Carnival Ride.
As the excitement builds toward this highly anticipated release, Carrie is finishing up her nationwide live concert tour. I am very happy to report that I was able to fully experience the entertainment talents of the Supreme Miss American Idol on Monday night August 31, 2009. She had two SOLD OUT performances at The Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL.
This was the culmination of months of anticipation after the tickets went on sale back in April. If you have never been to Ravinia, it is a spectacular outdoor venue where Carrie's amazing music could be enjoyed in the fresh air under the stars. The show started at 8:00 PM, but in order to stake a claim on prime picnic area it was best for us to arrive when the gates opened at 5:00 PM. The multitude of fans started lining up outside the park at 4:00 PM, while the elite fans who had purchased "priority" tickets were allowed in early. At 5:00 PM the friendly Ravinia staff started to take tickets and we spread out our blankets on some prime picnic real estate just behind the pavilion. By 5:15 almost every piece of lawn was covered with eager fans.
The next three hours until show time was pure enjoyment while friends relaxed with wine and food as the anticipation escalated toward Carrie's grand entrance to the stage. Discussion included guessing what song she would open with (I guessed All American Girl and I was wrong) and games of Carrie Underwood trivia (Answers: She was the winner of Season FOUR - American Idol, Inside Your Heaven was her #1 hit on the Billboard HOT 100 and So Small was the first single off of Carnival Ride).
Surely the Ravinia Festival has never been as filled to capacity as it was for these two nights. The lights flashed indicating that it would soon be show time and the families living in the neighboring homes had to hear the volume rise as the crowd cheered joyfully.
It was finally time for the lights to go down and the video screens to display a lovely desert sunrise with the beautiful Carrie Underwood dressed in a glittering black cat suit emerging through the dust and wind. The lights on stage flashed frantically as the real Carrie rose to the top platform and the band played track one from Carnival Ride, Flat On The Floor!!! (It was so easy, I can't believe I didn't guess that one) She looked stunning in her skinny fit jeans and easy breezy tan blouse.
She sounded pitch perfect as she sang all of the fan favorites including Jesus Take The Wheel, Some Hearts, Don't Forget To Remember Me, I Told You So, Just A Dream and Last Name. I was especially pleased to hear her belt out my favorite track from Carnival Ride, I Know You Won't. It's a lovely ballad that genuinely showcases her impressive vocal range.
She changed clothes a few times looking especially spectacular in a playful little yellow skirt with cowboy boots. In addition to performing all of your favorite hits from her albums, she threw in some fantastic covers of Guns and Roses and Fleetwood Mac's Go Your Own Way.
The fans sang along, cheered, clapped and danced for her entire set. It culminated with her closing song, the huge multi-format smash, Before He Cheats. Carrie Underwood brought her unparalleled talents to her ever growing base of fans and provided what can only be described as the BEST NIGHT EVER!!!
It serves as an illustration of why she was named the 2009 ACM Entertainer of the Year. With her new album just around the corner the Supreme Miss American Idol is sure to have even more huge successes in front of her while her fans can enjoy it all with her.
As the excitement builds toward this highly anticipated release, Carrie is finishing up her nationwide live concert tour. I am very happy to report that I was able to fully experience the entertainment talents of the Supreme Miss American Idol on Monday night August 31, 2009. She had two SOLD OUT performances at The Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL.
This was the culmination of months of anticipation after the tickets went on sale back in April. If you have never been to Ravinia, it is a spectacular outdoor venue where Carrie's amazing music could be enjoyed in the fresh air under the stars. The show started at 8:00 PM, but in order to stake a claim on prime picnic area it was best for us to arrive when the gates opened at 5:00 PM. The multitude of fans started lining up outside the park at 4:00 PM, while the elite fans who had purchased "priority" tickets were allowed in early. At 5:00 PM the friendly Ravinia staff started to take tickets and we spread out our blankets on some prime picnic real estate just behind the pavilion. By 5:15 almost every piece of lawn was covered with eager fans.
The next three hours until show time was pure enjoyment while friends relaxed with wine and food as the anticipation escalated toward Carrie's grand entrance to the stage. Discussion included guessing what song she would open with (I guessed All American Girl and I was wrong) and games of Carrie Underwood trivia (Answers: She was the winner of Season FOUR - American Idol, Inside Your Heaven was her #1 hit on the Billboard HOT 100 and So Small was the first single off of Carnival Ride).
Surely the Ravinia Festival has never been as filled to capacity as it was for these two nights. The lights flashed indicating that it would soon be show time and the families living in the neighboring homes had to hear the volume rise as the crowd cheered joyfully.
It was finally time for the lights to go down and the video screens to display a lovely desert sunrise with the beautiful Carrie Underwood dressed in a glittering black cat suit emerging through the dust and wind. The lights on stage flashed frantically as the real Carrie rose to the top platform and the band played track one from Carnival Ride, Flat On The Floor!!! (It was so easy, I can't believe I didn't guess that one) She looked stunning in her skinny fit jeans and easy breezy tan blouse.
She sounded pitch perfect as she sang all of the fan favorites including Jesus Take The Wheel, Some Hearts, Don't Forget To Remember Me, I Told You So, Just A Dream and Last Name. I was especially pleased to hear her belt out my favorite track from Carnival Ride, I Know You Won't. It's a lovely ballad that genuinely showcases her impressive vocal range.
She changed clothes a few times looking especially spectacular in a playful little yellow skirt with cowboy boots. In addition to performing all of your favorite hits from her albums, she threw in some fantastic covers of Guns and Roses and Fleetwood Mac's Go Your Own Way.
The fans sang along, cheered, clapped and danced for her entire set. It culminated with her closing song, the huge multi-format smash, Before He Cheats. Carrie Underwood brought her unparalleled talents to her ever growing base of fans and provided what can only be described as the BEST NIGHT EVER!!!
It serves as an illustration of why she was named the 2009 ACM Entertainer of the Year. With her new album just around the corner the Supreme Miss American Idol is sure to have even more huge successes in front of her while her fans can enjoy it all with her.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
DIVA Idols
The action on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart has all been downward lately. Season 5 Miss American Idol 3rd runner up Chris Daughtry is making the best showing this week as he's hanging on in the top 10 at #9 with his latest release, Leave This Town.
This aren't looking so well for the latest release from Season 6 Miss American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks. After only five weeks on the chart she has fallen all the way down to #63 with Battlefield. Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, is at #80 with her former #1 album All I Ever Wanted, but that's not so bad after 24 weeks on the chart.
Over on the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart, Jordin is still putting in the best showing of the bunch with her single, Battlefield, logging in at #16. Turns out that her peak position with this track so far has been #10 a few weeks ago.
Chris Daughtry had to settle for peaking at #15 with his single, No Surprise, but this week it is slipping down to #23. Kelly Clarkson's 3rd single from All I Ever Wanted, Already Gone, is taking a very slow climb up the chart resting at #65 this week. Another Idol represented on the Billboard HOT 100 this week is Season 7 Miss American Idol winner, David Cook. His single, Come Back To Me only managed to peak at #63 and this week it has dropped down to #80.
My favorite Idol song still making a splash is from Season 5 finalist, Kellie Pickler, whose incredibly fun and catchy Best Days Of Your Life is just behind David Cook at #81.
I have to strongly recommend checking out the latest from Jordin Sparks and Kellie Pickler. These are both great representations of the finest in pop music!
While the action on the charts isn't the most stellar news, the VH1 Divas concert is shaping up to be quite the American Idol extravaganza. Kelly Clarkson is already announced as the headlining diva, but she will now be sharing the spotlight with both Jordin Sparks and Paula Abdul!!!
Paula may have been dropped as a judge on the next season of Idol, but VH1 Divas has asked her to be the host of this year's concert. It's turning out to be a CAN'T MISS night of Idol DIVA entertainment! Circle September 17th on your calendar and set the TiVo to record this show you will surely be watching again and again.
This aren't looking so well for the latest release from Season 6 Miss American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks. After only five weeks on the chart she has fallen all the way down to #63 with Battlefield. Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, is at #80 with her former #1 album All I Ever Wanted, but that's not so bad after 24 weeks on the chart.
Over on the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart, Jordin is still putting in the best showing of the bunch with her single, Battlefield, logging in at #16. Turns out that her peak position with this track so far has been #10 a few weeks ago.
Chris Daughtry had to settle for peaking at #15 with his single, No Surprise, but this week it is slipping down to #23. Kelly Clarkson's 3rd single from All I Ever Wanted, Already Gone, is taking a very slow climb up the chart resting at #65 this week. Another Idol represented on the Billboard HOT 100 this week is Season 7 Miss American Idol winner, David Cook. His single, Come Back To Me only managed to peak at #63 and this week it has dropped down to #80.
My favorite Idol song still making a splash is from Season 5 finalist, Kellie Pickler, whose incredibly fun and catchy Best Days Of Your Life is just behind David Cook at #81.
I have to strongly recommend checking out the latest from Jordin Sparks and Kellie Pickler. These are both great representations of the finest in pop music!
While the action on the charts isn't the most stellar news, the VH1 Divas concert is shaping up to be quite the American Idol extravaganza. Kelly Clarkson is already announced as the headlining diva, but she will now be sharing the spotlight with both Jordin Sparks and Paula Abdul!!!
Paula may have been dropped as a judge on the next season of Idol, but VH1 Divas has asked her to be the host of this year's concert. It's turning out to be a CAN'T MISS night of Idol DIVA entertainment! Circle September 17th on your calendar and set the TiVo to record this show you will surely be watching again and again.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Big chart Jumps for Jordin!
The Season Six Miss American Idol winner made a big splash on the Billboard charts this week. Her smash hit single, Battlefield, made a huge jump from last week's #25 position all the way up to #10 this week. With the huge sales and airplay gains she made this week, this could become the biggest hit of her career so far.
Her album of the same name made its debut on the chart this week at #7 with first week sales of 48,000 copies. That means there are two Miss American Idol finalists in the top 10 on the Billboard album chart this week as she joins the Season Five Miss American Idol 3rd runner-up, Chris Daughtry. His album Leave This Town which was #1 last week drops down to #2 with second week sales of another 101,000 copies.
Her album of the same name made its debut on the chart this week at #7 with first week sales of 48,000 copies. That means there are two Miss American Idol finalists in the top 10 on the Billboard album chart this week as she joins the Season Five Miss American Idol 3rd runner-up, Chris Daughtry. His album Leave This Town which was #1 last week drops down to #2 with second week sales of another 101,000 copies.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Idol ACTION this week
Season Six Miss American Idol winner Jordin Sparks is still at #25 on the Billboard HOT 100 with her latest single Battlefield. It's continuing to make sales and airplay gains so it should get some more upward action in the coming weeks.
Season One Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson has dropped out of the top 40 with her second single, I Do Not Hook Up, and is starting to work the third single from her album, All I Ever Wanted. It's getting more recognition for sounding like Beyonce's Halo, than sales and airplay at this point, but let's keep watching for Already Gone to have some chart impact in the coming weeks.
Apart from her recent chart performance Kelly Clarkson is doing much better these days with the announcement that she will be a featured performer on the VH1 Divas concert coming up on September 17th. She'll be joining a fresh young group of Divas for the concert including Leona Lewis, Adele, and Miley Cyrus. It's not really the group of legendary Divas the concert has had in the past, but if you can't get Barbra Streisand, Mariah Carey and Diana Ross, it's a pretty good line-up. It looks like the current chart-topping female vocalists Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift weren't available. Personally, I think the Divas concert would be amazing with a set list of all Miss American Idol finalists: Kimberly Locke, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, The Supreme Miss American Idol - Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, and Jordin Sparks. It would be great to throw in two of the best Divas of all, Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert!
On the Billboard Album chart it came as no surprise that Season Five Miss American Idol 3rd runner up, Chris Daughtry, made a very impressive debut at #1 with his second album called Leave This Town. His first album was the best selling album for all of 2007 and this new one started out with one week sales of 269,000. The new album by Jordin Sparks will be making it's debut on the charts very soon, so we'll see how she compares....
Season One Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson has dropped out of the top 40 with her second single, I Do Not Hook Up, and is starting to work the third single from her album, All I Ever Wanted. It's getting more recognition for sounding like Beyonce's Halo, than sales and airplay at this point, but let's keep watching for Already Gone to have some chart impact in the coming weeks.
Apart from her recent chart performance Kelly Clarkson is doing much better these days with the announcement that she will be a featured performer on the VH1 Divas concert coming up on September 17th. She'll be joining a fresh young group of Divas for the concert including Leona Lewis, Adele, and Miley Cyrus. It's not really the group of legendary Divas the concert has had in the past, but if you can't get Barbra Streisand, Mariah Carey and Diana Ross, it's a pretty good line-up. It looks like the current chart-topping female vocalists Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift weren't available. Personally, I think the Divas concert would be amazing with a set list of all Miss American Idol finalists: Kimberly Locke, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, The Supreme Miss American Idol - Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, and Jordin Sparks. It would be great to throw in two of the best Divas of all, Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert!
On the Billboard Album chart it came as no surprise that Season Five Miss American Idol 3rd runner up, Chris Daughtry, made a very impressive debut at #1 with his second album called Leave This Town. His first album was the best selling album for all of 2007 and this new one started out with one week sales of 269,000. The new album by Jordin Sparks will be making it's debut on the charts very soon, so we'll see how she compares....
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Idol struggling chart action
Here we are almost two months after Kris Allen was crowned the Season 8 Miss American Idol winner. He had his initial explosion on the charts, but he is now no where to be found. The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Adam Lambert is also absent from the charts. Adam may show up on the charts in the near future with the unauthorized release of a single called Want that he recorded back in 2005. He has gone on the record stating that he is not supporting the promotion of this release, so it is quite possible that his fans will also not support it. While Adam is not on the charts, he is getting plenty of press as the cover boy on magazines such as Rolling Stone.
For months now the Billboard HOT 100 has been ruled by the huge smash by the Black Eyed Peas, Boom Boom Pow, that spent 12 weeks at #1. They are so hot this summer that they successfully achieved the very rare feat of replacing themselves at #1 with the follow up single, I Gotta Feeling. With all of this Black Eyed Peas domination, the American Idols have been struggling to make a dent on the Billboard HOT 100.
This week the Season 6 Miss American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks is making the best showing of the group with her first single from her second album. It's called Battlefield and it's at #30. I expect that it will climb higher in the next few weeks as it is quite catchy and showcases her great voice. The video is in heavy rotation on VH1.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson is sitting at #32 with her latest single, I Do Not Hook Up. Unfortunately, it is on the way down on the chart after peaking at #20 a few weeks ago. In an unexpected surprise, Season 5 Miss American Idol 3rd Runner Up, Chris Daughtry is floundering with the first single from his second album. The song No Surprise is all the way down at #47 this week after recently peaking at #15.
My favorite song by a Miss American Idol finalist on the Billboard HOT 100 this week comes from Season 5 finalist, Kellie Pickler. Her song The Best Days Of Your Life is at #50 this week. While it only peaked at #46 last week I encourage everyone to check this song out as it is lots of fun to sing along with and two step around the dance floor with.
Without the American Idols represented on the charts lately they should take a lesson from the following stellar pop gems that are my personal favorites and also dominating sales and radio airplay:
Sean Kingston is at #6 this week with Fire Burning
Pitbull is at #8 this week (after peaking at #2) with I Know You Want Me
These songs are just an example of the kind of material the American Idols should try to release if they want to remain competitive on the Billboard HOT 100. I have a lot of faith that Adam Lambert is going to be able to be a contender.
Finally, the legendary Mariah Carey has just released a new single called Obsessed that should be making a significant impression on the charts in the coming weeks. She is continuing to set the standard for musical success by releasing catchy material that is relevant even after 19 years in the business.
For months now the Billboard HOT 100 has been ruled by the huge smash by the Black Eyed Peas, Boom Boom Pow, that spent 12 weeks at #1. They are so hot this summer that they successfully achieved the very rare feat of replacing themselves at #1 with the follow up single, I Gotta Feeling. With all of this Black Eyed Peas domination, the American Idols have been struggling to make a dent on the Billboard HOT 100.
This week the Season 6 Miss American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks is making the best showing of the group with her first single from her second album. It's called Battlefield and it's at #30. I expect that it will climb higher in the next few weeks as it is quite catchy and showcases her great voice. The video is in heavy rotation on VH1.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson is sitting at #32 with her latest single, I Do Not Hook Up. Unfortunately, it is on the way down on the chart after peaking at #20 a few weeks ago. In an unexpected surprise, Season 5 Miss American Idol 3rd Runner Up, Chris Daughtry is floundering with the first single from his second album. The song No Surprise is all the way down at #47 this week after recently peaking at #15.
My favorite song by a Miss American Idol finalist on the Billboard HOT 100 this week comes from Season 5 finalist, Kellie Pickler. Her song The Best Days Of Your Life is at #50 this week. While it only peaked at #46 last week I encourage everyone to check this song out as it is lots of fun to sing along with and two step around the dance floor with.
Without the American Idols represented on the charts lately they should take a lesson from the following stellar pop gems that are my personal favorites and also dominating sales and radio airplay:
Sean Kingston is at #6 this week with Fire Burning
Pitbull is at #8 this week (after peaking at #2) with I Know You Want Me
These songs are just an example of the kind of material the American Idols should try to release if they want to remain competitive on the Billboard HOT 100. I have a lot of faith that Adam Lambert is going to be able to be a contender.
Finally, the legendary Mariah Carey has just released a new single called Obsessed that should be making a significant impression on the charts in the coming weeks. She is continuing to set the standard for musical success by releasing catchy material that is relevant even after 19 years in the business.
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