The sixth season of American Idol is expected to begin in January 2007 and run until late May. Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will return to judge, and Ryan Seacrest will return as host.
The tentative audition cities and dates for season 6, according to USA Today and the American Idol website, are:
Los Angeles, California: Rose Bowl - August 8
San Antonio, Texas: Alamodome - August 11
East Rutherford, New Jersey: Continental Airlines Arena - August 14
Birmingham, Alabama: Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex - August 21
Memphis, Tennessee: FedEx Forum - September 3
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Target Center - September 8
Seattle, Washington: Key Arena - September 19
Auditioning contestants will have to be between ages 16 and 28 on August 6, 2006. These auditions may be sponsored and run by Glowcoast.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
American Idol Season 6
AMERICAN IDOL began its quest for the next big talent in Los Angeles this past August and, as usual, the weeks to follow brought a ton of excitement. The auditions wrapped with a damp day in Seattle and the total number of hopefuls was bigger than ever!
Tens of thousands auditioned in the seven cities chosen for this year's tryouts, and the preliminary reports are that the talent this year will definitely not disappoint.
The new season of Idol doesn't start until January but there is plenty to keep you busy until then. We took hundreds of photos and extensive video footage from each audition city, and they're ready for viewing right now!
Tens of thousands auditioned in the seven cities chosen for this year's tryouts, and the preliminary reports are that the talent this year will definitely not disappoint.
The new season of Idol doesn't start until January but there is plenty to keep you busy until then. We took hundreds of photos and extensive video footage from each audition city, and they're ready for viewing right now!
"Idol's" JPL Tells "Stories"
Life after not winning American Idol may not be all Grammy Awards and People magazine covers, but the show's also-rans seem to be holding their own.
Former Idol favorite Jon Peter Lewis, a top-10 finalist from season three, is set to release his debut album, Stories from Hollywood, Nov. 7.
The effort was more than a year in the making for Lewis, who said in a statement Tuesday that he turned down multiple offers when his Idol run ended so that he could focus on cultivating his own style. His hiatus from the biz proved effective, apparently, as every track on his upcoming album is a JPL original.
"Looking back, it would have been a lot easier to jump into one of the offers handed to me, but it would have been a mistake to try and be somebody I wasn't," the 26-year-old Lincoln, Nebraska, native said. "My heart just wasn't into being a ballad singer or creating a teenybopper image. I've always felt more comfortable with a rock edge.
"It's been a long and challenging road over the last two years, but well worth the wait."
Lewis's eighth-place finish in 2004 was good enough to win him a spot on the American Idols Live tour that summer, praise from Elton John and more than 6,000 friends on MySpace.com. Hopefully a few of them will turn up at Lewis' gig Oct. 18 at West Hollywood's famed Viper Room.
In other "where are they now?" news:
Idol refugees Justin Guarini, Kimberly Caldwell, Mikalah Gordon, Vonzell Solomon, Anthony Federov, A.J. Gil, RJ Helton, Jim Verraros and LaToya London made the scene Wednesday at the Spider Club in Hollywood to toast the launch of the syndicated series American Idol Rewind.
Our approach to content of American Idol Results
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Wednesday, August 09, 2006
New 'American Idol' Songwriting Competiton Announced!!!
Songwriters wanted!!!...
‘American Idol’ bosses are calling for any budding song writers to pen a track for next season’s Idol’s.
The TV show, shown on Fox is allowing both professional and amateur songwriters to compete for the chance to write songs for finalists.
Previously, an original song has been source from the music industry for finalists to sing.
The programme’s creator, Simon Fuller, revealed recently to the Los Angeles Times that the aim of the new contest is find songs that will be a perfect match for contestants.
No other details are available on the songwriting contest as of yet, but watch this space for more information.
‘American Idol’ auditions kick off next Tuesday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
A cast of thousands!
Multitudes of hopefuls line up in California to audition for American Idol
PASADENA, CALIF. - Thousands of American Idol hopefuls descended on the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., before dawn Tuesday with wide-eyed dreams of becoming the next Taylor Hicks or Carrie Underwood.
The competitors taking the field had American Idol fame in mind, not football. Pasadena was the first of seven cities where producers of Fox TV's talent show planned auditions.
Roads leading to the Rose Bowl were clogged as auditioners hurried to meet the supposed 6 a.m. PDT deadline to line up. Outside the stadium, early arrivals gathered — some huddled under blankets, some wearing headphones and silently mouthing lyrics. Others did last-minute makeup checks.
The generally subdued early morning crowd roused itself occasionally, once when sample breath mints were tossed into the crowd and another time when TV news crews went on the air.
"I've been wanting to do it for a long time," said Corrin Moore, 19. She finally got up the nerve, she said, when friend Candice Starks, 21, agreed to join her for the tryouts.
Surveying the growing crowd, Moore said: "It makes me feel nervous. There's a lot of talented people out here."
American Idol has demonstrated its prowess as a starmaker by turning unknowns into overnight sensations with awards and hit records. As the top-rated TV show last season, it has shattered expectations that it couldn't sustain its popularity.
American Idol also continues to deepen its pop culture imprint. Hicks, the latest winner, and finalists from last season are on tour, other contestants are pursuing solo careers and the Lifetime channel is airing a movie about and starring past winner Fantasia this month.
On the new season that begins airing in January, American Idol will up the ante with a songwriting contest in which professionals and amateurs will have the chance to compose tunes for the finalists.
An audition will be held Friday at San Antonio's Alamodome. Aspiring singers were permitted to line up at the venue starting at 6 a.m. today for registration, which will continue until the morning of Friday, when auditions start at 8 a.m.
Other auditions: Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday; Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, Ala., Aug. 21; FedExForum, Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 3; Target Center, Minneapolis, Sept. 8; Key Arena, Seattle, Sept. 19.
"If our time is running short, the producers may walk around the venue to pick out people to audition ... based on performing ability, look, style, personality and other factors," according to guidelines posted on the show's Web site.
Passing the initial scrutiny is just the beginning, with follow-up auditions to winnow the pack even more.
It's a relative handful that get to strut their stuff for Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson and see their auditions — good, bad or ugly, and the judges' appropriate reactions — featured on the show.
Those rejected in one city can jump to another and try again.
According to the Web site, hopefuls can be accompanied to the audition by a friend or relative and can tote in items such as blankets and water. On the banned list: alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, animals and hair dryers.
PASADENA, CALIF. - Thousands of American Idol hopefuls descended on the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., before dawn Tuesday with wide-eyed dreams of becoming the next Taylor Hicks or Carrie Underwood.
The competitors taking the field had American Idol fame in mind, not football. Pasadena was the first of seven cities where producers of Fox TV's talent show planned auditions.
Roads leading to the Rose Bowl were clogged as auditioners hurried to meet the supposed 6 a.m. PDT deadline to line up. Outside the stadium, early arrivals gathered — some huddled under blankets, some wearing headphones and silently mouthing lyrics. Others did last-minute makeup checks.
The generally subdued early morning crowd roused itself occasionally, once when sample breath mints were tossed into the crowd and another time when TV news crews went on the air.
"I've been wanting to do it for a long time," said Corrin Moore, 19. She finally got up the nerve, she said, when friend Candice Starks, 21, agreed to join her for the tryouts.
Surveying the growing crowd, Moore said: "It makes me feel nervous. There's a lot of talented people out here."
American Idol has demonstrated its prowess as a starmaker by turning unknowns into overnight sensations with awards and hit records. As the top-rated TV show last season, it has shattered expectations that it couldn't sustain its popularity.
American Idol also continues to deepen its pop culture imprint. Hicks, the latest winner, and finalists from last season are on tour, other contestants are pursuing solo careers and the Lifetime channel is airing a movie about and starring past winner Fantasia this month.
On the new season that begins airing in January, American Idol will up the ante with a songwriting contest in which professionals and amateurs will have the chance to compose tunes for the finalists.
An audition will be held Friday at San Antonio's Alamodome. Aspiring singers were permitted to line up at the venue starting at 6 a.m. today for registration, which will continue until the morning of Friday, when auditions start at 8 a.m.
Other auditions: Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday; Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, Ala., Aug. 21; FedExForum, Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 3; Target Center, Minneapolis, Sept. 8; Key Arena, Seattle, Sept. 19.
"If our time is running short, the producers may walk around the venue to pick out people to audition ... based on performing ability, look, style, personality and other factors," according to guidelines posted on the show's Web site.
Passing the initial scrutiny is just the beginning, with follow-up auditions to winnow the pack even more.
It's a relative handful that get to strut their stuff for Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson and see their auditions — good, bad or ugly, and the judges' appropriate reactions — featured on the show.
Those rejected in one city can jump to another and try again.
According to the Web site, hopefuls can be accompanied to the audition by a friend or relative and can tote in items such as blankets and water. On the banned list: alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, animals and hair dryers.
For The Record: Quick News On Justin Timberlake, 'Harry Potter,' 'American Idol,' Eva Longoria & More
Justin Timberlake has busted out the cover art for FutureSex/LoveSounds — and it pictures him busting up a disco ball. The snazzy singer grins as he stomps on the glass, although it's highly unlikely that'll discourage clubs from
playing his wildly successful, "TRL"-topping new single, "SexyBack." The LP hits stores September 12, while "All Eyes On: Justin Timberlake" airs on MTV Tuesday, August 15, at 11 p.m. ...
Mark your calendars now: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is scheduled to hit theaters November 21, 2008, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The sixth chapter of the franchise hasn't announced a cast or director yet. The boy wizard's next big-screen adventure, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," will premiere in July 2007. ...
Singers aren't the only ones who will be competing on the upcoming season of "American Idol." Amateur and professional songwriters will face off for the chance to write songs for the show's finalists that might better suit their singing styles, producer Simon Fuller told the Los Angeles Times. ...
"Who's the heiress of them all?" A box bearing Paris Hilton's name will pose that question beginning October 1 when the actress/singer's latest fragrance, Heiress, hits stores. Like many perfumes, Paris' new signature scent draws on fruity (orange, passion fruit and peach), floral (jasmine, ylang-ylang) and earthy (vetiver, tonka bean) inspirations. But Heiress is out to set itself apart from the flood of celeb scents with its packaging — the bottle features a built-in mirror. ... Mya is returning to the airwaves this month with "Ayo," the first single from her forthcoming album, Liberation. The singer's fourth LP is due November 14. ...
Eva Longoria, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Tina Fey, Wentworth Miller, Stephen Colbert, Helen Mirren and Bradley Whitford have been confirmed as presenters for the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. The show, to be hosted by Conan O'Brien ("Late Night with Conan O'Brien"), will broadcast live on NBC from Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium on Sunday, August 27, at 8 p.m. ET. ...
Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx is launching his own clothing line, named Royal Underground, Women's Wear Daily reports. The partnership between Sixx and Kelly Gray — the former co-president and spokesmodel for St. John Knits — will feature contemporary sportswear. "I don't think anyone else could have convinced me to get back into this business," Gray said, "but he has a passion for clothing that is unparalleled. I was happy to take a year off, but [Sixx] had a passion for this business that I have only seen in the mirror." ...
Calling it one of the "biggest conspiracies in entertainment history," Michael Jackson claims that he has recently received documents that reveal a plan by former associates to force him into involuntary bankruptcy. According to a press release from Jackson's spokesperson, the documents purportedly show a plot by former attorneys to force the singer into insolvency by conspiring with other attorneys, vendors and creditors. The statement said Jackson has instructed his legal team to file claims against some of the alleged conspirators for "conspiracy, bad faith and self dealing," with the possibility that the documents could be forwarded to the U.S. attorney general for review and possible involvement. "Mr. Jackson is neither shocked nor surprised by these revelations," Jackson's general manager, Raymone K. Bain, said. "Based on the timing of events that have impacted his personal and professional life in recent years, he has long been suspicious that some of those whom he entrusted to act on his behalf, and to advise him with respect to his personal and business affairs, may not have always acted in his best interests." ...
Paul and Heather Mills McCartney's split is becoming increasingly bitter. For their divorce proceedings, they've hired the same lawyers who represented Prince Charles and Princess Diana when they split, Reuters reports. A spokesperson for Mills confirmed on Tuesday (August 8) that McCartney has frozen their joint bank account and sent a letter to Mills claiming that three bottles of cleaning fluid had been removed from his Sussex home and taken to Mills' nearby office instead. Earlier Tuesday, she was kept out of McCartney's London home after discovering that the locks had been changed, and police were called to the residence after Mills' security guard scaled a wall to let her in. The Associated Press reports that Mills stayed the night with daughter Beatrice, 2, after entering the home. "She said it was hilarious. It was just a complete mix-up," a spokesperson for Mills said, although a spokesperson for McCartney would not comment on the matter. ...
Phil Spector was ordered Monday to disclose whether he discussed the death of actress Lana Clarkson with his former personal assistant, AP reports. The order came as part of proceedings in a lawsuit filed by a former Spector assistant who is alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination. Spector's former assistant Michelle Blaine claims she was fired because she wouldn't promise not to talk to prosecutors about what the producer may have told her about the shooting death of Clarkson at Spector's mansion. Spector's murder trial — on charges that he shot and killed Clarkson — is scheduled to begin in January, while the harassment suit is set to go to trial when the criminal case is over. Spector has said in the harassment suit that he did not kill Clarkson, but he pleaded the fifth when asked if he discussed the death with Blaine. ...
The Dixie Chicks have canceled shows in 14 cities due to sluggish ticket sales, replacing the gigs with dates in other locations, AP reports. Tour stops in cities including Houston and Memphis — which were listed as part of the schedule released in May — are no longer on the band's itinerary, while stops in cities such as Nashville and Denver have been pushed to later dates. Although several shows have been canceled, the number of North American shows remains the same, the band's spokesperson said, with added Canadian concerts taking the place of some U.S. stops. "We hope that our fans who were looking forward to a stop that is no longer on the tour will be able to join us at a nearby arena this fall," the Dixie Chicks said in a statement. "We are sorry for any confusion or inconvenience these changes have caused."
08.07.2006
Diddy goes to great lengths to preserve his sexy, but he told MTV Europe recently that he isn't concerned that Justin Timberlake is moving in on his territory with "SexyBack." "I'm a big fan of Justin's and he's allowed to use my catchphrase 'sexy' and run with it," Diddy said. "I mean, I got it from somebody else, so it's all good." It may be all good, but it's not all equal. "I am the king of the sexy, Justin," Diddy noted. "Let's not get it twisted." ... Diddy and Cassie will be among the artists helping to kick off the 2006-07 NFL season in a two-city celebration as the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field on September 5. Martina McBride and Rascal Flatts will perform in Pittsburgh, while Diddy and Cassie will take the stage in Miami. The 30-minute pre-game show will air September 5 at 8 p.m. on NBC. ...
Ozone Magazine's years of having a heavy buzz in streets of the South culminated Sunday night at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center in Orlando, Florida, when the publication held its first-ever Ozone Awards. Among the big winners were Lil Wayne, who won Lyricist of the Year; DJ Drama, who took the Mixtape DJ of the Year honor; and UGK, who won a Legends Award. Bun B and Pimp C also made history by performing together for the first time since Pimp C was released from prison several months ago. Another highlight was an all-Miami set during which Rick Ross performed "Hustlin' " and "Chevy Ridin' High" with Dre of Cool & Dre fame. The finale featured Ross, Trick Daddy and Pitbull performing "The Future of Dade" from DJ Khaled's Listennn: The Album. Trick ended by saying that he ran the state of Florida and everyone else is his protégé. Other performers included Shawnna, Ludacris, T-Pain and headliner Lil Wayne. David Banner co-hosted the show alongside Trina. "I'm proud that we were all able to come together this weekend without any major drama or violence and everybody just had a good time," Ozone Publisher Julia Beverly told MTV News. ...
Kid Rock, Eric Clapton and Mick Jagger are among the superstars who duet with Jerry Lee Lewis on the rock and roll trailblazer's new album, Last Man Standing, due September 26. Others lending their voices to the classic songs include Jimmy Page ("Rock and Roll"), Bruce Springsteen ("Pink Cadillac"), Neil Young ("You Don't Have to Go") Don Henley ("That's What Makes the Irish Heart Beat") and Little Richard ("I Saw Her Standing There"). ...
JoJo, Ashley Parker Angel and Lucas Grabeel from "High School Musical" will perform at Miss Teen USA 2006, which NBC will air at 8 p.m. ET on August 15. Damien Fahey from "TRL" and Shaun Robinson from "Access Hollywood" will host the event live from Palm Springs, Florida. ...
Jennifer Lopez is adding a new scent to her fragrance collection. Live Luxe, described as a "multifaceted concoction" that celebrates J.Lo's passion for dance, combines fruit notes (including peach and pear), a floral base (freesia, muguet and honeysuckle) and a musk/vanilla/sandalwood finish. The fragrance will be available in stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.K. and Spain this month and goes worldwide in September. ... Although they keep on rocking — and marrying — Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson have set aside their Mr. and Mrs. Rock titles to go by Mr. and Mrs. Richie. The couple recently celebrated the second of their four planned weddings with a courthouse ceremony in Detroit. "It's official," Anderson posted — alongside the Detroit Tigers logo — Saturday on her Web site. "Just left the courthouse! Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie have left the building. ... Off to honeymoon in Detroit! Go Tigers!" ...
A Raleigh, North Carolina, woman who penned an unauthorized book about "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken has filed a lawsuit against the singer, claiming he slandered her and tried to cripple sales of her book. According to The Associated Press, 50-year-old Jeannie Holleman claims she's a lifelong friend and neighbor of a Raleigh family who took Aiken and his mother, Faye Parker, in when Parker left her abusive husband. For Holleman's book, "Out of the Blue: 'Clay' It Forward," the author combined interviews from the family, along with her own recollections and stories from Aiken's fans. The suit, filed Friday, claims that Aiken, his mother and others tried to stymie the book's sales by denying they knew her and calling her stories lies. The filing further alleged that one of Aiken's bodyguards manhandled Holleman during a fundraiser in Hawaii. The suit seeks $260,000 in damages, and seeks a court order that would require Aiken to retract his statements about the book or endorse it on his Web site. Holleman also wants Aiken to pen an introduction to "Out of the Blue" and offer it for sale at his concerts. "As a so-called 'celebrity,' I have become used to scurrilous allegations and untruths being made about me and my work," Aiken said in a statement Monday (August 7). "I have always taken the path of not reacting to these matters and have accepted them as, somehow, coming with the 'job.' However, I cannot, and will not, stand by when these attacks are made on my family and my charity. So, I have instructed my attorneys to not only vigorously dispute the claims that have been made but to also pursue all possible remedies against those involved in the perpetration of these untruths." ...
Jack's Mannequin singer and cancer survivor Andrew McMahon is launching a fall tour to benefit his Dear Jack Foundation, which funds cancer research. Copeland, Daphne Loves Derby and the Hush Sound will join Jack's on the 17-city Tour for the Cure, which kicks off September 6 Tucson, Arizona, and wraps up October 12 in Sacramento, California. ... Zach Braff has directed the video for singer/songwriter Joshua Radin's "Closer," which he shot at the Hollywood Bowl. The song is featured on the soundtrack to Braff's new movie, "The Last Kiss." ... Following a solo acoustic tour this month that includes several opening dates for the Foo Fighters, Frank Black will take a band out on a full tour to promote his double album, Fast Man Raider Man. The trek begins October 1 in Tempe, Arizona (after September 29 and 30 dates opening for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) and ends November 19 in Anaheim, California. ...
A biopic about late INXS frontman Michael Hutchence is in the works, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Music-video director Nick Egan (Kylie Minogue, Sonic Youth) has been working with writers Chester Hastings and Dean McCreary on the film, titled "Slide Away." Hutchence, who died in 1997, was friends with Egan, who directed several INXS videos. There's no word yet on when the film will surface. ... Duran Duran are creating their own "virtual universe" within the online game "Second Life." The five bandmembers have commissioned custom avatars that will live on a luxury island featuring in-world concerts. Keyboardist Nick Rhodes called the game a "new frontier where dreams have become reality" in a statement, and compared this move to Duran Duran's embracing of music videos in the medium's early days. " 'Second Life' is the future right now, offering endless possibilities for artists," Rhodes explained. The project launches in September and the band says fans can expect a "Second Life" concert in the coming months.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
American Idol What have we done for you lately?
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Saturday, June 03, 2006
Beyonce, ‘American Idol’ winner Hicks impress shareholders
FAYETTEVILLE — One day you’re winning "American Idol," the next you’re at the Wal-Mart Shareholders Meeting. Welcome to the big time, Taylor Hicks. Hicks, the latest "American Idol" winner, was part of the musical makeup of the annual event, which was held at Bud Walton Arena on Friday.
Hicks sang two songs, including a rendition of the Doobie Brothers’ "Takin’ It to the Streets." The crowd voiced its approval. No Simon Cowells in this bunch. "I think Taylor Hicks did a fantastic job," Wal-Mart Vice Chairman Mike Duke said. Later in the morning, pop diva Beyonce put on a highvoltage performance. On Wednesday, associates were treated to an indoor concert by Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts. An outdoor concert Thursday night featuring Sugarland was called off because of bad weather. Later in the morning, to close the meeting, Beyonce sang a medley of Destiny’s Child songs and other songs. In the past, Wal-Mart has had artists such as Garth Brooks, Jon Bon Jovi, Brooks and Dunn, and Jimmy Buffet at its pre-meeting shareholders concerts and on the day of the Shareholders Meeting. A few years ago, Rogers native Joe Nichols sang the national anthem at the Shareholders Meeting. Nichols is now one of the hottest acts in country music.
New 'Idol' to perform in Provo
PROVO — Country star Lee Ann Womack will have to share the stage — and spotlight — at this year's Stadium of Fire.
A rising star — Taylor Hicks, the gray-haired, raspy-voiced, newly crowned winner of "American Idol" — has agreed to perform at the main event of America's Freedom Festival at Provo.
"He's this big, good-natured kind of all-American upbeat guy, and we thought he'd really be a perfect match for the Stadium of Fire," said Taylor Macdonald, executive director of America's Freedom Foundation, the nonprofit that puts on the show at LaVell Edwards Stadium each year.
"People sometimes say that the Stadium of Fire is stuck in country, and it's just not true. We're very pleased and think he will add a lot."
Word spread quickly Friday that the rhythm-and-blues singer was going to appear at the July 1 event.
Macdonald said the BYU ticket office reported a sharp spike in ticket sales since he first made the announcement on Doug Wright's talk show on KSL Radio Friday morning.
With Hicks on board, event planners are hoping for record sales. Before noon Friday, more tickets had already been sold than on any other day since going on sale.
"I think it's awesome he's coming to Utah," said Marcel Delgadillo, a self proclaimed "American Idol" lover. "No one comes to Utah — it's all country. Taylor's going to dominate. The gray hair, the deep voice — it'll be too hot to handle."
Hicks, 29, won fans across the country this year with his old-school singing style and wild dance moves. Some 43 million viewers tuned in May 24 to watch him sing what has become his first single, "Do I Make You Proud," during the show's finale.
"He's so cool," said Chelsea Robinson of Orem. "He's absolutely amazing. His singing takes my breath away. I'm so excited."
Not everyone is a fan of Hicks' stage antics and unconventional look, however.
Asked if he was excited for Hicks to perform, Jared VanHouten said, "Not really. ... He's pretty crazy. The dancing and everything."
Then, VanHouten pulled a face and shook his head.
So far, Stadium of Fire will be Hicks' only performance in Utah this summer.
"American Idol" finalists are starting a 54-city tour later this summer, but Utah is currently not on the docket.
Along with Womack, three tribute bands playing the songs of ABBA, Queen and the Beach Boys also will perform. Fireworks will close the show.
Stadium of Fire tickets
Stadium of Fire, which begins at 7:30 p.m. July 1 at BYU's LaVell Edwards Stadium, is the centerpiece event of America's Freedom Festival in Provo.
Tickets range in price from $20 to $100 and can be purchased by calling the BYU ticket office, 800-322-BYU1 (2981).
Tickets also can be purchased online at www.byutickets.com.
The Marriott Center ticket office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"American Idol" Taylor Hicks Signs Record Deal
'American Idol' winner Taylor Hicks, who polled 36.4 million votes in last week's final, has signed a multi-million dollar record deal.
Hicks said: "I want to get a quick turnaround on my album. Get it on the shelves within the next five or six months, by the end of the year, something like that."
Hicks' recording of two songs "Do I Make You Proud," which he sang in the show's finale, and a soulful cover of the Doobie Brothers classic "Takin' It to the Streets" will be released in stores and through digital outlets on June 13.
"I Taylor-ized it," Hicks said of "Do I Make You Proud," the power ballad he performed on the final two nights of the "Idol" season last week. "I was glad that I could make it my own, and luckily enough, I could relate. The lyrics meant a lot."Hicks will start recording the album on off nights during this summer's American Idols Live Tour, which is still in the planning stages: "I think there's a duet in store, and I think I'm going to get to play harmonica and guitar," Hicks said. "I'm looking forward to it. This is the most talented year of 'American Idol,' and I love working with talented people, because the more talent that you work with the better off that you are and the harder it makes you work as an artist."
Hicks added: "As a performer and a musician in my own realm, so to speak, I was usually doing stuff on my own, doing this, doing that, calling the shots, and I had to really compensate that, and I've definitely learned how to be patient."
Hicks said: "I want to get a quick turnaround on my album. Get it on the shelves within the next five or six months, by the end of the year, something like that."
Hicks' recording of two songs "Do I Make You Proud," which he sang in the show's finale, and a soulful cover of the Doobie Brothers classic "Takin' It to the Streets" will be released in stores and through digital outlets on June 13.
"I Taylor-ized it," Hicks said of "Do I Make You Proud," the power ballad he performed on the final two nights of the "Idol" season last week. "I was glad that I could make it my own, and luckily enough, I could relate. The lyrics meant a lot."Hicks will start recording the album on off nights during this summer's American Idols Live Tour, which is still in the planning stages: "I think there's a duet in store, and I think I'm going to get to play harmonica and guitar," Hicks said. "I'm looking forward to it. This is the most talented year of 'American Idol,' and I love working with talented people, because the more talent that you work with the better off that you are and the harder it makes you work as an artist."
Hicks added: "As a performer and a musician in my own realm, so to speak, I was usually doing stuff on my own, doing this, doing that, calling the shots, and I had to really compensate that, and I've definitely learned how to be patient."
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Taylor Hicks
Taylor Reuben Hicks (born October 6, 1976) is an American soul singer, songwriter, and musician. He is the winner of the fifth season of American Idol, beating out Katharine McPhee for the title. He is known for his sometimes energetic performances on stage. His fans are most commonly known as the "Soul Patrol".
Taylor Hicks Early life
Taylor Hicks as a childTaylor Hicks was born in the Saint Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. As an infant, he had blond hair. His hair color turned dark brown/black as an adolescent, and started turning gray by the time he was 15. He and his family moved to suburban Hoover when he was 8 years old. His parents divorced when he was 8, and his father Brad, a dentist, and stepmother Linda shared custody until he became of age. His half-brother, Sean, is a student at Georgia Tech and plays trumpet in the school's jazz band.
Growing up in Hoover, Hicks played Little League baseball, golf, and varsity basketball. According to his grandmother Jonie, Hicks never had formal music lessons. He came running up to her when he was about twelve years old saying, "Grandma, you've got to hear this!" Then he sang Otis Redding's "Try A Little Tenderness" for her. According to his father, when he was 5 years old he sang to random strangers the music of Kenny Rogers or Michael Jackson, to name a few. He plays guitar as well as blues harp and writes most of his own songs. Hicks bought his first harmonica when he was 16.
Hicks was a former student of Berry High School and graduated from Hoover High School in 1995. He attended Auburn University, majoring in business, communications and marketing for a year, but lost interest and dropped out. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a music career and has worked with Nashville veterans Billy Earle McClelland and Percy Sledge. Later, he graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Taylor Hicks Career
Hicks' professional music career began with performances at various venues, including the Playboy Mansion. He released two independent albums, In Your Time (1997) and Under the Radar (2005), prior to appearing on Idol though he never held a recording contract so he did not violate their requirements for contestants. Hicks has also spoken on Tapestry, a radio program on National Public Radio affiliate WBHM in Birmingham, in December 2005. Hicks has also performed with James Brown, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Drive by Truckers, and Robert Randolph. Hicks is currently collaborating with contemporary blues legend Keb Mo.
American Idol
Hicks auditioned for American Idol in Las Vegas, Nevada. He originally wanted to try out in Memphis but the site was cancelled due to Hurricane Katrina. Also, he was touring in New Orleans with his band, the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra, on the night Hurricane Katrina hit and used a ticket voucher to fly to Las Vegas. Hicks passed the audition by the approval of judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, but not Simon Cowell, who said that Hicks would never make it to the final round. Cowell called back to this quote in a later episode and admitted he was wrong. After advancing to the final three contestants, Hicks gave a short concert and promotional appearance before several thousand fans at the Riverchase Galleria.
On the May 10, 2006 results, Hicks was in the top 2 along with Katharine McPhee, and they made the Top 3 with Elliott Yamin, who became his best friend on the show. On May 12, Idol producers brought Hicks to Birmingham for a weekend of promotional events including television interviews for the local FOX affiliate, a downtown parade and mini-concert, another concert at the Riverchase Galleria, a mall in his hometown, an evening appearance at the Birmingham Museum of Art, and a campaign appearance with Governor Bob Riley and Mayor Bernard Kincaid. May 12 was proclaimed "Taylor Hicks Day" and Hicks was given the key to the city.
Hicks was named the new American Idol on May 24, competing against Katharine McPhee. Over 63.4 million votes were cast in total, with Hicks receiving more than any previous Idol winner. With his win, Hicks (at 29) became the oldest person to win American Idol, only the second male to win the contest (after Ruben Studdard), and is the only man to win the contest against a woman in the finale. He is also the first and only white man to win American Idol and the fifth Southerner to win American Idol. He is the second American Idol from Alabama after season 2 winner Ruben Studdard, but is the third finalist from Alabama along with Studdard and Season 4 runner-up Bo Bice. He is the third person to win the competition without ever being in the bottom two or three (after Kelly Clarkson & Carrie Underwood) and the only man (as of Season 5) to attain such a feat (although Clay Aiken was never in the bottom 2 or 3, he did not win the Idol competition).
American Idol
Hicks auditioned for American Idol in Las Vegas, Nevada. He originally wanted to try out in Memphis but the site was cancelled due to Hurricane Katrina. Also, he was touring in New Orleans with his band, the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra, on the night Hurricane Katrina hit and used a ticket voucher to fly to Las Vegas. Hicks passed the audition by the approval of judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, but not Simon Cowell, who said that Hicks would never make it to the final round. Cowell called back to this quote in a later episode and admitted he was wrong. After advancing to the final three contestants, Hicks gave a short concert and promotional appearance before several thousand fans at the Riverchase Galleria.
On the May 10, 2006 results, Hicks was in the top 2 along with Katharine McPhee, and they made the Top 3 with Elliott Yamin, who became his best friend on the show. On May 12, Idol producers brought Hicks to Birmingham for a weekend of promotional events including television interviews for the local FOX affiliate, a downtown parade and mini-concert, another concert at the Riverchase Galleria, a mall in his hometown, an evening appearance at the Birmingham Museum of Art, and a campaign appearance with Governor Bob Riley and Mayor Bernard Kincaid. May 12 was proclaimed "Taylor Hicks Day" and Hicks was given the key to the city.
Hicks was named the new American Idol on May 24, competing against Katharine McPhee. Over 63.4 million votes were cast in total, with Hicks receiving more than any previous Idol winner. With his win, Hicks (at 29) became the oldest person to win American Idol, only the second male to win the contest (after Ruben Studdard), and is the only man to win the contest against a woman in the finale. He is also the first and only white man to win American Idol and the fifth Southerner to win American Idol. He is the second American Idol from Alabama after season 2 winner Ruben Studdard, but is the third finalist from Alabama along with Studdard and Season 4 runner-up Bo Bice. He is the third person to win the competition without ever being in the bottom two or three (after Kelly Clarkson & Carrie Underwood) and the only man (as of Season 5) to attain such a feat (although Clay Aiken was never in the bottom 2 or 3, he did not win the Idol competition).
Taylor Hicks Fans
Fans of Hicks have been dubbed the "Soul Patrol". Hicks frequently mentions the Soul Patrol after performances and in subsequent appearances by exclaiming, "Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol!". After winning Idol, for example, Ryan Seacrest asked if he had any parting words and Hicks yelled, "Soul Patrol!". Hicks became the subject of two Weekend Update lampoons on NBC's Saturday Night Live on April 15 and May 20, 2006, portrayed by cast member Jason Sudeikis. In an allusion to Hicks' quirkiness and disposition, Sudeikis mocked playing Hicks' trademark blues harmonica and repeatedly shouted out "Soul Patrol!". Hicks, when interviewed by Ryan Seacrest on the subsequent episode of American Idol on April 18, 2006, as to whether or not he saw the imitation, admitted that he had and that the impression made him "fall out on the floor" with laughter. During a promotional event for Idol in Alabama, Hicks "inducted" Governor Bob Riley and his wife into the Soul Patrol. Hicks also has two goldfish, named Lamont and Ray, around whom fans have created and maintain a blog.[
Thursday, May 25, 2006
American Idol Season five winner
The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17, 2006. Auditions were in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver and San Francisco, with Greensboro, North Carolina and Las Vegas, Nevada included after the cancellation of the Memphis auditions due to Hurricane Katrina. The season used the same rules as Season 4. Contestants had to be between the ages of 16 and 28 on August 15, 2005, being born on or between August 16, 1976 and August 15, 1989.
Although this season had little controversy in comparison to the four prior seasons, various troubles have emerged. Derrell and Terrell Brittenum were twins who auditioned together in Chicago. Derrell had threatened to, and did quit when he had mistakenly heard his brother was cut. After realizing his error, Derrell pleaded to the judges to let him reclaim his spot in the competition, much to their consternation. They gave Derrell and his brother another chance, but the twins were later disqualified in January of 2006 due to a prior arrest in relations to identity theft.
Finalist Bucky Covington also had prior troubles with the law. Coincidentally, Covington's crimes involved himself and his twin brother, Rocky. The two had allegedly switched spots in 1998 to avoid the other getting into troubles with the law, thus confusing the police. However, this prior crime had no effect on Covington's time spent on American Idol, and he was voted off on April 12.
The winner of the season was Taylor Hicks with runner up Katharine McPhee. Taylor Hicks joined Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood as the only winners of American Idol to never be in the bottom three or two. Taylor was named American Idol on May 24, 2006 at 9:56 PM (EDT). Taylor Hicks is the second American Idol winner from the city of Birmingham, AL, and the fourth finalist with close ties to the city.
American Idol winner kept viewers entertained
Taylor Hicks even overcame the blandness of show's original song
He’s 29 years old and looks like he’s Ryan Seacrest’s father. He throws himself around onstage like a marionette being manipulated by drunk puppeteers. The closest comparison to his vocal range are guys like Michael McDonald and Joe Cocker, neither of whom have been on the pop charts in at least two decades.
He’s Taylor Hicks, and he’s the new “American Idol.”
Hicks was announced as the Season 5 winner on Wednesday night, beating out Katharine McPhee in a result about as surprising as former finalist Kellie Pickler mispronouncing a three-syllable word. The Birmingham native was a fan favorite from his first audition, and stayed above the fray throughout the season as the rest of the early leaders faltered. With a distinctive style and memorable voice, he was an easy choice to win the title.
That’s interesting, because the man behind “Soul Patrol” was the one finalist who totally defied convention. In searching for the next star to cast atop the pop-music landscape, the voters picked a winner with a style that’s hasn’t been found in the Top 40 in years.
It was easy to see how the rest of the 12 finalists could find a niche on the airwaves: Pickler and Bucky Covington on country stations, Mandisa belting out gospel, Kevin Covais performing educational videos for the preschoolers watching Noggin, and so on. Hicks’ sound is more classic soul and R&B, which isn’t among the current priorities of the ClearChannel empire. That means it’s not heard on the radio very often.
Perhaps that’s the point. The 63.4 million votes that led to his victory could be read as a signal that maybe not everyone is in the market for cookie-cutter pop music. Maybe the viewers are asking for some variety in their radio diet, rather than just another manufactured Jessica Simpson/Britney Spears clone.
Or it could mean that millions of Americans just like a goofy guy with a Southern accent.
Bloated finale
Hicks was anointed the winner after a bloated two-hour results show that was part music festival, part reunion show, and part really bad comedy routine. The “Idol” talent bookers worked overtime, getting artists like Mary J. Blige, Prince, Live and Toni Braxton to perform in the finale. Amazing what millions of viewers will do to entice musicians looking to sell a CD or two.
Of course, Dionne Warwick performed a couple of songs as well, and Burt Bacharach returned to the program to watch the “12 “Idol” finalists, which shows that somebody’s grandfather still has a big say in who the guest stars are. Still, it offers hope that next season might offer some contemporary musical guest stars, rather than simply going with whatever old-timer feels like stopping by on that particular week.
In between performances from the established stars, the 12 “Idol” finalists, and alums Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken (Ruben Studdard must have had a prior engagement), there were the usual comedy bits and video montages that serve to stretch out the show so the network can sell more advertising and so the producers can hype the forthcoming “Idol” concert tour.
But while it was nice to see some of the long-departed contestants return (Hey, look! It’s Melissa McGhee!), odds are small that they’re the ones that people are going to shell out their hard-earned money to see. Chris Daughtry has a strong and passionate fan base, judging from all the hubbub and Internet conspiracy rumors that followed his departure. Elliott Yamin, Paris Bennett, and Kellie Pickler will probably sell a few tickets as well. But neither of the two finalists got this far by sheer random chance.
It all came down to Hicks and McPhee, and Hicks was clearly the more natural fit to join the established stars on stage. His central appeal is his ability to entertain, which is far more developed than any of the other contestants in “Idol” history. There have been numerous contestants in the five seasons of “American Idol” with more talent than Hicks, but nobody has come close to being as fun to watch.
That’s more than a gimmick, however, as Hicks proved in Tuesday’s final sing-off. Because he can move an audience, he can overcome obstacles like an original song that sounds like it was written in 1947. (“Do I Make You Proud?” Is the show getting its music ideas from the Self-Help section of Barnes & Noble?) That ability displayed the star potential that McPhee lacked, and it proved to be the difference.
In an earlier show, Rebecca Romijn, the supermodel-turned-movie-actress whose posters have hung in a generation of college men’s dorm rooms, requested nothing other than a Taylor Hicks encore. When a supermodel drags her fiancé (actor Jerry O’Connell) to a concert to hear you sing, that’s a clear sign that you’ve made it.
Now that Hicks has got the million-dollar record deal and the coveted “Idol” crown, Romijn is likely only the first high-profile Hicks fan. Not bad for a harmonica player from Alabama.
American Idol Hicks celebrates big win
LOS ANGELES -- Taylor Hicks, the mop-topped manic dancer who wooed TV audiences with his raw singing style and boisterous personality, was named the new winner of the "American Idol" singing contest.
The 29-year-old from Birmingham, Alabama, with his unlikely mop of prematurely gray hair, said he wanted to travel back home to his legions of "Soul Patrol" fans, whom he thanked onstage the moment he won Wednesday night.
Then, he added, he wants to record a "really good" album, "with soul."
"I'm heading to the studio as quickly as I can," he said. "But I'll take a few days off to clear my head."
And he would love to tour with younger R&B and rock artists such as John Legend and John Mayer, said Hicks, whose victory earned him a recording contract and a new car.
Hicks, who beat out sultry brunette Katharine McPhee, 22, of Los Angeles, credited his win in part to "a love for music."
It also helped, he said, that he sang after McPhee did during Tuesday night's head-to-head competition.
The show's fifth and best-rated edition yet took a leap in stature Wednesday when Prince, Mary J. Blige and other big names performed during the finale. The series has given big boosts to the album sales of pop stars who have appeared on it.
Hicks, the latest in a string of Southern and Midwestern contestants to win the contest, leaned over in an emotional reaction when host Ryan Seacrest announced his victory.
"I was just telling myself, `Don't fall to the floor. Don't let my knees buckle,"' he said backstage.
More than 63 million votes were cast, "more than any president in the history of our country has received," Seacrest said. Specific tallies for Hicks and McPhee were not immediately announced.
Fans picked the soulful sound and footloose moves of Hicks, who made his mark on Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City" on Tuesday's show, although McPhee's well-trained voice was shown to perfection on the standard "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
After Wednesday's show, runner-up McPhee said she hadn't expected to win and didn't have any regrets.
"It would really just be silly to feel bad for me at this point. I got a record deal, a new car," she said backstage.
McPhee said she planned to take a week off to see friends in New York and "go somewhere tropical" before embarking on the "American Idol" tour with Hicks and the other finalists.
As for the future, she said she wanted to model her career after Julia Roberts, and eventually go into movies and back to her musical-theater roots.
Last season's victor, Carrie Underwood, opened the finale, joining Hicks and McPhee on "I Made It Through the Rain" and later soloing on "Don't Forget to Remember Me."
On Tuesday, Underwood won two trophies at the Academy of Country Music Awards, underscoring how much an "Idol" victory can mean. She was named top new female artist and won best single for "Jesus Take the Wheel."
Other pairings of contestants and stars on the "Idol" finale included Paris Bennett and Al Jarreau; McPhee and Meat Loaf; Chris Daughtry and Live; Elliott Yamin and Blige; Hicks and Toni Braxton, and the dozen finalists with Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick.
Prince was a surprise final performer, taking the stage for two songs, including "Satisfied" -- and without an "Idol" contestant alongside.
Asked backstage if he had any advice for contestants, Meat Loaf replied: "If you want to do this, you're gonna go up and down, and up and down, and people are going to love you and hate you ... Just stick with it," he said. (AP)
The 29-year-old from Birmingham, Alabama, with his unlikely mop of prematurely gray hair, said he wanted to travel back home to his legions of "Soul Patrol" fans, whom he thanked onstage the moment he won Wednesday night.
Then, he added, he wants to record a "really good" album, "with soul."
"I'm heading to the studio as quickly as I can," he said. "But I'll take a few days off to clear my head."
And he would love to tour with younger R&B and rock artists such as John Legend and John Mayer, said Hicks, whose victory earned him a recording contract and a new car.
Hicks, who beat out sultry brunette Katharine McPhee, 22, of Los Angeles, credited his win in part to "a love for music."
It also helped, he said, that he sang after McPhee did during Tuesday night's head-to-head competition.
The show's fifth and best-rated edition yet took a leap in stature Wednesday when Prince, Mary J. Blige and other big names performed during the finale. The series has given big boosts to the album sales of pop stars who have appeared on it.
Hicks, the latest in a string of Southern and Midwestern contestants to win the contest, leaned over in an emotional reaction when host Ryan Seacrest announced his victory.
"I was just telling myself, `Don't fall to the floor. Don't let my knees buckle,"' he said backstage.
More than 63 million votes were cast, "more than any president in the history of our country has received," Seacrest said. Specific tallies for Hicks and McPhee were not immediately announced.
Fans picked the soulful sound and footloose moves of Hicks, who made his mark on Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City" on Tuesday's show, although McPhee's well-trained voice was shown to perfection on the standard "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
After Wednesday's show, runner-up McPhee said she hadn't expected to win and didn't have any regrets.
"It would really just be silly to feel bad for me at this point. I got a record deal, a new car," she said backstage.
McPhee said she planned to take a week off to see friends in New York and "go somewhere tropical" before embarking on the "American Idol" tour with Hicks and the other finalists.
As for the future, she said she wanted to model her career after Julia Roberts, and eventually go into movies and back to her musical-theater roots.
Last season's victor, Carrie Underwood, opened the finale, joining Hicks and McPhee on "I Made It Through the Rain" and later soloing on "Don't Forget to Remember Me."
On Tuesday, Underwood won two trophies at the Academy of Country Music Awards, underscoring how much an "Idol" victory can mean. She was named top new female artist and won best single for "Jesus Take the Wheel."
Other pairings of contestants and stars on the "Idol" finale included Paris Bennett and Al Jarreau; McPhee and Meat Loaf; Chris Daughtry and Live; Elliott Yamin and Blige; Hicks and Toni Braxton, and the dozen finalists with Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick.
Prince was a surprise final performer, taking the stage for two songs, including "Satisfied" -- and without an "Idol" contestant alongside.
Asked backstage if he had any advice for contestants, Meat Loaf replied: "If you want to do this, you're gonna go up and down, and up and down, and people are going to love you and hate you ... Just stick with it," he said. (AP)
Soul singer Taylor Hicks wins "American Idol"
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Gray-haired soul singer Taylor Hicks won the 2006 "American Idol" contest on Wednesday, capturing the hearts and votes of millions of viewers in the fifth edition of America's top-rated TV show.
Hicks, 29, who was told in auditions that he was too gray to be a pop star, beat balladeer Katharine McPhee in the climax of a nationwide contest that attracted tens of thousands of wannabe performers.
"Thank you America! I'm living the American Dream," screamed Hicks at the end of the show.
The winner was announced at the end of a star-studded finale at Hollywood's Kodak Theater featuring performances by Prince, Dionne Warwick, Mary J. Blige, Burt Bacharach, Toni Braxton and Meat Loaf.
Alabama native Hicks, beloved for his manic dancing, is the oldest "American Idol" winner in the reality TV series that has become a ratings juggernaut attracting some 30 million viewers a week since January.
Once derided as a cheesy talent show, "Idol" has steadily gained credibility in the industry, turning out a Grammy winning performer in Kelly Clarkson while past winners and runners-up have sold more than 33 million records.
At the Country Music Awards on Tuesday, former "American Idol" champ Carrie Underwood was named top new female vocalist, and also won the single record of the year honor for "Jesus Take the Wheel."
The fifth season of "American Idol" saw the wannabe stars collaborating with icons like Stevie Wonder and Rod Stewart while Prince gave a surprise performance.
Harmonica playing Hicks, who spent years singing in local nightclubs, wins a coveted recording contract and will release his first single in the next few days.
"I didn't have any idea that Americans would embrace gray hair as much as they have," Hicks said backstage, thanking his fans. He said he planned to make "an album with soul. It's going to have a lot of feeling."
McPhee, 22, a sultry Los Angeles musical theater performer, was deemed by the three-person judging panel to have one of the best vocal talents in "American Idol" history.
But viewers chose the charismatic Hicks, whose fans call themselves the "Soul Patrol." Program officials said more than 63 million votes were sent in by phone or text but they did not give a breakdown.
Backstage McPhee said she had not expected to win but would be releasing a single anyway. "I don't need sad faces or anyone to feel bad for me. I have got a record deal, pretty much. It wasn't about winning the title, I just wanted to give the best performance I could," she said.
With a style that mixes Joe Cocker with Ray Charles, Hicks was a consistent favorite with viewers despite some acerbic comments from judge Simon Cowell, who said one of his performances was like "a drunken father singing at a wedding."
The fifth season of "American Idol" proved the most successful ever, forcing rival TV networks to reschedule their programs to avoid competition. The show returns for a sixth series in January.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
American Idol Katharine McPhee
Katharine McPhee's (32342) mother is a vocal coach. At the time she auditioned in San Francisco, Randy said her audition was the best he'd heard yet this season. At the end of the first semi-final round, Simon Cowell said that he had heard four very good singers that evening and that Katharine was the best among them. She is from Sherman Oaks, California. Katharine made the final two on May 17th.
- Since I Fell for You (Barbra Streisand)
- All in Love Is Fair (Stevie Wonder)
- Think (Aretha Franklin)
- Until You Come Back to Me (Stevie Wonder)
- Come Rain or Come Shine (Ella Fitzgerald)
- The Voice Within (Christina Aguilera) - Bottom 2 03/29/06
- Bringing Out the Elvis (Faith Hill)
- Who Wants to Live Forever (Queen)
- Someone to Watch Over Me (Frank Sinatra)
- I Have Nothing (Whitney Houston) - Top 2 04/26/06
- Against All Odds (Phil Collins)
- Black Horse and the Cherry Tree (KT Tunstall)
- Hound Dog / All Shook Up (Elvis Presley) - Bottom 2 05/10/06
- Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis Presley) - Bottom 2 05/10/06
- I Believe I Can Fly (R. Kelly)- Top 2 5/17/06
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland) - Top 2 5/17/06
- I Ain't Got Nothing But the Blues (Ella Fitzgerald) - Top 2 5/17/06
American Idol Taylor Hicks
Taylor Hicks (74094) is from Birmingham, Alabama. He is gray-haired, performed "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke at his original audition in Las Vegas. He is the only contestant of the season to have never been in the bottom 2 or 3 throughout the competition. He was submitted into the final two on May 17th.
- Levon (Elton John)
- Easy (The Commodores)
- Takin' It to the Streets (The Doobie Brothers)
- Living for the City (Stevie Wonder)
- Not Fade Away (Buddy Holly)
- Trouble (Ray LaMontagne)
- Take Me Home, Country Roads (John Denver)
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Queen)
- You Send Me (Sam Cooke)
- Just Once (James Ingram)
- Play That Funky Music (Wild Cherry)
- Something (The Beatles)
- Jailhouse Rock (Elvis Presley) - Top 2 05/10/06
- In the Ghetto (Elvis Presley) - Top 2 05/10/06
- Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen) - Top 2 5/17/06
- You Are So Beautiful (Joe Cocker) - Top 2 5/17/06
- Try A Little Tenderness (Otis Redding) - Top 2 5/17/06
American Idols LIVE! Tour 2006
American Idols Live! Tour 2006' is a summer concert tour featuring all of the winning contestants of the fifth season of American Idol (the overall winner and 9 runner-ups), which occurred in 2006. It is sponsored by Kellogg Pop-Tarts. It starts on July 6 and ends on September 2.
Venues
Venues
| City | Venue |
| Birmingham, Alabama | BJCC Arena |
| Anaheim, California | Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim |
| Los Angeles, California | Staples Center |
| Sacramento, California | ARCO Arena |
| San Diego, California | ipayOne Center |
| San Jose, California | HP Pavilion at San Jose |
| Bridgeport, Connecticut | Arena at Harbor Yard |
| Hartford, Connecticut | Hartford Civic Center |
| Sunrise, Florida | BankAtlantic Center |
| Tampa, Florida | St. Pete Times Forum |
| Duluth, Georgia | Arena at Gwinnett Center |
| Chicago, Illinois | Allstate Arena |
| Peoria, Illinois | Peoria Civic Center |
| Indianapolis, Indiana | Indiana State Fairgrounds |
| Louisville, Kentucky | Freedom Hall |
| Worcester, Massachusetts | DCU Center |
| Grand Rapids, Michigan | Van Andel Arena |
| Detroit, Michigan | Joe Louis Arena |
| St. Paul, Minnesota | Xcel Energy Center |
| St. Louis, Missouri | Savvis Center |
| Manchester, New Hampshire | Verizon Wireless Arena |
| Atlantic City, New Jersey | Boardwalk Hall |
| East Rutherford, New Jersey | Continental Airlines Arena |
| Albany, New York | Pepsi Arena |
| Long Island, New York | Nassau Coliseum |
| Rochester, New York | BlueCross Arena |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | Charlotte Bobcats Arena |
| Greensboro, North Carolina | Greensboro Coliseum |
| Cleveland, Ohio | Wolstein Arena |
| Columbus, Ohio | Value City Arena |
| Portland, Oregon | Rose Garden |
| Hershey, Pennsylvania | GIANT Arena |
| Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Melon Arena |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Wachovia Center |
| Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania | Wachovia Arena |
| Columbia, South Carolina | Colonial Center |
| Nashville, Tennessee | Gaylord Entertainment Center |
| Richmond, Virginia | Richmond Coliseum |
| Tacoma, Washington | Tacoma Dome |
| Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Bradley Center |
| Washington, D.C. | Verizon Center |
Monday, May 22, 2006
American Idol Semi-finals
The semi-finals began on February 21, with the names announced on February 15. There were three shows each week for the three weeks of the semi-finals.
There were no format changes from season 4; it will feature 12 male singers and 12 female singers (24 total), with two of each being eliminated each week.
The 24 semi-finalists, announced February 15, 2006, along with their songs performed on the show, were:
Ayla Brown (14336) (born February 27, 1988) is an American singer and was fourteenth place on American Idol.
She is from Wrentham, Massachusetts. Her father, Scott Brown, is a Massachusetts state senator, and her mother, Gail Huff, is a local television personality at WCVB-TV. She has a college basketball scholarship at Boston College. She originally auditioned in Boston, singing Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
Kinnik Sky (63995) is from Duluth, Georgia. She auditioned in Greensboro.
Heather Heather Cox (36338) is from Jonesville, North Carolina. She auditioned in Denver.
Brenna Gethers (14289) is from Mount Vernon, New York. She auditioned in Boston.
Stevie Scott (36600) (born May 22, 1986 in Fair Oaks, California). She auditioned in Denver. She sang "Emotions" with Hannah Freeman and finalist Paris Bennett during their group performance in Hollywood. She was eliminated from American Idol (Season 5) on February 23, 2006 along with Becky O'Donohue, Bobby Bennett, and Patrick Hall. She made a cameo appearance on the Top 6 performance show of American Idol on April 25, 2006.
Becky Becky O'Donohue (11588) is from Dobbs Ferry, New York. Her original audition was in Boston with her twin sister (who didn't sing due to recent throat surgery). Simon praised her looks, but said no to her voice. She was let through to Hollywood by Randy and Paula.
Gedeon Gedeon McKinney (4460) (born October 1, 1988) was the 13th place semi-finalist in the fifth season of American Idol. He comes from Memphis, Tennessee, but the Memphis auditions had to be canceled due to relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina that were taking place in Memphis. He was so poor that his school let him administer a concert, and the students paid USD$2.00 to get in, so he could enter the contest in another city. He auditioned in Chicago, and made it through the first rounds and eventually was one of the top 24 contestants. He was not given enough votes to enter the top 12, and was voted off. During the course of the show, Gedeon was famed for his almost permanent wide smile.
Gedeon McKinney's father Tony McKinney, an R&B singer who made an album "Love Me Right." died in December, 2005. "Hollywood is a place he always dreamed of going and I am living out my father's legacy, and I really thank God for that". Gedeon has three sisters and three brothers.
Will Will Makar (58581) (born March 2, 1989 in The Woodlands, Texas) is an American singer and was fifteenth-place on the fifth season of American Idol. He is of Ukrainian origin and studies Japanese. Will is currently a sophomore at The Woodlands College Park High School in The Woodlands, TX. He was held back a year in elementary school by request of his parents. In school, Will has starred in several musical productions. In 1999 Will sang with the Houston Children’s Chorus for President Clinton, and again in 2002 for President Bush. After five years as a member of the Houston Children’s Chorus, Will decided he had grown too old, and "retired." In 2003, Will, along with his three friends Louis, Bobby, and Aaron, formed a band called Last Born, of which Will held the position of the lead vocals until 2005, when he decided to pursue a solo career. Will auditioned for American Idol (Season 5)] in Austin, TX.
He was eliminated on March 9, 2006, which was the same week that the Top 12 was announced. He finished in 15th place. During the show, Will developed a friendship with David Radford and Kevin Covais. They had performed together during the group performance in Hollywood week.[citation needed]
José José "Sway" Penala (32613) (born October 27, 1977) is from South San Francisco, and he auditioned in San Francisco. Jose began writing lyrics and continued to perfect his voice through the years. In 1996, he partnered with his good friend, Darrell to form the group “DnH” - short for Drop n Harmony. Friends, Jerome and Lionel, joined the group within the next three years. The four self-starters worked hard on their craft, practicing constantly to blend their voices into the perfect mix of breathtaking harmonies. This San Francisco based group, was a favorite in the Bay Area and were likened to a Filipino Boyz II Men. At the end of 2001, Jose began a compilation with members of other Asian-American singing groups. During this initial collaboration, the four singers: Jose, Errol, Drey, and Cyrus, realized that they shared the same passion for music and similar visions of success. This led to the creation of a new group, “6th Day”. He sports a Fedora hat, overcoat and a dogtag to suit his RNB style of music when performing on-stage.
David David Radford (2436) (born March 22, 1988 in Crystal Lake, Illinois) is a high school senior at Crystal Lake Central High School. David has also been popular in singing with many students in his high school.He has been singing "his way" since he can remember. As a child, whenever there was a spotlight, David somehow found a way to its center. In addition to singing, David plays the trumpet as well as a mean game of Ping-Pong. He originally auditioned in Chicago. He was eliminated from American Idol on March 2, 2006 along with José (Sway) Penala, Brenna Gethers and Heather Cox.
David also became best friends and roommates with semi-finalists, Will Makar, and Ayla Brown and finalists, Kevin Covais, Paris Bennett, Lisa Tucker, Katharine McPhee, and Kellie Pickler.
Patrick Patrick Hall (79857) is from Gravette, Arkansas and was seen for the first time in Hollywood.
Bobby Bobby Bennett (36477) is from Denver and also auditioned there. He made an appearance in the March 21 episode wherein Barry Manilow performed that night.
There were no format changes from season 4; it will feature 12 male singers and 12 female singers (24 total), with two of each being eliminated each week.
The 24 semi-finalists, announced February 15, 2006, along with their songs performed on the show, were:
Women-eliminated
Ayla Brown (14336) (born February 27, 1988) is an American singer and was fourteenth place on American Idol.
She is from Wrentham, Massachusetts. Her father, Scott Brown, is a Massachusetts state senator, and her mother, Gail Huff, is a local television personality at WCVB-TV. She has a college basketball scholarship at Boston College. She originally auditioned in Boston, singing Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
- Ayla Brown Official Website
- American Idol - Contestants: Ayla Brown
- Myspace Page
- Reflection (Christina Aguilera)
- I Want You To Need Me (Celine Dion)
- Unwritten (Natasha Bedingfield) - Eliminated 03/09/06
- Reflection (Christina Aguilera)
Kinnik Sky (63995) is from Duluth, Georgia. She auditioned in Greensboro.
- Get Here (Oleta Adams)
- Here For the Party (Gretchen Wilson) - Bottom 3 03/02/06
- If I Ain't Got You (Alicia Keys) - Eliminated 03/09/06
Heather Heather Cox (36338) is from Jonesville, North Carolina. She auditioned in Denver.
- When You Tell Me That You Love Me (Diana Ross)
- Hero (Mariah Carey) - Eliminated 03/02/06
Brenna Gethers (14289) is from Mount Vernon, New York. She auditioned in Boston.
- You Are The Sunshine Of My Life (Stevie Wonder)
- Last Dance (Donna Summer) - Eliminated 03/02/06
Stevie Scott (36600) (born May 22, 1986 in Fair Oaks, California). She auditioned in Denver. She sang "Emotions" with Hannah Freeman and finalist Paris Bennett during their group performance in Hollywood. She was eliminated from American Idol (Season 5) on February 23, 2006 along with Becky O'Donohue, Bobby Bennett, and Patrick Hall. She made a cameo appearance on the Top 6 performance show of American Idol on April 25, 2006.
- Stevie Scott Website
- American Idol - Stevie Scott
- To Where You Are (Josh Groban) - Eliminated 02/23/06
- To Where You Are (Josh Groban) - Eliminated 02/23/06
Becky Becky O'Donohue (11588) is from Dobbs Ferry, New York. Her original audition was in Boston with her twin sister (who didn't sing due to recent throat surgery). Simon praised her looks, but said no to her voice. She was let through to Hollywood by Randy and Paula.
- Because The Night (Patti Smith) - Eliminated 02/23/06
Men-eliminated
Gedeon Gedeon McKinney (4460) (born October 1, 1988) was the 13th place semi-finalist in the fifth season of American Idol. He comes from Memphis, Tennessee, but the Memphis auditions had to be canceled due to relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina that were taking place in Memphis. He was so poor that his school let him administer a concert, and the students paid USD$2.00 to get in, so he could enter the contest in another city. He auditioned in Chicago, and made it through the first rounds and eventually was one of the top 24 contestants. He was not given enough votes to enter the top 12, and was voted off. During the course of the show, Gedeon was famed for his almost permanent wide smile.
Gedeon McKinney's father Tony McKinney, an R&B singer who made an album "Love Me Right." died in December, 2005. "Hollywood is a place he always dreamed of going and I am living out my father's legacy, and I really thank God for that". Gedeon has three sisters and three brothers.
- Article, February 17, 2006 An 'Idol' dream is real for Yo! teen at commercialappeal.com
- March 11, 2006 Reality TV Magazine, article
- Unofficial Gedeon McKinney Fan Site
- American Idol - Contestants: Gedeon McKinney
- Gedeon McKinney - TWoP Forums
- Article, "McKinney honored by City Council" (March 22, 2006)
- Shout (The Isley Brothers)
- A Change Is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke)
- When A Man Loves a Woman (Percy Sledge) - Eliminated 03/09/06
- Shout (The Isley Brothers)
Will Will Makar (58581) (born March 2, 1989 in The Woodlands, Texas) is an American singer and was fifteenth-place on the fifth season of American Idol. He is of Ukrainian origin and studies Japanese. Will is currently a sophomore at The Woodlands College Park High School in The Woodlands, TX. He was held back a year in elementary school by request of his parents. In school, Will has starred in several musical productions. In 1999 Will sang with the Houston Children’s Chorus for President Clinton, and again in 2002 for President Bush. After five years as a member of the Houston Children’s Chorus, Will decided he had grown too old, and "retired." In 2003, Will, along with his three friends Louis, Bobby, and Aaron, formed a band called Last Born, of which Will held the position of the lead vocals until 2005, when he decided to pursue a solo career. Will auditioned for American Idol (Season 5)] in Austin, TX.
He was eliminated on March 9, 2006, which was the same week that the Top 12 was announced. He finished in 15th place. During the show, Will developed a friendship with David Radford and Kevin Covais. They had performed together during the group performance in Hollywood week.[citation needed]
- American Idol - Contestants: Will Makar
- Will Makar's Official Website
- Will Makar at TV.com
- Will Makar's Fansite
- Will Makar Central
- I Want You Back (The Jackson 5)
- Lady (Kenny Rogers)
- How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) (James Taylor) - Eliminated 03/09/06
- I Want You Back (The Jackson 5)
José José "Sway" Penala (32613) (born October 27, 1977) is from South San Francisco, and he auditioned in San Francisco. Jose began writing lyrics and continued to perfect his voice through the years. In 1996, he partnered with his good friend, Darrell to form the group “DnH” - short for Drop n Harmony. Friends, Jerome and Lionel, joined the group within the next three years. The four self-starters worked hard on their craft, practicing constantly to blend their voices into the perfect mix of breathtaking harmonies. This San Francisco based group, was a favorite in the Bay Area and were likened to a Filipino Boyz II Men. At the end of 2001, Jose began a compilation with members of other Asian-American singing groups. During this initial collaboration, the four singers: Jose, Errol, Drey, and Cyrus, realized that they shared the same passion for music and similar visions of success. This led to the creation of a new group, “6th Day”. He sports a Fedora hat, overcoat and a dogtag to suit his RNB style of music when performing on-stage.
- American Idol - Contestants: Jose 'Sway" Penala
- Jose Penala's Fansite
- 6th Day Website
- Reasons (Earth Wind & Fire)
- Overjoyed (Stevie Wonder) - Eliminated 03/02/06
- Reasons (Earth Wind & Fire)
David David Radford (2436) (born March 22, 1988 in Crystal Lake, Illinois) is a high school senior at Crystal Lake Central High School. David has also been popular in singing with many students in his high school.He has been singing "his way" since he can remember. As a child, whenever there was a spotlight, David somehow found a way to its center. In addition to singing, David plays the trumpet as well as a mean game of Ping-Pong. He originally auditioned in Chicago. He was eliminated from American Idol on March 2, 2006 along with José (Sway) Penala, Brenna Gethers and Heather Cox.
David also became best friends and roommates with semi-finalists, Will Makar, and Ayla Brown and finalists, Kevin Covais, Paris Bennett, Lisa Tucker, Katharine McPhee, and Kellie Pickler.
- David Radford's Unofficial Website
- American Idol - Contestants: David Radford
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Queen)
- The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra) - Eliminated 03/02/06
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Queen)
Patrick Patrick Hall (79857) is from Gravette, Arkansas and was seen for the first time in Hollywood.
- Come to My Window (Melissa Etheridge) - Eliminated 02/23/06
Bobby Bobby Bennett (36477) is from Denver and also auditioned there. He made an appearance in the March 21 episode wherein Barry Manilow performed that night.
- Copacabana (Barry Manilow) - Eliminated 02/23/06
American Idol Final cutdown
On January 23, 2006, after a considerable time lapse from Hollywood Week, and after the audition shows began to air on January 17, the judges reviewed tapes and considered early audience reaction to the contestants. Without any additional performances from the contestants, the judges then reduced the the remaining 44 contestants to 24 semi-finalists in a Pasadena, California hotel. Among those eliminated at this point were:
David Avram #4929
Brooke Barrettsmith #9719, one of the two sisters who auditioned together in Chicago and were profiled as "small town" girls.
Megan Bobo #37340, one of the last two girls to be told if they were in the final 24 or not, lost the place to Kinnik Sky.
Jessica Jo Santos #78151
Antonio Bridges #75320
Derrell and Terrell Brittenum #7958, #7959, older set of twins that auditioned together in Chicago. In Hollywood, Derrell quit after mistakenly thinking his brother had been cut. After an apology, the judges allowed both brothers to stay in the competition. They made it to the final 44, but they were disqualified in January 2006 after being arrested.
Murcelia "Marcy" Smith #35871 was in the same group as Brenna Gethers and was visibly irritated by Brenna's obnoxious nature and unreliability in turning up for practice. Brenna, however, made a great show of being friendly with her on stage when Simon remarked on this after the group performance.
Bobby Bullard #35990
Bobby Dillard #31701
Syd James Harcourt #10300 and Will Makar were the final two men to be called into the room where the final selection for the top 24 was to take place.
Eugenia Littlejohn #35660 cried and said her dreams of ever making it as a singer were destroyed when she wasn't selected for the final 24, provoking surprised reactions from all three judges.
Mark Adam Locklear #63998
William McCoy #60242
Nicole Ortiz #13677
Crystal Stark #1140, sang I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston in Chicago.
Brianna Taylor #11142, sang the song If I Ain't Got You by Alicia Keys in Boston.
April Walsh #37870, sang the song It's Oh So Quiet by Bjork in Denver.
Stephanie White #11425
Nick Whitten #61919
David Avram #4929
Brooke Barrettsmith #9719, one of the two sisters who auditioned together in Chicago and were profiled as "small town" girls.
Megan Bobo #37340, one of the last two girls to be told if they were in the final 24 or not, lost the place to Kinnik Sky.
Jessica Jo Santos #78151
Antonio Bridges #75320
Derrell and Terrell Brittenum #7958, #7959, older set of twins that auditioned together in Chicago. In Hollywood, Derrell quit after mistakenly thinking his brother had been cut. After an apology, the judges allowed both brothers to stay in the competition. They made it to the final 44, but they were disqualified in January 2006 after being arrested.
Murcelia "Marcy" Smith #35871 was in the same group as Brenna Gethers and was visibly irritated by Brenna's obnoxious nature and unreliability in turning up for practice. Brenna, however, made a great show of being friendly with her on stage when Simon remarked on this after the group performance.
Bobby Bullard #35990
Bobby Dillard #31701
Syd James Harcourt #10300 and Will Makar were the final two men to be called into the room where the final selection for the top 24 was to take place.
Eugenia Littlejohn #35660 cried and said her dreams of ever making it as a singer were destroyed when she wasn't selected for the final 24, provoking surprised reactions from all three judges.
Mark Adam Locklear #63998
William McCoy #60242
Nicole Ortiz #13677
Crystal Stark #1140, sang I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston in Chicago.
Brianna Taylor #11142, sang the song If I Ain't Got You by Alicia Keys in Boston.
April Walsh #37870, sang the song It's Oh So Quiet by Bjork in Denver.
Stephanie White #11425
Nick Whitten #61919
American Idol Hollywood rounds two and three
The remaining 99 hopefuls competed in Round Two, which was three- or four-person groups singing one of six or so pre-selected songs. Cuts were made (of individuals, not whole groups) after this round.
Approximately 60 contestants went on to Round Three, which was a solo a capella performance of one of 95 possible songs. After this, cuts were made by segregating performers into different rooms, with everyone in a given room either moving on or being cut.
Across both rounds, 55 were cut, including:
Meredith Bandas
Leah Barrettsmith, one of the two sisters who auditioned together in Chicago and were profiled as "small town" girls, sang the song "Blessed" during Chicago auditions
Matthew Buckstein
Rochelle-Elaine Dye came to her Denver audition with several friends and family who had her name spelled out in t-shirts. She said she was about to be evicted.
Sarah Enouen
Michael Evans
Hannah Freeman
Gina Glocksen was profiled as a dental assistant and the lead singer in an all-girl band, auditioned in Chicago.
Anthony Hansen
Rickey Hayes was a music major, auditioned in Austin
Jason Horn, Funeral director, auditioned in Austin with "You Raise Me Up".
Ashley Jackson, "fit model", sang with her mouth closed, auditioned in Austin.
Josh Jordan, sang during the group performance together with semi-finalists, David Radford and Will Makar, and finalist, Kevin Covais
Garet Layne Johnson, profiled as the "Wyoming Cowboy," auditioned in Denver, was advised to get voice lessons before going to Hollywood. He was featured as part of a Brokeback Mountain parody called "Brokenote Mountain".
Mecca Madison was an 18-year-old high-school senior and belly-dancer. Auditioned in Las Vegas.
Celeste Scalone was a former contestant on Making the Band.
Tyra Juliette Schwartz came from New York and was dumped by her boyfriend shortly before auditioning in Greensboro. She was a former contestant on Making the Band.
Jennifer Sieminski later gave a very detailed interview describing behind-the-scenes practices of American Idol
Jordan Southerland auditioned in Greensboro and was profiled wearing a fireman outfit on the show. He received complimentary reviews in his audition and wore the firesuit in honor of all the firemen who assisted in Hurricane Katrina and in honor of his father who was very sick and had been a fireman for 20 years. In Hollywood he performed the song "Bless the Broken Road".
Halicia Thompson sang the theme from A Different World and kissed Simon. She auditioned in Greensboro.
Nicole Turk
Tatiana Ward auditoned in Boston. Simon compared her to his pet poodle, and complained that her singing was too "old fashioned." Randy and Paula let her through.
Lauren Weckerly
Megan Zieger was first seen in Hollywood, where she had a bad case of laryngitis, but managed to sustain her voice.
Approximately 60 contestants went on to Round Three, which was a solo a capella performance of one of 95 possible songs. After this, cuts were made by segregating performers into different rooms, with everyone in a given room either moving on or being cut.
Across both rounds, 55 were cut, including:
Meredith Bandas
Leah Barrettsmith, one of the two sisters who auditioned together in Chicago and were profiled as "small town" girls, sang the song "Blessed" during Chicago auditions
Matthew Buckstein
Rochelle-Elaine Dye came to her Denver audition with several friends and family who had her name spelled out in t-shirts. She said she was about to be evicted.
Sarah Enouen
Michael Evans
Hannah Freeman
Gina Glocksen was profiled as a dental assistant and the lead singer in an all-girl band, auditioned in Chicago.
Anthony Hansen
Rickey Hayes was a music major, auditioned in Austin
Jason Horn, Funeral director, auditioned in Austin with "You Raise Me Up".
Ashley Jackson, "fit model", sang with her mouth closed, auditioned in Austin.
Josh Jordan, sang during the group performance together with semi-finalists, David Radford and Will Makar, and finalist, Kevin Covais
Garet Layne Johnson, profiled as the "Wyoming Cowboy," auditioned in Denver, was advised to get voice lessons before going to Hollywood. He was featured as part of a Brokeback Mountain parody called "Brokenote Mountain".
Mecca Madison was an 18-year-old high-school senior and belly-dancer. Auditioned in Las Vegas.
Celeste Scalone was a former contestant on Making the Band.
Tyra Juliette Schwartz came from New York and was dumped by her boyfriend shortly before auditioning in Greensboro. She was a former contestant on Making the Band.
Jennifer Sieminski later gave a very detailed interview describing behind-the-scenes practices of American Idol
Jordan Southerland auditioned in Greensboro and was profiled wearing a fireman outfit on the show. He received complimentary reviews in his audition and wore the firesuit in honor of all the firemen who assisted in Hurricane Katrina and in honor of his father who was very sick and had been a fireman for 20 years. In Hollywood he performed the song "Bless the Broken Road".
Halicia Thompson sang the theme from A Different World and kissed Simon. She auditioned in Greensboro.
Nicole Turk
Tatiana Ward auditoned in Boston. Simon compared her to his pet poodle, and complained that her singing was too "old fashioned." Randy and Paula let her through.
Lauren Weckerly
Megan Zieger was first seen in Hollywood, where she had a bad case of laryngitis, but managed to sustain her voice.
American Idol Hollywood round one
The first round of Hollywood consisted of two days of solo performances of one of 12 pre-selected songs, to a piano and background vocal accompaniment, with each singer singing on one day and touring Los Angeles on the other day.
Of the 175 hopefuls who made it to Hollywood, 99 were selected to move on to the next round. Among those cut from at this time were:
Jeffrey "Ryan" Baysden auditioned in Greensboro. He was told by Simon, "finally, a Ryan with talent!"
Steven David, Jr. auditioned in his Air National Guard uniform in Greensboro, danced with Paula, and turned out to be married.
Ashley Guadamuz
David Hoover aka "Crazy Dave", sent through by Randy and Paula in Chicago. He is the first "bad" singer ever to be sent on to Hollywood.
Shelby Johnson
Linelle Kagawa
Kymyata Kelty
Eden Kentner
Ronnie "R.J." Norman was profiled as the "Cocky Guy" in Austin. He cried when he was eliminated in Hollywood.
Jayne Santayana auditioned in San Francisco, sang "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker.
Joshua and Jarrett Simmons are the younger set of male twins that auditioned together in Chicago.
Zachary Smits was a 17-year-old, auditioned in Chicago.
Jordan Southerland auditioned dressed as a firefighter in Greensboro.
Heather Ward was the African American woman who surprised the judges by singing Gretchen Wilson's country anthem "Redneck Woman" in Las Vegas.
Shawna White was 16 years old, wore pigtails that inspired yodeling from the judges, auditioned in San Francisco.
John Williams sang a Michael Jackson song and did a dance in San Francisco, Simon wasn't impressed with his "routine", but Randy and Paula put him through.
Kendra Winston was the mother of three children, grew up in 42 different foster care situations, auditioned in Greensboro.
Laura Wright auditioned in Greensboro. It showed her singing a little bit.
Of the 175 hopefuls who made it to Hollywood, 99 were selected to move on to the next round. Among those cut from at this time were:
Jeffrey "Ryan" Baysden auditioned in Greensboro. He was told by Simon, "finally, a Ryan with talent!"
Steven David, Jr. auditioned in his Air National Guard uniform in Greensboro, danced with Paula, and turned out to be married.
Ashley Guadamuz
David Hoover aka "Crazy Dave", sent through by Randy and Paula in Chicago. He is the first "bad" singer ever to be sent on to Hollywood.
Shelby Johnson
Linelle Kagawa
Kymyata Kelty
Eden Kentner
Ronnie "R.J." Norman was profiled as the "Cocky Guy" in Austin. He cried when he was eliminated in Hollywood.
Jayne Santayana auditioned in San Francisco, sang "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker.
Joshua and Jarrett Simmons are the younger set of male twins that auditioned together in Chicago.
Zachary Smits was a 17-year-old, auditioned in Chicago.
Jordan Southerland auditioned dressed as a firefighter in Greensboro.
Heather Ward was the African American woman who surprised the judges by singing Gretchen Wilson's country anthem "Redneck Woman" in Las Vegas.
Shawna White was 16 years old, wore pigtails that inspired yodeling from the judges, auditioned in San Francisco.
John Williams sang a Michael Jackson song and did a dance in San Francisco, Simon wasn't impressed with his "routine", but Randy and Paula put him through.
Kendra Winston was the mother of three children, grew up in 42 different foster care situations, auditioned in Greensboro.
Laura Wright auditioned in Greensboro. It showed her singing a little bit.
American Idol Eliminated contestants
Early auditions
Joshua David "Josh" Royse is an 18-year-old from Turpin, Oklahoma who auditioned in San Francisco. He sang Hoobastank's "The Reason". Royse is a Christian musician who writes about Christianity. On the show, he also performed an original song about the American Idol audition process (title "The Greatest Feeling Of All") with another contestant he met while they were in San Francisco. He did not make it past his initial audition. The judges praised his singing but said he was not what they were looking for. Later, he was chosen by the American Idol Underground A/R team and signed a recording contract with an independent record company in California. His American Idol song was made into a music video on the American Idol website. He also has an "Idol Alumni" testimonial on the website. In addition, he has spoken in radio interviews on a handlful of stations in the U.S., and has airplay for "The Greatest Feeling of All". (see also: Royse's official site)
Holly Corrente worked at a rehabilitation facility. Auditioned in Boston and eliminated there.
Rhonetta Johnson had a diva attitude, a potty mouth, and no underwear. Made negative comments, mostly about and directed to Paula Abdul after being rejected by the judges. Eliminated in Greensboro auditions. Rhonetta later appeared in a Rolling Stone (magazine) issue discussing the lives of various rejected American Idol 5 auditioners.
Rhonetta JohnsonChonna Clepper auditioned in Greensboro dressed in almost nothing.
Zachary Travis auditioned in Denver dressed in a woman's crop top, tight blue jeans with a studded belt and high heeled boots and sang the Whitney Houston song "Queen of the Night" which Simon described as atrocious and Travis as being confused.
Ryan Hart auditioned in Las Vegas singing a song in the style of screamo. He was not accepted and made fun of by Randy upon leaving, but Hart couldn't depart without screaming a few (censored) words to Simon.
Joshua David "Josh" Royse is an 18-year-old from Turpin, Oklahoma who auditioned in San Francisco. He sang Hoobastank's "The Reason". Royse is a Christian musician who writes about Christianity. On the show, he also performed an original song about the American Idol audition process (title "The Greatest Feeling Of All") with another contestant he met while they were in San Francisco. He did not make it past his initial audition. The judges praised his singing but said he was not what they were looking for. Later, he was chosen by the American Idol Underground A/R team and signed a recording contract with an independent record company in California. His American Idol song was made into a music video on the American Idol website. He also has an "Idol Alumni" testimonial on the website. In addition, he has spoken in radio interviews on a handlful of stations in the U.S., and has airplay for "The Greatest Feeling of All". (see also: Royse's official site)
Holly Corrente worked at a rehabilitation facility. Auditioned in Boston and eliminated there.
Rhonetta Johnson had a diva attitude, a potty mouth, and no underwear. Made negative comments, mostly about and directed to Paula Abdul after being rejected by the judges. Eliminated in Greensboro auditions. Rhonetta later appeared in a Rolling Stone (magazine) issue discussing the lives of various rejected American Idol 5 auditioners.
Rhonetta JohnsonChonna Clepper auditioned in Greensboro dressed in almost nothing.
Zachary Travis auditioned in Denver dressed in a woman's crop top, tight blue jeans with a studded belt and high heeled boots and sang the Whitney Houston song "Queen of the Night" which Simon described as atrocious and Travis as being confused.
Ryan Hart auditioned in Las Vegas singing a song in the style of screamo. He was not accepted and made fun of by Randy upon leaving, but Hart couldn't depart without screaming a few (censored) words to Simon.
Friday, May 19, 2006
American Idol Season five Auditions
Auditions were held in seven cities in the summer and early fall of 2005 in the following order:
Chicago, Illinois
Denver, Colorado
Greensboro, North Carolina
San Francisco, California
Las Vegas, Nevada
Austin, Texas (later stages of auditions were held in San Francisco because of Hurricane Katrina and the number of evacuees in Texas) [1]
Boston, Massachusetts
Unlike Season Four, no guest judges were involved during the auditions.
Chicago, Illinois
Denver, Colorado
Greensboro, North Carolina
San Francisco, California
Las Vegas, Nevada
Austin, Texas (later stages of auditions were held in San Francisco because of Hurricane Katrina and the number of evacuees in Texas) [1]
Boston, Massachusetts
Unlike Season Four, no guest judges were involved during the auditions.
American Idol (Season 5)
The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17, 2006 and will end on May 24, 2006. Returning this season to judge are Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. Returning to host is Ryan Seacrest.
American Idol Show
American Idol title card
Genre Interactive reality game show
Running time Varies Creator(s) Simon Fuller
Developer(s) Bruce Gowers
Executive producer(s) Nigel and Simon LythgoeKen Warwick
Starring Ryan SeacrestBrian Dunkleman (2002)Paula AbdulSimon CowellRandy Jackson
Country of origin USA
Original network/channel FOX
Original run June 11, 2002 – Present
No. of episodes 25 (season 1), 40 (season 2), 44 (season 3), 43 (season 4), 38 (season 5)
American Idol Imitations produced by other companies
This series has been imitated by many other shows, among them Nashville Star. Nashville Star still airs and has had a successful run. In the fall of 2004, VH1 launched a music reality talent-search series In Search of the New Partridge Family, in which aspring actor-singers competed for the roles of Keith, Laurie, Danny, and Shirley Partridge. A pilot episode was aired in early 2005, but the show didn't get picked up. Rock Star: INXS is a rock competition that premiered on CBS in the summer of 2005.
The WB aired a parody series entitled Superstar USA, in which the worst singers were picked to move on without knowing that it was a search for the worst rather than the best.
American Idle by dustball is an animated parody of the Numa Numa Dance.
Super Girl hosted by HNTV of China also imitated it.
The Idol series, with Simon Cowell, referenced in Shrek 2; Cowell himself has appeared on The Simpsons. Simon Cowell also appeared in "Scary Movie 3" at a rap off.
American Idol was parodied on the children's television show All That in the sketch American Idiot. Kyle Sullivan played an essentially useless host named Brian Peefest. Giovonnie Samuels played the judge Mandy Snackson, whose frequent catch phrase was "You did your thing, dog," cuing a pack of dogs to enter the stage and attack the "idiot." Jack DeSena played an overly cruel judge, Slimon Bowell. Chelsea Brummet played an overly nice judge, Pauly Baboo.
Far Far Away Idol is an imitation found on the Bonus Features of the Shrek 2 DVD. Almost all of the characters sing a song of sorts, and then the viewer at home can vote for their favorite using their remote.
On NBC-TV's Saturday Night Live, there were at least two parody episodes: One with celebrities (Some impersonations being Finesse Mitchell as Kelis, Jessica Simpson as Britney Spears, Amy Poehler as Madonna and Nick Lachey as Scott Stapp from Creed), and another with people with physical problems. Simon Cowell was portrayed by Chris Parnell. Justin Guarini and Taylor Hicks were briefly parodied (Guarini during the host's opening monologue, and Hicks during Weekend Update).
The Spanish language television network Telefutura, owned by Univision, also shows a Puerto Rican-American version of the show, called Objetivo Fama ("Objective Fame").
Dutch independent martial arts filmmakers Baaah Productions have parodied the Dutch version of the show, under the name Kungfu Idol.
The film American Dreamz satires the show, the American people (contestants and viewers), the George W. Bush Administration and Mandy Moore stars as the Carrie Underwood character.
In the American Nicktoon series The Fairly OddParents the episode "Fairy Idol" is a parody this show.
Though it was a predecessor, not an imitator, of American Idol, and though it had a somewhat different format, the 1950s TV show Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts was a #1 rated program that launched the careers of many famous entertainers.
The WB aired a parody series entitled Superstar USA, in which the worst singers were picked to move on without knowing that it was a search for the worst rather than the best.
American Idle by dustball is an animated parody of the Numa Numa Dance.
Super Girl hosted by HNTV of China also imitated it.
The Idol series, with Simon Cowell, referenced in Shrek 2; Cowell himself has appeared on The Simpsons. Simon Cowell also appeared in "Scary Movie 3" at a rap off.
American Idol was parodied on the children's television show All That in the sketch American Idiot. Kyle Sullivan played an essentially useless host named Brian Peefest. Giovonnie Samuels played the judge Mandy Snackson, whose frequent catch phrase was "You did your thing, dog," cuing a pack of dogs to enter the stage and attack the "idiot." Jack DeSena played an overly cruel judge, Slimon Bowell. Chelsea Brummet played an overly nice judge, Pauly Baboo.
Far Far Away Idol is an imitation found on the Bonus Features of the Shrek 2 DVD. Almost all of the characters sing a song of sorts, and then the viewer at home can vote for their favorite using their remote.
On NBC-TV's Saturday Night Live, there were at least two parody episodes: One with celebrities (Some impersonations being Finesse Mitchell as Kelis, Jessica Simpson as Britney Spears, Amy Poehler as Madonna and Nick Lachey as Scott Stapp from Creed), and another with people with physical problems. Simon Cowell was portrayed by Chris Parnell. Justin Guarini and Taylor Hicks were briefly parodied (Guarini during the host's opening monologue, and Hicks during Weekend Update).
The Spanish language television network Telefutura, owned by Univision, also shows a Puerto Rican-American version of the show, called Objetivo Fama ("Objective Fame").
Dutch independent martial arts filmmakers Baaah Productions have parodied the Dutch version of the show, under the name Kungfu Idol.
The film American Dreamz satires the show, the American people (contestants and viewers), the George W. Bush Administration and Mandy Moore stars as the Carrie Underwood character.
In the American Nicktoon series The Fairly OddParents the episode "Fairy Idol" is a parody this show.
Though it was a predecessor, not an imitator, of American Idol, and though it had a somewhat different format, the 1950s TV show Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts was a #1 rated program that launched the careers of many famous entertainers.
American Idol Controversy
Main article: American Idol controversy
American Idol has come under fire for maintaining what some claim to be total control of the careers of the winners of the contest. Former cohost Brian Dunkleman referred to the show as "owning" the winning contestants, noting that winners sign contracts to only record with companies owned by the show's producers and to allow related agencies to manage their careers.
Former contestant Corey Clark told reporters in April of 2005 that he and Idol judge Paula Abdul had a "secret affair," prompting an internal Idol investigation.
The show is known for encouraging favoritism within the contestants and having viewers vote for their "favorite" rather than singing ability. This treatment of music places social status above musical aesthetics.
Since the 2004 season, American Idol producers have battled services like DialIdol.com and Worldsentiment.com. These sites use very large samplings and algorithms to predict the outcome of the vote-off long before the on air-announcement. Some in the media have implied that Las Vegas odds makers exert behind-the-scenes influence in protecting the services.
American Idol has come under fire for maintaining what some claim to be total control of the careers of the winners of the contest. Former cohost Brian Dunkleman referred to the show as "owning" the winning contestants, noting that winners sign contracts to only record with companies owned by the show's producers and to allow related agencies to manage their careers.
Former contestant Corey Clark told reporters in April of 2005 that he and Idol judge Paula Abdul had a "secret affair," prompting an internal Idol investigation.
The show is known for encouraging favoritism within the contestants and having viewers vote for their "favorite" rather than singing ability. This treatment of music places social status above musical aesthetics.
Since the 2004 season, American Idol producers have battled services like DialIdol.com and Worldsentiment.com. These sites use very large samplings and algorithms to predict the outcome of the vote-off long before the on air-announcement. Some in the media have implied that Las Vegas odds makers exert behind-the-scenes influence in protecting the services.
American Idol Jaded Journalist
Beginning with the second season of American Idol, the show's website has hosted satirical news coverage by the "Jaded Journalist." The often sardonic Jaded Journalist has written recaps (summaries) of the show, run an email feedback column, and conducted video interviews of finalists in Hollywood as well as interviews of auditioners in other cities.
Some have proposed that the purpose of the Jaded Journalist is to bring edginess and humor to the otherwise saccharine image that American Idol tends to promote for itself. The identity of the Jaded Journalist, whose face was obscured or hidden in videos, was kept relatively secret from the character's inception until 2004, when his identity was revealed to be Michael Krogmann.
Some have proposed that the purpose of the Jaded Journalist is to bring edginess and humor to the otherwise saccharine image that American Idol tends to promote for itself. The identity of the Jaded Journalist, whose face was obscured or hidden in videos, was kept relatively secret from the character's inception until 2004, when his identity was revealed to be Michael Krogmann.
American Idol Product placement
American Idol is often noted for advertising its sponsors during the show's runtime. Being the number one rated show in the United States, it costs around $705,000 for a 30-second commercial. Coca-Cola is a major sponsor in the U.S., and all the judges, hosts, and contestants are seen consuming beverages out of cups bearing the Coca-Cola logo, while contestants and host Ryan Seacrest gathering for a "Keeping It Real" segment between songs in the "Coca-Cola Red Room", the show's equivalent to the traditional green room. (During rebroadcast on ITV in the U.K., the Coca-Cola logo is obscured in the shots.) After every Wednesday results show, the remaining contestants and host meet in the Coca-Cola Red Room to discuss next week's theme; the footage of this meeting is shown at the start of the following Tuesday's performance show. Voting is made possible by Cingular Wireless, and viewers who cast votes on Cingular Wireless cellular telephones benefit from lower billing costs. Kellogg and Pop-Tarts are also two major sponsors, especially of the cast tour that follows the end of every season. Products from the Ford Motor Company also receive prominent product placement; contestants appear in Ford commercials on the results shows, and the final 2 of season four won free Mustangs. In addition, the American Idol logo strongly resembles the Ford Motor Company logo (both are blue ovals featuring cursive script). Contestants will occasionally don Old Navy clothing during performances, and celebrity stylist Steven Cojocaru has appeared in previous seasons to assist contestants with picking out wardrobe pieces from Old Navy. Clairol hair care products also sponsors the show, with contestants usually getting Clairol-guided hair makeovers after the first two or three episodes during the round of 12.
American Idol Season six and beyond
The show has since been renewed for five more years; meaning it is expected to air until at least 2011, running for a total of at least 10 seasons (or longer if still successful then).
The auditions for Season 6 are likely to be held between July and October 2006, with the show expected to begin airing in January 2007. The audition cities have not been announced; they will likely be announced around or just after the Season 5 finale. Auditioning contestants will have to be between ages 16 and 28, likely born between August 1977 to August 1990.
The auditions for Season 6 are likely to be held between July and October 2006, with the show expected to begin airing in January 2007. The audition cities have not been announced; they will likely be announced around or just after the Season 5 finale. Auditioning contestants will have to be between ages 16 and 28, likely born between August 1977 to August 1990.
American Idol Season five
Main article: American Idol (Season 5)
The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17, 2006. Auditions were in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver and San Francisco, with Greensboro, North Carolina and Las Vegas, Nevada included after the cancellation of the Memphis auditions due to Hurricane Katrina. The season used the same rules as Season 4. Contestants had to be between the ages of 16 and 28 on August 15, 2005, being born on or between August 16, 1976 and August 15, 1989.
Contestants Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks were submitted into the final 2 on May 17, 2006, and the winner will be decided on May 24, 2006.
The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17, 2006. Auditions were in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver and San Francisco, with Greensboro, North Carolina and Las Vegas, Nevada included after the cancellation of the Memphis auditions due to Hurricane Katrina. The season used the same rules as Season 4. Contestants had to be between the ages of 16 and 28 on August 15, 2005, being born on or between August 16, 1976 and August 15, 1989.
Contestants Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks were submitted into the final 2 on May 17, 2006, and the winner will be decided on May 24, 2006.
American Idol Season four
Main article: American Idol (Season 4)
The fourth season of American Idol premiered on January 18, 2005. It was the first season in which the age limit was raised to 28, in order to increase variety. All season 4 contestants had to be between the ages of 16 to 28 on August 4, 2004, born on or between August 5, 1975 and August 4, 1988. Among those who benefitted from this new rule were Constantine Maroulis (born September 17) and Bo Bice (born November 1), considered to be the eldest and somewhat most experienced of the season's Idol contestants. They were also constantly mentioned by Seacrest and in the media as "the two rockers", since their long hair and choice of rock songs made them stand out from conventional Idol standards. The presence of more rock-orientated contestants has continued with Chris Daughtry in season five, who was inspired to audition for the show by Bice.
This season also implemented new rules for the final portion of the contest. Instead of competing in semifinal heats in which the top vote-getters are promoted to the final round, 24 semifinalists were named; 12 men and 12 women, who competed separately, with 2 of each gender being voted off each week until 12 finalists were left.
Mario Vazquez, who was originally one of the top 12, dropped out of the competition on March 11, just days before the top 12's first performance, citing "personal issues," opening a spot in the final 12 for Nikko Smith, who had been voted off in the semi-finals the previous week.
The winner was Carrie Underwood, a country singer, the first winner since Kelly Clarkson to not only win but avoid being in the bottom three for the entire competition. Bo Bice came in first runner-up. Her first single, "Inside Your Heaven", was released on June 14, 2005. The single debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, with first-week sales of 170,000 copies, and briefly stopped Mariah Carey's run at #1 with "We Belong Together." One week later, runner-up, Bo Bice, released his version of the song, which debuted at #2. Underwood's version was shunned by country radio reaching a peak of #59 on the country charts. The B-side is "Independence Day", a cover of the Martina McBride hit. Underwood's second single, "Jesus, Take The Wheel" was made available for radio airplay on October 18, 2005. It received so much airplay that it debuted at #39 on the Billboard Country Chart in its first week, setting a record. As it climbed it finally reached #1 for 6 consecutive weeks, and was only two weeks shy of Connie Smith's record of an 8 week run back in 1964-1965. The single also debuted at #48 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it reached a peak of #20. Underwood's third single, "Don't Forget to Remember Me", released for radio in 2006, has peaked at #15 on the Hot Country Charts, as well as, #84 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Meanwhile, Bo Bice's first single, "The Real Thing" has appeared on American Top 40 radio, although sales were fairly low. Third-place contestant Vonzell Solomon landed a role in a film, Still Green and a single on a Christmas album. Sixth-place contestant Constantine Maroulis has redone his "Bohemian Rhapsody" rendition for a Queen tribute album, and has announced his pre-production debut album's release in the fall of 2006, as well as to star in an ABC television sitcom and an independent feature film. Seventh-place contestant Anwar Robinson has released his self-titled EP on an independent label. Mario Vazquez and Nikko Smith will each have a new single by the summer of 2006. Eleventh-place contestant Mikalah Gordon is co-host for Idol Extra alongside season three eleventh-placer Matthew Rogers. 12th-place contestant Lindsey Cardinale has recorded her first single, "Nothing Like A Dream" (B-side "Drive") in the summer of 2005 on an independent label, and released in March 2006.
American Idol Season three
Main article: American Idol (Season 3)
The third season of American Idol premiered on January 19, 2004.
The early part of the season introduced William Hung, a UC Berkeley student, who became popular following his rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs". His performance as well as his attitude facing Simon's criticisms (which was a stark contrast to other contestants' confrontational, angry reactions) landed him a record deal with Koch Entertainment Records making over $500,000 in record sales.
During the season, controversy over the legitimacy of the contest increased as rocker Jon Peter Lewis and young crooner John Stevens stayed afloat while others were unexpectedly eliminated. Jasmine Trias, despite some negative comments from Simon Cowell survived elimination and took the third spot over Latoya London. Jasmine later released a CD and attracted fans in her home state of Hawaii and in the Philippines, Singapore, Guam and other South East Asian countries. The third season was also shown in Australia on Network Ten about half a week after episodes were shown in the US.
After a nationwide vote of more than 65 million votes in total - more than the first two seasons combined - Fantasia Barrino won the "American Idol" title and Diana DeGarmo was runner up. Fantasia has enjoyed commercial success and has been labeled by many respected individuals as a future musical legend. Fantasia also has the honor of being the first artist in history to debut at number one on the US Hot 100 with a first record which was "I Believe". Fantasia has also taken part in writing and acting projects. These include her life memoir, "Life is Not a Fairy Tale", and an original Lifetime movie about her life story, scheduled for a Summer 2006 release on the cable network. Fantasia was a major contender for the role of Effie White in the 2006 film adaptation of Dreamgirls, but she was turned down in favor of fellow season 3 contestant Jennifer Hudson. Diana DeGarmo's first CD, Blue Skies, was not a commercial success and she was dropped from RCA. She has since received a role in the Broadway production of Hairspray.
Diana wasn't the only non-winner of the season to land herself a record deal, however. Jasmine Trias signed with an independent label, and although she has failed to achieve commercial success in the mainland USA, she has become a major celebrity in other countries, such as the Phillipines. Latoya London signed with Peak Records and released an album of slow jams, which didn't sell well. George Huff signed with Word Records to release a gospel album and has since had mild success in that genre. John Stevens, the red-haired crooner who many say made it farther than he should have, landed a deal with Maverick Records, but was dropped due to low album sales. Jennifer Hudson is starring alongside Beyonce and Jamie Foxx in the upcoming Dreamgirls movie, and is expected to release her album sometime in 2007. Camile Velasco was once signed to Motown Records, but left the label after her first single flopped. Still, like Jasmine, she has become somewhat popular in the Phillipines. Eleventh place contestant Matthew Rogers is now a TV personality, starring alongside Mikalah Gordon on "Idol Extra," which goes behind the scenes of the current American Idol season.
American Idol Season two
Main article: American Idol (Season 2)
In season two, Seacrest surfaced as the lone host, since Dunkleman reportedly hated working on the show, and the studio was dissatisfied with his performance. Kristin Holt was a special correspondent. This time, Ruben Studdard emerged as the winner with Clay Aiken as runner-up. Out of 24 million votes recorded, Studdard finished just 130,000 votes ahead of Aiken, although there remains controversy over the accuracy of the reported results. There was much discussion in the communication industry about the phone system being overloaded, and that more than 150 Million votes were dropped, making the voting invalid. Since then the voting methods have been modified to avoid this problem. In an interview prior to the start of the fifth season, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe revealed for the first time that Aiken had led the fan voting from the wild card week onward until the finale. Despite Studdard's victory, Aiken has enjoyed more widespread popularity, emerging as one of the season's true breakout stars. Ruben's next album is rumored to be released in 2006. Kimberley Locke has also enjoyed radio success after American Idol, with her debut album, "One Love". Her next album is also rumored to be released in 2006.
Fourth-place finisher and former Marine Josh Gracin has had some success as a country artist, signing with Lyric Street Records, and his first album spawned three hit singles, including a number one song, "Nothing to Lose".
During the course of the contest Ruben became known for wearing 205 Flava jerseys representing his area code. Shortly after the end of the contest, Ruben sued 205 Flava, Inc for $2 million for using his image for promotional purposes. Flava responded by alleging that Ruben had accepted over $10,000 in return for wearing 205 shirts, and produced 8 cashed checks to validate their claim. The allegations, if true, indicate a clear violation of the American Idol rules. The lawsuit was settled out of court.
The rumor mills were buzzing once again in 2005 when Season Two contestant Corey Clark, who was kicked off the show because of a police record he had not disclosed earlier, alleged that he had an affair with judge Paula Abdul. Clark also alleged that Abdul gave him preferential treatment on the show because of their alleged romance. A subsequent investigation by Fox found no evidence to support Clark's charges.
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