'American Idol' Wins First Ever Emmy

The Creative Emmy Awards were presented this past weekend. These are the less sexy awards that are deemed not important enough to televise during the actual Primetime Emmy Awards. But, they are Emmys nonetheless. Prior to this weekend, American Idol had been in the midst of Emmy Award futility, the likes of which hasn't been seen since Newhart, which went 25 nominations without a win. Idol has been nominated 21 times in a variety of categories with zero victories. That's tough to swallow. Finally, this past weekend, American Idol won its very first Emmy, thanks in part to Celine Dion and Elvis Presley. American Idol won the Emmy for Outstanding Technical Direction for its "Idol Gives Back" fundraising special, which included a duet between Celine Dion and a computer illusion of Elvis Presley.

American Idol: 2007 Tour Ticket Sales Down

The top ten finalists from American Idol's sixth season embarked on the Idols Live Tour in the beginning of July with the expectation that they would be welcomed with enthusiasm as previous Idol tours. For some reason, this isn't happening. Attendance on the current American Idol tour is down a striking amount. The combination of Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, Melinda Doolittle, and Sanjaya Malakar appeared poised for a successful tour. Unfortunately, through thirty concerts, there have been exactly zero (0) sellouts, which is shocking.

American Idol: Kelly Clarkson Announces Downsized Fall Tour

Kelly Clarkson had originally scheduled a monster of a summer tour where she would play arenas and large venues across the country. Poor ticket sales and lukewarm reception to her newest album, My December, prompted Clarkson and her team to cancel those summer tour plans. Since that time, Clarkson has ended her feud with Clive Davis and fired her manager for mis-reading fan interest in a tour. Now, finally, Kelly Clarkson fans no longer have to worry: the former American Idol champion has announced a 23-date Fall tour that will kick off at the Turning Stone Casino in New York on October 10 and end December 3, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

American Idol: Champion Jordin Sparks Pledges Vow of Chastity

You know you're famous when a vow of chastity makes the news. Perhaps I am perpetuating the problem, that is, if you consider this type of news a problem. Anyway, American Idol champion Jordin Sparks recently stated in an interview that she would wait until marriage before having sex. She said the choice was borne out of a conversation she had with her parents when she was 13-years-old. Sparks explained, “My parents gave me a purity ring and talked to me about waiting until I'm married to have sex. It wasn't forced; it just made perfect sense. It's going to be awesome to say to my husband that I waited my whole life for him.”

American Idol Runner-Up Blake Lewis Signs Record Deal with Arista

Blake Lewis, runner-up on last season's American Idol, has signed his first record deal. The beat-boxing specialist from Bothell, Washington has inked a deal with Clive Davis's Artista record label and will release an album later this year. Lewis was a surprise finalist on this past season of American Idol and while he was destined to lose to the safer and less unusual Jordin Sparks, he gained a loyal base of fans during his time on Idol.

It's being mongered in a few places that the album is provisionally titled “Audio Daydream (ADD)”, but who knows whether that's the truth. Earlier this summer, Lewis explained what fans can expect from his debut. "It's your favorite '80s mix tape - very inspired by Michael Jackson, Prince, Erasure, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, the Cure. It's all over the map, really - very influenced by '80s hip-hop, old school breaks, whatever."

Simon Cowell to Quit 'American Idol'...In Three Years

A few days back, Simon Cowell announced that after the 2010 season of American Idol, he will leave the show that made him famous. Cowell says that he will turn his attentions to his music and television companies, and even begin making movies. Cowell said, “I run a record label, I run a TV company, we're making movies now - I love that part of my life. I probably get more satisfaction from making a show than being on a show.”

The decision to do only three more seasons of American Idol isn't an arbitrary one: he has three more left on his contract. While this may be a disappointment to fans of Idol, it's also probably a good thing. No one likes to hold on to a high-profile gig for too long, especially when it happens to be a gig on the biggest show in television history. This does bring up some interesting questions. Can Idol survive without Simon Cowell? And, will Idol last past 10 seasons anyway?

Sabrina Sloan and Sundance team up for CD duet

You know there's life after American Idol when Sundance Head and Sabrina Sloan team up for a duet. This took place last July.

Sundance was the guy who got the boot when it came down to the wire between him and Sanjaya for the elimination on March 8, 2007.

Sanjaya's supporters proved too vociferous and too strong at that point and Sundance rode into the sunset.

But it wasn't the end for Sundance because recently he signed up with Universal Music.

Sundance made the headlines during the Idol auditions when Simon Cowell commented that "he blew Taylor Hicks out of the park" with his vocals.

I don't think Hicks forgot that remark all too soon. Anyway, Sundance went on to sing Mustang Sally and Nights in White Satin in later rounds and carved his name on the walls of American Idol.

For a while back there, 28-year-old Sundance was a serious contender for the Idol finals but he fell short by one week entering into the finals.

For Sabrina Sloan, life hasn't exactly been on the slow lane since she left the halls of American Idol.

This Idol semi-finalist caught the attention of Jolene Cherry, vice-president of Universal Motown which convinced her that she would sound great in a duet with Sundance.

In fact, Motown tracked her down soon after her elimination in the sixth season.

Initially, Sabrina was sceptical that this duet project will work out but after some soul-searching and consultation with her family, she decided to give it her best shot.

However, Sabrina was realistic enough to realise that her duet with Sundance is not going to be another one of those "Peaches and Herb" pairing.

Long after the Idol Season 6 was over, a lot of people still remember Sabrina's stirring rendition of Amazing Grace in her April Idol performance.

We wish both Sundance and Sabrina all the best in their future endeavours. Good things always come to those who work hard at their careers.

Lakisha goes Broadway, Chris Sligh plays a tune

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! All Lakisha Jones fans, take note. Your powerhouse Lakisha has landed herself a role in the Broadway play of The Color Purple.

Word on the Street is she will be making her stage appearance in January 2008.

The other Idol who also happens to be involved in Color Purple currently is Fantasia Barrino. Fantasia's contract in the play will come to a close on Jan 6, 2008.

I suppose that's when Lakisha takes over. Lakisha will play the role of Sofia. In fact, she will singing the play's opening number "Mysterious Ways."

In case, some of you may have forgotten, Lakisha was placed fourth in American idol Season 6. Many had expected her to make it to the last three but fate decided otherwise.

As for The Color Purple, the other big names involved are Chaka Khan and gospel singer BeBe Winans.

Lakisha is also presently working hard on her first album.

In the other development, Chris Sligh and his band Half Past Forever released their album Take A Chance On Something Beautiful in July.

The album has 17 songs and good old Chris had a hand in writing all or most of the songs.

Chris was knocked out of the American Idol competition on March 28, 2007 and was placed in the 10th position. Not bad for a guy for whom not many thought would not make it to the last 10.

Chris is the son of two Baptist missionaries and he is the oldest of three boys in the family.

He's a very good guitarist and currently, he's doing better than okay. That's what the American Idol does for a contestant.

Participation in America's hottest show tends to boost a person's career in a major way.

Melinda does her bit for Zambia

THIS story is a bit of an old news item but I feel it still bears recounting since it's my favourite Idol 2007 contestant, Melinda Doolittle.

Towards the end of last June, after American Idol Season 6 came to its conclusion, Melinda visited Africa for the first time.

It was part of the Network's Idol Gives Back project. Melinda was part of the group that went to Zambia to distribute bed nets to those who sorely needed them.

It was a four-day trip and the proceeds from the Idol Gives Back telethon proceeds were used to buy 500,000 bed nets for those Zambians who were in danger of suffering from malaria.

Melinda was beside herself with joy as she toured the country with some people who really cared for these needy people. It is believed that Melinda sang Amazing Grace to an audience while she was there.

Here's what she has to say about her trip to Zambia:

"Just $10 buys a bed net, which can protect a family for up to five years,” she says of one of the ways donations are used. “For the children of Africa, it can be the difference between life and death. I hope Idol fans begin to realize how easy it is to prevent malaria and how much of a difference even a small donation can make."

Well said, Melinda. That's my girl!

Simon Cowell is leaving the American Idol ....

There's a bit of news lurking around the American Idol neighbourhood that Simon Cowell is quitting the show. Hold it! Hold it! The punchline is YES! but in three years' time when Cowell hits the big 50.

I believe, as many others do, he's 47 right now. Simon told people at London's Mirror that there will come a time when people in general will be sick and tired of him, and that will come 36 months from now.

Apparently, he is shutting his trap in front of the camera for good and concentrate on his TV and music business. That fateful year is 2010.

Simon is quite upfront about the whole affair. He told The Mirror:
"I have three more seasons under contract with American Idol and that will be it. And it will probably come at the same time in the UK.

I am contracted for another two or three seasons in Britain and I think by that point the public will be sick to death of me anyway and it will be time to go."

In other words, he will be giving up American Idol and Britain's X-Factor show. For a person who is worth about 100 million pounds, that is an easy decision. He obviously has greener fields to conquer.

Simon leapt into the bright limelight back in 2001 when he surfaced to capture the world's attention in UK's Pop Idol.

Since then, he has not looked back, even though those who were at the receiving end of his verbal barbs stared daggers at him all the time.

To show that he meant what he had said, Simon put on record that "I run a record label, I run a TV company, we're making movies now - I love that part of my life.

I probably get more satisfaction from making a show than being on a show.

"I've been lucky, but I also know when not to outstay my welcome."

Good for you, old chap. Well, may be not that old but certainly jolly good and smart, too!
Lately, Simon Cowell has been singing praises of third season X-Factor winner Leona Lewis.

Miss Lewis is a former waitress but Simon is so impressed with her that he has already proclaimed that she will be the most successful of her two X-Factor predecessors Steve Brookstein and Shayne Ward.

I know many of you out there don't know who this Leona Lewis is. That's because X-Factor has not shown up in most of our shores.

Perhaps it will but that depends on local TV networks and their budgets.

For a TV show that has attracted nearly 400,000 people (375,00 to be exact) over four years, it is certainly surprising that many of us in Malaysia have not heard of it.

But never mind, Simon is still crying all the way to his banks!

Just in case, you think may be, just may be that Simon could be settling down in the years to come - never fear - NEVER is the word.

According to Simon, he has just bought his girlfriend Terri Seymour a Jaguar. Much better than a lousy bunch of flowers, in his words.

Yes, yes, he's not the romantic kind but who cares, a Jag lasts longer than a bouquet. Don't you agree?

American Idol Judges

On Thursday morning’s “The View,” Rosie O’Donnell dropped a bomb on “American Idol” and attacked America’s three favorite judges.

“If you keep serving people crap, they’re eventually going to think it’s a meal,” Rosie touted. “Three millionaires… one probably intoxicated. So sad.”

Rosie’s new war came the morning after an incredible 32 million people tuned in as Simon, Randy and Paula struggled in Seattle, taking aim at wannabes like Kenneth Briggs.

“You look like one of those creatures in the jungle with those massive eyes, what are they called? Bush baby,” Simon told the “Idol” hopeful.

“To make fun of someone’s physical appearance, is this what America thinks is entertainment?” Rosie challenged.

Only “Extra” had a backstage “View” pass with Thursday’s guest host, “Idol’s” season five sweetheart Kellie Pickler, who found herself caught in the “A.I.” crossfire.

Kellie came to the judges’ defense, insisting, “We all knew when we got in line for ‘American Idol’ there was a chance we could be embarrassed on national TV and humiliate ourselves; we knew that.”

Meanwhile, as Rosie ripped apart the “Idol” judges, you better believe that Donald Trump wanted in on the action too, and “Extra” has it!

“She shouldn’t be going after Simon, and she shouldn’t be going after anybody,” The Donald said. “Rosie is a mess.”

While Rosie targets the “Idol” judges, it seems Paula and Ryan are involved in a war of their own. On Ryan’s L.A. radio show, Paula attacked Ryan for not defending her behavior when he appeared on “The Tonight Show.”

“Look, I don’t look in their cups to see what’s sitting before them on that table,” Ryan told Jay Leno.

Paula attacked Ryan on the Los Angeles airwaves, as she inquired about his sit down with Leno.

“You know darn well there’s nothing in any of our Coca-Cola cups, and you know darn well I’ve never gone out drinking,” she snapped.

“I really feel like I try to keep the peace with you,” he then told Paula, who accepted his apology, saying, “I love you.”

But how long will the “Idol” love last?

Tune in to “American Idol” every week to find out!

American Idol Jennifer Hudson

August 10: Jennifer was hand-picked by Aretha Franklin to play her in the upcoming film release, Aretha: From These Roots.

This site is dedicated to bringing you the very best of Jennifer Hudson. If you are looking for Jennifer Hudson news, forums, pictures, videos, or sound clips you have come to the right place.

Prior to season 3 of American Idol, Hudson lived in a world of relative obscurity. After placing third on the show this diva has shocked the world, morphing into a power player in both the world of music and movies. Jennifer is currently working on her freshman album. Congratulations to Jennifer who, on June 19, 2007, was named as one of the newest voters for the Oscars.

On June 26, 2007, Jennifer Hudson won BET's awards for best new artist and best female actress.

American Idol Audition

The American Idol frenzy continues in Dallas — this time at the luxurious W Hotel. Hundreds of second-round contestants lined up outside the Victory Park hotel on Thursday morning. It was not immediately clear if contestants would actually be trying out before judges today.

Idol publicist Jill Hudson said by phone on Thursday that the judges aren’t scheduled to arrive in Dallas until sometime Friday and that tryouts will occur over the weekend.

In July, more than 10,000 people braved the heat for daylong tryouts at Texas Stadium. But unlike the first round, this stage of the tryouts will be closed to the media and the general public, Ms. Hudson said, adding that contestants have been instructed not to talk about whether or not they will advance the third round.

The American Idol tryouts will start airing on the Fox network in January.

American Idol Winner

ALBANY, New York: The parent company of the "American Idols Live Tour '07" violated child labor laws during its New York concert dates, according to the state Department of Labor.

The company, 19 Touring LLC, did not have child performer permits for two singers _"Idol" winner Jordin Sparks and Sanjaya Malakar — who were under 18 during the tour's New York dates in August and September.

Sparks is 17. Malakar turned 18 last month, but was 17 during the five performance dates in Rochester, Long Island, Albany and Syracuse.

The company will pay $5,000 in fines.

A spokesman for 19 Touring said that upon arrival in New York, the tour was informed it would need the state certifications. He said company immediately applied for and was granted the permits.

But the labor department said that for the tour's first three New York shows on August 23, 24 and 25, Sparks and Malakar did not have their individual permits. For all five shows, the company lacked the state eligibility certificate, the department said.

An "American Idol" fan who works for the labor department heard the performers were under 18, did some research and turned the information over to department investigators, the department said.

19 Touring did not return calls from The Associated Press on Friday.

This was the first settlement under a state law enacted in 2003 to protect child perfomers.

Under the law, employers who use performers under 18 must register with the state to ensure compliance with all labor and workers' compensation laws. They must also obtain an employment permit for each minor whose services they use.

American Idol on fox

Fox Reality Channel, the only all-reality, all-the-time network, brings back the only awards show honoring reality television and celebrating all of its outrageous moments (and personalities) that kept America glued to their television sets this year. Our own Sanjaya Malakar was nominated in two categories--"Reality Performer of the Year" and "Favorite Loser." To boot, "Idol" had two contenders up for the category of "Favorite Tears"--Paula Abdul and Ashley Ferl, who affectionately became known as "The Crying Girl." Not surprisingly, the talented Ryan Seacrest was nominated for the "Favorite Judge/Host" category. Lastly, "American Idol" was up for the overall category of "America's Favorite Reality Show."



Tune in to the Fox Reality Channel on Saturday, October 13, at 10PM ET/10PM PT to find out who won!



Watch Sanjaya's exit interview as he talks about becoming a part of pop culture while on "American Idol."