Allison Iraheta Returns to American Idol

Season Eight AMERICAN IDOL finalist and fan favorite Allison Iraheta returns to the IDOL stage to perform her new hit single, “Scars,” on the first AMERICAN IDOL results show of the season Thursday, Feb. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. “Scars” was written by Toby Gad and Alyssa James, and produced by Gad.

A devoted AMERICAN IDOL fan since the show’s debut, Los Angeles native Iraheta turned her childhood dream into reality when she became one of the final four contestants of Season Eight. The 17-year-old singer impressed the AMERICAN IDOL judges and viewers with performances that reached well beyond her years. Her debut album, “Just Like You,” on 19 Recordings/Jive Records, was released December 1 and features her first single “Friday I’ll Be Over U,” penned and produced by Swedish hit-maker Max Martin. Also included on the album is “No One Else,” which was co-written by AMERICAN IDOL judge Kara DioGuardi, Greg Wells and P!nk.

American Music Awards Will Be Full of American Idols

Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Daughtry Join Adam Lambert on the Performance Roster

dick clark productions President Orly Adelson announced that Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Daughtry will each perform at the “2009 American Music Awards.” They will join another American Idol standout, Adam Lambert, as well as previously announced acts Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez and The Black Eyed Peas. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. The show will be broadcast live from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 (8:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) on ABC.

“American Idol continually produces great talent, and we are looking forward to hosting Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry and Adam. It’s a great fit for the AMAs,” said AMA producer Larry Klein.

For the first time ever, dcp will stream a live pre-show on the red carpet for the 2009 “American Music Awards” on November 22nd, 2009 at 3:00 PM (PT) / 6:00 PM (ET). The “Official AMA Pre-Show,” presented by Coca-Cola, will feature hosts Julie Moran, Jenni Pulos, Jai Rodriguez and Taryn Southern, as well as the “Coke Correspondent” winner of the ongoing national competition to become a red carpet correspondent at the 2009 AMA’s.

(courtesy of ABC)

Jennifer Hudson Will Have a Christmas Special on ABC

Actress, singer and former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson,  heads back to her hometown of Chicago to share childhood memories of the music, people and places that set the stage for her phenomenal success, in the hour-long primetime music special, “Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” airing this December on ABC .

Hudson relives her childhood Christmases with musical performances shot on location at the small neighborhood church where she brought the congregation to its feet week after week; the music academy where she studied; and other Chicago sites. Hudson also visits with family members, childhood friends and others whose influences have been instrumental in her rise from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom.

“I am thrilled that Jennifer chose ABC to be the home for her very first holiday special,” said Vicki Dummer, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment Group. “I can’t wait to hear her take on Christmas classics as we discover what she loves about her hometown of Chicago.”

In addition to winning an Academy Award, Hudson’s breakout performance in “Dreamgirls” also brought her a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a BAFTA and an NAACP Image Award. She has also been honored by the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the National Board of Review and as “Entertainer of the Year” at the Soul Train Awards. Hudson’s self-titled first album won a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Album.” The album also won three awards at the 2009 NAACP Image Awards including “Best Album.” The RIAA Gold Certified album marked the biggest first week sales for an R&B entry since 2004.

More recently, Hudson has continued to build impressive film credits and demonstrate her range in the films “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Sex and the City: The Movie.” She performed the national anthem at the 2009 Super Bowl, and she had her debut national tour, co-headlining with Robin Thicke, earlier this year.

The exact date and time of  “Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas” has yet to be announced.

Ellen DeGeneres Will Fill Paula’s Shoes on American Idol

Ellen DeGeneres Joins American Idol This Season as the Fourth Judge

Just in from FOX:

Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.

The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January 2010 on FOX. DeGeneres will join the judges’ panel after the auditions, which will feature appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.

“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on AMERICAN IDOL,” said DeGeneres. “I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote.”

“I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the AMERICAN IDOL family,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can’t wait for this next season to begin.”

“We’re all delighted to have Ellen join our ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable. She is one of America’s foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team.”

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for FOX added, “We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the AMERICAN IDOL judges’ table this season. She is truly one of America’s funniest people and a fantastic performer who understands what it’s like to stand up in front of audiences and entertain them every day. We feel that her vast entertainment experience combined with her quick wit and passion for music will add a fresh new energy to the show.”

Katy Perry and Avril Lavigne Join the American Idol Guest Judge Team

Katy Perry and Avril Lavigne will join AMERICAN IDOL as guest judges during the final two days of auditions held this week in Los Angeles. On their respective days, Perry and Lavigne will sit at the judges’ table next to Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi while the final group of singing hopefuls tries for a “Golden Ticket” to Hollywood. Recently, Victoria Beckham served as a guest judge in Denver and Boston, Mary J. Blige shared her expertise in Atlanta, Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris guest-judged in Dallas, Kristin Chenoweth joined the panel in Orlando and Shania Twain sat at the judges’ table in Chicago.

AMERICAN IDOL returns for its ninth season in January 2010 on FOX.

Since the 2007 digital release of the hilarious, zeitgeist-capturing single “Ur So Gay,” singer-songwriter Katy Perry has gone from internet music sensation to bona fide star. Her multi-platinum debut album, “One of the Boys,” generated four hit singles “I Kissed A Girl,” “Hot N Cold,” “Thinking Of You” and “Waking Up In Vegas” three of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The Grammy-nominated artist has captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike. Perry, who was awarded Best New Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards and voted Best New Artist by readers of Rolling Stone, finishes her sold-out “Hello Katy” worldwide tour in September.

Avril Lavigne released her debut album, “Let Go,” when she was 17 years old. The album, which has sold more than 16 million copies worldwide, snagged eight Grammy Award nominations and four Juno Awards. With three albums released to date, Lavigne has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. She is currently in the studio working on her fourth album. In addition, Lavigne designs her own line of clothing, Abby Dawn, and she just launched her first fragrance, Black Star.

-from FOX

KARA DIOGUARDI TO RETURN AS JUDGE ON “AMERICAN IDOL”

Idol Veteran Judge Paula Abdul’s Future Is Still in Limbo

Kara DioGuardi will return as a judge on the ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL, premiering January 2010 on FOX. DioGuardi will continue to use her background as an award-winning songwriter and producer to critique and nurture the contestants throughout the competition.

“We are so happy to welcome back Kara for her second season with IDOL,” said Simon Fuller, Creator/Executive Producer, AMERICAN IDOL. “She is a breath of fresh air, and her passion for music and her understanding of talent is invaluable. This show is all about discovering new talent, and Kara’s championing of Adam Lambert is proof positive of her great instinct.”

“Kara brings her own special style and sensibility to the show, which includes her innate talent to identify, nurture and direct a performer’s potential,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Executive Producer, AMERICAN IDOL. “We’re very pleased with her contributions as the fourth judge on the panel.”

“Kara’s spitfire personality and sharp musical sensibility infused AMERICAN IDOL with a new energy last year,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “She clearly has a keen eye for talent spotting Adam Lambert’s superstar quality early on last season and her performance on the Season Eight finale was one of the most memorable in recent IDOL history.”

Fox Plans to Rebroadcast Michael Jackson Themed American Idol

FOX HONORS THE KING OF POP WITH SPECIAL ENCORE AIRING OF MICHAEL JACKSON-THEMED “AMERICAN IDOL” MONDAY, JUNE 29, ON FOX

To honor the memory and celebrate the life of one of the most iconic entertainers of our time, FOX will air an encore of the Michael Jackson-themed AMERICAN IDOL Performance Show Monday, June 29 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

This season’s Top 13 AMERICAN IDOL contestants had the privilege of performing music from Michael Jackson’s songbook, including “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Black or White,” “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” “Remember The Time” and the seminal hit “Beat It.”

Take Five With American Idol’s Mikalah Gordon on RealityRollCall.com

Name: Mikalah Gordon
Home town: Las Vegas, Nevada
Birthday:1/14/88
Show(s) you were on: American Idol, Gone Country 2, correspond for Tyra Banks show

RealityRollCall: Name your top three favorite songs:

Mikalah: 1.Guns n Roses – Sweet Child of Mine
2.anything by stained
3.Def Leppard- pour some sugar on me

RRC: Name your three favorite foods: Read more

Fox Reveals American Idol Schedule

From the Futon Critic:

 FOX will debut the eighth season of “American Idol” on January 13, network sources confirmed to the site exclusively today.

The new season will open with two-hour installments on Tuesday, January 13 and Wednesday, January 14 before settling into its regular one-hour time periods – Tuesdays at 8:00/7:00c and Wednesdays at 8:00/7:00c – the following week.

The news marks the latest piece in the puzzle that is FOX’s midseason schedule. On Monday, the network confirmed “24″ will roll out with a special two-night, four-hour event on Sunday, January 11 and Monday, January 12.

Clay Aiken Says, “I’m Gay”. The Whole World Yawns.

In this week’s issue of People, former American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken comes out to us all, and confesses that he’s gay. Unless you have been living under a rock, this was not a bombshell. Did he think we all thought he was straight up until this week?

It’s always anti-climactic when someone in the public eye fesses up to something that people have been talking about for years. His motivation for coming out is that he has to set an example for his child now that he is a father.

“I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn’t raised that way, and I’m not going to raise a child to do that,” the new father told People. That is a respectable decision.

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