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.”

Fox has pranks for April Fool’s Day

…and it all starts with the network going dark between the hours of 8:00 and 10:00 tonight. April Fool! Woo hoo, I really had you all going for a minute, huh? No? Okay.

Here’s what Fox is planning:

FOX honors April Fool’s Day by pulling a few pranks on some of our very own television talent. Among the shenanigans are a culinary gag on fiery HELL’S KITCHEN chef Gordon Ramsay, a noisy interruption on the set of HOUSE, an unexpected visitor startles DOLLHOUSE’s Eliza Dushku, the cast of TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES does an interview they won’t forget and David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel of BONES freak out their castmates.

Tune in tonight to catch the foolishness throughout the evening during commercial breaks in LIE TO ME (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and AMERICAN IDOL (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Can You Duet Season 2 Now Casting

FREMANTLEMEDIA NORTH AMERICA HOLDS OPEN CASTING AUDITION IN NASHVILLE FOR SEASON TWO OF “CAN YOU DUET” ON CMT

“American Idol” Producers Seeking the Best Single and Duet Performers in the Country

BURBANK, CA CAN YOU DUET, which debuted last year as the highest-rated series premiere ever for CMT when it launched in April, is back for a second season to discover the next “Johnny Cash & June Carter”, “Tim McGraw & Faith Hill”, “Big & Rich” or “The Judds”.

FremantleMedia North America, producers of “American Idol,” and CMT will hold an open call audition on Saturday, March 7 for thousands of country star hopefuls at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee. Slated for Summer 2009, the weekly series is designed to find Americas next great country music duo.

Unlike other talent competition shows, each contestant will compete as part of a duo. As a result, viewers will witness first-hand all the on and off-stage drama to be had in creating a dynamic musical duet. In addition to critiquing each performance and deciding who will advance to the next round, the Judges (to be announced) will also serve as mentors to guide, groom and develop the duets along the way.

Season One veterans have already taken great strides in their respective careers. Last years winners, “Caitlin and Will”, were signed to Sony Music Nashville’s Columbia Records, and their debut single “Even Now” will impact radio next month. Third place runner-ups “Joey & Rory” not only landed a recording contract with Sugar Vanguard/Sugar Hill Records, but their debut CD recently cracked the Top 30 on the country charts and they are currently the national spokespeople for Overstock.com. Fourth place runner-ups, “Kate & Kacey” (The Coppolas on the show) have signed with Big Machine records and they’re currently gearing up to join Little Big Town on their West Coast tour.

For more information, such as audition applications, video submissions, eligibility requirements and location for the open audition in Nashville, please go to www.canyouduet.com. PLEASE NOTE: This competition is subject to applicable rules, which are subject to modification at any time in the producers discretion.

Reality television labor lawsuits settled

From Reuters:

Several major U.S. TV networks and the producers of such reality shows as “Trading Spouses” and “The Bachelor” have agreed to pay over $4 million to settle two lawsuits claiming violations of California wage rules.

The settlement will benefit more than 400 workers who were part of the 3-year-old class-action cases, and some of those individuals stand to reap tens of thousands of dollars, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, Emma Leheny, said on Wednesday.

The litigation coincided with a broader ongoing effort by the Writers Guild of America to obtain a labor contract for the creative workers behind unscripted TV productions as a whole, such as “American Idol” and “Survivor.”

Some of those programs rank among the biggest hits on U.S. television and are far cheaper to produce than traditional prime-time dramas and sitcoms.

The suits claimed reality show employees routinely put in as much as 80 hours a week without overtime, were denied work breaks for meals and were forced to falsify their time cards, all in violation of state wage and hour laws.

click here to read the full story…

Cowell wants to add Britney to the American Idol Mix

Although her performance on Britain’s X-Factor didn’t get critical raves because of her lip-syncing, Simon Cowell would still love to see Britney Spears on American Idol.

“She would, literally, be first on the list as far as I’m concerned in any capacity. I would love to see her mentor the contestants, but if she doesn’t want to do that, and she wants to come on the show and perform, I would welcome her anytime.

“The buzz we had on our show (The X Factor) when she came on was extraordinary. And even with all the stuff that’s gone on with her the past two years, there was more excitement and interest in her than I’ve seen in anyone in years. She would be very, very welcome,”  he said in an interview with MTV.

Britney’s single, Womanizer went to number 1 on the Billboard singles charts.

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