American Idol News

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Happy Birthday Sanjaya! - American Idol News

From the time Sanjaya Malakar sang "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" at his Seattle audition, he had the attention of the AI judges. He quickly came under fire for what they thought were less-than-stellar performances, but America was already smitten. With his many hairstyles and his daring song choices, viewers seemed to want to know what he was going to do next. The week Gwen Stefani mentored the Idols that season, Sanjaya showed up to sing "Bathwater" wearing his now-famous "ponyhawk" hairdo that will forever live in infamy. Ryan Seacrest even showed up for results night wearing one. Despite the judges' harsh critiques, they resigned themselves to the fact that he was there to stay. In fact, on Gwen Stefani night, Simon told him, "Sanjaya, I don't think it matters anymore what we say… I think you are in your own universe and if people like you, good luck."

Fans went wild for Sanjaya but none more than Ashley Ferl, who became known all across America and the world as "The Crying Girl" due to the many tears she shed while watching Sanjaya perform! And the reviews weren't all bad from the judges, as he actually received praise across the board for his performance of "Besame Mucho" during J-Lo week. Still, though, it was the viewers that propelled him to an impressive seventh place. Sanjaya returned for the finale and sang "You Really Got Me" with Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, becoming the only Idol who placed less than third and still received a solo.

Sanjaya Mania didn't stop as soon as he was voted off the show. Instead, he was booked and appeared on a number of shows after his stint on "Idol." He also attended the White House Correspondents' Association as a People Magazine guest. He ranked third on TIME's 100 POLL for The Most Influential People of the Year. That same year, he was named Best Reality TV Star at the Teen Choice Awards. Sanjaya called on his own experience and hosted the TV Guide channel's "Idol Stars: Where Are They Now?" show (We featured a promo for this show on our site--check it out now!). Rounding out his resume, he landed a Nationwide Insurance TV spot, and submitted material for the Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul book. In the past year, he and his sister, Shyamali, moved to Los Angeles to purse full time careers in entertainment.

Happy Birthday, Sanjaya!

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Phil Stacey to Perform at 9/11 Event - American Idol News

Ever since America was attacked on 9/11, the Rutherford County (TN) Sheriff Truman Jones saw fit to hold a memorial each year for the victims of that horrible day. This year marks the 7th remembrance, and our own Phil Stacey will be at the Rutherford County Community Fair to perform, along with Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy C. Newman.

Some 7,000 people are expected to attend the event.

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neighborsgo: Jason Castro plays Garland

A Jason Castro Christmas...he's coming to town!
I’m dreaming of a Jason Castro Christmas, and the jingle jangle of Patti LaBelle. Could it be that my Christmas wish is coming true? Is the American Idol finalist from Rockwall really joining Grammy award-winning recording artist Patti LaBelle live on stage, right here in Garland?

A little elf told neighborsgo it’s so...Jason Castro's coming to town!



See Patti LaBelle and special guest Jason Castro at 7:30 pm Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Special Events Center Arena in Garland. Proceeds benefit BEST Education Foundation. Stay tuned to neighborsgo for more details!

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Happy Birthday Carly! - American Idol News

Carly Smithson, who became known as the Irish girl on season seven of American Idol, faced a bit of an uphill battle at the beginning of her AI journey. After initially making it through the Las Vegas auditions for season five, she ended up having to bow out of the competition due to her visa being delayed. Despite impressing the judges once again at the season seven auditions, Carly faced her next challenge. Some fans of the show thought it was unfair that she had once made an album, although it was barely promoted and the record deal was ultimately lost. She fought hard, however, to win over viewers with her upbeat attitude and her powerful vocals, and she not only accomplished that, but she ended her run in an impressive 6th place. Ironically, she was eliminated one day after Simon called her performance one of the best of the night.

Since her time on "Idol," Carly has appeared on several television shows, and even filmed a commercial with fellow Idols Syesha Mercado and Brooke White. She is currently on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008, where she sings "Bring Me To Life" by Evanescence, "Crazy On You" by Heart, and "I Drove All Night" by Cyndi Lauper. The tour wraps on September 13th, one day after her birthday!

According to Wikipedia, Carly told Entertainment Weekly that she has already received some offers to make an album from various record labels.

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Happy Birthday, Melissa McGhee! - American Idol News

Melissa McGhee became known as the girl with the smoky voice while on season five of American Idol. She has a bit of an underdog story, as she originally tried out in 2003 but didn't make it past the initial audition rounds. In season five, however, she advanced to an impressive 12th place despite some harsh criticism from Simon Cowell. Unfortunately, Melissa forgot the words to "Lately" during Stevie Wonder week and the rest, as they say, is history. Melissa did return for the finale and sang "I Made It Through The Rain" with her fellow Idols and Carrie Underwood. She also sang a duet with Ace Young.

Since her time on "Idol," Melissa has performed at quite a few festivals in her home state of Florida, and is said to be in the beginning phases of putting together her debut album.

Happy Birthday to Melissa, who turns 24 this Saturday!

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Happy Birthday, Jennifer Hudson! - American Idol News

Talk about an American Idol Cinderella story--the successful Jennifer Hudson of today wasn't even voted through to the final round on season three of AI, but instead came back in the Wild Card round as Randy Jackson's choice. While not as popular with viewers toward the beginning of the season, she gained momentum after the Wild Card round and ultimately finished in 7th place. Judge Simon Cowell took a while to warm up to J-Hud as well but after she sang Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing," he told her that she "finally proved why she was among the Top 12," later referring to the performance as "sensational." While it might have taken Simon a while to see J-Hud's talent shine through, Sir Elton John, Barry Manilow, and Quentin Tarantino gave her rave reviews when they were on the show that season.

Jennifer Hudson's post-Idol career has thrived, beginning with her stellar performance of Effie White in the 2006 movie adaptation of Dreamgirls, for which she won several awards, including a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, a SAG Award, and an Academy Award! The most noteworthy part of her role was her astounding performance of the Jennifer Holiday song, "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." At a mere 25 years of age, Jennifer became the eighth-youngest winner in the category of Best Supporting Actress.

Since her impressive start in the film business, Jennifer hasn't looked back. She recently played Louise, Carrie Bradshaw's assistant, in Sex and the City: The Movie. She also sang "All Dressed In Love" for the film's soundtrack. Later this year, Jennifer is scheduled to appear as Kathy Archenault in Winged Creatures, a film based on the novel by Roy Freirich, with an impressive cast that includes Forest Whitaker, Guy Pearce, Kate Beckinsale, Dakota Fanning, Josh Hutcherson, and Jackie Earl Haley. She can also be seen in The Secret Life of Bees opposite Dakota Fanning, Alicia Keys, and Queen Latifah.

With this many films in production, one might think that Jennifer's music career has fallen by the wayside, but, in fact, her self-titled debut album is due out September 30th.

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Happy Birthday Ruben! - American Idol News

Dubbed the Velvet Teddybear on season two of American Idol, Ruben Studdard has branched out in quite a few directions since his big win over Clay Aiken. Since being on AI, Ruben has released three albums--one in gospel and two in R & B. The first two albums he recorded while touring. For his third album, The Return, Ruben took some time off to dedicate to the recording, and he worked on it with a variety of big-name artists and producers. Living up to his reputation as the Velvet Teddybear, Ruben used his influence for an important cause around the time he made this third album. He worked on his own foundation, the Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in Music Arts. The foundation gives grants and scholarships to music students, summer camps, and after school programs, which have been severely lacking in recent years.

Ruben has also taken on a number of small roles and cameos in several films and television shows. He has returned to "Idol" a couple of times, performing at the season six and season seven finales. For the season seven finale, he performed "Celebrate Me Home," which was actually used as the farewell song that season.

With music, film, and TV under his belt, Ruben decided to try some theater. He spent a few weeks touring with Robin Givens in the comedy-drama Heaven I Need a Hug and prepared to take on the role of Fats Waller in a national tour of Ain't Misbehavin' in 2008. The tour is scheduled to begin November 17, 2008 in Atlanta, GA and end May 14, 2009 in Syracuse, NY.

In between his second and third albums, Ruben also dedicated time to his health and losing weight, out of concern from family members and friends. He began a healthy vegetarian diet and an exercise program, and he lost approximately 70 pounds. On June 28 of this year, Ruben married Surata Zuri McCants in a private ceremony outside of his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. Ironically, there was no singing during the short ceremony--only a simple exchange of vows, prayers and a string ensemble.

americanidol.com would like to wish Ruben a very Happy Birthday!

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Preparing for obscurity - International Herald Tribune

A young man with an unusual perspective on the ups and downs of life is singing the praises of being prepared financially.

The verb in that sentence may help you guess his identity. He is Sanjaya Malakar, who may be the most talked-about contestant to appear on the popular reality series "American Idol."

Malakar, who turned 19 on Wednesday, is featured in a commercial for the U.S. company Nationwide Financial that is part of the next installment of a campaign called "Life comes at you fast."

The rise of Malakar last year from unknown Seattle-area teenager to national sensation as a finalist on the sixth season of "American Idol" was meteoric. The debate over his talent, or lack thereof, and his oddball hairstyles, like the "ponyhawk" - ponytails crossed with a faux mohawk - attracted so much attention that he has become part of American popular culture.

He has been parodied on TV shows like "Saturday Night Live" and in movies like "Meet the Spartans."

It is that fame, or notoriety, that Nationwide hopes to tap into. Malakar is the most recent in a string of offbeat personalities signed by Nationwide to illustrate how rapidly the vagaries of life can change your financial needs. The others include the former rapper MC Hammer and Kevin Federline, the former husband of Britney Spears.

In each instance, the celebrity is in on the joke, poking fun at himself and his experience with the potentials and pitfalls of stardom. For example, the commercial with Federline, which appeared during the 2007 Super Bowl, began with him performing in an elaborate rap video. But it turned out to be a daydream he was having during his shift as the fry chef at a fast-food restaurant.

The commercial with Malakar is among six, all humorous, that are being aimed at Americans of South Asian heritage; Malakar is the son of a Bengali Indian father and an Italian-American mother.

This is the third year that Nationwide has focused on the South Asian market with tailored advertising. The company also sponsors specific ads for black consumers as well as Spanish-speaking consumers and those who are gay or lesbian.

The campaign is by a New York agency named the A Partnership that creates ads for marketers seeking to reach Asian-American consumers. The ads adapt the "Life comes at you fast" theme developed by the Nationwide agency for the general market, TM Advertising in Dallas, part of the Interpublic Group of Companies.

Consumers from South Asian countries like India and Pakistan are "a quickly emerging market for a lot of reasons," said Steven Schreibman, the vice president for advertising and brand management at the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company in Columbus, Ohio.

Americans of South Asian heritage tend to be highly educated, Schreibman said, and focused on the financial well-being of their families.

That is reflected in the plots of the commercials in the campaign, which began last month. In one spot, the proud parents of a son who has been accepted to an Ivy League college have to sell just about everything they own to keep him there. On graduation day, he informs his mother and father, "I'm going to London for my Ph.D." In response, they cry - and clearly, not tears of joy.In another commercial, an office worker discovers he has won the lottery. He goes into his boss's office to quit but loses his grip on his winning ticket, which floats through the air and lands in the boss's shredder.

The commercial with Malakar, filmed in India, starts with him standing outside a temple, singing for a long time - as evidenced by changes in the weather and the variety of his wacky hairstyles and outfits - to win an audience with a spiritual master. Only after he agrees to stop singing does he gain entry to the inner sanctum.

"Oh, great Guruji, please help me," Malakar says. "I've tasted fame and fortune. Girls adore me. But I still feel that there's something missing. Tell me, what is the most important thing in life?"

The master, resplendent in a white robe, intones, "A good retirement plan," as the doors close on him. An announcer says, "Life comes at you fast," and the doors open.

"And a haircut," the master adds, as the doors close again.

Malakar, who accompanied Schreibman to New York recently for interviews about the campaign, said he liked the concept for the commercial as soon as he heard about it.

"Especially if you're going to continue being an entertainer, be in the media, you have to have some humor about yourself," Malakar said.

The thing that took the longest" during the filming of the commercial, Malakar recalled, was the creation of the many hairstyles he sports, some based on his "American Idol" looks and others brand new.Some of the hairdos required egg whites for body, he added, laughing, and some required "two cans of hair spray."

The concept for the spot was developed with Malakar in mind, said Jeannie Yuen, president and chief executive at the A Partnership.The commercials "are playing on typical South Asia lifestyle situations," she added, particularly the one about college, because "a lot of South Asians come here for education."

The goal of the campaign is to build awareness for the Nationwide brand among South Asians, Yuen said, which is "very middle American" and "not a brand they're exposed to in their home countries."The commercials are appearing on television outlets that are watched by the target audience, which include Zee TV.

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Jennifer Hudson's new reality: She's engaged to David Otunga | Los Angeles Times

Is Jennifer Hudson's life turning into a reality show?

The "American Idol" contestant just got engaged Friday night -- on her birthday -- to her boyfriend (of less than a year) David Otunga, also a reality TV star. Of sorts.

You may recall David Otunga, or you may not, from his appearance last year as "Punk" in the VH1 reality show "I Love New York 2."

If you watched the show, then you know that the Oscar-winning "Dreamgirls" actress is going to marry a guy who was rejected on the show by a woman named New York who was also rejected -- twice -- by Flavor Flav on his own reality love show called "Flavor of Love."

Ouch.

Maybe Hudson knows all too well the intricate and secretly scripted play-to-the-camera aspects of reality TV. Maybe that's why she's not bothered by New York rejecting her fiance.

Jen's got a lot going on in her life right now. She's engaged, has a wedding to plan, has a new album out and her new movie, "The Secret Life of Bees," is due in theaters Oct. 17.

To see Jennifer's hot new fiance doing some bench presses, watch this video excerpt from "I Love New York 2."

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'American Idol' David Cook Announces Album Release Date

"American Idol" winner David Cook has an album release date everyone can be thankful for! Just in time for the Thanksgiving season, David's debut album will be released on Tuesday, November 18, 2008.

Cook has teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Rob Cavallo on the album. Cavallo has produced the likes of both Kid Rock and Green Day.

David also becomes official today! His social networking site, DavidCookOfficial.com, is up and running.

The site lets fans interact with David, his music and each other. Fans can create their own profiles, make friends and contribute their own blogs, photos and videos