American IDOL

Josh, Bucky and Phil’s 4th of July Performances

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:28:09 PDT

Second Season’s Josh Gracin will spend July 4^th in McKinney, Texas for a show at Craig Ranch before returning home to spend the remainder of the long weekend with family in Tennessee.

Season 5’s Bucky Covington will play the Red, White and Boom Festival in Lexington, Kentucky on July 4. (One can only imagine that if Bucky were at home in Nashville over the holiday, he’d be waterskiing or motorbiking around.)

Finally, Season 6’s Phil Stacey will play the Wild West Fest in Hays, Kansas on July 4 before vacationing with family in Oklahoma.

Check out Josh's profile, Bucky's transformation gallery and Phil's latest interview with us.

Jordin, Kat and Taylor Perform for 4th of July

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:33:20 PDT

This year’s Macy’s 4^th of July Fireworks Spectacular will feature the singing talent of two American Idols: AI Season 6 winner, Jordin Sparks and AI Season 5 Runner-up Katharine McPhee! Jordin will be performing her latest single, “One Step at a Time” and Katharine, who is working on her second album, will perform “Save The Last Dance For Me.”

Meanwhile, from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, AI Season winner Taylor Hicks will perform at the 2008 Fourth of July Concert in Washington, D.C.

Check out the transformation galleries for Jordin, Kat and Taylor. See how they changed over their season on Idol!

Paris Bennett Is Mom To Be

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:30:11 PDT

Season 5’s Paris Bennett is pregnant with her first, according to The Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Paris, who will be 20 years old when the baby arrives in October, is maintaining her privacy with details including the identity of the father.

According to the Star-Tribune, some high profile celebrities have said they will be attending the August baby shower with the intention of spoiling the baby mercilessly, with or without Paris' permission. Queen Latifah reportedly told Paris, “You’re the Princess, I’m the Queen!”

Since finishing fifth place on American Idol, “Princess P” as Ryan Seacrest liked to call her, released a debut album, “Princess P” on May 8, 2007.

Check out our Season 5 transformation photo gallery for the new mom!

Who Will Be The Next Singing Superstar?

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:32:08 PDT

Auditions for the eighth season of American Idol begin Thursday, July 17, at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA, and will continue in seven other cities. Once again, auditioners will have an extraordinary opportunity to perform before millions of TV viewers and become household names, with one winning the coveted American Idol title and a major recording contract. The official docs for the auditions are as follows: FAQs Rules Release Form Guardian Release Form Auditions will be held as follows: Thursday, July 17 San Francisco, CA The Cow Palace Monday, July 21 Louisville, KY Freedom Hall Friday, July 25 Phoenix, AZ Jobing.com Arena Tuesday, July 29 Salt Lake City, UT EnergySolutions Arena Saturday, August 2 San Juan, Puerto Rico Coliseo de Puerto Rico Friday, August 8 Kansas City, MO TBD Wednesday, August 13 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Tuesday, August 19 East Rutherford, NJ IZOD Center at the Meadowlands Specific information for the San Francisco auditions is below. More details for the additional audition cities will be announced shortly. San Francisco American Idol Auditions WHO: Men and women 16-28 years old as of July 15, 2008, who are eligible to work in the U.S. Some restrictions apply – please visit americanidol.com for specific information. WHERE: The Cow Palace 2600 Geneva Ave. Daly City, CA 94014 WHEN: Thursday, July 17 HOW: Wristbands will be distributed from 7:00 AM on Tuesday, July 15 until 8:00 AM on Thursday, July 17. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out; therefore, once they obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to the Cow Palace on Thursday, July 17. Take a look at some of our favorite photos from Season 7's Auditions!

Idols Summer Tour Starts Today

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:08:42 PDT

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that the IDOLS LIVE SUMMER TOUR starts tonight in Jordin Sparks' hometown of Glendale, AZ! If you're not going to the show tonight, but you still want to see the show, you're in luck! There are dozens of more dates in cities all across the country. Find out more here! Meanwhile, make sure to catch our exclusive interviews with the Top 10 Contestants who hit the road tonight! David Cook and Kristy Lee Cook Brooke White and Chikezie David Archuleta and Carly Smithson Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado Michael Johns and Ramiele Malubay

Kristy Lee Cook Signs Record Deal With 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:23:39 PDT

NASHVILLE, TN – Season seven American Idol finalist Kristy Lee Cook has signed a recording contract with 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville. Arista Nashville is a label under the Sony BMG Nashville umbrella. A 24-year-old native of Selma, Oregon, Cook is a passionate animal lover and avid horse trainer who sold her barrel horse to pay for her transportation to Philadelphia to audition for American Idol. Now in preparation for the American Idols Live! Tour 2008, Kristy Lee will team with producer Brett James to record her album between tour dates, with an album release this fall. Her first single, the playful, up-tempo “15 Minutes of Shame,” will impact country radio on August 11. With the announcement of her recording contract, Cook said, “I’ve wanted this for so many years. To have the chance to be a country singer – to make the music I love – and to have enjoyed the support of so many American Idol fans this past season, it all means more than I can put into words. Thank you so much to everyone. I’ll do my best to make you proud!” Sony BMG Nashville Chairman Joe Galante remarked, “Simon Cowell told Kristy Lee Cook on American Idol that she is a country singer. We definitely agreed and followed her very closely during the season. We have been anxious to get her into the studio. Kristy Lee will be very relatable to the country audience and is destined to have hits.” Sony BMG Nashville includes its four country label operations – RCA, Columbia, BNA and Arista Nashville – and Provident Music Group, one of the world’s leading Christian music companies. Sony BMG Nashville is a division of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. Take a look back at Kristy Lee Cook's season by visiting our Transformation Gallery.

Happy Birthday Fantasia!

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:00:16 PDT

Happy birthday to season three winning Idol, the wonderfully talented Fantasia!

With no formal musical training, Fantasia’s exposure to music began at her childhood church where she was inspired to sing whenever possible and where she developed her dream. In 2004, with only one public performance to her credit, Fantasia auditioned in Atlanta for season three of American Idol. The rest is history.

With crowd favorites like Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” and “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess,” Fantasia would earn millions of votes and garner some of the highest praise by an Idol. Randy Jackson called “Summertime” the best performance ever in Idol history and Simon Cowell went so far as to proclaim her the best contestant to ever compete in any contest.

Fantasia’s Idol victory over runner-up Diana DeGarmo was merely the start to her career. In June, 2004 she released “I Believe” which shot to number one on the Billboard 200 pop album chart. The thirteen-track album, “Free Yourself” was released shortly thereafter and received four Grammy Awards. Later, Fantasia starred in the Broadway musical, “The Color Purple.” Her sophomore album, “Fantasia" garnered three Grammy nominations and recently, she was cast in the movie version of the musical “The Color Purple.”

Fantasia’s life experience has been so inspiring and interesting that her memoirs, “Life Is Not A Fairy Tale” was a New York Times bestseller and the film version was watched by over 19 million viewers. Fantasia is currently working on her third album and preparing for the upcoming film. Fantasia’s life has been an exciting journey of dreaming big and working hard.

Last year, we had the chance for an exclusive chat with Fantasia about starring in “The Color Purple” and her latest album. Check it out!

We wish you a very happy birthday Fantasia!

Phil Stacey Releases "Old Glory" to Radio

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:15:37 PDT

Just in time for the 4^th of July holiday, Phil Stacey is releasing his patriotic song “Old Glory” to country radio. Written while he was still serving active in the US Navy, Phil has widely sung “Old Glory” in public, including, recently, at the Grand Ole Opry.

“The song always gets a great reaction and we’ve fielded a lot of calls from our friends in radio asking where they can get the song,” says Lyric Street VP Promotion Kevin Herring.

“I’m proud to have the chance to record this song,” says Phil. “I wrote it several years ago while I was still in the Navy and it means a lot to get to share it with all the country music fans to honor our service members.”

Phil Stacey earned the admiration of millions as a finalist on American Idol. He wowed us with his unforgettable performance of “Blaze of Glory” as well as such country hits as “Where The Sidewalk Ends” and “I Need You.” americanidol.com caught up with Phil last summer when he was touring and had just released the single, “If You Didn’t Love Me.” Check out what he had to say!

Ruben's Getting Married!

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:51:16 PDT

Season Two Idol Ruben Studdard who wooed America with his deep and soulful voice obtained a marriage license this week to wed fiancée Surata Zuri McCants. "The velvet teddy bear," as fans endearingly refer to him, filled out the paperwork with Surata in Columbiana, Alabama. This has been an exciting year for Ruben as he's working on his fourth CD since show's end, performed at this year's Finale and is now marrying. We congratulate Ruben and Surata and wish them the very best!

Josh, Bucky & Phil Sing Disney

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:14:05 PDT

Nashville, TN- Country music’s biggest stars including three Idol finalists have assembled for the upcoming Country Sings Disney project, in stores Tuesday, July 8. The fifteen song collection features classic and contemporary Disney tracks performed by today’s favorite country stars, including former Idols, Bucky Covington, Josh Gracin, and Phil Stacey. Bucky Covington sings "You'll Be In My Heart" and Phil Stacey performs "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" while Josh Gracin sings "When I See An Elephant Fly." Take another look at Bucky's Transformation Gallery!

David Cook People Mag's Hot Bachelor!

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:06:57 PDT
This week, PEOPLE Magazine has come out with their "Hottest Bachelor's issue and, to nobody's surprise, David Cook is featured! Also featured from the world of American Idol are Ryan Seacrest, Jason Castro, Bucky Covingington, Ace Young and Constantine Maroulis. The Hottest Bachelor issue is on newstands today!

Happy Birthday Paula!

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:36:16 PDT
Paula Abdul is one of the most recognized pop singers and choreographers in film, television, video, stage and live tours. Her celebrated work in choreography includes Emmy-winning contributions to "The Tracey Ullman Show," Paula's own performance on "The American Music Awards" and her choreography for the Academy Awards, for which she earned an Emmy nomination. Other triumphs include her award-winning work with Janet Jackson, which garnered two MTV Video Awards; and working with such music legends as Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Luther Vandross, INXS, Heart and Prince. Paula's favorite memory is dancing alongside her idol, Gene Kelly, in the Diet Coke commercial that was inducted into the Coca-Cola Hall of Fame Museum as one of that company's top commercial campaigns. Paula's choreography contributions in feature films include the Academy Award-winning "American Beauty," working with Cuba Gooding Jr. on his Academy Award-winning performance in "Jerry Maguire" and transforming Val Kilmer into Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's "The Doors." Paula's music career encompasses worldwide album sales exceeding 30 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People's Choice Awards and two Kids' Choice Awards. She has also been honored with a Star on Hollywood Boulevard and inducted into Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Hall of Fame. Contestants and viewers alike praise Paula's positive feedback on AMERICAN IDOL. She has even designed good-luck jewelry for the IDOL contestants, which provided the inspiration for her most recent venture. Paula introduced her Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection on QVC to record-breaking sales. The collection consists of charms, pendants, earrings and bracelets in a mix of textures and metals, adorned with meaningful phrases. Paula continues to honor her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs throughout the country, and has never forgotten her first break as a Los Angeles Laker Girl. She lives in Los Angeles. On this day, we wish you a very happy birthday, Paula! Do you miss hearing Paula's sweet voice? Visit her bio page for some fun Paula sound bites from this past season. And check out today's Picture of the Day. It's a great one of Paula with ZZ Top!

"Idol Gives Back" To Be Honored

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:53:39 PDT

TV Week is reporting that on July 31, The National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) will honor “American Idol’s” fundraiser, “Idol Gives Back” with its inaugural Reality Innovator Award at the NATPE LATV Festival in Los Angeles.

The Reality Innovator Award recognizes outstanding achievement in reality programming, with recipients displaying passion, leadership and innovation. Nigel Lythgoe, president of 19 Television and executive producer of "American Idol" will accept the award on behalf of all the show’s producers at a ceremony at The Annex in Hollywood & Highland’s Entertainment Complex.

“’Idol Gives Back’ is an extraordinary example of the ability of television to combine the power of celebrities and the corporate community in raising awareness and money for social enterprise,” NATPE President and CEO Rick Feldman said when making the announcement.

Last year “Idol Gives Back” raised $76 million for U.S. charities as well as for supplies for underprivileged children in Africa. You can revisit the night of "Idol Gives Back" in this photo recap.

Josh Gracin Expecting 4th Child

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:00:03 PDT
Season Two's unforgettable country music singer, Josh Gracin has a big reason to celebrate with his wife Ann Marie - the arrival of their fourth child has just been announced! "We’re all excited about the new addition to the Gracin clan,” said Josh. “And Briana, Landon and Gabriella can’t wait to meet their new brother or sister." Josh and Ann Marie have been married since January 2001. To Josh and Ann Marie, we extend our warmest congratulations! Take a nostalgic peak at Josh's contestant profile and see how far he's come!

Happy Birthday Lisa Tucker!

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:25:47 PDT

It seems like it was just yesterday that 16-year-old Lisa Tucker was a Season 5 finalist up against the likes of Katharine McPhee and Ace Young. So talented was Lisa, that Simon Cowell went so far as to say that Lisa was the most talented 16-year-old to audition for the show. And now, just two years on, Lisa has established herself as a singer, and actor of musical theatre and TV alike, and a respected reporter. That’s right, last year Lisa covered the Red Carpet finale of American Idol for americanidol.com and she did a phenomenal job as the photos show.

Take a look back at this young talent’s transformation over the season, and then please join us in wishing her a Happy Birthday and continued success with her career!

David Archuleta Signs Record Contract

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:55:56 PDT
It was announced today that American Idol runner-up David Archuleta has signed to 19 Recordings/Jive Records. Archuleta is currently gearing up for the upcoming American Idol tour which kicks off on July 1st in Glendale, AZ. The 17-year old is expected to release his debut album later this year. "Signing a record contract with 19 Recordings/Jive Records is truly a dream come true," states Archuleta. "Being a fan of American Idol since season one and admiring the alumni, I am honored and humbled to be a part of that group. I'm really excited to start working on everything." David Archuleta, the runner-up on the current season of "American Idol," has three songs entering the Hot 100 this week, starting with his stunning remake of John Lennon's "Imagine" at No. 36, along with his highly-praised rendition of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," and his finale song, "In This Moment." Simon Fuller, creator of the popular TV series and chief executive and founder of 19 Entertainment Label Group, states, "It was fascinating to watch David's journey through Idol. He is a genuine pop star, and is a gifted singer who instantly won over a huge audience when he first appeared on the show. Since then, he has dealt with the pressure and the high level of expectation with real fortitude; he's given us some of the best performances of the season. Without question David Archuleta has a great future ahead of him." Tom Carrabba, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Jive/Zomba Label Group comments, "David Archuleta has already shown the world that he is a star. He's a young, talented singer with wide appeal and we're thrilled to have him join our roster." David Archuleta is from Murray, Utah, a town outside Salt Lake City. He recently came to national attention and captured the hearts and imagination of a nation with several show-stopping performances on "American Idol." Check out David's transformation gallery!

Bucky To Hit The Big Screen

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:48:34 PDT

Imagine the thrill of getting to play a musician in a major Hollywood movie. Now imagine getting to experience this honor at the personal request of Billy Ray Cyrus! That’s exactly what was happened for Season 5's talented and lucky Bucky Covington who will be playing a musician in next year’s movie, "Hannah Montana: The Movie."

"I've never been on a movie set so I don't know what to expect," said Bucky. "I've always been a fan of Billy Ray's music and it really is an honor for him to ask me to be a part of what is sure to be the biggest movie released next year." The movie is being filmed in Bucky's newly adopted home state of Tennessee.

Bucky will have plenty of musically talented company in the film as multiplatinum country trio Rascal Flatts will appear and perform as well.

This will surely be a year of some exciting firsts for Bucky. Take a look back at the Behind the Scenes video of his music video, or further back to our exclusive Transformation photo gallery. You’ll be amazed by how far Bucky has come!

Carrie Underwood Extends Tour

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:45:38 PDT

In case you had not heard already, Carrie Underwood's "Carnival Ride Tour" has taken the U.S. and Canada by storm. Almost 600,000 fans have been part of the audience to date, and with today's announcement of additional dates through December, this hot country tour has just gotten even hotter!

This fall, Underwood will tour a total of 51 cities as well as play summer fairs and festivals. She will continue to perform her current opening act with Jason Michael Carroll through June 24, but beginning September 23, shows will feature special guest Little Big Town.

The success of Underwood's tour is just the latest of many achievements. She was inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry in May, as well as being named Top Female Vocalist at this year's Academy of Country Music Awards for the second consecutive time. Within two months of release, Carrie's "Carnival Ride" was certified double-platinum. No surprise there as it contains the #1 co-written hits "So Small," "All-American Girl" and "Last Name."

Remember when Carrie was just trying out on Season 4? Take a stroll down memory lane in our exclusive Carrie Transformation Gallery!

Below are the venue and tour dates:

9/23 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center @ Cleveland State University 9/24 Highland Heights, KY Bank of Kentucky Center 9/25 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center 9/27 Grand Forks, ND Ralph Engelstad Arena 9/28 Sioux City, IA Tyson Events Center 9/30 Topeka, KS Landon Arena 10/2 Champaign, IL Assembly Hall @ University of Illinois 10/3 Hoffman Estates, IL Sears Centre 10/4 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena 10/ 6 London, Ontario CANADA John Labatt Centre 10/7 Toronto, Ontario CANADA Air Canada Centre 10/10 St. John, NB CANADA Harbour Station 10/11 Moncton, NB CANADA Moncton Coliseum 10/12 Halifax, NS CANADA Halifax MetroCentre 10/14 Portland, ME Cumberland County Civic Centre 10/15 Boston, MA Agganis Arena 10/16 Kingston, RI Ryan Center 10/18 Syracuse, NY OnCenter at War Memorial 10/19 Philadelphia, PA Liacouras Center 10/21 Newark, NJ Prudential Center 10/23 Hampton, VA Hampton Coliseum 10/24 Winston-Salem, NC LJVM Coliseum 10/26 Southaven, MS DeSoto Civic Center 10/27 Jonesboro, AR ASU Convocation Center 10/29 Tulsa, OK BOK Center 10/30 Grand Prairie, TX Nokia Theatre 11/1 Houston, TX Reliant Arena 11/2 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center 11/6 Las Cruces, NM Pan American Center 11/7 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena 11/8 San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena 11/9 Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theatre 11/14 Bakersfield, CA Rabobank Arena 11/15 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena 11/17 Portland, OR Rose Garden 11/19 Salt Lake City, UT E Center 11/21 Missoula, MT Adams Center 11/22 Billings, MT Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark 11/24 Lethbridge, AB CANADA Enmax Centre 11/25 Edmonton, AB CANADA Rexall Place 11/29 Saskatoon, SK CANADA Credit Union Centre 12/1 Regina, SK CANADA Brandt Centre 12/2 Winnipeg, CANADA MTS Centre 12/4 Madison, WI Alliant Energy Center Memorial Coliseum 12/5 St. Louis, MO Chaifetz Arena 12/7 Nashville, TN Sommet Cener 12/8 Chattanooga, TN UTC McKenzie Arena 12/9 Tupelo, MS BankcorpSouth Arena 12/12 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum 12/13 Orlando, FL UCF Arena 12/14 Gainesville, FL Stephen Connell Center

New Feature: Video of the Day

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:01:46 PDT
Now that Season 7 has come to a dramatic close, there's not much new going on at americanidol.com, right? Wrong! Besides staying up-to-date with everything going on with AI Live Tour 2008 and checking back for news on auditions, you'll definitely want to visit our homepage as we're constantly adding new stories, videos and brand new features. Just yesterday we launched our hot new Video of the Day feature where we select from our favorite site videos those we feel are the most exciting, interesting, funny and in short, awesome, and make them easy for you to find. Remember, as the only official website for your favorite show, we have had tons of access to the Idols, in some cases going back to when they were just standing in line for auditions. So whether you're in the mood for an exclusive interview with the Davids or a fun behind the scenes compilation or even a chat with a guest mentor, you know where to go! In case you missed it, yesterday's Video of the Day was Carly's unforgettable and advice-filled exit interview. Today's is the exit interview for the charming duo of Kady and Danny. Stay tuned as we bring you all sorts of surprises in our Video of the Day!

Jason Castro Homecoming

Fri, 30 May 2008 16:37:16 PDT
On Thursday, May 29th, Jason Castro, the dreadlocked twenty year old with the bright blue eyes, from Rockwall Texas, went back home to a hero’s reception. It seemed like everyone in Texas turned out to cheer Jason on, with some fans coming from as far away as Chicago, and Albuquerque, N.M., according to the Dallas Morning News. Ever since Jason sauntered into his first audition, ever-present guitar slung over his shoulder, and beaming ear to ear, he has made his way into the hearts of Idol viewers everywhere. Jason, who came in fourth in this past season’s competition, performed a short concert of three songs, and then took part in a parade, and a waterfront celebration. One of the songs he performed was, of course, “Deep In The Heart Of Texas”. "I got what I came for — for people to know who I was and for people to listen to my music," Castro said, according to a story on The Dallas Morning News. All we know is that Jason needn’t worry about people not knowing who is, or not listening to his music, it’s far too late for that! Jason is a big star already, since his time on American Idol, and it looks like that’s the way it’s going to be for quite some time! Watch our exit interview with Jason!