en-usAmerican Idol NewsDavid Archuleta and Katharine McPhee to Perform on FOX SpecialAmerican Idol runner-ups David Archuleta and Katharine McPhee will perform on Kaleidoscope, a completely unique Thanksgiving special on FOX. The show was created to help raise awareness of the key issues surrounding women and cancer. To inform, inspire, and influence women to take action for their health is the goal of the show. Kaleidoscope will become a new Thanksgiving tradition on FOX that combines the beauty of skating, the excitement of song, and the brave message of survivorship to raise awareness of the key issues surrounding women and cancer.

Kaleidoscope will include ice skating from champions and cancer survivors Scott Hamilton and Dorothy Hamill, as well as Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan, and three Olympic hopefuls. In addition, cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John will perform, as will David Foster, Katharine McPhee, and David Archuleta.

Tune in Thanksgiving Day, November 26th at 4pm ET on FOX

Read about Davids new album.

Read about Katharines upcoming album.

]]>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:37:15 -0800http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/2172/ai_news_2172Jennifer Hudson to Star as Winnie MandelaSeason 3 finalist Jennifer Hudson has been tapped to play Nelson Mandelas ex-wife, Winnie, in the upcoming movie Winnie. The movie will portray the ups and downs of Winnies life as a politician, activist, mother, wife, as well as a person who was jailed, convicted of fraud, and abuse.

I was compelled and moved when I read the script, Jennifer told Variety. Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and Im honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told. The movie will being shooting in various locations throughout South Africa starting May 30, 2010. Andre Pieterse, Darrell J. Roodt and Paul L. Johnson created the script from the biography Winnie Mandela: A Life by Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob, and Darrell J. Roodt will direct the film. Jennifer has also been tapped to sing the movies theme song.

This obviously isnt Jennifers first starring role in a major motion picture. In 2007 she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in her role as Effie in Dreamgirls. She also played Carrie Bradshaws assistant in Sex and the City: The Movie and Rosaleen in The Secret Life of Bees.

Jennifer performed on Season 8 of American Idol during Songs of the Cinema week. View photos of her performance.

]]>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:31:53 -0800http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/2168/ai_news_2168Adam Lambert is One of the Sexiest Men AlivePeople Magazine just released their Sexiest Men Alive 2009 issue, and Season 8s runner-up, Adam Lambert, was on their list! Adam told the magazine that in order to have a shot with him you need to be an upbeat person. I love people with good energy. In June, People named Adam one of the Hottest Bachelors of 2009. MyIdol users dont disagree with Peoples choice of Adam as one of the sexiest men alive. See what theyre saying about the honor in the forums.

This week is a big one for Adam. His song Time for Miracles is the theme song for the movie 2012 which is now in theaters. For Your Entertainment, Adams debut album, hits stores on Tuesday, 11/24, and this Sunday he will perform on the American Music Awards.

View photos of one of the sexiest men alive in our Adam Lambert photo gallery.

]]>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:45:25 -0800http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/2162/ai_news_2162Michael Sarver Signs a Record DealSeason 8s tenth place finalist, Michael Sarver, has signed a record deal with Dream Records/Universal. The Texas oil rig worker is going down the country route and will release his first single entitled You Are on December 8. In addition, Michael will release a bonus track called Cinderella Girl on the same day.

An avid songwriter who has written nearly a thousand songs, Michael told the The Pine Log, I've got a single coming out (at) the end of November, and it's amazing because I got to write it. I've always thought [I would get to write] my first song, and that's exactly what's happening; and then the album will come out next year. In the meantime, Michael will continue to work on the song selection process for his debut album.

View photos of Michael Sarver on Season 8 of American Idol.

]]>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:46:03 -0800http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/2158/ai_news_2158What’s new with Jason, Ramiele, and Gina?Season 7s Jason Castro just wrapped up his U.S. mall tour. Everyone that pre-ordered Jasons debut album will receive a bonus download of Sweet Medicine shortly. There is still time to pre-order the album, and all pre-orders going forward will include this bonus track.

Season 7 finalist Ramiele Malubay sang the national anthem at the Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto fight. She sang live at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ramiele shares something in common with Pacquiao, the winner of the fight theyre both Filipino. In fact, Ramiele has been pursuing her music career in the Philippines since her time on American Idol.

Season 6s Gina Glocksen and The Gina Glocksen Band will perform at Ballydoyle in Aurora, Illinois. Ballydoyle is a new location that brings in the best acts across the country and develops local talent. The show will begin at 9:00 PM and its free!

For more scoop on what the Idol alumni are up to, check out the Weekly Idol Scoop.

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