http://www.americanidol.com/news/ News from Americanidol.com Fri, 09 May 2008 16:26:16 PDT en http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1284 Jason Castro's departure, this was one week of American Idol that is definitely worth taking another look at. The most entertaining way to do this is through our creative and funny photo recaps. And, if for some reason, you didn't manage to catch the Top 4 this week, we've also compiled video recaps and photo galleries you'll definitely want to check out. As we head into the finale, your vote will help shape Idol history, so be sure to stay up-to-date with all your favorites' latest performances!]]> Fri, 09 May 2008 13:46:51 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1285 Watch our Exit Interview with Jason.]]> Fri, 09 May 2008 13:45:54 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1283 Season 4 runner-up Bo Bice is back on the American Idol stage tonight and will be performing his new single, "Witness", off his latest album, See the Light. Find out more about what Bo's been up to by visiting his official site, bobice.com, where you can see recent photos, videos, tour info and more. And, don't forget to check out this series of photos of Bo from season 4!]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 16:40:20 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1281 Idol Gives Back Foundation through iTunes. It's easy, but time is limited. Here's how. Supporters can donate by purchasing and downloading performances by artists such as Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, and of course, the American Idol finalists. Idol Gives Back content will only be available until this Saturday, May 10. So, download those amazing performances from Idol Gives Back and help children in the U.S. and across the world!]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 10:34:23 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1282 David Archuleta "Stand By Me" - Ben E. King David Archuleta "Love Me Tender" - Elvis Presley David Cook "Hungry Like The Wolf" - Duran Duran David Cook "Baba O'Riley" - The Who Jason Castro "I Shot The Sheriff" - Bob Marley & The Wailers Jason Castro "Mr. Tambourine Man" - Bob Dylan Syesha Mercado "Proud Mary" - Ike & Tina Turner Syesha Mercado "Change Is Gonna Come" - Sam Cooke]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 08:53:02 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1280 Brooke White speaks emotionally after being eliminated. Kristy Lee Cook's husband reenacts his marriage proposal. Remember, Idol Extra is all-new each Thursday on the Fox Reality Channel at 7p and 10p ET/PT.]]> Tue, 06 May 2008 17:12:08 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1278 Anthony Federov will be performing. Anthony's brother died from sarcoma two years ago, so this is a cause that is near and dear to his heart. Monies raised from the gala will go toward research to find a cure for sarcoma, a rare cancer of the connective tissue which accounts for 20% of all childhood cancers diagnosed each year. On Sunday, May 4th, the foundation’s Annual Educational Conference, New Frontiers in Sarcoma, will be held at the New York Marriott East Side. The mission of SFA is to act as an advocate for increased research to find new and better therapies with which to treat patients with sarcoma. The SFA also interacts with public, private for-profit, and private non-profit organizations to raise awareness of the treatment needs of sarcoma patients. In addition to Anthony performing, Kris Carr, a sarcoma survivor, filmmaker and star of Crazy Sexy Cancer, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Bob Woodruff, ABC News Anchor, will present Nancy Levin, PhD and Jon Levin, on behalf of Miles Levin, with the Leadership in Courage Award. The gala will also honor Roger Altman, CEO of Evercore, with the Vision of Hope Award; and Bob Benjamin, MD, of M.D. Andersen Cancer Center, with the Nobility in Science Award. Courage Awards will be presented to Anne Belk, Leslie Heyison, and Patrick Mortimer, who have bravely fought or are currently fighting sarcoma. The gala will also feature an exciting “Deal or No Deal” style live auction with "Deal or No Deal" actress Marisa Petroro, who is the 2008 SFA spokesperson and a sarcoma survivor. To purchase tickets, please visit the Cure Sarcoma website.]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 15:10:14 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1279 There has rarely, if ever, been an Idol that has worn her heart on her sleeve as much as Brooke White, and her authentic presence on the show earned her a huge fan base. In our phone exit interview with Brooke, she addressed how she was able to push through the intense emotions she felt while on the show. "I don’t know if you really have a choice. You get there, and I think there has just been something within me, when I thought I wasn’t able to keep going, and you totally feel like you’re sinking and it’s like, okay, swim. You have to, you realize you’re here; you have to make the best of it. The pressure is so incredibly difficult, but you know what, I was here to do my absolute best, and be as true to myself as possible, and I can say in my heart, even with the challenges I faced, I think I was able to do that." However, she didn't feel guilty for staying on the show despite her misstep a few weeks ago. Instead, she said she felt grateful that her fans were able to overlook that. While some might think she was relieved to be voted off after her emotional run on the show, that's not exactly the case. As she said, "I think after Tuesday night, I was ready, I was re-energized, my spirits were up, I wanted to keep going, and then I woke up Wednesday morning, and I knew, it was in my gut, Brooke, you’re going home; weird. Part of me wanted to keep going, and the other part of me was thinking this has been amazing, and it is kind of a relief." Although she calls the whole AI experience a "roller coaster ride," she also said that she felt a "resurge of confidence" toward the end, which she has admitted has been a struggle for her from the beginning. Brooke admitted she'd been packed for weeks, not knowing what the outcome would be. After Michael Johns' departure, she said she, along with the others, realized no one was safe. However, it was the "finality" of the ending that caused the surge of emotions on the night that she was eliminated. "Yes, it was emotional, and I’d hoped so much that I could have been stronger, but I guess I’m just an emotional girl, I’m passionate, and that really came across on the stage, because I felt very vulnerable every time." She was really hoping to make it to next week, as she was hoping to perform the Joni Mitchell song "Help Me." When asked what she thought her strongest performance on the show was, she said it was definitely "Let It Be." As far as the tough critiques she received at times, Brooke said she took some of it to heart, and then had to let other things go. Although she said Simon had some valid points, other times she called his delivery "just plain mean!" But she understands that, many times, his harsh words come from a place of him wanting the Idols to do their best, while Paula is more of the cheerleader. Brooke's also proud that she never went to the dark side, as Simon had jokingly promised she'd do at the onset of the season. Instead, she says she had an incredible support system that kept her grounded the entire time. Brooke got a huge treat the day she was voted off when she heard from one of her own Idols, Carly Simon! Carly apparently gave her some motivational words and told her to keep going in the direction she's heading with her music. "I do relate to her, and those singer/songwriter’s of the ‘70’s, I connect with what they do, and I hope I can make that happen in 2008, in a more modern, somehow incorporate both those sounds." As far as what direction that is, Brooke said she definitely wants to go the singer/songwriter route. "I would love to write, or at least co-write, and build an album around that organic sound, keep it real, keep it raw, and keep it fresh. I know it is 2008, so you have to make it current, but I definitely think that’s my avenue. I want to play the piano, I want to play the guitar, and I want to be very involved with the music, and connect with people on a very honest level." As with most of the other fallen Idols this season, Brooke said that there really wasn't a whole lot of competition amongst this group. Again, like the others, she says that it was most likely due to the fact that they all had such distinct styles. She also said that strong bonds were formed because they really were the only ones who could relate to the intense experience of being on the show. As far as any regrets, Brooke said that the only thing she wishes she'd done is allowed herself to have more fun despite the pressure. But she would do it again in a heartbeat. "I don’t really know how to put it into words, but it all has become this incredible roller coaster ride filled with a lot of emotions, and a lot of experiences that I don’t think I could ever have gotten in any other way." Watch Brooke's emotional exit interview now!]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 11:35:56 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1277 Brandon Rogers co-stars with season five's Ace Young to make this a show you absolutely cannot miss. Make sure to tune in that Monday at 8/7c--in the meantime, catch the sneak previews right here on americanidol.com: Brandon Rogers on "Bones" Ace Young on "Bones"]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 15:21:36 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1276 Style section has just been updated to include the scoop on what the team of AI stylists did to get the Top 6 Idols ready for a week of dramatic Andrew Lloyd Webber songs. Visit Style now for more on the ways that Carly Smithson pushed the fashion envelope from week to week. The stylists also reveal every last detail of what went into getting the Idols to make a huge impression on camera. While you're there, find out what lucky girls got a Carrie Underwood makeover!]]> Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:24:49 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1275 The Idols had a blast this week as they took on the music of 70s icon and music legend Neil Diamond. Many viewers were undoubtedly hit with a sense of nostalgia as the Top 5 tackled some of Neil's biggest classics. Check out the song choices below: David Archuleta "Sweet Caroline" - Neil Diamond David Archuleta "America" - Neil Diamond David Cook "I'm Alive" - Neil Diamond David Cook "All I Really Need Is You" - Neil Diamond Jason Castro "Forever In Blue Jeans" - Neil Diamond Jason Castro "'September Morn'" - Neil Diamond Brooke White "I'm A Believer"- Neil Diamond Brooke White "I Am…I Said" - Neil Diamond Syesha Mercado "Hello Again" - Neil Diamond Syesha Mercado "Thank The Lord For The Night Time" - Neil Diamond ]]> Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:36:50 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1274 We've been bringing you Garnier Fructis style videos all season long, and they've explored the ins and outs of AI style, and what these Idols really think about the images they've presented during the season. Check out our latest Garnier Idol Extra video as host J.D. Roberto talks to Carly Smithson about her controversial style, what she thought of Simon's harsh criticism, and her very unusual allergy that affected how she accessorized! Also, do not miss the Garnier Idol Tonight clip in which two lucky girls get a makeover to look like one of their favorite Idols from season five--watch to find out what beautiful Idol it is, and for a quick glimpse of Danny Noriega!]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:51:53 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1273 Nikko Smith might have originally been known as Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith's son during the fourth season of American Idol, but he earned his own reputation and nickname as "The Comeback Kid." After originally being eliminated on that season, producers called him and asked him to return to take the place of Mario Vazquez. It was then that Paula dubbed him "The Comeback Kid" for his stellar rendition of "One Hand, One Heart." In October of that same year, Nikko performed the national anthem prior to Game 4 of the World Series, a game that took place at the home field of the St. Louis Cardinals, for whom his father played 15 seasons. Since being on "Idol," Nikko has formed his own record label, the N Music Group. He has signed some up and coming rappers to the label, including D-Miles, singer/songwriter Kane, and R & B artist Alanna. He's also working on a debut album of his own, and he's even reportedly reached out to AI alums Anwar Robinson and Scott Savol for some collaborations. Happy Birthday, Nikko!]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:51:18 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1272 While some skeptics might claim that Carly Smithson was just keeping a stiff upper lip after her elimination the other night, Carly begs to differ with that theory. In a phone interview with her after her departure, she explains that she reacted so well to her departure because she truly wasn't sad. As she put it, "I know I feel like American Idol has given me such a gift, such a platform to be able to launch myself off of and no more theme songs. I’m actually, I’m not that sad to be leaving. I enjoyed every minute thoroughly, but you know we’re back in two weeks to start preparing for the tour and the finale. So it’s like a small break and I’m going to be back." She's thrilled to have gained a loyal fan base, and to have the opportunity to make a "cool record." There have been quite a few theories on why Carly was voted off, and she tends to agree with some of them. For example, there was some bad press about her being too experienced at the beginning of the show due to having a previous contract, and that's when Carly says a lot of the really strong fan bases were formed. That doesn't mean, however, that she let it get to her. Instead, she says she had the most fun she could have possibly had with each performance. Although Carly doesn't deny that she has a strong background in singing, she revealed in the interview that she took a break from singing all together at one point because of how difficult her pursuit of a music career had been. She became a waitress in Atlanta in about 2003, and picked up with that when she moved to San Diego as well. What's funny is she never even mentioned that she could sing when she worked at Fado in Atlanta, and, ironically, the singer there right around time was Michael Johns! It wasn't until she began performing at the bar in San Diego in 2005 that she realized she really wanted to get back into music again. Carly doesn't like to think of her time on "Idol" as a second chance, however. She released her first CD when she was only 15, and she said it wasn't promoted at all, so it "imploded." "I like to not dwell on things that had happened before, and I just like to see this as the first real experience that I’ve really had. You know I learned so much more with this and had such more of a positive experience than I had ever had in the past." As many viewers probably noticed, Simon Cowell was particularly hard on Carly from the start of the season. Carly thinks it might have been because he didn't see her as the pop rock singer that she envisions. But she doesn't think his criticism was all bad. She even said that he told her directly that he has very high hopes for her career, and she thinks a lot of his comments were given because he wanted her to do the best she could. Of course, there were some viewers who had a hard time getting past Carly's extensive tattoos. But Carly wants everyone to know that the one on her arm is not an Amy Winehouse tattoo, but rather an image of a Geisha that she hasn't had time to get filled in! One aspect Carly will definitely miss is the friends she made while on the show, and she even noted the interesting roles they all seemed to play. As she said, she became a sort of "camp counselor," wiping everyone's eyes and making sure they kept it together. She tends to see the positives in everyone, and says that each of the remaining Idols has a certain strength. They're also very distinct, unlike some other seasons, so it's hard to really compare them. She did admit, however, that her favorite left a while back, and that was Amanda Overmyer, who Carly thought was "fantastic." The only real regret Carly has about her experience is learning too late the importance of having more fun with the song choices instead of just going for the song that showcases her vocals. As she explained, "I had fun, and I think maybe it was too late, but I realized not to take everything so seriously. You know early on in the show they had set the standard so high for me, and they were a lot harder on me than other contestants and I think it kind of got to me for a maybe a few weeks, and I think by the time I met Mariah Carey I had kind of changed my mind. She was just so cool and so normal and so nice." Oh, and she does have one other small regret...not being able to take advantage of Neil Diamond's extensive song library! In fact, she was planning on doing a "balladish" version of "Sweet Caroline" with a piano and the cello. Watch Carly's in-person exit interview now!]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:57:57 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1270 Carrie Underwood graces the cover of In Style this May, and she opens up about everything from tough break-ups to body image to being a fashion icon! Catch a glimpse of the article below: o Advice for the cheated-on: "I’ve been cheated on a time or two. It’s tough. I wouldn’t recommend doing any property damage, though [laughs]. Now I’m to the point where you get one shot. Life’s too short." o How she gets over a breakup: "I’m a ‘let it go, move on’ kind of person. And ice cream is my friend. If anybody seems me eating a sundae and I look unhappy, something bad has happened. I am drowning my sorrows in fudge and caramel and whipped cream. But then I’m like, 'New day.'" o What she would change about her body: "I think about what I look like probably more than I should. But I think everybody is her own worst critic..." o Not splurging: “I don’t buy expensive jewelry and fur coats and Escalades. I’ve never bought a car in my life. The car I have, a Ford Mustang convertible, is the one I won on Idol—I guess I need to go buy a new car after all!” o Which features she likes about herself: "I’m content with 90 percent of me, but there’s not one thing I love. I like my teeth. Sometimes I wonder if my orthodontist realizes who important he was." o Being a fashion icon: "Girls have it harder in country music. Guys can be balding and overweight. But look at the women: Faith Hill? Beautiful. Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride? Beautiful. Kellie Pickler, Miranda Lambert? Everybody has to be beautiful, I don’t think it’s fair. When you dream of becoming a singer, you don’t say to yourself,’But I don’t have the look for it.’ I hire people to make me beautiful so I can keep up with everybody else." o If she could do one thing: "If I could do one thing, I’d make the day longer and refuse to work the extra hours." For exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of In Style's May cover shoot with Carrie, go to InStyle.com. Pick up the May issue of In Style on newsstands everywhere, starting today!]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:38:19 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1271 Sure, you've formed your opinions on which Idols sing their way into your hearts, but do you really know what makes them tick? americanidol.com had the opportunity to sit down with the Top 5 Idols and chat. Brooke White opens about her emotional journey, David Archuleta explains what his experience is like as the youngest Idol of the season, David Cook talks about his theory on the key to success, Jason Castro explains how he just tries to be himself, and Syesha Mercado gives us the scoop on what she really thinks of Simon! Make sure to check out each interview below: Brooke White David Archuleta David Cook Jason Castro Syesha Mercado]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:05:58 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1267 On Tuesday, April 29 (8:00-9:02 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 5 finalists (Brooke White, David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado) will return to the Idol stage to perform the music of Neil Diamond. Tune in the following night to see a live performance of "Amazing Grace" by superstar Neil Diamond, as well as Natasha Bedingfield perform her hit "Pocket Full of Sunshine." Find out who receives enough votes to stay in the competition and who must go home on the results show Wednesday, April 30 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Neil Diamond is one of the most successful pop music performers in the history of music with more than 125 million records sold worldwide, 15 Top Ten albums and 37 Top Ten singles. His work has been celebrated over the past four decades with 12 Grammy nominations and four Golden Globes. He has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Columbia Records recently announced a May 6 release date for Diamond’s "Home Before Dark," the highly anticipated new album from the legendary singer-songwriter. A compelling collection of honest, passionate songs, "Home Before Dark" finds the iconic artist reuniting with acclaimed producer Rick Rubin. The album follows the Rubin-produced "12 Songs," which entered the Billboard Top 200 at No. 4, Diamond’s highest-charting debut yet. The disc was hailed by Newsweek as "the best work Diamond has done in 30 years." The Grammy-winning, record-breaking performer will kick off a world tour this summer, performing to audiences of all ages and selling-out performances across the globe. With over 6 million units shifted worldwide, Natasha Bedingfield is the U.K.’s biggest female pop star. Bedingfield became somewhat of an overnight success in Europe and the U.K. in 2004 with the release of her debut, "Single." Her sophomore album, "Unwritten," and the smash hit "These Words" both topped the charts. With nearly 2 million downloads of her single "Unwritten," Bedingfield became the first British female to score a No. 1 on the U.S. billboard pop chart in 19 years since Kim Wilde and "You Keep Me Hangin’ On." "Love Like This," which features Sean Kingston, is the first single from Natasha’s forthcoming album, "Pocketful of Sunshine."]]> Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:32:49 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1269 If any longstanding "Idol" fan was asked to name the most memorable moment in history, undoubtedly many would recall that emotional moment when Kelly Clarkson sang "A Moment Like This" after she won way back in season one. Little did she know that that moment would be just the beginning of a very successful career. She was originally marketed to the public as a pop singer with her debut album Thankful back in 2003. In fact, "A Moment Like This" was released on this album, and it set a record at the time on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart when it rose from #52 to #1! The music video was filmed at Pantages Theater in Hollywood, and even included some short scenes of Kelly from when she was on AI. Kelly let a great deal more of her rock side show with her multi-platinum sophomore effort, Breakaway, in 2004. This second album yielded five U.S. top ten singles and two Grammy awards. It surprisingly had a less impressive opening than Thankful, but the single releases proved extremely successful, and it became only the fourth CD in history to stay in the Billboard 200 Top 20 for a year consecutively, in addition to being certified six times platinum in the U.S. Having had such success with her first two albums, Kelly decided to go out on a limb and make the kind of album that she wanted to make with her third CD, My December. As she stated on her fan club website, "The biggest difference is how intimate it is." Kelly either wrote or co-wrote every single song on the album. The original Idol thrilled fans by returning to the AI stage during the season six finale last May, performing "Never Again" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" with Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry during a Beatles medley. In recent years, Kelly has also proved she has the talent to be a successful crossover artist with her venture into country music. Kelly performed "What Hurts the Most" with Rascal Flatts at the ACM Awards in '06, and returned once again to sing a duet with Reba McEntire in '07. Using this momentum, Kelly and Reba recorded an hour-long CMT Crossroads special, which has aired on numerous networks. At the Academy of Country Music Awards in May of last year, Kelly and Reba teamed up once again to sing a duet of Kelly's own '05 single, "Because of You," which also became a lead single from Reba's album of all-star duets. This collaboration earned Kelly a CMA award nomination for "Musical Event of the Year" in '07, and a Grammy nomination for "Best Country Collaboration With Vocal" in '08. Kelly has sold over 19 million albums worldwide. Her fans have got to be thrilled to know that she is working on a new album which is due out later this year, and is collaborating on the new material with OneRepublic frontman and producer Ryan Tedder. Wikipedia reports via Digital Spy that fans can expect "big choruses" and "heavy drum programming" on the album, which is said to be heavily influenced by nineties electro-rockers Garbage, with one song even featuring an experimental bridge that was inspired by Mozart. Happy Birthday, Kelly! We caught up with Kelly after her appearance on "Australian Idol" this year--watch the video now!]]> Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:32:17 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1268 Phil Stacey will release his self-titled debut CD on April 29th and will kick off his CD release week with a live appearance on The Today Show on Monday, April 28th. Phil will then spend the remainder of the day doing a satellite radio tour. On Tuesday, April 29th, the day his album releases, he will spend the day in the Big Apple doing numerous television and radio appearances via satellite interview tours. Later in the week, Phil will appear on Fox Business, and Good Day New York, and will do interviews with many entertainment outlets before flying to Florida on Thursday night for a weekend of tour dates. Phil, about whom AI Judge Randy Jackson raved, "You are going to have a career in country music!" and whom Tony Bennett called "One of the better singers I’ve heard, not just today, but in a long time," is already getting overwhelmingly positive critical response to his debut CD: "Happy to report that Phil Stacey is a good, solid record. Phil's voice is in fine form throughout, and [the album] features some terrific picking. A consistent album….nice start." – Ken Barnes, USA Today "Got ahold of Phil Stacey’s coming debut album…happy with a lot of it. There's a timeless quality to the best material here and Phil carries it off well vocally." – Howard Cohen, the Miami Herald The CD was produced by Grammy-award winner Wayne Kirkpatrick (Eric Clapton’s "Change The World"), and Phil’s debut single, "If You Didn’t Love Me" was co-written by labelmate Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. The single is rapidly climbing the country radio charts, and the song’s video is getting substantial airplay on both the CMT and GAC networks. We had the opportunity to sit down with Phil to chat about his already-successful post-Idol career--watch the video now!]]> Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:30:45 PDT http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1266 LADWP's website. In addition, FOX will install a solar panel system provided by E-Village, Inc. in the AMERICAN IDOL media arrivals area. This high-performance photovoltaic system will be integrated into the LADWP utility grid and will substantially contribute to the renewable energy mix. After the finale, the solar electric system will be donated to a school in California through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s Solar 4 R Schools program. The AMERICAN IDOL season finale will air live for two nights from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. On Tuesday, May 20 the Top 2 finalists will compete for the title before thousands of fans and millions of television viewers. On Wednesday, May 21 special guests and surprise performers will join Ryan Seacrest as he crowns the next American Idol.]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:57:47 PDT