Posted on 01/14/2008 5:52:03 AM PST by silent_jonny
I’m watching “Gone Country” right now - 3 episodes so far. Bobby Brown is so overdue for another rehab; Julio is ADORABLE; Carnie has gained some weight back and Maureen looks so old which makes me old as well. It’s fun so far!
February 4, 2008 — Kellie Pickler joined the long list of country stars who've gone on USO tours during December, and she kept a video journal of the trip when she brought along GAC. Her time in the Middle East will air as a special, Kellie Pickler: My USO Diary on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. ET.
During her trip overseas, she performed at a number of bases and outposts around Iraq, getting from site to site via Black Hawk helicopter.
"That was one of the coolest things we've done," Kellie says. "I'd never flown in a helicopter before, and now... I think I want one."
The USO tour gave her a greater appreciation for the personal sacrifices being made by thousands of men and women her own age in a hostile environment.
"I feel more protected and secure than I ever have in my life, and I feel like I've made life-long friends and the troops are family to me," she says. "How can you not feel safe around our military? In fact, I wish they'd have been around when I was on ["American Idol"] and Simon [Cowell] was near!"
In addition to the special's Feb. 16 debut, it will also be featured in encore presentations on Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET.
It sure does.
Among the suspicious singers in the Idol season 7 running are Carly Smithson, who was once signed to MCA Records under the name Carly Hennessy; Michael Johns, who used to front the major-label rock band the Rising under the name Michael Lee; onetime Star Search winner David Archuleta; former Boys N Girlz United boyband singer (and Britney Spears's ex-boyfriend!) Robbie Carrico; Cheyenne cast member Jason Castro; Making The Band also-ran Jason Yeager; former Arista Nashville signing Kristy Lee Cook; and Mo'Nique's Fat Chance plus-size beauty pageant winner Joanne Borgella. Poor Josiah and Kyle never had a chance, fat or otherwise, against these pros!
Always trying to create a scandal where there isn't any.
The most successful Idol contestants have always had some background in peforming. That's the way it's been since the very first season.
And there's not a thing wrong with it.
Don't we want people in the competition who are serious about persuing a music career? Serious enough that they practice, peform, and try to make it on there own? Isn't that more admirable than some kid waiting around for that one in a million shot on Idol.
Thanks for the ping! I didn’t know Pickler had visited the troops. I’ll try to watch the repeat tonight.
And there's not a thing wrong with it.
Absolutely right ~ looks to be a gr8 season.
Guess the good doctor doesn’t know the term, “anonymous.”
She was 18 at the time. Most of the Idols who do well are not teenagers. They are contestants who have years of experience getting a handle on who they are as artists. And that single sucked hard. Carrie Underwood couldn’t make that sound good. She got that deal ages ago. I don’t see the problem.
Thing is they’re reporting this as if it were “news”. We’ve known this since...what? Before Hollywood? The projected top 24 list has been out for a while. They’re running really fast to stay behind.
I haven't watched this show, because of the Maureen Scream. She let out that scream every 5 seconds! Both Maureen and Carnie were on Celebrity Fit Club on VH1. Maureen lost a bunch and looked great, but it looks like it didn't take. :-(
Carnie I want to like, but she sorta bugs me. Anytime anyone asks her about her weight loss surgery/pregnancy gain, she starts spouting off about how diet and exercise don't work. Um...but you gained a bunch of weight back AFTER having weight loss surgery. So, diet and exercise don't work, surgery doesn't work, so we should all just be chunky?
I didn't watch the first season so I don't know if Kelly Clarkson had previously been signed to recording contracts and had previous albums or not.
I think the point that Sue Perkick and I were trying to make or point out is that its hardly discovering 'new' talent when you are using people with previous recording deals that failed.
They could even have a show like that, too, called 'Second Chance' or something.
But, I do like the idea of the premise of the show, when they help the average person that might never have had a chance otherwise.
It does seem though to be more about who they know. I didn't realize that Just Guarini (sp) had all that background either until I heard him talk about it on the tv guide channel.
Sorry to hear that. I still haven't had a chance to see the show, but am watching for when it is on next.
‘American Idol’: Chris Sligh Inks Deal
The season 6 finalist has signed a recording contract and will release his first album in May
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20178668,00.html
By Joshua Rich
Joshua Rich
Joshua Rich is a staff editor for EW.com
Chris Sligh, the curly haired crooner who was a fan favorite on the sixth season of American Idol, has signed a record deal with Atlanta-based independent label Brash Music and announced plans to release his first album, titled Running Back to You, on May 6. His first single, ‘’Empty Me,’’ reaches the airwaves later this week. Sligh — who finished in 10th place when he competed, but whose Birmingham, Ala., audition was recently named by EW.com as one of the best ever on the show — will also be a guest commentator for EW.com’s Idol coverage this season.
American Idol To Feature Sixties Songs As First Theme Week
It’s a whole new season of American Idol, and things are changing. As American Idol viewers already know, the contestants were allowed to play instruments during Hollywood week for the first time ever this year. According to American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, this new twist did not end with Hollywood week. American Idol contestants will be able to use instruments during the regular competition as well this year.
Also, American Idol will kick off its first theme week during the semifinalists rounds. For the top twelve girls and top twelve boys performance shows, the theme will be songs from the sixties. Contestants will still be able to choose their own songs, but they will be asked to select from fifty approved songs from the sixties.
Even though the boys were very strong during the auditions, American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe gave hints that things might be changing. When discussing the upcoming sixties week, Lythgoe said, “The girls have been fantastic this week.”
Another big change for American Idol this year involves the mentors. While there have been no mentors officially named yet, it has been revealed by American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe that there will only be four mentors this year. One of the main reasons is that because American Idol wants to focus more on the contestants.
The increased focus on contestants will also be evident during the results show, which has been expanded to an hour in length for season seven. During the results show, American Idol will feature major packages on the contestants. The results show will also include “Where are they now?” packages on previous American Idol contestants.
I wasn’t jumping on you or Sue. I’m just annoyed with VFTW.
Thanks ;)
You know, people are funny about ‘raw’ talent.
Like the artist who somehow seems ‘less’ when discovered to have had formal training.
The work and determination required to succeed in the arts and garner the right attention is unbelievable.
I want to watch great talent, period.
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