By The Enthusiast
Reality Reel Media
05.01.06
Appearances:
To start off the May appearances, Season 2's Josh Gracin will be visiting fairs and other venues in Uncasville, CT, Chickamauga, GA, York, PA, Danville, VA, Wichita, KS, Detroit, MI, Kennesaw, GA and Pigeon Forge, TN throughout the month. While he is still playing fair circuits and small concerts, hopefully with the debut of his second album, Josh will get right back on tour with the big dogs (he last toured with Trace Adkins and Craig Morgan).
Kimberley Locke, also from Season 2, is still making the rounds as a Lane Bryant model/celebrity spokesperson: she'll be at the Palm Desert, CA and Fox Hills, CA locations on May 20-21. Then, on May 27 and 28, she'll be performing at the Six Flags Theme Park in Springfield, MA.
Season 4's runner-up, Bo Bice, will be at KHTS in San Diego on May 5, and on "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" (CBS) on May 9. One of his upcoming appearances includes one also in San Diego with Carrie Underwood, so watch the next Idol Chasers for details.
Just when you thought Season 3's Diana DeGarmo couldn't get busier with all her Broadway endeavors, she takes on a performance at the Rialto Center for the Performing Arts at Georgia State University (in Atlanta), on May 12. Tickets range from $32 to $56. Meanwhile, you can also catch the spunky 18-year-old in Broadway's Hairspray, running through May 21. And it doesn't end there. Diana will then star as Brooklyn in the production of Brooklyn from June to August. There's no stopping her now!
Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood starts off her endless list of tour dates in W. Palm Beach, FL, then in Dixon, Kelseyville, and Cabazon in CA. Her last stop in May will be at Virginia Beach, VA on the 27th. But if you're nowhere near any of those spots, then you can find your favorite country girl on "VH1 Classics" on May 5 with Heart (remember "Alone"?), or on May 23 at the ACMs (live on CBS). More info on Carrie's nominations later in "Idols in the News" section.
Chart-toppers:
There hasn't been much chart activity lately, since our top two Idol girls have been holding their spots in the Top 20 of the Top 200 Billboard chart. Carrie's Some Hearts, with 23 weeks on the charts, is currently at #15 from #13 last week. Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway is 4 away at #19, the same place as last week. But with 73 weeks up there, that's surely impressive! Sadly, it seems Bo's The Real Thing is MIA from the Top 200.
On the Hot 100 Billboard chart, Kelly's single, "Walk Away", is still at #14. Another one of her singles, "Because of You", is down at #41 from #36. Strangely, at the top of the Country Singles Sales chart resides Carrie's first release from summer of 2005, "Inside Your Heaven/Independence Day". Talk about long-running success!
Rumor Mill:
Unconfirmed Rumor - Remember when I announced that Season 2's Carmen Rasmusen and Season 4's Anthony Fedorov's Fear Factor episode was airing during April? Well, since Fear Factor's cancellation, rumor has it the episode won't air until summer.
Unconfirmed Rumor - Several news sources have reported that along with Constantine (of Season 4)'s solo album and ABC sitcom, he is also working on an indie film. However, there hasn't been any other info released on this mysterious movie the budding actor could be developing.
Unconfirmed Rumor - More juicy personal gossip. TMZ.com, a leading source for dirt on Idol contestants, says that Season 4's Anthony Fedorov, who bared lots of speculation about him and, ahem, a certain blonde Idol winner last year, is now reportedly dating Season 5 Top 20 finalist, Heather Cox.
Unconfirmed Rumor - Another unconfirmed rumor about Anthony claims that he has been working on some new music videos, maybe to go along with his album that he says will be released this year.
Unconfirmed Rumor - The Return of the Velvet Teddy Bear, Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard's third album, is supposedly awaiting approval from record producer Clive Davis before it can move on in the finishing stages. But, other rumors suggest he is still collaborating with a few other artists in the recording studio.
Unconfirmed Rumor - Daughter of a Bulgarian pop star, Leah LaBelle of Season 3 has been rumored to be in talks with a music producer in LA who is interested in her. She recently visited California to meet with him, and of course, stopped by to see an Idol taping.
Unconfirmed Rumor - Musical legend Dionne Warwick has been said to have taken interest in and requested Clive Davis meet with Trenyce, of Season 2. What this means, we don't know yet, but hopefully it'll mean bigger things to come from the big-hearted diva.
Confirmed Rumors - Kimberley Locke, also from Season 2, recently declared on her website that she just wrapped up her DVD, and the new album, Based on a True Story, is also in its last stages: "As you all know, I have co-written almost the entire album, so maybe that's why I am so excited. Besides that, the songs are just amazing!" Kim also said that soon she'll be working on a new campaign for Lane Bryant and a charity.
Confirmed Rumor - Season 3's George Huff has confirmed that he is filming a music video for his single, "Miracles", with Ford and the Gospel Music Channel. Watch Idol Chasers for info about its debut.
Confirmed Rumors - According to reports, Ruben's next album will feature Ne-Yo and Scott Storch. Ruben has been working with producer Mario Winans, so this third LP is something to look forward to.
Confirmed Rumor - Meanwhile, Jessica Sierra, of Season 4, has been recording/writing with producer Nick Brophy. Nothing, however, has been confirmed about possible tracks or release dates.
Confirmed Rumor - Yes, it's true, Constantine has parted ways with the band he brought up from obscurity to, well, bigger than garage-band success. Pray for the Soul of Betty has now officially lost its lead singer, and Constantine is now officially solo. After they wrapped their tour, it seemed inevitable, so unlike last time he left, there are no hard feelings among the guys now.
Confirmed Rumor - Speaking of Constantine, Kellie Pickler of Season 5 has cleared up some circling rumors that he is her new man. She has publicly stated that she is NOT dating the long-haired Season 4 rocker. That's right, ladies, he's still single.
Confirmed Rumor - According to Nadia Turner's website, the Season 4 finalist's album is due at the end of summer, and a single should be out during the spring.
Confirmed Rumor - Another Season 4 finalist, Scott Savol, has announced that his album in-the-works "wasn't going in the direction I wanted to go". More simply said, there was too much hip-hop and too little soul. Scott has expressed his goals of creating adult contemporary music, and therefore will be pushing the release date of his album later, after five months and nine songs already.
Idols in the News:
After a van full of film equipment was robbed, Vonzell Solomon's role as a store clerk in a new indie film called "Still Green" seemed in jeopardy. But, the Season 4 finalist finally finished filming the scene in South Carolina this month, and the movie is slated for a December release.
Vonzell isn't the only one who's trying her hand in cinema, though. Nadia Turner is venturing out and is on the cast list for a new independent romantic comedy called "A Taste of Us". There are little details available, but the release date so far is TBA 2006.
"First of all, thank you fans so much for voting for me again. You have no idea what it means to me." Carrie Underwood seemed surprised to take home two CMT Music Awards at the show this month, but she shouldn't have been. The awards were fan-voted, and we all know how many people voted for her at last year's finale. Carrie won for Breakthrough Video of the Year, awarded to newbies in the business, but also beat out country legends Faith Hill, Sara Evans, and newcomer Miranda Lambert for the Female Video of the Year award. Carrie's wins even prompted Jay DeMarcus (of Rascal Flatts) to take a jab at her when his band won for Group/Duo Video of the Year. "We're glad Jesus didn't have the wheel in this category," he grinned at her from the stage.
Of course, Carrie and Rascal Flatts go way back, to last year's unforgettable finale. In March, they together announced the nominations for the Academy of Country Music awards, in which both received four each, making Carrie the top female nominee. Her four nominations: Top Female Vocalist, Top New Female Vocalist, Single Record of the Year, and Song of the Year (the two latter for "Jesus Take the Wheel"). See if Carrie wins on the ACM Awards, more info in the Appearances section.
And while we're on the subject of Carrie winning stuff, it's mentionable to say that while George Huff of Season 3 had three Gospel Music Award nominations, "Jesus Take the Wheel" became the only Idol win this year, for Country Recorded Song of the Year.
Season 3's Jasmine Trias' career is absolutely skyrocketing in the Philippines, where she is frequently featured on magazine covers and TV shows. However, she was recently nominated for three Na Hoku Hanohano Awards: Female Vocalist of the Year, Most Promising Artist(s) of the Year, and Contemporary Album of the Year. The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts gives the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards every year. The awards will take place on May 31 and will be broadcasted on TV in Hawaii.
Confirmed Rumor - According to Nadia Turner's website, the Season 4 finalist's album is due at the end of summer, and a single should be out during the spring.
Confirmed Rumor - Another Season 4 finalist, Scott Savol, has announced that his album in-the-works "wasn't going in the direction I wanted to go". More simply said, there was too much hip-hop and too little soul. Scott has expressed his goals of creating adult contemporary music, and therefore will be pushing the release date of his album later, after five months and nine songs already.
While Jennifer Hudson, from Season 3, is filming "Dreamgirls", Trenyce, whom she beat out in auditions, is starring in a theatrical production of it in Indianapolis this June, for a run of six weeks.
Randy Jackson, American Idol judge, is the last of the judges to sign on for at least another three years of Idol fun. Before the fifth season began, Paula Abdul signed a contract for three more years, while Simon Cowell's scuffle with creator Simon Fuller resulted in a five-year contract. So, this means we're keeping the Three Musketeers around for three more years. And if worse comes to worse and we lose two judges after those three years, at least we'll have Simon.
You've probably read the headlines: Bo's Bar Brawl. This probably should be in the Rumor Mill section, but it's not. According to eyewitnesses, Bo Bice threw a punch at an ex-NFL linebacker in a New York club. Some sources say the 6-foot-5", 300-lb man simply asked Bo if he was Bo Bice, Bo instead responded by saying his name was Kevin, and then while drunk tried to punch the guy. Other sources say the ex-football pro was harassing the tipsy rocker, and made Bo irritated. Either way, publicists and Bo himself are dodging questions about the incident. Hopefully this won't dent any reputations...
Just as a little update about what other Idols are doing to keep the peace...Ruben Studdard is starting a new program for underprivileged Alabama kids called the Music Alternative Project. The program, which is set up in a Birmingham recording studio, will help kids learn the ins and outs of the music business, and prepare them for successful careers as adults.
Jessica Sierra is, meanwhile, working with the Stalking Resource Center. After a traumatic experience with a stalker last year, Jessica is planning on a launching an awareness campaign for the National Center for Victims of Crime.
If you get a chance to visit the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, chances are you'll get to see some very famous and valuable items of clothing, worn by the one and only, Bo Bice. Bo's grandmother, who sews all his stage clothes, graciously donated a few of her grandson's American Idol outfits to the museum to put on display. The memorabilia includes the clothes Bo wore during his first performance on Idol ("Drift Away").
And last but not least, he's a football player, singer, TV personality, and now, father: congratulations to Matt Rogers (of Season 3) and his wife, Teri, on the birth of their new baby boy, Braden, who entered the world on April 16! Braden, Matt and Teri have just joined the family of nine other "Idol kids" and their parents - a number that is sure to grow as the years go by.
Clip of the Week:
For my first clip, I'm encouraging you to visit Lindsey Cardinale's MySpace (at
www.myspace.com/lindseycardinale) and listen to her new single. There aren't any details on a release yet, but the website's there for you to listen.
Recently, Carrie Underwood recorded a "stripped", or acoustic, version of four of her songs: "Jesus Take the Wheel", "Don't Forget to Remember Me", "Before He Cheats", and "Some Hearts". Also included is a stripped version of Carrie singing Rascal Flatts' "Bless the Broken Road", the same song she sang with the band at the finale (didn't I tell you she had a strong connection with those guys?). The arrangements and Carrie's voice are amazing, and the videos are great too. It's all for the viewing at
www.strippedmusic.com.
Well, that's it for now. By the time the next update comes out, we might just have a new American Idol, but of course, our former favorites live on, unforgotten. With one last shout-out to Braden, Matt, Teri, and everyone else...
Signing off for this week's Idol Chasers.
the enthusiast
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woohoo 
