American Idol Blog Video Fan Site

Not many probably even recall this, but Clay Aiken was actually cut from the show during round 32. He later returned for the "Wild Card" round. His memorable performance of Elton John’s "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me" sent him to the final 12, and essentially into the life of fame that he leads today. He made his mark with his stirring ballads and his incredible physical transformation while on the show. Clay has since been known to say of his initial appearance that he looked like Opie!
Clay’s life has been non-stop action since his time on "Idol," with eight tours under his belt and numerous rounds on the talk show circuit. His first post-show tour was one that he co-headlined with Kelly Clarkson, called the "Independent Tour." When he saw the demand for his singing, he immediately launched a summer tour. [...]

Original Post By Google News Click Here For The Entire Article

He was known for reaching his fans through his TV performances, but now Sanjaya Malakar will be testing out his abilities on the stage. He will be a special singing guest in the Intiman Theatre’s production of Black Nativity in Seattle. Season one’s Karma Johnson will also appear, along with season three’s Leah Vladowski (who competed as Leah LaBelle). Each "Idol" alumnus will be singing a solo during the two performances at the annual holiday production.
The three singers are alumni of the Total Experience Gospel Choir. Karma appeared in Black Nativity in 2001, and Vladowski made her debut at age 12 in the first five runs, 1998-2002.
This year’s 10th anniversary production begins Nov. 28 and opens Dec. 1 for a run through Dec. 28.
As noted on Playbill.com, the first act "retells the Christmas story through the words of the great American poet, Langston Hughes." The second [...]

Original Post By Google News Click Here For The Entire Article

Blake Lewis is thankful that his runner-up status on "Idol" will most likely help to make his debut album a success. As he reports to Billboard via Yahoo!, "Being on ‘American Idol’ was the lottery ticket. It’s one of the most amazing experiences I’ll never have again ever in my life. I’m not a big fan of television at all, but it’s an amazing way of communicating with people. I tell people that all I was put on this earth to do is communicate my art to people, and what better way to do that (than) on ‘American Idol."’
Blake is also very proud of the amount of creative control he had in putting this album together. He co-wrote 12 of the 13 tracks for the CD, Audio Day Dream, which is due out on December 4th. Billboard also reports that Blake created "specialized intros and outros" [...]

Original Post By Google News Click Here For The Entire Article

It’s that time of year again…the time to reflect on 2007 and all of the amazing things that have happened. Entertainment Weekly has done just that in naming its 25 Entertainers of the Year, one of whom is our own Carrie Underwood! As author Jeff Labreque notes, "Underwood further solidified her country bona fides with a confident, twangy No. 1 album, Carnival Ride, that vindicated all the promise and possibility American Idol aspires to offer."
The article walks us through all of the impressive accomplishments achieved by Carrie in 2007, beginning with her performance (and two wins) at the 49th annual Grammy Awards, and ending with her song "Ever, Ever After" being featured in the new film Enchanted. Check out the article to find out all the incredible things she accomplished in between!
In the meantime, make sure to watch our latest Q & A session with Carrie to find [...]

Original Post By Google News Click Here For The Entire Article

This past weekend, our first-ever American Idol Kelly Clarkson returned to Southern California to perform in front of an enthusiastic and diverse crowd at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City for the latest stop on the My December tour.
Following up on the success of Kelly’s multi-platinum sophomore album Breakaway, the tour features Kelly and a full band performing the rock-inspired pop that fills the tracks of Clarkson’s third album, My December. After opening up the show with "One Minute," Kelly continued to rock out on tracks that included "Hole," "Can I Have a Kiss," "Don’t Waste Your Time," and the album’s first single "Never Again," which brought the crowd to its collective feet.
Despite the electric guitars and driving bass lines that accompany many of the songs off My December that might say otherwise, Kelly didn’t stray too far from the ballads and pop songs that she has become known for [...]

Original Post By Google News Click Here For The Entire Article

Many people attribute the onset of Rock ‘n Roll on "Idol" to Constantine and Bo, but Ryan Starr brought it to us in the very first season of the show. Known for her risky song choices and wearing her own fashions, Ryan got all the way to number seven during the trailblazing season. Ryan stood out during the performances that determined the Top 10–instead of going with a pop number like the rest, she sang the unusual song "The Frim Fram Sauce." The judges were sad to eventually see her go, and said as much with their comments: "You’re a star, it’s in your name, you’ll make it." -Randy Jackson. "I don’t understand, you should not be leaving us tonight. Don’t worry, things are going to turn out great for you." -Paula Abdul. "You know Ryan, I think you’re different from all the [...]

Original Post By Google News Click Here For The Entire Article

Ever since season one, Debra Poneman had been such an avid American Idol fan that she actually e-mailed reviews to her friends after every show,  complete with editorial comment. Only one of her friends responded with her own counter-reviews, and that was Marci Shimoff, New York Times best-selling co-author of Chicken Soup for the Women’s Soul and Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul. Feeling that the re-caps they were sending one another were so inspired that they were worthy of the public eye, the idea for Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul was born. As Marci was busy penning another book of her own, the happy task fell to Debra of interviewing Idols from every season (as well as back-stage crew members, judges and fans). She then helped them write and edit their own stories for this just released book that features stories unlike any [...]

Original Post By Google News Click Here For The Entire Article

For American Idol and Jordin Sparks fans worldwide, the wait is finally over. Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks’ self-titled debut album officially hits stores today!
Working with super-producers StarGate, The Underdogs, Robbie Nevil, and Bloodshy and Avant, Jordin’s album features our Season 6 American Idol winner working with some of the top producers in the industry today. With her first single "Tattoo" gathering spins on radio stations nationwide and a duet with R&B singer Chris Brown ("No Air") creating buzz in the American Idol world and beyond, new album release shelves nationwide will welcome Jordin’s debut effort today.
Jordin’s first recording effort has been met with praise by those in the music industry. Entertainment Weekly spoke of Jordin’s album having just enough vocal flourishes and praised the album’s "easy on the ears quality."
Before picking up your copy of Jordin Sparks, take a stroll down memory lane by checking out Jordin’s time on [...]

Original Post By Google News Click Here For The Entire Article

Ever wonder about the decorating prowess of America’s most lovable judge, Paula Abdul? Wonder no more! In Style Magazine’s current issue features Ms. Abdul’s home for a special "Life & Home" story. The spread, complete with gorgeous photos, shows how Paula has figured out how to give her large home a luxurious yet comfortable feel. Pick up the December issue (on sale now) to catch a glimpse of her not-so-humble abode!
In the meantime, check out InStyle.com!

Original Post By Google News Click Here For The Entire Article

American Idol had a huge presence at the star-studded American Music Awards last night. Both Chris Daughtry’s band Daughtry and Carrie Underwood took home three of the prestigious statues!
Here are the categories in which they won:
Daughtry:
Favorite Album in the Pop or Rock category
Favorite Artist in the Adult Contemporary Music category
Favorite Breakthrough Artist
Carrie Underwood:
Favorite Female Artist in the Country category
Favorite Album in the Country category
T-Mobile Text-In Award
Both Carrie and Chris were up against some of the biggest names in the music industry, so it was quite a history-making evening. Americanidol.com would like to extend a huge congratulations to both of them!
Take a look at our latest Q & A session with Carrie, as she candidly answers the questions from her fans, right from our site! Want to take a look back at Chris from season five? Check out his transformation gallery!

Original Post By Google News Click Here For The Entire Article