'Idol' odds 'n ends: Adam Lambert's "Time For Miracles" music video premieres

The following are Idol-related odds and ends that happened this week:

>Adam Lambert's music video for "Time For Miracles," his song for the 2012 soundtrack, premiered on MySpace Music on Tuesday. Watch the video below:

The video will be getting the full treatment, as it will be shown in theaters nationwide in front of Michael Jackson's concert movie, This Is It, beginning Wednesday, which should only boost the song's performance on the charts.

>The final track listing of Kris Allen's debut album, Kris Allen (out Tues., Nov. 17), has finally been revealed. The tracks and their respective writers can be found below:

01 "Live Like We’re Dying" (Steve Kipner, Andrew Frampton, Danny O’Donoghue, Mark Sheehan)
02 "Before We Come Undone" (Kris Allen, Lindy Robbins, Greg Kurstin)
03 "Can’t Stay Away" (Allen, Robbins, Mike Elizondo)
04 "The Truth" (Pat Monahan, Toby Gad)
05 "Written All Over My Face" (Kipner, Frampton, O’Donoghue, Sheehan)
06 "Bring It Back" (Allen, Francis White)
07 "Red Guitar" (Allen)
08 "Is It Over" (Allen, Cale Mills, Elizondo)
09 "Let It Rain" (Allen, Tobias Karlsson)
10 "Alright With Me" (Allen, Joe King)
11 "Lifetime" (Allen, Jon Foreman, Elizondo)
12 "I Need To Know" (Allen, Robbins, Gad)
BONUS TRACK
13 "Heartless" (Malik Yusef El Shabbaz Jones, Scott Mescudi, Kanye West, Ernest Wilson, Jeffrey Bhasker, Benjamin McIldowie)

What are the odds of "Let It Rain" being a cover of Jordin Sparks' song that appeared on her album Battlefield? All kidding aside, it definitely bodes well for Kris' reputation as an artist considering he co-penned or penned nine of the album's 13 tracks. This is the second-most input a winner has had on his or her post-Idol release to date (only second to David Cook).

>Speaking of Jordin Sparks, Idol's sixth season champ debuted on The Disney Channel's hit series The Suite Life On Deck this week, as the episode featuring Jordin in a guest role (titled "Crossing Jordin") premiered tonight. Watch a clip of her performing "Battlefield" below:



Aside from singing, Jordin was able to branch out by demonstrating her acting skills.

>It was announced today that Adam Lambert will not be the only Idol alum performing at the 37th Annual American Music Awards. Per People.com:

Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Daughtry have been added to the schedule of performers for the 37th annual awards, airing live Nov. 22 on ABC. They join fellow Idol alum Adam Lambert, who was announced earlier as a performer.

"American Idol continually produces great talent, and we are looking forward to hosting Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry and Adam. It's a great fit for the AMAs," said producer Larry Klein.

This is great news for Idol as a franchise because it is a testament to the kind of staying power these artists have in the industry and their ability to still be taken as credible performers after all these years.

>Fantasia engaged in a noble cause this past week when she took part in Macy's partnership with Feeding America for its "Come Together" campaign. The campaign calls for people to host dinner parties where they contribute funds for the organizations with the goal of raising enough money to provide for $10 million meals. Watch Fantasia speak about what the campaign means to her personally at her home in Charlotte, N.C., below:



Fantasia's dedication to this cause is a little more special considering the recent talk that she could face foreclosure of her home.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Katharine McPhee goes blonde

After mentioning a change in hair color a few weeks ago, Katharine McPhee officially unveiled the change today in a spread on People.com. Per the story that accompanies the photo the right, Katharine said:

"I’ve never dyed my hair before so this was a pretty drastic change. I’ve always been known as a brunette but I’ve been thinking about it for a long time and it kind of just fit with all of the searching with the music and experimenting that I would do the same thing with my look.”

Katharine also changed her head shot and layout on her official music MySpace page, notifying fans via a blog entry on the page.

The story also appears in the current issue of People magazine, which is on newsstands nationwide. Katharine is currently drumming support for her forthcoming album Unbroken on Verve Forecast, which is due out Tues., Oct. 6.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Out today: Jordin Sparks' "Battlefield"

Today marks the release of Jordin Sparks' latest single "Battlefield," which was written and produced by Ryan Tedder. A link to download the aforementioned can be found below:

Singles
Jordin Sparks, "Battlefield"

iTunes - ($1.29) - Buy

Although it is listed as being released on MySpace Music next Tuesday, it will most likely be added sometime tomorrow. Jordin will perform "Battlefield" on Idol's results show Wednesday.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Jordin Sparks' "Battlefield" cover art, release date?

As previously announced weeks ago, Jordin Sparks will premiere her brand new single "Battlefield" on Wednesday's Idol results show, following in the steps of Daughtry and its premiere of "No Surprise" on last week's results show. But there has not yet been an official confirmation of when the single will be available to purchase at retailers.

MySpace Music's store has the single listed as being released on Tues., May 19, along with the cover art that is seen to the right. There is speculation, however, that "Battlefield" will be available to purchase on iTunes this Tuesday, May 12, which would be one day prior to Jordin's performance on Idol.

As for a radio adds date, "Battlefield" will be sent to Top 40 radio on Wed., May 25, and to Hot AC on Mon., June 8, according to AllAccess.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Vonzell Solomon asks for help deciding on single

Season 4's third-place finalist, Vonzell Solomon, is calling on fans to help pick her new single based on four clips that have been posted on her official MySpace page. The four singles are "Rise Above," "D*I*R*T*B*A*G," "Gotta Boss" and "Bad Chick."

All four snippets sound like they have real potential, as their productions sound similar to what can be found in other R&B/Hip Hop tracks that are hot at the moment. In fact, they all sound like they could fit right at home on Beyonce's latest album, I Am...Sasha Fierce. Let her know which one you prefer by posting on her MySpace. IDOL LIVE actually thinks "D*I*R*T*B*A*G" has the most potential, and would suggest it as Baby V's new single.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Cook's fans cause chaos at concerts

David Cook's "Declaration" tour, his first one as a solo artist, has been going fairly well in terms of attendance and positive reviews, but apparently the behavior of the Nerd Herd faithful has been another matter.

Cook time out of his relaxing Sunday to post a blog on his official music MySpace page to condemn the actions of some fans, saying in part:

I have to address some behavior that has become disturbing. We pride ourselves on being accessible to you as fans, but in contrast, we do enjoy what little privacy we can muster. To that end, the efforts by some fans to find our hotel rooms, call our hotel rooms, attach things to our bus, etc., is something I have to condemn. This relationship only works when it remains healthy for both parties, and should this behavior continue, the only thing we can do is take more preventative measures to maintain our privacy, which in turn makes us less accessible to you.

Cook then said he hoped the post didn't come off as being "harsh," but it was a serious matter and had to be addressed. Good for you, D.C., this kind of behavior cannot go unnoticed, and it will only get worse if nothing is said about it.

To all you Cook fans out there that have been doing this: grow up. Some people just don't get it.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

George Huff's self-titled album out April 7

The third season's famed fifth-place finalist turned Gospel/Contemporary Christian artist, George Huff, revealed in a blog entry on his official music MySpace page that his forthcoming sophomore self-titled album will be out Tues., April 7, courtesy of Koch Records.

He broke the news via a recorded message through Snapvine, saying there will be songs on the album that will "blast the socks off" his fans. He also chuckled through encouraging his fans to go out and buy the album because he "wants to go platinum," showing the same old humble George from 2004.

He currently has four shows scheduled from February 21 through May 16. in Houston, Memphis, his hometown New Orleans and Atlanta.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Arch's "A Little Too Not Over You" airs on "Crush Night"

"Crush Night" re-aired last night on Nickelodeon, and David Archuleta's abbreviated performance of "A Little Too Not Over You" aired in place of his performance of "Crush." Watch it below:

Arch also today posted a blog entry on his official music MySpace page in which he rambled on about getting to eat dinner with Gavin DeGraw and Tony Orlando:

But Tony and Gavin were to performing in New Orleans too. Tony already performed that night, but Gavin was performing the next day so we went to see him perform. He was great. After him though.... I had a big surprise lol. We didn't know that Sara Bareilles was going to be on after him!! I couldn't believe that I was going to see Sara Bareilles without even planning on it or knowing she was there! Haha it was so cool! She's sooo good live too. I got a chance to talk to her and she was talking about how nice my fans were. So thanks to all of you guys!!

He said he also added new photos to his Web site from the grand opening of the "American Idol: The Experience" attraction and his performance in New Orleans.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

'Idol' odds 'n ends: Cook like his "Pork Beans"

The following are Idol-related odds and ends that happened this week:

>David Cook's first webisode documenting his first solo tour was posted on his official Web site last night, titled "Pork Beans." Watch it below:

>Jennifer Hudson took home another three awards last night at the 40th annual NAACP Image Awards, which were broadcast on FOX. She also performed "The Impossible Dream," which can be viewed below:



The three categories she won in were Outstanding Album, Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration and Outstanding New Artist. She also took the stage with her co-stars to accept and award for Outstanding Motion Picture for The Secret Lives of Bees.

>The women of ABC's The View yesterday had a few words to say about Simon Cowell slighting Kristen McNamara during the Top 36 reveal episode on Wednesday, as they defended Kristen for being a little on the hefty side (or as Sherri said, she had "a little more flesh").

>Katharine McPhee sent out a follow-up bulletin last night on her official music MySpace page thanking her fans for sending in their suggestions for her new official Web site. In the bulletin, Kat said:

There were so many suggestions that I am thrilled as to what we will come up with in the future. Because there is a lot going on and I am traveling a lot, it is going to take a little time to get everything up and running but we are all working on it. A week doesn’t go by that we don’t meet to put ideas down for when we get everything going. By the way, the label was incredibly excited about how many suggestions came in.

Kat said she would definitely put some vlogs out in the near future, as the was the number one request, and also thanked her fans for being patient.

>Out of Orlando and now in the Bahamas, Kelly Clarkson today filled some spots on three radio stations' morning shows, as she spoke with KISS FM 103.5, Z100 and Kidd Kraddick ahead of her four day-long performance committment to Z100 in the caribbean.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Tatiana responds to critics on MySpace

Looks like Tatiana Nicole del Toro is not afraid of jeopardizing her chances of competing on Idol after all. Following a less than flattering Hollywood round in last night's episode, Tatiana "responds to critics" in her latest blog entry on her official music MySpace page. A taste of what she had to say:

I have survived many life threatening situations and have been through my fair share of deep hard knocks that no one could understand. It has been a painful and devastating process getting to where I am, and the thought that all that I have worked for could be blown and I could get cut and be the laughing stock of national television because of some people I just met, insulting me, blaming me for their own lack of talent and drive, sitting around moping and complaining and pointing fingers and wasting time, drove me to my melting point after HOURS/DAYS of trying to pull everything together with a smile on my face. I went to talk to the producer to tell him how I felt and why I was upset and I ended up in VERY REAL tears. These people called me "Satan" yelled at me and blamed me for things that never happened ALL ON NATIONAL TELEVISION. It was humiliating. I am sorry I tried to change groups but felt unwelcome and I tried to bring my group together knowing how much they hated me for NO REASON. I was trying to be a leader and contribute but I was put down and humiliated for doing what no one else would do. In the end WE ALL GOT THROUGH AS YOU COULD SEE.
I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT THOSE EMOTIONS ARE VERY REAL. TO FINALLY MAKE MY DREAMS COME TRUE AND FEEL AS GRATEFUL AS I FEEL...IS EMOTIONAL AND DEEPLY HUMBLING AND SPIRITUAL.

Tatiana went on to talk about the risk she is taking by communicating through her MySpace:

I have taken alot of risks in opening myself up with part of my story here on myspace, but I will really make it my priority to open up to people on the show so that they can see the real me and know that If anything is coming out "fake" or whatever...is only because I use the smiles to hide the true pain of all that I have endured and survived in my ever challenging past.

Well, this will be a fun season now won't it? If the rumors are in fact true, this could be a good excuse to boot Tatiana in favor of someone more deserving, no? Perhaps a certain Felicia Barton might want the spot a little bit more? Hey, it's worth a shot.

Good luck, Tatiana. You're gonna need it.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Keeping up with Nicole Tranquillo

She had an early exit in the sixth season of Idol, but Philadelphia's own Nicole Tranquillo did not let the judges' harsh comments about her "scream-thru" of a Top 24 performance tear her down.

Refresh your memory on the Top 24 semifinalist and primary casualty of Season 6 by watching her take on "Stay" below:

The odd song choice may have ended her chances on Idol, but Nicole has been influenced by the song's style in her own musical ventures. She currently has a few tracks up on her official music MySpace page, as "Like No Other" has a reggae/ska flavor and could definitely be marketable if she were to be picked up by a label. Other original songs by Nicole include "Let Her Breathe" and "The Sauce."

Nicole has been making appearances as of late, most of them being private engagements. Her next appearance will be at the Caplan Recital Room in Philadelphia, Pa., on Mon., March 2.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Phil Stacey signs with Reunion

After parting ways with previous record label Lyric Street last November, Phil Stacey has announced via his official music MySpace blog that he has signed with Christian label Reunion Records, a sub-label of the Sony BMG umbrella. Per his blog entry, Phil said:

I am working on the record with producer Brown Bannister. He is amazing at what he does and we have some phenomenal material to work with.

Phil also stated he is hoping for a summer release but there is nothing set in stone.

Phil's debut album sold roughly 36k copies before he left his former label. This is the second Idol re-signing in three days, coming on the heels of news that Katharine McPhee has signed with Verve Forecast.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

'Idol' odds 'n ends: Jordin featured on 'Shock Value II'?

The following are Idol-related odds and ends that happened this week:

>Rumors are swirling that Jordin Sparks is going to be featured on one of the tracks on Timbaland's upcoming album Shock Value 2, out in February. The song title is rumored to be "Rain" and may be released as a single.

>Katharine McPhee sent her fans a Christmas gift on Christmas Eve in the form of a MySpace bulletin that thanked them for their Christmas presents and informed them of an update on all things web-related that are coming in the new year.

>Idol alums that will be making the rounds on the networks' New Year's Eve specials on Wed., Dec. 31, include David Cook and Daughtry on FOX's New Year's Eve Live (11 p.m. ET), while Kellie Pickler will perform on ABC's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve (10/11:30 p.m. ET) which will be co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest for the fourth year in a row.

>Carly Smithson put up a new blog entry on her official music MySpace page yesterday to let fans know about her Christmas celebrations. In the blog she hinted at her plans to write material with "a certain Season 5 rocker whos RAD" (Chris Daughtry, perhaps?)

>One song that is seeing a huge post-Christmas surge on the iTunes Top 100 Songs chart is David Archuleta's "Crush." after sitting around the mid-30s prior to the holiday it has re-entered the Top 20 at #19 thanks to heavy spending from gift card recipients.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Gina Glocksen: "Taking the Keys"

Season 6's ninth-place finalist Gina Glocksen connects with her inner P!NK on her new song "Taking the Keys." Posted yesterday on her official music MySpace page, the song was supposedly co-written by fellow Season 6 finalist Chris Sligh. In a blog entry, Gina said:

"I've just been through the situation too often where I'm out with someone, and they embarrass the hell out of me, so, I wrote about it! I hope you'll share it and let it be known that i'm NOT even CLOSE to being "done" with music. I'm here to stay and this is just the beginning!"

The track actually has a catchy sound to it and might be able to do something if the right approach is taken with Gina's career.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Cook blogs on everything "finally hitting" him

David Cook used his day off in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to blog about how he finally understands what has happened to his life since winning Idol. Per the blog entry, Cook said:

"All at once, it hit me full on what has happened to me this last year. I thought about Omaha, and my brother, Andrew, and the Green Mile, and the top 12 red carpet event, and the hotel, and the finale, and this tour. It really became apparent to me at that moment that the tour will be done in about a month, and we'll all, hopefully, go on to amazing careers and lives away from this "Idol Machine" and apart from one another. After a year with these guys, that thought looms ominous and scary."

Also in the blog Cook gave the new Robert Downey, Jr.-Ben Stiller comedy Tropic Thunder his seal of approval (4/5 stars) and thanked his fans for

"...the understanding you guys have shown to my limitations as I try to meander through this very new lifestyle of actually being acknowledged for doing something I love."

Cook is continuing to work on his debut album while on tour, which wraps up Sept. 13 in Tulsa, Okla.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

'The House Bunny' promo week wrap-up

This week was an extremely busy one for Katharine McPhee as she prepped for the release of her first feature film, The House Bunny. Katharine appeared with cast mates for interviews and premieres, some of which are documented below.

Katharine sat down with her costars with Entertainment Tonight for two interviews, including one that aired in a package on the show's broadcast on Tues., Aug. 12. Watch it below:



Katharine attended the New York premiere of the film at Hearst Tower on Monday, as seen pictured on the right (photo courtesy of WireImage). The premiere was sponsored by Cosmo Girl magazine. Also in attendance were cast mates Anna Faris, Rumer Willis, Emma Stone and Australian pop/rock duo The Veronicas, who were in the city to tape a performance on MTV's Total Request Live. While at the premiere Katharine and friends sat down with ET for a second interview, which can be watched below:

Katharine also spoke with ReelTalk TV while on the red carpet at the New York premiere. In the interview Katharine talks about what it is like to play the part of a pregnant girl and how it felt to work on a movie set for the first time. Watch the interview below:



Another Web-based media outlet that the Katharine and the cast granted interviews to was ComingSoon.net, which was posted yesterday and can be viewed below:



Today the cast of The House Bunny appeared on TRL this morning, which was taped on Monday.

Tonight is the official Los Angeles premiere, which will be streamed live on MySpace and ETOnline.com at 9:30 p.m. ET. At the premiere, the cast members will take part in an interactive "Pink Carpet Chat" with viewers.

The House Bunny opens in more than 2,600 theatres nationwide on Friday.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Kat's "I Know What Boys Like" video premieres

The video for Katharine McPhee's latest soundtrack single, "I Know What Boys Like," premiered on MySpaceTV last night. At a scant 2:20, the video features characteristics that suggest it may appear at the end credits of The House Bunny. Watch the video below:



The House Bunny hits theatres nationwide on Friday. Check back tomorrow for a full recap of this week's promo and a forecast for the film's box office performance.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...

Arch's MySpace finally up

After a longer than expected delay, David Archuleta's official music MySpace was finally put up earlier this week. The four songs in the music player are the studio versions of "Smokey Mountain Memories" and "Angels," as well as the live versions of "Imagine" and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me." Below is David's first bulletin that he sent out to fans:

Hi guys,

I'm going to start doing some video blogs - maybe one this week! Got any questions you want me to answer or stuff you want to know? Can't promise I'll answer them all though!!

Post your questions in the comments, not in email please, with "VIDEO QUESTION" at the top so i can find them easier.

You guys are great!!!!

Thanks!

David was officially signed to Jive Records earlier this week.

[+/-] Show Full Post...

[+/-]Hide Full Post...