American Idol star Adam Lambert is finding these days that he's pretty famous — there are few places he can go where he isn't recognized. And despite all the notoriety surrounding him after his controversial appearance on the American Music Awards in November, he's comfortable with the fact that people are touched by his music.
"The biggest change between before 'Idol' and now would probably just have to be the level of notoriety. I mean, it changes everything," he told Oprah Winfrey on her show Tuesday (January 19). "I try to go throughout my daily life just as if nothing has changed, but you don't have much anonymity anymore, which feels really good. People come up, and say hi and they enjoy your work."
Even though he is appreciative of the mostly positive fan response, he told Oprah that in December, he started to feel the stress from his newfound fame. "I just kind of got a little stressed out, and I was taking it all very seriously and getting really nitpicky about things. I was really beating myself up about performances and how I looked and this and that," he explained. "As the year came to an end, [I realized] this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I need to enjoy this. This is amazing. I got what I wanted."
He recently also received advice from Madonna about how to handle fame when he met her briefly at her New York apartment last year.
"I said, 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm just really intimidated right now.' And she said, 'Why?' " he recalled. " 'Because I love you!' And she said, 'So love equals intimidation for you?' And I said, 'Yes, pretty much. Most of the time, I think, when I feel love, that's the way it manifests itself at first.'... [She said], 'Just keep your eye on the prize and put your blinders up,' " he added. " 'Don't get sidetracked with all the extra fuss.' "
Lambert, however, knows how to create headlines for himself, with the AMA performance or coming out in Rolling Stone magazine. or his American Music Awards performance — and he said he doesn't regret them, particularly the latter.
"I knew that label would be attached to me from there on out, and I think people would jump to conclusions with that label," he says. "I've seen a lot of press where they say, 'openly gay singer Adam Lambert.' It's like the gay part comes before the singer part, and I'm like, 'That doesn't define who I am.'"
As for Simon Cowell leaving "American Idol" after this season, Lambert, who placed second last season, admits that he's definitely going to be missed.
"I think the audience will definitely miss Simon, and I think the contestants will miss out on, like, really honest criticism," he said. "I think that that's important to making you a better performer — you've got to hear the good and the bad. He makes you step your game up and calls you out when it doesn't work. But I also think he's got a very specific taste. There's certain things he's not into, for example, country music. He doesn't like it ... I think that ultimately after the first couple weeks of auditions, the audience tunes in every week for the contestants. They grow fond of one or a couple of people. We tune in to hear the contestants blossom or not."
Showing posts with label Simon Cowell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Simon Cowell. Show all posts
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Adam Lambert “American Idol” Judge? Lambert Courted To Replace Simon Cowell On “Idol”
"In news that we’ll have to see to believe, American Idol Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert is the latest contender joining the race to replace Simon Cowell on the judges’ panel of television’s most-watched talent show.
After wowing Idol producers with his quick wit and biting critiques as a mentor on last week’s Elvis-themed special, we hear the controversial glam rocker is being eyed as a possible replacement for the man the media dubbed Mr. Nasty. In fact, show bosses believe the “For Your Entertainment” hitmaker has just the right mix of moxie to be a dynamic asset to the series.
A loose-lipped A.I. insider divulges to nosy National Enquirer Gossip Guy Mike Walker (Consider The Source!): “Producers were totally bowled over by Adam’s on-target critiques and pithy comments. They believe he’ll bring a fearless, youthful freshness to the show. And let’s not forget, Glambert’s got real stage presence.”
Before any Glambert Fans start jumping with glee, we should mention that the outspoken star has stiff competition from other seasoned entertainers also rumored to be up for Simon’s job: they include: Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx, singer Shania Twain, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, an acclaimed producer, and music mogul Tommy Mottola.
Simon will wrap up his nine season run on Idol next month to devote his time to developing an American adaptation of his UK small screen smash The X Factor.
(Has anyone else noticed that these two look so similar they could be father and son? Just look at the shape of the face, the nose, the hairline. Hmm...)
SOURCE: Pop Crunch
After wowing Idol producers with his quick wit and biting critiques as a mentor on last week’s Elvis-themed special, we hear the controversial glam rocker is being eyed as a possible replacement for the man the media dubbed Mr. Nasty. In fact, show bosses believe the “For Your Entertainment” hitmaker has just the right mix of moxie to be a dynamic asset to the series.
A loose-lipped A.I. insider divulges to nosy National Enquirer Gossip Guy Mike Walker (Consider The Source!): “Producers were totally bowled over by Adam’s on-target critiques and pithy comments. They believe he’ll bring a fearless, youthful freshness to the show. And let’s not forget, Glambert’s got real stage presence.”
Before any Glambert Fans start jumping with glee, we should mention that the outspoken star has stiff competition from other seasoned entertainers also rumored to be up for Simon’s job: they include: Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx, singer Shania Twain, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, an acclaimed producer, and music mogul Tommy Mottola.
Simon will wrap up his nine season run on Idol next month to devote his time to developing an American adaptation of his UK small screen smash The X Factor.
SOURCE: Pop Crunch
Friday, January 8, 2010
Randy Jackson says no Adam Lambert or Kris Allen clones on next American Idol
There won't be anyone quite like Adam Lambert on the next season of "American Idol."
Easygoing "Idol" judge Randy Jackson told reporters during a Friday teleconference that he expected to see clones of the over-the-top eighth season runner-up or even croony champion Kris Allen show up to audition for the Fox talent competition's ninth season, which premieres Tuesday (8 p.m. EST), but there were none to be found this time around.
"Usually, whoever comes in first or second, that next season of auditions, you have a lot of those kinds of people," he said. "It's almost like a signal to everyone at home that was like them that now it's time to try out for 'American Idol.' It didn't happen like that this time. We got a very interesting, unique cast that's only unique to this season nine."
Jackson, who serves on the judging panel with Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and newcomer Ellen DeGeneres, said audition cities Dallas and Atlanta offered singers with the most starpower while Orlando, Fla., was "really strange" in terms of finding talent. He also said he was on the lookout for female crooners because the past two winners have been male.
"I think there's some really talented girls that showed up this time," he said.
Easygoing "Idol" judge Randy Jackson told reporters during a Friday teleconference that he expected to see clones of the over-the-top eighth season runner-up or even croony champion Kris Allen show up to audition for the Fox talent competition's ninth season, which premieres Tuesday (8 p.m. EST), but there were none to be found this time around.
"Usually, whoever comes in first or second, that next season of auditions, you have a lot of those kinds of people," he said. "It's almost like a signal to everyone at home that was like them that now it's time to try out for 'American Idol.' It didn't happen like that this time. We got a very interesting, unique cast that's only unique to this season nine."
Jackson, who serves on the judging panel with Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and newcomer Ellen DeGeneres, said audition cities Dallas and Atlanta offered singers with the most starpower while Orlando, Fla., was "really strange" in terms of finding talent. He also said he was on the lookout for female crooners because the past two winners have been male.
"I think there's some really talented girls that showed up this time," he said.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Simon Cowell throws expensive 50th birthday party
The 'American Idol' judged celebrated reaching the landmark age with a £1 million bash at stately home Wrotham Park in Barnet, Hertfordshire yesterday (03.10.09).
The event was a star-studded affair, boasting 400 guests including supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, singers Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue and chef Gordon Ramsay.
Several of Simon's ex-girlfriends were also in attendance, including Terri Seymour, Sinitta and Jackie St Clair.
After being welcomed into the historic building by the image of Simon, guests were treated to a number of other surprises which ensured they didn't forget whose birthday it was.
Waiters in a Moulin Rouge-themed marquee donned masks of Simon's face, while the bread rolls presented with dinner spelled his name.
The meal included 'Simon's Chicken Soup', which boasted pasta shapes also in the music mogul's name.
Inside the palatial building a fake Michelangelo artwork was installed on the ceiling, again featuring Simon's image.
A source said: "It was typical of Simon - cheeky and fun with one surprise after another. Everyone sat on velvet chairs - and were given a choice of main meal of either fish fingers and mushy peas of shepherd's pie."
Special birthday messages from some of Simon's famous friends, including David and Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston, were screened inside the house - with TVs even showing them in the toilets.
Guests were driven to the venue, which is 30 minutes from London, in a convoy of limousines, with three Rat Pack impersonators on hand to entertain them after being flown in from the US.
Others people present included Sharon Osbourne, David Hasselhoff, Katie Price, Paula Abdul, Piers Morgan, Randy Jackson, Kelly Brook, Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Olivia Newton-John, as well as several contestants from the reality TV shows Simon judges such as 'Britain's Got Talent' winner Paul Potts and 'The X Factor' winner Shayne Ward.
The party was planned by retail boss Sir Philip Green and his wife Tina, and took months to organise.
- From Times Live
The event was a star-studded affair, boasting 400 guests including supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, singers Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue and chef Gordon Ramsay.
Several of Simon's ex-girlfriends were also in attendance, including Terri Seymour, Sinitta and Jackie St Clair.
After being welcomed into the historic building by the image of Simon, guests were treated to a number of other surprises which ensured they didn't forget whose birthday it was.
Waiters in a Moulin Rouge-themed marquee donned masks of Simon's face, while the bread rolls presented with dinner spelled his name.
The meal included 'Simon's Chicken Soup', which boasted pasta shapes also in the music mogul's name.
Inside the palatial building a fake Michelangelo artwork was installed on the ceiling, again featuring Simon's image.
A source said: "It was typical of Simon - cheeky and fun with one surprise after another. Everyone sat on velvet chairs - and were given a choice of main meal of either fish fingers and mushy peas of shepherd's pie."
Special birthday messages from some of Simon's famous friends, including David and Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston, were screened inside the house - with TVs even showing them in the toilets.
Guests were driven to the venue, which is 30 minutes from London, in a convoy of limousines, with three Rat Pack impersonators on hand to entertain them after being flown in from the US.
Others people present included Sharon Osbourne, David Hasselhoff, Katie Price, Paula Abdul, Piers Morgan, Randy Jackson, Kelly Brook, Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Olivia Newton-John, as well as several contestants from the reality TV shows Simon judges such as 'Britain's Got Talent' winner Paul Potts and 'The X Factor' winner Shayne Ward.
The party was planned by retail boss Sir Philip Green and his wife Tina, and took months to organise.
- From Times Live
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Adam Lambert vs. Susan Boyle: Nov. 24 record release showdown
Ding, ding, ding, ding! Ladies and gentlemen, let’s get ready to rummmmblllle…or at least get ready to mark Nov. 24 on our calendars with big, red ‘Xs.’ How come? Because that’s when two of this season’s most anticipated debut albums will be dropped like scalding plates coming out of the microwave.
In the Simon Fuller corner, it’s American Idol season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert, the man whose rendition of “Mad World” left approximately 20 million Americans sobbing softly on their couches. The man whose boots/jacket combo made the members of Kiss look downright demure at the Idol season finale. The man who caused my Social Security-collecting mother to lasciviously shout “Come to mama!” at the Idol concert tour stop in Albany, NY, in August. The man who managed to top Barbra Streisand and Madonna on Amazon.com’s album pre-sale charts this week — even though fans won’t be able to listen to said record for almost two months.
In the Simon Cowell corner, it’s Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle, the woman whose audition to “I Dreamed a Dream” has racked up more than 76 million plays on YouTube (for the official version alone), a performance I am not ashamed to admit just made me get a little lump in my throat when I watched it again a few minutes ago. (Hey, just because your emotions are being manipulated doesn’t mean they’re not genuine, right?) Susan also topped Amazon’s pre-sale chart last month thanks to rabid fans who helped her surge past the Beatles and Whitney Houston.
That said, while I’m curious to see how Sony shoehorns the talented Ms. Boyle into the pop-music marketplace, as a total Idoloonie, I’m more excited for Adam’s set. I’m sure I’m not the only one obsessed with finding out what in the universe Adam’s debut is going to sound like (best guess: probably like nothing currently in said universe), and his list of collaborators to date — including Linda Perry, Max Martin, RedOne, Ryan Tedder, and Greg Wells — indicates his label is leaving no commercially viable stone unturned. What’s more, Randy Jackson told me recently that he bumped into Adam in the hallway of an L.A. recording studio, and what he heard of the still-in-progress disc was “hot, interesting, and cool.” (Okay, that’s not a lot of detail, but at least I scored you something better than a standard-issue “molten-hot lava bomb,” yes?)
What’s more, Boyle’s lead single (a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses”) sort of reminds me of one of the growing number of victims on The Vampire Diaries: Outwardly pretty, but drained of any blood or life or excitement. In the pantheon of “Wild Horses,” Rolling Stones > The Sundays > Susan Boyle. Which isn’t the worst thing in the world, but I have to hold out hope that whatever Adam unleashes on radio in the next week or two will, by comparison, be positively throbbing.
- From Entertainment Weekly
In the Simon Fuller corner, it’s American Idol season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert, the man whose rendition of “Mad World” left approximately 20 million Americans sobbing softly on their couches. The man whose boots/jacket combo made the members of Kiss look downright demure at the Idol season finale. The man who caused my Social Security-collecting mother to lasciviously shout “Come to mama!” at the Idol concert tour stop in Albany, NY, in August. The man who managed to top Barbra Streisand and Madonna on Amazon.com’s album pre-sale charts this week — even though fans won’t be able to listen to said record for almost two months.
In the Simon Cowell corner, it’s Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle, the woman whose audition to “I Dreamed a Dream” has racked up more than 76 million plays on YouTube (for the official version alone), a performance I am not ashamed to admit just made me get a little lump in my throat when I watched it again a few minutes ago. (Hey, just because your emotions are being manipulated doesn’t mean they’re not genuine, right?) Susan also topped Amazon’s pre-sale chart last month thanks to rabid fans who helped her surge past the Beatles and Whitney Houston.
That said, while I’m curious to see how Sony shoehorns the talented Ms. Boyle into the pop-music marketplace, as a total Idoloonie, I’m more excited for Adam’s set. I’m sure I’m not the only one obsessed with finding out what in the universe Adam’s debut is going to sound like (best guess: probably like nothing currently in said universe), and his list of collaborators to date — including Linda Perry, Max Martin, RedOne, Ryan Tedder, and Greg Wells — indicates his label is leaving no commercially viable stone unturned. What’s more, Randy Jackson told me recently that he bumped into Adam in the hallway of an L.A. recording studio, and what he heard of the still-in-progress disc was “hot, interesting, and cool.” (Okay, that’s not a lot of detail, but at least I scored you something better than a standard-issue “molten-hot lava bomb,” yes?)
What’s more, Boyle’s lead single (a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses”) sort of reminds me of one of the growing number of victims on The Vampire Diaries: Outwardly pretty, but drained of any blood or life or excitement. In the pantheon of “Wild Horses,” Rolling Stones > The Sundays > Susan Boyle. Which isn’t the worst thing in the world, but I have to hold out hope that whatever Adam unleashes on radio in the next week or two will, by comparison, be positively throbbing.
- From Entertainment Weekly
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Adam Lambert Swears he's no American Idol Puppet
Adam Lambert is like a modern-day Braveheart.
American Idol and 19 Entertainment may be putting out his debut album, but they're not taking his creative freedom—or so he claims.
"I think there's a little bit of a misconception out in the public that people that come out of American Idol are puppetted and kind of controlled," he tells E! News exclusively. "That hasn't been my experience one bit. They've been completely supportive and collaborative with me and all the powers that be are really trying to facilitate my artistic vision."
In addition to working with A-list producers RedOne (Sean Kingston's "Fire Burning"), Linda Perry (Christina Aguilera's "Keeps Getting' Better") and Ryan Tedder (the man behind the controversial Beyoncé and Kelly Clarkson tracks), Lambert is writing some of his own stuff.
"For a handful of these songs, I've gotten to write on them," he says. "So I really feel I've gotten to inject a lot of this music on the album with my own personal vocal stylings and my own lyrical content. A lot of it talks about stuff I really care about and that I find interesting, so that feels really good."
In addition to his excitement about his album's debut on Nov. 24, Lambert can't wait to see Ellen DeGeneres take a on a certain verbose judge come January…
"I can't wait to see her banter with Simon Cowell," the season-eight runner-up admits. "I think she'll give him a hard time. I hope she does."
While the funnylady doesn't have the music industry chops of Paula Abdul or the rest of the panel, the former contestant believes she'll bring the "everyman's perspective" to the judging table.
"She's obviously a fan of the show, and she's been in the entertainment industry for a long time, so, strictly from an entertainment aspect, I think she'll provide a lot of great insight and really speak for the people that watch the show that aren't all that well versed in the music industry and in music," he explains. "I think it's good in that regard."
Speaking of good, Lambert may dream big—his song, "Time for Miracles," for the 2012 soundtrack may be Academy Award eligible, which "would be wild"
- From E! Online
American Idol and 19 Entertainment may be putting out his debut album, but they're not taking his creative freedom—or so he claims.
"I think there's a little bit of a misconception out in the public that people that come out of American Idol are puppetted and kind of controlled," he tells E! News exclusively. "That hasn't been my experience one bit. They've been completely supportive and collaborative with me and all the powers that be are really trying to facilitate my artistic vision."
In addition to working with A-list producers RedOne (Sean Kingston's "Fire Burning"), Linda Perry (Christina Aguilera's "Keeps Getting' Better") and Ryan Tedder (the man behind the controversial Beyoncé and Kelly Clarkson tracks), Lambert is writing some of his own stuff.
"For a handful of these songs, I've gotten to write on them," he says. "So I really feel I've gotten to inject a lot of this music on the album with my own personal vocal stylings and my own lyrical content. A lot of it talks about stuff I really care about and that I find interesting, so that feels really good."
In addition to his excitement about his album's debut on Nov. 24, Lambert can't wait to see Ellen DeGeneres take a on a certain verbose judge come January…
"I can't wait to see her banter with Simon Cowell," the season-eight runner-up admits. "I think she'll give him a hard time. I hope she does."
While the funnylady doesn't have the music industry chops of Paula Abdul or the rest of the panel, the former contestant believes she'll bring the "everyman's perspective" to the judging table.
"She's obviously a fan of the show, and she's been in the entertainment industry for a long time, so, strictly from an entertainment aspect, I think she'll provide a lot of great insight and really speak for the people that watch the show that aren't all that well versed in the music industry and in music," he explains. "I think it's good in that regard."
Speaking of good, Lambert may dream big—his song, "Time for Miracles," for the 2012 soundtrack may be Academy Award eligible, which "would be wild"
- From E! Online
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Nigel Lythgoe on Ellen DeGeneres: 'Idol stole her from us'
So You Think You Can Dance judge and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told EW that American Idol “stole” Ellen DeGeneres from his show so he’ll “steal” Paula Abdul as a guest judge in the future. Talking from the red carpet of Saturday’s Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles, Lythgoe said though he “loved” having DeGeneres on the Fox dance show (”We hope she will still be able to come and help us out from time to time”) Lythgoe said it would be a “great idea” to have Abdul join the SYTYCD team in the near future. ”I’d prefer Paula,” he said. “I think it is a great idea to put her on.”
But Lythgoe was quick to add that DeGeneres will be a valued addition to Idol. “What it does is give the public, who are the people who decide in the end who is crowned the victor, a voice on the judges panel and they have never had that before,” the former Idol producer told EW. “They already have industry experts, musicians and producers and songwriters represented and Ellen will be that judge who comes at it from a fan perspective. She loves music and she will be able to speak about what people will like and what would sound good on the radio. And she’s funny. And I also think she is strong enough to keep Simon Cowell in his place, which I am always worried about.
- From EntertainmentWeekly
But Lythgoe was quick to add that DeGeneres will be a valued addition to Idol. “What it does is give the public, who are the people who decide in the end who is crowned the victor, a voice on the judges panel and they have never had that before,” the former Idol producer told EW. “They already have industry experts, musicians and producers and songwriters represented and Ellen will be that judge who comes at it from a fan perspective. She loves music and she will be able to speak about what people will like and what would sound good on the radio. And she’s funny. And I also think she is strong enough to keep Simon Cowell in his place, which I am always worried about.
- From EntertainmentWeekly
Monday, September 7, 2009
Matt Giraud's dreams come true as he and fellow American Idols rock Grand Rapids
Though Adam Lambert undoubtedly set the crowd at Van Andel Arena ablaze Sunday night, and Kris Allen was superb, a near full house had already experienced the highlight of the "American Idol" live tour: Watching West Michigan's own Matt Giraud's dreams come true.
Giraud, who had noted in an interview earlier in the day that the night's performance was to be "one of the biggest nights of my life," must have been gratified by the crowd's uncorked response to his presence. As Mattie G tore into the Black Crow's "Hard to Handle" with zeal unseen on the show, it was clear he definitely lit the audience's "candles" in a big way.
"I used to play across the street, at the B.O.B," he said, grinning at thousands of fans in a packed arena.
His vocal high-bar routine on "Georgia" was impressive; he's a gifted impresario. The 24-year-old got a little emotional during the song, perhaps catching the eye of a loved one, or just feeling the embrace of the "hometown" crowd.
Giraud doffed his jaunty signature porkpie hat to play and sing The Fray's "You Found Me." Take that, Simon Cowell (the Idol judge scorned Giraud's pick of that song on the show). He sounded fabulous, and throughout his all-too-short three-song set displayed that indefinable snap, crackle and pop that all stars have.
Along with a much-improved Scott MacIntyre, Giraud also did dueling piano duty couple of times throughout the show.
Read the full mLive article
Giraud, who had noted in an interview earlier in the day that the night's performance was to be "one of the biggest nights of my life," must have been gratified by the crowd's uncorked response to his presence. As Mattie G tore into the Black Crow's "Hard to Handle" with zeal unseen on the show, it was clear he definitely lit the audience's "candles" in a big way.
"I used to play across the street, at the B.O.B," he said, grinning at thousands of fans in a packed arena.
His vocal high-bar routine on "Georgia" was impressive; he's a gifted impresario. The 24-year-old got a little emotional during the song, perhaps catching the eye of a loved one, or just feeling the embrace of the "hometown" crowd.
Giraud doffed his jaunty signature porkpie hat to play and sing The Fray's "You Found Me." Take that, Simon Cowell (the Idol judge scorned Giraud's pick of that song on the show). He sounded fabulous, and throughout his all-too-short three-song set displayed that indefinable snap, crackle and pop that all stars have.
Along with a much-improved Scott MacIntyre, Giraud also did dueling piano duty couple of times throughout the show.
Read the full mLive article
Friday, September 4, 2009
Katy Perry and Avril Lavigne to guest judge American Idol
Music stars Katy Perry and Avril Lavigne will be guest judges on American Idol during the final two days of auditions held this week in Los Angeles. With each star judging on a different day of L.A. auditions, Katy and Avril will join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi at the judges' table.
Katy and Avril aren't the first stars to guest judge at Season 9 auditions. Recently, Victoria Beckham served as a guest judge in Denver and Boston, Mary J. Blige shared her expertise in Atlanta, Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris joined the panel in Dallas, Kristin Chenoweth met up with the show in Orlando, and Shania Twain was the guest judge in Chicago.
The Grammy-nominated Katy Perry has captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike. Awarded Best New Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards and voted Best New Artist by readers of Rolling Stone, Katy is currently wrapping up her sold-out "Hello Katy" worldwide tour in September. Katy even performed during a Season 8 results show. See photos of Katy's American Idol performance.
Avril Lavigne has been in the industry since she was 17 years old. Her first album, Let Go, sold more than 16 million copies worldwide and earned her eight Grammy Award nominations and four Juno Awards. With her three albums accounting for over 30 million records sold worldwide, Avril is currently in the studio working on her fourth album. In addition, she designs her own line of clothing, Abby Dawn, and she just launched her first fragrance, Black Star.
American Idol will kick off its ninth season with the audition episodes this January on FOX.
Katy and Avril aren't the first stars to guest judge at Season 9 auditions. Recently, Victoria Beckham served as a guest judge in Denver and Boston, Mary J. Blige shared her expertise in Atlanta, Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris joined the panel in Dallas, Kristin Chenoweth met up with the show in Orlando, and Shania Twain was the guest judge in Chicago.
The Grammy-nominated Katy Perry has captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike. Awarded Best New Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards and voted Best New Artist by readers of Rolling Stone, Katy is currently wrapping up her sold-out "Hello Katy" worldwide tour in September. Katy even performed during a Season 8 results show. See photos of Katy's American Idol performance.
Avril Lavigne has been in the industry since she was 17 years old. Her first album, Let Go, sold more than 16 million copies worldwide and earned her eight Grammy Award nominations and four Juno Awards. With her three albums accounting for over 30 million records sold worldwide, Avril is currently in the studio working on her fourth album. In addition, she designs her own line of clothing, Abby Dawn, and she just launched her first fragrance, Black Star.
American Idol will kick off its ninth season with the audition episodes this January on FOX.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Paula Abdul Breaks her Silence since leaving American Idol
Paula Abdul hasn't spoken a word since she shocked the world in early August by announcing her decision to quit American Idol after failing to reach a contract agreement with the show's producers. But on Sunday, Abdul turned up at the Hollywood Hills home of musical producer Craig Zadan to celebrate his successful Lifetime comedy series, Drop Dead Diva, in which Abdul guest stars as, of all things, a judge. Abdul finally broke her silence to TV Guide Magazine about her decision to leave Idol, her fun new role and what's next. A talk show perhaps?
TVG: You're looking amazing, Paula. And you seem so happy today. No regrets about leaving American Idol?
Paula Abdul: You know, to say 'no regrets' isn't easy. I feel like I have been such a big, huge part of the success of the show from day one. I loved being able to be the artist's artist; being there from my point of view of knowing what it feels like to be vulnerable and to be out there wanting to achieve the most magical moment in a minute and thirty seconds. To be able to do that was an amazing experience and the show was wonderful for me in that regard.
TVG: Obviously, Simon Cowell must be devastated.
Paula Abdul: You know, we stay in touch. And I've stayed close to the contestants and I support them.
TVG: Simon told us in a cover story we did with him last April that he would never want to do the show without you. That he'd fight for you.
Paula Abdul: (Looks down, softly) I know... I know... I had to stand on my principle. This is the first time I'm speaking to the press. You're the first person I'm speaking to. I'm going to miss them. And I'm going to miss the experience of watching young talent evolve into a place where they get to take off and soar.
TVG: Will you still tune in?
Paula Abdul: Of course I will. I'll watch it as much as I can. I had some really unforgettable moments that hit plateaus for me and I'm very blessed to have been a part of what made television history.
TVG: The contestants will no doubt miss having a Paula Abdul on the judges' panel rooting for them.
Paula Abdul: Well, it warms my heart that the kids are saying, 'I just feel bad that we don't get to experience Paula being there.'
Read the complete TV Guide interview
TVG: You're looking amazing, Paula. And you seem so happy today. No regrets about leaving American Idol?
Paula Abdul: You know, to say 'no regrets' isn't easy. I feel like I have been such a big, huge part of the success of the show from day one. I loved being able to be the artist's artist; being there from my point of view of knowing what it feels like to be vulnerable and to be out there wanting to achieve the most magical moment in a minute and thirty seconds. To be able to do that was an amazing experience and the show was wonderful for me in that regard.
TVG: Obviously, Simon Cowell must be devastated.
Paula Abdul: You know, we stay in touch. And I've stayed close to the contestants and I support them.
TVG: Simon told us in a cover story we did with him last April that he would never want to do the show without you. That he'd fight for you.
Paula Abdul: (Looks down, softly) I know... I know... I had to stand on my principle. This is the first time I'm speaking to the press. You're the first person I'm speaking to. I'm going to miss them. And I'm going to miss the experience of watching young talent evolve into a place where they get to take off and soar.
TVG: Will you still tune in?
Paula Abdul: Of course I will. I'll watch it as much as I can. I had some really unforgettable moments that hit plateaus for me and I'm very blessed to have been a part of what made television history.
TVG: The contestants will no doubt miss having a Paula Abdul on the judges' panel rooting for them.
Paula Abdul: Well, it warms my heart that the kids are saying, 'I just feel bad that we don't get to experience Paula being there.'
Read the complete TV Guide interview
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Adam Lambert: The ultimate interview, Part 3
LAT: When did you first watch the show?
AL: I watched the first season. I remember Kelly (Clarkson) was on and she was great. I was really excited, but I didn’t think they were going to like me. I thought I was too out there.
LAT: You are a little out there!
AL: I am a little out there, but I’m kind of a strategist in that I knew what I could get away with and what I probably couldn’t get away with, so I tried to dumb myself down for the first couple auditions. You know, look a little more normal, dress a little bit more low key.
LAT: Where did you audition?
AL: In San Francisco. I drove up with two of my best friends. The next morning I had gotten an hour’s sleep because I was really anxious, and right as I auditioned, I reached this epiphany where I thought, “You’re about to be 27. What do you have to show for yourself? You’ve done a couple shows. You’re working. You know you can pay your bills but do you want to do something great? Do you want to do something major and launch yourself? Yeah, I do,” and I knew that “Idol” was going to be, if I could get it, such a platform. I’d seen people that had been on “Idol” and were eliminated playing leads on Broadway, and I knew that’s the way New York is now. If you’re on TV and you’re a celebrity, you can get a lead in a Broadway show. I thought that’s what I should do because they don’t seem to want to promote me at “Wicked.” The worst-case scenario is that it would enhance my career in the theater and the best-case scenario is that I could do really well -- and I didn’t know what it was going to be.
LAT: You knew the odds were against you, but that was OK, right?
AL: Yes. I walked into the first audition with the judges, and Simon and Kara said, “You’re theatrical.” I had a feeling it was going to go down like this. They’re going to be, “Oh, he’s too Broadway,” even though I don’t feel like I actually am when I sing. I’m theatrical, but I don’t think that it’s necessarily musical theater.
LAT: What did you sing at your first audition?
AL: I sang “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley and then “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and they said, “Don’t sing ‘Crazy’ at the next audition because they can’t get the rights to it and everybody tries to sing it." I sang (“Rock With You” by) Michael Jackson and they wanted to hear another one so I sang “Bohemian Rhapsody” (by Queen) and that’s the one they ended up showing on TV.
Read all of Part Three
AL: I watched the first season. I remember Kelly (Clarkson) was on and she was great. I was really excited, but I didn’t think they were going to like me. I thought I was too out there.
LAT: You are a little out there!
AL: I am a little out there, but I’m kind of a strategist in that I knew what I could get away with and what I probably couldn’t get away with, so I tried to dumb myself down for the first couple auditions. You know, look a little more normal, dress a little bit more low key.
LAT: Where did you audition?
AL: In San Francisco. I drove up with two of my best friends. The next morning I had gotten an hour’s sleep because I was really anxious, and right as I auditioned, I reached this epiphany where I thought, “You’re about to be 27. What do you have to show for yourself? You’ve done a couple shows. You’re working. You know you can pay your bills but do you want to do something great? Do you want to do something major and launch yourself? Yeah, I do,” and I knew that “Idol” was going to be, if I could get it, such a platform. I’d seen people that had been on “Idol” and were eliminated playing leads on Broadway, and I knew that’s the way New York is now. If you’re on TV and you’re a celebrity, you can get a lead in a Broadway show. I thought that’s what I should do because they don’t seem to want to promote me at “Wicked.” The worst-case scenario is that it would enhance my career in the theater and the best-case scenario is that I could do really well -- and I didn’t know what it was going to be.
LAT: You knew the odds were against you, but that was OK, right?
AL: Yes. I walked into the first audition with the judges, and Simon and Kara said, “You’re theatrical.” I had a feeling it was going to go down like this. They’re going to be, “Oh, he’s too Broadway,” even though I don’t feel like I actually am when I sing. I’m theatrical, but I don’t think that it’s necessarily musical theater.
LAT: What did you sing at your first audition?
AL: I sang “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley and then “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and they said, “Don’t sing ‘Crazy’ at the next audition because they can’t get the rights to it and everybody tries to sing it." I sang (“Rock With You” by) Michael Jackson and they wanted to hear another one so I sang “Bohemian Rhapsody” (by Queen) and that’s the one they ended up showing on TV.
Read all of Part Three
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