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Showing posts with label American Idol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Idol. Show all posts

Thursday, January 14, 2010

GET TO KNOW THE “AMERICAN IDOL” HOLLYWOOD-ROUND CONTESTANTS

GET TO KNOW THE “AMERICAN IDOL” HOLLYWOOD-ROUND CONTESTANTS
ONLY AT AMERICANIDOL.COM
Exclusive Contestant Interviews Posted Following Audition Episodes

In an americanidol.com first, exclusive interviews with the AMERICAN IDOL auditioners who were given a coveted “Golden Ticket” to Hollywood are now available for viewing. At midnight (PT) following each audition episode and only at americanidol.com, fans will be able to learn more about the contestants who made it past their first audition in front of the judges and who are on their way to the Hollywood rounds. Fans can find interviews with the Hollywood hopefuls who discuss what it means to make it to the next round, musical influences and what motivated them to audition. As the only online destination for exclusive AMERICAN IDOL content, americanidol.com also features information on the auditions, episode recaps and memorable audition moments.

The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL kicked off this week on FOX as Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson were joined by guest judges Victoria Beckham and Mary J. Blige in Boston and Atlanta in their quest to find the next singing superstar.

Next week, AMERICAN IDOL auditions continue Tuesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) in Chicago with guest judge Shania Twain and Wednesday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) in Orlando with guest judge Kristin Chenoweth. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, television’s No. 1 series promises to deliver the most unforgettable season yet as Ellen DeGeneres joins the judging panel beginning in Hollywood to sit alongside Simon, Kara and Randy.

http://www.lenalamoray.com/

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

American Idol's KRIS ALLEN & ALLISON IRAHETA Interview Billboard's New Years Eve

BILLBOARD’S NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE ON FOX

Interview with 2009 AMERICAN IDOL WINNER KRIS ALLEN and contestant ALLISON IRAHETA
December 2009
Lena Lamoray

BILLBOARD’S NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE CARMEN ELECTRA HEATS UP THE LAS VEGAS STRIP AS HOST OF “BILLBOARD’S NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE”THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, ON FOX

AMERICAN IDOL Winner Kris Allen and Finalist Allison Iraheta and Sean Kingston to Perform on Year-End Celebration. Eva Longoria Parker and Kim Kardashian are also confirmed guests.

World-renowned entertainer Carmen Electra is set to host BILLBOARD’S NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE airing Thursday, Dec. 31 (11:00 PM-12:30 AM ET live; CT/MT/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Join Electra for a New Year’s Eve to remember as she celebrates the biggest night of the year in a coast-to-coast television event. Actress Eva Longoria Parker is spicing up the biggest night of the year when she joins BILLBOARD’S NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE on FOX. Longoria Parker will invite viewers inside the grand opening celebration for her new Las Vegas Latin steakhouse, Beso, and luxurious nightclub, Eve, to get a glimpse of The Strip’s hottest new additions, which are located inside Crystals retail entertainment promenade at CityCenter. Kim Kardashian and some of the biggest names in Hollywood will join Longoria Parker to celebrate this momentous occasion.

AMERICAN IDOL Season Eight winner Kris Allen and finalist Allison Iraheta will shine along with the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip when they take the stage to perform hits from their latest albums. Music sensation Sean Kingston will also join the celebration performing several of his biggest hits.

FOX cameras will be there to capture every electrifying moment from Las Vegas and the heart of New York City as the world-famous New Year’s Eve Ball makes its descent into Times Square. The New Year’s celebration will showcase some of the most memorable moments from the historic Billboard Music Awards, and will count down the Top 5 of the year in music, movies and television.

AMERICAN IDOLThe much-anticipated ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL returns with a two-night premiere airing Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Jan. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, television’s hit series promises to deliver the most unforgettable season yet as Ellen DeGeneres joins the judging panel to sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi.

I participated in a conference call with KRIS ALLEN and ALLISON IRAHETA to promote their performances on the BILLBOARD’S NEW YEARS EVE LIVE on FOX. Here are some of the call’s highlights:

Q: What is some of your favorite music from this year?

ALLISON IRAHETA: I have to say Only By the Night, You'll Have To Take It From Me by Kings of Leon.

KRIS ALLEN: Yes. I would have to agree and I'm going to throw John Mayer's CD in there, too. Both of those are really good.

Q: Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions?

KRIS ALLEN: For me, it’s just work harder on music stuff, just writing and performing and all that. So, that's my resolution.

ALLISON IRAHETA: My New Year's resolution was to not have a New Year's resolution.

Q: What made you want to be performing live as the clock ticks down for New Year's as opposed to maybe being at home with your family or even at a party?

ALLISON IRAHETA: Who wouldn't want to be in Vegas performing. I mean, it's pretty much an experience of a lifetime for me and for both of us. It's going to be a lot of fun.

KRIS ALLEN: Yes. I'm excited about it. I've never actually been to Vegas. This is going to be fun for me.

Q: Twitter is a big part of your daily activities. Why is speaking to the fans through that forum such an important event for you guys?

ALLISON IRAHETA: I guess because it's an easier way to actually get in touch with them. I don't see any other way beside fan mail. Twitter is definitely an easier way to get to fans and that's why like using it because it's definitely easier.

KRIS ALLEN: I was thinking that fans see a different side of you. They just see you sing all the time. But for me, I think there's a lot of stuff that goes on in my head and I feel like Twitter is a good way to get that out.

Q: What one bit of advice would you give to American Idol hopefuls?

KRIS ALLEN: Just rock. There's only like one thing you could tell people it's just do the best.

Q: Are you surprised about the headlines that ADAM LAMBERT has been making?

KRIS ALLEN: No, anybody that knows him is not surprised at all.

Q: Do you think it's going to hurt him in anyway?

KRIS ALLEN: Obviously, it hasn't hurt him.

Q: Most memorable New Year's Eve?

ALLISON IRAHETA: I don't know. All of past New Year's Eve like, I've had, I was just with a huge family eating our faces off till the next morning, yes.

KRIS ALLEN: For me, last year, I was at a party, we had a party at my house and we had like this small deck on the roof. There was like 45 people at my house, or something like that, it was a lot, I don't know the number. We all had sparklers, or whatever, and somebody's pants caught on fire. So, that was pretty scary.

Q: What have you two heard about Las Vegas and New Year's Eve?

ALLISON IRAHETA: I heard that one thing we're doing is going to be pretty awesome. Plus we'll be broadcasting.

Q: You don't really strike me as the kind of guy who would embrace the glitz of Vegas. Are you going to be a fish out of water here?

KRIS ALLEN: We'll see what happens, you know. I'm going to have a good time, I can promise you that and it doesn't matter where I'm at, I'm going to have a good time.

Q: Both of you got to know Paula Abdul and the next season she won't be there. So I was wondering if you had some thoughts on what will be missing from the show, what she added to the show, without her there?

ALLISON IRAHETA: Obviously, we're all going to miss her. I honestly have to say that I'm pretty happy that we got the chance to work with her. Sorry season nine! But, they're getting Ellen, so we'll see how that goes. I really want to see what she has to bring to the table.

KRIS ALLEN: Yes. Paula is the one we get to know the best. She is a sweetheart. I think the show will definitely miss her. Obviously, people tuned in to watch what Paula was going to do. But she was just a nice person to have on there, but Ellen's going to be, I don't know of one person that doesn't like Ellen.

Q: Following up on the previous person's question, you know, so were swapping out Paula on Idol this season for Ellen; but now there's talk that Simon Cowell brings X factor to America, that he's going to leave Idol after this coming season. I mean, honestly, do you really think Idol can continue on minus Paula and Simon can it survive that kind of a double whammy?

KRIS ALLEN: I mean, obviously, Simon's a big watching point for a lot of people and they would have to replace him but I really don't have a clue.

Q: Everybody fell in love with you guys in your cover songs, on the show and on the American Idol tour. So, what is it like now getting out there and performing your own material?

KRIS ALLEN: That's the reason that I tried out for American Idol; it wasn't to go up there and sing a bunch of cover songs for millions of people, it was to hopefully get the chance to make music of my own and that's what we're both getting to do now.

Q: Now, after the New Year, how are you looking to use your American Idol success but also create your own musical identity?

KRIS ALLEN: For me, it's about putting what's inside of me and everything that I know I can do into music and just coming out with good stuff. That's what means the most to me and music means the most to me. I just want to make music and I want people to hear it and I want to be pleasantly successful doing it. So, that's my plan.

ALLISON IRAHETA: I guess for me I would do the same. Maybe get my name out there, that wouldn't hurt. I mean, don't get me wrong; getting known as "Oh it's the redheaded girl from American Idol," it's pretty cool. But I think for people to know who I am and for what I do that would be great.

Q: Obviously, there was a point in time where musicians just made music and that was it. But, now-a-days, obviously, you know, you do talk shows, you do magazine covers, you do, the New Year's Eve special. How much do you enjoy doing these other things? And how important are they to the overall success of your music careers?

KRIS ALLEN: Obviously, they're very important, you know. They're very important to what we do and to sell records people need to see you. And that's fine. I'm doing Letterman today, like, I'm excited. I grew up watching that show. So for me, I love doing that stuff.

Q: Why do you think people like American Idol so much? I mean, the show is still massive in the ratings. What do you think the reason is?

KRIS ALLEN: I think the beauty about American Idol is that it takes people that they can relate to, people that maybe acts like a friend of there's, or has the same job or something like that, and makes them into rock stars or country stars, or pop stars, or whatever. I think that's the beauty of it all is that a person coming from nothing to a lot of fame.

ALLISON IRAHETA: It's a reality show, I mean. Anyone gets stuck on a reality show, especially one like American Idol that has four judges; it's definitely an interesting show.

Q: Kris, I know you've been busy with Jingle Balls. What was it like performing to a sold out show at Madison Square Garden?

KRIS ALLEN: I keep going back and thinking about it because I think it was like probably the best show that I've been apart of considering the artist that were there. I just wanted to perform longer. But I thought it was incredible. I though it was an incredible night and getting to perform at Madison Square Garden, obviously is a huge deal. So, I think that will be something that will always stick with me.

http://www.lenalamoray.com/

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

AMERICAN IDOL returns on Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

AMERICAN IDOL returns on Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

The wait is almost over for the return of television’s No. 1 show! AMERICAN IDOL is set to return for its much-anticipated ninth season with a two-night premiere featuring extraordinary talent and outrageous new auditions from Boston Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Atlanta Wednesday, Jan. 13 (8:00-9:15 PM ET/PT) on FOX.


After the two-night premiere, auditions will continue for three weeks starting with the Chicago auditions on Tuesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and continuing from Orlando on Wednesday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Then, Dallas auditions will air Tuesday, Jan. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT); Los Angeles on Wednesday, Jan. 27 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT); Denver on Tuesday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT); and “The Road to Hollywood” auditions on Wednesday, Feb. 3 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

This season on AMERICAN IDOL, the good, the bad and the awful audition for their shot at stardom. In the audition cities, Ryan Seacrest hosts, and Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi will be joined by rotating guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain who will help select the hopefuls worthy of the “Golden Ticket” to Hollywood.

The lucky auditioners who get the judges’ approval then move on to the “Hollywood Round” where contestants vie for a semifinalist position during the next phase of the auditions. Once in Hollywood, Ellen joins Simon, Randy and Kara as they continue to winnow down the competitors to a select group of performers who will get to sing their hearts out each week in front of a studio audience and television viewers.

http://www.lenalamoray.com/

Thursday, December 17, 2009

RUSSELL FERGUSON IS AMERICA’S FAVORITE DANCER AND WINNER OF “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE”

RUSSELL FERGUSON IS AMERICA’S FAVORITE DANCER AND WINNER OF “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE”

SEASON SEVEN AUDITIONS KICK OFF MONDAY, JANUARY 18 IN MIAMI AND MONDAY, JANUARY 25 IN NEW YORK

The sixth season of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE came to a spectacular conclusion tonight as Russell Ferguson, 20, a Hip Hop/Krump dancer from Boston, MA, was named America’s Favorite Dancer on the two-hour season finale broadcast live from Los Angeles. Additionally, he danced off with a cash prize of $250,000 and a cover feature in the March issue of Dance Spirit Magazine.

Fellow finalists – Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Jakob Karr, Kathryn McCormick and Ellenore Scott – were eliminated as host Cat Deeley revealed the voting results.

Ferguson had this to say to his fans: “I just want to thank everybody – this means everything to me. I’ve dreamed of this since I was born. I want to thank the judges for their criticism; you guys make me better as a person and as a dancer.”

In addition to naming America’s Favorite Dancer, the Season Six finale of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE featured performances by this season’s Top 20 dancers, as well as Mary J. Blige, Adam Lambert, Leona Lewis, Jennifer Lopez and The Groovaloos.

Auditions for the seventh season of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE begin Monday, Jan. 18 in Miami at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and will continue in New York City at the Manhattan Center on Monday, Jan. 25. For details and eligibility requirements, please visit www.fox.com/dance.

http://www.lenalamoray.com/sutucd.html

http://www.lenalamoray.com/

Monday, December 14, 2009

JENNIFER LOPEZ AND MARY J. BLIGE TO PERFORM ON THE “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” SEASON FINALE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

JENNIFER LOPEZ AND MARY J. BLIGE TO PERFORM ON THE “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” SEASON FINALE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

TOP 6 FINALISTS TO COMPETE DURING FINAL SHOWDOWN
BEGINNING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15

Music icons Jennifer Lopez and Mary J. Blige will join some of this year’s hottest performers as they take the stage during the SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE two-hour season finale Wednesday, Dec. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. In their first-ever appearances on the series, Lopez will perform her latest single, “Louboutins,” and Blige will sing her hit “I Am.”

On the final performance show, airing Tuesday, Dec. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), the Top 6 finalists (Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Russell Ferguson, Jakob Karr, Kathryn McCormick and Ellenore Scott) will compete in the ultimate showdown to impress the judges and capture America’s vote. Immediately following the performance show, the phone lines will open and viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite remaining finalists. Then, tune in the following night for one of the most-anticipated television events of the fall.

Wednesday’s two-hour LIVE grand finale will also feature special performances by this season’s Top 20, Adam Lambert, Leona Lewis and the Groovaloos. At the end of the celebration, host Cat Deeley will reveal America’s vote and America’s Favorite Dancer will be crowned live before millions of television viewers. The winner will dance off with a cash prize of $250,000 and will be featured on the cover of the March 2010 issue of Dance Spirit magazine.

http://www.lenalamoray.com/

Sunday, December 13, 2009

FOX INVITES “AMERICAN IDOL” FANS TO SHARE THEIR VOICE

FOX INVITES “AMERICAN IDOL” FANS TO SHARE THEIR VOICE

AT WWW.FOX.COM/IDOLFANS

Fans Can Submit Video Testimonials Sharing What They Love About IDOL
for the Opportunity to Appear in AMERICAN IDOL Promotional Campaign

AMERICAN IDOL Season Nine Kicks Off with Two-Night Premiere
Tuesday, January 12 and Wednesday, January 13, on FOX

What is your all-time favorite IDOL moment? Who is your favorite IDOL? Who is your favorite judge? What has you most excited for the return of AMERICAN IDOL?

AMERICAN IDOL fans, now is your chance to sing the praises of IDOL by creating a video testimonial and uploading it to www.fox.com/idolfans. FOX is inviting IDOL fans 18 years of age and older to submit video testimonials sharing what they love about AMERICAN IDOL, to be evaluated for possible inclusion in an AMERICAN IDOL promotional campaign. For complete rules and submission guidelines, please visit www.fox.com/idolfans.

The much-anticipated ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL returns with a two-night premiere airing Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Jan. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, television’s hit series promises to deliver the most unforgettable season yet as Ellen DeGeneres joins the judging panel to sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi.

http://www.lenalamoray.com/

Saturday, December 12, 2009

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Adam Lambert, Leona Lewis Season Finale 12/16

“SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” TOP 6 FINALISTS REVEALED

AFTER MORE THAN 8 MILLION VOTES CAST

ASHLEIGH DI LELLO, RYAN DI LELLO, RUSSELL FERGUSON,
JAKOB KARR, KATHRYN MCCORMICK AND ELLENORE SCOTT

TO COMPETE ON ONE-HOUR FINAL PERFORMANCE SHOW

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, ON FOX

MOLLEE GRAY AND LEGACY PEREZ
ARE ELIMINATED FROM COMPETITION

AMERICAN IDOL’s Adam Lambert, Pop Sensation Leona Lewis
And Dance Team The Groovaloos To Perform During Live Season Finale Wednesday, December 16

Season 7 Auditions Begin in January
Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Russell Ferguson, Jakob Karr, Kathryn McCormick and Ellenore Scott were named SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE’s Top 6 finalists after host Cat Deeley revealed that Mollee Gray, 18, a Jazz dancer from Upland, CA, and Legacy Perez, 28, a Hip Hop/B-Boy dancer from Los Angeles, CA, were eliminated from the competition. This week’s results show also featured performances by AMERICAN IDOL’s Kris Allen and pop group Wonder Girls.

It was also announced tonight that auditions for Season Seven of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE will begin in January 2010 in Miami. Go to www.fox.com/dance for details.

The final performance show, airing Tuesday, Dec. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, will feature the ultimate showdown between the Top 6 finalists as they compete to impress judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Adam Shankman and capture America’s vote. Immediately following the performance show, the phone lines will open and viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite remaining finalists.

Then, tune in the following night, Wednesday, Dec. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), for one of the most-anticipated television events of the fall. The two-hour live finale will showcase performances by this season’s Top 20 dancers and feature some of the year’s hottest artists, including Adam Lambert, Leona Lewis with a special debut performance of “I See You” (Theme from “Avatar”) and The Groovaloos. At the end of the celebration, host Cat Deeley will reveal America’s vote, and America’s Favorite Dancer will be crowned live before millions of television viewers. The winner will dance off with a cash prize of $250,000 and will be featured on the cover of the March 2010 issue of Dance Spirit magazine.

http://www.lenalamoray.com/