AI_NEWS~ Mezhgan Hussainy confirms engagement to 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell

http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/02/26/2010-02-26_mezhgan_hussainy_confirms_engagement_to_american_idol_judge_simon_cowell.html

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AI_NEWS~ CLAY AIKEN SELLS OUT SPECIAL ONE NIGHT ONLY RALEIGH EVENT IN MINUTES

Clay's PBS special will air on tv in June probably about the same time as his new CD comes out

. 

http://skopemag.com/2010/02/24/clay-aiken-sells-out-special-one-night-only-raleigh-event-in-minutes

 

CLAY AIKEN SELLS OUT SPECIAL ONE NIGHT ONLY RALEIGH EVENT IN MINUTES

 

February 24, 2010 | by Skope Staff

After being on-sale to the public for just minutes, Clay Aiken sold out the Memorial Auditorium in his hometown, Raleigh, NC for his special one night only concert event on Friday, March 12.  

The singer put limited tickets on sale for fan club members on Tuesday, February 16th.  Tickets were then made available for the general public at noon on Friday, February 19th.  Fans flooded the online ticket sites and phone lines for the opportunity to be the first to hear Aiken's new music selling out the singer's special one night only show in mere minutes.

www.clayaiken.com

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AI_NEWS~ American Idol On Broadway, from Fantasia and Clay Aiken to Ace Young and Diana DeGarma. to Todrick Hall?

 

Photo of idols

http://culturemob.com/blog/american-idol-on-broadway-from-fantasia-and-clay-aiken-to-ace-young-and-diana-degarma-to-todrick-hall

 

American Idol On Broadway, from Fantasia and Clay Aiken to Ace Young and Diana DeGarma… to Todrick Hall?

by Jonathan Mandell on February 22, 2010

in Music, National, New York, Theater

When "American Idol" debuted on the Fox television network on June 11, 2002, its subtitle was "The Search for A Superstar." By Superstar, they meant a singer, chosen by the American public, who would go on to sell a lot of records. The show wasn't called "Broadway Idol" and it is unlikely the producers hoped their television show would supply stars for the Great White Way.
That, however, is what has happened.
Fantasia Barrino, American Idol winner for season 3, starred on Broadway in "The Color Purple."
Taylor Hicks, American Idol winner for season 5 , appeared in "Grease."
American Idol runners-up have been as, or more, successful on Broadway:
Clay Aiken (number 2 in season 2) had a run in "Spamalot"
Josh Strickland (season 2) starred in "Tarzan"
Constantine Maroulis (number 6 in season 4) is currently starring in Rock of Ages
Tamrya Gray (number 4 in season 1) has appeared in "Rent" and "Bombay Dreams"
Now Ace Young (number 7 in season 5) and Diana DeGarma (number 2 in season 3), who previously appeared in Hairspray, have been cast in "Hair."
The American Idol/Broadway musical connection doesn't stop there.
Adam Lambert, runner-up on season 8, was a stage actor from childhood and at age 23 appeared in the Broadway production company tour and Los Angeles casts of the musical Wicked.
In the current season, season 9, Todrick Hall, who just made it to the top 24 actually wrote and directed a show called"Oz, The Musical," although it ran into financial difficulties which is now the source for him of some
bad publicity

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AI_NEWS~ AI9 contestants on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace

Not sure if anyone has posted this yet.  As a Twitter-aholic, I think it's really cool.

 

http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/02/american-idol-the-idols-get-twitter-facebook-and-myspace-this-year.html

 

'American Idol': The Idols get Twitter, Facebook and MySpace this year

By Andrea Reiher

   |  

February 18, 2010 8:36 AM

"American Idol" has joined the rest of the social media world.

Most years, the Idols are kept in an underground dungeon, only let out on Tuesday or Wednesday nights to perform like monkeys for 33 million people.

Just kidding. But most years, the Idols are kept on a pretty tight leash. This year, the leash is relaxing just a little bit, as the Idols are allowed to have Twitter accounts and Facebook and MySpace pages. (Which we're sure will still be monitored, but it's still cool!)

Ryan Seacrest tweeted Wednesday night: "Fox is saying the contestants will have  MySpace, Twitter, Facebook pages on idol." Here are the accounts. Thank you to MJ's Big Blog and Rickey for compiling these lists.

TWITTER:

Andrew Garcia: @AGarciaAI9
Katie Stevens: @KStevensAI9
Michael Lynche: @MLyncheAI9
Didi Benami: @DBenamiAI9
Haeley Vaughn: @HVaughnAI9
Tim Urban: @TUrbanAI9
Katelyn Epperly: @KEpperlyAI9
Aaron Kelly: @AKellyAI9
Lee Dewyze: @LDewyzeAI9
Todrick Hall: @THallAI9
Janell Wheeler: @JWheelerAI9
Tyler Grady: @TGradyAI9
Lacey Brown: @LBrownAI9
Ashley Rodriguez: @ARodriguezAI9
Alex Lambert: @ALambertAI9
Joe Munoz: @JMunozAI9
Crystal Bowersox: @CBowersoxAI9
Lilly Scott: @LScottAI9
Paige Miles: @PMilesAI9
Siobhan Magnus: @SMagnusAI9
Michelle Delamor: @MDelamorAI9
Jermaine Sellers: @JSellersAI9
John Park: @JParkAI9
Casey James: @CJamesAI9

FACEBOOK:

Andrew Garcia: AGarciaAI9
Katie Stevens: KStevensAI9
Michael Lynche: MLyncheAI9
Didi Benami: DBenamiAI9
Haeley Vaughn: HVaughnAI9
Tim Urban: TUrbanAI9
Katelyn Epperly: KEpperlyAI9
Aaron Kelly: AKellyAI9
Lee Dewyze: LDewyzeAI9
Todrick Hall: THallAI9
Janell Wheeler: JWheelerAI9
Tyler Grady: TGradyAI9
Lacey Brown: LBrownAI9
Ashley Rodriguez: ARodriguezAI9
Alex Lambert: ALambertAI9
Joe Munoz: JMunozAI9
Crystal Bowersox: CBowersoxAI9
Lilly Scott: LScottAI9
Paige Miles: PMilesAI9
Siobhan Magnus: SMagnusAI9
Michelle Delamor: MDelamorAI9
Jermaine Sellers: JSellersAI9
John Park: JParkAI9
Casey James: CJamesAI9

MYSPACE:

Andrew Garcia: AGarciaAI9
Katie Stevens: KStevensAI9
Michael Lynche: MLyncheAI9
Didi Benami: DBenamiAI9
Haeley Vaughn: HVaughnAI9
Tim Urban: TUrbanAI9
Katelyn Epperly: KEpperlyAI9
Aaron Kelly: AKellyAI9
Lee Dewyze: LDewyzeAI9
Todrick Hall: THallAI9
Janell Wheeler: JWheelerAI9
Tyler Grady: TGradyAI9
Lacey Brown: LBrownAI9
Ashley Rodriguez: ARodriguezAI9
Alex Lambert: ALambertAI9
Joe Munoz: JMunozAI9
Crystal Bowersox: CBowersoxAI9
Lilly Scott: LScottAI9
Paige Miles: PMilesAI9
Siobhan Magnus: SMagnusAI9
Michelle Delamor: MDelamorAI9
Jermaine Sellers: JSellersAI9
John Park: JParkAI9
Casey James: CJamesAI9

Follow Zap2it Andrea on Twitter and follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news.

 

"They don't know what it's like to be a fan, ya know, to truly love some silly piece of music or some band so much that it hurts." ~ Almost Famous

"It's nice to stay in that semi-informed fantasy land where [he] is just real enough to have a personality and just unreal enough to be perfect." ~ Me

The Carter Factor        Obsessed with Seacrest        All About Josh        Ace-Young.Net 

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AI_NEWS~ Angela Martin

Angela Martin just sang on Ellen.  Ellen told her Kara is writing a song for her and she is getting a record label.

 

Susie

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AI_NEWS~ TOP 24 CONTESTANTS

http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season_9/

 

TOP 24 CONTESTANTS

Presented By:

• Aaron Kelly

  

  16 years old
  Sonestown, PA

• Alex Lambert

  

  19 years old
  North Richland Hills, TX

• Andrew Garcia

  

  24 years old
  Moreno Valley, CA

• Ashley Rodriguez

  

  22 years old
  Chelsea, MA

• Casey James

  

  27 years old
  Fort Worth, TX

• Crystal Bowersox

  

  24 years old
  Elliston, OH

• Didi Benami

  

  23 years old
  Hollywood, CA

• Haeley Vaughn

  

  16 years old
  Fort Collins, CO

• Janell Wheeler

  

  24 years old
  Tampa, FL

• Jermaine Sellers

  

  26 years old
  Joliet, IL

• Joe Munoz

  

  20 years old
  Huntington Park, CA

• John Park

  

  21 years old
  Evanston, IL

• Katelyn Epperly

  

  19 years old
  West Des Moines, IA

• Katie Stevens

  

  17 years old
  Middlebury, CT

• Lacey Brown

  

  24 years old
  Amarillo, TX

• Lee Dewyze

  

  23 years old
  Mount Prospect, IL

• Lilly Scott

  

  20 years old
  Littleton, CO

• Michael Lynche

  

  26 years old
  Astoria, NY

• Michelle Delamor

  

  22 years old
  Miami, FL

• Paige Miles

  

  24 years old
  Cypress, TX

• Siobhan Magnus

  

  19 years old
  Barnstable, MA

• Tim Urban

  

  20 years old
  Duncanville, TX

• Todrick Hall

  

  24 years old
  Arlington, TX

• Tyler Grady

  

  20 years old
  Nazareth, PA

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AI_NEWS~ Clay Aiken to Perform One-Night Only Concert at Memorial Auditorium, 3/12

PBS special to air in June.

 

http://raleigh.broadwayworld.com/article/Clay_Aiken_to_Perform_OneNight_Only_Concert_at_Memorial_Auditorium_312_20100213

 

Clay Aiken to Perform One-Night Only Concert at Memorial Auditorium, 3/12

  

Saturday, February 13, 2010; Posted: 12:02 PM - by BWW News Desk 

Clay Aiken will hit the stage for a special one night only concert at Memorial Auditorium in his hometown, Raleigh, NC on Friday, March 12. The singer is promising fans an exciting 2010 with this special one night performance being just the beginning. The performer extraordinaire is gearing up for the release of his new album, "Clay Aiken: Tried and True." The special concert, which will be taped for television, is the world premiere live performance of his forthcoming album being released on Decca this Spring.

As a special "thank you" to his fans, Clay is giving fan club members the first opportunity to purchase tickets with a special fan club only pre-sale. Beginning Tuesday, Feb 16 at 12PM EST, fan club members will be able to login to www.clayaiken.com and visit the "Appearances" page to pick up their pre-sale code and click through for the opportunity to purchase up to 2 tickets. The fan club pre-sale ends on Thursday, Feb 18 at 10PM EST.

"I truly have the best fans in the world," says the singer. "Their support has been unwavering and I can't wait to share the new music with them. Not only will this be an exciting show with special guests, but as a true thank you to them, the fans will get the first chance for tickets and a first listen of the music I've been working so hard on over the past year."

Tickets will go on-sale to the general public beginning Friday, February 19 at 12PM EST. All tickets will be available via Ticketmaster.com. or by calling 800-745-3000.

There will also be an opportunity for a few lucky fans to enjoy a true VIP experience. Clay will be auctioning off 5 VIP packages via eBay and donating 100% of the proceeds to his charity, National Inclusion Project. Clay will post 1 package each day at 12PM EST beginning Tues, Feb 16, and finish by posting the final 2 packages on Friday, Feb 19. Stay tuned each day to www.clayaiken.com to access each auction.

Each package will be identical and include the following:
• Attending the dress rehearsal in Raleigh on Thursday, March 11th
• A guided tour of the backstage area following the dress rehearsal (hosted by Mary Brennan)
• An exclusive sit down Q&A with Clay following the dress rehearsal
• 2 tickets to the live show on Friday, March 12th

**TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, MEALS, INCIDENTALS, ETC ARE NOT INCLUDED.

For more information please visit www.clayaiken.com

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AI_NEWS~ 'Idol' Champs vs. Runners-Up: Who's the Bigger Winner?

http://www.ivillage.com/kelly-clarkson-and-justin-guarini-american-idol/1-b-73646#content

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AI_NEWS~ 'American Idol' Producers Claim No Offer Has Been Made to Stern

http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/02/09/american-idol-producers-claim-no-offer-has-been-made-to-stern/

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AI_NEWS~ Howard Stern confirms 'American Idol' talks

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35299285/ns/entertainment-television/

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AI_NEWS~ Kim Caldwell hosted Super Bowl Idol

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-02-02-media-day-mainbar_N.htm

 

 

 

 

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AI_NEWS~ Which Idols sing on the new 'We Are the World'?

Complete List

http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2010-02-02-we-are-the-world-list_N.htm

 

Video

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2010/02/who-sings-on-the-new-we-are-the-world/1

 

Which Idols sing on the new 'We Are the World'?

In this photo provided by WATW, singers Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Usher, Katharine McPhee, will.i.am, Toni Braxton, Barbra Streisand, LL Cool J, Harry Connick Jr., Wyclef Jean, Vince Vaughn, Jeff Bridges, Natalie Cole and others perform at the

CAPTION

By Kevin Mazur, AP

USA TODAY's Edna Gundersen attended Monday's recording session for the Haiti-relief version of We Are the World and has a full list of participants. Among those participating: Jennifer Hudson, Randy Jackson, Katharine McPhee, Jordin Sparks and American Idol band leader Rickey Minor.

 

 

 

 

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AI_NEWS~ Clay Aiken at Mirasol: Golf, inclusion and fatherhood

http://www.pbpulse.com/tv/2010/02/01/clay-aiken-at-mirasol-golf-inclusion-and-fatherhood/

 

Clay Aiken at Mirasol: Golf, inclusion and fatherhood

By Leslie Gray Streeter   |  American Idol, Benefits, Celeb Stalker, Gossip, Sightings, TV  |  February 01, 2010

In 2008, I had a chat with "American Idol" finalist, Broadway star and all-around big famous sensation during his first annual Golfing For Inclusion benefit at Palm Beach Gardens' Mirasol Country Club, for what was then called the Bubel-Aiken Foundation. He was there to help raise money for the foundation's goal of providing opportunities for kids with disabilities to attend camp, but not to share his mad golf skills, because he apparently doesn't have any.

And today, at the third annual golf event to benefit what is now called the National Inclusion Project, Clay revealed that after three years and a couple of clinics with golf pro Wayne Player, his game…still has no game.

"I still don't know anything," Clay, chilling in a small room not far from the very rainy golf course where about 75 golfers were to be teeing off. "We do the clinic and I still don't know what (Player) is talking about. I just stand there and make a few jokes."

Still, Clay's willing every year to be the test subject in Player's clinics every year, if it'll inspire people to show up, play golf and contribute to the cause, which has been dear to him since his pre-Idol days as a camp counselor in Raleigh, North Carolina. There, he remembers, was a little girl  – "Let's call her Jessica," he says, who signed up for camp before anyone realized she had disabilities. Upon discovering Jessica's situation, Clay remembers, the camp's director, tried to send her away, "because I think the director and the camp were not educated that it was possible. I almost quit over that. But now, people know that it's possible, easy and effective."

What The National Inclusion Project has done is create a curriculum that can be used by already-existing camps to make their facilities accessible and fun for would-be campers with disabilities. For the third year, the foundation has donated $15,000 to a Florida facility – this year's recipient is the Florida Lion's Camp in Lake Wales.

Clay says the foundation's new name makes plain what its goals are, unlike the old one, named for him and co-founder Diane Bubel, whose autistic son Clay tutored — "No one knew how to pronounce Diane's name, including our executive director. Make sure you print that! They said Bubble, Babel, Buble'. Plus, no one knew what (the foundation) did, even with the minimal name recognition. But this new name has helped us reach out to a national audience."

The event, which attracted about 75 people for golf and is expected to have about 200 for a dinner and performance by Clay this evening, was nearly turned into "Poker For Inclusion," because of the soggy weather. But the foundation's Kristy Barnes, who was a counselor with Clay back in the day, reports that most everyone stuck it out and played nine holes or so before retiring into the club to play cards, while "talking about how much fun they had."

Since the first event, Clay's life has changed somewhat – he finished a stint on Broadway in "Spamalot," came out on the cover of "People" magazine, and in the summer of 2008 had a son, Parker Foster Aiken, with friend Jaymes Foster (sister of producer David Foster). He says that parenthood has helped the cause of inclusion "resonate even more" with him than it did before.

"Before, Diane Bubel always talked about this from the perspective of a parent, and I didn't understand. But this year, me and Christy, who is also a new parent, were putting together the video for our gala, and we finally thought 'We know now what heartstrings we need to pull.' Before, we would have asked the question, 'How would you feel if you were left out, if you weren't included?' and now we're asking 'What would you do if it were your child,' because now, that's so much more powerful to us."

Still, Clay laughs, his golf game is not, nor is his interest in watching sports in general – "I don't have the patience for it," he says. "But I did watch the Vikings and the Saints play, and I was somewhat intrigued by it. If they could shorten the entire football season down to about a week, I could be into it!"

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