Just three things for tonight's
American Idol roundup. One's about Kris Allen, one's about Ryan Seacrest, and one's about
Idol Gives Back.
First off,
Kris Allen has signed a publishing deal with Universal Music. The deal includes his self-titled debut released last year, as well as future albums. "I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with ... Universal Music Publishing Group," the season 8 winner said in a press release. Previous
Idol contestants who have worked with Universal Music include Jason Castro, Chris Daughtry and David Cook.
Ryan Seacrest talked to the Los Angeles Times about his weird behavior during Tuesday night's performance show--one that the contestants blamed on fatigue and excess caffeine--and he's adding another ingredient: fun. Speaking of Ryan,
Zap2it suggests that
he's dating Dancing with the Stars' Julianne Hough, after Simon Cowell accidentally slipped about the host dating "the girl from
DWTS" after last night's results. Err...
Finally,
Idol Gives Back returns next week after a hiatus last year, and here's my little attempt to put together all the names that we should expect to see.
The event will be held in two places: Ryan will be at the
Idol set and
Queen Latifah will be at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
Alicia Keys will be performing, apart from her duties as guest mentor to the Top 7. Also performing:
Elton John, Carrie Underwood, the Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, Mary J. Blige, Jeff Beck and Joss Stone.ABC News also reports that
Justin Bieber will perform on Wednesday night's two-hour show, although it'll be pre-taped. (I presume it's
the performance he taped during R&B week.) They also report that
Jim Carrey and
Jonah Hill will be appearing in sketches.
Judging from the photos Fox has released, we'll also be hearing from
Jennifer Garner and
Morgan Freeman, who visited schools in Mississippi and Kentucky. Of course, we'll also hear from
David Cook, who flew to Ethiopia recently.
We previously reported that
President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle
have recorded a message for the show, and
Nadya Suleman--yes, Octomom--
will appear in a sketch. I just hope it's Jonah Hill making fun of her.