American Idol

Adam Lambert on Out Magazine Controversy: "Not Every Gay Man Is The Same Gay Man"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:19:46 GMT

American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert has finally spoken out on the controversy concerning him and his recent cover on Out magazine--well, to be more exact, about the allegations from the magazine's editor, Aaron Hicklin, that Adam and his management had many conditions surrounding the cover shoot.

To backtrack a bit, Adam was included in the magazine's Out 100 list, honoring the most successful gay people today. He was named, in fact, as Breakout Honoree of the Year by the magazine. But Hicklin later posted an open letter on the magazine's website, complaining that the management had qualms about putting Adam on the cover of the magazine. "Apparently, Out was too gay, even for you," he wrote. He then alleged that Adam's management would not let the singer do the cover unless a straight woman is included, and that the singer wouldn't look "too gay". He also claimed that Adam refused offers from the magazine to appear on its cover while American Idol was still underway.

People's Choice Award Nominees: 'True Blood,' 'Gossip Girl' and the Usual Suspects

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:03:59 GMT

This morning the People's Choice Award nominations were revealed, and as always, it's populism at its best. On the TV side, the nominees often look like the top of the Nielsen ratings list, with a few notable and surprising exceptions. Shows like True Blood and Gossip Girl crept into the Favorite TV Actress categories while Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show features Lost, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural.

However, those are the very cool exceptions. For the most part, the list is full of CSI, NCIS, Grey's Anatomy, Two and a Half Men and other top-rated shows. Here are the major television nominees for this year's People's Choice Awards.

To vote for the People's Choice Awards, CLICK HERE.

Adam Lambert Gets Lady Gaga and A (Leaked) Music Video

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:30:00 GMT

Well, obviously Adam Lambert is proving to be bigger than Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta (new album art, uhh...) and--who's that screaming dude again? Well, I'm judging from the attention the press is giving him. Credit where due.

A couple of bits from the American Idol runner-up, then: first, he's confirmed on his Twitter account that he's collaborating with that girl with the slightly scary eyes, Lady Gaga.

Adam Shankman To Produce Oscars, Direct 'Rock of Ages'

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:15:53 GMT

Get ready Adam Shankman, because you're about to be the busiest man in Hollywood.

Not only is Shankman about to be the third permanent judge on So You Think You Can Dance, he's also signed on to producer the Academy Awards and direct and choreograph the film version of Rock of Ages. Apparently, Adam Shankman needs considerably less sleep than the rest of us, or he's some sort of super human.

Now That I've Heard The Full Version of Adam Lambert's '2012' Song, I'm Not So Sure...

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:30:00 GMT

So I said Adam Lambert's song that serves as the theme to the end-of-the-world movie 2012, "Time for Miracles", triggers goosebumps. Now I've heard the full version, I am not so sure.

The folks over at Vote for the Worst have posted the full version of the song, and listening to it, I wasn't so amazed. Maybe because most of the song was more subdued that the first clip, which featured a lot of Adam's outrageous vocals. Maybe because I've gotten used to all the screaming after listening to studio versions of his American Idol performances. (I didn't download them. My brother did.)

Adam Lambert's '2012' Song: Goosebumps. And It's Just A Preview!

editor@buddytv.com — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:25:16 GMT

This took forever. But you've probably heard of this already. Adam Lambert's first song since almost winning American Idol? Goosebumpy.

So we know that he's got a song on the upcoming end-of-the-world flick 2012. That tune's called "Time for Miracles", and some say it'll be part of the movie's closing credits, which makes sense, because it sounds a bit hopeful, thanks to Adam's soaring, if not at times scary, vocals.

'Idol Gives Back' Returns Next Year

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:35:07 GMT

They didn't have it last year, thinking it'd be odd to ask people for donations in the middle of bad economic times. This year, Idol Gives Back returns, and it probably means the economy's working fine now, right?

Well, that, and American Idol producers announcing last year that the charity effort--where former and current contestants join a star-studded cast in raising awareness and funds for various charities--will be held every two years. There was one back in the seventh season; it was skipped in the eighth; and there will be another one of the upcoming ninth. To be exact, it'll be on April 21, 2010, on a two-hour special from 8pm.

Uh-Oh, I Sense Some Disappointment in Allison Iraheta's First Single

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:37:06 GMT

Full disclosure: I am a huuuge Allison Iraheta fan. It's obvious from the nickname I gave her in these parts (there's a reason why I call her Allie) and from the barely-known story of me almost welling up when she was eliminated from American Idol. And I did say I'll be looking forward to her debut album, and I'll be buying it, which is a mean feat considering I haven't bought anything from an Idol graduate.

That said, I am slightly disappointed with the first single.

American Idol: Albums (Almost) on the Ready for Kris and Adam

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:30:00 GMT

I don't exactly want to call it a Kris vs Adam thing, but it's inevitable. We've seen it happen before: the American Idol winner slugging it out with the American Idol runner-up, although it doesn't necessarily mean actual adversity between the two. You know what I mean, right?

Right now, it seems Adam Lambert is ahead of the battle: his album has reportedly gone to the second top slot on Amazon's pre-sales chart. It's a really mean feat: one, the album (which still has to get a name) won't be released until November 24; and two, record label RCA has yet to announce that pre-orders for the glam rocker's post-Idol debut are possible. In other words, it's the fan base that's keeping this whole thing rolling. Applause to Glamberts everywhere.

American Idol: Is Simon's 'X Factor' Deal Already A Reality?

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 04:30:00 GMT

The last we heard, Fox executives and American Idol producers are rumored to be planning to allow Simon Cowell to bring his singing talent show, The X Factor, to these shores so they can keep him as a judge on American Idol. Now, reports say it's going to happen.

That's according to British red top The Daily Mirror, who report that the deal to bring the successful British talent show that gave us Leona Lewis has been finalized, and is worth $103 million.

Do We Really Need Another Singing Competition on TV?

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:30:00 GMT

Now here's something we almost missed: Simon Cowell hasn't yet signed a new contract with Fox so he can continue being a judge on American Idol. Then again, the only thing that's left to be worked out are the details, but it seems those details are the ones hitting the snags. Now, there are rumors that Fox are letting Simon do one thing they never let him do before so he'll stay: bring The X Factor to these shores.

That show, as we all know, is a huuuge singing competition show in the UK, bringing in not just solo artists (as is the case with Idol) but also groups. Each group--boys, girls, contestants over 25, and groups--will be mentored by one of the four judges, making it a competition of sorts. (Apart from Cowell, also judging are Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue, and Cheryl Cole, who was rumored to be joining Idol.) Best known as the show that gave us Leona Lewis, it's currently begun its latest season across the pond. Oh, and it's created and produced by a certain Simon Cowell.

'American Idol' Roundup: Kris Allen's New Song, And Some Sexual Tension?

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:30:00 GMT

You know how it goes. There's always this long wait between the moment someone wins American Idol to the moment that someone releases a song that's not a studio version of a previous performance, or a previously-released obscurity, or a tour bootleg. Same went with this year's final four, although that seems to have shrunk a bit: Kris Allen's got a new song. And oddly, I haven't heard of it until it finally dropped. So here goes another one of those roundups: two items, one about that song, and the other, well, the title should've said it all.

'American Idol' Roundup: Seacrest Almost Hijacked, DioGuardi Shops 'Dropped'

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:15:00 GMT

I think I got distracted by all these fall premieres that I pushed this little show known as American Idol on the corner. Well, before I kink out my schedule and get things back to order, a couple of items, one involving job security, and the other involving actual security. You know, that serious sort.

Nigel Lythgoe: 'Idol' Stole Ellen DeGeneres From Us

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:30:00 GMT

Ruh-roh! Yeah, bad Scooby Doo impression.

But that was what I first thought when Nigel Lythgoe spoke up regarding American Idol snagging Ellen DeGeneres as a guest judge--of course, you know, after her guest stint on the 99th episode of So You Think You Can Dance.

In a nutshell, he thinks Idol "stole" Ellen from SYTYCD.

'American Idol' Roundup: Misinterpreted Simon, Not-So-Dating David, and, Well, More Ellen

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:30:00 GMT

Because since Wednesday night all I've heard is stuff about Ellen, Ellen and Ellen. Well, there are still stuff about Ellen DeGeneres joining American Idol in this roundup, sure, but there are other people on the show too, you know. It wasn't on for nine years for nothing...

American Idol's Ellen DeGeneres: "Hopefully I'm The People's Point Of View"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:15:00 GMT

"I don't know how it happened myself," Ellen DeGeneres said, after confirmation that she is taking Paula Abdul's vacated seat as the new permanent judge on American Idol.

"I have not missed one episode of that show," she added. "I love everything about it and I love music, as you know. Hopefully I'm the people's point of view because I'm just like you. I sit at home and I watch it and I don't have that technical... I'm not looking at it in a critical way from the producer's mind. I'm looking at it as a person who is going to buy the music and is going to relate to that person."

Ellen DeGeneres Takes Over Paula's Seat on 'American Idol'

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:45:00 GMT

Never in my right mind did I imagine that Ellen DeGeneres being a guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance would lead to her being a permanent judge on American Idol.

One, because I never really imagined her taking on another big role. After all, she has The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which I can only imagine to be a huuuge undertaking. Sure, you have people doing the writing and the looking for you, but it takes a hell lot to go on stage and do your thing five days a week, for most of the year.

Ellen DeGeneres Named New 'American Idol' Judge

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:01:03 GMT

And the fourth American Idol seat goes to Ellen DeGeneres.

Fox has announced that the Emmy-winning talk show host and comedian has joined Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi on the Idol judging panel, starting from the ninth season next year.

Oooh, An 'American Idol' Reunion (Of Sorts) on 'VH1 Divas'

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:30:02 GMT

I think you can really call this an American Idol reunion now, the upcoming VH1 Divas concert. We've got three former contestants and a former judge. That counts, right?

Jennifer Hudson is one of the newest additions to the cable network's concert series; this year's will be on September 17. Also joining the pool are Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge and Cyndi Lauper, who marks her third appearance on the show. (And, to force the Idol point, she was there last year too, singing in the finale.)

American Idol: And the Next One Who'll Get Signed Is...

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:45:00 GMT

Seriously? I don't know. Since last season's top four contestants have snagged record deals--three within weeks, and Danny Gokey just getting his last week--I'm suddenly wondering as to who will be next contestant from the last batch of American Idol contestants.

I'm asking this because, while I was away, fans of Matt Giraud and Michael Sarver banded together and turned their Twitter hashtags into trending topics: #signmattg for fans of the piano-reliant soul guy, and #weluvmikesarver for fans of the oil rig worker-turned-singer. The objective is quite obvious: to let record labels know that there are people who'd be willing to buy albums from these two if they do get signed.

American Idol: Want A Chemistry Lesson? Subtract One And Keep It That Way

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:56:06 GMT

"It's like comparing a carrot to a banana," Simon Cowell said over the weekend, when asked about how the chemistry between the American Idol judges has changed now that Paula Abdul has left and, it seems, is not bent on even considering a return.

A quick read between the lines suggests something that we already know: Paula's departure has deprived the show of someone who'll, for lack of a better term, soften the blow that the more snarky comments might bring. Well, because a carrot is harder than a banana...

'American Idol' Roundup: On Stage, Off Stage, In Line, and In Church, Or Whatever Amounts To It

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:07:55 GMT

With a third of a year to go before American Idol returns, the least we could do is this roundup. Because there's a world outside the last crop of finalists--and then there's David Cook hitting platinum with "Light On". Had to mention that because a friend's been goading me to mention it when I mentioned Adam Lambert's album release...

CBS Adds "Breakthrough Performance" to Emmys Telecast

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:51:09 GMT

The Emmys are getting a viral, user-generated component this year as CBS is teaming up with Vaseline to sponsor "Breakthrough Performance of the Year," a category which allows viewers to vote for their favorite TV moments of the year, with the top three and winner being revealed on the primetime Emmy Awards telecast Sunday, September 20 on CBS.

The number of things that are unbelievably stupid and wrong with this decision is astounding. Even if you don't like the Emmys, you have to admit that this decision is actively killing what little credibility the Emmys hoped to maintain.

American Idol: Adam Lambert's Debut Out November 24

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:48:30 GMT

And pandemonium ensues. First posted on Adam Lambert's Twitter page, confirmation that his first album after American Idol will be released on November 24.

And I say pandemonium because of two things. One, his album, which he promised to be an "eclectic" mix of dance pop and glam rock, will be released exactly a week after season 8 winner Kris Allen releases his.
r

Will She Say "See You Later, Boy"? Avril Lavigne is an 'American Idol' Guest Judge

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:10:57 GMT

Welcome back to pop star sensibilities, American Idol.

Canadian pop-rocker Avril Lavigne is the next celebrity to throw herself into the pot of the show's guest judges, one that I also lovingly call the "temporary Paula Abdul replacement" pot. (I think I mentioned it before.)

American Idol: Danny Gokey Finally Signs Record Deal

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:08:45 GMT

We've been waiting for quite a while for this, and it's finally happened: American Idol third placer Danny Gokey has signed a record deal with 19 Recordings and RCA Nashville. It's a pretty big thing, actually: this is the first time the entire final four of an Idol season has been given a record deal with 19, with Kris Allen Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta signing their contracts last June.