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Lee DeWyze Joins Gable Heart Beats Foundation

American Idol News — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:49:00 +0000

American Idol Winner Lee DeWyze has joined forces with the Gable Heart Beats Foundation. Together, they will continue the drive to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and other forms of heart disease, in addition to prom Read more ... Read More

Lee joins fellow American Idol contestant Andrew Garcia, who joined the Gable Heart Beats Community in November 2010. Both are part of a growing community of athletes, musicians, comedians, and celebrities that now work with the Gable Heart Beats Foundation around the world.

"We are thrilled and honored to welcome Lee DeWyze's contribution to our efforts," said Foundation Executive Director, Amy Mayo. "His music, energy, and determination to make the world a better place embody the core spirit of the Gable Heart Beats Foundation."

In August 2011, Lee starred in a promotional video for the Foundation. He met with Mayo and Board Member Michelle Gable on the rooftop of the London West Hollywood Hotel to shoot the film.

"When I was asked if I'd be a part of the Gable Heart Beats, I jumped at it...I read the story and learned a lot about Cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac arrest," Lee shared with filmmakers.

A percentage of the film's proceeds will benefit Gable Heart Beats partners Heartfelt Cardiac Projects and 44 for Life. Both are non-profit organizations driven to reduce risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Heartfelt Cardiac Projects, based in southern California, hosts low-fee heart screenings worldwide, while 44 for Life, based outside Philadelphia, donates defibrillators to schools in ... read more

St. Louis Song List

American Idol News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:11:43 +0000

The last stop on the hometown auditions tour brought us to St. Louis, Missouri. Big voices and personalities were aplenty in the Show-Me state. Read More

The last stop on the hometown auditions tour brought us to St. Louis, Missouri. Big voices and personalities were aplenty in the Show-Me state.

Many of you were wondering what song you heard during last night's show. Without further ado, here is the song list from St. Louis auditions.

Title: Where Is My Mind
Artist Version: Maxence Cyrin
Contestant: n/a

Title: Undo It
Artist Version: Carrie Underwood
Contestant: n/a

Title: Louie Louie
Artist Version: The Kingsmen
Contestant: n/a

Title: Knock Knock
Artist Version: Mac Miller
Contestant: n/a

Title: Show Me What I'm Looking For
Artist Version: Carolina Liar
Contestant: n/a

Title: A Change Is Gonna Come
Artist Version: Sam Cooke
Contestant: JOHNNY KEYSER

Title: All I Need
Artist Version: Awolnation
Contestant: n/a

Title: 100 Proof
Artist Version: Kellie Pickler
Contestant: n/a

Title: Dearly ... read more

Carrie Underwood to Release New Album, May 1

American Idol News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:20:54 +0000

In anticipation of what is expected to be one of this year’s hottest album releases, it was announced today that Carrie Underwood‘s new CD will be released on Tuesday, May 1. Produced by Mark Bright, the forthcoming album was featur Read more ... Read More

In anticipation of what is expected to be one of this year's hottest album releases, it was announced today that Carrie Underwood's new CD will be released on Tuesday, May 1. Produced by Mark Bright, the forthcoming album was featured inEntertainment Weekly's recent "10 albums we can't wait for."This will be the fourth studio album on 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville for the five-time Grammy winner.The debut single co-written by Carrie, "Good Girl," will be released to country radio on February 23.

The fourth American Idol's February schedule is already gearing up with numerous appearances, performances, and events. Among those are "CMT Crossroads" with Aerosmith rock legend Steven Tyler, an appearance at the 54^th Grammy Awards, Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, a performance at the Nordstrom Nashville Symphony Fashion Show, and the digital release of her new single, "Good Girl."

Since releasingSome Hearts in 2005, Carrie has sold more than 14 million albums withSome Hearts, 2007'sCarnival Ride, and2009'sPlay On. She's amassed 14 No. 1 singles, six of which she co-wrote, and became the first country artist in history and the onlyAmerican Idol winner ever to achieve 10 No. 1 singles from their first two ... read more

Chat About St. Louis

American Idol News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:36:36 +0000

It’s the last night of hometown auditions, and TONIGHT we’re off to St. Louis, MO, where we first discovered Carrie Underwood Read more ... Read More

It's the last night of hometown auditions, and TONIGHT we're off to St. Louis, MO, where we first discovered Carrie Underwood. See who will standout in the Show-Me state at 8/7c on FOX. Join the discussion with fellow fans right here on AmericanIdol.com. Login with your Twitter, Facebook, or American Idol accounts and discuss the episode below.

In addition to chatting here, you can also share your comments on Twitter with #Idol and post your comments on Facebook.

Check back Thursday after the show to watch memorable auditions. We will also have interviews with each of the Hollywood-bound contestants from St. Louis. Peruse photos, see the song list, and share your opinions. Then, chat on Wednesday at 8/7c on FOX for the start of Hollywood Week!

Meet everyone who is headed to Hollywood so far!

Portland Song List

American Idol News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:46:04 +0000

Talent was in bloom in the City of Roses. People from all over came to Portland, Oregon in an attempt to change their lives. There were some moving songs, some upbeat songs, and everything in between performed and heard on the show Read more ... Read More

What was that song you can't get out of your head? Take a look at the Portland auditions song list.

Title: Dog Days Are Over
Artist Version: Florence + The Machine
Contestant: n/a

Title: 40 Day Dream
Artist Version: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Contestant: n/a

Title: Gravity
Artist Version: Sara Bareilles
Contestant: n/a

Title: The Story
Artist Version: Brandi Carlile
Contestant: BRITTANY ZIKA

Title: You Make Me Feel
Artist Version: Cobra Starship feat. Sabi
Contestant: n/a

Title: Mr. Pitiful
Artist Version: Otis Redding
Contestant: n/a

Title: Born This Way
Artist Version: Lady Gaga
Contestant: BEN PURDOM

Title: Super Bass
Artist ... read more

Chat About Portland Auditions

American Idol News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:05:37 +0000

It’s the last week of hometown auditions, and TONIGHT we’re off to Portland, Oregon. See who will blossom in the City of Roses at 8/7c on FOX. Join the discussion with fellow fans right here on AmericanIdol.com. Log Read more ... Read More
It's the last week of hometown auditions, and TONIGHT we're off to Portland, Oregon. See who will blossom in the City of Roses at 8/7c on FOX. Join the discussion with fellow fans right here on AmericanIdol.com. Login with your Twitter, Facebook, or American Idol accounts and discuss the Portland episode below.

In addition to chatting here, you can also share your comments on Twitter with #Idol and post your comments on Facebook.

Check back Thursday after the show to watch memorable auditions. We will also have interviews with each of the Hollywood-bound contestants from Portland. Peruse photos, see the song list, and share your opinions. Then, chat again tomorrow at 8/7c on FOX for the final stop on the road, St. Louis, MO.

Meet everyone who is headed to Hollywood so far!

Adam Lambert’s New Music Video

American Idol News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:37:32 +0000

Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert is set to premiere the video for his first single, “Better Than I Know Myself” off his upcoming sophomore album TrespassingRead more ... Read More
Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert is set to premiere the video for his first single, "Better Than I Know Myself" off his upcoming sophomore album Trespassing (RCA Records/19 Entertainment) on VEVO, February 3^rd. The video, which is directed by Ray Kay (Britney Spears, Lady Gaga), was shot in Los Angeles earlier this month. Ray Kay and Adam previously worked together on the "Whataya Want From Me" video.

Later this spring, Adam will release his highly anticipated second album which he is executive producing. In mid-January, Adam appeared on NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Ellen where he brought the house down with pitch-perfect renditions of "Better Than I Know Myself".

In addition to executive producing the album and co-writing many of the tracks, Adam collaborated with an all-star list of award winning artists, producers and songwriters including Pharrell Williams, Dr. Luke, Claude Kelly, Benny Blanco, Bonnie McKee, Nile Rodgers, Sam Sparro, and BC Jean.

Watch a preview of the "Better Than I Know Myself" video.

Go behind the scenes of the "Better Than I Know Myself" video.

Kelly Clarkson to Perform on Grammy Awards

American Idol News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:43:23 +0000

American Idol and current Grammy nominee Kelly Clarkson will perform on the 54^th Annual Grammy Awards alongside Jason Aldean live on February 12. Two-time Grammy Read more ... Read More
American Idol and current Grammy nominee Kelly Clarkson will perform on the 54^th Annual Grammy Awards alongside Jason Aldean live on February 12. Two-time Grammy winner Kelly is nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Don't You Wanna Stay" (with Jason Aldean). Kelly performed at the Grammys for the first time in 2006 with an emotional performance of "Because Of You."

See all the Idols who were nominated for Grammy awards this year.

Before the Grammys, you can catch Kelly at the Super Bowl this Sunday, where she'll sing the National Anthem! Find out more.

Jennifer Lopez to Present at Academy Awards

American Idol News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:05:44 +0000

American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez will present at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony, telecast producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer announced on Monday. Read More
American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez will present at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony, telecast producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer announced on Monday.

The busy mom, judge, music superstar, and actress will be seen next in the feature "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and recently completed work on "Parker" and "Ice Age: Continental Drift." Her other film credits include "The Back-Up Plan," "El Cantante," "Monster-in-Law," "Maid in Manhattan," "Enough," "The Wedding Planner," "Out of Sight" and "Selena."

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.

Watch Jennifer in action with our show recaps.

Kellie Pickler’s Album at No. 2 and No. 7

American Idol News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:28:02 +0000

Season 5 finalist Kellie Pickler‘s third album, 100 Proof, debuts at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart Read more ... Read More
Season 5 finalist Kellie Pickler's third album, 100 Proof, debuts at No. 2 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and at No. 7 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart today, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"I'm so proud of this album," shares Kellie. "I want to thank the fans so much for buying it and supporting country music. I know these are hard times economically and the fact that people spend their hard earned money on 100 Proof is humbling."

100 Proof has critics touting praise for Kellie with Entertainment Weekly calling 100 Proof Kellie's "meatiest, most adventurous output yet." The Miami Herald said "a major label won't release a more authentic or better country album in 2012 than Pickler's surprisingly terrific 100 Proof." The Associated Press calls 100 Proof "hardcore country" and describes the song, "Stop Cheatin' On Me," as being "drenched in old-fashioned heartbreak."

Parade shares that Kellie is "bearing her Southern soul" on 100 Proof and The New York Daily News says that "100 Proof has a far greater sense of place, with steel guitars, fiddles and banjos that don't just sound like tokens but rather integral parts of the song. The opening cut, 'Where's Tammy Wynette,' earns its invocation of the icon with a feisty tune and a wide vocal arc."

We interviewed Kellie on Monday. Read it here!

Ruben Studdard Releases New Single, Album to Follow!

American Idol News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:27:48 +0000

It’s already a busy year for Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard! Ruben released his new single “June 28th (I’m Single)” from his upcoming CD Letters From Birmingham, which will be released by Shanachie Entertainment Read more ... Read More
It's already a busy year for Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard! Ruben released his new single "June 28th (I'm Single)" from his upcoming CD Letters From Birmingham, which will be released by Shanachie Entertainment on March 13. This concept album about the ups and downs of modern romance is setting the standard for modern day soul troubadours and boasts stunning performances that range from an angelic falsetto on love songs like "Today" to hard-hitting dance floor grooves like "Turn You Out" that show off a raw vocal edge. You can catch a preview of the video for "June 28^th (I'm Single)" on Ruben's website.

Ruben is also slated to perform at New York's prestigious night club Feinstein's at Loews Regency from February 7 to February 11, performing pop and soul standards as well as his new single!

Read about the inaugural Ruben Studdard Celebration that took place in November.

Randy Jackson to Host Charity Fundraiser in New Orleans

American Idol News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:15:11 +0000

American Idol judge Randy Jackson and Season 9 judge Ellen DeGeneres are set to host a gala in New Orleans to benefit Brad Pitt’s charity, Make It Right. The charit Read more ... Read More
American Idol judge Randy Jackson and Season 9 judge Ellen DeGeneres are set to host a gala in New Orleans to benefit Brad Pitt's charity, Make It Right. The charity was founded in 2007 to benefit Lower 9^th Ward residents, many of whom lost their homes in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Randy hails from Baton Rouge and quickly offered to participate in the fundraiser according to The Washington Post. The goal of the charity is to build safer, sturdier and more energy efficient homes in the 9^th ward. Charity spokeswoman Taylor Royle hopes they can raise enough money to reach their goal of 150 homes.

Many other celebrities have also jumped on board to lend their support: Sheryl Crow, Rihanna, Seal and Dr. John are all set to perform. The Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans will hold the event on March 10^th. Tickets to the star-studded event go for $1,000 a person.

See Randy in action with our Season 11 video recaps.

Idol Round-Up

American Idol News — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:38:35 +0000

Here’s the latest news on some of your favorite Idols. They’re releasing new music, performing well on the charts, writing books, and appearing on TV! Read More
Here's the latest news on some of your favorite Idols. They're releasing new music, performing well on the charts, writing books, and appearing on TV!

Music News

Casey James unveiled the cover of his self-titled debut album on USA Today's website today. The third place finalist on American Idol's 9th season will release his debut album March 20. Casey's current single, "Let's Don't Call It A Night," off his forthcoming self-titled debut album was co-written by Casey, Terry McBride and Brice Long. Fans can pre-order Casey's album before it's released on March 20 on Amazon at http://myplay.me/l6h.

Although Kelly Clarkson originally recorded "Don't You Wanna Stay" with Jason Aldean, Lauren Alaina has performed her part in the duet on the "My Kinda Party Tour" with Jason. Check out their amazing duet from the Orlando concert.

Jack and White, featuring Season 7's Brooke White, released a new EP, Winter, on iTunes for just $3.99. You can stream the album on the ... read more

Vonzell Solomon’s New EP

American Idol News — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:22:46 +0000

Season 4′s Vonzell Solomon released a new EP last week titled True Story. The eight-track EP is available on iTunes and the track list is: Read More
Season 4's Vonzell Solomon released a new EP last week titled True Story. The eight-track EP is available on iTunes and the track list is:

1. Faithful
2. Rise Above
3. Dirt Bag
4. Half Of A Heart
5. True Story
6. We Gone Rock
7. Love Me
8. Stronger

We caught up with Vonzell when she was on tour with Burn The Floor. Watch the interview!

Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler to Perform Together Again

American Idol News — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:51:42 +0000

American Idol judge Steven Tyler and fourth American Idol Carrie Underwood combine their talents once again for a spectacular night of music on CMT Crossroads, this Saturday, F Read more ... Read More
American Idol judge Steven Tyler and fourth American Idol Carrie Underwood combine their talents once again for a spectacular night of music on CMT Crossroads, this Saturday, February 4, at 11pm ET/PT. Tune in as the Aerosmith lead singer and the American Idol champ take on one another's fan-favorite hits during their high energy, not-to-be missed performance. This live version of CMT Crossroads takes place in Indianapolis prior to Super Bowl XLVI.

Carrie and Steven first teamed up during the Academy of Country Music Awards last April, when they performed Carrie's "Undo It" and Steven's "Walk This Way."

What songs do you hope they perform this time?