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Adam Lambert Promises Trespassing Tour … Just Not Yet

Posted 8/3/12 3:20 pm EST by in American Idol, Music, Tweet Beat

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert's latest album Trespassing debuted at #1 back in May, and now, nearly three months later, the former "American Idol" contestant is reassuring his dedicated fans that he does plan to hit the road in support of the set … but not until "the time is right."

The glam-pop star hit Twitter last night (August 2) to tell the nation of Glamberts that a Trespassing tour will indeed happen but that they might have to wait a while longer. "Have no fear, a Trespassing Tour WILL come. When the time is right," Lambert tweeted. "Trust me Glamberts! I won't let you down."

Lambert's second album Trespassing topped the charts with 77,000 copies sold in its opening frame. The singer's 2009 debut, For Your Entertainment, entered the chart at #3 and has gone on to sell more than 1 million copies.

Related:
>> Adam Lambert To Appear On 'Pretty Little Liars'
>> Adam Lambert Hits #1 With Trespassing
>> Two Years Later, Glamberts Remain A Fan Army To Beat
>> Lady Gaga Lives To Give And Other Artists Should Be Very Thankful

Are you excited for a "Trespassing" tour? Disappointed that you might have to wait a while, Glamberts? Sound of in the comments below!

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Mariah Carey's J.Lo Move: Is Singer Using 'American Idol' To Reignite Music Career?

Posted 7/24/12 2:30 pm EST by in American Idol, Mariah Carey

Mariah

We are very excited that Mariah Carey is set to join "American Idol" in the fall. I mean, we've never really watched "A.I.," but we might give it a shot now just to see what the famously loopy diva has to say, especially to the less-than-talented contestants that audition early on and don't make it through. Mariah Carey doesn't hide her feelings, so we're hoping for some Cowell-level slights mixed with diva eye rolling. It's going to be amazing.

The motives behind the singer's decision to sign up for FOX's long-running reality singing competition still aren't clear. We're sure the $18 million check she'll cash for just one season if "Idol" certainly has something to do with it, but Mariah Carey has all the money in the world – her estimated net worth is $500 million. No, we think there's more to it than money. Mariah is looking to pull a J.Lo.

>> Can Mariah Carey Save 'American Idol'?

Before signing on to join "Idol" in 2011, Lopez's career was, well, not exactly thriving. Her 2010 rom-com "The Back-Up Plan" bombed and before it she hadn't starred in a film since the 2006 misfire "El Cantante." Her 2007 album Brave also failed to get much attention, debuting at a career-worst #12 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

Then suddenly, things turned around dramatically. Lopez's single "On the Floor" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart at number nine (the highest debut of her career) and went on to peak at No. 3. It marked her first top ten hit since 2003's "All I Have." With nearly 570 million views on YouTube, the video for "On the Floor" is the most watched video ever by a female artist ever on the video-watching website. (Justin Bieber's "Baby" remains the YouTube champion by a substantial margin with more than 761 million views.)

With Lopez seated behind the "Idol" judges table, the juggernaut show posted its first season-over-season ratings gain since 2007 (though it went on to falter in her second season on the show). Her album Love? was released in April 2011 and debuted at No. 5, her highest position on the US album chart since 2005. Even film roles are starting to crop up again; this year, Lopez starred in "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and voiced a character in the fourth "Ice Age" film. She's also already filmed director Taylor Hackford's ("Ray") thriller "Parker" opposite Jason Statham and Clifton Collins Jr.

>> Why Mariah Carey Will Make Me Watch 'American Idol' For The First Time

In May, she topped Forbes magazine's list of the most powerful celebrities and she is now touring the world with Enrique Iglesias in support of her best-of package, Dance Again … The Hits.

So things are going, you know, pretty well. Read More...

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Why Mariah Carey Will Make Me Watch 'American Idol' For The First Time

Posted 7/23/12 5:32 pm EST by in American Idol, Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey

While I have long been an avid consumer of our popular culture, there is one tent pole that I have avoided. At first, it was a pointed protest against what I thought was a silly televised karaoke contest. Later, after it proved to be a star-maker, I stayed away out of spite; what entertainment value would I, then a cultured college student working on being as pretentious as possible, get out of this live singing spectacle. These days, I avoid it out of apathy – outside of the day-to-day business of still being one of the biggest shows on TV, something I cover professionally, I haven't thought about "American Idol" as got-to entertainment in years.

That all changed this afternoon (July 23) when it was announced that Mariah Carey was on board – for real this time, officially – to take up one of the seats at the judges' table recently vacated by Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

While I still have almost no interest in "Idol," I have endless interest in Carey, who is not only an unquestionably talented singer but also slightly out-there and such a huge star that there isn't a PR team, label A&R guy or TV junior executive that will be able to stop her from saying and doing exactly as she wants … And that's awesome, because the things she usually wants to do are magic (like this).

Here are three reasons I will watch "American Idol" for the first time now that Mariah Carey is judging. Read More...

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Adam Lambert To Appear On 'Pretty Little Liars'

Posted 7/19/12 3:17 pm EST by in American Idol, Television

Adam Lambert

By Bryant Gilmore

Sorry, "Pretty Little Liars" fans, you may have to wait a little bit longer to find out who this new "A" is, but we've got some big news about another mysterious figure who is set to appear on the addictive hit teen thriller.

Adam Lambert will be stopping by Rosewood, hopefully to give our four favorite ladies a much-needed break from the new, more bad-ass A, who has kept the girls on their pretty little toes from week to week. The episode starts taping next week and will air in October around Halloween. He will even perform two songs and share a scene with Lucy Hale, according to Ryan Seacrest, who revealed the news earlier today (July 19) on his radio show.

With Lambert’s flamboyant flair on set, what kind of Halloween costumes do you think that the girls will rock this year?

This is shaping up to be the year of Glambert. His second album, Trespassing, debuted at the top of Billboard charts in May, making him the first openly gay artist to do so, and he recently got to step into Freddie Mercury’s shoes and perform with the legendary band Queen in London. Lambert’s achievements continue the tradition of "American Idol" contestants that have gone on to have great success despite not winning, a list that includes Clay Aiken, Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson and "Smash" starlet Katharine McPhee.

Coincidentally, the rumor mill has been rampant with talk that Lambert may be taking over one of the "Idol" judge's chairs now that Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler have exited, which would make him the first "Idol" contestant to return to the show as a judge.

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Kelly Clarkson To Judge On Newest Reality Singing Competition

Posted 3/9/12 11:47 am EST by in American Idol, kelly-clarkson, Television, The Voice

Kelly Clarkson

By Zachary Swickey

You can add ABC to the list of stations attempting a vocal competition show. The new program, “Duets,” will premiere this summer and boasts Kelly Clarkson, Robin Thicke, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and living legend Lionel Richie as its judging panel.

We know what you’re thinking… seriously? Another singing reality show? However, to set themselves apart from the bunch – which now includes “American Idol,” “The Voice,” “The X Factor” and The CW’s upcoming “Star Next Door,” which has Queen Latifah and Gloria Estefan as judges – “Duets” will have the judges choosing two singers to be their duet partners each night. They will perform in front of a live studio audience each week on the show.

Of course, eventually one duet contestant will remain and the top prize is a coveted contract with Hollywood Records.

Clarkson said in a statement, "The simple fact that I get to go out and find two people that I believe in, sing with them every week, and help them accomplish their dream is an amazing thing that I can't wait to be a part of!"

The ratings for “American Idol” have been suffering more than ever, “The X Factor” has received lukewarm attention and “The Voice” is becoming the new favorite, so who knows what ABC is thinking getting into the singing reality show game. “America’s Got Talent” will also be returning this summer, and while not a predominantly singing competition, the addition of Howard Stern as guest judges is bound to give ratings one heck of a boost.

Be on the lookout for “Duets” to premiere on ABC sometime this summer.

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What Are You Looking Forward To Most On Tomorrow's 'American Idol' Premiere?

Posted 1/17/12 12:57 pm EST by in American Idol, Newsroom Poll

American Idol

"American Idol" returns to FOX tomorrow night to begin the audition phase of TV's most popular singing competition. The judging team that helped the show win its first season-over-season ratings gain in five years returns intact alongside host Ryan Seacrest to help decide which wannabe singers have what it takes to be national superstars.

Are you ready?

Well, whether you are or not it's coming, so do what you must to prepare. In the meantime, let us know in the poll below what you are most looking forward to as "AI" comes back for its 11th season.

Read More...

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'American Idol' Season 11 Promo Debuts, Brings The Nice

Posted 10/24/11 8:54 am EST by in American Idol, Jennifer-Lopez

They're not even on at the same time of year, but the arms race between "American Idol" and Simon Cowell's "X Factor" continued on Sunday night when Fox (which airs both shows) unwrapped the first commercial for season 11 of "Idol."

The show doesn't return to air until January 22, but three months out producers seem to be sticking with the positive people vibe they explored last year with a revamped judging panel that included newbies Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. For the first time since season seven, the entire panel has returned intact, with veteran old-schooler Randy Jackson getting some serious love as the first face you see in the new ad.

Strutting through a tree-lined park lane, Jackson is surrounded by budding singers, and, despite some ribbing from early "Factor" promos that dinged "Idol" for its shiny, happy attitude, all seems well in "Idol"-ville. The first glimpse of Lopez is of her designer shoes, as the camera pans out and we see more freshly-scrubbed faces singing and busting moves on an Pleasantburg, U.S.A. Hollywood set.

The poppy, acoustic soundtrack (sample lyric, "anything is possible"), soars into lite rock territory when Tyler spots a garage band (in a literal, cul-de-sac garage!) jamming out as he waves them to join his legion of primary color t-shirt-wearing minions. Check the promo out, after the jump! Read More...

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With 'The X Factor' Looming, Here's A Breakdown Of All The Reality Singing Competitions

Posted 9/16/11 2:15 pm EST by in American Idol, Television

After months of hype and headlines, Simon Cowell’s "X Factor" is finally debuting in America next week. The question is: Will anyone care?

In the past year, our DVRs have been filled to the max with reality singing competitions, from the revamped (J. Lo on a kinder, gentler "American Idol") to the remixed ("The Voice" has swivel chairs, you guys) to the reviled (ugh, "Karaoke Battle USA"). These days, the casual TV viewer needs a doctorate in “Reality TV” to keep track of all the various karaoke contests.

So, as a public service to fellow confused and overwhelmed TV addicts, I’ve broken down all the shows that are sure to feature overwrought renditions of Alicia Keys' songs and judges sipping from sponsored soda cups. (Example: "Idol" is Coke, "X Factor" is Pepsi. "The Sing Off" is…Coke 2?)

Practice your scales, warm up your pipes and dig in!

American Idol

"American Idol"
Season 11 premieres on Fox in January
Premise: Small town folks with big voices get plucked from obscurity
Weepy Judge: J Lo, although we’re not buying it
Hard Ass Judge: Randy, although we’re not buying it
Token Genre Judge: Rock legend Steven Tyler, although we’re not sure he knows that he’s on television half the time
Host’s Greatest Asset: Seacrest’s bank account.
Guest mentors: Ranging from the A-list (OH MY GAGA!) to the A-list…from the '90s (Babyface!)
Prize: $1 million contract with Universal; destined to play state fairs for years to come
Do the Judges Mentor: Nope. Nor do they judge. Everyone’s brilliant and amazing!
Ratings: #1 show on TV, performance shows averaged almost 26 million viewers a week!
Age Range: 15-29
Recent Backstage Drama: Producers bickering in the press with Simon Cowell, J.Lo contract negotiations, PIA TOSCANO AND MARK BALLAS SPLIT OMG.
Biggest Star(s): The Holy Idol Trinity of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry.

Read More...

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Kelly Clarkson’s Musical Robbery And Our Thoughts On The Loot

Posted 8/22/11 4:30 pm EST by in American Idol, kelly-clarkson

Kelly Clarkson

By James Dinh

Kelly Clarkson has been robbed — musically, that is. Back in March, the original "American Idol" announced the delay of her fifth studio album, which we now know as Stronger, and ever since, fans have been patiently awaiting new material, official word and the smallest of tid bits on the pop star's looming musical comeback. Yet, they sure must have felt overwhelmed when a string of new Clarkson tracks hit the blogosphere earlier this summer.

While it may have appeased her hungry (and possibly starving) fans' appetites, Ms. Independent obviously wasn't too happy. "Oh my God, have you ever been robbed? I have. I’ve been physically robbed a couple of times, but this is much worse,” she recently told Entertainment Weekly. “There are songs out there that are from eight or 10 years ago … People are always asking me to write for other artists. They’re awesome songs, [but] they’re just not songs I would normally sing.”

Even though some of the tunes were intended for others, Clarkson had an issue with the public perception that some of leaked material might be the direction for her own album, saying, “I think what made me mad was that: 1) People stole from me, and 2): Everybody had no idea what my next album was going to sound like. That really caused a lot of confusion.”

Fans of the songstress should have no fear though, as the singer admits that a couple of the tracks that surfaced online will indeed appear on Stronger, dropping October 25. With exactly two weeks left until the LP's lead single, "Mr. Know It All," hits radio airwaves, the MTV Newsroom has decided to a look at some of our favorite leaked songs from the big-voiced singer (with hope that they make the final cut). Read More...

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Does 'American Idol' 'Mask' The Sexuality Of Its Contestants? (Poll)

Posted 8/16/11 3:45 pm EST by in American Idol, Newsroom Poll

Adam Levine

So you thought there wouldn’t be any mudslinging between “American Idol” and “The Voice” and the two singing competitions would co-exist in a weird sort of harmony? Well, you were mistaken.

“The Voice” judge Adam Levine has hit out at “Idol” in an interview with Out magazine, implying Fox’s hit singing competition keeps its gay contestants in the closet.

“What's always pissed me off about 'Idol' is wanting to mask that, for that to go unspoken," Levine told Out. "C'mon. You can't be publicly gay? At this point? On a singing competition? Give me a break. You can't hide basic components of these people's lives. The fact that 'The Voice' didn't have any qualms about being completely open about it is a great thing."

Levine does make a valid point. There were several openly gay contestants on “The Voice” this season and that fact was often celebrated and certainly not covered up. And yes, the two most prominent gay contestants to find fame on “Idol” – Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert – waited, for one reason or another, until after their tenure on the show to publicly declare their sexuality. But was that because they were forced to keep it under wraps by “Idol” producers?

(Levine also should be a little more careful when casting stones. After all, two of his three fellow “Voice” judges, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton, found themselves at the center of homophobia accusations in recent months. Just saying.)

So what do you think, dear readers? Does “American Idol” “mask” the sexuality of its contestants? Vote in our poll, after the jump. Read More...

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