Old News

Snippets of an article from "People Weekly" about Seacrest

"Seacrest's self-admitted preoccupation with his looks behan long before his American Idolatry. 'As a teenager I wore glasses, had braces, and was fat,' says the 28-year-old. 'I would swim in the pool with my shirt on.' But he was also obsessed with entertainment. By 9, the son of Atlanta attorney Gary and homemaker Connie pretended he was hosting a record countdown on radio shows. He did the morning announcements at Dunwoody High School and at night called radio request lines just to get his voice on the air. 'I would listen to Casey Kasem and Rick Dees,' he says. 'I was almost manical about it.'"
"The single-mindedness paid off. Befriended by Atlanta deejay Tom Sullivan, Seacrest hung out at WSTR-FM, learning all aspects of the radio ropes. As a business major at the University of Georgia, he landed a gig as the host of Radical Outdoor Challenge, an ESPN kids' show. Two years later he dropped out, packed everything in his Honda Prelude and headed for L.A., where he got a $15-an-hour job as a part time deejay. 'I was terrified,' he says. '[Most days] I ate cereal for all three meals.'"

"His diet has definitely improved these days. In addition to making a reported $1 million this season for his Idol work, he anchors one of L.A.'s Hottest Radio Shows and often sits in for his own idol, the widely syndicated Dees. He is also in talks for his own syndicated TV show. But he says he's saving his money and giving in to only a fw indulgences, like regular manicures and pedicures. 'Women appreciate men who take care of themselves,' says the never-married Seacrest, who says he isn't dating anyone seriously right now. 'I feel good, I'm clean, and there's nothing under my toenails'"
Various Captions Throughout Magazine:
"Even my mom comments on my clothes!"
"I try to be smart with my money and put it away so I can live like Simon Cowell for the rest of my life."

Posted 05/11/03

Foxy 'Idol' Caldwell Finds New Fox Home
Rest assured Kimberly Caldwell fans. She's back. The Texan songstress may have been voted off the American Idol stage, but she is sure to make her mark as the newest member of the Fox Sports Net extreme sports show, 54321.
Caldwell, a recent finalist on the popular FOX show, joins 54321 as a special correspondent where she will handle the entertainment scene from the red carpet at movie premieres to backstage at concerts.

Since its debut in January 2003, 54321 has quickly become the premier destination for extreme sports athletes and fans alike. Every weekday at 5:30 p.m. (local time), the 30-minute show mixes fresh video from the hottest skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX and motocross events throughout the world with features, profiles, in-studio guests and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lifestyle and trends that these sports envelop.

American Idol finalist Kimberly Caldwell joins 54321 as a special correspondent.
FOX Broadcast Network

Beginning this week, Caldwell returns to the bright lights, this time with a 54321 microphone in-hand. She reports from behind-the-scenes at the biggest events in the entertainment business and takes viewers inside the personalities, music, movies and fashions that are part of the extreme sports world.

Caldwell makes her first appearance on 54321 with a red carpet report at the X 2 premiere at Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood airing on Friday, May 2. In addition, she'll cover upcoming events including the Eco-Challenge Playboy Extreme Team premiere and the Deep Down concert at the Whiskey in Hollywood.

"Without a doubt, Kimberly exudes star power," said 54321 Executive Producer John Johnston. "She captures the energy, spirit and confidence that is part of the extreme sports genre. Her expertise in the music scene also provides a great deal of credibility to the entertainment pieces that are featured on 54321."

"I couldn't be more excited to be a part of 54321," said Caldwell. "To go from singing in front of millions of people, to interviewing movie stars on the red carpet, is a dream come true. I am thankful for this great opportunity and hope to have an instant impact on the show."

The 21-year-old entertainer joins hosts Leeann Tweeden, Kip Williamson, and Chad Towersey as well as fellow correspondent Angela Sun on the program.

Caldwell has been on stage since her fifth birthday. The Katy, Texas native is a five-time winner on Star Search, the most wins ever in the junior vocalist category. She made it as one of the top 15 finalists on the WB reality series Pop Stars and has performed on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, Country Tonite Theater and Grand Casino. She cites her favorite moment as singing for George and Barbara Bush's 50th wedding anniversary celebration.

Posted 05/11/03

Fallen 'Idol' Corey Clark Speaks Out
Over 18 million people watched "American Idol" contestant Rickey Smith get the boot on the April 9th. But it's the story of one of the 'Idols' that was thrown off that's causing a commotion. Corey Clark was part of the Top 12 until producers found out he had a brush with the law. Now Corey claims his exit was an "idol" publicity stunt. What really happened? Corey and his family came exclusively to "Access Hollywood" to clear the air.

"I think it all has to do with ratings," said Corey. "The very first thing they said before we got into this show was, 'We're not looking for superstars, we're looking to make good TV.'"

But, did "good TV" lead to Corey being unfairly booted from his shot as "American Idol"? Corey was kicked off the reality show on March 31 when producers learned from "The Smoking Gun" website that Corey had been arrested last November for obstruction of justice and allegedly beating his 15-year-old sister, Alicia.

"I am tellin' you, she's tellin' you and my mom is tellin' you: I did not beat up my little sister," Corey told Access.

"Basically he was just defending his little sister. You know the whole thing is just a babysitting thing gone bad," added Corey's mother, Jan.

So what does his sister Alicia have to say? "We just got in an argument like any brother or sister would." According to Corey and Alicia, one of the neighbors overreacted and called the police. They feel the police would not have shown up without the misleading complaint.

"The police came. They surveyed the situation. They wanted to take my sister away to juvenile hall, and I was just like 'She's not leaving,'" remembered Corey.
Corey spent the weekend in jail and after posting a $100 bond, he was released. He never went to court and assumed the situation was over and done with. That misunderstanding cost Corey his shot as "American Idol."

"What we're saying is that [Corey] is guilty of lying to us," said Idol producer Nigel Lynthgoe.

"They say they kicked me off because I didn't tell them about the arrest," said Corey. "The only reason I didn't tell them about the arrest was because I knew I didn't do anything. So they're trying to make it out to be like I'm a liar and stuff like that."

Corey said he was asleep in bed when he heard the bad news. He received a call from one of the public relations people at FOX. "They were just like 'Don't talk to anybody about it, everything should be all right.' I was like 'Cool.' It was about a 20-second conversation, tops. Then 20 minutes later one of the production assistants came in and got me and they were like, 'Uh you know they want you to pack your stuff and come down to the studio and talk to Nigel.'"

It was during that meeting with Nigel that Corey said he was mislead. "They were telling me I still had a chance to be on, depending on how I handled the situation and how much I helped them," he said.
But, two hours later Corey said he heard otherwise. "I came down and he was like he just got word from the president of FOX that I couldn't be on the show no more. I'm not totally mad at them; you know what I'm saying? But I am a little upset about how they handled the situation."

Corey's mom summed it up: "I think everybody makes mistakes. I just think this was a mistake that [Idol] made."

Posted 04/27/03

Inside Information from uncited source

Note: I found this article on a site, but it was not cited, so dont believe all of it necessarily. I just thought it was interesting information.

Off the air, Vanessa supposedly said that Kim C. was a huge *****, the biggest one out of the group. She also said that Trenyce had attitude issues.

Evidently there was some naughtiness going down at the AI Mansion. I guess both Trenyce and Kim C. separately sneaked and spent some special alone time with Corey Clark. Neither knew that the other was 'seeing' Corey, but supposedly once Corey was booted, they began to compare notes.
Guys, you don't have to be too upset about the rumors that hottie Kimberly Caldwell is dating former contestant JD Adams. Theirs, Clark reports, ''is an open relationship.''
Clark says he and the Marine, Joshua Gracin, had a falling out after show producers (incorrectly) told Gracin that Clark picked a certain song to sing because he had heard Gracin on the phone earlier saying he wanted to sing the same song.
Clark says Gracin then complained to other contestants, saying Clark was a jerk.
Clark said it got straightened out after Clark approached Gracin and told him the truth. But Clark says he didn't like the way Gracin handled it.
''I said, 'You're a Marine, dude, stop acting like a ballet dancer.'''

Posted 04/26/03

Clarkson Had No Clue Aguilera Wrote "Miss Independent"
Christina Aguilera co-wrote Kelly Clarkson's next big single "Miss Independent," much to the surprise of last season's "American Idol" champ. "Actually, I had no clue that she even wrote on it 'til after it was already on my album. I had no clue," Kelly told "Access Hollywood." Christina wrote the song along with producer Rhett Lawrence for her 'Stripped' album, but never used it. Kelly said Lawrence gave her the song to finish and put on her album. "He was like, 'Well, actually I didn't even finish this song and I was actually working on other projects with it. But they don't want it any longer.' So I finished it up. I wrote the bridge on it and finished up the song and then we ended up doing it," revealed Kelly.

Posted 04/26/03

Is Simon Cowell cheating on his girlfriend?
"US Weekly" reported that Simon Cowell of "American Idol" was seen "making out" at an outdoor table at West Hollywood's AGO restaurant with Jaimsye Haft, once married to actor Christopher Lambert and linked (briefly) to Bruce Willis. A witness tells the magazine that "It wasn't like they were trying to hide anything." Cowell, 43, is dating 'Extra' correspondent Terri Seymour.

Posted 04/26/03

Hilarious Episode Reviews

Would you like to get episode reviews of "American Idol" that make you shake with laughter and go against all of the finalists? If so, send an e-mail to TheRagingCritic@aol.com (mark subject as "I WANT EPISODE REVIEWS"). You will start getting reviews after every show. You can check out his website at www.theragingcritic (linked on the WWW page) to read past reviews. I have enjoyed them for many weeks...here is my favorite quote from one of his articles that really sums up his writing is regarding the crime in "American Idol" (specifically Trenyce and Corey) and the unfair treatment of Frenchie Davis: "FOX has sent us a stern message - It is not okay to beat up your family, nor is it okay for fat girls to show their boobs, but thieving the local Target store is a-okay." See how funny that is?

*THE RAGING CRITIC'S DISCLAIMER -- "This is a talent show, where WE, the American public, have been called upon to judge these contestants. Therefore, if I bash on your favorite, do not bust my chops and tell me to get up and try to do better. I am not begging for any of your votes as the case is with these contestants. I cannot sing, but I can judge. Besides, this is only a television show for crying out loud. Moreover, please realize that I will tell more lies than Pinocchio in these reviews. Even my innuendos are rarely true. Please do not take things so seriously! This is merely a parody. Relax - we are in a time of war folks!"

Posted 04/13/03

Kelly Clarkson Songs co-written by Christina Aguilera

Producer Rhett Lawrence (98°) and Aguilera worked on the song for her Stripped, but they never finished it. So when Lawrence entered a studio with Clarkson, whose voice has garnered comparisons to Christina's, he found just the person to finish it.

After Clarkson's chart-topping success in September with "A Moment Like This" (see " 'American Idol' Kelly Clarkson Crushes Singles Chart Competition"), fans predicted the first single from her debut would be another ballad. However, after weeks of contemplating, the singer and her handlers (including "Idol" creator Simon Fuller) decided on the funky up-tempo "Miss Independent" just two weeks before Thankful's April 15 release date.

Clarkson will premiere the song on "American Idol" on Wednesday, according to her RCA Records spokesperson.

"Miss Independent" is one of three songs on Clarkson's album that she co-wrote, the others being "You Thought Wrong" and "Thankful," both collaborations with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and the Underdogs (Justin Timberlake). The former also features a guest appearance from fellow "American Idol" finalist Tamyra Gray.

Diane Warren, the prolific songwriter of Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" and Toni Braxton's "Un-Break My Heart," among others, also contributed a song, "Some Kind of Miracle."

Other producers on the album include Clif Magness (Avril Lavigne), Stephen Ferrera (Heather Hedley), Sam Watters (Jessica Simpson), Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken (Aguilera, 'NSYNC), and Matthew Wilder (No Doubt), who sang a hit of his own with 1983's "Break My Stride."

Thankful will also include new mixes of "A Moment Like This" and "Before Your Love," two of the songs that helped the former cocktail waitress from Burleson, Texas, win "American Idol" last summer.

Clarkson, who will appear at Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards on Saturday, may be following Aguilera's footsteps musically, but she will beat the pop star to the big screen when "From Justin to Kelly" opens June 13. Justin Guarini, the runner-up of the first "American Idol" competition, co-stars in the movie and duets with Clarkson on several songs on the soundtrack.

NOTE: Kelly's 2 new singles "Thankful" and "You Thought Wrong" were also co-written by Aguilera.

Posted 04/14/03

First of Two Final Songs is Revealed

The "American Idol" final song has been revealed. Kelly Clarkson blew the nation away last year with her two songs, "A Moment Like This" and "Before Your Love," which showcased her vocal talents.

This year's song showcases the finalists' dance moves. The first track is entitled "Love Is..." Here is a sample of the lyrics from the song:

Love is what you make of it
Giving and taking it
Whatever your heart says love is
I'll be everything you need
You can be sure that's what my love is

It's easy to say that the lyrics are meaningful, but wait until you hear the songs (the second track name/info has not yet been released).

The future idols wont go into the studio to record the tracks just yet. They are waiting until their numbers reduce to five, and they will each release it on the show within the next few weeks.

Posted 04/10/03

Is Marine's position giving him an unfair advantage?

Joshua Gracin, the Marine and "American Idol" finalist has been the center of several swirling controversies lately. First, should he even be on the show rather than fighting in Iraq? Second, should he have gotten as many votes as he did this week when he obviously had one of the worst performances during the Disco week? Were people voting for Joshua the singer or Joshua the Marine - and how should he feel about that?

Maybe he'll come out and put on a great performance next week. But if he doesn't, he will again be faced with the question: Are people voting for Joshua Gracin, or are they voting for Marine Lance Corporal Gracin? Click on the links below to read what Foxes On Idol writer David Bloomberg has to say on this issue.

Read the article: http://www.foxesonidol.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article1122.art&page=1

Read the follow-up article: http://www.foxesonidol.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article1126.art&page=1

Posted 04/05/03

Charity Single issue cleared up

A charity single, with songs sung by the "American Idol" finalists is being changed to feature versions of a patriotic

song. The show's finalists had been expected to release the Burt Bacharach / Hal David composition, "What the World Needs Now Is Love," but following an overwhelming response from viewers, they will now record the Lee Greenwood song, "God Bless the

USA

." It was previously told that they were to release two Greenwood songs, "God Bless the

USA"

and "Proud to be an American," but the two songs are the same. So, supposedly, they are actually going to feature two versions of the song on the single. The only odd thing is that Carmen, Clay, Corey, Joshua, Julia, Kimberly C, Rickey, Ruben, and Trenyce are the only ones who are contributing to the "God Bless the USA" track. For some odd reason Kimberley L wasn't featured in the video of the recording of that track...wonder why? If anyone knows why this is, e-mail me, please!

But dont fret, the Burt Bacharach song the Final 10 recorded will not go to waste. It will be included in the finalists compilation CD, "American Idol Season 2: All Time Classic Love Songs," along with "God Bless the USA."

"They got such an overwhelming, positive response from viewers for doing those songs that we decided to release them as the American Idol charity single," said RCA executive Richard Sanders (regarding the change in songs for the single).

Posted 04/05/03

Why was Vanessa first?

The controversy has been going on for awhile, and the question still has yet to be answered, was Vanessa's scripted comment what got her off the show first? Vanessa says, "It sounded funny in rehearsals, but it just didn't come across that way in the show. I do think that maybe some of the younger kids didn't take the comment all in good fun." People have been speculating that her scripted comment was the reason she went first, but others believe she was first for different reasons. Many people say Vanessa was rude when she was interviewed by people (especially on the streets). They also say she had a bad problem with alcohol. Vanessa was quoted in saying in an interview with TV Guide, "After the show, I had a couple of margaritas. I was downstairs with the security guard for about 30 minutes, and then I went upstairs to my room and had another margarita. And then I went to sleep." When asked if she had had any offers yet, Vanessa's reply was lengthy: "I have. Things have actually been great since I was booted off. There was a very interesting little incident over at the the Beverly Center [a shopping mall in L.A.]. This girl came running up to me and it happened to be [actress] Tammy Lynn Michaels, who is Melissa Etheridge's girlfriend. And I ended up going to dinner at Melissa Etheridge's house that night. It was weird. I met Kathy Najimy through Tammy Lynn Michaels, because they're really, really good friends. And Kathy said, 'Oh my God, you have to stay in town an extra day and sing with my husband [Dan Finnerty]'s band, the Dan Band.' So, I ended up staying an extra night and singing, and it was a total hit. I got approached with some other things at the show. So, I'm actually supposed to be going out to L.A. within the next few weeks to go and pursue some of those opportunities. Some are acting things. I actually would really like to pursue the acting avenue. I think that obviously, I delivered that line [on American Idol] very well. So maybe I should. (laughing)"

Posted 04/05/03

Julia's gone...FOX's fault?

Last week (Country Rock theme), the bottom three consisted of Kimberly Caldwell, Julia DeMato, and Rickey Smith. Was Julia wrongly voted off? FOX producers say "no," but they acknowledge that there was a telephone foul-up that week that prevented some callers in the Eastern and Central time zones from registering their votes after Tuesday's (03-25-03) broadcast, USA Today reports. (This is the sort of thing that this year's new AT&T Wireless-powered voting system was supposed to prevent.) A FOX spokesperson declined to say how many voters were blocked, only that the unheard votes wouldn't have been enough to save Miss DeMato from getting the hook.

Corey's out

Corey Clark, one of the contestants to perform with the final 9, was disqualified from the competition today.

FOX said in a statement that Clark "withheld information about a prior arrest which, had it been known, might have affected his participation in the show."

"Due to his failure to disclose, compounded by an error in a police report which misspelled Coreys name, the incident was not discovered during a background check," FOX said. "The producers and network feel that Coreys behavior warrants his disqualification."

The charges against the 22-year-old Kansas native stem from an arrest at his familys home in Topeka last October, months before he was picked as one of the 32 semifinalists for the second edition of "American Idol."

Clark is the third "American Idol" contestant to be ejected from the show this year because of a checkered past (1st was Frenchie Davis, 2nd was Jaered Andrews). Click on the link below to see Coreys mug shot.

Mug shot: http://thesmokinggun.com/archive/coreyidol1.html

Posted 04/01/03

Alden Wynn interview gives inside information

According to an interview with Alden Wynn (one of the "American Idol" finalists that didn't make it to the Final 32) on the AmericanIdol2.com website, Kimberly Kelsey and Bettis Richardson had a romance going on, and he also said that there were plenty of "random hook-ups at the hot tub" on the show.

Also according to the interview, Wynn stated that close friend Stephanie Schultz got a guest spot on a daytime soap and a possible spot in the girl group Mariah Carey is putting together all because of her appearances on "American Idol."

On top of all this, the interviewer also asked Alden, "What do you think of Simon's threat that he won't do another season if they don't give the new American Idol time to promote his or her career?" His answer is irrelevant, but the question itself poses a lot of questions. I was unaware that Simon had said that.

Posted 03/29/03

1st to be voted out is gone for good

Vanessa Olivarez, first contestant to be voted out of the Final 12 on "American Idol," was recently told by the producers of the show that they do not want her to contribute any songs to the AI2 compilation CD and they will not be inviting her to participate in the American Idol Concert Tour. If you feel Vanessa was unfairly voted out of the competition, visit the link below and sign the petition.

Petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/savevo/petition.html

Posted 03/29/03

Marine will be fairly treated if called to duty

FOX has announced that if Marine Joshua Gracin was called away to service before he is voted off the show, he would be allowed to come back to the competition next year for "American Idol 3." Gracin will be able to jump right to the final 10 of next year's round without going through the painful audition processes once again.

Posted 03/28/03

Another 'Idol' Scandal

Meet Lashundra Cobbins, better-known as 22-year-old "American Idol" contestant Trenyce, who is well-known for her sticky fingers in the town of Memphis, Tennessee. Trenyce was arrested in October 1999 on a felony theft charge, for which she was placed the following year in a pre-trial diversion program by a Shelby County Criminal Court judge. Click on the link below to see Trenyce's mug shots.

Mug Shots: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/trenyce1.html?yhnws

Posted 03/28/03

American Idol 3 confirmed

FOX has confirmed that the "American Idol" journey will continue. In January of 2004, "American Idol 3" will premiere. Unfortunately, it doesn't look as if host Ryan Seacrest will be coming back for more, as he's getting his own talk show, although it has not yet been confirmed that he is not coming back for Season 3. No word on whether or not Randy, Simon, and Paula will be coming back. Stay tuned for more details as they come along.

Posted 03/27/03

"Junior Idol" to start this Summer

FOX has announced that "Junior Idol" (the spin-off series of "American Idol") will premiere on June 3, 2003. It will take over the 8 pm slot of "American Idol" on Tuesdays (on FOX). There will be 10 episodes aired; one per week. The show will feature kids from the ages of 6-13 in a similar format to "American Idol." Randy, Simon, Paula, or Ryan are not expected to join this series.

Posted 03/27/03

Kimberly and J.D. - Official

Sorry guys, Kimberly's taken! On "Access Hollywood" on March 25, they announced that Kimberly Caldwell and J.D. Adams were officially a couple.

Posted 03/26/03


				*The American Idol Zone* *Old News*



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