American Idol Breaking News

Diana DeGarmo has “Gone Country,” but what many people probably don’t know is it’s actually Diana going back to her roots.  She performed primarily pop music on American Idol, as that is what had mostly been done up until season three.  However, Country music is where Diana’s heart is, and she’s thrilled to be making an album in that genre right now.  When she went to make her initial album, she wasn’t inspired by the pop artists of the time, and R & B wasn’t feeling like a good fit either.  As Diana said, “I was in a musical rut.”  After being on the show “Gone Country,” Diana is feeling renewed, and has fallen in love with music all over again.  “It just fit perfectly,” Diana said, as life has brought her "full circle."    The creator of “Gone Country,” John Rich, is working with Diana on her current songs, and she has finished four that they are shopping around for a label.  She calls John “quite a character” and a great mentor, and says she is “just in awe” of him in the studio.  It certainly won’t hurt to have someone who is quite connected in the Country genre, and Diana says that John has been introducing her to a ton of people in the industry. Something that is genuinely new for Diana is songwriting, and she loves every minute of it, calling it a “wonderful learning experience.”  “I get into the heart of being a storyteller” Diana said.  Ironically, she has actually been giving out her songs to other artists, while the four songs on her album were written by others.  She admits that it’s hard to give them up, but she’s more than happy to do it for the sake of country music.  As for when her fans can expect her CD, she says it will be just as soon as she can get a great record deal!  On top of the four songs “in the can,” Diana says that they have a bunch of other wonderful songs ready to go.  As far as using the Internet to get her music out there, Diana is frankly torn on that, as she has seen the good and the bad aspects of it.  Sadly, she says she's acquired a few stalkers over the years, but also says that keeping in touch with her fans via MySpace is one of her favorite activities. When asked about a possible return to Broadway, Diana says that she would be all over it if a great project came her way in which she could be involved from the ground up.  However, when it comes to reprising her role in Hairspray, she says that it might sound bad, but she's "been there, done that."  While she loved being in it, the physical comedy aspects of it were extremely taxing on her. Diana is currently living in the heart of the Country music scene—Nashville, TN.  In fact, she says that there is quite an "Idol conglomerate" there these days, and that the season three alums do keep in touch "at a distance."  She exchanges phone calls and texts with them whenever she can.  She also gets to see some of her fellow AI alums simply because they get paired together to do a lot of events.  In fact, she is doing a tour for the holidays with Kimberley Locke, Chikezie, and David Hernandez.  AI Music Director Michael Orland is putting it together, and she is thrilled, as she gets to perform some of her own music as well.  With “Idol Rewind” currently taking a look back at season three, Diana is able to really analyze the time she spent on American Idol, and particularly being so young when it aired.  As she said, “I grew up pretty fast and got to see more than a normal sixteen-year-old back then.”  She says she had a great time and the show gave her a “fresh outlook on life,” but that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t do it differently if she were to do it over again.  Diana says she might have been more “strategic” if she was older at the time.  Whatever she did, it certainly worked, as runner-up is more than impressive! As for advice for future Idols, Diana says to have a good time.  According to her, viewers have a sense if you’re truly enjoying yourself, and are more likely to vote for you if you are.  Song choices are also crucial and Diana advises against choosing songs that you don’t know.  When nerves come into play, you never know what’s going to happen, and it’s best to stick with numbers you’ve done before.  Diana is certainly in a great spot in her life these days.  She gets to perform Country music, which she calls “the heart of Americana music, about your average, middle-class person,” and that is what she loves about it.  Diana said, “I’ve lived a different life than most folks, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”    

Did you feel the seismic shift in the atmosphere?  The wait is officially over for David Cook fans, as his CD dropped TODAY!  As you can see on his web site, the countdown clock registers 0.  Despite his hectic schedule in preparation for the big release, David sat down to talk with us about what went into making the album, his band, and what it was like working with some of his own idols. Watch the David Cook interview now! We also sat down with David just after his big win over fellow AI alum and good buddy David Archuleta. Watch David's Post-Idol interview As with many AI alums, David's look changed drastically over the season. Visit the David Cook Transformation Gallery

Considering the recent horrific tragedies in Jennifer Hudson's life, we are pleased to report some excellent news regarding her self-titled debut album.  According to Billboard.com, it only took a mere five weeks for Jennifer's CD to be officially certified gold.  The album, which features a duet with fellow season 3 alum Fantasia, made an extremely impressive debut on the charts. We wish her continued success.  Congratulations, Jennifer!

No matter what season of American Idol, the alumni are all over the news and music circuit these days.  Here are a few interesting AI alum stories of note: Michael Johns' "Beauty"/"Man In Motion" is featured on producer and AI regular David Foster's new CD/DVD Hit Man:  David Foster and Friends.  The CD/DVD is set to release Tuesday, November 11th, 2008. David Cook and David Archuleta fans had to have been thrilled to catch a preview of their favorite David's album, as both were available for an early listen thanks to Clear Channel Radio's Sneak Peek program.  David Archuleta's album was released nearly a week ago, and it shot to number two on the iTunes chart!  David Cook's highly anticipated CD drops tomorrow, November 18th, but his fans have already been listening, and the early buzz is that it's a hit.  Billboard calls the album "a host of big, anthemic choruses that highlight the power of Cook's voice, namely the soaring 'Declaration' and Chris Cornell/Brian Howes-penned 'Light On.'  Elsewhere, Cook exercises his right to rock with the swaggering, gritty 'Bar-ba-sol' and bares his soul alongside a delicate piano and string arrangement on 'Permanent.'" The season seven Idol who became known as "the tiny girl with the big voice," Ramiele Malubay, will perform in a pre-Christmas concert at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City, Philippines.  Danny Noriega is also set to perform. AI-6 Winner, Jordin Sparks, has designed a line of clothing exclusively for Wet Seal.  The Sparks collection will debut on Nov. 19 with holiday dresses.

The David's are making their mark on the holidays...and The Big Apple!  First, we heard the news of David Archuleta's participation in the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and now it's been announced that David Cook will be performing at the annual "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" event in New York City. David Archuleta's album just came out this past week and is already climbing the charts at record pace.  David Cook is hosting a contest on his web site for the debut of his album, which will happen this Tuesday, November 18th! Our guess is that we'll be hearing from both these AI alums for years to come--for now, have some fun by strolling through both of their Transformation Galleries. David Archuleta's Transformation Gallery David Cook's Transformation Gallery

David Archuleta has certainly become an enormous hit with the teen and "tween" crowds, so it's only appropriate that he will be in New York City for this year's Thanksgiving Day parade along with fellow teen phenom Miley Cyrus.  Other performers include Trace Adkins, The Cheetah Girls, James Taylor, and Darius Rucker. Find out what people are saying about the preview of his upcoming album on the americanidol.com message boards!  Looking for some David photos?  Take a stroll through his Transformation Gallery!

Josh Gracin and wife Ann Marie welcomed a new addition to their family today. Daughter Isabella Sophia Gracin was born this afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee. Isabella is the couple's fourth child and joins sisters Briana and Gabby and brother Landon. americanidol.com would like to congratulate Josh and his family on the birth of Isabella! Watch Josh's video for his single "Favorite State Of Mind," right here on americanidol.com.

"The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" spread the love around as Country Music's consistent hitmakers racked up Awards along with first-time winners. Our own Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley co-hosted the gala event live from the Sommet Center in Downtown Nashville.  Brad remarked that he and Carrie "both grew up watching the CMA's each and every year," with Carrie joking, "We're new at this job so they can kick us out at any minute." But it turns out that "Country Music's Biggest Night" was very good to its hosts.  Brad picked up his second Male Vocalist and fourth Music Video of the Year Award for "Waitin' on a Woman," and Carrie nabbed her third consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year Award.  Upon accepting her award, Carrie thanked those in the music industry who voted for her. "I got through here in an unconventional way and you guys didn't have to accept me," she said. One of the most touching moments of the night was when Leslie Ponder, whose husband was killed in combat in Afghanistan, introduced Carrie's performance of "Just a Dream." Congratulations, Carrie!  We have followed the many looks of Carrie Underwood through the years, from her start as a small town girl from Checotah to her current status as a star--check out her Transformation Gallery.

IDOL GIVES BACK, the musical celebration for aid and global awareness, announced the allocation of more than $64 million in charitable contributions made by generous AMERICAN IDOL viewers and corporate sponsors.  So far, grants have been made to six U.S. and international charities including: Children’s Defense Fund; Children’s Health Fund; The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Make It Right; Malaria No More and the U.S. Programs of Save the Children. IDOL GIVES BACK, the Emmy-winning television event and musical celebration aired in April 2008 and featured appearances and performances by then-Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain, British Prime Minster Gordon Brown, President George W. Bush, Brad Pitt, Bono, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Annie Lennox, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Robin Williams, Ben Stiller, Quentin Tarantino and many others. Idol Gives Back is the brainchild of AMERICAN IDOL creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. The organization began as a meaningful way for those behind AMERICAN IDOL to give back in a significant way to children’s causes throughout the world.  IDOL GIVES BACK was successfully launched as a charity event in 2007, and has since grown into a foundation composed of 19 Entertainment Ltd., Fox Broadcasting Company and FremantleMedia North America. In 2007, IDOL GIVES BACK raised more than $75 million.  Combined with these 2008 grants,  IDOL GIVES BACK has raised more than $140 million. Donations continue to be accepted online at americanidol.com. “The fact that AMERICAN IDOL has the ability to inspire millions, create hope and change lives is simply remarkable,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “We are extremely thankful to our viewers, sponsors and outstanding talent who continue to motivate each and every one of us to contribute to those who need it the most.” “It is an incredible honor for all of us to witness how the power of a television show can benefit some of the most important children’s charities in the world,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, executive producer of ‘American Idol’ and CEO of FremantleMedia North America.  “These much-needed funds will go far in helping these extraordinary organizations continue their good will all over the world, and we thank America for their tremendous generosity.” “The Children’s Defense Fund is thrilled to receive this generous gift from FOX and IDOL GIVES BACK,” said Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman. “As CDF turns 35 this year, we could not have asked for a better birthday gift. With more than 13 million children living in poverty, these funds will help change the lives of millions of children through programs such as the CDF Freedom Schools® Program, youth leadership development and our efforts to ensure health coverage for every child.” “Thanks to Simon Fuller and AMERICAN IDOL, we will reach tens of thousands of children across America.  Children in poor rural communities will learn to read and begin to lead healthy lives, and children’s needs will be met in the aftermath of disasters,” said Mark Shriver, Vice President and Managing Director of Save the Children’s U.S. Programs. “Many businesses talk about giving back, but Simon and AMERICAN IDOL are leading the way with action and leadership.” “No one could have predicted the unprecedented fiscal crisis the nation is now facing,” said Children's Health Fund President and Co-Founder Dr. Irwin Redlener. “And this means very hard times for some of our most disadvantaged children and families. The foresight of AMERICAN IDOL and the generosity of its viewers are saving lives. This grant will be used specifically to expand the Children's Health Fund's capacity to provide urgent health and mental health services that these very disadvantaged children and families would otherwise be without. On behalf of everyone at the Children's Health Fund and those who will benefit from this funding, thank you.” “For two years now IDOL GIVES BACK has been providing an excellent platform for AMERICAN IDOL viewers to gain greater awareness about the work of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and to support countries across Africa in their fight against disease,” said Dr Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of The Global Fund. “Contributions from IDOL GIVES BACK to The Global Fund in 2007 are already helping thousands of people in the Western Cape province in South Africa. The new funds from this year's show will further strengthen and scale up this program and help to save many more lives.” “IDOL GIVES BACK has made a tremendous impact for New Orleans by proving that America cares about the recovery of this great city and the residents of New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward,” stated Tom Darden, Executive Director of Make It Right. “Brad Pitt joins me in expressing our gratitude to AMERICAN IDOL and its millions of fans for supporting Make It Right. We are honored to be in the company of the other beneficiary organizations doing important work around the world, and we applaud AMERICAN IDOL for its commitment to making such an important impact both at home and abroad.” “By helping us provide life-saving mosquito nets, AMERICAN IDOL fans are helping mothers in Africa keep their children safe from malaria,” said Scott Case, CEO of Malaria No More. “The generosity of IDOL GIVES BACK and ExxonMobil show that Americans refuse to accept preventable deaths. Together with the help of committed individuals and groups like these, we can make malaria no more.” Find out how you can still help.

David Cook is putting the fun back in the hands of the people through a contest on his official web site.  The challenge he's issued is for those who enter to make their own version of the already popular single "Light On". David's web site also offers the scoop on how one lucky fan can win tickets to an intimate David Cook performance the night his album drops.  Can you get yourself to the Virgin Megastore in New York City's Times Square on November 18th?  Get the details! In the meantime, find out more about David's post-Idol life thus far in our exclusive interview!

David Archuleta fans everywhere must be feeling like the holidays are coming early this year, as the extremely popular season seven runner-up is releasing his album TODAY!  In an interview with Reuters' Jill Serjeant, David wants his fans to know that they can expect more than ballads from his debut album, including one song that even has a "reggae-ish feel to it." As he explained in the article, "I did sing a lot of ballads on 'American Idol' because I felt I could connect with people most that way. But I don't want people to think that's all I can do..."  Fans have already proved that they are more than interested in what David releases, as his first single, "Crush" catapulted to number one on iTunes within 24 hours.  It also debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. While some might think "Archie," as he's known to his fans, is trying to get a leg up on season seven winner David Cook by releasing his CD a week before, he says that's just not so.  In fact, he says that there should be no comparison, as they are totally different artists.  As he explained to Reuters, "I know everyone wants us still to compare and compete, but we are so different. Cook is a rocker guy, a guitarist and an amazing musician, and I'm a pop kid." David and his fellow Top 10 Idols did an absolutely amazing photo shoot in the most recent issue of ELLE Magazine with Carrie Underwood on the cover--preview the gallery now!

"It girl" Carrie Underwood sat down with ELLE Magazine for their latest issue to discuss her quick rise to fame and all that comes with it, including being grist for the rumor mill.  She recently heard that she is supposedly dating Olympian Michael Phelps.  She exclaimed “I never met the guy! I’m sure he’s lovely. I’m sure he’s a great guy. He made America proud! But I never met him, I never mentioned him in an interview, I never mentioned him in that way to anybody that I know. That was one of those completely, totally, utterly fabricated lies that came out of nowhere”.  She reveals to ELLE that this is the very reason she tries to keep her own love life out of the media.  And she took the time to explain her infamous comment that Tony Romo still calls her and how it was (Surprise!) taken out of context.  Get an EXCLUSIVE first look at the amazing photos, right here on americanidol.com!   The issue has another gigantic draw for fans of American Idol, and particularly season seven fanatics, as there is a lengthy spread that includes makeover photos of the Top 10--Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, David Cook, David Archuleta, Jason Castro, Chikezie, Brooke White, Kristy Lee Cook, Syesha Mercado, and Ramiele Malubay.  Dont forget to check out the gallery right here on americanidol.com!  The December issue of ELLE hits news stands nationwide on November 12.

Get ready for the most anticipated season premiere of the year!  AMERICAN IDOL, television’s No. 1 show, returns for Season Eight with a two-night, four-hour premiere event Tuesday and Wednesday,  January 13 and 14 at 8/7c, only on FOX.  As these first seven champions have proven, anybody can win: Season 1:  Kelly Clarkson, 20, from Burleson, TX Season 2:  Ruben Studdard, 25, from Birmingham, AL Season 3:  Fantasia, 19, from High Point, NC Season 4:  Carrie Underwood, 21, from Checotah, OK Season 5:  Taylor Hicks, 29, from Birmingham, AL Season 6:  Jordin Sparks, 17, from Glendale, AZ Season 7:  David Cook, 25, from Blue Springs, MO Who's Next?  Watch our all-new season 8 audition clips for a glimpse at the new competitors!

Here is one bit of news Simon Cowell can't complain about:  He was given a lifetime achievement prize at the National TV Awards in London last Wednesday.  According to the UK Yahoo! News, the straight-shooting American Idol judge was presented with the esteemed award by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber during a ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall.  It's no surprise that Simon picked up such an accolade, considering the success of AI as well as the many hit shows that are under his production company. Congratulations, Simon!

There's no better time to get an update on Kyle Ensley, last year's AI auditioner with gubernatorial aspirations, than election day 2008!  The Oklahoma State University senior was interviewed by The Norman Transcript, and he says he still has lofty career goals: "I have this (Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs) fellowship through the Department of State," Ensley said. "It pays for grad school and it also guarantees a four-year job in the Department of State working as a foreign service officer. After grad school I will be working in an embassy somewhere as a diplomat." Despite his ultimately impressive Top 50 status during last year's tryouts, Kyle says he's not sure he'll try out for American Idol again.  He admits that he never saw himself landing a job in the music industry.  He does say, however, that the recognition he gained from being on the show (and even creating some controversy between Simon and Paula) might affect his political aspirations: "Some people know who I am already," Ensley said. "I guess they know to watch out for me later. I hope it helps more than it hurts." One person who was definitely in his corner during auditions was Simon Cowell, and Kyle says Simon even told him off the air that he wished he had advanced. "Even though I knew I was leaving, I left on a good note with him. At least I was never really that embarrassed by him or he never really said anything that mean. As long as I had his approval, that meant a lot to me. I knew I still could make it." Although he lost out on securing one of the last Top 24 spots to Colton Berry, Kyle walked away with a good friend from the whole experience--season seven winner David Cook.  They flew out from Tulsa together and have remained in touch ever since.  David even secured tickets for Kyle for the American Idols LIVE! Concert this summer.

David Cook's video for his single "Light On" was done much like his performances during the AI season--successful and impactful yet without a lot of hoopla.  The shoot took place on a football field in the Valley Glen neighborhood of Los Angeles, which one might think would mean a stadium filled with extras and fans.  This was not so, however.  Instead, the only people there were David Cook, his newly formed band, the video crew, and rumored girlfriend--fellow AI alum Kimberly Caldwell. EntertainmentWeekly.com said that David proved he's "now well-versed in the art of emoting for the cameras, and was purposely light on extras and volume, due to the school's proximity to residential areas." Despite a few complaints from local residents, all went well according to the EW article.  Not surprisingly, David actually sang as opposed to lip-synching, and the band "joined in and pounded their way through the song..."   David was there until 6:30 a.m. and, although he had that following day off, there wasn't much rest for the weary rock star.  He had to take off to do a slieu of appearances, including a sit-down interview with americanidol.com!  Watch the video now!  

Two-time and reigning CMA and ACM Female Vocalist and three-time GRAMMY winner Carrie Underwood tops the country airplay charts this week with her latest smash, “Just a Dream".  The fourth consecutive #1 from Carrie’s Carnival Ride album, “Just a Dream” marks her ninth single to top a key sales or airplay chart – a stunning achievement, particularly since Carrie has released only two albums. “I am just so honored,” she says.  “All of the support that I’ve had throughout all my singles is just incredible.  And I’m just very appreciative.” To date, the Carnival Ride album has also launched the smash singles “So Small,” “All-American Girl,” and “Last Name,” all co-written by Carrie. “Just a Dream,” written by Steve McEwan, Hillary Lindsey, and Gordie Sampson, is a song that Carrie says is “such a beautiful story, and I feel like those are the songs that are really meaningful,” where a lyric can help listeners to “see things in a different way, or it can make them feel better about a situation that they’re in, or they can empathize with it, or they can listen to it, and the song tells exactly what they went through.  Those songs, when they get so close, when so many people like them and hear them, and it makes an impact on their life, those are the ones that are really important.” The only American Idol winner ever to achieve nine #1 hits, Carrie’s collection of chart-toppers began with the instant success of her post-American Idol single, “Inside Your Heaven,” which debuted atop Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in the summer of 2005.  It was the first of five #1s to top the BDS or Mediabase charts from her 7x-Platinum debut, Some Hearts, with the others including the GRAMMY-winning “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats,” as well as “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” and “Wasted.”    In addition to co-hosting The 42nd Annual CMA Awards on November 12, Carrie has been keeping an incredibly busy schedule on the road headlining her Carnival Ride Tour, with 137 shows in total by year end.  Last year, MyIdol users had the chance to ask Carrie all sorts of fun questions--watch the Q & A session now!

With his latest single, “I’ll Walk,” leaping into the Top 10 on the Mediabase country chart this week, Bucky Covington becomes one of only three male country artists since 2005 – including Josh Gracin and Jason Aldean - to have three consecutive top 10 singles from his debut album. Covington’s previous singles, “A Different World” and “It’s Good To Be Us,” peaked at #5 and #9, respectively, on the Mediabase country chart. At the same time, Bucky’s single “I’ll Walk” is tearing up the country radio charts, it’s also shaping up to be his most reactive single yet.  Not only does it frequently receive a standing ovation in his live shows, but digital track sales for “I’ll Walk” are up 58% over the last ten weeks while album sales are up more than 50% over the same period. Bucky’s self-titled debut album has scanned more than 370k units to date and has remained on the Nielsen SoundScan Country Top 75 chart week for 79 weeks since its release in April 2007. Bucky’s self-titled debut CD opened at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart in April 2007 with the biggest first week sales for any debut country artist that year. He wrapped 2007 as Country Aircheck’s #1 New Artist based on the strength of his top 5 first single “A Different World” and his most recent hit, “It’s Good To Be Us".  Re-live the fun of watching Bucky perform in his season five Transformation Gallery!

Kristy Lee Cook is in for a momentous occasion tomorrow, as she will experience one of the most exciting things to happen to a country artist--she's taking the Grand Ole Opry stage!  Carrie Underwood was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry last May, and is the only American Idol alum to do so.  Will Kristy Lee follow in Carrie's footsteps?  Only time will tell. As the USA Today points out, Kristy Lee is also set to sing the National Anthem at the Duke/Vanderbilt college football game in Nashville...not a bad weekend for someone who has only been an AI alum for about six months!

Amanda Overmyer will undoubtedly go down in AI history as one of the most memorable Idols to grace the stage.  Dubbed the Rock N' Roll nurse by Randy Jackson, Amanda became known as the Harley-riding rocker that wasn't about to conform to anyone's standards--even the judge most live to impress, Simon Cowell.  Her raspy voice and intense stage presence quickly earned her a lot of Janis Joplin comparisons. Although Amanda was eliminated just shy of making it on the AI tour, she has been anything but idle since her time on the show.  In fact, she has finished recording her first album, which was written and composed by Amanda, and produced by Rocco Guarino (Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver).  In an article in the Pharos Tribune, Amanda said her album is "straight forward rock-and-roll," with ballads as well as "funky" rock songs.  The record will be released under Amanda's own record label, Chile Records, in December.  In the same article, she describes the meaning behind a few of the songs from the CD.  “‘Iroquois Lane’ is a song about a bad area, one you’re mom always tells you not to hang out at.  'Love me like you want’ is a typical rock-and-roll song about meeting someone one night. ‘Fight like a son’ is a tribute to female soldiers in Iraq: A woman can do what a man can do.”  Her first single, "Play On," is a dedication to her now-husband Casey Taylor. Amanda headlined the Women of Rock show at the famous Hollywood club Whiskey-a-Go-Go in May, and drew some rave reviews.  She also sang the National Anthem at the Indianapolis Colts opening game in August. Amanda considers herself one of the lucky ones who was able to parlay her passion into a career.  “Music is my job now,” she said in the Tribune article. “’Idol’ allowed me to make a living out of it.” Happy Birthday, Amanda!