Masterclass Lady’s Media Blitz: August 25th, 2008

10 Responses to “Masterclass Lady’s Media Blitz: August 25th, 2008”

1. 

   wadahoot August 25, 2008 at 2:59 pm

   Kevin Covais — Chicken Brittle
   Posted Aug 22nd 2008 3:45PM by TMZ Staff

   TMZ has learned Kevin Covais — you know, Chicken Little from season five of “AI” — is cooped up in the hospital.

   And even though he’s got a big new movie coming out (”College,” out next Friday), he’s going to have a little trouble smiling. That’s because he’s developed Bell’s palsy — a partial paralysis of the face — because of the stress of his press tour. It’s also aggravated by his diabetes, we’re told.

   But, his rep tells TMZ Kev’s condition isn’t “life-threatening” and he’s going to be back pushing “College” soon.

   UPDATE: We spoke with Covais’ publicist who tells us Kevin is merely sick and in the hospital and will be fine.

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2. 

   wadahoot August 25, 2008 at 2:59 pm

   Simon Hints at Big Changes for New Season

   Simon Cowell courtesy Fox”I was a little bored,” said Simon Cowell of American Idol’s Season 7, indicating that come January 2009, he’ll be taking a larger role to change the tenor of the show. The news comes just days after Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe announced that he’d be stepping back from his day-to-day work on Idol to concentrate on international versions of his other hit show, So You Think You Can Dance.

   Chief among Cowell’s complaints was what he called the overwhelming media-savviness of this season’s contestants. “I’m not sure that they ever showed their real personalities,” he said. “They were like robots.” (Nevertheless, he praised last season’s runner-up, David Archuleta, on his recent success, calling him “the perfect pop star.”)

   So how will Cowell shake things up? “I think [last season] the talent was great, and the ratings were great, I just think it could be more interesting and controversial,” he said. He specifically criticized the slow-moving middle and end portions of the season. He refused, however, to elaborate on “ideas I have to introduce more jeopardy” to the proceedings.

   How would you change American Idol? And what could Simon mean by “jeopardy”? A shark tank? Scimitars? Alex Trebek? Let your thoughts be known, America! —

   Mickey O’Connor – TVGuide.com

   Here’s the link to the article and it’s worth reading some of the (very good!) suggestions that fans have made! http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Great-American-Idol/American-Idol-Simon/800045569

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3. 

   wadahoot August 25, 2008 at 2:59 pm

   Clay singing new (?) song http://music.aol.com/video/where-i-draw-the-line-aol-sessions/clay-aiken/2131398?icid=200100397×1208286695×1200450559

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4. 

   wadahoot August 25, 2008 at 3:01 pm

   Studdard Owes $200K In Unpaid Taxes

   UPDATED: 9:29 am EDT August 25, 2008

   BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard owes nearly $200,000 for unpaid income taxes.

   According to court filings, the federal government and the state of Alabama have placed liens on all of Studdard’s property for unpaid income taxes in 2003 and 2005.

   Byron Perkins, a lawyer for Studdard, told the Birmingham News that his client is in good shape financially and can afford to pay the bill.

   Developer John Elkington said he’s checking to find out if the liens on Studdard’s property will affect the singer’s promised six-figure investment in a planned downtown Birmingham club bearing his name.

   The 29-year-old Alabama native, known as the “Velvet Teddy Bear,” was married in June.

   Studdard is set to release a new album later this year and is launching a national tour in the fall.

   Studdard won the “American Idol” title over Clay Aiken in Season 2 of the show.

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5. 

   masterclasslady August 25, 2008 at 7:48 pm

   Wadahoot – thanks for adding to the media blitz thread!

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6. 

   thetomboy August 25, 2008 at 10:36 pm

   ‘American Idol’ adds fourth judge, more ‘girl power’

   http://blogs.usatoday.com/entertainment/2008/08/american-idol-a.html

   Move over, Paula, Randy and Simon. Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi is joining American Idol as a fourth judge when the eighth season premieres in January 2009.

   Said Fox reality honcho Mike Darnell in the release: “For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table. … With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more ‘girl power’ on the show.”

   At first, I thought she was going to replace one of the panel, but I guess that’s not the case. I hope this addition doesn’t shorten the performances.

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7. 

   masterclasslady August 25, 2008 at 11:24 pm

   Submitted by Pouncer

   MCL, I hope you’ll be ok with me posting this. During the LKL interview last week, it was revealed that the idols would be participating in the Stand Up 2 Cancer (SU2C) program on Sept 5. The show will be televised on CBS, NBC, & ABC. The challenge is to raise at least $2100. The team has raised $1100 so far.

   An Angel by the name of Pecan Pie started a team (CRUSH KIDS’ CANCER – ARCHIE’S ANGELS) on the website http://www.standup2cancer.org/. If anyone would like to donate to a charity in David’s name, please consider this one. The site states that the team with the highest donation will get their team announced on the show. There are a few ways to donate (phone, online or mail).

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8. 

   wadahoot August 26, 2008 at 12:03 am

   More details about the 4th judge (she’s written for and with at least 6 Idols already!) and a bit about lowering the number of ‘bad audition’ episodes – hurray!

   ‘American Idol’ Adds 4th Judge; Other Changes Planned To Stop Ratings Slide

   You can’t pay me to watch Fox’s American Idol where the singing sounds like strangled cats. But it’s been no secret that the network and the show’s producers are planning changes to reverse its declining ratings. This morning, Fox officially announced that Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi will join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul as a judge. But Fox sources tell me there will be “more significant things happening in the small massaging of the format itself” as the network and producers look for ways to “shore up” the ratings. That doesn’t mean the bigwgs intend to present a whole new Idol. For instance, there’s no plan to get rid of host Ryan Seacrest (darn the luck…). Instead, I’m told the powers-that-be think the early rounds where viewers watch wannabes fall on their faces have become “too repetitive”. Instead, this season will spend more time with the contestants once they arrive in Hollywood. Says my insider: “The strength of the show is that the audience wants to meet those 20 contestants. So we’ll spend more time with them.” Other changes are a result of Nigel Lythgoe stepping down as executive producer of American Idol and stepping back from the day-to-day producing. That now means the show’s music can be more updated. “At one point, we had Neil Diamond on, and Andrew Lloyd Webber and Dolly Parton. Nigel wanted to be old school. But the show needs younger music,” a Fox source informs.

   DioGuardi’s background as an award-winning songwriter and producer should help bring an Industry perspective to critiquing the contestants when the 8th season gets underway in January. “We are turning the heat up on Idol this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America’s most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.” Executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz claims the show “originally intended” for the U.S. version to have four judges like the international series do. Fox non-scripted guru Mike Darnell made it into a gender bender. “For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table. She’s been as an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon, offering her invaluable expertise as a performer and No. 1 artist to the thousands who have competed on American Idol. With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more ‘girl power’ on the show.”

   According to the press release, DioGuardi’s songs have appeared on more than 100 million records and her songs have been recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana, Pink, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Pussycat Dolls, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Natasha Bedingfield, Jewel, Ashley Tisdale, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice, Clay Aiken, Ashlee Simpson, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Kylie Minogue, Enrique Iglesias, Nick Lachey and Marc Anthony. Over the last four years, she has been awarded 10 BMI Pop Awards for having written the most performed songs on radio. From her catalog of several hundred songs, over 264 have been released on major labels worldwide; and over 165 have appeared on multi-platinum selling albums. DioGuardi co-owns Arthouse Entertainment, where she develops and mentors fellow hit writers, producers and artists.

   According to her official Fox interview, DioGuardi says getting the gig was a shock. “My agent called me and he said you are on a short list to be the 4th judge on American Idol and I said ‘Are you calling for me or did you dial the wrong number?’ They were like, ‘No, seriously, this is going on. This can happen,’ and I was like. ‘There is no way they are going to pick me. Why wouldn’t they pick someone famous? Someone everyone knows?’ But you know, I guess they saw something about me that they thought was good and they wanted to put somebody who was from the industry on the show and so, I got the job.”

   DioGuardi had a history with the show already. She’d written songs that have been performed and released by Idols. “I co-wrote Walk Away from Kelly Clarkson and with Kelly Clarkson. I co-wrote the Real Thing for Bo Bice. I’ve written with Katherine McPhee and for Katherine McPhee on her record. Clay Aiken and I co-wrote The Way. Taylor Hicks. Oh, and I actually have a song now on the David Archuleta CD that’s coming out, I think soon. I co-wrote with David Cook.”

   She thinks she’ll bring to the show “a unique experience in the sense that I sing and was a singer and I write and I produce and I sign talent and I’m very involved in the day to day of the music industry, like Simon. So I think I’ll bring that perspective, but I’m also very opinionated and pretty feisty and not afraid of a good confrontation, so I’m looking forward to it. Bring it on.” Here’s what she’ll for in contestants: “I am gonna be looking for a unique spin, you know somebody who steps in front of me has something to say — who has a unique look; who has a great voice; a unique tone; isn’t trying to imitate everybody else that’s out there. And, has incredible self confidence because anybody who has ever really made it, steps on that stage and they own it from the minute they step out there. So I think it’s important that you know they really be themselves and that they’re interesting and that they keep me engaged.”

   As for what makes an American Idol successful in the music biz, DioGuardi opines, “Well, I think there are a lot of things that go into being a successful artist. Obviously you know you have to have the right look, you have to have the right sound, but you have to have the right song. We’ve seen that even in the Idols some of them have been very successful and some of them haven’t. It’s about that winning song. You know Since You’ve Been Gone was a huge song that catapulted Kelly into absolute stardom. So, it’s really important that everything happen at the same time — great voice, great look, great stage presence and a great song. And all that coming together and just somebody who wants it that bad, because it’s a lot of hard work, it’s not easy.”
   http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/stop-the-presses-american-idol-adds-4th-judge/

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9. 

   wadahoot August 26, 2008 at 12:34 am

   Perez Hilton talks to Paula about the new judge:

   Paula Sets The Record Straight Up!

   So, we just got off the phone with Paula Abdul and she had a lot to tell us about the addition of songwriter Kara DioGuardi as the fourth judge on American Idol.

   The Straight Up singer wanted to clarify her reaction to the news.

   Abdul tells us her only concern is with how the Idol viewers will react, but that she’s thrilled with the addition of Kara D.

   Paula tells us, exclusively, “This is gonna be a good thing. I’m really thrilled! For me, I’m excited as can be. I think this time around, it’s gonna work adding a new judge. A lot of surprises are in store that are gonna make it more exciting to watch the show.”

   As for Kara D, Abdul says she knows her very well.

   “I met Kara literally on the streets of New York, in 1999, in front of the Brooklyn Diner,” Paula tells us.

   The two struck up a friendship and Abdul convinced the then-struggling songwriter to quit her job at Billboard magazine, she tells us, and convinced her to move to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams.

   “I was an instant fan of hers,” says Paula. “I moved her out to L.A. to live with me. I introduced her to music publishers. Kara and I wrote Spinning Around for Kylie Minogue when we were living together.”

   Paula tells us she brought up Kara D to the Idol producers before. The songwriter is friends with A.I. head honcho Simon Fuller and she’s written songs for many Idol finalists before.

   “I’ve been talking about her for years,” Abdul tells us. “I hope the audience gets excited and accepts it. Sometimes its been hard when we’ve had four judges in the past. They always wanted four judges since the beginning. It’ll be good to have two girls, and two guys. Kara’s like a sister to me.”

   And there you have it!

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10. 

    wadahoot August 26, 2008 at 12:35 am

    Ace is on his way to Broadway!

    Playbill says:

    “Idol” Finalist Ace Young to Join Broadway’s Grease

    By Andrew Gans
    August 25, 2008

    Ace Young will be the latest “American Idol” finalist to make his Broadway debut.

    The former “Idol” contestant will join the Tony-nominated revival of Grease at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre Sept. 9, according to a ticket offer. Young will step into the role of Kenickie.

    The current cast of Grease, directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, includes Ashley Spencer as Sandy and Derek Keeling as Danny with Janine DiVita as Rizzo, Ryan Patrick Binder as Doody, Susan Blommaert as Miss Lynch, Will Blum as Roger, Jeb Brown as Vince, Allison Fischer as Patty, Robyn Hurder as Marty, Lindsay Mendez as Jan, Jose Restrepo as Sonny, Matthew Saldivar as Kenickie, Jamison Scott as Eugene, Kirsten Wyatt as Frenchy and “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel. The ensemble comprises Josh Franklin, Natalie Hill, Matthew Hydzik, Keven Quillon, Allie Schultz, Brian Sears, Christina Sivrich, Amber Stone and Anna Aimee White.

    “After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with Sandy Dumbrowski (Spencer), the new girl in town,” Grease press notes state, “Danny Zuko’s (Keeling) world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock ‘n’ roll celebration of growin’ up, cruisin’ with friends and goin’ steady.”

    Grease features scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Martin Pakledinaz, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and sound design by Brian Ronan.

    Grease features book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. The new production also boasts songs from the hit 1978 film, which co-starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Among the film songs heard in the Broadway revival are “Sandy,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “Grease” and “You’re the One That I Want.”

    The new cast recording of Grease is available on the Masterworks Broadway label.

    After playing an Off-Broadway engagement at the Eden Theatre, Grease debuted on Broadway in June 1972 at the Broadhurst with a cast that included Barry Bostwick (Danny), Carole Demas (Sandy) and Adrienne Barbeau (Rizzo). The musical closed in April 1980, after playing 20 previews and 3,388 performances. The 1994 revival cast Rosie O’Donnell in the role of Rizzo.

    Grease is produced on Broadway by Paul Nicholas and David Ian, Nederlander Presentations, Inc. and Terry Allen Kramer by arrangement with Robert Stigwood.

    Tickets for Grease, priced $71.50-$121.50, are available by calling (212) 307-4100 or by visiting http://www.ticketmaster.com.

    For more information visit http://www.greaseonbroadway.com

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