American Idol

Season 4 American Idol winner Carrie Underwood performs at Monday night’s CMT Music Awards.

It was a big night for American Idol’s other country music star. Yes, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood was at the CMT Awards, but it was Kellie Pickler who was picking up the most awards tonight.

“Thank you American Idol, you are the rocket that launched my career,” Pickler said from Scottsdale, Ariz.

The former Idol finalist took home the belt buckle awards in three categories — USA Weekend Breakthrough Video Of The Year, CMT Music Awards Performance of the Year and CMT Music Awards Tearjerker Video of the Year. All of the nominations came thanks to her song I Wonder, which tells the story of a daughter talking to her estranged mother.

Paula Abdul presents a performance by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at the CMT Music Awards on Monday night in Nashville.

Pickler’s three wins made her the top winner of the night at the fan-voted awards presentation. The show, hosted by Hannah Montana and her country star dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, also featured Idol judge Paula Abdul as a presenter.

“There are so many American Idol alum here that I feel this is a reunion, and I’m a proud mom,” Abdul said.

The 2008 CMT Music Awards were presented live from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. The university is the alma mater of another Idol alum, Melinda Doolittle.

American Idol, CMT Awards, Carrie Underwood, Paula Abdul, Kellie Pickler

It was charity begging at its finest as celebrities gathered around the Kodak Theatre for a night of asking Americans (and Canadians, too) for pledges to help raise money as part of the second annual Idol Gives Back campaign.

There were American Idol contestants, former winners and a whole lot of celebrities. It was a recipe for a night like the Oscars — long-winded talks on stage and a few bad fashion choices. Of course, with Idol Gives Back there’s a little added singing. So, here’ s a look in pictures at tonight’s big fund-raising effort, which actually took place Sunday. Oh, and if you still want, there’s time to make a pledge.

For me, Sarah Silverman’s appearance was the highlight of the night. I think she’s a stellar comedian. So offensive, and so funny. She knows when and how and where to push all the right buttons — even at a charity event. What more do you want?

David Cook joined fellow Top 8 Idol finalists to sing a couple of songs. I thought it was interesting — and I really liked it, actually — when the group gathered around the piano to sing Seasons of Love from Rent. It’s a great song, and I couldn’t wait to hear who would sing the big female vocal part … and I was really surprised it was Kristy Lee Cook, at least in the beginning. What I can’t understand is the all-white outfits the contestants wore. Haven’t we been through this?

It’s Annie Lennox. Of course it was incredible. She’s timeless.

Carrie Underwood showed up fresh from bridesmaid duties, apparently. Aside from the Hypercolor-inspired dress, her performance was good. It certainly wasn’t her best, but it was far from terrible.

Speaking of terrible, am I the only one who is questioning Fergie’s choice of outfits? What’s up with the spandex-meets-pleather pants? I just didn’t get it. To make matters worse, the outfit initially was topped off with a matching jacket and some bizarre skirt-like device that added just a splash of color.

And the award for the longest skit without a point goes to … Miley Cyrus and Billy Crystal. Maybe I missed it, but I knew in the first few seconds it was going to be a “Who are you?” “No, who are you?” skit. But it still went on for 10 minutes. Waste of time.

Robin Williams‘ skit was not much better. It was entertaining that he used a couple of plays on words to sneak in some inappropriate language on the family friendly show.

And, finally, Mariah Carey, the diva herself. While I generally think Mariah is about the most amazing vocalist on the planet, I’m not sure why she had to cover her own ears when she was singing. I mean, c’mon, how do you expect everyone at home to listen when you can’t even stand the sound of your voice? Of course, her voice still is incredible. It’s just that she didn’t actually sing too much of the song. And was there a fan blowing her hair? And that sparkling microphone? Give me a break, Mariah. You’re making it hard for me to defend Glitter. (No, seriously. That movie wasn’t that terrible. Did you even see it?)

American Idol, Sarah Silverman, Billy Crystal, Miley Cyrus, Robin Williams, Mariah Carey, Fergie, David Cook, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, Kristy Lee Cook

Carrie Underwood arrives Sunday at the Kodak Theatre for the taping of Idol Gives Back.

American Idol is a show about numbers, really. It’s about the 29.4 million — give or take — votes that are cast each week for the contestants. It’s about the three judges. The Top 24. Then 12. And the bottom three.

But it’s also about one other number — $76 million. If you don’t skip through the chatter on your DVR, you’ve heard Ryan Seacrest repeat the magic $76 million number week after week. That number, as you probably know, is how much producers claim was raised during last year’s Idol Gives Back effort.

The Idol charity organization played off the huge popularity of the show — and a red carpet full of celebrities — to help boost funding for nine poverty-related charities in the U.S. and Africa. Randy, Paula and Simon, as well as Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood and many others, made trips to different areas where the money was to be used.

But whatever happened to all that cash? And how much money has been used just to promote (and promote, again and again) this charity effort? It seems like overkill. (Click here to read a New York Times breakdown of the $76 million.)

Musicians including Underwood, Fergie, Sheila E., Annie Lennox, John Legend and many others arrived Sunday at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles for the taping of this year’s Idol Gives Back effort, which airs Wednesday. (If you remember from last year, this could mean nobody will be going home this week …)

While I’m a huge fan of the show, I probably won’t be giving back through Idol Gives Back. It’s not that I don’t believe in charity, I just don’t know how I feel about Idol directing me on how to spend my charitable giving. Plus, this show already has a great deal of influence on my life.

What about you? Will you be giving back? Do you wonder what happened to all that money?

American Idol, Idol Gives Back, Carrie Underwood, Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson

Carrie Underwood is surprised by Randy Travis at Saturday’s Opry Live on GAC. The birthday surprise included an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry.

She’s probably the most successful winner in American Idol history, and now Carrie Underwood is being bestowed with one of the biggest honors in country music — membership into the Grand Ole Opry.

Underwood, the winner of Idol’s fourth season, was invited Saturday by member Randy Travis. On her most recent CD, Carnival Ride, Underwood included a cover of the Randy Travis hit I Told You So.

The singer made her Grand Ole Opry debut June 10, 2005, only two weeks after winning the Idol title. May 10 is when Underwood is scheduled to be inducted into the Opry.

Carrie Underwood, Grand Ole Opry, Randy Travis, American Idol

Carrie Underwood performs ‘Before He Cheats’ at Sunday night’s 50th Grammy Awards.

After a high-energy performance of her hit single Before He Cheats at the 50th Grammy Awards, Season 4 American Idol winner Carrie Underwood picked up a couple more trophies to add to her growing award collection.

Underwood took home Grammys, thanks to Before He Cheats, in the Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song categories. The Best Country Song award actually was presented to songwriters Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins.

Carrie Underwood poses with her Grammy backstage at the awards show.

Several former Idol contestants and/or winners were nominated, including four nominations for Daughtry. The rock band fronted by Season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry is nominated in the Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Rock Song categories for It’s Not Over; Best Rock Album; and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for Home.

Chris Daughtry and his wife, Deanna, attended Sunday night’s Grammy Awards.

As a co-writer of It’s Not Over, Ace Young was included in the Best Rock Song nomination.

Season 3 winner-turned-Broadway star Fantasia garnered three nominations in R&B categories. She was nominated in the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song for When I See You, as well as in the Best Contemporary R&B Album category for her self-titled release.

Underwood also was a nominee in the Best Country Collaboration category for her work on Oh Love. She was up against the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson, who was a Best Country Collaboration nominee for her Reba McEntire debut, Because of You.

Mandisa earned a nomination in the Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album category for her CD True Beauty.

American Idol, Carrie Underwood, Mandisa, Daughtry, Ace Young, Grammy, Grammy Awards

There were more American Idol alums on the 50th Grammy Awards red carpet than musicians who didn’t get their start on the FOX reality hit. Or so it would seem.

From winners Carrie Underwood and Fantasia to fellow Grammy nominee Chris Daughtry, the red carpet also welcomed Idol faces such as Ace Young — someone probably should have told him you dress up for the Grammys — and Tamyra Gray. Even Paris Bennett made an appearance (or was I seeing things?).

Here are a few photos from the red carpet to hold you over. Check back later for more photos, as well as commentary on performances and wins (maybe even losses) from the night.

Ace Young
Carrie Underwood

Fantasia

Daughtry

American Idol, Grammy Awards, Carrie Underwood, Ace Young, Fantasia Barrino, Chris Daughtry, Daughtry

They are the moments we watch an entire season to see. It’s that last few minutes of the finale when the winner is announced and the first performance as the nation’s newest American Idol.

So, in preparation for Tuesday night’s Season 7 premiere, let’s take a few minutes to remember those moments from the first six seasons.

Kelly Clarkson: A Moment Like This

Ruben Studdard: Flying Without Wings

Fantasia Barrino: I Believe

Carrie Underwood: Inside Your Heaven

Taylor Hicks: Do I Make You Proud

Jordin Sparks: This Is My Now

American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks responds after it’s announced she was the sixth winner in American Idol history. Sparks was the fourth female and youngest winner ever on the show.

Four girls. Two guys. In the first six seasons of American Idol, twice as many females have won the top prize — a recording contract and instant fame. And the two guys recently lost their recording contracts. So, does it matter if you’re male or female when it comes to capturing America’s votes on the FOX reality hit?

I’m not sure it does, but here’s a look back at the lives and success of the first six Idol champions.

Kelly Clarkson
Born Kelly Brianne Clarkson, this 25-year-old has enjoyed major success since becoming the first American Idol winner. In September 2002, Clarkson beat out runner-up Justin Guarini with 58 percent of the votes.

Clarkson, who is set to start touring this week with country superstar Reba McEntire, has released three CDs — Thankful, Breakaway and My December. Thankful debuted in April 2003 at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and since has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. Breakaway sold more than 11 million copies, and last year’s My December has been certified platinum (1 million copies).

The original Idol is a Grammy Award-winning musician, and she seems to be slowing down no time soon. Let’s just hope she doesn’t attempt to recreate Grease in another box-office flop like From Justin to Kelly.

Ruben Studdard
Born Christopher Ruben Studdard, the 29-year-old was known as “the Velvet Teddy Bear” and often wore jerseys featuring “205″ to honor his native Birmingham, Ala., area code. Studdard garnered 134,000 more votes than runner-up Clay Aiken to take the Season 2 title. About 24 million votes were cast for that season’s finale.

Studdard has released three discs — Soulful, I Need an Angel and The Return. Soulful debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard charts, but none of the CDs have garnered major attention. In all, Studdard has sold just more than 2.4 million albums total, which led to his recently being dropped from J Records for falling short of label expectations.

Aiken has released four CDs since the show and has become a much more successful artist. In fact, aside from Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, no finalist on the show has sold more albums.

Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia Monique Barrino simply became Fantasia when she started her rise to the top during American Idol’s third season. She drew much attention — and a little controversy — for being a single mother. She ultimately beat out runner-up Diana DeGarmo in May 2004 by earning 1.3 million more fan votes.

After taking the title, Fantasia released her debut, Free Yourself. Four Grammy nominations followed. In 2006, her second CD, a self-titled album, was released. But it has been success on the Broadway stage in The Color Purple that really has helped Fantasia make a splash on the music scene. The singer also released a book on the heels of announcing she struggled with literacy.

The critically praised acting Fantasia does on stage in The Color Purple certainly is not the same kind of praise she got from her role as herself in the made-for-TV movie Life is Not a Fairy Tale: The Fantasia Barrino Story. Of course, it was Lifetime’s second-most-watched program ever.

Carrie Underwood
She has, without question, become the most successful American Idol winner. Carrie Marie Underwood, now 24, beat out Bo Bice to take the Season 4 title.

Upon the release of her debut, Some Hearts, it was clear Underwood soon would be a country superstar. She won numerous country music awards, as well as two of the four Grammys in which she was nominated for in late 2006. Some Hearts produced a number of hit singles, helping it lock in several weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard country charts.

Last year, Underwood released her sophomore effort, Carnival Ride, which was certified double-platinum in December. The singer has sold more than 13 million albums in just two years.

Taylor Hicks
He arguably has the most vocal fans of any American Idol winner. Despite the Soul Patrol’s support, Taylor Hicks (born Taylor Reuben Hicks) has not found major success on the music charts.

After beating out Katharine McPhee to win Season 5, Hicks released a self-titled disc featuring the blues and classic R&B sounds he was known for on the show. Unfortunately, the disc failed to sell even 1 million copies and resulted in being dropped from his record label earlier this month.

Hicks is a strong live performer and continues to tour post-Idol, just as he did before rising to fame on the reality hit. Much like many other contestants, Hicks also released a book about his life, Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way. It officially is the longest title for any memoir released by an Idol contestant.

Jordin Sparks
She was the youngest American Idol winner ever. So, it was quite an impressive run for Jordin Sparks (born Jordin Brianna Sparks), who beat out beat-boxing Blake Lewis to win the Season 6 Idol crown.

The teenager, much like other winners Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks, never was in the bottom two or three during elimination episodes of the show. Sparks’ self-titled debut CD was released in November and features the first single, Tattoo. The CD has sold more than 450,000 copies since its release.

Sparks recently released her second single, No Air, which is a duet with Chris Brown.

So, what do you think? Even though the numbers and awards seem to show Carrie Underwood is the most successful winner to date, do you think someone else is the ultimate American Idol?

American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks

You don’t have to win American Idol to be a winner. Daughtry is proof of that.

The recently four-time Grammy nominee is the top-selling artist of the year, according to a list compiled by Billboard magazine for its annual Billboard 200. Daughtry, the band fronted by Chris Daughtry of Idol fame, has been a force since releasing its self-titled debut earlier this year. The CD has sold 3.2 million copies, which put it at the top of the list.

Akon, Hannah Montana and Fergie took up the second through fourth-place spots, while Season 4 Idol winner Carrie Underwood’s Some Hearts produced a fifth-place finish with 2.3 copies sold in 2007.

American Idol, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood

If you haven’t picked up the January copy of Glamour magazine — and you’re a Carrie Underwood fan — you’ll definitely want to check it out.

The Season 4 American Idol winner-turned-country megastar graces the cover in a white and pink dress with her signature smile and long blonde hair. Inside, Underwood talks about going from a small-town girl to a six-time platinum-selling artist, thanks to her debut Some Hearts.

Glamour sent the singer to Max Azria and J. Mendel fashion shows with a diary to take notes. One of the pages from the diary is printed as part of the spread. “Max had some really beautiful skirts and dresses that were very flowing and feminine! I loved the muted colors!” she wrote.

Underwood talks to the magazine about her rise to fame, which included the most surreal moment of her last year — attending the Grammys.

“The Grammys were pretty awesome — to look across the aisle and see Ludacris,” she said. Hmmm. Who would have thought Carrie Underwood to be a Ludacris fan?

As part of the magazine’s 365 beauty tips and tricks, Idol alum Jennifer Hudson also is featured in the “6 reasons to try bangs already” section. She’s pictured alongside stars including Jennifer Garner, Kate Moss and Halle Berry.

Both Underwood and Hudson were part of the recent Movies Rock, which featured a star-studded cast of popular musicians singing favorite tunes from classic movies. Underwood delivered an incredible performance of Julie Andrews’ title song from The Sound of Music. Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson performed Somewhere from West Side Story.

American Idol, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Movies Rock, Glamour

Daughtry, led by former American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry, racked up four nominations for the 50th Grammy Awards.

It’s going to be a monumental year at the Grammy Awards, for sure. Not only is it the 50th year for the music industry’s most celebrated and recognizable night, but it also is the year American Idol is most represented with nominations.

Six former Idol contestants and/or winners are nominated in several categories, led by Daughtry with four nominations. The rock band fronted by Season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry is nominated in the Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Rock Song categories for It’s Not Over; Best Rock Album; and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for Home.

Ace Young shares part of the Best Rock Song nomination, being named as a co-writer of the hit.

Season 3 winner-turned-Broadway star Fantasia garnered three nominations in R&B categories. She is nominated in the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song for When I See You, as well as in the Best Contemporary R&B Album category for her self-titled release.

Multiple Grammy and Idol winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood also made the short list for the 50th Grammys. Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood was nominated in the Best Female Country Vocal Performance category for Before He Cheats from her debut release, which helped her carry away some awards at last year’s ceremony. Underwood also is a nominee in the Best Country Collaboration category
for her work on Oh Love. She is up against the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson, who is a Best Country Collaboration nominee for her Reba McEntire debut, Because of You.

The sixth Idol finalist to be recognized at the awards is Mandisa, who earned a nod in the Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album category for her CD True Beauty.

The Grammy awards will be broadcast at 8/7c Feb. 10 on CBS.

Grammy Awards, American Idol, Daughtry, Chris Daughtry, Ace Young, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Mandisa

Carrie Underwood is now part of another No. 1. Disney’s Enchanted was No. 1 this holiday weekend at the box office. The film features a song from the Season 4 American Idol winner, Ever, Ever After.

The film raked in $35.3 million across the United States and Canada, where it played in 3,730 theaters.

Enchanted tells the story of a princess who is transported from her fairy-tale life into real-world New York. The princess is played by Amy Adams (not the Season 3 Idol finalist), and the film also features the voices of Patrick Dempsey and Susan Sarandan, among many others.

American Idol, Carrie Underwood, Amy Adams, Enchanted

American Idol Jordin Sparks rides in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

If you still haven’t picked up a copy of Jordin Sparks’ debut CD, how can you possibly call yourself a true American Idol fan? If you have picked up the CD, you may have noticed something — it’s hard to stop hitting the repeat button after the first track, Tattoo, ends.

Even though I had heard the first single for the Season 6 Idol winner dozens of times prior to Tuesday’s release, it just seemed to be more and more catchy as I kept playing it on repeat the day I bought the CD. Finally, I have allowed myself to listen to every song on the disc. And I have to say, it’s better than I expected. It’s not as strong as the debuts from Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood, perhaps, but it certainly is better than you may have expected from the youngest winner in the show’s history.

Aside from Tattoo, the best song on Jordin’s self-titled debut certainly is No Air, a duet performed with young R&B superstar Chris Brown. The lyrics are age-appropriate, but the soulful style proves both of these young artists are bursting with talent. Judging by this track alone, Jordin is putting herself in line to have a successful career, much like the pop and R&B superstars who came before her.

The other song that really stands out among the others is Next to You. It’s the solo equivalent of No Air in the way it showcases the vocal ability that helped land Jordin the Idol title. These few tracks far outshine the others — including the song written for the show, This is My Now, which closes out the collection. Overall, the disc comes together well. There’s certainly room for growth as Jordin develops into a seasoned artist, but for a first time out she should be thrilled with the success that’s no doubt coming her way.

Jordin Sparks, the CD, is definitely an extension of what the singer showcased during her run to the top of Season 6. It lays the groundwork for what I expect will be Jordin’s career-long style, a smooth mix of R&B, soul and pop tracks that take advantage of modern techniques, yet still count on the talent of the artist.

Jordin Sparks, American Idol, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson

American Idol is all over the red carpet at the American Music Awards. Here are their familiar faces:

Carrie Underwood

Chris Daughtry

Jordin Sparks

Kellie Pickler

Ryan Seacrest

American Music Awards, Jordin Sparks, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Ryan Seacrest, American Idol

Fresh from a pair of wins at the 41st Country Music Association Awards, Carrie Underwood announced she and Australian sensation Keith Urban will take the road together beginning in January for a 24-city tour.

The Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Carnival Ride tour, which combines the titles of the latest albums by the artists, has not announced dates. But tickets for the tour are expected to go on sale Dec. 1.

“I’m looking forward to hitting the road with Carrie,” Urban is quoted as saying on Carrie’s official Web site. The Season 4 American Idol winner responded by saying, “I can’t think of a better person to begin 2008 with than Keith.”

Urban, who is married to actress Nicole Kidman, is preparing for the Nov. 20 release of his first greatest hits disc, Keith Urban: Greatest Hits. The singer, known for hits such as Days Go By and You’ll Think of Me, currently is on tour behind his last release, Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing. Since bursting onto the scene in 2000, Urban has sold more than 10 million copies and has performed countless sold-out concerts.

Underwood released her sophomore effort, Carnival Ride, weeks before taking home the CMA Awards for Single of the Year (Before He Cheats) and Female Vocalist of the Year. Carnival Ride debuted at No. 1, selling more than 500,000 copies in its first week. Thanks in part to the early success of the first single, So Small, the first-week sales for Carnival Ride also made it the top-selling album by a female artist in 2007.

As part of the Oklahoma Centennial Celebration, Underwood will perform Nov. 16 alongside more than a dozen other natives of the state including Blake Shelton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill and the All-American Rejects.

American Idol, Carrie Underwood, Season 4, Keith Urban