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

There’s a new kind of soul, and it’s not all about Taylor Hicks this time.

The makers of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series have released an American Idol-inspired edition — Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul: Stories from the Idols and their Fans that Open Your Heart and Make Your Soul Sing. Aside from one of the longest titles in the history of the book series (that’s a 23-word title, kids), the book is packed with stories from Idol contestants including Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis and Ruben Studdard. In fact, just about every Idol finalist you can think of contributed to this the book. There also are stories from Ace Young, Tamyra Gray, Scott Savol, Nikko Smith, Vonzell Solomon and even Idol hairstylist Dean Banowetz, who contributed a piece called, “I Have a Feeling We’re Not in Iowa Anymore.”

Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul also features a special forward from judge Paula Abdul, as well as a number of stories from the show’s fans.

“I was six years old the night my mom walked into our apartment, switched on the lights, and nothing happened,” Melinda Doolittle opens with her contribution, “Without God, I’m Tone Deaf.” She goes on to talk about growing up with little money, something many contestants and fans can understand.

The 288-page book is filled with inspirational stories, perhaps some of the most interesting from Chicken Soup co-creators Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. The best-selling authors were joined by author Debra Poneman, mother to a pair of Idol fan children.

So, why don’t we all run out and grab a copy of the book and share our favorite stories?

American Idol, Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul, Dean Banowetz, Paula Abdul, Taylor Hicks, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Debra Poneman

It’s easier than ever to dress as an “American Idol” for Halloween. These ready-to-go costumes, complete with the “Idol” logo, are in stores everywhere. Since it’s actually Halloween day, you may have a little trouble finding this one — or any other version for children of almost all ages.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t still go trick-or-treating as an “Idol.” In fact, there’s probably a better, more original, way to do the trick. Here are some ideas:

1. Find inspiration in your favorite “Idol” winner or contestants from the past. Maybe you’ll want to go with the rocker approach and be Gina Glocksen. Find the right outfit, put a little streak of color and a lot of product in your hair and you’re ready to go.

2. Think of signature “Idol” looks that will make you stand out. Perhaps take the Phil Stacey or Chris Daughtry approach, and wear a bald cap. Paint on a little facial hair if you’re going for the Chris look, and you’re out the door.

3. Consider the memorable contestants. You may be best suited to go as someone like Ebony Jointer. Throw on some roller skates, a car-hop outfit and slap a pink bow in your hair. People may not remember your name, but they certainly will get the “Idol” feel. Or, go even further on a limb, and dress like Season 6’s most memorable auditioner, Margaret Fowler.

5. Finally, don’t forget to top it off with all the right props. Get a microphone — or make one — but don’t use a headset-style mic. When have you ever really seen that on the show? If you’re going as an auditioner, the easiest way to identify yourself is to create a number on a sheet of computer paper, and pin it to your chest.

Should you be going to a Halloween party with a group of friends, you may instead consider dressing as Ryan Seacrest, along with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. You probably can figure out what to wear for each of those “characters,” just don’t forget your red, plastic Coca-Cola cup. And drive your Ford Fusion to the party.

American Idol, American Idol Halloween, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Gina Glocksen, Phil Stacey, Chris Daughtry, Ebony Jointer, Margaret Fowler

Elliott Yamin may be one of the hardest working “American Idol” finalists out there. Calm down, Kelly, Clay and Carrie fans. I haven’t forgotten about your favorites.

Yamin, a Season 5 “Idol” finalist, has been busy touring behind his successful debut. And now the singer is stepping up to support a cause that’s particularly important to him — diabetes awareness.

The pop singer, who has type 1 diabetes, is serving as a Global Ambassador to promote the Diabetes Creative Expression Competition, an international contest looking for submissions from those with diabetes, as well as their family and friends, to express what diabetes means to them.

In addition to promoting the contest, Yamin will help judge U.S. entries. The singer even has agreed to donate a prize of concert tickets and backstage passes to those winners.

“I’m thrilled to be joining this important campaign to help children with diabetes around the world,” Yamin, 29, said in a press release. The singer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 16. “Children in developing nations often lack the medicines, supplies, education and basic care they need to survive and thrive. Even here in the U.S., there are kids who want to attend a diabetes camp but can’t afford it. By participating in the Inspired by Diabetes contest and expressing how diabetes affects you, you can have a direct impact on a child’s life.”

Submissions, which are encouraged through art, essays, poetry, photography and music, are being accepted until Jan. 31. Entries are being accepted in these categories:

— Short essay or poem – 500 words or less
— Photograph(s) – Up to three prints
— Original drawing or painting – no larger than 43cm x 66cm (17” x 26”)
— Music – Original composition, up to three minutes in length (instrumental and lyric)

The Inspired By Diabetes contest categories are:

— Children (age sub-groups 5-6, 7-8, 9-12, 13-17 years old; includes children with diabetes or family members or friends under 18
— Adult with diabetes (ages 18 and older)
— Family member or friend of a person with diabetes
— Health care professional

To learn more about the Inspired by Diabetes or to download an entry form to enter the competition, visit www.inspiredbydiabetes.com.

Elliott Yamin, Inspired By Diabetes, American Idol

She stole more than “Some Hearts” with her debut, but the Season 4 “American Idol” winner may have found an even better mix of music for her follow-up album. “Carnival Ride,” released earlier this week, is classic — if that’s possible — Carrie Underwood.

There’s nothing on “Carnival Ride” that’s anything too unexpected. And that’s a good thing. The CD is more country than the slightly pop-influenced debut, but it’s what we’ve come to expect from the Oklahoma girl — a multiple country music award winner. Not to mention the Grammy wins.

A definite standout on the new disc is “Just a Dream,” which tells the story of a military widow trying to find peace and understanding from her situation. The song is further proof Underwood is well on her way to enjoying a long career that could one day compare to country greats like Martina McBride and Reba McEntire.

In fact, many of the tracks on “Carnival Ride” have that same feel as McBride’s music. But the sophomore release isn’t all great. The low point for the disc is with track No. 10, a cover of Randy Travis’ “I Told You So.” Personally, I can’t get past the fact the song was made such a hit by Travis and now it’s been given a makeover. For me, it just doesn’t work. And I’d guess Randy Jackson would agree with me, dawg.

If you’ve heard the first single, “So Small,” you certainly can judge the entire album. The song is a true representation of what most of the 13 tracks have to offer. Will the CD enjoy the same success as her first release? Only time will tell, but it’s doubtful. Not because the music isn’t worthy of the success — it’s just much more country, and that doesn’t always translate into big album sales.

American Idol, Carrie Underwood, So Small, Carnival Ride, Some Hearts, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis

I’ve been reading a lot of reviews — many are mixed — on the latest releases from “American Idol” contestants Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice. I also have listened to both discs in full, and I have plenty to say.

I promise it’s coming … later tonight. And when it does, I look forward to you telling me I’m wrong. Or hopefully, I’m right.

Check back for more updates and news on Carrie, Bo and anyone else who ever had a connection to the show.

American Idol, Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood

The Season 4 “American Idol” winner and runner-up both released new CDs today. Who rushed out this morning to get the full recordings? Thoughts?

I’ll post more this evening.

American Idol, Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood isn’t the only “American Idol” alumni releasing a CD this week.

The Season 4 “Idol” winner’s “Carnival Ride” will be joined by Bo Bice’s sophomore effort, “See the Light.” The Season 4 runner-up found his own fair share of success with his debut, 2005’s “The Real Thing.”

Bice’s follow-up effort is a 10-track disc that will be available online through his Web site and as a digital download. The video for the CD’s first single, “Witness,” was released earlier this month and has been getting much positive feedback from fans.

“This song had me dancing in my chair,” one fan wrote in a review at Bice’s official Web site.

Dozens of fans have left comments on the site, where you also can listen to audio clips and leave your comments on the songs. Here is the track list:

1. “Witness”
2. “Take the Country Outta Me”
3. “I’m Gone”
4. “Only Words”
5. “Got Money”
6. “See the Light”
7. “Sinner in a Sin”
8. “This Train”
9. “Ain’t Gonna Die”
10. “Whiskey, Women & Time”

Much like Underwood has said, Bice admits his first CD was just a taste of his real talent. He says the sophomore effort is much more true to what he’s all about musically.

“I’m grateful for ‘The Real Thing’; that was a fun album. But that wasn’t my album,” Bo is quoted as saying on bobice.com. “This time it was just total freedom. We had no inhibitions about what this was going to be; we just went in and did whatever we wanted to. The freedom shines through.”

American Idol, Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood, The Real Thing, See the Light, Carnival Ride

Like many other “American Idol” graduates, Melinda Doolittle soon will be celebrating the holiday season.

The Season 6 “Idol” finalist is performing as a special guest and host at the “Christmas at Belmont” concert at her alma mater, Belmont University. Doolittle will appear Nov. 19 for the concert, which is being recorded to air at 10/9 p.m. central Christmas Eve on PBS.

“I have a lot of wonderful memories from performing at Belmont,” Doolittle said of the school where she graduated in 1999. “I was a part of Belmont Pops, University Chorus, Jazzmin, and Chadasha so I’ve been performing here for the longest time, even at the Commercial Music showcase. I’m really, really excited to be coming back for ‘Christmas at Belmont,’ to be given another chance to perform and also to host.”

The concert will feature more than 400 students from the university, as well as faculty and the Nashville Children’s Choir.

Prior to being the third-place finisher on the latest season of “Idol” and after graduating from Belmont, Doolittle was working as a professional background vocalist. She has performed with numerous top-rate vocalists, including CeCe Winans and Sandi Patti.

“Belmont really prepared me for the musical side of things, finding my style and getting used to who I am musically, as well as for the business side, to understand what I was looking at when someone set a contract in front of me,” she said. “Belmont has been a huge preparation for me.”

As is the case with many other “Idol” finalists, Doolittle also is working on her debut release. There is no word on a release date for that project.

American Idol, Melinda Doolittle, Christmas at Belmont, Belmont University

There is a lot of shocking news in this story, and none of it has to do with the fact Corey Clark is in trouble with the law.

The Season 2 finalist on “American Idol” was booted from the show after it was found out he had not shared information with producers. It’s all been pretty much downhill from there. The latest news on the “Idol” star is that he could be spending a year in jail for trespassing on his father-in-law’s property.

Yes, Corey Clark is married. Am I the only one who didn’t know this? (Oh, that’s the shocking part, by the way.)

According to gossip and celebrity site TMZ, Clark violated a restraining order taken out by his estranged wife. According to documents obtained by the site, the singer admitted to a charge of “aggravated harassment, involving domestic violence.” His punishment could include a year in jail, probation and a $150,000 fine, according to TMZ.

Most recently, Clark was busted in North Little Rock, Ark., where he was found in a suspicious parked car. Police arrested him on charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and for having an outstanding warrant issued in his name. That was the warrant in Arizona.

All of this negative press follows Clark’s biggest claim to fame — an alleged affair with “Idol” judge Paula Abdul. According to Clark, he and Abdul had inappropriate relations while he still was a contestant on the show. The scandal has been one of the biggest in the show’s history, and it led to many major TV interviews for Clark at the same time he was trying to push his musical career. He, of course, claimed that wasn’t why he was getting the secret off of his chest.

Corey Clark, Paula Abdul, American Idol

The summer tour is over. Auditions for Season 7 are complete. “American Idol” is at somewhat of a halt — but last season’s winner has been going non-stop since taking the title in May.

“My life has pretty much been airplanes, buses and hotel rooms,” Jordin Sparks said during a recent interview with MTV.

All the while, Jordin has been busy writing songs for her debut CD, expected to be released Nov. 20. Still, she’s been traveling between Los Angeles and New York to record, write and finish up the final details on her pending release.

“It’s all very exciting, but also kind of scary, because it doesn’t give me a lot of time to finish it,” she said.

Jordin’s all-star team of producers include people who have worked with everyone from Chris Brown and Jessica Simpson to former “Idol” contestants Diana DeGarmo and the recently engaged Katharine McPhee. The CD will include a collection of R&B, hip-hop, pop and country influences and elements, Jordin said.

“It’s hard to make everything fit together,” she said.

The CD’s first single, “Tattoo,” was co-written with Amanda Ghost, who also wrote “Beautiful Liar” for Beyoncé and Shakira. Jordin’s first single already is getting significant radio play on pop stations, and it is No. 22 on the iTunes Top 100 hit list.

“I was in the dressing room at Express, and ‘Tattoo’ came on,” Jordin said. “I started flipping out and screaming, and a lady came by to see if I was all right.”

While Jordin said she’s looking forward to getting back out on tour to promote the CD, she also has dreams and hopes of future gigs. Whether it’s following in the “Idol” footsteps of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson or the many past contestants who have graced Broadway stages, she certainly wants to try her hand doing some scripted material

“I would love to do some acting,” she said. “I did musical theater back home, and I love being on the stage and acting out. It’s so cool to become a different character for a little bit, so if the opportunity comes along, I’d love to do a movie or Broadway. If I ever actually have the time, I’d love to do it.”

American Idol, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, Diana DeGarmo, Katharine McPhee

His surprising debut proved Elliott Yamin, the third-place finisher of Season 5 of “American Idol,” could be a best-selling artist after all.

Now that his second single, “One Word,” from the self-titled debut is being released, there are even more reasons to go see Yamin in concert. And now the “Idol” standout is making that possible for fans across the country — and beyond. He recently announced a lineup of fall and winter tour dates, which kick off Oct. 5 at Park West in Chicago.

The rest of the tour includes:

Oct. 6
Majestic Live
Madison, Wisconsin

Oct. 8
The Intersection
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Oct. 9
Bogart’s
Cincinnati, Ohio

Oct. 10
Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center Art Rocks! Benefit
New York, New York

Oct. 11
Music Mill
Indianapolis, Indiana

Oct. 12
Bijou
Knoxville, Tennessee

Oct. 13
Machine Shop
Flint, Michigan

Oct. 15
Cains Ballroom
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Oct. 16
Blue Note
Columbia, Missouri

Oct. 18
House of Blues
Dallas, Texas

Oct. 19
Meridian
Houston, Texas

Oct. 22
Newby’s
Memphis, Tennessee

Oct. 23
House of Blues
New Orleans, Louisiana

Oct. 24
WorkPlay Theatre
Birmingham, Alabama

Oct. 26
Rocketown
Nashville, Tennessee

Oct. 28
House of Blues
Orlando, Florida

Oct. 29
Culture Room
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Oct. 30
State Theatre
Tampa, Florida

Nov. 1
House of Blues
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Nov. 2
The N Club
Greensboro, North Carolina

Nov. 3
Orange Peel
Asheville, North Carolina

Nov. 5
Maryland Theater
Hagerstown, Maryland

Nov. 7
Celtics Game
Boston, Massachusetts

Nov. 8
Whitaker Center
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nov. 9
Hooligans Music Hall
Jacksonville, North Carolina

Nov. 11
The Norva
Norfolk, Virginia

Nov. 12
Crocodile Rock Cafe
Allentown, Pennsylvania

Nov. 14
World Diabetes Day - NY
New York, New York

Nov. 17
Le National
Montreal

Nov. 19
Mod Club
Toronto

Nov. 20
Highline
New York City, New York

Nov. 21
Webster Theatre
Hartford, Connecticut

Nov. 23
Revolution Hall
Troy (Albany), New York

Nov. 24
Roxy
Boston, Massachusetts

Nov. 26
9:30 Club
Washington D.C.

Dec. 1
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur

Feb. 23
Weinstein JCC

Yamin appeared on Season 6 of “Idol” promoting his first single, “Wait for You,” which has been getting major airplay since the CD was released.

After his return performance, judge Paula Abdul said, “I’m speechless. I’m so proud of you, I can’t stand it.”

American Idol, Elliott Yamin, Wait for You, Paula Abdul, One Word

I was wrong. Just as soon as I said it, “American Idol” romance news is being splashed all over the place.

The latest comes from the Katharine McPhee camp. Apparently, the 23-year-old is about to be in the market for a wedding dress. And cake. And everything else it takes to make a big, Hollywood-style wedding.

According to reports from OK! Magazine, McPhee is engaged to boyfriend and actor Nick Cokas, 42.

McPhee has been one of the most present at red carpet events since becoming the Season 5 runner-up, losing to Taylor Hicks. Her debut CD was blasted, not because of bad music, but because of the sexy artwork on the cover.

The “Idol” standout is a native of Los Angeles, so she certainly knows a thing or two about Hollywood. That’s why it makes sense she would be pursuing acting, as well. McPhee is filming “I Know What Boys Like,” a film about a sorority that looks for help saving the day from a Playboy bunny.

McPhee’s relationship with Cokas was spoken of little during her time on the show — tabloids mentioned the age difference a handful of times — but she did credit him with being the reason she was able to get past an eating disorder.

Katharine McPhee, American Idol, Nick Cokas

If you had planned on seeing more of Paula Abdul’s wacky antics, you can stop holding your breath. It’s not happening — at least not on a second season of “Hey, Paula.”

“That was hard for me to watch,” the “American Idol” judge told USA Today. “They’d put a camera on me when I got wind that my dog was in a coma, and they’d make it (seem) like it was about hair and makeup.”

The “Idol” judge known for her softness and kind heart toward contestants said there were several scenes in her reality series where she comes off as a “demanding diva.” Maybe she was talking about the white shoes vs. black shoes breakdown outside the limo.

Abdul plans to focus her attention on her cosmetic and perfume line, which we all got a whiff of during one episode of “Hey, Paula,” where the former pop star got a little wacky — she blamed lack of sleep, you may recall — and started sniffing and acting more bizarre than usual. She also told USA Today she plans to stay on track with becoming more critical when it comes to “Idol.”

“Last season was a real turning of the corner for me, because I made a conscious decision to be very honest (with ‘Idol’ contestants),” she said. “There was a change because I saw the talent falling a little bit.”

But, even though she doesn’t have plans for a second installment of “Hey, Paula,” she does have plans for a child or two. Abdul has been dating JT Torregiani, a restauranteur, since April, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to be the father of the expected children.

“That’s the next step in my life,” she told USA Today of having children. ” … I thought by now I’d have three grown children.”

Abdul said if she doesn’t get pregnant “naturally,” she would consider adopting.

American Idol, Paula Abdul, Hey Paula, JT Torregiani

She does seem a little too soft for “American Idol.”

That’s exactly why country superstar Dolly Parton said she turned down the chance to be a guest judge on the hit reality series. She’ll leave the judging — and nasty comments — to Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and, obviously, Simon Cowell.

“I couldn’t do that,” Parton said of judging.” I can’t tell people they aren’t doing a good job even if they ask me. To tell someone they’re good or bad, or if they suck isn’t me.”

The 61-year-old country music icon will appear on a special episode, where singers will get to work backstage with the woman who wrote “I Will Always Love You.” That hit, one of many for Parton during her long career, was made more famous when it later was recorded and released by Whitney Houston, arguably the most imitated singer on “Idol.”

Parton, a Grammy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated performer, is the perfect fit as a celebrity guest on the show. The singer’s hits, which also include “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” offers contestants a large catalog of songs from which to choose. She also defines what it means to be a true idol. She’s not only a singer and actress, but she also is an accomplished songwriter, composer, author and philanthropist. Plus, the Tennessee-born superstar also has her own theme park.

After last season’s star-studded season — Celine Dion, Olivia Newton John and Tony Bennett were just a few of the guests — it appears the folks behind the scenes at “Idol” still are counting on the celebrity factor to draw in new fans. Parton certainly is a good start for Season 7.

American Idol, Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Celine Dion