Carrie Underwood Makes Forbes List
For someone who had shied away from the music business because she thought it was impractical, Carrie Underwood is making out just fine.
Not only does she have her seventh straight No. 1 country single, she’s also listed at No. 79 on the new Forbes list of the 100 Most Powerful Celebrities. The magazine estimates she brought in a cool $9 million during the last 12 months, which is actually 88th among the famous people on the list. But she ranked much higher in web hits, press coverage and TV/radio presence, all of which helped determine the overall rankings.
Syesha Mercado: Up close and Idol
Syesha is her name. Singing her way to the top is her game.
South Florida fans of American Idol finalist Syesha Mercado gathered at the Franks Beach Club at Gulfstream Park to celebrate her success on the popular reality hit show.
Mercado hoped to follow in the footsteps of Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks.
She came close as the second runner up to 2008 American Idol David Cook, and just behind runner up David Archuleta.
“Baby V” calls airport incident an honest mistake
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - Former American Idol contestant and Fort Myers native Vonzell Solomon is calling this week’s incident at Southwest Florida International Airport, when a gun was found in her luggage, an honest mistake.
Vonzell Solomon Statement: “I in no way intended to enter the plane with a firearm. I was rushing to make a scheduled flight and simply did not realize it was in my handbag until I went through security.”
For the Record: US, R. Kelly, David Cook, Amy Winehouse, David Cook and More
You’d think that after conquering “American Idol” with his rock-tastic covers, winner David Cook would be focusing on showing off some original material. But on Thursday night, he busted out a cover of the Foo Fighters’ “My Hero” on the “Tonight Show With Jay Leno.” Turns out he learned how to play guitar by listening to The Colour and the Shape.
Former “Idol” finalist Vonzell Solomon’s week just got worse. First she was busted for trying to bring an unloaded gun on a plane, now the Bank of New York is reportedly trying to foreclose on her Florida home.
‘American Idol’ finalist Vonzell ‘Baby V’ Solomon’s home in foreclosure
A home belonging to “American Idol” finalist Vonzell “Baby V” Solomon is scheduled to be sold in foreclosure Monday, according to court records.
Advertisement
Solomon, 24, who finished third on the Fox Network’s popular talent contest three years ago, bought the south Fort Myers house Jan. 6, 2006, from Betty Hack for $405,000.
The purchase was made with two mortgages: one for $312,800 and the other for $78,200, court records show.
But on Nov. 19, 2007, Bank of New York filed a foreclosure action against Solomon for the house at 6617 Canton St.
On May 16, the foreclosure sale was set for 11 a.m. Monday on the second floor of the Lee County Courthouse in downtown Fort Myers.
Blake Lewis Interview
Coasters and Sparks at Six Flags
“American Idol” alum Jordin Sparks, who loves roller coasters, got to indulge that passion Thursday afternoon at Six Flags America, along with the dozen or so friends she brought along.
Sparks, in town to open for Alicia Keys last night, wore theme-park casual (white tank, plaid shorts, hair up, cute sunglasses). Escorted by park staff, Sparks and her entourage paid no admission fees, got to skip lines and stayed almost two hours after closing time.
Stars For Stripes Entertains Troops in Remote Locations
One recent Stars for Stripes performers was recording artist and American Idol finalist Bo Bice. Initially, the southern rocker says, he and his band members had some reservations about touring a war zone. “I said to them, ‘Y’know, these people we’re going over to entertain and to meet, they don’t have any choice and they have families too. And these people are dying?for us. The least we can do?you know, we ain’t gotta carry a gun or crawl through a ditch! We’re just goin’ over there to play a guitar and say thank you’.”
Spotlight shines on Hollywood hairstylist from Q-C
His journey has been more fun that a slapstick Hollywood comedy. When “Idol” finalist Sanjaya Malakar came to the Quad-Cities for the “American Idol” tour last year, he name-dropped Banowetz when describing his favorite part of the “Idol” experience.
Malakar, despite having a not-so-great singing voice, made it to the finals of the competition by gaining audience support for his outrageousness, which included some harrowing hair styles.
“I’m very calculating,” Banowetz said of working on Malakar’s hair. “I knew people tuned in that year to see what he was doing with his hair. His mother hated me.”
Carrie Underwood Rebuffs Jessica Simpson Offer
In Nashville for the CMA Music Festival, superstar Carrie Underwood seemed relaxed, happy and at the top of her game. But her mood changed when asked if she’d like to team up with Jessica Simpson, in town to promote her new country single. “No,” Carrie told In Touch on June 6, rolling her eyes. “Not going to happen.” Earlier reports have claimed that Jessica became upset when she learned that her boyfriend, Tony Romo, 28, was still emailing and text messaging Carrie, whom he had dated in 2007.
So You Think You Can Dance: Jamie Bayard and Rayven Armijo Say Goodbye
“I think we both did really, really well for a ballet dancer and a ballroom dancer doing hip-hop,” mused recently eliminated “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant Jamie Bayard during a conference call with the media this morning.
Then, predictably, the conversation turned to Jamie’s Janet Jackson moment; during his choreographed routine Wednesday, Jamie’s partner pulled his pants down, revealing his underwear. It was meant to be cute, but Nigel Lythgoe thought the brazen move might have offended viewers. When talking about the incident, Jamie took the Miley Cyrus “you can’t say no to Annie” route. He explained that the choreographers put the move in his dance, and you simply don’t say no to choreographers. Jamie did not, however, suggest he was uncomfortable with the move. “I have no shame, obviously,” he chuckled.
So You Think You Can Dance: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Dan Karaty Get Real
On Thursday night, “So You Think You Can Dance” lost its first pair of dancers: Jamie Bayard and Rayven Armijo. I caught up with the judges backstage after the show, to find out more about their unanimous decision.
Is it possible that performing first was the kiss of death for Jamie and Rayven?
Dan Karaty: I think being first can work for you and against you… If your performance is great, everyone’s gonna remember it… I don’t think it was placement. I think they screwed it up.
Talking with ‘Nashville Star’ judge John Rich
Don’t get Big & Rich front man John Rich started on the subject of “American Idol.” He might blow a fuse.
The singer, who is a judge on “Nashville Star” this season as it moves from the USA Network to NBC, isn’t much of a fan of “Idol.” He lets you know it soon enough.
“‘American Idol’ infuriates me as an artist,” he says. “I can’t stand watching it. I wouldn’t want to be on that show now if you gave me a $100 bill.”
Rich says the show appears scripted and contestants aren’t treated with respect by the judges. On the similarly formatted “Star,” which airs at 10 p.m. EDT Mondays, Rich says the game will be free of all that.
For one, the judges — two singers (Rich and Jewel) and one songwriter (Jeff Steele) — will pay attention to what’s happening onstage, he says.
Related Posts
That’s a shame about Vonzelle’s situation. I really liked her back in the day.
Well, Vonzell has the two Former Idols gigs coming up, a month in Branson and two weeks in San Francisco to bring in some cash.
I’m just hoping they don’t decide to pull her from Idol Camp this year over this weapon thing.
She seems like a dear sweet girl. My twenty-something daughter (not a star-struck type) got to meet her at a private residence during the tour in 2005. Vonzell looked lovely, and my daughter was just getting ready to walk up to her and tell her so, and that she enjoyed her performances. She was waiting for a few minutes to let Vonz get used to the room. Then, from out of nowhere, Vonzell came across the yard and said to my daughter “You’re so pretty. What is your name?” Very nice gesture. Vonzell also paid close attention to the hosts and seemed appreciative of their efforts by sampling food and sincerely complimenting them. Class act, not a Diva-type at all.
LOL John Rich is such a hypocrite. How does he know what goes on on the set of AI if he won’t even watch it, much less visit the set? And then he goes on to JUDGE a show that was cut from the very same cloth as American Idol? Please.
While watching the show last week, I had the feeling that his “biggest star in country music right now” comment to Taylor Swift was more a dig at Carrie Underwood, than a comment on Taylor herself. Because, while she’s enjoyed great success, she’s got a long way to go to reach Carrie levels. And Taylor will NEVER have the caliber voice that Carrie does.
Oh dear, I think I have watched too much American Idol because initially I thought you meant Taylor HICKS!? Yeah, I need some more coffee this morning.
I love John Rich, even though I don’t always agree with him (Julio Iglesias Jr?!?! What was he thinking?) I do think he is right on target regarding the judging on American Idol — the judges have already made up their minds (or had them made up for them) on what they are going to say before the contestants sing live…and they do not deviate from script. To me, this has become more apparent last year and this year.
I much prefer the judging on Nashville Star where the judges seem to actually listen to the performance live and respond in kind.
Poor Vonzel. I also liked her during her season and thought she was a sweet, classy girl.
Bo Bice has always been a favorite of mine. My admiration of him has gone up a thousand-fold for visiting the troops, and a hundred-thousand fold for promising to go back.
hahaha i Just saw the preview for Kat’s new movie House Bunny- it looked pretty funny, and that leading chick it hot. and there is an american idol joke in the mix…ironic? maybe. but i guess Kat’s role is one of the girls in the sorority who go from geek to sheik.
LOL geek to sheik or chic? rofl
John Rich will turn down the paltry sum of $100.00 to appear on Idol. That’s not exactly a huge amount of $$$.$$ !!
Hey John, would you appear for $125.00?
I hope everything turns out well for Vonzell — she seems like a nice person.
I’m mystified by the popularity if this Taylor Swift girl. I just don’t think she’s good at all.
Poor Vonzell. She bought the house in January 2006, six months after Idol, probably figuring her career was about to take off and she could afford it. Obviously that wasn’t the case and like so many people, she finds herself in foreclosure. She’s so young, too and this will be very damaging to her credit.
I met Vonzell and her parents when the Idols were here in 2005. I got a very strange vibe from the father, like a super-stage dad who was barely able to conceal his glee at the potential to make lots of money off his daughter. That was my impression anyway - I could be wrong. I wonder if he was behind the house buying deal? Or at least encouraging her to invest her Idol tour money wisely.
I, too, am mystified by the popularity of Taylor Swift. She leaves me wondering, huh? Seems Carrie Underwood can be a tad bit catty, huh? She’s a wealthy young lady, but, alas, love has escaped her.
I saw the trailer for House Bunny, and, it looks to be a hysterical movie. Might just have to catch that one. I’m always up for a good laugh.
John Rich was referring to Paulagate, and, judging Jason’s 2nd song even before he sang it. HE was on AH right after it happened, and, didn’t pull any punches. Of course, the judging is scripted, and, he is right, they don’t listen to the contestants while they’re singing. So, they are paid mega bucks to do what? They admitted they didn’t even listen to Jason’s first song. Yet, that didn’t stop them from tearing him apart.
John Rich isn’t doing himself or the show any favors by bashing AI. There are differences in their formats, but beyond that, not much as far as the average viewer is concerned. He would do better by talking about his own show.
I laughed out loud about the $100. What a joke.
Sorry to hear about Vonzelle. I really like her on the show. I hope she can turn things around.
From what I understand, Vonzell was enroute to Branson, MO, where a lot of the former idols are playing. I’m glad she has a gig.
All of his anti-AI bluster makes me feel kind of knollish about Diana DeGarmo getting robbed on Gone Country.
Billboard reviews Jordin’s new single and says alot of great things about her:
“Who knew? While “American Idol” season six champ Jordin Sparks possesses plenty of talent, previous youthful finalists—Katharine McPhee a prime example—have been driven to record painfully mismatched material with disastrous results. Thanks to Jive (now Sony BMG) chief Barry Weiss, Sparks’ debut release continues to emit far-reaching pop/R&B vitality. “Tattoo” was a mere hint of her potential, while prodigious No. 3 follow-up “No Air” with Chris Brown will be heard for years to come. …Sparks has ignited potential to become an enduring name brand, propelling past the “Idol” stamp. —Chuck Taylor”
*Raises hand* !!!!
I also think that Taylor Swift is way, way, way overrated. I’ve heard her sing - not much happening in that department - mediocre at best.
Chucky loves Kim Locke beyond reason too. He has his favorites in spite of their actual success or lack of it.
I really, really hope No Air will not be heard for years to come. Sorry, Jordin.
And while I haven’t heard Jordin’s album (nor do I ever plan to do so) those kudos seem a bit over-the-top to me. It’s early yet, and she’s very young, but the girl is no Carrie. Not even close.
Yet, she’s not the utter failure some folks predicted.
“Worst season of Idol Ever! Therefore she’ll be a total failure!” I’m glad her path isn’t following the script some had written for her.
She’s no Carrie. But album on the way to plat? Two hit records? She’s achieving success beyond Idol. She’s doing just fine.
And she’s only 18! ;).
Vonzell was a fav of mine. I remember being very surprised she kinda disappeared with her vocals, talent and looks and personality. I do remember reading that she was offered a record deal but turned it down because it was too restrictive, for lack of a better word. Ive often wondered if her dad was acting as her manager and maybe that was a hindrance to her. Same with Diana DeGarmo and her mom managing her. I understand parents wanting to safeguard their kids in the biz, but sometimes you just need a professional for best results and let mom/dad be mom/dad.
Teehee to Carrie saying a big fat “NO” to pairing up w/ JS. I wouldnt wanna do it either. Nothing against JS, but I really dont think I could be friends (or possibly in the same room lol) w/ my ex’s new gf. And congrats to her on the Forbes list. You go girl.
And I really enjoy/like/respect John Rich, and his comments regarding AI may have been somewhat true to an extent, but AI still has better talent than NS.period.
OK, so I know I haven’t posted in a while. Nobody will read this probably. Yea yea, David Cook won AI, woo hoo.
On to the more important topic at hand.
So I was flipping through my weekly delivered issue of the critically acclaimed magazine, US weekly and, out of the corner of my eye, I see a small but familiar figure come into view. This figure was a very tiny caption with some words on it. The words, TAYLOR HICKS IN THE GREASE MUSICAL!
Accompanied by these words was a photograph of a disgusting and overweight male with white hair and a horrific suit. Now, as everyone may already know, on American Idol, I was not a huge fan of the “Taylor man”. But I did often give him credit where credit was due. When he lost all that weight I remember he did look very attractive. Now, on the other hand, he looks like hell. Lets all take a breath and admit it.
So then I log onto this site to get some much need and long awaited news on the idol clan. Once again I come upon the image of this hideous white haired fellow. This time in the form of video (the performance on regis.) So this fat dude in the hideous suit is singing some dumb ass song from grease and correct me if i’m wrong, and I will take full credit for this if I am, was there even a disgusting grey haired dude in the original grease?? get back to me.
Anyway, I just found that so hilarious that it prompted me to write this. For those of you who do remember me and don’t hate me, HELLO! for those of you that hate me, cool. And for those of you that don’t know me, HELLO!
So Taylor Hicks is now a broadway diva. How very “surprising”. I was sooooooooo used to that “real” “soulful” “edgy” “fly off the seat of your pants” “un predictable” “”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"artist”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”. That he was so claiming to be!!!
lol
anyway dont take this to seriously
and everyone have a lovely ass day.
Katharine Mcphee in that stupid ass house bunnies movie, laughable.
And I still love Elliott Yamin, even after he did that cheesy ass write on ur hand move that Douche Cook did.
Afan, I remember you, great post! And I couldn’t agree with you more, imo Taylor in Grease is one giant fat hot steaming pile ‘o mess.
What da heck??? I love “No air !!! Its a really cool hip song with the collaboration with Chris Brown!! Everyone I know love that song!!! I really don’t mind that it will be heard for years to come…
AFan, I remember you and you owe me a cheeseburger. Remember?
I also know that everyone can’t be slimmedreadyforHollywoodtakemyphoto. Do I think he’s fat? nope.
Do I think he latest part is cheesy? Yep.
But I give him credit for keeping on keeping on.
You can send my cheeseburger to carolina7171@aol.com and I hope it looks like this:
Hugs with onions on top, carolina!~
I read it! Get your ass to chat some night, will ya? :)
I haven’t really weighed in on the Taylor-on-Broadway deal. Partly because I hate the musical Grease, so much, I can’t be very objective. I saw the R&K performance and didn’t really care for it. Dancing Monkey Boy Taylor was never my favorite side of him anyway. Unless he was annoying Simon. ;).
I’m glad Taylor’s got himself a lucrative gig while he works on his album, but I’m just going to wait for the album, and subsequent tour. I’ll pass on this current gig.
Afan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please don’t be a stranger!!!!!!!
Hey there, AFan! :D
LOL, Afan! Missed you! I had to chuckle at your assessment of the situation. Yes, come to chat some night. :-)
I can’t believe I woke up at 4am. :-(
No Air is holding up well. it got a nice bounce last week by being played in SYTYCD . it currently is #12 on itunes after falling down to around #20 a couple weeks ago. it will pass 2 Million in downloads this week and it is already the 2nd most downloaded Idol song ever only behind Carrie’s Before He Cheats which is at 2.36 Million.
Such injustice. This was the biggest failure of the season and I hope it will be addressed in those megameetings AI staff have. This should never happen to any contestant, any season!
Carrie and Jordin both bored me to tears on Idol yet I’ve grown to like them after the show. They both sound really good on the radio. And the dance to to NO Air on SYTYCD really made me love the song. Plus I like the new single.
Carrie and Jordin are similiar in that they seem like very solid young woman who never do anything to embarrass AI. I appreciate that and when I think of what could have happened S6, I even feel better about Jordin’s win.
Jordin can’t compare to Carrie selling albums but
who can? AFan - you are hilarious and I’m glad to see you’re still an Elliott fan.
ETA = Taylor on Regis was fun but I had the same response to him I always have. The singing was fine and I was thinking he’s not so bad and then he started playing the harmonica and I thought “huh.”
I do like Jordin. When I see Carrie, though, I run the other direction - I’m not a country fan AND I think she is boooorrrrrriiiiinnnng.
Just remember Taylor isn’t playing Taylor Hicks, he’s playing and an over the top cameo role. I think the wardrobe an hair are a little startleing. I’d rather have seen him in white. He’s drawing a crowd, having fun and making money. Remember our boy Cook has a background in musical theatre but I don’t expect to see him on Broadway soon unless they do a muscial play about a rock star. The record company has done wonders for Jordan. If she’d have made No Air with someone like Rueben or Elliott it wouldn’t have gotten near the play as with a hot, hot young R&B singer like CHris.