'American Idol': Aerosmith to return, Carrie Underwood jokes with Jimmy Kimmel
The American Idol Top 3, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, and Joshua Ledet will be heading home to film their hometown visits this weekend. During their visit, they will learn the name of the songs chosen for them by Jimmy Iovine and the judges. Then next Wednesday (FOX 8 p.m.), each contestant will sing 3 songs: Jimmy’s Choice, Judges’ Choice, and Their Choice.
The hometown visits will air on Thursday’s results show (8 p.m.), which will also feature Adam Lambert singing his latest single, “Never Close Our Eyes,” and Lisa Marie Presley performing “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” from her new album, Storm & Grace.
Aerosmith to Perform on Idol
In a new interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry reveals that the band will be performing their new single on the May 23 American Idol finale.
Once upon a time, Perry had nothing good to say about Idol: “It’s his business, but I don’t want Aerosmith’s name involved with it,” he told the Calgary Herald after learning that bandmate Steven Tyler signed up to join the judges’ panel. “It’s a reality show designed to get people to watch that station and sell advertising. It’s one step above [Teenage Mutant] Ninja Turtles.”
A few years and many records sold later, thanks to Tyler’s Idol exposure, Perry has changed his tune, even appearing on the show to help Steven celebrate his birthday.
Aerosmith joins Rihanna in the finale lineup. The pop star is set to perform her hit “Where Have You Been.”
Carrie Underwood Gets Crazy
Season 4 Idol winner Carrie Underwood performed a mini-concert on Jimmy Kimmel Live Thursday night. Even more impressive than her performance of “Good Girl” was her special appearance with Kimmel in a parody of “Before He Cheats” called “Before She Freaks.” It seems scorned lover Carrie doesn’t check license plates before she takes her baseball bat to his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive. Check out the hilarity here.
Phil Phillips will need surgery
Phillip Phillips has been working a grueling schedule as he battles a painful kidney stone problem. But it looks like relief is in sight. Backstage at Wednesday night’s performance show, Phil told E! News that he’ll be undergoing major surgery before the summer tour to take care of his health issues. “It’s a pretty good-size surgery, a lot of time down, but you gotta do what you gotta do,” he said. “I should be [back in time for the tour].” Get well soon, Phil!
Adam Lambert and Queen Set a New London Date
The Queen/Adam Lambert shows at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo on July 11 and 12 sold out so quickly that they will play a third and final date at the venue on July 14. Tickets for this show go on sale on May 14. The dates were scheduled following the cancellation of the Sonisphere Music Festival, where Adam and Queen were scheduled to perform. “I’m so thrilled that Queen found a way to ensure that the fans will get to see this event this summer,” says Lambert. “I can’t wait to be in London to perform with Queen for these incredibly special shows.”
Leah LaBelle is “Sexified”
Check out the “Sexify” music video from the Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri protege, Leah Labelle. Leah WHO? you may ask. She was the 12th place finisher from season 3.
Yes, you can be eliminated after a string of awful performances and STILL eventually hook up with a major record deal and top-notch producers who will oversee your debut. Never lose hope, kids! Watch it here.
Skylar on Live With Kelly
Last week’s eliminated Idol contestant, Skylar Laine, covered “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You,” originally recorded by Kellie Pickler. Watch Skylar’s performance here.
Jessica Sanchez to Perform For PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert
Top 3 finalist, Jessica Sanchez, will be taking the stage at the PBS National Memorial Day Concert, where it’s just been announced she’ll be singing the national anthem at the U.S. Capitol. She has been added to the line-up of the concert, set to air on PBS stations May 27. The annual event features celebrities such as CSI:NY’s Gary Sinise, Ellen Burstyn, Selma Blair, Dennis Franz, Natalie Cole and season 4 Idol Chris Daughtry. “I’m going to be singing the national anthem and ‘The Prayer’,” Jessica told TV Guide. “I’ve known these songs my whole life and they’re both special to me. I’m really happy about this.” The concert airs four days after the new Idol is crowned, meaning Jessica could be performing her first live concert as the American Idol champion.
Kris Allen Acoustic “Better with You”
Listen to an acoustic version of Kris Allen’s “Better with You” from his forthcoming album, Thank You Camilla, due out in stores May 22. The tune is on an acoustic EP that is only available if you order the Fan Edition at Kris’s official music store. Listen to it here.
Casey Abrams’ New Songs
Season 10 alum, Casey Abrams, is working on his debut album for the Concord Music Group. But in the meantime, he’s posted acoustic video performances of a few new songs. My favorite of the latest batch is the upbeat, “Simple Life.” Listen here. Also, check out “Midnight Girl,” “Get Out” and “Stuck In London.”
New Music Video from Blake Lewis and Daniel Wanrooy
The music video for Blake Lewis‘s new single, “Stay In The Moment,” tells the story of a couple’s courtship with a twist. The irresistibly danceable tune from Lewis and his collaborator, Daniel Wanrooy, is available at Amazon and iTunes. Watch it here.
David Cook Runs in the Race for Hope
Season 7 champ, David Cook, ran in the 5K Race for Hope last Sunday in Washington, D.C. It’s his fourth year participating in the event that raises funds to eradicate brain cancer. Cook ran in honor of his brother Adam Cook, who succumbed to the disease on May 2, 2009; he and his team raised almost $80,000 for the cause. You can still donate on David’s team page.
After finishing the race, David tweeted, “Great weekend! Thanks to everyone involved for helping make it that way.”
The previous night, David performed an acoustic concert for the “Night of Hope” fundraiser. Check out his performance of the moving “Permanent,” from his debut album, David Cook.
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