:welcome1: Hello gang. Lots of new idol news to report. Hope you enjoy hearing about some of your favorites. Here goes:
Seems American Idol is getting lots of flak regarding the latest appearance of an idol hopeful in the form of Joanna Pacitti who auditioned last week in Louisville, Kentucky. This failed pop star was once signed to A&M Records. She did release an album however it went nowhere and she was dropped from the label in 2007. Lots of critics and just your average folk are not happy that a professional is once again part of this reality show which is based on discovering new talent. Several are comparing this to what happened last year via Carly Smithson, Kristy Lee Cook and Michael Johns appearances. My personal thoughts are who cares. Sure she may be going to Hollywood but that does not mean she will make the top 36. Keep in mind that Carly, Kristy and Michael did not win on Season 7 plus I have no qualms about anyone still trying to fulfill their desires to "make it" in the music world.
Seems some past idols will have some new music coming our way. Of course we know Taylor will be releasing his next album In March. However Melinda Doolittle has one coming out in February and if you go to her site you can hear the first single.
Elliott Yamin of Season 5 has a new album coming out on May 5th.
Season 6 finalist Gina Glocksen will soon be releasing a single on ITunes called "List of Regrets".
Speaking of season 6 seems Sanjaya Malakar has released a 5-track EP plus a book he wrote both entitled "Dancing to the Music in my Head". It came out on January 20th and Sanjaya has been hitting several shows to promote his latest release. Maybe you saw him on one.
Season 3's Jon Peter Lewis had previously released his album called "Break The Silence" in July, 2008 and has several singing his praises for this release. They include the Critic's Choice Magazine, People Magazine and USA Today. You can purchase the album on ITunes.
Seems David Cook, our current American Idol is still going great guns with his album release. He is #10 on the Top 200 Billboard charts and his single "The Time of My Life" has been on the Adult Contemporary Charts for 15 weeks and still going strong. Bravo David!
Cute Diana DeGarmo of season 3 will be starring as Dorothy in a contemporary musical twist in the classic "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". So far the only tour dates announced are in Texas. She is also working on releasing a new country album.
Many of our prior idols are in huge demand for several events coming up.
Bucky Covington of season 5 is traveling overseas for his 1st European USO tour. He will spend a couple of weeks entertaing the U.S. troops in Germany and Kosovo. He also will be performing with the Sawyer Brown country band at the 2009 Country Music Festival in Yerington, Nevada on July 2nd.
Season 7's Kristy Lee Cook will be performing along with Tim McGraw, Leann Rimes and Montgomery Gentry at the 2009 Oregon Jamboree. This event is held from July 31st to August 2nd. Money raised from this event benefits the local economic development projects.
Jordin Sparks recently was in good company as she along with Bon Jovi and George Lopez made appearances at the Commander-in-Chief ball which aired on January 20th. This special event marked the celebration of welcoming our new President Barack Obama.
David Archuleta sang the national anthem recently at the Latino Ball.
Chris Daughtry appeared at a black-tie event for the Washington D.C. area high school students.
Carrie Underwood (season 4) and Jennifer Hudson (season 3) will be performing at the 51st Grammy Awards on February 8th. These two ladies have 4 nominations between them for this special night of music.
Randy Jackson will be the host of the NAACP Image Awards on February 7th.
Way to go everyone!
Last but not least a new album has been released. It is called Curtain Call, Vol. 2 which gives some of our past finalists a chance to be recorded. As you may recall Curtain Call, Vol. 1 featured Ryan Starr, A. J. Tabaldo, Jon Peter Lewis and Stevie Scott. This newest release features the talents of Alaina Alexander (season 6), Rudy Cardenas (season 6), Sarah Mather (season 4) and Gedeon McKinney (season 5). Each have 3 new songs on this cd. I bought the cd and I must say they do have some good music on this one. I was most impressed with the music of Sarah Mather who came in as the 12th finalist on her season. If you get a chance, give it a listen.
Well that is a wrap on the latest news and thank you for reading this.
Front Page 
Subject: New Idol News - 1/26/09 
Sat Jan 24, 2009 8:08 am
Hello again. I forgot to mention that the new season of "Gone Country" started today on CMT. On the show this season is none other than Justin Guarini, the runner-up to Kelly Clarkson on season 1 of American Idol. Also appearing on the show is George Clinton (godfather of funk), Sheila E (remember her song The Glamorous Life), Taylor Dayne (Tell It To My Heart singer), Richard Grieco (actor from 21 Jump Street), Mickey Dolenz (The Monkees) and Tara Connor (prior Miss USA). The show airs on Saturday nights so check your local listings for the time if you are interested. So far, this looks like an interesting season. 
Toodles for now!
