65 Days to the New Bo Bice CD

Yes, Bo Bice's second CD, tentatively titled "American Blood," is scheduled to drop on Sept. 18 and will be a return to Bice's Southern rock roots.

"I think this CD will really showcase all I've wanted to with my music -- it's a chance for me to go out and rock in a way that I'm really comfortable with," Bice says.

Bice's Web site seems to indicate that he is now affiliated with the indie label StratArt and Strategic Artists Management. There are also reports, though we can not confirm them, that the CD will be recorded in Nashville with producer Frank Liddell, with more input and writing from Bice this time around.

Bice also hand-picked all of his collaborators, including Gary Nichols and Chris Tompkins, whom Bice has known for more than a decade. The pair co-penned "American Blood," a slower, country-driven support song for the U.S. troops.

Want to design the cover for Bo's new CD? His official Web site is running a contest. All entries must be submitted by July 31st. Click here for details.

For a taste of what's to come, sample this video of the live band version of one of the CD's cuts that the Internet is buzzing about, called "I'm Gone":



To listen to the acoustic version, check out Bice's MySpace site.

JORDIN SPARKS: 'I LOVE MY SONG'

A little late out of the gate, the Broward Times just printed this interview with Jordin Sparks about the start of the Idol tour in Sunrise, Fla., even though it happened over a week ago. *Sigh*

Anyway, here's what she (and they) had to say:

Jordin Sparks' eyes are wide as she enters a room full of reporters. She and the finalists of the American Idol competition are about to kick off their summer tour of the United States, right in our back yard at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise.

At 17, Sparks is the youngest person to win the American Idol competition. For her, this summer tour represents a turning point in her career and her life.

Her smile is wide when she sits down to speak with me. Her hair is pulled back into a carefree ponytail, and she is wearing loose jeans and a rock star T-shirt. She fidgets with her hands.

"All of this is new to me. I mean this is a great experience, and I'm just trying to handle it the best way possible," she says with enthusiasm.

Her summer plans are vastly different from your average high schooler. In between touring with the American Idol contestants, Sparks will be flying back and forth to New York to work on her album.

Her mother and grandmother will travel with the underage pop star. Third-place winner Melinda Doolittle will also be there to lend a helping hand.

"Jordin is like my little sister," Doolittle said. "I love her just like she was my sister. We strengthen each other through this process. I've been fortunate to travel and do some background singing, and I share my experiences with her."

The tour will place an enormous strain on the young American Idol.

Sparks has never had to do as much singing as she will be required to do this summer. But the physical and mental strain of touring and recording an album are challenges that Sparks gladly accepts.

"This is what it all was for. I'm just going to take care of my body and make sure that I do what I have to do to perform for all the people that voted for me," she says.

To achieve that end, the contestants rehearsed late into the night before the opening show of the tour at the BankAtlantic Center on July 6.

Unlike past American Idol tours, this edition of the tour will have a lot more group performances and duets.

Sparks and Doolittle, who are good friends, were set to perform a duet they said would give the fans exactly what they wanted.

"I'm anxious to get out on stage and perform some songs that they have never heard me sing. On the show, we sang to a studio audience of like 500 people. You had to be conscious of the cameras and angles and everything, but now we can just perform," Sparks says with excitement in her eyes.

While the tour is what is happening now for Sparks and the rest of the idols, it is almost impossible for the aspiring entertainers not to think ahead.

Second-place winner Blake Lewis said he has already recorded six songs for his album. Sparks had only recorded one song for her album at the time of our interview, but it is a song she thinks will have a big impact on popular music.

"I love my song," she says. "I keep listening to it and singing it to myself and then I have to remember that I kind of have to keep it a secret until it comes out."

It'll be hard for Sparks to keep anything secret after this tour. She is extremely close with her family.

Her father, Phillippi Sparks, played professional football for the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. Her mother, Jodi, and her brother, PJ (Phillippi Sparks Jr.) are her two biggest fans. Sparks said her brother is her best friend.

She also said she will lean heavily on her Christian faith to guide her through this major life transition.

"God made all of this possible and my family has really been super supportive of everything I'm doing," Sparks said. "I'm just excited to be going through this and I'm going to see where it leads me."

GEE PAULA, HE SCARES THEM OFF, NOT YOU?

Accord-
ing to Digital Spy, Paula Abdul has admit-
ted that she does not bring any of her prospective boyfriends down to the American Idol studios to meet Simon Cowell because he scares them.

The reality TV judge has claimed the music mogul interrogates any man that she introduces him to and makes sure they treat her well.

While filming ITV's "Loose Women," the singer said: "I will not let any guy I date come down to Idol because Simon will grill him. We do fight but when we get along, we get along great."

JORDIN LOVES JUSTIN TIMBERFAKE

Well, that what the not always reliable, but always amusing, TMZ's latest buzz is about. According to the Web site, Jordin Sparks has fallen head ovah heels for Chris Richardson! While she and runner-up Blake Lewis are just friends, the site said that they've been told that Jordin has a huge crush on 23-year-old Richardson -- despite his penchant for late nights and hanging out with the likes of Lauren Conrad.

Sources on the tour tell TMZ that because Jordin is only 17, her minders and family members are doing everything they can to keep from letting anything -- or anyone -- get in the way of the underage star's bright future.

FANTASIA VIDEOS ON 'GOOD MORNING AMERICA'

Watch videos of Fantasia's performances on "Good Morning America" yesterday.

Singing "When I See U":


Singing "I'm Here":


Being interviewed:


e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

Jennifer Hudson Gets Academy Invite

E!Online reports that Season 3 finalist and Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson has received one of the harder to get invites in Tinseltown. Along with Steve Carell, Daniel Craig and Jennifer Aniston, Hudson is among the scant 115 industry types who have been tapped to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, which only extends such invitations once a year.

In fact, the Academy instituted new rules four years ago intended to slow down its growing list of members eligible to vote every year on who gets to take home the little golden man, the most prestigious trophy in Hollywood. Only 150 new members are allowed every year, with actual invites going out to far fewer candidates.

The Academy currently has just under 6,000 members, with the annual influx countered by retirements and deaths.

Invites are extended to actors, yes, but also to directors, writers, cinematographers, sound and visual effects artists, producers, animators, editors, costume designers, makeup artists and P.R. gurus, among others.

Joining the aforementioned A-listers this year are a directory of performers and visionaries whose big-screen presence has ranged from stadium-style multiplex to art house, studio showboat to indie charmer.

Actors asked to join the ranks include Hudson's DreamGirls costar Eddie Murphy, independent film faves Aaron Eckhart and Ryan Gosling, Bad News Bear turned Little Children Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley, stage and screen star Christopher Plummer and international stars Adriana Barraza (Babel) and Chiwetel Ejiorfor (Dirty Pretty Things). Aside from Haley, Murphy, Gosling and Barraza were all nominated for Academy Awards last year.

Another recent Oscar nominee topped the list of invited filmmakers: United 93's Paul Greengrass. Training Day's Antoine Fuqua, Disturbia's D.J. Caruso and Friday Night Lights' Peter Berg are also among the six directors being asked to join up, while jack-of-all-trades (Alias and Lost creator, Mission: Impossible III scribe and director) J.J. Abrams has been classified as a writer.

Joining Abrams in the writers category are some of the past year's most bandied-about names—Little Miss Sunshine Best Original Screenplay winner Michael Arndt; William Monahan, Best Adapted Screenplay victor for The Departed; Oscar-nominated The Queen screenwriter Peter Morgan; Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, whose The Lives of Others won Best Foreign Language Film; and Guillermo Arriaga, who penned Babel.

"The numbers are stabilizing nicely," said Academy executive director Bruce Davis, "but at the same time some interesting changes are occurring. Like the recent list of Oscar nominees, our last few membership invitation lists have been increasingly international."

Just out of those mentioned here, there are three Brits (Morgan, Greengrass, Ejiorfor), two Mexicans (Barraza, Arriaga), a German (von Donnersmarck) and a Canadian (Plummer).

The 80th Annual Academy Awards will be held Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008.

SPARKS ON SUPER BOWL RADAR

According to The Arizona Republic, rumors are swirling that Jordin Sparks will sing the national anthem at Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, Ariz., Sparks' hometown.

Jordin's management team would not confirm the rumor, but NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy did not rule out the possibility. He said a final decision would not be made until late fall and no discussions with the 17-year-old's representation have taken place.

However, many insiders say the chances look good. For one, Fox, which owns rights to Idol, will broadcast the Feb. 3 game.

"You could almost rule it out if it was CBS or some other network, but I'd say there is a good chance," said Ellman Cos. and Westgate City Center spokesman Jeff Hecht. Hecht worked with a Fox legal team when Jordin performed at Westgate for Idol's homecoming episode.

McCarthy said the game's broadcasting network often suggests performers and usually has input during the artist selection process. The ultimate decision lies with the NFL, he said.

"It would be absolutely perfect seeing that Phillippi [Sparks, Jordin's dad] played football [for the NFL's New York Giants team] and because the game will be held at the new stadium," Sparks family friend Stephanie Rigby said. "I almost can't think of why she wouldn't."

In Super Bowls past, it has not been uncommon to see local flavor on the game's entertainment menu. At Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Houston-native Beyonce Knowles sang the national anthem. Detroit-raised Aretha Franklin sang when Super Bowl XL was played in the Motor City in 2006.

IDOL: THE MUSICAL

Playbill reports that "Idol: The Musical," which is based on the idol worship of former "American Idol" contestant Clay Aiken is headed Off-Broadway.

The musical, which was recently seen in Syracuse, N.Y., is scheduled to begin previews at Off-Broadway's 45th Street Theatre on July 5. Todd Ellis is producing the Manhattan engagement of Idol, which will be directed by Bill Boland.

The musical features a book by Boland and music by Jon Balcourt. Both men collaborated on the lyrics.

"Idol: The Musical," according to press notes, is described as "a satirical musical comedy that focuses on the outrageous and delusional fan base of the hit television show. The musical takes place in Steubenville, Ohio, where a group of dork-like students are preparing for their high school graduation after which they are determined to drag themselves out of the dregs of the middle-of-nowhere.

"There are eight of them; all belonging to the same cult-like club that meets daily in a barn that doubles as a shrine to Clay Aiken. They are actively ridiculed by the rest of Steubenville; a humiliating situation that doesn't deter their quest for all things Clay. They are victims of A.D.D., Ritalin, their misguided obsessions and their innocent longing for their elusive '15 minutes.' One of them pumps gas. One of them is home-schooled. One of them is a genius. And one of them is a basketball phenom who would rather be a Chippendales dancer. The other four have equally bizarre back-stories too complicated to tell here; but suffice it to know that the real bad-guy of the piece is a total harpy named Adrienne. She gives new meaning to the word villain.

"The story heats up when the mid-American leg of the 'Idol Tour,' starring Clay Aiken, is announced to be playing Chicago, Memphis, Louisville, Scranton, Charleston, Greensboro, Roanoke and Steubenville. Steubenville! False idols are a tricky bunch. Especially those that have lost national singing contests. Go ask Clay. I think he'll know."

Ticket information has yet to be announced.

IDOL SPONSORSHIP A HOT PROPERTY

According to Variety, as "American Idol" enters its seventh season on Fox, co-producer and licensor FremantleMedia boasts upward of 40 licensees and a string of off-air sponsors.

FremantleMedia's season six off-air sponsorship roster included multimillion-dollar promotional campaigns with All Detergent, Edy's/Dreyer's Ice Cream, McDonald's, Nestle, Pringles and Samsung.

This summer, off-air sponsor Oscar Mayer will kick off a national "Sing the Jingle, Be a Star" promotion searching for the next voice to croon its famous commercial tune.

This summer will also witness a landmark extension for the "Idol" brand with the launch of its first performing-arts camp for kids, Idol Camp, aimed for children ages 12 to 15.

Meanwhile, Fremantle continues to eye global merchandising expansion.

"While 2007 saw USAopoly and Konami join the 'Idol' roster, going forward we plan to explore more merchandising extensions in the interactive and role-play categories," Luner says. "Of course, we're also launching a licensing program based around the recently announced 'Idol' spinoff, 'American Band,' which will follow a similar format to 'Idol,' both in terms of programming and product."

"We have created a unique licensing business that allows us to extend 'American Idol' and all of our brands across a broad range of platforms and localize our efforts," Gers says.

KATCHING McPHEEVER

Kat McPhee's McPhans want Fox and the producers of "American Idol" to know how mcpeeved they are that the Season 5 runner-up was not invited to perform anytime during Season 6, even though invitations were extended to -- and accepted by -- Taylor Hicks (the winner), Elliott Yamin (third place), Chris Daughtry (fourth place) and Kellie Pickler (sixth place).

The KatharineMcPheeForum.com says "In a move that just doesn’t make sense, Katharine McPhee was denied an invite to American Idol’s season finale, even though she called the execs herself to let them know she wanted to attend.

"Her fans are very disappointed by the snub, and in response, have launched Project Kit Kat in an effort to show their support for Katharine. The project even has the approval of Katharine’s mom, Peisha McPhee. All the Idol execs who dissed Katharine are going to get Kit Kat bars, along with a note expressing the fans’ disappointment with the show."

Says one of her fans: "This is a fun and non-confrontational way to get our point across to the decision makers at Idol. The Kit Kat Project [is] to let Idol know how much Kat was missed this season."

What "McPhans" want in the least, is to see an effort by Idol execs to invite Katharine on the show next season.

They've even created a video launch on YouTube to explain what to do. Watch video:


In tribute to Kat and her fans, here are a bunch of videos we've found of some of her recent performances (quality varies):

Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing "Over It" at Endfest, Sacramento:


Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing "Love Story" at Endfest, Sacramento:


Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing "Dangerous" at Endfest, Sacramento:


Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing "Open Toes" at Endfest, Sacramento:


Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing "Mary Jane" at Endfest, Sacramento:


Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing "Mary Jane" at StarFest 2007:


Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing "Open Toes" at StarFest 2007:


Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing
"Dangerous/Maneater" 6/10/07:


Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing "Love Story" 6/10/07:


Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing "Over It" at StarFest94:


e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

'My December' First Listen

Roger Friedman of Fox News writes that more than a week before its scheduled release, Kelly Clarkson's controversial album, "My December" is available all over the Internet.

I downloaded it quickly last Friday and have been listening to it ever since — not necessarily because it's so good, but to evaluate its inherent oddness.

"My December," you see, as has been discussed now in this column and other places, is not what you'd expect from the winner of "American Idol."

That can be a good thing and a bad thing. We all applaud ambitious moves, and Clarkson certainly wants to spread her wings. Her famous quote now is that the songs are by her and about her. She says something to the effect of "pardon me if my life bores you."

Clarkson, however, is not a very experienced lyricist. So the pain she is trying to convey on "My December" is often not very effectively rendered. Unlike confessional songwriters like Carly Simon or even Alanis Morissette, Clarkson doesn't have a grasp of metaphor. She is more of an in-your-face songwriter. She also doesn't know when to stop beating a dead horse.

The result is a very mixed bag. The music on "My December" was supposedly written by members of her band. Some of it isn't bad. A couple of tracks, "Yeah" and "Don't Waste Your Time," stand out as memorable rockers with decent hooks. "Be Still" is an effective ballad. But the lyrics, especially on "Time," deteriorate pretty quickly into an accusatory tone that permeates the album.

It's not that I'm unsympathetic. Clarkson obviously was in a bad relationship with an abusive alcoholic. We get it; it's all over the album, from "Sober" to "Chivas." In "Yeah," which is saved by the band, she warbles: "I know where I've loved somebody more than what you'll give to me."

It's clear she's mad, bitter and resentful. But a lot of it seems like high school whining. Isn't art supposed to be about something more than this?

With "December" already downloading, Clarkson and her record label, RCA, have some obvious problems. But even worse for Clarkson is the news that her tour has been cancelled right on the heels of her firing manager Jeff Kwatinetz.

I still think that RCA will add a couple of tracks to "My December" in a second edition early in the fall. A real hit should emerge then, followed by a tour. But what a long way around to do something fairly simple.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAUL McCARTNEY

Paul McCartney is 65 today, and even though this is not "American Idol" news, we just had to mark the occasion. Everybody's gonna dance tonight!

A NIGHT IN ATHENS WITH CONSTANTINE MAROULIS

The Daily Tribune reports that Constantine Maroulis will take the stage twice during Opa Fest 2007, "A Night in Athens," on the grounds of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy, Mich.

The event runs Friday through Sunday, June 22-24. Maroulis will perform for free at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

This year, about 10,000 people in three days are expected to attend the festival at the church at 760 W. Wattles Road in Troy.

TAYLOR HICKS VIDEOS AT ELVIS FEST 2007

Watch video of Taylor Hicks singing "Soul Thing" at Elvis Fest 2007 in Tupelo, Miss.:


There are other videos (sorry, even worse quality), but Taylor freaks might want to take a peek here.

MOM SETS JORDIN SPARKS' BIRTH PLACE STRAIGHT

The Staten Island Advance says that despite hundreds of reports to the contrary,
"American Idol" Jordin Sparks wasn't born on Staten Island.

Seriously.

On Dec. 22, 1989, Jodi Wiedmann gave birth to a healthy baby girl -- 8 pounds, 8 ounces, if family memory serves. The obstetrician was Dr. Charles Clinch. The location was St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, and, cue the "Idol" theme music -- a star was born.

The 17-year-old Ms. Sparks earned support from Staten Island's "Idol" fans during her rise to the top of the Fox-TV series this season.

No doubt, Staten Island would be happy to claim her.
But Ms. Sparks' mother tells the Advance: "I can definitely confirm that Jordin and I were at St. Joe's in Phoenix on the morning of Dec. 22, 1989!"

When the New York Post reported in April that Ms. Sparks was an Island native, they had it wrong, as did subsequent reports in papers from Virginia to Singapore.

The young pop star, a resident of Glendale, Ariz., did reside in various parts of New York and New Jersey while growing up -- mainly in Ridgewood, N.J., while her father, Phillippi Sparks, played football with the New York Giants.

Today Google links fans to about 700 Web sites that report Ms. Sparks was born on the Island-- including such popular sites as Wikipedia, People and imdb.com.

But -- sad news for local devotees -- they all have it wrong, too.

The Sparks family says they were rebuffed by a Post editor when they called to request a correction.

And they have tried to edit Ms. Sparks' bio on Wikipedia, the Internet encyclopedia that allows anyone to contribute, but they said the Island connection keeps cropping back up.

It's a mistake -- we're taking mom's word for it.

SIMON COWELL'S FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH: TOMATO BATHS

In one of the funniest Simon Cowell stories we've read to date, Mike Walker in the National Enquirer claims that Simon Cowell bathes in cherry tomatoes and sparkling water to stay looking young.

Walker says that Cowell spends hours soaking naked in a fab concoction he calls "Tomate Cerise!" Simon orders Italian cherry tomatoes flown in from Europe, smashes them to pulp in a big bucket -– then pours the bright-red goop into a bathtub filled with Perrier water.

Walker claims that Simon says the tomato enzymes not only eradicate age spots and keep the skin looking young – they even jazz up the metabolism.

Walker adds that his spy says Cowell's housekeepers aren't happy about swabbing pureed goo out of the master tub, and keep muttering stuff like "damn tomato soup!"

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

Music Fest Fans Embrace Underwood

CMT reports that Carrie Underwood earned the biggest applause of any song performed with "Before He Cheats" at the CMA Music Festival on Friday night (June 8) in Nashville. Women leapt to their feet at the first note of Underwood's hit, as if their seats were hot-wired. This wasn't a casual singalong either; these ladies were vigorously shaking their fingers, their necks and their booties.

Wearing a modern black dress that didn't seem to slow her down on stage, Underwood launched her six-song set with "Beautiful," presumably a song from her new album that's due later this year. The easygoing melody will appeal to country fans, and hopefully, she'll bring all the pop fans of "Before He Cheats" to country radio with the new project. She also submitted a strong and empowering version of "Wasted," her most recent No. 1 single.

At the end of her set, she accepted a plaque for selling 6 million copies of her debut album, "Some Hearts," released less than two years ago. She looked out on the mass of people at LP Field and said, "You know, this all started because you all voted for me on American Idol ... and this belongs to you, too."

Underwood is leading the charge these days when it comes to women in country music. Just a few years ago, women just weren't having any luck with hit singles. Times have changed. Friday night's lineup also included Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, Little Big Town, Sara Evans, Jason Aldean, Montgomery Gentry, Ted Nugent and Season 5 Idol finalist Bucky Covington, who opened the night with acoustic renditions of "Good to Be Us" and "A Different World."

SPARKS UPSET ABOUT DEATH THREATS AGAINST ROTH

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune says that "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks was disturbed and dismayed to learn that obesity expert MeMe Roth was receiving death threats for calling Sparks "a vision of unhealthy."

Sparks, at 17 the youngest "Idol" winner ever, has this to say to her legion of fans: "Leave that person alone! That's not right. It's very intense and it's scary."

After hearing about the death threats, she told the paper, "I'm in shock right now. I don't think anything can really prepare you for stuff like that. But I'm going to take each day as it comes. Hopefully, I'll learn how to deal with stuff the right way."

It helps, she says, that she's the daughter of Phillippi Sparks, former NFL football player with the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. She says growing up in his spotlight was great preparation for the whirlwind she's been on since her win.

"Being with my dad, we were in front of cameras and photographers taking pictures and people asking us questions all the time. I love talking to people and taking pictures. I'm not scared of the camera. It helped me a lot seeing how everything fell into place for him, so 'Thanks, Dad.' "

She adds, after snagging the grand prize, "He was the first person from my family I saw when I walked off stage, and I don't think I got anything out except, 'I love you.' It was so crazy."

"I'm going to start working on my album as soon as possible, so I'm meeting with some songwriters and producers. I have to have the album out before Thanksgiving. It's going to be really insane during the summer doing the tour and flying in and out to record. We're going to 56 cities, and we'll be out till September. I'm praying my voice keeps up."

GETTING SLOPPY WITH JIM VERRAROS

Philadelphia Gay News interviewed "American Idol" first-season finalist Jim Verraros, who has appeared in the film “Eating Out” and produced a CD, “Rollercoaster,” since being on the series. Now Verraros is back as the lead in “Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds,” the better-than-the-first sequel to the hit film now out on DVD.

Verraros met with PGN to discuss his acting and singing careers, as well as his sexy scenes in “Eating Out 2.”

Jim, you may be more well-known for singing than for acting — how did you get involved in performing? Would you rather be an actor or a singer?

After I was eliminated [from “American Idol”] back in 2002, I wasn’t even thinking about music to be honest. I had taken such a beating from that show that I was just focused on acting. That was my niche. My cast mates would say, “Jim, you’re fucking hilarious, be in a sitcom or something.” I got an e-mail from my producer about [Q.] Allan Brocka, who was the director of the first [“Eating Out”]. I met him, read the script, fell in love with it, auditioned and he cast me. I don’t really want to choose between either. I want both.

Were you surprised that you were a supporting character in “Eating Out” but the lead part here? How did that come about?

People connect with my role. I don’t know one gay man who does not feel they aren’t “good enough.”

Your character, Kyle, is not a confident guy, which hurts his relationships. How are you when it comes to relationships — shy or in control?

People think that I would be the shy one — to be taken control of — but I’m kind of the more aggressive one. I don’t bullshit. I don’t have time to waste.

Kyle has to pretend to like women to get the hunk of his dreams. Have you ever dated a woman? How far did you get with her?

Yeah, I did date [a girl] in high school. It clearly didn’t work out, but she’s a great girl and I learned a lot. I learned that I’m gay! I’ve had pussy — I’m definitely gay. When I went down on Tiffani in the film, that was method acting — that was going back to the days when I tried to avoid it at all costs.

In the film, your character kisses many men and women. Who gave the best lip lock?

Rebekah is a good kisser; I just had to react badly to it. Marco [who plays Troy], for being a straight guy, is decent. But the men who I had to kiss in the film — what really impressed me was their professionalism, knowing that I was gay in real life. There are two types of straight men. One who is a bit more insecure about his sexuality, who’s homophobic and then you have the straight man who’s like, “Hey, this is work. It’s a fucking kiss and I’m not going to make a big deal out of it.” And the latter is how they were. They made me feel comfortable.

Can you discuss the scene where you teach Troy about the fine art of cunnilingus? How were you and Marco not bursting out in hysterics licking each other’s fingers?

It looks funny. I was worried how it would come off. I wanted to ask about women, if they watch that scene and think it’s hot/get off on it. And some girls are like, “I was a little moist.” So we delivered. That’s all that matters. I know, I’m so crude!

Most of the cast gets naked. But you are wearing two shirts in every scene!

Before we shot, I had worked out for two-and-a-half months so I could feel better about taking my shirt off. It was actually written in the original script that when Octavio [Adrian Quinonez] takes his shirt off [during his love scene with my character], he was supposed to unbutton mine. It never happened. Kyle doesn’t need to [get naked]. I think his character is a bit more conservative.

You had three songs of yours on the soundtrack of the first “Eating Out;” did you try to get a tune in “Eating Out 2”?

I submitted some brand-new stuff to Phillip [the director], and he loved [the songs] but there wasn’t a place for a full song clip in the film. It just didn’t work. I was fine with it.

So while you are waiting for your next film role, are you working on another album?

Yeah, I’m halfway through it. It’s going to be different. It’s going to be rock-ier, but I’m going to throw in some twists just to screw with people. A ballad, and something that’s a bit more urban. I am edgier and sexier than the boy bands. “Idol” molds you into this cookie-cutter thing and when I came out with my album, I think people were excited because it was so different. It had its pop moments but there were some sexual moments, where people went, “Holy fuck, did he just say that?” I kind of like getting that reaction.

MELINDA DOLITTLE ON FAME AND HIGH HEELS

She was the one that Idol judge Simon Cowell wanted to win, but coming in third isn't that bad when you're Melinda Doolittle. The singer stopped by People magazine's New York offices to answer questions about winning verus losing, the ups and downs of her new fame, and how's she's handling those high heels. You can watch the video here.

KATHARINE McPHEE VIDEOS

Watch videos of Katharine McPhee performing at the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics Northern California, June 8, 2007 (unfortunately, the video is shot off the monitor rather than the stage, but at least McPhee received a much more welcome reception than she did in D.C.):

Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing "Love Story":


Watch video of Katharine McPhee singing "Home":


LAKISHA'S SWEET HOMECOMING

The Houston Chronicle covered LaKisha Jones' home-
coming. Although she moved to Baltimore last year for a bank-teller job, Jones spent more than six years in Houston and was an Abundant Life member. She sang in the choir and worked as a church receptionist.

Jones returned to Houston for a visit after an Idol's multimonth whirlwind. She was welcomed by ALC as well as the city: Mayor Bill White's office presented her with a proclamation declaring May 30 LaKisha Jones Day. "I'm probably the happiest I've ever been in my life right now. I'm not stressed. I'm not nothing at all," Jones said.

Indeed, the Idol nerves that crawled across her face throughout the season were gone, replaced by a welcoming smile and confident eyes. "It just really feels good to be back home, back home with my church family," she said.

"I haven't been to church since I've been on the show because of the schedule."

The Rev. Ed Montgomery and his wife, Saundra Elaine, provided organized weekly Idol-viewing parties at ALC, urging parishioners to vote for Jones. The couple flew out to an Idol taping during Diana Ross week. "I talked to them on the phone and through text messages and prayer — because I needed a whole lot of that," Jones said.

"It gets stressful out there sometimes. You're dealing with a lot of different people and a lot of different personalities."

One of those personalities was contestant Sanjaya Malakar. Jones has repeatedly referred to him as "a little brother that gets on your nerves. "He's so happy all the time. I'm like, 'What are you smiling about? These people are driving me crazy.' He just kind of got caught up into this whole whirlwind. He became larger than the show."

Montgomery beamed like a proud papa when he considered Jones' growth over the last few months. "Just seeing this little girl that was quiet, a little withdrawn, to just open up like a rose and just blossom — that is probably the greatest thing for me," said Montgomery, who first heard Jones sing at a funeral. "It's always been there. It was just a matter of her deciding to get up and do it for herself."

There were close calls. Jones auditioned for Idol in 2003 but didn't make it past the preliminaries. She was also the runner-up in the KPRC Local 2 Gimme the Mike! singing contest in 2005, losing to a country-pop singer.

This time, something felt different for the struggling singer. "I really wanted it more," Jones said. "At the time, in 2003, my daughter (Brionne) was 5 months old. I was going through a lot of emotional, mental things."

Four years later she was more determined. "I was like, 'This is it. I'm going to get what's mine.' " The perseverance landed Jones in fourth place. No small feat, despite hints of disappointment in her voice. "I wanted to win in the beginning," Jones says. "I looked at nobody as competition but me. I was my own competition."

The crowd at Jones' homecoming event at ALC swelled to almost 500 by the time she appeared, despite heavy rain. The evening was a surprisingly effective mix of revival-style exuberance, talk-show charm and glitzy showmanship.

Before Jones belted out a few of her signature Idol tunes, she joined Montgomery and his wife onstage for a seated interview. It flowed as smoothly as a Tonight Show segment, complete with crowd laughter and applause.

Jones looked camera-ready, dressed in a smart white blazer and tailored slacks, one of three outfits she donned during the evening.

After the chat, Montgomery made like Idol host Ryan Seacrest. "Are you ready? Are you American Idol-sound ready?" he asked the audience. "LaKisha Jones is in the house! From this point on, you've got to act like you're in the audience at American Idol."

Jones brought the crowd to its feet with thundering versions of the Dreamgirls showstopper "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and "Midnight Train to Georgia," both of which she nailed during Idol. Jones couldn't stay too long. "I really don't want to get back on the plane and go back," she said. But she had other obligations.

Up next is the American Idols Live Tour, which features the top 10 contestants. It stops at the Toyota Center on July 15. Jones says she has "a lot of things on the table," including movie and Broadway offers.

And though she left Houston before finding Idol stardom, Jones says she'll return — permanently. She plans to buy a house here and is looking forward to "being a mom again and letting my baby run all over the place."

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© 2007

Sanjaya is Jordin's Idol

Until recently, when asked her favorite male singers, Jordin Sparks topped the list with John Mayer and Justin Timberlake. But the effervescent new American Idol champ said she's got another name to add: Sanjaya Malakar.

"He had so much guts,"' the 17-year-old American Idol winner told The Associated Press. "He had so much strength. He got a lot of criticism, but for him to go out on that stage and hold his head high . . . I really look up to him for that. He's just an amazing kid."

The lanky Malakar, also 17, made a strong impression during the sixth season of the Fox competition, transforming from shy guy to media superstar in a span of weeks.

Sparks said "the point of the show . . . is to keep who you like, who you want to see the next week. Sanjaya gave that to the people."

The two teens will sing with other finalists on the American Idol concert tour, which kicks off July 6 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and wraps up Sept. 23 in Manchester, N.H.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD AND TONY ROMO KAPUT

According to MSNBC, another celebrity relation-
ship has hit the skids. A source in the Dallas Cowboys organiza-
tion confirms a National Enquirer report that quarterback Tony Romo has dumped former "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood. But while the ''official'' explanation hints at the couple ''taking a breather'' so Romo can concentrate on the upcoming season, the station's source insists ''it's really over.''

Underwood is said to be devastated about the split -- especially since ''she thought things were moving in exactly the opposite direction,'' said the source.

Underwood's publicist, Jessie Schmidt, responded to the report in an e-mail Thursday. "We have no comment," he said.

The couple has made many public appearances together, including the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 15. Romo was also in the audience at the "American Idol" finale on May 23 as Underwood performed.

The magazine says Romo flew to Nashville to celebrate the singer's 24th birthday and she celebrated his 27th birthday at a Dallas nightclub.

Apparently this isn't the first time Romo has broken things off. According to the Enquirer, last season the QB said he needed to focus on football after they lost their playoff game. Underwood obliged by giving Romo some space, but not this time, the magazine says. This time she is upset.

"Carrie wants a firm commitment from Tony," the source said.

WORKING WARDROBE WITH JORDIN

The Canton Repository interviewed Louisville native and Idol wardrobe stylist Art Conn, whose job it was to take contestants Jordin Sparks, LaKisha Jones, Sanjaya Malakar and other "Idol" finalists shopping for their stage attire.

"I always liken [the show] to going to summer camp," said Conn. "You're in this experience with people for a short while, then everybody goes back to their normal lives. But for a brief moment in time, it's really interesting and life-changing."

Conn, 35, spoke fondly about 2007 "Idol" champion Jordin Sparks, 17, with whom he worked closely. "She's someone who knows what she likes when she sees it, which makes my job easier," he said. "She always had a lot of energy. Usually I have to pull these people along with me. I walk very quickly and I can scan a store in five seconds. But she was always two steps ahead of me."

Asked if Sparks was recognized while shopping for clothing at Los Angeles boutiques, Conn said, "We always try to keep them a bit incognito, but she's a 5-foot-10 girl with big curly hair. You can't really hide her too much!"

Was dressing full-figured LaKisha Jones for the stage a challenge? "I don't think she herself is a challenge," Conn said. "The challenge is the fashion industry doesn't make clothes that are really great for someone who is her size. After size 12, the clothes become really weird, and the shapes are not stylish and funky anymore. It becomes old lady clothes. We had a lot of stuff made for LaKisha. We worked with the designer Tadashi."

Sanjaya Malakar? "The last thing I said to him when he left was, 'You are the bravest 17-year-old boy I have ever met,' " Conn recalled. "He took everything with such a great sense of humor. He's going to be one of the most-remembered 'Idol' contestants ever."

According to Conn, the finalists get to keep 99 percent of the clothing they wear onstage.

At this year's star-studded "Idol" finale, Conn was reunited with 2005 "Idol" winner and current superstar recording artist Carrie Underwood. "We have a lot of laughs," Conn said about Underwood. "She remembers shopping with me and how much she hated shopping in general. Now, of course, she looks amazing."

On last season's "Idol," Conn worked closely with champion Taylor Hicks and first runner-up Katharine McPhee. "It's great to see people you met two seasons ago who didn't know much about clothing at all, and now they are all about fashion and style."

PAULA LOOPY AGAIN?

The New York Post says that Paula Abdul 's behavior seems to be getting wackier by the day. First the paper reported that the "American Idol" judge had lied to fans about how she had broke her nose, saying that she had not tripped over her dog, but had actually pitched a fit, threw something into a mirror or glass object, and a shard of glass struck her in the face, which explained why Paula's nose didn't seem swollen. A rep for Abdul termed the account "absolutely, categorically untrue."

Now the paper says that at the recent Fragrance Foundation 2007 FiFi Awards, the "American Idol" judge was slotted to open the evening -- but she arrived 30 minutes late, and a spy told Page Six she "was so completely out of it" when she finally showed.

"They had to delay the show for her to get there, and it was almost impossible to understand her . . . her eyes were half open," the source said. "She had to have two guys help her to her seat after she left the stage." (though she sounds pretty lucid in an ET.online video that was shot that night, watch video here located on right-hand side of page midway down.)

Her bizarre appearance came just hours before Page Six hit newsstands with the exclusive story of her embarrassing meltdown during a recent conference call. In that jaw-dropping diatribe, she trashed her former publicist, Howard Bragman, ranting, "I don't understand how this man can call me a whining bitch. I've never in my life been called a whining bitch and a loser."

She also wailed on the tape: "I've never been treated this way and I've never seen anybody treated this way. This is just too much to stomach."

In recent interviews, Abdul, who says she doesn't drink, explained she's been on painkillers for years from injuries to four vertebrae in her neck that required 14 surgeries.

Abdul has also denied she is suffering from Addison's, despite discussing the adrenal disease on the leaked conference call with her management. In a tape obtained by the New York Post, Abdul outlines her health problems and talks about Addison's disease, a disorder that causes irritability, chronic fatigue and muscle weakness. However, the 44-year-old insists she is just exceptionally tired.

And in even more evidence of Abdul's strange behavior of late, TMZ.com says it has learned that it was Paula Abdul who told her publicist not to show up to a taping of "The Jimmy Kimmel Show."

An audiotape obtained by the New York Post's reportedly has a sobbing Paula claiming uber-publicist Howard Bragman was a no-show at the May 15 taping. TMZ is told that's so not true. The Web site says it has learned that Bragman was on the way to the Kimmel studio when Paula's assistant called and told him that she didn't WANT him to come to the taping. Bragman said OK, and followed instructions.

Forty-five minutes to an hour later, Paula's assistant called Howard, asking where he was! Howard essentially told the assistant -- uh, hello? You just called me and said she didn't want me there. The assistant responded "Well, you know how Paula is." Howard said, "Yes I do, and I'm not a yo-yo and I'm not a puppet." And that was that.

TMZ contacted Howard Bragman, who would not comment on our story. All he said was, "I'll stand by my reputation if she'll stand by hers." A rep for Paula did not immediately return our call for comment.

Abdul also told OK! Magazine that she’s cut back the meds that she takes for severe neck pain that resulted from a 1987 car crash and a later 1993 plane crash: "I inject myself with a shot of Humira every two weeks. ... I also use Enbrel and Relafen [an anti-inflammatory drug] and the painkiller Lidocaine. If I appear exhausted on television, it’s because I am! I have a lot of sleepless nights because I’m in so much pain. I was taking far more medication on earlier seasons, and nobody said anything."

PHILLIPPI SPARKS ON JORDIN AND SIMON

Excerpts from Sports Illustrated's interview Jordin Sparks' dad, with former New York Giants player Phillippi Sparks:

It used to be "Jordin Sparks, daughter of former NFL player Phillippi Sparks." Now it's "Phillippi Sparks, father of American Idol winner Jordin Sparks."

What you want as a dad is for your kids to outdo you, and that's what happened. Being Jordin Sparks' dad is going to last a lot longer than being Phillippi Sparks the football player.

Were you nervous at the finals?

Not really. I told her to look at it like a football season. I told her this is her Super Bowl. She said, "Dad, don't worry about it. I got it."

Did the cornerback in you want to drill Simon Cowell?

I love him, bro. It's a show, and I understood that. At the beginning we were interviewed by psychologists to make sure if someone said something to our daughter we wouldn't snap [laughs].

Your daughter said that Tony Dungy was her American Idol. Why?

More than anything, it was because of who he is as a man and his character, and the stuff that has affected him. He stayed the same as a good Christian man. I think that was how Jordin looked at. His character and how he fought through so much. That's what she loves him and I love him. He's an awesome man.

Was there anything in your football career that compares to this?

No. This is like 20 Super Bowls. You are talking about being the No. 1 most recognizable young lady in the world right now. I'm still dreaming.

Can you sing?

I sang from third grade to 12th grade. My mom had us in choir. I can hold a tune. Maybe that's where Jordin got her rhythm from [laughs].

You were in the audience when they announced she won. What's it's like to witness your child accomplish her dream?

I was overwhelmed. I was crying like a little baby. That's how overjoyed my wife and I, and her little brother [P.J.] were. We are a tight knit family and to see that moment, she had to work harder compared to the other contestants. She had to get up 4 or 5 every morning to do homework, and do stuff the none of the other contestants had to do. For her to pull through was remarkable.

When did you know Jordin could sing?

The age of 3. She was singing and talking in full sentences. She had a raspy voice like Mariah Carey so we called her Mariah.

Can your wife sing?

No, not a bit [laughs]. She cannot hold a note. But she's brilliant and she can play the piano.

What former teammates or former NFL players have you heard from?

Brian Saxton, Marcus Buckley, Rodney Hampton, Jeremy Lincoln. Darren Woodsen called me and I saw Ray Buchanan in L.A.

In the early rounds, you watched Idol sporadically. Why?

Because I knew there was a bigger picture to what she was going. I knew what was going on. I would give her my advice and text her but we have a son who is 15 named P.J. and so my wife was with Jordin and I had my son.

Does he play sports or sing?

He is phenomenal football player and basketball player. This dude is an academic All-America. I had the opportunity to coach at Arizona State when Dirk Koetter was there. Koetter came up to me and put his arm around my son and said, Oh, we have another Devil here. My son looked at him and said, Only if Miami doesn't want me [laughs].

You've been coaching football [defensive backs] at Glendale Community College?

I was there but I am going to try to coach at Boulder Creek, which is a new high school near me.

She's mentioned Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Leandro Barbosa and Shawn Marion as her favorite athletes. She digs sports?

Listen, we used to take Jordin to the Devils, the Nets and Broadway plays when we were in New Jersey. She opened up the Cardinals Stadium in 2006 by singing the national anthem. I'm telling you from East Coast to West Coast, it was the most remarkable anthem people have ever heard.
So is she going to play the Super Bowl one day?

I already have people from the Super Bowl talking to me. But I'm not going to say anything [laughs]. Oops.

What will Jordin do next?

She is still doing high school. She's home schooled, doing it on the computer. She's very smart. There will also be a American Idol Tour.

Do you miss football?

Every day I miss it. I actually think I can play but everyone thinks they can still play. I miss it every day but I know there is a point in time where you have to let go. If I made a comeback they would probably laugh so I know one thing for sure: I cannot hold guys that are 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds and run a 4.3. That's for sure.

Who was the best guy who ever went up against?

I thought Terry Glenn and Marvin Harrison were beasts. Did I hold my own? Let's just say partly cloudy but fair (laughs).

How much do you worry about the pressure on Jordin regarding things like her looks or weight or what people perceive an American Idol winner should look like?

What is really cool is that Jordin does not care. She does not how people look at her. That was she is so special at 17. If she cared about that, she would have listened to the critics. She is a full-time model for Torrid Modeling [a fashion brand which empowers plus size young women] and that was a blessing.

What's it like when the dream actually comes true?

It's been something she has been working at for a mighty long time in her own eyes. Ever since she went to junior American Idol when she was 14, she told Randy Jackson that she would come back and win American Idol. And it actually happened.

LAKISHA TO BE HONORED IN MICHIGAN

The Associated Press reports that Flint, Mich., native LaKisha Jones will be honored June 11th at the state Capitol in Lansing. Gov. Jennifer Granholm will deliver remarks during the event. Jones will also perform, along with the youth choir from her Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

The 27-year-old bank clerk became a fixture on "American Idol." She made the semifinals and remained on the show until May 9th. Despite that setback, Jones' star continues to rise back home. Flint has designated June 9th as "LaKisha Day" when she will be the guest of honor at a homecoming rally at 5 p.m. June 9 at the historic stadium at 701 W. Third Ave. in Flint's Carriage Town district.

The event will be free to the public and will include speeches and performances by various entertainers, including Jones, who says she'll sing "one or two selections from the show."

"I'm looking forward to coming back on the 9th and having a good time," she said by phone from Houston, where she lived for six years and was the guest of honor at a similar rally (watch video here ).

"I'll get to say hello to everybody, get some autographs signed and let the city know how much I appreciate them."

Most of the details of the city-sponsored event are still being worked out by a five-member committee headed by Flint City Attorney Trachelle Young, who organized weekly viewing "American Idol" parties at City Hall while Jones was on the show.

Jones said she has to return to Los Angeles on June 12 for rehearsals for the "American Idols Live" tour.

JORDIN HAS PRE-THANKSGIVING CD DEADLINE

With the sixth season of "American Idol" over, according to MTV, newly crowned champ Jordin Sparks now faces a struggle of a different sort: trying to stay sane.

"This is so intense. It's crazy," she laughed. "I haven't been home yet since I won. I was in L.A. and then New York, and now I'll finally get to go home and spend some time with my friends. I hope."

Such is life for the "Idol" princess. Since taking home the title last week, Sparks has been on a seemingly endless parade of interviews and promotional appearances. And it doesn't look like things will be slowing down anytime soon — quite the opposite, in fact. The show's summer tour kicks off July 6, and Sparks already has a deadline for her debut album. That means it's never too early to begin soliciting for collaborators, a list Sparks says includes a couple of crooners popular with the under-17 set.

"I'd love to do a duet with Mario or Chris Brown ... but let's see what happens," she said. "I have a lot of work ahead of me. I have a deadline [for my album] already. It should be out before Thanksgiving. And I'm going to be doing the tour and trying to find songs at the same time. And then after the tour, it's gonna be record, record, record, write, write, write."

And just what will Sparks' yet-untitled debut sound like? Well, according to her, a lot like ... pretty much everything.

"I can't really describe what I want it to sound like. I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll, a little bit pop, a little bit R&B," she said. "I listen to Nat King Cole and Patsy Cline and Bon Jovi and Heart and 'NSYNC and Britney and Christina and Justin Timberlake too. I want to mix it all together. I hope people like it. On the show, [you had to be] versatile. You had to do everything and twist it around and make it your own. So I'm used to being like that."

And while the pressure will undoubtedly be on Sparks to perform on par with former "Idol" champs, she said she's actually more worried about living up to another set of expectations: those of her young fans.

"The other day, I walked outside, and there were these two little girls out there, and they said, 'Jordin, you're my inspiration! I want to be like you!,' and it was so amazing," she said. "I get emotional about it, because I remember being a little girl and looking up to people. And now little girls are looking up to me, and I love it.

"Being a teenager is hard — I mean, you look at magazines, and it's in your face all the time — 'you've got to lose weight or change or you'll never make it' — and I want to change all that," she continued. "I want to break the mold and be somebody girls look up to. I'm not much of a partyer — I don't drink or anything like that — so I don't think you'll catch me out at all those types of things. I'm comfortable with who I am, and I don't want to change. I love being me. I was happy before 'Idol,' and I'll be happy after."

JARED AND ANTONELLA AT CHARITY EVENT

The New Jersey Courier News reports that "American Idol" semi-finalists and New Jersey residents Jared Cotter and Antonella Barba will help kick off the Somerset Hills Relay For Life, an annual event that raises money for the American Cancer Society, at 6 p.m. on June 8. Both will be available for meet-and-greets following the opening ceremonies.

For the entire evening, volunteers will walk around the lake to symbolize that cancer never sleeps. Over the last four years, the event has raised more than $600,000 to fight cancer.

For more information on the relay or how to get involved, call 908-953-9644.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post xreports that Barba is headed back to school in D.C. The Catholic University architecture student says she'll return this summer to make up the classes she missed while competing on the show, in hopes of graduating with her friends next spring.

Asked what she would do if show biz opportunities arise, she said, "If I want to do music, I'll have to pursue it," she said hesitantly. "Wouldn't it be great if I could do both?"

New Jersey native Barba, 21, was an early breakout star this season. A coltish beauty with a jazzy vibe, she briefly became the most Googled girl in the universe. So of course someone leaked boudoir photos to the Internet; later some XXX-rated photos emerged, though friends denied the woman in them was Barba. When some "pitchy" notes just barely kept her from the top 12, Barba vanished: "I just wanted to stay out of the public eye a bit." While other "Idol" evictees jumped at any fame-extending invitation, Barba says she didn't return a phone call for two months.

"You have to wait for what's right," she said. "You can't take the first thing."

If she had to do it all over again, would she? "Um . . . I don't regret going on 'American Idol.' I'm thankful for the opportunities. . . . Even if you've made right or wrong decisions, you can't regret them, because you've learned from them. Everything happens for a reason. I'd like to know what it is, though."

So, she's coming back for summer classes . . . and definitely for the fall? "Probably!" she said. "It's a question mark."

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

Jordin Loses Voice, But Keeps Her Cool

ctv.ca reports that in the red-hot media frenzy following Jordin Sparks being named the newest America Idol, it sounds like the 17-year-old singer has lost her voice.

Sparks just laughed off the worn-out vocal cords when a reporter asked her about it, and went on with her conference call - one final major interview after months of being in the spotlight.

"It's been crazy, the day before yesterday I did press all night long until 11:45. I did a bunch of affiliate stuff, I did Leno and Ellen. I've had a good time!"

The Glendale, Arizona, native was declared the winner Wednesday night, edging out the eccentric beat-boxing Blake Lewis.

"He's been one of my biggest supporters since the beginning, and it's been cool to share the stage with him," says Sparks.

It was a record vote for "Idol," with more than 74 million text messages and calls pouring in from across the U.S. After host Ryan Seacrest declared her the winner, Sparks took the stage to sing her coronation song "This is My Now."

The song was selected from the first-ever "Idol" song writing competition.

"It's actually so perfect, because I remember sitting down and listening to the song and thinking about how perfect it was," says Sparks. "Through this whole process, it was something I have been dreaming about. I love singing it because it spoke to me."

As the daughter of retired NFL player Phillippi Sparks, the young chanteuse says she now has a new connection with her father.

"When he was playing football, we would go to the games and we would watch. I really looked up to him for that, and it really came full circle because I used to watch him sign autographs after games, and last night he was watching me sign my own."

Sparks explains that she is relying on her family for support as she grows into the newfound fame that "Idol" promises.

"I've got a really good family around me, and they keep me grounded. They keep telling me, 'Don't let it go to your head!' As long as I have them with me, I'll be okay," she says.

After her first audition, judge Simon Cowell initially thought that Sparks wasn't good enough to make it on the show.

It was only after she won an "Arizona Idol" competition that she had a second chance and received a golden ticket.

The splashy "American Idol" finale, which showered Sparks in confetti in her crowning moment, reflected a time when she was first inspired to be a professional singer.

"I've always loved to sing, but I remember watching an awards show, I don't remember which, and Mariah Carey performing. She was so beautiful, and I knew then that's what I wanted to do."

Pursuing a singing career full-time, Sparks has been schooled at home for the last two years. And while she has been training for a shot at the big time - there was still much for the big-voiced beauty to learn on the "Idol" stage.

"This whole process has made me a better person. It's taught me how to emote better, and how to be a better performer and it's taught me how crazy a week's schedule can be. I wouldn't have traded it for anything," says Sparks.

Still playful at heart, one other accomplishment besides winning "Idol" stands out in the mind of the talented teen.

"Getting my braces off," says Sparks with a laugh.

TROOPS REMEMBERED WITH HICKS'
"DO I MAKE YOU PROUD"

PR.com reports that this Memorial Day weekend, our American troops will be remembered in many special ways. Redstone Properties in Scottsboro, Ala., has donated 1,000 Taylor Hicks CDs to the Proud of Our Troops drive. (Hicks owns property No. 219 in the development and does promotional appearances for Redstone). The Proud of Our Troops drive is an ongoing drive sponsored by Jewelry Sprout, which sends Taylor Hicks CDs to our men and women all over the world who are serving our country.

The Proud of Our Troops drive began in June, 2006, and in 21 weeks, 3,157 copies of Hicks’ debut single, "Do I Make You Proud" were sent to American soldiers overseas. The goal for Part 2 of the drive is 10,000 copies of Taylor's full-length self-titled CD, "Taylor Hicks,” to the troops.

Organizers of the drive are asking the public to join them in showing support and thanks to our troops by sending them a gift that will provide them not only with music, but a reminder that they are in the thoughts of citizens back home.

Click here for info if you wish to participate in the drive to send a “Taylor Hicks” CD to the troops.





ANTONELLA AT MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

According to The Asbury Park Press, Point Pleasant Beach rolled into the season Saturday with its Memorial Day bike parade, which featured "American Idol" contestant Antonella Barba and a local resident who served in Iraq.

Barba, of Point Pleasant, said she was glad to be at the parade.

"Everyone visits for Memorial Day," she said. At the parade's destination, the band shell on Baltimore Avenue at Little Silver Lake, Barba was slated to sing the national anthem. A color guard from American Legion Post 346, Neptune, was there to give a 21-gun salute.

The 20-year-old Idol semi-finalist also told the paper "I try not to have regrets. I look at everything as a learning opportunity . . . right or wrong, and grow from the experience."

Sitting at the kitchen table with her parents and brother, Barba is animated when she talks about her life these days.

She spends her time on her music, "writing song lyrics, and trying to establish the type of artist I want to be."

She's also planning to return to Catholic University in Washington to earn her degree in architecture. And if she has her way, Barba will be graduating with her class next spring.

"I had to take a semester off because of "Idol,' " she says. "But I'm hoping to take some classes this summer because I really do want to graduate with my class."

Getting that degree is important — just as important as embarking on a musical career.

"Whatever career path I ultimately follow, I want to be happy," Barba says. "I want it to fulfill me and allow me to grow as an individual."

Her parents and her biggest fans, Vinnie and Valerie Barba, are convinced that whatever road their daughter chooses, she is destined for great things.

Vinnie Barba describes his daughter as a young woman of substance. "She's really smart, really loving and a great student," he says. "She has a deep spirituality, and she tackles tasks with exhaustive devotion."

Valerie Barba says there's so much about Antonella that the television audience never had a chance to see. "She excels at everything and does it with grace and ease," Valerie Barba says. "When she does something, she wants to do it to perfection. She is dedicated and focused — she's an exceptional young lady."

Younger brother Vincenzo, 18, says his sister is fun to be around and a good person to look up to. "She has the potential to do a lot with her career," he says with a smile.

So why doesn't Vincenzo, who writes lyrics and plays lead guitar in the local band Hot Chicks on Pogo Sticks, pen a song for his sister? "That's what I've been asking him," Antonella says, a twinkle in her brown eyes. "I think it would be great."

And didn't Barba dedicate her performance of "Because You Loved Me" to her brother during dedication week? "I did," Barba laughs, "So now, you really do have to write me a song."

And contrary to what people may think, Barba doesn't regret her "American Idol" performance. "I'm grateful for the opportunity [to appear on 'Idol']," she says, "but it's something I would do once and only once."

She would have liked the opportunity to advance beyond the Top 16, and now, looking back, wishes she could have stepped up her performances. "I guess that's one thing I wish was different," she says, "I wished I would have sung better — let America see me sing the way I know I can."

After being voted off the show, Barba returned to her hometown — and to the loving arms of friends and family. "I needed it," she says. "I needed time out of the spotlight to focus on me."

And during that time she learned an invaluable lesson — to believe in herself. "No matter what is going on in the world, the most important thing is to believe in who you are and surround yourself with people who love you. If you can do that, nothing will be able to stop you."

She's thankful, she says, to her family, friends and fans. "The support was overwhelming," she says. "It was so appreciated, and I can't thank everyone enough."

After being voted off, Barba continued watching the Fox show and even made a trip to Los Angeles during the show's later rounds to visit with her contestant friends. "They were a really great group of people," Barba says. "We enjoyed each other's company, and we were there for each other."

And when controversy began swirling around her, "they became my support system. They were really great."

While the "American Idol" chapter of her life is over, Barba's music is not.

Several things are in the works, she says. Nothing definite yet, but. . . "I'm hard-working and determined," she says. "I don't want to come half-way on a journey and not finish. That's just not who I am."

AMERICAN IDOL ANIMATION

The News & Observer daily newspaper of Raleigh has posted a "spoof" cartoon by animator Grey Blackwell focusing on Clay Aiken and other American Idol stars from North Carolina.

Blackwell's current cartoon shows Chris Daughtry, Fantasia Barrino, Bucky Covington and Kellie Picker having a meeting at Clay Aiken's house in Raleigh.

At the meeting in the cartoon, Blackwell has Aiken poking a little fun at this year's batch of contestants on American Idol including Sanjaya Malakar. Blackwell also pokes a little fun at North Carolina, as the cartoon shows Clay's Aiken mom cooking some barbeque for the meeting and Clay offers some Krispy Kreme donuts to the group.

Check out the animated spoof on "American Idol" here.

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