Top-selling American Idols Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry were announced today as performers for the 2009 American Music Awards. Read more »
Posts Tagged ‘chris daughtry’
Big Name American Idols to Perform at the AMA’s
October 23rd, 2009 / Author: Nicole EggenbergerPHOTOS: Daughtry Rocks the Crowd
July 14th, 2009 / Author: OK! Staff
Chris Daughtry didn’t disappoint his many fans with his performance on NBC’s Today at Rockefeller Center in NYC on July 14.
Winning Idol Could Hurt Adam Lambert
April 15th, 2009
Adam Lambert may be a hit with fans, but winning American Idol may not be the 26-year-old’s best career move.
"Idol thrives when a girl wins," says a source, adding that female champs like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are more marketable.
Still, a former contestant tells OK!, "Adam is supposed to win; he’s the judges’ favorite." Enter the veto, which allows the judges to overrule viewer votes and keep a performer in the competition.
"It’s to avoid what happened to Chris Daughtry — he was eliminated and went on the be one of the biggest-selling acts in Idol history, at least for the guys," a show insider tells OK!.
"America voted him off and was left with Taylor Hicks."
Winning Idol Could Hurt Adam Lambert
April 15th, 2009
Adam Lambert may be a hit with fans, but winning American Idol may not be the 26-year-old’s best career move.
"Idol thrives when a girl wins," says a source, adding that female champs like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are more marketable.
Still, a former contestant tells OK!, "Adam is supposed to win; he’s the judges’ favorite." Enter the veto, which allows the judges to overrule viewer votes and keep a performer in the competition.
"It’s to avoid what happened to Chris Daughtry — he was eliminated and went on the be one of the biggest-selling acts in Idol history, at least for the guys," a show insider tells OK!.
"America voted him off and was left with Taylor Hicks."
VIDEO: American Idols Go To Disney World
February 17th, 2009
All seven American Idols descend on Disney’s Hollywood Studios for The American Idol Experience opening held Thursday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
It’s the first time the winning superstars have ever been together!
It’s certainly a cause for celebration: Carrie Underwood and David Cook duet on Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way during the show, which features a handful of real-life competitors vying for the prized ticket. “Carrie looks amazing and I’m just stoked to be here,” David says. Watch OK!’s exclusive video!
What advice would Carrie give wannabe contestants?
“Do whatever you love,” the All-American Girl singer says. “Sometimes the judges may tell you you shouldn’t do it for living, but if that’s what you love, you shouldn’t give it up. So no matter what happens, if you get the magic ticket, the fast-track ticket, use it — even if you don’t, still sing.
One thing Carrie won’t be trying? Her hockey-playing boyfriend Mike Fisher’s sport. (He swings for the Ottawa Senators.) “I can’t play hockey at all,” she laughs. “I can’t even fake.”
Kelly Clarkson — who tells me her slim physique can be attributed to wearing black and not white — gives the attraction her stamp of approval.
“This is pretty cool,” the My Life Would Suck Without You singer says, turning her attention away from Michael Johns. “It’s the first time we’ve actually all been together, so it’s like a family reunion.”
Jordin Sparks can’t believe her eyes. “It’s really creepy how close to the show the attraction actually is,” she says. “It’s got the lights and the fog and the music and the judges. It’s really, really weird, but it was a lot of fun.”
What’s something the No Air singer has lost? Her love for Chris Brown, who likely ended his career by messing up OK! darling Rihanna. “It’s pretty much gone now,” she tells me.
Meanwhile, Paula Abdul has one regret tonight. “I just wish they would all sing,” she says. “It would’ve been fun to hear it.” She adds, “There’s a lot of déjà vu going on. I got a kick out of watching the success of the Idols.”
What tunes would Phil Stacey suggest picking for this attraction?
“You should definitely choose a Celine Dion song or a Whitney Houston song,” he says. “No, I’m kidding. You should do Disney songs. You should get up there and do Can You Feel The Love Tonight or A Whole New World. You’re at Disney World! You’re only going to get the opportunity to do that once.”
Although Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson and Simon Cowell send regrets, the sizeable Idol turnout also includes a giggly David Archuleta, purple-haired Diana DeGarmo, newlywed Ruben Studdard, tan-and-fit Taylor Hicks, talkative Bo Bice, friendly Ryan Seacrest, jovial Justin Guarini, shy Fantasia Barrino, Idol alum-turned-Rascal Flatts songwriter Chris Schleich, tattooed Carly Smithson, Aussie Michael Johns, chatty Ace Young, dreadlocked Jason Castro, Southern gentleman Josh Gracin, zany Sanjaya, slimmed-down Mandisa and mom LaKisha Jones.
Woo-hoo! David Cook, David Archuleta, Fantasia, Sanjaya and Jason take a spin on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster during the afterparty held on Sunset Boulevard. No lines, no waiting!
As Kat DeLuna’s Whine Up plays, Idols enjoy blue martinis, chicken, steak, garlic mashed potatoes, sushi and the signature American Idol dessert.
Disney certainly treats its Idols well: Ace (and girlfriend Allison Fischer) “hit every ride in about seven hours, and then hit the rides we liked again.” Phil took his five-year-old daughter Chloe on Space Mountain. “It’s intense, and she actually tried it,” he says. “It was frightening for me, but she wasn’t crying at all. She loved it.” LaKisha’s five-year-old daughter Brionne would ride Space Mountain the following day. “She can’t wait to get on it. She’s a little daredevil.”
Still, some might call singing in front of hundreds of people in The American Idol Experience daring.
“I think anybody who gets a chance should absolutely do it,” David Cook says.
Bonus: I worked at Disney Hollywood Studios as part of the Walt Disney College Program, so this is quite a homecoming! I could be found sweeping Sunset Boulevard, the street on which this party is held. It is incredible – and the uniforms are still the same. ' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><em>The American Idol Experience is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.</em></p>
<p><em>*Video production by Chris Morran. </em></p>
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Justin Guarini Grows Up
November 7th, 2008
Justin Guarini is back in the spotlight for CMT’s Gone Country 3, which is taping now in Nashville.
Following in the footsteps of Maureen McCormick, Diana DeGarmo and *NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick, the American Idol season one runner-up will compete for a chance to record a country single.
Things have certainly changed for Justin since he first appeared on the show that made Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken famous.
He turned 30 last week, and got engaged to Reina Capodici, 26, in September. Although the pair began dating in 2007, their love story actually dates back to childhood.
“We’ve grown up together,” he tells me. “She was a friend before she was my lover, and then she became my best friend. Our families go way back. Her mother was my English teacher in junior high.”
How did he know she was “the one” for him?
“There’s a compatibility and an understanding. It takes a lot of understanding to be able to be with someone who is working in the industry. Still, she’s amazing.”
Justin tells me he likes to pamper her with candlelight backrubs. Ooh!
They are planning a June wedding.
Daughtry Goes Into Politics
August 18th, 2008 / Author: OK! Staff
Rock sensations Daughtry have gone political with a cover of "Feels Like the First Time" for CNN’s League of New Voters initiative. Fans can catch the music video today on Campbell Brown: Election Center, as well as on CNN.com video on-demand. The single will also appear on Daughtry Deluxe, due out Sept. 9.
"We strongly believe it doesn’t matter who you vote for, as long as you vote," says lead singer Chris Daughtry.
The song was a hit in for Foreigner in 1977, when it was featured as part of CNN’s voter initiative, and helped launch their career.
"Daughtry’s version of the song is very cool and has more than captured the essence of the original," says Foreigner’s Mick Jones. "I am delighted that the song will be used in this critical iniative."
How Stars Celebrate Father’s Day
June 15th, 2008
Being a dad changes everything. For one thing, proud papas get a new holiday in Father’s Day.
Kirk Cameron reveals his tradition.
“What happens on Father’s Day is I’ll stay in bed and the kids want me to just hang out there until they can cook breakfast and bring it to me,” the Still Growing author, who is father to six kids, tells me. “They make me scrambled eggs, maybe some bacon, maybe some coffee just the way I like it. They bring me cards that they’ve made at school. The best thing about Father’s Day is that you have kids, and you get to love them and enjoy them.”
Billy Ray Cyrus tries to give daughter Miley her space. “I’ve always tried to be her best friend and that’s what I continue to do now,” he says. “I’m always there and I’m always a phone call away or a text. She always knows if she needs me, I’m there.”
Andrew McCarthy likes everything about being a dad to his Pokemon-loving son – “except getting up early.”
Bobby Brown says his two girls got a kick out of his turn as a country singer on CMT’s Gone Country.
“Once daddy gets honest with himself, they appreciate me more and more every day,” he tells me.
Chris Daughtry’s two kids are musical. His son is taking drum lessons, and his daughter is taking piano lessons.
“You have the chance of allowing them or teaching them to do something greater than you,” he tells me. “Even be a better dad than you.”
Meanwhile, stars including Clay Aiken and Matthew McConaughey are waiting for their first true Father’s Day now that the ladies in their lives are expecting. What advice does father-of-two Matthew Fox have for these new dads?
“Being a father is an individual experience and I wouldn’t really feel qualified to give anyone advice other than just trying to do the very, very best job you possibly can,” he tells me.
Kyle McLachlan is also infanticipating with wife Desiree.
“We’re expecting a little one at the end of July,” he tells me. “We’re both in New York and L.A., so we’re getting both apartments ready for where we’re going to be and where he’s going to stay.”
Indeed, dads hold great power. Just ask Rider Strong.
“I got screwed,” he says of his moniker, which he attributes to hippie parents. “I didn’t realize I had a porn name until I was fifteen. Too bad. There are worse things.”
What’s the best advice Robert DeNiro gave daughter Drena?
“Just use your eyes,” she tells me. “Don’t move your face so much. Use your eyes. That’s the most remembered advice.”
Snoop Dogg tells children it’s important to pay attention to their dads (and moms).
“Parents are teachers,” he tells me. “These are people who have knowledge and wisdom and they’re trying to pass it on to you. When they give you that, even if you don’t like it or understand it – take it in for what it’s worth because one day you’ll hear that voice again and you’ll be able to make a decision. You can say ‘I’m going to do the right thing or the wrong thing, but at least I know what the right thing is and the wrong thing is.’”
Country singer Jason Michael Carroll appreciates the good times with his little ones.
“I take them to school during the week. I’ll walk them to class. They think it’s cool everyone’s running up asking for dad’s autograph. I’m soaking it all in because in a few years, I’m pretty sure they’ll walk a few steps ahead – or even worse – they’ll tell me to wait in the car.”
Country singer Darryl Worley enjoys his baby girl, Savannah, who is ten weeks old.
“She’s a little red-headed fireball,” he says. “She’s already showing her personality. She’s gonna have a temper, she’s gonna be stubborn. Her mom says she’s definitely my child. It’s probably the best thing that’s happened to me in a lot of different ways. Suddenly I’ve got a real reason to fight.”
Law and Order: SVU star Chris Meloni takes daughter Sophie bike riding and to the playground during the summer. “We play Monopoly,” he tells me, whispering, “She cheats.”
Sophie shouts, “Do not!”
What’s the best thing about Chris as a dad?
“That he loves me,” she says shyly, hugging him.
Celebs Play Pranks For April Fool’s Day
April 1st, 2008
Celebs love to catch their friends and family off-guard on April Fool’s Day.
“One time I pranked my mom and told her that I was married,” Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester star tells me. “That was really, really mean. But then she got me back and told me something terrible that I forget, but I really believed it. I fell really hard for that one. So she got me back. It was so mean.”
Mya pulled a fast one on a friend.
“This is really bad,” she warns. “One of my friends is a producer in California – we have a brother/sister relationship – he pulled a prank on me so I figured I owed him one. I was on the House of Blues tour in 2003, and I invited him to one of my shows in Anaheim, California, on a date when I had already performed in Anaheim. So what he did was rented a limo, invited people and showed up the day after I performed. I gave him backstage passes and told him he was on the guest list for seven. He was totally embarrassed, but I owed him one.” (She cracks up laughing.)
Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz likes to dress as a woman on this day of pranks. “Anytime I’m wearing anything I’m probably borrowing it from my girlfriend.” Watch out, Ashlee Simpson!
Daughtry goof while touring with Bon Jovi.
“Chris was up there singing acoustic, so right as he paused, we just slammed our instruments as loud and as metal as we could,” bassist Josh Paul tells me. “He didn’t know what was going on; he couldn’t see us. All he knew was uh! As quickly as it began, it stopped, and he had to go back to the song.”
Chris adds, “Yeah, but it took about five minutes to get to the second verse because there was a lot of hysteria going on after that. It was a very serious song, but I found it very hard to get serious again after that. I was laughing through the second verse.”
Ashleigh Banfield tells me, “I’m no George Clooney, I’ll tell you that. I’m not that clever. I guess I hoodwinked my husband into asking me to marry him. That’s a good one!”
We won’t see Celebrity Apprentice contestant Carol Alt spoofing.
“I’m not a prankster,” she tells me. “I’m more of a serious person, believe it or not. I don’t play pranks.”
Three Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold tells me, “We don’t play pranks much because we know that we’ll get carried away. If one person does something, the other person’s going to come back and it’s just going to get bad.”
Singer Chrisette Michele tells me, “I hated my math teacher. In tenth grade, I told all the kids in math class that at 11:01 to drop their pencils and put their heads down and go to sleep. I will never forget that day. It was wonderful.”
Did they listen?
“Of course they did,” she says. “I was a leader! I didn’t do very well in math though.”
In the spirit of April Fool’s Day, Tom Hanks shares his best dirty joke.
“A guy is standing in an elevator with another guy,” he tells me. “They’re going up a lot of floors. The guy turns and goes ‘excuse me, have you ever been camping?’ And the other guy goes ‘no, I’ve never been camping.’ The guy goes ‘well, if you were to wake up one morning with your pants around your ankles and your buttocks smeared with Vaseline, would you tell anybody?’ The guy says ‘well, I don’t suppose I would tell anybody if I woke up with my pants around my ankles and my buttocks smeared with Vaseline.’ The other fella says ‘you wanna go camping?’”
Have fun, everyone.
