64TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

The Judges of NBC's The Voice

The 64th Primetime Emmy Award Nominees have been announced and indeed Television has stepped-up its game with field upon field of tough competition in each category. This year we see the return of AMC's Mad Men after a lengthy absence and it is a force to be reckoned with Elisabeth Moss, Jon Hamm, Christina Hendricks and even the underrated Jared Harris being recognized for their superb work. HBO's Comedy, Girls, also is a force to be reckoned with, getting nods for Outstanding Comedy Series and Lead Actress in a Comedy with Lena Dunham. 

ABC's Modern Family once again is well-represented with all four of its male Stars, Ty Burrell, Ed O'Neill, Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson all up against each other for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Kristen Wiig stands a v. good chance at winning in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work on NBC's Saturday Night Live with this past season having been her finale one.

Julianne Moore is up against her The Hours Co-star Nicole Kidman for Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie for her portrayal of Sarah Palin in HBO's Game Change, while the latter is being recognized for her work in HBO's Hemingway & Gellhorn.  Ashley Judd somehow is angled into the same category for her work in Missing which after its cancellation, is now being considered a Miniseries? Girl, please.

Interestingly, NBC's The Voice is nominated in the category of Outstanding Reality Program, while the Godfather in the genre, FOX's American Idol fails to get any recognition from the Academy.  The two programs have had v. public feuds in the Media in the past with Idol's Randy Jackson having called its Foe, "second-rate".

Click here for a full list of Nominees.

(Photo credit: NBC)

ADAM LAMBERT IN TORONTO FOR "TRESPASSING"

Adam Lambert in Toronto - May 2012

Riding the wave of his success both north and south of the Border with U.S. and Canadian number one-selling Disc Trespassing, former American Idol First-Runner-Up Adam Lambert made a welcomed visit back to Toronto today, his first here since headlining 2010's KISS 92.5 Wham Bam. 

After an appearance in Washington, D.C. yesterday at the 94.7 Fresh FM Festival,  Lambert flew-in to Toronto earlier this afternoon for a busy day of Work, which saw him co-hosting MuchMusic's New.Music.Live and later meeting 200 Fans at HMV Queen Street for an Autograph Signing.  Lambert has the distinction of becoming the first-ever openly Gay Male Artist to achieve a number one-selling Billboard Album.

I caught-up with Lambert as he exit KISS 92.5 Studios, staying for just-under an hour pre-taping an Interview for CHFI 98.1 and also CityTV.  Although he was in a rush and unable to sign Autographs for a handful of Fans who waited patiently for him in the blistering heat, he did roll-down his window quickly to apologize, "Sorry, I've got to go!", simultaneously throwing a handwave.

Lambert is Montreal-bound next for another round of Press, including a Visit to Musique Plus.  Trespassing now is in-stores via Sony Music Canada. Download it here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

CARRIE UNDERWOOD IN TORONTO FOR "BLOWN AWAY"

Carrie Underwood in Toronto - May 2012

Arriving Tuesday night from Nashville with Hockey Star Husband Mike Fisher, Country-Pop Queen Carrie Underwood arrived for the Canadian leg of her Promo Tour for latest Disc, Blown Away. The Album already has spent two weeks at number on the U.S. Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart.

Remaining low-key, opting for underground entrances and exits in and out of her Hotel, the former American Idol Season Four Winner in her two days in Toronto has appeared at most major Outlets, doing a number of pre-taped and live-to-air Interviews. Appearances have included visits to CTV's Canada AM, The Marilyn Denis Show and eTalk, YTV's The Zone, CBC's Q Radio, Global Television's Entertainment Tonight Canada, CHFI 98.1, CHUM 104.5 and more.

In addition to Work, Underwood has Quality Time with Family on her Agenda during her stay before her scheduled Performance on this weekend's Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Last night, Husband Fisher was spotted enjoying the New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Game at Rogers Centre, while the Singer spent a quiet night-in relaxing after a long day.

I caught-up with Underwood leaving the Bell Media Building earlier today buried two rows back in her Suburban, signing a few Autographs for Fans who waited all morning for her patiently. The frenzy was sparked as the window of her Vehicle was rolled down. "Can you take a Picture with a little Carrie Underwood Fan?", one Mom asked while urging her young Daughter forward - which wasn't happening. Unfortunately, I had no luck getting my copy of Some Hearts signed after Autographs got curtailed quickly with complaints of the situation becoming too aggressive on the part of others.

In the meantime, check out Underwood's latest Single, Good Girl which already has peaked at number 21 on the Canadian Hot 100:

BRITNEY SPEARS CLOSE TO SIGNING $15-MILLION "THE X FACTOR" DEAL

Britney Spears & Nicole Scherzinger in Toronto - March 2009

Although we're still waiting on confirmation, Britney Spears is reportedly close to signing a $15 million deal to judge on the second season of FOX's The X Factor according to multiple sources, including Deadline. Having been in major talks to appear on the show since February, it is said that Spears originally was expecting $20 million for the Deal. 

To place this into context, Jennifer Lopez currently is receiving $12 million to judge on American Idol, while Christina Aguilera - whom Spears has been pitted against since the early days of her career - is earning $10 million for her work as Mentor on NBC's The Voice.

With the recent exits of Judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger from The X Factor leaving room for new faces, this actually marks the second time that the latter has "opened" for Spears.  Former Pussycat Doll Scherzinger back in 2009 had opened for Spears on her Circus Tour.  Some Girls have all the luck!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"AMERICAN IDOL" STARS BLAKE LEWIS, DIDI BENAMI, MATT GIRAUD, TIM URBAN & MICHAEL JOHNS IN TORONTO

American Idol Stars in Toronto (L to R): Tim Urban, Matt Giraud, Blake Lewis, Didi Benami, Michael Johns & Mr. Will-W.

Hard Rock Hotels put together a fun Showcase tonight with some v. familiar faces here tonight in Toronto at the Hard Rock Cafe! Some popular American Idol Finalists including Tim Urban, Matt Giraud, Michael Johns, Didi Benami and Blake Lewis performing an array of Covers and Originals before the intimate - predominantly Lady-filled - audience.  Even Barney the Dinosaur showed up for the festivities! And there was lots of Crème Brûlée to go around.  Sold!

Benami was extremely fun and bubbly, running over to give me a hug after winding-down with a glass of Wine following her performance, which saw her accompanied by her Guitar. Michigan Native Giraud tells me, "All you people in Toronto are so damn nice!", to which I told him "Of course, we love American Idol more than Canadian Idol here!", drawing a big laugh from him.

Urban, who currently is working on a full-length Disc, spent quality time in the hallway chatting intimately with some adoring Female Fans and although the Party was beginning to wind down after 11:00 PM, Lewis was just getting started, heading off to Brooklyn on Queen Street for more fun!  Of tonight's Guests, the Singer/Songwriter/Beatboxer has had the greatest success, particularly on Billboard's Dance Charts.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

IS BRITNEE KELLOGG THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL?

Britnee Kellogg

Is this Britney Spears look-a-like the next American Idol? Aerosmith Frontman Steven Tyler had his eyes set on Lauren Alaina last season and that one went on to be voted first runner-up to Scotty McCreery. This season he seems really keen on this 27-year-old blonde beauty from Portland, Britnee Kellogg already touting her as "the next American Idol" right after her audition.

Do the similarities just stop at just looks for this Doppelganger? Well, Kellogg's story actually is a bit on the inspiring side. Like Spears, she also is a Mother of two Boys and while we're waiting on the results of this current season of American Idol to unfold, she actually is continuing to tour in support of her own Music. Yes, she's a legit Singer/Songwriter and even plays her own Songs (check out her Website here).  A teary Kellogg told Judges that she had to put aside her musical dreams to start a Family only to realize that her Husband was cheating on her, serenading them with You're No Good. Perfect, right?

Watch Kellogg's audition in full below:

PIA TOSCANO IN TORONTO FOR AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE! TOUR

Pia Toscano & Mr. Will-W.

Although it's not necessarily TIFF-released, American Idol Finalist Pia Toscano was spotted arriving in Toronto this evening for the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011. Interestingly, she flew into the City, while her Friends from Idol appear to be traveling via Tour Bus.

Toscano's debut Disc from Interscope Records hits stores this Fall, while the Idol Tour continues until September 20, 2011, ending in the Philippines.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JENNIFER LOPEZ & MARC ANTHONY SPLIT

Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony at TIFF 2006

"We have decided to end our marriage.  This was a very difficult decision. We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters." - Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony, July 15, 2011

People Magazine just broke the story that after seven years of marriage, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony have split.  No additional details on that yet but let's blame American Idol for sucking the life out of their love and the Music Industry collectively.

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

SCOTTY MCCREERY WINS SEASON TEN "AMERICAN IDOL" - FUELS RUMOURS HE'S DATING LAUREN ALAINA

American Idol Season Ten Finalists Lauren Alaina & Scotty McCreery

Congratulations to 17 year-old Country Crooner Scotty McCreery, just crowned Season Ten American Idol tonight during a live broadcast from Staples Centre in Los Angeles. The North Carolina native defeated first runner-up Lauren Alaina, 16 years-old from Georgia.  McCreery won American voters over with an original number I Love You This Big, among a selection of Country hits selected by himself, Judges and Mentors.

Some might be surprised about McCreery's victory this season considering his limited vocal range as a Baritone/Bass, reminiscent of a young Johnny Cash.  More were shocked during the broadcast to hear him embrace Alaina on-stage after his victory telling her, "I love you, Baby".  This fueled rumours further that he and Alaina are more than just Idol rivals, but possibly also Lovers.  Hmm.

McCreery is expected to sign aboard with the Interscope Geffen A&M Records Group, distributed through Universal Music.  He is the second youngest Idol winner in the Franchise's history behind Season Six winner Jordin Sparks.

(Photo credit: CTV)

INTERVIEW: SHIRIN

Shirin

At just 19 years of age, Shirin (pronounced Sher-inn) has solidified herself as a name to look-out for in Pop Music. The London-based Singer/Songwriter takes the time out to call me during a recent promotional visit to New York City. “It’s easy to let-go in America. You can find every single nationality here and everyone has an opinion”, she tells me. “There are so many types of OREOs here we can’t find back home!”, the sweet-toothed Songstress exclaims excitedly.

Having been raised in a musical Family, she knew from a young age that she was a true Performer. All the while, her two older Sisters were more content just being in the background, letting their young Sister take the spotlight in performances held inside their Home. Shirin’s debut EP The Afternoon Tea is only the tip of the iceberg to what she is actually capable of doing. She describes the Disc as being “mostly Dubstep, which is all the rage in the UK right now, dressed with soulful vocals. I’m continuing to write because thankfully it comes easily to me. In fact, my record time completing a Track was ten minutes!” hinting further, “Believe me, there’s lots more to me which people haven’t heard.”.

PAULA ABDUL JOINS "THE X FACTOR USA"

Paula Abdul & Simon Cowell lock lips on American Idol

She's back! And it was only a matter of time. Paula Abdul is the final judge confirmed to sign aboard Simon Cowell's latest endeavour in the U.S., The X Factor USA.

Cowell told a crowd at the University of Southern California's Galen Center yesterday during the first round of Auditions, "I admire that at the 11th hour, she (Abdul) decided to play hardball. It's a little nuts.... she's got a lot at stake here.".

Abdul will be joining her American Idol alumni Cowell, Music Mogul Antonio "L.A." Reid and former Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole as judges on the American version of the same popular UK Series which made Leona Lewis a Star.

The Show's Hosts will be former Pussycat Doll member Nicole Scherzinger and popular British TV personality, Steven Jones.

The winner of the Competition, which premieres this September on Fox, will win a $5 million record deal.

(Photo credit: Fox)

RIHANNA PERFORMS "CALIFORNIA KING BED" ON "AMERICAN IDOL"

Rihanna on American Idol

Yes! Rihanna put on one of her best performances yet on American Idol last night. Looking stunning and almost Mermaid-like in a dress and her rockin’ some big red waves in her hair, she proved not only that she is a much-improved Vocalist, but also that she has another potential number one Hit on her hands. California King Bed’s release comes hot on the trails of her just-released collaboration with Britney Spears, a Remix for S&M which already has reached number one on the iTunes Singles Chart – making it a likely candidate for number one also on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart next week.

Watch Rihanna in all her glory below:

JENNIFER LOPEZ IS THE "WORLD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN"

Jennifer Lopez on People Magazine

People Magazine has named Jennifer Lopez the World’s Most Beautiful Woman of 2011. No surprises there and undoubtedly her turn on American Idol of late as a Judge has solidified that not only is she wonderful outside, but also has a heart.

The Mother of two tells the Magazine that she enjoys those days which she doesn’t have to wear Make-up. Lopez admits, "I don't want anybody thinking it's easy. It does take time and it's hard work. HDTV widescreen is nobody's friend!".  LOL

Click here to read more.

Lopez's long-awaited seventh Disc Love? hits stores April 29, 2011 and current Single On the Floor has peaked at number one on the Canadian Billboard Hot 100 and seems on its way to do so in the U.S. also, reaching the number five spot there.

(Photo credit: People Magazine)

TOM CRUISE PREPPING FOR ROLE IN "ROCK OF AGES" MOVIE

Constantine Maroulis & Tom Cruise

It's seriously happening. Tom Cruise is already taking voice lessons  for his upcoming role as Stacee Jaxx in the Film adaptation of Musical Rock of Ages. He will be required to learn three songs for the Film including Styx's Renegade, Bon Jovi's Wanted Dead or Alive and Foreigner's I Want to Know What Love Is, which will be featured as a Duet with Sherrie (Anne Hathaway). It doesn't appear Taylor Swift is attached to the project anymore as once rumoured, although names floating around include Mary J. Blige and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Cruise was spotted at Pantages Theatre in Hollywood this past weekend watching Rock of Ages and chatting with Producers and the Cast, posing for a Photo with Star Constantine Maroulis who may of us might remember from his stint on American Idol.

AMERICAN IDOL'S ELLIOTT YAMIN IN TOKYO

Elliott Yamin in Tokyo - February 2011

How many of you remember Elliott Yamin from American Idol Season Five? The second Runner-up on the Singing Competition Reality Show has gone to a v. successful recording career overseas, where he continues to achieve impressive sales.  His debut Disc has reached Gold status in both the U.S. and Japan.

Yamin is in touring Billboard Live venues around Tokyo until February 17th after arriving just before the weekend there.  He is touring in support of his third Album Gather Round.

Our dear friend MiT ventured out to Tokyo and caught up with the unconventionally handsome Singer at his Hotel where he was amazingly nice, posing for a Photos and signing Autographs for Fans.  He loves the attention as you can see in that awesome Photo.

  Thanks MiT for sharing again!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. via MiT)

KELLY CLARKSON ON "AMERICAN IDOL - WELCOME HOME SPECIAL"

Kelly Clarkson

"Kelly Clarkson, Burleson, Texas.".  Okay, I'll admit I teared up a little watching these American Idol - Welcome Home Special clips on YouTube featuring previous season's Winners.  The Cameras follow each  Singer as they re-visit their Hometowns, describing for us what it was like auditioning for the show and how it has changed their lives ever since.

My favourite Idol, Kelly Clarkson recalls stepping into the Audition Room, not realizing the competition was a Television Show, being surprised to see Paula Abdul as a Judge. "I knew Randy (Jackson) because I was a huge Mariah Carey fan and I used to be that Nerd who reads all the Liner Notes.... so I was flipping out a little bit more about Randy", Clarkson remembers.  "I think that's what so attractive about American Idol is that we're very the 'people the next door' - the American Dream - it gives people a sense of hope that they can do it too.". 

The Singer just completed work on her fifth studio album although some changes in personnel at RCA/Jive Records, run by Barry Weiss, likely will delay original plans to release the Disc early 2011.  Another interesting thing is that RCA (formerly part of BMG) will no longer be signing Idol contestants as a new deal has been inked between the show and Universal Music Group's A&M/Geffen/Interscope Records. The new season of American Idol, the first without Simon Cowell, premieres January 19, 2011 on FOX.

 

Watch all four Clips below.  Grab a Tissue. 

GEORGE MICHAEL IN TALKS TO JUDGE ON AMERICAN VERSION OF "THE X FACTOR"

George Michael in Toronto - 2008

Best news in a long time! George Michael is currently in talks with producers to be a Judge on the U.S. version of The X Factor. It is believed that he is being offered upwards of 1 million pounds for the gig, making him the latest in Simon Cowell's move to have Celebrity Judges take over mentoring responsibilities on his massively successful Singing Reality Show franchises.

As we all know, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Jennifer Lopez will be judging on the forthcoming season of American Idol, premiering Wednesday, January 19, 2011 on FOX.

This would help with a much-needed comeback from Michael as Sony Music is planning to re-issue his classic Grammy-winning album Faith  next year.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

YOUR NEW AMERICAN IDOL JUDGES: JENNIFER LOPEZ AND STEVE TYLER

L to R: Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Steve Tyler, Ryan Seacrest

It's official.  Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith front man Steve Tyler are your new judges on Fox's American Idol, Season Ten premiering Wednesday, January 12, 2011.  An announcement was made yesterday at The Forum in Los Angeles on-stage, ending months of speculation to whom would be replacing Producer Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi.  And I actually agree with the choices.  For someone to mentor a new artist on how to be a Pop Star, they'd better have had experience and longevity.  Let's just hope America actually supports the Idol they pick this time....

(Photo credit: Fox)

AEROSMITH'S STEVE TYLER IN TORONTO FOR CONCERT (PICS)

Despite much controversy among band members having been publicized in the media of late, legendary Rock Band Aerosmith, known affectionately as "The Bad Boys of Boston" pulled through for their fans earlier this evening at their Cocked, Locked and Loaded Tour show at Air Canada Centre.  As per reports on Twitter, lead singer Steve Tyler gave his audience a shocker in diving into the crowd - a vision of energy at 62 years of age. 

The band, regarded as one of the greatest Rock Bands of all time, performed 17 selections from their Anthology spanning 38 years tonight; 150 million albums sold worldwide.  Walk this Way.  Dream On.  Sweet Emotion.  Dude Look Like a Lady.  Love in an Elevator.  Janie's Got a Gun.  Crazy.  Misery.  I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing.  Need I say more?

I was able to catch the band, as they returned back to their Yorkville Hotel tonight, most band members arriving back in Town Cars; Tyler of course, had to arrive in a Limousine.  Wearing a skin-tight pair of green jeans, no shirt and a scarf around his neck, he is every bit a Rock Star off-stage as he is on-stage.  His Security Guard lined-up a handful of fans and Tyler signed autographs one-by-one and despite fans being told not to photograph Tyler, he overrode that decision encouraging us: "Take as many photos as you want, guys".  One cannot deny that Tyler looks great still and has every right to be proud to be photographed.

Of all other band members, only Tom Hamilton (Bassist) came out to greet fans.  Joe Perry (Guitarist, Vocalist) regarded often as the band's second lead, managed to slip into the Hotel without anyone's noticing. Perry has been vocal with his displeasure regarding Tyler's talks with American Idol Producers, which was done without his fellow band members' knowledge.  Tyler is rumoured as the likely replacement for Simon Cowell, who has guided the reality show to nine seasons of success.

Check out these photos I got of Tyler below:

KELLY CLARKSON IS BILLBOARD MAGAZINE'S TOP AMERICAN IDOL

According to Billboard Magazine, Kelly Clarkson is the Top American Idol of all time. Billboard ranked 24 idol finalists and ranked them by Album Sales, Radio Play and Single Sales and overall, it was Clarkson who edged out country star Carrie Underwood for top honours.  The latter has sold 900k more albums than Clarkson. Chris Daughtry placed a distant third.

My question is this - why aren't Concert Ticket Sales also factored in also as this would be a more comprehensive measure to overall success? How about industry award wins also? With that being said, I do love Clarkson, but I have a feeling that Underwood would overall have the upper hand.

Billboard's Top 24 American Idols are ranked as follows:

1. Kelly Clarkson

2. Carrie Underwood

3. Chris Daughtry

4. Jordin Sparks

5. David Cook

6. Clay Aiken