Christopher Adam Daughtry (born December 26, 1979 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, United States) is a Grammy nominated American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was the fourth-place finalist on the highly publicized fifth season of American Idol, eliminated from the competition on May 10, 2006.
After his fallout from Idol, he was given a record deal by RCA Records, along with 19 Entertainment. His self-titled debut album sold more than 1 million copies after just 5 weeks of release, becoming the fastest selling debut rock album in history. In its ninth week of release, the album reached number one on the Billboard charts. Daughtry is the fourth most successful American Idol contestant in the history of the show, in terms of record sales, behind Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Clay Aiken.
During the Season Five finale on May 24, 2006 at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, Daughtry performed the song "Mystery" with the band Live. After the show, "Mystery" suddenly went as high as #80 on the iTunes top 100 songs. Live's version of the song was later available for download on the bands MySpace.com profile with Daughtry as backup vocals.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Kimberly Caldwell
Kimberly Ann Caldwell (born February 25, 1982 in Katy, Texas) is an American singer best known for being a contestant on the second season of American Idol, where she finished in seventh place. She currently co-hosts Idol Chat, Idol Tonight and Reality Chat on the TV Guide Network.
In May of 2008, Caldwell was asked out on a date by American Idol winner David Cook while on the red carpet before the show's seventh season finale. The two are currently rumored to be dating. Also in 2008, Caldwell released two singles, "Fear of Flying" and "Gave Yourself Away," both available for download on iTunes. Recently she has begun filming an as-yet-untitled miniseries with John Schneider as well as hosting a television game show (created by Mark Burnett) called Jingles.
Caldwell first sang publicly at age five in beauty pageants. She was a five-time junior vocalist winner on Star Search, and she also performed at the Grand Ole Opry. In 1995, she sang at the 50th wedding anniversary of former President George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush. She also appeared on the second and final season of Popstars: USA, where she was rejected from the group and told she would do better as a solo vocalist.
In May of 2008, Caldwell was asked out on a date by American Idol winner David Cook while on the red carpet before the show's seventh season finale. The two are currently rumored to be dating. Also in 2008, Caldwell released two singles, "Fear of Flying" and "Gave Yourself Away," both available for download on iTunes. Recently she has begun filming an as-yet-untitled miniseries with John Schneider as well as hosting a television game show (created by Mark Burnett) called Jingles.
Caldwell first sang publicly at age five in beauty pageants. She was a five-time junior vocalist winner on Star Search, and she also performed at the Grand Ole Opry. In 1995, she sang at the 50th wedding anniversary of former President George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush. She also appeared on the second and final season of Popstars: USA, where she was rejected from the group and told she would do better as a solo vocalist.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Tamyra Gray
Tamyra Monica Gray (born July 26, 1979 in Takoma Park, Maryland) is an American actress and singer, best known for her rise to fame as one of the finalists on the first season of the reality television program American Idol in 2002. She has since expanded into acting, most notably with a recurring role on the third season of the drama Boston Public in early 2003.
That opening came in 2002 when Tamyra Gray became one of the ten finalists on the first season of American Idol, eventually finishing fourth. Her performance of the Burt Bacharach classic "A House Is Not a Home" was described by Judge Simon Cowell as "one of the best performances on television" that he had ever seen.
During the third season of American Idol, she returned to the show on several occasions to sing "Raindrops Will Fall" and "Star", songs she co-wrote for her debut album, and to sing the National Anthem to open the final results show of the season. Gray also co-wrote the American Idol season three single "I Believe", which was performed by Idol finalists Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo. DeGarmo released "I Believe" on her first single album. Barrino then released "I Believe" as her American Idol single, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.
After American Idol's debut season, Gray continued to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She landed the recurring role of Aisha Clemens on Boston Public, appearing in seven episodes in 2003. She showcased her singing abilities famously covering Luther Vandross' "Dance With My Father" and Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You". She also showcased her dramatic acting skills in portraying a student in an abusive relationship.
She has had guest roles on episodes of Half and Half,Las Vegas, Tru Calling, What I Like About You (TV series) and All Of Us. With other American Idol alumni, she appeared on The Tyra Banks Show in 2006.
Gray joined the cast of Broadway's "Rent" in early 2007 as Mimi, and remained with the cast till mid June 2008.
That opening came in 2002 when Tamyra Gray became one of the ten finalists on the first season of American Idol, eventually finishing fourth. Her performance of the Burt Bacharach classic "A House Is Not a Home" was described by Judge Simon Cowell as "one of the best performances on television" that he had ever seen.
During the third season of American Idol, she returned to the show on several occasions to sing "Raindrops Will Fall" and "Star", songs she co-wrote for her debut album, and to sing the National Anthem to open the final results show of the season. Gray also co-wrote the American Idol season three single "I Believe", which was performed by Idol finalists Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo. DeGarmo released "I Believe" on her first single album. Barrino then released "I Believe" as her American Idol single, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.
After American Idol's debut season, Gray continued to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She landed the recurring role of Aisha Clemens on Boston Public, appearing in seven episodes in 2003. She showcased her singing abilities famously covering Luther Vandross' "Dance With My Father" and Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You". She also showcased her dramatic acting skills in portraying a student in an abusive relationship.
She has had guest roles on episodes of Half and Half,Las Vegas, Tru Calling, What I Like About You (TV series) and All Of Us. With other American Idol alumni, she appeared on The Tyra Banks Show in 2006.
Gray joined the cast of Broadway's "Rent" in early 2007 as Mimi, and remained with the cast till mid June 2008.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Kristy Lee Cook
Kristy Lee Cook (born January 18, 1984) is an American country music singer who released an album, Devoted, under the name Kristy Lee. In addition, she was also the seventh place finalist on the seventh season of the television series American Idol. She signed in June 2008 to Arista Nashville and released her debut album in September 2008.
Kristy Lee Cook auditioned for American Idol in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by singing "Amazing Grace". All three judges liked her voice and sent her straight through to Hollywood. While in Hollywood, her first song didn't impress the judges. For her second and final chance, she sang "Amazing Grace" again; as a result, she became one of the top 24 contestants in the semi-finals. She was the first girl performer of the season and sang "Rescue Me". The judges did not care for her performance but gave her props since she was the first of the night and she had bronchitis. On March 12th, Cook was placed in the bottom 3 alongside Syesha Mercado and David Hernandez. She was declared safe. On March 19, she was placed in the bottom three again with Carly Smithson and Amanda Overmyer, but she survived again. She has locked up a spot in the American Idol Top 10 Concert Tour for the upcoming summer. Once again, on April 2nd, she was placed in the bottom 3 alongside her 2 roommates Ramiele Malubay and Brooke White. While Malubay was eliminated, Cook and White were left to stay. On April 16th, Cook was voted off after she and Brooke were in the bottom 2. Cook was the first contestant of season 7 to be voted off who had been previously in the bottom 3.
Kristy Lee Cook auditioned for American Idol in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by singing "Amazing Grace". All three judges liked her voice and sent her straight through to Hollywood. While in Hollywood, her first song didn't impress the judges. For her second and final chance, she sang "Amazing Grace" again; as a result, she became one of the top 24 contestants in the semi-finals. She was the first girl performer of the season and sang "Rescue Me". The judges did not care for her performance but gave her props since she was the first of the night and she had bronchitis. On March 12th, Cook was placed in the bottom 3 alongside Syesha Mercado and David Hernandez. She was declared safe. On March 19, she was placed in the bottom three again with Carly Smithson and Amanda Overmyer, but she survived again. She has locked up a spot in the American Idol Top 10 Concert Tour for the upcoming summer. Once again, on April 2nd, she was placed in the bottom 3 alongside her 2 roommates Ramiele Malubay and Brooke White. While Malubay was eliminated, Cook and White were left to stay. On April 16th, Cook was voted off after she and Brooke were in the bottom 2. Cook was the first contestant of season 7 to be voted off who had been previously in the bottom 3.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Carly Smithson
Carly Smithson (née Hennessy) (born September 12, 1983) is a Meteor Award-winning Irish rock/soul singer-songwriter, who was born in Dublin. In 2001 Smithson released her first studio album for MCA Records called Ultimate High. The album had little success, only winning two awards for Smithson, and Smithson was dropped from her record label in 2002. Smithson was a sixth place finalist on the seventh season of the television series American Idol and she is currently performing in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 from July 1, 2008 to September 13, 2008.
Carly Smithson auditioned for American Idol at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium on July 30 and July 31, 2007. She advanced with a unanimous vote after singing "I'm Every Woman." Simon Cowell noted that he remembered Smithson from her Season 5 audition. In Hollywood, she sang Heart's "Alone" for her audition and received unanimous praise from Randy, Paula and Simon. Smithson was one of the first foreign contestants to make the Top 12 (along with Michael Johns, an Australian). Smithson was eliminated the April 23rd, 2008. Her final performance on American Idol was considered one of her best by the judges.
Smithson successfully auditioned again for Season 7 of American Idol and made the top 24. Shortly thereafter, articles appeared in the mainstream press, criticizing her selection because of her previous record deal. Smithson acknowledged her previous record deal on the February 20, 2008 episode of American Idol, and stated that the record label 'imploded'.
Smithson was eliminated after performing Superstar from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar on April 23, 2008. The day before she was eliminated Simon Cowell stated, "I thought that was the best performance of the night so far." After Simon stated that comment, Smithson pulled out a t-shirt sent to her by her fans with a sign on it that says "Simon Loves Me (this week)."
After Ryan Seacrest announced the elimination Cowell said:
“ I apologize for giving you a compliment last night—kiss of death, but let me tell you, Carly, you can leave with your head held high. ”
On the final results show Smithson performed "She Works Hard for the Money" along with the other Top 6 female singers. She also sang a duet of Box Tops' "The Letter" with Michael Johns. Later in the show she performed a medley of "Faith", "Father Figure", and "Freedom! '90" by George Michael along with the other Top 12 finalists. She also participated in the group number that opened the show, "Get Ready," along with the other 11 finalists from American Idol (season 7).
Smithson's fanbase names while on the show were the "Fighting Irish", the "Smithsonians", and "Carly's Clovers".
Carly Smithson auditioned for American Idol at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium on July 30 and July 31, 2007. She advanced with a unanimous vote after singing "I'm Every Woman." Simon Cowell noted that he remembered Smithson from her Season 5 audition. In Hollywood, she sang Heart's "Alone" for her audition and received unanimous praise from Randy, Paula and Simon. Smithson was one of the first foreign contestants to make the Top 12 (along with Michael Johns, an Australian). Smithson was eliminated the April 23rd, 2008. Her final performance on American Idol was considered one of her best by the judges.
Smithson successfully auditioned again for Season 7 of American Idol and made the top 24. Shortly thereafter, articles appeared in the mainstream press, criticizing her selection because of her previous record deal. Smithson acknowledged her previous record deal on the February 20, 2008 episode of American Idol, and stated that the record label 'imploded'.
Smithson was eliminated after performing Superstar from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar on April 23, 2008. The day before she was eliminated Simon Cowell stated, "I thought that was the best performance of the night so far." After Simon stated that comment, Smithson pulled out a t-shirt sent to her by her fans with a sign on it that says "Simon Loves Me (this week)."
After Ryan Seacrest announced the elimination Cowell said:
“ I apologize for giving you a compliment last night—kiss of death, but let me tell you, Carly, you can leave with your head held high. ”
On the final results show Smithson performed "She Works Hard for the Money" along with the other Top 6 female singers. She also sang a duet of Box Tops' "The Letter" with Michael Johns. Later in the show she performed a medley of "Faith", "Father Figure", and "Freedom! '90" by George Michael along with the other Top 12 finalists. She also participated in the group number that opened the show, "Get Ready," along with the other 11 finalists from American Idol (season 7).
Smithson's fanbase names while on the show were the "Fighting Irish", the "Smithsonians", and "Carly's Clovers".
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Justin Guarini
Justin Guarini (born Justin Eldrin Bell on October 28, 1978 in Columbus, Georgia) is an American singer/songwriter, actor who rose to fame in 2002 as the first runner-up on the debut season of the television show American Idol.
His father, Eldrin Bell, is a former Atlanta, Georgia Chief of Police, and current Chairperson of Clayton County Commission (Georgia). His mother, Kathy Pepino Guarini, was a journalist for WTVM TV in Columbus, and later for CNN. Guarini was raised by his mother and stepfather Jerry Guarini, a physicist, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
Acting/entertainment-related projects include Guarini's 2004 role in the pre-Broadway New York Stage and Film Powerhouse Theater workshop/presentation of the musical Good Vibrations at Vassar College. His performance (which included singing, dancing, acting, and playing guitar) landed Guarini an offer to continue the role in the original Broadway production of the musical Good Vibrations, which he eventually declined. He continues to act in independent film projects such as the drama/action film Fast Girl, The Unknown: Frankie The Squirrel, Mafioso II: The Son, and the short film Tilt-a-Whirl for the Dances With Films Film Festival.
Some of his television appearances include a musical spoof for AMC's FilmFakers (2004), guest role in Run of the House, guest host/co-host for shows including Regis and Kelly (2003), VH1's Top 20 Countdown (2004), ManiaTV!'s U Pick 'Em and Too Short for Hollywood (2006), and the TV Guide Network (2006) where, in 2007, he was signed as co-host for Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight. His role with the network soon expanded to include guest-hosting/appearances on other TV Guide Network shows, as well as hosting movie premiere specials, and music commentary for pre-Grammy coverage. He's also a recurring commentator for such shows/networks as the Today Show, MSNBC, Fox News Channel, Style Channel, and Comcast.
His father, Eldrin Bell, is a former Atlanta, Georgia Chief of Police, and current Chairperson of Clayton County Commission (Georgia). His mother, Kathy Pepino Guarini, was a journalist for WTVM TV in Columbus, and later for CNN. Guarini was raised by his mother and stepfather Jerry Guarini, a physicist, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
Acting/entertainment-related projects include Guarini's 2004 role in the pre-Broadway New York Stage and Film Powerhouse Theater workshop/presentation of the musical Good Vibrations at Vassar College. His performance (which included singing, dancing, acting, and playing guitar) landed Guarini an offer to continue the role in the original Broadway production of the musical Good Vibrations, which he eventually declined. He continues to act in independent film projects such as the drama/action film Fast Girl, The Unknown: Frankie The Squirrel, Mafioso II: The Son, and the short film Tilt-a-Whirl for the Dances With Films Film Festival.
Some of his television appearances include a musical spoof for AMC's FilmFakers (2004), guest role in Run of the House, guest host/co-host for shows including Regis and Kelly (2003), VH1's Top 20 Countdown (2004), ManiaTV!'s U Pick 'Em and Too Short for Hollywood (2006), and the TV Guide Network (2006) where, in 2007, he was signed as co-host for Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight. His role with the network soon expanded to include guest-hosting/appearances on other TV Guide Network shows, as well as hosting movie premiere specials, and music commentary for pre-Grammy coverage. He's also a recurring commentator for such shows/networks as the Today Show, MSNBC, Fox News Channel, Style Channel, and Comcast.
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