Idol America

Merry Xmas! Thanks for reading!!!

Hacker Alleges Crack of Upcoming iPod Touch Firmware

"The battle between Apple and iPhone and iPod Touch owners who like to modify their devices in ways Apple never intended is getting hotter. A hacker claims to have cracked Apple's latest firmware update v1.1.2 for the iPod Touch in advance of Apple pushing the firmware update to iPod Touch owners.

According to Engadget, which forced a firmware update on an iPhone, the v1.1.2 firmware disables unauthorized Apple customization of iPhones that people created using the popular Jailbreak installer program. The iPhone firmware update adds language support to the iPhone and also adds minor features and some fixes, according to Engadget. Similarly the iPod Touch v1.1.2 firmware is expected to reverse unsanctioned Apple modifications as well."

Sanjaya gets the ladies!

Ex-Idol Contestant Pleads Guilty

"Former "American Idol" contestant Corey Clark pleaded guilty to a felony harassment charge stemming from phone calls he placed to his father-in-law, and prosecutors agreed to a deal allowing him to be placed on probation, court documents show.

The crime Clark admitted to during a hearing in Yuma County Superior Court this month carries a term of as many as 2 years in prison and a $150,000 fine, according to the plea agreement.

In exchange for entering a guilty plea Oct. 2 to one felony charge of aggravated harassment involving domestic violence, Clark had four other charges dismissed, said Roger Nelson, a Yuma County prosecutor.

A sentencing date has not been set. Clark's attorney, Richard Geller, declined to comment.

Authorities said Clark violated a court order in August 2006 by placing several calls to his father-in-law. He had been charged with counts of failure to comply with the order.

Clark's wife, Monica Rodriguez Gonzalez, filed for a domestic violence protective order in June 2006, claiming that Clark had abused her. The order prohibited Clark from having any contact with her and eight other people, including their child."

Gaykin Aiken and Ruben Studdard

Jordin

Clay Kin

Go GanJaya

Sanjaya is going on tour

"Many of the doubters predicted that once American idol wannabe Sanjaya Malakar got on stage and tried to carry a tune it would finally all go bad. His performances during season six of American Idol were atrocious at times and even though he made it toi the top ten that said more about the horrid voting on the popular reality show than the talent of Sanjaya. Was he just a novelty act waiting to crash."

Clay Gaykin Involved in Airplane Spat - Forbes.com

"Singer Clay Aiken apparently got into a dispute with a woman during a flight to Tulsa, drawing some scrutiny from FBI agents but no charges, a newspaper reported.

The 2003 "American Idol" runner-up was on the Saturday morning Continental Airlines (nyse: CAL - news - people ) flight for a evening show, and concertgoers said afterward that Aiken joked on-stage about being beaten up by a girl earlier in the day.

FBI Special Agent Gary Johnson told the Tulsa World there was a dispute between a male passenger and a woman on the flight. He said the man was a former "American Idol" contestant but did not give his name."

Sanjaya is back

Clay is such a perv

Hollywood Today: No Kelly Summer Tour

"Fans will not be seeing Kelly Clarkson in an arena near them, now that the pop-rocker and former “American Idol” has cancelled her 35-date tour due to disappointing ticket sales.
This news comes on the heels of other troubles for Clarkson who left her manager two days ago and publicly butt heads with music mogul Clive Davis over the nature of her forthcoming album “My December.” Perhaps Davis’ misgivings were warranted given the lukewarm reception for Clarkson’s first rock-tinged single “Never Again,” which peaked at eight on the Billboard charts but later fell to 17.
Clarkson’s multi-platinum sophomore disc, 2004’s “Breakaway,” spawned five top ten hits, but the songstress has opted for more rock the third time around, despite the urgings of her label. In the July issue of “Elle” magazine, Clarkson even claimed that Davis offered her $10 million to drop five songs from “My December in favor of more likely hits. She said, “My resistance upsets a lot of people, because we could make a lot of money, and I’m not hating on money. … I’m just not comfortable doing things that don’t feel like me.”"

Jordin

Australian Idol

Old American Idol Season

LA Daily News - "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks disturbed by death threats against critic

"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 tells this column, "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."

American Idol Adds ‘Running Long’ to List of Things to Be Sorry About / Jossip

"What does American Idol need to apologize for? Well, for starters, Clay Aiken, William Hung, and Kelli Pickler’s chest. But, also, for letting their broadcast run long.
While the two-hour Wednesday finale was supposed to wrap at 10pm, the winner wasn’t announced until 10:03pm, and the show didn’t close until 10:09pm — which means Americans who had better things to do than stay at home to watch Jordin Sparks shill for Badgley Mischka likely missed the ending of the show when their DVRs stopped recording. So Idol is sorry for messing up your half-hearted devotion to the show."

Idol winner a big fan of Malakar

"Move over, Justin Timberlake! Forget it, John Mayer! Who needs you guys when we have the invincible Sanjaya Malakar, the charismatic American Idol finalist? Even Jordin Sparks is a big fan.
The American Idol Season 8 champion told the Associated Press one of her favourite male vocalists is the much-maligned Bengali-American boy wonder.
'He had so much guts,' she says. '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.'"

"Idiot" Sanjaya Leads To Ozzy's American Idol Cancellation - Entertainment News, Reviews, Competitions - Entertainmentwise

Ozzy Osbourne was due to perform at last weeks finale of America Idol, but pulled out at the last minute. The reason why? He found out he was meant to be performing a duet with Sanjaya Malakar!

Page Six reports that Ozzy said “he didn't want to be on stage with that idiot” and labeled the cheesy teen “a hairstyle-challenged idiot”.

Has he looked at his own hair in the mirror?

‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Blake Lewis Relieved He Didn’t Win TransWorldNews Press Release

"Blake Lewis seems to be happy with the way ‘American Idol’ voters cast their ballots in the season six finals. The 25-year-old Lewis was recently quoted as saying “In a sense, I’m kind of glad I didn’t win just for like contractual reasons.”
While Lewis is “glad” those contractual obligations fell on winner Jordin Sparks he did say he was a bit upset with the way the finals wee conducted, namely the final song selection.
As part of the finals ‘American Idol’ has the two finalists sing a song written by the winner of a song writing competition. The song, “This is my Now” was clearly more suited for Sparks than it was Lewis and he paid the price. After the competition was over Lewis said “The song is definitely not my style, a song I would never sing if I didn't have to. It fit Sparks perfectly. And I honestly think they should have had two songs that were tailored to both of us.”"

SouthCoastToday.com: Jordin has a Pitt crush, Blake likes Rosie

"Attention, Brad Pitt: 'American Idol' winner Jordin Sparks has a crush on you.
'He's just really cute,' Sparks, 17, said Friday, hastening to note that she doesn't know the actor also known as Angelina Jolie's baby daddy.
Two days after besting beatboxer Blake Lewis in the TV talent contest, Sparks took part in a teleconference in which she was grilled about everything from her favorite star to what she thought her earning power would be.
'I don't know. I'm just looking forward to doing the best that I can do,' the teenage diplomat replied.
Sparks, the youngest 'Idol' in the Fox show's six seasons, is making the rounds of TV shows in Los Angeles and New York before she returns home to Glendale, Ariz., later next week for a break."

Idle time for 'Idol' champ - baltimoresun.com

"The always energetic Jordin Sparks was finally showing some signs of slowing down yesterday after becoming the youngest American Idol winner ever. Taking questions in a conference call amid a marathon media tour, the 17-year-old was hoarse, and she even yawned a few times. But she has good reason to be sluggish: Sparks said she was able to get only a few hours of sleep since the Idol finale on Wednesday night."

Cute Dress

Jordin Sparks Is 'American Idol's' Teen Queen - washingtonpost.com

"Jordin Sparks, the perky 17-year-old high school student from Glendale, Ariz., won the sixth round of "American Idol" last night, beating out 11 other finalists, including several who were better singers, but none with her winning package of big voice, big smile and teetering-on-womanhood.

Did we mention she's only 17, as the show's three judges reminded viewers at every possible moment in the four-month-long competition? That makes her the youngest "Idol" winner ever."

Awesome

Jordin Sparks Is 'American Idol's' Teen Queen - washingtonpost.com

"Jordin Sparks, the perky 17-year-old high school student from Glendale, Ariz., won the sixth round of "American Idol" last night, beating out 11 other finalists, including several who were better singers, but none with her winning package of big voice, big smile and teetering-on-womanhood.

Did we mention she's only 17, as the show's three judges reminded viewers at every possible moment in the four-month-long competition? That makes her the youngest "Idol" winner ever."

Awesome

Apple fury at iPod sex toy News - PC Advisor

"iPod-maker Apple is threatening to sue a sex shop over a vibrator that hooks up to an iPod and has similar advertising to that used in posters for the digital music player. "

Simon Cowell Quitting American Idol.

"Simon Cowell Quitting American Idol.... Music mogul Simon Cowell has stunned American Idol fans by revealing he's quitting the show in three years time.

The show's Mr. Nasty insists he won't be signing up for more episodes of the talent show after completing the 10th season of the TV phenomenon.

He tells U.S. news show Extra, "I'll have done 10 series and your time's up.

It's time then to do something new. I think it's time to bring in new people...

Ten years is a long time."

American Idol: Why Blake Lewis doesn't want to win

"Blake Lewis does not want to win American Idol and American Idol does not want Blake Lewis to win American Idol. Are we clear?"

American Idol - Jordin Sparks or Blake Lewis?

"Well, we have always bragged about how our American Idol predictions are bulls eye, and it's time to make our final prediction...I think...Well, the online odds maker Bodog is considering Jordin Sparks to be the favorite with odds -400, compared to Blake Lewis betting odds of +250.
If nothing changes from today until the American Idol final, we are going with the odds and predict that Jordin Sparks will win the Idol finale.
We kind of leaned towards Blake at the beginning, right after Melinda Doolittle was voted off. And it's because Blake seems to deliver the entertainment many expect from the American Idol. Not that he sings better than Jordin, she would be declared a winner right now, if it was all about how good you can sing. But you would definitely have to know how to entertain your audience, as well, therefore we think this would be the closest vote than any other American Idol before."

American Idol: Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks or Melinda Doolittle?

"Everybody want's to know who will win the American Idol. And it seems that the hardest job these days is to make the odds for the winner. The online betting website Bodog, our choice for the latest entertainment betting odds, has changed their odds of winning the American Idol.

Jordin Sparks is still the favorite, with odds 5/9. But the latest rumors on the Internet are that we may see a surprise tomorrow when America's votes are counted. We will not divulge into this idea, but it could be a great marketing strategy for the American Idol. Although Sanjaya was great, as far as entertaining the public, it was really no surprise that he got voted off early. And American Idol needs a "big surprise" to keep people's attention for another high-rating year."

MeeVee | LaKisha Jones Booted from American Idol

"The final four became the final three tonight after LaKisha Jones was sent home from AMERICAN IDOL. The wonderfully talented LaKisha fought back tears as Daughtry's 'Home' played over her farewell video. But this isn't the end of the road for LaKisha, she'll be signed to a record deal soon enough. So farwell and best of luck to LaKisha.
So now it's down to Melinda, Blake and Jordin. A very satisfying final three. It's really anyone's game at this point in time."

American Idol - the odds have changed

"Tonight we will see the final four singers from the American Idol season six perform, trying to avoid elimination tomorrow.

The final four are Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Lakisha Jones and Melinda Doolittle with the mentor this week - Barry Gibb."

"The betting odds have changed since yesterday, although Lakisha Jones is still the least favorite to win the American Idol with odds now 14/1, a change from yesterdays 12/1 (betting odds by Bodog). Jordin Sparks still has the hearts of the bookmakers, her odds stable at 1/1. The betting odds to win the Idol this year for Blake Lewis are unchanged at 7/2, but Melinda Doolittle shows improvement, her odds changing from 7/5 to 6/5. It seems that the online betting websites we have checked have their final two picks - Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolitle. This comes to no ones surprise, as those to singers have been the most consistent in their stage performance and singing."

Stacey, Richardson booted off American Idol

"New York: After taking a week off for charity, the US reality show, American Idol, reverted to its actual business and knocked off two contestants, Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson. "

'American Idol' axes a pair of contestants - CNN.com

"Story Highlights• Phil Stacey, Chris Richardson draw fewest votes, sent packing
• Votes from last week's charity-focused show factored in
• Number of finalists down to four; winner to be chosen May 23"

Stacey vows ‘glory’ in exit, when it happens - Military News, Navy News, opinions, editorials, news from Iraq, photos, reports - Navy Times

"Phil Stacey sang Tuesday night that he would go out in a blaze of glory, but if two out of the show’s three judges are any indication, it could take a few more weeks for that to happen as “American Idol” grinds its way along towards its finale.
Stacey, a musician third class with the Navy Band in Jacksonville, Fla., sang “Blaze of Glory,” by the week’s “celebrity coach,” Jon Bon Jovi, and judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul heaped the sailor with praise."

Sanjaya's star continues to rise-Arts & Entertainment-TV & Radio-TimesOnline

"He may have been voted off American Idol but Sanjaya Malakar’s time in the spotlight has yet to end.

Against the odds, Malakar, 17, made it to the top seven in the US competition.

His singing talent was questionable, but his ever-changing hairdos and unfailing positivity in the face of cutting remarks from the judges, earned him a surprising following."

Sanjaya: Simon ‘taught me - MSNBC.com

"Sanjaya Malakar was nowhere close to being the best singer on “American Idol,” but give credit where credit is due. The audience favorite with the wide smile and zany hairdos knows how to make an entrance — and his exit from the hit show was as gracious as any in the program's six seasons."

Goog Bye Sanjaya, But Not The Drama

"Possibly more shocking than the inevitable ouster of Sanjaya Malakar on 'American Idol' last week was seeing powerhouse LaKisha Jones and the best male candidate, Blake Lewis, alongside him in the bottom three.

Sanjaya, the household name who flaunted his own ability to stir controversy with his hula and hairstyles (had anybody really seen a faux-hawk before?), retooled the losing song in his farewell by singing, 'Let's give them something to talk about ... other than hair!'"

TMZ: Video of Sanjaya

Sanjaya on Ellen interview

Shyamali Malakar - She is the Hot sister of Sanjaya

Bye Bye Sayonara Sanjaya! - Los Angeles Times

"Let's give 'em something to talk about, indeed.



Sanjaya Malakar -- and his many, many hairstyles -- were sent packing from 'American Idol' Wednesday night, capping a wild run fueled in part by shrieking young girls who just couldn't get enough of that silky mane, and an evil-minded Howard Stern who was bent on destroying a national phenomenon."

YouTube - Howard Stern / shock jocks helping Sanjaya stay on the show

"Finally, a pretense for writing about American Idol. O'Reilly had on a lawyer who argued that Fox may have had a cause of action against Howard Stern and VoteForTheWorse.com, because they suggest that people vote for Sanjaya precisely because he is bad. Stern allegedly is doing so to undermine Idol's credibility. (pause). So the lawyer argues that Fox can use Stern for, I don't know, I think she said 'intentional interference with malicious intent.' She also sugested that the jilted contestants might have an action for Stern for, I don't know, contributory unjust enrichment, because Sanjaya received the spot that was rightfully their's."

Sanjaya's secrets? Conspiracy, kids, confusion, and a love for William Hung? MSNBC.com

The phone rang, loud. I could tell from my editor’s tough tone that something big was afoot.

What’s going on with that kid, he asked. The one with the hair. What’s the real story? Is someone gonna end up in the slammer? The boss didn’t have to drop any more clues.

He was talking about Sanjaya.

Sanjaya is Gay? Stuff.co.nz

"American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar is, by all accounts, not the most talented performer on the show.
But research firm Nielsen BuzzMetrics says the blogosphere has played a large part in making him the most visible.
According to a BuzzMetrics report, Sanjaya - now referred to by only his first name on many sites - has seen blog references increase 338 per cent from February 18, when he first reached critical mass, to April 8.
Reality TV Magazine is the top blog in Sanjaya traffic, with 40 other blogs linking to its posts on the subject from January 1-April 8.
Many blog conversations about Sanjaya in late March center on the fact that he 'lacks talent' and doesn't deserve to win. Conversations also focus on Howard Stern and VoteForTheWorst.com, two sources that encourage people to skew the votes, suggesting that both have played a large part in keeping him on the air. "

Secret of Sanjaya's survival?

"Everyone is puzzled as to why India-American contestant Sanjaya Malakar has stayed this long on American Idol since he can't carry a tune in a bucket except that one time when he gave a rendition of Jennifer Lopez' Besasme mucho.

Sanjaya's rendition had Lopez gushing and judge Simon Cowell choking on his acid tongue while he had to admit that he had done a good job."

WCFcourier.com | Some say the vote-fiddling Sanjaya has inspired could be fatal to 'Idol'

"Can a vocally challenged 17-year-old string bean with a smile brighter than the xenon headlights on Ludacris' Lexus bring down America's pop-culture behemoth?

Backed by organized efforts to distort the voting --- most notably a campaign by satellite radio star Howard Stern --- and generating an unprecedented public fascination, Sanjaya Malakar has become the focal point of this season's "American Idol."

And, according to one media analyst who has done extensive research on the show, that's not good.

"It's already starting to cause trouble," says Stacey Lynn Schulman, who has examined how "Idol" connects with its fans. "People gravitated toward the show because it was a true contest, providing real people with real talent with real opportunity. Sanjaya degrades that. ..."




Will Sanjaya Malakar have a KFC Famous Bowl Cut?

"As we anxiously await the 8 PM EST start time for American Idol, people are wondering if Sanjaya will take KFC up on their offer and sport the bowl cut this evening. Sanjaya seems to change his hairstyle every week. Last week he chose a straight, slicked back look and the week prior he sported a crazy mohawk.

In an open letter to Sanjaya Malakar, KFC president, Greg Dedrick offered the Idol contestant a free lifetime supply of KFC Famous Bowls and a charitable donation in his name. Plus, $5000 in cash and his very own starring role in the next KFC Famous Bowl advertisement. "

American Idol Recap: Haley out, Sanjay in. 7 to go

"Haley Scarnato, the long-legged pop-singing specialist from San Antonio, got the ax Wednesday night on “American Idol.”

Sanjaya Malakar, the maligned I’m-a-lover-not-a-fighter ballad specialist from Federal Way, Washington, moves on with full momentum."