Kim Locke's sophomore album, Based on a True Story, is due out this spring. Her latest single, "Supawoman", should be released sometime soon. You can hear "Supawoman" on her myspace: www.myspace.com/kimberleylocke
Julia DeMato, the Season 2 finalist who was arrested in December on drug possession charges, has just settled a deal in court. If she completes alcohol education and community service programs, the charges will be dropped.
'Idol's' Studdard Plans Youth Program By SAMIRA JAFARI, Associated Press Writer Wed Mar 29, 9:00 PM ET
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard has a plan to get teenagers off the streets and into the music industry, even if they can't follow his steps into stardom.
Studdard is launching an after-school program, called "The Music Alternative Project," aimed at keeping young people away from gangs by teaching them the different behind-the-scenes aspects of music production, including song-writing, marketing, accounting and mixing.
"I am a product of the public school system ... and I had a lot of friends involved in gang activity," Studdard, a Birmingham native, told a statehouse panel Wednesday.
He said many of those same friends were talented singers and rappers, "but they didn't have a vehicle to push them."
The Birmingham-based program would enroll about 100 students each year from all over Alabama for music courses after school, on weekends and over the summer. Those who can't regularly make it to Audiostate 55 Recording Studios in Birmingham could participate through distance learning courses.
Henry Panion, a music professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who is director of the project, said he sees it as a form of crime prevention by reaching out to at-risk young people, ages 12-25, who already have an interest in music, but don't have the encouragement or connections.
He said Alabama is rich in musical talent, pointing to "American Idol" sensations Ruben, 2005 runner-up Bo Bice and Taylor Hicks, who's among this year's top eight "Idol" hopefuls. All three are from the Birmingham area.
Alabama's teens know the success stories and "they want to be the next American Idol," said Panion, who has worked with stars including Stevie Wonder,Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Studdard and last year's "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood.
The project will purchase and update the studio for $350,000, according to Wednesday's proposal. Panion said students would not be charged for the courses, but the studio would be open for rent to other musicians to help offset operating costs. While the program was announced to the Alabama Legislature's Joint Prison Committee on Wednesday, it will not seek state funding.
Panion said the first classes are scheduled for this summer.
Studdard said he would teach a few of the courses and that participants would get a chance to see him work in the recording studio.
Since winning "American Idol" in season two, Studdard has released two successful albums, "Soulful," which sold 1.8 million copies, and "I Need an Angel," which hit No. 1 on Billboard's gospel charts with 436,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Birmingham's 'Idol' four A look at contestants with city ties
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
MARY COLURSO
News staff writer
Four out of five? Not too shabby.
That's Birmingham's score for producing a finalist on each season of "American Idol," the top-rated TV show in the nation.
Our city wasn't represented in 2002, the year "Idol" debuted on the Fox network, but we've been able to point to a singer with Birmingham ties in every subsequent season, including this one.
Here's the breakdown.
RUBEN STUDDARD Season on "Idol": Two, in 2003. How he did: Won the thing. Age while competing: 25. Age now: 27. Will be 28 on Sept. 12. Full name: Christopher Ruben Studdard. Birmingham connection: Lives here and grew up here. Was born overseas. Nickname: The Velvet Teddy Bear. Favorite singer: Donnie Hathaway. Sappy signature tune: "Flying Without Wings." Simon said: "I cannot imagine this competition without you." Trademarks on show: 205 jerseys, big-boy physique, sweating profusely while singing. Hometown band: Just a Few Cats. Career so far: Released two CDs on the J Records label, "Soulful" (platinum) and "I Need an Angel" (gold). Has another, "Return of the Velvet Teddy Bear," in the works, but no release date has been announced. Received one Grammy nomination. Has done cameos in movies and had small parts on television. What he's doing now: Planning to appear in a Gospel Goes Classical concert May 7 at UAB under the direction of Henry Panion. Also working on an after-school program with Panion aimed at getting students interested in music and keeping them out of gangs. Web site: Has one at www.rubenstuddard.com, but don't bother looking there. It's extremely skimpy and out of date. You'll do better with the fan forum at www.ruuuben.com. DIANA DEGARMO Season on "Idol": Three, in 2004. How she did: Came in second to Fantasia Barrino. Age while competing: 16. Age now: 18. Will be 19 on June 16. Full name: Diana Nicole DeGarmo. Birmingham connection: Born here, moved to Snellville, Ga., with her mother during early childhood, still has relatives here. Nickname: Nothing that stuck. However, some cruel "Idol" watchers labeled her Miss Piggy because she appeared chunky on television. Favorite singer: Celine Dion. Sappy signature tune: "I Believe." Simon said: "You're like a doll, a little showbiz doll." Trademarks on show: Big voice, bubbly personality, tendency to belt like Ethel Merman. Hometown band: None that we know of. Career so far: Released one album, "Blue Skies," on RCA label, but it stalled at less than 200,000 copies sold. Had a No. 1 single with "Dreams," which included her version of "I Believe," the song written for the "Idol" winner. No current deal with a label, but seems to have found her niche in musical theater. Starred as Maria in "West Side Story" at the American Musical Theatre of San Jose. What she's doing now: Playing the role of Penny Pingleton in "Hairspray" on Broadway. Also plans to appear in an August run of "Brooklyn: The Musical" in San Jose. Web site: No official site that we can find. But there's a nice fan site at www.dianad.com., updated regularly, with a blog by her mother.
BO BICE Season on "Idol": Four, in 2005. How he did: Came in second to Carrie Underwood. Age while competing: 29. Age now: 30. Will be 31 on Nov. 1. Full name: Harold Elwin Bice Jr. Birmingham connection: Lived in Helena while competing on "Idol," and for a few years before that. Moved to Nashville in 2005 when fan attention and paparazzi raids became commonplace in his easy-to-access home. Born in Huntsville. Nickname: Bogart. Favorite singer: Has never really specified, but we know he likes rock bands, especially Southern rock and hard rock. Sappy signature tune: "Inside Your Heaven." Simon said: "It has been a real pleasure having you on this show." Trademarks on show: Swinging the mike stand, wearing outfits designed and sewn by his grandmother, a retro look that included long hair, flip-flops, sunglasses and dashikis. Hometown band: SugarMoney. Career so far: Released a debut CD, "The Real Thing," on the RCA label, earning mixed reviews but achieving gold status (for sales of 500,000 copies). What he's doing now: Making radio appearances, doing promotional concerts, appearing on TV talk shows, scheduling tour dates. These include a May 28 appearance at Jubilee CityFest in Montgomery and a June 9 show at Alabama Adventure (formerly Visionland). Web site: The official site, www.bobice.com, contains "fan club only" content along with information everyone can view. Lots of fan sites, but the best of the bunch is Bona Fide Bice (http://bonafidebice.com).
TAYLOR HICKS Season on "Idol": Five, in 2006. How he's doing: Among the nine finalists. Has become one of the most visible and popular contestants on the show, with a large and devoted fan base. Hasn't yet been pulled for the weekly bottom three, a trio of the lowest vote-getters. Age while competing: 29. Age now: 29. Will be 30 on Oct. 6. Full name: Taylor Reuben Hicks. Birmingham connection: Born here and lives here in a Southside apartment. His lifestyle is bound to change after the season ends, though. Nickname: Gray Charles, That Gray-Haired Guy. Favorite singer: Ray Charles. Sappy signature tune: None yet, but "Idol" is sure to have one prepared for him if he makes the final two. Simon said: "You're interesting." Trademarks on show: Salt-and-pepper 'do, imitating moves made famous by Ray Charles and Joe Cocker, exclaiming "Whoo!" Hometown band: Taylor Hicks Band, playing during his absence as the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra. Career so far: Has released two indie CDs, the latest of which, "Under the Radar," is much in demand. It's the top-seller at Laser's Edge in Homewood, and has been for several weeks. What he's doing now: Preparing a country tune to sing on tonight's episode of "Idol." The show airs at 7 p.m. Results from viewer voting will be announced on Wednesday's 8 p.m. episode. Web site: His official site, www.taylorhicks.com, has been shut down while he's on "Idol." Fan sites abound; just Google the phrase "Taylor Hicks."
John Mayer // Elton John // Idols 08 // Daughtry // Jonas Brothers // Rascal Flatts
Ruben's Got Ne-Yo, Wants Fantasia, Responds To Mandisa 04.25.2006 6:00 AM EDT
'Idol' winner helps future superstars learn the biz while prepping next disc. Ruben Studdard Photo: J-Records
Something strange has happened to Ruben Studdard since he won the second "American Idol."
"I had an album that came out in 2004 that is almost about to go platinum, my first album went double platinum, I had a #1 single on Christian radio for
Photos, audio and video from this story
Ruben Studdard "What If" Soulful (J Records)
a long time, and everywhere I went people were asking me where I was," Studdard said from his home in Birmingham, Alabama. "I was like, 'Have you not seen my video on BET or MTV?' Like, my video was on heavy rotation on both stations, and everybody just kept asking me, 'Where are you?' So I thought maybe I just need to name this album something that will catch their attention."
Hence The Return of the Velvet Teddy Bear, a reference to Studdard's "Idol" nickname, given to him by guest judge Gladys Knight. Studdard's been working on the album since last spring (see "Ruben Studdard Enlists Mario Winans For Third LP") and plans to release it in August after sessions with Ne-Yo and Scott Storch.
"I really wanted to do a duet with Fantasia, but I don't know if that's gonna happen or not," he said. "We're just looking for one or two more records, then we're gonna close it down."
Studdard described the direction as more grown-up. "I really got a chance to relax and sing, not like my first album when I was on the road the whole album," he said. "I just really think I'm gonna get a chance to do my thing, and I'm really excited about it."
The album will also feature R&B girl group Mocha and rapper Gutter, both on Studdard's RCS Music Group. For the former, Studdard actually held "American Idol"-style auditions back in November.
'Idol' Season Five Performances
Photos Of The 12 Finalists
"I know how it feels to stand on the other side of the table, so even though a lot of it was funny — I can't lie, it was extremely funny — I did my best not to laugh at people," Studdard said. "Some girls came from as far away as Tennessee."
Along with his own music career, Studdard is dedicating his time to making stars out of underprivileged kids in Alabama. In the coming months, he'll launch the Music Alternative Project — an after-school program based in a recording studio in Birmingham.
"I always feel like it's good to give back to the community," Studdard said. "My city gave me so much, not only when I was on the show, but I went to a public school and I learned a lot and people really poured a lot into me, and I feel like it's necessary for me to pour back into the kids."
Studdard is starting the program with Dr. Henry Panion, the director of music technology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and a popular orchestrator in hip-hop and R&B.
"I have the Ruben Studdard Foundation and it's a scholarship foundation primarily, but in the last two or three years now we've noticed a certain disparity in the schools, like if you took a poll from kids in my area, most of them would say when they grow up they want to be an athlete or a star," Studdard said. "But none of them know about the business for real. ... So we got together and started brainstorming about how we could keep the kids interested and off the streets, and we thought of this program." Together, Studdard and Panion developed a four-quarter program to be taught by themselves as well as seniors in Panion's UAB program.
"The first quarter is basically learning the ins and outs," Studdard said. "The second quarter is the technology end. The third quarter will be more detail-oriented as far as, like, they'll be able to pick the artist they want to work with, pick the single. And then the fourth quarter will be showing them how to promote the album."
The Music Alternative Project will start with 25 students and enlist 25 more each quarter, so there will eventually be 100 a year.
"Hopefully we can motivate some of these kids to go on and do big things, maybe not being the big-time rapper, but we're gonna show them the ins and outs, royalties, how to run their own label, how to do it all," Studdard said. "I think it's gonna be something great and hopefully we'll get it where we can have it in more areas. I know that I have a busy schedule, but so does Dr. Panion, and I feel like if he can devote as much time as he does to this, I can as well."
That said, Studdard admits he's had no time to watch this season's "Idol," but he's endorsing Birmingham native Taylor Hicks regardless.
"Bo Bice was from Birmingham," he said. "Diana DeGarmo was actually born in Birmingham. So we've been doing pretty well."
Studdard also wasn't aware that "Idol" castoff Mandisa had a crush on him (see "Mandisa Defends Outspoken Spirituality, Waits For Ruben's Call"). "I'm flattered," he said. "Thanks, Mandisa."
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
— Corey Moss
John Mayer // Elton John // Idols 08 // Daughtry // Jonas Brothers // Rascal Flatts
Tuesday Apr 25, 2006 8:20am EST By Stephen M. Silverman CREDIT: SOREN MCCARTY / WIREIMAGE
Ruben Studdard, who took the crown on the second season of American Idol, has his favorite picked out among the current crop of contestants: TAYLOR HICKS. He says he's also flattered to be the object of affection of recent castoff Mandisa.
Telling MTV News that he's been too busy to watch the show this season, Studdard nonetheless says his vote would go to Hicks – who, like Studdard, hails from Birmingham, Ala.
"Bo Bice was from Birmingham," says the singer, 27. "Diana DeGarmo was actually born in Birmingham. So we've been doing pretty well."
When it comes to Mandisa's crush (because of her shape, she was sometimes called the female version of Ruben), she told PEOPLE: "I love Ruben … I think there's a little double standard when it comes to plus-size males compared to females. So often in media we see so many different images for how we should look, and you don't get that with males. Tell Ruben to call me. He needs to give his sister a call!"
Studdard has a new album due out in August, The Return of the Velvet Teddy Bear (Gladys Knight gave him that nickname on Idol). Featured on it will be Ne-Yo, Scott Storch, R&B girl group Mocha and rapper Gutter, says MTV.
Classical gospel concert has spirit of church revival Tuesday, May 09, 2006 SHERREL WHEELER STEWART News staff writer Someone forgot to tell the singers in a Sunday night concert at the Alys Stephens Center that the performance was not a church service. But the sold-out crowd didn't seem to mind at all.
The Gospel Goes Classical Concert, with music arranged by Henry Panion and sung by American Idol Ruben Studdard, guitarist-turned-gospel singer Jonathan Butler and award-winning gospel singer Juanita Bynum, had all the flavor of Sunday morning worship or a summer revival.
There was lots of hand-clapping and foot-patting with the spirited mix of gospel, praise and worship songs like Hezekiah Walker's "I Need You." No one passed a collection plate.
Songs like Butler's gospel chart-topper "Falling in Love with Jesus" were made sweeter with the orchestral strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.
But the pace of the concert picked up on songs such as Butler's "Don't You Worry."
On one stage, the bass guitar, synthesizers, a drum set and a full orchestra moved the rhythms with ease with Panion at the helm to keep it flowing.
If there was a downside to the entire concert, it is that the clapping and the accompaniment in this piece overpowered Butler's lead vocals. About midway through the song, adjustments were made to balance the sound
Bynum's stage presence is made stronger by her personal testimony. Before singing almost every song, she told the audience what it meant to her, then delivered her vocals with a feel of passion and determination.
As for Ruben, each time he took the stage, you would think he was the most recent American Idol winner, with sustained applause and ovation before he ever sang a note. With his velvety tenor, he sailed through "Alabama, You Belong to Me," a song written by Panion.
"I love that song, and I love Alabama," Ruben said.
E-mail: sstwart@bhamnews.com
John Mayer // Elton John // Idols 08 // Daughtry // Jonas Brothers // Rascal Flatts
Hello everyone. I joined this forum because JPL was recently on a show Kim Caldwell from AI2 does on TVGC called IDOL CHAT but I thought I'd take a minute to start a thread about Kim in case there are other fans of hers here.
Kimberly has two weekly shows on the TV Guide Channel. One is IDOL CHAT, which airs every Tuesday, and it's an hour long discussion about everything Idol where often times past Idol contestants drop by to chat. The other one is TV CHAT, where Kim & her co-host, Rosanna Tavarez, discuss reality TV. New episodes of TV Chat air every Sunday. Also, Kim does the M.Vids for TV Guide Spot which can be seen @ www.tvguide.com and new ones are posted every Tuesday.
In other news, she's still recording an album with Diane Warren & Randy Jackson and is now also working on recording some of her original material which she's really excited about. One event that she has coming up is she is going to be performing at the Aladdin in Las Vegas, NV on March 25th. I don't have many specifics yet on that event but as I hear more, it will be posted on her website @ http://www.kimberly-caldwell.com
Also, Kimberly has a birthday coming up (Feb. 25th) so if you want to send her some birthday wishes, check out this link.
And always for the latest news & media for her, you can check out Kimberly-Caldwell.com! Hope there are other fans of hers here! She's a great girl and a total sweetheart in person and I think she has some big things ahead of her!
John Mayer // Elton John // Idols 08 // Daughtry // Jonas Brothers // Rascal Flatts
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Favorite quote from 2007: Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.. It's about learning to dance in the rain."
Nashville, TN-American Idol finalist and former Marine Josh Gracin releases his first single from a new album. The new single, "Favorite State Of Mind," is the first new music from Gracin in nearly a year.
Written by Marcel and Blair Daly, "Favorite State Of Mind" is the follow-up to the #1 smash "Nothin' To Lose" and the Top 5 hits "Stay With Me (Brass Bed)" and "I Want To Live."
Josh recorded the new project with Marty Williams, who also produced his self-titled debut release.
"On the first record I was still on active-duty so I would fly between Camp Pendleton in California and the studio in Nashville to record," says Josh. "This time around it was a lot easier because I could stay in one place and be at home with my family."
Josh Gracin's self-titled debut is certified Gold by the RIAA. His new CD, featuring "Favorite State Of Mind," is scheduled for release in June 2006.
John Mayer // Elton John // Idols 08 // Daughtry // Jonas Brothers // Rascal Flatts
Josh Gracin will be making his acting debute this June on the CBS daytime soap opera "The Young and The Restless". You can click here to read the full article and question and answer session.
Josh Gracin has performed live and on television for thousands of people, and now he will entertain the largest single-day sporting crowd in the state of Michigan.
Born and raised in Westland, Michigan, Gracin returns to his home state on Sunday, June 18th to perform The Star-Spangled Banner at Michigan International Speedway prior to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series 3M Performance 400. All the fun starts at 1PM ET on Fox Sports!
“We are thrilled to have Josh Gracin join us to perform for our first weekend of the season. Not only is he an extremely talented vocalist, but we know our fans will enjoy having a Michigan native help honor our country,” said Brett Shelton, president of MIS. “Having Josh at MIS is a great addition to pre-race ceremonies to start our season
Country artist Josh Gracin has been invited to perform at two of Washington, D.C.’s most prestigious events; the annual President’s Dinner on June 19th and a USO Event at the Pentagon on June 14th, celebrating the Army's 231 years of service to our nation. As a former marine, Gracin is delighted to have been asked to play such a key role in these celebrations.
“Being in our nation’s capitol always has had a special meaning for me,” said Gracin. “Even though my time in the Marines may have expired, I’m happy to know that my passion for music can bring joy to those that continue to serve our country. I’m deeply honored to sing in front of the President of the United States, along with the other people who help make our nation what it is today.”
John Mayer // Elton John // Idols 08 // Daughtry // Jonas Brothers // Rascal Flatts
Thanks for the info, BnL! I can't wait to hear Josh sing the National Anthem again. He has one of the best renditions of the National Anthem I've EVER heard. And, the fact that he's singing at a NASCAR race makes it even better!
American Idol singer Ruben Studdard awarded $2 million in suit Updated 6/15/2006 6:45 PM ET
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — American Idol winner Ruben Studdard has been awarded $2 million in his lawsuit against his ex-manager for misappropriating the singer's money and credit cards. Studdard, 26, of Birmingham, won the television talent show in 2003 and filed suit last year against ex-manager Ronald W. Edwards and Edwards' promotions company, Sez Inc.
Jefferson County Circuit Judge Scott Vowell on Thursday awarded Studdard $500,000 for his actual losses and another $1.5 million in punitive damages, The Birmingham News reported Thursday on its website.
Vowell dismissed Edwards' promotions company from the suit because it was bankrupt and had no assets. Edwards filed a petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on June 17, 2005.
The suit claimed Edwards misused more than $246,000 of the singer's money.
According to the judge's ruling, Edwards took money from Studdard's checking and other bank accounts, improperly used his credit cards and even used Studdard's money to repay a $10,000 loan to a Tuscaloosa bank.
Studdard has sold more than $2.2 million in albums, but the damage to his credit because of the fraud made it hard to obtain financing to buy a home, Vowell's order said.
John Mayer // Elton John // Idols 08 // Daughtry // Jonas Brothers // Rascal Flatts
He looks so different!!!! 