The music community is mourning the death of influential figure Debra Byrd, who died on March 5 at the age of 72. Throughout her decades-long career, the singer performed alongside Barry Manilow and Bob Dylan before helping to shape generational talents as a vocal coach on American Idol, including Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, and Jennifer Hudson.
“She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning,” Hudson wrote on Instagram. “I am so grateful for everything she taught us. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless...
“She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning,” Hudson wrote on Instagram. “I am so grateful for everything she taught us. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless...
- 3/7/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
We’ve got questions, and you’ve (maybe) got answers! With another week of TV gone by, we’re lobbing queries left and right about lotsa shows including Fear the Walking Dead, Ms. Marvel, Selling Sunset and The Amazing Race!
1 | If The Marvels picks up right where Ms. Marvel left off, when did Kamala learn the martial moves she busts out during the movie’s first fight sequence? Also, were you satisfied with the finally disclosed cause of the Monica/Carol rift first hinted at in WandaVision?
More from TVLineFear Twd Recap: Alicia, Is That You? - Plus, 'This Is...
1 | If The Marvels picks up right where Ms. Marvel left off, when did Kamala learn the martial moves she busts out during the movie’s first fight sequence? Also, were you satisfied with the finally disclosed cause of the Monica/Carol rift first hinted at in WandaVision?
More from TVLineFear Twd Recap: Alicia, Is That You? - Plus, 'This Is...
- 11/17/2023
- by Vlada Gelman, Matt Webb Mitovich, Kimberly Roots, Dave Nemetz, Rebecca Iannucci, Keisha Hatchett, Nick Caruso, Charlie Mason and Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Armelia McQueen, who rose to Broadway stardom with her debut in 1978’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ and played the sister of Whoopi Goldberg’s haunted character in 1990’s Ghost, died Saturday. She was 68.
Her death was confirmed by her friend Dorian Hannaway in a Facebook post Sunday. “My dear friend Armelia crossed over yesterday,” Hannaway wrote. “She leaves us cherishing her memory as she was one of the greatest friends you could ever have. The only thing bigger than her beautiful soul was her extraordinary talent. She gave us such joy in her many turns on the Broadway stage as well as her film and TV roles. She was brilliant in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and so many other shows.”
A cause of death has not been released, and information on survivors was not immediately available.
Born in North Carolina and raised in New York City, McQueen was in the original Off Broadway cast...
Her death was confirmed by her friend Dorian Hannaway in a Facebook post Sunday. “My dear friend Armelia crossed over yesterday,” Hannaway wrote. “She leaves us cherishing her memory as she was one of the greatest friends you could ever have. The only thing bigger than her beautiful soul was her extraordinary talent. She gave us such joy in her many turns on the Broadway stage as well as her film and TV roles. She was brilliant in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and so many other shows.”
A cause of death has not been released, and information on survivors was not immediately available.
Born in North Carolina and raised in New York City, McQueen was in the original Off Broadway cast...
- 10/5/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
What’s a reality show without some controversy? Sunday’s Top 20 episode of “American Idol,” during which 10 contestants were paired with celebrity artists, offered a doozy. According the social media jury, a vocal flub made by singer Elle King, the daughter of comic actor Rob Schneider whose own big hit is “Ex’s and Oh’s,” might have contributed to ex-ing out Atlanta semi-finalist Shawn Robinson‘s chances to continue on the show.
Robinson admitted he did have some reservations about their duet selection, a golden oldie that was originally a mid-tempo 1969 signature tune for Creedence Clearwater Revival that was famously turned into a raucus 1971 R&B hit by Ike and Tina Turner. He wanted to do the slower version and got his way, but it barely mattered when King seemed to accidentally sing the first verse twice on-air and might have cause a rattled Shawn, 22, to come in too soon.
Robinson admitted he did have some reservations about their duet selection, a golden oldie that was originally a mid-tempo 1969 signature tune for Creedence Clearwater Revival that was famously turned into a raucus 1971 R&B hit by Ike and Tina Turner. He wanted to do the slower version and got his way, but it barely mattered when King seemed to accidentally sing the first verse twice on-air and might have cause a rattled Shawn, 22, to come in too soon.
- 4/8/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Hush, Idoloonie, don’t you cry-y-y-y.
Oh yes, I have spent the last week (Ok, actually the last 15 years) reviewing, rewinding and re-listening to the greatest performances in American Idol history — and the time has come to count down the definitive Top 30.
Related2016 Renewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Getting Cancelled? What’s on the Bubble?
It’s an impossible task, if I’m being honest. How do you separate raw, gut-busting emotion from pure, mind-blowing perfection? How do you leave out Pia Toscano and David Archuleta and Carly Smithson and Kree Harrison and Trenyce (oh, Trenyce!) and Sarina Joi-Crowe?...
Oh yes, I have spent the last week (Ok, actually the last 15 years) reviewing, rewinding and re-listening to the greatest performances in American Idol history — and the time has come to count down the definitive Top 30.
Related2016 Renewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Getting Cancelled? What’s on the Bubble?
It’s an impossible task, if I’m being honest. How do you separate raw, gut-busting emotion from pure, mind-blowing perfection? How do you leave out Pia Toscano and David Archuleta and Carly Smithson and Kree Harrison and Trenyce (oh, Trenyce!) and Sarina Joi-Crowe?...
- 4/5/2016
- TVLine.com
For the final salvo in what’s arguably been the deepest, most evenly matched field in American Idol history, Tuesday night’s Season 11 finale came up surprisingly light in the competitive fireworks department.
Maybe the Top 2 — Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips — were still heeding last week’s instructions from their fallen comrade Joshua Ledet: “No! More! Drama!” Or perhaps it was just the incongruousness of the matchup, which was akin to making a choice between a stunning courture evening gown and a perfectly battered old t-shirt. (“But what’s the occasion?” you might’ve asked.)
Whatever the case, even...
Maybe the Top 2 — Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips — were still heeding last week’s instructions from their fallen comrade Joshua Ledet: “No! More! Drama!” Or perhaps it was just the incongruousness of the matchup, which was akin to making a choice between a stunning courture evening gown and a perfectly battered old t-shirt. (“But what’s the occasion?” you might’ve asked.)
Whatever the case, even...
- 5/23/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
A potential bromance sputtered awkwardly. Ryan Seacrest pretended not to know the difference between a daffodil and a tulip. J.Lo and Steven Tyler respectively admitted to never having heard “The Letter” and “Bleeding Love.” And Randy Jackson one-upped them by going all “durrr”-faced when confronted by the word “crustacean.” (In his defense, it does contain more than two syllables.)
But who cares about such ignoble details when you’ve got the American Idol Season 11 Top 5 doing their darndest to one-up their own personal best performances and give us major Idol Moments in the process?
Yep, gripe all you...
But who cares about such ignoble details when you’ve got the American Idol Season 11 Top 5 doing their darndest to one-up their own personal best performances and give us major Idol Moments in the process?
Yep, gripe all you...
- 5/3/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
There’s this weird part of the week — from Friday morning till Monday evening — when not a single major TV network airs a reality singing competition. It’s terrible, I know, but it also gives me a lot of time to ponder American Idol history. (Everyone does this in their free time, yes?) And my latest flight of Idol fancy got me mulling this question: Was Season 11′s Top 10 the strongest — top to bottom — in show history? Let’s examine:
For starters, I’d automatically rule out the five seasons with three or more Top 10 contestants who probably wouldn’t have outlasted Season 11′s No.
For starters, I’d automatically rule out the five seasons with three or more Top 10 contestants who probably wouldn’t have outlasted Season 11′s No.
- 3/26/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest said yesterday that producers are trying to figure out an appropriate homage for the late Whitney Houston — who had reacted positively to a possible season 11 guest-mentoring spot just days before her death. Whitney had always been one of those untouchable, “hmmm…maybe don’t go there” artists on musical competition shows, but there were always a few brave souls who got in there and wanted to feel the heat with their idol.
Jennifer Hudson’s wow-worthy “I Will Always Love You” tribute at last night’s Grammys got us thinking about other American Idol contestants...
Jennifer Hudson’s wow-worthy “I Will Always Love You” tribute at last night’s Grammys got us thinking about other American Idol contestants...
- 2/14/2012
- by Annie Barrett
- EW.com - PopWatch
I complained last week that The X Factor had done very little to differentiate itself from American Idol up until this point. Well, that changed with the first live show, as it showcased something Idol has yet to in 10 seasons: an utter and extensive lack of talent.
Sure, there were a few bright spots in the Top 17, most of which came out of the girls category, but it was quite obvious that while searching for the artist with the X Factor these judges forgot to also look for good singers.
Before we move on to the individual performances, let me first recognize what the judges have decided to do for criticism of the contestants they didn't like. Because L.A., Paula and Nicole can't hate on these singers, they have chosen to just trash on whatever judge is mentoring that performer, and then say something nice to the contestant immediately afterwards.
Sure, there were a few bright spots in the Top 17, most of which came out of the girls category, but it was quite obvious that while searching for the artist with the X Factor these judges forgot to also look for good singers.
Before we move on to the individual performances, let me first recognize what the judges have decided to do for criticism of the contestants they didn't like. Because L.A., Paula and Nicole can't hate on these singers, they have chosen to just trash on whatever judge is mentoring that performer, and then say something nice to the contestant immediately afterwards.
- 10/26/2011
- by d4cella@gmail.com (Dan Forcella)
- TVfanatic
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times ... won't get fooled again. After weeks of plaid-based fashion crimes, self-righteous audience threats, horsey falsetto screeching and more awkward stage moves than an army of Paul McDonalds, Compton, California's Jacob Lusk was finally booted from "American Idol" on Thursday night.
I'm not saying I wanted him gone, but when America finally heard what I've been hearing for weeks (i.e., a singer whose commercial potential makes last year's "Idol" winner Lee DeWyze look like Lady Gaga), well, let's just say I felt vindicated, at the very least.
All but one of our experts correctly predicted Lusk's demise this week and "Idol" blogger Mj Santilli shared my feelings about the news. "I suspect if he had performed the way he really wanted to on 'Idol,' he would have been out weeks ago," she...
I'm not saying I wanted him gone, but when America finally heard what I've been hearing for weeks (i.e., a singer whose commercial potential makes last year's "Idol" winner Lee DeWyze look like Lady Gaga), well, let's just say I felt vindicated, at the very least.
All but one of our experts correctly predicted Lusk's demise this week and "Idol" blogger Mj Santilli shared my feelings about the news. "I suspect if he had performed the way he really wanted to on 'Idol,' he would have been out weeks ago," she...
- 5/6/2011
- by Gil Kaufman
- MTV Newsroom
There were six contestants, nine performances, and an immeasurable amount of annoying courtesy of Randy Jackson as American Idol delved into the Carole King songbook this evening. The entire night seemed like something of a “Farewell to Jacob Lusk” concert, but maybe I’m reading too much between the carefully constructed lines of interview packages, Jimmy Iovine clips, and “spontaneous” moments (like a teenage boy interacting with our little teenager who could, Lauren Alaina).
‘American Idol’ All-Time Greatest Performances (Day 2): Fantasia, Trenyce, Tamyra, And More Compete!
Thankfully, we got a few pretty terrific performances in the mix, but I...
‘American Idol’ All-Time Greatest Performances (Day 2): Fantasia, Trenyce, Tamyra, And More Compete!
Thankfully, we got a few pretty terrific performances in the mix, but I...
- 4/28/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Things are getting positively Thunderdomeian* in the American Idol universe. That’s because TVLine.com has taken 64 of the most electrifying moments in the 10-season history of Fox’s ratings juggernaut, pitted them into single-elimination faceoffs, and invited all of you to stand around and cheer as bloody good times ensue. “Two songs enter! One song leaves!” Oh hell yeah, that’s how we do! (*Totally a word now.)
Yes, ladies and gents, welcome to Day Two of the American Idol All-Time Greatest Performance Bracket Tournament! We’ve split our game into four distinct divisions: Power Vocalist/Soul Males; Rock...
Yes, ladies and gents, welcome to Day Two of the American Idol All-Time Greatest Performance Bracket Tournament! We’ve split our game into four distinct divisions: Power Vocalist/Soul Males; Rock...
- 4/27/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
I know a lot about "American Idol." When you consider the eight seasons of regular recaps (two or three per week), the steady stream of reliably banal conference calls with eliminated contestants, the glitzy and substance-free "Idol" premiere parties and even the periodic attendance at live tapings, my spring immersion in "American Idol" is all-encompassing. I can toss out a punchline involving Scotty Savol or Lashundra "Trenyce" Cobbins or Noel & Jesus Roman with a speed that would make your head spin. That's a preamble to this point that I'm all-too-happy to admit: For all that I've gleaned about...
- 1/18/2011
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
The Season 10 premiere of "American Idol" is less than a week away and to make the days go by a bit faster, Zap2it decided to take a stroll down memory lane and re-evaluate the previous nine seasons.
Each day leading up to the premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 19, we will post a retrospective on each season. We're breaking it down into four categories: Best Performance, Worst Performance, Most Underrated Idol and most Overrated Idol. At the end, we will decide how the season stacks up against the rest, rating it as great, good, or not-so-good.
Yesterday, it was a look back at Season 1, the good (Kelly Clarkson!), the bad (Nikki McKibbin) and the ugly (Ryan Starr's wardrobe). Now it's Season 2's turn, which had arguably the most debated finale ever, as only 130,000 votes separated Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. We all know Ruben took home the title, but did he really deserve to him?...
Each day leading up to the premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 19, we will post a retrospective on each season. We're breaking it down into four categories: Best Performance, Worst Performance, Most Underrated Idol and most Overrated Idol. At the end, we will decide how the season stacks up against the rest, rating it as great, good, or not-so-good.
Yesterday, it was a look back at Season 1, the good (Kelly Clarkson!), the bad (Nikki McKibbin) and the ugly (Ryan Starr's wardrobe). Now it's Season 2's turn, which had arguably the most debated finale ever, as only 130,000 votes separated Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. We all know Ruben took home the title, but did he really deserve to him?...
- 1/14/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
On Tuesday (April 20), "American Idol" contestant Crystal Bowersox tore into a tearful version of "People Get Ready" as part of "Inspirational Week." In many ways, it was one of the best performances ever in the history of the show, as she not only performed it well (though there were a few missed notes), but it also showed raw emotion and poise in the face of stories that she has been trying to bail on the show. Her natural charisma survived the tears, and she came out looking like the inevitable champion.
In a poll taken yesterday, MTV News nominated a dozen performances as the greatest of all time. In the end, Bowersox took home the gold. However, there was a great deal of debate over the songs we nominated (apparently nobody remembers Trenyce — which is a shame, really). That is why we are presenting a second poll, made up entirely...
In a poll taken yesterday, MTV News nominated a dozen performances as the greatest of all time. In the end, Bowersox took home the gold. However, there was a great deal of debate over the songs we nominated (apparently nobody remembers Trenyce — which is a shame, really). That is why we are presenting a second poll, made up entirely...
- 4/22/2010
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
Put down the Kleenex box. (I know, I know, you never picked it up.) Turn off the TV. And fire up a well-loved happy-time tune from a former American Idol contestant. (Right this moment, I'm torn between Allison Iraheta's "Holiday," Carly Smithson's "Superstar," and Paris Bennett's "I'm So Hot.") Because, yes, while tonight saw the end of one wide-eyed young vocalist's super-sized dream of becoming the nation's next music sensation, we must also accept that taunting, tear-soaked rejection (set to the tune of musical strained peaches called "Leave Right Now") is an important part of the pruning...
- 3/25/2010
- by Michael Slezak
- EW.com - PopWatch
From Frenchie Davis and Corey Clark to Joanna Pacitti, several hopefuls have been yanked from the 'Idol' stage.
By Gil Kaufman
Chris Golightly
Photo: Ray Mickshaw
Though it's probably no consolation, Chris Golightly has plenty of company in the ranks of "American Idol" hopefuls who've been disqualified from the show after making it through the grueling Hollywood rounds.
Golightly was cryptically Dq'd from the show on Wednesday — despite appearing in the group shot of the top 24 near the show's end — after producers determined that he was "ineligible" to continue in the competition. According to reports, the former foster child was unable to clear up a discrepancy about a former contract and was replaced by floppy-haired Tim Urban at the last minute. No mention was made on the show about the disqualification, nor about the rumored elimination of burly personal trainer Michael Lynche, who appeared to make the top 24 despite reports...
By Gil Kaufman
Chris Golightly
Photo: Ray Mickshaw
Though it's probably no consolation, Chris Golightly has plenty of company in the ranks of "American Idol" hopefuls who've been disqualified from the show after making it through the grueling Hollywood rounds.
Golightly was cryptically Dq'd from the show on Wednesday — despite appearing in the group shot of the top 24 near the show's end — after producers determined that he was "ineligible" to continue in the competition. According to reports, the former foster child was unable to clear up a discrepancy about a former contract and was replaced by floppy-haired Tim Urban at the last minute. No mention was made on the show about the disqualification, nor about the rumored elimination of burly personal trainer Michael Lynche, who appeared to make the top 24 despite reports...
- 2/18/2010
- MTV Music News
It looks like Mo’nique is pulling out all the stops for her new late night show on Black Entertainment Television.
As we previously reported, the Queen of Comedy will headline The Mo’Nique Show, a late night talk show premiering October 5th as part of Bet’s new fall lineup.
Last week, word trickled down on some of the guests she is planning on having, and last week’s big bomb shell was news of an entire show dedicated to Arsenio Hall, and his years as a late night host.
Today, our sources have discovered that she is stepping up to the plate to hit another home run. This time, Mo’Nique has strategically landed Morris Chestnut and David E. Talbert just in time as they are launching the media campaign for the DVD release of Talbert’s blockbuster play Love In The Nick of Tyme. It seems Chestnut...
As we previously reported, the Queen of Comedy will headline The Mo’Nique Show, a late night talk show premiering October 5th as part of Bet’s new fall lineup.
Last week, word trickled down on some of the guests she is planning on having, and last week’s big bomb shell was news of an entire show dedicated to Arsenio Hall, and his years as a late night host.
Today, our sources have discovered that she is stepping up to the plate to hit another home run. This time, Mo’Nique has strategically landed Morris Chestnut and David E. Talbert just in time as they are launching the media campaign for the DVD release of Talbert’s blockbuster play Love In The Nick of Tyme. It seems Chestnut...
- 9/9/2009
- by noreply@blogger.com (The Humor Mill Magazine)
- Humor Mill Magazine
"American Idol" has produced some very note-worthy performers and that includes Broadway musical stars.
The Tony-winning revue "Ain't Misbehavin'" will be headed to New York to play the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx on May 16, 2009. The musical stars previous winner Ruben Studdard and former contestant and "Rent" star Frenchie Davis.
The original production of the show was written by Richard Maltby, Jr. who currently directs the tour. The original show brought its star, Nell Carter, into stardom and featured tunes from Fats Waller.
The current production also stars Trenyce Cobbins, Patrice Covington and David Jennings. Tickets for the show are available online at www.aintmisbehavinontour.com for the price of -.
The Tony-winning revue "Ain't Misbehavin'" will be headed to New York to play the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx on May 16, 2009. The musical stars previous winner Ruben Studdard and former contestant and "Rent" star Frenchie Davis.
The original production of the show was written by Richard Maltby, Jr. who currently directs the tour. The original show brought its star, Nell Carter, into stardom and featured tunes from Fats Waller.
The current production also stars Trenyce Cobbins, Patrice Covington and David Jennings. Tickets for the show are available online at www.aintmisbehavinontour.com for the price of -.
- 12/22/2008
- icelebz.com
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