this is not my beautiful house

Idol Headlines for 10/15/08

Lil Wayne, Coldplay, Alicia Keys Lead 2008 American Music Award Nominees

The nominees for the 2008 American Music Awards were announced Tuesday (October 14), with Alicia Keys leading the pack with five nods, including one for Artist of the Year. The AMAs have been scheduled for November 23 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles and will air live on ABC with Jimmy Kimmel as host.

MTV

More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…

More ‘Bees’ buzz on casting choices

What others involved with The Secret Life of Bees have to say about what Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo and Alicia Keys brought to their roles:

Jennifer Hudson (Rosaleen). “Every time Sophie was doing anything, all I could see was an Oscar glowing above her head. Alicia ? we have crossed paths several times. This is different. I knew she was going up for the part, and I am pleased they let her get it. I’ve always looked up to Alicia and Queen. And Queen has such a beautiful spirit. She’s just so outgoing. You get happy when you see Queen walking around.”

USA Today

?Bees’ actresses buzz about sweet roles

Hudson, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her 2006 film debut in “Dreamgirls [trailer],” stars as nanny Rosaleen in “The Secret Life of Bees.”

But Prince-Bythewood had a surprise in store before filming in North Carolina, to help the 27-year-old actress get a better understanding of how bad segregation was 44 years ago.

Hudson was sent to a local store with co-star Dakota Fanning.

Boston Herald

Reality star drops in to the Jewish Mother

“American Idol” veteran Blake Lewis has taken it on the chin recently, but he’s still swinging ? and still singing.

Earlier this year, Lewis was dropped by his record label, Arista.

But Lewis, who is set to perform tonight at The Jewish Mother in Virginia Beach, said he’s not bothered by critics who reacted gleefully to news of his career difficulties.

“I never read anything about myself, I don’t get on the Internet,” the 27-year-old singer said last week. “I only talk to my fans on MySpace because that’s all I care about. If you’re not a fan of ‘American Idol’ and not a fan of me, I’m not going to try to change your mind. I don’t really care about all that stuff. I make music because I’m passionate about it and I love to create.”

Daily Press

RTA celebrates HealthLine opening in big way

CLEVELAND — A free concert by “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks and a scavenger hunt along Euclid Avenue highlight the grand opening of RTA’s HealthLine on Saturday, Oct. 25.

The celebration signals the completion of the $200 million, 7.1-mile Euclid Corridor project. The bus rapid transit system will travel from Public Square to the Stokes-Windermere Station in East Cleveland. Work began in March 2006.

Cleveland.com

Rock of Ages: So Totally Awesome!

I have to admit, I walked in there groaning a little at the thought of watching star Constantine Maroulis with his brooding, kicked-off-American-Idol pout, but I swear that boy can belt out Foreigner like you wouldn’t believe. And that look worked for him so well as Drew, a looking-for-love-and-fame rocker. By the end of the show you may just want to hug him.

Put aside your expectations and walk into the theater open-minded and you won’t be disappointed. Straight out of the late ’80s, the set list was fantastic, the singing was great and the costumes were everything you’re picturing as you read this. Cleverly written, well-acted and all-around rockin’, I recommend this show to anyone of any age.

Brooklyn Eagle

LeAnn Rimes Gets Vocal For Reba McEntire

LeAnn Rimes paid tribute to Reba McEntire at Monday’s 2008 ASCAP Country Music Awards in Nashville, belting out one of McEntire’s signature songs, “I’m A Survivor.”

Kelly Clarkson and Brooks & Dunn also joined in, with Clarkson ? who was rewarded with a standing ovation ? singing “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” and Kix and Ronnie performing an emotional rendition of “For My Broken Heart,” another McEntire standard.