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American Idol 9: Chicago Auditions

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories:

American Idol 9 visited the Windy City, opening this audition episode with a montage of angry, rejected contestants. It was an auspicious beginning. Shania Twain was the guest judge for this city, a development which seemed to thrill Kara DioGuardi.

The crowds who waited chanted “Yes, We Can,” in honor of Barack Obama, who called the city home until taking up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania in Washington, D.C. Viewers were quickly taken into the story of Katelyn Epperly, a pretty blonde (dyed) with pretty ringlets. Her low, sultry voice quickly proved that there’s more to her than what meets the eye, and Katelyn earned praise from the judges. “I think you have a voice that could sing a hit song, I think,” Shania Twain generously told her. Epperly earned her golden ticket, and the Chicago auditions were well under way.

Click to continue reading American Idol 9: Chicago Auditions

Mix Tape: Stephen King Works with Shooter Jennings, Courtney Love Tours with Hole

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Collaborations, Concerts / Tours, Performances, Upcoming Releases, Alternative, Country, Rock,

-It’s no secret that Stephen King is a music lover, so why not help Shooter Jennings with his upcoming concept album?

-Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams will soon be following Ashlee Simpson-Wentz’s shoes. She’ll start playing Roxie Hart in Chicago next month.

-Speaking of Broadway, that’s where Green Day’s musical is headed. American Idiot will kick off on April 20.

-It’s time to unpack your flannel. Chris Cornell has confirmed that Soundgarden will be reuniting. The band split in 1997.

-And while we’re on the grunge page, let’s talk about Courtney Love. The singer will be touring with her band Hole next month in Europe.

Ashlee Simpson Confirmed to Chicago Cast

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Music, Where Are They Now?,

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz As reported earlier, Ashlee Simpson will soon be appearing on Broadway.

Chicago producer Barry Weissler told reporters that Simpson will start her Broadway run on November 30, for a ten-week commitment.

Ashlee formerly played the role in the London production of the play, back in 2006.

Ashlee Simpson Moving from Melrose to Broadway?

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Music, Television, Rumors, Where Are They Now?,

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz in Chicago Maybe Ashlee Simpson won’t suffer too badly from being ousted from Melrose Place, after all.

Gossip suggests that Simpson will soon be playing Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago. However, reps for Simpson and the show have yet to confirm the rumors.

This wouldn’t be Ashlee’s first time tackling the role. She also appeared in a London version of the musical in 2006.

American Idol 9: Auditions Dates Announced

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Music, Prime Time, Reality, FOX, American Idol, News,

If there are going to be any changes at the American Idol judges’ table this year, I’m guessing we’ll learn about them soon. Believe it or not, we are now less than two weeks away from the start of Season 9 auditions.

American Idol logo Are you older than 15 and younger than 30? If so, here are the locations you should start buying tickets for now.

June 14: Boston
June 18: Atlanta
June 22: Chicago
June 26: Dallas
June 30: Los Angeles
July 9: Orlando
July 15: Denver

(Make sure to check out our other American Idol 9 posts.)

Samsung Giant Messager Phone Hits Chicago

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones,

Look out, Guinness. Samsung and wireless carrier Cricket have teamed to make the largest working cell phone, including a full QWERTY keyboard. The 15 x 13 ft. Messager phone, located at Fidelity Plaza in Chicago, really makes free phone calls and sends text messages. No doubt the publicity will sell plenty of the 4.4 x 2.0 x 0.7-inch normal-sized phones, which feature Bluetooth technology, an MP3 player and a 1.3 megapixel cam at a price of around $200.00.

America’s Got Talent Audition Dates

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Prime Time, Reality, NBC, News,

Do you have a cute kid who can sing the Star Spangled Banner? Are you a cell phone salesmen with an operatic voice? Can you crush melons with your breasts? If so, you might just have what it takes to get before the judges of America’s Got Talent.

In the next few months, producers will be hitting nine stops in preparation for Season 4. The cities included in this year’s round of auditions are Atlanta, Washington D.C., Chicago, Austin, Boston, Miami, New York City and Seattle. Los Angeles, the first location on the tour, will welcome the NBC program on January 29th.

You can click here for more information.

Possible Suspect Arrested for Deaths of Jennifer Hudson’s Relatives

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Movies, Music, Legal Issues, Breaking News,

A day after Jennifer Hudson‘s mother and brother were found murdered, a young boy remains missing while a possible suspect sits in custody.

Late Friday night, William Balfour - the singer’s estranged brother-in-law - was located by the Chicago Police Department hours after the bodies of 57-year-old Darnell Donerson (Jennifer’s mother) and 29-year-old Jason Hudson were found. Although no charges have yet been filed, officers identified Balfour as a person of interest in the murders and in the disappearance of Julian King, his 7-year-old stepson.

The crime scene was discovered yesterday afternoon when Jennifer’s sister, Julia Hudson, returned to the house after work. When police arrived to the South Side home, they found a woman with a gunshot wound to her head in the living room and a man with a gunshot wound to his chest in a bedroom. An Amber Alert was issued shortly thereafter for King. Based on earlier reports of gunshots fired, officers believe the incident may have actually occurred around 9:00 in the morning.

Click to continue reading Possible Suspect Arrested for Deaths of Jennifer Hudson’s Relatives

Oprah and the Olympians

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Daytime, Sports, Talk Shows, Syndication, Oprah Winfrey Show, News,

Next week, Oprah Winfrey will piggyback off the success of the Beijing Games to help kick off her program’s new year.

On Wednesday, the talk show queen will gather over 150 US Olympians for a celebration in Chicago’s Millennium Park. The event will be taped to air on Monday, September 8, the premiere date for The Oprah Winfrey Show‘s 23rd season.

Michael Phelps, Kobe Bryant, Nastia Liukun, Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh and Dara Torres are amongst the athletes scheduled to appear.

Those hoping to attend the “welcome home celebration” can find information on tickets here.

Bernie Mac Dies at Age 50

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Movies, Television, Breaking News,

Bernie Mac UPDATE: You can read what many of Bernie’s friends had to say about his passing here.

Comedian Bernie Mac, the Emmy-nominated actor from The Bernie Mac Show, passed away this morning after a battle with pneumonia. He was only 50-years-old.

This announcement is particular shocking given the news released just a few days ago. On Thursday, Mac’s rep said the performer - who had been hospitalized in Chicago since August 1 - was responding well to treatment and was expected to be discharged within weeks. That claim contradicted earlier reports that the Ocean’s Eleven star was in “very, very critical” condition.

Earlier today, publicist Danica Smith revealed the sad news:

“Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital. No other details are available at this time. We ask that his family’s privacy continues to be respected.”

Our thoughts go out to his family.

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