This morning, I was fortunate enough to have a great chat with Justin Guarini who you probably know best from the first season of American Idol and as the host of TV Guide’s Idol Tonight. 

I have to say that Justin was probably one of the most fun interviews I’ve ever done and he had a lot to tell me so I’ll just get right to it!

We talked about the current season of American Idol and he said that it’s “been a pretty amazing year.  It was the first time ever that the show had four judges, the judges save, which was a gentle rebuke of American opinion, and the first time contestants performed duets.”  He’s absolutely right!  When you look at it that way, it really has been an amazing season (whether you liked it or not!)!

When I asked about Paula Abdul’s performance last night, he said that he thought it was “absolutely awesome that she could do that after all the struggles and all the battles she’s had.  It just goes to show you what Paula Abdul is made of.”

I was curious about what he thought of the new fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi.  He said “Kara has been a great addition to the panel because she combines the strengths of all the judges.”  He’s got a point!

I mentioned that I briefly saw him at the private opening of the American Idol Experience and asked him what he thought of the event.  He said that he loved it and added: “I get to be in front of 30,000+ people a week as the virtual host of the pre-show.”  I don’t know if any of you have been through the attraction but I’d agree that being the virtual host is pretty cool.  He also mentioned that he got engaged while filming that footage and said that the wedding planning is going well and that he and his fiancée, Reina, would be getting married next spring.

I wanted to know about his video blog on Fancast and he explained that he adds videos twice a week and that he really enjoys it because “it’s just personal.  No glitz, no glam.”  I agree.  I love video blogs because it does feel like you’re seeing a more “human” side of celebs.  Know what I mean?  Check out Justin on Fancast!

Justin also talked about the demo called “I Can’t Live” which he wrote with Nashville songwriters, Shaye Smith and Tammy Hyler.  They were all together talking about the Twilight books and ended up writing a song that they have submitted for consideration for the New Moon soundtrack. 

I personally think it’s pretty great and I hope it gets included.  I love the fact that it was actually inspired by the storyline versus being added just because it’s a big name band (sorry, but “Decode” by Paramore for the first movie really made no sense to me even though I actually liked the song).  Take a listen and let me know what you think (remember, it’s a demo so it’s not perfect).

Justin revealed that he is working on a new project for “The JG Show” which will be 12-minute webisodes featuring Chappelle’s Show-style skits and more.  He’s also working on his third album so I am hoping to talk to him again about both of these exciting things that he’s working on.

Need more Justin in your life?  Here are some links:

• Follow Justin on Twitter!
• Check him out on his official site, MySpace or BlogTalkRadio
• Subscribe to his YouTube channel
• Watch his video blogs on Fancast

image: Newscom

Rapper, Jay-Z, had some things to say about the tour that he shared with American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson.  "I had a ball!" Jay-Z wrote on the RapRadar blog about the concert that took place on Wednesday at the University of Arizona.

"On the show as well were Third Eye Blind and Kelly Clarkson — I thought that to be the oddest pairing EVER but, soon realized, it’s what I’ve always professed. There is NO such thing as BLACK music or WHITE music, only GOOD or BAD music.  It’s stupid cool to like things that are not like you, and that goes for outside of music," he wrote "If you’re an African American, you can have a Jewish friend.  I think concerts like this should happen more often — outside of the one or two festivals a year or ‘Zootopia.’ I’m putting that into the universe. Next up, Taylor Swift and Uncle Murda!"

Well, I’m glad he said that.  I have always felt that way and I’m so surprised when I encounter a person who only listens to music from one genre or ethnic group.  Music is music, it doesn’t need to have labels on it to be good.  I wish I had seen that show.  I bet it was great!

As you get ready for tonight’s results show, why not test your American Idol knowledge?  How much do you really know about our favorite reality singing competition?

Parade.com asked me to create an online quiz for them and I have to say that I had fun doing it.  I tried to come up with questions that are challenging so I hope you will give it a shot!  Take the American Idol Quiz!

When you’re done, come back and tell me about it.  Also, make sure you check out the other cool quizzes on Parade.com!

American Idol season one winner, Kelly Clarkson, performed two songs off of her new album All I Ever Wanted during her appearance on Saturday Night Live yesterday.  I have to say that, as a plus-size woman myself, I’m perfectly fine with Kelly’s weight but I do wish that she could find some more flattering clothing.  This blue shirt/dress/disaster did not look good on her in my opinion but I digress…

Kelly first performed “My Life Would Suck Without You” and I thought she sounded pretty good but one of her backup singers seemed to be struggling a little bit from what I could hear.

She also sang “I Do Not Hook Up” and I really like that song and was happy that it translated well in the live performance.  Watch and tell me what you think!

Kelly Clarkson talked to American Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi, in an interview that will air tonight on Entertainment Tonight about her weight.  She said: "I feel very fortunate coming from American Idol.  I was the biggest girl in the group.  I’ve always been thicker and millions of people voted for me," she continues. "People are born all different shapes and sizes. People have liked me this way."

She again kibboshed the rumors that she is a lesbian: "I went to Europe and it was in the press everywhere and I was like, ‘I don’t get it, was I sleep walking and kissed a girl and there’s a picture or something?’" she says. "Just because I’m single and don’t date a lot, that doesn’t make me a lesbian."

She also talked about what she is looking for in a man: "A confident guy that has his own thing going on. Anyone that can make me laugh. Guys are usually so nervous, they don’t talk. Every guy I’ve dated, I’ve worked with and we knew each other before."

This seems to be a year of comebacks for Kelly so, hopefully, her love life will be on the upswing as well.

Kelly Clarkson was on Good Morning America and Live with Regis and Kelly yesterday morning (photo below is of her arriving at the latter) where she promoted the release of her new album All I Ever Wanted and performed “My Life Would Suck Without You.” 

I think she sounded amazing.  Listen to this and tell me what you think!

Kelly Clarkson’s new album “All I Ever Wanted” will be released today but you can listen to it over on AOL for a limited time.  I know a lot of us have already heard most or all of the songs but I like doing album reviews so why not?  Before I even begin, this album is about as commercially pop as anything is ever going to get which is a good and a bad thing.  It’s sad because Kelly clearly wanted to break away (no pun intended) and have an edgier sound and existence but her fans weren’t ready to make that leap with her so, here she is, trying to make amends by releasing an album that sounds like the Kelly Clarkson we all voted for on American Idol.  The saving grace is that most of the songs are actually pretty good.  Here’s a breakdown of my impressions.

1. “My Life Would Suck Without You” is the first release from the album and it’s not too vocally challenging but we already know what Kelly can do so it’s okay.  It’s easy to sing along to which is always a good idea when you’re launching a mini-comeback.

2. “I Do Not Hook Up” is uhhh… I guess the above comments could also work for this song although I find the chorus melody and structure on this song a little more interesting than “My Life Would Suck Without You.”  It was co-written by Katy Perry (“I Kissed a Girl” “Hot and Cold”) and Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi.

3. “Cry” is the first ballad on the album.  There are a couple surprises in the chords but there is something about it that reminds me of Creed’s “With Arms Wide Open.”  At least she gets to stretch her vocals a little bit.

4. “Don’t Let Me Stop You” reminds me of something so much and I just cannot put my fingers on it (maybe Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper?”). Help me out please!  Anyway, the lyrics are a little clunky at times to sing. 

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American Idol season 1 winner, Kelly Clarkson, told British newspaper, the Daily Star that she’d love to work with Annie Lennox and breakout artist Adele.

The singer says, "I hope to do something with Adele. I love her voice so much, she’s just so incredible.”

"One of my new songs is like an Eurythmics meets Killers dance thing called If I Can’t Have You. I adore Annie Lennox, she’s such a strong woman. It’s no secret that I’m pretty much obsessive about her.”

Kelly wasn’t done dishing out the praise. She also had some kind words for “I Kissed a Girl” singer, Katy Perry.

Referring to the 24-year-old singer she says, "Katy Perry’s awesome and cute too."

I’m loving Adele right now too and I can’t imagine what a duet with Kelly would sound like. That being said, I’m just not feeling Katy Perry as much.

Image: Bauer-Griffin

I just came back from the private opening of the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios and I had a blast.  I’m thoroughly exhausted but it really was a lot of fun.  Disney really knows how to put on a show and I am extremely grateful to them for the fabulous trip!

I will cover the event in three parts (motorcade, American Idol Experience show and the after-party) over the next three days.  Today, I’ll kick things off by telling you all about the American Idol motorcade. 

The blue carpet was rolled out for the stars and one by one.  Mickey Mouse got things started but was then followed by Justin Guarini (runner-up, season 1).  He looked great and was all smiles for the fans and the media.
Next was Chris Sligh (finalist, season 6).  He talked a little bit about how his song “Here Comes Goodbye” was picked up by Rascal Flatts and is actually the first single off of their new album.

It was a star-studded event.  Check out more pictures including Carrie Underwood, David Cook and David Archuleta after the jump!

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American Idol stars turned out to attend the pre-Grammy Awards part of Arista Records head, Clive Davis.  From the pictures I was able to find, I saw Carrie Underwood (winner, Season 4), Jennifer Hudson (finalist, Season 3) Kelly Clarkson (winner, Season 1), Chris Daughtry (finalist, Season 5), Fantasia Barrino (winner, Season 3) and Idol judge, Paula Abdul.  Other guests included big-name celebs like Miley Cyrus and Rihanna.

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