Idol Stalker - Watching American Idol

Major Drama! Judge Kyle Sandilands Fired from Australian Idol
Kellie Pickler Working With “Extreme Makeover”
Guy Sebastian Releasing New Album in October
Kelly Clarkson on Good Morning America

Major Drama! Judge Kyle Sandilands Fired from Australian Idol

Posted: 04 Aug 2009 12:22 AM PDT

Lauren from Oz Music Scene alerted me to the fact that Australian Idol judge, Kyle Sandilands, has been fired from his job as a judge on Australian Idol. This shocking turn of events happened after an on-air stunt went terribly wrong on Kyle's morning radio show, 2Day FM. How bad could it possibly be? Pretty bad…

A 14-year-old girl was strapped to a lie detector and asked on air about her sexual history at the urging of the teen's mother. As if that's not bad enough (you can't ask a minor about sex, especially on the radio!), the poor girl ended up revealing that she was raped when she was just 12 years old.

Network Ten programming boss David Mott has decided that Sandilands can no longer continue to work on the singing competition. "Australian Idol is very much a family program and its appeal is very much right across the board, and we’d like to think that all families can enjoy the program in front of the TV" he said. "We thank Kyle for his contribution to Australian Idol over the last four years, but it has become increasingly clear that as Idol has remained a family-focused show, even more so this year with the 6.30pm Sunday time slot, his radio persona has taken on a more controversial position over this period which is not in the interest of the show… the recent controversy surrounding Kyle’s radio program has highlighted more than ever the conflicting attitude of the two careers.”

Sandilands had the following response: "I’m disappointed at Channel 10’s decision to remove me from Australian Idol. I have truly loved being a part of the show and wish everyone involved all of the success for this coming season.”

The worst part is that Sandilands may not even get to keep his radio show. The station owner, Austereo, has put the show on hold indefinitely but I think that they are just as much to blame. Australia normally has a delay on radio programs so that the station has enough time to censor content that might be deemed inappropriate. Certainly, this would be one of those times.

Australian Idol returns on August 9, 2009. Sandilands will be featured in the first three episodes (auditions that were filmed earlier) but replacements will be brought in when the show goes to live performances on August 24, 2009.

Post from: Idol Stalker

Kellie Pickler Working With “Extreme Makeover”

Posted: 03 Aug 2009 11:38 PM PDT

I obviously don't know her personally but my impression is that Kellie Pickler is just a sweet, sweet girl. The former American Idol finalist is helping a family in Ohio in a very big way – she and the crew from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition surprised them with a new home!

The family definitely needed it. Medal-winning Paralympian, James Terpenning, is a hero in many senses of the word. He not only continues to strive for excellence in spite of his physical obstacles but he also mentors children and soldiers who have become disabled.

As is the case with many selfless people, he looks after his own needs last. He lives in a 1,100 square-foot home with his wife, their four young children and his brother, who has cerebral palsy. As if the home's size isn't enough, the house is not wheelchair-accessible.

Kellie will perform when the new home is completed and revealed to the family. In a press release, Kellie said: "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is such a magical show because it is all about giving back. I’m thrilled to be a part of it."

The episode airs this fall. If you want to keep up-to-date on all of Kellie's projects (and day to day stuff), follow her on Twitter @therealpickler.

image: Zuma Press

Post from: Idol Stalker

Guy Sebastian Releasing New Album in October

Posted: 03 Aug 2009 10:51 AM PDT

Australian Idol winner, Guy Sebastian, will be releasing a new album called Like It Like That on October 9, 2009. I'm really interested in hearing what this new effort sounds like since it will feature John Mayer (one of my favorites!) and was recorded in the United States.

If you aren't familiar with Guy, you should give him a chance because I think he's got a great voice and I love his energy. I found the video for the title track "Like It Like That" so check it out and tell me what you think.

Post from: Idol Stalker

Kelly Clarkson on Good Morning America

Posted: 02 Aug 2009 10:33 AM PDT

Kelly Clarkson was on Good Morning America a few days ago where she performed some older and new music including "Walk Away" and "Already Gone." The crowd really went wild when Robin Roberts brought up the fact that Kelly is the original winner American Idol. I guess all those people who voted for her still love her!

Robin also mentioned Kelly's 11 dogs and a cat (she rescues animals) and the fact that the singer goes barefoot on stage and has a fan to keep her cool (Kelly mentions that she has a perspiration problem! Ha ha!).

I really liked this revamped version of "Walk Away" but, then again, I'm a real sucker for live horns. Enjoy!