I take my Christmas music seriously. There are a lot of singers for a relatively few songs - for every great version, there are twenty more that really stink. No one thought it was funny when Rosanne Barr butchered the National Anthem - I get almost as irritated with The Chipmunks singing “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” which is my absolute, bar-none favorite Christmas song of all time. If you’ve never seen Judy Garland sing it in “Meet Me In St. Louis” you really should. I’m not positive, but I think it was written for that movie - which, by the way, is way up there on “My Favorite Movie” list. I don’t give kudos for this song lightly, but I must say, I enjoyed Clay Aiken and Carrie Underwood’s renditions immensely. How did we manage to survive without YouTube, anyway? I’m not going to bother trying to decide which one I like better - they’re different enough so that I can like them both without having to pick. And there you have it, folks - a sneak peek into the mind of a Libra…

Ever the Marine, Josh Gracin didn’t hesitate to answer the call of duty when his tourmates, the country group Lonestar, needed help. The lead singer, Richie McDonald was unable to perform due to injury and had to stay back in Nashville. Josh, who is currently opening for Lonestar, was more than happy to jump in and take over vocal duties.

At the STARS 2006 Rio Grande Valley Extravaganza – a benefit concert for South Texas students – Josh warmed up the crowd with songs like ‘Ain’t Going Down ‘Til The Sun Comes Up’ and ‘Got Nothin’ To Lose.’ He then hit the stage with Lonestar singing “My Front Porch Lookin’ In’, ‘Smile’, ‘Not A Day Goes By’, and the mega-hit, ‘Amazed’. Dean Sams from Lonestar explained McDonald’s absence and said, “We thought, ‘Well, we could cancel a few shows, or we could send a few kids in South Texas to school,’” he said, clapping Gracin on the back. “Luckily, Josh here knew all the songs.”

I sure hope this brings Josh some much-needed exposure. Yes, he’s got a nice little career going, but I think he could be much, much bigger. His single, “I Keep Coming Back”, had lukewarm success on the country charts and his next CD has been delayed. Check out Josh’s MySpace page to listen to his single and check out his American Idol version of ‘Amazed’ below.

The world has gone completely insane. Before I started writing for Idolwire, when I would see stories like these, I would simply change the channel, close the page, etc. Unfortunately, I had to change my address from “Happy, Oblivion” to “What the Hell?, Real World” in order to report the news - and I use that term very, very, loosely.

I was wondering how long it would take and what lengths people would go to mutate the “feel-good story” of the year - Jennifer Hudson’s Cinderella story from booted Idol to Oscar-worthy star - into a national scandal. You can read the story here, here, and here. I’m too disgusted to summarize for you.

It’s almost like we can’t stand to have anyone too happy for too long. “Jennifer Hudson steals the movie! She’s on her way to superstardom! Her performance is like a religious experience! Let’s rip the bitch to shreds! C’mon! Who’s with me!” It’s crazy - how does making Jennifer Hudson look bad make anyone else look good? How does making Jennifer Hudson feel sad, depressed, and hurt make anyone else feel better? I don’t get it.

It’s not just Jennifer, either. In just the past few weeks we’ve had such made up, twisted, and exaggerated stories as Taylor Hicks is ungrateful to Idol, a rehashing of the Kelly Clarkson didn’t thank Idol at the Grammy’s, Fantasia calling JHud a heiffer, and the Beyonce feud. The most disgusting display of this sickening “reporting” was Clay Aiken’s sour note at a Christmas concert. It was everywhere for days. I don’t always agree with the Claymates’ tactics when it comes to supporting Clay, but they were dead-on justified in their campaign to have those videos removed. In my opinion, posting that video wasn’t “good-natured, all in fun ribbing” - it was just plain mean.  These celebrities are successful for a reason - they’ve earned it!  Go earn your own damn success and stop trying to destroy theirs.

It’s not easy being the kinder, gentler American Idol site. I’m trying - really I am - but, boy am I homesick for Oblivion.

When I was nine years old, I had a gigantic crush on Donny Osmond. Everything I owned was purple, right down to the wall-to-wall carpeting in my bedroom (for which I am eternally grateful – it was awesome!). I had two Donny and Marie records that I played over and over and over again - I swear I still know all the words - causing my family to run for cover when it was my turn to use the stereo. The day my Tiger Beat arrived in the mail was the highlight of my week – I would spend hours poring over the pages, staring at the pictures, and carefully cutting out the posters and the iron-ons. At night, I’d lay awake in my ridiculously cool purple bedroom and dream up all kinds of crazy stories - “The Adventures of Donny Osmond”. Alas, the yearning for my Donny was mine alone to bear. My friends didn’t share my affections, so the only conversations I ever had about my dearest love was my big sister yelling, “Mom! Tell Laurie to stop talking about Donny Osmond!” – I hardly think that counts. One Friday night, my parents had to hire a babysitter because I refused to leave the house – “But, Daddy! I can’t go – the ‘Donny and Marie Show’ is on!” Clearly, my predisposition to fanaticism surfaced at an early age.

Fast forward 30 years (slow down over my 20’s – they were fun) and imagine my joyous discovery of the world of internet fandom. Uber-fans UNITE! Enclosed within the hallowed forum walls lies a fairytale world for the celeb-stricken: news, videos, audio, pictures – anything you can imagine is here! The message boards bring fans together in ways never before possible – think of it as a year-round, always accessible Trekkie Convention. The best part is admittance is guaranteed – uber-fans can be young or old, married or single, working or going to school, or be of any nationality, race, color or creed. As long as you feel the love, you’ll be welcome for life. Is there anything better than sharing the thrill of a new CD or bit of information with your like-minded buddies? Feeling a sudden surge of love for Elliott Yamin? Jump on the board at the E-Train and share your mushiness with the equally afflicted. Did you just run into Constantine Maroulis at the neighborhood deli in the Bronx? There are hundreds of people at Greek Speak who are dying to hear your story! “What was he wearing? Did he pout for you? You know, did he make ‘the face’?” Are you a Carrie Underwood fan who just happens to live in Siberia? No matter. Lose the parka, grab a bottle of vodka, and belly up to the forum at CarrieFans.com – the place where everybody knows your (screen)name and they’re always glad you came.

When I was a girl, no one wanted to hear the story of how my beloved Donny saves me from a burning building: “Cradling her in his strong arms, Donny bravely dodged the flames and fled the towering inferno. Choking on smoke and tears, he looked down at the light of his life fading away. ‘Don’t leave me! I love you!’” Yeah, well…not so sure anyone wants to hear it now either, but that’s not my point… Today, I could post my stories in the fanfic section of the board and get immediate feedback: “Awww…that’s so romantic!” or “Gosh, that’s a little creepy coming from a nine-year-old.” The artists among us upload their drawings, wallpapers, banners, and blends to share their creative vision. I have several pieces of Kelly Clarkson fan art hanging in my office – at my age posters are simply not acceptable, but a beautiful black and white sketch is perfect! (Jess (awesomeaussie) at the KC Express - you rock!) I am always amazed when I read through the creative threads on boards and see all the poetry, songs, artwork, and stories. Uber-fans don’t only invest their time and money, they invest their passion.

And passion, my fellow fans, is the key. It’s the force that creates a Claymate from a mere Clay Aiken fan. It’s the magic that transforms an occasional Taylor Hicks listener into a Soul Patroller. It’s the fire that forges a Louisiana wife and mother into a Hot Damn! 10,000+ poster on the Kelly Clarkson Express. It’s what keeps the career fires burning for Bo Bice until he can make a full recovery. It’s what drives Highrollers to raise over $30,000 in 30 days. At its best, passion is love in its purest form - at its worst, a dangerous obsession. This Christmas season, celebrate your passion in its purest form with your nearest and dearest. It is a remarkable gift to share, for a life without passion is simply a long, dark road.

Fourteen years passed before I finally saw Donny Osmond in person. He was performing the National Anthem before a BYU football game and I thought, “I have never been happier than I am right this very second.” And they called it puppy love…whatever.

Whatever happened to the Idol Christmas Special? I guess that was back in the day when the Idols were endentured slaves and not artists in their own right. Oh, well - good for them and bad for me. I love Christmas music and when any Idol sings I’m over the top happy. Of course, with two Christmas tours under his belt, Clay Aiken is the Christmas Idol and I could fill every post with Clay songs, but that hardly seems fair, does it?

Kelly Clarkson: ‘O Holy Night’ - Rockefeller Center

That one makes me cry every time.

Vonzell Solomon: ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ - GMA

Oh, Vonzell, how I miss you! She was my favorite performer on the Idols Live! Tour and although this song may not be her best performance, at Read the rest of this entry »

I adore Ruben.  He was on the Tyra Banks show on Tuesday to perform and help judge the “Thick and Sexy Top Model” contest.  Read the recap here.

It doesn’t end there!  Ruben has set up his own modeling agency for plus-size models so he can find “real girls” to appear in his music videos.  Read the story here.  He’s an angel…

Kelly Clarkson - ‘Favorite Pop/Rock Female’ and ‘Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist’

Carrie Underwood - ‘Favorite New Breakthrough Artist               

Presenters -  Taylor Hicks, Clay Aiken, Katharine McPhee

Performers - Carrie Underwood - She performed a medley of recent hits including “Jesus Take The Wheel,” “Don’t Forget To Remember Me,” and her current smash, “Before He Cheats,” from her debut album, ‘Some Hearts’.
Carrie on Faith and American Idol: - Underwood said that superstar Faith Hill was kidding when she screamed “What?” to the camera in what looked like anger when she lost the CMA female vocalist of the year award to Underwood.

“That night I actually spoke to her immediately after the awards show was over. She assured me she was just joking,” said Underwood.

“I owe everything that I do or will do to ‘American Idol,’” she said, noting that her win, plus former “Idol” Kelly Clarkson’s in two categories “does give the show more credibility.”

But what about Clarkson being a no-show to the ceremony, and her past remarks that were critical of “Idol”?

“I’ve never had to say anything negative about ‘American Idol’ because everyone has been so supportive of me,” Underwood said.

Taylor on Wierd Al - Yankovic did a parody of Hicks on the song “Do I Creep You Out?” but he said Hicks was a good sport.

Hicks, standing a few feet away, agreed.

“It’s cool,” said the tan and tall singer. “What’s there to be mad at?”

Well, I wasn’t going to post about this because generally my rule is “If you don’t have something nice to say…”, but here goes:

I watched the first ten minutes of Clay’s co-hosting gig on “Live with Regis and Kelly” Friday morning.  I don’t watch the show, but Clay was on and his interviews are always entertaining, so I tuned in.  The first few minutes were fine - they did the Halloween thing, Clay reacted like anyone would who had been lampooned - no problem there.  But he wouldn’t let it go!  I couldn’t believe how rude Clay was to Kelly - honestly, I felt like the real Clay had been kidnapped and this was some snarky, immature, NOT funny impersonator.  Clay has quite a quick wit and comes up with some great zingers, but there’s a time, a place, and a LIMIT!  Sometimes, If you if you just keep the zingers coming for no reason, you move into “just plain rude” territory and in my opinion, Clay crossed the line.  I started to become very uncomfortable with the whole thing and embarrassed for Clay, so I just said “Enough!” and turned it off. 

Good thing I did as it appears the confrontation continued…all the way up to today’s show.  Why, oh why did Kelly have to bring it up? If she had a beef with Clay, she should have taken it up with him IN PRIVATE, not on national television when Clay wasn’t there to defend himself or apologize. I didn’t disagree with her - he was disrespectful and hostile (although not overly) - but talking about it this morning was also disrespectful and hostile (although not overly) and very unprofessional.

And what about the Claymates?  Clay made the reference (to Kelly) “They’re going to mob you” and Kelly said she’s been wearing a bulletproof vest since the Halloween parody.  As a Clay fan, I didn’t appreciate the comments from either of them.  I’ve been on the Clay boards today and the vast, vast majority of the fans on those boards are advocating NOT sending hate mail and NOT behaving like lunatics.  A few (a very few) even agreed that Clay putting his hand over Kelly’s mouth was not a good move.  Yes, Claymates are dedicated and yes, they see him through rose-colored glasses (as all fan bases view their celebrity) and yes, they are the most vocal and organized of the bunch, but to continue this image of “unstable housewives” isn’t fair and it can’t be helping Clay’s career.  Why didn’t Clay say, “Oh, come on?  A bullet proof vest?  My fans are devoted but they are the sweetest people ever - they would never hurt anyone.”  Why wouldn’t he defend his fans? What does he know that I don’t?  Am I giving the ‘Mates too much credit?  Do the “fringe loonies” really outnumber the casual to simply rabid fans?  If they do, that’s really too bad…

Not that I expect it to, but hopefully this will all blow over in the next few days.  Clay certainly doesn’t need more bad press and Kelly shouldn’t have to fear for her life because she overreacted.  I think maybe a fun and fabulous interview on Wednesday’s Tyra Banks Show is just what the doctor ordered…

Please feel free to agree or disagree, but please keep your comments civil and respectful or they will be deleted.  Thank you.

From VH1:

Get in swimsuit shape for summer with your favorite celebrities with an all new season of “Celebrity Fit Club.” VH1’s popular fitness, nutrition and drama series is back for a fifth season premiering in April 2007.

Ready to shed their inhibitions’ and a few pounds the “Celebrity Fit Club 5″ cast is set to climb on the giant scales as they throw their weight around and compete for cash and prizes. This season’s cast includes Maureen McCormick (The Brady Bunch), Dustin Diamond (Saved By The Bell), Tiffany (pop star), Cledus T. Judd (country music artist), Da Brat (Hip Hop Artist), Ross “The Intern” Mathews (The Tonight Show), Kimberley Locke (American Idol) and Warren G (rapper). This spring will have them embarking on their own grueling fitness journeys while also working together to reach their fitness goals.

The cast for season five of “Celebrity Fit Club” is our fittest yet so drill sergeant Harvey Walden IV has plans to work them harder than ever. Also back are nutritional & diet expert, Dr. Ian Smith and host ANT and this season we have a new psychotherapist, Stacy Kaiser.

Clay Aiken’s charity, The Bubel-Aiken Foundation, is asking for help this year with their Wrapping for Inclusion program.  Wrapping for Inclusion is a nationwide awareness campaign where volunteers wrap gifts in exchange for donations at local merchants and malls across the country. Donations support TBAF’s efforts to provide opportunities for inclusion for children of all abilities.