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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2005 > September
September 2005
October 2: La Toya London’s CD debuts at #82
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
La Toya London’s CD “Love & Life” debuted at #82 on the Billboard Top 200. That means it probably sold around 12,000 to 15,000 copies. That’s not a huge number but she’s not getting much airplay either.
In the meantime, Kelly Clarkson keeps going strong. Her current album Breakaway is at #13, up five notches in a week when there were tons of new releases. Going on Oprah helpled her. Her fourth single off the album (and eighth top 40 hit) “Because of You” is yet another top 3 hit and is at No. 2 on the CHR charts behind the dominant “Shake it Off.”
October 1: Constantine signs sitcom deal with ABC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Constantine Maroulis is a ham. You saw it every second of airtime he milked on “Idol,” right down to the 20/20 goof when he donned a mustache and ridiculous Italian accent. So no shock ABC has signed him to a sitcom deal. This doesn’t necessarily equate to a sitcome that will air. There’s not even a title or character aside. So we’ll see how things look when pilot season starts in a few months. Here’s the link
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Sept. 29: Blah “Idol” judge press conference in San Francisco during auditions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Paula Abdul says nothing of substance and Simon Cowell promises to be “nice” in this pointless “American Idol” story by Associated Press.
This was apparently from a press conference and a very dull one at that. Here’s a story with a bit more bite to it. It notes that if the show this season is as dull as this press conference, it could spell the death knell of the show.
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Sept. 28: Clay Aiken coming to Atlanta again Dec. 17, Fantasia’s book due out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For those of you who may have missed Clay at Chastain in early July, he’s coming back on December 17 at the Atlanta Civic Center for his second Christmas tour. Here’s the link at ticketmaser info A presale online starts October 6. Grab tickets as early as possible because the seats in the back are really far away.
And according to www.foxesonidol.com, Fantasia has a new book “Life is Not a Fairy Tale” coming out on Sept. 30. You can buy it in advance at amazon now at this link.
RCA also has a pre-order date on amazon for Bo’s new, yet unnamed album on November 22, a week after Carrie’s album is due out. Here’s the link to Bo’s page and Carrie’s page
Carrie is currently outselling Bo in advance sales. )
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Sept. 27: Bo Bice has a baby boy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bo Bice and his wife Caroline Fisher just had a baby boy, Aiden, on Saturday. Where the baby was born was not reported though Bice has been spending time in Nashville working on his new album. The two met while he was working at a guitar star near his home in Helena, Ala. The two married on June 15. He is keeping Katrina victims at his home in Helena.
Sept. 26: George Huff at Gospel Angels Katrina Benefit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I was interviewing folks for a 5th anniversary 104.7/The Fish story at the Gospel Angels Katrina Benefit last Thursday evening at Centennial Olympic Park and locations at various shelters nationwide. Ce Ce Winans, Third Day, Natalie Grant and others did their part, along with the very gospel-oriented George Huff (AI3, 3rd place). I wasn’t paying full attention to the concert but Huff sounded good.
La Toya London’s album just came out this past Tuesday. It’ll be interesting to see if it charts at all.
Josh Gracin’s latest single “Stay With Me” just hit the top 10 on the country charts — his third. And Kimberly Locke has a #11 hit on the AC chart with “I Could.” And Kelly’s latest single, the ballad “Because of You” is climbing the pop charts, too. Plus, Q100 is also playing “Walk Away,” a cut off her latest album, because it was upbeat and the station needed more upbeat cuts in the late summer.
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Sept. 24: Nikki and Ryan on “All-Star Reality Reunion”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bravo had this bright idea of bringing back more than 50 reality show stars in one huge room to reminisce about reality shows, hosted by Kathy Griffin, a realitiy show vet herself. It was a bit absurd given that there was only about 45 minutes to do the show (surely edited down severely), leaving less than 60 seconds per person.
Ryan Starr and Nikki McKibbin of the first season of “American Idol” (and participants in the fine “Battle of the Network Reality Stars”) joined in. They got a few seconds in when Griffin asked them about Simon.
“It was really hard to deal with SImon. it was more hard to deal iwth how the show became such a big deal. We had no idea,” Starr said.
“We were locked up in the house,” McKibbon said. “We didn’t have time to make phone calls.”
The first time “we came out of our hotel. There were thousands of people there,” Starr said. “We didnt know people knew our names because we were sequestered.”
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Sept 22: Nikki McKibbin part of “Battle of Network Reality Stars” winning team
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I loved the original “Battle of the Network Stars” and ate up “Battle of the Network Reality Stars.” The finale tonight was fun because the dominant team, led by Mike “the Miz” (who lives in metro Atlanta now that he’s prepping to join WWE), lost to Team Underdog, a bunch of contestants cast off by other teams. They included Rachel Lynn Fraser of “The Swan,” Bradford Cohen of “Apprentice 2,” Adam Mesh of “Average Joe,” Brian Worth of “Average Joe,” Mirna Hindoyan of “Amazing Race” and the “Idol” connection Nikki McKibbin (AI1, 3rd place.)
Nikki did extremely well. She’s quite athletic. She got really peeved when she was kicked off Team Chip but she got her revenge in the end as her team beat Team Miz thanks to quick thinking on the puzzle section of the finale.
It was a fun show. I don’t know if it did particularly well in the ratings or well enough for Bravo to renew it. We’ll find out in a few months.
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Sept. 22: George Huff at Centennial Olympic Park tonight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
George Huff (AI3, 4th place) fans should check out this tonight:
GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION TO HOST KATRINA RELIEF CONCERT AT CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK
On September 22, 2005, the Gospel Music Association (GMA) will hold “Gospel Angels: A Concert to Restore Hope” — a benefit concert for the Katrina relief efforts — in conjunction with World Vision and Feed the Children at Centennial Olympic Park. Recently, the GMA announced their artist line-up for this event, including George Huff, Israel & New Breed, Aaron Shust, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and will be hosted by Grammy-award winning recording artist CeCe Winans.
“Through this concert we are raising our voices collectively to offer a unified message of hope and a helping hand to people overwhelmed by the loss and sorrow caused by Katrina,” said Winans.
The Gospel Angels benefit concert will also include special messages of hope and performances from other artists, including Grammy-winning rock band, Third Day.
“With the financial donations received from this concert, World Vision will continue to use its resources to come alongside the local churches in the hardest hit areas to bring, not only needed funds and supplies, but also spiritual counseling and support,” said Marty Lonsdale, vice president of World Vision.
Larry Jones, president of Feed The Children added, “How appropriate that this event is named ‘Gospel Angels: A Concert to Restore Hope’ because those who are participating — on stage and in the park and televised audiences — will definitely be angels of hope to those that have lost everything.”
Admission to the concert is $10 and additional donations will be accepted at the event. “Gospel Angels: A Concert to Restore Hope” will be broadcasted on the Gospel Music Channel, i (formerly PAX TV), the Worship Network, and XM Radio from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 EDT.
For more information, visit www.GospelMusicChannel.com and www.projectrestore.org.
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Sept. 21: Other reality shows wrap up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
CBS’s middling-rated “Rock Star: INXS” Tuesday night ended with Canadian J.D. Fortune as the front man. Despite his jerk-ish ways, he was the best fit, vocally and visually. Fellow Aussie Mig lacks the vocal and songwriting chops, despite his stage presence. He proved it by doing a poor version of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” (Constantine blew him away and so did Suzie on the INXS show.)
And Chicago’s Marty, while a distinctive songwriter and singer, didn’t quite meld with INXS while singing “Don’t Change.” He also looks a little scary. But he’s got talent and could carve out his own career independent of INXS.
If you thought the whole concept was too creepy given that Michael Hutchence’s name was seldom if ever even uttered on the show, there was also the finale of UPN’s “R U the Girl with T-Boz and Chilli.” The stakes were far less than with the INXS show. The winner, who ended up being someone by the bizarre name of O’so Krispie, looked suspiciously like the late Lisa Lopes circa 1993. Mirrah was more mature and visually a better fit for two 30-something women. Go figure. Folks on message boards think they picked 20-year-old Krispie to appeal to a younger audience. And since she’s from Atlanta, I’m going to have to give her a call tomorrow and do a Peach Buzz item.
Sept. 20: Greenboro & Las Vegas new “Idol” audition dates
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Greensboro, N.C. (home to Fantasia and not far from Clay) and Las Vegas (Mikalah Gordon country) are the new audition sites, replacing Memphis (dropped since it was skeded to close to Katrina).
Atlanta was snubbed.
More details at www.idolonfox.com
GREENSBORO, NC Monday, October 3 Greensboro Coliseum 1201 S. Chapman Street Greensboro, NC 27401 Details to come
LAS VEGAS, NV (Final Audition City) Monday, October 10 Las Vegas Convention Center 3150 Paradise Road Las Vegas, NV 89109
Sept 18: “Idol” loses to “Amazing Race” in Emmy race… again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the third year in a row, “Amazing Race” won the best reality show program, beating “Survivor” and “American Idol,” the other stalwarts in the category. Oh, well. At least “Amazing Race” is a fine show and a greater technical challenge than any other show.
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Sept. 17: Fan looks back at Bo’s “Idol” experience
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Donna Reynolds was there to witness the final moments of Bo Bice as “Idol” contestant and writes a sweet requiem here at www.foxesonidol.com
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Sept 16: Fantasia opens for hot hip-hop act Kanye West, coming to Gwinnett Arena 11/17
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s a sign of real respect in the R&B world: AI3 winner Fantasia will open for hot hip-hop act Kanye West on his 44-city tour this fall. Fantasia will be seen on November 17 at the Gwinnett Arena. Go to ticketmaster to see when tix go on sale. Here’s a link for more details. ‘
This is Kanye’s first headlining tour. Last year, he opened for Atlanta’s own Usher. Kanye’s current album “Late Registration” has sold more than 1.1 million copies in two weeks. And “Gold Digger” is the No. 1 single in America. The other openers are Keyshia Cole and Common.
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Sept. 15: William Hung is still around!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
About 19 months after showing up on “American Idol” to butcher “She Bangs” so badly, the endearingly clueless 21 year old became the most famous non-finalist “Idol” ever. Hung is laughing all the way to the bank. He has released three albums and sold more CDs than Justin Guarini or most “Idol” finalists for that matter. He’s been in Ask Jeeves and Cingular ads and a Hong Kong movie. He has his own bobblehead. A year ago, when the Atlanta Motor Speedway wanted him to make an appearance, he charged $5,000 plus another $2,000 for hotel and airfare. Not bad. Do 20 comparable appearances and that’s a solid $100,000. He’s clearly made a lot more than that.
And Hung is still making appearances. He was at a Mitsubishi car dealership in Daytona, Fla. a couple of days ago before 50 people. Okay, that’s not much of an appearance but he’s probably still pulling in enough cash to survive. Here’s a sartoric take on his visit by a non “Idol” fan and Daytona News Journal reporter
And his Web site is www.williamhung.net
He’s the Tiny Tim of our generation!
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Sept. 14: Review of final “Idol” tours in Syracuse
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Donna Reynolds, a fellow “Idol” lover at www.foxesonidol.com, gives us a birds-eye view of the final two concerts, including the charity benefit. Bo does show up for the final two, even though he was obviously in pain.
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Sept. 13: Do you have $700,000? Advertise on “American Idol”!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A :30-second spot in the Wednesday installment of American Idol for the upcoming season will cost you approx $700,000, says Hollywood Reporter, making it the most expensive 30 seconds in a series on television. However, if you want to go cheap, you could schedule your spot on a Tuesday - that’s only $660,000. Renewing their deals for the upcoming season are show sponsors Coca Cola, Cingular and Ford.
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Sept 11: AI3’s George Huff homeless post-Katrina//Kelly cancels more tour dates
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s a detailed story of George Huff (AI3, 4th place) and his experience since Katrina hit from a Christian online magazine:
And Kelly Clarkson has cancelled more dates in the Northeast for bronchitis. Here’s a link
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Sept 10: Back in the NE, “Idol” tour takes beating from Providence, RI reviewer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In one of the most negative reviews yet for the “Idol” tour this year, the Providence Journal writer just pilloried everybody’s performance, save for faint praise for Nikko Smith. The sin? Oversinging. No surprise this came in New England, which was rough on “Idol” during its first go around in the area…
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Sept 9: Bo Bice to make appearance on Katrina benefit “Idol” tour finale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So much for bed rest. Just two weeks after he had serious intestinal surgery, he is flying to Syracuse for a special Katrina benefit “Idol” finale concert Sept. 11. He will also roll out a new song he wrote after Katrina, “We Can’t Change This World.”
The details in this mtv.com article
He is planning a trip to Louisiana later this month and is also launching a Web site (BoBiceRelief.com) to raise funds for disaster relief as well as other causes such as AIDS research and Farm Aid, whose annual concert he’ll perform at on September 18. He even moved a family from Louisiana into his home in Helena he no longer lives in (he’s now baseed in Nashville.)
“I’m really upset about [missing tour dates],” Bo told mtv.com. “I feel like I let everybody down. Obviously there’s nothing I can do about this particular situation. If it were up to me, I would be out there tomorrow, but the docs won’t let me. I’m depressed about it, but hopefully true fans will come out and see me later.”
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Sept. 8: Kelly Clarkson has bronchitis, cancels tour date//More on Mario Vazquez
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Maybe running into the fake rain at the MTV Video Awards wasn’t such a good idea after all (and later swimming in a pool.). And her voice didn’t sound great on MTV already.
She was forced to cancel two performances in California this week after being struck down with bronchitis.
The singer, who performed under a constant flow of water at last month’s MTV Video Music Awards had to call off Monday’s show in Santa Barbara and Wednesday’s event in Irvine.
Rescheduled dates will be announced shortly, reports MTV News.
And here’s a press release about Mario Vazquez, if you dare to care:
19 Entertainment Announces Mario Vazquez Recording and Management Agreements
NEW YORK, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ — 19 Entertainment Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (Nasdaq: CKXE), announced today that Mario Vazquez, a former contestant on American Idol, has entered into a recording agreement with J Records, a division of SonyBMG Music Entertainment, and an exclusive management agreement with Stiefel Entertainment. The company confirmed that work has begun on Vazquez’s new album, which is expected to be released in spring 2006.
Simon Fuller, Chief Executive Officer of 19 Entertainment, commented, “This demonstrates again the ability of American Idol both to spot new young talent and to bring that talent to the attention of the American public. We continue to enjoy a professional relationship with Mario Vazquez and of course are pleased that SonyBMG, which has been the record company of American Idol, will be Mario’s label and that Arnold Stiefel, a close business associate and good personal friend of our senior management, will be guiding Mario’s career.”
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Sept 8: AI3’s George Huff to appear at Atlanta benefit 9/22
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
From www.foxesonidol.com
George Huff is expected to participate in a fundraiser for hurricane relief to be broadcast on September 22. The event, which is being sponsored by the Atlanta-based Gospel Music Channel, will be aired live from Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park on GMC and PAX TV. (PAX will air it from 8 to 10 p.m. Comcast locally does not air the channel here that I know of. I’m not sure if the satellite companies do either).
More info about the concert here
George is gearing up to promote his CD, Miracles, set to be released on October 11.
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Sept. 7: Emmy’s try to latch onto “Idol” magic// “Idol” extends tour, adds benefit in Syracuse
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s a link to a Hollywood Reporter story about the Emmy’s airing Sunday Sept. 18 having various actors sing TV theme songs in an “Idol” style competition. No word on who the judges will be but hopefully at least one of the three “Idol’ judges pops in, preferably Simon.
Among those slated for the “Emmy Idol” contest segments to be sprinkled throughout the three-hour telecast are Kristen Bell (“Veronica Mars”), who will tackle the theme from the 1980s drama “Fame.” (More efforts by CBS, which is airing the show, to amp up sister network UPN’s low-rated but critically acclaimed show?)
Then there’s “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’s” Gary Dourdan and singer Macy Gray, who will duet on “Movin’ on Up,” the theme from “The Jeffersons.” It’s nice to see Gray getting some work nowadays.
“Will & Grace’s” Megan Mullally and “The Apprentice” boss Donald Trump will team up on the theme from the 1960s farce “Green Acres.” This could be screetchingly funny or incredibly unfunny depending on the execution.
And the likeliest train wreck: William Shatner, who is up for supporting drama actor honors for his work on ABC’s “Boston Legal,” will be part of the night’s most unusual pairing as he and opera star Frederica von Stade take a stab at a vocal rendition of instrumental theme from “Star Trek,” the 1960s sci-fi drama that made Shatner a household name.
And here’s a press release from the “Idol” folks:
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ — 19 Entertainment President Simon Fuller and AEG announced that the American Idols Live! tour will play an additional night in Syracuse, NY on Sunday, September 11 to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Season 4 Idols, who were originally scheduled to end their summer tour on September 10, will perform a special show at The War Memorial at Oncenter, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the American Red Cross.
Fuller, who created and executive produces the Fox television show, stated, “‘American Idol’ has proven to be a true show of the people. This one-off special on Sunday night is an opportunity for ordinary citizens to respond to the disaster in New Orleans and Mississippi. The more I learned of the extent of the suffering and loss, the more I was desperately keen to do something. We are all citizens of the world and we are all compelled to help.”
Carrie Underwood, the 2005 American Idol stated, “While on tour we of course have been following the tragic news relating to Hurricane Katrina. When Simon suggested the idea of putting on a special charity concert to help those in need, myself and all the Idols on tour were very happy to help. Our hearts go out to the many people suffering from this disaster.”
Tickets are available at the War Memorial at Oncenter Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone at 315-472-0700 or 315-435-2121, or online at ticketmaster.com. Tickets subject to applicable service charges. Event time and date subject to change.
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Sept. 6: Bo Bice talks to Blender mag about pot, ramen noodles
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Long before his intestinal surgery and broken foot, Bo Bice spoke with Blender magazine (Shakira cover). The tidbits include the fact he made just $220 a week while on “American Idol” and $20,000 a year managing a guitar store (enough, apparently, to own a home in Helena, Ala.).
His dietary secrets for living cheap: “Ramen noodles and baloney is good. Make a fried baloney sandwich with mustard on one side of the bread and mayonnaise on the other and some cheese, then a little cup of ramen. It’s a good meal, man!”
Question: What’s your favorite curse word and please use it in a sentence?
Answer: “You can kiss my [you know what he said], Fedorov!” I’m a prankster and while we were on American Idol, Anthony Fedorov was my roommate. I cellophaned his toilet seat on his birthday. He didn’t say anything — I figured he must have gotten it all over the walls and was too humiliated to tell anybody. Now he’ll call and say, “You can kiss my [you know what he said,] Bice!” So [a slightly harsher word for buttocks] is my cuss word unless you make me really mad.”
Sorry, I have to adhere to our familiy-friendly cuss word restrictions here at the AJC.
He talked about dabbling with cocaine “but my drug was always marijuana. And I don’t see anything wrong with it. But five years ago, being on the Idol probably would have been more of a curse than a blessing. Five years ago, my nose wasn’t smelling flowers, if you know what I’m saying.”
More cute stuff if you grab the magazine. He’s a quick wit. It’s on the first editorial page inside of the back page.
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Sept 3: I talk to Josh Gracin, AI2, 4th place
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Josh Gracin was predictably very polite, providing vanilla answers. Naturally, he declined to comment about Corey Clarke from his fine year.
Here’s a brief Buzz item we ran on Thursday in advance of his free concert at Stone Mountain Park this Sunday:
Gracin comes to town
Josh Gracin, known as the Marine/country singer on “American Idol” in 2003, should expect hordes of fans at Sunday’s Kicks 101.5 Stone Mountain Park end-of-summer party.
While some still see him as that “Idol” guy, plenty of folks will be there to hear him sing his country hits.
And yes, he has racked up three Top 15 country hits off his self-titled debut album: the peppy “Nothing to Lose,” the passionate “I Want to Live” and the current mid-tempo single “Stay With Me.”
“I never expected this much success,” Gracin told Buzz on Wednesday. After 14 months, “the record is still selling 7,000 to 12,000 a week.”
Garth Brooks-loving Gracin said his four-year Marine stint helped ground him for the whirlwind life of a musician since he left the service a year ago.
“It’s given me a sense of responsibility and discipline you need to take care of a career and do it the right way,” said Gracin, who is scheduled to play at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. (Besides the $8 per-car entry fee into the park, it’s free.)
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Sept. 1: Post-Katrina, “Idol” cancels Memphis auditions, new city forthcoming
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s the press release:
“AMERICAN IDOL� AUDITIONS IN MEMPHIS CANCELLED
City Accommodating Thousands Displaced by Hurricane Katrina
After extensive consultation between Memphis, TN safety officials, FedExForum venue staff, and AMERICAN IDOL producers, it has been determined that due to the extensive disaster relief efforts currently being coordinated in that city, the AMERICAN IDOL auditions scheduled for Monday, Sept. 5, will need to be cancelled.
The city of Memphis has taken on the responsibility of taking in tens of thousands of refugees from Hurricane Katrina, and out of respect for the city’s citizens, their public services, and the need to focus public safety efforts on the victims, this decision was made.
The producers of AMERICAN IDOL extend their thanks to the city of Memphis, and will hopefully be able to return there next season. Another audition city for this season will be announced shortly.
Auditions will continue next week in Denver, CO (September 11, Invesco Field), followed by Chicago, IL on September 16 (Soldier Field). The next season of AMERICAN IDOL will begin in January 2006.
And here’s a measured “American Idol” tour review (written with minimal flair) from The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
