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American Idol Live tour dates were recently announced. Donations will be made to The Heart Foundation for every purchased ticket. Ticket Hunter Online gives special promotion and offers a 30% discount.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 19, 2012

The American Idol tour will kick off July 6th, 2012 in Detroit and wraps up on September 11 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI. Los Angeles based ticket mega seller Ticket Hunter Online will be giving a 30% discount on all American Idol live tickets with promo code “wicked” at tickethunteronline.com

The highly anticipated 45 date tour will feature 10 of the top talent the American Idol stage has produced this past season. The tour features finalists from the popular television show which has helped launched the careers of popular artists including: Fantasia Barrino, Kelly Clarkson, Scotty McCreery and Adam Lambert. Although the American Idol season finale will air on Fox on May 23.

2011 tour sponsors are CHIPS AHOY! RITZ. Tickets can be purchased via tickethunteronline.com. The Heart Foundation will be receiving a $1 donation for every ticket purchased for the tour. This past Thursday night, the AMERICAN IDOL studio audience was surprised by Ryan Seacrest when he gifted them with AMERICAN IDOL LIVE! Tour tickets.

American Idol Live tour is the first chance to see your favorite American Idol contestants like Colton Dixon, DeAndre Brackensick, Elise Testone, Erika Van Pelt, Heejun Han, Hollie Cavanagh, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips and Skylar Laine in concert.

Ticket Hunter Online CEO, Michael Quinones, expects American Idol Live tickets to be the highest demand in years.

“We’ve had such high demand for Idol tickets. I think demand will only increase as the tour kicks off,” stated Michael Quinones.

Ticket Hunter Online has announced a promotional discount of 30% on all American Idol Live tickets by using promo code “wicked” at [tickethunteronline.com.

American Idol Live Tour Dates:

Tickets On Sale Now At Tickethunter.com

DATE     MARKET     VENUE    

6-Jul    Detroit, MI     Joe Louis Arena    

7-Jul    Rosemont, IL     Allstate Arena    

9-Jul    Minneapolis, MN     Target Center    

11-Jul    St. Louis, MO     Scottrade Center    

12-Jul    Kansas City, MO     Sprint Center    

14-Jul    Broomfield, CO     1STBANK Center    

16-Jul    West Valley City, UT     Maverik Center    

18-Jul    Seattle, WA     Key Arena at Seattle Center    

19-Jul    Portland, OR     Rose Garden    

21-Jul    Sacramento, CA     Power Balance Pavilion    

22-Jul    San Jose, CA     HP Pavilion at San Jose    

23-Jul    Los Angeles, CA     Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE    

25-Jul    Ontario, CA     Citizens Business Bank Arena    

26-Jul    San Diego, CA     Valley View Casino Center    

27-Jul    Glendale, AZ     Jobing.com Arena    

29-Jul    Dallas, TX     American Airlines Center    

30-Jul    Lafayette, LA     Cajundome    

31-Jul    Jackson, MS     Mississippi Coliseum    

2-Aug    Orlando, FL     Amway Center    

3-Aug    Sunrise, FL     BankAtlantic Center    

5-Aug    Duluth, GA     Arena at Gwinnett Center    

6-Aug    N. Charleston, SC     North Charleston Coliseum    

8-Aug    Washington, DC     Verizon Center    

9-Aug    Baltimore, MD     1st Mariner Arena    

11-Aug    Columbus, OH     Schottenstein Center    

12-Aug    Nashville, TN     Bridgestone Arena    

14-Aug    Pittsburgh, PA     Consol Energy Center    

15-Aug    Rochester, NY     Blue Cross Arena    

16-Aug    Toronto, ON     Air Canada Centre    

18-Aug    Manchester, NH     Verizon Wireless Arena    

19-Aug    Worcester, MA     DCU Center    

21-Aug    Philadelphia, PA     Wells Fargo Center    

22-Aug    Long Island, NY     Nassau Coliseum    

25-Aug    Portland, ME     Cumberland County Civic Center    

26-Aug    Providence, RI     Dunkin Donuts Center    

28-Aug    Newark, NJ     Prudential Center    

30-Aug    Albany, NY     Times Union Center    

1-Sep    Bridgeport, CT     Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard    

2-Sep    Uncasville, CT     Mohegan Sun Arena     

4-Sep    Syracuse, NY     War Memorial at OnCenter    

6-Sep    Wilkes Barre, PA     Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza    

7-Sep    Atlantic City, NJ     Boardwalk Hall    

8-Sep    Reading, PA     Sovereign Center    

10-Sep    Cincinnati, OH     US Bank Arena    

11-Sep    Milwaukee, WI     Bradley Center

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/5/prweb9526120.htm

Copyright 2012 Midland Daily News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Article source: http://www.ourmidland.com/prweb/article_3470f39e-41bc-546f-ae1c-059577993731.html

American Idol: Though not a shocking elimination, the loss of Joshua Ledet was an unfortunate choice by voters. That leaves Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips in next week’s American Idol finale.

By

Jodi Bradbury, Contributor /
May 18, 2012

The two American Idol finalists, Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips with the judges. Joshua Ledet, was eliminated Thursday, May 17, leaving Jessica and Phillip to compete for the title in next week’s American Idol finale.

Michael Becker/Fox/AP

• In Pictures: American Idol best-selling artists

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Article source: http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/TV/2012/0518/American-Idol-Joshua-Ledet-learns-that-three-s-a-crowd-video

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By Chuck Barney

/ Contra Costa Times (MCT)

Published: May 20. 2012 4:00AM PST

Don’t miss

“AMERICAN IDOL” — Power ballads. Teen divas. “Goosies.” Randy Jackson’s hideous jackets. … We’ve experienced it all in this, the 11th season, of prime time’s most popular talent competition. But now, it’s finally time to crown a champion. After the final two contestants face off Tuesday, they’ll have to suffer through a horrendously bloated two-hour finale the following night before hearing the verdict. Our prediction? Confetti will fall and someone will cry. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Fox.

Other bets

SUNDAY: Chart-topping pop artists get their props at “The 2012 Billboard Music Awards.” Among the scheduled performers are Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood and LMFAO. “Modern Family” stars Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell are our hosts. 8 p.m., ABC.

SUNDAY: The reality bloodbath that is “The Celebrity Apprentice” comes to an end tonight, and for the first time the two remaining contestants — Clay Aiken and Arsenio Hall — must work together on the final challenge. Yeah, like that should go smoothly. 9 p.m., NBC.

MONDAY: OK, so his bedside manner left a lot to be desired, but Hugh Laurie’s cranky title character in “House” kept us entertained for eight offbeat seasons. The acclaimed show comes to an end tonight with one last medical mystery. A retrospective special precedes the finale. 8 p.m., Fox.

TUESDAY: Graduation — the day “Glee” fans have both anticipated and dreaded — is finally here. The Season 3 finale has the crooning kids of McKinley High donning their red caps and gowns and contemplating what the future holds for them. 9 p.m., Fox.

WEDNESDAY: “Revenge,” indeed, has been sweet all season as it became the most buzzed-about network series. Now, comes a season finale that reportedly places several characters in peril and a stunning revelation that will provoke Victoria (Madeleine Stowe) to go on a revenge quest of her own. 10 p.m., ABC.

THURSDAY: It’s time to bust a move — or many moves — as “So You Think You Can Dance” returns for another summer run. The show debuts tonight, then moves to its regular Wednesday slot starting May 30. 8 p.m., Fox.

FRIDAY: In the documentary “Paul Simon’s Graceland Journey: Under African Skies,” the pop singer marks the 25th anniversary of his “Graceland” album by revisiting the making of the record and the controversy over his decision to work with South African musicians. 10 p.m., AE.

SATURDAY: The guys have their man caves. How about “Mom Caves”? On tonight’s episode, a busy wife and mother gets a big surprise when part of her home is converted to replicate a Hawaiian retreat. 8:30 p.m., HGTV.

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Article source: http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20120520/NEWS0107/205200381/

He won’t be the next “American Idol” … but recent cast-off Joshua Ledet has already gotten an offer to appear in a real-life stage production … with a bunch of naked men.

TMZ has learned … the top banana at the Mantasia male strip club in NYC has been super interested in Ledet ever since “A.I.” fans dubbed him “Mantasia.”

In case you haven’t been watching, Ledet earned the moniker because his powerful voice drew comparisons to a male version of Fantasia Barrino.

But the head dong wrangler at the male review believes Ledet’s nickname was a message from the stripper gods that the two were destined to work together … even if Josh doesn’t drop trou.

“We’ll find something for him, he’s a very talented performer,” the stripper boss tells TMZ.

We called Josh for comment — so far, no response.

Article source: http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/20/american-idol-cast-off-joshua-ladet-strip-club-offer/

American Idol is down to the final two this season, and that means it is time for the big finale and a new winner to be crowned. Just a year ago, the weekend before the finale saw Scotty McCreery preparing to battle Lauren Alaina for the title. This season, the battle is between Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez. McCreery will be around to help the winner celebrate this week, and he has a bit of celebrating himself to do. The singer has been nominated for some Teen Choice Awards this week!

Following his nomination, the young singer took the time out to thank his fans for nominating him. He is still a teenager himself, so he makes sure his younger fans know he appreciates their support. He said the following, according to Ace Showbiz:

“I am so grateful for all of my teen fans. Since I’m still a teenager myself, their support has meant everything to me over the last year.”

As for the Idol finale, McCreery is set to perform on the performance finale on Tuesday night and return to the series during the results finale on Wednesday. He said the following about his return to the Idol stage:

“I am so excited about going back to American Idol and seeing everyone again. I hope to spend some time with the finalists, Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez, and share some of my experiences with them. I can’t believe that it’s been a year since I was in their shoes.”

Scotty’s life has changed a lot since his time on the series last season. This year, the high school senior had to balance being a normal teenager with the life of an American Idol winner. Phillip Phillips or Jessica Sanchez will be the next to have their lives changed forever.

Are you ready to find out who will win this season?

(Photo Source: TV.com)

For more, visit Sirlinksalot: American Idol and Sirlinksalot: Scotty McCreery.

© Celebrity Entertainment News by Regina Avalos

Article source: http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981344602

“American Idol” judge Randy Jackson says a new and healthier world opened up for him after he got the news he had diabetes.

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Jackson told the Los Angeles Times his days of fried food and leisurely rounds of golf quickly gave way to workouts, tennis and lower-calories meals.

“I was eating like I was still in the South, like a crazy wild man, and I wasn’t working out,” Jackson recalled. “I was playing a lot of golf and I thought that was a workout, but if you’re using the cart, with the hot dogs and the beer, it’s not.”

A trip to the emergency room nine years ago culminated with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and doctors’ orders to clean up his act through diet and exercise. “Like me, there are a lot of people walking around that don’t know they have it,” Jackson said. “I want to get the awareness out — especially since diet and exercise are such big contributors to Type 2 diabetes.”

Jackson said a key to moving into vigorous exercise and more vegetables is to take baby steps instead of trying to make a complete change all at once, especially because eating can often be an emotional response to stress. “It’s hard for people to change habits — it takes months to make them but years to break them,” he said. “I would suggest people go to a psychologist, or sit down with somebody and talk about what happens before you dive into that bucket of ice cream.”

Article source: http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/american-idol-judge-randy-jackson-willpower-key-diabetes-control-1029656.php

www.americanidol.

Hubby and I are big Dancing with the Stars fans. We were pretty upset when Maria Menounos was sent home. Donald Driver and William Levy work hard and are certainly doing their best, but neither are anywhere nearly as talented as Maria. Even the judges seemed stunned when her and Derek’s names were called as the “couple going home.”

Although not an American Idol fan, I ended up watching last night and last week’s episodes. Last night, Joshua Ledet was sent home, chosen over Phillip Phillips – a good looking, nice guy, but from what I saw last night and last week, Phillipa doesn’t have anywhere near the amount of talent, presence and passion or judges (the experts, folks) support that Joshua does.



What’s my point? Well, our kids have been brought up on reality competition shows. For me, these shows have ruined the value, authenticity and integrity of the word “competition.” Since the advent of reality competition programs, fair and just competition no longer holds the meaning or worth of days gone by. Competition has been relegated to a personality and popularity contest – all in the name of ratings and profit.

About 4 years ago, my daughter entered a local talent contest emulating the American Idol format, and set it up so that the winners were chosen based upon texted in votes from the audience. The three truly talented kids were overlooked and the group with the most participants (therefore the most friends and family texters) won. Why are we allowing people – whether it’s at a school show or on national television – who mostly don’t vote based upon talent – make decisions about who should stay, who should go and who should win?

How do these type of competitive events support and encourage hard work and role model perseverance on the part of kids in general whether they’re striving towards a career in the arts or any other type of business? The message they’re seeing on the home front and on a global scale through television and internet is that personality and popularity as opposed to hard work, commitment, passion and TALENT determine your worth – and make you a winner. After all, look at all the folks on Jersey Shore and NJ Housewives that have made it big on television. Hmmm.

It will be interesting to see how kids who have grown up on these shows go out into the world and “compete” for their spot in the life marketplace. 

What’s your take on how these reality competition shows might be affecting the beliefs of our kids about the nature of competition?

Ali Skylar is a personal growth blogger, author (Transforming “Ahh Crap!” into “Wholy Shift!” and Life Sucks…Just Kidding!), songwriter, mom and West Coast Swing dancer whose gutsy and humorous insights inspire personal growth and authentic living. For more info on Ali, click on her name above to visit her personal profile.

Article source: http://www.nj.com/parenting/index.ssf/2012/05/american_idol_-_competition_or.html

“American Idol” announced the two top contestants Thursday night after one of the three finalists was eliminated. Joshua Ledet was shockingly sent packing as he got the lowest number of votes. The 20-year-old talented gospel-inspired singer had received maximum number of standing ovations from the judges and had been declared as one of the best contestants of the show. Thus his elimination this week came as a shock to his fans, but Ledet said that he felt greatly relieved. He also said that he was not shocked because his other competitors were also strong and they deserved the win. He further said that he was happy for his two friends.

According to a people.com report, he said, “I’m not going to say I was surprised, because Phillip and Jessica are great, and they have huge fan bases. They deserve it just like anyone else. I was super excited for Phillip and Jessica,” adding, “I was trying to hold a smile up, and I was definitely not upset. I felt relieved. A lot of pressure was off of me, and I feel really good.”

Ledet said afterwards that he did not want to break down in tears, but became sentimental and could not control his emotions when Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopez and others went to hug him after the results were announced.

He said, “I felt good about the whole situation, but when people come up to you and try to comfort you and hug you, then the tears start coming, and then a whole bunch of other stuff. So just getting their support, it kind of took over, and I kind of lost it a little.”

Ledet gave his last performance on “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”. He also called his mother onstage and she joined him in his final moments on the show. According to a usmagazine.com report, he said, “It was just something that happened. I just felt the vibe. She’s been supporting me the whole time, so I had to grab her.”

Ledet also said that he was really happy for Phillip Phillips and Jessica SanchezJessica Sanchez, who are heading to the finale next week. He claimed that his joy for his two friends also added to his emotional condition.

Ledet does not have any immediate plans for his future, but the judges have greatly encouraged him and extended full support to him. He said, “Jennifer Lopez told me to keep my head up and my career was only going to go further from here.”

Joshua Ledet said he will always remember the “American Idol” platform. He claimed that it was like a home for him and he will miss the friendly environment. “I’m just going to miss the whole environment. Everyone here is amazing. It’s like a family,” said Ledet.

Article source: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/12198044-american-idol-bids-farewell-to-joshua-ledet

(Photo By Wikipedia)

When you’re right, you’re right, and when it came to Season 11 of American Idol, I was right.

Way back in mid-March, over two months ago, I wrote an Idol commentary column that said the following:

“This was shaping up to become a fairly predictable season, a two-horse race between the quirky, radio ready voice and album cover name of Phillip Phillips and the diva vocals of Jessica Sanchez, with the physically small but vocally huge Hollie Cavanagh hanging in tough a few lengths back along the rail. Then out of the blue, Ledet made his move from the back of the trailing pack.”

This was after the first of what turned out to be several huge “moments” by Josh Ledet who started the season very slow, and was almost gone early, before exploding with incredible talent and bringing the audience to their feet week after week.

So how did it all turn out?

Well, as I said, “Ledet’s continued success on American Idol is no sure thing,” but in fact he remained mostly spectacular to the then end and probably should have made the finale. As predicted, Hollie Cavanagh hung tough just behind the leaders, and was the fourth to last to go, followed by Ledet. That leaves my two original picks, Phillips and Sanchez.

If this was horse racing, I would have made a killing on the Superfecta.

So the big question remains: who will win?

The problem is that it is not entirely about talent, or both Adam Lambert and Crystal Bowersox would both now be American Idols. Part of it is a popularity contest and part of it is demographics. All three of the contestants last week were equally and fantastically talented, but in different ways, and I think Ledet’s only problem is that his chosen genre, soulful RB, is simply not as popular in the nation at large than rock or diva ballads, the strength of the remaining two contestants. There was nothing wrong with his delivery and there is no doubt they are all great performers – and that all three will have record deals.

So without further hedging I am going to go out on a limb and predict Phillips will win, not because he is better, but because in recent years the Idol voting has skewed pro-male, which I think will give him the slightest edge in what would otherwise be a dead heat.

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Article source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2012/05/19/american-idol-i-hate-to-say-i-told-you-so/

I was shocked and saddened by the elimination of Joshua Ledet last Thursday night on American Idol. I really thought he would go through to the finale with Phillip Phillips.

I am certain Joshua has a bright career ahead of him. With his talent, range, and stage appeal, he is going to be successsful.

I wanted to take a look back to look over the other 3rd place finalists on American Idol.

Season 1 – 3rd place – Nikki McKibbin

I didn’t watch Season 1 until the show before the finale, and I actually liked Nikki McKibbin. I know Simon always raved about Kelly Clarkson but I never cared for any of the music she put out.

Season 2 – 3rd place – Kimberley Locke

Kimberley had a nice voice, but for me, they picked the right two that year for the finale; Reuben Studdard and Clay Aiken.

Season 3 – 3rd place – Jasmine Trias

This was what I called the NIGHTMARE season of American Idol. There was only one who deserved to be there, let alone win, and that was Jennifer Hudson. Jasmine, in my opinion, received sympathy votes that week because Simon made her burst out into tears because of Hudson being booted the week before. Also, Simon annoyed me everytime he called Jasmine the “Hawaiian girl”. I thought maybe he didn’t know that Hawaii was part of the US, even though he was right, she sucked.

Season 4 – 3rd place – Vonzell Solomon

I don’t really remember Vonzell all that much. For me, there hasn’t been a girl with a voice that comes close to that of Carrie Underwood’s on Idol before or since her appearance.

Season 5 – 3rd place – Elliott Yamin

Elliot was just okay for me. Chris Daughtry should have won that year, and he became the second most prominent Idol contestant after Kelly Clarkson, and he finished fourth. Go figure.

Season 6 – 3rd place – Melinda Doolittle

This was one of the most boring seasons for me, with the exception of Melinda Doolittle, whom I think was way more talented than the winner Jordin Sparks. I never liked Jordin’s singing and if I remember correctly, she cried a lot. I enjoyed Blake Lewis’ performances, but even he wasn’t amazaing. It was just boring.

Season 7 – 3rd place – Syesha Mercado

Another one I never liked. That season was the first year the finalist I picked from the first audition to the finale, actually won, David Cook. David Archuleta was also phenomenal, and I liked Carly Smithson and Michael Johns. I was’t crazy about any of the rest. That was the year with all the blonds and all the criers.

Season 8 – 3rd place – Danny Gokey

Do I even have to say it? This was the Adam HOW COULD HE NOT HAVE WON Lambert season of American Idol. I thought Kris was okay, he was cute and the girls liked him, but really? Adam Lambert was flawless each and every week and he didn’t win?

Anyway, Danny Gokey, whom I also liked and who was never in the bottom 3 went home that year the week before the finale.

Season 9 – 3rd place – Casey James

I don’t know why but many of the 3rd place finalists were people I didn’t like; Casey James included. The female judges slobbered over him like he was Elvis, and I thought Michael Lynche should have gone to the finale with Lee Dewyze. I didn’t pick Lee from the beginning. I don’t remember who I picked originally, but I was really disappointed when Lily Scott wasn’t chosen in the top 12. Crystal was talented but every song sounded the same.

Season 10 – 3rd place – Haley Reinhart

I liked quite a few of the contestants last year, but wanted Scotty to win. I thought he was the most talented. And I thought Haley belonged in the finale with Scotty, since they voted my other favorite, Paul McDonald, off. I was afraid the 10-16 year old’s might not get Paul McDonald, but where would Rod Stewart be today if people like me, who were 15 when Maggie May came out, if we didn’t GET him. I was sad to see him go.

Season 11 – 3rd place – Joshua Ledet

I was really worried on elimination night that Phillip Phillips might have been going home, but I secretly wished it had been Jessica. She was already eliminiated. If the judges hadn’t saved her, Colton might not have gone home at all and it might be Colton and Phillip, which I wanted from the beginning, but Joshua should have definitely been competing with Phillip for the title next week.

I’ve rooted for Phillip since his first audition and I’m hoping that for only the second time in my years of watching Idol, that he wins next Wednesday night.

Was your favorite any of these 3rd place winners?

Article source: http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981343341