Hear this loud and clear. We are LOVING The Voice.
Last night, NBC's singing competition kicked off in a two-hour treat that was both wildly fun and chockfull of chills, thanks to some serious (as Cee Lo Green would say) sangers. It also had some tired bits, but hey, after 10 seasons of Idol, we'll take a few sob stories over endless weeks of clowny, time-wasting auditions...
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This Wednesday's American Idol is a "Best of the Rest" recap of the Season 7 auditions we didn't see throughout each city. That got us thinking about some of the best auditions we've seen, regardless of whether the candidate went on to Idol greatness. Instead of a top-10 list, we thought we'd have a battle of the sexes: the best women's auditions versus the best from the men. — Erin FoxTop Five Women's Auditions5) Frenchie Davis, "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" | Watch on YouTubeHoly crap, we think our ear drums just burst listening to her amazing vocal power. Randy and Paula gave her a standing ovation (Simon, of course, stayed seated but clapped as enthusiastically as he could), and if she hadn't been kicked off the show for those naughty pictures, there's no telling how far Frenchie could have gone. 4) Carrie Underwood, "I Can't Make You Love Me" | Watch on YouTubeWho knew this farm girl who sported the '80s wardrobe and glamour-shots makeup at her audition would become ...
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Controversy may have gotten Frenchie Davis booted off American Idol, but it landed her in a successful Broadway career. Soon, Season 2 champ Ruben "Velvet Teddy Bear" Studdard will be joining her onstage. "I'm so excited," Davis tells TV Guide. "I can't say too much, but we're doing a revival of a Broadway show." Studdard, who has been touring with Robin Givens in the play Heaven, I Need a Hug, may have tipped his hand during an interview with the Atlanta Constitution when he said he's been prepping to play Fats Walker in a tour of Ain't Misbehavin'.Davis, who just finished a four-year run in Rent, wasn't surprised to learn that her former cast mate is tackling theater. "He's so talented," she says. "This role is going to be good for him." Will the part pit the two as love interests? "It depends on how they direct it," she says coyly. — Reporting by Bekah Wright
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The upcoming Broadway musicalization of The First Wives Club may not yet be finished, but that doesn't mean casting can't begin. The New York Daily News hears that Queen Latifah called producers to express an interest in playing the Goldie Hawn role. Long live nontraditional casting.... Per Playbill.com, Idol alum Frenchie Davis will showcase her powerhouse pipes in Mahalia — A Gospel Musical, at Hartford Stage in August.... Mel Brooks confirms Young Frankenstein's casting rumors and adds that the show will most likely bow at the Hilton Theater, whose current tenant, The Pirate Queen, is about to walk the plank. — Reporting by Raven Snook.
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This just came in from American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, regarding statements Rosie O'Donnell made on Tuesday's The View about Idol's seeming double standard vis-à-vis Frenchie vs Antonella:"Without wishing to add to the obvious self-promotion of Ms. O'Donnell, I feel as though I must refute her absurd and ridiculous claims that American Idol is racist and/or weightist. Ms. O'Donnell has, once again, spoken without thought or knowledge. Viewers need only look at the show tonight to realize that American Idol constantly confirms to America that talent has nothing to do with weight or color."UPDATE: TMZ.com is now reporting that Idol is further retaliating against Rosie and The View by forbidding the ABC talker from showing clips from television's highest-rated series.UPDATE: On Wednesday's Idol, Simon Cowell gave Antonella Barba props for her fortitude in the midst of the media circus, if not for her singing. "I feel for you because you've taken a lot of stick in ...
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