Photo credit: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com

The laid-back, dreadlocked “American Idol” finalist Jason Castro performed a six-song set Friday night at Discover Mills Mall in Lawrenceville. He was in town to promote his upcoming album for Atlantic Records.

Castro strolled down the food court, guitar around his shoulders, three cops and two mall security guards in tow. The crowd of about 250 tittered, then cheered. (Not surprisingly, he drew a 95% female audience.) He was his typical “aw shucks” self, giving away an X Box via text message and announcing his release date of his album as January 2010 (though he almost said February, which worried some anxious fans.)

He sang two of his more memorable “Idol” songs “Hallelujah” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as well as four cuts from his new album, including “Let’s Just Fallin Love Again.” Afterwards, he signed T-shirts, guitar pics and posters for an hour.

Below, he performs his signature cover of “Hallelujah.”

Here he is doing his …

Continue reading Jason Castro performs at Discover Mills Mall in metro Atlanta October 23 »

Please start following me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ajcidol! I just created the account.

TV Guide Channel’s “American Idol Rewind” offered up a bunch of season five “Idols” for me to talk to. I already caught up with Paris Bennett and posted that interview earlier this month. I really wanted to gab with Katharine McPhee but her publicist never bothered to reach out to me. (If you happen to read this, Kat McPhee’s publicist, my email is rho@ajc.com!)

I only chose Lisa Tucker, who finished tenth, because she is working with Atlanta’s own Ne-Yo. Bottom line: she’s sweet and young and still trying to finish an album more than three years after her spotlight had dimmed. Unfortunately, Lisa’s the only person in the top 10 of her season to not release an album.

She has been traveling from her home base in Orange County to New York and Atlanta to work on said album. “Ne Yo’s been writing for the album. It’s been going great,” she said. “He’s amazing. It’s such an honor to be …

Continue reading Lisa Tucker interview for ‘American Idol Rewind,’ my new Twitter account »

Atlanta’s own Ryan Seacrest will be coming back to his hometown this Saturday night for a McDonald House Charities Hearts and Hands Gala Saturday October 24. Coca Cola, a major sponsor of “Idol,” is also the presenting sponsor of this black-tie affair, which will be held at the World of Coca Cola.

The event is sold out. Seacrest will come by and tour one of the homes near Emory Saturday morning. McDonald House spokeswoman Carrie Bowden said Coca Cola was able to line up Seacrest. I will try to stop by and grab Seacrest for a few minutes.

The Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill and injured children who must travel to receive treatment at Atlanta area children’s hospitals. There are two homes in Atlanta.

-The Hollywood Reporter reports that Jennifer Hudson is up for a role as Winnie Mandela in an indie biopic. That’d be a great role for her.

-Jordin Sparks will be on Disney Channel’s “The Suite Life on Deck” …

Continue reading Ryan Seacrest hosting McDonald’s House charity gala October 24, Jordin Sparks on Disney »

The past three years, Star 94 has included an “Idol” contestant in its Jingle Jam lineup: Elliott Yamin in 2007, David Archuleta last year and this year Jordin Sparks. The concert will be at the Gwinnett Arena December 17 starting at 7 p.m.

Sparks, a Star 94 staple the past two years (”Battlefield,” “No Air,” “One Step at a Time,” “Battlefield”) will be joined by “X Factor” winner and crooner Leona Lewis (”Bleeding Love,” “Better in Time”), the earnest pop band the Fray (”How To Save a Life,” “Never Say Never,” “Over My Head,” “You Found Me”) and Cobra Starship (”Good Girls Gone Bad”).

Tix went on sale this past Saturday. (Sorry, I’m late on this one!). They are priced from $27 to $77. The $57 and $77 tickets are already gone. I anticipate this will sell out.

-David Cook is going to appear as a celebrity guest on an upcoming episode of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” starring former Grant Park man Ty Pennington. Date has not been set on the airing.

More details …

Continue reading Jordin Sparks joining Star 94’s Jingle Jam, David Cook on ‘Extreme Makeover,’ Adam Lambert’s ‘Time for Miracles’ »

Given that Adam Lambert is openly gay, I found this hyperventilating press release absolutely hilarious. This is exactly how I got it this morning:

Good morning Rodney-

You’ve heard the buzz but now see for yourself! Adam Lambert lands the November cover of DETAILS magazine and it’s his sexiest photo shoot ever. He opens up to DETAILS about getting bras thrown at him onstage, kissing gorgeous women and living the American dream. Plus, exclusive outtakes and video from his racy photo shoot on DETAILS.com! See for yourself why every woman in America wants to sleep with Adam Lambert. The November issue hits stands October 27.

Plus, beginning at 10am today, go to DETAILS.com to enter for a chance to win a photo shoot with Adam! That’s right- you and Adam Lambert together for a professional photo shoot!

Full story, slideshow and video: http://www.details.com/celebrities-entertainment/cover-stars/200910/american-idol-cover-star-adam-lambert

Amusing quote from the …

Continue reading Hilarious, over-the-top Adam Lambert press release, Kelly Clarkson top radio hit »

I spoke with the esteemed David Foster a little while ago about his upcoming Oct. 28 show at the Fox Theatre featuring artists who will sing his many many songs. A couple will sing songs they made famous, including Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire and Peter Cetera, formerly of Chicago. Others, such as Ruben Studdard and Michael Johns will take songs David Foster produced and/or wrote. He wonders if Ruben could be more successful with better songs. I’d agree with that.

His thoughts on former Buckhead resident Michael Johns: “I love being around Michael. He appreciates what I do. He’s a young, good looking rock singer. And he’s got such a great voice. He’s smart enough to know what came before him. And I’m just thrilled he’s with us. He’ll do one of his own songs and some of mine, some of my rockier stuff, like ‘She’s a Beauty’ by the Tubes and ‘Man in Motion’ by John Parr [better known as ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’).”

His thoughts on Ruben Studdard: “The music business is about …

Continue reading David Foster gabs about Michael Johns & Ruben Studdard for Oct. 28 Fox Theatre show, new Daughtry video for single ‘Life After You’ »

Jeff at Q100’s studios a year ago. CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com

Radar reports that David Archuleta’s parents have filed for divoice.

Citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, the couple will share joint physical custody of their three minor children (they have five children in all). Lupe will have one night less of custody than James Jeffrey per year.

James Jeffrey, who was known as overbearing during season seven, was arrested in January for soliciting a prostitute.

On a brighter note, Brian Mansfield of USA Today’s “Idol Chatter” interviewed David, who is promoting his Christmas album.

-Adam Lambert will show up on an “Oprah” episode at some point.

-The NY Post reported that “Idol” will indeed push Hollywood Week into January due to scheduling issues related to Simon Cowell. This will hold back spoiler attempts though in this age of Twitter, don’t underestimate Joe’s Place to suss them out anyway. The editors will have a tougher time, not knowing who …

Continue reading David Archuleta’s parents file for divorce, Adam Lambert going on Oprah, Hollywood Week taping pushed back »

Gary Gershoff/WireImage

Jason Castro just woke up and he sounded a bit groggy yesterday. Nonetheless, he was pleasant and spoke full sentences.

He was in Michigan ready to do his third mall appearance after ones in Miinneapolis and Chicago. He is set to be at the Discover Mills Mall in Gwinnett County October 23 at 6 p.m. for a free concert and meet and greet. (I plan to be there to take pictures.)

Atlantic Records, his label, he said, came up with the idea of a Tiffany-like mall tour to promote his album. Said album, unfortunately, was pushed back two months from early November until early January. But folks who show up at the mall can pre-order the album and buy the single, “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again.”

“It’s something I’ve poured my life into,” he said. “I dont want to rush it out just to get it done.”

Despite his laid-back persona, he admits that “I’ve been known to be a perfectionist. I like to do it right. Ask my mom!” He said he’s never done songs with a band …

Continue reading Jason Castro interview to promote free Discover Mills Mall concert October 23, 6 p.m. »

I’m talking to Jason Castro later this morning for his October 23 Discover Mill mall appearance and will post the interview tomorrow. He was never comfortable with interviews early on the show. It’ll be interesting to see how he is now. Here’s the video for his new song “Let’s Just Fall in Love Again” off Yahoo Music. The tune and video are both bright and breezy.

The American Music Awards yesterday announced nominations. Carrie Underwood is up for favorite female country singer, a cateogry that will probably be won by the ubiquitous Taylor Swift. Underwood won this category in 2007. She has won five AMA awards.

Daughtry is up for best adult contemporary artist against Jason Mraz and Swift. Daughtry won that category in 2007 and 2008. He has also won five AMA awards.

Continue reading New Jason Castro video, AMA noms for Daughtry & Carrie Underwood »

Jennifer Hudson - take that!

Earlier this month, Access Hollywood reported that ABC is planning a one-hour Christmas special this December starring Hudson. Curiously, ABC has not offered any details yet.

Fox this morning said it is now planning a TWO-hour Christmas special featuring Carrie Underwood. Nigel Lythgoe and Adam Shankman will executive produce. Here’s the press release:

Multi-platinum recording artist and Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood will headline CARRIE UNDERWOOD: AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY SPECIAL (working title), a two-hour variety special airing Monday, Dec. 7 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Underwood will perform new music from her upcoming album as well as previous hits and holiday classics. She will be joined on stage by special musical guests and chart-topping artists including Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley and David Cook. Additional guest stars and performers to be announced.

And Kat McPhee fans! Here’s her new video for “Had It All.” Sorry–I’m not vibing on …

Continue reading Carrie Underwood getting her own Christmas special »