Katharine McPhee

'Smash' Star Katharine McPhee Talks Auditioning For Steven Spielberg

03 Feb 2012 14:37:53 EST

'Mr. Spielberg, when you meet him, he is not intimidating at all,' McPhee tells MTV News.
By Christina Garibaldi

It's been a while since we've seen Katharine McPhee in the spotlight. Now all eyes are on her as the "American Idol" alum takes on the leading role as Karen Cartwright in the highly anticipated NBC musical drama "Smash."

But the road to "Smash" hasn't been an easy one for McPhee. After coming in as runner-up in the 2006 season of "American Idol" and starring in "The House Bunny," McPhee has had a rough road on her career path. She was dropped from her record label in 2008 and struggled with getting other movie projects off the ground. But her determination paid off, which is something she could relate to when playing her character on "Smash."

"My character, Karen, is the biggest dreamer of them all, she dreams big. Our show is about dreaming big," McPhee told MTV News at the New York premiere of "Smash." "She has a big heart, she has a lot of drive and she's very determined about what she wants in her career and what she wants out of it and how she's gonna go about doing it, and keeping a real strong moral code. I think she is a little green when you first meet her. She's not quite sure how things go and how things are worked in the business, [and] she learns a lot throughout the course of the first season."

The show centers on the making of a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. In the first episode, viewers will see McPhee's struggle with several auditions before getting a callback to compete against newcomer Megan Hilty's character for the part of Marilyn. But according to McPhee, her audition for the role of Karen was nothing like the one you will see during the premiere on Monday.

"I did have to audition for this," McPhee said. "It was actually one of the more simple auditions I've been through. I auditioned, put myself on tape, flew to New York the next week, was testing for it. I waited two days for Mr. Spielberg to watch the tape and I got the part."

Yes, that's right. McPhee had to audition for Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg, who is a producer on the series. So we had to ask: Who is more intimidating to audition for, Spielberg or former "Idol" judge Simon Cowell?

"I would say neither," McPhee declared. "Mr. Spielberg, when you meet him, he is not intimidating at all. He's the most lovely, wonderful, gentle man."

Are you excited for Monday's premiere of "Smash"? Let us know in the comments.

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'American Idol': Where Are Katharine McPhee, Leah LaBelle Now?

18 Jan 2012 06:53:15 EST

We also check in with Justin Guarini, Ruben Studdard, Constantine Maroulis and more 'Idol' alumni before season 11 kicks off.
By Jim Cantiello

"American Idol" kicks off its 11th season Wednesday night with its first of eight audition episodes. But before we're inundated with a new batch of contestants (many of whom we'll forget about by June), let's play catch-up with some noteworthy alums.

Sure, our Kellys and Carries have remained household names throughout the years, but others — like Katharine McPhee and Leah LaBelle — are poised to have their biggest post-"Idol" years yet.

Let's check in with standouts from seasons one through five:

Season One
The One You Know: Kelly Clarkson's fifth studio album, Stronger, is selling just fine, even if recent "Ron Paul sales bump" rumors were proven to be a bunch of hooey. The original Idol just kicked off her latest tour last week. On the radio, you'll hear "Mr. Know It All" approximately 17 times an hour, until it's replaced by new single "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)."

The Goofy One: Justin Guarini hasn't released a full-length album since 2005's Stranger Things Have Happened, but the inaugural runner-up kept busy in 2011 appearing in Broadway's "American Idiot" as well as touring companies of "Rent" and "Chicago." On a personal note, the crooner and his wife had a baby boy last April. And yes, since "Idol," he's chopped his signature "Felicity-meets-Sideshow Bob" locks.

Season Two
The One You Know: Clay Aiken can be seen in promos for the upcoming season of "Celebrity Apprentice," accusing a teammate of being patronizing — all in the name of charity. Although his last few albums haven't made a big dent in pop culture, Clay still remains the fourth-best-selling "Idol" contestant ever, right behind the holy trinity. (That's Underwood/Clarkson/Daughtry, obviously.)

The One You Shouldn't Count Out Just Yet: Most of America hasn't paid much attention to the Velvet Teddy Bear since "Sorry (2004)," and Ruben Studdard finally realized fans like him best when he sings about calendars. Studdard kicked off 2012 with a well-reviewed single called "June 28th (I'm Single)" about his recent divorce. The catchy throwback jam is currently climbing the urban charts, so don't be surprised if his upcoming album moves some serious units when it lands in March.

The One You Had No Idea Was On "Idol": Ashley Hartman had a six-episode stint on the first season of "The O.C." as Summer and Marissa's buddy Holly. Turns out Simon Cowell's "You should act, not sing" critique was correct!

Season Three
The One You Know: Seventh-placer Jennifer Hudson spent 2011 promoting her sophomore album, I Remember Me, but her turn as Weight Watchers' official spokesperson kept her skinny body in the spotlight and earned her a book deal. The Oscar winner's turn as Winnie Mandela has yet to be released in the U.S., but she'll appear as a nun in the Farrelly Brothers' "Three Stooges" big-screen update this year. Might we suggest a remake of Lily Tomlin's "The Incredible Shrinking Woman" next?

The One We Can't Stop Rooting For: Fantasia, Fantasia, Fantasia. Your 2010 album Back to Me was full of retro nuggets like the Grammy-winning "Bittersweet" and shoulda-been-a-hit "Collard Greens and Cornbread," but just when your music career gets back on track, your life spins out of control. Here's hoping you can turn your personal drama into big-screen gold when you star as Mahalia Jackson in your first official feature-film role.

The One You Shouldn't Count Out Just Yet: Leah LaBelle barely made the top 12 back in 2004 — when she was a cocky 17-year-old with shaky vocals living under the shadow of a Bulgarian pop-star mother — but the 25-year-old just made headlines by getting signed to L.A. Reid's Epic Records under the guidance of heavyweights Jermaine Dupri and Pharrell Williams. Seriously!

The One You Had No Idea Was On "Idol": Soap fans might remember Duke Buchanan on "One Life to Live" before he was killed by a tornado in 2006. The Matthew Morrison look-alike Matthew Metzger got his start on "Idol" as a semifinalist.

Season Four
The One You Know: In 2011, country megastar Carrie Underwood starred in a hit film, "Soul Surfer," reached her 11th #1 single on a duet with Brad Paisley and finally surpassed Kelly Clarkson as the biggest-selling "Idol" winner ever. She's got a new album on the way and hinted that she'll be participating in "something special" with Steven Tyler, fueling a rumor that she'll be taking the CMT "Crossroads" stage with the new "Idol" judge and — randomly — '90s band Sugar Ray.

The Goofy One: Constantine Maroulis finally got some respect with a Tony-nominated turn in Broadway's "Rock of Ages" in 2009. Constantine fans might be bummed that he won't be reprising the Drew role in the big-screen adaptation coming out in 2012, but keep your eyes peeled, because director Adam Shankman gave him a quick walk-on appearance as a producer.

The One You Had No Idea Was On "Idol": Prior to winning the sixth season of "Nashville Star," Melissa Lawson made it to the top 75 during Hollywood Week on "Idol."

Season Five
The One You Know: Daughtry's 2011 album Break the Spell went gold in December. Chris and the band will be hitting the road for their second headlining tour this March.

The One You Shouldn't Count Out Just Yet: Katharine McPhee's career has been full of starts and stops. But now that she's on NBC's high-profile midseason replacement "Smash" (including an inescapable ad campaign that claims to be "introducing" McPhee to America's living rooms), expect to see the season five runner-up reach new heights. You saw her hobnobbing with Hollywood's elite at the Golden Globes this past Sunday. Twelve months from now, you may just see her onstage holding a Globe of her own.

The Goofy One: Taylor Hicks got some love last April when Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert invited him to appear on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" during Colbert's cover of Rebecca Black's "Friday," a performance that instantly went viral and showed that Hicks is still as charmingly offbeat as you remember. The other goofy alum of season five, Kellie Pickler, is ready to show her mature side with a traditional country album, 100 Proof, out next week.

On Thursday, Jim will check in with standouts from seasons six through 10.

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Kara DioGuardi Opens Up About Lindsay Lohan, 'No Boundaries'

27 Jun 2011 18:42:57 EDT

We ask 'Platinum Hit' judge about the less-than-stellar credits in her catalog.
By Jim Cantiello

In her decade-plus career, Kara DioGuardi has helped write some of the biggest hits for artists like Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Cobra Starship, Carrie Underwood, the Pussycat Dolls and countless others. But when you're an in-demand pop songwriter and you're churning out tracks at a breakneck pace, they can't all be winners. Hell, even John Lennon and Paul McCartney published a few turkeys.

Lucky for fans, DioGuardi's sense of humor is just as strong as her sense of melody. When stopping by MTV News to promote her Bravo reality competition "Platinum Hit," the former "American Idol" judge was more than happy to dish about some of the crazier credits on her otherwise-sparkling résumé.

"No Boundaries"
Sample Lyric: "You can go higher, you can go deeper/ There are no boundaries above or beneath ya."

Backstory: Kara's two-season run on "American Idol" as "the fourth judge" wasn't as well-received as she'd hoped, but nothing stung more than the flak she got for co-writing the season-eight winner's song. In her recent book "A Helluva High Note," Kara compared Kris Allen and Adam Lambert's finale performances to a plane crash.

Kara's Take: "The song that almost ruined my career! Let me tell you what really happened: I wrote that song for a girl, and when it went into the male register, it was a nightmare. Certain songs don't translate," DioGuardi admitted, adding that her finale half-naked sing-off with "Idol" reject Bikini Girl helped redeem her status with TV critics. "When your songwriting is really bad, just put a bikini on," Kara joked.

In the End: Kris Allen became the first "Idol" winner to drop the "victory song" from his set list during the "Idol" tour. Last fall, he debuted a tongue-in-cheek "reggae" version of the song in front of Entertainment Weekly's cameras.

Lindsay Lohan's "Confessions of a Broken Heart (Daughter to Father)"
Sample Lyric: "Daughter to father, daughter to father/ I am broken, but I am hoping!"

Backstory: After the platinum success of Lindsay's debut album, sparked by hit single "Rumors," Sony rushed Lohan and DioGuardi back into the studio to record a follow-up full-length, A Little More Personal (Raw). The kick-off single for album number two was a dark, autobiographical tune about fatherly abandonment.

Kara's Take: "If you solo the vocals you'll hear race cars, because we brought the studio to [Lindsay's] trailer on 'Herbie Fully Loaded.' I'm not kidding! She had no time to do the record, so she would be on her lunch break, and I'd be like, 'Throw that thing down your throat and get over here, 'cause we got to finish these vocals!' So I sat for 14 hours on the set and would grab her for, like, 10 minutes at a time. The poor girl. That's the reality of young Hollywood. When they're hot, they're worked to death. It was 18/20-hour days. ... And I swear: 'Vroom! Vroom!' You can hear it in the back."

In the End: Fans were less enthused with Lindsay's airing out of the family's dirty laundry. The song stalled at #57 on the Billboard Top 100 chart, and no other singles were released. A Little More Personal (Raw) sold half as many units as her first foray into pop music, and Lindsay's third album has been shelved indefinitely.

Katharine McPhee's "Open Toes"
Sample Lyric: "I'm lovin' these sling-back shoes/ I like the way they stay loose/ I could wear them all day and listen to the click-clack/ Shoes like this make me hate flats."

Backstory: In addition to Kat's successful single "Over It," the season-five "Idol" runner-up's eponymous debut contained a bizarre R&B party banger dedicated to open-toed footwear. Seriously.

Kara's Take: "You know what? I have to tell you, I just edited it. ... Sometimes you get writing credit ... " DioGuardi trailed off, embarrassed. "For instance, if you don't have the whole idea, but someone brings you a song and says, 'We really love this song. Can you help make it a little better?' you probably don't want to say, 'Don't write about open toes, because people will think about fungus and weird things on toes and stuff.' So I was like, 'Well I'll just fix it a bit.' I just totally put those [co-writers] under the bus," Kara winced.

In the End: Katharine's pop music career quieted down as her acting career picked up. She's starring in the highly anticipated fall NBC show "Smash," executive-produced by Steven Spielberg. Meanwhile, Kara and Katharine remain close friends. DioGuardi gushed, "I love Katharine McPhee, 'cause whenever I do a charity event, she is my go-to girl and she always shows up and sings a song. And it's not 'Open Toes,' " she said with a knowing wink.

Do you have any favorites from Kara's catalog? What do you think of Kara's behind-the-scenes dirt? Leave a comment below!

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Bret Michaels, Kevin Jonas, Katharine McPhee Open Up On 'When I Was 17'

23 May 2010 09:52:14 EDT

'Here's the good thing about sucking when you first start to lose your virginity: You can only get better,' Michaels shares.
By MTV News staff

Another episode of MTV's "When I Was 17" is behind us, and, well, we learned some things we just can't unlearn.

We now know the gnarly details of how Bret Michaels lost his virginity, the embarrassing ritual to which Kevin Jonas submitted his hair and the finer points of Katharine McPhee's efforts to stage a secretive sleepover with her high school boyfriend.

Don't say we never did nothing for you, OK? Surely your weekend is better for having Michaels walk you through his inaugural sex romp!

"I was the ultimate rocker-slash-jock. I was the rock jock," he explained. "I lost my virginity around 17. It involved a motorcycle, a blanket — I'm going to admit it — it was an 8-track pop-tape player at the Mechanicsburg Fish Hatchery."

We'll go ahead and give the Poison frontman the benefit of the doubt that a fish hatchery was a dope place to take a girl back in '80s-era rural Pennsylvania. Michaels may have known the perfect spot to bring the lucky lady, but he had no clue what to do once he got there.

"She was a little older than I was and much more experienced," he said. "She showed me things I never knew. I could safely say I was not skilled yet. I made a two-pump chump look good. So it wasn't my finest moment. But here's the good thing about sucking when you first start to lose your virginity: You can only get better."

Better is exactly what's happened to Jonas' hair since he was 17. To control what his friends called simply a terrible 'fro, the musician took extreme measures. "I flat-ironed my hair every single day, and it was a nightmare," he laughed. "It was pointy and spiky and flat. It was a typical Jersey thing, I guess, but a little bit more than the typical tape-up."

The things a high school kid will do to stay cool. Just ask "American Idol" runner-up Katharine McPhee, who admitted that she used to be "known as the serial dater."

"My boyfriend at the time, Kevin, we planned this sleepover at this other friend's house whose parents were out of town," she explained. "I told my dad, 'I'm going to sleep at Michelle's house.' There were a bunch of girls there and guys there. It was really fun. We all went to sleep, and it was, like, 3 in the morning. The house phone kept ringing, and I was like, 'Kevin!' I woke him up, I was like, 'Something's wrong. The phone keeps ringing.' He finally picks up the phone, and it's my dad. I just heard this deep, serious voice on the other line. I'm like, 'Holy sh--.' I thought in that moment I was going to die."

McPhee added: "I was grounded for two weeks."

Don't miss "When I Was 17," airing Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV.

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Katharine McPhee Talks Reality Shows And Catfights On 'When I Was 17'

20 May 2010 07:44:10 EDT

'American Idol' wasn't Kat's first reality competition, she reveals on Saturday's episode.
By MTV News staff

The world got to know Katharine McPhee in 2006 as a sweet-voiced breakout star on "American Idol" who ended up coming in second place. But as the now-26-year-old singer reveals on the upcoming episode of MTV's "When I Was 17," airing Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV, she popped up on another reality-TV competition back in her teenage years.

"When I was 17, I went on this show called 'Ed McMahon's Next Big Star,' " she said. "It was this competition, and, oh gosh, it was awful. And I didn't even win! I never win those competitions. It sucks!"

It also seems like McPhee didn't always like competition with her friends either. As a high school senior, she was elected student body vice president, and ended up brawling with her best friend, who just so happened to be the school's prez. The dispute came about over a disagreement on the school's budget — specifically, whether their homecoming ceremony should be capped off by a massive fireworks display.

"She's like, 'I think we should skip the fireworks this year,' " McPhee said of her friend. "And I was like, 'Skip the fireworks? That's the best part of the entire homecoming. Everyone looks forward to it.' She's like, 'It's a waste of money. We're not doing it.' I'm like, 'Excuse me, this is a dictatorship? I see how this is.'

"We got into this really big fight and — I was so angry — I got up and she was standing by the door and I just rushed out the door and I brushed by her shoulder," McPhee continued. "She thought I intentionally rammed into her shoulder. We're in a catfight, and I was screaming hysterically, 'Stay away from me! Stay away from me!' because I was so angry, I was so upset."

Don't miss "When I Was 17" — this week featuring Kat McPhee, Bret Michaels and Kevin Jonas — Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV.

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'House Bunny' Stars Katharine McPhee, Emma Stone, Rumer Willis Claim They're Awkward On The Inside

21 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT

'Idol' alum talks about plans for next album, while Willis reveals her own musical aspirations.
By Josh Horowitz

An "American Idol" runner-up, a "Superbad" breakout star and the product of one of the most famous celebrity couples of the last 20 years would seem an unlikely trio to play a band of misfits, but that's why they call it acting. Anna Faris may be the titular star of "The House Bunny," but this new twist on the "Legally Blonde" concept wouldn't get anywhere without Katharine McPhee, Emma Stone and Rumer Willis.

Faris plays Shelley, a Playboy Playmate unceremoniously booted from the mansion, only to take up with seven unpopular sorority sisters who are themselves on the verge of being kicked to the curb. MTV gathered McPhee, Stone and Willis to chat about their new film, who really is the most awkward of the three and which one just might be giving McPhee a run for a singing career.

MTV: I usually wouldn't bring an issue of Playboy to an interview, but Anna Faris is on the cover promoting the film.

Emma Stone: [Looking at the magazine] Aw, she looks adorable!

Katharine McPhee: She looks good!

MTV: Here's the big question: Where are your covers, and how angry are you that you didn't get one?

Stone: Not that angry. It makes sense. In the movie Shelley is a Playboy bunny, and it's nice to have that full circle. She's in character.

McPhee: Yeah, that's exactly her character.

Rumer Willis: It's fitting for Anna because that's who her character is. The movie is less about Playboy and Hef than about two different groups of women. Everybody thinks the popular girls don't get kicked out, but she's the ideal woman, and she gets kicked out of her house. We help each other to find our way.

Stone: She really gives us the confidence to go out and talk to people. And I think we give her confidence that there's more to her than meets the eye.

MTV: You guys really are dressed down for the first part of the film. Was that a relief?

All: Yes!

Stone: It was great! It was like three minutes in hair and makeup.

Willis: It was especially great for the two of us [gesturing to McPhee] since we were using props. [Note: Willis wears a brace through much of the film, and McPhee dons a fake pregnancy belly] It was very helpful for me to just have something else to make me feel more awkward and uncomfortable.

Stone: We already are awkward! It's nice to really explore the awkwardness, because I feel so much awkwardness inside of me. It was nice to go to the extreme with it.

MTV: Who is the most awkward person in this room?

Stone: Of the three of us?

Willis: [To Stone] You just looked at me! Wow, OK. I thought we were friends.

McPhee: I'm kind of awkward sometimes.

Stone: You are not awkward!

Willis: You are the least awkward person I've ever met.

McPhee: I feel awkward sometimes.

Stone: Everybody feels awkward, but that's one of the messages of the movie: Everyone feels like an outcast sometimes. I think the message in the end is "Embrace your inner awkward."

MTV: You all get to sing in the movie in a memorable karaoke scene. Katharine, I believe you have a musical background ...

McPhee: [Joking] A little bit.

Willis: Really?

McPhee: I do it as a hobby on the side.

Willis: Oh, cool.

MTV: Does anyone else here have musical aspirations?

Willis: No.

Stone: Yes. [Points to Rumer.]

Willis: Maybe.

McPhee: We all sang a lot on the set. I think Rumer eventually in her lifetime would like to do something with her singing.

MTV: Rumer, would you like to do an album?

Willis: Yeah. I would actually really like that. We had an opportunity to write part of a rap that's at the end of the movie, and Katharine sang. We had a great time.

McPhee: You guys did background vocals as well.

Willis: We did. It was very fun.

MTV: Katharine, what are you hoping to accomplish with your next album?

McPhee: I'm really just hoping to bring me to the record. I would like to have an authentic record that comes from the heart and is really my story and my thoughts. Not that the first one wasn't, but ...

Stone: You're over it.

McPhee: [Laughs] I'm over it. [Singing] I'm so moving on.

Check out everything we've got on "The House Bunny."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Katharine McPhee Goes Back To 'American Idol' Roots With 'House Bunny' Sing-Along

24 Jun 2008 20:27:00 EDT

Co-stars Emma Stone, Rumer Willis also chime in on new version of '80s classic 'I Know What Boys Like' in August film.
By Larry Carroll

LOS ANGELES — Katharine McPhee has a new song coming out, but you won't be able to find the tune at your local record shop. It's a cover song of the 1982 classic "I Know What Boys Like," it has a "We Are the World"-worthy group of celebrities providing backing vocals, and you can hear it soon — at a theater near you.

"Yes, I will be singing, along with the other ladies," McPhee said of the track when we visited the set of her August 22 flick "The House Bunny," which back then was planning to name itself after the song. "[We'll] be bringing back an old song to life. It's a lot of fun."

For those unaware of the original track, "Boys" was a landmark in the '80s new-wave movement, recorded by Akron, Ohio, band the Waitresses. Mixing playful lyrics, jazz-influenced saxophone and a snotty "nyah-nyah" chorus, the track remains a mandatory inclusion on any '80s compilation. This time around, McPhee has updated the track alongside co-stars Emma Stone, Rumer Willis, Kat Dennings and others.

"She does know," Anna Faris teased her co-star. "We've confirmed it: She does know what boys like."

"We had a ton of fun in the studio, with the girls going in there and giving it their all," McPhee said. "It's very cute, so I had a blast. And it was a lot different than making a record. There was no pressure; it was just a fun thing."

The flick follows Shelly (Faris), a Playboy Bunny who gets tossed out of Hef's house and ends up becoming house mother to the Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority girls. Once the makeovers are complete, the laughs have been had and the lessons are learned, the film's actresses engage in an impromptu music video, with McPhee's "Boys" providing the soundtrack.

"I actually didn't know the song," she explained of the Waitresses' original. "So I had to learn it."

"Not only do I sing it, but a bunch of the girls, we all went into the studio together," the former "American Idol" star explained. "That was another great memory. And Emma rapped!"

"We wrote it out," Stone responded, insisting she's no freestyler. "There'll be no rap album for me, I don't think. I think M.I.A.'sM.I.A.'s doing it well. If I could be a little more like M.I.A., then maybe I'd try to rap. But I'm going to stick to what I know."

Still, McPhee (who is making her acting debut in "House Bunny") insisted that the 19-year-old "Superbad" star holds her own on the track. "Emma was down with it; she was a really great rapper," McPhee explained, insisting that Stone was the new 50 Cent50 Cent.

"I did channel him a little bit," she said. "I was a little 50 Cent-like. But I was more like 10 or five. I was, like, nickel."

Check out everything we've got on "The House Bunny."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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'American Idol' Video Timeline: Six Seasons Of High Notes And Hot Messes

19 Feb 2008 15:07:00 EST

From Jordin to Kelly, 'Idol' expert Jim Cantiello relives each season of the cultural phenomenon in 60 seconds.
By Jim Cantiello

Before "American Idol" sucks you in with the latest crop of contestants, make sure you're well-versed on the show's long (and sometimes lurid) history!

From the ear-pleasing highs to the glass-shattering "no!"s, this timeline by MTV News' "American Idol" expert Jim Cantiello will tell you everything you need to know about the first six seasons: the scandals, the shocking eliminations and the so-bad-they're-brilliant, oh-no-they-didn't performances.

Season Six: 2007

WINNER: Jordin Sparks

RUNNER-UP: Blake Lewis

HIGH NOTE (OF THE SEASON): The first time Jordin Sparks sings "I (Who Have Nothing)" proves that the 17-year-old is a major contender in the competition, giving older, more seasoned singers like Melinda Doolittle a run for their money. (However, the second time Jordin sings the Shirley Bassey classic proves Sparks is less an emotionally mature 17-year-old and more an easily programmed teen-bot.)

LOW NOTE (OF THE SEASON): During Diana Ross week, similarly follicled Chris Sligh takes "Endless Love" and Coldplay's "Clocks," throws them in a blender and hits the "pulverize" button. The result is a 90-second performance of whiny high notes and off-kilter melody tweaks. Appropriate enough, it feels endless.

HOT-MESS PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON: Kristen Wiig look-alike Nicole Tranquillo doesn't survive one week of the semifinals, and you can't really blame America, considering the wild-eyed caterwauling she displays on Chaka Khan's "Stay." Between the funny faces, the spastic body jerks (I don't dare call it dancing), and the cocky persona, Nicole emerges as the looniest, most passionate contestant of the season. No surprise that Nicole is Paula's favorite singer.

SEASON SHOCKER: A 16-year-old country crooner named Baylie Brown wows viewers with an audition that Simon calls "commercial with a capital C." Many expect to see her in the finals, only to be floored a few weeks later when, during Hollywood Week, the judges cut Baylie for forgetting the lyrics (even though her groupmate Antonella Barba — more on her below — makes it through to the next rounds despite also drawing a blank). Later in the season, arguably the best singer in "Idol" history, Melinda Doolittle, fails to make the top two as beatboxer Blake Lewis and young whippersnapper Jordin Sparks move on to the finale. You know it's a shock when even Simon Cowell looks sincerely flabbergasted.

SEASON SCANDALS: In the midst of the semifinals, PG-13-rated photos of Antonella Barba surface, some of which show her either cavorting around a veterans memorial in a wet T-shirt or sitting on a toilet. (Additional X-rated photos that claim to be of Barba are quickly proven to be fake.) Producers keep Antonella around, which prompts Frenchie Davis fans (Rosie O'Donnell included) to cry racism. Alas, America isn't feeling Antonella's vocal stylings and sends her back to New Jersey the final week of the semis. Once in the top 12, iffy contestant Sanjaya Malakar somehow avoids the dreaded "bottom three" for several weeks. Howard Stern and VoteForTheWorst.com take credit for his longevity after running public campaigns to keep the less-than-outstanding singer around as long as possible. And finally, during the finale, Clive Davis spends what feels like 45 minutes praising Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Taylor Hicks, Kellie Pickler — hell, practically every "Idol" contestant except Kelly Clarkson, with whom he's embroiled in a very public dispute over the creative direction of her angry album "My December." (In a delicious TV moment, after Clarkson finishes ripping through her single "Never Again," the "Idol" director cuts to an awkward audience-reaction shot of Davis.)

CULTURAL IMPACT/LEGACY : Season six suffers from I.I.C., or "Idol Identity Crisis." Rather than focusing on the one thing fans actually care about — the contestants — "Idol" instead acts like Angelina Jolie ("Idol Gives Back"); "TRL" (patience-testing appearances by Fergie, Gwen Stefani, Akon, J. Lo and Robin Thicke, to name a few); and NASCAR (even more product placement than usual). During the competition, Blake Lewis and Chris Sligh take major risks with contemporary song choices and their own modern arrangements of classic tunes, letting audiences know that they're more than just karaoke stars. Meanwhile, Sanjaya's outrageous hairstyles and awkward disposition make him a household name (and the punch line to countless late-night talk-show jokes). Toward the end of the season, producers hold a songwriting competition to fight off complaints from viewers that the "Idol" coronation song is always too sappy. Ironically, America chooses "This Is My Now" (perhaps the sappiest song yet) as the big finale single. The first season during which numbers are dangerously down — both in ratings and in album sales — suggests that "Idol" isn't invincible. And lastly, a little girl named Ashley Ferl becomes an overnight celebrity after she spends the entirety of Sanjaya's "You Really Got Me" in hysterics.

Season Five: 2006

WINNER: Taylor Hicks

RUNNER-UP: Katharine McPhee

HIGH NOTE (OF THE SEASON): Paris Bennett's "Take Five" (from her first audition) still gives me goose bumps with every single note. It's so genius that Paula's sheep-like "Ya-a-a-a-a-a" reaction is poetry compared to the joyful-but-bizarre noises I made when I first heard Bennett. It's really unfortunate that during her "Idol" run Princess P never tops this flawless first impression.

LOW NOTE (OF THE SEASON): Ace Young squeezes Train's "Drops of Jupiter" out of his voice box and then exposes his chest to reveal a scar ... while he sings a lyric about a scar. Seriously, dude? P.S.: It looks like special-effects makeup, if you ask me.

HOT-MESS PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON: In the season's semifinal kickoff, Manilooney (and just plain looney) Bobby Bennett proves that what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas, and fans of all things campy hit the jackpot. Between the wide-eyed mugging, the "Liza with a Z" jazz hands and the song dedication to his dead "gram," Bennett's performance is deranged enough for you to think that John Waters cast this round of "Idol."

SEASON SHOCKER: The two-hour season finale is so jam-packed with surprise guests, weeping random audience members and cheesetastic group numbers that for once "Idol" airs a results show that isn't 99 percent boring filler — and that might be the biggest "Idol" shocker ever.

SEASON SCANDALS: Any plus-size divas out there? Take note: Gay men will probably make up most of your fanbase, so don't pull a Mandisa. The singer cites "Pray the Gay Away" preacher Beth Moore as a personal hero, and then busts out some spoken word at the top of a song that comes off as being ... questionable: "Your addiction, lifestyle and situation may be big, but God is bigger!" Regardless of 'Disa's clarification attempt — "When I said 'lifestyle' I was talking about my food addiction" — the harm is already done and her fans flee. A week later, she goes bye-bye. On an also-ran note, flamboyant identical twins Derrell and Terrell Brittenum are "uninvited" from the competition after they're thrown in jail for a 2005 incident in which they allegedly stole a man's identity to buy a car. Thankfully, their arrest happens after the Hollywood Week episodes taped, so viewers are still treated to their fair share of Brittenum-related diva tantrums and hissy fits.

CULTURAL IMPACT/LEGACY : Considering nine out of the 12 finalists score music deals (including fourth-placer Chris Daughtry whose debut album breaks records), it goes to show you that you don't have to win "American Idol" to have a career — and considering the fizzling sales of Katharine's and Taylor's records, it goes to show you that winning "American Idol" (or at least making it to the finale) doesn't guarantee a career, either. (Both Kat and Taylor were dropped from their record labels in early 2008.)

Season Four: 2005

WINNER: Carrie Underwood

RUNNER-UP: Bo Bice

HIGH-NOTE (OF THE SEASON): Rockers Bo Bice and Constantine Maroulis each have their moment in the sun. Bice's a cappella "In a Dream" stops everyone dead in their tracks, while Constantine's "Bohemian Rhapsody" is not the train wreck it

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Katharine McPhee Marries Nick Cokas; Plus Jay-Z, R. Kelly, Amy Winehouse, Madonna, Janet Jackson & More, In For The Record

02 Feb 2008 21:54:00 EST

Jay-Z to headline Britain's Glastonbury Festival; Kelly sued by concert promoter; Winehouse back in rehab after brief hospital visit.
By MTV News staff

"American Idol" runner-up Katharine McPhee married actor Nick Cokas on Saturday in Beverly Hills, California, according to People.com. "[Nick] is the love of my life," McPhee told the site. "This is a once in a lifetime occasion and everything is just perfect." Fellow season-five "Idol" contestants Kellie Pickler and Mandisa were among the 305 guests in attendance, the site reported. McPhee and Cokas met in 2005 when they performed in a Los Angeles theater production of "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir." ...

Jay-Z will headline June's Glastonbury Festival in the U.K., BBC News reports. Jigga wanted to "break with tradition this time and put on something totally different" for the three-day shindig, organizer Michael Eavis reportedly said. The rest of the roster is yet unrevealed, save for Neil Diamond, who will play the closing night, June 29. ...

R. Kelly is being sued by a Nevada concert promoter who says the R&B star failed to show up for a performance in Minneapolis for which he was paid $120,000, according to TMZ.com. Kelly reportedly missed the gig so that he could appear in a Chicago court for a hearing. A suit filed in Atlanta District Court this week by Royalty Records reportedly claims Kelly agreed to perform December 6 with Ne-Yo and Keyshia Cole, but then rescheduled the show for December 20, the day he was set to appear in court. The promoters are seeking the return of the payment, TMZ.com says. ...

Amy Winehouse spent Wednesday night in a hospital ward after being rushed there from a rehab facility to be treated for dehydration. BBC News reports that the singer was put on an IV drip to rehydrate her after a bout of vomiting connected to her treatment for drug addiction. Her father, Mitch, said "everything is going according to plan, and she's perfectly OK," confirming that she has since been moved back to the rehab facility. He also reportedly told the Daily Mirror that he's not sure she's well enough yet to attend next week's Grammys, where she's up for six awards. ...

Madonna has pegged April 29 as the release date for her yet-untitled album, her rep confirmed to MTV News. ... Janet Jackson debuted her new single, "Rock With You," Friday (February 1) on Z100.com. The song is featured on the singer's new album, Discipline, which is due February 26. ... Michael Jackson's 25th anniversary Thriller celebration just got a bit more thrilling. Chris Brown, Akon, Nick Cannon, Quincy Jones, Imogen Heap, DJ Spooky, Will.I.Am and others have shared their thoughts about the iconic album for a related 40-episode podcast series that will run throughout the year. Grab the Thrillercast widget right here. ...

While Britney Spears is undergoing a mental-health evaluation at a Los Angeles hospital, one of Britain's leading modern-dance troupes, the Rambert Dance Company, will perform a piece called "Meltdown," described as a choreographic interpretation of the singer's recent problems. Agence France-Presse reported that the performance at the Southbank Center in London on Friday will feature music from Richard Thomas, who masterminded the tunes in "Jerry Springer: The Opera." An excerpt of the piece shown on BBC News featured a Spears character dancing in a skimpy pink top, black vinyl hot pants and a pink cowboy hat while being harassed by photographers dressed in black. She is later carried away by dancers dressed as doctors in white coats. ... Britney has some company in the psych ward, as various outlets are reporting that actor Justin Chambers, who plays Dr. Alex Karev on "Grey's Anatomy," checked himself into the same hospital as the singer to deal with exhaustion and a sleeping disorder on Monday. ...

There's some big Metallica news on the horizon, according to MetClub, their fan organization. The band, which will spend much of the summer touring Europe, is expected to reveal the dates for a North American trek next week. We'll keep you posted. ... The Roots recently got together with TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone and Tunde Adebimpe to record a new song for the soundtrack to a Danny Glover-produced documentary on the civil-rights movement. Anthony Hamilton, the Blind Boys of Alabama and others also lent their skills to the musical accompaniment to "Soundtrack for a Revolution." ...

The Beatles might not be around anymore, but they're going into outer space thanks to a new NASA effort, The Associated Press reports. The space agency will broadcast the group's song "Across the Universe" across the galaxy to the North Star on Monday. NASA's first-ever beaming of a radio tune into deep space marks the 40th anniversary of the song and the 50th anniversary of the space agency. "Send my love to the aliens," Paul McCartney reportedly said in response to the event. ... "Law & Order" stay Jesse L. Martin will play Marvin Gaye in the upcoming biopic "Sexual Healing," according to Playbill.com. ...

Justin Timberlake, Madonna and others have some blockbuster Super Bowl ads in store for Sunday, but Eels are taking a slightly different approach. The experimental group is in talks to bring the shortest-ever Super Bowl ad to the airwaves — a one-second spot hyping its recently released collection Useless Trinkets (B-sides, Soundtracks, Rarities and Unreleased. Eels made a five-second spot for the set but are trimming it down to just one second for the prospective Super Bowl TV spot. ...

Eva Mendes is in rehab for a substance-abuse problem, according to TMZ.com. The "We Own the Night" actress has reportedly been at the Cirque Lodge in Utah, where Lindsay Lohan was treated last year, for several weeks. According to FoxNews.com, Mendes' rep said, "Eva has been working hard for the past year and made a positive decision to take some much-needed time off to proactively attend to some personal issues that, while not critical, she felt deserved some outside professional support." ...

Wesley Snipes was acquitted of tax fraud but was convicted on three misdemeanor counts of failing to file a tax return in a Florida court on Friday, according to AP. Snipes had faced up to 16 years in prison if convicted on all charges but can now only get up to three years. The "Blade" star and two co-defendants had been indicted in 2006 after Snipes stopped paying, using tax-protest arguments long rejected by the courts. ...

With a song called "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" on fellow "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson's new album under her belt, Paula Abdul has announced on her Web site that she's prepping a solo album for this summer. It would be her first album of new material in 13 years. She also promises that she and Randy will give fans a "surprise" during the Super Bowl on Sunday. ... Tom Petty may be playing halftime, but "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks will kick off the Super Bowl by performing the national anthem. Even before Sparks takes center stage, Alicia Keys will perform as part of the pregame show. ...

Fearless Records have assembled a compilation featuring punk bands' takes on crunk classics. Punk Goes Crunk is set to hit stores April 8 and will feature covers by All Time Low, the Devil Wears Prada, Hot Rod Circuit, New Found Glory and Say Anything, among others. ... Remember Lit, that guys with the music video in which they're climbing across Pamela Anderson like she's the Himalayas? Well, the "Miserable" band is back in writing mode, according to its Web site. "Lit is currently writing together, and I hope that there will be more news to give you this year," a post on the site claims. The band's last album, which was self-titled, hit stores back in 2004.

1.31.08

Justin Timberlake got one heck of a 27th birthday surprise on Thursday (January 31) when Madonna presented him with a cupcake and champagne on the set of her new video, Madge's representative told MTV News. The clip, for "4 Minutes to Save the World," is currently being shot in London with directors Jonas & Francois (who helmed Justice's "D.A.N.C.E.") (Maroon 5, James Blunt) and will feature JT as well as Timbaland. The track will appear on Madonna's yet-untitled LP, due this year. ...

In Style magazine is teaming with the Grammys for the first-ever Grammy Salute to Fashion, which will take place February 7 and feature a performance by Rihanna. The event peeks at the spring collections from the fashion houses of Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Diddy, Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson. It will be hosted by producer Jimmy Jam and also feature a showcase for the Recording Academy's own fashion line, Grammy Brand. ...

Beck's Odelay deluxe reissue is filled with unreleased and rare tracks, and other goodies — but incorrect lyrics weren't supposed to be among them. "The first pressing of the recent Odelay [reissue] was found to have gone out with unproofed lyr

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Zac Efron Has Appendix Removed; Plus Heidi Montag, Joel Madden, Nicole Richie, Rihanna, Hawthorne Heights & More, In For The Record

15 Jan 2008 22:47:00 EST

Montag wants to be Madonna with solo LP; Madden blogs about his and Richie's baby; Rih Rih teams with Marc Jacobs for purse.
By MTV News staff

Zac Efron is doing fine after having his appendix removed Tuesday (January 15), according to People.com. The star — who recently signed on for "High School Musical 3" — was rushed to Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering from appendicitis, TMZ.com reports. "Zac had his appendix removed and is recuperating," the actor's representative, who was not named, reportedly said in a statement. ...

A very revealing photo of Heidi Montag graces the new cover of Maxim, and for the accompanying interview, she also revealed to the mag that she wants to be the next Madonna. "But it's not like with most pop artists, where they have a song sent to them that has nothing to do with their emotions or lives," she insisted about her yet-untitled, in-the-works LP. "It's all about me and my life. I'm taking my time to make sure it's a classic. I don't want to be the next pop person who's in or out. I want to be like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Stevie Wonder — all the greats." Montag also dished on new parents Nicole Richie and Joel Madden recalling that one time they "came up to [Montag's fiance,] Spencer [Pratt,] and me at the Beverly Hills Hotel [in California] and started yelling something Spencer said about Nicole in an interview, like, two years ago. ... Joel was yelling, 'You've been talking sh-- about my girl!' " ...

Madden has blogged on the Web site for his clothing company, DCMA, about arriving home with his and Richie's daughter, who was born on Friday. "Well I am finally home with my beautiful girlfriend and our brand new little daughter," the Good Charlotte frontman wrote. "Harlow Winter Kate Madden was born on January 11th 2008 at 3:13 p.m. She weighed in at 6 pounds and 7 ounces. She is 19 inches long and growing everyday already! She really is a wonderful addition to the GC/DCMA/DEADEXEC family. We are so blessed to have this beautiful little baby in our lives. I want to thank everyone for all the love and kind words they've sent our way. We apologize we weren't accepting gifts/cards/calls at the hospital, but if you'd like to send something, we'd rather you make a donation to the Richie-Madden Foundation, which we started in Harlow Winter's honor. She looks so much like her mom it's crazy! She eats like a little maniac and she's really sweet. She barely ever cries, even when daddy is changing her diaper, and believe me I suck when it comes to diapers, but I'm learning! I can't wait to show off some pictures, until then, THANKS!! and GOD BLESS... Joel." ...

From an "Umbrella" to a handbag: Rihanna has made a match with Marc Jacobs as she and the fashion designer have partnered to produce a new pair of purses named after the leggy singer. The two models are available as a part of Jacobs' spring line. ... Missy Elliott has stepped up with two new tunes for the February 5 soundtrack to "Step Up 2 the Streets." The MC's "Ching-A-Ling" — which is already sizzling in the streets — and "Shake Your Pom Pom" will appear on the soundtrack, and might resurface on her yet-untitled new LP, due in May. The soundtrack also features Cassie, who stars in "Step Up 2 the Streets," as well as T-Pain, Flo Rida, Trey Songz, Plies and Scarface. ...

Twista has inked a deal with Koch to release a project with his longtime group, the Speedknot Mobstaz. The Mobstaz's forthcoming sophomore album, Mobstability II: Nation Bizness, is set to feature Jim Jones and production by Cuzzo and China White Productions. ... The Grammys will not be getting a free pass from the Writers Guild of America. The Los Angeles Times reports that the Grammys have not asked for a special waiver to allow striking Guild employees to work on the show, but even if they did request one, it would not likely be granted. In addition, a number of top musicians who also have Screen Actors Guild cards, including Justin Timberlake and Queen Latifah, are being lobbied by the WGA not to attend the February 10 show, according to AdAge.com. ...

In a $35 million lawsuit filed on Monday, Victory Records claimed that Virgin/EMI "improperly induced" Hawthorne Heights to disregard their contract with the independent Chicago label. In a news release on the suit, Victory also claimed that Virgin/EMI paid $55,000 to the band, which used the money to fund the initial phase of a 2006 lawsuit against Victory, and helped the bandmembers search for a music-industry lawyer to help them with their legal action. "The facts alleged in this case demonstrate classic interference with contractual and business relations," Victory lawyer Robert Meloni said. "They did more than merely offer a carrot to the band, but also saddled the horse, paid for a rider to take the reins, and led it out of the barn." The suit seeks $10 million in compensation and $25 million in punitive damages for Virgin/EMI's "willful, wanton and deliberate conduct." Victory maintains that HH owe the label two more albums, but the band, which lost guitarist Casey Calvert in November after a fatal drug interaction, has vowed not to record for Victory again. ...

Rancid fans, time to grow those Mohawks back — the band started recording new material in a California studio on Monday. The punks' yet-unnamed follow-up to 2003's Indestructible is due later this year, on guitarist Brett Gurewitz's Epitaph/Hellcat label, of course. ... Tiger Army have welcomed an old comrade back into their ranks. Stand-up-bass player Geoff Kresge, who toured with the psychobilly band from 1999-2004 — and who also has a stint with AFI on his résumé — replaces Jeff Roffredo, who "left the band on good terms to pursue other interests," according to a press release from the band's publicist. Tiger Army hit the road earlier this week and have a heap of shows planned for throughout the year. ...

Now that Marilyn Manson and Twiggy Ramirez have reconciled, what better way to celebrate than with some concerts? Manson has tacked on a few more to his upcoming trek, which starts Saturday in Orlando, Florida. The newly added gigs will be staged in Phoenix (February 27); Dallas (February 29); Austin, Texas (March 1); and Houston (March 2). Veteran rock act Ours will be the opening act on the tour, according to Pollstar.com. ... Here's a novel idea: Yellowcard are giving fans who buy the rockers' Live From Las Vegas at the Palms release an early chance at getting tix to one of their upcoming shows. The iTunes exclusive will be available starting January 22, and fans who snatch it up before January 29 will get a Ticketmaster code allowing them to nab up to four tickets for the band's trek, which starts March 7 in Salt Lake City and ends April 12 in Los Angeles. From Las Vegas at the Palms immortalizes Yellowcard's show at the Palms Casino Resort's Pearl venue in October. ...

EMI — home to Coldplay, the Rolling Stones and other acts — will slash a third of its work force, or 1,500-2,000 jobs, over the course of the next months, multiple outlets reported Tuesday. According to the Web site for England's Telegraph, the reunited Verve could be the next major group to withhold its upcoming album in light of the major-label shake-up. The paper reports that the Verve may join Robbie Williams and Coldplay in threatening to hold onto their next albums unless they receive assurances about the company's financial health and how their albums will be marketed. The company's new boss, Guy Hands, was reportedly to be grilled by the managers of some of the label's top acts on Tuesday as he revealed plans for streamlining the company. ...

"American Idol" judge Randy Jackson is known for name-dropping, but his new album, Music Club Vol. 1, might finally back up some of his boasting. Jackson's upcoming solo album, due March 11, will feature pals ranging from Mariah Carey and Joss Stone to Jason Mraz, former "Idol" contestants Elliott Yamin and Katharine McPhee and country star Travis Tritt. Fellow judge Paula Abdul will be featured on "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," her first new recording in more than a decade. Last week, TVGuide.com reported that Jackson and Abdul had been rehearsing a video for the single, and that she was in talks to perform it at the Super Bowl on February 3. Also included on the album are Van Hunt, Three 6 Mafia, Angie Stone, Richie Sambora and Keb' Mo'. ...

My Morning Jacket are going big time: The longhaired Kentucky rockers will headline a show at New York's Radio City Music Hall on June 20. The band's yet-untitled album will drop 10 days earlier. ... Noise Pop just got a bit noisier. The Walkmen, the Dodos, MSTRKRFT, Stellastarr and the Helio Sequence have climbed onto the roster for the San Francisco fest, which is happening February 26-March 2. Jamie Kennedy's comedic documentary "Heckler" — which features George Lucas, Rob Zombie, David Cross and others — will open the Film Festival portion of the event. ... Carla Bruni has been making headlines lately amid her high-profile romance with French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Now the chanteuse can parlay that attention into promotion for the wide release of No Promises, an album that is currently o