Entertainment Roundup: Ruben Studdard Joins American Idol Zoom Auditions; AXS TV, Tamyra Gray, Maddie Zahm and Chrissy Teigen News
Ruben Studdard to Join “American Idol” Zoom Auditions in Alabama
Ruben Studdard, the Alabama native and Season 2 winner of American Idol, will participate in the show’s virtual audition process on August 15. Studdard, who lives in Birmingham, is scheduled to drop into the audition waiting room for a live Q&A with hopeful contestants, offering audition tips and answering questions. The event is part of the Idol Across America series — a month-long set of virtual auditions designed to reach singers from all 50 states. This online approach replaces the traditional in-person, city-by-city cattle-call auditions and aims to make the audition experience more accessible for aspiring artists nationwide. Coverage and local reporting on the event were provided by AL.com.
AXS TV’s “Music’s Greatest Mysteries” Returns with New Episodes
AXS TV’s investigative series Music’s Greatest Mysteries returns with a fresh slate of episodes beginning August 24 at 8 p.m. ET. The new season delves into long-running myths, controversies and lesser-known stories from music history. Among the subjects covered are questions about whether the Secret Service ever monitored Eminem during President Trump’s administration, long-standing rumors surrounding American Idol rigging allegations, and deep dives into celebrated careers and scandals. Other episodes revisit rock-era relationships and behind-the-scenes turning points, including explorations of Pat Benatar’s personal and professional story and the origins of hugely popular songs such as “Achy Breaky Heart.” The show mixes archival material, interviews and investigative reporting to unpack music lore and separate fact from fiction. Additional program details and episode schedules were reported by Futon Critic.
Tamyra Gray Stars as Sister Mary Clarence in Pittsburgh CLO’s Sister Act
Tamyra Gray, who first rose to national attention as a contestant on Season 1 of American Idol, is starring as Sister Mary Clarence in the Pittsburgh CLO production of Sister Act. Gray’s transition from reality-TV contestant to stage lead highlights a continuing career in musical theater and live performance. Her involvement in the production has attracted attention from local outlets and fans who followed her early appearance on Idol and subsequent work in music and theater. A video feature discussing Gray’s role and the Pittsburgh CLO production was made available through local news coverage.
Boise-Born Musician Maddie Zahm on New EP and Local Support
Maddie Zahm, a 24-year-old singer-songwriter originally from Boise, has been steadily building a following since her appearance on ABC’s American Idol. Now based in Los Angeles, Zahm has released new music videos that have gathered millions of views and has announced an upcoming EP release slated for August 12. In interviews, Zahm described how the past few years have been transformative: relocating to L.A., losing more than 100 pounds, embracing her identity publicly, and writing candidly about those personal revelations. She credits hometown support and new opportunities in Los Angeles for helping her pursue a music career while connecting to a growing online audience. Local reporting and interviews with Zahm were highlighted by KIVITV.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Announce Pregnancy
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have announced that they are expecting another child. Teigen shared the news on social media, expressing a mix of nervousness and joy during routine doctor appointments but describing the pregnancy so far as “perfect and beautiful.” The couple acknowledged past loss in their recent statements, referring to the tragic death of their son Jack in 2020, and emphasized how this new pregnancy has brought renewed happiness to their family. Media outlets covered the announcement and Teigen’s emotional message to fans about hope and healing.