The Voice Season 21 winners Girl Named Tom announce their first post-The Voice single – Sibling trio Girl Named Tom have revealed their first single since winning The Voice. The group announced on social media that “What a View” will be released on August 25 via Republic Records. The trio, who were crowned champions on Team Kelly Clarkson in 2021, previously released a holiday collection after their win and have spent the intervening time touring extensively while writing and recording new material. Fans are being encouraged to pre-save the single via the link in the band’s bio and to share the news with friends.
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75th Emmy Awards to Air Monday, January 15, on FOX – The Television Academy and FOX have announced that the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards telecast will take place on Monday, January 15, 2024 (8:00–11:00 PM EST / 5:00–8:00 PM PST) on FOX. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards are scheduled for two nights at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live on Saturday, January 6, and Sunday, January 7, 2024, with an edited presentation to air Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 8:00 PM EST/PST on FXX. The new dates follow postponements related to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. For the original notice, see the Futon Critic announcement.
Tori Kelly announces “Take Control” Tour – Singer-songwriter Tori Kelly has announced the Take Control Tour in support of her recently released self-titled EP. Kelly, who has appeared on American Idol and The Masked Singer, is recovering from a recent health scare and told fans on Instagram she’s excited to return to the road: “It’s been too long! The #takecontroltour is here.” She invited followers to DM for early access to tickets. The mini-tour will begin in Toronto on September 10.
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Broadway-bound revival of The Wiz finds its next Dorothy, thanks in part to TikTok – Nichelle Lewis, a 24-year-old performer who toured with Hairspray and appeared on American Idol, has been cast as Dorothy in the national tour and upcoming Broadway production of The Wiz. Lewis, who graduated from Molloy University in 2021, drew the attention of casting directors after posting a clip of herself singing “Home” from The Wiz on TikTok. Although she earned a Golden Ticket on the most recent season of American Idol but did not advance past Hollywood week, the role in The Wiz will mark her Broadway debut this fall and next year. More on this story is available from the Associated Press.
‘American Idol’ alum Josh Gracin and wife Katie expecting baby No. 2 – Country singer Josh Gracin and his wife Katie are expecting their second child together in January 2024, Gracin announced on Instagram with the help of their 3-year-old son, Luka, who posed holding a sonogram labeled “Coming January 2024.” Gracin shared that Luka seems excited to be a big brother. In addition to Luka, Gracin is the father of four older children from a previous relationship: daughters Isabella Sophia (14), Gabriella Ann (16), Briana Marie (20), and son Landon Joshua (17). The full report is available at People.
Former Fifth Harmony member Normani signs new management deal – Normani has entered a new co-management arrangement with Brandon Creed’s Good World Management and Lydia Asrat’s Q10. The agreement follows her amicable split earlier this year from Brandon Silverstein’s S10 Entertainment. In a statement, Silverstein noted that change can be positive and that S10 and Normani achieved significant success together over seven years. More details are reported by Billboard.
‘American Idol’ alum HunterGirl opens up about writing vulnerable new song “Ain’t About You” – HunterGirl says she’s been assembling songs for an upcoming project that will reflect her experiences over the past year. She described the new material as personal and true to who she is as an artist and revealed that some tracks are already selected for the project. Fans can expect honest storytelling and vulnerability on the new record, according to an interview with Hollywood Life.
Katie Stevens details panic attacks while coping with postpartum depression – Katie Stevens, star of The Bold Type and a finalist on American Idol season nine, has been candid about her struggle with postpartum depression following the birth of her son, Rome. In an Instagram Story and podcast appearance, Stevens described increased anxiety, overwhelm, and difficulty asking for help during the months after giving birth. She urged more open conversations about postpartum mental health and the many ways it can present. E! Online has more on her account.
Lauren Alaina says she “lost who I was” battling bulimia while on American Idol – Country singer Lauren Alaina has spoken publicly about developing an eating disorder in middle school and how competing on American Idol in tenth grade intensified her struggles. Alaina said criticism from peers and the pressure of national television contributed to a difficult period. Her experience on Dancing With the Stars in 2019 prompted her to return to therapy, and she now uses her platform to help others facing similar challenges. People covers her full interview.
Luke Bryan: judging American Idol has brought unexpected emotion – Luke Bryan, now a veteran judge on American Idol alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, says he did not anticipate how emotional the role would be. After five years on the panel, Bryan embraces the vulnerability the show inspires and aims to respond with empathy and honesty when contestants share personal stories. He told PEOPLE that he and his fellow judges strive to approach their roles with compassion.