Host Evan Farmer welcomes Lauren Alaina to this week’s CMT Top 20 Countdown. The episode premieres tomorrow (9/16) at 11:00 a.m. ET/PT, with repeats on 9/17 at 11:00 a.m. ET/PT and 9/18 at 11:38 a.m. ET/PT.
When worlds collide: Blake Lewis recently met Glee stars Diana Agron and Naya Rivera. In a playful exchange on Twitter, he wrote that it was great meeting them and hinted at more “pool beatbox” sessions in the future.
James Durbin is back in the studio. He posted that he’s recording again, aiming to complete two songs before heading to the Philippines. He also shared his excitement about his album artwork and teased fans about possible album title ideas.
Tony Bennett’s Duets II — featuring collaborations with artists such as Carrie Underwood, Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse — is available to preview. The album is set to release on 9/20; NPR streamed the full album for early listening.
Jennifer Hudson has been recognized as one of People magazine’s 10 best-dressed celebrities. A photo slideshow highlighting the list appeared in the Vancouver Sun.
Brad Beams Carrie to Tampa
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood’s duet “Remind Me” recently hit the top of the charts. Although Brad has been on the road all summer, the duet was added to his set just last weekend. On September 9, Paisley performed the song with an eye-catching stage effect: a digital Carrie. In a conversation with Country Countdown USA’s Lon Helton, Carrie confirmed she would appear in Brad’s shows, and Brad joked about transporter-style technology, saying, “They’ve actually perfected transporter technology from Star Trek, and she’ll be there,” to which Carrie quipped, “He’ll beam me up.”
Listen to the interview at Country Countdown USA.
Kris Allen visits the New Era Style Retreat in New York City
Catching Up with Anthony Fedorov
Season 4 alum Anthony Fedorov released a new song on the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Based in New York, Anthony discussed that release, his EP Never Over, and shared memories and reflections from his American Idol experience in a recent phone interview.
Read more at American Idol.
Exclusive: Steve Jones Arrives — A New Face for “The X Factor”
Wales continues to produce notable entertainers, and 34-year-old Steve Jones is poised to join that list. With the U.S. launch of Simon Cowell’s The X Factor on the horizon, Jones’s profile is expected to rise as he takes on a prominent hosting role.
Read more at After Elton.
Simon Cowell on On-Air Sincerity
Simon Cowell recently criticized what he sees as insincere TV sympathy from other hosts, suggesting that some expressions of concern are performed for the camera rather than genuine. Cowell said he prefers to be candid about his opinions, rather than offering false hope to contestants.
Read more at Village Voice.
Hollywood Premieres “The X Factor”
In advance of the show’s broadcast premiere, Simon Cowell described his excitement for the high-profile Hollywood premiere event, noting the special feeling of hosting a television premiere in a cinema and calling it a thrilling moment.
Read more at Reuters.
Kara DioGuardi Contemplates Writing a Broadway Musical
Singer-songwriter and current performer in the revival of Chicago, Kara DioGuardi, expressed interest in writing a Broadway musical. DioGuardi said she’d welcome the challenge and would like to create a show that speaks to women and the relationships between mothers and daughters, emphasizing the idea of writing about what you know.
Read more at Playbill.
Which Glee Star Had Her Breast Implants Removed?
Heather Morris, known for her role on Glee, told Fitness magazine that she had her breast implants removed. She explained that implants caused persistent discomfort during physical activity and that removing them relieved the pain. Morris also mentioned that, in hindsight, not being selected for So You Think You Can Dance turned out for the best.
Read more at E! Online.
Emmy Seating: Front Row Details
With Jane Lynch hosting the Emmys, fellow Glee cast member Chris Colfer will enjoy a front-row seat, placed directly in front of Lea Michele and beside Betty White. Organizers appear to have crafted a seating plan that creates memorable pairings among presenters and guests.
More seat chart details are available at The Insider.
Chris Colfer: On Role Models and the Future for Kurt Hummel
Chris Colfer acknowledges the pressure that comes with being seen as a role model. He says people often place Kurt—and by extension himself—on a pedestal he doesn’t always feel he deserves. Colfer shared that he thinks Kurt will eventually leave Lima and pursue a career as a performer, possibly combining fashion with stage work to become a “fashionable performer.”
Read more at Parade.