Idol Headlines: June 24, 2014 News Roundup

Tonight, America’s Got Talent returns with more quirky, entertaining auditions. Join Eric for live blogging at 8/7c as the show delivers unexpected acts, touching moments, and crowd-pleasing performances.

Phillip Phillips and Pia Toscano will appear on the NHL Awards broadcast tonight on NBC Sports Network. Check local listings for exact airtime and channel; cable access may be required.

Over 5 Million Voted During ‘Rising Star’ Premiere – ABC’s two-hour premiere of “Rising Star” introduced a new level of audience interaction, with more than five million votes cast in real time via the show’s voting app. The app itself reached over a million downloads on iTunes, demonstrating viewers’ eagerness to participate live. Read more coverage from Billboard and other entertainment outlets for additional details and responses from the broadcast.

American Idol Finalists Prepare for Tonight’s Concert – Updated 6/23/2014 – Finalists from the latest season of American Idol are rehearsing for a concert scheduled for tonight. For many contestants, this marks their first tour and a valuable opportunity to perform live for fans outside the TV cameras. Eighth-place finisher Malaya Watson noted the excitement of touring for the first time, while MK Nobilette, who finished tenth, mentioned how well the group gels on stage. The cast comes from diverse parts of the country, and several performers recently completed a 10-day stay in upstate New York’s Southern Tier to prepare for the show. For additional background, see local press coverage and fan reports.

Carrie Underwood Video Teaser

The music video for “Something Bad,” a collaboration between Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, debuts on CMT this Wednesday. A promotional photo teaser was shared on social media in advance of the premiere. Additionally, reports indicate that Carrie Underwood is scheduled to shoot a new opening for Sunday Night Football later this week.

Casey James: ‘I’ve Never Been More Proud’ of This Music – Country singer Casey James described his latest record as deeply personal and representative of his life’s journey. He emphasized that the songs reflect a lifetime of experiences—successes, failures, and the lessons learned along the way—and that he feels the record is an uncompromised expression of who he is as an artist. For an in-depth interview, see Taste of Country and other music-focused outlets.

Miranda Lambert Praises Kelly Clarkson’s Confident Attitude – Miranda Lambert told Glamour magazine that women should feel free to wear what makes them feel good, without worrying about others’ opinions. She singled out friend Kelly Clarkson for her unapologetic self-assurance—how Clarkson can walk into a room without worrying about makeup or fashion and still light up the space. Lambert’s comments underscore a broader conversation about confidence and personal style among female artists.

Ashley Madekwe and Katie Stevens Join 24 Hour Plays – Actresses Ashley Madekwe and Katie Stevens participated in the Montblanc and Urban Arts Partnership’s 24 Hour Plays event held at The Shore Hotel in Santa Monica. The benefit brings together performers, writers, and directors to create short plays in a single day, with proceeds supporting arts education through Urban Arts Partnership. Photographs and event recaps appeared in entertainment photo galleries and local coverage following the event.

‘Rising Star’: Brad Paisley Praises the Premiere’s Energy – Country star Brad Paisley called the first televised audition on “Rising Star” unexpectedly fun and energetic, noting specific moments when the show’s interactive elements produced a real-time reaction from the audience. Paisley and the other panelists seemed to enjoy the live format and the unpredictability it brings to auditions.

‘Rising Star’: Ludacris on Voting, Honesty, and Being a Villain – After the live broadcast, Ludacris discussed his approach to judging, saying he strives to be honest even when his decisions might be unpopular. Acknowledging his limited voting share in the format, he encouraged viewers to use the app to express their own opinions, emphasizing that the audience ultimately has significant influence over the outcome.

Carson Daly on The Voice’s New Judges and TV’s Evolving Landscape – TV host Carson Daly reflected on the arrival of Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani to The Voice’s coaching lineup. Daly described the show as part talent showcase, part light-hearted reality ensemble, where chemistry among coaches enhances the experience for both contestants and viewers. He also touched on the role of social media in modern television, noting how audience engagement has become integral to the viewing experience.

Stay tuned for tonight’s live entertainment lineup across broadcast and cable networks. Expect more live performances, celebrity appearances, and moments that invite fans to participate in real time as television continues to merge live programming with interactive technology.