Record label BMG has had mixed success with its American Idol artists. On the one hand, standouts like Carrie Underwood go platinum and pick up an armful of Grammys. And Kelly Clarkson, although sometimes causing headaches with her independence, can still deliver mostly solid sales.
And then there’s the underperforming Idol types who aren’t pleasing executives — which is why they’re letting ‘em go from RCA.
With three albums out, Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard was axed. And Taylor Hicks, the unlikely winner of Season 5, was shown the door when the industry quickly learned people will vote for the weirdo, but they won’t buy his album.
And now comes confirmation that Katharine McPhee has been booted after a lackluster debut. Sure, “Love Story” was a catch single, but “Open Toes,” about, um, open-toed shoes, probably forecast that scenario.
So who’s next to get bumped from BMG? As much as we enjoyed Blake Lewis’ record – shut up, it’s a good gym workout soundtrack – we’re going to handicap him as the next to go. Beatboxing is only hot if you’re bringing sex back.
• Amy Winehouse was hospitalized due to exhaustion and sleep deprivation? Weird! We always figured that early riser fell asleep just as soon as her head (and 4-feet of hair) hit the pillow.
• SJP launches a new fragrance while simultaneously auditioning for the part of “Sky” in the revival of American Gladiators.
• Director Brett Ratner gets all touchy-feely with The Hoff.
• Katharine McPhee’s skirt is blowing out like a candle in the wind.
• Rose McGowan is, like, Knights of the Round Table hot.
• Warning: listening to Katharine McPhee live and in concert may cause facial spasms.
• After a day of wholesome family fun, A-Rod drops the f-bomb. Figures.
• Time Inc. to continue “pruning” its portfolio. Which is just a fancy way of saying shutting down magazines and firing more people.
• Anti-gay hatemonger takes a wrong turn, accidentally ends up in the fag capital of the world.
• Congratulations to our friend (and “snappy” Stereohyped editor) Lauren Williams for cracking this week’s “Perfect 10.”
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done to impress a crush? How about trying out a new religion, perhaps a cult-like religion that believes in aliens, hierarchies, and giving all the leaders your money?
No?
Well, that’s what American Idol star Katharine McPhee confessed to having done when she was asked to clarify rumors that she was asked to sing at the TomKat wedding (false) and whispers that she’s a full-fledged, L. Ron Hubbard follower (mostly false):
I actually just did meet [Tom and Katie] the other day and they were the nicest people I think I’ve probably ever met. I’m not a Scientologist. I’ve clarified this rumor over and over again, but people will keep saying that I am, but whatever. I took a couple of courses. It was really all about a guy. It was a guy that I was totally obsessed with — not obsessed with but totally into and, you know, guys and girls can do that to our lives and make us think we’re into something that we’re not. But I don’t say that Scientology is a bad thing. I met a lot of wonderful people in Scientology, so when I say I’m not a Scientologist I don’t mean it like “I AM NOT A SCIENTOLOGIST!” I actually had a very positive experience in Scientology; I just chose that it wasn’t for me.
Talk about your dream girlfriend! Not only will McPhee cook, clean and sing** in the shower, but she’ll even obsess over you to the point that she’ll come this-close to joining a cult, all in the name of fatal attraction true love.
We can only hope that someone from this year’s crop of Idol wannabes has that same sort of spunk that says, “not only do I have what it takes to (almost) win American Idol, but I’m even willing to join a pseudo-religion where Tom Cruise is Jesus Christ and science-fiction writers are kings.”
**almost as well as Idol winner, Taylor Hicks
• In an attempt to let the public know he????????s not just cool for doing drugs, but for supporting gay people too, Justin Timberlake stands behind Lance Bass. [MuchMusic]
• This is what happens when you come in 2nd place in American Idol: Taylor Hicks gets to do Toyota commercials and Katharine McPhee is forced to talk to Bush. [Mercury News]
• Obviously, you don’t have to be cool to be Prince’s girl, you just have to be willing to idolize him and give him some of your extra kisses. [Page Six]
• Former radio-host Star distinguishes “mainstream talk” from ???????hood talk.??????? [Daily Dish]
• We’ve asked before and we’ll ask again: isn????????t there an age-limit for feuding rockers? [Jam!]