American Idol Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Carrie Underwood.The country superstar — whose powerhouse pipes have led her to win eight Grammys, including six for vocal performance — is not a fan of singers who can’t deliver the goods when they do their recordings live.“Growing up and going to concerts or seeing my favorite artists on TV, if they didn’t sound like they were supposed to sound, it was always so deflating. I’d lose respect for them,” Underwood, 39, told Rolling Stone. “Or when I’d go to a concert and hear them drop keys, I was like, ‘You can’t hit the notes! Why’d you record them if you can’t sing them?’ That stuff is important to me.”Indeed, when Underwood goes from the studio to the stage, she has had no problem bringing her recordings to life with her prized instrument that won her the American Idol title in 2005 (back when people still cared about “American Idol”).“I love to sing, and I’ve always taken pride in the work I’ve put in on my vocals,” she said.

 judges are paying tribute to Willie Spence. The season 19 runner-up recently died at the age of 23. According to local media outlet Douglas Now, which is located in Spence's hometown of Douglas, Georgia, the singer died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

killed the “American Idol” star.Spence’s family held their first press conference outside of his grandma’s house in Florida and told reporters how heartbroken they were at his passing, local ABC outlet WLOS reported.“Willie was our gentle giant. He had such a soft demeanor but a very, very powerful voice. When he opened his mouth and lifted the Lord in song, many would just stop in their tracks to listen to him,” said Spence’s cousin Sabrina Cooper.“Now Willie is in heaven, singing the lead in the heaven’s choir.” According to a Tennessee State Trooper, the Jeep that Spence was driving went off the road and crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer which was stopped on the road’s shoulder.

shows rising star Willie Spence singing just hours before he was fatally killed in a car accident.In one of Spence’s final posts to Instagram — posted a day ago — he is belting out the Christian song “You Are My Hiding Place” while he sits in his parked car.Spence looks emotional as he soulfully sings the song with his eyes closed.The 23-year-old was killed when his car slammed into the back of a parked trailer that was pulled over in the emergency lane on the side of Interstate 24 in Tennessee on Tuesday afternoon.Spence was the runner up on Season 19 of “American Idol,” which aired last year, with Chayce Beckham taking the top spot.Tributes for the young singer have flooded social media, with friends remembering him as a “kind soul” and “true talent.”His “American Idol” mentor Katharine McPhee Foster posted a series of Instagram Stories about the tragedy.“I received very tragic news tonight,” she wrote in an Instagram Story, alongside a clip from “Idol.”“Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident. Only 23 years old,” she wrote.

Luke Bryan is mourning the sudden and tragic death of former American Idol runner-up Willie Spence, as is the American Idol community.MORE: Luke Bryan shares personal family news that may disrupt his careerThe 23-year-old's death was first reported by TMZ on 12 October, citing a car accident on 11 October as the cause of death. He participated on American Idol in 2021.The country singer was one of the judges that oversaw the late singer's success on the singing competition show, alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.WATCH: Luke Bryan shares helpful farming tip with fansMORE: Luke Bryan admits to difficulties with balancing work and his family lifeLuke took to Instagram to pay tribute to the young talent, sharing a clip the official American Idol page shared of his audition in light of his death.He wrote: "Willie really did light up every room he walked into.

American Idol runner-up Willie Spence has tragically died aged 23. The talented singer died following a car accident on Tuesday, according to a preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.MORE: Michael Strahan reveals what he really thinks of co-star George StephanopoulosWillie was a runner-up to Chayce Beckham in the 2021 series of the hit program.

 season 19 runner-up, has died at the age of 23. According to local media outlet Douglas Now, which is located in Spence's hometown of Douglas, Georgia, the singer died following an automobile accident.  “DouglasNow has learned that Douglas native and  season 19 runner-up Willie Spence, 23, has passed away due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Tennessee,” the news outlet reported.

 season 19 runner-up, has died at the age of 23. According to local media outlet Douglas Now, which is located in Spence's hometown of Douglas, Georgia, the singer died following an automobile accident.  “DouglasNow has learned that Douglas native and  season 19 runner-up Willie Spence, 23, has passed away due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Tennessee,” the news outlet reported.

Douglas Now local news reported that the Season 19 star was in Tennessee at the time of the incident, but no further details are available at the time.Katharine McPhee seems to have confirmed Spence’s death in her Instagram story, sharing videos in his memory. The singer performed a duet with the “American Idol” runner-up during his time on the show.“I received very tragic news tonight. Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident.

American Idol star Willie Spence has died aged 23 in a car crash in Tennessee, according to reports. He starred on the American talent show just last year, and came in second place behind Chayce Beckham in the final. News of his tragic death was reported by local news publication Douglas Now.

reunion on! After hosting Simon Cowell for her daytime debut, Jennifer Hudson was reunited with another member of the show's original judging panel -- Randy Jackson. «Thank you for you voice and bringing your voice to us on the show,» the music legend said to Hudson, recalling their first encounter at her  audition in Atlanta 18 years ago. «I grew up in the church, in the hood. You grew up in the church, probably in the hood too. Singing is what we love, we grow up loving singing in the church,» Jackson shared.

Simon Cowell has said he “wouldn’t be here today” if not for the success of Kelly Clarkson, as the singer was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.The star got her big break when she won first ever season of American Idol, which launched her into superstardom all the way back in 2002.The music mogul, 62, said Kelly, 40, was “one of the most loyal, talented” people he had helped throughout his career, as he spoke at the ceremony in Los Angeles on Monday. He was joined by fellow his judges from the original series, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, who also praised Kelly before her star was unveiled. Reminiscing on to the days to when he first met Kelly, Simon told her: "I remember not just your voice but your personality.

Kelly Clarkson was honored with her own star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, and the celebrated singer and TV personality beamed as she basked in the celebratory glow of the achievement.Clarkson spoke with ET's Cassie DiLaura after the big event — where she was reunited with original  judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson — and Clarkson reflected on what it was like to be «cemented in history» on the Walk of Fame.«Wow, how you just said it kind of freaked me out, that's crazy. I didn't really think about it like, that but it's incredible,» Clarkson shared. «I mean, you know, you've seen these pictures since you were a kid, with all these major people that influenced you artistically in your life, and it's cool to be a part of that.»«Especially like right in front of where I won [] 20 years ago,» added Clarkson, whose star is located right in front of the Dolby Theater on Hollywood Blvd.

Kelly Clarkson's  family came out in full force to support the singer and talk show host at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony Monday. The original judging panel — Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul -- were on hand to help pay tribute to Clarkson.The trio posed for photos with Clarkson as she proudly displayed her star and cemented her place in Hollywood history.Cowell spoke at the ceremony, praising Clarkson and the career she's had since winning the singing competition during its inaugural season.«We were just talking about the moment when you sang 'Respect,' and we all looked at each other, and it was like, 'Oh.

Jennifer Hudson has officially made her daytime talk show debut! The EGOT winner kicked off the premiere season of on Monday, beginning the episode with a reflection on her long-time dream of hosting her own show.«Thank y'all for being here. I'm not gonna cry on y'all,» Hudson told her audience.

Kelly Clarkson is living for a moment like this. The 40-year-old superstar recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of her historic win while gearing up for the fourth season of her eponymous talk show. On Sept.

“It’s a no from me, dawg.”A resurfaced video from the first season of “American Idol” in 2002 has Twitter users doing a double take at a blonde, energetic hopeful who very much resembles Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.However, the woman in the video — which has 1.2 million views and over 37,900 likes since it was posted on Sunday — claims her name is Stefanie Sugarman, 23, and says she is from Alta Loma, California, despite Greene hailing from the Peach State.“My biggest worry right now is telling work how I’m going to miss Monday. Calling in sick.

Jennifer Hudson is kicking off her daytime talk show with a blast from the past! On Friday, it was announced that the EGOT winner will reunite with former  judge Simon Cowell on the series premiere of. The reunion will be the pair's first sit-down conversation since she placed seventh on season 3 of the singing competition series in 2004. Last month, Hudson told Dallas station KERA-TV that Cowell would be her dream guest, saying that it would be «awesome» to reunite with the judge who helped her get her start.«I think it would be so interesting,» she explained. " was 18 years ago so why not? I think people will be interested who've followed my journey for 20 years.

in 2020, revealed on Instagram that she was hospitalized and that she «seriously» needed help.Diaz initially revealed her hospitalization stay Wednesday when she posted in an Instagram Story, «Thank you to everyone that checked on me. I am ALIVE and out of the hospital.» Then, on Friday, Diaz again took to her Instagram story and thanked everyone for the prayers.

on “The Adam Sank Show” that while he was competing on the show’s sixth season in 2007, he was scrutinized from his talent right down to his sexuality.“I grew up in a time when being called a f—-t in school was the worst thing that could ever happen to you. You had to be as hyper-masculine as possible to fit in,” said Malakar.“And coming up in 2007, it was like, ‘Being gay is OK, but you have to define yourself, and there’s this or that.'”Malakar said that while he was on “Idol,” several of his fans speculated that he wasn’t entirely straight despite the fact that he has a long-term girlfriend at the time.He claimed several of his publicists told him that he should remain “ambiguous” about his sexuality.“‘No one needs to know anything about anything because you don’t want to lose your fans,'” Malakar recalled one publicist saying.Malakar also said that he really didn’t know how to interact with male peers due to his father not really being a role model.“I had a hard time figuring out how to interact with young boys because my dad’s from India and grew up in a temple, so there was never like, ‘This is how you are a boy,'” says Malakar.

Kim Kardashian has been slammed for the way she stopped herself eating in order to stay in shape.The TV personality, 41, has been sporting a slimmer frame over the last few months but some fans think she is taking her weight loss too far. And now critics think they've spotted her "secret" when trawling through past articles.

Variety reported.Darius Campbell Danesh was remembered fondly by none other than Simon Cowell, who recalled how he first befriended the young talent.“I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well.He was charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with,” Cowell told The Post. “His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”Danesh, who belted tunes such as Brittany Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” and Tom Jones’ “It’s Not Unusual” on his way to becoming an overseas sensation in the early 2000s, was found dead in his Rochester, Minnesota, apartment last Thursday, according to a statement from his family to BBC.Their announcement included details of Danesh’s “sudden” passing.“Darius was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the local medical examiners’ office,” the statement read.“The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances,” it continued.

Meghan Markle, wife of Prince Harry, is said to be holding a grudge against pop star Katy Perry after comments the songstress made about her wedding dress. Former Suits actress Meghan, 41, married Prince Harry, 37, in a lavish ceremony in 2018 with the bride donning a simple white gown by Givenchy.

Carrie Underwood took to Instagram on Wednesday to celebrate the 17th anniversary of her legendary win. «Where does the time go,» the singer wrote on Instagram. «Please enjoy a page from the journal of a 22-year-old farm girl who just had the most incredible night!» The journal entry tells the story of the final moments before Ryan Seacrest announced her win on May 25, 2005. «It came down to this final moment. Ryan had the gold card in his hand,» young Underwood wrote.

told Kelly Ripa about a behind-the-scenes wardrobe change on Monday’s episode of “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” saying that, during a commercial break on “Idol,” his stylist Miles bluntly announced: “We need to change your underwear.”“Apparently, America voted, and decided there was anatomy in the shot,” Seacrest quipped. “And I said, ‘Well, Miles, I didn’t bring any extra underwear,’” Seacrest replied. But Miles was apparently prepared for a switcheroo.

 has crowned a new winner!Sunday's Season 20 finale — which was Bruce Springsteen-themed — all came down to the season's top three -- Leah Marlene, HunterGirl and Noah Thompson.The first round of the night kicked off with Leah singing a rendition of «Cover Me,» followed by HunterGirl's performance of “Dancing in the Dark." Finally, Noah closed out the first round with a gravelly cover of «I’m on Fire» that was a hit with the judges.The second round of the night featured all the finalists performing their own debut original singles. Circling back around, Leah kicked things off with her tune, «Flowers,» which brought judge Katy Perry to tears.Noah follows that up with a performance of his single, «One Day Tonight,» and HunterGirl closed out the second round with a performance of her song «Red Bird.»After some performances with the judges from Leah and HunterGirl — and an encore performances of Rihanna's «Stay» by Noah, who previously performed the song during the season's showstopper round — it was time to vote.After all the votes were cast, the new champion is...ET's Denny Directo spoke with Noah after the show, and the new winner was still in shock, joking, «I don't know what to do right now.»The 19-year-old singer — who is himself the father of a young son, Walker — told ET that the best part of all of this was doing something he could show his kid when he got older.«That, for me, that's the biggest thing out of all this. Because, you know, I wanted to do this for him,» Noah shared.

American Idol” contestant Caleb Kennedy was released from jail Friday on $50,000 bond as he awaits trial for allegedly striking and killing a man with his pickup truck while high on drugs.

American Idol finalist, and fully-exposed star of his own just-published book of nude photography — has entered that sweet stage of his career where he’s unafraid to do all the things that excite him artistically, regardless of what his critics might have to say about it.A prime reflection of the out performer’s take-me-as-I-am attitude is his latest EP, Don’t @ Me, a soul-baring collection of pop and R&B led by the saucy title track.Diving headfirst into the most notorious period of Hernandez’s past, the song opens with audio of local news anchors reporting on the revelation that, prior to competing on season 7 of Idol, then-24-year old Hernandez had worked as a dancer at Phoenix gay strip club, Dick’s Cabaret.“I remember when that news clip came out,” recalls Hernandez, on a Zoom call from his L.A. home.

Luke Bryan's wife has shared an inspiring message with fans reminding them to never mistake weakness for kindness.MORE: Luke Bryan receives outpour of love as he shares bittersweet messageIn a now deleted social media, Caroline posted a quote from Al Capone which read: "Don't mistake my kindness for weakness. I am kind to everyone but when someone is unkind to me, weakness is not what you are going to remember about me."WATCH: Luke Bryan surprised on stage by wife Caroline in sweet videoShe added a meme which read 'damn right'.The post came after their extended family got a little bigger when the country music star shared the news that his niece, Jordan Cheshire Eudy had welcomed her first baby, a boy named Jonathan.MORE: Luke Bryan is lost for words after sweet surprise from wife CarolineThe family "gathered our things up and got to South Georgia" to meet the new member of their family.He told E! News: "Caroline and I got to go see our brand-new precious little nephew, and he and mama are doing well.

Katy Perry! ET's Matt Cohen spoke with the pop star during  on Sunday, which just so happened to fall on Mother's Day. Perry not only shares how she spent the special day with her and Orlando Bloom's 1-year-old daughter, Daisy, but also what being a mom means to her. «One of my favorite things to do is ride bikes and so I got to ride bikes with my daughter this morning to breakfast,» the judge reveals how she spent Mother's Day morning. «We woke up, we were on the bicycle, it was beautiful.

 brought together some of the show's brightest lights and most celebrated stars for Monday's «Great Reunion» special, celebrating the show's 20-year history. ET was at the star-studded event, and spoke with some of the alums about their most memorable moments from their journeys.Justin Guarini — who finished as the runner-up behind Kelly Clarkson during the show's first season -- spoke with ET's Matt Cohen about returning to thestage, and how it felt.«Being back on the stage — that looks nothing like the stage that I was on by the way, they put a little budget into it this year and the years since I've been on it -- it's amazing to be back and see that the energy hasn't changed,» Guarini shared.«My favorite memory from my time on has to be my very first performance that I did live on television, because we didn't really know if [the show] was going to be anything,» he recalled.

, and Katy Perry once again pulled out all the stops. The pop star and judge kept up her tradition of rocking an elaborate costume for the occasion — and this year's might be the most cumbersome of them all.Perry decided to go as Ariel, from, but took it a step father than one usually would with an Ariel costume.

Fantasia Barrino had to be convinced to join the cast of Blitz Bazawule's forthcoming  movie. Yes, she's now ecstatic about reprising her role of Celie but the hesitation, initially, was strong and very real.The 37-year-old singer/actress and her husband, Kendall Taylor, sat down with ET for an in-depth conversation about her upcoming movie, their new marriage advice book and the show that launched her to stardom almost 20 years ago. First, .

reports.In a statement to ET, Louisiana State University said that Hardy was arrested and booked for «violation of 15:1303-- Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Electronic, or Oral Communication.» Hardy allegedly placed a recording device in his ex-girlfriend's dorm room at LSU, , who obtained the singer's arrest warrant, reports.Hardy responded to the allegations on Twitter, writing, «Earlier today, I received a warrant due to allegations made against me and have been fully cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department.»«I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans,» he wrote. «However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time.

being charged with planting a listening device in his ex-girlfriend’s living quarters at Louisiana State University.The country crooner, 21, was taken into custody after his former flame found the voice recorder at her campus accommodation this month. The female student is not named in the booking document released Friday by the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge — but the report does state that she dated Hardy between November 2021 and February 2022. The “Memorize You” singer has been notoriously private about his personal life and did not debut a girlfriend during those dates.The singing sensation has kept tight-lipped about his dating life since winning “American Idol” back in 2019.

confirmed Thursday that he was under criminal investigation by the LSU Police Department, but did not disclose any further information. On Friday morning, however, sources familiar with the case told WAFB-TV that the probe centers around allegations that Hardy was spying on the unnamed female student.