Is It Really ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Without Pat Sajak?
Ryan Seacrest seems more straightforward in his approach and may eschew humor as he builds into the hosting role.Ryan Seacrest seems more straightforward in his approach and may eschew humor as he builds into the hosting role.'American Idol' winner Carrie Underwood returns to show as a judge
Carrie Underwood is returning to "American Idol" after winning the contest 20 years ago in order to be a judge on the show.
The country superstar will replace Katy Perry, who has been on the judging panel for seven years.
'I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching.'
The announcement was made Thursday by Craig Erwich, the president of Disney Television Group.
"This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on ‘Idol’ and launched her successful multi-GRAMMY Award-winning career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television," he said.
"This is a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades," he added. "Welcome home, Carrie."
Underwood has previously returned to the show in smaller roles, including as a mentor and also as a performer in its 2022 finale.
She will sit at the judging panel next to Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for Season 23.
"I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show," she said in a video about her return to Idol. "I’m proud of everything I was able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since."
The popular singer made headlines in 2021 when many on the left tried to cancel her for merely "liking" a tweet that criticized the "cruel and indefensible mask mandate for children." She had previously poked fun at former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump during separate appearances at the Country Music Awards.
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Obesity Kills Christian Gospel Singer Mandisa More Than 30 Years Early
On Tuesday, People Magazine reported Mandisa died in April at just 47 years old after struggling with class III obesity.Grammy Award-winning Christian singer and 'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47: 'Her kindness was epic'
Christian music artist and "American Idol" alum Mandisa has died, according to multiple reports. Mandisa Lynn Hundley was 47.
Mandisa reportedly died on Thursday at her home in Nashville, Tennessee. The cause of death is not yet known.
Mandisa's official Facebook page confirmed the death in a post: "Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world."
The Facebook page shared Mandisa's song titled "You Wouldn't Cry (Andrew S Song)," which has the lyrics: "I'm already home. You've got to lay it down 'cause Jesus holds me now — and I am not alone."
David Pierce – chief media officer at Christian radio station K-Love – said of the talented singer:
Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn. Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it wasno match for the size of her heart. Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles. Mandisa’s struggles are over. She is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home. We’re praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask you to join us.
In her book, "Out of the Dark: My Journey through the Shadows to Find God's Joy," Mandisa chronicled her challenges with depression but always trusted God for healing.
"I think so many people have struggled. Even people that we see in the Bible. The way that I see God address those people, is not by saying, I'm so ashamed of you, I'm so disappointed, but with love and with grace. I think that's how we should respond to each other as well," she wrote, according to Christian radio station CHVN.
The California native studied vocal jazz at American River College in Sacramento and music at Fisk University in Tennessee.
Mandisa garnered a national spotlight when she auditioned for Season 5 of “American Idol” in 2005.
Mandisa won over fans when she gracefully forgave "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell after he made derogatory comments about her weight.
"You hurt me. It was painful. It really was," Mandisa told Cowell. "But I want you to know that I have forgiven you. You don’t need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody. I figured that if Jesus could die so that all of my sins could be forgiven, I could certainly extend that same grace to you."
After becoming a star on "American Idol" by finishing in the top 10, Mandisa released her first album, "True Beauty," in 2007. The album debuted at No. 43 on the Billboard 200 and at the top of Billboard’s Christian album chart – the first for a female artist. Her first single, "Only the World," debuted at No. 2 on the hot singles chart and hit No. 1 in its second week.
Her 2013 album, “Overcomer,” won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.
Mandisa released six studio albums, and her last one was released in 2017.
The platinum-selling singer collaborated with TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Matthew West, Michael W. Smith, and Jon Reddick.
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'So sorry guys': 'American Idol' winner apologizes for forgetting to remove hat while singing national anthem
"American Idol" winner Iam Tongi issued a mea culpa after failing to remove his hat while performing the national anthem.
Tongi committed the faux pas while singing "The Star Spangled Banner" at the MLB's 2023 Home Run Derby.
The singer explained that he had been nervous and forgotten to remove his hat prior to the performance.
"Tens of thousands of people. I walk out and my uncle reminds me to remove my hat before I start singing. I remember. A few seconds later the nerves took in and didn't remember until it was all done. I will try to do better next time," he tweeted.
Tongi, who won the latest season of "American Idol" earlier this year, addressed the hat issue in posts on other platforms as well.
"First try at singing the National Anthem. So nervous that it was in front of such a huge crowd. And apologize for being so nervous and forgot to take off the hat," a video description on his YouTube channel reads. In an Instagram post Tongi wrote, "First time singing the National Anthem and it was nerve wrecking that the nerves took over and I forgot to take my cap off. So sorry guys. Biggest crowd yet!"
Many people responded by expressing their support for the singer.
"It was amazing don't worry about forgetting your hat. Your wonderful voice and heart is what really counts. Again good job friend!!!" one person wrote in response to the singer's tweet about the performance.
"Easy mistake, you sounded great, next time you’ll remember.. No one is perfect!" someone else wrote.
"Your fans know that you have a kind heart and soul. It wasn't an intentional act. It was all nerves. We still love ya...this is coming from a military spouse," another commenter wrote.
— (@)
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Former 'American Idol' contestant C.J. Harris dead at 31
C.J. Harris, who competed on season 13 of "American Idol," passed away on Sunday at the age of 31 years old — he would have turned 32 later this month.
The man suffered cardiac arrest and was taken to a hospital in Jasper, Alabama, on Sunday, Walker County coroner's office deputy coroner Danielle Calloway informed NBC News.
"C.J. Harris was an incredible talent, and the news of his passing deeply saddens us. He will be truly missed," the show "American Idol" posted on social media.
\u201cC.J. Harris was an incredible talent, and the news of his passing deeply saddens us. He will be truly missed.\u201d— American Idol (@American Idol) 1673894503
"I was six years old and my mom was in prison. She would sing to me over the phone and tears would just flow out of my eyes," Harris said, according to a piece from the Hollywood Reporter in 2014. "When I was a little older, my granddad gave me a guitar. He had one in the shed and it had three strings on it. He said I didn't need to buy a whole new set of strings. So I would tune it in a way that when I strummed it, it sounded like it’s in a key of whatever. I find different sounds. I just love music so I really try to find a sound that I really like and just play it. I know that’s weird, but that's what I do."
Harris, who competed on the 13th season of "American Idol" which aired in 2014, said that he had unsuccessfully tried out for the show in 2010.
"I never made it past the first round," he said, according to the Hollywood Reporter. "I auditioned for 'The X-Factor.' I auditioned for 'The Voice' and I never got through, and it hurt me. It really did. So I went back home and that’s what made me stop playing in bars. I wanted to get it together and find out who I am."
AL.com reported that in 2016, the man had been charged for three counts of distribution of a controlled substance — the Walker County Sheriff's Office claimed that Harris had sold marijuana and oxycodone, according to the outlet, which added that the next year, he pled guilty to a reduced charge of possession and got a suspended sentence.
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