The nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards were announced Wednesday, and American Idol has been represented in the form of a certain season 4 winner (as well as a current judge). Also in today’s Roundup, Ruben Studdard’s new album is available to listen to for free. And two Idol alumni have teamed up with Randy Jackson for his season 13 workshop.
American Idol Season 13 Spoilers: Who’s in the Top 31? >>>
Carrie Underwood Nominated for ACM Awards
When the 2014 ACM Award nominated were announced, Carrie Underwood was on the list, as expected. She’s up for Female Vocalist of the Year, going up against Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift. She has also been nominated for Video of the Year for “Two Black Cadillacs.”
But Carrie’s not the only one associated with Idol who’s up for Video of the Year. Aside from songs by The Band Perry, Kacey Musgraves, Lee Brice and Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw’s “Highway Don’t Care” is nominated, which just so happens to feature both Taylor Swift and current Idol judge Keith Urban. “Highway Don’t Care” has also been nominated for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year. And Keith Urban on his own received a nod for Male Vocalist of the Year.
And because it’s always fun to compare the singing competition shows, The Voice doesn’t have any of its former contestants receiving nominations. To further prove that Idol creates stars and The Voice only props up their own celebrity coaches, Blake Shelton is up for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year.
The 2014 ACM Awards airs Sunday, April 6 at 8pm on CBS.
Listen to Ruben Studdard’s Album Unconditional Love
We’ve been reporting on the progress of Ruben Studdard’s upcoming album over the past several weeks, posting songs along the way as he’s released them. And now we don’t have to only listen to a few of the tracks, we can now listen to the entire album, courtesy of Ryan Seacrest‘s website.
Unconditional Love is executive produced by David Foster and includes both covers and original songs. Ruben told RyanSeacrest.com, “My favorite song off the record would have to be a song done by Donny Hathaway called ‘Love, Love, Love.’ My second favorite is another song that I’m singing with his daughter [Lalah Hathaway], ‘If This World Were Mine.'” Incidentally, Ruben and Lalah will be touring together beginning in April.
Unconditional Love is in stores on February 4.
[Videos] American Idol Atlanta Auditions: The One Singer to Watch >>>
Chris Daughtry and Adam Lambert Visit Randy Jackson’s Idol Workshop
Randy Jackson may not be a judge on American Idol anymore, but he still has a role on the show — that of in-house mentor, replacing Jimmy Iovine, who has had that role in recent years.
One of the new elements for season 13 includes a workshop for the contestants set up by Randy himself. Executive producer Trish Kinane explained during the TCA tour earlier this month that the workshop will help the singers on all sorts of things, from song choices to wardrobe and how to preserve their voices, among other areas. This will take place sometime between Hollywood Week and when the live shows begin.
It looks like Idol is currently filming the workshop because a former contestant has revealed that he and another alum are involved.
Chris Daughtry tweeted, “Hanging with @Adamlambert at the #idol workshop. Glad to be back! Stay tuned…” And he included an image of him and Adam together.
It is unclear at this point if they are the only two alums helping out or if more have signed on. But regardless, having former contestants be involved in this way is great for the current group of singers who want to be in their shoes someday, and can receive valuable advice on what it’s like to go through the American Idol process.
(Image courtesy of WENN)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
Jeff Dodge, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena.
