American Idol finales are always filled with huge stars performing throughout the two-hour show. And with the season 12 finale just days away, we’re starting to find out who’s stopping by to duet with this year’s finalists, and which current judge is set to perform. Also in today’s Roundup, Carrie Underwood is performing the Sunday Night Football opening theme song. And Jessica Sanchez’s debut album was released last week — how many copies did she sell and where did she land on the Billboard 200?
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Mariah Carey, Adam Lambert and More Performing on Finale
Keith Urban performed on Idol earlier this year. But what about the other judges? According to ShowBiz 411, Mariah Carey is set to perform a medley of her hits during the season 12 finale on May 16. It’s not known at this point which songs will be included in the medley. But it’ll be interesting to see if the camera ever moves over to Nicki Minaj during the performance to get her reaction. Speaking of the controversial rapper/hip-hip artist, we haven’t heard if she’ll be performing at all. After hearing that Mariah’s taking to the stage, it wouldn’t be surprising if Nicki talked to the producers about doing the same.
What’s always great about the finales is seeing established artists performing duets with the finalists. And this year looks to continue that tradition. Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert will be teaming up with Angie Miller for a duet, according to The Hollywood Reporter. That seems like a strange pairing — Angie and Colton Dixon would be more fitting — but who knows? Maybe they’ll blow us away. We already know Glambert always does.
Besides Adam, Janelle Arthur will be performing with The Band Perry. And the Top 5 guys will sing with Frankie Valli. While she hasn’t confirmed anything yet, there’s a chance Jennifer Hudson will perform as well. (Wouldn’t it be epic if she did a duet with Candice Glover?) And former Idol judge Jennifer Lopez will stop by her old stomping grounds to perform.
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Carrie Underwood Performing Sunday Night Football Theme Song
Faith Hill will no longer be performing the Sunday Night Football opening theme song, “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.” And none other than Carrie Underwood has been brought on as the new singer.
“I am thrilled to be a part of NBC’s Sunday Night Football and am so honored they asked me,” Carrie said in a press release. “I have always loved football season, and it is so exciting to now become part of it every Sunday night!”
Were there any other singers being considered? According to producer Fred Gaudelli, the answer is no. He said, “Carrie Underwood was out first and only choice to perform the Sunday Night Football opening. She’s one of America’s most popular entertainers and the perfect fit for our show.” And in fact, Carrie was under consideration back in 2006, but “the stars didn’t align.”
Carrie hasn’t recorded the theme song yet, but she said to reporters, “We want to make it sound different, like me. We want to be mindful of [Faith’s version] and change it up.” Football fans will first hear her version on September 8 when the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants face off during the first game of the 2013 NFL season.
The Top Idol Album Sales: Jessica Sanchez Makes Her Debut
Season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez released her debut album Me, You and the Music last week. In the first week, she sold 14,000 copies and debuted at #25 on the Billboard 200. This is the lowest debut for any runner-up, but in her defense, her label not only delayed the album by half a year, but they also haven’t been doing much in the way of promotion. Hopefully her guest appearance on Thursday’s Glee season 4 finale will help.
Fantasia is still going strong with her latest record, landing at #4. And Carrie Underwood, Phillip Philips and Kelly Clarkson round out the top five. Take a look at where everyone stands on the charts this week, courtesy of USA Today:
Fantasia’s Side Effects of You at #4, selling 36,000 units (Total: 127,000)
Jessica Sanchez’s Me, You and the Music at #26, selling 14,000 units (Debut)
Carrie Underwood‘s Blown Away at #49, selling 8,000 units (Total: 1.429 million)
Phillip Phillips’ The World from the Side of the Moon at #50, selling 8,000 units (Total: 861,000)
Kelly Clarkson’s Greatest Hits — Chapter One at #52, selling 8,000 units (Total: 406,000)
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(Image courtesy of FOX)
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.
