American Idol Past Contestants: What Are They Up To Now?

[KWalkerInc]

The Hollywood Christmas Parade just finished airing on the CW, and there were a couple of former Idol contestants.  Elliott Yamin, who had been on several times, performed "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."  There was also a performance of "My Grown-Up Christmas List" by Olivia Soli, who was in the top 20 last season.  I had to Google her, because it seems like I have trouble remembering anything other than the top 3 in the newer seasons!  I used to be much better about recalling the contestants.  Not a contestant, but Paula also appeared, sitting in a car and receiving a certificate (one of many presented on the show ) as Humanitarian of the Year.

[twilightzone]

Bad news for Gabby Barrett.  Her 2nd album just released did not make the Billboard Top 200 album chart.  This is a big plunge from her debut album.

Billboard called it a "flop" and Rolling Stone said it's a "disastrous" performance.

It's been noted that there wasn't a lot of promotion - which is usually not a good sign from the label.  Her radio singles have languished - and she's never headline her own tour.

[Gemma Violet]

6 hours ago, twilightzone said:

Bad news for Gabby Barrett.  Her 2nd album just released did not make the Billboard Top 200 album chart.  This is a big plunge from her debut album.

Billboard called it a "flop" and Rolling Stone said it's a "disastrous" performance.

It's been noted that there wasn't a lot of promotion - which is usually not a good sign from the label.  Her radio singles have languished - and she's never headline her own tour.

Sorry to hear that.  Maybe she's having a difficult pregnancy and was not able to promote it, not to mention caring for a couple of toddlers.  She's about to have her third kid in three years.  Definitely has her hands full.    

[KWalkerInc]

David Archuleta appeared on Celebrity Name That Tune tonight against Teresa Giudice of Housewives infamy.  I think the episode is available on demand (FOX) or on Hulu.

[Gemma Violet]

On 2/15/2024 at 10:40 PM, Gemma Violet said:

Sorry to hear that.  Maybe she's having a difficult pregnancy and was not able to promote it, not to mention caring for a couple of toddlers.  She's about to have her third kid in three years.  Definitely has her hands full. 

Quoting myself to say Gabby had her third kid last Saturday:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/other/gabby-barrett-husband-cade-foehner-welcome-their-third-child-photo/ar-BB1irHuE

[KWalkerInc]

Ruben is scheduled to both be interviewed and perform on The Kelly Clarkson Show on Friday.  I also saw HunterGirl listed for a musical performance on next Monday's episode.

[Gemma Violet]

Here's a spoiler for the appearance by Idols on The Masked Singer.

There's no doubt the Beets are:

Spoiler

Clay and Ruben

 

[KWalkerInc]

Fantasia won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for "The Color Purple."  She was also nominated for Entertainer of the Year, and I believe earlier in the year she was a Golden Globe nominee.

One thing that seemed odd is that Jennifer Hudson's show won the Image Award for Outstanding Talk Show, even though she wasn't among the nominees for host.

[Gemma Violet]

Re my Masked Singer post above, here's a clip from the show:

 

[KWalkerInc]

Re: the Masked Singer video

Spoiler

Ruben sings "Home" on one of his albums, so that makes it even more obvious!  They sound great.

 

[Gemma Violet]

Another thing about the Beets:

Spoiler

Beet Clay has foliage on top (like spikey hair?) while Beet Ruben has no foliage.

 

[tribeca]

It’s been reported that Mandisa passed away.  No cause of death was reported. Very sad for her family she was only 47.  

[JayDub1987]

That's absolutely heartbreaking. A band I was in opened up for her back in 2007, and she was legitimately the sweetest, kindest person. She invited us onto her bus to hang out with her and her band, as we were at an outdoor venue and some nasty weather rolled in delaying the show. 

[twilightzone]

Quote

Christian Rock Radio Station K-Love chief media officer David Pierce said in a statement that the author’s struggles are “over.”

Sadly, Mandisa had struggled with mental health issues and had previously attempted suicide.

[DanaK]

10 hours ago, tribeca said:

It’s been reported that Mandisa passed away.  No cause of death was reported. Very sad for her family she was only 47.  

I heard about this earlier. I liked her on the show and casually followed her career but didn’t buy her music. There are rumors of suicide so may she rest in peace

[Annber03]

15 hours ago, JayDub1987 said:

That's absolutely heartbreaking. A band I was in opened up for her back in 2007, and she was legitimately the sweetest, kindest person. She invited us onto her bus to hang out with her and her band, as we were at an outdoor venue and some nasty weather rolled in delaying the show. 

Aw, I'm glad you guys had such a lovely experience touring with her. That's really cool.

So sad to hear this news. May she rest in peace. 

[twilightzone]

The media has been running the clip where during her audition, Mandisa was fat-shamed by Simon Cowell. 

Even though she went on to be popular in Christian music and had won a Grammy, Idol never really acknowledged her a successful alum, that she deserved credit for.

[libgirl2]

3 hours ago, twilightzone said:

The media has been running the clip where during her audition, Mandisa was fat-shamed by Simon Cowell. 

Even though she went on to be popular in Christian music and had won a Grammy, Idol never really acknowledged her a successful alum, that she deserved credit for.

I can't believe that crap went on but it did. I remember how he hated Clay. Clay and Ruben made that show soar to the heights it did. He should be grateful. 

[Gemma Violet]

1 hour ago, libgirl2 said:

I remember how he hated Clay. 

I don't think it's so much that he hated Clay as it was that he didn't want Clay to win.  He regularly criticized Clay and never criticized Ruben.  Oh, I think once he said something a little negative about an outfit Ruben wore.  Every other week, Ruben was the greatest thing since sliced bread, according to Simon.  The funny thing is, the more Simon talked negatively about Clay, the more the fans rallied around him.  Clay was a juggernaut and nothing Simon said could stop him.  

[KWalkerInc]

I think Simon once said Ruben was "getting a little predictable" after he did a Barry White cover on Billy Joel night, and that was pretty much it for the criticism.

This article includes a number of tributes to Mandisa, including those from Paula, Taylor Hicks, Danny Gokey, Elliott Yamin and Kevin Covais.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/mandisa-remembered-true-beacon-light-221501856.html

I believe they have a tribute from the official American Idol account as well.  I wonder if there will be a mention on the show even though she wasn't on ABC (they haven't always mentioned those from the FOX years who have passed).  I think Mandisa also performed the theme from Good Morning America at one time?  (Or had a song that was featured somehow?)

[libgirl2]

16 hours ago, Gemma Violet said:

I don't think it's so much that he hated Clay as it was that he didn't want Clay to win.  He regularly criticized Clay and never criticized Ruben.  Oh, I think once he said something a little negative about an outfit Ruben wore.  Every other week, Ruben was the greatest thing since sliced bread, according to Simon.  The funny thing is, the more Simon talked negatively about Clay, the more the fans rallied around him.  Clay was a juggernaut and nothing Simon said could stop him.  

Good point and hate was too much of a word to use. Clay didn't fit the narrative of what an American Idol should be. 

[GeorgiaRai]

7 hours ago, KWalkerInc said:

I think Mandisa also performed the theme from Good Morning America at one time?  (Or had a song that was featured somehow?)

Mandisa did perform on GMA; she also featured Robin Roberts (and others) in the 2013 video for her song "Overcomer".   Robin then used the song as the theme for a show or series of segments called "Overcomers."  

I'm so sad that she's gone.

Edited April 21, 2024 by GeorgiaRai

[DanaK]

There will be a tribute to Mandisa on the show on Monday April 29

https://deadline.com/2024/04/american-idol-mandisa-tribute-dead-season-5-contestant-1235891196/

[Vermicious Knid]

The show and everyone else conveniently forgetting about her anti-gay statements. 

[JayDub1987]

Yep. Most people don't remember what someone said on a TV show 17-18 years ago. 

[ljenkins782]

On 4/19/2024 at 10:08 AM, twilightzone said:

Sadly, Mandisa had struggled with mental health issues and had previously attempted suicide.

Oh, I hadn't even considered that. I read Toby Mack's tribute to her about her struggles but had assumed some kind of addiction issue. Very sad either way.

[tv echo]

Jennifer Hudson is a prime example that you don't need to win American Idol in order to be successful. (At this point, I can see several of this season's singers having successful careers, regardless of whether or not they win.)

‘GOD TURNED IT AROUND’: JENNIFER HUDSON MARKS 20 YEARS SINCE AMERICAN IDOL ELIMINATION
Published: April 24, 2024
https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/jennifer-hudson-on-20-years-since-american-idol-elimination.html 

Quote

Jennifer Hudson is sharing a message of encouragement as she celebrates the 20th anniversary of her AMERICAN IDOL elimination. 

“On this day in 2004, I was eliminated from AMERICAN IDOL!” Hudson wrote on Instagram. “But God turned it around for my good! From Idol to EGOT baby !!! 20 years later, and now back on TV with my own show.”

She continued, “Never give up on your dreams, yal! If I can do it, so can u! If it’s not worth working hard for, it’s not worth it at all! Remember nobody knows your potential the way you do. Just keep the faith, keep believing, and keep going!!!”
*  *  *
Today, Hudson is an Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress and singer. ....

Edited April 25, 2024 by tv echo

[Gemma Violet]

Here is the Beets' second appearance on The Masked Singer.  Their third appearance will be May 1.  Spoiler below.  

 

Spoiler

Clay and Ruben

.

 

Edited May 1, 2024 by Gemma Violet

[Gemma Violet]

And their final appearance here.  They did not make it to the finals.  Boo.

 

[KWalkerInc]

Nutsa is representing Georgia at the Eurovision Song Contest.

People Magazine interviewed William Hung as he celebrates his first anniversary with wife #3.

[KWalkerInc]

Chris Daughtry and his band are going to compete on Celebrity Family Feud on Tuesday, July 30 at 8 PM on ABC.

[Gemma Violet]

5 hours ago, KWalkerInc said:

Chris Daughtry and his band are going to compete on Celebrity Family Feud on Tuesday, July 30 at 8 PM on ABC.

And Clay and his family will be on August 6.

They will play against Katherine McPhee and David Foster.

Note:  David Foster is Clay's son's uncle, so there will be family members competing against family members.

Edited July 23, 2024 by Gemma Violet

[tv echo]

American Idol winner Abi Carter sang on stage with dancing Deadpool(s) at D23 earlier this month...

Deadpool with Abi Carter Perform "Like A Prayer” at Disney D23: Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2024
MouseSteps / JWL Media   Aug 11, 2024

Disney D23 Parks - Deadpool + Abi Carter Cover Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” LIVE Honda Center 2024
PrincessMonkey   Aug 11, 2024

Edited August 21, 2024 by tv echo

[Gemma Violet]

Clay has a Christmas album coming out on Nov. 22.

[KWalkerInc]

Triston Harper got married and is expecting a child.

 

[Gemma Violet]

The first single of Clay's Christmas album comes out today.  It's the old Paul McCartney song Wonderful Christmastime, but with a new and original arrangement.  I really like it. 

eta:  The album is called Christmas Bells are Ringing.

Here's the single:

 

Edited November 13, 2024 by Gemma Violet

[KWalkerInc]

Clay is scheduled to perform on the Hollywood Christmas Parade, which will air on the CW on Saturday, December 14 at 8 PM.  He will probably be one of the few highlights, as the parade coverage is often rather weak.  They used to have a lot of Idol alums performing, but now very few musical performers are listed at all.  (And one year, Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, who had appeared before, did sing at the parade but they didn't put it in the broadcast.)

https://thehollywoodchristmasparade.org/performers/clay-aiken/

Also, Kelly Clarkson will again host and perform at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, Wednesday, December 4 on NBC.  Jennifer Hudson is also performing.

[KWalkerInc]

Carrie Underwood to headline ABC's Rockin' New Year's Eve

Also, Jordin Sparks is going to perform on Motown Christmas on NBC on Wednesday, December 11 (starts at 9 PM).

Edited December 7, 2024 by KWalkerInc
Added note about Jordin.

[KWalkerInc]

On the Hollywood Christmas Parade, Clay was the second performer, early in the show, and sang "Do You Hear What I Hear?"  He also rode in a car as part of the parade and had to talk to the hosts for a second.  At least this was early enough that they hadn't started to run low on time and make the people in the cars give one-sentence responses while their cars were still moving.  (I would have just pretended I couldn't hear the male host and said, "Merry Christmas!" and kept moving.)  Although he wasn't listed earlier on their site, Elliott Yamin was also on fairly early singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

ETA:  Clay was on today's episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show.  He performed at the beginning and later had an interview, which was very funny as Kelly recounted their past tour together and how there was such mania over Clay that it was "like she wasn't there."  It re-airs tomorrow morning early on E! and Bravo.

Edited December 17, 2024 by KWalkerInc
Kelly Clarkson Show mention.

[SunnyBeBe]

Has Clay said how he co-parents with a mother on the west coast?  He’s lived in Chapel Hill area for years.  I’m near Raleigh. He’s actually ran for political office here a couple of times. Just curious. 

[Gemma Violet]

14 minutes ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Has Clay said how he co-parents with a mother on the west coast?  He’s lived in Chapel Hill area for years.  I’m near Raleigh. He’s actually ran for political office here a couple of times. Just curious.

Jaymes (Parker's mom) and Parker moved from Santa Monica, California to North Carolina a few years ago. 

According to what Clay said in an interview a while back, Jaymes and Clay live a couple of blocks from each other, and Parker walks back and forth. 

That interview was a while ago, so Clay may or may not live in that house now (he seems to like to buy and refurbish houses), but regardless, they all live in the same area.  And Parker drives and has his own car, so even if it's no longer two blocks between his parents, Parker can still go back and forth.

 

Edited December 21, 2024 by Gemma Violet

[SunnyBeBe]

2 hours ago, Gemma Violet said:

Jaymes (Parker's mom) and Parker moved from Santa Monica, California to North Carolina a few years ago. 

According to what Clay said in an interview a while back, Jaymes and Clay live a couple of blocks from each other, and Parker walks back and forth. 

That interview was a while ago, so Clay may or may not live in that house now (he seems to like to buy and refurbish houses), but regardless, they all live in the same area.  And Parker drives and has his own car, so even if it's no longer two blocks between his parents, Parker can still go back and forth.

 

Thanks!  That’s good to know.  

[KWalkerInc]

Lee DeWyze is scheduled to perform on The Kelly Clarkson Show next Thursday.

[NowVoyager]

American Idol producers ‘not happy’ Carrie Underwood will perform at inauguration and fear viewers will ‘boycott’ show

 

https://www.the-sun.com/tv/13293542/american-idol-not-happy-carrie-underwood-perform-inauguration-boycott?utm_source=sharebar_app&utm_medium=sharebar_app&utm_campaign=sharebar_app_article

[Gemma Violet]

1 hour ago, NowVoyager said:

fear viewers will ‘boycott’ show

I sort of thought the opposite, since Idol has had pretty much a conservative audience for many years.  Maybe they'll lose a few and gain a few, and it'll all even out.  

[KWalkerInc]

Lauren Alaina is scheduled to appear on Kelly Clarkson's show on Thursday.  I'm not sure if she is a guest who will be interviewed, if she is performing, or both.  (Sometimes on Kelly's show they just show a pre-recorded musical performance from another location rather than the person performing in the studio.)