Results tagged “kelly clarkson” from J-14 Magazine

Hey J-14ers,

One of my fave bands right now is Parachute -- my friends have been Facebooking about them for months, and I listen to "She Is Love" on repeat. Frequently. So I was psyched to check them out last night at NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom! It was Parachute's first show opening for Kelly Clarkson during her All I Ever Wanted Tour, and they rocked the house. If I wasn't obsessed with them before, hearing "She Is Love" live has made me love the band even more. I even got to hang out with the boys after the meet & greet, which is when they made the awesome video above!

The Parachute guys were tired after the big show, but all the boys were so nice and guitarist Nate McFarland was still psyched after the show. "My favorite part of tonight was being able to say, 'Are y'all ready for Kelly Clarkson?" Nate told me. "'Since You Been Gone,' 'I Do Not Hookup,' 'My Life Would Suck Without You,' 'Breakway' -- these are all anthems of my life." Plus Nate and his bandmates, lead singer Will Anderson, drummer Johnny Stubblefield, bassist Alex Hargrave, and saxophonist/keyboard player Kit French all signed an awesome prize just for a lucky J-14 reader -- but you'll have to wait and see what it is in an upcoming issue!

Then Kelly Clarkson came on and she was so good! Can you tell that's my theme for the night? I love music, so seeing someone with a truly natural, amazing voice live is a really cool thing. My jaw even dropped a few times when she hit really high notes! "I really love music," Kelly announced mid-show. "I like all kinds," and she proved it by covering Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight," The Black Keys' ", Alanis Morissette's
"That I Would Be Good," Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody," and The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army."

But that wasn't her only interaction with the audience -- she talked to her fans between almost every song, and every time she held the mic out for us to sing along with her, she had a huge grin on her face. She was so cute admitting things like how excited she was to do a duet of "Because of You" with Reba McEntire (who was in the audience!) and that she never likes to write happy songs but always winds up falling in love with them, like she did with her tune "I Want You."

She performed classics like the breathtaking "Because of You" and "Never Again" plus lots of songs off All I Ever Wanted, including "Impossible" and an acoustic take on "Already Gone." I completely rocked out to "Since U Been Gone" and loved that she closed her 20-song set with the most energetic version of "All I Ever Wanted" that I could've imagined.

This was the first time I got to see both Parachute and Kelly Clarkson live, and I certainly hope it's not the last -- both acts were amazing.

<3,
Emily, J-14 editor

Avril Lavigne has a lot to celebrate today - the sk8r girl is turning 25! She's been super busy lately - her first fragrance, Black Star, just came out, and her 4th album will drop in November! The more acoustic, as-yet-untitled disc will even feature "Darlin'," the second song Avril ever wrote when she was 15! We can't wait to hear it, but until then, here's to wishing Avril a very happy birthday!

Fun Facts About Avril!
- Avril moved to NYC at just 16 to to record her first album, Let Go.
- The restaurant La Pizzeria, in her hometown of Napanee, Ontario, named a pizza after her! It included green olives, pepperoni, and mushrooms - though Avril is now a vegetarian!
- Avril wrote Kelly Clarkson's hit song, "Breakaway."

Check out J-14's exclusive interview with Avril from her Abbey Dawn fashion show:

Leave your happy birthday wishes for Avril below!

Photo: Courtesy of RCA

Since Paula Abdul famously quit American Idol, there have been a slew of celebrity judges to take her place during auditions this summer like Victoria Beckham aka Posh Spice, Katy Perry, and Jennifer Lopez.

Next week Joe Jonas will both sitting on the judges pannel to critique the latest set of Idol hopefuls!

Do you think Joe will be mean like Simon? Or sweet like Paula?

Photo: Joe: Courtesy of Fox

Kelly Clarkson and Miley Cyrus have just been announced as two of the headlining female singers on VH1 Divas Live! The concert will air live on Thursday, September 17, at 9/8 central. The last Divas concert aired back in 2004.

British songstresses Leona Lewis and Adele are also joining Miley and Kelly for the concert, and additional "divas" will be announced in the weeks leading up to the show. The very first VH1 Divas concert ever aired in 1998, and tons of singers, including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Faith Hill, have performed. Miley, Kelly, Leona, and Adele are totally joining the ranks of those amazing women! And like the previous concerts, this year's will also be raising money for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

What do you think of Miley and Kelly being on a "diva" show? What do you think "diva" really means? Are you excited to see Miley, Kelly, Leona, and Adele perform?

Photos: Courtesy of RCA Records, Courtesy of Sheryl Nields/Hollywood Records, Courtesy of Adam Larkey/ABC, Courtesy of Patrick Habron/ABC

Tomorrow night is the MuchMusic Video Awards -- it's the Canadian version of the MTV Video Music Awards -- and J-14 will be front and center for all the action!

We got to spend the whole day today backstage at the On 3 Productions Gift Lounge and saw Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, the Black Eyed Peas, and Canadian band Rise Against rehearse their performances. Even though it's a rainy day in Toronto, it didn't stop everyone from giving it their all -- even though it was only rehearsal! You know that means tomorrow they're going to bring their A Game!

The Jonas Brothers are co-hosting and performing at the big show, but they were M.I.A. today. Why, you ask? Tonight is the kickoff of their world tour in Dallas -- but they're hopping on a plane to Toronto right after the concert! (Psst! Rumor has it Miley is performing with JB tonight in Dallas. She told
J-14 last weekend that she wasn't -- guess they were really trying to keep it a secret! hehe)

J-14 will be Twittering live from the red carpet and backstage all day tomorrow! We're not going to give anything away -- but we might be hanging out with a vampire and a werewolf! ;-) So make sure to follow us on Twitter @J14magazine.

Click here to see pictures from today's rehearsals.

The MMVAs takes place tomorrow night at 9 pm ET on MuchMusic -- red carpet special at 8 pm. And no worries all you non-Canadians, the MMVAs will be on TV Guide Network in the US on June 27 at 8 pm ET/PT.

Do you like music video award shows? Do you plan on watching the MMVAs?

Miley has been super busy in Georgia! Down in Savannah to film the flick, The Last Song, Miley went jet skiing with Nick off of Tybee Island on Tuesday, and yesterday, she showed off her new nose piercing on her Twitter page -- though that wasn't exactly on purpose.

"I didn't Tweet about it, no," Miley explains. "I wasn't ready to get slammed for it yet. But I'll let people think of it as they will. I hope no one's upset at me for doing it, because I think it's kind of lame for that to be such a big deal because it's like anything else -- it's just temporary. You can take it out."

Miley isn't the only pop singer with a nose ring -- Jordin Sparks has one, as does Miley's Idol hero! "I'm a huge Kelly Clarkson fan, so i loved when she had her nose pierced," Miley says.

They may have jet skiied together, but Nick didn't join Miley for the body jewelry addition. "He doesn't have a nose piercing!" Miley reveals.

What do you think about Miley, Kelly, and Jordin's nose piercings - hot or not?

American Idol winner Kris Allen will sing the national anthem at the NBA Finals on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. This is his first big gig since he won the title on May 20.

Kris continues the Idol traditional of singing at the big sports showdown since the first season of the show. Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, and David Cook have all sang the national anthem in pervious years. After Kris sings, game 2 of the finals will kick off between the L.A. Lakers and Orlando Magic.

Quick Kris Facts:
- Kris got started in music by playing viola in elementary school. He also plays the guitar, piano, and ukulele.
- He once worked as a shoe salesman -- and then called his self-produced 2007 album, Brand New Shoes.
- Kris was in the Arkansas all-state orchestra!

Photo: Courtesy of Fox

Kelly Clarkson is a self-declared "nerd Twilight fan" and wrote a song called "Empty As I Am" for The Twilight Saga: New Moon... before anyone asked her to -- simply because she loves Twilight!

Check out what she has to say about the sound in the video... and don't forget to find out what she told J-14 about Rob Pattinson's music!

Who would you like to see on the New Moon soundtrack?

In an American Idol shocker last night, Kris Allen beat out Adam Lambert to win season eight of the reality competition show!

Fun Facts about Kris:
- His favorite female artist is Kelly Clarkson
- Kris tried out for American Idol because "my brother made me."
- He combats stage fright by stretching.
- The first concert he went to was Reba McEntire.
- One thing Kris wishes he could change about himself? "I wish I had chest hair."

Congrats to the new American Idol, Kris Allen!

And check out our J-14 blog on Why Kris Allen Deserves to be the American Idol!

Photos: Courtesy of Fox

Hey there J-14ers!

What a journey this year's American Idol has been -- from the wacky Norman Gentle (aka Nick Mitchell) and sassy Megan Joy to the heart-tugging Danny Gokey and the err, interesting Tatiana Nicole Del Toro... and of course, the attention-grabbing Bikini Girl (heck, did anyone bother to learn her name?! Ha!).

But the entire way, the quietly charming Kris Allen was the little engine that could. And just hours ago the 23-year-old Conway, Arkansas, student captured the American Idol title that most people predicted would go to the 27-year-old San Diego showman, Adam Lambert.

And to be honest, I breathed a sigh of relief when Ryan Seacrest read out the name. (Okay, I shed a tear of joy too. ;) ). But it's not that I was on Team Kris because I was against Team Adam. In fact, Adam was one of my early favorites -- his unique take on anything and everything was so fearless that I admired him (and wished I could be like him!). He has that one-of-a-kind nature that Blake Lewis did on season six with the music -- plus he can work the stage like no other. I defy you to blink during any of his performances... Adam knows how to get your attention -- and keep it. And he's just so frickin' likable!

But there was just something about Kris from the first time I spotted him in one of those group numbers in the Hollywood round. Maybe it's because I always root for the underdog... or maybe it's because I tend to judge people on how they handle fame and Kris is 110% modest... but when it comes down to it, whether he planned it or not, Kris' strategy on the show was perfect: starting out slow and shy and transforming into a super star -- and that's what American Idol is all about.

Unlike most competitors who have their off weeks -- Kris grew every single week. Sure, he had his not-so-good performances, but his overall projectile was the perfect course and he peaked exactly when he needed to in order to capture that crown. (Seriously, have you ever seen the guy sing his heart out the way he did on Tuesday in "Ain't No Sunshine"?)

Kris comes as a package artist -- you already know the kind of music he's going to bring on his debut album. One part pop, one part rock, with that tinge of country. He'll give artists ranging from John Mayer and The Fray to fellow Idol alumni David Cook and David Archuleta a run for their money since his genre mixes them all together.

I have no doubt that Adam's album is going to be spectacular as well -- yet at the same time have no idea what to expect. Adam is all about the surprise, which is perfect for a show like American Idol, but may not translate so well post-Idol.

Both Kris and Adam are going to be super successful in the next year... we definitely have a Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood on our hands as opposed to, errrr, some other past winners I won't name. ;)

But perhaps the most appealing part of the season was the true friendship between Kris and Adam. Have you ever seen two contestants genuinely support each so much? David Cook definitely seemed to look out for David Archuleta like a big brother -- but this was different. Kris and Adam seemed to truly appreciate and understand each other's talent and be rooting for the other one. Kris even said on Tuesday night they weren't competing!

Yet when it comes down to it, Kris still didn't believe he could win. One of the first things he said after the results was "Adam deserves this! I don't know what to say, this is crazy!" Fellow finalist Alexis Grace confirmed, "[Kris] did look dumbfounded. He was definitely shocked. He thought Adam was going to win!"

And that's why Kris deserved to win... the little engine that could.

Congratulations, Kris on your American Idol win! And congrats to you too Adam on an amazing season!

What do you guys think of Kris Allen's win on American Idol?

Can't wait to hear from you!
Rachel
J-14 Editor

PS- How brilliant was the Jason Mraz, Anoop Desai and Alexis Grace trio sining "I'm Yours"? I would have died to be in Alexis' place! ;)

Photo: Courtesy of Fox

J-14 hung out backstage at New York radio station Z100's Zootopia last night (thanks to all of you who Twittered @j14magazine live with us!)... and had a blast hanging out with Jesse McCartney, Fergie, Flo Rida, LMFAO, Ciara, and Flo Rida. Stay tuned for tons of deets and videos. But in the meantime, check out our personal pics from our night out!

Fergie was all smiles and took time to chat with as many people as she could (and she told us how much she loves J-14! Awwww!)

Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo, and Apl.De.Ap took such good care of each other... and made sure everyone got their moment in the spotlight -- no egos here!

Soulja Boy told us he's trying to get one million Twitter followers!

Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen was a surprise guest host -- and talked about her new band, Pretty Reckless.

The All-American Rejects' Tyson Ritter's hair reminded us a tad of Twilight's Rob Pattinson's -- and when we asked you guys on Twitter whose hair you'd rather run your fingers through, most of you said Tyson!

Ciara kept her shades on backstage so that she could surprise us on stage with her amazing lash extensions!

Tyson Ritter called Flo Rida, "Florida!"

Kelly Clarkson slipped into the press room all by herself -- no entourages!

Are you ready for this years Z100 Zootopia? This years performers include: Jesse McCartney, Kelly Clarkson, The Black Eyes Peas, The All American Rejects, and Soulja Boy! If you don't have your tix yet, don't worry! J-14 is giving away TWO tickets to the May 16 concert at the IZOD Center in NJ. Click here to enter!

Kelly Clarkson or Ashley Tisdale

Photo: Startraks

J-14 talked to Kelly Clarkson and she told us what a huge Twilight fan she is! She also really loves Rob Pattinson's song, "Never Think." "I love that his voice and music create this perfect mix of Ray LaMontagne and Jeff Buckley," Kelly says. "I hope he does more than just a couple of songs on a soundtrack. I'd love to hear an album!" For the rest of Kelly's Q&A with J-14 click here.

Photo: Startraks

Kelly Clarkson just released her fourth album, All I Ever Wanted, and J-14 talked exclusively to the Texas native all about it!

J-14: What's your favorite song off the new album?
Kelly: "All I Ever Wanted." It's the first song we recorded for the album and it completely sets the bar for the rest of it. It's very funky and soulful.

J-14: How does this album compare to your other three?
Kelly: I always like my records to have a variety of flavors, so you'll find little hints of several different genres of music on this album. Many different artists are always influencing me.

J-14: What are some of your favorite songs currently on your iPod?
Kelly: "Flightless Bird" by Iron & Wine. The production on this song mixes so well with the vocals! This will be one of those songs I'm still listening to on repeat in 10 or 20 years. I also love "Never Think" by Rob Pattinson. I love that his voice and music create this perfect mix of Ray LaMontagne and Jeff Buckley. I hope he does more than just a couple of songs on a soundtrack. I'd love to hear an album!

Photo: Startraks

Kelly's fourth album, All I Ever Wanted, has been pushed up for a March 10 release!

Are you guys loving her single, "My Life Would Suck Without You" or are you completely over Kelly?

Photo: Startraks

Kelly Clarkson just finished recording her fourth album (set to hit shelves sometime in 2009) and rumor has it her new single is called, "My Life Would Suck Without You."

Are you still into Kelly? Will you buy her new album?

Photo: Startraks