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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > June > 10 > Entry
6/10: Nikki McKibbon goes VH1 rehab, following Jessica Sierra
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Season one third-place finisher Nikki McKibbin has shown up on post “Idol” reality TV before (like “Battle of the Network Reality Stars”). But now she’s following up Jessica Sierra by joining Dr. Drew Pinksy’s “Celebrity Rehab,” part two. The second season is being produced now for airing starting in October.
McKibbon’s housemates? Jeff Conaway (“Grease”) returns, with newbies Rodney King (yes, that Rodney King from the “Why can’t we all just get along?” post-L.A. riot days), Rod Stewart’s son Sean, Tawny Kitaen (on the hood of that Whitesnake car), Gary Busey, Steven Adler (Guns ‘n Roses) and some actress I have never heard of named Amber Smith.
How forgotten is McKibbin? The VH1 press release misspelled her name. Certainly nobody expected her to do better than Tamyra Gray that year. She had spunk but would probably have never even made the finale 24 in any of the past three or four seasons.
In other “Idol” news:
-Every “Idol” winner (except Fantasia) has sung the National Anthem at an NBA championship final. And David Cook does so tonight in Los Angeles, where the Lakers try to claw out of a 2-0 deficit vs. the Celtics.
-If you’re at home watching the NBC Fourth of July celebration, check out Kat McPhee and Jordin Sparks from 9 to 10 p.m.
-Any impressions of “Nashville Star”? They sped through a quicky review of the auditions, almost the point of pointlessness. They got to the top 12, which for the first time includes some duos and trios. What I found tiresome was carting out songs I’ve heard a million times already on “Idol,” including “Drift Away” and “Piece of My Heart.” But I do like Jewel as a judge. She’s serious and smart though occasionally smug. And some of these contestants are adorable and cute like teen friends Lauren & Sophie, who did “Stand By Your Man” as a duet. Ditto with Pearl Heart, who did the Dixie Chicks “Wide Open Spaces.” Overall, I liked the gals better than the guys.
The best of the guys? Gabe Garcia had by the most charisma doing “All My Exes Live in Texas.”
Most charisma with weakest vocals? Ashlee Hewitt is incredibly beautiful with great stage presence but her Colbie Caillat “Bubbly” was just mediocre.
Best pipes of the night? Plus-sized Melissa Lawson by far. She blew the house down with “Something To Talk About” (yes, another “Idol” worn nugget). She looks like Gretchen Wilson’s heftier sister with attitude to spare. She is going to be around awhile!
-Taylor Hicks speaks to a Long Beach, Calif. paper and says the following.
“The great thing about this role is I was able to be Taylor at the same time as Teen Angel,” he said. “It allows me to get my feet wet a little bit before I really dive into acting.”
And his thoughts on David Cook, to OK magazine:
“I think he has a great shot [at success],” Hicks, 31, told OK! at a ceremony at Planet Hollywood where he made a hand-print in concrete to commemorate his Broadway debut in Grease.
“The rock genre he’s in is really… radio loves rock,” he said. “I think it’s going to work wonders for him. He’s carved himself a little niche for his own identity, and I think he’s going to do well.”
-Speaking of David Cook, he shows up at on “Leno” Thursday night. Randy Jackson stops by Conan afterwards. On Friday, check out Taylor Hicks on “Live with Regis & Kelly.”
Comments
By Deirdre
June 10, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Taylor is diving into acting??? What???
By Carri
June 10, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
This is the first time I have watched Nashville Star and I agree with Rodney about the audition process. What was the point, except to make it less painful for us country music fans? I also agree about Jewel. She is smart, but she did annoy me with her interrupting the other judges. John Rich is another smart one. Plus, he is adorable!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 10, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
LOL Deirdre! i know how you feel… acting? oooookay!
I do like Jewell as a judge, Rich i have some reservations about, after watching Gone Country — i mean he chose the latin lover who couldn’t maintain a country flavor and sang a latin love song in latin lover style as the WINNER of Gone Country. SO…. i’ll reserve judgment, tho i DO think he made some very astute and constructive comments to the contestants during the premiere show.
see you guys later, maybe tomorrow, lots to do, people to see, places to go, you know, that kind of thing (where’s x when you need him/her?)
By Menana
June 10, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Rodney: Some of the people you mentioned, Jeff Conaway, Gary Busey, Tawny Kitaen, have been in rehab so many times, they each could have their own reality show titled “How to Not Stay Out of Rehab”. Some people just never see their way out of situations that would prevent them from relasping. So now Nikki has joined them. Wasn’t she the one who had a different hair color each week and hails from Texas? Is this show actually a rehab facility and is she acutally in rehab? I have never watched this show so I don’t know anything about it. Can someone explain it to me?
By JTesla
June 10, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Menana: I saw a few episodes last year; they are actually in a facility and I would imagine it is as close to rehab as you can get with a reality TV film crew watching your every move. I am tempted to watch it this season just to see Gary Busey.
By flats
June 10, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
6TH!!!!!WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!ANOTHER TOP 10!!!!!
By Menana
June 10, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
JT: Thanks for the explanation. Not 15 minutes ago, I saw an advertisement on TV about the show. May be something I will watch.
harrieth: On my post of the 6/9 blog timed at 3:43, I wasn’t disagreeing with you and didn’t in no way mean to offend you, if I did. I fully understood what you were saying and am in total agreement. Stressful times can make a person do things that they would not normally do and they may not realize at the time what the consequences of their actions will be. If I came across to strong, I sincerely apologize, for that was not my intent. No hard feelings I hope, okay? I guess what I am saying is that I have no sympathy for the man. There will never be an acceptable reason or explantation for him doing what he did. With you losing your friend to violence the way you did, I know that you understand what I mean. There is NEVER an acceptable reason for any type of violence. Back in Sept 1969, my cousin who was a cop, was walking his beat and was gunned down just for the thrill of it. His death was senseless and for no reason, as I’m sure your friend was. I just have zero tolerance for any kind of violence, including drunk driving.
(: PEACE :)
By Lunatic Fringe
June 10, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Jessica Sierra…She has already had her 15 minutes and just needs to go away. What a skanky POS, and stay OUT OF TAMPA.
By Menana
June 10, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Just finished watching Nashville Star and can finally put in my two cents worth, so here goes:
Pearl Heart: Good sound and excellent harmonizing. They have that family sound.
Tommy: Got a good response from the audience. Only fair vocals. Think he will last a few more weeks.
Sharon Mayer: Didn’t care for her at all. Her words, for me, were hard to understand. Reminded me of Amanda Overmeyer from AI.
Third Town: No way. Didn’t like them at all.
Laura & Sophia: To be as young as they are, their choice of song was good and their voices blended well together.
Coffey: Will hold comments on him till next week.
Gabe Garcia: This kid could be another Johnny Rodriquez.
Ashlee Hewitt: She had a very sincern tone with a soft and smooth voice.
Alyson Gilbert: Looked a little like Martina McBride minus the vocals.
Chalrie Jenkins: Thought he was to full of himself and on the cocky side.
Justin Gaston: Will have to agree with the earlier posts about looks. he does have them, but not the singing talent. Tweeners may keep him in.
Melissa Lawson: She will be the one to beat inspite of her size. She had the best performance and vocals of anyone.
Okay thats my take. so maybe tomorrow we can discuss the show again.
Rodney: You asked yesterday about other reality shows that may be of interest. How about “Celebrity Circus”. That may be a good one to get addicted to. Saw the previews tonight and it looked pretty good.
Since this post is so long, I guess I had better sign off, so good night and don’t let the bedbugs bite. Dream good thoughts and rest well.
Nite……………..
By JTesla
June 10, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Menana, Jeff Conaway alone will make it worth watching. He is a MESS, I couldn’t write enough to even do justice to how much of a mess he is. Then add Busey who, in my opinion, is a savant with a touch of idiot to make things fun… how can you go wrong?
By Negativo
June 11, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
Nikkie was hot in her day back on season one. Does she still look just as do-able, or were the years hard on her?
By Menana
June 11, 2008 5:32 AM | Link to this
Good Morning!!!
Hope all of you had a good nights rest and are ready to face this wonderful new day.
JT: I am in total agreement with you about Jeff Conaway. He can star in his own rehab show. Saw him on the advertisment last night and the word mess doesn’t even began to describe him. The ad also showed Nikki and she didn’t look much better. sorry Neg, but I call um like I see um.
Time to leave for the office. You all drive safe while driving to your jobs.
Chow!!!!
By Deirdre
June 11, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
Morning!
Mr Hollywood arrived at home this morning. Wonderful to see him again! Last time was in Feb when he was sick. He’s sleeping off his jet lag at the moment but he’ll be home through the weekend.
By flats
June 11, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
Thanks D.Give us updates.Good morning everyone.
By Deirdre
June 11, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
Apparently, the folks at Vote For The Worst are developing a heart. This from mj:
My pals at Vote for the Worst are holding an auction for a very worthy cause. So listen up.
There are two Ebay auctions. One is for a Bo Bice t-shirt with autographed CD and catalog. The other is a sign from the Today Show Concert Series signed by both David Archuleta and David Cook! All proceeds, after Ebay fees, go to Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.
By flats
June 11, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
LOL!
By harrietth
June 11, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Good morning! First, let me day, Menana, that I did not take offense at what you said at ALL. Just making conversation. Just glad you are ok, that’s all. Also, you are thinking the same thing I am about Gabe. He CAN be another Johnny Rodriquez,who was a big country star of the 1970s and very handsome, too. The women loved him, myself included. In that era there were a couple of Hispanic singers. Freddy Fender was one of them, along with JR. I don’t believe there has been another since that era. May be wrong, though. I just think that Gabe is so thoroughly country that he will make it, even if he does not win this contest.
Rodney, I absolutely agree about Melissa. Hated the song, but boy, does she outsing just about everyone there.
By harrietth
June 11, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
flats, did it storm in Spartanburg last night? We had a huge storm in Columbia,with lots of rain. Cooled things down considerably. It was only 71 on my way in this morning.
By flats
June 11, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
H…We keep missing them.A good rain would be nice.
By harrietth
June 11, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
flats, it WAS nice. First time I could open my windows at night in a couple of weeks. Well, other than the days I was without A/C. It actually rained for an hour and a half—lots of thunder and lightening.
By flats
June 11, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
D…Remember to keep us updated on Mr Hollywood.
By Menana
June 11, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
H: You are correct in the fact there has not been another Hispanic country singer since JR and FF. Those two made it big and IMO, Gabe will to. And it doesn’t hurt that he is easy on the eyes. The Hispanic population (at least most)are big country music fans. Someone will sign him whether or not he wins. Think he will go far in this competition. I will predict now that the final two will be Gabe and Melissa. She is really good and does she ever have the vocals.
By flats
June 11, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Call me …”MR SPARATANBURG”!
By Lara
June 11, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Plus-sized? Heftier? Despite her size? How about she is a great singer with a big personality and great stage presence. Sorry, what does any of that have to do with her size?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 11, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
mornin’ y’all. athens had rain … but not on my side of town. go figure. i’m sweltering here!
nothing important or interesting to add to the conversation, so i’ll just slip away until i can think of something — maybe more coffee will help…
D — thanks for the info on VFTW — a worthy cause (my family’s had its share of Cancer issues, my mom was a Survivor herself, so that’s an important charity group for my family)
By harrietth
June 11, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Lara, Melissa seems to have lots of self-confidence, and no wonder, with pipes like hers! I think all those descriptions will begin to fade, once more people hear her sing. She seems humble, yet has loads of personality.
By harrietth
June 11, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
flats, is that one of the preliminary titles leading up to Mr. Universe?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 11, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
THANK YOU LARA!!!!!! excuse me for shouting, but dayum Lady, you hit the nail right smack on the head!!! Melissa has sass, class, and talent. OK so she isn’t a freaking size 0.5 and falling. She’s attractive, she’s got spunk and she can flat out SING.
By flats
June 11, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
I dont know…I’m just Gloating a little too..I like to brag!LOL!!!!
By Menana
June 11, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Lara: Hold onto your pritches here girl. In my post of 10:01pm, I did state that inspite of her size, she is an excellent singer, had a great performance and stage presence. I WAS NOT PUTTING DOWN HER SIZE!!!!! In my post of 9:16am, again, I commented about how talented she is and feel that she is the one to beat. Wynonna Judd is a big girl and her size does not cripple her talent in any way,just like Melissa. Never did I say anything negative about Melissa’s size. Just wanted to clear that up, so now you can get off your high horse. I am for Melissa all the way for being the winner. Are we a unit in this?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 11, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Menana, hon, take a deep breath… if you will read back, Lara’s commenting on RODNEY’s commentary, not yours! You do not have to defend yourself, sweetie — {{{{{{Menana}}}}}} — heck, after your day the other day, I’d be defending myself too, what am i talking about? Seriously — Rodney used the word “heftier” and “plus-size” — so you can take a deep breath and relax now, hon!!!
By flats
June 11, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Linny…please let them fight!
By Menana
June 11, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
I know that Rodney used the words plus sized and heftier, but she also stated the term “Inspite of her size” which was what I had posted. Just wanted to make sure Lara knew that I was not putting down Melissa’s size. A person’s size has nothing to do with their talent. I know at times, I come on to strong, but that is me being me and am to darn old to change now. Sorry Lara.
By DawnH
June 11, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
I agree Melissa and Gabe were the best of NS. As for finding ways to describe her… well it is a shame we always focus on appearance. In addition to Wynona, anyone see Trisha Yearwood on the last music award show with Garth! She makes Melissa look petite - and not only can Trisha absolutely sing, she married Garth! Look who’s laughing now!
By flats
June 11, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Nana…keep doing what your doing.It’s a blog and you dont have to agree with rodney on every little point like some on here.
By mvt
June 11, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Just saying size shouldn’t have anything to do with talent..but Melissa would have a better shot if she looked like Carrie Underwood!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 11, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Menana, LOL! I love you, woman… you’re as outspoken and blunt as I am … all I was saying was that I didn’t think anyone was pointing a finger at you — Rodney, bless his heart — and i love the guy a bunch — is the one who used the more …. ummmmmmmmm descriptive terms, shall we say.
I guess what’s got me here is that every year, it is during the hot summer months with no AI that sometimes troublemaking gets started by people who just love to stir up problems for others, and i stuck my nose in where it didn’t really belong!!! just in a well-intentioned effort to smoothe feathers before they got too ruffled !!!
i’ll go away now… linny slinks back to her desk, head bowed…. NOT!!
By woodpappy
June 11, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Linny, on my side of town we got about 30 minutes of rain. I saw the flowers and grass raise up and start dancing around. Thought it might have been what I’d been drinking.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 11, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
mvt - except that I’ve noticed over the years that the NS voting is a bit less superficial than the AI voting — probably because the voting group is more likely to be adults than teeny or tweeny boppers!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 11, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
ahhhh i envy you WP — it was pouring at my office, totally dry at my house :-(
By flats
June 11, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
DAWGS VS CANES!!!!!!!!!7 ESPN SAT NIGHT!!!!!!!
By Deirdre
June 11, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Here’s something amazing. In my county, our sprinkling ban has been lifted. Used to be we could only water by hand but now we can turn our sprinklers on…yes, on specific days and during specific times BUT….my lawn got down on it’s knees and cried for joy when I watered it this morning!
By Menana
June 11, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
OMG, OMG, OMG: Have we opened a can of worms here? Lets all agree that SIZE doesn’t mar the talent and drop it, okay?
Thanks Flats for the support. Appreciate it.
DawnH: I did see Trisha and yep, you are right.
No linny please don’t go. You can butt in anytime you feel the need. I do and sometimes, it gets me in hot water or real deep sh*t. The older I get, the more verbal and outspopken I become. Lord have mercy on me in another few years. Even I won’t be able to tolerate me.
By JTesla
June 11, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
You all should come out west; they have termed our current weather “June-uary.” Supposedly it will break 70 degrees over the next couple of days; I’ll believe it when I see it.
By flats
June 11, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
YW Nana
By flats
June 11, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
JT…When do you want to head that way.I’ll bring some southern greatness out your way.I hope to Mr South this year!
By Deirdre
June 11, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!Menana.
I go to a dermatologist every 6 months for skin checks and the doc I used to see was the kind of woman who tried EVERY cosmetic procedure known to man. Each visit, she’d walk in the door looking different than the last time I’d seen her(BTW…she started off very pretty and not more that 35 years old.) The last time I was there, she walked in, couldn’t breath because she’d had her nose worked on, looked weird because her lips had been ‘plumped’ and had a forehead that looked like Stone Mountain.
Without even thinking, I said..” I hope that’s the last of the work you’re getting done before you turn into a whole other person”
Needless to say, today I had a new doctor! :-) Which is good! How can I trust her with MY skin when she does those awful things to hers? :-)
By woodpappy
June 11, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
JT what part of the West you residing in? Ain’t been flooding on you lately has it?
By flats
June 11, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
LOL @ D!!!
By Lara
June 11, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Sorry, didn’t mean to start something bad - I was just picking on Rodney!!! Although it is something that is an interesting topic. Often on AI, Simon will make comments on how someone doesn’t look like an American Idon, but at other times, he mentions that it is a singing competition. Maybe he learned his lesson with Mandissa - who knows.
I do think that Melissa is the most talented in the bunch, and I will be rooting for her.
Looking forward to seeing SYTYCD tonight - I like it when the real dancing starts. Interesting to see how they do with choreography and partners.
Also looking forward to Top Chef - GO BLAIS!!!!!
By JTesla
June 11, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Woodpappy, Oregon. No floods despite the high snow pack.
Flats you are the clear favorite for winning the “Mr. South” title this year.
By Lara
June 11, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
I didn’t mean to open a can of worms - I was really picking on Rodney!!! I think it is interesting that in the past, on AI, that Simon would comment to someone that they do not look like an American Idol. Then, at other times, he would state that it was a singing competition. He may have learned his lesson with Mandissa. I still think that Melissa is the most talented of the NS bunch, and I hope she does well.
I am looking forward to SYTYCD tonight. It is interesting to see how they do with choreography and a partner.
Also - TOP CHEF!!! The finals are tonight - GO BLAIS!!!!!
By flats
June 11, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
I NEED UPDATES!!!!