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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > July > 22
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
7/22: Jennifer Hudson on GMA, another Broadway gig for Diana DeGarmo, more on the Jordin Sparks appearance
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Check this site out to see Jennifer Hudson on “Good Morning America” promoting her new album out Sept. 30 and singing “Spotlight.” Do you like her page boy haircut? The song sounds kind of old school R&B. I’m not sure it will become a big radio hit but it’s showing some signs of life. It’s climbing the charts, No. 14 on the urban AC chart and No. 31 on the broader urban chart, according to Radio & Records.
-I’m not sure what this means for Diana DeGarmo’s pursuit of a country career but she has nabbed yet another Broadway gig, this time in a revival of “Godspell,” according to playbill.com
[Gavin] Creel (as Jesus) and DeGarmo, who made her Broadway debut in Hairspray, will co-star in the eagerly awaited production of the Stephen Schwartz/John-Michael Tebelak musical, which will begin previews Sept. 29 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre with an official opening scheduled for Oct. 23.
She had two successful stints as Penny in “Hairspray” in 2006 and 2007, sandwiched by a lead role in the national tour of “Brooklyn: The Musical.”
She’s now living in Nashville, is signed to John Rich’s production company and recently performed a few potential cuts at the recent CMA Festival.
DeGarmo also recently appeared at Midtown gay club Wet Bar for a benefit:
-“Nashville Star” surprised me Monday with original songs. Honestly, I was bracing for a huge wad of turd but it actually ended up being the best night so far. I’m really glad Sophia and Lauren, the two 16 year olds, didn’t make it or we could have been truly assaulted. I even liked Ashlee Hewitt, who came up with a catchy song even if I’m still not a huge fan of her voice. Too bad she was eliminated before Shawn Mayer. Mayer’s song is your typical soaring Nashville ballad (Faith Hill, Martina McBride could cut it, as John the judge noted. Too bad she simply lacks the voice to pull it off properly. I agreed with John Rich that Gabe Garcia still has a major personality deficit, even if he created a radio-friendly song, which was decent, if a bit generic. Coffey’s voice is pretty poor and his song is amusing, but totally a novelty. Melissa Lawson, given she’s a novice at songwriting, did a fairly good job. I enjoyed it.
Would “Idol” ever dare do an original songs week? I think that would be fascinating!
-I got more info about Jordin Sparks’ appearance in Atlanta Sept. 1, speaking with Stephanie McCartt, the executive director of the U.S. 10 K run and the nonprofit organization which distributes monies to children charities.
She said this is the biggest act the group has ever booked for the race, that in the past they usually relied on local bands or cover bands. They first went after the Dave Matthews Band but since the founder Donald Whitney is an “Idol” fan, they sought out Jordin Sparks, since she’s supportive of children’s charities.
The organization managed to get her at a greatly reduced rate though she wouldn’t reveal the amount. The hope is Sparks will draw even more money than the cost of her coming. “It’s a family weekend, a family event, you can’t go wrong with ‘American Idol,’ ” McCartt said.
The concert is available only to race participants and volunteers. It’ll start at 9:30 a.m. on Labor Day and last an hour. It will be in the parking lot of Whitewater. She will also do an autograph session during the family entertainment festival the day before.
You can sign up for the race or volunteer here.
Here’s the mission statement for the nonprofit group:
One hundred percent of the profits from The U.S. 10K Classic and the Family Festival benefit children’s charitable organizations. These organizations are chosen as partners in an effort to make a difference in the lives of children in Georgia and from around the world. After all the running, skating, cycling, celebrating, entertainment and good times, the real bottom line is that this event was created first and foremost as an annual and growing fundraiser for children in need.
One of the beneficiaries is:
The World Children’s Center is a 710 acre planned community in Haralson County, Georgia for approximately 500 homeless, orphaned and/or neglected children from Georgia, the U.S. and the World. Groundbreaking commenced on January 4, 2007, with the first phase of homes to be built by National Builder of the year John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods. When complete the World Children’s Center will consist of 100+ homes serving 500+ children with two surrogate house parents and up to six children in each home.
