American Idol notes: Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Ryan Seacrest, Lauren Alaina

“I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone involved with the CMA Awards all these years. It’s hard to imagine topping what we have accomplished together, so I’ve decided that it’s time to pass the hosting torch (at least for now!) to others that will cherish it and honor it as much as I do. I’ve got so many exciting things coming in the new year and beyond, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for all of us,” she wrote recently on Instagram.

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Credit: Craig Sjodin

Credit: Craig Sjodin

Aretha Franklin's youngest son Kecalf Franklin is criticizing an upcoming film "Respect" starring Jennifer Hudson about his mom in part because he wasn't consulted. The film about the R&B legend, who died in 2018, is currently being shot in metro Atlanta.

In a Facebook post, Kecalf wrote: “Once again….. the Franklin family (does not) support the movie that is in production!!!!!”

"The 'ONLY' person my mother was in favor of for the movie was Jennifer Hudson. Period," he wrote. "Everything else is being done against our wishes."
But there's a battle over Franklin's estate.

"This is all about his attempts to become the personal representative of the estate," David Bennett, Franklin's attorney and lead counsel for the estate said, according to People.

“He does not speak for the family,” Bennett said. “I know he doesn’t speak for his brother Ted White or his brother Clarence Franklin. The grandchildren have absolutely nothing to do with this. What he’s really doing is talking for himself.”

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Laine Hardy sang the National Anthem at the NFL wild card game in New Orleans.

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Gabby Barrett's new song "Hall of Fame"

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Ryan Seacrest fell out of his chair on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" last week:

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Lauren Alaina sang "Getting Good" New Year's on Fox:

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Alejandro Aranda (Scarypoolparty) will be part of Bonnaroo.

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Kelly Clarkson's recent Kellyoke performances with pop, country and R&B included.