Originally posted Tuesday, June 5, 2018 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
As an Asian American, I still remain both appalled and oddly fascinated by William Hung.
The man is famous for his horrible rendition of “She Bangs” during season three auditions of “American Idol” 13 years ago. He pocketed more than $1 million in the ensuing two years playing off that ridiculous role of Asian doofus.
Jimmy Kimmel brought him back recently for a comical "Where are they now?" song. And now he has joined Ricky Martin (the man who originally sang "She Bangs") on stage to perform the song. Seriously!
I should be embarrassed to say this but this is amusing - even if this combo should have happened at least a decade ago.
And for some reason, he's a motivational speaker. Who hires him?
Credit: Terry Wyatt
Credit: Terry Wyatt
Kellie Pickler has been cast to star in a Hallmark holiday film "Christmas at Graceland."
Comically, these films are often shot in the summer and this one begins production in Memphis July 9.
The film will shoot on location at the historic home of Elvis Presley and will feature many of his iconic songs.
Pickler, who now hosts a syndicated talk show, has not done a lot of acting to date and this will be her first starring role.
“Kellie Pickler is one of country music’s biggest stars, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Hallmark Channel to star in a movie we feel certain will become an instant holiday classic,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming & Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “In ‘Christmas At Graceland,” big obstacles inspire big dreams and our stars will discover any two instruments can play in harmony as long as the music is right. Not only are we thrilled to take viewers into one of America’s most beloved private residences, home of the late, great Elvis Presley, we are also thrilled to put the soundtrack of Elvis’ legendary career behind our romantic holiday movie.”
Here’s the premise of the film: “Laurel (Pickler), a Chicago-based business executive travels to Memphis to secure one of the city’s oldest family-owned banks. While in Memphis, Laurel reunites with an old flame Clay, a local music promoter with loftier aspirations. (An aside: there is always an old flame in these holiday films to reunite with!)
Though Laurel tries to keep her eye on the prize of the business acquisition, Clay is very persuasive reminding her of the days when they were a performing duo on the brink of stardom. Now Laurel’s focus turns to the home of the Blues and dreams of making music again.”
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Chris Daughtry and David Cook dueted on a couple of rock classics for a charity event for Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City: "I Won't Back Down" and "The Chain."
Why did it take so long for them to get together? I see a tour combo forthcoming.
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Want to see an adorable couple together? Maddie Poppe and Caleb Lee Hutchinson a week ago on Instagram Live. He does a little Lionel Richie impression. They noted that Michael J Woodard was frequently late but he was so likable they couldn't be mad about it. Maddie does a horrible imitation of Caleb. And he tries to imitate her, too. His Luke Bryan, of course, is better:
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Carrie Underwood's "Cry Pretty" is at No. 13 on the Mediabase radio airplay chart. Trent Harmon's "You Got'Em All" is at No. 40.
Kelly Clarkson's "I Don't Think About You" peaked at No. 14 on the Hot AC chart and is falling.
Danny Gokey's "Masterpiece" peaked at No. 24 on the Christian chart while Mandisa's new single "Good News" jumped into the top 30 at No. 28.
And "Idol" winner Maddie Poppe's single "Going Going Gone" is getting no airplay anywhere except Radio Disney. That's unfortunate. Caleb's song "Johnny Cash Heart" got zero spins. Radio is clearly not taking "Idol" terribly seriously at the moment.
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Clay Aiken Tweet of the Week
Aiken goes sarcastic regarding pardons:
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