By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Tuesday, June 14, 2016
If you want to see if former "American Idol" runner up and Lake Jackson resident Bo Bice has the chops to be a talk show host, check him out Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. for an hour.
Since Michael Graham left NewsRadio 106.7 last month, the station has been doing a "casting call" each Wednesday, trying different folks out each hour from 9 a.m. to noon. This could be a sincere search for a new host or just a gimmick while they hunt for someone for real behind the scenes.
Either way, I'm curious to see what Bice has to say, especially after what happened this past weekend.
Bice said he's done some TV hosting and recently did tried talk radio himself in Islip, N.Y. "I'm a fan of news talk radio," Bice said. "I have always loved current events. I'm pretty open minded as far as where I've been and who I am. Really, more than anything, this was an opportunity to just hear people's side of things. I want to have a good time, talking about the world through the crazy eyes of a musician. I may go on the road as a rock star but I'm still a regular guy impacted by regular events that are going to change aspects of my kids' lives forever. I feel like it's my responsibility to share what little knowledge I have."
He said he volunteered himself for the one-hour "tryout." He said he could see himself juggling his time on the road with a talk show.
"I plan to go in and go with the flow, chat and drink coffee," Bice said.
"Call and heckle me!" he suggested.
UPDATE AFTER THE SHOW: Bice sounded prepared and took some calls about the issue of using the term "radical Islam." He believes this is different from Islam and needs to be said. He noted that he has owned guns since he was nine and is a big Second Amendment supporter. He has also traveled the world and grew up in England during the time when the IRA was terrorizing the country. So he knows about the need for security. He also doesn't believe gun control laws are the answer. He didn't support Donald Trump or any candidate yet, saying he's an "independent." When someone asked if he should be afraid to go the Trump rally tonight at the Fox Theatre, he said yes.
"We're America," Bice said. "This is the land of the free. I've lived in other countries where it's not as free. And you'd be surprised how much we take our freedom for granted. I'd encourage you to go."
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Adam Lambert, the openly gay singer from season 8, was touring with Queen in Isle of Wight in England when he dedicated the Queen song "Who Wants to Live Forever" to the victims of the Orlando mass shooting.
"This song is dedicated to those who lost their lives last night in Orlando, Fla. and anyone who has been a victim of senseless violence or hatred," he said.
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Also in response to the shooting, Clay Aiken posted a comment about LGBT rights in Florida - or lack thereof:
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On a lighter note, Kelly Clarkson posted this cute shot of her daughter on Twitter:
Her single "Piece by Piece" recently peaked at No. 5 on the Hot AC charts, according to Mediabase 24/7.
Nick Fradiani's single "Get You Home" has gained no traction on the same chart, slipping down to 35 after peaking at 36.
Carrie Underwood's "Church Bells" is at No. 7 and still climbing. Every single she has pitched to country has gone top 5.
Fantasia's new single "Sleeping With the One I Love" is at No. 27 on the urban AC chart.
Danny Gokey's "Tell Your Heart to Begin Again" is at No. 2 on the Christian AC chart.
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Ryan Seacrest played Pictionary with Jimmy Fallon and Cedric the Entertainer recently on "The Tonight Show":
Seacrest's effort to draw "limbo" was fruitless but he came back guessing an igloo Fallon's announcer Steve Higgins drew.
[hulu id=v62ogzw3yyzlkqhxc1w4iw width=512 height=288]
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