This was posted Thursday, February 16, 2017 by Rodney Ho on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog

The shadow of "American Idol" cast itself heavily the first hour at the Grammy's this past Sunday.

Carrie Underwood performed the very pop-sounding "The Fighter" with Keith Urban. Presenters within the first hour included Jennifer Lopez, Katharine McPhee (CBS link!) and Ryan Seacrest.

Speaking of Carrie, she was nominated Entertainer of the Year and another for Female Vocalist of the Year for the ACM Awards. Lauren Alaina was nominated for "New Female Vocalist of the Year" despite the fact she's been around since 2011. Urban has seven nominations in five categories.

***

 LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 11: TV personality Paula Abdul attends Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Debra Lee at The Beverly Hilton on February 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Credit: Rodney Ho

icon to expand image

Credit: Rodney Ho

My colleague Melissa Ruggieri spoke to Paula Abdul at the Grammy's last weekend. She is prepping for her first tour in a whopping 25 years, co-headlining with New Kids on the Block.

“I’m changing my diet. I’m getting into that mode of taking really good care of myself,” she said, joking that she’s going to be the only female on tour “with eight big brothers!”

***

Weird to see Jennifer Hudson in a comedy created and co-starring Adam Sandler. But Netflix is releasing the film "Sandy Wexler" on April 14. It starts in 1994 and runs to current day. Here's a full on trailer on what appears to be a biography on a fake talent agent. You'll see Chris Rock, Henry Winkler, Dana Carvey, David Spade, Richard Lewis, Darius Rucker, Conan O'Brien, Penn Gillette and Vanilla Ice.

***

 NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 14: Adam Lambert attends the The Blonds collection during, New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Gallery 1, Skylight Clarkson Sq on February 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/for New York Fashion Week: The Shows)

Credit: Rodney Ho

icon to expand image

Credit: Rodney Ho

This Billboard story chronicles rock stars wearing makeup through the years from Little Richard to David Bowie to Adam Ant to Adam Lambert.

Lambert will be on "Watch What Happens Live" at 11 p.m. tonight, February 16.

***

With Nick Cannon shockingly quitting "America's Got Talent" after NBC got cross with some jokes on his Showtime special, the hosting gig is open.

When TMZ offered up the idea to Ryan Seacrest taking his place, he demurred an answer. It sounds like he had no idea what was happening and has not been offered anything of the sort.

Obviously, if he were to take it, it would be an 'Idol" reunion with a certain Simon Cowell, creator and judge on the show.