Monthly ‘Idol’ Roundup: August 2017

Summer may be coming to an end but the auditions for American Idol‘s 16th season are just beginning. The show is looking for it’s newest crop of talent for when it returns in March next year, but in the meantime, there’s plenty of Idol-related news to keep tabs on, so let’s talk about that…

New Music

Season 11 Phillip Phillips releases his debut single from his third album “Miles” [Credit: UMG]

Our alum had lots of new tunes to share this month, especially our winners. With Season 8 winner Kris Allen releasing an acoustic version of his single “Lost” from his most recent album, to Season 11 champ Phillip Phillips releasing the debut single from his third album entitled “Miles“. Season 14 winner Nick Fradiani will also be releasing his new single “I’ll Wait For You” this Friday. Fans can get a sneak peek on the singer’s twitter.

In the album department, Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta released his new EP entitled “Leo“, while Season 13 winner Caleb Johnson teased at his forthcoming sophomore album. Last month, we mentioned that Season 10 contestant Haley Reinhart was also releasing her third album “What’s That Sound” on September 22nd and this month she released a lyric video for her single “For What It’s Worth”.

In terms of covers, August saw several Idol contestants join forces with Postmodern Jukebox. Season 4’s Vonzell Solomon took on the Police classic “Every Breathe You Take” while Season 10’s soulful singers, Pia Toscano and Stefano Langone teamed up for a duet of Andrea Bocelli’s hit “The Prayer“. Season 14 alum Rayvon Owen also posted a video of him giving La Roux’s “Bulletproof” a new spin.

Appearances

Idol winners Ruben, Jordin and Kris join Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse for the Idol auditions in Orlando [Credit: Disney, ABC]

Even those Idol faces that weren’t releasing new music were busy in other ways this month. Winners Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks and Kris Allen teamed up for Idol‘s Orlando auditions while Caleb Johnson joined the Idol tour bus which is holding auditions on the road. The show is also currently accepting online auditions for those interested in trying out. Jordin Sparks will also be appearing as a judge on ABC’s Miss America competition on September 10, so check that out!

Idol judges Harry Connick Jr. and Katy Perry have also been busy this month, with Harry filming his part as Grace’s (Debra Messing) beau Leo for the Will & Grace revival on NBC and Katy hosting the MTV Video Music Awards this past month and preparing for her upcoming tour to support her new album “Witness”. Katy even got the Starbucks treatment with a drink named after her during the Idol auditions called the “Katy Berry“. Sounds yummy!

Jennifer Hudson joins Blake, Adam and Miley on The Voice’s 13th Season [Credit: NBC]

Idol contestants-turned-Voice judges Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson also have a lot going on, with the 13th season of the NBC reality show set to premiere this fall and Jennifer taking her seat behind the panel alongside Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Miley Cyrus. Clarkson won’t appear until the 14th season, but in the meantime, she’ll be appearing on the Today Show on September 8th where fans say she might premiere the single from her forthcoming album.

In other TV news, Season 10 runner-up and country sweetheart Lauren Alaina will also be appearing on Good Morning America to announce the Country Music Award nominees on September 4th, so check that out if you’re a fan of country music! Ex-Idol judge Randy Jackson also appeared on Live! with Kelly and Ryan where he got nostalgic with Ryan about Idol‘s history.

Even Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks is getting in on the small-screen act with his food-centric show “State Plate“, Season 2 of which premiered on August 11th and is airing on INSP every Friday. The show seeks to tell the story of America’s rich history and culture through the foods each state is known for. Sounds delicious!

Other News

Congratulations are in order for Season 8 alum Danny Gokey and his wife for the birth of their baby boy,  Gabriel Daniel, who came into the world on August 29th. We’re so glad everyone is happy and healthy!

Congratulations as well to Carrie Underwood and her husband Mike Fisher who retired from the NHL as Captain of the Nashville Predators. The team made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final this year so I’m sure they will miss him next season!

As the Idol auditions roll on, the show is still looking for the remaining members of its judging panel. There’s no word on whether the show is vying for a panel of three or four judges and so far no names other than Perry’s have been confirmed. Other names like Idol alum Adam Lambert and country mega-stars Shania Twain and Reba McIntyre have been thrown around, but only Shania has yet to deny the rumours. No word yet on whether Luke Bryan, Charlie Puth, or Lionel Ritchie – who we previously reported were in talks to judge – have been confirmed or denied yet either.

Are you planning on auditioning for Idol’s 16th season? And who would you want to judge Idol when it comes back? Let me know in the comments below!