PDA Entertainment Search Results

Name Description
Simon Cowell From 16-year-old high-school dropout and EMI mailboy to world-famous record producer and notorious TV personality, Simon Cowells success is the fruit of decades of hard work, an uncanny knack for spotting musical talent, and a gift for the hilariously snarky soundbite. From the podium he recounts his years as a musical impresario and shaper of popular culture, dishes the latest juicy gossip on American Idol, offers up his critiques of todays hottest acts, and reveals to young singers the secrets to artistic and business success. Best known as the acid-tongued judge on Foxs American Idol, Simon became a keen appraiser of pop music talent during his years as an A&R executive for several record labels, including EMI and BMG, beginning in the 1970s. Among the hit acts he created or helped develop are the wildly successful operatic pop group Il Divo, the record-setting British boy band Westlife, and the U.K. pop duo Robson and Jerome. In all he has produced 34 number one singles and over 100 Top Thirty records, and sold more than ninety million albums worldwide. Simons opinionated insights into popular culture never fail to entertain and enlighten, making him one of the most in-demand speakers in the music world today.
Chris Daughtry Chris Daughtry was born in North Carolina. At the age of 16, Daughtry started taking singing seriously. He performed with rock bands at Fluvanna County High School, where he graduated in 1998. as a professional musician and became a popular performer with other rock bands during his time in high school. He graduated in 1998 at Fluvanna County High School in Palmyra, Virginia. In 2005, Daughtry auditioned for the CBS singing contest, Rock Star: INXS. He didn't survive the first cut, never even making it on screen. Bet those producers feel silly now! As for his shorne skull, Chris isn't ashamed. In a segment on the 2006 season of American Idol, Daughtry revealed that he's balding and changed his look accordingly. Just like Andre Agassi.
Josh Gracin Josh Gracins life overflows with extraordinary, character-building stories. But, first and foremost, hes well-known because hes an undeniably talented singer and entertainer. So, here are the facts that matter most: Hes one of only two new country artists in recent times to release a debut album with three Top 5 country hits including the No. 1 hit Nothinto Lose). Hes also one of only two new male country singers to be introduced in the last two years to earn a gold album, and Gracins self-titled debut is quickly edging in on platinum status. Its been an amazing couple of years, says the broad-shouldered former Marine with the dark eyes and bright smile. Country music fans have been really receptive and encouraging. I feel like, for a first step, we did really well. But it was just a first step. For his next step, Gracin wanted to make a bigger, bolder stride. His sophomore album does just that. Its a clear, powerful move forward that emphasizes all the energy, humor, outspokenness and depth that makes Gracin one of the great musical discoveries of his generation. This album is more me, says the Michigan native with strong blue-collar roots and a make-it-his-way attitude. I was able to focus on making the album I wanted to make. For the first album, I was still in the service, so I had to fly in and out to record when I could. It had my undivided attention. And it shows. The young star known for his energetic stage performances made sure his new work focused on his strengths: live-wire, rocking country that blends wit and wholesome fun; inspiring story songs about being true to yourself; moral tales rich with Middle-American values and a strong spiritual core; and songs that celebrate the down-to-earth lifestyle that Gracin pursues and personifies. I wanted this album to reflect my energy and my values, he says. Theres nothing I love more than getting a crowd on its feet and getting them to sing along and rock with me to a great song. I also wanted songs of substance that really explain who I am and what I stand for. And thats what I hope that weve accomplished. The album includes such high-speed, fun-filled romps as the first single, Favorite State of Mind, which opens with an explosive drum roll and a rowdy blast of down-home rock while paying tribute to the notion that sometimes the greatest vacation is time alone with the one you love.
Randy Jackson Randy Jackson is a former record company executive who joins Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul on the panel of judges for the television talent contest American Idol. Jackson is a music industry insider who has been in the business since the early 1980s, as a performer, producer and businessman. He was a temporary bass player for Journey in 1983 and 1986, and he spent many years as an executive with Columbia Records and MCA Records. Since 2002 Jackson has been on American Idol, where he is famous for peppering his pronouncements with the slang term "dawg." In 2003 he had gastric bypass surgery, and by the beginning of the show's 2004 season he had lost more than 100 pounds. In 2003 Jackson published the how-to guide What's Up Dawg?: How to Become a Superstar in the Music Business
Brianna Taylor Brianna Taylor a reality show personality, singer and songwriter, having appeared on both the fifth season of American Idol and The Real World Hollywood, the twentieth season of MTVs long-running reality television series, The Real World. She released her debut, self-titled EP, Brianna Taylor, in 2008, on Chamberlain Records; according to that labels website, she is now signed to Universal Music.